[September 19, 2020 1000 GMT.] [Yvonne had wanted to show research after being used as a second stringer on the Prep School Mission. The universe wants Saldin to join her, go figure. You're starting in the SAB library which also has computing resources.] [There's a good sized base library as well as a second story balcony for more books. In addition there's an Arcane reading room off to the side in a secure glassed in seperate sub-room. [Mai is in the back of the library handling shelving, Preston is handling your briefing.] [Start] Hey Yvonne, Victor's been insufferably cheery all morning, but getting down to business. ::He grabs a data pad he brought in and looks it over for a moment:: * Yvonne giggles. "You don't say." * Preston grumbles somewhat as he works on the pad alright. "Oh he said alright, in excessive detail really, oh, here we are." * Yvonne sits in a chair wathing Preston, waiting for him to start. She's grinning to herself. Your assignment is to learn what you can about the opposing forces in the upcoming tournament. We're going to send out multiple teams.. well perhaps multiple individuals on this matter so try to gather in depth research on one or two contenders rather than trying to cover them all. Okay! If you do well the pay is 100,000 pounds, some of that unfront, some later based on how well our team does. As the main goal, aside from general intelligence gathering, is to get information that will be useful to win. What if I get good information but they screw it up? * Saldin makes a loud noise, above, as he runs smack into the balcony railing. Obviously, the universe needs to work on its placement. * Yvonne looks up, and smiles and waves. "Hi hi!" * Preston shrugs. "Then you just get the base pay, so I'd recommend working hard enough that it'll be tricky to screw.. ah, hello Saldin, appears the universe likes interesting pairings." * Yvonne giggles. "The universe loves me." * Saldin looks down at Yvonne and waves. "More interesting for some than others. Hello, Yvonne." He has a sheen of wet upon him, and his clothes are a little soggy too. * Saldin gets to finding a staircase down. * Preston checks his datapad. "We'll actually take you on this mission if you promise to share everything you find with us Saldin. Obviously your bonus will be based on performance of the SAB team and not yours." [It's a metal spiral staircase, although there's also a elevator so that it's handicapped accessable.] * Saldin uses the staircase. "I understand." A cheery smile. "I am sure you will do well irregardless." * Yvonne giggles. "You're all wet." * Saldin nods with that everpresent smile of his. "Yes." He turns to Preston. * Preston watches the two of you with some amusement. "Not quite Loki and Thor, but very disparate.. anyways. I'm here to help get you started on whatever faction you wish to start with. You'll likely be able to do some research here, but field work may be necessary to get truly valuable information." * Yvonne is smiling too, so this is gonna be one happy team. 'Kay! So, who do you wish to start with? * Yvonne looks up and taps her chin. "Hmmmmmm..." * Saldin blinks, and reaches back towards his pack, attempting to grab something out of it. "I am afraid I neglected to memorize them." How about those guys.... The Templars, were they? * Preston nods. "They were one of the factions." * Yvonne grins. "Yeah, them! I saw them on TV!" She giggles. "Let's start with them." The rest were Peter Gibralter's christian group, the EU, Vanguard Aerospace, and Paragene Solutions. Oh, and SMEE. ::He says SMEE with faux enthusiams:: * Saldin lets his hand fall back to his side and smiles faintly. "Well, it seems hher mind is made up. One cannot discount the influence of TV." * Yvonne tilts her head. "Smee? And Captain Hook?" * Preston nods and hits a few keys. "No, its an acornym. Society of Mystical Enthusiasts and Experts." He glances at his datapad. "They apparently want her for the convention circut or something. But yes, the Templars will be fine." * Saldin 's smile slips from his face. "The convention circuit." Oh. * Yvonne makes a face. "That name is dumb." * Preston hits a button on his datapad and information shows up on a screen behind him. "On the upside, it'd be safe and if nothing else it'd be memorable. Anyways, the Templars have been a relatively secretive organization, only recently moving more into the public view." Ooooh... Sounds deffinately research-worthy. No known relationship with the historical Knights Templar. Principally an organization devoted to mutual defense for mystical beings of many sorts. Apparent leader is Ruth Lonava. She's fairly reclusive, but is the public face for negotiation. Has been seen on some of their rage. She's an elemantalist with water and quite a powerful one, the full extent of her abilities is unknown. * Saldin makes a faint noise of acknowledgeement. "Such a goal makes it seem quite straightforward what their primary goal is." * Yvonne nodnods. * Saldin adds, "In training Breaker, I mean." [A picture of Ruth Lonava shows, she's fairly young looking, mid-twenties maybe, and has exceptionally long brown hair which is well styled, but otherwise she's plain, almost homely. She looks like she has a mix of European and Middle Eastern ancestry.] Quite so. She was brought in by the European Union to assist in rescuing the Chunnel Hostages after it was clear that the Chunnel had been breached. They apparently had secret negotiations some time before that given the speed with which she entered the scene. It's our off the record belief that she was able to trade guarantees of increased rights for mystical beens for her support. Her participation in the press conference is recorded in our system (see webpage). * Yvonne nodnods. "I saw her on TV." * Saldin looks at the woman, then nods at Preston. "I am sure she is simply doing her best to protect her flock." * Preston nods. "Quite. Her organization is militant and has been willing to rescue its members using force, although they've been capable of avoiding a death count to this point. They've also been somewhat selective in accepting new members and have been willing, in theory, to negotiate with authorities if a member is legitimately detained." Hmm. [Preston switches the picture to a different woman, somewhat older than Lonava and thin to the point of being waifish. She has well-defined shrap features and is probably quite attractive or not attractive at all depending on subjective tastes.] This is the woman she's most seen with who apparently functions as her body guard. The more security conscious of the two and typically requires extensive arrangements whenever direct meetings occurs. She's a swordwoman and rumor has it an extremely skilled one. Goes by the rather uninventive non de guerre of Edge. Non de wha? * Saldin says, "Fake name. I believe she would almost certainly, if they were truly interested in victory, be involved." Oh. * Preston nods. "War name, Code name, alias. And that seems probable, although they do apparently have other fighting membership." Oh The full extent of their membership is unknown, although we suspect they have a cadre of about a dozen or less who come into play if a member is threatened. This has largely only been a factor in the less developed world, particularly areas where mystical talent is considered evil. 'Kay. Are they a big group? Like, world-big? * Preston nods. "And they don't call any particular territory home. They take a stance of neutrality on political matters that do not directly concern their members or the rights of mystical beings. They don't engage in charitable or vigilante projects by and large." * Yvonne blinks. "Then where's their headquarters?" They have no set headquarters, the leadership does seem to gather, but changes its base of operations fairly regularly. We do know how to get in contact with them but don't know their current location. Doesn't that cost a whooooooole lot of money? Where do they get all that money? * Preston shakes his head. "They seem to largely use mystical rather than technological means of organization. If they had more of your traditional master control room and computer setups we would have an easier time tracking them." Oh. They don't seem pressed for money though, so it'd be correct to think they have a source of revenue of some sort, it just would be more in terms of hundreds of thousands or millions per year, not tens of millions or billions. * Yvonne nods. * Saldin stand there, drying! And finally, we did make a trade with them, we acquired Ms. Lonava's healing services after the Ambulance Chasing mission in exchange for their taking wardship of an insane shifter captured in Hunting Mobsters. However, we don't believe he'll be a factor as Ms. Lonava promised he would not return to Great Britain and if she breaks her word, she's more subtle about it. 'Kay. So he won't be in the tournament. * Preston shows a string of pictures of the guy, who can adopt the properties of multiple animals at once. Correct. * Saldin eyes the guy with a thin frown, then finally nods and turns towards Yvonne. "So, shall we begin trying to find more, Yvonne?" And that's everything we have. Okay! * Yvonne bounces to her feet. I don't imagine there will be too much here? * Preston shakes his head. "No, you can access some of our databases and outside resources and may be able to find some new angle we missed. They haven't been a high priority so it wouldn't be inconceivable. But aside from the press conference everything we definately know I've already told you." Do you know where they are right now? I mean, they gotta be around somewhere. Ruth Lonava may well be doing Chunnel drainage work right now, but the EU is coordinating that operation so I can't tell you for sure. If you want me to try to find out for sure through them I can do my best and perhaps arrange a visit. Hmmmm... Ok! Oh, and how do they pick new members? Doesn't seem to be an official process. We believe invitation is the usual process, although she expressed some interest in how SAB was treating our agents, so she may well be interested in recruiting our members. Oh. Hm. 'Kay. * Saldin smiles. "I don't see why deception is necessary." What? It's not deception! Deception doesn't come until later. * Yvonne stretches. "Anyhow, let's go do stuff. How long would it take to get that visit?" I'll get on it. Mai can handle any other reserach needs you have while I'm gone. 'Kay! * Preston heads off. * Yvonne turns to Saldin and grins toothily. * Saldin looks over to Yvonne the grinning. "What does he expect us to do? There is not any more information on the Templar here." Let's see if Mai knows anything! And maybe they have a web page. Secret societies do that a lot these days, don't they? I dunno why. * Saldin mms, then nods at the first part. "I do not believe that such a small organization would... have a web page." He says that last part awkwardly. Let's find out! * Yvonne goes to one of the computers, calls up Google, and does a web search. * Saldin follows Yvonne over. [Yvonne finds a whole lot of information, some groups calling themselves the Templars, some about the historical knights, good amount of conspiracy stuff often involving Masons or the Illuminati, and some mentions of the actual Templars in question, just nothing useful.] * Yvonne peers. "Wooooow.... That's a lot of Templars." Hmmm... * Saldin eyes all of the stuff as Yvonne brings it up, then rubs his eyes. "It seems a lot of unhelpful knowledge to me." * Yvonne waves to Mai. "Mai! Maiiiiiii! Can you show me how to uses these silly things? I thought I finally learned how, but this thing is telling me there's 180000 matches!" * Mai walks over. "What are you trying to do? Typically the solution is to throw in more terms to narrow the search. As specific as possible would be helpful. You may also want to exclude a few terms, although be more cautious about that as you may cut out good data." * Yvonne gestures. "I put in 'Templars' an' it gave me all this stuff." * Saldin nods at Mai politely as she walks over. * Yvonne blinks. More specific?" She puts in 'Templars led by Ruth Lonava in the tournament to decide who gets to train Breaker'. "Like this?" That's pretty specific. Or should I add that they're working on the chunnel, too? * Mai nods back to Saldin with a warm smile. "Not quite, don't need words like 'led by' although including Breaker might work. If I were researching them I'd probably throw in 'mystical,' 'mutual defense,' and as you mentioned 'Lonava' as search terms. The Chunnel might help too." Oooh. * Yvonne tries that and hits enter. [Yvonne figures they almost definately don't have a website. She does find the EU site answering questions about Ms. Lonava's organization, which is just a whole lot of finessing around the mystical issue...] Well, that... SORTA worked. How does a brand new semi-secret international organization get to work on the Chunnel, anyhow? [She also finds the SMEE site about the upcoming tournament, it apparently considers Edge the most likely Templar contender. There's also an article comparing them unfavorably to the X-men and a few discussions on the use of the name Templars and whether it's just a smoke screen or an indication as to more sinister connections.] * Saldin pipes up. "Because they would be helpful, of course." Hmmmmm... I guess SMEE doesn't like them much? Probably 'cause they got a better name. * Saldin offers Yvonne his hand. "Or maybe it is because they plan on competing. Yvonne, would you come with me for a bit? I believe something calls us." * Yvonne tries looking for Templar membership, including roster, application, invite, etc... As she does, she says to Mai, "Hey, have you got a book on them? Probably not, but... huh?" She looks up at Saldin. [Oh, and apparently Templars don't answer Smee's request for guest speakers.] [Finally she finds a site by Peter Gibraltar's group with a mix of balanced and unfavorable descriptions of them. There's discussion as to what the obligation of one possessing mystical powers are and a fair amount of condemnation as to neutrality as a stance. There's some talk of whether they have any of the nastier sorts of extraplanars and whether their mystical rights agenda could be cover for something more unpleasant.] * Saldin smiles faintly, "As I said--" he peers at the screen. "Oh dear." Wow... Doesn't anybody like these people? * Yvonne gets up. "'Kay, let's go see what the universe wants. Oh, Mai, can I leave this on?" She points at the computer. * Mai chuckles slightly as she looks it over. "I think the point of neutrality is to make sure nobody really likes you, but fairly few people outright hate you." * Mai nods. "Not a problem." But then if they do turn out to be a conspiracy someone just has to say 'I told you so!' and everyone else says 'Well, I never liked them anyhow.' Anyhow! Can you find us that book? If there is one. Which book? On the Templars! Or maybe a magazine. Or a newspaper article. Or something maybe Jon the reporter guy wrote. * Saldin takes a step back as Yvonne stands and lets her finish her statement. He's pretty much dry now. What a shame. He didn't write anything on them, and there aren't any that add much I'm afraid. Awww. Oh well. Thanks anyhow. * Yvonne turns to Saldin. "'Kay! Where we going?" * Mai gesture and three different books with variations on the title "Secrets of the Templars" appear in her hand. "You can have these, but I doubt they'll help." Oh, thanks! * Yvonne grins. "I'll look them over." * Saldin nods at Mai, then says, "I do not know, but if you can not want to be anywhere, we may find out." He smiles faintly. "Could you try that?" Not w... weeeeird. Like, not anywhere? Not even here? * Saldin nods. "Most especially not here, I think. A in-depth treatment on the subject would be... counterproductive." Uhhhhh... How about Candyland? That's not anywhere, technically. * Jonathon steps into the room a little, hurriedly putting his coat on as he holds a datapad in one hand. For once he seems in a rush, trying to go through 5 different motions at once. If it were earlier in the morning, it'd look like he'd have toast in his mouth too. * Saldin blinks. "I... suppose it is worth an attempt." Okay! * Yvonne waves "Hi, Mr. Reporter!" We're going to nowhere! See you! [So Yvonne and Saldin walk off just as Jonathon is entering the room and gets caught up in the journey. When you look around again you notice a definate change of scenary, the weather is warmer and more humid and you seem to be out the outskirts of a jungle on one side and a lake on the other. In the distance on the other side of the lake there's signs off the periphary of a fairly populace town.] * Yvonne blinks. She looks around, and blinks again. "... This isn't Candyland." [Ahead of you is a manor house of some sort, looking old and slightly the worse for the wear. Architecture (houses) check or geography checks to get a feel for where specifically you are.] * Saldin does walk! And how Jonathan is caught, he does not know. "That does not bother me. This 'Candyland' probably is not good for us anyway." * Saldin looks around. But it's sweet and tasty! [The house is fairly wide but only two or three stories tall. Seems to be a mix of British and Asian styles. Its surrounded on the first and second floor by porches which are screened in against insects.] * Jonathon stops and looks around, scratching the back of his head and smiling nervously. "Well...I did know I was in a hurry, but I never thought I'd go this far..." * Saldin sees Jonathon and smiles. His description is on the page, but a good summary is tallish, Indian Indian, tattoos, white eyes, weird. "Hello. I'm afraid we haven't met." Woooow. We're not in Europe anymore! This is so cool! I've never been out of Europe before! * Jonathon smiles at Saldin, also having a descript on the page! But handsome, well-dressed Brit works. "Cheerio. Yes, though I do think I've noticed something of a common description in the dossiers." He thrusts out his hand in greeting. "Jonathon Marlyne, Deadly Sun. Pleasure to make your acquaintance...Saldin was it?" * Yvonne turns to Jonathan. "Hey! You were thinking of nowhere too!" * Saldin nods and smiles at Jonathon. "Yes, Saldin. So, what brings you with us to what is most likely India?" Actually I was reading up on this recorded conversation you had with Mister Preston. It's just as well...I did have some further questions for Miss Lanova as well. Oh. Me too! You shoulda told us! Except we're in India, so we can't do that. So I see. I suspect she's suspected not to be here as well? Probably, 'cause she's supposed to be in the Chunnel. [Okay, those that made the awareness checks note that there's definate signs of movement and observation from the mansion.] * Saldin mms faintly and turns towards the mansion. "It seems we have been put in front of somewhere many supernaturals live. Perhaps our quest is favored today." Well, it's possible...how were we transported anyhow? [For the moment those in the mansion seem content to let you stand there.] * Saldin smiles very sligtly. "Surely, if you recognize my dossier, you know the answer. Shall we see where we are?" Well, I wasn't aware that it occured with multiple people...and seeing, as they say, is disbelieving. But I suppose we should investigate." He smiles and pulls out his directional mike out of his bag, pointing it towards the house as he puts the earpiece in his ear. [Jonathon hears some discussion inside briefly before there's a sudden spike in static before the mike goes dead.] * Jonathon frowns. "We may need to get closer. Although I'm not certain if that will help or not." * Saldin walks. "Closer is fine. Have you truly never been out of Europe, Yvonne?" * Yvonne follows, giggling. "I was gonna, but something always came up." * Jonathon walks as well, smiling again nervous. * Jonathon turns to Saldin. "Oh, I should note. They know we're here." * Saldin maintains his cheer. "I expected nothing less. We are not assaulting them." * Jonathon smiles. "But of course. I simply thought I should state." I dunno much about India, except that bald guy came from here. [The mike's still dead, for the record.] You know, the one with the big ears. * Saldin looks over at Yvonne, slightly confused. "Who?" * Jonathon sighs, but still maintains his smile. "I do believe they're the one causing this static..it wouldn't surprise me." Buddha? The little skinny guy with the big ears and small glasses and bald head! The one who solved all his problems by not eating. Oh, the Lama. Llama? No, he was human. Or Ghandi...hmm. Yeah! That's him. If I'd had more time to research...is Kagiso a female Indian name? I dunno. * Jonathon tilts his head to the side. "African maybe?" * Saldin nods. "Yes, African. Why do you ask?" * Saldin keeps walking! That's the name I caught in the house before this mike went dead. [You get up to the door without being interrupted.] So...mmm...we're in India approaching a house with an African female...an interesting predicament. Is she a pretty African female? * Jonathon looks over at Yvonne and gives her a smile. "I can't really tell from hearing her voice only on the microphone, now can I?" Was it a pretty voice? They also said something about "avoiding perimeter security". I do think we're not supposed to be here. * Jonathon doesn't seem particularly bothered by that though. Oh, we are too. Otherwise we wouldn't be here! * Saldin knocks on the door! Obviously, not scared enough. "Hello?" [The door opens slightly, there's an Indian female behind it, middle aged, fairly attractive, wearing traditional garb. "May I help you?"] Hi! Nice clothes! * Saldin smiles at her. "Very nice, yes. My name is Saldin Qian. May we come in?" What's your purpose here? * Yvonne lets Saldin explain that one. * Jonathon just smiles at the woman, taking a casual peek past the woman if he is able. [The woman is standing rather purposefully to block all of your view of the inside.] * Saldin smiles and says, "I have been guided here by my walk, and wish to come inside. Is it such a strange request?" * Woman smiles slightly. "Not strange so much as zen, but I'm afraid we rather value our privacy, so I hope that your feet can guide you to greater satisfaction." She starts to close the door, not quite an outright slam though, so you've still got a few seconds. * Yvonne can't see into the house, so she just looks at the woman instead. May I inquire as to the name of this facility? * Woman smiles slightly. "Yes, but I'll demur to answer." * Jonathon taps his cheeks lightly. "Oh dear. Oh dear. The public may not like that then." The public should be used to disappointment by now. Who's Kagiso? A mysterious building, an unwilling host...it seems the machinations for a conspiracy theory. I did not come for a scoop but I'm afraid I may have found one inadvertantly... Uhhh.... [The woman has black hair, no obvious weapons, and somewhat fit but not particularly strong or agile.] * Yvonne gestures at Jonathan. "We're not with him. The Universe brought us here, and he got dragged along." * Woman pauses closing the doorbriefly. "Then your arrival at the same time is quite a coincidence, but you're about to intrude on our hospitality." Her tone has a slight edge. Aw, come on! The first time I ever leave Europe, and it's so I can get kicked off someone's doorstep? That's SO unfair. * Jonathon smiles at Yvonne. "Oh I'm dreadfully sorry. But this unwilling woman...had she been more willing, perhaps it would not have come to this. I'm willing to defray this facility from the press if you only give a moment of your time..." * Saldin smiles at Yvonne's statement and then pats Yvonne on the shoulder. * Yvonne gives Saldin a big pouty look. And believe me, they shall be far more ruthless. [Woman closes the door, more in message.] * Jonathon smiles. "Well then. That's that." He turns around on his heels and walks straight away from the house. * Yvonne stares at the door. "Well, that was the most pointless thing the universe ever asked me to do." * Yvonne knocks on the door. * Saldin frowns slightly and turns, as if to walk. "It is... not..." he blinks his eyes a few times as Yvonne knocks. [No immediate response.] * Jonathon is heading out! Back towards...well wherever. * Yvonne knocks again! "Is too." [Still no response.] * Saldin frowns very slightly and turns. "Yvonne, why are you knocking?" * Jonathon calls out as he goes. "You're wasting your time!" * Yvonne knocks again! "'Cause! It's my first ever time out of Europe, and I'm not gonna let it go to waste!" 'Sides, she was kinda hot. * Saldin says, "Yvonne, you cannot bother a house of people just because the doorwoman is hot." * Yvonne knocks! "Why not?" Maybe it's a resort! [No answer.] * Jonathon looks around in the field a little. "I wish I had a bloody map...I could call a helicopter out here possibly." A resort for exclusive hot people. * Yvonne keeps knocking! Unless there's a doorbell. * Saldin says in an even tone, "Because it... is pointless, Yvonne." Says who? * Yvonne calls, "Hello! Anyone there?" [No answer! Apparently not.] * Yvonne knocks, "C'mon! Open up! Pleeeeeease?" * Saldin frowns slightly. "It... simply is. Does this not feel pointless to you?" Nah, they're just being stubborn, is all. 'Cause Jonathan was so mean to them. * Jonathon isn't listening. Because Yvonne's being completely random anyway! * Yvonne knocks again. "Miss Kagiso? Hello? Are you there? And if so, how come an African woman owns a house full of lots of modern technology in the middle of India? 'Cause that's weird." * Saldin frowns slightly again, and says, "It... seems we're not wanted, which is not... we should go, Yvonne. I think they are very angry." * Yvonne sighs. "Why'd we even bother coming here?" * Saldin smiles. "Come on, Yvonne. We can go somewhere else, if you think of this Candyland again. It might not be in Europe either." * Yvonne floats backwards, yelling, "Okay, fine, we're going. Good bye!" * Yvonne stops in mid air. "Oh... Somewhere else? Uh, ok." We should get back to work, though. * Saldin starts to walk and nods. "I think we will." * Yvonne floats after. "Wonder if we can meet Ms. Lonava yet?" [There's no yelled response. Instead you arrive in an area that's much darker apparently underground, and has about a meter of standing water. Jonathon's standing a little away as he walked first.] * Yvonne floats over the water. "Ewww! The universe put us in a sewer!" * Saldin blinks, and splooshes. A meter of standing water is a LOT. "A very dark sewer." He sniffs, as if to check thhe sewerosity. * Jonathon looks about at the water. "Hmm. It's possible." He squishes. "I'd just had these pants pressed too." [There isn't bad smell and there are a few constructions light hanging from the roof every five meters or so, and after your eyes adjust Saldin and Yvonne recognize this place as the Chunnel. There seems to be more light some distance ahead.] [Hearing awareness checks.] * Jonathon pulls up his duffle and takes out some goggles, slipping them on. [There's an echoing sound of voices several meters ahead a with a turn to the left.] * Jonathon looks about. "This place is a bloody mess..." * Yvonne floats thataway. "I hear dead people. Or maybe living people. Maybe Arktos!" * Jonathon follows Yvonne. "She is the spontaneous sort, isn't she?" * Saldin follows Yvonne. "Yes, she is. I imagine that is part of her appeal." He sloshes. "You meant bloody as in the English expression, did you not?" [Saldin and Yvonne hear: "That's enough." "One more run would not be taxing." "You invite betrayal, quiet." ] * Yvonne halts and motions for Saldin and Jonathan to be quiet. [It's suddenly a lot quiter up ahead. You're a few meters from the turn.] * Saldin catches the motion and then takes a step _up_, and is suddenly standing on the water. * Jonathon halts himself. Sloshing is noisy. And he doesn't have any fancy tricks up his sleeve, sadly. * Yvonne floats over and takes a peek around the turn. [Yvonne, Person 2, Saldin, Person 1, Jonathon] [Yvonne notices as she spins around the turn that she's about a half a second from having a fairly oldschool looking sword at (but not embedded in) her throat. Wielded by Edge, with Lonava a bit farther down in the cross tunnel. She notices quick enough that she has time to react before she's in that situation.] [Yvonne, Jonathon, Person 2, Saldin, Person 1] * Yvonne smiles, "Oh, hi! I was just, uh..." She backs away a bit. "We were looking for you!" [Okay, everybody else. You can only see what Yvonne's up to.] * Edge drops to a defensive stance keeping the sword pointed at Yvonne but doesn't move forward. * Saldin , being the trusting sort, simply says, "Templars? Hello?" and seems confused, while he stands upon the water. * Jonathon looks off into the distance, eyeing the two and sloshing forward, since obviously Yvonne is speaking to someone. "Hello? We don't mean to bother your work. Dreadfully sorry to intrude like this." * Lonava looks over at Yvonne and gestures and there's a sudden surge of water around each of you, as well as Edge. As she does this she inquires in a fairly friendly voice. "And who may I ask is seeking me?" [Next round. Tell me if you're trying to dodge the water.] I'm Yvonne! I saw you on TV! * Jonathon stops at the water and pulls out his press id. He's ready to move if need be but paying attention to the water more. "Jonathon Marlyne. I believe you may remember me." * Saldin tries not to get smushed and pulls his amulet free. "Saldin Qian, wandering monk." * Edge fingers a deck of cards in her right hand, she keeps holding the sword in her left. * Lonava smiles. "Ah, well then, I do remember you Mr. Marlyne and pleasure to meet the rest of you. What may I do for you?" You're all incased, including edge, in a thin layer of water. Like coming right out of a shower except it doesn't make your clothes damp. Actually feels comfortable, like a blanket on a slightly chilly night. [Out of init I think.] Well, first of all, are you doing all this work in the chunnel by yourself? I meant to ask after the interview although the security is...less than cooperative after a conference. I so detest the bloody things. * Jonathon relaxes his stance. Heck, it looks like if there weren't water everywhere, he'd be lighting a cigarette. * Saldin is wet! * Lonava smiles slightly. "Unusual view for a reporrter I'd think." * Saldin says pleasantly. "I think he's a very unusual reporter." Is it? I don't necessarily believe so. I mean, there are many types of reporters. I much prefer to be out on the field. Yeah. I wanted to talk to you 'cause I'm a big fan. * Jonathon gives up on the water and risks lighting a cigarette anyhow. Since his clothes aren't getting wet. * Lonava gets a somewhat bemused expression at Yvonne's comment. "Are you? And at ease edge." [Oddly enough the flame is actually encompassed in water, but does manage to light the cigarette once the two touch and the skin of water connects.] Uh huh! * Edge lowers her sword. She doesn't sheath it though. * Saldin tries to walk forward. "Yvonne is a fan of many things, I think." * Jonathon doesn't seem surprised or bothered by that. He takes a puff. "Actually, I have someone who may be of use to your little endevour here. It may help regain some trust if that silly final question didn't throw off any support. [Saldin's walking is unimpeded. The skin of water does move with him.] Not THAT many. * Lonava has a slight interested tone in her voice at Jonathon's comment. "Oh?" It's 'cause I never heard of an organization that protected supernaturals before. Most of them just hunt us. It's not very fair. * Edge does make a definate point of staying between your group and Lonava. She has a look about her that implies trying to pass her would be unwise. Well. I am uncertain, and the party would prefer to remain anonymous. But I could attempt to send the message to the best of my ability. Putting a good word in may have an ample effect. * Lonava nods. "I'll take you at your word Mr. Marlyne." She then looks over to Yvonne. "I'm heartened that you feel that way." * Yvonne smiles. * Lonava looks to Saldin. "So what leads your wanderings to me?" * Saldin looks over at Yvonne, then at Lonava with a small bow. "Concern over Breaker's welfare is of interest to all." * Jonathon walks forward slowly, keeping an eye on Edge. "I regret to admit that supernaturals may have taken a lot of flak. The public does tend to overhype such incidences. Such is a pity." I cannot say the media is always a great help. Yeah. * Lonava smiles at Saldin's comment that and nods. She then looks over the group again, "Well, I could hardly expect differently." Still, Miss Fatin's question was rather unfair. * Jonathon smiles nervously and rubs the back of his head. "Though I'm afraid that's her standard MO. I must admit knowing the competition does not always hearten you to your career." Well, I could hardly complain receiving equal treatment then. How may I help you three? * Saldin smiles. "Miss Breaker. Why would your organization, especially one so unconcerned with her mission, wish to train her?" * Lonava also gestures and the water skins fall back into the meter of standing water that surrounds well Jonathin, Yvonne and Saldin are both on top of it. I do not deny that Miss Breaker is an important part of the natural order and that there are extra-planars that the world does need protecting from. But I would have two hopes were we to train her. First, to inform her that she chooses her own way: be it to follow her destiny, so be it or to rejects it and pursues a different life of her choosing, Every way of course will have different hardships. * Lonava watches Saldin for a moment. * Saldin has the world's best poker face because he's always happy. * Edge keeps eyeing the lot of you, it's somewhat offputting. * Yvonne doesn't mind. She likes being eyed! As any person does and any life will. And the second? * Jonathon isn't offput at all! In fact, he smiles at Lonava. "It seems sort of ironic to attempt to 'win' someone through a tournament only to inform her that she may choose her own path." Perhaps. And second, to be sure she learns that a being's worth is not determined by that beings plane of origin. We would devote great efforts to teach her to fully utilize her talents, but I do not claim that is our primary interest. So you wish to let her be aware that not all extra-planars should be a target of her power then? Oooh. That'd be good! * Lonava nods. "That would be another way of putting it. I would hope all the participants would teach that lesson, but I suspect the emphasis would vary." * Saldin nods. "Discrecion is an important part of our work." * Yvonne nodnods. * Jonathon taps his camera idly. "Sadly, someone with that sort of power is bound to have some less-than-noble candidates after her..." Doubtless, as well as some idealistically driven who may at times overlook some of the consequences of their quests. * Jonathon keeps tapping. "Any organizations in particular come to mind?" * Yvonne tilts her head. * Lonava smiles. "I do not doubt your capable of forming your own conclusion without my biased views. May I help you in any other way?" I'm sure Miss Lonava has a good chance of winning, though. She's got all those supernaturals on her side. * Jonathon chuckles. "I'm ashamed to admit that as a reporter, I'm always interested in other people's bias." * Yvonne grins at Lonava. "Right? Right?" * Lonava nods at Jonathon's comment and looks to Yvonne. "I do have my hopes." * Edge smirks slightly. * Yvonne grins. "You've got a big advantage! 'Cause not everyone else is gonna be supernatural, and we're usually -- not to brag, or anything, but -- we're usually more powerful than normal people." Well, lots of us are anyhow. * Jonathon smiles nervously at Yvonne, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm really sure she does, although she does seem a tad busy using those abilities in other venues..." * Saldin lets Yvonne work her magic, still holding his amulet in his hand. * Jonathon shrugs his hands in the air and sighs dramatically towards Lanova. "Kids these days..." I'm not a kid! I'm older than you! * Lonava gets the slightly bemused look. "This is often the case, and we do have the power to defend our members." She then looks to Jonathon. "Do not worry, you have no need to apologize for her enthusiasm." * Yvonne nods to Lonava. "You've got a bunch who are good at combat, right?" * Jonathon just smiles. "I'm dreadfully sorry. I meant no offense. I'm certain you are at that." * Saldin smiles and continues to look at them. Flat stare. o_o * Lonava nods. "We couldn't very well make good our claim to defend our members if we did not. I regret the necessity, but I do not deny it." * Yvonne nods. "Oh, of couse. I think it's great, supernaturals defending each other! We need to watch out for each other, 'cause normal people can be so cruel." * Jonathon sighs at Yvonne and throws up his hands. "Excuse me for being normal." * Lonava nods. "Due to our special abilities the world will always have a difficult time adapting. And sadly mystical beings are just as capable of cruelty and sometimes have more powers by which to exert it." * Yvonne nods. "Yeah, but why do the rest of us have to suffer?" * Yvonne pouts. "It's not fair." Because people are paranoid of things they do not understand, Miss Yvonne. * Saldin chuckles a little, then says, "A balanced outlook." He reaches over and pats Yvonne on the shoulder. "There there." * Yvonne humphs. "I'm not talking to you, Jon. You keep interrupting, but you could never understand. I wanna talk to Miss Lonava 'cause she does." It's worse than that, people can also be afraid of what they do understand. The ultimate problem I face is helping people find a balanced outlet for their fears that is fair to my people. * Jonathon shrugs at Yvonne and simply leans up against the side of the wall. * Yvonne nodnods. "People can be so prejudiced to us." Human nature, well, not just humans honestly. Oh! Hey, did you see a big stone guy down here? Well, not stone. Metal, kinda. * Lonava nods. "We've had him returned to SAB after they made some guarantees for good treatment." Oh. That's good. * Jonathon refrains from interrupting. Because Yvonne's mad at him. Sooo... Whatcha think of the tournament? Who do you think's gonna be the hardest to beat? * Saldin continues smiling and standing close to Yvonne! Boy, this water- standing thing sure is useful. Well, setting odds isn't my specialty, but suffice to say I'm rather interested in how Peter's favorite champion will perform. * Edge gives a somewhat scornful grunt at that. * Saldin says, "That is Mak, correct?" Peter? Why? What's ... uh, what's Mak do? * Jonathon hmms and looks down slightly, rubbing his chin. * Lonava gives a slight smile. "I've heard him called that. And his ability is remote manipulation of sacred objects I believe. One he has learned put to in a decidedly offensive manner." * Jonathon raises an eyebrow at that. Oh. That's bad. But you've got people who aren't affected by those, right? You'd be fine, right? I'm not conceding victory just yet. * Yvonne nods. "Who else? What about SMEE? I saw their website, and they don't seem to like you much..." They can be disappointed by mystical beings that are not superheroes, or at very least anti-heroes. I'm not sure which they prefer. They are not known for standing forces, I'd suspect they'd hire help. Oh. * Jonathon blows out a breath. "Wonderful. Bloody idealists." * Yvonne tilts her head. "I think they just don't like you 'cause your group has a better name than theirs. How come you picked Templars for your group's name, anyhow?" * Saldin nods. "It is such a deeply rooted name." He looks at Loneva. "In religion, especiallly." It is? * Lonava gives a slightly enigmatic smile. "Oh, while I've been a member for a while I did not always lead it. When that change took place, I decided to keep the name. My motivations for doing so were perhaps less than sterling." Oh. * Yvonne taps her chin. "It's been around for a while?" Not so long, compared to the genuine origins of the name. But I will admit its main use to me is that it gives those investigating us a great deal of false trails to follow. Don't care to be investigated? That would explain the bodyguard. Oh yeah! How come you don't have a web page? You should! * Jonathon nods politely to Edge. I dunno a lot about the Internet thing, but every organization seems to have one these days. .com here, .stuff there.... Everyone! Our methods are quite simple, we defend our own by the most peacable means available. Revealing more than that would be counterproductive to that goal. Oh. But that makes it harder for people to find you! This is true. * Edge doesn't seem to object to the bodyguard characterization. Well, I mean I see why it can be good, but what if people.... um.... * Yvonne fidgets for a second, then asks, "How do you get people to join you?" We focus recruitment in areas suffering from persecution, but perhaps we are at a disadvantage in that sense. ::she smiles at Yvonne:: Do you know anyone wishing to join? * Edge scoffs slightly at the idea that this is a big disadvantage. Ummm... * Yvonne pokes her fingers together. "... Kinda..." Would you prefer to discuss this at a later time? * Jonathon watches Yvonne with a calm gaze, sticking an unlit cigarette in his mouth. * Yvonne hesitates, then nods. * Lonava writes out some contact information for Yvonne. * Saldin waits for Loneva to write out contact info. * Yvonne beams. Are there any other matters you wish to speak of? * Yvonne takes the contact information and beams at it. At that question, she lifts her head and gives Saldin a questioning look. * Jonathon sloshes over to Lonava a little, smiling a little and reaching into his pocket. "My card. I do have the matter of this chunnel to attend to. I hope she will be willing, though I make no guarentees on others behalf." He glances at Yvonne and smiles. "It would simply be rude of me to be so presumptuous." * Yvonne is handed the information by means of Edge, for the record. * Saldin smiles at Yvonne, then looks right at Loneva. "Perhaps one thing." * Edge takes the card as Jonathon sloshes over. Thank you. ::she then looks to Saldin:: Yes Mr. Qian? * Saldin 's amulet flashes and begins to hum. * Edge looks uneasy at the flashing of amulets but doesn't act. * Yvonne pokes Saldin. * Lonava looks thoughtful. * Saldin stands there. * Yvonne pokes Saldin. * Lanova looks to Yvonne. "We'll soon be done." Oh. With what? * Yvonne pokes Saldin. "He said he was gonna ask you something, and now he's just standing there." * Yvonne waves her hand in front of Saldin's face. * Jonathon puts out his cigarette in the water, bagging it so he doesn't get ash everywhere (he's environmentally conscious after all) and sloshes over towards Yvonne. Things are not always as they seem. * Edge seems more at ease as Jonathon moves away. * Yvonne pokes Saldin. "I guess not... He's like a statue." * Lonava frowns for a moment. * Yvonne pokes Saldin. Hello? Saldin? * Yvonne grabs Saldin's shoulders and shakes him. * Yvonne looks to the others. "I think something's really wrong with him." Jonathaaaaan! Can you carry him? * Jonathon stops then looks at Jonathon, sighing and rubbing his head. "This is the first I've heard of this sort of thing happen." Yeah... We better get him to a doctor. Can you carry him? If you're truly worried, we should check him fully...some monks do go into trances... Fully? Uhmm... Okay. * Yvonne starts to take off Saldin's shirt. ...Well, I meant make certain he still has a pulse. I do believe that's one way to check it. * Yvonne blinks at Jonathan, having the shirt pulled up past Saldin's head. "Huh? Oh." * Yvonne lowers it enough to put her hand at his neck. * Saldin 's amulet fades and he looks down at Yvonne, his shirt hanging off of his amulet arm. The offness exposes all sorts of fun tattoos. Yvonne? * Yvonne grins, still holding on. "Oh! Hey! You're better now." * Jonathon keeps smiling and sloshes all the way over. "I may have been unclear. Ah. Fancy you being back in the land of the living, Saldin." * Jonathon rubs the back of his neck nervously. "I'm sorry. Yvonne was worried about you." Yeah. You weren't doing anything. It was weird. If that is all, fair you well. I'll be sure to let you leave the tuunnels before resuming moving the water. Huh? Wait! * Yvonne pokes Saldin. "He said he had something to ask you." * Saldin nods. "We resolved what needed to happen, Yvonne. May I have my shirt back now?" Oh, right. * Yvonne lets go. "But you didn't do anything!" I do believe...mmm...telepathy was one of the things on the dossier? * Saldin nods and says cryptically. "Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing." He gives Jonathan a glance and a smile, then says, "Shall we go, now?" Certainly. May I speak with you briefly after we leave this place, though? * Lonava smiles. "A pleasire meeting you." Huh? Uh... Maybe. But only if you're not gonna write mean nasty storied about me. * Yvonne waves back with a big smile. "Yeah! Nice to meet you! Hope we can see each other again soon!" * Jonathon simply smiles at that. I'll look forward to hearing from you. * Saldin walks them somewhere else, and it ends up being SAB! Shock! * Jonathon turns to Saldin. "It was good to have the opportunity to work with you, Mister Qian." * Jonathon salutes and smiles. Uh huh! Oh, and we should talk later. * Saldin smiles at Jonathan. "You are quite the inquisitive journalist. You could do with a softer touch, though." * Jonathon chuckles. "Comparitively, I AM the softer touch. You should meet Fatin sometime." [We'll say you're dumped in the hallway by the library.] Oh! Saldin, will you tell Preston not to arrange that meeting? 'Cause we don't need it now. I'll meet you in a bit, 'kay? * Saldin smiles. "Of course." * Yvonne pokes Jonathan. "So, what's up?" * Jonathon looks at Yvonne and leans back, slipping a hand in his pocket. "Well, I would like to apologize for earlier. I believe you got the wrong impression of me...' Oh. Well, you could see I wanted to talk to Lonava. Didn't have to keep trying to convince her she had better things to do than talk to me. That was mean. I suppose it was a tad presumptuous on my part. I'm used to being more discreet in such matters. Your...err...direct approach was rather refreshing. Wellllll, just don't do it again, an' it's ok. And you shouldn't 'a' threatened those people in India, too. They might've been nicer if you didn't, and then my first trip outside Europe wouldn't have been wasted. * Jonathon smiles. "And perhaps I understand your plight better than you know." He sighs and shrugs his shoulders. "I doubt they would have let us in regardless. But if that is really your issue, I could arrange a second trip rather soon." * Yvonne waves her arms. "Well, they won't now!" That may be the case. I'm still uncertain how it was relevant. If you would like, I can see if I can make it up to you by arranging a flight." Nah. It'd take too long to get there and too long to get back, and they probably wouldn't do anything now anyhow. I'm just disappointed I didn't get to do more. Woulda been nice to get to know that pretty Indian girl better. * Jonathon shrugs. "Suit yourself." Good work though, all told. Bloody good show. Thanks! * Jonathon heads off, squishing and waving at Yvonne as he heads off. * Yvonne waves, then goes inside to find Saldin. * Yvonne enters into the library, bouncy. * Yvonne waves to Mai, too. * Mai waves back. * Yvonne looks for Saldin. * Saldin looks for Yvonne! * Yvonne turns a corner and bumps into Saldin! * Saldin bumps into Yvonne! Or, more likely, her breasts. Cushiony. "Oh, sorry." Beat of time. "Why, hello, Yvonne." Hiya! I was looking for you! * Saldin chuckles slightly. "Well, you found me. Did you like Miss Lonava?" Uh huh! She's nice. I hope we don't have to fight her. * Saldin nods slowly. "I think she will leave it to the others. Combat does not seem to be her forte." He smiles slightly. "But that may be no barrier." Gee, I dunno... She has that water stuff. * Saldin nods. "She does, but... I do not think she would need to. Her feelings lie elsewhere." He claps his hands and then says, "So, what brought on your desire for conversation?" Well, shouldn't we talk about this stuff? I mean, what we learned? If we're gonna be fighting and all. * Saldin nods. "You are absolutely right." * Yvonne nodnods. Will here be a fine place to speak? I dunno. Maybe we should go somewhere? Like, with not many people around. * Saldin nods. "I am not too concerned, but it will not hurt. Lead the way." K. * Yvonne leads the way, out of SAB. [End]