| abstract
| - Sharpeye and LeBeau are seated at a table, Snowmist headed that way. Startripper says, "Hey, guys! What're the plans for tonight? Drinking? getting attacked by any manner of strange creature? Making Shadowfur do some ridiculous stunt?" Startripper walks over, to the group Snowmist waves to Startripper as she sits down. "Hey there. Take a seat." She calls over her shoulder to Steve, "Make that four 'stead!" Sharpeye holds a datapad out to Startripper, some kind of document displayed on the screen. "Read that." Startripper takes a seat, "Hey Captain, Snowmist, Mr. Lebeau." Takes the document and begins to read. The bartender waves a hand desultorily in confirmation as he eyes Startripper warily, a hand near the shotgun on the bar. When he determines that the new arrival wouldn't be a threat anytime soon, he finally moves away from the shotgun to retrieve the drinks. FROM: Noble Longsnout RE: Our mutual problem In regards to our recent discussion aboard the Galore, pertaining to that nefarious upstart, Dawnfur Morningstar, and his seizure of power as the new Imperator - I am pleased to inform you that I think that anything that can be done to remove him from power and restore the Senate would be justifiable. Any assistance your people could provide to assure mutual benefit would be weclome. TO: Noble Longsnout FROM: Majordomo Grim RE: Morningstar So glad to hear you're amenable to a cooperative effort. Certainly, we can make arrangements to help you - for a price. First, you'll need to ensure the escape of Graeber Brenhault from the mining colony in Alhira. For that, we will arrange for the elimination of Dawnfur Morningstar - perhaps sabotage of his personal craft would be in order? Or perhaps an attack by the Nalls? Second, once you've been returned to power in Morningstar's absence, you will arrange for the destruction of a village called Pansheera on our behalf. For that, we will deal with your other problems - perhaps any Demarians who wind up exiled when you return to power? TO: Majordomo Grim FROM: Noble Longsnout RE: Arrangement I have consulted with the other leaders of the noble houses of Demaria and it is agreed: 300 Demarian lives are a small enough price to pay for a return to power, especially given that the villagers are all underclassers. Startripper looks up in amazement, "This is it. I can't believe it. Wha...whe... Next?" Sharpeye nods. "Tonight." Fulton arrives from Promenade . Sharpeye , Snowmist, Startripper, and LeBeau are seated at a shady corner table. Startripper says, "Tonight? As in /this/ tonight?" Fulton walks in, looking about. He spots the table and walks over. "Ahoy." Sharpeye twitches a whisker. "No, tonight as in tonight a hundred years from now. Yes, this tonight." Steve, scowling darkly, plunks four empty glasses down along with two bottles. on the table. Glancing up at Fulton's entrance, he mumbles, "Suppose that'll be another then?" Sharpeye nods to Fulton, showing him a datapad. "Read that." Snowmist nods to Steve. "Yes, please." Startripper says, "Yes, read." Fulton glances at Steve, smiling, "Eddy, my good friend. Give me a whiskey, as always." He turns his attention back to the group. Startripper is a little shocked and amazed. Suddenly, a grin breaks out on his face. "Tonight." The word comes out like a sigh of relief. The bartender grumbles something about large groups and mayhem in his bar as he moves back to the bar to retrieve another glass. At Fulton's order, his scowl darkens even more and adds 'can't even remember a friggin' one syllable name' to his list of woes. Fulton frowns at the document. "Well!" Startripper considers a Demarian Dance of Joy, but thinks twice about it. "I thought it would be Brightclaw and you two." Fulton motions to Sharpeye and Snow. "And Miss Jones." Statripper says, "Thought what would be?" Startripper is not sure whether to be offended. Snowmist tilts her head inquiringly. Fulton glances at Star. "The ones who would do this." He glances back to Sharp. "How many people are coming?" Steve finally returns with the whiskey and plunks it down in front of Fulton before immediately stalking off, now muttering something about 'cover charges for potential damages'. Startripper decides he's too happy to be offended. Fulton takes the whiskey and chugs it down. "How many, Mister, ah, Sharpeye?" Sharpeye tilts his head. "How many what?" Fulton glares, "How many damned people are coming to do this shit?" Startripper turns to Shapeye, "That's a good question, captain." Sharpeye ahems. "Quite a few. It is a rather complex operation. There are two extractions to be performed at the same time an arrest is made and the comm network is hacked to transmit the information and the document. Not to mention, we need to make sure no one tries and starts a large scale space conflict." Fulton leans over, whispering to Sharp. Startripper says, "We're really banking on the fact that they will not get any ships up in time, aren't we?" Fulton whispers to Sharpeye. Sharpeye whispers to Fulton. Sharpeye shakes his head. "We're banking on the fact that we can perform the extraction before Longsnout gives any suicidal orders to his devoted followers." Fulton scowls. "Alright. Do I need to stay in this hell hole, or can I go elsewhere 'til you need me?" Brightclaw arrives from Promenade . Brightclaw enters in dress blues, fidgeting as he enters with the collar, and tugging off a pair of white gloves. 'Damn these things.' Sharpeye shrugs. "You can go, just keep your comm link open. We'll be leaving soon. Oh, by the way, can you procure a ship that wouldn't be associated with me or my crew? It would look rather suspicious if you went in claiming to have captured us, and are riding on my ship." Startripper says, "Why are you always wearing outrageous outfits, Brightclaw?" "I have no ship. I have no comm." He hisses in reply. Brightclaw glances over to Star, tucking the gloves in his back waistband. 'Just thought I'd like to be buried in my blues in case, ah...' Brightclaw coughs in his paw. Brightclaw signals to the bartender and orders a glass of Demarian Red. Sharpeye nods. "Brightclaw, give the man a comm link." Startripper says, "Nuff said, my friend" LeBeau heads into Promenade . "And then read this," Sharpeye says, holding a datapad out to Brightclaw. Brightclaw turns from the bar and nods, groping around in his short vest. 'Hmm. Got them all on the 'Song. Be right back.' He sighs and halts, looking at the pad. Fulton bahs and heads out. Fulton heads into Promenade . Brightclaw turns to Fulton's exit. 'What's up his arse?' Sharpeye shrugs. "I dunno. Perhaps he no longer wants any payment." Startripper says, "Bah? Shouldn't 'humbug' be added to the end of that? I heard some human in a movie say that." Shadowfur arrives from Promenade . Startripper says, "'Fur! Pull up a chair and you're gotta read this." Brightclaw glares at the datapad, a tic jumping in his cheek. 'Dammit! I can't wait to make that bastard pay.' Shadowfur strolls in, paws in his pockets as usual. "Gee, how'd I know I'd find you people here..." Startripper says, "Get in line" He turns to Shadowfur. "Because we're mindless drunks?" Brightclaw nods to Shadowfur and beckons him to the datapad that Sharp is holding. Shadowfur grabs a chair and turns it, so he can lean on the back. "What's up?" Sharpeye tugs on a whisker. "Even if Sha can't hack the commnet to let all the civilian population know, I can still get Gravelspeak to broadcast it on all Militia frequencies. That's really the main priority. The civilians will find out anyways, but I'm not too worried about them forming any kind of armed resistance to protect Longsnout." Brightclaw swivels on a heel and heads out the door, eyes narrowed in anger. 'Bastards will pay. Be back with the comms, sir." Sharpeye nods. Brightclaw slams the door open with a paw. Snowmist stirs briefly from her dreams of making dumplings to mention, "Sha can do it. I've been in contact with her." Startripper says, "From what I hear, there are a few Longsnoutian cults, but the rest of the population can't stand the Senate in general. They were just looking for an excuse to get rid of them. Cat, I thought this was just going to be another job...." Shadowfur hrrrms. "Interesting... Sharpeye quirks his lips. "I wonder what Fulton's problem is though... if he is backing out now, we're going to have to perform a physical extraction." Startripper says, "What would have been his job, anyway?" Sharpeye says, "He was going to tell Longsnout that he's captured Brightclaw and I, and to come meet him on neutral ground to get us." Startripper says, "If he backs out, perhaps we can get someone who already is with us, but isn't on Longsout's hitlist." Shadowfur says, "Well, that puts a bit of a cramp in the plan.."" Brightclaw returns with a heavy duffle bag on his shoulder, panting a little. 'Miss anything?' Startripper says, "Just working out contingencies for if Fulton backs out" Brightclaw nods at Star. 'I'd better have a talk with that fellow. He's acting very strangely lately.' Sharpeye nods to Brightclaw. "I suggest you go find Mr. Fulton and talk him out of whatever mood he is in. He stalked off as if he had no intention of following through with the plan." Brightclaw nods. Startripper says, "You know, Shadowfur, didn't you say you were from nowhere special. Longsnout doesn't know he's with us. Perhaps he could take you in? Pose as a traitor from your crew?" Brightclaw sets the bag on a table nearby and unzips it. Sharpeye lifts an eyebrow. "And do what, Trip? Be interrogated under torture, drugs, and brain scanners?" Brightclaw tosses field op headset mikes to Snowmist, Startripper, and Shadowfur. 'I'm assuming you three will be the stealth team.' Startripper says, "Just thinking out loud." Shadowfur snags the headset nimbly. "Hey, I'm an expert of sneakin' around." Startripper takes a mic, "I can do it, if that's my position." Snowmist finally wakes up completely to catch her headset mic before it hits her in the face. Brightclaw pulls a wired mike out of his bag and hands it to Sharpeye. 'Fusion op, switch here... can hide it under your collar.' He peels back his collar to reveal a small black mic head. Sharpeye frowns. "I've got localizers, Brightclaw. I don't need that." Startripper says, "Of course. Should've guessed." Brightclaw tilts his head. 'Oh. Great.' He mumbles about not ever being privy to any kind of information and how inappropriate that is for the Intel Officer to find things out last, and takes the mic pack back. Brightclaw unzips another compartment on the bag, revealing a gleaming supply of guns and 2 grenades. 'Anyone need any extra ordnance?' Shadowfur says, "I could use something bigger than a pistol, 'Claw." Brightclaw pulls out a rifle and tosses it to Shadowfur. Sharpeye sighs. "DAMNIT, BC! Not in the goddamn bar!" Startripper says, "Ditto. I could use one of those, and maybe another pistol if we can get it." Shadowfur smirks as he catchs it. "You know, this longcoat is great for hiding stuff under." Startripper says, "But later on." Steve stares fixedly at the group from the bar, one hand on his shotgun. Startripper says, "Yes, which is why things have been disappearing all over the ship" Brightclaw looks around at the bar. 'Erm? Oh, right.' He zips up the bag. Alright then, I'll be going... Sharpeye pushes his chair back and stands from the table. He tosses a big fat 100 credit chit to Steve. "Come on, guys." Brightclaw coughs lightly. 'Sorry about that Commander..' Startripper lets the chair he was leaning back in fall to the ground and gets up. Silently catches the chit and quirks an eyebrow at Snowmist. "What'd I tells y', missy?" Brightclaw says, "I'll go find Mr. Fulton." Brightclaw shoulders the bag and trots out. Sharpeye nods. "Meet on the Heart." Snowmist sighs, rolling her eyes as she follows the others, batting Brightclaw over the head. "Thanks. You just affirmed my reputation." Brightclaw says, "owch! What- ha.. like anyone needed to affirm it... damn door's stuck- there!" Shadowfur snickers Startripper says to Steve, "Relax. Your bar can't get much more danamged than it did a week ago." Brightclaw heads into Promenade . Sharpeye frowns. "Come on." Sharpeye heads into Promenade . Shadowfur heads into Promenade . The man snorts, tucking the shotgun away. Galley/Rec Room The ship's galley is a vast room, plasticene tables and molded chairs strewn over more than half the room, the diners gathering the food from the kitchen's automated food-dispensers, and then flash-heating it in a handy microwave oven. The other side of the room seems much more entertaining. A host of pool tables are flanked by video games and the largest attraction, two simulation pods linked together for dueling. Shadowfur arrives from Corridor . Startripper dances to his seat. Sharpeye arrives from Corridor . Startripper says, "You realize what's gonna happen tonight? We're going to be able to return to our world if we choose. We're going to be heroes, my friend." He looks at all the gear Sharpeye is carrying. "Damn, Captain. You planin on taking the planet by yourself?" Sharpeye grunts as he walks through the door, carrying what looks like three hundred pounds of gear. "You're not a hero yet." Shadowfur shrugs. "Either that or get ourselves hung for treason or something." Startripper says, "Then we become martyrs." Sharpeye drops the stuff on the coffee table with lots of loud clanging, banging, and thumping. Snowmist winces as a shock grenade rolls off the table to clunk on the floor, bouncing a few times. Shadowfur blinks. "Whoa..." Sharpeye smirks. "Here we are. Take your pick." Sharpeye half-absently puts down the two large duffel bags of ammo he had been carrying. Startripper takes a few energy packs. He leaves briefly to change clothes. Shadowfur hrrms, ears lying back. "Reflex.." Startripper says, "Just had to change into something more appropriate" Snowmist nods knowingly to Shadowfur. "Uh-huh." Fulton arrives from Corridor . Brightclaw arrives from Corridor . Shadowfur looks at the weapons. "Anyone want that stick?" Startripper combs his fur one more time before placing the comb into it's secret compartment in his holster. Fulton walks in, raising an eyebrow at all the weapons. "Good-God-mofo-oyvey." He comments. Sharpeye hmms. "It would be useful. An unconscious Longsnout is the second best kind of Longsnout." Startripper says, "Well put, Fulton. Take a seat." "A dead one is the best." Fulton adds, taking a seat... somewhere. Shadowfur snickers. "Just what I was thinking." He takes the stunstick, which promptly disappears under his coat as well. Startripper says, "I'd say it's third. A hanging-by-his-feet-from-the-top-of-the-Senate-building Longsnout is two" Brightclaw cocks an ear, flicking it twice. 'I think someone is come calling...' Brightclaw turns at the door and exits out. Brightclaw heads into Corridor . Sharpeye hrms. "All we have left is figuring out what ship to use that won't get shot at when landing on Demaria." Shadowfur chuckles. "How about if we take him into orbit on the ship, shove him out the airlock and watch his head explode form the lack of pressure?" Startripper says, "Can I grab one of the standard pulse rifles? Just in case and assumign nobody else needs it at the moemnt. If we run out, I'll relinquish it." Sharpeye sighs. "Unfortunately, his head wouldn't explode." Startripper says, "Sounds good Shadowfur. I see it every night in my dreams." Startripper says, "I'll take that as a 'yes.' by the way" Jones arrives from Corridor . Brightclaw arrives from Corridor . Snowmist tilts her head. "Welcome, Jonesy." Startripper says, "Hello, Ms. Jones" Jones blinks at the sight of all the weapons, then smiles to the Demarians. "Hello. Getting ready, I see?" Fulton listens quietly. He glances at the door as Bc and Jones and enter. "Evenin', Miss Jones. To be clear on something... You will play the role of my lover, correct?" Snowmist smirks. "'m always ready." Brightclaw follows Jones in, and goes to pour himself a glass of wine. He grins at Fulton's comment and raises a brow, waiting for a response. Startripper says, "One might say that. Getting ready for an award-winning story?" Sharpeye nods. "That is another thing. We need to get a ship that won't be identified as belonging to me, and be able to bring it to neutral ground without getting shot at." Jones nods a little, "Which means you should probably stop calling me Miss. Jones. And if there are any questions asked, I'll let you answer and follow your lead." She grins at Startripper. "Oh, yes." Brightclaw returns with a glass of Demarian Red, handing it to Jones, and frowns a little at her clothing. 'Ah, Miss Jones...' Startripper goes and pours himself a glass of Demarian Red. Fulton nods, "Alright. Should I refer to you, in front of the Longsnout and company as simply Jones, or Daesa, or my whore?" He raises an eyebrow, not showing any sings of being joking with the question. Startripper says, "Perhaps 'Sweety'?" Snowmist crooks an eyebrow. "I would suggest dispensing with the last, if anything else to avoid her starting or reacting adversely out of reflex. Would look kinda suspicious." The intercom crackles: "Commander Sharpeye, communications here." Shadowfur shakes his head as he fiddles with his bandana. "I'm glad I'm not in your boots." Jones blinks, "Ahh. Jones might not be smart. Whore I might have a bit of problem keeping a pleasent expression on my face...And, don't worry Brightclaw, I brought something to change into. How..blantent are you planning to be, Mr. Fulton?" Brightclaw nods to Jones and puts his head in a paw. 'Need to find a ship...' Sharpeye flexes some fingers on his left hand, activating his localizer system. "Sharpeye here. Go ahead." Brightclaw sighs deeply. The voice on the intercom says: "Sir, we're picking up a broadcast from Demaria, sir. Senator Longsnout. He's addressing the Demarian people." Startripper says, "That's probably the first and last time I've ever heard anyone say, 'Have to find a ship...'" Sharpeye frowns. "Put it through." Brightclaw perks up his head and holds a paw up for silence. Startripper listens intently. Shadowfur falls silent, ears perking intentavly The speaker crackles again as the audio is switched to a new channel. The voice of Senator Longsnout comes through: "-- horrendous accusations - baseless, and will not stand in any sensible tribunal. They are quite obviously the fabrication of our exiled brethren who wish to destabilize the Demarian government. This will not stand..." Jones frowns. "I will act my role accordingly." Fulton states, glancing up at the speaker. Startripper gets more angry as he listens to Longsnout. Shadowfur says, "Gee, is Snout a cat, or a bull? Because that sure was a big load of shit.." Sharpeye frowns deeply. "How'd he know we got the info?" Snowmist's brow furrows as she glances up. Brightclaw says, "Dammit! It's out already!" Brightclaw growls and stands, pacing the length of the room. 'We didn't move fast enough...' Startripper grabs a throwing knife from the table and throws it with all of his strength at the dartboard, hitting a bullseye for once. The voice on the speaker continues: "Effective immediately, the Demarian Militia has been alerted to watch for all known renegades and their associates. They are to be captured - or shot, if they resist. Once captured, they will be put on trial by the Senate for treason." "Okay, I need one thing cleared out. If I get the chance to blow Longsnout's head off, I will. Is this alright with you, or not?" Fulton's gaze wanders off the speaker, and halts on the group. Snowmist shakes her head. "Forget about threats. What're we gonna do now?" Brightclaw narrows his eyebrows. 'Renegades... why would they associate /us/ with the information... ' "Well, who knew about the intercepted transmission?" Jones asks. Sharpeye frowns, pacing. "*How* did they know we got the information? And who released it?" Brightclaw glances around the room. 'Only us, I believe - wait, there was that ... Fangstreak woman on the Consortium council investigations...' Shadowfur grumbles. "They're sneakier than I am." The voice on the speakers concludes: "I assure you, my fellow Demarians, that the *real* culprits behind the destruction of Pansheera - the *real* allies of Lord Fagin - will be brought to justice with all swiftness!" Snowmist growls. The speaker crackles into silence. Startripper says, "Because it's easy. Whether it was us or not, they might just blame it on us. Or, there has been a leak." Fulton sighs, obviously annoyed, "I asked a quetion." He ignores the speaker. Brightclaw pounds the wall with a fist. 'Yes, Mr. Fulton! Blast him to hell, for all I care! Our plan must change now.' Snowmist sighs and leans against a wall, waiting for everyone to calm down. Sharpeye growls. "I need to get patched into the communications net. Now." Brightclaw sighs. 'We obviously have a leak somewhere. I hope it's not our team.' He glances around the room. The comm officer on the speaker says: "Can do, sir." "Mr. Fulton, did you tell Jest'liana about this?" Jones asks tentatively. Shadowfur crosses his arms. "I may be a criminal, but I ain't no rat." Startripper says, "Yes, in fact, you're eaten enough. The rats wouldn't accept you" Fulton smiles. "Delightful." He stands up. "I have a plan. Brightclaw and Sharpeye come with me. They'll be tied up with easy-to-rif off ropes. We go the place where Longsnout is, shoot him dead, kill everyone." He shrugs. "I do my best to run away and you can die for yer planet." Sharpeye nods to himself. "Okay, good. We'll set up a broadcast in a few minutes. Sharpeye out." He makes a flickering motion with his fingers. Brightclaw shakes his head. 'Longsnout will be on his guard for us now.' Shadowfur rolls his eyes at Tripper Startripper says, "He always was." Brightclaw nods. 'Even more so now.' Startripper says, "Longsnout was ready to slaughter us form the beginning. That message was proof enough of that. Well, at least you and the Captain" Fulton glances at Jones. "When in my presence, you will not speak her name, or I will make you regret, yes?" He smiles sweetly. "No, I didn't. I'll be outside. Let me know when you have a new plan." He moves for the door. Sharpeye growls. "He killed an entire damned village, Trip. Of course he wouldn't hesitate to kill us." Brightclaw approaches Fulton. 'Mr. Fulton, you wouldn't happen to have any reason to let word of our plan slip, would you?' Startripper says, "Didn't I just say that?" Jones blinks, then tilts her head. "Of course not." Fulton turns to face Bc. "I want my fucken money." He says, shrugging. "I don't know much about this, but has it occured to you that maybe this Garunth fellow was working for the senate, and setted you up?" Shadowfur says, "Told ya we shoulda never trusted a lizard" Brightclaw shakes his head. 'Not likely. He wouldn't have provided the papers in that case. Longsnout may be good, but he's not likely to have invited trouble like that.' Startripper says, "How did we get the information?" Sharpeye frowns. "I didn't get the papers from Garunth." Poe arrives from Corridor . Brightclaw shrugs and lets out a breath. 'Sorry to have doubted you.' His eyes flick over to Jones quickly, and then away with a quirk of his maw. 'All right, we'll contact you when ready. We must move fast.' Fulton shrugs. "In that case, someone in this room is the leak, or was stupid enough to pass the info onto the wrong person." The intercom crackles: "Altheor's teeth! Commander!" Brightclaw nods. Poe walks in. Fulton glances at the speakers. Startripper says, "Like I said, where did we get the information? Could it have been from Longsnout?" Brightclaw waves a paw at Poe. Sharpeye flicks his fingers. "What is it?" "But Grayback did get papers from Gar.." Jones breaks off as the speakers sound. Brightclaw glances up at the speaker. Shadowfur guhs. "NOW what..." The voice on the intercom speaks: "Sir...I just did an internal scan of the Heart of Gold. Sir...we're crawlin' with bugs." Brightclaw groans. Sharpeye growls. "*What* did you say?" The comm officer continues: "Bugs, Commander. Monitoring devices. Set up throughout the ship. There's a centralized transmitter hidden under the wine decanter, sir...it's going to a relay bound for the monitoring station in Alhira, if my guess is right." Startripper says, "Altheor-fucking-damnit! Longsnout, if you can hear me you little prick, I'll rip yours tail out of your backside from the front!" Sharpeye curses fluently for a good fifteen seconds in more than twenty languages. Sharpeye heads into Corridor . Brightclaw holds up a paw for silence and checks the wine decanter. "There you have it folks." Fulton says, quietly moving out. Sharpeye orders a dampening field charged throughout the ship, and moves the discussion to engineering… Engineering The only room not immaculately clean, the engineering area of the ship smells of the acrid smoke of half-burned cables and the grease stored here. The more advanced control panels are sectioned off, while ensigns struggle to keep the area pure from the irate mechanical crew's clutter and dirt. Startripper punches what must obviously be a bug. It falls to the ground, broken. Sharpeye points to the head engineering duty officer and the man standing next to him. "You and you, come with me. Bring toolkits." Fulton sighs. "I'll be on my ship. Do let me know when something is to be done." Once more, he heads out. Fulton heads into Corridor . Startripper says, "Shadowfur, where do you think they would hide a bug?" Sharpeye mutters. "When could they have put bugs on this... unless. Damnit. The asteroid." Poe stands by, watching things quietly. Snowmist frowns slightly. "Rather than bothering trying to make sure the ship is clean, why don't we just move somewhere else?" Brightclaw says, "Frag the bugs. Got to move. Yes, I agree. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Poe." Shadowfur nods. "Easier than playing bug hunt all night." Sharpeye frowns. "And where do you suppose we go that you know is *not* bugged? We take out the transmitter, and we're okay." Snowmist shrugs. "I dunno why they bothered with bugs in the first place. If they could plant bugs on the ship, why not just grab you all up?" Sharpeye hmms. "Good question." Startripper says, "The asteroid? You think that Eaton, the guy who was working with Nalls, wroked iwth the Senate? This is poor timing, but didn't I say there was a connection?" Brightclaw nods. 'Gads. Useless speculation. Keep the dampening field on, squash the transmission, we talk now, even with the bugs.' Shadowfur rubs his head. "This is fine kettle of Centauran fish.." Snowmist glances at Star. "That long ago? I would think you'd made a sweep at least once in the interim. So what're we gonna do? Are all plans on hold now?" Poe says, "Let's take my ship." Brightclaw turns to Poe, a slow smile spreading on his face. "Wonderful.." Startripper looks to Mist, "Nobody believed me. Couldn't get anyone to let me use the ship to sweep." Startripper looks to Poe, "Did I tell you you're my favorite person at the moment?" Jones arrives from Corridor . Snowmist tilts her head. "Odd. I'd think it would be standard practice to do one periodically. Well, obviously, that'll haveta change now." Poe grins and gestures towards the door. "Let's go then." Sharpeye says, "Wait." Startripper says, "For what purpose?" Jones looks to Snowmist and then Brightclaw. "Go where?" She asks. Startripper says, "It's all or nothing now." Startripper turns to Jones, "Poe has volunteered his ship." Sharpeye frowns. "Just what does anyone propose we do right now? We go to Demaria at the moment, there is nothing we can do. The only solution right now is to do a broadcast and convince everyone of what Longsnout is. I know I can do it. But there will be a big division of sides. It seems now that there is no way to avoid bloodshed." Shadowfur says, "That's an understatement.." Startripper says, "We will die in the name of Demaria." Brightclaw snorts. 'Exactly. We will have civil war. I don't know about that Commander. I remember the last time you went head to head with Longsnout. No offense, there's no finer military mind in the galaxy, but politicking?' Jones says, "Can you get...Ringtail? As a witness for your side of things? Can you supply proof that the transmissions were unforged?" Snowmist snorts at Star's declaration. "You think like that and you will." Sharpeye glances at Brightclaw. "There is a wide gap between playing word games in politics, and showing people the truth and getting them to believe it." Shadowfur says, "Yeah, I big gap almost impossible to bridge" Startripper says, "Just in case. I hate being wrong, but I think I'll be able to deal with it this time. I think Jones might have an idea. Do you think Master Ringtail would be the witness?" Brightclaw shrugs. 'Have a go, Commander. But if you call for people to rise up against Longsnout, we will have the blood on our own hands." Brightclaw glances to Jones and Star. 'Question being, can we find the coot in such a short time now.' Sharpeye shrugs. "Ringtail will do good only to convince the Militia." Startripper says, "Didn't you say that the militia was the important one? That the people would learn soon enough?" Brightclaw nods. 'Well, I agree with Star. Definitely a major stumbling block for us right now.' Startripper says, "As far as finding the old coot, I'm suprized he hasn't foudn us yet." Brightclaw puts his head in his paws and sinks down to sit at a console chair. 'Frag it. He's jumped our move. The only other option might be to draw him out somehow, get him to confess unwittingly...' Startripper says, "And get the story to a reporter who can get it to everyone in the galaxy?" Sharpeye nods. "And that would take months. In that time, Longsnout would consolidate his power, and there would be no hope of getting rid of him without major loss of life." Brightclaw growls. 'He's right. Time, time.' Snowmist hops onto the edge of a console, sitting cross legged as she waits for them to hash it out. Shadowfur says, "We don't have the time to take time..." Brightclaw snorts at Shadowfur. 'Gads, man, you can say the strangest things... but you're right.' Jones shakes her head, "All subtlety has been blown out of the water. You don't have the option to skulk anymore. If you do that, you turn yourselves in to terrorists." Jones gestures and falls silent. Sharpeye frowns. "What do you want me to do? Take it to the Consortium Council? Then we'd *really* be making sure nothing happens at all." Brightclaw says, "So what's our other option, Miss Jones? Sharpeye can talk himself blue in the face debating Longsnout, we can hunt Ringtail down while our people die? Longsnout. He's the one. If we could get him." Sharpeye hmms. "I suppose, if we got the consortium to issue an official arrest warrant for Longsnout..." Startripper says, "Not happening. Demaria has representation in the council." Vampire arrives from Corridor . 'True. Whiptail. I wonder though, it would give us more credibility...' BC gestures around the room. 'We're all on the hotlist on Demaria. If any of us show up there it's shoot first and ask questions later.' Vampire whirs into engineering. "It all hangs on one thing. Did he and the others conspire with Fagin? You go in and kill him, and you make him a martyr. Nothing has been proven. You get proof, you get power." Jones offers. "And no one will die while you are hunting Ringtail. Will they? In fact, I would issue a statement from you all right now. Now. Saying this is what has happened.. This is what we know. Give us a chance and we'll prove it." Snowmist glances up at the sound of a hoverchair, and immediately brightens. "Vamp!" Brightclaw glances at Vampire as he enters, raising a brow. Vampire arches a hairless brow. "Prove what? Oh, that blowhard's little speech has you worried, does it?" Startripper says, "The problem here is that there will be no sfety anywhere in the known galaxy for us now. Longsnout knows we're a threat. We could find Ringtail, but it would not be easy, and there would be no safe haven for us." Startripper notices Vampire enter. Jones looks over to Vampire and blinks at his appearance. Curiosity crosses her face. Poe stands back, watching the whole exchange. Brightclaw nods. 'Only in that he's jumped our first move. Brightclaw.' Vampire smirks crookedly, sitting atop his hoverchair. "Well, he's trying a pre-emptive strike, sure - but I'm a part of Garunth's little Circle you mighta heard something about. I can verify that document." Sharpeye nods. "But what does your word count for with the Demarian people?" Brightclaw nods. 'Truth.' Vampire chuckles. "I wager they might believe me before they believe a bunch of alleged renegades. What do I have to gain or lose from lying?" Startripper says, "He's got a point" Jones nods in agreement. Startripper says, "They would believe him" Brightclaw lowers his head a bit, staring hard at the monitors in front of him. 'Well... true enough. Possibly, Star, possibly. And if they do? What, we have an uprising of Demarians against Longsnout's loyal faction?' Sharpeye nods. "That still doesn't solve it all the way. Longsnout will still have people that believe him. He has the opportunity to cause much destruction." Startripper says, "He always will. He has a cult of loyalists." Brightclaw says, "But without Longsnout, the faction doesn't move." Vampire whistles as he crosses his arms. Sharpeye says, "Darkmane too, don't forget. How do you propose we take him out of the picture?" Brightclaw says, "Fine! Then we find a way to pin both of them down while this - fellow here - makes his broadcast announcement." Sharpeye hmms. "Wait a sec...." Vampire arches his hairless brows. "Oh, I'm not much of a speechmaker, friend. No, I'll leave that to the amateur politicians. But I can verify the data." Sharpeye says, "Just a little while back, we went to Demaria. We met with Longsnout. He could have had me captured." Brightclaw nods, sitting a little straighter, thwacking the console base with his tail in a 2-3 rhythm. Sharpeye says, "He didn't." Startripper says, "Meaning what? Perhaps that he couldn't? That you have a fan following as well?" Brightclaw chuckles. Vampire glances toward Jones, pondering something. Sharpeye adds, "And... he seems to be more interested in Brightclaw than myself. Any ideas why that is?" Jones apparently finds Vampire rather interesting. She looks back at him, a lot of questions in her expression. The gaunt human glances back toward Sharpeye. "Get to Demaria. Land in the old Velvet Claw landing pad." Brightclaw raises a brow at the human. Sharpeye quirks an eyebrow. "Why?" Shadowfur says, "Huh?" Startripper says, "Like I said, maybe you're too high risk? Perhaps he's more important according to Longsnout's information? Perhaps you have an idea, Captain?" Sharpeye shakes his head at Startripper. "If Longsnout let me go, he has a very good and very specific reason. Not just because I'm 'high risk'." Vampire shrugs. "For one thing, they won't be looking for you there..." Startripper says, "We can get past the security in Poe's ship." Sharpeye nods. "But what do you want us to do once we get there? Just waltz around, make a few calls, and ask to see Longsnout?" Brightclaw nods. 'And do what? Take pictures on Demaria? Confront Longsnout head on?' Vampire smirks. "And if you send some humanish type who doesn't have an agenda either way to act as a mediary with old Longsnout, that might help set up a tet a tet, yes?" Startripper says, "Perhaps walk down the street in your cloak again? Pretend to be among the Furless?" Jones smiles and nods, "Public opinion is pretty powerful. You have to fight back with it." Brightclaw says, "Unless he confesses his sins, of course." Sharpeye nods. "Which he won't." Startripper says, "Well, if we don't try we accomplish nothing. Damnit, Captain, you never take risks. If it's not a sure thing, you don't touch. There is not sure thing with this! We've gotta try to get to him and pick up the plan from that point." Brightclaw swivels to Star. 'It's Commander, Star. And he's right to try and get a plan formed. Otherwise we're just playing into his hands.' Brightclaw stands to place a paw on Star's shoulder and speaks in his ear. Brightclaw whispers, "Not in front of these humans, Star." Vampire chuckles. "Friends - with the media on your side...look...if you were guilty, why would you go back into the lion's den? Pardon the pun." "Maybe this isn't something that can be done in one night. If we go and get Mr..?" Jones looks to Vampire, having no name for him "..Get him on the record saying the transmissions are legitimate...You at least have questions planted. You have a start. You have a foothold where as now, you have nothing." Startripper whispers, "Why not? They are a part of this too." to Brightclaw. Shadowfur rubs his head. "I hate all this thinking. Makes my brain hurt." Brightclaw nods. 'We're going to need to find a clean politician to replace Longsnout and deliver that message. Ah, -' looks at Vampire '-sir, I don't know if there's a problem with going back there, or risking our lives. The question is the /how/ of it. We need to have at least a rough idea of what we're going to do when we get there.' Brightclaw snorts at Fur. Vampire interlaces his fingers. "Look, park on the landing pad at Velvet Claw. Send out your media rep here. Keep her close. Take a ship they won't necessarily recognize, of course, so you actually GET to land. Force a standoff. I'll vouch for the data." Snowmist tilts her head. "Y'gonna be coming with us then, Vamp?" "What standoff?" Sharpeye asks. "Longsnout stated that they would shoot us on sight if we showed up. They can just blast us from orbit, and no one will ask any questions of it." Brightclaw says, "Actually, with Poe's ship they may not do so." Vampire nods to Snowmist. "Sure, why the hell not?" Snowmist grins. "Why not indeed." Startripper says, "Then we broadcast first, get as many of the population on our side as posible, then we are safer to land than before, because not everyone will believe Longsnout. We then egt more with Vampire's testimate." Shadowfur hehes. "Nothing to lose, right?" Brightclaw skritches his head. 'No Star, we don't play our hand early again.' Sharpeye hmms. "True. It would make them look *very* bad if they killed a Consortium civilian who has nothing to do with this." Brightclaw says, "He /would/ blow Poe's ship out of orbit first and ask questions later." Sharpeye says, "So they wouldn't fire." Startripper says, "We have to anyway. Don't we have to play it then have Vampire say, 'Yes, that was real, folks.'?" "Not if they are under a camera." Jones says quietly, simply. Startripper says, "She's right, not under camera, especially live broadcast." Brightclaw nods. 'But we want to live until the meeting. - 'Oh, we're sorry a rocket accidentally hit their ship Snowmist chuckles. "A reporter is curious about the docs Longsnout's denouncing and brings along a civillian consultant for verification. They just happen to hitch a ride with us." Brightclaw says, "Or we with them..." Sharpeye nods. "Yes, we have other people to back up our claims. Longsnout has no one to defend himself but his words and a lot of guns." Vampire sighs. "Well, if you want to just give up, give up." He throws up his hands. "Let the Consortium Council handle it in their own sweet time." Poe glances around the room. "It's going to be a tight squeeze onto my ship." Sharpeye looks at Vampire. "This will all depend on us staying online on the communications networks. Can you manage that?" Vampire shrugs. "Between me and your furry compadres, I suspect we'll manage." Sharpeye nods. "Good. Then it is settled. We go." Startripper purrs audibly. Snowmist tilts an ear toward Sharpeye. "Shall I notify Sha and have her monitor the comm nets too?" Brightclaw nods. 'Could use Fulton to testify live that he had been hired by Longsnout?' Jones brushes unruly hair from her face. Vampire smirks. "Whatever you want, toots." Sharpeye shakes his head at Brightclaw. "No point. They had a bounty out for us, remember." Sharpeye nods to Snowmist. "If you are sure the line is secure." Brightclaw chuckles. 'Madness. Well, at least it's action. I'll go get armed.' Startripper says, "We can't be sure anymore." Brightclaw says, "Mr. Poe, how many can fit aboard?" Snowmist raises an eyebrow, but can't help grinning at Vampire's choice of monikers and nods to Sharpeye. Sharpeye rubs his chin. "I want to get a secure line to Gravelspeak on the Paw's End. He might be able to stall anyone from shooting us down for a couple minutes if things go to hell." Poe glances around. "I can get all of you on I believe. But you won't have a lot of leg room Jones laughs, "Leg room, I am not worried about." She says lightly. Brightclaw glances down at Vampire's leg, frowning a little. 'Mm.' Vampire waggles the one stump. "I can do without." Startripper says, "I just need a little tail room, and not too much at that." Sharpeye nods. "Come on. Let's get our gear. Oh, Mr. Poe... the name of your ship?" Brightclaw clanks out, mumbling about winging it. Poe says, "The Raven" They transfer to the Raven… Cabin You've entered a room that is carpeted with plush white carpet. Leather chairs sit in a few rows at the front of the cabin, and towards the back tables are setup. One of the tables are setup to be a bar it seems, different drinks sit on the table, and glasses are hung on the cieling above. Large windows show off the space outside the ship, the stars fly by slowly, unless the ship is in OtherSpace, which makes the stars look like one big blurry streak. A holo-vid is setup at the back corner of the room, and plays the programs that just happen to be on. A large containment contains sits by the seats at the front, and is obviously for another race to be "seated" in. A large hatch marks the exit of the ship to the back of the room, and opposite the hatch is a large doorway with a metal sliding door. On the center of the door is a gold plate which marks, "Cockpit" Brightclaw grins at Jones. 'Have your camera gear with you, I hope, Miss Jones?' Startripper says, "Nice ship." "Always, Mr. Starmark." Jones smiles, and moves over to Vampire. "I don't believe I caught your name, Sir? I'm Dae'sa Jones and you...?" Poe says, "Thanks." Sharpeye enters through the hatch of the ship. Snowmist enters through the hatch of the ship. Brightclaw pads across the white carpet, unaware of the rather black footprints his boots are laying down. He sets his duffel against a wall, and sits against it on the floor, checking his weapons. Poe glances around. "Everyone here?" Brightclaw says, "No." Sharpeye says, "Where is Fulton?" Brightclaw says, "We're missing Mr. Fulton." Snowmist quirks an eyebrow. "He's still sittin' on the Lil's ramp. Y'want me t'fetch him?" Brightclaw nods. Snowmist disembarks from the ship. "Now, the question," Sharpeye says. "Do we broadcast before or after we land?" Vampire arches his hairless brows. "After, I would think." Brightclaw nods. 'I agree.' Sharpeye nods. "All right." Brightclaw slams a battery clip home into his pulse pistol and tucks it in his boot. Snowmist enters through the hatch of the ship. Sharpeye heads into Cockpit . Shadowfur enters through the hatch of the ship. Snowmist shrugs. "Doesn't seem like he's comin'." Startripper says, "We don't need him anymore." Sharpeye arrives from Cockpit . Brightclaw hangs the shock grenades on his belt. 'All right. Let's move, then.' Fulton enters through the hatch of the ship. Startripper says, "Mr. Fulton? I had heard you weren't coming?" Sharpeye heads into Cockpit . Fulton heads into Cockpit . You feel a sudden lift as the The Raven glides forth from the docking bay. Fulton arrives from Cockpit . Snowmist heads into Cockpit . Jones takes out her camera and begins checking it over, just to be sure. Fulton walks back out of the cockpit, shruggin. "Be warned. I /will/ kill Longsnout." He states. You feel a sudden jerk as the ship speeds up. Startripper pops an energy pack into him rifles and pistol, tucking them into the holsters under his coat. Brightclaw braces a boot against a bolted table leg as the ship accelerates. Jones looks up, "You can't do that. Not yet at least. Not unprovoked." Shadowfur adjusts his longcoat slightly, so his weapons stay hidden beneath it Startripper says, "Just let me say something to him first, Fulton. I have a verbal score to settle. I'm sure you can respect that." "When you have all your stuff settled with him, of course. Once yer clean and he's up for trial, I'll kill him." Fulton replies, quite matter-of-factly. Startripper says, "That's all I ask." Brightclaw nods. 'Fine with me. Why the vendetta?' The ship roars and lurches as it enters OtherSpace. Jones looks faintly disturbed by this, but says nothing. Fulton smiles, "He's stained with Fagin's repulsive stench." Brightclaw grins. The ship reverberates slightly as it speeds through Otherspace. Startripper says, "He has a stench all his own, I assure you." Startripper thinks about his father Fulton glances at Bc, "Do you think I'd still be able to get my petition? More as a favor, this time, of course." The ship reverberates slightly as it speeds through Otherspace. Jones thumps the side of the camera. A slight hum as it comes on, and she pans the room, practicing a little. Brightclaw pulls out a locket of fur from his pocket, tied with ribbon, and fingers it absently. 'If I have a say so, Mr. Fulton, of course. Remember that Fagin was responsible for the Pansheera killings.' You feel the ship begin to slow. "Good, then." Fulton grins, folding his arms. "Very good." Startripper says, "And dozens of other killings. All of them, Fagin, Longsnout, Darkmane, have killed for their power. Now they must pay the balance." The ship shudders as it drops out of OtherSpace. Brightclaw tucks the locket away and kneels to disassemble the pulse rifle. Clk, clak, shk, clk clk... 'Star, you always suprise me with that savage streak.' He chuckles. Startripper says, "Me too... me too." Fulton nods at Star, "Very well said, Mr... Stripper, was it?" Startripper says, "Startripper, Mr. Fullon." Jones chuckles. Brightclaw takes out a polishing cloth, inspecting each piece and cleans it, reassembling it again. He snorts at the exchange. Fulton smiles, "Ah, of course." Brightclaw looks at Vampire curiously. 'What is your name, friend? And why /are/ you helping us? The ship roars and lurches as it enters OtherSpace. The ship shudders as it drops out of OtherSpace. Startripper says, "Leave it to Brightclaw to ask the probing questions" Shadowfur says, "It's help, Claw, don't object.." Fulton glances at Vampire, but addresses Bc, "Watch it. He bites." Vampire smirks. "I'm Vampire. And I'm helping you first of all because I love a man in fur...and second, because yer friend Misty is a friend of my friend N'Sha-El's, so...I do it out of friendship." Fulton hehs. Startripper says, "As roundabout as that explaination is, thank you." Brightclaw grins. 'Well, our thanks, Mr. Vampire. Not a bad speech for a skin-man.' The ship roars and lurches as it enters OtherSpace. The ship shudders as it drops out of OtherSpace. Startripper says, "Adjustment jumps, or docking jumps, do you think?" Brightclaw finishes with the rifle assembly, and hangs the strap on his shoulder, powering it to standby. "Adjustment." Startripper says, "Figured as much, but one can always hope." Brightclaw sights across the room with the rifle... of course Jones is there... Startripper pulls the comb from the hidden holster compartment and begins some fur grooming. Jones smiles faintly, and focuses the camera in on Brightclaw as he 'aims' at her. You feel the ship begin to slow. Brightclaw spots Jones' camera in his sights, and snorts. 'Miss Jones, I believe you win.' You feel a slight force as the ship glides to a halt ... The ship shudders as the drop rockets engage and the ship begins its descent. Startripper says, "Are we ready?" Vampire braces himself as the ship descends. Jones laughs, "See? If you won't fire with a camera on you..." Brightclaw re-shoulders the rifle, shaking his head a bit with a smile, and stands, making his way toward the hatch. 'I am the least of your worries, Miss Jones.' Startripper puts the comb away and says, "To put it in the words of a human poet, 'From this point forth, my thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!' The landing struts thump against the surface. Brightclaw says, "So... the moment of truth is upon us." "What is the new plan, anyway?" Fulton asks. Brightclaw mutters 'Altheor protect us. And our people.' Jones frowns. Brightclaw grins. 'We're about to find out, I believe! Our good friend Jones wants an interview with Longsnout, is all I know... Vampire here will verify the docs in a live broadcast.' Vampire arches his brows. "Are there natives with pitchforks and torches outside?" Brightclaw laughs. 'Pitchforks... How backwards do you think we are, man?!' Fulton snorts and pulls out his rifle. "Will I need this?" Shadowfur rolls his eyes. Startripper says, "Most likely." Brightclaw nods. 'Definitely a good idea.' Vampire shrugs. "Just wondering if the landing was...kept quiet, as I advertised." Fulton asks, "Do I shoot at random Demarians, then? We'll make a game out of it. See who kills the most?" Brightclaw shakes his head. 'No. We shoot back if it comes to it, but we're going with the peace route first.' Startripper says, "Maybe that's not a good idea. A good guide: if they shoot at you, shoot back." Fulton nods, "Sounds good enough." He hangs the rifle from his back. Brightclaw says, "I want 2 ops on the outside though. Can we get Mist and Fur working stealth from the outside to be our eyes and ears for ambush attempts?" Vampire grumbles. "Do this right, you can win without a shot fired." Sharpeye arrives from Cockpit . Snowmist arrives from Cockpit . Jones nods, "You fire a shot and you have probably lost." She says. Startripper says, "Right. And Who goes to see Longsnout?" "There will be one shot, at least." Fulton states, glancing at Vamp. Shadowfur says, "We hope without a shot fired..." Brightclaw nods. 'We can't hope to overpower them. Escape, possibly.' Vampire glances toward Jones. "The neutral party, I expect, should visit the Senator." Snowmist nods to the others. "Sha's on standby. Anytime you're ready." Sharpeye steps out of the hatch from the cockpit. "We're here. The Velvet Claw private pads on Demaria." Startripper says, "That makes the most sense, but I doubt its happening." Shadowfur raises a brow. "And the rest of us?" "Where would the Senator be? And who is coming with me?" Jones asks. Vampire chuckles. "I'd put my money on him hiding out in the Imperial Center." Startripper says, "I'm not taking that bet. He's there alright, and most likely on one of the upper levels" Shadowfur says, "Surrounded by twenty armed bodyguards" Brightclaw nods curtly. 'Let's do it then. Mist and Fur, can you fade and keep com with us? Be eyes and ears for ambush?' Startripper says, "Twenty? That's on a normal day. I'd say fourty is closer." Vampire glances back toward Jones. "Sharpeye should go with you, I think." Shadowfur nods. "We can do that. Right Misty?" Snowmist glances toward Shadowfur. "Sure thing." Startripper turns to Brightclaw, "I'm not missing out on this. What's my job?" Sharpeye nods. "Except for one little thing. I already have an official bounty and death warrant over my head. They can shoot me on camera if they want." Vampire smiles tightly at Sharpeye. "And a guilty man would be an idiot - or truly innocent - to take that risk." Brightclaw grins. 'All right. As much as I hate being out of the action, we need men to watch the ship and protect Vamp. Star, why don't you accompany Miss Jones if you're so eager to be on the front line. Just keep that gun and temper in check.' Startripper says, "Thank you, my friend." "So we get him to talk on camera. Double talk that we can't pin down...then?" Jones says. "Come back here to get Mr. Vampire's testimony on the record?" Brightclaw nods. 'Not sure I'm doing you a favor.' Sharpeye nods. "Very true. Brightclaw, if they gun me down, you make sure you turn this situation around and have it come out with their heads on a pike." Vampire ponders. "Do you have the documentation *with* you?" Sharpeye nods. "I do." Shadowfur hehs, idly shifting his stunstick so it's hidden up a sleeve and can easily be pulled out if he must Brightclaw nods. 'You got it Commander. One way or the other.' Startripper puts the guns in the holster, but doesn't lock them in. Shadowfur mock-salutes. "We'll be sure to avenge you in a nice, violent, bloody manner." Vampire smiles. "Fine. Stay on camera the entire time." He furrows his brow. "Another video feed from this ship in standby mode to pipe in to Ms. Jones' camera would be ideal - I could pipe in from here." Brightclaw says, "When do we do your testimony, Mr. Vampire?" Fulton hehs, "Well, can we move already?" Snowmist taps her collar, where supposedly she's keeping some sort of transmitter. "When should I give Sha the signal? Soon as the cameras start rolling?" Brightclaw winces, as he was putting a headset on. "Mist, easy on that mic." Fulton taps his foot impatiently, arms folded. Startripper puts his transmitter on as well, just so there is an audio record and another recording device. Vampire grimaces, glancing toward Brightclaw. "Look...how many of you were in the militia before?" Brightclaw tilts his head. 'Well, the Commander and I, basically.' Shadowfur says, "My parents where militery folks, if that counts for anything" Startripper says, "I know how to use guns and swords, and I can speak reletively well, but that's abotu it." Snowmist folds her arms and grins. "My only brush with military is when they're chasin' me." Brightclaw winks at Mist. Vampire shrugs. "Ok. Look...leave me and Poe Haldon here with the Raven. The rest of you go - unarmed - to the imperial center." Snowmist snorts at Brightclaw's attempt to make her statement into a double entendre. Brightclaw frowns a little. 'All right. But get the hell out of here if there's any sort of trouble. We're toast if something starts, anyhow." Brightclaw unclips his various weaponry. Shadowfur flicks a whisker. "You're all sooo encouraging..." Fulton raises an eyebrow, "Unarmed? Gah." He drops his damn rifle. Startripper says, "Alright, Fur, we'll lie to you if you like." Vampire glances toward Fulton. "You wanna go in looking like you've got everything to lose for doing it. If they kill you, well, the pity for them." Fulton says, "Well, I guess I can always use my hands. But then again, Longsnout could probably beat the shit out of me." Brightclaw skritches at himself. 'Mmr. Feel naked.' Startripper looks at his freshly sharpened claws, "These'll do." Shadowfur blinks. "Unarmed?..." Jones frowns, "I have a gun buried in my backpack...I suppose.." She moves to dig around in the contents of said pack. Brightclaw sighs. 'I'd rather have mist and fur on the outside, if you can move stealthily enough. Keep the weapons in that case." Vampire growls. "NO guns!" Shadowfur says, "I've spent most my life being stealthy Claw. This should be a cinch" Startripper says, "You have everything in the damn pack of yours, Miss Jones." Vampire glances toward Jones. "They're going to search you all. Get caught with a gun, they'll call you an assassin." Brightclaw says, "If they can be hidden enough..." Snowmist shrugs. "With the militia here, do you really think a gun would make much diff against them?" Jones smiles, "Mr. Startripper, I have my life in this pack." She says lightly. Jones takes the gun and sets it down. Startripper takes off the holster, so he's just got the relatively normal looking black clothing on. Fulton walks over to Bc and whispers. Brightclaw nods. 'I suppose you're right. Gives them reason to doubt us if you two get captured with weapons. All right. Do it.' Motions to the pile of arms. Startripper says, "Good way to live, if you like moving." Fulton whispers to Brightclaw. Shadowfur blinks. "Everything??" Snowmist smirks at Shadowfur. "What, Sharky, can't make do with what nature gave y'?" Brightclaw says, "You can still be eyes and ears, though, you two. /Everything/, come, time is wasting." Sharpeye nods. "Everyone, leave your weapons here." Startripper says, "Wait!" Shadowfur snorts. "No. I'm afraid of the unnatural those guards are gonna be packing," he replies sarcastically as he pulls the stunstaff out of his sleeve Startripper dives quickly into the piles and grabs the comb out of the secret compartment in the holster and puts it in his pocket. Snowmist rolls her eyes at Star's actions. Fulton eyes Brightclaw coldly. "I am dead serious about what I just asked you. I expect an answer. Yes, or no?" Startripper says, "What? I'm going to be broadcast to millions of viewers. Shouldn't I be able to look good?" Sharpeye frowns. "Yes or no what?" Snowmist chuckles. "I suppose..." Brightclaw whispers to Fulton. Shadowfur holds out his pistol. "This too?" Fulton whispers to Brightclaw. Brightclaw frowns slightly. Snowmist sighs, tweaking one of Shadowfur's whiskers. "*Everything*." Brightclaw whispers to Fulton. Brightclaw winks at Fulton. Fulton whispers to Brightclaw. Startripper says, "Even the stuff you took from other people, Fur." Snowmist chuckles. Shadowfur yelps at the tweek, and drops it in the pile. Brightclaw pauses a moment, glancing at Fulton. 'Hm. I must think on it.' Brightclaw whispers to Fulton. Fulton nods, "Delightful, then." He glances at the group. "Well, I'm ready." Vampire opens the hood of his hoverchair and starts pulling out electronic cables and hookups. Sharpeye whispers to Brightclaw. Shadowfur grumbles, digging his fingerless gloves out of a pocket so he at least has his claws Startripper says, "Same here. If I don't make it, you guys have been well worth it. For Demaria, but for you guys more." Brightclaw frowns. 'I have a bad feeling about being weaponless.' Startripper says, "You're a Demarian. Look at your hands and tell me you ahve no weapons" Brightclaw sighs. 'Going into the lion's den. Against rifles? Not much good.' Sharpeye shrugs. "Just think of it this way. If they shoot us down, it is all over for them." Brightclaw shakes his head. 'It's been a full life. Let's go then. Start recording now?' Snowmist shrugs her shoulders uncomfortably, glancing toward Sharpeye in concern. Vampire twists his mouth, pondering his electronic wiring. "Good luck," he says, rather distractedly. Jones shakes her head, "Let's wait until we get to the chambers. Better that way." Jones says, smiling. Snowmist nods and looks toward Shadowfur. "Shall we slip off first?" Brightclaw nods. 'Do it. Luck.' Shadowfur nods. "Let's get this over with." Startripper combs his fur, possibly for the last time, and takes a deep breath. Snowmist gives a jaunty salute before leaving. Snowmist disembarks to the surface. Startripper says, "Hey, I'll see you guys in a bit, on our free world" Brightclaw says, "Fur? Keeping Mist company?" Shadowfur disembarks to the surface. Brightclaw says, "Well, ladies and Demarians?" Brightclaw nods to Vampire. 'Our thanks. Please don't let us hang out there...' "After you, Mr. Starmark?" Jones says. Brightclaw says, "No, I insist, Miss Jones." Brightclaw smiles and waves her ahead. Startripper throws his hands in the, "I'll go first." You disembark to the surface. VCI Private Pad A large, lettered circle of heat-radiating tiles sits in the center of this conrete field. The reflective letters emblazoned onto the tile circle read, "VCI." A huge warehouse can be seen accross the field to the east, it's gigantic bay doors open, revealing it's purpose as a ship yard. A road leads off north; a facility can be seen there, three buildings and some open fields. The southbound road leads off to a paved circle in the distance, beyond that waving fields of crops are visible, as well as one dreary concrete building. To the west stands another warehouse, this time smaller. Several ships can be seen parked inside. Sharpeye exits from the The Raven. Jones exits from the The Raven. Brightclaw exits from the The Raven. Startripper says, "You're lucky I'm around to settle disputes" Sharpeye quirks his lips. "Okay, anyone know which way we go?" Shadowfur pulls his near-black longcoat tight around him, and keeps low opposite of Snowmist. He's pretty much at home doing this, slipping into the shadows just like one of them Fulton exits from the The Raven. Jones looks around, camera held at the ready. Brightclaw grins in the low light of night. His eyes scan the darkness, and he nods, satisfied, not finding Mist or Fur. 'Let me see here...' The group wanders from the private landing pad, then walks through town to Alrathir Road, home to the Imperial Center… Militia warriors stand along the road, armed with assault pulse rifles. They begin to mutter in amazement at the sight of the group emerging from Malderney Street. "Halt!" a watch sergeant, a calico-furred Demarian shouts. Fulton arrives from Malderney Street . Shadowfur arrives from Malderney Street . Brightclaw focuses in on Fangstreak. 'Gads,' he mutters. Brightclaw mutters to Jones 'Now.' Jones brings her camera up, begining the broadcast. Fangstreak is standing outside the Imperial Center, ears pricked forward, whiskers twitching. The warriors aim their weapons at the group. Shadowfur keeps his distance from the ground as he sneaks long, doing the stealth thing Brightclaw glances to Sharpeye. "We wish to speak with Senator Longsnout," Sharpeye announces, standing up to his full height. Snowmist immediately stills, remaining toward the back and off to the side. Her demeanor grows relaxed and even bored, dissociating herself from the group and making her appear more a casual observer as she walks slowly about the edge of the road. "I'm Dae'sa Jones, with CBN." Jones says smoothly, "Here to interview and report on the meeting. If you'd let us through? I can get your interviews later.." The watch sergeant narrows his green eyes and stomps toward Sharpeye, aiming his pulse assault rifle at the ex-battleclaw. "That right? Well, exile, I know he sure wants to see you. Dead." He growls. "Give me one good reason we shouldn't shoot you traitors dead right here and now?" Brightclaw whispers barely audibly to the group. 'Watch that one.' Nods to Fangstreak, tail twitching. 'She knew about us. 10-to-1 she was the one that gave us up to Longsnout.' Sharpeye quirks an eyebrow. "Because we are not the traitors here. Longsnout is," Sharpeye says calmly. "And we have verifiable evidence to prove this." Fangstreak pushes herself from the pillar she's been leaning against, baring some rather unpleasant fangs at the watch sergeant. Without a word, she moves a little to the side of the entrance to the Imperial Center, amber eyes flicking over the sudden influx of people. Her tail flicks as she mrowls out, languidly, "The Consortium Council will hear of this obstruction of justice if you shoot these people, sergeant. Now, let them in." Startripper says, "Besides, are you sure you want to do that? You're live." Shadowfur stops and keeps low, watching intently, away from the confrontation. And wondering just how crazy we all for trying this... The watch sergeant suddenly notices the camera for the first time. At first, he preens himself...then he becomes aware of the ramifications and growls, especially after hearing Fangstreak's outburst. "Fine." He snarls at his underlings. "Search them all. Find one weapon, even a nail file, shoot them." Brightclaw flicks his eyes to the militia soldiers, some of whom he seems to recognize. A frown grows on his face. Snowmist unobtrusively fingers her collar, continuing to walk along as if disinterested and keeping only a languid eye toward the happenings in the middle of the road. Militia soldiers move forward to begin searching Sharpeye and his companions. The watch sergeant looks toward Snowmist and shouts, "Stop right there or be shot!" Sharpeye lifts his arms and allows the soldiers to run their weapons scanners over the side of his body. Brightclaw growls low as he is searched. Startripper takes an extra comb out of his pocket and hands it to the watch sergeant, "Here, this will help a little more. You are being seen by millions of sentients right now." Raises his arms for a weapons scan. Fulton lets them search him. Jones turns to film Snowmist and the watch sergeant. The watch sergeant snatches the comb from Startripper, but makes no move to use it. Brightclaw scans the grounds, eyes flicking over the men, landscape, and possible sniper positions. Shadowfur bites his lip as Misty is spotted, and keeps low himself, and out of direct sight The soldiers report to the watch sergeant, who growls at Sharpeye. "If you're guilty...you're crazy. If you're innocent...well, I still can't vouch for your sanity. We found no weapons. But we'll accompany you just the same." Fangstreak twitches her whiskers, straightening herself to her full 7 feet and swishing her tail. She folds her sheathed paws and watches calmly, seemingly amused at Brightclaw's apparent distrust. An ear flicks at the sergeant's words and a look of rather predatory unpleasantness in her amber eyes. "By Altheor...This place has become a desolation since," she growls and flicks an ear. Snowmist pauses in midstep and blinks a bit blankly at the sergeant. "I'm sorry, sir?" Sharpeye nods to the seargent. "That is fine by me, sir. It would do good to have a level-headed man like yourself in the room." Startripper wants to laugh, but holds himself back. Brightclaw calls out to Fangstreak. 'Lovely night for a walk, Miss... Fangstreak, wasn't it? Fancy seeing you here.' Fangstreak's ears flatten against her skull, a bit of a gleam in her eyes. "It is no walk, as you can see." She doesn't elaborate on what she's doing here, not at the moment. Snowmist frowns slightly, looking toward the other female Demarian. "Fangstreak?" She suddenly breaks into a grin and waves. "Hey, Fang! It's me, Mist!" Startripper says, "Then let us walk, to see Senator Longsnout." Brightclaw growls low, the fur on his tail raising. 'Hm.' The watch sergeant nods. "We'll show you in." He jerks a thumb toward the Imperial Center. The warriors begin to move in, flanking the visitors. The group is escorted into the throne room… Imperial Throne Room Everything in this large room leads the eye to throne, simple in its design yet still commanding and authoritative, centered against the far wall. Large columns, imposing and sheared from a single piece of granite, loom over you. The polished marble floor with its veining of swirls and streaks, echos your footsteps against the plain sandstone and silica walls. Fulton arrives from Imperial Center . Jones arrives from Imperial Center . Longsnout is seated on the throne, flanked by Demarian guards, scowling at the arrivals. "Altheor's teeth...come to surrender, have you, Battleclaw?" The watch sergeant and the militia soldiers continue escorting the visitors. The sergeant says, "They are unarmed, Senator." Shadowfur arrives from Imperial Center . Brightclaw growls low in his throat, all the exposed fur on his body standing on end now. Shadowfur remains at his distance, slipping in and taking to the sides out of sight. Ah, large room, easy to hide in. Nice big column to duck behind. "Senator, my name is Dae'sa Jones...and you are being broadcasted across the Consortium at the moment." Jones says as she steps a little to the side to get a better angle of events. "Have you the time to talk?" Startripper pats Brightclaw with his tail, much as his friend had done to him in the hallway. He still has quite a bit of trouble keeping his anger down. Longsnout growls briefly, then lifts his snout and gestures regally. "I always have time for my friends in the press." Brightclaw calms slightly, leaning left and mutters something to Fulton, watching Longsnout all the while. Sharpeye shakes his head. "No, Senator, I have come to ask you to explain to our people why you have betrayed them, made deals with Fagin for your own gain at the detriment of others, and why, perhaps most importantly, you ordered the destruction of a village on our *own* planet, killing innocent civilians." Brightclaw whispers to Fulton. Longsnout clears his throat, smoothing the front of his robes. "Did *I* do all that? My, what a fanciful tale." Fangstreak arrives from Imperial Center . Snowmist arrives from Imperial Center . Fulton leans back and responds. Fulton whispers to Brightclaw. Sharpeye frowns. "You can't talk your way out of it this time, Senator." Brightclaw nods grimly, turning his attention back to the exchange. Two figures move into the Imperial Center, pausing at the very back of the chamber. One is a tall night-black Demarian with a splotch of white in the middle of her forehead, the other a creamy-furred Demarian. Longsnout raps his claws on the armrests of the throne. "Indeed? You come here, accusing me of such heinous acts - already accused of the same acts yourselves. Really, I would call it petty if it weren't going to get you killed eventually." Startripper looks for somethig to lean against, but decides to stand strong and tall, like a freedom fighter. Shadowfur keeps his cover behind on of the many columns, listening quietly "So you deny the accusations, Senator?" Jones asks. "There is nothing to them in the slightest?" Longsnout nods to Jones, fervently. "Of *course* I deny them. Altheor's teeth, it is madness and foolery!" Fangstreak flattens her ears as she exchanges a significant glance with Snowmist. Her white-tipped tail flicks slightly as she inspects a paw, the other shoved into the loose pockets of her harem pants. Sharpeye nods, producing a document from his sleeve. "The contents of this communications log are now being broadcast, so people can see it for themselves. But if you would humour me, I will read them aloud, now." Longsnout waves a hand dismissively. "Certainly. Waste your last breaths on this tripe if you wish." Snowmist's eyes flick toward Fangstreak, meeting the other female's gaze briefly before she returns her attention back to the audience being given. Sharpeye says, "TO: Majordomo Grim FROM: Noble Longsnout RE: Our mutual problem In regards to our recent discussion aboard the Galore, pertaining to that nefarious upstart, Dawnfur Morningstar, and his seizure of power as the new Imperator - I am pleased to inform you that I think that anything that can be done to remove him from power and restore the Senate would be justifiable. Any assistance your people could provide to assure mutual benefit would be weclome. FROM: Majordomo Grim RE: Morningstar So glad to hear you're amenable to a cooperative effort. Certainly, we can make arrangements to help you - for a price. First, you'll need to ensure the escape of Graeber Brenhault from the mining colony in Alhira. For that, we will arrange for the elimination of Dawnfur Morningstar - perhaps sabotage of his personal craft would be in order? Or perhaps an attack by the Nalls? Second, once you've been returned to power in Morningstar's absence, you will arrange for the destruction of a village called Pansheera on our behalf. For that, we will deal with your other problems - perhaps any Demarians who wind up exiled when you return to power? FROM: Noble Longsnout RE: Arrangement I have consulted with the other leaders of the noble houses of Demaria and it is agreed: 300 Demarian lives are a small enough price to pay for a return to power, especially given that the villagers are all underclassers." Longsnout shrugs easily. "Fascinating, if you like fantasy." Sharpeye nods. "Fantasy you say? There are several experts who would say otherwise. This log is fact, not fiction." Longsnout grunts. "Fah! Lies!" "Senator, you are accusing these men of being responsible, correct. Where is /your/ proof?" Jones asks. Shadowfur grins a little to himself. Good one Jones.. Longsnout points at the document Sharpeye carries. "THAT is my proof, coupled with his exile from this world. He has a grudge against the Senate, and this is how he attempts to settle the debt." Brightclaw clicks his claws together on his right paw, and cricks his neck, using that opportunity to scan the room. Startripper puzzles at that interesting twist of logic. Sharpeye shakes his head. "No Senator. I came back to bring justice for my people." Fangstreak draws her paw out of her pocket and folds her furry arms. Her ears lay back against her skull, her nose snuffling the air, tail flicking from side to side. Her muzzle wrinkles just a little, the pupils of her amber eyes contracting sharply. Longsnout chuckles. "Then where is *your* proof, *Battleclaw*? You have a document - but that could be written by anyone!" "So you have no proof. Merely accusations. Perhaps you would allow, in order to find the truth, experts to examine the document? Surely if it were faked, this would be obvious?" Jones says. "And if you are innocent of these horrific charges..." Sharpeye nods. "I will allow experts to examine the logs all they wish, as I have already done so." Longsnout glances toward Jones and flashes brown eyes. "I welcome it!" "Well, we have an expert who has indeed examined it and given his opinion as to its veracity." Jones looks to Snowmist, "We are able to patch him through, right?" Static crackles onscreen for a moment, and the image becomes more refined until it shows a rather pale, gaunt fellow sitting on a hoverchair with a headset on. A tattoo of barbed wire circles his bald head. "Good evenin', sweetcheeks. Let's chat." Brightclaw quirks a brow, scuffing a bootheel to a wider stance, and watches for Longsnout's reaction. Startripper smiles at Vampire's image and countenance. Longsnout glowers at the image on the holovid. "In Brakathir's name, who is this freakish creature?" Shadowfur gnaws his lip a little, and keeps to his spot. Considering the odds, so far so good... Startripper says, "No need ot be insulting, Senator." Fangstreak lifts a tufted brow as she stares on the screen, unable to repress twitching whiskers and a flip of her tail. Her fangs bare in some light mirth as she flicks an ear and watches. "This is the expert which was brought in to consult, Senator. Shall we hear the truth about the documents?" Jones says. With a ghostly smile, the man onscreen says, "I'm just a neutral party, Senator Sweetcheeks. Name's not important, but the fact is, I deal a lot in this line of work - and I don't have a stake in this little showdown of yours." Snowmist's mouth quirks at Vampire's greeting and she leans back against the wall, propping one foot against it and folding her arms. Fulton watches quietly. Longsnout growls. "More trickery!" Sharpeye shakes his head. "Are you not going to hear what he has to say, Senator?" Startripper realizes that the cat will go down in history as "Senator Sweetcheeks." Fangstreak leans over and breathes a murmur to Snowmist, twitching whiskers and nose. Brightclaw darts his eyes to the exit, and scans over the bristling crowd of rifles. Longsnout growls. "Oh, by all means. Consider it a last request granted." Shadowfur has to fight to keep from laughing at the nickname Snowmist flicks an ear before leaning up to whisper back to Fang, keeping an eye on the proceedings all the while. The gaunt figure onscreen holds up a digital device. "I used this signal extrapolator and verification unit for a thorough study of that little electronic penpal thing you had going with Majordomo Grim..." Fangstreak flattens her ears back against her skull, sliding a side-glance to the bristle of rifles around them. A few claws surreptitiuosly unsheath. The gaunt man tilts his head slightly and asks, "By the way, did you ever slip beneath the covers with that Grim fellow? Heard he was quite a cold fish. Never had the...ahem...pleasure, myself." Longsnout stands, clenching his hands into fists. "This is an outrage! A mockery!" Startripper wants to laugh riotously. Almost thinks Vampire is trying to sabotage their end of the mission. Brightclaw tries to gauge the attention of the soldier to his right, swiveling a step to test his response. "Sir, about the document?" Jones reminds gently. The soldiers are watching the transmission with great interest...their eyes trailing back to Longsnout with growing suspicion and dread. Startripper watches the soldiers, happy he isn't one at the moment. Brightclaw nods to himself and turns back to Longsnout. Fangstreak's ears twitch, her muzzle crinkling in mirth at the strange man on the holoprojector. She inclines her head just once and watches the drama unfold, tail twitching. Snowmist bites her lip, eyes wandering over the rest of the room and the occupants, gauging each being's reaction to the pronouncement. Snapping his fingers, Vampire nods. "Oh, yes, yes. Well...clearly, the origin for the communiques from you to *Grim* are coming from your very office. And Grim's part of the chat are confirmed...well, they came from Odysseus. You can see some gravitic distortion in the transmission caused by those lil black holes out there." The watch sergeant blinks, then swings his snout toward Longsnout. "Senator!?" "And there is no doubt about this, then?" Jones presses. "The senator sent and received these messages?" Shadowfur tenses slightly. Either this gamble pays off, or they're all toast Longsnout glowers at the transmission. "There *is* doubt! Someone broke into my office and did that! Obviously!" Startripper notices Fangstreak standing there next to Mist, thinks a little bit, the goes back to looking noble and tall, staring at the Senator. Sharpeye quirks an eyebrow at Longsnout. "And you claimed *our* claims were outrageous, Senator?" A brushtailed, largish lieutenant bares a fang as his ruff bristles. "Senator...no one could break into your office!" he snarls, his tail beginning a rather unpleasant lashing. Brightclaw smiles at Jones with an oddly proud, almost parental look on his face. He tugs at the whiskers on his right side. Vampire continues, merrily bobbing his head in rhythm with the protest of the senator. "Yes, yes, yes. Someone could. But they'd have to use his authorization code to send an encrypted message...with pawprint authorization." Fangstreak flicks an ear, then nods again to herself as she straightens her already tall posture some more. Brightclaw waits for the ensuing chaos. Startripper smiles a lot, beaming from ear to ear as his tail swished back and forth. Snowmist pushes off from the wall, straightening and letting her arms fall to the sides. Longsnout sinks back into the throne, his face falling apart like a house of cards. Jones gets a close up of Longsnout. The watch sergeant gives a positive ungodly meowl. "PAWprint authorization? Senator!" he roars, advancing with a look of fury on his whiskery face. "YOU? Betrayed DEMARIA?" Brightclaw turns to the soldier next to him. 'Need I suggest you seize that man?' Startripper says, "Don't get too comfortable, Senator" Longsnout growls darkly as the tide turns against him. He stands, clenching his hands into fists. His tail twitches violently. "You people aren't Demarians. You're sheep! Sheep led about by the nose!" Snowmist sniffs disdainfully as Longsnout digs himself deeper with his outbursts. Fulton folds his arms, smiling. "He's done for." He announces in a slight high tone. "This was easier than hell." He turns to Bc and, still smiling, nods once. "Isn't this delightful?" He turns to face Longsnout again. Brightclaw nods to Fulton. 'Better than the vidflicks.' He grins toothily. Fangstreak steps forward, pushing her way past. "Senator Longsnout. I am Fangstreak Ironclaw, Investigator under the authority of the Consortium Council, sent to see justice done. I think I've seen more than enough." Her eyes gleam as she unsheaths her claws, raising a paw. "Garunth Salaban spoke the truth." Longsnout shouts. "Don't you see? It had to be done! We had an Imperator ruining things for us!" Startripper says, "Forget it, Longsnout. You've lost. Go gracefully, for once." Sharpeye growls, standing up straight. "Senator Longsnout, I hereby place you under arrest for treason and conspiracy to commit mass murder." Snowmist's eyes narrow as she paces Fangstreak, remaining to her right and slightly behind her. Jones raises an eyebrow, "So you are now admitting to these acts, Senator?" She asks quietly. She smiles. "Say, you guards and stuff, isn't it time to like, seize the bastard?" Fulton asks aloud. Brightclaw says, "It's just getting interesting, Mr. Fulton, let's have him confess first." Longsnout snarls. "It's a Demarian matter, Battleclaw. You are no longer a Demarian citizen!" Shadowfur remains hidden still, just in case, but gets ready to act, tail twitching a little as he silently unsheaths his claws Sharpeye bares his fangs. "I am more Demarian than you could ever be." By now the Demarian warriors are rallying from their shock, although some are still stunned as, with one accord, they turn horror-filled eyes towards Longsnout. And then, also as one, a sudden roar of anger rises to almost ear-piercing pitch as some advance from the ranks, fury rampant in their eyes. Brightclaw shouts out 'LONGSNOUT BETRAYED DEMARIA! SEIZE HIM!' Startripper says, "I'd say he earned his citizenship back, anyway. In fact, I think he may ahve gotten yours." Brightclaw grins toothily at Fulton. 'Well I couldn't wait after all.' Longsnout clutches the throne desperately, diving behind it. Snowmist moves up beside Sharpeye, touching his elbow briefly. Startripper walks calming up near the throne, wiating for the guards to capture Longsnout. "Wait! Get him incarcerated, but don't let them tear him apart! He might have more information!" Jones says quickly. Fulton chuckles, glancing at Bc. "Of course." His eyes go to Longsnout again. "Senator! You saved my life once and I thank your sorry ass. I still owe you, tho, if you ever come out of jail call me! Do call me! Gimme a ring-tin-tin and we'll get together, have some coffee?" He smiles. Startripper says, "You hear that, guys! Don't kill'em!"" Shadowfur peeks out from his spot, looking to Mist as if to ask if he should come out now There isn't a need for a second shout; the Demarian warriors, including the watch sergeant, swarm forward towards the throne and its sorry burden, growling in a seething mass. Startripper waves absently at Shadowfur, sure that it is clear for him to come out Brightclaw laughs out loud, and slaps Fulton on the back with a meaty paw. 'And thanks for sending Mr. Fulton here to kill me! I rather like him!' Longsnout is borne out from behind the throne, thrashing and yowling madly, arms and legs akimbo. Brightclaw dodges the waves, and slips to an eddy of peace behind a column, almost smacking into Shadowfur. 'Oh.' Startripper addresses the guards, "Guys, can I have a word?" Jones gets jostled to the side. Fulton laughs. "And Fagin! If yer watching this, I do hope I get together with you, too, so you can kiss my big bad a-" Voice gets lost among the yells and such. Fangstreak steps forward, her amber eyes gleaming as about six burly Demarian guards bear the screeching Senator over bodily, lifting him from the ground. "Senator...you betrayed Demaria for the price of power," she purrs, baring her fangs. "By Altheor...I will see justice done on the Council." And with that she rakes a paw across his cheek, claws fully extended before stepping back contemptuously. Shadowfur steps out from behidn the pillar idly. "Ah good, I was getting crapped back there." he glances at the throne. "They kill him yet?" Longsnout growls in pain as Fangstreak scratches his face. "Don't forget Whiptail! Don't forget the others! Don't forget DARKMANE!" Brightclaw grins at Fangstreak. 'And to think I didn't like her. No not yet.' "Oh, we won't, Longsnout, we won't." Fulton says. Brightclaw shares a quick glance with Fulton, nodding once. Startripper walks up to have his say with Longsnout, "So, not bad for a band of, what were your words...'young whelps,' huh? Fulton turns to Bright and leans over to whisper. Startripper says, "Have fun wherever you're going. I assure you, it's not here" Fangstreak sheathes her claws, flicking her tail as she steps aside for the guards to pass. "Darkmane Tailchaser? Ahhh. Another name, yes," she purrs. Longsnout gnashes his fangs at Startripper, bleeding from his wounds. Fulton whispers to Brightclaw. Sharpeye holds out his paw to the seargent and grasps it firmly. Startripper turns and flicks his tail in Longsnout's face quickly as he leaves. Startripper turns to the Sergeant, "Hey, no hard feelings about those police brutality comments, ok?" The watch sergeant nods to Startripper. Brightclaw chuckles, holding up a paw onto Fulton's shoulder as he whispers back. 'Let him incriminate his fellows. Then we can get all the scum erased. He's a valuable source of information right now.' The sergeant bows his head. "He'll be put under guard, Battleclaw." Jones continues to follow Longsnout with the camera as he is taken out from the room. The Demarian militia, roused and angry, is a truly awe-inspiring sight as they all throng out after Longsnout. Startripper waves pleasently at the Senator-in-chains Jones takes a contented breath, beaming. Shadowfur smirks, and waves as they leave. "Hey, say hi to my buddies in jail for me!" Snowmist takes a deep breath, looking once about the room. Brightclaw searches out Jones, and spots her, closing in quickly. 'Miss Jooones!' Snowmist whispers to Sharpeye. Startripper goes over and hugs Shadowfur, "We did it, buddy! We have a free world!" Jones twists, putting the camera away, "Yes, Mr. Starmark?" Fangstreak reaches into her pocket and tugs out a small recorder-scanner device, deactivating it. "He'll be tried at the Council. Battleclaw. Unless you wish otherwise? He has committed treason against our world and the Consortium." She stands a bit aways from the sudden huddle of buddies. Fulton watches the commotion and snorts, heading out. Fulton heads into Imperial Center . Brightclaw practically tackles her into a bear - err, a Demarian hug, swinging her around. 'You did it!' Jones laughs as she is swung around. "Ack!" Brightclaw thrashes her around like a little rag doll. 'I can't believe it but by Altheor you and Sharpeye and that - crippled fellow did it!' Shadowfur mrfs, and hugs Trippr back, manly like of course Startripper puts down Shadowfur and Joins Brightclaw and Jones's hug, "Hey, Demaria's free!" Brightclaw roars loudly in happiness, right next to Jones' ear. Oops. "Mr. Starmark! Mr. Startripper!" Jones laughs, then winces, her slight form getting rather lost in this sea of fur and muscle. Brightclaw laughs, and collapses down with Star's weight. Snowmist chuckles at their antics, moving to the sidelines, eyeing all the Demarians about a little nervously. Shadowfur dusts his palms together. "Y'know, that wasn't so hard." Startripper laughs and falls to the ground with Brightclaw and Jones Jones's muffled yelp as she gets squished is barely heard. Startripper says, "Be right back, I have more hugs to distribute." Snowmist crooks an eyebrow and surreptitiously slips toward the door. Brightclaw smiles up at the painted ceiling. 'What a night. What a night! Eh, Miss Jones? Miss Jones?' Startripper catches Snowmist and gives her a big hug as well, happy in all respects Sharpeye twitches a whisker. "He should be tried here on Demaria. It is our people that must decide his fate." Jones kicks out, being smothered by Brightclaw fur. 'Owwch! What in- oh, Miss Jones, so sorry...' BC rolls off to the side, offering her a paw up. Snowmist *eeps* and instinctively throws an elbow at Star's ribs at the sudden man-handling. Shadowfur nods to Sharpeye. "Let those that he screwed decide what happens to the bastard." Startripper takes the elbow with a grin and laugh, even though he's lacking oxygen Jones coughs and accepts the paw up, "Th-thank you." Fangstreak pauses at Sharpeye's reply, inclining her head. "Then he will stand trial twice, Battleclaw. The council must hear of this also. You owe a great debt to Garunth Salaban, my brother. And to Y'srir, the Nall who brought these tidings." Startripper notices Fangstreak, becoming somewhat serious, "Excuse me, we havn't met. I'm Sparkletooth Startripper." Brightclaw smiles broadly and gives her one last hug for good measure. 'Wonderful, just wonderful! I could ... well what the heck -' He grabs her face and lands a sloppy schmacker on her. Yick! Fulton arrives from Imperial Center . Startripper smiles and light shines off the perfect teeth. Fulton walks in, looking for Bc and walking over. He leans and whispers something. Jones just stares at Brightclaw, then begins to laugh. Brightclaw drops her suddenly and turns to Fulton. Snowmist scowls at Star as she moves up against a wall, careful to keep an eye out for any more enthusiastic huggers. Fulton whispers to Brightclaw. Brightclaw nods. Fangstreak swishes her tail in greeting, twitching her ears. "Fangstreak Ironclaw, brother." She extends a jet black paw. Brightclaw whispers to Fulton. Jones shakes her head, a bit off balance. Sharpeye nods. "Do not be ashamed for believing him. He could fool a blind man into buying a comic book if he wanted to." Fulton smiles! "Thank you, Mr. Starmark." Startripper takes the paw and noblely kisses it, "A pleasure. You'll excuse me if I'm not one for shaking hands so lovely as yours." Fulton moves out. Fulton heads into Imperial Center . Shadowfur says, "Well, now what do we do?" Sharpeye nods to Fangstreak. "To think, the two races least inclined to help Demaria, are the ones that do." Snowmist smirks slightly at Star's advancements toward Fang. Startripper is being chivalrous Jones looks around, then addresses Brightclaw. "Mr. Starmark? Will the Raven be headed back to the Citadel?" Brightclaw suddenly looks a bit troubled and goes to sit on some steps to the far side of the room. "I said, will the Raven be heading bak to the Citadel?" Jones asks, "And..are you alright? What is wrong?" Shadowfur hehs. "Don't you love irony." Brightclaw shakes his head, glancing towards the exit. 'Nothing. Nothing. I - yes, we should depart tonight, let things settle here.' Fangstreak twitches her whiskers, lifting a lip in a sort of Demarian smile. "Garunth is a noble creature, no matter what he is, Battleclaw. I have learned to admire him greatly in his days on the Council." She sort of blinks at Startripper, ears flattening. "Well...thank you." Jones whispers to Brightclaw. The gloom hovers on Brightclaw's brow as he scans the room. 'Let's leave them to sort things out, yes? We should move back to Citadel soon! Wonderful job, everyone!' Startripper says, "No, thank you. You've done Demaria a great service, but you do me a greater one by allowing me to kiss your hand." Snowmist twitches an ear, tail twitching nervously at all the hubbub, and finally slips out of the room. Brightclaw sighs and turns to Jones. Shadowfur rolls his eyes at Tripper. Sharpeye glances at Brightclaw. "We're back on Demaria and all you can think of is leaving? I dunno about you, but I'm going for a walk."
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