[The Falls] Aftermath

[wcshoe]

Over the tactical broadband comes a reply. "Starseeker copies. What's your status?"

[Sebastian Kirsch]

Over the tactical broadband comes a reply. "Starseeker copies. What's your status?"

†  The hunter brings the radio up, the others will notice he's pacing and rather agitated, "status forthcoming ... Hyran, when we fought the Sith at Point Jedi one of his minions planted an explosive on me - how did we resolve that issue? Over"

[wcshoe]

Hyran speaks through the headset. "Which situation? The explosives or the Sith? You ignored the explosives, and we killed the Sith. You carry his lightsaber now, I believe. Do you need further details?"

[Sebastian Kirsch]

Hyran speaks through the headset. "Which situation? The explosives or the Sith? You ignored the explosives, and we killed the Sith. You carry his lightsaber now, I believe. Do you need further details?"

†  Sebastian nods, "required confirmation of identity, thank you Starseeker.  Is route clear for arrival to New Alderaan?  Am with Fox McCloud at present.  Over."

[Mack Ravensline]

†  Sebastian lifts the radio, his finger still resting on the trigger of his shotgun, "Kirsch here ... have not had contact with Andromache.  How long has subject been missing, do you require assistance in recon? Over."

"Ravensline here, I was the one lost, when I left Xenia I went a bit crazy, thankfully I found Hyran and came to New Alderain. Trying to use the radio instead of crossing Proper again since it is mentally not safe to travel across Proper. I am simply trying to find out if all is well in Xenia since mental links seem to be down all over The Nexus. I need to know Andromache is safe, or I will have to go out and brave it hoping I am still capable of thinking well enough when I get there. Over"

[wcshoe]

Hyran's voice comes again from the tac radio. "All clear for entry. Bring your vehicle instead of Fox's Arwing."

[Sebastian Kirsch]

Hyran's voice comes again from the tac radio. "All clear for entry. Bring your vehicle instead of Fox's Arwing."

†  The hunter looks at Fox for a moment and nods, "Copy ... will rendezvous shortly ... need to make a quick stop and confirm current condition of another avatar.  Kirsch out."

  Sebastian clicks the shotgun into a rack on the FAV and slides into the driver's seat, making an entry into his vehicle's GPS system before wiping the sweat from his brow, "Fox ... I need to make sure Andromache is safe.  You can either join me or meet with Hyran at New Alderaan." 

[SigmaCaine]

The radio crackles again. "The hell?"

[Sebastian Kirsch]

The radio crackles again. "The hell?"

**  Still listening to the other radio, Sebastian switches his personal communicator to the public channel, "Caine, this is Kirsch ... had to go on a private channel (cough) ... we have a contingent meeting in (cough) New Alderaan ... will rendezvous shortly.  Out." 

    The hunter leans slightly over the side of his vehicle and spits, the saliva hitting the floor having the shimmering texture of an oil slick.  He shifts the vehicle into gear and glances at Fox, awaiting a response.

[Fox McCloud]

"I thought that no one knew where she was.  It would make it easier to find her if we split up."

[SigmaCaine]

Over the radio again, "I'll meet you at New Alderaan. Caine out."

[Sebastian Kirsch]

"I thought that no one knew where she was.  It would make it easier to find her if we split up."

†  Sebastian sighs, "of course ... that would make it too easy, wouldn't it?  Alright (cough) you get in contact with anyone who might know her whereabouts, I'm headed toward Xenia.  If I don't find her there I'll meet you at New Alderaan.  Keep evryone apprised of what's going on and I'll do the same."

    The FAV kicks up a good amount of dirt and gravel as the vehicle speeds off along the tree line and into Proper.

[wcshoe]

Once more, Hyran's voice comes over the Tac radio. "Starseeker to Kirsch. Andromache and children have been located, they are secure in Sanctuary. New game plan is to get as many Councilors to a place where they can be cured of the affliction, preferably here. Come here for treatment first though. Over."

[Sebastian Kirsch]

Once more, Hyran's voice comes over the Tac radio. "Starseeker to Kirsch. Andromache and children have been located, they are secure in Sanctuary. New game plan is to get as many Councilors to a place where they can be cured of the affliction, preferably here. Come here for treatment first though. Over."

† The hunter curses under his breath, "it wasn't Mack ... they're luring me into the open.  Kirsch you know better that this (cough) you're off your damn game."  Whipping the wheel of the FAV around, Sebastian takes his vehicle into a controlled skid, reorienting it to face the direction of New Alderaan.  A mixture of dirt and ghost rock particles is kicked up into the air as the FAV once again accelerates toward its destination. 

    Flecks of dust accumulate on the windshield as the Citadel closes the distance between himself and the rendezvous point.  The windshield wipers only serve to smear the particulate across the glass as Sebastian's breathing grows steadily more ragged.  He doesn't notice the vehicle begginning to shimmy as it crosses the rough terrain, not the slow lateral movement i makes as it begins to skid to the left.  Reaching for the gear shift, he notices the wetness dripping from his hand, the wound on his arms bleeding freely again.  Trying to refocus he starts to downshift but his attention is drawn by the dashboard's covering,which starts to crack.

    Suddenly, the seat beside his begins to tear as a withered, decaying hand begins to pull the rest of a rotted torso out of the fabric.  More hands from behind him, tearing at his shoulder and neck and he hears the familiar hiss and stench of long-dried blood.  One of the undead hands explodes as his USP pistol shreds the limb, but more hands pull and claw at him, one grasping the steering wheel toward an unseen point beyond the stained windshield.  The hunter is quick enough to remove the hand, a practiced joint lock easily compensating for the difference in strength.  An elbow strike knocks away a feral, leering face and then ... gravity ceases to exist for a moment. 

    Looking to his left Sebastian can see the earth pull away from him in an awkward direction, only to slowly return.  The impact jars him violently as the FAV bounces end-over-end against the rocky terrain.  Slamming against an outcropping, the vehicle's momentum comes to a halt, one wheel defiantly spinning in a desperate attempt to find some measure of non-existent traction.  There is no movementfrom the vehicle, its occupant, or his attackers ... only a stream of smoke rising against the continuing drift of falling ghost rock.

[Jane Doe]

The Fleming hefts her bag. She makes it more comfortable on her back. Her former military stride has been replaced for hiking as she climbs over the rocky terrain.

Smoke in the distance. Could be a fire or it could be more avatars hell bent on making friendly with her. She coughs. She pats a cool cloth on her flushed face and sweaty hair. Damn it was hot. She takes a drink from a flask and bites back the bitterness. She coughs.

She sighs. She looks around. She sees nothing but rock and dust. She sighs again.

She draws her pistol and makes for the smoke.