AgujaCabra (8:58 PM):all right. Thomas and Ryan had just exited the park, and I believe they were on Clover; slightly east of the warehouses.
NerwenGreen (8:58 PM): yeah
AgujaCabra (8:58 PM): was it about 1AM... ?
NerwenGreen (8:58 PM): yeah I think so
NerwenGreen (9:00 PM): Umm... they stand there and look around ..
AgujaCabra (9:03 PM): All right.. traffic has thinned to a meager trickle; primarily late night party-goers finally heading home, or on to another club... This is a slightly run down section of Midsomer, despite the proximity of city hall. Lights flicker on and off, as a few straggling cars ease by on the road..
AgujaCabra (9:03 PM): [I have no idea what I'm saying... erg. I have the distinct feeling that I'm going to mess things up tonight.. ]
NerwenGreen (9:03 PM): [you say that every night ]
AgujaCabra (9:04 PM): There is a small, white adobe church on one corner... although it appears to be closed, there is a figure sitting alone on the steps..
NerwenGreen (9:04 PM): "That was a pretty nice park," Ryan says. "I'll have to come see it during the day sometime."
NerwenGreen (9:05 PM): Thomas studies the figure on the church steps, automatically looking for signs of breathing (now that he's met so many vampires tonight).
NerwenGreen (9:06 PM): "Yes, I wish I could join you in that," Thomas replies with an edge of sadness.
AgujaCabra (9:06 PM): It's hard to tell at this distance, but the figure appears to be breathing. It is wrapped in a plain brown blanket, with its head on one hand.
AgujaCabra (9:06 PM): A couple of frat boys wander past, leaning on each other a bit to keep from stumbling into the gutter.
NerwenGreen (9:06 PM): Thomas begins walking casually in the direction of the church.
NerwenGreen (9:07 PM): "Umm, the car is the other way," Ryan says, then sighs resignedly and follows.
AgujaCabra (9:08 PM): As you approach, the figure rises slowly to its feet, pacing along the church steps despondently, and rubbing a little at its arm.
AgujaCabra (9:09 PM): [I haven't decided who this is yet.. I'm confusing myself]
NerwenGreen (9:09 PM): [ah]
NerwenGreen (9:09 PM): [someone who breathes ]
AgujaCabra (9:09 PM): [yeah. erp. phone call]
NerwenGreen (9:09 PM): [ok]
AgujaCabra (9:18 PM): [almost done... erp]
NerwenGreen (9:18 PM): ok
AgujaCabra (9:20 PM): [okay.. off]
NerwenGreen (9:21 PM): When Ryan figures out where Thomas is headed, he pulls out his tricorder again and scans.
AgujaCabra (9:21 PM): The figure is human, female.. perhaps a little dehydrated, but otherwise healthy.
NerwenGreen (9:22 PM): ok
NerwenGreen (9:23 PM): Ryan catches up with Thomas and remarks quietly, "you're certainly in a social mood tonight."
NerwenGreen (9:24 PM): Thomas glances at Ryan and shrugs slightly, a smile on his lips.
AgujaCabra (9:24 PM): She steps up to the church door, knocking softly, and attempting to peer in through a small, barred window.
NerwenGreen (9:25 PM): Thomas and Ryan casually walk up the steps and attempt to look inside as well.
AgujaCabra (9:25 PM): Pulling the blanket about herself protectively, she steps back from the window in a hurry... retreating to the opposite side of the small porch.
NerwenGreen (9:26 PM): "Sorry to startle you, ma'am" Ryan says politely. He tugs on the door.
AgujaCabra (9:27 PM): The door is locked.
NerwenGreen (9:27 PM): [I don't actually have any clue what I'm doing either]
AgujaCabra (9:27 PM): [sec.. she'll respond]
NerwenGreen (9:27 PM): "How odd," Thomas remarks. "Church doors are never locked..."
AgujaCabra (9:29 PM): Drawing the hood of her blanket back a little, the young woman, perhaps in her mid-20s, peers out at you... "No trouble at all.. " She says, quietly, looking at the floor and shuffling her feat uncomfortably. .
AgujaCabra (9:30 PM): "Oh.. " She pipes up again, at Thomas' comment.. "I don't think there's anyone tending it tonight.. "
AgujaCabra (9:31 PM): [if either of them looks at her closely, they can notice a wax-like substance on her hands, and on the blanket]
NerwenGreen (9:32 PM): "Even so," Thomas replies, "my understanding has always been that churches remain open to all, at all times. Perhaps times have changed." He studies the woman for a moment, then adds "
NerwenGreen (9:32 PM): [mind drawing a blank on what he'd say to her :p hang on]
NerwenGreen (9:33 PM): "were you supposed to meet someone here?"
AgujaCabra (9:36 PM): A tear runs down her cheek, as she bundles herself in the blanket again.. shaking slightly.. "Yes... I was, but... " She moves to lean up against the side of the building, putting a hand to her face a moment.. "I guess I should call the cops, right? ... I don't know ... "
NerwenGreen (9:42 PM): Ryan looks at her sympathetically and moves to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Thomas's expression becomes one of concern, and he says "would you like to tell us the whole story?"
NerwenGreen (9:42 PM): [hm.. remind me next time not to ask to rp while I'm feeling braindead :p]
AgujaCabra (9:46 PM): Flinching at Ryan's touch, she moves to walk back down the steps.. away from the church.. Still crying a little, but trying to hide it.. "... I didn't do anything, I promise-- I just didn't call the cops because.. ... well because, that's my own business.... But .. " The girl looks back up at Thomas and Ryan, imploringly.. "please ... make sure the ambulance comes around? I called them.. but I can't stay.... "
AgujaCabra (9:46 PM): [erg... same for me.. ]
AgujaCabra (9:47 PM): A siren wails in the distance, as the girl takes another step away from the church.
NerwenGreen (9:48 PM): "where and for whom will this ambulance come?" Thomas asks. Neither of them make a move to follow her.
AgujaCabra (9:50 PM): "um... she's behind the church... I -- don't think she's okay, though... her name's Tracy, and she worked for Volant... if anyone asks... I don't know who picked her up or anything, and I didn't see anything... " Biting her lip slightly, the girl starts to walk off down the street.
AgujaCabra (9:51 PM): [oh wow... I suck tonight!]
NerwenGreen (9:52 PM): Thomas and Ryan look at each other briefly. "I believe following her would merely cause her to flee even more. We should find Tracy," Thomas says. Ryan nods in agreement. They start walking behind the church.
NerwenGreen (9:54 PM): [I'm hoping I'll warm up soon ]
AgujaCabra (9:55 PM): They can see the face of another young woman, and part of an arm protruding from beneath a black plastic tarp... Her eyes, ears, and mouth are sealed with a translucent, hardened wax... and she does not appear to be alive.
NerwenGreen (9:55 PM): Thomas walks over to examine her in more detail immediately. Ryan pulls out his tricorder.
NerwenGreen (9:57 PM): "Not the type of pleasant conversation you were hoping for I bet," Ryan mutters distractedly to Thomas as he scans the woman.
NerwenGreen (9:58 PM): "No, not at all." Thomas replies. He tries to dislodge the wax around her mouth.
AgujaCabra (9:58 PM): Underneath the tarp, she is neatly dressed in a plain red blouse [buttoned to the neck], and a simple black skirt... her stockings, shoes, and purse are similarly in place, and her hair has been carefully combed. .
AgujaCabra (9:58 PM): The wax comes away, after a little prying... but most of her mouth has been filled with more of the substance.
NerwenGreen (9:58 PM): Is she definitely dead then?
AgujaCabra (9:59 PM): [oh.. her nose would be plugged too]
AgujaCabra (9:59 PM): yes... she's dead.
NerwenGreen (9:59 PM): Thomas stops trying to pry loose the wax then
NerwenGreen (9:59 PM): He inquires of Ryan, "was she a normal human?"
AgujaCabra (9:59 PM): She was perfectly normal.
NerwenGreen (10:00 PM): ok
NerwenGreen (10:00 PM): "Yes, she was human. Perfectly normal as far as I can tell," Ryan replies.
AgujaCabra (10:00 PM): The sirens are approaching.
NerwenGreen (10:01 PM): Ryan looks up towards the sirens. "I don't think we should be around when they get here, it might look bad for us." He gets up and pulls Thomas with him towards the nearest likely-looking hiding spot.
NerwenGreen (10:02 PM): Thomas grunts slightly, but allows himself to be led.
AgujaCabra (10:02 PM): They could duck between buildings.. do they want to watch?
NerwenGreen (10:03 PM): yes
NerwenGreen (10:03 PM): they are both pretty good at hiding
AgujaCabra (10:05 PM): All right. After a minute, an ambulance pulls up alongside the church... paramedics disembark, and approach to examine the girl, in much the same way Thomas had. After determining that she is indeed deceased, they call in to the police office... reporting a homocide, much like [the] others they have seen...
NerwenGreen (10:05 PM): so it sounds like they've seen bodies sealed up with wax before?
AgujaCabra (10:06 PM): yep.
NerwenGreen (10:06 PM): hmm
AgujaCabra (10:07 PM): After a bit, the paramedics back off... starting to secure the area.
NerwenGreen (10:07 PM): Ryan casually walks out from behind the building and approaches the paramedics. "Hey, what's happening here?" he asks innocently. Then he looks at the body and
NerwenGreen (10:07 PM): [no not yet! :p]
AgujaCabra (10:08 PM): [oops!]
NerwenGreen (10:08 PM): [hehe]
NerwenGreen (10:08 PM): and looks startled. "Whoa! What happened to her?"
AgujaCabra (10:08 PM): One of the men frowns at him a little, "... This is a crime scene, sir... please leave the area, and let us take care of things"
NerwenGreen (10:11 PM): Ryan looks somewhat distressed. "That looks like an awful way to go. Have you ever seen that before? I'd hate to see anyone I know die like that."
NerwenGreen (10:12 PM): Thomas groans quietly as he watches this, but continues to watch.
AgujaCabra (10:12 PM): Furrowing his brow a bit, the man regards Ryan critically... "... What are you doing around here anyway... ? It's a little late to be out... "
NerwenGreen (10:13 PM): "Me? I was just walking back to my car." He glances distractedly at the other man, then continues to stare at the body with a grimace.
AgujaCabra (10:14 PM): "... Right... where's your car parked?" His expression does not change, but he seems poised to grab his walkie- talkie if Ryan bolts...
AgujaCabra (10:15 PM): [oo... how sinister... a walkie-talkie... ]
NerwenGreen (10:15 PM): [hmm... this sure isn't going as well as Ryan had planned :p]
NerwenGreen (10:15 PM): "Oh, next to city hall. Can you imagine what it must be like to suffocate from wax?"
AgujaCabra (10:17 PM): "No... why don't you tell me... ? " He has his hand on the talkie now, but still seems calm.
NerwenGreen (10:18 PM): "Uhh..." Ryan blinks and steps back slightly. "You're probably right, I should get out of your way." He backs up a bit more and turns to walk away.
NerwenGreen (10:18 PM): [player groans]
NerwenGreen (10:18 PM): [he's not usually this stupid :P]
AgujaCabra (10:19 PM): "Hey," He steps towards Ryan a little.. "Wait right there... I'm going to need you to answer a few questions... "
AgujaCabra (10:19 PM): [erp... I don't see how that couldn't look suspicious... ]
NerwenGreen (10:20 PM): Ryan stops backing off. "What for? I didn't do nothing. I don't know anything."
NerwenGreen (10:20 PM): [he was just trying to find out more about the wax thing :p]
AgujaCabra (10:21 PM): "... I didn't say you did... Can you stick around to fill out a police report, though-- just some basic information, so we know where to reach you... "
NerwenGreen (10:21 PM): "Uhh... sure I guess. He looks for a wall to lean up against.
NerwenGreen (10:21 PM): guess."
AgujaCabra (10:23 PM): "All right.. " Nodding, the man seems to relax... picking up the walkie talkie and turning his back on Ryan... not enough so he is completely out of sight, but to keep the conversation private. He has radioed the police en-route, informing them that there is a possible witness ...
NerwenGreen (10:24 PM): Ryan allows his arcane to slip back into place, then casually slips into the nearest alley.
AgujaCabra (10:25 PM): [tell me how an arcane of two works... can the guy remember what you look like fairly well?]
NerwenGreen (10:25 PM): it just says "where did he go?" next to the second dot
NerwenGreen (10:25 PM): 1 is "easy to overlook" 3 is "very difficult to follow"
AgujaCabra (10:25 PM): [hm... okay]
AgujaCabra (10:27 PM): He starts after Ryan, once he realizes that the man is gone... still talking to the police.. "Hey! The guy just bolted... " The man pauses, frowning at the walkie talkie, but nodding a moment later.. "copy that.. I'll leave it for you guys, then.. "
AgujaCabra (10:28 PM): He turns around, heading back towards the ambulance.
NerwenGreen (10:28 PM): Ryan makes a big circle until he winds up back where Thomas is still waiting.
NerwenGreen (10:29 PM): Thomas glances at him humorously and remarks drily, "not the type of information you were hoping for, I bet."
NerwenGreen (10:29 PM): "No... not at all." Ryan groans.
NerwenGreen (10:30 PM): "Let's just get out of here before we get into any more trouble." Ryan adds.
AgujaCabra (10:31 PM): Where will they be off to ?
NerwenGreen (10:31 PM): Thomas nods, silently stands up from the crouching position he was in, and they both begin moving away from the crime scene.
NerwenGreen (10:31 PM): They go back towards their car, which is still parked somewhere near City Hall.
NerwenGreen (10:31 PM): Being careful to stay out of the way of any cops or ambulances they see.
AgujaCabra (10:33 PM): Okay.. they catch a glimpse of Chauncey heading away from the park, as they approach City Hall. . He seems to be in slightly improved spirits; carelessly traversing the long sidewalk.
AgujaCabra (10:34 PM): If they don't stop for him... they can reach the car uneventfully ;p
NerwenGreen (10:34 PM): hmm
NerwenGreen (10:34 PM): Thomas waves at him, but unless he looks like he wants to chat some more, they keep going.
AgujaCabra (10:35 PM): He doesn't seem to be paying any attention to the two of you, and doesn't look over at the wave.
NerwenGreen (10:35 PM): okay
NerwenGreen (10:35 PM): They get back in the car and drive home then
AgujaCabra (10:36 PM): Okay. All the way home? no stopping etc?
NerwenGreen (10:36 PM): yeah I think so
NerwenGreen (10:36 PM): I can't think of anywhere else they'd want to go
AgujaCabra (10:37 PM): all right... I don't believe they would see anyone else to grab their attention.
AgujaCabra (10:37 PM): so.. back home it is.
NerwenGreen (10:37 PM): okay
AgujaCabra (10:39 PM): Thomas doesn't have a present tonight... the house seems undisturbed.
NerwenGreen (10:40 PM): okay
NerwenGreen (10:40 PM): what time is it now
AgujaCabra (10:40 PM): [dunno.. what are we up to? Is this nearly the end of an rp night?? Around... oh... 1:40 ]
NerwenGreen (10:40 PM): okay
NerwenGreen (10:41 PM): well, I can't think of anything else they'd want to do right at the moment ...
NerwenGreen (10:41 PM): Ryan would give Thomas some lessons on how to use the new computer
AgujaCabra (10:42 PM): [so... end for tonight, or .... ? ]
NerwenGreen (10:42 PM): I guess so
NerwenGreen (10:43 PM): Ryan spends a lot of time mentally kicking himself :p
AgujaCabra (10:43 PM): mm... that's disappointing. No vampies :/
NerwenGreen (10:43 PM): have one drop by
AgujaCabra (10:44 PM): mm... I wonder if there's anyone at all who makes sense... besides Shepard, because I should not try to play him while I stink at rp ;p
NerwenGreen (10:45 PM): hmm... good point :p
NerwenGreen (10:45 PM): I'm a bit more warmed up now, I'll try not to have anyone else do anything stupid :p
AgujaCabra (10:46 PM): haha... I'm sorry the guys got on Ryan's case... his skulking around seemed darn suspicious to me.
NerwenGreen (10:46 PM): he wasn't skulking!
NerwenGreen (10:46 PM): he was trying to look like a casual passerby
AgujaCabra (10:48 PM): an incredibly morbid casual passerby ;p ?
NerwenGreen (10:48 PM): he looks morbid?
NerwenGreen (10:48 PM): hmm
AgujaCabra (10:48 PM): he sounded morbid.
NerwenGreen (10:48 PM): so he didn't say the right things :p
NerwenGreen (10:48 PM): next time I'll just offer to roll something instead :p
AgujaCabra (10:49 PM): he said really weird stuff.. . Yeah, roll ;p ... But honestly, almost anything he'd said about the crime scene or the woman, they'd have wanted him to fill out a report.
NerwenGreen (10:49 PM): oh well
AgujaCabra (10:50 PM): _Now_ they're suspicious of more... because he bolted.
NerwenGreen (10:50 PM): mmm
AgujaCabra (10:50 PM): but... it'll be okay.
NerwenGreen (10:50 PM): yeah, I'd say I rp'ed that one pretty badly :p
AgujaCabra (10:52 PM): merp.. I don't do police type scenes well either.
AgujaCabra (10:52 PM): I *could* have someone come by...
NerwenGreen (10:52 PM): oh?
NerwenGreen (10:52 PM): okay
AgujaCabra (10:53 PM): he'd run the risk of being silly...
NerwenGreen (10:53 PM): hmm
NerwenGreen (10:53 PM): up to you
AgujaCabra (10:53 PM): There is a very quiet knock on your door, rather low to the ground for a standard adult.
NerwenGreen (10:54 PM): Thomas glances up curiously from the computer and says to Ryan, "one moment."
NerwenGreen (10:54 PM): He opens the door.
AgujaCabra (10:56 PM): There is a thin, 11-13 year old boy standing outside.. he has scraggly brown hair, hanging nearly to his shoulders in a loose mop, and faded blue overalls... "Hi.. sir? " He smiles up at you uncertainly.
NerwenGreen (10:56 PM): Thomas smiles back and says "good evening. What can I do for you?"
AgujaCabra (10:59 PM): Blinking up with his large, amber eyes, the boy's smile fades after a moment... and he winds up looking simply uncomfortable. . " I... My father wanted to know if any of the people were all right.. ? " .. He looks at his feet, which are rather awkwardly stuffed into a pair of Nike sneakers.
NerwenGreen (11:01 PM): Thomas ponders this for a moment, then opens the door a bit wider. "Come inside. What people are your father concerned about?" He checks to see if the boy is breathing.
AgujaCabra (11:03 PM): Pausing a long moment before stepping inside, the boy puts a hand on the door frame, and looks out into the woods .. scanning the trees, and then the overhead branches. . "The hikers that he left here.. are they all right?" He looks up at you again, hopefully. [the boy is not breathing]
NerwenGreen (11:05 PM): Thomas raises his eyebrows at that. "Hikers? Your father has been leaving me the hikers for the past five years?"
AgujaCabra (11:06 PM): Looking curiously about the room, the boy wanders over to find a comfortable seat.. bouncing just slightly, and attempting to seem relaxed. . ".. are they okay, sir.. ? "
NerwenGreen (11:07 PM): Thomas considers this. After a moment, he says "No, I am afraid they are not."
NerwenGreen (11:08 PM): He quietly closes the door and finds another seat.
AgujaCabra (11:09 PM): "Oh... " Looking down at his shoes, the boy sighs as best he can given that he hasn't any breath, and kicks his shoes together quietly.. ".... He's really sorry about that... "
NerwenGreen (11:10 PM): Thomas looks at the boy curiously, then gently asks him "Can you tell me more about where the hikers came from? And how they were so badly injured?"
AgujaCabra (11:13 PM): Shaking his head thoughtfully, he leans over to tie his shoes on more securely, and then sits back in the seat.. "... He.. my father, has trouble keeping his temper... the hikers wandered too close, and so he hurt them... . But he didn't mean to kill them... that was an accident."
AgujaCabra (11:13 PM): [other IMs.. sorry!]
AgujaCabra (11:14 PM): " ... He knew you were a doctor, so he brought them here.. "
NerwenGreen (11:15 PM): "Ah, I see." Thomas answers quietly. "Their injuries were too extensive. They were always dead by the time I found them."
AgujaCabra (11:16 PM): "... Oh.." The kid draws his foot up on the seat, and continues to mess around with his shoe laces. ".. I'm sorry about the people... "
AgujaCabra (11:18 PM): ".. I'll tell him to stop leaving bodies here... since it isn't helping anything."
NerwenGreen (11:18 PM): "Tell me more about your father," Thomas says curiously.
AgujaCabra (11:20 PM): ".. could I take my shoes off? .. They're pretty uncomfortable, if you don't mind... " He looks over to you, not expecting anything.
NerwenGreen (11:20 PM): "Certainly, make yourself comfortable," Thomas replies.
AgujaCabra (11:22 PM): Smiling shyly, he undoes the laces on both sneakers, and slips out of his shoes.. He appears to have perfectly ordinary feet, and there is no reason why the shoes should hurt. . "... What did you want to know about my father.. ? "
NerwenGreen (11:24 PM): Thomas smiles a little. "Was he always ill tempered?"
AgujaCabra (11:26 PM): Looking at the floor, he starts to swing his feet casually.. ".. it's not his fault... " he responds softly, inspecting his fingernails as well, and cleaning them off on his overalls.
AgujaCabra (11:27 PM): ".. this is a nice home you have, sir." He adds after a slight pause, smiling at you again.
NerwenGreen (11:28 PM): "Thank you," Thomas smiles back. After a pause, he says "My name is Thomas. What is yours?"
AgujaCabra (11:29 PM): [erp... I think I have to give this boy a name... ]
NerwenGreen (11:29 PM): [hehehe ]
AgujaCabra (11:31 PM): "Daniel," he rejoins quietly, "... not many people ask me that."
NerwenGreen (11:32 PM): Thomas raises an eyebrow at that. "Really? Why not?"
AgujaCabra (11:34 PM): A faint shrug.. ".. . they just dont.. " Adjusting himself to sit upright, Daniel folds his hands together in his lap.. looking down at the fingers absently.
AgujaCabra (11:35 PM): [oh shoot! aol deleted the front of the log, and I hadn't copied it yet.. ]
NerwenGreen (11:35 PM): [it wasn't worth saving :p]
AgujaCabra (11:36 PM): [aw... it wasn't that bad]
NerwenGreen (11:37 PM): [just copied and pasted the whole thing]
AgujaCabra (11:38 PM): [okay. I guess I should make it a point to introduce at least one major character a night ;p Or bring in old ones... ]
NerwenGreen (11:38 PM): [sounds like a plan ]
AgujaCabra (11:39 PM): [it made more sense to have a girl at the church ;p ]
NerwenGreen (11:39 PM): [okay ..]
NerwenGreen (11:40 PM): "That's too bad. Daniel is a nice name," Thomas offers sympathetically. He looks the boy over curiously again. "Do you and your father live in the woods?"
AgujaCabra (11:43 PM): Daniel stuffs a foot back into its sneaker restlessly, not quite looking up at Thomas.. "Sometimes I stay with him, but I live in the city too... he can't go in so much, so I bring him things... "
NerwenGreen (11:45 PM): Thomas nods noncommittally. "How long have things been this way for you?"
AgujaCabra (11:48 PM): "A little while.. since we moved out of the town, I suppose." Daniel puts the other foot in its shoe.. they are backwards, and he laces them up tightly. . "Would it be all right if I went home? He just wanted me to ask about the people.. "
NerwenGreen (11:48 PM): "Of course," Thomas answers. "You are welcome to visit whenever you wish." He pauses a moment and adds, "you have your shoes on backwards."
AgujaCabra (11:51 PM): Flashing a crooked smile, he slips down off the chair, and responds quickly "They don't fit right either way-- it doesn't matter.. " He begins to head over towards the door, looking about your home one more time, before reaching for the knob to go out.
NerwenGreen (11:52 PM): Thomas stands up and goes to the door too. "If you'd like, I can look at your feet sometime and see if we can fix that." He smiles kindly and opens the door.
AgujaCabra (11:55 PM): "... fix... ? " Daniel fixes a confused stare at you as he pauses in the doorway... Then shrugs, and steps outside once again. . "Thank you for letting me come inside... and for taking care of the people for us."
NerwenGreen (11:56 PM): "You're welcome, Daniel." Thomas smiles again.
AgujaCabra (11:57 PM): Lowering his head bashfully, Daniel steps away from your home, and into the surrounding growth.. at which point he removes the troublesome shoes again, and starts to trot off into the woods.
NerwenGreen (11:58 PM): Thomas closes the door and goes back to the computer.