BULiK

On 3/20/2023 at 7:11 PM, Vezok's Friend said:

IC/ Skrall/ Roxtus/ Stables/

Skrall only acknowledged the little speech with the barest of glances. Her attention was firmly on securing their cargo still. She tied his wrists firmly behind his back, cut the rope and then did the same to his ankles, with slack enough to walk almost as normal - but not enough to run. If you couldn’t run in the wastes, you’d be dead. 

Once the restraints were in place, she first removed her grappling line, then pulled him up by the shoulders from down prone, to kneeling. She indicated the wagons. 

“Get up. Get in.”

IC: Skrall [Roxtus, Stables]

Skrall didn't win battles by not fighting them, and he didn't lose campaigns by the result of a single skirmish. He resigned himself to another day, with his last act of defiance being spitting on the ground as he was lifted to his knees.

Straining against the shackles, Skrall lifted himself into the cart. It was a nontrivial task, given he had been deprived of his full free range of motion. The sooner they got underway, the sooner opportunities would present themselves, and he could begin the next phase.

17 hours ago, Snelly said:

IC: Hakari - Forsi, Papa Podu's -

"I'm not too sure. If I was by myself I would just run straight towards Po-koro using my mask power." She tapped the golden Kakama on her face. "Not really an option as a group though."

IC: Nichou [Forsi, Papa Podu's]

"Yeahhhh," Nichou agreed, trying to guide the conversation back to the two wayfinders among them. "So - Sigrus, weren't you navigating for ships? Do you even know the land routes?"

OOC: @EmperorWhenua@Mel@Tarn

On 3/4/2023 at 7:47 PM, Vezok's Friend said:

IC/ Skrall/ Roxtus/ Stables/

Skrall had watched the scene unfold from her spot behind and to the side of the confrontation, half obscured by the wagon she’d helped to load. When it became clear their cargo was committed to being unreasonable, she stepped away from the cart, just far enough to have a clear view and quietly waited for an opening. Trying to run the other legionnaire over with his shield provided one. As one more appeal to reason was being voiced, she widened her stance, lifted her arm and fired her grappling hook cable at the disgraced skrall’s legs, ready to yank him off his feet. 

Hopefully that’d put a quick, non-lethal end to this. He was gonna wind up tied up anyway.

OOC: Busy few weeks for me but I'm back on the grind

IC: Skrall [Roxtus, Stables]

Skrall once again experienced a lack of breath, however through different means to a few minutes prior. The grapple's yank tripped him flat on his face, dazed long enough for one of the nearby Skrall to disarm him.

On 3/5/2023 at 11:40 AM, ARROW404 said:

IC: Suran - Ostia, The Dancing Crab

"Empty hope," he muttered quietly, not intending to be heard, but not particularly caring if he was either. "Run from the Kofo-Jaga, straight into the nest of the Nui."

  IC: Frii'Glokk [Ostia, The Dancing Crab]

The armored skakdi, observing with his signature intensity until now, raised his gun-arm to the air. A strange parallel.

"Grass is always greener."

Having split the difference between the realistic and optimistic views of Zakaz given by the two Ga-Lesterin, the Fe-Skakdi looked Tailua in the optics and lowered the arm-gun back to his side. Time to finish the point.

"Sometimes you need to get prepared on a different island before you're ready to return for payback."

OOC: @Emzee @Ghosthands @ARROW404

On 2/25/2023 at 1:03 AM, ~Xemnas~ said:

IC, Skrol: Iron Mahi freight car

"Do ya see anything that could be our target?" he asked in a hushed tone. "If ya don't, we might have to split up to cover more ground."

IC: Quoribay [Iron Mahi, Middle Cargo Car]

We waited for moment. No movement. Aside from the 'everything' that was constantly in motion because, we were on a train, I guess. No unexpected movement. Looked like we were in the clear. Still couldn't shake that feeling creeping up the back of my spine, but what the Karz, we had a job to do.

"No and yes, respectively," I ordered Skrol. "You head the opposite of the way I go. If that isn't it then we double back to each other's car"

I made my move, creeping up to the door that lead to the final train car. I opened it, bracing myself for the noise and the rushing wind, then carefully crossed to the other car. No wonder they typically don't want passengers to cross trains - that felt dangerous. Because it was dangerous. Not that I couldn't handle it - because I did. Effortlessly.

OOC: @Krayzikk@~Xemnas~@a goose

On 2/23/2023 at 12:37 AM, ~Xemnas~ said:

OOC: Aurax and co. from Ga-Wahi

IC, Aurax: Forsi

Aurax turned around to look back at his companions. “So, where is the Iron Mahi station?” he asked. “Some of you are probably more familiar with this place than I am.”

OOC: Nichou from Ga-Wahi

IC: Nichou [Forsi]

Forsi was on the border of Po-Wahi and Ga-Wahi, so much so that people from either city might disagree about which region. While it was nestled in the fertile crescent of Naho bay, If you took a short walk from the docks you would see the telltale tumbleweeds and cracked clay soil of the Motara desert's outskirts.

Po-Wahi - A dusty museum of the duality of memory:

Traveling with the companions. Hafu's kidnapping.

Meeting Kyhra on a caravan to Po-Koro. Kyhra missing in action since the invasion of Ko-Koro.

Traveling to Po-Koro with a reincarnated Aurax.

...

Well, there wasn't a second calamity yet? Maybe things were getting better.

CUT TO SCENE 27, IRON MAHI STATION

Nichou lead the team to the Iron Mahi station, but it was closed for some unknown reason. The first indication of this before they could make out the 'CLOSED' signs was the line to complain to the ticketmaster. It stretched around the corner from the station, even longer than the line that the massive group of travelers created wherever it went. Waiting for a meeting that long would be a black hole of unparalleled proportions. Not that the group was in a rush or anything. There was just some excitement about Aurax's return home.

Time for plan B.

CUT TO SCENE 28, PAPA PODU'S FRANCHISE STORE #3

Near the end of a hasty lunch at the nearby Papa Podu's. The discussion picked up for the plan for the next phase of the journey.

"Anyone here used to navigating the desert paths? Or should we just walk along the tracks?"

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @Harvali@ARROW404@Mel@Lady Takanuva@Tarn@BBBBalta@EmperorWhenua@Rahisaurus

On 2/27/2023 at 7:05 PM, Nato G said:

IC: Skrall - Roxtus Stables

"You think the Bone Hunters will let you keep it?" He scoffed. He raised his left hand, aiming and activating his electromagnet implant in an attempt to pull the shield from the disgraced Skrall's hand. If you won't surrender it, then I'll just have to take it.

IC: Skrall [Roxtus, Stables]

There were a lot of words in lieu of action. Focus on words drew focus from reality.

The pull on Skrall's shield was strong. Resisting would sap his power. So Skrall charged, intent on plowing into Skrall shieldfirst.

On 2/26/2023 at 4:53 PM, Nato G said:

IC: Skrall - Roxtus Stables

"Ah, so you do speak," he sneered, "Where was this bravery when you were leaving your own to die?"

22 hours ago, oncertainty said:

IC: Skrall - Roxtus Stables

He drew in a breath, and then launched the crate in his hands towards the erstwhile prisoner with as much force and accuracy as he could muster. The moment the crate left his fingers, his hand was at his hip. He drew his khopesh, and set his feet in a fighting stance.

2 hours ago, Burnmad said:

IC: Skrall - Roxtus Stables

Before the rope touched the stable floor, Skrall's own blade flashed from its sheath, and he moved back two steps to place some distance between himself and the threat. The tip of his sword pointed threateningly at the deserter as he held it close in a guard position, all the while he strafed around to his left - stepping over the rope without needing to look - in the hopes of encircling the traitor-- and of distracting it as Skrall hefted a crate to bludgeon it with.

IC: Skrall [Roxtus, Stables]

His foe relenting his grip, Skrall immediately reached his right hand towards his back to withdraw his shield. As he brought it in front of him, he saw Skrall make his throw. He angled the shield and tensed his stance. The crate impacted the rounded surface, contents creating a muffled cacophony as they bounced inside. Skrall didn't have to stop the entire mass so much as absorb enough to deflect it to his right side.

A growl.

Three Skrall were ahead of him. Two had blades drawn, while the lackey resorted to words. Skrall consolidated his position by stepping backwards in pace with the one approaching to his left flank, while retaliating in kind.

"I may be headed to the mongrels, but no Skrall surrenders his shield."

On 2/24/2023 at 2:43 PM, Burnmad said:

IC: Skrall - Roxtus, Stables

"I intended to see to it when we left. Skrall would be a fool to try anything in the middle of Roxtus. Still, now is as good a time as any. Hold his hands out in front of him, Skrall."

He could have ordered the deserter to surrender its weapons itself. That would necessitate it draw them, however; and a Skrall, deserter or not, is accustomed to using a weapon when drawing it. Doubly so for a reject who was staring down the barrel of a lifetime of slavery. His sadistic impulses aside, Skrall preferred the relative safety of pulling the weapons from Skrall's back himself. And, he told himself, this way would be more humiliating.

Grabbing a coil of sturdy rope that was hanging over the wall of a stable stall, he glanced at the stable master. "Add a length of rope to the requisitions manifest," he said, unwinding a portion of rope long enough to bind Skrall's hands with.

On 2/24/2023 at 5:21 PM, Nato G said:

IC: Skrall – Roxtus Stables

Wary of potential struggle, he reached out to take the prisoner’s hands and hold them up to be tied.

IC: Skrall [Roxtus, Stables]

When the soldier began to move for him at orders from special forces, the delinquent saw his options and chose the path of greatest resistance.

He raised his hands in front of him, level with the ground. But as Skrall took hold of Skrall's right hand, Skrall's left hand was moving away. In fact, all of Skrall began to move in that split second from Skrall's grip finding purchase. His torso rotated counterclockwise as his entire body threw its force behind a punch towards the ground on his left. The sudden jerk to the left and down was meant to drive the latched-on Skrall off of his footing and into the dirt floor.

Skrall's left hand reached the handle on his hip. It unsheathed the black blade of his shortsword and raised it to the ready.

"No."

IC: Skrall [Roxtus, Stables]

Skrall continued to stand somewhat dazed, putting up no resistance. But at the question, his eyes glowed bright red for a moment.

IC: Quoribay [Iron Mahi, Cargo Car #?]

Having stowed away in cargo, naturally, we found ourselves to be in one of the cargo cars. But which? Obviously not the one with the ussal-less-carriage we were after, but we needed to find a way there so it was ready to unload once Dolbren made his way back here. And deal with any lingering threats along the way.

For now though, the coast (aside from the ghost) was clear.

To each side of the car was a door. Within that door was a window. Pretty easy to tell that to either side of us was another cargo car, but with the glare and how dim the insides of these cargo cars were, I couldn't tell which one was the prize. Or which way was the front of the train - until there was that loud creaking of metal to my left.

Dolby was at work cooking up some chicanery.

So that unintentional-but-definitely-intentional signal told me that the car on my left side was towards the front of the train (car number three out of five for any of you folks counting along at home) and the one to my right was the last car. Given the guards were distracted by the... uh... distraction that Surdo had choreographed, it was probably best to check that one first, right? WRONG!

Now, rule number one of running a heist is to never fully trust your crew, especially if you plan on double crossing them. Skrol had successfully not ####ed me over so far, but who's to say the blind ####### wasn't just lucky? If the guards hadn't moved up front due to the whole hostage situation, they sure as Karz would want to check out why the train was screaming and being split in half.

With a whispered "shh!" I tugged Skrol's shoulder to tell him to follow me, and then ducked behind another of the large crates on the floor. Luckily I didn't forget to put the lid back on over our old crate in the process. We would listen in case a guard ran past out of the caboose.

OOC: @~Xemnas~@Krayzikk@a goose

IC: Skrall [Roxtus]

Skrall stumbled forwards at the prompting of Skrall, paying no attention to Skrall and Skrall infighting. They wouldn't get it.

On 6/23/2022 at 11:03 PM, BULiK said:

IC: Quoribay [Iron Mahi, ?th Car, ???]

Y'know, I'd been in plenty of dangerous situations. On the run, taking hostages, fighting people in very dumb and dangerous ways against impossible odds.

But I, the pro that I am, was always cool under pressure. It never 'got' to me like you read in the Mata Nui Daily about some guard members losing their lunch during a stick up, or like you see when some guard members lose their lunch while you're doing a stick up. Me? Never got the creeps, the willies, the makooties, whatever you want to call it. For as long as I could remember.

This job though? There was this point when I had this feeling, this instinct, that something was off. I felt this... chill... creeping all over my body.

That was the first indication that things weren't going to plan. That that day was going to get even crazier than I had accounted for.

  IC: Quoribay [Iron Mahi, ?th Car]

I was so glad to be free from that little box, let me tell you. Finally, after the painstaking setup process, it was my time to shine.

When Skrol gave me the secret signal, he began opening the secret compartment, pushing past the decoy fruits to reach the crate's lid. I took the liberty to grab a bula on my way out. One for the road, eh?

I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, but superstition wasn't gonna stop me. I gracefully lowered myself to the floor, all daintily-like in case Skrol had made a massive ####up and the coasts weren't completely clear (true). While I had confidence in the plan... the shivers did give me a bit of a spook.

If you recall, priority number one was figuring out just where the Karz I was. Situational awareness, they call it.

OOC: @a goose@Krayzikk@~Xemnas~

On 2/20/2023 at 12:55 PM, Vezok's Friend said:

IC/ Skrall/ Roxtus/ War Room/

“We are ready to head to Iconox, Tesara or directly to Atero. Either as one, to make a statement, or in teams - one for each arena - to broaden our presence south. Where would you have us begin, to best serve your strategy?”

IC: Tirveus [Roxtus, War Room]

The general looked to the Skrall of the five that spoke up in answer, his glare pulsing deadlier upon examining just what was asking him the question. Inconceivable. He almost forgot the question, merely staring with discontent for a few unsettling moments.

Skrall writhed against the wall.

"Heading directly to Atero is foolhardy and pointless. The southern tourneys are not built equally - what matters strategically is the Great Tournament, and before the Great Tournament can proceed there are the exhibition matches. The first of which is in Tajun."

"The fastest route is by way of Tesara, but -" Tirveus looked to Skrall, whose squirming was slowing down, the pace of panic simultaneously calmer yet twitching with more vigor. "You will go by way of Atero."

His massive hand loosed its grip and Skrall slid down the wall, violently gagging against his own drool in a fight for breath. The pathetic crumple of armor didn't dare raise a finger. Head against the floor, he looked up at Tirveus with reverent fear.

"Skrall here abandoned his watch, and many more paid the price of his incompetence. He is a danger to the strength of the Whole, and must be expunged."

"Follow My River south past the Dark Falls until you see a lone mesa to your east. You will sell Skrall there to the Bone Hunters in exchange for safe harbor, fresh water, and future commitments. My Ordinarius will accompany you to project my will and make said arrangements."

Atakus bowed.

"You will continue southward until my river is truly dead, and you see Sandray Canyon to your west. Beyond that lies Tajun, and your first victory."

"Requisition the necessary rock steeds and Spikit carts from the war stables, and leave without delay. There is a Skrall outside who has scouted these territories, he will be your guide through the wastelands."

Tirveus kicked Skrall towards the five others, the disgraced warrior rolling on the granite floor.

"Dismissed," he snarled.

IC: Skrall [Roxtus, War Room]

stinging aching pressure pressure PRESSURE

IC: Tirveus [Roxtus, War Room]

"Ah yes, there are some details to work out, aren't there," Atakus replied, tone showing that he had expected (and probably warned Tirveus of) something exactly like this. "Let them pass."

The Honorguard pulled their glaives back. It was the closest thing to an invitation the fellow Skrall would get. Atakus turned and swiftly lead those who decided to follow to a deeper chamber, not bothering to check behind to see if any got lost in the stone halls of the bunker. The whole situation was boring to the rock triber.

As the group got further in, the sounds from within escalated. Something smacked one of the walls. They emerged into the war room to see the lime-armored skrall leader pinning Skrall against the barren wall with one hand, the chokehold lifting the smaller Skrall off his feet. Skrall's weapons were on his back, his hands grasping against the titan's grip in vain.

Atakus coughed. "Sir, volunteers for your arena campaign humbly ask for your consultation."

Tirveus broke his stare with Skrall, turning his head to see the the strange mix of soldiers standing at the entryway. He frowned, both at seeing them and at his untimely interruption.

"Well? I don't have all day."

Skrall squirmed.

IC: Tirveus [Roxtus, War Room]

The assorted Skrall found their general where was expected - at the war room, conducting his business. Two honorguard Skrall stood outside the basalt bunker's sole entrance, and their glaives crossed to block the entrance as the ad-hoc contubernium approached. Around the corner behind the ceremonial guardians of the Skrall leader, an Agori walked into view. They could tell that Tirveus's office was occupied from the muffled sounds of pained grunts and fists finding their target, although Atakus looked calm as ever despite the scuffle inside.

"You have business with the Imperator?" he droned.

OOC: @ skrall

IC: Frii'Glokk [Ostia, The Dancing Crab]

Blue eyes were locked on the Toa's hand-gun. All else was still.

Been a busy week on my end so I've only now caught up with the happenings in the game so far. Really cool stuff! I'm going to try and get some skrall stuff moving in the next few days (hopefully), get the squad together. There's also going to be some more direct quest hooks dropping soon

IC: Frii'Glokk [Ostia, The Dancing Crab]

His ride doubly confirmed, this time by the captain himself, the Fe-Skakdi was satisfied. He had a new mission now: lounge around waiting to depart. What better entertainment than this new Toa and his catchy poster?

Over Lohkar's shoulder, the ironclad Skakdi observed the introductions. This guy used to work for the circus? the newly-appointed goon thought. He then remembered his encounter with Solan a few minutes earlier. Yeah, he'll fit right in.

5 hours ago, Ghosthands said:

IC (Broker NPCs) [Burning Steppes Outskirts]

He looked around at the gathered beings, green eyes alighting on each of them with varying degrees of distrust or disdain. Only Kihr received a respectful nod.

IC: Kihr [Burning Steppes, Outskirts]

The fixer gave a nod in return. As different as their lifestyles may have been, they each had standing in the Broker's eyes. Within the Broker's circles, they shared seniority, if not rank, over many of those present. As on-edge as everyone may have been, Rhuvok gave some assurance that it wasn't a wild Gafna chase.

Until now, the scope of the dig was uncertain to Kihr. Not his area of expertise. The Raven's presence and subsequent exposition indicated that the value of Kalzok's find wasn't overblown, and it really might have hoards of wealth and priceless knowledge. Kihr might have been excited by that news, if he cared in the slightest. His optics juggled focus between excavation crew members and the horizon as he continued to listen.

On 1/28/2023 at 9:53 PM, Silvan Haven said:

Kale Ironshaper - Docks - Fowadi

IC: "We're stopping here to top off our supplies before we set off on a months long journey into the unknown. As well as one last stop for anyone that might want to leave or join the crew."

IC: Myhruk [Beach Outpost, The Fowadi]

"By 'the unknown' you mean Seprilli right? Do you even know where you're going?"

On 1/29/2023 at 6:50 AM, Rahisaurus said:

[IC: Zassani]

"Too right," murmured Zassani, scowling up at the distant figure still standing up on the hill, "Especially if one of em's too good to come down and make it 'imself." He pointed at Kihr. "What's 'is deal?"

IC: Kihr [Burning Steppes, Outskirts]

Needing not bother with pleasantries, Kihr casually extracted a cigar from a case that he subsequently stowed again. The cutting device followed, which sliced the cap straight off with an offhand squeeze. If the husks of plants around them had still been burning, he may well have lit the cigar off one of them. However, in the present circumstances, the nearest source of fire was his own.

The lighter that flicked open was perhaps the only piece of metal on Kihr that could still reflect the dull sunlight. Well polished, one could be mistaken for believing it was a reproduction and not the antique that it truly was. The insignia engraved on its side was impossible to make out from such a distance, not that any of those present were ancient or well-studied enough to know its meaning. Then again, this was a group of archeologists and treasure hunters. However, Kihr presumed that even if they could recognize it from a book, they would never have respected the creed. To them, history was a linear sequence of inevitability. With the hindsight of the current desolation, none of them would have understood that the hope it once stood for was real, or that the blood that spilled in its name had accomplished anything.

Not that Kihr was foolish enough to think that either. However, an old man was allowed his sentimentality.

Having lit his cigar with a few mechanical puffs, the lighter and its revealing flame disappeared uneventfully. The red embers at the end of the cigar poked out from the the hilltop Lesterin's silhouette, joining the constellation formed by his lime optics and and the occasionally blinking lights on his chestpiece.

IC: Long Dihunai [Ga-Koro, The Yukanna]

The warrior considered the proposal and stood up to follow Yumiwa. She knew the Maru were this island's greatest warriors, although the connections between them and Mata Nui's own little empires weren't clear to her. Whatever this 'urgent matter' was, it could impact the balance of the fragile situation at large. The only way to be prepared was to hear the topic for herself.

Dihunai followed Yumi through the corridors and up onto the deck, avoiding eye contact with onlooking Dashi. While the rogue Tajaar's presence aboard the Rora's flagship was not unusual at this point, it certainly remained unorthodox. Whispers on the mental plane, even through Dihunai's metaphorical firewall, could often be felt near the navy's sailors. Unease the armed stranger, her unusual intentions, and the mystery of how she had become an unofficial advisor of the Rora.

She followed several strides behind Yumiwa, avoiding drawing any more attention to herself when possible.

42 minutes ago, Silvan Haven said:

Kale Ironshaper - Docks - Fowadi

IC: "Until the captain gets back from the koro, that's me. What do you need to say?"

IC: Myhruk

The Lesterin made an expression that could best be described as an eye roll that lacked eyes rolling.

"Where's this ship going, why are we in Ta?"

ARC 3, ROLL 31427, SCENE 25, TAKE 1

PROD: NICHOU DREAM SEQUENCE, DIR: BULiK, CAM: MAX

*CLAP*

AAAAAAND IN CHARACTER: NICHOU

…

…

…

CUT!

wait, where is he?

hold on -

IC: Nichou [The Void]

Nichou once wished to a hero, but his current dreams lacked such profound scope.

As the Onu-Matoran drooled softly on the floor he was sprawled across, his mind was entirely empty. There was no vision of the future, nor regrets from the past. He had not passed go, nor collected his two hundred widgets. There wasn’t even any pit in his heartlight, unsure what to make of the blank canvas – in those moments, the nothingness made perfect sense because it was, or rather, because it wasn't.

It was not a place of wisdom, no lessons were learned there.

...

IC: Nichou [Ga-Koro]

Nichou had awoken when roused, and had listened to the proceedings in the intervening time. The craftsman was wide awake, clearly there, while also not quite.

Everything about this situation was absurd, what could have been easily mistaken for a bad trip, but there was no doubt. Nichou was as serious as he had ever been, although his lack of surprise or questions was concerning. No proof of Aurax's resurrection was necessary, and the effects of the cactus had clearly worn off by this point. Somehow, it all made perfect sense without making any.

As he rested in a reclined manner, Nichou was patient, content, even, to listen to the others talk. While he hadn’t paid much attention to the note taking of Kanohi before, he understood now. It was the mute Fe-Matoran showing another message to the group that made Nichou finally speak up.

"There is something we can do,” he interrupted with a nod towards the vigilante. “Everything.”

The Onu-Matoran gestured towards Aurax and Lekua in his next appeal.

"Your reincarnation? Us three Companions meeting again? On the heels of a dark army’s return? These circumstances are no coincidence.”

"There are shadows at work that none understand, just as before when we volunteered to chase Takua’s riddles. The lessons from our travels, the spark from your sacrifice, it grew to guide Stannis and the Maru to victory. This crystal fleet is a reminder - armies can only do so much against the darkness. Clearly we were brought together because once again, more light must be shone, lest our defenders be caught unprepared."

"Quite the mystery - you cheated death, and somehow Makuta did as well. Maybe if we find out how either of you managed it, we can find a way to stop him from coming back a second time."

On 1/25/2023 at 8:36 AM, NorikSigma said:

IC: Vekus - Spineless Bay

After a few more hours, the pair reached a downward slope. Vekus could see a set of bare hills seem to rise out from the low land ahead of them, a series of strange, low stone (crystal?) outcroppings surrounding it. At the centre of those shapes was the bare side of a hill, and a small group of figures.

Wordlessly, the pair continued downhill, steeling themselves to reach their target and the wonders, or horrors, within.

IC: Kalzok - Outside

One of the excavation team called out to the others, and Kalzok peeped out from under his robes and hat. Even from this distance he could recognise Vekus' stride, and the old Broker agent with her.

It only took a few minutes for them to reach the ruin. He dusted off his robes and stood up from his seating position in one fluid motion.

"Glad to see we have all made it in one piece. Perhaps introductions are in order?"

OOC: Recommended listening:

IC: Kihr [Burning Steppes, Outskirts]

As Vekus descended the slope, Kihr slowed his pace. The jingle of each spur lingered in the air longer after each step, the tempo of the rugged Lesterin's military march slacking now that he had lead Vekus to where she was meant to be. He stopped several bio away from the crew, taking a seat on an outcrop of lifeless stone padded by ash. Upright in nearby dirt, he fixed the end of the cane that had been kept furled in his arm during most of the journey. From afar, the approaching spurs had been the more prominent sound, but with his closer proximity and stiller movement, the compression cycles of his lung pumps had become the dominant indicators of his presence.

The husk blended into the soot of the steppes. Had the group not seen him arrive, they might have mistaken the Ga-Lesterin for a newly uncovered archeological artifact. The shemagh around his neck danced in the breeze, shaking off dust like a Burnak after a swim. Thusly it became clearer that it had once been blue as the sky, and his antique armor was long ago a navy blue befitting the ocean depths. Time's cruelty had dulled their boldness to the point of each being faded cousins of grey. The layer of ash that had floated onto Kihr from the alpine winds and shadowed light from the murky sky amplified his colorlessness tenfold.

It was thanks to this sky's contrast that Kihr's torso skylined the hilltop. Silhouetted by the rays of burnt orange light brave or foolish enough to pierce the wildfire's clouds, the only color on the figure was from the alien glow of the lights cut into the center of the agent's torso, and the lime optics that overlooked the assembled crew behind his Arthron. Some of them he had met, some he hadn't - and yet he knew all of them with the intimacy gamblers had of their favorite dice.

He was as much a mystery to them as the ruins that temporarily wove their fates together, or the patterns of the blinking and static colored lights where his heartlight should have been, and yet the enigma was calmingly understandable on the surface. A facilitator, Kihr's business was known, and he needed no introduction. His mechanical breathing continued to announce his presence and attention in the background - which said all that needed to be said.

IC: Frii'Glokk [The Dancing Crab, Ostia]

The statue of a Skakdi's blue optics were momentarily glazed with a cherenkov glow as his helmet snappily rotated towards Lohkar. As soon as his cognition caught up with his reflexes, the orbs dimmed. The rest of his body was stationary, yet even from beneath his all-encompassing plating, the tin man was clearly tense.

"I already filled Gunner in: Just here for passage."

The skull-like helmet nodded sideways at the other Lesterin.

"Big hat wants in too. Dunno his story."