Trying to make himself useful, Crispy punched the hummer's AR menus furiously with his brain in an attempt to get a better view of the flying red dots. Muttered curses escaped his lips as something that used to be water(?) but quickly became sweat rolled down his brow. "Dammit Ricoh, couldn't you have given this thing a better sensor package than this rinky-dink bulldrek? Hope I remember to punch you in the junk next time I see you..."

Louder, he announced "Whatever you're doing, you'd better do it fast! We're gonna have company!"

Sanchez looks up at Murphy and cracks a big smile showing way too much gums and his big rabbit teeth!
Thanks man, it's water on the under bridge... null sweat chummer.

Sanchez seems to be in a better mood and the tension is gone from his body language and he's back to his usual grinning self.

Jimbo and Bobby-Sue lean against the doors of their truck,
weapons half pointed at the Hummer, half lowered to the ground as they grow bored of waiting for their Pa' to convince the strangers to get out of their vehicle. without luck.
"We should be gettin' home before Ma' calls the boss!" Bobby-Sue worries at her half brother "

"Yip, gittin' late and I'm low on juice too" Jimbo shares her fears, and looks at a readout on his arm with no short amount of concern.

Inside the Hummer, Sanchez searches over the rear seat for the bag of armor for Murphy,
Crispy is leaning between the front seats desperately pushing buttons on the AR-CON as the beeping radar signatures pulse and converge on their position
"ACCESS DENIED! ... User rights NOT recognised.... Please refrain from interfering with these controls ... STOP! touching Meeeee!"
Artemis wails as he punches various icons.

Slumped next to him, Nova is out cold, at least in the physical realms,
so does not witness the awesome form of Murphy, naked as the day he was shat out by the Gods of Gunnery Sergeants 'OOH RAH!',
but for the camouflage coloured J-Strap that maintains his modesty
"I dunno Chummer, I'm conflicted.. Should I be coverin' my eyes or recording this fer resale on the Porno market?"
Sanchez jests while Crispy throws himself into the back seat and makes puking motions with his fingers in his throat before slapping his respirator on to cover his grin.

Otside once more, hearing something, Jimbo halts the conversation with his cousin....
"But dun' worry Pa'll git.... HEY! .. you hear that?"
The Shotgun pulled instantly into his shoulder he steps left, peering into the darkness inside the nearby crops, a glowing form of light emanates there.

"Hello there!" The voice reverberates in his mind.
Shock and fright, at seeing and hearing voices, mixed with the paranoia of years on illegally brewed moonshine finally take their toll on his weak mind
he looses both barrels at the ghostly figure in the fields, blasting wide swathes of crops to green mist.
"NooOOOOoOOoOooooo!" He wails in mental anguish, ejecting the smoking shells from the 'broken' weapon and fumbling for new cartridges he drops them in the dirt.

Bobby-Sue rushes around the truck, see's her brother on the floor scrabbling in the dirt frantically, his body silhouetted by an eerie light from the crops in front of him, She Screams out in pure fear
"PA'! PA'! They dun' killed Jimbo, they set them ghouls an' zombies on us .. PA'! HALP !"
She too, looses both barrels into the crops, decimating the green stalks to reveal the ghostly visage of Tatjana standing there completely uninjured.

At the Hummer Pa' halts his wrenching on the door handle and begging for the folks to step out, he looks up the gully to see his children stricken and screaming, firing blindly into the night.

It is too much for his simple mind to comprehend, especially after being abducted and tested on so long ago.. the memories flood his mind with panic.
He cocks his ears to the northern skies and obviously hearing something, feverishly begins to scramble up the hill, Dragging Betty-Anne by her collar up with him.

" Please, relax, we mean no harm to you. Much to the opposite!"
The words from Tatjana try to relax the old man, but he's completely gone now,

"Get outta mah head Alien scum, yer be not takin' me or me kin again, "
He rips his shirt wide with both hands, the moonlight glints off metallic and oily black carapace like mish-mash of surfaces for what constitutes his chest, like a half beetle, half Gas cyclinder.
upon which he bangs the shotgun stock in a challenge to the approaching alien craft he fears will take him away from his family.
"Yah got me once devils an' I ain't bin same since!... COME ON! .. AH'LL KILL YA FER SURE !!"

Tatjana tries to continue, against the odds
" We are trying to get away from them!! too..
There is not much time. They will come looking for us. And by then, we must be gone. Please, help us. You are our only hope!"

The old man looks confused, not knowing what to believe, his heart, his broken mind or the ears that perceive the oncoming wings of his doom.

Sanchez stores the video to upload later on Xtube.

Sanchez watches out the Humvee window trying to follow along what is happening... he can't help but laugh at what is unfolding.
The laugh is something akin to snorting and a donkey braying and loudly!

Murphy : Early Morning : Vashon Island, Middle of a Pumpkin Patch

In the front seat of the Humvee, Murphy slips on his milspec armor. I knew I should never have taken it off in the first place. He turns back towards Sanchez taking the chest piece being handed over and notices the short stocky fellow looking him over.

"You were just chiding about the pretty face comment earlier right? You aren't going to try to kiss me now are you?" Murphy beams a smile back at the mercenary before facing front to finish slipping into the armor.

"Don't make me tell Crispy about how he joined the Dirty Sanchez club while he was sleeping."

Sanchez roars with laughter at Murphy's comment!
ROOOOOFLES!!!!

"Jimbo, Bobby-Sue git yer guns, them buzzards is comin'!"
Pa' settles somewhat at the soothing words of the Alien Spirit Being begging for their help, but his weapon stay firmly fixed on her transparent form.

"THEY knows we're here now! I gots ta git mah childer's to safety, now, I'm trustin' ye to be on best behaviour,

First sign o' any abductin' an BOOM .. I'm blowin' that truck apart ya hear"

The younger ones rush back to their vehicle and get inside as Pa' grabs the winch and tosses the steel cable into the bed of his truck.

"There's a side road up ahead that goes EAST, there's good cover down there but you need to kill the lights, "
Pointing in the direction you were travelling he indicates a right turn about half a mile further north

Then, looking at the low profile wheels on shiny black alloys. he asks
" can that weird lookin' thing manage off road? "

Inside the vehicle Artemis adjusts the AR display, zooming in on your own position on the map
"Diversion programmed, suggest manual over-ride, pilot program insufficient for projected terrain,"

Looking at the map, the path looks like a dried up gully that passes between the greenhouses all the way to the coast on the opposite side to where you landed
"Team Bio-statistics are currently at AMBER ALERT, would you like me to dispense Stimulant Packages?"

the Radar PiP overlay pings faster and more vibrantly than before,

"No abductions, promise!" Tatjana says, holding a hand to her heart in a most promising gesture.

"None of my people have done this to you, you have my word on that. I believe it was the rulers of this land who took you and made you believe it was us. Thank you, earthling, you are a good man." She has some trouble keeping a straight face on that one.

"I'm afraid, the off-road capabilities of this ... vehicle ... are lacking a bit. We will manage somehow."

"Oh, you like that do you? I've got my hand down your dress and I'm going for the goods. Now gimme the fraggin admin access or I'll keep going!" In his wild panic, Crispy wasn't sure of what he was really saying, or more importantly, why he was saying it to a computerized personality in a military vehicle. It didn't matter, because whatever he was saying didn't affect his rapid punching of commands both physical and virtual. The goings-on inside and outside the truck were (mercifully) not noticed by him yet, so focused was he on his work.

Continuing with his madness, Crispy answered without even thinking. "Frag yes I want you to dispense us some Stimulant Packages! And if you have anything stronger, I'll take them too!"

In the lull of the moment, Crispy came back to awareness of his surroundings. His brain registered having heard his name and "dirty sanchez" too closely together, but he shook it off. Nah, no way are these guys that juvenile. Glancing quickly back and forth between Sanchez and Murphy, who were eyeing each other in a strange way, Crispy muttered yet more curses and turned to Nova to say something, just then noticing her limp form. He looked outside to try to see what was going on, hoping she would wake up before those glowing red dots pinged their way too much closer. He turned back to the controls to try one final time to do something, anything, that might help the situation.

With a sudden surge of inspiration, he called Baller out of his tactical pouch and had the little drone roll out until it was sitting pressed up against the inside front windshield, secured in place with the gecko tips on the dashboard. I'm trying to patch Baller's feeds into the nav-system on this POS, he's got UWB radar, thermo and lowlight going now. Somehow that's gotta help, right Artemis?"

"Database query - "The Goods" - No results found. Please refine query, or try a new search! This unit is not equipped with a dress Sir!"
Artemis doesn't skip a beat as Crispy begins to sweat and begins pulling optical cables from the dashboard

"You have potentially inserted an extremity somewhere near the Vehicles manifold and are about to endure severe physical trauma, CAUTION is advised .. Sir!"
Ignoring the devices pleas Crispy blows dust from an optical jack and thrusts in the cable leading back to Baller...

Everything goes instantly dark, the HUD and all the AR widgets wink out of existence "Drek drek drek" he reaches out to yank the cord and suddenly the whole cabin is flooded with light.

The ground infront of the truck is replicated in full holographic detail

"FRAG YEAAAH!" He cries triumphantly .. and then .. remembering the inbound bogies .. "DRIVE!"

Back in her body, Tatjana is quite happy how her interaction with the weird locals turned out. Getting up to speed on what was going on in the meantime, she agrees, that they should make haste. Knowing quite well, though, that she isn't a pro driver, Nova considers a magically improved reaction time to be a good idea.

She concentrates to get the spell going, before tying it into one of her sustaining foci, which will keep it active.

And then it's time to drive!

Murphy : Early Morning : Vashon Island, Middle of a Pumpkin Patch

Resting comfortably back in his armor he looks over a Nova as she begins to stir, regaining her composure from the astral jaunt.

"The guys and I decided a more tactical approach might be necessary after all."

Murphy pulls his M22A3 close making sure the smartlink shows all green.

Hearing the rev of the engine, Crispy had a brief, crazy thought Guess I got Artemis' motor running! before he realized it was Nova moving again and getting them the heck out of dodge. He relaxed back into his seat, sharing a relieved smile with Sanchez before nodding at Murphy's comment, checking his rifle as well. Could be there was gonna be action soon.

He sat back and refastened his seat-belt, making sure his respirator was firmly fastened and all of his other tactical gear was in place. Then he settled in for the ride...

As he was bounced about in the interior (he'd have to talk to Ricoh about the suspension on this piece-of-drek), he called out "Where's those Stim packages honey?"

The hummer bounces and rattles along as fast as Nova can realistically push it, probably a bit 'too fast'
considering her lack of any off road skills, She doesn't always brake when she should and the alloy wheels splinter and buckle under the torture, but they hold.

On either side, passing within touching distance, great steel structures covered with a porous material rise into the dark night, it makes it feel like running down an unending and straight tunnel of white.
And then the structures diminish and the two vehicles burst out onto moonlit sand,
the locals hang a hard left, swerving wildly as a spot light from the WALL up ahead, flashes across the beach missing them by inches.

The educated members of the team are reminded of a school trip to the WAR! museum,
where depictions of huge 19th century fortresses towered above beaches dotted with landmines and anti personnel devices and barricades,
the AR Gunners atop the walls would rain down death from above on the beaching allied forces, the sand would explode in huge gouts of flame and body parts as they charged onwards regardless of the danger.
All that to teach kids to respect WAR! .. but all they did coming out was pretend to be allies or axis of evil, and take each other out with Augmented reality machine guns.

"Drek! ... I can't ... hold ..it ....!" Nova cries as she tries to throw the heavy vehicle around and into cover, Murphy leans over
and with both hands helps lever the wheel under control and they sweep it to a stop behind some rocks next to the disembarking locals.

"Stimulant packages dispenser is not available on this model - please refer to your local sales representative for more info"
Artemis sounds completely cool as the message is delivered, but Crispy senses something more, the timing was just too perfect. Did she ... did IT just Burn me ?..
He hangs his jaw in surprise but shakes it off and gets back to business, as do the rest of the team

"Did you SEE Pa's chest back there ?" Nova asks. "Ahueyet, what are they doing here?!"

From the dashboard, Baller's tiny form beeps and flashes it's LED's like a miniature disco ball.
"Boss.... I feel strange ...Boss... I can't see ... It's so cold ...Boss, Hold me !"
the lights flicker some more and with a puff of smoke they extinguish

That was some great driving Nova!
Seeing the hillbilly locals are getting out of their vehicle...
What are we doing guys... I think we should drive away and leaves these locals here, no need to risk staying in contact with them.
What does everyone have to wear to cover your face, everyone have a respirator?

Once the Humvee stops and it's clear we're safe and undetected, Sanchez checks his "respirator" is in place and working and puts on his "ballistic mask" and grabs his rifle ready for action.

Murphy : Early Morning : Vashon Island, chillin on a beach

As the vehicles come to a halt with the cover rocks, Murphy lets go of the wheel giving control back to Nova.

"Perhaps its just me but doesn't this place seem a tad bit over secured for a soy field? Biotoxins... security drones... armed hillbilly robot farmers? Did I miss something with the mission package? Are these magical soy plants?" The last part comes out far to sarcastic.

"Does anyone have any means to detect the toxin? Perhaps determine what it is and see if there is an antidote?"

Outside, Pa' and the kids have gathered at the rear of their truck.

Tin mugs are handed out and the contents swallowed, the process evokes some amazing facial expressions and hoots of joy!

They congregate there, hugging briefly as they celebrate still being alive.

Guys you seeing what I'm seeing and thinking what I'm thinking?
These hillbilly locals are breathing this toxic air and rely on some kind of chemical substance, one of the sons earlier showed concern about running low and running out of it.... they also seem to be packing some serious cyberware and bioware.
I think we've stumbled on to something bigger then initially planned.

Murphy : Early Morning : Vashon Island, chillin on a beach

"How do we want to handle this situation?" Murphy poses the question to the entire group. "Personally I don't think killing these people will serve us any good in the long run. They seem scared shitless of the people to the north so I doubt they would talk even if captured but at the same time I would hate to burn a bridge we may need to cross later. Plus if there is any chance they can get us across the wall, they may be useful."

Murphy turns around to Sanchez.

"You are right though my friend. There is something strange afoot at the Circle K. I fear we are deep in the drek now."

"Something strange? Noooo kidding!" Nova remarks.

"I don't have a respirator, but my armor has an air supply, so I can get along without breathing outside air for a while. It is also chemically resistant, but not completely sealed. Would be a good idea to get it ready, so, if you can get to the compartment and hand me the stuff, I will make a quick change. Guess the inconspicious clothing isn't that useful out here, anyways."

Said, done.

Nova changes back into her armor suit, leaving the form-fitting full body armor on, that she wears underneath, this time also using the hood and putting on her helmet as well. The armored leather jacket vanishes into the compartment instead.

"So, how are we getting past the security then?"

With their emotional state somewhat calmed, Pa' leavs his truck and wanders over to the hummer.

Tapping on the window on Murphy's side he holds up a cup, in both hands, offering it like a peace pipe.

"Me an' mah kin, we bin' thinkin'..." he pauses and looks over his shoulder to Bobby-Sue who nods confirmation,
"We reckin' that yous ain't from round these parts!" the understatement is apparently lost on him,
"So we reckin' that you need a fix o' juice in yer veins afore ye go runnin' around gettin knocked out by tha' bug sprayer!"

He taps the cup against the glass, like toasting a speach and sips the liquid as if tasting it for the first time ever,
then smiling an utterly toothless smile to indicate it's inherent safety.

"Yeah, right. And if we open the window or door to get it, we will fall unconscious. How goddamn dumb are these guys? Apart from that, I'm not going to drink that crazy stuff!"

Hmm... Ummm yeah I'm with Nova on this, I won't be drinking no radioactive firewater! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Sanchez sinks down in his seat and stays quiet as a mouse while Pa is pecking on the window and talking about the drinking what ever is in the cup.

Murphy : Early Morning : Vashon Island, chillin on a beach

"I'm in the same boat as Nova. My suit has a two hour back up air supply so I won't have to breathe the vapors, but its only chemically resistant not a complete environmental seal. Now i'm thinking there is a chance we will be safer from the toxin here than we were out in the fields simply based on the fact we were ok when we landed on the beach on the other side of the island earlier. Either way that doesn't change the fact we need to get passed that massive wall and other than driving through the main gate or trying to sneak over I don't this going well for us."

Baller! What's the matter little buddy? Baller? Baller! Noooooooooo! Crispy pushed himself into the front-seat area from the back, cradling the inert form of the drone. He disconnected the cables leading into the sphere and ran his hands over the metal surface. Something fried inside, from the looks. He looked up from the small drone to the dashboard with a weird glint in his eye. She did warn me about inserting extremities... One more thing Ricoh would have to account for when this mission was done. He placed the drone's body back into it's home in the tactical pouch around his waist, then rejoined the conversation.

Crispy points to the respirator already on his face and nods affirmatively.

I left all my lab equipment in my other pants. But I'd say this is some kinda pesticide. Near the beach I think it's safer, sea breeze keeps the gas dispersed enough that it's not so concentrated. I'm keeping my respirator on anyway, can't be too careful.


I see three options. One, we ditch the vehicle and go over the wall on foot. I was thinking maybe we could go around the base of the lighthouse. Unless you could float us all over or something. Two, we stay in the vehicle and make it past the checkpoint with some kinda diversion, maybe the locals could help with that. Three, Nova you're pretty chummy with those freaks out there - ask 'em if they know any secret ways past that wall...


Hope this isn't like one of those aboriginal tribe things where we have to take part in some ritual to be considered one of them...