2072: Game World, IC thread for 2072: Recruitment always open! Options

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:26:19; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Requiem visibly shakes himself at your words and you see the mist clear. “Yeah, when one of these fraggers dies it always brings more. Fragging bugs, I hate bugs, what the hell am I doing here? Move it out, I’ve got rear guard, Stitch will rove. These poor bastards haven’t got a chance without us…why the hell did they set up shop here…?” and you continue to hear his monologue as you move towards your final exit option.

The raging thunder of automatic fire behind you serve to spur you and the beleaguered Blackwater natives onwards. Suddenly Jon rushes past your more cautious pace yelling “Katie!” you round the corner after trying to snatch him back and you are confronted by six or so people, natives by the look of them, huddled around the exit portal. A youngish man is arguing with Katie and trying to pull her through the exit and as you both barge into the chamber all eyes turn to you…

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

Gemeaux gives Lady deBathayre a wounded pout, poking a bit of fun at her backhanded slight against French wines.

"My lady, you wound me. I find Cotes du Rhone to complement every occasion, but to each her own. Alas, I do not believe Keesris is made anymore, but I am certain there is another vintage capable of bringing you pleasure, yes?"

He returns to the subject of the land.

"Ah, it is quite beautiful out there. I have made the Mediterranean my home, and I often forget that most of the world has not escaped the wounds of our troubled times... I must admit, I often travel upon the ground and do not get to see the world from on high. We are fortunate to see Nature reclaim her domain within our lifetime, yes?"

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:26:19; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead grabs for the boy but she is too slow. She freezes in place taking a careful look round as the survivors bunch up behind her.

Frag! I hope Requiem was right and this exit isn't booby trapped too.

As the gunfire closes she hisses in frustration.

No fragging time!

With a thought she reconfigures her commlink from hidden to passive mode and sends out a ping.

She looks at the man that had been trying to hold Katie back.

"Get dem outta here and find somewhere close by to hole up. I just pinged you my link address. You contact me on dat and lead me to youse. Now go!"

She turns back to the survivors, "Okay, one at a time. Go! Go!"

As each survivor reaches the exit, she sends the next one over, keeping a watchful eye on the corridor behind them.

[Aria]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21 to 12:26:13, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]

Mordred

“Spencer, allow me to introduce my wife Claire. She has an interest in the ancient world too and I know she’ll be envious of your good fortune in getting to study at the Tor. Normally the place is crawling with druids doing whatever it is they do…”

The conversation flows freely but you are deft enough to avoid obvious conversational traps. The time is pleasant as the zeppelin glides over the wild English countryside. And wild it is. Signs of human habitation are few and far between and it’s hard to believe that this was once a densely populated region of small towns and agriculture.

Gemeaux

You sip a fine new world vintage that probably costs more than weeks rent as you continue to admire the view, both outside and inside! The Lady puts you at ease as the conversation flows across many inconsequential topics until you feel a jolt of alarm at her next words

“So, Monsieur Gemeaux, you haven’t told me what a man of your reputation is doing on our little trip? Please don’t be alarmed, I have had my agents searching for information since we met. They are quite effective so I wouldn’t worry about being compromised. It just seems unusual to find an operative in the company of scholars…”

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21 to 12:26:13, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

Gemeaux gives Lady deBathayre a sheepish grin when she mentions his alias. He quickly regains his composure, and attempts to use humor to buy some time.

"Operative... I like that, and shall have to remember it. Would you believe me if I said I was on holiday?" He allows himself to take a beat before continuing the conversation. The pause gives him a chance to give Vivienne a few requests.

<<[Gemeaux]: Vivienne, could you please set wires on and weapons free?>>

<<[Vivienne]: Of course, Gemeaux. I would also like to remind you that I told you so.>>

Given the circumstances, he decides to tell the truth---a redacted version, but the truth just the same. At the very least, such a gambit would hopefully shift the danger to him and away from his wards.

"The truth is actually quite simple, although allow me to spare you some of the more banal---and quite likely dangerous---details. I have been hired for a job. No offense, but many see operatives as affordable muscle to be hired for various odd jobs and, if necessary, replaced. Some of these scholars have hired me to serve as a bodyguard---and believe that I was just as surprised about the offer as you might be given my 'reputation.' However, I consider myself a professional, and do my best regardless of the role.

"Seeing as you have robbed me of a bit of my mystery, perhaps you could make me whole by granting me the favor of answering a question. What gave me away?"

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

"It's a pleasure to meet you." He greets Mrs. Burch with the same, almost textbook politeness. He speaks a little more on what new knowledge came to light with the Awakening. The scenery catches Mordred's attention. With all the pollution back home, it was almost refreshing to see nature overtaking civilization for once.

[Aria]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:26:37, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]

Gemeaux

No matter your attempts at levity, something about the way you reacted to Lady deBathayre’s revelation clearly set her guards on edge as they suddenly bristle and step forwards from their discrete locations at the edge of the viewing deck. She turns to them sharply and speaks to them in an incomprehensible tongue * and they reluctantly retreat back to their waiting…

“My apologies, my companions will not bother us...” she lays a surprisingly predatory finger on your arm, “Now, as to what gave you away, so many little things. Forgive me for saying this but you do not look or move like a scholar. This only confirms for me what the cyberware scanners found when you entered our craft. All those wires lacing your body…” and she lazily waves a hand from your head to toe “after that it was merely a matter of browsing certain data bases for someone with your visual profile. Did you know that your former employers have placed a watching program in the Metropolitan police database? It is so inconvenient to be hunted…I could remove it for you if you like? I have certain advantages that other hackers don’t have, my master can be quite generous… So, you are working, I won’t press you any further. But if you find yourself in need of future employment then perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement…”


* Vivienne is later able to translate this with 78% certainty to <<You forget yourselves Nubians, stand back! This one is mine>> the language is of African origin, probably Ancient Nubian.

Mordred

You continue your genial small talk with the corporate couple as the zeppelin drifts ever westwards. The NeoNet execs are garrulous, particularly after they have sunk a quantity of alcohol, and the freedom of their escape from day to day life is clearly almost as intoxicating. Nothing overt is said but you get the impression that Mr Alistair Burch might make a valuable contact later on as a Johnson as he broadly hints that this is his unofficial official capacity in his department.

Lunch is a sumptuous affair that probably comes close to a month’s rent. All the travellers are invited to the state room with a fabulous view of the terrain passing below you. The children are occupied elsewhere allowing you to enjoy the experience in peace, even Monsieur Collot relaxes here although Mr Hill maintains his aloofness throughout.

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead [July 8th, 2072, 22:26:19; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

"Get dem outta here and find somewhere close by to hole up. I just pinged you my link address. You contact me on dat and lead me to youse. Now go!"

He nods at you and ushers Katie through the hole, her hand firmly clasped in Jon’s as they make for the exit. He turns back a last time before disappearing and you dimly hear Snake whisper a warning hiss in your mind…

"Okay, one at a time. Go! Go!"

Requiem comes back into the chamber desperately firing at something beyond until the matte black pistols both go dry with an ominous thunk. Stitch moves up to support him and the fire intensifies

"Fragging move! We’ve stirred the shit on this one and no mistake, they’re climbing out of the walls…FRAGGER!”

The grenade detonates and sends a wash of back blast across you and the two armoured soldiers. At least your bulk shields the last of the fleeing refugees as they make a hasty retreat. The tunnel is cramped as you stoop to make you exit…hopefully towards the surface, you’re tired of feeling claustrophobic…

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:26:19; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead's stomach flips at the whispered warning but she needs to get the other refugees to safety.

Is he one of 'them'? Have I put the kids in danger by letting them go with him?

She grinds her tusks in frustration as seconds tick by and the sound of gunfire gets closer and Requiem and Stitch finally come into view.

BOOM!

At first she thinks the last of the refugees triggered hidden explosives but then she realises the blast came from behind her. Requiem is shouting at her to move.

She moves. Sidestepping up the tunnel in a half-crouch, sideways slither. Her head swings back and forth from the approaching exit to the approaching bugs.

She keeps up a slow and steady stream of fire, targeting any movement or just shooting down the tunnel behind them in the hope that will keep any bugs following them at bay.

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:26:37, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

The adept finishes fairly quickly. Something told him it was time to do the rounds again. That is, check up on his companions. Excusing himself from the table, Mordred finds a quiet corner to send a message to the others.

How are we doing?

Walking at a brisk pace, he moves to check on Luc. And while he was at it, the other children.

[Fairy]

@E:PL UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:26:37, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
PAN=Active; SIN:Nina Okada

Tsubaki is, for the most part, enjoying her stay on the Exeter. She has been curled up somewhere unnamed and remained inconspicuous for the time being. And eyeing a few others in the meanwhile, too.

Her commlink goes off. Meow!

How are we doing?

Tsubaki appropriately responds playfully with a smiley face and a <3 symbol.

Then, the absence of laughing children concerns her.

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:26:37, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

Mordred is not so out of touch that he doesn't recognize the emoticons. He just isn't sure why that's all he is getting in terms of a reply. The adept sends Tsubaki another message.

Pardon me?

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:26:37, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

Ancient Nubians, femme fatales, and mysterious masters...if I did not know better I would think that I have been plugged into a pulp noir holonovel...

Gemeaux grins devilishly as Lady deBathayre aggressively pursues him. As an assassin, he often does his work alone and in the dark. Being out in public with some incredibly exotic noble facing off against him, he finds himself out of his element. The feeling is a bit thrilling, although it is admittedly akin to the feeling a moth might have finding himself entranced by the dance of a black widow as she spins her silk about him. While it is a delightfully novel sensation, he does hope to fare better than the moth.

"Alas," he says with a shrug, "being a professional does not help one escape the inevitable gauntlet of experience. I thank you for the notes, and I shall use them if ever I find myself faced with this particular opportunity again. As for the former employer, I suppose such notoriety is the price of being good at my particular trade.

"If I may be so bold," he continues, gently taking her wandering hand in his own, "You do not appear to be one serves others. Indeed, I should think you the mistress in charge, yes? I am always interested in meeting potential clients. Perhaps you could tell me a bit about yours?"

He receives Mordred's message, but decides against answering just in case the Lady deBathayre is still monitoring his PAN. He hopes that she does not notice, and that instead his own silence might be a red flag for his traveling companions...

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:01:32; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Sweating now in the heat of the tunnel and the whispering gasses from the detonation behind you, you rapidly ascend towards the surface. You pass through a series of chambers, guided by the splashes of the scurrying Blackwater inhabitants as they flee the carnage behind them.

Requiem and Stitch stick close by you, scanning your back path for any sign of the bugs but it appears, at least for now, that they have paused to feast on the numerous remains scattered through what was once a sanctuary. Just shows that building in a former bugs nest was not the wisest decision this lot ever made! It can’t last though, you can see from Requiem’s slightly wild eyes that he fully expects them to pursue at any moment.

Up ahead you feel the stirrings of fresh air for the first time in what feels like an age. You hear the jubilant shouts of the others ahead as they break free of the darkness into the faded summer sky. Finally straightening from your stoop you see them huddled around Jon, Katie and the other young man whose name you have not yet determined. He is gesturing around and clearly swaying them with his words…

[Aria]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:32:26, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]

Mordred

After the slightly strange response from Tsubaki, who is clearly relaxing into this trip like one born to it, you head aft looking for Luc and the children. You find the younger Collot curled up on a sofa snoring gently whilst the little girl plays with his hair, careful not to wake him. It is an idyllic scene that something makes you suspect can’t last. As soon as you leave this flight they will once more be on the run. Hopefully your target will offer them a measure of safety but then again, for their kind, that may be a fleeting gesture…

Tsubaki

You pass Mr Hill in a medative pose in a library alcove and see the upright form of Mordred ahead of you and the Collots beyond. It would seem that your concerns were unwarranted, although the silence from Gemeaux is a little odd. But then the dark assassin is nothing if not a little odd from the brief time that you have known him.

Gemeaux

The Lady deBathayre eyes you over the rim of her glass as she considers your repost.

Smiling wryly she says “I am not above calling that one Master, he has more than earned that title and it is but a small mark of the respect due him. He takes a great interest in the world and the shadows no less than the rest. Those that can move discreetly through that other world are valuable, particularly if they are as you say ‘good at their trade’. NeoNet aren’t without those kinds of resources but my Master has on occasion made use of his own pool of talent that aren’t answerable to the corporation. Those that show themselves to be loyal to more than nuyen can go far in his favour. Now you don’t strike me as an altruist but you are helping these fugitives are you not? I am sorry, I promised not to pry into your affairs.”

You can tell clearly from her tone that she is anything but sorry. That she knows so much is deeply concerning but it is what she will do with that information that is worrying you the most…!

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:01:32; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead pauses for just a moment outside the entrance. Just long enough to straighten up, check her ammo and take a deep breath of the relatively sweet fresh air.

Then Snake's warning comes back to her. She stomps towards the young man and grabs him by the throat. She can bench press over a 100 kg easily, so the skinny breeder is easily lifted onto his tip-toes. She glares at him, a low growl hissing around her tusks, then turns to the huddled group.

"Lissen up you fraggin wireheads. Youse is only still breathing coz of me and my chummers. Way I sees it, youse gots two choices. Ya can follow da mouthy nancy boy here..."

She pauses to give the young man a shake for emphasis.

"... or if'n youse want to live you can come wid me and my buddies. Big mouth here might be able ta smooth talks you, but dat ain't gonna work on no bug, ghoul or gangbanger."

She looks down at Jon and Katie.

"Sorry kids, you donts get a choice. You is coming wid me. Da rest of deze fraggers can go dere own way, but I is getting paid to get youse outta here in one piece."

Then somewhat abashed, she releases the gasping young man.

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:32:26, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

He had worried for nothing, then, which was far preferable to the alternative. Mordred smiles to himself. Strange how a scene like this could exist in the same world he had lived (and fought to remain living) in for so long. The adept was sure it didn't mean much, but he hoped the future would be similarly easy for the Collots. When he turns and spots Tsubaki, he chuckles. "I got your message."

[Fairy]

@E:PL UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:32:26, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
PAN=Active; SIN:Nina Okada

Mr. Hill looked kind of... busy. Probably doing the things mages did. Magical stuff. And that was okay. Tsubaki wasn't planning on bothering the man, anyway. Turning around, the woman stumbles across the appearance of Mordred stepping away from a room just down the hallway. She is greeted by the boyish chuckle and wording about some kind of message. Oh, that's right. And as if to show Mordred the exact meaning of the said message, Tsubaki curls a smile on her red lips, and if anyone is equipped with good imagination on their part, there just might could be a <3 somewhere, too.

She asks, "How are the children?" Folding her arms, hugging either elbows closely, her body seems to naturally lean onto one leg, and a distracting S-shape takes form in her posture. "Are you having fun~?" And most importantly, "It's a little quiet, isn't it?"

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:32:26, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

"Good. I suppose." The children probably would have told her as much. As for Tsubaki's pose, it does manage to distract Mordred for a second or two. Then he looks up to meet her eyes. "Given the circumstances. It has been a nice change of pace." "Fun" wouldn't have been his word of choice. "Yeah. Even everyone onboard is here for a vacation, I doubt the company would want it turning into some kind of party." Besides, he did his best work when things were quiet.

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:01:32; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

The small crowd draw back from you in alarm as you manhandle one of their kindred. As you put him down he staggers a bit but instead of recoiling he glares up at you and Snake’s warning sounds stronger than ever.

It is then that everything begins to go wrong at once. Your sensitive ears pick up the dull whomp of rotor blades and Stitch swears vocally

“Shit, we’re being painted in AR. Turn your fragging comms off and scatter…” a quick check shows that you, Stitch and Requiem are a vibrant glowing red in AR whereas a number of the crowd, including Jon and Katie, are picked out in a beautiful gold aura.

And then with a screech that sets your nerves jangling, three ant spirits tear through the tunnel opening and with a chittering howl descend on the group…

“I told you, the witch has brought them on us…we were safe before they came…”

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:32:26, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

Gemeaux grins at her last few words, "Ma chère, vous êtes trop timide." He takes a sip of wine to give him a few moments to think.

My God, this is growing more complicated by the second... In this dance, she has taken the lead. Time for me to change that, and let me press against her for once... Now if I can only recollect the clues. Nubian languages...that is African. Bah, if only Shiawase had cared as much about my education as they did my skill. NeoNet...isn't that American? An odd megacorp to for Brit to serve, especially one using African tongues. Her "master" is a "he," or at least she calls "it" one. Some things to start with, at least.

"As an operative who Fortune once smiled upon and let him slip from his leash, I admit I value freedom above all else. What can I say, I am a French child of la révolution. I prize the ability to choose my employers."

Gemeaux gestures towards an attendant. When one arrives, he orders a bottle of 15 year old blonde Côte Rôtie. He pours a glass for himself, and for Lady deBathayre.

"I hope you do not mind the choice, but I find it an excellent choice for discussing busienss. Also, I have been away from my Marseilles a while, and need something familiar. I am, alas, not as worldly as you are, with a talented tongue and a learned group of friends. I take it your master is somehow involved with NeoNet? Interesting that he would be interested in the New World, given its sorry state of affairs..."

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:01:32; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

“RUN!!!” screams Copperhead at her two charges.

<<Command / Commlink / OFF>> she thinks as hard and clear as she can, while moving to place herself between the kids and the mouthy youth. She twists as she moves, turning to keep him in front of her but still have a view of the approaching bugs.

“Some covering fire if youse don't mind gents!” she calls to Requiem and Stitch.

You should have kept your hold on him. Power, like knowledge, should not be given away.

Not the best time for a lecture, Mama!

Her long cybered arm arcs out towards the mouthy breeder, steel razors snapping reflexively into place.

[Dakka Fiend]

@Emerging: Tribe; Spring
[August 31st, 2072, 19:07; an abandoned warehouse in southern Pyuallup]

The three youths had cornered him in this old warehouse. A few bums had looked up when he ran in and decided they hadn't seen him when his pursuers followed.

Teaches me never to go scrounging without backup.

The three thrill seekers were spreading out, driving him closer to the rear wall, away from the side door and closer to the back gate that had completely rusted shut years ago.

Think he'll be more open to negotiation now, boys? the one in the middle, their leader, said.
Think so. Of course, now he's gonna pay extra. came the response from the left.
A bonus for purse, err, pursu, err, having to run. and the right.
Shouldn't have trespassed on our turf, simple as that. middle again.

Turf, yeah, right. Negotiate, yeah, right. Spring thought.
Damnit, Tweak probably would've spotted them, stupid Matrix guard duty! But then, he couldn't do what I'm about to do...

Spring had reached the corner, nothing behind him but two solid walls. And a flight of stairs leading up.

Ice, why do they always take the stairs, these fools? There's nothing there but the roof and it's got just the one exit.
Ice, the guy on the left, shrugs and the chain in his hands rattles.
Ah well, haven't beaten someone up on a roof in a while. Let's go!

On the roof, Spring takes a look over the edge and jumps. As he lands he has the feeling that his legs work just like shock absorbers, allowing him to bounce right into a run but then the feeling fades and he has to tuck and roll. As he gets up with pain in his left shoulder and starts off towards a narrow ally, he can hear his pursuers argue about who gets the "honor" of mirroring his jump - about 8 meters.

As Spring enters the alley and starts to plan a series of turns that should get him home, he can hear a loud thump followed by even louder cursing from the direction of the warehouse.

Sucker! Hope he broke both his legs.

Wondering whether there really is a new gang forming in this area or the three guys were just some random idiots, Spring decides to do some legwork. Tomorrow, maybe. Tonight, he's got some tinkering to do...

[Aria]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 12:35:26, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]

Gemeaux

The wine slips softly over your tongue, revelling in the taste of the sun drenched hills of France on your palate. The Lady deBathayre accepts the glass from you, once again brushing her fingertips lightly across you…almost like you might tame a wild beast by accustoming it to your touch…this one is dangerous indeed.

"Do not do yourself a disservice ma cherie, you are far more worldly than you let on, how could you not be? The wine is quite good but I miss the nuances of Keesris, it had a delicacy that could transport you. But it was of another time and place and all things move on…” her change in tack is disconcerting "In some ways my master is NeoNet. You will have heard of him no doubt, I serve Celedyr." she gives you a slightly feral grin
" In this New World, and there is very little that isn’t new to him. I am sure you are not one that subscribes to that ridiculous adage of never dealing with a dragon? Their grasp is almost inescapable, it is only the naive that believe they can escape that influence…”

[May 21st, 2072, 13:07:40, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]

Mordred & Tsubaki

As you both idly watch the children and Monsieur Collot, Mr Burch staggers somewhat drunkenly towards you. Despite the obvious signs of alcohol his gaze is shrewd and his speech clear

" I am sorry if I was somewhat indiscrete at lunch but I wanted to test the waters. You and your compatriots are not the scholars you are pretending to be, that much is clear. Whilst you might be security I have a suspicion that you are independent contractors, you have too much individuality for anything else. Please allow me to provide you with my contact details. I am always on the lookout for professionals and you have clearly demonstrated to me that you can be that. Don’t worry, others won’t see through you as easily as I have, I have more dealings with the shadows than others might be comfortable with.”

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:01:32; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

You lunge at the mouthy idiot but your footing is off and he ducks back out of your way and promptly falls on his arse in the same debris. Behind you there’s a roar of fire as your fellow runners engage the bugs and you briefly have time to wish the others that came in here had made it out with you.

" “You’re dead you trog bitch. See that…” and you realise with some small degree of horror that a green laser dot is now accompanying the AR overlay that is flagging you as a hostile. In the distance you can just make out a swirling cloud caused by a low flying vehicle. Its running lights are muted and your thermal vision can barely see it against the silhouettes of the ragged buildings but you know damn well that it’s there.

You have seconds to breath and then the laser passes over you towards the bugs. You’re not sure whether you should be insulted that they don’t consider you worth a shot at the moment…then again, small mercies…