The Found Arcana - Tenth Interlude - San Angelo [IC] Options

[Thanee]

"Alright, then let's hope they are not overly thorough, when they see that there is no fire or anything around to fight."

* * * * *

"They actually have someone awakened with them," Rachel whispers. "Guess that rules out spells to distract them."

When the mafia connection is mentioned, the witch wonders: "AM, can you check, whether they are here on an actual call? They could just look for loot also. Who knows."

"I could also send my spirit over to them, and tell them that he is a military patrol and that they are very close to a restricted area, and ask them for their names and purpose of being here."

Other than that, she simply keeps still in her hiding spot.

[Gilga]

"I'd say having sex is a plausible explanation for being in a desolate cornfield next to a hunted farm. Let's go with that; act embarrassed, and perhaps they leave quickly. If they insist that we leave, Tam and Trouble can finish this theft and rendezvous with us once things collided." I say softly.

I'd take a lover to a hunted cornfield if I had one. It seems exciting enough without being overly dangerous. It makes sense in my head. If Raven agrees, I dirty my shirt by lying on the ground, unbuttoning a single button in my pants, and taking it out so that the shirt's shape indicates something hastily worn. I also undo my bra for extra credibility and place it somewhat awkwardly. I am still fully covered; I don't enjoy showing skin - but right now, I look like I allowed someone to touch me down my t-shirt and perhaps pants if they are wise to the open button giving access to my imaginary lover.

[Tecumseh]

AM and Raven emerge from the corn before the firefighters investigate the Armadillo too closely. Who knows what they might notice, and thus what they might report.

The medium-sized human notices the women first. "Chief!" he calls out.

That draws the attention of the others, who turn. Chief gives a belly laugh. "Ooh wee!" he barks out, his jolly belly shaking. His facial features suggest he might be of Aztlaner heritage.

"Ah've seen sum trids that staht lahk this!" the dwarf drawls. The human and Chief continue to laugh. The elf does not share their mirth. He continues to scowl and eye the women suspiciously. (The spirits on overwatch report that the elf is astrally perceiving, but he's not enjoying the background count.) He has slick black hair that falls to his shoulders and makes him look very severe. His skin has almost no color to it, which seems unusual for this part of the country.

"Well, boys, I think we've found the point of origin!" Chief announces. "SMOKING hot!"

The human tips his red firefighter's hat in what might be considered a gesture of hospitality. "Say, you ladies seen any smoke out here? Cause where there's smoke, there's fire!" Both the human and the dwarf look like your stereotypical Texan good ol' boys. They laugh at the situation.

[Beta]

The plan makes sense to Tamarind. In younger days she'd gone with a lover out into fields and spent their days off getting blissfully sunburned in unlikely places. Does it sting that she's obviously beyond being considered likely for such things? More than she'd like to admit. But aging comes for all ... humans, orcs, and trolls. Elves, they seem able to avoid its sting for multiple lifetimes. Tamarind doesn't want to spend all her time out in the corn being bitter, so she turns her thoughts to those younger days out in the fields, and waits for an update from AM or Raven.

[Thanee]

Following along with the plan, Rachel made sure, she looks the part as well. She has used her magic to disguise herself, coloring her hair in a fiery red, changing her hairstyle from the neat ponytail to open and disheveled, and using make-up to alter her facial features a bit, making sure there is no trace of the spell afterwards.

[ Spoiler ]

Makeover used in conjunction with the Disguise Skill

Since her executive suite doesn't really fit an occasion like this, she has simply taken it off, and emerges from the corn in nothing but her lingerie and her ball cap. The witch does not share AM's reluctancy to show some skin, or even a lot of it. Quite the opposite. She enjoys making the guys sweat a little. And their admiring gazes, even though they probably go a bit beyond just admiration.

"Oh dear, we are so sorry. It's just us. You see, we are out here for a little... err... picnic. And we have been playing a little bit. As he ..." she nods towards the elf "... can probably tell, we are both mages. There was a 'fire' and there was 'smoke', but it wasn't real. Here, I can show you."

Rachel then casts a lower Force illusion, that is easy to see through, and that has the corn surrounding them begin to blister and start to burn.

[ Spoiler ]

Trid Phantasm Force 3

She looks around in playful panic. "Oh no! Look, fire! What should we do?"

The witch leaves out the smoke, though.

"Guess we didn't quite think that through... again, we're terribly sorry for having wasted your time. I left out the smoke this time, not that the next truck comes out here to rescue you."

"But it's so good to know, that even out here one can count on you guys."

With a sheepish grin, she looks at the fire fighters.

[ Spoiler ]

Con 6 hits

[Gilga]

AM:

I must admit that thinking that something is a good idea did not prepare me to wrap my hand around an alpha female in lingerie and a bunch of men while feeling not fully dressed. I could see it coming; there was the initial realization that Raven was removing her clothes and discovering lingerie underneath... Lingerie to fight the Shedim. Epic... I don't even have it in my wardrobe; I am wearing tight male boxers, which I doubt would have the same effect. The physical discomfort of not being fully dressed in front of strangers and Raven dressed like that and being so aggressive makes me way more embarrassed than I imagined; I can feel my cheeks hot, perhaps I am blushing, and something more subtle that I am not going to discuss openly... I feel aroused; I can't rationalize it, and I have no time to go down that rabbit hole. Never did, I was always about survival. Perhaps getting paid so much changes me?

" Who called the fire department on us?" I ask, overwhelmed and embarrassed. I don't think I have many more words inside me, but it is oddly appropriate to the situation.

Trouble:
Trouble wraps his tail around Tamarind, perhaps feeling her plight. He does not strictly need to be materialized, but he offers comfort in all his catness to the woman left to hide by the plan.

[Tecumseh]

The men - minus the elf - laugh and clap.

"Ooh wee!" Chief says again, delighted.

"Well if that don't take the cake!" the human agrees mirthfully.

"Ya cahn’t beat tha wit a stick!" the dwarf agrees (?) with some obscure localism.

The astral reveals that Raven's words are having the desired effect on the ork, dwarf, and human. Their auras flame with desire. The elf looks unconvinced and unmoved. He scowls with puckered lips.

"Oh, just some passersby," Chief says to answer AM's question, waving a finger to the traffic passing by on Highway 87. Turning, he sees the sour expression on the elf's face.

"Out with it, Slim. You look like you've been sucking on lemons again."

"This is hardly the place for a tryst," the elf says. He seems to be considering the mana.

"Can't say I agree with you there, Slim," the human shakes his head.

"On the cahntrary," the dwarf nods to agree with the human.

"Alright, boys, let's leave these ladies in peace," Chief laughs, climbing back into the fire truck.

The dwarf and the human look privately disappointed to leave, but they don't object. With lingering backward glances, they return to the truck. The elf does too after some hesitation. He eventually climbs back in the truck... but his water spirit stays on watch even after the fire truck turns around and departs. Either the elf doesn't trust you or he's a voyeur. Either way, it seems like the elf thinks that he can get away with some continued observation since Chief won't know that the little water spirit was left behind.

[Thanee]

"Well, either way, guess it is time to move on..."

Looking for her abandoned clothes, Rachel gets dressed again, making sure, she has all her stuff.

If the spirit is still around by then, she tells him on the astral: "Hello, spirit friend! Please, tell your master, that if we liked being watched, we wouldn't be out here."

[Tecumseh]

The spirit seems to acknowledge Raven's words, but it doesn't budge. It bobs along, staring down at you from astral. It doesn't look terribly happy to be there, but perhaps it doesn't have a choice.

[Gilga]

"You were so hot in there." I admit with a coy smile. Not breaking character and resting my eyes on Raven for a bit too long. Staying in character a tad longer is fun, and the tension levels drop when it is just a spirit. "As for you honorable nature spirit, while I respect all spirits - respect should be mutual. What you are doing is called spying, and it is disrespectful. I know you do not wish to be disrespectful, but the two of us were having a private moment, and we can't do it with you here. Is there a more respectful interpretation of your service? I promise that there is no fire here, just desire. "

In sign language, I ask Raven "Can't you just banish?"

[Tecumseh]

The spirit again acknowledges what AM has to say with a little bob of its head, but it does not move away.

The good news is that the spirit is so focused on AM and Raven that it doesn't seem to have noticed either Trouble or Tamarind (nor Raven's spirits, for that matter). It seems that AM and Raven could continue their role as a distraction while the true op takes place right under the spirit's nose.

[Thanee]

"No, never learned that. Besides, it would just hurt the little guy, and it is hardly his fault that he is here. Give me a moment, I will be right back."

Rachel lies down and then projects astrally.

"Since you are tasked with watching us, you won't be able to watch both of us, so I suggest you follow me."

Then she zips off after the fire truck. Once there, she will manifest inside, and say (making sure the chief also hears her):

"Yo, Slim! You forgot your little friend out there. He does not seem to like watching us very much, though. Please, tell your spirit to stop that. That's not our thing. Thank you!"

[Gilga]

I look at Raven with a coy smile " Please, let's not get dressed just yet, honey. We're not finished here." I say, staying in character while removing the T-shirt. It is a dramatic gesture for me but perhaps a casual one for Rachel. It feels liberating, and I can feel the excitement brewing. In the heat of the moment, I take my tongue out at the water spirit in a childish but satisfying gesture.

Let the perv watch. It is our special day, and I am unsure if we ever get a second chance just to be here and have fun. I say as my hands reach for my unbuttoned bra to take it off. I feel super vulnerable and a bit confused and liberated and many things. If Raven does not banish that spirit, I am taking the bra off, and then...

I haven't figured out what comes next - kissing, perhaps? Or getting dressed in yet another super awkward moment. Iktomi would be having a blast either way; I know it, love him, and am at peace with it. I embrace the web.

[Tecumseh]

AM gets the distinct sense that Iktomi is having a blast with this.

~~~

The water spirit stays behind and keeps an eye on AM.

Raven zips off to tattle on Slim. Slim frowns deeply at the manifestation.

"Why Slim, you old dog!" Chief says approvingly.

"I didn't know you had it in you!" says the human. He's sitting next to the elf and elbows him playfully in the ribs.

The ork, dwarf, and human all have a good laugh. Slim's expression turns into an even deeper scowl, which doesn't seem possible.

"Alright, Slim," the Chief says, relenting. "Let them have their privacy, hur hur hur."

Slim looks deeply annoyed. "They're up to something," he mutters.

"WE KNOW!!" the rest of the firefighters respond in chorus and they laugh.

~~~

Back in the cornfield, the water spirit returns to the metaplanes, looking relieved to be released.

[Beta]

Tamarind watches the charade through a lurking Fly Eye, carefully not keeping any recording.

She whispers to Trouble "AM is doing a good job of looking like it is her first tryst, which works for here. But when we get back to Seattle I should take the girl to a bar and get her to watch seduction in action. If she ever needs to play the part in a more developed way she needs to pick up some pointers. Raven could teach her, I suppose, but the most gifted in a topic are not always the best teachers."

[Gilga]

"Aham... alright, I'll wait," I say awkwardly, watching the little spirit hanging there exposed without my shirt. Admitting to be a mage, she astrally projects to the truck - wow, she is so open about it. Though her aggressive play seems to work better than my passive aggressiveness.

I feel super strange when she returns... "Well, that worked; I admire your sass." I say truthfully as I dress silently. Feeling physically relieved to be more presentable and button in my pants and wear the shirt. I clean it from the sand. Recalling that I still have my wristband, I text mentally.
>> You can come out; Raven took care of it, and I did a striptease to a water spirit... They were a tough audience, not sure they appreciated it. The next person to see me take my top off better take me to dinner first.


----
Trouble hurls and pours. He seems amused, if a bit skeptical, by Tam's suggestion. She is unsure how she gets it from a cat gesture - but she is pretty sure that the cat dares her to do it.

[Thanee]

Back in her body, Rachel stands up, and cleans the dust and earth and little pieces of the corn plants from her clothes as much as possible.

"Oh, thank you! He had it coming..."

"You did what?" She smirks. "Pretty sure the spirit wouldn't even know what to do with that."

"Anyways, I will keep an eye out, astrally, in case the elf gets nosy again."

Her senses will keep scanning the astral world for the time being. The somewhat nasty background is annoying, but thankfully, it is not overwhelmingly strong here.

[Gilga]

I feel embarrassed but less vulnerable than before, somewhat liberated by the ordeal. Well... I might have made a sexual offer toward your empty body when you were projecting toward the fire track. It took me a moment to realize you were gone. " I pause and then say . As a distraction, I figured we could *distract* the spirit while Tam and Trouble get the RCC. So you missed my clumsy attempt at being sexy.

[Gilga]

Trouble

Trouble is cautious - being a spirit and dual-natured may be very much visible to the patroling spirits. They may disrupt first and ask questions later - and fighting so many spirits is futile - even for the bravest of cat spirits. Disruption won't kill the immortal cat, but it would be very unpleasant and best avoided. AM's memories are crystal about it. So, the cunning cat spirit decides to get a mundane animal to do the deed for him - figuring out that the spirits would likely ignore such animals. It takes a while to find the right furry critter and then coerce it to carry the RCC down the pipe. AM does not know zoology, and Trouble does not have time to learn any, so they'll ask Bobby if it was a raccoon, miniature bear, squirrel, or whatnot. (I am not sure what we could find in Texas)

When Trouble knows the RCC is progressing, the little black cat purrs at Tamarind satisfactorily, and she can feel their voice in her mind "You'll get your prize by animals just like that Disney princess. How cool is that? I hope you can sing." the cat thinks at Tamarind, hoping to be stroked in exchange for this service.

[Tecumseh]

An opossum emerges from the drainage ditch with the RCC.

The opossum drags it over to the cornfield. Tamarind can see that the device is dusty and dirty from its journey.

Upon completion of its task, it gives a guttural screech that sounds like screams from the bowels of hell. It acts angry, presuming considering Tamarind a threat or an intruder.

Before Tamarind can drop-kick the howling banshee, Trouble gives it a mental command to frag off, which it does expediently.

Tamarind is now the proud non-owner of the farm's RCC. One wonders what the drones will do without it. Probably nothing.

[Beta]

Tamarind gave Trouble some appreciative pats, and said "Don't tell my grandmother -- and you won't have a chance unless you can talk to the dead -- but I do appreciate the Disney Princess element. Before I was old enough for her to introduce me to the old books that she loved, she made the mistake of showing me the original Cinderella. She found an old tape of it, and my father fixed up an old player for it. I finished wearing out that tape, watching it so many times. It drove my grandmother crazy, she hated the Disney Princess trope. In the end she got her way, I went into the army, learned how to work with vehicles, got decent with computers. But deep down I still wanted to be Cinderella. Well, except for the dopey Prince part."

Once it was safe to get the RCC, she got her mark and then spent a few minutes checking on the drones. In particular, she made should that the anthro drones had instructions for performing maintenance on the rest, and that all the drones had instructions for periodic movement, to keep things from seizing up. Maybe they wouldn't be her drones, but she could at least leave them in good shape for whoever inherited them. It was too bad that they wouldn't be taking care of the rest of the farm, losing their purpose.

She looked away from the others while she wiped away a tear at the thought of the stranded drones, but then resolutely turned her mind to matters more practical. She did one last check on the farm's drones, then turned off the RCC.

Turning back, she got into the Armidillo, saying "Ownership of this can be dealt with at some point in the future. My RCC is fine for the moment. Let's get back to the hotel, and get ready for departure." Just before closing the truck's door she gave a small wave toward the farm, wishing the drones there a useful future.

[Gilga]

AM:
I enter the Armadillo to the front seat and drive manually. Letting my thoughts run as I drive in the sparse traffic. It has been a confusing day, and I made buckets of money, burned a woman alive, and then made a fool of myself in front of a water spirit and a few firemen... I need a few hours of hot sim in my happy place ™. Yes, I have this perfect house and programmed imaginary family. At least there is one world where kids do as their mother wishes... Gosh, I have to show it to my mother, she'll love it. As for me, I want to unwind and enjoy a fake feet massage in front of the tv, in my private world. Either that or burn one of the fake kids... Its a sweet thought but I'll stick with feet massage and explore my pyromaniac/sadistic urges later when I can stomach what I may discover.

Trouble:
Trouble does not do much; he listens and appreciates the tell. "From Cinderella to G.I. Jane, is indeed quite a change!" he comments, and then sticks to being a cat.

[Thanee]

"If you want to look like Cinderella, we can make that happen, you know..." Rachel causally remarks as she leans back in her seat.

Looking at her reflection in a mirror or window, she notices that her hair is still the fiery red.

"Doesn't look half-bad, actually," she says more to herself as she turns her head around to different sides, as if posing in front of a mirror, to see her reflection from different angles.

"I'm glad we are finally leaving this behind. The worst part was the apartment, though. Oppressive. That place is ruined for quite some time. I doubt the son will want to get back there anytime soon."

[Tecumseh]

After some coordination, you meet up with Mato who is... carrying shopping bags and wearing a cowboy hat. He's also on foot.

"Sold the car," he says, holding up a credstick. "3K." He divides the proceeds five ways to share with everyone.

What's in the bag?

"Oh, uh... jeans. Not the fashionista ones we wear in Seattle. Work denim, I suppose you could say.

"YES, I know AM and Raven could mock something up for me, but I wanted something authentic. Or, at least, something that started out that way before we alter the hell out of it."

And the hat?

He shrugs. "Wanted a souvenir," he says and leaves it at that.

"C'mon, lets go home." He goes to pack up.

[Gilga]

I accept the money without comment, the amounts we got are confusing, but I am considering saving for a better deck. These things are super crazy expensive.

"Wiz hat" I comment and add "Makes you look like a wild orc." I subtly reference the wild orc rafting when we rescued Bernt. Mato was so manly and silly, wanting to ride the rafting boat mundanely. "Did you get an overpriced CAS magnet for our fridge?" I ask with a grin.