~~~ IC ~~~

::It's damp, it's muggy, and it's just slightly below room temperature. In fact... the word you might want to describe it is "Tepid"...

:: tramping through the sewers somewhere beneath the city streets, chewing on a damn and unlit cigar::

Far above you can hear the faint patter of the torrential rainstorm that has blossomed at what might as well be mid-day for all that timekeeping is useless down here... and the water sluices angrilly through the sewers...

((damp and unlit))

Around Lan and Tien the sick beds are only partially full today, and they seem to all be on the way to recovery after a week's hard work... Which is good, because the cloying stench of the medicinal herbs you have to work with is close to driving you both nuts as it mixes with the ozone haze of the cast-off fuzion lights that have been spared for this room... You haven't heard from Ric or Saburo in a few days, and An has once more retreated to a far corner of the complex, leaving you both to fend for yourselves amongst the changed::

::mops his brow, and wipes his hands, on a rag. And sets it aside. Takes out another pinch of that aromatic minty stuff that cuts the rest of the smells a bit, and chaws on it absently. Offers some to Tien.::

No thank you... It's almost meal time

::nods, and rolls his grimy neck, moving the accustomed direction:: Have we heard anything from An lately? I worry.

I fear thet he has retreated into himself once more. I have not heard his speak in days

::sighs, and nods again... clears his throat weakly, and quietly:: We have to get out of here, Tien.

::moving to a sitting position:: I have noticed that he is drinking water at least. ::Looks to the heavens:: I can not leave my master, ::drops head down::

I know. That's the, uh, "we" that applies to... well. Everyone. Preferrably. ::sniffs:: The ascorbites can stay if they like.

How do we get Ricardo to leave?

::shrugs:: I'm sure you know better than me. Wonder if it'll be anything good for lunch. ::blandly::

Mostlikely, more mush.

::chuckles::

At least it is filling

::at that, Beth, the small, unassuming angelic, comes in with lunch, carried in a covered, near-rotten vine basket::

::Bow to the woman:: Greeting Beth.

Good day, gentlemen ::she says, of uncertain good cheer:: I've got lunch for you and the patients... And I can relieve you on watch if you want to go do something else for a while

Thank you. I would like to see the sun...

Not today you won't. Sorry Tien

if only through the clouds and rain

::just smiles warmly:: You know. ::looks around:: That would be nice. Even if we do get to be seen, ourselves.

::she gives tien an odd look at that, then sets the basket on a wicker table in the middle of the room::

Perhaps the rain will make me feel clean ::Rises and walks to the exit::

Maybe.. there's been too much of it lately for the factories to pollute it all

::Smiles:: The Pancreator provides.

::pats Beth gently on the shoulder on the way out:: Thanks.

Have a nice day

Ready my friend

::you hear her shaking her wings free of water in the relative dryness of the sick room::

::one grimy thumb up:: Lead on.

::Exits::

::exeunt::

::squish, squish, squish go your boots, into water nearly an inch deep once you step into the corridor::

:: remain silent until we reach the top::

::a young demonic breaks off from a shadow as you both head out:: Are you guys going to the surface?

::nods::

You need an escort?

::peers. Nods::

::he falls into step beside you, pulling an old fuzion torch from his robes:: I'm on escort duty tonight, I'm Seth

I belive that I have seen you before, Seth

Could be, could be

But never had the chance to introduce myself. I am Tien.

I'm Lan. ::reaches to clasp the fellow's hand:: What's the, mmm, weather like up there?

::he shakes the hand back, carefully controlling the immense musculature under his dusky skin... the same tightly wound muscles manipulate the lantern switch as you head into the dark tunnels, casting a hazy light that serves mostly to make a ghostly glow in the water vapor fog::

((Okay, everyone give me Perception+Observe Rolls))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 9 8

##5+5##

((Arg! How to roll! ))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 7 18

(( //roll-dice2-sides20 ))

((TY. ))

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 12 1

rolled 2 20-sided dice: 6 7

((oh. Right. The new dierolling. ))

((Okay, Martel notices the haze of the fuzion lantern a few seconds before he's noticed))

::Martel sees a ghostly white light rising out the sewers towards him from around a bend::

mornin neighbors! ::I call into the haze::

::at that point, the rest of you notice the faint flicker of a flame faintly illuminating a figure that just made that proclamation::

::points flamer towards the light::

Peace be with you, brother.

::starts. Sneezes::

uh huh. You boys demons?

::the fuzion torch is passed to Lan as Seth moves off to the side::

The form betrays the spirit within

so you read books by their cover do you?

::smirks:: Well. Maybe by adoption, we are.

::at at this point the faint scent of Ka oil has made its way to Tien and Lan's noses::

sooo, you are saying you are demons?

::Approach stranger:: Greating brother, keeper of the purifying flame

i'd appreciate if you didn't come closer till we work this out better.

::as the light sources get close enough to provide actual illumination, the parties are finaly able get an idea of the others...

::backs off a little::

::Stop::

Tien and Lan see a very tall figure in a concealing, dark robe and hood, a sputtering torch in one hand and a smoking gun in the other...

::whispers:: Seth, you know this guy?

::Raise hand to Lan and Seth::

Martel sees a small bald asian-looking man and a taller, fine featured man, both swathed in castoff clothing::

((::rethinks his plans for frontal assault at the gesture:: ))

so...again...you boys demons?

Who are you, friend?

My name is Deacon Azo

I am brother Tien, of the Order of the Enternal Light

::rubs one eye with a fist, and wishes he were far away from the churchly, at the moment.:: I'm Lan Maningzhoue. Apothecary.

ummm kay. Means nothing to me. and neither of you have claimed not to be demons yet...

::Laughs:: We are not demons.

...good. .::lowers flamer::

We were on our way to the surface, to try and see the sun.

you realize this is more than a touch suspicious, right?

::Sighs::

not that I'm complaining mind you, but wandering around the sewers by yourself hasn't seemed to be much of a local pasttime

::frowns:: Wait, so... Deacon. Isn't your business here to, purify things?

One must attend the souls of the believers, where ever they are

::chomps down on the unlit cigar, grunting:: fair enough. so why are the faithful hiding down here?

What do you know of the conflicts within this city?

too little for my liking. recent arrival and all that. Heard there might be demons hiding in the sewers looking like demons.

sounds suspicious cause they usually don't.

::Laughs:: Quite true.

also supposed to be a witchy cult around here somewhere. lookin to find them to for some questioning.

heard anything about either of these?

No, these fellow believers, ::Motions to Seth:: are ...

::Seth is not visible in the light of either torch::

victims

victims of...?

::nods grimly:: Disfigured. Genetically.

::eyes narrow:: oh really. any leads as to who might have done it? and am I to assume that they were unwilling participants?

Yes

One tends to imagine the Decados have a hand in it. It's hard to be sure without, research.

fine then, fine. you lookin for a, research assistant? or are you takin care of it?

Any aid that you could provide would be gratefully appreciated.

fair nuff. whatcha need?

A breath of fresh air

::quietly:: A really big lab?

...and both of those are up. you fellahs know how to get out of here? I'm a touch lost at this point.

::points in the direction of the surface:: Now Lon.

::looks to the others::

::chuckles and whispers in lan's ear:: Careful, I understand that his order burns labs.

::shrugs:: y'know, whisperin ain't polite.

::Laughs:: I am sorry, Brother. a private joke.

s'all right, I'm just saying I don't know you two well, and trust is important at this stage in the relationship.

My friend here was pointing out you might not feel the way I do about some things. That's all. I imagine we'll all feel the same way about seeing the surface again, though.

true. lead on fellahs

::Laughs:: It feels good to laugh again. There has been so much trouble and suffering.

::grins:: well thats what I'm good for, a chuckle or two.

Mmm, you can say that again.

You have brought a new light into our darkness. Thank you.

I mean. About the suffering. ::lamely::

just so's ya knows though, its monsoon season. no daylight topside for ya. or, well, fresh air for that matter. factories and all.  but still, lead on lead on!

Well. At least, up there, your head gets wet before your feet. ::looks around again for Seth::

::still no seth::

((note to all. Stephen = Lag))

((I suspect that AIM is being a bitch about three computers logging in via the same IP, and I get the short end of it for some reason))

You said that you were a new arrival, Azo. When did you arrive?

I think it's... uh. Maybe, ::points, guessing:: This way?

::there's a definate upstream flow to the water in that direction, yes::

week ago. been takin a few confessions, tryin to find people who really need some help. only got those two leads really.

From whom did you get the leads?

people.

don't discuss my confessionals.

Well. I don't imagine any of them were Decados geneticists anyway.

:: walking upstream :: not likely. people tend not to admit THAT type of heretical act to an avesti

No, I doubt it. But I would like to know who would like to see the...afflicted.. destroyed.

more like rumors were mentioned. after all, everyone assumes I'm here to destroy demons anyway.

Their mutations take on the form either angelic or demonic.

::eyebrows raised:: well, that would explain that. you sure they aren't?

I am sure.

good.

::a hull rat floats downstream on a bit of chewed up planking. It bars its teeth at you all before floating away::

::frowns:: They are victims of genetic unwanted genetic tampering. ::confirms::

:: makes an obscene gesture at the rat as it passes::

::doesn't know who he's more scared of right now::

::Looks closely at the gesture:::

((it was pretty obscene))

Is that a warding?

...you could...uh...yeah.

Show me that again?

((ROFL! ))

...Not well travelled are ya?

No, I was raised in a monestary. I'm doing my journey work

I'm gonna go ahead and say it is a prayer of soldiers alone.

Ah, OK.

yeah. so. Lan, how are you?

::blinks:: Hungry. Grimy. Come to think, I believe I did see a man at arms make that gesture once, on Criticorum.

see? told you Tien.

I am trained in the martial arts.

Learned mine with the muster on Bannockburn.

Well. Two of us to take people apart, one of us to put folks back together. Seems like... well. It could be worse. ::nods::

hey, I can put them back togeather on the inside. between the two of us, we can get a whole person!

::finally, out of the rolling fog of vaporous runoff, you all see a sewer ladder heading up to a grate::

::Nods, knowing nothing about what they are talking about.))

::its metal seems partly rusted and is slick and trecherous looking, glinting oddly in the torchlight due to the uncertain chemicals that have precipitated from the rain::

Hey! That looks like a likely bet. ::points to the ladder, approaching it::

::snifs in deeply, smelling nothing but foul sodden cigar:: smells like freedom to me.

I'll go first. ::Begins to climb the ladder::

::follows closely after::

::follows them up, after a space, warily::

::Tien shimmies up the ladder like a Gannock, having next to no trouble that his innate athleticism can't keep up with, and reaches the solid grating... the other two of you have a much slower go of it::

::A thin but powerful trickle of water comes around the edge of the sewer grate::

::Lifts grate::

::Listening::

::grips tightly::

::a moment of pressure, then the seal gives way...::

::SPLOOOSH!::

Auuuubbbbbb!

aww fubblle..

::Tien and Lan barely hold on as the torrent of water pours down over them for a moment before slacking off, drenched by the nasty stuff... the foreward thinking avesti hangs on much better... even managing to catch most of it on his hood::

loose more damn cigars that way.

Blessed be.

::and then you can head out into the stormy streets::

Is everyone alright?

::spits, and calls quietly: Fine.

worst damn thing bout this planet, all the damn water.

I hear that it is worse on BZII. ::Climbs out and helps others up::

Heck, I love water.... ::taking Tien's help last:: Like, the water on Grail. Or Madoc.

never been there. More used to Grail and Pyre

::on the surface there is enough light to see by, barely, but you feel as if the sploosh is still going on as the sky continues to dump immense amounts of water on your heads::

What, you're not *from* Grail, are you, Deacon?

::at least in this storm any lookouts are only going to be able to see you if they get very close::

::Begins to undress::

Damn straight I am, born an partially raised.

and why is he stripping lan? ::points at tien

I have not bathed.  I need to wash the dirt from me

::shrugs, rubs his hands and face in the rain, too:: Nice to meet a fellow Graileian, then. ::smiles::

::Stops at pants. Begin to wash the tunics in the rain water.::

::sigh:: there is nothin wrong with a little grime from time to time. the stink keeps away disease.

::everything gets dubiously clean, as you've come out pretty much underneath the industrial district::

yeah, been a long time since i been home. almost thirty years now.

My master, the keeper of the flame, told me the exact opposite.

soooo...where is this order at Tien?

One should bathe.

Midian.

ahhah. So, this order Avestite descended or something?

No, we are Hesychast... We do not believe that we should become involved in church politics.

::looks around:: I'll have to stop by at some point. sounds like an interesting group.

At the needs of the people are our first duty.

::thinking:: can I assume that you people are being hunted by the powers that be?

::Smiles:: All brothers are welcome within our walls.

That's what they tell me.

then why are we showering in the middle of the street?

Do you have a preference? ::Stands directly under a water spout::

::quietly:: A decent labspace usually has great showers.

mostly I like subtle at times like this, but i guess you take what you can get. now what? lookin for labs or somethin?

For when the chemicals escape their containment and begin to posion the scientists.

...see that kinda thing alot back home?

::Begin to ring out tunics. Washing them in the water from the spout::

Er, see what back home?

That is what I have been told.

::thinks for a moment of grail::

The labs corrupt the body and soul.

poisoned scientists. I think. Tien is an odd fellow. ::turns to tien:: why?

Showers are needed to clean off of the posions.

::grumbles:: Human folly corrupts body and soul. ::tries to phrase this to echo scripture::

::which, for an Apothecary, he's surprisingly good at::

That is why your order seek them out, yes?

not generally. Some of my brothers seek them out because some labs produce the problems below us. Others do not. If a single lab doesn't corrupt, then doesn't that mean it is possible that more might not? and I ain't seen all the labs out there just yet.

I notice how you and Lon use the term. I had always thought that places of healing herbs were called apothecaries and places of science were labs... Apothecaries, good. labs bad.

uh huh.

::you are, in fact, still having a conversation standing in the driving rain over an open sewer entrance in the middle of the road::

::wrings out his own shirt (still worn) absently:: You know, actually? It was my work in labs that kept me from joining the Amalthean order. ::nods::

::kicks sewer grate shut

::CLONK!::

::Starts dressing::

::looks for a nearby wall to huddle near::

lets move on as we talk

Ok!

Which way?

north.

Lead on.

that way ::points randomly::

:gets moving::

::very shortly, after heading north, you find yourself staring at the norther section of the city wall, being as how the factory district is in the north of the city::

The air is less poluted today.

::start walking in a southeasterly direction::

::Follows:: So, where are you staying, Azo?

::looks at the Avestan. The wall with it's vague shelter. Follows::

::looking for a bar::

::wonders if the Ascorbites would *really* eat him.::

got a orthodox church i been crashing at. nice people, a little soggy though.

I, uh. Don't think I'd hold that against them.

I have been to there.

::As the party sets off, the rain falls about all-concealing.... but at any point the wanderers could chance upon yet another of the agents set to watch for them... into danger, they trod... and stuff::

~~~ OOC ~~~