Hilde raises her arm putting the grappled man outside the range of Shakti's "helpers".
"Whoa! Guys! He is under control, no need to attack him! Shakti? Some help here?"
The brutes await the command of Shakti as they continue to try and reach the one in Jonis's grasp. The town's main gates begin to open and you can see a large contingent of troops rushing towards it, including some robots.
Burgurk focuses his attention on the guy that's been hit by Shatki's minions, hoping to stun him just enough to make him unconscious :
= 15
"Uh oh, here come the town guards. I'd suggest we stop fighting these guys and make nice with the guards, there's too many for us to take on. Oh, and Shakti, you might want to send your minions back to...wherever they came from."
Shakti makes what can only be called a pouty-face and mumbles something. Then she addresses her 'men', "Cease your attack. Bring me the spoils from the one you defeated, and then return to the vehicle."
She turns to her Simvan companion, "Perhaps you and I should wait inside as well, while Auriel and Jonis clear this up?" She gesticulates with her extra arms to emphasize the point: both of them are obviously inhuman, and these folk have demonstrated a generous intolerant streak.
Shakti's minions pick up what they can before disappearing into the back of the vehicle. The one bad guy still struggling decides that he resisting a Glitter Girl's grip was a losing proposition. "You're in for it now. The King's sent his troops to arrest you."
True to the words, they start to garrison off the area. One of the robot vehicles stomps forward, its railgun leveled at Jonis. A voice comes over the loudspeaker. "Attention deviants. You are in violation of Whykin Royal Statute 20.34. Stand down and submit to arrest or be destroyed."
Jonis, her railgun still in the upright position, answers.
"My name is Jonis Witta, Cyber-Girl pilot member of the Tomorrow Legion, not deviant. I was attacked by this goons, and I defended myself, trying not to kill them if possible, as you can see."
She waves the grappled goon, showing it to the guards, somewhat forcefully and trying to shake him enough to keep him quiet.
"I want to accuse them of assault on my person. I want THEM charged and jailed. I ask for the kingdom's justice and protection."
She steps down from the Glitter Girl, to show them she is human.
"I knew the Whykin Kingdom was a safe and lawful place, with a wise and brave king. I know you will do the correct thing, helping a damsel from this goons."
As the guards approached, Auriel dismissed his weaponry and waited for them to arrive, preparing to explain the situation. As Jonis speaks, Auriel stands dumbstruck for the briefest of moments, before adding "Don't forget to add extortion."
The owner of the voice lowers the robot's weapon. "I see. You will still have to come in for questioning, you and your companions. You will have to leave your armor and vehicle outside."
He then starts barking orders to the rest of the unit to disperse the crowd and clean up the mess. They take the remaining goon into custody and detail a few guards to watch over the Glitter Girl and the Mountaineer while you are led inside. While you are under guard, you are not placed in shackles. You get a few stares from the local populace, especially Burgurk and Shakti. Once inside, you are led to what appears to be a police outpost. The man in the robot takes a different direction as another guard leads you to a large room with a table and several chairs. The guard says, "Be seated. Captain Willis will be with you shortly."
Jonis makes a point of standing tall close to Burgurk and Shakti.
Once in the room, she smiles widely.
"Well, we got in!"
"Wonderful, no we have only to hope that this Captain Willis inexplicably brings the leader of the WarHounds along to our interrogation, and then we will be able to leave this robber-baron and his lands behind. Presuming they don't try to kill us for resisting that extortion business."
Jonis chuckles.
"I don't think he will bring him... but we can always ask! These people seem nice so far."
She winks at the others.
"Yes, they are the model of civility and politeness." says Auriel with a smile on his face.
Burgurk stays still and quiet, not only because he's an Outsider, but he knows that the way he talks can be off-putting to humans.
Jonis looks around, wondering why no one has shown up.
Eventually, the door opens and a tall human man with a sharp uniform and even sharper gray and silver beard and mustache enters. He doesn't bother to sit, staring at each of you in turn. It takes him a moment before he speaks, his eyes seeming to look through you.
"Ah, the Legionnaires. You're not the first to come sniffing around here. Be that as it may, it seems you had a little run in with the locals and some collateral damage may have ensued. Explain."
Jonis smiles to the man.
"My name is Jonis Witta, and these are my comrades Shakti, Auriel Acherean and Burgurk. After the guards stopped us from entering the city they were nice enough to let us camp outside of the walls, even assigning us a spot. Some hooligans then came and assaulted me... and well, even if I tried to avoid hurting them, collateral damage happened. Good thing your guards arrived and helped me finish the fight. Please express them my thanks. As for our sniffing, we really came looking for a Mercenary group called the WarHounds. We are looking for an old associate of them. After that, we will depart from your nice Kingdom. I don't want to impose, but, can you help us contact them?"
Auriel begins to speak, but then Jonis beats him to it. Listening to her recounting of events, he simply beams a smile at her, clearly proud of how she used her words!
Captain Willis studies Jonis' face for bit, as if searching for something. He then looks at the others and then back to her. "Interesting. Yet, the collateral damage is still there. We will need to have the ground that your machine stomped through repaired as well as compensation for the families of the dead. While they attacked you, the damage was done on our territory. The fine is five thousand credits. As for the WarHounds, they are guests of the His Majesty the King. I can see about an audience if you like, but only you my lady, may attend."
Jonis makes a sad face.
"I'm afraid we don't have that kind of credits on us. We don't charge for defending humanity from the monsters from the rifts, you know? And the Coalition don't trade with us. It is hard for us, sometimes, to have enough money for food and gas, not to talk about repairs. And this one - she points at Burgurk - insists we donate part of the money to window and orphans, and I am unable to argue with that. I think between us all we can gather some 2,000 credits, and I would be thankful for you to take those to the next of kind of those hurt in the fight. And I thank you for your help contacting the Warhounds. The faster we talk to them, the faster we can continue in our way."
"2000 credits is a large sum just to fill a hole. If the miscreant's even left families, it should be the surviving member of our assailants who bears the responsibility for the results of their actions. In any Kingdom I have heard of with any form of Justice to speak of, it is the malfeasant that is punished, not the victims."
Jonis winces a little at Shakti's outburst.
"As we clearly do not have the money that you request, perhaps there is something that we can resolve for you that will allow us to work off the debt? Assuming that you have such a, for lack of a better term, quest, then perhaps you can provide us the details and we can be about it? I do not seek to be rude, but I also do not like to be in the debt of strangers."
"I'm with Shakti - why are *we* being fined, when *we* were the victims of a totally unprovoked attack?"
Captain Willis listens to each of you in turn. "The King's laws are what they are, and we enforce them, however absurd they may seem, but I'm sure we can work out an arrangement. The Tomorrow Legion is known for its willingness to assist others in need. Perhaps you would be willing, after your business with the WarHounds, to do something for me, off the books. You would be helping someone and paying off a debt at the same time."
Jonis smiles.
"That would be perfectly acceptable. Thank you."
"Agreed."
"I have committed no wrong, and acknowledge no debt. However, if my companions are willing to agree to your terms to gain good favour, I am willing to assist them."
"What she said."
The captain nods and he pulls out a small electronic device. Pushing a button on it, he waits until a green light on it shines bright and then puts it away. "Now we may talk in private." He looks at each of you. "I am no fan of some of the laws of this kingdom, but it is my home and I will defend it, tooth and nail, the problem is, I am human, mostly, and my wife, my real wife, is not." He sighs. "You are complete strangers to this area, which makes you two things, deniable and expendable. The law would see you as such, regardless of what affiliation you stand for. Even the Tomorrow Legion is not exactly welcome here. I however have an eye for talent when I see it. My wife and children live outside of town about 20 miles to the Northeast, very near a village called Pux. While Whykin claims it as theirs, it is still mostly small settlements and the patrols don't usually go out that far. The thing is, I've caught wind of some rumors that, if gone unchecked, will point me out as a traitor because I have a non-human wife and children. The deal is this: I need you to go to Pux, find my family and get them to pick up and move, closer to Castle Refuge if you can, or at the least, Kingsdale. I know it's a long journey, but if you help me out, not only will your fines be erased, you'll have a friend in Whykin, something the Legion needs. When you find Jarela, give her this so she knows the message comes from me." He pulls out a shiny golden heart locket with a picture inside. It shows the face of a wolven creature with deep green eyes. The captain's face looks almost longing, but then it quickly returns to business. "Well?"
Jonis takes the locket and looks at the picture.
"She is very pretty. You are a lucky one."
She is sincere in what she says.
"Of course we will help you. And I am sorry your kingdom doesn't value for what you are, even if you are loyal to it. If you ever have the need, the Tomorrow Legion will accept you, and it will accept your family. With the bonus, we wouldn't ask you to move against Whykin. Can we talk to the WarHounds so we can go to Pux as soon as possible?"
After we leave this room, I will contact the representative for the WarHounds and arrange a meeting. Do you speak for all your people?"
"Protecting one's mate and children is always a worthy cause."
Jonis winks.
"I do."
"She's done just fine so far." offers Auriel.
The captain smiles, a sense of relief coming over his face. "Excellent. I will make the arrangements and have you escorted back outside."
The captain activates his device again and then opens the door. Two officers are waiting there. "Escort these people outside, they are free to go. Get a hold of the WarHounds for me, tell them I need to speak with their boss."
As you leave the building, there are stares from the local populace, but no one accosts you as you leave the city gates and head towards your campsite. Once there, the officers leave and go back into the city. You are left to your own devices for a couple of hours before a man dressed in camouflaged armor and wearing a dark green cape approaches. He holds his hands up in a peaceful gesture before he speaks.
"Greetings, my name is Chaz Guerrero and I have been sent as an emissary for the WarHounds. My boss has agreed to an audience with you. We have a staging area nearby. If you would kindly follow me, I will take you to it."
Jonis tries to make small talk, make him at ease, and finally learn everything she can about the WarHounds.
Chaz Guerrero opens up a bit to the charming woman. "I've been with the WarHounds for a few years now, at first as a communications tech and then as a liaison officer and now I serve as an emissary of sorts. We were actually surprised the Legion wanted to speak to us, we aren't exactly on good terms as you know. I'd expected First Cav or even one of the Bandits or even a CS unit, but Tomorrow Legion? Not in an era. King Reynard has us in retainer at the moment, running ops all over his territory. It pays well enough, I suppose, and free run of the local watering holes isn't bad either. So tell me, what is the Legion's interest in us?"
As Jonis has chosen to take the lead in this investigation/interview, Auriel will not say anything, but stand by to aid her if needed.
"If afraid we are not really interested in the Warhounds per se, but now that I got to know you I am glad we have opened a communication channel. We need to stand together for the good of the people, and that will only happen if we all work together. Please count me, well, us..." - she winks at him - "...as your friends from now on. But we really come for information about a Tomorrow Legion member that used to travel with you, the Cyberknight Captain Alana Grayspear."
She stops to see which reaction that names causes on Chaz.
Not being able to see his face through his armor's mask makes it difficult to see Chaz's reaction, but the droop in his shoulders and pause in his speech tells her all she needs to know. "I had suspected that eventually someone would come after her. We ourselves had our suspicions when we first took her on, but she was a good warrior and followed orders. For the most part. It wasn't until too late we realized she had an agenda. Your people want to bring her in now?" The long sigh is audible through his air filters. "She's holed up somewhere north of here. Her and the unit she took with her. The boss would be able to give you more, if properly persuaded. Speaking of, we're here."
You arrive at what appears to be a large military base on active alert. At least a dozen tents and temporary hangars are set up, with probably a hundred or more personnel moving to their duties with speed and purpose. The guards at the perimeter salute Chaz as he waves you through. You get some looks from some of the soldiers as you pass by, but no one stops you as you head towards one of the hangars.
Inside you can see several robots and suits of power armor in various stages of repair and rearming. As you walk towards the center, one of the human technicians turns and starts walking to the group. He is dressed in mechanics coveralls and covered in grease stains. He rubs his hands on his pants and holds them out. "Can't say I've had the pleasure of meeting members of a SET from the Legion. Especially with a beautiful spokesperson.", he winks at Jonis. "I already know why you're here and unfortunately, I can't help you. While Alana's actions are deplorable, she is a friend and I won't allow anyone to move against her. Not even our own. I am sorry that the Legion has seen fit to waste your time with this. I'm sure you have better things to do."
He smiles and you each feel something tugging at the back of your minds.
As he feels something tugging at his mind, Auriel's training kicks in, and he begins singing the Atlantean version of The song that never ends! in his native language in his head, focusing completely on doing so as "loud" as he can.
"I'm afraid your mental manipulations won't work on us" Burgurk growls, threateningly. Turning to his companions, he says "Watch out, he's trying to control your thoughts!" Now that he's been attacked, he goes on the offensive : "We're going after her whether *you* like it or not!" he says defiantly. Turning to Chaz, he asks "Is *this* your boss? He has no honor, trying to manipulate our minds so!"
Chaz puts up his hands in a gesture of peace, backpedaling. Other soldiers in the hangar start to go for their weapons, but the mechanic only raises his hands and shakes his head calmly. They relax. "It appears I misjudged your capabilities. I was merely attempting to dissuade you from suicide. Rest assured that should you find her, she will give you no quarter and ask for none in return." He looks to Chaz. "Let them leave. Legionnaires aren't worth much in the Splynn Markets anyway and Gurek doesn't like them too damaged. Let Alana have her way with them." He then goes back to his work as if nothing happened.
Chaz turns to face Burgurk. "He is usually more successful in persuading people. I guess I am to give you Lady Grayspear's coordinates." He holds out a datachip. "Can't say I wish I were going with you."
Jonis seems almost angry at the men.
"Splynn Markets? I fear I will rescind my offer of friendship... Chaz, you don't seem like a... like them." - she signals at the others, mostly at the leader of the WarHounds - "If you ever want to step over to the good guys, call me. Until then, I will not call any of you a friend of mine."
She turns and leaves, not waiting for the others or taking the data chip.
Burgurk takes the data chip, and after turning to glare and growl at all of the men, follows Jonis.
Chaz shrugs, his armor plates scraping together. "A job is a job in this world. When creds are on the line, you'll be surprised what people are capable of. I do wish I could get to know you better, but you will not come back if you go after Alana. She will kill each and every one of you."
You are escorted out of the camp and the Chaz shows you the way back to Whykin, but he does not go with you. You arrive at your vehicles with no further incident.
The datachip does indeed contain coordinates. They seem to coincide with where the village of Pux is...
"That is convenient."