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Since I see little way for Anatoly to survive this encounter with the stage prop from a warped Rolling Stones tour on acid... I'll make up another character this week to replace him... unless by some miraculous circumstance he survives this. I debated on it a while and decided I couldn't let this great Georg Martin epic moment go.
Dazed and sure that something inside his body is surely broken beyond repair... and not sure if he could ever sleep again after that incident, Anatoly bundles together 6 more sticks of dynamite, and prepares the fuse. "Run"!he screams as he dives into the mouth with the bundle burning in his hands.
Anatoly knows this might be it for him. At least maybe I can save the others, and remove this blasphemy from the earth. Athletics (Out of points to spend), to draw more dynamite and light the whole bundle... -or- The brave man lapses into unconsciousness, a quick prayer for deliverance on his lips.
Stability (3-point spend) Opposed Athletics (4-point spend)
"Hold them off a bit, I'll try throw a couple of sticks into the mouth... and maybe another to slow them down in our path as we retreat". Anatoly bundles 3 sticks together, steps around the corner, and throws the bundle at the atrocity. Athletics (Close, Specific spot, Spend of 4) "Go! Go! Go!".
Preparedness (Untrained) "I think we need to find a faster escape route. I left the blasting caps and timers somewhere else".
"I'll take your word for it. I don't think I can look at it, and still do what I need to do. We have decisions to make. Do we just blow it up, and hope we can get out the way we came in, or do we try to find another exit"?
"I'm sick of this place already. Let's see if we can take the Mouth out now". Anatoly checks over the explosives carefully. He then looks up and slaps his hand to his head with a groan. "I just thought of something. We must find a quicker way out. Once I set the charge, we can hardly hurry through the dangerous areas".
His voice strained and shaking from the combination of trying to keep the explosives safe, and negotiating the terrifying terrain silently, Anatoly nods at the hallway ahead. "How about that hallway. Anything is better than this". "I'm inclined to just drop the explosives here, and bring down the whole thing".
Stability Stealth (I forgot how to roll if no ranks) And Anatoly is concentrating so hard on keeping the dynamite package out of the water, he accidentally splashes some of the stuff up into his face, sitting off a fit of coughing and hacking.
Anatoly will call upon his knowledge of Architecture, and how the toll of the ages might have effected the design, to try and help avoid the weak spots, and fall zones. Spend (1) Point of Architecture, and (1) Point of Archaeology. Athletics (With 3 point spend) "Come. This way is safest I believe".
Anatoly keeps an eye out on the stability and features of the area as they descend.
If nobody else is willing to lead the way Anatoly will. "Since I am handling the explosives, it would help if someone went before me to look for traps, and open doors and such. If nobody moves forward in a few seconds, Anatoly will simply nod and start forward, looking carefully as he goes.
Anatoly can feel the holiness of this place as he enters, he reverently walks about spending time at the cross, then walking the chamber taking in everything. He scans the titles of the books, and prepares to write a letter to his uncle... if he doesn't make it he would be the best prepared to spread the word of his situation. He then pens a letter to his benefactor, asking that she care for his noble horse if something happens. He then takes the old knight aside. "It would be a shame for the order to disappear completely. Perhaps should province see fit for me to survive, we could discuss a method for keeping the knowledge alive". He then checks the explosives package, then goes to the cross and kneels praying reverently for success.
"I think I know where to look. Let me see if I can get some information on the ancient tunnels. Would anyone like to go with me for back-up"?
"The guards will definitely be a problem, but I can communicate with Donovan and see if he can help out there in any way". "Perhaps some distraction to draw their attention away, or maybe we can come in by water... even underwater, and get close enough to plant the bomb"?
I think we need to work on teamwork a little more. We've kind of drifted into doing out own thing, and waiting for the others to finish before moving on. Let's communicate more about our plans and intentions (especially Anatoly), and try to work together more.
Anatoly's eyes begin to widen as Donovan explains the situation, and nearly bug out of his head when he mentions the size of the mouth. He whispers under his breath as the man finishes up. "We're gonna need a bigger bomb". He then finishes up in a louder voice, in an attempt to mislead any listners. "Thanks for your consideration Mr. Donovan. Our charity would be very thankful for any assistance you can provide. I'll contact you with the potential dates for the event when I can". Anatoly then stands and shakes Mr. Donovan's hand... if he offers it... and keeping his head down begins to walk away, leaving the cash for his coffee on the table.
Anatoly scoots closer, and looks Donovan in the eye. "Perhaps we can help you. My group has some experience in this type of thing. Is there somewhere safe and indiscreet that we could meet, and present the situation to my whole group? If you sincerely want to make things better, then we sincerely want to help you... for your son".
"Nobody ever said it would be simple, worthwhile things seldom are, but whether you can take things back or not is not really the issue. The issue is can you step to the plate and keep them from happening going forward. You are a smart, prosperous man, with resources that can be used to fight this thing... And you are not alone. My friends and I have defeated this blasphemy before, and know how to do so again. I ask that you join us in this crusade... Your family and friends deserve this".
Anatoly shifts a bit uncomfortably as the conversation takes a different tack than he had intended, and listens impatiently before finally bursting out. "Actually I'm here for a completely different reason. I know where to find your product, and I've got a pretty good idea of how you get it. I'm here to appeal to your sensibilities and ask you to stop doing so. You're ruining lives, and playing with forces so powerful and evil you can't begin to imagine the ramifications. Is this the type of world you want you son to grow up in? Is it worth saving his life to leave him only a mad world filled with insanity? Is what you're doing worth sacrificing life as we know it"? "You are a powerful man. You could have your minions snuff me out without any problem, but I'm appealing to you as a fellow human to stop what you're doing, and use your power and influence to help the world instead of destroying it". Anatoly's voice raises in pitch as he speaks, sounding almost as forceful as listening to one of his Uncle's searing sermons.
Anatoly nervously drums the table as he waits to see what Joseph's reaction to the confrontation will be. He also quickly scans the area to see if anyone else is paying attention to the group, and also looking for any escape routes if required.
Anatoly turns, and acts surprised to see Joseph so obviously not blending in. He shrugs... "Seem's like you still have the advantage even here. How about if I just make him go away"?
"I am Anatoly Dudko... and before you ask... no you don't know me. Please sit down. I have something I'd like to discuss with you as... well reasonable individual to reasonable individual. No need for these guards. As you can see I'm unarmed and quite alone".
Anatoly fidgets and sweats.
"Orange! I don't own anything Orange. Guess I'll have to go shopping... where would one purchase something Orange"? Anatoly replies after picking up his telegram. "Maybe I'll contact Tatiana, my actress friend. She dressed colorfully". "The reply says to come alone". Anatoly says holding the telegram out for anyone else to read who wishes to... But who is to say there would be other diners or passerby's that could rush in if required. I'll go in alone, but if something comes up that might need intervention, I'll remove my hat, and pretend to slick back my hair before putting it back on".
I think we're all waiting on the reply to the telegram.
Hi Guys. Work is insane right now, so though I'll keep up and post as needed, I won't be able to expand upon my actions for a couple of weeks. I think Anatoly is back at the hotel anyway keeping an eye on things. He'll rejoin when the telegraph is anwsered... or not.
"Something is just not adding up here for me. I'm going to try a different tack". Anatoly grabs his hat and heads out looking for a telegraph office. He sends an anonymous telegram to Donovan. Nectar is sweet [STOP] True motivations yet to be revealed. [STOP] Meet at cafe on corner of blank and Blank tomorrow noon. [STOP]. Anatoly is reluctant to involve his friends as this as it, could blow up in his face. He's hoping that calling for a meeting in a public place should protect him, and let him have a face to face with Donovan.
After sharing the information about scouting the warehouse, and following the car, Anatoly's face took on a troubled look and he began to pace about the room. Finally he came to a stop and addressed the others. "There is something else to consider... what if he is using the nectar for what he believes to be a good purpose? What if dispensing this to terminally ill and pain wracked patients is an act of goodwill? I believe we sometimes tend to rush to judgement based upon what we know about the situation back in the US, but we must ask ourselves... What is the end game here? Surely these patients you mentioned are not being drugged for the same purpose as the vile sect in California. He then walks to the counter and pours himself a strong dose of booze, holding it out to the others in an offer of sharing. "I think it's time we had a personal conversation with Donovan, confront him with what we know, and judge his reaction. We must be smart about it however... any suggestions"?
"Let's go back and rendezvous with the others, compare notes, and determine our next course of action".
Joseph turns to his friends Should we go in? "I don't think so. Not right now anyway. We've verified our suspicions. Maybe we wait to see what the others have discovered before we plan our next move".
"Yeah, probably not a bad idea. The warehouse isn't going anywhere. It's probably headed towards the hospital or home, but wouldn't hurt for us to get all the information we can. Is the car stashed nearby"?
Anatoly's disguise is more about hiding in plain site. He wears a longshoreman's rough clothes, and walks about like he's got something to do, or somewhere to go. Checking labels on boxes from time to time, and noting stuff on his clipboard.
"So maybe after visiting the hospital, you could go perform stakeout duties on the Mansion. I think comparing notes could be important"?
"We really haven't spent much time at the mansion. Perhaps we should split up and record the comings and goings from both places, then compare the notes. If I had to guess I'd think that the warehouse is where they're distributing the Nectar, but I don't know if they're making it there or in the Mansion. I'll stay hear near the Warehouse, since I'm already becoming a familiar sight here, and might draw less attention".
Sense Trouble Anatoly quickly moves his binoculars to where Freddy is pointing. "I'm sure you're imagining things. We can't leave the others without someone to watch their backs. Particularly since they've made the fool move to board the yacht".
Anatoly climbs on top of a tall stack of shipping containers and watches the drama unfold at sea. He lowers the binoculars and rubs his eyes briskly, before returning them to the scene. It was not a trick of the moonlight... they are boarding the yacht... this should get interesting.
"That many people in a motorboat might be a bit suspicious puttering around. I'll disguise myself as a dockworker, and try to keep an eye on things from the ground... just in case things go south".
Anatoly explains what he discovered at the warehouse. "Very suspicious if you ask me. Perhaps we should also case the dock and his private space. If you remember there were many people at the last Mo... I mean event, so I would expect a crowd. I guess it's possible that this operation is different however, and maybe they're distributing the nectar not using it locally. Perhaps they're making or storing it in the warehouse, then using the boats to move it or bring it in"?
"Well I'm probably not the "Yacht" type unless it's working on one or loading one, so perhaps I can check out the Warehouse. Maybe ask around to see if anybody working close by has seen what's going in and out... and if necessary scout out a place and watch it for a while myself".
"Well last time we staked out a house we ended up blowing up a basement, stealing a car, and killing a couple of guys... so that was a good plan. Shall we do the same?
Anatoly walks up with Evelyn to the guard. In his most fluent Italian he speaks to the man. "Pardon me good sir, but there was a fund raiser hear a few months back, and unfortunately I was unable to attend due to a last minute case of food poisoning". He then directs Evelyn to bring forth the photo. "Can you think of anyone who might be able to give us information about this man? I have a donation that I was preparing to give that evening, and would like to contact him to arrange the gift"?
Anatoly offers to accompany Evelyn to the library, as research is anot activity he finds rewarding and relaxing.
"I wouldn't think this type of problem would go un-noticed. Perhaps we can check with the local newspapers, or police for reports of unusual activity. Perhaps the local university might have a professor that is an expert on the occult"?
Anatoly looks up with a forced smile, a single drop of sweat revealing how nervous he was. "Thank you my friends. We were fortunate the the wiring was something I had seen before, just a different color scheme. We used similar devices when we were rough clearing some overburden at Skara Brae. I was indeed fortunate to pay enough attention to allow me to suceed".
"I have some experience with explosives. Let me try". Anatoly takes the bomb... if offered, and attempts to disarm. He steps close to the door so that if he fails he can pitch it. If Anatoly tries to disarm
Spoiler:
Explosives spend. If needed.
"I think it's a mistake, as we don't know how to fight these things. But it is important we remain focused. Perhaps we can get more grenades or some dynamite when we arrive. Does anyone speak the native language"?
"Ralph. While I too have visions of the mystery of the orient, I feel we must ground ourselves in more reality. We have a lead with a name in Ethiopia... and if anything we need more information on the sources and causes of this... thing. Going into Bangkok armed as we were would be suicidal. If not for us finding that grenade we would likely have died in that basement, and I don't know about you, but I don't have any more grenades. Let's follow up with the possible source of this evil, and not it's symptoms. Perhaps we'll gather a clue to help combat this if we understand where it's coming from. If we don't understand it and learn to stop the source of this terrible thing, it will just crop up again somewhere else, and we'll either die, or spend our lives confronting this evil over and over. We must go to Ethiopia first".
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