[19:02] <GM|JonB> *** LOG START ***
[19:03] <GM|JonB> ((I'm assuming you did all your shopping between
sessions.))
[19:03] <Kuleno> (( I think I did. <.< ))
[19:03] <Raoul> ((I do believe I did.))
[19:04] <Nikolai> ((moi aussi))
[19:04] <GM|JonB> The party arrives at the train station, escorted by
guards detached from the Airship Project. It's mid morning, so
there's a bit of a crowd. The seargent of the guard askes you if you
require their services any more.
[19:05] * Yuki` shakes her head slightly.
[19:05] <Raoul> "I believe we will be well from here on out - but
thank you nonetheless."
[19:06] <GM|JonB> Saluting, the seargent leads his men back to the
facility, mission completed.
[19:06] * Nikolai nods distractedly, looking around the area.
[19:07] * Kuleno says nothing but watches and waits.
[19:07] <GM|JonB> *The train station is not that busy yet, but it
looks like it soon will be. The ticket booths are open, and it seems
like some trains are already starting to leave for distant parts of
the realm.
[19:09] <Raoul> ((Hm. Exactly where are we going, now? I remember the
general plan was, get to Azrag Biet.))
[19:09] <GM|JonB> ((Faangar, then via boat.))
[19:09] <Raoul> ((Aha.))
[19:10] <GM|JonB> *The trains going to the recently conquered nation
are slightly seperate from the others, if only because the tracks
were laid later.
[19:10] * Raoul sees no one else moving to the ticket booths, and as
such makes the first move towards them. "Excuse me. Have you any
trains headed to Fangaar?"
[19:11] * Nikolai follows Raoul, thinking about security on the
upcoming ride.
[19:12] <GM|JonB> *The operator of the ticket boot in question, a
Moogle, nods. "Kupo! We do! It's leaving in about a quarter of an
hour, there was a small delay due to mechanical difficulties. Do you
wish to purchase tickets?
[19:12] <GM|JonB> "
[19:13] <GM|JonB> *The Moogle looks at the party lining up behind
Raoul. "Are you all together?"
[19:13] * Raoul thinks. "Are there any other trains leaving today
that are not suffering mechanical difficulties?"
[19:14] <Raoul> "Ah. Yes."
[19:14] <GM|JonB> "Not until this evening, an overnight run."
[19:14] <GM|JonB> "Kupo."
[19:14] <Nikolai> "What is the nature of these difficulties?"
[19:15] <GM|JonB> "Nothing serious, just something to do with the
engine, I was told."
[19:16] <Raoul> "Hm."
[19:16] <Nikolai> "..."
[19:17] <GM|JonB> "There is not a lot of overland travel to the new
province. So there is only the morning and night runs, Kupo."
[19:17] * Raoul nods, and turns to the party, walking a few steps
away from the ticket counter. "Now or later? The early train leaves
presently, but I am concerned with its mechanics."
[19:17] <Nikolai> "Very well. I think we should take tickets for the
morning run."
[19:18] <GM|JonB> "Oh, don't be! It was a kupo problem, one that we
deal with evey week!"
[19:18] * Yuki` thinks a bit. "Can we afford to wait?"
[19:18] <Nikolai> "I don't think so."
[19:19] <Raoul> "Then we leave now, and hope this is but coincidence."
[19:20] <GM|JonB> ((You'll purchase the tickets for the early train
then?))
[19:20] * Raoul returns to the counter. "A ticket for us all on the
early run, please."
[19:20] * Kuleno growls but says nothing. He's clearly unhappy either
way.
[19:20] <GM|JonB> "Kupo! Here you are!"
[19:21] <GM|JonB> ((And you have tickets!))
[19:21] * Nikolai looks to Kuleno. "Objections, Kuleno?"
[19:21] * Yuki` takes a ticket.
[19:22] <GM|JonB> "The train is boarding now, Kupo, and should be
leaving soon, kupo."
[19:22] <Raoul> ((do I owe much, or is this coming out of the plot-
wallet?))
[19:22] * Raoul nods, distributes the tickets if need be, and starts
towards the train. No sense dilly-dallying.
[19:22] <GM|JonB> ((Plot wallet.))
[19:23] * Nikolai follows, paranoia a-blazing.
[19:23] * Kuleno follows along, the dutiful Yeti guard.
[19:23] * Yuki` also follows.
[19:24] <GM|JonB> *The train is actually fairly new, but not that
big. More cargo than passenger. It doesn't look like there's
anything wrong with the train from the outside.
[19:25] <GM|JonB> *The passenger cars are at the back, as usual, and
the conductor is ready to check your tickets as you board.
[19:26] * Kuleno makes sure he's eaten before the train leaves.
[19:27] * Nikolai hands his ticket to the conductor. "Is there anyone
else aboard this train?"
[19:27] * Raoul keeps his sword on him, if it's not an issue.
[19:28] <GM|JonB> The conductor checks Nikolai's ticket as he does
so. "Of course, but we're mostly cargo on this run. What with the
problems and all down south."
[19:29] * Nikolai nods knowingly
[19:29] <GM|JonB> *The conductor checks all yout tickets, and makes
sure you are all aboard before making a last call for passangers. No
one comes, and soon the train is underway.
[19:30] <Nikolai> "Well, that's one less problem to deal with."
[19:31] <GM|JonB> *The train picks up speed, and is soon headed out
of Anshan, in a generally South-East direction.
[19:31] * Nikolai turns to the group. "I, for one, don't think we can
afford to rest until we've ensured the safety of this train. I think
we should search it."
[19:31] <Raoul> "I submit that, given our recent events, it is merely
one more problem unobserved."
[19:31] <Raoul> "...Heh. Agreed."
[19:32] <Raoul> ((meant for my line to go after Nik's first, not
second there... But hey, cool.))
[19:32] <Yuki`> "Assuming we can. And that we can do it without
drawing too much suspicion."
[19:32] <GM|JonB> ((Searching then? How will you do it?))
[19:33] <Raoul> ((I presume I can't hack my Vehicles to give a bonus
to my Awareness, even if I do manage to get somewhere where it might
matter more than turning over cushions.))
[19:33] <Raoul> ((Since ships != trains. <,<))
[19:33] <Nikolai> "We should start by checking the rest of passenger
car for stowaways, and then the rest of the train."
[19:34] <GM|JonB> ((Nah, you're a boat person.))
[19:34] <Raoul> ((Figured, but had to ask.))
[19:34] * Yuki` raises an eyebrow. "...how exactly will we be able to
check that, that the conducters haven't already checked?"
[19:35] <Raoul> "They may not know what to look for. Or they may
know, and choose not to. In any case, better to try to check than to
not check."
[19:35] <Nikolai> "They aren't expecting to find attackers. And even
if we don't find them before they attack, we may be able to press
them into an attack with less preparation."
[19:36] <Nikolai> "Seeing as last time, I only missed decapitation by
a fraction of a second."
[19:37] <GM|JonB> ((Alright, so, you want a general layout of the
train then?
[19:37] <GM|JonB> ))
[19:37] <Raoul> ((We will take such help! Also, I'm gonna get ice
cream and brownies, so BRB.))
[19:38] <Nikolai> ((yuss preeze))
[19:39] <GM|JonB> ((Engine Car, followed by a pair of coal cars for
the long haul. 7 box cars, you don't know what's in them, then three
passenger cars, the first has a kitchen and facilities, the next one
is the 'cheap seats' car, then the private cabins car, then the
Conductors Car.))
[19:39] <Nikolai> ((Are we in cheap seats, or private cabins?))
[19:40] <GM|JonB> ((Your choice))
[19:41] <Nikolai> ((Private cabins, likely))
[19:41] <Kuleno> (( I don't sit in cheap seats. ))
[19:41] <Raoul> ((no, you stand and glower at them.))
[19:42] <Raoul> ((^_^))
[19:43] <Nikolai> "So. Shall we split up, or remain in one group?"
[19:44] <Raoul> "I suggest two groups: one working from front to
back, one back to front."
[19:46] * Kuleno makes a motion for the not splitting up part.
[19:47] <Yuki`> "...whatever you think would work. I haven't done
sweeps for people or things before."
[19:47] * Nikolai smiles. "Me neither. I'm running on hunches,
basically."
[19:48] * Raoul is as new to this as anyone else - he's lucky enough
to never have had a stowaway that he needed to search hard for.
[19:49] <Nikolai> "Alright. I think we should stay together,
personally, to minimize the effect of a surprise attack."
[19:50] * Nikolai heads out towards the conductor's car, checking
each and every room between here and there.
[19:50] * Raoul seems outvoted, then, and follows.
[19:51] <GM|JonB> *The conductor's car is locked, obviously, for the
privacy of the people who actually run the train. There is a ladder
up to the roof.
[19:52] * Nikolai ponders... "Raoul, how's your balance?"
[19:52] * Yuki` blinks. "You're not seriously thinking that?"
[19:52] * Raoul grins. "My balance is a point of honor. You wish to
test it?"
[19:53] <Nikolai> "Well, if you could look down both ends. I'm not
asking you to train-walk... unless you feel it necessary."
[19:53] <Nikolai> "Actually, this being the back end allows for a
full view of the train."
[19:54] * Raoul hops on the first run, looks back. "I will take a
look. I almost hope I am required to walk the roof!"
[19:54] * Raoul climbs up. Anything of interest up here? Assuming a
tunnel isn't comign at his forehead, of course.
[19:55] * Nikolai shrugs at Yuki. "He seemed eager enough to do it."
[19:55] <GM|JonB> ((It's open air. And the roofs appear to be in
excellent condition.))
[19:56] * Yuki` sighs to herself.
[19:56] * Raoul breathes the quick-moving air, enjoying the speed and
the sheer power of the machine. Truly intoxicating! But: "I see
nothing obviously dangerous!"
[19:57] <Nikolai> "Alright, thank you Raoul. We'll check all else
normally down here."
[19:57] * Raoul climbs back down.. after a second or two, one last
breath of powerful, speedy, real air.
[19:59] <Nikolai> ((brb))
[19:59] <GM|JonB> *The next car forward has a half dozen private
cabins, including the one you secured for yourselves.
[20:02] * Nikolai gives each a perfunctory look- he doesn't suspect
his imaginary assailants are in here. Too obvious.
[20:02] <Raoul> ((brb))
[20:04] <Kuleno> (( brb as well, need a drink ))
[20:04] <Raoul> ((back))
[20:05] <GM|JonB> *Nope, nothing new. There seems to be a family
with children playing games in one room, but nothing suspiscious in
that car. The next car is the cheaper seats, rows of seats that are
about half full of a broad selection of species.
[20:05] <Raoul> ((*curious to know just what game. >.>))
[20:06] <GM|JonB> ((A childs game, for teaching language. You know
the type.))
[20:06] * Raoul walks low to the ground, checking under the sheap
seats.
[20:06] <Raoul> ((Aw. But yes, I do, and some of them are fun.))
[20:07] * Nikolai walks slowly down the aisles, heading for the cargo
holds, generally keeping an eye out for anything.
[20:07] <GM|JonB> *Some passangers look at this group of people who
look like they're missing something.
[20:08] * Yuki` stays back a bit, casually looking around like she's
a tourist.
[20:09] * Raoul grins sheepishly. "Sorry, do excuse me..." Though
it's starting to look like it isn't here, whatever 'it' may be. He
moves on.
[20:09] * Kuleno would try and blend in, but instead he just stomps
behind. Stom stomp stomp, he isn't going to fit in here.
[20:12] <GM|JonB> *The next car is has a kitchen, as well as overflow
cargo for the passengers.
[20:14] * Nikolai looks back to the group. "Well, so far, so good."
[20:15] <Raoul> "Indeed. I do not know whether I am overly concerned,
or horrendously uninformed about what the threats may be."
[20:16] <GM|JonB> *There are a couple workers here, who don't
appreciate thier space being intruded upon.
[20:17] <Nikolai> ((In the kitchen, or in cargo?))
[20:17] <GM|JonB> ((Kitchen))
[20:18] * Nikolai smiles disarmingly at the kitchen workers. "Sorry,
we won't be but a minute." He then proceeds to the cargo cars.
[20:19] <GM|JonB> *The next cars are less pretty, but well built. A
central walkway between rows of stacked cargo boxes, trucks, and the
like. You've seen a western, you know the type.
[20:21] * Nikolai walks down the rows, trying if possible to mask the
sound of his footsteps.
[20:22] <Raoul> ((How much of the train is left to check?))
[20:22] <GM|JonB> (Cargo cars, the coal and engine.)
[20:22] <Nikolai> ((coal and engine after cargo. Yeah.))
[20:23] <Raoul> ((Okay. Making sure!))
[20:23] <GM|JonB> *The cargo cars are depressingly similar.
[20:23] * Raoul listens closely, trying to hear anything out of the
normal for the cargo car.
[20:24] * Nikolai sighs. "Well, I think we should return to our
seats. I don't think we'll be uncovering any assailants this way."
[20:25] * Yuki` nods, and immediately starts heading back.
[20:25] <Kuleno> (( Whee, fruitless searches. ))
[20:25] <GM|JonB> (( It was practice for your paranoia. ))
[20:25] <GM|JonB> ((And so, you all go back to your cabin then?))
[20:25] <Nikolai> ((Establish a protocol, I suppose.))
[20:25] <Raoul> "I suppose. Yet I am still glad that we looked."
[20:25] <Nikolai> "Indeed."
[20:25] <Raoul> ((Better than not checking, and suddenly car bomb!))
[20:26] <GM|JonB> ((Nah, I gotta better one.))
[20:27] <Raoul> ((ninjas? thousands of them?))
[20:27] <GM|JonB> *The party returns to their room, when...
[20:27] <Nikolai> ((Alligators))
[20:27] * GM|JonB is now known as GM|AedeKeirley
[20:27] <GM|AedeKeirley> "Where have you been?"
[20:27] * GM|AedeKeirley is sitting in the room, looking very annoyed
and impatient.
[20:28] * Nikolai sits, looking relaxed. "Just having a look around."
[20:28] * Kuleno grunts and points at the intellect in the bunch.
[20:28] * Raoul blinks. But he won't ask.
[20:28] <Raoul> "We... yes."
[20:28] <GM|AedeKeirley> "Right. Now, would you care to explain to
be JUST WHAT YOU DID in Anshan?!?!?"
[20:29] * Nikolai sighs.
[20:29] <GM|AedeKeirley> "All I ask is that you deliver some
blueprints, and I find out you burned down the entire facility!"
[20:29] <Yuki`> "Barely escaped with our lives."
[20:29] <Nikolai> "WE didn't burn anything. It was the work of
outside aggressors."
[20:30] <Nikolai> "Did you, perchance, speak witha Mr. Markius?"
[20:30] * GM|AedeKeirley sighs. "Alright. Come in. I want to hear
this one myself. Getting this though the Earthsiders doesn't make for
good information, it seems."
[20:31] * Yuki` goes in and sits down, then.
[20:31] <Nikolai> "Earthsiders... you've spoken with them?"
[20:31] * Raoul takes a few moments to get his brain back together,
but comes in.
[20:31] * Nikolai sits down.
[20:32] <GM|AedeKeirley> "Not willingly, but yes. Lord Raoul, you
look out of place here."
[20:32] <Raoul> "Do forgive me. We were concerned with further
attacks, given recent events."
[20:34] <Raoul> "That the only surprise on this train is you has,
well, taken me by surprise."
[20:34] * GM|AedeKeirley shakes her head. "You know, what is it about
the Demon that attracts explosions and fire?"
[20:34] <GM|AedeKeirley> "Oh, you mean me on this train?"
[20:35] * Nikolai shrugs, looking impassive. "It does seem implicit
in the name, doesn't it?"
[20:35] <Yuki`> ((BRB.))
[20:36] <GM|AedeKeirley> "Well... Enought distractions! What
happened in Anshan?"
[20:37] <Raoul> "A mob."
[20:37] <GM|AedeKeirley> "I got that, but did you find out about what
they want? Aside from generally setting things on fire?"
[20:37] * Nikolai lets the others explain.
[20:38] <Yuki`> ((Back.))
[20:38] <Raoul> "That seemed to be their primary objective, yes. They
were well armed and combat trained."
[20:39] <Yuki`> "My guess? They knew about the zepplins, and wanted
them gone. That, or they wanted the air crystal collection."
[20:39] * GM|AedeKeirley snaps to look at Yuki. "*WHAT* Air Crystal
Collection?"
[20:40] * Yuki` shrugs. "The one that they've been getting to fly the
things... and apparently the same one I'm not supposed to know about,
based on your reaction."
[20:40] * Raoul glances over. That wasn't something he was hot to
share.
[20:40] <Raoul> ((brb))
[20:41] * GM|AedeKeirley stares blankly at Yuki. "Air Crystals? How
many? I mean... What the abyss?"
[20:42] <Yuki`> "Lots and lots... too many for me to count."
[20:42] * Yuki` mutters to herself under her breath "So the secrets
are still going on... great."
[20:42] <GM|AedeKeirley> "That... Is news..:
[20:42] <GM|AedeKeirley> "
[20:44] <Raoul> ((back))
[20:44] <GM|AedeKeirley> "Alright... This needs to be dealt with.
If Reufelgo is stockpiling Air crystals. Oh, this is just a
headache."
[20:44] <Yuki`> "It was news to us, too. Although I'm guessing
that's to be expected."
[20:45] <Raoul> "I am, at least, glad that these crystals are a
concern."
[20:45] * Kuleno wonders why humans deal with such silly things.
[20:45] * Nikolai blinks. He's wondering where exactly the Earthside
governments fit in here.
[20:46] <GM|AedeKeirley> "Alright, something needs to be done about
this. You guys keep what you're doing. I'll contact you after
you're done for your next mission."
[20:47] * GM|AedeKeirley gets up, and goes for the door. "Anything
else, I should know about before I scream bloody murder at people?"
[20:48] <Nikolai> "This train, based on an amateur search, is clear
of hostiles."
[20:48] <Nikolai> "Or at least, ones we can detect."
[20:49] * Nikolai resets his glasses.
[20:49] * Raoul can't think of anything. But he's forming his own,
private worries.
[20:49] * GM|AedeKeirley grins. "Are you asking me to stay, in case
you hear a bump in the night?"
[20:50] <Nikolai> "No. But it wouldn't hurt to be careful for your
own sake."
[20:50] <GM|AedeKeirley> "I can handle myself, thank you."
[20:51] <Raoul> "Mmhm. Let us hope 'they' cannot."
[20:52] <GM|AedeKeirley> "Very funny. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm
not all that welcome in Fanngar, ever since then, and I would like to
be off the train before it crosses the border. Bye!"
[20:52] * GM|AedeKeirley cheerily shuts the door behind her.
[20:52] * GM|AedeKeirley is now known as GM|JonB
[20:52] * Nikolai waves off that rather cryptic comment.
[20:53] <Yuki`> "...well that was unexpected."
[20:53] <Raoul> "I suspect we should expect it from now on."
[20:54] <Raoul> "Obviously, she is staying aware of our efforts."
[20:55] * Kuleno grunts. "Strage woman."
[20:55] * Nikolai sighs and relaxes. "You said it, Kuleno."
[20:56] * Yuki` shrugs. "Pretty obviously tough, though." A
pause. "She'd have to be."
[20:56] <GM|JonB> (( :) ))
[20:57] <Raoul> ((A GM NPC that can end up pretty much whever she
wants to be, and has connections with at least two governments, plus
several non-governmental agents. Yeah, let's go ahead and not screw
iwth her.))
[20:57] <Raoul> ((^_^))
[20:58] <Nikolai> "Eh. So far, I've seen no evidence that she is more
than a high-stakes errand girl."
[20:58] <GM|JonB> ((BRB, keep talking!))
[20:59] <Raoul> "She... has a history greater than that, I believe.
But I have never heard the details."
[20:59] <Raoul> "Or even terribly much at all."
[21:00] * Nikolai shrugs. "Rumors are rumors."
[21:00] <Yuki`> "I doubt we'll hear much either way until we need to."
[21:00] * Yuki` coughs.
[21:01] * Nikolai looks up. "Feeling ok, Ms. Yuki?"
[21:02] * Yuki` coughs some more, but eventually responds. "Same...
as usual, unfortunately."
[21:02] <GM|JonB> ((back))
[21:03] <Nikolai> ((Will there be combat tonight?))
[21:03] <GM|JonB> ((no))
[21:04] <GM|JonB> *The train reaches the Faangar border in the late
afternoon, and is checked quite thoroughly by the Reufelgan military
types. Something about checking for subversive elements, but they
quickly overlook you when they find out who you are.
[21:04] * Nikolai walks out casually.
[21:05] <GM|JonB> ((You're leaving the train at the border, not at
its destination?))
[21:05] <Nikolai> ((Oh sorry))
[21:06] <GM|JonB> ((n/p RetCon!))
[21:06] <GM|JonB> *The train is soon cleared to enter the newest
province of the greater nation of Reufelgo, and you are on your way
southwards to the former capital.
[21:08] <GM|JonB> *Faangar, while technically conquered by Reufelgo,
still has an active resistence movement, backed up by members of the
internal Reufelgan Resistence of some years back who weren't happy
with the outcome of thier revolution.
[21:09] <GM|JonB> *To that end, the province is in something of a
state of turmoil, with random attacks on the government, and whatnot.
[21:10] <GM|JonB> ((Think Ireland before it got nice. Not Sunday
Massacare bad, but you get the gist.))
[21:10] * Nikolai draws mental comparisons to such Earthside
equivalents.
[21:10] <Raoul> ((Yes. Whatever you do, don't talk about religion.))
[21:11] <Raoul> ((Or, well, whatever they're angry about today.))
[21:12] <Raoul> ((Er, shutting up.))
[21:12] <GM|JonB> *Progress is slower, as the rail roads seemed
recently patched in some places. A casual conversation from other
passengers reveals that there was a series of bombings last month,
the perps still at large.
[21:13] * Nikolai has quit IRC (Ping timeout)
[21:13] <GM|JonB> ((...))
[21:14] <GM|JonB> ((Hrm, all things considered, I need to do some
plotting for next session. As such, I'm calling it here.))
[21:14] * Kuleno keeps an eye out for suicide bombers, then.
[21:14] <GM|JonB> *** Log END ***