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Post by EK - Shadow of Death on Aug 27, 2004 14:21:29 GMT -5
<-- To Merkuri only -->
Very simple, to the well-lanned tongue, girl. replied the bearded merchant, flashing a toothy smile These permits cost nearly 5000 credits each. Considering that most people here probably don't have more than 100, we sell these permits along with a job contract that serves to pay off the debt. During your work, you're expected to assimilate into Vestran society and become a productive member of the economy, and when you finish, voila! You're as Vestran as the rest of us.
He pauses a bit to let Emmy digest what he's just said.
So... can I interest you in a permit? I can offer a wide range of excellent career opportunities that are sure to suit your skills.
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Post by EK - Shadow of Death on Aug 27, 2004 14:25:36 GMT -5
<-- To Littlebano and CosmicHorror only-->
The ebony-skinned man winds his way smoothly through the thick crowd until he emerges at a small, unoccupied kiosk which three families have converted into a makeshift shelter. The man enters the kiosk and motions for you to sit down on the rubbery tracplas floor.
There isn't much time. Both of you are in very real danger. They are looking for you.
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Post by LittleBano on Aug 27, 2004 15:41:28 GMT -5
Wendal stays standing so as not to ruin his suit.
"They who? I'm really not a fan of this cloak and dagger stuff. Be a little more concise."
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Post by EK - Shadow of Death on Aug 27, 2004 16:44:15 GMT -5
<-- To Littlebano and CosmicHorror only -->
The man's eyes pop open as his face betrays a look of shock.
You were never persecuted because of your ability? Never hunted down by government scientists for testing? Never on a police termination list? he asks, incredulously Things were indeed very different on Halebrus. I must be quick then, for our enemies spend no time waiting.
He sits down between the two of you and glances around before beginning.
People like us, with the powers that we possess, have always been around. For as long as we have lived in civilization, we have been known as "Scions of Nature", for we are truly the sons and daughters of the natural force that permeates all. However, despite being connected by our gifts, there has always been dissent amongst us. Some believe that we should use our gifts as we were meant to: when nature commanded us. Others, however, believe that we should use our powers to benefit mankind - the very force that attempts to subdue and control nature to this day. This group, the Societal League, exists in most major cities, and in addition to furthering the causes of mankind, has its sights set on all those who oppose them.
The man lowers his head quickly as a police patrol flies overhead. After they pass, he continues.
Since you've lived in Halebrus for your entire life, they will likely see you as a loose cannon and a threat. When that bioscanner above us is activated, whoever is at the controls will be able to determine who amongst this group is a Scion or not. The young ones will be taken and brainwashed. Adults such as yourselves will be arrested. Believe me, there is no escape from a Vestran prison. The police have no false values about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: they shoot to kill.
He removes a small multitool from his jacket and hands it to Jerek
You must escape. If you can get beyond the borders of this waiting area and into the city, you might be able to escape. This multitool is programmed with the access codes for all the gates out of this compound. Use it and then sell it to the pawn shop owner on the 345th floor of the Mori Tower - he'll help you along from there.
Another police patrol flies overhead, and the ebony-skinned man ducks again.
Damn. They're sweeping this area. You'd better hurry. Go! he whispers loudly.
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Post by CosmicHorror on Aug 27, 2004 17:04:55 GMT -5
Jerek, still a bit suspicous of the man looks over the multitool. "What about you? What will happen to you when they turn on the scanner?" he asks the man. [glow=blue,3,400]Seems like we're going to be working together, at least for now. We should know a little more about each other hmmm?[/glow] He telepathicly sends to Wendal after asking the man.
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Post by EK - Shadow of Death on Aug 27, 2004 17:11:49 GMT -5
I have to find more Scions like yourself. The bioscanner shouldn't be active for at least another 15 minutes - that'll give me enough time to find at least a few more. said the ebony-skinned man, getting to his feet. Good luck.
With that, he walks hurriedly again into the crowd.
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Post by Merkuri on Aug 27, 2004 22:06:45 GMT -5
"I'm not sure I'm ready to... commit to something like that," Emmy says, looking at the display permits in the booth. Then she looks up at the merchant. "And you still haven't shown me anything that proves this is all legal. There must be a lot of scammers around here ready to pounce on the unsuspecting refugee. A gal's gotta be careful, eh?"
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Post by CosmicHorror on Aug 28, 2004 1:31:29 GMT -5
Jerek looks around for a possible exit. [glow=blue,3,400]Any ideas where to start?[/glow] he sends to Wendal. [glow=blue,3,400]Or about that guy? He seemed to be sincere. Should we wait for him and anyone else he finds?[/glow] Jerek keeps his eyes on the police and the crowd. "What a wonderful way to start a new life."
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Post by LittleBano on Aug 28, 2004 7:23:44 GMT -5
"Agreed... well... I guess we are sort of in this together... the name is Wendal."
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Post by EK - Shadow of Death on Aug 28, 2004 11:06:12 GMT -5
<-- To Merkuri only -->
The merchant fishes into his pocket and withdraws a small holo card, displaying his name, ID number, and merchant certification.
These are commodities like any other. No one needs a special certification to sell them. he remarked, plainly So then, miss... I have plenty of other customers waiting, but I'm willing to make time to get you suited up and ready for a brand new life in this great town. Why don't you step into the back with me and I'll show you the opportunities that await you.
He motions towards the well-lit inside of the kiosk, within which Emmy can see a small holo-booth and a personal bioscan station.
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Post by EK - Shadow of Death on Aug 28, 2004 13:00:28 GMT -5
<-- To CosmicHorror and LittleBano only -->
Jerek and Wendal look around, not seeing much through the thick of the crowd. The waiting area is incredibly massive, perhaps fully 4 kilometers in diameter, and is packed tightly. You do, however, notice a concentration of unmoving guards at a point on the wall not far from you, possibly standing watch over a portal to the outside. Additionally, a set of meter-wide emergency inlet portals are affixed evenly across the perimeter of the compound - most likely to allow additional guards to come in or to flood the area with noxious gas in case the crowd becomes too rowdy.
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Post by Merkuri on Aug 30, 2004 20:26:26 GMT -5
Emmy glances into the kiosk and her eyes flicker to the bioscan station. She swallows imperceptively. "No, I think I'll shop around a little first. Keep my options open, you know." She flashes a smile to the merchant and backs away into the crowd.
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Post by EK - Shadow of Death on Aug 30, 2004 23:29:25 GMT -5
<-- To Merkuri only -->
The merchant nods his head in understanding, but calls back to Emmy.
That's your right, miss, but remember, not having a work permit is construed as a felony. You can, and will be arrested. I'll be waiting right here for you.
As Emmy heads through the crowd, a group of people push past her, heading directly for the stalls. It seems that the work permits are selling quickly. As she attempts to push her way through the crowd, a rough hand grabs her arm and pulls her off to the side, out of the onrush of people.
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Post by Merkuri on Sept 2, 2004 12:18:49 GMT -5
"Hey, what's the big idea?"
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Post by EK - Shadow of Death on Sept 2, 2004 15:53:50 GMT -5
<-- To Merkuri only -->
Emmy comes face to face with a short, well-built man with black hair and brown eyes. He wears a black police uniform minus the exoskelton and the crisscrossed purple sashes that denote him as a mid-level authority figure. He releases Emmy's arm when they are within talking distance.
Emmy Renwick, I presume? he asked, not even waiting for a response I'm Lieutenant Carson Rhenquist of the Vestran Civilian Authority. Today's your lucky day. The Vestran Guild has been looking for skilled, independent people such as yourself for special employment. If you would please follow me to the police booth, I can give you the details.
He motions to one direction, where two armored police officers float overhead as an escort.
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