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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 14, 2016 7:21:40 GMT -6
Wren came across Anna's body. That's a shame...I never even spoke to her. He felt somewhat sad. A person dying was still a person, even if he didn't know them. He'd seen too many deaths this past week, even been involved in a few and he wished he could put a stop to that. Who AM I, anymore?
He addressed the group, "I know I haven't been the most useful these past two days, and Reese I'm sorry but I think it's because I feel like you're stepping on my toes. So, maybe I'll be more productive if I'm not in the same place as you. I dunno. Nothing personal, it's just a clash of personalities and intentions, which doesn't always work harmoniously."
Wren looked at the security console. "Shit. If we want to win this thing tomorrow, we're going to have to split up a little, and hope that our watchtower friends do the same. I expect they'll want to head here for morphling (they had mentioned that in a long-term plan a few days ago), but I really hope at least one of them considers going to the market to hack the system. There could still be muttations around, but we have GOT to shut down the security here. I don't care where I end up as long as I'm with Cal. He can't hack, I can, and we work well together." Wren glanced at Cal and squeezed his hand. "And I'll be damned if either of us dies while separated. Til death do us part, Cal. Til death."
"I think we should try to get at least one hacker at the Depot, maybe two since Minerva and Harlie are still running around somewhere over there. We could leave one or two here, or send one to the tower. I bet Lartius is still up there. No idea if the girls (Holly, Gwen, Val, Sydney) would move this way or not at this point...And Reese, please don't hear this as bossing you around. I'm simply throwing out ideas here, so you're welcome to provide your input on where you'd like to go."
He looked at Thomas's hand, which was clutching onto a syringe of morphling. "Thomas, you found that thing fair and square, so I don't blame you if you want to use it yourself. Or, we can talk about how best to use it as a group. Up to you if you want to open it to discussion. We could all discuss our current states, how hungry we are, and predict when we might fall to that hunger."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 8:55:06 GMT -6
Cal blushed a little bit at Wren's declaration, they had a certain theme with words he had almost finished saying yesterday. He understood Wren's intent, and squeezed his hand back. "I do, Wren. To the end."
Turning back to the rest of the group, he glanced at the security display. He raised an eyebrow and looked back at Wren.
"I don't know if the situation is actually that dire. I believe we have two strongholds between the Watchtower and the Hospital. It could do us some good trading some people between the two locations, but holding these alone should secure us victory tomorrow. I do agree with Wren, however, that I'll stick with him through tomorrow. I'll try to focus on our ability to balance one another, and reach out to you guys to prevent us from jumping to conclusions." He gives Eloise a wink at that last sentence.
OOC: Wren, check your math again. Our goal is 24 points, rebels are at 22 and peacekeepers are at 18. We only need the two points secured to win tomorrow, and even if we lose one we're still within range of winning Day 10. Based on what Vester keeps throwing at us, keeping grouped together seems like our best bet to keep as many people alive as possible, and increasing our odds to negate any other peacekeeper efforts. We've got a day to talk this out, so I'll be waiting before moving.
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Jan 14, 2016 11:20:44 GMT -6
Thomas somehow managed to find a vile of morphling. It was a good thing to, as the hovercraft had caused some serious damage. He looked at Wren, who looked pretty hungry himself. He honestly had no idea what to do. Thomas earned the morphling fair and square, he had even put the team first by hacking before he even considered looking for the morphling.
"Wren, I really don't know what to do at this point. Is your health really at 1 right now? I can't decide... it would be really hard for me to give this to you when last night you didn't really help the team out - and I can understand that but... it just makes my decision harder. You seem like a nice guy and all but this is something I really have to think about. I want to live too, and if tomorrow brings something crazy, I might not be able to survive it with my current health. I mean what if we are in a situation, where someone is bound to take a lot of damage? If that's the case, it's better to have some strong healthy people around. I haven't made my mind up yet, but I up you will be understanding if I, like you did yesterday, choose to be selfish."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 11:29:00 GMT -6
Seeing Thomas having succeeded but still wounded by the hovercraft, Cal's earlier joy had faded to focused intent. He walked into the room next door and turned on a light. It was an examination room with cots to lay on and some basic medical supplies. Cal began to scrub his hands in the room's sink before ducking his head out the door.
"Thomas, Reese. You've both suffered wounds and we're low on treatment options. At the very least, lets get those wounds cleaned and bandaged. It won't help long term, but the last thing we'd want is infection to set in, or for that metal to be floating around in your system causing further damage."
His own face is becoming thinner, color draining from his features. They can decide the best use for the morphling later, for now they had work to do.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 14, 2016 11:40:26 GMT -6
Wren nodded. "Thomas, I would definitely understand. This is your call."
He listened to Cal and approached Thomas and Reese. "Until we decide what to do about the morphling, let Cal and I clean you guys up. Unfortunately, we've become pretty skilled at dealing with bullet wounds and such." Wren found some sanitizer and bandages, and attempted to help get the other rebels cleaned up.
Wren sighed. "Cal, I imagine you're not in great shape either. Would you mind sharing, at least with me if not the whole group, where you're at? I want to prepare myself..."
ooc: Thomas, I totally get it. But I've been spying, gathering info, hacking, and killing enemies for days now, rather than picking up food & things for myself. Notice I have the most extensive list of known allegiances. So yesterday just seemed like the time to finally give myself a thought. At the end of day 8 (tonight's deadline), I'll be at 4 HP. 6 Food. Today's morphling I took basically cancelled out my hunger for day 8. So, at the end of day 9 if I'm not hit at all I'll end with 1 HP due to hunger. If I'm hit by anything at all day 9, I'll be dead. Not sure where you are, but now you know my situation.
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Jan 14, 2016 11:49:08 GMT -6
Thomas looked Wren up and down. "Oh, you're actually in better shape than I thought. Currently, we are in the same boat healthwise. It's just that I've had more food than you recently. If I don't take it, I'll be at 3 by the end of day 9. My concerns are that I'm not as skilled as you are in certain areas, namely spying. If there is another check to see who the weakest link is, I am not going to have a chance! You have the highest boosters to everything and could likely survive. I still have decided what to do, but those are my thoughts. Thanks for understanding and respecting my decision. either way, someone will take it today, as I don't have room to carry it."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 11:55:09 GMT -6
Cal freezes at Wren's question. After a few moments, he leans into Wren's ear to whisper. By the end of today, I will be at 3/8 hp. Once Day 9 is over, I will be dead, regardless of attack. After telling him he quickly moves to the supplies, putting on rubber gloves. His eyes look to Thomas, stopping to consider how best to help. It was easier when Wren and Cal were treating each other's wounds, they could work through the pain with their passions. He'd have to think of something else to keep Thomas's mind off of his work. He takes a seat next to Thomas on the bed. "Thomas, tell me more about what you'll do when you get home. Please, do your best to focus on who you will see, what you will do, what you'd eat."
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Jan 14, 2016 12:21:48 GMT -6
Thomas watches as Cal whispers into Wren's ear. Was Cal being heroic again? Maybe he was hurt pretty badly too, but didn't want to draw attention to himself.
"Well the first thing I will do is give my little sister a big hug! I miss her so much. I really don't know what I'll do. I feel a lot older after this war. I don't know if I can go back to living with my aunt and uncle. I'm stronger than I used to be and I don't think I can take that kind of abuse. I would like to join the fight to get you and Val pardoned, I mean it. You've been an immense help.
As for what I'll eat... hmm... I'll probably try to make my momma's friend chicken. I haven't had it in years, but I found her recipe box shortly before I left for the games."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 14, 2016 12:26:03 GMT -6
Wren's face fell flat when Cal whispered to him. I knew he was in pretty bad shape...but...and he HAS been getting thinner... He looked at Cal with a disappointed and sympathetic expression.
"Damn it! Cal...I've been trying to keep track, and I didn't want to tell you but..." Wren sighed.
"The reason I wanted the morphling so bad was to give it to Cal. He's the better person. I'd still be at minimal health without it, but I was right....Cal will die day 9 without it, from hunger. I didn't think anyone would give it to him, being a peacekeeper with a death sentence anyway so I figured it had to be ME to get it for him."
He turned to Cal. "And I KNEW you'd refuse if I told you ahead of time, because you're like that. But I'm GOING to get a message to Millie tomorrow for the pardon from execution. If she really believes 'no one dies,' she'll let you live."
Wren cleared his throat to keep from crying and handed Cal a set of sanitized tweezers from a nearby cart. "Here. Use these. Thomas, keep talking. It'll help. Unless you want a kiss..." Wren tried to be humorous and let out a slight laugh, although he knew now wasn't the best time.
ooc: Thomas you can always give up or give away another item to make room for it, if you want to hold onto it.
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 12:26:15 GMT -6
Cal begins his work of disinfecting Thomas's wounds, clearing out any dirt, grime and dried blood. He nods in encouragement as Thomas speaks about his future plans, looking to keep him on that train of thought as he begins to summarize the wound. The wound is pretty superficial, it won't be too hard to remove the bullets. It'll still hurt though...
As Thomas began to speak about the pardon, Cal grimaced, drawing his attention back to the task at hand. He had already gotten a hold of one bullet, had the wound covered and set as he began working on the others. He forced a smile as Thomas continued on about his family's fried chicken.
"That sounds delicious. You'll have to share that with me once we're all out of this.."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 12:49:33 GMT -6
Cal sighs, accepts the tweezers from Wren as he continues to focus on his work. His expression is focused but annoyed.
"Wren, there's a reason I didn't say that out loud. I'm glad that you're still hopeful that a pardon can be made for peacebringers. However, we still have one more day to go before this war is over. Everyone here has already done so much for me, I'm grateful to be able to see tomorrow's sunset. But my future is not guaranteed, and thanks to Vester, none of ours is. I'm sure he has one more trick up his sleeve, far worse than what he unleashed these past two days."
Having sealed a second wound, he takes a deep breath and begins work on the last one.
"You have all done enough for me, and I appreciate it. But if I can use my last day on Earth to mitigate our final danger, I'd like to take that chance. The morphling would be a waste on me, if that's the case."
Sealing the final wound, he slumps back into the bed, his back to the wall, eyes pointed down at the edge of the bed.
"Damn it, Wren. I was just coming to terms with what I'd have to do..."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 14, 2016 13:26:13 GMT -6
Wren slumped into a chair of his own. "Well. Sorry, but I can't let you give up. Like our song, and as I've said throughout this war, I will fight for you. Even when you've given up. Especially when you've given up.
I fought for the Accord to accept you, I fought for Holly and the girls to forgive you when you screwed up and when you put myself in danger, and now I'm fighting for your life."
He sighed. "I was willing to make myself look like a selfish asshole if it meant I could force some morphling into you. I almost gave you the last one, but we both knew I was in worse shape.
Not many people have been very hopeful of the pardon, so far. So I thought if I either sit back and let you be the hero -allowing someone to willingly give it to you -or at least manage to find some morphling myself, you'd have a chance. But I also figured you wouldn't accept it from anyone else because you'd talk about it first. I was going to just slip it into your pocket..."
Wren closed his eyes. "Sorry, guys. Sure, I probably have a selfish side. But I'm mostly just stupid and in love. Maybe that's a selfish desire for myself, that I want Cal to live so badly. I can't watch you die, Cal. It'd hurt a thousand times more than any hovercraft or muttation attack."
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Post by Reese Oberron on Jan 14, 2016 13:27:53 GMT -6
OOC: been pretty busy the last day or so which is why I've been so quiet.
Between limping and crawling Reese was barely able to make it back into the facility. Out of breath, "Hey guys! Nice seeing you around here! So yeah... I took out that mutation, but the peacekeepers didn't seem to appreciate it. As it stands I will starve to death tomorrow [end of day 9] without any morphling or anything else in the meantime. Getting pretty hungry, it's just like being back at home!"
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 13:45:42 GMT -6
Cal listens to both Wren's words and Reese's. Given a few moments, he moves to Reese, putting his arm around her shoulders, leading her to the spare cot. He begins to wash his hands again and prep the next session of first aid. His focus has returned to his face, trying to suppress his emotions.
"Thomas, the decision is yours. Two things to keep in mind. Reese is a rebel and if she survives tomorrow's events, she'll have a future in a new Panem. Also.."
He looks to Wren, tries his best to give him a small smile.
"That morphling isn't necessarily my last hope. We have friends at the Watchtower, some who have stockpiled food and possibly morphling for days. If even one of them has a scrap to spare for Day 9, I can live through it. And between me and Reese, I think I'd have a greater chance of them sharing with me."
Slipping on new gloves, he brings his supplies to Reese, awaiting her acknowledgement to begin.
"Doesn't seem like a hard choice to me."
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Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Jan 14, 2016 13:55:32 GMT -6
Eloise had sat there, intent on letting each person speak before she chimed in. A natural pause occurred prompting her.
"Well then the question becomes who stays and who goes. I think we're right to trade people between the hospital and the watch tower, but do we know if anyone's coming here? Cal I think it's best if you stay since anyone coming this way would probably be an ally and willing to share, assuming they have anything left. I can go with Reese to the watch tower and plead with any accord members to help her. That would leave Cal, Thomas and Wren here."
Eloise lowered her gaze and spoke more softly, "I think that's the only way we all make through day 9, assuming we are able to make it through whatever the capital, and Vester through at us."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 14:05:52 GMT -6
Cal pauses, considering Eloise's words. He walks over to her and gives her a hug, not wanting to see her leave.
"I appreciate your concern, and your thoughts, Eloise. That's something we haven't thought of, so thank you."
He gives her a small kiss on her forehead. He returns to Reese's side, still waiting to help her.
"Thomas still needs to make a decision. From there we can figure out the rest, assuming Reese's cooperation."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 15:03:11 GMT -6
Bullet wounds really shouldn't just be left in like that, so Cal begins to work on them. He figures the conversation at hand would probably be engaging enough to hold Reese's attention while he worked. "If we're all planning to stay here, we can always have Eloise hold onto the morphling until tomorrow. We'd have a better idea of what all we are facing from the Capital. If it seems like death is unavoidable, which if we split up we'd have the same issue, I can take that blow. Reese can have the morphling and there's a chance you'd all live. But either way, at least one of us either starves to death or sacrifices themselves if we're both here..." Eloise is right, we'd have to split up if we both hope to survive...Cal sighs as he works, the wounds being located on left leg, causing her limp and crawling earlier. Three shallow wounds, similar to Thomas. The work is slow but effective, patches being placed over the cleaned wounds. Taking a break, Cal leans back and whispers to Thomas. "I remember you had spied on her yesterday, so you would know her actual condition, health and food-wise. I trust you can determine whether or not the morphling is necessary for her to survive through tomorrow. I'm sorry you're in this position."
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Jan 14, 2016 15:48:36 GMT -6
Thomas sighed a deep sigh. It seemed like Cal, Reese, and Wren all needed the morphling, probably more than him. By the end of day nine, he would still have 3HP and if he avoided attack, he could be fine. The only concern was getting attacked. "I know that Reese is being honest, as I spied on her the other day. I trust you guys too," he said to Cal and Wren. "If I'm following my heart, I can tell you that I am considering giving my morphling to Cal. He has been the most kind to me these past several days and made me feel included. Wren, I'm sure that would be fine with you - as you said you would give it to him anyway. I have a decent shot of making it through day 9 if I stick with the largest pack. I really am leaning towards giving this to Cal, but I understand his own argument that he's not even sure if he'll live anyway after the games. I would appreciate someone's word that they'll have my back during day nine. For example, if there is another attack where only the top three could survive, let me be in that top 3, as I will die otherwise."
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Post by Reese Oberron on Jan 14, 2016 16:56:46 GMT -6
Reese winced as Cal stitched her up. "That smarts, but once again I find myself thanking you Cal. Another reason I'm glad I came here."
She tried to sit up but doing so sent a sudden jolt of overwhelming pain up her side. "Maybe I'll just lie down for a few more, hopefully you all can still hear me from here. You know... I highly doubt it would work so I get that this will sound pretty crazy, but what if there are still people at the supply depot? We could always try to gang up on them and steal their food? It is just as risky if they were to attack us but at some point we just have to play to our outs, and although I've never even been to the Watchtower myself, the rest of you have a much better idea, I do REALLY doubt that they are in any better a situation than we are."
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Jan 14, 2016 17:11:48 GMT -6
"I agree, they probably aren't in a better position than we are. But that makes me think that they might not have food either. If anywhere has food, it'd be the market, but that's pretty far."
He then turned to Cal "Cal, would you accept the morphling from me? You have been so kind to everyone and I think you deserve it the most."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 17:45:19 GMT -6
Cal has finished stitching up Reese when he hears Thomas's offer. He frowns, closes his eyes for several moments. He takes a deep breath.
Everyone makes choices. He walks up to Thomas and accepts the Morphling, but he holds it in his hand, not using it yet.
" I'm sorry Thomas, I said yesterday I wouldn't let you make a decision like this again, and I failed. But I have to respect your wishes, as I hope you would respect mine."
Cal places the Morphling in his pocket, turning to the rest of the group. He looks across face to face, sizing up everyone's conditions. He gestures to Thomas, Eloise and Reese.
'Do you three think you can hold the hospital tomorrow? We have one more day to hold these points, and this suffering will end. We don't know how the Watchtower is, for all we know they're on their last leg. I can't sit by and let them fall, not when I can help."
He looks to Wren, grabbing his hands, bringing them to his own chest.
"We're still alive, and I have a favor to ask. Will you accompany me to the Watchtower? It's the closest place I have to a home, and I'd like to make amends with them, just in case... Please. I'd really like to do this."
He turns back to the rest of the group, his expression focused.
"Can I do this? If any of you have any doubts or disagree, I can return the Morphling to one of you. This is my choice, my wish, and I'm willing to risk my life, make the hard decision if need be."
He stands waiting, anticipating their responses.
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Post by Reese Oberron on Jan 14, 2016 18:28:22 GMT -6
"Do what you gotta do brother, our days are all numbered regardless of who we are. I could hold the hospital without a doubt but I can't justify staying here tomorrow if I know that there's no chance for me to live. Feel like I've gotta roll the dice."
Reese grumbled a little, "When I came to the games, the only thing I cared about was not starving to death, I could do that back home. But here I am... surprise I might as well be back in district 11 right now."
"I wanna hear more of what you all think, but right now I'm leaning towards taking my chances by going to the supply depot. Even if I stay here I won't be able to use tomorrow's dose in time to survive."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 14, 2016 18:40:26 GMT -6
Cal looked to Reese and was surprised. He admired her ability to take everything in stride, despite even these dire circumstances.
"You don't deserve this, but it sounds like you have a heading. Thank you, Reese. I'm glad to have met you, and to have spent enough time to understand you better."
Turning back to the rest of the group, he looks to them for responses, feedback.
"If Reese is leaving, I don't know if I could leave you two to defend the hospital yourselves. This could be it, the last day. I wouldn't want to screw up our chance at finishing this over a case of nostalgia. I'd be honored to stand at any of your sides."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 14, 2016 18:50:42 GMT -6
Wren listened to the discussion, nodded, and gave the situation some thought.
"Cal, I agree the watchtower is the most comfortable place to us both. If your main concern is catching the other Accord members though, I'm sure at least some will come this way. However, I don't think Holly would have everyone come over. She's smart. She plans out movements well. My gut tells me they'll send two most injured, which could be Gwen and Val. I can't see them separating, much like us.
I could see Holly, Syd, and Lartius staying though. I think it's safe to assume SOME will come here, and SOME will stay at the tower tomorrow.
And, we know Harlie and Minerva are out somewhere. Staying here would be safest, considering pods and muttations. Watchtower might be second safest, since we know we have some strong and capable friends there. Depot would be a total gamble... So, I guess it just depends on who you hope to see and what you hope to accomplish..."
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Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Jan 14, 2016 19:07:06 GMT -6
"Cal I think I can hold it here with Thomas, but do you have any ammunition left or does anyone have any extra weapons? I only have one round left in the P90 and if anything comes up I think it would be better to spread out the weapons. Just in case."
She sat down cross-legged and folded her hands in her lap. "I can also go somewhere else. I think I'm in the best shape out of everyone here so I might be the best option to go gallivanting around."
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