Reunions

[Thomas Windsnip]

Thomas looked up as a whole lot of people trampled in to the hospital. "Holly!" He shouted "I'm so sorry I got seperately from you and Demetri all those days ago. I heard what happened to him... And I'm so sorry."

He saw a lot of other tribute that he didn't know all that well, but he had heard plenty about them. "Hey everyone! I'm Thomas, if you don't know me... I'm on the same side as you guys- just ask Cal, Wren, or Holly."

Just then, a hocercraft zoomed by... and a huge one at that. Thomas was so glad he had ended up where all the people were, they could take this thing down. "I think we only need to deal an average of about two damage each to take it down- we should be able to do that!"

[Valeria DeMasque]

As everyone gathered around in the midst of a long needed reunion Val disappeared, climbing over the ledges of the hospital building to make her way to its roof.

Moments later she reappeared on the roof leaping down to rejoin her friends. "I thought I'd get a quick peek at that hovercraft up above before I went and got all emotional with you guys," she grinned.

"If you're looking for a weak spot," she added nonchalantly, "you can see the welding marks if you let the sun reflect off its exterior."

Valeria took Gwen's hand, "If you make sure you aim for those you should have a lot easier time landing meaningful hits. I already landed a shot with this rifle square in the cockpit."

"Oh and hello boys," she said smiling at Wren and Cal, "I was hoping we'd get to see you again..."

[Sydney Gardiner]

Sydney wandered into the hospital but she couldn't see her own shadow due to the looming hovercraft above her. "Well, that's just...huh...that thing's fucking huge." Val disappeared and Sydney didn't think much of it, she was the one in the Market to spy the pods so she figured it was something along those lines. Sydney looked warily at Thomas, she had never seen him before but then again, a lot of people had doubted her intentions and since she was already marching to the grave, might as well. She extended her hand with a smile.

"Hi, I'm Sydney. Better late than never, right?"

[Cal Mensen]

Cal was waiting for the new day's challenges to arrive, checking their equipment and the Hospital perimeter. Thomas's conversation drew Cal's attention to the large gathering. Seeing everyone at once was a bit much for him, he gave himself a few moments to compose himself. Listening to Val and Thomas, he steps forward.

"I couldn't have asked for a better team today. I think we have the tools necessary to take this thing down, just need to coordinate.

At Val's report, Cal hugs her, his eyes beginning to water. He looks to Val and Gwen a small smile on his face.

"You do us proud Val, we won't let that effort go to waste."

Looking towards everyone, he tries to get a good read on them all. His features are noticeable thinner, but the focus in his eyes are just as clear as ever before.

"Alright, we can get through this together, but we need information. Thomas, you have a bow with full arrows, could make good work on that cockpit. If you do attack, only go twice and save your last action, no unnecessary heroics yet. Also, someone else could use your Holo to scavenge a turret for damage if they have no weapon. For me, we can thank Reese for this final gift."

He reveals a fully loaded shotgun, ready for use.

"Is anyone else knocking on death's door? We have one more food to grab, we can save a life with it. I could use it, but speak up now if you're close. We have options."

[Valeria DeMasque]

Val could tell that Sydney was a bit uneasy. She had come into her role a peacebringer a bit later than her and Cal and, truth me told, even SHE had been a bit nervous about her at first.

"Hold on hun I'll be right back," she whispered to Gwen and let go of her hand.

Val made her way over to Syd and gave her a large friendly pat on the back, "If it weren't for Syd here we would have died days ago. She may be a peacebringer but she fights damn hard for that peace."

"I'm sure she'll be quite the asset today against," she waved her hand vaguely in the air above her, "that..."

"Oh by the way Cal," she smiled slyly at her fellow peacebringer, "I have an energy pill so I can actually fire the other two bullets in this rifle into the cockpit"

[Sydney Gardiner]

Sydney smiled when Cal walked over to them. God did it feel good to see Cal again. He was her first friend in all this aside from Nelson. Meeting up with the group, the hovercraft passed eerily over them. This had to be taken down if they wanted to survive. "I don't have a weapon at this, uh, juncture. I'd need to find one posthence because, well, my strongest area is my Attack."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal grins and shakes his head, trying to stifle a laugh. He looks warmly at his fellow Peacebringers.

"I expect nothing short than to be outclassed today by you two. Sydney, I'm so glad to see you again. You've taken care of yourself and our friends these past few days. What do you have up your sleeve?"

Cal braces his own weapon, gives it a good heft, the large weapon isn't the easiest to wield.

"Say the word, I'll see how well this chews through their hull.'

Edit: "How's your scavenge, Sydney? If it's not top notch, you can use this and I can try and find a turret."

[Valeria DeMasque]

"Heh," Val laughed, "Maybe you won't even have to fire all of those."

She grinned, "I just put another bullet into that cockpit."

"I still have another bullet and an energy pill but I'll hold onto those for now," she slipped her hand back into Gwen's.

[Sydney Gardiner]

"My scavenge? Not to say it's bad but it's...it's kind of my weakest point, truthfully," she exhaled, trying to relieve some of the tension in her shoulders.

[Valeria DeMasque]

"She's more of a hunter than a scavenger so to speak," Val laughed.

She looked Syd over and turned her attention back to Cal, "You put a weapon in her hands and there's nothing she can't do!"

[Cal Mensen]

Cal hands her his shotgun without hesitation. He grins at her, glad to be of service.

"My luck has been terrible with these lately, maybe you can get them to shoot right. Relax, we actually trained for this, kinda."

OOC: Made a thread to confirm this.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren awoke to the sound of gunshots and ran downstairs to check out the scene. He beamed when he saw the other Accord members and ran to Holly, giving her a big hug.

"I didn't expect to see all of you here, but I'm so glad you are!" He looked towards the ceiling and heard humming sounds. "Sorry I guess I missed some of the action, but I'm here now. Unfortunately, all I have is this baton, so I can help spy for weak spots or scavenge for turrets if we still need help in those areas. Just let me know what to do, guys. It seems Val has identified a weak spot, so I guess I can start looking for turrets if we only needed to identify the one weak spot..."

ooc: So, for turrets, we scavenge high enough and can attack close-range, correct? Or is my baton useless, and you just use the turret as a gun with no skill perks? AND I'm going to post in the other thread regarding the pardon.

[Cal Mensen]

Cal turns to Wren, realizing they had be caught up in the action. He places an arm across his shoulders, giving him a grin.

"It's alright, we'll do what we can. Seems like scavenging is our only choice at the moment. We have a long day ahead of us, so we should use this time to discuss and plan."

Cal turns to Holly, a small smile on his face.
"Looks like you guys held out pretty well, I appreciate you coming today. I have something to ask though, it's important for the group's survival. Among your companions, is there anyone likely to die of starvation or succumb to their wounds by the end of the day, regardless of the hovercraft?"

[Holly Edison]

Holly had been assaulted by affection upon entering the Hospital and it made her smile she allowed herself to enjoy the warm hugs given to her. Seems like I made the right choice to come with everyone.

"It's good to see you all again, at least if we die in the next few days we're together."

Holly turned to Cal, her expression darkening. "I don't know if any of us will die for certain today. We cannot sustain any more injuries, Val and I volunteered to be shot at in the Watchtower to keep Syd and Gwen safe from a hovercraft that's patrolling the area. I'm low on food, so if this doesn't end tonight... if it goes one more day I don't think I'll make it."

Holly stood and looked out the window to see the hovercraft, it had clearly taken some damage but it was hard to tell how successful they'd been.

"I can scavenge like a pro, but I'm a tad worse at spying (+1). I still have my token though and can get turrets and shoot if necessary. How much damage have we done to this thing?"

[Cal Mensen]

Listening to Holly's words, Cal's expression lights up. He tries his best to bring her up to speed.

"Val's made a lot of progress this morning. She's already used her initial three actions to identify weakpoints in the hovercraft and landed two focused attacks on the cockpit. By our count, that's 8 damage, over half of its hitpoints. She's got an energy pill plus one last shot, in case we need another good hit. With Thomas's bow and Sydney's shotgun (I gave her one), I think we stand a good chance of bringing it down, with turret fire as a backup."

Relief floods Cal's face as he works out how everyone's current shape is. He'd still like to verify for sure that everyone can live through the end of the day, but still wants to make his case clear.

"I think we're going to end this today. Eloise and Reese went off to the Supply Depot to find a means for Reese to live, as well as capture the location. I'm guessing you have at least Lartius or Wallace left in the Watchtower, so we're gunning for 3 capture points today."

Cal sighs, thinking about how best to approach this next subject. Honesty has worked best before, keep it rolling.
"If I don't grab that food, I will die today from starvation tonight. I believe everyone else in my group can live to the end of today as long as they don't get hit. I need to verify that everyone else can make it through today, because I have some insurance..."

He reaches into his pocket and withdraws an unused Morphling shot. His expression softens, biting his lip.
"Thomas grabbed this yesterday but chose to give it to me due to everything I've done for him and our friends. I've been saving it just in case someone here needed it more. So... yeah, please let me know if there's anyone who will need this to live through today."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren nodded at Holly. "Sounds like we're in similar shape. If this goes on one more day, I won't live. I'll be clinging on by the end of today (1 hp) if I'm not hit by anything. I acted like an asshole to make Cal look better by comparison, in hopes the group would help keep him alive."

Wren laid his head on Cal's shoulder. "I'm glad you got the morphling, Cal. I'm sorry I tried so hard to save you...I just can't imagine losing you. Like I said, it'd hurt way more than any hovercraft attacks." He squeezed Cal's hand and did his best not to tear up at the thought. "And...I don't know if I can let you give that away, after all my efforts."

"Does Thomas Windsnip still have the holo? I'm pretty decent at everything and have all day to help out, so if he has it and hasn't used it yet, I could help scavenge for turrets if we need to go that route -either with or without the holo. It just depends on whose luck we want to try.
But, like Holly, I like to wait for input first. So...I guess I'll try to keep up on what's happening and do what you guys think I should do, when you think I should do it.

Another point to consider, we'll need input from everyone about how hungry and hurt they are before we decide who gets that food. And, considering how much we all care about each other now, I can't see anyone fighting over it." Wren smiled at his new family of rebels.

[Thomas Windsnip]

Thomas listened to everyone, then finally piped up. "My natural attack is decent but not top notch, currently (+1) but better with the bow (an additional +3). My scavenge is great, plus I have the holo to make it even better (+3 all together). Use me however you'd like. I trust you guys."

[Gwendolyn Fisk]

Ah, shit, not one of these again.

Gwen's moment of irritation disappeared as she was steadily surrounded by friends once more. She gave a quick hug to Cal. She smiled to herself as she thought of how they kept saying goodbye, only to see each other again. There would be time for a better reunion with everyone later.

Gwen sat back and watched as her friends worked on the hovercraft. She was starting to feel a bit useless, but it was nice watching Val in action. Pride started to swell in her chest. She lightly squeezed Val's hand.

"Well, I feel a bit useless at the moment," Gwen laughed good-naturedly. "My scavenging is up to par, so if you need help finding that turret, Wren, let me know." She shrugged, "Everyone else seems to have weapons so let me know where I'm most useful. I can make it through today just fine, but like Holly said, if we don't end things today it's not looking too good for me. So, Cal, if you need that food I would be okay with you going for it."

[Holly Edison]

"I see... Cal, you'll live if you use the Morphling? I understand your position... I think that decision is up to you." She looked Wren in the eye and continued, "Wren, I can appreciate where you're coming from. But it is his choice if he gives that away or uses it for himself. I don't want to interfere in your relationship but you can't lay that much guilt on him, it's difficult enough. He knows."

Holly approached Cal and gave him a warm hug to rival those she'd received at her arrival and spoke quietly in his ear, "You've done more than enough for everyone else, and even if someone needs it you would not receive any judgment or blame from me for keeping yourself alive. Much of this war's accomplishments could never have been achieved without you. Even if the Peacebringers may die despite our efforts, I would never begrudge you for asking for one more day. Whatever you choose, make sure it is what you want - and no one else."

She kissed him gently on the cheek and pulled away turning to address the group as a whole.

"I think those turrets are our best shot. Scavenging and attacking is my strong suit so I intend to go that path unless I'm told we have better options."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal falls into his hug with Gwen, feeling relief to see her again and a bit of pride for having been able to keep his promise to her: to keep living. He gives her a warm smile before turning his attention to the others.

His elation quickly turns to surprise and relief as Holly draws him in for a hug. He never imagined Holly to react like this, but he felt truly cared for by her words and assertion. He blushes deeply as she kissed him on the cheek, needing a little while to compose himself.

"Thank you..."

Cal brings his attention back to Wren, feeling a little guilty at all the attention he had been receiving. He walks to Wren and wraps him in an embrace, giving him a deep kiss. He looks him in the eyes, trying his best to convey his appreciation.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me. You're an enormous part of me staying alive, especially last night. I accepted that morphling for you, and everyone else here who had wanted me to keep living. No matter what happens, I will always be thankful for that. I won't use the morphling yet, and from everyone's feedback so far and the way this day is going, I may not have to give it away."

Turning to Thomas, he eyes his bow slung over his shoulder.

"The decision is yours, Thomas. If you want to take those shots, go for it. However, it may be in better use in someone else's slightly more skilled hands. Who knows though, maybe we'll witness the birth of a master bowman." Cal gives Thomas a wink.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren tried not to have hard feelings about what Holly had said, or the fact that everyone has been kissing on him these past few days. I've put so much effort into getting him welcomed into the Accord and keeping him alive...I just can't let go...

"Cal, you deserve to live. I'm not going to force that injection into you, but...I just hope you'll learn to value yourself as we all see you. I know you've thought you're scum at some points, but you're so wrong. Remember, big damn heroes." He winked at Cal. "I won't fight you on this. I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me, and to everyone here."


"Holly, if you're taking a stab at finding a turret, let me know how you do and I'll try next."

[Holly Edison]

"Wren, I'm sorry - you know I don't mean to hurt you." Holly hugged him as well. I'm just trying to be there for everyone... "All of you are so entangled, I think it's hard for you all to step back sometimes. I get that, I'm just trying to speak up for Cal because well, I know he's more likely to martyr himself if he has to than others might be."

Holly clenched her jaw. "I'm going to do my best to remove that possibility." She turned and left.

[Thomas Windsnip]

Thomas was in his element. He was a born follower. Hey, the world cannot run if everyone is a leader. "Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it. I can give Holly the Holo, and then just attack with my bow at whatever point you guys think is best. Have people been going for the single damage spot, or the double damage spot? I will have a total of +4 attack by that time. But it seems like we have done so much damage that we don't even need to risk it at this point. What's the damage count up to?"

[Gwendolyn Fisk]

Gwen listened to the buzz around her. Suddenly, the room started spinning, and her stomach growled loudly. She leaned against Val for a moment before her vision went back to normal.

What was that?

Gwen took a self-assessment. She was more hungry than she thought. Thinking back she was trying to recall who needed what to survive the end of the day. Cal seemed to be getting the most attention. Maybe he needs the morphling and food more than I do... She glanced over at Val. No, after everything, she couldn't just let it slip by without trying. She hesitated, knowing that if it came down to it Cal would offer up anything he needed to survive as well. But Val...

"Hey, uh, Cal. Are you going to get the food then? Or are you using the morphling? Who else needs something to survive? Cause... I might have been a little..." Gwen glanced over at Val, "distracted the past couple days and didn't realize I was lagging a bit more than I should be."

(OOC: Sorry, guys. Miscalculated the first time around.)

[Thomas Windsnip]

Thomas looked around at his friends - new and ... well less new. "I'm not in need of the food, ate last night, so I'm only going to be a day behind. I already gave my morphling to Cal, and now it's kind of his decision what he chooses to do with. Phew! Glad to have that not so sweet responsibility of off my chest." It was worth the pain and agony he had taken from the hovercraft to not be in a position like that anymore.