Contact!

[Cal Mensen]

Cal was the first to rise from the bunk, leaving its warmth behind. There was still some distance between them, but at least Wren was still willing to share a bunk. They needed time.

Patrolling the Watchtower decks, he noted that Lartius was still lurking around somewhere, still a mystery at this point. He then heard the telltale sound of boots on pavement, ducking behind some barrels and peaking around the corner. There was a Peacekeeper patrolling the streets outside the Watchtower, a little bewildering considering its been three days since everyone broke out. Cal spotted a new form coming from the Hospital, took note as his eyes moved to the west. His heart sank when he saw Eloise, walking towards the Watchtower.

Moving as quickly and quietly as he could, Cal descended the stairs to the ground floor. Waiting for an opportunity to evade the Peacekeeper, he moved between bushes and trees whenever a blind spot could be had. Finally he was a few feet from Eloise, attempting to grab her attention.

"Psst"

Dropping down to a voice loud enough for only Eloise.

"There's a Peacekeeper ahead. Wren is here, safe, and a rebel. We need to meet upstairs, quietly"

He motions for her to follow him.

[Eloise Sugarglider]

Eloise could see the watch tower off in the distance.  She had no idea what she would find there but she couldn't make it another day outside without resting at the very least.  Some supplies wouldn't hurt either.  She took her time walking down the street, lost in her thoughts trying to figure out what she would do depending on who approached her from the watch tower.

"Maybe everybody left?" Eloise shook off the idea as soon as it came to her.  There would be people here and she would need their help, regardless if they w.....Eloise froze.  As she had turned a corner into the straight-a-way into the watch tower, a lone Peacekeeper came into sight.  He had his back to her as he peered into windows of small buildings, apparently looking for something, or someone.  Eloise hoped to high heaven he didn't turn around.  She was out in the open and didn't think she could make a run for it if she tried.  She started to panic.

"Psst"

A noise broke the tension building in Eloise's head.  CAL!!! She almost blurt out his name but tip-toed out of the road and went into a full on sprint once she hit grass.  Or as much of a sprint as she could with the weight she was carrying.

"Oh my god Cal.  Get me out of here.  I need to see Wren.  I have something I know he'll want to see!"

Take me to Wren.  Grab a hold of him.  You don't need to hurt him or anything, I just need you to restrain him.  He can't hug me.  I need to show him something, show both of you something, and I can't have him or over-reacting,  because his "little sister" is back.

[Cal Mensen]

Cal smiles and nods, not quite sure what the extra weight was for. He motions for her to follow.

Navigating the underbrush surrounding the tower, Cal leads them from cover to cover, the past three days of staring across the horizon giving him a confident feel for the terrain. Just as they were about to reach the door, he holds up a hand, motioning to stop. Carefully, he throws a rock in the opposite direction of them while the Peacekeeper has his back turned. He grabs Eloise's hand and walks quickly into the Watchtower while the distraction held.

As the door closed behind them, they were greeted with silence within the tower. Cal began the long trek up the stairs, releasing her hand as the tension eases.

"I take it you guys received my full message?"

[Eloise Sugarglider]

Eloise was relieved to be in doors. It was drafty but still warmer than outside.



"Yea Cal, we got your whole message but it seems like it wasn't all accurate? How much further?"

Dante spied on Val and opened up to her.  He's a peacekeeper and tried to hack the Market.  Wallace was able to keep him out so it was under rebel control when I left.  As punishment Val whispered to us to let us know, she also took his food.  Gwen and Val are still there with Wallace trying not to starve.

[Cal Mensen]

They were about halfway up the stairs, Cal slowed down his pace. This is two days in a row he had taken his endurance for granted when walking a new-comer to the Watchtower.

"Everything I had said was true to me at the time of sending. But, after digging further, I realized my paranoia was only partially true. Wren's no peacekeeper, but he can be reckless. He's still pretty pissed at me for having spied on him."

He was surprised at the results that had went down at the Market, but was glad that it remained in Rebel hands.

"So I was wrong about Wren, he's as honest and true of a rebel as you, Wallace or Gwen. Otherwise, I would have come down to the Market as planned. However, my hunch was confirmed on Dante. My spying was successful, and I'm glad our friends in the Market know that he's a peacekeeper as well."

Cal's face was filled with a warm remembrance.

"Yesterday was a resounding success at the Watchtower. Me and Wren talked at length with Nelson, who had arrived here scared and injured. I think we had made an impression, as he had hacked the point with the highest roll, maintaining control for the rebels. We tried our best to get him up to speed before sending him off to the Market, a vetted recruit for the Accord. Even gave him some pass-phrases and information to convince the others there that he's been given our approval."

[Eloise Sugarglider]

"It was lucky running into you and you seem to have been playing chess with us from here. This place seems pretty useful."

Eloise sighed as she climbed what she hoped to be the last few steps.

"I'm glad you and Wren are safe, and still working together, but my priorities have changed a bit." Eloised clutched her chest gently. "and I'm going to need help."

[Cal Mensen]

He faded into a reluctant sigh, but was acknowledging her statement. They reached the top of the stairs.

"It's been a boon for information gathering. I know my methods are... underhanded, but its all been to keep the Accord protected. Its the best shot of keeping everyone I care about safe."

Cal walked over to their makeshift dormitory room, holding the door open for Eloise. He nods his head at her last statement.

"We'll try and do the best we can. Wren's inside, we can talk with a little more privacy in here."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren awoke to the sound of familiar voices. Once he recognized the female voice, he jumped out of bed and ran into the hall to find Cal and Eloise.

"You came! I had a feeling I'd run into you here!" Wren hugged Eloise, who seemed to have something she wanted to tell him. He choked back tears as he apologized, "I'm sorry I left you there. I didn't even go to the hospital. There were just too many people I didn't know there, and I figured hiding out up here was a better use of my time!" He finally released her. 

"Are you alright?"

He  glanced out the window and leaned in closer. "We have a running list of trusted rebels, and known enemies to share with you. I'm armed, so I can help take out this peacekeeper  if you guys want me to."

Ooc: power's out, using phone data. Feel free to whisper large amounts of info and give suggestions for my actions/item use. I'll catch up when I can but might not post as often as you two. 

[Eloise Sugarglider]

Eloise knew Cal had noticed the curves under her cloak.  She needes their help and decided to go for broke. 

"It's crazy what you can find while you're fighting the Capitol.  I need your help and only know of one way to try and convince you." 

Eloise picked up he cloak flashing both teenage boys. 

"Sorry for the theatrics.  Had to throw anyone walking by off. Sorry"


Eloise uncovered the swaddled baby under her cloak.


"I named him Aramis.  He's sick and I need to get him to the Hospital.  I found him in the market and he doesnt have much time."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal does not avert his gaze, understanding the importance of what is happening in front of them. 

"It all makes sense now, why we're all here, in one place. Together. This is certainly forward of you."

OOC: I'm cracking up so hard right now, I can't tell if you're building comedic tension or forgot to add a whisper. Either way, well done.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren stood in shock for a moment before staring at the ground. He hadn't felt this uncomfortable since Egret asked for help when her cycle started, only a month before the reaping. "Geez, 'loise! Put those away, you're practically my sister!" He felt weird. Like he'd walked in on Egret or his mom changing. And, considering his recent self-discoveries, it wasn't really his thing if she was going for some weird attempt to seduce him.

Wren continued to stare at the floor as he spoke. "What... the hell? Can we just catch up on what information we've gathered and plan out our day? I've got some ideas I wanted to throw out there, but damn. Looks like you've got something else on your mind and I'm not sure I understand what that's supposed to be."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal shakes himself loose, turning back to Wren, who he cares deeply for with all his heart.

"I do have something else that's urgent you may want some part of. There's a peacekeeper patrolling the streets outside, its only a matter of time before he checks up here. I can't take him on by myself, think you can give me a hand?"

He drops down to a whisper for the three of them to hear.

"They're more bark than bite, not nearly as well trained as the undercover peacekeepers. I think if I can land in two good hits in close quarters combat, he should be weakened enough to finish him off with two more hits. Wren, you have some weapons on you, I'll try and keep him in a compromising position for you to finish him."

Cal digs around in his pocket, taking out two tokens: a set of shoelaces and a necklace with a metal tongue for a pendant. He smiles.

"Don't worry about me, I like my odds."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren shrugs. "I'm curious about what Eloise has going on, but I'll consider being productive as well. I just wish our company around here would come say hi..." 

Wren glanced around.

"Yeah, I can get two hits on him. Eloise, if you have room I can give you the gun for a moment and you can get a shot f you want, and that way we'll both only have one action spent. Or, you can be our spy and we'll take care of this guy ourselves. Also, who's going for the food? I'm considering it myself... But don't wanna waste it if you guys need it too."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal nods, wondering if they can save time by getting to know the unknowns hanging around.

"After taking on the Peacekeeper, I think I'll try my luck figuring out Lartius. If what Nelson says is true, he may have a peacekeeper baton on his person. If he turns out to be a peacekeeper himself, I'd love to get my hands on that for future fights."

He returns his attention to Eloise, not wishing to interrupt her any further.

[Lartius Selkirk]

Lartius walked into the room, hearing murmurs about plans and the gasps as Eloise lifted her cloak. "Wow, it looks like I am missing out on a lot of things. So, what is up with you guys?"

[Cal Mensen]

Cal marches toward Lartius, who is in the now open doorway, coming within inches of his face, no humor to be found.

"I'm glad you decided to say hello, but we're catching up on lost time. Can you give us a few minutes?"

OOC: Depending on when this particular thread takes place, Cal could be covered in a fresh coating of blood. Figured it was worth mentioning.

[Cal Mensen]

After some time, Cal calms down. He's a firm believer in choice, that everyone should decide their actions for themselves. His face relaxes into a sigh.

"I'm sorry... tensions haven't exactly dropped since this whole war began. I've had a lot of experience with well meaning tributes popping up wherever they can, it doesn't get easier. I'm good for talking later, but for now some privacy is preferred."

He walks away from Lartius, before taking a seat next to Wren again, nodding towards Eloise.

"I'll back the lady with whatever she decides."

Cal whispers to Wren at his side, still close enough for Eloise to hear.

"Regarding the peacekeeper outside... what's going through your mind right now? Are we ready to do this?"

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren apologized to Lartius, "sorry about this guy." He nodded at Cal. "He been be a bit forward and, well, rude, at times. I'll talk with you in a few."

Wren kicked at some garbage on the floor. He began second-guessing his decision to stay here today. 

"Sorry. I'm working to get info from him. Don't give me away just yet."
"As for the outdoor peacekeeper, Cal and I will take care of him. (Ooc, already did). Eloise, we'd love it if you could provide your info on Holly and anyone else you've spied on. Trading info is going to help us win this thing and know who to trust and who to attack.

Known rebels: wren, Eloise, Wallace, Nelson. Assumed: demetri, Gwen. Helping rebels, Cal, val Enemies: sharlot, deo, Dante. Anyone else? What's Holly?"

Wren looked at Eloise. "And what's really in that cloak??"

[Cal Mensen]

Cal frowns, closes his eyes and tries to relax. He just needed a break, but Panem has other plans for anyone left alive.

"I'm sorry, guys. On edge, not looking forward to what we have to do. It would be easier if it was in self-defense, but planing this means we live longer. I'm also worried about the group at the Market, stayed in one spot too long, unable to help them directly."

OOC: If you whispered, Wren, I couldn't see it. If it's nothing I haven't already read, you don't have to repeat.

[Eloise Sugarglider]

It seemed that Eloise had to repeat herself sometimes just for these boys to hear her.

Sorry for the theatrics. Had to throw anyone walking by off. Sorry"





Eloise uncovered the swaddled baby under her cloak.





"I named him Aramis. He's sick and I need to get him to the Hospital. I found him in the market and he doesn't have much time.  There's no way to know how long he was alone. I have enough food to get there but I don't know if it will be in rebel control when I get there.  I need your help"


OOC:  This is what was supposed to be in a whisper that was sent immediately under the "flashing" incident.  The post was supposed to make it seem to any 'walker by' that I was flashing you when in reality it was just a baby underneath my cloak.  Sorry for the delay.

[Cal Mensen]

As Cal's eyes return to Eloise, they widen. He taps Wren on the shoulder.

"There's no need to be ashamed, your friend wants to share something with you."

Cal's expression becomes focused again. He considers the words carefully, and also remembers his original role's duties. Aramis is a person of Panem, who is need of protection.

"Whatever you need, I'd be happy to assist. Do you require an escort? Supplies? Weapons? At the moment I can only provide the former... Wren?"

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren looked up at Eloise. "Can't say I was expecting that. I'm glad you're so enthusiastic about this, though. I'm going to need some more information."

"Is there a reward for returning him? I gotta say Eloise, I would probably not have taken him if I were you. There's too much going on, and with peacekeepers out in the streets, moving with something like that isn't a wise decision. It could be a trap.

Obviously I'd like to help somehow, but we need to discuss allegiances that we know of and catch up on assumed allegiances based on actions before I can promise much help or advice. I wouldn't send either of you into a place without info on the people around.

In addition to my earlier whipser of known rebels, Lartius tells me Gillian is one too. His other IDs were correct so I think I trust him on her.
Eloise, did you hear my whisper about the list of people?"

[Eloise Sugarglider]

"I really don't like that there's a peacekeeper snooping around. There has to be more on the way. Why would there just be one. I don't think it's safe here."

Take him? Wren I didn't take him willingly.  They weren't handing out babies in the market.  I know this is a burden but what did we talk about as we formed Pheonix Accord?  We're trying to save Panem, save everyone;  Peacekeepers, Rebels and Aramis alike.  I couldn't just leave him.  I was the only one with enough food to make the journey and we knew you would be here.  So for at least the first leg of my voyage, I had a brother....


I didn't hear what you said about the others.  I know that Holly and Wallace are rebels from first hand knowledge.  Gwen is supposedly a Rebel and Val is self proclaimed a Peacebringer.  Val whispered to us that Dante was a Peacekeeper when she stole food from him after he tried to Hack.  I think you guys sent someone to the Market that was a Rebel?

[Cal Mensen]

Cal listened to them exchange words, aware of the conflict of interest. As he was mulling them over, his own voice started to pop into his head, his own wants and needs coming forth. It would just take one day to...
No. This isn't about you, and it hasn't been for a while.

Cal meets eyes with Eloise, filled with resolve.

"Me and Wren will take care of the Peacekeeper out front. He'll be equipped with a radio communicator, so the longer he's here, the more likely additional peacekeepers will show up. We'll try not to give him that chance."

He turns to face Wren, a small smile appearing on his face.

"I understand what you have to do. Whatever you choose, you have my support. There's probably Accord business to attend to, and you're the best man capable of carrying it out."

Cal returns his focus to both of them and their discussion of allegiances.

"I can confirm that Gwen is a rebel, Day 1 at the watchtower only her and Sharlot hacked the point. Gwen did a better job at it and the point went to the rebels. As for Sharlot, I had spied on her that day to confirm my suspicions. She was a peacekeeper all along, I had grabbed her token to hinder her. I never even considered stealing food, that would have been better by this point..."

He shakes head, food can be taken care of later.

"Nelson was spied on by Wren, so we've both confirmed he's with the rebels. Hopefully the Market group was receptive to his desire to aid them. Holly is news to us, thank you for that Eloise. From personal experience, I know that Wallace and both of you are rebels, and I'm the second Peacebringer. I wasn't lying in the Hidden Alcove."

It dawned on Cal that Eloise may not have known that last part for sure. Sighing, all he could do now is hope his earlier and future actions can validate his intentions to her and Wren.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren sighed. "I know. I know what I said. But I also said this was bigger than just one person. This is about everyone. I can't let them all down because I focused on one tiny aspect. There's a bigger picture here."

Wren looked at Eloise.

"I get it. It's the noble thing to do. And I admire you for this. You still have a brother, but sometimes being siblings means disagreeing and loving each other anyway. 

If none of us return to the market for day 5 as planned, what do you think will happen to the accord? Holly and Demetri will assume we've gone rogue and deserted them. I can't have that. We all have too much useful information to exchange with each other and more long term plans to make. This war could be ten days long, and I don't expect to last that long but I'll be damned if I die without helping the rest of the rebels get there.

I don't know if you've done much today yet, but i suggest spying on these guys up here and maybe hacking. Lartius hacked and failed yesterday, so we're not sure what he is."