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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 4, 2016 7:24:27 GMT -6
Wren was recovering from his rush of adrenaline after he finished off Dante as he returned to their hideout and found a lifeless, bloody Demetri laying near Janet's body. He dropped to his knees and cried.
"FUCK. Did he even take the morphling?" Wren looked up at Holly and ran to her with a hug. "I'm so, so sorry. I know you guys were close."
He slowly realized what everyone had been up to that day and decided it wasn't good enough.
"You guys. We're going to need to work together more here, and give updates on what the fuck it is we're hoping to accomplish or have accomplished during the day so no one's wasting time. I feel like I was just running around, talking to the air, when I gave out suggestions for productive use of everyone's time. NO ONE even ATTEMPTED to hack for rebels?! After I confirmed that Dante/Janet had attempted? (Granted, Dante lied and said it was him but still...) And only ONE person attacked that peacekeeper?!" Wren let out a heavy sigh.
"I know, I picked up food too. But I also took out an enemy, and took out a peacekeeper the day before. I understand food is important, but being well-fed isn't going to save you from when we're all executed from losing this war. It MIGHT help you survive longer, maybe if we win this thing, but if you're really in the Phoenix Accord, you should be going into every day with a TEAM focus. That's what the Accord's about, in case you didn't realize. I hope everyone's well-fed for a bit. We're going to need to pick up slack on hacking and attacking known peacekeepers in the next few days or we're going to lose everything."
He looked over at the peacekeeper, still patrolling the streets. "Cal and I took one of those out in a single day, and 7 of us couldn't manage to take this guy out?" Wren stared in disbelief. "They're not helping us! They're going to call over more peacekeepers and keep attacking us."
Wren sunk to his knees again. his head hung low. "I'm sorry for yelling. I know no one needs a lecture after a day like this but...damn. We lost a great guy, and we just have to do better. I don't know about your homes, but in Seven we usually say a few words when someone dies. I didn't know Demetri as well as you all, so I guess I'll give a short few and you can speak next if you want."
"Demetri Messer was a tribute from District One. He was a hell of a guy with a nasty past, which only made him stronger. Since the start, he was charming and intimidating at the same time, which is impressive. He was the strongest man I've ever met, and I live in a town full of lumberjacks so that's saying something. Plus, his beard was better than anyone's from home. I've been searching for peace this whole time, and so I hope Demetri has found some in his final moments. Rest in peace, Demetri, brave soldier." Wren picked up a nearby peony that had fallen dead from a vase on the shop counter and placed it on Demetri's chest.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 4, 2016 12:44:19 GMT -6
Wren sat in silence, hoping anyone might speak up.
Quietly, he added, "I think we should definitely split up and cover more ground. Maybe leave one-to-three here, but no more than that. If if hurts too much to talk about Demetri, we can start discussing where we're all headed next. He'd want us to have a plan...I'm considering heading back to watchtower and maybe looping around that way."
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Jan 4, 2016 12:46:29 GMT -6
Gwen limped over to Demetri's body clutching her bloodied left hip. The peacekeeper didn't let her get away without a souvenir, but she would live. She knelt beside him and tried her best to wipe away the blood from his face as she listened to Wren. After doing the best she could she stood back up, grimacing as the pain shot up her side. She went over to Wren and put a hand on his shoulder, partly to get his attention and partly for support.
"I agree with everything you said, Wren. We all tried our best, and that meant Janet, too. She was determined to finish off Demetri," she looked back to his body, letting her gaze stay there. "We can't let this get to us. We must become stronger from this, so in the end we can have a drink to toast our dear bearded friend." She chuckled bitterly, "I can't believe he used his last moments to nickname me Sexfiend. Seriously, at this point that should probably go to Cal," she couldn't help but smile and shook her head fondly, "but that's the kind of guy he was."
Gwen limped over to Holly and gave her hug as well, "If there's anything you need, let me know. You spent the most time with him, and while I know you're strong we did just lose a great guy."
Finally, she turned to Wallace, "I thought you had the hacking under control? You do nothing but sit next to the damn console. Do something useful before you go look for food."
Gwen limped over to a stand and found a crate to sit on, "I'm not very good with last words. He was a great guy and I wouldn't have minded taking him for a spin if we had the chance," she grinned roguishly, it disappeared quickly. "Sadly, we didn't have too much of a chance to get to know one another. I would have liked to have had one last drink with him."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 4, 2016 15:24:57 GMT -6
Wren helped support Gwen, who seemed in pretty bad shape. "Thanks, Gwen. Are you alright? Is this your first injury in this mess?"
He looked around. "I'd like to talk about who's moving in what direction and who's staying. We'll need some in both directions, and at least 1 to stay here for one more day before moving out. Wherever you go, please keep in mind our known allies and enemies. I think we should focus on hacking and taking out enemy peacekeepers (not Cal/Val since they're peacebringers and Accord members). This will require searching for weapons, at least. I'm sure most of your goals are to just survive.
But just so you know- MY goal is to help as much as I can before I die. So...know you where where my priorities lie. With the Accord."
A refresher:
Allies:
Wren, Gwen, Holly, Val, Wallace, Nelson, Cal, Eloise, Thomas, Lartius, Reese(from Dante's report to me)
Enemies: Deo, Sharlot, Minerva, Harlie, possibly Sydney
Unknown, should spy or confirm via hack results if possible: Julian, Anna
Please update with anyone I've missed.
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Post by Nelson Clark on Jan 4, 2016 15:46:11 GMT -6
Nelson wiped at his face with his sleeve. For once he'd run out of things to say, the past 24 hours had been a lot for him and he wasn't used to feeling an onslaught of emotion. He sniffled for a second, giving himself a moment before looking at Wren. He didn't think he should have any last words to Demetri, considering he didn't know him that well and had only really interacted with him yesterday. But he was still hurt, it was hard to know that him and his magical beard had been grinning at Nelson just a few hours ago and now he was gone and there wasn't a thing Nelson could do.
"I'm going to the watchtower. At this point, I only have a day or so left before I kick it unless I get food. I can hack, and I can fight. I've tried to take out this Peacekeeper. I've at least got him down to 2 here." Nelson kicked at the rocks under his feet.
He looked at Gwen, "I'm sorry--I know how much it stings. I wish I still had the morphling to help you out." he shrugged, "I'll just do what I can." he looked at Wren, "I still don't feel 100% about Lartius. He hacked at the hospital when I got hurt and since then I've always had a nagging feeling." he admitted,
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 4, 2016 16:24:52 GMT -6
"Lartius hacked the highest yesterday and kept the watchtower in rebel possession. He's good." Wren reassured Nelson.
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Post by Nelson Clark on Jan 4, 2016 16:44:07 GMT -6
Nelson nodded and rubbed at his arms, looking at Wren. "all right." he still felt uneasy but this wasn't really about his feelings right now, it was about doing his part before he kicked it. "Then that's good, okay."
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Post by Holly Edison on Jan 4, 2016 16:49:22 GMT -6
Holly had been prepared for this since the day before when Janet attacked. He had a hell of a lot of fight in him, but that much of an assault...we both knew it was coming. She rushed over as he finished yelling at Janet's limp body and cradled him. She was glad they had finished her off and she had earned a just reward. As the life drained from him Holly smiled at his last words and kissed him before he was gone. I've owed you that since the supply depot.
Wren placed a flower on his chest and Holly left him. He's gone.
"Thank you, everyone. He went out fighting, I'm sure he was happy about that."
She turned to the others, still covered in blood from the fighting of the last two days. "I haven't had much time to stop and think. Originally we were going to bring back weapons and supplies but that didn't work out. The best laid plans, right? Wren, you're right - we need to work together. I think we have been but we can do better. Gwen, thank you. If you and Val have a plan for what's next I'd like to join you. You and me are all that's left of our old crew, it'd be nice to be with you."
Holly listened to Wren listing their allies.
"You're assuming too much with Reese. She was with us in the Armory when Janet attacked and said nothing. She just stood there. I know for a fact she's armed but she never told us whose side she was on. She wanted to make friends she said, and I told her to come with and help us kill Janet and Dante if she wanted to prove her allegiance but she stayed behind. I don't know where she lands but until I know where her allegiance is - I don't trust her."
Holly leaned against a wall opposite Demetri's body and slid down.
"We have to keep going. Eloise and Wallace were supposed to be gathering food for us, but it seems Eloise had to go to the hospital? Demetri and I were counting on that food. I'll be in trouble by tomorrow. Is there any extra anyone can spare for me?"
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 4, 2016 17:11:25 GMT -6
"Dante told me Reese was rebel, but he could have been lying. The rest of the rebel list he gave me was true, though..."
Wren eyed Holly and tried to get a read on her condition. "Are you injured at all, Holly? The food I snagged would have gotten me just through tomorrow so I think we might be in similar shape... Are you good for today, day five?"
He looked around at the group. "Maybe Holly, Val, Gwen go to armory, Nelson and I go to tower, Wallace decide between any three options. Thoughts?
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Post by Holly Edison on Jan 4, 2016 17:56:00 GMT -6
Wren eyed Holly and tried to get a read on her condition. "Are you injured at all, Holly? The food I snagged would have gotten me just through tomorrow so I think we might be in similar shape... Are you good for today, day five?" "I'm fine. I'm surprised that I am, but I'm fine. I don't know if Dante didn't expect what was coming, or Janet was just so intent on killing Demetri that she ignored me... I expected them to lash out against me too. I guess I wasn't as antagonistic to them as he was. As for food,I'm fine for today, but I haven't spent time looking for more because we were trying to stockpile weapons and counting on you all to have extra. Tomorrow, I will be in danger." Holly looked over to Dante and Janet's lifeless bodies. There was no love lost for Janet, she picked a fight she couldn't have won. Dante was a friend, at least for a little while. She remembered the last cigarette he'd offered them in the Armory, taking it out from her jacket she saw it was half crushed but the paper was intact and she lit it in his memory. |
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Post by Nelson Clark on Jan 4, 2016 18:06:13 GMT -6
"....Holly where are you headed next?" Nelson asked curiously, rearranging his stuff in his bag in order to asses what he had. He'd take the damage for not having enough food today, he'll work through it the next day and hope he can catch up. He put his rifle from Demetri down on top and looked at her, wondering if maybe the weapon was in better hands with her rather than him.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 4, 2016 18:10:28 GMT -6
"Anyone have more than five or six days' worth of food? I don't wanna be a dick, but I feel like we should try to even things out between us if anyone's hoarding like 7. Let's be honest, while I'd love for us all to be in prime shape and survive, the strongest and most skilled would be more productive in this war if they could stay fed" Wren looked around between Val, Gwen, nelson, and Wallace, hoping someone had more than 5 or 6 portions of food to share with Holly.
"And does anyone object or have alternatives to my movement suggestions?"
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Post by Nelson Clark on Jan 4, 2016 19:01:25 GMT -6
"Nope. I'm sorry, I only have 4. I'm not even making it through the day." Nelson felt a little guilty at that, his few bad early rolls at the hospital meant he hadn't been able to store food (not for a lack of trying), "But I can take the hit today, so long as I can somehow get some supplies at the watchtower."
"No, I've got no objections." Nelson looked up at the others, "I think Syd is still at the tower. I'm moving there. And I can get to the hospital to scavenge for morphling if we decide we need to."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 4, 2016 19:50:42 GMT -6
Wren frowned at his newest buddy, Nelson. "So you're sitting at 4 days worth of food and what? Like half the health you started with?"
Wren heaved a heavy sigh. "Damnit. If I give anyone my food from today, it'd probably be you. I'll consider... Maybe we could trade for the rifle, or work out something in the tower if we run into trouble there..."
Ooc: Not positive yet, but I'll decide before 9pm and post if we decide to trade or if I decide to just give it to you, Nelson. Sorry Holly, but you're in better shape...
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Post by Holly Edison on Jan 4, 2016 20:00:38 GMT -6
Holly smiled at Wren. "I wouldn't take it from Nelson if you begged me, at least not today. He is in much worse shape than I am, I'll need food tomorrow but tonight I'll make do." I wouldn't turn it down though...
"I'm itching to explore. I've been through the Armory and the Supply Depot. I'd rather go elsewhere but like I said, I want to stay with friends again after everything that's happened... I'll go where these girls go and help if I can."
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 4, 2016 20:03:56 GMT -6
"I mean I think I knew he'd be the one..." Val internally tried to rationalize the loss of who, to her, was the bravest person she had met since arriving at the capitol, "I mean he basically put a target on his back right?" But no matter how she rationalized it to herself Val had always pictured Demetri celebrating the rebel victory in a bar somewhere with Gwen, Holly, and Dan- She looked over at her other dead friend. Even if he had been less than honest he was still a friend. Valeria pulled her token, the folded up friend's contract from the loading docks from her pocket. Reaching down to cake her finger in dirt she moved to cross their names off the list but hesitated at the last second. "No," she thought, "No matter what they stay on the list." She folded it back up and returned it to her pocket. Turning back to her comrades she practically yelped, "GWEN! Jesus what happened to your arm!" Blood dripped from the wound the Peacekeeper had inflicted, "This was my fault," she thought to herself. Val glanced down at the gun she had stolen from the peacekeeper. "I'm sorry," she said making her way over slowly, "I hesitated...killing...because I thought it was the right strategy." A sound of disgust at herself dripped off the last word of that sentence. She gripped the gun tighter, "...I won't make that mistake again." "I wasn't able to get anything from Janet..." she mumbled ashamed at herself, "she had nothing on her...just a lust for doing...this." Her eyes turned towards the lifeless body of Demetri. "Gwen we need to get moving towards the hospital" she pleaded," If you're low on food stay here. "with less of us around it should be easier to scavenge some up." She moved towards the corpses and slowly and methodically removed the paper from her pocket. Their bodies were covered in their own blood so what she did next wasn't that hard. Grasping their wrists lightly she maneuvered their blood soaked thumbs to the space next to their signatures. Their bodies would probably be lost to this conflict but at least in this way some part of them would carry on. Turning towards Holly and Gwen she spoke with a frown, "If I fall I want one of you to take this. Carry it forward. No matter what happens it still has significance that goes beyond our allegiances." She forced a grin until it became genuine, "Alright Siren lets get you the hospital." "Siren," Val mused as she turned to look at the hospital in the distance, "a mythical creature that lured people to it with beautiful music. The perfect nickname for the flirtatious glue that keeps our team's spirits high in the harder times." ...Demetri would have wanted her to have a nickname......well....one that was better than sexfiend...Val smiled at Gwen and Holly, "Well lets get ready for our trek...I mean...if you're still willing to travel with me after I got you...shot Gwen..."
A frown crossed her face and she turned away.
"I have enough food to last me to day seven if either of you need some desperately," she added, "we're going to need it if we travel that way. The food won't be as plentiful as we leave the market." |
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Post by Nelson Clark on Jan 4, 2016 20:47:57 GMT -6
Nelson looked at Wren, Holly, and Val and shrugged. "Yeah, It's been a weird couple of days. But--hey, I can do what I can until the end. Holly can go on longer than I can, and let's be real; you really don't need me as much as you need her." he grinned a little, "Besides, it's only a little more damage. I think we're at the point in this where we have to prioritize people...it sucks---but we might need to at least start the discussion about who has the best chance doing more on this than--" Nelson gestured to himself in an exaggerated gesture, "--someone who's taken more damage than they might be worth."
OOC: Yeah cool! I have access to a computer now so replies are SO much easier.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 4, 2016 21:02:53 GMT -6
Wren felt too many emotions to remain in the market any longer. He gave each friend a hug and bid them farewell.
"Sorry guys. I need to get out of here and clear my head for a bit. This violence thing is new to me...and it's really taking a toll on my mental health." Wren had been having increasing flashbacks of beating up his bully recently. He didn't like feeling like a bird of prey. He missed being the small, quiet Wren.
"Wherever you go, remember who's on your side. This is a team effort in a damn war, not a Hunger Game with a single victor. And Val, I PROMISE I'll do everything I can to get the pardon, even if it means I get shot by Vester again. Be safe, guys. I love you all."
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Jan 4, 2016 21:11:28 GMT -6
Gwen waved the others away, "First time getting shot. Hurts initially, but it's nothing that's going to kill me. Once the bleeding stops I should feel fine. Just used to knife wounds is all so this is a new sort of pain for me. I have food for seven days, so Nelson if you need some I can give it to you. Otherwise, Holly do you need some?" Gwen glanced around realizing that everyone was splitting up. She looked at the bodies of her friends. It all felt surreal.
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 4, 2016 21:32:05 GMT -6
Val backed off as Gwen waved her away. She just hoped she wasn't trying to be strong or something because it really looked like it hurt. "Regardless," she muttered, "even a small wound worries me so let's get moving towards the hospital." She looked back at Gwen, "You sure you're alright?" ((OOC: I'm looking forward to having less people around so I know whether or not you ran out of spaces on the whisper or you mispelled my name.))
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Post by Nelson Clark on Jan 4, 2016 21:56:41 GMT -6
"I do. But I want to make sure you or anyone else doesn't need it." A calm had begun to grow over Nelson after witnessing the days events, "I'm still pretty weak. So if you think the food would be better served with you or someone else for later, then keep it. Because I am at half health--and I might not have that long. I just don't want you guys wasting supplies. On like--someone who could be--you know." He couldn't bring himself to say it yet. Dead. Nelson could be dead. But he wondered when his self preservation began to disappear. Hell, for the longest time it was his defining trait. But now--he was faced with someone giving him food to last he day and he wasn't taking it and running? What had happened?
"Holly's more important to the Accord, so if she doesn't need it then I'll be glad to have it. I'll also pay you back--somehow."
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Jan 4, 2016 21:57:17 GMT -6
Gwen smiled at Nelson. "Holly said she should be fine for today. You don't have to trade me anything. I don't know where you plan on going, but if you end up staying here to try and stock up you're going to need that weapon."
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Post by Holly Edison on Jan 4, 2016 21:57:49 GMT -6
Holly listened as Nelson spoke about his situation. "Nelson, stop it. We're all useful and you're not dead yet. I don't need food for now, and before Wren leaves if he does have anything to spare I hope he can share some with you. Find some food, you'll be alright." Turning to Wren she added, "Wren, either give him some food or don't. Trading for the rifle or anything else just means you let him live another day, disarming and disadvantaging him if he runs into trouble. He needs help and he's our ally - if you have it to spare, do it."
Gwen seemed to be in good spirits. Val is still pretty worried. For her sake we should get moving.
"I agree with you, Val. Let's go."
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Post by Nelson Clark on Jan 4, 2016 22:05:16 GMT -6
Nelson smiled at the pair of them, "Thank you---I just---thank you. You don't even know." his eyes got a little teary and he scrubbed at them furiously, "Sorry--I always get emotional around pretty girls, 's kind of my thing." he laughed, shouldering his weapon.
"I was thinking about going to the watchtower--I think my District mate is there and I wanted to just--check on her but if you guys need me to stay here, I totally can." Nelson was so grateful to have met this group, especially after how high emotions were after the events of the day.
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 4, 2016 22:11:19 GMT -6
"I know it may be a lot to ask of you all things considered..." she look around the Market Place, "but we really could use someone to stay here and I am useless when it comes to hacks obviously"
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