William turns, heading out the courtyard, and you find yourself following along. Emma trails behind you, apprehensive. He's taller than you by about half a foot, a slender youth who seems only a few years older than yourself. But there's a presence about him and his eyes. You know what Mother Nicole meant when she said you looked like a killer. You see it in William's eyes, a certain disregard.
A squad of six stands ready for William on the path out of the Academy. They wait a respectful distance away, clad in worn, thickly plated vests with battle-rifles on their backs. Even Emma seems surprised as the approach William, slipping one of these vests over his thin Body, tightening it. They hand him a rifle, and he flashes the two of you a smile, extending a heavy coat with a red thorn on it towards Emma. She hesitates, before trading her robe out. You notice that red thorn on everyone's vest, right on the shoulder. They surround you in a tight cluster, William at the head, defending you as they walk.
With a small nod, they turn down towards the city, everyone but William slipping on a helmet. When one of his squad offers him one, he shakes his head, waving it away. "They're supposed to see me, Gem."
You come into a dead-silent town. The festival is over, or everyone thought it best to pack up. William approaches one of the restaurants, trying the door only to find it locked. He knocks twice, and a frightened server rushes to open it. He smiles at her and claims a seat as his squad spreads out to cover the windows and entry-ways. You take a place next to Emma, who gives you a weak smile.
The server hands you a menu, giving you each a glass of a light beer before fleeing back into the kitchen.
[Barley-analog] stew, with soft white rolls
Stewed [beans] with smoked [veal-analog] shoulder, served with sweet honey rolls
Pureed [carrot-analog] soup, with freshly roasted baby [carrot-analog]
Roasted [ Large Insect] steak, with potatoes and assorted [vegetables], served with a [mead] vinegar sauce
Pan-fried [veal-analog] with a dried [fig-analog] sauce, soft [noodles] and sweet fermented [cabbage-analog]
[Butter]-poached smoked [fish] with assorted greens and young potatoes
Pan-fried [Large Insect] steak, topped with a honey-[wheat-analog] crust, served with a red wine sauce, assorted [vegetables] and mashed potatoes
"So, I speak for my father when I say that we greatly appreciate owing Mother Nicole a favor. Especially since she let us know there was an issue in the first place." William starts, giving the menu the briefest of glances, "I am glad Emma is safe. I'm also impressed that you managed to kill five people on your own."
"That's talent right there." He does a double-take at the menu, "Oh, they have fish. Have you guys tried fish? SEED just started distributing it. I hear it is a lot like [insect] meat, but softer."
"So, Pheobe, what does the Thornton family owe you for helping us with our problem?" He finally states, his eyes on you, a fixed smile curling his lips. " And would you like to help us more with it? I'd love to see you in action." There's a strange tone in his last statement, one that seems to annoy Emma, who shifts closer to you. "After all, wouldn't you want to get revenge on the people who tried to hurt your
friend?"
"William," Emma warns bluntly.
The server returns, hurrying to your table with a pad of paper.
You are Pheobe Gainer.
Local Time: 19:15, 1/2/2010
You are hungry
Your back is healing.
You have a headache
Neck:
A comfortable mesh of grey kevlar. Over Body:
A grey, armored duster, marked with symbols. Torso:
A new, fitted grey shirt with long, tight sleeves. (hidden)
Lower Body:
New, Grey semi-formal pants.Hands:
A pair of leather gloves. Feet:
Woolen socks(hidden)
Feet:
A pair of fur-trimmed leather boots.
In Holster: A brand new, grey las-pistol 240/250
[1.1 credits] in local bills
Overload: Beginner.
Healing Factor: Beginner.
You are under contract with The Brotherhood of Scholars for twenty-four years. Grandmother(adopted): Mother Nicole, (Cordial),
--Contactable through Mail, Tyler Hop
--High Influence with Scholars, Crusaders, the Thornton Family
Contact, Military Trainer: Tyler Hop (Cordial)
Friend: Emma Thornton (?)
--Low influence with The Thornton Family
Schoolyard clique:
--6 young men and women, of intelligence (respectful, friendly)
--3 young men and women, of strength (respectful, friendly)