Weak las-gun fire strafes into the night from the compound as the gunship accelerates into view. None of the Thorntons respond, the ship a silent black omen in the sky. With no moon to illuminate the night, it drifts like a phantom, a ghost, until it comes close to the compound. Two shots from the front of the ship hit the southern wall and explode it into fine concrete powder. Guards scurry to and fro, trying to take cover- only to be cut down by high-powered conventional rotary cannon. It rains lead. Then, the doors swing open, and the excellent marksmen of the Thornton family begin to pick off targets from the safety of the sky.
William stands, illuminated by an inner light, highlighting his fair features and blond hair. He's smiling, laughing as he tosses grenades and picks off any who might try to stand and fight.
[8] You pause, appreciating the sight. William stands proud and triumphant, even as las-gun shots ping into the armor of the ship by his head. He never stops laughing, never stops shooting, and never stops commanding.
[12+1 vs. 17] You sneak around the wall, hopping over it near the Villa-- a las-gun shot cracks into the concrete beside you, and you fling yourself to the ground, swinging your rifle up and around.
[11+1 vs. 2] A young guard tracks her rifle to follow you. You're too fast, and spray her torso and thighs with automatic laser pulses. She still stands after a shot hits her chest. She has a thick vest on, but the ones that caught her thighs snap her back. You scramble up into cover as she goes into shock. You're sure she's bled to death by the time you check your fingers and toes.
Three others look to the commotion, noticing their fallen comrade.
[10] The attack ship takes this moment to hover nearby, blowing away two of them with concentrated fire. [17-2] The guards fire back, holding their position. One aims down his barrel to fire at you, rifle lifting--
[13 vs ...1] Holes appear in the guard's chest in a burst of bloody steam as you hold the trigger down. He dies.
[15+2 vs 18][Hitloc:12] You're knocked back by a blow to your stomach, the wind knocked out of you all at once. You're stunned, but not enough to stop you from ducking back into cover to feel at the wound. A gaping hole has been blown in your vest and the coat beneath, cracks radiating outward from entry point. The bottom plates are shattered too, vaguely hot to the touch in that curious las-gun way. As for your flesh-- you aren't bleeding. The armor in your stomach area is compromised, however. Another shot will go right through.
While you were making sure your insides were still inside you, the gunship has killed the other guard in a hail of las-fire. You rise, tipping a salute to William. He nods his head towards the Villa.
[20] No other guards await you before you reach the wide double doors to the Villa. You find them locked and almost start laughing. [4] Blood is rushing in your ears as you lift your rifle and blow the lock clean off. You kick the door down-- and find two guards, looking stunned.
[5,1 vs. 5] One blinks, the other starts lifting his rifle the same time you do.
[20 vs. 10] You hold the trigger down as you lift-- he tries to line up a shot. That's the only thing that saves you. You kill both of them, their blood splashing on your rifle, on you, as you gun them down. You're sure they're dead-- no one can have that many holes in them and still be alive.
The Villa is open before you. The gunship provides cover at your back.
Somewhere in its depths, a baby begins to cry.
You are Pheobe̛͈̬̥̞ ͈̘̟̩A̪͉̥̥̳͠L͟ ̤͠G͡ainer.
Local Time: 22:20pm 1/2/2010
Blood rushes through your veins, pumping adrenaline.
You feel great.
You are peckish
You have a bruised stomach.
Your back is healing.
You have a headache
Head/Face:
A comfortable mesh of grey kevlar. (concealing)
Over Body:
A grey, armored duster, marked with symbols. (hidden)
Over coat:
A damaged, armored vest.
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
In Belt: Two las-gun rifle magazines, 500/500, 500/500
In hand: A bloody, worn las-gun assault rifle. 475/500
In coat pocket: Two 'Ballistic' Auto-Syringes, a reusable flaregun with one flare.
[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 Gainer, (Cordial),
--Contactable through Mail, Tyler Hop
--High Influence with Scholars, Crusaders, the Thornton Family
--Current lawful ruler of Steelworks 9 Region (Crusader Supported)
Organization: The Thornton Family
--Contactable through Mail, Emma
--High Influence within Steelworks 9 Region
--Allied with Nicole Gainer, you
Contact, Threat: William Thornton
--Contactable through Mail, Emma
--High influence within The Thornton Family
--Feared within Steelworks 9 Region
--Allied with Nicole Gainer, you
Contact, Military Trainer: Tyler Hop (Cordial)
Friend: Emma Thornton (?)
--Low influence within The Thornton Family
Schoolyard clique:
--6 young men and women, of intelligence (respectful, friendly)
--3 young men and women, of strength (respectful, friendly)