[All of you (except Mary Anne) have found your way to the Science Academy, one of the greatest centers of learning in Redrock City and, incidentally, headquarters of The Redrock Society of Explorers and Scientists. After talking to a receptionist about the job offer, you were directed to a well-appointed waiting room to wait for the representative of the Society.] [Some of you have just gotten here, and others have been waiting upwards of fifteen minutes. Be that as it may, you're here. Congratulations! There's chairs and couches, various knicknacks, but unfortunately no punch or cookies.] [Session Start.] * Suzunosuke blinks, and silently wishes for punch. Or cookies. * John takes a seat facing the door. No punch or cookies, how sad. * Tairan leans back in his chair, cowboy hat pulled down over his eyes. * Jinx reclines on a couching, tossing a pair of dice up and down to keep himself busy. * Mikoto also sits in a chair, looking at the ceiling and humming something quietly under his breath. * John tilts his hat down and folds his arms. * Millie sways back and forth restlessly on her chair, her hands tappity tap tapping on her knees. Her eyes are wide and bright as she looks around the waiting room, ignoring everyone else but looking at all the cool stuff around her. * Suzunosuke extracts a small booklet from his rucksack, and begins to read. You can see his lips moving. * Millie creaks the chair as she moves back and forth. She seems pretty restless and fidgetty * Suzunosuke looks up. His lips continue to move silently. He looks back down, and grimaces with frustration. * Jinx yawns and rolls his dice on the floor. He looks quizically at the result then lazily retrieves them and resumes tossing. * Millie lowers her head at the dice roll and loses a bit of her sparkle as she gives Jinx a scrutinizing stare, her wrist folding up underneath her chin as she leans forward, again with another creeeeak. * John takes a look around the room, quickly glancing at each person. * Tairan continues his complete and utter lack of anything resembling action. * Jinx glances up at Millie. "Fancy a game? So long as we're waiting." * Mikoto laces his arms behind his head and leans back in his chair, tipping the front two legs off the ground and looking around, sizing people up. Any returned glances are met with a distracted smile. * Millie looks up at the first to break the silence, then points to herself. "Who me? Nah, dice ain't really my thing...what's keepin' 'em anyway?" * Suzunosuke stands up and strethes restlessly. This young samurai is solid. Very solid. There might be a little baby fat left on his frame, but the rest of him is a solid mass of well-developed muscle. The presence of this trained fighter is quite intimidating, though that's usually offset by the faintly distracted expression on his face. * Suzunosuke 's eyes are deepest brown, almost black, surmounting an otherwise ordinary face. His hair is drawn back into a warrior's knot, exposing a small, intricate tattoo of a falcon centered on his forehead. Surprisingly he carries no sword at his side, though his belt is twisted as if to carry one. ( Unlike most people, his body is only 60% water :P ) (Yup! He's special.) ( Of course I am! ) *lifts the brim of his cap a bit* Either testing our patience, or figuring out how they can lowball us on pay, I'd bet. * Jinx is a young cowboy tossing a pair of dice with a practiced ease in his right hand. Although his hat shields his eyes, he is clearly identifiable as an Injun by his brown skin, his long black hair, which hangs a bit below his shoulders, and the tomahawk on his belt. His worn brown duds are nothing much to look at, aside from an attractive turquoise and silver bracelet, and a few match pieces. [Continued...] [While he looks to be quite healthy and fit, his body is covered with far more scars than a person his age should bear, this contributes to an almost palpable sense of risk that surrounds him. However, the man himself, the tomahawk, the shotgun on his back, and the revolver doubtless hiding beneath his jacket, seem no more intimidating than your average gun slinger.] (You're all so descriptive. I'm so glad I don't need to put all this in. ;P) * Millie rests her chin on the back of her wrist and observes the injun fellow critically. She's a very pretty gal with dark well-tanned skin, but auburn hair and piercing blue eyes. She's wearing a red-ribboned 5-gallon hat, a sleeveless hide vest with white ruffled tassles, a white ruffled blouse underneath, blue jeans with leather patches at the hips, and long tan hide gloves, leaving her shoulders barred. * Mikoto is only average build and height, perhaps the "girly" side of thin, but he keeps himself in shape. He wears an untucked white button down and khaki shortpants, some hiking shoes, and, for some psycho reason, a duster over it. He has short-cropped blonde hair but his features have, in many places, the hint of prominent Eastern ancestry. * Millie also has a long rifle strapped to her back, painted forest green with golden trimmings and a small backpack. (See? Shorter this time ^_^;) (Bravo. ^_~) * Tairan leans back in his chair, tipping his hat back from his eyes. He's definately of Eastern descent; about 6' tall and thin, with hints of wiry muscle definition. He's wearing a dark green sleeveless tunic, matching pants, and has a holstered pistol on one hip and a sheathed sword on the other. * Millie looks over at Tairan and her eyes narrow. "Maaaybe. 5000 is good but it doesn't spread well among 6 people. An' I didn't know they let slot-eyes in 'round these parts.." They never said if it were 5k a piece or 5k total. * Jinx puts away the dice and takes out a deck of cards, holding it up in the air. "Regardless, anyone care for a game to pass the time?" * Tairan looks at Millie bemusedly. "And here I thought the hat would help ofset that. Shucks." * Mikoto glances at Millie briefly, more out of curiosity than anything else, then turns to Jinx and smiles. "Alright. I'll give it a go." * Millie stretches her arms overhead, puffing her chest out. "Well, it don't matter. They won't need so many people once Millie Reinhart's on the job." * Jinx smiles at Mikoto and looks for a table to play at. "Excellent, what's your game?" * Mikoto shrugs his shoulders and grins a little, looking for somewhere flat for the cards. "Oh, anything. I'm not very good." He smiles brightly. "No poker face at all." * John is wearing a pair of blue-jeans and a light-blue shirt. Over the shirt is a leather vest, and on his feet are a pair of, well, boots. He's obviously wearing a cowboy hat, which at the moment is tilted over his eyes. He's also very handsome, and doesn't seem to do anything poorly. If you look closely, you would notice a scar under his left eye, making him look that much better. On each side of him is a six-shooter. * Millie opens her eyes back up from her stretching and leans forward, crossing her legs and daintily setting her chin on her wrist again. "Well now..cards. Now THAT'S interestin'." * Tairan tilts his head at Millie, then shrugs. "With confidence like that, it's not surprising you're so blase about insulting people. You must be very good with that rifle." * Suzunosuke ambles over and watches silently. * Jinx chuckles. "I've heard that before, I personally have never touched cards before this very day." He cuts the deck one-handed to demonstrate his naivite, or lack there of. * Millie smiles brightly at Tairan. 'Since when did I insult ya? I'm jus' makin' conversation." * John chuckles. Didn't say there was nothin' WRONG with bein' a slot-eye, now did I? * Tairan raises an eyebrow. "Right, big-eyes." * Millie chuckles. "Ya need your peeper's checked. My eyes are dainitly formed." * Mikoto has a seat and laughs. "And I've heard that before too, sir, shortly before losing my shirt to a card shark extraordinaire." Now pretty boy o'er there. He may be yer big-eyed fella. * Millie smiles over at John. "Ain't that right, Just?" * John looks at Millie, his brown hair and eyes showing fairly well. "It's John." * Jinx sits down and shuffles. "So, whose in?" What is this... game? * John leans back. "I'll pass." Yes yes. Mister mystery, I forgot. ( yes, winamp. Please cycle through WA3 music for this. Creeps me out sometimes, random play. ) * Jinx grins. "Poker, take a seat, I'll explain the rules as we go, no charge. I feel it's my duty to spread the best of Western civilizations." * Millie chuckles and stands up, patting down her hips. "Where's this Mary lady anyhow?" * Suzunosuke sits, looking vaguely amused. I'll pass. I only gamble with my health. *slight grin* * Millie makes a small face. "Men of poor scruples indeed. Sounds like some advertisment for one o' dem feel good cults." * Mikoto grins back at Jinx. "Aha! Something I at least know how to play." He raises an eyebrow in amusement. "I hope you'll be understanding if I don't wager any money. If I had some to spare on gambling, I wouldn't be here." ( Ooooh... Millie's going to regret insulting the cults. ) Not that I have anything ta worry 'bout. Ol' Millie's morally pure. This is... a wagering game? ( "Who painted Redrock City blue?" "..." "Blue... blue..." ) * Millie flourishes her fingers and shifts her hips in a playful pose. Heh, you could say that again. * Jinx frowns. "Ah well, not as fun but beats nothing. Yeah, normally it is." * Suzunosuke sits back, disappointed. Maybe after we have been paid, I will participate. * Millie turns around and smiles at the card players. "So whatcha all playin'?" Poker, a friendly game even. ::Jinx says friendly with mild distaste:: * Mikoto laughs. "Never picked up cards before today, eh?" * Millie laughs a little. "There ain't no friendly game o' cards. Ya play for keeps or nothin' at all." * Millie walks over to them and leans over the closest person's head at the waist to get a better look. * Jinx puts the deck down in front of Suzunosuke. "First lesson, this is a deck, 52 cards, here's how to cut the deck." ::Jinx cuts:: "You can cut anywhere you like, give it a try." * Suzunosuke blinks, and cuts the deck. ( Aww. We missed the opportunity for samurai humor! "I'll cut the deck." *slash* ) Is that all? I had been told that Western games were... simple, but this seems almost trivial. ( It ain't Go :P ) * Jinx nods. "Well done." He takes the deck back and starts dealing. "Hardly, what I'm doing now is called dealing, for obvious reason. Each player gets five cards, one at time." ( Nothing is. ^^_v ) * Mikoto grins at Suzunosuke. "My, you really haven't left home much, have you?" His light and conspiratorial tone is intended to take some sting out of potentially troublesome words. * Millie smirks a little at Suz. "Yer not done yet." That's jus' ta mix 'em up better. I know... I have much to learn. * Jinx grins. "Well, you're willing to listen, that's most of it." * MaryAnne steps in though a doorway and takes a look at those that are waiting for her. She smiles and walks over to the group. * Jinx finishes dealing, he, Mikoto, Suzunosuke, and Millie each have five cards in front of them. * Suzunosuke picks up his cards carefully, almost daintily. * Millie looks up at John for a minute, and starts to say something, then jumps up without looking at the cards. Second Lesson, hold your cards like this, close to your chest, that keeps 'men of poor morals' from looking at them. ::Jinx demonstrates:: * MaryAnne stands straight of posture and enterjects "Good afternoon, everyone." * Mikoto palms his cards and holds them in front of him like an expert. Well, in a decent imitation of an expert. He eyes the cards with exaggerated contemplation. * John chuckles. * Millie looks up at the new entry, her eyes seeming to judge her a bit, then she turns back to Jinx and looks at the cards. "Oh no. I was jus' watchin'" * Suzunosuke holds the cards close, but frowns as he sees what is on them. * Millie looks at MaryAnne for a second and her eyes widen brightly again suddenly, rushing forward. * Jinx nods and flips over Millie's hand. "Here's a sample hand for now. " He informs Suzunosuke what each card means. "I am glad that you have managed to entertain yourselves in my absence. I am Miss Mary Anne Pippins and I am here to speak to you on behalf of the society." * Tairan looks over at MaryAnne. "Our potential employer graces us with her presence. Yippie." * Millie clasps Mary's hand and shakes it vigorously, her eyes sparkling. "This is th' real thing raight!? Ancient tombs an' castles an' stuff? It said Explorer's Society!" ...so... ah. * MaryAnne is obviously surprise "Oh, my goodness." It ain't no joke....ol' tablets an' artifacts an' stuff an'... * Suzunosuke sets his cards down, face down, then stands and bows to the newcomer. * Mikoto blinks, putting his cards face down on the table and turning to study Mary Anne intently. Showtime. * John looks up at MaryAnne. "Don't mind her, she's just a little... eager." * Millie babbles on, still holding onto Mary's hand. * Jinx puts his cards back on the table and nods in acknowledgment of his employer. * Millie stops and sweatdrops a little, looking down at the hand. "Oh...sorry." She lets go. * MaryAnne politely takes her hand back while listening to Millie "My my." * MaryAnne smiles. Mary Anne Pippins stands just over 5 feet tall and has a rather petite figure. She is very attractive and looks to be around 20 years of age or so. She has long blonde hair, blue eyes, and her skin tone is fair, lacking blemishes. She is wearing a colorful ladies society dress along with a cute hat and ladies dress boots and carries an Eastern style bamboo umbrella with a colorful image of some sort on it folded under her arm and a small ladies hand bag. * Tairan stands, cracking his neck as he does. * Millie stands back up proper and clears her throat, pounding her chest proudly. "Don'tchu worry. With Millie Reinhart on the job, y'all don't need ta worry 'bout anythin' else. Don't even need ta worry 'bout the reward!" * John smiles. "We'll just take her share, okay?" * Mikoto glances at Jinx, muttering "My, she is perky", before turning his attention back to Mary. (Erm, isn't that kinda like a guy pounding himself in the groin proudly? o_O;;;) * Millie whispers conspiratorily to Mary. "An' ya know for high moral standards, a gal'll beat a guy any day. What with all their womanizin' an' gamblin' an' such..." ( Not quite. Hush. ) * Jinx raises an eyebrow at Millie's enthusiasm. He nods in agreement with Mikoto. * MaryAnne smiles "Well, you are certainly enthusiastic, Miss Millie." * Millie smiles brightly. "Yep. Millie Victoria Reinhart. Best riflewoman this side o' tha Sallies...probably best on tha other side too but ne'er been there." * Suzunosuke smiles and waits for something meaningful to be said. Y'all can jus' call me Millie though..or Millie V. But not M.V. or M.V.R or anythin'...sounds like a silly abreviation. Like Most Valuable Riflewoman or such..." * MaryAnne looks over the applicants for a moment and then says "I do appologize for being tardy. I was making some arrangements." * Millie steps back and seems to be thinking about that last one for a second before shaking her head. "Nah. Millie's good. Millie's a GOOOD name." * Mikoto shakes his head. "It was certainly interesting to meet all of these people, Miss Pippins." He glances around, then back at Mary with a raised eyebrow. "We're all here for the same reason, I'm guessing." *glances at Millie, then back at MaryAnne* 'bout time to get down to business, then. ( Missing Void Remit :P ) * Jinx nods understandingly at Mary Anne. * Millie steps back and calms down a bit, but her arms are clasped behind her back as she fidgets cutely in place from foot to foot. * John nods. * MaryAnne smiles "Yes, I believe everyone is here for the offer concerning the tablet, is this correct?" She looks at everyone to give them a chance to say otherwise. * Jinx nods. I am not aware of any... specifics. I don't know anything about any tablet. Just a job for someone who can handle themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances. * John looks up, but says nothing. * Mikoto glances at Suzunosuke with a sort of combination of pity and amusement out of the corner of his eye. * Millie nods about the tablet. "It's some sorta artifact, raight?" I was merely told there was employment for those with the abilities we all share. * MaryAnne clasps her hands upon not receiving any naysayers, still holding her bamboo umbrella under her arm and her hand bag in her hand, and says cheerfully "Absolutely Splended, I must say." * Millie makes a strained smile at that, but remains looking cheerfully at Mary. * MaryAnne looks at Millie and nods affirmiative "Artifact...well, yes that would be the proper term for it." * Millie smiles even happier at that news and stretches her arms overhead, locking her fingers and her eyes closed in happy mode. "Millie's lucks finally changin'!" "In simple terms, an ancient stone tablet was taken from a train on route to the society, apparently by a group of individuals with poor scruples." * Jinx quietly chuckles at Millie's comment. In otherwords, you were robbed. "The society is looking to send out a recovery party to seek it out and return it safely here to the society." ... poor scruples. That's one way of putting it. * Millie smirks at John. "I think that was fair obvious." * Mikoto grins at Tairan. "Well, it's a little easier to get people to track down 'poor scruples' than 'heavily-armed psychotic thugs'." Heh, he has a point there. * Millie thinks a bit. "But..y'know, 5000 6 ways doesn't go very far...an' if these men are really as poorly scrupled as ya say, we'll probably need some good supplies..." Yeah, but do you really want people who'd be scared off by the latter description if that's what they're gonna have to deal with? * Mikoto shrugs and keeps smiling. "Survival of the fittest, maybe?" "The information provided by those on the train seem to indicate that the group responsible are one-half to one dozen in number. With that said, it will take several capable individals to retrieve it." * Jinx leans back with a fairly jaded look on his face. He listens quietly to the further details. * Suzunosuke nods. "An honorable task. But is there not a police force that should handle this matter?" Mmm...an' if they've got a camp or somethin' they might 'ave e'en more than that... * John raises an eyebrow. "Any idea who the leader was?" It better not 'ave been Squinty. He was a pushover. * Suzunosuke grabs a loosely-bound pile of paper from his rucksack, and begins to make notes. "AS for the local constable, we have already spoken to him, however, he feels that it is outside his jurisdiction and suggested that we high a group of individuls ourselves to seek it out." ( Why are you speaking in quotes? ) (Why not? There's no law against it. :P) * Mikoto eyes Mary Anne, serious for a moment. "Does that mean he's a coward, or just unwilling to help the Society?" Probably both. (That's how I always do character speach) ( It's distracting. And you're the only one who does. Conform! ) I'd say both. I've seen the Sheriff in this town. Seems an honest man at least, probably has troubles enough here. (Mikoto just did it) * Mikoto nods. "Fair enough. It's just nice to know where the law is going to stand if you end up in their path, is all.' "Well, I am sure the constable is an good man and we must respect his opinion." ( In a /me, where you have to to separate speech from verbiage. ) * Jinx nods at Mikoto. "Certainly." (Oye, guys. It's a pointless argument. Let's just keep doing what we're doing and not worry about it.) Any leads on the bandits? "Unfortunally, the only other information we have is where the incident took place." Hmm. An' where was this, Miss Mary? * Millie flicks her fingers to her lips as she thinks, one hand on he hip. * Tairan grins. "Then you need a tracker." "As much as I would prefer to avoid violence, I am sure that the individals in question will not simply hand it over with out sufficient persuasion." * John cracks his knuckles. "So that's why you want people with good morals." That's why we're here. Course, I'm sure once they hear ol' Millie Reinhart's comin', they'll head for the hills. * Suzunosuke smiles grimly. "Then you need my sword." /me rests his hand on his belt... where his sword should be. * Millie smiles and turns around towards John. "See? Toldja if ya hung around me long 'nuff ya'd earn a name for yourself. Maybe it'll even be a last one." * John looks at Millie. "You DO realize I had never even heard of you before I met you, right?" "Well..." she ponders for a moment "I have been told roughly the location it happend at. As I understand it, it would take us a couple of days to travel by coach, or we could reach it by tomorrow morning if we go by train. However, going by train will incure passenger fair." * Millie pouts slightly at John. "Come on, pleeaaaase Johnny?" * Mikoto laughs at John. "People of good faith know when to be righteous, I guess? I like that line of thinking." * Millie smiles slightly. "Train!" And would this expense be... compensated? Yeah, or more robbers, or derailments, or boiler explosions, or cattle on the tracks.... ::Jinx keeps going but quietly:: freak twisters knocking over the cars.. Yet still the safest way to travel. I have no problem going by horse. Saves me the money too. * Millie stretches with a huge mmm sound, holding her wrist up. "Ol' Millie V's gonna travel in STYLE!" * Mikoto blinks. "You say 'we'... are you going with us, Miss Pippin?" "Well, I would have to ask the society officials if they would be willing to provide any additional funds. I have only been authorized to offer the $5000 fee." Wait, is the five-grand split among us? * Millie smiles slightly and hangs her arm around Mary's shoulder. "Let the ol' boys find their own way. Us gals gotta stick together, raight?" * MaryAnne looks at Mikoto "Oh, yes. I will be going along to represent the society's interests." 'Sides, I wanna ask ya some questions 'bout this Society of yours. * MaryAnne 's eyes turn to Millie "Um...yes." * Mikoto raises an eyebrow. That's news. "You said yourself these men aren't going to let the tablet go without a fight. Are you okay with that?" * Suzunosuke glances over at John. How... expensive is the train? * Millie winks at Mary and pulls herself back upright. "Well, you boys can go how y'all like, but I'm goin' by train, that's for sure." * Millie grins and reaches into her pack, pulling out a small card and wavin' it. "Y'all shoulda thought o' gettin' yourself one o' THESE 'fore comin' here." * MaryAnne says to John "Yes." and then looks to Mokoto "Well, I realize that the situation may become rather...lively, but I must go on the society's behalf." (Dunno - how expensive is the train, GMs?) * Tairan frowns. "I was right. Figuring out ways to lowball us." (About twenty-five dollars. Trains aren't cheap. More if you want to load your horse on.) * MaryAnne looks at Tairan "I beg your pardon? What is a lowball?" * John nods. "I say we pass on the train. It's just a waste of money if they're willing to send us there for free, although a little slower. * Jinx wears a bored expression. "So are we all hired, or are there going to be interviews or tests?" Lowball. Get us to work on the cheap. (Yes. We need to check your criminal record.) I see no... need to waste money on transportation. * Millie chuckles. "Then I'm gettin' there first. That's your trouble." * Tairan shrugs. "Not that I'm in a position to complain, mind you. Just sayin'." * Millie slips the card back in her pack and grins widely. ( Ah, need my criminal references? ^^ ) (Yes. We'd like contact information from the last three cells you've stayed in.) ( Well all the criminals in town vouch for your good character, so you're hired.) * Mikoto sighs and leans back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head again. "Not that I'm backing out, but that's not much pay, and I'm not exactly swimming in money." My thoughts as well. "Oh, Well, if everyone here is stil interested, then I will take down your names and ahve the local constable check past and then we can get started." she smiles and pulls out a journal from her hand bag and a writing implement and then stands ready to take names. I'm definitely interested. The name's Millie Reinhart. An' I'm takin' the train no matter WHAT these jokers say. (Everyone! Make up names fast!) The name's Errant Hare, but most call me Jinx. * Millie smiles as she turns her head towards Jinx. "Pretty Injun name. I like it." I am... Takame Suzunosuke. * Mikoto gives a half-salute with a smile. "You can call me Mikoto." * MaryAnne writes down Millie's name and says while she does "Well, it would probably be for the best if we all went together as a single group, don't you think Miss Reinhart?" * Jinx smiles in return. "Thanks." Better than ol' "Just John over there." I'm Tairan. * John nods. * MaryAnne smiles politely and writes down their names as offered. * Millie pouts at Mary. "But that's not fair! I'm the only one that came prepared with mah train pass an' I've gotta ride COACH because o' all these guys?" You may... pay for our train fare, if you so wish. * Tairan chuckles. * Millie turns around, glaring at Suz. "I ain't payin' no cheapskate's tab, buster." * John nods and smiles. "If you want to pay for Hazel too, I wouldn't mind comming along." * Mikoto smiles cheerily. "I'd be delighted to ride as a gift from you. How generous!" Calm yourself... friend. * Millie sighs. "I bet I won't even get any sleep with that ricketty ol' thing. How can I expect ta get mah beauty rest." (How much more are horses? ) (Jinx: Rentals or purchase?) (Naw, ticket for them on the train) (Ten dollars per horse.) * Jinx sighs, he looks quite jaded. "Better gambling on the train. Chip in $75 Millie and I'll pay cover the rest towards tickets, including horses." * Millie eyes Jinx a little. "I wish I could afford that, but I'm jus' as strapped as the rest o' ya." 'Sides, I got mah pass jus' so I WOULDN'T need ta pay...that's highway robbery that is...no offense, Miss Mary." * Millie tips her hat apologetically. * Mikoto shrugs his shoulders. "I'm used to walking where I want to go most of the time. How we travel isn't much difference to me... but I don't have the money for a first-class train ride, and that's a fact." * Jinx shrugs and glances over to Mary Anne. "Perhaps you could cover yourself and pitch in another $25, if Millie is on her own pass, I don't mind the rest. And we might get the tablet a few days sooner." "Oh my." * Millie smiles cheerfully at Jinx, looking very happy. "Jinx, yer the best!" * Jinx shrugs and grins. "So I'm told, 'sides it's only money, use it or lose it I say." "That is certainly a kind offer, Mr. Jinx." Maybe I will give ya a game o' cards if we get on the train. Special honors. * Tairan eyes Jinx. "Your generosity is impressive. I owe ya one." * Mikoto glances at Jinx, then smiles and puts his hand on the table. "If he's going to be so generous, I should too. I'll put in some money to help. I can't offer much, though." * Millie winks at Jinx and almost jumps up. "Millie's ridin' in style!" * Suzunosuke looks at Jinx, troubled. * Jinx smiles, he glances over to Sunzunosuke, a bit puzzled, but then relaxes again. * John looks up at Jinx. "Well, if you're payin', I'm not turnin' down a free ride." "May I ask how many of you have horses or other means of traveling other than by foot? There will certainly be additional travel after we disembark from the train." I... hate to impose on you in such a way. I simply prefer not to pay - it is not honorable to simply take from you when I can actually pay my own way. * Tairan shrugs. "No horse, but I can run pretty fast." Well. If I can get my hands on a horse, I can ride. 'less Johnny there decides ta be gentlemanly again. * Millie winks at John over her shoulder. I can ride, but have no horse at present. * Jinx glances over to Suzunosuke. "Ah, I see. Understand, you do me a service if you accept my offer. For the gambling is poor in a coach. On a train, I may well make up what I spend." * John raises his hand. "I got a horse, but it might be best for each person to have one of their own, so we can split up if need be." * Mikoto hums thoughtfully. "I have some money set aside for a horse, but I haven't bought one yet, since I haven't had the money to stable it when I'm not using it." I've got a horse. * John chuckles. "What good is a horse if you stick it in a stable?" * Millie studies Jinx critically a bit, her hand under her lips as her lips break into a slow grin. "Ya must be good then...or overconfident." * Jinx shrugs and grins. "Dunno, I just think my second day with cards may be a lucky one." * Suzunosuke nods at Jinx. "Good luck, then." * Millie laughs widely at that. "I think I'm gonna like you, fella." Thanks. I had not planned to... purchase a horse. Is this a necessary thing? Some places loan y'all horses for cheaper...but they're usually broken down ol' feisty mares. * Millie shrugs. "But I'll try my luck..I feel lucky 'round ol' Jinxy here." "Well, those without horses would be welcome to ride in the back of the societie's coach, although I am not sure as to how comfortable the trip will be." * Mikoto grins faintly. "How ironic, that." Perhaps, though, the issue of horses can be settled when we get where we're going? We might not even need them. * Millie eyes Mikoto and gives him a warm happy smile, tipping her hat. ( And for sure, they're not going to fit in the train's overhead compartments. ) How is this? We are riding the train, and we are taking your coach? Comfort's not an issue. If there're no sharp rocks jabbing into my back, I'm okay. "If we are indeed travelling by train, we will take it to the next town and then we will have to backtrack a short ways to arrive at the actual place where the incident occured at. Then we should be able to start tracking after them, I should think." * Jinx seems content with the state of things, and closes his eyes as the details are worked out. * Millie rolls her shoulders back and looks up at the sky for a second before settling on Mary. "Sounds fine by ol' Millie." * Tairan nods. "Anyone here besides me got tracking experience?" * MaryAnne looks at the others. Not I. * Mikoto shakes his head. "Sorry." Different type o' trackin' entirely. I think that's all your job. * John looks at Tairan. "What kind of 'tracking?'" * Jinx shakes his head. "'fraid not. Never got to those lessons." The 'find the bandits and hurt them' kind. No one said we HAD ta hurt 'em. Jus' get the tablet back. If we can do it peaceful-like, that's fine by ol' Millie, but I doubt they'll be willin' How do you expect to make it big if you're not willing to bust a few heads. Besides, I'm sure they'll be more than happy to make you shoot at them. We will surely have to persuade them. * Tairan raises an eyebrow at Millie. "Peaceful people don't rob trains." "I'd rather prefer to avoid any killing and any violence, really, if it is possible." * Millie swivels around towards John and puffs her cheeks out, stomping forward and shaking her finger. "Dontchu tell me what to do, Mister Duel ruiner!" * Mikoto shakes his head. "They get rough people to rob trains for them." * Jinx laughs at Mikoto's comment. Hey, a duel never started, besides, he was going to duel me. But he shoulda been duelin' ME is the point! It's not MY fault I was ignored! * Tairan turns back to MaryAnne. "I'm not fond of getting shot at myself, but we'd be lying if we told you that violence wasn't almost a certainty." It wasn't mine either. An' it didn't start because yer a trigger happy fool anyhow. * MaryAnne seems a little disapointed "I rather expected that was the case, although I would prefer it otherwise." Hey, can I help it if I'm good? * Millie swivels around and huffs, stomping clear away from John. * John shrugs. * Suzunosuke decides to ignore Millie. * Mikoto mms. "It seems like there's enough of us who can handle themselves in a fight, though." He smiles at Mary Anne. "You'll be fine. I'm actually sort of glad. A pack of fighters can get a little too rowdy sometimes." (to Mary) So when shall we set out? * MaryAnne puts away her journal and writing implement into her hand bag and produces a pocket watch. She looks at it "Well, it appears that we have almost 45 minutes before the train departs. We should gather at the station with whatever equipment we need in 30 or so." Any information on what these ruffians looked like an' were packin'? * Suzunosuke makes one last note, before putting his tablet away. * MaryAnne puts her pocket watch away in her hand bag. "Now I must be off to see the constable as well as make my final arrangments. I hope to see you all there. Thank you for your time. Goodevening to you." she curtsies. * John nods. He hasn't gotten up the entire meeting. Good evening to you too. * Mikoto salutes again. "A pleasure. Good evening." * Suzunosuke bows once more. * MaryAnne looks at Millie "Unfortunetly no additional information was provided to me other than the little I brought to your attention a few moments ago." * Millie bows her head slightly, her pigtails flipping up and tips her hat back. "Pleasure meetin' ya, Miss Mary. Jus' thought I'd ask." * Jinx thinks for a moment, then opens his eyes counts out a fair amount of cash. "Here's $120 Mary Anne. This should cover the tickets if you'll throw in $50. Perhaps you could handle the purchasing." * Millie eyes Jinx for a while. "Awful lot for jus' your second day on the cards. Of course, might be that ya jus' 'ave plenty ta blow.." But we appreciate it Jinxy. [The wallet Jinx counted the money out of seems almost empty now, although he's still fairly cavalier about handing it over] * Millie turns to the rest of them. "Ain't that right, guys?" * MaryAnne says "Very good. I will see to it, Mr. Jinks. I shall see you shortly then." she smiles and bows slightly and then turns around and walks out. Are you sure you wish to do this? Thanks. * Millie smiles at Suz. "Y'know, if a guy wants ta be generous, some fellas take an insult ta ya not takin' 'em up on the offer." I would take him up, but I have a feeling I'll be doing that later anyhow. I'm sure you'll feel better on the train...didn't catch your name... Perhaps... but it may also be an insult to accept some offers. Ah, well. My name? * Millie smiles. "Out here, we may do it a bit differently. Ain't heard no one take offense ta acceptin'. * Mikoto gets up and walks to Mary Anne, handing her some money. "It's only $50. That's all I can offer... I hope it'll be of use." * Jinx grins at Millie. "Don't mind him. It's the Easterners without honor you have to look out for." * Tairan flinches. * Millie winks at Jinx. "I'm not. He doesn't seem like a bad sort anyhow..." So yeah..your name. If yer worried 'bout an insult, it's a bit of an insult not ta introduce yourself ta who yer workin' with. I am Suzunosuke, of the Takame clan. I am sure you would not have heard of me... yet. * Millie smiles a bit. "Pleased ta meet ya. A long name though. Mind if I call ya Suz instead?" If you wish it, friend. * Millie turns to Mikoto and Tairan. "How 'bout you two? I know Johnny an' Jinxy o'er there..." Tairan. * MaryAnne thanks Mr. Mikoto before she leaves * Millie smirks. "Let me guess. "Just Tairan" right?" * John looks up. "I bet he's Terry now, right?" * Mikoto smiles at Mary as he hands over the money, then looks over his shoulder at Millie. "Mikoto." Nah...Tairan's a pretty interestin' name all by itself. * Tairan narrows his eyes. "I have no last name. Only Tairan." Wow, you actually left someone's name intact. I'm impressed. ( So, if I'm reading this right: Mikoto gave Mary $50, Jinx gave her $120, the rest of you are freeloaders? ) (Hell yeah!) * Millie nods and holds out her hand to shake for no one in particular. "Good ta meet y'all. I'll enjoy workin' with ya." (Millie's paying her own way, she's not a freeloader ;_;) * Tairan peers quizzically at Millie, then shakes her hand. "I hope you are as skilled with your rifle as you say. If so, this will be a formidable group indeed." * Millie shakes the hand firmly and grins. "Greenpeace an' I go way back, yup." * Mikoto shakes Millie's hand vigorously once Tairan's done. Stronger than he looks, though that's not hard to accomplish. "I'm sure this journey will be much more interesting with you along." * Millie almost blushes but smiles very brightly at Mikoto. She seems pretty pleased. "How sweet of you ta say so! You've actually got some manners to ya...unlike SOME people." * Millie grins and waves her other hand to John. * Suzunosuke blinks. * John smirks. "Jus' remember whatcha said Millie. You ain't gettin shots from me." He waves back. "Glad you think so highly of me too." * Millie notices Suz's look and smiles. "Didn't mean you, hun. Don't worry." * Mikoto grins. "Manners are free, after all. No sense in keeping them all to yourself." * Suzunosuke holds his peace. * Millie watches Suzunosuke for some time then finally releases grip on Mikoto's hand. "So, what do y'all think we should pick up?" Transport's taken care of, but there'll be more than that when we actually get there. * Mikoto goes to take a seat again, surreptitiously shaking his hand a little to get the blood flow started again. I have some food and water - what more does one need? Well, might need somethin' ta dress any wounds... Maybe some rope so's we can take prisoners if that's possible..though I'm not sure. * Jinx shrugs. "And camping equipment if you like some comfort." I got some rope, but we might need a little more. If one o' them hid that there tablet with someone else, shootin' 'em all'll get nothin' * Millie puts her knuckles to her cheek and thinks, pacing the floor. * Mikoto laces his hands under his chin. "I wonder about this tablet. Did anyone else get any details about it?" * Millie shakes her head. "No. Must be quite a find though for them ta be so worried 'bout it." * John shakes his head. "I haven't heard anything." * Jinx shakes his head. "Nope, it's an artifact so people want it. Same as always." Even if it doesn't split that much, 5000 dollars ain't cheap. I am somewhat... disturbed by our hostess's lack of detail about this object. Lack of givin' 'em to us or lack o' havin' them herself? She did seem uninformed, herself. Maybe. Or she's got a good poker face. * Millie grins at Jinx. Cute lady though... * Jinx grins. "Treasure hunters are always like that. Fortunately, I don't think this science society is the sort for shooting you in the back when you have the artifact. That's all I ask." Yeah...I s'pose we're worryin' too much 'bout it. * Mikoto sighs a little. "Well, I certainly don't speak any ancient languages, so it's not of much use to me... but I admit to being curious as to why it's worth something." He smiles. "Then again, nothing has to be worth something to be stolen." Though I wanna know why this tablet's so important. It's worth at least 5000 dollars, we know that much. Probably a good amount more than that. * Millie still paces, going the other way. ( Everyone speaks an ancient language. This one :P ) Or the bandits stole something else they aren't telling us about. Keep your eyes on the tablet while there's a valuable hat or something. * John nods. "This could very well be a distraction." I don't think that'd be the case. I mean..usually ancient finds ARE tablets an' stuff. * Mikoto shrugs. "I'm curious, but there's not much sense in overanalyzing the situation. We won't know anything until we get there, after all." But the tablet may lead to a "valuable hat"...a crown..a tomb...somethin'. * Jinx chuckles. Which reminds me." He lays out three cards in front of Suzunosuke. "This is three card Monte, don't play it, save your money for honest gamblers like me." * Millie nods. "We're wastin' valuable supply gatherin' time." * John snickers. "Lets get what we need before we head out." * Millie flicks up her hat and smiles again. "I'll see y'all at the station then. Again, I think we'll work well together." * John gets up and looks around. "What do you think we need?" * Millie heads out the door on her way for a supply run. * Jinx smiles at Millie. "Looking forward to it." * Tairan nods, and heads out. * John shrugs and heads out to grab supplies. * Suzunosuke conults a different set of notes, then walks out of the room for the train station, finding a place to top off the canteen along the way. * Jinx gathers up his cards and goes looking for a quick game before the train leaves. [You guys head out to buy supplies! Coincidentally, the nearest post is just down the street. A proud sign proclaims, in both Teckian and Injun, "Crazy Feathers' Adventurin' Gear"] (Hellz yeah, Carzy feathers!) * Mikoto walks to the door and turns around to address whoever's left... which appears to be nobody. He wanders back to wherever he was staying to get his things and head for the train station. (I got the equipment I need) * Millie heads into Crazy Feathers' to buy supplies! * Kirby is now known as CrazyFeathers * John moves into the shop of loony feathers. * Tairan eyes the shop. He can't read the signs worth a damn, but it's pretty obvious what they're selling. * MaryAnne jsut so happens to actual be in the Crazy Feather's supply outpost. * MaryAnne seems to be purchasing academic supplies like ink. * Millie smiles a bit. "Didn't know you needed stuff too, Miss Mary." [Ok, everyone getting supplies, stay here. Everyone going to the station: #Station. Everyone doing something else, you're out of luck :P] * Millie looks around just to see what crazy deals she can get for crazy stuff. (Jinx is out of luck. %#$$ Ironic really. ) ( I have everything I think I need - I've been on the road for some time, and Suz doesn't know from technical adventuring gear. ) * MaryAnne hears Millie's voice and turns to her and smiles "Oh, hello Miss Reinhart. I just had to pick up a few small items." * Millie smiles. "Me too...let's see...I think a few torches, rope..wonder if they've got anythin' ta stop wounds too.." (Jinx: Well, if you end up there, go when you do. ^_~) (Righto. ^_^ Want me to make a gambling role in the interum, or just assume he can't find a game? ) * John hmms as he looks at some of the supplies. Shouldn't need all too much. "Oh, that is very forward thinking of you Miss Reinhart." she nods in approval. "Can't be to careful out in the wilderness." Y'all can never be too prepared on the road. I've been at this a while... Just how far is this going to be from any established settlement? I wanted ta know though..what's this thing your society does exactly? [You enter Crazy Feathers' Adventurin' Gear! It's full of... stuff. Lots of stuff. Just about anything you'd need for a journey by foot or horseback, not to mention a good portion makes a reasonable impersonation of a general store, offering things you wouldn't normally buy, like ink.] * Millie looks at John slightly, just a bit peeved at the interruption but not very. * MaryAnne notices John "Oh, hello Mister John. Well, as I understand it, it should take several hours travel by coach disembarking from the train." * John notices and tips his hat. "Heh, sorry 'bout that." [The clerk... so to speak... is a dark-skinned Injun with twinkling black eyes. He has a wide smile on his face, and his long, black hair is done in beads and feathers. Lots and lots of feathers. He's wearing a considerable amount of jewelry, too, and Injun dress.] Hours are better than days though. An' if these bandits jus' robbed the place, we want ta get there soon as possible so we don't lose the trail. No guarentee they actually camped out an' stopped. * Tairan looks around, and shrugs. "Got what I need, and can't afford what I don't." [Also, scattered about the store are glass cases: in some instances, it's obvious why an item is put under glass; jewelry, for example. In others, such as a small, brass rocking horse, it's not so obvious.] * MaryAnne looks at Millie "Oh, well, we explore sites that may provide us with insight to the past, as well as the persuit of furthing science and knowledge." * Millie turns around towards Crazy Feathers, at least she assumes it's Crazy Feathers. Her eyes seem to be roaming the store for any firearms. * John waits for Mille's conversation to be done. I was considering food... As in weather we'll need to purchase any here. * CrazyFeathers grins at Millie. "How. Can Crazy Feathers help you?" * Millie nods slightly at Mary, still looking. "That's jus' the sorta thing I was lookin' for...ya think I could join your society after this is done, Miss Mary?" * Millie perks up and smiles her cute little smile at Crazy. "Howdy. Y'all don't happen ta have the latest Wenston's in stock, do ya?" * Millie clears her throat. "Ahem..I mean I'm lookin' for travellin' supplies." * John snickers. Crazy Feathers has. And has. * Millie eyes light up brightly and she clasps her hands. "REALLLY? Where are they? Where are they???" * MaryAnne looks at John "Well, Mister John. I took the liberty of messaging ahead of use to secure a coach as well as a few days of supplies, just in case. It might not hurt to have some of your own, of course, but I don't believe it would be absolutely vital." * Millie 's bouncing up and down and up and down on her feet. * John nods. * MaryAnne turns her attention to Millie "Well, I can't presume to speak for the society on such matters, but I am sure if your assistance provides valuable, the society would look favorably on you." * CrazyFeathers moves behind the counter, for just a sec, and very quickly returns with the weapon in question. He shows it to Millie, grinning widely. * Millie turns around towards Mary, her eyes losing their glitter. "Huh?" * Millie swivels back around and looks at the gun and squeals in delight, picking it up. "Ooo..you're a cute little one ain'tcha? Ain'tcha??" Very cute. * Millie puts it against her cheek and rubs against it lovingly. Man, you just don't know when to quit, do you? ... You buy, yes? * Millie 's lost in her own little world. "How much? How much??" * CrazyFeathers grins widely. "Eighty-five dollars." * Millie blinks a little and her face falls. She sets it slowly on the counter. "Ahehe..." * CrazyFeathers frowns a bit. "You no want cute gun?" Well...um...how 'bout some rope, somethin' ta deal with wounds, an' some torches? * Millie pouts at Crazy Feathers and tries the Trembly Look #156 on him. "I can't afford it...." Ahhhhh.... You want Injun Healing potion! * Millie bites her thumb and gets all teary eyed, hoping he'll buy it. * Tairan blinkblinks. * MaryAnne sees that Millie is busy and John seems through speaking with her, so goes about getting her few little items...and ink! * John continues to look around. * Tairan turns his attention to the shopkeeper. Can'tcha do a discount for a sweet little girl like me? After all, a girl's gotta protect herself in this dangerous world... * Millie lets out a pathetic sniffle. (Keep in mind Millie has Greenpeace on her back.) * CrazyFeathers disappears behind the counter, calling "$84?" (She's well aware of that ^^;) For all of it? * Millie looks somewhat hopeful. * CrazyFeathers reemerges with five tourches, a length of rope, and four small bottles. "For gun." * Millie pouts, dreading the next question. "An'..how much for all of this? But only two torches.." * John looks around the store, with nothing really catching his interest. He heads to his horse, then the train station. * CrazyFeathers sets the rest of the torches aside, and smiles happily. "Crazy Feathers give you bargain. $320." (Taking his horse with him of course. ^^) * MaryAnne gathers her few items and then walks up to the counter. She has a bottle of ink, a couple of writting implements (feather pens?), and a spare journal. * Millie looks at Crazy Feather's for a moment and speaks very crestfallen. "That with or without the gun...?" Without. With... Mmmm.... $400. Is very good bargain, yes? (Isn't he generous, folks?) (Wow, damn expensive place) * Millie looks to the items, then the gun, then the items, then the gun....she seems to be having a lot of trouble. * Millie lets out a long sigh and hangs her head dejectedly. "Without the gun. How much are those freaky potions anyhow?" Normally $70, but Crazy Feathers give nice discount. * Millie 's jaw drops. "EACH???" Is very good potion! "My goodness." I'll jus' take two then, ya swindler. * Millie grumbles more under her breath. None of it sounds kind. Crazy Feathers no swindler! * Millie smiles brightly. "Sorry hun. I'll take two of your...fine potions, a length of rope, an' two torches....my good sir." How much is that? $170. * Millie lets out a little breath. "I guess that's a little more reasonable." * Millie fishes out the money, speaking down to the counter. "Sorry baby. Millie'll be back for ya, you hear?" * CrazyFeathers regains his grin. "Good. You pay Crazy Feathers now." * Millie puts the money on the counter, smile cracking. She's showing a LOT of teeth. * CrazyFeathers takes the money as soon as Millie puts it down and counts it. So's he. Thank you! Buy from Crazy Feathers again! * Millie picks up her stuff, resisting the urge to pocket the gun and run. ( Do it. You know you want to. ^_^ ) * Millie smiles stiffly. "Thank YOU, Crazy." No, thank YOU, Crazy Feathers' customer. * Millie walks out of the store just as stiffly, items in arm. * Tairan sliiiiiiides up to the counter. "One potion, please. Pays to be prepared." * CrazyFeathers nods. "$68." * Millie loses the smile just as she steps out and glares back at the shop. "No good cheat takin' advantage of ol' Millie Reinhart..you'll getchors....I'ma gunna..." * Millie mumbles all the way down to the station. she smiles politely "I do believe I would like to purchase two medicinal potions as well as these writing items here. Once can't be too cautious." * Tairan takes some money out of a pocket. "Do you accept kanmon?" * CrazyFeathers looks at Mary. "Crazy Feathers be with you in one moment. Apologize for delay." He looks back at Tairan. "Yes. 100 kanmon." * Tairan winces. "Bad exchange rate." *hands over the money* * MaryAnne smiles at CrazyFeathers "I don't mind at all." Crazy Feather has to go to Shomura to spend. Is good exchange rate. * CrazyFeathers takes the money and gives Tairan a potion. "Thank you, Crazy Feathers' customer. When people ask where you buy potion, you say you buy Crazy!" * Tairan nods. "Bad for me, I meant. Pleasure doing business with you." * MaryAnne waits patiently and seems cheerful enough. (Wait, so people start with 500 dollars/konman, but konman are worth 42% less? =P) * Tairan heads out to the station ( Not in Shomura :P ) (Depends on where you are and who you're buying from.) (Prices are hardly consistent.) * CrazyFeathers turns to Mary Anne and smiles. "Thank you for waiting, Crazy Feathers' customer. How. Can Crazy Feathers' help you?" (Yeah, but the game isn't taking place in Shomura, is it? ^_~) (Not right now, it isn't.) ( Not yet, no :P ) ( We didn't create it for it to not be used c.c ) Altogether... You pay Crazy Feathers $135. * MaryAnne smiles politely "I would like these items, Mr. CrazyFeathers as well as two of your medicinal concoctions." Yes. You pay Crazy Feathers $135. * MaryAnne smiles "Oh, you are so shrew, Mr. CrazyFeathers, even after I brought you in two custmers too. Would you be willing to take $100. I am sure it will help persuade me to shop here more in the future." she smiles politely. Hmm... $100 far too low. Crazy Feathers gain no profit. But Crazy Feathers give discount. $130. ( What a generous guy. c.c; ) ( $_$ ) (Compared to what he did to Millie and Tairan? Hell yeah.) * MaryAnne smiles "Well, Mr. CrazyFeathers, you are certainly a hard barginer. How about $115." Hmmm.... Is still big loss for Crazy Feathers, but Crazy Feathers nice, so he give more discount. $125. * MaryAnne continues smiling "Very well, Mr. CrazyFeathers," she reaches into her handbag and produces the $125. * MaryAnne hands it to him "Here you are." * CrazyFeathers smiles as he takes the money and counts through it. "Thank you, Crazy Feathers' customer! Remember, shop Crazy!" * MaryAnne smiles and says politely "I will keep that in mind. Thank you kindly, Mr. CrazyFeathers. Good evening to you." she gather her items, curtsies, and leaves. * MaryAnne gathers her travel bag, goes to the station, gets the tickets, and seeks out the others. [Mary reaches the station! She sees the entire group there, in varying states of happiness/psychoticness/confusion.] (Go psychoticness!) (I presume it is close to departure time?) ( Yup ) * MaryAnne sees to everyone getting on the train "Very good everyone. Let us get on the train now." * Millie reaches back in her pack and pulls out her pass. "Jus' 'bout time I think.." * Jinx nods and glances over to Mikoto. "Oh, and it's just Jinx, don't worry about the Mr. If you prefer to be formal Errant Hare will do, though Mr. Hare sounds even sillier." * Millie grins at Jinx. "How'sabout Erry?" * Suzunosuke boards as the opportunity (and ticket) arises. [The conductor calls for passangers to board. Someone starts leading the horses onto the train.] * Mikoto laughs and extends his hand to Jinx. "Alright, just Jinx. Considering I'm just 'Mikoto', I can understand that." * Jinx shakes his head, bemused. "Well, I've already got a nickname, but if you like." * Millie grins. "So's pretty boy. I think I'll call him J.J. from now on." * Tairan follows the others onto the train, once there's someone to follow. * Jinx shakes Mikoto's hand. * Millie heads on the train, holding her pass ready for anyone about to question her about the ticket. ( Must not envision Jinx as Halle Berry. ) * Jinx watches the to make sure his horse is loaded and then gets on board. * John keeps an eye on Hazel 'till he's sure she's comming aboard. * MaryAnne boards the train making sure the others have their tickets (Yeah, that's an important distinction. Even if I did steal the nickname. ^_~ ) [Hazel trips and impales herself on the jagged rocks that appear below! Or not. She makes it on fine.] * Mikoto gets on the train. And such. * John boards the train after he recieves his ticket from their 'tour guide.' * Jinx comments quietly as he boards, "Do keep on guard everyone, let it never be said that I don't share my luck, it won't all be good." I'll join ya at the tables for a spell if that's alright, Jinxy? * MaryAnne settles down to a comfortable seat once inside. * John nods, and makes special note of where his horse is being kept. * Jinx nods and smiles. [Everyone makes it onto the train. Yay! The happyfun bandit huntin' tablet retrievin' group departs for Rand McNallyton!] [End Session.]