Return To Sender

[Volume Virus]

Yes. That's what I said, but I am not going in there unless I must. Deal?

[Alexander Ludovico]

*Standing in front of the last house, I stop again. There's no answer when I knock on the door, and it's locked when I try the handle. Peeking between the boards that cover the windows, I squint into the darkness. Is that... there's something slumped on the floor. It could be a body, but then again it could be a blanket, or a duffle bag, or maybe just an odd shadow. After all, it's nearly pitch black. I can smell something that makes me think it's a body, though.*

*I start to reach for my radio, preset to the Unit 8 frequency, but then stop. The window is at just the right angle to let me see the front door - slanted, sure, but visible. There's a dark smear on it that doesn't look accidental, and I can't be positive, but I'd bet at least one paycheck that it's a symbol. Not just any symbol - a Greek symbol. And the Oracle... that's a Greek name. It's a long shot, but suddenly the radio is a lot less appealing. No need to call in the troops if there's a chance I've stumbled over the Oracle's trail.*

*In the alley, I set to work prying boards off a side window. The guard tower's completely out of sight, and I decide whatever killjoys may or may not be inside can have the run of the place for at least a few more minutes. I want to see this.*

[Volume Virus]

*I hear a loud cracking noise from the ground. I look down, then back up in horror.* He's going inside. Sona, he's going inside. Now what? Should we...try to capture him?

[Stained Sonata]

*I bit my lip, contemplating. For our leader, she was pretty indecisive. Not that I blamed her. I pulled out a knife, none the less, in case matters got worse.* The poison on this should slow him down, even paralyze him if I can get a good shot... Should we run? *I still left the decision up to her. If we got caught, this whole 'rescue' mission would be pretty pointless.*

[doctorwhen]

*I disconnect and slightly open the door,* anything you guys want me to do? Looks like your in a bit of a jam...

[Volume Virus]

Don't get involved, we might still be able to get him away from us. You guys stay here and stay out of sight. *I climb down the back of the building (I am getting really good at climbing with tiny footholds today) and take a moment to compose myself. Once I've breathed a bit, straightened my wig, and gotten into character, I walk up to the guy.* Do you need a little help with that?

[Alexander Ludovico]

*I pull off a third board with a crack, and spare a glance at the young woman who approaches me.* Be my guest. I think the inhabitants might be in a bit of, ah, trouble. But what's a pretty girl like you doing out so close to the wall? It'll be dark soon, you know.

*I keep my tone light, but my mind is working like crazy. She could be just a harmless civilian, and her clothes aren't overly colorful. But then again, this /is/ an odd place to be hanging around. And with the odd video feeds, it seems more than likely she's a killjoy in disguise. I'm reasonably sure I can take her down, but I don't know how many others might be nearby.*

[doctorwhen]

*i quickly take out pieces to a rifle and begin constructing it* just in case...

[Volume Virus]

*I shrug.* I was just taking a walk around the block. You were making a commotion, so I decided to see what was happening. And what do you mean, they're in trouble? Do you mean...Killjoys? *I would normally fake fear, but thinking of all the blood I've already seen inside fills me with legitimate fear.*

[Alexander Ludovico]

Mm. *I answer noncommittally, still not convinced she's a civilian. I'm less willing to go inside now, too, and risk the close quarters. But I so want a look around... When the fourth board comes off there's room to force the window up, and I immediately take a quick step back, covering my nose and trying not to retch. The gust of air smells like blood, sour meat, and all the unmentionable fluids that leave the human body after decomposition sets in. I guess it wasn't a blanket on the floor after all.*

I, ah... hm. *Between the unsavory scene waiting inside, and the possible killjoy standing next to me, I decide retreat might be the best option. I can always follow a crew inside the house later. A hazmat suit might be nice. And maybe if the woman realizes I'm calling for backup, she'll leave without calling attention to herself. I pull out my radio, using the smell from the house as an excuse to back farther away from the woman.* I think I'll call the authorities in on this one. I'm not quite up to a one-man homicide investigation. Thanks for your offer to help, though.

[Volume Virus]

Oh, I am not going in there. Just the smell makes me a bit.... *I have to back up, like him. It's almost worse out here.* Just thought you needed a bit of help with the boards. If you were trying to get them off anyway. I should...just.... *I back away from him hesitantly, not wanting him to call the authorities on me. I'm starting to shake and fill with adrenaline. It's all I can do not to sprint away or tackle the guy. Fight or flight?*

[Stained Sonata]

*"Don't get involved" huh? I try not to sigh in exasperation as I watch the scene unfold. If she get's caught, we're all screwed. Although she was pulling this off quite well so far.*

[Alexander Ludovico]

*She's definitely more nervous than she should be. I can feel my own anxiety at the thought of the decomposing /things/ being dampened by my medication. If she's shaking like that, it means she's probably not on the pills. Why do killjoys have to keep coming into the city? If they want help they can just walk in, and if not, they should really just keep digging in the sand and leave us alone. I smile and hit the transmit button.*

*rb Unit 8* Hello, this is Vico, calling Unit 8 and the Tower in general. I've found a couple bodies by the second quadrant city wall, and someone should probably come take a look.

*Giving the killjoy a little wave, I start for the corner leading to the street. It's rather too isolated here in the alley for my taste. When I continue the transmission I pitch my voice lower, hoping it doesn't carry back*

*rb Unit 8* Be aware, there may be killjoys nearby. Watch the guard tower and come armed.

[Volume Virus]

Um, i-if your people are coming, I should...I should go home. Especially if you think there's something alive in there. I don't want to get myself hurt, sir. I'm sorry I couldn't, um, be very helpful....

[Stained Sonata]

*'Just get out of there..' I thought nervously. I eyed the man suspiciously as he walked away; something didn't quite feel right."