Children With Knives

[Arson Anthem]

Sir yes sir! *I back the car out from under the fake trees, turn it around, and head for the gate and the road. Instead of going back to the main highway, I turn south, heading deeper into the desert*

[Funhouse Gear]

*I lean against the window, facing Vespa. She should be coming around in the next few minutes, and I don't want her to catch me off guard.*

[Sylvia Main]

So, this is Vespa... *I look at her and scowl. I really don't like the thought that we just kidnapped her but if it's for the greater good then I suppose we had to.* When do you think she comes around? Should we use her radio to contact Bunny or not?

[Arson Anthem]

*I glance back at the unconscious woman* No idea when she'll wake, but it should be soon. And yeah, I guess now's as good a time as any to contact Bunny. You want to, since I'm driving?

[Sylvia Main]

Yeppers... *I take Vespa's radio and take a deep breath before turning it on. I look anxiously at Arson and Gear, then speak.* Miss Faith. Please respond.

[Funhouse Gear]

*I focus on Vespa, trying not to show how nervous this whole thing makes me. I'm used to going in, shooting a bit, and getting out, not this babysitting bit. Crows should be shot or avoided, not taken home for supper.*

[bunny killightly]

*Radios in a very relaxed manner, recognising the voice on the other end* You've reached Faith, 2nd in command of the Scarecrow Department. How can I help you?

[Arson Anthem]

*I turn onto another road, muttering to myself* She sounds so... sane. This is going to be impossible...

[Sylvia Main]

Hmm, yes, hello Miss Faith. I thought it best to inform you before anyone else found out. You see, one of your top agents has gone missing and doesn't seem to be returning to base. A Miss Vespa. I'm sure you're quite familiar with her and I didn't want you to worry. *I can't help but smile a bit even though I know I'm being horrible and crude.*

[Funhouse Gear]

*I smile at Retro's description of events*

[bunny killightly]

*RB Still very calm* You do know that a hoax nowadays is punishable by death, yes? And kidknapping or murder of a crow agent is punishable by a Long, Slow, Painfull death, yes?

[Sylvia Main]

*I chuckle softly* Oh, Faith. I've been there and done that. Your threats don't scare me. *In truth, they terrify me. I've faced death too many times and it's conquered me once. I have no wish to be anywhere near that again and have to fight the feeling to run away with every once of courage in my body.* I think you might want Miss Vespa back. Unfortunately I think she won't be very cooperative when she awakes and we may not have any choice but to... deal with her in the appropreite manner.

[bunny killightly]

*RB* Oh Miss Main. You did show Incredible promise. Yes I know exactly who are and what you were capable of. Never underestimate Better Living. You will come back to us, I'll see to that. Now about Vespa. You will return her to the city or we will hunt you down. You do remember what that was like, do you not?

[Arson Anthem]

*We start heading up into some hills, and the road gets narrower. I haven't been out this way before, but I met a killjoy once who said there was an old mining town past these hills. I listen closely to Retro and Bunny, turning down the volume on my radio so I'm not distracted by the echo*

[Sylvia Main]

*I shudder but keep my voice level* Well, send your Dracs and CROW agents. But we're on the move and they won't arrive in time. We're plenty capable of taking down your agents, you've been with us and seen us in action yourself. You know this. Miss Vespa won't last long at all if you make that decision. Now, on to the real business. I didn't call up to just chat about old times and hear hollow threats. If you want Miss Vespa back to you alive and well I suggest we make a deal. Come out to the zones yourself, with Angel, mind you. If she's in any sort of ill condition, expect to receive Vespa in the exact same condition.