@Patches @tex

Jenso nodded at Gossick. "Yeah, of course, I don't mind!" He said, and moved his hands close to the batteries as he aimed the palms of his hands at them. He began to fill the batteries and looked at Mikey. "Why not? I don't have anything better to do!" Jenso shouted cheerfully at Mickey. He didn't have any malicious intent, he was truly doing this because he was feeling bored. And what better way was there to keep himself entertained by helping someone out in the process?

@Jensoman @Patches

What was that look he's giving me? Gossick thought to himself, I don't like it.

Thank you. Gossick said, nodding at Jenso. As I'm sure you're aware, magic makes things a lot easier, a non-caster who works in magic has even more difficulty. Shrugging, Gossick put the batteries back under the table.

While to many, magic was a spiritual process and was viewed as such. But to many, such as Gossick, the Universal Machine, and from the looks of it, Mikey, it was all a science.

@Afro Samurai @tex @Patches
"Well Nino, your bill can be on me tonight, but let me tell ya somethin'. This is the kinda place where curiosity could kill a cat, so don't go pokin' your nose where it don't belong. As a general rule, try 'an keep within eyesight of me, 'kay?"

After ordering some milk, with the somewhat strange instructions to put it in a bowl instead of a glass, she went to sit beside Quinn. "So, Quinny boy, tell me 'bout your day. Sounds like ya had a rough one, do ya need me to go and rough up any goons for ya? And yeah, this is Nino. Nice little fella, if you can get past him bein' an asshole." she winked at Quinn. "And Nino, this is Quinn. Good pal of mine, even if he can be a bit of a numbskull sometimes."

The only reaction she gave to Mazone's singing was a strange glance and a raised eyebrow. Sure was a strange one, that foreigner. Not the best singing voice, either, although she had heard much, much worse.

All in all, this was turning out to be a strange, but enjoyable night so far. Things could always go wrong, but Lucille was a natural optimist. She ordered herself one of her regular cocktails, deciding there wasn't anything important keeping her from getting a bit tipsy tonight.

@Yomojo@Afro Samurai@patches

---

"Curiosity cannot kill, Lucille. It is an emotional prospect, and wields no weapons," Nino barked, padding alongside Lucille, aloof to the dangers that might've lurked all around him. He jumped upon the table that separated Lucille and Quinn, patiently waiting for his order to arrive. Lucille's brief introduction of Quinn's character raised no red flags, and did little to change his first impression of the half-mechanised man. He glanced in his direction as Lucille introduced him in advance and nodded silently.

"Charmed, Sir toaster," He quipped, "I would prefer that you refrain from referring to me as a cat, lest you crave to stroke my fur the wrong way." Nino yawned and licked his lips, closing his eyes slowly in contentment. He opened them again and shot Quinn a threatening glance. "And please, keep your appendages away from me. I've no desire for pets from the likes of machinery," Nino wretched, still disgusted by Tetu's earlier treatment. The cat's eyes slung towards the aforementioned 'gentlemen' to witness his lyrical talents for a moment before his eyes met the table's surface.

"That one is indecent," He mewled quietly.

@Afro Samurai
Nice set of pipes you have there. QUinn said, Making me jealous. Don't make me want to kick you outta here outta jealousy, 'kay?

@Yomojo
Ah, my day! Quinn said, as he waited for his drink The rough job I mentioned? See I was delivering a package for an anomynous customer, you know that Brumuse man that lives in Villersburg, the man who comes by here for "business"? Don't think you know him. Turns out he's a member of the Drekka. He didn't wanna pay, so he said "You'll be the one paying, paying with your life" like he's some sorta villain from those radio shows. So I got in a fight and roughed him up and took his wallet, but got a few bruises myself. He said, taking a wallet from his pocket. He also lowered the collar of his shirt a bit, revealing a large bruise on his collar. So now I think I've pissed off some Drekka connected to him. But hey, I'll take them any day.

@tex
Look who is callin' who indecent! I have these parts of mine cleaned every night. State of the art White Teeth mechanics! I even get parts replaced when I have the money.

@Ember Storm
@Patches
With the immediate danger gone, Johnny finally got a good look at the room that he was in. It was not a pretty picture.

"Juss' what in sam hell..."

Johnny muttered to nobody in particular, wondering if he should really investigate, or if he should just let himself stay blissfully ignorant. Eventually, curiosity won out over fear, and Johnny took a second look at that operating table.

Daud was staying calm, his eerie brand of calmness coming out as the party began to descend into chaos. Looking around, he saw that the guests's true nature coming into light - Paranoid and treacherous. Smirking behind his visor, he obeyed Gregor's command, turning around and covering his visor with his arm.

"Is it time to show these sycophants why they should fear the law?!" Daud shouted as the flashbang was thrown, sounding strangely gleeful. So gleeful that he may have accidentally revealed what he was to the rest of the crowd.

@Patches
@Nashie
Astrid watched her opponents burn, her face impassive. Three less Children in the world. She felt little from their deaths, just a simple acknowledgement that her logic was confirmed, as she had known it would be. They could die like any other, and they would die, all of them in time.

With Johnny's mutter, she approached the table as well. "What is it that you see, Golden Boy?" she asked, examining the table herself.

@Patches @Afro Samurai @tex
Lucy sticks out her tongue after hearing Quinn's story, giving a dismissive raspberry. "Fukkin' Drekka. Think they can just romp 'round the city doin whatever they want just 'cuz they make shit. Hey, Quinn, any of those fuckers come after ya, let me know and I'll be there to let 'em know who they're messin' with. And if they continue to overstep their bounds, maybe we should think of tryin' to drive 'em out of New Wickborough, the dirty rats."

Lucy, shakes her head, visibly angry. She then sighs, face relaxing, and a sly smirk returns to her visage. "But enough of that, we're here for a good time." she nods her head over in Mazone's direction "And it looks like the foreigner's already got a head start on us. Hey Nino, ever had anythin' alcoholic before?" she shoots over to the cat.

@Yomojo@Afro Samurai@patches

---

Nino glanced at Quinn quizzically. "The technology of humanity never ceases to baffle me. But I was speaking of the dark man," Nino explained briefly, looking back towards Tetu with a scowl. When he heard Lucille mention the drink, his tongue curled. "No, and I do not plan on partaking in that filth. Alcohol dulls the senses and turns perfectly decent humans into buffoonish animals," He grunted, "I can't imagine why one would sacrifice their common sense for a short-lived spurt of barbaric bliss. I suppose animals differ from humans far too much, even when gifted with intellect." Nino looked around and narrowed his eyes. "Though I must admit, I wish I could understand this camaraderie that plagues you humans. You group yourselves into factions, the Drek-Drek the shiny teeth the goldie-men... I've never felt that I fit in anywhere with the humans."

@Ember Storm@MercuryNH
@hefewy
With his allies down and taking the cue, Gregor held his hand up high. It started off as a glimmer, as if saying "Hey look at me!" Then, from his hand, a powerful burst of light emitted, then it was gone in just a second or two. But, it was certainly powerful enough to to blind and disorient those looking at it for a bit. Let's get out of here! Head to the gardens! Keep your head down and we'll get to the back from there Gregor said, making a run for it. Kid, do you have the card? He asked Mercury as he began running towards the exit to the gardens.

Before long, the guests, Drekka, normal black market broker, and Children member alike were at each others throats. Magic based projectiles flying around the room.

Stumbling awawy, covering his face with his mask failing to protect his eyes, Gustrag grunted in pain, Don't just stand there, you fools! Protect me! Gustrag said, as several guards came running to his side, one of them setting up a stone shield over him.

---

@Blizzardofoz123
The man did in fact have some sort of explosive device on him, only about the size of a wallet. Vials of liquid and gas-based Yim, with a long wire coming off of it leading to the guard's arm. With all their secrets having to be locked up tight, such an explosive device was a last resort.

I fail to see the excitement in this. Yoshimi brushed herself off. I love myself a good fight, but nearly dying and facing a group as bad as the Children? I liked it better when they were just undercover... Regardless, if I come face to face with one of their commanders, I will not hesitate again.

She motioned to where Astrid and Johnny went, Come on, let's go

@Nashie@Ember Storm
Looks like there was a recent operation. There was blood on it that looked fresh, and not just because of the fight. Whatever procedure was done on it, must've been done earlier in the day. On the counter next to the table, was a medical file, only slightly singed from the earlier explosion.

Artificial Amalgamation Project: Subject C

---

From the balcony of the party, a white haired man watched the chaos ensue, shaking his head, with him, a masked woman. Seems the fat pig can't even control 4 people breaking into his house and causing problems. Xenan said, annoyed, the fact that Daud was alive and well after their last encounter not helping the matter. He's compromised everything... Looking to the woman, Xenan nodded Gustrag's got rats in the basement. Go after them. I'll take care of these ones.

With that, the woman nodded Serve the queen.

Serve the Queen.

In a display of magic, the two disappeared.

@Patches
Duff saw the flash light up the room, pulling his revolver and sabre out as it happened. Anyone who came at him in some manner would be cut down without hesitation, either with a good slice for the Voidstone infused sabre or with a .455 calibre round from the gun. He kept close to Gregor; he was, after all, meant to play the part of a bodyguard. "Yeh sure we're gonna be able to get outta here, mate?" he asked, keeping a surprising speed up despite his old war wound. "Cuz even if we do, th'question remains as t'what we're gonna do after."

@Patches

Kordan just grinned, gathering the explosive and slipping it into his robe, keeping it safe. Turning to Yoshimi, he smirked.
"You're not near as much fun as I give you credit for then. I finally have bad guys to set on fire. No qualms, no ethical conundrum, no should I or shouldn't I. The children are evil, plain and simple, and I get to strut my stuff. I'm ecstatic. Yoshimi.
Now, let's get with our friends."
Looking up at the grate ceiling above him, a sparking fireball coalesced in the palm of his hand, and a blaze burned in his eyes...
@Nashie
Johnnie and Astrid would hear a the loud sound of rippling, roiling flame as a pillar of it erupted from the floor below them, over where Kordan and Yoshimi had been. The metal wilted before it liquefied, leaving a glowing hole of molten material. Rising on a gust of wind, Kordan stepped through, having successfully gotten through the grate in his own fashion.
"How did you two fare up here?"

@Jensoman@Patches

---

Mikey narrowed his eyes and Jenso for a few moments, waiting for him to show any sign of weakness or dishonesty. Mikey was awfully good at reading people, after all, even if it didn't serve him all that well in the past. Something about this guy just rang absolute trust though, as if they'd met in another life as friends! It was perturbing, but Mikey was in the market for a new caster assistant. One that wouldn't blow up another one of his machines. He nodded and offered a shy smile. "Eh, if you're so sure about it, I suppose you could assist me... But my research isn't really all that exciting, man," Mikey said, turning back to Gossick, "and from the perspective of most mages, it may sound like something outright impossible. You absolutely sure about that?" Mikey reached into his pocket and pulled out a fair amount of money, slapping it onto the table in front of Gossick. "This enough for one of each?" He asked, referring to the batteries he'd asked for earlier.

@tex @Patches

"No problem!" Jenso replied to Gossick, and smiled at Mikey. "Hey, no worries. I'm glad I can help out. I'm sure that watching you and helping you build that machine will still be really interesting!" He said to him. "For starters, I can help carry materials for you if you want!" He said. He wasn't about to let Mikey order him around like his slave, but he was certainly willing to help him out as his assistant. He was happy to prove his worth to the man.

@tex
With a nod, Gossick confirmed the order, That'll cover it, yes. He took the money and handed over the batteries. I am getting a new shipment soon, so I will be restocked soon. If you're looking for new supplies, then I'll still be here... I get few customers, that it's nice to have ones who stay and chat. With the right planning and research, as well as the right materials, any one can do what a caster can do... Except for, say, cast without the need of a rune.

@Jensoman
As long as you cause no issue with research and development, you may assist either I or him. Gossick said, adjusting his classes. This Jenso guy was really rambunctious. It was nice to meet people who'd help out, especially around the slum area.

@Patches

>The instant the guard is down, her capacity to work through crowds is suddenly more handy than ever. It doesn't take long for Mercury to bob and weave her way through the chaos to at least get within earshot of Gregor as she makes for the gardens. Hopefully that guard learned his lesson and just stays down.

I got it! What good is it now that the whole thing's gone to shit?

@Patches
@MercuryNH
@Ember Storm

Once the flash went off, Daud quickly turned back to Gregor, smiling wildly under his visor, let out a boisterous guffaw as he ran after him, making sure to ram into a few party-goers as he did so. He was finally able to do something about this wretched party.

"BWAHAHAHA! I am the hammer, I am the spear, I am the blade of justice! Tremble, ye lawless sycophants, for a LAWBRINGER is here!" He shouted in his booming voice, storming out of the mansion, his enormous weight causing the floor around him to quake with each step.

As he met up with Gregor, Mercury and Duff, he spoke.

"Gregor, my comrade, just give me the word and I will cut any of these wretches down. Anything to further our cause!" He panted as he ran, looking to the other two as well. "You two as well! Justice will be served tonight!"

@Patches
@Ember Storm

Johnny picked up the manila folder and immediately felt his fingers go numb when he read the heading.

"Artificial amal-"


Johnny's stomach cut him off, coming very close to ejecting his lunch at the thought of what this fat bastard was doing.

"Oh... that does it." Johnny growled

Gustrag had to be stopped. No scumbag like this could be allowed to walk freely, let alone get his hands on an Isz rune. Up until now, Johnny had been trying to handle Gustrag's goons with as minimal of bloodshed as possible. No more. Whatever it took to get that Isz rune out of this slovenly son of a bitch's hands, Johnny would do it.

@Yomojo
Damn right! This is White Teeth's turf! We're not gonna let any damn Drekka take anything from us. They don't know the meaning of class and style either. Nothing but a dirty cartel of killers, Quinn called them. As much as I wanna bust a few numbskull's skulls, I... Uh... Can't quite handle more than, say, 5 of em, so thanks for the offer.

@tex
Well first off, pussy cat, I drink because I like the taste. He said, putting his arms behind his head, relaxing I can drink to my hearts content and not worry about getting intoxicated, I do have a high tolerance after all. Second, people group into factions for a common goal, some who don't have a place to go have one with their faction. Even those no good dirty Drekka. You look like you'd fit in as a mascot of the Brewer's League, I don't know.