[IC] Final Fantasy VIII: Tempus Veneficarum [7/10 Slots]

[rivaan]

“Seriously... give me that.” Rachel said as she took a small knife from the guard who freed her. Frankly her arms were still a mess and she was barely able to move them well enough for combat, but it was going to have to do for now. Her knees still felt shaky since the phantom pain from the drills hasn't completely left her.

“GF are out of the question alright... If needs be I MAY be able to throw in a single cure spell...” Rachel stated to Duncan. She was barely able to do that in good condition and she was anything, but in good condition right now.” Don't count on it too much though, better not get too wounded for now.” The trabian girl said with calm voice. It took some effort to stand up, with how week he legs felt right now, but she had no choice, but to keep quiet about it and move with the rest.

“Okey I may be able to help a little... Remember I told I have a pill with poison hidden inside one of my teeth? We mix it with water and coat these...” She said and looked at the improvised weapon.” ...things with it.” Rachel said, quickly reaching to her hallow tooth and pulled the small capsule from it.

“Seriously Xerox, I told you to come train with me under the waterfall... if you did, you weren't going to be shivering like a lief now!” Rachel said and shook her head in disbelieve.” I go on a mission for a while and that's what happen to you and your training. Once we get back, I'm going to bring you back into shape.”

[Little_ninja]

Receiving his meal and an overcoat, Xerox started to eat. Wonder where Rue is .... And how long it will ... His thoughts were abruptly broken when the guards came back. Starting to shiver again, for appearance sake. Why are they back? he wondered, when they approached Duncan's prison. Confused, he listened to them, asking Duncan about the President's assassination, and with an answer, they suddenly offered to help them out. In return they wished to come to Garden. It seemed too good a chance for the Seeds, was it a trap? Duncan accepted the offer, leaving Xerox only to follow the leader's command.

When his own door was open, Xerox was handed ... a spoon. It would of been different if it was one of HIS spoons, but ... an ordinary spoon was all he got. In fact it was rusty and bent. Wasn't going to really help or last long. Sighing, he walked out in his coat and with his spoon. The others were requesting knives and even talking about junctions. Xerox was about to jump into the conversation when Rachel spoke to him, “Seriously Xerox, I told you to come train with me under the waterfall... if you did, you weren't going to be shivering like a lief now!” Rachel said and shook her head in disbelieve.” I go on a mission for a while and that's what happen to you and your training. Once we get back, I'm going to bring you back into shape.”

Xerox could only momentarily look at her with confusion. He had stopped shivering, since he was no longer required to, but her use of words .... shocked him. Looking over her, he had noticed her knees shake very subtly. "Shivering like a lief? Shivering like happily? Shivering like gladly? I don't quite understand what you mean by that, but in the first place, I was pretending to shiver. Are you sure you are alright?" He replied with concern, turning his body, stretching and making sudden turns to crack bones. A groan of relief came out as he could finally stretch out. Since Xerox didn't button his lab coat, he didn't button the overcoat, leaving his toned body visible to everyone else. He wasn't buff or bulky, but he had a fairly fit and decently exercised body. Half of it was due to Rachel pestering him to train. The other half was due to some of the work put into building/inventing. Walking passed Rachel, he whispered, "You don't need to act so tough. If you feel too weak, let me help carry you."

Walking passed, Xerox approached the others. "Your lucky to even still have junctions. I have to fight completely driveless. No weapon, nothing. Not even my glasses." He tried to move his body, but he couldn't produce quite the same speed or strength. Nonetheless, Xerox was quite adept at not utilizing the junction buffs. During his free time building/inventing, he tried to avoid using junctions. Turning to Fresno, Xerox asked, "Do you know if there was a moomba captured with us? And where he might be? Also, wouldn't it be wiser to get our weapons/equipment before hitting the control room upstairs? Of course, if it is further and more heavily guarded then that would be a different story. But at least if we had our weapons, our chances of escape would rise quite dramatically I'd assume."

---

lief

I know it's probably a typo or could even be another language. But lief in English actually means happily or gladly. Interesting isn't it? So I'm rolling with it as an excuse to show that Rachel might not be in the best condition.

[Silver Fox]

Ashton continued listening to the conversations, blinking a little in surprise as the soldiers returned and freed them, making a deal with Duncan. This seemed a little too easy... it could easily be a trap of some kind. Or maybe they just had dumb luck. Either way, they had little to go on at the moment so this seemed to be the best option, despite possible risks. As her cell was open, a guard handed her a coat. It was long enough, though it was obviously made for a more muscled individual as it sagged a bit. Still, better then running around completely in the nude. As for a weapon, she just got a butter knife and her teal colored eyes narrowed and her face gave off a 'really?' expression. Still, she twirled the knife in between her fingers skillfully. The SeeD in the overcoat suggested they may want to go get their weapons/equipment and the dirty blonde slightly nodded in agreement. She missed her sniper rifle. She felt naked without it. As well as her digiboard.

She also agreed with helping the Moomba, but it was also possible he was dead after that incident since their bodies weren't quite a durable. Still, she moved closer to the door, listening for any signs of opponents and she waved her hand before forming a fist with her thumb sticking out. Motioning it toward the door. Trying to let them know, whatever they were doing, they better get going. Rather not stay and blow their chances.

[rivaan]

“I… I should…” Rachel tried as Xerox asked her a question, but she found it incredibly hard to think straight suddenly. She felt so weak, she quickly leaned on the nearby wall for support as she felt that she was losing the strength to stand. Seems like she was nowhere near recovered enough as she hoped she was.” What was I saying…”

“Bloody hells…” She said quietly, trying to gather her bearings again, but her knees only started shaking more than before. It hurt to stand… seems like that was not only phantom pain she was feeling after all. Those bastards never really bothered to heal her completely. They did it only enough for it to be not dangerous for her life. For first time in forever she was actually going to have to rely on help. She was supposed to be the help! That’s why she was a support SeeD.” Xerox… I… will need help…” Forcing herself she was able to admit. It wasn’t something she often did, but due the situation they were in, she needed to be truthful about it.

“We will need to locate some recovery medicine as well.” Rachel said realizing that she probably wasn’t the only one who wasn’t completely healed after the tortures.” Many of us may still have internal wounds that aren’t too dangerous right now, but could worsen if we stress ourselves.” She said still using the wall as support.

She notices the tall girl making some gestures to get going.” She has a point… we should get moving.”

[Zarkun]

Jericho groans and turns to one of the other soldiers. "Hey, what's your name?" The soldier starts and looks at him, shaking slightly.

"Oh, um, i-it's Phillips. Adam Phillips." Nodding, Jericho points out the door.

"Can you get me and a couple others to our drives?" Phillips nods and Jericho turns to the others. "Alright, we should split up then. Some of us take down that field and some go for our drives and we meet in the middle."

[Lennon79]

'Don't push yourself unless it's absolutely necessary; we can't afford any mishaps this time around.' Looking at Rachel's condition, he was impressed that she could still function. Duncan didn't even want to think about his own injuries. What if something had... popped..? Nope, not going there. He focussed furiously on Rachel's idea, if only to distract himself from that thought. 'Go for it. Hopefully we'll be able to do things all stealthy-like, but the best laid plans...' No-one looked at 100%, as one might expect. If the situation did go south, then they would be at a massive disadvantage... While Duncan himself was comfortable with any firearm he could get his hands on, the others were all specialists. Without their own weapons and equipment, a head-on fight could be disastrous. One of the soldiers cleared her throat nervously and spoke up. 'Um... I think I know where they're keeping your stuff. Main armoury, upstairs. Next door to where they're keeping your friend.' Now that caught Duncan's attention. She must be referring to another SeeD, or someone else captured in Deling City. That left only three possibilities. 'Friend? What do they look like? Male, female? Age?' The girl faltered and tried to stutter a reply, leaving her squad leader to answer in her stead. 'Dunno. We're not allowed past the armoury. But I've seen a girl there, keeps going in with Mako. You hear can some pretty fucked up stuff. We assumed they had your leader up there, but uh...' His gaze switched awkwardly between Duncan and the others. '... maybe they got the wrong guy?'

While Duncan was mulling over this disturbing revelation, Jericho came up with a good idea. 'Yeah... Yeah, that works. If the only way to shut down the field is upstairs...'. He shot Fresno a questioning look, got a firm nod. '... then I'll take two with me to try sneaking in. Jericho'll take the others and secure our drives. From there, we'll try to meet up in the control room. Hopefully we'll have it secure by then but... don't count on it.' His original plan had been to hit the armoury first, maybe steal some weapons, but the layout of the place had put paid to that. He was reasonably confident of their ability to remain unseen, at least for a time, but eventually they would have to take the gloves off. Preferably after the AM field was dropped and everyone armed. 'Alright then, decision made. Hector and, uh... you, new girl. Don't know your name. With me.' Come to think of it, she hadn't said anything much. In that case he would rather have her close at hand, just in case. 'Jericho, keep 'em safe. Sergeant, you come with me too, the rest of your lads go with them.' To his credit, Fresno didn't argue. Most soldiers would baulk at the idea of a civilian ordering them around, but these were unique circumstances. 'Right then. Allons-y?'

Duncan led the way out of the cell block, his pitiful breadknife at the ready. Dinnerware though it may have been, it was solid enough. He might even be able to kill with it if he got the drop on his opponent. The main concourse of the prison was bizarre, a series of rings connected by stairways. All around the room, he could see other cell blocks arranged like the spokes of a wheel. It chilled him to imagine how many 'political prisoners' the former President had locked up here over the years... and how many the new regime had now. He didn't know what had happened in Galbadia after the assassination, but if the hints were anything to go by, it was nothing good. The four of them crept along, hugging close to the rim of the central pit. Duncan could see grey-uniformed wardens patrolling above, looking bored and annoying well-armed. One of those SMGs will do nicely. They paused under the first stairwell and he spoke in a controlled whisper. 'Right. Looks like at least three levels before we hit the roof. Sound about right?' Fresno gulped. 'Four, including the control room. Most of the guards are near the bottom, 'cuz that's where the real criminals are kept. But the Head Warden likes to keep a few men close by. Bastard.' They sat in silence for a few moments, watching the shadows of men walking above. 'So... new girl. Please give me a name, I can't keep calling you new girl all the time. Also, any ideas would be grand.'

[Zarkun]

As Duncan lead the small group he was taking out of the small block, Jericho took his the other way as indicated by Phillips. When the reach the end of the hall, the SeeD looks around then turns to the others. "OK, we need to soften this place up for the actual escape on our way to everyone's drives, so look for important looking stuff and find a way to sabotage it. And to that end, I'm splitting us up again. Xerox, Heloise, Rachel, and one of you other military guys, split off and head down further. Feel free to open the lower cellblocks too, if you can. We'll meet back at this spot before joining back up with Duncan. Agreed?" Phillips taps Jericho's shoulder and the SeeD looks at him.

"If you all want to get risky with big payout, you could hit the power junction for this set of blocks. I mean, there's a central power output for the entire prison, but to keep all the blocks from going all at once, they're split into grids with individual junctions. Do damage to that and suddenly getting out of here's all the easier, as well as getting your gear back."

Jericho turns to his fellow SeeDs and raises his eyebrow. "Well, what do you all think?"

[Suku]

Minerva woke up with a slight startle looking around suddenly she took stock of the situation she was in first her she was obviously in a cell of some kind thought what is unsure of at the moment. Second she was without her weapon which complicated matters on how she would escape. Finally she was pretty sure Galbadia found out what she was doing so that was a third strike against her. With a sigh she sat down and thought about just what got her into this situation.

Flashback

Things was supposed to be straight and simple she was part of the support team lead by one Yoko Ono it was finally time to accomplish her dream her goal of revenge was nearly completed. Things was going so well to though in hindsight she should of saw that things would have turned downhill. Things are never as they seem after all so while it seemed things was going great sadly that ended quickly. The president was killed, assassinated, murdered any variation of the word would work. The base they were at in Timber was quickly found and raided by the PSA and while she tried to fight she was limited in how she could do things she couldn't summon asterius due to how destructive he was which would be disastrous to both parties. Finally despite how hard she fought she was overwhelmed the numbers was just to much and she was captured and arrested for conspiracy to overthrow the Galbadian government.

She quickly shook those thoughts from her head there was no place for such things right now she had to come up with a way to escape first and foremost. Secondly she wanted to make sure that some of her team members made it out alive. With that in mind she quickly got up and started to pace around the room looking for anything that can help her escape. Sadly though reality came crashing first she did not know how long she was out of it. Secondly if this was the galbadian prison tower than there was the problem on what floor she was on. Finally even if she escaped there was no telling what enemies she would run into and without her weapon put her at a major disadvantage. Still if she could escape she could find her weapon and work her way from there. With that in mind she set about her self given task of trying to either lure a guard nearby so she could grab the keys or physically work her way out of the cells. Sadly her armor kind of put a dent in that kind of plan pretty quickly so with the only choice being to garner a guards attention she went about trying to make noise to get someone's attention.

[MarshiestMallow]

Heloise did what she was told to for now, and followed Jericho, but she did look back as Hector was led the other way. She didn't like that, every time they had split up when they worked together, Hector generally got in trouble. Or something bad happened. Which probably happened, more then likely, to Hector.

She sighed; looking to Jericho when he directed her down the hallway, but stopped when one of the soliders spoke up. She glanced about at the others, before saying "it's good. But if we cut power now someone's bound to notice, and then than that would mean fighting against a lot of people. With, more likely then not, butter knives. They'll go for our gear first, prevent us from getting them. So...it has to be planned out and done so to the dot, one minute off and were all screwed"

She didn't really expect to be listened to, at least not fully. But she still spoke, so that she would be able to say that she had. She griped her knife, and glanced about them, waiting for a comment or someone else to speak

[Silver Fox]

Ashton listened as one of the other females agreed with her, causing the dirty blonde to give a slight smile before her teal colored eyes glanced toward Duncan as he spoke with the guards. Before instructing everyone to split up in two groups. One to attempt to secure the drives, the other to attempt to secure their equipment. As Duncan called for her to go with him to secure the equipment, she straightened a little and saluted to indicate she understood.

Following after the leader of the team, the tall willowy woman moved silently. Soon enough they were under the stairs, examining the floors above. She could hear the footsteps of the guards above and she tried thinking of something to get them higher. The place seemed pretty secure and the wardens were well armed. They could try jumping one of them and take his weapons and equipment. As Duncan asked for her name, disrupting her thoughts, she turned her gaze toward him and she slightly pierced her lips together thoughtfully. Unconsciously touching her left hand against her chest, giving a disappointed frown at the missing item. Her name was difficult to convey without it. So she just looked around before settling raising her left index finger, drawing it against some dust on the floor and spelt out. 'Seed Agent, Griffone' before wiping it away and erasing it after Duncan got a chance to read it. Not willing to leave the evidence.

Lips pressing tighter together as she tried to think up a idea, her sharp gaze looked around. It was difficult to see, but she managed to spot a soldier patrolling. His steps slightly lagging behind his fellow partner, legs wobbling and fidgeting a bit as he walked the next level and headed toward the stairs. Her gaze then flicked around the room and spotted a door that looked like a lavatory. She then looked to Duncan, pointing up toward the soldier then shaping her right hand to point downwards. Curving most of the fingers into a fist other then her index and middle finger that started moving like a walking person, before pointing towards the lavatory in front of them. She then pointed to Duncan, then made the walking motion again except much slower like it was sneaking to the lavatory, then lightly karate chopped her neck. Finishing her explanation, she then shrugged, meaning she didn't have too much ideas, but that's what she managed to think up. She wasn't such a confident person to come up with bright ideas really. It was a little surprising Duncan asked her. Since he apparently didn't know her and for all he knew, she could be just like a double agent. Still, it was a little nice to be asked a opinion.

It was then there was quite a racket from one of the cells, and her gaze snapped toward it and most likely a few guards. There was a woman there and Ashton narrowed her eyes as she examined her. Average height with red hair, but her build seemed pretty built. Maybe she was another SeeD member? The tall woman had not heard of another member being sent, but then again neither did Duncan. Listening carefully, she heard the guards above.

"Oi! Shut up down there! Charlie, take Jason down there and make the bitch shut her trap!" she heard a voice yell out.

"Got it!" One of the guards said as the footsteps came to the stairwell and started heading down it.

"Oh good. Had to use the lavatory anyway." The guard she had spotted said as she heard him follow suit. That guard went directly to the lavatory while the other went to the women's cell and glared at her.

"Would you shut up? No point causing a ruckus! What you think? We're stupid enough to get in close proximity to one of you freaks?" she huffed.

"Everything alright down there?" the guard that had given the command called down.

"Yeah, just one of the prisoners getting riled up. Probably just woke up. Give her another dose and she'll be out." The guard called back reassuringly.

Ashton watched before looking to Duncan, nodding him to go for the second guard before she quietly snuck toward the one speaking toward the woman. The woman appeared to be getting ready to activate another round of gas to knock out the woman in the cell before Ashton focused her eyes and pinched the woman's neck shoulder area in a precise spot. The guard instantly fell limp and fainted, and Ashton quickly caught the guard so there wouldn't be a sudden sound. Placing the guard down, Ashton started searching the body and took the keys from her belt. Taking the weapons, she briefly looked over the SMG then took a Warden baton as well. Standing up, she looked over the woman questionably. Raising her left eyebrow as if to ask who she was. Glancing at the keys then at her, pondering if it was a good idea.

[Little_ninja]

After having his word, Xerox waited for a reply, only to hear Rachel call to him. ” Xerox… I… will need help…” Forcing herself she was able to admit. It wasn’t something she often did. It must be pretty bad for her to actually admit it. Xerox looked over her with concern, approaching her. “We will need to locate some recovery medicine as well. Many of us may still have internal wounds that aren’t too dangerous right now, but could worsen if we stress ourselves.” She said still using the wall as support.

It was time to get moving, Duncan was taking the new girl, Hector and Fresno to secure the control room. The others were sent to get the drives, being led by Jericho. Xerox was standing by side of Rachel as they were about to go. "You won't be able to get far like that. Let me help you." he told her, taking her arm over his shoulder and around his neck, supporting her weight, and walking. "I'd offer you a piggyback, but somehow I'm not sure you would appreciate it."

Reaching the end of another hall, Jericho turned around, suggesting a plan, before Phillips spoke up about sabotaging the power grid. "OK, we need to soften this place up for the actual escape on our way to everyone's drives, so look for important looking stuff and find a way to sabotage it. And to that end, I'm splitting us up again. Xerox, Heloise, Rachel, and one of you other military guys, split off and head down further. Feel free to open the lower cellblocks too, if you can. We'll meet back at this spot before joining back up with Duncan. Agreed?"

"If you all want to get risky with big payout, you could hit the power junction for this set of blocks. I mean, there's a central power output for the entire prison, but to keep all the blocks from going all at once, they're split into grids with individual junctions. Do damage to that and suddenly getting out of here's all the easier, as well as getting your gear back."

"Well, what do you all think?"

Heloise followed up with the execution required for the plan. "it's good. But if we cut power now someone's bound to notice, and then than that would mean fighting against a lot of people. With, more likely then not, butter knives. They'll go for our gear first, prevent us from getting them. So...it has to be planned out and done so to the dot, one minute off and were all screwed" Xerox had to agree, it was risky to go for the power grid thinking it will be easy to get to their drives and weapons. This place was heavily guarded. Xerox had tapped against the wall multiple times, listening through echolocation. One of the skills he had picked up through his troubles with experiments. It wasn't perfect, but it was decent. He could tell accurate information up to 100 m ahead of them. It seemed both paths didn't have anyone nearby, definitively within the next 100 m. Further away though, he could tell, there were a number of them spread out on both sides. He couldn't pinpoint or accurately tell how many there were though.

"I agree that we can easily get screwed over if we go for the power straight away. A careful plan needs to be considered, so I don't think it's good idea to rush the power grid. There's a chance that they could collapse their guards on us. We would be pretty powerless in such a situation. It's most important, that I can get to my drive. I'm sure most of you should know by now, I have a lot of equipment I bring around that just seemingly vanishes or appears. If I had my drive, I could bring out medical equipment and potions as well as weapons for everyone. Proper ones. Not as good as what you usually use, since these will be mostly generic or testing weapons, but, they are better than what we have now." Xerox spoke, explaining the importance of his drive, and implying the great increase in their success if they get his drive. He was still supporting Rachel. It pained him to see her like this. He wanted to get her some help as soon as possible.

He still didn't have any information about Rue, all he could do was hope Rue was safe, until he could rescue him.

[Zarkun]

"Time may be something we don't have. Besides, if we go after the junction, we don't need to shut it down now. Xerox, would it be possible to set one of the lines to overload and shutdown the junction if it's activated?" Phillips indicated for all of them to get quiet as a pair of guards walked by underneath. Once they were gone, Phillips spoke up.

"The warden checks in with who ever's in charge since Deling was killed once a day. He should be doing it in an hour, so if you move fast, you can set up his communications line to do it. If you want to hit the power. I'm not sure if we can afford to wait an hour." Jericho nods.

"Then back to plan a. Sabotage anything important looking, maybe try and free some prisoners. Meet here for our drives then head to meet Duncan to give his group theirs."

[Suku]

"Are you a SeeD? If you my name is Minverva Grants I was part of a squad of dispatched SeeD at Timber before it was raided by the PSA after the Presidents assassination." Minerva explained as she looked at her possible savior hopefully they were SeeD if so than the situation just got ten times easier. If not perhaps she could manage them to at least let her out so she can escape. "Look were both obviously not with galbadian military so why dont we help each other a bit? Having more people to help with a escape would be the best wouldn't it?" She quickly added hopefully that was enough to get her free if not she would have to go back to the drawing board.

[MarshiestMallow]

Heloise listened, glancing about them, she kept an eye on what was going on, not wanting things to be over because of carelessness, and not trusting the soldiers enough to do so. They were after all letting them go, what if they turned on them? A double cross could always cross again. She held the knife she had been given, more then ready to use it.

She glanced back over Xerox, Jericho. Found it amusing that Jericho, who had said before that he preferred to work with people he knew, seemed willing enough to work with her now, when it meant getting out. Or maybe that was just because Duncan had ordered it.

"just tell me what i have to do, and I'll do it" she said simply, more then ready to get out of this place. More importantly, she wanted her daggers, her gear. She wouldn't feel right until she had at least her daggers back.

[rivaan]

“Offer me that and I will have you walked around dressed like a woman for a month…” Rachel replied, seeing the piggyback ride as quite the humiliation considering the circumstances. For now she was simply going to be aided by Xerox without any humiliating ways of moving.

“Radios… Xerox, once you get your tools, we could rig some radios to short out the power. We will simply set them on specific frequency that’s not used around here and use that frequency to set the power failure into motion…” Rachel proposed as they were dividing the group once again." That way we can remotely control when we execute that plan."

“Additionally all the important guards and soldiers here probably use radios… we may be able to send them a very specific high frequency message if we manage to rig something like that it will be of incredible use when we try to rush the control room..” Rachel stated another proposition to Xerox as they moved.

[Lennon79]

'Griff... one? Griffone, Griffone... Sure I've heard that name before...' If nothing else, it added credence to her claim of being a SeeD. For the moment Duncan as willing to trust her, although he would do a thorough check once they returned to Garden. Her plan was also a good one; it was a stroke of luck that the guards split up and a chance that they couldn't afford not to capitalise on. He crept off toward the toilet, gripping his breadknife firmly. Not the ideal weapon for this, but as needs must... At the last moment, he leapt forward to jam the knife deep into the guard's jugular. Careful to cover the unfortunate man's mouth, Duncan proceeded to saw through his throat until he stopped moving. With a bit of effort he was able to stash the body in a cleaner's closet next to the toilet and took from him a decent looking sword. Not his usual forte, but all SeeDs were trained on a variety of weapons. It would do. He paused, seeing all the blood on the floor. After a moment's thought, he placed an out of order sign over the toilet door.

He crept along to where Griffone had taken the other guard, giving her a bloody thumbs up. She had a set of keys, presumably from the unconscious guard, along with some handy weapons. But more importantly, she had chanced upon another prisoner. Duncan peered into the single cell, making out a familiar form. 'Oi... I've seen you before. You were on the Timber support team right? Grint or Grant, something like that?' He grimaced a little, embarrassed that he had forgotten yet another name. 'Let her out, she's one of us.'

[Suku]

"It was Minerva Grants but yes you are right I was on the Timber support team. Sorry for any trouble this caused I was captured when the the PSA raided the base the assassination of the President." Minerva said with a slight bow her long braid falling over her shoulder as she did so. "So if I may ask did you any news on what happened after the assassination? I am kind of out of the loop since they knocked me unconcious and I have way of knowing yet how many days passed." She asked hoping for some good news at the very least after what happened and her current situation she could use it.

[Silver Fox]

Ashton listened to the girl, head tilting a little to the side as she processed the information given. Pondering for a moment before nodding her head in response to her question. Soon her gaze saw Duncan coming over, giving a bloody thumbs up. She mildly frowned with disapproval but understood the situation. Despite her profession, she didn't enjoy killing unless necessary. Still, they were SeeD members who were in a life threatening situation and could hardly afford and mishaps. Even the woman she knocked out was still a risk if she were to wake up and set the alarm. She may be out for a hour or so, but the tall woman was unsure if they would be long gone by then.

Nodding in response to Duncan's 'All Clear' sign, she turned her gaze back to the woman, glancing back and forth between the two as they spoke. Duncan seemed to recognize her and she responded in turn as she corrected the man on her name. Even without Duncan's order to let SeeD member Grants out, Ashton still would have released her. Her words didn't sound false at the very least. Then again she was known to be soft. Fumbling with the keys, she unlocked the cell before ripping the jackets sleeves before using the cloth to tie up the guard and gag her. Putting her into the cell and closing it. Ashton would of probably taken the guard's clothes, but they were much too small to fit her. Locking it, the dirty blonde looked to Minerva as she asked for good news.

Giving a slight thoughtful look, she lifted her right hand flatly, shaking it a bit in a so-so manner, leaning more downward manner meaning that things didn't really go well. Thinking for a moment, she handed the SMG to Duncan, then the baton to Minerva. Allowing to get at least some decent equipment. Ashton felt better with her rifle. Although she was a sharp shooter and could still aim pretty well with any gun, it felt extremely uncomfortable from what seemed like a significant downgrade in accuracy when using a SMG compared to her sniper. Duncan would probably find better use for it. After, Ashton glanced up before raising her hands. Tapping her left index and middle fingers against her right wrist as if trying to tap a watch. Before crossing her arms in front of her to form a 'X' then pointing to the stairs then upwards.

Getting into a crouch, Ashton carefully tried sneaking back to the stairs. Slowly moving up them and carefully checking her corners. It seemed at least those guards were mostly in charge of this floor. Ducking behind a box, she peeked around the corner, having to crouch significantly just to stay out of sight, and spotted quite a armored door. Two guards standing by it. Looking quite bored as he rocked on his heels. Sucking in her left cheek in thought, she turned to look at her two comrades questionably.

[Lennon79]

'Wait, they hit Timber?' Duncan's face turned sheet white. He had sent Syrus and Eika back there before the final stand... 'Did any of my team turn up? Big redhead guy, small mystical looking girl?' He hoped not, although something told him that things might have turned out differently if they had. Neither of them were exactly model SeeDs, but they were goddamn powerhouses in the field. He also worried for Yoko and her other subordinates, especially since his former adjutant was not really fit for field work. Also, Kein would have an aneurysm if he found out. If they ever found Kein... He took the proffered SMG gratefully, noting that he had only one spare mag. Not really enough to last a firefight, but it would do in a pinch. 'Thanks Griff.' Somehow the nickname suited the taciturn SeeD. 'Just don't leave yourself short. I don't really know what happened. First thing I remember after getting caught was testicular pain.' Duncan grimaced. 'Not a pleasant memory.' Not that they hadn't been given a few hints of what was happening in the outside world. Fresno's squad looked like they had been here a while, on duties they weren't accustomed to. Not to mention Mako's ominous reference to 'Her Majesty', whoever that was. 'At any rate, we've got more pressing issues at hand. Can you walk?'

Soon after, he crouched behind a crate, trying to come up with a solution to their current predicament. 'That's the way upstairs. No other route.', Fresno added helpfully. Unlike the wardens from before, these two looked properly switched on. They wouldn't be able to break them up... 'Well,', Duncan said ruefully. 'That's a kick in the balls. The way I sees it, we have two options. Either use Fresno as a distraction, then flank and shiv 'em, or else send Minerva and Fresno with a classic warden/prisoner trick.' He have Minerva a challenging grin. 'How are your reactions? Think you could take one of them down with a breadknife?' It would give him and Griffone enough time to bullrush the other one at least. Not a foolproof plan by any means, but the best they had in the circumstances.

[Lennon79]

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