Andre Valias

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Alexios listened to the various responses: from the Reachwoman saying nobody would believe their cover story, the Dark Elf suggesting a combined approach where the Militia posed as a merchant caravan, to the other Argonian also saying they would stick out like a 'swamp jelly in Elsweyr' before calling him a 'lukiul'. Whatever that meant.

Alexios put on his helmet and folded his arms, now regretting that he bothered to offer his suggestion. 'Right. Well, in the Elder Council's infinite wisdom, you lot were chosen and I am only making do with what Akatosh has given me.' The Argonian subsequently apologised for her harsh tone, to which Alexios inclined his head. However, Alexios said nothing to her comments on the Dark Elf's newest suggestion, as it was she who suggested the merchant caravan story to begin with.

The Argonian continued: she introduced herself as Meen-La, then looked to Alexios when remarking on her own notoriety. He shrugged.
'I must have missed the Legion-wide memo with your name on it, my apologies,' he replied. She then brushed over his comment and proposed a new two-pronged approach: kill the bandits, tell the populace there's a hunt for the would-be bandit-killer bandit. Alexios mulled it over; it was a sensible approach. 'I'll take my squad to Bruma then, turn up the streets thoroughly for this brutal lizard Meen-La.'

The High Elf of the group stepped forward and asked if there was a preference to diplomacy or force, to which the Confessor advocated for diplomacy. The High Elf's concerns were merited, which made Alexios all the more committed to writing his message to Fort Pale Pass. Already his opinion of this 'Hidden Militia' was not high. He can appreciate units of irregulars as much as any other officer or commander in the Legion; military history mentions more than a few groups with odd talents that have changed the odds in any struggle. But this group had only adventurers and outlaws of all stripes; there was nothing yet for Alexios to regard as a good-omen for their mission.

When the Confessor gave them leave, Alexios waited and listened to see what the Militia decided to do.

ArrowFell: The Wizard Queen's Court

Hellloooooooo.

I hope I can live up to this roleplay- it looks really REALLY exceptional.

ArrowFell: The Wizard Queen's Court

Anton Agravaine

The Last Chevalier, Anton Agravaine

40 | Human | Male | 5'10" | 198 lb

'Don't take from me the chance to see my father again, I beg of you...'

Goal: To serve in the name of Lamont DuFairre and what remains of the kingdom of Ravenfell. To bring Evelyn Keove to justice. To protect the people.

History: The only son of Phillip and Celeste Agravaine, Anton is a foreigner in a strange land with a solemn purpose.

'To protect the innocent and help the weak.'

The Chevalier's Oath, Tenet I

For the longest time, Anton has heard this tenet in his father's voice. Whenever his father told old war stories; when Anton went against Phillip's wishes and joined the chevaliers; and especially during the darkest moments of the rebellion against the False King. Stubborn and unyielding just like his father, Anton has enshrined it as his own moral code.

When Damien DuRant usurped the throne, Anton left the crown-chevaliers and returned to his father's side in Marceilles. Phillip, loyal to the DuFairre lineage, refused to bow to DuRant's tyrannical tax regimes and shielded his own people from the greed of the Crown. It was there that fate brought Lamont and Anton together. They were young men back then, with dreams of liberating a fallen kingdom. Though he stood to be the first baron to support Lamont's claim to the throne, Phillip treated Lamont as though he were his own son and Anton as though he were a brother.

When the time finally came, after a grueling campaign across the province: Phillip, Anton, and Lamont lead the siege of Arthroyeaux. With the False King's strength weakened and his allies scattered, the trio sought to defeat Damien himself. With no intent to surrender, Damien ordered the last of his crown-chevaliers to the defense while Baron Lucius Garthois, his right hand man, remained at his side. Breaking through, Anton held off the fighting while Phillip and Lamont raced up the steps of the White Palace.

Anton finally secured the steps of the White Palace, and approached the Throne Room. In his heart, he thought they had won the battle.

And they had, but at a heavy price.

Lucius had been slain by Phillip, and Damien, in his desperation, had confided in dark powers that transformed him into a being of unimaginable horror. Phillip had jumped in the path of a deathblow meant for Lamont, saving him. Lamont, lifting up his rapier, struck down the abomination and brought an end to the tyranny of the False King. It was there, as Anton and Lamont consoled one another at the loss of their father, the seeds of Ravenfell's end were planted.

When Lamont began the ritual to strip him and his people of their mortal flesh, Anton begged him not to go through with it. But the fear of Damien's fate and the pain of losing Phillip was too much for Lamont to bear. Only out of respect for his closest friend did Lamont spare Anton the spectral curse. Anton watched as the man he knew like a brother faded away, along with the kingdom he loved and served. As every other chevalier had been taken by the spectral curse, Anton became known as the Last Chevalier of Ravenfell. With his new title, he served as the eyes, mouth, and hand of the king. He became an envoy, a champion, to other lands where the spectral curse would not have been welcomed.

He now comes to Arrowfell, seeking to protect its innocents from the horrors of war that he is all too familiar with.

Seed: 'The White Flower', a ring with a small floral-shaped crystal of pearl-white, this Seed was the signet ring of the DuFairre lineage and was imparted upon Anton.

'This holds the weight of my oaths sworn, and it is a crushing burden.'

Anton, solemnly

This Seed conjures a halo of up to twelve floating swords made of white light, capable of dealing with both physical and magical weapons and armour. They are exceptionally fast and can be controlled, dissipating if they leave the immediate area around the user. Each sword can be controlled independently, but doing so requires splitting focus to a point that requires standing tranquilly still.

Magic:
x Shield - A common spell for self-defense. Anton has mastered a 'sword-and-ward' combat style that uses this as his 'shield', rather than as a bubble.
x Light - A simple spell for exploration. Anton imbues an item (normally his sword) with a spell that causes it to illuminate his surroundings with white light.
x Sparks- A simple spell. Lets loose a sustained spark of lightning from the hand.
x Lightning Bolt - A common spell. A bolt of lightning lashes out at a target in an instant; Anton can charge the bolt up with both hands.
x Mending - A common spell with utilitarian use. Can be used to repair moderate damage to an object that Anton lays hands upon.
x Dash Sigil - An uncommon spell for mobility. Anton creates a straight or curving path of sigils that he or another he chooses can use; the sigils allow for safe and faster-than-normal movement, and can even facilitate moving up walls.
x Message - A simple spell. Anton can communicate telepathically with someone he knows and can focus on. This doesn't expend much life force, but the message becomes simpler over distance if he isn't able to meditate.

x Sanctuary - A complex defensive spell. Anton focuses his energy to create an impenetrable shelter of light, big enough for Anton and seven others. He can only hold it for seven seconds before losing consciousness.
x Counterspell - A complex reactionary spell. Anton grasps at the fabric of a spell, smothering and nullifying it. The stronger the spell, the more lifeforce he expends.
x Swords of the Crown - A complex summoning spell. Anton calls upon memories of chivalrous heroes from Ravenfell to take form as bright spectres and come to his aid. He can only summon five entities and they last for only a few minutes.

Skills:
x Horseback riding - A must for every chevalier. Anton is accompanied most places by his steed, Bristelle II.
x Mounted combat - He's no 'Lance-Commander' like his father, but Anton can hold his own in the saddle.
x Swordsmanship - Anton is perhaps the only man alive who could challenge Lamont to a fair duel.
x Leadership - Anton was once commander of the crown-chevaliers, and before that lead the battalions that helped Lamont secure the throne.
x Provisioning - If you want to make sure your rations are tasty and untainted, you should always cook it yourself.
x History - Before he became a chevalier, Anton dreamed of becoming a worldly scholar.
x Lute - There were happier times, when Anton played the lute in the apple orchard of the Summer Palace.

Faction: His personal retinue, The Braves of Marceilles, is made up of professionals of all stripes and colours that Anton has met on his travels. Adventurers, mercenaries, travellers; all with different skillsets. They are diverse, but all know their way around a weapon. In a way, they have become Anton's second family.

City: As the Baron of Marceilles (whatever authority that title still holds), Anton has stewardship over the city of Marceilles on Ravenfell's southeastern border. Ever since the spectral curse took hold, Anton and his Braves moved from the castle to live at the Summer Palace overlooking the city. In an apple orchard neighboring a small village, the graves of Anton's parents are situated beneath a lone tree. Whenever he gets the chance, Anton visits to play his lute and tell his father what mischief Lamont has been getting up to.

Assets: Before the spectral curse, Marceilles was famed for its vast apple orchards and selection of artisanal ciders.

Anton's Relationships

Lamont DuFairre Served as crown-chevalier to Lamont DuFairre during and after his rebellion against the False King. They were best friends- basically brothers in all but blood. Now, Anton simply serves as the Last Chevalier of Lamont DuFairre, seeking to further his liege's interests in revenge.	________________________ ________________________ ________________________ 'I have watched as my liege became distant to match his otherworldly nature-- like he is above mere mortal concerns. I don't think he even hears my voice anymore when I reminisce upon the days we spent together with my father in the apple orchards of Marceilles.'
Faith Lancaster A loyal supporter and mentor of Lamont, Faith was just as much a valuable friend to Anton for his years of service to House Marceilles. They had often fought back-to-back, whenever Anton needed a capable caster at his side. Eventually, Anton learned magic in the same lessons that Lamont had taken. Anton trusted Faith implicitly, ever since the day they overthrew the False King.	________________________ ________________________ ________________________ 'He would always hate when I would say that I had faith in him.'
Evelyn Keove When she was court mage to Damien DuRant, Evelyn played as his left-hand in controlling the underworld and coffers of Ravenfell. She had once organised a heist that was meant to rob and bankrupt Baron Phillip Agravaine when he was supplementing the exorbitant taxes with his own coffers. As such, she became a personal enemy to House Marceilles.	________________________ ________________________ ________________________ 'I always thought she was dangerous. I just never knew how much.'

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

"A practical suggestion, though I wonder if such a visible military presence might not draw more attention to our activities? The sight of additional Legion forces might make the locals wonder what's important enough to warrant such protection."

Alexios held a slight frown, though he appreciated the diplomatic tact of the Dark Elf. "What do you suggest, then?'

"Perhaps we could combine your approach with something more subtle? The Legion's presence could serve as a visible distraction, while some of us... Work more discreetly to ensure the delegates' safety? My experience with illusion magic could help us move through the city unnoticed, if needed."

Alexios listened as he rested his free hand on the hilt of his sword. He was much inclined to agree; as it was one of his first thoughts.
'I could approach the mayor on behalf of the Legion, say there's intel on remnants of the Mythic Dawn still hiding in the region,' he pondered aloud, 'that would perhaps justify the active Legion presence in County Bruma.'

"You seem familiar with Bruma's defenses. What's your assessment of the most discrete routes through the city? I've spent some time there, but a Legion perspective would be invaluable."

The Legionary took pause to consider Bruma in his mind's eye. Already he could see the frosty reception of the Nord populace.
'The city still remains vigilant of strangers, ever since the Oblivion Crisis. If you enter officially, you can expect to be scrutinised and noted down in the records,' Alexios explained, bringing his free hand up to idly stroke his chin, 'There were caverns that ran beneath the city, but they were sealed up for security. The only way in is through the gates.'

Alexios then looked down at his helm and had a thought. 'Perhaps we could use both a distraction and disguise,' Alexios added, 'I could requisition Legion gear, and your group can pose as part of the efforts to secure the city.'

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

"Kiffar will take the green woman's blessing. The Empire is good work, for stray kitties, hm?"

The newcomer Khajiit and his escorts were certainly out of the ordinary. As if this Hidden Militia could be any more odd bunch. Alexios tried to maintain a passive composure, but a slight smirk tugged at the corner of his maw. He then listened as the Dark Elf in the group spoke and outlined her thoughts on the situation, citing her experience of Morrowind. Alexios nodded thoughtfully, but said nothing.

"Regarding the situation in Bruma - I'm familiar with the city's Nordic population. Their pride runs deep, and they're unlikely to welcome change easily. Perhaps we should discuss strategies for maintaining discretion while moving through the city? I'd rather avoid any riots if possible."

Alexios cleared his throat and took a step forward.
'If I may,' he finally began, his voice bearing a deepness many officers in the Legion possessed, 'The Legion won't want any riots to occur if we can help it. Might I suggest that I request reinforcements from Fort Pale Pass? Give the mayor and the Nords something else to focus on while you act, and in the worst case the rioting can be contained.' Alexios offered his suggestion. Bruma wasn't his concern so much as his charges as assigned by his superiors, but he knew they would not appreciate anarchy.

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Alexios listened with rapt attention to the Confessor, his helmet tucked under his arm. He said nothing, but mulled over Elessenia's explanation of the plan. Legate Urion had approved his squad for action, but sent him to Weynon Priory to meet the "Hidden Militia" that the legionnaires would be working with to protect the delegation. When he heard that the Blades were involved, Alexios' eyes narrowed. He still said nothing, but wondered why the Eighth Legion would send his squad when there were already Blades as part of the entourage. When she finished addressing the Hidden Militia, Elessenia offered a minor Blessing of Talos. Alexios shook his head and stepped back, clasping a hand over his Amulet of Akatosh. He, however, remained to watch the Hidden Militia and what they might discuss.

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Alexios Sintarus

Name: Alexios Sintarus
Race: Colovian Argonian
Age: 23

Appearance: A young adult Argonian, Alexios has forest-green scales and gold-yellow eyes. His head is free of horns, quills or spines, allowing him to wear helmets. Due to rigorous legion training, he has built up a strong muscular athletic form. He almost always wears his Amulet of Akatosh. When he isn't wearing his legionary panoply, Alexios has homespun Colovian-styled plain clothes in wine-red and gold with a wine-red tied woolen cloak.



Skills:
One-Handed - Expert
Even before joining the Legion, Alexios often sparred with his father in the yard. In some ways, he ended up more of a swordsman than most of his cohort.

Two-Handed - Adept
Alexios also trained to use a long spear to deal with mounted combatants or larger foes.

Block - Expert
Sword-and-board is the Imperial Legion's bread and butter. The Cyrodiilic shieldwall is just as famed as their battlemages.

Heavy Armor - Adept
Heavy Armour use comes as naturally to legionaries as sword-and-board.

Light Armor - Adept
However, Alexios prefers to use a combination of both heavy and light armour for a balance of protection and mobility.

Athletics - Expert
Alexios would have left the Legion if he couldn't manage the rigorous training exercises. Fortunately for him, he excelled instead.

Provisioning - Expert
Another skill drilled into him by his father, Alexios knows more than most legionnaires (despite it being in their training manuals) about cooking meals and rations for different situations.

Armorer - Apprentice
Having recently been promoted to Lieutenant, Alexios has been taking lessons with Legion quartermasters and smiths on ways to maintain the effectiveness of his squad's equipment wherever they may be.

Personality: As typical of his Colovian upbringing, Alexios is disciplined and to-the-point. His humour at times can be somewhat dry, but he does possess one. He may seem unapproachable at first, but lends himself to be a stern yet caring comrade. He is an adherent of Akatosh, and believes fiercely in his doctrines of strength through endurance.

Bio: Born an unnamed hatchling in 4E 145 to poor Argonian immigrants, Alexios' birth parents gave him up for adoption to an affluent Colovian couple who were unable to bear children of their own. His adoptive mother Alaia was a seamstress, and his father Regulus was a retired Legate from the Imperial Legion. Soon after, they made their home in Kvatch a summer house after buying property in the Elven Gardens District of the Imperial City. As the balance of influence between Colovians and Nibeneans had tilted in favour of Colovians since the rise of the Mede Dynasty, the Sintarus family enjoyed respect within the community. Alexios' early childhood was peaceful, and he spent a lot of time with both parents. His mother would often make him new outfits as he grew, constantly taking Alexios' measurements, while Regulus took Alexios out on rides through the Imperial Isle.

When Alexios turned 13, his father thought him old enough and started to teach him skills from his Legion days. Most of Alexios' days soon consisted of being trained and moulded by his father, in order to follow in Regulus' footsteps and become a successful career legionary. The training yard, the bruises from sparring, the nicks from cooking, the ringing from his father's shouting: all of these became normal for Alexios. Alaia was the one to hold and comfort him after especially harsh days. For a while, Alexios struggled and starting at school made it no easier. Even though he's not the first Imperialised Argonian, it was still difficult for him to find friendship and support amongst his peers. Once, he was bullied on account of being adopted by Imperial parents: the other children called him a 'Trophy-Scale'.

He graduated when he was 18 and immediately enlisted in the Imperial Legion. Over the next five years, Alexios grew distant from his father but wrote often to his mother (whenever he could manage) and she would have care packages sent to him. Under the Eighth Legion, Alexios spent a lot of time in the field. His cohort were charged with rooting out renegades and bandits who had grown too strong and numerous in various regions. On one skirmish, the outlaws had taken refuge in an abandoned mine and rigged countless booby traps. When his commanding officer was crushed by falling logs, Alexios took quick charge of his squad. Barking the order for a shieldwall, the squad fended off arrows from cowardly bandits and their battlemage retaliated with fire and lightning. Under Alexios' leadership, the legionaries not only survived but apprehended the last of the outlaws.

Alexios was promoted to Sergeant for his bravery. However: he insisted that he remain in command of his squad, given the bonds he and his comrades had forged over time spent in the field. Together, they continued to bring honour to the Eighth Legion with their deeds. After recently being honoured with the rank of Lieutenant, Alexios and his squad remained tightly knit. Now, charged with joining the retinue of the diplomatic mission to the Reach, Alexios and his legionnaires remain battle-ready for whatever comes their way.

Readiness Report to Legate Urion

Compiled by Lieutenant Alexios Sintarus
Midyear 3, 4E 168

As requested, I have prepared a report on the combat readiness of my squad for your approval. Like most squads, we number 9 legionaries strong (myself included).

The legionaries under my command are as follows:
Rex Serici - Frontliner
Victoria Avitus - Frontliner
Samuel Avitus - Frontliner
Morak gro-Akarok - Linebreaker
Lucien Vautrine - Archer
Ilia Helvus - Archer
Blinds-And-Heals - Field Alchemist
Sindariel - Battlemage

We are outfitted mainly in medium-weight chain and leather armour, with the exception of Morak who prefers to be in plate armour. In prior combat, we've often used a smaller variation of hammer-and-anvil (Morak, of course, being our hammer). However, given the terrain and irregularity of our mission, I've prepared the squad with more adaptable strategies. I also hope that with our new auxiliary Blinds-And-Heals, we'll see our combat effectiveness double as long as he can gather materials for tinctures and poisons. Sindariel often runs short on magicka mid-combat, so I've tasked Blinds with working up mixtures that will help her continually cast for longer.

In summary, I believe we are prepared and ready for this escort mission. I await your word and/or approval.

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

Name: Alexios Sintarus
Race: Colovian Argonian
Age: 23

Appearance: A young adult Argonian, Alexios has forest-green scales and gold-yellow eyes. His head is free of horns, quills or spines, allowing him to wear helmets. Due to rigorous legion training, he has built up a strong muscular athletic form. He almost always wears his Amulet of Akatosh. When he isn't wearing his legionary panoply, Alexios has homespun Colovian-styled plain clothes in wine-red and gold with a wine-red tied woolen cloak.



Skills:
One-Handed - Expert
Even before joining the Legion, Alexios often sparred with his father in the yard. In some ways, he ended up more of a swordsman than most of his cohort.

Two-Handed - Adept
Alexios also trained to use a long spear to deal with mounted combatants or larger foes.

Block - Expert
Sword-and-board is the Imperial Legion's bread and butter. The Cyrodiilic shieldwall is just as famed as their battlemages.

Heavy Armor - Adept
Heavy Armour use comes as naturally to legionaries as sword-and-board.

Light Armor - Adept
However, Alexios prefers to use a combination of both heavy and light armour for a balance of protection and mobility.

Athletics - Expert
Alexios would have left the Legion if he couldn't manage the rigorous training exercises. Fortunately for him, he excelled instead.

Provisioning - Expert
Another skill drilled into him by his father, Alexios knows more than most legionnaires (despite it being in their training manuals) about cooking meals and rations for different situations.

Armorer - Apprentice
Having recently been promoted to Lieutenant, Alexios has been taking lessons with Legion quartermasters and smiths on ways to maintain the effectiveness of his squad's equipment wherever they may be.

Personality: As typical of his Colovian upbringing, Alexios is disciplined and to-the-point. His humour at times can be somewhat dry, but he does possess one. He may seem unapproachable at first, but lends himself to be a stern yet caring comrade. He is an adherent of Akatosh, and believes fiercely in his doctrines of strength through endurance.

Bio: Born an unnamed hatchling in 4E 145 to poor Argonian immigrants, Alexios' birth parents gave him up for adoption to an affluent Colovian couple who were unable to bear children of their own. His adoptive mother Alaia was a seamstress, and his father Regulus was a retired Legate from the Imperial Legion. Soon after, they made their home in Kvatch a summer house after buying property in the Elven Gardens District of the Imperial City. As the balance of influence between Colovians and Nibeneans had tilted in favour of Colovians since the rise of the Mede Dynasty, the Sintarus family enjoyed respect within the community. Alexios' early childhood was peaceful, and he spent a lot of time with both parents. His mother would often make him new outfits as he grew, constantly taking Alexios' measurements, while Regulus took Alexios out on rides through the Imperial Isle.

When Alexios turned 13, his father thought him old enough and started to teach him skills from his Legion days. Most of Alexios' days soon consisted of being trained and moulded by his father, in order to follow in Regulus' footsteps and become a successful career legionary. The training yard, the bruises from sparring, the nicks from cooking, the ringing from his father's shouting: all of these became normal for Alexios. Alaia was the one to hold and comfort him after especially harsh days. For a while, Alexios struggled and starting at school made it no easier. Even though he's not the first Imperialised Argonian, it was still difficult for him to find friendship and support amongst his peers. Once, he was bullied on account of being adopted by Imperial parents: the other children called him a 'Trophy-Scale'.

He graduated when he was 18 and immediately enlisted in the Imperial Legion. Over the next five years, Alexios grew distant from his father but wrote often to his mother (whenever he could manage) and she would have care packages sent to him. Under the Eighth Legion, Alexios spent a lot of time in the field. His cohort were charged with rooting out renegades and bandits who had grown too strong and numerous in various regions. On one skirmish, the outlaws had taken refuge in an abandoned mine and rigged countless booby traps. When his commanding officer was crushed by falling logs, Alexios took quick charge of his squad. Barking the order for a shieldwall, the squad fended off arrows from cowardly bandits and their battlemage retaliated with fire and lightning. Under Alexios' leadership, the legionaries not only survived but apprehended the last of the outlaws.

Alexios was promoted to Sergeant for his bravery. However: he insisted that he remain in command of his squad, given the bonds he and his comrades had forged over time spent in the field. Together, they continued to bring honour to the Eighth Legion with their deeds. After recently being honoured with the rank of Lieutenant, Alexios and his squad remained tightly knit. Now, charged with joining the retinue of the diplomatic mission to the Reach, Alexios and his legionnaires remain battle-ready for whatever comes their way.

Readiness Report to Legate Urion

Compiled by Lieutenant Alexios Sintarus
Midyear 3, 4E 168

As requested, I have prepared a report on the combat readiness of my squad for your approval. Like most squads, we number 9 legionaries strong (myself included).

The legionaries under my command are as follows:
Rex Serici - Frontliner
Victoria Avitus - Frontliner
Samuel Avitus - Frontliner
Morak gro-Akarok - Linebreaker
Lucien Vautrine - Archer
Ilia Helvus - Archer
Blinds-And-Heals - Field Alchemist
Sindariel - Battlemage

We are outfitted mainly in medium-weight chain and leather armour, with the exception of Morak who prefers to be in plate armour. In prior combat, we've often used a smaller variation of hammer-and-anvil (Morak, of course, being our hammer). However, given the terrain and irregularity of our mission, I've prepared the squad with more adaptable strategies. I also hope that with our new auxiliary Blinds-And-Heals, we'll see our combat effectiveness double as long as he can gather materials for tinctures and poisons. Sindariel often runs short on magicka mid-combat, so I've tasked Blinds with working up mixtures that will help her continually cast for longer.

In summary, I believe we are prepared and ready for this escort mission. I await your word and/or approval.

Born to Fight: Bounty Hunters

Yeah, same.

Born to Fight: Bounty Hunters

Outer Orgon System, 9:11 pm,
Black Market Goods Station

Gunfire from both sides punctuated the atmosphere as Ellie and Joshua crawled amongst cover. In light of the danger they were in of getting struck by the crossfire, Ellie decided against making any further jabs at McPhie. Instead, she focused on tracing their way back to the bay the landed in. For a moment she wished she had given McPhie his cigar back, because maybe the ashes would've been a sort of bread crumb trail for them to follow. Perhaps that was wishful thinking and most likely improbable, but anything seemed easier than navigating this mess of a situation.

Ellie then bumped into a equipment stall, or what was left of it. She then recalled their possible lack of space suits, and suddenly getting shot wasn't the worst thing that could happen to them. Quenching her anxiety, Ellie just sifted through the cases until she found what was the best of the stock. McPhie nudged her wondering what she was doing and she shoved the men's suit case at him. They continued crawling, the firefight still raging when, to her relief, they found their way back to their bay. She thanked whoever decided to sell the unregulated fusion-powered sex toys at their black market stall-- Very peculiar and unforgettable merchandise, to be sure.

The both of them skipped through during a second lull in the conflict, the door slamming shut behind them. McPhie then scowled and pulled his revolver.

BANG.

"Awright, playtime's over. Git away from the ship or get fried up, understand?" The mechanics who McPhie had tipped earlier to mind the ship were coddling it a little more than they should've been. Upon the gunshot and his assertion, they scattered and darted into the vents to get away from the bay but also avoid the raid in the main room. Ellie and McPhie both boarded their ship promptly and closed the boardwalk up behind them. Joshua took a handle of the controls while Ellie took her suit case to the side to get changed. The interface then beeped a god-awful noise.

"What in tarnation...?" And to McPhie's dismay, the urchin mechanics had most probably grifted him. "Oh, no... No, no, no..." He started going into the ship's computer system and thought about how best to tell the ship to compensate. After a few minutes of frustrated dead-end command lines and brain-wracking, the alert disappeared, and the ship whirred to life. "Aw hell yeah! We're good to go!" McPhie cheered triumphantly/
"Not dressed like that, you're not. Put the damn suit on, McPhie," Ellie chimed in as she entered the cockpit, all suited up in a red-white atmospheric combat suit. McPhie wolf whistled in appreciation, mostly at how well it hugged her curves.

"You did grab me a men's, right? Ah, but even then, it's not really my style..." Ellie didn't respond-- not at first as she pointed out the window.
"And you're gonna tell me that is your style?" McPhie turned to look at what she was seeing, and he had probably much the same expression she probably had under the glass of her visor.
"Uh, are you able to... Just take a hold of this here while I... Okay, back in a jiffy!" Ellie dashed forward as Joshua dashed out with the suit case, already feeling maybe a small percentage better being the pilot instead of McPhie. She took to the controls like second nature, upping the thrust and riding the flash of the ships thrusters outta the bay and into the frying pan of the oncoming G.I.A blockade.