Issue Two - Into The Breach - contributed by Bard

When We Last Left Our Heroes:

Hired by the mysterious Nicholas Frost, four Novas made their way to a research facility on the edge of London to recieve briefing on a enigmatic assignment. Only Jenny Artemis was aware of the full ramifications, that the earth was in grave danger and only she and this small band of Novas could save it. Entering the facility, the others were given the shocking truth: a parralel universe where aliens had taken over the world shortly before N-Day had plans to conquer our world for resources to rocket their race back into the cosmos. Now, faced with the prospect of
cross-dimensional war, the Novas of Operation: Dynasty's only hope lies in the grotesque alien Nova held in the cell over a mile under English soil.

Characters Situations This Issue:

Jenny, Yi, and Rex Mundi showed up. Rez was held up studying for an exam and could not make it, and thus was NPCed. No player yet for the Geneticist or the Architect and thus they are still in communicado from the group. Spectrum is now a permanent NPC.

And Now: "Into the Breach"

<Nicholas_Frost> "If you will please follow me, the prisoner's cell is this way."
* Nicholas_Frost begins to head out the door, the room slowly growing warmer as
he begins to leave. Spectrum stands and follows with a shrug.
* ChenMuYi stays behind by three steps
* JennyArtemis takes the lead
* JennyArtemis and lights a cigarrete
* Rez follows, grumbling to himself about how someone's yanking his chain.
* JennyArtemis Jenny lights a fag and takes the lead
* Nicholas_Frost finally leads the group to a round metal door set in the wall
with a keypad to one side and numerous hazard and warning labels around it. To
either side is thick bullet proof glass showing laboratories where HazMat suited
scientists work on strange pieces of alien technology
* ChenMuYi cooly watches from behind his dark glasses
<Nicholas_Frost> "What you are about to see, gentlemen, is one of the greatest
threats to humanity since the bubonic plague. Please remain extremly cautious
and do not use your powers within the cell, as they may disrupt the
anti-teleportational generators around it."
<JennyArtemis> Anti-what?
<ChenMuYi> Prevents teleportation
* JennyArtemis rolls her eyes
<Nicholas_Frost> "Exactly. Our alien...friend...has rather incredible
teleportational abilities, though hardly even raising a candle to one such as
yourself, Mr.Strathmour."
<JennyArtemis> Bloody thanks.
* ChenMuYi pushes glasses up his nose
* Rez rolls his eyes and mutters something to himself
* JennyArtemis Jenny playfully punches Jon-o in the shoulder
<ChenMuYi> Does the creature have other abilities?
<Rez> "Watch it, sheila." he says with a scowl, obviously not liking this whole
alien ordeal
* JennyArtemis blows smoke and drops the butt on the floor
<Nicholas_Frost> "Not that we know of, though just in case the cell is also
sheilded from telepathic intrusion."
<ChenMuYi> Well played
<Nicholas_Frost> "Detective Inspector, would it be too much to ask that you
refrain from smoking inside?"
<JennyArtemis> "Both from outside and in, one would think?"
* JennyArtemis smiles
<JennyArtemis> "Just put it out, luv"
* JennyArtemis crushes the smoke under her heel
<JennyArtemis> "All better, then?"
<JennyArtemis> "So let have a go at this green sod, then..."
* Nicholas_Frost scowls and hits a keycode. An electric eye atop the door scans
the group up and down and finally the door rolls off to one side, reveleaing a
second set of heavy sliding metal doors, thicker than the first. These open as
well, revealing the small, 8x8x8 cubed cell with it's malformed green occupant.
* Rex_Mundi comes walking leisurely towards you in the hallway. He seems to be a
middle aged, rather tall person bristling with muscles, with brown eyes and
short black hair.
* JennyArtemis squints and leans forward to peer into the cell
<Rex_Mundi> *shouting* "Hello my friend! Sorry I am late! I have not missed
anything, I hope?"
* ChenMuYi maintains his position behind the others, but puts one hand near his
Dessert Eagle
* JennyArtemis jumps back in surprise
* Nicholas_Frost spins on his heel, looking at Rex somewhat in surprise
<JennyArtemis> "Bloody 'ell!"
<Nicholas_Frost> "...ah, Professor Vladimir, I was afraid you wouldn't make it."

* ChenMuYi stands still
<Rex_Mundi> "What a nervous group we are! The plane was a bit late, I am afraid
to say."
<JennyArtemis> "Another guest to the party, is it?"
<Rex_Mundi> "I was invited by our friend Mr Frost here."
* AlienPrisoner looks up from his bench. He is chained down with several sets of
anklets, bracelets, and neck bands, all with chords, wires, and chains running
from them into the floor. Despite his utter inhumanity, his eyes are a
startlingly human blue.
<AlienPrisoner> "Vosh reck tem hack! Nes tres mem sha Vosh reck tem hack!"
* AlienPrisoner says harshly at the group, eyeing Forst with a brutal glare
* JennyArtemis reaches for a fag, then remembers Frost's request
<JennyArtemis> "shits..."
<ChenMuYi> Hmm. I would assume you hav broken the language barrier by some
means?
* Rex_Mundi is startled by the appearance of the alien
<Rex_Mundi> "What is this we have here?"
* ChenMuYi seems vaugley bored
<JennyArtemis> "Yeah, don't you lads have a...universal translator with all this
junk about the place?"
<ChenMuYi> I was thinking more along the lines of Novas, Ms. Artemis
<NicholasFrost> "We have, though mainly via telepathic intrusion."
* JennyArtemis leans in close to whisper to Yi:
<JennyArtemis> "That's Detective Inspector, luv..."
<ChenMuYi> *so Jenny can hear him
* ChenMuYi so Jenny can hear him
<JennyArtemis> "So, how bout we telepathically intrude and figgur out what he's
bloody goin' on about?"
<ChenMuYi> "And that's Yi, Detective Inspector
<NicholasFrost> "Its all he's been telling us. Roughly what he's saying
translates as:
<Rex_Mundi> "Mr. Frost, does this have something to do with what you wanted to
talk to me about?"
<NicholasFrost> 'I will tell you nothing. No matter what horrors, I will tell
you nothing."
<JennyArtemis> "Ah, so he's a hard case, then, is he?"
<NicholasFrost> "You could say that. Thankfully our telepaths have been able to
pull a wealth of information from his mind."
<JennyArtemis> "Yeah? Such as...?"
<NicholasFrost> "Such as the information I gave you back in the meeting room."
<JennyArtemis> "No more, then?"
<Rex_Mundi> "What information would this be?"
<JennyArtemis> "Just 'we're gonna wipe you out and all that rot?'"
* JennyArtemis turns to Rex
<NicholasFrost> "And some tactical information about strategic placements.
However you're free to interrogate him if you want, though we'd prefer him
relativly unmarked. Our telepaths will translate."
* Rex_Mundi looks puzzled
<ChenMuYi> How unmarked?
<JennyArtemis> "Soft vs. hard, if I recall..."
<JennyArtemis> "heh..."
<NicholasFrost> "We'd prefer he not have anything broken or cut."
<ChenMuYi> Hh.
* JennyArtemis rolls her sleeves up and grins. Wickedly.
<ChenMuYi> That I can manage
* ChenMuYi cracks the knuckles of his right hand
* JennyArtemis glances sidelong at him
<JennyArtemis> "I reckon so..."
<JennyArtemis> "So...Frost...? About us not using our powers...was that a hard
and fast rule, or is it open to a bit of...interpretation?"
* Spectrum just shrugs, chuckles and watches what's going on with an analytical
mind. Rez is still rather surprised at being confronted by a real life alien.
<Rex_Mundi> "I'm not a telepath, so a short explanation of the situation would
be useful. Could I talk to you for a moment, Mr Frost?"
* NicholasFrost sighs, "Detective Inspector, exercise some restraint. You're all
quite strong and capable of doing quite a bit of damage without your powers."
<NicholasFrost> "Ah yes. I'll leave you gentlemen to your business and brief
Professor Vladimir."
* JennyArtemis shrugs innocently
<JennyArtemis> "Just curious..."
<ChenMuYi> Of course. We have other means at our disposal.
<ChenMuYi> We WILL learn what we wish.
<ChenMuYi> Out of curiosity, what will be our immediate means of translation? Is
there a resident telepath on duty?
* NicholasFrost nods as he takes Rex off. "They're standing by to translate."
* JennyArtemis under her breath, she mutters,
<JennyArtemis> "bloody convenient..."
* ChenMuYi hears Jenny and answers
<ChenMuYi> My thoughts exactly
* JennyArtemis chucles sourly
<JennyArtemis> "How exactly are you folks keeping him restrained in there?
Anyone? Ah Sodding hell..."
* AlienPrisoner looks at Jenny and co and freezes for a second
<AlienPrisoner> "Vay ten shay! Ven tam dem shar-tam! Harl! Harl nex curt!"
* JennyArtemis narrows her eyes at the creature
<JennyArtemis> "Bloody right about that."
* AlienPrisoner looks seriously freaked out
* The telepath speaks over the intercom
* JennyArtemis leans forward and smiles at the thing
<BritishTelepath> 'Not this way! I will not die this way! Help! Help me
live!'
<JennyArtemis> "Living? Dying ain't gonna be your main problem, mate."
* ChenMuYi thoughtfully considers this invader
* AlienPrisoner stares at Jenny, right in the face and speaks low, harsh
* JennyArtemis points to Yi
<JennyArtemis> "See him? He does pain for a living."
<AlienPrisoner> "Voil est. Con shey-waf, voil est. Er tan shim tay vra."
<BritishTelepath> `"You are dead. Some way, you are dead. Betrayel is the end."`

<JennyArtemis> "We all die, don't we love? For most, it's just a matter of
when..."
* ChenMuYi approaches the alien, and stops when he is appx. 2 ft. away from him
* AlienPrisoner babbles more in his gibberish language and the telepath
continues to translate
<ChenMuYi> I am Yi. My associates and I are rather interested as to your
presence in this world. Do you have a name?
* JennyArtemis resists the urge to light a smoke and stares thoughtfully at the
alien.
<BritishTelepath> `"I am Rel-Tan Shay, first of my Phyle. The Progeinators will
crush you beneath their heels."`
<ChenMuYi> Is that so?
<JennyArtemis> "Progenators?"
* ChenMuYi covers the remaining distance and grabs the aliens jaw, cooly
examining the things features.
<JennyArtemis> "What's the big deal about you bein' 'First of your Phyle'? That
mean, first to die?"
* AlienPrisoner raises his strange hands to fend off Yi, but the restraints
shock him and he drops his hands, shaking
* AlienPrisoner mumbles through Yi's hands
<ChenMuYi> The Inspector asked you a question Rel-Tan Shay. I strongly advise
you answer her
* ChenMuYi slacks his grip on the aliens jaw
<BritishTelepath> `"I will say nothing more!"`
<JennyArtemis> "Hurt 'im, mate..."
* ChenMuYi backhands the prisoner
* AlienPrisoner exclaims and falls to oneside, where the restraints shock him
several times until he slowly rises again, jaw dripping purple fluid
* JennyArtemis stares at him with another wicked grin
* ChenMuYi reaches down and lifts the alien upright, but 3 feet off of th ground

<JennyArtemis> "Do they have genitals where you come from, luv?"
* AlienPrisoner gets shocked again by the restraints as Yi lifts him. He spits
in Jenny's face, leaving a red trail down it that itches slightly.
<ChenMuYi> I will ask you once more, do NOT make me ask again. What does it mean
to be first of your Phyle, and who are the Progenitors?
<AlienPrisoner> Shart!
<JennyArtemis> "Hmm...
<BritishTelepath> `"Whore."`
* JennyArtemis wipes spittle from my face
* ChenMuYi tightens grip around prisoners throat slightly
* AlienPrisoner chokes
* ChenMuYi pinches the nerves in Rel-Tan's solar-plexus until he screams
* Rex_Mundi comes walking back along with Mr Frost
* ChenMuYi realeases Rel-tan, who crashes to the ground
* AlienPrisoner screams like a banshee and doubles over and gets shocked again,
smashes to the ground and gasps
<Rex_Mundi> "Hello again!"
* ChenMuYi maintains focus on Rel-Tan
<ChenMuYi> Whoever this tarsh works for, he fears more than me.
<Rex_Mundi> "How is the interrogation coming along?"
<ChenMuYi> The aliens name is Rel-tan, and he is the first of his Phyle.
* Rex_Mundi comes up next to the two interrogators
<Rex_Mundi> "He looks a bit beat up. Aren't you overdoing this?"
<ChenMuYi> One doesnt reason with despots and zealots.
<ChenMuYi> Where is Frost?
* Rex_Mundi tilts his head towards Mr Frost, in the background
* ChenMuYi walks toward Frost
<NicholasFrost> "I'm here." sighs "Didn't I say not to leave any marks?"
<ChenMuYi> I must have slipped
<JennyArtemis> "I don't see any marks on 'im."
<ChenMuYi> What can you tell me of the Phyle he referred to?
* JennyArtemis turns back to the alien, and grits her teeth. The others notice
her temple pulsing as she glares at the creature
* the alien mutters over and over again that he will not tell
* AlienPrisoner begins choking and gasping for air
* JennyArtemis The others notice the alien is having a harder and harder time
breathing
* JennyArtemis smiles
<Rex_Mundi> "How very Darth Vader"
* ChenMuYi watches intently
<JennyArtemis> "Feel that, mate? Those are your lungs steady filling up wit'
goo. rather hard to breathe, ain't it?"
* AlienPrisoner begins gasping for air and tring to speak
* JennyArtemis stands back in pointed silence, watching coldly, arms folded.
* AlienPrisoner sputters some goo onto the floor and coughs, curled up into a
shocked ball
* JennyArtemis seems to untense, after clenching her entire body
<JennyArtemis> "Play nice, and I'll play nice. Play nasty, and I'll fucking
erase you."
<JennyArtemis> "Got it?"
<ChenMuYi> Interesting approach, but Frost advised us against using our powers.
<BritishTelepath> `"I cannot tell, I cannot tell."~
<JennyArtemis> "Well he shouldn't have oughtta spit on me, then..."
<BritishTelepath> "Uh, gents? I think you ought to just be advised that the
energy levels in the room are rising rathe steeply."
* JennyArtemis steps back
<BritishTelepath> "Ah, we're getting some increased Quantum readings here.
Might want to back off for a few moments so we can close the doors and kick in
the Moxinoquantamine gas."
* JennyArtemis shrugs and steps out, keeping an eye on the alien
* ChenMuYi quickly backflips in the direction of the door
* Rex_Mundi steps out
* ChenMuYi backs out when he lands
* The doors slam shut in succesion and a whir of air inside can be heard. A
viewscreen on the corner of the wall shows the room being pumped full of gas
* JennyArtemis searches for a tissue to wipe at the crap on her face...
* Finally the doors open again to reveal a heavily sedated alien lying on the
floor. The Quantum energy is back to normal but he is totally out of it.
* JennyArtemis glares at the intercom where the telepath is speaking from
<JennyArtemis> "Were you getting anything more than just a translation of his
words? What about thoughts?"
<ChenMuYi> What is the source of his powers?
* Rex_Mundi looks at the sedated alien
<ChenMuYi> Does he have a structure like a Node?
<BritishTelepath> "He was attempting to will himself to transport away. We had
to kick in the anti-teleportational generators and sedate him.
<ChenMuYi> Which, I take it, werent helped by the deployment of the Detectives
powers.
<JennyArtemis> "So. He just really doesn't like Auntie jen, does he?"
<BritishTelepath> "It would...errr...appear not, Detective Inspector."
<Rex_Mundi> "For a Detective, you seem like a very brutal lady."
<JennyArtemis> "Me? I'm a sweetheart. You should've seen me mum..."
<ChenMuYi> Back to the matter at hand, we know nothing more than before this
encounter. What else can you tell us Frost?
* JennyArtemis again reaches for a smoke, and remembers not to...
* JennyArtemis narrows her eyes as she listens to telepath's voice.
<JennyArtemis> "Phelps! Goddamn bloddy hell!"
* The British telepath coughs over the intercom
<BritishTelepath> "Errr, ah...yes, Detective Inspector?"
<JennyArtemis> "What in the sodding...? How in the bloody...?"
<JennyArtemis> "You're supposed to be..."
* Frost turns to Yi while Jenny yells at the intercom. "We think we've devised a
means of which to get you across the dimensional barrier and into the alien
universe. Once there Mr.Strathmour should be able to home in on your previous
coordinates here. It should be within the range of his abilities."
<Rex_Mundi> "A friend?"
<BritishTelepath> "Errr...that's classified, err, Detective Inspector."
<ChenMuYi> I would think so.
<JennyArtemis> "Classified is it, you little git..."
<ChenMuYi> Wht is the rendezvous point on this world?
* JennyArtemis turns to Frost, "What other surprises have you got in store for
me, Frost?"
<BritishTelepath> "Errr, right. That's lunch now, that is."
* The British telepath clicks dead the intercom
<NicholasFrost> "Hardly any more Lazaruses up my sleave, Detective Inspector.
I'm surprised you even recognized Mr.Phelps."
<NicholasFrost> "As to the rendevouz point, Mr.Yi, it will be in the remains of
674 Brownstone in Manchester. Mr.Strathmour should be able to take you there."
<JennyArtemis> "Frost, luv, it's like this: I don't wanna have to ask you
specifically for surprises. Consider it a general sort a'thing. Any more
surprises up your pigging sleeves?"
<ChenMuYi> What is this dimensional trasport, and how is it present in the
remains of a Brownstone without attracting attention?
<NicholasFrost> "Alright, Detective Inspector, I have no other surprises in
store for you past those that I cannot percieve. Mr.Yi, we've cordoned off the
area to 'excavate' bombs dropped by a few German fighters that flew off course
during the London Blitz. An exploded bomb is responsible for the destruction of
the building in question.'"
<JennyArtemis> "Bloody brilliant..."
<ChenMuYi> I see.
<Rex_Mundi> "Maybe we should be off then! With some luck, we will be back before
dinner!"
<ChenMuYi> I wouldnt think so. This seems to be a rather elaborate undertaking.
<JennyArtemis> "Hold on, then. I never really got who you was s'posed t'be?
Professor something?"
<NicholasFrost> "Professor Andre Vladimir, aka Rex Mundi."
<JennyArtemis> "Yeah? Charmed and all that..."
<Rex_Mundi> "Geologist."
<ChenMuYi> A pleasure, Professor.
* Spectrum gives a low whistle. "You took out 'Ramjet' Chilsolm. Quite a bit of
work there."
<Rex_Mundi> "And who might you be?"
<Rex_Mundi> "Thank you."
<ChenMuYi> I am Yi. I work as an Elite. Any questions?
<Rex_Mundi> "No, no, that will do fine."
<ChenMuYi> Hh.
<Spectrum> "Nicholas 'Spectrum' Carpenter. A pleasure to finally meet you."
Holds out a hand.
<JennyArtemis> "Jenny Artemis. Detective Inspector. Scotland Yard. I arrest
people."
* Rex_Mundi shakes Spectrum's hand
<Rex_Mundi> "Charmed to meat you all!"
* Spectrum has as solid a grip as Rex does, he grins, glad to meet a fellow
Elite who's good and up front.
<Rex_Mundi> "I have, of course, heard of the famous Yi. Miz Artemis I have not
heard of before, but I hope you will not hold that against me. I am certain we
will get along nicely, yes?"
* JennyArtemis breaks down finally and lights a goddamned smoke!
<JennyArtemis> "Quite. Quite."
<NicholasFrost> "So, gentlemen, I trust you are ready to go?"
<NicholasFrost> "If there is any equipment you require, feel free to ask."
<JennyArtemis> "And lady, goddamn it..."
<Rex_Mundi> "I have everything I need, including," *pats chestpocket* "some
vodka for morale."
<JennyArtemis> "Stoly's?"
<ChenMuYi> I would be interested in some extra sidearms, for the road
<Rex_Mundi> "How did you know?"
* ChenMuYi opens trenchcoat to reveal his arsenal.
<JennyArtemis> "An old boyfriend of mine, with American Intelligence, used to
put it on ice every time he came back from...wherever it was he went."
* NicholasFrost looks at Yi
<NicholasFrost> "That's quite the arsenal you have, Mr.Yi, though I do believe
you are missing a stapler."
* ChenMuYi looks unammused
<ChenMuYi> I'll also need spent uranium pistol ammo casings.
* JennyArtemis forms a stapler from thin air in the palm of her hand
<JennyArtemis> "Here ya go, mate."
<NicholasFrost> "I'm not sure we can get those on such short notice. Are your
pistols designed to handle them?"
<ChenMuYi> I can modify them accordingly. I have a feeling this mission is going
to require speacial precautions.
<NicholasFrost> "Hmm. I'll speak with our technicians."
<ChenMuYi> There may not be a need. Detective Inspector, would it be possible to
exchange a certain sum of coin for some speacial ordinance?
<JennyArtemis> "Buy me lunch and we'll have a nic chat, then..."
* ChenMuYi smiles slightly and quickly
<ChenMuYi> Agreed
<NicholasFrost> "Do you require another day then before you're ready to set out?

<ChenMuYi> At least one. I and Detective Inspector Artemis have investments to
discuss.
<JennyArtemis> "Just long enough to find some-fin ta eat...'
* JennyArtemis stomach growling
<Rex_Mundi> "I don't mind. I will have some good English food before leaving,
then."
<ChenMuYi> Mr. Frost, do you know of any eating establishments in the area?
<JennyArtemis> "Careful with that. You'll find the menu requires a bit of
iron..."
<NicholasFrost> "Indeed. There are a few inns and pubs just down the road from
the facility. I'll have a car take you there.
<NicholasFrost> "
<ChenMuYi> Hmm. And, is there a place I may store some of my weapons?
<Rex_Mundi> "Let us get departing then!"
<NicholasFrost> "Here, if you like."
<JennyArtemis> "I'm up for a pub crawl...Rex? Still got that Vodka?"
* Rex_Mundi starts moving toward the elevator
<Rex_Mundi> "Of course!
<Rex_Mundi> "
<JennyArtemis> "This'll work out just fine, then."
* ChenMuYi hands Frost a shotgun, two knives, and a maser. The rest he keeps
hidden on his person
* ChenMuYi walks after Jenny
* NicholasFrost just looked at the weapons in his hands and sighs
<NicholasFrost> "I don't suppose it would help to ask you to keep a low profile,
would it?"
<ChenMuYi> The choice of establishment is your, Detective Inspector.
<ChenMuYi> I think I can manage, Mr. Frost
<JennyArtemis> "I don't know this area quite as well as I'd like...it being in
the middle of bloody nowhere and all..."
<Rex_Mundi> "Let's find a nice place. A LARGE place!"
<JennyArtemis> "Anywhere with a bloody decent draught
<ChenMuYi> It is your choice. I really have no preference.
* Rez has mysteriously vanished and Spectrum stuck around to review strategic
information.
<Rex_Mundi> "Really? Maybe you should have some vodka, to lighten up."
<Rex_Mundi> "Maybe we should ask Mr Frost..."
* Rex_Mundi turns around
* NicholasFrost is mysteriously gone
<ChenMuYi> I never drink, Professor. Besides, it hardly carries a kick anymore,
as you probably noticed a while ago.
<Rex_Mundi> *shouts* "Mr Frost! Are there any pubs you reco..!?"
<JennyArtemis> "Slippery bugger..."
<ChenMuYi> Come along then, there are matters to discuss before our mission.

***The Novas of Operation: Dynasty are driven to the Hogs Head Pub, that being
the nearest establishment for the consumption of alcohol and easily suggested by
one of the door guards who are only too happy to direct celebrities around. The
'Pub has quite a rustic feel despite being just a few miles outside London.
Stone walls and long wooden tables serve a large number of guests at a time.
The food is hearty and frought with the perils of molten grease, but they do
boast 35 different brands of beer, 17 different whiskeys, and a wide array of
other alcoholic poisons. It smells of beer, smoke, and food. The windows have
been thrown open to let the July sunlight pour in, and the fireplace is empty.
The waitresses bustle around the room, mostly looking fairly similar so you can
tell it's family run.***

* JennyArtemis takes in the scene with all her senses
<Rex_Mundi> "Right you are, friend. Let us go find a nice bar and drink many
drinks!"
* Rex_Mundi looks the place over
* ChenMuYi turns to Jenny
<Rex_Mundi> "This looks nice!
* Rex_Mundi looks for an emtpy table
<ChenMuYi> Lets take the seat over near the rear.
* ChenMuYi gestures towards the seat in the left most rear
<JennyArtemis> "I get the seat with my back to the wall!"
* The hostess looks at the group, and up, and up at the huge Russian Nova, then
pointedly ignores his bare feet and the fact that the Chinamen looks like a
killer.
* ChenMuYi removes his sunglasses
<ChenMuYi> Table for three. That table
* She looks at Jenny in amazement "'Ey! Oi've seen you on the telly! You're
Jenny Art'mis!"
* JennyArtemis glances up and nods with a faint, wan smile.
<JennyArtemis> "That's about right, luv. get us a pint, willya?'
<BewilderedYoungHostess> "Ai, ma'am!"
<Rex_Mundi> "You seem to be quite the celebrity, my lady."
<ChenMuYi> So much for keeping a low profile
<JennyArtemis> "Er...quite..."
* JennyArtemis buries face in menu...
<JennyArtemis> "Bangers looks good...but then, it always does..."
<Rex_Mundi> "I will have this odd thing here... Haggis, is it? I have never
heard of it. I will try that! Two of it, please."
* JennyArtemis glances up
<ChenMuYi> Heads up
<JennyArtemis> "wot's all this, then...?"
* Rex_Mundi looks at the person
<ChenMuYi> It seems your reputation proceeds you
<Rex_Mundi> "He seems to know you, Miz Artemis!"
* JennyArtemis sighs heavily
* JennyArtemis stands and goes after him before he disappears.
<JennyArtemis> "Excuse me, lads..."
<ChenMuYi> Of course
<Rex_Mundi> "Go ahead."
* JennyArtemis parts the members of the crowd as politely as possible, seeing an
all too familiar figure.
* GregoryPhelps tries to squeeze through the crowds, but is held back by them
and moves far too slowly to get away
<JennyArtemis> "Phelps...don't you run, you sod..."
* GregoryPhelps turns around and tries to look innocent
<GregoryPhelps> "Errrm...hello...Detective Inspector. Been well, have you?"
* JennyArtemis places her hands on her hips and stares down her nose at him
<JennyArtemis> "Don't play silly buggers with me, Phelps, you little git."
* GregoryPhelps looks like an asphixiating fish. He's slightly pudgy and pasty
for a Nova, with thick black hair atop his head and a pair of squinty grey eyes.
He's wearing a good suit and looking decidedly nervous.
* JennyArtemis eyes him up and down, then sighs.
<JennyArtemis> "Well, what are you drinking, then?"
<GregoryPhelps> "Eh, err...just enjoying a pint've the house brew."
<JennyArtemis> "Magic! You'll enjoy it with me and the bunch, then,"
* JennyArtemis voice descends to a growl:
<JennyArtemis> "and we'll have a proper chat, won't we?"
<GregoryPhelps> "Eh, um, I was thinkin maybe I'd get back t'work, y'know?"
* GregoryPhelps tries to back away, but he's up against the bar now with nowhere
to run
* JennyArtemis slides arm around Phelps' shoulders and directs him toward their
table
* GregoryPhelps really isn't all the strong so gets dragged by the rather
assertive Jenny back to the table
<GregoryPhelps> "Ah, hello lads. Nice bit've weather we've been having, eh?"
* JennyArtemis sits him down with a grin and sits across from him
<ChenMuYi> It hasnt changed for an hour. When we saw you last.
<Rex_Mundi> "Hello my new-found friend! What do you want to drink?"
<GregoryPhelps> "Well, saw isn't quite the right word I'd use."
<JennyArtemis> "Everyone...Phelps. Phelps isn't exactly a toerag, he just gets
paid t' be one on the telly."
* GregoryPhelps coughs at the sight of the giant Russian and sputters at Jenny
<GregoryPhelps> "Eh, now. None've that. I'm just doin my job for my country an
all that."
<ChenMuYi> Ive heard that line before. Plenty, in fact.
<JennyArtemis> 'No, you WERE doing you job for god and country and queen."
<GregoryPhelps> "Well, it's a bit difficult t'do that when half the Elites on
the continent want you dead, eh?"
* JennyArtemis just glares at him.
<JennyArtemis> "Save it."
<Rex_Mundi> "Whatever do these mercenaries want you dead for?"
<JennyArtemis> "Look here, Phelps, I'm thinking you lot're holdin' out on old
Jenny, here."
* ChenMuYi sits back and listens
<GregoryPhelps> "Oh, a little've this...a little've of that." mutters something
else.
<GregoryPhelps> "What? Hold out on you lot? Never!"
* JennyArtemis smiles at the others.
<JennyArtemis> "gentlemen, if you'll notice? The way his left eyes tends to bug
a bit?
<JennyArtemis> "That means he's trying so very hard not to spill a secret...
Trying and failing..."
<Rex_Mundi> "Yes?"
* GregoryPhelps twitches and looks decidedly like he wants to run
<JennyArtemis> "gregory, luv, be a dear and tell Jenny all about it. What's
Frost holding back on?"
<Rex_Mundi> "Now now my friend, you don't leave before you've had your drink!
It's on me!"
* Rex_Mundi puts his hand decisively on Phelps's shoulder
<GregoryPhelps> "Frost's not holdin back on anythin, bloody bugger that he is.
Bleedin Americans an all that."
* GregoryPhelps looks at Rex rather nervously
<JennyArtemis> "No?"
<GregoryPhelps> "I'm swearin that I don't know anythin past what you've been
told!"
<Rex_Mundi> "Relax.You're among friends!" *smiles*
<JennyArtemis> "Right then. And that's why you're sweating like a piglet?"
* JennyArtemis sighs
<GregoryPhelps> "Well...can I just tell a little an get away?"
<JennyArtemis> "We'll see."
* Rex_Mundi squeezes Phelps shoulder gently and presses Phelps downwards, firmly
into his chair
<GregoryPhelps> "Alright, well...y'know all that alternate world rubbish?"
<JennyArtemis> "yes?"
<GregoryPhelps> "Um, well, you've all got duplicates in that alternate world,
yeah? An all've em are dead."
<JennyArtemis> "Bloody 'ell...explains some of it, it does, then..."
<Rex_Mundi> "Is that it?"
<GregoryPhelps> "Eh, you said you'd let me go if I told you!"
<Rex_Mundi> "You shouldn't worry about such small details!"
<JennyArtemis> "Duplicates, is it? And what happened to all of our dead
duplicates?"
<GregoryPhelps> "What'd'ya mean 'what happened'? They're dead y'git! That's what
I said!"
* JennyArtemis sighs and scowls darkly at him.
<JennyArtemis> "That goddamned alien looked at me like he knew me. Like some-fin
had bloody well passed between me an' him. he gave me that look for a reason. if
you have a goddamned clue youlittle sod, you'd do best to tell right bloody
now..."
<GregoryPhelps> "Alright! You were super-bloody-heroes in their world, ok?!?"
<GregoryPhelps> "The lot've you!"
<JennyArtemis> "Wot's that?"
* ChenMuYi leans forward a little
<JennyArtemis> "With costumes and everything?"
<GregoryPhelps> "Yeah, that's right."
<Rex_Mundi> "Really?"
<Rex_Mundi> "And the aliens killed us off. Just like that?"
<ChenMuYi> Have you any proof?
<GregoryPhelps> "Not just like that. They denotated their bloody ship on you!"
<JennyArtemis> "And Frost didn't think this was bloody pertenant?"
<GregoryPhelps> "Frost's a bloody wanker that thinks he knows everything cuz
he's a hundred and fourty bleeding years old. Now I'm leavin!"
* JennyArtemis jaw drops open...
* Rex_Mundi lets go from shock
* ChenMuYi crosses his legs

Here ends Issue 2. Next Issue: The Teeth of the Dragon!