❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

[natha]

THE PROLOGUE     Your sleep on the night of the 15th is not a restful one, unfortunately. It’s unclear whether you are in a state of half-wakefulness, or dreaming. The voices you hear certainly sound very real. What is it, Sael? —Is everyone asleep?! Every one, yes. Sael, it appears you do not have good news to deliver...? N-No! I don’t know how it slipped past us, but there’s something powerful coming this way. Something hostile. I can barely keep the core systems online! ... I don't know what to do... I see... and we cannot protect Thesa and Alria in addition to transferring the Refugees to Olympia. This force, they waited for this moment. They knew I have been Intervening, and that I have become weak from such Interventions— ... We've been had. It cannot be helped. To save the Refugees on the Stations, we must eject the awoken unto El Nysa. My remaining energy shall go into shielding Thesa— left defenseless, every being we have saved on this station will perish... Sael, where is the ideal location for the landing? Hmm. There aren’t any people within a ten mile radius of The Outlook, and there shouldn’t be any for a few more days. I think that’s the best location right now. Very well. Instruct Zasere and Roman to begin preparations for an emergency eject. This is the only way we can save everyone. I am counting on you to ward off the enemy on the space front. The rest... is up to our Refugees. The alarms are blaring. It shouts against your eardrums, calling you to wake again. This time, you are in new pod, strapped down completely and cushioned tightly against the walls. In truth, you had no idea when you’d gone to sleep, but it is reminiscent of when you had been saved from the force of the Storm. A voice greets you when you come to, while the conversation between Darma and Sael is still fresh on your mind. Despite their voices playing like an old tune in your memory, you still know it is something that happened. Something has gone terribly wrong. You hear Darma speak, her voice loud in your head. Fellow Refugee, I wake you with regrettable news. A force equal to our own is attempting to engage Thesa, no doubt to steal the souls contained here. My energy is near depleted with this last Intervention, so I cannot send you to the grounds safely as originally intended. However, there is hope yet.This power shall instead shield Thesa and Alria — and believe in me when I swear no one shall be hurt. Your loved ones are safe with us. —Unfortunately, that is at your expense. Your descent will not be an easy one. This pod that contains you shall pierce through El Nysa's atmosphere and land you on an island west of Olympia, simply called The Outlook. Travel east. Find the West Outpost, then continue east until you find the Olympian North Gate. There is a method to this madness. You shall be sent in waves. The inhumanly strong shall be first. The parachute will soften the landing, but I am aware of all your capabilities. The first wave will survive the drop, and will work tirelessly to secure the others. Find your bearings, and ensure the safety of the second wave. They are the healers and medics. Catch their pods, ease their landings, make certain that they shall not be harmed, because you will need them for your wounds. The third wave are your strongmen. They shall help clear the debris and take people to safety, making way for the fourth wave, those can conjure magic to help. Bring everyone to a safe distance. A supply drop will follow soon after; it shall contain tents and tools that will be useful for the long night. The fifth and sixth waves are largely vulnerable humans. With your combined efforts, you shall survive this great misfortune. Forgive us, Refugee. Leave the Moons to us, my promise to you is still in tact— focus on what you can do for others like you. Helping at least two (2) Refugees will earn you one (1) Natha REP. Threads must be AC length to qualify, and can be submitted HERE by JULY 31st. THE DESCENT     FIRST WAVE. The instructions are clear. Those who are a part of the First Wave should be equipped with physical strength and fortitude to survive the drop or the power to regenerate and heal their own wounds. While the pods are already designed to cushion some of the impact, as this is the first group, it will likely to be the most jarring. In all of the waves, some of the pods will malfunction and offer no cushion at all. They will be expected to quickly find their bearings. Their mission isn’t simply just landing, after all. The first wave will be expected to help the next wave, and the wave after that. Whether through their abilities or brute strength, they will be expected to help soften the landing for those who are falling. They will also be expected to pry open hatches, carry people to safety, and to just... survive. It’s not always easy being first. SECOND WAVE. Within the next hour, it’s time for the Second Wave to make their descent. You were selected based upon your aptitude for healing and/or being able to administer first aid. Perhaps you can help the tired and weary. Maybe those who have landed have have strength, but no stamina. Either way, it may be unwise to exhaust all their abilities at once. The night is long, and you may want to conserve their energy for the next waves to come. At least you’ll have help in getting settled. THIRD WAVE. Akin to the First Wave, the Third Wave will possess some durability, and some manner of strength, making you a reliable ally. Especially in a time of crisis... Or so we hope. While the landing is tough, and some of you may need first aid. As soon as you’re all healed up, you’ll have no time to dawdle. Your help is required. “Please help those still trapped in pods. Carry those unconscious to safety. Lift debris, and rescue all you can.” May be a vague message still stuck in the back of your head. Something whispered to you while you were just waking. Well, might as well roll with it. It’s the best shot you have, after all. FOURTH WAVE. Those in the Fourth Wave, as Darma projects, were selected due to the versatility of their abilities. No one expects one man to do the same as the next. Rather, that’s precisely the point: to be different. To be able to accomplish something unique. While one individual may be blessed with powers that assist in putting out fires, another may have the ability to shield those from oncoming debris. Maybe one even has the ability to channel all of these. Regardless, it’s up to you and your quick wits to see what tasks are open. It’ll take some coordination, especially as there are more people mixing into the fray, but, you can do it, can’t you? FIFTH WAVE. If you are in the Fifth Wave it is likely that you have a specific power or ability. One that isn’t easily channeled or called upon. Or, perhaps, you were merely placed here for insurance. Whatever the case if, your expertise will presently be put to the test. Maybe you’re quite proficient in survival skills, and you’re already eyeing the supplies that were dropped between the Fourth Wave and now. Goods all ready to be salvaged. Okay, maybe some can’t, but as they say, “it’s the thought that counts.” Besides, the injured from earlier certainly need a space to rest, and camp isn’t going to make itself. Regardless, maybe you feel more comfortable joining in the efforts to assist those who still require it. Whatever it is, you are sure to find your place and use. Darma obviously held the same faith. FINAL WAVE. The Final Wave is fortunate in a variety of ways. With Thesa Station a bit more stabilized, Darma utilizes the last bit of her powers in insuring that these last remaining pods are met with the softest landing, right beside the fifth, that is. The fragility of life is nothing she is unfamiliar with, after all. Still, that isn’t to say nothing is expected of you. Most of the individuals that have dropped earlier will likely be exhausted. An hour stretched between each one, makes several hours for the first couple of waves. They'll need a place to relax. You will act as the final group of helpers. Settle into whatever role feels best for you. Are you an excellent cook? Great at rationing supplies? Perhaps, you have a secret skill in ______ that might come in handy here? Or, maybe, despite the gentler landing you still managed to get hurt. The sky's the limit, and you got this! Meanwhile, in the distant kingdom of Olympia, the Empress and her loyal subject discuss matters late into the night... I’ll have the results of that dragon toxin study ready for you soon, Your Highness. I just need a few helpers to— oh wow, is that a meteor shower? Oh yes, it appears so. How beautiful.. hehe. Let us thank Thesa for this blessing. GATHER YOUR BEARINGS     All in all, the descent lasts for nearly seven hours. After the deployment of the last wave of refugees, it’s only natural that you may be feeling pretty worn out. A. Within the remains of the pods, Refugees will find basic camping supplies such as small tents, sleeping bags, and compasses. Not all of the supplies remain intact, thanks to the impact of the crash. But, sharing resources will ensure there is enough for everyone to rest for the night. Can you really in good conscience leave that stranger next to you without shelter? B. Although you may be tired after such a life-threatening ordeal, there is still work to be done to ensure your survival. Fortunately, it works out because now there are plenty of empty hands. There are stray debris and metal parts that should be collected and disposed of. There's firewood that needs to be collected, and campfires to upkeep. The nights in the Outlook are particularly chilly, and so it will be imperative to keep warm! C. Your clothes are tattered or too bloodied to sleep on with comfortably. Fortunately, Darma thought ahead. There will be various types of clothing provided, mostly robes that resemble her own in earthy tones, all to help them camouflage you for your next big adventure. FINAL OOC NOTE     This INTRO event will be broken up into three parts! Please keep this in mind when plotting your threads/tag load. PART 2 will be posted on JULY 18TH and PART 3 on JULY 22ND, at 6 PM EST. In the event of CAPTCHA, we will be providing an overflow. In the event of a second CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. The NETWORK is currently down, as Sael must concentrate all of his efforts on warding off the invading force. Characters may still message each other's personal IC inboxes. Submit two (2) AC-eligible threads from this log for one (1) Natha Orbiter REP point here by JULY 31ST. Recommended Listening: Alex & TOKYO Rose QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

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Abelas || Fourth wave

[getoutofmytemple]

[Landing]

[The landing was rough to say the least, fortunately he was capable breaking out of it himself. Not quite as fortunately, that landing was not particularly kind to one whose casual attire consisted of plate-mail armor. One of his shoulder guards had been torn loose, and the edge cutting into his neck and shoulder. His ankle wasn't fairing much better, but he could work through that.

He left most of his supplies behind, he needed to travel lightly if he hoped to reach others in good time. He could have someone retrieve them while he was tended to.

That was the plan anyway, it probably would have gone better if he hadn't attacked the first soul he met out of reflex. It had only been a knock back spell and stun, but still bad form for one who needed help. He made his way towards his accidental victim and offered them a hand up.]

My apologies, you caught me by surprise.

[Shemlen herding Organizing Camps]

[Abelas paced before a small group of strangers he had managed to herd together. So many seemed to be running about aimlessly, they least he could do was give them direction and hope to organize them. Though they certainly were a sorry looking bunch.]

We are going to need to fortify the camp. We know not whose territory we may have fallen in, nor do we know the beasts that could wander the area. We also need to form a scouting party to map the area, and designate places of interest. We will require a water source and potential places to move camp if necessary.

Those less suitable for scouting should aide in gathering resources. Wood and kindling shall be the simplest until we acquire a water source.

[He looks over the group once more, his eyes narrow slightly.]

Normally I would not care to say this, but you are not a group that inspires great hope: If you are not certain what it is, do not try to eat it. Our healers do not need to deal with buffoons poisoning themselves on top of the injuries from the evacuation.

[He waves his hand to dismiss the group.]

If you have any inquiries, I shall only remain here long enough to prepare the scouting groups.

[Scouting and hunting]

[Abelas flitted in and out of sight of the rest of the group venturing ahead then circling back to guide the one he was travelling with around obstacles. It also served to cut off any attempt at small talk before it began. Unfortunately for him things could not avoid his company forever, and there came a point when having back up would be handy.]

I discovered tracks of what appears to be a large aquatic beast, such would imply a nearby source of water, and potentially food. You will accompany me and watch for predators, they are just as likely to seek the resources as us.

[Night]

[Once it grows too dark to continue his efforts scouting and gathering resources, he sets himself up a small camp on the outskirts of the settlement. A point that was left open, and lacked any sort of fortification, he saw fit to act as a makeshift guard. He could forgo sleep for a few nights until he could set up a rotation.

He still remained in most of his armor, aside from a few pieces damaged from the landing. He was currently attempting the reshape one of his greaves with a flame he had conjured in his hand, when he heard someone approach. HE doesn't even bother looking up as he addressed them.]

What is it you want?

scouting and hunting

[ruffboi]

Me?

[Magnus is in the middle of carrying some supplies somewhere or other, and clearly not doing anything particularly useful. He has a large flaming sword in his arms that could be used to solve much better problems. But he still seems pretty surprised to have someone stop him and start barking orders.]

Yeah, whatever you need. I'll protect you from those guys. What're we talking? Bears? Wolves? Dragons?

[getoutofmytemple]

[Ugh, shemlen warriors. Not his ideal choice, however he was likely at least competent. Moreso than others had appeared at least.]

I am not so foolish to assume beasts we are familiar with, hence the danger.

[He calls over someone to take the supplies the man had been carrying, and deliver them as needed. They too seemed a bit startled, but complied.]

Are you certain you are capable for the task?

[ruffboi]

You couldn't have rudely demanded the help of anyone better. I'm great at fighting things, plus I've got animal handling proficiency. Don't need to worry about those big bad bearwolves while I'm around.

[Giving him a thumbs up.]

Let's ship out!

[getoutofmytemple]

[He tilts his head inquisitively at the mention of him being rude, he had not thought that mattered here. He was here to keep these people organized, not be their friend. In the end he cared little for anyone's opinion of him regardless, so long as they listened.

This shemlen seemed good enough for that, and supposed skill with his weapon did make him particularly useful. He could afford to talk less, but beggars can't be choosers.]

Very well, follow me.

[And with that, the elf turned to lead him from the camp and towards where he found the tracks. After that it was a matter of following them, which was admittedly not his best skill, but the beast was not exactly small which made it easier.]

We near the water source, be on your guard. I shall attempt to move quickly, follow closely.

[ruffboi]

[He doesn't exactly mind that Abelas was being rude, just noting it. He isn't really much of a following directions type of guy, but as it happens, being a wild animal guard is something he's always up for.

On the other hand, what he's not is stealthy. He's not wearing heavy armor, but he does have a shield and a big sword, which he keeps absently flicking so the fire turns on and off. It's probably not a bad idea to have the fire on if their goal is to scare away predators, but he seems to be doing it more out of boredom. Still, he's following.]

Still following! I'm not seeing anything to fight yet, though. Starting to feel like this was a big waste of time!

landing

[valcurie]

( Ah, the wonders of modern medicine better watch out, because magic is pretty great, too!

At least, that was what she was thinking as she fell to the ground for the second time today and contemplated what was, as far as she could tell, her first real encounter with it. The force of the initial knockback had been so sudden and so strong, and so unexpected, she couldn't explain otherwise it. Science, or the process of it, is about experimentation, so at some point she'll have to try and apply it to spells, but right now really isn't the moment.

Coming up to her feet with Abelas' help, she holds off on picking up her belongings for a second to take stock of the man. After all, her purpose for coming back out was to assist refugees in whatever way she could. Mercy notes that he's travelling lightly. His armour has taken something of a beating, like her own, nothing too dramatic, but she can't dismiss that he could potentially be more severely bruised and battered. )

Well, if you were being attacked, at least you'd be safe. ( Now she bends over to pick up her staff. She takes it one hand, lightly digging one end into the soil underfoot. ) Are you in need of any medical attention?

[getoutofmytemple]

[He was grateful the woman did not take too much offense to his brash reaction. Another mage by the looks of it, though the armor and staff were odd, and he could not sense any magic.
It was curious, but he would not waste the woman's time with inquiries, he removed the one hand from his neck revealing the worst injury, which was still bleeding.]

My pauldron was torn loose in the impact, and cut into my neck and shoulder. These are the wounds most in need of immediate attention. If it would not strain resources then there are other injuries I would see tended, but I shall endure them if need be.

[Despite the armor's age, he did not think it to be a flaw of the armor itself, it simply was not made to cushion such an odd impact. He hoped to find someone to repair it properly eventually, but such would have to wait for another time.]

[valcurie]

( She also has a question or two about some of his curiosities--beyond the magic, those facial tattoos are quite striking, and his features present an interesting shape that suggest to her adaptation for a different world--but likewise she won't waste his time or hers. There are dozens others she'll be helping after this, she's sure. ) There's no need to be shy, we're not in barbaric times.

Let me see. ( Approaching him, staff in hand, she gently moves aside anything else that may be obstructing her view of the wound on his shoulder, what's his most grievous one, she is to believe. Once she has an idea of the extent of the damage the staff of her tip begins to glow with a soft, wholesome gold. ) I can get you patched up in a few minutes.

[getoutofmytemple]

[There was a moment of hesitation before he decided to help her get a better look at his shoulder. He dropped his hood and unclasped his jacket and pulled it down over his shoulder. It wouldn't be the best access, he still had his chestplate on, and thus the chainmail beneath that the old pauldron had cut through. He hoped it would be enough, stripping down int he middle of unknown territory wasn't how he wished to spend his afternoon, but it would still be better than spending it bleeding out.

He did not say anything for a time, instead he watched her intently. He did not trust the goodwill of a strange human, regardless of circumstance, but when it does appear that she was doing as she said he eases a bit.]

Your magic is unfamiliar to me. Where did you learn it?

[valcurie]

( Truth be told, Mercy was really glad for technology. It had both allowed for the medical advances she personally had made, as well as produced the suit she was wearing that was happily functional, and non-lethal upon impact. With a closer look at Abelas' wound it's not hard for her to see how easily it could have been a lot worse. As in, severed artery worse. Perhaps not the closest thing, but a likely outcome given how chance tended to work out.

As she allows her staff to continue to admit its beam, she looks up at him and smiles. ) No magic here, my friend. This is just biotic technology. It's nothing mysterious, like whatever you did to me.

( He might be able to feel his flesh knitting back together. It will feel--natural. It's just sped up and aided cell regeneration, really. It's not something she would even call magical. ) Do you call your abilities magic?

[Night]

[agradecido]

[Maker only knows why he cares for this man's welfare; maybe because he's one of the only parts of home Zevran has on this rock? Whatever it is, it has him approaching the loner's fire instead of someone else. Zevran tells himself that it's to spare others from having to deal with the other elf.

He huffs and holds out a bowl-shaped piece of one of the pods, covered over with a bit of cloth. There's a bit of bread in there, and some of the foraged berries. Of course, he doesn't expect Abelas to look up and see it.]

What could one possibly want for in such a paradise? Still, I brought you something. For later, if not now.

[getoutofmytemple]

[ The familiar voice did manage to pause in repairs and turn his gaze to the other elf. He glanced between Zevran and the offered food and narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Most would likely call him paranoid, but it was his hesitance to trust that helped him preserve the temple as long as he had. He could not think of a logical reason for the offer of food. The other elf did not require protection, and Abelas had little to offer for trade other than his skill in combat, and tales of a fallen empire that no longer was relevant.]

Why? I have nothing to offer in exchange.

[agradecido]

[This is why you have no friends, Abelas. Zevran keeps his expression neutral, save for lifting his eyebrows. The man is unfriendly at best, but there's no real reason to make an enemy this early. Not when they'd need every available hand later.]

To save you the trouble of venturing out yourself? It doesn't seem wise for any of us to wander into the forest alone.

[And then he bends down to place the makeshift dish on the blanket next to the other elf, and sits in a crouch. He's careful not to look like he's expecting anything, but he did just basically make himself at home in the man's camp.]

[getoutofmytemple]

[There's a moment when he considers commenting on the other's presence, but he did do him a favor of sorts. Abelas looks back down to the damaged piece of armor and continues his work, bending the malleable piece into proper shape. His way of welcoming the company.]

I am capable of foraging out on my own.

[It wasn't stated in an argumentative way, more like he was clarifying an accidental misconception.

With the one piece finished he set it aside to cool, then took up his damaged pauldron and scowled at it. It was far more damaged, and it would likely be better to discard it than to try and fix it, but he would make the attempt anyway. He inspected the leather strap that had been supposed to hold it in place and found it cracked and brittle. Probably should have kept up with it more between slumbers.

He let out a sigh and summoned the flame in his hands once more to warm up the metal.]

[agradecido]

[Zevran purses his lips at the statement. Dalish elves. Shaking his head, he lets the thought leave his mind. That wasn't fair. It wasn't a Dalish thing, it was a this-particular-elf thing.]

Capable still doesn't mean it's a good idea. We have no idea what's out there.

[It's rather amazing that he's able to do that at all out here, without a forge, and he falls silent while he watches for a bit. Not that he's about to act impressed. Zevran watches Abelas grumpily inspect his armor, and then summon the flame again. Maybe he should mention the mage--wizard, he corrects himself.

And then he sits there, staring off into the quiet woods for a bit longer, leaning back and forth over mentioning it, since he's about as fond of this man as this man is of him, but eventually practicality wins out and he rolls his eyes up to the heavens for a second.]

...There's a fellow here who can repair that, perhaps. Magically. It's quite impressive, I had no idea that was a thing people could do.

Shemlen herding

[heraldsdawn]

[ Lavellan had been waiting off to the side, leaning on his staff as he watched Abelas give instructions to the others he had found. While the burden of leadership had been thrusted upon him, Lavellan also wasn't really too keen on just following someone else's orders. Maybe that's what he gets for leading for so long.

When it looks like Abelas is free he pulls his staff from the ground and saunters over. ]

Well, now that you're free Abelas I think you and I should get to work on those fortifications, shouldn't we?

[ The preferably olive branch, as Lavellan is just smiling politely towards Abelas. Surprise, Cranky, you can't be rid of him. ]

[getoutofmytemple]

[There's a moment when his only response is a curious quirk to his head. He had to wonder just where this one got the gall to tell him what he should be doing, and yet at the same time,
his options were limited. At least he knew this one to be competent if nothing else.]

Very well, we should seek what is simple and readily available. Brambles would serve as a decent deterrent for most beasts, and is easily collected. A task best left to the weaker shemlen in the camp once we find a source for them to gather from.

Once that is taken care of we shall find something more substantial to defend from a potential attack from any native to the area.

[Well... being bossed around like one of his Sentinels is probably better than his usual constant air of disdain?]

[heraldsdawn]

[ His competence should show after managing to break into a certain someone's elven temple and still completing the rituals and get the well of Sorrows all in the same day.

No need for applause.

Still, he does take note of that ice in the other's voice. Right. Abelas did not look fondly on many a person. He does give a bit of a neutral, unreadable look at the mention of Shemlen. Hearing it from an ancient elf and it being referred to everyone does give him a bit of insight on how insulting it actually was. ]

If they're fit and up for the task. Remember some of them are just ordinary people thrown into this mess. None of them truly know war.

[ While he can appreciate someone being pragmatic, it's still something Lavellan is not quite good at. ]

We should be able erect some walls of ice. It's in my arsenal so we can at least add some fortification if the brambles don't dissuade more intelligent foes

. [ Which they really wouldn't. ]

[getoutofmytemple]

This is a matter of survival, not war. Everyone needs to pull their own weight if they are to survive. If they lack the knowledge, then they are to learn. We already have enough wounded we must provide for, we cannot afford to be soft on others simply because they are ignorant.

[His words were not as chastising as they could be. As he had said, this was a matter of survival, and belittling one of the few competent individuals he was acquainted with would get him nowhere. Where Pragmatism may be the others weakness, it was one of Abelas' strongest traits, to a fault. He would make certain that this one's bleeding heart did not weaken the group as a whole.]

If we tax our most able-bodied simply gathering supplies we shall not be able to mount a proper defense in case of attack. You must think of the group as a whole, not simply fret about those at the bottom and assume the others shall fair well on their own.

[Advice that he had learned in the ages of his vigilance at the Temple. He did not expect this one to listen, the shemlen were convinced they knew everything as far as he could tell.

However at his suggestion, Abelas pauses to look over his shoulder at the camp behind them, clearly actually considering it.]

A sufficient plan, it shall also serve as a way to acquire fresh water which we are lacking. Place them downwind of the camp. The nights are cold enough without the wind carrying the chill of ice. The brambles can serve well enough to start out. Should we be attacked we can simply set them aflame.

Still, I would like to find alternatives should this be more long-lasting.

he chose to save the chargers, Abelas. Pretty sure there's no stopping that bleedin heart

[heraldsdawn]

You have a point that we need to all work together but I'm not going to tell civilians to wonder into the woods to get some brambles where they could get ambushed. If anything we need to send a guard with those parties.

[ He understood what it meant to survive but they had to be smart about it and he wouldn't go as far as to insult Abelas' intelligence that they probably didn't think of this. There is something of a dark look he gives Abelas to the comment at "those at the bottom." That kind of thinking always turned out bad results.

The mage templar war, the loss of the Dales. Even the stupid war with Orlais. But, he's willing to offer compromise where it need be.]

We can go with what I suggested. Small groups of our weaker members gathering supplies we need with a guard. If we can find volunteers for such a task. [ Because forcing scared people into jobs they're unwilling to do would spell disaster.

Moving on, setting fire to brambles might not be a bad idea. ]

We'll need to set up the walls of ice first and place the brambles afterward. If the wind changes direction the walls will stop from any stray flames or embers coming toward us and setting the camp ablaze.

[ He looks off to the woods. An idea coming to mind. ]

If we can gather long branches from the forest we can sharpen them. Use them as spikes if we're charged. Perhaps disguise them and inform our people where they sit. But, potentially hazardous for us too. [ It's a dirty tactic for sure, but war is war as unpleasant as it is. ]

scouting / hunting

[insurgent]

[ Jyn regards him curiously, torn between her instinct to rebel against orders and the logic of Abelas' instructions. She thinks of all the unprepared sorts around, too. Kids without training. Adults who've never been to space or hopped stations.

At least she stands armed with a blaster and has proven herself capable of using it. ]

Yeah? I could do that.

[ not that she will do it, mind. Ask nicely. ]

[getoutofmytemple]

[Ask nicely? That was nice to him. Sounded like she gave the affirmative to him. So he turned around, expecting her to follow him.]

Good. I shall brief you on what I have found on the way.

[He stops and looks over his shoulder when he notices that she doesn't follow.]

Do you require time to prepare?

[insurgent]

[ Jyn has known a lot of cocky arseholes, but this is...slightly different. More expectant. Her pride prickles at the way he assumes she'll follow, but she's too curious to hold out for long.

Quickly — ]

What — No. [ stellar comeback. ] I'm listening.

[ Because she decided to!! Not because she was told to do so!! And she moves to follow him despite herself, crossing her arms. ]

[getoutofmytemple]

[His gaze lingered on her as he momentarily mulled over whether or not she was as ideal a choice as he initially thought. However, she was complying so he would give her the chance to prove herself.

He folded his hands behind his back and turned to lead her into the forest. He navigated it with ease, and followed marks he had left on the trees.]

I have not caught sight of the creature, but given its size, I believe it could serve as a decent food source provided it has no natural poison. With any luck it shall also lead us to a source of fresh water.