04/27/01

"History never looks like history when you are living through it. It always looks confusing and messy, and it always feels uncomfortable."-- John Gardner

172-1121.

Malcolm: "Oh-oh".

UpPort, Trevor has returned to the Rolling Iron bar again. A bartender yells out that there's a call for "Trevor Jones". Trevor answers the phone. Dr. Neil has asked Gabrielle to call Trevor (under his assumed last name) at the one place everyone figures he'll be, and she's on the phone. Trevor: "Hello?" Gabrielle: "We're DownPort, in the Parthenon Hotel. There has been some trouble." Trevor: "What's Mitchell done now? Never mind. Is it safe for me to go there?" Gabrielle: "I believe so, yes. I'll meet you in the lobby." Trevor leaves the bar, walking past the man talking into his jacket sleeve. Trevor isn't being tailed, as far as he can tell, but he notices a glint from one of the smoked glass domes covering a security camera. He begins walking in directions that take advantage of the areas between cameras or where they overlap. They may still be able to follow him on computer assisted video, but they'll probably have a headache afterwards. Trevor joins the post rush-hour crowd onto the shuttle. He sees the occasional person looking around - SolSec monitors, etc., but nothing out of the ordinary. Trevor isn't paranoid about SolSec, unlike other members of the group.

Gabrielle goes downstairs early, to sit in the nice lounge that overlooks the lobby. She wouldn't really blend in the working class lounge. It gets her out of the hotel room and away from the others for a while. Trevor has a very peaceful trip on the shuttle, to the very busy DownPort. It's abuzz with activity, and one or two people tip their hats to Trevor as he goes by. The lower class locals to the upper from off-world. Next to Gabrielle in the lounge, a GQ type sidles over. He has perfect teeth. GQ: "I don't believe I've seen you here before." Gabrielle: "I haven't been here long." He extends his hand and introduces himself as Drew. Gabrielle responds in kind (only not introducing herself as 'Drew', since she isn't). Drew chats with her until she sees Trevor approaching the hotel. She also sees 6 men in coveralls who take off their work clothes to reveal black cloth headgear, masks with eye slits, and they're pulling what appears to be home made guns out of their bags. Gabrielle: <to Drew> "Hold that thought." She dashes out just as Trevor hears "Allah akbar!" screamed behind him. He sees the weapons, the black outfits with purple accents, and lumpy vests with wires. Trevor begins pulling civilians to cover as two cops take out their non-lethal stunners, as Gabrielle gets to the front door. There's blue actinic tingling as the stunner is used by one of the cops on one of the men, but the zealot just grits his teeth and gets that wild look.

Upstairs, Malcolm hears from the tri-dee: "...the Peoples' Revolutionary Front is even now acting to repeal the repressive off-world colonial occupiers of our homeworld....We will not allow the Polyphemus Occupational Government to control our children's future. We will strike back at the agents of POG, even at the cost of our own lives.... " Apparently the revolutionaries have also succeeded in pirating the local cable signal, and are showing live footage of the attack outside the hotel.

Trevor pulls the cop behind cover since his non-lethal stunner is obviously not going to save him. Trevor: "Get on the radio. Tell them how many bad guys you have -" Just off to Gabrielle's right, where she was sitting in the bar, the window explodes. Rounds skitter off the vehicle Trevor and the cop are behind. The zealot has the equivalent of a four-bore shotgun; he'll be really sore from recoil tomorrow if he survives this fight. The weapon is dropped, and a very, very large shiny knife (aka cutlass) is drawn and swung around with more skill than one would expect by the revolutionary. Perhaps that was his hobby....A fleeing person is clipped, losing a large patch of scalp flesh as he runs. Just the sight of all the blood causes several citizens to lock up or faint. Gabrielle is several feet outside of the front doors when she realizes that she is directly in an open field of fire and looks for a better position. A police car parked at the curb outside the hotel explodes in flames. Not caring about keeping warm, she quickly goes to the non-flaming car for cover.

From the speakers above the sidewalk area of the hotel, "Attention: There is a fire, please vacate this area. Attention citizens, there is a fire, please...." Trevor to the uniformed cop: "Do you have a fire extinguisher?" Cop: "That's my car that's burning." Trevor: "I know. Do you have a fire extinguisher in it?" Cop: "Of course." Trevor: "Where is it?" Cop: "In the trunk." Trevor: "Do you have the remote?" Cop: "Uh..." He fumbles through his pockets, Trevor spots the key ring on his duty belt and grabs it, opening the trunk with the remote. Trevor runs over, but opening the trunk causes an in-rush of air and a hot blast of flames. Whoof! Trevor is not actively on fire, he just lost his eyebrows and a bit of hair on front. The fire extinguisher is fully charged, actually because of the heat in the trunk it's HIGHLY charged.

Malcolm" "Hey, that's right downstairs!" Dr. Neil must have a pact with the Solomani Wire Service, since no matter what hotel he's at, there's news. Malcolm grabs his walking stick and med kit and heads downstairs, using the emergency grav drop exit - much faster.

Gabrielle has taken cover by the car just as Trevor left. Speaking of Trevor, he's charging the zealots with the fire extinguisher, (in case they blow up?). The extinguisher spews out a wimpy-looking stream that rapidly expands to 100 times it's size as fire suppressant foam. Cool. This makes the largest zealot unhappy. The extinguisher is quickly exhausted, but now it's a cudgel. Trevor charges the zealot, going under the arc of the sword and whacking him with the extinguisher in the hip. This annoys him. Trevor is hit in the left hand with the cutlass, a grazing blow that lays open the palm of his hand, and just misses Trevor's head; all things considered, not a bad trade. Trevor ducks and smashes the man's foot with the empty tank. [Note to self: if planning a terrorist attack, it's best to wear safety boots.] Trevor feels something crunch, and it is not the fire extinguisher. Trevor moves away quickly, towards the other terrorists, in case the zealot blows up. The wounded zealot is charging after Trevor in spite of his broken foot. Trevor charges into the midst of the terrorists, hoping that if any of them blows themselves up, they'll at least take out their friends in a sympathetic detonation.

Trevor is in the middle of three terrorists, all of whom appear to be on some sort of drug. One has a length of pipe with sharpened metal welded on as an improvised axe, the other a spiked baseball bat, and the man with the broken foot has his sword and is hobbling over as fast as he can. Trevor decides to take on the axeman first, as the most dangerous one.

Where Gabrielle has taken cover, she can see the other three wackos hacking people up in an erratic fashion, and Trevor and his opponents. Trevor just caught the axe wielder off guard and thumped him really hard in the back with the extinguisher, directly over the wires in his lumpy clothing. OOPS. Trevor can hear sizzling and popping and smells something burning. There's a black shoelace or something burning down and Trevor decides to run away ASAP. As he attempts to exit the scene, Mr. spiky baseball bat hits Trevor in the rump, imbedding the spike in the large muscle. Oh, ow.

Gabrielle also sees several black cars with black windows and black hubcaps. Men in black uniforms with black berets and black shades pull out black gauss rifles and fire coldly into the crowd. The civilians can be medicked later.

Malcolm reaches the bottom of the escape tube. "Please evacuate this way. Remain calm, everything is being taken care of." Happy music. He steps out into a scene of carnage in the lobby, then heads outside to where the psychotic, foaming, rabid guys are. Malcolm: <thinks> "Trevor has been here." Seeing the nut case with the sword, he grabs a wooden coat rack on his way. As the gunfire starts Malcolm takes cover. Then there's a really bright light.

This is not a low-tech, wienie explosion. This is a very high-tech, very big damned explosion. Malcolm is injured in the blast, and he and Trevor are knocked unconscious. On the other hand, the terrorists are no longer a problem, so the emergency personnel rush in to help. It's a really hideous. A man in a suit with a badge on the outside has taken charge and is briefing the press. There's a harried looking older man running around and yelling "Don't touch that!" repeatedly in an effort to preserve the crime scene.

SolSec and Krypteia are all over the place, and Gabrielle would rather not be questioned by them, but they're very thorough. Fortunately, it's a local cop who comes over to question her. Hesitantly. He looks like he was just issued a uniform an hour ago, right after graduating from high school - freckles, cute button nose. He takes out his little PDA, and reads off questions. Gabrielle answers him as best she can. He scans her ID card and hands it back after a few minutes. An older, also local cop comes sauntering over. Cop: "What are you doing Jenkins? Can't you see she's a busy woman? Sorry about this ma'am." He drags off the kid to lecture him on who to not bother. It does pay to look like the ruling class.

Several of the Polyphemeans are on their com units checking on stocks, or complaining about the damage to their clothing. Gabrielle sees Drew (from the lounge) sitting down and holding a handkerchief to his head. Gabrielle: "I'm glad you're all right." Drew: "Oh - are you okay? I like what you've done with your hair." Right. It's a mess, and she's got abrasions and bits of stuff all over her. Drew: "It's better than it looks. I've had worse, what with the polo, the rock climbing, the cestus boxing..." He's rambling on a bit. Gabrielle: "Are you staying in the hotel?" Drew: "Yes." He's here demo-ing some equipment for the local constabulary. Drew: "Yeah, the stuff I carry around in my sample cases would give a shock to the local customs agent. So, are you doing anything tonight? I was going to have a meeting with ...local police officials, but I don't think that's going to happen." Gabrielle: "My current plans are to get cleaned up." Drew: "Yes, but are you free for dinner?" Gabrielle: "As far as I know." She gets his room number, then goes upstairs.

Dr. Neil: "Oh my goodness. Are you all right? Sit down. Let me get you a cup of tea." Gabrielle: "I really just want to get clean." Dr. Neil: "Of course. I'll run your bath." Next comes the rather disturbing image of Dr. Neil bounding about like a worrisome aunt. Large bath, lots of bubbles. Gabrielle showers first, washing away the dirt, broken glass and unmentionable stuff, then sinks into the bath - just the right temperature, just the way she likes it, even the bath salts are imported from Aquitaine. Dr. Neil: "I'll be just outside should you need anything." He turns on soft music. She'll tell Dr. Neil about Trevor and Malcolm later.

After a long soak, it's into the warmed fluffy robe, then out into the main part of the suite. Dr. Neil: "Ah good. Tea is ready. Because all problems can be solved by a good cup of tea. Or at least it couldn't hurt." Dr. Neil sits nearby, quietly drinking his tea. If Gabrielle wants to talk, he's there. Gabrielle: "How's Megan?" Dr. Neil: "She seems to be functional." Gabrielle: "Trevor and Malcolm were picked up by one of the ambulances but didn't appear to be too badly hurt." Dr. Neil: "That should be easy to track down. Any way, after the doctor has had a look at you, you should get some rest. Doctor?" An older man with an Aquitaine accent enters. Trust Dr. Neil to find some one like this. The doctor is a grandfatherly sort, and has old-fashioned manners even for Aquitaine. He's very courteous and very careful, very charming and old world. He chats with Gabrielle for 45 minutes or more before actually starting, since it would be rude to just rush through to the diagnosis. That's the problem with the people Gabrielle has been hanging around with - they're too damn brusque. When the doctor is done he gives Gabrielle a prescription for pain, as there is some bruising and a mild concussion. He suggests she rest tonight.

She goes to her room and calls Drew. He's trying to be manly, but he's obviously not feeling great either. The doctors have given him something, and he's slurring his words a bit but he's feeling much better. He's out like a light two minutes later. Gabrielle is feeling very sleepy too. (Having tea with Dr. Neil seems to have that effect on people.) She has enough strength to go to the bathroom before going to bed. She's not sure, but she thinks Dr. Neil tucked her in. Just like her mother used to do...

173 - 1121.

At some point later on, Malcolm awakes in a very small space. They've buried him without checking! No - wait - he has tubes and stuff all over him. Or he's been swallowed by a giant leech creature! Trevor awoke in the same state, but was popped out immediately and has a friendly nurse there to ask him "How are we feeling?"

Trevor gets to watch his press coverage, and thanks to the influence of Polyphemus on this planet, he doesn't have to put up with the touchie-feelie crap about having "suffered an emotional trauma". According to the news, the terrorists blew themselves up, caused a few minor injuries, some property damage, and not much else. The film has been doctored, and Trevor looks even better than normal - it appears he emerged unscathed thanks to his superior Polyphemus self. Announcer: "The unknown Polyphemean, representing all Polyphemeans, and all Solomani..." The government may give him a medal and the key to the city.

Malcolm is removed from the auto-doc. They warn him, "No more than half an hour vigorous exercise, twice a day; you'll have to scale back." He thanks the doctor and is one of several people being let go. He decides to walk at least part of the way, and feels okay. He has an upper level equivalent of a paper suit to replace the clothing that was cut off him. He walks the ten or twelve blocks to the hotel - he can get more clothing there. The hotel has been cleaned, the glass replaced, almost looks like nothing ever happened, unless you know where to look for the very new paint, and the steam-cleaned areas on the sidewalk.

Gabrielle wakes up after her nap. The next day after her night. She's not sure how long she's been asleep, but she's really hungry. Dr. Neil is sitting in a chair next to her bed, reading a book. Dr. Neil: "Ah, you're awake." He goes over and opens the curtains, revealing bright sunshine. Dr. Neil: "It's a beautiful day. You're feeling well?" Gabrielle: "Yes. A bit hungry." Dr. Neil: "I would think so." He pours her a glass of juice and orders a lot of food from room service. Gabrielle is sure he's ordered too much, but she eats it all. She's obviously been asleep much longer than she intended.

Malcolm returns upstairs. Mitchell isn't obviously around, so Malcolm goes to Dr. Neil and Gabrielle's suite and knocks. Dr. Neil lets him in. Dr. Neil: "Ah, Mr. Edwards. Do come in. I know Miss Vanek will be pleased to see you." Dr. Neil has one hand behind his back, and steps to the side to let Malcolm in. He's probably got a gun and is going to shoot Malcolm in the back of the head. Or that would be what he'd do on Regina.

Dr. Neil has arranged for Mitchell and Megan to go somewhere private, out in the country. He originally planned to just send Megan there, but she wouldn't go without Mitchell. Dr. Neil: "I don't know how much good either one of them would be at this juncture, and I have my reservations about the captain. <to Gabrielle> Nothing for you to worry about." Malcolm: "Trevor may get a bit of publicity." Gabrielle: "Trevor always gets publicity." Dr. Neil: "Not my first choice, but there's nothing to be done about it. Perhaps we can turn it to our advantage." Malcolm: "There's nothing to tie him to you, or to the hotel." Dr. Neil: "The question is, what now?" Malcolm: "The white limo worries me." Dr. Neil: "We might make discreet inquiries. You located the individual who called, perhaps you can locate his friends and find out something." Malcolm: "I'm concerned about a man who has hands the size of a mountain gorilla." Dr. Neil: "And with what we know now, it was not a random act." Malcolm: "No. It was a very deliberate assault." Dr. Neil: <to Gabrielle> "My dear, would you be so kind as to get some more cream from the kitchen?" Gabrielle: "Of course." She leaves the room to go to the suites kitchenette area.

Dr. Neil: <to Malcolm> "Of course I believe you and I think we both know who the intended target was." Malcolm: "Yes." Dr. Neil: "The question is why. What was the intent?" Malcolm has a few ideas. Dr. Neil: "There's no reason to alarm Miss Vanek. [Like she doesn't already know she was the real target?] In these circumstances I believe that we should be cautious." He passes a small, silver weapon to Malcolm, who is going to hit the streets to look for info. Malcolm: "I'm going to have to change clothes first." Dr. Neil: "Oh my yes. Do something about that suit." He transfers $1,000 Solars to Malcolm's card. Malcolm goes out and gets a nice upper middle class suit - not the evil overlord status, but just below that. Then it's out onto the streets.

Malcolm heads for the less legitimate part of DownPort, hitting several pubs and coffee shops. In one of the latter he overhears several local cops talking. Cop A: "Too bad about old Eddie." Cop B: "Yeah. Who would have thought some one would have done something like that?" Cop A: "This place is going to hell. It's starting to get as bad as the Imperium." Cop B: "Sshh! Don't say that." They look around, then see Malcolm. Cop B: "Well, 5 minutes is enough for a coffee break." They get up and leave.

A local - short sweaty, nervous guy approaches. Guy: "I heard you might be looking for a new snitch." Malcolm: "Yeah. That's right." Guy: "Yeah, somebody let the air out of Eddie's tires." Using what Eddie told him the night before, Malcolm gets Waldo onto the right track. Malcom: "Somebody's travelling with a big guy, and he's been flashing a picture of a cute redhead." He doesn't mention the limo, since it's been found already. Waldo: "You got a place I can call you? I'll put the word out on the street." Malcolm: "No, I'll contact you." Waldo: "What, I'm supposed to hang out here until you come back?" They arrange to meet in the diner tomorrow. Malcolm leaves, and continues to check out the area. He buys a beer in a couple of places and finds out that "...old Eddie got stabbed. Eddie started to ask too many questions, and next thing you know he's stabbed in the back. Police say it was an accident, but I heard some one stabbed him. Once. Straight through the pump. But you didn't hear it from me." Malcolm: "Hear what?" Man: "Hell, it could have been the police who killed him." Malcolm: "I really didn't hear that." A man further down the bar leaves. Just a coincidence. Malcolm leaves and is not followed. He makes sure. Repeatedly. Then he goes to a hotel more suited for his managerial status, very carefully. He has a leisurely lunch, watching for anything. Not that he's paranoid.

Dr. Neil, noticing that Gabrielle's suit had been ruined, kindly arranged to have some more clothing done up for her. Befitting her status of executive assistant, of course. She dresses and Dr. Neil suggests she might want to get out for a while. That's an understatement. Dr. Neil: "Don't go too far, or for too long, but it will probably do you good to get some fresh air." It is a civilized place, after all, and Gabrielle finds out there's a park and a museum nearby. And how else can she be used to lure out her attacker? She leaves for the museum, unaware of Dr. Neil's nefarious plan. Not that he definitely has a plan, or that it's nefarious, but he is due for one.

Malcolm calls Dr. Neil to let him know that he's put things in motion. Malcolm: "Do you need me for anything right now?" Dr. Neil: "No, not until dinner, I shouldn't think."

The museum has a display of local artifacts of a cultural and religious finds on display, and some of the locals are quite upset about the items having been removed from their sites. Gabrielle does not buy a little mummy doll in the gift shop. Hmm, things the locals don't like - maybe she should go to the park? She moves on to the natural exhibit of animals and gems, anthropology and the like. The two central themes are mineral wealth and neat cultural stuff left over from the Long Night. There was an interesting culture that retrograded during that time, and the real local wackos think they're descended from that culture. All the really nice exhibits are being moved to the permanent location on Polyphemus, where they can be properly taken care of. (Pillaging your planet with the underwriting of the Ephor.) It's at least quiet in the museum with the obligatory huge extinct carnivore skeleton. Also, there's a flipping eight foot tall skeleton of some sort of human divergent or sub-species. Some of the other patrons are gawking at the crude basket weaving, and that sort of thing, and make horrified noises about the butterflies on pins. It's very boring unless you like museums. Gabrielle likes museums, and could easily learn to love boring. Nice and quiet. She stops at a neat diorama of the ancient, big creatures - eight feet tall, sort of blocky features. Very realistic looking. Extremely. Although they made a mistake with the one wearing shoes and slacks. That would be the one that grabs Gabrielle hard enough to squeeze all the air out of her (hard to scream if you can't breathe) and runs out of the museum.

Malcolm returns to the Hotel Parthenon and the door is opened as he reaches it. Dr. Neil is dressed to go out. Dr. Neil: "Ah good, you're here. We've not a moment to lose." Down in the elevator and into the waiting car, which speeds off. Dr. Neil: "Time is of the essence." Malcolm: "Situation?" Dr. Neil: "Some one, or something has abducted Miss Vanek."