What: Rumor has it a mysterious piece of tech called a "pearl" was buried alongside a recently deceased Palian politician. If 'collected' without detection, the reward would be high... (though Maska seems to have other reasons for going, this is what he, at least, is advertising to any potential Teammates.)
Where: The Bermuda Station of Everlasting Rest
When: Friday, 9pm FST!
Whoever wants to join Maska in this event is welcome, he needs all the, um, cover, he can get...
Hork-Bajir. It had been severely damaging to his self esteem when the drones asked him for weapons.. their scanners disapproved of his literally entirely bladed body and wrapped each and every blade in a type of shrinkwrap. Needless to say he was beyond grumpy. But the moment Maska took a step forward here, it was like time had stopped. In contrast to the weeks of desolate, barren desert of Tuphon and the bustle, chaos, and grime of his prior pit stop at Nikrusis, the neighboring planet, this space station surely lived up to its name of Everlasting Rest. And what did his eyes first behold: TREES! Oh my GOD there were TREES HERE! He was shouting, incoherently even, as he sprinted over to one and immediately lifted an arm to slice bark off the tree -- he didn't even remember that it had been cellophaned -- that is, until his arm bounced off the tree. "What the.." he started to say, a frown forming.. he pressed his beak up to the bark to lick it. "Is this rubber?!" Garbled streams of cursing in multiple languages was soon to follow. It took a moment before the distraction was overcome (clearly the guy needed to get out more) and he coughed, then noticing the peppering of tombstones all around. "I didn't think any place could be worse than Tuphon but clearly I was wrong," he muttered, maybe to himself. Fake trees, how dare they! He seemed to get more jumpy and uncomfortable the longer he stared at the dismal view, and so he turned back to wait for the rest of the Team to get through the gates. Once everyone was through, he would begin instructions... but very quietly, through their commlinks. "We're going to need to head northwest a bit, facing Nikrusis. Don't forget, we're looking for a 'Merrloon'. Their headstones are pretty much always featuring a HUD, and waaaay over exaggerated, especially for this guy. Shouldn't take long to find..."
Argema had arrived with the bunch and wandered in but after instructions were given, he set off to 'search' but had a specific location in mind that had nothing to do with a dead politician's pearls. His goal had more to do with what he carried in the thin white box in his hands. After a quick word to Vanix he set off and would be out of sight for several rounds.
Raymond Zeznik couldn't pass this opportunity up; a milkrun before the serious work he had to crack down on next week- hopefully. In either case, 'collecting' something without detection was his bread and butter. While the total lack of weapons didn't sit fully well with him, because when did it ever, at least he could still have all his other impliments. Namely, his cloaking field and antigravity boots, in addition to his natural stealthiness. Sometimes even -he- forgot where he was when he stealthed out. ...Okay, no not really, but that was a running joke with some old crewmates of his. "If I ever kick the bucket, make sure I never end up in a place like this," he grinned at Vanix, nudging him with an elbow, watching Hork's reaction to the rubber trees. Funny, though, because the only way he'd ever end up dying would be getting so badly maimed in combat he couldn't come back from it. "...Though that don't mean you can eat me or some crap, either. I want a fucking funeral pyre, a professional mourner, the works." He watched Argema head off, but didn't really care to ask what he was doing.
Michael Coiro strode off the ship with a face like thunder, unusually surly and unbefitting of his feminine facial structure. The run-in with the security scanners as they landed had put him in a terrible mood - they'd taken his gun away from him and even the daggers he kept stashed within his shoes for emergencies. The only sounds audible from him were the occasional squeak of his black leather jumpsuit, and the frequent cursing in what one would assume to be his first language. Upon stumbling across a tomb, Michael slowly approached and peered around a corner. He did not realise that Maska was behind him.
Xenevra had arrived a bit later than most others, but you try finding yourself transport when you're seven feet tall and very wide! Upon arrival, they had investigated the saddlebag she wore, and took her base issued gun, which she didn't mind very much, but they wouldn't find much else in her saddlebags save for her snacks and some water. Her poor legs were cellophaned however, the small sharp bits very "easily" being weapons, and had made her put on rubber hoof caps! Hoof caps! She was very much annoyed, but didn't let it show on her face. Trotting her way in she would approach Maska and wait for further instruction, arms folded over her chest as she took slow looks around.
Vanix felt tense. Looked normal. The drones would have nothing to confiscate, dileanating round latex stoppers to be applied to his horn and stinger. "You forgot the bow," The Enkee purred in a would-be placating tone, stepping off the ship with a slight sway. Nausea did not improve his mood much, but being someplace new, with a crew of familiar faces set to a certain goal --main goal, anyway-- was crisp and freeing in a way he indulged to the fullest. To Ray, "I'll be sure to spread your ashes on Eva, and mount your guns into a makeshift altar." Brows waggled, first eye of three giving a lazy wink. Though he hadn't objected --her face had been so hopeful!-- Van'd been worried sick about Kaelee accompanying them, and he, at least. Felt safe knowing she was... relatively less danger prone back on Tuphon... kinda. Maska's exuberance and heretofore bombastic display was given a odd look from afar, but the Enkee focused on why he'd come here. Mainly as muscle, secondarily as a means to secure his comrade's a decent bounty. Whispered response was conveyed to Argema via commlink, before monsieur blue muppet fucker took the first decisive steps into the unknown, following the troupe at a decent distance. Close enough to close the gap should trouble arise, far enough away to try and pre-emptively spot said trouble before it got too close. "I assure you, Ray," Sounding not the least bit distracted, "Consuming your corpse in an act of grief is not on my to-do list." At best, Van would behave as a cat with a wad of catnip, but that's a visual best saved for a later date. "This place looks boring." Everything was already dead.... where's the fun in that??
Raymond Zeznik laughed. "That's the spirit!" Not, er, that he was planning on actually dying any time soon. As for Kaelee, if she really wanted to come along he wouldn't stop her- but he also figured, hey, once her special project got done she'd be more willing to go out and about with them. He raised an eyebrow at Vanix's sneakyness into his commlink, though didn't audibly question it. Audibly. 'What's he up to?' He finally asked via convenient telepathy of the enkee, because -now- apparently he wanted to know. And while normally Ray took the lead, given his stealth and the quick movement, right now, eh, they hadn't found anything. "Good," he responded with a chuckle at Vanix's assurance. "Haven't you heard that old saying, furball? Looks can be deceiving." As they passed by various tombstones and the like, his eyes idly drifted over them. "Drone would be helpful," he grunted. "Or a map." Didn't they have a list of all the graves, here, and where they were? Specially with a convenient ctrl-f function.
Xenevra proceeded to start trotting around the area, looking into tombs, and closely at gravestones, eyes ever vigilant to try and find out the place where they needed to be. Hearing Ray and Vanix's conversation she would chime in. "Yah, places like this creep me out, we normally cremate our dead and hold a vigil." Nodding her head as she would look around the area. "We then spread their ashes out in the plains, as a means t' return them t' nature." Continuing to trot around the area, she was being very careful not to step over anyones grave, or on a tombstone. "Anyone find anythin' yet?" Her voice was abnormally quiet for the usual loud mouth centaur, she was trying to respect the peace.
Hork-Bajir leaned next to Michael and nodded. Looks like they didn't need a map after all! Yep, that was definitely a 'Merrloon' on the HUD of this grave.. marker. It wasn't a stone, that's for sure, with how elaborate it was, with all kinds of technological advancements. It looked kinda like a mini NYC time square banner... A hologram was playing of the rather wrinkly and, well, unsightly politician, with numerous messages scrolling through as people across the galaxy paid the Palian tribute. "Well, that was quick.." he muttered, picking irritably at the shrinkwrap on his arms. Into the commlink to everyone, he added, "Spotted it! Come to Michael.. And .. we might need a diversion.." Rather than begin the process of exhuming, he slipped backwards and eyed the exit.
Michael Coiro jumped half a mile as the shrinkwrapped alien came up behind him. Swivelling on his heel, and almost smacking poor Maska in the face with his long platinum hair, Michael blinked slowly as if in disbelief, which quite frankly he was. "Oh... um... Hello," Michael attempted to sound polite, but he was unsure of the tall creature beside him. His eyes trailed instead to the people he knew - Ray and Vanix - and he gave them both a delicate wave.
Vanix. The solemn silence made their traipsing feel intrusive, but Van had long since steeled himself to the being an intruder on someone else's turf. After all, it was the chance at riches, even if it was on the less-legal end of things. "I'll let you know when...." His face went bland, "I know." Yeah, as usual everything about dear ol' Argi was cryptic and opaque as ever. At Ray's imposed fortune cookie mantra, Vani nodded with a rueful chortle. "Isn't that the truth." At Xenevra's two scents on the matter of funeral rites, Van's eye glowed with acidulous rapture. "Burning bodies sounds like fun." Not as fun as when still alive, squirming, and trying to kill you, mind. But still far and above a better expenditure of time than putting them under feet of dirt. "I have my geographic responder, if you want to try using that?" Fishing it out from his satchel, the Enkee would hand the device over to Ray, "Just turn it on and it will automatically begin mapping the terrain." Unless it encountered a problem of some sort, of course. Then, in a strange bent of rare sobriety from his usual courtly demeanor. Van replied to Xen's query by pointing toward Mich's derriere, "Dat ass." Before momentarily creeping forward to offer the blond a chuff in greeting. "Haven't seen you in a while. How's Mr. Red?" Hopefully he wasn't listening in... that nickname hadn't been given proper thought! "Convenient," Is what he'd tell Maska, before requesting a more elaborate picture of, 'diversion'. "Anything in particular?" Glancing to Ray, as if already cooking up something horrendously.... THEM.
Xenevra's eyes flicked to her commlink at the message and would look over to Vanix as he would point in the direction of Michael, a bit confused by his comment, but she wouldn't say anything. Trotting on over she would smile to Maska and Michael. "So this is the tomb huh?" Looking around as she would hmm out. "...I don't think I can make a good diversion, sir." She'd relay to Maska. Of course, she'd actually make a good one... But she didn't want to get kicked out! "Anyone got any ideas?" Looking around at the rest of the group curiously.
Raymond Zeznik laughed. "The smell, though, that's what gets ya," he commented to the two before he shook his head at Vanix's offer. "Nahh, I got somethin' similar. Looks like we won't need 'em after all, though." Hork and Michael had spotted the place, and at the latter's wave, he gave the guy a thumbs-up before starting to mosey on over. Diversion? He raised his hands. "Hey, I'm normally the one doing the sneaking and nabbing, not making diversions. Though I do got my holoskin." ...And his antigravity boots, with convenient trees around.
Michael Coiro smiled wide as Vanix approached, reaching out to scritch one of the Enkee's long ears. "Hey there, dance-off loser. Oh, he's fine... we've been super busy since the whole circus incident." Michael's attention turned to Xen and he blinked again. All manner of strange creatures in this party, for sure. "Hello," he'd speak politely, holding out a tiny hand for the centaur to shake. "Michael."
Hork-Bajir wasn't too familiar with the teammates so he was sticking to a business-only tone... (yeah dude, doing real well with that with your little "distraction" earlier).. that is until Michael responded to his sudden appearance like he was some kind of giant godzilla monster covered in plasticwrap. Hmm, about that... "You afraid of ghosts or something?" he said a bit gruffly to the small guy, but his eyes were kind. As the others assembled, he rubbed his arms furiously when no one volunteered for the diversion, then let out a heavy sigh."So helpful, all of you," he drawled before ripping a few rubber stalks off a nearby tree. "About half of these are short sticks. Those who get a short one will be the diversion. Long ones will exhume or keep watch. Fair?" he asked, gazing around at the party. To Vanix, he added, "And I'm sure you can come up with something good.. our chances of getting this thing are slim if not." No pressure or anything...
Xenevra's attention turned downwards towards Michael and would smile as he extended his hand out to her. "Well, nice t' meet'cha Michael." She greeted him, taking his hand gently, she would then bow down upon one of her legs before standing back up, a proper centaurian greeting! "I'm Private Xenevra Kal'ika, lookin' forward t' workin' on this mission with ya." Nodding her head as she would look around the area before looking to Maska as he would rip some rubber sticks off of a tree. Looking them over she would shrug her shoulders and pull one out. It looked to be long-ish.
Argema was able to track them down with very little issue. He quietly rejoined them without bringing attention to himself and listened. The reason for drawing the sticks was not known and he considered asking but decided not to care. Reaching out, he grabbed one and pulled it out.
Vanix's jaws produced their cricket-like chime at the scratches, eyes going slanted when Mich made mention of their dance-off. Loser, INDEED. "Good to hear." Memories of the circus usually made Van feel a little uneasy --for reasons-- but right then it was the lesser of two evils. With Maska's improvident mannerisms reflecting Van's own dismay at inactivity, he was still quick to shrug poignantly at the sellf annointed leader. "Everyone brings their own skills to the table. I just happen to be good at making noise." And being generally destructive... though he'd already set his course, Van willingly played along, drawing one of the artificial sticks. That is, until he realized he'd gotten stuck wth guard duty. Aw, hell NAW (wait, Van, that's your job here anyway wha--). Giving his chosen stick the ugliest glare he could manage, he'd not noticed Argema's return until he saw him draw his own twig..... DOUBLE HELL NAW! The silent wallflower gets to have fun? --hehehehe, wallflower...-- Van flicked his stick into the air, caught it deftly, then tossed it over his shoulder. "Nope." Van, pls-- Enkee moseyed carelessly to a bench, looking it up and down. Yes, this'll do. Upper arms lashed out with paws grasping at the legs of the metal seat, it's bolts having kept it firmly in place for who knows how long. That is, until a certain impulsive somebody strained, muscles bunching beneath his exosuit, legs trembling from the effort while chest heaved with the swell and deflation of his lungs. A crumbling sound, a distinct, shuddering *CRACK*. Unless stopped, Van would haul the bench over his head, searching with only slight interest for a target, before deciding on a mausoleum of some old, really historically influental lady. "Ten credits says I knock the roof off." And with the power blessed upon me of the Nat 20, Van gathered momentum in a brief spin before sending the lot of it hurtling toward the mass of carved stone. "Go long piglet!" Halp
Xenevra hurried over to the grave as Vanix would launch a bench into another mausoleum... She shook her head gently as she would look down to the grave and begin digging with her front two legs, although not getting too far with them due to the damn rubber hoof boots they had put on them! But she would dig, as fast and as efficiently as she could, eyes flicking around as she kept a keen watch out for any gravediggers coming their way. Her heart was beating heavily in her torso.
Raymond Zeznik glanced over when Hork did the whole straw-pulling business. Well, makeshift straws. "Whoever'd be better at making a distraction should make a distraction- no use drawin' for it." He jabbed a thumb at Vanix; case in point. Lots of noise... or... epic bench-throwing. He didn't even feel the need to draw a straw, then; no need to for him to make a distraction, either. ...Though maybe he should've, so Vanix, or potentially all them, wouldn't get kicked out. "Remind me to never piss you off!" While the others dug up the grave, he kept a sharp eye on their surrounding area.
Argema squinted when the sound of impact was made, then moved towards the one meant to be disturbed. He eyed the plot, visor powered on to attempt a search for the pearl's location before digging into the dirt.
Taniks. When the caretakers of the Bermuda Station of Everlasting Rest received the odd blip--and, mind you, thanks to a certain Enkee, it was a loud and obnoxious blip on their telescreens--they wasted no time in calling in the biggest motherfucker this side of the galaxy. The Galaxy Federation has a new dog, folks, and he's big, mean, loaded with a stun weapon, and issuing a roar the likes the world has never seen, and he's coming for all of you. Commense boss battle theme.
Raymond Zeznik didn't even -have- to keep a sharp eye. The moment he heard that roar- nope. "We got company; better hurry it up." He slipped into the shadows asap; he'd love to avoid the raging Taniks, while making off with that pearl whenever it surfaced to get it somewhere for safekeeping. 'Think you should've been a bit more stealthy with that one, fuzzball. Good job at causing a distraction, though,' he telepathically spoke to the enkee. While Vanix could probably go head to head with the crazed merc, he most certainly could not, not without his weapons.
Hork-Bajir shrugged to Ray when that was mentioned, "Well, no one volunteered, and--" That was when Vanix ran off and started the chaos. No more time for talk! With the crazy doggo taking the lead on diversions, Maska whipped around and looked for signs of law enforcement -- oh god what did they do to deserve punitary measures from something that looked vaguely like an angry legendary pokemon with a stungun? He'd been expecting only drone reinforcements.. "Shit." To everyone in the commlink, he couldn't help but shout with all the racket, echoing Raymond's concern, "Yeah that's a tank.." He rubbed his hands together... and after several fast, huge steps, he... stopped. Right in front of Taniks. With his massive girth and height, even while being a plastic mummy dinosaur looking thing, he was probably a physical imposition, at least for a moment. To Taniks, he cried, "Sir! Is that a stunner? Oh please, come help! You wouldn't believe this, but... That thing over there? The blue guy? He's desecrating Auntie Seerow-Haman's monument! And it was all because of this argument, you see, he didn't think my tribute was worthwhile to her and then I guess he just thought it would be.. well I don't even know! He just picked up that bench like the Hulk! Maybe you could use that stunner on him, he needs to take a break, don't you think?" His eyes were pleading, completely innocent, his hands held together as he looked at Taniks. Captain talksalot would keep this one sided conversation going as long as he could, if you couldn't tell.
Xenevra felt her body freeze up when she heard the roar.. She would of left the tomb if it didn't mean exposing herself and what they were doing. Turning around, she'd begin kicking the dirt out of the grave, trying to go as quickly as she could, eyes flicking around towards the door. "Come on... Come on..." She muttered mostly to herself, brows furrowing together. "I need the money, I said... I eat my weight every day I said, couldn't go on a diet Xen?" A grunt given as she'd kick the dirt out of the already rather steep hole she had dug already.
Argema paused when he heard that roar, then continued while breathing out a quiet laugh. He was not as frantic in his digging but had gotten far. 'He is going to know that where there is one, there is likely another,' he warned over the link, though it was likely only Ray and Vanix were going to really understand.
Vanix had the sense of self, even in his brief euphoria, to look over at Raymond as if he'd just suggested cutting off his horn. 'When you find the definition of,' He'd do air quotation marks, ' 'Stealthy diversion' you be sure to let me know.' Peeps were just jelly of his SICK MUSCLES, that's all it is. Gloating was short lived when even Argi had something to add, to which the Enkee pouted. Yeah sure okay, but... the roar belatedly rung a familiar note in Van, and when he turned to espy none other than Tan-Tan, his heart did a little backflip of tried and true joy. ".... Speaking of piglets." Thar be the juiciest of oinkies, if he does say so himself. Fully armored and ready to lay them low, in the name of... a sound of humored disbelief left him. "This is too rich." What, Taniks being a, 'good guy' or the fact that Maska thought he could reason with him? "Tan-Tan~!" Bouncing up and down merrily, waving an arm spastically, "I missed you!" If Vanix took the time to notice
Vanix the ardent intent behind those laser-focused eyes, he didn't show it. Far as he was concerned, big man had come home after a long and exhausting day of work! "I missed you so much, in fact..." If Tan wasn't on him already, Vanix would be hunkering onto all six limbs, visor and helm locking into place. "I think a playdate is long overdue!" Gleefully the Enkee was launching himself at the armed and deadly merc turned soldier, a confusing mixture between giddy puppo and stir-crazy murder machine.
Argema finally located the pearl and stuck it up into his glove without announcing what happened. Instead of making himself known in this general location, he powered his suit and visor down then crept away from the grave site as quickly as possible.
Xenevra finally stopped digging when she saw Argema locate the pearl, she would oh so casually trot out of the tomb. "Well, that's enough visiting for the day.." She would remark as she would trot towards the exit. She decided she had helped enough, she didn't want to fight a huge mercenary, not tonight.
Taniks was heavily armored, this time branded with the Galaxy Fed's obnoxious logo on one of his massive shoulders. A scream to the entire world of who has a leash on him now. He was moving in swiftly via teleportation. He was not far from the 'distraction'. Soon enough, the destroyed memorial came into view. And so did the sneaky sons'a'bitches, of whom, he was NOT surprised to see, he recognized a few. He's so used to bullshit by now that nothing surprises him any more. Not even when a scaly reptillian thing called Hork-Bajir approached, giving the merc some waffle about a blue guy doing naughty things to a grave. Taniks the mercenary didn't give a flying flip, and stomped heavily up to the creature, growling deeply and with murder plain in his movements, lifting the TGF issued stun gun. Not impressive, by any means--it wasn't his baby, his scorch cannon. May she rest in peace. The only thing that really saved the creature's neck was the fact that the most grating and irritating voice in the entire universe forced the merc to snap his head up. He could feel his blood boiling with unbridled rage. He aimed his only weapon at the damned dog, but missed--and was, instead, slammed to the ground. The only thing he could think of, at this very moment, is how inept the Galaxy Feds were to give him such a piece of crap weapon. He responded by grappling with three of his free arms, using any means to reach for the Enkee's neck.
Raymond Zeznik should've said more -covert- diversion- like Hork's! Something that wouldn't necessarily get them all in shit... but... yeah, that reunion was overdue he supposed, and the fight presumably commenced. He grunted in response to Argema's comment- telepathically. Could've give his position away through talking, right? Not like Taniks would be paying as much attention anyway, with Vanix right there. 'Yuhuhh.' At least Argema and Xen were digging- he might've brought an entrenching tool which also doubled as a shovel, but figured that would look a little suspicious, and in any case, Argema had found the thing. He should've given Argie the camoflauge device, instead, that he'd given Vanix a while ago. 'Can go long if ya need,' he joked, keeping slightly ahead of Argema just in case- and activating his cloaking field, especially as they got closer to the exit.
Vanix's tail was wagging, his blood was pumping, and he narrowly dodged getting stunned into an early K.O. Never a fun time, though he couldn't recall the last time he'd been paralyzed. "Tan-Tan this weapon sucks." Van mused aloud even as his neck was grabbed, the flexible measures of his suit doing him no favors as his scruff was taken in the most unforgiving of grips, causing the Enkee to yelp. Rather than attack though, he seemed more interested in jerking Tan's new fancy toy gun around, "It's so DINKYYYY!" Still acting as a diversion so the others could make a clean get-away, what a champ!.... Van, stop fondling the gun--
Argema definitely did not look over his shoulder or pause. He kept going until he was far enough away to be 'safe'. 'I am going to get my ship. Vanix, do you need me to fly by?' He could just swoop over him and collect the enkee so that Taniks did not destroy him. They were going to Lupin III this place.
Taniks coudln't agree more, so he found a better use for the offending weapon, and used it to try and smack Vanix across his stupid face. Whether he succeeded in this or not, he'd break it with his bare fist after, and chuckled deeply. Oh, yes... in a very small way, he missed the Enkee, and was prepared to show just how much. Meanwhile, he paid no mind to those that were leaving--seems he no longer cared.
Vanix got the... it wasn't quite a pistol... uh, UHM-- he got hit in the face with a gun! It sorta... bounced off his helm, but it was the force of the blow rather than the impact itself that made the big blue moider doge cringe in discomfort. By way of retaliation Van would playfully pimp slap --'playfully', using the full arc of his arm-- Tan's mug in return, and if this turned into a slapping fest. Van felt obliged to make the best out of it. '.......' Oh, right. That's a thing. '.... Yes please.' A little sheepish, having, of course. Forgotten all about the original objective for coming here. And though he couldn't very well take stock of his surroundings very well, what with the two of them wrestling wildly in the dirt. Where everyone was in relation to himself and how far the plan had come along was entirely lost on Van. Not to worry though, bud. Ray and Argi were keeping tabs while you went stir crazaaayyy.
Taniks. In their confusing tussle, he was met with one of the Enkee's hard hits to the face. While Taniks was also adequately armored, the jolt was met with whiplash in his neck. He'll feel that later. Emitting a terrible snarl, he'd naturally return the favor. Rearing back one of his arms, while the other three were trying to hold Vanix, he'd let loose a violent swing--right back atchya. Then, he'd get a decent grip and pull the Enkee close. Soon, Vanix might hear a singular word through the breather mask on his face. "Dog," he growled, trying to get the Enkee's attention. There was no denying the urgent undertone--would that pique the Enkee's interest?
Raymond Zeznik figured Vanix could take care of himself, at least until they did a drive-by pickup. He wasn't looking back, either, except to pay Argema mind, and his fingers pressed a few touch-screen buttons of the commlink on his wrist. 'Y'want me to take that thing off your hands, Argie?' Eva's engines would remote-start from where she was docked, though of course he wouldn't actually be -seen- getting aboard.
Vanix. This time, Van felt the blow all the way to the base of his tail. Stars swam before his vision and there'd definitely be a bruise to collect after this was all said and done. Kept forcibly close as he was, rather thantry to weather the punch, Enkee let the momentum carry him, trying to roll and plant feetsies to Tan's sternum to give one helluva kangaroo smite. Before he could, his nickname was breathed harshly into those ears. Normally it'd be cause for celebration, but the usual incensed gravel of the Merc's voice was replaced with... haste? It took a long to peel away the sea of red from his vision, but of the people capable of the feat. Two were making for their respective getaway vehicles, and the other was staring him down with a look he couldn't identify beneath all the metal. "Tan-Tan?" This could all be a ruse, a distraction to combat a distraction. But... hm.
Argema boarded his own ship and set the controls. 'No time,' he replied to Ray. Cloaking his ship, he hurried to fly his way over to Vanix's location. It was not going to be long before someone figured out exactly what happened and he did not want to be anywhere near this place when the authorities came rushing in. Once above the Enkee, he pressed onto the communicator. 'Vanix, I am right above you. Keep an eye out for the cable.' Said cable would lower for him to grab on to and hopefully bring no tagalongs with him.
Taniks grunted when Vanix responded with a dizzying blow to his sternum. Gods be damned... his raw hatred for the dog was unyielding, but at the same time, he can sure pack quite a whallop. "Listen," he snarled angrilly, doing everything in his power not to try and rip the dog to shreds now that he had him in his grasp. Fingers snaked around the Enkee's neck, willing for the Enkee to listen. "Tell the Little Bird--I need her help--"
Vanix. Try as he might, Van found it difficult to wrap his head around the world he currently lived in. On his back, in a graveyard, in a fake biome, having just stolen a priceless artifact while Taniks acted as, as a -- the defense against intruders?? That was polarizing enough. But now he... "Understood." The grip was painful, and when he latched onto that cable, free paw would also take up the discarded remains of that stun gun, aiming to bash it against Tan's helmet, just long enough to loosen his grip, jarr his senses. If successful the Enkee would be shimmying quickly up to safety, the meaning all but lost to him. Beyond, of course, who this little bird might be.
Raymond Zeznik - While the two were having their heart-to-heart, Ray was headed for his own ship, and would be off- he'd stick closeby, though, both in case he was needed and to do a little potential cleanup. If they had security cameras in the place, he'd remotely begin to fuck with all that had happened on the footage, just a little.
Argema prepared to send a drone down to interfere with Taniks when Vanix managed to get ahold of the cord. He already was flying the ship up higher but waited until the Enkee was fully within the vessel before taking off.
Taniks shakes all four of his fists at the escapees. How dare you thwart the mercenary-turned-soldier! He'll get you! And your giant alien dog, too! Now that he had one of Argema's ingenious drones to contend with, you might say he was adequately preoccupied with his new foe.
Vanix got aboard, ran up to Argema, and all but squeaked out, "I GOTTA MAKE A PHONE CALL!" Then, in a quieter voice. "And thanks for the swift escape." You mean Ape Esca-- shhhh, no no no no no.....
Argema had arrived with the bunch and wandered in but after instructions were given, he set off to 'search' but had a specific location in mind that had nothing to do with a dead politician's pearls. His goal had more to do with what he carried in the thin white box in his hands. After a quick word to Vanix he set off and would be out of sight for several rounds.
Raymond Zeznik couldn't pass this opportunity up; a milkrun before the serious work he had to crack down on next week- hopefully. In either case, 'collecting' something without detection was his bread and butter. While the total lack of weapons didn't sit fully well with him, because when did it ever, at least he could still have all his other impliments. Namely, his cloaking field and antigravity boots, in addition to his natural stealthiness. Sometimes even -he- forgot where he was when he stealthed out. ...Okay, no not really, but that was a running joke with some old crewmates of his. "If I ever kick the bucket, make sure I never end up in a place like this," he grinned at Vanix, nudging him with an elbow, watching Hork's reaction to the rubber trees. Funny, though, because the only way he'd ever end up dying would be getting so badly maimed in combat he couldn't come back from it. "...Though that don't mean you can eat me or some crap, either. I want a fucking funeral pyre, a professional mourner, the works." He watched Argema head off, but didn't really care to ask what he was doing.
Michael Coiro strode off the ship with a face like thunder, unusually surly and unbefitting of his feminine facial structure. The run-in with the security scanners as they landed had put him in a terrible mood - they'd taken his gun away from him and even the daggers he kept stashed within his shoes for emergencies. The only sounds audible from him were the occasional squeak of his black leather jumpsuit, and the frequent cursing in what one would assume to be his first language. Upon stumbling across a tomb, Michael slowly approached and peered around a corner. He did not realise that Maska was behind him.
Xenevra had arrived a bit later than most others, but you try finding yourself transport when you're seven feet tall and very wide! Upon arrival, they had investigated the saddlebag she wore, and took her base issued gun, which she didn't mind very much, but they wouldn't find much else in her saddlebags save for her snacks and some water. Her poor legs were cellophaned however, the small sharp bits very "easily" being weapons, and had made her put on rubber hoof caps! Hoof caps! She was very much annoyed, but didn't let it show on her face. Trotting her way in she would approach Maska and wait for further instruction, arms folded over her chest as she took slow looks around.
Vanix felt tense. Looked normal. The drones would have nothing to confiscate, dileanating round latex stoppers to be applied to his horn and stinger. "You forgot the bow," The Enkee purred in a would-be placating tone, stepping off the ship with a slight sway. Nausea did not improve his mood much, but being someplace new, with a crew of familiar faces set to a certain goal --main goal, anyway-- was crisp and freeing in a way he indulged to the fullest. To Ray, "I'll be sure to spread your ashes on Eva, and mount your guns into a makeshift altar." Brows waggled, first eye of three giving a lazy wink. Though he hadn't objected --her face had been so hopeful!-- Van'd been worried sick about Kaelee accompanying them, and he, at least. Felt safe knowing she was... relatively less danger prone back on Tuphon... kinda. Maska's exuberance and heretofore bombastic display was given a odd look from afar, but the Enkee focused on why he'd come here. Mainly as muscle, secondarily as a means to secure his comrade's a decent bounty. Whispered response was conveyed to Argema via commlink, before monsieur blue muppet fucker took the first decisive steps into the unknown, following the troupe at a decent distance. Close enough to close the gap should trouble arise, far enough away to try and pre-emptively spot said trouble before it got too close. "I assure you, Ray," Sounding not the least bit distracted, "Consuming your corpse in an act of grief is not on my to-do list." At best, Van would behave as a cat with a wad of catnip, but that's a visual best saved for a later date. "This place looks boring." Everything was already dead.... where's the fun in that??
Raymond Zeznik laughed. "That's the spirit!" Not, er, that he was planning on actually dying any time soon. As for Kaelee, if she really wanted to come along he wouldn't stop her- but he also figured, hey, once her special project got done she'd be more willing to go out and about with them. He raised an eyebrow at Vanix's sneakyness into his commlink, though didn't audibly question it. Audibly. 'What's he up to?' He finally asked via convenient telepathy of the enkee, because -now- apparently he wanted to know. And while normally Ray took the lead, given his stealth and the quick movement, right now, eh, they hadn't found anything. "Good," he responded with a chuckle at Vanix's assurance. "Haven't you heard that old saying, furball? Looks can be deceiving." As they passed by various tombstones and the like, his eyes idly drifted over them. "Drone would be helpful," he grunted. "Or a map." Didn't they have a list of all the graves, here, and where they were? Specially with a convenient ctrl-f function.
Xenevra proceeded to start trotting around the area, looking into tombs, and closely at gravestones, eyes ever vigilant to try and find out the place where they needed to be. Hearing Ray and Vanix's conversation she would chime in. "Yah, places like this creep me out, we normally cremate our dead and hold a vigil." Nodding her head as she would look around the area. "We then spread their ashes out in the plains, as a means t' return them t' nature." Continuing to trot around the area, she was being very careful not to step over anyones grave, or on a tombstone. "Anyone find anythin' yet?" Her voice was abnormally quiet for the usual loud mouth centaur, she was trying to respect the peace.
Hork-Bajir leaned next to Michael and nodded. Looks like they didn't need a map after all! Yep, that was definitely a 'Merrloon' on the HUD of this grave.. marker. It wasn't a stone, that's for sure, with how elaborate it was, with all kinds of technological advancements. It looked kinda like a mini NYC time square banner... A hologram was playing of the rather wrinkly and, well, unsightly politician, with numerous messages scrolling through as people across the galaxy paid the Palian tribute. "Well, that was quick.." he muttered, picking irritably at the shrinkwrap on his arms. Into the commlink to everyone, he added, "Spotted it! Come to Michael.. And .. we might need a diversion.." Rather than begin the process of exhuming, he slipped backwards and eyed the exit.
Michael Coiro jumped half a mile as the shrinkwrapped alien came up behind him. Swivelling on his heel, and almost smacking poor Maska in the face with his long platinum hair, Michael blinked slowly as if in disbelief, which quite frankly he was. "Oh... um... Hello," Michael attempted to sound polite, but he was unsure of the tall creature beside him. His eyes trailed instead to the people he knew - Ray and Vanix - and he gave them both a delicate wave.
Vanix. The solemn silence made their traipsing feel intrusive, but Van had long since steeled himself to the being an intruder on someone else's turf. After all, it was the chance at riches, even if it was on the less-legal end of things. "I'll let you know when...." His face went bland, "I know." Yeah, as usual everything about dear ol' Argi was cryptic and opaque as ever. At Ray's imposed fortune cookie mantra, Vani nodded with a rueful chortle. "Isn't that the truth." At Xenevra's two scents on the matter of funeral rites, Van's eye glowed with acidulous rapture. "Burning bodies sounds like fun." Not as fun as when still alive, squirming, and trying to kill you, mind. But still far and above a better expenditure of time than putting them under feet of dirt. "I have my geographic responder, if you want to try using that?" Fishing it out from his satchel, the Enkee would hand the device over to Ray, "Just turn it on and it will automatically begin mapping the terrain." Unless it encountered a problem of some sort, of course. Then, in a strange bent of rare sobriety from his usual courtly demeanor. Van replied to Xen's query by pointing toward Mich's derriere, "Dat ass." Before momentarily creeping forward to offer the blond a chuff in greeting. "Haven't seen you in a while. How's Mr. Red?" Hopefully he wasn't listening in... that nickname hadn't been given proper thought! "Convenient," Is what he'd tell Maska, before requesting a more elaborate picture of, 'diversion'. "Anything in particular?" Glancing to Ray, as if already cooking up something horrendously.... THEM.
Xenevra's eyes flicked to her commlink at the message and would look over to Vanix as he would point in the direction of Michael, a bit confused by his comment, but she wouldn't say anything. Trotting on over she would smile to Maska and Michael. "So this is the tomb huh?" Looking around as she would hmm out. "...I don't think I can make a good diversion, sir." She'd relay to Maska. Of course, she'd actually make a good one... But she didn't want to get kicked out! "Anyone got any ideas?" Looking around at the rest of the group curiously.
Raymond Zeznik laughed. "The smell, though, that's what gets ya," he commented to the two before he shook his head at Vanix's offer. "Nahh, I got somethin' similar. Looks like we won't need 'em after all, though." Hork and Michael had spotted the place, and at the latter's wave, he gave the guy a thumbs-up before starting to mosey on over. Diversion? He raised his hands. "Hey, I'm normally the one doing the sneaking and nabbing, not making diversions. Though I do got my holoskin." ...And his antigravity boots, with convenient trees around.
Michael Coiro smiled wide as Vanix approached, reaching out to scritch one of the Enkee's long ears. "Hey there, dance-off loser. Oh, he's fine... we've been super busy since the whole circus incident." Michael's attention turned to Xen and he blinked again. All manner of strange creatures in this party, for sure. "Hello," he'd speak politely, holding out a tiny hand for the centaur to shake. "Michael."
Hork-Bajir wasn't too familiar with the teammates so he was sticking to a business-only tone... (yeah dude, doing real well with that with your little "distraction" earlier).. that is until Michael responded to his sudden appearance like he was some kind of giant godzilla monster covered in plasticwrap. Hmm, about that... "You afraid of ghosts or something?" he said a bit gruffly to the small guy, but his eyes were kind. As the others assembled, he rubbed his arms furiously when no one volunteered for the diversion, then let out a heavy sigh."So helpful, all of you," he drawled before ripping a few rubber stalks off a nearby tree. "About half of these are short sticks. Those who get a short one will be the diversion. Long ones will exhume or keep watch. Fair?" he asked, gazing around at the party. To Vanix, he added, "And I'm sure you can come up with something good.. our chances of getting this thing are slim if not." No pressure or anything...
Xenevra's attention turned downwards towards Michael and would smile as he extended his hand out to her. "Well, nice t' meet'cha Michael." She greeted him, taking his hand gently, she would then bow down upon one of her legs before standing back up, a proper centaurian greeting! "I'm Private Xenevra Kal'ika, lookin' forward t' workin' on this mission with ya." Nodding her head as she would look around the area before looking to Maska as he would rip some rubber sticks off of a tree. Looking them over she would shrug her shoulders and pull one out. It looked to be long-ish.
Argema was able to track them down with very little issue. He quietly rejoined them without bringing attention to himself and listened. The reason for drawing the sticks was not known and he considered asking but decided not to care. Reaching out, he grabbed one and pulled it out.
Vanix's jaws produced their cricket-like chime at the scratches, eyes going slanted when Mich made mention of their dance-off. Loser, INDEED. "Good to hear." Memories of the circus usually made Van feel a little uneasy --for reasons-- but right then it was the lesser of two evils. With Maska's improvident mannerisms reflecting Van's own dismay at inactivity, he was still quick to shrug poignantly at the sellf annointed leader. "Everyone brings their own skills to the table. I just happen to be good at making noise." And being generally destructive... though he'd already set his course, Van willingly played along, drawing one of the artificial sticks. That is, until he realized he'd gotten stuck wth guard duty. Aw, hell NAW (wait, Van, that's your job here anyway wha--). Giving his chosen stick the ugliest glare he could manage, he'd not noticed Argema's return until he saw him draw his own twig..... DOUBLE HELL NAW! The silent wallflower gets to have fun? --hehehehe, wallflower...-- Van flicked his stick into the air, caught it deftly, then tossed it over his shoulder. "Nope." Van, pls-- Enkee moseyed carelessly to a bench, looking it up and down. Yes, this'll do. Upper arms lashed out with paws grasping at the legs of the metal seat, it's bolts having kept it firmly in place for who knows how long. That is, until a certain impulsive somebody strained, muscles bunching beneath his exosuit, legs trembling from the effort while chest heaved with the swell and deflation of his lungs. A crumbling sound, a distinct, shuddering *CRACK*. Unless stopped, Van would haul the bench over his head, searching with only slight interest for a target, before deciding on a mausoleum of some old, really historically influental lady. "Ten credits says I knock the roof off." And with the power blessed upon me of the Nat 20, Van gathered momentum in a brief spin before sending the lot of it hurtling toward the mass of carved stone. "Go long piglet!" Halp
Xenevra hurried over to the grave as Vanix would launch a bench into another mausoleum... She shook her head gently as she would look down to the grave and begin digging with her front two legs, although not getting too far with them due to the damn rubber hoof boots they had put on them! But she would dig, as fast and as efficiently as she could, eyes flicking around as she kept a keen watch out for any gravediggers coming their way. Her heart was beating heavily in her torso.
Raymond Zeznik glanced over when Hork did the whole straw-pulling business. Well, makeshift straws. "Whoever'd be better at making a distraction should make a distraction- no use drawin' for it." He jabbed a thumb at Vanix; case in point. Lots of noise... or... epic bench-throwing. He didn't even feel the need to draw a straw, then; no need to for him to make a distraction, either. ...Though maybe he should've, so Vanix, or potentially all them, wouldn't get kicked out. "Remind me to never piss you off!" While the others dug up the grave, he kept a sharp eye on their surrounding area.
Argema squinted when the sound of impact was made, then moved towards the one meant to be disturbed. He eyed the plot, visor powered on to attempt a search for the pearl's location before digging into the dirt.
Taniks. When the caretakers of the Bermuda Station of Everlasting Rest received the odd blip--and, mind you, thanks to a certain Enkee, it was a loud and obnoxious blip on their telescreens--they wasted no time in calling in the biggest motherfucker this side of the galaxy. The Galaxy Federation has a new dog, folks, and he's big, mean, loaded with a stun weapon, and issuing a roar the likes the world has never seen, and he's coming for all of you. Commense boss battle theme.
Raymond Zeznik didn't even -have- to keep a sharp eye. The moment he heard that roar- nope. "We got company; better hurry it up." He slipped into the shadows asap; he'd love to avoid the raging Taniks, while making off with that pearl whenever it surfaced to get it somewhere for safekeeping. 'Think you should've been a bit more stealthy with that one, fuzzball. Good job at causing a distraction, though,' he telepathically spoke to the enkee. While Vanix could probably go head to head with the crazed merc, he most certainly could not, not without his weapons.
Hork-Bajir shrugged to Ray when that was mentioned, "Well, no one volunteered, and--" That was when Vanix ran off and started the chaos. No more time for talk! With the crazy doggo taking the lead on diversions, Maska whipped around and looked for signs of law enforcement -- oh god what did they do to deserve punitary measures from something that looked vaguely like an angry legendary pokemon with a stungun? He'd been expecting only drone reinforcements.. "Shit." To everyone in the commlink, he couldn't help but shout with all the racket, echoing Raymond's concern, "Yeah that's a tank.." He rubbed his hands together... and after several fast, huge steps, he... stopped. Right in front of Taniks. With his massive girth and height, even while being a plastic mummy dinosaur looking thing, he was probably a physical imposition, at least for a moment. To Taniks, he cried, "Sir! Is that a stunner? Oh please, come help! You wouldn't believe this, but... That thing over there? The blue guy? He's desecrating Auntie Seerow-Haman's monument! And it was all because of this argument, you see, he didn't think my tribute was worthwhile to her and then I guess he just thought it would be.. well I don't even know! He just picked up that bench like the Hulk! Maybe you could use that stunner on him, he needs to take a break, don't you think?" His eyes were pleading, completely innocent, his hands held together as he looked at Taniks. Captain talksalot would keep this one sided conversation going as long as he could, if you couldn't tell.
Xenevra felt her body freeze up when she heard the roar.. She would of left the tomb if it didn't mean exposing herself and what they were doing. Turning around, she'd begin kicking the dirt out of the grave, trying to go as quickly as she could, eyes flicking around towards the door. "Come on... Come on..." She muttered mostly to herself, brows furrowing together. "I need the money, I said... I eat my weight every day I said, couldn't go on a diet Xen?" A grunt given as she'd kick the dirt out of the already rather steep hole she had dug already.
Argema paused when he heard that roar, then continued while breathing out a quiet laugh. He was not as frantic in his digging but had gotten far. 'He is going to know that where there is one, there is likely another,' he warned over the link, though it was likely only Ray and Vanix were going to really understand.
Vanix had the sense of self, even in his brief euphoria, to look over at Raymond as if he'd just suggested cutting off his horn. 'When you find the definition of,' He'd do air quotation marks, ' 'Stealthy diversion' you be sure to let me know.' Peeps were just jelly of his SICK MUSCLES, that's all it is. Gloating was short lived when even Argi had something to add, to which the Enkee pouted. Yeah sure okay, but... the roar belatedly rung a familiar note in Van, and when he turned to espy none other than Tan-Tan, his heart did a little backflip of tried and true joy. ".... Speaking of piglets." Thar be the juiciest of oinkies, if he does say so himself. Fully armored and ready to lay them low, in the name of... a sound of humored disbelief left him. "This is too rich." What, Taniks being a, 'good guy' or the fact that Maska thought he could reason with him? "Tan-Tan~!" Bouncing up and down merrily, waving an arm spastically, "I missed you!" If Vanix took the time to notice
Vanix the ardent intent behind those laser-focused eyes, he didn't show it. Far as he was concerned, big man had come home after a long and exhausting day of work! "I missed you so much, in fact..." If Tan wasn't on him already, Vanix would be hunkering onto all six limbs, visor and helm locking into place. "I think a playdate is long overdue!" Gleefully the Enkee was launching himself at the armed and deadly merc turned soldier, a confusing mixture between giddy puppo and stir-crazy murder machine.
Argema finally located the pearl and stuck it up into his glove without announcing what happened. Instead of making himself known in this general location, he powered his suit and visor down then crept away from the grave site as quickly as possible.
Xenevra finally stopped digging when she saw Argema locate the pearl, she would oh so casually trot out of the tomb. "Well, that's enough visiting for the day.." She would remark as she would trot towards the exit. She decided she had helped enough, she didn't want to fight a huge mercenary, not tonight.
Taniks was heavily armored, this time branded with the Galaxy Fed's obnoxious logo on one of his massive shoulders. A scream to the entire world of who has a leash on him now. He was moving in swiftly via teleportation. He was not far from the 'distraction'. Soon enough, the destroyed memorial came into view. And so did the sneaky sons'a'bitches, of whom, he was NOT surprised to see, he recognized a few. He's so used to bullshit by now that nothing surprises him any more. Not even when a scaly reptillian thing called Hork-Bajir approached, giving the merc some waffle about a blue guy doing naughty things to a grave. Taniks the mercenary didn't give a flying flip, and stomped heavily up to the creature, growling deeply and with murder plain in his movements, lifting the TGF issued stun gun. Not impressive, by any means--it wasn't his baby, his scorch cannon. May she rest in peace. The only thing that really saved the creature's neck was the fact that the most grating and irritating voice in the entire universe forced the merc to snap his head up. He could feel his blood boiling with unbridled rage. He aimed his only weapon at the damned dog, but missed--and was, instead, slammed to the ground. The only thing he could think of, at this very moment, is how inept the Galaxy Feds were to give him such a piece of crap weapon. He responded by grappling with three of his free arms, using any means to reach for the Enkee's neck.
Raymond Zeznik should've said more -covert- diversion- like Hork's! Something that wouldn't necessarily get them all in shit... but... yeah, that reunion was overdue he supposed, and the fight presumably commenced. He grunted in response to Argema's comment- telepathically. Could've give his position away through talking, right? Not like Taniks would be paying as much attention anyway, with Vanix right there. 'Yuhuhh.' At least Argema and Xen were digging- he might've brought an entrenching tool which also doubled as a shovel, but figured that would look a little suspicious, and in any case, Argema had found the thing. He should've given Argie the camoflauge device, instead, that he'd given Vanix a while ago. 'Can go long if ya need,' he joked, keeping slightly ahead of Argema just in case- and activating his cloaking field, especially as they got closer to the exit.
Vanix's tail was wagging, his blood was pumping, and he narrowly dodged getting stunned into an early K.O. Never a fun time, though he couldn't recall the last time he'd been paralyzed. "Tan-Tan this weapon sucks." Van mused aloud even as his neck was grabbed, the flexible measures of his suit doing him no favors as his scruff was taken in the most unforgiving of grips, causing the Enkee to yelp. Rather than attack though, he seemed more interested in jerking Tan's new fancy toy gun around, "It's so DINKYYYY!" Still acting as a diversion so the others could make a clean get-away, what a champ!.... Van, stop fondling the gun--
Argema definitely did not look over his shoulder or pause. He kept going until he was far enough away to be 'safe'. 'I am going to get my ship. Vanix, do you need me to fly by?' He could just swoop over him and collect the enkee so that Taniks did not destroy him. They were going to Lupin III this place.
Taniks coudln't agree more, so he found a better use for the offending weapon, and used it to try and smack Vanix across his stupid face. Whether he succeeded in this or not, he'd break it with his bare fist after, and chuckled deeply. Oh, yes... in a very small way, he missed the Enkee, and was prepared to show just how much. Meanwhile, he paid no mind to those that were leaving--seems he no longer cared.
Vanix got the... it wasn't quite a pistol... uh, UHM-- he got hit in the face with a gun! It sorta... bounced off his helm, but it was the force of the blow rather than the impact itself that made the big blue moider doge cringe in discomfort. By way of retaliation Van would playfully pimp slap --'playfully', using the full arc of his arm-- Tan's mug in return, and if this turned into a slapping fest. Van felt obliged to make the best out of it. '.......' Oh, right. That's a thing. '.... Yes please.' A little sheepish, having, of course. Forgotten all about the original objective for coming here. And though he couldn't very well take stock of his surroundings very well, what with the two of them wrestling wildly in the dirt. Where everyone was in relation to himself and how far the plan had come along was entirely lost on Van. Not to worry though, bud. Ray and Argi were keeping tabs while you went stir crazaaayyy.
Taniks. In their confusing tussle, he was met with one of the Enkee's hard hits to the face. While Taniks was also adequately armored, the jolt was met with whiplash in his neck. He'll feel that later. Emitting a terrible snarl, he'd naturally return the favor. Rearing back one of his arms, while the other three were trying to hold Vanix, he'd let loose a violent swing--right back atchya. Then, he'd get a decent grip and pull the Enkee close. Soon, Vanix might hear a singular word through the breather mask on his face. "Dog," he growled, trying to get the Enkee's attention. There was no denying the urgent undertone--would that pique the Enkee's interest?
Raymond Zeznik figured Vanix could take care of himself, at least until they did a drive-by pickup. He wasn't looking back, either, except to pay Argema mind, and his fingers pressed a few touch-screen buttons of the commlink on his wrist. 'Y'want me to take that thing off your hands, Argie?' Eva's engines would remote-start from where she was docked, though of course he wouldn't actually be -seen- getting aboard.
Vanix. This time, Van felt the blow all the way to the base of his tail. Stars swam before his vision and there'd definitely be a bruise to collect after this was all said and done. Kept forcibly close as he was, rather thantry to weather the punch, Enkee let the momentum carry him, trying to roll and plant feetsies to Tan's sternum to give one helluva kangaroo smite. Before he could, his nickname was breathed harshly into those ears. Normally it'd be cause for celebration, but the usual incensed gravel of the Merc's voice was replaced with... haste? It took a long to peel away the sea of red from his vision, but of the people capable of the feat. Two were making for their respective getaway vehicles, and the other was staring him down with a look he couldn't identify beneath all the metal. "Tan-Tan?" This could all be a ruse, a distraction to combat a distraction. But... hm.
Argema boarded his own ship and set the controls. 'No time,' he replied to Ray. Cloaking his ship, he hurried to fly his way over to Vanix's location. It was not going to be long before someone figured out exactly what happened and he did not want to be anywhere near this place when the authorities came rushing in. Once above the Enkee, he pressed onto the communicator. 'Vanix, I am right above you. Keep an eye out for the cable.' Said cable would lower for him to grab on to and hopefully bring no tagalongs with him.
Taniks grunted when Vanix responded with a dizzying blow to his sternum. Gods be damned... his raw hatred for the dog was unyielding, but at the same time, he can sure pack quite a whallop. "Listen," he snarled angrilly, doing everything in his power not to try and rip the dog to shreds now that he had him in his grasp. Fingers snaked around the Enkee's neck, willing for the Enkee to listen. "Tell the Little Bird--I need her help--"
Vanix. Try as he might, Van found it difficult to wrap his head around the world he currently lived in. On his back, in a graveyard, in a fake biome, having just stolen a priceless artifact while Taniks acted as, as a -- the defense against intruders?? That was polarizing enough. But now he... "Understood." The grip was painful, and when he latched onto that cable, free paw would also take up the discarded remains of that stun gun, aiming to bash it against Tan's helmet, just long enough to loosen his grip, jarr his senses. If successful the Enkee would be shimmying quickly up to safety, the meaning all but lost to him. Beyond, of course, who this little bird might be.
Raymond Zeznik - While the two were having their heart-to-heart, Ray was headed for his own ship, and would be off- he'd stick closeby, though, both in case he was needed and to do a little potential cleanup. If they had security cameras in the place, he'd remotely begin to fuck with all that had happened on the footage, just a little.
Argema prepared to send a drone down to interfere with Taniks when Vanix managed to get ahold of the cord. He already was flying the ship up higher but waited until the Enkee was fully within the vessel before taking off.
Taniks shakes all four of his fists at the escapees. How dare you thwart the mercenary-turned-soldier! He'll get you! And your giant alien dog, too! Now that he had one of Argema's ingenious drones to contend with, you might say he was adequately preoccupied with his new foe.
Vanix got aboard, ran up to Argema, and all but squeaked out, "I GOTTA MAKE A PHONE CALL!" Then, in a quieter voice. "And thanks for the swift escape." You mean Ape Esca-- shhhh, no no no no no.....
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