— Day 2, Noon —
Palisade National Park
Camp Watzmilion

Dan was astounded that Volt had offered to push their car so they could return home to Parksville. There seemed to be no end to the dog’s special abilities, and he wondered if each person – or animal – so blessed had more than one. I wonder if I’ll ever meet others with superpowers? he wondered to himself.

They emerged into the parking lot only to find a half-dozen men and women in uniform swarming over their car. The camping gear he and Angie had so carefully and thoughtfully sorted out lay strewn about on the ground.

“What’s going on?” The inquiry was for Sergeant Jones, who seemed to be supervising the operation.

Jones smiled as soon as he saw the approaching group. “Ah, Mr. Baxter, how nice to see you again! You didn’t tell me you were such a mechanical genius.”

“You never asked. What are you doing to our car?”

“It’s a long story. Would you like to step into my office and discuss it?”

Something wasn’t right. “I’ll stay right here, if you don’t mind.” The men were just a few feet apart, close enough for easy conversation.

“Very well. Well, after our earlier interview, I received a detailed dossier on Mr. Daniel Baxter. Aside from the usual info, it contained some fascinating notes on your performance reviews at the Parksville Power Utility. Should I read some to you?”

He’s just toying with me. “Okay, I have some mechanical aptitude. I’ve always had it; it’s been no big secret.”

“I’m sorry, you misunderstand. Your wicked mechanical skills, as one review puts it, are in great demand now that the supernova has caused so much damage.”

“I know. That’s why I’ve been trying to return to Parksville, to help out.”

“Your government appreciates your dedication to your work. We’ve determined that somehow, you got your car to run even after the EMP fried the electronics.”

“Not very well, and not for very long,” Dan objected.

“Perhaps, but it’s something only a very few people could even come close to duplicating. It’s that kind of skill, that kind of risk-taking, that we want. What if I told you there were far greater opportunities – chances not just to help one family or one small town, but the entire nation?”

“Please go on.”

Jones relaxed a bit: Baxter was taking the bait.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss details in public, but suffice it to say that there are some secure locations at which deep research is going on. The government wishes to restore power to the nation’s infrastructure as soon as possible, and with it, the order the country needs.”

Dan resisted the urge to make political comments.

“We need your remarkable talent with machines. You could help your country return to the lifestyle its citizens are used to. You could be a hero to millions.”

“I confess it’s tempting - the helping part, anyway." He doubted anyone would ever consider him a hero for just doing what came naturally. "Let me talk it over with my family first.” He glanced over to Angie, who read the uneasy look in his eyes – a decade of marriage had allowed them to refine their non-verbal communication – and she nonchalantly led her daughter and pet toward another path heading into the woods. It was just a few feet from where her husband now stood.

Jones hesitated. “Ah, there’s a slight problem there: security clearance. You have temporary clearance, thanks to your skills, but it might take some time to get permission for your family to join you. They’d be allowed occasional, supervised visits, of course.”

“You’d separate us?” Dan’s voice carried astonishment. “I’m loyal to Azurema but you can’t expect me to give them up.”

“Of course not, Mr. Baxter,” Jones tried to soothe. This one was not going to get away! “I’m sure your family can come with you,” he backpedalled, regretting his earlier honesty on that issue. “Now, please come this way.”

Dan no longer trusted this man, and began looking for a way out. “I want assurances my family can stay with me,” he stalled.

Day 2, Noon, Palisade National Park, Camp Watzmilion

Jenny didn't like how things were going. The sight of the Azureman military by itself would on the best of days put a bad taste in her mouth, but the fact that they had searched the Baxter's car without permission or care for their stuff, and were trying to convince Dan to leave his family when he clearly didn't want to made her distrust of them all the stronger.

Sergeant Jones sighed. It seemed he would have to take a more direct approach. "I don't think you understand," he said as he signaled a couple troops with a wave of his hand. They came up behind him with some sort of rifle held across their chests. "We've received direct orders to take you with us." The message was clear, Dan wasn't being asked, he was being told.

This pushed Jenny over the edge. "Wait just a minute!" she yelled as she threw down her suitcase and marched next to Dan, Volt following her with a snarl. "You can't just force him to take a job with you!"

"Little girl, this isn't your business, I suggest you leave these things to your elders," he said with a touch of menace.

"Mr. Baxter is a fellow human and Azureman who is not getting his rights, that makes it my business," she responded with gritted teeth. Volt stepped in front of Jenny and gave a warning bark.

"Keep that dog quiet."

Jenny ignored him. "Just where do your orders come from anyway?" Volt barked again, louder.

"I said shut that mutt up!" Jones said, quickly losing patience. "Now, or we'll do it for you." One of the men aimed his rifle at Volt, Jenny could see tranquilizer darts loaded in them. "Louder Volt."

Volt complied. He sucked in his breath, then forced it out. As it left his lungs and entered his throat, Volt could feel it continue to gain pressure at an alarming rate. Before he realized what was happening, the bark left his mouth with the force of a small sonic boom. The shock wave sent the three soldiers flying back 10 feet, shattered the glass of the baxter's car, and forced the other three soldiers to cover their ears. Jenny's ears rang in spite of the fact that she had been standing behind Volt, but she could barely hear Volt murmur, "Did I do that?"

Jenny saw the soldiers by the car turning towards them and fumble with their rifles. "We have to get out of here! To the river, we'll look for a place to ford," she yelled as she grabbed Volt's collar and pulled him in the direction of the path. He had been getting ready to finish them off, but obeyed and ran with her and the Baxters. Several darts zipped by them, but the people firing them were still woozy from the super bark and couldn't find their marks. When they arrived at the river Jenny stopped and checked her mental map. "The nearest ford is this way," she said dashing along the riverbank to their left.

Volt let Candy climb on his back since she was the slowest one. As they ran he could hear the sound of two sets of booted feet, a man and a women, pursuing them. "The other women must have stayed behind either to check on Sergeant Jones & company or call for reinforcements," he thought. Eventually Jenny could hear them too. "Please God", she prayed, "don't let them catch up until we are over the river."

— Day 2, Morning —
East Parksville Elementary School
Parksville, Erbaine
Previously...
"You can stay with us," David said, almost as soon as Brandon finished talking.

"Oh, we couldn’t dream of imposing like that," might normally have been Brandon’s first response to David’s gracious invitation, but the harsh realities of this new world were impossible to ignore. Even now Holly tugged on her mother’s outstretched arm, and Ivy still whimpered in his arms. Their two little girls had no home to go to tonight. Surely staying with friends, rather than in a crowded public shelter, would be better for them. “If you’re sure it’s not too much trouble,” he finally said.

But Gina didn’t hesitate, quickly offering a hug to her friend. She was at a loss as far as any words of encouragement for Lauryn, but just wanted to let her know friends were near. While grateful her own children were safe, Gina’s heart ached for Lauryn; she couldn’t imagine the agony of not knowing where her kids were or if they were safe or not.

The couples slowly made their way back to the Kingsley home; for the little girls it was a new and exciting adventure, and a chance to play with Figaro some more. For the adults, it was a time to offer comfort and hope: hope that lost children and friends might make their way back to town, hope that the next few days might hold some happy reunions.

-10 AM, Day 2 -
Parksville, Erbaine
Palisade National Park
Lui's Cabin

Loretta was startled awake by Terra's voice, almost commanding and subtle, and the sharp knocking on the cabin's door. She sat up quickly, tangles of red hair falling into her eyes. She brushed them away, and stared with slightly blurry eyes toward the entrance to their current abode. Standing quickly, she hung back, away from the door as Terra opened it.

Government officers... She thought, her breath catching in her chest. Oh No....what could they want here!?. Panic gripped her for a moment, but she fought back down the flighty and fearful sensation, knowing it would do little good. The wolf pup, awoke by her, curled itself around her legs and whimpered quietly.

When the officer turned to Loretta, and inquired of her name, her eyes grew wide. She opened her mouth, but quickly snapped it shut, painfully remembering her lack of human communication. She put a hand to her mouth and just shook her head, gaze down-cast. I can't tell them! I can't tell them...

— 10 AM, Day 2 —
Parksville, Erbaine
Palisade National Park
Lui's Cabin
"I said your name, miss," the official repeated.

Still Loretta said nothing. She couldn't.

"Her name is Loretta Vang," Terra burst out, and one of the men in black began flipping through a clipboard as if searching for something. "Sorry, she has a bad case of. . . laryngitis," the girl added quickly, stumbling over the words.

"Really? And when did she come down with it?" The one on the right inquired coldly.

"She's had it for a while; it's kind of chronic for her."

"Very well. . ." the middle one said, not sounding convinced at all, and then his voice took on almost a fatherly tone, as if he were trying to win her trust. The sudden switch was unnerving.

"The only reason we ask is that some citizens have been reporting odd biological reactions to the supernova. We are trying to find these affected people and take them to treatment as soon as possible. If you know anyone who has exhibited any strange symptoms of any kind since noon yesterday, you need to inform the military immediately so they can get help. It could be a matter of life and death."

"Of course, sir," Terra said with a quizzical look. She tried to capitalize on their desire to earn her trust by earning some information in return. "But. . . is the damage from the supernova really widespread? How bad is it?"

"Very bad, and very random," said the one on the left, puffing up with the importance of knowing what was going on in a blinded world. "Cities have been decimated in some places. Burg and Arida are in especially bad shape, with buildings suffering damage similar to a major scale earthquake, and Judicia isn't faring much better. We have no idea what the death toll will be at this point."

Something didn't add up.

"Pardon my ignorance, officers, but if entire cities have been turned into disaster areas, then why are you out going door to door in a sparsely-populated mountain county?" Terra said, throwing caution to the wind. She knew that she had to ask the question, but she did not know what the price of it would be. "Aren't you needed elsewhere? Or at the very least Parksville, which is currently being burned to the ground?"

The little patronizing smile on the middle official's lips vanished.

"We are merely following orders, miss," he said, his voice emotionless. "We need to take you and your friend with us; her laryngitis cannot go untreated, and your arm needs to be examined."

Terra involuntary put her right arm behind her back, as if to hide the bandage, and then was furious with herself that she'd done it. It was too obvious.

"Well, we're going to go to Parksville immediately today anyway to reunite with our families if we can," Terra said quickly. "We know these woods and we don't need an escort, and don't want to take you away from your jobs—"

"No, the welfare of citizens affected by the supernova is our job, young lady."

"Millions of people in Burg are in major trouble, and you're worried about her voice box and my arm?" Terra said incredulously. She knew she was treading dangerous water, but the words jumped from her lips before she could stop them.

They are not to be trusted, she thought. She had confirmed what she had felt since she had heard them knock on the door ten minutes ago. But how to get away?

"That is irrelevant—" The official began impatiently. "If you just—what was that?"

Terra cringed at the sound that stopped his words.

Oh no.

It was coming from the garage.

— Day 2, Early Afternoon —
Palisade National Park

Dan Baxter’s day just kept getting stranger and stranger. His ears still rang with the echo of Volt’s incredibly loud bark, and he lost precious seconds glancing at the blown-out windows of his car.

In for a penny…he thought, quickly following the others down the forest path. He’d been last to leave but soon caught up with his family; those late-night runs were paying off now. Candy was already on Volt’s back, and he paused to pick up Grace, who with her shorter legs was lagging behind.

They staggered down a steep hill and then the river was in front of them, and they followed Jenny to the left. Grace squealed as a tranquilizer dart whistled by her ear, and then another. I can’t outrun them with her on my back, Dan realized. But I can’t give up my family either. We’re fugitives now.

Another dart thunked into a tree just beside them, and Grace hid her face against Dan’s back while holding onto him for dear life. The soldiers following them shouted, “Stop! Surrender!”

Suddenly there was a deep rumbling sound behind them, followed by the sound of falling rocks and trees. Dan sneezed as a cloud of dust billowed up around them. It quickly cleared, but he paused to marvel at the sight: behind them a small landslide had fallen from the hill, separating them from their pursuers. The narrow trail was buried under rocks and tree branches, and the soldiers had to slow down to negotiate these new hazards.

“They’re getting away!” one shouted, and the barrage of darts increased in intensity.

An hour later the small group sat huddled in a small forest clearing far from the camp. They took deep breaths as they rested; still nervous about being caught, the dogs’ sensitive ears kept careful guard.

“I guess we’ve burned our bridges,” Dan sighed. “But no regrets. I can’t believe they’d force me to join them, and separate us,” he added, holding his wife close. “I figured the supernova would change the world, but the government seems to have given up everything it stood for in just one day.”

“We’ll make it, together,” Angie reassured him. “But I don’t think we’re welcome in Parksville anymore,” she whispered, not wanting to upset their daughter, who still eagerly awaited a reunion with Ivy and Holly. “We can’t jeopardize our friends.”

“Everyone knows that we know the Norwoods,” Dan agreed. “So we have to stay away from them. But maybe the Kingsleys are still an option.” A few minutes’ more conversation led to the decision to try to make it to David and Lauryn’s house.

Dan was thrilled that his family was safe, but something about their escape didn’t sit right with him. The military had sent soldiers after them – men and women in great physical shape, trained in outdoor survival and pursuit. Yet the coincidence of the landslide had ensured their escape. And incredibly, despite dozens of tranquilizer darts fired at them, no one, not even the girls or the dogs, had even been nicked. If these were the government’s best sharpshooters, it was a good thing they weren’t at war with a foreign power.

It was unbelievable that every shot had missed.

But maybe something else was at work, another of those special abilities. Could Volt have the ability to protect them from this danger too? It seemed ludicrous, but he’d seen so many wonders the last couple days he couldn’t rule anything out. Or maybe someone else in their party had superpowers too. He had to consider it, even without clear evidence to that effect.

“That was some incredible barking back there.” Angie broke the brief silence. “Thanks for helping us get away.”

“That was so neat!” Grace enthused. “Can you do it again?”

“That may not be such a good idea, sweetie,” Angie pointed out. “We don’t want to give away our position to anyone following us.”

~Day Two~
~Parksville~

David brought out some cookies he had left over and started making some juice for the girls, while Lauryn got out extra blankets and pillows for the Norwoods.

She put them in a large bin in the living room for that night. There were empty beds in the two bedrooms they kept for the twins, but Lauryn wasn't ready to give up hope that those rooms would soon be occupied by the two they were reserved for.

The Kingsleys kept a number of books and toys in the living room for the girls, and Lauryn was more than willing to join them in playing with Figaro or reading favorite stories.

In the kitchen, David could not help ranting a bit about the government. "No phones, no electricity, radiation poisoning, forest fires destroying houses - something this big doesn't just come out of nowhere! You can't tell me no one knew this was coming. And what do we get but crap emergency shelters set up at elementary schools, military rations and paltry assurances that 'your government is doing all it can', bah!" David slammed his hand down on the table, then paused, a bit startled by his own vehemence.

He continued, more calmly and self-controlled. "Either someone fell down on the job, or the government isn't doing the job we elected them for." He snorted. "Or maybe it's both. Who knows?"

Day 2
Just Inside of Green Hills Highschool
Parksville, Erbaine

Fred ran fast as he could towards the exit. The walls were indeed nearing collapse. Only a few feet away from the exit, the walls closed in. Fred saw Cat make it out o.k. Well, at least someone will be around to speak of how brave I was in my last few moments...

In a gut effort to make it out alive, Fred slid the last five feet or so towards the door, narrowly making it past. He felt a weight off of his back- his backpack fell off on the slide. He quickly turned around and grabbed the backpack and pulled it back... right as the whole exit was blocked under the rubble of the building.

The whole street was filled with dust and old homework, flying around in the wind. Fred coughed, and looked to Cat.

"I concur... do you have any idea where anyone is, though? With a disaster such as this I bet they've all started leaving the city. Or even the state... heck, perhaps even the country. I wish I knew the scope of this thing..."

Looking back at his old highschool for the last time, he walked away.

Day 2, Early Afternoon, Palisade National Park

Jenny scanned the horizon from the pine on which she stood. "No sign of pursuit", she thought. "Let's see, those 2 mountains are 20 degrees apart so that would put us..." After another minute she finished her calculations which confirmed her guess at their position. That task accomplished, she thought for a moment about their escape again. She was extremely grateful they had all made it safely, and didn't particularly care how it happened. She had considered whether or not some unknown powers were involved just like Dan had, but had decided that even if that was the case then God had made sure that person, or possibly animal, had that power when they needed it, and that was enough for her. She sighed and started back down.

Meanwhile, Volt could see Grace was disappointed about not getting to see another super bark. He wanted to cheer her up, and he had an idea on how to do it. "Wait right here, I'll be right back!"

He ran over to Jenny, who had just reached the bottom. They whispered together for a few minutes and Jenny made some scratches in the dirt with a stick.

The two of them walked back over to the Baxters. "Okay, stand back, Volt's told me about this trick but I've never seen it myself, so it will be new to all of us. That rock there should do it," she said gesturing to a rock with a flat face. Volt turned to the rock and stared, green filling his vision. Jenny could see two beams of light leaving his eyes and focusing on the rocks. Volt moved his head, very slowly since he couldn't see what he was doing, in a circular motion, the lasers following his pattern on the rock. Just before he completed the circle he stopped, then moved the beams horizontally to the center of the ring. He blinked, shutting off the beams. "There!" he announced proudly, "G for Grace!"

"Well, sort of," said Jenny.

Volt looked at Jenny then back at his first letter. Then he saw his mistake. It was backwards. "Oops."

— 10 AM, Day 2 —
Parksville, Erbaine
Palisade National Park
The Garage

It had been an awful and stressful night for Lui. She had paced for most of it, both in wolf form and in human form. She had transformed back and forth 3 times since she was locked in the garage. Once involuntary and twice voluntary.

She had discovered that her mind was the control center for her powers. She could transform with a little concentration and also return to her normal state. Every single time she transformed, it became easier and less shocking. Fire still surrounded her with each transformation, singeing some of her hair and her jeans, but for the most part, it seemed as if she was surrounded by a shield. On the concrete flooring, the fire could stay alive as long as she let it, or she could extinguish it with a touch of her hand. It would instantly go out, without harming the skin on her hands.

Lui was exhausted, curious and dumbfounded at the same time. How any of this was possible, she didn't know. But it was happening and she wasn't dreaming it up.

She could hear pounding outside the door, but she thought it was just a woodpecker, until she heard voices. First a man's, then Terra's.

Fear gripped her heart and she quickly stood, closing her hand and extinguishing the small flame she held. She ran to the silver drawers that stood against one wall and pulled one open. A metallic grind echoed through the garage.

She lifted a large, black case and set it on the counter, reaching back into the drawer to pull out a small, cardboard box. The contents inside jingled as she dropped it to the steel work counter. Unlocking the case, she lifted the lid and stared at a well-polished, black gun. Pulling it from it's protective, foam bed, she loaded it within seconds and aimed at the lock on the door.

Pulling the trigger 3 times in quick succession, she blew the lock clear off the door and it flew open with the force.

Taking a deep breath, she walked out of the garage and straight toward the house, stopping in her tracks when she saw the men. She clenched her jaws, feeling her canine teeth dig into her lower gum. She held the gun pointed to the floor, but it wouldn't take much effort to lift it if she needed it.

Not wanting to expose her teeth, she chose to stay quiet until they spoke first or Terra explained.

((OOC: @Mountie: I hope this works for leading up to Allee arriving. ))

Day 2
Just outside Arida
Laney's House

Laney blinked the sleep out of her eyes and looked around her room. After lying in bed for several minutes, she climbed out and headed into the kitchen. Out of habit, she pulled out a pop tart and slowing chewing it while reaching for the remote to turn on the TV. Then she remembered. There was no power. She curled up on the couch, finishing the other half of her pop tart. She made no move to get up and get dressed for the day.

In fact, she probably would have stayed there for the rest of the day if she hadn't been roused by a knock on her front door. Reluctantly Laney went to answer it.

-Day 3-
Quadrant 9
9:30 qn

The smell of a hospital. The over clean feel to the starchy sheets of a much too firm bed. The whiteness outside your eyelids...pressing you to consciousness. The remnants of chloroform, so strong still in his nostrils, Arthur awoke. Groggily, at first, vision fluttering then becoming clearer. And then he heard a voice, and his mind snapped, coming fully to greet reality.

"Good. You are finally awake." A not too kind voice said. Hard eyes of a male, nurse, or, attendant met his own quizzical gaze. Impatience was written over his features. He had obviously been waiting for sometime for Arthur to regain grip on the world.

"Ah...well..." Arthur, sat up, letting out a long breath. "The after effects of drugs easily linger for quite a lengthy period. Perhaps, if those chaps who came to my house had been more cautious and courteous, you wouldn't have had to wait so long." he cleared his throat. "One does not come back quickly from a heavy dose of Chloroform."

"Please, for the sake of expediency, do refrain from medical speeches. The government is in need of your services, I am not. Expert minds are needed to run this....er....operation."

"Oh, I see." Arthur raised a brow, wanting more information but not sure if he should ask it. "You probably won't tell me, looking like the dim-witted fellow I'm sure you are, but what are the details of this operation? I wasn't informed before being rudely forced to comply to our cheery government's wishes."

The other man sucked in a breath, and clamped his jaw shut. "It is not my place to explain why you are here. I was just ordered to wait for your to awake, or, if you didn't regain your consciousness in an hour, awake you. Now, I shall take you to see Dr. Steele. He shall answer all your questions..."

"Dr. Steele?" Arthur thought about the name, searching his memory for any knowledge of it. "Oh, well, can't say I know him. But with a name like Steele I'm not sure I want to meet him. Is he has hard and cold as his name suggests?"

The Nurse rolled his eyes, and gestured for him to stand. "Come."

"Alright." Arthur stood with a sigh, shaking away the dizziness that assaulted his head as he did. He came toward the attendant, and investigated the name on his name tag. "Ah, you should have introduced yourself Oliver."

Oliver looked at him with a smoldering gaze, then opened the door, leaving the room. Arthur took a last look at it, wondering if it would be where he was staying or not, but glad to leave it. When they emerged he was greeted with the sight of a security guard. Unpleasant fellow standing still just a foot or two down from his door. "To ensure I didn't sleep walk?" Arthur asked Oliver, looking at the man with a skeptical gaze.

"Please keep your witty comments to yourself. They are for our protection, and for the keeping of the peace."

"Protection from what? Aliens? Patients on a rampage against doctors with terrible bedside manners? Perhaps like this Steele fellow..." Arthur was actually enjoying frustrating Oliver. Wittiness was a trait he didn't use often, but right now, it was better than being terribly grim and serious about the whole situation.

Oliver growled under his breath and ignored him. The halls were painted a dismal grey, and the lights above their heads were bright but did little to contrast against the flat texture of the paint on the walls. Everything was clean, no furnishings were along the walls, which seemed slightly odd, but since when did the government enjoyed potted ferns? The floors were white tile, not very scuffed, which added to the new feel the place seemed to emit.

The security was posted at logical positions down the hall. They were armed, and seemed stiff, though their eyes followed them. Each door had a number printed on a small white plaque, and Arthur made mental note of them.

They turned one corner, than another, until they came to another hall with an elevator. Oliver pressed the up arrow and it glowed orange. There was a ding, and the doors opened and they entered the elevator. Arthur took keen interest in the control pad on the interior. There were floors, but many more then usual, and other destinations as well. His curiosity peeked, but he kept it too himself.

When they arrived, they exited swiftly. The deserted feel was stripped away as they emerged, for another nurse, wearing the same clothes as Oliver, entered the elevator after them. There were guards in this hall too, but posted beside doors instead of just at lengths. They marched to one door, which bore the name 'Doctor Steele' engraved in black on a white rectangle.

Arthur found this door odd, for it wasn't made of wood but something else that he couldn't put his finger on at the moment. Oliver knocked on it, and a response, simple and without emotion said, "Come in."

Oliver turned the knob then pushed and it went swinging open slowly. Some how it reminded Arthur of the revealing of the arch villain in some futuristic action movie. And the man behind the desk fit the bill perfectly. Steel grey hair with eyes that looked at him with unwavering gaze; an expressionless face and clad in a grey coat. Arthur found him to be a perfect chameleon of a man, for he, besides his skin, was grey and so were his walls, though light, and his desk. It was as if he was trying to blend in. Arthur might have laughed. Might. But he hid it well.

He just looked on for a moment in the silence, observing the meticulously clean office that matched it's occupant. There were three chairs total, two in front of the desk and one behind. I wonder, does he have an assistant?

"Dr Arthur, Sir." Oliver said, with his head cast downward. After this, he nodded to Dr. Steele and left, shutting the door.

Now I wonder...which one of us shall break the silence? Arthur thought

Nari sat tapping her fingers on the floor of the cement room. she had been here for hours. possibly even days, sitting, thinking, thinking of escape. Suddenly she heard two guards talking outside the large iron door. "Yea, after the Nova there is been' talks of strange thing happenin', specially' odd stuff"
"oh shut it, whatever it tis' its none of our concern and i doubt tis' true anyways! im just glad the Nova caused that rumble or we never would have caught the little storm rat."
"spose' yur right, but still, it be worrying me. I heard tellings of a wolf-person, from the supplyer thea other day"
"whatever, just quita thinkin bout' it, anyways, letsa go get her', the boss has some need for her"
Nari heard the pattering of footsteps and then the door to her cell creaked open, there stood two burly men with pistols on there belts and one had a machete slung across his back. "heh heh heh" rumbled one of them. "the boss has had enough funny business, storm rat, he's done with you, cept' to force you" the other guard let out a dry cackle as well.
Nari knew that there boss would have something utterly awful designed for her. she had to escape NOW. As the guards unchained her and led her toward the door, Nari spied a large bowl of grease in the corner, which was used to grease the chains of feisty prisioners so that the couldnt grasp the chain. as the neared the bowl Nari thrust out her left foot and spilled the bowl, then while the guards were distracted she ducked down and splashed them with the oil, then she dropped to the ground, rolled away and took offf sprinting down the hallway while the guards fumbled about. She made a wrong turn though and a few seconds later she ran into a large room....and into another guard, who immediatly recognized her and grabbed her, she punch him in the jaw and he let go, but just before she could make her escape the first two guards came up and grabbed her. NO! she inwwardly screammed still struggling she tried to break loose, but the guards massly overpowered, holding back tears and letting out choked sobs, she suddenly got and inward power in her, like a flower was blosseming in her heart, suddenly her mind cleared and as if in a dream she broke loose of there hold, spun around and her eyes locked on a large pile of something that looked like canonballs, her concentrated gaze never lifted from them and suddenly and of i what seemed like its own accord the pile lurched forth toward the men and knocking them over, then kept coming at the and ran into there sides. Without waiting to see what happened Nari spun on her heel and dodged out of the room, sprinting down several hallways and chamber and then finally spotting a ladder, Nari climbed up it and out onto the roof of a lof flat base, hidden far away in the hills, Nari jumped off the roof to a hill, only a few feet lower and dodged off into the woods, only then did she stop and what had happened hit her "How did I do that?!

-Day 3-
Quadrant 9
9:37 qn

Dr. Steele looked up as the door swung open, a pencil poised in his hand above the white sheet of paper on the desk in front of him. His eyes flicked towards the Nurse as he introduced the man who stood just inside the door. As the Nurse backed out, a small smile pulled the corners of Steele's lips upwards.

"Ah," he began as the door shut behind the Nurse, "So you are Dr. Arthur Ford. Delighted to make your acquaintance." He gestured to a chair and said, "Have a seat."

-Day 3-
Quadrant 9
9:37 qn

Arthur raised one brow. He's delighted to meet me... he thought, knowing that most mad-scientist doctors started out with a patronizing sentence such as that, to woo others to help them. He sat down in one of the chairs across from Dr. Steele, an inquisitive expression on his face.

"Well, Doctor, I can say that you look nothing like your name suggests." He smirked, then nodded. "But I'm afraid I can't say if I'm delighted to make your acquaintance. If I was drugged and kidnapped just to meet you...well...I'm not sure having that experience is worth it."