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driftfleet2016-10-13 05:39 pm
lord_wizard) wrote in driftfleet2016-10-13 05:39 pm
Entry tags:
eleventh labyrinth
Who: Felix Harrowgate
Broadcast: Fleetwide!
Action: The junkyard station
When: This evening
[His trips into the station over the past week had been going rather well. The extension to the library was filling up with small boxes of random bits and baubles and he had more than a few commissions in progress for the larger essentials that would help fill the space. There was plenty more to search out, however.
In truth, he'd started to get comfortable. He'd taken precautions to appear mundane, at the sacrifice of his considerable vanity, but he'd made it obvious to merchants that he had resources and credits to spare to get what he wanted, and in turn many of them had jumped to his aid.
Thus, he doesn't think much of it when one man leads him towards the back of his cluttered little shop.]
Yes, sir. I think we found just what you were asking for. Got it back here if you'd like to take a look...
[He enters through the back door. It looks like a back office, shelves cluttered with supplies. He'd been looking for a decent writing desk and there's certainly one in here, but it doesn't look like one that's for sale. He turns around with the question on his lips but finds he's not alone. A larger man, waiting behind the door, smiles back.]
Wait-- [The men move before he can say more. Felix lunges for the door, but he knows it's too late, knows and struggles anyway as the muscled arms grab him behind as the merchant shoves him back, kicking the door shut. He can't fight, but he's tall, and the height almost helps. His hand makes it to the handle of the door as he tries to twist his body free.
Blinding pain against the side of his head. It comes from his right, so he doesn't even see what it had been. Pointless to know, in any case, as things go dark...
He wakes up some time later, though he can't begin to guess how much. It's the same room, though dimmer. Light comes in through the cracks of the door in front of him, enough to help him make out the details. He's definitely alone, but he's tied into a chair. Secure enough of a cage for someone of so little threat.
Something like a laugh almost escapes his throat as he considers that idea. His anonymity here might very well be his saving grace. They'd probably never tried to kidnap a wizard before.
But he also knows why they'd do such a thing in the first place. Fenris had enlightened that which he might have tried to ignore. They meant to sell him, and the very idea makes his bleary consciousness snap into sharp awareness in sheer panic. He shifts in his bonds, testing them. Binding his hands was a good start, but it merely makes magic difficult, not impossible. The ropes are rough but not loose enough to pull free from. No spell could untie a knot, of course, but there had to be something.
His throat dries up as the solution volunteers itself. But anything has to be better than this. Felix closes his eyes and calls fire to his hands. The ropes catch just as planned, sizzling and hissing, but it also scorches his skin, catching onto the sleeve of his coat. He can't hold in the yelp of pain this time, but yanks his wrists free of the bonds, snuffing the fire out of his clothes.
He can feel the burns but bends to unties the ropes around his ankles next, sensing his time is short. His communicator is laying on the desk, if he can just reach--
The door slams open just as the last rope comes free as the larger thug bursts in, annoyance flashing into anger as he sees Felix stand up. No time to think about other options. Even now, he can't bring himself to kill. He calls lightning instead, aiming for the lights just behind the man, and the bulbs crack and burst in a shower of sparks. He flinches back and Felix moves. He snatches up his communicator, rushing past the man and pulling the door shut behind him. A simple locking spell applied to the handle just as he hears a shout and rattle. It won't hold and he knows it.
He turns his communicator on and starts to run]
[The view of a shop on the station jostles to view behind him as he hustles. He knows there's little chance he's going to get out of this on his own] If there's anyone out there...please...I need...
[There's the shout of another voice from the side and the picture blurs as the wizard turns sideways, trying to dodge] No!
[Things lurch more violently as he falls, and the communicator drops, spinning to a stop on the ground. It's clearly somewhere on the junk station - and one of the grafted on sections as well. There isn't much else to make out from the background, though a myriad of salvaged lamps line the ceiling of the shop like gaudy mismatched stars.]
Where do you think you're going? [Another voice that isn't Felix's accompanied by scuffling and the unmistakable impact of something hitting flesh.
Seconds later, a flash of a face looking down at the device: a copper-skinned human, short dark hair, and the line of a small scar across his brow.
A moment after that, the shadow of a boot, and then, nothing...]
Broadcast: Fleetwide!
Action: The junkyard station
When: This evening
[His trips into the station over the past week had been going rather well. The extension to the library was filling up with small boxes of random bits and baubles and he had more than a few commissions in progress for the larger essentials that would help fill the space. There was plenty more to search out, however.
In truth, he'd started to get comfortable. He'd taken precautions to appear mundane, at the sacrifice of his considerable vanity, but he'd made it obvious to merchants that he had resources and credits to spare to get what he wanted, and in turn many of them had jumped to his aid.
Thus, he doesn't think much of it when one man leads him towards the back of his cluttered little shop.]
Yes, sir. I think we found just what you were asking for. Got it back here if you'd like to take a look...
[He enters through the back door. It looks like a back office, shelves cluttered with supplies. He'd been looking for a decent writing desk and there's certainly one in here, but it doesn't look like one that's for sale. He turns around with the question on his lips but finds he's not alone. A larger man, waiting behind the door, smiles back.]
Wait-- [The men move before he can say more. Felix lunges for the door, but he knows it's too late, knows and struggles anyway as the muscled arms grab him behind as the merchant shoves him back, kicking the door shut. He can't fight, but he's tall, and the height almost helps. His hand makes it to the handle of the door as he tries to twist his body free.
Blinding pain against the side of his head. It comes from his right, so he doesn't even see what it had been. Pointless to know, in any case, as things go dark...
He wakes up some time later, though he can't begin to guess how much. It's the same room, though dimmer. Light comes in through the cracks of the door in front of him, enough to help him make out the details. He's definitely alone, but he's tied into a chair. Secure enough of a cage for someone of so little threat.
Something like a laugh almost escapes his throat as he considers that idea. His anonymity here might very well be his saving grace. They'd probably never tried to kidnap a wizard before.
But he also knows why they'd do such a thing in the first place. Fenris had enlightened that which he might have tried to ignore. They meant to sell him, and the very idea makes his bleary consciousness snap into sharp awareness in sheer panic. He shifts in his bonds, testing them. Binding his hands was a good start, but it merely makes magic difficult, not impossible. The ropes are rough but not loose enough to pull free from. No spell could untie a knot, of course, but there had to be something.
His throat dries up as the solution volunteers itself. But anything has to be better than this. Felix closes his eyes and calls fire to his hands. The ropes catch just as planned, sizzling and hissing, but it also scorches his skin, catching onto the sleeve of his coat. He can't hold in the yelp of pain this time, but yanks his wrists free of the bonds, snuffing the fire out of his clothes.
He can feel the burns but bends to unties the ropes around his ankles next, sensing his time is short. His communicator is laying on the desk, if he can just reach--
The door slams open just as the last rope comes free as the larger thug bursts in, annoyance flashing into anger as he sees Felix stand up. No time to think about other options. Even now, he can't bring himself to kill. He calls lightning instead, aiming for the lights just behind the man, and the bulbs crack and burst in a shower of sparks. He flinches back and Felix moves. He snatches up his communicator, rushing past the man and pulling the door shut behind him. A simple locking spell applied to the handle just as he hears a shout and rattle. It won't hold and he knows it.
He turns his communicator on and starts to run]
[The view of a shop on the station jostles to view behind him as he hustles. He knows there's little chance he's going to get out of this on his own] If there's anyone out there...please...I need...
[There's the shout of another voice from the side and the picture blurs as the wizard turns sideways, trying to dodge] No!
[Things lurch more violently as he falls, and the communicator drops, spinning to a stop on the ground. It's clearly somewhere on the junk station - and one of the grafted on sections as well. There isn't much else to make out from the background, though a myriad of salvaged lamps line the ceiling of the shop like gaudy mismatched stars.]
Where do you think you're going? [Another voice that isn't Felix's accompanied by scuffling and the unmistakable impact of something hitting flesh.
Seconds later, a flash of a face looking down at the device: a copper-skinned human, short dark hair, and the line of a small scar across his brow.
A moment after that, the shadow of a boot, and then, nothing...]
Video
...Felix?
[Crowley watches with growing concern, and by the time the feed cuts out, his usual mask of amused indifference is replaced by something rarely seen in the demon. Fear. ]
You stupid- You can't just-
[He knows what people here want with other people. He's too old and seen it far too much to be ignorant of the signs. Even without Felix's past, the thought of it makes him sick to his stomach. He's already getting up, starting off towards a pod- his communicator hastily stuffed into his pocket, still on.
He's going to find who took him, and then there will be Hell to pay]
no subject
Perhaps she ought to feel guilty when she sees the message at the odd rush of something that might almost be eagerness. Not that she's eager to see anyone being hurt, but that she has something to do. Katsa doesn't even identify who it is pleading for help, but she does manage to pick up on the view of the shop in the background. It's enough. She's on her feet and sprinting with all her speed towards the area she guesses from which he's calling, every sense alert and thrumming as she runs.
And then, when she thinks she's near enough: ]
If you can hear me, shout!
no subject
It's what passes for late in the day here, so the shops aren't crowded, and her shouting earns stares from a few scattered passer-bys and merchants give her sidelong looks that are either suspicious or confused.
Near the end of the hall is the glow from the lights. The merchant there, however, doesn't acknowledge her at all. He stands near the front counter, head down and sweeping studiously.]
no subject
A human like shape that looks really, really worried. And maybe a bit angry, too. ]
You seen a red-head about anywhere? Probably being accosted by a bunch of thugs?
[Behind his shades, he's already studying the merchant. ]
no subject
The smoke that billows out of it causes her to take a step back. As Crowley materializes, Katsa narrows her eyes, but she does not react with anything much more than that. ]
Yes. I simply walked by as he shouted for help. Appeared to be nothing to worry about, so I let them be. [ Unlike Crowley, she hasn't seemed to notice the merchant yet, too busy with her impatiently sarcastic response and the glances she continues to give in the alley around them. ] What else would you like to know? What children I've left starving in the streets today?
no subject
We're very humorous today, thanks for the complete lack of help. Couldn't do this without you.
[Ah. Perhaps there was still some snark in there, hidden behind the growing panic. He starts off in the direction of the lights. He is going to get answers, and he is going to get them now. ]
no subject
We're closed.
no subject
She isn't known for being the most observant of people, but where she chooses to place her focus, Katsa's no idiot, either. Crowley, despite his own bristling in response to hers, is clearly looking for the same man as Katsa is looking, and she'd wager a guess that it's a search of concern. She knows nothing about him, of course (this would be so much easier with Po, or if she had some semblance of his Grace—), but presented with the choice between the merchant blocking her path and the irritated man who appeared out of smoke, Katsa's inclined to feel more kindly toward the latter. ]
We're looking for someone. We only wish to search for clues as to his whereabouts, and then we'll leave you be.
no subject
He lets Katsa speak. He's not about to stop anyone from coming with, after all. One can never be too careful, in these situations. Especially with Atroma staring over them all the live long day.]
See? It's easy. So, long red haired man? Probably dressed rather extravagantly, knowing him.
no subject
[She is sporting the same grim, focused expression she was sporting outside. However, it's now focused squarely on the merchant.]
no subject
It's also clear from the thin scar across his brow, that he's the man from Felix's broadcast]
Fine. 'E was here earlier, I think. Browsing. But he's not here now, alright?
[He takes a few steps back from Crowley, not at all keen on the idea of letting that hand get anywhere near him, thank you very much. He pitches his voice fairly loudly when he answers. Perhaps to make sure the answer reaches the ladies near the back, but the backward glance of his gaze hints at other motives.]
no subject
"Ah, excuse me?" A voice chimes in, from the doorway, sticking out a finger in a gesture to request attention. Syeira too, had heard the call for help, and come investigating. She'd gotten this by asking literally everyone she saw the street nicely for information, occasionally gently bribing memories back to clarity. She'd come in just behind Wanda, quiet and stealthy by habit, and lingered there to take in the scene. Now she steps around the woman in front of her.
"So sorry to interrupt, but I really must say, you're being extremely suspicious, sir." She walks forward, giving polite nods to the gathered group that's already standing there, looking all intimidating and frowny.
"I mean, it's a very amateur move to try and gruff everyone out. Not that you're an amateur, of course. You just probably never got caught before. Don't feel bad. There's a first time for everything."
She's all kindness and charm, helped along by her shimmery magic cloak. The proverbial good cop.
"A bit of friendly advice: it's best to be helpful over hostile. Something, I suggest you keep in mind."
no subject
Tell that to your friends. [He jabs a finger at Crowley, Wanda, and Katsa]
Look, miss, I don't want any trouble, and too much trouble isn't good for business. If I tell you what you want to know, you promise your gang here won't try anything?
no subject
A gang like we're going to start singing about the Jets or whatever, ugh. Listen, you can tell us what we need to know, or you'll find yourself in heaps of trouble. More trouble than you know what to do with actually.
[The demon circled around, picking up one of the nick-nacks on sale, turning it this way and that in his hands. ]
I'd be very helpful and truthful to the nice ladies if I were you. It would be dreadful if your stock suddenly stopped existing.
no subject
Alright, alright....just...put that down. He's in the back. I'll show you.
[He moves back towards the rear of the shop again, and eyes the demon apprehensively, clearly hoping he'll both not smash whatever that was on the floor and let him pass]
Ladies...[He eyes the others over his shoulder, both resentful acknowledgement and an invitation to follow]
Video > Action
Felix!
FELIX!
[No response, naturally. Judging by the last bit of video, his communicator was now either busted or otherwise beyond his reach.]
[Wanda had been content up till now to keep to herself, as she was finishing getting over her own mess. However, she sure as hell was not going to sit by and allow one of her close friends and shipmates to come to harm.]
[She sets off for the waystations with little hesitation. Upon landing, she begins searching for the shop she had seen briefly in the background of Felix's video. She heads towards one of the welded on sections, as the setting seemed the most similar to the video's. She seems to be demonstrating little concern for her own safety, walking around on her own. However, the expression on her face speaking to anyone that dares approach her to disturb her at their own risk.]
no subject
About halfway down the hall, however, the sight of her approach is met with alarm. A young man...not much more than a boy really...takes one look at Wanda and hurries ahead of her. He passes a man and a woman who don't look like locals, then ducks into an entrance just past the shopfront where the two are loitering.]
Action
There's nothing quite like a little violence to brighten a girl's day. She watches intently as what looks like an escape go badly wrong, smiling at the desperation of whoever's transmitting, what a poor unfortunate he is. There are a few details that she spots in the frame and commits to memory, and once the transmission is broken off she's already moving to investigate. Finding people is one of her specialities, how hard can it be on a series of enclosed space stations? Should be a challenge at least.
If she finds whoever made the distress signal will she help? Probably not. Will she spend her time gloating over the abductee's awful situation? Almost certainly. Either way it'll keep her diverted for awhile.]