Michael Harrel: Amidst a pile of treasure, reclining at it's leisure, it's Cogs! Brought to you by Steemo brand carpet cleaners! With amazing and authentic steampunk technology, we'll clean your carpets by *steaming* them. That's right!
Michael Harrel: Screen Presence:
Bekka: 1
Hannah: 2
Lauren: 3
Chris: 2
Michael Harrel: INT. The Engine Room.
Luka and the man are struggling on the floor, wrestling over control of the steam-powered knife.
Genevieve stands over them, with her shotgun in her hands. She flips it around and swings at the man's head —
Michael Harrel: cut to black for a beat, and then:
Michael Harrel says: INT. The cockpit.
"Well that was exciting," Newton stands in front of the helm, camera pans to view him with the bridge behind "Felix, get a mo—" A massive explosion busts from the hatch.
Michael Harrel: INT. The engine room. The ship shakes violently, throwing everyone off balance.
(A conflict: Does Starling still hit the man, or does the explosion cause her to miss?)
Michael Harrel: Roll(3d6)+0:
1,6,4,+0
Total:11
Genevieve Sparling: Roll(2d6)+0:
6,4,+0
Total:10
(A swing and a hit! I get narrative.)
Michael Harrel says: However, Genevieve is actually thrown forward, lending extra momentum to her swing. The man is knocked out cold and falls to the floor in a heap.
Luka Arlexi: "Good to see you, Captain."
Michael Harrel: Luka snatches the steam-powered knife.
Genevieve Sparling: "Well, that could hardly have turned out better."
Michael Harrel: Felix, badly singed and bleeding, stumbles through the door. "Captain…trouble on the bridge."
Genevieve Sparling: Sparling turns and rushes back to the bridge. "Find some rope," she calls to Luka.
Newton Falk says: "…Captain on the bridge… ouch.
Genevieve Sparling says: ^
(Remember, ^ is our short-hand for "Fan Mail." The idea is that it's an arrow pointing to the title of the chat, where we keep track of the audience pool.)
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn stands up.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Brushing herself off, she inspects her harpoon gun.
Michael Harrel says: The harpoon gun seems to be undamaged.
Genevieve Sparling says: Sparling eyes the imploded hatch. "Hmm."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: She looks up. "Oh, has someone blown us up?"
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: She says seeing the door.
Newton Falk says: "It's over here Capt." Says Newton indicating the hatch now on his leg. "Don't worry, that one was already broken."
Genevieve Sparling says: Genevieve attempts to lever the door off Falk's leg.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: Walks up to Newton and looks at the door on leg.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Need a leg?" snorts at her own bad joke.
Genevieve Sparling says: "You know, if you can work up a prosthetic that might come in useful."
Newton Falk says: "Quite possibly. I think this one might have had it." Stares at the twisted mass of his leg. "Oh, when the shock wears off I'm going to need something for the pain."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "I can do that!" she says excitedly. "Perhaps a leg that shoots poison gas…" She begins to imagine leg ideas.
Newton Falk says: "…I'd settle for some asprine and a few days without any excitement. Someone prop me up at the console?"
Michael Harrel says: MEANWHILE. Luka is searching around the engine room, and finds a coil of rope.
As she grabs it, it morphs into:
Michael Harrel says: A noose.
Michael Harrel says: EXT. Luka's memory.
Luka Arlexi says: Eight-year-old Luka stands shivering in the cold morning light. Her hastily-shaved head is covered in tiny nicks and scratches. She stands barefoot on the scaffold, blinking.
Luka Arlexi says: "But… but I didn't do anything wrong!"
Michael Harrel says: "The prisoner will be silent," says a cold voice from off-screen. "Justice has spoken, and all appeals have been heard and dismissed."
Michael Harrel says: "Alexandra Romanov, you have been convicted of Conspiracy and Sedition, of Sabotage, Subversion, Naturalism, and of Illegal Unenlightened Thought Processes. You have been sentenced to death by hanging."
Luka Arlexi says: "…What's 'sedition?'"
Michael Harrel says: Wide shot. The scaffold stands in the center of the town square. Behind it is a large fountain. The square is filled with a crowd of people; among them stand Matthew, Luka's great uncle, and Daniel, his grandson. On the scaffold itself are Luka, the Executioner, and two guards, who seem to be half mechanikal, or at least have steam-powered heavy armor of some sort.
Michael Harrel says: There are several crows lining the roofs of the buildings, watching the proceedings.
Matthew says: Matthew removes a small, round device from his coat pocket and throws it from his place in the crowd onto the gallows.
Michael Harrel says: As the object hits the floor of the scaffolding, it emits a loud shriek, and the quartz crystals used as the timing mechanism in the steam-guards' armor cracks.
Michael Harrel says: The guards go berserk. The head executioner is thrown from the scaffold.
Michael Harrel says: He lands head-first, and there is an audible crack as he hits the ground and collapses.
Michael Harrel says: One of the guards collapses on the lever that releases the trap door, sending Luka down with the noose around her neck.
Matthew says: Matthew takes a pair of pistols from his coat and pushes his way through the baffled crowd toward the platform. He calls for his grandson to follow him.
Michael Harrel says: She hits the end of the rope with a jerk, but she doesn't die.
She starts to choke instead.
Daniel says: "Damn!" Daniel rushes past and lifts her up by the legs.
Michael Harrel says: More steam-guards are streaming into the square from the side-roads, throwing citizens left and right to make a path for themselves.
Matthew Aldridge says: Matthew exchanges one pistol for a serrated knife and reaches up to saw at the rope.
Daniel says: "Hurry , they're almost here!"
Michael Harrel says: The rope snaps; Luka falls into Daniel's arms. She is unconscious
Daniel says: "She's… she's still breathing!"
Matthew Aldridge says: "Good. This way." Matthew leads them under the platform and to the back of the fountain, fighting the masses as they go.
Michael Harrel says: Behind them, the steam-guards have almost caught up to them. By now most of the citizens have caught on to their path-making scheme, and are opening up a path on their own initiative rather than being tossed like a rag-doll.
Michael Harrel says: One of them opens fire at the escaping figures —
(Conflict: Can they make it to safety before one of them gets shot?)
Matthew Aldridge says: Roll(2d6)+0:
6,1,+0
Total:7
Michael Harrel says: Roll(4d6)+0:
6,4,5,3,+0
Total:18
Daniel says: Roll(3d6)+0:
1,6,4,+0
Total:11
(Matthew takes a hit; I take narration).
Michael Harrel says: Behind the fountain, Matthew shuts off the water to one of the larger pipes. It's large enough to accommodate a human. "In here!" he says to Daniel. "They're too big to follow." Daniel crawls in, with Luka supported on his back. "Head for the sewer," says Matthew. He pauses to look back at their pursuers — and takes a bullet in the shoulder, knocking him off his feet.
Michael Harrel says: CUT TO:
Michael Harrel says: The bridge. The crew is gathered together. In a chair in the center of the bridge, the man has been tied up in the rope that Luka found. He's still unconscious. Capt. Sparling is looking at his with her hands on her hips. Luka is absent-mindedly fingering a long silver scar on her neck.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Can I harpoon him?"
Genevieve Sparling says: "Not yet."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "But…it's just that, i have to test it…"
Luka Arlexi says: Luka notices the gun for the first time. "Wow. Nice work, Doctor."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: Evelyn smiles, "Of course."
Newton Falk says: "It's the only thing not broken…"
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Oh, right," she puts a hand into her apron pocket and pulls out a phial.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Take a swig," she says tossing it to Newton.
Newton Falk says: Catches it, keeps it at arms length. "Why?"
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "So you stop whining."
Luka Arlexi says: Luka snickers.
Luka Arlexi says: ((also, ^))
Newton Falk says: Eyes it. Looks to the captain. "?"
Genevieve Sparling says: Sparling shrugs.
Newton Falk says: "You'll avenge me right?" Drinks it
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: ((pst…it's pain medicine))
Genevieve Sparling says: "You've digested worse, I'm sure."
Michael Harrel says: "So, what are we going to do with him?" says Felix, gesturing to the man.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Sharkbait."
Luka Arlexi says: "Seconded."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "And harpoon practice…" Evelyn mutters
Newton Falk says: "We could torture him. But it would only be for fun, I can't think of anything to ask him."
Genevieve Sparling says: "He'll be our passenger until he's no longer useful to us, and then we'll throw him in the furnace."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Oh, now then!"
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: Evelyn lowers her gun and aims it at him. She loads the gun.
Michael Harrel says: "What use could he be, though?" says Felix, looking between Genevieve and Luka.
Genevieve Sparling says: "Stow it, doctor. I won't have you making any more holes in this vessel."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Hm? Oh, nonsense."
Newton Falk says: "Could be a spy. Check his mouth for suicide pills. Just to be safe maybe we should take his teeth?"
Luka Arlexi says: "Can't she just make one hole in him?"
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Yes, one hole. Good one, Henry."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: Re-aims the gun.
Genevieve Sparling says: "Enough. Until he wakes up and becomes chatty, we'll have to get our answers from Luka."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: Points her gun at Luka.
Luka Arlexi says: Luka raises an eyebrow.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: Realizes she has.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "Oops." Lowers gun.
Newton Falk says: ^
Luka Arlexi says: ((^))
Genevieve Sparling says: "Doctor. Put that thing away… in your laboratory, preferably."
Newton Falk says: "The bottom of the bay would work too…"
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: A bug scuttles by Evelyn's foot.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: She sees it. "right, Right! I'll be in the lab. I've got to…" turns and walks away.
Newton Falk says: "I feel better already"
Michael Harrel says: "So, short of harpooning him, what are we to do with him? He attacked Luka, and she seems to want to get rid of him about as soon as possible, it seems."
Luka Arlexi says: "He's not going to be happy when he wakes up."
Luka Arlexi says: Luka eyes the extensive burns covering what little face he has left.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: "He's a problem…" she yells back to the crew, not hearing anything since she's at her door.
Michael Harrel says: As Evelyn opens the door, her face gets a…quizzical look. Then the camera cuts back the bridge.
Newton Falk says: Begins using a roll of duct tape to attach the "Auto Pilot" to his shattered leg.
Genevieve Sparling says: "I don't have much concern for his comfort or high spirits. What concerns me is why he's here." She fixes Luka with a glare.
Luka Arlexi says: Luka grimaces.
Luka Arlexi says: "Well, Captain, have you ever heard of MIGDMP?" (She pronounces it roughly "mig-dimp").
Genevieve Sparling says: "Not in any great detail. Why don't you enlighten me?"
Luka Arlexi says: "Well, for those not unfortunate enough to have been audited by them, it's short for the Ministry for the Improvement of Genetic Data through Mandatory Procreation. And, given my extensive luck, I've managed to end up on their list… for three separate departments."
Genevieve Sparling says: Sparling can't hold back a smirk.
Luka Arlexi says: "Never seen anyone like this guy before, though."
Newton Falk says: "Is he one of yours?"
Luka Arlexi says: Luka shrugs. "How should I know? I've never even met any of them."
Newton Falk says: "He's got good taste in knives. Might not be such a bad guy. You know, if he wasn't trying to kill us."
Genevieve Sparling says: "You can try to befriend him soon enough, Mr. Falk."
Luka Arlexi says: "Technically, I think he was only trying to kill me. Evidently, with this thing," she holds up the knife, "all they need is a big enough sample of my 'genetic material,' and then I'm obsolete."
She scowls.
Michael Harrel says: The man groans, coming slowly back around.
Genevieve Sparling says: "Superb timing."
\Newton Falk says: "It's efficient" Newton says with a evil smirk.
Michael Harrel says: "Whoever you are, you must surrender that sample" (he indicates Luka with a nod of his disfigured head) "immediately."
Newton Falk says: "You, are in no condition to bargain. And you should be bargaining."
Luka Arlexi says: "Mr. Falk, I believe this is a first. I actually agree with you."
Michael Harrel says: "I wasn't bargaining," says the man. "Your genetic data is of no importance to me; if you refuse to hand over the sample I came for, I'm under no obligation to leave any recoverable amount of yours left when I'm through."
Genevieve Sparling says: Sparling folds her arms and regards the man with a mix of mirth and disdain. "It's a shame they didn't give you a water-resistant bowler hat to complete your little outfit. It would make you a lot more intimidating."
Luka Arlexi says: ((^))
Newton Falk says: *Looks startled*
Michael Harrel says: "This woman has run away from a Government-sanctioned genetic unioning. Her genetic material is required for the Eugenics program. By aiding her you are all betraying both your country and your race."
Genevieve Sparling says: "Well, that's hardly a first for us."
Newton Falk says: "Seriously. I make sure to betray my country at least once a day…"
Genevieve Sparling says: "Luka, is there anything you'd like to say to our guest?"
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: A semi-loud boom comes from Evelyn's lab.
Michael Harrel says: CUT TO: The past. The gun is still smoking on the steam-guard's arm.
Michael Harrel says: The guard is taking aim at Matthew's head this time. Matthew is crawling toward the tunnel, but there's no way he'll make it in time.
(Daniel wants to shoot the guard and save his grandfather. Does he?)
[4/14/2008 12:13:14 AM] Michael Harrel says: Roll(1d6)+0:
3,+0
Total:3
[4/14/2008 12:13:20 AM] Newton Falk says: Roll(2d6)+0:
5,2,+0
Total:7
(Yes, he does.)
Daniel says: Camera pans down behind the guard as he leaves his pistol. A shot is fired… and the guard drops. Daniel is see holding a smoking pistol with a stricken look on his face.
Michael Harrel says: As the guard falls, we see that the back of his head has been blown away.
Matthew Aldridge says: Matthew looks up at his grandson. "Well done, boy. Would you be so kind as to help me up?"
Daniel says: "I… I… yeah." Helps him into the pipe.
Michael Harrel says: As they withdraw farther into the pipe, the other steam guards reach the entrance and began to tear apart the fountain with their steam-augmented metallic hands. (Think Hellboy's hand, only steam-powered.)
Michael Harrel says: INT. The sewer. Daniel kicks out a grating and pulls Luka and his father out of the piping.
Michael Harrel says: Lighting up a torch, he says, "That should hold them back a while." Carrying Luka and supporting his grandfather, they head off through the sewers.
Michael Harrel says: CUT TO: Evelyn's lab.
Evelyn sits at her desk and studies the beetle, making calculations and sketching something on a pad in front of her. A beetle walks close to her hand and she grabs it, looking at the underside as the little legs continue walking in mid-air. She pokes at it a bit then puts it down. Other beetles are walking around her room.
(Evelyn decides she wants to build a device that will lure all the beetles toward itself.)
[4/14/2008 12:27:26 AM] Michael Harrel says: Roll(2d6)+0:
6,3,+0
Total:9
[4/14/2008 12:27:51 AM] "Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham says: Roll(2d6)+NaN:
6,6,+0
Total:12
(She succeeds.)
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : Evelyn begins constructing a small beacon based off of schematics and assumptions she's made of the beetles. The calculations and mechanics are simple. It does not take her long to complete it. After a few tweaks with a screwdriver, she places the beacon on the ground by the box, and turns it on.
Michael Harrel : From all around her room, the beetles swarm. There are at least fifty of them now.
Michael Harrel : They cover the beacon, and begin *purring* contentedly, like mechanical insectoid cat-things.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : "Oh my." she says mildly amused. Then she begins to pick them up and put them into the box.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : After she finishes putting them all back, she re-seals the box and then puts the beacon on top of it.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : "That should keep you there."
Michael Harrel : The box purrs.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : She turns towards the door and sees the beetle in a jar on her desk. She smiles slowly, picks up her harpoon gun, and walks outside to re-join the others.
Michael Harrel :
CUT TO: The bridge.
Newton Falk : "Steering, propulsion, and weapons are all out sir. And my chair is crooked."
Michael Harrel : Felix is peeling a lemon while he watches the proceedings.
Luka Arlexi : Luka eyes the man for awhile.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : "Are we done yet?" Evelyn asks when she gets there.
Luka Arlexi : "Yes. I have nothing to say to him. He wouldn't listen to me even if I did."
Newton Falk : "Then can we just tie something heavy to him so he can get on his way to a slow and frightening death?"
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : "Good." Evelyn lowers her gun and fires at the man.
Michael Harrel : "Daniel—" the man begins to say; but the harpoon cuts him off. And in half.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : "Oh good! It works!" Evelyn says happily.
Luka Arlexi : Luka starts at the mention of the name.
Newton Falk : "Oh wow."
Genevieve Sparling : Sparling wrinkles her nose.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : She looks at Newton, "And you wanted me to throw it in the sea."
Michael Harrel : "Definitely gonna need some carpet cleaner for this," says Felix.
Luka Arlexi : "Very… effective, Doctor," Luka comments, distracted. "I'll… be in the Engine room."
Newton Falk : "I'll be here, cleaning up…"
Genevieve Sparling : Sparling watches Luka leave, her expression unreadable.
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : "Nonsense, you should rest your leg. Felix, you clean up."
Newton Falk : "That's how it works…." Felix says
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham : She walks over to Felix and pats him on the cheek.
Michael Harrel : ((Commerical break))
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