[Video/Action]

[chartom]

[If he were thinking clearly, Talbot would be approaching his first network transmission with a bit more finesse, restricting the communication to a voice or text message. But not only is he in a fix, he's fixated: if Drake or Sullivan were dragged down into this godawful place with him, he wants them to see his face; he wants them to experience the itching of a gaze on their backs every time they step outside.]

I need a surgeon. [The video feed is unreliable, but the splash of aged blood around the entry wound in his shoulder is hard to miss on the backdrop of his white shirt when it momentarily sputters into clarity. He tilts the screen up, putting his tired face into view.

There's a hiss of static, then:] --and I need information.

((OOC: If you're a castmate, your thread's probably going to get encrypted to prevent eavesdroppers!))

Comments

[chartom]

Simple. I like the sound of that.

I'm underground. I'll send you my approximate location, if that's of ay use to you.

[uncalled_for]

I think I'll try your directions first. I'll be there as soon as I can.



[OOC: Swiiiitch to Action~?]

[chartom]

From the entrance furthest north: two lefts, right, left.

Is that enough information? [Constructing a mental map of these catacombs is second nature to him, but Talbot isn't about to stake his life on a stranger's ability to navigate.

For now, he'll let the question of a directory rest.]

[chartom]

[Not Drake, not Sullivan. But the appearance of Cutter's face over the feed conjures a cocktail of glee and rage in his gut that's nearly as potent.]

When it suits me.

Are you interested in finishing the job, Cutter? Come on down. I may even have a gift for you.

[feel_nevermore]

[She notices he didn't answer the question regarding the directory but she lets it slide.]

That's enough, yes. I'm on my way. Give me ten minutes. [But it'll probably take her less time than that.]

What's your name?

[chartom]

[He does so. Whether the geocode is entirely reliable is another matter.]

See if that doesn't help. [He considers the crutch, and for a moment, Talbot entertains the idea of going to her instead. But if his enemies are here, he won't risk exposing himself further.]

You have my thanks.

[chartom]

[However long it takes, he's content to wait. Situated in an alcove with his back to the wall, Talbot has a view of every passerby. It's a tactical advantage he's not about to give up in his current state.]

Talbot. And you?

[alittlesweptup]

With pleasure y-- [Static swarms in and out over the audio feed.] --ck. [Clearly the network signal isn't as strong in Charlie's leg of the catacombs.]

Video to action

[chartom]

You have my gratitude.

[When she approaches this quiet stretch of tunnel, she'll find him perched with his back to an alcove and a rifle across his lap.]

[chartom]

[Talbot isn't bothered. Cutter's seen his face. That by itself is more valuable than any verbal threat he might offer.

He waits a moment for the popping of static to settle on his end.]

If you do decide to stop in, extend the invitation to your friends.

[End feed.]

[uncalled_for]

[When she comes into view, she'll have her staff glowing brightly and she'll approach him cautiously. She's still just starting to get the whole "gun" "rifle" thing, so for now all she recognizes it as is "weapon".]

You're the one who was injured? [Stupid to ask, perhaps. But they are in a war zone. She'll keep her pace toward him] Where are you hurt?

[alittlesweptup]

[If it was possible to reach through the network and strangle the life out of someone--

Click. The video feed cuts off.]

Bastard.

[obfuskate]

It will get me there a little faster. Consider it a done deal.

[ he's already heading to the general area, looking to get there asap. time to do this and make it quick. ]

[feel_nevermore]

Raven.

[So a little less than ten minutes later, Raven reaches the alcove and nods at him in greeting.]

[video to action]

[inwhichwar]

[Maria waves a hand airily.]

Pfeh, when I've done something besides talk we can see about thank-yous. For now -- I shall see you shortly.

[Or not so shortly; the coordinates do at least upload, but they lead her to the meeting of several corridors and it takes her a bit more wandering before she finally tracks him down. When she does show up, she does so grumbling under her breath in a hodge-podge mix of Russian, English, and very poor Spanish.]

Video

[illfavored]

[Have a pair of glowing orange eyes peering at you through the barely stable connection. That accent, that inefficient armor...Tritios thinks on it for a second before coming to a very specific, ignorant opinion.]

Agent. You've been careless.

[chartom]

I am. [His being on this island is perhaps stranger than anything he might see here, but that doesn't prevent Talbot from eyeing that staff suspiciously as the woman nears.

After a moment, he discreetly palms an injection dart as insurance and puts the rifle aside, gesturing to his left shoulder. He's removed the bandage for a clear view of the wound--it's closing, but the infection is unmistakable.]

[chartom]

[Talbot has his machine relay approximate coordinates. He waits in an alcove--his rifle across his lap--for his strange benefactor to show.]

[chartom]

[Talbot returns the nod. He hasn't picked up his dart rifle, though it remains well within view at his side.]

Raven. I like that. [Still, so far as he can tell, she's quite young. He's dubious about her qualifications.]

Re: Video

[chartom]

[If the greeting strikes him as odd--and it does, not the least because it's come from a talking horror film trope--Talbot doesn't show it.

He peers right back at you.]

These things happen to the best of us.

[chartom]

[His manners get the better of him when the poor woman limps into view, and he stands quickly, setting his rifle aside and stepping forward to offer her his good arm.]

Let me help you with that. [He nods at the satchel.]

[illfavored]

The best of you, yes. [Imperial Intelligence would likely not be pleased, but they're not really here now.]

Do you still require attention?

[uncalled_for]

[She'll kneel down near him, but still try and keep some distance.]

Let me see it? [She doesn't want to push any personal bubbles here but she'll at least try squinting from the distance she's currently kneeling at. Her staff will glow a bit brighter as she does so. When she gets a good judge of things she'll shake her head.]

I can heal it with a spell or I can give you some herbs, it's up to you.

[obfuskate]

[ It doesn't take him long. In fact, in a matter of five quick minutes, he's there, his air shoes having carried him a long way very fast. Despite the fact that he's smeared with blood and coated in ash, he doesn't seem to be too worse for wear. These Masked are strong, but they are still mere child's play.

Shadow doesn't bother with introductions. He heads over, kneels down, and looks over the wound very quickly. ]

Tch... as simple as I thought. Hold still.

[ ... Wait, what is Shadow doing now? Is he biting at his own arm? Yes, he is, just enough to draw a little blood from the area. That's all he'll need for what he's about to do: dripping his blood onto the wound, his super-powerful, universal antibodies enough to expel any infection. ]

[chartom]

[While Talbot suspects he's being wound up in a case of mistaken identity, his curiosity as well as the urgency of the infection make turning down the help a non-option.]

I do. The connection permitting, I'll send my location.