-18- [voice]

[firebornfidelis]

Has anyone found a viable solution for dealing with these rats?

[She says the word with a touch of anger.]I offered them some food to stop them from setting up explosives beneath my desk and that was effective enough. But I can't get them to leave my dog alone. They've been harassing him for days. They've stolen his food, shot at him, and tried to

Comments

[voice]

[ignite_the_sky]

[A distinct 'snap' sounds over the Forge, followed by the crackle of fire, the high pitched squeals of rats as they scurry away, and an irritated sigh.]

Fire seems to hold them off for a while. They return eventually, though.

[voice]

[firebornfidelis]

Hm. Well I'd rather not set my apartment on fire.

I haven't had much luck with guns. The vermin are armed as well. And though they talk, reasoning with them seems to be impossible.

[REASONING WITH RATS. What has become of her life?]

[voice]

[ignite_the_sky]

I have no intention of wasting my time attempting to reason with rodents, Lieutenant. They can either find another place to infest or they can be reduced to charcoal.

...I just wish they didn't stink so badly when they're burnt.

[voice]

[firebornfidelis]

I generally wouldn't bother, either, sir. But they have explosives and firearms and they won't tell me what they've done with Hayate.

[girl_unlocking]

You can't find him?!

Um. Well. I saw a guy stab one of them. He kind of shook it and...

...we had them, too! They stole the muffins!

[Well, not all of them. But. HAYATE. Much more important that muffins.]

I.

Uh.

[private]

I can try a ...locator spell?

[No she's never done one before, but it looks fairly easy, and hey, hardly any components. Just an incantation, some powder and a map. Her forge has a map, right?]

[firebornfidelis]

No. I've tried his usual hiding places and he didn't come when I called him.

[So she knows there's something wrong. Hayate is beyond obedient. He would never ignore her voice.]

[private]

Spell? As in magic?

[girl_unlocking]

Oh, man. I. [This sucks! Stupid rats! You don't RIDE A DOG. And who gives rats guns anyway? Who even makes rat-sized guns?]

[private]

Yeah. A ...magic spell. I have a book.

private

[firebornfidelis]

You can do real magic? I didn't know.

[Video]

[popparazzi]

[Here's Hughes. See Hughes sitting at the table with some plates in front of him and photos spread out around him.]

And see~! This one is from her first birthday! Isn't she adorable with that teddy bear~? Oh. Oh. Oh! And this is my beautiful wife, Gracia! Isn't she wonderful~?

[And now, if someone looks closely, it actually turns out that Hughes is entertaining a pack of rats, sitting there intently, munching on the treats that Hughes is sharing with them, nodding when appropriate.]

[Suddenly, Hughes turns his attention towards the Forge when he hears a voice he recognizes.]

Problems, Lieutenant?

[voice] o-omg, Hughes ilu

[firebornfidelis]

Yes, sir. A bit of a vermin problem.

[staaaaaring at the screen]

How is it you've got them so well-behaved?

[Video]

[popparazzi]

Hm...?

Oh! You mean these guys?

[Gestures to his new found friends]

We've been sharing life stories and snacks!

[voice]

[firebornfidelis]

... really? They're just... listening to you?

» audio «

[manscruff]

Gold. They are not opposed to wealth, it seems.

» audio «

[firebornfidelis]

Gold? Like a bribe?

» audio «

[manscruff]

Sì. Or plain theft.

» audio «

[firebornfidelis]

I see. Do they find it more appealing than food?

I haven't really got any gold, but I suppose I could find some if necessary.

text

[onetoignite]

They commandeered your dog? Christ, they're spiteful little fuckers, aren't they? A couple of them just cut some of Salty's wires and make off with his hind leg.

If I find a way to break the little bastards I'll let you know.

text

[firebornfidelis]

So it seems.

They took his leg?

Please do. I'll do the same.

text

[onetoignite]

Yeah, the whole damn thing. They're worse than the sodding dolls.

Anyway, thanks. Sort of wish I had a sniper rifle laying around somewhere now.