25th Spark || [Video] Backdated to morning of 11/9

[tiercelet]

[It's a close up view of a desk's surface that first greets the viewers, coupled complete silence...or as much silence as you could have with the Goldenrod background music playing. Then, a sigh, and the sounds of nervous shuffling reach the Gear just before it's flipped right side up to show Merlin's face.]

All right. [He takes a breath, eyes

Comments

[Video]

[soggypastry]

Count me in. They're up to something, and we need to find out what before they hurt someone.

[Video]

[tiercelet]

[Oh, someone he knows is reliable and skilled at combat. This is a relief.]

That's the plan. Where are you right now?

[Video; Filtered]

[soggypastry]

In Mahogany, with Ven and Leon.

[A momentary pause while she sets up a filter; there's something else she has to tell him but a public channel isn't the best place to say it.]

They've been coming in and out of that base all night. I'm not sure what's going on.

[video]

[tiercelet]

You think they might be interested in joining in, too? [He has a feeling Ven might, but he doesn't know Leon all that well.

The new information has him frowning.] They have? More than usual, you mean.

[Video; Filtered]

[soggypastry]

They might. Ven's probably already considering going in, but I'll talk to Leon to find out.

[Lightning knows him well, and even if he doesn't want to come along, he should be warned, at least.]

Yeah. One guy went down, and four came out before the passage sealed itself up again. It was like that for a couple hours, but they've slowed down for now.

[Video; Filtered]

[tiercelet]

Great! Leon's the one you're always sparring with, right? He'd be welcome on a trip like this.

[He tilts his head.] More came out than went in? Sounds like they're...trying to prepare for something.

[Video; Filtered]

[soggypastry]

He knows what he's doing in a fight, and his team is strong. He'll be an asset if he comes along.

[Or one to warn them about...whatever. But have a nod, Merlin.]

That's what it looked like. They weren't carrying anything in or out, but they were definitely busy. They didn't notice anyone around them, either. Could have walked right in and they wouldn't have noticed.

[Video; Filtered]

[tiercelet]

Wha--really? [That gets a frown. How odd.]

Sounds like they're really busy with whatever it is. Maybe we could... [He trails off, shaking his head.] Nah, probably wouldn't work. Even if they are distracted, I don't think they'd miss a group of trainers trying to get inside. That would be too easy.

[Video; Filtered]

[soggypastry]

[A pause while she thinks it over. He's probably right, but...]

A group would get spotted, but one or two at a time should be able to get in undetected if they're careful. We'd just need to get something that would pass for their uniforms.

[Video; Filtered]

[tiercelet]

[He plays with his thumb ring absently.] That might work. They probably expect us to attack...break in with force, right? If we slip in without drawing attention to ourselves, that'd give us the advantage.

Do you think you could send me a picture of their uniforms? We could try to put something together before we leave.

[Video; Filtered]

[soggypastry]

[nod.] It should, but that's no reason to not be careful. If the first couple get found before the rest of us can get down there, they'll be on their own. It might be too risky...

[She looks like she's about to say something more, but she suddenly stops, glancing off screen at something.]

...Yeah. Give me a few minutes and you'll have them.

[Video; Filtered]

[tiercelet]

Oh... [He hadn't thought of that. And she's right; it is a huge risk to take.] Maybe we ought to split into a few groups to make it easier. Make sure each group has at least a couple trainers with higher-leveled pokemon.

[Video; Filtered]

[soggypastry]

[Another nod.] And an escape plan that everyone knows in case something goes wrong. It won't do us any good if we have to pull back but someone gets left behind.

[Video; Filtered]

[tiercelet]

I won't let that happen. [He stiffens.] I sent out this message, so it'll be my responsibility to get everyone out safely, even if I have to go back in myself. It'd be wrong of me to do anything else.

[Video; Filtered]

[soggypastry]

[Bit of a stern look.] And if you get caught trying to rescue them by yourself? What then, Merlin? What good do you think you'll be able to do for anyone if that happens?

[Video; Filtered]

[tiercelet]

[And a bit of a defensive look in return.] Then I'd figure a way out. Somehow. [The last word is added in, with just a slight tinge of doubt.]