Chapter 1: Smoke on the Horizon

[Flay Crimsonwind]

[spoiler]After checking with the library and settling his affairs, Dresden would join with Jones, trying to assist with protecting the others and getting the trip in order.[/spoiler]

[PipTheBlue]

In returning to the library you stumble in a rut in the road, and fall face first into the bosom of a passer by.  She screams, and the entire street stares at you.  You get slapped a lot by a young woman and dressed down a bit for not watching your step, but you're such the focus of attention if anyone is following you they don't take the opportunity to confront you now

Will tries to apologize to the woman, but through the shame and absurdness of the situation, nothing but stutter comes out. As soon as the woman stops slapping him, he gives her a shy nod and continues his way to the library.

Back in the library, he checks to see anyone familiar and if not, settles down in a corner with a view to the entrance. He takes the cartography manual out of his pack and starts reading, keeping half an eye on the door.

[bhu]

[spoiler]After checking with the library and settling his affairs, Dresden would join with Jones, trying to assist with protecting the others and getting the trip in order.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Jones: "You know there's a chance we aren't coming back from this."[/spoiler]

[bhu]

In returning to the library you stumble in a rut in the road, and fall face first into the bosom of a passer by.  She screams, and the entire street stares at you.  You get slapped a lot by a young woman and dressed down a bit for not watching your step, but you're such the focus of attention if anyone is following you they don't take the opportunity to confront you now

Will tries to apologize to the woman, but through the shame and absurdness of the situation, nothing but stutter comes out. As soon as the woman stops slapping him, he gives her a shy nod and continues his way to the library.

Back in the library, he checks to see anyone familiar and if not, settles down in a corner with a view to the entrance. He takes the cartography manual out of his pack and starts reading, keeping half an eye on the door.

You and Boz get there about the same time or so.

[archangel.arcanis]

Leaving. Going home to get my stuff. I wouldn't be upset if someone came with me, but won't be terribly afraid to go on my own either.

Constable Jones accompanies you.  If anyone gets too close he kind of hints that he's escorting you for a reason and they need to sod off. Once you have your affairs in order he asks if you'd mind coming to the court house where they can keep an eye out for anyone looking for you.

I will follow him to the court house. While waiting there he will take some time to feel out his crossbow so he doesn't screw up if he needs to use it.

[bhu]

Leaving. Going home to get my stuff. I wouldn't be upset if someone came with me, but won't be terribly afraid to go on my own either.

Constable Jones accompanies you.  If anyone gets too close he kind of hints that he's escorting you for a reason and they need to sod off. Once you have your affairs in order he asks if you'd mind coming to the court house where they can keep an eye out for anyone looking for you.

I will follow him to the court house. While waiting there he will take some time to feel out his crossbow so he doesn't screw up if he needs to use it.

he chats as you walk

"Why do you carry that instead of a gun?"

[Bozwevial]

Robert heads in through the back door to avoid curious eyes and sets the requisitions down in the back room. As surreptitiously as he can, he nods at Will from the doorway before sitting down to keep an eye on the luggage.

[Flay Crimsonwind]

[spoiler]After checking with the library and settling his affairs, Dresden would join with Jones, trying to assist with protecting the others and getting the trip in order.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Jones: "You know there's a chance we aren't coming back from this."[/spoiler]

[spoiler]
"What, not feeling nervous, are you?" Even as he said it, he shot Jones an understanding smile. "Wouldn't have agreed to leave my post if I thought these men weren't going to be in some danger. I just hope I can make some difference. Even if I don't come back, it means I must have taken a bullet meant for someone else...." For a change, Harry didn't seem to be making a joke.
[/spoiler]

[PipTheBlue]

After noticing Robert in the doorway, Will slowly moves towards the back room, zig-zagging along the bookcases with his eyes on the shelves as if he's searching for a book. When he's near the room, he takes a look around whether someone's looking and when he's sure it's safe, he enters.

1d20+3=16

[bhu]

After noticing Robert in the doorway, Will slowly moves towards the back room, zig-zagging along the bookcases with his eyes on the shelves as if he's searching for a book. When he's near the room, he takes a look around whether someone's looking and when he's sure it's safe, he enters.

1d20+3=16

You believe yourself to be safe as no one is about.

[bhu]

[spoiler]After checking with the library and settling his affairs, Dresden would join with Jones, trying to assist with protecting the others and getting the trip in order.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Jones: "You know there's a chance we aren't coming back from this."[/spoiler]

[spoiler]
"What, not feeling nervous, are you?" Even as he said it, he shot Jones an understanding smile. "Wouldn't have agreed to leave my post if I thought these men weren't going to be in some danger. I just hope I can make some difference. Even if I don't come back, it means I must have taken a bullet meant for someone else...." For a change, Harry didn't seem to be making a joke.
[/spoiler]

[spoiler]"It's not bullets you should be worried about, although I suppose that would do for most men.  You should worry more about Mr. Martin, and the decisions he makes in the future."[/spoiler]

[Bozwevial]

"Hullo, Will. If you wanted anything, it's all here. There's at least one person looking for us--looks like a native, dresses like a colonist, chills your bones at the sight of him, can't miss him."

[PipTheBlue]

"Just like old times, eh? I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary, except..." Will starts to blush like a tomato, "Err... no, haven't seen any bonechilling natives."

[Bozwevial]

Robert peers at Will curiously. "Well, it would hardly be an expedition if we didn't have you traipsing abreast--I say, are you alright? You look a bit flushed."

[Flay Crimsonwind]

[spoiler]After checking with the library and settling his affairs, Dresden would join with Jones, trying to assist with protecting the others and getting the trip in order.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Jones: "You know there's a chance we aren't coming back from this."[/spoiler]

[spoiler]
"What, not feeling nervous, are you?" Even as he said it, he shot Jones an understanding smile. "Wouldn't have agreed to leave my post if I thought these men weren't going to be in some danger. I just hope I can make some difference. Even if I don't come back, it means I must have taken a bullet meant for someone else...." For a change, Harry didn't seem to be making a joke.
[/spoiler]

[spoiler]"It's not bullets you should be worried about, although I suppose that would do for most men.  You should worry more about Mr. Martin, and the decisions he makes in the future."[/spoiler]

[spoiler]"I've dealt with leadership I thought was poor before, though I get the impression you're not telling me something, Jones...

"... You know, I'll need to know every little thing I can to make this work. What has you so worried, man? I might not always have agreed with you, but I never have thought you craven. If it unnerves you, I'd very much like to be prepared..." Suddenly, Harry wasn't totally sure what he'd gotten himself into...[/spoiler]

[bhu]

flay

[spoiler]"There are things you will need to see before I tell you the truth, otherwise you wouldn't believe me.  No one would. It is not cowardice that stays my tongue, it is the knowledge of what will happen if I speak to soon.  I need to know you can face up to it.  I need to know whose side you're one.

I need to know if you can kill Thomas Martin if he goes rogue and it becomes necessary." [/spoiler]

[PipTheBlue]

At Robert's comment, Will suddenly seems to choke. After a cough or two, he recovers. "Yeah, I'm okay. I think I make a better chance surviving out there than here in Philadelphia. I just can't help but feel there's more to this mission than we're told."

[Flay Crimsonwind]

[spoiler]"........."

Harry didn't look away from Jones for a good few seconds. He didn't even blink, but rather stared straight across at the man. "I know Thomas, he's been to the Library once or twice. What I don't know is what in the hell you are talking about.

I may not be the most brutal soldier. But I did take this mission as this groups protection, and that includes Thomas. If, for some godbeknownst reason, he goes rogue, I will deal with it as I see works. But I'll burn that bridge when I come to it. I am a patriot, not a Brit. So no matter what you think you know, be certain I am with this town and these men." He had slowly walked closer, so as to more easily whisper to Jones. By the time he had ended, he was nose to nose with Jones, glaring directly into his eyes.

"So whenever you feel you and I are ready to talk, I'll be waiting."

[/spoiler]

[Bozwevial]

"There always is, isn't there?" Robert nods, frowning. "We'll see, I suppose. If things go poorly, at least we'll be armed."

[bhu]

[spoiler]"........."

Harry didn't look away from Jones for a good few seconds. He didn't even blink, but rather stared straight across at the man. "I know Thomas, he's been to the Library once or twice. What I don't know is what in the hell you are talking about.

I may not be the most brutal soldier. But I did take this mission as this groups protection, and that includes Thomas. If, for some godbeknownst reason, he goes rogue, I will deal with it as I see works. But I'll burn that bridge when I come to it. I am a patriot, not a Brit. So no matter what you think you know, be certain I am with this town and these men." He had slowly walked closer, so as to more easily whisper to Jones. By the time he had ended, he was nose to nose with Jones, glaring directly into his eyes.

"So whenever you feel you and I are ready to talk, I'll be waiting."

[/spoiler]

[spoiler]"Despite how the others have phrased it, this isn't about the war.  The war as we know it is done.  That'll be getting announced later in the day, though the way it will be presented for the sake of the people is a convenient lie which everyone hopes doesn't immediately come apart.  The only British remaining to be your enemy are the poor bastards trapped here with no way home now.  We have different enemies now, though the remaining Brits may prove to be a problem.  I do indeed wish to talk, but not here.  Not now.  I need you to see a few things first before you will be able to accept what I say.  Go back to the library with the coach and supplies, and make certain everyone has returned there safely.  I took Mr. Martin to the courthouse earlier, and I need to see if they are finished with him so I can bring him back."[/spoiler]