4903/Paladins for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Paladins for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Date of Scene:	18 December 2016
Location:	The Quilt
Synopsis:	Eryl leads a raid on a mysterious cabin in which trade on rare furs is being conducted. Legality ensues.
Cast of Characters:	Eryl Fairfax, 1083, 1063, 673

---

Eryl Fairfax has posed:
    It's just before midnight, out in the dense woods that sometimes crop up in the middle of a cityscape in the Quilt. And out in these woods, there is a cabin. A hastily built thing, constructed from reclaimed lumber, spit and prayers. The windows look like they were fitted at weird angles, the roof has holes. It's just a big mess.

    But, through those grimy windows, lamp lights are shining, and vague shadow move about. Parked outside are old-fashioned saloons and sedans, all real metal with box-shaped cabins and spare tyres on the sides, in combination with what looks like horses mixed with rams. They have horns curling from their heads and their fur is slightly denser and curlier. They stand alert, looking around, ears bending towards any sounds.

    Eryl has summoned people here to deal with what is going on. The law enforcement of a city in the Quilt has been chasing a gang for a long while, but they have apparently recently starting conducing deals with those from another world, which complicated matters. And thus, the Paladins were contacted.

    Eryl greets everyone individually and gestures at the situation. "They're inside. I'd like to hear your thoughts on how to approach this."

Fiora Laurent (1083) has posed:
Fiora observes the shack, and its surroundings. "We cannot simply stride in. They would scatter quickly, and we're too few to track them down." She glances to Eryl, "What sort of legal bounds do we have, here? Poachers are scum, but it's unlikely just killing them all will solve any issues. Having them strung up and made example of by the local government? Far more threatening and.. allows them to show they mean business when it comes to poaching."

"They are holed up rather well, though. I can think of nothing specific, in this instance."

Shokudaikiri (1063) has posed:
Shokudaikiri is aware that he's representing Lady Iroha here. And, more indirectly, all of the Sword Warriors and their Sages. As far as he knows he's the first one that the Multiversal factions -- especially the new ones -- have had dealings with. So this is an important thing, his first mission as a Paladin. He can't be indecisive and not offer anything. He can't be too overbearing. But he can't be too soft either.

No pressure, right?

So, when Eryl asks the question, he replies with a question of his own. "We've got proof that they're guilty of breaking the local laws, right?" he asks. "If not, we could have some of us pose as buyers and get it. Though even if we've got it, posing as buyers might get us in with a minimum of flailing around."

Rory White (673) has posed:
Having seen her own world fall prey to overharvesting and unchecked capitalism, Rory White is in no way desirous to see a repeat performance. However minor this infraction is, it's one that she intends to nip in the bud...

    "That is a good question." Speaks the spider-bot that skitters up to the meeting place, the size of a man but bearing all manner of strange protrusions and a few weapon barrels. One is unmistakably Rory White's favored Freezer Foam dispenser, though!

    "The moment we are detected, some are likely to scatter. I can dispatch a Saucer to try and scan the building and deduce how many are inside. These people are armed, but I do not know how violent they are. Or if their moivations are purely profit. Nor am I certain of our end goals for the mission... Grandmaster Fairfax, details please? What is being asked of? Are we to simply convince them to pack up and leave for elsewhere and more scrupulous endeavors? Bring them in before a court? I need more parameters to calculate a plan."

Eryl Fairfax has posed:
    Eryl fixes Fiora with a long, hard stare. "We are not sanctioned executioners. We do not set out to kill anyone. And if it has to happen, it is a tragedy and a failure on our half." Opening up his jacket, he produces several sets of handcuffs. "Restrain them with these. Kill only if your own life is threatened and you cannot safeguard it otherwise."

    Looking to Shokudaikiri and Rory, he nods. "We have strong evidence that supports that. Eyewitnesses saw the gangsters-the men in suits- offloading animal pelts from cars such as these, pelts of protected and endangered species. This is where they meet the hunting tribe they buy these from. The men in suits are who we are after. The tribe is not entirely under our jurisdiction, but we can arrest them if need be." As for pretending to be buyers. "A fine plan, but this deal is just between them. It would take a lot of guile to pull it off, and my face is so well-known now that I could not do it. Are either of you up for it?"

    The door creaks open, a man in a violet zoot suit striding out to light up a cigar. "Now's the time to decide. Storm the place, of infiltrate?"

Rory White (673) has posed:
"So the mission is 'harmlessly detain everyone who is not obviously a tribal sort.' I don't think simply storming their location is a good idea. They have too much opportunity to take hostages. Infiltration is also risky, and cover blown unexpectedly puts us at a disadvantage. I would propose... personally, I would likely use tiny drones to deliver sedatives and move in once they take effect. But that requires more preparation time..."

    She turns optics from one of her companions to the next, seeming unsure.

    "The only method in which we maintain the element of surprise is launching a surprise assault. But they are likely to panic, scatter, and use dirty tricks to keep us at bay."

Fiora Laurent (1083) has posed:
Fiora doesn't flinch away from Eryl. "Not what I was suggesting. Killing anyone here would be pointless. They'd just crop right back up again, and it wouldn't solve the issue." She takes a couple of the handcuffs, "Better the local government is seen taking care of them. In this case, all we need to is deliver them into said custody." She shakes her head, "Guile and disguising myself are not exactly my strongest suits. I will follow your lead, however. Whatever choice you decide is best, I will play my part."

Shokudaikiri (1063) has posed:
Shokudaikiri thinks a moment, though the appearance of the man in the purple suit gets a frown. Rory's words get more consideration, and then he suggests, "I think I have an idea. Why not a dual approach? I can approach alone and draw their attention, and the rest of you can circle around and try to catch them off-guard and cut off their escape. Should keep them from scattering too much, and still take them by surprise when you do attack."

Eryl Fairfax has posed:
    Eryl rubs his chin, calculating. Even a temporary distraction can shift things in their favour. "All right. I think we will go with Shokudaikiri's plan. Rory, Fiora, be prepared to breech through the windows. I will stay out here to catch anyone who tries to flee. Good luck, and keep me informed over the radio."

    The man with the cigar is smoking languidly, but close observation would show a bulge under his armpit indicative of a concealed holsters. Moving through the trees or approaching the ajar door, it would be possible to see the cabin contents. A table in the centre of the room, surrounded by chairs. Furs, teeth and claws are piled upon it. In addition to more men in suits, bare-chested men with skin bonzed by the sun sit around it, haggling price. It seems that trade is the currency of the day, based on how he is demanding more solar powered water kettles?

Fiora Laurent (1083) has posed:
Fiora nods, and after crouching down and drawing her sword, slinks her way around the side of the cabin, and remaining there, awaiting the word from Shoku, that he's ready to go in. "Very well. Ready when you are." She's more than prepared to go heavy, though the window, at a moment's notice. "On your word."

Rory White (673) has posed:
"It's worth a try. Estimating a seventy-percent chance of success with that approach... good luck, everyone!" The Spider-bot's servos click-whirr and after Eryl gives the signal.. she's off, circling swiftly around to the back of the shack in a very large circle.

    Her intention is totally going to be close in and glue up the shack's doors with batches of Freezer Foam, depending on how successful the distraction is at giving her such an opportunity!

Shokudaikiri (1063) has posed:
Shokudaikiri nods. "Yes, sir," he returns. "Waiting for your signal." He will wait to make his approach until he has received word via the radio that Rory and Fiora are where they need to be. And when he does make his approach, it's quietly. He doesn't want to look like he's trying to call attention to himself. That'd look suspicious.

He keeps out of a lot of the areas that would make a lot of noise. But he doesn't exactly hide. The sword-spirit continually looks behind him, as if he's trying to make certain that he's not being followed. He pretends to catch sight of the purple-suited man for the first time, and heads in his direction. "Hey," he says when he's within earshot. "I'm lookin' for somethin'. Maybe you can help."

Now, Shokudaikiri's pretty well put-together looks-wise. He's tall and thin, and dressed like a military man, plus the pauldron and half-tasset. But that eyepatch, the mussed hair, and the hard look of that metallic golden eye -- all it'd really take for him to look like he's up to no good is for him to narrow that remaining eye. Which he does. So... he does look like he's up to no good.

Eryl Fairfax has posed:
    The moment that Sho strides up to the door, everyone tenses. The discussion stops, hands reach under jackets or grab at primitive weaponry. The man with the cigar takes it out and examines the sword spirit critically, before glancing back into the cabin. One of the older men in suits frowns, and offers a half-shrug. The one in charge perhaps?

    "I think ya better off helping yourself. Beat it fella," Cigar Man says, his own hand dipping under the coat now. A very obvious threat. But right now, everyone's eyes are on Sho, and not the windows. The time is now.

    "Breach in 3, 2, 1... now!" Eryl commands over the radio.

Fiora Laurent (1083) has posed:
With the word given, Fiora stands and charges at the window. She sweeps her cape over her face and dives forward, an arm held out to take the hit against the glass. She rolls as she hits the ground, sword already drawn, and now held up, along with one pair of cuffs in her off-hand. "You are all under arrest!" She happened to land on one of the gangsters, who finds himself trussed up before he realizes what's happened. No doubt Rory isn't far behind.

Rory White (673) has posed:
THE TIME IS NOW!

    Rory-bot skitters straight for the cabin, her Freezer Foam barrel swiveling and squirting forth HEAPING HELPINGS of expanding-and-hardening goo all over every window that looks big enough to admit a person through. It splatters like rain and engulfs huge bulges of the structure's exterior.

    The only Window she doesn't is the last one she reaches, which she CRASHES THROUGH first and seals up behind her with more squirts of foamgoo.

    There will be no escape through the windows.

    "Hopefully they will not try to get fancy or take this as death ground." Exclaims the spider-bot... then.. ONWARDS.

    Her legs go clickity-click-tick-tlack as she advances through the cabin and around an interior partition, aiming to begin the GLOPFEST of binding pretty much anything that moves with the harmless riot foam.

Shokudaikiri (1063) has posed:
Shokudaikiri raises his gloved hands when approached, as if to show that they're empty. "Pity. I was hoping to purchase some rare rayskin or sharkskin. Money is no object. I want only the best for my lady's swords." He's just filling time, though, until he hears Eryl's command. And speaking of Eryl's command...

Cigar Man may see a small smirk forming on Shokudaikiri's face, coincidentally right when he hears the signal over the radio. Though he waits, just an instant longer, until the others have made entrance, just when the noise starts. "Wrong answer," he says.

And then he pulls his sword from his belt. Notably, the weapon's left in its sheath, and as he swings at Cigar Man's arm, it's the sheathed blade that the sword-spirit plans to use to swat at the hand holding the gun he expects Cigar Man to pull.

Eryl Fairfax has posed:
    It's pure chaos for a few moments.

    As Fiora smashes through the window and before anyone can react, she has one of the gangsters cuffed. The others start to swivel, guns coming out while bows and spears are drawn, about to be thrown... when Rory joins her, bursting through the opposite window and spraying foam! It fills the place almost immediately, containing the threat... but who knows if Fiora gets caught up in it.

    Meanwhile, Cigar Man turns away from Sho at the sound of crashing glass, gun in the middle of being drawn when the sword spirit swats it out of his hand, sending it clattering to the ground. But he's no wimp, turning back to glower at Sho before throwing a meaty left hook to take advantage of his target's eyepatch!

    Meanwhile, in the cabin... the elderly gangster with the mustache climbs out from under the table, under which he managed to avoid the foam. "Now now, let's all calm down," he says gently, making downward motions with both hands, clearly empty. "What is this about?"

Fiora Laurent (1083) has posed:
The foam is, indeed, something Fiora has to avoid. No sooner than she has one of the mobsters subdued, she has to roll under a table, as well, to get out of the way. Of course, when the elderly.. and unarmed.. gangster makes himself visible, she does the same. Sword still drawn, she still pulls the man to his feet, and sheaths her weapon. "You are under arrest. That is what this is about. Supporting and funding poaching? A serious offense. There is quite a bit of evidence against you, as well. I would recommend coming quietly, and without any resistance."

Shokudaikiri (1063) has posed:
Shokudaikiri is aware that he's got a blind spot on his right side. That's also his stronger side. And, presumably, Cigar Man's weaker side. The sword-spirit doesn't have time for a fully-fledged defense on that side, only to raise his right arm and take the blow there on his arm instead of his face where it had been intended. He winces, not having expected quite that much strength.

But that's all right. Hopefully that block, even if it hurt, will leave Cigar Man open. Because Shokudaikiri aims a left punch into the solar plexus of Cigar Man. He's going easy, mind... he's not sure what this fellow's strength level is, and the sword-spirit is pretty strong. He just wants to knock Cigar Man down, not give him internal injuries.

Rory White (673) has posed:
With the old man being the only one willing-able to step forward after that assault, Rory fixes her foam sprayer's nozzle his way... but doesn't engage it. He's decied to actually speak up, after all.

    "This poaching operation is being shut down. A whole Multiverse of possibilities to make your way in, and you chose petty poaching? I have seen where this path leads, sir. The recordings would give you nightmares."

Eryl Fairfax has posed:
    The mook takes the punch to the solar plexus hard, crumpling before Sho and struggling to catch his breath. All offenders have been immobilized! None of them will escape.

    And yet, the old man looks very confident.

    "Poaching? Now now, that's a strong word, don't you think? These fellows come from a different world, I was told that the animals they hunted were much more abundant there. If that's not the case, well... it is regrettable that I took a man at his word, but that's just the kind of fellow that I am. That's not exactly against the law, is it?"

    The oily tone, the soft smile under that bristly lip... this is no two-bit operator. This man has planned for the eventuality that law enforcers might poke in to his business.

Rory White (673) has posed:
"In ancient times, there was a plant called Silphium. The price it commanded was without compare, both for its usage as a spice... and more spectacularly, a highly potent contraceptive and abortifacients. Once it was abundant, but overharvesting left not a single plant in the wild. It may be that these species are abundant, but trade in these creatures was banned for a reason. See also the plight of the White Rhinoceros."

    Of course, having this explained by a largely unexpressive Spider-Robot in the robot is probably... disconcerting as hell.

    "I find it hard to believe a man of your experience and the skills that must accompany it couldn't find less questionable work, sir..."

Shokudaikiri (1063) has posed:
Shokudaikiri sighs when Cigar Man goes down, and puts his sheathed sword back in his belt. He shakes his right arm, the limb still stinging from the strike he'd blocked. Regardless. Handcuffs, rope, something -- he's probably got something to secure the fellow. But he'll make sure the unconscious man can breathe, obviously.

He hears the issues on the radio... but he's a sword. Legal trickery isn't exactly his forte. He knows how to hit things, how to cut things, and how to plan strikes. And surprisingly, how to cook and keep a house, but that's neither here nor there.

So for the time being he keeps an eye out for others that might be coming in. 'Patrolling' isn't exactly the word, but he's making sure he can look around the cabin, at least briefly, so he can see as far around as possible.

Fiora Laurent (1083) has posed:
"Surely, we have something better than just your word." Fiora replies, "If it's just your word, you might as well call your lawyer. A very good one. Words do not oft hold in a court of law. Evidence of wrongdoing, however. Witnesses and testimony. That does."

She walks forward, no doubt looming over the man. "Come now. The truth, if you please."

Eryl Fairfax has posed:
    Patrolling around the area, Sho draws the attention of the strange animals the tribal uses. One of them tries to chew on his hair!

    Meanwhile, the elderly gangster is not at all intimidated by Fiora's presence or Rory's cautionary tale. "It's a sad story, to be sure. But I don't see how it is relevant, and I will not be intimidated by a lady thug with a sword. All of this is for a fine cause, if you'll just let me get my permits..."

    There's that dreaded word.

    Reaching into his coat, he produces a sheaf of folded papers and offers them. Reading them would reveal that he is indeed licensed to buy and trade for parts of rare and endangered animals, for the purpose of selling them to museums and the like as pieces for preservation.

    All the while, he keeps up that smile.

Shokudaikiri (1063) has posed:
Shokudaikiri acks a bit, and pulls away from the animal, straightening his hair. "Hey now. Don't mess up my hair," he gripes. Though he looks at the animal, since he's not sure what sort of animal it is. It's strange, if they're poaching around here, why aren't the animals afraid of humans?

Rory White (673) has posed:
"Please hold them up for inspection!" Rory's Flexbot opens a panel and out extends an... well, it kinda looks like an eyestalk-camera-barcode reader. She probably doesn't need this to do her work, but it certainly LOOKS more official this way and the closer camera can do a full high-resolution analysis, down to the dot resolution, the quality of the material the permit's written on, and spectroscopic chemical analysis of the inks.

    In a matter of moments these files are available for share to Eryl across Paladin network protocols from her personal files. Several terabytes of data... and the much-simpler optical pictures.

Fiora Laurent (1083) has posed:
    "No need for the slinging of insults, sir. I am operating within the bounds of my authority. We will be verifying the authenticity of these documents, if you do not mind." Fiora waits, as Rory does her thing. "I trust everything there is in order, then? Nothing left out that might be important? If you are here legally, and with authorization, then you have nothing to fear from us." Her weapon has, since she helped the man to stand, been sheathed. "But, really. Do I look like a thug, to you? Hardly the proper way to talk to a woman."

Fiora Laurent (1083) has posed:
    Fiora bows her head slightly, after listening in on her radio. "Forgive our heavy-handed approach, sir. Please understand, the happenings of late in the multiverse, have made a great many member states of the Commonwealth very anxious. We will be sure to investigate this grave misunderstanding, to the utmost of our ability."

With that, Fiora turns on her heel, and walks back out. She shakes her head to Shokudaikiri. "Time to look elsewhere for answers." And then, back to Eryl himself. "What now? I'm tempted to see just where those leads we got came from. Perhaps that theory is one to investigate. That it was a planted lead. Something to throw us off."

Eryl Fairfax has posed:
    Eryl recieves the information from Rory, and confirms over the radio that the permits all seem authentic. Upon being released from the foam, the tribals seem infuriated, but the elderly gangster mollifies them by speaking their language, which involves plenty of tongue-clicks and whoops.

    Looking to Fiora, he nods his head. "That was uncouth of me, I apologize. I was concerned for my friends. Now, if there's nothing else, could I ask you to leave? I'd offer refreshments, but we have none."

    On their way out, the tribals still glare. The fellow that Sho punched makes a rude bicep-polishing gesture at the sword spirit, and pretty much everyone hates Rory's guts for the foam. Eryl only says, "Or we're having the wool pulled over our eyes. We shall investigate further."

Shokudaikiri (1063) has posed:
Well, nuts. Shokudaikiri lets the cigar-smoking man go without complaint. He doesn't even make any returning rude gestures back. And he nods to Fiora as she appears. "It's possible," he notes. "The real crime could be elsewhere, and we might have been pointed in this direction as a distraction. Either that or this is a front somehow, and there's more going on than we were told. Maybe something else entirely..."

Rory White (673) has posed:
"... I will see to it that the foam is dissolved and the windows are repaired..." Rory adds after Fiora's explanation is given. The scanner-eye rescinds. She once again swivels her weapon barrels around, and this time sprays a faintly green fluid on the foamed 'victims.' The stuff will begin to dissolve in a matter of moments, and they'll be free in under a minute.

    Unless she's chased off, she'll station herself by the broken windows and set about deploying Engineer Nanites to reassemble the glass panes. Which should take about ten minutes.