(IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]

[the_matrix_walker]

Peter thinks about the carnage that could happen if one of these guys gets too excited and starts shooting before they can form a dialog...

He thinks back to the men surrounding the bound "demon" and tries to remember the layout of the surrounding trees.

((Was the prisoner tied TO anything, or just bound in the circle? Peter is brewing an alternative plan... if they run a rope over a high branch in a nearby tree, they might be able to lasso the prisoner, and haul him up to the tree tops in a matter of moments of a pair of them jump out of the tree holding the other end of the rope. they could leave another in the tree waiting to cut the prisoner free. If Peter thinks it's feasible he will run it by Senarich, and if Senarich thinks it could work, he will suggest the alternate plan to the others. If someone is good with a rope, they may be able to rescue the prisoner without getting too close.))

[ericthered]

Senarich apparently has a perfect memory, and is able to provide him with the details he needs.

The prisoner is not bound to anything, at least not yet. The rescue attempt is at least possible, but relies on someone (not a rider) being good with a lasso. Alternatively, a good distraction and careful timing is needed. Senarich isn't sure if anyone has the appropriate skill, but is confident the riders have the skill needed to cook up a good distraction -- if the humans have the wits and calm to pull it off without support.

[the_matrix_walker]

"Who's host is good with a rope?"

Assuming these Riders know their Hosts well enough to estimate their capabilities, Peter starts the discussion on implementing his plan to snatch the prisoner from the circle. He mentally reviews what he plans to say just before saying it, to give Senarich the chance to give him advice on the best ways to get the Riders to respond favorably.

[ericthered]

No one is good with a lasso: its a fairly specialized skill and you are in a city far from proper cattle country.

Peter is advised to take the 'lets not take more risks than we have to' tack, with the suggestion that the tactical planning aspects of this will be difficult. He gets a good response, particularly setting all the riders into tactical planning mode. Senarich requests control of the body to participate in the planning.

The end result is much more complicated than this, but the basic idea is an attack from one side, followed by a few people sneaking in and grabbing their ally. Peter can end up in either group. It initially looks like he will end up on the rescue crew, but if he wants to issue the challenge to combat or keep control of negotiations he can do that as well.

[the_matrix_walker]

Peter let's rider have control.

He will continue to advocate for as bloodless a course of action as possible... if only in Senarich's ear.

[ericthered]

The tactical planning goes quite in depth, most of it about the distracting crew. Senarich is the only one who has seen any of it, and gives lots of details about the setup.

Peter's role in the operation will be as a supporter of the rescue. He will be on the lookout, take out anyone who needs to be in order to get the prisoner, and protect the man who is going for the prisoner. He is moderately stealthy in the woods, particuarly if they loose their riders.

As they approach the place, they hear the screams of someone, and a man yelling "Relinquish the demon! save yourself from hell! There is still time!"

[the_matrix_walker]

Peter thinks to Senarich...

'It sounds like we're running out of time! We have to move!'

Senarich can feel Peter's sense of urgency. Were Peter in control, he might well have jumped the gun and fouled the plan, so it's fortunate for all he's not currently in control.

[ericthered]

Senarich: "Stick with the plan. We've been over this. You can't panic when we aren't around. We need to leave sooner rather than later so we can return. This is just up to just the humans, and remember its your idea"

Peter and three others crouch in the bush nearby. One of them is a massive man, one a hard faced woman, and the last a thin, shrewd looking fellow. The shrieking dies down a little, into sobs.

Shots ring out on the other side of the clearing. The sentries look sharp.

Senarich: "You know the plan. Anything before I go?"

[the_matrix_walker]

'I need to stop anyone who gets in the way of our guys getting the prisoner clear'

Peter's mouth goes dry and there is a lump in his throat, he swallows hard and steels himself, he's never shot a person before. He raises his bow in preparation...

"I've got this."

[ericthered]

And like that, Senarich is gone. Peter can still feel a small residual trace of -- of whatever that feeling is that senarich brings. Its deposited in his abdomen. Peter feels as each of the riders vanish, retreating to a different part of their inhabitants body -- the neck, the hand, and the right part of a back. Peter would have thought

The other three look nervous. The woman looks peter over. "Just a boy? Interesting."

They stay hidden as shots start ringing out on the other side of the grove. The sentries on this side turn around, not sure of which direction they should be looking. There is a lot of shouting, and the strange feeling from the man in the center of the circle returns stronger than ever. There is some more shooting, a lot of yelling, and someone yells "Pull in the circle!" Its not as distinct as Peter is used to -- senarich isn't sharpening his hearing anymore. Both of the sentries slowly back up.

The four creep forward towards the center. The fire fight is going pretty much as planned. Peter was able to keep his ability to sense the riders a secret, and he can confirm its working -- the 'anti-rider field' is moving aggressively towards the other group. Some sort of anti-exorcism shouting comes from it.

Peter can also sense the tiny spark of a rider still in the prisoner -- and its moving. Instead of moving towards the attack, it moves slightly to the left.

The shrewd man grimaces: "We strike now, before they take the prisoner with them to keep him near the priest. Keep your eyes out for where they have him, and keep in sight if you can. You know the approach route from the planning. Good luck."

The standard plan will get them close to the prisoner. But it will put the woman and the the shrewd man next to their target, not the big man designated as the carrier. They can handle it, but its a plan B, and will require at least one more enemy casualty -- inflicted by Peter.