[Mercy Merchant]

Robyn's enhanced senses pick up changes in Yukika's breathing and scent and she infers that the woman is somehow uncomfortable around her.  As she has never had contact with the Japanese woman besides noting her presence in the offices of Mitsuhama, she is a bit confused at the reaction.  To Robyn, it is particularly telling that the woman has completely ignored her greeting and words, even though the bow had been precisely correct.  It would seem, after all, that this is more for ISaint to deal with and nothing to do with Cali.  Robyn remains polite and resolves to not demonstrate the same level of rudeness displayed by the other woman and bows to Yukika again and steps back, not saying anything as it is apparent that the woman is ignoring her presence.

Turning away, Robyn walks to where the Hell Hound is standing and scratches his head as she waits.  She continues her monitoring of the area around the team on her sensors and those of the drones and checks her agents on her 'link and deck to make sure that they are still looking for any unusual wireless activity in the vicinity.

[Jack_Spade]

"Well, as these things go, we might need all the help we can get.

I am pleased to make your acquaintance and that you aren't here to do us harm. But before there is any further exchange of information I have one question for you:
"Who killed the sphinx?"

At the last sentence a bit of steel had gotten into his words, making his German accent more pronounced, while he indicated with his right hand to Al for his coat back, leaving his left relaxed, close to his quick draw holster.

#336

[obidancer]

Deckard was going to continue the conversation when he got surprised by ISaint's question. What had Mythology to do with the Shinto Priestess? Or did they have a secret code Deckard was unaware of?

One thing was for sure, something inside him was telling him it was important the priestess tag along... almost as if...

Raven! Raven wanted her near.

Now how was he going to convince the other ones...?



#53

[DireRadiant]

[Yukika Karasu - Sunday July 5th, 2076; Embankment Tube Station, London Below]

The time has finally come. We shall see what The Black Bitch has done to me.

My feet hurt. I have bowed to all the ones she named. The two Oni, though one is barely Oni, the woman, the old man, the young man, and the hairless Koborokuru. Where has Iris gone?

I fear I have made an error trusting her. I have wandered Below and the environs for hours, the Kami complaining the whole time. The place is a mess.

"The right answer, man"

I wait. I am calm.

[Mercy Merchant]

Robyn can contain herself no longer.  The woman has been rude but Robyn is a doctor and her sensors have detected minor effects in the woman's voice and manner that her experience associates with pain.  Without moving forward, she again bows her head the precise angle and says, "Yukika, I believe you to be in some pain.  I am a physician.  Will you allow this one to humbly serve you and try to bring relief to your suffering?"

[obidancer]

Deckard looked at ISaint for his approval. Technically her answer was pretty correct, but again, he ignored if it was just a passcode with ISaint, and any answer could be correct.
When Robyn interjected, he was baffled by what she was saying. In pain? the japanese woman didn't look as if she was suffering... the Joke would have been on Iris to send to them an injured hand.

In any case, he turned back to ISaint, to see his decision.

[Jack_Spade]

Isaint visibly relaxed and nodded deep enough that it could be mistaken for a slight bow.

"Robyn one moment please, there are some niceties that should be observed before you get the scalpels out."
He turned his attention back to Karasu.
"It seems I have some good news and some bad news for you. The bad news: You won't find Iris here - and probably not anywhere else for some time. That pass phrase identifies you as her trusted replacement.
The good news: This is a particular lucrative venture and you happened to come in right at the end - so good timing on your part.
The slightly less good news: When we have finished our delivery we'll return back here to arrange a particularly difficult wedding. So I suspect that's why Iris thought it fitting to send a Priestess to join our group.

So welcome. And just for completeness sake - the small man over there is called Half-Pint."

[DireRadiant]

[Yukika Karasu - Sunday July 5th, 2076; Embankment Tube Station, London Below]

I still live!

I smile at all and nod brief thanks to The Unclean Hound Mistress for her intent. Though why would I need a scalpel to attend my feet when it already feels exactly like that? I offer her and the hairless Koborokuru the kanji of welcome to my commlink. Is he Half-Pint because he cannot drink? I step aside from the groups path and acknowledge their precedence.

My eyes on the path before them I ask, "Please, how may I serve you?"

There will be more walking, and more dirt. I blame Iris for this. At least my shoes are broken in.

[Mercy Merchant]

Robyn smiles.  Progress has been made with the newcomer.  She snickers at ISaint's comment.  "I truly doubt that I would need a scalpel to help, but it might mean that a foot massage is in order.  However, I should ask if this is something more than a case of sore feet and not something more serious.  How long have you been in pain, Yukika?  I do have some medicine that will reduce the pain somewhat.  Would you like to have some?"

[obidancer]

Foot massage? thought Deckard. Hey Doc, my feet hurts too. And I think I pulled something in my shoulder climbing on the drone, he added, rolling his shoulder with his elbow high.
He was feeling fine, but wouldn't mine getting an expert massage from the all too caring blind doctor..

[DireRadiant]

[Yukika Karasu - Sunday July 5th, 2076; Embankment Tube Station, London Below]

"Please, it is nothing."

My feet hurt. It is only a small blister. What does anyone expect after walking Below for hours in new shoes? The Unclean Hound Mistress must think I am hiding an injury instead of the spot of dirt on my pants. I even my stance.

"You have a delivery to make?"

A Wedding. Iris has made a mistake if she thinks I will perform one Below. It is unclean and would take me years to purify it.

[adamu]

Almost as if he could read her thoughts, which he most certainly could not, Al reminded Isaint, "All well an' good amigo, but remember the ceremony's gotta be done by one o' they local muckety-mucks. That said, know fer a fact this one here's got a trick or three up them big sleeves. Don't reckon it'd hurt ta at least be friends with 'er."

[Jack_Spade]

"I didn't say she had to wed them, did I? And neither did probably Iris. But we can use help in the logistics department.
Speaking of which: Yes, a delivery. You probably noticed the strong aura emanating from our silent friend over there. That's my drone Arthur carrying an Artifact that we probably shouldn't have acquired. But a contract is a contract and so we deliver it to our client in London above. You can accompany us or wait for us here to pick you up. it's up to you.
But personally I'd prefer it if you'd accompany us - for your and our mutual protection.

Oh and Robyn, I know for a fact that Rick is perfectly able to give himself massages with his magic fingers spell - so don't waste your talents on him without getting compensated."
In a much more sober tone Isaint said:
"If everyone is ready, we'll go back up. Heavy weapons back into your bags. Robyn, please call our guides when we on the streets, so we can leave the Bedlam without any fuss."

[Mercy Merchant]

Robyn nods to Yukika.  "As you wish, honored one.  But if you change your mind, please let me know."  She then says without turning to face either Deckard or ISaint, "I can provide you with a massage when we leave here, Deckard.  And my magic fingers might just surprise you in what they can do for you."

She nods to ISaint.  "Got it.  I will contact the Mechanica as soon as we break the surface."

[obidancer]

First Deckard opened his arms in an incredulous manner upon hearing Isaint's comment. The man was ruining his chance to get a professional massage.
But surprise clearly showed on his face when Robyn, not only kindly offered the massage, but bragging about her skills in it...

Suddenly he remembered their exchange about the House of Pleasure, and well yes, he got embarrassed.

Let's get out of here and make that delivery shall we?