ic Danger in the Lost World! (IC)

[Ari]

GM

 

Kazra had promptly marked herself on the arm, skillfully winding a small length of cloth around the sign and leading onwards to the north.

 

The strange land of towering and haunted jungle trees slowly gave way to a rocky plain dotted with vast steaming pools, a river streaming along the incline to drop down a roaring waterfall into the land of the Jungle Tribe. To the west a dull ochre-colored rock raised like a fist above the trees, behind them to the south the thin blue smoke from the torched citadel of the Jungle Lord drifted up into the deeper blue sky.

 

The plain was of whitish rock like broken limestone, strewn like gravel over the darker earth the pools had sprung from, no impediment to a thin grass. At the edges of the pools a profusion of incredible plant life had sprung up, around which herds of green-scaled lizards gently walked, their stubby forefringers supporting their bulk against the archaic trees while a beaked head adorned with a reddish crest tore massive fronds off branches. Some of them bent down and offered their vegetable catch to children of theirs, mostly concerned with scampering about the feet of the elders with reckless abandon. As the teens following Kazra walked past, some of the adults edged away from the main band, forming a small shield that watched the humans curiously. The young jungle lady smiled and waved, explaining to Cerys and the others "Those are the great horn-birds! We have ridden them many a time through the jungles. Not as quick as some, but of great hardiness!"

 

At their side, squat and broad brownish creatures with indignant-looking and short faces chewed at anachronistic bushes, their back a mass of cruel spikes on heavy plates of armor. tapering down to a heavy tail carrying a deadly mace. These payed no attention to the humans at all.

 

At the far edge of the plain of smoking water, the distant white glint of what was unmistakably a Roman road beckoned, Kazra following its gleam unerringly past galloping bands of the horned ones, and skirting the tortoise-like packs of armored terrors. Just as they had gotten within a few dozen meters of their destination, and were stepping through a thin veil of trees and high grasses however, she halted and dropped flat, motioning for the others to follow, and pointing ahead. "Hunters! Serpent People!" she hissed, and indeed they could see a small group of humanoid lizards carrying massive and clumsy weapons. They and another of their race wearing flowing and ragged robes were walking towards a pack of sleek, vicious-looking dinosaurs with crimson heads gathered around the corpse of an armored giant. Their leader raised his staff, and the predators darted away from the kill, looking sharply at their reptilian cousins. A droning, crooning song came from the throat of the sorcerer as his eyes and staff began to glow, and the hunting monsters stepped slowly forward, heads bowed in submission.

 

 

[Thevshi]

As the group continued their journey, Giang marveled slightly at the natural beauty of the terrain they passed through.  However, she did her best to not allow that to distract her from staying focused on watching for any danger around them.  The thin column of smoke that became visible once they left the cover of the jungle a stark reminder of the seriousness of their situation.

 

The Asian teen regarded the variety of herd creatures that were grazing on the various plants growing around the many hot spring pools.  Thankfully, they all appeared content to leave the group alone, so long as they were not threatened.

 

When Kazra dropped to the ground and signaled for the others to do so as well, Giang dropped down as indicated, looking to both sides a moment to be sure nothing was approaching from there.  She then crawled up near Cerys and their young guide, looking down at the scene below.

 

After watching for a few moments, she looked over towards John and the others.  "While I do not like the thought of having this group operating in our area, engaging them could result in the other Serpent People being alerted when they don't return."

[Tiffany Korta]

Blodeuwedd crouched down beside the rest of them her hand falling naturally to the hilt of Dyrnwyn. She also pulled down her goggles from the top of her head so she get a better use at whatever “flavour†of magic’s the Serpent Sorcerer was using, it was fairly obvious what the magic’s effect was.

“We could go around, I doubt it would add much extra time to our journey. But then again these creature’s might be able to provide us with information, and it should be awhile before there missed. If at all, these are dangerous lands.â€

[Ari]

"I say we get 'em."

 

Subito had let the peaceful tranquility of the plateau wash over himself, and thus had missed what he now realized must have been the noise of scaled feet dragging over the stones, and whip-like tails sliding among the rocks. Falling to the ground beside the others, the muscular boy crept forward and peered through the foliage at the reptiles right in front of them. 'I have got to ask Mr. Archer about working on my situational awarenes skills. This is getting ridiculous' Narrowing his eyes as he realized that the Serpent People must be putting some kind of spell over the dinosaurs, Giang's quiet suggestion had instantly got him wondering about the dangers of just letting them go free. Brushing some curly hair out of his face, he had spoken those words with utter confidence.

 

Turning to the Asian teen he added "It's crazy risky, yeah, but what if we can break up whatever evil they've gonna do with those dinos? Their bosses aren't gonna be able to just know what happened, and if we trash those mooks they'll have to send guys to check it out, leavin' fewer at the base for us to deal with and sound alarms and stuff." He abruptly grew silent, and looked back out at the lurching lizards and their new masters. No point giving them all away because he couldn't stop talking. In his mind, a familiar voice asked 'Now you worry about that?', which he did he best to ignore and instead looked at the others "What d'you guys think?"

[Semi-Autogyro]

Ignoring the scenic vistas in favor of keeping focused on the mission, the Claremonter had spotted the group of serpent people nearly the same time as Kazra, even being the rearguard. Kneeling within the shadow of a tree, Myrmidon surveyed the group of serpent people while weighing their various options. He was hesitant to attack this group as he did not know the extent of the force composition of his current foes. Additionally, even if they did capture one of them and was able to coerce it into talking there was no guarantee that they could understand it. He doubted seriously that it was a common tongue at the very least. A second glance at their force makeup and Myrmidon had a good grasp on their current situation.

 

<< One moment. >> the statement was quiet, but forceful. << They are gathering materiel for another strike. Note they do not carry provisions, so they will be likely taking their spoils back to their base of operations. If we shadow them they will likely lead us to our objective themselves, sparing us from searching for it. >> At this point Myrmidon was sorely wishing that his classmates could use sign language. << Taking out this party would likely make our opponents wary, even if it was denying them some forces when they fail to report back. As for interrogating one, chances of it being or having viable and/or understandable information is minimal. >>

[Tiffany Korta]

She had learned to listen to John’s ideas after their earlier adventures, she might be a half decent fighter but he excellent tactical mind. She did however also know that very, very, rarely he’d let his tactical mind get in the way’s of other more important concerns. But at some point these Serpent People would need to be stopped before someone got hurt.

“It wouldn’t hurt to follow them and find out what their objective is, it might be part of some large plan that we’ve stumbled upon. But if it look’s like they're about to hurt anyone then we move in, whether we’ve found out there purpose or not.â€

She wasn’t exactly the leader, the other just seemed to listen to her’s and John’s idea’s, so she waited to see whether the other’s would agree with her.

[Ari]

GM

 

The Serpent People soon moved on, the now-docile dinosaurs carrying the band on their lean, hard-muscled backs without so much as a murmur. The lizard men didn't use anything to control them, they simply followed the one carrying their robed mystic.

 

They led the four teenagers across the steaming plain, over the weathered white road carved with rude pictograms, and into the tropical jungle on the other side. They marched with great speed but were easy to track due to both their colorful mounts and their penchant for occasional hisses that slithered through the air. The towering trees were coated in moss, the sounds of scurrying animals rustled through the leaves and the sunlight was just a little dimmer.

 

After a few hours, their treck was halted when they arrived at the edge of a well-used path threading through the trees, deep ruts worn by wheels into the dry mud. They dismounted and lay flat, watching the path as it gradually diasppeared into the sunny jungle. As they lay in wait, they passed each other strips of dried meat which they tore at ravenously, while their leader retreated deep into the trees and sat imperiously on his glassy-eyed dino.

 

After the day had slowly wound down into the afternoon, the sounds of running feet suddenly rang out in the distance, and from out of the trees burst a blond young man wearing a pristine white tunic, running so hard he stopped by tripping and crashing to the ground, rolling over and over until he finally struck a tree. He lay panting from exhaustion, staring at the sky and into the face of a Serpent Man as it leaned out of the bush. He froze, and then jumped to his feet, flinging his arms around the reptile's body and laughing hysterically, hugging each of the sinewy barbarians as they crept out of hiding, the beasts hissing words that Subito understood as "Welcome, brother!" and "We have missed you for so long!"

 

At last the robed magician stepped out of the trees, snarling "Quiet, fools! Our work must be completed as quickly as possible. You!" he pointed at the blond man "Report!" Still shaking and grinning, the man withdrew from the friendly Serpent People and bowed, answering in broken Latin "Oh Most Venemous One, the plot is set. The cloth has not yet been missed, and the copy will do its work for days yet" he trembled uncontrollably "I...I..." the mystic waved a claw in contempt "Enough of your guise!" and at those words the blond man shifted and changed, until at the lizard's feet crouched another of his race! With golden scales tracing down his head, he looked up and hissed "I have sent the soldiers away from town, they will chase phantoms of the Viracochasuyuns and arrive too late to save the city, but soon enough to taken as conspirators!"

 

The mystic beamed "Good work! Tell our brothers in the Senate that they are free now to do as they wish. War shall begin between Roman and Roman. Soon Nova Celio will fall, and can Nova Roma be far behind? We shall join the others lying in wait. The Great Army is not yet gathered, cursed be the foul dregs of Kar'kradas" he hissed with an eerily human look of rage that was mirrored by his cousins. With a snarl his face turned back to reptilian arrogance "Irregardless! We shall soon be ready. Be on watch for the next signal: a jade snake in the temple of Saturn." With that, he turned on his heel and signalled to the warriors, who followed and remounted, setting off at a dead run to the west, away from the teen's destination of Nova Roma.

Edited March 3, 2013 by Arichamus

[Ari]

Subito wasn't nearly at the level of stealth and sneaking ability his classmates were, but by making sure he took every step with the greatest possible care, kept his head down, and followed Cerys's lead as much as he possibly could. It was easier after they were in the cushioned jungle with ample hiding spots and not darting from cover to cover across the gravelly plateau.

 

Keeping up with the lighter and faster Claremonters as best he could, the muscular Puerto Rican watched the loping dinosaurs and their sinuous riders, wracked with questions. 'What are they doing here? Why are they riding dinos? Why does that one in the robes seem smarter than the rest? Where did they get weapons like that? We must speak with someone who has met these creatures before, studied them, perhaps. The Atom Family will no doubt be happy to tell what they know. ...Oh. I...We might be able to meet the Atom Family after this. And have stuff to talk about. This job is awesome That is so, Herald! Opportunities to do things nobody else ever has or will!'

 

As they reached the Serpent People's hiding place, he was footsore and tired, but still crept along gamely. Squinting through the foliage and swatting away the bugs buzzing and crawling around his sweaty body, he waited in fidgety silence, occasionally glancing at the others for the signal to charge at the prone lizard men. Sweatdrops slowly fell from his face, and his thick hair was matted with dust and crawling with insects.

 

Just as he was about to suggest they just jump the monsters, their contact dashed up out of nowhere. It took him a few seconds to realize it, but he heard the man coming early enough that he muttered "Someone's comin'!" several minutes before the blond man ran into view. He was tensing to run to the man's rescue, only to watch the meeting in disbelief, eyes widening and shuddering uncontrollably as the supposed human revealed his true face. In a low whisper he translated the brief meeting, adding as the Serpent People began to ride off "Okay, we know they're up to no good now, can we please pound 'em before they get outta range?"

[Thevshi]

Giang had certainly agreed with Cerys’ suggestion that they be prepared to stop the group of Serpent People if it appeared they were about to attack someone else.  That concern as indeed why the Asian teen had mentioned the problem with just leaving them alone to continue whatever they were going to do.  So following John’s suggestion to trail the group, while being prepared to do what Creys’ suggested if needed, certainly seemed the best option at this point.

 

Of course, that meant Giang had to do her best to not tip off their presence to the Serpent People, or the predatory dinosaurs they were using as mounts.  Thankfully, the teen was in the middle of the group, the distance from Cerys and Kazra in the lead helping some, but she still had to focus a bit more on being as quite as possible.

 

The pace to keep on the trail of the Serpent People had been a quick one, and by the time that group had halted and the Claremont students had caught up, the Asian teen was sweating and a bit out of breath.  Thankfully, she was able to catch her breath some as they watched the Serpent People for a few minutes, until what appeared to be a teenage Roman approached. 

 

Giang watched quietly, listening to Subito's whispered translation of what was being said.  "I do not believe there was ever any doubt that they were 'up to no good."  She replied quietly as she looked over towards the others.  "If we stop them, then those they are going to meet will not know how their plan is unfolding in the Roman city."

[Tiffany Korta]

Blodeuwedd watch with a mix of fascinated and disgust as the Serpent’s People revealed the extent of their plan for this little Lost World. She also could help but make a mental note to update the Order’s records on their abilities.

 

“It seems that we’ve stumbled onto a larger scheme than any of us suspected. We’ll need to warn the Roman as quickly as we can, but if everyone agrees I think we should do as Giang and Subito suggests and deal with this war party first.â€

 

She put her hand on the hilt of Dyrnwyn ready for when they were spurned into action.

[Semi-Autogyro]

John did not like engaging in pointless battles, but he realized that the doctrine of 'acceptable losses' was and never would be taught at Claremont. << Very Well. Miss Cerys, you and I will focus on the sorcerer. Theoretically when he is taken out the binding magic should go too. Mister Subito, you and Princess Kazra are to engage the other serpent people. Miss Giang, I would like you to make sure that none of our opponents escape. If they try to run, subdue them or corral then back towards Mister Subito. >>

 

Within moments his compound bow was in hand complete with an arrow nocked and ready to go. << Time your attacks after Cerys and I have ambushed the sorcerer, the confusion that it creates should help in your favor. >>

[Ari]

GM

 

Kazra's reaction was a little different. Looking furious as Subito translated the Serpent People's plan, she got to her feet and began racing through the trees after the gold-headed imposter. Turning back she called to the Claremonters "I'll take care of that lizard! You lot deal with the sorcerer and his gang! Then we'll get to that bloody city an-" she was interrupted as a dull rumble echoed through the air, sending tremors through the ground!

 

Pausing on one foot in mid-stride, Kazra threw herself to the ground, tilting her head to listen to it. After a few seconds, she slowly got back up and started creeping back.

 

Abruptly dashing back and crushing against Giang's back she whispered "Something enormous is out there. Even the four-legged snakes the Atoms call 'brontosaurs' don't sound like that!" Gulping she added quietly "I-I'll stay with you fellows" and ducked out of sight.

 

Poking her heard around Giang she scowled at Subito "You! Dark boy! You can fly, right? Go fly up past the trees and see if whatever that thing is is nearby!" With a deeper frown she added "And if you can, please do not put your clown suit on. The colours are pretty, but there are too many of them, you'll be too easily seen!"

[Thevshi]

"Understood."  Giang replied as John set out the plan for the engagement.  With a thought, a shimmering sheen of water once more appeared around the Asian teen as she prepared to carry out her assigned task.

 

But then Kazra decided she was just going to do what she thought was best and started to run off to pursue the disguised Serpent Person that was returning to Nova Roma.  Giang looked after the girl with a feeling of frustration and was certain John was going to be even less pleased by her actions.

 

But before anyone could do anything to try to stop Kazra, the ground began to tremble and the girl quickly rushed back to hide behind the Asian teen.  Giang frowned slightly as she looked back over her shoulder.  "I would remind you, we are not your subjects to command.  And insulting one of us is not a way to make us agree to your suggested course of action."  She stated with a slightly stern tone.

 

The Asian teen then looked back to the others, mindful that their window of opportunity to ambush the departing Serpent People was quickly closing.  "However, it may be prudent to see what is causing these tremors, particularly if it is somehow tied to the Serpent People's plot."  She stated with a bit of reluctance. 

[Ari]

"S'alright Giang, my feelings aren't all that hurt" Subito said with a casual grin "I'll go fly up and see what's goin' on, no problem", though he glanced irritably at Kazra for how she'd referred to him as 'dark boy'. Placing a hand over his heart, he asked and was granted, transforming in an explosion of light and emerging clad in his resplendent costume.  "I'll be back in a second!" he called down as he rocketed up into the air, peering around at the misty morning forest that stretched unbroken into the distance.

 

"Hope we don't have to put up with that kid for long" he grumbled to himself, shading his eyes from the glaring Sun with a gloved hand.

[Ari]

GM

 

In the distance, far to the west, a massive creature stood. Its horned and serpentine head reared above the tree canopy, amidst a forest of smaller heads and slighter necks. Even across the miles between it and Heraldo the boy could see its eyes glow green as it tore the top off a tree and devoured it in tremendous jaws.

 

As it ate, it let loose a thundering bellow that reached the young paragon's ears like a crashing wave, the other dinosaurs around it stopping, and then beginning to move. Their tread could be felt faintly by Tsunami as a dull, insistent drum beat. They distant horde was plodding slowly northwards, to the reeking swamps and a pinnacle of sickly-looking rock that glowed brassy in the Sun.

[Ari]

Heraldo stared frozen at the sight, mouth drying and eyes widening as he watched the reptile army making its slow way. "Oh crap" he whispered to himself, suddenly darting out of the sky and slamming into the ground next to the others, hurriedly dusting himself off as he said rapidly "There's a huge army of dinos out there!" he pointed a powerful arm due west, slinging the Bandera over his shoulder "They're headin' for Serpent People territory, I bet they've found some way to make a huge army, or something! We have to stop them!"

 

He paled "That thing Kazra heard..it's the biggest, meanest-lookin' dinosaur I've ever seen, like, bigger than those brontosaur things. I dunno what it is, but it had these glowing eyes so it can't be too normal, mebbe the Serpent guys figured out a way to make new animals?" shrugging his board shoulders he glanced desperately around at the suddenly perilous and evil jungle "We've gotta warn those people in the city, they're in huge danger!"

Edited March 7, 2013 by Arichamus

[Tiffany Korta]

With a simple nod of agreement Blodeuwedd had Dyrnwyn drawn and read for proceed with John’s plan when Subito returned with bad news about the arrival of more Dinosaurs.

 

“Then we defiantly have to go warn the Romans as quickly as possible, but we still have to stop them meeting up with these Serpent people. Maybe you could delay the creatures why we deal with the Serpent people?â€

 

She looked to John for some form of confirmation, in her mind right now he was in charge of the operation. And she had always been taught that in the middle of the op you listen to the leader first before using your initiative.

[Semi-Autogyro]

John analyzed the evidence at hand, mentally collating and sorting it to form an effective battle plan. "The large sauropod with the glowing eyes is likely their 'jade snake'. The temple of Saturn likely is just that, a roman temple dedicated to the titan in question which as Princess Kazra has pointed out is directly in their path. If we halt that, we throw a spanner into the works of their plan." The clone hero was sorely wishing for a map or satellite coverage of some sort at the moment.

 

Realizing that he had the local equivalent, he turned to Kazra. "Is there any large bodies of water or rivers between the herd and the city? Or any other terrain features that could corral or be used as a barrier of sorts?"

[Ari]

GM

The princess looked blank for a second, staring over at where Heraldo had indicated and frowning as she tried to remember. At last the lean girl stepped out from behind Giang just long enough to say "Uhm...I haven't been up there myself" she admitted nervously "B-but some of the hunters who go there from longneck meat, they say there're lots of rivers and such just north of here!" an edge of hope crept into her voice "And they told me all about what lives there and suchlike, I can show you the way!"

Shouldering her bow she added dubiously "Never heard of any temples up there. The Romans build lots though, might just be new!"

Beginning to set off at a brisk pace she looked up at the sky and scowled "I don't think we'll get near the city for at least an hour, maybe a little longer."

---

The sun had nearly set when the small group passed through the village at the gates of Nova Celio, the Romans looking out in surprise at the train led by the sleepy yet energetic Jungle princess. who marched them right up to the harsh white walls of the very new-looking city. As they walked up the angular road up to the iron-banded gate, a harsh voice called down, shouting in Latin <"Halt, outlanders! By order of the first citizen you will announce yourselves. Who are you and what is your business at this hour?"> On the small tower above the gate a short and swarthy man carrying a bow stood, glaring down at the students.

Stepping forward Kazra began in a much more halting version of the language <"We are of the Jungle, we hunt the...uh, the..."> she stopped and looked nervously at the others <"...mighty one?"> Edited March 16, 2013 by Arichamus

[Ari]

The whole thing was a lot to take in, especially the fact that a massive army of ferocious dinosaurs was just miles off. As he removed the mantle of El Heraldo with a wave of his hand, Subito fell in step about the team, listening to the far-off thunder of massive steps, quietly holding Blodeuwedd by her free hand and reminding himself with a bright smile 'At least we're not alone, and we're not helpless. We can beat 'em.' as he glanced over the party. He took a long breath "Hope those Romans are friendly."

 

As they walked, the muscular young Puerto Rican was silent for a long while, his super-human hearing trained on the tangled jungle about them. After a while of slogging along the rutted path however he abruptly spoke "Hey Giang, since we're gonna be a while, how 'bout we talk about ourselves? I'll start" he added blithely and began at once, swinging his arms up behind his head and looking up at the sky "I'm from Puerto Rico. I like going camping, reading classic literature like The Atoms on Paradise World, romantic visits to misty lakes and fighting evil!" the handsome boy laughed cheerily "I've been at Claremont since the summer in 2011, pretty eventful times so far! Ooh, and finding ways to get stronger is always fun too." he looked over at the reserved Asian teen "What about you Giang? What's your favorite book and or favorite person from history?"

  

---

 

By the time they had reached the walls of Nova Celio the Puerto Rican teen was footsore, even dirtier than before, and grumpy. Glaring up at the man on the wall he sighed at Kazra's halting explanation, stepped forward and yelled up in the same language <"We are folks sent by Jungle Lord Zandar! We have come to warn you of a grave danger, and we want lodgin' and food! Now let us in!">

Edited March 16, 2013 by Arichamus

[Thevshi]

The news of the large army dinosaurs was troubling, but at least it was not currently heading into the Roman territories, but towards where the Serpent People dwelled.  "This could be the 'Great Army' the Serpent People shaman was talking about, or at least part of it."  Giang stated.  The Asian teen agreed that the need to warn the Roman’s in the city known as Nova Celio was likely the paramount concern at the moment.

 

Soon the group was back on the march, heading towards the Roman city.  As Subito tried to pass the time by talking a bit, the Asian teen gave a small smile.  "My favorite book is likely the Romance of the Three Kingdoms."  She replied.  "As far as my favorite person from history, that is not an easy question to answer.  But, perhaps I would choose Mencius, a Chinese philosopher and sage and one of the principle interpreters of Confucianism."

Edited March 16, 2013 by Thevshi

[Tiffany Korta]

Blodeuwedd was still scouting slightly ahead of the group as they moved, but she was also paying some attention to what was going on in the group. She often found Subito inane babble relaxing.  At the mention of Mencius she was reminded of a quote which she found herself saying out loud.

“He who attends to his greater self becomes a great man, and he who attends to his smaller self becomes a small man.â€

She looked back at the rest of the group and feeling they needed an explanation of how she knew about him she explained.

“Taid insisted we learn about the philosophers and scholar whilst he taught me to fight. Said it help one understand the fighting styles better. “

[Ari]

GM

 

Squinting down suspiciously at the motley band, the Roman guard hesitated a moment before nodding slowly. <"Very well. I will inform the Princeps of this, and you may see him in the morning. No exceptions!"> he added <<"Doesn't matter what it is, you wait until morning! Hoi, Julius, open the night-gate.">> he added to an unseen comrade, who saluted and dashed downstairs.

 

With a ponderous groan, a small section of the wall beside the gate was levered open, just big enough for a laden horse to get through. Plenty of space for the young heroes.

 

Two men in the armor and uniforms of legionaries fell in with the teens and Kazra as the entered, marching beside them and leading the weary group through silent polished streets to a small inn. One of them, older and bulkier than the other, said impassively to the sleepy innkeeper, who jolted awake from behind the counter as they barged through the door <"Pallas! Lodging for these young men and women. They're messengers from that jungle king Zandar"> he added with a brief glance of contempt at Kazra, then left with a stiff salute.

 

The innkeeper Pallas bustled them upstairs without a murmur, though he did grumble about 'soldierly misers' as the five got their rooms sorted out(two between them), which for cramped stone cells with hard beds weren't bad. None of the party had any trouble sleeping, and awoke at their accustomed times feeling quite refreshed.Tidy meals of fruit and bread had been left for them on the small tables beside their beds.

 

Outside was the hustle and bustle of a dense Roman city, the sound of traffic and markets rumbling like a pale imitation of Freedom City's constant din, and its industriously teeming crowds like City Center on a busy day. Nearly every building in Nova Celio painted in spectacular colors including the magnificent pillared temples that loomed on the hill the rest of the city clustered around. Standing out even from them stood the domed and quite important-looking senate building. This they were led to(after a thorough cleaning and change of clothes by Pallas' wife and her mirthless attendants) by a much more sizable contingent of legionaries who drove them in style up to the broad steps, where they were shown inside by decorated centurions while the retinue dealt with the crowd of curious Romans gathered to see the outlanders.

 

---

 

"What is this nonsense?!" thundered the short yet massively-built Princeps Septissmerus, glaring at the four teens and Jungle Princess standing under the dome. The first citizen was deeply resistant to the news, and glowered by turns at John, Cerys, Giang, Subito and the flag bearing his name clenched in a mighty hand. He waved dismissively at them, calling up to the senators "Brothers of Apollo! What say you?"

"Folly!" shouted a weatherbeaten elder

"An Incan scheme!" yelled a man with dark hair and eyes

"All but a declaration of war" declared a young man with golden hair

"LIES" boomed a man with a bald head and ferocious red beard

The Princeps turned back to the teens "Well? What proof besides this forged livery and wild tale do you have?" he demanded.

 

Kazra's hands were clenched at her sides, and she gritted out "It's the bloody truth. There were fliers dressed like Viracochasuyuns, and they attacked both your ambassadors! We've got things from both sides that prove it, and what do you make of that enormous army of terrorbeasts in the jungle?!"

"A mirage, and Saturn's new temple settling into is foundations." responded the Princeps with impressive contempt, the princess now silent with fury.

 

 

 

[Semi-Autogyro]

Politicians. The clone hero mentally scoffed, the word positively dripping with scorn.

 

Myrmidon steeped forward and addressed the senate, not caring for pleasantries or addresses.

<< What benefit would this being a fabrication bring to us? As impartial outsiders we merely wish to prevent casualties, but it is not our decision to make. Act on the information, which was freely given, or do nothing. Realize that if your hubris clouds your judgement and you choose the path of inaction, the burden of what is to come will rest squarely on your shoulders for not taking even minor precautions. >>

 

He turned his helmet to face the Princeps Septissmerus. << I am certain that your Frumentarii would at least have some evidence corroborating this, but it is apparent you will not trust to word of any outsider. >> He gestured to the others and Kazra as he made his wait to the sentate exit.

 

<< We do not need an escort. We will see ourselves out. >> He intoned, as he brushed past the praetorian guards in the entrance with causal disdain.

[Ari]

"Be with you in a minute!" Subito called after John before turning back to the Senate.

 

"With all due respect to the fact that we're all strangers n 'stuff, my friend's got a pretty good point! We're outsiders here, all the from Earth! We've got no reason to try and deceive you guys about this!" Stepping forward until he was just a few feet from the First Citizen, he added earnestly, gesturing outside as he spoke "And we know about what just happened! With your soldiers and that fake army, I mean! Somebody's probably tryin' to get everyone mad at everyone else, I don't blame you for thinkin' that big huge army of dinos isn't real, but I can tell you right off: it's real." Frowning up at the imposing Roman for a second he tried to gauge if his words were having any effect. Unable to see much change, he cast about for a good course...

 

And his eyes lit up as he found one. "I've got it! I can fly super-fast, how about you let me go and get something from off those big lizards, a horn off the big one! Then you'll know for a fact you've got a bigger threat than imaginary Incans on your hands! And there's some kinda conspiracy, you better ask the others about that." he said with a grim look.