MSNPC Dusan Tornahd - A Desperate Proposal
Travis
((Crater’s edge, Tecra, Da’al))
Dusan wiped the sweat from his brow with back of his hand as he approached the northern lip of the yawning crater. His throat was dry and scratchy from the amount of dust in the air and his eyes were irritated, but he had to push on. He had to know what had happened to them.
Unfortunately, his encounter with the Disaster Response Administrator back at the Palace of Culture hadn't proven to be a coincidence. The couple of workers who had been clearing debris and pair of first responders, but each of them had been just as volatile as the Jiah woman had been. It was unusual, for the typically stoic Da'al to behave this way, but maybe some combination of the stress and trauma had everyone on edge. They'd been at it for a full sun-circuit now and he'd arrived a short time ago.
Still, Dusan had been shocked and disturbed when one of the construction workers had gotten aggressive and taken a swing at him when he'd tried to ask if they'd seen any survivors. Once again, he'd beaten a hasty retreat and taken a more circuitous route around the agitated laborers.
When he saw the silhouette of the group standing near the crater through a passing wind-driven dust storm, he approached with a bit more caution, just in case. Thankfully, it seemed he'd found the other group of Outlanders.
Yalu: Are you hurt?
The largest of the oddly complected group spoke first. He was much taller than Dusan, maybe even taller than his partner Kyin had been-
He felt an ache in his chest like he'd been stabbed. He'd thought of her in the past tense without realizing what he was doing. Rendered momentarily speechless by the flood of emotions that threatened to rend his soul from his body, he managed only a pained expression.
Jones: ::scanning:: No significant physical injuries. ::muttering to himself:: inflammation of the instep, moderate dehydration, elevated cortisol levels, mild carpal-tunnel syndrome…
Osuna: What do you need, friend? Do you know who we are?
Yellir: Take a moment to sit, don’t overdo it.
He tried to blink away the tears that had begun welling up in his eyes and took a ragged breath.
Tornahd: I am uninjured, yes. ::He forced himself to stare up at the large spotted man.:: Are you the Outlanders sent to aid us? ::Beat.:: Tell me, have you found many survivors?
Yalu: We’re setting up a security perimeter around the crater. ::beat:: I’m very sorry to have to tell you this, but we’ve not come across any survivors yet.
Dusan made a sound that was part pained-groan and part exasperated sigh. He tried to firm up his credibility by name-dropping important people, a skill he'd honed in the business world.
Tornahd: I... I'm trying to find my family. ::He gestured back in the direction he'd come.:: I met your friends Vito Silver and Genky Adios at the Palace of Culture, but my partner and children weren't in any of the refugee camps or medical tents...
Osuna: Very little is certain at the moment. Communication lines are overwhelmed and local crews are still working throughout the area… You really ought to be waiting for more information in a safe location, sir.
Jones: Are you sure they were in this area? ::trying to give a glimmer of hope:: perhaps they were visiting friends or shopping?
He shook his head at the first man's suggestion and nodded hopefully at the second, but then the astoundingly pink-skinned person snapped her instrument closed and added spoke too.
Yellir: A lot of this city is incredibly structurally durable, they may have found shelter just in time.
Tornahd: Yes. ::He nodded.:: This is my hope. I was away on business in Vdam when... ::He gestured at the crater.:: I should have- I should have been with them...
Yalu: Responses
Osuna: I’m afraid we’re closing off the crater now in coordination with the local authorities. The crater has been deemed unsafe… We’re not here to enforce those limitations, but I would highly suggest you consider your own health and safety, if you want to be of any help to your family, should you be reconnected.
Again, Dusan shook his head. He'd bribed, bent and broken numerous rules and regulations to make it this far. He wasn't about to give up yet. He brushed dust off of his business tunic tried to appear more formidable.
Jones: Can you think of nowhere else they might have gone?
He glanced down into the crater, overlaying the location where his community had once been. Nothing recognizable stood in its place. He shivered slightly, despite the heat.
Tornahd: Kyin-- My partner-- She has an antique book store in Ertas Square. It's poss- Maybe they were there?
Osuna: You’ll have to forgive us… We’re still getting our footing in the area. Whereabouts is that, Mr…?
He pointed to a distant point on the other side of the crater. By his estimation, it would be just outside of the impact zone, but well within the blast radius. If they had sought shelter... maybe it was possible... he dared to hope.
Tornahd: Dusan. Dusan Tornahd. And It's there, just beyond the lip of the crater on the other side. It was an old building, but well built... if they made it into the book cellar in time... Maybe...
Dusan knew there were an increasingly complex array of "ifs" that were required for his family to still be alive, but the distant hope was the only thing keeping him going. The friendly pink woman convened quietly with the apparent leader for a moment.
Yellir: ::to Yogan:: that’s right on our path, isn’t it? Forgive me if this isn’t my place, but a slight detour won’t affect our schedule too harshly, won’t it?
Yalu: Responses
Yellir: Mr. Tornahd, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I’m Hallia Yellir.
Tornahd: And you as well Hallia ::He shifted gaze to the rest of the group.:: And all of you. I will tell you that most of the people I've encountered today have not been nearly so friendly.
Yalu/Osuna/Jones: Response?
Yellir: I haven’t detected any kind of interference, but our tricorders should boost our chances when we do find something.
Yalu/Osuna/Jones: Response?
A thought occured to him; a way to sweeten the deal of their helping him. He took a step toward Hallia and Yogan.
Tornahd: There is something I can offer in return. ::Beat.:: I'm the regional logistics coordinator for Turyon Heavy Industries. ::He waved a hand in effort to cut to the chase.:: I can lend you any number of large machinery for the duration. Earth movers, transport sleds... anything. If you can just help me get over there and check.
Any:Response?
Dusan grimaced. Perhaps they had had more pleasant dealings with the local responders than he had.
Tornahd: I'm not sure, but this crisis seems to have people on edge. I've been accosted a few times just making it this far. I'd truly appreciate the escort.
Any: Response?
Tag/Tbc
Lt. Talos Dakora
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Artemis-A
O238811CD0
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Lt. Talos Dakora
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Artemis-A
O238811CD0