Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards

Iwaku

Edgelord
Original poster
SITE ACCOUNT
FOLKLORE MEMBER
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Lucinda enters.] <span class="time">-01:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Shanks enters.] <span class="time">-01:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Elsa Tizonneaux enters.] <span class="time">-01:29 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Though the sun had just set upon the French Quarter, the city was alive in riotous celebration, and had been since sun up. The streets were full of food vendors, floats and costumed revelers, while krewe officials passed out prizes and treats to the hundreds of outstretched hands. At the end of the stately avenue, sat the Bottom of the World Bed and Breakfast, a barely disguised speakeasy that had opened a little over a year ago. The celebration within rivaled the one in the streets. Indeed, it seemed the walls of the two-story building would burst from the crush of bodies-patron and employee-alike jammed inside. And yet, no one seemed to mind. They had popped open another keg of Lucinda's famous bathtub gin, and already, more glasses were being passed around. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Sandy enters.] <span class="time">-01:31 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Jackie Boudreaux enters.] <span class="time">-01:33 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda Pesci was running around like a chicken with its head cut off and knew exactly where it was going and what it was doing. The smaller woman eased her way between bodies, calling out to greet customers or to bark orders at her staff. &quot;Jackie! Have the girls send more gin over to the parlour! The gents are thirsty in there!&quot; She called over the den before moving on further in. <span class="time">-01:35 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=2>[Elsa Tizonneaux stood on the stage of the speakeasy, her smokey voice ringing out across the patrons. In her left hand the microphone stand, in her right a lit cigarette. Her body was clothed in a slinky black dress that flattered her figure. Her words rolled out of her mouth like the smoke from her cigarette, all in French as the New Orleans feel would dictate]</font> <span class="time">-01:36 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Sandy! Why aren't you at the door sniffing for cops?&quot; Lucinda called from her perch on the staircase. <span class="time">-01:38 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Yes ma'am, Ms. Lucinda!&quot; &quot;Your wish is mah command...&quot; Jackie added in jokingly. &quot; 'Ey, girlies, mind sending in some refreshments for the gents over 'dere in the parlour?&quot; <span class="time">-01:38 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"So much fo' havin' ourselves a good time!" one of the barmaids huffed and lifted a tray heavy with drinking glasses. "Hold that thought, Jackie boy, we'll continue when ah' get back." The younger girl winked at him and disappeared into the throng. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy moved from his spot near the back with a nod and, with heavy steps, moved through the room to stand closer to the door and at an advantageous spot to see outside as well. <span class="time">-01:41 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #00FF66; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> Ricky Shanks - a blunt man in a sharp suit. A weasel in bear's clothing. The gangster chewed a toothpick as he leant by the window. The street outside was in festive swing, alive with dancing lights. His eyes were the mirror - dark, ruthless... and a little bit absent. Silver Dollar Sam would need all the scoping Shanks could muster tonight. He had to be on his game. <span class="time">-01:44 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot; 'Ey now, watch dem doors, Sandy. We can't have 'dem nasty ol' po'lice showing up here and ruining this here lovely party, now can we?&quot; Jackie winked as he grabbed a shot glass from a nearby barmaid, taking a soft sip with a wink. <span class="time">-01:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;You know mes petits, love is a funny thing. Ze love of ze drink, par exemple, is very amusing,&quot; Elsa rattled off as the band prepared for the next song, &quot;You know ze drink loves you, and mais oui, I know you love it, alors, ze drink abandons you and trades with its sister, sickness, so remember mes petites, don't let ze drink trade places or you might meet le vomi!&quot; A hoarse chuckle issues from her as the band started to play the first notes of the next song and the French lyrics began to roll off her lips again. <span class="time">-01:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda's eyes passed over the room once more, before she took the place of the barmaid previously speaking to Jackie. The woman was a whirlwind of movement, and it was difficult to tell just how she managed to move about such a crowded place so easily. It was as if there were a secret passage only she knew about. &quot;So, Jackie, you still got mah' special brew safe behind that counter?&quot; Lucinda grinned at the bellboy. She was talking about the caskets of champagne they had managed to smuggle all the way from France for the occasion. <span class="time">-01:46 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #00FF66; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> The first thing Shanks was gonna stab was that goddam singer. He hated people what used the French-talk to make themselves look smart. <span class="time">-01:47 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Ah, but of course, Miss Lucinda! Perhaps it's time for a little, eh.... 'Preview' of 'da taste, no?~&quot; <span class="time">-01:48 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"SING SOMETHING SAD, MON CHER!" A man in the audience belched, a half-empty champagne bottle in his hand. Lucinda narrowed her eyes. How had he gotten one of the bottles so early? He must have swiped it. The man was causing a ruckus, and that was saying a lot for this kind of party. "It looks like someone already has, Jackie." She cast him a glance, before turning back to the man again. His complexion was strange, and so were his jerky movements. He had obviously had enough. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"JUDSON SAM WAS A SON OF A BITCH--" <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Her eyes narrowed. &quot;Sandy...&quot; <span class="time">-01:51 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"CRASHED HIS BUGGY IN A WHOREHOUSE DITCH!" <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;He's had enough!&quot; Lucinda called to her security. &quot;Throw 'em out, Sandy!&quot; <span class="time">-01:51 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF5333; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> Tonight was the night. With all the Mardis Gras noise they Black Hands could hit this place and shoot up some rumrunners and people would think it was fireworks. Plus the carnival gave them a crowd to get lost in, once they had swiped the booze. Blood and gin was gonna flow tonight. Shanks grinned as he chewed his toothpick and watched the room <span class="time">-01:52 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Having already heard the man, Sandy was at attention. When he heard the tone of voice of Lucinda, he quickly walked across the room, grabbed the man by his shirt and threw him out into the street. <span class="time">-01:52 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Eh? Already had him a taste, well damn...I gotta say I'm pretty jealous of 'dis man...&quot; Jackie said with a pouty lip. <span class="time">-01:53 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> 'Tough son of a bitch, that one.' thought Shanks as he watched Sandy sling out the drunk. He would have to shoot that guy first. <span class="time">-01:53 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"'ey! Ah'm a payin' customer!" The man scratched and kicked Sandy all the way to the door, and getting a faceful of dirt for his trouble. The man lay in the street for a few moments, but that went unnoticed by Sandy, as he closed the door again. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa had narrowly stopped herself from stepping out of the stage, taking the razor out of her bra and cut his throat wide open. No instead she ignored the heckler and kept on singing. <span class="time">-01:55 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Thank you, babi~&quot; Lucinda cooed, massaging her temples. &quot;No, no champagne until midnight. You know how I hate to ruin surprises.&quot; <span class="time">-01:55 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Happy that his mistress was pleased, Sandy took his place near the door again. <span class="time">-01:56 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Ah, dat'll make the surprise so much more exciting, non? But dang, we still got ourselves an unhappy customa!&quot; He was referring to Shanks, chewing on his toothpick. He grabbed a shot glass and strode over to the man. &quot;C'mon now, have ya'self a little drink, celebrate!&quot; He offered the glass to Shanks. <span class="time">-01:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Scram, bellhop!&quot; retorted Shanks, standing to his full height, despite having a voice like a suprano. &quot;I's just here for the ambiance.&quot; He glared at Jackie whilst rolling his shoulders. <span class="time">-02:00 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> By now, Lucinda was distracted with something else, already halfway across the room, a drink in her hand for Elsa. Or else she would have recognized Shanks. <span class="time">-02:00 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> When the singer had finished her next set, Lucinda placed the glass on the end of the stage. &quot;For your troubles, lovely.&quot; <span class="time">-02:02 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Oh merci mon petit! I could certainly use zis.&quot; She smiled as she caught site of Lucinda approaching with a glass she assumed was for her. She was going to need it if the crowd was anything like that man. <span class="time">-02:03 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot; 'Ey nah, no need to get violent, now, no no no! We all just here to...enjoy ourselves, ya' know?&quot; He threw his throat back, downing the shotglass easily. &quot;Ah well, suit ya'self, I s'pose...&quot; <span class="time">-02:03 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;What choo say about my suit?&quot; yelled Shanks, his voice getting even higher as he squared up with Jackie. <span class="time">-02:04 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy saw Shanks stand and start to get a little unruly and stomped his way over. &quot;Can I help you sah?&quot; <span class="time">-02:04 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Yeah, youz can help me!&quot; Shanks answered, taking out his toothpick and pointing at Jackie. &quot;Youz can take yer gorilla and find him a tree to swing from!&quot; <span class="time">-02:05 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;There's more where that came from!&quot; Lucinda grinned, trying to keep her one good singer in good spirits. &quot;If you need to take five minutes, have Zib and the orchestra take over for a while.&quot; Lucinda trailed off at the sound of commotion behind her, and turned around. &quot;...Oh no...&quot; Her eyes widened in recognition. &quot;Elsa!&quot; she hissed, pulling the woman off the stage and reaching into her own coat pocket. &quot;Get down!&quot; <span class="time">-02:07 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Ah, da' pot calling 'da kettle black, now...&quot; Jackie retorted humorously. He wasn't one to back away from a confrontation. &quot;In case Sandy here don't getcha...I most certainleh will.&quot; <span class="time">-02:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Alors, it seems ton mere has found a bit of love and I must take my exit for a min-oof&quot; Elsa tried to talk her way off the stage to give off a respectable appearence but was uncerimoniously dragged down. &quot;Easy mon petit, this outfit is expensive! C'est Parisienne!&quot; <span class="time">-02:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Moving to stand between Jackie and Shanks, Sandy looked down at Shanks. Lucinda yelled for everyone to get down, but Sandy did no such thing. He was staring down Shanks still. <span class="time">-02:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;You got summin' to say, Rum-boy?&quot; shouted Shanks. He was hopping from foot to foot now, his whole body shaking. With one hand he flicked his toothpick against Sandy's chest. <span class="time">-02:10 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> &quot;Stand down, Sah, or leave these premises,&quot; Sandy told the man, not fazed one bit. <span class="time">-02:12 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;I reckon I just might, d'ere...But ah'm a gentleman first, a fighter second, so ah'll let the lady say his part first.&quot; He pointed to Shanks with a smirk on his face. <span class="time">-02:12 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> (*her part) <span class="time">-02:12 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda swore under her breath and pulled Elsa through the crowd of drunken men, who were oblivious to the fight about to break out near the door. Hands reached out to grab at the beautiful Elsa, but Lucinda swatted them away. &quot;Now, now gents! She's delicate!&quot; She joked, the humor covering the terror. She recognized the man as Shanks, and even though he was a weasely son of a bitch, he was still Silver Dollar Sam's right hand man. Just like her father had been... <span class="time">-02:13 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Oh, I'm gonna leave the premises!&quot; Shanks sneered, bouncing up and down in Sandy's eyeline. &quot;I's gonna leave the premises real good. You ain't even knowin' how bad I's gonna leave the premises!&quot; <span class="time">-02:13 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda's right hand, still in her coat pocket, clutched her pistol as she tried to get Elsa behind the bar. <span class="time">-02:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> &quot;Now, Sah. Let's not get violent. Leave peaceably, see?&quot; <span class="time">-02:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa wasn't going to fight, if Lucinda needed her away from the stage for something she was going to follow. The men who grabbed at her were of the unsavory sort but they seemed to make it to the bar without much issue. Squatting down behind the bar, however was not something she was entirely happy about it. &quot;My drink! Mon dieu, my drink! I think someone took it while we were going through ze crowd!&quot; She pouted. <span class="time">-02:16 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> His other hand reached in his pocket. &quot;You rum-fucks think you own the place, don't cha? You messin' wi' the wrong peoples, you is!&quot; <span class="time">-02:16 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Shhh!&quot; Lucinda passed Elsa an unopened bottle. &quot;Here, hang onto that.&quot; She was peaking over the edge of the bar; Jackie was there, too. Shit! This was going to get difficult. <span class="time">-02:18 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy's eyes narrowed. His experience said that pockets contained guns. Not wanting a shooting match to start up in the establishment, Sandy grabbed hold of Shanks by the arm. &quot;Sah, I warned you. Now, take it outside!&quot; <span class="time">-02:19 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Well, if 'da lady requests some trouble, who am I to say no?&quot; Jackie reached in his pocket, pulling out a revolver. He cocked it and aimed it at Shanks, unflinching as Sandy grabbed him by his arm. <span class="time">-02:19 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> Shanks's face twisted into a grin as his arm was grabbed and Jackie pulled a revolver. &quot;Oh no...&quot; he hissed, locking eyes with Sandy. &quot;Outside's gonna TAKE you.&quot; He lunged forward suddenly, headbutting Sandy between the eyes. And as the man stumbled he got his hand free of his pocket and swung it.... AWAY from Jackie... towards the window. His palm pressed flat to the glass, smearing it in the ink that he had poured in his pocket. A hand-shaped smudge was left on the pane... black..... A BLACK HAND <span class="time">-02:21 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> The color drained from Lucinda's face. &quot;JACKIE! SANDY! GET AWAY FROM THE--&quot; <span class="time">-02:22 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The door exploded in a hail of splinters and gangsters came rushing in, fanning out in tight formation and pulling weapons from their trenchcoats. The crowd screamed as a chorus of tommy guns fired over their heads, shattering the chandeliers and sending dust showering across the bar <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy blinked away the pain that he felt on his face. It was still never easy to get hit in the face like that. His eyes stopped seeing colors right about the time the door exploded and Sandy was bombarded with the sight of guns everywhere. <span class="time">-02:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Ah bon! Come to mama you petit bouvre you!&quot; Elsa cooed to the bottle quietly as she seached the bar for a bottle opener. Suddenly the bar went insane as she heard the sounds of guns being fired, her voice among the others screaming. <span class="time">-02:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Damn, just when 'dis place was getting lively!&quot; Jackie whined as he ducked down. He crawled to a table, turning it over. He could use this as cover. &quot;Well, 'dey say two are better than one....&quot; He pulled out a second revolver, making sure he cocked it. &quot;Aye, can't get no more lively 'dan dis....&quot; <span class="time">-02:26 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Dis bar now belongs to da Black Hand!&quot; yelled Shanks as he drew his pistol and wiped his ink-stained hand on his suit. He fired another bullet into the air and grinned manically. Silver Dollar Sam was gonna be real pleased with him. <span class="time">-02:26 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda closed her eyes and counted to ten, like her father had taught her, and waited for the first wave of bullets to clear. Guys like these never conserved their ammo. Next to her, one of the beer kegs was spewing, Lucinda pressed her lips to the stream and took a long drink, before standing, pistol drawn, unfazed by the bullets that sailed past her. She took aim for the chandelier above Shanks and fired. <span class="time">-02:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The Black Hand gangsters turned their attention to the bar. Three tommy guns levelled in unison and a hail of bullets slammed into the drinks shelf, moving left towards Lucinda's head <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;OVER MY DEAD BODY!&quot; <span class="time">-02:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Not hesitating with the guns in front of him, Sandy quickly ran to his mistress and behind the bar. She was his first priority. <span class="time">-02:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;--GAH!&quot; Lucinda was knocked to the floor, Sandy on top of her. &quot;What are you doing?! Let me at that rat bastard!&quot; <span class="time">-02:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Dat de idea, lady!&quot; Shanks retorted. &quot;We'z bring your operation to an e--&quot; The chandelier fell on Shanks and knocked him unconscious, light fittings and masonry spraying everywhere <span class="time">-02:29 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> &quot;You are in danger, mistress,&quot; Sandy said, not quite comprehending why his mistress was upset with him now. <span class="time">-02:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot; 'Ey now, ya'll take 'dis bar, I'm out of a job. Can't let'cha do 'dat!&quot; Jackie peeked his head out from behind the table, taking aim at the most prone gangster, and fired. He heard a thump against the floor, and retreated behind the table for safety. <span class="time">-02:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa couldn't help but scream as the bullets ripped their way above the bar sending chunks of wood and debris down on her head. &quot;ZIS IS NOT WHAT I HAD PLANNED WHEN OFFERED ZIS JOB!&quot; She cried out taking a deep swig from the bottle, her hands shaking. <span class="time">-02:31 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>One of the gangsters leapt on top of the table Jackie was hiding under, pointing his tommy gun downwards. The bullets thudded through the tabletop and struck the floor around Jackie's arms and legs <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;I've been in danger since the day I was born!&quot; Lucinda struggled from beneath the larger man, trying to yell over the bullets. &quot;They're after the coffin varnish!&quot; Elsa and Sandy stared at her blankly. &quot;...The Giggle Water!&quot; Still blank. &quot;The Ishkabibble maker!&quot; ... &quot;THE BOOZE!&quot; <span class="time">-02:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda reached her gun-wielding arm over the counter, fired two random shots, then continued. &quot;We've gotta get to the cellar and load everything up before they find the secret door!&quot; <span class="time">-02:33 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;ZE BOOZE!?&quot; With a scream of rage Elsa snatched the pistol from Lucinda's hands and copied her move, shooting a couple of shots from over the bar. &quot;NON! ZEY WILL NOT TAKE MON BOOZE!&quot; <span class="time">-02:34 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Uuugh... momma... I dun want the gammon... no more gammon, momma.&quot; Shanks suddenly snapped out of his daze and sat bolt upright. He had lost his hat and his toothpick, but not his gun. &quot;Dirty sons o' bitches!&quot; he muttered as he crawled behind the stage and peeked around for someone to shoot. <span class="time">-02:34 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Oh, shi-&quot; Jackie quickly fired back upon the gangster, retreating further into the bar, firing behind himself to cover his retreat. &quot;Momma always said I had 'da devil's luck, I guess she was right!&quot; <span class="time">-02:35 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Finally getting what her mistress was saying, Sandy nodded. &quot;Shall I go ahead then?&quot; he asked. <span class="time">-02:35 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Other guests were fleeing, deserting the bar like a river of screams and sweating flesh. The gangsters were jostled as they tried to get further into the joint, and more tommy gun blasts hit the ceiling as they tried to scatter the guests. <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Behind da bar!&quot; Shanks screeched, waving frantically at his fellow gangster. &quot;Dem rum-fucks is hiding behind the bar! Getz a molotov in dere!&quot; <span class="time">-02:37 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The other gangsters nodded, two of them covering the bar while another pair prepped a bottle and oil-soaked rag. <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Across town, it was business as usual for Chief Atticus R. Hennessy. It was Mardi Gras night, and so far they had arrested hundreds of revelers and confiscated even more spirits. The Federal Agent's face was impassive as he made his way through the noisy streets, his eyes steady and forward. Another suited man ran next to him, before matching his easy step. "Sir, reports of some trouble breaking out in the French Quarter, could be a gang war." Atticus' eyes narrowed, already knowing who and what the officer could be referring to. "Alright, pull all the agents from the streets. We're going to need everyone." <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa peeked her head over the bar just enough to see what was going on, and her eyes widened as she saw the preperations for the molotov. &quot;Zat is pas bien!&quot; She quickly dropped back down as a few more shots from the tommy guns peppered the back wall and slid the pistol back to Lucinda before crawling towards the cellar as fast as her limbs would take her. <span class="time">-02:38 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Everyone?" the agent asked, flabbergasted. "Everyone," Atticus nodded before continuing on toward the French Quarter. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Damn, 'dey 'bout to pull out 'dat fire bottle, 'den we all done for!&quot; Jackie hesitated, then ran towards the gangsters, taking a few random shots before diving behind the table again. <span class="time">-02:40 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Hey Shanks!&quot; Lucinda called from behind the bar. &quot;Is that you, little Shanks? I know it must be! You still got that little weasel voice!&quot; <span class="time">-02:42 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Dat gorilla makin' a monkey outta us!&quot; Shanks squeaked, before crawling over the stage and leaping behind another overturned table. He began trading shots with Jackie, the shootout sending bullets richocheting off the walls and shattering glasses. <span class="time">-02:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;THIS LITTLE WEASELS GONNA EAT SOME RATS TONIGHT, BITCH!&quot; Shanks retorted at the bar, in between loading. <span class="time">-02:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda was busy reloading her pistol. &quot;I can't hear what you say, Shanks! You're gonna have to speak up!&quot; She motioned for Sandy to follow Elsa. &quot;Hurry,&quot; she whispered. &quot;I'll catch up.&quot; <span class="time">-02:44 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;I SAID.... THIS RAT'S GONNA... I MEAN, THIS WEASEL'S GONNA... wait, which one am I?&quot; <span class="time">-02:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Yer the weasel, boss," answered one of the other gangsters, who carried on lighting the molotov <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda cocked her pistol the peaked from behind the bar. &quot;You're a dirty, high-voiced rat, Shanks!&quot; She fired a few shots before she caught sight of the molotov. &quot;Shi--&quot; Lucinda changed her aim from Shanks to the gangster. <span class="time">-02:46 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Dis gorilla's 'bout to teach ya'll monkeys how to play in 'dis here jungle!&quot; Jackie took a few more shots, aiming at the gangsters with the molotov. He kept still for a moment too long, feeling a bullet graze his arm, leaving a nice little cut. <span class="time">-02:46 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;NO! WE'VE JUST ESTABLISHED... YOU'RE THE RAT! I'M THE WEASEL!&quot; <span class="time">-02:46 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;THEN HOW COME YOU FUCK YOUR OWN MOMMA LIKE A RAT?!&quot; Lucinda's leg shot out, unseen under the bar, and kicked Sandy in the ribs, motioning for him to hurry up and crawl down the hidden door after Elsa. <span class="time">-02:48 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa found her way to the trap door that led down into the basement and propped it open as wide as she dared, hoping that none of the gangsters could see what she was doing. Without wasting a moment she threw he legs down and began climbing the ladder into the cellar. &quot;Zis is not mon job!&quot; She murmered taking one last longing look at the booze behind the bar before heading down all the way. <span class="time">-02:48 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The gangster with the molotov got it twice - one bullet from Lucinda and one from the Jackie. He bucked and fell forward, the lit bottle rolling from his hand and towards the bar. It caught on the alcohol soaked floor, and all at once a line of fire shot up between the bar and the gangsters. <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;WHAT CHOO SAY ABOUT MY MOM--AAAAGH!&quot; Shanks crawled away in panic as a wall of fire erupted between himself and the bar. <span class="time">-02:50 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy's eyes widened at the flames and he grabbed Lucinda and carried her out of the bar towards the back. <span class="time">-02:50 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>A spray of tommy gun fire drove Sandy and Lucinda back from the door. There was no escape. They would have to leap through the fire if they wanted to follow the others <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Now look what you done gone did, ya' damn rat!&quot; He pulled the triggers rapidly, but nothing could be heard but clicking. &quot;Tch...&quot; He threw the guns at the gangsters and tried to get to Sandy and Lucinda. <span class="time">-02:52 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;THERE!&quot; yelled Shanks as he pointed at the cut off Lucinda and Jackie. &quot;SHOOT DEM RUM-FU--&quot; He got clonked on the head by Jackie's empty gun and fell forward, smashing through a table. <span class="time">-02:53 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> [[*Lucinda and Sandy]] <span class="time">-02:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Go! Go! FASTER FASTER!! WRONG WAY--OOf!!&quot; As the flames engulfed her bar, Lucinda slapped Sandy's rear end, urging him on as he ran through the flames and back as he carried her to the trapdoor. <span class="time">-02:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Trying to think fast, though not his strength, Sandy ran back towards the bar only to see it go up in flames. Receiving smacks, Sandy finally figured out what he was to be doing and hurried towards and through the flames. <span class="time">-02:55 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Together, the two tumbled down into the dark, barely evading the spray of bullets. &quot;JACKIE!&quot; Lucinda called from the pile of bodies--Elsa and Sandy--that she was lying upon. &quot;QUIT HORSING AROUND AND GET IN HERE!&quot; <span class="time">-02:55 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;No momma... I ain't got nuffin against the gammon.... I just prefer chicken, is all....&quot; Shanks woke from his daze again and sat bolt upright, squinting through the smoke. &quot;PUT DA FIRE OUT, YOU SCHMUCKS!&quot; he yelled at the other gangsters <span class="time">-02:56 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Je vais tuer chacun de vous, après ce n'est plus. Ma robe est ruinée! IL EST PARISIEN! GET. OFF. OF. MOI!&quot; Elsa shouted as she squirmed from underneath someone's arm. &quot;Where are ze lights?&quot; <span class="time">-02:57 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Ah'm coming, Miss Lucinda, dang! All 'dis fire makes it a mighty pain to see where I'm runnin'!&quot; Jackie followed the voice diving through the trapdoor, and landing on god knows who. <span class="time">-02:57 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Out in the streets a man stumbled past the Federal Agents. "...was a son of a bitch..." they paid no mind to the drunk as he stumbled past them, into the crowd. "...buggy...whorehouse...ditch." <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Shifting to get on his feet, Sandy was shoved back down as Jackie fell on top of him. <span class="time">-02:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;No lights!&quot; Lucinda grumbled from beneath the bodies, getting an elbow in the face. &quot;bolt the trapdoor and let's go before they find us!&quot; <span class="time">-02:59 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>There wasn't much water. The gangsters had to make do with beating the fire with torn off curtains and trenchcoats. One even tried throwing soup at it. And Ricky paced around behind them, scratching his head with the barrel of his pistol <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Why all 'dese nice nights gotta end up with damn fire all 'da time? Y'all know I don't like all dis fire none!&quot; Jackie whispered as he bolted the trapdoor shut. <span class="time">-03:02 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>As the flames were slowly abated, there came a thunderous pounding from the front door that shook the very foundations of the 'bed and breakfast.' <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Silver Dollar Sam's gonna be sore if we don't get dat booze. Dem rum-fucks is slippery, dey is.&quot; <span class="time">-03:02 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> Shanks froze on the spot as he heard the knock at the door. <span class="time">-03:03 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The line of gangsters spun on their heels, bringing up their tommy guns, the bar smouldering behind them. They were caught between a rock and a hard place. <span class="time">-Shanks</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa felt her way out from where she was on the ground and made her way to the wall to help pull herself up. &quot;Either I 'ave hit my head on somezing or does anyone else smell...er champignon, what is ze word?&quot; Elsa pondered as she slowly let her eyes adjust to the darkness as best as they could so she could make her way to the others. <span class="time">-03:05 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>There was a moment of tense silence, as all the gangsters followed Shank's gaze. For the second time that night, the bar exploded with renewed gunfire as uniformed men poured into the bar, their badges flashing. "Bureau of Prohibition! HANDS IN THE AIR!" <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;It's the champagne,&quot; Lucinda chimed in as they made their way through the darkness, towards the cellar. &quot;And it was expensive, too. All the way from France...Damn shame we couldn't enjoy it.&quot; <span class="time">-03:06 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;SHIIIIT!&quot; squealed Shanks as the line of tommy gunners opened up on instinct behind him. Bullets whizzed across the room and shouts and gunsmoke filled the air. Shanks sprinted sideways and threw himself towards the window, smashing out into the cold night air and leaving his gang to be mown down. <span class="time">-03:07 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Stinks, though...&quot; <span class="time">-03:07 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Dang, knew we should'a enjoyed ourselves earlier, Miss Lucinda...&quot; <span class="time">-03:07 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Probably got ripped off...&quot;she added glumly. <span class="time">-03:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Not until midnight, Jackie boy,&quot; Lucinda teased. <span class="time">-03:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Non! Not <i>champagne</i>, champignon, zose petit things zat look like er, le part zat men 'ave zat we ladies do not!&quot; Elsa was thankful for the cover of darkness to hide her blushing. She couldn't be so indecent with men around, it just wasn't proper. At least not until she'd slept with them at least once. <span class="time">-03:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy latched the trapdoor once he was finally able to get onto his feet. <span class="time">-03:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>the agents fanned across the bar, taking up positions behind upturned tables and barstools. A fire fight ensued. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> (ignore that, had it saved and forgot to clear it) <span class="time">-03:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Her French was terrible. &quot;You mean an ego?&quot; <span class="time">-03:10 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;D'ey ain't gonna be anything to enjoy at 'dis rate, dang...&quot; <span class="time">-03:11 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Atticus caught sight of Shanks slipping out through the window, and moved to pursue him. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Hopefully, the rat would lead him right to the nest. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;AH!&quot; Elsa gasped, &quot;Mushrooms, non? Iz zat ze word? pourquoi suis-je même essayer de déranger, c'est probablement juste mon imagination.&quot; <span class="time">-03:12 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Oh...that's not mushrooms, that's raw sewage. This passageway cuts through the sewers.&quot; Lucinda responded airily and brushed past the singer. <span class="time">-03:13 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>They at last came to the cellar, carved deep into the muck and silt beneath the bed and breakfast. In the musty darkness, they could see the faint glow of the gin within the hundreds of bottles that lined the walls. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>in the far corner of the cellar was a rusty pick up truck used for making deliveries, as well as a shotgun stowed in the cab. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> Jackie's eyes lit up at the sight of all the gin, crawling ahead of the group. He grabbed two bottles, clinking them against each other. &quot;Eh? C'mon, just a little drink, ya'll!&quot; he begged. <span class="time">-03:17 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Shit! Fuck! Mother.. fuck! Shit! Ass!&quot; Shanks hobbled away from the bed and breakfast, fragments of glass lodged in his face and limbs. Behind him, the Black Hand Gang had been massacred by the feds and smoke was pouring into the night sky. He limped around to the adjacent shopfront and pressed his back to the wall, gasping for breath as he hid in the shadows. <span class="time">-03:17 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Vasko enters.] <span class="time">-03:17 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> A gun pressed to Ricky's temple <span class="time">-03:18 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> Shanks's eyes went wide, his body freezing. He was suddenly aware of the man in the shadows next to him. <span class="time">-03:18 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;You're almost there,&quot; spoke the deep voice of Elijah Vasko. The accent was unplaceable. The gun didn't tremble for a moment. &quot;Just go in through the back way.&quot; <span class="time">-03:19 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Whu... who the fuck are you?&quot; squeaked Shanks. <span class="time">-03:19 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Hennessy rounded the corner, still expecting Shanks to be further ahead, and almost stumbled upon the two. He immediately ducked back around the corner, and pressed himself against the brick wall, listening in on their conversation. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;A mutual player.&quot; Vasko presse the gun harder to Shanks's temple. &quot;Now finish what you started. There's a trapdoor behind the tailor's counter.&quot; He pressed a key into Shanks's trembling hand. <span class="time">-03:21 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Damn, that man had a high voice... <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;S... Silver D-D-Dollar Sssam?&quot; whispered Shanks. &quot;D-did he s-send you?&quot; <span class="time">-03:22 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> In the darkness, Vasko's grizzled face curled slightly in a smile. &quot;I was sent by a higher power,&quot; the Cultist answered, and then... in a heartbeat... he was gone. <span class="time">-03:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;AH! BON! A VEHICLE! I shall take a seat in zere, for I will not be able to aid in the loading of ze truck. Alors I am just a frail songstress.&quot; She sighed, making her way around the truck as best as she could and began to fight with the rusty door to try and yank it open. <span class="time">-03:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Oh, why not,&quot; Lucinda snatched up a bottle and took a swig. &quot;It'll calm our nerves. But make it fast.&quot; Lucinda's gaze followed Elsa for a moment, flashing with annoyance before she grinned. &quot;Good idea Elsa, you can cover us. Anyone comes through the door, blast 'em with that shotgun!&quot; <span class="time">-03:25 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> She turned to Jackie and Sandy. &quot;Drink up quick, boys, and get as many of these in that truck as you can.&quot; <span class="time">-03:26 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Hennessy's eyes narrowed. A higher power? Did he mean another mafia family? <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Mother..f.. shit...&quot; muttered Shanks as he wiped sweat and blood from his brow. He peered through the night, trying to see where the mysterious benefactor had gone, but only saw the Mardis Gras crowds and the one of two groups who had come to stare at the burning bed and breakfast. He continued cursing and whimpering as he took the key and opened the adjacent shop, slipping in between the shelves of clothes. <span class="time">-03:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Aw man, I've been waiting 'da whole night for 'dis!&quot; Jackie exclaimed excitedly, popping open the bottle and taking a swig. &quot;Oh, so nice....Aye aye, Miss Lucinda!&quot; He corked the bottle and placed it carefully in the truck, leaving to get more bottles to load up. <span class="time">-03:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy ignored the drink and started to load up the booze. He was familiar with this loading and leaving process and just wanted to get this loaded so they could get to the leaving. The bridge of his nose still hurt a little. <span class="time">-03:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Officers were already carting out the cuffed and injured gangsters, while agents tried to keep the crowd from getting inside. "Sure is a rowdy bunch tonight!" One officers yelled to another as he shoved a masked woman away from the burning building. The woman snarled and clawed at him. "Whoa!" The officer shoved her to the ground and began to cuff her even as she screamed and struggled. "Say, where's the Chief?" <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Mais oui! Zis shotgun is going to be mon amis toujours!&quot; Elsa said as the door to the truck finally opened to her yanking with an uncomfortable groan. She hoisted herself up and scooted to the middle of the seat and pried the shotgun free and aimed it down the tunnel. &quot;Oh Jackie, mon amis, bring maman one of zose bottles when you are done, I could use a drink as well.&quot; <span class="time">-03:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> While the boys busied themselves with the gin, Lucinda was taking great pains to get the caskets of champagne loaded. The truck was quickly filling up, there was no way they would all be able to fit. &quot;I think Sandy and Elsa should take the truck into the streets. Me and Jackie can follow on foot and meet you guys at the safe house down the river,&quot; Lucinda puffed, straining to get the heavy champagne casket into the bed of the truck. <span class="time">-03:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Will do, Elsa!&quot; Jackie replied as he loaded a crate with bottles and placed them in the truck. He snatched a bottle up and tossed it on the seat of the truck as he passed by to load up some more gin. <span class="time">-03:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Nodding and put the last of what would fit into the truck before walking around to the driver's side and getting into the truck. He stuck his head back out. &quot;I trust you to keep the mistress safe, sah.&quot; <span class="time">-03:34 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The crowd wasn't dying down, in fact, soon all of the officers had abandoned the arrested gangsters, just to barricade them from surging forward, towards the saloon. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"What the hell is going on here?! SOMEONE FIND HENNESSY--" <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Merci mon petit!&quot; Elsa cried to Jackie as she quickly snatched up the bottle with one hand and tucked the butt of the shotgun under her other arm and began trying to open the bottle to drink, finally managing as Sandy got into the truck and taking a big gulp. &quot;Zis night is just insane.&quot; <span class="time">-03:36 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot; Ah, 'dey ain't no need to worry, Sandy! 'Sides, anyone try to mess with us, we just threaten to sick Elsa on 'em later!&quot; He joked. <span class="time">-03:36 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> (*sic) <span class="time">-03:36 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> Shanks stumbled his way across the tailor's shop, finding the counter in the dark and working his way around it. After a few minutes of swearing and having things fall on him, he located the trapdoor. It was getting noisier and noisier outside. This was good. No one would hear him put some bullets in the rum-fucks. <span class="time">-03:37 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Not sure if he felt reassured or even more worried by Jackie's reply, Sandy nodded and turned to the task at hand. Starting up the truck, he started driving towards the safe house. <span class="time">-03:38 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> An engine? What the...? Shanks opened the trapdoor a crack and saw a truck below, just pulling away. It was loaded with booze. He gripped his pistol between his teeth and dived through the opening, landing on top of the barrels on the back of the truck with a soft thud <span class="time">-03:39 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> The perfect crime. <span class="time">-03:39 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> As the truck rumbled forward Elsa finished off the last of her drink and tossed the bottle out the little window in the back without a care and turned her gaze forward out the tunnel with the shotgun ready. <span class="time">-03:41 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Ow!&quot; Shanks got clonked by Elsa's bottle. He clung to the barrels in the back, doing his best to stay quiet. <span class="time">-03:42 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko lurked in an alleyway as the Mardi Gras crowd moved past him, surging towards the bed and breakfast with an unusual curiosity. Things were getting worse. It was almost too late. He kept his hands in his pockets, his head down. On his neck, the tattooed symbol of the Oleander Eaters caught the fire-light. <span class="time">-03:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Crap! Lucinda, Elsa's got company! ELSA! SHOOT THE RAT! SHOOT THE DAMN RAT!&quot; Jackie prayed she could hear him through the tunnel. <span class="time">-03:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Shit! Come on Jackie!&quot; Lucinda took off after the truck down the tunnel, pistol drawn, trying to get Shanks in her sights. <span class="time">-03:47 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> The truck roared quite loudly, so Sandy didn't hear anything outside the cab. <span class="time">-03:47 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> ...only to be knocked to the ground when another body dropped on top of her from above. <span class="time">-03:48 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa was completely oblivious to anything happening, the roar of the engine made that perfectly clear, she did, however put the shotgun over her shoulder which pointed it up and out of the back window. If she fired now it wouldn't hit anything but the cave ceiling. <span class="time">-03:48 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Bureau of Prohibition! Hands up!" Hennessy shouted to Jackie as he hauled Lucinda to her feet, restraining her gun arm. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Neh-heh..meh...heh heh...&quot; Shanks chuckled sadistically as he clung the barrels, pistol between his teeth, staring at the back of Elsa and Sandy's heads. The little rum-fucks were gonna carry him and his nest-egg right out to the safehouse. A juicy little jackpot for Silver Dollar Sam. And a juicy little promotion for Ricky Shanks. He could almost smell the cigars. <span class="time">-03:50 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Damnit, ain't no time for 'dis, copper! Black Hand's 'bout to kill some innocent folks, and carry away 'dat precious cargo you want captured! Or ain't you after 'dat promotion, coppa?&quot; <span class="time">-03:51 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> As the truck hit a bump Elsa's finger slipped and the shotgun went off, causing Elsa to shriek with fear and recoil, dropping the shotgun from her grasp and onto the bench-seat between her and Sandy. <span class="time">-03:51 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy jumped as well, causing the truck to swerve a bit. <span class="time">-03:53 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Ffff...&quot; Shanks's curse was lost beneath the echo of the shotgun blast, and as the truck swerved he went tumbling off the side, gripping on for dear life. His feet were inches from the road, the pistol still clutched between his teeth. All this was done in silent slapstick... the sweaty gangster moments away from being dragged under the wheels. <span class="time">-03:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"I'm the one who'll be negotiating around here, kid." Hennessy grinned triumphantly, despite the fact that Lucinda had gone oddly still. "Now, let's just follow that little truck out into the streets, where my men are already waiting and--" the color drained from Hennessy's face as a bleak moan escaped his lips, he collapsed in a heap on the ground, clutching at his groin. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Hmph,&quot; Lucinda rubbed her hands together. &quot;C'mon, Jackie.&quot; She took off down the tunnel, following the echoes of the truck's sputtering engine. <span class="time">-03:57 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;I ain't one to argue, but...what done happened to da man?&quot; Jackie asked as he ran after Lucinda under heavy breaths. <span class="time">-03:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Pardon! I'm so sorry!&quot; Elsa was visibly shaken as she picked the shotgun back up and looked around the cab and out the back window not seeing anything out of place. &quot;I suggest zat you...er, how do you say...step on it?&quot; She nodded, resting the shotgun in her lap, pointing away from Sandy. <span class="time">-03:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko's head turned as the truck came up onto the street, Elsa and Sandy in the cab. He could not see Shanks dangling on the other side. He couldn't let that truck get away. He had to do something. <span class="time">-03:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;I read it in one of those Oriental novels as a girl,&quot; Lucinda grinned as she sprinted. &quot;Monkey-Grabs-Peach-From-Tree!&quot; <span class="time">-03:59 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy nodded and pushed the pedal down a little harder. <span class="time">-04:00 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>As the truck cleared the tunnel, Sandy was forced to slam on the breaks, and gape at what he saw. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Guess he didn't need to stop the truck. <span class="time">-04:00 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Lucinda, anybody ever tell you you scare a man somethin' fierce?&quot; <span class="time">-04:01 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Gaagh!&quot; Shanks was flung into a muddy puddle as the truck skidded to a halt. He rolled under the vehicle, close to the front wheel, groaning and cursing under his breath. <span class="time">-04:02 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>He had to stop, in order to stop himself from hitting a group of revelers; men, women and children... and Federal Agents? They were all standing in the street, moving about in strange patterns, their skin washed gray and sickly...or was it the fire? Suddenly, as one, they turned their dead eyes upon the truck, and those within, and as one, they upon them, trying to claw their way in. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko pulled back into the shadows, grimacing as the crowd surged. He was too late. The curse had taken them. <span class="time">-04:03 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>As one, the moans and shrieks if the undead rose as the strange, humanoid creatures came upon the truck. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;What the f...?&quot; Shanks clung to the axle of the truck, pulling himself up and into hiding as the feet of the undead stomped around him. <span class="time">-04:04 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda's laughter died in her mouth as the two stopped at the tunnel's entrance, and beheld the horror. <span class="time">-04:04 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy's eyes widened in fear, something he hadn't felt in a long time. <span class="time">-04:05 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa shreiked for what seemed like the hundreth time that night and slammed her own foot down on Sandy's to make him press the accelerator. &quot;RUN ZEM DOWN! ZEY ARE LE MONSTRES!&quot; She shouted, picking up the shotgun. <span class="time">-04:07 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!&quot; screamed Shanks as the truck went surging forward with him clinging to its underbelly. <span class="time">-04:07 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Without knowing what was going on, the truck lurched forward and Sandy barely turned the wheel to keep them from hitting more than just people. <span class="time">-04:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Bottles of gin flew helter skelter as the truck zoomed forward, mowing through the walking corpses, but for everyone knocked over, it seemed two more would appear. It was carnival night, and the undead revelers would not stop coming. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;What.....'da hell....?&quot; Jackie couldn't find any smart remarks to make at the situation this time. <span class="time">-04:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda raised her pistol, putting a bullet into the eyes of an undead officers as he grabbed for her, before turning and planting her foot into the chest of a young, masked woman. &quot;RUN JACKIE!!&quot; <span class="time">-04:10 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The crowd of the undead parted, just in time to reveal a wrought iron street lamp. The truck slammed into it with a sickening crunch, sending Elsa and Sandy violently forward into the dash. Steam rose from the hood of the truck as the engine sputtered its last breath of life. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The truck was dead and they were trapped inside. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> More zombies were pouring into the street - the whole Mardis Gras festival turning in their tracks and stalking the truck with primal hunger. Vasko had to make his move. His hand scooped up a rock from the alleyway and he lunged out into the street, his pistol blast a hole through the head of the nearest creature. Strange, archaic words tumbled from the old man's lips and in an instant the stone came alive in his hand, pulsing with searing yellow light. He held it up like a torch, waving down the truck, directing it towards the alleyway. He hoped they would see the signal. <span class="time">-04:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> Jackie didn't need to hear that twice! He ran after Lucinda, throwing an elbow towards an undead every once in a while, trying to break through the crowd desperately. <span class="time">-04:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa, unprepared for the lamp to appear was slammed forward when the truck hit it, her forehead slamming into the dashboard and getting a nasty looking cut. She was knocked unconcious, the shotgun in her lap. <span class="time">-04:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;No momma... putting ketchup on the gammon won't help...&quot; Shanks stirred from his daze and sat bolt upright.... slamming his head on the underside of the truck he had dropped from. He passed out again. <span class="time">-04:17 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy lurched forward as the truck impacted, getting hit in the face for the second time that day. He groaned and pulled away from the steering wheel to look over at Elsa. Seeing that she was unconscious, he spewed forth a string of colorful words before taking the shotgun and looking around. They were surrounded by the... monsters. <span class="time">-04:17 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda spotted the torch-waving old man, and without a second thought, snatched Jackie by the wrist and ran after him. There wasn't any room in her terror-filled brain to question the decision. <span class="time">-04:18 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;We're going after 'dat guy?! But...but what about 'da damn truck!?&quot; <span class="time">-04:20 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;THIS WAY!&quot; roared the strangely accented voice of the old man. His hand was now aglow with eerie light, which illuminated his heavily bearded face and sinister, piercing eyes. He was waving them towards the alley, his pistol popping off shots at any zombie who came too close. <span class="time">-04:20 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Finally seeing a torch in the distance, Sandy decided that was as good a place to head as any and, grabbing Elsa, kicked open the door to knock back some of the monsters. Stepping from he truck, he shot off a couple rounds in the nearest creatures and kicked away some of the others before tossing Elsa over his shoulder and fighting his way towards the light. <span class="time">-04:22 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Truck's gonna die, sweetie!&quot; Lucinda's retort was punctuated by a earth-shaking explosion. &quot;See?!&quot; <span class="time">-04:24 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>As Sandy hauled Elsa out of the truck, one of the broken gin bottles had attracted the flames, which soon engulfed the rusted machine, the flames licking their way sensuously up to the gas tank. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy didn't even bother turning around as the truck exploded. It only made him run faster. <span class="time">-04:25 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Yeah, well let's hope we ain't next on that list!&quot; He yelled through the chaos, nearly tripping as the well-timed explosion rattled through the night. <span class="time">-04:25 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;No momma... it's not cos the gammon reminds me of Pa...&quot; Shanks stirred from his daze and lifted his head. He looked around and, with a groan, rolled out from under the truck. Getting to his feet, swaying slightly, his greedy eyes alighted on the flames creeping over the truck. &quot;SHIIIT!&quot; he cried and ran in the opposite direction from Sandy and Elsa, hurling himself to the ground as the truck exploded. <span class="time">-04:25 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;The Church,&quot; rasped Vasko's voice as Lucinda reached him. &quot;It's our only refuge now.&quot; He began leading the way, striding ahead of the beleagured survivors. He led them down the alleway, the stone glowing in his clenched fist. <span class="time">-04:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa simply groaned in her unconcious state <span class="time">-04:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda's eyes darted about the alley, there weren't as many...whatever those things were, here, but she was taking no chances. She kept her gun drawn and her nerves ready. <span class="time">-04:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> The light was moving down an alley, but that didn't deter Sandy from following it. <span class="time">-04:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;Okay... I'll eat the gammon... just put the knife down, momma...&quot; Shanks stirred from his daze and sat bolt upright. He was at the edge of the crowd that was shambling after the rum-runners. Luckily, they had traipsed right past him, distracted by the burning truck and Vasko's light. Ricky was free to slip away. He got up and grinned cheerfully to himself. <span class="time">-04:31 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> ((Ack, be back in a few minutes, just get Jackie to follow Luci, please? &gt;_&lt; ) <span class="time">-04:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> THUNK! Ricky walked straight into someone as he turned to run away. &quot;Ow, Jesus, fuck... you...&quot; He clutched his nose and looked up as the man. His eyes widened. Then he smiled happily. &quot;BOSS!&quot; He put his arms out and embraced Silver Dollar Sam. <span class="time">-04:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral lay at the edge of the French Quarter, a towering construction of stone and stained glass, built in the days of Lafitte. It was also one of the best places to hide moonshine, if you were enterprising. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Shanks: </span> &quot;I tried, Boss!&quot; Shanks sobbed as he hugged the Mafia Leader. &quot;I tried to get da booze, but dem rum-fucks kept hitting me in da face, den da truck exploded and everyone got rabies or some shit. I'll make this right, Boss - I swear!&quot; Shanks looked up into the eyes of Silver Dollar Sam... then suddenly noticed how pale his employer looked.... and hungry... <span class="time">-04:35 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> As Shanks's screams echoed through the night, Vasko led the survivors onwards. &quot;The Cathedral. Get inside,&quot; he barked. Throwing the bolt on the door, he swung it open and held it for them, his iron glare fixing each of the rum-runners as they slipped inside. <span class="time">-04:36 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The five, Vasko in the lead, Sandy in the middle carrying Elsa, and Lucinda and Jackie bringing up the rear, cut through the church graveyard, towards the massive oak doors to their sanctuary. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (Switch mine and Asmo's posts) <span class="time">-04:38 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> The crime lord was the last to make it into the church, only after she was certain her employees had made it safe inside, before she turned upon Vasko, who was closing and bolting the door. &quot;Just what....&quot; she gasped, pushing her dark, curly hair from her face. &quot;...the hell happened?&quot; <span class="time">-04:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy looked around and finally placed Elsa down on the floor. <span class="time">-04:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;You got everyone killed - that's what happened, girl.&quot; Vasko shot her a glare before stalking down the ailse of the cathedral. His gravel-like voice spat out words of arcane power, and little fragments of light illuminated in the corners of the church. The arm of a statue, the edge of a pew, the pipe of the organs, a cruficix. The light was patchwork and eerie - bathing the chamber in a slivery glow. <span class="time">-04:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa groaned once again and rolled to her side, curling up against the cold of the stone floor. &quot;Merde...&quot; she uttered softly <span class="time">-04:46 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;WE got everyone killed? If anyone, ya' ought to blame dat Black Hand rat, ya old fart!&quot; <span class="time">-04:47 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;I prayed the Black Hand would succeed in their raid,&quot; Vasko replied as he placed the glowing stone upon the altar. His voice echoed around the cathedral, a strange contrast with the ambient moans of the undead. &quot;They were scum, but at least they would have got the liquor away from the public.&quot; <span class="time">-04:49 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;Which is more than YOU people did.&quot; <span class="time">-04:49 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Anger, hot and quick, burned behind her eyes. &quot;Excuse me?&quot; Lucinda stalked after the old man, her footsteps echoing off the stone. &quot;Are you crazy, old man? Or just confused?&quot; She came to a halt, mere inches from him, her hands were shaking, perhaps from shock and adrenaline, or perhaps she meant to strike him. <span class="time">-04:49 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Are you one of those damned Bible-thumping preachy types? Because now is not the fucking time for it!&quot; <span class="time">-04:50 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;So what, you just expected us to lie down and die, instead?! Not happening!&quot; He stared Vasko down. <span class="time">-04:50 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> He smirked down at Lucinda - the way her father used to, in the few memories she had of him. &quot;I'm the only one seeing clearly here, girl.&quot; <span class="time">-04:51 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;And I have bigger books to thump.&quot; <span class="time">-04:51 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> That enraged Sandy. &quot;You listen here, sah. My mistress would not put people like this.&quot; <span class="time">-04:51 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;Your MISTRESS smuggled in the wrong booze, son. This is what happens when there's 'no questions asked'. The answers damn you.&quot; <span class="time">-04:52 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda's hands finally shot out, grabbing the old man by the front of his coat and wrenching him forward, so that she could look him in the eye. &quot;WHAT about my booze, old man?&quot; Lucinda Pesci didn't get where she was today by being ladylike. <span class="time">-04:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;If you knew so much, why didn't ya come tell us ya'self, instead of sending 'dose half-brained monkeys to kill us?! 'Cuz of you, I'm out of a damn job!&quot; <span class="time">-04:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa shivered on the floor as she slowly came back around. She slowly picked herself up and as she stood felt dizzy so she stumbled over to a pew and laid herself upon it, groaning softly as she held her head. <span class="time">-04:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;I didn't send them!&quot; Vasko snapped back. &quot;I heard Silver Dollar Sam was planning a raid, and I came along to watch. I hoped if you two gangs tore each other apart the Feds would get the Elixir and keep it off the streets. <span class="time">-04:55 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> His eyes flashed back to Lucinda. &quot;French Champagne, right? Came across the Atlantic, and the courier didn't haggle on the price? Tell me I'm wrong.&quot; <span class="time">-04:56 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;...I...&quot; Lucinda's eyes widened. The man from earlier, the one who got the champagne before anyone...The one she had Sandy kick out into the street. <span class="time">-04:57 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;...&quot; Lucinda's grip slackened, before her arms dropped to her sides. <span class="time">-04:57 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> She remembered the faced of the courier, how he smiled as she paid him. Said it was driving everyone in Paris mad. <span class="time">-04:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko pushed past her and moved back down the aisle, stopping to give a heartless glance to Elsa. He was checking her for bites. &quot;We call it the Black Elixir. Our chapters in England and France were wiped out trying to suppress it. We thought we had destroyed every batch. But someone shipped it from Cornwall... straight across the Atlantic.&quot; <span class="time">-04:59 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;To America... where a million fools were crying out for liquor.&quot; <span class="time">-05:00 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> He turned back and fixed his gaze on Jackie. &quot;So yes.. YOU got everyone killed. That's a fact.&quot; <span class="time">-05:01 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;...But it's all gone, now!&quot; Lucinda turned to face him, her voice echoing in the cathedral. &quot;It went up in flames with the truck! The people...They'll get better, won't they? We can stop it, now...&quot; She was shaking again, hugging herself. <span class="time">-05:01 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;If we're fools, 'den you're a fool right along with us. You keep talkin' 'bout how we fed all the booze-junkies this Elixir, but who stopped it from bein' wiped out in 'da first place!? You have just enough blame in 'dis as we do!&quot; <span class="time">-05:02 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> A fleeting sadness swept across Vasko's face. &quot;I was in Penkos... my home village. They tore it apart in four hours. I did everything I could...&quot; His gaze switched to Lucinda and he muttered. &quot;None of them got better.&quot; <span class="time">-05:04 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1 face=verdana>[<font color=red>Shanks</font> has timed out.]</font> <span class="time">-05:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Maybe if ya' would've TOLD us, we coulda avoided 'da same thing.&quot; Jackie said calmly, an obvious tone of resentment in his voice. <span class="time">-05:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda sank to her knees, eyes wide, blank, staring as thoughts flooded into her mind. As Jackie and Vasko argued, she found herself staring at the stained glass windows. Thousand year old stories depicted in the glass. Her eyes settled on Noah and his Ark. <span class="time">-05:10 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> All the information piled into Sandy's brain and he tried to make heads or tails of it. &quot;So the booze was bad?&quot; <span class="time">-05:11 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;It took me this long to find you!&quot; Vasko voice suddenly rose again and he stalked back down the ailse, gripping Lucinda by the arm. He shook her as he snarled. &quot;Is it all the champagne? Do you have any more bottles stashed? Tell me, girl!&quot; <span class="time">-05:11 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda started from her reverie and stared up at Vasko, as if seeing him for the first time. &quot;We can stop it.&quot; <span class="time">-05:12 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa's vision had finally stopped swimming and she slowly rose from her side to a sitting position on the pew. &quot;Not so loud s'il vous plait, my 'ead, it 'urts too much...&quot; She sighed, patting her self for cigarettes, finding them and placing one in her mouth and lighting it with one of hte torches. <span class="time">-05:12 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;We can stop it!&quot; Her eyes lit up with hellfire and hope as she wrenched away from him. &quot;We can stop it!&quot; <span class="time">-05:13 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;What are you babbling about, girl?&quot; <span class="time">-05:13 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;It took you 'dis long to find us?! But ya' still had time to watch us nearly get killed?! Bullsh-&quot; Jackie stopped, hearing Lucinda exclaim. <span class="time">-05:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;We can flood the district!&quot; Lucinda spun on them all, her hair had come from of its ties now, and it fanned about her head like an infernal halo. &quot;The levees! All we need is a little dynamite...!&quot; <span class="time">-05:15 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;They'll wash away! Into the ocean! Into the Gulf!&quot; <span class="time">-05:15 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Are you crazy!? Zat will kill everyone in ze city! And zen ze city will be destroyed and who will rebuild!?&quot; Elsa had completely missed the discussion in her stupor and was shakily moving her cigarette to and from her lips as she spoke. <span class="time">-05:16 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;... Nobody'll rebuild... We'll have to start somewhere new...&quot; <span class="time">-05:19 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;The city is destroyed if we don't!&quot; Lucinda turned onto Vasko, once her enemy, pleading for him to see her reason. <span class="time">-05:20 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The doors of the cathedral buckled with a mighty thud. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy looked at the door and raised the shotgun. <span class="time">-05:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko glanced to the doors, ears pricking at the mounting sound of the undead encircling the cathedral. Then he looked back at her. The seconds ticked by as the door shook again. &quot;There's a back way out, through the Rose Chapel. It leads beyond the graveyard, to the swamp.&quot; He turned and led the way. <span class="time">-05:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa screamed, dropping her cigarette and hobbling up and past all of the others to the front of the cathedral, shaking a bit. <span class="time">-05:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> ((*back)) <span class="time">-05:24 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;But uh...where are we gonna get dynamite like 'dis?&quot; Jackie inquired as he started walking in the direction indicated by Vasko. <span class="time">-05:26 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy waited for everyone to start walking before taking up the rear. <span class="time">-05:26 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda's eyes narrowed, her mouth set in a determined line as she followed the others out. &quot;We're gangsters, Jackie, we can always find explosives.&quot; <span class="time">-05:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The doors crashed open and the zombies flooded in, drawn first to the lights and then to the retreating shapes of the survivors. Their moans echoed around the cathedral, replacing its sanctity with the foul chorus of the undead. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The door behind them burst open in a shower of splinters, and soon the church was filled with the scuffling groans of the undead. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (....) <span class="time">-05:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (*shoves Asmo out of the GM chair*) <span class="time">-05:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> (Mine was better :P) <span class="time">-05:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (GODDAMNIT ASMO) <span class="time">-05:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (YOUR MOM WAS BETTER) <span class="time">-05:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> (foul chorus &gt; scuffling groans) <span class="time">-05:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (*pauses the RP to have it out with Asmo*) <span class="time">-05:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;RUNNING! RUNNING NOW!&quot; Lucinda shrieked as they made their way out the back, firing the occasional shot at any of the creatures who came too close. <span class="time">-05:31 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> They would head up 17th street, where the main canals ran through. <span class="time">-05:31 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> (I did prefer Asmo's, if only because it set the mood a bit more ^^; ) <span class="time">-05:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa screamed as she heard the door burst open and the shuffling creatures find their way inside. She managed to find her way to Lucinda and run alongside her, thankful that she had decided against wearing heels that night for her performance. <span class="time">-05:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (STFU MIRU) <span class="time">-05:33 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (*throws her crayons down* &gt;:( ) <span class="time">-05:33 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Floodin' the levees, dang...You'd think we were a hurricane or somethin', huh?&quot; Jackie muttered as the group began their escape. <span class="time">-05:34 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy turned and shot off a couple rounds until everyone had left, and then followed. <span class="time">-05:34 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Striding through an arched doorway and into the Rose Chapel, Vasko led the way. At a huge oil painting of the Archangel Raphael, he traced his finger over the images of the caduceus and there was a click. He pushed on the painting and it swung inwards to reveal a damp passageway leading upwards to one of the mausoleums. <span class="time">-05:36 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;...I ain't even gonna ask why that's there, old man.&quot; Jackie muttered to Vasko. <span class="time">-05:38 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;The church belongs to our Order,&quot; Vasko muttered back as Jackie took the lead. &quot;We have outposts from New Orleans to Berlin.&quot; <span class="time">-05:40 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Once everyone was safely inside the scary, dark crypt, Lucinda piped in. &quot;Got a name, old man?&quot; She ducked under a low-hanging, unused torch in the wall, getting a face full of cobweb for her troubles. &quot;...And what Order are you talking about?&quot; <span class="time">-05:41 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;I wish now we didn't have an outpost in Berlin. Maybe this wouldn't have happened.&quot; These last words were drowned by the screeching of the chasing undead. <span class="time">-05:41 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (...) <span class="time">-05:41 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> ...So maybe they weren't as safe as she initially thought. <span class="time">-05:42 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;Elijah Vasko,&quot; he replied as he ducked into the passageway after the others. &quot;Fifth Tarot of the Sephiroth. Shaman Initiate.&quot; <span class="time">-05:42 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot; Ya' now, dem zombies are really damn persistent...It's startin' ta tick me off...&quot; <span class="time">-05:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa stumbled her way down the steps, threatening to fall and take everyone in front of her down with her. &quot;Mon dieu, non, non, non, non, non, I cannot fall!&quot; She was near tears at this point, scared, tired, worn out, injured, &quot;Mon petit, Jackie, aidez moi s'il vous plait.&quot; <span class="time">-05:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;C'mon now, no tears, no tears....&quot; Jackie pleaded, bending down on one knee to offer Elsa a piggyback ride. &quot;...Ey...My back 's gonna need a rest after 'dis...&quot; he muttered so Elsa couldn't hear. <span class="time">-05:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Coming up through the mausoleum crypt, they passed between a pair of gargoyles and came up into the graveyard. The ground was already sodden beneath their feet. Beyond them lay a stretch of swampland, and, on the moonlight horizon, the glittering 17th Street Canal held at bay behind the levee. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa climbed down off of Jackie's back and patting his shoulder in thanks. &quot;Merci mon petit. Alors, do we have a boat or something of the sort to move about?&quot; She asked, looking out at the swampland from the graveyard, &quot;It would probablement be a good idea to get one, if for nothing else but ze gators...&quot; <span class="time">-05:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;...So...We just need to find a way to bust that levee open,&quot; Lucinda muttered, half-stumbling, half-running through the mire. &quot;Anyone got any bright ideas?&quot; <span class="time">-05:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;No boat,&quot; Vasko snapped as he shoved Elsa. &quot;Time to get your feet wet, girl.&quot; Behind them, the howls of the zombies grew as more came around the sides of the church and stalked between the gravestones. <span class="time">-05:56 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy was watching their surroundings, shotgun held at the ready. He cocked it as the howls became more pronounced. <span class="time">-05:56 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Ugh, I don't like 'de idea of goin' through 'dis without a boat...What if 'dem things are under 'dere?&quot; <span class="time">-05:57 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Shit!&quot; Lucinda turned and took aim with her pistol to shoot the nearest one. As she squeezed the trigger, one, two, three, six times, she was greeted with an empty click. She was out of bullets and there was no time to reload. &quot;Shit!&quot; <span class="time">-05:57 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> They were already closing in. What made them so fast? <span class="time">-05:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy shot off a couple rounds at the closest zombies and then swung the gun like a club to smash in a couple skulls. &quot;Go, mistress. I shall cover you.&quot; <span class="time">-05:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa ran with the group as best as she could, her feet sinking into the soft ground as she ran, looking longingly at the river which may serve as their savior, or their early demise. &quot;Mon petit, Jackie, maybe we should find a ship when zey are looking for ze dynamite?&quot; <span class="time">-05:59 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;What's with you and this mistress babble?! I'm your boss damnit!&quot; Lucinda pocketed her gun and tore off into the sodden swampland, calling over her shoulder as she did. &quot;Don't you DARE get taken out here, Sandy! I won't give you a day off to go to your funeral!&quot; <span class="time">-06:01 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;It'd be a smart idea, yeah...I'm more worried 'bout...Who's gonna set 'dat dynamite?...&quot; <span class="time">-06:01 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> More words spilled from his lips - a language half Egyptian, half Sumerian - the rough consonants stabbing at the air and rending the fabric of reality. The trees ahead of Lucinda creaked to one side and the ground beneath her became a little more solid - a dry path through the swamp. &quot;LET'S MOVE!&quot; <span class="time">-06:02 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> &quot;Neva,&quot; he told her, grinning and kicking a zombie in the face. &quot;I'll catch up there soon enough.&quot; He swung the gun again, stepping backwards with each blow. <span class="time">-06:02 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> It was unbelievable, that this was all happening, but there was no time for belief or disbelief, now. Lucinda's feet crashed into the solid ground as she tore through the brush, the canal coming closer to view. <span class="time">-06:04 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa was right behind Lucinda as they ran towards the canal, &quot;I don't know mon petit, but if the levees are destoyed we will need something to survive ze water...&quot; <span class="time">-06:06 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>they kept coming at him, from all sides, a neverending sea of outstretched hands and gnashing teeth, all reaching for Sandy. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> Jackie followed behind Elsa. &quot;I don't think...we're all gonna make it out alive...&quot; <span class="time">-06:07 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Once everyone was a decent distance again of him, Sandy turned and ran like hell, swinging the gun and using it to push his way through to the path. The shotgun was swung over his shoulder as he shot at the zombies behind him, running forward. <span class="time">-06:08 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko glanced back to see Sandy encircled by the beasts. There was nothing more he could do for the man. Pushing on ahead, his hand lashed out to one side as he muttered a curse. A lunging gator was turned instantly to stone, its jaws petrifying as they tried to close around Vasko's ankle. He leapt over the gator and continued running. <span class="time">-06:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Don't talk like that! Of course we will! I just haven't thought that far ye-EEP!&quot; The hunched, twitching figure lunged at them from the darkness, tackling Lucinda and taking her to the ground. <span class="time">-06:10 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;KEEP GOING!&quot; Lucinda hollered as she wrestled with the undead creature in the shape of a child. <span class="time">-06:10 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa stumbled along, tripping over the stone crocodile and falling to her face, she quickly took to crawling and when she felt safe enough stood up and took to running, heeding Lucinda's orders. She bit back tears as she followed in Vasko's wake. <span class="time">-06:13 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Damnit! Sandy, you're 'da muscle here!&quot; Jackie rushed towards Sandy, doing his best to keep the zombies off of him. &quot;C'mon, you're s'posed to be good at 'dis kinda thing!&quot; <span class="time">-06:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko pushed through the last of the trees and sprinted across the open ground towards the levee. He came to a halt, slumping against it, turning and readying his pistol. He didn't even know who else had made it. <span class="time">-06:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Fueled by the need to keep his mis- boss safe, Sandy surged forward and dropped the gun and- SLAM! The gun connected with the child zombie's abdomen and loosened it's grip on Lucinda. Another swing and the zombie was dislodged entirely. He turned back to the horde, reloaded the shotgun, and waited for Lucinda to stand. <span class="time">-06:15 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda sprang to her feet, grateful and furious all at once to this man who had saved her life. &quot;What are you doing?! I said run! Run or I'll never pay you again!&quot; She cried frantically, grabbing his arm and pulling him along as the ground began to soften beneath their feet. She could see the others just ahead, just a little further. &quot;RUUUN!&quot; <span class="time">-06:17 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Nodding, Sandy let Lucinda lead him along. <span class="time">-06:18 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko fired left and right, picking off the zombies that grabbed at Sandy and Lucinda. He covered their last sprint from the swamp and out towards the levee. <span class="time">-06:19 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>As the two cleared the swamp lands, Vaskos' spell wore off, their undead pursuers sinking into the water and quicksand. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa skidded to a stop next to Vasko as she came to the levee, breathing heavily and checking herself for cigarettes. She was relieved for the moment that the creatures were being sucked into the swamp where the gators would be able to get them. <span class="time">-06:20 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> &quot;Will that stop 'em?&quot; Sandy asked Vasko. &quot;Or jus' slow 'em down?&quot; He was looking out at the zombies as they seemed to be fighting with the swamp sludge. <span class="time">-06:21 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda was panting heavily, doubled over, her hands on her knees as she tried to breathe, tried to think. They had to find a way to get up to the top of the levee. If they could only just find a... <span class="time">-06:24 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Door!&quot; Lucinda suddenly gasped, pointed to a rusted metal door in the side of the stone wall. She had almost missed it. <span class="time">-06:25 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko turned, pressing his hands to the levee as he caught his breath. &quot;What now, girl?&quot; he snarled at Lucinda. &quot;We go up those stairs and WHAT?&quot; Beyond the wall the canal glittered and a single fishing boat bobbed. <span class="time">-06:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> The side of the levee was too steep for them to climb, and if they stayed on the ground, they would be overtaken for sure. If they wanted to make it, they would have to go up. Why couldn't he see that...Lucinda looked around, helpless. &quot;Then we...we...&quot; <span class="time">-06:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Then he stopped. <span class="time">-06:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> He could've sworn that door wasn't there when he ran out... <span class="time">-06:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> He looked at it, blinking, then back at Lucinda as she stuttered. His eyes narrowed. <span class="time">-06:29 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;There has to be a boat there...or something...I know it...There's a way out.... I'm sure.&quot; <span class="time">-06:29 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;We need to find some explosives, NOW.&quot; Jackie broke the silence. <span class="time">-06:29 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Fresh snarls broke the night air. The zombies were clawing their way out of the swamp. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> &quot;Perhaps going up first an' questioning later?&quot; Sandy suggested. <span class="time">-06:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko let another few seconds past, his stare fixed on Lucinda. Then he began to move. &quot;Let's go. Door! Stairs! MOVE!&quot; <span class="time">-06:33 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda turned back to Vasko, her eyes wide with fear. &quot;Sandy's right! Look! Don't ask me what or how I know! I just do!&quot; She ran for the door, trying to wrench it open. <span class="time">-06:33 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (Switch our posts!) <span class="time">-06:33 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa gave out an exhasperated sigh as she followed after Lucinda, cigarette dangling from her lips as she helped her yank on the door, trying to get it open. &quot;Why is zere a door on a levee?&quot; <span class="time">-06:34 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;You're 'da boss, Lucinda. Just hope we can get 'dat midnight drink after all 'dis!&quot; He panted as he ran up the stairs. &quot;Don't ask questions, Elsa, it's Louisiana! We never make sense!&quot; <span class="time">-06:35 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>More were coming from north and south, flooding down the riverbank towards them. The zombies seemed drawn by a common purpose - a collective hunger that sniffed them out. They were corned against the canal now... no escape <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>With Else and Vasko's help, the door was wrenched open. Up the stairs they went, it seemed like they were going up forever, as if the levee had sprung up hundreds of feet higher than it should be. Once they had cleared the stairs and made it to the top, they found that they could see the whole city from the top, awash with flame. The levee HAD changed...but why? <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda clutched at the edge of the levee, looking out over the city, the river behind them seemed to stretch on forever, as if there was nothing beyond. It was as if the whole city had been plucked up, moved, dropped into the middle of a great ocean. <span class="time">-06:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;...What 'da heck do we do now...? 'Dis...dis is ridiculous...&quot; <span class="time">-06:44 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The horde came crashing in, like rival waves, black and murderous, a mirror of the canal on the other side of the levee. Some tried to claw their way up the walls, whilst a thin stream of the smarter ones found the door and barged through it, funnelling up the stairway in pursuit. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa's legs quivered as she made it to the top of the stairs, her cigarette had expired halfway up and now she searched for her pack once again for another completely disregarding the change in the levee. As far as she was concerned this was how it always was. She moved over to a corner and propped herself up against the guard railing and lit her cigarette. &quot;I was not made for ze climbing of stairs...&quot; <span class="time">-06:47 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> &quot;Boss...&quot; Sandy started as he prepared the shotgun. <span class="time">-06:48 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;What now?&quot; shouted Vasko. &quot;How do we breach this thing?&quot; He seemed on the verge of shaking Lucinda... and in his eyes was a haunted look... a creeping realisation of why the levee had changed. <span class="time">-06:49 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;I....I don't know. Everything is so different,&quot; Lucinda whispered, looking around. This was not her city, this was some place different. <span class="time">-06:49 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Those tricks that you do Vasko... Can any of them make a crack in this thing?&quot; <span class="time">-06:50 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> No one else seemed to notice the coming of the horde, and Sandy shot the smarter ones quickly before looking over his shoulder briefly. &quot;We got company boss!&quot; he yelled a little louder. <span class="time">-06:52 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> He scowled, letting the seconds tick by as the zombies came rushing up the stairs towards Sandy. Then he cursed under his breath and pushing his pistol into Lucinda's hand. &quot;Hold them off!&quot; he snapped, before kneeling at the centre of the wall. <span class="time">-06:53 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Miss Lucinda, mind lettin' me have 'dat for now? Nothin' mean, but I'm a better aim.&quot; <span class="time">-06:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa scooted herself as far away from the door where the zombies were making their entrance and continued smoking, her hands shaking each time she pulled the cigarette from her mouth to exhale. <span class="time">-06:54 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> He bit the nail of his middle finger, snarling with the pain, but not stopping. He tore the nail away and blood trickled out into his mouth. Not pausing, he repeated the bloody motion with the opposite fingernail, till both his hands were running with blood. <span class="time">-06:56 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda nodded, passing the pistol to Jackie as she watched Vasko intently, becoming lost in her own thoughts. Between Sandy and Jackie, they should be able to hold off the undead long enough to let Vasko finish, and then... <span class="time">-06:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda didn't want to think about what would come next. <span class="time">-06:58 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>A hand came shooting over the railing and grabbed Elsa's dress. As she turned and pulled away the first of the zombies came clambering up the wall. "GAAAAMMOOOON!" moaned the zombified form of Ricky Shanks. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy popped off a couple more zombie heads. Quite the body pile was starting to pile up on the stairs. <span class="time">-07:00 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko balled his fists and ran his hands around his kneeling form, drawing a cirlce of blood around him. And as he did, he chanted his Egytian mantra. The levee began to shake, vibrations building in the stones. <span class="time">-07:00 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa screamed and put her cigarette out on Shanks' eyeball before scooting away, back towards Lucinda her eyes bugging out as she looked at the creature coming at her. <span class="time">-07:00 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> Jackie sighed as he glanced at the zombies approaching, before smirking. &quot;L'aissez le bon temps roulez!&quot; He cocked the pistol and took careful aim, shooting the zombie between the eyes. <span class="time">-07:01 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: "Verdana",verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1 face=verdana>[<font color=red>Vasko</font> logged out of the chat.]</font> <span class="time">-((07:02 Nov 07))</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Vasko enters.] <span class="time">-07:02 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"RAAAGH!" roared Shanks as he clambered over the railing with a smoking eyeball. He landed amongst them and grabbed Jackie's leg, trying to bite at it. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko closed his eyes, muttering the chant, making the levee shake harder and harder. Cracks were now beginning to form in the wall. <span class="time">-07:03 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>It began as a small hairline fissure in the stone, that spread, spiderwebbed through the levee, in response the vibrations. Some of the undead creatures lost their holds upon the sides and plummeted to the ground. The shaking was so strong, the others had nearly lost their footing. And just as soon as the spell had begun, it had stopped. There was a massive crack in the side of the levee, but it was not enough to make it break. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;I'm really gettin' tired of ya', so die!&quot; Jackie fell down, kicking at Shanks' head fiercely, over and over. <span class="time">-07:05 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Again, Vasko! Almost--&quot; Her words became shrieks when, a figure hauled itself over the railing, and near Vasko. <span class="time">-07:05 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa moved as quickly as she could to save Jackie, pulling the switchblade that she had almost forgotten about from her bra and opening it to cut at Shanks' grasp on Jackie's leg. &quot;Je t'aides mon petit!&quot; <span class="time">-07:05 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>the undead hand of Chief Atticus Hennessy plunged into the old man's chest. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko's eyes shot open, the spell dying on his lips. He convulsed, looking up into the eyes of Chief Hennessey. Then he fell back with a bloody hole in his chest. <span class="time">-07:06 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The cowardice he had had in life was replaced with pure relentless. Shanks swatted Jackie's foot away and clambered on top him, dripping drool and blood as he clawed at Jackie's throat. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;Vasko!&quot; Lucinda shot forward, drawing her spent pistol, and lashed at the undead officer's jaw, sending him back over the edge to plummet to the earth. &quot;No!&quot; The woman spun, fell to her knees next to the old man, tears streaking down her face as she tried to hold his head. &quot;It can't end like this....&quot; <span class="time">-07:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Hearing the shrieks, Sandy turned just as Vasko fell back. Focusing he turned away from the zombies behind him and shot a couple rounds into Hennessy as he walked closer to the zombie to protect Lucinda. <span class="time">-07:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> (ignore mine) <span class="time">-07:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (OK, assume I just knocked him away and Sandy got the kill shot) <span class="time">-07:09 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> (THE GM HAS SPOKEN) <span class="time">-07:10 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;I think I liked you better when you were alive!&quot; Jackie felt cold claws at his neck, and threw a punch at Shanks as hard as he could, trying to to get enough time to fire upon his head. <span class="time">-07:10 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>An arm curled around Sandy's throat. He was picked up clean from the floor, the air choked from his lungs. Sandy flailed and kicked against the tall... solid... undead frame of Silver Dollar Sam. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko's bloody hand clutched Lucinda's arm, his eyes falling in and out of focus. There was blood on his lips as he whispered up to her. &quot;Finish it....&quot; <span class="time">-07:13 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>And still more were coming, over the ledge, through the stairs. They were closing in. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Shanks fell onto his side, snarling and spitting. He tried to get up again, jaws wide to bite at Jackie <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;I can't! I don't know how!&quot; Lucinda whimpered/ <span class="time">-07:14 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>It didn't matter now, the undead were practically spilling over the sides of the levees as the swarmed the group; sharks drawn to the scent of blood in the water. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> &quot;Doors...&quot; Vasko's other hand came up, trembling, and took a strand of Lucinda's hair. It was white... albino white... &quot;It's why the... Elixir came... to you....&quot; He coughed sickly as he struggled to form the word...&quot;La... Lapin...&quot; <span class="time">-07:16 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa climbed up on Shanks' back and drove her switchblade into the base of his neck with all the strength he could muster. <span class="time">-07:16 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> ((*she)) <span class="time">-07:16 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Miss Lucinda, you have to come up with...with somethin'! QUICK!&quot; Jackie aimed the gun and started firing at Shanks wildly as Elsa stabbed him. <span class="time">-07:16 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Shanks squealed, his undead voice becoming high and distorted as it was in life. He reeled onto his knees, his eyes staring down the barrel of Jackie's gun. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy continued to flail, the gun slipping from his hands and he pulled at the arm around his throat. <span class="time">-07:17 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Lucinda sobbed, closed her against the truth...Her mother...&quot;I..I can't...I'm not as strong as she was.&quot; <span class="time">-07:17 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> She could feel their hands upon her now, soon they would lift her up, take her away... <span class="time">-07:18 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #ffffff; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Vasko: </span> Vasko's blood was pooling around himself and Lucinda, almost silvery with power as she held him inside the circle. &quot;The door... levee door... you wanted it... it came, because you wanted it..... You're a Lapin... will it....&quot; His grip weakened. His eyes rolled back. &quot;Will it....&quot; The eyes closed. <span class="time">-07:19 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> &quot;I...I can't..&quot; Lucinda fell away from Vasko, into the waiting arms of the dead. When a clatter startled her awake again, something had her jacket pocket: it was a silver flask. <span class="time">-07:21 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> It was two minutes to midnight. <span class="time">-07:21 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;LUCINDA!&quot; Jackie yelled as he fired shot after shot into Shanks &quot;Damnit, would ya' DIE?!&quot; <span class="time">-07:21 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> The last of the champagne sloshed within the flask, she had been saving it since earlier, to drink. <span class="time">-07:22 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The bullet finally hit its mark. Shanks's head was torn apart and Elsa was showered in blood and brain <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Without another thought, Lucinda reached down, and plucked up her flask, even as she felt their teeth sink into her flesh. Painlessly, she twisted the cap open and brought the vessel to her lips. <span class="time">-07:22 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Meanwhile, Silver Dollar Sam tightened his grip around Sandy's throat, squeezing the life from him as other zombies flooded up onto the roof towards Jackie. <span class="time">-Vasko</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #EE3B3B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Lucinda: </span> Her eyes shot open, her body wracked with convulsions, and then, without much fuss, Lucinda died and was devoured. <span class="time">-07:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> He was losing the strength to pull at Silver Dollar Sam's arm, and his kicking was starting to lessen in power. <span class="time">-07:23 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;ZIS IS NOT WHAT I WAS HIRED FOR!&quot; Elsa shouted as she pulled her blade out of the back of Shanks' head and crawling back, &quot;Mon petit! Aidez Sandy!&quot; She shouted, trying to order Jackie. <span class="time">-07:24 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>And all at once, the creatures paused, looking at something amongst them. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Silver Dollar Sam loosened his grip on Sandy's throat, dropping the man and stepping away. <span class="time">-Lucinda</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: "Verdana",verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1 face=verdana>[<font color=red>Lucinda</font> logged out of the chat.]</font> <span class="time">-((07:25 Nov 07))</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> Jackie pulled the trigger at the zombies rapidly, but no more shots would come out. &quot; 'Dat's...'dat's all?... Elsa...I don't know what's gonna happen....&quot; <span class="time">-07:26 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy fell to the ground and gasped at the air, on the edge of consciousness. <span class="time">-07:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Medea she stood amongst them, her naked, caramel flesh glowing in the starlight. ] <span class="time">-07:27 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> &quot;Babies...&quot; The woman spoke in a hundred dead whispers. <span class="time">-07:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> The woman turned her gaze upon the undead, and it was as if a wave had overcome them. <span class="time">-07:28 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa pulled back from Medea, her mouth agape as she tried to make sense of the scene. <span class="time">-07:29 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> As one they cried out to their mother, hands outstretched, reaching for her flesh, and as one, they began to melt, to meld together. <span class="time">-07:29 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Pushing himself up, and looked up at what was happening. He stared in awe. <span class="time">-07:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> Until nothing human was left of the bodies, only a single entity that surrounded the woman. <span class="time">-07:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;What 'da hell's going on...now...&quot; Jackie muttered in disbelief, watching Medea fuse with the zombie. <span class="time">-07:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> A thick, sentient ichor. <span class="time">-07:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> Black water. <span class="time">-07:30 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> The woman smiled, a warm, loving smile; a mother's smile, before lifting her hand, pointing to something out beyond, something in the river. The ichor silently obeyed, drifting its way into the water, into the horizon. Gone. <span class="time">-07:32 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa moved back to Jackie's side and grasped his arm with one hand, the other pulling the last cigarette in her pack out and placing it in her lips. <span class="time">-07:33 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;11 minutes off ya' life, ya' know....&quot; Jackie said, watching Medea carefully. <span class="time">-07:34 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> All was silent around them, before the dark-skinned woman turned to face the humans for the first time. Her smile never wavered. <span class="time">-07:35 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Picking up the shotgun, Sandy stood to stand weakly near Jackie and Elsa, unsure of what was going to happen now. <span class="time">-07:36 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> &quot;This is no longer your home, little ones... The city is ours, now.&quot; The woman's long fingers brushed her breast, where her heart should be. <span class="time">-07:38 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;Z-zen were are we to go? Are...will...can you send us to our 'ome?&quot; Elsa asked, fumbling with a match again. &quot;I 'ave, I want a family, one like ma seour...&quot; <span class="time">-07:39 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> ((*er change that to her brother, last name mess up lolz)) <span class="time">-07:40 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> &quot;You do not know it, but you have travelled far, beyond the looking glass. Where black is white. Dead is alive...&quot; The woman trailed off, to look at Elsa without pity, but her eyes full of love. <span class="time">-07:40 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> &quot;Then, how we go back?&quot; Sandy asked, not understanding much more than that he was not home. <span class="time">-07:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> &quot;I cannot take you where you need to go,&quot; Medea shook her head and turned her gaze toward the city. &quot;Only you can escape this place, now.&quot; The city stretched out before them, and in the center, a golden light shone as bright as the sun. <span class="time">-07:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> &quot;Follow that light, my darlings, and hurry...&quot; <span class="time">-07:43 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Nodding, Sandy helped Jackie and Elsa to their feet. &quot;Le's go, then.&quot; <span class="time">-07:44 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> &quot;You haven't much time...&quot; Below them, the cracks in the levees slowly began to spread. If they didn't make it to the center of the city, to the light, they would be washed away. <span class="time">-07:44 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #108070; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Jackie Boudreaux: </span> &quot;Yeah...Let's hurry there, yeah?&quot; <span class="time">-07:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> Elsa didn't wait to be told again, she was the first one to take to the stairs to escape the crazy levee. &quot;Allons'y mes petits!&quot; <span class="time">-07:45 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #483D8B; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Sandy: </span> Sandy let Jackie go next, and took one last look at Medusa before following along as well. <span class="time">-07:46 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> Medea, newly formed and old as the Gulf, watched them make their way back, through the ghost city. She hoped that they would fare well, because she could not protect them from the dangers that awaited. <span class="time">-07:47 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #c0c0c0; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Medea: </span> (And END PART ONE) <span class="time">-07:47 Nov 07</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Elsa Tizonneaux: </span> &quot;CAN WE STOP FOR MORE CIGARETTES ON ZE WAY 'OME?&quot; <span class="time">-07:49 Nov 07</span></div>