Log:A Plea for Help

Moonfall 2019/10/27 Adun Artemis Mercury Victory Blok Jackie 1

Adun only recently learned of something ...wrong. He knows almost nothing of Hooman custom nor lands, but now knows that something is wrong. What is wrong eludes him, as the spirit guide who initially informed him of the wrong could not clarify it. The only other known, not Hooman but wise in their ways, remains elsewhere. Those Hoomans he did encounter were already dashing about like panicked t'zat and did not stay in his presence long enough for him to even ask, much less for them to provide an answer.

Crouched beneath a tree, he muses, staring at the grass. It is a frustration that something is amiss, yet he cannot aid, not protect, without knowing what it is. One who might explain is absent, and he knows not where to fi- His musings halt as he recalls a past meeting, and reaches into the waist of his loincloth to retrieve a token. There is a way to find her, yet, afterall. Recalling her words on the token, he now stares at the shiny rock on hand and offers a beseeching prayer. "Ashildur. Urth now wrong. Hoomans frightened. Adun want protect, not know wrong. Ashildur tell Adun of wrong? Adun protect."

Far from the Earth and Colonial Bay, Adun's plea is heard. While still alone to do her 'preparations', she cannot ignore a past oath and bond.

Several seconds pass after Adun's prayer. Then a flash and resounding crack heralds Artemis' arrival, sword held aloft and pointed skyward. "You have called, Adun. I'm thankful at least one mortal remembered..." she says, only free from her capture for a little while before her 'Liege' notices her missing and retrieves her. She sheathes her sword, offering a sad smile. "The Urth is in great peril. A would-be Tyrant wishes to destroy it. Go to Starguard and tell them you wish to protect. They will guide you how," she advises, fulfilling the oath and contract of the coin given.

Adun startles at the sudden strike of lightning and thunder immediately before him and is left blinking. The sword is sheathed while his eyes still blink. "Ashildur!" he announces the obvious, perhaps to assure himself. Another moment passes while he parses her words. "The Guards of Stars? No find path before. Adun not know will find path now. Ashildur guide. Adun know Ashildur. Protect. Together." Knowing so few and marginally understanding those known, Adun is inclined to trust known over strangers.

Taking notice of the commotion from moderately far, Mercury speeds over to the park where she locates Artemis and Adun, familiar with one and not so much the other, flowing to a step and taking a very Mercury-like shape, all shiny and faceless. "It's good to see you again," she bids sincerely.

Artemis lets out a heavy, mournful sigh. "I wish to protect together, more than anything, Friend Adun. But I am trapped. Tricked using my own divine nature against me. I don't know if you or other mortals could understand," she says in a voice filled with regret. "I am forced by oath and bond to serve the Would Be Tyrant. It is my curse, my punishment, for defeat at his hands." She gazes up at the sky and singles out the moon, pointing it out in the sky. "Starguard can find you the path to there. That and beyond is where you're needed. Or here to stop the humans from hurting themselves in fear." She lowers her hand and looks to Mercury, surprised to see her. "The youngling Mercury! I wish it were under better circumstances. I am bound to serve a most loathsome tyrant against the Urth and my friends--" she stops, then looks saddened. "My former friends..." she corrects with a pained expression. "I haven't much time before my departure is discovered."

"What made this oath happen?" Mercury asks, rapidly putting some context clues together. She bobs her head in greeting to Adun, "I did not mean to ignore you. I have been occupied and distracted."

Adun attempts to parse Artemis' words. There are many, and his understanding is limited, at best. The arrival of a shiny rock-spirit is startling and does not aid his thoughts. He blinks several times at Mercury before looking back to Artemis. She repeated that her time was limited. He understands this, and also honor and oaths, most innately. "Ashildur! Honor word to another with no honor only word! Adun show Wood Bee Tyrant is no honor. Break wrong oath! Tell Adun how."

Artemis glances moonward as if expecting to be caught at any moment. "The Ashildr cannot refuse a challenge. We are compelled to accept. I challenged him to do battle and this tyrant, James Porter, refused. Then he challenged me for the safety of the Earth. He set the terms that should I lose, I would have to pledge myself to him. So until death, I must obey his word." She manages a half smile at that. "He will punish me for circumventing what was exactly said to come here. But for now, I cannot be counted as an ally of Urth. Not yet." The time is not yet right.

The Godflora looks to Adun, heartened by his willingness. "I cannot break my oath. I...hm. Perhaps you are the one who can do it. Death will set me free of my oath to him, Friend Adun," she says as she turns to face him.

"What would happen to you if you were to be challenged again and the terms were to negate your prior oaths?" Mercury wonders.

Adun blinks anew, though seems to be getting quicker. "Adun challenge Ashildur! Adun break..." He stops as Mercury seems to have also grasped the concept and is much faster in putting it to words. Artemis' last words are not part of the concept and his visibly recoils, blinking more in uncertain. "Adun. Kill. Ashildur?" He obviously did not understand the implications. Surely.

Artemis turns her gaze to Mercury. "Perhaps. But the Divine Laws are enforced by the Higher Pantheon. I'm not sure how precedent would work, as this situation is new to--"

And then Adun issues his challenge, and she looks to him, surprised at first. Then she smiles faintly. "As I said. I must accept your challenge. And yes, my friend. I had hoped my Brother would come to do it, but he not appeared yet."

Mercury observes the challenge process, the rules involved in this specific type of challenge. Of the two present, Mercury stands the better chance of being the victor in a physical confrontation. As much as she knows about oaths, she knows one million times that about metal.

Adun blinks several more times. He had thought he misunderstood, but he did not. Now it seems that he conveyed misunderstanding by challenging when that was not his immediate intent. Could he renege or explain? Perhaps. Does he wish to? Now that it is made, he is not so sure. A friend is in need. One of a hand's worth in this strange place, and what is asked...

Adun stares at Artemis for a long time, silent in musing before he rises fully upright. He thumps his chest once with the side of a fist, bent at the elbow. "Adun challenge Ashildur." he re-states firmly, with only a brief pause before adding, "To Death. Adun live, Ashildur free. Ashildur live, take Adun place as warrior. Protect Urth. Protect tribe."

Artemis's smile fades a bit, for his challenge is one she doesn't want to accept. She doesn't want to kill her honorable friend. There is struggle on her face as she tries to refuse, but, "I....hnng...accept. But I do not wish for it to be to your death, Adun. You may still yield the challenge to me at any time." She draws her sword out slowly to prepare. "You are honorable and good, Friend Adun, for you have named terms that would free me one way or another. The Ashildr will not forget this," she says solemnly.

There is another option she can give. She glances at her sword in thought. "And what are the terms of the battle to the death? With weapons or bare handed? As you have no weapon."

Capable of facilitating an easy solution to Adun's lack of lethal weaponry, Mercury still says nothing, does not intervene. She already despises the notion that this must end in death. Her face shows none of this.

Adun is a warrior, and bound by honor, not so different from Artemis. Her point is valid, however, and neither his honor nor his techology nor his linguistic difficulties represent foolishness. "Fight same. Adun empty hands. Ashildur empty hands."

Artemis nods and reverses her grip on her blade and strikes at the ground with it. "Agreed. Empty hands," she states as she walks past her sword toward Adun, then stops when she's at a good starting distance from him. Her hands rise up and fists clench as she flexes her knees a bit, preparing to fight.

A filament unseen moves from Mercury, under the soil and grass, to Artemis's sword, getting a much more in-depth feel for its structure than she had been able to in past. She does not extact a fragment. Instead she makes notes on a metal placard.

Adun takes a step forward, again crossing arm with fist to chest. "Fight well. Friend Ashildur." He then crouches slightly, in a leaning ready stance, prepared.

Artemis returns the gesture in respect. "You as well, Friend Adun." She studies him as she readies herself again, though she does not deploy her shield...

Artemis waits until Adun is prepared, circling him a bit. After sizing him up, and thinking about the results of this challenge...no. She has to stay present. She steps up to him and throws a right hook.

Adun brings up an arm to deflect, but is too slow. It is his shift in stance bringing the block that appears to, in fact, causing the blow to be avoided. His other hand touches the scarred mark on his shoulder as he utters a phrase in Grinmorian. The formerly attemped-deflecting arm now swings in a backhand at Artemis.

Artemis doesn't even register the blow. It makes a meaty sound on impact, but she doesn't budge. She expected him to hit harder. This worries her. She swings out with her left hand in retaliation. More than a love tap.

Artemis follows up with a rising uppercut from her right fist.

Adun accepts Artemis' strike, much of it softened by the Shaman's Gift. The rest is absorbed by mundane Adun flesh. He retaliates, dutifully, though certainly not joyfully.

Artemis doesn't have the usual enthusiasm for battle on her face either. Adun's blow barely even stings. "You'll have to try harder than that," Artemis informs him, ducking down to try and snag his leg and throw him off balance.

Adun is swept off his feet, but immediately arches his back and handplants to rollout back to his feet. "Yes." He agrees with her assessment and places a hand to his chest. Once more he calls for aid he does not wish. Afterwards, he lunges forward with both hands and arms wide.

Artemis gets caught by Adun, arms pinned to her sides. She grunts from the squeeze as her teeth grit. And finally, hope sparks in her that Adun will win, even as she struggles to break free.

Artemis tries to twist and wriggle a shoulder down so she can try and slip out.

Adun scowls, showing many small teeth. As if this weren't strange enough, it seems clear that they have difficulties striking or harming one another. Perhaps they are just so evenly matched... in addition to the situation. He deems it wisest, perhaps most quick and merciful, to simply hold on and squeeze with all of his might.

Artemis grunts as the air is getting squeezed out of her lungs, now that Adun's showing superior strength.

Adun was reluctant to show that strength initially. Despite the terms of the duel, he did not wish to somehow strike her down intantly. Obviously, that was not the case. Now, perhaps, he wishes he'd chosen differently. He grunts, closing his eyes and continues to squeeze.

Artemis finds herself short of breath as Adun crushes in and restricts her ribs. But she's still struggling to get the upper hand.

Artemis slips a shoulder down and free, which lets her slip down and out of Adun's grip. She takes a deep breath at last to recover the lost air, then wraps Adun up in a bear hug and squeezes.

Adun is not a highly trained wrestler, nor even unarmed. He is a hunter and brawler, and makes a simple attempt to get some leverage with his pinned arms and strains to force open Artemis' embrace.

Adun pries Artemis' arms open to free his own and simply undercuts them to grasp her around the waist and squeeze. Now it may appear a casual embrace, even if neither the force nor intent are.

Artemis is crushed again after failing to contain Adun. "You...are a worthy...hhunnhh...opponent," she rasps out. She struggles to get free, but doesn't have the willpower to push beyond her already strained limits.

Adun closes his eyes again as he bears down to hold against her struggles. Between grunts, he acknowledges and assures her that "Ashildur. Worthy." Even as he squeezes further, like the constricting serpent.

Artemis struggles with the last of her fading strength. It's getting harder to breath as her overbearing opponent overpowers her and gives her no opportunity for leverage. Her solace is this means her friend gets to live, and perhaps she is spared having to fight against the Urth. Just as her vision starts to dim, she hears Adun's words. She's felt far from worthy, being trapped to do Portennant's bidding. It's Adun's assurances of her worthiness that causes her to smile faintly before she goes slack in his arms, passing out.

"Stop," Mercury says. "Terms of the duel or not, you will not take her life here. It is unlawful. Her life is yours. Spare it."

Adun holds Artemis a moment after her struggles cease. Only then does he relax the force, though not the hold. He crouches, carefully setting her to the ground; gently, respectfully. Arms are draped in a resting poisition neatly at her sides. He rises slowly, regarding Artemis even as he finally answers Mercury. The words are slow, strained, but spaced and deliberate. "Adun. Not. Want. Kill. But. Not. Break. Word. To. Ashildur." This reminder from another does not make the matter any easier as he turns to step for the sword in the ground. It isn't only convenient, it seems proper. A warrior lives and dies by their weapon.

"Your victory means her life is yours," Mercury reiterates, positioning herself to be between Artemis and Adun. "It is yours to do with as you will. But if you take it from her, you will no longer be a guardian here. You have the choice. If you choose to slay her, you will have to first slay me."

"No. Not Adun choice." Adun removes the weapon from the Urth and turns to Mercury. He looks ...resigned, rather than aggressive. "Ashildur life. Ashildur choice. Ashildur spoke choice." He steps towards Artemis and Mercury. "Hooman punish Adun, Adun accept. After."

"I cannot allow it," Mercury states. "You will have to go through me." Her body takes on a firmer appearance. She's reminded of last time she tried this. She's more ready.

"Adun no want fight, only honor Ashildur." He states once more before continuing to move. There is still no aggressiion directed at Mercury specifically, only the intent to pass to reach Artemis.

Rooted with each step, Mercury does not allow Adun to pass. "I did not say I would fight."

Adun steps to one side, stopping when Mercury interposes. He then uses the brilliant tactic of stepping to the other side. When that fail, he scowls, showing teeth. "Move."

"You want to free her," Mercury says. "There is a way without slaying her. If you do not understand that, then kill me to reach her."

Adun stands still. "Adhildur say death free. Not other way. How?" He may have given his word, but there was no time specified. There is nothing preventing him from listening, either.

"Another challenge," Mercury replies. "She was ready to accept the terms you offered in either event. I would no more allow her to slay you than I allow you to slay her."

Adun scowl deepens as he listens, glance shifting to Artemis. It remains a moment before his scowl fades to a ...droop that presses down into his shoulders and even his stance. "No. Not. Another. Adun not. Strong enough."

"To challenge her again?" Mercury asks. "Because I can."

Adun blinks several times at this, then looks to Mercury. His posture promptly straightens and his expression returns to displeasure. "For shiny rock spirit kill Ashildur?! No! Adun challenge! Adun honor! Ashildur honor!" Now he might be getting aggressive.

"I will challenge her. No one will be killed." Mercury says this in deliberate and measured tones. "In order to kill her, you must kill me first."

Adun doesn't blink this time, but still appears confused.. or dubious. "Challenge why? No free Ashildr. Ashildr want free."

Artemis groans faintly as she starts to wake up. Slowly at first as her head turns. Then her eyes flutter open a few times before opening. She takes a moment to take stock of where she is. "What...?" she says. Then she sits up and looks around, gazing up at Adun. "Why? Why did you not keep your word?" she demands.

"Because I cannot allow such a slaying," Mercury replies. "It is not a fault of his. He has simply not decided to strike me down to reach you yet."

Adun now blinks, looking over/around Mercury to ARtemis and looking.. mortified? It may be hard to tell what the Grinmorian expression is the equivalent of. He is holding Artemis' sword. "Ashildur!"

Further words from him are cut off in shock as the godsteel sword suddenly vanishes in a FLASH of light and THWIMP of displaced air, leaving Adun staring in disbelief.

"And I challenge you to try," Mercury adds.

Artemis's eyes widen as the sword vanishes. "No..." she says in horror. "You do not know what you have done!" she says she gets up to one knee. It's not certain who she's saying it to. She sighs and shakes her head. "Friend Adun, I do not blame you for staying your hand against the Youngling, Mercury," she sighs in resignation, realizing her window of opportunity has passed. She looks to both of them. "Protect the Urth. Go to the Starguardians."

It is Artemis, then, that vanishes in a flash of light. It is accompanied by a strange combination of proper, prim English and a string of expletives. Fortunately for all save Artemis, the comments are only audible for her.

"Ashildur!" Adun bellows, even while trying to blink away the flash. Though, by then, she is already ... not here. He droops again and looks to Mercury, sagging. The sword would drop if he were still holding it. "Adun refuse. Solve nothing."

Victory gets to the park a couple of minutes after Artemis has left. He makes his way through the area, looking for any signs of the reported fight, and finds Adun. He waves, "Hey there. What happened?"

Adun's head is also turned upward, following the shiny rock-spirit's...gaze(?) skyward. When Victory arrives, his head and eyes lower to turn towards Victory, then lower to the ground. "Ashildur gone. Ashildr trapped."

Victory blinks a few times, parsing that. "Artemis was here? Why? This doesn't exactly seem like strategic target." He pauses and thinks about it. "You managed to contact her, didn't you?"

Feeling that perhaps Adun can explain events in a manner to his liking much better than she, Mercury remains stock still. There is a slight ripple to her body every so often, signaling that she has not departed and left a hollow statue behind.

"Adun pray," he confirms. "Ashildur answer." He reaches into the band of his cloth to pull out a metal token. "Ashildur give Adun for pray."

Victory looks at the coin for a long moment, "Hmm. That looks familiar." He remembers then that he has also been given one of those same coins. So...he could use it to draw her out, but...to do so and ambush her doesn't feel...right. He sighs. At the very least, he might be able to use it to draw her away from someplace more dangerous, like if he gets word about her being involved in a fight on the moon.

Wade nods. "So...you summoned her here? And you fought?"

Adun starts to open his mouth, but pauses and closes it. He takes a deep inhale and utters a quiet series of unintelligible sounds. He then begins to speak, slowly and deliberately. "Adun ask Ashildur for help. Ashildur come here, tell that Ashildur bound by honor words to serve wood bee tyrant. Ashildur say only death free her. Ashildur say must challenge." His eyes are still on the ground somwhere near Victory's feet. "Ashildur friend. Adun try to free. Adun failed."

Victory raises a brow, "Only DEATH would free her? Why does she make these weird stupid bargains?" He sighs loudly. "Gah! Seriously?!" He shakes his head, and paces back and forth slowly. "I'm sorry...this isn't directed at you. I know you tried."

"I would not allow her to be killed," Mercury states. "And I would not change that decision."

Victory tries to remember what Artemis said about the coins. "I'm pretty sure she gave me one of those coins in case I needed help with anything. Adun, that was what she said to you as well, right?"

Blok enters the park, having heard of the fight there on HeroNet. He sees Victory, and approaches him, "Friend Wade, is it true? Is Friend Artemis fighting against her friends? Where is she? Blok would have words.

Adun turns to Mercury. "Shiny rock only try protect. Adun not angry. Adun not want Ashildr dead, want free." He turns back to Victory, now meeting his gaze. "Yes. Ashildr give Adun to seek help."

"I do not know your intentions," Mercury says, still gazing upward. "But if you intend to kill her, you will have to start with me."

Another Bearer of the Godflora's mystical prayer coin has received word via the Millennium Legion App that an incident nearby seems to have been tagged with a number of his saved search values- namely Artemis being in combat with local heroes... again.

He has no idea whats going on with her beyond what most others know but he figures she's the thrall of someone else just as she was on the day they met. He plans to free her.

The young hero comes bolting through the park as fast as he can hoping he isn't too late.

He spots Victory on his second lap through and moves towards him, Mercury and Adun- the latter of which become visible as he gets closer.

He slides to a halt nearby, breathing just a little hard. "I... I.... heard... Artemis ... was ... here..." He says to Victory and the others. "I think she's being... WHooo... mind controlled again." He takes a deep breath, surprised at how winded he is- but he ran from across town to get here.

Now it seems even more arrive, all anxious to see Artemis, and bearing tales or thoughts of deeds done or reasons why. Adun looks to the two most recent and their questions. "No. Ashildur gone." He then turns and steps to the nearby tree formerly used for pondering and crouches down under and against it. Right back where he started.

"Gone?" Horizon asks, clearly disappointed. "Aww man. I really tried to get here as fast as I could." He adds as he catches his breath.

"Where'd she go?" He inquires. "We have to save her." He adds- still unaware for the actual situation at hand. Clearly the Legion hasn't been updated on this aspect of the situation yet.

Victory looks to those that have shown up. "Artemis lost a duel with this alternate Porter, whatever name is. The result was that she had to serve him. Supposedly until death." That thought causes his brow to furrow and he looks at Mercury, "And you thought I'd try to kill her? Seriously?" He shakes his head, clearly dismissing that idea entirely. "She's been teleported back to where this alt-Porter is, I'm guessing. The moon?"

"I don't know who is willing to try what," Mercury replies. "It was not meant to attack your good name."

Blok says, "Can StarGuard track?"

Victory shakes his head, "I don't think they can. Not easily. But it depends on how the teleportation works?" He shrugs, "I have a thought about how to take Artemis off the table, at least in terms of being involved in this conflict. And it wouldn't kill her."

"KILL?!" Horizon says incredulously. "That seems a bit extrem... well. I mean. It is Artemis."

The Legionnaire rubs his chin as he correlates this new data to his misinformed theory.

He thinks for a long moment. "I bet her brother would do it. I mean, she was always claiming they fought to the death all the time before coming to Earth. I've never seen him myself- but maybe we can track him down? But how do we know they're 'immortal' like they claim? Maybe its just part of their cape identity? So maybe trying to find her brother might not be a great idea.

He pulls out a coin like Victory's and rolls it along his knuckles.

He perks up a bit at Victory's thought. "Oh - that's a relief. I'm not so sure the Legion would be so happy if I'm helping arrange hits."

Blok says, "Blok will challenge, but will not fight."

"The terms of the duel, to the death," Mercury says with a hint of anger to her otherwise serene tone. "Was that in the event of either victory, Artemis would no longer be under the previous duel's terms. That can be exploited. I was going to challenge her when she awoke, but I was too late."

Victory nods as he listens. "Here is my thought: I have one of the coins that she gives out as a favor owed. I call it in, and ask her to step into one of Starguard's cells as the favor owed. They're made of Questonite, and should block any teleportation or escape to anohter dimension, as far as I know."

Victory shrugs, "Bam. She's off the table."

"I would be very much unopposed to that idea," Mercury assures. "Thank you. It would need to be enacted quickly. She is on a leash, so to speak."

Victory nods. "I would do the summon directly from Starguard proper to minimize the chance of a recall."

This idea seems to excite Horizon enough to prompt the other legacy hero for a high-five. "Awesome idea Vic! That is a genius move!"

Victory returns the high-five. "Though...there's no telling if it woudl work. Or if the cell would indeed hold her. But I think it's a matter of whether or not alt-Porter thinks putting more effort into recovering a problematic asset is worth it. Artemis seemed like she was holding back a bit at the base in Hawaii. I'd be surprised if he doesn't think that's the case as well."

"I will enter the cell and be a very difficult obstruction for her to escape," Mercury suggests. "She cannot harm me with that sword."

Victory nods. "I don't think that will be necessary. This is just...using her honor to capture her. I feel a little bad about it, but I definitely don't want to summon her and then fight. She gave me this in good faith. Once the door is closed, even with her weapons, she won't be able to get out. But I can also ask for her to hand them over as well?"

"She longs to be released from her bond of oath," Mercury says. "Take care, but she is certain to inform you what must be done and what she must do."

Horizon flips his coin and catches it with an air of satisfaction. "Should at least slow her down. If she can't do the first one, maybe she can do the second? Lend you her shield- literally. And if that's the case, I can ask for her sword. She's a tough lady but those weapons of her knock her up a few pegs."

"Do not allow her weapons to fall into a reachable state," Mercury warns. "The sword was remotely taken away while held by her challenger."

Blok says, "Blok has nothing to offer but his words. The words of one who one fought in the arena. Words of honor, and of innocents. And if words fail, one more thing Blok has."

The Legionnaire clearly didn't know that. "Oh." He says simply at Mercury. "Well maybe that won't work."

He turns towards the massive Blok, wondering what that 'one thing' is.

Adun looks over from his 'seat' against the tree to the others as they speak of caging Artemis, yet free her. The logic of this somewhat eludes him, but that they wish to protect her is clear. "Where? When?" he calls over in question. If Ashildur might return, he would be there.

Victory says, "It would be at Starguard proper. I just ask everyone...let me get the actual request in, and have her respond. I'm hoping that's enough to get her to walk into the cell without a fight. She can be spoken with once she's in the cell."

"What were her words when she gave you that coin?" Mercury asks Wade. "She spoke of having little time before her absence would be discovered."

Victory thinks about it. "She described how to use it to call her. And she said I should use it when I need her assistance on anything."

"Do you believe that if you added words such as, when you have a moment, or when you are unseen, would be provided for in her response?" Mercury wonders, beginning to walk.

"That's about what she told me too. Except you know, all 'thousts and debts paid'." Horizon says in agreement, using a bad English accent to emulate the Godflora.

Bethany enters from MagLev System.

Victory nods. "I think it's assumed? She has someone else she owes a favor to on another planet, and she didn't like...teleport there. I think I see what you're concerned about. If I summon her while she's say...in a meeting with alt-Porter, does she disappear immediately? I don't think she does. I think she has to get there under her own power. Which might mean using whatever means they're using to teleport back and forth."

"She arrived here in a very loud and bright show of power," Mercury informs.

Victory nods. "How long after she was summoned did she actually arrive?"

Mercury shakes her head slowly. "I was attracted by that show, I saw nothing before it. Her departure was much less showy."

Victory furrows hsi brow. "That sounds different than how she left. Maybe it DOES summon her directly. I think that means...I should wait a little bit. I'm guessing he might be giving her a direct talking to right now."

Since the gardens aren't really a memorized location for the mist-transport-service, MTS, gotta love Avalon's corporate conversion. Okay in all seriousness, Pendragon just doesn't know the park that well. So she doesn't draw upon the mists. But since she knows she is heading to the park, Pendragon -does- bring her bestest friend in the whole world. That almost nine foot tall horse, Snowmane..

The majestic and noble steed trots into the park, with what looks like a diminutive rider on his back. But Pendragon is only diminutive by comparison. It is however, difficult to conceal the sounds of such an animal at a trot.

Blok says, "Go to StarGuard. Prepare for Friend Artemis."

Victory nods, thinking about it. "Best wait...let's say an hour. Probably no longer."

Mercury's head rises, glad she was attentive to details. "I can help us all reach Starguard more quickly," She offers gently. "My body's shape is able to change to any degree it needs to." She has to stay her reaction to seeing Snomane, as a girl who adores equines, and presents a respectful bow of her head toward both horse and ridder.

Victory catches sight of Pendragon, who he's met at least once before. He gives her a wave, "Hey there!"

Lifting a hand from her perch up there, Pendragon smiles and calls out, "Heya Vic!" Yeah. She knows Victory, at least a bit. It's not like they hang out or go get malts together. But they have talked before. Seeing the wave, Snowmane adjusts course without direction, and just slows to a walk as he gets closer... moving in to get a good sniff of the folks there, but he remembers Victory, and leans in to try to nuzzle him in greeting.

Victory pets the horse lightly before looking up at the rider, "Pendragon, you missed a fight a few minutes ago. Well, most of us missed it. Are you familiar with what's going on regarding the moon and the like?"

Inclining her head, Pendragon shrugs her shoulders, "You mean like.. giant leap for all mankind the moon?" she asks. "I've been in Avalon so... they don't get CNN there."

Blok says, "Man named Porter - but not Porter - say he will make moon fall, unless all Earth obey him."

Victory nods and tries to give a condensed version. "There's an alternate dimension version of the hero known as Porter, who is planning to use a mass driver to fire the moon at us...is we dont' make him emperor of the planet or something. He managed to defeat another hero here, Artemis, in one on one combat, and as a result, she's now working for him out of a sense of honor and fulfilling her duty due to losing to the guy."

Victory motions to another alien nearby, "Adun here challenged her to a combat and beat her, but couldn't bring himself to kill her. I guess that's the only way out of her agreement? And she was teleported back to her current liege."

Shaking her head, Pendragon sighs, "Many a knight was manipulated by those without any honor calling upon the knight to fulfill some perceived sense of duty. What they never realized was that the being they were suddenly feeling indebted to was so lost to honor that they could not recognize it as a concept, and thus should not be owed a debt of such honor." But then she looks to Adun, "Wait, she could be beaten and forced into servitude, but beating her again does not put her in -your- service? That seems like a wildly inconsistent code."

"It's definitely some clause." Horizon mutters as he admires the large battle horse. He waves to the rider, not realizing the horse is a sapient being as well.

Victory nods. "I think...it has to do with whatever the bet is made at the start of the fight."

Mercury nears Snomane, not reaching out, simply standing by. "He tried to, but I refused to allow it," she clarifies. "He could not bring himself to slay me to get to her. Her service at present is until death, but a new duel can render the prior one void if its terms would contradict. At least, she seemed to react in a manner to suggest that."

Nodding her head, Pendragon shrugs, "Well, in the future, that should be made a priority part of such an engagement." But she pats Snowmane on the shoulder and says, "Hey bud, can I get down?" and the horse turns his head to look at her with one eye before bobbing said head and bending a foreleg so that she can climb down without having to skydive.

And so Pendragon does just that, she dismounts and drops to the ground before reaching into a pack and saying to the horse, "Carrot or apple?" And the horse stamps a hoof, once... so she nods and plucks a carrot out, "Anyone feel like feeding the big spoiled rotten warhorse?"

Adun disputes neither Victory's nor Mercury's statements about his actions. He does stand now, though, believing that the journey to the Guards of Stars' cave may be soon.

Victory nods. "Artemis is...well, she has a stronger sense of honor than I do. Sort of. I mean, she did strike me from behind during a recent fight, so that appears to be malleable? I'm not sure entirely. Maybe an alien sense of honor?" Hs shrugs, "At any rate, we were discussing options...and she owes me a favor. She todl me she would assist me when needed when I summon her with a coin. I intend to do so, and ask her to step into a cell..because that would assist me greatly."

"I am truly sorry," Mercury offers. "It would serve what we desire if we were present at the cell in question sooner than later. May we continue speaking as we move?"

Horizon looks pretty surprised by how well trained the warhorse is and begins thinking that perhaps there's more to this great beast than meets the eye once it makes a clear choice between carrot & apple. Well, clear to its rider anyway.

He looks to Mercury and then the others when Pendragon offers to let one of them feed the magnificent steed.

He looks like he wants to but he's also trying to play it cool in front of the other legacy hero.

Shrugging, Pendragon lifts the carrot up and Snowmane appears to shimmy closer before leaning in to gently nibble at the vegetable. "Well, that does sound like a plan worth trying." she says to Victory, "But I think it's a bit on the side of being less important than stopping this evil Porter." She shrugs, "It's not like I can do anything about a mass driver in space though." she glances skyward and wonders aloud, "Is this the great danger that made the sword choose me though?"

Victory notices Horizon's look at hte horse, "Go ahead. She offered, right?" He chuckles. He then nods to Mercury, "We should get going, yeah. But not too quickly. We need her have time to get reprimanded for the last outing first." His attention turns to Pendragon, "It is less important...but think of it like a chess game. She's a Rook for this evil Porter. Or perhaps a Knight. Taking a few pieces off the table makes the checkmate easier."

Blok says, "Or a Queen?"

Victory nods. "Might be. I'm not sure she's hte most powerful meta he has available. She might be? But either way, the theory is the same."

Horizon nods and looks to Pendragon a bit too late to take her up on her offer. He makes a face that almost playfully says, 'What can you do?' The answer is not much, so he just smirks and listens to the others, agreeing with their plan so far.

"I'll go with you too, if you'll have me. That way if you need to we can use my coin too. I don't think they're transferable or I'd hand it over." He says to Victory.

Glancing to Blok, Pendragon then turns to face Victory, "Perhaps we might render her in service of royalty?" Her hand drops to the hilt of the sword at her hip. The sword that has a subtly different appearance for anyone who looks upon it. It is viewed in the mind's eye as the ideal image of what Excalibur, or at least what 'the sword of kings' might look like for those unfamiliar with the English legend. "If that is some way that I can be of service.." she shrugs and holds the partially eaten carrot to Horizon as she lifts her brows.

Blok nods. He knows little of chess, but enough to know the usual means of removing a Queen.

Horizon lights up and takes the carrot quickly, not wanting to upset the horse with this back and forth business.

A second later he's next ot the horse saying real nice things about its mane while it feeds him.

The horse seems patient and amused by all of this. When Horizon starts saying nice things, the horse nudges him and reaches for the carrot with his lips.

Pendragon glances over and smirks. "I think that's his way of saying, cut it out with the babytalk. Turns out, Snowmane there, is apparently perfectly fluent in English. He's not just a horse. That's Snowmane, the most majestic of the Warhorses of Avalon. Bearer of the heiress." She stops, and snow snorts before she smirks and adds, "And father to Ash and Steel, two up and coming warhorses." At that, Snow bobs his head and goes back to gently biting at the carrot.

Adun looks to the horse and sniffs the air as well.

Victory shrugs to Pendragon, "I...don't know what can be done to break her prior promise. I got the feeling it was...immutable? Like a geas? So, if you have a way to do that kind of thing...we can go for it. Otherwise, I'm thinking we just lean into the restrictions."

Victory shrugs and smiles. "But if this DOESN'T work, then try whatever."

Adun looks to the horse and sniffs the air as well. It appears a fine creature, though his thoughts remain elsewhere and his words are poor for all the debates. "Adun go. Guard of Stars cave. Wait Ashildur pray, Ashildur come." He moves off, back towards the noisy and generally uncomfortable city proper.

Mercury positions herself closer to Pendragon to get an idea of the composition of the oddly impressive weapon, fascinated by what she might discover. She stifles her urge to ask questions about the foals. "Choose your service from her carefully," Mercury offers. "She may herself elaborate on what is possible. I wonder if her weapon could be retrieved if it is housed within me."

Okay, that last part confuses Pendragon and she shrugs. "I am just trying to think of ways that I can be of assistance." she offers, "Ways that I might help separate this warrior from the evil Porter without having to take her life.

Snow meanwhile, nudges Horizon as if to remind him.. hey.. more.

Horizon looks flabbergasted by what Pendragon tells him. "Ooooh. Woah. That's pretty arid." He says having never met a sentient animal before. Unless Adun counts, but he seems more like cave-alien than animal-man so he shrugs as Adun confirms that with his simplified speech pattersn. He decides to just pet Snowmane.

He fights the urge to pet a bit more agressively and ask, "Who's the proud papa?" before repeatedly confirming Snowmane is.

Horizon offers the horse what he has until its gone- then he'll look to Pendragon for assistance. There is barely enough room in the suit for him- much less hidden carrots.

Victory smiles. "At any rate...as suggested, I should get over to Starguard if I'm going to try this at all."

Blok reaches into his satchel and draws forth a string of clear crystals. "Friend Snowmane, I am Blok. I am unfamiliar with your species. Are these suitable for your consumption?" He offers the rock candy to Snowmane.

Mercury's body takes the form of a large wagon with standing room and handholds.

Victory remembers that Mercury had offered to act as transport. "Huh. Okay." He tentatively walks over and climbs into the wagon that's been formed.

"Very true." says Pendragon. "Snow. Apple when we get there. For now, I need to get up please." and the horse seems to sigh. But then he turns his head towards Blok even as he bends down to let Pendragon climb up on the back. He sniffs at the rock candy and then looks to Pendragon. She climbs up and looks down. "Rock candy. That's basically just hard sugar. Yeah. He can have that.. at Starguard." she adds with a grin as she observes the whole... wagon change. "Interesting. But.. I believe we should not demean such a noble warhorse as Snowmane by trying to hitch him to a wagon." she states, and the horse nods his head emphatically. Pendragon sounded like she didn't really believe what she said, but was merely speaking the words she knew Snow would want to hear.

Blok says, "Blok push."

Horizon tries to be weirded out by Mercuy's sudden transformation but the possibility of a carriage ride through town being pulled by a war charger is more than a little exciting to the young Legionnaire.

He can't get in th ewagon fast enough.

"Oh." He says, full of disappointment when Snow doesn't seem too keen ont he idea.

Blok stands at the back of the 'wagon' waiting for everyone to climb in that's going to.

Mercury calmly informs, "I am able to self-propel. Please climb aboard if you would like to get there faster than walking might take you. I would not presume to hitch myself to the steed of a royal."

"See Snow?" asks Pendragon. "Real warriors don't think anything is beneath them." And Snow snorts so Pendragon shuts up, "Sorry folks. Let's just get moving." she says as she wheels Snowmane about and turns him towards Starguard.. and then the two of them are off at a trot, not a gallop.

Once aboard is established, Mercury moves, granting Blok opportunity to become passenger, then moving toward Starguard at a fairly fast pace.

Starguard - Reception Area

The reception area has muted black tiled floor, with the walls and roof painted off-white. The secretarial desk enclosure is barely twenty feet from the double set of glass doors. To its left is a large double-hinged door ominously labeled 'Security'. A seating area full of soft couches is to the right. Down the hallway that leads deeper into the building is the office of the Director of Operations and the exit to the landing field outside.

Victory thinks about it, "I better summon her here. And then we can walk her back. It's not far. We just need to be quick about it."

Victory walks over to the receptionist to give the official folks a warning about what is planned.

And.. Snowmane is asked to wait out front. But.. he -is- given rock candy and an apple to appease his bruised ego. Pendragon herself just walks in alongside the others without saying a word.

Victory takes a deep breath as he walks over to the others. "Anyone have an idea what happens when you get conflicting geases? geas? geaii? Whatever the plural is?"

"If she is under a geas... and another geas is used to change conditions, it won't mean that she doesn't suffer from the negatives of the first one." suggests Pendragon. "So, this.. assuming it works, would doom her entirely as she would suffer the negative effects of failing at one or both gease."

"That's not good." Horizon says with a voice full of worry.

Victory takes a deep breath. "Hmm. Assuming it works the same way as the mystic ones do here." He looks to the others, "So...do we take the chance?"

"IF Artemis is who I think she is- I say we do it. She'd want us to try." Horizon says, still sounding worried but certain.

"The real question is.. which is more important. The life of one warrior who would truly rather die than harm the world? Or the lives of twelve billion humans?" Pendragon says. "I hate to say it but... yes." she says as she looks to Horizon, "I agree."

Blok says, "Blok want to help Friend Artemis."

Victory claps Horizon on the shoulder. "I agree as well. She'd want us to try, I think." He shakes his head, "I feel like I should say something like...'this will hurt you more than it will me'." He takes a few deep breaths...and then uses the coin to summon Artemis.

Victory says, "Artemis, this is Wade. I need your help with something. I need to call in the favor that you owe me."

Horizon takes a deep breath and nods. "Yeah. I know what we're doing is right, but still feels crummy." He says, commiserating with Victory after the call is made.

An Ashildr coin given is an oath that must be respected. Even if it will cost Artemis most dearly. The first one already has. Her punishment on her return was much more severe than what she received for her failure in Maui. She eyes her blade, held by her Liege after she's taken another hit from him in his wrath. "I must hold all my oaths, my Liege," she says as she reaches up to grasp her sword.

For the others, it takes a minute of awkward silence and waiting before there's a crack like thunder and a flash of golden light, manifesting in the silhouette of Artemis with sword in hand, held out like she was stretching to grasp it. It appears only a few meters before Victory. Then suddenly, the energy flares, entwined with some dark energy that wasn't before. The sword's silhouette vanishes from her hand.

A second later when the light fades and Artemis appears in the flesh, her sword now appears through her chest. The look of shock on the Godflora's face is instant. She wavers for a moment as blood starts to run down from the sudden wound, and then she begins to topple.

Victory's eyes go wide. He uses his radio, "We need a medical team in reception!" Even as he says it, he reaches out to try to catch Artemis as she falls over. He says quietly, "I'm sorry...God...I'm sorry..."

Blok isn't as fast as Victory, but rushes to Artemis' side as well.

Horizon reaches out too- so no matter what Artemis will at least be placed on the ground gently.

"Ok- this plan is already off the rails..." He says, feeling terribly guilty. "We had to try Artemis- we didn't know this was what was going to happen..." He says as Victory apologizes too.

Artemis is caught as her knees give out. "Huukk...no...apologies needed," she rasps. "So..little time. They have Sinmore..." she tries to get out what she couldn't before.

While she isn't able to heal the body, Pendragon surges forward also. "MEDIC!" she announces as she draws her own gleaming weapon. Gleaming like the sun is shining on the blade. While she can't stop the bleeding, she -can- help with consciousness and such. She grips her sword tightly and power flares fro it.

Blok lays his hands upon Artemis' shoulders. They grow warm to the touch.

Adun is uncertain what to expect. Maybe they will free her. Maybe she will be unable to come. Maybe-"By Shamans! Ashildur!" Adun starts to step forward, but he is not a shaman and could offer little aid to her regardless of his desire to."

Horizon is torn. He wants to help his friend. He needs to help his friend- at least personally. But with so much on the line he wonders if they are doing the right thing by helping keep Artemis alive. He knows its not very heroic- and he hates himself for the thought, but he knows it might benefit the most number of people and that always has to come first- even if the trade is for your own soul.

He feels suddenly very useless here as others rush to help her, simultaneously kicking himself for not being sure if they should help her and for not being capable of helping her himself. He's in a very complicated place right now.

He really dislikes when heroing isn't black and white, when the call is weighted so precariously.

He looks to Artemis then. "Sinmore? I don't think I know who that is." He says to the Godflora before looking aorund at the others. "Do any of you know who that is?"

"Do not go from us Artemis." says Pendragon as she holds her glowing blade. "You are here with us and we are not going to leave you or fail you."

Blok says, "Friend Artemis! I do not release you. You are still protector of this world."

Blok continues to concentrate on healing Artemis' wound.

Victory nods. "Sinmore is a fire giant. She helped us with the fight in Hawaii." He keeps a hold of Artemis and shakes his head, "If he went after Sinmore, I'm starting to wonder how it has time for petty . Isn't he trying to destroy the world?"

Feeling there is not more she can do here, Mercury leaves to continue working at things she can do.

Healing while leaving the sword in Artemis is working at keeping her alive. But it's more life support than anything else. She grits her teeth in pain. "My L-Liege...has many servitors." She closes her eyes a moment and tries to draw enough breath, then opens her eyes and looks up to Victory. "You...called upon a favor. I--unggh! I have answered the call."

Her eyes drift to Pendragon's sword, looking awed and surprised. The Brand of Phanuel...in mortal hands?"

Adun is not the only one to step in, and realizes he may not be the only one wanting to help but may not be the best help. This gives him thought on how he CAN help. "Give room!" He shall see about keeping anyone not holding onto, emanating spirit powers into, packing mud and leaves onto, or other immediate proper medical aid unto Artemis is encouraged to step back.

Victory smiles sadly. "You did. It seems stupid now...but I needed you to step into a cell. If we take you there now...with Blok's help, we can make sure you're protected..and kept alive."

Blok says, "Friend Artemis, you need to focus all your strength, all your will. I Challenge You to live."

Seeing that Artemis is no longer in -immediate- danger of dying, Pendragon steps back and lets the Starguard medics get closer. "Stab wound to the torso. She is superhuman so be aware that the physiology may be different." she tells them as she sheathes her blade once more. She is not sure who Sinmore is, and all that. But she just knows that she needs to be on hand and ready to protect the people. The old man in her head has that whole.. noblisse oblige attitude too

Blok assists the medics as needed.

Artemis gives a weak nod at Victory's request. "Not stupid," she says with a pained smile, that then turns sad. "I know not...that I have the strength now to keep my oath. But I will try, Frie...former friend, Wade," she says. Blok's challenge seems to give her what she needs. With a pained grunt and furrowed brow, she tries to will herself to get up.

Victory helps Artemis to her feet. "Pssh. You're still a friend, Artemis. Just...a maddening, frustrating, friend." He smirks. He does his best to try to help Artemis down the hall, at least until the medics actually get there...sicne they can help get her to a shielded cell.

Jackie flies in to get a update on what's happening.

Artemis ends up having to lean on Victory to fulfill her promise. She smiles weakly as she's lead to the cells step by step, the medics following. "I am glad, Friend Wade. Well..." she coughs a bit and winces. Moving with her sword still through her chest isn't easy. "For the first part...at least." With some work, Victory can get her to a secure cell.

Victory shakes his head, "Artemis...stop moving. Let the medics help you down the hall. Let's keep that weapon from hurting you further." He gets some assitance from the medics and they get her through security and down to one of the secure cells, where the medics can deal with the wound...probalby with some meta healing help. And she won't get recalled.

Artemis complies with Victory's request. It was starting to get more difficult to keep trying to move herself. She surrenders to the help of the medics as they get to work, and get her situated in a secure cell at Victory's direction.

Jackie asks at reception, "Where's Dorian? And what has happened here? Whose blood is that all over the carpet?"

Horizon rushes over after updating his report to the Legion about what was happening.

"Its Artemis'. We tried to take her off the table but the James Porter Variant did this on her arrival." He explains to Jackie as he rushes pas to help the medics & Victory contain the goddess.

The receptionist nods in agreement with what Horizon said, and then adds, "Commander Perrault is currently at Tranquility, I believe."

Jackie nods, "Is there a crash team inbound? What's Artemis' state? Where is she? I can help if she's still alive."

The receptionist says, "Security. Victory mentioned something about...she might get teleported back to the moon if she wasn't in a cell when she was treated? Medics are down there too."

Jackie turns to Horizon, "You with SGG? If you are lead the way. Clear me through. Hurry. No time to waste."

"I'm not. I'm... umm Vic's guest. But they're this way." Horizon replies as he heads to follow the others. He beckons Jackie to follow.

Artemis lets out a tired sigh of relief as she's helped into the cell and onto the cot, offering a weak smile afterwards as the medics get to work. "Oath...fulfilled," she utters quietly, closing her eyes.

Victory remains nearby, but gets far enough out of the way for the medics to work. There's a fair amount of Artemis's blood on his white costume. He shakes his head slowly, second guessing the plan as it was laid out.

Horizon arrives and sees that look on Victory's face. Now its his turn to help bolster his fellow legacy. He claps him on the shoulder and says, "It was the only play we had and it was the right one. She isn't complaining any." He says, nodding towards Artemis resting in her cell.

Adun does his utmost to clean the reception area carpet of blood... if repeated footfalls qualify as cleaning. His pacing may eventually succeed in cleaning carpet entirely from floor, if only in a single swath from one side to the other.

Jackie bustles into the cell, "I'm Dr DelQuist." she announces to the medics already on hand. "We'll need compression dressings when that sword is withdrwn from the wound. Does someone have her records?" She's already laying a hand on Artemis' shoulder and sending s stream of healing virus into the injured heroine.

Victory steps out to the hallway and says to Horizon, "Thanks. I hope you're right." He smiles a bit as he sees Jackie take over. "Between her and Blok, I think she'll probalby be okay?"

Blok reaches into his satchel for the compression dressings.

Jackie asks, "Who decided to leave the sword in the wound while moving her to here?"

Now that the medics are doing their thing, there's really not anything more that Pendragon can do to help. She just stands outside and observes the situation.

Artemis's eyes open slowly as the healing virus strengthens her. She doesn't recognize the medics tending her, save Blok. "He...won't summon me from here?" she asks to confirm she made it.

"I'm ok. I just hope this is enough to turn the tide. But if the Variant is still kidnapping and recruiting people I can't help but feel as if we've got an uphill battle ahead- even with his Rook off the board." Horizon says to Victory. "So you make sure you keep me in the loop. I'll commit whatever I can bring to bear." He adds, flipping the coin in his hand again.

He's keeping it as close as possible jsut in case Artemis pulls another disappearing act thanks to NegaPorter.

At least then they might have another few moments to push their agenda forward without her interferance.

He nods as he says in agreement, "She's tough and they definitely look like they know what they're doing."

Victory makes sure hte door to the cell gets closed, but he doesn't lock it. The only reason is to make sure Artemis can't be teleported out. He speaks through the door, "We figured that removing the sword would mean that she bled out before she coudl be looked after, Dr. DelQuist. Blok used some of his healing power on her while it was in her, though...which I'm sure complicated things."

Victory nods to Horizon, "I'll be sure to let you know what's up."

Blok says, "Blok said not to remove. Blok not a surgeon."

Horizon nods quietly and takes a seat nearby so he can watch over things. OCcasionally he'll plug some information into his PDA- likely forwarded to his contacts at the Legion. Otherwise he'll jsut observe quietly until he or his coin is needed.

Jackie gives Blok an approving smile, "You probably saved her life, Blok," she tells him. "Absolutely the right thing to do."

Blok says, "Blok's father could touch someone and know how they hurt or sick. Someday maybe Blok do same."

Having fulfilled her oath to Victory, and regaining some strength from the healing virus, Artemis begins to struggle. "I...I am still oath-bound to the tyrant...being in this--unngh! Cell...does not change that."

Victory says into the cell. "She's bound to him until one of them dies." He pauses...and thinks about it. "This is going to sound crazy...but is it possible to have Artemis die...and come back? Can we do that?"

Jackie frowns, "That's... risky. Very risky. In theory, yes. But there's a distinct chance that revival will fail."

Victory looks around to see if there are other opinions on the matter. "It would fulfill the obligation. I'm sure of that." He shakes his head slowly, "I'm just not sure it's worth the risk."

Blok says, "Blok's ability does not reach so far."

"The Godflora...do not fear risks," Artemis says, unable to say it with her usual zeal. "Though...I was challenged to live..." she remarks.

Blok says, "If Friend Artemis wishes, I will rescind that challenge."

There is silent consideration from Artemis. "You yield you challenge, then?" she rasps.

Blok says, "If that is your wish, I yield."

Victory says to Jackie, "I don't expect Artemis to be willing to agree to this. She's bound to alt-Porter. Even after Blok yielding the challenge. What do you think?"

"I assume you are planning to shock her heart to stop and then start it again?" asks Pendragon from outside the cell, "Or are we planning to stab her again?" she adds with a smirk.

Victory shrugs at Pendragon's comment and smiles. "Whatever the doctor orders. I can do first aid. I'm not a full doctor."

Adun's pacing redirects to take him back towards Ashildur and the Shamans now that some time has passed. Patience may be a virtue, just not Adun's. Peeking around a corner of the very windy cave, he asks, "Ashildur free? Ashildur live?"

Blok says, "Friend Artemis lives, but is not yet free."

"Not free," Artemis says with difficulty as the others plan. She struggles to try and get up despite her wounds. "If...uhhnn...you plan to slay me...I would die on my feet," she pants.

Jackie states flatly. "I will not kill a patient." She looks at Wade, then down at Artemis, "It's your call to make. I will dom everything in my power to revive her if she dies."

Victory nods slowly. He doesn't want to be the one to make the decision. Not for something like this. He'd prefer to let someone else deal with it. But he sets his jaw...and says, "I'll do it. I trust you to bring her back, doctor." He steps inside the cell and closes the door again. "Just...tell me what I need to do to make it as simple as possible to do your job afterward."

Jackie winces, "Pendragon had the right idea. A shock will stop a heart. Causing clinical death. If the heart is restarted with a few seconds no permanent damage is caused."

Adun blinks. Thrice. One part is overjoyed that Artemis lives. Part is saddened that she is not yet free. And then there's the whole ...killing Artemis conundrum. Again. Still? "Adun-" He isn't entirely certain what to say, though takes a step forward. Only to watch Victory enter and the cave collapse.

[To Adun] Blok says, "Blok knows. But Friend Jackie is a good doctor. Better than Blok. Artemis will live. If this does not free her, then Blok will try."

"Well, I don't have access to lightning powers. But I bet there are generators here with enough power...." offers Pendragon with a shrug. "Again, I'm no physicist either or a doctor so the proper voltage escapes me."

Artemis ceases her struggles against the medics. She's not trying to hurt them, just get them out of her way so she can try to stand. She looks up at Victory in surprise and gratitude. "You...you would do this? You would free me?" Since Adun was prevented before. She coughs a few times, then looks to Adun. "Friend Adun...you honored me. I know," she exhales tiredly.

Victory nods slowly to Jackie, "Would the defribrillator do it, if turned up high enough?" He says to Artemis, "Yeah...I'll do it." . o O (I just hope I can forgive myself later. This better work.)

Jackie nods stiffly. "Yes."

Victory takes the paddles. He knows enough about how to use them, after all...and he turns it up as far as he can. "I'm...sorry." There's a tear in his eyes...and it's unclear who exactly he's saying the apology to. Artemis? Jackie? Himself? He then applies the paddles to Artemis's chest to shock her with it...and hopefully stop her heart.

Artemis looks apologetically to Victory. "I am the sorry one. Thank you...friend," she says softly, forgivingly. She doesn't resist or move as he applies the paddles. She closes her eyes and waits. The shock hits and she tenses a moment, then goes limp.

Victory backs up immediately...but makes sure the machine gets turned down to a more normal setting before he does so.

Jackie moves in, Lays a hand on Artemis for a quick status check.

Jackie isn't certain but defaults to healing. "Blok, Stimulate her heart with CPR." she instructs while directing healing viri into Artemis.

Seeing things go to work, Pendragon slides the blade from her sheathe once more and goes to one knee, jabbing the tip into the floor as the metal shines and glows, "You are a warrior Artemis. You are named for the goddess of the hunt. You do not know how to give up. Now.. fight." she says.

Blok starts CPR on Artemis.

With the false reading and not using the paddles, Blok and Jackie have to work on Artemis for a bit. It's starting to get a bit worrying.

It's starting to look iffy and taking longer than usual. It probably seems longer for those just stuck watching. Finally, Jackie gets a pulse. Those veins are all different on the Ashildr.

Jackie shakes her head to clear her eyes of perspiration, "There's a pulse. It's been longer than I would have liked. I hope she come back all the way. Won't know until she wakes."

With the work of the metas and the medics assisting, Artemis' wounds close up and the damage is healed. She's breathing more visibly once the wound is completely healed. As the backup medics clear their gear and move away, Pendragon's words, heard somewhere in her subconscious, cause Artemis to slowly rouse.

Victory breathes deeply, watching from well out of the way. He says quietly, "I hope this worked. I don't want to try again. I can't."

It takes a few moments for Artemis to get her thoughts sorted. She stares up at the ceiling, where somewhere far beyond, she knows the alternative Porter waits. "I...am free," she finally says with a sigh of relief as soon as she feels it. "The terms of my oath are fulfilled." She's not yet sure if she should sit up yet, but her head turns towards Victory to offer him an apologetic, grateful smile. "Thank you, my friend. I would not ask such a difficult task of you again." She looks around to the other heroes, some whom she doesn't even know. "You all have my thanks for freeing me from bondage to a tyrant most foul."

"We only did -for- you, what you would have done for us." offers Pendragon. "I can do nothing about the moon, but I -can- help with this."

Jackie smiles weakly. "I'm glad. Very glad. Please try not to die again. At least not until you've testified at my ethics hearing."

Blok says, "Blok help friend. Cannot move Moon. Not have lever long enough."

Victory smiles, "You're sure then, Artemis? You can feel it?" He also says to Jackie, "Thank you. If necessary, you can place whatever blame you need to on me."

Artemis nods to Victory to confirm. "I feel it to my core. I no longer am required to be loyal to him." She looks to Pendragon. "Had you not done this, I would not have been permitted to do such for you. I am eternally grateful to be free of that would-be Tyrant's whim."

Blok sits down on the floor of the cell. "Blok stay with Friend Artemis."

Artemis looks to Jackie. "I do not understand what strange request this ethics hearing is, but if I can help, you'll have my aid." There she goes, making promises again.

Blok says, "Friend Artemis, have you not sworn to protect the innocent people of this world - our new home?"

"My pledge," Artemis sighs as she rests to get her full strength back, "Is to protect the weak and innocent."

Adun isn't likely to wear out the floor in the cell block with pacing, though not for lack of trying. When Artemis speaks, he is elated. First, she is speaking and, second, that her words announce her as free. That seemed more than enough for him. "Ashildur," he utters, not a bellow but not soft. "Rest." She is still wounded or could be... and may not make any more foolish oaths... at least while asleep?

Blok says, "But does it have the force of your oath?"

Blok says, "Blok has taken the Healer's Oath of this world."

"I have to wonder. Could he just reenact the same contest and oath again?" asks Pendragon from a bit outside. "If so, perhaps one of us should do the same so that he cannot?" She shrugs, "Just a thought."

Artemis turns her head to Adun and smiles warmly. "Honorable friend Adun...you are wise. I should rest. Thank you for your challenge to free me," she thanks him. She looks to Blok. "It is binding. But the Tyrant did not force me to directly harm them." Thinking on Pendragon's words, she says, "That is why I should stay here. The Godflora do not like to hide, and yet...I must if I am to help protect mortals."

Blok says, "Not causing harm is not the same as protecting them. This man intends to destroy this world and everyone on it. The only way to protect the innocents is to stop him."

Blok says, "Do you know where he is hiding?"

"And I was forbidden from stopping him, by the terms he imposed on me," Artemis sighs. "I must avoid being bound again. I must think carefully on this." She shakes her head at Blok's direct question. "He did not let me know most of this plans or where I was. But...I am almost certain I was on a ship not of Urthen make."

Blok says, "Then that later oath was in violation of the first."

Blok says, "Was it not?"

"I am not responsible for his actions. Merely the ones he made me do," Artemis says quietly. "I was asked to protect him, and to destroy some abandoned parts while keeping my 'allies' safe," she says with a frown. "He was careful to keep me bound to him by not directly violating my oath to the letter. Save this one. He tried to prevent me from returning to Urth after my perceived 'disobedience'." The medics clean Artemis up, and guards come in to help swap the cot linens for clean ones. "Adun was right. I should rest. I am still weakened from this ordeal," she apologizes.

Blok says, "Then rest. Blok will return."

Artemis nods and lays down to rest. Once Blok and others have left, the guards close the cell door.