[voice]

[sword_redemption]

[After their last conversation, Drift has realized Vandal was right. He needed to 'man up'...whatever that technically meant. And it wasn't the kind of conversation he thought you should have over comm. Or entirely sober. So he's stopped by the bar and picked up a bottle of that whiskey stuff she usually drank, and drove out to Vandal's little mobile trailer.]

[When the voice message begins, it may be clear to someone who knows Drift fairly well that he's trying to hide a sort of nervous anxiety.]

...anyone, uh, anyone seen Vandal?

((OOC: He's at Vandal's place, I'm keeping this vague here so more people who get involved can come on by the trailer and discover stuff! They will also likely discover a broken whiskey bottle from him dropping it.))

Comments

[Video/lock]

[sword_redemption]

If she's just heading to the badlands, we'd have sometime. But if he does have her... [If Prism does, every klik is one she's subject to torment.]

Kagerou says he knows where Prism is. It's worth looking but... I don't like him going alone.

[Video/lock]

[winged_knight]

Drift, I'm almost to you and haven't found her. I...don't think she's on her way to the Badlands. [He hates to give up on their easiest solution, but with the other evidence it makes the least sense.]

I...don't either. Do we have anyone else who can do stealth? I know a few tricks but... [He knows it's part of Kagerou's function. He fears he'd just slow the other mech down of give him away.]

[Video/lock]

[sword_redemption]

And she's not answering comm.

[This is a very bad picture that is developing in front of him.]

No one I know. [He sighs.] There has to be a way we can be there to help him, at least.

[Video/lock] --> [Action]

[winged_knight]

....no, she isn't.

[It disturbs him far too much.]

I can't think of anyone either. [But yes, there must be a way.] Perhaps we can both accompany him and then wait hidden outside as back-up in case anything goes wrong?

[He's close enough to be heard now, the keen of his engines growing louder as he makes one last searching sweep before landing in the trailer's clearing near Drift. His feet touch the ground at a jog but he stops short--noticing the trailer, and the damage... He just stands there...in shock. His pinions quivering slightly.]

[Action]

[sword_redemption]

I don't know how good I'd be as back up.

[A shrug. He's fast, but not as fast as a jet.]

[He waits until Wing lands, hands shifting restlessly as Wing takes in the damage to the trailer. ]

Anything you're seeing?

[Action]

[winged_knight]

Kagerou will likely have to enter the temple which will be close quarters. If we can find a place to hide that's close enough it won't matter.

[And hopefully stealth can get them close. Baring that...Wing can carry.]

[He gulps hard, the chill air trapped in his vents just settling deeper rather than vacating with his breaths. He shudders visibly, rounding the side of the trailer to take in the damage.]

I--what could have done this?

[Action]

[sword_redemption]

Maybe you could coordinate with him. I wish I could help but I think I'd be a liability. Especially out in the open.

[Drift gives an unhappy sigh.] Has to be something robotic. And big.

Wing. We should have stayed with her. One of us. We let her down.

[Action]

[winged_knight]

I can do my best. But you have the advantage of knowing the inside of Liege's fortress. Perhaps we should site down with a map of the area and the fortress, and come up with a plan?

[He nods, he doesn't like it but...] Yes, I...can't imagine anything else that could do something like this.

I-- [He cycles a heavy sigh.] I don't think she wanted company. From anyone. But... [His optics linger on the metal sheeting still stacked off to the side. They should have helped her fortify the trailer at least.]

[He feels guilt and helplessness creeping over him none the less. He moves to Drift, craving some contact, some support.]

We'll do better. In the future. [There'll be one. Right? Right.]