6th Howl [Text/Friday early morning]

[professorwolf]

There is a new statue in the Dead District, in the small square on the corner of 8th and Lincoln. It has the same effects as the first in the police station, except it makes me want to leave the area, not trust someone. Has anyone else been by it? Has anyone else touched it?

What interest could these people, and Thunder Corporation, have in keeping people out of that part of the city? What connection could the Thunder Corporation have with the people who want to find the "snake" and shoot kids?

And does anyone know anything about David Proud, the sculptor? I can't find anything much online. There must be some connection with him, as well, if he's making these things.


Also a note to my students:
If you don't see me around school today, don't worry, I'm fine! I just called in sick today.

Comments

[twopercent]

That goes double for you and everyone else. I don't know how or why the people on this network were chosen, but as far as I can tell, there's not many out there who're ready to handle the situation if things get ugly. I might be crippled, but I know what I'm doing. And if you're ever in trouble, you call me, okay?

Send along the intel on Albero's contacts.

[professorwolf]

I'm well aware of my limitations. I'm a biology teacher, not a spy. I'm mostly concerned with finding out information, at this point, and keeping my students from getting into any situation that's too dangerous for them. Confrontations can happen in front of a court, if there is still a court at that point, and the invasion bit we can worry about once we know more.

[Pragmatism: Lyall has it. Or he tries, anyway.]

The contacts are mostly people who were arrested instead of him. I think the fellow who got me these got them from the police files on him. Do you have an email address I can send them to, or a physical address I can deliver them to, once I'm not busy puking every hour or so?

[twopercent]

[Jack refrains from comment as far as court goes... given he has different ideas in mind.]

Associates of his anyway, I take it. Text them to me on the network. I'll give you my personal number. I don't trust any other way... you can probably assume my phone line and email are being monitored by now.

[professorwolf]

And you aren't interested in sharing an address. I understand. I believe I may already have your number... it was on that surface you broadcasted from, the other night... backwards, of course, but I still got it.

[He switches to the file on his computer, and nods.]

I do have it. I'll copy it into a new Word window for you, then.

[twopercent]

...Right. Thanks.

[professorwolf]

[The sound of typing is prevalent for a moment-- Lyall is a pretty fast typist-- before he speaks again. And it's a little sheepish.]

I do feel like I ought to apologize... I think it may have been my attempt at getting inside the police station to sniff around that may have given them the idea to frame you.

[twopercent]

Do you think they know you're involved?

[professorwolf]

No, but I think I may have given them an excuse to use and a method. My stated reason for going in was because I thought I had evidence that it was arson-- the first day they said they suspected no foul play. That's what they told me when I went in, in fact, didn't take me seriously at all.

Then another day passes, and suddenly it's arson, with you as the culprit. I'm afraid they may have run with my idea.

[twopercent]

I wouldn't blame yourself. It was probably just a convenient way to hunt me down. Cap and I were in a hurry, and had to leave most of my things behind. They had everything they needed for the perfect setup.

[professorwolf]

[That doesn't really absolve him of the little spark of guilt, but he does sigh and let it go.]

That's true, and disappointing. And that leaves them quite possibly everything on the network on your phone?

[He's still typing on the other end, too. It's a long rap sheet, and he's only pulling out things that it looks like Jack can use.]

[twopercent]

No. I got the phone and my gun. Everything else, though...

[professorwolf]

Oh good.

[That's relief, right there. Even if they'd glimpsed the network records on his phone, they didn't still have it for more thorough examination.]

Do you have access to a decent wardrobe? One that fits? Since I'm assuming you're not at your own home, with you thinking it's being watched.

[twopercent]

Yeah. I haven't been home since I tried to take on the General, but I borrowed some clothes from Captain Mass... and I traded them in for something a little less conspicuous.

[With a homeless man. Someday, somewhere, someone is really going to ask why a dirty guy pushing a shopping cart is wearing a shirt with epaulettes and pleated pants.]

No matter what I do, a one-armed man is going to stand out more than usual though.

[professorwolf]

Which still means you're working with one set of clothes... are you sure you don't want me to find you somewhere and bring you an extra set or two? I can get ahold of them more easily than you can, I'm sure.

[And he doesn't mind, really. And he can get a good sniff on the guy, so he had the scent in his memory and can make sure he's all right, and all.]

Plus, I am quite sure I'm not being watched, so it won't put me in any danger.

[twopercent]

Yeah, well, I'm not sure I'm not being watched. [Or going to get spotted, at any rate]

Clothes aren't the problem. But if you know of anywhere I can reliably hole up for a few days, get some rest once in a while... and won't be connected to anyone on the network, that'd help.

[professorwolf]

[The typing slows as Lyall thinks this over. His first impulse, to offer his own home, is immediately squashed. Jack wouldn't agree, and he can't risk it, anyway. He needs to stay safe for his students' sake.]

My first thought would be somewhere in the dead district itself, if you can stand the statue's aura, or can find somewhere in there that isn't too close to it. There are a number of abandoned buildings there that aren't in too bad a shape, and you'd be close by in case anything really does happen there. I doubt anything will happen soon, so you'd have some time to find somewhere more permanent.

Do you have a source of funds you can access, for food and such?

[Lyall is practical, yo.]

[twopercent]

Had to leave my wallet behind, but I should be fine for a little while. Captain Mass keeps his place well-stocked, and I borrowed a few supplies.

After that... I guess we'll see. I'm not sure what his long-term plans are either. Looks like he's planning to stay barricaded in his apartment for the forseeable future right now.

Almost done with those contacts?

[professorwolf]

They are less "contacts" and more "arrest notes", but yes... I'm giving you the addresses they had on file for him and for the police chief, just in case.

[Might as well be thorough. The speed of the typing picks up again, and then finally ends with a final click.]

There you go. Your number is at the top, so you should get it any minute.

[twopercent]

Great. Thanks, Randall.

If you get anything else about anyone involved with the invaders, pass it along, huh? Don't worry, I'm not going to go rushing in like last time. But I can't just sit around while these things are happening, either.

[professorwolf]

I will. I'm happy to share what I can, and if you find anything, yourself, I'd appreciate hearing back, as well. The more we know the more likely we'll be able to do something about all this.

[twopercent]

[Jack sighs, thinking back on the events of the past week.] And hopefully before anyone else gets hurt. But yeah. Will do.

Take care. Jack out.