The ORTOS job, part V

'H-Here. It's a calming spell, I'll help the others too.'


'Thank you!'


'Oh fuck, it's changing shape!'




'Okay, new form...'









*SQUELCH*




'...Ewwwwww.'


'I'm gonna free that guy. Then we can use going after him as an excuse to get out of here.'

'Ah yes, a good idea. We should all start thinking about our exit.'

'Exactly. There's no benefit to hanging around.'


'We're going to start arranging our exits. Anstine is going to set the caged man free as an excuse and distraction.'


'...Reckon we can take that blob?'

'If you want to think of a way to get it out of here, be my guest.'


'Cryo. Some of us can escort it to cryo. ...In some kind of specimen container.'



*CLICK*








'Stop him! Bring him back!'


'On it!'

'I will assist her!'


'Permission to take this...specimen to somewhere more secure?'


'No need, we already have one of its sheddings stored in cryo to observe their shapeshifting abilities.'


'With all due respect, is it not better to have a variety, in case each one displays a different aptitude or even range of abilities?'


'It sounds like a good plan to me, sir.'

'Go on then. Box it up and take it out while Yahzoputl seems calm.'




'Wait!'


'Quiet! We're going to let you out of here, just don't resist.'

'Why?'


'It'll be safer to explain properly once we're out.'


'Let us escort you out, pretend that we're here on official business.'

'You mean you're not?'

'Later, like he said.'


'Trust us. Let's go.'


'This is fucking repulsive.'


'I'll, uh... I think I'll call someone to clean this mess up.'




'Wow... You weren't joking!'




'We all made it out. Good job, everyone!'


'...Never again. I'm not setting foot in another one of those fucking facilities ever again.'

'Let's get a move on, we don't want to get caught here like a bunch of fucking idiots.'


'Yes, that would be most embarrassing.'


'W-Wait, who are you guys?'


'People that want to expose the existence of that thing.'


'Who are you? What happened to you?'


'I - I don't know... The people in that place were calling me Zane. I guess that's my name? I don't remember anything other than being kept in that cage. I thought for a while they were going to feed me to that...monster.'


'Don't you have anywhere to go then?'

'If I do, I don't know where.'


'What do you think of Abraxas Gore?'

'...Who?'

'Never mind. I think I know somewhere you can stay. If you can call a tent a place to stay, but yeah.'


'Tent?'


'Yeah, you know what a tent is, it's something people sleep in when camping.'


'Before Wed and me moved to Sunset Valley, we had to sleep rough for a bit. There's a campsite where a couple of other Abraxas haters are staying. It's not the best option, but I can't suggest anything else.'

'Thanks smartass. Okay, if that's our only option, we'll take Zane there.'

'Unless the rest of you've got any suggetions, it is. Laz, take us to the campite, will you?'


'Righty-oh.'








'I am going to climb right the fuck into bed.'


'What are you going to do with the lump?'


'Keep it in that crate. Seems to be doing a good job of keeping it in an acceptable condition. Then take it to the media, which'll mean another fucking trip back to that God awful city.'


'Man, I'm beat. If you want my help again, just ask. I'm local and available... if that didn't sound too much like one of those Russian babes ads.'

'Thanks. Might do, I dunno.'


'I think I'll text Edward, let him know we're back. Then when he gets it, he can tell Wednesday and the others too.'

'Wed I can text myself, but might as well.'


'Just arrived back. All safe and unmaimed, albeit slightly traumatised. See you soon?'


'I'm glad you're okay! Come over when you feel like it.'

'Could do with the company now if it's not too early?'

'Not at all. I'd love to see you.'

'Be there soon then.'


'Right, well I'm getting the fuck out of here.'


'Good idea. Indigo, could I perhaps catch a couple of z's on your sofa for a few hours before I make my departure back to the dishy Deveron?'


'...No, I don't have a kennel for you.'


'Come to mine, I'm in the doghouse often enough.'


'A dog house? How degrading! I deign to dream in a dog house, such a dank dwelling is beneath my dignity and does not show you to be deferential as a host.'


'...You can nap at my place if you shut the fuck up. Okay?'

'Deal. I shall be as a quiet as a mouse's fart!'

'I'll believe that when it happens.'