[Two people are standing next to one of the working fountains, Zack and Regina Lyle. Zack is armed and wearing camoflauge, while Regina is dressed in khakis and a button-up shirt. Regina uses a medicine dropper to collect some of the water from the fountain and drip it into a small device.]

[Regina frowns.] But this has no variance.

[Zack shrugs.] Maybe it's not real.

It quenches thirst, it's registering in the machines. It's real. This makes no sense.

[Leaning over, Zack looks at the device.] But it has numbers. That's a variance.

Zack! You're not stupid.

[He chuckles and winks.] Maybe it's not a big deal. Most everyone doesn't seem too concerned.

[She sighs, glancing at the readout.] The dirt, rivers, and plantlife all register .003 now. That's a significant change when you consider it hasn't changed since we got here.

All right. [He looks around.] So there's a change. What do we do? Can we go back and study the things where you're safe? Or do you need something else?

Blood. [Regina points off to the side.] Can you get that?

[Zack stares at her, looks where she's pointing, and looks back.] You want me to shoot a rabbit. A little bunny rabbit. You. Who can't--

This is business. I need that before we go back.

But you don't step on ants! [He's raised his gun, eyeing down the barrel.] Ants.

Zack...

[A moment later there's a single shot.] Now you probably want me to pick it up and collect the blood, right? Dropper again?

We just killed a bunny.

[Zack facepalms.] Grab your pack and PCD, give me the dropper, and let's head back.

[The PCD tilts and turns off after it's stuffed into a bag.]

[The PCD comes on, tilted at an odd angle. It shows several in a big office: Andrew Johnson, Donna Malkovich, Bao Ying, and Chairman Springsteen. There are others hanging around, but those are the four in the forefront.]

Andrew thumps his fist on the desk. “I will not go back! There’s too much to lose! Let them go back as they will, but—“

“Like we have any control over the Animus.” Donna’s voice is just as angry.

Bao shakes her head. “Can you not shield over the inner city? We can also invite in those who wish to stay, for a short time. I know you have been working on—“

“No.” The Chairman gets up from his chair and paces. “We’ve been trying to find a way, yes. But it hasn’t worked yet. We’re affected by the damned creatures the same as the Outsiders.”

“We will lose everything.” Andrew is seething. “And we still haven’t found—“

“No, we haven’t.” Donna cuts him off again. “But does it matter? If we can’t change something… Though now might be as good a time as any to see if we can hurt the Animus.”

Bao’s eyes go wide. “It will backfire. And again, me and mine will pay the price. Do not do this.”

The Chairman snorts. “That’s what you and yours are here for. If your predecessor hadn’t—“

“Do not even mention him.” Bao’s hand rests on her gun. “I know you’ve lied about him. They found his journal. It’s in the Outer City, not in the Waste. What else did you lie about, Springsteen? While you and your wife hide cozy in your house, drinking and isolated, safe from the damage you cause…”

Andrew has visibly calmed, and he places a hand on Bao’s shoulder. She glares at him but doesn’t shrug it off. “We’re not going to let him toss you to the Samaren Outsider. And now you don’t have to worry about him if we go back. One way or another, you’re safe.”

Bao looks away and doesn’t comment.

“Well. Now that that little temper tantrum is over.” Donna gives Bao a very wintery smile. “I would rather hurt and have repercussions than be sent home. I vote we use it.”

“Seconded.” The Chairman sits back down and looks over at Johnson.

“Against.” Andrew folds his arms.

“Against.” Bao’s hand hasn’t left her gun.

The Chairman glances off to the side, at Anderson Miles. “The deciding vote is yours.”

Miles frowns and swallows. “Against. We don’t know how much it will backfire, and it could hurt us more. If we go home, we can always fix our errors.”

“Cowards.” Springsteen glares at all except Donna. “Dismissed, then. We sit and wait, like the Outsiders have to, even when we have tools at our disposal. Enjoy—“

[The PCD times out.]



[[ooc: Mod decision - Upon use of the device, the five that volunteer get an impression of being swooped away and awareness of the Animus. The Animus cannot be seen, but there's a presence. And it is Not Amused, though it's a little surprised. Then there's a rush, and all five come back to themselves with MASSIVE headaches, horrible nausea, and dizziness. These five consist of: Squall/Leon, Nel Tu, Akito/Agito, Alucard, and Ulquiorra. Observers can join the log seperately: http://community.livejournal.com/adstrngndumlog/408051.html ]]