Silence was the first response she got, and then Letto leaned forward. His hands--each finger had webbing between them, not past the first knuckle--moved in a series of quick gestures, and Carson shook his head. "He asked if I knew about the Land Runners beforehand. No, Let, I didn't. We all agreed we'd disclose any secrets we had when we first agreed to start Central three years back. I was honest with all of you, like I know you were with me. Malia was the first of her order that I knowingly met. Odds are we've all met at least one or two."<br/><br/>He stood again and went back to the whiteboard, where he sketched a decent approximation of the raven pin. "This is their symbol. Most of them have it tattooed on their heads, just behind their ears. They have pins that are hidden in their clothes, and favor a sort of leather harness for their outings. Quick, quiet, subtle--exactly what we're not. This teamup is essential for both of our groups if anyone's going to weather what's coming."<br/><br/>Natya's face was mostly emotionless, but her eyes were unfocused and one eyebrow was lifted in thought. Letto was watching Carson alertly, but Sunny shook her head. "Jesus, this figures. Where was the last attack by these so-called Vanguards?"<br/><br/>Carson thought for a moment. "I think you told me North Oakley, Malia, right? Yeah, North Oakley."<br/><br/>"Fuck." She rubbed her face and folded her arms. "North Oakley's one of mine. I was there less than a week ago, it must have just happened. Fuck." She stood up sharply and planted both hands on the table, fixing her intense glare onto Malia. "I, for one, am more than ready to partner the fuck up if it means stopping these shitheels, or even just slowing them down. Do your people have any idea where these sick bastards are gonna hit again? We can set a trap, try to thin them the fuck out before they can do any more damage to our people."<br/><br/>Natya reached over to cover one of Sunny's hands. "Nobody else is going to be hurt if we can help it, Sunshine. I'm with her, and with you, Carson." She, too, looked at Malia. "I don't know if you can speak for all the Land Runners, but we're with you, all four of us." Letto nodded his consent, too, and Carson put his arm around his runner woman.<br/><br/>"Whatever comes, we need to open up the rest of Central. Letto?" The mutant Strider nodded again and stood, stepping outside to retrieve some gear and begin work on the doorway again.