When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake & Meri)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Logan Drake on 27-01-2011, 04:41:57</h2>
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				Title: <strong>When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>27-01-2011, 04:41:57</strong>
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				The damage from the meteorite was frightening. Phillip tried to gain control of the Light Scout Vessel he had inherited when he mustered out of the Far Range Scouts in the Imperial Navy.&nbsp; The controls were unresponsive, and the gravity of the Talok V, a planet on the Imperial Fringe, where the only law was ones guns and wits. He came to the realization that they were going to crash. He sighed and glanced back at his beautiful captive, Isabella Carthridge. He shook his head and sighed again. It would've been a sweet bounty...still could be if they could survive the crash, trek hundreds of miles through wilderness inhabited by wild monstrous aliens and worse...the indigenous Sentients, which were notably hostile and manage to evade the Mercs chasing them trying to get Isabella, after all if he could see them on his sensors, he was sure they could see him on theirs. Sure it could still be a sweet bounty...but too many ifs, that and if he was going to survive he couldnt do what needed to be done, with her a prisoner. <br><br>Nope, he came to the realization as he glanced at the altimeter and realized less than a couple minutes to impact. <br><br>He moved quickly back to her seat and looked her in the eyes, "I think we are going to have to trust each other and work together Isabella. We have less then 3 minutes to impact, and I have a dead stick...please no comments." He reached down and thumb printed the magno-cuffs that bound her arms and legs, the magnetics released and she was free. <br><br>He moved back to the controls and pushed a button that released the ships logs/beacon, fired a few flares and triggered the emergency landing chute. Then he strapped in and closed the viewing port, no sense getting shattered glass in the cabin. "Strap in and brace for impact, and if you believe in any of those hokey gods, you might want to pray." He could hear the snap snap outside as the small craft broke through the canopy of the forest they were going to crash into....and a quick glance back her way and a smile was all he could get off before the world went black...Phillip Bradshaw had gone from Bounty Hunter to Downed Pilot in the blink of an eye...<br><br>(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n2AS0-fCYnM/TRzOl4AKpaI/AAAAAAAACXo/3esEiqILUws/s1600/han-solo.jpg)
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>27-01-2011, 05:29:56</strong>
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				(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/e/ea/Zorro_-_Isabella.jpg)<br><br>“<strong>Hey!</strong>&nbsp; Are you listening to me?”&nbsp; Belle strained forward as she verbally attacked the man seated in front of her. “What kind of bounty hunter are you?&nbsp; You call this piece of scrap metal a ship?&nbsp; My grandmother has a satellite that could travel faster and smoother than this bucket of bolts.” It seemed the ship had a heart as its hull shivered and shook, a sudden veer to the left pitching her around.&nbsp; “Where did you learn to fly?&nbsp; Pilots R Us?&nbsp; I’m worth more alive than dead, you know.”<br><br>She continued to spit out venom at the Bounty Hunter as she tried to wrest herself free from her shackles, aware that she was wearing herself out uselessly, but too full of outrage to be still.<br>&nbsp; <br>Isabella Carthridge had been safe on Valdar 8 until this self-appointed judge and jury captured her.&nbsp; She had been a fool to let Bastion stand guard.&nbsp; He was too young, too green, and easily fell for the bounty hunter’s lines until he lay unconscious on the ground.&nbsp; The timing had been impeccable.&nbsp; She was asleep.&nbsp; The last of the village men had retired to his own bed, and the guard had just been changed.&nbsp; Ten minutes earlier and Galdorf would have killed and filleted him before he got the first word out.<br><br>The impact of the meteorite came out of nowhere.&nbsp; It may have been the shackles that saved her as the vessel pitched and spun.&nbsp; The stars through the viewing port became pinwheels, spinning at unbelievable speed as she watched until her stomach revolted, then closed her eyes.&nbsp; When she opened them again, a star was growing quickly in size and seemed to be coming right at them.&nbsp; In seconds she could see it was a planet and they were the ones moving fast.&nbsp; They were going to crash!&nbsp; For the first time on this trip she was speechless.<br><br>There was a lot of movement from the bounty hunter as he maneuvered his ship, but when he turned and freed her from her bonds, she knew they might die.&nbsp; She rubbed her wrists and shifted her feet, trying to restore some feeling, then hung on.&nbsp; For a moment she wished the shackles were still holding her in place.&nbsp; She strapped in and waited for impact.&nbsp; The viewing port was closed and she could only wait and listen.&nbsp; Every muscle in her body was rigid and her eyes were wide with fear.&nbsp; <br><br>The last thing she heard was the crunch of things breaking and the jerking of the ship announcing their touchdown.<br><br><br><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 02:00:13</strong>
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				Phillip awoke with a start. He had pain shooting thorough his body in places there should be no pain. He slowly opened his eyes and felt a warmth on his face that trickled from his forehead to his chin. It could only be blood. He looked around and saw that tears in the side of the spacecraft and a good portion of the controls were smashed beyond repair. Looking over his body, he realized he had survived pretty well. a few bad bruises, a good size knock on his head where it hit a bulkhead that had been pushed in, and a good amount of sore muscles, but no broken bones was very good. He manipulated the webbing that held him in place and glanced back at Isabel as he stood, stooping over to avoid the bulkhead and went back to where she was webbed in as well. He shook her gently saying "Isabel, Isabel, are you ok?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 02:22:42</strong>
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				She heard him speak, but she didn't want to answer.&nbsp; She tried to roll over, but almost fell out of the seat she was mistaking for her bed.&nbsp; Her body jerked and her eyes shot open as she tried to understand where she was.&nbsp; She seemed to be in the midst of a jumble of bent and crushed metal, with a mix of instruments, glass and the smell of propellant wafting around her.&nbsp; She turned her head and saw the bounty hunter looking at her with what looked like genuine concern in his eyes.&nbsp; She brushed loose strands of her hair from her face.<br><br>"What happened.&nbsp; Did we crash?"<br><br>She looked down at her body and was relieved to see it was all there.&nbsp; Her seat had become tangled in other parts of the ship and she had to push and pull to free herself.&nbsp; She finally stepped out of the wreckage, with the bounty hunter's help, and turned to look at it.&nbsp; <br><br>"How did we survive this?" she motioned toward the ship.&nbsp; "It looks like someone tried to open a tin can the old-fashioned way."&nbsp; <br><br>Her voice hitched as she realized how close she had come to death.&nbsp; Before tears could form, she swallowed them down, not wanting her captor to think she was weak.&nbsp; She slung her hair over her shoulder, then looked at him.<br><br>"Where are we?&nbsp; And what do we do now?"&nbsp; Her voice had a slight tremor to it.
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 02:38:42</strong>
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				wiping the trail of blood off his face with the broad leaf of a local bush, He looked at Isabel with genuine relief that she seemed as well as he. He noted the tremor in her voice, but thought no less of her. Truth be told, he was as nervous about their situation as she was.<br><br>In answer to her question's he started, "Yeah, looks like the ship is done with, still we can try to salvage what we can from the wreckage. Get any rations, weapons, and first aid gear we can, not to mention star charts, and any emergency kits that survived. We will need to move fast though, Those Merc's I mentioned that followed us all the way from Valdar 8 Are in a ship that's registered to The Caballo Family out of the Noron System. They are noted more for bringing their bounties in dead, than alive. In fact it's suspected they actually take on an assassination mission from those that don't want the subect to come back for trial and sentencing..." and as an after thought added almost embarrassed to admit it..."which does lend creedence to your statements that you are innocent, and just trying to stay alive"<br><br>"Anyway, those mercs were only about 6 hours behind us when we crashed and I think we were out for about a half an hour. They will find it easy to follow our crash trail" He pointed at the roughly 50 yard path through about a mile of the forest to were the ship had plowed into a hillock on the edge of a river. he continued "which means we need to make tracks. Near as I can tell We are on the southern continent, in the Rainforest. We have about a hundred mile trek out of it, and then across some plains for about 2-3 days until we reach the first inhabited area. Which if memory serves will be the area the rebels in a civil war against the powers that be, who don't want to see any alliance with the Federation...which could be an issue if they see us for who we are..." He sighed and continued. "Beyond that I dont know anything further, Maybe you have some insight into Talok V being from this area of the Galaxy?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 03:07:06</strong>
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				She was relieved that the bounty hunter seemed to have some idea of what they should do.&nbsp; The last thing she needed was some pussy-footed coward who would sit on the ground and cry.&nbsp; She began looking through the wreckage, but turned a pale face to him when he mentioned the mercenaries might be planning to kill her.&nbsp; <br><br>“I guess we better get on it, then,” she said as she reached down for some kind of instrument.&nbsp; A sudden, intense pain made her cry out and she jerked her arm up.&nbsp; In the back of her upper arm was a 3” piece of metal buried in her flesh.&nbsp; There was no blood. The initial shock must have kept it numb, but was now wearing off.<br><br>She looked at him.&nbsp; The last thing she wanted was to ask him for help.&nbsp; But she could not reach around far enough to pull it out on her own.&nbsp; She looked frustrated.<br><br>“I guess I need you to help me with this.&nbsp; I can’t reach it on my own.”&nbsp; There, she’d said it.<br><br>It sounded like they had a marathon ahead of them, and how were they going to carry all their equipment?&nbsp; He was right, their crash path was obvious.&nbsp; They had a 6-hour window to gather what they could and get out of here.&nbsp; The sooner they started, the farther away they would be when company came calling.<br><br>“I don’t know a whole lot about Talok V, except to stay away from it.&nbsp; There are tales of aliens, called Twigs, with twisted bodies and huge hands living in the forest.&nbsp; They don’t like trespassers and will do everything they can to eliminate anyone who dares to enter.&nbsp; The forest itself is confusing, as every mile looks much like the mile before, and it is easy to go off in the wrong direction, because it all looks the same.&nbsp; The only exception is the Spart trees, which as you probably know, stand taller than the tallest mountain.&nbsp; That is where the Twigs keep watch.&nbsp; They can probably see for a hundred miles when they are perched up there.”&nbsp; She shrugged.&nbsp; “The village has been at war as far back as anyone can remember.&nbsp; Fighting the Federation is just their latest cause.&nbsp; They live to fight and they are great warriors. “&nbsp; <br><br>She felt an itch behind her shoulder and tried to reach it, grimacing as her fingers reached, but could not quite find the source of the itch.&nbsp; She finally had to give up.<br><br>“That’s pretty much all I know, and it’s just folklore.&nbsp; Who knows what the truth is.”<br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 03:16:11</strong>
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				"Twigs huh? Things just keep getting better don't they,?!" When he saw the metal rod sticking out of her upper arm, he grimaced and stopped gathering gear and said "hold on Isabel" He came over and placed his hand on her shoulder and turned her arm so he could see it better. "Doesnt look like its in the bone, but its gonna hurt like hell. Its probably going to bleed quite a bit when I pull it out. You up for it?"<br><br>As he waited for her to reply, he saw her reaching to scratch an itch and saw a flying insect the size of a his middle finger sitting on her back. He almost jumped but didnt want to cause it to sting or bite her since he had no idea of it's danger. In a voice just above a whisper he said "don't make any sudden moves...theres a bug on your back. 3-4 inches long, purple-green body, large black eyes and wings the size of two hands."
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 03:31:05</strong>
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				She stood still as he looked at her arm.&nbsp; His hand was on her shoulder and it felt strange to have him touching her like that.&nbsp; Most men were afraid of her because of her 'reputation' as a murderer.&nbsp; The way they sidled away at a safe distance from her, you'd think she had&nbsp; &nbsp;the bongo-flu or something.&nbsp; <br><br>She was going to be brave when he pulled it out.&nbsp; She was beginning to get used to taking care of herself and going through trials alone.&nbsp; She briefly thought of Jonah, but the pain it gave her made her quickly lock it back in her heart.&nbsp; She nodded, telling him she was ready.&nbsp; At least as soon as she scratched an itch.<br><br>Isabella was a strong woman.&nbsp; She had stood up to the counselors who sentenced her and she had knocked out a few guards when she broke free, but there was one thing Isabella could not tolerate, giant flying insects.&nbsp; Just the thought of one nearly broke her out in hives.&nbsp; When the bounty hunter described what was on her back, her adrenaline broke free and her fight or flight instinct took over.&nbsp; She immediately screamed "Get it off!" as she turned her back toward him and started jumping up and down.&nbsp; "Get it off, hurry!"<br><br>When she didn't hear him say it was gone, she quickly unzipped her top and pulled it off, throwing it across the clearing and trembling.&nbsp; She ran to hiim and buried her face in his chest.&nbsp; "Tell me when it's gone.&nbsp; Please make it gone."&nbsp; She would have to face humiliation later, but right now she didn't care.
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 04:01:18</strong>
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				her reaction was a shock. She had always been so cool. But even more so when she removed her top and her womanly bosom held beneath a thin veil of cloth came under his gaze. Even in the situation they were in his breath quickened. Then when her arms launched around his neck and he felt her pressed against him he grunted from how she threw herself into his embrace, his hands instinctively going around her protectively, caringly... he didnt really want to say he had seen the bug fly away the minute she jumped, but he had to tell her. It wouldnt be right.....not to, would it?<br><br>"Its ok Isabel. I think it's gone now." he whispered into the side of her hair, his lips near her ear. He wanted to do more, but held back. Now wasn't the time for those thoughts.....were they?<br><br>"We really should see to your arm".... his arms defied his words though and he tightened his hug a little, without really thinking, almost absent mindedly he rubbed the small of her back.
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 04:17:47</strong>
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				She continued to tremble as she held onto him tightly.&nbsp; It was a relief when he told her it was gone.&nbsp; He said he would see to her arm, but he didn't release her.&nbsp; She took her arms off his neck and gently pushed herself back from him.&nbsp; She realized what she had done with her top and her face turned a bright crimson.&nbsp; She walked over to where she had thrown it and reached down with her good arm, hesitating, looking back at him.<br><br>"Are you sure it's gone?"&nbsp; When he reassured her, she picked her top up, but discovered she could not get the sleeve past where the metal was in her arm.&nbsp; She settled for holding it in front of her with one hand.&nbsp; Looking around, she picked out a large rock and sat on it, ready for the 'doctor.'<br><br>"Okay, I'm ready now."&nbsp; While he worked on her, she felt it necessary to explain herself.&nbsp; "I'm not afraid of spiders, snakes, godbeetles or anthing else that crawls, but there's something about a bug that can fly that sends me over the edge.&nbsp; I've stood up to men twice my size and taken down a few, and I am not afraid to do what has to be done to survive, so don't think I'm weak just because of one little phobia.&nbsp; We all have them, you know."&nbsp; She flipped her hair back behind her shoulder and gritted her teeth while he worked.&nbsp; When she felt like she was going to cry, she bit her tongue until she drew blood.&nbsp; She was determined not to embarrass herself further.&nbsp; After all, she was a cold-blooded murderer, wasn't she?
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 04:30:33</strong>
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				When she pushed away, he didnt stop her in the least and turned his eyes as she reached for her top, not wanting to add to her embarrassment. He began to work on getting the rod out and staunching the blood flow as he listened to her protests about fearing a flying insect. He nodded and said "Thats true. I myself am afraid of cramped dark places. Its only natural to fear something. In fact its pretty healthy to have fears. I do not think any less of you for it." <br><br>Having finished he continued grabbing gear until they had everything of use. He had two blasters and two survival knives as well as her sword, and his rifle, he had pulled out of the weapons locker. He looked at her and said "I gotta know two things. First, what really happened to start you down this path? and second can I trust you not to blaze me if I give you these weapons?
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>28-01-2011, 18:47:59</strong>
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				She examined her arm when he finished.&nbsp; He had done a decent job, wrapping her arm with gauze once the metal was gone and the blood had stopped freely flowing.&nbsp; Her arm would be sore for a day or two, which made her glad it wasn’t her shooting arm.&nbsp; <br><br>She was only slightly relieved when he told her he had a phobia too.&nbsp; At least she wouldn’t have to worry about him throwing it back at her later.&nbsp; She helped him gather belongings, including her hair pins, which had been knocked loose when they crashed.&nbsp; <br><br>She carefully checked her sword, gazing down the length of it to make sure it had not been bent.&nbsp; Thankfully it had been in its scabbard, which protected it during their unscheduled landing.&nbsp; She felt the sharpness of the blade on the tip of a slender finger, then ran the palm of her hand up its length slowly, as if it was a lover.&nbsp; Indeed, it was her most precious item.<br><br>Her father had been a swordsmith.&nbsp; When she turned 18, he made this sword for her.&nbsp; He had spent many months on it, honing it to perfection, adorning it with scrollwork and beauty. She had already been well trained in swordmanship and could hold her own with any man.&nbsp; One month later her father died, ironically by the sword, by a dimwitted customer swinging his new acquisition to and fro in the shop.&nbsp; This sword was a memory.&nbsp; It was the only thing she had left of him, and she cherished it.<br><br>Satisfied with its condition, she returned it to the scabbard, then set about collecting anything she thought they might need, which included packets of dried food, two cerulean cups, a jug of water and some rope.&nbsp; Then she answered his questions.<br><br>“My father and I were vacationing on Zuron, the Amusement Planet.&nbsp; It was the first vacation he had ever taken in his life and it took a lot of convincing before he would go.”&nbsp; She kicked at a loose stone, both of her hands full of salvaged goods.&nbsp; “The second night there, we were approached by Stigglemen.&nbsp; As you know, they are pirates of the worst class.&nbsp; They had been drinking honey, and they were drunk on it.&nbsp; After harassing us as we walked for about ten minutes, they grabbed us and pulled us into an alley we were passing.&nbsp; They hit my father, over and over, while two of them held my arms behind me.&nbsp; They demanded money, which my father told them over and over was spent when we paid for everything in advance.&nbsp; When they were not satisfied, they began to kick him and hit him with sticks.&nbsp; I finally managed to break free and pulled my sword, running the captain through with it.&nbsp; The rest of his men scattered into the darkness.&nbsp; My father came within minutes of dying before I got help.&nbsp; Later, the cowards had me arrested for murdering their captain.&nbsp; They had a ready-made story that painted me as the aggressor and them as the innocent party of fun-seekers.&nbsp; There were no witnesses, so it was my word against a whole crew.&nbsp; So that’s why I am here and you are trying to make some money off of me.”&nbsp; <br><br>She looked at him and stepped close to his face.&nbsp; “As for the weapons, you can trust me not to blaze you as long as we are on this planet, unless you give me good cause.”<br><br><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>29-01-2011, 04:05:19</strong>
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				He met her gaze calmly and with a bit of a crooked smile and a nod of his head he said "wouldn't have it any other way." <br><br>and he turned and began the trek through the dense forest. Making their way first towards the river. He got within sight of it and looked around. It stretched as far as he could see left and right, and looked to be about a mile wide. He thought he saw a dorsal fin break the surface mid-river and pointed it out to Isabel. The foliage was thick, and for the most part the trees were fairly large and well spaced. He looked at the sun high in the sky, and looked back to the beautiful woman who was now his companion. Were they not being chased, he might think this was an outing. He turned and started down river, following the flow. There was more likely hood of a settlement down river than up. After about an hour he paused to sit and drink some water. Sweat ran down his face and arms, the flight suit was extremely hot now, and he decided to&nbsp; change out of it and into pants, shirt and vest, that was his normal liking. <br><br>I'm going to change Isabel, this suit is killing me know, please stand watch. He waited for her response before moving to an area that afforded him some bit of modesty and pulled the flight suit off, going down to skivvies and socks. He folded up the jump suit and put it into a pocket in his pack, before washing down, trying to remove some of the sweat and blood he had obtained in the last few hours. He was of thin build, but was well muscled. He glanced around before continuing...
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>29-01-2011, 04:28:22</strong>
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				She was glad he understood her.&nbsp; They loaded up and began making their way through the dense foliage, headed toward the river he had glimpsed just before closing the viewing portal.&nbsp; When they reached it, she was surprised by how wide it was, at least a mile.&nbsp; The bounty hunter pointed to something he saw moving in the water.&nbsp; She barely caught a glimpse before it was gone.&nbsp; He looked at the sky, then up and down the river, finally starting off in the direction the water flowed.&nbsp; She followed, keeping a watchful eye out for anything with wings.&nbsp; <br><br>She was just about to complain she needed to rest when he stopped.&nbsp; She saw the sweat pouring off him and knew he was hot, as her lighter outfit of a zipped top and form-fitting stretch pants was hot on her.&nbsp; He wanted to change, which was fine by her, since she could rest while waiting on him.&nbsp; She pulled a rubber band out of her pocket and used it to pull her hair into a ponytail, giving her neck a chance to cool down.&nbsp; <br><br>She stood where she was as she heard the splash of water.&nbsp; She was tempted to look, but she had to stay on guard.&nbsp; About five more minutes and she was standing beside him, oblivious to his lack of dress, a look of fear in her eyes.<br><br>“I think I heard something, coming from upriver.&nbsp; It seems to be moving pretty fast.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 03:51:24</strong>
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				He was about done changing and cooling himself off, standing there in pants, and no shirt when Isabel came bursting through foliage saying in a loud whisper "I think I heard something, coming from upriver.&nbsp; It seems to be moving pretty fast."<br><br>He looked at her saying "It doesnt end does it" and stuffed the few items he had out into his backpack quickly, grabbing up his rifle and squatting next to her in the foliage, he glanced in the direction the noise was coming from. It had to be some sort of beast, and it wasnt trying to be stealthy....which meant an apex predator was chasing it. "I think we need to be running too." <br><br>and with that he turned and headed away from the river, inland not thinking of the countless slashes to his exposed skin that was occurring as branches and vines cut him in dozens of places. Over rocks, under branches, leaping over tree roots glancing back at Isabel as she kept pace with him easily, then fate too hold and he caught a foot on a root and tumbled to the ground hard. He grunted as the rifle was torn from his grasp from the fall, and slid a few feet away. He could still hear noise in the brush, and had no idea what it was, but he knew things weren't looking good.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 04:16:52</strong>
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				Belle anxiously looked around as the bounty hunter gathered his stuff up, then they ran inland, away from the noise.&nbsp; He was getting all scraped up, as she could see by the light red slashes on his back and arms, and she was having to reach out and catch the branches snapping back at her.&nbsp; It was with alarm that she realized the sounds had not retreated, but were still hot on their trail.&nbsp; She sped up, but at the same time he tripped, his rifle flying ahead of him, his loud grunt telling her he hit hard.<br><br>There was no time to think, only act.&nbsp; She raced past him, searched frantically through some ground cover, and retrieved his rifle.&nbsp; She cocked it, then ran back to him and began pulling him out of the path by one arm.&nbsp; He was able to do some pushing of his own, so together they managed to get behind some large trees, at least five feet in diameter.&nbsp; Better yet, the root he had tripped on was attached to a mostly hollow tree, an opening rotted out at the back of it.&nbsp; She quickly pulled him into it, then quickly laid over him and braced herself for impact, aiming the rifle at the opening.&nbsp; <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 13:37:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Without breaking stride, Meri had retrieved the rile and then came back, grabbing his arm, helping him to reach the the hollowed out center of the old tree he had tripped over. She lay over the top of him aiming out the entry way with the rifle. His ankle throbbed, but that did nothing to ease the fear that was twisting his mind when he saw the 8 legged creature...some sort of Lizard easily 15 feet long and 6 feet high at the shoulders. It came crashing through the underbrush and paused to look around, its nostrils, large enough to put a fist into, flaring. Its gray-green scales shimmered in the shadowy light. The large yellow orbs looked around. A large forked tongue flickered out of its mouth, exposing teeth the size of small swords. <br><br>Logan felt his hear pounding in his chest, and he eased the pistol out of its holster and thumbed the safety back.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 22:36:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At her first glimpse of what had been chasing them, Belle froze in shock.&nbsp; It was a lizard on steroids with eight legs.&nbsp; It appeared to be taller than she was, and at least 25-30 feet in length.&nbsp; It was like watching an old Imax movie, bigger than life and 3D to the max.&nbsp; She hoped those man-sized nostrils didn’t breathe fire or they would be a marshmallow roast.&nbsp; Her heart skipped several beats and then tried furiously to burst through her chest.&nbsp; Her finger tightened on the trigger.<br><br>She sensed, rather than saw him ease the pistol out of its holster and it helped her refocus.&nbsp; For what seemed like hours, the creature stayed put, sniffing the air with its tongue.&nbsp; She hoped they were small enough to be of little interest to it. <br>&nbsp;<br>At one point, she was certain the monster looked right at them, and her body went tense.&nbsp; She felt movement under her and a pistol appeared next to her rifle.&nbsp; She aimed for the eye.<br><br>&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 14:57:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Suddenly the creature's head snapped up and it looked around and was off with its lumbering eight legged gate back towards the river. For what seemed like an eternity Logan held his breath and the pistol aimed towards the opening. Then with a sigh he relaxed, lowering the pistol, and said "well my dear Isabel, it does appear we have dodged yet another bullet. Let's hope our luck holds out." <br><br>&nbsp;He glanced at her with a crooked smile playing out on his face, and couldnt help but notice how truly beautiful she really was. His gaze took in her long brown hair and sultry brown eyes. High cheekbones that looked exquisite. Lips that made mens dreams dance.<br><br>slowly he holstered his pistol, very aware of the woman next to him. He not to show his desire, but wasn't sure if he could. He glanced back at her again and said softly "Thank you for the rescue back there...", not wanting this moment of closeness to end
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 18:09:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She kept her gun aimed, but the creature suddenly turned its head, which left her aiming at a high tree branch.&nbsp; She quickly re-aimed, but the smarmy lizard was moving away, now a moving target.&nbsp; At first she was perturbed that it wouldn't stand still, but then she realized it was leaving.&nbsp; After waiting another minute, and seeing the other gun lowered, she relaxed her finger and allowed the end of the rifle barrel to touch the earth.&nbsp; She lowered her head onto her arms and took a couple of big breaths.&nbsp; <br><br>His chatty banter did nothing to appease her.&nbsp; She was only here for one reason--he wanted the bounty.&nbsp; It wouldn't matter to him whether she was guilty or not.&nbsp; Just show him the money.<br><br><em>"Thank you for the rescue back there."</em><br><br>Despite her misgivings about him, she thought he was sincere about that.&nbsp; She shrugged, then crawled her way out of the tree.<br><br>"Well, now that you are in my debt, perhaps you would tell me your name?&nbsp; Bounty Hunter is a bit long for idle conversation."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 22:44:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she left, he snapped back to reality and slowly crawled out to follow her. When he heard her remark <br><br>"Well, now that you are in my debt, perhaps you would tell me your name?&nbsp; Bounty Hunter is a bit long for idle conversation."<br><br>he stood up and looked her straight in the eyes. "Names Phillip Bradshaw. I work for Cyndel Korregor. You may have heard the name, wealthy entrepreneur. Champion to the downtrodden. Why she took an interest in your case, I have no idea. Her words to me though were pretty explicit. 'Phillip, please go retrieve her before she makes things worse and surely before someone without your leanings gets her.' "<br><br>He looked at her again. "You can call me Phil." and he held out his hand for the rifle. "...as Bounty Hunter has a bit of a mercenary tone to it, I prefer to go by 'Retrieval Specialist'" he said the last with a bit of a roguish wink. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 01:47:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Cyndel Korregor? Never heard of her."&nbsp; She handed his rifle back to him.&nbsp; "But then again, I don't run with the wealthy elite.&nbsp; I've worked hard for the little I have, which may soon be limited to a prison outfit and an occasional girlfriend."&nbsp; Her voice caught, which made her angry with herself.&nbsp; She didn't want to expose her weaknesses, but she was terrified of going to prison.&nbsp; That was why she ran.&nbsp; That was why she would do it again if given the opportunity.&nbsp; Prison seemed like worse than hell to her and she shivered at the thought.&nbsp; Then pulling herself together again, she looked at him.<br><br>"Well, Phil, I guess you can call me Belle.&nbsp; If you want.&nbsp; So, what do we do now?"&nbsp; She reshouldered the scabbard and sword she had dropped earlier so she could crawl into the tree.&nbsp; Fortunately, it had fallen into the shade behind a thick bush, and did not glitter with the sun.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 02:01:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"well.... Belle,&nbsp; I believe we need to head back toward the river and continue with our original trek, if we head back that-a-way" he gestured over his shoulder diagonally "we should run into the river again, and continue downstream. At least we should, In about an hour we need to start thinking about shelter, but lets get some distance again."<br><br>"Oh and well met Belle." He bowed deeply. "no reason to not have a bit of decorum." and with that he started in te direction he gestured saying offhanded over his shoulder "Unless you have a better idea. Because I am more than willing to take suggestions"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 03:50:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She couldn't argue with his idea of going back to the river.&nbsp; It was the only thing around here that would ultimately lead them out.&nbsp; She glanced up at the sky, wondering if any of the mercenaries had reached Talok V, then remembered they should have a six-hour head start.&nbsp; She wasn't certain how much time they had lost thanks to the Living Large Lizard.&nbsp; When Phil started moving, she held her hand out indicating "after you."&nbsp; She followed close behind, her eyes moving left and right, watching for signs and listening for sounds of approaching animals or flying bugs.<br><br>They found the river again and continued downstream.&nbsp; After about a half-hour, she was hot and tired.&nbsp; She looked at Phil's back, his steady gait and his swinging arm.&nbsp; It looked like he could go on forever.&nbsp; She did not like to be the weaker sex at times like this, but she finally called to him.<br><br>"Could we please stop for a drink of water and rest a minute?"&nbsp; She brushed the stray hairs out of her face, which was smudged with dirt from their tree cave.&nbsp; There were a few stray pieces of bark, about the size of toothpicks, lodged in her hair.&nbsp; If she had seen herself in the reflection of the river's waters, she would have groaned and immediately stripped down and plunged into the gentle current, not wanting to meet her demise in such a bedraggled condition.&nbsp; Fortunately for their time, she had not seen her reflection and was still intent on making good time to the village Phil spoke of.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 13:52:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A glance back and he saw the look on her face and nodded, setting his pack down near a tree. He took a deep breath and waited for his breathing to slow down so he could speak. Truth be told, he could use the break too. Moving through the forest was hard work. "No idea when we will find a settlement. The sun is low in the sky now, We have about a half hour more before the sun starts to set. We will need to find a campsite for the night. So as we go after the break, if you see anything promising let me know."<br><br>He sat down on a large moss covered rock and took a long pull from his canteen. before continuing. "We still have about 2 hours, I figure, before the mercs reach planetfall. I really have no idea how far we've come though, not far enough Id guess."<br><br>He looked around at the large trees and thick brush with leaves like an elephants ear. They had reached the river and began to follow it down, parralleling it, but about 50 feet from it. A few times they had seen large water predators and once startled a boar like creature that had ran off when it had been seen. Food would not be hard to find.<br><br>He looked over at her, smiling. She was more attractive, with the sticks in her hair. Looking more feminine and less perfect. It gave her an earthy sex appeal. 'How are you holding up Belle?" He asked, with no hidden tone, just an honest question for his companion.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>02-02-2011, 18:22:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was relieved when he agreed to stop.&nbsp; She quickly found a rock to sit on, then rummaged through her pack for a water bottle.&nbsp; After they had both drank and rested, she noticed him looking at her and smiling.&nbsp; She frowned.&nbsp; <br><br>"Why are you smiling at me?&nbsp; Do you think I'm okay with what you've done?&nbsp; You kidnapped me and plucked me off my planet, then kept me in shackles while you had a joy ride, then I ended up crashed and nearly killed because of you.&nbsp; How am I holding up?&nbsp; Just fine, thanks.&nbsp; Just Jim dandy fine."&nbsp; She looked away and took another swig of water.&nbsp; She stared into the distance, deep in thought, then after a few minutes, turned back to him.<br><br>"I'm sorry, Phil," her voice much calmer.&nbsp; She ran her hand through her tangled wisps of hair.&nbsp; "I'm not used to being nice to someone who wants to take me to jail for mercenary reasons.&nbsp; Since money is your reason for being a bount.....Retrieval Specialist, you might already be planning how to get me out of here so you can take me in.&nbsp; I can tell you right now, I won't go easy."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>03-02-2011, 04:08:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He almost jumped when she snapped at him, then settled in nodding as she made her point. He sat in silence thinking about what she said realizing from her point of view, he wouldn't be any different. In fact, he likely would have already tried to escape. Maybe left myself to be eaten by that big lizard...<br><br>He looked at the ground and picked up a stick poking at some leaves, as he thought over things. The she had added to his dilemma with her apology. She truly was a better person than me. He shook his head.<br><br>Looked up and said "Yes it's true, I make my money bringing in people who skipped bail, and dodged the court system. I wasn't born with money. I wasn't born gifted at anything. I was a log range scout in the federation service. Mustered out with my ship, which I might add is quite destroyed now...which means my way of making a living is quite destroyed too. I sincerely doubt Ill be able to recover from this setback. I know that's not your problem, and not really your issue...and I doubt Id not be angry with me if I was in your shoes."<br><br>He took a breath and continued. "What you don't know, is that I do have a heart. I make it apoint to bring people in alive, even if their bounty reads 'dead or alive' such as yours. Also, I don't take advantage of those I try and bring in. See folks like those mercs that are chasing us, they are as apt to have their way with you, then kill you...and still collect the bounty."<br><br>"Isabel,...Belle....I know I may seem like a heartless bastard to you, but I do care what happens to you. I do want you to be declared innocent by the courts. I do want you to have your chance to tell them all what really happened. If I bring you back, that chance is yours. If I don't, then you will be running from worse than me for the rest of your living days....and just maybe those days won't be long if you are caught unawares by those with less scruples than me."<br><br>"Just ask yourself, if I. a lone guy could get you. What could a full team of battle hardened mercenaries do? They'd have you, and instead of it just being you...all of your friends who had sheltered you, would be dead too. I snuck in, grabbed you, and snuck out without hurting anyone...except that body guard of yours, who only woke up with a headache." <br><br>" don't expect you to like me. But please understand..I really do care.......really I do."<br><br>He looked away. and sighed, he couldn't expect any different. He was a bounty hunter after all. Well was. Now, who knows....no ship, means no contracts. *sigh*<br><br>No reason to dwell there though, first thing first....got to get off this planet alive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>03-02-2011, 04:48:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Belle listened to all he had to say.&nbsp; She wondered how much of it was true.&nbsp; She wanted to believe him, but her mind was doing battle with her, too battered by those who convicted her to believe anyone could or would ever help her.<br><br><em><strong>He seems nice enough.</strong><br>Yeah, well so did your attorneys, and look how much help they were.<br><br><strong>But he seems to like me.</strong><br>He's a smooth talker.&nbsp; He's the spider and you are the fly.<br><br><strong>He has kept me from the mercenaries who would probably rape and kill me.</strong><br>Kept you for himself.&nbsp; He wants the bounty.<br><br><strong>But he has no ship now.</strong><br>Why would that stop a cunning man like him?&nbsp; He's probably insured.&nbsp; He'll probably have a new one in no time.<br><br><strong>He wants me to have a chance to tell my side.</strong><br>Didn't you already do that?&nbsp; Look where you are, lady!&nbsp; Why would he care what you did once he got his money?</em><br><br><strong>He says he cares.&nbsp; He'll bring me in alive.</strong><br>Maybe, but he'll still bring you in.<br><br>There was the crux of it.&nbsp; She couldn't argue with herself that it would do no good to tell her side.&nbsp; No matter what his intentions, or beliefs, or values, if he took her back she would spend the rest of her life, which she figured would be pretty short, in prison.&nbsp; She couldn't, wouldn't let that happen.<br><br>No reason to dwell on that, though.&nbsp; First they had to get off this planet alive.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 02:32:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the look on her face he could tell that he had made no headway at all. *sigh* "I think we should be going now Belle. Keep an eye out for something close to water that's easily defended." <br><br>He stood up, shoulder his pack, picked up the rifle and began making his way through the brush. He kept to himself, trying hard not to be aware of his surroundings. Yet his mind kept wandering back to their conversation and he found himself replaying it over and over again...trying to find anything he could have said better. He wasn't good at all this social stuff. He didn't do the diplomatic dance well.<br><br>...and why did he even care? He shrugged absentmindedly...He didnt know why, but he really cared what she thought. ...Ack it was nerve wracking. <br><br>The sun was beginning to sit low on the horizon, when there was the loud screaming roar of a light spacecraft entering the atmosphere. He ducked down and looked up.....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 03:16:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From the look on his face, he was giving up on her.&nbsp; A part of her felt defensive.&nbsp; What did he expect?&nbsp; She was found guilty of a crime she did not commit.&nbsp; It was self-defense.&nbsp; How could she trust anyone when a jury of her peers wouldn't believe her?&nbsp; Why would anyone believe a pirate instead of her?&nbsp; It made her tired to think about it, so she shoved it down where it had been stewing for months.<br><br>She admitted to herself that she found him....interesting.&nbsp; Somewhat handsome.&nbsp; Definitely rugged.&nbsp; But....no.&nbsp; She was through thinking about it.<br><br>She followed him through the brush, noticing the stiffness in his back and his eyes never wavering.&nbsp; He was shunning her.&nbsp; She shivered, then crossed her arms and hugged herself.&nbsp; Her own eyes never stopped moving, still watchful for anything with wings.&nbsp; She had not actually seen the insect that was on her back, but from Phil's description, it was not one she ever wanted to see again.&nbsp; <br><br>The sun was getting low, and she began helping him look for a place of shelter.&nbsp; Near the water, he said.&nbsp; She was just about to point out a stand of trees that might be good, when a loud noise buzzed in her ears.&nbsp; Her first thought was it was a giant insect, and she gave a little cry as she ducked.&nbsp; Then she looked up, as Phil did, and realized a sound that loud had to be some kind of ship.&nbsp; She looked to Phil questioningly.&nbsp; Should they stop or should they continue?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 03:32:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a glance at her, he edged into the shadows of the forest whispering "Its the mercs. They aren't close, but lets not take any chances.&nbsp; They will probably do a fly by taking sensor readings. Lets hope there are other humanoids in the area....but we need to find a campsite quick, before the sun sets..and in the forest it will come quick."<br><br>He began slowly picking his way among the shadows and stopped turning around to face her "Belle, I give you my word I wll die before letting them take you." <br><br>Then he turned back around and resumed his search for a possible campsite.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 04:46:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She followed Phil into the shadows of the forest, her heart beating a little faster than before.&nbsp; She had not considered that they might do a fly by with sensors.&nbsp; What if they were the only ones in this area?&nbsp; They would know exactly where they were!&nbsp; She choked down the panic that was starting to rise in her throat.&nbsp; It wouldn't do any good to worry.&nbsp; She had to push on, doing the best she could, looking to Phil to lead her to a safe place.<br><br><em>"Belle, I give you my word I wll die before letting them take you."</em><br><br>His words were meant as comfort, and she appreciated them.&nbsp; She knew at a time like this they weren't spoken for effect; he meant them.&nbsp; The only problem is, it made her realize how dangerous their situation was becoming.&nbsp; She vowed to keep up with him no matter what.&nbsp; As she continued to plow through the brush, she absent-mindedly put her hand to the arm where the metal had cut into her.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>06-02-2011, 05:48:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not twenty minutes later they came across&nbsp; an area where the river cascaded downwards into a lowland forrested valley. In a series of small waterfalls which plummeted downwards, creating a mistlike aura in the air. They continued forward into the thick mist, which just caused their clothing to become plastered to their bodies. <br><br>Behind one of the waterfalls was a shallow hollowed out cave, a small ledge the only access to it. The ledge went along the backside of one of the waterfalls for about 10 feet before opening into the small cave. <br><br>Phil moved forward along the ledge checking things out. The ledge was quite slippery, and he found himself reaching for the wall for something to grab hold of, and found only rock face...wet and glistening. He reached back and grabbed out to steady himself, and his hand found Belle's and he grabbed ahold. Her grip was firm and strong. He grinned at her saying "Camp is found" before sliding along the ledge. <br><br>The cave itself was maybe 15 feet diameter and the entry only 3 feet wide. The floor was quite damp from the waterfall. It would be a wet evening, but relatively safe. Slowly he eased into the hole in the wall and turned to aide His ally into it.<br><br>"Tight fit in here, but we should be safe. I can rig some early warning traps, that would afford us a good sound sleep without fear of being surprised. What do you think?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>06-02-2011, 18:08:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moving down into the mist, Belle held tightly onto Phil's arm.&nbsp; Ever alert to the sounds in the air, she occasionally looked back to make sure some flying monster didn't attack her.&nbsp; <br><br>The sound of rushing water roared in her ears, making it difficult to hear anything else.&nbsp; They made their way among the trees and bushes until they were near the bottom.&nbsp; The mist was heavy with moisture and her suit was clinging to her.&nbsp; She longed for a swim, a bath, to feel clean again, but knew there was no time.&nbsp; <br><br>Phil led her to the edge of a waterfall, where he tested a ledge that led a short distance to what looked to her like a small cave.&nbsp; He told her to wait while he checked it out.&nbsp; She watched him slide his feet along the edge, which was wet, and wondered how he would ever keep his footing.&nbsp; About that time, she noticed he was struggling and she stepped up and took hold of his hand, helping to steady him.&nbsp; <br><br>They entered the cave.&nbsp; It was small, but huge by comparison to the tree trunk they hid in.&nbsp; Every inch of it was damp.&nbsp; She shivered.&nbsp; It would be difficult to get comfortable in here and nearly impossible to get warm, even with a space blanket.&nbsp; She could think of only one way they could stay warm, but she wasn't about to suggest it. <br><br>"I think that is a good idea," she said, beginning to shiver as the temperature dropped.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>09-02-2011, 03:44:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moving into the cave, he was keenly aware of Belle as she followed him. The fine spray from the waterfall, caused a spattering of water to cover them. In the dim light, it only enhanced her natural beauty. <br><br>He set his rifle against the far wall, and dropped his pack. "I think theres a way to cover the entrance with a tarp, so we keep the water off us during the night. If we lay another tarp on the ground, that will keep the wet ground away. I need to set out the early warning devices while theres still daylight." <br><br>He knelt and began fishing in his pack. The cave was roughly 2 arms length across and a little over 5 deep. Not a lot of room, and he couldnt help but notice Belle, in close proximity. something in her scent was oddly alluring, even through the sweat of their bodies...or maybe it was the sweat...<br><br>"I'll be back in a few minutes."<br><br>he took the 2 proximity alarms out of the cave with him...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>09-02-2011, 05:00:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Belle looked around the cave.&nbsp; It was very small, but somehow she found that comforting.&nbsp; A large cave would be more easily seen from a distance.&nbsp; She had once slept in a cryogenic sleep module smaller than this.&nbsp; Now that two people would share the space, it would probably feel just as small.<br><br>She watched Phil sort through his bag.&nbsp; He was as wet as she was, and it made him look softer, less all-business and serious.&nbsp; His dampened hair allowed a curl at the side of his forehead that she was sure he found annoying as a boy, but which probably attracted all the girls. It was cute.&nbsp; She listened as he spoke of the tarps and alarms and just nodded.&nbsp; At one point, when he was close to her, she thought she saw a look in his eyes that might have been desire, attraction.&nbsp; She couldn't be sure, but it made her smile.&nbsp; <br><br>Once he left the cave, she set to work with the tarps.&nbsp; They both had one in their bags and she pulled hers out first.&nbsp; It didn't take very long to cover the damp floor, small as it was, and she felt better already not standing where it was wet.&nbsp; She retrieved the second tarp from Phil's bag, but didn't have a clue how he was going to hang it over the opening, so she left that for him to do.&nbsp; She sat down, glad to be off her feet, which had been aching for the last hour.&nbsp; It was then that she noticed a tear in the leg of her suit.&nbsp; She leaned closer to examine it, and saw another tear on her sleeve.&nbsp; Concerned, she stood up, examining the entire suit, and to her chagrin, discovered she was about 30% naked.&nbsp; She blushed furiously, imagining what she had been revealing to the bounty hunter.&nbsp; All those bushes and scratches, she had not noticed when they ripped into her suit, only knowing when they tore into her flesh.&nbsp; The front of her suit was pretty much whole, except for one shoulder and sleeve hanging loosely off her arm.&nbsp; Two tears in the front of her pants, and, as near as she could tell without stripping or a mirror, most of the back between her shoulder blades.&nbsp; Worse, there was an ugly hole at her right buttock, beginning at her hip and crossing to where her legs joined.&nbsp; She might as well not have any pants on.&nbsp; She sunk to the floor, wondering what to do.&nbsp; For now, she pulled out the paper thin space blanket and wrapped it around her, grateful that Phil had been ahead of her on their journey instead of behind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>09-02-2011, 13:55:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not 20 minutes later, Phil came back through the opening, the proximity alarms placed. In his hand he held a wrist band with a small metallic face, looking a lot like a watch. He had a duplicate on his left wrist. He looked at Belle, huddled beneath the dull copper space blanket, and noticed that her shoulder was exposed from the torn fabric of her shirt. He couldnt help but take in the flawless beauty of her skin, and the gentle slope of her neck before his eyes went to hers and he said softly, throatily "The early warning devices are placed".<br><br>He knelt and held out the wrist band. "This is set to the frequency of the alarms. If anything larger than a house cat moves within about 10 feet of them they will go off. Ive set them to silent, so they will cause our wrist bands to flash, and vibrate." He pushed the test button on the device so she could see the soft green light of the face flash, brightening the cave tremendously and so she could hear the soft hum of the vibration. He reached for her hand, and gently slipped it over her fingers, and hand to her wrist. His fingers lingering on her hand for a slight second before looked from her hand to her eyes and uncomfortably cleared his throat. *ahem*<br><br>A glance back at her reminded him that his clothes two were in bad shape. His right leg had a tear in the pants from when he fell from hip to knee, showing the black boxer briefs&nbsp; he wore as well as his well muscled thigh. The sleeves of his shirt were badly tattered, exposing the arms of someone who was fit and strong without being a body builder. A few tears were in the chest of his sirt, showing his firm tight shoulders and upper body. a handful of short scratches were along the back of his shirt and pant legs.<br><br>As he took stock of his disarray, he had remained kneeling but backed away a few inches, so as not to cause her discomfort from being in her space. Still he was well aware of her femininity. <br><br>A gust of cold air and spray of misty water snapped him out, and with a grin he looked into those beautiful brown eyes of hers and as he reached for the other tarp, he remarked "well let me take care of that before we catch our death..."<br><br>Standing he reached to a hip sheath, and removed an item from his days as an imperial scout. A 3 inch diameter &amp; 2 feet long&nbsp; collapsing rod, that he turned and unscrewed several times, until it was the width of the chamber, then placing the tarp's eye holes over the smaller, nearly only a quarter of an inch diameter ends of the rod. He placed it up near the ceiling of the chamber and screwed it a few times so it held firmly in place. Not unlike one of those shower curtain rods. "We are lucky, the cave isnt bigger. The rod only goes out to 20 feet." He said with his back to her as he worked. Not at all uncomfortable with his partially naked body.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>09-02-2011, 19:24:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was huddled under the space blanket, finally feeling a little bit of warmth, when he returned.&nbsp; She was still embarrassed that he could see so much of her.&nbsp; He was carrying what looked like a watch, and she noticed he had one on his wrist.&nbsp; He explained the alarms to her and how the watch would help, demonstrating it for her.&nbsp; His closeness was disturbing, she could feel his aura, masculine and strong.&nbsp; Several times their eyes caught each other and she had to look away.&nbsp; It didn't seem appropriate to have these feelings for a bounty hunter when she was his prey.&nbsp; <br><br>He set about putting the other tarp up, and she watched him.&nbsp; She was surprised to see his clothes were badly tattered too.&nbsp; Why hadn't they noticed this before?&nbsp; She guessed when you are running for your life, you don't think about such things.&nbsp; His efforts at hanging the tarp made the muscles in his arms flex and she marveled at how fit he was.&nbsp; When he hung the tarp, she noticed his well-built chest and his toned and muscled legs.&nbsp; She also saw a bit of his black boxers and found herself imagining what he would look like if she could see all of them.&nbsp; She had to shake her head to get back to reality.&nbsp; <br><br>"Yes," she said.&nbsp; "Lucky."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>10-02-2011, 03:31:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phillip moved to the side of the cave and picked up two rocks and brought them back to set down on the corners of the tarp, holding them down. The dim light of the cave, became dimmer and he was having a hard time making out Belle's features. He cracked open a chem-light that had a 30 minute time of chemical interaction and the cave became bathed in a pale green light. He looked at Belle now and he thought once again <em>my she is sooo incredibly pretty</em>.<br><br>"ummm Belle. I need to suggest something, and don't want to alarm you or have you think the wrong thing. "<br><br>He paused and sat down before continuing. "Its going to get very cold here and we need to dry out our clothes."<br><br>He looked down at the stone floor and then back up into her eyes. "I think we should ummm ...go down to our under garments for sleeping and share the space under that blanket, so our body heat both warms us and drys our clothes."<br><br>The hurried through the remainder. "I know that blanket is fairly small, and will put us closer than maybe you want, but I think its the only way to ward off the cold."<br><br>He stopped and waited for her comment. Whatever she said he would abide by, even if it meant sleeping outside or uncomfortably...but this was the wise choice. <br><br>unknowlingly he had sat cross legged, the slit on his leg exposing a good portion of his boxer clad lower body. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>10-02-2011, 04:57:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Belle watched him place rocks on the tarp, but his image had grown dim as it grew dark outside and became darker still in this little cave behind a tarp.&nbsp; He used a chem-light and as the green glow played across his face, it defined his chiseled jaw, his soft eyes, and even the curl of hair.&nbsp; <br><br>She knew what he was going to say.&nbsp; It was really the only thing they could do to stay warm.&nbsp; Nonetheless, she tensed when he said it.&nbsp; He had sat down in front of her, cross-legged, and she immediately saw he was no better clad than she was.&nbsp; Her eyes were drawn to his black boxers, more of them showing now, but in the dim light, she could not tell if there was a bulge there or not.&nbsp; She stared for several seconds before she was able to pull away.&nbsp; Then she looked him in the eyes, shrugging.&nbsp; She knew when there was no use fighting what had to be.<br><br>"It's not the worst idea I've ever heard of, and you won't be the first person I've shared a blanket with for warmth.&nbsp; You're right.&nbsp; We need to get these clothes dry.&nbsp; She stood up and began to undress.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 03:33:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she stood, his eyes took her in. He felt his pulse quicken. He thought <em>'Get a hold of yourself Phil, this isn't the first pretty girl you've spent alone time with....'</em> Just as quickly the thought escaped him and was replaced by...<em>'yes, but somehow this ones different'</em><br><br>As she began to remove her clothing. Boots and socks first then he stood and&nbsp; removed his shirt, revealing a taut well defined abdomen and well muscled arms and chest. Sparse chest hair, but a very fine trail of hair running from his chest down into the waistband of his black boxers which were fully exposed when he undid his pants and pulled them down. They were tight across his hips, and the apparent bulge of his penis left little to the imagination. He was obviously circumcised. . He folded up his cloths and placed them under the space blanket along one edge.&nbsp; Then stood and tried not to stare at his cave companion, but the more he tried not to...the more he did. <em>'Gawd she was beautiful'</em> crept into his thoughts.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 03:56:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had told him the truth, but only in part.&nbsp; True, she agreed it was a good idea, Also true, she had shared a blanket before.&nbsp; What wasn't true and was only implied, was that she had shared a blanket with a man.&nbsp; There had been a couple adventures in her past where she and her sister had ended up sharing a blanket.&nbsp; So, it was with a little embarrassment that she began undressing in front of him.&nbsp; She fought hard, though, to conceal that fact, trying to act as if she undressed in front of men all the time and thought nothing of it.<br><br>When she dropped her suit and kicked it aside, she took a quick inventory of her undergarments.&nbsp; The majority of women now opted for the one piece body suit that matched their skin color, so well-blended that it was hard to tell if they were wearing anything, except for the lack of certain more colorful areas. She herself had always appreciated the craftmanship of the 2oth century, when people made due with what they had or could create on their own, long before the discovery of atomic lasers meant pushing a button to create something out of nothing. Her panties were a shiny, blue silk, and her bra matched them, with lace across the top half.&nbsp; She was relieved to see they didn't appear to be ripped or damaged anywhere.&nbsp; Following his example, she folded her suit and put it under the blanket, wondering why she even bothered, since there wasn't much left of it.<br><br>She slowly sat down on the tarp, pulled the band out of her hair and left it fall around her shoulders, shaking her head once to get rid of any knots, then stretched her legs out, leaning back on her elbows and looking up at him. <br><br>"Well, are you coming?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 04:13:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He fought hard to maintain control as she sat down on the tarp and stretched those long lean legs out. The blue of her panties a stark contrast to the tanned legs. He couldnt help but lick his lips looking at where they met her legs, and the treasure that was beneath them. Then his gaze went up her flat stomach and took in those well formed breasts beneath the blue silkiness and lace of her bra. A faint outline of nipples could be seen beneath the fabric. and he swallowed hard as she said <br><br>'Well, are you coming?'<br><br>and thought 'I wish' as he said "Yeah. sure am." and he moved to join her, as he went and slid down besides her. maintaining a bit of decorum, yet longing to take her in his arms. He sat next to her and said with a wry grin "which side of the bed do you prefer?" <br><br>their skin barely touching, but where it did, he could feel a warmth that was stronger than body heat..much stronger and try as he may, he could not keep his penis from becoming somewhat erect.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 04:47:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Belle was both a lady and a pragmatist.&nbsp; Even though she felt awkward being in this position with someone who had earlier been willing to sell her soul, she was fully aware of what they needed to do, which was share as much skin-to-skin contact as possible.&nbsp; She had not missed his muscular chest, his confidence, his tight ass and his beautiful eyes.&nbsp; She only hoped she could keep her hands to herself.<br><br>"Which side?&nbsp; I usually sleep alone."&nbsp; She smirked at him, then laid back, pulling her half of the blanket up to her shoulders.&nbsp; She looked up at him.<br><br>"I guess we should quit testing the waters with our toes and just dive in; get it over with.&nbsp; Do you want to lay back-to-back, front-to-front, or spoon?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 13:42:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A&nbsp; soft groan escaped his lips as thoughts flickered through his mind He said softly "I think Back to back we will waste an awful lot of body heat. and Belle, please don't take offense here, but face to face I don't think I could keep from kissing you. sooo spooning it is." and he slid down next to her, pressing his strong legs against hers, his manhood pressing against her thigh at the moment, as he waited for her to turn. Raised up on his elbow looking down at her soft brown eyes, and lips that seemed to call to him. The blanket up to his armpit, but not covering his shoulder yet.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>12-02-2011, 18:34:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't miss the soft groan, and decided to take it as a compliment.&nbsp; She agreed with the back to back wasting too much heat, but she knew he would immediately reject that one.&nbsp; What she was interested in was, which of the other two would he choose?&nbsp; In fact, which of the two would she choose if it was her?&nbsp; <br><br>She would choose exactly what he did, and pretty much for the same reason.&nbsp; Plus, if you really wanted to sleep, it was a lot more comfortable than face to face.<br><br>She laid back, then rolled to her side, adjusting the blanket so he wouldn't steal it all.&nbsp; She was acutely aware of his presence, his warmth, and she hoped she would be able to sleep.&nbsp; It had been quite an eventful day and she was exhausted.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her body was screaming for rest.&nbsp; Eventually, she drifted into a deep sleep.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>13-02-2011, 03:08:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				she had rolled over and he cuddled on down and wrapped an arm around her, letting her warmth and calming presence creep into his mind and soul. He breathed her in and gradually arousal changed to comfort and he heard her breathing change...the days excitement and activities wore on his weary body and he found himself drifting away. It was a comfortable sleep.<br><br>And he found his mind dreaming of better days, nicer activities, but was startling to his unconscious mind, was his companion in his dreams...was Belle.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>13-02-2011, 04:44:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She slept dreamlessly until just before dawn without moving.&nbsp; Her back was pressed against Phil's and his arm lay warmly across her.&nbsp; It felt good, and would have been very nice under different circumstances.&nbsp; But being on the run doesn't lend much time to idle thoughts.&nbsp; She carefully got up, went to her bag, then Phil's and, finding what she needed, quietly sat down by another glow-stick and began working.<br><br>When she finished, she tried on her new outfit.&nbsp; It was barely enough to call an outfit, but it hid all the important areas.&nbsp; She had taken two squares of fabric, cut with one of Phil's knives, and used the large needle for repairing the tarps and some cording to sew them together at the sides, making her a skirt with about 3" of bare skin on either side with cording criss-crossing to hold the two pieces together.&nbsp; Likewise, she used two narrower strips for her top.&nbsp; It wouldn't keep her warm, but it was better than her whole backside showing.&nbsp; She did, however, have to discard her underwear, since the open sides would reveal them.<br><br>She chuckled to herself.&nbsp; "I probably look something like Jane in Tarzan.&nbsp; Finished and dressed, she dug out Phil's outfit, careful not to wake him, and in a very short time had cut his pants into shorts and used the extra fabric to patch together all the tears.&nbsp; She also made him a vest-type shirt if he needed it.&nbsp; All done, she scooted back to where she had been asleep and laid back down, only facing him so she could quietly study his face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>13-02-2011, 21:01:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Slowly in the morning he became aware. The sleep had been good. He hadnt felt this good in ages, even if the bed was a bit 'rocky'. He had felt warm and comfortable with Belle lying there next to him. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to sleep with her. His eyes flickered open and he looked into Belles face as she lay next to him looking at him. A silly half asleep grin slid across his face and he said thickly from sleep "Mornin pretty lady, I hope you slept as good as I did. Have to admit, I didnt hear you snore once." <br><br>As he wanted to enjoy the moment he just laid there looking at her. She had the prettiest eyes. And he fought the urge to kiss her finely formed nose.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>14-02-2011, 02:25:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There's something about watching a person sleep.&nbsp; They always look so serene, peaceful.&nbsp; Handsome.&nbsp; At least Phil did.&nbsp; She wondered what she would have thought of him in a different time and place.&nbsp; She might have been attracted to him.&nbsp; But this wasn't a different time and place.&nbsp; They were on opposite sides of the law, lost in a forest on a strange planet, running for their lives, and very possibly hours or days away from their deaths.&nbsp; <br><br>His hair was in disarray and the curl at his forehead intriqued her.&nbsp; She couldn't resist touching it, smoothing it back only to have it fall back down.&nbsp; She used a light touch, not wanting to wake him.&nbsp; She had no sooner put her hand back down than he woke, smiling lazily at her.&nbsp; His face was so close to hers.&nbsp; She hovered near him, hesitating, even leaning a millimeter closer, her wish to taste his lips battling with her.&nbsp; As it turned out, she didn't have to decide because at that moment she felt a vibration against her wrist.&nbsp; She looked at it and saw a light flashing.&nbsp; Frightened, she turned her wide eyes on Phil.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>14-02-2011, 04:15:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				she had lightly pushed a bit of hair that always seemed to curl, much to his dismay, away from his face..and he felt that connection forming that had always ended in a kiss. They both leaned towards each other...and just then the mood ended when both of their wrist bands vibrated and lights flashed. "Damn he thought" as he leaped up grabbing at the vest and shorts Belle had made. slipping them on quickly; then to his boots. he whispered "Get the gear together. Whatever is out there is close." <br><br>He pushed the space blanket towards Belle, tied the quick laces of his boots, and folded up the ground tarp, taking only a few minutes. All that was left was the tarp hanging up and the early warning sensors outside.<br><br>Shouldering his pack he glanced at Belle as he moved to the left rock and nodded his chin towards the right rock. Picking up the rifle he prepared to collapse the rod supporting the other tarp....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>14-02-2011, 04:35:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phil moved quickly and Belle followed suit, gathering up everything she could reach and tossing them into her bag.&nbsp; When everything was stowed, she followed Phil's silent instructions and moved to the right rock, her sword behind her left shoulder, her pack shouldered behind it.&nbsp; She was holding a small laser gun of Phil's that she knew was meant more for self-defense than an all-out attack, but it would do until they found themselves at the tip of her sword.<br><br>All her muscles were tense as she spread her legs and held the gun up with both hands, waiting for Phil to lower the tarp.&nbsp; There was no way to know what might greet them on the other side.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>16-02-2011, 03:05:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phil collapsed the rod, and shook the tarp off of it, putting it back in its sheath. He pushed the tarp towards Belle with his foot, as he stepped outside on the wet ledge behind the stream of water, The spray settling on his shirt. Rifle in hand he crept out, looking around and saw a strange creature, all spindly branch like standing near the sensors, looking around. The bright green eyes poised on either side of a dark brown narrow face snapped to view him as he stood there. He didnt need Belle's confirmation...this must be a twig...he thought.<br><br>It regarded him coolly and unemotionally. In it's pincered limbs it held what looked like a primitive spear with two pointed ends mounted with a glass like substance that gleamed in the morning light...He beckoned for Belle to follow as he held up his hand hoping the creature would rightly interpret that he meant no harm...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>16-02-2011, 03:45:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the tarp fell she expected to come face to face with death, either theirs or someone else's.&nbsp; The lack of anything deadly in front of them was at first a disappointment, then a relief.&nbsp; Phil scooted the tarp toward her with his foot, but she was not ready to drop her gun, so she carefully stepped over it.&nbsp; <br><br>She saw Phil's face and knew he had seen something.&nbsp; She stopped and looked around, scanning the landscape.&nbsp; When it moved, she saw it.&nbsp; A twig.&nbsp; She was surprised how much it resembled the picture she had always carried in her head of one.&nbsp; It reminded her of a stick bug, which probably explained the name.&nbsp; It held some sort of weapon, but she was behind Phil, and could not clearly see what it was.&nbsp; <br><br>When Phil held up his hand and moved forward, she gasped.&nbsp; From everything she had heard of twigs, they were not friendly and did not like their territory invaded.&nbsp; Few sentient beings had met one and lived to tell about it. She whispered harshly,<br><br>"What are you doing?&nbsp; You're going to get us both killed!"&nbsp; Her arms still held the gun in front of her, her finger growing heavy on the trigger as she saw her whole life run before her eyes.&nbsp; She gasped again as she realized her 'life's movie' had not stopped with today, but moved into the future.&nbsp; A future where Phil was still there.&nbsp; No clear understanding, just an awareness of him.&nbsp; <br><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>Fear must have me daft</em></span> she thought.&nbsp; No one's future runs before their eyes&nbsp; She had to shake her head to clear it.&nbsp; She would think about that later.&nbsp; Right now she was worried about her life in the next five minutes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>16-02-2011, 03:54:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The creature cocked its head one way and then the other, looking at Phil as he slowly advanced the only thought in Phil's head was to get off this ledge and into the forest, where they'd have room to maneuver if possible. He heard Belle's harsh whisper from behind him "What are you doing?&nbsp; You're going to get us both killed!"<br><br>He nodded that he'd heard her, but did not turn his attention from the near 7 foot tall stick like creature. 4 legs, 2 arms ending in pincers. It half raised the spear it carried, but did not show any hostility.<br><br>Not that he would have any idea what were signs of emotions on what counted as it's features. <br><br>He said very calmly "We crashed near here, and are not here in anger. We are not a danger to you or your people"<br><br>All he got in reply was another cock of it's head, and a clack of its jaws, as it snapped them open and shut once.<br><br>Off the ledge now he stopped and waited, giving Belle a bout a three foot area behind him to get off of the slippery stone as well. He was merely about 12 feet or so from the bug-like creature...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>16-02-2011, 04:03:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had no choice but to follow him, perhaps into the pits of hell.&nbsp; She carefully slid her feet across the ledge as he began to speak to the twig.&nbsp; <br><br>"He, she, it, whatever it is, doesn't speak English," she hissed at him.&nbsp; "Have you forgotten where we are?&nbsp; Twigs don't associate with other species--they eat them!"&nbsp; <br><br>Still, she followed behind him, knowing it was her only chance of getting out of this alive, slim as that chance may be.&nbsp; When the twig raised its spear, her heart slammed into her ribs and her hand flew over her shoulder to grab the hilt of her sword.&nbsp; But it stopped, the spear only partway raised, so she lowered her arm slowly, never taking her eyes off it.&nbsp; If the twig attacked, once it covered half the distance between them she would be able to slice its limbs neatly from its body.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 04:38:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The tension was so great in the air, that Phil could almost feel it. Both just stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, even though it was scant seconds. Just when it felt like things were going to go from bad to worse, merely because of the tension.....fate took its turn at the wheel of life. The forest erupted in a flurry of activity as one of those huge multi-legged lizards plowed its way through the underbrush and snapped its jaw on one of the spindly legs of the Twig, who let out a horrific screech of pain.<br><br>Without thinking, Phil brought the rifle up to his shoulder and fired a blast of heated energy into the left side of the reptile, searing scales where the legs joined the body. The stench of burnt flesh filled the hollow by the waterfall.<br><br>The Twig stabbed out with the razor sharp edge of the spear, piercing the snout and slicing it open from nostril to nostril.<br><br>It just seemed so natural to Phil to aid the alien against this primal force of nature...so right. <br><br>Even so, he also had not forgot what was going on, and he took advantage of the situation by leaping forward as he fired, and grabbed up the handle of one of the early warning devices and pulled it from its perch in the roots of a large tree.<br><br>A glance back at Belle to make sure she was safe followed.....<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 04:57:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Time froze as they stood there, facing the creature who considered them the aliens.&nbsp; Her heartbeat was so loud she at first thought it was bursting through her chest before she realized the sound was coming from somewhere else.&nbsp; <br><br>The lizard moved so quickly that it was upon the Twig before it could do anything to stop it.&nbsp; The snap of joints made her cringe, as did the scream from the now helpless being.&nbsp; Her gun swayed back and forth as she tried to get a clear shot at.....something.&nbsp; Then she saw, as well as felt, the heated blast from Phil's weapon.&nbsp; It was a good shot, crippling one of the lizards legs.&nbsp; The smell of burnt lizard created a stench and made her nose wrinkle.<br><br>She looked back at Phil only to see him running, grabbing the early warning system as he went.&nbsp; She only hesitated a fraction of a second, then lit out behind him.&nbsp; No way did she want to be left alone to face either one of those strange creatures.&nbsp; They made Phil look downright perfect in comparison.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 05:17:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing Belle close behind him, he stuck the early warning device in his pack and fired another burst into the jaw line of the creature...once more scales melted beneath his energy beam. Once more the sizzling of skin could be heard. The Twig squirmed and broke free from the creatures grasp, as pain caused it to loosen its mouthy grip. <br><br>Another leap and grab, and Phil had the second early warning device and the large reptillian predator was turning to face the heat beam that was hurting it again and again.<br><br>The twig did not hesitate either though, as his spear slashed out again and sliced open a bulbous eye, that oozed a green fluid. <br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 18:48:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They ran.&nbsp; It was their only option if they were going to survive.&nbsp; She followed him toward the forest cover, when Tin Lizzie turned to face them.&nbsp; She pulled her sword and prepared to remove his head from his neck if necessary.&nbsp; It wasn't.&nbsp; The Twig had recovered and neatly punctured one of the ugly eyes, buying them more time to get away.&nbsp; She was almost clear of it when the creatur's tail swung around and caught the back of her shoulder, sending her flying.&nbsp; She hit the ground with a thud and her sword flew away from her.&nbsp; <em>This seems familiar,</em> she thought as she tried to draw in a breath.&nbsp; She tried to call out to Phil, but she had no voice without a couple good breaths.&nbsp; She looked back to see if another blow was coming.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 05:17:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Phil pocketed the last sensor, he heard&nbsp; Belles footsteps following close through the foliage. He glanced at the Rifles energy charge indicator and realized hed only have about 3 more charges before hed have to let it recycle. <br><br>Then he heard something which clenched his guts with fear. He heard an low grunt from Belle, and the sound of her crashing to the forest floor. Without thinking, he stopped running, and spun to see her on the ground, mouthing a cry for help...but no sound issued forth. Her eyes held a plea that theres no possible way he could turn away from.<br><br>He returned and as the injured reptile stalked forward, the one good eye focused on its downed prey.&nbsp; On the other side of the Lizard, the Twig was pulling itself away from the fight, using its spear as a makeshift cane. <br><br>He jumped forward, grabbing up Belle's sword as he did so&nbsp; and brandished it in untrained hands shaking it at the 8 legged menace.&nbsp; The creature gave pause. Phil screamed and shook the blade, the light gleaming off it's razor sharp blade.<br><br>The Giant Lizard looked around, and then scampered away into the forest as fear gripped its soul. He sighed heavily...the second time they evaded a close call with these beasties.<br><br>He said with a wry grin "guess its never seen a Human protecting a loved one before"<br><br>and as the words escaped his lips he shut up, wondering why his subconscious chose those words. He shook his head, and turned to look at Belle with care saying softly "You ok?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 02:23:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Raw meat.&nbsp; In a few minutes, that's what she would be for the lizard.&nbsp; He was approaching stealthily, and his bleeding orifices only made him look more dangerous.&nbsp; This was not the way she imagined she would go out.<br><br>Suddenly Dean was there, in front of her, brandishing her sword.&nbsp; He yelled at the lizard, and she saw the glint from the sword hit it in its good eye.&nbsp; It turned and disappeared through the brush, the ground slightly quivering from its weight.&nbsp; Dean had his back to her, and he stood there another few seconds, making sure the lizard was gone.&nbsp; Then he turned back to her and offered his hand.<br><br><em>Guess its never seen a Human protecting a loved one before.&nbsp; You okay?</em><br><br>She accepted his hand and pulled herself off the ground.&nbsp; "Yes, I think so."&nbsp; She brushed some dirt off and checked her clothing for tears.&nbsp; If there were any, she wouldn't have anything left to wear.&nbsp; She hoped there were some plants around with really big leaves.&nbsp; As she continued looking herself over, she said, "Thanks for the help.&nbsp; I guess we're even now, aren't we?"&nbsp; She looked up at him with surprise.&nbsp; Did he just say a loved one?<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 04:04:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;Her answer of&nbsp; "Yes, I think so."&nbsp; &nbsp;caused him to relax notably and she began to brush dirt away and check out the makeshift garment for tears. He found his eyes going places that they had no business going under the circumstances .. <em>By the 7 rings of Antares&nbsp; shes beautiful</em> he thought.&nbsp; &nbsp;As she continued looking herself over, she said, "Thanks for the help.&nbsp; I guess we're even now, aren't we?"&nbsp; <br><br>He didnt answer as she looked up at him with surprise when her brain caught up with her ears, and he realized she had heard him...He fumbled as those gorgeous eyes regarded him. <br><br>" ahhh I think we should help the twig" and he turned heading to the creature as it pulled its way along. He moved close and said slowly, carefully to the creature "I can help."<br><br>The creature turned warily and regarded him, a pair of its spindly legs, mangled and bleeding. He knelt and moved closer..the spear coming up defensively but not angrily. He inched closer and looked at the wounds. and pulled out a first aid kit slowly, deliberately and went to work....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 04:16:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				when she looked up, she could tell that he knew she had just realized what he had said.&nbsp; He quickly turned away and approached the twig, offering his help.&nbsp; She shook her head.&nbsp; She was glad he had walked away.&nbsp; Love was not a concept she had in mind for her life anymore.&nbsp; Too much had passed and she felt like all emotions had been swept away, leaving her an empty shell of what once was a beautiful woman, both inside and out.<br><br>She moved up next to Phil, offering to help, as she warily kept her eye on the Twig.&nbsp; If they were able to take care of its bloody and broken legs, it would be the first meeting of man and Twig that did not end in death.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>20-02-2011, 02:23:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pantomiming as a form of communication to the injured Twig, He let it know it would bring pain to set the broken limbs. Over his shoulder to Belle he said "If you can, please find me a few stout sticks to tie to the limbs once Ive set them, and some vines." and he continued to treat the wounds with antiseptic and antibiotic cream, wrapping them in gauze where he could. The creature continued to watch with passive eyes that showed no anger in fact, it showed no emotion at all. This could be why humans hadnt got on well with them, being very emotional...and communicating as such. Its foreign to humans to imagine a race without emotions...<br><br>His mind wandered for a second to the lovely Belle. Why was he drawn to her...was it merely the danger? or was it something else. Its true that he had felt a kinship for her even before they crashed, but hadnt let himself feel anything...in that aspect was he any different than the twig?...hmmm something to think on.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>20-02-2011, 02:35:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Of course" she answered as she set about collecting sticks that looked the correct size, and then vines that were strong and would hold everything together for as long as necessary.&nbsp; She returned to Phil and the Twig, noticing that the Twig had made no move since Phil began treating him.&nbsp; That was nothing like the stories she had heard about them. They were supposed to be hostile, aggressive, and just plain mean.&nbsp; <br><br>As Phil continued to work on the Twig's legs, Belle felt a strong desire to put her hand on his shoulder.&nbsp; She almost did.&nbsp; Almost.&nbsp; At the last second, she pulled her hand back and crossed her arms in front of her.<br><br>"Is he going to be all right?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>20-02-2011, 02:47:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He grinned up at belle when she asked about the Twigs well being "I think so. I need to set the breaks, and I know this is going to be painful. I hope he doesnt over react. ..."<br><br>A glance at the sticks and vines and he grinned again. "Thank you Belle. You're wonderful." He couldnt help himself from saying that.<br><br>"Can you wrap the vines and tie them while I hold the sticks?"<br><br>He preapred to set the break on the first spindly leg, and saw the Twig setting the spear to the side and reaching down to hold his upper leg.<br><br>Phils eyes went wide...The creature understood what he was going to do...and he was going to help....He shook his head and looked at Belle in amazement.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>20-02-2011, 03:25:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was glad that the Twig was going to be all right, though she didn't know why.&nbsp; But really, she didn't like to see any living thing live or die in pain.&nbsp; Phil took the sticks from her and asked her to tie the vines around them when he set the legs.&nbsp; As she handed him the sticks, their hands touched, and for a moment she felt a tingle run up her fingers and up her arm, into her heart.&nbsp; She quickly withdrew her hand and took a half-step back.&nbsp; She looked down at the vine and pretended to be getting it ready for wrapping as her face blushed.&nbsp; When she saw Phil turn back to the creature, she relaxed and stepped closer so she could help.<br><br>When Phil was ready to straighten the leg, the Twig set his spear aside and held onto the top of it.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her eyes rounded and Phil turned to her with the same look.&nbsp; <br><br>"He understands?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>21-02-2011, 02:33:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding Phil said "It would appear so. At least our intent..if not our words. It makes me wonder how they communicate..."<br><br>As he set his leg, the creatures mandible like jaws opened and closed furiously several times and the creatures eyes glazed over, but it made no attempt to attack or withdraw.<br><br>Phil placed the sticks alongside the leg so Belle could wrap the bindings and tie them. Then he repeated the first aid to the other rear leg of the Twig. He watched Belles hands deftly tie the wraps and whenever their hands touched he felt almost an electric jolt that stirred him from head to toe. Her scent and nearness was like a drug that threatened to rip his sanity from his soul. It was all he could do to keep from sweeping her into his arms and kissing her until the day eased to night...He could not understand why he felt this way....and resisted the urge. As hard as that was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>21-02-2011, 03:20:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finally it was done.&nbsp; She sat back and looked and her heart went out to the Twig, who looked like he had just accumulated extra legs.&nbsp; The sticks were almost as big as he was, and it would be interesting to see how he managed to move about with them.&nbsp; There was nothing to be done for it, though.&nbsp; It was the only way to help him.&nbsp; She looked at his eyes and thought they had lost some of their shine.&nbsp; She thought of something and reached into her bag, bringing out her water bottle.&nbsp; She let him watch her drink out of it, then she handed it to him.&nbsp; She wasn't sure how he drank with that mouth, but she would at least offer it.<br><br>The Twig took it, turned it around in what must be his hand, then bit into it, tearing the top away.&nbsp; He then leaned his head in and drank.&nbsp; And drank.&nbsp; And drank.&nbsp; All of it.&nbsp; Then he handed the bottle back to her.&nbsp; She hesitantly took it, then looked helplessly at Phil.&nbsp; So much for water.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Logan Drake</strong> on <strong>23-02-2011, 02:09:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phil frowned as the creature destoyed Belle's canteen. That left just his. Not the best situation. They'd need to make a waterskin soon then.&nbsp; He nodded at the Twig and pointed for him to test the splints. After some pantomimed communication The spindly creature tentatively stood and hobbled around.&nbsp; Then with an passive glance over it's shoulder it headed off into the forest. <br><br>Phil watched it leave and then smiled at Belle saying "Thats a good thing we did there. Who knows what will come of it, but there cant be anything wrong with helping someone else." He moved to the small lake where the waterfall ran into and filled his canteen, dropping a tablet into it for purification. <br><br>He turned and looked at Belle. His eyes taking in the short skirt and those legs that he could imagine locked around his neck. He dismissed the image and said "anything you need to do before we head out? He looked into her eyes and felt his mind swirling with emotion.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: When The Hunters become Hunted (Logan Drake &amp; Meri)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Meri</strong> on <strong>23-02-2011, 03:30:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She hoped he was right and that this good deed went unpunished.&nbsp; She certainly had been punished enough for what she did.&nbsp; It was a little comical watching the Twig try to walk, then he just walked into the forest and disappeared.&nbsp; <br><br>"Not much on thank yous," she mumbled.<br><br>They headed to the lake where Phil filled his canteen, then he asked her if she needed to do anything before they left.<br><br>"No.&nbsp; Other than needing a new canteen, new clothes and a hot soak in a tub, I'm good." She said it mockingly, but her eyes told she was just being facetious, not angry or mean.<br><br>She noticed him looking at her legs and she blushed a little, which was ridiculous since she had been seen in bikinis much smaller than this, and by many more people.&nbsp; Somehow, though, his eyes on her body made her a little uneasy, embarrassed.&nbsp; She brushed it off as just a silly reaction.&nbsp; <br><br>She picked up her pack and sword and slung them behind her, then looked at him.&nbsp; She took her turn looking him over. He certainly wore the rugged look well.&nbsp; She smiled.&nbsp; "So, where to now, Dr. Tarzan?" <br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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