Born Of Night::Chapter One

Chapter One : Trusting One Another.

Gale stepped out from the carriage taking him into the middle rine of Ba Sing Se. He squinted as he looked up at the sun. He hated the Earth Kingdom as it was only full of stuck up snobs who pay someone to wipe thier own behind. But this is where the money was and well money makes the world go round.

Gale couldnt really remember why he was summoned here again, all he could really comprehend was the fact that his boss had told him he had buissnes within the middle ring. Gale being himself just went allng with it, just as long as he was being paid for it all. The carriage driver scoffed and cleared his throat and Gale turned to see the driver with his palm out towards Gale.

The man had no idea who he was messing with but Gale figured he wouldnt start shit so he just growled and threw money into the drivers face. In which of course the driver began to complain and scream, "hey jerk! That was uncalled for!!!"

Gale just began to walk away towardes the building when the man shouted out once more. "Excuse me Pin Head im tailking to you!!!" Gale stopped in his tracks and pulled out his abnormally large vaccumm blade,"AND I WOULD SHUT YOUR MOUTH OLD MAN!" he screamed back as he swing his blade cutting the carriage in half like butter.

The driver screamed out,"what did you do?!" Gale just grinned, "Perhaps that will teach ya you old goat. Gale turned and entered into the building, where he was greeted by many younger women, any other day Gale would take advantage of this moment however it was time for buissness. Gale walked down the hall and into the largest room where a rather fat man sat smiling.

"welcome! Welcome! You must be gale he said standing up, and shaking Gales hand. Gale just wrenched his hand away and took a seat provided," okay, why was i summoned here," he asked refusing to beat around the bush. The man just sighed and took his chair again, staring intently at Gale.

"We have a job for you, a rather dangerous mission, and onethat must be taken with complete accuarcy." Gale nodded as he became more interested in the job already. "Your job is to escort my daughter, a priestess in Ba Sing Se to the spirit gods temple."

Gale's jaw dropped, this was the dangerous mission? He was a mercenary, a bounty hunter, an assassin, not some baby sitter for some brat. Gale was beginning to stand up and walk out when the man stood and asked him to wait," this mission should not be taken lightly, many eveil lurk the land still, seeking power, and this is no different. Gale sighed, and the man contined," i have assembled a team to tag along with you, meet them outside within the hour, and head out immediatly."

Gale nodded as he was handed an envelope full of more details on the subject, he rubbed his temples as he was begining to get a headache, he hoped for all the teouble he was getting into, he was getting paid well enough.



(((occ: sorry it took so long, but here you go, remember, there is a posting order and a word limit, so stick to it! Tsumi your up )))

Itami Kurushii sat at an outside table, in front of a Ba Sing Se restaurant, known as the ‘Rock And A Hard Place’. He wore his usual dark-blue armor, with his customary dragon-scale armor. This armor was fitted with various designs, all of which were significant to Itami in one way or another, such as the assassin markings on the front (known only by trustees of the assassin order, any who spoke of the mark where a non-inductee could hear was supposed to be executed on the spot), or the triumvirate brand on the back. The dark blue strangely complimented his silver hair, and intelligent grey eyes, adding a near-sheen to them both. He ordered his favorite drink, Earl Grey Tea, and was now thinking over the previous events of the day.

He had started the day like any other, paying the tab on his room in the inn, and proceeding to pickpocket the innkeeper afterward. However, things had gotten interesting when a band of robbers had stopped him in the alleyway. One of them had approached him with a long knife, obviously worn from use, demanding whatever money Itami was keeping in his pockets at the time. You have to feel sorry for him…

…..the robber, that is. Itami reached into his pocket, taking out a single bronze coin. “A for effort, though I’m afraid that you receive an F in planning. One should, at the very least, investigate their enemy before confronting them.” he said. Following this, he flicked his thumb, flipping the coin high into the air. No sooner had the coin lost contact with his hand, than he had disarmed the thief, and taken his dagger. Following this, he…

Somewhat Graphic Description, read at your own discretion:

His business concluded, Itami walked out of the alleyway, dipping his hand into a water bucket, and washing off any trace of his encounter. The robber would probably survive, though he would probably never walk again, and he would certainly not see his goons again. Following this, Itami had decided to finish his initial journey to the Inner Circle of Ba Sing Se. He had recently heard of a restaurant that supposedly served the most delicious tea in the Vermilion Empire. He could not resist investigating.

So, here he was, at the ‘Rock and a Hard Place’, about to drink the most delicious tea of his life. Drink it he did, and with great gusto (while still appearing refined, that is). The rumors were true, this tea was the most delicious (and mentally invigorating) tea he had ever been privileged to partake of.
As if to ruin the moment, which it did, a ruckus could be heard in the street, as a boy sliced a carriage clean in half. “How unrefined. What’s the point of slicing a carriage in half, when it’s well known that carriage drivers keep all valuables underneath his feet, where he can feel it at all times. It has accomplished nothing, other than being incredibly loud. Even as a diversion, it would be a somewhat flawed plan to get to someone, or something.” Itami thought to himself.

The incredibly aggressive boy stormed away from the carriage, into the building directly across the street from Itami. As soon as the door had shut behind the boy, an envelope was slipped into Itami’s pocket, by the waiter of the restaurant. Itami casually walked inside the restaurant, and slipped into the restroom, where he opened the letter, and silently read it.

“Itami Kurushii,

I have an important job, with which your skills will be necessary. I will pay, of course, and all expenses on the trip will be paid. Your job is to escort my daughter, a priestess, to the spirit temple, and accompany her in her duties within. I have assembled a team to work with you, one of which is probably meeting with me as you read this. He is a mercenary, by the name of Gale. Watch out though, as he’s a bit hotheaded. No doubt he gave his driver some grief. Anyway, you are scheduled to meet your team outside of my establishment within the hour. Work well with them, and learn to trust them, as your life may depend on it.”

It was not signed, nor did Itami expect it to be. He ordered another cup of Earl Grey, and went back outside, to the table he had originally been sitting at. He sipped his tea, and stared intently at the building, as he awaited his new partners’ arrival. Finally, an escape from the monotony of Ba Sing Se.

Ken Katashi flied for hours looking for he's hidden shrine(Dedicated to him) in Ba Sing Se. 'Where can it be?' Ken thought. This is the disadvantage of a Demispirit, full Spirits can easily teleport to their shrines by just thinking of it. Oh wait, they have temples. Unlike Demispirts, Spirits have temples, not shrines. They have omnipresence, unlike Demispirits. They are such Beautiful Entities.

'At least I was gifted omnipresence, after all, I'm the Demispirit of Travel, I need to guide every traveler...' Ken thought to himself. The thought gave him goosebumps, the fact that there is another Ken guiding a traveler.

Finally, Ken find the shrine, in the middle of nowhere in Ba Sing Se. Wait, was it even in Ba Sing Se? Ken had to enter a cave which he walked for 30 minutes, till he saw light and follow it. Its like on a cliff. Technically, the shrine was right next to the cave's exit and if you keep walking you'll fall from the cliff. At least the shrine had flowers. It was beautiful, but in the middle of nowhere. This enrage Ken and he shout ''Maybe I should send plagues to this horrible Kingdom!".

"Is someone there?" said a guy in the floor next to Ken's shrine. He appears to be a homeless. He had no clothe, except towel covering his... private thing and ass.

"Um, yes" Ken tried to sound like a normal citizen that is going to pray in a temple.

"Why so peaceful now, when you just screamed and woke me from le beautiful dream of Geng!" shouted the homeless guy.

"Im sorry, but shrines are not for sleeping... They are made to workship the Entity of the shrine" Ken said controlling himself from getting angry and with a firm voice.

"Oh, yes they are for sleeping... Peaceful places were Beautiful n' Powerful Entities live. Where flowers surround the shrine, guarding them from ugliness... no screming, just the sound of the wind." He said looking at the statue. There was a statue in the shrine. Apparently a statue of Ken. It looked nothing like Ken. ( http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/380536-divinity-ii-ego-draconis-windows-screenshot-these-shrines.jpg ).

"Indeed..." Ken replied. He felt good. 'Beautiful n' Powerful Entities'... Apparently, mortals have a different view of Spirits.

"Do you mind giving me some money...? I need to eat" Geng said touching his stomach.

"Of course" Ken said getting a bag full of golden coins from his pocket. "Here, have it all".

"What?!? Thanks the Gods! My prayer have been listened!" He said getting up and running away from the shrine and shouting "Thanks!".

"Oh yes they have... I've heard your prayers, thats why I came here" Ken murmured with a smile. Now that he have accomplish his goal, he was ready to leave. A wind pass by, he felt the wind past across his white hair long and soft hair. Wings appeared in his a back, and he headed to the end of the cliff. When he was going to fly, someone behind him shouted "Wait". He looked back and a see a men, with a scroll in his right hand.

"Yes?" Ken said hiding his wings.

"Lord Ken, I have a mission for you!" said the guy in a black cap.

"Who are you giving missions to an Supernatural?" Ken replied with a strong voice.

"Im sorry, Lord Ken. But its really important, only you can do it, Demispirit of Travel..." He said to the Demispirit.

"Go ahead... tell me" Ken reply with a firm voice.

The man go towards the shrine and put the scroll infront of the statue. "I have no time to exlain, Lord Ken, I must go now" the man said retiring. Ken walks to the shrine and take the scroll. He opened it and it said:

“Lord Ken Katashi,

I have an important job, with which your skills and traveling blessings will be necessary. I will pay, of course, and all expenses on the trip will be paid. Your job is to escort my daughter, a priestess, to the spirit temple, and accompany her in her duties within. I have assembled a team to work with you, one of which is probably meeting with me as you read this. He is a mercenary, by the name of Gale. Watch out though, as he’s a bit hotheaded. No doubt he gave his driver some grief. Anyway, you are scheduled to meet your team outside of my establishment within the hour. Work well with them, and learn to trust them.”

"This should be fun... Let me look for them" He said and start flying. He was in the skies, flying across the clouds. He could see the entire enormous Kingdom, Ba Sing Se. Right now, he wasn't visible to mortals. He flied down, to a place apparently called 'Rock and Hard Place'. He enter the cafe and the first thing he see is two people fighting. He heard people murmuring "Another fight..." like if they were used to. 'Violence in Ba Sing Se haven't change...' Ken thought. They were probably non-benders. Cause if they were Earth benders, they be destroyed. Ken walks toward them and grab a guy hand to separate them, but maybe he pulled the guy to hard, cause he technically went flying straight to the wall and fainted. [color=green]'I should stop pulling people to hard' Ken thought.

"You think you are stronger than me or him?" the guy said trying to punch Ken. Ken dough and kick his right leg, making him fall. Ken grab his katana and rapidly stab him in the throat.

"I am" Ken said putting his katana back in the shirasaya. "You beautiful creatures, always acting brave, you really think you can defeat a demispirit?" Ken said to the corpse. Ken closed the corpse's eyes and say "Rest in Hell". There isn't a hell in seishinism, but it was totally worth it saying, cause it scared the shit out of people. People started to leave the place. Ken ignored it, and he didn't care aboput people seeing him kill someone, is not like guards will find him. He went to the bar and say "I wouldn't mind cactus juice, please". The bartender didn't replied and looked for cactus juice rapidly. The man give Ken the juice and Ken hand him the money. ''Thanks" Ken said leaving the place. He started waiting outside 'Rock and Hard Place'. There was man waiting in the other side of the entrance, but Ken didn't pay him attention.

The sky was beautiful and clear today in Ba Sing Se. Layla was taking a stroll through the bustling city. She passed by many friendly faces. Although, there was that occasional grumpy individual. She was heading to a store to grab some accessories. She watched as a man walked into an alley with a group of solemn looking men following after him as well as another man slice a carriage in half. What in the world is going on? She shrugged these off, not wanting to start something she couldn't finish. She kept walking towards her destination, a jewelry store where she was headed to buy some gifts for the teammates of her new mission.

A letter arrived earlier today which read:

“Miss Layla Hurashi,

I have an important job, with which your skills and traveling blessings will be necessary. I will pay, of course, and all expenses on the trip will be paid. Your job is to escort my daughter, a priestess, to the spirit temple, and accompany her in her duties within. I have assembled a team to work with you, one of which is probably meeting with me as you read this. He is a mercenary, by the name of Gale. Watch out though, as he’s a bit hotheaded. No doubt he gave his driver some grief. Anyway, you are scheduled to meet your team outside of my establishment within the hour. Work well with them, and learn to trust them.”

She didn't expect payment though. She accept most missions as favors rather than jobs. She takes advantage of them to improve her bending. Although, getting paid wasn't all bad. She was going to get some matching necklaces for her group. Something with a jewel in it. Maybe a ruby encrusted gold medallion. That would be really pretty. She finally arrived at the jeweler and greeted him with a smile. He was an old friend. Making most of the jewelry for her family, such as necklaces, broaches, rings, etc. She walked up to the counter, giving him a quick hug. She asks for his opinion and he suggests pendants. Layla thought about it, and it sounded like a good idea.

She bought five different pendants, each a different gem. Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Amber and Amethyst. She chose to wear the Amethyst one, matching her hair color. She places the rest in a leather sack given the the jeweler. She left the store with a smile and a warm heart. As she turned the corner, on her way to the building where they're supposed to me, a group of two women and two men would follow her for quite some time. At some point, Layla walks into an alleyway, sending herself into the air with her air bending. She reaches the rooftop of one of the buildings and watches as the muggers make their way into the alleyway.

She catches eye of them walking into the alley. They look confused, wondering where she is. She sends herself down, using air to soften the fall as well as sending it out as a shockwave, knocking them all on their backside. She catches them offguard, sending out deafening high frequency sound waves. This would cause the muggers to wince and cover their ears, as they roll around frantically. She uses the opportunity to flee.

She escapes successfully, continuing on her journey to her rendezvous point. What's going on today? Layla thinks to herself. Eventually, she reaches the front of the building, apparently being the first one. She turns in slow circles, seeing a man at a nearby restaurant looking at her.

On the horizon a lone figure walked. Donning a dark brown cloak as well as a khaki wrap of cloth around his face had for travelling through the desert. Sand whipped up with the wind as gusts would come and go. Varick strode step by step his bare feet moving along the sandy path. His toes digging into the sand with each step made Varick think of how he enjoyed the feel of sand as he tred upon it, making the last leg of the journey more bearable.

With the passing of several minutes Varick was able to make out the outline of a giant rectangle upon the horizon. This, he knew was the great outer ring of the city of Ba Sing Se; A wall said to be unbreachable, that had protected the city from past sieges and attacks. It was only able to be opened with earthbending, usually done by one of the guards standing atop the wall. The wall grew in visual size as Varick continuously strode closer to the main gate of the city.

Undisplayably happy with being so close to his destination. Varick figured he may have gone insane if the journey was any longer, he'd already started talking to himself. As the large gate of the city became clearer through lack of distance and visibility through the flurries and clouds of sand. Varick thought back to how he had been brought back to his birth-city.

-Varick was coming back from a run for food around his current home, the city of Omashu. He liked the city, despite it being a little unkempt, but it was still a marvel of a city. When he had returned with his spoils of food, he found a sealed letter had been slid underneath his door.

After setting down his food he started to eat as he opened the letter and read it:

" Mister Sezuori,

I have an important job, with which your talents will be of great use and benefit. I will pay, of course, and all expenses on the trip will be paid. Once you make your way to Ba Sing Se, Your job will be to escort my daughter, a priestess, to the spirit temple, and accompany her in her duties within. I have hired on a few others, you shall assist each other to accomplish this task. Work well with them, and learn to trust them. The leader of your small group is a little hot-headed. Nonetheless, you are scheduled to meet your team outside of my establishment in the Middle Ring of Ba Sing Se, on (specific date). I await your arrival.”


Varick put down the letter, with his bowl of food in one hand he walked over to a wall with a tattered map stuck to it. He eyed the map, measuring the distance from Omashu to Ba Sing Se with the tumb on his free hand. "Hm, I've got Five days to get there." He calculated how long him making the trip would take. He hadn't had a job in a while and had been reduced to taking up small odd jobs around the city. " Well," He said finishing the broth left in his bowl. " Guess I'm going home." He said putting down his bowl and making a list of things to get later that day. He would pack up that night, then leave the next morning. -

So here he was at the great gate of Ba Sing Se the morning of the day specified in the letter. He stood in front of the giant wall of rock asking for permission to enter the city. After it had been opened he stepped inside the ring, he had made it. As removed the wrapped cloth from his head, then preceded to shake/ bend off the sand, someone recognized him.

"Hey you're that guy." one fo the two guards at the entrance said. Varick raised a brow at the guard, not sure what he was talking about. " Yeah, the one who got kicked out of the military for starting fights."

"And you stayed in." Varick said in his sarcastic sounding tone of voice. "I see how that's worked out for you."

"I was in one of those fights." The guard said, as the other guard walked over. "You broke my nose."

" I did that?" Varick asked, "Explanes a lot. Thought you always looked like that. "

"Yeah, you're that Varick guy" The other guard chimed in. " I think you were in my squad."
"What Did You Say!?" The first guard yelled.

"Lovely reunion we're having gentlemen." Varick said, starting to walk away from the two guards. He turned around and walked backwards "But unlike you two, my job doesn't require me to stand here all day." he said before turning back around.

In short time, Varick found his way to the middle ring. He strolled through the bustling market feeling different vibrations in his feet from all around; Some violent, while others remained fairly mellow. Eventually he reached the specified building and waited out on the steps in front. There was a girl there already. Could she be a part of this "team" that they were supposed to form? Varick didn't really want to ask. He just remained sitting on the bottom step, feet on the ground, elbows propped on his knees, hands laced, and chin propped on top of his laced hands with eyes scanning the visible scene of the city.

Gale rubbed the back of his head and sighed, he was not looking forward to this. It wasnt because it would be difficult, but because he didnt want to have to babysit a bunch of kids, especially a whiny temple girl.

Speeking of whiny temple girl, Gale looked at the envelope in his hand. He figured now is a good as time as any to open it and take a peek. His finger lifted up the flap and he pulled out the paper enclosed within. He set the envelope on the table in the hall way and opened the folded paper. It showed a picture of the girl along with a few details about her.

Her name was Kirai, a sage that worshipped all history linked with the Avatar and Artifacts. Considered a holy relic among her abby, she lived a pampered and protected life.

Gale sighed, just perfect, a Pampered brat, just what he needed. Gale laid down the information on the girl with the envelope and proceeded to open the second parchment. This one had details of the mission, such as where to find the girl, where to take her, and liability information. That was it, nothing on what the girl was doing or anything. Perhaps it was too dangerous to know anyways. He folded the paper and slid each part back into the envelope.

Gale placed the envelope securly within his bely and proceeded to head down the hall and the stairs. He wondered if his team was already gathered, he also wondered what his team would be made up of. Gale rubbed his eyes and cursed himself, what if they woild just slow him down? He could probably do better. Y himself.

Gale opened the door to the outside to see the driver still steamed over the cart. Gale just looked the other way as if it was no big deal, and then he saw a few gathered around. Was this the team? The was only one way to be sure...

" I am Gale, show me your papers," he said allowed as he walked down the stairs, he didnt know it yet, but these people would soon become closer to him than he would think.

(( OOC : Im sorry for the wait, i have been dealing with alot of RL problems))

Ken waited for a signal pr something that indicates if someone from the team was close. But he didn't find anything. What he doesn't know that the people around him is the team. Or at least some members of the job. After a while, Ken kept reading the letter over and over. He was actually getting bored. Ken yawn with his eyes closed and when he open them, he see two guys in the other side. One with a big sword. Ken could tell he was strong... very strong. No regular mortal have that strength to hold that sword like it was a piece of wood and Ken could feel an amount of power in that side. A muscled man was handing Big-Sword Man a letter, which seemed really familiar.

"Of course, the letter" Ken murmured looking at the letter again.

He could tell the letters where related somehow. Maybe the old man who gave Ken the letter in Ken's shrine... The only difference was that his letter started with:

“Itami Kurushii,

I have an important job, with which your skills will be necessary." ETC.

And Ken's said:

“Lord Ken Katashi,

I have an important job, with which your skills and traveling blessings will be necessary." ETC.

Itami's letter must be different and the others as well, because mortals can't actually give traveling blessings, that's the job of the Supernatural, Ken's job, since he is the Demispirit of Travel.

Ken did not went where they were, because he didn't want to interrupt their conversation. And apparently eye contacts and awkward moments, according to Ken. Itami's letter had blood in the back of it and it says:

“Itami Kurushii, at your service” in royal letter. Or at least he tried to make them look royal. It looked like blood. It was blood. Ken could tell, its a spirit thing. It was sure weird, was he trying to intimidate him? Will he try scare us? I think there was a reason why the old man chose certain peoples... strong willed people. People capable of handling things.

Anyways, that is not going to scare Ken. Ken have been turned by a powerful spirit, Azret, Spirit of Luck/Chance, into a Ram headed humanoid body with a tail of a lion. "I wonder how will he react if he see Ken's real form. He'll probably act brave. But Ken is not here for scaring people who try to scare people, but to help the priestess travel safe, as a team. As a Demispirit, he doesn't have the powers of a full spirit nor god. He have to concentrate to use his powers. Supernatural powers. Like perform miracles, fly, find secret passages, and things like that. This means he will need all the help from his soon-friends.

Ken finally decide to go where they are. He was seating in the ground, next to the cafe or restaurant's entrance. He stand up. A strong wind made Ken's braid go back to his back. His soft white hair was gracefully moving because of the strong wind, which Ken probably, by accident, provoked. As he walked towards them, cracks appeared in the walls and the ground. This wasn't Ken's bending, it was Ken's aura, which was too strong. This happens to Ken all the time. 'Self-control, Ken' Ken thought. He finally arrive where they are and say in a firm and strong voice, "Ken Katashi, Demi-" Ken pause for a moment and thought, 'Do they know a Demispirit is in the team?'. Whether they knew or not, Ken wasn't going to tell it. He will act like a mortal, or at least try. They will find out one way or another.

"I am Ken Katashi. I think I received the same letter as the two of you" said the muscled Demispirit of Travel, who had a hand in his katana, ready to strike if they are going to attack.

I would like to withdraw from this. I know it's kind of a dick move, but there is some stuff going on in my life right now and I cannot seem to find time to roleplay. So please understand when I say, I am withdrawing from this. <3

((That's unfortunate to hear, Midnight. Hopefully you find whatever you're looking for in your time away.))

(((And sorry it took so long to reply. I've had a few projects, exams, and work to keep up with over the past few weeks.)))


Varick sat on the steps of the building with his eyes closed seeing through the vibrations in the ground. Varick could feel the general hustle and bustle of the city. As much as he was thrilled to be home (or at least back in the city), Varick was here for work. He reached into his pocket and brought out the letter he had received a few days earlier. He skimmed over the note once more and confirmed that this was where he was supposed to be meeting the rest of his group.

He was about to slip the note back into his pocked when the door behind him was kicked open with a loud BANG. He watched as a kid, in maybe his late teens Varick guessed, strode out of the building to a small place just across the street. This kid had a huge sword on his back and had a rather cocky look about him. Varick was about to put the kid out of his mind, but then from across the street he heard the kid -rather loudly- state his name and ask for papers. Varicks mental state went from judging to a little bit of curiosity. 'so this is our leader.' Varick thought to himself.

Varick was about to get up when he saw someone approached this Gale kid. This individual seemed to challenge Gale. Either as a test or general disliking of the idea of being led by someone younger than himself. Staring Gale in the eyes aiming to intimidate, this individual made his mark of where he stood, or was just toying with Gale. Then a second individual approached Gale handing him a paper as well.

After it seemed as though the second one was closing up. Varick stood and stretched his back before walking over to where Gale was. "Varick Sezuori" He said handing his letter to Gale. He then went over and leaned/sat against a low wall. Varick looked from one member to another making notifications of physical traits and recognizable features. Gale, was a little taller than Varick was, but still younger. The one to his immediate left seemed to have different colored eyes, silver hair, and an interesting headpiece. While the one furthest on Varicks left had longer silver hair and purple eyes.

Varick remained stoic and analytic. Taking in details of height, posture, and other such traites. These were still new people, and even though they would be working together needing the whole "trust" thing. Varick felt that it wouldn't fall into place so quickly. He smirked briefly at his thought of the stupid situations that possibly could arise from this. Even though he wasn't one to trust so easily, he liked to watch such dramas unfold when he's not a part of them.

Seeing as it was already, Varick felt that this trip/job would be an interesting one. Varick liked to bring back stories from jobs, and he felt this one would bring many with it. He was actually fairly optimistic about this job as opposed to others he had in the past. Past jobs were fairly boring and in one place. This one would hopefully allow him to travel to some new destinations. Still he wasn't too thrilled about the new people that came with those new places.

Then he returned his attention back to Gale. Gale seemed about to answer the question that had recently popped into Varick's head after he got bored analyzing the other members of the team. "What next?"