>INPUT COMMAND

That does seem to be the question.

Gordon seems to agree to keep his eyes fixed on the skies. Guy seems to turn his attention elsewhere.

Yeah, probably.

He looks startled to be brought back to reality with a gentle tap. He pockets the phone and apologies for the distraction, setting his attention back on the mission. It seems your companion shares with you the inability to rest from work.

This cleanly cut tree with burns around the edges confirm this. You know the work of an energy sword when you see it. It’s good to know you’re headed in the right direction, but you’re all going to need to keep an eye and ear out for something strong enough to wield it this cleanly.

You relay this information to the two behind you. Guy nods in confirmation, but Dr. Freeman seems to be distracted by the phone.

>find local armory/gun store

Unfortunately all the local armories need government issued permits to purchase fire arms, and laying low in a small town would require not immediately raising suspicion as to why three large strange men from out of town are showing interest in the gun section at Walmart. Though money is not an issue, litigation is. All three agree that it was a “fat hot load of bonafide bull shit”.

However, the hardware store only required a credit card for some melee.

Dr. Freeman hands you a crowbar. It’s about as a good as a melee weapon as a sturdy branch for you, but he assures you it isn’t anything to sneeze at. He even has one for himself. You turn to look at Guy, who is notably weaponless. He seems to be content with his own two scarred fists to do most of his heavy hitting. You will admit, having backup in case of an ambush was settling for you.

"Hunt" might be a strong word. Without any fire arms or any easy way to accrue them, this could be a difficult confrontation of 3 vs. however many are out here in these woods. Ideally, there are no weapons in their position either.

Based on the information Lucille gave you plus the property you recognize from the news, this is the best bet you have that the Unggoy are here.

This could be a total tossup between an easy fight, a lack of confrontation at all, or a brutal death.

The girl at the pizza joint (Lucille, you learn is her name) has indeed been watching the news.

Apparently, Righ n' Tonys takes care of the pizza needs for almost everyone in town, and the owners of the bear trap are no different. They come by on Saturday nights. It's an old couple who live down by the base of the nearby mountain. They don't like to be bothered. Good to know, since you nor your companions had no intent on bothering them.

For confidentiality reasons, the news report never actually gave an exact location. They did, however, do a brief interview with the property owner, who mused it could be a prank with some special effects printer ink or something. You could ask around to see if anyone knows who that guy is.

You mention this idea with the two passengers, who sit quietly. You suppose if they had any reservations, they’d make it well known.

No need to tell you twice.

Facing an enemy with no weapons, no armor, no real plan isn’t exactly the smartest idea, but since when has that ever stopped you? The least you can do is prepare yourself for the worst possible option. You wash your coffee cup and head out of the front door.

Looking over the balcony from the third floor, you realize your roommate has come home just in time, a full laundry bag on his shoulder. It contains about a total of six outfits between the three of you. You call out to him.

Guy stops where he is and faces you, showing he is at full attention and listening.

“There have been news reports about bear attacks lately. The towns people haven’t suspected it yet, but I have good reason to believe it’s something that came here with us. I’m going to borrow the truck take care of it.”

Guy pauses for a moment, and then tosses the bag of laundry in the bed of the pickup and opens up the passenger side of the truck to climb into. He sits where the door is open and looks up at him.

Looks like he’s coming with.

You’re not sure if this complicates things or makes it easier.

Before you head down the stairs, the door behind you opens, and Doctor Freeman wanders out with a small backpack over his shoulder, turning and locking the door behind him. He looks up at you for only a second before you both descend the stairs and he hops in the back seat.

Now you’re really not sure if this makes things easier or complicates them.

You somehow manage to fit yourself into the drivers seat, taking the keys that Guy hands you to start it up.

Yes, but Guy is currently out using it for laundry. He should be back soon. These little chores have been keeping all of you mostly sane, and has been oddly comforting knowing that your roommates are similarly busy bodies. And now, you have a proper investigation mission to do.

He seemed insulted that you would even suggest such a thing, and leaves you with the dirtiest glare he’s given you so far.

Almost, but not quite. Much smaller, less physically adept, panicky kaiju. You’re not even sure how one got out of the bear trap.

You manage to flag down Doctor Freeman before he goes back into his room.

He turns just in time to see the story about the strange bear attacks on the town, the reporter mentioning the strange chemical found on one of the traps as well as footage of it. He looks concerned.

“I know Unggoy blood when I see it. Those soldiers from your world and Guys, I don’t think they were the only ones who came through to here with us. I might have to go out and take care of whatever else is out there before the town finds them.”

Chief is fine, thank you for asking.

The channels meteorologist is dressed and groomed just as well as her co-workers, giving the show of dependability and professionalism, while still updating on the weather in a fun and light hearted manner. Everyone seems to be doing their allocated jobs well. It was soothing to see.

What was not soothing to see is that mysterious animal attacks have been happening at random intervals in this small town, causing the local shop to run out of bear traps and farm animals to be called back early from their grazing due to several going missing. Footage of a car with massive claw marks going through the metal seems to be stirring the town up in a worried frenzy. The most notable thing that has you worried the most, is the report of a trap that’s been set off, and the only thing left on it is a huge splatter of blue blood.