This is the log of the RP where, due to recent attacks by Ranger (see the "Ranger Attacks!" post) and an unknown but hostile rat (this RP not yet complete), Justin and the Council are forced to ban non-essential and unescorted travel through the forest. The meeting is not yet finished, but I also don't know if it is going to be finished, or if it really *needs* finishing. n.n

LVC: Meeting Hall
----------------------------------------------------------------

The meeting hall is one of the largest enclosed space in the community, and the only one that had not truly been constructed -- merely improved. The engineers started with a deep pit, conical in shape, some eight feet deep and seven wide at the top, tapering down to less than three at the bottom. Roofed with a massive, buttressed stone dome, tiers are cut into the sides and are lined with wooden benches. The speaker's platform, a circular stage of cut stone, rests at the very bottom. Lamps hang from chains affixed to the ceiling.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy enters the meeting hall (with the rest of his family), his arm in a sling and a handkerchief tied snugly around his neck to hide the still-healing wound on it. He's still got a few bruises on him, but he seems to be healed well enough to get around now. He looks around the hall as he enters, never failing to be impressed by the size of the place. Already a fair number of rats have been assembled, some milling around, though most are seated, the loud murmur of conversation filling the air.

( Eugene is already in the hall, the young mouse waiting with patient silence while everyone else is coming along... There's a faint distraughtness about his expression as he looks back and sees Timothy... For a moment, his ears just fold down. Cynthia follows, as does Elizabeth, keeping close to her son and giving whatever help might be needed.. A little further back is Jenny, who's quiet, watching over Tim herself.. Even Vaspian's making attendance, though he seems inclined to stay quiet and observe for now, not wanting to get in the way.. Fiona eases in, finding a seat and taking it without saying much. )

Tzolkin follows some rats into the meeting hall. He'd heard that something important was to be discussed here, and he was curious. This also being his first meeting, he isn't sure what to expect, or whether he is even welcome to attend, though he is technically 'one of them' now. After entering, the little grey mouse pauses, looking around for any signs of a familiar, or reassuring face. -- Kivan is already in the meeting hall, and sits quietly in a seat near the back, waiting for the meeting to start. He too is curious about just what this might be about.

Martin enters alongside his brother and family, he looks around seeming distracted by his surroundings.

Helios is already in the hall as well, not far from Eugene. He notes the presence of the Brisbys with a smile. Not often does he get to see them. Helios sits and thinks quietly about some of the recent goings on, many of wich he has really no first hand knowledge of as he waits for his sister.
Helios hugs Xavier!

Steven makes his way into the hall, looking around at all the rodents before spotting fome familiar faces, heading over to Eugene and Helios before asking, "you know what this is about?" Daniel has been here for a while, but stays near the back wall, thinking to himself that he doesnt want to be in the way, but it might be that he's still not comfortable with this many rats.

The leader of the colony gazes around the rather packed meeting hall, scanning the crowd for familiar faces--friendly or hostile, it makes little difference to him at the moment. Just knowing that he'll be spreading the word to as many as possible is enough for him. "Citizens of the colony!" he begins, addressing the rats. "Honored guests!" he continues, looking at the mice scattered around the benches. "I regret that we are assembled here in a time of crisis." Justin pauses to let his words sink in. "Our friends, and in some cases family, have been attacked twice in these last few days, by different enemies. I have seen the results of both attacks--friends badly injured, and others left fighting for their lives." Another pause. "For this reason, I and the council are declaring a ban on all non-essential travel beyond the bounds of the crop fields. All who feel it necessary to go beyond these bounds must first seek the approval of the Captain of the Guard, and second must agree to abide by any limitations imposed by the Captain of the Guard on their travels." Justin reaches for the glass of water poised on the podium and takes a long drink. "My friends, I ask that those of you schooled in the use of weapons travel armed when you leave the safety of the colony, and that none of you--guardsrats or not--enter the forest in groups smaller than four." Setting the glass down, he swivels his head to survey the assembled rats and mice. "These restrictions on travel will be maintained for as long as the Council deems necessary. Please understand that we are doing everything in our power to safeguard all who live here." The leader of the rats takes a final pause and one final drink of the water, draining the glass completely. "I will now field questions, though I will warn you now that my answers may not be to your liking."

Gillin enters beside Tristan. The younger rat looks like he'd rather be elsewhere, but Gillin seems very attentive about the meeting. He guides Tristan to a seat and sits down, "Now, pay attention, mate. This may be important." He grumbles a little.--Teresa walks along beside Timothy and watches him closely to make sure he's okay. She keeps up behind her little sister as they walk. She takes a seat with them as the meeting seems to begin.

Timothy eases back next to Jenny, offering her a paw and giving her a reassuring smile as they go to find a seat. He's noticed that she's been a bit quieter ever since the attack; something that troubles him... but he'll have to wait until later to ask about it, he supposes. Just a few moments he takes his seat, Justin begins his speech, and he looks toward the podium at the center of the platform, listening intently. His ears fold back as the ban is proclaimed; about what he expected, he supposes, but still, he wishes it didn't have to be that way.
Xavier's status has been changed to In Character [IC]

( Simon seems to arrive a bit late, taking a seat by Fiona just as the ban is pronounced. He frowns. "What's this about? Why the ban?" he asks quietly. )

Fiona looks over to the Brisby's a moment too, but besides a smile, she's still quiet, especially as Justin begins to address the colony.. When Simon speaks up, she leans over to explain. "The attacks outside. It's getting too dangerous, so Justin's taking measures to try and keep everyone safe that want to go out." - Jenny looks to Tim and does manage a smile while holding his paw. Elizabeth briefely takes notice of the two.. Just enough to see their interaction before listening to Justin... Eugene listens in silence for the most part, though as he mentions questions, the guardmouse is quick to bring a paw up to signal to Justin.

Justin notices the raised paw of the lone mouse in the Thorn Valley guard. "The chair recognizes Guardmouse Eugene!" he announces loudly.

Tzolkin searches about a bit for a familiar face before finding Eugene, and quietly, he begins to pad over to the other mouse, holding his cloak close around him. His ears fold back as he hears the speech begin, and pauses once more,just short of his destination, ears perked as he listens. *Enemy? Ban on travel?? Oh great, now we can't leave..* he thinks to himself before looking over to Eugene and giving him a wave from his crouched position nearby. -- Kivan just blinks, and raises a paw. Apparently the pharmacist has an issue that needs addressed.

Zachariah frowns to himself, apparently not liking the proclamation of a ban, but instead of speaking he sits back to hear what others have to say and gather his thoughts.

Xavier has been sitting in a far back corner of the hall, well before many people had shown up, and watching the other rodents as they filter in. He lay half slumped in his seat, looking relaxed as Justin addresses the audience before him. His brow perks a little, before he shifts and sits up. Especially as the taking of questions is offered. This 'ban' and its extent doesn't seem to bode well for his career in the guard, and he raises his paw as well, and waits patiently.

( Eugene clears his throat lightly before rising, still a little sore but nothing he isn't used to. "I've got no problem with taking precautions, sir, but there's still the question of what to do regarding the ones doing the attacking.. We know that the Ranger is out there. He's made it very clear that he intends harm upon this valley. He even tried to take one of the Brisby children and use him as something against us.. As long as he's out there, I don't think anyone here will be completely safe... Not to be bold, but... What are we going to do about him, and all of the others that're out there terrorizing our colony, and our guests?" )

Helios listens to what Justin has to say. He frowns idly to himself. Since he spends most of his time at the crops he hopes that he doesn't end up having to play 'border guard' too. Just then, A tall female comes in one of the side doors. Hecate walks over to where her brother sits, noding to Eugene and some of the others as she goes. "What's going on here?"

"A valid question, Eugene. The council and I are discussing our course of action with the Captain of the Guards. I, for one, will be supporting as aggressive a response as the Captain deems appropriate." A pause. "I wish I could be more specific than that," he says with a helpless shrug. Justin scans the room for further questions. There appears to be no shortage of them. "The chair recognizes the pharmacist Kivan!"

Steven smirks as his question is answered by justin almost before it's out of his mouth, shrugging and about to sit down when he notices Hecate, smiling before the subgect matter causes him to frown as he answers Hecate's question, "Looks like our friends in the forest havent been playing nice, Justin's banning unescorted travel past the fields..." Daniel perks his ears a bit at the news, but stays quiet, shaking his head before noticing Teresa with her family, braving the crowd to try to make his way over to them.

Timothy seems to just be listening to the questions and the various answers for now, still holding Jenny's paw. He nods a little as Justin answers Eugene's question; perhaps something can be done about Ranger, then... He looks over to Jenny as Justin finishes. "You all right?" he asks quietly, so as not to disturb those listening to Justin.

( Kivan nods and stands. "I was just wondering, sir, will there be arrangements for those of us who must go into the forest to collect herbs for medicines and the like?" )

Gillin keeps a stone face on the matter, but it is Tristan that looks confused. He had the same question that Eugene had. He was thinking the same thing. Gillin on the other hand, remains patient about the captain's decissions.--Teresa frowns somberly. She was getting used to going outside and enjoying the time spent. She perks up as she spots Daniel and a smile pops up on her face, "Daniel." She whispers as she waves him over.--A female mouse makes her way shyly down the isle. She's wearing a dark blue cape about her. She looks about to try and find her mate. She spots him and waves, "Tzolkin!" She whispers. Then she hurries over to him, excitedly.

Jamie slips into the hall as subtly as possible, taking a moment to catch her breath before she takes a look around, hoping she hasn't been missed. Being in the unique field that she's in (combat medic), she's not sure if she'll be asked to give a report... or whether she'll be lumped in with either of her groups... the Guards or the medical staff. For the moment, she decides to stand by the door so she's easily spotted if somebody were to look for her.

"Those of you whose jobs require venturing into the forest will, of course, be allowed to continue your work. You will, however, be escorted by members of the guard and will have to return to the colony on their decision," Justin replies in response to Kivan's question. "The chair recognizes guardsrat Xavier!"

Xavier leisurely pushes himself off the armrest of the seat he's in, as he stands once he's recognized by the floor. Clearing his throat, and straightening his tunic slightly before he speaks. "What about those who's jobs require them to venture into the forest in exceptionally small numbers. Such as the Scouts, for example?" he asks in a clear voice. He remains standing, waiting for a reply from Justin.

( Hecate nods to Steven, then suddenly realizes something. There are more in the woods than just Ranger. This stranger they have been speaking of....? Could it be? Hecate decides that she must speak with Justin, but privately. She makes her way closer to him, thinking of what to do. If he has become more active, then things could be horribly wrong. Helios on the other hand is looking about, wondering if Fiona is present here at this meeting. )

"A valid question. I wish I could provide you with a definite answer at the moment, Xavier, but I cannot. That will all depend upon your superior officer," he says, with a slight, apologetic shrug. Though he notices Hecate's approach, Justin can't acknowledge it just yet. He shoots her a look and motions subtly with one paw, hoping that she will understand that they can indeed speak, but not just now. "Any further questions?" Justin calls out.

Fiona is certainly present, though she's been pretty silence since the meeting began... She starts to look about a little, seeing everyone else's reactions for herself before noting Helios.. She waits till he spots her before sending a smile his way. - Vaspian is still present, though standing further back, the mouse lightly stroking his chin while his other arm stays folded behind him....

Steven watches Hecate as she moves closer to Justin with a concerned expression, following after her after a moment to find out what has her upset. Daniel nods to Teresa when he gets closer, noting that the rest of her family havent seemed to have noticed him, "How are you doing? this doesnt seem to be too out of the ordinary, considering..."

Xavier remains standing, after Justin finishes answering his question. His arms fold across his chest and a lop-sided smirk crosses his lips. "I think, if any lives are put to risk in the guard, the scouts, who can gather most likely the most information, should be allowed to do so." he states back to Justin, even as the leader asks for more questions.

Justin can't help but smile at Xavier's attitude. "I'll make sure to inform the Captain of the Guard of your opinion...assuming, of course, that you haven't done so yourself!" he fires back, managing to grin despite the seriousness of the current situation. "Other questions or concerns?" he calls out. "Perhaps from our guests from the city?"

Xavier chuckles and nods to Justin. "assuming we don't continue our regular routine, regardless." he scoffs aloud, before seating himself again. His lips spread in a broad grin. The kind where you can't really tell if he's joking, or not.

Gillin waits patiently to hear anymore from Justin. But, Tristan stands up and raises his hand. "Excuse me, sir? I have a question..." Gillin perks up as Tristan stands up. He tries to get Tristan to sit down, but it doesn't work.--Teresa takes Daniel's hand and nods, "I'm doing fine." She whispers.--Jessica smiles and hugs Tzolkin tightly. "I missed you."

( Jenny manages a little smile again and nods.. "Yeah... I'm just... really glad you're okay, Tim... That thing that attacked you....." She frowns, and shakes her head. "Nevermind.." )

Jamie shifts from one foot to the other and back again anxiously. While she certainly doesn't want to have to treat any more injuries caused by those outside (and she looks ill a moment as she recalls some of them), a part of her feels like setting the escort rule in place show's that we're afraid, which seems to be what they want. Even with her reservations, however, she keeps quiet... she's not quite used to giving her opinion in an official forum.

Raganzi steps into the meeting hall, somewhat late having tended to business of his own. Managing to slip in he takes his seat, trying not to cause too much of a commotion as he takes in the discussion, attempting to figure out what the subject on hand is this day.

Justin both hears and sees Tristan's effort to get his attention. "The chair recognizes Tristan!" he calls out.

( Hecate nods and blinks a little. She really needs to talk to Justin, but not infront of everyone, particularly her brother. Still, she looks antsy and worried. Helios smiles as he notices Fiona and decides to join her. He notices the strange mice on his way. So, these must be from the other colony, Helios muses to himself. "How are things?" He asks Fiona. )

( Tristan looks rather serious. He ignores Gillin's pleading to sit again, "Sir, if our security is in jepordy should we not take an offensive posture? I've heard the storries. Last I heard, the last attack came dangerously close to our colony entrance. If I may pose an oppinion, I think we need to persue our attackers and deal with them while we still can, before someone is killed." )

Steven listens to the discussion distractedly before leaning over to Hecate and asking Quietly, "What's wrong hun?" when it's obvious somthing is bothering her. Daniel smiles and nods to Teresa before looking up as the group from the city is mentioned.

Martin seems to nod in agreement with Tristan's sentiment. He seems a bit agitated and maybe even angry at his brother's injury, "We can't just let them walk all over us.

Timothy gives Jenny's paw a squeeze. He understands; or at least, he thinks he does. Ranger scared him out of his wits too... Even when Boma attacked him, he'd never felt so powerless to help himself. Not for the first time, he wishes he were bigger and stronger, like Martin, or even Brutus... perhaps then, he could face the likes of Ranger unafraid... But here he is, runt of the family, first to run, first to get injured, last to heal... Jenny must think he's a weakling. Unable to protect himself, let alone her... He lets out a sigh.

"As I said, I will be advocating the most aggressive response possible to these attacks. However, I am not Captain of the Guard. I will respect and support his decision in this matter." He pauses. "Having seen the son of my best friend in the infirmary, an inventor nearly on the verge of bleeding to death, and seen another scientist in a coma and fighting for his life, I would like nothing better than to hunt down and exterminate the monsters who would do such things!" he all but shouts, pounding the podium. "However, we all know that taking Ranger lightly is a serious mistake. It is likely also a serious mistake to take his new partner in crime lightly." Justin sighs and shakes his head. "We will *NOT* let our enemies walk all over us! But at the same time, we will not be stupid when dealing with them--that will invite further pain and suffering as surely as no response at all!" After another longish pause, the leader of the colony renews his call for further questions.

Jamie starts to raise her paw, wanting to say something... then she blinks and lowers it again, blushing faintly as Justin essentially says exactly what she had been intending.

In the midst of things, it's actually Mrs. Brisby who starts to raise a paw.... She's had a little time to think about something that was said earlier, and she just wants to know what it could mean. She keeps her arm lifted for now, waiting..

Tzolkin hugs Jessica back, and smiles. "Missed you too."

Justin is pleasantly surprised to find Mrs. Brisby's paw among those raised. Exercising a little of his authority, he avoids following question order and instead calls, "The chair recognizes Mrs. Elizabeth Brisby!"

( Hecate turns to Steven and blinks. She doesn't answer the question that he asks directly, "....you know what's bothering me..." she says hopefully in a low enough voice that no one will hear. )

Martin seems to have relaxed a bit hearing Justin's reaffirmation of stance. He turns looking surprised having not noticed his Mother's raised, letting his attention fall on her.

( Tristan sits down again, his concerns adressed. Gillin glares at Tristan a little but turns his attention back to Justin.--Jessica nuzzles Tzolkin's cheek, "What are they talking about?" She whispers. )

Steven blinks a bit at Hecate's answer, not getting it right away, then glancing around to see if anyone is close enough to overhear and saying quietly, "you're worried about who might be causing this? from what I've heard it's Ranger and a new rat..."

Jamie flicks her ears back partly before they perk again and, finally, she decides she should say what she was going to after all... it may just be restating what Justin said, but she figures she should give her support. And so, slowly, her paw raises. She knows it will probably be a bit before she's called upon, but she can wait.

( Hecate looks rather grim at Steven's statement. She knows of this 'new rat' but isn't quite sure if it is a new rat, or simply something that's been there for a lot longer. She has never seen this new threat that everyone's talking about anyway so assumes the worse. "Even if it is something new, there is always 'him'." )

Tzolkin's ears fold back and he sighs a little. "There have been some attacks in the forest, and the leader has banned going outside past the crop fields here without escorts. Looks like we'll be staying here for a while..." he whispers back to Jessica.

( Jessica gives Tzolkin's paw a squeeze and kisses him on the cheek, "That's okay. We'll be fine. Okay?" She smiles a little. )

Timothy blinks as Justin calls on his mother, turning to look over to her. He wonders what she plans on saying... oddly enough with a vague nagging worry. Still, he waits and listens.

( Elizabeth smiles lightly. "Thank you.. Actually, I wanted to add a little to what was said earlier when Eugene was speaking.." The guardmouse, of course, flicks and ear and peers back... Briz does hope she doesn't interrupt the flow of things, but she speaks up.. "You said that this.. Ranger was trying to take Timothy with him, like a hostage.... Did he ever say what it was that he wanted from us?" Eugene frowns lightly, lingering in thought for a moment before finally answering so everyone can hear. "I'm sorry, but no... All I know is that he was willing to kill him for it..." Elizabeth hears this, and she feels the fur on her back want to bristle..... She's NOT happy about it... But what could he want??? )

Justin thinks he knows where Mrs. Brisby is going with her line of questioning. "What I know of Ranger indicates that he is, as the humans would say, the devil incarnate, Mrs. Brisby," he says, shaking his head. Seeing her reaction to Eugene's reply, he feels that her concerns have been sufficiently addressed. Noticing that Jamie has her paw raised, Justin calls on her next.

Jamie steps forward a little so she can be heard better, "Well, I just wanted to voice my stance on things. I have the... 'unique distinction' of being able to see two sides of this conflict. I've had to take up my staff against these threats as a Guard, and I've seen how they fight... but also, I've had to take in the wounded and tend to their injuries as a medic." She looks around the room before continuing, "We all want to see these menaces brought down but... and those of you who know me know I don't say this lightly... we -have- to be -careful-. We're not a lynch mob... so I just... I wanted to let you know you've got my support, Justin... sir..." she grins sheepishly.