An expression of the utmost joy spread across Mako's smiling face at Xerox' obvious distress. What his actual motives were were unclear and he let nothing slip. Duncan couldn't help but think they were just being toyed with. [b]'What do I want, my friend? I want what we all want! Freedom and equality! Freedom of information, specifically.'[/b] He flicked at two of the others seemingly at random and Royce pressed a few more buttons. [b]'Unfortunately, certain people tend to be rather... let's say unsporting and for some reason refuse to share their information, so-'[/b] Once again there was a harsh mechanical screech and two SeeDs were pulled back into the recesses of the wall. After a long heartbeat, a dozen needles rammed into Jericho's sides, filling him with a noxious cocktail that set his nerves on fire. Across the room, Rachel could feel the pressure mounting on her kneecaps and the tell-tale whirr of a drill spooling up. [b]'See? Since no-one has [i]volunteered[/i] to share anything, I'm forced to rely on these handy-dandy convincing machines.'[/b] As the screams echoes throughout the room, Duncan felt a fresh wave of rage flow over him. They were [i]his[/i] team, [i]his[/i] responsibility. And there was fuck all he could do to help them. As he struggled in futility against the shackles, Mako continued his tirade. [b]'And since [i]you[/i] didn't answer the question, poor little Fluffywumple is gonna be sad...'[/b] Sparks leapt across the helmet strapped to the moomba's head as the poor beast cast it's eyes around in abject terror. After a few long seconds, the bolts on either sides began to slowly screw down, gently crushing him alive. [b]'Unfortunately moombas tend not to last long when they get sad, so if you have anything to say, now would be the time. Otherwise...'[/b] Mako's affable grin suddenly turned very dark indeed. [b]'... we have all night to get acquainted.'[/b]

[hr]

He wasn't sure how long he had been out. When Duncan came to, he was lying on a cold metal floor in a dark cell. Aside from the shitter, the room was completely barren. He pulled himself up to the bars, managing to slump against the door. He could see the others in similar cells just feet away, all in different stages of conciousness. The torturer had spent time with each of them as he made his way back and forth across the team. Duncan didn't think he had given anything away, but with the combination of truth serum, sleep deprivation and good old fashioned torture, it was possible. Funnily enough, Mako had taken the time to gas them all before shipping them back to their cells; probably so they could be healed without the chances of them escaping. If nothing else, it confirmed his theory that a strong anti-magic field was in place. [b]'Oi... Sound off, people. If I'm still alive, so are you.'[/b]