[b][I]Raven Rivers[/i][/b]

Raven looked at Hugh and said, "You [i]were[/i] a member of the Free People's Army? If so, tell us of their capabilities - What you know of them at any rate. As it is, what you've said about them is worrying; right now, most of us are thinking of a future alliance with the Cappellan Governor's remnant administration but I have a marked preference for the [i]actual[/i] people of the planet... A preference which might end depending on what you tell us about them."

His eyes glinted as he said, "My wife and my son are in Tie Shan Prison, probably being tortured and abused in horrific ways no civilian should suffer through right now. We know full well that they might even be [i]killed[/i] if the current regime wants to make an example of them. If the Free People's Army does not want to help us save them, or is capable of being of help doing so, then consider us enemies."

Then Raven shifted tack and followed up with, "But if your [i]former[/i] comrades have a smidgen of the audacity, gumption, and actual skill you showed us, then not only do you have a chance at life, but your people, the people of Espia, might find themselves worthy of a new partner in their goals; if the Colonel can be convinced of their bravery and intelligence." His current frown shifted into a wry half-smile as he continued, "So tell me, what do you know of the movement beyond your cell and where in the city of Yuhzny Portveyn do your fellow rebels meet? Can your 'Free People's Army' us the respite they've been given to take the entire city in a week or otherwise prove themselves the strongest potential partner? And finally, do you know [i]anything[/I] about Tie Shan Prison beyond its reputation?"

His eyes glinted again as he continued, "My wife will try to protect my son, but the latter is sixteen and fancies himself precocious. He'll probably do something foolish like mouth off to the guards or plan an escape on his own and end up getting tortured and shot in the back of the head for his trouble. The enemy was willing to murder our children while storming our compound to intimidate the rest into surrender. They have no compassion for our civilian contingent and yet still call themselves 'the good guys'. They treat us like the villains of the piece when they keep women and children in a dungeon to be used as their toys or even worse and [i]break[/i] them in abominable ways that would disgust most decent folk."

A touch of desperation was entering Raven Rivers' voice, "And it's not just my wife and son. They also have the Colonel's... 'best friend' and our other other loved ones, now sharing some space with various dissidents from [i]your[/i] own folk. Every little you can tell us about our potential allies or enemies helps in getting them back - [i]All[/i] of them back. You get me?"

[@Waylon]