The Temple Of Desire

[Lunatic Binge]

As I checked the supply list for the fiftieth time, the question ran through my mind again.

What was I doing here?


I was getting too old for this.
At 37, I was probably in the best shape of my life.
I had my health.
My reputation couldn't climb any higher.
Yet here I was, about to embark on yet another dangerous expedition.
I'd been lucky so far.
But this was pushing it.


I wasn't even sure what country I was in. The name seemed to change from week to week, as rebels became kings, only to be killed by other rebels.
The one constant was the jungle. Thick and inpenetrable.
Protective of its many secrets.
Until now.


My name is Professor Simon Kirkland.
You recognize the name, of course.
Matt Damon played me in the movie.
I think I'm better looking.
My colleagues have mixed opinions.
The movie was a disaster.
Still, the Hollywood money freed me from the stale life of academia, and here I was, ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Just as soon as my crew arrived from the states.
They were young and inexperienced, but they were the best and the brightest.
They put their lives in my hands.
They had no idea what they were getting into.
I'm not certain that I did either.
All I had to go on was the ancient map, a dull brown X, and four words hastily scrawled in blood.




Lost City Of Taballa


Could it possibly be?



OOC: Needed -- Brave young men and women for the adventure of a lifetime.

 

[Vespiris]

Lyssa Perkins

Prof Kirkland is going loony over the supplies again. I sigh and recheck the tech stuff and gear, since its all my area. I graduated from MIT with a degree in EE. (Electrical engineering, for the technophobes.) I like demolitions work and I'm a fine shot, if I do say so myself. I don't spaz, I just make things work. Its what I like to do at any rate.

I'm a slim, head turning 5' 10", with long lean muscle from my various hobbies such as hiking and rock climbing. Short blonde hair just this side of white and bright aqua eyes attract some guys. Some guys learn fast that I'm not interested in their games.

When the call went out for adventurers I figured I could probably be of some use. The experiance would look good on my resume anyway.

The gear, weapons, and my special pile of toys are all in good shape. I knew they would be, I put them there.

The prof is still worrying. Why bother?

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Summer Daslia

I'd just started working on campus as a teaching assistant. It was a drastic change going from student to teacher, but I was adjusting fairly well. Although most of my colleagues were much older, I was comfortable around them and they treated me as an equal. No more than a week ago, I had gotten a request to assist Professor Kirkland. I had met him on occasion through mutual friends, and knew he would be a fun person to work with. As an ethnobotanist, I studied how the native people of remote regions use plants as medicines. This would be an opportunity of a lifetime, for most of the trek took place in deeply forested jungles and rainforests -- rich with plants I could document for my courses.

Being in the field that I was, most people instantly assumed I would be dull and standoffish. But the truth was quite the opposite. I was outgoing, adventuresome, and a tendency to be rather hotheaded and temperamental when the mood struck me. Putting it kindly, I was verbose and not afraid to speak my mind. Tall and tanned with long jet black hair you could clearly see my Native American roots, something which had helped to interest me in my line of work.

I was eager to meet those I would become tightly bonded with over the next few weeks, and more than ready to get this expedition underway.

 

[ariosto]

Ramon Santiago

OOC...Ramon Santiago, half breed guide and general rogue.
Kirkland doesn't totally trust him (to say the least!) but he's the best jungle man available and claims some knowledge above the fantastic of the City of Taballa and what must be done to get there.

Santiago is ageless, flecks of gray in his straight black hair indicate a greater age then his sinewed mahogany torso might suggest.
The hook of his nose and high cheekbones indicate a healthy dose of native blood but his eyes are a shocking pale blue in the coppery darkness of his lined but handsome face and at six feet plus, he would tower over the stocky aborigenies.

He carries no gun, but the machete at his side has been used on more than vines and limbs.


(Should I be doing this!...)

 

[Swashbuckler]

Tom Rasmuss

OOC:

Tom Rasmuss 5' 10" 180 lbs, long blonde pony tail braidd and tied behind his head and covered with a broad brimmed hat stained with the soakings of sweat. The soldier of fortune genreally sported 2-3 days of stubble below his blue eyes.

Having spent the better part of the last ten years hopping arond the globe in search of treasure and the like, he has hitched his wagon to the Kirkland expedition in the hopes of securing a large retirement fund for himself. His pack is filled with everything a would be adventurer might need, rope, flashlights, some extra ammunition, and of corse his trusty Colt .45 model 1911 strapped to his waist. What a curious group of native guides and american students. Following a map to 'x' marks the spot had not paid off, yet, perhaps this is the time he shall hit pay dirt.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

OOC: Samir Duran, Ex-Navy Seal, Graduate of Ohio State University with a Masters in Security Counciling and Archiology. The Buff man on the team, He has been 'drafted' by kirkland to make sure no natives get the Upper hand. An Expert in survival teqniques, hand to hand fighting, and reputedly, lovemaking.

He is 6 foot 8, Wieghs 300 pounds even, most of it muscle, he has brownish blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He rarely uses weapons, and has a natural resistance to most poisons.

IC:
*He was preparing his own supplies, making sure he had everything ready. he glanced up at the motley crew and gave everyone big enthusiastic smiles. After he had retired from the Navy Seals with the Congressional Medal of Honor, and 3 purple hearts from Desert Storm. He had a feeling for some sort of strange adventure. With no idea what he would face, he was glad to be going with the doctor*

You dont need to fret over those supplies sir. I've already triple checked them. we're ready to leave as soon as you are.

*He saluted* Sir.

 

[ariosto]

The lazy fan overhead seemed to be mixing the heat and pouring it down rather than dispelling it. The atmosphere in the plankboard bar was suffocating. Both men were drinking warm beer of dubious origins and trying to ignore the buzzing insects that were intent on drowning themselves in their sweat.

"It's in the highlands that I can tell you."
Santiago punched the map and grinned. "A hell of a trip boss."

Kirklnd stared at the parchment and sighed.
"I know. I've brought together the best crew I could get and..."
"This jungle we go through Boss, is like no other.
There are people there who cannot light a fire. They eat each other Mister Kirkland, but not before they play with them...for a long time. See..."

Santiago held up his left hand where two fingers were missing. "They took these off, one joint at a time with a bamboo saw."
"But you got away." Kirkland took another swallow of the horsepiss beer and grimaced.
"Yeah I got away and I can get away again. I know them. That's why I work for you. Right Boss?"

Kirkland wished for the hundredth time that someone besides this swarthy rogue had come forward to be their guide. But all up and down the river it was known that to get a party through the forbidding jungle and into the mountains only Ramon Santiago could do the job.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Rasmuss

Interjecting over Kirkland's shoulder. "That is some rugged terrain there. Lots of great cats, quicksands," I add to emphasize Santiago's point finishing off the hideous local brew, served at that oh, so perfect 98 degrees to hopefully burn your tastebuds off before you can taste the beer itself. "Dr. Kirkland, if I may," I ask the out of place professor in the last bar at the end of the world, "what is it out there? What is our prize?" I adjust my hat waiting for his reply. Having heard the local natives legends of mystical fountains, magical talismans that make men potent, and piles of gold....I grinned lean back on the bar.

 

[queen-mab]

I feel very odd doing this

OOC

I was dared by someone who shall remain nameless to make a fleeting appearance as a tiger in this thread. So, if anyone needs me, I will just be clinging to that tree branch over there...sort of lazily basking as big cats do...my muscles rippling with anticipation and my tongue lapping at my whiskers as I breathe the irresistible smell of male meat...

*salivating hotly on a certain member of the party below*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Past the grimy window glass, covered with the fingerprints of numerous passengers, the rainforest stretched away in all directions, so richly colored it could almost have passed for Astroturf. As the plane descended, bald patches on the forest floor could be discerned, many dotted with small huts and villages. The landing was exactly the teeth-rattling jolt you would expect from this quality flying contraption. As Summer stepped out of the small charter plane that looked like it needed a new coat of paint -- not to mention a new engine -- the heat hit her full force.

Growing up in Arizona, she had spent many weekends freestyle climbing in the desert temperatures that could climb to the upper 120 degrees mark. But the humidity here was stifling, making it hard to breathe. She was glad she had dressed in her usual "on-site" work clothes -- cut off jean shorts, a light linen long-sleeved shirt tied loosely under her breasts, sturdy black hiking boots, and a black leather Australian cowboy hat (a gift from the Aborigines she had befriended in Wambiana).

The heat sweltering off the blacktop runway, she shouldered her pack and made her way off the asphalt. In the relative shade of the Andira inermis -- cabbage trees -- it was only a short walk to what the locals jokingly called their "town" A roughly built wooden hut served as a bar and seemed to be the meeting place. Disposing of her bag next to the piles of equipment, she checked her watch. Only 45 minutes late, basically on time for her. She hoped the Prof wouldn't give her one of him infamous 'be-on-time-for-class' speeches. Sweeping back the faded cloth drape serving as a door, she stepped into the dim bar...fashionably late.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*It was not, to her surprise, The Professer who went into a Triade about being late, it was the Ex-Navy Seal, who still wore his Fatigues with the Brigadeer General Stripes on the collar, and his Medal of Honor over his breast, He talked in a rather calm voice for about ten minutes before glaring at her in his best Drill Seargent Way and sniffing*

At least you are HERE..

*he grinned broadly at her confusion*

Just dont let it happen again. Ten minutes can mean the difference between someone dying and living. I would know. SO Whats your name? All I know is Im security for this team and I certainly didnt hear anything about another person on the team..which means i need to check your supplies to make sure nothing is missing.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

It was all Summer could do to restrain herself from bursting out in giggles...this guy HAD to be one of the Professor's favorites. She risked a few eye rolls while he lectured about the large part each person plays in a team. She put up with it though, gave her a good excuse to stare at his body. Her mind started to wander, and when there was a pause in his speech she realized he was waiting for an answer.

"Summer Daslia, at your service."

She gave something of a curtsy before continuing in a somewhat mocking tone.

"Resident Ethnobotanist, Native Linguist, Expert Medicine Woman, and Trouble-Maker Extrodinaire..."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

(hey Jorja, Sup3r is waiting for you in MTF, So hop to it! *giggle*)

*He sniffed and grinned, saluting in proper navy Fashon* United States Navy-SEAL's. Three purple hearts, Two Silver stars, and a Medal of Honor for my Service In 'nam. Security advisor and Expert Archiologist. If you wanna stay alive, you stick with me.

*he removed his salute and went at ease*

I've spent the better part of my life trekking through jungle enviroments, A good deal of the time under heavy enemy gunfire and threat of thousands of desieses, I make it a POINT to know the terrain in which I will be dispatched in, Ma'am. I know practically every inch of the outer Jungle, and know what to expect.

*he seemed almost amused*

Any idea what we intend to find here ma'am?

 

[Mistress Jorja]

(OOC: Trying *really* hard to make sure this post doesnt rhyme...hehe Sup)

"Wu'a uara' ocama n, ma zinato heketi"

She grinned when he looked confused, one of the many benefits of knowing the Taino language.

"I've worked in rainforest like this before -- not exactly a virgin adventurer myself. But as for what our destination is...they've decided to leave me in the dark...as usual."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

ooc: hehe. I know. *L*

IC:

*he chuckled*
I dont know too many languages....English, a touch of German, and the Language of the SEAL's.

*he grinned at her*

Why they wouldnt tell two of the most important people in the mission....tut tut, It just isnt done....

 

[ariosto]

So long!

OOC... regretfully bowing out of the expedition Kirk but I may join the natives and protect our Lost City against you Western Despoilers.
Come on Kitty Kitty, let's go home.

 

[Vespiris]

Lyssa

She glanced up to watch GI Joe go off on Barbie, sighed and went back to her digital map of the terrain, plotting where she should and shouldn't have link up to the sattillite.

Regardless of the life or death Samir threatened, late people annoyed her. Tardiness was imprecise and inefficient.

She was probably just annoyed anyway. She wanted to get going, and impatience was not usual for her. She thought of the jungle outside and smiled. Maybe the idea of an adventure was actually getting her excited.

Nahh...

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Summer

Readjusting her hat, she shrugged.

"Never can tell with us academic types. Totally unpredictable....myself included. But if the Professor was actually able to keep a secret to himself for once, it must be pretty important."

Something at the edge of the clearing seemed to catch her eye. Kneeling, she snapped off 3 broad, rounded leaves.

"Aristolochia cymbifera, otherwise known as Jarrinha. Supposedly nature's cure for cancer."

Rummaging through her navy blue backpack, she pulled out a notebook and sketchbook to further document her findings. A charcoal drawing fluttered out from between the pages, and she picked it up hurriedly, almost embarrassed. She was very self conscious about her artwork...and besides, she drew for own pleasure, no one else's. Her companion didn't get more than a seconds glance at it....but he must have been able to make out the two prone figures contrasting against the stark white paper, entwined in a fiery embrace.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*he raised an eyebrow and grinned slowly at her, crossing his arms and leaning back*

Acedemic type.....uh huh...sure. *he gave her a broad wink* I'm an art lover. I'd like to see more sometime.

*Ah, the Motto of the Sixth Navy Seals Divison, "We get more ass than a toilet seat In yankee stadium" , and he chuckled quietly at her embaressment*

You're talented. I can already tell. Dont be embaressed about it.

*He grinned at her and looked towards the professor*
Whatever we're doing, I hope it's somthing intresting. Things got boring after Desert Storm....

*He grinned quietly at that*

Stick with me Ma'am. I'll keep whatever might come our way off your back...I Wrestle Cheetas in my spare time...

*he grins, and shows off some of his arm scarrs to emphasize that point*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Summer

She had to admit, as repulsive as his cocky attitude could make him, it had some appeal. The tough guy act was being laid on thick, for her benefit she was more than sure.

She tilted her head slightly and smiled up at him innocently.

"I don't even know your name, and already you want me to confide in you my artwork...my inner most feelings and passions? Overeager, much?"

With that she turned on her heel and strode back to the pile of supplies to put away her journals. Calling over her shoulder, she said in a somewhat clipped tone,

"I appreciate the offer, but need I remind you I'm a big girl who can take care of herself?"

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*he chuckled. Fiesty one. Too bad she was probably not into him. Ah well. He could only be himself! And himself was a tough guy...though no one took time to appriciate the moments he had been a softy. He chuckles at her*

Duran. Samir Duran. Atcher service ma'am. And It's sort of my personality being eager...

*he licked his dry lips and laughed at her clipped tone*

I Believe you. Just dont get killed out there...I lost too many bro's in 'Nam.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Summer

"Well, Mr. Duran...for future reference I am not the type of person who responds well to coddling or sugarcoated answers, in any way shape or form."

She went back to digging through her bag, trying to force her notebooks in. They had instructed her to 'pack light' --- so she did. Only one bag. That was light, by any woman's standards, at least.

"You keep that in mind, and I'm sure we'll get along just peachily..."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roger Roger...So You apparently Like it rough?

*He grinned at her. Okay...she didnt want any coddleing? He was down with that. He'd treat her like one of the guys, If that was what she wanted, she'd get no arguement from him, he clouted her on the shoulder, not too hard, but it might have felt a little hard to her, he laughed*

Just kidding. Hey, I respond real well to requests. Or orders. Whatever you prefer.

*he chuckles quietly, his eyes glittering amusedly*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Summer

"Do I detect some hint of sarcasm in your tone?"

She had meant for him to take her seriously, but not that seriously. Finally managing to shove the zipper of her bag closed without the embarrassing task of having to sit on it, she hefted it in her arms and tossed it to him. All forty-five pounds of reference books, soil testing kits, art supplies, clothes, and other miscellaneous "necessities," which she would more likely than not never have the occasion to use.

"Think quick..."

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He caught it easily, hefting it over into the huge pile of bookbags*

Thought and tossed.

*he grinned*

Nope, no Sarcasm. No coddling and no sugercoat. Yer one o' the guys, Figuratively speaking of course.

*he chuckled at her and walked over* Anywho, if I dont keep on your good side how will I ever Be your friend?