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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 4370673" data-attributes="member: 3285">Cold Visitor: Part 7 – Returning to CampThe camp was sullen and paranoid. Lieutenant Jandis, a nervous-looking soldier with a monocle, addressed the men. “Since the C-captain’s gone,” stuttered Lieutenant Jandis, “and I’m the ranking officer, I’m assuming command.”Kham sat down at the table, watching the other soldiers stare at their feet. “What happened?”“Something came in,” said Sergeant Messer.  “Came right through the exterior door.”  He pointed at the door that entered the mess hall.  “Took the Captain, and Privates Lilit, and Pivar.”Silas stood next to Jandis, arms crossed.  Elise and Merkin stood behind him.“It’s important we don’t close with the creature, whatever it is,” said Jandis.  “I want you to use crossbows only.”“Are you crazy?” asked Sergeant Laskin.  “What're we supposed to use,” said Sergeant Messer. “Harsh language?”“My studies of the sample indicate that close contact with the creature or creatures might cause contamination,” said Silas.Jandis put fists on his hips. “C-crossbows only. I want swords sheathed.”Muttered curses rippled through the soldiers.  Kham froze.  “Wait.  Did you say sample?  You dug up part of that thing under the ice?”Silas’ eyes darted nervously.  “We found the corpse of the creature. I took it in for examination.”Kham shook his head in disbelief.  “Checked in on it lately? If I were you, I’d double the guards at every opening and block that hole the thing made.  And nobody should be traveling alone, everyone in pairs.”“Good idea.” Messer glared daggers at the wizard.  “I think Silas here is full of sh—“Kham put one finger up.  “Shhh!  Do you hear that?”“Hear what,” said Laskin.  Then they all heard it.  The dogs in the distant kennel were barking like mad.  Then one of them howled.Everyone turned to look at Lieutenant Jandis. “I want you men to…”“Dogtown’s going nuts,” said Kham.  “I’ll check it out.” He kicked off of the table and ran past Jandis before he could finish his order.</blockquote>

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