Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 6, 2009 19:22:16 GMT -5
Jason nodded. I've been a wolf for about that long, too. I first changed when I was sixteen. Can't remember when I first discovered I had quills, though.
He shifted slightly, intending to scratch an itch on his ear with his hind leg, but the slight straining of the stitches on his back where the muscle and skin was stretched told him that was a bad idea just now. He sighed and lay still, watching Seth and the scientists in silence.
Please hurry, Zeph, he implored silently, though he knew Zeph couldn't hear him. We need you. I need you.
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Seth Larisha
Kitty Kat
University Senior: Werewolf
Posts: 139
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Post by Seth Larisha on Dec 6, 2009 19:37:46 GMT -5
Seth sighed, ~You can use your foreleg too, you know. It's more awkward, but it won't hurt your back.~
He scratched at his own ear, shaking his head. This couldn't go on forever... Something had to give. Either Zeph and Mister Hiller would get there, or the person who'd called and provoked this panic. He shivered at the tension in the room, standing carefully to nuzzle at Jason's muzzle. Moving back to the door, he whined slightly. ~Zeph, can you hear me? Zeph!~
He has to get in range eventually... he told himself, his ears and tail lowered. Pacing the room without letting his leg touch the ground, he stood on his hind legs to look over the girl's shoulder at the screen curiously.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 6, 2009 20:00:08 GMT -5
Jason scratched awkwardly at his ear with his foreleg, watching Seth move around the room, first toward the door, then to the computer. This tension was almost getting to be too much... what was going on outside?
The woman at the computer turned her head and jumped in surprise at suddenly seeing a wolf leaning over her shoulder to see the computer screen, but shrugged and turned back to the computer in silence.
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Seth Larisha
Kitty Kat
University Senior: Werewolf
Posts: 139
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Post by Seth Larisha on Dec 6, 2009 20:05:10 GMT -5
Seth's tongue hung out of his mouth in a canine laugh as he watched her for a moment, then jumped down and paced again. Several of the scientists twitched away as he paced them and he snorted, rolling his eyes. He moved to the computer. If I was going to hurt you, I would have already.[/color]
Snorting again, he moved back to Jason. ~You'd think with all that's going on I'd be edgy, but instead I'm just getting bored. I wonder if that's a bad thing...~
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Post by paulaharris on Dec 6, 2009 20:26:41 GMT -5
Paula had only shot the guard closest to her, and dispatched another one with a blow to the temple. She didn't know how many guards were left, and if there were a lot, she was going to need all of her bullets. Once the final guards were dispatched, Paula moved to the center of the hallway.
"Alright. These are males in the cells... which probably means the room where Jason and Seth are being held is probably close. Let's free the werewolves from their cells. They can take care of the rest of the guards. There should be keys on some of the bodies." Paula moved to search one of the bodies. "When that's done, we can find Jason and Seth. They have to be close to here."
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Seth Larisha
Kitty Kat
University Senior: Werewolf
Posts: 139
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Post by Seth Larisha on Dec 6, 2009 22:03:01 GMT -5
Demetri hunted bodies as well, finally pulling up a set of keys and working on the cells one by one. He spoke softly into each one, assuring those inside that he meant no harm and was far from one of their captors. Ayden looked at Zeph, pursing his lips, then decided to stay with the one he knew was hurt rather than looking for others who needed help.
He looked more closely at the boy, watching him sag as things calmed down and catching him quickly. "Zeph? Hey, are you alright?"
- - -
Seth paced again, moving to the door. ~Zeph? Zeph, can you hear me?~
He whined, beginning to feel the tension of the room and feeling it tighten his muscles. Which hurt his leg. Limping back to Jason, he fell to the floor with a huffed sigh. This couldn't last forever. It couldn't.
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 6, 2009 22:14:47 GMT -5
Zeph leaned against Ayden, his eyes nearly closed. They flew open as he heard a voice in his mind. He clung tightly to Ayden, his eyes wide. Seth? Seth, I hear you!
"Seth's okay..." he said, his voice soft. "I can hear him... his power is telepathy, mages can hear him..."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 6, 2009 22:32:01 GMT -5
Casper looked over at Zeph when he spoke, looking into his golden eyes. They were back to looking somewhat normal; the whites were white again, and the pupils were a much darker gold. They were wide with shock and bright with hope. Casper tried to take some of that hope into himself, his stomach knotting in a mixture of joy and worry.
Seth is alive, thank heavens... but what about Jason?
- - -
Jason's ears pricked, and he lifted his head at the sound of an echo inside his mind, soft and far away, but clear. Zeph...? His tail began to wag; the voice was unmistakeable. And if he had heard it, Seth definitely had -- it was probably a result of their minds being linked from constant telepathic speech.
I wonder if Zeph can hear me, too... He tried to push outward with his mind, imagining his thoughts moving through Seth's mind and echoing in Zeph's. Zeph? Can you hear me?
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 6, 2009 22:36:58 GMT -5
Zephyros collapsed completely, his eyes blank with shock. "Jason..." he breathed, knowing his voice was barely audible, especially over the cacophony of the freed werewolves.
JASON! How? I don... are you okay? Where are you two? How can I get to you?
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Seth Larisha
Kitty Kat
University Senior: Werewolf
Posts: 139
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Post by Seth Larisha on Dec 6, 2009 22:43:08 GMT -5
Seth yelped aloud as he could hear Zeph and Jason communicate through his mind. He didn't understand it... the voices echoed oddly in his mind... or perhaps he was hearing the echoes of Jason's voice in Zeph's mind, and vice versa. ~Um... do you two realize how awkward this is? This is my head you're talking in...~
He put his head back on his paws, huffing another sigh. ~I guess I can just leave you two to figure this out yourselves, then.~
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 6, 2009 22:57:51 GMT -5
Casper hurried to support Zeph as he suddenly collapsed, and did a double-take at the sound of the name Zeph whispered. "Jason?!"
He tilted Zeph's head up, looking into his eerie golden eyes. "Zeph, speak to me. Is Jason alright? Do you know if he's alive?"
- - -
The scientists all looked up at the sound of Seth's yelp, and a couple of them came forward to look at his leg again. They looked at Jason curiously, then at the door, muttering among themselves. What was going on?
Jason was quivering in excitement, his tail wagging a mile a minute. Zeph... you're here! Is everyone alright out there? Does my father know I'm alive? Zeph, I love you so much... I've missed you so much...
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 6, 2009 23:21:36 GMT -5
"I can hear Jason... it's an odd echo... Seth is confused, he doesn't understand it either... He wants me to tell you he's alive..." Zeph said, his eyes still blank as he focused inward. From the unfocused quality to his darkening pupils, he couldn't even see Casper even as his eyes looked directly at him.
Your father's okay. He's worried. I told him that you're okay... I missed you too, you have no idea how much... Oh gods, Jason, for three days I thought you were dead... Zeph left out his own condition, hoping Jason's excitement would keep him distracted. Seth, I'm sorry about um... usurping your power like this. Hijacking your mind. Can either of you direct me to where you are? Can you come out to me?
To himself, he added, Because I can't move on my own...
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 6, 2009 23:25:24 GMT -5
It took all of Casper's strength not to completely break down then and there. He stood shaking in relief, trying to control his breathing as his heart ached with joy. Jason was alive!
"Tell him I love him," he managed to whisper.
- - -
Jason offered what little information he could about their location and situation, after first apologizing to Seth for the inconvenience of this whole scenario.
We're in one of the labs. I don't know exactly where, but Seth does, he can tell you where to go. I wasn't conscious when they brought me in. Seth got in here on his own. We can't come out... both of us are injured, and the scientists have barricaded the door from the inside. They're all scared out of their minds.
Zeph, someone is coming to kill us all. Scientists and werewolves alike. I don't know who it is or when he'll get here. Talking about the danger made his fear rise up quickly again, and he fought to keep it down. Please tell me you'll be okay out there... I can't lose you, not now. Not when we're so close...
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 6, 2009 23:32:36 GMT -5
Zeph closed his eyes, nodding, Your father says he loves you... Can you get them to open the door when we come? I don't want to blow it in and hurt you...
Don't worry about me Jason. I have your father, Professor Harris, and two of Seth's friends with me. I'll be okay. I just need to get to you...
He coughed, gagging on the blood that rose to his mouth. Covering his mouth quickly with his already blood-soaked sleeve, he coughed again, wincing as blood splattered it again. His head fell back as he lay rather pathetically in Casper's arms. Closing his eyes, he took a shuddering breath, going completely limp. " 'm 'wake..." he managed. " 'imme a minute..."
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Seth Larisha
Kitty Kat
University Senior: Werewolf
Posts: 139
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Post by Seth Larisha on Dec 6, 2009 23:47:43 GMT -5
Seth's eyes widened a little, then narrowed. He could sense what Zeph wasn't telling them, but kept from thinking of it. Jason needed to think Zeph was okay. He gave Zeph clear directions from the hallway of cells. ~I'll see what I can do about the door once you are outside it. If I get them to open it, you won't have much time. ~
Seth kept calm, not wanting the scientists to tell something was up until he knew Zeph was just outside.
- - -
Ayden looked at Zeph in concern, tilting his head up to ease his breathing. He checked the boy's pulse, his eyes searching carefully. "What did you do... What happened to you...?" he asked softly. The mage had to have done something to cause this... he shouldn't have been coughing so badly without having been hit.
"Lay him down," he said softly, moving to help Casper lower Zeph to the ground. "I need to get a good look at this."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 7, 2009 0:07:05 GMT -5
Casper moved gently to lay Zeph down, keeping his eyes on Ayden. "Is he going to be alright?" Zeph didn't look good... he was conscious, but alarmingly limp. Casper knelt beside the mage in silence, letting Ayden do what he needed to do.
- - -
Jason lay still, hope and terror battling within him. Zeph and the others were so close, and yet so far... and he still had no idea what was really going on outside the room. Zeph, talk to me... what's going on out there?
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 7, 2009 0:21:08 GMT -5
Zeph just remained limp, focusing on his breathing and talking with Jason. We've set the male wolves free and gave them the keys. I assume they're freeing the females. I've over-extended myself a little... I need to rest before we keep moving.
He winced as Ayden carefully felt his ribs, his eyes opening slowly. Casper looked concerned... he blinked slowly, taking a very careful breath and speaking slowly as he relayed the directions Seth had given him. He choked and sat up quickly as he coughed, barely getting his hands over his mouth to catch the blood. Swallowing weakly, he cleaned one hand and put it on Casper's shoulder.
"Help me up..." he whispered. "We have to get to Jason..."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 7, 2009 0:35:47 GMT -5
Casper nodded, slowly and carefully easing Zeph to his feet and supporting him so he could try to walk. They made their way down the hallway as quickly as Casper dared go, the others following close behind them.
- - -
"Finally!" Casper cried softly, seeing the door Seth and Jason had to be behind. He came carefully forward, still supporting Zeph and trying not to jostle his ribs. "Zeph, can you let them know we're here? I'm not sure if they can hear us, the door looks heavy..."
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Zephyros Aetai
Kitty Kat
Academy Junior: Small God
Even the mightest Hurricane started as the gentlest of breezes...
Posts: 1,380
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Post by Zephyros Aetai on Dec 7, 2009 0:37:33 GMT -5
Zeph had one arm around Casper's shoulders, his head hanging as he stumbled at Casper's side. They stopped and he raised his head slowly, looking at the door blankly. We need the door open... now... plea-
Zeph sighed softly and collapsed again, blacking out.
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Seth Larisha
Kitty Kat
University Senior: Werewolf
Posts: 139
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Post by Seth Larisha on Dec 7, 2009 0:40:20 GMT -5
Seth jumped to his feet when he heard Zeph, shifting human. "We need the door open. There are friends outside."
He looked at Hargrove. "Hurry, one of them is in trouble." He cursed as he realized his arm was bleeding again, holding it tightly. "Please, hurry. It's important."
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 7, 2009 1:10:14 GMT -5
Casper shifted quickly as Zeph blacked out and collapsed, moving his arms to catch the boy and keep him from injuring himself when he hit the floor. He looked at Ayden in worry, cradling Zeph carefully in his arms. However Jason and Zeph had been communicating, he thought to himself, Jason would definitely not have liked to notice Zeph passing out...
- - -
Jason heard Zeph's half-finished sentence end abruptly in his mind, and could have sworn he felt his heart stop for at least a few seconds. Zeph?! ZEPH!!
He started to jump down from the table, but the sudden bunching and stretching of his back muscles moved the stitched skin painfully, and he jerked in pain, slipping from the table and landing on the floor with a yelp. One of the scientists moved to help him up, and he stood shakily, trembling.
Hargrove nodded in response to Seth, moving quickly to take down the barricade. The other scientists moved quickly to help, and they made short work of it. Hargrove opened the door wide, looking up at the figures that burst into the room: three men, one woman and a young boy, whom one of the men was carrying.
Jason’s head jerked up at the scents of his father and friends coming into the room, and he limped forward as fast as his back would allow. Zeph was covered in blood, and looked like he was unconscious; Jason could see that he was still breathing. He whined in panic, nuzzling Zeph gently and looking up at his father in alarm, his tail lowered and ears flat against his head.
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Seth Larisha
Kitty Kat
University Senior: Werewolf
Posts: 139
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Post by Seth Larisha on Dec 7, 2009 1:21:23 GMT -5
Seth's face paled at Zeph's condition, moving over to him and touching the boy's cheek. He turned and his eyes widened. "Ayden? Demetri?"
Ayden wrapped his arms tightly around Seth, then pulled off his shirt and wrapped it around Seth. "I knew you weren't dead, no matter what everyone said. Even Demetri didn't believe me, but I know you better than that."
Demetri chuckled awkwardly, then looked at the door. "Was there a reason it was barricaded?" he asked with concern. Seth nodded, explaining it quickly. He looked at Casper, looking at Zeph in great concern.
"You might want to lie him down..." he said softly, brushing some of Zeph's curls from his face. The mage was barely breathing... and blood trickled from his lips. He looked at the scientists, hesitant to even think of asking and yet worried of what Ayden was able to handle. Ayden was only an intern after all.
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Jason Hiller
Ireth
University Freshman: Lycanthrope
Just another nancy boy...
Posts: 1,433
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Post by Jason Hiller on Dec 7, 2009 2:24:38 GMT -5
Casper carefully laid Zeph down on the table behind him, then turned back and knelt beside his lupine son, embracing him tightly. “Jason... my son...”
But he recoiled in shock as his hands touched the bare skin and taut stitches on Jason's back. Looking up at the nearest of the scientists, who had gathered around Zeph and were examining him, he spoke with a deadly edge to his voice. “What have you done to my son?”
“We were examining the venom glands in his back,” Hargrove spoke up, doing his best to mask the guilt and shame in his voice. “Your son is unique among his kind... we thought that he might give us more of the answers we were looking for. My colleagues and I have been attempting to find out more about werewolves in the hope of finding a cure for the curse.”
Well, that would have been nice to know! Jason couldn't help but growl softly, and Casper stood, rounding on Hargrove with fire in his eyes.
“These men and women are kept locked in cells, unclothed, underfed and mistreated. I have seen laboratory rats kept in better conditions! How dare you call yourself a doctor! You, sir, are a disgrace to humanity. Did you never stop to think of the families of those you kidnapped? What about those who have died here, under your hands? Yes, I know about the deaths. My son was kind enough to tell us about them before you dragged him here from one of your offices for your ungodly ‘tests’.”
Jason growled again, looking at Hargrove, who took a step back from the father and son, his eyes wide. He opened and shut his mouth a few times and swallowed, unable to find anything to say. Casper stepped forward, deliberately forcing the doctor back to the wall. “Be thankful that I am a Christian man, and I believe in mercy. Answer me truthfully. Do you feel you deserve mercy for your crimes?”
Hargrove shook his head, whispering, “No…”
Casper gripped the man’s chin and held it, looking into his eyes. “An eye for an eye, doctor. A tooth for a tooth. Shall I carve your back open and see what you look like underneath?”
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Seth Larisha
Kitty Kat
University Senior: Werewolf
Posts: 139
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Post by Seth Larisha on Dec 7, 2009 3:10:17 GMT -5
Seth snorted, "Would you bring yourself to his level, Mr. Hiller? Jason is okay now, he just needs some time to heal... And thanks to you, the rest of us are free to find their way home as well."
Ayden checked Zeph's pulse again, biting his lip. "Any of you have any skill with putting humans back together? I'm not qualified for surgery and that's what this boy needs. His ribs are tearing his lung apart with every breath, and I can't move them back out properly."
He put his ear lightly on Zeph's chest, wincing. "He's getting bad... very quickly. We have to get his ribs back in place now, or he'll drown. I'm amazed he isn't worse."
Seth shook his head at Ayden, moving over to whisper in his ear. "Don't. Not where Jason can hear, at least. Just do what it takes to keep him alive... without being too obvious about it. Jason's under more than enough duress."
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Post by paulaharris on Dec 7, 2009 4:30:29 GMT -5
The entire joyful reunion played out before Paula's eyes. She stood by the door, watching, allowing the family and friends to be reunited without having to sour the moment with the grim business that she needed to deal with. However, she could only hold off for so long. Paula stepped forward and produced a set of handcuffs.
"I only have one of these so it's going to go on whoever is in charge." She said. "All of you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will-"
"Touching." A cold voice said from the door. "This is a beautiful family moment."
Paula whirled, pointing her weapon at the door. A figure dressed in all black stood there. No part of his body was visible. Everything was covered in some sort of clothing or sunglasses. In one hand, he held a cell phone with the speaker function on, and in the other, he held a handgun.
"You..." Paula whispered.
"Surprised to see me, Detective Harris?" The voice intoned. "I've been able to break into this compound for hours. I just wanted you to finish my dirty work for me. And I also wanted everyone in the same room. Makes things easier for me. You know, the part where I kill you. Or my friend here kills you." The voice chuckled. "Really, Detective Harris. Did you think I would lose? I let you win. And now, I'm going to enjoy watching all of you die."
Paula raised her own weapon. "Not if I shoot your friend first."
"I wouldn't advise that." The voice said, suddenly serious. "You see, the phone that my friend is holding isn't just a phone. It's also the remote detonator to a bomb strapped to his chest, under his shirt. Any of you make one move to retaliate, and you all get blown sky high. Then you can have your joyful little fucking sap-fest in hell."
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