Roland looks at Deshi and Penny as if he'd said nothing odd at all. 

Penny shakes her head. "So, how long for the Printing Pigeons to get us our copy of the map?" she asks the Dr.

Quote from Mingofaust >>

Penny shakes her head. "So, how long for the Printing Pigeons to get us our copy of the map?" she asks the Dr.

 “I would say give it a day, just to get everything in order. Their work is quite high quality, mind you. Wonderful little creatures!”

Penny sighs. "A day."

"Well, I guess I can lay low," she says with a raised eyebrow at Deshi and Roland.

The massive man cracks his knuckles. "GREAT! SHOW ME TO THE NEAREST PIT, I'M ITCHIN FOR A BRAWL". With a flex and a power pose, POOF hybrid hippo form. 

(By popular demand background: You can always find a place to perform in any place that features combat for entertainment — perhaps a gladiatorial arena or secret pit fighting club.)

“Do you not understand that they will be looking for you? Specifically you, the Hippo. Because of what you did on the train. And also a non-descript dark haired girl IN THE COMPANY OF THE HIPPO.”

“If you go out, I’m not going with you, and when they nab you and you bring them back here, I won’t be here.”

”Gods you’re dense. And I don’t mean your Hippo hide!”

Penny throws up her hands in frustration and goes to a corner of the room to fume and pout.

Seeing Roland transform, Walton nearly falls out of his chair, “Good lord! A hippo man!” He straightens his glasses and looks Roland over, “Incredible... I can only think of one reason for abilities like those... You’ve been cursed by the earth itself! I had only read of such things in books...”

As you argue, Walton raises a finger, “Pardon, I believe that I am out of the loop, did something happen on your way here?”

Penny just makes a rude gesture from the corner.

Deshi perks up. "Oh, yes! Deshi and his friends hijacked the train en route to Drywood! It was all in service of the preservation of this map, of course." The tortle blinks. "Deshi suddenly realizes that this may impact our ability to move freely through the town. But then again," they brighten suddenly. "After this adventure, Deshi will spend the rest of their days safely behind the walls of the University, so there is no cause for concern!"

Penny gently bangs her head into a hard surface, repeatedly.

Quote from Aveiro_ >>

Deshi perks up. "Oh, yes! Deshi and his friends hijacked the train en route to Drywood! It was all in service of the preservation of this map, of course." The tortle blinks. "Deshi suddenly realizes that this may impact our ability to move freely through the town. But then again," they brighten suddenly. "After this adventure, Deshi will spend the rest of their days safely behind the walls of the University, so there is no cause for concern!"

 “I... I see. Well, something to keep in mind. But, as long as you didn’t harm any personnel, damage the train itself, or endanger the passengers, then I’m sure that it’ll work out. Nevertheless, is there anything else that you four need or wanted to discuss?”

“Oh, no, none of those things happened,” Penny says, coming back from her corner. “But you know how misunderstandings can happen. Yes, we would very much like to explore the underground world, map and catalog it, and bring treasures and artifacts back to your museum, so the people can learn all about their world, and become better citizens! We just want to get started right away. How soon can we have a map, and just when do you think an opening will appear near here?”

"The good doctor mentioned that the one closest to here would open soon, plus or minus a week. Unfortunately, it's likely also the first one to be investigated by the Militia... Perhaps there is a fault a bit further out that we could more safely camp out at with less worry of unexpected guests," Ormond suggests.

"Doctor, I understand that you are not directly working with the Militia, but surely they must have asked questions of you in recent months... Could any of those be related to what this map shows - or where this map leads."

"Also, I'm... uncomfortable... with this map becoming public knowledge - at least not until we could surmise the governments severe interest in it."

"I do have it on pretty good authority that the Militia wants to build a base on each and every one of these predicted fissures."

Roland does a little spin, flexing all the while, in different positions. "CURSE?!? I see it as a blessing. Just look at these teeth! These muscles! This physique. Without it i would never have become THUNDER." Hands in the air. "HIPPOOOOOO" Bicep flexxxxx. 

Fortunately Roland has been to busy flexing and worshipping himself to interrupt the party in their discussion of what happened on the train and just catches what Ormond says. "Ormond makes a point. The militia do have a knack for ruining stuff for people. Even awesome fissures to the world below.." 

Quote from jr_el_leon >>

"The good doctor mentioned that the one closest to here would open soon, plus or minus a week. Unfortunately, it's likely also the first one to be investigated by the Militia... Perhaps there is a fault a bit further out that we could more safely camp out at with less worry of unexpected guests," Ormond suggests.

"Doctor, I understand that you are not directly working with the Militia, but surely they must have asked questions of you in recent months... Could any of those be related to what this map shows - or where this map leads."

"Also, I'm... uncomfortable... with this map becoming public knowledge - at least not until we could surmise the governments severe interest in it."

"I do have it on pretty good authority that the Militia wants to build a base on each and every one of these predicted fissures."

 The doctor sighs, “Do not misunderstand my optimism for naivety. However...” He thinks for a moment, “There is a young man. His name is Elroy. I believe he said that he recently joined Militia, but he drops by often to discuss my exhibits. I must say, I quite enjoy the company. But this information cannot be hidden, Mr... I apologize, but I do not believe I caught your name.”

Quote from Kweinir >>

Roland does a little spin, flexing all the while, in different positions. "CURSE?!? I see it as a blessing. Just look at these teeth! These muscles! This physique. Without it i would never have become THUNDER." Hands in the air. "HIPPOOOOOO" Bicep flexxxxx. 

Fortunately Roland has been to busy flexing and worshipping himself to interrupt the party in their discussion of what happened on the train and just catches what Ormond says. "Ormond makes a point. The militia do have a knack for ruining stuff for people. Even awesome fissures to the world below.." 

 Still mildly taken aback, Walton nods, “Ah... yes, a blessing... certainly.” He sighs, “As I said, the actions that the government has taken are not lost on me. But I believe that I can be the first step in moving toward a brighter future.”

Sunny beams at that. "Deshi's master speaks very highly of you, Dr. Walton." The tortle suddenly yawns hugely, and turns to the others with a clawed hand to their mouth (beak?). "Deshi and Osskil must rest. Dr. Walton, shall we entrust the map with you, then?"

Penny raises an eyebrow at trusting anyone with anything, and adds to the conversation, "Not to be bossy and all, but when did you think we might get a copy of the map? You know, for the edification of the people?"

I believe that he said it would take about a day, perhaps sooner. 

Yes, but Penny is impatient. Sorry.

"Okay, so, what's next? Do we hole up here? Deshi is tired."