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(http://www.intercom.net/user/logan1/images/sr8.gif)
WELCOME TO THE SPRAWL CHUMMER.
It's Seattle in the 2050s and I must say the old girl has looked better. Buildings are stained by the acid rain. Huge sections of the city have given way to slums. Nobody in their right mind goes to Puyallup or Redmond unless they are looking for trouble or trying to disappear.
They won't let you into other sections of the city unless you've got the right credentials. And above it all, the corporations look down, benevolent dictators that are trying to squeeze every single drop of value from what lies beneath their grasp. Their greatest asset and their greatest vulnerability are one and the same.
Those who run in the shadows control that last sliver of power. The corporations hate it but they can't live without it. The shadows are too useful to be ignored or destroyed. There is money to be made as well as fame. Just don't get too famous or somebody will be making their next score over your dead body....
Welcome to the sprawl, chummer. I hope you can stay alive.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
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August 13th 6:45 pm - The Rusty Nail
There was an young man sitting on a stool playing a guitar. for those close enough to hear him, the music was breathtaking, mesmerizing. To those near the bar or the pool tables, he was simply background noise. For those who could detect such things, a mystical aura hung around him. A thousand years ago, they might have called him a bard. In the modern parlance, he was a performance adept. Given the choice between the two terms, he would have preferred the older name. It sounded better. His real name was Paul but nobody ever called him anything but Stringer.
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August 13th 6:46 pm - The Rusty Nail
The pool tables were surrounded by a crowd. A handful were paying attention to their own games but most were focused on one table where a pair of men were trading victories back and forth. They'd been playing for hours and victory seemed more based on how the break went than on any other factor.
There was a considerable amount of betting going on around the table. Neither player seemed to notice. They were far more intent on their own battle. Ultimate victory was going to belong to the one who's nerve held out the longest. The first one to crack was going to go down in a ball of flames.
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August 13th 6:47 pm - The Rusty Nail
One man ruled over the chaos that swirled through the bar. He stood like a statue behind the bar, serving drinks with a practiced hand and listening to his patrons with an equally practiced ear. Pinned to his shirt was a faded name tag, where you could, in the right light and if you were close enough, learn that the man who called the Rusty Nail his own would answer to the name of Chester.
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August 13th 6:48 pm - Outside The Rusty Nail
The parking lot of the bar had its own little clusters of people. If they knew who you were, there were people who could sell you just about anything or provide you with any kind of service you could imagine. The sellers of drugs and guns and other commodities generally kept to themselves, not mixing much with the merchants of services. There were men who would be more than willing to provide girls of any age, with few questions asked and at least one who would turn somebody into a corpse for the right amount of cash with even fewer questions asked.
Car thieves rubbed shoulders with cat burglars, occasionally swapping stories and advice on which tools to avoid or acquire. Mystical items were to be found and, if the buyer had the gift, they might actually find something that did exactly what it was claimed to do. Others who knew nothing of magic were likely to end up with a useless trinket that had been picked up a few days earlier at a yard sale or flea market.
Let the buyer beware. It was the unofficial motto of the Rusty Nail marketplace.
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OOC Posted with permission from Maxx
BIC
Keep going.. for fuck's sake keep going Alyss' feet pounded the cracked pavement as she raced through the barren wasteland. From behind and just out of sight, vehicles... old, decrepit, but still faster than her two legs thundered in a wide circle around the rubble. Her fingers crasped the small memory crystal as her breath came in ragged gasps.
Nearly there
The remnants of the road veered sharply to the right, but she kept going. Off the cracked pavement and down into the weed strewn jungle that had been a park.
"Alyss where are you?" Her headset crackled into life but she did not answer, she needed all her breath to keep running.
"Have you got it?" The voice was harsh, demanding. "Alyss..!" He called again, yet once again, she held her tongue. "answer me you fucking whore!"
Alyss dove into the cracked remains of an old drain and crouched low, had she been spotted? At least it was a standard street gang and not the other kind of trouble. She glanced at the crystal and then reached her fingers to the transmit switch.
"Would you mind keeping your fucking mouth shut when I'm not responding. If the company was running me I'd be a smear on the fucking ground by now."
"So what! I need that data.. and if you can't get it to me, you don't get paid."
"You'll get it, now shut the fuck up!" Alyss pushed the crystal into the small compartment concealed under her skin and shut off the communicator.
Glancing back into the sprawl, she turned up the juice on her earpiece, letting the noise filter through her brain. The gang was still running, but they weren't near her. Moving in a crouch she headed across the weed strewn landscape hoping to get to safety before someone else pegged her.
The glittering apartment of Kahlia Bentwhistle was packed, the party was in full swing and several guests had already passed out from some of the more potent entertainments. Kahlia herself was couched in her large four poster bed, mouth eagerly tasting the nectar of one girl as another pleasured her.
It was a celebration, a celebration of her five years in successful service and she planned to eke every ounce of enjoyment that the privileges this milestone had to offer. She moaned as the girl's tongue flicked eagerly over her clit and she buried her head between the other's legs, her mouth drinking the other girl's juices as she did so.
"K!" The wall communicator in the bedroom spoke once and dragged her from the pleasing sensations. Swearing, she pushed the girl's off and pulled a robe over her lithe form. Depressing the send switch, she adopted a polite expression and smiled as the face came into view.
"Sorry to bust your party darling!" The voice of her manager echoed over the plush furnishings. "But we have a problem. I want you back at the office right now!"
"Yes sir!" She said calmly, sweetly, her rich brown gaze still as she pretended her delight at being dragged from her party by the company.
"I'll be right there!" She shut of the communicator and swore. "Fuck the man, I swear he does it on purpose. I haven't had a good night in ages." She turned back to the bed and watched as the other two continued without her. "Get out of my fucking bed, get your fucking clothes on and sod off!" She called across to them. "If I'm not getting any.. you certainly ain't!"
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Alyss caught the faintest whiff of smoke. The smell of a cigar drifted through the air. It wasn't difficult to tell that it was an expensive one. Somewhere nearby was someone with money. In this part of town, it meant they were either very lost, very stupid or very good at things that were very bad.
A few moments of careful looking let her know where the smoke was coming from. A battered Land Rover was pulled over beside one of the few still working street lights and the driver was looking under the hood. He was swearing to himself under his breath but otherwise didn't seem too concerned by his situation.
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Alyss hesitated for just a moment, glancing this way and that before she flicked her hair, changing it's colour from night black to bubblegum pink in an instant. Sliding the weapon out of sight she tugged at the various zips that made up her body armour and exposed acres of pale skin. A quick wipe with a wet wipe followed by the fastest application of make-up ever seen followed. After running her fingers through her hair, she adopted her slinkiest pose, placed her hand against her hip and sauntered across the rubble strewn street.
"You looking for something?" She asked, her voice a slow, sensual drawl, completely diffent from the businesslike tone she had used earlier. "You look lost darlin'!"
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It was the fastest draw of the biggest pistol she'd ever seen. "Piss off," said a deep voice that still carried a slight hint of the deep south. The hand that held the weapon steady was still flesh but the speed with which he pulled the weapon could only mean the man was chipped and chipped hardcore. "Your too far off the beaten path to be a real hooker, so whatever you want, I'm not willing to give it."
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"Oh relax big guy!" Alyss responded with a bite of her original voice. "If I was going to smash in your cranium and make off with your wheels I'd have done it already." She raised an elegant eyebrow at the tools scattered by his feet.
"Though if that were my intention I doubt I'd get far with the mess that engines in!" Her eyes returned to his, knowing that his gaze would indicate his intent to shoot.
"So what did you do? Steal a corp motor only to find that the engine goes dead after 5K?"
Kahlia reached the boardroom and checked her appearance in the smoked glass walls before pressing her eye to the retinal scanner. The walnut door slid open silently and she walked through into the darkened room.
"Ahh Miss Bentwhistle, so sorry we broke up your party!" The voice came from one of the two suits at the end of the long table. "But we have a problem that only your special talents can deal with."
The older man pressed a switch and a hologram swam into view. "This is our lab facility in downtown. Twenty minutes ago, someone breached it and spirited out one of our prototypes. It goes without saying that a runner pulled the job, we want you to track and retreive."
Kahlia looked as the image played, showing the shadowy figure move through the corridors.
"Is that the best you could get?" She asked watching the hazy images.
"Unfortunately yes, they managed to crack the cameras and though they weren't knocked out, we can't clear that up. A team waits for you at the lab complex. Go through their information and then seek, locate and destroy."
Kahlia nodded, staring at the shadowy figure with interest before she pulled herself up and headed for the door.
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"Does this look like a corpmobile?" the man asked. "Last time I checked it was Limo not Land Rover as the height of corporate chic. She just needs to be reminded who the boss is every now and then." He hadn't lowered the pistol. The barrel looked like it was chambered for shotgun shells at the very least. "You also might find cracking my cranium a little harder than you might think."
With one hand he closed the hood. "I'm guessing you need a ride. Cab fare starts at an even grand. People shoot at me, I add an extra zero and you pay for any ammunition I expend."
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Alyss nearly choked, a grand was extortion, but beggars couldn't be choosers and there wasn't any other transport waiting. She would usually make it out on foot, but Keller was impatient and the locals were stirred up so..
"you got a deal!" She said finally, looking at the other guy as she tugged at the zips on her outfit, re-doing her costume to the armoured kit it was. "So what's your name?"
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"Bishop," the man answered, as if the single name told her everything she needed to know. "Hop in." He want kind enough to open the passenger door for her and when the interior light came on it revealed an oddly shaped bundle in the back seat, covered with what looked like a piece of carpet.
"Where to?" he asked, after he'd slipped into the driver's seat. He had holstered the massive pistol and now held out his hand.
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"Wirejam!" Alyss replied as she slid into the passenger seat and made herself more comfortable. She shook his hand, noting the strength in his knuckles.
go careful with this one she thought calmly as she settled herself. "And I need to get to the rusty Nail."
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Bishop snickered. "Back door, front door or parking lot?" he asked. "Just out of curiosity, are those jokers trying to sneak up on us looking for you or are they just looking for trouble?"
There were six of them, all trying to stick to the same patch of shadows. They obviously weren't professionals. It didn't mean they weren't dangerous.
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"Well I don't recognise them!" Alyss replied as she removed her aries predator from its concealed holster.
"So I haven't invited them to party. They look like common or garden thugs. Gangs for hire." She glanced at the burly guy next to her. "Can we get out without playing with them?"
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"That depends," Bishop said. "If they open fire, I have a professional obligation to shoot back and you end up with a much higher cab fare than you started with. I'll see what I can do about making them duck for cover while we drive off in a cloud of dust." He reached over the seat and pulled the carpet back.
In addition to the pair of LAW rockets lying on the floor, there was a large pile of plastique, in neat one kilo bricks. It was a very large pile. Bishop picked up a larger version of the pistol he'd pointed at Wirejam. It looked like it might have been an assault shotgun or some sort of roomsweeper. He grinned and opened the truck door.
"Hey assholes, how do you make Cajun idiot barbeque? With a grenade!" He didn't wait for the gang to respond, he just pulled the trigger and filled the street with the bright light of white phosphorous.
Wirejam could hear the screams even inside the car.
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"I'm seriously impressed Bishop!" Wirejam responded with an awed tone. "You've enough kit there to start your own personal war."
Her eyes scanned the streets, looking for survivors. Satisfied that none had survived the onslaught of flame, she settled back in the seat.
"No wonder you don't seem bothered about driving a rig like this on these streets!" She glanced at the rockets and checked out the plastique, making a mental note not to toss anything flammable into the back of the truck.
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"Ain't no such thing as overkill," Bishop said, slipping the grenade launcher back into the back seat. "I admit using Willy Petes on street scum is pushing the limit but it was what I had loaded and they weren't worth changing clips for. It's a good thing that were that close. You wouldn't have wanted to pay for the mortar rounds or the rockets. As it is, your bill just went up by a hundred. WP rounds aren't cheap." He pulled away from the curb and from the smell of scorching flesh.
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"I figured!" Wirejam replied with a wry twist to her lips. "Remind me not to make you mad!" She glanced at the launcher again and whistled through her teeth. "You've gotta be good...." or very very bad "to afford all that hardware." She glanced over at his profile.
"You work solo? Or do you have a crew?"
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Bishop shook his head. "I had a crew once. Whole damned company of them. We kicked ass and didn't bother with taking names. Stupid officer came in, thinking he knew his shit. Got the whole damned bunch of us shot to shit. They got a little upset when I tied him to the base flagpole and skinned him alive after I got out of the hospital. They got even more upset when I broke out of the stockade, killed six MPs and crossed the border with a truckload of munitions. 'Desertion', they called it. Fraggin' idiots."
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Wirejam listened quietly to the tirade, having heard the tale before. Experienced soldiers thrust into corp politics and laid on the altar of money.
"I hear ya!" She said softly, staring out at the neon lit, rain soaked street. "I don't have a crew either, trust can get you dead faster than a borg snipe!" She could feel the presence of the crystal within the hidden pocket and briefly wished she wasn't the only one responsible for getting it to her Johnson.
Kahlia moved through the doors and slid onto the back of the bike like an oil slick over water. Her clothing had altered, no longer the corp suit and manner, her hair was packed beneath the solid black of the helmet and the expensive armour was filled in all the right places. She had an idea, she had a direction now all she needed to do was track. She fired the kickstart and pressed the throttle, roaring into the dark streets like a raging demon. She would have the information back by sunup.
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"Not if you find the right crew, sister," Bishop said, pulling another cigar from a small humidor that sat between the from seats. "The right crew makes all the difference."
Another bike slid into place behind Kahlia. She knew who it was without even looking. He was the only watchdog they ever sent to keep an eye on her because, despite his race's reputation for senseless violence, he was the exception. He might even be called cultured, even refined. He could be relied up for a surprisingly delicate touch, unless action was called for. In those rare cases where Kahlia needed help, he was more than willing to provide it, with a very big gun or a surprisingly agile mind.
He was called the Queen's Champion and he tried to live his life in a manner that lived up to that name. He would die protecting her and the corporate interests she represented, a rare trait for an ork.
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"It's just finding the right crew." Wirejam answered as she breathed the scent of cigar smoke, luxuriating briefly in the taste. A chime sounded in her ear and she tilted her head to one side, answering the internal call.
Wirejam.... news hot from the presses, you've picked up a hunter. Looks like you screwed it big style this time. Tap caught a late message hitting the stream at approximately 0100. They've scrambled a top class HK.. I hope you've got your running shoes on.
The voice stopped and the receiver fell silent. Hiding the nervous chuckle that threatened to overwhelm her, Alyss leant over and asked. "Can this rig go any faster?"
The sleek, black bike flowed through traffic like a live thing, its rider connected to it's chassis by more than limbs. Evidence at the plant had placed the assailant as leaving on foot and probably into the barrens. She weaved from the main expressway and entered the urban jungle, not indicating to the bike behind as she didn't need to. Her follower knew his route.
She eased the bike into cruise as she played the scene from the lab through her head. Assailant female, by look of the figure and size, exceptionally gifted by dint of her entry and exit. The lab boys didn't even realise they had an intruder until security informed them. Whoever had busted them open, was good. Even cleaned up, the camera image was distorted and fuzzy making the figure indistinct and unrecognisable. The code to the lab had been cracked manually and there was no matrix trace.
hmm a very good little girl she mused to herself as she watched the operation again.
"We have a potential!" Her headset flared into life as she eased back into riding. "Bunch of gangers vapourised in sector 15! Might be our gal or her buddies. Head that way!"
"On it!" She replied and pulled a sharp ninety degree turn to head down the right route and hopefully her prey.
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"You suddenly need a bathroom?" Bishop asked. "Relax. If people are looking for you, if they don't have a reason to stop me, they won't. If they do, they will be in a world of hurt." The beat up truck moved along at a steady pace. It's speed would draw no undue attention but that didn't stop Bishop from pulling his pistol and laying it on the seat beside him.
The circle of ash where the white phosphorous grenade had gone off contained little besides the remains of four poor souls who had been given the chance to witness Hell first hand. There were two survivors, one who was too far gone even consider trying to interrogate and one who still had much of his own skin still intact. One arm and part of one leg had third degree burns but he was likely going to live.
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Kahlia drew to a shuddering halt and dismounted by the agonised street punk. Carefully she undid her heavy gauntlet and reaching into an inner pocket, she removed a syringe.
"Shh! You'll be alright!" She slid the syringe home and waited for the drug to take effect. The drug would alleviate pain and give the user a feeling of euphoria that made it difficult to keep things hidden.
"Now then!" Her voice was pleasant, coaxing and friendly, coupled with the effect of the drug, it should draw a favourable response from the ganger.
"So tell me who did this to you?"
Wirejam nodded and tried to relax, feeling the weight of the memory crystal secure in one of the inner pockets of her jacket. She drew her own weapon and placed it within easy reach.
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"It was some nigger," the punk answered, his eyes glazing over. "Big bastard in a truck. He said something about Cajun assholes and then he set fire to everything." He grabbed Kahlia with his good arm. "Everything went white. It was like he called out and the sun came out to play, but it was too bright to be the sun."
Not far away, the Queen's Champion was examining the gutter. He picked up the stub end of a cigar that was still smoldering. He took a quick puff. "He's a man with good taste in cigars," he said in a surprisingly soft voice. "Or wealthy friends who are generous with their stock."
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"Was that all?" Kahlia asked, her voice still soft yet her eyes were intent. "No one was with him?" She glanced over at her champion and shurugged casually, indicating that she wasn't convinced that this was random. Nothing really told her why she focused on this little bit of mayhem, it could be a random shooting, but something was troubling her about it and she rarely ignored her troubling thoughts. The reason Kahlia Bentwhistle was roused from her bed at stupid hours of the night was the fact that her hunches tended to pay off. She had followed the route of her little sneak thief and everything pointed to a foot escape yet foot escapes were slow and they hadn't caught up with anyone yet. This little party, however, would be right in the middle of the rough escape pattern of her quarry.
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"He had some hooker with him," the punk answered, staring up into Kahlia's eyes. "We were gonna try to get a freebie but she got in the truck with him. Then he got out and blew us all away. I guess he was her pimp."
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"What a terrible way to do business!" The woman noted, a rough chuckle edging her voice. "He could have charged you guys triple for damages.. but thank you very much for your help." She reached forward and kissed the punk lightly on the lips, distracting him thoroughly from the movement of her hands. Expertly she guided the empty syringe back to his vein and depressed the plunger before the stoned guy knew what was happening. Stepping back, Kahlia did not wait to see the man convulse as the air bubbles hit his bloodstream, instead she pulled on her helmet and headed back to her bike.
"The hooker's our girl!" She said with confidence as she swung a leg over the black beast. "I doubt her pimp would waste business like that if she was legit. He was probably her contact. I'd say follow the truck..." She kicked the starter and switched to sub vocal.
"Any thoughts?"
Alyss watched as the sprawl became more familiar, the bars, dives and entertainment centres, the landmarks of her life. They were nearly at their destination, maybe ten, fifteen minutes tops. Then she could ditch the target she was carrying and blend into the crowds.
"We're making good time.. looks like you only get the basic cab fare." She joked as she kept her eyes fixed on the traffic surrounding them, looking out for anything out of the ordinary.
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"Did you get a description of the truck?" The Queen's Champion asked, looking at the convulsion punk. "It isn't like we'll be able to find any operational traffic cameras in this area. They barely have the basics down here. The power grid is so overloaded they have scheduled blackouts to keep the whole thing from collapsing."
"Don't get too comfortable, sister," Bishop said. "Just because nobody shot at you yet doesn't mean that they aren't going to shoot at you in thirty seconds. In the Barrens, paranoia isn't a mental illness, it's a life skill."
His words seemed to ring false as the sign for the Rusty Nail loomed into sight ahead of them. In less than five minutes, she would be home free.
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Inwardly Kahlia cursed, she hadn't got a full description, having not thought of the lack of camera coverage. She would die rather than admit a failing, so instead she reported.
"Not a full description no! He wasn't paying too much attention to it!" She kicked the stand clear and moved off. "But there aren't that many streets a truck could get down round here. He'll probably be on the main routes." She picked up the speed, the sleek bike careering around the corners like something live.
Moving into the main stream of traffic she weaved expertly within the traffic, looking past the jackrabbits and their ilk for a truck driven by a big black man with a female passenger.
The distant roar of a bike engine sounded in Alyss' enhanced ears and she turned her head, looking back in the traffic, watching as the sleek bike and its companion wove through the slow moving traffic.
"Hmm.. two bikes...." She looked back to the front and levelled the mirror so she could look discreetly at them.
"Good ones!" She announced, the hairs on the back of her neck raising slightly.
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"Two bikes in this area usually means somebody is carrying something or chasing somebody," Bishop said. "How likely am I to get shot at?" He looked over at Alyss. "Realistically. Bullshit me now and we'll both be in deep shit if you do. If they're after you, I"ll deal but if they are and you don't tell me, they get to take the fist shot and I hate having to return fire, rather than initiating the engagement."
The Queen's Champion had to admit her logic was sound. Few vehicles traveled this area by choice. A truck down here would stick out like a sour thumb and make it far easier to pick up. He fell into position behind Kahlia and slightly to the side, so it would be harder to line them up for a single shot double take-out.
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"It's highly likely!" Alyss replied with brutal honesty. "I pulled something off a computer earlier on this evening. I expect that's their response." She glanced behind her briefly, focusing in on the black clad figures with her eyes.
"They look pro.." She glanced back, her eyes serious. "Hitting first would be a good idea."
"I see something!" Kahlia called over sub-vocal, her eyes picking out a shape in the far distance. "It's a decent candidate.." She tensed highly toned muscles and continued to ride easily, not wanting to spook her prey.
bad choice sweetheart. You should have climbed into a jackrabbit with a little old lady She weaved past a battered sedan, a leftover from the pre-awakened days and avoided the pothole.
"What do you say we ease any worry on their part. Go past them and set up further down?" Her voice slid down sub-vocal with a deep calm. "Are there any turn-offs they could take?"
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"Official or unofficial," the orc asked. "This isn't exactly downtown, if you know what I mean. Back alleys, vacant lots, the whole deal. Hello! Looks like our boy has decided to play."
Bishop had ground his teeth down on the cigar and thrown the wheel over, doing a bootlegger 180 and heading straight for the two bikers. His right hand had a tight grip on the wheel and the other was out the window aiming the mini-grenade launcher at the bikers.
"Bullet proof glass, baby," he said with a grin. "Unless they're packing the same ordinance I've got, they're history."
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"If our boy wishes to play, then I'm happy to oblige!" A feral grin etched itself onto Kahlia's face beneath the face plate of the bike lid. She lived for this kind of thing, it set her blood pumping and gave her a rush that was sexual in its intensity and considering the interruption her her earlier amusements, it scratched an itch that had been bothering her since the call. Rolling the bike to an almost perpendicular angle, she swerved out of the line of fire. Linking her brain even further to the bike's mechanics, she reached down and pulled the weapon attached to the top of her tank.
"Holy fuck!" Alyss exclaimed as the lead bike swerved out of fire with a speed and grace that spoke of either excellent reflexes, cyberware or both.
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"Rigger," Bishop said, annoyed that the lead biker had deked across his line of fire to a point where he had to lean out to get a bead on her. It was a game he wasn't willing to play. The maneuverability of the bikes was their best defense and his greatest weakness but that advantage came at a high price. The bikes were fragile and ran hot and those were things he could use to his advantage.
"Reach into the back seat and grab the rocket launcher with the red stripe," he said. "It's a heat seeker and I can guarantee those bikes are running hot."
Ahead of him, the Queen's Champion didn't alter course. He was riding an expensive machine, heavy and fast. Only the cops rode better. He didn't give much to his chances in a head on collision but it was a game he was familiar with. He lowered his head and cranked the throttle until the bike's motor was screaming.
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"Right!" Alyss dove across the back seat as the weapon that Kahlia had drawn discharged and sprayed several high velocity rounds against the bulletproof glass.
"Our boy's got armour!" Kahlia noted drily as the bullets sang as they bounced off the windshield. "Time to get in close I think!"
She brought the bike in closer, heading for the truck at high speed as Alyss seized the weapon and cranked down the rear window. Leaning out into the smoggy night air, she aimed for the bike that was streaking back towards the truck and squeezed the trigger.
Kahlia saw the muzzle flare and leant over so far she nearly dropped the bike, the missile sped past her as she brought the expensive bit of kit upright.
making me work... hmm this may be a fun evening after all
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It was a calculated risk. The missile would loop back towards the highest heat source in the area and Bishop was hoping it wasn't going to be his truck's engine. If it was, they were in for a very unpleasant ride. The truck was armoured but not that armoured.
The lead biker was back upright, her light bike easy to drop and pick up. The second rider was still on a full blown collision course. Bishop swore. The impact was going to do further damage to his already cantankerous radiator. "Brace yourself," he said. "That boy in front of us is playing chicken and he thinks I'm going to blink, rather than have him come through the windshield. I'll take him, you concentrate on the other one."
He stuck his arm back out the window and pulled the trigger. The grenade exploded twenty feet behind the Queen's Champion. Bishop swore again. With the speed of both vehicles, he was going to need a lucky shot even to come close and he had less then ten seconds before the two vehicles would meet head on.
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Alyss braced herself as she dropped the launcher, one free roaming heat seeker was enough hassle. In one swift movement she drew her aries predator and aimed through the half open window at the bike. Not for the first time, she wished she had smartlinks which would help in this kind of problem. She fired, several shots going wide as the bike swerved easily from side to side as it came closer.
"Come on!" She hissed as she fired again, the bullet hitting the bike's wheel doing little in the way of damage. "Well at least we know how much the bike'll be worth if we manage to drop its rider."
Kahlia chuckled as the bullets pinged off the front tyre, Look's like you're out of luck darling she thought as she moved in, turning the bike so that she would be on parallel course to the truck and she pressed the throttle.
Alyss watched her manoeuvre easily across the road with concern, this was beginning to turn into the most expensive taxi ride she'd ever had. Behind the lead bike, the heat seeker turned and followed, catching up with Kahlia as she weaved and dodged.
"Holy shit!" Kahlia glanced in her side mirror and swore, she hadn't realised the rocket's capabilities and it was far too close, with split second decisions she realised that there was no way she could evade it forever and that her best chance was to hit the truck with it. She glanced at the armoured vehicle and came to a decision.
what the hell
There was no gurantee that the rocket would hit the truck if she managed to get close enough, but it was worth the risk. She gunned the motor and moved in even closer.
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"Crap."
There were two bikes bearing down on him now and one had a missile following it. There wasn't just going to be a head on collision, there was going to be two collisions, followed by an explosion followed by an even bigger explosion, if all the munitions in the truck went up.
"BAIL OUT!" he cried. It was likely too late to save his passenger's life but it was worth a shot.
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Alyss seized as much of the ordinances as she could before throwing open the rear door and throwing herself out into the street, trying to keep her head tucked in. She hit the pitted road with some force and screamed as she felt her shoulder dislocate. The small pile of munitions that she had managed to salvage went in every direction as she began to roll. Luckily the impact armour absorbed much of the friction as she slid down the road, her arms wrapped about her head in an effort to prevent damage.
Forty feet from the vehicle, Kahlia saw the girl bail out, at thirty five feet her boots left the pedals and she crouched on the bike's back. At twenty five feet she hit the brakes and sent the bike to the deck, throwing herself off the back with a skill that an olympic gymnast would kill for. She hit the ground hard and rolled to minimise damage while she waited for the bang.
The heat seeker followed the bike's progress and slammed into it's tailpipe sending the bike up into an explosion that lit up the streets. Debris and hot metal showered down while the shuddering force slammed into the truck.
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The Queen's Champion hit the truck head on, allowing himself to be catapulted over the top of it. He would loose skin when he hit the road again, but skin could mend. The bike and the truck were going to be out of commission permanently. The engine of the truck disintegrated, spewing hot pieces of metal all over the surrounding area.
Bishop, his face a bloody mask of broken glass was swearing as he kicked at the door. He was surrounded by flames but he was far from out of the fight. When the door finally let go, he slithered from the wreckage, the long shadow of an assault cannon clutched in his hands.
"Bitch! You blew up my fucking truck!"
-
Alyss pulled herself upright in some pain as the world exploded. Through the smoke and flying glass, she watched as Kahlia catapulted across the road using some impressive acrobatics, the expensive armour and helmet successfully preventing skin loss where she hit the tarmac.
bugger she glanced across at Bishop, gratified to see that he hadn't died and felt a brief stab of guilt at the destruction of his truck. Her right arm hung dead at her side as she dragged herself along the street, wishing that she could have handled the bail out better.
Kahlia glanced over to see Alyss move slowly away from the scene and then up to glance at the oncoming figure of Bishop. She heard his challenge and said nothing, mourning her loss of the bike that had carried her faithfully for many missions.
She headed for the girl, her champion would take care of the big guy. Alyss turned as the figure came closer and she attacked. A high turning kick to Kahlia's head which would have been more impressive if she wasn't half dead. Kahila saw the kick coming and she blocked it, retaliating with a punch. Kahlia felt the familiar rush of pleasure as she launched herself into the fight, she loved a good fight almost as much as she loved a fuck and this was proving to be quite an interesting evening. As she threw punches and kicks at the other girl, she was hit with the realisation that her target was quite delectable, a fact which made her grin beneath the helmet and begin to enjoy herself.
such a shame I'll have to kill her She thought as she moved in punching and kicking. Even injured Alyss was keeping pace and Kahlia was thrilled to discover that in hand to hand, her opponent could almost be her equal. Alyss on the other hand was struggling, her dislocated shoulder screaming in pain as she tried to block and return punches and kicks. The woman she fought was lithe and fast and her injuries didn't allow for any mistakes. She slammed a fist towards Kahlia's body, knowing that the amour would dampen most of the impact.
Christ why couldn't she have fallen over when her bike did?
OOC You know what's a bugger. I really like both characters.. it's a bitch to decide who wins..
-
OOC: Ditto. But in my case, the answer is more obvious...
BIC: Bishop popped a shot from the assault cannon off towards Kahlia to keep her honest as he moved towards the closer opponent. The Queen's Champion, his designer suit in shreds was climbing to his feet. His pistol came free of its shoulder holster.
"Let's dance," he said, a lethal spur springing from the concealed sheath in his arm. He wanted the fight to be hand to hand. Bishop's weapon gave him too much of an advantage in ranged combat.
"Screw you," Bishop said.
Both men fired at the same time, from a range of less than ten feet. Bishop's assault cannon went off with a boom and the Queen's Champion's pistol letting go a jet of flame as it cycled three rounds through the chamber in less than a second.
-
Alyss' wrist was caught in a strong grip as Kahlia seized hold and twisted. "I'd stop fighting now if I were you!" Kahlia spoke for the first time, her voice muffled through the helmet.
"What so you can kill me easier? No thanks!" Alyss' voice was strained with pain as she kicked out, her foot connecting solidly with Kahlia's knee and forcing her to let go.
"Your funeral!" Kahlia responded with a grunt of pain as she attacked again, forcing the girl against the rubble that lined the street. She brought her foot up in an axe kick and slammed the injured girl to the floor. In a flash Kahlia was astride her, pressing her knee into her chest as she brought out a weapon and pointed it straight at Alyss' face.
"I said you should give up!" Kahlia said through laboured breaths, looking down at the girl with the feral grin still on her lips. Now she had the leisure, she allowed her gaze to drift over the girl's body with some appreciation. "You're good... its a shame to kill someone so....." Her eyes slid slowly over Alyss' rising breasts beneath the armour. "skilled. You got in so easily... perhaps you can tell us how you did that, once you've handed over your prize!"
Alyss felt like a prize specimen, the other girl's gaze was hot in a face that angels could have designed. Dark eyes smouldered beneath strands of chestnut hair and they were sliding over her body with such frank appraisal that she almost blushed. In a flash of understanding, she picked up on the woman's desires and suppressing the shudder of distaste, she smiled up at the other girl.
"You're not too bad yourself!" Her voice was an almost purr as she spoke, sliding into sensual tones as easily as someone else changed their socks. "I'm sure we could come to an agreement!"
"Oh indeed we could!" Kahlia purred in a simlar tone. "Only for you to stab me in the kidneys. I'm not an idiot!" She reached down and pressed her hand against Alyss' throat. "Now beautiful you're going to hand that doohickey over, real quiet."
-
"And you're going to take your hand off her throat or I'm going to blow it off at the shoulder." There were three round shiny spots in the centre of Bishop's chest where three bullets had flattened themselves against ceramic body armour. Beneath the armour, a bruise the size of a grapefruit was already forming but he was still on his feet. The Queen's Champion hadn't faired anywhere near so well and lay still in an expanding pool of his own blood.
"Make your mind up quick. There is somewhere close to half a tonne of explosives in that truck and they tend to get a little cranky when exposed to thinks like open flames."
-
Kahlia glanced from her bodyguard to Bishop and back again, before slowly releasing Alyss and moving back, leaving her captive to cough hoarsely on the floor.
"Nicely done!" She congratulated in a calm voice as she looked at the bulky form before her. "Not many could take out my champion!"
Alyss stood and moved to stand next to Bishop. "Thanks!" She said in a hoarse croak as she gulped in gasps of air.
-
"Assault cannon versus handgun. No contest," Bishop said, keeping the weapon aimed at Kahlia as he circled away from the burning truck. "It's why I refuse to use small arms. Not enough kill potential. Girl, I hope what you're carrying is worth it, because you owe me a truck and a whole shitload of ordinance."
-
"I'll have enough to pay you!" Alyss replied in a hoarse tone as she moved further away from the burning truck. "Don't worry about that!" She looked over at Kahlia, stood still and calm in her black leathers.
"What do we do about her?" She asked, her eyes wandering over the black clad figure with some apprehension.
Kahlia watched the duo carefully, she knew when she was beaten. She'd lost her guard and her ride, returning to the company empty handed would probably cost her more than that.
-
"Never leave anyone behind if they're in the opposition," Bishop said. "Revenge may be expensive and a dish best served cold but it still has a way of sneaking up on you and biting you on the ass. Say goodnight Gracie."
The sound of the assault cannon was drowned out by the sound of the truck's ammunition load exploding.
-
Kahlia had started to move as Bishop finished his first half of the sentence. She cartwheeled to the side as the cannon blast rocketed past her slamming into her upper shoulder. The armour deadened a lot of the impact but enough got through to make her scream and fluff her landing. As the ammunition exploded, she slid to a halt on the road, hopefully shielded from view by the explosion.
The force of the blast sailed into Alyss and Bishop, knocking the girl backwards. She managed to keep her feet as her sponsor's voice sailed into her ear.
"Wirejam.. move that sweet, fuckable arse of yours and get me that information."
"I've gotta ditch this thing!" She said to Bishop, glancing in the direction that Kahlia had gone. "While I'd love to spend time making sure that she didn't follow, once its out of my hands, it's not my problem!"
-
"I'm in no condition for a marathon," Bishop said, trying not to wince as he levered himself up onto one knee. He took a few seconds to try to reacquire his target and rose to his feet when he failed to do so. "So either this is a slow walk or we hijack a vehicle."
-
"We're not too far from our destination, hijack would be more time consuming than walking!" Alyss noted as she stared around at the nearly empty streets. She checked the small memory crystal, relieved to see that it was still in the secret compartment of her jacket.
"I did get some of your gear out of the truck!" She said as she pulled some of the ammo she had grabbed and handed it to him. "Sorry for bringing those two down on you!"
-
Bishop looked at the small bundle of munitions. "A dozen mini grenades and half a belt of AC ammo. I suppose it could have been worse. I could have been carrying a full load. The C-12 will just burn but if I'd been carrying the mortar rounds, there would be a hole the size of a football field in the street right now."
In the distance a siren could be heard, the distinctive 'pwee-pwee-pwee' of Doc Wagon. "Looks like you friends had insurance," he said, wondering if the trauma team would arrive in time to save the ork. He doubted it. There generally wasn't much left after he shot somebody. Still the ork hadn't flatlined, otherwise the siren wouldn't have been so high pitched. They used a lesser tone when it was just body retrieval. "Let's haul ass," he said. "If you're in the way of a pick-up, Doc Wagon has been known to clear a path using full auto."
-
"So let's not hang about while they arrive!" Alyss tapped him on the shoulder and pointed. At first cursory glance, the alley was a dead end, yet nothing was as it seemed on these streets. She led the big guy through the concealed arch and into the alley beyond. From hellishly small rooms in the cramped buildings on either side, the cries of the destitute, the desparate and the dying sounded. On the strets around them walked those that had fallen lower than even the SINless shadowrunners that they were. Haggard looking girls stared with hungry eyes at the duo, yet none came close, they had all heard the shooting and explosions.
"This way takes us round the back!" Alyss said in a soft whisper as she stepped over the mouldering corpse on the floor. "I don't recommend touching anything with bare hands!"
Kahlia waited until the two had left before returning to her guard. "You'd better not be dead my champion!" She murmurred as she reached over to check his vitals and slap a medical patch on him.
-
"You think this is my first time in the sprawl?" Bishop asked. "I grew up in shit like this. Don't worry about me and if you come to a dead end, I'll make us a new door. I just hope we don't pick up a few devil rats. They're attracted to the smell of blood and they're damned quick. They won't be trouble but they'll be annoying and I'm short on ammo.
There was a pulse. God knows how the Queen's Champion's heart was still beating. Four of his ribs were exposed and it looked like the flesh of his chest had been rudely shoved out of the way like half formed clay. It was likely only the orkish constitution that was keeping him alive. His people and the even tougher trolls were often used in places where they were required to absorb astonishing levels of damage. There was still a danger but the fact that he had survived this long was a positive sign. With Doc Wagon only seconds away, the Queen's Champion might yet live to serve.
"Stand aside, Miss!" A voice called out over a loudspeaker, barely audible over screeching tires. "This is a Doc Wagon medical emergency!"
-
OOC Typical, I had a brilliant post written and my computer throws a hissy fit and resets, losing the post. And of course I can't remember exactly what I had just written.
BIC
"Got it!" Ayss replied in a soft tone as she led them further into the rabbit warren of streets. From the darkened alleys and ruined houses, the smell of death, rotten food and hopelessness filtered through the narrow walkway.
Alyss kept her gaze and senses on her surroundings, her feet treading quietly through the muck and rubble.
Kahlia stepped back and watched as the heavily armoured crew moved in to do their work. Her gaze flicked occasionally towards the alleys and ruined buildings on either side, wondering where her quarry had gone.
"Miss Bentwhistle, I note that your champion's doc wagon contract has gone active!"
Kahlia suppressed the urge to swear as the smooth, mocking voice of Richard Delaware, her main rival, slid easily into her ear.
"it's under control.." she replied easily, lying to him as she watched the Orc be hooked up to a machine.
are you injured at all?
No.. I'm still healthy She answered, visualising the look of disappointment on his face.
but you will be coming back in? There was a sly note to his voice, Richard could never successfully hide his feelings from others. She went silent for a moment, giving the idiot hope, before she answered.
not yet. I can track them
-
OOC: My computer hiccuped and I lost more than half of my bookmarks....
In the distance the glow of the Rusty Nail's neon was visible, making the bar look deceptively close. There was still a distance to travel but as they drew closer the landscape began to subtlely change. The buildings looked less decrepit. Some even had lights on in the windows. This was the fringe of the Barrens, the place where civilization started to take over again. It was only dangerous if you didn't know what you were doing or lowered your guard if you did.
"Front door, back door or parking lot?" Bishop asked. "My preference is in reverse order. They get cranky if you try to take this much firepower inside."
"Ah but can you take them? With the Queen's Champion down, perhaps you might need a little assistance and it just so happens I have an expediter in the area. He should be arriving shortly."
'Shortly' was an understatement. Kahlia could already see the man drawing closer on his bike. Even at a distance she could tell he was huge, taller if not as broad as the Queen's Champion. He pulled up beside her, lifted the visor on his helmet and smiled.
It was a smile that could be lethal in the right circumstances. "Buenos noches," he said, his accent betraying his hispanic background far more than his greeting. "Do you need a lift?" His bike was big enough for two but it would be a dangerous offer to accept for more than the obvious reason. Richard's expediter was riding a Widowmaker, a bike long on power and speed but short on control and with absolutely no autopilot assistance.
He carried no obvious weapons, except for what looked like a bullwhip and it blended in to the black motorcycle leathers he was wearing. Human despite his size, he moved in a manner than suggested that he had no cyberware, which was odd for one of Richard's expediters. Perhaps he was new. Perhaps he was meant to fail, making Kahlia look that much worse for getting a second back-up man injured or killed.
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:39pm - Hitome Yasuda
Hitome gave the man a polite bow of her head as the Johnson slid an envelope across the table.
"Once again we thank you for being able to assist us with our trouble shooting." he replied his hands wiping away invisible filth. It was clear that the man and his expensive looking suit was out of place but out in the Barron's people really didn't care why you were there or remembered your face.
The woman nodded again her almond shaped eyes glittered in the low light. "Again it was my pleasure. It brings me satisfaction to know that the client was pleased with my consultation. I will be looking forward to hearing from you again 'Mr. Smith' if and when you find work for me."
The man grinned and outstretched his hand as he stood. He was happy to end the meeting. It was a part of his work but he despised coming to these run down rat infested hovels to conduct business. "Rest assured Bake-Neko-san I will call if something comes up."
Hitmone stood as she watched the man leave giving him a polite bow as he left before seating herself back down in her corner booth. Her jade green eyes swept over the eatery and gave her plain view of the door and the rest of the establishment, while also providing her the luxury of having a brick wall at her back and side rather than the grimy glass encased in metal bars and mesh wire that most of the edged seats boasted as their 'fine' view points.
The waitress that came to ask for a refill on her tea was an ork. She looked up at the woman and nodded including a please as well as a thank you. Once the woman was out of sight Hitome opened the envelope and was pleased to find after some gentle fingering though the envelope five thousand nuyen. That was a good thing. It meant rent was paid for the month and the rest of the money she made at the club would used as nest egg or to buy something she wanted if she felt like splurging.
Content with the contents she slid the envelop into the inner pocket of her secure jacket and sipped her steeped tea.
-
"why thank you for the assistance Richard!" She replied as she sized up the man on the bike. "How lucky for me that you just happened to have an expediater on route!" There was no obvious sarcasm to her tones, yet the thought was there. Trust Delaware to attempt to step up a notch using her back.
"I'll take a lift!" Kahlia answered the biker as she stepped forward, knowing the risks but accepting them anyway. It wouldn't do for the company to be informed that she'd turned down an assist. She ran eyes over the man's bulk and wondered. If he was meant to balls it up, she'd make sure that she lived long enough to take Delaware down with her.
"You know what we're after?"
"I agree on that!" Alyss moved to the edge of the the parking lot and checked that no one was in sight, before stepping back into the shadows. With a well practised movement, she ran her good hand through her long glossy hair, changing the colour instantly from mindnight black to violent neon blue. Using the same tactic she had employed against Bishop, she altered the look of her clothing and movements, leaving behind the furtive manner she had employed in the back streets she was now brazen, confident and sexual. Had Bishop not seen her change, he could have been convinced that she was someone completely different.
"My guy should be in the main bar!" She glanced over the deceptively calm parking area, making sure that it was safe to cross. and if he's not, I'm going to kill the fucker After another sweep, she headed across the lot and went for the back door.
-
"Only in the vaguest terms," the biker answered, pulling away from the curb. "I'm not high enough up the food chain to know exactly what is happening. My instructions are to go where you tell me and do what you tell me, more or less. I guess Mr D didn't think I needed more information than that. I'm a leg breaker, pure and simple. I'm just more effective than most."
"If he's not, I'll bet there will still be ten guys happy to see you," Bishop said. "I'll be out here, since coming in will cause too much attention. Be quick though. My eye is starting to swell shut and I want to get home and put some ice on it."
The bar reacted the way bars full of men and beer always reacted when an attractive woman walked in. The buzz of conversation barely paused but several heads swiveled and at more than one table she was briefly the main topic of discussion. It was a masterful example of hiding in plain sight.
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:43pm - Hitome Yasuda
Hitome sat sitting her tea at her empty booth as she watched the new comers enter. If nothing it was always interesting to sit in such places and study social interactions with the Barrens folk. The latest new comers were different than the other barflies however. One was mildly cybered but the other she saw from out of the grimy window was heavily cybered and his aura also let her know that he was hurt. She sipped her tea calmly wondering if the large black man would enter.
-
Bishop chose a spot that gave him a little a clear view of the window. He'd be able to see the muzzle flashes if gunfire erupted. He might not be able to save the girl but he'd certainly be able to make somebody's life miserable. He'd also be able to more around to cut her off if she decided to hightail it out the front door without paying him. He reloaded the mini grenade launcher and reholstered it. He wanted to be ready in case the night wasn't over.
-
Alyss ran her eyes over the clientele once before she spotted him. Her guy was sitting on his own in the far corner, an exasperated look on his face. With deliberation she bought a drink and headed across the bar, smiling at one or two of the patrons as she did so. As she navigated the tight spaces, her eyes fell on the girl drinking tea on her own.
way to stand out girl she thought as she passed the table with only the barest glance. Her eyes taking in the details in one look.
"Well finally!" The man snapped as Alyss sat opposite him and placed the drink on the battered surface. "I've been killing time in here for an hour!" He placed a closed fist on the table, holding the credit stick before her.
"Well?" Alyss reached into her coat and pulled the small crystal from it's hiding place.
"Is that the amount agreed?" She nodded at the credit stick and held out her hand. "I'll check it, if you don't mind!"
"Knock yourself out!" He placed the stick into a reader and the numbers flashed across the screen.
"There's some missing!" She said in a cold, hard voice. "I was promised thirty for this!"
"If you got it here in time... you are..."
"Still on time, its not my fault you arrived early. I promised by midnight, well it's quarter to. I want my promised cut." Her hand around the glass tightened, if there was going to be a fight, she wanted to be ready.
"We've lost some information and we need to retreive!" Kahlia replied, her hands on the man's waist as they moved away from the scene.
"I'm guessing they'd be close to their destination by now." She felt the breeze buffet her as they hit the centre of the thoroughfare. "If not they'll have reached it." She tapped him on the right shoulder, indicating that he should take the next right.
"There's a runner hang out on the edge of the barrens, you know it?"
-
"The Rusty Nail? Yeah, I know it." The biker chuckled. "I know it well. Are we looking for hard copy or is this information inside somebody's head? It'll make a difference. Who are you, anyway? Mr D didn't give me a name. He just gave me a location and told me to pick up a company asset that would be grateful for the ride. Are you grateful or was he just getting my hopes up?"
-
"Hard copy!" Kahlia answered his first question. "It was an on-site extraction, no evidence that the girl was a decker. So she'll have it with her." She wondered at his jovial manner, quite unlike her champion's businesslike tone.
"As for who I am." She smiled before handing out her formal identification. "I'm known as the 'Queen'! and yes I am grateful for the ride." only in the sense that I'm not walking, if Richard sent you to total me, I'll be quite unhappy
Her contact saw her knuckles tighten on the glass and leant back. "You don't want to cause a scene now do you?"
"That all depends!" Alyss stood and walked to his side of the table. She casually draped her frame around his. "on what they all see!" She pressed her body against his, drawing amused and envious glances from around the bar, and held a thin tube against his side. "What I have here darling, is very potent but slow acting poison." She leant closer and her lips brushed his ear, "I stick you with this and you walk around for a bit before dropping dead. It may take days for the poison to work." He tried to pull back but her body pressed him into the chair.
"Now be sensible and pay me what you owe." Her voice was low and husky, her knee sliding easily between his legs.
"We can be friends then.."
The man gulped and reached for the credit stick, with several swift movements, he amended the amount and Alyss smiled. "There now, that wasn't so very hard was it!" She moved slightly, her knee sliding against his crotch as she pulled back and stared at him.
"You can get out of here now!" She handed him the crystal, gave him a brief kiss before letting him up. The man got to his feet and stared at the girl before composing himself and heading for the exit.
prick she thought contemptuously as she watched him leave.
-
"The Queen, eh? Hearts, spades, diamonds or clubs? It'll make a difference on what you'll be expecting from me. I know you aren't the Wild Queen. I've met her. She's a scary lady. Sexy as hell but scary." He drove past the Rusty Nail, checking the parking lot before turning around, as if changing his mind about not stopping in for a drink. "Speaking of scary, is buddy over there the one that took your last escort apart?"
Bishop watched the bike for a second, long enough to dismiss it as a danger or elevate his watchfulness. He almost ignored it but looked again. Looks like she found some more back-up. He debated just blowing them apart but decided that, given his condition, a two on one fight would not go in his favour. He reached for a cigar, didn't find one and finally stepped out of the shadows towards the bike.
"Nothing to see here," he said. "Package has been passed on."
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:45pm - Hitome Yasuda
Hitome's attention drifted back to the man and woman in the bar. What looked like an intimate encounter was actually a source of great interest to her. There was no lust coming from the man but fear. The woman herself was quite displeased thought she could bit make out the conversation the tension between the two was quite intense.
Beside her at the bar a louf chous of laughter and a playful shove send a man stumbling into her table her tea cup fell from the table but she caught it only losing part of the contents but the plain white cup did not hit the floor and shatter.
The drunkard stood up and she looked at the man for a moment with calm eyes as he muttered an apology before stumbling towards the bathroom.
-
"Spades!" She answered as they pulled up before the big guy. "Well that's him!" She said, pulling herself from the back of the bike as they rolled to a stop.
"Nothing to see here," She glanced up as the black man spoke directly to them. "Package has been passed on."
"I see!" She glanced over the man's shoulder. "I take it your partner's in there?"
Alyss' eyes had flicked to the disturbance at Hitomi's table and she noted the reaction of the drunk with interest.
neat trick she thought to herself as she picked up her drink and slowly walked across the bar. Through the mesh and glass door, she could see Bishop and the biker who had throttled her earlier and she continued walking, heading over to Hitomi's table.
"Do you mind if I join you?" She asked, mindful of the need to pay Bishop, but at the same time, unwilling to face that bitch again.
-
"I wouldn't call her a partner," Bishop said. "More like an employer. She's paying me to keep her safe and I intend to do that, right up until I get paid, so you can either sit out here and wait or ride on. If you go inside, you'll have to abide by there rules, not just mine."
The biker stood up. He was over seven feet and towered over Bishop, who wasn't by any means a short man. "I know the rules," he said. "I've played by them before." He obviously didn't find Bishop particularly intimidating. "People usually end up playing using my rules though."
"Careful, big man," Bishop said. "If I start to feel threatened, I start blowing things up and I'm really good at it."
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:47pm - Hitome Yasuda
Hitome looked up at the woman and shook her head. "I do not see a problem with that. The place is starting to get crowded. Please feel free to have a seat if that is your desire." She replied her voice as calm and soothing as midsummers night breeze.
-
Kahlia glanced at the big guy and then over to Bishop. "Easy!" She said to the biker. "This guy took out my champion, he's no slouch!" She looked up as the door to the Rusty Nail opened and a man walked out. She watched him approach, intriqued by the angry gleam in his eyes as he crossed the carpark and headed in their direction.
"He doesn't look happy!" She noted as the man came closer, his face clearly showing his displeasure with something. She watched as he walked past them, before turning back to the Rusty Nail.
"Let's go and have a talk!" She said finally, as she turned and headed towards the bar.
"Thanks!" Alyss briefly glanced out of the window before taking the offerred seat. She could see the figure of Bishop talking to the biker that they had dealt with before. She watched as her contact walked out past them, suppressed a mad chuckle and looked at the girl.
"I haven't seen you around here before!"
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:48pm - Hitome Yasuda
Hitome politely smiled as she reached for a napkin to dab the spilled tea from her finger tips "Perhaps it is a case of fate has not deigned for us to meet until this evening or perhaps it is just circumstance. Seattle is a large city and often we pass people without a second glance. My name is Bake-Neko." She replied "It is a pleasure to meet you. Are you here for business or pleasure?"
-
"Wirejam!" She responded with a small smile of her own as she traced a small pattern over the glass in her hand. "I was here for business, but that's all dealt with!" She glanced out at the other patrons and sighed. "and I just need to finish my drink and then I can head home!" once I'm sure those two are gone
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:49pm - Hitome Yasuda
"A successful business venture is always a pleasurable experience. Please do not think of me as being forward but I cannot help but notice you seem a bit tense tonight." Bake-Neko turned her head slightly to follow the direction of the people outside in the parking lot. "Is there a problem? If so I may be able to assist, after all I am a woman of business as well."
-
The biker laughed. "Relax. This is just two alpha males snarling and snapping and feeling each other out. We've shown each other our teeth and shown that we aren't going to be run off by a threat display, we'll settle into just growling and watching for a weakness. If you feel capable of taking care of business without me tagging along, feel free to head on in. I'll hang out here with the opposition and keep him out of your hair."
Bishop raised an eyebrow. "You talk too much."
"Anger management," said the biker with a feral grin. "They tell you to talk things through rather than just acting out the aggression. It's worked wonders."
"I'll bet it has. Turned an alpha male into a chihuahua."
"Hey, don't dis the chihuahua. If it wasn't for them, ten thousand rich old women would be trying to keep a cat from jumping out of their purses and we all know how hard that would be."
-
"It's a small problem!" Alyss responded as she watched Kahlia head for the entrance. "I've managed to conclude most of it, yet she..." A small movement indicated the biker walked across the carpark. "Doesn't know that its gone yet. I'd rather not continue our conversation from earlier as she might be the type to take my success personally!"
Kahlia entered the place without incident, her eyes flickering over the bunch of dead heads and drunks in the smoky atmosphere with barely a second's thought.
where is she? Her quarry was not immediately visible. that bastard had us fooled her eyes landed on several girls, yet none of them were obviously identifiable as her quarry. She crossed to the bar and ordered a drink, it wouldn't be right to enter and immediately leave.
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:45pm - Hitome Yasuda
Hitome nodded and passed the woman a card. It simply read 'Bake-Neko' "Magical Consultant & Problem Analyzing/Solutions' and had a number on it. "Its possible to leave without being seen if that is your desire." She replied quietly.
-
Alyss looked at the card and then back up at Hitomi, opening her mouth to reply. "I…" The door swung open and she watched Kahlia cross the room, glance about idly before turning and walking up to the bar. "If you could just keep that girl occupied.." She flicked her eyes in Kahlia's direction. "I would certainly be grateful in both mental and the money senses of the word."
Kahlia turned slowly on her bar seat and sipped the acrid tasting beverage, well I now know what dog piss tastes like and ran her eyes over the rest of the clientele. A rather sagging heifer over in one corner, drunk whore in the other, several hot girls draped over various guys very nice but not my girl. An oriental and her blue haired companion, black haired girl with her back to her..that might be her she got up and casually began to walk across the floor.
-
Kahlia's unsuspecting target sat at a table by herself, slowly sipping amber liquid from a tumbler. She didn't seem to be particularly agitated but looks could be deceiving. Perhaps she'd had enough to drink to take the edge off her nerves, now that her job was done. After all, the black man outside had said the package had been passed on. The question was to whom?
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:45pm - Hitome Yasuda
Hitome nodded "It would probably be more easy if you slipped into the bathroom. I could either hide you with an invisibility spell or alter your looks long enough for you to slip out and all for only fifty nu yen." She softly replied her eyes meeting the womans looking for and indicator as to if she was willing to continue with the transaction.
-
'Rusty Nail - Redmond Barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:45pm
"That might not even be necessary," a young man said, slipping into the seat across from Akira, being careful not to block either of the two women from an escape route. He was, like Akira, Japanese and, like her, looked slightly out of place in the bar. When seen with the mage's third eye, he glowed with the inner light of a physical adept. "I have need of a pair of attractive and talented young women. If it seems that you are here to meet me, rather than hiding from someone, your chances of escape increase considerable. Hide in plain sight."
-
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:45pm - Kahlia Bentwhistle
"Not to interrupt your relaxation but.." Kahlia stated as she slid around the table and into place before the dark haired girl, a cool smile firmly on her features. "Perhaps you could tell me who….." Her eyes slid over the other girl as she spoke and the words died on her lips. it's not her She thought with a sudden flash of irritation, noting the different shape to the girl's face, the way she met her gaze with confusion, she may look very similar to the girl on the road, but it wasn't her. She realised that the girl was staring at her expectantly and she finished with.
"Who hands out the jobs around here?"
'Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:46pm - Wirejam
Alyss looked up from her appraisal of Kahlia as an unknown man sat down before them. "Really?" She asked, with only the mildest trace of amusement in her tone. "And what exactly does this work entail?" She had been prepared to pay the fifty nuyen to get past the girl only two tables away, but it was always good policy to cultivate new opportunities. though it'll probably involve dancing in a seedy bar she thought cynically as she waited for the guy to respond.
I hope Bishop is a patient man she glanced briefly out of the window towards, hoping that this other guy wouldn't take too long.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:46pm
"That depends on the kind of job you're looking for," the girl answered. "Well, actually, no it doesn't. Your best bet is to start with the bartender. He'll either throw a note pad and an apron at you or point you to somebody who needs some help." She chuckled. "Of course amateur hour isn't until Thursday night, along with the karaoke contest."
"It is a simple job, easily done and well rewarded," the man said. "There are places I cannot go, because of my sex. Into these places, the pair of you could easily pass. All I ask is that you go into a specific room and open a specific window. Whether you remain or depart at that point is immaterial to me."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:46pm - Hitome
"Tell me a bit more about this job, sir. It sounds interesting enough..." She took the chance to read his aura in hopes of gleaning further information. As it seemed a specified total of Nu Yen to open a window in a place might seem like a good deal, but it was the way he worded it that made her uncomfortable.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:47 pm
"Tomorrow afternoon at exactly two in the afternoon, I wish a specific window opened. That is all I need. Once you have completed that, you can linger or leave, as you see fit but the window must remain open when you leave. You must do this as a pair because only in a pair will you be allowed access to the area." The man smiled, his aura showing a professional degree of calm and a slight hint of arousal. He didn't seem anxious or nervous. He seemed confident in approaching two total strangers and asking them to do this task for him. "I am prepared to offer you five hundred nuyen."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:48pm - Wirejam
Alyss' eyebrows flicked up slightly at the offered price and she checked the man over carefully. "What's the catch?" She asked after several moments of silent thought.
and do I really need to head out on another job so soon? She had been paid enough for tonight's work and her body felt the need for rest. She could feel the bruises forming already on her pale skin and knew that by tomorrow she would be in a world of hurt.
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:48pm - Kahlia
"Thank's for the tip!" Kahlia said with a smile. Her eyes flickered around the bar again, the blue haired girl's face was turned away, facing the man across from her and the two she was with... She quickly scanned the body language, they were doing business but so far nothing had changed hands. Fresh from her mistake with the dark haired girl in front of her, she was reluctant to dive into another.
Bugger her sub-vocal crackled into life, informing the man outside. I think she's finished business. I can't tell who she is clearly
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:47 pm
"Five hundred nuyen to walk into a women's only club and open a window and you ask what the catch is?" The man shook his head. "Maybe you're too paranoid for this job. Maybe you'll start acting like your the star in some spy trid. I don't need that kind of heatscore working for me."
"Keep looking," Lobo said. "Laughing boy out here hasn't been paid yet and she owes him large. Either you've missed her or she's in the bathroom, sneaking out the window so she doesn't have to replace buddy's truck. What's that? Sorry. Bishop's truck."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:49 pm
"If I may ask. Such clubs usually require one to have a membership. Will you be arranging this or will I be needing to enroll to get the job done?" Hitome asked quietly her eyes meeting the mans. If all he wanted was an open window in a fitness club what did she care. She would likely leave and that would be the end of it. And she would be 500 bucks richer.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:50 pm
The man gave her a keenly appraising look. "It is a women's only club," he said. "The first visit is free. Unless you've already been there once, there is no need for a membership. They are eager to have visitors, so that they might recruit from their ranks."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:50 pm
"It sounds good. I usually ask for half up front and the other half upon completion of the job. When do you need this to be done? I have to make sure it doesn't conflict with any of my other scheduled jobs. As well you will to provide me with the address? "
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:51 pm
"Tomorrow afternoon at exactly two," the man said, showing a very slight hint of irritation. "As I already indicated. I am prepared to give you one hundred each, on the spot. Not exactly half but enough to convince you that the rest is forthcoming. I assume script is acceptable?" He slid an envelope between them. "You will also find the address inside and a phone number. You may call any time after three, to make arrangements to pick up the rest of your payment. We will be rather flexible, to accomodate any other obligations you have."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:51 pm
"Well we aren't exactly a team so I cannot speak for her, but I will gladly accept your offer of 500 Ny and call you once the job is done." Hitome replied offering the man a smile and a polite nod of her head.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:52 pm
The corners of the man's mouth twitched upwards slightly. "I'm sorry if you misunderstood. It was not five hundred each but five hundred to split between you." There was a look in his eye that was a definite acknowledgment of the fact that Hitome scored a well played point.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:52 pm
"My apology for the misunderstanding sir. However if she declines and I am willing to accept,and preform the task adequately, I do not see why I should not get 500Ny since that is what your original offer was. I do understand you meant it to be for two people, but as a mage I can assure you I work discreetly. I could more than likely walk into this establishment without having to even gain a pass and leave without anyone being none the wiser to me having been there." She offered him a polite smile her jade green eyes appraising him and studying his aura. "What is the security like, if any in regards to man power and surveillance?"
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:52 pm
"It is a place that offers privacy and discretion, so you need not worry about cameras or guards," the man said. "There will be a check to make certain you are not carrying cameras but little beyond that. If this young lady declines, then I will be required to finds you another partner, for the same price. Pairs are the expected clientele. "
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:52 pm
Hitome looked over at the woman for a second waiting for an answer. "So you have an issue with using stealth magic to enter undetected and unseen. Pitty. I guess that will be up to her if she wishes to partake in some easy money or not. If that is an issue and she wished to decline please take my card and contact me before noon so I can make arrangements to meet with your alternative candidate."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:53 pm - Alyss
Alyss watched as the other two talked, smarting slightly from his words. So what if she was paranoid, it had kept her alive. She felt Kahlia's eyes on her and turned back to face the other two. what the hell.. two hundred and fifty and a chance to make new contacts
"Count me in!" She said decisively as she looked at Hitomi. "If that's okay with you?"
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:53 pm - Kahlia
On it Kahlia stood and walked across the room towards the bar, glancing at the blue haired girl as she walked by her table. she's the only candidate The girl was wearing black leather, strategically placed zips revealing smooth, creamy skin that was darkening slightly due to bruising.
of course she mentally cursed herself for being stupid, cyberhair She looked at the party and decided against walking into the group. Taking a table near the group, she sipped the drink and tried not to grimace at the acrid taste.
got her... she's in the blue do sat next to the Nippon and the Adept.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:53 pm
"I accept your offer." Hitome replied looking back to the man who had first offered them the job. "That is of course if it is acceptable to you sir."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:53 pm
"It is indeed acceptable to me," the man said. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you. Hopefully we can do business again in the future."
"Don't tell me that," Lobo said. "I'm just back-up. I'm keeping Bishop occupied with witty repartee and dirty jokes. He's not so bad. True professional. If you need to take her down, remember she owes Bishop some serious change and he'll be pissed if he doesn't get paid."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:53 pm
Hitome accepted the 100Ny up front and took the contact information, and where the club was as well as all the other odds and ends she felt were pertinent to the job. She turned to look at her partner. "Well it looks like I am done here for the night. Since you have no need of my services tonight I wish you well."
She stood and offered a formal bow to both parties though the man that had fronted her part of her paycheck did receive the deeper of the two bows.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:53 pm
Alyss accepted the other hundred and returned the bow to the Japanese girl. Straightening up from the bow, she glanced over towards the door. Kahlia was stood between her and the exit, her eyes were fixed on her face and a slow smile inched across the other's features as she stepped forward.
well so much for sneaking out Alyss thought with a touch of irritation as she moved across the sticky floor to intercept the other woman halfway.
"It's gone!" She said simply. "you were far too late!" She couldn't resist needling the other woman slightly as she caught the distressed look on Kahlia's face. "So there's no need to make a scene is there!" She said quietly, gently reminded the other of the barkeep's reputation.
Kahlia considered Alyss' words, for the briefest of moments, the image of running amok through the bar with guns blazing had held a real appeal. She clamped down on her temper and decided to be civil. "I know you didn't hand it to those two!" Kahlia said in a soft tone, her eyes indicating Hitome and the man. "So who did you hand it too?" Despite her calm exterior, she felt like shouting.
If I can't get that off her, is there any point in shooting her... who knows when we'll need such a runner in the future
Alyss considered for a brief moment, her fixer was known to most of the corps. A corp operative would have to be incredibly dense to tackle with one of the assets that they used.
"I handed it to Baron Taylor!" She replied truthfully and watched as the other girl's face fell. "He left five minutes ago.."
Kahlia grimaced, she'd wasted far too much time following the girl when she could have intercepted the guy on his exit.
"I'll be going now!" Alyss said with a bright smile. "I have someone to pay.." She walked past Kahlia, hoping that she wouldn't hear the drawing back of a hammer and pushed open the door.
"Fuck!" Kahlia swore bitterly as she followed the girl to the exit and they both entered the street.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:53 pm
"Well? How'd it go?" Lobo asked. He was leaning casually against a post, obviously having managed to forge some male bond with Bishop. "I take it either she handed it over like a lamb or it's long gone?"
Bishop simply extended his hand and twitched his fingers in the universal gesture of 'wheresmymoneybitch?'.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:54 pm
"Long gone!" Kahlia said with a bitter note to her voice as she approached Lobo. "Baron Taylor has it!" She reached the guy and looked at him.
"So let's go!"
and i bet you go running to your master like a poodle lap dog that was the kicker, not so much that it was her first failed intercept, but that Richard had to be there to notice it.
"Bishop.. Here's my end of the bargain!" Alyss divided a share of her run money from the credstick in her hand and placed it in Bishop's. One check revealed that she hadn't cheated and had in fact added an extra two percent. "Danger bonus!" She said, interpreting the look on Bishop's face.
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:54 pm
"Yeah, I'll use that bonus to buy a new fucking truck," Bishop growled. "I hope I never see you again because I'll take what I think you owe me out of your hide."
Lobo straddled his bike. "Well? Let's get a move on. Just because he has it doesn't mean he's home free yet."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:54 pm
"Well screw you Bishop... I held up my end of the bargain." Alyss replied with a definite bite to her voice. She'd been true to her word, not only had she paid him the grand he'd initially asked for and the added nine thousand for being shot at, she'd also tacked a two percent extra on top. She felt she was being more than fair, particulaly as she was now tired, dirty and coming out in lumps.
"You're lucky I didn't hightail it out the back!" She kept her fingers close to the handle of her pistol as she spoke.
Kahlia nodded and dove onto the back of Lobo's bike. "Hit it!" She wasn't particularly comfortable with riding pillion preferring the feel of the link between her and the machine.
hopefully if we chase him down, I can get back to my party
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:55 pm
"Girl, you don't have what it takes to throw down on me," Bishop snarled, a single finger resting ever so lightly against the strap of his Panther cannon. "So either take your hand off that gun or pull it out and see what happens to you. Your little adventure blew up my fucking truck, so an extra 200 nuyen is not going to make me feel better. And don't think you could have snuck out on me without having it bite you on the ass. I've got more contacts in this sprawl than you've had bed partners."
"He was moving on foot the last time I saw him, heading in this direction," Lobo yelled to make himself heard over the engine of the Widowmaker. "Whether he got into a car or not I'm not sure. There wouldn't be time for somebody to fill the parking spot so if he did drive, we'll see a hole and then it gets easier."
-
Rusty Nail (greasy spoon& bar)- Redmond barrens- Wednesday August 13th 11:55 pm
"Do you think that shelling out twelve grand makes me feel great? I gave you our agreed sum, you didn't bargain for damage to your ride, most runners would have stuck with the initial sum. And let's face it, you did leave a trail that a blind man could have followed. Most people would have just stepped on the gas at being approached by a bunch of gangers. but not you, oh no... you had to use a fucking phosphorus grenade. Like that would just vanish under the radar as just another night of gang violence." She stepped back away from him and released her hold on her gun.
"Christ...isn't it any wonder that I usually work alone." She was tired, sore and completely pissed off, it did annoy her that he was angling for extra. It annoyed her more that he was right. Alyss knew that the guy had lost a heck of a lot in the combat. She took a deep breath and looked down at the credstick in her hand.
"But you have got a point.." She said finally in a more calm tone. "you did total your truck for me." She spun another two thousand off the cred-stick and tossed it at him. "Now take that and fuck off!"
Kahlia settled in behind the guy and easily leant into each turn. "sounds like a plan.." She called back, allowing her body to settle into the rythmn. They passed the car and Kahlia smiled. "Look's like our boy's on foot."
-
OOC: two grand isn't a 2% bonus. It's a 20% bonus.
Bishop took the extra two grand in silence. "You work alone because you can't find anyone who will work with you twice. God knows I won't and I'll be advising anybody who is thinking about working with you to think twice or get extra insurance. Your mouth buys more trouble than any ten people can afford." He didn't turn away but backed away until he was well into the extreme range of her pistol. He kept the cannon pointed away from her but didn't take his eyes off Alyss.
"Hold on," Lobo said, gunning the bike up onto the sidewalk. The front wheel came off the ground and came close to taking the pedestrian's head off.
"What the fuck?!"
"Can I interest you in a subscription to the Watchtower?" Lobo asked, once he'd come to a complete stop."
-
OOC I know.. Typo.. I'm sorry for taking so long to answer.. Writers block.
Bic
"Suits me fine..." Alyss replied with a definite snap to her voice. "You're far too fond of blowing shit up for me ever to work with you again." She kept her eyes on him until she had backed into the alleys.
"And think about this.. It wasn't my rocket or theirs that took out your ride.. You managed that little doozy all by yourself by sending out a heat seeker. You're lucky you got something for a demolition job you did yourself." She was in the shadows now, back in the city that she knew well. As she spoke those final words, she turned and headed into the streets and home.
Kahlia chuckled under her breath at the startled look on the guy's face.
like a rabbit in headlights She thought as the man turned an greenish white and looked at them both.
"What the fuck do you want?" He demanded, scared and angry at the same time.
"Well honey.. We want to trade.." Kahlia said with a kittenish tone to her voice.
"yes?" He questioned, curiousity entering his voice.
"Umm hmm..." Kahlia levelled her weapon at the guys throat. "Your life for that itty bitty package that bluebell handed to you.." She cocked the hammer on the heavy pistol and the man gulped.
"You have ten seconds and then we take it from your corpse!"
-
Lobo snorted. "Sure. Given him time to think about it. Hand it over or I will personally strip search you followed by body cavity search, even if I find it in one of your pockets." The big biker cracked his knuckles, then extended a hand. "Come on. Hand it over so we can all go home."
-
The man thought about it, looking at Lobo and the gun barrel nervously. His eyes kept darting from side to side as though looking for a way out. Kahlia slowly counted and still he made no move towards his pockets, neither did he protest.
"Time's up!" Kahlia said as she fired into his skull at point blank range, sending bits of brain and blood flew over the rain soaked concrete and slowly trickled into the nearby storm drain. Reaching forward with a brief hiss of disgust, Kahlia went through the guy's pocket's and eventually pulled the slim data crystal from an inner pocket.
"Well that's that!" She said with quiet satisfaction, looking up at Lobo. "Let's head back!"
Outside the Cherub's kiss bar August 14th 1.30pm = Wirejam
Alyss sat in a cafe waiting for Hitomi to arrive. The information was open on her lap and she glanced up every now and then at the door to the club, keeping an eye on the clientele. So far no alarm bells had sounded in her head, so she stayed put and watched out for the other girl.
-
"Nice!" Lobo cried. "I love a woman who won't take no for an answer." He flicked an imaginary bit of skull off his jacket. "Hang on. I'll get you back to your party before the rest of the ice melts."
-
Outside the Cherub's kiss bar August 14th 1pm = Hitome
A woman approached the table her curly black hair was swept up into a cute pony tail. Her skin was a warm latte color and her almond shaped eyes were a striking green. She looked as if she might have either an Asian Spanish background or perhaps even Asian and African. She wore a pair of designer sweats, something you would expect a yuppy corp wife to wear while she was out on a morning jog or heading off to an exclusive fitness club.
"Good afternoon I hope you weren't waiting long. I hope you are ready to head over to the club. We are working on a tight time frame."
-
Outside the Cherub's kiss bar August 14th 1.00pm
Across the street was a nondescript building that declared itself to be the
WOMEN ONLY
FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
BRING A FRIEND AND WORK OUT IN PRIVACY AND PEACE
A little research had turned up that the club was one very much a women only club and the members list was stored not on the matrix but in a stand alone system that was never connected directly to the net. It guaranteed absolute privacy to its members.
-
OOC That's fine, I just stuck a time in to kick the plot off.
BIC
Outside the Cherub's kiss bar August 14th 1.00pm - Wirejam
"No I haven't been here too long!" Alyss replied as she looked at the other woman, she too had changed from her appearance the night before. The bright, punky, neon blue hair had been replaced with a strawberry blonde loose braid and a set of contacts gave her irises a green tint. A pair of loose trousers were worn over a dark blue leotard and a tracksuit top covered up the bruises on her upper arms. Skillful application of makeup had removed any trace of powder burns and with the athletic figure she looked every inch the trophy wife.
"Well we have some time to wait." Alyss said as she casually tossed the braid over her shoulder and ordered a coffee in tones that sounded completely different to the ones she'd used the night before.
"Thanks!" Kahlia got to her feet and climbed on the bike of Lobo's bike. "First of all though, let's get this baby back to the boss and see how my guy's doing!" She didn't look at the leaking corpse as she eased in behind Lobo.
-
Outside the Cherub's kiss bar August 14th 1:01pm = Hitome
Hitome sat and nodded "Perhaps a quick coffee. However I was hopping to get the ball rolling since they no doubt will want to bore us to tears with how great the gym is and give us the tour and discuss work out packages and memberships. We have to be able to get past all that and get what needs to be done in less than an hour now." The young woman replied as she looked down at her watch.
-
Lobo grinned. "Still in surgery," he said. "No real prediction as to the outcome. Don't worry though. There's more where he comes from." The bike engine roared, the tire screamed and Lobo left a three meter skidmark as he pulled away from the curb.
The bike was fast. Lobo handled it with care, taking risks but not too many risks. The Widowmaker was well named. Most riders got rid of them within the first year, after a near death experience. There were always people willing to step up to try their skills, however so the bikes were always in demand. Lobo rode his like he'd had it for years.
The Barrens wasn't an easy place to navigate by any means. Nightly battles between street gangs and shadowruns gone very wrong made certain intersections dangerous. The route Lobo took out of the sprawl was twisted in the extreme. It ended when he made a sudden turn into a parking lot, where two limos were waiting.
Standing between them was Richard Delaware.
-
Kahlia felt her stomach lurch as she saw her old rival stood in the centre of the lot, yet she controlled her expression as the bike rolled to a halt.
Vaulting down from the back of the widowmaker, she pulled off her helmet, feeling the luxury of cool air against her skin as she walked across to Richard.
"Richard so nice to see you!" Her voice was politely warm as she neared the man. "Thanks for the loan!" She glanced over at Lobo as she spoke, yet her eyes never left Delaware.
Outside the Cherub's kiss bar August 14th 1:01pm = Wirejam
"Well I wanted to check the outside first and it's kinda hard to sit in a cafe without a drink before you.." She collected the drink in a disposable cup and glanced at Hitomi. "But now that's sorted, shall we head over?"
-
Richard smiled, a textbook perfect salesman's smile that looked remarkably genuine. "I thought perhaps you'd prefer to ride in a little more comfort," he said, geturing fluidly towards the limousine. "Lobo can be a little rough around the edges and overly enthusiastic at times. I'd hate for you to develop road rash." With a small wave of his hand, he dismissed the biker.
"Call me," Lobo said, winking at Kahlia. He spun the bike in a circle and roared out of the parking lot.
"Shall we go?" Richard asked. "We can discuss cab fare on the way."
-
Outside the Cherub's kiss bar August 14th 1:02pm- Hitome
The young woman agreed with a nod and the two made their way across the road and entered the health spa.
-
August 14th 1:05 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
The foyer was beautifully designed, with a small tranquility waterfall and a number of birds flitting about through a stand of small trees. A remarkably low key desk was set near one side of the only door that lead out of the foyer. Behind it was a cute but not gorgeous attendant who was artfully dressed and carefully made up to look as if she hadn't worked at it.
"Can I help you?" she asked, leaving off the usually obligatory 'ladies' or 'girls'.
-
August 14th 1:05 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA - Wirejam
Alyss looked at the girl for a brief moment before speaking, her voice resonating with an almost plummy, upper class accent. "My friend and I are looking for somewhere to exercise in privacy and comfort." She indicated Hitome with a bare wave of her hand. "We heard that you can provide both." She glanced around at the tasteful décor with an appraising eye.
"Thank you Richard!" Kahlia replied in the same calm, polite tones, nodded farewell to Lobo and shrugged out of her gravel scratched leather jacket. Beneath the heavy armoured jacket she wore a tight vest in dark red. She slid into the luxurious interior of the limo and drew out the long grips that kept her night black hair in place, the dark locks tickled lightly as they drifted over her shoulders. Digging into an inner pocket in her jacket she drew out a comb, a pack of wipes and then she proceeded to clean off the grime that the inner city had imprinted on her face. After several silent moments, she finished with her face and then she turned to her hair, drawing the comb through until it shone like silk. When she was finally satisfied with her appearance, she turned her eyes to Richard and smiled.
"It was awfully lucky that you happened to be out tonight, I may not have made the pickup without the assist!" If there was any sarcasm to her tones, her voice did not reveal it, instead she removed her predator from its holster and began cleaning the sleek lines of the pistol.
-
"Now Kahlia, this really isn't the venue for gun oil," Richard said, reproachfully. "These are real leather seats. He rapped on the window, seperating the executive section from the 'hired help' section. It swiftly lowered. "Do I have a volunteer who will take excrutiating care in cleaning my guest's firearm?"
There were a chorus of offers. Richard looked at Kahlia expectantly.
August 14th 1:05 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
Then you've come to the right place," the young woman said, with what might have been a hint of a sly wink. "Have you ever been here before? First time visitors are welcome but if this is your second visit, then you'll need to be a member to get in." She gave them both a shy, slightly apologetic smile.
-
"Just make sure they do a thorough job!" Kahlia replied as she reached past Richard and handed the predator through the gap. She wasn't particularly happy about handing over the weapon, but she had a back-up should she need it.
what is he after she didn't for one minute assume that he had picked her up out of the goodness of his heart or corp loyality. The two of them had been at each other's throats since they had joined the company.
She settled back in her seat and looked at him, noting the crisp lines of his suit as her eyes checked for weapons. not like he needs them with his possee in the back Her gaze travelled over his body slowly, checking for any clues to what he was feeling as she relaxed against the leather interior and allowed herself a moment of pleasure at the luxury.
"Hmm this is nice.." She murmurred finally, allowing a trace of lanquid sensuality to heat her voice. "It's so good to get out of the barrens!" She knew she owed him, but whether he'd want payment or to use her near fuckup to step ahead of the game she didn’t quite know. She doubted he would attempt to kill her unless he had been ordered to, incidental deaths of personnel due to personal feuds were frowned on. As the limo purred along the streets, she allowed herself to relax slightly as her brain filtered through different plans and scenarios. She toyed lightly with a strand of dark hair and smiled across at her old rival, deciding to play the gracious card.
"Richard thank you for the assist tonight! I definately owe you one."
August 14th 1:05 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA - Wirejam
"No this is our first visit!" Alyss replied with a regretful smile. "So we'll need the tour." She reached around Hitome's waist in a casual hug that suggested more than it actually showed.
-
August 14th 1:05 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA - Hitome
"You do have a rather lovely place." Hitome murmured offer the woman a shy smile "Do you charge by the month for your memberships or is it annually?"
-
August 14th 1:06 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
If the girl behind the counter noticed the embrace, she gave no indication. "It's an annual membership and in most cases it can be covered by your benefits package," she said. "There is a quick trideo that covers our facility, followed by a tour, before you can get started with your workout. Most people who become members list it as being one of the factors that influenced their decision." She indicated a card reader. "Can I get you to sign in? It allows us to keep track of who is new and who is not. You'll both be issued a one time only visitor's card, which will get you anywhere except the members only areas. Those are obviously off limits to prospective members."
-
"He'll do a fine job," Richard said. "He knows his weapons, as well as his limitations, which seems to be something you haven't managed to learn." He shook his head. "If you were out of your league on this one, you should have said so. If I hadn't decided to monitor the situation just to be on the safe side, you would have lost your opportunity to regain the package. It was extremely fortunate for you that I was keeping an eye on things. It would have been a shame if a blot of this nature had appeared on your record. It would have made us all look bad and in the current business climate, looking bad can be virutally fatal."
He paused, looking out the window for a moment. "So, what do you think you owe me?"
-
Kahlia looked at him for a long moment before speaking, she could have protested that the job was well within her capabilities had it not been for the nigger with the rocket launcher, she could have blamed the failure on her champion biting the dirt, but she kept her own counsel on matters like this.
"Well Richard I say like for like... you get in a jam, I'll do my best to pull you out." Her voice had dropped to a low whisper. "Does that satisfy?" It did cost her some to say the words, her dislike of Richard had etched up a notch this evening. The fact that he had monitored her run was enough to place a huge black mark against his name, not counting the dressing down that he was not qualified to give.
-
Richard looked at her for almost a full minute before he spoke. "If that is all that you feel you owe me." He tapped the glass and it dropped down. Kahlia's Predator was handed back, gleaming of gun oil and completely spotless. He inspected the pistol critically before turning it over to her grip first. "I'm sure you'll find it an adequate job. James, our passenger will be getting out here."
The limo pulled over to the curb. Richard smiled as the door opened. "Have a safe trip home," he said.
It was utterly black outside the car. He'd taken her deeper into the Barrens.
-
Kahlia looked out of the car and then back at Richard, her eyes hardening like diamonds as she took in the situation. Scenario's flashed through her head in tiny bursts as she shredded and discarded plans in the space it took to think of them. After a long tense moment, the silence was shattered as she chuckled, a long, low, mocking laugh. "Why yes dear I do feel that I only owe you that much.."
She leant forward until her lips brushed against his ear. "If you were hoping for something a little more personal, I'd say you overvalued the commodity and I pity you for your lack of foresight.." A sneer creased her lips as she pulled back and looked at him. "My offer is of equal value to what you have provided this evening and only going once. Clearly if this is unacceptable then your work this evening isn't anything special and I have nothing to thank you for." She took the predator and prepared to leave the car. "You have a lamentable lack of appreciation for my talents Richard and one of these days, it's going to cost you dear." She stepped out of the limo and stood on the rubble strewn street, a strong westerley tugged at her dark locks as she zipped up the armoured jacket before reaching forward to pick up her bike helmet. "I'll see you back at work on Monday!" She stepped back from the car, the data crystal snug and secure within her jacket pocket as she stood there, her eyes fixed on Richard as a small smile played about her lips.
"Have a pleasant drive darling!"
-
"Have a pleasant walk," Richard replied. "And really, Kahlia, you must do something about your ego. There are syphilitic ork crack whores I'd rather bed than you. Your reputation for being indiscriminate makes you a less sanitary choice." The door slid closed and both limos pulled away. They weren't quite out of sight when Kahlia felt the sting against her neck. The last thing she remembered before blackness closed over her was the sidewalk coming up and smacking her in the face.
She awoke to softness, although it wasn't the softness of her own bed. The pillows were decent quality and the couch was comfortable. The sheet over her was cream coloured linen, expensive but not unaffordable for the common man. The living room she was in didn't belong to a wealthy man but whoever they were, they made a comfortable living.
It was definitely a man's room, if Kahlia was any judge of decor. It was cleaner than she would have expected from a bachelor but there weren't any obvious feminine touches. Perhaps he had a maid. Perhaps he was gay. In either case, she was naked on his couch and her right cheek felt bruised.
-
Kahlia slowly sat upright, her eyes taking in the decor as she felt the cool air brush her skin. The memory of eating sidewalk came back to her in drabs and then her last comments to Delaware. As the sheet fell away, she became more aware of her state of nakedness and this, more than anything else caused her to stand in panic.
ahh shit...Where is it
It wasn't the thought of being naked in a stranger's apartment that bothered her, it was the loss of the small data crystal and her need to find that leather jacket and make sure she still had it.
"OW!" She managed to take two paces away from the couch before her legs gave way and she toppled painfully to the floor adding a bruised knee to her bruised face.
"Trixcodemafine I guess!" She whispered as she dragged herself to the couch and lay down again. The pins and needles that briefly swarmed about her body and jelly legs were the main indicators of drugging with that particular narcotic. Her regaining the use of her legs would be determined by exactly how much she had been doped with. She pulled the sheet back up and looked around the room again, wondering who had pulled her off the streets.
Richard could have had a sniper ready. But he would probably have had me shot and just taken the item unless....
She shivered and closed her eyes, unless whoever had her was keeping her until Delaware could post her AWOL. He would then be able to chase her down with full knowledge and approval from the company, take the info and waste her.
Why the hell didn't you fuck the man? You know that's what he wanted.. and you wouldn't be here right now... after all it is only sex and he's not bad looking all things considered and you would probably be home by now
Kahlia pushed her fingers against her temples and groaned, pissed at herself for badly mishandling the situation. She attempted to tap into the communications system and was unsurprised when the call failed to connect. Whoever had her wasn't that stupid.
-
OOC: Micula: I'll take drugs for $1000, Alex.
Alex: This drug was used on Kahlia.
M: What is Trixcodemafine?
A: Oh, that is going to cost you. The correct answer is Gammascopomine....
"You're a little far off the grid, ain't you?" The voice was female and sounded mildly amused. "Winslow said to tell you that you were drugged and to just relax. The effects will pass. I'll let him know you're awake, so he can get you home."
The woman speaking looked like she was one of the many variations on Hispanic. She also looked hard, in the way only those that have seen the dark side of the streets can be hard. She was wearing an outfit that made her look very much like a hooker.
-
OOC LOL... I had to come up with something
BIC
"Winslow?" Kahlia questioned as she took in the other girl's outfit and noted the lack of weaponry. don't relax too much you have no idea who she is.
She pushed herself upright and stared at the other girl, taking in as much information as she could, conscious of her unclad and therefore vunerable state.
"And err.. where are my clothes? I don't fancy running around out there with only these hanging out!" She said indicating her naked breasts with one wave of her hand. "As I recall it's rather cold out there!"
-
The girl shrugged. "Sorry, Dollface. Winslow brought you in naked. He's downstairs in the shop. I'll let him know you're up and you can discuss your clothing options with him. Love to stay and chat but I gotta get back to work. Can't make money standing on my feet." The girl disappeared through a door and a few moments later Kahlia heard much heavier footsteps coming back up.
-
shit Kahlia was now definitely nervous, that meant she had lost the data and it was an even bet as to where it had gone. Was this Winslow one of Richard's goons or something worse. She didn't hold out for the mythical concerned citizen, those types were rarer than gold dust. As the footsteps reached the top landing, she decided to sit up and face her 'rescuer'.
-
August 14th 1:07 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
Hitome nodded and offered the woman a shy smile. She signed in using one of her Alias's and pulled away from slightly from her partner so she could have space to sign in as well. "A tour would be lovely, but if the gym looks as nice as your front reception is, I will be delighted to have a membership. Do you have an indoor pool and steam baths by chance?"
-
August 14th 1:08 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
"Wet and dry saunas, an infinity pool as well as an Olympic sized pool," the girl announced proudly. "Be aware that the saunas are clothing optional. As soon as we can get your friend to sign in, we can start the introduction tour."
-
Winslow wasn't particularly tall and had a very slender build. He was well dressed but looked more like a librarian than a fashion model. There was something about the way he moved that suggested he was capable of significant speed but it wasn't any form of augmentation that Kahlia was aware of.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, staying well out of reach.
-
August 14th 1:08 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
Alyss stepped forward and signed the register as Maria Galloway, an old alias yet one that had never been deciphered. Despite the fact that she was here to do a job, she was intriqued at the sound of facilities here, perhaps once they had completed what they were being paid to do, she could join them properly.
"Lead the way!" She said finishing the signature with a flourish.
"Like I've been hit with a train, but I'll survive." Kahlia replied, noting the suppleness of his movements. an adept? she thought, noting that he was keeping an adequate distance from her. and not stupid either
"So you're Winslow…" Her voice was chatty and calm, yet her mind worked at a mile a minute. "I'm Kahlia. I understand you found me out on the streets, can you let me know of any details?"
-
August 14th 1:09 - 1:20 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
The short video was professionally done and presented the fitness club as a haven from a hectic world, a place of sisterhood and peace. Everyone was smiling and everyone seemed happy, even those that didn't fit the typical profile of the trophy wife. Although they were not prominent, there were fat women in the video and older women and even a few that were 'less than perfect'. The one thing the video didn't show was men. Even the narrator was female.
When the video ended, a door opened. The woman standing in it was nothing short of stunning. "Ready for your tour?" she asked with an impish grin.
"I can only assume you were dumped where I found you," Winslow said. "You were naked and, given the neighbourhood, I think you were lucky that I found you first. Loveland isn't a place a woman would want to be caught in during the best of times, let alone naked and unconscious. Is there anyone you need to call to let them know you're okay? Just remember, somebody dumped you here, so calling the last person you were with might not be the wisest of choices."
-
August 14th 1:20 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
Hitomes eyes politely swept the woman up and down twice before she smiled and nodded "By all means please lead the way."
-
August 14th 1:20 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
Alyss gave an appreciative smile at the woman's figure and hooked her arm through Hitome's. "You know I think this place is going to be one of the best decisions we've ever made!" She chatted conversationally as she followed the stunning female through the door and into the hallway beyond.
"So how long have you been established?" She asked as they started to walk.
Kahlia nodded and with a small bob of her head activated her sub-vocal communicator.
"Maria here!" A sleepy voice slid into Kahlia's ear as the call connected.
"Maria it's K!" Kahlia sat up to speak, unconscious of her naked body as she spoke into the internal mike. "I'm in Loveland and I need a pick-up... can you and Lil get down here?"
"Sure but why are you calling us? Surely management...."
"Not an option at the moment... Look can you get down here?"
"Sure.. I'll drag Lil up and we'll get started.. We'll call you on the outskirts and you can guide us in.. See you in a bit!"
The call finished and Kahlia glanced back up at Winslow. "Well I have people coming in." She stood, the sheets peeling away from her body as she moved towards the mirror. Before the glass, she stopped, running a critical eye over the new bruises that had formed from her encounter with the road.
"I'm glad you picked me up!" She said as she turned and winced at the large purple bruise on her left hip. "But I'm really curious as to why!"
-
August 14th 1:20 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
"We opened this branch four years ago," the woman said, carefully not noticing the hooked arms. "It's the flagship of our expanded facility style. This club has a wider range of features than you are likely to find anywhere."
She directed the two through an unmarked door. It lead into a large locker room. "You can store your things here," she said. "Members have a different area to keep their belongings and I know you'll both just die when you see the extras that are offered in the members room. Massage, aesthetics, dermal treatments, the works. You'd think this was a resort spa if you didn't know better."
Winslow smiled. "I guess the easiest way to explain it is to tell you that I'm the local sheriff. I keep the peace down here and make sure nobody hassles the girls in Loveland. We aren't in Loveland anymore, by the way. As far as directions are concerned, tell them to look for a store called Lucifer's. I can't offer you anything in the way of flattering clothing but I'm sure I can find something that covers, not that you seem too worried about being naked. And if you like, I can see what I can do about those bruises. You'll be a little tough but I should be able to manage something."
-
"Naked doesn't bother me from a modesty point of view!" Kahlia replied as she turned away from the mirror and gingerly ran a hand over the bruise, hissing with pain as she did so. "It bothers me from a weather and getting shot at perspective!" She beamed a quick grin across at him, before relaying the additional instructions to Maria.
"Well looks like I found a genuine knight in shining..." She said with a wry twist to her lips. It's a shame you're not a miracle worker as well She had to call back in, she'd lost the data, her bike and her champion all in the same evening. It would take something akin to a burning bush to save her neck in the corporation now.
When I see you next Delaware... she vowed silently, before looking back at Winslow.
-
"Hardly a knight," Winslow said. "Closer to Merlin, actually. I'm one of the awakened and I don't see any reason why I shouldn't use that power to protect those who can't protect themselves. The girls in Loveland have fallen about as far as they can go. It makes their life a little easier knowing that somewhere out there, somebody is going to listen when they scream in pain or terror. The pimps and I have an arrangement. They don't beat their girls up for having a slow night and I don't turn them into poodles and skin them alive. Even the gangs know better than to cause trouble down here. They come to me when they have disputes because they know I'm impartial and they know if they try to scrap it up in Loveland, I'll make sure none of them win."
There was no fanaticism in his words. He spoke as if he was simply stating facts and it was clear that he meant every word. It wasn't often a man was willing to declare himself to be the local judge, jury and executioner quite so boldly. Given what he had said, it wouldn't be hard to confirm it one way or the other. The company would certainly have information on someone so dangerous. Or so useful.
"Come to think about it, I just might be able to get you something to wear. What's your opinion of silk? As if I really need to ask."
-
"Silk... well next to diamonds I consider it to be a girl's best friend!" Kahlia listened to the man carefully, he seemed to be an anacronism and if he was on the level... well Kahlia wouldn't crucify him for it. There were far too many sharks in the pond for her not to ignore the level raft. She was still wary, there were far too many who would pretend friendship only to stab you in the back at a later point, however he did seem to mean what he said.
"Thank you!!" She said finally, sincerely, grateful for the help.
Next to Delaware, this guy's a prince..if he's on the level
-
"Hang on just a second and I'll see what I can do." He disappeared down a hallway, returning a moment later with a man's cream coloured silk shirt. It wasn't the greatest quality silk but it was real silk, a rarity in the age of cheaper synthetics.
"Put this on. There's enough material to provide you with silk underwear as well. I can't give you much in the way of support for the bra but it will help." It wasn't the greatest quality silk but it was real silk, a rarity in the age of cheaper synthetics. As soon as Kahlia had it around her shoulders, the material began to change. The arms shortened and the body of the shirt moved to wrap her body in the soft material. Somewhere pieces of the shirt detached and formed into separate entities, one crawling up to support her breasts, the other moving down to cover her groin. It was a unique sensation to say the least. The whole thing took less than a minute.
When everything was finished, Kahlia was wear a curve hugging sleeveless silk dress that perfectly matched her eye colour. It ended just below the knee but was slit to mid thigh. Winslow eyes it critically. "Not exactly a Suzi Chin original but it will do. Do you want me to cover the bruises? I can do that too."
-
"well that was interesting!" Kahlia said with a chuckle as the various bits of clothing stopped slithering about her form. "Are you this accomodating with all your guests?" She glanced at herself in the mirror, appreciating the sight before her.
"If you could deal with the bruises, I would be grateful." She wondered just where the guys talents lay and briefly entertained the thought of attempting to bring him into the company before she remembered the missing data.
it's entirely possible I may have to vanish It was a bitter thought, she had worked too damn hard to get to this stage then have it ripped away by Delaware and his cronies.
"so is this Lucifer's you mentioned, your place or do you just get the use of it?"
-
"Lucifer's is a bookstore," Winslow said, moving closer. "It also caters to the magically active, with fetishes and such." He paused, as if gathering energy. "You've got a significant amount of cyberware, so I likely won't be able to do much more than fade them a little but if that doesn't work, I can cover them. Hang on just a second...."
Kahlia could feel the pain fading. It didn't go completely away but things felt far better than they might have. Winslow seemed to sag just a little but rallied. He smiled. "So much for that one. Do you have a specific style of make-up that you favour? I wouldn't want to make you go against a signature style."
-
"I'm easy!" Kahlia replied, raising her eyebrows at Winslow. "So why are you being so...." She waved her hands back and forth as she looked at him. "attentive about my needs? I'm just happy with the clothing and a place to stop until my friends pick me up."
The brunette sank onto the couch and eyed him up carefully. "One thing I've picked up is that favours are rarely free so with that in mind, what do you get out of all this? Not that I mind your attention you are a very handsome man, but the deeply suspicious bit of myself needs satisfying."
August 14th 1:22 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
"Sounds heavenly!" Alyss placed her bag on one of the slatted seats and removed the light top revealing her trim figure and placed the jacket into the bag. "Well lead the way." She glanced around the locker room once, her trained gaze checking for cameras as she placed her bag into one of the empty metal boxes and turned the key. After carefully re-tying her strawberry blonde hair into a long plait, she made ready to follow the guide from the locker room.
-
August 14th 1:23 pm WOMEN ONLY FITNESS CLUB AND SPA
"Our own little Garden of Eden," the guide said. "Without the men or the snakes. If you'll come this way, I'll show you the fitness room. We have eighteen personal trainers and each member has one specific trainer assigned to them. You will work with your trainer to develop a routine, whether you're looking to maintain, tone up, lose weight or just stay fit."
There were no visible cameras in the locker room but there were a number of frosted glass windows. Their target was one of them.
-
"The deeply suspicious side of you is going to have to go unsatisfied," Winslow said, smiling at the compliment. "I do what I do because it pleases me to do so. If that baffles you, then so be it. chalk this up as an encounter with one of society's aberrations." He knelt beside her and reached out to stroke her cheek. His fingers stayed still for a few seconds, then he pulled his hand away. "Nothing dramatic. I assume you don't like to blend in but prefer to stand out in some subtle way. People will be drawn to your eyes. They'll have a hell of a time describing the rest of you but they will remember your eyes. I'm afraid I can't offer you footwear, unfortunately otherwise I'd give you six inch stilettos, in black."
-
"Alright then.." Kahlia smiled and stood, looking at his handiwork in the mirror. "I suppose I can consider this as one of life's mysteries," It wasn't as though she really had a choice, he hadn't disabled her headwear and he'd healed her. In fact there was no sign that he didn't mean what he said yet, it was still difficult to leave the suspicion behind.
"and lack of footwear is the least of my troubles at the moment!" She sighed and sat back down on the couch.
-
"True," Winslow said. "Do you have any idea who drugged you, stripped you and dumped you?" A bell rang before Kahlia could answer. "Sorry. Gotta go. The girl downstairs doesn't quite know the stock well enough to handle all the customers." Winslow turned and headed back out the way he had come in. He closed the door behind him but Kahlia didn't hear it lock.
-
Kahlia waited until she heard the footsteps reach the bottom of the stairs before she started to have a look round. A quick root through the drawers revealed only cutlery and tablewear. A cursory glance over the desk lamp and main lights and she was satisfied that there was no electronic surveillance equipment. She wasn't looking too throroughly, but there was no evidence that she was being watched and yet… She didn't feel alone, there was something in the air of the room, a presence. Kahlia looked around for the source and found nothing, whatever it was, she didn't feel threatened or uncomfortable.
I wonder
It could be a spirit attached to something and triggered by certain actions, or even someone looking from the astral but she didn't think she was being watched.
"K!" Her headset crackled to life. "We're maybe ten minutes away.. Let us know where you are!"
Kahlia stopped searching and gave directions, wondering not for the first time, exactly what had happened.
I bet the bastard had it all arranged
-
Lucifer's had an old fashioned red and white striped cloth awning that shaded the sidewalk in front of the store. There were benches on either side of the door, amazingly free of graffiti. In fact, the entire neighbourhood seemed free from the usual blight that tainted the urban sprawl. Loitering gang members were conspicuous by their absence. People seemed friendlier, more polite, as if they knew they had nothing to fear. The car that pulled up got lingering looks of envy and admiration but nobody got too close.
-
"hmm... looks like K fell on her feet!" The taller of the two women stepped out of the vehicle and glanced around the calm neighbourhood. "What have you heard about this place."
"Just that it has a mean sheriff." Her companion followed her out onto the street and straightened her jacket. Both girls were wearing discreet armour and carried modest firearms beneath their coats. "Well.." The taller of the two nodded her head at the shop and stepped forward. "Shall we go?"
-
Lucifer's was a very neat little store. It obviously catered to the newest of the new age crowd but it did boast a significant section on real magic. There was a tall man behind the counter, beside a young girl who looked like she was recovering from a week old black eye. The two of them were dealing with a young man who seemed far more interested in talking than paying. The girl looked a little scared but the man behind the counter just stood there nodding and adding the occasional comment.
They all looked up when the bell above the door rang. "Heather, can you see what these young ladies want while I take care of Phil?"
The girl nodded, looking relieved. "Welcome to Lucifer's," she said approaching Kahlia's associates. "What can I do for you?"
-
"Yeah.. A friend of ours is here!" The taller of the two girls walked forward and stood so that her features could be seen clearer.
"Name of Kahlia. She gave us directions to this place!" The other said nothing, her eyes flowing around the shop as she took in the d�cor and the objects on the shelves.
"Is she here?" Her voice wasn't demanding, yet it was crisp and businesslike and all the time her eyes roved around the store as though expecting trouble.
-
The girl looked intimidated by the pair and turned to look at the man behind the counter. "I-I don't know anything about that," she said. "You'll have to ask Winslow. He owns the store. I think he had somebody upstairs earlier but I think she left."
-
Having finally convinced the man to pay, Winslow was free to greet Kahlia's associates. "It's okay, Heather. They're here to pick somebody up. I hope you brought shoes," he added. "She doesn't have any. Follow me, I'll take you upstairs."
-
OOC Sorry to take so long, I've had writer's block
BIC
"Thanks!" One of the girl's said as they followed Winslow from the shop floor and upstairs. In the neat sitting room, Kahlia heard the sound of footsteps and settled herself back on the sofa, making sure that all traces of her rummage had been erased from sight. The door creaked open and she smiled as Winslow led in two familiar faces.
"I'm very glad to see-" She started but was cut off by the sharp tone of the girl on the right.
"Don't thank us yet�I'm not sure if you're completely secure yet." She threw a glance at Winslow and slung the bag she was carrying across the intervening space towards Kahlia.
"There's enough there.. Get dressed and let's go!"
Kahlia smiled, familiar with the gruff tone that masked concern. There were few people she could completely trust and these were two of them. Pulling the items from the bag, she removed a pair of bike boots and slipped them on. Against the silk of the outfit, they looked incongurous, but she didn't worry about that at this particular moment. Zipping them up, she stood upright and pulled a long trench coat from the now empty container. Slipping into the garment, she felt into the pockets and drew several credit sticks from the depths. A quick glance made her smile tightly, at least if she had to run, she wouldn't be doing it penniless. Her glorious eyes finally returned to Winslow.
"I owe you one!" She said with a brief smile as she reached up and brushed her lips against his cheek. Turning to face the other two, she nodded to the door. "Let's go ladies!"
-
"Just pay it forward," Winslow said. "And if there is fallout from what happened to you, as well as what you are about to do, please make sure it doesn't fall near here. I work very hard to keep this area safe. I'd hate to think that my kindness was misplaced."
He held the door so that the three women could exit. "Drive carefully and be safe," he said, in lieu of goodbye.
-
August 15th 12:12 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle
Raven sat on the curb near her favorite coffee shop. An extra large Columbian blend coffee (not that soy shit) sat next to her well worn guitar case as the twenty something year old woman strummed away on her guitar her fingers caressed the strings lovingly and skillfully as she sung away.
With it being prime time for it to be lunch the street performer was doing her best to bring in some cash to make ends meet. When times were hard she did somethings she was rather ashamed of. In truth she often took the occasional job here and there as a shadow runner. Most wouldn't suspect the girl of being into that sort of thing let alone being magically active.
The truth was Raven or Shaylee as her closest friends knew her as had run away from home in her early teens and had moved to the big bustling city of Seattle to lose herself amonst the crowds.
Life out in the small town she had grown up in hadn't been very kind to her and the close mindedness of her small town neighbours and adopted family had forced her to leave for greener pastures.
Life hadn't been easy for her. But not wanting to be tracked the girl did what she had to do to stay off the radar so she couldn't be tracked down. That meant having to busk to make ends meet most of the time or to take the occasional job here or there where she could use her magic to support a team of shadow runners.
The dark raven tressed girl had always had a penchant for songs from the 21st century times right now were fine for her. Her sweet voice rang out over the sidewalk and towering steel structures as people passed by. The beat was catchy as she sung and her fingers flew over the steel rings.
come on baby leave some change behind
she was a bitch, but I don't care
she brought our food out on time
and wore a funky barrette in her hair
come on baby leave some change behind
she was a bitch but good enough
to leave some change,
everybody's good enough for some change
the girl's got family
she needs cash to buy aspirin for her pain,
everybody's good enough for some change...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/ladyjallyn/Raven.jpg)
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August 15th 12:15 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle
Stalker stepped out of the downtown cafe where he'd eaten lunch. He didn't come downtown often unless it was a business related trip. It was habit more than anything else. It had been eight years since the incident that put his name on the grid and it was almost certainly just questioning that he would be wanted for but there was no guarantee of that and the alerts in the systems wouldn't forget if someone ran his legit SIN, no matter how long it had been. Besides, he enjoyed the look on the faces of people like the one behind the counter when made eye contact and saw the way he looked, obviously not anything like a corp or respectable citizen. Even more so the surprise when he paid with a credstick that came back and said he was a taxpaying legitimate citizen. He used it just enough to maintain the illusion in the system, yet another reason for the occasional visits into town. His concession to law enforcement was to leave his predator and the knife he normally wore at his thigh home.
And so, it was with a small self-satisfied smile that he looked up and down the street as he stepped out onto the sidewalk. He took a moment to breathe deeply and scent the air. It wasn't the, "great outdoors", but it was amazing how much cleaner it smelled inside Seattle proper as compared to the almost everywhere outside it. He listened for a moment to the sounds around him; traffic, people speaking softly to their phones or implants, the occasional shouts at other drivers or perhaps someone they're waiting to meet for lunch. He glanced up and down the street, with his astral as well as physical eyes. His sense of the astral had become as much a part of him as his physical senses were since he learned how to use them. He relied on them every bit as much in his work as well as personal life and he assenssed his surroundings as reflexively as he used his other senses to maintain his environmental awareness, the same way other people glanced around occasionally even when there was nothing to draw their attention.
His attention was caught by a sound in the distance. It was very pleasant voice, female, accompanied by a skilled guitar and both rang out clearly. She was singing an old tune and he listened to the lyrics,
she was a bitch, but I don't care
she brought our food out on time
and wore a funky barrette in her hair
It was coming from his left, probably a little over a block away, give or take. He turned that direction, looking for the source and started walking. You heard the occasional busker downtown but the cops tended to harass most of them outside of certain area's where it was trendy and avant garde.
He listened to the tune and began humming along with it as he strolled in that direction. She had set up in a parking lot, where the acoustics would work in her favor. As he walked he could see the occasional passerby glancing her direction and a few actually stopped to listen for a moment and would toss money in that direction and give the busker a quick smile and occasional comment about recognizing the tune or compliment her voice. She never answered back but kept singing and playing although he could see the nod of her head and brief returning smile in answer to them.
He reached the corner and stepped out of the sidewalk traffic to lean against the building wall nearest to her and listened as she wrapped up the song. He took a moment to study her more closely now that there were no people or other objects to obstruct his view. She was a pretty girl, with black shoulder-length hair. She was about his age, wearing a tank top and jeans. Her guitar was held nestled comfortably in her lap as she sat on the curb, a large cup of real, steaming coffee beside her. He inhaled a bit and found she had a pleasant smell, no perfume or makeup like most women. Her clothes were clean but they hadn't been washed in a couple of days. He caught a fading trace of old cigarette smoke and a few other scents to vague to nail down without being obvious and a getting inappropriately close. Her clothing was well kept but older and well used. He opened up his astral awareness to her and was surprised when he saw her aura flared with the brilliance that only the awakened possessed. She was clearly a mage and her aura was stable with the impression of, "order", for lack of a better word, he really didn't know how to describe it, that he had come to associate with someone who was aware of their abilities and could use them in a controlled manner. He grinned and chuckled softly to himself.
He waited until the sound of the last chord had died, flashed her a quick grin and tossed a decent tip into the tip jar, saying, "Too bad you aren't using even a little of the interesting talents you possess. You could make be making much better tips. Or is this just something you do purely for the enjoyment?"
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August 15th 12:17 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle
Raven blinked for a moment as if the entire world had vanished and that the music had absorbed her completely. In truth it had.
She looked up at the man, who had to around her age and looked at his clothing. He wore a pair of faded jeans and a t shirt and a pair of worn but well cared for boots. His dark shoulder length hair was kissed with the ocassional streak of silver and it was tied back in a braid and adorned with a few feathers and she couldn't help but notice that he was part native.
She blushed trying to recall what he had said. Something about talents...
The crimson tinged her cheeks as she laughed softly and looked him in the eye. "Talents?" She asked. "I sing because I enjoy it. It brings a bit of color to a rather dull and dingy world. I'm sure you understand. The world is an ugly place at times, I think its nice to be able to make it beautiful for someone even if it is for a few moments as they pass by."
She set the guitar down and took a sip of her coffee which had cooled some and waited for the young mans response.
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Aug. 15th 9:43 am 2058 - Downtown Seattle
"Ah, Thursday!" Patch muttered to himself rolling out of bed. He stands up and stretches letting out a growl that would frighten a small child. He takes his time getting dressed and heads into his tiny bathroom to relieve himself.
The small workshop / apartment has 3 rooms. The front room is the workshop. There is a nature chill to the air from the gray cinder block construction and the single bare light bulb danging from the ceiling in the middle of the room does little to warm the room. There are two doors in the room one that leads outside to the street via a heavy steel and heavily bolted door and is in the center of the wall. On the opposite wall is the door to the bathroom. The front room is filled with shelves of metal and wood parts and work stations with various tools. Next to the bathroom door is a hanging rack with various arm-like metal pieces hanging from it. Patch grabs one of the arms that has a dull hook on the end of it and screws it into the base of a metal frame that he is wearing over the remaining stub of his left arm.
He heads back through the bathroom that consists of a stand-up shower, a toilet, and a sink, into the 3rd room. This room serves two purposes, kitchen and bedroom. Along the one wall is a kitchenette with a small refrigerator. On the opposite wall is his bed. Next the bed is a chest. Patch opens the chest and pulls out a shirt and gives it a quick sniff test.
"Hmm, time to do das laundry." He puts on the shirt with some effort and buttons it up. Then grabs a pair of pants and puts those on, followed by a his boots which he is unable to tie.
He then goes to the wall at the foot of his bed and removes the face of a brick out of the wall to reveal a space in wall. Reaches into the wall and removes something rapped in a cloth.
He gently unwrapps the piece and inspects the hand gun inside carefully.
"Yah, little von you ist going to meet your new da tis mornink"
He then gingerly rewraps the piece in the cloth and sets it on the bed, grabs his duster and hat puts them on and then places the piece into an inside pocket.
He heads out of the heavy steel door to the street and locks the 6 various locks on the door.
He heads down the street to his usual diner stop and bellies up to the bar where his "friend" Issaac is wiping down the counter.
"Dzien dobry, Issac" he says with a toothy smirk. He knows Issac has no idea what he's saying.
Issac looks up at the mention of his name. "Oh hey, what can I get you?"
Without looking at the menu he says "I have special and coffee" he nods toward the back "I go vash virst, yah?"
"Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll get that special" he mentions and moves to the back.
Patch heads to the back and into the mens' bathroom. Shortly after Isaac enters the bathroom.
"Done already? That was fast."
"Yah, was easy." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the package and unwraps it for Isaac.
Issaac let's out a whistle. "That's a beaut', I'll make sure it gets delivered safe and sound." he takes the piece and places it somewhere behind his greasy apron. "See you back out front." And then turns and leaves.
Patch washes his hands and heads back out to the front.
He sits back down and soon Issaac comes out with a plate full of breakfast food. He places it down in front of him then grabs a couple empty coffee cups sets them down on the counter and fills them. He looks around at the empty diner and says "Mind if I join you?"
"My guest, please" and gestures across the bar to him.
Issaac pulls up a stool and grabs his cup of coffee.
Patch takes a bite of food then begans their typical small talk, "Vhat news, friend?"
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August 15th 12:18 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle
He couldn't help but laugh out loud as the she blushed. "Well, I certainly understand the need to want to paint the world with a bit little color of your own. The world can definitely be an ugly place but as ugly as it can be it can also be full of excitement, wonder and amusement. More often than not, they're all mixed up together. This being for pleasure, what do you do for money?" Stalker settled himself down and leaned comfortably back against the wall.
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August 15th 12:18 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle- Raven
"I do this. I sing for my supper as it were sir." Raven sipped her coffee again and adjusted her guitar strap. "It keeps me fed so I can't complain. What about yourself? You in Seattle to see the sights or just passing though or something else."
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August 15th 12:18 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle- Stalker
He quirked the corner of his lip up in a half-smirk. "It's always nice to be able to combine work and pleasure." he tilted his head to one side, "So are you just warming up or do the cops hassle you when you use more then your excellent but more obvious talents talents with of guitar and voice?"
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August 15th 12:19 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle- Raven
Raven shrugged "They tend to like me to move around. You know keep the man down and all that good stuff. But since I busk its not like I'm doing anything horribly wrong."
Raven hadn't really taken the clue that the man knew she was magically active. And once again heard him say the word talents. She felt a bit uncomfortable and looked at him. "I don't want you to take this the wrong way or anything but... I need to be frank with you. I busk thats it. So if you are looking for a date I'm afraid you got the wrong gal chummer. You got any requests?" She asked as she strummed the strings once more.
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August 15th 12:20 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle- Stalker
Stalker blinked once as he heard her reply. He assenssed her again, wondering if he had somehow been...hallucinating? Going insane? No, her aura was exactly as he remembered it. Was she playing stupid or just paranoid? Whatever, he would play along. He laughed, "If I were looking for a date, I'd just have asked you out. But since you ask, sure, I'd love to hear something. The last song you played was an older one. Do you know any blues from that era? My grandparents used to love Johnny Lang." As he waited for her reply he looked for any sign in her aura that she was scared or paranoid. He was now more curious but didn't want to scare her out of her wits.
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Aug. 15th 9:50 am 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Crusher 495
Isaac shrugged his massive shoulders. "Same old, same old," he said. "Except there was an elf in here earlier. Was looking for a gunsmith. Can't think of why he would have come here, except maybe to look for you. Chipped pretty good and colourful as hell. Hair all wild and three different colours. Sound familiar or is this a new customer?"
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August 15th 12:20-12;23 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle- Raven
Raven relaxed slightly no longer feeling like she was being stalked by the mans reassurances. She nodded sagely and re tuned her guitar.
"I'm more rock based than blues but I can give it my best shot." She replied apologetically. "But its nice to find someone that appreciates old music."
She sighed and focused on the sound of the strings for a few moments as she tuned and plucked until satisfied with the sound before she began.
Lie to me and tell me everything is all right
Lie to me and tell me that you’ll stay here tonight
Tell me that you’ll never leave,
and I’ll just try to make believe
that everything you tell me is true...
If one thing could be said about her it was that Shaylee loved to sing and when she did she put her heart and soul into it. From time to time her and her roommate Would get to do the occasional gig at local bars on weekends but her roomies detective work often left little time for such things. Still she didn't want to give up hope one day she would get a break. One day... She just had to be patient.
As the song ended she drained the rest of her now cold coffee and looked forlornly down into the bottom of the empty paper cup.
The open guitar case held some spare change but Raven had to refrain. She had already bought 6 cups since she had arrive at 9am. She had to admit life without coffee would be unbearable for her. But if she didnt come home with some cash for her roommate that would be even worse. Its not like Ember demanded cash but she did have the kindness to let Raven rest her head on her couch rather than to live on the street. Raven wanted to repay that kindness with being able to atleast pay the girl back with some food in the fridge or some cash that she could tuck into her wallet when she wasn't looking.
Ah that reminded her she had to do the same to Aaron. Aaron or Steelpoint as most knew him as was a former gang member that she had befriended and got him to turn over a new leaf. He had a good heart and Shaylee would from time to time crash on his couch to give Ember time to entertain guests or to just have the apartment to herself for the night. She really should take Aaron out for a few beers later in the week as a sign of thanks as well.
Raven shook her head and looked up at the man ending the musings in her head and drawing her attention out of the empty coffee cup. "Sorry I space out like that sometimes. It happens when my caffeine levels get to low. Was that alright? I mean the song? I'm just not very familiar with every artists music but I try to pick up a song or two from anything I happen across..
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August 15th 12:24 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle
The small wad of bills landed squarely in the centre of the guitar case. Raven looked down at the money, then up at the man who had dropped it. She had to shade her eyes with her hand to block out the sun. "I think you dropped in a little more than you wanted," she said. "How much change do you want back?"
"That's so you can buy some shit to put in your shoes," the man said, grinning wolfishly. "So you'll grow."
"Lobo!" Raven grinned. "Thanks. Alas, I think I'm not going to grow much more than this. I keep trying though. Maybe it's my diet. Not enough tacos and refried beans."
"Are you mocking me?" the man asked, fighting to keep the grin from spreading across features that were noticably hispanic.
Raven stuffed the wad of bills down her shirt and into her bra. "Uhm, no. Not at all. How's the nads?"
"Better. I've been avoiding that psychotic bitch and am looking for a woman who shares more than just an interest in sex and isn't looking to use my scrotum for target practice."
"I'd feed, water and walk you twice a day," Raven replied, giving him a genuine smile.
"Yeah but you'd still expect me to use the toilet and you'd expect me to lick my own balls."
"I guess we'll never hook up then."
The man Raven had called Lobo looked at Stalker. "Women. Sometimes there's no satisfying them."
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August 15th 12:23-12:24 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle
She began singing the song and Stalker became lost in it. He hadn't heard the song in over a decade but he found that he remembered every word. It had been one of his grandparents favorites and it immediately brought back memories that hadn't surface in many, many years. He could see them singing to each other and dancing around the living room of the house as his uncles rolled their eyes at each other and John laughed at both of them. He suddenly missed them all in a way he hadn't since he left everything behind when he was a kid.
He let the music wash over him and pushed the sadness away from him, making himself instead enjoy the music, her voice, the rhythm. It was almost hypnotic and he wondered again at the her talent. She had a gift, no doubt about it but she wasn't using magic to augment it. Maybe it was just the emotional context of the song but she had an excellent voice and while not a virtuoso, she was a good solid musician with her instrument of choice.
She clearly hadn't been worried him for any reason other than being a perv. Her tension had melted away immediately upon his reassurance that he wasn't, although, this wasn't the smartest reaction in the world in and of itself. He knew he wasn't wrong in his assessment of her magical state but couldn't comprehend her lack of comprehension to what he had been referring. Almost any other reaction to it he could get but this total blank? It was a puzzle.
The song ended and she seemed lost in thought for a moment as she drained her cup. She looked up from draining her coffee and asked him how he liked the song. With a slight smile he spoke in a quiet voice, "That was fantastic. It would be tough to imagine it being done any better."
He started to ask her if she wanted another cup of coffee when he became aware of someone stepping up to the busker. He would have ignored it as just another passer-by, one of many since he had been sitting her against the wall with the busker except for several things. One, he was tall. Extremely tall, over seven feet. Two, they were clearly his goal and people got out of his path as he stepped up to them. Three, Stalker could recognize a faint scent of gun oil about the man. Even if he wasn't carrying, he was someone used to being around firearms on a regular basis.
He glanced up at the man as he reached into his pocket but there was not the least sign of aggression in the movement so it didn't worry him too much. He watched the man tossed a wad of cash in the guitar case. The reaction of the street busker as she recognized him and the following exchange was worth the price of admission. She knew him on the basis of mere acquaintance and the banter between them was amusing and fun to watch. Yet another interesting addition to what was turning into a distracting puzzle. It had definitely turned into a good choice to come into town today. This girl who seemed oblivious and her friend Too Tall? 'Curiouser and curiouser, cried Alice!', he thought to himself.
When the man she called Lobo turned to him and said, "Women. Sometimes there's no satisfying them.", Stalker had to laugh out loud. As his life died to a chuckle, Stalker looked up at him, "I see you have learned one of the great truths of life. You have indeed begun your journey down the path to true enlightenment."
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August 15th 12:26 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle
Raven looked up at the stranger ad smiled. "Thanks you really are too kind. She looked back at her coffee cup and then glanced back at the dinner. "I'm running a bit dry it seems." she said as she turned the coffee cup upside down. "Girls gotta get her liquids into her. You don't mind if I zip in there and grab another coffee do you? You want anything Lobo or were you passing by? I was kinda thinking of maybe going to crusher 495 for some food and a cup of real coffee in a bit since the lunch rush has died. Can I entice you into grabbing some grub maybe?"
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August 15th 12:26 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle
This was an excellent opportunity for Stalker. "Tell you what, coffee is on me. You two catch up. Busking is pretty a earn by he minute while you work the crowd gig and lunch rush is prime earning time. Since I've sucked some of that time away from you it's the least I can do. Besides, I haven't tipped you for the request yet." And it also gave him the opportunity to take a few moments to assense Lobo and possibly gain a few clues about the relationship between them between their behavior and auras. He looked at the big man, "You want anything Lobo? I'm gonna grab a beer."
He sighed mentally at the fact that the dinner was enclosed and he wouldn't be able to clearly hear their conversation but even his hearing had limits. He was working on it but there was so much background noise it would have been impossible at this point.
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August 15th 12:27 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle-Raven
The young street performer beamed happily at the mention of free coffee. "Thanks you are a doll sir. By the way the names Raven." She replied as she repositioned her guitar and offered her hand out to him.
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August 15th 12:27 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Stalker
He gave her a small smile and leaned over from his lounging spot on the wall to shake her hand, "Nice to meet you, Raven. Most people call me Stalker. You're obviously drinking real coffee. Strong brew, columbian and black?"
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August 15th 12:28 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Raven
Shaylee nodded shaking the mans hand. "Yeah that be right. Nice to meet you. Man you got a good nose on you! Coffee connoisseur too are you?"
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August 15th 12:28 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Stalker
Stalker gave a small smile, "I do prefer real coffee when I drink it, just tastes better than the artificial stuff but not a true aficionado like yourself. The coffee in your cup didn't have any cream and most true connoisseur's drink their coffee a little on the strong side in my experience. Columbian blend is a pretty good guess since you're probably not willing to spend the cash it takes to get any of the rare blends made from real beans." He flashed a quick grin and winked, "Besides, I recognize the smell. My parents used to drink it constantly. No magic involved in that one."
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August 15th 12:29 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Raven
"Ah the good old days before everything had a soy product version of it produced." she sighed wistfully. "So coffee wise I do prefer to drink it black and unsweetened but sometimes milk and sugar are a nice treat. It adds something to a meal after dinner. Its like the perfect desert. Mind if I ask your a few questions Stalker? I figure its only fair since you've asked a few. How does one get a name like that?" She paused looking around dropping her voice some "It makes you sound like a shadow runner or something."
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August 15th 12:29 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Stalker
Stalker laughed, "I don't mind at all. My uncle's used to take me hunting a lot and started calling me, 'Ihakob qanasa pi, olepi iwan yong', which, loosely translated means, Stalks-With-Care. The former most people find unpronounceable and the later tends to be a mouthful." He cocked his head slightly to one side. "As for being a runner, if you can define what you mean by runner I can tell you if I meet those criteria."
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Aug. 15th 9:50 am 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Crusher 495
Patch strokes his chin in thought, "Not that I remember. Looks like vord gets round," he takes a sip of his coffee and thinks, "Vell, Thursday be new vork day. I meet vit him. He leave name, place, or time?"
His thoughts begin to wonder from the conversation, 'Looks like today may be a good day. It's nice to know that my talents are being recognized and word is getting around. And a meta-human too! Maybe he is from Tir Tairngire. It would be nice to start doing business with them.'
He continues to eat his breakfast as the gears in his head to continue to turn. 'But colorful, hmmm, could just be another ganger looking for an illegal upgrade. That's ok I guess, pays the bills.'
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August 15th 12:29 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Raven
Raven listened to the explanation of his name but was disappointed. He was fit and trim but she did often jump to conclusions. "Well if I have to explain what one is then the quick answer is not likely. Dont worry bout it. So what you do job wise then if I can ask? You bounce at bars? Security? Fitness instruction?"
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August 15th 12:29 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Stalker
Stalker found himself slightly amused at the hint of disappointment Raven exhibited. He wondered how the girl had lived this long like this without losing her naivety. and chuckled a bit, "Well, I do contract work mostly. Just about anything anyone is willing to pay me to do as long as the money is right. I've been paid to work as personal security a few times and if that counts. I know a lot of people who find work for me doing the odd contract job. I've never been a fitness instructor but I have taught other skills to a fairly large group in the past." He gave her a big grin, "Mostly people hire me to find and/or retrieve things they need or have lost though. Did you have something in particular in mind when asked?"
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August 15th 12:30 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Raven
"Nope not really. But what you describe could constitute as Shadow running if you have some corp hire you and wants stuff down under the police radar. If you are into that sorta thing you should give me your digits. I know people that know people that might be able to get you work. It might only be security detail or something but hey it pays the bills. You got any special selling features that would make someone decide to hire you rather than joe schmoo off the street?"
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August 15th 12:30 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Lobo
"There's nothing wrong with soy-caf," Lobo said, sounding mildly defensive. "Crusher isn't bad for lunch. Decent sized portions, anyway. I'm good though, Stalker. If I drink anything else I'll be pissing like a race horse. Be careful, though. Raven here can drink anyone under the table, pound for pound, if you're talking coffee."
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Aug. 15th 9:50 am 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Crusher 495 - Isaac
"He said he'd be back around noon," the troll bartender said. "Didn't strike me as a gang banger and didn't have a Tir accent. Bit of a character, if you ask me. He hit on Dave and Wendy. Both of them. At the same time." Isaac shook his head. "I'm not sure if it was for show or he really meant it. Hell, he blew me a kiss on his way out the door."
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Aug. 15th 9:51 am 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Crusher 495 - Isaac
"Good, I wait then. This guy sound like piece of vork. Maybe he like spend crazy credit." Patch chuckles which is very disturbing to anyone who isn't used to it. It's like watching Jabba the Hutt laugh.
"I sure you busy getting ready for lunch. I von't keep you. You have paper to read, maybe?" he takes another bite of his breakfast.
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August 15th 12:31 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Stalker
"In that case, I would be guilty as charged. I have done work for corps and I'm not a big fan of the various enforcement agencies. I don't trust any of them worth a damn but they do tend to pay better than average and you have to deal with less in the way of personal vendetta's. And I'm always looking for work. I've found its much more fun to say no than it is to starve", he laughed. He made a snap decision and decided to just assense Lobo now. He let his perceptions shift to the astral and glanced up at the big biker for a moment and gave himself a mental whistle. What he saw made him much more curious about the man. He had definitely tangled with some unpleasantness before. "As for selling features, they would be akin to Lobo's.", giving the man a half-grin.
"And I have no intention of getting into a caffeine competition with her, brother. I'll be lucky if I'm not wired all day just thinking about it. I prefer less exotic and easier to handle drugs, like alcohol. Give me second to go get yours, though", he said, rising to his feet.
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Aug. 15th 9:53 am 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Crusher 495 - Isaac
Isaac nodded towards a table which held a jumbled mix of newspapers, datafaxes and scandal scream sheets. "Should be something there that interests you," he said. "Should keep you occupied until lunch."
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August 15th 12:32 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Lobo
"Chummer, you don't know what my selling features are," Lobo said, his manner becoming more guarded and less friendly. "Raven and I have covered a lot of miles together. You don't know me well enough to start making assumptions."
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Aug. 15th 9:55 am 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Crusher 495 - Patch
OOC The timestamp keeps getting longer and longer
BIC: "Dzi?kuj?, my friend" with that he places his coffee cup and utensils on the edge of his plate and picks it up. He then lumbers over to the table and gently sets the plate down carefully as to not spill his coffee.
He spreads out his breakfast again and eats and drinks while perusing the papers over the table.
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August 15th 12:32 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Stalker
"Well, advertising in the screamsheets is usually more trouble than not, braggers aren't usually worth listening to and I respect the privacy of the people that hire me. So that cuts out the want ads, me telling them about how fantastic I would be at the job and most references. However, the world being what it is, the chipped or awakened tend to get the better jobs. If the simple fact you're not better than the average chummer off the streets hasn't played into your getting a job before, I'd be sincerely interested in knowing how you did it. It would be useful information to have."
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August 15th 12:33 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Raven
"So you are saying you are magically active then?" Raven said her eyebrows raised in surprise.
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August 15th 12:33 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Stalker
Stalker blinked at her in surprise. She really didn't have a clue about any of the hints he had dropped towards her, how had a kid that nice managed to survive this long and stay so completely innocent?? He chuckled and answered her, "Of course. Not like you but like him. A very different totem took an interest in me though. Don't you look at your surroundings every now and then?"
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August 15th 12:34 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Raven
"Not really no. I don't assense people without getting their consent. Its... I don't know... I guess rude. Aura's show a lot more than whats on the outside. I just feel its an invasion of anothers privacy. So I don't do it unless I have permission or unless its an emergency situation where it could save a life or really benefits me." Raven explained. Her stomach let out a rumbustious growl letting her know that perhaps the sandwich she had eaten last night had not been enough and that her body wanted more today than just black coffee.
She sighed and placed her guitar in its case. "I think food's calling my name. Normally I'd stay here but Lobo's kind donation today has allowed me to pack it in early so I can eat. Either of you guys feel like going to Issac's? He makes a mean burger and I know I wont eat all of it. Lobo you can have my left overs if you want I usually only manage to eat like 1/4 of a burger anyhow. Thats the joys of troll sized portions."
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August 15th 12:34 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Lobo
"Spilling other people's secrets is a fast track to places you don't want to go, Chummer," Lobo said, a trace of his totem's growl slipping into his voice. "They were calling me Lobo long before I had one come tapping on my shoulder at a particularly inconvenient moment. Not everyone is happy with the fact that we all drew an ace and they didn't even pull a face card. It scares them because they can't understand it. You're using all your free strikes and we just met. Maybe buying Raven and I lunch will convince me to let you take a Mulligan on first impression. You should decide quick, Stalker, before that alien brewing in Raven's guts bursts out and tries to take over the world."
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August 15th 12:34 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Raven
She unconsciously reached out to touch Lobo's arm and try to soothe him. "I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it Lobo. He's probably socially retarded like me at times. Don't take it too badly to heart. But Lunch does sound lovely and it be nice to have some company. You don't have a problem going to an orc and troll bar do you Stalker?"
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August 15th 12:35 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Stalker
He arched an eyebrow at Lobo, "Hey, I wasn't the one that asked to have it spelled out. I have no problem with keeping it under the table and don't generally lay it out on the table myself. You're right, I don't know anything about where you come from but you don't know where I come from either. I took my share of drek due to an accident of birth long before I got singled out to be special. I got no problem with anyone because of an accident of genetics." He smiled, "I do think this discussion would go down better with a burger and beer, though. How about we continue this at Crusher 495." He looked at Lobo, "How about we split the bill, that way Raven's covered, at least. I still owe her for that coffee and a tip for my request."
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August 15th 12:35 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Raven
"Alright its settled then. Stalker buys me lunch. And I can feed lobo my left overs and maybe another burger. He is after all a growing boy." she replied as she took the time to make sure her case was securely shut. "You need directions or you good to go Stalker?"
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August 15th 12:35 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Stalker
"I'm good to go. You guys gonna head straight there or do you need to make stop?"
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August 15th 12:36 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Lobo
"I'm good to go," Lobo said, slipping back into a much friendlier tone. He looked down at Raven. "You still have the training wheels on that toy of yours or are you riding a big girl's bike yet?"
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August 15th 12:36-12:37pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Raven
"I'm good no stops for me." She replied. "I'll meet you guys there and yeah I still have my wee beastie. And it doesn't have training wheels."
She gave the two men a wave and bounded off across the parking lot to a vibrant electric blue and wild orchid colored Rapier. It wasn't brand spanking new but it was clear that the bike was babied.
Raven slid the helmet over her head and secured her guitar case to the bike before she turned the bike over and started out of the parking lot. She gave the boys a final wave before leaving them both alone.
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August 15th 12:36-12:37pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle, Stalker
"I parked in the lot down the street. Be nice to get back into more familiar territory." Stalker turned and headed down the street.
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August 15th 12:36 to 1:15 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Lobo
Lobo's bike was a little further down the block. It was a Widowmaker, still in the factory black paint job. Few people were willing to ride the three wheeled speed machine. It roared to life and he was soon hot on Raven's tail.
The trip to Crusher 495 took over half an hour in the rush of lunch traffic. They arrived right in the middle of the diner's lunch crowd. Several of the mainly ork and troll crowd gave Raven and her two friends looks that weren't quite hostile but Isaac waved at them as they came in.
"Raven! Small coffee or is that a stupid question?"
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August 15th 1:15 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Raven
Raven had to vault jump up onto the dinner stool at her meager height for five feet and one inch but she grinned ear to ear and nodded enthusiastically at Issac's guess. Her shoulders just cleared the top of the dinners counter. "You betcha sir. As well as two burgers and an order of fries."
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August 15th 1:15 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Isaac
"I'm guessing you've brought friends," Isaac said with a chuckle. "Either that or you're shopping for a week. You just missed Aaron. He was was here for lunch."
Lobo just nodded to the bartender, who nodded back. His eyes moved to the door when the bell above it rang. He coughed once, then cleared his throat. It was the official Crusher 495 signal that some one was entering that a customer was waiting for.
The elf in the doorway almost didn't need the signal to catch anyone's attention. His hair was long and silken but was dyed red blue and green. His movements screamed chipped reflexes. His eyes lingered on Raven for a fraction of a second, but he said nothing. His attention focused on Isaac, who indicated a particular table with only his eyes. The elf nodded almost imperceptibly and moved towards the one armed troll who was just finishing the last of the newspapers.
"Afternoon," he said to the troll, in a voice Raven recognized but in a tone that was almost unfamiliar.
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August 15th 1:15 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Raven
Raven's hazel eyes flickered to the vibrantly colored elf's coif for a second before turning her attention back to the bar. She knew who Rainbow was but was surprised that there was no chipper or sexual innuendos flying. He was being all prim proper and professional. Who was this rainbow haired elf and what had happened to the Rainbow Anarchist who would try to do anything living or breathing, moving or still.
She sighed taking in the scent of Issac's cooking. It really didn't matter he was probably looking for some under the table work and first impressions were always a good thing. If a pass was made even with her back turned she would be sure to hear the bitch slap that the troll delivered. The thought made Raven chuckle.
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August 15th 1:15 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Patch
"Ah, hello" he shuffles the papers in front of him into a quick pile scraping them together with his metal hook and to the back of the table.
"Please take seat." gesturing to the seat opposite table. He then removes his hat revealing his heavily scarred face and damaged horn.
He then half stands and extends his good hand "I am known as Patch." Obviously named for the patch which he wears over his left eye.
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August 15th 1:16 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Rainbow Anarchist
"They call me the Rainbow Anarchist, for obvious reasons," the elf said, taking the troll's hand with his own, slowly wrapping his relatively tiny fingers one at a time around the trolls huge hand. His fingernails were painted with perfect glossy black polish. It matched his eye liner as well as his lipstick. "I've been told you do good work when it comes to reversing the effects of wear and tear on tools of the trade. What can you do with this?" He pulled a small bundle out of his pocket and carefully unwrapped it.
It wasn't difficult to recognize the forward sight of a FN-HAR assault rifle, even when it was an mangled as the one the elf was holding. There was blood on it and one of the supports was bent at a severe angle. Wedged between it and the other support was something that looked like a tooth.
"I know my gear well enough to know when I'm out of my league trying to fix it. Is it possible to fix or should I just go straight for a replacement?"
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August 15th 1:17 pm 2058 - Downtown Seattle - Patch
Taking his seat the troll surveys the mangled metal piece clicking is tongue, "Oh vhat a shame to see." He inspects the weapon sight like a jeweler appraising a ring.
"I not see one of these since I left home. Of course one I see in better shape." he rolls the sight around and looks at the piece from all angles, "It possible to fix maybe. I guess more damage than just this. Of course must see rest. You bring to my shop, and I give estimate. Ok for you?" He reaches into the support and plucks the tooth out. "You vish me to set in stock ... as trophy?" Holding up the tooth.
Patch learned long ago not to ask too many questions about the how or why concerning a job. However, he did like to suggest additional items for which he could charge.
He reaches into his inside pocket slowly and visibly as to not startle his guest. "Just need pencil for writing." He pulls a wood pencil from his pocket. The pencil is well worn and obviously sharpened by a sharp blade. He rips a piece of the newsprint from the top of the pile and scratches down an address. "Here is location. You knock 2 long 2 short. That vay I know it you. Is vun hour nuf time?"
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August 15th 1:15 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Stalker
Stalker was impressed with Lobo's ride and, truth to tell, a tad jealous. He absolutely loved the bike and if there was anything that screamed of absolute confidence in one's ability to ride more loudly, he had no idea what it could possibly be. His twinge of jealousy wasn't helped by the fact that his own Aurora, while in good working order, was getting old and starting reach the point where he'd have to rebuild the engine a second time or retire the old girl.
When they arrived at Crusher 495, he followed them in. He liked the place but had only been in here a handful of times over the years. The riot of smells as they entered the place hit him like a ton of bricks and it would take him a moment to mentally sort them all out. He had learned long ago that if he didn't do that when he first entered a new environment, he would spend the entire time distracted and any real conversation would be difficult. He felt an irrational irritation at the dog owners you sometimes saw that yelled at their dogs for wanting to sniff everything they could get their nose near.
He took a moment to check out the room and orient himself as they walked to the bar. As Issac was taking Raven's order he pointed to her and signaled that he was catching the bill. Stalker, looked at Lobo and grinned ruefully, "I must admit, I'm a bit jealous of your baby, Lobo. I'd love to have one of those sweeties by they are heard to come by."
He glanced around when the elf came in gave a big grin. He knew who it was based on reputation alone but he'd certainly never met him. He was glad to see his reputation for a style all his own hadn't been exaggerated in the least. He watched him approach the table where a scarred troll was sitting and kept half an ear out for their conversation. He wondered if his conversation was as colorful as his garb.
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August 15th 1:18 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Raven
Raven watched Stalker's attention drift over to the table. "Ah you are checking out Rainbow. Its not polite to stare like that. With the way he walked in hes in business mode. Usually he just hits on anything that breathes when hes not working. If you like I could give you an introduction." she smiled wryly "or a date if you are into that sort of thing."
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August 15th 1:18 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Stalker
He turned his attention to Raven and chuckled, "There's a difference between staring and looking. I've never met him before but know him by reputation. It's nice to see that the reputation for personal flair hasn't been overstated", he laughed, "And as tempting as you make it sound, no, I'm not into that sort of thing."
He cocked his head, "Although, the staring comment does remind me, your position on using astral perception is that you don't use it at all in general or did I misunderstand that?"
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August 15th 1:18 pm 2058 - Crusher 495,- Raven
Raven looked uncomfortable at the mention of being able to perceive. She ran a hand unconsciously through her hair and twirled a strand around her finger. The dark hair girl frowned. "I didn't say that I never look. I avoid looking because its rude and wont do it unless it benefits me in someway or if it will help someone. Like looking at someone thats gonna mug an old lady. I could look at him and go oh a mundie... and go cool ill use a stun bolt on him. Or uhhh yeah maybe call the cops cause hes magically active or cybered the the nines like Rainbow." she replied as she nodded in the direction of where the Troll and elf spoke.
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August 15th 1:19 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Stalker
"Let's call this a discussion on the ethics of magic, no personal involvement. People with the capability shouldn't look because its rude, is that right?"
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August 15th 1:19 pm 2058 - Crusher 495,- Raven
"Yes you can look at people but its rude to look into your neighbours house at night to see if they're running around naked. Theres looking than there's Voyeurism. I look at people the way people were supposed to look at people. Sometimes I don't want to look beyond skin deep. Sometimes the worlds easier to look at that way. " Raven replied her frown increasing as she twisted the hair between her fingers tighter. "You don't get it. Its what I'm comfortable with and I don't plan to change that.
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August 15th 1:19 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Stalker
"I get that's what you're comfortable with and that's cool. I just have a different opinion and was curious why your opinion is the way it is. I don't get why think I would want you to change your opinion. It's clearly a topic that makes you uncomfortable to talk about though, so I will curb my curiosity. Sorry to have stressed you out."
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August 15th 1:20 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Raven
"I know everyone considers it a handy cap, what I do to myself. But I like to try to live a normal life as much as I can." the young girl replied. She gave Isaac a thankful smile as he set a large coffee down in front of Raven. "Not everyone is thankful to have certain talents. I did what needed to be done to get the training I needed to control it so I don't hurt anyone. But I am far from a masterful street mage."
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August 15th 1:20 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Stalker
"It's not something I would choose on a regular basis but I wouldn't call it a handicap. If you do it on purpose and want to use it to your advantage, it will help you build your awareness of your surroundings and what people are doing. It allows you take make the most of other talents when you do choose to put them into play. I do that myself occasionally just to develop my awareness. But also people-watch a lot. It helps me when I have to locate someone or something", he said, giving her a small smile.
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August 15th 1:20 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Raven
"I know Ive had it explained. I just think astral space is freaky. I've been doing this mage stuff for three years now and I'm still not used to it. I mean I can do it. I just don't like doing it. But I'm like everyone else. I do what I have to do to not starve and keep a roof over my head." She replied quietly as she picked up her coffee cup.
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Stalker
Stalker laughed, "If it makes you feel any better, my first experience was a bit traumatic. I thought I researched insanity and hallucinations for a while trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I struggled with it for a couple of years before I found someone I could trust to help me. I've been using it now for nine years and I still sometimes see things that make me take a step back." His look became a bit more serious, "As for doing what we have to to keep food on the table, hell, thats life. It ain't the most fun part but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. The best part about what you can do as opposed to what most people can is that it presents you with more options. There's nothing wrong with that, you know?"
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495, Stalker
Raven nodded knowingly as she sipped her coffee. It was true people did what they did to survive. Just sometimes people took those limits too far. Sometimes people killed and she herself had blood on her hands that wouldn't wash away. It was something she wasn't proud of and there were days where she hated herself for it. With this 'gift' she should have been able to help so many but that never brought food to the table it only seemed when her gift was used to sneak cheat steal or harm that it ever benefited her.
There had been days where she had contemplated just O'Ding on a a few stim patches to make the magic die but she had heard horror stories of mages that had gone insane from losing such an integral part of who and what they were.
In the end she hadn't done it because she was a coward and as much as she hated being who she was she didn't know what she would do if the rumors were true. So in the end she did her best to avoid being a mage and focused on her music. Music made everything right in her muddled and confused world. It wasn't ugly or painted the red red of blood and blood money. It just excited and soothed at the same time. It was wondrously simple and yet complex and held more joy for her than anything else in the world for her.
She just sipped her coffee again and nodded as she waited for the food to be served.
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August 15th 1:20 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
"I'm looking for a quick answer right now, not a 'come in an hour and I'll give you an estimate'. Will it be cheaper to replace than repair and if I repair it, will it still do the job properly?" the elf answered, not picking up the piece of paper. "I've got a weapon out of service that I may be in need of on short notice, so I need a quick answer. I've been told you're the go to guy when it comes to difficult repairs. The fact that you were able to pop that tooth out that quick tells me you know your stuff. I couldn't get it to budge without using what I considered enough force to make the damage worse. So what's it going to be, Patch? Do I come and pick up the fixed piece in an hour or do I buy a replacement?"
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Lobo
"When Raven shuts up, it means she's not comfortable," Lobo said. "I'd suggest changing the subject, Chummer. She's got some big friends in this diner and they'll get upset if you make her too uncomfortable. They won't do anything in here because as long as you behave, they leave you alone. The violence will happen outside, when they start playing catch with your bike. Speaking of your bike, seriously, why are you riding a chick bike? You should get Raven to put you in touch with her main squeeze. He works at a bike shop. He'd likely be able to point you at a sweet deal."
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Raven
"I'm ok Lobo its alright. And Aaron isn't my main squeeze. We are friends." the petit dark haired mage replied as she rolled her eyes.
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Lobo
The tall man snickered. "Of course. That's why if you called him he'd be here in a heartbeat. That's why he quit the Dragons. Girl, he'd take a bullet for you and if you call that 'just a friend', you're one cold hearted bitch."
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Stalker
He looked at Lobo in mock affront, "Hey! She's a good girl and despite how old she is she can still make the kids think twice about racing her. Besides, she had what I needed when I picker her up. Speed and she was available. I had some friends in a go-gang and they knew how to tweak her and keep her running. I have to admit, she's getting long in the tooth though. I'm gonna need to rebuild her engine again soon, something I can't personally do, or replace her. If I could find a widowmaker, I'd be willing to do quite a bit to pay for it. Speed, size AND power. That would be fantastic." You could almost see him drooling at the thought.
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Raven
"He turned over a new leaf cause that was the right thing to do. He just wanted some support. And he is a nice guy but hes like you Lobo I look at you guys as my family not as fuck buddies. My friends are my family my support and strength. Its not like I have a great family like your army of mini Lobo's so I've come to make my own family out of the great people I've been blessed with meeting." Raven actually smiled it chased the dark clouds from her eyes. "You guys are good people. You can love someone without having to you know.. do it."
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Lobo
"Keep your eyes on the obituaries," Lobo said. "If you see a young kid in a bike accident funeral that is closed casket, wait a week and approach the family about buying the wreck. Chances are it'll be a Widowmaker without too many klicks and some scuff damage. A few grand and she'll be good as new. What exactly do you mean by mini Lobos, Missy? I don't have any kids. Just because I'm Puerto Rican doesn't mean I'm from a huge family."
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August 15th 1:22 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Lobo
Raven laughed "Well none you will fess up about anyhow. But with your background your family is probably huge." She paused studying Lobo "So you think you can finish a whole burge and half of mine?"
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August 15th 1:22 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Lobo
"Sure, I can handle a light lunch Lobo said," with a grin. "And for the record, youngest of twelve. There are no little versions of me. I'm the baby of the family."
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Patch
Caught slightly off guard, Patch looks up to make eye contact with the colorful elf, "Humph, I see." With the tone quickly becoming uncomfortably serious, Patch refocuses on the piece.
He looked at the piece again he then took his patch and moved it to his right eye to reveal an obvious cybereye. He focused deeply on the piece and noticed the marks on the sight that indicated the force applied to the mount. The damage to the sight itself wasn't all that bad and he could fix it, however an hour was pushing it.
"Repaired yes. vill it vork like new? No, unless you recalibrate. See here." he points to the marks on the mount, "force like this may cause sight to be off. You may aim at right arm and hit left foot." He places the piece back on the table, moves his patch back, leans back and continues "So, if you vant fixed proper, you come in hour with rest. I have this ready to be mounted. Then we mount and calibrate at short range. Best I can do without bigger range. You can get new sight maybe cheaper but still have same problem. So that vhat I can do."
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August 15th 1:21 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
"With a new sight, I just go out and shoot at a few small children and adjust the new sight," the Rainbow Anarchist said. "Win/win/win. Target practice, sight adjustment and I get to comfort a few MILFs. I'll be there in an hour, however, because I want to see how good your work is. I've learned not to let appearances deceive but your facing an uphill battle."
There was a screeching of tires outside the diner and the crunching, jarring sound of metal crumpling as it hit other metal. Heads turned to look out the window, where three men were getting out of a pick-up truck that had run over one of the motorcycles parked outside.
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August 15th 1:22 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Patch
Not concerned with the crash outside, because business was being concluded he continued "Vhat does not kill you makes you stronger. And I am far from dead." he pushes the paper with the address back over towards him as he stood. He grabs the sight off the table, puts his hat back on, tips the brim to Rainbow, and heads to the bar.
"Isaac, thank you my friend." and he slips a cred stick over the counter to him.
He then turns to head out the door to take a look at the accident as he passes by.
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August 15th 1:22 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Raven
The sound on metal on metal made Raven sit up her head turning to see what was going on. The men out front had crashed into a bike but it hadn't been her tiny Rapier, The were climbing out of their pick up but it was too early to tell if they were going to be coming into the diner to start shit or not.
She winced at the fact that the british racing green rapier that it had hit had belonged to none other than the colorful elf inside the dinner. Whether they were coming in or not was irrelevant cause Rainbow would be heading out to start some shit.
"Shit Shit Shit..." She whispered the Mantra between clenched teeth and cast a look at Isaac to warn him that things might get a touch snaky.
She hated looking but the Shadow Runner in her got the better part of her, besides this was a situation to make sure she knew what was entirely going on, it could save a life... The guys outside were looking for a fight. Lightly cybered but emotionally they seemed to be trying to pick a fight and had come to look for the Rainbow Anarchist.
"Rainbow you got friends." Raven called out to the elf. "Lightly cybered they just trashed your bike. The want a piece of you by the looks of it but be gentle on em though. We don't need Isaac's diner getting trashed."
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August 15th 1:22 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Patch
At the sound of female's mention of Rainbow Anarchist he stops in his tracks and quickly surveys the situation. First looking back to see the elf's reaction then to the girl that shouted the warning.
This could be bad, his next meal can't be shot down before he gets paid. Damn it I may have to get involved in this mess.
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August 15th 1:23 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
The elf nodded slightly to Raven, acknowledging the debt. "I'll try to keep the windows from getting broken, Isaac but I make no guarantees for the other guy," he said as he reached the door.
"Just keep it outside," the troll behind the bar said.
The elf nodded. He put a wide friendly grin on his face and stepped outside. "I swear, your sister told me she was legal before I nailed her," he said. "I hate to be the master of the obvious but dude, you just ran over my bike and your sister wasn't a good enough ride make a suitable replacement."
"What the fuck are you talking about?" one of the men asked. "I don't even have a sister."
"An effeminate brother, maybe? There was one that, right up until the moment of entry, I mistook for a girl."
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August 15th 1:23 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Raven
Even though he was outside she caught the opening greeting of the elf and choked on her coffee spraying some of it over herself and the bar top. "Oh jeeze... Nice a smooth Rainbow. As always he knows how to get them fired up. And they're off ladies and gentlemen..."
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August 15th 1:23 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Patch
Turning back to the female that issued the warning. "You think he need help?"
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August 15th 1:24 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven looked at the scene. "Well your client packs quite a punch. Hes a bad ass Street Sam. There are better but I'm sure he can handle 3 on 1. I'd be more concerned about you jumping in at this point cause it would associate Issac's joint in this whole mess. Last thing he needs is for someone to fire bomb the place at three in the morning cause they want a bit of payback, you know what I'm saying sir?"
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August 15th 1:24 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
The three men hesitated. "Is this the right guy?" one of them asked the man who had been driving the truck.
"What, like there would be more than just him that look like this?" snapped the driver. "This is the guy that busted up Craig."
"Is that his name?" the Rainbow Anarchist asked. He seemed calm and relaxed but his aura was tight with energy, as every fiber in his body prepared for battle at a moment's notice. "Well, you tell him he did quite a number on my rifle and that was an expensive piece of equipment. Fucked the front sight right the fuck up. I'll tell you what. Pay for the damage to the gun and the bike and I'll let all three of you live."
"Are we going to let a daisy munching pansy ass elf talk to us like this?" the driver asked, clearly not pleased with the way the Rainbow Anarchist was mocking them and trying to work his two partners up enough so that they'd follow him into the fight.
"Dandelion, not daisy," the elf corrected. "And for the record, I'm a carnivore, not a vegetarian. My diet consists mainly of ass, pussy, cock and your mother."
"Wow, he's a prick," Lobo whispered to Raven. "I've got ten nuyen that says the bald guy with the bat goes first."
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August 15th 1:24 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven looked at Lobo and shook her head. "I'm Naive but not stupid honey. I so ain't putting bets on this..."
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August 15th 1:24 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Patch
Looking down the bar to Lobo "I take that bet." Motioning to the seat next to Raven. "Mind if I sit to vatch?"
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August 15th 1:24 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Raven
"By all means pull up a chunk of real estate hun and enjoy the show. My bets is it wont even last five minutes." Raven replied as she slid a hand over her back pocket in her jeans. She always in case of emergency kept a few healing fetishes on her for times like this.
Whatever the recourse would be she would make sure that who ever lost would be patched up well enough that they wouldn't die.
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August 15th 1:25 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Patch
"Dzi?kuj?." He takes the seat next to Raven and turns to watch the events transpire.
"I am called Patch." and he tips the brim of his hat to the lady.
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August 15th 1:25 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Raven
"Names Raven." She said as she offered a to shake hands with him. It was always an interesting experience to see how people reacted to her. But Trolls and Orcs were cool. Shaking hands was an art form and it always marveled her to see her hand just disappear in a shake.
Admittedly she had never laid eyes on an orc or troll until she had run from home to Seattle. Her old home town hadn't been particularity tolerant of anyone that was different. "Its nice to meet you though. Never bumped into you before and I tend to float into Crusher least twice a week. Guess today was destiny. "
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August 15th 1:25 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Patch
Patch takes the tiny hand and applies just enough pressure to be felt but not enough to hurt.
"Hmm ... destiny ... yes" He is impressed by the small creature. She is dwarved by his massive figure and she didn't reacted at all to his disfigurement, his patch, or his missing hand. Very rare even for this neighborhood.
"I usually not stay long. How you say, eat and run. And I hard to miss." with the slight attempt at humor he smirks on the side of his unbroken tusk revealing part of his natural dentistry. The smile is almost scary instead of friendly, but he can't help it. It's just the way he's put together.
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August 15th 1:21-1:25 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Stalker
He grinned at Lobo's comment about watching the obits and thought to himself, thats an excellent idea. I'll bet I could find one pretty quickly that way and damn sure it would be cheaper than getting a new one, or even a used one in good condition. He listened to the good natured banter between Raven and Lobo with some amusement but he was a bit distracted. He was listening to them while scanning other conversations, particularly between the Rainbow Samurai and the troll called Patch. He was still cataloging the scents in the bar; People, clothes, detergents, the food, oil, leather, metal, dirt, you name it. The elf known as Rainbow wasn't acting in the flirtatious, flamboyant manner that was attributed to him by both reputation and Raven's comments. He must have something serious on his mind.
He both loved and hated active public venues like bars. They were fascinating places just due to the amount of raw information he was constantly bombarded with and the amount of information that could be gleaned in just a few minutes but it was difficult to focus on one subject at a time. He had gotten much better about it over the years but he still had to force himself to focus on things like idle conversation. He had just drug his attention to the conversation at hand and was about to ask a question of Lobo about what he felt were the top three pro's and con's of his bike when the sound of an engine being gunned caught his attention and his eyes snapped that direction. He grimaced slightly as the pickup hit slammed directly into the one of the bikes parked outside and the three men piled out. Damn, someone was definitely looking for trouble. He was glad it wasn't his bike.
When Raven warned Rainbow about the men outside his decided this was going to get very interesting indeed. He grinned when he heard the opening remark from Rainbow as he stepped outside and began snickering as the elf kept turning the screws. After the troll accepted the bet from Lobo, he said, "Clarify that bet. Are you saying the bald guy takes the first swing or he's the first one to get dropped? Cause I'll bet money that he'll save the the poor bastard thats trying to save his buddies honor for last."
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OOC Good grief there's been some activity.. Now I may run behind a little as I'm still suffering from the evils of Blockus Writerus and am finding it difficulty to come up with stuff.. But here goes..
BIC
August 15th 1:24 pm 2058 - Route 23 en-route to Krusher- Kahlia
She downshifted with a thought and swept across the carriageway with effortless style, with the help of old friends, she had managed to obtain a new bike and a decent set of equipment and now she was trawling downtown hunting for the one person who may be able to give her information. Several street punks flowed out into the street and she swerved them expertly, her cybered reflexes reacting faster than mortal muscles. As she moved into the stream of traffic, she let her mind drift over the events that had transpired two nights ago. Her best bet for the loss of data was Delaware, yet the smarmy bastard hadn't moved on the advantage. With the crystal out of circulation and no clear conclusion to the case, her bosses hadn't taken the ultimate disciplinary step, however, that was nothing to be satisfied with, it was only a matter of time.
Well Miss Bentwhistle.. I have to say that the board and I are very disappointed with your efforts… Mr Delaware pulled you out of a tricky situation and you still managed to lose what we sent you to retrieve. Needless to say, we are considered your current position with the company.
Her bosses voice echoed unpleasantly through her mind and angrily gnashed her teeth. Delaware had stiched her up good and proper, there wasn't any way she could return the favour unless she could find something on him and the only way to do that… She looked up, the bar was up ahead and stood in the lot out front, larger than life and as ugly as she remembered was the widowmaker. There was one lead she could follow and he was here slumming with the barrens natives.
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August 15th 1:26 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Raven
"Likely they will swing first. Rainbow's done something to piss em off. But it could be that they're humanist polly club members or their buddy was. Probably went off half cocked so Rainbow bitch slapped him and now they want pay back blah blah blah. Why do people have to be so ignorant?" Raven asked as she picked up her coffee and sipped it. It wasn't as good as the stuff downtown but you couldn't beat the price due to the size of the cup. Crusher 495 was just one of those places that you came back to due to the size of the portions and best bang for your buck.
She came by at least once a week to pick up a lunch order to go and had left overs afterward for another 2 meals.
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August 15th 1:26 pm 2058 - Crusher 495 - Stalker
"Oh yeah, I'm sure they'll swing first. He seems to be enjoying himself just enraging them and damn, he's good at it. I almost want a recording of this", he laughed. "But if that was a bitch slap cause he was annoyed, he has some serious anger management issues. I'd bet good money there's more to it than that."
Stalker looked over at the hulking form of the Troll that had just seated himself with the group, "I'm Stalker, by the way. Welcome to the party", saluting him with his beer.
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August 15th 1:25 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Patch
Looking back to Stalker, "Pleasure is mine."
He reaches into his pocket and pulls the tooth remain out, "I believe may be more than ... how you say ... bitch slap." and he holds the tooth up to show it to the group.
"How you know tis Rainbow Anarchist?", questioning no one in particular.
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August 15th 1:26 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 -Raven
Raven sipped her coffee for a few moments before answering. "I worked with him last year. There was an issue with a club I've done a few gigs at and they needed help. Rainbow helped. I just happened to be there to help patch people up when things went wrong."
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August 15th 1:26 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"I've never met him personally, I only know him by reputation", Stalker grinned, "Although Raven has threatened to introduce me to him."
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August 15th 1:26 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Patch
"He not vhat I expect from description. Him out there, he vhat I expect.", he says nodding towards the windows.
Returning his focus to Raven, "You medic then?"
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August 15th 1:27 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven blushed. "Oh its not like I'm a real shadow runner and I'm not a street doc either. But I do have heaps of first aid under my belt and I hate seeing people in pain. So on occasion I heal people. Its one of the few things I'm conformable using my magic for."
The young girl paused frowning "Like today... Rainbows gonna beat the shit out of those guys and afterward once he leaves I'll probably end up patching them up for the cost of my spell fetishes and a bit on the top if they have the money. I may be nice and all but healing takes a lot out of you physically and spell fetishes aren't free."
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August 15th 1:27 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Patch again is astounded by this strange little human. Fearless, charitable, friendly, and moral. She really is in the small percentile even amongst meta-humans.
"Vhy you care so much, you think they give you same kindness?" he changes his focus to the altercation outside. "I think not." He pauses dramatically. He is reminded of all the atrocities that he has witnessed since his travels have started. The brutal and cruel nature in which people have handled situations. How awful the sight of spilled blood and how awful the feeling of washing another ones blood off his hands. He wonders to himself would he be as noble as to stop and help a complete stranger. The sadness of the thought enters his tone as he continues, "Vhich is unfortunate."
How could this person be human? Maybe he has been hasty in his deep seeded anger for the race. Perhaps it is time to fix his thinking. However, it could just be another human act of trickery. He must remain guarded. Without turning back to the group he continues "You seem very honorable."
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"Sometimes people can surprise you patch. Sometimes bad circumstances or situations can bring out the worst in people. But I think kindness can bring on change. Its called paying it forward. Or so my gran used to say. Maybe I'm naive but I've seen proof that a good deed can have its own rewards." Raven replied with a smile. "I once had a guy try to mug me for my busking money. Two months later after talking to him and showing him and giving him emotional support he quit the gang he was in and now he works on bikes. Hes one of my best friends. So yes I think its worth butting myself on the line. If I hadn't he'd likely be dead now or in the same situation he was in. Sure it was only one person but like I've said to Stalker Sometimes you just have to show the world something beautiful and a bit of kindness from time to time." Raven sipped her coffee as she watched the men and elf outside. "I'd rather be Naive and have some impact on a few lives than be bitter and jaded and not give a shit."
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
"You still believe in dream." he shakes his head.
"Sometime dream turn to nightmare." almost under his breath "Sometime can't wake"
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven looked at Patch sympathetically her voice was soft as she spoke. "I've seen some unpleasant things and I do understand. I really do, maybe I haven't seen as much as you but I refuse to live in a nightmare. If you fight hard enough you do eventually wake. Have faith sir and find something that brings you comfort. The world isn't completely terrible. I might only be nineteen but living on the streets I did learn that over the years I've come to cherish the good times and even if those moments are fleeting, I've glad to have experienced them. Even the bad times... Well those experiences are things that I can use to help others with. Be it to avoid going down the same path or for other things. You know what I mean?"
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
He watched the scene outside and didn't interrupt or comment on the conversation that Patch and Raven were having. He could only imagine how tough his life must have been up till now. He didn't know what it was like where Patch grew up but being a Troll here wasn't easy and whatever accident had scarred him so badly sure as hell didn't make it any better, he was certain. The lose of his arm must have felt like Fate just kicking him when he was down. On the other hand, he seemed to have coped unbelievably well. He was obviously comfortable with his simple prosthetic which meant he'd had a long time to adjust and that he was a working gunsmith, let alone one with a reputation that could attract clients like Rainbow was damned impressive to say the least.
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August 15th 1:29 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Listening intently to Raven's sentiments pulls at him in ways unexpected. Damn, this was suppose to be an easy day. Pick up a job and get back to work. Now he's waiting to see if his client is going to tear up the place. And he's got a human making him questioning his beliefs and motivations. Things have been tough since his accident without doubt but he has managed to etch out a life for himself. He still has a dream, and he's working towards that dream. He's not all pessimistic, just a little cynical.
Smiling slightly, "Yes, know vhat you mean."
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
"The bald guy-" Lobo didn't get to finish his sentence. If he had, he would have lost the bet because it was the elven street samurai, rather than the bald guy who moved first. The arrival of the woman on the bike was the catalyst. His movements were so quick that there seemed to be no in between stage. At one point his foot was on the ground and in the next instant it was planted firmly against the chest of one of his three opponents, as if it hadn't moved the intervening distance. The man went hurtling backwards to collide with Kahlia's front wheel, dropping his pistol and knocking her bike over.
Even before the man hit the bike, the Rainbow Anarchist was on the move. He caught hold of the hand of the bald leader of the trio and, twisting himself around and under the man's arm, brought himself up behind the man. It placed his captive between him and the last man who was pointing a shotgun at him.
"Bad choice of weapon," the Rainbow Anarchist said. "Even with a smartlink, unless you're using a rifled slug, you won't be able to take my head off without giving your buddy a double barrel facectomy. Now, can we talk about this or am I going to have to make you all bleed before your ears will start working?"
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Patch
To Lobo: "How you like to pay?" with a slight smile.
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker whistled, "That is some damned expensive 'ware he's got buried in his neurosystem. If were ever to consider getting chipped, I want the name of the man who performed that surgery. Now that we have a standoff, do you think he knows the girl on the bike? She's probably going to come up spitting nails", he chuckled.
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Lobo
Lobo sighed and reached for his wallet and pulled out a ten nuyen bill. "I'll tell you one thing. If she goes after the Rainbow because he kicked the guy, this is going to get a whole lot more interesting. She's a pro as well, and I'm not talking the kind that works on her back. Knees maybe but not her back."
Baldy squirmed in the elf's grip but the Rainbow Anarchist was far too skilled at restraining unwilling victims to allow him to clear his partner's field of fire. "Stalemate," the elf said. "Now, are we going to discuss this like civilized men or do I have to pull a gun or a knife and start making corpses in broad daylight in front of witnesses who have already written down your license plate and called Lone Star?"
The man with the shotgun looked uncertain. "We didn't even think of that," he said, almost lowering his weapon but changing his mind at the last second.
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker quirked an eyebrow, "Well, this has definitely turned out to be a very interesting afternoon."
He caught the comment of Shotgun and shook his head, chuckling softly. The power of human stupidity never ceased to amaze him.
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August 15th 12:30pm 2058
Hitome had taken the time to excuse herself from the spa tour to use the bathroom. During which time as her partner in crime had kept the guide busy, she had opened the window to the gym.
She left and returned and the two of them completed the tour without so much as a scream gunshot or anything.
The only odd thing had been the wasps that had entered the window and when she had assessed them they were mechanical in nature. However she left her curiosity at the door it was time to head back.
Hitome had found it amusing that the job has been so safe and easy for what she had been paid. But it just goes to show you that sometimes not having a penis did you get you the work as a shadow runner.
She had parted ways with her partner afterward pleased with the smoothness of the run after the call had been made to let her Mr. Johnson know that the job had been completed.
All that was left was for her to pick up her cash which she did. Then later that night she doned on her waitress outfit for the gentlemen's club she served at and did her work.
Work had been uneventful her feet were sore as usual but that was par for the course for having to wear 5 inch stilettos all night.
By the time 3am had rolled around Hitome was thrilled to find herself finished at work and had gone home. After a soak in the bath and some time set aside to mediate the young Japanese woman was soon asleep.
The sound of the alarm braying woke her. 6 hours had come and gone quite fast. She got up and got dressed as she made her way into the kitchen to grab some soy milk and cereal to start off her morning.
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August 15th 1:28 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 -kahlia
As the body flew into the bike's path, Kahlia reacted, rolling from the back of the bike and wincing at the crunching noise it made as it swept along the road. Her body armour absorbed the impact damage and her ears rang from the noise her helmet made as it bounced of the tarmac. The lithe bodied biker slowed to a stop and pulled herself into a sitting position. The bike lay on it's side, several large dents and scratches along it's body. A mental calculation told her the repair requirements and she hit the roof.
"Holy fucking shit!" She swore loudly as she stood upright and headed for the downed guy. Reaching forward, she seized him by the ear and pulled him upright, before delivering a devasting blow to his face and breaking his nose.
"Never fall in front of my bike again!" She warned angrily as she pulled the injured guy by his ear towards the small crowd. "I don't care if you're fucking dying and need someplace warm to curl up, never get in the way!"
"Hey!" She shouted across at the anarchist, still holding the guy by the ear. "Since you ruined my paint job by sending your boyfriend into my wheels, I'm sure you'll be willing to pay me for it! So cough up some credits and nothing more will be said."
She seemed indifferent to the mexican standoff before her and stood before the group with an almost casual ease, yet a taut, alert stance told otherwise. If anyone tried to kick off, she'd be ready.
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OOC: Claire hun can I pls beg you to use a brighter purple. My corneas are exploding again :crybaby2:
You can take a look at some of the colors here http://elmwood-rpg.com/index.php?topic=35.msg24084#new Im thinking plum or orchid might work for ya
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August 15th 1:29 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
"How about I let you suck my dick and we call it even," the rainbow haired elf said. It wasn't entirely clear whether he was responding to Kahlia or making an offer to the man with the shotgun. From the expression on his face, the man with the shotgun wasn't sure either.
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August 15th 1:29 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker leaned back comfortably against the bar, signaled Issac for another beer, and asked, "OK, so whats the scorecard like? Who's the wiya and does anyone have any preference on the outcome of a conflict between she and Rainbow? 'Cause it may come to that given his mood if she doesn't."
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August 15th 1:30 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
"I on Rainbow's side" he said without thinking much about the comment. The three on one unsettled him enough, and addition of the women concerned him even more. He really didn't want to have to wait for the fixed sight to sell on the street market before he got paid. This women could mean the difference between eating inside Crusher or eating from the Crusher dumpster. She could obviously handle herself. So the question remained is this someone he knows or not?
"You think they know each other?"
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August 15th 1:30 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"Can't say I do. But then again Seattle's a big city and well yeah more than likely she can handle herself in a fight. Against Rainbow though?" She paused trying to look thoughtful. "I haven't checked to see if shes cybered or magically active. If shes not wired out the ying yang shes likely to get owned. Seems like today was a bad day to come down here for a bite to eat. Sorry Stalker, usually Crusher is a pretty laid back place. Its cozy and my home away from home. This sort of shit tends to irk me. Come on children cant we all just play nice and get along."
Raven shrugged and sipped her piping hot coffee. "Apparently not. Maybe I should offer her one of Aaron's cards. He could fix her bike and give her a good price. Most shops charge a left nut to fix stuff that really doesn't cost that much. And shes kinda cute and feisty he might like that in a gal."
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August 15th 1:30 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"She's chipped, looks like at least headware of some type at a glance but not sure what offhand without taking a long look. Can't tell if they know each other or not but she's not very worried so she thinks she's up to the situation, at least.", He glanced at Raven and smiled, "I've only been in a few times in the past and it was always pretty laid back. No worries on the action, doesn't offend me in the least and it's always interesting to see how the reputation holds up when you it isn't your ass on the line."
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August 15th 1:30 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Lobo
"She's fast and agile, so if she's chipped, she's chipped pretty heavily," Lobo said. "Trigger happy, though. I saw her blow a guy away because he didn't move fast enough for her. Don't know her well but I've worked with her. Might do it again if the price is right but it would need to be a very right price."
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August 15th 1:30 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"Duly noted. I can understand jumping in a tense situation but if it was pulling the trigger out of impatience, that's a little on the psycho edge for my taste if I can avoid it. Maybe she's got a little too much 'ware implanted than is healthy. It's been known to happen occasionally."
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August 15th 1:30 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Lobo
"What, you mean the cyber psycho?" Lobo snorted. "Urban myth, Chummer. I mean we've all heard the stories but it's always happened to your neighbour's cousin's girlfriend's art history teacher, never somebody you know. You're more likely going to be ganked by some street punk with a Saturday Night Special than a guy who's gone off the deep end because of too much cyberware."
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August 15th 1:31 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker held his hands up in front of him, palms out, "Ok, no argument about getting ganked by some idiot with a gun than someone who's lost it due to turning himself into a machine and I'm not saying it's even remotely common but you have to admit, there's some pretty weird drek out there and I'm sure we've all seen our share of it that's less likely than someone losing touch with their humanity because they've deliberately replaced as much flesh and blood as they can afford."
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August 15th 1:31 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"Yeah I've heard thats really common with mages actually. Its why you shouldn't mix magic and wires. And truthfully I've seen auras that were almost pure black. A guy I dated once was like that. Wired out completely." Raven frowned. "But yeah it didn't really work out. Men... Hmmph, uh... present company excluded of course."
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August 15th 1:29 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 -Kahlia
Kahlia looked him up and down through the tinted visor of her helmet and slowly pushed it upright, revealing flawlessly pale skin against raven black hair. Her features were almost fragile, yet there was nothing fragile or weak about the expression on her face. A hard, pissed off line creased her brows and a mocking, sarcastic smile played on her lips. "Much as I appreciate the offer, that ain't going to fix my fender." She replied finally, after looking at Rainbow with the expression of a buyer at a butchers. One quick push sent the guy in her hands sprawling to the dirt and she laid a foot across the back of his neck pinning him there.
"Look!" She spread her arms wide in an expansive gesture. "I'm not asking for a new set of wheels.. just the repair bill. Now as you sent this poor piece of dogmeat into my way, it's only fair to pay me the dough. If you don't want to, I'll be forced to take the price either out of your own transport or from your skin. I'm already in a bad mood, so the price I take from your skin will be more than would be necessary. Your choice sparky!"
Kahlia closed her fists and returned her arms to her sides, readying the monowhip concealed in her bike gloves. She would be happy to not fight this evening, but she was always betting on stupidity and the rainbow haired nutjob had thick bruiser written all over him in bright blue letters, too braindead to know when he'd caught shark.
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August 15th 1:31 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 -Raven
Raven set her coffee down on the counter and hopped off the stool. With care she opened up her guitar case and pulled out a card.
With even more care she opened the door to the diner. The exchange outside had been loud enough for everyone inside to hear because everyone had stopped talking and were now watching and listening.
The Five foot nothing dark haired girl peered out at the scene. "Um miss can I have a moment of your time before you start a royal rumble out here. It seems like you are having a bad day but the guy that hit your bike maybe you can have him pay for it rather than the colorful fella. Also I do happen to have a friend that fixes bikes. I think we could work out a deal. Would you be willing to maybe let things calm down a bit and come inside to discuss things. No one wants to see anymore violence in here and I'm sure everyone involved doesn't want the police involved."
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August 15th 1:31 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Stalker
Stalker watched Raven curiously and then started growing concerned as she headed to the door. Well, crap, my new potential job pool has just thrown herself in the line of fire to play peace-maker. He looked at Lobo, "Ok, now we may need to do something. If I go out there to back her up, it's just going to accelerate things. The girl is gearing up for a fight but she knows you. Maybe if we you and I went she would slow down. If not, it stacks the odds in favor of Raven not getting shot cause shes trying to play peace-maker."
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August 15th 1:32 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
"That would be my ride sitting underneath this bozo's pick-up truck," the elf said, making no obvious change in his attitude. "I should point out that the girl with her foot on your friend's neck is far more likely to snap it with a quick flick of her foot than I am to snap baldy's neck, so if you want to point your shotgun at a real threat, point it at her, because I'm all about resolving this with my skin intact and I'm sure you are. She's the one with no real stake in this and the most chance of just walking away. You hear me, Honey? Cut your losses and walk away before we end up with more corpses on the ground then there were a few minutes ago."
"Careful, Rainbow," Lobo said. "She's got a huge problem with inappropriate escalation of violence and coming from me, that's saying something." The tall physical adept waved at Kahlia. "Afternoon, Chica. How's the body count this morning? Have you hit your numbers or are you still under a dozen?"
The man with the shotgun took a step back so he could cover Kahlia and the Rainbow Anarchist. He was starting to sweat and it was clear that he was going to be the one who cracked first.
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August 15th 1:32 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"Hey Raven, lets go back in and we can get a cup of coffee. You've helped out and given an alternative but there's no need for you to be part of anything bloody. You won't be much help to anyone in the aftermath with a bullet in your gut if things go south." Pitched in hopes of only Lobo and Raven to hearing him, "Baldie reeks of fear and adrenaline, he's gonna snap any second", positioning himself for a clear dive through the door with Raven in case this explodes.
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August 15th 1:32 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven sighed and held a finger up to indicate to give her just a few more moments. Her hazel eyes flicked back over to the woman in hopes of hearing her consent and just come in for a few moments.
Despite the tense situation she doubted any of the participants were stupid enough to actually shoot anything other than their mouths. With a diner full of witnesses it would be assanine. Yes she was mildly nervous but she had faith that she was relatively safe. Being at the door or in a booth wouldn't help much anyhow if gun fire did break out. Bullets could still come through the diners windows to hurt the people inside. And Raven felt the risk was worth it. If she could defuse the situation it meant everyone inside would be safe as well as maybe everyone outside would be in better condition as well.
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August 15th 1:33 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Seeing his new friends run out the door, Patch took a moment to collect his thoughts. Raven was cute and cheery she may have some hope of easing the tense. Lobo knew the woman on the bike and might have a chance of talking some sense into her. Stalker, he was probably hoping for a fight. Me, I'm big and ugly and definitely wouldn't put anyone at ease. It was unlikely that they would say, Oh look a big, ugly, misfigured troll, let's all put down our weapons and sing Kumbayah.
Another thought kept playing through his head. A phrase one of the men on the ship use to tell him all the time. Don't bring a knife to a gunfight. He learned that it meant don't go into a fight under powered. But how fitting it was that the only weapon he had on him was his hunting knife and everyone outside had guns drawn. He truly would be bringing a knife to a gunfight.
He thought it best to wait inside until he had a proper opening, if needed.
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August 15th 1:35 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Kahlia
"Morning!" Kahlia replied to Lobo's hello with a calm cheeriness that could have been considered eerie. She glanced around the small group, she wasn't getting anywhere with the meat sack and Raven's offer did have merit. Still keeping her eyes on the rainbow hued moron, she removed her foot from her captive's neck and knelt at his side. "I think the lady has a point, your body did do the damage to my wheels. So just give me the money and you walk, I walk and we all go home happy!"
With shaking fingers, the man on the floor removed a credit stick and handed it over, Kahlia checked it, deducted what she needed and returned it before facing the rainbow haired guy before her.
"You can get back to what you were doing before you knocked me off my bike now!" She called over as she returned to her wrecked machine and looked at it sorrowfully. Reaching down, she seized hold of the large machine and slowly levered it upright, grunting slightly as she did so. Wheeling the large, heavily rigged machine from the road, she finally reached Raven.
"You said you knew someone who could fix bikes?" She asked as she propped the bike up on its stand.
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August 15th 1:35 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven relaxed a bit as the tension of the Mexican stand off calmed down a touch. "Yeah I do." she replied as she shook her head and held the out a distance from behind the half open door. "Just tell him Raven highly recommended his work and you can go from there. Likely an afternoon in the shop and he can get rid of the dents and the scratches."
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OOC: Claire, please stop deciding how the NPCs are going to act. The guy on the ground would not have handed over any cash. I'll let it go this time but not in the future...
August 15th 1:36 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
"Thanks for the lack of assist, turning him loose just when I had the guns pointed at you," the elf said, his tone nothing short of dripping with sarcasm. He gave Baldy a violent shove, driving him into the man with the shotgun. When the short scuffle was over, it was the rainbow haired street samurai who held the shotgun. "Now, would one of you three kindly tell me what the fuck possessed you to drive your truck over my bike?"
"You damned near geeked Dave," Baldy said.
"Dave?" The elf frowned, looking puzzled but the shotgun never wavered. "Oh, wait. Is Dave missing a tooth, part of his face and a pint or two of blood, not to mention his anal virginity and one of his testicles? His interference almost cost me fifty large, just because he didn't want me in his backyard. The real estate kind, not the butthole kind. I think he actually enjoyed that."
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August 15th 1:36 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Seeing the way the elf quickly reversed the situation, he could only shake his head. These punks have no idea what the hell they're doing. And now he was getting the story behind the damaged gun sight. He really should inspect that weapon carefully, the bio material that could be stuck in the barrel could cause problems in the future. That's if he can get the elf to listen to reason. At this point the altercation was all but over. The punks would be dead if they moved an inch in the wrong direction. I think it would be safe to get back to now, but I think I'll wait til everyone stands down just in case stupidity takes over.
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August 15th 1:36 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker was glad that the woman had stepped back from the edge that she was about to jump from and began to listen curiously to the story that emerged about what had happened to inspire the stupidity that had ensued while waiting to escort Raven back to her seat. It never hurt to be a little cautious when dealing with the unknown.
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August 15th 1:36 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495 - Kahlia
"Thanks!" Kahlia took the card and headed inside the club, pulling her helmet from her head as she did so. The noise level increased as the heavy bike helmet cleared her ears and the burst of sound covered the remarks from behind her. The dark hair bounced lightly off her shoulders as she headed for the bar and ordered a drink. She paid the barman and took a long drink, unwilling to deal with Lobo until she had properly calmed down.
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August 15th 1:36 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"I might even be able to give him a call now and see if they have any openings for this afternoon where they might be able to squeeze you in." Raven replied as she pulled her phone out of her pants.
Raven auto dialed and wasn't long before she got Aarons machine. She left a quick message explaining she had a friend that needed some repairs on a bike including removing a few dents and scratches. And what would a shop quote cost vs what he could give her quote wise if he did it under the table and on his own time.
Closing the cell she sighed. "Just gotta wait for him to get back to me thats all. But if he doesn't soon just call the number on the card and let know know you are the friend that needs the repairs done."
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"Hey Raven, while you're playing with your phone, lets go ahead and trade digits in case anything comes up", Stalker says, pulling his phone out.
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Patches watches as the 3 enter the establishment keeping half an eye on the elf for his next move.
As Kahlia approached the bar and ordered he couldn't help but look at her and let out an involuntary "Huph!" under his breath.
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August 15th 1:39 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven nodded and after a minute of keying in digits and exchanging information the petite would be rock musician and Stalker were on each others contact lists.
Raven went back to her coffee and visibly brightened when Issac came forth with the first plate of fries and told them that the burgers were not far behind.
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August 15th 1:39 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker smirked, seemingly at nothing, while he and Raven exchanged information and gave Issac a heartfelt thanks when the impending arrival of burger's was announced. He eyeballed his beer, trying to decide if he should order a another one now or wait for the burger and returned some of his attention to the tableau in the parking lot.
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495
Across the diner, a basso profundo voice began singing, almost quietly to themselves but forks against knives and spoons against coffee mugs picked up the beat. There was no pause in the eating or quiet conversation among the troll and orc diners but there was a definite indication that someone didn't belong.
Short People got no reason
Short People got no reason
Short People got no reason
To live
They got little hands
And little eyes
And they walk around
Tellin' great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feet
Well, I don't want no Short People
Don't want no Short People
Don't want no Short People
Round here
The singer was looking not at Raven but at Kahlia.
Isaac sighed. "You're new," he said. "You didn't come in with one of the regulars, so you're going to get hassled. We don't have many places to call our own so if you come in here and you aren't an orc or a troll, you need to have thick skin until they accept you."
On the other side of the diner, Raven's phone rang. "Can't give you an estimate over the phone and I can't say if I can do it under the table without looking at it. I might not have all the tools needed. Where are you? If it's close, I'll drop by and take a look when I get a minute. Wait. Is that 'Short People'? Having lunch at Crusher, are you?"
Outside, the rainbow haired elf was herding the three men back into their pick-up truck with their own shotgun.
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495
Stalker chuckled and shook his head, "Well, it looks like Rainbow has his issues well in hand", He gave Raven a small smile, "And no blood spilled."
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495
Raven nodded on the phone. "Yeah I'm at Crusher when can you be there?"
"15 maybe 10 minutes something like that." Aaron replied.
"Have you eaten yet?" she asked
"Yeah at Crusher about an hour ago. I'm surprised Issac didn't tell you."
Raven frowned "Oh yeah actually he did. I just forgot when the truck load of guys with guns showed up and The Rainbow Anarchist had to go outside to take care of things. Hes still working on that but it looks like in ten mins or so the scene should be clear."
"WHAT?!"
"I'll see you in ten minutes Aaron."
"Do you need help? I can bring people."
"Nah Im good. We're all good. But there are a few dinged up bikes that didn't faire so well... I see you soon ok?" She didn't wait for an answer but hung up the phone, pay as you go was pricey and as good of a friend as he was he worried too much. Raven looked content and as if the world was back to norm as she went back sipping her coffee.
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495
Raven had barely hung up the phone when it rang again. It wasn't Aaron calling back however. It was a number she didn't recognize. There was a pause on the other end, as if the caller were reluctant to speak.
"You probably don't remember me or if you do you probably don't want to hear from me. I already owe you huge, so I'm not even sure why I'm calling you, except for the fact that you are the most corporate person I know and this is a problem I can't solve on the streets. It's Josie. I run the Mohawks. You helped me out about a year ago, when some of my people got hurt pretty badly. You remember Dennis, the troll? He's in trouble."
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495
Stalker quirked his eyebrow ever so slightly and glanced at Lobo, wondering if he heard and knew what was up. He could smell the burgers and wished they would get out here soon. "So, Lobo, how does your bike handle? Top three pro's and cons?"
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Lobo
The tall physical adept gave no indication that he was party to Raven's phone call. He pulled his attention away from the window. "Leaving out the macho factor, it's surprisingly stable at high speeds. The double rear tire flattens out giving you a really forgiving platform, if you've got them inflated right. In a straight line. Turn and all bets are off. You've got one tire now trying to do the job of two and when you return to upright, the outside tire has to re-establish itself, so you wobble a bit as the two tires duke it out to restore a pressure balance when you straighten up. If you try to correct it, you're road pizza. Just let it go and it balances pretty quick. Comfy ride too. Good cushioning from the rear tires and the seat. It's laid out nicely if you're tall. No joking aside, Raven couldn't handle a Widowmaker. She's too small. She'd almost have to stand on the pegs to be able to steer and shift gears. Is the speed too obvious as a final pro?" He chuckled. "Smooth controls too. She's well engineered. As far as the downside, a Widowmaker is the definition of high maintenance. If you are even slightly out of spec, you're begging for a road rash because something will hesitate or slip just when you need it to be smooth or to hold. Expensive to run both in maintenance and fuel. Not a great bike for passengers either. Seat's too small for a second person if you're a big guy and it really affects the handling. Does the name give you a clue as to what the major con is? If you're not man enough to handle her, don't even bother stepping up. She'll bury you and after a new paint job, move on to the next man. Still want one?"
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August 15th 1:37 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker gave the big man a huge grin, "Well, leaving aside the macho factor, the biggest you've given me is the expense involved. Unless there's something weird with the regular maintenance adjustments thats something I can handle if I know the proper specs but I really don't relish having to pay out the nose in cash or favors every couple of weeks for someone to fondle my ride. On the other hands, if its something I can cover on my own, it's sounding like a pretty good sales pitch," he laughed, "I think I'm going to have to look into finding one. It's time to replace my bike anyway. I've been keeping her running for far longer than I should. It's past time for her to retire. Hey, Raven, if you hear anything about one from your chummer, I'd appreciate you letting me know."
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August 15th 1:38 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495
The Rainbow Anarchist had returned the shotgun, in pieces and had replaced it with an enormous revolver. He blew the three men a kiss as they drove away. He shook his head, holstering the gun behind his back. He stepped back onto the sidewalk and re-entered the diner.
"I'm going to be a little late," he said to Patch. "Can you hang onto that sight for me until I can swing by and pick it up?"
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August 15th 1:38 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
After humming and tapping his hook on the counter along with the song. He turned almost smiling to the Rainbow Anarchist. "But of course, you came by vhenever you ready. Don't forget to bring weapon. Too bad I not fix faster you could have used them, " nodding toward the front windows, "as sighting targets."
He looks over to the three that helped to resolve the situation. This might be a good opportunity to make some more street contacts. He looks back to the colorful elf, "If ok vith you I like to finish up some business here before heading to shop, ok?"
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August 15th 1:38 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
"Take your time," the elf said. "I'm not going to be able to make my appointment, thanks to a moronic red neck with an overly developed sense of neighbourhood. They're not so bad. Just trying to get payback for a buddy. He'll live, I'll live and so will they. No point in using them for target practice in broad daylight when there really isn't any reason to. And don't think I didn't notice the back up I had. It's appreciated."
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August 15th 1:38 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Half smiling to the elf, "Humph, don't get too mooshy. I just protecting next paycheck. Come, you vant drink before you go? By looks of bike you not going anyvhere too quick. Mine treat."
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August 15th 1:39 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Rainbow Anarchist
The elf shook his head. "I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep. Thanks for the offer, though. Don't take any wooden nickels while I'm away. If your work is as good as rumour suggests, I may have a few other things that need to be done. Do you do custom work or is it mainly repair, refurbish and replace?"
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August 15th 1:38-1:41 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven nodded "Well you will get to meet my bike guy in a few since hes coming over to check out this young ladies bike."
A minute later Issac had the burgers brought out and set them on the counter. The one pound patties and giant Kaiser buns were like seeing an old friend. Raven picked at her fries for a few moments before she took a knife from the counter and carefully cut the burger into quarters.
She glanced over at the Rainbow Anarchist and gave him a nod. Be safe and don't do anything too crazy." she said as her farewell.
For the next few moments the short musician was fairly silent as she dug into her food. She was ravenous a day of playing and living off coffee had let her know that her stomach was striking until it was full so so focused on that.
Once she had finished 1/4 of her burger the grumbling had stopped and she sighed in contentment.
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August 15th 1:38-1:41 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"Cool." Stalker nodded to the Rainbow Anarchist in acknowledgment as he took his leave.
Stalker let out a sigh of relief as the burgers appeared and tore into the food with gusto, giving Isaac an enthusiastic thumbs up after the first big bite.
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August 15th 1:39-1:41 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
"I vork vith anything vith edge or firing pin. I can do custom. May take longer depending on type of change and how hard to find parts and equipment." he shrugs "But if price is right anything can be done. You need anything you just stop by or set up time vith Issac."
This is turning out to be a good day. Looks like he may be getting a regular and if he plays his cards right a group to run some jobs with. After all he needs some target practice too.
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August 15th 1:41 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
Ravens phone rang and she paused figuring it was Aaron calling her back but the voice on the phone wasn't Aaron. "No... I remember you Josie I hope your crew is doing well." She replied as she held a rapidly cooling french fry between her slender fingers. When the news was announced that Dennis was in trouble the fry fell from Raven's fingers. "Dennis? What sort of trouble and how can I help?" She asked.
Dennis had been a troll that had helped her during a run just a little over a year ago. The large lug had a heart of a gold and a flair for fashion. He had actually helped design Stage costumes for her and Ember for when they played bar gigs.
She suddenly didn't feel so well. Her tone was not so bubbly and sweet as before. It was now replaced with an attentive calm as she spoke the the gang member. "I'm sot sure what I can do to help but start at the begging so I can get as much information as possible. The more I know the more prepared I can be."
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Josie
"You know he is in college, right?" Josie continued. "And that he played football? Well, he's been kinda moody lately and I finally managed to pry the reason out of him. The university has a pro scout coming by in early September to check out the team and he's being pressured to throw the session so that somebody else gets a shot at the big time. Dennis has an arm like a rifle and he can pick off a fly at a hundred yards, so if anyone deserves a shot at a football career, it's him. I can give you more details if you're interested but I'm running out of options. Football is his life and for him to be willing to play second fiddle they have to be pushing some serious buttons."
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Raven
"Yes Please tell me more. So they're wanting to rough him up break a bone or two so he doesn't have a shot at this or is it something more sinister?" Raven asked. "I'm at Crusher 495 right now could you maybe meet me here?"
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Josie
"Raven, he's a troll," Josie said, almost sounding amused despite the obvious concern in her voice. "Nobody tries to break something on a troll. No offense but Crusher is not on what I'd call friendly turf for me. I could show up but I'd need to show up with back-up just to be safe and if I brought enough back-up to feel safe I can guarantee somebody there would be feeling very unsafe. Can we pick someplace a little more neutral?"
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Raven
"Where you want me to meet you guys? I'll come to you if it makes things less complicated." She looked at her food. "Issac can I get you to pack this up to go? Just give the other half of my burger to that big lug over there." She returned her attention back to Josie. "How about I meet you guys at your place or have you guys relocated?"
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Stalker
Stalker looked at Raven and cocked an eyebrow but said nothing. He looked at Lobo to see if he had heard her comment and what his reaction to it was if so. He held up a finger to Raven to catch her attention.
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Lobo
Lobo accepted his portion of Raven's lunch with relish. Although it appeared so, his attention wasn't entirely on the food but where the rest of it was focused was anyone's guess. He clearly wasn't listening in on Raven's phone call or else he was staying out of her business.
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Raven
Raven caught Stalkers motion and raised her eyebrows inquisitively as she waited for Josie to answer.
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Stalker
Quietly to Raven he says, "You might try Loveland. There's a guy there that manages to keep things pretty calm and several groups are starting to use it as a neutral territory."
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Raven
"My friend seems to think that possibly LoveLand might be a negotiable spot since its as neutral as one can get in the barrens. Is that do able Josie?" Raven asked.
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August 15th 1:42 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Josie
"That wouldn't happen to be your ex Red Dragon buddy, would it?" Josie asked. "I don't run any whores down there so we'll be a little out of our turf but I've heard that there is a mage that patrols down there and he don't take kindly to anybody stirring up drek. I hope he's willing to listen to reason because I don't want to tangle with anybody that far from home."
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Raven
"Nope not Steelpoint. Just another buddy. We should be fine there but honestly if you want I can come into your neck of the woods. I could probably be there in half an hour. Im just waiting on Steelpoint to show up actually to access some damages done to someones bike out here. Couple of jerks jumped out of a truck with shot guns to try and stir up shit. Shits cleared but yeah someone needs an estimate. Can it wait that long?" She asked.
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Stalker
Having done his good deed for the moment, he turned to Lobo, "You OK, man? You're a little distracted."
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 -Patch
"Maybe burger not sitting good. You should try salad instead." the expression on his face and tone of voice make it difficult to tell if he's joking, serious, or just poking fun at him.
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Josie
"I don't know if I can wait that long, Raven," the voice on the phone said, a hint of amusement creeping into it. "The try-outs are next month. I can be there by three. What about you?"
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Lobo
"Nothing wrong, chummer," Lobo said. "Just keeping an eye open. Still waiting for the explosion, if you know what I mean. I'm not planning on jumping on the grenade so I'm watching for bad bounces so I know which way to duck."
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker smiled slightly at Patch's comment then nodded at Lobo and gave him a lopsided smile, "Your former running mate seems a bit out of her element. Do you think she's looking for you or is this just a happy coincidence?"
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August 15th 1:44 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"Three works for me Josie. We will see you then alright?" Raven ended the call but there was a lot on her mind. It was a bad spot of luck and ok maybe she had been overtly paranoid. Sports weren't worth kill for. She would just have to learn a bit more and do what she could to make sure Dennis would pull though and get his chance.
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Outside Crusher 495
The sound of a motorcycle protesting about the abuse it was being put through filled the street. Two things were obvious about the rider; he was highly skilled and he was in a hurry. His White Eagle swung into a parking spot, the tires smoking and screaming and he had the kickstand down and was on the sidewalk even before the last of the engine's sounds died.
He looked at the collection of bikes in the street and headed straight for the door into Crusher. "Raven?"
It was obvious that he was a grease monkey but it was equally obvious that he kept himself in excellent shape. His t-shirt was stained with a variety of different mechanical fluids but was cropped to reveal a set of well toned and well tanned abs. There was a tattoo visible on the inside of his left forearm, the feathered end of an arrow that started near his wrist and disappeared through a scar just below his elbow.
"Hey, Aaron!" Isaac called out in greeting. "She's over there, safe and sound and floating on a sea of troubles like a cork."
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August 15th 1:43 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Lobo
"Only one way to find out if she's waiting to get me alone," Lobo said. He slid out of the booth. "Sit down, shorty," he said to the newcomer. "You should know by now that nothing ever happens to Raven. Things happen around her."
He looked over his shoulder at Kahlia, then walked outside.
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August 15th 1:44 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker worked steadily on devouring his burger and studied Aaron. Always good to remember everything you could about someone you might want to keep as a contact.
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August 15th 1:44 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
With the meeting with Josie bumped forward a bit, she could sit down and enjoy her burger.
When Aaron walked in Raven waved him over. "Hey there thanks for coming. This would be my friend with the bike issue. She can take you outside to go over the damages and you guys can talk shop."
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August 15th 1:44 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Steelpoint
Aaron stopped and just shook his head. "You made it sound like there was a running gun battle about to break out and yet here I find you sitting calmly chowing down. You really hurt my head some times, Raven. You just really hurt my head. Which bike is it? From what I could see there were two that needed work plus at least one that is desperately in need of a paint job."
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August 15th 1:44 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"Ummm not the green one... And also yeah I said there was stuff going down but its overwith. If it was really that dangerous I wouldn't have asked for you to come over. Rainbow took care of it just before you showed up so were good. Why don't you ask the young lady which bike is hers..." Raven said pointing to Khalia.
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August 15th 1:44 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Watching Lobo get up and head for the door, Patch turns to Stalker, "You think she go she him?" he pauses not really expecting an answer. He looks the man up and down then asks the only question he really cares to hear the answer to, "So ... vhat weapon you use. I guess high caliber hand gun." he strokes his chin with his hand then ventures a guess, "I think maybe, Predator or Manhunter ... yes that seem like it fit you vell."
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August 15th 1:44 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
He followed Lobo with his eyes for a moment and shrugged at the initial question posed by Patch. He chuckled slightly and turned to look at patch as he guessed at Stalker's preferred firearm. "I do prefer my Predator if I have to use a gun. You must be a helluva gunsmith to have a reputation that catches the attention of the Rainbow Anarchist." He cocked his head to one side and eyed the troll curiously up and down, trying to get a sense for the person and where he came from. His eyes briefly flickered down to the troll's prosthetic and said, "I'm impressed by the dedication you have to your craft to have accomplished so much." He surreptitiously drew and slid his well-used but cared for weapon over to the troll, curious about what his reaction and comments, if anything, would be.
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August 15th 1:44 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Patch looks up to Stalker and begins to pick up the piece then looks at Stalker, "Is ok?" gesturing at the weapon.
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker nods, "Be my guest."
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
With quick flick of his wrist and a metallic click had the barrel in his hand and was setting the handle down on the bar with is hook. He looked down the barrel then picks up a napkin twists the corner and wipes the bottom of the inside of the barrel. He then exams the residue on the napkin for a moment. He then puts the napkin down picks up the hand, looks at the different mechinisms like a jeweler appraising a ring. After several tiny manipulations and inspections hit slides the barrel back into place flips the firearm in his hand and presents it back to Stalker handle first.
"You do vell taking care of dis." he smiles knowingly "However, it in need of work. You notice spread getting vider?"
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"Thanks. It has been getting a bit wider but I couldn't find anything wrong with it and it isn't too bad at this point so I haven't been too worried about it. I figured I would take it to a smith sometime and have them give it a once over."
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
"Barrel is old and vell used. Maybe been overheated once or twice. Makes barrel expand and cause spread to increase. Need new barrel mounted and calibrated. Also could happen from bullet scraping metal out of barrel."
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"I'd noticed that the rifling has some slight nicks and worn spots but I'm no gunsmith so I didn't know if they were significant enough to make a difference. Whats a ballpark figure for the work?"
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
"It like sex, anyfing in vay makes a difference. Hmm, maybe we exchange favor. Maybe you help me, I help you, yes?"
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker laughed, "OK, point taken. So what did you have in mind?"
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
"You see dis arm not vork so good, ya? Vell would like new cyberarm, but gunsmiding not going pay for it anytime soon. Need find 'supplemental' vork."
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker looked at the troll and considered for a moment then raised his Sight to more thoroughly and accurately evaluate him, "Gunsmithing is typically a support role. Do you have any particular specialty to bring to a more active role?"
If the speed and accuracy of his work was as good as his evaluation of his weapon, he had just found himself a new gunsmith but a general, active role in a run was a different beast altogether.
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August 15th 1:45 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
He stands "I bring about 3 more feet than you." and surprising quick for not being wired pulls a knife out and being close quarters is uncomfortable close to Stalker.
"And I forget to mention I good with blades too." and with the same quickness sheathes the blade then calmly sits back down and takes a sip of his coffee.
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August 15th 1:46 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
As Patch slid his enormous bulk back into his chair, Stalker grinned up at him and chuckled slightly, "I have no doubt that you can handle yourself in a fight, my friend. My curiosity was more directed at any less than obvious skills you may possess. Corporate security systems, demolitions, piloting skills, medical skills, that sort of thing. Intelligent muscle can always find work but its nice to know that you don't also have to pay someone else because you need a pilot or an explosives expert. No reason to split the earnings more ways than you have need to."
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August 15th 2 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
Raven finished her meal and was sure to tip Issac. She looked over to Stalker "Thanks for lunch again. Id love to stick around but I have to go meet up with an old friend. Two of us have to put our heads together and come up with a few ideas. But since I know you are looking for work I'll keep my ears open." She replied offering them a grin.
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August 15th 2:00 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
Stalker looked at the small girl smiling, "You're welcome, thanks again for the request. I'll keep my ear open and return the favor. Give me a call if you need anything and good luck with your chummer's problem", he gave her a grin, "Try to stay out of too much trouble."
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August 15th 2:00 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
"Vait one second" speaking to Raven. He grabs a napkin and a pencil from his pocket and jots done his address. "If you need any help, gun, blade, or odervise. You find Patch here." He slides the napkin over to Raven.
He then turns back to Stalker, "I must be going now too. I have job to finish" he pats his coat pocket as he stands to make his exit.
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August 15th 2:00 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"Thank you both boys. I'll keep that in mind. I'm not sure what sort of pay scale you all work on but if I hear of anything I'll let you know. My friend Josie might be looking for me to do some body guard detail but ..." She paused. "I'd be doing it pro bono and just for a favor likely. But if you guys work in favors I might just have something for you both within the next hour. Heck if you wanted you guys could come to meet her anyhow. I'd feel safer having an escort into the area I'm heading into."
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August 15th 2:00 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"I have nothing else going on at the moment and I'm always curious. I say no to very few things out of hand, so I'm more than willing to go along and play escort", he said with a grin.
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August 15th 2:01 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"Thanks Stalker." Raven replied as she slid her bike helmet on. "You gonna come too Patch?"
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August 15th 2:01 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
"Yes, I come. I need meet more people. Get more business." he moves to follow "How ve get dere?"
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August 15th 2:01 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Raven
"you got wheels? If so just follow. Sadly I ride a bike so I cant really offer you a ride." Raven confessed.
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August 15th 2:01 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Stalker
"I'd offer you a ride, Patch, but I'm on a bike as well."
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August 15th 2:02 pm 2058 - Inside Crusher 495 - Patch
Raises hook to the pair, "I not ride bike since I get this. I do have vehicle. Take me minute to get, you vait, ya?"
The troll lumbers off down the street and disappears into an alley. Ten minutes later a hideous sound emanates from the alley. It sounds like 2 cats fighting in a dumpster but 10 times louder. Squeals and bangs, over an unsteady rumbling attacks the ears. The worst part is that it was getting louder. Then suddenly there it was, it's a van, you think. It's base color may have been pale green but the hood is black and the driver's side door is a combination of bondo red and white. There are several other bondo patches over the body that compliment the rusty and bullet shaped holes. The roof line is a smokey black as if stained from escaping flames.
The van squeals around the corner and flicks it's blueish black smoke tail as it approaches. The troll is behind the wheel and he pulls up beside Raven. "Ok I follow you."
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August 15th 2:50 pm 2058 - Deep in the Barrens - Raven
Raven lead the way though the crumbling buildings and potted cracked streets. The were deep within the barrens. Out here not even the police dared to travel once the sun went down, and even then the preferred not to.
The drive was uneventful as they soaked in the squalor but managed to not run into any gangs.
The most eventful thing they encountered on their drive there was the burning car that someone had probably dumped and torched for insurance reasons. However Raven was right. It wasn't the sort of neighborhood you wanted to drive though solo.
There was a distinct look to the inhabitants in this area. Either they looked broken and without hope or they looked hardened hungry and desperate.
Raven drove to the meeting spot and turned off her bikes engine but did not get off the bike. She knew she was a few minutes early but more than likely Josie's look outs were already alerting her to their presence.
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland
It was a unique region of Seattle to say the least. It wasn't many places that you would see a troll with pink hair wearing fishnet stockings and not much more. There was more leopard print per square block than almost any other place in the city. It was Loveland, haven for hookers and degenerates alike and yet it was one of the safest places in the city. There were two things that kept it that way; greed and fear. None of the gangs wanted to have their own cash flow disrupted and no one wanted to mess with the self appointed sheriff of the area. He was only one man but power came in many forms and he was blessed with a considerable amount.
Josie wasn't long in arriving. Her motorcycle rumbled to a stop not far from Raven. She looked over the two men that had come with the tiny mage entirely for appearance's sake. she'd observed and made her conclusions regarding them already. The tall elf still wore her hair in a mohawk but it was shorter than when Raven last saw her, only mid back, rather than to her ass. Under her jacket a Seattle Seahawks jersey could be seen.
Of the four bikers with her, two had visible burn scars. The others didn't show any scarring but Raven knew that their burns just didn't show. It was an unspoken reminder of what the Mohawks owed Raven.
"Hey Raven. Sup?"
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August 15th 2:50 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
Stalker made sure to fall in directly behind Raven. There was no way he was getting behind that van and riding the entire way in that smoke trail. It was a monster. It certainly had character but it was a true beast. He enjoyed the ride but maintained a state of relaxed alertness knowing that this deep in the barrens there was always someone watching for an easy mark. The air was rich with the scents of smoke, rotting cloth and wood, rusting metal, old blood and scavenging animals. He pulled over when Raven did and killed his engine, looking around curiously.
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
"I'm alright Josie but you sound like you got some problems." Raven said giving the tall elf a hearty hand shake as she climbed off her bike.. "This is Patch and Stalker, friends of mine. You don't mind them being here while you catch me up to speed on the current problem."
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
Stalker looked over the bikes and riders curiously as they pulled up. Stalker acknowledged Raven's introduction with a nod to Josie, gave a slight smirk, held up his right hand and said, "Hau. Nice to meet you, Josie."
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"Hey," Josie answered, nodding to Stalker. "You're kinda my last resort, Raven. After this I revert to breaking kneecaps and you know Dennis. He doesn't like violence. Odd trait for a football player but hey, he is an arts major. I know for a fact he's not gay though." Josie's little half smile said volumes about how she knew that particular fact. "How much do you know about college football?"
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
"Damn girl you go and get yourself some loving did ya?" Raven laughed. "Good stuff. Bet he didn't know what hit him. Sadly I'm afraid I'm not a huge sports buff since my talents lay in the arts department as well. I know you have a ball that two teams throw and kick all over the place to try to get it to the end zones of the opposing teams and that theres a lot of butt touching that goes on and sweaty man grappling but thats it."
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
He raises his good hand in hello. He looked over the gang and began to play his mental game of guess the weapons.
Hearing the word 'football' sparked fond memories of going to matches back home when he was a boy. Then he came to almost with a visible shake. Of course she meant 'American' football. That silly game made absolutely no sense to him. And he could think of only one other sport where you could weigh 150 kilos and still be considered an athlete and that was Sumo Wrestling.
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
He didn't bother to try and stop the laugh that Raven's comment inspired. The kid was definitely a hoot. His curiosity was now hooked regarding Dennis and his issues with college ball. He knew it could be rife with illegal activity from discrimination to drugs to illegal betting and recruiting and was curious what, if any part, this played in the situation.
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"Seems our boy has a taste for tall slender women and, as luck would have it, I'm all three," Josie said with a chuckle. "He helped me through a rough patch and even if I can't exactly say we're a couple, there is something there, which is part of the reason I want to help. Somebody is pressuring him to blow the tryout and it's making him moody and restless. He hasn't even touched his guitar in almost two weeks. That was my first clue. I figured the rest was just nerves but he used to play to relax. Now he just sits or paces."
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August 15th 2:55 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
Stalker contemplated what Josie had said and had a number of questions but knew how to be patient. Either it would come out while talking to Raven or it wouldn't and he could always ask afterwards if he saw anything missing.
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August 15th 2:56 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
"Well that sucks. I'm not sure what I can do to help Josie. I mean give me some direction here. Are you wanting me to give him a pep talk or find out what they've threatened to do to him if he doesnt blow his try out. If hes all nervous could be they are black mailing him. You know family friends maybe a girlfriend. How uh... public is your relationship with Dennis?"
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August 15th 2:57 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"We aren't hiding it but then again I'm not about to throw up a billboard," the elven gang leader said. "Besides, he knows I wouldn't stand in his way. No, there is somebody who is pushing him to play second fiddle and, well, I'm not exactly a college girl, you know? I stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to that crowd, so my chances of being able to find out who he'd be taking back seat for are slim to none. I don't even know who else is on the team or anything about them. Hell, the way it's worked out, I've only seen him play twice."
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August 15th 2:57 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
"So basically you want me to go under cover and become a fan girl and find out whos putting the heat on your guy. Once I find out what do you want then?"
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August 15th 2:58 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"How you go about it is up to you," Josie said. "Hell, if you have to cosy up to the cheerleaders to find out who the coach is banging, do it. If you need knees broken, I can arrange a coincidental accident or two. I just want Dennis to get a fair shake. If he blows it on his own, I'm sure he'll be able to live with that. Never getting the chance to step up because somebody else wants a shot that they don't deserve? It would eat him up. Hell, it is eating him up."
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August 15th 2:58 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
Stalker had been relaxing on his bike, leaning comfortably on his forearms listening to the exchange. He knew his pattern well. His curiosity had been engaged and after that the prospect of a hunt would draw him in but he knew he needed reign himself in before he got carried away. He prided himself on his professionalism and needed to get a few things straight before he let himself get too involved. He cocked his head to one side and raised one of his fingers to get Josie's attention.
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August 15th 2:58 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
"Something tells me maybe asking him upfront might be best. If that doesnt work beer. Then if that doesn't work we can try undercover tactics." Raven replied. "Ill do my best."
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August 15th 2:58 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
As the conversation drones on Patch finds himself returning to his game of guess the weapon. Looks like he's just part of the dog and pony show right now. And that's fine with him. At least it's a step toward a trusted relationship. Could prove to be helpful later on. However, he has no idea who this Josie person is or the Dennis that she's been seeing. Hmmm, I'm think that one probably carries an Ares, but which kind...
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August 15th 2:58 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"You've got a question or three, Stalker?" Josie asked. She either didn't seem to notice Patch's scrutiny or didn't care. She probably thought he was trying to imagine what she looked like naked.
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August 15th 2:58 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
"A few, if you don't mind. Has he spoken to you about whats bothering him? I mean, how do you know its related to football at all?"
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August 15th 2:59 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
Josie cocked her head to the side. "He'd talk to me about anything else. Hell, when we met it was because somebody had killed his cousin and our first conversation was about vengeance and the price you pay. We've had some very deep conversations. Plus he's usually always wanting to talk about football. He lives for it. Now, suddenly it's verboten as a subject or I'm getting one word responses. You know Dennis, Raven. No offense to present company but he's not your typical low brow troll. He's a freaking genius. One word sentences have never been his style."
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August 15th 2:59 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
Stalker considered her comment and the sincerity it was delivered with, "OK, so it's about football somehow. Have you heard him mention any new names or avoid mentioning anyone in particular? You said that if Raven couldn't help you then your next step was breaking kneecaps so I was wondering if you had any particular kneecaps in mind?"
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August 15th 3:00 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
Josie shrugged. "Even have a conversation with somebody when you have utterly no context to put things in? I don't know Dave from Doug or Mike from Matt, except that Mike and Dave are brothers and Doug is black. Dennis is a troll quarterback. That's not exactly a common role for trolls. He's got an arm of solid iron and it's all natural. He's good at what he does, good enough that he might have a shot at a pro career, if the right people see him play. How many people get a real shot at their dreams? How many people are there ruthless enough, selfish enough or hateful enough to try and prevent that? You're human, Stalker, even if you aren't any particular pure strain. I'm sure you've gotten trouble because of it. You don't have to deal with the kind of discrimination I have to deal with for being an elf, let alone the kind of crap Patch and Dennis have to go through because they're trolls. This could be the Humanis Policlub trying to push their Aryan poster boy into the media eye or just keep a trog from making good. It could be a coach who isn't partial to trolls or just some rich prick who thinks he should be in the spotlight because he's got more money."
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August 15th 3:00 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
<What Patch hears>"blah blah blah ... verboten ... blah blah ... troll"
Now Josie's got his full attention. And he listens to the rest of the conversation nodding slightly to what Josie is saying. He is now extremely compelled to help a brother in trouble.
"Is true. Even in my country is hard for our kind. Dey fink troll only good for mule." he stands a little taller "Hmph, dey not fink ve have thoughts and feelings like dem." his chin sets firmly and his nostrils flare slightly as he crosses his arms in front of him. His giant form seeming to double in the stoic stance.
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August 15th 3:00 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
Stalker felt a surge of anger as Josie played the, 'Who's been discriminated against more', card, like because he wasn't a meta he wouldn't have a clue about prejudice. On the other hand, seeing as how objectively she was probably right he quashed his response. When the deep rumble of Patch's response died away he looked at him and shrugged, "That's their loss, Patch, not yours. The fact that they're stupid doesn't take anything away from you."
He took a breath to calm himself before he got emotionally wound up in the topic and flaked out. "OK, so something is deeply bothering Dennis, it's almost certainly related to the football tryouts and it's pressure being applied from outside. What kind of time frame are you talking, here? The pressure has to be removed by when?"
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August 15th 3:00 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"It's mid August now and the practices have already begun. Serious practicing starts in September, so we've got two weeks, maybe a little more," Josie said. "It's not like the scouts announce their arrivals. They want to see the players at their baseline, not after they've ramped things up to impress." She grinned. "Kinda like scoping out a new recruit for the gang. Don't let them know they're being watched and they show their real colours."
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August 15th 3:01 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
Chuckling at the remark about recruiting, he said, "OK, you've got my curiosity aroused. I can't speak for Patch, but you have my help if you want it. Raven said that there wasn't likely to be any money in this but did suggest that you might barter."
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August 15th 3:02 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
The elf grinned. "Raven does seem to have the ability to drag complete strangers along on her adventures," she said. "I hadn't anticipated outside help but let's just say I'm not surprised. Alright, Stalker, down to the nuts and bolts. What are you looking for and I'll let you know if it makes me want to swallow my tongue."
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August 15th 3:02 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
He gave her a wry grin, "Yeah, I've noticed that happen a couple of times today already. And I'm looking for a widowmaker in running condition."
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August 15th 3:03 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
Josie considered for a moment. "Done. You might have to take a grinder to it, to get rid of all the extra crap that the former owner welded onto it but she runs good. No structural changes, just a lot of useless ornamental crap that was supposed to make it look tougher." She turned her eyes to the troll. "What are you looking for, Patch?"
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August 15th 3:03 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
"I am in need of replacement parts." as he raises his hook for display, "Or at least help toward getting part. But I help no matter vut."
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August 15th 3:04 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"Can't make any promises but occasionally things fall off the back of a truck, if you know what I mean," Josie said. "Can't swear to the fit, if anything does come along but I'll keep my eyes peeled." The elf's eyes turned to the diminutive mage. "What about you, Raven? Are you going to give me something to work with so I'm not even further in hawk with you?"
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August 15th 3:05 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
"Well Josie I'm really not in need of anything at the moment. How about we just consider it an IOU. Besides Dennis is a friend and truthfully I'm not sure how much help I can be but I will do my best and we can see how it works out. I think my best chance of trying to help Dennis is to network and ask around and try to brush up on my sports. Did you want me to keep you posted on any progress we make? I will try talk to Dennis and see if we can hang. That would be the way to go probably, but if he brushes me off I'll have to look at maybe other sources for information." Raven replied thoughtfully.
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August 15th 3:05 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
"Josie, do you want Dennis to know what we're up to? I'm assuming that if he isn't talking to you that he isn't going to be any happier about talking to us. If he won't give us anything we may need to tail him for a while. I don't want to be caught between a pissed of troll quarterback and an employer who's got me under a gag order.", he grinned.
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August 15th 3:05 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
Nodding in agreement, "True, that be rock and hard place."
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August 15th 3:06 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"Keep me in the loop but I'm not expecting you to call me with a report every few hours," Josie answered. "He won't want the help or at least he won't admit to needing the help, so as much as you can, don't let him know what's going on. If it comes right down to it, yeah, fess up but until that point, try to keep him in the dark. He'll appreciate it later but right now we're up against that stubborn pride of his."
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August 15th 3:06 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
He grinned at Patch, "That's a word for it." Giving Josie a nod he said, "Works for me. With that being said, Raven, I think the direct approach is something we should save as a last measure. You're a sweet sincere girl and you'll ask him flat out which is going to not only give us no information but will put him on high alert for people checking into his business, no offense. We need to be a little more subtle with this. We need to dig into his personal life and find out who has a stake in this that his presence throws a wrench into." He looked at Josie, "Is that going to be a problem?"
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August 15th 3:07 pm 2058 - Loveland - raven
Raven nodded. "Never said i was a professional shadowrunner or anything but yeah we can do that. I'll maybe have to visit a freind and see if they've heard any rumors. If its one thing that Conner is good for its rumor mill info. I'll look him up and see if hes heard anything maybe. What did you boys want to do?"
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August 15th 3:06 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"Captain Whitebread? Dig away. He's got as much to hide as a fat chick on a nude beach." Josie smiled. "Still can't figure out how it works between us but I'm not looking too hard, just in case I find out it can't work, if you know what I mean. If you can do this without the big guy finding out, more power to you. If you need to strap him to a chair and drip water on his head, I'd say at that point you can call the show off."
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August 15th 3:06 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
"Vut you say to ve just start by follow him. Learn hes schedule. See who talk vit and vere he go." looking to Stalker "You know, stalk him"
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August 15th 3:07 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
He looked at Raven, "We'll start the old fashioned way." Looking at Patch, he nodded. "We also start finding out what we can about the people that are significant in his life right now, at least as far as football goes." Glancing at Josie, he says, "Can you get us a list of the people that he regularly deals with in his daily life, as close to a start time as you can get on when his behavior started to change and his class schedule? Between the players, staff, coaches and daily routine, that should give us a starting point at least."
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August 15th 3:08 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
"Shadowing him will be difficult for me then. IF he spots me snooping round the campus he might get wind of things. Which means if I'm on campus I either have to avoid him like the plague or tail him by being invisible." Raven replied with a frown.
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August 15th 3:08 pm 2058 - Loveland - Josie
"I really can't give you that information, Stalker. We don't exactly move in the same social circles. I can tell you his uncle's name is Kevin, his dead cousin was Paul and he was six when he was killed and I can tell you that he's a junior at the university of Washington. He majors in phys-ed and fine arts and he's probably the most intelligent person I've ever met, troll, dwarf, elf or human. Beyond that, I can tell you he's the kind of friend you want at your back, no matter what the play. He's a stand up guy and I think it's time somebody stood up for him."
The expression on Josie's face made it quite clear she knew how far apart her world and Dennis's world were and what that would ultimately mean. it was also clear what her feelings were on the matter.
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August 15th 3:08 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
"Alright we will do what we can and see what we can dig up for you Josie." Raven replied. "Anything else you can tell us is greatly appreciated, but something tells me you're scraping the barrel now."
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August 15th 3:08 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
"That's enough to get us started, Josie, thanks. I'll let you know whats going on Monday. Thats gives us a few days to start poking our noses into things." Stalker looked at Patch, "You have some stuff you need to get care of, I think. How about we get together tonight and put together a clear plan. That will give us a chance to take care of any personal business that needs to be dealt with and time to stew over how to best use our resources. Will 8 o'clock work for everyone?"
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August 15th 3:09 pm 2058 - Loveland - raven
Raven nodded. "Yup that works but days aren't usually great for me from 8amtill 2pm I'm kinda occupied with stuff like making rent so meeting up later in the day is perfect. You guys want to meet up at the Snake Pit? its a bar not too terribly far from the university."
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August 15th 3:09 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
"Owszem, that vorks for me. Need to finish job for Rainbow Anarchist. Hopefully, not take too long." he turns to Raven "Vis Snake Pit place. Is troll friendly?"
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August 15th 3:09 pm 2058 - Loveland - raven
The dark haired girl nodded. "Yes it is. But you can't drag weapons in there. They run a clean show over there and don't expect people to bring trouble into the bar. But its as good enough spot to meet. Musics loud enough not to have people eavedropping on you and I have a contact that works there. If you're not sure about directions they can be mailed to your phone if you would life."
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August 15th 3:09 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
"vat would be good." he pulls his badly beaten and banged phone from his pocket. He hits a couple buttons and mumbles something angerily to the phone before holding it up to Raven. "Here is number"
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August 15th 3:09 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
"It sounds like it's a workable plan. We will get back together at 8 at the Snakepit and set out a plan. I'm going to enjoy working with you guys. Josie, we'll be in touch Monday." Stalker nodded at everyone and took a last look around to see if anyone had anything else before heading out. He had a lot of work to do between now and 8 o'clock.
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August 15th 3:10-3:12 pm 2058 - Loveland - Raven
Raven exchanged information with the Troll and then after a few moments of gabbing with the boys and Josie finally parted ways.
8pm would soon be approaching and she really needed to go back to Embers for a shower and a change of clothing. The Snake Pit wasn't open for almost another 3 hours but that wouldn't stop Raven from dropping by early to chit chat with the manager if he was available.
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August 15th 3:10-5:00 pm 2058 - Loveland - Patch
After the exchange and chit chat, Patch climbs back in to the Whiskey Girl and pedals her back to the shop.
Once back he pulls Rainbow's sight out and places it on his bench. He then removes his coat and hat. He then unscrews his hook arm and hangs it up. Then pulls down another arm attachment that has a set of locking pliers attached to the end and screws it on. He then moves to the bench and begins the tedious work on the sight.
Once completed he waits for the Rainbow Anarchist to arrive.
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August 15th 3:10-7:00 pm 2058 - Loveland - Stalker
Stalker made his way back to his place, taking his time and enjoying the ride making a mental list of the initial things to start working on. Parking his bike, he parked himself before his terminal. First things first, he decided. Lets get an overview of Dennis' life with the publicly available information. He was no decker by any stretch of the imagination but there was a stunning amount of information available on the net about almost anyone if you just knew where to look. He dove into his work with a quiet enthusiasm. His had a knack for being able to notice the things that most escaped most peoples attention and if you had enough of these little items you got a pretty good picture of people and situations and spotting the things that were out of place. He wasn't sure if it was something he'd always had, if it was just a learned skill over the years, a gift from his totem or some combination of them all, most likely the later, but he gave a silent and sincere thanks to his totem just the same.
He focused on getting an overview of Dennis' life starting as far back as he could with what he could find and worked his way forward, forcing himself to note anything that caught his attention for further study rather than letting his natural curiousity sidetrack him. When he had exhausted that he focused his attention on Dennis' daily life as it stood now with what information was out there; Where he lived and the surrounding neighborhood, the campus layout, his school schedule and where his classes were located, practice times, the team roster and staff. After this was done, he took what time was left and began looking at his teammates and the coaching staff. He knew from long experience that he could lose himself in this kind of research very easily made sure to set an alert so he could shut down and head out. he liked to arrive early to meetings whenever possible. It gave him a chance to get the layout of a place just in case and plenty of time to adjust to his surroundings so he could be as focused as possible rather than being distracted by everything around him. He could always dampen down his senses but he absolutely hated doing that even when there was a good reason. It made him feel like he was somehow separated from the world around him. Like he was seeing the world in two dimensions. When the alert began to quietly beep, he set everything aside, got on his bike and made his way to the Snake Pit.
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August 15th 7:00 pm 2058 Stalker's Crash Pad
Dennis Mitchell, it seemed, was on the lowest possible rung of celebrity, barely registering as a blip on the search radar. There were traces, however, small articles in the Seattle datalogs about his achievements in grade school and high school. Most tended to focus on his size, which was enormous even for a troll. Statistically he was just short of being freakishly tall, the troll equivalent of a seven footer. There was the rare article that instead focused elsewhere, on his academic achievements. He was a high school football star, missing the championships more often than not due to a failing on the defensive squad. Even in high school there was a troll quota and having one on offense meant a weaker defensive line. His university career seemed to be facing the same hurdles. It would take time to sort through the team roster to see who had reason to try and sideline Dennis but there were likely a number of suspects.
There was no record of any criminal activity and he wasn't important enough to warrant any kind of fan club, at least not yet. He didn't seem to be an active member of any metahuman rights groups but did play bass guitar in a thrash band with a troll drummer named Mike Sticks and an orc singer named Dave Murphy. It had been called variously Grogloyte and Zipper Fin before settling on Howling Goliath. The band had even played at the Snake Pit in a battle of the bands, competing against none other than Raven's band, Twisted Sisters.
The only other odd bit of information that surfaced was his participation in a number of amateur fashion shows. Many of the reviews were favourable but most considered his success in that arena to be a fluke.
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August 15th 5:00 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop
When the Rainbow Anarchist arrived, he announced himself with a very business-like knock. He had his rifle with him and handled it with a mixture of ready ease and professional care. He knew the weapon well and took good care of it. He'd likely cleaned in before bringing it to the troll gunsmith but there was no evidence that he had; no excess oil dribbles here and there and no overtly strong smell of gun cleaner. He presented it to Patch with no ceremony. This wasn't any type of show. This was a man getting a tool repaired by someone with far more expertise.
It was very much an unspoken case of 'show me what you've got'. There was likely far more than a repair fee riding on Patch's work.
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August 15th 5:00 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Patch
Patch opens the door and is pleased to see that the elf brought the weapon as instructed. He showed him in politely. Upon receiving the weapon he quickly clears the chamber, and inspects the barrel.
"You keep it in good shape." He then takes the weapon over to his bench in the back corner and slides his patch to his right eye. He begins looking at the sights mount and discovers a small amount of damage. "It good you bring to me. The mount slightly damaged. I fix. Only take moment." he quickly places the weapon in his padded vice. Taking a file and placing the tip in his pilers hand and the handle in the other he begins working the mount. Like a clock maker he delicately shapes the metal. After a couple of minutes he places the file back on the bench. He then grabs the repaired sight and affixes to the end of the weapon tightens it in place. He then removes the weapon from the vise and slides out the clip to the bench. He then grabs a box from the shelf. He removes all the bullets from the clip and replaces them with ones from the box. He then reinserts the clip and hands the weapon back to the elf.
"Ok, now you check and see if vorks." he points down to a block a few feet left of the door with a small black dot in the middle. "You shoot dot from over there" indicating the back wall of the room. "It almost 10 meters. And you shooting rubber bullets so no vorries. Oh!", he exclaims as he remembers something, "you might vant dis" he opens a drawer in the work bench an pulls out 2 sets of ear muffs. "It may get loud from noises bouncing. Please" and he pushes a pair toward the elf.
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August 15th 5:00 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Rainbow Anarchist
The elf took the ear muff with only the slightest flash of a smirk across his face. He'd been firing weapons in small rooms for a long time and it was a little late to think about protecting his hearing. Still, it was an indication of the troll's professionalism.
"Five rounds," he said, before putting the muffs on. "Top, bottom, left, right, then centre." He raised the weapon to his shoulder. "Clear down range. Fire in the hole!"
The shots were fast, the sound of the report blending into one long noise. The rubber bullets bounded around the room for a few seconds before stopping.
The impact marks of the bullets were spaced perfectly, even if they were all a fraction of an inch high and to the right.
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August 15th 5:10 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Patch
Inspecting the pattern the troll grunts slightly.
"Pattern is good, slightly high and right" he approaches pulling a tool from his pocket "Ve adjust a little and try again"
He tweaks the sight and then returns the tool his pocket while stepping back "You may fire ven ready"
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August 15th 5:10-5:30 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Rainbow Anarchist
Over the next twenty minutes, the pair repeated the same steps several times. The Rainbow Anarchist would fire, Patch would examine the grouping and adjust the sight before returning the weapon to the elf for another series of shots. By the time they were both satisfied, a blue haze of cordite smoke was floating in the room.
The Rainbow Anarchist watched as Patch cleaned the weapon. "You do good work," he said. From behind his back he pulled an enormous revolver. "I'll be back to pick this up at the end of the week. I'm not going to tell you what, if anything is wrong with it. Let's just call it your final test. If it works the way I expect it to when I come to pick it up, I'll be putting the word out on the street that you're even better than your rep says you are."
He set the .44 magnum down on Patch's work bench, using it to hold down the wad of cash that looked to be double their agreed upon fee.
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August 15th 5:30 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Patch
Ignoring the money Patch immediately picks up the revolver. He gets a look of awe on his face like a 5 year old in a candy store. The look painted on the disfigured troll facade is so disturbing that it makes one want to squint as the uncontrollable shiver runs up their spine.
"Oh! Dis beautiful piece. I take good care of dis treasure." he reaches up and pulls down a small metal case. He opens it to reveal that it's lined with foam packing. He gently places the weapon in the case and secures the lid.
He turns back to the elf, the business look returning to his face (Thank God). "How I reach you ven ready? Or do you need back by certain time?"
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August 15th 7:00 pm 2058 Stalker's Crash Pad
Stalker took a last look at his notes, locked his place up and headed out to the Snake Pit. He should get there in time to find a place, have a beer and relax for a bit before getting down to business, giving him a a chance to mull things over in his mind.
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August 15th 5:30 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Rainbow Anarchist
The elf held up five fingers. "Five days, almost to the minute. I'll knock on your door." He smiled, his eyes lighting up. "See you later, sailor." He winked at the troll and closed the door gently behind him as he left.
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August 15th 5:30 - 7:00 pm 2058 - Patch's Shop - Patch
After the elf leaves Patch just shakes his head and moves to the back room. He pulls a duffle out from under his bed and begins to fill it with various things that he might need, clothes, throwing knifes, wet stone, gun cleaning tools, blade arm, vice arm, hook arm, small tool set, etc. After filling the bag he moves back to the bench checks the time. Hmm, 5 to 6 still have some time.
He pulls down the 44 and opens the case. What a beaut'! He begins by dry firing the weapon to feel the action and watch the hammer. Then pulls the cylinder gives it a spin and inspects all the ports. Then from the side he investigates the hammer position in the closed position to see if it's striking through far enough. He continues to investigate the details of the weapon, even fires the weapon on a spent casing to check the strike location of the hammer. He plays and tinkers with the weapon until nearly 7. Hmm, should probably get going. He returns the weapon to the case and takes it with him to the back room.
He places the case in the duffle bag and goes to his special brick and reaches in and pulls out his sawed off shotgun wrapped in what looks like an old table cloth. He places it still wrapped onto the bed. After replacing the brick he then reaches under his matress to pull out a sheathed claymore. He straps the large blade to his back. After packing some shells for the shotgun he closes his bag, checks to make sure his hunting knife is where it's suppose to be, puts on his coat and hat, throws the wrapped gun on top of the daffle, and grabs both together. He heads for the door and out to Whiskey Girl. A few minutes later a clattery bang rumble cloud of blue black smoke heads off to the Snake Pit.
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August 15th 8:00 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit
The Snake Pit had begun its existence as nothing more than an warehouse. The original owner had made a few unwise decisions, resulting in an overwhelming unpaid debt. His business collapsed, the stock he had in the warehouse was seized to cover his debts and the building itself languished, empty and forgotten for almost five years. Then it was discovered by a young university student looking for a place to hold a rave. He quickly realized the building's potential and, using money from sources best left unexamined, bought the building for nothing more than the back taxes. He dubbed it The Snake Pit and kept holding raves there. More money went into bringing the building if not up to code, then to a point where it wasn't entirely dangerous to step inside.
Eventually, around the time he graduated, the old building had been completely revamped. Seeing far more money coming in from the club than was likely possible from his degree, Connor MacGee stuck with the bar. It was a venue for new bands and fresh raw talent, some of whom actually found there way onto a label, thanks to Connor's help. It is a safe haven and located practically on the border of four gang turfs. Nobody wants the trouble of trying to hang onto it, so Connor and his Snake Pit get left, for the most part, alone.
There are rumours about what happen when he isn't left alone. They involve secret meetings and heavy firepower, both magical and mundane. Connor has friends in low places and isn't afraid to call in a few favours. About a year ago, a new gang calling themselves the Head Peelers tried to muscle in on The Snake Pit. They were backed by powerful and unusual magic and walked into the club on a crowded night. Connor stood and took a berating from a troll without flinching, to save his customers from harm. Then he closed the bar, swearing to burn it to the ground rather than give the Head Peelers the satisfaction.
The next night, the Head Peeler's recruitment centre was the site of a massacre. Rumour was that Connor and a few other 'concerned individuals' had arranged for an accident to happen to the mage who was behind the whole thing. Without their ace in the hole, the gang found itself stretched far too thin and A few nights later, vanished completely as quickly as they had come.
The Snake Pit was still open for business and it looked like business was booming.
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August 15th 8:00 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit
Connor MacGee was one of those people Raven loved to spend time around. He was older than her by about eight years but was a very charismatic and caring person, at least she thought so.
He wasn't an intimidating guy. Unlike most of her male friends that loomed over her at six feet or more, Conner was maybe half a head taller than her. She without a doubt could peg him to be no taller than five seven or five eight. He was one of those guys that stayed in shape but wasn't the gym jock type or the burly mountaineer style of man, but more athletic like a gymnast or dancer.
The red headed manager always had a smile or a joke on hand when the times called for it. At times Raven felt mildly shy and overwhelmed by his flirty remarks, but over the yeah and a half of knowing Connor he had been very supportive of her music and she considered tha man a friend.
True to Ravens word after the meeting she had gone hope to change into a pair of leather pants and a black halter top. She slid on her armored jacket and put on a small amount of makeup before she called him.
Connor must have sensed the need or desire to see him because the invite to come over before the club opened had been delivered while She was still in the small talk process. With a soft laugh she agreed that she did indeed need to see him and went to do so.
A fresh pot of coffee awaited her as she entered the club and she chatted to Connor doing her best not to spell out the entails of her jobs but to use him as a sounding board as she helped unturn chairs off tables with him.
However after an hour of set up she soon found herself upstairs in his office on his computer looking up and printing out Dennis's team roster and explaining her plight to him. Conner was one of those people that bartered with information no matter how minor it might seem he was wanting to know.
After her search and brainstorming session the two made their way back down to the bar where Raven finished her pot of coffee and waited as the bar was opened to the public. She would discuss what she had learned with them and introduce Connor to them since he seemed interested in meeting her new friends.
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August 15th 7:15 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit
Stalker arrived at the Snake Pit a little after seven. It was early and the real crowd wouldn't get there for a while. He knew that the place had a reputation for being a place to avoid trouble and that Raven was known so he made sure not to be flagrant about displaying his weapons although he still went armed. He was willing to play nice and check them at the door if needed. He took his time, making his way casually to the door, getting a feel for the place, first with his physical senses and then with his Sight. He should have a few minutes at least to get relaxed and comfortable with the place.
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August 15th 7:15 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit
It was clear that Stalker had arrived before the place was truly fully open for business. It certainly wasn't time for the crowd to roll in to say the least. He strolled up to the door and checked to see if it was open. It opened without resistance to his tug so he walked inside and looked around. As soon as he walked in he spotted the metal detector and checked to see if there was someone waiting at the door already and not immediately seeing anyone, called out, "Excuse me!" He had discovered that the odds of the staff looking at you favorably in a place that bothered to check weapons was almost always improved if you volunteered to give them up without being prodded and although it galled him to give up his blades, he did respect the reputation the place had and if it was a potential spot for new contacts, information and meets he wanted to make a good impression.
Clearly the place wasn't ready for customer's yet as chairs were still on tables and he took a moment to assense the place while he waited for a response.
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August 15th 7:15 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
"Friend of yours?" Connor asked, moving towards the door. "We aren't quite open yet," he called out to Stalker. "Unless you're here on business."
The comment was deliberately ambiguous. 'Business' could have meant exactly that, a liquor salesman or a musician looking for a gig. It could also have been referring to 'biz' the regular rattle and hum of the street runners. His aura didn't show signs of distress or annoyance. It was open and friendly.
It was also entwined with a large boa constrictor. Connor MacGee was quite obviously proud of his association with the Snake totem and made no attempt to hide it. He also made no attempt to hide his interest in the newcomer. Snake was a healer but also a seeker of secrets and Connor seemed quite adept at reading people although he didn't seem to have the ability to assense.
"What's your pleasure?"
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August 15th 7:15 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit
Stalker nodded to the gentleman that responded to his call, "I'm meeting a couple of friends here , Raven and Patch. I didn't realize that you guys wouldn't be open yet. Any chance I could wait inside? I promise I won't make a nuisance of myself", he said, grinning.
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August 15th 7:16 pm 2058 - Connor - The Snake Pit
Connor's aura register something that might have been a satisfied mental check mark but there was no change in his expression except perhaps a slight widening of his smile. "As long as you don't mind me working around you," he said. "Raven! One of your friends is here!"
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August 15th 7:16 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit
Stalker grinned at him, "I think I can live with that." He held out his right hand to the man, "People call me Stalker."
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August 15th 7:17 pm 2058 - Connor - The Snake Pit
"Connor MacGee." His grip was firm but not crushing and he held it long enough to get a measure of Stalker's strength. "Can I assume that is Stalker as in hunter, not Stocker as in grocery shelves?"
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August 15th 7:17 pm 2058 - Stalker - The Snake Pit
He chuckled slightly, "You may. It's sort of a translated childhood nickname but it serves well enough on the streets. Pleased to meet you. BTW, do I need to check these?", he pulled back his duster slightly to show the predator and large, bone handled knife that were strapped to his thighs.
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August 15th 7:18 pm 2058 - Connor - The Snake Pit
"Hopefully it was something impressive, like 'Stalks Like a Wolf' rather than 'Stalks Like a Weasel' or 'Stalks the Cookies," Connor said. "I'd prefer if you would check the gun. I'll trust you with the knife but if something happens, I'm going to swear you snuck it by me. Do you mind if I ask how long you were in the NAN before you came back to the city?" Connor's aura, especially those portions closest to Snake were swirling with excitement. Stalker was new and unknown quantity and therefore a mystery worthy of investigation, a puzzle to which Connor had some but not all of the pieces.
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August 15th 7:18 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit
Stalker laughed, drawing and clearing his pistol in a couple of smooth rapid motions while he spoke. "They called me, 'Ihakob wanasa pi iwan yong', There isn't a very direct translation, it can mean several things. The one I go by loosely means, 'Stalks with Care'. It was sort of combination of compliment, warning and joke, all at the same time. My uncle's had interesting senses of humor. I was born and raised half my life there", handing clip and cleared weapon to Conner, he slipped the round from the chamber into his pocket and said, "Thanks for letting me hang onto the blades. They're one of the few things I'm sentimental about and I promise if something happens, I was just that sneaky. How about you? How did you wind up working in a bar in the barrens?" He glanced around the room, as if in emphasis and let his Sight drop so he could focus his senses more closely on the physical world, returning his attention to Conner.
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August 15th 7:18 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
Connor shrugged. "Right place at the right time with the right money," he said. "It was just a quick cash grab at first but the money was too good to let it just drop. So here I am, owner, manager, chief cook, dishwasher and bartender. Many hats. One head. Can I get you something on the house?"
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August 15th 7:19 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit
"A draft of whatever you have, pilamayaye. Thank you, that is." He walked to the nearest table with chairs still on it and began taking them down. "Well, you've definitely done well with the place. Your reputation is pretty solid with enough street talk to make people leery of starting trouble here."
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August 15th 7:20 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
"I'm stubborn that way," Connor said, starting at a different table. "I'm not willing to see someone else profit off my hard work. Of course, I'm willing to profit off the hard work of others, as long as I've gotten my hands dirty as well. I don't want a free ride and I don't want to give somebody else one either. Speaking of free rides.... Raven! Come give us a hand or at least grab Stalker a beer."
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August 15th 7:20 pm 2058 - Stalker, The Snake Pit
"Makes perfect sense to me. I've been known to have my moments. So how did you meet Raven?"
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August 15th 7:21 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
"She played in one of my battle of the bands," Connor answered. "After she played, she stayed around to lend a hand with things. Twisted Sisters would be the house band, if her drummer was more reliable. Are you a busking pick-up or did you happen upon a bad situation at the same time? That seems to be how she meets people usually."
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August 15th 7:21 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Raven
Raven made a face at Connors comment but went and got Stalker a beer. She returned to the table. "They aren't strays they're friends." she replied. "I just happen to have a lot of friends. That shouldnt be a bad thing. Sheesh always picking on me..."
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August 15th 7:22 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
"You're the one who used the word strays, Raven," Connor said, throwing up his hands in mock surrender. "I was asking about the meeting, not the collecting." He chuckled. "She has a good heart but has a tendency to get a little grumpy. Not mean grumpy, just slightly offended grumpy."
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August 15th 7:22 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit, Stalker
"Thanks Raven", Stalker said, as he took the beer. "And I'm a busking-come-bad-situation stray although your meeting sounds almost strange by how normal you make it sound", he laughed. "So Raven, why not get a new drummer? Or at least a reliable sub for the nights your steady one flakes? Weren't you the one saying how tough it was to get steady income?"
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August 15th 7:23 pm 2058 - Connor - The Snake Pit
"That's where it becomes political," Connor said. "Her drummer is her roommate and the one with the steady job to make sure the rent gets paid. Ergo, she can't lose the drummer without losing her digs, at least in her opinion. I keep trying to tell her that her roommate isn't that shallow but when Raven gets an idea in her head...." He chuckled. "Was this a busker getting mugged situation or something else? She's kept the mugger on occasion, I might point out. Heart of gold." The bar owner leaned closer to Stalker. "Occasionally a brain of porridge but definitely a heart of gold."
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August 15th 7:23 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit, Stalker
Stalker gave a deep chuckle, "Well, I can't speak to the politics, not knowing her drummer but objectively, if she has a steady gig here, she can afford to get her own digs and if she needs another roommate, something tells me she can probably manage to adopt one from someplace without too much trouble. As for the assessment of heart and mind, thus far, I have to agree with you. And no, this wasn't a busker getting mugged, I was just in town and happened to hear her playing so I went to investigate. She was an interesting character, surprised me with her skill and knowledge of old blues and invited me to grab some food at Crusher's. There I met more interesting people, watched one of them get called out into a scuffle out front and since you know her I'm guessing you can see the snowball effect", he said with a grin.
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August 15th 7:24 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
"Snowball effect, also known as the Raven cascade." Connor looked as if he were going to speak further but shook his head and smiled. "I should warn you. I have an annoying tendency to ask personal questions. Don't take offense. Sometimes I get handed a line of dialogue that I'm supposed to read with no regard as to the implications. Snake forgets to be subtle, on occasion."
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August 15th 7:29 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Patch
The whiskey girl rumbles into view of the Snake Pit. With a high pitched squeal from the power steering, Patch parks the rattle trap of a van into one of the many open spots. He makes sure the claymore and shotgun are safely hidden in the back before exiting the vehicle. He'll check the knife that's of no sentimental value.
He heads into the bar expecting it to be empty ... mostly. He walks in and immediately recognizes Stalker talking to someone behind the bar. Standing tall, err taller, Patch tilts his head back to reveal his face from under his hat, "Excuse, I have veapon to check." and he pulls the right side of his duster back to reveal a knife hanging from his belt.
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August 15th 7:24 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit, Stalker
Stalker laughed out loud, "The Raven Cascade, damn, I like that. Don't sweat it. While I guard my right to ignore, politely decline or say 'fuck off', as the case merits, it's been a long time since I felt insulted at someone asking a personal question. Fuck knows I've been accused of it on more than one occasion. I don't mind you asking, just don't get offended if I decide not to answer." Smirking, he says, "I've learned the hard way that sometimes we ignore certain suggestions at our own peril. Some of us just have to answer more directly for it than others is all."
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August 15th 7:29 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
Connor's head swiveled to look at the troll and he was in motion almost before his eyes had focused. "You could have left it in your truck," he said in passable Russian, trying to match a language to Patch's accent. "But if you'd rather bring it in here, I can check it for you. We aren't quite open yet, so you still have to leave it in your vehicle."
He repeated the suggestion in English, just on the off chance he'd erred with his guess at Patch's origin.
OOC: You didn't specific exact country of origin.... Just Eastern Europe, so I went with what I had.
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August 15th 7:29 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit, Stalker
Stalker turned his head and raised a beer in salute as Conner went forward to meet him, "Conner, allow me to introduce Patch. Patch, this is Conner, proprietor of the Snake Pit. Patch is here to meet with Raven and I. Apparently I'm not the only one that likes to show up early", he said with a grin.
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August 15th 7:30 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit, Patch
OOC: He's polish
IC: Patch moves to the bar setting off the metal detector like he was smuggling in a howitzer. "Pleasure is mine, and yes business is good to be early." as he moves to the bar. He slides the knife across the bar, "Sorry my Russian is verse than my english. I am from Poland, near Krakow. You know?"
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August 15th 7:30 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
"I don't speak Polish," Connor said, stepping forward. There almost seemed to be an unspoken 'yet' that hung on the end of his sentence. He showed no revulsion and managed to keep a handle on his curiosity so he wasn't staring at the ruins of Patch's face. "I probably would have had a better chance if I'd gone with German. Can I get you something, Patch? And are you really offering the knife for safekeeping or just bragging about the fact that it's all you need to defend yourself?"
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August 15th 7:30 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Patch
Patch smiles ... at least you hope that was meant to be a smile ... kinda creepy. "I vould like a pilsner vit a nip of viskey. And no I not brag about knife. Ven one looks like dis peoples assume trouble. So I vork to not make that come true. You are correct doh I not need knife to handle troubles."
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August 15th 7:31 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
Stalker raised his glass in Patch's direction. "Hta yetu waste, Patch. I hope your day ended on a happy note."
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August 15th 7:32 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
Connor returned with a glass of the house pilsner and a tumbler with four fingers of Jack Daniels. "Hopefully these are to taste." He said. "Raven tells me you have a problem that you're trying to solve. The rest of the staff should be able to handle opening the club. Why don't we all go up to my office and discuss things?"
'Up' it turned out, was literal. The office was above and behind the bar but surprisingly did not have a window overlooking the club. It could have been anywhere and belonged to anyone. The furniture was relatively new and comfortable, even for Patch, despite the fact he took up most of the couch. There was little of personal interest in the office. Connor might work there but obviously didn't considet the place a second home.
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August 15th 7:31-3 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Patch
Patch turns to stalker, "I not understood vat you say, but yes day end good."
He excepts the drinks from Connor and raises his glass in the direction of the men, "Nastrovia!" and takes half the whiskey in a single gulp. Which is just a normal gulp that seems almost cordial. He then chases the bourbon with a similar gulp of beer.
Upon hearing that they were moving upstairs he polishes off the shot and grabs the beer to follow the two upstairs. He then proceeds to ease himself into the couch careful not to damage the upholstery with his prosthetic arm. He sits quietly nursing his beer until addressed.
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August 15th 7:32-7:33 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
"It means, good evening. I'm glad to hear things went well," as he raised his glass again in response to Patch's toast. He glanced around to see if Raven was coming and followed Conner upstairs. He glanced around the office intrigued. There was nothing there to indicate a strong personal touch. He knew that Conner had been here far more than long enough to personalize his office. Clearly liked to play things close to the vest, he thought and then mentally smacked himself. Of course he does, idiot, he thought, remembering his aura. He closed his eyes and stretched briefly, using the moment to take a deep breath and check for scents before he found a chair to relax on. He was willing to bet that an interesting variety of people had spent time in here and was curious if he would recognize any of them.
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August 15th 7:34 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Raven
Raven curled up on the end of the couch beside Patch. She cradled her large cup of coffee in both hands sipping the hot beverage.
Conner sat on top of his desk looking comfortable and relaxed. "So it seems we have a small mystery on our hands gentlemen. I've taken the time to look up a team roster so we now have names of Dennis's team mates but we still don't have a motive and any suspects yet. We don't even know if there are any or if its just a case of Dennis is having second thoughts about the possibility of being possibly being drafted and just has cold feet."
The dark haired musician leaded down to put her coffee cup on an end table and fished the printed list of names out of her pants and passed it around the group. "Thoughts and idea and imput are greatly appreciated. I've never had to do this sort of thing before so lets put our heads together and see if we can come up with a game plan."
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August 15th 7:35 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
After Conner spoke Stalker frowned slightly, then shook his head. He took a deep breathe, slowly exhaling, muting his senses to a level he always found uncomfortable and focused his attention to subject at hand. "Alright, Conner has the summed up the situation pretty accurately. I will assume for the moment that this isn't a case of cold feet. From what I've found out so far he doesn't strike me as the kind of person to react that way to pressure, his lover has seen a sudden, extreme and consistent change in behavior and we'll find out eventually anyway if we nose around. Bearing that in mind we need to start observing him around his teammates and at practice. Who normally watches practice that isn't part of the team or staff. Someone does, even if it's just the security guards. We need to come up with a list of knowledgable regulars and find out if his performance in practice and scrimages has noticably changed? Are there any teammates or staffmembers he has a particularly poor relationship with? Patch, you have a particularly easy in when questioning people. You will be extremely memorable but everyone will also immediately understand why you might be asking questions about the game, the player and his relationships with the team, staff and fans. You're an immigrant, you're male, you're a troll and you're new to the game. It makes intuitive sense to anyone why you would be a fan of Dennis and want to learn everything you could once you found out about him. If the source of his change in behavior really is cause by external pressure, someone delievered the information to him at some point, somehow. We just need to find the ripples that stone made and trace them back to the source."
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August 15th 7:35 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Patch
Patch squirms uncomfortably in the couch nearly knocking Raven off of it.
"I sink you might be right, I know not much of American football. But, " he raises his prosthetic next to his scarred face and patch then points to them with his good hand, "I still not people person. Some peoples not as accepting as street peoples." He lowers his arms and seems to sink back into the couch slightly has his entire composer drops slightly buy noticeably.
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August 15th 7:36 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
Stalker nodded, "I realize that it's not the easiest thing for you. I won't pretend to know your past or how difficult it's been for you but if you're up for it, I think it's a good idea for several reasons", he began to tick off points on his finger, "First, if there is any prejudice against trolls in general to the extent that it will cause someone to try and force him out, we will know almost instantly, Second, if there are any people there that are trying to overcome themselves or show by example how to overcome that kind of crap, they will be helluva lot more likely to come forward on their own and talk to you freely, Third, Dennis damned well might come out and talk more openly to you. Not likely, but a helluva lot more likely than to myself or Raven. Even if shes with you, she seems to make a part time job out of connecting people that need to be connected so I'm betting he will be pretty relaxed about it if he does wander over. And Fourth, you never know about people. They can surprise you. Think of it like this; these kids are the next generation. You could do worse than show them by example that if they open their minds a bit they might learn something. And all you have to do to accomplish that is just be yourself. Even the worst case wont be anything more than you've had to deal with from other idiots on occasion, right?"
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August 15th 7:36 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Patch
Patch holds up his hands in a defensive posture, "Tank you, fadder Stalker. I never say I not do it. Just hope you right." he lowers his hands with a slight smirk "So you tink Raven should introduce then?" turns to Raven "You tink that good idea?"
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August 15th 7:36 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Raven
Raven inhaled sharply and closed her eyes as she sipped the strong drink. It burned clawing its way down her throat until it it her stomach and left a gentle warmth. She gave patch's question deep consideration. "Well... Me introducing you might be an issue. If I show up he could get suspicious. Dennis and I really dont hang out that much since we come from very different worlds. He in school and I'm just a street mage. There wouldn't be any real reason for me to be on campus unless I was there for business. He's not a dumb guy if his girls correct and the relationship is strained he could likely put two and two together and figure out that I'm not there for a social call. He just like most other people that know me, know that I like to help people and fix things."
She frowned feeling helpless and mildly depressed as she finished the drink in two swallows. She made a face and shook her head to distract herself from the fiery sensation as it slid down the hatch. "I'm starting to wonder if perhaps I'll be more of a hindrance than a help on this guys. Im sorry." She said morosely.
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August 15th 7:36 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Patch
"Maybe ... Maybe not. You may not help much vit finding problem but I bet you help solve it. And maybe you be more help then you tink." he stops to talk a gulp of his beer then turns to Stalker. "So ... vut you tink now?"
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August 15th 7:36 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Raven
She nodded. "I will proceed becuase a friend of mine needs help. I just might need a bit of direction. My normal jobs I take leave a very defined role for me to play. Usually support mage or medic this is all unfamiliar territory for me thats all."
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August 15th 7:37 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
Stalker nodded to them both, "I think she will be an excellent asset and will feel better for helping. To stand by and do nothing would eat at her. I think that having recently met you, wanting to make you feel at home and having heard about a great rising star football player from Raven, I thought maybe we could go see the games and you could learn a little more about one of our most popular sports. I think that Raven should get some flyer's made and post them up all over campus", Stalker looked at her, "Giving guitar lessons for cheap would be an excellent way to supplement your income. Course, you'd need to keep the flyer's up and visible for at least a month to see if its going to be worth it, which means you'll need to visit the campus and make your rounds at least two or three times a week. Things like that are constantly being ripped down or posted over so you have to keep a constant eye on them. It will be a bit of work but on the plus side after doing it a month, you may find that you make as much or more from that as from busking. Besides, it gives you a chance to say hi to friends you don't see often and meet some of their friends. Networking always helps with home grown kind of business like that."
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August 15th 7:38 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
The Snake Pit's owner chuckled. "Sneaky and yet simple," he said. "I like it. You might also use the same technique to look for a drummer." His tone was mild and yet it was clear that the comment was not just a suggestion, it was advice for Raven.
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August 15th 7:38 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
Furrowing his brow for a moment, Stalker said, "Damn. I wish I'd thought of the drummer." He stayed that way for a very brief moment and then abruptly broke into a broad, lazy smile, "I don't think of it as sneaky so much as efficient. Killing two birds with one stone and all that." Stalker gave a slow languid stretch and briefly opened up his senses to the world outside the office, idly counting how many staff members he could sense in the building now and guessing what was going on as they prepared to open for the evening. After finishing his stretch he brought himself back to he room and said, "So. Now that we've helped Raven further her desired career path, anyone want to lay down any preliminary bets on whats going on and who the culprit will turn out to be?"
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August 15th 7:38 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Patch
"I vill have to leave music to all of you." he motions to the disfigure side of his head "I no ear for music." he begins to chuckle in a deep gravelly disturbing manner. Then he stops abruptly.
"Ven is next game? Maybe ve all go and sit in different section. I tink it be better if we don't be seen together in public. Because I bet ve deal with people vit many eyes. Somevun vit power and connection. Maybe ... um, " he seems to be searching for a word "like boss of school, don't know verd."
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August 15th 7:39 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
"They have practice throughout the week and on weekends. Scrimmage games a couple times a week. I think that you and I can attend those together but I don't think Raven needs to be there for those. She can gather more information and from different sources if she takes the campus flier route. Just by being herself, she can say hello to Dennis without raising suspicions and meet some of his friends. Thats a valuable source of information that you and I could never gain easy access to especially in the time frame we've got."
Stalker looked at Raven and Conner, "You two have had a chance to at least interact with him. Whats your impression of him? What kind of person is he? If he felt that this was just the coach treating him unfairly, would he go to the school board or even contact one or more minority activist groups for assistance if he felt like the university president wasn't giving him a fair shake?"
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August 15th 7:40 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
"Dennis is a smart boy, which is something a lot of people don't expect from a troll," Connor said. "He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty either. Trust me when I say if Dennis thought he could handle this problem by himself, he'd do it, so this isn't something that likely involves the coach. If I had to guess, I'd say outside influences and if somebody is trying to keep him out of pro sports, it would have to be somebody who has problems with trolls getting huge paychecks to take a job away from a human and that means policlub which means money. Don't assume it is a generic issue either. I'd look into which of the players has humanis ties. You might want to find out if the elf running back or the orc tackle is getting some flack too."
Connor paused for a moment, considering. "I can think of a few people that owe Dennis some major favours, myself included, so if things get bigger than the three of you are comfortable handling, there is back-up available. Some of it is strictly of the 'gloves are off' variety so don't make that decision unless you really need to."
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August 15th 7:41 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
Stalker nodded, looking thoughtful. "My conclusions pretty much mirror yours but mine are based off of what I've managed to research to date on him and not personal evaluation. It's risky to make assumptions without that experience. I agree that it has to be an incredibly influential person or organization and the policlub is a good start but its also possible that we could be talking yaks or mafia as well. The point on the orc and elf is very well taken, though. If its a case of any non-human of exceptional ability being pressured it certainly lends credit to the policlub theory. If its just Dennis its most likely something specific. His race, his playing position or both could impact spreads in such a fashion as to lose money for illicit gambling if someones gaming the drafts."
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August 15th 7:41 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Patch
Patch nods in agreement, "So, ve ready for some futball?"
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August 15th 7:41 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Stalker
Stalker grinned, "I see you're familiar with the trid commercials at least, thats as good a start as any. So whats the consensus? Anyone see any obvious flaws or have any suggestions?" He briefly brought up his Sight to get a more accurate gauge of everyones mood and see if anyone had anything on their mind but were unwilling to talk about just in case. Maybe he could coax it out of them or he could bring it up later in private if they were reluctant to address it in front of everyone.
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August 15th 7:42 pm 2058 - The Snake Pit - Connor
From Connor's aura it was easy to see that he was quite pleased, as was that portion of his aura that reflected Snake. "I'll do a little fishing on this end," he said. "Let me know if you have anything interesting to report. I'll try to figure out where it fits into the puzzle."
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August 16th 12:41 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
There were probably a hundred people on the field, a mix of returning players, hopeful newcomers and a scattering of cheerleaders who were trying to shake off the rust of the summer. It was teen jock heaven.
There were a number of trolls on the field but it wasn't hard to pick out Dennis. He was enormous, towering even over the other trolls, most of whom didn't know how to handle suddenly having somebody who could look down on them. The newcomers also knew that a troll that was a returning player meant one fewer slot available on the team for one of them. It would have been hard not to be resentful, self interest taking priority over racial solidarity.
The stands, although not empty, could hardly be called full. A scattering of die hard fans were in the seats, with girls checking out the fresh meat on the team just as the boys checked out the fresh meat on the cheer squad.
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August 16th 12:41 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Stalker smiled to himself and inhaled deeply. He felt a strange thrill. The emotions everyone was giving off... excitement, anticipation, anxiety; It was invigorating and reminiscent of what he felt in the days when he was in the wild getting ready to go on a hunting trip with his uncles. It wasn't the same, of course, but it felt familiar. But he wasn't that same person anymore and this was his world now, his stalking grounds. He was good at it and he enjoyed it. He took a moment to savor the feeling the atmosphere evoked in him and opened his eyes. He had a job to do settled himself into the hunt. He opened his senses to their fullest, mystical and otherwise and let himself absorb everything. The smells, sounds, colors, body language, auras, he even tried to be sensitive to the vibrations carried to him through the stands. As his uncles had taught him he looked for the patterns. Everything was tied together and nothing occurred that didn't cause a ripple through the rest of the world. It might be small almost beneath notice but it was always there if you could find it. All it took was a willingness to open yourself up to what was going on around you and a certain amount of detachment to recognize the patterns, even if they ran contrary to your expectations.
The look on his face did not display the partly amused and at ease with the world attitude that it normally did. He was very still and his face had taken on an aloof demeanor as if he was watching the world but nothing the world did could affect him.
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August 16th 12:41 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre - Patch
As he looked around and took in the sites and sounds of the sports centre he was reminded of the football games that his da would take him to when he was little. Of course their football was round and their players wore little to no protective gear. He believed that the Americans called it soccer.
"I sinks I go get seat next to somevun wit vorm personality." turning to Stalker, "You see somevun maybe vit friendly sense? I go sit by dem and ask questions bout game, ya? Den after game I go player exit and see if I talk to Dennis. Sound good, ya?"
Before anyone could answer he realized that he might want to get some ideas from the others on what he might want to extract from the conversation. "You have tings dat you vant me to learn?"
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pokes at Maxx to post... Your players are waiting....
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Last post was a question for the other characters to answer, so it's not me you need to poke.
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Stalker shook his head, "Exactly what you outlined would be perfect. If your questions start getting too specific right off the bat, most people will sense something isn't right. Just enjoy yourself, learn what you can of the game, the players, everything you'd do anyway if you became interested in the game and wanted to start following Dennis' career."
He opened his six senses up and began scanning the crowd looking for some likely marks. If preferences had anything to do with it someone young, excited about the team, trusting enough to engage Patch in a conversation and not in a too large a group. The smaller the group the easier it would be for him to establish a rapport with them. They needed contacts here at the school.
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There were any number of likely candidates in the stands, ranging from an old man with a white cane sitting by himself to a number of young couples. Several of the couples were more interested in each other than the practice but there was one pair, a little older than the rest who weren't so into each other to quite the same degree. In fact, he had a sketch book out and seemed to be drawing. He had a little bit of cyberware but certainly not more than would be considered normal. His companion, however had the aura of a Wolf shaman.
There were some obvious parents, several young men, all sitting separately, who seemed more intent on the cheerleading practice than the football practice, as well as a few girls who were there for exactly the opposite reason.
None of them had a particularly stand-offish aura but it was a nice day and it was hard to tell how they would react to being approached by an ugly troll with a less than perfect command of the english language.
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August 16th 12:43 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Stalker finished his casual looking sweep of the stands and looked back at the field. "There's a couple just to my left, the guy with the sketchbook, that look like possible candidates. He may be too wrapped up in his drawing to be interested in a distraction but give them a shot. If you get the sense that they aren't interested, politely bow out and try the older gentleman with the cane a bit closer down to the field. He will likely be a bit more friendly but he will probably be more curious as well and I'd like to avoid as many questions as possible. Of the rest of the crowd, it's a random pick. Just go with your feelings."
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August 16th 12:43 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
He turns and looks down at Stalker raising his good eyebrow in surprise, "Hmph, you tink so ya? Vell ok den I go speak vit man vit da book."
He heads down the bleachers occasionally looking out over the field. He makes his way near the couple and sits a few feet down from them and a row up closest to the man with the sketchbook. After a few plays he turns to the man, "Excuse please, I new to dis country. I hear dat dis be football. But I no recognize dis game. You know vat going on?"
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August 16th 12:44 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
It was the artist who looked up from his sketch to answer. His companion turned an awakened gaze on the troll to gauge his motives but the artist took Patch at face value. There was only the smallest of double takes at Patch's appearance.
"This is just a practice, not a game," he said. "They're just going through the motions of what they would do during a real game." He turned and pointed to Dennis. "The big guy in the back is called the quarterback. He's kinda like the general, giving orders to the other players as to what he wants them to do. If they do it right, they move further down the field. If they can get the ball down to the end, they score but they only have a certain number of tries before they have to give the ball to the other team so they can try. It's a lot more complicated than something like soccer, where the point is to just kick the ball into the net."
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August 16th 12:44 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre - Patch
Patch gives an agitated snort at the uneducated reference to the sport of soccer but quickly regains his composure remembering his goal. "So you say man in back like general leading troops, ya? And do I see right, dat, how you say?, quartersback is troll, no?" before he receives a response he sits and continues. "Dis game just become interesting. Is normal for quartersback to be, troll?"
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August 16th 12:45 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
"Not normally, no," the artist replied. "Trolls usually play defensive positions where their size and strength are an advantage. Quarterbacks have to be fast and agile, so they're usually elves or humans. Teams have a limit on the number of metahumans they allow so a troll quarterback weakens the team defensively." The young man shrugged. "He's got to be good, otherwise he wouldn't be playing that position."
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August 16th 12:45 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
"So dis team must be good. Me guess not so many happy that troll do so good. Vat quartersback name?" as he talks with the artist he tries to glance at what the man is sketching.
Patch is internally satisfied to hear of the praise of the troll. He watches the field following Dennis to see how he is playing watching for any obvious mistakes that maybe could have been easily avoided by a troll. Things like tackles that could have been broken, dropped snaps, obvious stumbles, etc.
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August 16th 12:46 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
"Couldn't tell you for sure but I think he back of his jersey says Mitchell," the artist said, adding a few more details to his collage of the practice. "I don't follow the league. I'm just here working on some sketches and getting some air while I'm waiting to meet someone." He reached down and lifted a cage from near his feet. Within was a weasel like creature that was busily exploring the bars in a manner that suggested curiosity rather than a desire to escape.
"I couldn't interest you in a mongoose, could I? I breed them and sell them as pets and for pest control. You don't have a problem with snakes, by any chance?"
Patch didn't see anything that seemed to suggest Dennis was playing sub par but then it was a practice and they were doing drills rather than actually playing a scrimmage.
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August 16th 12:46 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Patch looks at the curious weasel rubbing his chin. "Me never see mongoose before. I'm not having a problems vit snake, though. They good for anyfing else?"
He attempts to locate his companions without being obvious.
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August 16th 12:47 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
"Good for pest control, if you have something like a devil rat problem," the young man said. "Common household pests don't stand a chance." He chuckled. "Neither do chihuahuas. They're good pets if you have a large area for them to roam. They are explorers but they always come home once they've established a place as home, be it an apartment or a specific room. They come already litter trained. You just need to keep the box in a corner. They aren't good with small children but they do like having their belly rubbed. Food costs are a little higher than a dog because they do have certain dietary issues. It's why I asked about snakes. Snakes are their natural prey."
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August 16th 12:47 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
He chuckles heartly at the discription of the mongoose, "Sound likes me. I fit description you gives, no?" he settles his laughter "I just poor immigrant vit no moneys. I sinks dat litter box might be step ups from my living conditions. Plus me have plenty of small fury friends dats alvays seeming to come back." he shakes his head "I thanks you much but me sinks dat mongoose not good pets for me."
Patch feeling like the conversation is taking a friendly turn, and wanting to change the subject, decides to lean in a little to peer over the mans shoulder. "So vuts you drawing dar?"
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August 16th 12:44 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Stalker paid attention as Patch introduced himself to the other two. Once he started speaking with them he put Patch from his mind and turned his attention back to the rest of the crowd. He took a moment to try and spent some time getting a more detailed reading of Dennis teammates. He was looking for anything out of place; Someone who's aura didn't match their visible behavior, who's emotions notably altered whenever Kevin came into view or became part of their mental space, or even someone who's aura looked too smooth, too controlled. He was ruling nothing out, not even the involvement of magic at this point and it seemed reasonable to start with his teammates. He suspected that the trail would lead to something far larger than a few college kids who didn't want to lose out to a troll but that was no reason not to be thorough about it and he did pride himself on his professionalism.
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OOC: Don't you mean Dennis?
August 16th 12:44 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
The artist laughed. "Well, I'm not about to find out if you like belly rubs, so I'll take your word on it. And if you're that down on your luck you might want to drop by Crusher 495. They might be able to help you get on your feet again. It may be a bar but they always know about odd jobs that need doing. Plus the bartender and owner is a troll so when you ask for a large coffee, you get a LARGE coffee."
"Stop trying to save him Duster." The native woman finally spoke. Her voice was soft but there was an unmistakable iron in it. "I'm sorry," she said, addressing Patch. "He has this thing about trying to play white knight. He'd try to save everybody, if he had the chance."
"I was just giving him a little advice," Duster groused. "In answer to your question, I'm just doodling. Sketching bits and pieces of the practice. Nothing in particular." He showed the troll his sketch book. "Like I said, just something to do while waiting."
There wasn't a whole lot of variation in the auras of the players on the field. They seemed to be focused rather intently on the practice. There was the typical mix of irritation and elation, disappointment and anger that was usually found when one side was outdoing the other. It took a while for Stalker to spot because the change was subtle. Whenever a different quarterback candidate was brought in, one of the receivers pulled off the gloves he wore when Dennis was handling the ball. It didn't matter who was throwing, however. His hands seemed like magnets. He could catch anything, no matter how wobbly or how far off target.
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August 16th 12:44 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Patch attempted to smile at the women, "Is ok, I appreciates any helps I can gets. I may needs to check dis place out. Crusher 495, ya?" he continues without pause, "My name Max but friends call me Patch" extending his hand to the lady first then the man.
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August 16th 12:45 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
"Timber," the woman replied, giving Patch a firm handshake and looking him straight in the eye. "As in 'wolf'. This is Duster." She couldn't stop a grin from flashing across her face. "As in feather." The artist gave her a look and waved at Patch but didn't extend his hand. Perhaps he didn't want to. Perhaps it was because his hands were already full and he would have had to rearrange everything in his lap in order to stand to do so. It was difficult to tell. Both of the pair were being friendly but there was something guarded there as well.
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August 16th 12:44 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Well, well, he thought, as he noticed the receivers quirk, Our first bigot of the day. He focused all his attention on the kid, listening for a nickname, checking his jersey, and noticing the people he spoke to in a familiar fashion. It was clear he was serious about the practice, skilled and had a surprising amount of focus for a college kid. It was exceedingly unlikely that he was the one responsible for the pressure Dennis was feeling but it was a start. Given six degrees of separation, however, it was a definite possibility that the kid could be used as a starting point to eventually locating that source of stress. He reminded himself not to get so focused on the receiver that he failed to take time to study Dennis himself. If he knew, or suspected, that someone was associated with the source of his stress, it would be much harder for him to hide it, given that he already was reacting to it, certainly off the field.
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August 16th 12:45 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
The jersey read CARSON in large letters and from what Stalker could here, everyone, including the coach, called him 'Cargo'. The coach himself was easy to overhear, considering that he had a voice that could be heard over a jet engine. He didn't seem to be holding back his criticism and was more than willing to chew out players who failed to meet his exacting standards. He had three times as many players as he needed to make a team and he didn't have a lot of time to pare them down.
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August 16th 12:46 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Once he had enough information on the receiver to start digging he turned his attention to Dennis himself, searching for any tiny details that he might have overlooked on the initial survey of the players, trying to discover the threads in the web that connected him with everyone else here today.
While he did this he tried to genuinely appreciate and actively enjoy the practice. First, immersing himself helped him gain a better understanding of the world in which he would have to operate to accomplish his goal and second, it would help him blend in and operate in that world more effectively and third, someone there watching practice intently with no apparent connection to anything or anyone would draw attention sooner or later.
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August 16th 12:46 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
It was occasionally difficult to watch. Players who had the heart but not quite the talent were slowly but surely heading themselves for elimination. Dennis was like a machine. His arm would go back and the ball would fly to exactly where he wanted it. If a throw was missed, it was unlikley to have been Dennis at fault. He seemed like a mountain king, standing calm amidst a storm.
The other quarterback contenders seemed to sense the pressure. Some stepped up their own game while others accepted the inevitable. Here was where the coach was focusing the majority of his ire. He wasn't interested in anyone who wasn't able to perform under pressure or was willing to give up at the slightest challenge. He screamed at those who were looked like they were going through the motions. He was less vitriolic but equally loud with those who were trying to knock Dennis off his mountain and it seemed like the coach was more than willing to let them have their chance.
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August 16th 12:46 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Patch attempts a smile at the wit of Timber, and turns back to Duster and lifts his hook into view, "As you see I could use lucks and favors. I new to area. I not know many. So I tanks you for advice. You say dat you tries to saves people, ya? You ever have any lucks?"
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August 16th 12:47 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
There was a haunted look in Duster's eyes for a moment. "Sometimes," he said. "Not always."
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August 16th 12:47 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Center, Stalker
He grinned listening to the coach rant. It didn't matter what the sport or where it was played. You didn't even have to know the language to understand what they were saying. He turned his attention to the staff that he could see trying to gauge their reactions to what was going and noting their reactions to the players.
He did a quick time check before studying the staff. He needed to be thorough but also wanting to make sure that he had plenty of time to surreptitiously study the crowd in depth before the practice wound down and people started filing out. His goal was to be in a position where could watch and listen to the crowd unnoticed as they exited and see what he could find out when they started talking about what they'd seen, and then be in place to do the same with the team when they left the locker room for the day.
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August 16th 12:47 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Patch gives a quizzical look to Duster, "Sound likes last von not go so vell." he tries to choose his words carefully, he wants him to expound upon the topic but doesn't want to pry too much. "Is someting you vants to talks about? If nots, I understands." he careful watches Duster's body language to see if he's made his new acquaintance uncomfortable.
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August 16th 12:48 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Duster wasn't just uncomfortable with the question, he was VERY uncomfortable with it. Even the mongoose picked up on it.
"No, he doesn't want to talk about it," Timber said as she put a protective arm around Duster. There was a warning in her eyes that let Patch know that he was treading on dangerous ground and if he stepped further the troll would be dealing with her, rather than Duster. It was clear that of the pair she was by far the most dangerous. "Anything else we can do for you Patch?"
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August 16th 12:48 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Centre
Patch recoils mentally, "I understanding dis, I meaning no harms to you. I means not to upsets anyvon's." he moves to stand "I tanks you for da helps. I hopes you can still enjoys da practice and mongoose enjoys new home." he tips his hat politely "If you please excuse. Maybe I sees you again. Just one mores question please. Do you knows where is bathrooms."
Assuming that Timber doesn't take offense to this and points him towards the bathroom. He goes down to the bathroom. If he sees either Stalker or Raven on his way he'll simply tip his hat to them and continue to the bathroom. Once there he'll go to a stall sit down then move his patch to the other eye. Then reposition his hat low to shadow his eyes, flush, wash, and exit.
Patch then returns to the bleachers and looks around for the obvious team entrance/exit. He tries to find a seat that is near the tunnel and away from others to finish watching the practice. He is hoping that he can capture images of the players faces, using his good eye, during the practice or as the team leaves. He especially, focuses on Dennis and anyone that talks to or hits him.
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OOC: Sorry Trellin. Missed your post. Must have been the dark blue blending into the background.... lol
August 16th 1:00 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Center
The staff, like the players were trying to shake the summer's dust off their backs. Unlike the players they had more time and less criticism. Most of their jibes were reserved for the newer candidates and seemed to involve coming up with unimaginative nicknames for them. Cargo they knew and Dennis had been saddled with Goliath, for obvious reasons.
One of the people the staff were discussing as the players left the field, exhausted and either elated or deflated, was the blind man sitting above the players bench. He was a stadium fixture it seemed and never missed a practice or a game.
There were no real clear shots of the players faces. They were crowded together and not all of them had taken off their helmets. Many were looking down. It was likely going to be an hour before they were leaving, after their showering and the obligatory dressing down from the coach.
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OOC: Thats cause it was ninja-like in its stealthiness. That's my claim, anyway.
August 16th 12:47 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Center, Stalker
He focused in on the conversation that the staffers that were having concerning the blind man for a moment and surreptitiously took a look at the gentleman out of the corner of his eye. Surely he had misunderstood what they were saying. If not, he had to admit he was very curious about the gentleman.
He began to slowly make his way towards a spot he'd picked out earlier where he could go unnoticed and observe the spectators in an unhurried way as they made their exit from the stadium.
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August 16th 1:47 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Center
The players began trickling out in ones and twos, some obviously pumped about their chances and others downcast, either already eliminated or very close to being so. Dennis seemed at odds. His performance had been excellent but he showed no signs of being pleased with it. In fact he was almost sullen as he strode to his motorcycle, fired it up and rode off.
Shortly after Dennis departed, the old man from the stands arrived, slowly working his way along the wall, a white cane in his hand. He waited until he heard a particular voice, then smiled.
"Hey, Cargo."
The receiver beamed. "Hey, Dad. Need a ride?" His aura was awash with pride and love but traces of sadness ran through it along with a faint trace 0f shame.
"Unless you want me to drive." They both laughed and Cargo took his father's arm and headed for the parking lot.
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August 16th 1:50 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Center
Patch waits for the players to finish leaving and looks over to see if Duster and Feather have parted ways with their mongoose. He then goes to find Stalker and Raven to share what little info he managed to gather, hoping that they may have found out more.
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August 16th 1:50 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Center
Duster and his lady were long gone by the time the players started leaving. They seemed happy enough and the cage was no longer with them. Patch got a nod of acknowledgment rather than a full wave. They got on a beat up Harley and sped off.
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August 16th 12:52 pm 2058 - The Seattle University Sports Center, Stalker
Stalker waited patiently, observing in isolation until he was certain everyone had left except the employees and then waited another minute before making his way towards the others. He needed some beer and some time to turn things over in the back of his head. He could toy with ideas with the others but he wasn't used to operating with a team like this and wasn't sure if it would help or hurt to have to talk to the others about it. On the other hand, if it turned out he needed some time, it was easy enough to get some time for his normal, semi-instinctive process of letting the subconscious work on it if that was necessary. He was curious how the others had fared though and wondered if they might have turned up anything that could be used to weave a useful pattern out of.
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Okay, I'm calling for a vote. Who wants to continue this thread (with a restart) and who wants to just let it fade away?
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I thought I"d responded to this earlier, sorry. I would be happy to do a restart provided we could actually get posts. Just my two cents.
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Posts are good. People just seem to lose interest over time when things don't move fast.
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Youve lost Honco too I think...
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Not to mention a certain young lady who has commented here but not given her actual opinion.
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Nice. Lol. On !n different note I had no idea Dale was playing DDO. What server? I still pop on sometimes
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It starts with an S.....
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Im playing on Sarlona and I dont mind a restart if you want to set up a game for Clay and I
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Cool. Thats actually where I have my character. Mindekai, lvl 4 wiz. youre the level 5 pally, I take it?
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And in case it was ambiguous, I'm cool with a restart with just Dale and I if you're up for it Brian. Let me know if I need a new character. I promise, no novel this time. lol
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She's a cleric of indeterminate level. I'm a 3rd level thief....
Restart is in the works. I'll go easy on you guys this time and not make you do your own leg work.
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Sweet! Does this also mean we're switching to a fantasy type thread? Lol
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yeah too much leg work BS means we lose interest. It takes too long to RP out. :P