Tangled Currents - Juniper Options

[Mercy]

The fourteen trid screens at Eddy's Sports Bar are showing various games. A bookie is openly advertising the best odds from a room in the back, claiming to be strictly legit and promising to pay out any wins immediately upon someone showing a winning ticket. The bar is a haven for sports enthusiasts who are looking to make the big score. Questions of the locals bring out responses that the bookie is indeed as honest as anyone in his sort of profession can be, and better than most. Your funds are running low, but so low yet that you cannot afford a soybrew or two. You have used places like this in several of the places on your pilgrimage to Seattle and who is to say that you cannot do so again.

A particular poster catches your eye, advertising a marksmanship tournament. Several categories will be judged, showcasing pistols and rifles at varying ranges. This appears to be a real tournament, not some simple competition. Entrance fee is 100 nuyen for each category entered, with a 500 nuyen prize in each category. There is a commcode to call for anyone interested in competing. The opening rounds will be held in five days. A male voice comes over your shoulder. "Interested? I hear some real talent will be coming in for this." Turning, you see a male human of about five foot six inches standing behind you. He is dressed in the sort of clothes most of the other patrons are wearing. "Buy you a drink?"

[JuniperBheath]

Juniper breathes in the heavy smell of smoke and BO, hand on her pistol. Her other hand fidgeted with her goggles, pulling them in circles around her neck.
A sharpshooting competition sounded like easy cash, but 100 nuyen was an awful lot on her current balance, and not (though nearly) guaranteed payback.
A male voice turns her around, a smile plastering itself on her face more by reflex than anything else.

"Depends, hotshot. What does it come with?"

[Mercy]

The man actually takes a step back and holds up his hands in a gesture of peace. His eyes travel down and up your frame, pausing each way at your chest before stopping at your eyes. He laughs a bit self-consciously. "Nothing more than you want of it, I'm sure. Haven't seen you here before and thought you were interested in the poster is all." He stands sideways and motions to the bar. "A drink?"

[JuniperBheath]

"Pacem, huh? Come on, chummer, I'm not so naive to think I could get a drink from a... handsome man like yourself without some sort of strings attached. But my day's been boring so far, so why not."

Juniper turned back to the poster, flipping her hair a bit to bare her left shoulder and the tip of the wing tattoo'd across it.

"I was looking at that poster, yeah. You know a little bit more about it? Who's running it, whether house weapons are use or personal, how prizes are handed out, that sorta thing. I wouldn't want to school all these other hotshots only to find out I can't grab a credstick and ciao."

[Mercy]

The man escorts her to the bar without offering an arm. Once seated he asks what you want and orders that plus a beer for himself. The bartender brings the drinks but does not ask for money. The man sips his beer and looks at you over the lip of his stein. Putting his glass down, he says. "I do happen to know something about the competition. To answer your specific questions, I hear that they will be using house weapons and prizes are paid out in certified credsticks. Are you thinking od signing up? Only four days left before they close the registration."

[JuniperBheath]

"Well then, Mr. ... May I call you Mr. Johnson? I think I might do just that. Though I'm sad I can't use my baby, I suppose I'll just have to deal with what I'm dealt.

It does seem, however, that you might know a little more than something about this contest. Might I ask what your vested interest is? I do like to know how deep I'm digging myself before I put down the shovel."

Juniper laughs wryly and stirs her drink with a toothpick. She can almost feel her pocket float into the air with the coming loss of credits.

"You know what? Why not go whole hog. Sign me up for handguns and longarms. I haven't played with a sniper rifle in too long. Might as well brush the dust off."

[Mercy]

The man smiles as he says. "As to my interest, my name is Eddy and this is my place. If you can look close enough to see all of the fine print on the poster I am one of the sponsors. As such I have a pile of registration blanks I am supposed to get filled out and I still have a bunch of blank ones." He motions to the bartender. "Hey, Mike, bring one of those applications over, please." He thanks the man as he puts the piece of paper into your hands. Take your time and read everything. Nothing hidden, but some people are just incurable skeptics." He is about to say something else when a huge Ork comes up behind him and whispers into this ear. Eddy looks a bit put out, but shrugs and stands. "Oh, the joys of owning a bar. Stick around for a bit and we can maybe talk some more later. Unless you got some place to be." His smile seems genuine as he walks off with the bouncer in the direction of where you can hear some raised voices.

[JuniperBheath]

Juniper reads through the applications, filling in any relevant blanks and checking the fine-print, just in case. 'Nice' like this was rare in her experience.

After getting halfway through her drink, she motions the bartender over.

"Hey- Mike was it? The bossman usually this friendly, or just for pretty broads like me?"


OOC: Sorry quarterlies just started up I was swamped yesterday.

[Mercy]

Mike walks over as he polishes a glass with a towel. "Eddy? Nah, he is just a nice guy. Tough some times, but fair. His dad was a prick, but Eddy's a pretty good boss." He looks you up and down and chuckles. "But being easy on the eyes don't hurt none, either. You got that filled out?"

[JuniperBheath]

"Yeah. You want me to pay now or at the competition?"

Juniper slid the papers across the counter along with the pen. She turned around in the stool to observe the rest of the bar. Maybe she should come back sometime- it seemed a nice enough place.

"Oh, and you got any info on some upcoming odds? I was thinking of talking to the bookie over there, might as well have something interesting to say."

[Mercy]

Mike laughs. "You need to pay your fees now. You got the 200? And odds on events? If you want to put some down on the ponies, you should ask Eddy He has a couple and knows his stuff."

[JuniperBheath]

"Ooph, yeah I got 200."

Juniper winces a bit as she coughs up the nuyen. She better win this damn thing.

"Thanks for the drinks and small talk, Mike. Maybe see ya 'round."

[Mercy]

Mike takes the money and laughs as he walks away. As you finish up your drink you hear Eddy coming up behind you. He is talking to someone else about treating the customers with respect, even the ones that look like they are bumming a drink. The other voice mumbles something and then Eddy plops back on the stool next to you. "So are you in? Got to thank you for helping out. Can I repay that with some dinner?"

[JuniperBheath]

"Only if you're paying- I hope you mean you owe me 200 nuyen, 'cause my account is looking for gainful employment as a lamppost."

Juniper chuckles ruefully.

[Mercy]

He smiles. "Of course it is on me. I am on my out to the club, would you want to accompany me? I need to combine a bit of work with pleasure. As for a job, you can tell me what you do and perhaps I can help. I know a few people around town and I am sure that I can arrange something."

[JuniperBheath]

"Whatever gets me a free meal, I'm down with. As for a job, well I... don't really do anything. Reputable, anyways. I... compete in shooting tournaments, and I could work as a bodyguard, or bouncer maybe, but I really haven't had a JOB per se since I left Tir. Just give me a gun and some rubber bullets to bounce off some idiot's skulls."

[Mercy]

Eddy smiles. "Don't need a bouncer here. Rocco and the new kid, Willie do all right on that score. Maybe we can come up with something that you would not mind doing. If you are ready, we can leave now." He offers you an arm and escorts you from the bar after calling out to Mike that he was heading to the club. He exchanges a few soft words with the Ork bouncer at the door and leads you outside, walking to a battered Ford Americar. As he opens the passenger door for you he smiles, "Not the flashy job you might have expected? This old beater was my first car. My dad and I bought it for about 100 nuyen from a junk yard and took three years re-building her. Still looks a bit like drek, but she runs like magic." After putting you into the car, he walks around and climbs into the driver's seat. The auto purrs when he turns it on, but you can feel the rumble of an engine waiting to be let loose beneath you. He waits for you to buckle up and pulls out of the parking lot. He stays within the speed limit in the town, but opens it up on the old freeway, allowing the old car to show its power. He turns to you and asks, "So, up from the Tir? May I ask why you left?"

[JuniperBheath]

"Basically, there was nothing for me. You don't want my whole life story, but suffice it to say my... not even father, sperm donor fragged off, my mother told me to frag off, and here I am. Took a while, but hello Seattle!"

Juniper shifts in her seat a little, admiring the car, and lets out a low whistle.

"I have to say, though, a gorgeous ride. This is... beautiful. A friend of mine back in Tir Tairngire was a bit of a whiz with drones and stuff, showing me her latest little toy. I never had a head for repair, but I saw enough of what she did to know this is some pretty quality work."

[Mercy]

Eddy glances over at you, once again appraising your physical form and seems to focus for a few seconds on your legs. He smiles as he turns back to driving. "Thanks. My dad was a great mechanic. He owned this small garage not too far from the bar and we would spend hours working on the car. Mom died when I was six, so I barely knew her, but dad did all right by me. I learned everything I know about cars and horses from him. He passed away three years ago. Went in his sleep. She is not overly pretty on the outside, but is gorgeous on the inside." He pauses a bit, "Sorry to hear about your parents. No, I really mean it. That must have been a tough life."

He goes quiet for a few minutes then pulls off the freeway. The exit signs list Seattle Raceway and Horse Track. "My business is at the track. Should not take long, then we can grab a bite at the club here. You interested in horses?"

[JuniperBheath]

"Hey- eyes on the road, chummer. You want any more of a show and you'll have to buy me more than just dinner."

Juniper blushes a little but smiles at the attention. Her grin fades quickly.

"Sorry to hear that. My mumsie wasn't exactly the model parent, but she did what she thought was best for me. I can't empathize totally, but I can understand some of what you might be going through. I've lost a few people. And don't worry about me, the streets are no place for crybabies.

As for horses, I've actually never ... really interacted with them. I mean, I know ABOUT horses, generally, but I've never seen the races or touched one. They always seemed so ... regal, I guess? I dunno, the big beasts were so pretty and aloof, I felt like I should just leave them to their business. That sounds stupid, right?"

She crosses her arms and looks out the window at the city.

"Besides, I've spent nearly all my life in the city. Horse barns aren't exactly my usual hangout, y'know?"

[Mercy]

Eddy chuckles as he pulls into a drive past a sign that reads "Romano Stables" He looks over at you and says, "Not stupid at all. I have always felt that they are regal beasts. Especially the race horses." He pulls up next to two large stable buildings. "Then you are in for a treat. Come along if you like." He gets out and comes around to open your door and offers a hand to help you out of the car. He walks with you into one of the buildings, where you see several people working. One of these comes up and tips his hat to Eddy. "Hello, Mr. Romano. Thanks for coming over. Let me show you what I found." He looks at you with a question in his eyes and Eddy says, "Hey, Albert, thanks for calling me. This is Juniper. I thought I would show her around since we were coming here anyway." The man nods at you and welcomes you to the stable.

You walk past several stalls with horses in them, the large animals eating or being cared for by what appears to be a small army of men and women. The goal seems to be a stall where three men and a woman are gathered around one of the magnificent animals. Eddy addresses the woman, "Doctor Fine, I hear there is a problem with Nobleman?"

The woman turns to look at Eddy, barely sparing a quick glance for you. "No doubt about it, Eddy. He has been drugged. You will have to scratch him from Saturday's race. As it is, I think I have identified the drug used, but there is no way I can get it out of him before the race. I am very sorry."

Eddy's face is hard to read. "Will Nobleman be alright?"

The woman nods, "Yes. It is a good thing Jergen and Albert called me, though. The dose used is not high, but enough to come up on the tox screen at the race, disqualifying you and making you look bad for doctoring your horse."

Eddy looks over to one of the other men and says. "Good eye Jergen. So do we have one I can enter as an alternate?

The man addressed nods his head. "Yes, Mr. Romano. Albert and I were thinking you might want to do that. We were thinking of Sultan III. He is a bit long for this race, but can still cut it with the best. At least you got a chance with Smiley here on his back."

A diminutive man nods. "I can give it shot, Mr. Romano. Sultan has enough spirit."

Eddy looks at the others. "Well, Elaine, let's make sure that he is not drugged, too, please. Jergen, if the Doc says he is clean, please make the swap, but I would wait until the drop dead line before announcing the switch to prevent another doping. And Smiley, I have always said that you can ride anything to the roses. I guess you get to prove that."

As the others nod, Eddy takes your arm and walks through the stable, showing you the horses there. He tells you that he owns fifteen thoroughbreds and rents out stall space to other horse owners. He seems to know most of the people he employs here and introduces you to them as you walk by. Stopping at one of the stalls, he says, "This beauty is Golden Eagle. She was a champion four years ago. She ran her last race a year ago this weekend, right here on this track. She was several places down on the odds chart and still surprised everyone but me, Albert, and Jergen when she won. Now she breeds. Come on, I will introduce you to her." He motions for you to come to the front of the great steed with him.

[JuniperBheath]

Juniper looks concernedly at the horse and its caretakers as she follows Eddy, worry etched on her face.

"This kinda foul play happen a lot with races, or is this one looking at some high payout? It seems like someone is looking to set you up, taking your best horse out like that..."

She trails off as she approaches the mare. Face-to-muzzle, the elf suddenly realized the sheer power contained in the animals. Juniper lets out a small "woah" as she tentatively reaches her hand out, but stops a foot from the horse.

"Can I... could I pet her? I'll be gentle, she's just..."

She pulls back after a second and puts her hands on her belt, gripping the loops.

"She's a little intimidating."

[Mercy]

Eddy nods as you walk. "The payout this weekend is very high. Winner's purse is just over a million nuyen. Somewhat less for place and show, that is second and third. We had a very good chance to win it in a walk, but the doping would have been a catastrophe, especially if we had not caught it. All of the horses go through a drug screen right before the race. Any with drugs in them are disqualified. And of course, the stable gets a rep for doping, which is a huge black mark for years. No, it would have been very bad. It is good that Elaine tested him this morning. Still, Sultan III has the chops to do it, but he will have to work harder."

He gently takes your arm and moves you closer to the animal. "She is very gentle." The horse reaches out to sniff at you and the feel of her muzzle on your hand is odd, but nice. You pet the horse and it does not seem to mind. "See, like I said. Gentle. Would you like to ride one? Not Golden Eagle. She is already with foal and I cannot risk her, but we have a nice mare that we use for training. Very gentle and used to a saddle. Interested?"

[JuniperBheath]

"I suppose... I don't know, shouldn't we be checking the other horses for doping, or equipment for tampering? I'm sure they did more around here than just drugging your horse, they had full access to the barns, why would they put everything on just one gambit? You probably have a lot of work to do, I shouldn't keep you."

Juniper pulls back from the horse, hand lingering for a second on the soft nose.

[Mercy]

Eddy laughs. "Hey, don't get cold feet on me now. I am having Elaine, Doctor Fine, check all of the horses and equipment. Believe me, I would be very surprised if they put all of their chances on the one horse. But right now, that is what she and the others are doing. I will not force you to ride if you really do not want to, but I think that you would like it. We have time to get you up and do a couple of laps on the track before dinner. What do you say?"