15:18:43 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion, Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
The smile disappears. "'Private confession', huh? That's what you're calling it? Since when have you gotten religion Legion?" Crowbar lets Legion take a few steps towards him before stepping to the side, motioning to his lieutenants to do the same. Alexis looks like she wants to say something, but in the end remains silent. She settles for glowering at Felix as the little mage walks by.
The Black Plaguers disperse, letting the October Ravens through their ranks to the church. When they arrive at the church doors, Legion turns to Shade. "Wait outside."
The Asian ganger nods and indicates the others should spread out in front of the church doors, forming a rough perimeter as they trade stares with their Black Plague 'chaperones', still watching them with keen interest.
As his escorts get set up, Legion strides into the church, walking through the lobby and entering the sanctuary. The interior is lit only by sunlight, the overhead lights off to conserve electricity. Despite its worn down interior, it is clean and generally free of debris, and it is obvious the place and its furnishings are well cared for (at least by Barrens standards).
Inside, an older man dressed in the trappings of a priest was teaching a small group of children how to read. When he hears Legion enter, he looks up, and seeing who it is, stands up straight. Quietly shooing the children out of the sanctuary, he waits near the altar as the ganger approaches. "Welcome Legion. This is an unexpected pleasure. What can I do for you today?"
Full Version: Down in the Gutter: IC
17:35:14 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
Aziz is chilling in the lobby of The Heights, just having a smoke and kicking back while the girls do their thing upstairs. A cold wind rips through the broken glass, causing him to shiver involuntarily and pull his leather jacket tighter around him.
Suddenly one of the girls, not Rags but a girl from that guy, whatshisnames old stable comes running down the stairs, screeching to a halt in front of him, out of breath and looking scared.
"I think...one of...the...johns...is hurting...Frankie..." she gasps out while trying to catch her breath from what was apparently a long sprint from wherever she was to him.
Aziz
Aziz is chilling in the lobby of The Heights, just having a smoke and kicking back while the girls do their thing upstairs. A cold wind rips through the broken glass, causing him to shiver involuntarily and pull his leather jacket tighter around him.
Suddenly one of the girls, not Rags but a girl from that guy, whatshisnames old stable comes running down the stairs, screeching to a halt in front of him, out of breath and looking scared.
"I think...one of...the...johns...is hurting...Frankie..." she gasps out while trying to catch her breath from what was apparently a long sprint from wherever she was to him.
17:35:45 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
How much longer is this going to take? Aziz wondered, tapping the bottom of Kalila's sheath against the wall. The crashing sound of one of the girls charging down the stairs immediately snapped him out of his bored stupor. He turned to face her, already beginning to crouch low and draw Kalila out of her sheath.
"I think...one of...the...johns...is hurting...Frankie..." the girl sputtered out.
Fuck, shit. Goddamn psychos. "What floor, what room?" he replied quickly. As soon as he has his destination, he takes off like a bat out of hell through the lobby, ready to kick the door down.
I swear if this fucks up this simple job Legion gave me...
Aziz
How much longer is this going to take? Aziz wondered, tapping the bottom of Kalila's sheath against the wall. The crashing sound of one of the girls charging down the stairs immediately snapped him out of his bored stupor. He turned to face her, already beginning to crouch low and draw Kalila out of her sheath.
"I think...one of...the...johns...is hurting...Frankie..." the girl sputtered out.
Fuck, shit. Goddamn psychos. "What floor, what room?" he replied quickly. As soon as he has his destination, he takes off like a bat out of hell through the lobby, ready to kick the door down.
I swear if this fucks up this simple job Legion gave me...
15:18:43 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
Before he stepped inside the church, Legion flicked the butt of his cigarette aside. He was here to deal, and respecting a man's house went a long way towards engendering a mutual respect. Moving through the doors, he slid to the left, out of line of sight from outside, and paused, letting his eyes adapt to the dimness. He waits where he is while the old priest shoos away the children before walking towards him, his footfalls sounding loud in the vast hall.
"Welcome Legion. This is an unexpected pleasure. What can I do for you today?" Father Ron folds his hands inside his priest's habit, his face a smooth, unreadable mask.
"Forgive me, father, for I have sinned." Legion smiled. Father Ron's expression became momentarily wintery.
"Absolution is there for those who have truly repented," he replied. Legion chuckled, shaking his head.
"Not yet, father, not yet. Although I do come on a mission of mercy. I have gathered to me a group of survivors from this most recent war, and I intend to form another gang. We've set up a new headquarters, at Kirkland City Park, and plan to make this area our territory. Our success, though, depends on the people who've lived here, who aren't part of the established gangs. For them we offer our services as protectors, as well as suppliers. My people can move through the city far more easily and with greater security than the average citizen. I know the war has destroyed much of the infrastructure in the area, and people are going wanting for necessities. Assuming the requests are not exorbitant, we offer these services free or for a modest fee. I come to you, because you are more aware of the situation here than I am. You have the pulse of the neighborhood and the people. Plus, they will listen to you without fear. Where as I, I come with some history."
Legion smiles again, a hint of viciousness showing through the expression.
Legion
Before he stepped inside the church, Legion flicked the butt of his cigarette aside. He was here to deal, and respecting a man's house went a long way towards engendering a mutual respect. Moving through the doors, he slid to the left, out of line of sight from outside, and paused, letting his eyes adapt to the dimness. He waits where he is while the old priest shoos away the children before walking towards him, his footfalls sounding loud in the vast hall.
"Welcome Legion. This is an unexpected pleasure. What can I do for you today?" Father Ron folds his hands inside his priest's habit, his face a smooth, unreadable mask.
"Forgive me, father, for I have sinned." Legion smiled. Father Ron's expression became momentarily wintery.
"Absolution is there for those who have truly repented," he replied. Legion chuckled, shaking his head.
"Not yet, father, not yet. Although I do come on a mission of mercy. I have gathered to me a group of survivors from this most recent war, and I intend to form another gang. We've set up a new headquarters, at Kirkland City Park, and plan to make this area our territory. Our success, though, depends on the people who've lived here, who aren't part of the established gangs. For them we offer our services as protectors, as well as suppliers. My people can move through the city far more easily and with greater security than the average citizen. I know the war has destroyed much of the infrastructure in the area, and people are going wanting for necessities. Assuming the requests are not exorbitant, we offer these services free or for a modest fee. I come to you, because you are more aware of the situation here than I am. You have the pulse of the neighborhood and the people. Plus, they will listen to you without fear. Where as I, I come with some history."
Legion smiles again, a hint of viciousness showing through the expression.
?? : ?? : ??, Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Nevada
Nevada dreamed.
Faces flashed in her mind’s eye, some from long ago and barely remembered, others fresh and clear as day.
Mom in her gaudy makeup.
Randy and his beer belly dangling over dirty boxer shorts, stretching out a stained wife beater.
Caine and Masse reaching out to her through a flickering orange haze, the sky an acrid black, a stark canvas backdrop against their hands, stained red with blood.
She stirred, tossing and turning in what passed for a bed.
Nevada dreamed.
Of events long gone and days gone by.
Of being thrown on the bed by the bastard who dared to try to call himself her father. “It won’t hurt baby…�
Of lying on her back, staring blankly at the ceiling as she tried to block it out by telling herself what she’d get to eat after this. “Oh you’re so good baby…�
Of spitting up dark red phlegm in the dark concrete street as she huddled in a small box as the cold wind slashed through her bones, holding her knees close to her chest to keep warm and rocking slightly while singing to herself. “Hush little baby…�
She let out a small moan, restless through her exhaustion.
Nevada dreamed.
Of places better than this.
Blank.
A plain white field.
She stood alone.
Heaven?
Hell?
Purgatory?
Or a simple inability to come up with something?
A small scared voice echoed through the room.
“Hello?�
“Is anybody home?�
“Hello!�
“Someone?�
“Anyone?�
“Please…�
The voice trailed to a whisper.
Nevada opened her eyes slightly, her vision blurred by sleep and eyelids weighed shut by substance abuse. She’d been dreaming. Strange dreams.
She heard soft footsteps downstairs.
15:23:16, Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Thumper
Once it’d seemed like Bockscar and Grack had sorted out their differences and it was reasonably certain they wouldn’t try to kill each other, Thumper leaned against the wall, relaxing.
Not exactly keen on following his fellow orks into the depths of the sewer, brotherhood with Grack notwithstanding, Thumper idly began tinkering with the pistol he’d recently acquired. Carefully removing the clip, he checked the action (or at least what he thought constituted checking the action), toyed with the safety to get used to it, pretended to aim and fire to get the feel of it.
When he was sure the other orks were a good distance into the sewers he put his earbuds in and turned on some soft indie elf rock, settling on Moonlight Dance in the Meadow by Caitlin Starchild. Good stuff. He played it quietly, of course.
Time passed as he lost himself in the gentle, flowing tunes and Caitlin’s soothing, melodic voice. If he wasn’t such a hardcore badass street ganger, he could have almost imagined himself on a moonlight dance in a meadow right now.
He paused the music. Had he heard a voice upstairs? One that didn’t sound like any of the other October Ravens?
“Hello?�
“Is anybody home?�
“Hello!�
“Someone?�
“Anyone?�
“Please…�
Yes. Yes he had…
15:23:16, Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Child
Upon arriving at the newly christened Gang HQ, Child’s first priority had been to check out the garage/maintenance shed/warehouse on the west side. He’d spent the better part of the day doing his best to make himself useful. He poured his energy into cleaning up the place, clearing the debris, and generally trying his best to start working the building into something resembling some semblance of working order. It wasn’t easy.
It was obvious it would take more man hours to clear the crap out, and that was just the beginning. All of the equipment had been looted, and even though the infrastructure was still in place, in his opinion they really need to make repairs on it before it could be employed in actually working on anything. That would take tools, equipment, and time. Lots of it.
Despite the specter of lots of work ahead of him, he was in a pretty good mood, even humming a little tune as he worked. The mere fact that they had a garage, small and dilapidated as it was, on the premises meant he had something he could contribute to the gang. He had no doubts he could make himself very useful getting this place in working order, and even more useful once it was. That was a big relief, knowing he would be able to be seen as a contributor and not dead weight. One burden he could set to rest.
Suddenly he froze. Had he heard footsteps outside? He was certain that he had. A few moments passed, and the steps gradually became less audible, as if the person in question was walking away from him. Away from him and right…towards…the HQ…
Then the voice started.
“Hello?�
“Is anybody home?�
“Hello!�
“Someone?�
“Anyone?�
“Please…�
Nevada
Nevada dreamed.
Faces flashed in her mind’s eye, some from long ago and barely remembered, others fresh and clear as day.
Mom in her gaudy makeup.
Randy and his beer belly dangling over dirty boxer shorts, stretching out a stained wife beater.
Caine and Masse reaching out to her through a flickering orange haze, the sky an acrid black, a stark canvas backdrop against their hands, stained red with blood.
She stirred, tossing and turning in what passed for a bed.
Nevada dreamed.
Of events long gone and days gone by.
Of being thrown on the bed by the bastard who dared to try to call himself her father. “It won’t hurt baby…�
Of lying on her back, staring blankly at the ceiling as she tried to block it out by telling herself what she’d get to eat after this. “Oh you’re so good baby…�
Of spitting up dark red phlegm in the dark concrete street as she huddled in a small box as the cold wind slashed through her bones, holding her knees close to her chest to keep warm and rocking slightly while singing to herself. “Hush little baby…�
She let out a small moan, restless through her exhaustion.
Nevada dreamed.
Of places better than this.
Blank.
A plain white field.
She stood alone.
Heaven?
Hell?
Purgatory?
Or a simple inability to come up with something?
A small scared voice echoed through the room.
“Hello?�
“Is anybody home?�
“Hello!�
“Someone?�
“Anyone?�
“Please…�
The voice trailed to a whisper.
Nevada opened her eyes slightly, her vision blurred by sleep and eyelids weighed shut by substance abuse. She’d been dreaming. Strange dreams.
She heard soft footsteps downstairs.
15:23:16, Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Thumper
Once it’d seemed like Bockscar and Grack had sorted out their differences and it was reasonably certain they wouldn’t try to kill each other, Thumper leaned against the wall, relaxing.
Not exactly keen on following his fellow orks into the depths of the sewer, brotherhood with Grack notwithstanding, Thumper idly began tinkering with the pistol he’d recently acquired. Carefully removing the clip, he checked the action (or at least what he thought constituted checking the action), toyed with the safety to get used to it, pretended to aim and fire to get the feel of it.
When he was sure the other orks were a good distance into the sewers he put his earbuds in and turned on some soft indie elf rock, settling on Moonlight Dance in the Meadow by Caitlin Starchild. Good stuff. He played it quietly, of course.
Time passed as he lost himself in the gentle, flowing tunes and Caitlin’s soothing, melodic voice. If he wasn’t such a hardcore badass street ganger, he could have almost imagined himself on a moonlight dance in a meadow right now.
He paused the music. Had he heard a voice upstairs? One that didn’t sound like any of the other October Ravens?
“Hello?�
“Is anybody home?�
“Hello!�
“Someone?�
“Anyone?�
“Please…�
Yes. Yes he had…
15:23:16, Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Child
Upon arriving at the newly christened Gang HQ, Child’s first priority had been to check out the garage/maintenance shed/warehouse on the west side. He’d spent the better part of the day doing his best to make himself useful. He poured his energy into cleaning up the place, clearing the debris, and generally trying his best to start working the building into something resembling some semblance of working order. It wasn’t easy.
It was obvious it would take more man hours to clear the crap out, and that was just the beginning. All of the equipment had been looted, and even though the infrastructure was still in place, in his opinion they really need to make repairs on it before it could be employed in actually working on anything. That would take tools, equipment, and time. Lots of it.
Despite the specter of lots of work ahead of him, he was in a pretty good mood, even humming a little tune as he worked. The mere fact that they had a garage, small and dilapidated as it was, on the premises meant he had something he could contribute to the gang. He had no doubts he could make himself very useful getting this place in working order, and even more useful once it was. That was a big relief, knowing he would be able to be seen as a contributor and not dead weight. One burden he could set to rest.
Suddenly he froze. Had he heard footsteps outside? He was certain that he had. A few moments passed, and the steps gradually became less audible, as if the person in question was walking away from him. Away from him and right…towards…the HQ…
Then the voice started.
“Hello?�
“Is anybody home?�
“Hello!�
“Someone?�
“Anyone?�
“Please…�
WARNING! THE SPOILERED PART OF THIS POST IS OPEN FOR EVERYONE TO READ, BUT IT IS NOT FOR THE SENSITIVE/FAINT OF HEART, OR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!
17:38:26 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
Standing outside the door the girl told him Francesca was in, Aziz took a moment to scope out the situation. On the other side of the door he heard the rhythmic sound of flesh slapping flesh, nothing too unusual there, given what she was supposed to be doing in there anyway.
Behind him, the other girl staggered up to him, gasping with the exertion of running all the way downstairs then following him back up. “Is…Frankie…ok…?� she panted.
Shushing her, Aziz went back to listening. He heard voices. One…two…at least two, possibly three males. Hard to tell for sure.
“No! Wait! Please! Augh…� There. A female voice, filled with fear and desperation. Her protests were gasping and ragged, followed by a choking sound, then grunting and the rhythmic sound of sex again.
Drawing Kalila, Aziz reared back and easily kicked in the flimsy door, sending it flying off its already loose hinges.
The scene that greeted him was straight out of an interracial pr0n sim, and a particularly brutal one at that.
As the nightmarish scene finally sunk in, more of a horrific rape than sex-for-money, the girl behind him screamed in shock and fear. “Frankie!!!�
Her scream startled the trolls, finally causing them to pause and look at Aziz, noticing their broken door for the first time. “What the fuck are you doing!?!?!?� the one choking Francesca yelled.
17:38:26 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
Standing outside the door the girl told him Francesca was in, Aziz took a moment to scope out the situation. On the other side of the door he heard the rhythmic sound of flesh slapping flesh, nothing too unusual there, given what she was supposed to be doing in there anyway.
Behind him, the other girl staggered up to him, gasping with the exertion of running all the way downstairs then following him back up. “Is…Frankie…ok…?� she panted.
Shushing her, Aziz went back to listening. He heard voices. One…two…at least two, possibly three males. Hard to tell for sure.
“No! Wait! Please! Augh…� There. A female voice, filled with fear and desperation. Her protests were gasping and ragged, followed by a choking sound, then grunting and the rhythmic sound of sex again.
Drawing Kalila, Aziz reared back and easily kicked in the flimsy door, sending it flying off its already loose hinges.
The scene that greeted him was straight out of an interracial pr0n sim, and a particularly brutal one at that.
[ Spoiler ]
As the nightmarish scene finally sunk in, more of a horrific rape than sex-for-money, the girl behind him screamed in shock and fear. “Frankie!!!�
Her scream startled the trolls, finally causing them to pause and look at Aziz, noticing their broken door for the first time. “What the fuck are you doing!?!?!?� the one choking Francesca yelled.
15:21:06 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
“Yes. History.� The priest betrays no emotion at Legion’s deliberate understatement.
He raises an eyebrow curiously. “Forgive an old priest for being slightly skeptical of a man with your…reputation, but I assume altruism is not the driving motive behind your offer. So what’s your game Legion? You know this is Black Plague turf, and they already plan on doing what you offer for the people here. Yes the people here will listen to me, but I doubt Crowbar will look kindly on you having operations of any type on his turf, my words notwithstanding.�
The priest pauses, measuring Legion’s response, his eyes a neutral mask, his facial expression inscrutable.
Legion
“Yes. History.� The priest betrays no emotion at Legion’s deliberate understatement.
He raises an eyebrow curiously. “Forgive an old priest for being slightly skeptical of a man with your…reputation, but I assume altruism is not the driving motive behind your offer. So what’s your game Legion? You know this is Black Plague turf, and they already plan on doing what you offer for the people here. Yes the people here will listen to me, but I doubt Crowbar will look kindly on you having operations of any type on his turf, my words notwithstanding.�
The priest pauses, measuring Legion’s response, his eyes a neutral mask, his facial expression inscrutable.
15:21:47 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
"I'm not looking to infringe on Crowbar's territory," replied Legion, silently adding yet. "But your flock consists of more than just the ones who live in Black Plague territory. Our services are available to all who ask. My ultimate goal, father? Peace in Kingsgate. What we have now is unacceptable. Petty tyrants scrabbling to hold all they can, squeezing the life out of the decent people here to pay for their little wars and power struggles. What we need is a single dynasty, one strong enough to protect the innocent here, strong enough to repel incursion from any outside power which would seek to impose its will on the area. Years of constant warfare has left us in this current state of disrepair. We live in a wasteland. I propose to bring peace."
Legion saw the glitter in Father Ron's eyes, the priest's mouth opening to voice his concern, and forestalled him with a gesture.
"I know what you are going to say. And it is true. I will bring peace by the edge of a sword. But it cannot be any other way. The gangs that squat out there are a cancer on our city. You cannot negotiate with parasites. You can only eliminate them. My blade is the scalpel with which I will carve out the disease killing our city. But I need your help to do so. I need you to help me protect the healthy from the sick, so that as few are killed in the crossfire as possible. Help me make a better world."
Legion
"I'm not looking to infringe on Crowbar's territory," replied Legion, silently adding yet. "But your flock consists of more than just the ones who live in Black Plague territory. Our services are available to all who ask. My ultimate goal, father? Peace in Kingsgate. What we have now is unacceptable. Petty tyrants scrabbling to hold all they can, squeezing the life out of the decent people here to pay for their little wars and power struggles. What we need is a single dynasty, one strong enough to protect the innocent here, strong enough to repel incursion from any outside power which would seek to impose its will on the area. Years of constant warfare has left us in this current state of disrepair. We live in a wasteland. I propose to bring peace."
Legion saw the glitter in Father Ron's eyes, the priest's mouth opening to voice his concern, and forestalled him with a gesture.
"I know what you are going to say. And it is true. I will bring peace by the edge of a sword. But it cannot be any other way. The gangs that squat out there are a cancer on our city. You cannot negotiate with parasites. You can only eliminate them. My blade is the scalpel with which I will carve out the disease killing our city. But I need your help to do so. I need you to help me protect the healthy from the sick, so that as few are killed in the crossfire as possible. Help me make a better world."
17:38:28 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
What the fuck!? was all that could register in Aziz's mind as he took in the revolting sight before him. Holyshitwhatthefuck.
He hesitated for a bare second after kicking the door down, clearly not expecting three trolls doing something so depraved.
“What the fuck are you doing!?!?!?� The troll's indignant query snapped Aziz back to reality. Gotta save Frankie. Deepthroat's the biggest threat.
Aziz shot across the floor like lightning, screaming a warcry as he slashed Kalila at the troll choking the poor girl, aiming the deadly silver crescent at his throat.
Aziz
What the fuck!? was all that could register in Aziz's mind as he took in the revolting sight before him. Holyshitwhatthefuck.
He hesitated for a bare second after kicking the door down, clearly not expecting three trolls doing something so depraved.
“What the fuck are you doing!?!?!?� The troll's indignant query snapped Aziz back to reality. Gotta save Frankie. Deepthroat's the biggest threat.
Aziz shot across the floor like lightning, screaming a warcry as he slashed Kalila at the troll choking the poor girl, aiming the deadly silver crescent at his throat.
15:20:59 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Baby leaned up against one of the rails at the very edge of their perimeter. She acted as if she was bored, cleaning some dirt from underneigth her fingernails with a sigh. The reality was it was nice to have something to lean on and that extra support was helping her focus on the job at hand. She had already marked all of the potential escape routes and now it was time to wait and watch. Both things that she was good at.
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Baby leaned up against one of the rails at the very edge of their perimeter. She acted as if she was bored, cleaning some dirt from underneigth her fingernails with a sigh. The reality was it was nice to have something to lean on and that extra support was helping her focus on the job at hand. She had already marked all of the potential escape routes and now it was time to wait and watch. Both things that she was good at.
17:38:31 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
The entire room was caught off guard by Aziz's swift and decisive attack. Kalila's flawless blade flashed in a silvery arc, opening a perfect line across the troll's throat. Blood sprayed from the wound as he fell back, desperately clutching his throat to staunch the bleeding but failing miserably, creating a fountain of blood that rained down on everyone.
The troll behind Francesca screamed "Oh shit!" as he threw himself away from her and backpedaled rapidly, slamming into the wall behind him, causing loose plaster to fall from the ceiling.
The troll underneath her shoved her off him and rolled away from Aziz, yelling, "Calm down man! Chill the fuck out and let's talk about this!"
For her part, freed of the obstruction in her throat, Francesca immediately began vomiting all over the floor, her body quaking and heaving as she threw up incessantly, trying to calm her gag reflex.
Aziz
The entire room was caught off guard by Aziz's swift and decisive attack. Kalila's flawless blade flashed in a silvery arc, opening a perfect line across the troll's throat. Blood sprayed from the wound as he fell back, desperately clutching his throat to staunch the bleeding but failing miserably, creating a fountain of blood that rained down on everyone.
The troll behind Francesca screamed "Oh shit!" as he threw himself away from her and backpedaled rapidly, slamming into the wall behind him, causing loose plaster to fall from the ceiling.
The troll underneath her shoved her off him and rolled away from Aziz, yelling, "Calm down man! Chill the fuck out and let's talk about this!"
For her part, freed of the obstruction in her throat, Francesca immediately began vomiting all over the floor, her body quaking and heaving as she threw up incessantly, trying to calm her gag reflex.
15:20:59 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Calmly taking in the Black Plaguers watching them, Shade stole at glance at the girl who called herself Baby. It was obvious she was only here because she had defied Legion; she looked like crap and it was obvious she'd been through a lot recently, in a physical sense at the very minimum.
If a fight broke out she'd probably be lucky to last three seconds in her condition. Hopefully it didn't come to that, and he really hoped she wouldn't just collapse or something. Maybe he better check, just to be sure.
Casually leaning towards her, he chose his words carefully to show concern yet not imply weakness. "How you holding up?" he asked her lightly.
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Calmly taking in the Black Plaguers watching them, Shade stole at glance at the girl who called herself Baby. It was obvious she was only here because she had defied Legion; she looked like crap and it was obvious she'd been through a lot recently, in a physical sense at the very minimum.
If a fight broke out she'd probably be lucky to last three seconds in her condition. Hopefully it didn't come to that, and he really hoped she wouldn't just collapse or something. Maybe he better check, just to be sure.
Casually leaning towards her, he chose his words carefully to show concern yet not imply weakness. "How you holding up?" he asked her lightly.
17:38:42 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
Aziz didn't even flinch at the crimson arterial spray gushing across the room, some splashing on his face. He quickly took command of the room, holding Kalila in front of him, flicking his eyes back and forth at each troll. He relaxes his tensed muscles slightly, somewhat surprised by the lack of retributive violence.
"Calm down man! Chill the fuck out and let's talk about this!", the troll yells.
"In cheb, hiwan! You fucked up bad!", he spits in reply. He turns his head to the side slightly, cocking his head at the struggling girl. "Help Frankie." he says over his shoulder to the girl behind him. He looks back at the trolls, eyes narrowed to slits.
"You wanna talk, kelba, then talk. I'm all ears."
Aziz
Aziz didn't even flinch at the crimson arterial spray gushing across the room, some splashing on his face. He quickly took command of the room, holding Kalila in front of him, flicking his eyes back and forth at each troll. He relaxes his tensed muscles slightly, somewhat surprised by the lack of retributive violence.
"Calm down man! Chill the fuck out and let's talk about this!", the troll yells.
"In cheb, hiwan! You fucked up bad!", he spits in reply. He turns his head to the side slightly, cocking his head at the struggling girl. "Help Frankie." he says over his shoulder to the girl behind him. He looks back at the trolls, eyes narrowed to slits.
"You wanna talk, kelba, then talk. I'm all ears."
15:22:39 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
"Your argument is...interesting," Father Ron allows haltingly. "Especially given your history, as you yourself said."
He closes his eyes for a long moment, then opens them, meeting Legion's gaze unflinchingly. "Let us assume for the moment that I believe your motives. That I can accept your methods, however deplorable I may find them. That I have faith in the ultimate goal you proclaim. Even with all that, why should I believe you are capable of achieving all this? What makes me believe you are the best choice to bring peace to Kingsgate?"
He holds up one finger. "The Ghurkas were destroyed by Raider Nation in the First Kingsgate War."
"If you are forming another gang, I presume the early reports are in fact true, and The Hammerpack and its allies were defeated by Raider Nation and company in the Second Kingsgate War." He holds up a second finger.
He holds up a third finger, flexing it questioningly. "As for what will inevitably be a Third Kingsgate War...it is clear to everyone here by now that the road to dynasty, as you put it, runs through Raider Nation. Why should I believe the third time will be any different than the first two?"
Legion
"Your argument is...interesting," Father Ron allows haltingly. "Especially given your history, as you yourself said."
He closes his eyes for a long moment, then opens them, meeting Legion's gaze unflinchingly. "Let us assume for the moment that I believe your motives. That I can accept your methods, however deplorable I may find them. That I have faith in the ultimate goal you proclaim. Even with all that, why should I believe you are capable of achieving all this? What makes me believe you are the best choice to bring peace to Kingsgate?"
He holds up one finger. "The Ghurkas were destroyed by Raider Nation in the First Kingsgate War."
"If you are forming another gang, I presume the early reports are in fact true, and The Hammerpack and its allies were defeated by Raider Nation and company in the Second Kingsgate War." He holds up a second finger.
He holds up a third finger, flexing it questioningly. "As for what will inevitably be a Third Kingsgate War...it is clear to everyone here by now that the road to dynasty, as you put it, runs through Raider Nation. Why should I believe the third time will be any different than the first two?"
17:38:42 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
The girl behind him had been stunned into silence at the sudden explosion of violence, but rushes to follow Aziz's orders when he snaps at her. She scurries over to Francesca, supporting the other girl and gently holding her hair back while she continues vomiting on the floor, gasping for air between heaves.
The troll against the wall is blubbering, "Holy shit, you killed him, you fucking killed him!"
The troll lying on the ground slowly sits up, holding up his hands in a non-threatening way. "Easy man, easy. Just calm down. We paid your girl for the action, chip-truth! You her pimp? The money's over there," he motions to a pile of clothes which was obviously Francesca's, "go ahead, count it. It's all there. Enough for all three of us."
"Bastard..." Francesca gulps for the air to form the word as she continues retching. "I...never...at the same time...fuckers forced..." the rest of her words are lost as she spews another mouthful of vomit, coughing as the other girl gently pats her back, trying to help her clear her lungs.
Aziz
The girl behind him had been stunned into silence at the sudden explosion of violence, but rushes to follow Aziz's orders when he snaps at her. She scurries over to Francesca, supporting the other girl and gently holding her hair back while she continues vomiting on the floor, gasping for air between heaves.
The troll against the wall is blubbering, "Holy shit, you killed him, you fucking killed him!"
The troll lying on the ground slowly sits up, holding up his hands in a non-threatening way. "Easy man, easy. Just calm down. We paid your girl for the action, chip-truth! You her pimp? The money's over there," he motions to a pile of clothes which was obviously Francesca's, "go ahead, count it. It's all there. Enough for all three of us."
"Bastard..." Francesca gulps for the air to form the word as she continues retching. "I...never...at the same time...fuckers forced..." the rest of her words are lost as she spews another mouthful of vomit, coughing as the other girl gently pats her back, trying to help her clear her lungs.
15:23:02 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
Legion lifts his head and laughs, a dry humorless sound, and his left hand tightens on the scabbard of his katana.
"You know, you're the third person to ask me that question recently. I wonder if it wouldn't be worth my time to write it down just to save me from having to repeat myself. The Ghurkas fell to just one gang. It took three to bring down the Hammerpack this time. With each iteration my forces become better, stronger, more coordinated. The force that I will raise this time, the force that will bring peace to Kingsgate, will crush all before it. Nothing will stand in my way."
Legion
Legion lifts his head and laughs, a dry humorless sound, and his left hand tightens on the scabbard of his katana.
"You know, you're the third person to ask me that question recently. I wonder if it wouldn't be worth my time to write it down just to save me from having to repeat myself. The Ghurkas fell to just one gang. It took three to bring down the Hammerpack this time. With each iteration my forces become better, stronger, more coordinated. The force that I will raise this time, the force that will bring peace to Kingsgate, will crush all before it. Nothing will stand in my way."
17:39:02 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
Aziz snorts, and spits on the ground, giving a small shrug as he notices the troll he slashed has finally stopped gurgling.
"Guess I did. Maybe he shouldn't have been choking a girl from Legion's new outfit, the October Ravens." he says casually, namedropping the gang to build some fear, respect, and cred. He reaches into his messenger bag and quickly produces his SMG, pointing it at the troll on the floor, letting Kalila hang downward at his side for the moment.
"'Course I'm her fuckin' pimp. I look like a good samaritan to you?" he growls. He tilts his head over the clothes. "That woulda been enough for all three if you hadn't fucked her up. Look at her, she's bleeding. I gotta take her to a clinic, get her fixed up. She's gonna be off the street for who knows how long. You got any idea how much lost income that is, kwanii? You gonna make that up to me? Or you want your ayir cut off?" He looks over at the girl and Frankie.
"Get her dressed, help her out of here. Party's over. Tell the other girls to finish up and all of you wait for me on the stairs. Any John's got static, tell him to take it up with me."
He spits again and nudges the body on the ground with his foot.
"This hiwan... Where's the rest of his money, his valuables? My property now, and don't fuck with me or lie to me, or I'll hang you both out the window by your balls."
Aziz
Aziz snorts, and spits on the ground, giving a small shrug as he notices the troll he slashed has finally stopped gurgling.
"Guess I did. Maybe he shouldn't have been choking a girl from Legion's new outfit, the October Ravens." he says casually, namedropping the gang to build some fear, respect, and cred. He reaches into his messenger bag and quickly produces his SMG, pointing it at the troll on the floor, letting Kalila hang downward at his side for the moment.
"'Course I'm her fuckin' pimp. I look like a good samaritan to you?" he growls. He tilts his head over the clothes. "That woulda been enough for all three if you hadn't fucked her up. Look at her, she's bleeding. I gotta take her to a clinic, get her fixed up. She's gonna be off the street for who knows how long. You got any idea how much lost income that is, kwanii? You gonna make that up to me? Or you want your ayir cut off?" He looks over at the girl and Frankie.
"Get her dressed, help her out of here. Party's over. Tell the other girls to finish up and all of you wait for me on the stairs. Any John's got static, tell him to take it up with me."
He spits again and nudges the body on the ground with his foot.
"This hiwan... Where's the rest of his money, his valuables? My property now, and don't fuck with me or lie to me, or I'll hang you both out the window by your balls."
15:20:59 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Pulling his filter mask off his face, and letting it dangle around his neck, Felix sat down on the steps of the church. Coughing a few times, he slipped his glasses and rubbed his tired and puffed eyes. His late night outing from the previous day still felt way too fresh in his mind and body. His hands were hurting from sharps of glass he had scrapped on while escaping the ghoul. It wasn't anything serious, minor sratches. But it hurt like a bitch. Slipping his glasses back on, he leaned a bit forward, resting his forearms on his knees and humming gently to himself.
Across the street, he could spot a few Plaguers watching them. The young mage felt the tension in the air, but it didn't make him as nervous as usual. Even tho he knew the streets were, and always would be volatile, in the back of his mind, he also knew all too well that the Plaguers wouldn't start anything. At least, not today. If that had been their plan, they would have already made their move.
Pushing his hood down, Felix looked up at what little sunshine filtered through the thick clouds. He blinked a few times, enjoying the rare rays that warmed his pale face. Resuming his humming, Felix finally stood up, trying his best to stretch his leg, yet, not to worsen his already injured ankle. He felt bumbed out that it still gave him trouble... by now, it should have already been all healed up. But, the past few days had allowed him for little rest, and little time to really heal up. He'd have to stash himself away, somewhere, once they were back at their new HQ, and try to be forgotten for a few days. Somehow, he doubted greatly that would ever happen.
Sitting back down on the steps, Felix decided he should at least try to be somewhat useful. Closing his eyes, letting his head rest on the side, he opened himself up to the voices of the sprawl.
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Pulling his filter mask off his face, and letting it dangle around his neck, Felix sat down on the steps of the church. Coughing a few times, he slipped his glasses and rubbed his tired and puffed eyes. His late night outing from the previous day still felt way too fresh in his mind and body. His hands were hurting from sharps of glass he had scrapped on while escaping the ghoul. It wasn't anything serious, minor sratches. But it hurt like a bitch. Slipping his glasses back on, he leaned a bit forward, resting his forearms on his knees and humming gently to himself.
Across the street, he could spot a few Plaguers watching them. The young mage felt the tension in the air, but it didn't make him as nervous as usual. Even tho he knew the streets were, and always would be volatile, in the back of his mind, he also knew all too well that the Plaguers wouldn't start anything. At least, not today. If that had been their plan, they would have already made their move.
Pushing his hood down, Felix looked up at what little sunshine filtered through the thick clouds. He blinked a few times, enjoying the rare rays that warmed his pale face. Resuming his humming, Felix finally stood up, trying his best to stretch his leg, yet, not to worsen his already injured ankle. He felt bumbed out that it still gave him trouble... by now, it should have already been all healed up. But, the past few days had allowed him for little rest, and little time to really heal up. He'd have to stash himself away, somewhere, once they were back at their new HQ, and try to be forgotten for a few days. Somehow, he doubted greatly that would ever happen.
Sitting back down on the steps, Felix decided he should at least try to be somewhat useful. Closing his eyes, letting his head rest on the side, he opened himself up to the voices of the sprawl.
15:23:26, Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Child
“Please…�
A cool breath caught up in Child's throat. He didn't even twitch. He let the seconds tick by, 5 then 10. He swallowed the lump, which became a lead brick in the pit of his stomach. It was so quiet that the faint mechanical humm from his hand that kept him up some nights seemed like it was echoing around the concrete walls.
This isnt my problem...I'm the only one here, they will go away. They will go away and it wont matter. They will... oh f*ck me, Im the only one that knows... And they might be...
His Remmy was on the other side of the room, draped over the bars of the acquired bike. He did the only thing that came to mind.
<Child> (To All) Someone is outside the HQ. Walking towards the front door. They sound hurt, but it might be a trick.
Almost hoping that that Fool might still be listening he added:
<Child>And Im out of axes.
Child
“Please…�
A cool breath caught up in Child's throat. He didn't even twitch. He let the seconds tick by, 5 then 10. He swallowed the lump, which became a lead brick in the pit of his stomach. It was so quiet that the faint mechanical humm from his hand that kept him up some nights seemed like it was echoing around the concrete walls.
This isnt my problem...I'm the only one here, they will go away. They will go away and it wont matter. They will... oh f*ck me, Im the only one that knows... And they might be...
His Remmy was on the other side of the room, draped over the bars of the acquired bike. He did the only thing that came to mind.
<Child> (To All) Someone is outside the HQ. Walking towards the front door. They sound hurt, but it might be a trick.
Almost hoping that that Fool might still be listening he added:
<Child>And Im out of axes.
15:21:20 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Baby leaned her head over towards Shade so they could converse quietly, but never took her eyes off the street.
"So-ka" She lied. Her body was pushed close to the limits, but at least her mind was still sharp. Sitting in the middle of a bunch of racist metas who would be more than happy to stomp a little pink skin like herself brought on the kind of clarity that only fear of life and limb could bring.
"If this shit goes south, I've got a couple of smokes I can drop for cover." Baby turns to look at Shade for the first time so her lips can't be read by any of the Plague's. She didn't figure they were that smart, but she hadn't lived this long by underestimating people. "Street over by the torched GMC leads out to a four way intersection. They won't be able to get us all if we have to go to ground. Most of the streets towards the park are open, so I c'n get us outta here."
She certainly wasn't going to order anyone around, but she figured it would be decent to let someone know what she planned on doing if the shit hit the fan.
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Baby leaned her head over towards Shade so they could converse quietly, but never took her eyes off the street.
"So-ka" She lied. Her body was pushed close to the limits, but at least her mind was still sharp. Sitting in the middle of a bunch of racist metas who would be more than happy to stomp a little pink skin like herself brought on the kind of clarity that only fear of life and limb could bring.
"If this shit goes south, I've got a couple of smokes I can drop for cover." Baby turns to look at Shade for the first time so her lips can't be read by any of the Plague's. She didn't figure they were that smart, but she hadn't lived this long by underestimating people. "Street over by the torched GMC leads out to a four way intersection. They won't be able to get us all if we have to go to ground. Most of the streets towards the park are open, so I c'n get us outta here."
She certainly wasn't going to order anyone around, but she figured it would be decent to let someone know what she planned on doing if the shit hit the fan.
15:11:03 Sunday, 02 November 2070 – Plastic Sushi – 124th Avenue NE, Between 141st Way and 141st Place
Twiggs and Rico
Rico watches the scene through the big windows, but stays on the back of his bike, engine running but kickstand down. “Shit� he says under his breath as he casually pulls his big gun and holds it under his jacket. “C’mon now Twiggs, you can do this. Just get the keys and get out.� Never one to trust to good luck, he slides his left leg over to the right side of his bike and prepares to charge into the resturaunt.
He shrugs deeper into his armored jacket as a stiff breeze blows down his neck.
Twiggs and Rico
Rico watches the scene through the big windows, but stays on the back of his bike, engine running but kickstand down. “Shit� he says under his breath as he casually pulls his big gun and holds it under his jacket. “C’mon now Twiggs, you can do this. Just get the keys and get out.� Never one to trust to good luck, he slides his left leg over to the right side of his bike and prepares to charge into the resturaunt.
He shrugs deeper into his armored jacket as a stiff breeze blows down his neck.
15:23:38, Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Thumper
Thumper had enjoyed his idle moment; being a leader was tough work and he wasn't looking forward to having to yell at everyone to do their jobs and he was worried that he might not be the best at all of them. Imagine if one of the newly acquired gearheads challenged him to a bike-off -- it would be fucking hard to resolve that. The conundrums of the position astounded him; Legion knew his shit in ways Thumper was only beginning to imagine. The pressures of even his 15 minutes of leadership were enormous. And after that he'd have to help out the sewer crew somehow. Maybe he could attack the problem from the donstream end of things, unplugging toilets would be better than this shit.
The voice outside gave him reason to put off the onerous task of bossing off for a while longer, Child's confirmed that he would get a stay o f his duties.
<<@Child: I'm here. Get ready to back me up if shit goes south.>>
Shit wouldn't go South. Thumper clambered out of the sewer and snagged a rock with the same grace that a jungle cat shows preparing to pounce. He strutted back towards the entrance of the new gang HQ, wires on, earbuds off, fighting blood pounding through his skull.
"I'm home, who the fuck's asking?"
Thumper
Thumper had enjoyed his idle moment; being a leader was tough work and he wasn't looking forward to having to yell at everyone to do their jobs and he was worried that he might not be the best at all of them. Imagine if one of the newly acquired gearheads challenged him to a bike-off -- it would be fucking hard to resolve that. The conundrums of the position astounded him; Legion knew his shit in ways Thumper was only beginning to imagine. The pressures of even his 15 minutes of leadership were enormous. And after that he'd have to help out the sewer crew somehow. Maybe he could attack the problem from the donstream end of things, unplugging toilets would be better than this shit.
The voice outside gave him reason to put off the onerous task of bossing off for a while longer, Child's confirmed that he would get a stay o f his duties.
<<@Child: I'm here. Get ready to back me up if shit goes south.>>
Shit wouldn't go South. Thumper clambered out of the sewer and snagged a rock with the same grace that a jungle cat shows preparing to pounce. He strutted back towards the entrance of the new gang HQ, wires on, earbuds off, fighting blood pounding through his skull.
"I'm home, who the fuck's asking?"
15:21:20 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Ink was more than content to simply stand in front of the church, killing the Plaguers with his eyes. What, now el jefe's one of the faithful? What in the hell is going on? He clicked his jaw noisily to relieve the pressure on his teeth.
He spotted Felix sitting down on the front steps of the church and moved towards the frailer ganger. " 'Snot sucha good idea sittin' down ona job hermanito." He mumbles. "These puntos don't give a crap who they cut. Or kill. Long as they be pink."
The Hispanic ganger pointed a thumb at his chest. "Course, I'm not exactly their favourite person, right now. Ain't that right muchachos?"
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Ink was more than content to simply stand in front of the church, killing the Plaguers with his eyes. What, now el jefe's one of the faithful? What in the hell is going on? He clicked his jaw noisily to relieve the pressure on his teeth.
He spotted Felix sitting down on the front steps of the church and moved towards the frailer ganger. " 'Snot sucha good idea sittin' down ona job hermanito." He mumbles. "These puntos don't give a crap who they cut. Or kill. Long as they be pink."
The Hispanic ganger pointed a thumb at his chest. "Course, I'm not exactly their favourite person, right now. Ain't that right muchachos?"
15:23:38, Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Bockscar
Turdburger starts itemizing a list of tools, and once I get over the initial surprise of polysyllabic conversation I transcribe the whole thing into a shopping list on my commlink. I can see what he's getting at with some of the tools he's describing. Crack a smile. Makes sense. I'd've thought of it eventually.
Take some pictures of the thing, attach 'em to the parts list. Look around the valve for the information plate, see if I can find a model on it. The whole thing's rusted solid on the outside, but the manufacturer number is usually welded on. Run my thumb over where it was, try to count out the numbers, and record that too. We'll see if I got it right.
Get up and meander back in Grack's direction. Blink, once I realize I've started referring to him by name in my head. I can sit on that one.
"I'm done. Goin' topside. Where's the exit?"
Shrug my jacket on, reseat the weapons, queue the inventory of my stuff, make sure I didn't drop anything.
Bockscar
Turdburger starts itemizing a list of tools, and once I get over the initial surprise of polysyllabic conversation I transcribe the whole thing into a shopping list on my commlink. I can see what he's getting at with some of the tools he's describing. Crack a smile. Makes sense. I'd've thought of it eventually.
Take some pictures of the thing, attach 'em to the parts list. Look around the valve for the information plate, see if I can find a model on it. The whole thing's rusted solid on the outside, but the manufacturer number is usually welded on. Run my thumb over where it was, try to count out the numbers, and record that too. We'll see if I got it right.
Get up and meander back in Grack's direction. Blink, once I realize I've started referring to him by name in my head. I can sit on that one.
"I'm done. Goin' topside. Where's the exit?"
Shrug my jacket on, reseat the weapons, queue the inventory of my stuff, make sure I didn't drop anything.
15:21:20 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
From his little resting spot, Felix looked up toward Ink, giving him a large and sincere smile. It wouldn't have been completely out of the place if the mage's eyes weren't strangely glazed over... as if the little mage was partial high off... something....
“You shouldn't feel so agitated friend. I can hear your anger louder than everyone's.�
He lowered his head back, tilting it as if he was listening to the gentle whisper of the wind.
“They scream of blind bigoted hatred...� he said in a distance voice, his statement trailing off as if it wasn't done. "I know what they've done to you and your brothers... The Plaguers sins will one day catch up to them..."
He looked back up, giving another one of those way too honest smiles at Ink.
“Anyways, don't worry about me. I'm so pale they probably don't even think of me as pink.�
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
From his little resting spot, Felix looked up toward Ink, giving him a large and sincere smile. It wouldn't have been completely out of the place if the mage's eyes weren't strangely glazed over... as if the little mage was partial high off... something....
“You shouldn't feel so agitated friend. I can hear your anger louder than everyone's.�
He lowered his head back, tilting it as if he was listening to the gentle whisper of the wind.
“They scream of blind bigoted hatred...� he said in a distance voice, his statement trailing off as if it wasn't done. "I know what they've done to you and your brothers... The Plaguers sins will one day catch up to them..."
He looked back up, giving another one of those way too honest smiles at Ink.
“Anyways, don't worry about me. I'm so pale they probably don't even think of me as pink.�
15:23:31 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
Father Ron idly glances at Legion’s hand tightening on the hilt of his katana, seemingly unconcerned with the possibility of being cut down in his own church.
“A not unreasonable argument.�
His eyes shift back to Legion’s, not flinching from the cold intensity in the eyes of the October Raven’s leader. If nothing else, the older man’s courage and composure were impressive. It was easy to see how despite being human, he wielded influence in the Black Plague sufficient to rival Crowbar’s.
“It is easy to talk about grand things. It is far more difficult to achieve them. Likewise, many in Kingsgate’s history have come claiming peace. Few have delivered. Let your actions prove your intention to protect the innocent people of Kingsgate. Perhaps then we will have common ground enough to discuss together what to do about the guilty.�
Legion
Father Ron idly glances at Legion’s hand tightening on the hilt of his katana, seemingly unconcerned with the possibility of being cut down in his own church.
“A not unreasonable argument.�
His eyes shift back to Legion’s, not flinching from the cold intensity in the eyes of the October Raven’s leader. If nothing else, the older man’s courage and composure were impressive. It was easy to see how despite being human, he wielded influence in the Black Plague sufficient to rival Crowbar’s.
“It is easy to talk about grand things. It is far more difficult to achieve them. Likewise, many in Kingsgate’s history have come claiming peace. Few have delivered. Let your actions prove your intention to protect the innocent people of Kingsgate. Perhaps then we will have common ground enough to discuss together what to do about the guilty.�
17:41:23 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
The other girl nods mutely at Aziz’s orders. Gently brushing Francesca’s hair from her face, she supports her and helps her limp over to her clothes. It appears Francesca’s all puked out; although she dry heaves a few more times on her way to her stuff, she refrains from throwing up any more. A quick glance at the girls and its obvious Francesca is done for the day, and who knows how long? She can’t stand up straight or walk under her own power, and blood is still running down her legs. Right now at least, even the simple act of getting dressed requires assistance.
Lips locked in a frustrated grimace, Aziz turns his attention back to the trolls. Prompting them with the barrel of the SMG, he snarls, “His stuff?�
The troll on the floor slowly, making no sudden movements, points to a pile of clothes on the floor near the door. Keeping his SMG trained on them, Aziz backs up to the pile while the girls finish getting dressed quickly and leave.
Neither of the trolls seems inclined to move, given Aziz’s recent display of lethal force. He keeps an eye on them anyway, just to be safe, as he rummages through the dead troll’s things. He turns up a lighter that’s almost out of lighter fluid, half a pack of cigarettes, 20
, and a worn out, beat up holopic.
A quick glance at the holopic shows the dead troll with one arm around a human woman, the other around a small troll girl, perhaps four to six years old, although it’s always hard to tell with trolls. A small human boy, maybe seven or eight, rides on his shoulders. The background of the picture is urban, clearly rundown and ghetto. But they’re all smiling, and there’s a sense of genuine affection between them.
It occurs then to Aziz the reason for the lack of resistance by the trolls most likely isn’t because he got the drop on them or because they’re just chickenshit. These guys aren’t gangers or thugs, just ordinary citizens of Kingsgate who got too rough with a whore. Perhaps intentionally, perhaps not. Either way, for one of them at least, it was the last mistake he’d ever make.
The troll on the ground snaps Aziz out of his thoughts. “That’s his stuff, right there man. It’s yours, ok? But uh…� a bead of sweat appears on his forehead, and it has nothing to do with his recent physical exertion. “You uh, you mind if I have that holopic back? I mean, it’s nothing to you, but I think his wife and kids would like to keep the pic. Might be the only one they have of him. I know we messed up with your girl and all, but please, don’t take it out on them. They got nothing to do with this, and no kid should grow up without having something to remember their dad by.�
Aziz
The other girl nods mutely at Aziz’s orders. Gently brushing Francesca’s hair from her face, she supports her and helps her limp over to her clothes. It appears Francesca’s all puked out; although she dry heaves a few more times on her way to her stuff, she refrains from throwing up any more. A quick glance at the girls and its obvious Francesca is done for the day, and who knows how long? She can’t stand up straight or walk under her own power, and blood is still running down her legs. Right now at least, even the simple act of getting dressed requires assistance.
Lips locked in a frustrated grimace, Aziz turns his attention back to the trolls. Prompting them with the barrel of the SMG, he snarls, “His stuff?�
The troll on the floor slowly, making no sudden movements, points to a pile of clothes on the floor near the door. Keeping his SMG trained on them, Aziz backs up to the pile while the girls finish getting dressed quickly and leave.
Neither of the trolls seems inclined to move, given Aziz’s recent display of lethal force. He keeps an eye on them anyway, just to be safe, as he rummages through the dead troll’s things. He turns up a lighter that’s almost out of lighter fluid, half a pack of cigarettes, 20
, and a worn out, beat up holopic. A quick glance at the holopic shows the dead troll with one arm around a human woman, the other around a small troll girl, perhaps four to six years old, although it’s always hard to tell with trolls. A small human boy, maybe seven or eight, rides on his shoulders. The background of the picture is urban, clearly rundown and ghetto. But they’re all smiling, and there’s a sense of genuine affection between them.
It occurs then to Aziz the reason for the lack of resistance by the trolls most likely isn’t because he got the drop on them or because they’re just chickenshit. These guys aren’t gangers or thugs, just ordinary citizens of Kingsgate who got too rough with a whore. Perhaps intentionally, perhaps not. Either way, for one of them at least, it was the last mistake he’d ever make.
The troll on the ground snaps Aziz out of his thoughts. “That’s his stuff, right there man. It’s yours, ok? But uh…� a bead of sweat appears on his forehead, and it has nothing to do with his recent physical exertion. “You uh, you mind if I have that holopic back? I mean, it’s nothing to you, but I think his wife and kids would like to keep the pic. Might be the only one they have of him. I know we messed up with your girl and all, but please, don’t take it out on them. They got nothing to do with this, and no kid should grow up without having something to remember their dad by.�
15:23:39 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Shade nods at Baby’s words. “Nice work. If we need to make a break for it, I’ll try to get the others to follow your lead. I doubt we need to worry though. Nothing’s going to happen if it hasn’t happened already, especially since Legion’s separated from us right now. That would have been the best time for them to make their move.�
Off to the side, he noticed Ink start talking to Felix. Inwardly, Shade smiled. It was good for the shy ganger to talk with some of the others, get to know them. After all, while they’d always be Crashers at heart, this was their new family now.
" 'Snot sucha good idea sittin' down ona job hermanito." Ink mumbles. "These puntos don't give a crap who they cut. Or kill. Long as they be pink."
The Hispanic ganger pointed a thumb at his chest. "Course, I'm not exactly their favourite person, right now. Ain't that right muchachos?"
Alexis snarled at Ink and took a step forward. “You got somethin’ to say, you ‘spic motherfucker?�
The smile faded from Shade’s face. Maybe talking wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Stepping closer to Ink, he never took his eyes off the Black Plaguers as he whispered to the Hispanic ganger, “Stay cool Ink, now’s not the time for this, you scan?�
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Shade nods at Baby’s words. “Nice work. If we need to make a break for it, I’ll try to get the others to follow your lead. I doubt we need to worry though. Nothing’s going to happen if it hasn’t happened already, especially since Legion’s separated from us right now. That would have been the best time for them to make their move.�
Off to the side, he noticed Ink start talking to Felix. Inwardly, Shade smiled. It was good for the shy ganger to talk with some of the others, get to know them. After all, while they’d always be Crashers at heart, this was their new family now.
" 'Snot sucha good idea sittin' down ona job hermanito." Ink mumbles. "These puntos don't give a crap who they cut. Or kill. Long as they be pink."
The Hispanic ganger pointed a thumb at his chest. "Course, I'm not exactly their favourite person, right now. Ain't that right muchachos?"
Alexis snarled at Ink and took a step forward. “You got somethin’ to say, you ‘spic motherfucker?�
The smile faded from Shade’s face. Maybe talking wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Stepping closer to Ink, he never took his eyes off the Black Plaguers as he whispered to the Hispanic ganger, “Stay cool Ink, now’s not the time for this, you scan?�
15:13:39 Sunday, 02 November 2070 – Plastic Sushi – 124th Avenue NE, Between 141st Way and 141st Place
Rico
As Rico watched events unfold inside Plastic Sushi, he saw the Human and Ork smack Twiggs around. The Human grabbed Twiggs by his shirt collar and slapped him hard across the face, twice. The Ork punched him in the stomach twice before the Human flung him on the ground, towards the door.
Twiggs doesn’t even get up off the ground, instead scrambling on his hands and knees towards the door. He practically comes flying out of the door as he stumbles out of the ‘restaurant’ and gradually works his way up to a sprint towards Rico’s position. He stops when he arrives, gasping for air as he catches his breath. His warm breath forms a small cloud of vapor in the cold, as another gust of icy air blasts through the streets.
Rico
As Rico watched events unfold inside Plastic Sushi, he saw the Human and Ork smack Twiggs around. The Human grabbed Twiggs by his shirt collar and slapped him hard across the face, twice. The Ork punched him in the stomach twice before the Human flung him on the ground, towards the door.
Twiggs doesn’t even get up off the ground, instead scrambling on his hands and knees towards the door. He practically comes flying out of the door as he stumbles out of the ‘restaurant’ and gradually works his way up to a sprint towards Rico’s position. He stops when he arrives, gasping for air as he catches his breath. His warm breath forms a small cloud of vapor in the cold, as another gust of icy air blasts through the streets.
15:24:58 Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Thumper and Nevada
As he stood in the reception area of the Gang’s HQ, ready to defend the October Ravens new turf, Thumper thought he was ready for just about anything. Or anyone. He was wrong.
In response to his harsh question, a small, beautiful little girl crept out from around the corner, trembling as she stood in the entrance to the gang’s HQ. Her delicate features and small, pointed ears immediately gave her away as being of elven descent. She was cradling an old and worn out Dunkie the Dragon stuffed dragon to her chest. Dunkie had obviously seen a lot of wear and tear. Numerous tearstains clearly attested to serving as the pillow of choice she cried into.
“Umm…I did sir,� she answered in a small, scared voice. She looked terrified and ready to cry, a natural reaction for a little girl suddenly standing in front of a menacing, giant sized ork holding a spiked baseball bat and a brick in his hands. She didn’t say anything else, apparently scared into silence. Instead, she opted to stare at the floor and tightly clasp Dunkie, half-burying her face in his long fuzzy neck.
Thumper and Nevada
As he stood in the reception area of the Gang’s HQ, ready to defend the October Ravens new turf, Thumper thought he was ready for just about anything. Or anyone. He was wrong.
In response to his harsh question, a small, beautiful little girl crept out from around the corner, trembling as she stood in the entrance to the gang’s HQ. Her delicate features and small, pointed ears immediately gave her away as being of elven descent. She was cradling an old and worn out Dunkie the Dragon stuffed dragon to her chest. Dunkie had obviously seen a lot of wear and tear. Numerous tearstains clearly attested to serving as the pillow of choice she cried into.
“Umm…I did sir,� she answered in a small, scared voice. She looked terrified and ready to cry, a natural reaction for a little girl suddenly standing in front of a menacing, giant sized ork holding a spiked baseball bat and a brick in his hands. She didn’t say anything else, apparently scared into silence. Instead, she opted to stare at the floor and tightly clasp Dunkie, half-burying her face in his long fuzzy neck.
15:23:49 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
Legion cocked his head to the side, his eyebrows drawing together momentarily.
"Perhaps you did not understand my initial statement. Protecting the innocent is what I need your help with. Actions do speak louder than words, but if you wait to judge my actions it will be too late. With your help and guidance, I will deliver peace to Kingsgate. All I seek is knowledge. You will bear no responsibility for the actions taken based on that knowledge."
Legion
Legion cocked his head to the side, his eyebrows drawing together momentarily.
"Perhaps you did not understand my initial statement. Protecting the innocent is what I need your help with. Actions do speak louder than words, but if you wait to judge my actions it will be too late. With your help and guidance, I will deliver peace to Kingsgate. All I seek is knowledge. You will bear no responsibility for the actions taken based on that knowledge."
?? : ?? : ?? Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Nevada
Somewhere inside her head primal instinct tried to force her into action at the sound of an unfamiliar voice. Instinct wanted her to roll over, come up in one clean fluid motion with the shotgun firmly in her hands as she moved to cover. Instead the long haul crash allowed her to shift her hand towards the general direction of where she had laid her shotgun as she blinked a number of times and groaned as she tried to make heads or tails of dreams vs. reality.
Judging by the dirty light that filtered through an equally dirty window she was able to summarize that she hadn't been asleep long, but couldn't peg the exact time. As she looked around at the otherwise peaceful room she wondered if the frightened voice hadn't been some other fucked up shard of her subconscious making its presence known via her dreams. It was only when both Child and Thumper's voices snapped her to a slightly more alert state and convinced her that perhaps the voice she heard wasn't just in her head.
The first steps she took once she was on her feet were stumbling at best and she rubbed at her eyes, succeeding more in smearing her makeup than making it easier for her to focus. Pausing to lean against the wall for support, she bent down and scooped up her shotgun before she made her way towards the doorway of the room she had chosen to crash in.
So much for getting that much needed rest...
Thumbing the Elite in her front pocket she softly sent a message to the boys in range that likely sounded far too sultry for her intentions on the account of just waking up.
<<@Child, Thumper: I'm here, a little slow on the draw, but upstairs and armed. Headed for the balcony.>>
As quietly as she could she crept towards the balcony and carefully peered over, convinced she'd have to unload a few precious rounds into some asshole who decided to come sniff around the Raven's new turf. Once she had eyes on the target below, she hesitantly lowered the barrel of the shotgun and stared at the Elven girl below.
<<@Thumper: What the fuck is that?!? And what the fuck is it doing here?!?>>
Nevada
Somewhere inside her head primal instinct tried to force her into action at the sound of an unfamiliar voice. Instinct wanted her to roll over, come up in one clean fluid motion with the shotgun firmly in her hands as she moved to cover. Instead the long haul crash allowed her to shift her hand towards the general direction of where she had laid her shotgun as she blinked a number of times and groaned as she tried to make heads or tails of dreams vs. reality.
Judging by the dirty light that filtered through an equally dirty window she was able to summarize that she hadn't been asleep long, but couldn't peg the exact time. As she looked around at the otherwise peaceful room she wondered if the frightened voice hadn't been some other fucked up shard of her subconscious making its presence known via her dreams. It was only when both Child and Thumper's voices snapped her to a slightly more alert state and convinced her that perhaps the voice she heard wasn't just in her head.
The first steps she took once she was on her feet were stumbling at best and she rubbed at her eyes, succeeding more in smearing her makeup than making it easier for her to focus. Pausing to lean against the wall for support, she bent down and scooped up her shotgun before she made her way towards the doorway of the room she had chosen to crash in.
So much for getting that much needed rest...
Thumbing the Elite in her front pocket she softly sent a message to the boys in range that likely sounded far too sultry for her intentions on the account of just waking up.
<<@Child, Thumper: I'm here, a little slow on the draw, but upstairs and armed. Headed for the balcony.>>
As quietly as she could she crept towards the balcony and carefully peered over, convinced she'd have to unload a few precious rounds into some asshole who decided to come sniff around the Raven's new turf. Once she had eyes on the target below, she hesitantly lowered the barrel of the shotgun and stared at the Elven girl below.
<<@Thumper: What the fuck is that?!? And what the fuck is it doing here?!?>>
17:42:15 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
Aziz nods wordlessly, and tosses the holopic to the troll. He pockets the money, and extracts a cigarette from the pack before pocketing it as well.
He had to have kids... Why couldn't they have just fought back? he thinks, lighting the dead man's smoke and puffing on it.
"You know, I grew up without any idea of my parents... I like to think I turned out alright. How's his wife gonna take the news he got cacked gagging a whore?" he says, following it with a single small chuckle. He straightens up and faces the two trolls again, his lips drawn in a frown.
"There's still the matter that you two have cost more than you've paid so far... What do you plan on doing about that?"
Aziz
Aziz nods wordlessly, and tosses the holopic to the troll. He pockets the money, and extracts a cigarette from the pack before pocketing it as well.
He had to have kids... Why couldn't they have just fought back? he thinks, lighting the dead man's smoke and puffing on it.
"You know, I grew up without any idea of my parents... I like to think I turned out alright. How's his wife gonna take the news he got cacked gagging a whore?" he says, following it with a single small chuckle. He straightens up and faces the two trolls again, his lips drawn in a frown.
"There's still the matter that you two have cost more than you've paid so far... What do you plan on doing about that?"
15:24:23 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
Father Ron's eyes narrow slightly, and he nods slightly in acknowledgment of Legion's statement. "Perhaps I did not understand you then. What knowledge, specifically, do you seek? I do bear responsibility for possessing knowledge, I do bear responsibility for what I do with it, and your claim to the contrary, I do bear responsibility for actions taken based on that knowledge, if I am the one who has shared it. If I am to bear that responsibility, then I expect to know what it is you want to know, and why."
Legion
Father Ron's eyes narrow slightly, and he nods slightly in acknowledgment of Legion's statement. "Perhaps I did not understand you then. What knowledge, specifically, do you seek? I do bear responsibility for possessing knowledge, I do bear responsibility for what I do with it, and your claim to the contrary, I do bear responsibility for actions taken based on that knowledge, if I am the one who has shared it. If I am to bear that responsibility, then I expect to know what it is you want to know, and why."
17:42:36 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
The troll on the floor points to two other piles of clothes next to the one Aziz is standing over. "There's our stuff, there's a little extra cred inside. Take it. It's cool, right," he asks the troll still pressed tightly against the side wall, who nods mutely in agreement.
Aziz rifles through their pockets, turning up an extra 38 . When he looks up, the troll against the wall speaks for the first time, blubbering, "That's all we got, we swear! Come on, please, just take it and be cool! Just let us go, ok?"
Aziz
The troll on the floor points to two other piles of clothes next to the one Aziz is standing over. "There's our stuff, there's a little extra cred inside. Take it. It's cool, right," he asks the troll still pressed tightly against the side wall, who nods mutely in agreement.
Aziz rifles through their pockets, turning up an extra 38
. When he looks up, the troll against the wall speaks for the first time, blubbering, "That's all we got, we swear! Come on, please, just take it and be cool! Just let us go, ok?"
15:14:07 Sunday, 02 November 2070 – Plastic Sushi – 124th Avenue NE, Between 141st Way and 141st Place
Rico
Rico’s lips curl back in a feral grin as he draws a bead on the door. To Twiggs he says, “I was getting nervous. Thought I’d have to come in after you. Nice move. Now, look sharp, here they come.�
The two burly movers tumble out the door and down the steps, pulling up quickly when they see the big Ork and the huge gun in his hand pointed at them, laser sight moving from ones eyes to the others.
Rico’s grin gets even wider and less friendly as he cocks back the hammer and says. “Keys. Now.�
Rico
Rico’s lips curl back in a feral grin as he draws a bead on the door. To Twiggs he says, “I was getting nervous. Thought I’d have to come in after you. Nice move. Now, look sharp, here they come.�
The two burly movers tumble out the door and down the steps, pulling up quickly when they see the big Ork and the huge gun in his hand pointed at them, laser sight moving from ones eyes to the others.
Rico’s grin gets even wider and less friendly as he cocks back the hammer and says. “Keys. Now.�
17:43:55 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
Aziz sighs as he pockets the meager cred.
"Not much, but I guess it'll have to do." he growls. He cleans off Kalila on the pile off clothes, then sheathes her.
"That's all we got, we swear! Come on, please, just take it and be cool! Just let us go, ok?" the blubbering troll interjects.
"Yeah... I'll let you go. See you around, I guess." Aziz says. He turns and walks out of the room, stopping in the doorframe.
"Oh... one last thing." he says. He spins around and raises his SMG, snapping off a burst of gunfire at each troll's legs, then turns again and walks out the room, heading down to meet the girls on the stairs.
"We're taking Frankie to Lossky-Destry, then going home. Any questions?" he says to the girls. He puts his SMG away, and looks at Frankie.
"I'll carry you. Put your arms around my neck." Once she does so, he lifts her under the shoulders and her knees, and hoists her up, carrying her in his arms, and begins walking.
"What happened?" he asks her quietly as they leave Evergreen Heights.
Aziz
Aziz sighs as he pockets the meager cred.
"Not much, but I guess it'll have to do." he growls. He cleans off Kalila on the pile off clothes, then sheathes her.
"That's all we got, we swear! Come on, please, just take it and be cool! Just let us go, ok?" the blubbering troll interjects.
"Yeah... I'll let you go. See you around, I guess." Aziz says. He turns and walks out of the room, stopping in the doorframe.
"Oh... one last thing." he says. He spins around and raises his SMG, snapping off a burst of gunfire at each troll's legs, then turns again and walks out the room, heading down to meet the girls on the stairs.
"We're taking Frankie to Lossky-Destry, then going home. Any questions?" he says to the girls. He puts his SMG away, and looks at Frankie.
"I'll carry you. Put your arms around my neck." Once she does so, he lifts her under the shoulders and her knees, and hoists her up, carrying her in his arms, and begins walking.
"What happened?" he asks her quietly as they leave Evergreen Heights.
15:24:23 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Baby muttered a few choice words under her breath in Chinese when Ink started in with the Plague. Her body tenses and she shifted a little to make sure she had some cover from the railing if things went downhill from here. She placed both hands in her pockets and could feel the cold metal canisters that brushed her fingertips. She made no other move. For her to mouth-off right now would be downright laughable and with her luck the plague would have already labeled her as zero threat.
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Baby muttered a few choice words under her breath in Chinese when Ink started in with the Plague. Her body tenses and she shifted a little to make sure she had some cover from the railing if things went downhill from here. She placed both hands in her pockets and could feel the cold metal canisters that brushed her fingertips. She made no other move. For her to mouth-off right now would be downright laughable and with her luck the plague would have already labeled her as zero threat.
15:14:29 Sunday, 02 November 2070 – Plastic Sushi – 124th Avenue NE, Between 141st Way and 141st Place
Rico
The movers slow to a halt and raise their hands slowly, not wanting to make any sudden moves that might induce Rico to get trigger happy. Off to the side, Rico hears a jingling sound.
He turns slightly and sees a grinning Twiggs dangling a set of keys in front of his face. "Moved so quick you didn't even see me grab 'em, did ya?" The scrawny kid looks over at the movers. "Whatcha wanna do with them now that we got their truck?"
Rico
The movers slow to a halt and raise their hands slowly, not wanting to make any sudden moves that might induce Rico to get trigger happy. Off to the side, Rico hears a jingling sound.
He turns slightly and sees a grinning Twiggs dangling a set of keys in front of his face. "Moved so quick you didn't even see me grab 'em, did ya?" The scrawny kid looks over at the movers. "Whatcha wanna do with them now that we got their truck?"
17:45:34 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Evergreen Heights Apartments, a.k.a. 'The Heights'
Aziz
Francesca closes her eyes tightly for a few moments. When she opens them, her eyes are cold, distant, and impersonal. "I told them I would only do them one at a time, no anal, and they'd each have to pay upfront. They paid me, and when I climbed on the first, he held me down while the second one went for anal. I started struggling but..." her voice trails off.
When she resumes, her voice is robotic, as if she was reporting on something that happened to someone else. "I started screaming, that's probably when Dahlia heard me and went for help." She smiles gratefully at the girl who first warned Aziz something was up, then continues. "That's when the other one shoved his dick down my throat, probably to keep me quiet."
She shrugs nonchalantly, trying to maintain a cool facade, but it's clear she's still shaken by her experience. "That shit happens down here. That's why we have pimps, I guess." She winces, probably from pain at being jostled up and down as Aziz walks. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she closes her eyes and whispers quietly, "Thanks for saving me."
Aziz
Francesca closes her eyes tightly for a few moments. When she opens them, her eyes are cold, distant, and impersonal. "I told them I would only do them one at a time, no anal, and they'd each have to pay upfront. They paid me, and when I climbed on the first, he held me down while the second one went for anal. I started struggling but..." her voice trails off.
When she resumes, her voice is robotic, as if she was reporting on something that happened to someone else. "I started screaming, that's probably when Dahlia heard me and went for help." She smiles gratefully at the girl who first warned Aziz something was up, then continues. "That's when the other one shoved his dick down my throat, probably to keep me quiet."
She shrugs nonchalantly, trying to maintain a cool facade, but it's clear she's still shaken by her experience. "That shit happens down here. That's why we have pimps, I guess." She winces, probably from pain at being jostled up and down as Aziz walks. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she closes her eyes and whispers quietly, "Thanks for saving me."
15:14:59 Sunday, 02 November 2070 – Outside of Plastic Sushi – 124th Ave NE, Between 141st Way and 141st Place
Rico
“I’ll tell you what we’re gonna do. They’re gonna keep their hands on their heads, they’re gonna’ turn around and lay down. You’re gonna drive off in the truck, and I’ll follow. I thought about taking their comm links and shit, but fuck it, I’m feeling generous today. I’ll be happy to loot their bodies if they give me an excuse though. Let’s move.�
Twiggs jumps in the truck, fires it up tears out of the area, leaving a smoking skid mark behind. He heads up 124th to 141st, turns right and heads to HQ. As soon as he turns the corner Rico says, “Nothing personal omaes. Just head down 124th to 140th and take a right. That’ll get you out of the ‘Gate eventually. If I see you again, I’ll start shooting.�
With that, Rico revves his hog, holsters his hog leg and tries to leave a longer patch of rubber than Twiggs left.
Rico
“I’ll tell you what we’re gonna do. They’re gonna keep their hands on their heads, they’re gonna’ turn around and lay down. You’re gonna drive off in the truck, and I’ll follow. I thought about taking their comm links and shit, but fuck it, I’m feeling generous today. I’ll be happy to loot their bodies if they give me an excuse though. Let’s move.�
Twiggs jumps in the truck, fires it up tears out of the area, leaving a smoking skid mark behind. He heads up 124th to 141st, turns right and heads to HQ. As soon as he turns the corner Rico says, “Nothing personal omaes. Just head down 124th to 140th and take a right. That’ll get you out of the ‘Gate eventually. If I see you again, I’ll start shooting.�
With that, Rico revves his hog, holsters his hog leg and tries to leave a longer patch of rubber than Twiggs left.
15:24:54 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
"What do people need? What are they willing to pay for? How much can they afford to pay for it? What gangs are in favor? Who are out of favor? What trouble do they see coming on the horizon? I need to know the pulse of the common folk since they are the ones who, ultimately, own the terrain. I need to know their movements and locations in order to minimize possible collateral damage from our efforts to consolidate territory." Legion gestures with his right hand, using the motion to mask his desire to reach for a cigarette.
Legion
"What do people need? What are they willing to pay for? How much can they afford to pay for it? What gangs are in favor? Who are out of favor? What trouble do they see coming on the horizon? I need to know the pulse of the common folk since they are the ones who, ultimately, own the terrain. I need to know their movements and locations in order to minimize possible collateral damage from our efforts to consolidate territory." Legion gestures with his right hand, using the motion to mask his desire to reach for a cigarette.
15:25:26 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Traveling through Black Plague Turf: Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, inside the nave of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Legion
"The information you request is not unreasonable. Assuming I trust what you'll do with it, that is."
The priest folds his arms across his chest. "Let's change topics for a moment. You've told me what you want. What you haven't told me is what I get for helping you. I'm not trading information of tangible value for your vague assurances of altruism."
He smiles thinly. "Which is not to say I don't believe you of course. Simply that a fair trade requires fair compensation. Tangible value for tangible value. I'm sure you understand."
Legion
"The information you request is not unreasonable. Assuming I trust what you'll do with it, that is."
The priest folds his arms across his chest. "Let's change topics for a moment. You've told me what you want. What you haven't told me is what I get for helping you. I'm not trading information of tangible value for your vague assurances of altruism."
He smiles thinly. "Which is not to say I don't believe you of course. Simply that a fair trade requires fair compensation. Tangible value for tangible value. I'm sure you understand."
15:24:58 Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Thumper
Thumper stared dumbly while the child gave its speech and dropped his implements dumbly as the girl eyed the floor. Nevada's message fell on deaf ears.
"Well ... kid, this isn't a good place," he chided, but his thunder was gone.
Seeing her sniffle he added, "Aw. Don't cry, come on, I'm not mad," as he shuffled closer and tried to stretch his battle-scarred face into something comforting.
A faint worry collected in his forebrain, spiralling into place, about how this was going to play out in the long run. But he couldn't just leave the kid like this.
Thumper
Thumper stared dumbly while the child gave its speech and dropped his implements dumbly as the girl eyed the floor. Nevada's message fell on deaf ears.
"Well ... kid, this isn't a good place," he chided, but his thunder was gone.
Seeing her sniffle he added, "Aw. Don't cry, come on, I'm not mad," as he shuffled closer and tried to stretch his battle-scarred face into something comforting.
A faint worry collected in his forebrain, spiralling into place, about how this was going to play out in the long run. But he couldn't just leave the kid like this.
17:55:26 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - North on 124th Ave
Aziz
Aziz frowns when he hears the story of what happened, and shakes his head slightly.
"Animals..." he mutters, tossing a glance back over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being followed.
Treaty bus is coming up soon... Looks like all clear from here on it.
"Thanks for saving me." Frankie whispers, nestling her head on his shoulder.
"Don't mention it." he whispers back, kissing the top of her head. "You'll be alright, that's what matters." He looks down at her face, almost looking peaceful now, and for the first time, actually takes time to notice her.
Not so bad looking... Very ethnic, wouldn't be surprised if there's some Arab in there...
It occurs suddenly to Aziz that in the past three hours, he's barely learned the names, or even taken much notice of the girls he's been protecting.
What the hell kind of pimp am I? No wonder this happened, I wasn't paying attention, wasn't doing my job right... his mind drifted. A numb, cold feeling blooms in his stomach as he thinks about the holopic.
No. No, not my fault. Guy brought it on himself... Frankie might not be here if I hadn't killed him.
He coughs softly into the cold air all around him, and looks at the girls walking at his side.
"The rest of you ok? Rags, Dahlia, uh..." he trails off awkwardly, not knowing the last girl's name.
Aziz
Aziz frowns when he hears the story of what happened, and shakes his head slightly.
"Animals..." he mutters, tossing a glance back over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being followed.
Treaty bus is coming up soon... Looks like all clear from here on it.
"Thanks for saving me." Frankie whispers, nestling her head on his shoulder.
"Don't mention it." he whispers back, kissing the top of her head. "You'll be alright, that's what matters." He looks down at her face, almost looking peaceful now, and for the first time, actually takes time to notice her.
Not so bad looking... Very ethnic, wouldn't be surprised if there's some Arab in there...
It occurs suddenly to Aziz that in the past three hours, he's barely learned the names, or even taken much notice of the girls he's been protecting.
What the hell kind of pimp am I? No wonder this happened, I wasn't paying attention, wasn't doing my job right... his mind drifted. A numb, cold feeling blooms in his stomach as he thinks about the holopic.
No. No, not my fault. Guy brought it on himself... Frankie might not be here if I hadn't killed him.
He coughs softly into the cold air all around him, and looks at the girls walking at his side.
"The rest of you ok? Rags, Dahlia, uh..." he trails off awkwardly, not knowing the last girl's name.
15:23:45 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Ink smiles a little at Felix's words, *What's he mean my anger... * Then the Cubano notices the smaller kid's glazed eyes and odd expression. Oh, he's a wiz, nice!
Ink gives Shade a half smile and nods. "I'm here, she's here, can't teenk of a better time 'mano."
He glares at Alexis,"I'm Cubano, not a "spic" trog breath. Get. It. Strait."
Each word is punctuated with a determined step towards the Plague lines. He smiles a particular smile that would've sent his old friends to check the bullets in their pistolas or sharpen up their knives. Felix senses the change in his mood, the anger lessening and becoming... whimsy? The Cuban starts humming and tapping out a peculiar one-two rhythm.
Gonzo had figured this out months ago. The Salvadoran banger had come home from a party to be greeted by the Plague's incessant Goblin Rock. Figuring if he couldn't sleep neither should the Plague. The eternal joker had set up a block of speakers and blasted his entire collection of musica at the Plague for days. There had been some flak from the Plague but all the LoCoS felt the battle of the bands had gone their way. There was even a bonus, the Hispanic gangers had learned that merely humming the title track from Gonzo's favorite album was enough to send the Plague into a spiraling rage.
Ink knew he was going to get a reaction, one way or the other. C'mon puta.... c'mon.
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Ink smiles a little at Felix's words, *What's he mean my anger... * Then the Cubano notices the smaller kid's glazed eyes and odd expression. Oh, he's a wiz, nice!
Ink gives Shade a half smile and nods. "I'm here, she's here, can't teenk of a better time 'mano."
He glares at Alexis,"I'm Cubano, not a "spic" trog breath. Get. It. Strait."
Each word is punctuated with a determined step towards the Plague lines. He smiles a particular smile that would've sent his old friends to check the bullets in their pistolas or sharpen up their knives. Felix senses the change in his mood, the anger lessening and becoming... whimsy? The Cuban starts humming and tapping out a peculiar one-two rhythm.
Gonzo had figured this out months ago. The Salvadoran banger had come home from a party to be greeted by the Plague's incessant Goblin Rock. Figuring if he couldn't sleep neither should the Plague. The eternal joker had set up a block of speakers and blasted his entire collection of musica at the Plague for days. There had been some flak from the Plague but all the LoCoS felt the battle of the bands had gone their way. There was even a bonus, the Hispanic gangers had learned that merely humming the title track from Gonzo's favorite album was enough to send the Plague into a spiraling rage.
Ink knew he was going to get a reaction, one way or the other. C'mon puta.... c'mon.
15:25:34 Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Nevada
Watching Thumper approach the little girl made Nevada’s jaw line tighten. Her finger rested lightly on the trigger of her Remington though it wasn’t aimed towards the atrium at the moment. Shaking her head as he tried to comfort the girl she knew she was going to have to head down there. Thump was a great guy and all, but on the fear factor scale he was off the charts to a little girl of her size, she needed to get down there and try to help.
Holy crap girl, when did you get all maternal n’ shit?
Frowning at herself she took the stairs as fast as she could manage, convincing the ganger part of her mind that she was moving into a better position if the shit went sour. She rounded the corner of the staircases slow as could be and took a hard look around, fully expecting to see someone hiding in the shadows just waiting till the little girl lured them all out of safety with their guard down.
Ready to throw down if it became necessary she saddled up along side of Thumper who towered over her by a good foot or more. She barely had to drop to a knee to be at the girls height and level. Before she could stop herself, a little smile crept onto her lips as she watched the little girl hold onto her stuffed Dunkie Doll like a lifeline. More memories that filled her head that she didn’t have time to think about right now and as quickly as the smile appeared it was gone again. It was time to ask questions.
"Who are you honey? How’d you get here all alone?"
Nevada
Watching Thumper approach the little girl made Nevada’s jaw line tighten. Her finger rested lightly on the trigger of her Remington though it wasn’t aimed towards the atrium at the moment. Shaking her head as he tried to comfort the girl she knew she was going to have to head down there. Thump was a great guy and all, but on the fear factor scale he was off the charts to a little girl of her size, she needed to get down there and try to help.
Holy crap girl, when did you get all maternal n’ shit?
Frowning at herself she took the stairs as fast as she could manage, convincing the ganger part of her mind that she was moving into a better position if the shit went sour. She rounded the corner of the staircases slow as could be and took a hard look around, fully expecting to see someone hiding in the shadows just waiting till the little girl lured them all out of safety with their guard down.
Ready to throw down if it became necessary she saddled up along side of Thumper who towered over her by a good foot or more. She barely had to drop to a knee to be at the girls height and level. Before she could stop herself, a little smile crept onto her lips as she watched the little girl hold onto her stuffed Dunkie Doll like a lifeline. More memories that filled her head that she didn’t have time to think about right now and as quickly as the smile appeared it was gone again. It was time to ask questions.
"Who are you honey? How’d you get here all alone?"
15:23:45 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - Intersection of 129th Pl NE & NE 136th Pl, in front of the Catholic Church of St. Charles
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Felix might have been an optimistic, slightly naive young wiz kid, he wasn't exactly stupid. He knew all too well the sorts of emotions that were swirling inside of Ink's head. If it had been the ghouls on the other side of the street, they would have already been nothing but smears on the pavement.
As Ink started to obviously taunt the Plaguers, Felix knew things could go from tense to bullet dodging in the blink of an eye. That and the fact he had no doubt Alexis would snap Ink in two.
Pushing himself off the steps with something of a painful grunt, he walked a few steps down to where Ink was standing. Turning his back to the Plaguers, he put was he saw as a tiny reassuring hand on Ink forearm.
“Forget them. They aren't worth it. Not today.� he said in a whisper.
He looked him straight in the eyes.
“Go cool off inside.�
Shade, Ink, Felix, Baby
Felix might have been an optimistic, slightly naive young wiz kid, he wasn't exactly stupid. He knew all too well the sorts of emotions that were swirling inside of Ink's head. If it had been the ghouls on the other side of the street, they would have already been nothing but smears on the pavement.
As Ink started to obviously taunt the Plaguers, Felix knew things could go from tense to bullet dodging in the blink of an eye. That and the fact he had no doubt Alexis would snap Ink in two.
Pushing himself off the steps with something of a painful grunt, he walked a few steps down to where Ink was standing. Turning his back to the Plaguers, he put was he saw as a tiny reassuring hand on Ink forearm.
“Forget them. They aren't worth it. Not today.� he said in a whisper.
He looked him straight in the eyes.
“Go cool off inside.�
15:26:19 Sunday, November 2nd - Ravens HQ - Just south of Kirkland City Park, between 128th Ave NE and NE 142nd Ln
Thumper and Nevada
Thumper stepped towards the girl, contorting his face into what he hoped was a friendly smile. She visibly shrank back in response, shifting Dunkie until he was directly between her and the giant ork, as if imploring him to protect her.
“Please, don’t hurt me and Dunkie,� she whispers quietly. Her voice quivers, and she sounds ready to cry.
By the time Nevada makes it downstairs, paranoid as hell that they’re about to get jumped, she sees the girl shuffling fearfully away from Thumper, back towards the front door.
Approaching the two and sliding around Thumper, Nevada drops to a knee so she can look the girl in the eye. She even smiles briefly at the girl before resuming a more neutral expression.
"Who are you honey? How’d you get here all alone?"
The girl pokes her head out from behind her stuffed protector, and shyly smiles at Nevada. “My name is Caitlin. This is Dunkie.� She holds out the stuffed dragon by way of introduction. “Say hello Dunkie.�
Dunkie is rather silent, apparently taking his role as protector quite seriously. Caitlin waits a moment for him to say hello, but the dragon remains quiet. “He doesn’t like to talk to strangers,� she explains apologetically.
“Mmm…I see,� Nevada answers understandingly. “Maybe he’ll talk to me once he gets to know me better,� she adds seriously, before repeating her question, “how’d you two get here all alone?�
“We walked. Well, I walked and Dunkie flew,� she clarifies. “We were running from the bad people.�
Before Nevada can ask who the ‘bad people’ are, that cold chill of paranoia she was feeling about the whole situation rushes to the forefront.
Something definitely isn’t right here, and she’s finally able to put her finger on exactly what’s bothering her. The little girl doesn’t fit in around these parts, down in Kingsgate. A number of little things that had been sitting right in front of them suddenly coalesce together to paint a very unusual picture indeed.
Caitlin’s blonde hair, although dirty, is healthy and in good condition. Her blue eyes, despite being nothing but guileless and innocent this whole time, are hiding something buried deep down inside. Her skin is white as snow, healthy, attractive, and remarkably free of defect, an extremely odd description for a street kid in Kingsgate. Overall, she seems to be astonishingly healthy for anyone in Kingsgate, let alone a street kid on her own.
It’s not just the girl herself that’s out of place. Her dress and shoes are ‘evening wear’ level fancy and in good condition. The little dirt they have on them can be explained from when she was running from ‘the bad people’. In fact, at second glance they go beyond fancy into downright classy. The way she’s dressed, Caitlin should be attending a fancy opera or dinner party with her parents downtown, not running around one of Seattle’s worst slums. Clean her up a bit and it is obvious this girl could fit right in to any corporate school or upper class setting. Hell, from all appearances she looks like a little elven princess. She even has a small tiara in her hair, which Nevada notes has been done up too nicely for a girl her age to have accomplished by herself.
And yet, despite all the evidence that screams this girl is out of place, Nevada gets a peculiar sense that Caitlin is at home here in Kingsgate, that she belongs here. She was scared of Thumper, but really, what little girl wouldn’t be, when confronted with an angry, towering ork yelling at them with a spiked baseball bat in his hands?
Once he started smiling (or what passed for it on his mug anyway), and put the weapons down, she didn’t take off running, nor did she scream and cry. And she seems surprisingly at ease with Nevada, even after so brief an interaction. No matter how nice they were trying to be, Thumper and Nevada fairly reek of danger, and an easy familiarity with the streets and its violent ways. Yet Caitlin seems nonplussed by the subtle aura of menace the two of them carry, and growing more comfortable in their presence by the moment.
No corporate, upper class spoiled brat who wandered in or got lost here would be as composed as this kid, not here in Hammerpack…October Raven turf, this deep in the ‘Gate. No, Nevada is fairly certain Caitlin is a true citizen of Kingsgate, but she’ll be damned if she can figure out from what part.
Her train of thought is interrupted as Caitlin frowns for a moment, pursing her lips. She looks over at Nevada and then up at Thumper. “I’m sorry, I forgot my manners. What are your names?� she asks in a shy voice.
Thumper and Nevada
Thumper stepped towards the girl, contorting his face into what he hoped was a friendly smile. She visibly shrank back in response, shifting Dunkie until he was directly between her and the giant ork, as if imploring him to protect her.
“Please, don’t hurt me and Dunkie,� she whispers quietly. Her voice quivers, and she sounds ready to cry.
By the time Nevada makes it downstairs, paranoid as hell that they’re about to get jumped, she sees the girl shuffling fearfully away from Thumper, back towards the front door.
Approaching the two and sliding around Thumper, Nevada drops to a knee so she can look the girl in the eye. She even smiles briefly at the girl before resuming a more neutral expression.
"Who are you honey? How’d you get here all alone?"
The girl pokes her head out from behind her stuffed protector, and shyly smiles at Nevada. “My name is Caitlin. This is Dunkie.� She holds out the stuffed dragon by way of introduction. “Say hello Dunkie.�
Dunkie is rather silent, apparently taking his role as protector quite seriously. Caitlin waits a moment for him to say hello, but the dragon remains quiet. “He doesn’t like to talk to strangers,� she explains apologetically.
“Mmm…I see,� Nevada answers understandingly. “Maybe he’ll talk to me once he gets to know me better,� she adds seriously, before repeating her question, “how’d you two get here all alone?�
“We walked. Well, I walked and Dunkie flew,� she clarifies. “We were running from the bad people.�
Before Nevada can ask who the ‘bad people’ are, that cold chill of paranoia she was feeling about the whole situation rushes to the forefront.
Something definitely isn’t right here, and she’s finally able to put her finger on exactly what’s bothering her. The little girl doesn’t fit in around these parts, down in Kingsgate. A number of little things that had been sitting right in front of them suddenly coalesce together to paint a very unusual picture indeed.
Caitlin’s blonde hair, although dirty, is healthy and in good condition. Her blue eyes, despite being nothing but guileless and innocent this whole time, are hiding something buried deep down inside. Her skin is white as snow, healthy, attractive, and remarkably free of defect, an extremely odd description for a street kid in Kingsgate. Overall, she seems to be astonishingly healthy for anyone in Kingsgate, let alone a street kid on her own.
It’s not just the girl herself that’s out of place. Her dress and shoes are ‘evening wear’ level fancy and in good condition. The little dirt they have on them can be explained from when she was running from ‘the bad people’. In fact, at second glance they go beyond fancy into downright classy. The way she’s dressed, Caitlin should be attending a fancy opera or dinner party with her parents downtown, not running around one of Seattle’s worst slums. Clean her up a bit and it is obvious this girl could fit right in to any corporate school or upper class setting. Hell, from all appearances she looks like a little elven princess. She even has a small tiara in her hair, which Nevada notes has been done up too nicely for a girl her age to have accomplished by herself.
And yet, despite all the evidence that screams this girl is out of place, Nevada gets a peculiar sense that Caitlin is at home here in Kingsgate, that she belongs here. She was scared of Thumper, but really, what little girl wouldn’t be, when confronted with an angry, towering ork yelling at them with a spiked baseball bat in his hands?
Once he started smiling (or what passed for it on his mug anyway), and put the weapons down, she didn’t take off running, nor did she scream and cry. And she seems surprisingly at ease with Nevada, even after so brief an interaction. No matter how nice they were trying to be, Thumper and Nevada fairly reek of danger, and an easy familiarity with the streets and its violent ways. Yet Caitlin seems nonplussed by the subtle aura of menace the two of them carry, and growing more comfortable in their presence by the moment.
No corporate, upper class spoiled brat who wandered in or got lost here would be as composed as this kid, not here in Hammerpack…October Raven turf, this deep in the ‘Gate. No, Nevada is fairly certain Caitlin is a true citizen of Kingsgate, but she’ll be damned if she can figure out from what part.
Her train of thought is interrupted as Caitlin frowns for a moment, pursing her lips. She looks over at Nevada and then up at Thumper. “I’m sorry, I forgot my manners. What are your names?� she asks in a shy voice.
17:56:10 Sunday, 02 November 2070 - North on 124th Ave, Heading towards the Lossky-Destry Clinic
Aziz
The last girl blows a bubble and slowly expands it, apparently she'd started chewing gum since they left. Popping the bubble and chewing, she looks Aziz up and down. Although she undoubtedly knows he just killed a troll, and maybe even suspects he killed the other two, since she must have heard the gunshots, she seems unintimidated by him. "New at this, ain't 'cha?"
"Name's Nyna. You call yourself Aziz, 'm I right?" He can't tell if she really doesn't know/remember his name, or if she's just pretending not to. Either way, it sounds like a rhetorical question.
She doesn't wait for an answer to either of her questions before talking again, her sentences coming out one after the other. "You're no pimp."
Looking him up and down, she blows another bubble, letting it pop before continuing. "More like street muscle. It shows. Shooting customers to teach 'em a lesson is one thing. Killing them? That's bad for business. So what are you doing looking after us? Why's the big man got you running around trying to do biz with the whores instead of doing something you're obviously more used to?"
She doesn't say what it is Aziz is 'more used to'. She doesn't have to.
Aziz
The last girl blows a bubble and slowly expands it, apparently she'd started chewing gum since they left. Popping the bubble and chewing, she looks Aziz up and down. Although she undoubtedly knows he just killed a troll, and maybe even suspects he killed the other two, since she must have heard the gunshots, she seems unintimidated by him. "New at this, ain't 'cha?"
"Name's Nyna. You call yourself Aziz, 'm I right?" He can't tell if she really doesn't know/remember his name, or if she's just pretending not to. Either way, it sounds like a rhetorical question.
She doesn't wait for an answer to either of her questions before talking again, her sentences coming out one after the other. "You're no pimp."
Looking him up and down, she blows another bubble, letting it pop before continuing. "More like street muscle. It shows. Shooting customers to teach 'em a lesson is one thing. Killing them? That's bad for business. So what are you doing looking after us? Why's the big man got you running around trying to do biz with the whores instead of doing something you're obviously more used to?"
She doesn't say what it is Aziz is 'more used to'. She doesn't have to.
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