Wasteland

[Darklord]

Valerios

He was surprised at how quickly she picked up on things. First off she was learning words at an astonishing pace, but was also picking up things like the concepts of one, or many. When she asked about his weapon, he had to think before answering.

Pulling it from it's holster he held it out to her and said, "Gun". Since he figured she couldn't pronounce a Dual Discharge Plasma Thrower just yet.

He watched with intrest as she held the weapon then held it like she had seen Thallon do with his. "You like?" he asked her, as he was happy he had set the safety before handing it over.

 

[Moneytalks]

Sage

"Valerios gun is big... " she said hefting it up her muscles tensing but still holding it easily enough.

"Is good gun?" She frowned and handed the weapon back to him before rumaging around in her back pack and pulling out her simple blow dart tube.

"This is Sage gun..." she showed it to him. A simple dart like piece was wedged into the end and then covered over with a bit of animal hide.

"To protect from... from..." she frowned... "from... liquid... liquid will kill..." she nodded seriously.

"Poison?" Valerios queried.
"Poison?... drink liquid... touch liquid... die"
"Poison."
"Yes... poison."
"The dart is poisonous?"
She frowned
"Liquid is poison... Liquid on dart is poisonous"
Valerios smiled again. She took back the dart blower and shoved it back in her pack.
"Show me Valerios gun..."
He moved to hand it to her but she shook her head.
"Show me."
"Show you how to use it?"
"Show ... me ... how to use it."
She grinned.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Lucia glared hostily at Terrin refusing to tell him one thing. Shaking her head she crossed her arms and sat there staring at the wall refusing to meet her captors eyes. Then she thought of her mother back home worried sick about her and looked up at the man "Listen I really don't know what you are talking about. Please can't I just go home."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Denoitnem:

Finally, nearing Zion, I see the dome against the horizon. If the three alien races did not need the minerals under Zion, they would have destroyed it from space a long time ago.

 

[poohlive]

"Home?" his voice was kind, "Of course, I know you want to go home."
Quickly, he slammed on the wall beside her. A loud sound like a shot rang throughout the small cell. He was close to her, very close, their noses almost touching.
"Just give me what I want, and I'll take you home. It's a simple trade, one single code for a trip back to your home, your family... "a cruel smile hit his lips, "Your mother."
He looked up and down her body, not willing to do anything, but just wanting to make idle threats. It's so easy how idle threats work in this situation.
"Think of it this way, you give me the codes, I'll let you go. You don't..." he pushed his body against hers, "And we'll just see how compatable our two races really are."

 

[bobo_daclown]

Denoitnem:

Just inside of the city gates, and guised as a Yuman, I stroll down the large walkway. I am headed for the tavern known as Hell's Belles (Hell's Beauties).

I know that if I talk to the right chap at the tavern, I may be able to speak to the secret faction of Yumans intent on winning back their world.

As I push through the saloon doors, the dark smokey atmosphere is pungent with the smell of cigarette smoke and alcohol. As my eyes adjust to the lighting and the fog, I make out a dimly lit bar lining the far wall of the tavern. Numerous tables decorate the floor as if placed there haphazardly by some drunkard. The wall to my left is decorated with framed pictures and animal heads. Toward the center, two doors lead to the water-closets. Opposite that wall, a rickety case of stairs leads to the upstairs. Under the staircase, a group of sinister looking gentlemen are engaged in a game of poker. Rather than choose either side of the room, I walk forward to the bar, watching myself in the large mirror that covers that wall. The bottles pile up in groups of vodkas, gins, whiskeys, and bourbons. I sit on the stool.

"What'll ya have, mate?"

I order some Glen Livet and place down some heavy bills. The bartender looks up at me with wide eyes and hurries off to the locker of expensive scotch whiskeys.

As he pours some of the amber liquid into a glass for me, I begin to converse, hoping to say the right thing.

 

[Darklord]

Valerios

Surprised, but pleased also, Valerios decided to take Sage off to the side a ways to show her the use of a gun.

Placing it back into her hands, he adjusted her legs to a wide stance to keep her balance even for when she fires the gun. Pointing to various parts of the gun he told her the names, such as "Trigger, barrel, safety, clip," and so on. Once she knew the names he explained the parts to her. After she had listened and then told him back what each thing did, he showed her how to hold the gun in a two handed grip. After that he then showed her how to sight, though she was already good at that thanks to her blow gun.

Stepping behind her, he set the discharge for low, and pointing to an outcropping told her to "Fire". The result was..... interesting.

 

[Moneytalks]

Satra...

Satra strode into the seedy looking bar and immediately realised that she wasn't dressed for this part of town. Her military outfit was like a beacon to all cut-throats in the vicinity.

She frowned. She didn't have time to worry about that right now. She strode up to the bart.

"I need to speak to someone about an intercom link"

The bartender looked at her steadily and pointedly ignored her to pour the other customer a drink. Satra noted the fine vintage but wasn't impressed. In a place like this it was likely enough a home made brew.

She sighed. This was going to have to be done the hard way.

She reached forward and grabbed the barman by the scruff of his shirt and pulled him bodily towards her. This had the unfortunate affect of bringing his foul breath closer to hers but she "pointedly" ignored it.

"Listen buddy..." she managed to get out before the rest of the bar took out various weapons and aimed them all at her back. She smiled at the bartender. This had the affect of causing him to examine her more closely. Which in turn had the effect of causing him to sweat... profusely.

He lifted his hand and waved away his would be rescuers. The looked at each other and shrugged returning to their game of poker and what not.

"Satra..." he wheezed.
"Grollo..." she replied politely.
"Sheesh girl..." he was struggling for some semblance of confidence.
"I don't have all day Grollo..."
"Shhhh!" he hissed as she finally let him go, "no one here knows me by that name no more..." he grumbled.
"Do I LOOK like I give a Lucian's ass?" She asked.
"Look... I don't know why you think that I..." He was trying for the 'I ain't in the business no more routine'. Thugs like Grollo were NEVER not in the business. Satra's cold stare told him she knew this.
"Ok ok ok... don't want no trouble... Jacob... over there... one cheatin' at cards... he can probably help you... for a price."
Satra frowned. She turned to look at the guy in the corner who was eyeing his fellow card buddies suspiciously. Satra ignored the other man at the bar and walked across the room.

"Hey you... you Jacob?"
"Who wants ta know?" He eyed her with sleasy interest.
"Me... and my gun here..." she replied and the room was silent as they heard the decisive hum of the pistol powering up. The firing end was inches from his crotch.
"You got some nerve..."
"I got no time... I need a comlink... untracable... yesterday."
"Ahhh..." his eyes gleamed... "and you realise this would be a pricey piece of equipment."
"I think it would be about as expensive as your... crown jewels here... is that about right?" She asked softly.
He frowned as if testing to see if she was bluffing.
Satra had one strong point... she never bluffed.
"You really think... that even if I gave this to you... you'd be able to walk out of here alive."
"Yes... I do..." she smiled.
He frowned again. She nudged his balls with her weapon. She saw the move seemingly before he even thought to do it. Her hand encircling his wrist and snapping it backwards with a painful sound crunch. His own weapon skittering across the floor.
"Mister... I said I didn't have time for this..." She hissed. She back handed him across the face and everyone noted the blood.
"Geez!" He muttered holding his jaw with his uninjured hand and squeezing his eyes against the pain.
"Get her the comlink Juggernaut NOW!" He groaned.
A smaller seedier looking guy hurried forward with a briefcase. It was snapped open and an array of illegal equipment was display. Satra snapped up a comlink and two chargers for her pistol.

"Payment for late delivery.." she smirked at Jacob. Before strolling out of the bar.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Denoitnem:

As the powerful woman finally releases the bartender, she strolls across the room looking for some equipment.

Although I'm very interested, I choose to finish my glass before following. She holds a large weapon at the man's crotch.

As she takes the equipment, she hurries out of the bar. I follow her and step out of the bar about four footfalls behind her.

When the saloon doors swing closed behind me, I am suddenly pulled to the side and have a weapon pointed at my throat. I cannot see the attacker behind me; but, I try to reason with the person.

"Don't fire! I am here on a peaceful mission."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Thallon

I heard the blast and turned, seeing Valerios and Sage behind me and realizing that he was teaching her to use the gun. I immediately turned back to Walter and Hum'battaan smiled warmly at my surprise.
"SHe just learning to shoot?" Walter asked.
"I think she's just learning a lot of things," I replied.
Walter chuckled at that.
"So," I began, "What happens now?"
"Well, we continue with our work," Hum'battaan replied, "And you...well, you do whatever you see fit. THere's always room for you here if you want to stay. You AND your friends of course...that's if she doesn't practice shooting at live targets..."
They chuckled again.
"She'll be shooting at Martian targets soon enough if she stays here," I said. "Do you really think this'll work?"
Hum'battaan looked to Walter, who looked at me, suddenly serious, and said, "Do you think anything will work? If so, why not this?"
I had no reply. ANd I wouldn't know what I thought of this new faction until I tried things their way. I nodded, then said, "Let me discuss this with them. I think I'd feel better knowing what they think before I decide for sure."
THey nodded.
"We have to get a total tally on our food and weapons inventory. It'll take a few minutes, at least. But consider yourselves out guests for now, make yourselves at home. Let us know what you decide..."
I shook thier hands again, then turned to my two companions, wishing Denoitnem was there as well.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Lunden

I was out of the compound in only a few minutes, then I worked my way through the streets, wondering if I should try to find Satra or if I should just try to find a way out of Zion. The situation had gotten too complicated too quickly, giving me not quite enough time to think...I was beginning to wonder if it would have been best for me to remain where I was, to keep an eye out and listen for any news of what those who'd framed her intended to do.
I was too late now, far too late. They would have realized I was gone, and possibly sent security to find me. I was on my own, most likely.
I was thinking about this when i saw he stepping out of a tavern. I thought twice and decided to wait to see which way she would go...

 

[Moneytalks]

Sage

Squealed with delight apon seeing the damage the gun inflicted on her innocent target. She blinked in surprise at the surge she felt from the weapon and readjusted her hold on it before trying again. This time she was dead on target. She was impressed with the range, and the accuracy.

She grinned up at Valerios and he nodded back at her unspoken question. She fired off another couple of rounds quickly getting used to the size and the feel of the weapon. Finally she stopped her eyes gleaming. She could have felled an entire swarm of desert creatures with this she thought to herself.

Before returning it to Valerios she showed her keen observation skills by putting back the safety. He smiled at her and she smiled back.

They both turned to see Thallon approaching. Sage returned his weapon to him and slipped her back pack on again, thinking perhaps they were about the leave.

 

[Moneytalks]

Satra

Satra was expecting to be followed... but not quite so openly. She slipped into an alley way and waited for him to pass. She listened carefully and stepped out to grab him from behind, holding her weapon to his neck.

"Don't fire! I am here on a peaceful mission." He spoke clearly. He seemed unafraid and she wasn't sure if it was stupidity or confidence that made him so.

"Who the fuck are you and what are you tailing me for?" She hissed back, tightening her hold on him.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Denoitnem:

As I listen to the voice behind me, I note that it clearly belongs to the woman from the bar. She questions me for my name and my reason for following her. Should I say, 'Hi, I'm an interstellar being trying to help you and you can't hurt me with that insignificant weapon?' or should I tell her, 'I saw you in the bar and was stupid enough to follow?' Maybe I'll go with the truth and also stay a bit tactful.

Well, I'm looking for the Zion resistance fighters so: "My name is Denoitnem. But, more importantly, The green, green grass grows toward the sun."

If she is one of them, she will respond with the correct counter-password.

 

[Moneytalks]

Satra

She turned and pushed him against the wall looking him over before speaking.

"What the FUCK are you talking about?" She glowered at him suspiciously. Her arm pressed against his neck to keep him in place.

"Answer my question... why the hell were you following me?"

He looked perplexed as if I should have recognised him or something.

"You're a resistance chaser aren't you?" She asked him with a look of mild disgust.

"I swear... you idiots glorify the whole thing... it's not all excitment and fun... look... I can probably get you to someone who can get you inside... but I've got a lot on my mind right now... you didn't choose a very good time to sneak around following me." She frowned at him once before deciding he wasn't any threat for now.

She dropped her arm and flipped open her comlink.

"This is S-7, do you read?"

Static.

"Fuck!" She looked him up and down. "If you can keep up I'll point you in the right direction." She poked her head out of the alley way checking for any other would be trailers and darted off down the street at a brisk pace.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Denoitnem:

As I am shoved against the wall, she makes it very clear that she is not one of the resistance.

Asking me if I am a resistance chaser, I merely nod.
Lowering her weapon, she speaks into a communicator of some sort.

Challenging me to keep up, she takes off down the street; but, only after checking for more tails.

I bound forward, following her by a couple of meters. We run hard down the street and around a few corners. Suddenly, she stops. I nearly collide with her, and choose the wall next to her as an alternative--THUD.

"What is it?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Thallon

Sage handed Valerios his weapon and the two turned to face me as I approached, Sage placing her pack on her back again.
"Well, here's what it comes down to," I begin, "They intend to build a new city, and they currently occupy the old city of Filda, but only on an underground basis. THey steer clear of the Martians that occupy the city they've built to the North."
I was certain that Valerios understood every word, but guessed that Sage wasn't sure where any of these places were. Oh well, between the two of us, she'd learn anything she needed to know, given enough time. Thus far, it seemed she needn't too much time to learn anything.
"They've offered to let us join them, only I think they were trying not to seem desperate in wanting us to help. Valerios, you're obviously well-trained in many things...For one reason or another, they all know of me....I told them I'd ask you two and see what you thought, but I've spoken for no one."
I glanced between them then.
"Honestly, I have nowhere else to be. Right now, my life is about getting paid and moving on, and I can't continue to live like this. And at very least, I want to see what has become of Filda. So what do you two think?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Lunden

I see her grab the one following her and throw him against the wall and a smile forms on my lips...who did he think he was dealing with?
A dialogue is exchanged, but I can't hear the words. I'm too far away. I step back, further into shadow, and watch. After a few moments, she lowers the weapon she's drawn on him and they start off together, him following her.
I think for only a second, then start after them. As they round corners, they don't look back, which tells me that Satra feels the need to keep moving, even to the point of not losing the little momentum it would take to glance back.
I've goten too comfortable working for the people I've worked with, even if only for a few months. I've put on a couple of pounds and, as I run, I notice that my body is tiring much faster than it used to.
I try to keep up anyway, thinking, only 22 and already I'm getting too old for this shit.
Then she stops up ahead, her follower side-stepping her and striking a nearby wall. I slow, but keep moving, deciding that keeping myself a secret from her might not be wise, and realizing from her sudden stop that there may be trouble ahead. If they needed help, I would be there for them.
I draw my weapon from its thigh-holster, a small pistol that only held thirty pellets. They'd stop someone cold, but thirty rounds meant nothng these days. I slowed as I came up behind them, holding the weapon so the barrel pointed downward, not wanting to be seen as hostile.
I speak softly as I begin to announce myself.
"Satra..."

 

[Darklord]

Valerios

As they listened to Thallon, Valerios tried to think of anything else he'd done the past few months that had been anywhere near so exciting.. Looking at Sage then back to Thallon he spoke..

"I'll go along if you'll have me, I don't have anything right now to really hold me. So why not?"

 

[Lady_Siren]

Lucia's eyes widened as her pressed against her. She pushed at his chest desperatly. "let me go! I don't know what your talking about. Please I don't know anything about any codes I just want to go home" she felt a tear slide down her cheek as she struggled against him.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Denoitnem:

Suddenly, from the gloom behind us, a whisper announces the presence of a third person.

"Satra..." I hear, penetrating the low hum of machinery and otherwise silence.

Hmm, Satra. That's this woman's name. Okay.

By the look on her face, this woman was no foe. I quietly respond before she can.

"I am called Denoitnem. Are you one of the resistance?"



OOC:
Whoops, thanks Q_Cool

 

[Quiet_Cool]

OOC: Just thought I'd mention that Lunden is a woman...

 

[Moneytalks]

Satra

Satra looks over at Lunden.

"What the??? What the fuck are you doing here Lunden?" She asks the woman. Lunden holds her pistol pointed down to show she's not after Satra herself.

"You... you've not been sent here by Zed?" Satra continued on a calmer note. There was the familiar humming sound of a roving eye. The machines routinely sent out to keep track of the goings on in the city itself. All information beamed back to Zion head quarters.

"Shhh!" Satra warned her hand indicating they should stay still. The machine bobbed in the air gliding towards them. It's eye roving left to right and up and down as it scanned the alley way just ahead of them.

"Stay!" She hissed at them as she hugged the wall and made her way towards it. Just as she got close she ducked and rolled so that when she stood up she was directly beneath it. She'd timed her move well. The eye was looking to the right. She quickly pressed a few buttons in what seemed to be a random action before stepping away from it. The eye then continued forwards. The eye however stayed looking ahead unmoving.

Satra motioned for them to come towards her. The eye wouldn't see them if they didn't get right in front of it.

"Lunden... this guy seems to want to meet the resistance. Last I heard there was a contact located in sector 12, however I'm not sure if that information is still valid. All I need to do is meet with my team... are you planning on stopping me?"

 

[Moneytalks]

Sage

"Sage go with Thallon!" She said determinedly. Her face serious with her intent.

She smiled at Valerios seemingly pleased that he would be joining them.

She turned back to Thallon.

"Yes... Sage and Vahlaireeous... and Thayloohn... team!" She smiled. She stiffled her yawn... but the grumbling of her tummy could not be hidden.

She showed no signs of embarrasment, and in fact, it could be noted that no one had seen her embarrassed in all the time they had travelled together. Even when she'd been naked. So now despite the persisent and INSISTEN stomach gurgles, she simply smiled at them both winningly.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Denoitnem:

Although I'm not quite sure what the two women are talking about, I do understand that it doesn't sound like they're the people I need to meet.

As I think about leaving, I am pushed back against the wall as we wait silently for some mechanical marvel to pass.

Amazed by Satra's abilities, I watch as she instructs the robot to ignore us. (Or that's my perception of it.)