NationStates Jolt Archive

"It's okay."

He tried to smile reassuringly at her but wasn't sure if he'd quite got it right. She was a nice girl, and even if he wasn't romantically interested, he was never against making new friends.

He turned to Sam. "I certainly hope so too," he replied with a smirk.

she thought about the woman and her children, she rushed into the kitchen and grabbed tissue boxes and went to her room quickly to hide her tears.

Squorn stared confusedly at the foot of the stairs where Maria had disappeared. He ran a hand through his hair and looked quizzically at Sam.
"Did I say something?"

Squorn stared confusedly at the foot of the stairs where Maria had disappeared. He ran a hand through his hair and looked quizzically at Sam.
"Did I say something?"

Sam shook her head. "Hormones. Looks like it's all pretty raw yet." She shrugged. "Maybe she just needs some time."

Maria came down soon enough, with some hot chocolate and puffy eyes, she stoked the fire and watched the flames dance.

"Hopefully."
He took a long drink of his water.

"People behave very oddly sometimes."

she heard them talking and turned around, then looked back again, she was enticed by the flames.

He turned and looked over toward the fireplace.

"Are you okay Maria?"

she smiled and gave a little nod.

"Okay."

In Squorn's experience, when someone went into a different room, or seated themself away from other people, it was because they wanted some alone time. Personally, he became very annoyed when people intruded upon his alone time, so he remained at the bar.

"If you feel like you need to say anything I'll be around."

she smiled to herself.
'thanks' she said, her voice was croaky.

"No problem."

He finished his water and stood.
"However, I'm off to bed for tonight. Hope to see you again tomorrow."

He nodded slowly, almost making a little half bow in her direction and then headed upstairs.

*Ju wandered back in, he held a spray bottle, filled with a thick, dark liquid. he puts his book on the bartop and walks into the kitchen.*

Squorn wandered down the stairs, yawning and scratching his head.
"Hi there Ju, what've you got there."
He looked curiously at the squirt bottle.

Squorn wandered down the stairs, yawning and scratching his head.
"Hi there Ju, what've you got there."
He looked curiously at the squirt bottle.
Hey Squorn.
treat for the mold... gonna try training it.

*the kitchen door closes.*

*After a moment, a roar is heard from the kitchen and the cafe gives a little shudder. Ju bolts out from the kitchen. looks at the door and picks his book up and begins flipping thought the pages.*

large... mold... really large mold...

Squorn shook his head.
"Ju, I don't know what about raising carniverous mold in the kitchen sounded like a good idea to you."
He walked to the front door.
"I'll just make a run to the garden center," he said, "for some fungicide," he finished under his breath.

Squorn shook his head.
"Ju, I don't know what about raising carniverous mold in the kitchen sounded like a good idea to you."
He walked to the front door.
"I'll just make a run to the garden center," he said, "for some fungicide," he finished under his breath.

Don't! I tried fungicide... it only pissed it off.

"Really? That's one hell of a mold."
He thought to himself for a moment.
"The only other thing I can think of would be to light it on fire, but I don't think Grim would appreciate that."

"Really? That's one hell of a mold."
He thought to himself for a moment.
"The only other thing I can think of would be to light it on fire, but I don't think Grim would appreciate that."

we worked out a truce... kinda. but I sorta want it to do more than just gurgle threatenly at me.

Ah... here it is... *begins reading the book*

... near sentience.... ok... different tactics then...

and it looks like it's rather well imbedded in the building's foundation... hence the shaking when it went for the spray bottle...

"I hate this awful rock. Why can't the mold just be mold?"
He stomped over to the bar and sat down.
"If your stupid mold brings the roof down on my head. . ."
He left the sentence unfinished, but mimed flicking a lighter with his hand.

"I hate this awful rock. Why can't the mold just be mold?"
He stomped over to the bar and sat down.
"If your stupid mold brings the roof down on my head. . ."
He left the sentence unfinished, but mimed flicking a lighter with his hand.

well... according to the book on native plant animal life... the mold's been here for quite a while.

so I don't think it will bring the place down.

Did you know some of the plant life here can walk?

"See! That's exactly what I'm talking about. Plants aren't supposed to walk."

He pulled out a small knife and began to pick at something on the bottom of his boot.

"See! That's exactly what I'm talking about. Plants aren't supposed to walk."

well, on earth maybe... but this is a different world.

hmm... plants that evolve into sentient beings..

Zhan from Farscape was supposidlly a plant person...

I wonder...

He gave a long sigh.
"At what point does a plant stop being a plant though? Plant is an Earth term and it doesn't really cover walking talking flesh-eating creatures."

He stood up.
"I've got to be going, business to attend to. Good luck getting along with your mold."
He walked out laughing at the absurdity of his previous sentence.

He gave a long sigh.
"At what point does a plant stop being a plant though? Plant is an Earth term and it doesn't really cover walking talking flesh-eating creatures."

He stood up.
"I've got to be going, business to attend to. Good luck getting along with your mold."
He walked out laughing at the absurdity of his previous sentence.

See ya!

Maria walked in looking tired and pale, not well at all, she had a bag of soup mixes and went to the back and made some up...

Squorn entered the tavern looking around to see if anyone he knew was about. He walked to his usual spot at the bar, sidestepping a stumbling drunken man on the way over and settled back in a relaxed posture.

Sam nodded to Squorn, smiled. "Quiet tonight," she said, as she made for the kitchen...

Krieg Walked in yawning he sat down at a table and looked arund

Maria sat by the fire, still looking tired and pale. She had a letter in her hand...

"Miss Are you ok?" Kreig asked

'yes...' she sighed tired.
'thanks for your concern'

The doors flung open as a Coalition officer, human specifically, walked in "gimme a beer" he said, dropping the man four universal credits

*Ju wanders in and sits down by the fireplace. he looks around to see what other life forms are here and moving.*

*She opened her eyes to find the drunks in the corner had finally left.
There was someone in a uniform of some kind drinking a beer at the bar, and Ju beside the fire, looking as though his thoughts are far away.

A small rustling sound comes from the kitchen.*

Someone creeping around in there. Wonder what they are up to.

*She keeps a wary eye on the kitchen door in case whoever is in there is in some way a threat to the tenuous peace in the bar.*

*hearing someone stirring, Ju glances around.*

Hey orchid.

*She glances up at Ju, and with a nod in the direction of the kitchen she whispers.*

Shh!
Did you hear that noise?
It sounds like someone or something is sliding around in there....

*She glances up at Ju, and with a nod in the direction of the kitchen she whispers.*

Shh!
Did you hear that noise?
It sounds like someone or something is sliding around in there....

.. oh that... it's a patch of mold.

apparently it's been hunting rodents that visit any kitchen. Careful tho. it does take swipes at larger creatures.

...

...

tho... it tends not to move around that much... being that it's rooted to the foundation walls of this building...

*Not surprised at this piece of information, (after all, she had never been anywhere on this planet other than this tavern, so had no idea what might be slithering around outside) she wandered over towards the fireplace and sat down opposite to Ju.*

Do you know much about the plant-life here then?
Does all of it move, or is it just that particular patch of mold that is carnivorous?

Do you know much about the plant-life here then?
Does all of it move, or is it just that particular patch of mold that is carnivorous?
*Ju pulls out a guide book and hands it over to Orchid*
According to this, alot of plants move and some are carnivorus. not just the molds.

*Starts to read.*

Wow...this is really an eye opener.

*Gets engrossed amonst the pages of creepers.*

Sam walked into the kitchen, and tried to get a steak out of the refrigerator.....


*crash*
*bang*
*OW!*
*MINE, GODDAMN YOU!*
*SMASH*

*crash*
*bang*
*OW!*
*MINE, GODDAMN YOU!*
*SMASH*

???

Sam!

*ju runs into the kitchen*

???

Sam!

*ju runs into the kitchen*

Sam is hanging onto the other end of a steak and banging at the mold with a frying pan.

"MINE!"

*She comes out from behind the pages of the book when she hears shouts and crashes coming from the kitchen area.
Dropping the book to the floor she rushes out in time to see the bouncer lady having a tug-of-war with the mold on the wall over a piece of raw steak.
She is not sure whether to laugh at the spectacle, or go help the woman.
The woman won, so grabbing a sharp butchers knife, she slices easily through the meat, and cuts it in two.
The woman, retaining her portion, flies backwards.
The other piece disappears into the mold, which makes a sort of gurgling sound.*

Has that mold always been that strong, or has it been working out?


OOC
Sorry for manipulating you Kat....

Maria came in looking a little brighter, her beautiful smile still missing though.

*She comes out from behind the pages of the book when she hears shouts and crashes coming from the kitchen area.
Dropping the book to the floor she rushes out in time to see the bouncer lady having a tug-of-war with the mold on the wall over a piece of raw steak.
She is not sure whether to laugh at the spectacle, or go help the woman.
The woman won, so grabbing a sharp butchers knife, she slices easily through the meat, and cuts it in two.
The woman, retaining her portion, flies backwards.
The other piece disappears into the mold, which makes a sort of gurgling sound.*

Has that mold always been that strong, or has it been working out?

*Ju grabs a red spray bottle and spritzes the mold a couple of times.*

"Bad... er... plant... bad. your food there" Ju points to an empty plate sitting in the corner. The mold seems to shrink back from the yellowish liquid. "now behave!"

*Ju looks at the patch of mold as it slightly quivers on the wall.*

"hmm... a huge chunk seems to be missing... you didn't tear that off did you Sam?"

*Just as Ju spoke, a scritching sound near the door drew her attention.
A chunk of the mold seemingly had been broken off from the main part in the scuffle.
The odd thing being, it was heading slowly for the door.
She gave it one of her looks, red and blue sparks coming from her eyes.*

That worked with the drunk the other time....

*Even as she watched the mold started to move a little faster, heading through the door and into the bar.*

*Ju leans in to examine the 'wound' on the plant. he grabs a blue spray bottle and sprays some water on it as he loots at the ragged tear. Running a finger along the edge, he notes that the tear doesn't seem to have damaged any of the small buds, but seems to go around them.*

Ow... serves me right... being bit like that.

*ju examines the small bite on his finger. a small drop of blood forming on his finger.*

*Ju's words took her attention from the moving piece of mold.
A drop of blood on his finger, the wound seemed almost insignificant.*

I didn't see any where in the book that said any of these plants had teeth...just that they slowly ingest their meat, so how did it do that in such a short space of time?

*The mold seemed to be straining towards his finger.*


OOC
lol....I keep getting a mental picture of Seymour and Audrey 2 in little shop of horrors.

*Ju's words took her attention from the moving piece of mold.
A drop of blood on his finger, the wound seemed almost insignificant.*

I didn't see any where in the book that said any of these plants had teeth...just that they slowly ingest their meat, so how did it do that in such a short space of time?

*The mold seemed to be straining towards his finger.*


OOC
lol....I keep getting a mental picture of Seymour and Audrey 2 in little shop of horrors.

dunno... but some plants have thorns, or acidic sap, but not to this point.

OoC: and I'm kinda picturing Invasion of the Body Snatchers as well as Day of the Triffids. :p

You'd best get some antiseptic put on that finger right now....just in case it has some kind of venom.
And where has that other chunk gone too?
It went through there and the moment I took my eyes off it it's vanished...

*She rushed into the bar and looked all around, but there was no sign of the mold.*

*Ju cleans and bandages his little cut. then joins Orchid with the search for the missing mold.*

"hmm... a huge chunk seems to be missing... you didn't tear that off did you Sam?"

"Not that I'm aware of. All I know is that thing grabbed onto my lunch as I was passing by. I was whacking it to make it let go." Sam's eyes were narrowed nastily at the mold. "What next, is it going start grabbing at US when we come in here?"

She looked at her half a steak sourly, and grumbled. That wasn't going to hold her for long.

"People always told me to eat my veggies -- now I gotta worry about my veggies eating me?"

"Not that I'm aware of. All I know is that thing grabbed onto my lunch as I was passing by. I was whacking it to make it let go." Sam's eyes were narrowed nastily at the mold. "What next, is it going start grabbing at US when we come in here?"

She looked at her half a steak sourly, and grumbled. That wasn't going to hold her for long.

"People always told me to eat my veggies -- now I gotta worry about my veggies eating me?"


so you like it rare huh?

here... *ju reaches into the fridge and pulls out another steak.* take his...er... its as replacement. "

*After giving the bar area a thorough search, there is no sign of the breakaway mold, and she returns to the kitchen doorway in time to see Ju giving a fresh steak to the Bouncer woman.*

I have no idea where it has gone, but I do not fancy going outside of this tavern...have either of you been out there?

*She watches fascinated as the mold makes short work of the half steak Ju feeds to it.*

I have no idea where it has gone, but I do not fancy going outside of this tavern...have either of you been out there?


I have. wonderful sights, and as long as one is careful...

Sam blushed clear to her roots, and mumbled, "Er, yeah, I do like it kinda rare..."
Then she put it into her dented frying pan and went to the stove, heating the steak up.

*She pushed her way through the doors and took in the dimly lit bar. Shaking the last of the water from her long red hair she shivered a little and slowly walked inside, looking for a quiet table. Once spotted, she made her way over and sat down, placing her bag beside her and taking a better look around...*

Squorn wandered into the tavern. It had been a few days and he was looking forward to spending the evening unwinding at the bar. His boots thumped against the worn beams of the floor as he crossed the room and seated himself at the bar.
"Double black russian and a glass of ice water please, Grim."
He allowed the long black trenchcoat that he'd been wrapped up in against the cold to hang loosesly down behind the stool and rubbed his hands vigorously over his face before settling down to a more relaxed posture and taking his first sip of his drink.

*She looked up from her seat in the corner to notice a man sitting at the bar. His long jacket hung loosely behind him and she couldn't quite make oout his face. It was still awefully cold and for some reason she just wasn't drying, so instead kept shivering. She wondered if a drink would warm her up but still sat at the table not moving...*

Looking around the room, he noted the usual crowd of nondescript drunks and unhappy businessmen. A pair of eyes looking back at him caught his glance, and he saw a young woman sitting at a corner table with a bag sitting on the ground next to her. She looked wet and bedraggled and thoroughly miserable.

He drained the smaller of his two glasses, and picking up the water, he stood and walked over to her table.
"If you're cold, I'd reccomend a seat closer to the fireplace."
He gestured with his free hand and smiled at her.

*She glanced up at the stranger and firstly noticed his friendly smile. She was hesitant at first but soon realised if she didn't move she'd freeze to death.*

Thank you. You're right, I was just too stubborn to move.

*Standing she smiled at the stranger and moved to a table closer to the fire place. She glanced back and gestured to the free sit opposite her*

I'm walking down an alley that I'm not supposed to be. This isn't part of my beat. But the voice's screaming gets louder and louder, a raucous chorus permeating my brain until it's all I can think about. I know that I could silence it temporarily. But it would be back and I would have nothing to stop it next time. I needed a place to buy. I needed a place...

'I KNOW IT'S IN YOUR POCKET! LET'S HAVE A TASTE! JUST ONE! DO IT! DO IT! DOOOOOO IIIIIIIIITTTTT!"

The screaming becomes unbearable, and I duck into this seedy little dive called Grim's, pulling the bag out of my pocket. Normally I would hate a place like this, brimming as it likely was with thieves, crooks, and murderers. And they would hate me. But for now, it's a safe haven. A place where I can silence this...

"WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG?!?!?"

I quickly and expertly lay a line on the table with one hand, rolling up a dollar bill with the other. A moment later the voice is quiet, satiated with it's recent "meal".

I lean back on my barstool, temporarily uncaring of what any patron thinks of me.

"My name is Freddy Gieger, and I need a beer."

Squorn settled himself into the chair, turning it side-on to the table and stretching out his long legs toward the fireplace.
"A vast improvement if I do say so myself."
He took a sip of his water, glancing over his shoulder at a man sitting at the bar talking loudly. He watched for half a moment and then turned back to the young woman.
"So what brings you here on this less than comfortable of nights?"

*Paige looked at the loud man, just for a moment before turning her attention back to the stranger in front of her. She smiled at him then lowered her head as she tried to think of a good reason for being in a place like this on a night like this*

I don't know really. I just started walking. I had to get away from where I was so I walked and I ended up here.

*She looked down again and sighed. If only it was all so simple*

He nodded understandably.
"I know what you mean. Change of scenery is sometimes necessary to keep your sanity."

*Paige nodded and smiled again. This stranger was so endearing. So different. But still she remained hidden. The truth could not be revealed. She looked up again into the man's eyes and felt almost compelled to tell the truth. But she pushed whatever it was aside and kept her lips sealed. What was happening to her. She'd remained string all this time. Noone was going to change that.*

Squorn watched her over the rim of his glass of water as he drank. His eyes read her body language and facial expressions. As their eyes met, he could tell that she was struggling with something. Perhaps I hit closer to home than I anticipated. There's pain in her past.

He turned slowly to gaze into the leaping flames in front of him.
Why is it that I have this effect on people, that they feel compelled to tell me their darkest secrets? An almost imperceptible frown crept across his features, but quickly faded. Not that I'm complaining, it can be quite useful at times.

*The look in his eyes said it all, he knew she was hiding something. As she turned her gaze in the direction of the fire she could almost here him still calling her back, begging her not to leave like this. But as always she pushed the thoughts aside and foused on the present. Her struggle was just that, her won. But this stranger. What was it about him. She couldnt put her finger on it but she knew that he was different to anyone she'd ever met. She saw him frown, just for a moment but it quickly faded and she wondered what he was thinking. She blushed as she smiled at him again and stared into his eyes. *

I get handed a beer and get up to walk around. I glance at the crowd, the scum I had spent my life trying to rehabilitate. Degenerate drunks, desperately demanding the attention of some person or another. But this was a dilute group.
We're in a tavern. This poison is alcohol. May be bad, but not like what I've seen.

A shudder passes through me as I think, not like what I've become.

The line hasn't quite hit yet, and this itself was making me feel antsy. A man and a woman stare at me from a table not so far away. I debate whether or not to crash the party and talk to them.

I hang back, for now. I should really be on my beat. But wait. I need a new score. A new score. My old dealer left town, and so I need a new one. I need it before... before...That was good. Maybe we should do it again soon. It's got to be too early. I just had it.


I need to find a score soon.

Well, more time had passed, but it hadn't helped. His plan to kill his brain cells with alchohol hadn't worked; he could still remember it all. He got up, more than a little disgusted with himself, and went over to the bar.

"Hey Grim," he said "you got anything to eat around here? I think it's time for me to sober up."

Quieting his thoughts, he looked away from the fire, returning his focus to her.
"I don't believe I caught your name."

I'm Paige. It's nice to meet you. And you are?

*She extended her hand slowly and smiled*

Maria was tending the bar, she was smiling which recently made her look alot more appealing to the eye.

He took the proffered hand and shook it gently.
"I go by Squorn."

*paige smiled and felt her self relax for the first time that night*

Well its lovely to meet you I must say.

*She quickly looked away and back into the fire before he started to see into her soul. For some reason she just knew he'd be able to*

OOC: Masregal - whats your characters name.

IC:
Maria looked at Masregal and smiled.
'hey...you are new here?'

"Likewise."

A crooked half smile slid onto his face as she quickly looked away from him. Something I've said is really getting to her. He lifted and finished off his glass of water in an attempt to hide the grin.

*She could see him grinning at her from the corner of her eye. As she watched the flames dance before her eyes she knew that he could see into her. It made her feel unsettled but at the same time it was ok. The flames began to hypnotize her and before she knew it she was in another world. No problems, no worries, just carelessness. She could feel the smile spreading accross her face but couldnt stop it*

OOC: Freddy Geiger. He said it when he ordered a beer.

IC: My eyes widen as I hear a voice calling me. This voice is different from the usual one. It's not as obsessive. It's softer. It's female.
I turn around to see a young woman (OOC: Correct?) staring at me as though she had just asked me a question. Maybe she had. What had the voice said?

"Are you new here?" came floating back to me.

"You could say that." I reply to her. I'm hesitant. These are the kind of people I'd spent my life locking up. Why should they talk to me? None the less... she seemed honest enough.

Use her. Maybe she has a score. Maybe she has money you can use to get a score.

It's still soft enough that I can ignore it's buzzing.

'my names Maria, I am the bar maid here most nights' she said softly.

'well we have rooms here if you would like to stay, I can make a bed up for you' she said softly, she was happier, but there was a good reason why.

OOC: Maria is mid 20's, shes from eastern europe, been through bad times, she can source you drugs :D

He saw her relax and allow a smile to spread across her face. Incredible. A few minutes of conversation and suddenly she seems to trust me. Never mind that the only thing she knows about me is my name. People these days are so naive.

*Paige was snapped back to reality pretty quickly. The smile disappeared and she realized she'd been daydreaming. She looked over at squorn and saw him almost smirking at her and she began to wonder just how trustworthy he actually is. She felt herself shiver again, but noot from the cold. This was different...*

I'm antsy, starting to twitch, and I can't tell what it is. The drugs? Likely. I hope it's not withdrawals. I haven't been away for 20 minutes. The fact that the murmur in my head is soft tells me it's not.

Not yet, at least.

"I have a home." I think...
When was last time I was home? A week ago? When did I last walk my beat? The commissioner might know something is up. Maybe he knows I slipped. That I tried it. He'll ask for my badge, at the very least.

Then you couldn't buy more.

"SHUT UP, YOU!"

Did I say that out loud? I can't tell. Maybe I should wait until I've come down to talk to this girl. But then the voice will just be stronger...

"Maybe... maybe a place to stay wouldn't be so bad.

Yea.... I could use it. Thank you, uh, Maria.

Uh... also, is there any chance I could get..." Say it.

I close my eyes, trying to concentrate.

"Any chance I could get a rum?"

The officer walked over to the bar, his uniform labeled I.HASLEY, and his rank was Major "i'll have a glass of your finest beer" he said, sliding over five credits "and make it sanppy, i have a mission in Calizorinstan"

Sam took her steak out of the frying pan, dumping it onto a plate. Taking it into the tavern proper, she sat at an empty table and started to eat it, very properly with knife and fork.

Too cooked. Gah. Well, it won't kill me but... damn that damned mold.

'of course' she said smiling, she gave him the rum.

'are you ok? are you tired?' she asked.

She took the money and slid the beer along to Hasley.

Oops, keep your facial expressions under control stupid, you scared her.
Squorn's grin quickly faded.
"Cold getting to you?"

Paige nodded, not knowing how else to explain the shivering.

'of course' she said smiling, she gave him the rum.

'are you ok? are you tired?' she asked.

She took the money and slid the beer along to Hasley.

"hell, yes" he said sluggishly "i havent slept in days. just to busy getting shot at" he sipped his beer "by the way, my name's Ingram"

"Are you tired?" The voice still seemed almost as if a counterpart to the other one. Good cop, bad cop. I suddenly remember that I'm a cop, but the thought is fleeting.

"Tired? No. Not right now. I don't sleep much, actually. Insomnia. I get it sometimes."

I pause. What if she knows insomnia is a symptom? What if she's already taken a look at my face, haggard and unshaven, at the bags under my eyes, and my fidgety manner, and figured it out? What if she decides to turn me in?

What if she decides to help you?

You haven't said anything incriminating yet, old man. Keep it together. Keep it together...

I decide to try and play it off.

"So how about you? Have any debilitating illnesses, mental, social, or otherwise?" I say with a chuckle.

'well I can get you a room, we have a few left...' she said smiling.
'my names Maria' she extended a slim tanned arm to him, she wore her white strap top and short denim skirt.

'well I can get you a room, we have a few left...' she said smiling.
'my names Maria' she extended a slim tanned arm to him, she wore her white strap top and short denim skirt.

"i could use some sleep" he said "i'll take one of those rooms. it beats sleeping in fighter jet"

"So how about you? Have any debilitating illnesses, mental, social, or otherwise?" I say with a chuckle.

'I have a phobia of deep water.....thats about it' she said sweetly, she had two conversations going, it was getting confusing.

"i could use some sleep" he said "i'll take one of those rooms. it beats sleeping in fighter jet"

she giggled and lead him up the room and got some sheets and quilts.
'its going to be cold' she thought he was looking at her as she worked, she knew it was a bad idea to wear a short skirt...

He shook his head.
"I'm afraid there's not much we can do about that until Grim gets his act together and buys more firewood."
He picked up a poker from beside the fire and attempted to stoke it into something a little more lively. After maybe a very small improvement, he made a small noise of exasperation and replaced the poker, leaning back in his chair again.

she giggled and lead him up the room and got some sheets and quilts.
'its going to be cold' she thought he was looking at her as she worked, she knew it was a bad idea to wear a short skirt...

"my flight uniform is warm enough" he said, before laying down on the matress "comfy" he said "or at least more comfortable than those V/A-12s"

Krieg walked into the bar and looked around he sat in his chair and yawned

she smiled.
'can I do anything for you?' she asked, leaning on the doorframe.

The broad leaves, so I look around the tavern again. Other people still engaged in conversation. I bet I could arrest all of them on some charge or another. Then maybe I'll get a fat promotion Which you could use to buy more!

I don't need more yet. It hasn't been long. It hasn't.

I get up and start moving closer to the fire. It's already hot. Maybe I can sweat this demon out.

or maybe you can't get rid of me.

Despite the heat of the fire, I shudder.

she smiled.
'can I do anything for you?' she asked, leaning on the doorframe.

"i'm fine" said Ingram

she went back downstairs and saw Freddy by the fire, she knew what he was after, she got hold of him and dragged him into the kitchen, shr took out of her pocket what he wanted.

The broad leaves, so I look around the tavern again. Other people still engaged in conversation. I bet I could arrest all of them on some charge or another. Then maybe I'll get a fat promotion Which you could use to buy more!

I don't need more yet. It hasn't been long. It hasn't.

I get up and start moving closer to the fire. It's already hot. Maybe I can sweat this demon out.

or maybe you can't get rid of me.

Despite the heat of the fire, I shudder.

"I havent seen you here befor. YOu look a little ill can I get you something?" kriegstreached and leaned back in his chair

OOC: Maria, I'm going with it, but it's very dangerous to grab ANYONE hyped on drugs, and this guys supposed to be a cop. They don't usually take well to draggings.

IC: I feel a tug on my arm and before I know it I'm in the kitchen facing the girl from before while the voice in my head is screaming incessantly SHE HAS IT! GET IT! GET IT! GET IT!

I look cautiously at her. "That apparent, huh?


What's something like this gonna cost me?"


OOC: Sorry, Krieg, I seem to have been abducted. Maybe after this deal goes down?"

'a few thousand......its just something I have...as a bargaining tool....and a kiss' she said, she handed it to him.
'pay me when you have the money.....' she said.

OOC: sorry, shes got two sides to her....nice and cute....mean and street-gangsta stylie :D

A tall, lanky man (well over six feet tall) strode through the perpetual rain. He wore a long (and highly noticeable) black cloak and a large hat that concealed his face. The rain was pouring down, but he didn't seem to be getting wet.


It's around here somewhere...

He noticed the small sign reading "Grim's" and smiled slightly in satisfaction. He stopped, and his smile quickly turned into a frown.

I hate to ruin my hat, but I can't go in bone-dry out of this mess...

Droplets of rain began to touch his clothes, and soon he was soaking. After a moment, he ducked inside the bar. He pulled off his hat, and a cursory glance showed him the fabric was ruined. Oh well...


With a flip of his fingers he sent the hat sailing across the room. Then, he pulled back his arm and made a throwing gesture in the direction of the hat, which erupted into flames and was quickly consumed. He smiled slightly. He had a somewhat dark complexion, and his face had a decidedly Arabic cast. He had a head of very curly black hair, and green eyes. His nose was very slightly hooked, and he had a somewhat prominent brow. His lips were slightly large and quite full, and his smile revealed even rows of brilliantly white teeth. As he made the throwing gesture, a glint of green was briefly visible on his hand.

He strode up to the bar, still shrouded in his cloak, and ordered a vodka and lemon.


OOC: I'm Back.

OOC: An unnamed source, who is one of my friends, says that's ALOT of cocaine. Whatever. This guy needs alot.

IC: A smile spreads across my face as I look at an angel that just gave me enough to last weeks. That was what my mind told me, at any rate. I'd probably need more by Friday.

"Uhh, sure..." I say. I bend down and give her a swift peck. "Thanks?"

she smiled.
'anytime.....drop by again.....I like you....' she said, returning the peck.

A tall, lanky man (well over six feet tall) strode through the perpetual rain. He wore a long (and highly noticeable) black cloak and a large hat that concealed his face. The rain was pouring down, but he didn't seem to be getting wet.


It's around here somewhere...

He noticed the small sign reading "Grim's" and smiled slightly in satisfaction. He stopped, and his smile quickly turned into a frown.

I hate to ruin my hat, but I can't go in bone-dry out of this mess...

Droplets of rain began to touch his clothes, and soon he was soaking. After a moment, he ducked inside the bar. He pulled off his hat, and a cursory glance showed him the fabric was ruined. Oh well...


With a flip of his fingers he sent the hat sailing across the room. Then, he pulled back his arm and made a throwing gesture in the direction of the hat, which erupted into flames and was quickly consumed. He smiled slightly. He had a somewhat dark complexion, and his face had a decidedly Arabic cast. He had a head of very curly black hair, and green eyes. His nose was very slightly hooked, and he had a somewhat prominent brow. His lips were slightly large and quite full, and his smile revealed even rows of brilliantly white teeth. As he made the throwing gesture, a glint of green was briefly visible on his hand.

He strode up to the bar, still shrouded in his cloak, and ordered a vodka and lemon.


OOC: I'm Back.

OOC: Welcome back, Martin (yes?). And that was well written. Like... better than I remembered you. Anywho, welcome.

OOC: Welcome back, Martin (yes?). And that was well written. Like... better than I remembered you. Anywho, welcome.

OOC: Not Martin this time around. And thanks. This is my first RP, so I can't claim my skills are quite up to par. Hoping to improve little by little...

Maria had gone back to the bar.
'hey there....Martin?' she asked softly, she had had a soft spot for him the moment she saw him, but...he was dead, so it couldnt have been him.

she poured him a vodka and lemon.

krieg sighs and leans back in his seat

Maria had gone back to the bar.
'hey there....Martin?' she asked softly, she had had a soft spot for him the moment she saw him, but...he was dead, so it couldnt have been him.

she poured him a vodka and lemon.

The man's eyes widened in surprise. "Martin? I don't suppose you could mean...Martin the Tumbler? No, it couldn't be, I rather doubt he happened across this planet in his travels..."

He smiled slightly and sipped appreciatively at his drink.

"No, I am not Martin. My name is Samael. And you are...?"

I'm a little bewildered, and suddenly hit with a shock of ambivalence as I realize that I really should arrest this woman. The pounding in my head, that little voice that never seems to leave anymore, dictates otherwise though. I give her a parting bow, and stroll back into the main part of the bar, my new aquisition tucked safely into my coat pocket.

You should do it.

Not now...

Suddenly I remember vaguely hearing a voice as I was being dragged off. Another voice so different from the one I was growing accustomed to. I walk to a table where the man whom I presume spoke was sitting.

"Good day, sir. I'm Freddy Geiger. Had you said something earlier?"

OOC: Krieg, this is directed at you. Also, if you want to play off knowing who Freddy is as a cop, recognition at the name and what not, feel free. I'd like him to be an agent (primarily narcotics) of some repute.

'my name is Maria' her eyes were twinkling softly.

Ingram could'nt sleep. He was haunted by the war he was in. he missed his friends and his dead family. he went downstairs and ordered another drink 'i've sunk this low' he thought

Maria noticed Ingram, he looked down, she rubbed his arm supportively.
'I'll get you some water....it'll be better than alcohol' she said kindly.

I'm a little bewildered, and suddenly hit with a shock of ambivalence as I realize that I really should arrest this woman. The pounding in my head, that little voice that never seems to leave anymore, dictates otherwise though. I give her a parting bow, and stroll back into the main part of the bar, my new aquisition tucked safely into my coat pocket.

You should do it.

Not now...

Suddenly I remember vaguely hearing a voice as I was being dragged off. Another voice so different from the one I was growing accustomed to. I walk to a table where the man whom I presume spoke was sitting.

"Good day, sir. I'm Freddy Geiger. Had you said something earlier?"

OOC: Krieg, this is directed at you. Also, if you want to play off knowing who Freddy is as a cop, recognition at the name and what not, feel free. I'd like him to be an agent (primarily narcotics) of some repute.

ooc: sorry no such luck hes a Marine

IC: "Yes You dont look to good you alright man? OH by the way I am Vinvemt Krieg A pleasure to meat you" he offered his hand

'my name is Maria' her eyes were twinkling softly.

Samael allowed a smile to play across his lips as he gazed at her. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you, Maria."

Now that his voice was not unduly modulated by surprise, it's character was noticeable. it was low and sonorous, seeming suitable to rolling words and thunderous declamations. Further, his voice had an odd liquidity to it. His voice was smoother, more flowing and fluid than seemed possible with normal vocal apparatus...it was almost hypnotic.

Maria noticed Ingram, he looked down, she rubbed his arm supportively.
'I'll get you some water....it'll be better than alcohol' she said kindly.

he chugged down the water in one gulp, and put it back on the table, looking over to Maria "I'm like this because of the horrors of war..." he said, taking out a picture of his late girlfriend "she was killed during the Caz'e Londinium wars...her parachute never opened when we ejected"

she smiled and let a little blush out.
'i hope you come here often, theres a lack of normality here sometimes'

OOC: grape-eaters tg...

he chugged down the water in one gulp, and put it back on the table, looking over to Maria "I'm like this because of the horrors of war..." he said, taking out a picture of his late girlfriend "she was killed during the Caz'e Londinium wars...her parachute never opened when we ejected"

'I'm sorry for your loss' she said, glancing over...

she smiled and let a little blush out.
'i hope you come here often, theres a lack of normality here sometimes'

OOC: grape-eaters tg...


Samael chucked softly. His chuckle too was liquid, a strange sound, almost like water running over stone. "This is the first I've heard of this place. I thought it might be a nice place to dry off, and perhaps find a room for the night..."

ooc: sorry no such luck hes a Marine

IC: "Yes You dont look to good you alright man? OH by the way I am Vinvemt Krieg A pleasure to meat you" he offered his hand

"Yes... I'm fine," I tell him. It's not a complete lie.

You could be better.
I shrug off the voice. Soon...

"And you too, sir. What do you do for a living?"

I can do this. Small talk. It's good for me. Takes my mind off of it.

OOC: its directed at your character :cool:

"Yes... I'm fine," I tell him. It's not a complete lie.

You could be better.
I shrug off the voice. Soon...

"And you too, sir. What do you do for a living?"

I can do this. Small talk. It's good for me. Takes my mind off of it.

"I am a Marine Cpl. I am on leave right now and just relaxing and what do you do If I may ask?" he sippd his drink

'I'm sorry for your loss' she said, glancing over...

"yeah, I lost my family too. war is a nasty thing, if you get into, find a way out. never go voluntarely"

OOC: its directed at your character :cool:

OOC: Yeah, realized and edited post.

'yeh sure I can sort you out some bed stuff....i'll give you the nice room....seeing as you've been travelling and that' she said smiling, she went up the stairs, hoping her skirt didnt reveal much and she put the sheets and bath things on the mattress and started making the place liveable.

"I am a Marine Cpl. I am on leave right now and just relaxing and what do you do If I may ask?" he sippd his drink

I lean closer to him, not wanting others to hear.

"I'm a narcotics officer. Undercover. I catch people who use and sell."

Like yourself? The question came unbidden to my mind and I feel weighed down with hypocrisy. Or that girl?Then the voice responded.

But look how good it's done you. Life is so FUN right now. No one suspects a thing. But what about that stash in your jacket, you want some don't you? Let's not let this be a drag.

I lean closer to him, not wanting others to hear.

"I'm a narcotics officer. Undercover. I catch people who use and sell."

Like yourself? The question came unbidden to my mind and I feel weighed down with hypocrisy. Or that girl?Then the voice responded.

But look how good it's done you. Life is so FUN right now. No one suspects a thing. But what about that stash in your jacket, you want some don't you? Let's not let this be a drag.


"A job worthy of praise" he smiled the skin oh his right arm rippled and something moved beneath it

"A job worthy of praise" he smiled the skin oh his right arm rippled and something moved beneath it

Focusing in on minor details was becoming more and more my thing these days. It's unsurprising then that I notice his arm rippling.

"What was that?"

Focusing in on minor details was becoming more and more my thing these days. It's unsurprising then that I notice his arm rippling.

"What was that?"

"What?" the skin rippled again

"What?" the skin rippled again

I've done enough playing in my life to know when I'm being played. I look him in the eyes.

"Why does your god damned arm keep moving like that?"

I've done enough playing in my life to know when I'm being played. I look him in the eyes.

"Why does your god damned arm keep moving like that?"

"Oh that I forgot. sorry." the stin seamed to melt and a long centipede looking thing crwaled onto the table "This is vlad Hes been a part of me since well I cnat rember when." the centepede looked around

My breath catches in my throat as I see a centipede crawl out of the man and look around as if it has sentience. Perhaps I should lay off...

OR PERHAPS YOU SHOULD DO MORE!!

The voice was loud. Deafening. I couldn't ignore it anymore. I back away, a mixture of horror and need etched on my face. "I... I gotta go," I stammer, and I turn and run up to the room Maria had given me earlier that night.

I break open the brick and lay a few lines down. And then everything starts to go fuzzy.

OOC: I'm out for now. Sorry to cut it short.

My breath catches in my throat as I see a centipede crawl out of the man and look around as if it has sentience. Perhaps I should lay off...

OR PERHAPS YOU SHOULD DO MORE!!

The voice was loud. Deafening. I couldn't ignore it anymore. I back away, a mixture of horror and need etched on my face. "I... I gotta go," I stammer, and I turn and run up to the room Maria had given me earlier that night.

I break open the brick and lay a few lines down. And then everything starts to go fuzzy.

OOC: I'm out for now. Sorry to cut it short.

ooc: see ya

OOC: grape-eaters - you have another tg

'yeh sure I can sort you out some bed stuff....i'll give you the nice room....seeing as you've been travelling and that' she said smiling, she went up the stairs, hoping her skirt didnt reveal much and she put the sheets and bath things on the mattress and started making the place livable.

Samael smiled quietly to himself as he followed the girl up the stairs. He paused to glance at the clipboard and noticed that the name of someone staying in #2 had been heavily crossed out. As he examined it, however, Samael found the beginnings of an "M."


So...but was it him?


He leaned against the door jamb and watched her as she worked, and when she turned he smiled and arched one eyebrow slightly. He considered her, drinking in every detail.

But either he wasn't here or she doesn't know about him...So what would be the benefit? And I would certainly be taking a risk...

He grinned and bowed to her slightly. "Thank you so very much, Maria. I think I could use a nightcap, though." He turned and sauntered down to the bar again, where he ordered a double whiskey from Grim.


OOC:Sorry for the long response time--RL interfered...

she smiled.
'its ok....' she then went downstairs with him and got him his nightcap.
'I'm in room 3 if you need anything' she said, stroking his arm softly and rolling her lips.

Maria watched him slowly. she rested her cheek in her palm and glanced around the empty tavern.

she smiled.
'its ok....' she then went downstairs with him and got him his nightcap.
'I'm in room 3 if you need anything' she said, stroking his arm softly and rolling her lips.

A smile flitted across his face and he withdrew his arm to pick up his drink. He tilted the glass up and downed the lot. He smiled again.

"Thank you. You have been...most hospitable."

OOC: grape-eaters - you have another tg
bump

Samael sighed and stood up. "However, now I must abed." He made an elegant leg to Maria and walked up to his room, where he was quickly deeply asleep. It had been a long journey, and he didn't know if it would prove worthwhile..

Maria too was tired, she locked up and went to bed.

I have. wonderful sights, and as long as one is careful...

*She nodded and went outside.
It was pouring with rain, just as she had remembered from her arrival.
There were some large trees nearby and she ran under one of those hoping for a little shelter.
A girl with long hair ran past her, into the dryness of the tavern and she was very tempted to follow her, but curiosity had got the better of her so she started to search for the runaway piece of mold.

It wasn't as easy as she had thought, the darkness and rain were against anyone out there, and she had no idea where to start.

She was still within sight of the tavern, and watched as an unkempt looking man slipped in through the door as though he didn't want to be seen frequenting such a place as that.
Just behind him another man entered Grim's, with an almost swaggering gait.
She recognised him as the man Krieg, the one who usually sat brooding over his scars.

She looked above her head and into the tree she was standing beneath.
If the mold was up there she couldn't make out, but it seemed that there was something moving along one of the higher branches...it might just be a small night creature, but she wasn't taking any chances and stepped out into the roadway, just as another man came along.

This one was very tall and wearing a long cloak, with a large hat on his head.
The hat seemed to be doing a good job of keeping the rain off him, as he was perfectly dry, but for whatever reason, he removed the hat and stood for a couple of moments letting the rain soak into his clothes, then he, as had the others before him, walked through the door into the light and comparative warmth of Grim's.

Once again she was almost tempted to follow, but then from the corner of her eye she saw something drop silently from the tree and slide around the nearby lamp post and off up the street.*

Damn....do I go after it or go back into the dry?
If I follow it what will I do?
Suppose I get lost?
What will I do with it if I catch it?

*Soaked through to the skin by now, she slowly walked in the direction it had taken.*

Samael awoke, frowning. For a moment he couldn't remember where he was.

The tavern...but Martin doesn't seem to be here. Still, maybe someone knows something about him. No harm in using this place as a base of operations while I search for him or...the other one.

He strolled down the tavern stairs and dropped into a seat at the bar. He called Grim over. "A cup of coffee and some toast, please."

Grim returned with the order, and Samael to an experimental sip from the cup as the old man walked away. He grimaced slightly in distaste and put the cup down. He took a bite of his toast and smiled. You can't go wrong with a piece of toast...

Walking through the front door, Squorn looked around at the interior of the Tavern. Mostly empty; last night's crowd had been an anomaly, and it looked like a return to business as usual this evening. There was, of course, the usual scattering of loners across the room, but they were all the same, silent, featureless faces; just background for the real people.

He walked to the bar, ordering his usual black russian and settling down, brushing the hair back away from his eyes, the better to watch the room.

I wake up, and the first thing I realize is my shirt is missing. I wonder what else is, and my hand instinctively reaches for my coat pocket. Thank god it's still there.

For once, I agree.

I look around to an unfamiliar alleyway and decide to duck into a tavern I'm convinced I've never been to, though once inside a vague sense that I'd been there before creeps upon me.

I go to the bar.

"My name is Freddy Geiger, and I'd like a beer."

Squorn glanced over, recognizing the man from last night. He'd delivered a similar line then, if memory served, but it hadn't rung the same way that it did this time. Freddy Geiger? Why's that ringing a bell.
Running a casual eye over the man, who appeared to be shirtless under his coat, and looked generally dishevelled and unwashed, he carefully probed his brain, looking for connections to that name. This time, undistracted by young women with secrets behind their eyes, he was able to put the name with a small parcel of information.

Geiger was a cop, and a damn good one if reports were to be believed. While no one at any precinct knew his name or face, Squorn made a point of learning as much as he could about the police. He knew many beat patrolmen by name and appearance, and could pick them out of a crowd. It certainly helped in his profession to know when an off duty officer might be around where he could see something.

Very interesting, a narcotics cop in Grim's Tavern. I'll have to pry into this a bit.

I get my beer, trudge over to an empty sofa, and, like so many other patrons before me, sit down to rest. Suddenly I'm exhausted, and I wish I could remember what I had done last night and if sleep had been on the list at all.

You know, your tiredness can be fixed with a little...

"Shut up, you." I snarl under my breath. My eyes hurt and I'm just leaning down to rest when I notice a man glancing at me surreptitiously.

Too intrigued to let it alone, and too tired to be cunning, I ask him "Excuse me, sir. Do I know you?"

Careless again, I've really got to start being more careful.
The man had noticed Squorn's look, and now Squorn had to be cautious about how he proceeded. He wanted to figure out what Geiger was doing here, anything involving police activity at Grim's concerned him deeply. At the same time, if he appeared too knowledgable about Geiger's indentity, the policeman might easily become suspicious of him.

"No," he began, "but I think I might know you." He paused briefly before continuing, considering his words carefully. "I couldn't help but overhear when you ordered, and I wondered if you might be Freddy Geiger who was credited a few months back with breaking up some drug ring or other. I wished to offer my congratulations."

Samael started awake in his seat. He had fallen asleep over his coffee. He passed a hand across his face, and a green ring was clearly visible on his finger. He glanced around at the other patrons, and blinked when he heard someone talking about the bust of a drug ring.

Hopefully I'll be able to find out a bit about this place...

The man mentioned me breaking up a drug ring, and the only one famous enough to be known by the general public would be that of Reginald Blane.

It was those bastards that got me hooked...

It was them that set you free!

I wonder at this voice's incredulity. Here I am, having to duck into seedy taverns in order to satisfy my craving, probably fired from my job, and listening to it yammer on all day, and it's telling me I'm free.

"Yes, I did do the Blane case. I'm impressed that you recognize it. Most people don't bother to read the papers these days."

Sam's ears perked up at that. Drugs? In Grim's?

No, Squorn was just congratulating the man about being a narc. Sam glanced around, frowning. There had better not be anyone bringing anything like THAT into the place -- the last thing anyone needed was cops, shootings, stabbings, and ODs in the place.

Anyone who wanted to kill themselves could damned well do it out in the alley with the rest of the trash... anyone deciding to proverbially shit where Sam ate was looking for massive amounts of trouble.

Squorn suppressed a laugh, but couldn't keep a small smile from crossing his face as a man he'd presumed passed out drunk suddenly started up from his position, slumped over a mug. The man's hand ran over his face, glinting green for a moment. Rise and shine my friend.

Hearing Freddy's reply, he relaxed even more. The cop seemed to have accepted the explanation for Squorn's recognizing his name.
"I'm one of the few and the proud I suppose. That job was good work from the little they were able to tell in the news."
There was, again, a very slight pause as he decided the right way to phrase his question.
"So what brings a celebrated police officer to a hole in the wall like this?"

That should do it, just the right amount of flattery and a little self-deprication.

Samael ordered a sangria from Grim, and his eyes flicked about the room once again as he sipped from the glass. The tavern seemed to be waking up a bit now. Hopefully he'd be able to learn something tonight. For now, hoever, he was content to quietly eavesdrop on this conversation about crime.

The man I'm talking to is either smart or lucky, with his next question bringing up the very thing I needed to ask myself.

What was I doing here?

I must have gotten a score, as there was still a hefty sized brick weighing comfortably in my pocket. Was it here that I got it? It seemed vaguely familiar. Maybe...

A flash of a kiss from the night before, and I know that this was the place. A thousand ideas flash through my head, the foremost being I could turn her in. Get my job back. Maybe the commissioner doesn't know about me yet. I could say I'm working a case.

You can't do that...

It seems sinister this time.

If you toss her than you've not got a source again. And how long do you think what's in your pocket will last? Not long. Isn't it about time? Isn't it about time? ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME?

I nod to the man I'm talking to.
"I think I may have a lead. Will you excuse me one moment?"

I get up and rush upstairs, led by the vague memory that there's a room in my name.

I lay a line out, and take it in quickly. The voice subsides.

I meander slowly downstairs and retake my seat. "Sorry about that. Had to uhh... use the bathroom."

Squorn was puzzled by the Freddy's quick departure upstairs. It couldn't be because I made him uncomfortable, cops don't panic like that, especially undercover types like this guy. Something's definitely up here.

He quirked an eyebrow at the man who'd recently regained conciousness, and was about to speak, concerning Freddy's strange behavior, when the cop reappeared, muttering about having needed the bathroom badly. If he had to go that bad he'd probably still be up there emptying out. I'll play along though.

"Hey," he held up his hands and grinned, "don't let me keep you from that."

I chuckle at the mans joke and think to myself that this fellow seems likeable enough. Then I realize that we've been chatting for some time, and I still didn't know his name. Likable, knowledgeable, and doesn't give much away. This guy would make a good cop.

"What did you say your name was?"

"I didn't," Squorn kept the grin on his face as he answered, "but you seem trustworthy enough. I go by Squorn. You could say I'm a regular round this place."

Sipping his drink he casually let his eyes play over Freddy's face. What looked like simple polite eye contact during conversation was actually him watching closely for any hint of recognition at his name. There shouldn't be any, but if there was, it meant he'd slipped up somewhere along the way. This is a dangerous game I play.

I don't know if he's joking about the trustworthy comment, and suddenly I'm reminded that I'm in a bar filled with the scum of the universe. Not trusting, and not to be trusted. The thought in my brain that had recently been "Good cop" quickly changes into "A good criminal." There is something familiar in the way this guy acts, but I've never heard his name before, I've never seen him before, and there's nothing I can nail him for. I decide to relax.

Maybe I'm just getting paranoid. Maybe he's just a good guy...

"Nice to meet you, Squorn. What do you do?"

Time for a little small talk, to see how he reacts.

Damn, I should've known he'd turn inquisitive, he is a cop after all.

"I'm in, let's say, a transitional period. I used to work as an agent for wealthy art collectors, find the sorts of pieces they might like and negotiate purchases. Lately the market's gone slow so I'm out of work for the time being."

There we go, close enough to the truth that it comes out sounding natural, but far enough away to keep me safe.
He finished off his drink and slid it down the bar a bit to make room for his elbow.

"In transition to what, do you think?

Or are you just going to take a long time off?"

There was nothing wrong with his story. Nor was there anything wrong with his delivery. It was perfect. It made sense. It was believable.

So why do I not believe this guy?

The answer strikes me harder than my father used to.

It's because he sounds like me.

"I've been considering something part-time to last me until the market recovers, but nothing's come up, so I may just have to live frugally for a bit."

I don't know if he's buying this. I'll have to tread very lightly around this guy in the future.
Squorn remained at ease despite his misgivings. He would think about the conversation later, when he was alone, to try to figure out if he'd slipped somewhere, left a telltale sign that Geiger's finely honed cop instincts had picked up on.


ooc: terribly sorry for leaving you out Grape-Eaters, didn't mean to, we've just gotten a bit involved here. welcome back btw.

OOC: Not at all, Squorn. I've been doing some things IRL, so I haven't been trying to become active. And thanks.

Samael looked around the bar. The two men were still sitting together, but were now silent. Maybe now would be a good time to try to find out about Martin.

He stood up and strolled over to the other two men. Me smiled aimiably at the one he had heard call himself Squorn. "Hello, sir. I heard you and your friend," he indicated the other man with a nod, "talking, and...but I am getting ahead of myself. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Samael, the Acrobat." He extended his ringed hand to Squorn.

"Fascinating. I hope it all works out for you and you get back on track soon."

I'm getting antsy, must be setting in. This guy is a perceptive fellow. He'll catch me. I don't want him to catch me.

"If you'll excuse me. My pager is telling me I have urgent business."

Ah, I didn't even have to ask this time.

We're not gonna do that.

I get up to my room and peer out the window to make sure no one is watching. Then I think to myself What the hell...

I lay a few more lines and lose myself in the night.

OOC: I'm out for now. At least a break, may be the night. TG me or something if anyone has anything they want to do.

ooc: Ok I'll stick around for a bit longer

ic:
He took Samael's hand and shook it.
"Good to meet you I'm sure, if you didn't overhear, I go by Squorn."
The Acrobat? This man reeks of Martin. His eyes noticed the ring gracing Samael's finger for the second time. Of course! The rings, this is the man who the Juggler spoke of.

He turned to nod a goodbye to Freddy. "Pleasant evening to you."

ooc: Ok I'll stick around for a bit longer

ic:
He took Samael's hand and shook it.
"Good to meet you I'm sure, if you didn't overhear, I go by Squorn."
The Acrobat? This man reeks of Martin. His eyes noticed the ring gracing Samael's finger for the second time. Of course! The rings, this is the man who the Juggler spoke of.

He turned to nod a goodbye to Freddy. "Pleasant evening to you."


The Acrobat smiled. "I couldn't help but overhearing...I also heard that you worked as a broker for fine art. I hope you will pardon my indiscretion, but I am something of a collector myself, and I wondered what sorts of pieces you deal in..."

Why's everyone here so damn curious tonight?
"It varied greatly. I acted mostly as a purchaser for several private collectors. I got to know each of their tastes and I looked for pieces in those areas. One had an interest in statuettes, I visited his home once, all filled with shelves covered in little figures."

He smiled wistfully, "I'm afraid I don't have the capital to move any big pieces at the moment, but when I manage to get back into the business, let me know where your interests lie and I'll keep an eye out."

Maria was serving, the tavern seemed busy tonight.

Samael frowned slightly.

"I see. In fact, what I am looking for are rings, specifically a set that are the same as the one I wear." He slid his ring off his finger and extended it towards Squorn.

"You see? Someone I knew a long time ago had a set of twenty of these rings. She bequeathed on to me, and one each to nineteen other friends of hers. Ever since she gave me this one I have hoped to obtain all of those rings, as they are of such exquisite beauty. I tried to track down the original owners, but over the years some had sold theirs, or they had died and the rings had passed on to others. Then I recently heard that more than one had been seen on this planet, so I came immediately, hoping to perhaps finally achieve my dream." He smiled encouragingly at Squorn. "If you ever run across any rings like that, I might be willing to engage your services..."

"Think on it. But I must sleep now. A good night to you, Squorn." Samael turned and walked up the stairs to his room, where he arranged himself cross legged on the floor and began to think.

*There is a crash in the kitchen. after a moment of silence, another crash is heard. soon the kitchen door opens and Ju staggers out of the kitchen. he leans against the bar and looks around. an amazed and wondering look on his face.*

"Ju!"
Squorn had just walked in throught the front door.
"I thought for cetain that mold would be picking it's teeth with your bones by now."
He grinned and walked slowly over to the bar.

*Ju grins back.*

Squorn leaned, still grinning, on the bar, "So how's the whole bartending gardener racket coming along these days?"

Squorn leaned, still grinning, on the bar, "So how's the whole bartending gardener racket coming along these days?"

*Ju smiles and in a near drunken stupor, staggers out the door. outside, Ju looks around and wanders up the street.*

*The rain is not so heavy now, and she is on her way back towards the tavern.
Starting to worry a little inside that she has missed the turning, she suddenly sees Ju walk through the door, he seemed to look straight at her before turning in the opposite direction, staggering a little, then carrying on along the way.*

Now...do I follow him...he doesn't look quite himself....mind you who does...

*She looked longingly at the fire in the bar through the window, shrugged, and followed Ju at some distance.*

Squorn leaned out the door and watched Ju's progress down the alley. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a battered watch. A bit early in the day to be that far under the table. He shrugged and resolved to follow along and make sure nothing unfortunate happened to Ju in his vulnerable state.

*As Ju wandered around the city, each step becomes a little more sure and balanced. He looks into the windows of various shops and seems to want to touch each plant that lines the street.*

*She heard a sound behind her, and turning round saw that someone else had come out of the tavern.
He checked his watch then started in the same direction she and Ju were taking.
She didn't think she knew him, he was probably only going home, but she started to walk a little faster, hoping maybe to catch up with Ju.*

Squorn followed at a respectful distance, it was fairly unlikely Ju realized he was being followed. While he continued to act strangely, his actions did seem to be getting more coordinated.

*At the park, Ju stops and looks around. he smiles at several people, including their pets and at a car passing by.*

*She had almost caught Ju up, when he stopped by the park.
Not wanting him to know she had followed him, she skipped behind a nearby tree.
A little dog passed by beside her and let out a low growl.
She grinned lopsidedly at it's owner, shrugged and hopped behind the next tree down.*

*Ju turned at the barking and walked towards the animal. It whimpered and backed away... as, Ju drew closer, it began to growl. The owner apologized and lead the animal way. Ju watched it go with a puzzled look on his face.*

What an unsociable dog....good job it was on a leash....

*As far as she knew she had always got on well with animals before, and she could see no reason why it should be unfreindly with Ju.*

*She looked around and the man from the tavern was still nearby.*

I wonder what he wants...

After watching Ju for a few minutes, he decided that while he was certainly acting strangely, he didn't seem to be in any trouble, and he turned and walked away, heading out of the park back into the urban core of the city.

ooc: dinner time, I'm off

*Ju looks at the tree and watches it as it sways. one of the branches seems to twist against the wind for a moment and then... it goes back swaying in the breeze. Ju looks in that direction and wanders off... as if serching for something.*

*She watched as the man strode off into the distance.
Ju wandered a little way off and stood watching a tree swaying in the breeze*

I never realized that the wind was as strong as that.

*There was a sudden whimpering, and she turned to look at the dog just in time to see the piece of mold she had followed earlier, attach itself to the dogs back leg.*

Oh no you don't....

*She picked up a fallen stick and tried prising it from the cringing animal.*

I'll teach you...you will not kill if I have anything to do with it.

*The mold came away suddenly and flew through the air, landing at Ju's feet. He wandered off as though he hadn't seen it.*

Are you alright little dog?

*She held her hand towards it, it growled once more, and took off pulling it's owner with it.*

OOC
I'm out now, as well....
night

Maria stumbles in with a big coat on, hiding something in her coat, she gets in and takes it off to reveal a little bundle wrapped in blankets.

Maria stumbles in with a big coat on, hiding something in her coat, she gets in and takes it off to reveal a little bundle wrapped in blankets.

*Ju walked downstairs.*

Hey Maria.

*She watched as the man strode off into the distance.
Ju wandered a little way off and stood watching a tree swaying in the breeze*

I never realized that the wind was as strong as that.

*There was a sudden whimpering, and she turned to look at the dog just in time to see the piece of mold she had followed earlier, attach itself to the dogs back leg.*

Oh no you don't....

*She picked up a fallen stick and tried prising it from the cringing animal.*

I'll teach you...you will not kill if I have anything to do with it.

*The mold came away suddenly and flew through the air, landing at Ju's feet. He wandered off as though he hadn't seen it.*

Are you alright little dog?

*She held her hand towards it, it growled once more, and took off pulling it's owner with it.*
OoC: you still following Ju?

*She ran down the alley and ducked back into the dimly lit bar. It wasn't such a shock this time, this wasn't her visit. If only she hadn't had to run off last time. But such is life. She removed her jacket and sat down at the familiar table by the fire. She remembered the handsome stranger she'd met earlier this week and smiled at the thought of his kindness... She looked around and noticed the place was rather quiet.*

Sam walked into the kitchen to get her regular meal of 'extremely underdone' steak. When the mold rippled, she turned, glared, and grinned at it. Well, not exactly grinned. But her teeth were showing, and her lips were open.

The mold leaned toward her.

Sam snarled softly.

The mold leaned back.

Sam got her steak out of the fridge and warmed it up, then ate it.

*Having failed to find anything to eat other than a bowl of peanuts that had clearly seen better days, he went and sat at the bar, scanning the room for someone interesting to talk to*

Entering the room, Squorn moved through the chairs and tables between the door and the bar with his customary ease, neatly tripping a drunk so that he fell back into his chair, on the way over. Settling onto a stool, he turned and looked back to admire his handiwork. The man was sitting, looking about himself with a confused look etched across his intoxicated features.

"Glass of water if you please, Grim."

'hey Ju....' Maria said, she looked around, she was still nestling the bundle in her arms.

she looked around and looked happy.

bump

The Acrobat exited his room, a slight smile on his face. He jumped down the stairs and rolled as he landed. He came onto his feet out of the roll and strode lightly to the bar. He smiled and nodded at the two others he knew and ordered a mint julep.

Maria put the bundle down and got the man his drink.

she smiled.
'no problem' she then unwrapped the bundle to reveal a baby dressed in green and blue clothes, she cradled it lovingly.

Maria put the bundle down and got the man his drink.

Samael smiled at her as she put down the drink. "Thank you, Maria," he said softly. he sipped at the drink and his eyes scanned the room once again over the rim of his glass.

Samael glanced at the child, and for the briefest moment his eyes blazed with rage. Almost immediately the expression vanished, and he smiled at her again.

"A new child? Allow me to offer my congratulations."

Squorn stirred in his seat, as Samael appeared from upstairs. He'd been thinking about the man and what he'd told him about the rings last night. He was somewhat torn between his capitalistic instincts and lingering feelings of loyalty to the late tumbler.

One the one hand, I don't even know this guy, and I don't know why I should help him get his hands on the rings. On the other hand, these rings are valuable, and acquiring them for him could turn out to be very profitable.

Lost in thought, he hadn't noticed Maria's entry. Only the sound of footsteps on the creaky, decrepit staircase had roused him.

Mirroring Samael, he nodded to the acrobat and Maria in turn.

'well because of....ummm *hesitates* never mind, I chose to adopt.....' she said smiling.
'he's called Rain, hes oriental'

"Of course. I am sure he will make you proud." Samael noticed Squorn's nod and acknowledged him with a small wave. He stood up and approached Squorn. "Hello, Squorn. Mind if I take a seat?" he asked, indicating a nearby stool.

Maria brought a bottle of what they usually had over with two glasses.
'on the house' she said with a wink, she went back to feeding Rain with the bottle.

He smiled slightly at Samael's approach, "Certainly, be my guest."
Now, he thought, How do I find out his relationship to Martin without first revealing that I knew the tumbler?
"Any leads on those rings you're hunting yet?"

"Well, I can't drink anymore without getting alcohol poisoning, I can't eat. Anyone up for a game of darts?"

maria put her hand up.
'i'll play you' she asked, she bought the childs carrier over and placed it on the chair.

Samael grinned at Maria as she brought the bottle, but didn't touch it yet. No telling quite what was in it, and besides, he hadn't yet finished his mint julep.

He turned back to Squorn, and he frowned slightly and sipped at his drink. "No, unfortunately not. I had heard that a couple of the others who inherited rings had come to this planet and I had hoped to meet them again, but I cannot seem to find either of them..."

maria put her hand up.
'i'll play you' she asked, she bought the childs carrier over and placed it on the chair.

"Alright then. You may have a chance tonight. I'm pretty good when I'm sober, but I haven't been sober in weeks." He said to her as he went to retrieve the darts. He handed them to her and said "Ladies first."

Squorn peered at his bottle for a moment, trying to identify it in the dim light. As it turned out, it was a bottle of Stolichnaya. He smiled wider as he recognized it: quite a gift. He leaned over the bar to find himself a shot glass and poured a small measure of the vodka.

Turning back to face Samael, he spoke again, "That's unfortunate. Forgive my inquisitiveness, but assuming you found these inheritors, how were you planning on persuading them to part with such a valuable inheritance?"

Maria picked the darts up and threw them relatively well.
'your turn' she looked over at Samuel and smiled.

Squorn peered at his bottle for a moment, trying to identify it in the dim light. As it turned out, it was a bottle of Stolichnaya. He smiled wider as he recognized it: quite a gift. He leaned over the bar to find himself a shot glass and poured a small measure of the vodka.

Turning back to face Samael, he spoke again, "That's unfortunate. Forgive my inquisitiveness, but assuming you found these inheritors, how were you planning on persuading them to part with such a valuable inheritance?"

Samael cocked his head slightly. Now what makes him think they are worth anything?

"Valuable? I don't know if these rings have any value besides their sentimental value as a reminder of the woman who gifted them to us. In any case, I had heard that some of the others had already given up their rings...for a price. So I considered that cash might persuade them. If not, well . . . I might have attempted to seek out...other means of persuasion."

"The fact that you were willing to travel between the stars on the rumor that some of the rings were here on 098 means they have a very high value to you, and likely to the other inheritors as well. How much trouble someone is willing to go through to get something is often a better indicator of that thing's value than what he would be willing to pay for it."
Squorn's smile became something of a smirk.
"I told you I worked acquiring items for people. In that business, one becames very good at guessing how badly people want certain things and how much they are willing to pay for them."

Maria looked away and sighed, she continued to throw her darts.

"The fact that you were willing to travel between the stars on the rumor that some of the rings were here on 098 means they have a very high value to you, and likely to the other inheritors as well. How much trouble someone is willing to go through to get something is often a better indicator of that thing's value than what he would be willing to pay for it."
Squorn's smile became something of a smirk.
"I told you I worked acquiring items for people. In that business, one becames very good at guessing how badly people want certain things and how much they are willing to pay for them."

Samael grinned back at Squorn, and he seemed to be holding back a bubbling laugh. "True enough. These rings are indeed quite valuable to me. And I expect they are just as valuable to Martin and Alex both." He laughed. "I admit, they will probably be a bit unwilling to give up their 'heirlooms,' once I find them. However, as I said, I am prepared to acquire the rings by. . .whatever means necessary."

"You refer to, I presume, the Tumbler and the Juggler?"
The only thing better than knowing more than someone thinks, he decided, is revealing just how much you know.
Squorn's smirk stayed put and his eyes shone with glee.
And oh, how much more I know than he can suspect.

It had certainly been an entertaining series of nights these past few days. First it had been playing cat and mouse with Geiger the cop, and now this.

Maria finished darts and carried Rain over.
'can i get you guys anything?' she asked, her skin was glowing, a very big opposite to a few days back after the miscarriage'

Samael's eye's widened in surprise. "You know them?!?"

He noticed the other man's smirk and his amused eyes. Ah . . . Someone who enjoys games, eh? A man quite after my own heart. Samael grinned quite widely, and he seemed to be supressing laughter.He finished the rest of his mint julep and seemed to calm down a little bit.

"So...you've met those two, then?"

"I'm all set here, thanks very much Maria."
He raised the bottle to her before turning back to Samael.
"I have met them. Martin I knew simply as a regular around here, we never spoke concerning any rings, but we became, if not friends, then at least friendly acquaintances."

He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing, "I met Alex only once, and just for a few minutes. He explained about the rings, about why he had come looking for Martin."
Again he paused, glancing down at the floor.
"I'm afraid all the persuasion in the world won't get you any closer to those rings however. Neither Martin nor Alex remains with us today. Alex shared your desire for the rings and willingness to do whatever it took I'm afraid, and as Martin was somewhat popular around here, some of the regulars took it upon themselves to exact revenge."

He downed a shot and poured himself another.
"Before you ask, I don't know the fate of the rings. Apparantly even after killing Martin, Alex was still missing another aside from yours, that Martin had hidden away somewhere."

*He tossed the darts, idly noting that a month of heavy drinking had affected his game, and not for the better* "So," he asked her, "how did I not notice you here before?"

she smiled and gave a quick wink his way, knowing it would go unnoticed.

Samael frowned and looked into his empty glass meditatively, and he did not speak for some time. Finally, he looked back up at Squorn. "I . . . see. That is unfortunate. I remember both of them with some degree of fondness. Particularly Martin. He was always more personable, but they were inseparable. Nonetheless, if they are dead, than that means that I am the last one of us, and the rings rightfully fall to me. I must find them. Could you, perhaps, tell me who it was that killed Alex, the Juggler? Perhaps they can help me find the rings..." He abruptly pulled the bottle of vodka towards him and filled his glass nearly to the brim. He raised it and drank, nearly draining the glass entirely before setting it down again.

"Easy there," Squorn held out a cautioning hand next to the vodka bottle, "That's hard stuff there, you're not meant to drink so much at once."

"As for who killed Alex, he was a bounty hunter named Draconis. He dresses in black and has a nasty scar over his left eye. I haven't seen him in some time however."

Squorn shrugged somewhat helplessly and stood up, his earlier grin long gone from his face.
Reaching out, he took the more than half emptied vodka bottle.
"I think I'll take this along before you do too much more damage to it, and yourself. That's about all the help I can be to you for now, it's about time I turned in for the night."

At the foot of the stairs he half turned and looked back over his shoulder, "You have my comiserations, bad news like that is tough to hear."

ooc: it's 2:30 and i'm off to bed, later

The Acrobat nodded, seeming somewhat preoccupied.

"Thank you, Squorn. And good night." He watched the man go up the stairs, frowning.


Damn. Both dead, and the man with their rings gone! Well, I'll just have to stick around and see what I can see.

That was incredible...
That was incredible...

We were beginning to agree with each other, and I know my disease was progressing.

I meander down to the bar, hoping that I'm not stumbling too much. People might notice.

I get down there and order my customary beer, and sit down at the bar trying to pretend like I couldn't feel a thousand eyes staring at me.

They couldn't really be watching, could they?

Samael sat, staring at his hands. The arrival of someone new barely registered on his dulled senses. He sighed. He needed some time to meditate on this. He got up and walked up to his room. He entered and once again assumed a cross legged position on the floor.

*Ju sauntered in from upstairs.*

*When she turned around after speaking to the dog, Ju was nowhere to be seen.
Neither was the piece of mold.
She searched around for a while, but nothing came to light, so she turned back and headed in the direction which she thought the tavern was to be found.*

I don't think I took my attention away from them for more than a moment so how come they both vanished so completely in such a short space of time.

Hello Orchid. taking in the sights?

*Ju waved at orchid as she walked into the tavern.*

How come he is here already?

Oh...oh..hi there Ju...um...yes...I thought I'd just go for a short walk.
How long have you be here?
I mean...I saw you leaving a while ago....

*She tailed off as she didn't want him to know she had followed him.*

Oh...oh..hi there Ju...um...yes...I thought I'd just go for a short walk.
How long have you be here?
I mean...I saw you leaving a while ago....


? never left. was up in my room for a while. Only came down a while ago.

*She looked at him in disbelief at first, then noting that the clothes he was wearing were dry, whereas her own were still clinging to her with damp, she had to believe him*

Oh, sorry.....I must have been mistaken...maybe you have a double.
How is your finger?

*She looked at him in disbelief at first, then noting that the clothes he was wearing were dry, whereas her own were still clinging to her with damp, she had to believe him*

Oh, sorry.....I must have been mistaken...maybe you have a double.
How is your finger?

... had some strange green growth on it... but the docs were not concerned. some Anti-biotics and it's gone.

*wiggles his finger so she can see.*

So he's had time to see a doctor and not gone outside for quite some time, but I have been out in the pouring rain for only a couple hours, then followed someone who looks just like him...and who suddenly vanishes in the time it takes to speak to a dog!
There seems to be somewhat of a time difference somewhere along the line.

*She makes a long job of examining his finger and forces herself to give him a wide smile,*

That's good...it all looks very healthy....

*Still feeling wet and uncomfortable, she turns towards the stairs.*

I must go and dry off....if you'll excuse me....

OOC
Night....I'm away to my bed now!

*Still feeling wet and uncomfortable, she turns towards the stairs.*

I must go and dry off....if you'll excuse me....

OOC
Night....I'm away to my bed now!

OOC: Night... couple hours? I thought half a day passed between the bite and now... oh well... makes for a better story actually... yes.. I can work it in... :p

Sam took up her position at the door, looking everyone over to make sure that everything was quiet. It was so far but...

...an infant in a tavern? Not good. And just how did she get to adopt a baby that fast? Sam scowled suspiciously to herself, wondering if there wasn't some family nearby in a panic.

Not my business, at least, not unless it brings trouble here.

Samael strode slowly down the stairs, a grave frown etched into his features. He sat at the bar and ordered a whiskey. He sipped slowly, meditatively, and surveyed the bar over the lip of the glass.

OOC: Night... couple hours? I thought half a day passed between the bite and now... oh well... makes for a better story actually... yes.. I can work it in... :p

That's why I said.....


So he's had time to see a doctor and not gone outside for quite some time, but I have been out in the pouring rain for only a couple hours, then followed someone who looks just like him...and who suddenly vanishes in the time it takes to speak to a dog!
There seems to be somewhat of a time difference somewhere along the line.

*She makes a long job of examining his finger and forces herself to give him a wide smile,*

That's good...it all looks very healthy....

It was a longer time for Ju than for Orchid....

*Ju wiped up the glasses and hung them up to be used. he then goes into the back room to check the supply levels.*

"Hello" Gem asked softly as she walked into the empty room,closing the door behind her. She waited a moment and shrugged as she walked over to the bar to make some tea.

"Hello" Gem asked softly as she walked into the empty room,closing the door behind her. She waited a moment and shrugged as she walked over to the bar to make some tea.

*Ju walks in from outside and looks around. with a grin on his face, he wanders over to the fireplace and examines the fire burning cheerfully away.*

*Ju walks in from outside and looks around. with a grin on his face, he wanders over to the fireplace and examines the fire burning cheerfully away.*

Gem finished making her tea as Ju walked in. She smiled slightly and walked over to the couch by the fire and sat," hello" she said softly.

" hello"
*Ju starts... he looks over at the person sitting there and smiles again.*