NationStates Jolt Archive

"Got a point there." Alex pointed a thumb toward Aeryn. "And that's now, in the shock of it all. Maybe this will turn out for the better."

Aeryn gave another slight smile. "And what of you, Tal? Why are you willing to put aside everything in your life in order to save a girl, when it really wasn't your fault to begin with?"

"Wasn't my fault? That orb was in my trunk! It was meant for me! If I hadn't taken her along, if I hadn't showed her the orb, none of this would have happened to her!" Tal had been speaking louder and louder, almost yelling, but he calmed down at this. "No, this happened because of me, and I intend to fix it. Besides, I've got these new powers. I might be one of the few people capable of saving her. I've got to go."

"So you're using guilt as a motivator? Doesn't that usually backfire in the end?" Alex said. "I'm not saying don't, I'm just saying be careful." he glanced to the guy at the counter. Isn't he ever going to do anything?

"So you're using guilt as a motivator? Doesn't that usually backfire in the end?" Alex said. "I'm not saying don't, I'm just saying be careful." he glanced to the guy at the counter. Isn't he ever going to do anything?

"No..." Tal had closed his eyes. "Even if I had never met her, even if I was just a witness like you... I've always had a strong sense of justice, of moral decency. To help her... is simply the right thing to do. The fact that this is my mess just makes my resolution stronger."

Aeryn leaned foward. "And did you know it was in your trunk? No. And from what I've seen of you so far, I'd say you were most likely helping her out with something. You did not know it was in the trunk, you did not know bringing her along would cause trouble for her. Always remember, it is the fault of the one whos hands are covered in blood."

Aeryn leaned foward. "And did you know it was in your trunk? No. And from what I've seen of you so far, I'd say you were most likely helping her out with something. You did not know it was in the trunk, you did not know bringing her along would cause trouble for her. Always remember, it is the fault of the one whos hands are covered in blood."

"No, look.... I know, you're right.... I'm sorry, this whole thing has just gotten me worked up. I can't think straight, I'm scared something is gonna pop out of my back any second, and.... it's just a lot to take in one day. Oh, and I got fired from my job." Tal had to laugh at how he had forgotten something so easily that would normally crush him.

"By that logic it's the fault of whoever created these orbs then." Ashley said. "And it's not surprising you forgot with the way things are now. As for things bursting from your back, it may be unpleasant, but it sure is a sight to behold."

Aeryn grinned and sat back. "Don't think I'm trying to discourage you though. Honestly, I say go for it. But, I do have less to leave behind than you, so that may screw with my decision as well."

"I suppose." He was talking to Ashley first. "And that's good to now. Heck, if we run low on money, I can join the circus." He chuckled at this while he turned to Aeryn. He saw all these people looked to him, encouraging him... he knew he was going. "Don't worry, I'm going, and I won't try to stop anybody else who's going too."

Ashley grinned. "Now there's the positive attitude we needed!"
"I think I should go talk to the mechanic, see what it would take to have it finished as soon as possible." Alex said rising and grabbing his coffee.

Tal just returned the smile. I wish I felt as confident as I looked.... and I don't think I look all that confident. "Well... I'm starting to feel tired. How about all of you?"

"Tired is a good way to start describing it." Ashley said.
"Same here. I'll give you a call Ashley." Alex said as he left the shop.

Tal got up and yawned. "I've had enough excitement for one day. So, anybody need a place to crash? I've got room for one, maybe two."

"I'll head back to my hotel." Markov replied, rising. "My offer still stands if anyone needs a place to sleep."

"I'm tempted to go with Tal and his house, no offense. Alex and I have an air mattress in the car, so if you've got a spot for that, you've got room for 3 if someone else takes your couch. That of course assumes you have one." Ashley said, drinking more of her mint condition.

Tal nodded. "I actually do not have a couch, so there'd only be room for you. I assume it'd be you and Alex coming there, right?" Tal was tired, and he didn't feel like thinking, so he wanted to be sure.

"That'd be right." Ashley said. She was ashamed to be as chipper and hyper as she was when Tal was so tired. "Who else needs a spot to sleep though? We should try and work it out evenly."

"Oh, yeah, you're right. Does everybody have somewhere to stay?" Tal was suddenly feeling the effects of the long day, even though it wasn't even supper time yet.

Tal shook his head. "Well, I don't have any more room anyway, so you'd have to go with Markov anyway, or find somewhere on your own. So, Alex and Ashley, ready to go?" Tal's eye lids were starting to feel heavy, but he fought against his drowsiness.

"You don't live too far right? Alex is checking on the car after all." Ashley asked.

"Mmm? Oh, right, he left." Tal looked up. "Well, I live right on the edge of town, so it's about a five to seven minute drive from here."

"So we wait?" She inquired, still sipping coffee.

"I-" Tal yawned. "I don't know, it's up to you." Tal was tempted to sit down, but he needed to stay awake.

"We're waiting, and Alex is driving. I don't trust tired people to drive, especially if they're yawning." Ashley was adamant as Alex walked back in.
"He can have it ready by tomorrow night if the part gets here on time." He announced.

Tal nodded. "Oh, sure, thanks, that makes it much easier on me. Well, ready to go?" He motioned to the door with his hand.

"Absolutely." Ashley said, noticing the bag Alex was carrying. "The mattress?" she asked.
"Of course."
"Alright then. Keys Tal?" She grabbed Alex's other hand and held it up, palm on top.

Tal fished his keys out of his pocket. As he set them in Alex's hand, a sudden thought struck him, that made him want to laugh. I just met these people today, and I'm giving them my keys so they can drive to my apartment to spend the night. Wow. Instead, he just gave a dry grin. "Well, let's go." He walked out the door and to his car. He was going slow, since
A. He needed the keys to unlock it and
B. He was tired.

Alex grabbed the keys and blinked. "Um, thank you?" He chuckled nervously. Ashley followed Alex to the car and got in once it was unlocked. The bag was stored in the back by Ashley and once buckled, Alex started the car. "Where to?"

Tal got in the shotgun seat. "Ok, just follow this road we're on, Junction, to the left for four blocks. Then, turn onto Madison, follow it for a mile, and turn left onto Dixie. The apartments are on the right, they're right next to the corner." He made sure to buckle up.

Alex took off, following the directions. It wasn't too long before they reached the apartments and he cut the engine. "Alright, lead us up." he said as he and Ashley climbed out of the car.

Goodbye...Markov thought to himself. Americans were so rude. He began to walk towards the door himself, but remembered the other two he left behind. He turned to them.

"Is anyone coming?"

Tal nodded as he got out of the car. He walked through the front doorway, and up the stairs. On the second story, he walked down to the end of a short hallway before stopping at room 21. "Oh, the key is on the ring that I keep the car keys on. It's the one right next to the car key." Tal stepped back so Alex could get to the door.

Alex had a simpler solution. He handed Tal the keys. "Have at it." he said lazily.

Tal rolled his eyes as he grabbed the keys. He put it in the door, twisted the handle, and opened the door. "Make yourselves at home"

The apartment was a small, three room place. There was a small kitchen, a smaller bathroom, and a larger area that consisted of an open area in the middle (that would fit the air mattress), a small portable T.V. on a coffee table, two normal wooden chairs, and a small cot in the corner. Tal walked in and sat down on his bed.

Ashley and Alex entered the apartment. "Cozy." she said, actually liking the place.
"Sounds right to me." He replied, obviously not quite as thrilled. They sat down opposite Tal before beginning to unpack the mattress. Suddenly Alex was glad they'd invested in a battery operated pump for the thing.

Tal shrugged. "It's really all I need. Doesn't cost too much either." He looked at the air mattress, yawning. "You need any help with that?"

Aeryn shook his head at Markov's question. "No thank you. I'd rather sleep outside personally." Hmmm...I'm really not all that tired. He thought. Maybe I could carve something...Something to do with the moon...

"Suit yourself." Markov replied. "Until tomorrow, gentlemen." He tipped his hat, and calmly strode out of the coffee shop. He didn't bother asking Ghost.

As he walked along, he smirked.

If he is what I think he is, and if he really needs a place to sleep, he'll find me.

Aeryn shrugged, and went out to the park, taking out another block of white hickory, and looked up at the moon, waiting for inspiration. He was feeling rather odd though, and he just couldn't place the feeling. It was several minutes, before he realized with a start that he was lonely. He'd been sleeping outside alone for more than a year, with very rarely a person to talk to, and he'd felt just fine. Probably be surrounded by people.

OOC: Is it morning yet?

OOC: Well, I'm wondering what GW's gonna do.

OOC: Yeah, I was waiting on GW and Syl too.

OOC: I'm sorry but I can't stay on til all hours of the night like I used to. I can get on, post for maybe 30 minutes with everyone and then I'm gone again.

OOC: Ok, that's fine, I understand, the same will soon be true with me.... so, what is Ghost going to do?

OOC: Prolly head back to whatever hotel he's staying at in the area and begin packing his stuff, doing a little shopping for snacks, and the other random things assassins do before roadtrips.

OOC: Sorry, are you waiting on me? I think I had said it was still evening, say 8? So I didn't think everybody would go straight to bed. You know, on second thought, I'm going to start posting these in the OOC thread, like I intended.

Tal shrugged. "It's really all I need. Doesn't cost too much either." He looked at the air mattress, yawning. "You need any help with that?"

"No, we got it." Ashley said. "Thanks anyway." She grabbed the bag while Alex tugged the mattress out. Within a couple minutes they'd unfolded it, found the pump and stopper, and had it inflated. They dug a couple blankets out from the bottom of the bag and by then were nearly ready to call it a night.

Tal had been watching them during the whole process, but had fallen asleep while they were doing so, sitting up and fully clothed. He didn't snore, so it would be hard to notice.

Soon mAlex mand mAshley mtoom hadm fallenm asleep.m mFor mAlex mitm was mrestless, mbut mAshley msleptm likem am rock. mShe mwouldnj'tm havem been msurprisedm ifm Tal mwokem up mwith mAlex'js mbuffalom mating mcall mof mam snorem though. mWhen mthe msunm finally mshone mthrough mthe mwindow, MAlexm woke mupm andm stretched. mHe mpeeled mhism face mfrom the mmattress mandm tried munsucessfullym tom crawl mfrom bedm to mgom tom the mbathroom. mOnce mhe mleft, mAshleym took mhis mplacem though mshe mwished mshe'jd mgrabbed mher mmakeup mbag mto mgetm readym form them day.

Aeryn stretched, and yawned contentedly when the sunlight woke him. He looked down at the newly carved block. This time it was more a plaque than a statue. It showed a picture of a group of people, obviosuly enjoying themselves, but there was another who was outside of the group, staring forlornly at it. I don't think I will sell this one... he thought to himself. With that, he got up, and headed towards the coffee shop, where he assumed everyone would gather.

Tal had eventually just fallen over, still asleep and clothed. He woke up to the sound of Alex using the bathroom. For half a second he panicked. Who's in my-... oh, right. Yesterday's events came rushing back. He sat up, his head felt like it was spitting from a headache. He got up, stumbled into the kitchen, and grabbed a bottle of pain killers, chewing up a couple of tablets dry. He kinda liked the taste. He sat down, trying to think if he had the right kind of ingredients for a suitable breakfast.

Morning came a bit sooner then Markov had expected. This was a little strange, as Markov usually prided himself on how precise his was in his calculations. Why did that happen? He pushed the thought of it from his mind as he blinked up at the ceiling. He sat up, and strode towards the bathroom.

Markov was sure the incident with Jason Draconis had something to do with these "Orb of Ra'Jin" things. Markov's theory was pretty simple, and made a lot of sense. Draconis stumbles upon one of the orbs somehow, and unknowingly is infused with power and energy, which he put to good use in the Olympic Games.

As he went through his morning routine of showering, brushing his teeth, and dressing up, he pondered over his new companions. Especially, he thought about Ghost. Markov was sure he had seen him somewhere before...

He didn't know why he was following the unlikely hero that seemed to have become of Tal. Perhaps it because he would never have a chance at finding his friend without help. Perhaps it was the desire for the power that those orbs offered. Reasons aside, the Chinese government would be asking questions about his prolonged absence. It would only be so long before they started sending out people to find him...

As he put on his tie with the aid of a mirror, he smiled his oh-so-common smile.

Let them come. Markov thought. I'll be waiting.

Placing on his dark green overcoat and hat, he turned for the door, and headed downstairs for some breakfast.

Tal had put some bacon and eggs in a skillet, along with some toast in the toaster. It wasn't gourmet food or anything, but there was enough for all of them. He didn't call them, he decided to let them come when they wanted.

OOC: I'm referring to Syl's people, unless your chars somehow found out where Tal lived.

OOC: Hey Angenteria, didn't you once mention something about having your guy be responsible for Aeryn's memory loss?

OOC: Yeah, I did, what do you think? Your guy finds it out later on, and makes some major tension.

By the way, I am now going to attack your fleet at the 40k RP.

OOC: I kinda like the idea personally. Works for me.

Ok, gives me something to do. What race are you anyways?

OOC: Tau, so there can't be any confusion about who's fighting for who.

OOC:..... There is an OOC thread for this sort of thing... :rolleyes: Anyway, I've got to go to bed. G'night, y'all.

OOC: G'night.

Tal realized that he had no way of contacting the others. I didn't think of that... He absentmindedly reached for the refrigerator door, to open it and grab some orange juice. Instead, what happened was he pulled on the freezer handle; so instead of opening a door, he simply pulled the handle off like it was just another magnet on the fridge. Tal stared down at his hand, the twisted handle in it. That'll take some getting used to.

Ashley laughed as he pulled the handle off. "Gotta be more careful Tal." She said, rooting through the bag for the pump to suck the air out of the mattress. She was to impatient to have fun and push the air out like normal people.

Was this part of that strength from earlier? Or just an old handle that was loose anyway? Tal sighed. He got the bacon, eggs, and toast out that he had been making and split them between three plates. He also got out some jam and butter for the toast, along with some apples, bananas, and Nutella.

Ashley looked at the breakfast Tal prepared and sniffed the air. "Smells great."

OOC: WTF is Nutella?

"Thanks. I figured I wouldn't be back here in a while, so I went all out on this one." Tal sat down in a chair. "Help yourself."

OOC: It's like peanut butter, only it's a Chocolate Hazelnut spread, google it. And it's freaking awesome. And german.

Alex and Ashley each took a plate once she'd dropped the pump and removed the plug from the mattress. They too sat down and began to eat. Alex started by spreading Nutella on a piece of toast while Ashley dove for the eggs.

OOC: Um, ok... Not really a hazelnut fan, but I know Alex loves the stuff so, here goes. Also, we don't have it around where I live and google can't give me the taste. :(

MMeanwhile, Aeryn had bought a cinnamon roll from the coffee shop, and was trying to fend off an overachieving waitress without being rude and telling her he hated coffee.

OOC: Take my word for it, it's the bee's knees!

IC: Tal sliced up a banana, put the sliced banana on a piece of toast, covered the other piece with Nutella, put a few strips of bacon on top. and made it into a sandwich before biting into it.

OOC: Slaps Tal.

Alex raised his eyebrows at Tal's eating habits, but finished the plate diligently. "That was a very good idea for breakfast."
"Agreed." Ashley said, still working at her toast. "Thanks Tal."

OOC: *cries* But I'll give you something to do, Mer.

IC: The waitress was trying to convince Aeryn to order a coffee. "And we have a special on the Mocha Latte today, sir! It's brewed fresh, and only $1.45 a cup! Are you sure I can't get one for you?"

Alex raised his eyebrows at Tal's eating habits, but finished the plate diligently. "That was a very good idea for breakfast."
"Agreed." Ashley said, still working at her toast. "Thanks Tal."

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I've gotten good at making breakfast for myself, I don't eat out too often." He started collecting his plates and washing them. While he was doing so, he asked, "So, should we head out to find the others soon?"

Aeryn shook his head. "Ah, no thank you. I don't want to be a bother miss, I'm sure you've got plenty to do without fetching a drink for me." He looked around the coffee shop and realized how lame that was. The little shop was completely empty, despite it being early morning.

Aeryn shook his head. "Ah, no thank you. I don't want to be a bother miss, I'm sure you've got plenty to do without fetching a drink for me." He looked around the coffee shop and realized how lame that was. The little shop was completely empty, despite it being early morning.

The waitress also gazed around the coffee shop. She obviously had nothing else to do. "Are you sure I can't get you anything else? Anything at all?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I've gotten good at making breakfast for myself, I don't eat out too often." He started collecting his plates and washing them. While he was doing so, he asked, "So, should we head out to find the others soon?"

"Probably a good idea. Do you have a way to contact them?" Alex said as Ashley went to go have her fun with the blower for the air mattress.

Aeryn looked around nervously. He really wasn't comfortable with people trying to push things on him. Suddenly he got an idea, and grinned. "Tell you what miss. I will buy a cup of coffee, but you have to drink it with me." He said, completely oblivious that he was now hitting on her.

"Probably a good idea. Do you have a way to contact them?" Alex said as Ashley went to go have her fun with the blower for the air mattress.

Tal shook his head. "No, I hadn't even thought of it. I guess our first step would be to go back to that coffee shop. We'd better get ready." Tal moved about and began to pack his few belongings, just some extra clothes, money, and a few packs of army style rations. He had pulled them out of the back of the closet, in a hidden part of it, and thrown them into a suitcase along with his few other belongings.

Ashley packed up their stuff with minimal help from Alex before he lifted up the bag. "Ya, we're ready. Got your keys?"

Aeryn looked around nervously. He really wasn't comfortable with people trying to push things on him. Suddenly he got an idea, and grinned. "Tell you what miss. I will buy a cup of coffee, but you have to drink it with me." He said, completely oblivious that he was now hitting on her.

The lady seemed somewhat taken aback. "What? Well, I, uh... I've got other things..." she glanced at the door, hoping some more customers would walk in, but to no avail. I really need the tip money.... "Ok, fine," she said, sighing as she did so. She left and came back with two cups of the coffee she had mentioned earlier, and sat down. This is awkward.

Ashley packed up their stuff with minimal help from Alex before he lifted up the bag. "Ya, we're ready. Got your keys?"

Tal picked them off of the counter. "Yup, I'm ready. Well, lets go." He carried his single suitcase out the door, looking back. "I'll be in the car." He didn't wait for the two as he descended the stairs. He got to the parking lot, opened the trunk to his car, threw his suitcase in, and turned back to the stairs to see if they were there yet.

Aeryn inwardly sighed. I'd hoped she would bring only one cup... he had been hoping that he could appease her by buying the coffee and just have her drink it. But, he mantained an outwardly cheerful disposition while he pretended to sip at the coffee. "So," He said after a minute, "Do you enjoy being a waitress?"

Alex and Ashley were close behind. Alex tossed his bag into the trunk as well before slamming it shut and waiting for Tal to unlock the doors. Ashley had her hand resting on the handle of the back driver door before the trunk was even shut.

She wasn't looking forward to having a conversation with a stranger, but it looked like she didn't have any other choice. "Well, it's a good way of making money anyway. Meet a lot of interesting folk too."

Alex and Ashley were close behind. Alex tossed his bag into the trunk as well before slamming it shut and waiting for Tal to unlock the doors. Ashley had her hand resting on the handle of the back driver door before the trunk was even shut.

Tal unlocked the doors so the other two could get in as he got in and started the car. He turned off the radio; he didn't feel like music right now.

Aeryn smiled faintly. "That is not what I asked. From the sound of it, you do not truly enjoy your job, do you?"

Alex and Ashley climbed in and buckled up. "What kind of a car is this again?" Alex asked in curiosity.

Aeryn smiled faintly. "That is not what I asked. From the sound of it, you do not truly enjoy your job, do you?"

She raised her eyebrow. He's an odd one. But in a good way. "Well... I'd like to go to college and finish my degree in oceanography, but I just don''t have the money. That's why I'm working here. But all my money seems to go to my living expenses, and I've got next to nothing saved up for college, even after a year. I guess I'd just like something a little better is all." She took a large gulp of her coffee.

Alex and Ashley climbed in and buckled up. "What kind of a car is this again?" Alex asked in curiosity.

OOC: Curse you, making me get technical!

IC: "Oh, it's a 2002 Impala. Very dependable." Tal pulled out of the parking lot and started toward the coffee shop. "I like it, anyway."

Aeryn thought for a moment. His coffee still remained untouched. Suddenly, he brightened, and pulled out a beautiful marble statue, easily worth a thousand dollars from the level of detail alone. He offered it to the waitress. "Here, take this. I'm sure you could sell it for a couple hundred dollars. It wouldn't be much, but you could put it towards college."

OOC: Damn, I was hoping for car talk. :( And that's not technical, me explaining what's wrong with my dad's tractor, that's more technical than this.

IC: "Doesn't Nathan have one of those?" Alex asked Ashley.
"Gold and it's an oh three." She said. "but yes."

OOC: For dialect reasons I decided to spell out 03.

Aeryn thought for a moment. His coffee still remained untouched. Suddenly, he brightened, and pulled out a beautiful marble statue, easily worth a thousand dollars from the level of detail alone. He offered it to the waitress. "Here, take this. I'm sure you could sell it for a couple hundred dollars. It wouldn't be much, but you could put it towards college."

"Wha-... why?" She seemed utterly perplexed that this man would offer such a thing. "It's... beautiful... where did you get this? But no, I couldn't accept such a generous offer, really." She said. She was somewhat flustered, and it seemed like she was about to get up.

OOC: Damn, I was hoping for car talk. :( And that's not technical, me explaining what's wrong with my dad's tractor, that's more technical than this.

IC: "Doesn't Nathan have one of those?" Alex asked Ashley.
"Gold and it's an oh three." She said. "but yes."

OOC: For dialect reasons I decided to spell out 03.

Tal didn't bother to ask who Nathan was. "We're almost there." He paused. "Say, when did you say your car would be fixed? Just curious."

"I didn't yet. But I hope by early afternoon. He had the parts fortunately and help coming in today." Alex said.

Aeryn blinked. He didn't seem to think there needed to be a reason. "Well, I carved it, is where I got it from. And I think you need it a bit more than I do. Everyone should be able to do what they want in life. I can always just carve another one, so its really not all that generous."

"I didn't yet. But I hope by early afternoon. He had the parts fortunately and help coming in today." Alex said.

"That's good. I guess we'll just wait around town until we head out I guess. Oh, just as a reminder... we're headed for Niagara Falls." Tal could see the coffee shop up ahead, but he got stuck as a long red light waiting.

Ashley glared at the light, willing with all her might for it to change. She hated the color really, like a bull. "Niagra falls works for me." Alex said, nearly giggling at his girlfriend.

Aeryn blinked. He didn't seem to think there needed to be a reason. "Well, I carved it, is where I got it from. And I think you need it a bit more than I do. Everyone should be able to do what they want in life. I can always just carve another one, so its really not all that generous."

"Oh, well... it's very good. I, well, don't know what to say..... well, thanks, I guess." She hesitantly picked the statue up. "Well.... um, I know this kinda sounds lame in comparison, but don't worry about the coffee. It's on the house." She sat there awkwardly, trying to decide if she should leave or stay.

Ashley glared at the light, willing with all her might for it to change. She hated the color really, like a bull. "Niagra falls works for me." Alex said, nearly giggling at his girlfriend.

Tal noticed Ashley's staring, along with Alex nearly laughing. "Uh, is she alright?" Darn, that's a long red light.

Aeryn laughed. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine." He gazed shrewdly at her. "You know, if you don't like the idea of taking a gift from a stranger, lets just say it was your tip, hmm?"

Aeryn laughed. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine." He gazed shrewdly at her. "You know, if you don't like the idea of taking a gift from a stranger, lets just say it was your tip, hmm?"

"Oh, er... of course! Once again, thank you very much!" She got up, holding the statue. "Are you sure that you don't need anything?" He really IS odd in a good way.

Aeryn sighed. Well, I don't see any other way to get rid of the stuff than dumping it on the floor... He pushed the cup of coffee towards her. "Ah, would you be so kind as to take care of this?"

Tal noticed Ashley's staring, along with Alex nearly laughing. "Uh, is she alright?" Darn, that's a long red light.

"She just hates red lights." Alex said, finally giggling a bit. "Oh, it's green now." he said remorsefully. "too bad, it's fun to watch her." Indeed, a vein had made itself known in her neck and her temple was throbbing with sheer willpower to change the light, and she looked completely normal once it was green again.

Aeryn sighed. Well, I don't see any other way to get rid of the stuff than dumping it on the floor... He pushed the cup of coffee towards her. "Ah, would you be so kind as to take care of this?"

"Oh, yes of course." She didn't seemed bothered by the fact that it was till full. Indeed, she sipped from it thoughtfully while looking at the statue, walking back into the kitchen area.

Aeryn sighed happily as he sat back. I curse the man who invented coffee. Nasty stuff. He thought to himself.

"She just hates red lights." Alex said, finally giggling a bit. "Oh, it's green now." he said remorsefully. "too bad, it's fun to watch her." Indeed, a vein had made itself known in her neck and her temple was throbbing with sheer willpower to change the light, and she looked completely normal once it was green again.

"Ok...." Tal decided not to push the issue. He pulled forward, nearing the parking lot. It was empty, except for the few employee spots filled. He parked the car, turning off the engine. His curiosity got the better of him, however. He turned to Ashley. "You are going to be alright, right?"

Ashley looked completely normal by this point. "Oh absolutely!" She clapped her hands together as she said this. "Should we go in?"

Ashley looked completely normal by this point. "Oh absolutely!" She clapped her hands together as she said this. "Should we go in?"

She seems almost chipper, while a second ago I thought she was going to murder somebody... oh well. "Yeah, lets." The doors had unlocked automatically, and Tal stepped out into the sunshine. He opened Ashley's door for her. Now that he realized how easily she could be.... 'put off'... he decided to play it safe.

Ashley was half angry, half overjoyed. Her face was a mix of the two, but her voice was pure happiness. "Thank you Tal." She said as politely as possible. Even though I'm more than capable of opening my own damn door.
Alex just grinned. Tal would learn sooner or later he figured, walking toward the door.

Ashley was half angry, half overjoyed. Her face was a mix of the two, but her voice was pure happiness. "Thank you Tal." She said as politely as possible. Even though I'm more than capable of opening my own damn door.
Alex just grinned. Tal would learn sooner or later he figured, walking toward the door.

Tal noticed the odd look on her face. What is that supposed to mean? "Uh, sure... no problem." He shut the door after she got out, and started walking toward the door to the coffee shop. He opened it, thought about holding it for Ashley, then decided against it. He noticed Aeryn at a booth already, and made his way towards him.

Ashley grinned. He catches on quick. she thought, following Alex through. The two sat opposite Aeryn and linked hands. "Good morning." Ashley sang to the man.

Tal just stood there, glancing down at the group, especially Ashley. Alex sure has his hands full...

OOC: Hey, my guy's gonna go in stasis until Sunday. My cruise ship charges for internet, so I'm only using it for email and important things (like school stuff). See everyone sunday.

Aeryn smiled for no particular reason, and said, "I trust you slept well?"

"Well isn't the word I'd use." Alex said. "I never did like that air mattress."
"It's better than the floor." Ashley replied.
"True. You win that round." her boyfriend replied. "So what of yourself?"

Aeryn shrugged. "Oh, I slept well. I've had a good morning, other than offending a waitress because I wouldn't drink any coffee.

Alex chuckled. "I skipped coffee today. Not something I normally do, but I did today."

OOC Summary pls

OOC: Just meet us in the coffee shop. It's the next morning.

Aeryn made a face. "I can't stand coffee. I'm not very picky about what I eat, but I firmly believe the inventor of coffee had no tongue."

A familiar dark figure wandered into the shop, shades on and dressed in black. Ghost took a seat and looked around at everyone. "Sup."

"God didn't need a tongue to know what it would taste like." Alex joked.
Ashley meanwhile turned to face Ghost. "You're back. I almost didn't expect that."

"I almost expected you to leave without me on this trip of sorts." He stood up, "But onto more important things... like what I want to drink."

Aeryn sighed. "In which case your God has a cruel sense of humor." He looked at Ghost and shook his head. "Am I the only one here who does not like coffee?"

"Eh, just get a black coffee and call it good." Alex said, dragging over another chair for Ghost before resuming his own.

Aeryn sighed. "In which case your God has a cruel sense of humor." He looked at Ghost and shook his head. "Am I the only one here who does not like coffee?"

"No, he just knew some people would like it." Alex said. "That and coffee's got a few things in it that aren't bad for you."

Aeryn sighed. "In which case your God has a cruel sense of humor." He looked at Ghost and shook his head. "Am I the only one here who does not like coffee?"

"Indifferent." Ghost said without turning around.

"Eh, just get a black coffee and call it good." Alex said, dragging over another chair for Ghost before resuming his own.

"And just 'cause you said that... White chocolate mocha please." Ghost put the money on the counter, picked up his drink and took a seat in the chair Alex pulled over for him.

Aeryn sighed, and muttered to himself about coffee.

"And just 'cause you said that... White chocolate mocha please." Ghost put the money on the counter, picked up his drink and took a seat in the chair Alex pulled over for him.

Alex shrugged. "I figured something like that was coming."

The waitress glanced at the crowd gathering in the coffee shop. Seems like that weird man just attracted more weird people. She started wiping down tables, nothing better to do.

Tal turned to Ghost, apparently coming out of a daze. "Well, it's good to have you back. Anyway, since it seems we're all here, we need a course of action. But first, coffee." Tal winced a bit. "Excuse me... I need to use the bathroom." He excused himself from the table and went to the small bathroom in the corner of the shop.

OOC: Is everyone's people here?

OOC: As far as I know.

ooc: YOU! BOOK A FLIGHT TO NRFH!

OOC: Pardon?

OOC: I don't know anymore...

OOC:...kay.

OOC: lulz. And that's the 5th train to go by tonight!

Aeryn, out of a lack of anything else to do, took out a block of cherry, and sat staring at it, wondering what he should carve.

"May I suggest an eagle?" Ashley inquired of Aeryn.
"Or perhaps a fish?" Alex continued. It was clear they were on a wildlife kick this morning.

Aeryn blinked at Alex. "Why a fish? I understand eagle, but why a fish?"

He shrugged. "I just like fish and I know fishing is more than a hobby to most people. Feel free to disregard the suggestion if you don't like it."

Aeryn smiled. "I've never gone fishing, that I can remember. Is it fun?"

"Ya, it is." The duo answered, their Minnesotan accent showing up clearly. "It takes a lot of patience, but it's worth it." Alex concluded.

Tal return from the bathroom, wiping his hands on his pants. "They were out of towels..." he muttered, more to himself then anybody. He sat down at the table. "So, do we have a battle plan yet?"

"Find orb and capture its power? I think it's more a matrter of getting to it than anything else."

"Shouldn't be too hard once we have another vehicle." Alex said. "It'll just take some time to get up there. And it's a long drive."

"Right. Well, the first one seems to be at Niagara Falls, so I suggest we drive. How will everybody get there?"

"We can take 5 more in the Lundymobile, but only 3 comfortably." Ashley said. "Ghost has a car and so do you, but I suggest you pick one and stick with it."

"I'm riding in my car one way or the other..." Ghost said with a shrug.

"So Tal, who are you riding with? It makes more sense to ride with someone rather than take a third vehicle." Alex said. "it saves gas and keeps us together more."

"I really don't know. I guess I could just go in the... Lundymobile."

The duo cracked up. "I love how you said that." Alex said through fits of giggles.

Sweet, riding alone and listening to whatever the hell I want. Perfect. Ghost thought.

He shrugged. "I really don't see how there's any other way of saying it."

"How about 'I'll ride with you guys'." Ashley suggested.

"Well, it seemed only appropriate to use the car's name, since you were so gracious to provide it with one. Anyway, what about Aeryn and Markov?"

"We have room for both, though they may wish to ride with Ghost, less people in our car then. But their choice, so whatever." Alex said.

"I guess. Anyway, I guess we might as well get some food here. Well, for people who haven't had breakfast yet anyway."

"Good idea. Ghost, gonna order anything?" Alex asked.

"Already ate." Was Ghost's reply, "You guy's go ahead and eat."

"We ate too. Anybody else?"

"I think I will ride with Ghost, if that is okay with him." Aeryn said. He didn't particuarly feel like talking, and Ghost did not seem like a very chatty person.

OOC: You are SO late!

Ashley looked to Aeryn. "Whatever works for you." She said. "Did you have breakfast?"

OOC: Sorry, Lydia convinced me to go to a football game last night, and then we went bowling with the in-laws tonight. And I very nearly had to fight someone.

Aeryn nodded. "I had a cinnamon roll, I am fine. And you? I can pay for breakfast."

OOC: Nice. Say, would you be willing to move NRFH to the new forum? UHC can still access that and then we can move everyone onto that and get it over with.

IC: "We're good." Alex and Ashley said together. "And everyone that had anything already paid." Ashley concluded.

Aeryn shrugged. "Suit yourself." He normally would have insisted on paying for it, but he was feeling faintly deppressed for some reason, and was rather distracted.

OOC: Sure, give me a sec to make the forum.

OOC: GREAT!

IC: "You alright?" Ashley asked. "You seem a little... off today." She barely knew him, but something didn't seem right.

Aeryn shrugged. "I've no idea. I feel slightly deppressed, and I've not as of yet figured out the reason."

"Hopefully we'll figure it out soon enough." Ashley said. "Or at the very least help you cheer up."

Aeryn forced a grin. "Don't worry about it. I've gotten used to being alone, so I can take care of it myself."

"I don't believe that smile, but alright." Ashley said.

Aeryn nodded thankfully.Then, for a lack of a better conversation topic, said, "So, where are you from exactly?"

"Rural Minnesota." Alex said, not wanting to give a town.
"More specifically, Bird Island." Ashley said, earning a quick glare from her boyfriend. "What about yourself?"

Aeryn shrugged. He wasn't ite sure why Alex appeared angry. "Here, for all I know really."

"You don't know?" Ashley asked. She'd obviously missed something important.

Ghost gave a slight nod to Aeryn and then listened to the following conversation.

Tal was content to just listen to the other's conversation while he thought of what lay ahead. "So, what are we going to do once we find the orb?" he asked, of no one in particular.

"Use it?" Alex suggested. "What else is there to do with it?"

OOC:Sorry, but this is too fast for me. You guys are always on when I'm not, so I'm just slowing you down. I'll drop out.

OOC: Are you sure? :( You may have been a bit... moronic at times, but you're still nice to have around. Namely cause I need a punching bag, but still...

Aeryn, deciding not to go into the whole amnesia thing, said, "Well, we do know that one of the orbs has caused someone to dissappear, and another to grow wings."

"Are we positive the orb is the cause of the disappearance? It absolutely cannot be a coincidence?" Ashley asked. "If the orbs cause someone to disappear whenever they're used, that could be trouble."

Aeryn tapped his chin, thinking on it. "It could be that it was because there were two people touching it at a time. I mean, it probably takes a lot of stuff we can't even comprehend to change one person. Throw someone else into the mix, and who knows how complicated its going to get?"

"So then it was a fluke? I can work with that. I think." Ashley said. "We should still try and find her though."

Aeryn nodded. "Of course. We can't just leave the poor girl all alone, now can we?"

"We don't know where she is to so who's to say she's alone?" Alex asked. "For all we know for every person the orbs change, another one is taken to some place."

Aeryn shrugged. "Granted, though we have no way of knowing that even if there are people, that they are at all friendly."

"Can you rephrase that? I don't get it." Ashley said.
"Nor do I." Alex agreed.

Aeryn sighed. "As you said, its quite possible she is not alone. However, if she is not alone, she may very well be with a rapist, or some sort of madman."

Alex sighed heavily, as did Ashley. "That's not good. We really should put some effort into tracking her down." she said.

"My point exactly." Aeryn said simply.

"Any ideas on how to do that?" Alex asked.

OOC: I have more Jolt posts than you do!? HOW DOES THAT WORK!?

OOC: You have more time on your hands.

IC: Aeryn shrugged. "Follow this map thing."

OOC: I have more Jolt posts than you do!? HOW DOES THAT WORK!?

OOC:Maybe you spend too much time here Syl...

OOC: Are you sure? :( You may have been a bit... moronic at times, but you're still nice to have around. Namely cause I need a punching bag, but still...

I'm moronic? Speak for yourself lol. It's just this is WAY too fast for me. I can't keep up with the posts. Anyways, why not just a get a pillow? That works fine for a punching bag...Or have your nation go to war with a tiny one. That way, you have a punching bag! Also, you always have Tal and Mer to pick on...

OOC: Please keep OOC discussions in the OOC thread.

IC: Tal shifted in his seat. "Well then, we'd better get going, no?"

"Ready when all you guys are." Said Ghost as he stood up. "Just say the word."

"And again we're forgotten." Ashley said. "Do we even know if the Lundymobile is ready yet?"

OOC: Hi guys, I'm back. What'd I miss?

OOC: Not much. It's the next morning, everyone is at the coffee shop, ready to leave.

IC: Tal stood up. "Well, first thing's first. We need to go check on how the... Lundymobile... is doing." Man, saying that does not get any easier.

Ashley giggled at Tal again. "Get used to saying it if you're riding in it." She stated as she stood up.
Alex followed suit. "I agree that we need to go check on it though. Anyone that wants to come with may as well. It doesn't look like there's anything better to do." He started walking toward the door, Ashley in tail.

"Meh, why not..." Said Ghost as he stood to follow them.

Markov stepped out into the sunlight, and removed his hat, allowing the sun's rays to warm his face. It was a nice day outside. The sun shone brightly, and there were few clouds in the sky. All in all, it was a good day for traveling.

After taking a few moments to savor the pleasant weather, he began to pace down the sidewalk, replacing his hat back onto it's rightful place atop his head.

He didn't recall hearing about a meeting place for him and his little group of companions, so he made his way down to the coffee shop, deducing that they would probably end up gathering there anyway. He took a moment and mulled over the events of yesterday one more time.

"Yes." He finally said to himself. "They'll do."

As he passed through the park leading to the coffee shop, he noticed a group of people making their way down the street. He instantly recognized the features of Aeryn, the amnesiac, and Ghost, the mystery man.

He stepped in directly behind the group, hoping none of them had noticed him. He put on his best smile.

"Leaving so soon?"

Aeryn gave a surprised jump, landed on one foot, began cartwheeling his arms, and fell foward, landing on his nose. He got up and scowled, showing uncharacteristic anger. "Now why'd you have to do that?"

Markov laughed at the comical fall of Aeryn. It was like something out of a cartoon. He reached down, grabbed Aeryn's arm and pulled him to his feet.

"One can never be too prepared, especially for something as dangerous as this."

Ashley shook her head at Aeryn's gymnastics. "Be careful or it'll be your neck next."

"Well, hopefully it won't come to that. Anyway, now that we're all here, let's go check on...... their car." Tal was hesitant to say the name again.

Alex chuckled. "Say it, I dare you. It's not that hard, I'll even say it with you. Lun-dee-mo-beel." He sounded out the syllables for Tal.

Aeryn, now muttering to himself about crazy Russians, cast a dark look at Markov. Suddenly, in mid-rant, he looked confused. "Say, have I met you somewhere before?"

"Say, have I met you somewhere before?"

Markov's laughter died, noticing the confusion and seriousness in Aeryn's face. He gazed into Aeryn's face, considering his next words carefully. Markov certainly didn't remember this man of the top of his head, but maybe...

He smiled his oh-so-common smile, which by now was definitely getting old.

"It's possible." He stated, with a confidence he didn't quite feel, "Faces tend to blend together after a while. It's likely that we crossed paths once or twice, if only by passing each other on the sidewalk."

"If you go by that, it's possible we all met each other one time or another." Alex said. He and Ashley were both ready to rip the smile right off his face.

Markov nodded. "Precisely."

Aeryn shrugged. "That could very well be it I suppose."

Tal noticed an odd tension between Aeryn and Markov, but he dismissed it as just tiredness. "Well, looks like we're here. Alex, could you go inside and check on the... you know." The car garage was right in front of them. The place was decent looking, it had a new coat of dark red paint and was fairly clean.

"Well, the car's looking good as new... I suppose this is the part where we go and do the final preparations for Operation: Mystical Orbs." Ghost said as his cell phone began to ring, his ringtone just happening to be the Mission Impossible theme.

Markov looked over at Ghost's blaring cell phone.

"Are you going to answer that?"

Ghost took the cell phone out of his pocket and promptly flipped it open, walking outside to take the call. He was out for a few minutes before walking back in like nothing had happened.

Markov looked at Ghost re-entering the building.

"Nothing important, I suppose."

Alex wrote out the check to pay for the Lundymobile's repair. He got the keys back and went back outside. "Alright then, who needs to go where?" He asked.

"I'm ready now." Markov replied. "Everything's checked out on this end."

Aeryn shrugged. "I'm sorta of a tag-along, so it doesn't really matter I suppose..."

"Tal, you got everything this morning so if Ghost is ready, let's go." Ashley said.

"Ghost is ready."

"You're speaking of yourself in the third person?" Alex asked and before awaiting an answer, "Alright." he shrugged.

Ghost smiled, "Well you said 'if Ghost is ready,' so I simply replied that I was ready."

"Ok then, lets go. We all know where we're going, so I suggest we just meet there. If there are no arguments, then I also suggest we trade cell phone numbers, so we can contact each other." Tal held out his phone. "I'll start. 427-449-7355."

"320-579-0277" Alex said, pulling out his phone and typing in Tal's number. "Ghost?"

OOC: I feel tempted to put my actual cell number here....
IC:

"202-582-3892 or 301-449-2189," Ghost said with a nod, "Yes, I do have two cell phones. I suggest calling the latter number if you need me, though."

OOC: In actuality, I have two cells. Also, neither of these are my number(s) :p

Markoc reached into his overcoat pocket, producing his own cell phone. He added the numbers as they came.

"373-642-9986" He said.

Alex and Ashley furiously keyed in the information given to them. "Alright then." She said. "320-522-0833 is mine."

OOC: anyone think anyone else used their real number?

OOC: Nope. :p

IC: Tal finished programming all the numbers (including both of Ghost's). "Well Aeryn, I haven't seen you with a cell phone yet, so I guess you'll just have to stick close to one of us. It seems we're all ready, I say we head out!"

"Tal you were the only one riding with us right?" Alex asked, heading back to the lundymobile while walking backwards, Ashley in tail.

OOC: You sure about that?

OOC: I'm always sure about everything..... almost.

IC: "Yup. You got it. Anyway, I guess we might as well leave. You all can feel free to leave whenever you want." Tal gave Alex a curious look at his walk, but did the same as he turned to the others. "Well, see you all at the Falls!"

Alex and Ashley got in the vehicle and Alex reached for the GPS on the windshield. Within seconds he had Niagra Falls programmed in and he was ready to go.

Tal made a motion for them to wait a second. He walked back to his car and got his belongings out of the trunk. He then his stuff down and made a quick call on his cell phone.

He came back carrying his things. "I might need these...."

"Put them in the trunk." he said, pulling the lever by the seat. The hatch popped open and Ashley opened the back door for Tal.

"Oh, sure, thanks." Tal tossed his stuff in the trunk, slammed the trunk door, and climbed in through the door Ashley had opened for him. "Thank you." He said. Odd, she doesn't seem to mind opening doors for others, but when I tried that.... Tal sat down with this in mind. "Well, I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

Ghost was quick about putting all the numbers into his public phone. "See you when we see you, I suppose."

Alex and Ashley waved to the rest. "See you later." he rolled up the window. "Tal, I hope you don't mind speeding." Alex tore out of the parking lot down the main road through town. Within half an hour, he was on the interstate heading east.

"Yes. See you there." Markov replied. He turned to Ghost. "I think I will ride in your car, as I don't own one here."

Ghost nodded, "Fair enough, let's go." (OOC: Gonna pretend Mer is coming along...) As soon as everyone was ready, Ghost punched Niagra Falls into his GPS and they were off, not too far behind Alex and pals.

Aeryn was staring out the window fascinated. He'd never been in a car before, and he was astounded by how fast everything was blurring past.

OOC: Post on the other forum already! We know you're on!

IC: Alex and Ashley found an iPod (unsure of whose it was) and managed to get some music going. It was country, but it was good enough driving music for Alex, who, in his haste, set the cruise for about 15 over the speed limit of 75.

Markov sat in the passenger seat of Ghost's car, viewing the scenery passing by outside his window. From the mirror, he could make out Aeryn's face, twisted into a form of awe and astonishment. He looked back to him.

"You seem quite fascinated. Don't tell me this is the first car ride that you remember?"

Ghost raised an eyebrow at this question but didn't say anything. Chances were this would be an interesting conversation to listen to.

Tal leaned back an closed his eyes. He wanted to tell Alex to slow down, and normally would have, but he had more important things on his mind even though it was hard to concentrate with the county music on. Tal hated county music for some reason, but since he wasn't the one driving, he didn't complain. Darn, I shouldn't have left my Zune in my bag.... too late now.

Aeryn looked rather sheepish. "Well, Ive never seen the point of buying a car, and its not exactly like I have anyone to give me rides."

Slowly the playlist switched to more pop and rock than country. As they neared Chicago, Alex figured he better stop for gas soon.

For some reason, this kind of music seemed to calm Tal, so he was fast asleep and sprawled out on the back seat by the time they reached Chicago.

Markov raised an eyebrow, somewhat perplexed by Aeryn's answer.

"But surely, you have at least ridden in a car, if not the bus or subway?"

Aeryn shrugged. "Never gone far enough to need one."

"So in other words." Markov replied, saddened. "You've never really left that city." Markov looked down at the floor "Are you sure you've never traveled the world, even in the life you don't remember?"

Aeryn shrugged. "Always possible I suppose. I've always had the faint feeling I was born in Japan."