The World Left Behind (IC)

Dunruffle

Poltergeist Who Loves Oreos
Original poster
FOLKLORE MEMBER
Posting Speed
  1. 1-3 posts per day
Writing Levels
  1. Adept
  2. Advanced
Preferred Character Gender
  1. Primarily Prefer Male
Genres
fantasy, sci-fi
tthe_burning_of_the_sky_by_5ofnovember_d876ftv-pre.jpg

The wind howled through the gutted skyscrapers, causing them to shift and creak ominously as the sun began to set. Dark clouds heralding an approaching storm loomed menacingly in the sky, lightning occasionally flashing through them in brilliant whites and blues. The small bar sat nestled in a subway station between two skyscrapers, the worn and crooked sign on the entrance proclaiming "El Paso shelter, food and drink, no fighting!" In the tunnels below, a subway stop had been converted into a barely habitable bar. The few actual electric lights hung over the bar on thick cables, powered by solar panels above ground. The rest of the bar was light by a variety of torches, candles, and lanterns. A smokey haze floated overhead and wafted up and out through the stairwell entrance. Of course that meant anyone entering the bar from the stairs got an eyeful of dirty smoke, but nobody really complained. When the lone shelter was one of the last few safe havens near the mexico border you were not picky about the small details. The stairwell was watched by a burly man in grimy fatigues, a large tribal tattoo adorning his face. Like most shelters, the owner had procured the services of a bouncer for some semblance of security. The frail bartender was not as strong as he used to be, years of toiling in dusty and polluted air taking its toll on him. Coughing wetly, the bartender straightened his clip-on bowtie and looked around the room. Lately there had not been as much traffic coming through El Paso, the midsummer heat and pollution filled dust storms keeping most sensible traders indoors. There were a few travelers that had mostly stumbled upon the shelter by accident, but only two had decided to barter with the old man for a small room and bed. A weather beaten older woman slumped down in her chair near the middle of the room, a plate full of shot glasses clearly describing the reason as to why she was passed out sitting upright. Near the bouncer sat a grimy and bespectacled man reading a thick book by candlelight.

Dusting off his jeans and stained white shirt, the bartender cautiously glanced at the two men sitting at a table in the back. The two men looked like polar opposites but had arrived together much to the curiosity of the shelter owner. The first man looked like the sort who could snap a man's neck without a second thought. His head was covered in many deep scars with only a few patches of black hair growing between them, his eyes constantly moving around warily. The second man looked like he had no business being in the grimy old subway shelter. Dressed in a clean black suit with a gray overcoat, the well groomed individual looked like he belonged on a billboard advertisement. But unbeknownst to the shelter owner, the two men were in his abode for a very specific reason.

Javion sighed in irritation as he looked at his digital wristwatch. "You would think people of their caliber would be on time. I will need a long hot shower after sitting in this dump all day." Pulling out an electronic tablet, Javion flicked through the files displayed before him. The first was a somewhat blurry photo of a stern looking Caucasian man wearing a white stetson hat surrounded by a crowd of cheering African bandits. "Zion bill huh? Sounds like a character from a novel. Hopefully he lives up to his reputation." The next file contained a picture taken from security camera footage. The focus of the footage was a large and hairy man in the process of arming some kind of explosive device. "The brute looks like he could give even you a challenge Syd, thoughts?" Looking over at his bodyguard, Javion's question was met with a single non-commital grunt. "Oh you are no fun, you should brush up on some literature. Give me someone else to talk to instead of miss bleeding heart." The third file contained a photo taken from some sort of police database. An irritated looking woman with white hair and a large facial scar holding an identification placard was followed by a list of various petty crimes. "This one is bound to be interesting, people will do just about anything to protect the ones they love. Isn't that right Reina?" An irritated sigh emanated from the earpiece communicator lodged in Javion's ear. "If you spent more time following protocol instead of being a smart-ass glory hound we wouldn't need to be hiring these people in the first place." Javion's features twisted into an ugly expression of annoyance before smoothing out into a neutral smile. "Oh is someone getting fussy already? A little fresh air will do you some good."

High above the ground, a lithe woman in a camouflage cloak leaned back in her climbing harness. Dangling from one of the top floors of a nearby skyscraper, the woman adjusted her grip on her high-powered sniper rifle as she viewed the surrounding landscape. "Oh i am just fine up here away from the possible psychopaths you are going to be in a confined space with. Remember that if you need backup it will take me at least five minutes to get down from here." Deciding to ignore the sniper's jib, Javion sighed again as he brushed dust off of his shoulder. "Well these psychopaths are going to be your new colleagues. So no killing them, at least not before i say so. It cost quite a bit to arrange for them all to get to the coast, and i want to see how well they fare d getting here."

@Dakota K5 @Lykata @Jack Robinson
 
  • Like
Reactions: Amaranth
Otto White
Otto White young.jpg
----
The dust was a constant goddamned pain for Otto's eyes as a filtered mask framed his mouth.
"Should've paid extra for the goggles." The large man thought to himself as he thought back to the message he had gotten for a job, normally he would have discounted it since it was so far away from his usual stomping grounds of Africa but if he had to guess nostalgia for him home continent drive him back to the lands of his birth. He paused for a moment to take out a canteen, pushing the mask aside to take a swig of the water sloshing back and forth inside before wiping his mouth and continuing with the mask back in place.

He shifted his pack to better hold the weight of it, full of his supplies though that consisted mostly of ammo and explosive parts. His shotgun lay hanging in his front from a sling while his chest rig held a wide variety of different colored shells to denote their use with most being the standard red hulled buckshot. A drop leg holster held a pistol while extra magazines sat on the left side of his belt while to his right side sat a sheath with an ax that looked something like a cross between an old native American tomahawk and a breaching ax used by a firefighter. None of it had seen much use lately as most people who weren't driven into their shelter by the dust storms shied away away from a man as big and as armed as Otto was.

He shifted his left arm over as a compartment slid open to reveal a antique pocket watch sans the chain. "Damn it, late already." As watch was once again hidden away and Otto picked up his pace a bit. To anyone looking at Otto up close they would note his left arm was of a very dark synthetic material despite him using it and it moving as if he was born with it and while most wouldn't ask the few who did were treated to the truth of the matter. "Well it got taken off in Africa." For Otto and his rather vast personal amount of money it wasn't to hard to find a good doctor and orthotist to make him a replacement that worked just as well as the original which of course he had modified or had modified to be more accurate to be of better use for his tasks such as the many hidden parts which would reveal tools or items such as his watch.

Otto had finally came to his destination as a small sign outside a subway station read "El Paso shelter, food and drink, no fighting!" though if Otto was honest he doubted there was much to fight over in this shit hole other then bad booze. His decent down the steps lead to him being smacked into the face with dirty smoke which held the smell of oil, booze and dirt but that was a slight better then the dust he had dealt with on his way here. The mask came off and was stowed on his hip as he passed a bouncer and as with most people Otto out sized the man by a few inches but none the less gave him a nod as he passed before stepping into the main area of the bar and scanning the surroundings as well as the people there.

Bartender, woman passed out and reading man didn't really draw his attention since they looked like they belonged here, the two sitting together though were another story. One had the looks of a career soldiers or mercenary but he held a wild look similar to some of the tribal groups in both Africa and the immigrant groups in South America but Otto wasn't gonna try and take a guess if that was true or if he was indeed from one of those groups. The second man looked like he stepped off from Australia with the way he looked and was dressed but he didn't have the look of a kid, was a gleam in his eye whenever the light caught them and it reminded Otto of a hyena, always scheming to get something over on things bigger then it or looking how to take something from someone smaller.

He nodded to the two of them before he pulled out a silver case from a pocket which opened to reveal several cigars, he took one out before replacing the case and lit it and took a long drag off thing, exhaling smoke slowly as he took a seat near the two facing them but not at their table. He doubted he was the only one sent the job offer so he would wait until the others got here, gave him time to enjoy his cigar.​
 
Zion Bill

1551645155652.jpeg .

The bar wasn't the nicest one Bill had ever been to. But it also wasn't the worst. It was a shitty little hole in a shitty old city. Nothing special about it. He just hoped whatever job this was did turn out being special. He'd fought in his fair share of wars. He'd killed more than his fair share of people. He hoped this was unique. Something that would get him excited. Maybe something with a purpose. He held the crucifix around his neck tightly as he got off his horse and hitched it to a pile of rubble. It was strange being back in Texas after so long. It'd been a long journey across miles of land and ocean. But here he was. El Paso, Texas. Not too far from Houston. From his father's grave. He wasn't sure if it was bad luck to be so close to it. Some of the raiders he'd fought alongside in Uganda had believed that living close to the dead would result in them haunting you. He reckoned that made a fair amount of sense, more so than some of their other outlandish beliefs, at least. He grabbed a couple bottles of pills he'd looted from a hospital in Kenya, loaded his revolver, and entered the bar. There was so much smoke in the cramped interior that Bill felt like he'd instantly contracted stage four lung cancer. Nothing worth complaining over. It was a safe-ish room with alcohol. That was all most people needed in life. He approached the bar.

"Whiskey," he said. The bartender poured him a glass. Bill opened one of the pill bottles and slid the man a few painkillers. The bartender nodded in thanks. Bill took a seat and lit a cigarette, his hat pulled down over his eyes. He leaned against the bar, whiskey glass in hand, cigarette in his mouth. There was a woman drinking heavily, a man reading a book, no one really interesting. At the other side of the room sat a spiffy looking man and what was assumedly his bodyguard. People don't travel the wasteland in suits, after all, unless they have some serious backup. And that big lump of a man certainly looked serious. Bill shifted his gaze to another guy sitting near these two. Another giant, but this one looked oddly familiar. Bill wasn't sure if his eyes were blurry because of the smoke or what, but he could've sworn that this other dude was Otto White, a veritable Viking who'd worked as a demolitions expert in Africa. Bill had heard of his work. He could only assume that this was no coincidence. Otto was here for the same job Bill was. And he reckoned the small man in the suit was also here for a reason.

Now, how to approach the situation? Bill was already late. He wasn't a firm believer in tight schedules and whatnot. Didn't really float his boat. But if there were vast riches to be made, then, well, Bill would do what needed to be done. He clutched his crucifix while he continued to survey the bar. Maybe he'd just sit here a while, soak in the atmosphere. Soak in some carcinogens. Always healthy. Nah. He wanted to leave this miserable place as soon as possible. It was a cesspit of sin. Fitting for a sinner such as himself. He sighed and drained his whiskey. No time for a pity party. God helps those who help themselves, and all that. He tossed a couple more painkillers the bartender's way and got another drink, then walked on over to Otto's table and took a seat across from him so he could stare at the man in the suit and his bodyguard.

"Hope I ain't disturbin' ya," Bill said to Otto, his eyes firmly fixated on his possible employers, "Heard about you, son. Your work. Folks call me Bill. And I'm assuming you're Otto. Reckon that feller in the suit's our employer?" He took a draw on his cigarette and grimaced. "I reckon he is." A man in a suit. Always fun working for those not willing to get their hands dirty. It was pretty hit or miss. Either you got rich, or you got backstabbed. Bill wasn't sure about his chances in this situation. Maybe after he talked to the feller he'd get a better idea. He'd just have to keep his cards close to his chest until he'd figured everything out that there was to figure out.
 
Tess


As she walked in the streets of the city, hand absent-mindedly toying with the necklace around her neck, the wind kept hitting her in the face with dust. It was bothersome, but nothing that couldn't be ignored, if she tried hard enough. Tess hummed to herself, a thick scarf around her shoulders covering her mouth and offering just a bit of protection against the wind. The cloth was hot and uncomfortable, but it was still better than nothing, and hopefully, the meeting point wouldn't be too far away. El Paso had been kind of disappointing, dry and almost lifeless at times, with the dirt clinging to everything it could find. Not that Osaka had been homely, either, but at least her sister was there.

Tess was still unsure about the reason she was there, across the ocean and seemingly across the world, instead of back 'home'. It was the first time she had been contacted for a job that seemed to be actually big - otherwise, why bother to bring her all the way from Asia, after all -, and a part of her hoped this would be finally the way out of a life of constant worry about when her next meal would be. Of course, it could just as easily be some kind of trap, but then, her sister knew how to take care of herself, and Tess had never been one to evaluate the risks too much before taking them. She saw an opportunity, she took it, and if it turned out to be the wrong decision, she would deal with it when the time came.

Before she could dwell more in her thoughts, however, she arrived at a stairwell that led to the entrance of the meeting point, if the crooked sign was correct. Tess looked briefly over her shoulder, a habit she had acquired after being followed way too many times, eyes searching for anything out of place. The dust made the visibility way too limited, though, and, after a couple of seconds, the woman simply shrugged and jumped down the stairs, offering a small wave of a hand and an overly friendly smile to the bouncer at the entrance, before finally making her way in.

Tess had left the small room she managed to find for her stay right on time - which meant she had left at the exact time when she was supposed to be in the bar. All things considered, it was pretty unlikely that her new employer hadn't arrived yet. Of course, they could have left already, but she didn't think someone would contact another person and make them travel half the world to just give up and leave.

So the woman leaned against the doorway, eyes running around the room and trying to pick up any interesting individual, squinting to see in the middle of all that smoke. The bartender, a passed-out woman and a lonely man reading some kind of book didn't look like the kind of people she was looking for. The giant and the cowboy sitting together, those were more likely, especially since the giant seemed to be very well armed. And then, there were two other men in a close by table, one who seemed to belong more on a desk in some megacorporation than on a table at a bar filled with smoke. The big and scar-filled man by his side seemed to only add to that impression, a bodyguard to some rich kid.

Tess didn't even try to fight the sneer on her face. She knew her employer - whether it was really this man or someone else - was probably from some megacorporation or at least someone who held some kind of power. She didn't trust those people, not in the slightest, but then, she wasn't there for trust. She was there for a job that could take her and her sister in the direction of a better life.

Pushing herself away from the wall, Tess took the scarf off her shoulders as she walked to the table where the man in a suit and his bodyguard were. She dragged a chair towards them, near enough that she would be able to speak to them, but not too close. Sitting with her front against the back and her arms on top of it, she made herself comfortable before smiling towards the men. Not exactly a friendly smile, but not a hostile one, either.

"So, you called?" she asked, not really wanting to wait and see what the others would do. If she was wrong, and this wasn't the employer, then she could simply go get something to drink and wait. If she was right, then there was no need to wait until he made a move. Tess made sure, however, to lean against the chair just right to be able to watch the other two men, giant and cowboy, from the corner of her eye. Even in the unlikely event that they had nothing to do with the contract, Tess had learned it was never smart to let the heavily armed guy out of your sight.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Javio smiled to himself as Reina reported the incoming strangers. Making himself comfortable, Javion watched the stairwell intently. The first to arrive was the bear of a man, then the cowboy. It was plausible the two had worked together before or at least known of each other. It made even more sense when the cowboy took a seat with the Viking and began talking. Lastly the girl arrived, entering with a peppy smile and wave for the bouncer. Surprisingly the girl was the first to approach and speak to Javion directly. Syd's eyes constantly moved as he warily watched the possible recruits. Just because they started with talking did not mean the meeting would end without shooting. Unzipping his ballistic fiber woven jacket, Syd rested his hand on the holster of the large caliber handgun strapped to his chest. Making sure to meet the eyes of the three newcomers, Syd's message was plainly obvious. He did not trust them and was ready to fight at a moment's notice.

Javion smirked at the white haired woman and nodded slightly. "If by call you mean buy all three of you a ticket to get here, then yes I did call. Gentlemen, join us why don't you?" The clean young man put on his best fake smile as he called out to Otto and Bill, the smile not reaching his eyes that held no warmth. When everyone was close enough, Javion cleared his throat and straightened up in his seat. "You three have been called here for a very specific reason. My employer needs your talents and wants to use you so nothing can be traced back. For that is what mercenaries are for right? To do other people's dirty work for a suitable reward?" Keeping his fake smile on his face, Javion forged ahead with his pitch. "Now seeing that you three are here means you are at least slightly interested in my offer. You are smart, because I am offering a once in a lifetime deal." Steepling his fingers, Javion nodded his head towards the stairwell. "I am offering you a way off this shithole of a planet. Specifically a fully paid for home on Mars. If for some reason you want to stay on Earth, I am also offering the locations of fully stocked safe-houses around the world. I daresay nobody else can offer something better. Now for the job. Or jobs to be more specific. You three will be hired to work under myself as contractors who will follow my every instruction and help me complete a series of objectives. Right now I have only been told of the first job, but I can assure you that these jobs will test every skill you have." Flicking away an ant that had crawled onto the tabletop, Javion motioned to Syd sitting next to him. "One of the people you will work alongside is my associate here. He is not the best conversationalist, but his work ethic is very commendable and he does not dissappoint in a fight." Remembering to keep smiling, Javion ran a hand through his well groomed hair and let the other fall into his lap. "So, questions, comments, concerns? I know the entire situation is hard for you people to grasp, but I assure you the reward is well worth the risk. Take as much time as you need to decide, but I plan to leave in an hour. I need to rid myself of this foul stink, though it is a burden I must bear to make your type of people comfortable." Letting out an annoyed sigh, Javion leaned back in his seat and watched the three possible contractors. A smartass grin on his face as he examined his fingernails absentmindedly.
 
Otto White
Otto White young.jpg

Interaction: Javion, Bill and Tess
-----
A face Otto didn't ever expect to see in any sort of friendly situation was speaking to him in the form of Zion Bill, Otto knew the man more by reputation then anything else. The man was older then Otto but not by much and if he was honest they probably chewed the same dirt more then once back in Africa. Otto exhaled smoke as he inclined his head towards the man as he sat though he had more attention focused on their potential employer, Otto chose not to speak to Bill at the present moment as he expected that any others would soon arrive.


Sure enough Otto was proven right as a young woman, light blonde almost white hair and several visible scars even in the dark bar they found themselves in and if Otto was honest she cut quite an attractive figure. He watched as she dragged a chair up and was the first to address their potential employer but he took note of the fact she kept both he and Bill in her periphery at the same time which at least told Otto she had experience in this line of work but the fact he didn't recognize her meant she either did quieter work or operated on another continent from Africa which would honestly be the less surprising option.

Otto almost laughed when the man in the suit ran his hand over his pistol like he was in anyway intimidating to the three of them sitting across from him but that was rude so Otto kept it to himself and just puffed on the cigar as he pulled his chair up closer to the man's table after being beckoned forwards. He listened to the pitch with crossed arms as his cigar burned away. "Not much to comprehend, you need extra hands in a rather important job for some rather important people if completion gets us a paid in full spot on Mars." Otto's low rumbling voice bounced off the walls of the closed in space as smoke lifted from his lips from his last drag as he dropped the cigar and snubbed it under the heel of his boot. "Plus it helps if you give us the names of who is hiring us and who we'll be working with." Otto motioned to the man in the suit and his associate as he called the other man but neglected to mention Bill or the woman since Otto already knew Bill at least by reputation and he was sure to find out the woman's name soon enough. "Though other then that my only question is when do we start?" Otto didn't see any real reason to beat around the bush himself, if it was a setup of some sort Otto had enough ordinance to make it a costly one and if it was true then it meant a early retirement without the prerequisite early death so common in this profession.​
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Zion Bill
1551645155652-jpeg.173294


A third person entered the bar. She walked right up to the fellers in the corner and started just straight up talking to them. Bill raised an eyebrow and cracked a smile. Always nice to have a little exuberance in the group. The man in the suit called them over. Bill and Otto both walked over and sat down. The big idiot sitting next to the guy in the suit had his hand on his gun. Bit much, Bill thought, but whatever. Anything to appear intimidating. Although why they would intimidate the people they were trying to hire, Bill had no clue. It was like what certain Ugandan chiefs liked to do back in the day. Toss a severed head at you, make you watch them execute some poor fool. It was all to fuel their egos and reassure themselves that they were, in fact, powerful. Powerful assholes, in Bill's opinion, but since when had power ever made anyone a good person?

The young, cocky little feller somehow managed to both explain why they'd come to this shitty bar and also give them almost no information about what to expect. Very frustrating to listen to, but Bill stayed calm. Fellers like this thrived on showmanship and mystery, and so long as he really did end up getting some Martian mansion, Bill was willing to sit through any and all bullshit that may come flying his way. He took a thoughtful draw on his cigarette and nodded in agreement to what Otto said.

"Reckon we'd like to know your name, friend, if we're gonna be workin' with you. Other than that, I'm with big feller here. I'm ready to start. Don't much care for any more information. Job's a job, I reckon."

A job's a job. Bill's favorite saying. He silently prayed that God would forgive him for working with such a terrible little person. There was no way this would be in any way ethical. There would be bloodshed involved. Needless, wicked bloodshed. As if there were any other type. Bill tapped some ash off his cigarette and sipped his whiskey. A tough young girl. A hulking Viking. An equally large creep. A young man in a suit. And him. Old Zion Bill. This was the type of group that would walk into a room and make everyone in there simultaneously piss themselves. Bill reckoned he liked their ideas of success. After all, he figured this slimy little feller in the suit wouldn't get himself involved in something he wasn't completely sure he could handle.

Right?​
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Tess


Tess raised an eyebrow, smile growing and becoming more amused as she watched the bodyguard place his hand on the handgun on his chest. Typical. So typical, in fact, that this move had ceased to have an effect on her way too long ago, after the thousandth time it happened. These days, she only appreciated the fact that whomever was doing this was also showing her where to keep her attention on.

"Yes, yes, big guy. You have a gun, I have a gun, the drunk old lady over there probably has a gun. Or several." she said, with a flicker of her wrist, the amusement clear in her voice. She wasn't looking for a fight, though, so she made sure to keep both her hands in the bodyguard's line of sight. No need to push too many buttons this early on.

The giant and the cowboy approached the table, and Mr. Fancy finally began to talk, his smile so painfully fake that Tess wondered why he even bothered. There was annoyingly little information to be gained by his speech, but the offer was interesting, nevertheless. A home on Mars. A ticked out of this Godforsaken world. A place where perhaps she would finally know a bit of peace with her sister. This was too good, almost too good to be true, actually. Their employee, whomever they were, were probably someone powerful and rich enough to be able to pay for such a thing, and to be unable to get their hands dirty without repercussions. Exactly the type of person she would rather stay very far away from.

So, if she was being honest, it was probably for the best if she didn't know the name of their employee. That way, there was no way that former feuds or misunderstandings could get in the way, and she really did want to take this offer. Even the possibility of all this being true was enough to take her chance. Still, the way this guy was speaking to them did rub her the wrong way. Not that Tess had expected any less from someone who walked in a smoke-filled bar wearing a suit.

"Such a flatterer, aren't you?" Tess drummed her fingers on the back of her chair, narrowing her eyes towards the man. She'd take their 'type of people' over this man's fake smiles and veiled words anytime, thank you very much. "But basically, what they said. A name would be good. I don't think you'd give us much more information, even if we asked, so..." she trailed off, with another flicker of her wrist.

The amount of information didn't matter much to her, anyway. There was little that would actually make her decide not to take this job. Whether or not it was a trap seemed to be almost irrelevant. Everything could be a trap those days, and Tess was never one to second-guess every step of the way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Syd narrowed his eyes slightly as the peppy girl made fun of him. But he was used to it, it made him relish the looks on their faces as he snapped their necks. Deciding on a single somewhat angry grunt, Syd removed his hand from his gun as the three travelers voiced their questions. Smiling in a condescending manner, Javion made a show of being embarrassed "But of course, pardon my poor manners. You can call me Javion, and this is Syd." Javion motioned to Syd as his eyes flicked over to the entryway for a split-second. "As for who is funding this little operation, that is information is on a need to know basis. And you don't need to know. They are very powerful and have things that need to be done. A very simple arrangement. Now for your introductions."

Javion pulled out his tablet and turned it on, scrolling through various files to find the needed information. "Let's start with the big man here. Otto White, born in America to mercenary parents. Grew up to be one of the premier explosives experts working out of Africa. Wanted for questioning by several nation states." Turning to look at Bill, Javion nodded in recognition. "Bill Watson, aka Zion Bill or White Gun to the African locals. Skilled gunfighter and manhunter. Wanted by various African warlords and bandit clans." Looking sideways as Tess, Javion let out a short laugh. "And lastly we have Therese Falk. Former european aristocrat, now spends her time working as a driver for various illegal jobs in Asia to provide for her sister. How heartwarming. Several warrants issued for her arrest as well as criminal record full of petty crimes." Putting away his tablet, Javion spread his hands welcomingly. "There, now that introductions are finished I would like to hear your answers. Will you be joining me or leaving empty handed?"
 
Otto White
Otto White young.jpg
Interaction: Javion, Bill and Tess
-----
Otto turned himself to Tess first. "Even though you already heard it my name is Otto White, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Otto said with a genuine smile, he had no reason to be uncivil with either Bill or this woman Therese and put some warmth in his words before he turned to Bill. "It's also nice to meet the real Zion Bill in person, figured if we ever met it'd be on the opposite ends of some shitty tribal affair though I can say I am glad to be on the same team, can't wait to see how you work." Otto offered the same civility to Bill that he had Therese and since Bill had already stated he was ready to work much as Otto had and at this point it was just on Therese for her decision. He looked forward again as his face took on a serious complexion again while he gave a single nod and grunt to Syd, acknowledging the man as one warrior from another as Otto could tell the man had seen his fair share of fighting from the first moment he had seen him but now that he had a name rather then just henchman number one for Javion he would afford him the same respect he would afford anyone else who survived in similar lines of work as his own, even if he didn't see that person as an equal.

He faced himself towards Javion. "Well Bill and I already stated we were good to go for the job, I don't think we'd back out now all of the sudden. It would seem kind of odd don't ya think Javion." Otto spoke to the man in a level and even tone, cold indifference. Javion was a means to an end at this point and he left much to be desired but Otto supposed it was best since he saw the job for what it was, a way out and knowing that there were people higher then Javion gave him comfort that they wouldn't be going in for Javion's personal reasons because that would likely get them killed or at least Otto thought so, never take missions of revenge even if the pay is ludicrous. Otto leaned back in his seat. "Really it's just up to her now." Otto motioned with his head towards Therese as he reclined his head into his hands, feeling quite relaxed at the moment.​
 
Zion Bill

1551645155652-jpeg.173294


Bill raised an eyebrow as Javion listed off basic facts about each of them. He wasn't aware files were being kept of him in the first place. He wasn't sure whether to feel violated or flattered. Maybe a combination of the two. Anyway, Bill didn't care much this stupid feller with his smug face and fancy clothes. But he reckoned the kid had money or else he wouldn't have that other big feller following him around. He didn't have any complaints, any questions. He tipped his hat to Otto, who had decided to formally introduce himself to everyone.

"A pleasure, Mr. White," Bill said back, "And I'm Bill. I'm ready to work. Let's get to the part where you tell us what exactly we're gonna be doing."

Bill finished off his whiskey and leaned back in his seat, lazily observing his comrades and employers. Strange little mix of people. Bill wasn't sure exactly what they all had in common or what sort of job this was gonna be, but he reckoned it wasn't gonna be anything too ethical. Not in the slightest. He just hoped it'd be something new. Something intriguing. A change. It'd be very much appreciated.

"Yeah, reckon it's up to the lady, now. I've pushed my chips forward," Bill said.​
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Tess


"Just Tess is fine." she said as soon as Javion finished the introduction, the tone of her voice making it clear that the nickname was a strong preference for her. They didn't really get their employer's name, but then, Tess was already sure they wouldn't. At least she knew who she would be working with.

Despite the surly face, Tess still nodded in acknowledgment when Syd was introduced. In response to Otto's greeting, she waved her fingers at him, a small smile on her lips. Good to know there at least part of their little group would be willing to try and be civil - although Tess was less interested in civility and respect than she was in just not actively trying to antagonize one another. Time would tell her how much she could trust these men - or if she could at all -, but, for now, they seemed sincere enough in their emotions. Well, except for that Javion guy.

She gave a light chuckle at Bill's directness on requesting information about the job, and then leaned forward, arms dangling from the back of the chair.

"Well, I'm still here, so I'd say I'm ready to do this." At the very least, this would be interesting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Smiling in a somewhat devious fashion, Javion nodded in satisfaction. "Very good, I see you people know a good deal when you hear one. Well without further ado let-" He stopped mid-sentence as Reina's voice sounded in his ear. "Javion, looks like a vulture is circling your bar." High above on the side of the derelict skyscraper, Reina aimed down the scope of her sniper rifle at the slowly moving person below. She had seen the lone person approach from afar but had thought they were a simpler traveler. But as they got closer, Reina spotted details that were clear warning signs. The man wore a bulletproof vest and had a bandolier of rifle magazines draped across his chest. He carried a beat up kalishnakov rifle and wore an empty backpack on his back. His face was covered by a dirty bandana and a pair of dusty goggles.

The man made his way through the city streets like he had made the trip several times before. Skulking a ways off from the shelter stairwell in an abandoned storefront, the man pulled out a pair of binoculars and patiently watched the shelter entrance. Obviously the man was a bandit of some type, preying on the lone travelers as they left the safety of the subway shelter. Oblivious to the armed woman directly above him, the bandit settled into his spot and began to wait.

Inside the bar, Javion put one finger to his ear as he held up the other to silence his new compatriots. "Is this vulture alone?" Reina scanned the surrounding cityscape, her artificial eyes clicking through several wavelengths. "Yup, from the looks of it he has done this before. Probably waits for someone to leave then stalks them and robs them." Letting out an irritated sigh, Javion stood up and brushed the dust off of his pants. "Then get rid of it. I have finished recruiting our new friends and we are on our way out. Finish up and meet us outside." Reina adjusted her grip on her large caliber rifle and slightly leaned into her climbing harness. "Roger, one bandit on his way to hell."

Rolling his eyes, Javion turned to the small group and motioned towards the stairwell. "Well I say we leave this dreary hole and I secure ourselves some transportation. Follow me." Syd stood up and without waiting for the others followed Javion up the shelter steps. Suddenly the boom of a rifle shot broke the quiet air and echoed down the stairwell. Outside the bandit flopped over in a pool of spreading blood, his head nearly completely gone save for a bit of his lower jaw.

Once outside, Javion shielded his eyes from the glaring sun and pulled out a phone. Dialing a number, he put the shiny metallic device to his ear. "It is time for pick up, land at the predetermined area." Putting the phone back in his pocket, Javion peered over to where he could see the dead bandit's feet sticking up over some rubble. "Efficient as always right Syd? I will admit she does come in handy when she isn't whining about some inane topic."
 
Otto White
Otto White young.jpg
Interaction: Tess

----
Otto had heard Javion speaking into his little ear piece, to whom, Otto assumed a sniper or more guards like Syd and for a second Otto got a little excited as he was always spoiling for a good fire fight but when Javion said it and not them Otto was kind of let down. He followed the man out as he made his exit as the sound of a high caliber round echoed through the dead city and down the steps to confirm the assumption of sniper being correct. "Well that's just no fun, here I was hoping for a fight and it's one pokey ass bandit." Otto spoke in moderate disappointment as he to spotted the slack limbs of the bandit. "Here I was expecting to need all this today." He lightly tapped the shells on his chest while his own pack rattled with an indeterminate number of explosives, he wasn't really speaking to anyone in particular. He heard Javion radio for a pick up as his synthetic fingers tapped away as his thigh while his harm hung loose at his side before he turned his head to Tess. "So, who are you? I don't mean your name of course but rather your background and motives for answering the summons out here? Or at at least as much as you're willing to share at the moment with me. Bill and I, while we have never met in person before, probably have a good chunk about each other figured out you're an unknown or at least an unknown to me." Otto was frank about it, he wanted to get to know her a bit better. She was the unknown as he said and while he knew Bill could be counted on with his rifle and in an ambush but Tess was labeled as simply a driver and former aristocrat from Europe, if that was all that there was to her she wouldn't be here or she was in over her head but he doubted either of those were true and that she was more then capable but he wanted to make sure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Zion Bill
1551645155652-jpeg.173294


Bill followed the others out of the bar, a little warier than he had been before of Javion and his cohorts. They'd had a sniper posted somewhere and Bill hadn't noticed. Disturbing. These guys must be serious. Which meant the prize must be legit. Which meant the danger must be unfathomable. Bill grasped his cross necklace and mumbled a prayer under his breath as they waited for transport to arrive. He didn't know what lay in store of him. It could only be dangerous, however. There had never been a time in Bill's life where he hadn't lived in fear of his own mortality. Of judgement. He knew it awaited him. He wasn't sure what all he'd be found guilty of in the end, but he knew it'd be a lot. Maybe more than he or even God could handle. He couldn't even count how many men he'd killed, how many crimes he'd committed. He'd used to keep track of his kills in his Bible. He'd lost the Good Book in a massive siege of some crackhead warlord's compound. After that happened, that's when he stopped keeping count of his kills. It just wasn't healthy. It was sadistic.

Bill took no pleasure from his work, from killing. Standing here, knowing that he had a way out of this hellhole, however, it filled him with hope. Hope of a future he'd never been able to have. A wife, perhaps? Children? Maybe. Something better than what he was looking at right now. He finished his prayer, catching the last bits of some conversation between Tess and Otto. And he waited for transport. He could only wonder what evils the Devil had in store for him over these next few days, or weeks, or however long this damned job took.​
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Tess


Tess hummed when she saw Javion put a finger on his ear. So they had another companion. Interesting. Not really surprising, but interesting information to have, nevertheless. She followed the others outside, chuckling at Otto's disappointment as they saw the limbs of the person whomever Javion was speaking with shot. Tess patted the huge man's shoulder with a smile.

"Don't worry. Better save all of this for something more exciting."

The woman could see Bill wasn't completely comfortable, and while she could understand that becoming comfortable in their situation could mean death, there seemed to be something else going on in the other man's mind. Before she could poke him on the side to try and get him out of his thoughts, though, Otto spoke. She raised an eyebrow to him, amused. His concerns were valid, considering their situation, but really, Tess wouldn't have lasted much if she couldn't at least take care of herself. And if she couldn't, she would die on the mission and that was it. There really wasn't much to dwell on.

"You want to know if I'll be a liability or if I'll just bail?" she rocked on the balls of her feet, hands behind her as she scanned the dusty sky to see if she could see anything approaching. And to see if she could find the location of Javion's other 'bodyguard'. "Like our lovely employer said, I have a sister. She doesn't need me to 'provide' for her, but leaving this shithole would be nice, so I have no reason to give up on this little deal. As if I'm going to be a liability... Well, I was an engineer. You'd be surprised how much trouble you can get out of when you have a well-functioning vehicle or weapon. Or a malfunctioning one." she turned to Otto and smiled. "Also, I do know how to shoot."
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Syd simply grunted in response to Javion's chattering, his gaze sweeping the surrounding area. Even if Reina said she did not see anything Syd still liked to err on the side of caution. Several of his scars were received when he let his guard down and became complacent. Frankly the hulking man felt naked without body armor and a large weapon. Javion had insisted on appearing as non-threatening as possible, so Syd was stuck with a kevlar jacket and a single handgun. Scratching one of the deep scars on his chin, Syd glanced over at the three new compatriots. So far things were going to plan, but Syd disliked operations with outsiders. There were too many variables to take into account and any one of them could be the difference between Javion's life or death. From the nearby skyscraper the sound of someone rappelling down with a motorized device grew progressively louder. The source of the sound rapidly descended and soon revealed itself as a young woman. She wore a camouflage cloak and underneath was clad in a thin but durable military-styled outfit. Landing on her feet with a thump, the woman disengaged herself from the climbing harness and quickly stowed the climbing gear in a large duffel bag. The most glaring piece of equipment was the large caliber sniper rifle that hung from a sling over her shoulder. It was almost completely devoid of any rust or grime and the matte black finish gave the rifle an appearance of high quality. Leisurely walking over, Reina pushed some of her brown hair out of the way that had gotten blown in front of her face. Overall she was a plain looking woman with one exception, her obviously artificial eyes. They were completely black save for bright blue irises that seemed to almost glow as she walked through a swath of shadows.

Coming to a stop next to Syd, Reina dumped the duffel bag on the ground and gave Syd a nod. "So these the mercs? Looks like the hairy one could be a challenge even for you Syd." Javion poked his head around Syd's bulk and gave Reina a condescending smile. "That is what i said, if i didn't know any better i would say i am starting to rub off on you Reina." Reina made a sound of disgust and rolled her eyes. "As if Javion. Syd, do me a favor and waterboard me if i start acting like Javion." Syd merely grunted in a non-committal fashion as Javion gestured to the group hired mercenaries. "My good people, this is Reina. My personal assassin and verbal punching bag. Don,t worry about her bark, she only bites when she has a sniper rifle in her hands and by then you are already dead." Javion pretended to shoot at Reina who simply ignored him as she nodded respectfully to the others. "Hey, as much as i hate to say it Javion is my boss. So welcome to our merry little gang or whatever. I say we keep it simple, you don,t double-cross us, I don,t explode your head from a mile away. Easy enough for you all right?

The sound of a helicopter slowly grew louder as a shape emerged from behind a nearby oil refinery. The aircraft drew closer until it was overhead and buffeting them all with wind from its rotors. Landing quickly, the somewhat ramshackle looking aircraft opened a door as the pilot activated a loudspeaker. "Please board quickly sir, a large dust storm is about to hit the area and we don't need to be caught in it."


vtol_by_jimmyjimjim_d2xl3wb-fullview.jpg

Smiling insincerely, Javion gestured to the helicopter as he shouted over the rotor wash. "You heard the pilot, chop chop!" Climbing aboard, Javion let out a sigh of relief as Reina pushed past him. In stark contrast to the rough and tumble exterior of the large helicopter, the interior was furnished with plush leather chairs and couches, a fully stocked bar, a conference table with a hologram projector, and several sleeping cabins. Sitting down in a leather chair at the conference table, Javion waited for everyone to board and gestured to the chairs surrounding the varnished wood table. "Take a seat please, i know this level of cleanliness is unheard of for you all but please try not to drool on the upholstery. We have much to discuss." Syd waited at the open door for everyone to board and until he was the last to get on. Casting one last glance at his surroundings, Syd climbed into the helicopter and shut the door behind himself causing the roar of the rotors to silenced. The helicopter's engines increased in pitch and soon the over-sized flying transport was gaining altitude as it passed by the derelict skyscrapers.

@Dakota K5 @Lykata @Jack Robinson
 
  • Like
Reactions: Amaranth
Otto White
Otto White young.jpg
Interaction: Tess, Reina and Bill
----

Otto looked to Tess. "While I agree on the last part I must say you misunderstand my reasoning for asking, not so worried about if you will be a liability or run as in the first case you'd probably end up dead on a job like this or at least on a job like I am assuming this will be and as for running, well that's more money and reward for Bill and I if you chose to do that. No I ask because I like to get to know who i'm gonna work with, plus it doesn't hurt to get to know pretty women." He said with a wink before letting out a deep laugh and adopted a smile. "But seriously, I've worked with some nasty people in my time and I probably would have been better off if I had asked some questions first, probably would have walked away with less scars to." He suggested with a shrug. "Knowing you're looking for a way off world with your sister is good enough though."

After he finished speaking he heard the sound of a motorized grapple lowering someone, a woman with plain features saved for her very stunning artificial eyes. She was introduced by Javion as Reina and as his assassin. "Uh oh Bill, we got another sniper and she's pretty and has fancy eyes. You gotta keep up with your rifle because I sure as hell ain't gonna be complimenting your looks any time soon." Otto said to bill with a playful elbow nudge and tone, expressing a familiarity with Bill despite this being their first in person meeting, plus he was trying to get Bill out of that mood he seemed to be in.

A four rotor aircraft soon made it's presence known to them as it came swooping in from behind a refinery, it was coated in lackluster graffiti if Otto was honest about it. It's touch down kicked up a large dust cloud to which Otto closed his eyes and held his breath for a moment before the biggest part passed by the group but the grit of sand still stung at his eyes and mouth when he looked and breathed again. He observed a door open and a loudspeaker announce for them to embark as a sandstorm was coming to which Javion ushered them aboard. Once he was on Javion took a seat at the projector and spoke, motioning everyone to take a seat around the table while making a condescending remark which Otto took note of as he was doing it quite frequently and made his ask himself if Javion was maybe covering for some trauma in early like or at least that's what his mother's old books always said was the cause of such behavior. Otto pushed it from his head as he made his way to the seat opposite Javion and sat down, setting his pack on the chair's side and interlaced his fingers in his lap and waited for the rest.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dunruffle
Zion Bill
1551645155652-jpeg.173294


Another of Javion's associates, the young lady who had killed the bandit, had approached the group. She seemed to be a skilled shot, an attribute Bill could certainly appreciate. He tipped his hat to her, ignoring her artificial eyes. They were definitely intriguing, but Bill had seen all sorts of augmentations in his time. African warlords were willing to do anything to keep their fighters on the battlefield. Wooden appendages were quite common. But these were some pretty high-grade prosthetics. Another hint that they were working with a very well-funded organization. If only Bill could figure out who, he could figure out if his reward would be guaranteed. It was no fun to do a job for someone and ending up lying facedown in the desert naked and weaponless. Not that that had ever happened to Bill, of course...

He grinned at Otto's joke, appreciating his attempt at lightening the mood. Humor, particularly gallows humor, was always welcomed in BIll's mind. He shrugged and gestured at the lady. "Well, shit, thought I'd gotten hired for my looks anyway. Guess I'm worthless after all." With that, their transport arrived. It was rather ramshackle, which puzzled Bill a bit. Perhaps their benefactor wasn't so rich after all. He'd definitely seen nicer aircraft before. Regardless, he obliged and entered the ship. He breathed a little sigh of relief upon viewing the interior. Never judge a book by its cover, he supposed. This was quality stuff. Nice furniture, good alcohol, the works. Maybe this benefactor was indeed legit. Javion took a seat at a conference room table and ordered them to join them, again using those condescending words of his. Bill decided to mess with the weaselly little fucker a little bit.

"Oh. SoI guess you don't want us to shit on the furniture either, huh? Got it. Sorry. Just hard for us imbeciles here to understand how fancy furniture works. Thanks for clearin' that up, partner." Bill flashed him an emotionless smile, grabbed a bottle of whisky from the bar along with three cups, and sat at the table. He poured three glasses and gave one each to Otto and Tess before taking his own.

"So, fill us in, partner. In words we can understand though, please. My brain is just so tiny I can't understand words longer than two syllables."​
 
"Oh, sugarbear, you're making me blush." Tess chuckled. "Don't worry, unless one of you betray me first, I make a point on not shooting my teammates or leaving them to die. The world is mad enough as it is, I'm not gonna try to add to it." she bumped her shoulder against Otto's arm in a friendly gesture. She knew the other had no reason to believe her - and honestly, it didn't really matter -, but nevertheless, it was the truth. Betrayals were quite annoying, and while she wouldn't risk her life for someone she didn't know, there was also no reason for her to turn on them just out of spite.

The sound of a motor made her turn, and she watched as a woman approached them, eyeing the sniper rifle in her shoulder. It was a fine piece of equipment, and Tess could feel her fingertips tingle.

"Any chance I can take a look at that rifle sometime?" Tess asked, answering Reina's nod with one of her own. She already knew the answer to her question, but it never hurt to ask. Well, sometimes it did, but she was sure it would be alright in this case. She also noted the way Bill and Otto seemed to have some familiarity with each other. Perhaps it wasn't their first meeting, as she had thought. Or perhaps it was, and they were just friendly. She wasn't going to complain - the whole job would be way more interesting.

Tess followed the others inside the aircraft, taking a good look around. It was a nice interior, indeed. The woman wasn't entirely sure if it was simply to make them believe this whole thing was legit or if it was simply a way to rub the wealth and power of their employer on their faces. Probably a mix of both. Regardless, it was nice, and just a look at the chair and couches was enough to put a smile on her face. Comfort wasn't something she found extremely necessary, but it was definitely nice.

Javion's words made her roll her eyes, and Tess didn't bother to even try to hide her laugh at Bill's answer as she made her way to the table, practically falling down on the chair. She allowed herself to enjoy the comfort for a second, before accepting the glass Bill was offering her. Lazily, smile still tugging at the corner of her lips, Tess put one foot and then the other on the table, crossing them and leaning back against the chair, before taking a sip from her glass.