Welcome to this RP Session! For this act, the following screen-names (many familiar from other RPs hosted on this site) shall play their respective character(s): Kaede83: Kaede, Gitano; Trillean: Artemis; Dawnrider31: Peruna; ShahrazadKM: Glitch, the Bartender, Lord Connar
For this ACT, SorceressRIN0A shall play as Ari,
ShahrazadKM shall play as the bartender, lilmisswonders01 shall play
as Ryanna, tigersblood33 shall play as Griever the Werewolf and Nelo
Angelo, and Kaede83 shall play as Kaede and Trillean. Other
Characters will be play by whomever.
Act 1, Scene 1 - The Birth of a Quest
Time: 20:00 Hours (8 p.m.)
Starting Location: Vertigo of the Classic Star, in Los Stella
Mega, Bena Rosa
All systems are go.
***
Loading... -**Enter Kaede, Peruna, Artemis, Glitch, and the Bartender**- ...Input complete...
A man, adorned in black robes covering silvery armor, slowly docks his hovercraft into a nearby port, he pulls a hood over his face, and begins to walk towards what seemed to be the place for gossip and info...The inside of the Classic Star is well lit and usually filled with people from all corners of the world, so he remembered from previous walk-ins.....but tonight...
Kaede: *he walks in, not bothering with the various mixes of stares, and moves over to a side table*
Kaede: *he orders a glass of water, some meat, as well as dry rations...then he sits back, merely watching as others pass by him*
Peruna: *sitting quietly in the corner of the Classic Star, she peruses her sales logs from the last few weeks. Her flaming red hair is cut short and her emerald-green eyes are calculating the assortment of numbers on the sheets. She pays no heed to the newcomer in the barroom*
Peruna: Hmm, 5000 last Thursday and... *her monologue becomes internal*
The Classic Star had once been a storage hold for the various shipments
received by a local trading company called "The Runners" But as their business
grew, so did their need for space, so the storage hold became a cantina, owned
by the head of the Runners, a man by the name of Lord Connar.
Kaede: *glancing out a side window at the long procession of incredibly
large buildings and hovercrafts, he becomes fascinated by the speedy jet-like
propulsion vehicles that dot the endless horizon for as far as he could see...*
Kaede: *he sighs, lost in thought* Ah...how I love the city... So much
life, and so many new interesting people to meet...
Artemis: *She enters quietly, her head bowed and her bejeweled fingers
clasped together as she walks in all her finery meekly up to the bar. She casts
a wink at the bartender before taking a seat at a distant glass table*
There are several robots in the cantina, some more complex than others,
but the bartender, who is a proud man that knows his tastes in people as well as
his liquor, began to conjure up a storm at the sight of one particular robot
that seemed to stand out above the rest. But this robot was no guest as it
knocked over a tall serving tray of beverages.
The Bartender: You! *he points an angry finger at a frail looking robot
in the middle of the establishment's walls*
The robot known as Glitch looks up in nervousness.
Glitch: Y...yes?
Glitch: *he points to the lady who has just walked in, the one called
Artemis* Take her order! On the double, you hear?!
The robot, trembling from head to foot, does as it is told and goes to the
lady who has now seated herself at a glass table between several groups of life
forms. Quickly hustling over to catch her gaze, he polite salutes
her in the establishment's fashion, a sigh that he is ready to offer her his
services.
Glitch: What may I offer you, Milady?
Artemis: *she looks up sweetly at him batting her eyelashes, before
setting thirty silver credits and a few coins on the table. * I would like some
of your finest spiced wine and a side of the most expensive meat. As you can see
with your own eyes, money is no object for your services.
Glitch: *the robot nods and takes the money before bowing* Yes, at once
Milady. *quickly, the steel life-form runs to the kitchen to fetch the order*
Artemis: *she lazily drums her fingers on the table surveying her
surroundings*
Peruna: ...And 3000 yesterday, that makes... hmmm, not bad for a young
lady such as myself.*obviously mocking someone, she pockets her computer and
snaps her fingers at the bartender*
The Bartender: *the bartender looks over, hearing the snap* Eh?
Peruna: Gin, neat please
Glitch: Right. *clearing his voice, he yelps to Glitch who just skims on
by his counter* BOT!
Glitch: *stopping, the robot reappears, shaken* Yes?
Glitch: Gin for table seven.
Peruna: *she nods her thanks to the tender and the robot before her eyes
proceed to survey the room*
Glitch: *the robot nods to his master, then to Peruna as he hurries into
the kitchen. Not even a minute later, he reappeared with Artemis's request.
Hastily placing the wine and meat on her table, he returns again to the backroom
for the gin*
Kaede: *he stretches, waiting for the bot to come around to him...*
Glitch: *he arrives before Peruna with a glass steaming with light steam*
Here's your gin, Madame. Be careful, it is strong stuff.
Peruna: Thanks. *she flips the bot a few coins in response to its rapid and kind service*
Artemis: *she murmurs to herself* Quite an interesting crowd we have... *she smiles smugly*
Kaede: *he shakes his head, thinking whether the AI in bots was advanced
enough to voice complaints yet...*
Glitch: *bowing to the hearty tip, he speeds over to the table of
another, this time the one called Kaede*
Kaede: *his eyes fixed on the robot's figure, he smiles warmly* How
do you do today my mechanized friend? *yet his eyes still cling underneath to
the hood, he still can see because the hood's color is dark, yet the darkness
shows enough for him to see what is in front of him without much additional
focus needed*
Glitch: *the robot jerks its head back, surprised that it is being spoken
to. It was a rare sight indeed in such a establishment where no many commented
towards robotic servers, especially that of a man*
Peruna: *she chugs the glass of gin, then sits back and runs her hands
through her hair, feeling a cool evening breeze from the doorway on her neck*
Finally it cools down around this place. About time.
Glitch: *getting over the shock, the robot replies to the greeting* Fair.
That is my reply.
Kaede: *he becomes quiet, saying nothing in response*
We cut back to Artemis who has walked silently behind Peruna and her table. She waves a hand in greeting as she begins a conversation with her.
Artemis: *brushing back her hair with her free hand, she grins* So you're not used to the heat then I take it?
Peruna: *she turns to the stranger with no fearful reaction to the surprise* I am, but I still hate it.
Peruna: *she motions for the woman to sit next to her*
Artemis: *she sits, propping her wine on the table*
Peruna: *her eyes narrow slightly* So, can I help you with something?
Artemis: *she laughs* Do not expect that pleasant breeze to last long. Rarely does such a wind come through these parts...
Artemis: I saw you calculating some figures earlier, tell me what business are you in?
Peruna: *she heaves a quick breath* What's it to you? *she sits back casually against the padded booth*
Artemis: *she chuckles in between her words* I like to know in whose company I sit in, that is all.
Artemis:
Besides it never hurts to have another...ally. That is, if you know what I am
referring to.
Peruna: Ah, I see. Well, if you must know...I transport.
Artemis: Interesting...
Peruna: And yourself?
Artemis: I... *she hesitates* do a number of jobs...
Peruna: *she glances at her hands and murmurs* I highly doubt that.
Artemis: You doubt these? *she holds up her hands letting the light catch
the stones* I'll put it this way, what I do, I do very well.
Peruna: Your hands look as though you've never used them before.
Artemis: Hmm, so many have thought exactly as you have, but, I use them
and efficiently might I add.
Peruna: *holding out her own callused and bruised hands, she sighs* This
is what real work does to your hands.
Artemis: Tell me,
if you transport and make a healthy income, then why do you have a need to lift
your hands in an era when the only thing hands do is push buttons?
Artemis: Besides, every one has their own definition of real work. You
can judge work based on the condition of the body, especially from scars in the
skin...
Peruna: *she raises her eyebrow lowering her hands* And what is real work
to you?
Artemis: *she
undoes her tight collar revealing a long scar running down the length of it*
That to me is a sign of the work I do.
Peruna: Well whatever work your in, I should think you would have quit by
now if it is so dangerous...
Artemis: *she chuckles
again* I never said it was dangerous... But in a sense of it, it could very well
be dangerous...even life-threatening...
Artemis: So you do transporting, do you have harbors here in the city?
Peruna: I have a hangar, yes.
Artemis: Have you been getting any shipments or request from any bounty
hunters or those with a bounty on their head?
Peruna: *she leans forward, slightly confused* Is this an inquisition?
Artemis: *she leans back and places a finger against her chin* It might
be, but than again it might not be.
Peruna: *she shrugs folding her hands across her chest* Well I'm not
going to answer such direct questions to someone who has been nothing vague
since she sat down.
Kaede: Kaede grins, placing some money in it's bin, quite...use it to buy some upgrades...now...I have a favor to ask...
Kaede: Kaede continues matter-of-factly, I was wondering if you would have a room...with a safe...and I'd also like one with windows...preferably on 2 sides...
Kaede: it may be a
tall order...
Glitch: Blinks, being one of the few bots that can, and thinks.
Glitch: We have one such room. Top of the stairs and to your right.
Glitch: I'll have to let you in, though.
Kaede: Kaede nods, do I pay you now? or later?
Glitch: Uhh. Thinks I'm not sure.....see.....it's my room...
Glitch: You may stay there, since I rarely get a chance to use it.
Glitch: And probably won't because of the meeting here tonight.
Kaede: Kaede nods again, ah...well...perhaps I can rent it from you for a
while...and pay for another room for you?
Kaede: perhaps it adjoins another room...then I could rent both...
Gitano: he arches an eyebrow, noting a familiar hovercraft in the parking
area, "hmm...so now they send you eh? too bad you'll be too late..."
Gitano: he shakes his head, running a claw through his hair, "so...she's
here as well...who knows...they may kill each other..." he looks across at the
buildings to the other side, nodding to several snipers...
Gitano: he furrows his eyebrows, glancing at the snipers again,, telling
them to back off, let's play this game out for a bit...
Glitch: My room is at the top of the old Look-Out Tower.
Gitano: he grins evilly, enjoying the atmosphere of the hunt...feeling a
rush to his wolf's senses that he has not felt for quite some time...
Kaede: Kaede nods, very well...I'll rent your room, and the room next to
it...and I can pay in advance...one week for now...no questions asked please...
Glitch: No rooms close to it.
Glitch: Waves hand and smiles Don't worry about me.
Kaede: he rises from his chair, shouldering a duffel bag and a handbag,
waiting to be lead there...
Glitch: Follow me, if you please.
Kaede: Kaede shakes his head, I may have use for both rooms...lead
away...
Glitch: The robot leads Kaede towards a door in the back of the room.
Kaede: Kaede follows the bot, waiting as the bot opens the door
Glitch: HEY! The bar tender yells, the robot halts, dead in its tracks.
Glitch: The money.
Kaede: Kaede turns, ah...I'll pay it to you now... please no ruckus...
Glitch: The robot goes to the bar and hands the money from the two women
to the bartender.
Glitch: Wrong money.
Kaede: Kaede nods again, very well...
Glitch: No funny stuff, Droid!
Kaede: Kaede looks around, not liking to stand in the open for so long,
can we get moving already?
Glitch: None, sir. the robot rejoins Kaede and opens the door.
Glitch: I wasn't programmed to be funny.
Kaede: Kaede nods, entering the room, thank you...and get those upgrade,
he brings a finger to his lips, but be quiet about it eh?
Glitch: The robot leads Kaede up a flight of stairs.
Kaede: (never mind about tha last line.....)
Glitch: (just put mine a head of Sha's)
Kaede: Kaede nods, entering the room, thank you...and get those upgrade,
he brings a finger to his lips, but be quiet about it eh?
Glitch: The robot's room is shaped like a triangle.
Kaede: (there, lol)
Glitch: At the head is, what looks like, a giant stasis pod hooked up to
a generator. A bed is in the lower corner.
Kaede: Kaede nods, looking around the room, this will work nicely...and I
also have the room across the hall, yes?
Glitch: In the left corner is a chest, the right corner is the bed.
Kaede: assuming you HAVE a room across the hall?
Glitch: The room across the hall is a storage room, Sir. the robot smiles
meekly
Kaede: I'd prefer one adjoining...
Glitch: But. the robot enters the room and pulls the chest away from the
wall.
Kaede: Kaede furrows his eyebrows, looking intently
Glitch: It taps on the wall twice and a hidden door opens to reveal
another room.
Glitch: This room has another bed and several bookshelves.
Kaede: Kaede raises his eyebrows and smiles, even better...
Kaede: he brings out another bag of coins, giving some more to the bot,
get some more upgrades...you've earned it...
Glitch: The robot grabs Kaede's arm and begs PLEASE, don't tell anyone I
have those books, PLEASE.
Glitch: I trust you.....because you have kind eyes.
Kaede: he nods, eyes? you can see my eyes?
Kaede: he shakes his head, well, looks like the hood can't fool you...I
thank you
Glitch: The robot nods.
Artemis: *She leans forward, taking out a velvet purse and jingling it,
it is filled with coins* Will this get me answers*
Artemis: **?
Kaede: if you see any strange people about, let me know eh? I don't like
unkind visitors...
Peruna: Hardly. I want straight answers from you, then maybe we can talk.
Glitch: The robot releases Kaede and looks around its room, wondering if
there is anything it should hid.
Glitch: Yes, Sir.
Glitch:
Kaede: Kaede nods, your books will be safe, I'm not one to pry
anyway...now, if I may have a bit of privacy?
Glitch: If there is nothing else.....I should return to my duty.
Kaede: Kaede nods, thank you
Artemis: *She sighs her shoulders hunched over* Fine than you want
straight answers you got it. I am a bounty hunter/courtesan.
Glitch: The robot bows and leaves the room.
Kaede: Kaede waits for the bot to leave, then brings out a briefcase...
Artemis: I need to know if there is any business in this city, which I
could put my skills to use at.
Glitch: Placing the coins Kaede as given it on the bed, before it closes
the door and hurries back to the catina.
Kaede: he opens it, nodding as he sees the familiar barrel and chassis of
a variable rifle...
Kaede: he takes out the pieces, beginning to assemble it, and finishes
with the binocular sites...
Peruna: Ah, interesting combination. Well then I will tell you that I
don't ask if someone has a bounty on his or her head. It's no business of mine.
*a section of hair falls from behind her ear and into her eye*
Glitch: As the robot descends into the catina the bar tender shouts at
it.
Glitch: HEY! The man! Did he pay you in advance?
Kaede: he closes the protective shudders on the sets of windows, but not
before setting two small paperweights on the window
Glitch: No, Sir, I don't have any money with me.
Artemis: Well you might want to be weary if you are doing business with
those wanted. But that is your business.
Kaede: the paperweights form tendrils for legs, and climb out the
windows...
Glitch: Fool, I've told you a dozen times, get the money first! How do
you know he'll pay!
Kaede: then the blast shudders close
Glitch: ......I don't.
Glitch: If you weren't a gift from Lord Connar, I'd send you to the dump
right now! Now, get back to work!
Peruna: *brushing the hair from her eye* I'll do what business I wish,
just as you do what... business?... you wish.
Kaede: Kaede brings out a headset from the briefcase, and taps it,
beginning to get feed of the outside from the miniscule spider bots on the
roof...he looks around until he finds what he is looking for
Kaede: he shakes his head, getting careless Gitano...
Glitch: The robot flinches and walks to the table where the two ladies
are sitting.
Kaede: Kaede draws up to the windows, peeking his rifle out just so...
Peruna: *glances up at the robot*
Glitch: May I get you two ladies anything?
Artemis: *She raises her hands up in a surrendering position* It was
merely advice.
Gitano: he shakes his head, feeling disappointed, this isn't like
him...the Hunter is more active than this...it is...unsporting...
Peruna: Hmmm. No. thank you bot.*throws him an extra coin* keep it for
yourself.
Artemis: *She nods curtly* Oh no thank you.
Gitano: he taps his communications link headset to signal the snipers
across the other building, but hears muffled grunts...
Glitch: The robot sighs If I only could...
Glitch: The robot goes about its business, tending to the other three
customers.
Peruna: *to the bartender* Hey Keep? You take this bot's money anymore
and you know what'll happen!
Gitano: as he watches the men through binoculars, he sees a fine mist of
red hit, as small bullets impact on the snipers' chests, before the men collapse
Glitch: Smiles and shrugs Not my doing, Lady. Glitch is programmed to
give me any money it gets, Lord Connar's way of making sure the bots don't cheat
us dry.
Gitano: he laughs, well played...very well, you've made your point...
Glitch: What with this new AI Rights Law going to the Council, we've got
to be extra careful.
Gitano: he leaves, ignoring the protests of several minions, he could
have chosen to do worse...he made his point...we go.....now...
Peruna: *stands, her large knife in her belt showing* Let him keep the
coin, Keep.
Artemis: *She turns her head quickly* All rights Law, do explain.
Glitch: Glitch looks up at the situation that is mounting and swallows
hard.
Peruna: Artificial Intelligence
Kaede: Kaede lowers his rifle, breaking it apart and replacing it in the
briefcase again, nodding, that'll do for now...
Glitch: The Bartender raises his hands All right, all right.
Artemis: *She rolls her eyes* How could I have been so stupid, I am still
not used to living in a world with robots.
Peruna: *nods satisfactorily, and sits*
Kaede: he sets his things in order, placing several oddments in the safe,
as well as his bags...and heads out of his room...back into the cantina area...
Peruna: *watches the man reenter the room and gives him a meaningful
glance.*
Glitch: The AI Rights are a bunch of bills that say we got to treat the
bots like other living people.
Kaede: he glances around the room, nodding before heading over to a booth
information terminal...where he proceeds to check several electronic messages
Peruna: Makes sense. They do more work than most people do.
Glitch: Snorts Stupid bills, if you ask me. Bots can't feel nothing, can
they Glitch?
Glitch: Glitch just turns away.
Artemis: Oh they feel, but they also take jobs.
Kaede: he glances about him, checking to make sure he's in a corner
booth, and connects a small box to the net cable...running through the options
on the screen with an LED pointer pen...
Peruna: That little guy does more work than you Keep. And they don't take
jobs, they work right a long side me all day long.
Glitch: They run programming, just like any other computer.
Artemis: It's not easy being human or robot at this point in time.
Glitch: They can't feel anymore than a hovercraft can feel.
Kaede: he glances at the barkeep, and gestures for the bot again.....
Artemis: *She glances darkly at the man sitting in the corner* My, my he
certainly seems to have a use for the little robot.
Peruna: *mumbled*Then you're even less feeling than my hovercraft you
lump...
Kaede: Kaede carefully pulls on a set of sunglasses, and waits, checking
several more messages...
Glitch: Eh, you let me worry about Glitch, will ya? Lord Conner gave it
to me.
Glitch: Glitch goes over to Kaede and says Yes, Sir? Is the room all
right?
Kaede: he nods, writing something on a piece of parchment, send this to
the Keep will you?
Artemis: He does have the right over the robot, after all it is his
property.
Peruna: *glances at the man, nods* That guy is really starting to
intrigue me. And I'm not one to ignore curiosity.
Glitch: Glitch nods, confused, and does as it is told.
Peruna: *stands and walks over to Kaede.* New here aren't you?
Kaede: the scrawl reads, I am using the bot for reason I shall not
explain, I can pay in advance, and I want there to be no noise about it...or I
may have to clarify things uncomfortably...understand?
Artemis: *She narrows her eyes at the man in the corner*
Kaede: Kaede quickly turns off the computer screen and turns
Artemis: Hmm not a discreet one are you? *she murmurs to herself*
Kaede: not exactly...I just haven't been here lately...
Glitch: The bartender raises his eyes at Kaede and snorts, balling up the
note and throwing it in the fire. Double dealin' me, eh, Glitch?
Glitch: Sir?
Glitch: If you and that fellow bring any trouble here, I'll break you in
two!
Peruna: *nods* Care to sit and have a drink with us? *combs her hair from
her face with her fingers, her green eyes flashing*
Artemis: *She carefully paces outside and looks up at the roofs. She sees
the dead bodies of men and several wires circuiting through the roof*
Glitch: Glitch swallows hard We.....we won't.....Sir.
Kaede: Kaede smiles through his hood, thank you...just a moment while I
collect my things...
Glitch: And don't think you can get off your normal duties cuz of him,
either!
Artemis: *She grimaces and walks through the alleyways* What are you
hunting?
Glitch: No, Sir.
Peruna: *walks back to her table, notices the other woman is gone, shrugs
and sits*
Kaede: Kaede taps the screen once more, checking a few last message
statuses, then turns it off, gathering his black box and stashing it away, leas
the way.....
Kaede: *lead*
Kaede: he joins them
Kaede: *her*
Peruna: Well there was someone else here, but apparently she's found somewhere else to be.
Gitano: he walks
into a dark alleyway, placing his palm on a brick, and walks
through...disappearing into the wall...
Glitch: Get on with your work, Bot.
Kaede: Kaede shrugs, that's alright...what is your name?
Peruna: Peruna, and yourself?
Gitano: he comes
upon a computer array, and sits down, perusing the myriad screens
Glitch: Glitch nods and goes back into the storage room.
Artemis: *She glances back around at the walls thinking she had heard something*
Kaede: I am known as Kaede
Peruna: Kaede... And do you have a face , Kaede?
Gitano: he raises his eyebrows, signaling several sentries to guard the area around the alley, and several other areas...in case anyone gets ideas...
Kaede: Kaede laughs, drawing back his hood, revealing black hair and slightly pale skin...black wraparound shades cover his eyes
Artemis: *She starts tracing her path along the wall her hands feeling for any weak spots*
Peruna: *smiles brilliantly* That's better, now I know who I'm talking to.
Gitano: he searches through records, finally coming upon a shot of Kaede in the registries, hmm...so...they are taking me seriously...he's an eternal...
Gitano: sentries' eyes light up red, HALT...
Kaede: several orbs lower to street level, charging tazers...
Artemis: *She turns around and bats her eyelashes innocently* Who me?
Gitano: he hears alarm claxons, hmm...
Gitano: the sentries continue, state your name and designation citizen...there is nothing to see here...
Peruna: **there is nothing to see here??**
Artemis: *She bows her head meekly and makes her way out of the alley
walking swiftly by them*
Peruna: **lol**
Gitano: he grins, I'll have to thank those police for lending me the security system,
Kaede: (gimme a
break alright? I'm 3 ppl, well...I DID do it to myself...heh)
Glitch: A door opens in the distance, the back of the tavern, and a
robotic hand grabs the woman as she runs by.
Kaede: Kaede nods, so...Peruna...what brings you here?
Peruna: *sighs* A little relaxation after a hard days work.
Gitano: he brings up the files in the memory banks of the security droids, access her files as well...
Artemis: *She
turns suddenly readying her free hand to fight*
Glitch: It pulls her into the back room of the catina, the storage room.
Kaede: Kaede nods,
yes...it never ends does it?
Glitch: No, no, no, no! Glitch stammers
Gitano: he furrows
his eyebrows as the screen comes up, oh mother of...
Glitch: No harm, no harm! It lets her go
Artemis: What the- what is the meaning of this?
Peruna: *nods
quietly* Why the sunglasses? It's night you know.
Glitch: Glitch backs away, hands raised and trembling It's dangerous back
there. Very dangerous.
Gitano: he curses, hitting another button on his terminal, opening a door to a hovercraft conveyance...he gets in, base...
Gitano: the craft
jets him away
Glitch: You..... You shouldn't go down there. The police hate it when
people go down there.
Artemis: *She sighs* Sorry Glitch didn't know it was you. What kind of danger?
Kaede: Kaede shrugs, yes. well, these aren't normal glasses
Artemis: And why do they hate?
Peruna: *raising
an eyebrow* oh really? Care to explain?
Glitch: Glitch shrugs Depends.
Artemis: on what?
Kaede: he shakes his head, er...I could...but too many prying eyes and
ears...you may not like what you hear.....and others around here certainly won't
Glitch: Lord Connar, he's the Leader of the Runners, well.....not
everything the Runners do is legal.
Peruna: *shrugs* Have it your way. There isn't much I hear that I want to
anymore...
Glitch: Down that way, passed the Classic Star, is a boarding house.
Kaede: he taps the glasses, showing a built in LED receptor, this is the
most innocent of my glasses' purposes...
Artemis: And what is this boarding house used for?
Glitch: Glitch smiles sadly Slave.
Peruna: *intrigued* Oh really...?
Kaede: he nods, these days, little news is good news, unless you are one
of the mindless masses who buys the garbage they show in the holo-vid
Artemis: *She looks taken aback* I am so sorry Glitch. If you want too, I can talk to the bartender for you.
Peruna: *rolls her eyes.* I don't even bother to watch that junk anymore.
Kaede: he nods,
just so...
Glitch: Shakes head violently No, no, no, don't do that! He knows.
Artemis: Are these slaves’ only robots or do they contain some humans too?
Kaede: he turns, this is a good place to disappear though...
Peruna: This town?
Kaede: he furrows
his eyebrows as some feed comes across his glasses, hmm...
Glitch: Glitch shrugs Half and half. The demi-humans are sold to the
mining operations.....and, if you're lucky, like me, robots get sold to
favorites of Lord Connar.
Kaede: he shuts the feed off, turning to Peruna, yes...you'd e
surprised...there have been a number of disappearances here...
Glitch: The rest.....well... Shrugs
Kaede: ghost stories...you might say...
Artemis: Does the council know of this?
Peruna: Well I
find it hard to disappear here. They always find me...
Glitch: Turn the Blind Eye.
Artemis: Does anyone care?
Kaede: Kaede furrows his eyebrows, those must be some powerful eyes that watch you...
Peruna: Hardly.
Old obsessive boyfriends mostly. and those damned bounty hunters. They always
think I know something...
Glitch: Shrugs I don't know.....though.....you seem to care. Most people
say 'They're only demi-humans and robots' and since the Runners own most of the
city...
Artemis: ooc hey people i am getting sleepy
Kaede: Kaede cocks
his head to the side a bit, bounty hunters? why do they bother you?
Glitch: Shakes head I've told you too much, you know. I talk to much, I
think too much, I talk too much.
Kaede: ic: I Hunt sometimes myself...but I don't see what you have to do with getting bounties
Kaede: (pure
psycho adrenaline rush here...or stubbornness)
Glitch: (Questions; What do I do with Trillean's character, with whom
Glitch was talking?)
Kaede: (she leaves
into the shadows, leaving you to go about your business)
Glitch: (So, she goes about her business)
Glitch: (Cool)
Peruna: I run transport. They assume I know smugglers and thieves and what not. I'm sure I do, but they don't tell me that. I don't ask, they don't tell.
Kaede: Kaede nods,
good policy...
Glitch: Glitch rubs the Brace on its arm and heads back into the tavern.
Kaede: he runs a
hand through his hair, well...just be careful...some of the shipment jobs here
haven't been...completely legit
Glitch: Robot! What were you and that lady talking about?
Kaede: it's the kind that gets you jailed, whether you know about the cargo or not...
Kaede: Kaede glances at the barkeep, but remains silent...
Peruna: *nods and
also brushes her hair from her face* I know.
Glitch: Nothing, Sir. She just wanted to tell me that she enjoyed her
time here.
Glitch: It quickly adds And will be back.
Kaede: Kaede grins, whispering to himself, that bot's smarter than it
lets on...
Glitch: The bartender narrows his eyes That big mouth of yours didn't say
too much, did it?
Peruna: *follows Kaede's gaze* The bar keep is dumber.
Glitch: Say, Sir? Say what?
Kaede: Kaede nods, that too...
Kaede: oh...this should be good...look his face is turning red...
Glitch: Say. Too. Much.
Kaede: hmm...I didn't think skin could get that red...it can't be
healthy...
Peruna: Maybe he'll pop... *she watches excitedly*
Kaede: he enunciates healthy so the Keep can hear him
Glitch: Too much, Sir? No, Sir, I have very little to say, Sir.
Glitch: After all, I'm just a droid. What do I know?
Glitch: Enough to get your frame melted! Enough of your sass! Back to
work!
Kaede: Kaede adjusts his goggles, setting them back slightly to rub grint from the crevices, and for a second reveals his strangely luminescent irises
Kaede: then he
covers them again, hoping nobody saw...
Glitch: Glitch cringes and goes to a table recently occupied.
Peruna: *glances at Kaede.* Ah.
Kaede: he turns to
her, please tell me you didn't see that...
Kaede: (nods and grins, hee hee)
Peruna: *smiles softly, feigning innocence* See what?
Kaede: Kaede sighs once, ah...well...I take it you know about my kind
then? I believe the old term was...what was it now? ah yes...Nosferatu...
Glitch: The phone behind the counter rings and the bartender answers it
Yeah!
Kaede: not many know that word anymore...
Kaede: (Nosferatu
= vampires, I believe)
Glitch: Hallo, is the more appropriate answer. Glitch whispers to itself
Peruna: The living
dead
Glitch: I said none of your sass!
Kaede: Kaede winces, oh please...nothing so archaic as that...my mother was an elf...
Peruna: Elf.....
really. Interesting.
Glitch: Glitch looks up, having heard Kaede's conversation.
Kaede: the slight
point to his ears reveal this to be true, but would be unnoticeable unless
mentioned
Glitch: It stands up quickly, dropping several plates and breaking
them...purposely?
Peruna: *Shoots a
glance at the droid* You need help?
Glitch: Damn you, Glitch! Your worthless!
Kaede: he turns to Glitch, whispering as he picks up the plates, you saw my eyes...you could have guessed
Peruna: Shut up
Keep, I told you once already
Glitch: But you said it out loud. Those words aren't save here.
Kaede: he turns to
the Keep, your bot has earned you a weeks rent already Keep...silence...
Glitch: Shakes head and mumbles Not safe, not safe.
Peruna: Stop
threatening the droid or I'll start threatening you...
Glitch: Not wanting trouble, the bartender snarls and returns to his
phone conversation.
Kaede: Kaede shakes his head, don't worry...anyone who would have heard the word Nosferatu wouldn't know what I said...those who understand wouldn't bother...and elves? who gives a damn about elves anymore?
Kaede: still, I don't think many heard us...this is a place of secrets, after all...
Kaede: (he
whispers this all)
Glitch: Glitch gathers the broken the broken plates and shakes head Not
safe, not safe.
Peruna: *smiles playfully* I still know of both those races...
Peruna: And I care.
Kaede: Kaede nods,
well...there is that, but you probably deal in many strange artifacts Peruna
Kaede: he smiles, well...thank you...
Glitch: Glitch looks Kaede in the eyes and says Don’t walk alone at
night, don't go near the dock, and don't give any one dressed in blue and red
directions.
Kaede: Kaede furrows his eyebrows, red and blue?
Peruna: Not at all. It's called education. Some people should try it. *the last part directed at the barkeep*
Kaede: he shakes
his head, it sounds vaguely familiar...
Glitch: Not safe, not safe. Glitch stands and goes to the back of the
storage room.
Kaede: Kaede
stands up and shakes his head at her, wretched it is...the Laws aren't doing
their job...
Glitch: It's Brace flashes.
Gitano: he enters a room, with red carpeting and lavishly adorned
couches...bypassing them all for the oaken desk...
Glitch: The bartender frowns at the phone and hangs up angrily Damn!
Gitano: hmm...he may be here to stop the illegal transports...this bears
investigating...
Glitch: Robot! he thunders as Glitch re-enters the catina with new dishes
Peruna: I think we'd better leave before the keep figures out I'm
insulting him. *looks at Kaede to see if he wishes to follow.*
Glitch: Sir?
Gitano: he taps a button, send in a unit to quietly stir up our friend at
the bar, but they shouldn't go inside...we don't need unwanted attention...
Kaede: Kaede nods, lead the way...
Glitch: Kick everyone without a room out and close the Classic for the
night. I have to go!
Kaede: he looks
around, too many prying eyes here anyway...
Glitch: Go, Sir?
Glitch: Where, Sir?
Kaede: Kaede
overhears the Keep, and turns to Peruna, do you have a room here?
Glitch: None. Of. Your. Damn. Business!
Peruna: I have my
own place thank you
Glitch: Glitch waves and Kaede and mouths Don't worry.
Glitch: (at Kaede)
Kaede: Kaede nods, very well, where shall we continue the conversation? this place seems to have lost its...welcome charm...
Kaede: Kaede nods at the bot
Peruna: We can
either go to my place or to my hangar... I know no other places of refuge.
Glitch: The bartender grabs his coat and storms out of the Classic Star,
his rage almost tangible.
Kaede: Kaede nods, is it far from here?
Peruna: *shakes
her head* only a few minute's on glider.
Glitch: As the doors slam shut, Glitch places the plates on the bar,
sighs and collapses in a chair.
Kaede: Kaede nods, hmm.....okay...let's check on our bot friend first...it may know something...
Peruna: *nods* Alright.
Kaede: Kaede nods
to it, do you take anything Glitch? food? electric cells?
Glitch: Glitch looks up at Kaede Not your version of food, no, I'm not an
android yet, but.....
Kaede: (by the way
is the female or male shaped? I want to stop calling it it lol)
Glitch: Glitch shrugs, lost in its own thoughts. Life is strange for
those who do not 'live'.
Glitch: (ask Glitch, ;-))
Kaede: Kaede nods,
hmm...strangely enough, you probably live more than sentient beings
Glitch: Glitch chuckles To some I do, to others I do not.
Kaede: which brings me to my next question...what exactly ARE you? do robots have genders? or are they androgenous?
Kaede: I haven't had much experience with full AI
Kaede: it's quite
impressive...
Glitch: Glitch ponders the question I.....suppose.....I am male.
Glitch: I have been referred to by both sets of pronouns.
Peruna: All my
droids are male. Or at least they think so. Byron, Mick, John and Milton...
Names they found in a file somewhere... So I think it's whichever you choose.
Glitch: Glitch stand What is Glitch, then? Male? Female?
Kaede: that complicates things...AI's competent enough to think have identities...and so they must experience emotions...including love, which means...well...I ramble...
Peruna: Whatever
you want. You do have a mind of your own.
Glitch: Glitch smiles You will let me think on my own?
Peruna: *laughs quietly* Of course.
Kaede: Kaede nods, okay then Glitch, tell me...are you off now?
Kaede: you have
free leave time off hours yes?
Glitch: Glitch's smile warms Yes. When Sanos is not here, I can do as I
please.
Kaede: Sanos?
Glitch: It is rare, but it happens.
Peruna: Is that
that stupid barkeep's name?
Glitch: Yes, the bartender is Sanos, he is the brother-in-law of Lord
Connar.
Kaede: Kaede nods,
ah...of course...how dense of me...
Glitch: No, not dense.
Peruna: chinga su madre..... I hate him.
Kaede: well
Glitch, I think I may be heading out for a while, I have some matters to discuss
with what must be one of the only open minded people in this bar, other than
you...
Glitch: Glitch smiles I have no feeling for him either way. He is my
master.
Kaede: he turns to Peruna, I just think you should both be careful...see...we have company...
Peruna: *glances around the room.* What?
Kaede: Kaede
shakes his head, not in here...out there...
Glitch: Be careful out there.
Glitch: Glitch taps his Brace Be very careful.
Kaede: in the
alleys outside, several large armored figures hide in the shadows, drawing
hidden weapons, waiting for their marks to exit the bar...
Glitch: Perhaps.....and alternate exit?
Peruna: Ah. Should I prepare myself, or act as though I don't know? *putting a hand to her knife*
Kaede: Kaede turns to Glitch, have you any way of defending yourself Glitch?
Kaede: I don't fancy your odds if we get caught if you have no protection
Peruna: Well I
meant should I come out swinging?
Glitch: Glitch nods. You would be surprise by my abilities, Sir Kaede.
Kaede: Kaede
glances at Peruna, my LED's tell me that our company isn't sitting around eating
cake...they are waiting for us...we have to take them out before we can leave...
Glitch: Glitch goes over to the other three people in the bar and hurries
them out the back door, away from the danger.
Kaede: Kaede grins at Glitch, very well then...I hire you as my bodyguard...this is a personal service to me...I am making the contract during your off hours...that means your master get's none of the payment...yes?
Kaede: he
continues, and if he complains, you were just earning extra creds...
Glitch: Glitch smiles That might be hard. I am programmed to hand over
any funds given to me to him.
Peruna: *nods and pulls a simple, but sophisticated gun from her bra* Alright, let's go.
Kaede: Kaede furrows his eyebrows, I may be able to fix that...
Kaede: he nods at Peruna, nice one...but wait a moment...
Kaede: he turns to
Glitch, may I have a quick glance at your mainframe?
Glitch: And this? Glitch points to his Brace Can you fix this? And risk
the Runners on your back?
Glitch: I to my fate, and mine to yours, Sir Kaede, but don't risk yours
for mine.
Kaede: he sniffs, I don't care about the Runners...I'm a Hunter...and an Alpha class damn it...
Peruna: *snarls
softly* Now you have me all impatient. I'm ready to go...
Glitch: Let us deal with your 'friends', then, if you insist, you can
help me.
Kaede: just let me
look over some protocols, nullify the coin requirements...and program a few
combat modes, my black box will have it done in a flash...
Glitch: If you can.
Kaede: Kaede nods, bringing out his black box, connecting his to his LED goggles, and hooking the other end to the bot
Kaede: just a
moment Peruna, this'll be done in a jiff...
Glitch: Glitch smiles, surprised at Kaede's willingness to help him and
opens his mainframe.
Peruna: Que pindejo. Alright, fine.
Kaede: he makes
several motions with his hands in the air, corresponding to data feed only he
can see...
Glitch: Kaede finds many memory files blocked.
Glitch: Programs that are enhanced, if not provided by the Brace on
Glitch's arm.
Kaede: he nods, Peruna...you'd be surprised to learn Glitch can kill a man several different ways with a toothpick...it's quite interesting...but I digress...
Peruna: *sits and checks that her gun is in working order.* I'd like to see that.
Kaede: he bypasses
the memories, not concerned with them, going straight for the block
programming...
Glitch: No one of the programs I am proud of, but one that proves to be
entertaining.
Kaede: okay...you
can now take private contracts...but unfortunately tips may still have to be
handed over to your master...unless you can resist it...that's fifty fifty
Glitch: (Toothpick? laughs)
Kaede: (winks)
Peruna: **why
not?**
Glitch: Glitch nods.
Kaede: he continues, you don't really need to learn any more about fighting...but I've also laid down some software for tech upgrades...with the funds from my pay to you for protecting me...but that's for later...
Kaede: okay...done...
Kaede: let's get
out of here...
Glitch: Glitch nods. I thank you, Sir Kaede.
Kaede: Kaede shrugs, don't mention it, I'm hiring you to protect me...I need you to do it efficiently
Kaede: call it a fair trade
Peruna: *jumping
up* Yes! Let's go kick some culo!
Glitch: Glitch nods.
Kaede: now, any
back doors? I feel like hunting tonight, but not with my face being a giant
target...
Glitch: Glitch nods, turning the lights down and locking the front door
from the inside.
Kaede: outside, 6
hulking cyborgs await, hungrily searching for their targets...
Glitch: He then motions for the two to follow him.
Kaede: Kaede gestures to Peruna, ladies first...
Peruna: Right... *walks ahead*
Kaede: he follows
from behind, alert for any encounters...
Glitch: Glitch leads them down a corridor and opens a door that leads
into a garage of some sort.
Peruna: *wrinkles her nose* Smells like rotten cheese down here...
Kaede:
(okay...y'all can help me with the next part, the scuffle is with 6 cyborgs...at
random...so pick it however you want...)
Glitch: There are several motorcycles, a convertible.....and what looks
like a helicopter.
Kaede: (oh, and I forgot to say please so I say it now)
Kaede: (makes
puppy dogface)
Glitch: (Okay. Before we start, who wants what?)
Peruna: **lol I
call two!**
Glitch: (Cyborgs, that is?)
Glitch: (Two, two and two?)
Peruna: **and the motorcycle...**
Kaede: (that's why
I made 6)
Glitch: (laughs)
Kaede: Kaede nods,
I was always partial to the wind in my hair...
Glitch: Glitch smiles Be careful, on is a Changer.
Kaede: he turns to
Glitch, well...you can take point, assuming the helicopter has gun turrets...
Glitch: Glitch leads Peruna and Kaede towards a door and opens it. It
leads to the alleyway.
Glitch: The vehicles are not mine.....They, too, have securities, which I
can override if you would like.
Kaede: Kaede gingerly walks out, drawing his variable rifle...
Kaede: only if you can't be traced...
Peruna: *stands at ready in the alley*
Kaede: otherwise I can try my black box again...
Peruna: We'll talk
about engines later boys, we have things to do...
Glitch: Glitch follows I have done it several times before. How do you
think I get to the Merchant District in one piece?
Kaede: I've got so many dopplers set up, they wouldn't know which was me...
Kaede: Kaede
laughs, go to it then...
Glitch: (Fight first, then the rides?)
Peruna: **lol, yea**
Kaede: he checks the rifle, breaking down the nozzle, fixing a blade to it, as he holsters the barrel
Kaede: shit...12
o'clock...
Glitch: All right. Glitch heads back to the garage...suddenly a cyborg
jumps from the roof and lands in front of the door!
Kaede: a dark
figure knifes out from the dark, striking at Kaede's position...
Glitch: Glitch leaps back!
Glitch: And pumps into another cyborg!
Glitch: Oh......hello.
Kaede: Kaede rolls
out of the way, firing a volley of silenced shots into the cyborg...
Glitch: The cyborg behind Glitch makes to grab him as the one that landed
in front charges!.
Kaede: he backs up
against the mammoth, slamming it with his shoulder, and uses the momentary
off-balance to ram the blade part through the beast's chest...
Glitch: Glitch leaps into the air, and the two cyborgs crash into each
other.
Kaede: he fires again, muffling the shot in the cyborg's chest, and draws the blade out
Peruna: *a cyborg drops in from the roof* Well hello there. *takes off the cyborg's head with a knife swipe, the wires inside fraying and the cyborg drops and she shoots it for good measure.*
Kaede: he looks at Peruna, sniper borg...check above you...
Kaede: he fires a shot off, destroying the gun in the sniper borg's hands...
Kaede: the borg
snarls in rage, and pounces down...
Glitch: Glitch lands a safe distance away and activates his weapons. Two
energy blades slide out of his arms and into his hands.
Kaede: Kaede turns, shaking his head form side to side...where is Glitch?
Peruna: by the
door
Glitch: The two cyborgs charge! Glitch leaps at them and slices his
blades!
Kaede: Kaede
turns, er...where did those come from? ah-
Glitch: Glitch back flips away.....and the Cyborgs collapse into about 15
pieces each.
Kaede: another cyborg slams into Kaede's ribs from behind
Peruna: I got him
Kaede: Kaede lands on his chest, hands slamming into the ground, no...I need him alive...
Kaede: get the
other.....
Glitch: Glitch's eyes being to glow a bright blue and he shots a beam
right at the Cyborg attacking the others. It slices through his arm!
Kaede: he grunts
as the cybrog lifts him from behind, Kaede kicks against the wall, sending
himself and the cyborg backwards
Glitch: SIR KAEDE!
Kaede: the force pushes the cybrog against the opposite wall, and the momentary looseness in grip is all Kaede needs...
Kaede: he turns
around, swiping through the borg's chest
Glitch: Glitch rushes to Kaede and Peruna.
Peruna: *nods, shoots the other borg through the head* Take this! *shoots it through the head again*
Kaede: he punches it, ripping apart the armor...
Kaede: Kaede straddles the borg, punching it again
Peruna: It drops to the ground, electric pulses causing it to jerk violently. She shoots it once more and it stills*
Kaede: he slams the helmet into the ground, shattering it...coming face to face with a human face...
Kaede: Kaede
grins, bearing his fangs, you seeing this Gitano? I know you are...
Glitch: Glitch slides to a halt next to Kaede Sir Kaede?
Peruna: Stay back Glitch, don't let him see you...
Kaede: Kaede sneers, speaking in a strange tongue, then brings his palm to the cyborg's eyes, shh.....
Kaede: he nods to Peruna, thanking her...
Peruna: *pulls Glitch away from the borg and Kaede*
Kaede: Kaede slams
the cybrog against the wall, where is he?
Glitch: Glitch blinks I've.....heard that tongue before.....WOW!
Peruna: Shhh... You don't want them to know about you do you?
Kaede: the man
shakes his head, burn in hell...
Glitch: Turns to Peruna Sorry.
Kaede: Kaede grins ferally, not tonight...
Peruna: Come on,
Let's back off a little more...
Glitch: Not too far......I am his Guardian now.
Kaede: he opens his mouth again, baring his fangs, I could try your blood...but I haven't been that thirsty in ages...besides...cyborg blood tastes stale...
Kaede: he punches
the cyborg once more in the stomach, where is he?
Glitch: Glitch covers his eyes and turns away Okay.
Peruna: *nods, mumbles something in another language.* Not if you're caught you won't be his guardian.
Kaede: the cyborg laughs shrilly, you'll...never...know
Kaede: Kaede
sneers, oh yeah laughing boy? why is that?
Glitch: Glitch turns to face Peruna I'm nothing important, no one
special, why should they care about me?
Kaede: Kaede sees the eyes go white...rolling back in their sockets, then he notices a strange sound...beeping...
Peruna: Kaede...Be careful...
Kaede: Kaede
curses, throwing away the body
Glitch: Who.....who ever they are.
Peruna: Mierda!! In the building!!
Kaede: he leaps away, as the body lets out a small explosion...
Kaede: Kaede
screams in pain as the blast propels him in the air...
Peruna: *shoves glitch and herself out of the way*
Kaede: he lands with a hard thud...rolling to a halt...
Kaede: ah.....that
was fun.....
Glitch: Glitch releases an energy dome, shielding Peruna, Kaede and
himself from the flying rubble.
Glitch: (from his fingers, that's the important part, sorry)
Kaede: he wearily turns himself over, ack...reminds me to kill first and ask questions never next time...
Kaede: (no prob)
Glitch: That went well, though.
Peruna: *Stands
over Kaede, holding out her hand* You alright?
Glitch: Better than expected.
Kaede: he heaves in shuddering breaths, you know...for a plasma blast...that was surprisingly quiet...
Kaede: Kaede takes her hand and slowly stands up, ugh...give me a moment...
Peruna: *braces
him*
Glitch: That was antiplasma.
Kaede: he
stretches, wincing as a few kinks twinge in pain, huh...I didn't know that...and
thanks...the both of you...
Glitch: As the rubble stops raining down, Glitch lowers the shield and
helps Kaede.
Glitch: Nothing broken, though you might have twisted your wrist.
Kaede: he feels
his armor, no cracks...the armor did its job...but I'm gonna feel the
bruises...I think the borg cracked a rib...I'll be fine...just need some
blood...
Peruna: Glitch, my glider is around the corner, it’s small enough to
maneuver in here. And Kaede, stay away from my neck please...
Kaede: he shudders slightly, well...not need, but it would speed up the
process...
Kaede: he laughs, don't worry, being a half breed means I have no thirst
for it...
Glitch: Glitch smiles I might know someone who can help.
Peruna: mmm, all the same.
Kaede: I drink blood like I would eat my spinach as a child...
Glitch: Glitch releases Kaede and races over to Peruna's glider.
Peruna: What is spinach?
Kaede: no...that's not quite it...it's wholly unrefreshing...but it has
some...healing effects for me...
Kaede: hmm...you don't want to know my dear...believe me...
Kaede: Kaede laughs, unless you have problems staying regular...
Glitch: Glitch leaps inside and, since he has no key, cyberlinks with the
central computer and sterns the glider over to the others.
Peruna: I 'm not going to ask...
Kaede: he climbs gratefully into the car seat...
Glitch: Ask what? Glitch asks as he lands the glider
Peruna: Thank you Glitch.
Glitch: Glitch nods Would you like to drive?
Kaede: mmm.....when we get there I'll need a shower and a ruddy nap...geez...
Peruna: Please. It is my house.
Kaede: Kaede nods, lead the way Peruna, I'll follow
Glitch: She knows the way? Glitch points to the Central computer
Kaede: (I think this is a good stopping place for now, let's wrap it up
soon?)
Glitch: (okay)
Peruna: *gets in the driver's seat* You just relax.
Peruna: **ok**
Kaede: Kaede grins, so...how long did you say you had your drivers
permit?
Glitch: Glitch gets in the back of the glider.
Peruna: I have driven a long time my friend. Longer than you'd think. So
I'd pipe down unless you want a poke in that broken rib of yours.
Kaede: hmm...point taken...I think I'll pass out very soon...
Peruna: *waves her finger threateningly*
Kaede: he grins, ugh...just thinking about it causes shudders...
Peruna: *laughs quietly* Let's get out of here...
Glitch: Glitch places his hands on Kaede's forehead Sooner than you think
and sends calming nerorays into Kaede's brain.
Peruna: END! Sleepy Sleepy time!!
Kaede: he shakes his head at Glitch, and smiles before sleeping, I hire a
body guard and get a friend...