Ryler North~(staggering) towards Grayditch~morning

OOC: Why do I get the feeling I'm to only one outside of the land of Americas? Stupid Timezones. :meh:

IC:

Ryler stoop atop a small, steep sandy hill. His mouth was dry as cotton, his stomach grumbled and his mucsles complained. He could see a town in the distance, a smudge amongst the sands. His heart filled with relief. Civilisation! He thought. After two weeks, at long last, he was happy. For a second he forgot his dead friends, he forgot the dead demons the stared up at him with lifeless eyes. But the thoughs crept back, mocking and laughing.

Ryler ran down the steep sandy hill, then stumbled; the ground rushed towards him, a mouthful of sand, he spat it out. He got back on his feet like a drunk man, staggering towards the town, getting closer...closer. He was drawn to it like a moth to light. The town took shape; buildings and humans. Humans! Ryler dragged his feet, desperation urged him to move, to reach his goal, to live. A sign with painted words, read: WELCUMMING CUMMIUTY.

Those who wrote that either had a good sense of humor, or lacked the skill to write - properly. Ryler managed a chuckle. Now, as he slowly reached to outskirts, he hoped the townsfolk were not hostile. He hoped they wouldn't bradish their weapons and threaten him, or worse. Ryler pulled his weak body to the unknown towns border. There, he saw rows of buildings, shacks, a diner, a playground and a car park. He legs came to a halt. His weak body screamed, as he stared, afraid to take another step, tempted to move further. He wished someone would let him pass, and rest. Perhaps even live there, seeing as how the way back to Rivet City was unknown.





EDIT: Crap. I miss read everything. It says DC outskirts, not Grayditch. :facepalm: Stupid, stupid. St-ch-oo-ped.

--Morning--
--D.C. Outskirts--
--Pawnee--

“Should I just blow it up?” James seemed to shrug.

"NO!" Frieda almost screamed the word, "Let me try to melt it off."

Pawnee walked over to her and placed the torch into her palm.

"Stand back please, gentlemen...and that includes any explosives you may be carrying,” Frieda shooed the two men away.

Yes mam.

Pawnee made an internal giggle and backed away, eying Frieda’s figure as she hovered in front of the safe.

She held the torch up to the dial and slowly made a circle around it. The metal sparked, and hissed, and glowed orange.

Pawnee began to worry that the sparks would ignite the old papers scattered across the house.

Suddenly, the lock broke off and landed on the floor with a thud.

“She's all yours," Frieda turned back to Pawnee with a smile.

Pawnee darted over to it immediately. The top of the safe door loomed over his head by several inches. He salivated and stuck the barrel of his assault rifle into the hole that had been the lock. He pulled it open slowly and leaned into it.

A complete set of power armor stood helmet-to-face with Pawnee. It was bracketed to the back of the safe. Propped up next to the suit of armor was a pristine laser rifle.

Whoa. . .

Pawnee looked down towards the bottom of the safe. On the right was a pile of MF rounds. Next to them was a power-fist, sitting on a stack of old papers that were wrapped in plastic. On the left side of the safe floor was a small paper bag.

Before moving out of the way to let Frieda and James peer into the safe, Pawnee slipped on the power armor helmet. He then spun around.

“Boo!”

Pawnee giggled in the helmet. His laugh came out as annoying static. He peeled it off, beaming.

“There’s a ton of [censored] in here!” Pawnee turned back to the safe. He flung the door open so the others could see the armor and laser rifle, “check this out.”

Pawnee displayed the armor for a second and then moved the power fist aside, picking up the stack of papers. The top fifty or so sheets were colorful postage stamps. He tossed them aside. The papers on the bottom had flowery lettering.

Last will and Co-di-cil . .

Pawnee dropped the will and snatched up the paper bag.

Several dozen golden krugerrands tumbled out of it, clanking on the floor.

Holy [censored]!

Pawnee’s heart almost stopped. He scooped up a coin and stared intently at the gold.

“Its. .its gold,” Pawnee stammered. He turned back to Frieda and James, glowing, “like thirty gold coins, a few dozen MF rounds, a laser rifle, a power-fist, a suit of power armor, and a bunch of worthless pieces of paper. . .I definitely call the power armor. Dibs.”

OOC: I really have to go now it’s 12.00 pm in England, feel free to control James for the rest safe cracking trip…

James Wilson - D.C. Outskirts—morning --

NO!" Frieda exclaimed. "Let me try to melt it off." She opened her hand towards Pawnee, who placed the torch into her palm.

"Stand back please, gentlemen...and that includes any explosives you may be carrying." Frieda made a shooing gesture with her left hand and sparked the torch with her right. This seems like a bad idea. She held the hottest part of the flame up to the lock and watched the metal begin to become orange with heat. After a while, it broke apart and landed on the floor with a thud, nearly missing Frieda's toe.

The door to the safe was now unlocked. "She's all yours," she waved at Pawnee with a smile.

--------- ( will edit this part in the morning )

“Its. .its gold,” Pawnee stammered. He turned back to Frieda and James, glowing, “like thirty gold coins, a few dozen MF rounds, a laser rifle, a power-fist, a suit of power armor, and a bunch of worthless pieces of paper. . .I definitely call the power armor. Dibs.”

Wow that a lot for one safe glad I did offer to help…

“thoses pieces of paper are per-war money used before the war anyway can I have the laser rifle and a few coins , you can share the rest between yourselfs”

OOC: can Pawnee use power armour? also i should be back in 10 hours ( 10 clock in the morning)

Jimmy Leggio - Grayditch - Morning

"Ah, Joe. Excuse my lack of concentration," Jimmy apologised, caressing his throbbing forehead. "I should also apologise for returning so late. Or early. But I have what I set out to retrieve and, as acting mayor, or whatever the [censored] you are, I await advice on how to bring them to the metro without arousing suspicion."

Jimmy stood back and waited for Rennie to respond. Jimmy's men sat just off the town with a whole group of slaves, and it was quite large. A good catch, by all means. The trader was especially satisfying, his supplies could be taken once the slaves had been brought to their new home. But Jimmy couldn't really commit himself to think to the future. He had a rough, largely sleepless night and now he had to deal with smuggling a band of slaves into the town in bright daylight. Well, as bright as the Capitol Wasteland would allow.

FRIEDA ~~ dilapidated house ~~ Morning

Frieda watched Pawnee excitedly jump over to, then slowly open the safe and take a look inside, feeling indifferent about whatever loot was inside. Suddenly, he spun around with a power helmet on.

“Boo!” Pawnee giggled in the helmet.

Images flooded her mind like she were hit with a ton of bricks.

"Boo!" A power helmet was suddenly in her face.

She laughed. "Stop [censored] around, it's almost time for drills, and you're going to make us late again." She turned and began to pull on her boots. Arms wrapped around her waist from behind.

"You're a FRIEDA, they would be shooting themselves in the foot to try and punish you," the voice murmured in her ear.

"I don't want to piss them off," she replied, though she felt happy and warm.

Pawnee was saying something. “...laser rifle, a power-fist, a suit of power armor, and a bunch of worthless pieces of paper. . .I definitely call the power armor. Dibs.”

“thoses pieces of paper are per-war money used before the war anyway can I have the laser rifle and a few coins , you can share the rest between yourselfs” James replied.

Pawnee looked to Frieda to see her response to James. Her head ached dully and she felt dizzy, as she did when she saw that floating robot the first time. "Whatever," she shrugged. "None of it helps me, really. Divvy it up between the two of you." She crouched next to Buck, trying to look casual, and scratched the dog behind the ears.


CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ Morning

Celeste smiled as she slid the mug of coffee to Duncan, watching him stretch his arms above his head. It was refreshing to see a content Wastelander, most people were always so miserable. "On the topic of mole rats, those sausages look delicious especially to a man who has been living on bread for the last few days, could I get a couple perhaps?"

"You absolutely can," she purred in response, feeling her normal bubbly self quickly returning. She tossed a couple into a frying pan and turned to finish reading the directions on the Instant Biscuits. She frowned. "I don't have a measuring cup," she muttered. "'Add milk until a sticky consistency is formed, for drop biscuits,'" she read out loud. She flashed a smile at Duncan. "I guess that is good enough direction, hm?"

She poured a liberal amount of the dry mix into a bowl and then carefully added milk, pausing occasionally to stir. "The weather looks nice today, huh? We're having a big town dinner tonight, Duncan, if you weren't aware of it. Do you think you'll have time to attend?"

Joe Rennie. Grayditch. Morning.

After Harold had been moved back to the house by the security shack, Joe had fallen onto the bed Celeste had used the night before and fallen asleep. He had woken in the morning and wandered into Harold's room.

The massive brute hadn't moved at all since the night before. This is your chance Joe. Go, now. Just run. Get as far away from this place as you can. [censored] Moriarty and his stupid debt.. And [censored] you too you [censored] ape. It was a shame he had to run. this town could be a nice little earner. Hell, he'd taken a trader for a thousand caps the night before, but because of Moriarty's bull [censored] debt he'd only get to pocket two hundred.

The river is quite close, you could be at the river boat landing in what? A little over an hour if you run most of it? Hop a ferry to Lookout and start over.

Joe unwrapped the bundle containing his tools and quickly distributed it's contents amongst his pockets. The task was completed with practiced ease and within minutes Joe was ready to leave. He hurried downstairs and out of the door.

Across the road the guy with the tent, Duncan, was in the diner talking with Celeste. She was frying something on the cooker as they pvssyd. She looked out of the window and caught his eye. Her expression seemed to brighten when she spotted him.

I'd be pissed off. Having to clean up all those roach corpses. Still at least you didn't have to go in there. You're so ditsy that you'd definately have set off that trap and you don't wear Harold's armour. That would have been a waste. Still I'll never see you again. Bye bye.

Joe smiled warmly at Celeste and waved cheerfully, then blew her a kiss. He chuckled as he turned and walked away from the diner, heading out of town. Once he felt he was out of sight Joe sped up. He was practically jogging as he reached the shoddy fence at the edge of town. He rounded the corner and ran right into Jimmy Leggio.

"Ah, Joe. Excuse my lack of concentration," Jimmy apologised, caressing his throbbing forehead. "I should also apologise for returning so late. Or early. But I have what I set out to retrieve and, as acting mayor, or whatever the [censored] you are, I await advice on how to bring them to the metro without arousing suspicion."

[CENSORED]! You bastard. Why now? A quarter of an hour. Less even and I'd be gone. A plan. I need a plan.

"My fault Jimmy. I was miles away." Joe replied, rubbing his slightly swolen eye. "As for bringing the merchendise in. Let's see. How many do you have and can they all walk?"

OOC:i removed this post until further notice.

Jimmy Leggio - Grayditch - Morning

"My fault Jimmy. I was miles away." Joe replied, rubbing at his eye. "As for bringing the merchendise in. Let's see. How many do you have and can they all walk?" he asked calmly.

Despite his calm tone there seemed to be an odd look in Rennie. One Jimmy couldn't place, due to how slight it was, or how well the man hid it. Jimmy could not care. He was too tired and irritated to give two [censored]s about anybody's personal issues. They were just that..personal.

"Does it matter? I'm sure they can, and they're all hooked to slave collars." Jimmy slid a small rusted device from his suit pocket and showed it to Rennie, before sliding it back. "Problem with using a detonator is that if one goes off, they all do. Don't worry, Joe. I've no plans to remove the heads of ten slaves on the outskirts of your town, but they'll dance to the metro when I show them it."

Jimmy looked around. He wanted to make absolutely sure that nobody could oversee or overhear the little talk. That's the last thing Jimmy needed, having to flee or gun down the town. Hmm, there are definitely some fine, healthy folks in this town. If this whole business with Moriarty doesn't work, I'm sure I could find a way to make a little something out of this hole.

OOC: Okay, now I’m done for the day. Pawnee will have to see if he can wear the armor . . .and someone should go help Schumty out – he’s in bad shape.

--Afternoon--
--D.C. Outskirts--
--Pawnee--

“Those pieces of paper are pre-war money used before the war,” James crowed, perusing the spread, “anyway can I have the laser rifle and a few coins? You can share the rest between yourselves.”.

Pawnee looked to Frieda, “that’s up to you Frieda. You get next pick.”

"Whatever," Frieda shrugged. "None of it helps me, really. Divvy it up between the two of you." She crouched next to Buck, scratching him behind the ears.

None of it helps!?!?! Those are [censored] gold coins! Are you crazy? This is the best scavenge I’ve ever seen!

“Alright,” Pawnee chimed, “James, you can take the rifle and the ammo for it. I’ll take the power fist since Frieda doesn’t want anything. You can have five of the coins too,” Pawnee counted them out, “let’s try and keep this quiet – between us. Everyone doesn't need to know we’re holding onto thousands of caps.”

James picked up the rifle and loaded it. He then wigged his way out of the house.

Pawnee turned to Frieda once James was gone, “are you okay? Why the hell don’t you want anything? Take these, you deserve them for opening the safe,” Pawnee handed Frieda five of the gold coins, “they’re worth a ton of caps. You could live off of them for a year.”

Pawnee put on the power armor helmet and made his way over to the window. He then crawled outside, dragging the suit of armor through the rubble.

After he exited he smiled to James, “well then. . .this has been swell. Guess we can walk back together. . .but remember what I said about keeping this between the three of us. Never want to draw too much attention to yourself."

Duncan Talson

Duncan took a sip of the coffee and turned to Celeste as she worked.

While she cooked the sausages she began to work with the mama docle food she showed him before and and spoke as much to him as herself then gave him a quick smile.

He smiled back at her feeling very at ease in her company as she worked at the mix she spoke to him in a cheery manner. "The weather looks nice today, huh? We're having a big town dinner tonight, Duncan, if you weren't aware of it. Do you think you'll have time to attend?"

"haha definitley better than the past few days hope fully it stays that way" he said in a light hearted sarcastic tone, after living in the wasteland for so long you come to realise the weather barely stays nice for long, he took another sip of his coffee then scratched his chin "Well I don't have anything else on so i'd love to come to the dinner, it'll give me some time to meet the neighbours I guess." With that he let out a small chuckle as if he made a joke and sat there for awhile sipping his drink. "This is lovely coffee Celeste, how much do I owe you for it and the sausages" he said while patting his cap pouch.

while he waited for her reply he drained the rest of his coffee then looked turned around and looked out the diner door to see Joe in a discussion he hadn't met before. Then a thought hit him later on today I may just go see Joe about a Brahmin pen.

"Celeste, what would you say to fresh milk, cheese and cream on a regular basis?" he said as he turned back to her.

Nick Parker - Greyditch - Nightfall

As Joe went in first, Nick and Katie headed towards the ground floor. A couple doors laid ahead. "Stack up," Nick ordered. The two assassins leaned towards the left side of the door and as Nick kicked the door open, a bunch of radroaches were infesting the area. It was easy pickings using the combat knives but Katie insisted on using her Colt .45.

"Clear, move on to the next," Nick ordered. After going through the remaining 3 doors, the entire ground floor was covered. He smiled. "Ground floor is cleared!" Nick yelled. Katie headed towards the last room they haven't swept, the bathroom. She smiled and kicked open the door as Nick taught her. As soon as she did, three knives impaled her leather armour, pinning pieces of clothing to the wooden wall next to her.

Katie's mouth hung open and she blabbered for minutes as Nick sighed. "That's why you NEVER go into an uncovered door!" He scolded on their way back to their house. She nodded, holding back the urge to cry. "Sorry," Katie whispered before settling into her own bed across from Nick's, waiting for Gerald and Cyrus to be back with the last member.

Greyditch - Dawn
Nick awoke at 5:00AM as he always did. There was no point in sleeping in if every night a vision of the past and what could've been always flashed. He stared at Katie who was fast asleep and sighed.

All she wants to do is impress me...for 2 years, she's been at it. Just like Julie....

He smiled before shaking away the thought. Nick stared out of the window to spot Celeste's house right next to his. Moriarty's daughter...in this hellhole.

Moriarty, what angle are you playing at? Sending your daughter, no matter how illegitimate, to this place?
Either he's the biggest [censored] around or he's working at an angle...as he always had.

As Nick thought that, he heard the door click open and Allison was standing there with three very large cases. She was the newest recruit, merely in a month of service and she aimed to impress Nick at every turn. Gerald laughed with Cyrus as the two walked in, waking Katie. Nick cleared his throat. "I got a job for you to do" he started to Allison as the entire group gulped.

"Keep an eye on Celeste, Joe, and Harold. They don't know you. Act friendly, sound interested in whatever [censored] Celeste says. If Katie and her get into a fight again, stand on Celeste's side if I'm not there to stop it. Do whatever it takes to earn her trust. But remember this, DO NOT trust her. If I'm right, she's with Moriarty."

Allison nodded and she unpacked the cases, revealing much of the Fort's weaponry was there. Mostly ammunition, attachments, and pistols but in the middle of all that was a single military grade Sniper Rifle, battered and broken. Nick shuddered...it was Julie's sniper rifle.

"A...Alright," He stuttered, "Get everything unpacked and hidden. And for God's sakes, don't mention or even take out this new gear unless a raider attacks...make sure to hang that Sniper Rifle somewhere. I want to honour her sacrifice."

Katie nodded and gently placed the rifle in the main ground floor of the house above the dining room. The rest of the team started to head out as the sun started to trickle above the ruins of the D.C area.

James wilson - outside graydtich/ DC ruins - morning...

Pawnee looked to Frieda, “that’s up to you Frieda. You get next pick.”

"Whatever," Frieda shrugged. "None of it helps me, really. Divvy it up between the two of you." She crouched next to Buck, scratching him behind the ears.

She doesn’t want anything, did why she help pawnee then?, oh maybe she “likes” him.

“Alright,” Pawnee chimed, “James, you can take the rifle and the ammo for it. I’ll take the power fist since Frieda doesn’t want anything. You can have five of the coins too,” Pawnee counted them out, “let’s try and keep this quiet – between us. Everyone doesn't need to know we’re holding onto thousands of caps.”That’s no going to be easy with you walking around in power armour

Whilst Pawnee & Fredia stay in the house james had wigged his way out of the house....

James had taken of the sling his arm was still broken and bandaged but it was strong enough for his left hand to hold light items such as the laser rifle, aiming at a nearby wall James fired a shot…

Zap

The rifle had melted part of the wall and James arm had held up to the recoil of the rifle. getting better every day, the doc’s stimpack really helped. Turning around james could see that Pawnee had crawled outside, dragging the suit of armor through the rubble.

After he exited he smiled to James, “well then. . .this has been swell. Guess we can walk back together. . .but remember what I said about keeping this between the three of us. Never want to draw too much attention to yourself."

And so the three of them (and the dog ) started to walk back to grayditch, with Pawnee dragging the Power armour along the road...

“I have to ask Pawnee , do you know how to wear power armour, cause I don’t , how about you Fredia?”

Jesse Christophe - Jesse's House - Morning

The old regulator arose from his creaky bed with a dull ache pulsating in his head. He blinked for several moments and rubbed his eyes, trying to clear his thoughts. What the hell happened? he wondered, noticing his duster was hung on the nail jutting from the wall. Sitting up in bed, Jesse glanced around the musky room illuminated by the rays of light entering through the slits between the planks that boarded the window frame. Upon standing he noticed several bottles laying on the ground, and he immediately realized what was going on.

Oh, right.

*Flashback*

Jesse Christophe - Abandoned House - Nightfall

Being granted several nods in response, the regulator charged the room, scanning for any signs of trouble. To his dismay, all he found were bugs. Well, ain't this just dandy. he rolled his eyes. Realizing there was nothing serious going down on the ground floor, he decided that the other able fighters would be able to take care of the situation, and that he should retreat for the time-being.

Several moments passed after he had left the house, and he had retrieved the drinks Celeste had promised him from the diner. Making his way back home, Jesse decided to pop open the bottles and begin drinking. Upon arrival, he procured his own stash of alcoholic beverages, and drank himself to sleep, just as every night.

*Present Time*

Jesse Christophe - Jesse's House / General Store - Morning

Once he was all suited up and prepared for the day, Jesse trudged outside his house, shading his eyes from the sun using his own hands as he made his way to the general store Celeste had told him about earlier.

Please have them in stock. Please. Have. Them. he kept repeating to himself in his mind, as he gritted his teeth from the discomfort of the hangover. Along with the blaring headache, Jesse could feel his stomach rolling within him. If the lady doesn't have it, the doc will.

Finally, he had gotten to his destination of the general store at the end of the road. "Pain killers." were his only words as he stumbled into the store and nearly dropped onto the ground. He winced in pain before repeating himself. "Pain killers, please." he said once more, this time more polite.

Ryler North

His eyes laid upon the small diner. One word crossed his mind. Water! A small, but building civilisation right by the DC ruins, tall, hulking ruined building on the verge of collapsing, rubble, rusted metalwork and stripped painting. How could anyone live here? But did it matter? A disorientated youth disiplined himself to move.The floor was tiled, red and white squares, and all ws dirty like the rest of the waste. Circular red leather chairs stood in front of a rectangular table. A woman with wazy, brown locks and bald bearded man stood inside. Ryler took of his cap, sunglasses and facewrap.

Ryler rasped, or more so demanded, "Someone give me some FRICKEN WATER!" For now, he didn't care of what they thought of him. He didn't even have the caps, but he'd worry about that later, "Oh, and some food too...Please." He could not keep the weariness from his voice, and his pale face and dark sockets made him look much of a corpse. He gave them a what? look before resting his shoulder against the door frame, eyes drooping.

FRIEDA ~~ outside D.C./Grayditch ~~ morning

Frieda watched as Pawnee and James emptied the gigantic safe feeling distracted, idly patting Buck while she waited. Finally, James took the laser rifle and its ammo, and some coins that Pawnee divided between them.

What did I just see? Who was I talking to? Frieda tried to keep the images in some kind of active memory but they were already gone.

Pawnee turned to Frieda once James was gone, “are you okay? Why the hell don’t you want anything? Take these, you deserve them for opening the safe,” Pawnee handed Frieda five of the gold coins, “they’re worth a ton of caps. You could live off of them for a year.”

Frieda regarded the coins in her hand for a moment. They felt cold and heavy. Vict deserves at least one, because I took his torch without asking. Pawnee was exiting the house. Her mind was back in the present. She had a short chuckle, watching Pawnee haul that suit of power armour out the window behind him. She looked down at the dog. "Come on, boy, let's go."

To her surprise, the dog gave a short, throaty growl, and followed Pawnee out the window. Frieda pushed her head and shoulders up and out of the window, then swung her legs out, stumbling slightly on some loose rubble. She noticed Pawnee smirking at her and she made a gesture of brushing dust off her shoulder. "I'm cool," she smiled.

"Remember what I said about keeping this between the three of us. Never want to draw too much attention to yourself." Pawnee had begun to walk.

I hope you are talking about this whole expedition, she couldn't help but worry. He caught her eye and she smiled at him again. "We can have breakfast together, though, right?"

Before he could answer, James was asking a question. “I have to ask Pawnee , do you know how to wear power armour, cause I don’t , how about you Fredia?”

He keeps calling me "Fredia". I guess it's his accent.* "I've never touched it in my life," she replied. "Pawnee, if you need a secure place to keep it, you can lock it up in my shop. Vict won't ask questions, and if he does, I'll just tell him I'm studying its electrical configuration."



CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ Morning

Celeste was pvssyring happily with Duncan as she mixed the biscuit mix. He was answering her question but her thoughts were completely side tracked by the vision of Joe walking past the diner. He always seems to look so pleasant in the morning. She grinned and raised her hand to wave when he blew her a kiss.

What did he do THAT for?! Her hand closed half-way in a poor imitation of a wave while she stood, frozen, her mouth gaping open. Her heart did a little jump and her cheeks flushed, slightly.

"This is lovely coffee Celeste, how much do I owe you for it and the sausages" Duncan was asking.

Celeste was abruptly brought back to the present. "Oh, huh? Sorry, where are my manners." She served up the sausages, and refilled his coffee cup. "Canadians kept brewing knowledge of two things once we were annexed: coffee, and beer. It's on the house, in fair trade for the milk -- at least, I think. No one ever taught me the caps equivalent of a bucket of fresh milk," she smiled. Celeste reached underneath the bar and retrieved some cutlery, which she placed next to Duncan's plate.

Duncan is a really sweet man. He's definitely good people.

"Celeste, what would you say to fresh milk, cheese and cream on a regular basis?" he said as he turned back to her, having watched Joe's retreating back.

"I would say, I would have no problem working out some fair trade for such a lovely thing. Fresh food and milk are the two things I miss the most about Ronto." She paused for a moment as she thought. "Well, that, and the flowers. I haven't seen a single one growing in the ground since I came across the border."

In her distraction, Celeste hardly noticed a young man with very light brown, curly hair, come towards and enter the diner until he collapsed onto the door frame, demanding some water and food. "Oh dear Lord!" she exclaimed, rushing around the end of the bar and meeting. "You poor dear! Where did you come from? --it doesn't matter now, we'll take care of you. Duncan, can you help me get him into a booth?" She weakly pulled on the man's left shoulder in an attempt to get him standing again.


(*OOC: I couldn't help it, you've typoed that a couple times, it looks like James is mispronouncing her name, hehe.)

Editing this post ……


OOC: I’m British we do everything different.....

(OOC:Is this day 3 or 4?)

Drifter - Grayditch - Morning

Drifter walked out of the now cleared up house,tired and hungry.

Yawning,Drifter exclaimed to nobody in particular, "Time for some [censored] breakfast!"

He hobbled over to the diner in search of his morning meal.Once the diner was in sight,he noticed a dirty young boy wearily leaning against the doorframe.He looked like he was about to collapse,and Celeste was trying to help him up.

Drifter jogged awkwardly over to the entrance to the diner,and called out to the boy.

"Hey boy,you hungry?Come on in and sit down,you look like a damn train wreck."

Drifter grabbed hold the boy's arm and sat him down in a booth near the door,as Celeste was grabbing him so purified water.

Drifter snatched the water and handed it to the boy,hoping his obvious delirium would fade after a little breakfast. I know mine will....

"Celeste honey,can you heat us up some Instamash?And a cup of whiskey for me,please."

Drifter slapped the boys cheek,hard enough to snap him out of his little stupor,but soft enough to not cause any real pain.

"Hey,wake up boy.You look like an overdosed jet junkie."

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ morning

"O-oh, Drifter," Celeste stammered as the elder man helped her with the younger one. He helped her guide the young man into the nearby booth. Before anything else, she dashed off to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. When she brought it back, Drifter grabbed it out of her hands, snapped it open, and handed it to him.

"Celeste honey,can you heat us up some Instamash?And a cup of whiskey for me,please," Drifter ordered.

"Uh, oh, sure," she mumbled. "I'm about to bake up some biscuits, does that tickle your fancy? I've got some mole rat sausage as well...and coffee." She shimmied back behind the bar and pulled out a bottle of whiskey, measuring out a shot. Celeste returned to the booth and placed the whiskey in front of Drifter, giving a warm smile to the young man.

"What's your name? I'm Celeste Brown, that's Drifter, and you're in the diner at Grayditch." She put a hand on her hip and stuck it out just so. "Did any of that food I just described sound good to you?"

Hawkeye- Far outside Greyditch


Hawkeye coughed for hours on end, he figured he was sick, probably fatal, he had little water left, and no food left. He traded his medicine for water.

"Must....reach....town" he said, referring to the "Colony Town of Megaton" called "Greyditch". He never expected it to take this long. He thought it was just a few miles. He was wrong. The last food he had was eaten five days ago. He was a former slave from The Pitt, he convinced himself someone would turn him in, but for the two weeks he's been walking, he has been on the free roam.

He passed by a sign, near with a littered skeletons of people, animals, men in armor, and weapons. There scratched on the sign read.

You now are driving walking on the-

Second Street Boulevard of Broken Dreams

How much that was true for Hawkeye, he was neglected his entire life, even by his fellow slaves. But he went against all odds, and broke out. Now, he is a wanderer, he heard stories of a "Lone Wanderer" that freed the Capital Wasteland from the Shackles of the Enclave, if only that mysterious stranger paid a visit to The Pitt. Hawkeye always tried to make life easier for himself, but even that is hard. When your the smartest person in the Wasteland, but a shy as a radioactive mouse, your useless. The road he walked led to a dead end, he figured it was probably a scenic outlook in Pre- War times, but now it was little more than a former Raider sniper point. He saw a small village. He tried to say "Help" but his throat was sore from the lack of water. He tried to run to the small village, but his legs were too weak, he made it at least 6 meters. He walked the rest of the way, he then reached the square of the town, people store, then, he passed out, hitting the ground with a...

Thud

Jimmy Leggio

Joe didn't answer Jimmy's question, he simply told him to ensure that he was unseen. Something that Jimmy already knew. With that, Rennie headed off in the direction of the diner. Jimmy began walking back to the slaves positioned at the outskirts of the town. As he was making his way, a man, quite a young one from the look of him, ran by in the direction of the diner. Hobbled would be a more adequate word. Great, another one.

Jimmy jogged towards his party, just beyond the metro. "Listen up, lads," Jimmy announced, looking at his men and the ten slaves. He removed the detonator from his jacket pocket and held it up for the slaves to see. "I'm sure you know what this is. Do as I say and you will not lose your lives." One of the slaves, a middle-aged woman with a little girl, around eight or nine Jimmy would guess, was sobbing rather loudly as she cradled the young girl. Jimmy nodded to Petey, who struck the woman sharply with the butt of his hunting rifle. She let out one more loud yelp before quieting down. Jimmy observed the other slaves, noting they all looked terrified. He then turned to his slavers. They were quite talented, and Jimmy certainly was proud of the mature and intelligent slavers Paradise Falls produced under his control, rather than the blood-crazed morons before him.

"We are close to the metro," he informed. "The walk should not take long, nor should we be spotted. Nevertheless, I am a professional and must consider all the possible outcomes, one of course being someone from the town may be in the wrong place, at the wrong time. So, I will go and see my wife before making myself seen in the town. My alibi. There will be a scout, making sure there is nobody about when the slaves are brought in. And only use four men. Try to kill any trail that may point to me, five stay and the rest go and wait in your house. If the four who brings them in wishes to rotate watching duty, by all means work it out amongst yourselves. I have yet to obtain any of Rennie's soldiers, so for now it is just you. I shall check to your house this evening," Jimmy finished, looking over the slavers to ensure they understood. When they all nodded he jogged down the outskirts of Grayditch, before turning to the slavers.

"Do not initiate the plan until I report back. I'll need to speak to Rennie first. Just...make yourselves comfortable," he shouted, loud enough so they could hear, not so loud so the people of Grayditch could.

He continued on untl he saw his house. He ran from behind the house and entered it, greeting Laura and Lucille.

Drifter - Diner - Morning


Drifter glanced out the window of the diner to see another man,passed out in the middle of the road.

Oh christ...I was in the same spot not too long ago...

Drifter downed his whiskey,thanked Celeste and jogged to the man in the road.Looking down on him,he was dressed skimpily in what looked like a slave outfit.

What the hell?

Drifter put his arms under the mans armpits,lifted him up as best he could,and proceeded to drag him towards the diner.

"Celeste!Get this man some water please!We might have to pour it down his throat!"

Drifter tried to drag the man gently,but there is no gentle in dragging somebody across a hot road littered with rubble.

Hoisting him into the diner,he laid the man on the floor and grabbed the cold water Celeste had so kindly provided.

Splashing it on the mans face,he started slapping him to make sure he was still alive.He poured a little bit of water in the man's mouth,and massaged his throat to help him swallow it.

Drifter noticed Celeste give him a confused look at what he was doing,and he simply replied:

"This is how you get jet junkies to swallow,should work for someone passed out from exhaustion.Mom taught me it,in case she O.D.ed.Celeste,please go grab the doctor,I heard there was one in town.This man needs some medical assistance,this gash in his head is oozing like those roaches we left in your house."

Drifter slapped the man again.

"Wake up,damn it!"

I wonder how many oafs are gonna waltz into town today...I've got crops to tend to,I can't deal with these people all morning.

Joe Rennie. Edge of grayditch. Morning.

Joe remained silent for a while once Leggio had replied to him.

Damn it! I was almost home free. But if his men are outside of town then you don't have much chance of sneaking off during the day. I need some kind of distraction, if Harold remains unconscious then perhaps I can get away tonight, after Jimmy brings the slaves in.

Joe ran his eyes over the town, trying to think of something he could use. Behind the security shack he could see the edge of Drifters garden. The plants were huge now. Joe made a mental note to ask the old timer how he'd managed that. Thr secret could be quite lucrative.

The garden! Of course, the town "get together". That would work as a cover. Keep evryone in one place, make some kind of announcement perhaps. When is it? Hell, I don't know. Celeste will be able to clue me in........ Hmmm, never thought I'd think that.

"Do me a favor Jimmy, and lie low for a while." Joe took off in the direction of the diner.

When Joe got there he found Celeste and Drifter fussing over another newcomer. The kid looked terrible, his face ashen. Celeste was offering the kid some food while Drifter was tackling a bottle of whisky.

The very people I need to see. How fortunate. But who the hell is he? I can't very well just barge in and start asking questions. That isn't how "head of security" Joe Rennie would act is it? No best keep up the act. Just in case I get stuck here. Wouldn't hurt to stay for a while though, get into Celeste's bedroom....... For the safe. Keep up the act for now Joe.

"Morning Celeste, Drifter," he nodded to the pair of them, his face a mask of sincere concern, "Who's this young fellow? He looks like he's been through the wars."

Out in the street another young man staggered to a halt outside and collapsed onto the ground.

It's going to be one of those days.

"Drifter could you get that young man in here too please. I'll run down to the doctor's house. Celeste where did he set up again?"

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ morning

Shortly after the young man with the curly brown hair was set up in the booth with some sausages and Instamash, Drifter went back out into the street to attend to yet another man who was passed out. Joe came in and started talking to the man in the booth, and Drifter started barking at Celeste from out in the street.

It felt like everyone was talking to her at once.

Drifter was screaming at her to get some more water. Celeste complied and then stood, frozen, in the doorway to the diner as Joe started asking her more questions. Duncan sat at the bar, almost finished his breakfast.

She looked between Drifter, Joe, the man in the booth, and Duncan. Drifter barked something else at her as he massaged the unconscious man's throat. She swallowed and realized Joe was still talking to her, asking about the doctor.

So much stress, so much intensity. Her knees trembled and her bottom lip quivered. "I...uh...he's..." She raised a hand feebly to her forehead as she felt very dizzy and suddenly, very sleepy.

Her knees buckled and she fell backwards onto the floor, passed out.

(OOC: that's what y'all get for bossing her around so much... )

Duncan Talson

"Oh, huh? Sorry, where are my manners." "Canadians kept brewing knowledge of two things once we were annexed: coffee, and beer. It's on the house, in fair trade for the milk -- at least, I think. No one ever taught me the caps equivalent of a bucket of fresh milk," he heard Celsete say as she served up the sasuages for him he took a bite and savoured the flavours, it was definitley the best damn grub he's eaten anywhere and all for free! He was ecstatic. While he was lost in thought she spoke again "I would say, I would have no problem working out some fair trade for such a lovely thing. Fresh food and milk are the two things I miss the most about Ronto. Well, that, and the flowers. I haven't seen a single one growing in the ground since I came across the border." He snapped out of the trance he was in what in the world was she talking about....oh right my proposal for fresh food he smiled but it quickly to turned to a concerned look as a young man collapsed on the ground in the diner and Celeste exclaimed.

"You poor dear! Where did you come from? --it doesn't matter now, we'll take care of you. Duncan, can you help me get him into a booth?"

He was about to come to her side when the old fella from the farm came in and helped instead always ridng like a knight on a white horse he gave a chuckle as the two placed the man into the booth. "Celeste honey,can you heat us up some Instamash?And a cup of whiskey for me,please," he heard the man order so he likes whiskey hey, well we have something in common. "Uh, oh, sure, I'm about to bake up some biscuits, does that tickle your fancy? I've got some mole rat sausage as well...and coffee." Duncan heard Celeste mumble poor lass, it's not everyday a man collapses in your diner she went away and returned with the whiskey measuring out a shot with that Duncan felt a sudden familiar itch in his throat not now old boy, don't let them see your weakness .

"What's your name? I'm Celeste Brown, that's Drifter, and you're in the diner at Grayditch. Did any of that food I just described sound good to you?"

"Hey what am I chopped Brahmin meat" Duncan said light heartedly and let out a laugh. "Trust me laddie those sausages are a real treat out here and the coffee... Best damn coffee i've ever had, I say........"

He was cut off by the sight of yet another man who had collapsed outside jeez there's a lot of them today before he could move the old man had rushed out again yelling for water he's spry for an old fella he watched as he brought the man inside and laid him in the booth. The old fella started to pour water down his throat and explain to Celeste what he was doing. Then all of a sudden he slapped him, Duncan jumped at the surprise before he slapped him again he's been watching to many cartoons I think Duncan walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder "that's not how you wake up a dehydrated man, yes he might be a jet junkie, but he's also got tell tale signs of dehydration, flaccid and dry skin, he's fatigued and the list goes on we need to get him to a cool place" he turned to Celeste and asked her quickly "Where's the nearest bath?"

Joe entered at this moment as Duncan was about to turn and greet him he saw Celeste collapse "[censored]!" he exclaimed he turned to the old fella and Joe "Joe if I heard you correctly, get these two to a doctor they are a pretty serious case, celeste seems to have collapsed due to stress why? i'm not sure she seemed fairly happy for awhile." he paused for a moment to catch his breath and continued "lead me to her home so she can lay down in her own bed and when the doctor is done with those two" he pointed at the two newcomers "send the doc to Celeste."

He felt his heart rate start to climb you've seen worse cases than this Duncan why you so flustered about these ones?

Jimmy Leggio - His home - Morning

Jimmy greeted Laura with a hug.

"Good morning, sweetie," beamed Jimmy.

"I thought you were to be back by night," Laura whispered. "I was worried."

"I'm sorry dear, got held up. How did your venture into the town fare?"

Laura shrugged. "I wasn't really feeling myself. Didn't talk to anyone except the bartender."

"Ah yes, Celeste. Well, I need to go in now, as it happens. Would you like to join me?"

Laura shook her head and grasped her stomach.

"Does it hurt, dear?" Jimmy asked, concerned. "Forget the town, I'll stay with you."

Laura laughed. "No, go into Grayditch, do your business. That is what you are here for, my love." Jimmy held Laura before kissing his child and walked to the door. No man is a man without people to love.

~~~

Jimmy could hear commotion from down the street. When he approached the diner he saw a group of people crowded around two unconscious bodies, one was Celeste, the other was a man Jimmy had yet to see, but he was wearing nothing but rags. A man was crouched beside Celeste and was barking orders.

"Need any help?" Jimmy asked.