[Dustin Brown]

Sue Cooper - telling Bob what happened...

"Sorry, I don't have a clue what to do." The guy in the Vault suit frowned before going into his backpack and pulled out a syringe of Med-X and a small but thick blanket. "Here, you can use these for her comfort or... whatever, I've got to go, I'm sorry." He mumbled

Thank you…

Sue opened the blanket and placed it over brandy’s lower legs before placing the med-X on top, she wasn’t sure if Brandy could take it in her state so decide to leave it for Cody…… This was when Bob walked in, he looked around the diner and what had happened… he then spotted Brandy…

Bob...

“What happened?”, exclaimed Bob, his voice full of anguish as he rushed up and took Brandy’s hand, while staying out of Cody’s way. Bob then looked around the room. “Who did this?”, he asked, a hint of anger beginning to form in his voice.

Sue rushed over and hugged Bob as she pointed to toby, who was being restrained on the floor by Tap, she began to cry as she wrote a note to bob…

--------------------------
Toby

Toby was making fun of her and calling her a [censored] and saying the shooter might come back and lower my “competition”… the Glasses doctor…. Edward I think told him to stop but he didn’t….

Brandy … she was just standing up for herself. She asked him why he was doing these things? He got angry and shot her the [censored] bastard shot her!

----------

“Oh god No….” Edward said as he walked back into the diner/tent as Sue handed Bob the note to read and continued to hug him as she cried, watching Cody operate on the table....

don't die brandy

She watched as Edward approached Toby “May god have mercy on your soul if she dies…. Cause I won’t….” he said before walking over to where Cody was operating on brandy…

“I’m gonna help this guy but if you need any help just asked” he said as he got down and began to properly treat Cole’s arm. …

[Bird]

Justin Mieux- Second floor terrace overlooking 'The Tropical Rooms' Ballroom floor

Miuex leaned over the balcony, pulling his old Lucky 38 lighter from his inner briast pocket and lit a cigarette. He put it to his lips and watched to two girls dance alone on the ballroom floor, and out of the corner of his eye saw Domino chasing a basketball down a hall, listening in on the two's conversation. "So....Calypso. That must have been the little number who was mentioning this as 'her town' huh? Nice voice...." Overhead the song changed from Dean Domino's 'Saw her yesterday' to 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9M5i9X9Ap0', Mieux quickly said 'Nice song' and went back to his thoughts. "Well, looks like this Calypso and I are going to be doing a little song and dance of our own, because this is my town now love." He snorted a puff of smoke at the idea of being the towns owner. "Still, I wonder what's going on around here. Shots? Hostage taking, it's like the Boneyard all over again, but I made it out of there in one piece, and I can make it here too." Suddenly, an idea drew attention to him. "Domino, come here boy." Within seconds small, manicured (so his claws wouldnt scuff the floors) feet were heard. "Listen boy, I want you to follow this scent on my jacket, she had a unique fragrance. Go out into town and deliver this, and DON'T bite through it this time." Mieux hurriedly grabbed a sheet of paper from a pad with the words 'Swingin' from the Tropical Room!' on the top, Pre-War printing.

'Calypso,

Come swing by the Tropical Room, I think you and I are....clandestined to meet, love. I've also got two of your girls here, would love to make them employees.

Cordially yours,

-M'

Slipping the notepad letter into an envelope he tied it to the molerat's neck with a small red ribbon and sent it on it's way. He knew nothing bad would happen to Domino, but he'd grown to genuinely love it as family and feared for it's safety no matter what.

(OOC: f8lcobra- I hope you don't mind my liight god-moding and saying you had a unique fragrance. I figured she'd wear some unique perfume or something, and the smell was just enough on my sleeve (from spying on the hostage situation) for Domino to track in town, plus I figure it'd be an interesting way for the two to first 'meet' )

[Epul Kedah]

Andrew Villa-Entering Grayditch-Evening

Andrew walked into Grayditch, he saw a big group. Something was going on, but Andrew didn't want a part of it. Big groups aren't his thing. Andrew knowing this, walked into the nearest dark corner and crouched. Keeping away from the lights he examined the group as he went past them. He saw a duster that looked familiar, why? Andrew didn't know, instead he looked towards the center of the group. He saw a hostage situation, two girls, one a child, the other a advlt. Andrew was a bit disturbed that a child was in a hostage situation, but he knew that was life in the wasteland and you had to do want you could to survive. That's exactly want Andrew was doing.

Surviving the wasteland. Andrew looked at the man with the duster again and saw the 44. magnum that had once rested it's barrel on his head. Andrew wanted to find out if it was who he thought it was, but if he did, he would be noticed and threw into the situation. [censored], [censored], [censored]. What am I going to do Andrew thought as he crouched against a wall that was shrouded in darkness [censored] it, at least I'll get him later, he's going nowhere. Andrew walked a few more feet away, attempting to make sure no one saw or heard him. Andrew headed towards a building. He needed to sleep and he needed to hide. He saw a mole rat running out of the building. What the [censored]? Andrew gripped his knife and stepped into the light. The mole rat didn't notice his presence and continued running What. The. [censored].Andrew walked into the buliding, only to be surpised. It was lighted up and looked different then most building then Andrew had been in. He saw a man and two women.

"Hey, got any work for me? I just arrived in town." Andrew said to the man while waving.

[Casey]

-Biddy
--Near the Diner

"Yeah but why would they try and kill me?, I’ve never met these people before, I’d remember the Vault suits,” James chuckled” and the cute redhead.”

The pouty lips on her anxious face couldn’t resist the quiet turn of a coy smile with a look toward the big tough guy. The frightened grips of her smooth hands on her arms and shoulders relaxed slightly, distracted. Her intensely green eyes sparked at the thrill of those two simple words – and there was something almost puckish about the way she raised a dark brow.

It almost saved her of the tension thick-headed, stick-up-his-ass chief had inflamed, but a timid voice spoke above all her other thoughts: this was “job-time” right now.

She found another one of the fit men - looking ridiculously awesome in that messy, dirty, Wasteland way - who had been more sociable before taking out a gun again, was slowly easing the firearm once more. The others all seemed to be listening, at least.

And then some bullets, some yelling Biddy couldn’t quite catch, and everyone was tense again.

Biddy couldn’t stand all the black barrels looming over her anymore, and she showed it with a continuously crumbling disposition as they pvssyd about who was gonna handle what. By the time everyone was entirely focused on the group, she was one finger-twitch away from bawling in her hands and falling to the ground in a tiny ball.

There was no way that was one of the dwellers, and Aubrey made it sound like it was the tenth time that day someone got hit.

The cute guy from earlier, with a hint of an accent roughly similar to what the red-head knew as “Western,” gave another cough and holstered his fancy 44., something that got her attention.

“I think I have a solution but listen to Barry and Lower or holster you’re guns, we don’t need any more injuries or deaths.”

“Now I want you to release the girl and for “Grandpa” to disarm, In return I’ll take you back to my house, were you can rest for night, resupply, have a doctor check you’re injures and in the Morning you shall be-able to leave town. Do this and I’ll give you my word as a gentleman and fellow Vault dweller that you won’t be harmed by anyone here, provided you don’t cause any more trouble.Beileve me, this we be the best deal you get... ”

"espically if you want "Grandpa" to stay alive cutie"

The other, sociable guy smiled at her and the group again, and another gun was sheathed. By then, Biddy was just watching with a slightly appeased look – unusually – as they went on, Pini had slightly drifted the gun from the yellow dress’s head, but kept it close. He had no problem shooting that girl down, even if it got nothing other than some base revenge in the case bullets started flying.

"If James says you live then I'm inclined to go with him, but if you do something that I find remotely immoral, Ill empty a clip into your face quicker then you can pull that pea shooter from it's holster,”

“What?” a short, breathless whisper fell out from her small mouth.

“and I know from your stern expression and that bastard stature that you probaly prefer death to being spoken to like this by someone like me, but if you screw up, the violent deaths of the people your charged with looking after will be on your head. Back in your beloved vault you'll be remembered as the man who caused the death of all those who looked to him for protection... So behave."

Biddy just stared, her chest visibly puffing up and down as her heart tripped, beginning to race. It was amazing there wasn’t some loud crack and crumbling of bones from the kid’s body when Pini glowered long and hard at the once friendly, disarming man. Her lips numbly parted ajar, just a little, as her body looked racked by mere words. She could feel the adrenalin sweeping through, her head beating as Pini breathed like some monstrous wolf from a horror story. The pretty red-head swore it brushed through her curly hair and cheek like a heavy wave of wind.

"Too much?" He whispered, smiling.

Her breath shuddered, her body still loosely frozen still.

"So then... Dwellers? What do you say? And what can I call you? I'm not calling you dwellers for the next 24 hours, it's pissing me off already." Some easy-going chuckle, then his slightly short, bearded face looked directly at her in the eyes – bulleting a whole new shock that snapped her back to the world. "Good speech, you may have just saved your security friend's life."

After the slightest grin, though it couldn’t quite glow the bold, energetic and flirty way it usually did, she simply introduced, with a big gesture to the appropriate people, “Name’s Biddy – this here’s Amos, Mr. Pini, the two Tates –”

"Whats going on?"

“And Dean!” a warm welcome, it took her a few moments to realize something was at all wrong with him – but his face sagged with weariness. Something was up.

The big gestures ended as she turned to him but a moment, her brows hinting her confusion and interest at the odd behavior, “It’ll all be alright in a few, Mr. Pini was rather rude. Real bad [censored]-up.”

She half-expected, as she gave a tiny, evil grin in his direction – just for him and the group to see - that he’d start shooting and pummeling. He looked as bitter as ever. Biddy couldn’t remember a time more difficult to keep him behaved than now.

Amos looked baffled and stunned by Dean’s announced presence, shooting his attention from his overly complex and fancy pip-boy to the upset, younger man. Biddy swore she saw a fumble in his generally casual, blasé manner – was it…fear? She couldn’t read him quite right.

"As you can see," the sixy-lookin’ lady in a flashy, nice pre-war dress suddenly piped up, "you, my not-so-kind Sir, are finding yourself at a severe disadvantage. Might I suggest you listen to this beautiful young woman's pleas." She stepped close to the red head, eyeing her up and down, "I could use such an attractive, verbal young lady such as yourself. If we reach a peaceful agreement, might I have a word with you?"

Biddy’s pretty face and lips couldn’t word a response in time, suddenly tense with the woman so close to the man of destruction, growing increasingly inhuman in manner. She felt her hands sweep to her mouth and neck, flaunting her pretty features. But her nails, just a bit uncared for and rough, clawed into the sides.

The woman with all the shooters turned back to face Pini, she elegantly strut to him, reaching out to touch his shoulder, casual in the proximity of the large muscled man, and Pini did what the fashionable 73’er expected. He threw up the gun to the Wastelander, ready to pull the trigger.

Biddy didn’t even register the unnervingly confident grin before she heard the BANG!

“FUC-“

"Sniper, remember Mr. Pini? May that have convinced you to consider a more...pieceful approach?" her hand drifted near the girl’s arm, "As I have mentioned," she leaned to Pini's ear and whispered something that Biddy’s ears, yet again, failed to listen in on. She felt tears running out her eyes faster than she could catch them the moment that gun had sounded. Afraid of a snotty, red-eyed face braying uncomfortable gasps and whines, she tried to cut it off – but it kept falling in a goopy downpour of water. All she could do is try to whip and rub them away with fingers and palms, and keep it quiet.

The lady leaned back, "and should you choose, not to accept, then, well, you will become a permanent resident. Albeit, in a shallow grave."

Calypso very gently pulled Tracy's arm, "So Mr. Pini, do you accept our hospitality?"

Mr. Pini’s hand quietly drifted ever so slightly in favor of the trigger, he was enraged by how bold these people had dared to be with him. He was going to prove to them how pyrrhic a victory it would be to make such an insult to him. They were all going to pay, get incinerated and destroyed by plasma.
And the entire group would die.

“Mr. Pini!!” she hoarsely snapped, hushing herself quickly. Amos himself was now fully involved, taking hold of the man’s hand and, without the hate the researcher would so love to express, gave him a grim, serious look.

It took a few moments, but he finally let go – but the man was still on edge. The little girl began to sob far more violently and loudly, finally cracking as she hid behind the woman. Asking frantically about her dad and the “party.”

“I think I’d rather be with the wounded man than the woman with all the men in town employed to shoot on her order,” Amos interrupted, a tone too formal and lacking too much emotion to be rude, “I mean no offense by it, miss, but – albeit with reason – you have shot at us twice. It might have even been the right choice, but I don’t think any of us like the idea of sleeping where all your mercs and you are.”

“Also, our first priority is to resupply, get shelter – we’re willing to pay with the…currency you all use here – but we’re also here to learn about what’s nearby and the like. I have a number of questions I’d appreciate a few willing individuals answer. Sooner than later, unless those three shots suggest you’re all too busy for it right now.”

This was probably the most Amos would talk, outside of questions, and she bit her lip for the pain of teeth sinking down on the bottom. Her eyes began to burn, and – with determination – she began to force herself to stop. She wasn’t far from that unappealing snot that would be so humiliating to show, and the job wasn’t quite over.

[steve brewin]

Bob Dobbs

Diner – Evening


Sue, her eyes brimming with tears, rushed over and hugged Bob. She then pointed at Toby, who was squirming on the floor as one of the Brotherhood Initiates held him down while Tap tied his hands behind his back.

“Toby?”, exclaimed Bob. “He shot her? Why?”

Sue, now sobbing, let go of Bob and began writing out a note, which she handed to him.

“Oh, God…no”, came a voice from the door. Bob looked up and saw Edward had entered the tent. Taking in the scene, he then walked over to Toby, now lying bound on the floor. Toby cringed a bit as Edward approached him.

“May god have mercy on your soul if she dies…”, Edward spat at Toby, “…’cause I won’t. ”

Edward then walked over to Cole.

“I’m gonna help this guy”, Edward said as he examined Cole’s arm and began rummaging through his bag for supplies to treat him, “but if you need any help just ask.”

As Sue held onto him and sobbed into his shoulder, Bob read her note.

Toby

Toby was making fun of her and calling her a [censored] and saying the shooter might come back and lower my “competition”… the Glasses doctor…. Edward I think told him to stop but he didn’t….

Brandy … she was just standing up for herself. She asked him why he was doing these things? He got angry and shot her the [censored] bastard shot her!

“I need to try and find the bullet inside you, Brandy. You’re going to feel pain and discomfort, and I’m sorry about that. It’s not nice for either of us.” Cody said softly, her eyes looked towards him; they had lost their sparkle, and were blank. Brandy’s entire body suddenly convulsed. She coughed, expelling blood out of her mouth. Her body stopped shaking but her hands and arms continued to twitch.

“Brandy? Brandy!”, said Cody, “Stay with us, kid! Do you hear me? Keep breathing! The pain is going to be over soon!”

“Ba…ba…baobb,” her voice barely more than a whisper. Then she went completely limp, only her fingers twitched from the trauma. Her eyes rolled back, and her breathing was erratic.

“Brandy!!” Cody bellowed.

For a moment Bob though she was dead, but he noticed that she was still breathing as Cody frantically worked on her.

Bob noticed that Elizabeth had entered the tent, and was fretfully watching Cody operate.

“Is there anything we could do to help?”, she asked. “We could use the Vertibird to airlift her or your other friend to Rivet City…it’s only ten minutes away by air.”

“We appreciate that”, Bob replied. “Depending on how the operation goes, we might need to take you up on that.”

Bob then looked over at Toby, lying on the floor glaring in Brandy and Cody’s direction and saw red. Gently disentangling himself from Sue, he walked over to Toby and looked down at him, noting someone had worked him over already…most likely Sue. As Bob approached, Tap tensed up and the Initiate looked around nervously, unsure how to react. As for Toby, he visibly cringed as Bob approached him.

“Why did you do it, you miserable little bastard?”, Bob said icily, prodding him less than gently with his foot. “Was it because she’s pretty? Because she’s popular? Or maybe…you just cannot stand to see someone else happy and feel the urge to drag them down into the [censored] with you”.

Toby then began babbling, some of it directed at Brandy, but mostly tying to hide behind Calypso’s skirt.

Bob laughed mirthlessly, scarcely believing what he was hearing.

“Calypso?”, Bob said, “That’s all you’ve got to say for yourself….’you can’t kill me because Calypso will get mad?’. Bob laughed again then continued. “You must be hitting some really heavy chems if you think she or anyone else is gonna get you out of this.”. Bob then reached down and grabbed him by the hair and pulled him up to his knees.

“Reality check time, [censored]tard”, continued Bob. “If Brandy dies….you die. And you know how I’ll do it? I’ll choke you to death with my bare hands so I can watch your miserable life fade from your eyes as you die.”

“Enough!”, came a woman’s voice from behind him. Bob turned to look, it was Amelia, with David right behind her.

“There will be no lynch mobs here”, Amelia said firmly. “Tell me what happened and Security will take care of it.”

“Very well….for now”, Bob said diffidently as he pushed Toby over, causing him to fall back onto his stomach. “Back on your belly, worm.”, he said coldly, then walked back over to the table where Toby was operating, pulled up a chair and sat and held Brandy’s hand.

Tap explained the night’s events, as Amelia listened pensively, from the first shooting to Toby’s attack on Brandy.

Amelia shook her head wearily, then looked back at David.

“Take him under arrest”, Amelia said. “We’ll decide what to do with him in the morning.”

[NeverStopThe]

James Wilson – going back home - night-time

Calypso leaned back, "and should you choose, not to accept, then, well, you will become a permanent resident. Albeit, in a shallow grave."

“She isn’t joking pal, I’d listen…” James said, now placing his hand down his side.....

Calypso very gently pulled Tracy's arm, "So Mr. Pini, do you accept our hospitality?"

Mr. P looked pissed, like he had never been spoken back to by a “waste lander” and he looked like he was gonna explode within seconds. James knew it would take him roughly 2.5 seconds to draw and shoot him but in that time, several people could be dead….

“Mr. Pini!!” the redhead hoarsely snapped, the smaller vault guy, Amo’s as he called grabbed Mr. P’s hand and attempted to get him to disarm. It took a few moments, but he finally let go – but the man was still on edge. Tracey began to sob far more violently and loudly, finally cracking as she hid behind the woman, asking frantically about her dad and the party.

“Hey you” James said to Aaron, “once we’ve finished here take Tracey back to the tent, I think he dad’s there as well.

Useless bastard letting his daughter wander off and get kidnapped…

“I think I’d rather be with the wounded man than the woman with all the men in town employed to shoot on her order,” Amos interrupted.

Hah she wishes…. Although she does do a better job at town protect that GSF, or at least those left…

“I mean no offense by it, miss, but – albeit with reason – you have shot at us twice. It might have even been the right choice, but I don’t think any of us like the idea of sleeping where all your mercs and you are.”
“Well you’re in luck, calypso…. house? Is in the opposite side of town, I also have locks for all the doors.” James said…

“Also, our first priority is to resupply, get shelter – we’re willing to pay with the…currency you all use here – but we’re also here to learn about what’s nearby and the like. I have a number of questions I’d appreciate a few willing individuals answer. Sooner than later, unless those three shots suggest you’re all too busy for it right now.” The vault dweller said.

“Like I said you’re welcome to stay at mine, you can get supplies in the morning. Shops are closed anyway. I can also any question you might have, I did it for Clark but yes you’re right about those Shots. Calypso” James said as he turned to her “can you and your mercs deal with this, I’ll get the Vault dweller out of here?” he said before Turing again to Aaron “hey you, Aaron is it? Can you look after the kid, take her to tent, think he dad’s in there as well.

After they had answered James turned back to the Vault dweller “okay let’s go, oh and my name is James Wilson” James said. The Vault dwellers, James and Barry then began to walk down the street towards James shop & house.

It was short journey, only three houses down the street but as they walked James and portably the others notice what appeared to be a flare in the air… “ Strange… no-one lives in that part of town, perhaps we can go and investigate a bit later on.”

I'll send Barry to go and have a look later on....

Reaching James house, James push open the front door and they walked inside “Barry can you help me clear these guns of the table whilst our guest sit down.

James and Barry quickly picked up the several guns & enclave helmet that were lying on the table and moved to the side with the rest of boxes although they left the chemistry set. Whilst they worked James whispered to Barry “gonna place nice to them but if you even suspect Mr. P is going to turn violent, drop the bastard or knock him out, your choice.”

After a few minutes the Vault dweller had all sat down on the couch or chairs along with Barry, James learned against the table and spoke “well firstly I’d like to welcome you all to grayditch, I’m sorry if you think some of act harshly or overly paranoid but we have roughly couple the days, the town’s been attacked twice and most of towns security force has been killed or injured.”

I wonder who’s gonna replace Joe…. Maybe Bob….

“With that in mind I do highly recommend you don’t cause any more trouble, the calypso mercs won’t hesitant to shoot you on the spot...but let’s drop the subject before it get any worst.” James said, not wanting to annoy Mr.P anymore…

“Now moving on, most of shops are porbably closed by now but I run the gun store here; tap runs the diner in the tent, around the corner there is a clothing shop & general store and the spark & flame, the engieers shop is three doors down."

No-need to tell them about the brothel…. Doubt they would go there anyway…

“So unless you want any of you go to sleep now, free feel to wander around for a bit and Amo’s was it? I’ll answer your questions now, unless the rest of you have any questions?” James said….

[Brooks Hardison]

-Aubrey
--Near the Diner

It didn’t feel like this could be happening.

Aubrey grimaced as James almost entirely ignored her argument, brushing it off like she was a five year old cowering from harmless thunder, as if there were no risk of lighting. He cockily grinned and flirted with Biddy, offering for the group to sleep in his home.

This man…was so infuriatingly stupid.

“James,” she nearly yelled his name, sounding disgusted with his brazen imprudence, “what are you doing out here with that frickin’ wound anyways? What are you doing offering a ticking time-bomb and a bunch of liars your place, when you have no chance against them should they decide to finish you off?”

When the not-Larry guy joined in the attempts for peace, her shoulders raised high and she noticeably, loudly fumed over what the townies were doing.

Yet, the longer the conversation went, the more Aubrey felt like she was on the wrong side – or, at least, not on the right one. The longer it went, the less sure her decisions became. But she kept up the pistol.

She heard “Brandy” in the cold air, in a moment, but why would someone shoot her?

’Maybe one of them isn’t with the group..’

Before seriously contemplating about leaving the group or not to check on the tent, she swore she heard something. This time, footsteps. It could be a threat, it could be someone with more news of the tent – maybe to announce more help is needed there. She swiveled to the right, gun loosely drifting in favor of the direction, until her eyes had contact with the movement.

The strength in her arm died, her gun falling near her hip. Despite everything, she felt heavy.

Dean.

She didn’t call out to him, or say a thing, she flew back into her strict, fierce stance – or, she tried.

And then another shot.

As Mr. Pini screeched in shock, pain, and rage, Aubrey jumped, a shiver whipping through her shoulders and neck. She hadn’t been paying attention; Calypso was right in front of the security chief, practically leaning over his now crouched body. She was slipping her hand toward Tracy, and Pini was slipping his on his gun.

The look on his face made her heart sick.

Before Aubrey could make so much as a shout or shot, Amos and Biddy had already expected his actions, interestingly, and intervened desperately. Biddy was in tears, Amos had an odd medley of things, suppressed into a firm, dark gaze shot inches away from Mr. Pini’s rabid, bloodthirsty eyes.

The tall exile had tensed, ready for Mr. Pini to try something, but the group somehow managed to convince him, by the skin of their teeth. Tracy began to cry the most loudly, frantic about her father, which made the fifteen-year-old’s blue-green eyes dim their fire and the grimace twist further. For just a moment, her eyes shifted to back of the group. Where the old man still cowered, looking weary from the event already.

Her wobbly, shaky finger almost pressed the trigger.

“I can’t believe you people,” she muttered, not daring to look toward Dean.

“I’m gonna go check the tent, but I’m coming back, and making sure not one of you hurts anyone.”

Then she was [censored] going. Treasured vault suit and all.

She tried to ignore the irony, and the moment she stepped in the tent, “trying” wasn’t an issue.

“Brandy!” Aubrey thought her limbs would give way, but she managed to run instead, gaping at the blood of the scene. The doctor that had helped before was standing nearby, clearly focused, stressed, and concerned, he wasn’t very responsive to anyone other than her, not even giving a twitch of recognition that the tall brunette had rushed up to the table.

“What is-“

“Why did you do it, you miserable little bastard?” Bob kicked a frail and unimpressive-looking man held down by the bartender, both dazed, horrified, and sick with some emotion or other. His eyes failed to completely focus on Bob, even as he booted him in the side and spat, with a bitter, chilling rage that broke his almost stoic calm he usually had, “Was it because she’s pretty? Because she’s popular? Or maybe…you just cannot stand to see someone else happy and feel the urge to drag them down into the [censored] with you.”

“She’s alright, right? Brandy’s okay? She’s okay? She’ll make it through?”

Aubrey looked at the woman, face set hard in stone.

“Brandy, c’mon, B-- Brandy. Be alright..” she felt her voice whimper at the end, trailing off. She bit a quivering lip.

“If Brandy dies….you die,” finally brought her attention back to Bob, boiling mad, “And you know how I’ll do it? I’ll choke you to death with my bare hands so I can watch your miserable life fade from your eyes as you die.”

“No,” her eyes felt sore, “this is ridiculous. This can’t be- all this can’t be happening.”
She heard “Enough!” and, as she stood tall with a face that kept wavering from confidence at random, she soon realized it had nothing to do with Brandy. Just the beat-up-looking ass hole. Aubrey didn’t turn to see the man taken away, see if he had a look of shame like he should, she kept her eyes on Brandy. Dress torn up, chest opened, red everywhere in bits and drops.

“Why is this happening?”

[Tina Tupou]

Calypso - Heading back to The Rose - Evening

Mr. Pini’s hand quietly drifted ever so slightly towards the pistols trigger, his face was twisted with anger. If looks could kill, his would have mutilated Calypso; she simply gave a cocky grin and raised her left brow.

“Mr. Pini!!” the redhead hoarsely snapped, hushing herself quickly. Another dweller stepped forward, taking hold of the man’s hand and gave him a grim, serious look. It took a few moments, but Pini finally let go. Tracy began to sob far more violently and loudly, finally cracking as she hid behind Calypso. Asking frantically about her dad and the “party.”

“Hey you” James said to Aaron, “Once we’ve finished here take Tracey back to the tent, I think her dad’s there as well.”

Calypso looked down at Tracy; her big hazel eyes full of tears, Calypso lovingly rest her hand on her shoulder. “I think I’d rather be with the wounded man than the woman with all the men in town employed to shoot on her order,” The Dweller who had silently told Pini to back off, interrupted, a tone too formal and lacking too much emotion to be rude, “I mean no offense by it, miss, but –albeit with reason –you have shot at us twice. It might have even been the right choice, but I don’t think any of us like the idea of sleeping where all your mercs and you are.”

“Mr. Wilson? As you wish,” Calypso looked to James; she knew he would not allow such actions to happen again. Wounded or not, she knew his heart was far bigger than his brain.

“Also, our first priority is to resupply, get shelter –we’re willing to pay with the…currency you all use here –but we’re also here to learn about what’s nearby and the like. I have a number of questions I’d appreciate a few willing individuals answer. Sooner than later, unless those three shots suggest you’re all too busy for it right now.” The Dweller added.

“Like I said you’re welcome to stay at mine, you can get supplies in the morning. Shops are closed anyway. I can also any question you might have, I did it for Clark but yes you’re right about those Shots. Calypso” James said as he turned to her “can you and your mercs deal with this, I’ll get the Vault dweller out of here?” he said before Turing again to Aaron “hey you, Aaron is it? Can you look after the kid, take her to tent, think he dad’s in there as well.

Calypso slowly eyed each of the Dwellers, continuing on to James, Barry, Aaron, and the others. Her eyes returned to Tracy, whom she now faced. Calypso kneeled down, silently gazing into those teary hazel eyes. Calypso felt a rush of emotion, she smiled, genuinely as she looked into the girl’s eyes, her lip twitched slightly and she very gently wiped away a tear from Tracy’s cheek. Calypso’s eyes glassed over, she lightly caressed Tracy’s bouncy locks and straightened her dress. Calypso swallowed, the lump in her throat felt like a basketball, she let out a deep sigh.

“Tracy dear, your father is in the tent. You are safe; I will not allow these, or anyone to hurt you if I can help it.” A single tear fell from Calypso’s eye.

Swick and Hart were able to see Calypso’s face; Swick leaned to Hart and whispered, “What the hell? I have never seen that woman cry before yesterday when that beast she calls her husband was almost killed. Now this?”

Hart turned and whispered back, “And you saw her [censored] lose it when she found Harold inside the diner right? Tear are a bad, bad thing. You better shut the [censored] up and don’t ask questions. If you do, make sure I’m nowhere around you.” Swick pressed his lips together for a moment then nodded in agreement.

Calypso kissed Tracy’s cheek and took one last look into her eyes, “Go now child, join your father.”

She stood up to a mixed array of looks from the others, “Our business is concluded at the moment,” she wiped the tear from her own cheek and sniffed, beginning to walk back to town, “Alexis, come,” she called for her hidden merc. Turning her head so everyone around could hear, “Should any harm come to the child, I will personally escort whomever to the Ten Courts of Hell and administer their eternal punishment myself.”

Lexy strut with her chest puffed out, a smug smile on her face as she walked by the Dwellers, “How’s the hand?” she joined the rest of the group.

Calypso led the group back to town, her chest heaved as she tried to stifle her emotions from bursting further. Entering through the east entrance, a small shadow appeared, she squinted and made out that it was a molerat. “Alexis, do be prepared darling,” Lexy grinned and pulled out her 10mm SMG and trained it on the animal.

The molerat closed in, in a steady trot, Lexy shot a 3 round burst on the ground near its feet, “Dance you ugly thing.”

The molerat hopped to the side away from the near silent gunfire. It sat, like a dog and raised its nose and sniffed the air. It cocked its head and looked directly at Calypso then started walking towards her. “What in the hell, this thing had a ribbon tied around its neck like a collar,” Hart exclaimed with a look of confusion. He knelt down just a few feet away, “it’s different, any other molerat woulda attacked us by now, [censored], it had a folded piece of paper in its mouth.”

The molerat nonchalantly strolled by Hart and sat at Calypso’s feet, “Swick, do fetch the paper from this…pets mouth.”

“Wha…no way, I’m not putting my hand anywhere near its mouth,” Swick stepped back. Calypso began unsheathing her shiskebob, “Alright, better to get my hand bit off than piss you off Boss.”

Swick lowered his hand tentatively, the molerat growled and he jumped back again. Calypso pulled the blade out further, pointing at the molerat in silence. The molerat watched, and then when Swick lowered his hand once more, the molerat grumbled. Swick tried cooing the beast, he pinched a corner of the paper and the molerat growled. Swick closed his eyes, figuring losing his hand was far better than any type of punishment from Calypso.

“Come on ya wuss,” Hart said before he laughed. Swick shot him a dirty look, returning his focus on the task put before him, he tugged the paper and the molerat let it go. Swick stood up cautiously, Calypso impatiently held out her hand and Swick handed her the paper. The molerat panted briefly before trotting off to the south, she unfolded the paper.

'Calypso,

Come swing by the Tropical Room, I think you and I are....clandestined to meet, love. I've also got two of your girls here, would love to make them employees.

Cordially yours,

-M'

Calypso flared her nostrils as her blood boiled; she wadded the note up in her hand. She clenched her teeth in such anger; a pop could be heard in the relative silence. "To The Rose...NOW!!!" Her hiss turned into an echoing shout. She started walking at a rapid pace towards The Rose, a scene in the tent caught her eye, Tap had Toby held down. He had been rather worked over, his face bloodied, and then she saw a man wearing a pink scarf working feverishly on Brandy.

Bob untangled himself from Sue, who was sobbing as she let Bob go and he walked over to Toby, “Why did you do it, you miserable little bastard?”, Bob said icily, prodding him less than gently with his foot. “Was it because she’s pretty? Because she’s popular? Or maybe…you just cannot stand to see someone else happy and feel the urge to drag them down into the [censored] with you”.

Calypso stopped and watched, two shadows were approaching from down the street. Toby then began babbling, some of it directed at Brandy, and mentioning Calypso. She folded her arms to see what was going to happen, Bob laughed mirthlessly.

“Calypso?”, Bob said, “That’s all you’ve got to say for yourself….’you can’t kill me because Calypso will get mad?’. Bob laughed again then continued. “You must be hitting some really heavy chems if you think she or anyone else is gonna get you out of this.”. Bob then reached down and grabbed him by the hair and pulled him up to his knees. “Reality check time, [censored]tard”, continued Bob. “If Brandy dies….you die. And you know how I’ll do it? I’ll choke you to death with my bare hands so I can watch your miserable life fade from your eyes as you die.”

Clark walked inside the tent, “No, this is ridiculous. This can’t be- all this can’t be happening.”

“Enough!”, came a woman’s voice from behind Bob. Bob turned to look, Calypso did to, it was Amelia and David. Amelia’s hair was thrown up into a loose pony tail; David looked like he had just thrown his clothes on. “There will be no lynch mobs here”, Amelia said firmly. “Tell me what happened and Security will take care of it.”

“Very well….for now”, Bob said diffidently as he pushed Toby over, causing him to fall back onto his stomach. “Back on your belly, worm.”, he said coldly, then walked back over to the table where Cody was operating, pulled up a chair and sat and held Brandy’s hand.

Tap explained the night’s events, as Amelia listened pensively, from the first shooting to Toby’s attack on Brandy. Amelia shook her head wearily, then looked back at David. “Take him under arrest”, Amelia said. “We’ll decide what to do with him in the morning.”

Calypso, still irritated about the note, began to get infuriated after Bob’s comment and Amelia having the nerve to just now try to take over the situation. “Amelia…to what do we owe the honor? You decide to show up after the fact, once again.”

Amelia scowled at Calypso, before she could respond, Calypso hushed her with her finger, “I wish for you and David to accompany us back to the Rose. I believe we should discuss the matter of town security at once, in great detail.” Calypso waved her hand around, “I understand this is the Wasteland, but how can we expect Grayditch to prosper as you so mentioned with such chaos?”

David looked at Cole as Edward patched up his arm, his gaze returned to Calypso with Toby’s hands secured behind him. Amelia bit her lower lip, “It is late, and I would like to go back home to bed.”

Calypso laughed, “My point exactly love. You are more concerned with returning to your bed than the well-being of this town. I shall offer this one more time, do let us discuss the matter at hand immediately.”

“Fine,” Amelia snapped, “It’s down by the jail anyways, let’s go.”

Calypso grinned, “Good, let us proceed,” she walked to the edge of the tent and turned to Bob and Sue, “I offer you my services if you wish Mr. Dobbs, I can retrieve the bullet that has been lodged in your precious woman’s chest. She would be returned home by morning light, I assure you, do think it over as I must tend to other items but would gladly allow the time to aid Brandy.”

[Scared humanity]

Cole Anders

Tap's Tent (Mostly Just The Floor)

Evening

Cole hit the floor in a daze, his hand crashing against the dirt causing an extreme amount of pain to stack with the pain he was already experiencing. He screamed in an illegible tone, which was followed by several swears and a stream of tears. Cole had been shot before, of course, but usually the quick loss of blood would cause a loss of consciousness; But the blood oozing from his hand wasn't nearly enough to cause him to pass out just yet. He simply faded in and out, trying to grasp the situation while experiencing one of the most intense feelings of pain in his life AND the hydrostatic shock that was causing him to lose control of his own body.

As he watched the crowd gather around him, Brandy seemed to be the only one who cared enough to actually attempt to help him. She lightly applied pressure to the wound, doing what she could to help, and it surprisingly worked for the time being. But after she left his side and entered a heated argument with another party-goer, who's actions caused Cole to feel like a useless piece of trash; The man shot her, just shot her, right there in front of everyone. It seemed Cole's heroic sacrifice was just a waste.

Realizing this, the hydrostatic shock began setting in once again, his brain unable to cope with the pain and anger being built up. As Cole continued to see bits of the party go on, it seemed everyone was more concerned about Brandy and James then him. And he didn't blame them. Who was he to these people? Some sort of self-declared officer of the law? Who would want to keep him around?

[censored] that. These [censored]'s think they can get rid of me that easily?

Cole was helpless, however. Unable to move, or even control a functioning limb, he laid their and watched as the events went on. It wasn't long before Ares showed his face, hovering over Cole.

"Cole.. You require medical assistance," He stated, examining his wound. Cole wanted to reply with a "Yeah, no [censored] way?" but even his sarcasm was shut off right now. "It looks like the bullet lodged itself in your hand.. It will need removal, but that will increase the blood flow to a substantially deadly amount. Right now, you should be just be experiencing shock from the event and the slight loss of blood.."

"A-A-Re-Re.." Cole managed to stutter, attempting to grab his attention. "Don't speak, you'll make it worse," Ares said. Cole slightly shook his head, and continued "F-F-Fin the B-B-Bas" He stuttered, trying to order Ares to seek out his assailant and find someone else to patch him up. "T-T-Tra"

Ares nodded. He left the bleeding out Cole's side, yelling for medical assistance, and pointing the first man who said he had some in Cole's direction, who seemed to be Cole's way anyway. After which, he headed out the tent, his eyes glowing a dark shade of red.

It's up to you now, Ares.

[Ice Fire]

Ooc: I should point out, Sue does not know Amelia was appointed “mayor” of grayditch.

Sue cooper – the tent

“Enough!”, came a woman’s voice from behind them. Sue and petty much everyone else turned to look, , it was Amelia and David. Amelia’s hair was thrown up into a loose pony tail; David looked like he had just thrown his clothes on. “There will be no lynch mobs here”, Amelia said firmly. “Tell me what happened and Security will take care of it.”

[censored] looks like she just got out of [censored] bed!

“Very well….for now”, Bob said diffidently as he pushed Toby over, causing him to fall back onto his stomach. “Back on your belly, worm.”, he said coldly, then walked back over to the table where Cody was operating, pulled up a chair and sat and held Brandy’s hand; as he did this Sue walked up the bar and picked up James hunting revolver and began playing it.

Tap explained the night’s events, as Amelia listened pensively, from the first shooting to Toby’s attack on Brandy. Amelia shook her head wearily, then looked back at David. “Take him under arrest”, Amelia said. “We’ll decide what to do with him in the morning.”

Sue started to come annoyed by Amelia, she hadn’t been seen all night, did jack all when James got shot and what now ordering what happens, when it was David who was the security officer…. And it didn’t seem Sue was only with annoyed by it…

“Amelia…to what do we owe the honor? You decide to show up after the fact, once again.” Calypso said. Amelia scowled at Calypso, before she could respond, Calypso hushed her with her finger, “I wish for you and David to accompany us back to the Rose. I believe we should discuss the matter of town security at once, in great detail.”

Why would the brothel owner want to discuss security? She has those mercs to protect her girls…

Calypso waved her hand around, “I understand this is the Wasteland, but how can we expect Grayditch to prosper as you so mentioned with such chaos?”

Well I guess she’s right about that…. Sue though as she returned to Bob side and continued to watch Cody as he worked on Brandy, hopefully she would pull though...

David looked at Cole as Edward patched up his arm, his gaze returned to Calypso with Toby’s hands secured behind him. Amelia bit her lower lip, “It is late, and I would like to go back home to bed.”

Lazy [censored]....

Edward also looked annoyed by this comment “typical you're more interested in [censored] that the town's safety, bet you wouldn't be so inutilis if your boytoy had been shot? Or if that gunman had gone after you”

Calypso laughed, “My point exactly love. You are more concerned with returning to your bed than the well-being of this town. I shall offer this one more time, do let us discuss the matter at hand immediately.”

“Fine,” Amelia snapped, “It’s down by the jail anyways, let’s go.”

Useless [censored], Bob & James could do a better job protecting the town as both them, too bad Harold lost his arm…

Calypso grinned, “Good, let us proceed,” she walked to the edge of the tent and turned to Bob and Sue, “I offer you my services if you wish Mr. Dobbs, I can retrieve the bullet that has been lodged in your precious woman’s chest. She would be returned home by morning light, I assure you, do think it over as I must tend to other items but would gladly allow the time to aid Brandy

Sue shook her head as if say “no” before writing a note and giving it to Bob.
---------------------

Calypso is not a doctor, even if she got the bullet out she would still have to deal with Brandy’s blood lost and shock, Brandy got a better chance in Cody’s hands and if he fails the brotherhood can take her to rivet city, the doctor there is very good, saved billy when he lost his eye.

Also I don’t trust Calypso, god knows what she would do to brandy…
---------------

Calypso and her group started to leave when Edward spoke “Calypso do you want me to come too? I’m just about finished with Cole here and I suppose Toby will require some medical attention…” Edward said as he helped Cole on his feet “don’t put
pressure on it and your arm should be fine in a few days. If I can get the supplies I’ll put a cast on it if you like.” He said to Cole.....

"with that in mind, there might be supplies in this Jail off yours, it's that police bulding on the outskirts isn't it?" he added on...

[Darlene Delk]

Bob Dobbs

Diner – Evening

Clark walked inside the tent, looking around in dismay.

“No, this is ridiculous”, she said. “This can’t be- all this can’t be happening.”

“I’m afraid it is”, Bob said as he sat and held Brandy’s hand. “It wasn’t Mt Pini or any of your “friends” from the Vault, though…”, Bob nodded in the direction of Toby and the small crowd that had formed around him as Tap told Amelia and David what had happened. “It was that [censored] tied up over there…he shot her because she called him on his [censored].”

“Take him under arrest”, Amelia said to David as she gestured at Toby. “We’ll decide what to do with him in the morning.”

As David began to haul Toby to his feet to take him away, another voice spoke out. Bob looked over and saw Calypso, followed by one of her mercs…a rather striking hispanic woman…had entered the tent. Calypso glared at Bob for a moment as if she wanted to make sure he understood she had heard what he had said to Toby, then turned her attention to Amelia.

“Amelia…to what do we owe the honor?”, Calypso said sarcastically. “You decide to show up after the fact, once again.”

Amelia glared at Calypso, then just as she decided what to say, Calypso continued, cutting her off.

“I wish for you and David to accompany us back to the Rose”, Calypso said. “I believe we should discuss the matter of town security at once, in great detail.” Calypso waved her hand around, “I understand this is the Wasteland, but how can we expect Grayditch to prosper as you so mentioned with such chaos?”

Amelia looked around the tent, then at David, then finally back at Calypso.

“It is late”, Amelia said petulantly, “and I would like to go back home to bed.”

Calypso laughed, causing Amelia’s face to flush a bit.

“My point exactly, love”, she said derisively. “You are more concerned with returning to your bed than the well-being of this town. I shall offer this one more time, do let us discuss the matter at hand immediately.”

“Fine,” Amelia snapped, “It’s down by the jail anyways, let’s go.”

“Good”, said Calypso with a rather predatory grin. “Let us proceed.”
Calypso walked to the edge of the tent and turned to Bob and Sue.

“I offer you my services if you wish Mr. Dobbs, I can retrieve the bullet that has been lodged in your precious woman’s chest. She would be returned home by morning light, I assure you, do think it over as I must tend to other items but would gladly allow the time to aid Brandy.”

Sue put James’s revolver down on the bar and walked over to Bob. Pulling out her notepad, she scrawled a note and handed it to him, while shaking her head no. Bob took the note and read it.

Calypso is not a doctor. Even if she got the bullet out, she would still have to deal with Brandy’s blood lost and shock. Brandy has got a better chance in Cody’s hands, and if he fails the Brotherhood can take her to Rivet City. The doctor there is very good, saved Billy when he lost his eye.

Also I don’t trust Calypso, God knows what she would do to Brandy…

Bob handed the note back to Sue and looked at Calypso.

“I appreciate the offer”, Bob said to Calypso, “But the Brotherhood has already offered to airlift her to Rivet City if her injuries are too severe for Cody to handle. Doc Preston’s the best doctor from here to the Commonwealth…if he can’t help her no one can”.

As Calypso turned to leave Edward spoke.

“Calypso do you want me to come too?”, he asked. “I’m just about finished with Cole here and I suppose Toby will require some medical attention.”

Edward helped Cole to his feet.

“Don’t put pressure on it and your arm should be fine in a few days”, Edward told Cole. “If I can get the supplies I’ll put a cast on it if you like.”

"With that in mind”, Edward continued. “There might be supplies in this Jail of yours, it's that police bulding on the outskirts isn't it?"

“I’ve got some supplies”, Bob said. He then looked over at Clark. “Clark, would you do me a favor and go to the house and ask Jeeves to come here?”

[Floor Punch]

Calypso - The Elusive Rose - Evening

Calypso grinned as Sue quickly put the revolver down on the table and scribbled a note, she handed it to Bob, he read it and handed the note back to Sue and looked at Calypso. “I appreciate the offer”, Bob said, “But the Brotherhood has already offered to airlift her to Rivet City if her injuries are too severe for Cody to handle. Doc Preston’s the best doctor from here to the Commonwealth…if he can’t help her no one can”.

Swick stifled a laugh and whispered to Hart, “she might go back home in a to go box.” Hart snickered as they listened in on the conversation.

Calypso gracefully swept her arm in a circle and stopped it at her waist, bowing slightly, “Suit yourself Mr. Dobbs, I simply wish to aid in any way possible.” Her eyes trailed back to Sue, “But if I can be of assistance, you shall find me at The Tropical room shortly.”

As Calypso turned to leave Edward spoke. “Calypso do you want me to come too?” he asked. “I’m just about finished with Cole here and I suppose Toby will require some medical attention.” Edward helped Cole to his feet. “Don’t put pressure on it and your arm should be fine in a few days”, Edward told Cole. “If I can get the supplies I’ll put a cast on it if you like.”

“I do believe a sling would be far more suited love. You would not want to suffocate the wound, it would fail to heal,” Calypso replied, picking up a bottle scotch from a table and sipping from it.

"With that in mind”, Edward continued. “There might be supplies in this Jail of yours, it's that police building on the outskirts isn't it?" Edward suggested to Cole, who still appeared to be a mess of shock and pain.

“I’ve got some supplies”, Bob said. He then looked over at Clark. “Clark, would you do me a favor and go to the house and ask Jeeves to come here?”

"A-A-Re-Re...” Cole managed to stutter.

"Don't speak, you'll make it worse," Ares said.

Cole slightly shook his head, and continued "F-F-Fin the B-B-Bas" He stuttered, trying to order Ares to seek out his assailant and find someone else to patch him up. "T-T-Tra” Ares nodded and left.

Calypso raised her brow, “Darling, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Burton have the suspects in hand. Mr. Blades is escorting Tracy back into town.” She walked over and gently touched Cole’s face, “I made sure no harm came to her, and I will am willing to have Alexis keep a close eye on her if you so choose?”

“Can we get this business taken care of sometime tonight?” Amelia growled irritably, David took hold of Toby’s wrists and pushed him forward, seemly as irritated by the disturbance.

Calypso gave her devilish smile, “I am certain that it will be dealt with properly,” she began to leave the tent before turning back to lock eyes with Sue, “Should the unfortunate happen, I am most positive that I would have a suitable replacement that meets your expectations Ms. Cooper at The Elusive Rose.”

The growing group neared The Elusive Rose, David veered off towards the police station, “David, do bring Toby with us to The Rose.”

David rolled his eyes, turning Toby and shoving towards the old bank, “Guess you get a few more minutes of freedom [censored].”

Calypso smiled as Watson opened the door for all to enter behind Calypso. She took up real estate in the center of the lobby, Watson was about to close the door when a young brunette ran inside. The young woman asked Amelia what was happening, her voice thick with an accent. “Eden, why are you here?”

“I woke up and you were both gone, that’s not like you and I was concerned,” Eden said as she caught her breath; Watson shut the door behind her.

“Eden is it not? My issue does not concern you, perhaps you should take this opportunity to vacate the premises,” Calypso pressed her tongue against the back of her lower lip.

“I’m staying, I’ll leave when Amelia and David leave,” Eden frowned and inched closer to Amelia.

Calypso laughed, “So young. So foolish love. DISARM THEM!!!” she shouted the order. Swick cracked the back of David’s head with his assault rifle; Hart kneed his stomach and took David’s rifle. Watson yanked the bow from Eden’s back, and Lexy laid Amelia out with the stock of her sniper rifle.

The commotion echoed down the hallway, Rip’s eyes widened, “Holy [censored], get up,” Ari stood up from the floor. Rip jumped up and pulled up his pants, “Calypso’s back, you keep your mouth shut, we’re not supposed to do anything other than guard when she says.”

Ari nodded and grinned, “really now? what’s it worth to ya Rip?” She turned to head down the hall to the lobby; Rip grabbed her hand and spun her around.

Rip dug into his pants pocket, “FINE,” he snapped, handing Ari his pocket full of caps.

“Thank you sir, pleasure doing business with you,” Ari said as she slid the dress strap back onto her shoulder. Rip grumbled to himself as he rushed down the hallway. He saw Calypso in the center of the room, and the rest of the crew restraining two women and a man.

Calypso strut with a smug grin to David, “Keys?” David glared back at her, Calypso leaned to his ear, “Keys love,” and she bit off half of his ear lobe. David spat in her face as she chewed the fleshy chunk.

“Screw this,” Eden screeched while she struggled in Watson’s grip. Calypso pointed at David and Hart punched him several times in the nose and mouth. Calypso fished through his pockets and found the keys to the handcuffs, she tossed them to Louie.

“Uncuff our little trouble making repairman,” Calypso stepped back; her attention on Eden, “Do you wish to leave now love?” Eden nodded, “Let her go, do make haste, my patience is well worn this evening.”

Eden rubbed her forearms after Watson released his grip; she turned to the door but hesitated. Calypso held up her hand, Lexy gripped her silenced SMG tightly. Eden did as anticipated and tried to grab Swick’s side arm as he watched David trying to regain his bearings. Calypso’s hand fell; Lexy drew her silent weapon and unloaded four rounds into the back of Eden’s head, she fell to the black marble flooring into her own pile of flesh and bone.

“What in the hell are you doing Calypso?” Amelia yelled, her voice cracking in desperation as she looked at her fallen friend.

“What better way to test the town’s security than to murder someone right before their eyes,” Calypso walked up to Amelia. Amelia’s eyes filled with tears, she gulped as Calypso grabbed hold of her throat, her long black fingernails drawing blood as she squeezed.

“This is my town, and I have no need for an inconsequential head of security.” Calypso put her hands behind her back as she paced in front of Amelia and David, “With all of the significant affairs the town has gone through these last two days, the new head of security and her boy toy deputy were nowhere to be found. You declare that you will aid Grayditch into a prosperous community, but fall short of your proclamations. Tis an awful shame David that you fell for her beauty, for I understand your marksmanship is something to behold.”

Calypso approached Rip, taking his .32 pistol out of his holster; she emptied five bullets, leaving one. She looked at the gun, spinning it on her finger and nodding with her head for the others to head to the stairs. Everyone followed her down the stairs past the War room to the end of the hall; she led them into the old cafeteria where a large walk-in freezer stood humming. Calypso tucked the pistol into her belt, “Let her go,” Swick let go of Amelia’s arms.

“Now what? Are you going to torture us? Eat us? Chop us up for dinner you sick, sadistic [censored],” Amelia strifed back tears.

“That shall depend on the two of you darling,” Calypso reached over and opened the freezer and motioned for Amelia to enter. Amelia grit her teeth and pounced at Calypso, catching Calypso’s jaw with her fist. Calypso wrapped Amelia’s pony tail around her hand and yanked her head back; she pulled the pistol from her belt and hit Amelia repeatedly. Blood poured from Amelia’s broken nose and badly split lip. Calypso pulled he up, taking Amelia to the freezer entrance, her hair still wrapped in her hand, Calypso yanked Amelia’s head back again and smashed her face into the metal frame to the freezer’s door. Jerking her hand, not bothering to unwrap Amelia’s hair, Calypso kicked Amelia in the middle of her back at the same time. David was thrown inside the freezer right behind her; Calypso flipped her hand around to get off Amelia’s hair. The two lay in the middle of the virtually empty freezer.

“There is one bullet in this pistol,” she dangled the .32 on her finger, “Will you be the greedy, spoiled little brat and use it for yourself? Or, will David realize how unfortunate it was to become involved with… the Boss, and save himself from the slow death. I suppose he could also be a gentleman and show sympathy for you and use it to end your misery.” Calypso watched the two slowly get back to their feet, “Amelia, if you would have been capable of backing up your words, together we could have built this into the metropolis you so dreamed of. I am most curious as to see what decision the two of you come to…in one week,” Calypso tossed the pistol into the far corner of the freezer and slammed the door shut. “SECURE IT IMMEDIATELY, Louie, do stand guard to ensure they do not escape.”

Calypso went to leave but stopped, “She seemed to be somewhat hot tempered, perhaps Louie you could help her to cool off further by turning down the thermostat.”

[Dustin Brown]

Edward C – treating Cole - nighttime

“May god have mercy on your soul if she dies…”, Edward spat at Toby, “…’cause I won’t. ”

Edward then walked over to Cole. “I’m gonna help this guy”, Edward said as he examined Cole’s arm and began rummaging through his bag for supplies to treat him, “but if you need any help just ask.”

As Edward prepared his equipment, the man spoke to his friend, a rather tall guy….
"A-A-Re-Re...” the man managed to stutter, he seemed to speaking to friend.

"Don't speak, you'll make it worse," Cole’s friend said.

The man slightly shook his head, and continued "F-F-Fin the B-B-Bas" He stuttered, trying to order the man to seek out his assailant and find someone else to patch him up. "T-T-Tra” Ares nodded and left.

“Okay sir I’m here to help can you tell me your name” Edward asked as he apply pressure to the man wound, he had been hit in
left hand so unlikely to die from bullet damage, he had however lost a lot of blood….

May need to make a Tourniquet

“Cole” the man replied, he showed clear signs of being shock. lowering his legs Edward checked Cole’s temperature, it seems about normal.

Edwards then constructed a Tourniquet and placed it around his upper part of his left arm. With this in place he could start to remove the bullet. although first he decided to inject Cole with a shot of med-x , it would help him deal with pain and keep him awake.

“Hopefully this will make you feel better” Edward said as he injected Cole. Taking a pair of tweezers out if his bag, Edward began to remove the piece of bullet from Cole’s hand as he did he listen into what happening in the tent.

Some lady known as “Amelia” had walked and began ordering everyone around, if she was the town’s mayor, she wasn’t doing a good job, having missing both James & Brandy’s attacks…

After double checking to make sure there was no-more bullet pieces within the arm, Edward pour some vodka over the wound to sterilize it , along with removing any dirt and then began to bandage the hand.

There that should do it although I really should put a cast on it, too bad I don’t have the supplies or more bandages…
As Edward worked the argument between calypso and Amelia increased, for some reason she was trying to get the “Amelia” to back to the rose. ….

“It is late, and I would like to go back home to bed.” Amelia said, like if she couldn’t give two [censored]s about what happen.
“Typical you're more interested in this [censored] that the town's safety, bet you wouldn't be so inutilis if your boy toy had been shot? Or if that gunman had gone after you” Edward said as he removed the Tourniquet…

Amelia finally agreed to go with Calypso whilst Edward packed up is gear, a few minutes later when Calypso turned to leave Edward spoke.

“Calypso do you want me to come too?”, he asked. “I’m just about finished with Cole here and I suppose Toby will require some medical attention.”

Edward helped Cole to his feet. “Don’t put pressure on it and your arm should be fine in a few days”, Edward told Cole. “If I can get the supplies I’ll put a cast on it if you like.”

“I do believe a sling would be far more suited love. You would not want to suffocate the wound, it would fail to heal,” Calypso replied, picking up a bottle scotch from a table and sipping from it.

Perhaps but given Cole’s job; a cast might be more practical for him.

"With that in mind”, Edward continued. “There might be supplies in this Jail of yours, it's that police bulding on the outskirts isn't it?"

“I’ve got some supplies”, Bob said. He then looked over at Clark. “Clark, would you do me a favor and go to the house and ask Jeeves to come here?”

“Thank you but I have enough medical supplies but running low on bandages and plaster “Edward replied
Can we get this business taken care of sometime tonight?” Amelia growled irritably, David took hold of Toby’s wrists and pushed him forward, seemly as irritated by the disturbance.

“Can’t wait 5 minutes to jump back into bed can you?, I know this town was attacked a couple of times but whoever put you in charge must of be loco” Edward replied

Calypso gave her devilish smile, “I am certain that it will be dealt with properly,” she began to leave the tent before turning back to lock eyes with Sue, “Should the unfortunate happen, I am most positive that I would have a suitable replacement that meets your expectations Ms. Cooper at The Elusive Rose.”

Sue gave calypso the finger as they left the tent. The group made their way over to the Jail but on route calypso asked for them to
go to rose first, oddly David agreed to it, almost anyone else would have taken toby to jail whilst Amelia spoke to calypso

God if these people in charge no wonder the town got attacked.


Calypso smiled as Watson opened the door for all to enter behind Calypso. She took up real estate in the center of the lobby, Watson was about to close the door when a young brunette ran inside. The young woman asked Amelia what was happening, her voice thick with an accent. “Eden, why are you here?”

that voice...she is not from around here… interesting…

“I woke up and you were both gone, that’s not like you and I was concerned,” Eden said as she caught her breath; Watson shut the door behind her.

“There was attack on the dinner, several people were injured and then toby attempted to murder brandy in cold blood, I doubt she had time to wake you.” Edward said.

“Eden is it not? My issue does not concern you, perhaps you should take this opportunity to vacate the premises,” Calypso pressed her tongue against the back of her lower lip.

Yes what does calypso want with these idiots anyway?

“I’m staying, I’ll leave when Amelia and David leave,” Eden frowned and inched closer to Amelia.

Calypso laughed, “So young. So foolish love. DISARM THEM!!!” she shouted the order. Swick cracked the back of David’s head with his assault rifle; Hart kneed his stomach and took David’s rifle. Watson yanked the bow from Eden’s back, and Lexy laid Amelia out with the stock of her sniper rifle.

Edward drew his shotgun within seconds and pointed it at the group; he wasn’t sure what was going so stayed out of the “disarmament” of David & Amelia but if they turned on him Edward would gun them down…. Luckily they didn’t

Guess she’s only after those two…

Calypso strut with a smug grin to David, “Keys?” David glared back at her, Calypso leaned to his ear, “Keys love,” and she bit off half of his ear lobe. David spat in her face as she chewed the fleshy chunk.

“That can’t be sanitary “Edward said

Or maybe she has and it doesn’t have any visible sign affects….

“Screw this,” Eden screeched while she struggled in Watson’s grip. Calypso pointed at David and Hart punched him several times in the nose and mouth. Calypso fished through his pockets and found the keys to the handcuffs, she tossed them to Louie.
I can see that ending badly..

“Uncuff our little trouble making repairman,” Calypso stepped back; her attention on Eden, “Do you wish to leave now love?” Eden nodded, “Let her go, do make haste, my patience is well worn this evening.”

She’s letting her go?

Eden rubbed her forearms after Watson released his grip; she turned to the door but hesitated. Calypso held up her hand, Lexy gripped her silenced SMG tightly. Eden did as anticipated and tried to grab Swick’s side arm as he watched David trying to regain his bearings. Calypso’s hand fell; Lexy drew her silent weapon and unloaded four rounds into the back of Eden’s head, she fell to the black marble flooring into her own pile of flesh and bone.

“I don’t have any words to show how stupid that was…” Edward said as walked over to Eden’s copse “although I don’t think we should have killed her, could of made a good slave or something, ” Edward said sadly…

“What in the hell are you doing Calypso?” Amelia yelled, her voice cracking in desperation as she looked at her fallen friend.

As calypso told frighten pair what she was gonna do, Edward searched though Eden pockets only to find nothing; he then laid out Eden’s legs & arms for movement, then wrapped a blanket around her Eden before doing the cross mark.

If calypso doesn’t decide to eat her this girl shall get a proper burial…

“What the [censored] are you doing? Watson said

“Getting her body ready to movement, I doubt we are going to leave her here to rot…. Or make a more of a mess….” Edward replied.

They both then turned back to see what calypso was doing, she approached Rip, taking his .32 pistol out of his holster; she emptied five bullets, leaving one. She looked at the gun, spinning it on her finger and nodding with her head for the others to head to the stairs. Everyone followed her down the stairs past the War room to the end of the hall; she led them into the old cafeteria where a large walk-in freezer stood humming.
Why did we come down here?

Calypso tucked the pistol into her belt, “Let her go,” Swick let go of Amelia’s arms. “Now what? Are you going to torture us? Eat us? Chop us up for dinner you sick, sadistic [censored],” Amelia strifed back tears.

For some reason I don’t want to even know what she’s got planned…

“That shall depend on the two of you darling,” Calypso reached over and opened the freezer and motioned for Amelia to enter. Amelia grit her teeth and pounced at Calypso, catching Calypso’s jaw with her fist. Calypso wrapped Amelia’s pony tail around her hand and yanked her head back; she pulled the pistol from her belt and hit Amelia repeatedly. Blood poured from Amelia’s broken nose and badly split lip. Calypso pulled he up, taking Amelia to the freezer entrance, her hair still wrapped in her hand, Calypso yanked Amelia’s head back again and smashed her face into the metal frame to the freezer’s door. Jerking her hand, not bothering to unwrap Amelia’s hair, Calypso kicked Amelia in the middle of her back at the same time. David was thrown inside the freezer right behind her; Calypso flipped her hand around to get off Amelia’s hair. The two lay in the middle of the virtually empty freezer.

“There is one bullet in this pistol,” she dangled the .32 on her finger, “Will you be the greedy, spoiled little brat and use it for yourself? Or, will David realize how unfortunate it was to become involved with… the Boss, and save himself from the slow death. I suppose he could also be a gentleman and show sympathy for you and use it to end your misery.” Calypso watched the two slowly get back to their feet, “Amelia, if you would have been capable of backing up your words, together we could have built this into the metropolis you so dreamed of. I am most curious as to see what decision the two of you come to…in one week,” Calypso tossed the pistol into the far corner of the freezer and slammed the door shut. “SECURE IT IMMEDIATELY, Louie, do stand guard to ensure they do not escape.”

A human can survive for over a week without food, I wonder if they will be smart enough to save the bullet until calypso returns and shoot her…. Probably not

Calypso went to leave but stopped, “She seemed to be somewhat hot tempered, perhaps Louie you could help her to cool off further by turning down the thermostat.”

Or they both freeze to death beforehand….

“Calypso now that’s over I’d like to speak to you about Toby” he said looking at him briefly “I know he works for you but freeing him was a bad mistake, especially if Brandy dies.” Edward said

“Avoiding the fact he’s a mentally unstable and selfish, the town’s People will want justice for attack on Brandy or death; I know I would and no doubt you would if he had shot one of your girls?”

“Sure we could refuse to hand him over but what if they attack? no offence calypso but we wouldn’t be able to take all them on, regardless of how good we are, there are more of them, they better guns, armour, supplies and they those Brotherhood soldiers with that Vertibird will probably support them”

highly doubt would use that but if they needed It, if we attacked… I could see it happening….

“We either need to get him to jail or get him out of town now, I don’t see that Bob guy stepping down anytime soon and I’ve seen him and that vetibird in action, we would be dead in seconds.... "

[CRuzIta LUVz grlz]

Aaron Blades-Grayditch-Night-Time

Aaron stared in silence. His drinking earlier resulted in him blacking out. Aaron caught everything said, just never repiled. The only thing that threw him out of the black-out state was James saying, “Hey you, Aaron is it? Can you look after the kid, take her to tent, think her dad’s in there as well."

"Huh, what? I mean, no problem." Aaron said lowering his gun as everyone kept talking. His mind was still coming back into control, attempting to gain information about the situation. Aaron saw something out of his eye. He decided he would check it out later after he took the kid to her dad. Um, who the hell is her father? Didn't she come in with that Cole guy? I'll take her to him, he's in the tent I know for sure. Aaron thought as he saw Calypso talking to Tracy. Aaron was watching her closely. Once she finished a mole-rat came. Aaron's hand went immediately to his gun. The mole-rat seemed tame and had a bow wrapped around it. His hand still rested on his gun. Aaron turned his attention to the little girl. Aaron walked over to her. "Hey, I'm going to take to your father, he's in the tent. Take my hand." Aaron offered his hand and the little girl took his hand.

Calypso took off towards the tent. "Oh [censored]." Aaron said under his breath he walked at a slower pace. Wanting to avoid the obvious conflict that was bound to happen. Suddenly Aaron's brain sent a memory of gun shots at the tent. Then of Cole being shot. Aaron stopped for a second, he began to register the memories. Then he started to walk a little faster, he walked inside the tent and saw the doctor that helped James helping Cole stand up. Aaron looked down and told the little girl, "Hey go to your father. I've got to go." Aaron looked around the tent and suddenly saw a young woman laying on the table. Someone stood over her operating. "Okay, what the hell is going on? Did I come into a town where someone gets shot every [censored] day? Anything I can do to help?"

[natalie mccormick]

Dean Johnson - The Argument

Dean approached the crowd of his fellow Vault Dwellers and asked what was going on, only Biddy; a very attractive girl in which he had quite happily spent a good amount of time with while out in the wastes answered him; she was one of the positives of leaving the Vault. She played people a little too much for Dean's liking though. Most everybody else ignored him, too focused on each others trigger fingers to pay attention to him, although Hadley glanced up at him, an annoyed; maybe even worried expression crossing his face for under a second.

"It’ll all be alright in a few, Mr. Pini was rather rude. Real bad [censored]-up." Biddy spoke, her usual confident self, casting a grin over to the raging beast of a man.

Before Dean could respond, a woman in a nice dress stepped confidently closer to the group of dwellers, commenting, mostly to Pini how much of a disadvantage the dwellers were at, Dean couldn't help but agree... The whole wasteland was a disadvantage for them. The woman, startling Dean, stepped up even closer to him and Biddy, looking Biddy up and down, close to the way near enough every male in the vault had done at least once.

"I could use such an attractive and verbal young lady such as yourself. If we reach a peaceful agreement, might I have a word with you?" The woman smiled, Dean; if he hadn't been feeling like crap himself, may have even smiled at the sentence, they were two great words to describe Biddy, attractive and verbal, definitely. Before either Dean or Biddy could give any verbal response the woman had stepped away and up to Pini, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Oh, God!

The Vault Dwellers gasps echoed each other as the realization of what their leader would do at the woman's touch hit them, Pini went to raise his gun, just as Dean and near every vaulter there had expected him to; Dean ripped his 10mm pistol out of it's holster with an obvious lack of experience. His eyes darting everywhere, looking for a place to take cover.

Before he managed to react however, the expected gunshot rang out, but instead of the expected hail of bullets tearing Dean and the vaulters apart all that came was a painful cry from Pini, a round had hit his hand, causing him to lower the energy weapon for a couple of seconds. Though he didn't drop it, his hand lifted again, his finger stroking the trigger.

"Are you trying to get us killed!?" Dean shouted, surprising even himself, he had hated Pini for a while, but he had never spoken up to him; he was the boss... The alpha, their leader and their only hope of survival, unfortunately, he was also a bastard. The man didn't react to Dean's comment, his eyes were already filled with suppressed rage, the woman's next comment in didn't help sooth the fury in his eyes.

"Sniper, remember, Mr Pini? Could that of convinced you to consider a more peaceful approach." The woman smiled, she was dominant; even among the crowd of fully grown armed men Dean felt the air of her dominance through the crowd. She was elegant too, even in the darkness she managed to look elegant, she weirdly, had two different colored eyes. One blue, one green, and even among the chaos, they glistened in the darkness, becoming some what memorizing. Dean was dragged away from the woman's eyes by the further sight of Hadley getting ever closer to Mr Pini. He didn't trust Pini on normal circumstances, when he was this angry Dean didn't know how stupid his actions would or could get.

Dean made his way back towards Mr Pini, and back along to the side of Hadley, as usual he was casting a very dark look at Pini, one that Dean seconded. Hadley managed to softly lower Pini's gun, making Dean sigh in relief.

Dean turned, meaning to face back to the dwellers, but as he turned he saw a teenage girl walking away and towards the tent, he only saw a small portion of her face and she was skinnier then Dean remembered but he knew it was her. Aubrey... Dean's throat swelled even more, this damn town was bringing up more then he could handle, but he had to get out of the group somehow, had to speak to her again.

“I think I’d rather be with the wounded man than the woman with all the men in town employed to shoot on her order,” Amos interrupted, talking to the dominant woman in a tone too formal and lacking too much emotion to be rude, “I mean no offense by it, miss, but – albeit with reason – you have shot at us twice. It might have even been the right choice, but I don’t think any of us like the idea of sleeping where all your mercs and you are.” Hadley spoke, acting on logic as always.

“Also, our first priority is to resupply, get shelter – we’re willing to pay with the…currency you all use here – but we’re also here to learn about what’s nearby and the like. I have a number of questions I’d appreciate a few willing individuals answers to. Sooner than later, unless those three shots suggest you’re all too busy for it right now.”

"I've been in that tent over there," Dean stated, only just managing to keep his voice strong while the recent memory of the hectic scene rushed him. "Trust me, their busy."

"Like I said, you’re welcome to stay at mine, you can get supplies in the morning. Shops are closed anyway. I can also answer any questions you might have. I did it for Clark but yes you’re right about those shots. Calypso." The man spoke as he turned to the woman. So, that was her name, it was just as mysterious as her appearance. "Can you and your mercs deal with this, I’ll get the Vault Dweller's out of here?" He said before turning once again to another man. "Hey, you, Aaron is it? Can you look after the kid, take her to the tent? I think her dad’s in there as well." The man finished, ushering the group to follow him down the road.

"Don't take the little girl to the tent! There's blood [censored] everywhere in there, a little girl can't see that, hell, I'm still trying to handle seeing it!" Dean broke, looking towards the innocent little girl. No one seemed to pay any attention as they walked down a dark street towards the mans home.

"What the hell are you doing here anyway Dean!? You promised you'd be fine by that at camp!" Hadley spoke, very nearly failing to keep his usual emotionless composure now that the scene was ending.

"You guys were gone over half an hour... Half an hour! For a scout, what, I should have waited under that bridge all night to get eaten by wildlife?" Dean spoke, adding a small smirk to try and lesson the harshness he felt in the sentence.

"You were safe there Dean, safer then walking into the middle of this Mexican standoff anyway." Hadley persisted, his tone not relenting.

"Alright, I'm sorry. But the sun went down, and half an hour is far longer then the usual scouting trip. You can't tell me you would have just sat your ass under there and waited all damn night." Dean grinned.

"Okay, I would have done the same, but your still sixteen Dean; and I vouched for you to come out here, if something happens to you that's on my head back in the vault. "

"Yeah, I'm sorry Hadley, it won't happen again." Dean lied, turning around to face the crowd back at the alley, the little girl was crying heavily. The sound caused a lump in Deans throat; he knew he'd remember the sound of the girls pain for the rest of his life. The woman in the nice dress; Calypso was talking to the little girl, comforting her and ordering a man to take her to her father.

Dean needed a way to get out of there, nobody else was paying attention to him; too drained by what had gone on to be paying attention to anything. Except Hadley; he had to distract him. He brought up his Pip Boy and found the previous scan of the crops, transferring it Hadley's Pip-Boy quickly with a note attachment at the bottom.

I have to deal with something, don't worry, Ill meet you at that house soon enough.

"The town has crops Hadley, I'm sending you a scan now, I didn't have time to sort out the logistics but Ill help you later if you like." Dean smiled, knowing Hadley would jump at the chance of some research to take his mind off what had gone on.

"Great! Ill sort out the basic logistics now and you can help me sort through them later on or in the morning." Hadley spoke, bringing up his Pip-Boy and tapping away, his pace quickened at the same time as Dean slowed his, waiting till the group were a little ahead of him before slipping down an alleyway and spying what house they went into before sprinting back towards the direction of the tent.

[SiLa]

Lieutenant Henry Pierpont

Jury Street FOB – 0640z (12:40 am)

The Commander listened patiently as his staff briefed him on the status of Talon Company and progress towards launching the most vital mission in it’s long and infamous history...the recapture of their Home, Fort Bannister, and the avenging of their fallen leader, Commander Jabsco. Most of it was good….they had completed withdrawing their men from all but the most vital contracts and concentrated them here, at a camp set up around the old Jury Street Metro Station. The underground Metro station itself was being used as a magazine to store the massive quantity of ordnance the far-flung units of Talon Company had brought with them for the tough fight ahead. For the first time in many years, Talon Company had its full strength…over five hundred men, two batteries of light mortars, and three dozen crew-served machineguns…available for one operation. Morale was high, the men were ready and eager to drive the Californian do-gooders out of their home and make them pay for murdering Commander Jabsco. The briefing then turned to the Plan.

The battle plan was simple. Fort Bannister was heavily fortified before the Brotherhood took it by Air Assault. The last scout reports, before the increased air activity made it too dangerous to deploy scouts in daylight hours, indicated the Brotherhood were reinforcing the minefields around the base. The few men who escaped with their lives reported the Brotherhood had taken the medium and heavy mortars….and their magazines…intact due to the speed of their assault. Crossing a minefield over open ground in the face of heavy mortars and fixed machineguns was for all purposes committing suicide. That was why the Brotherhood used their captured Enclave Vertibirds in a night-time assault to take the surface fortifications by storm, then opened the gates to their comrades. As much as he hated the Brotherhood, the Commander found no fault with them from a professional standpoint. Talon Company had no Vertibirds, of course. But the Brotherhood had a weakness Talon Company could exploit. They…or at least the main group under Old Man Lyons…actually cared about the Wastelanders and wasted their time and strength trying to protect them. Talon Company was not weighed down by any such silly notions…so it was an ideal weakness to exploit.

To that end, he had sent out squads to kidnap every Wastelander they could find and bring them here. By last count they had just over a hundred, when Pierpont made his report he would have the current number. They were being given basic weapons training and shown how to use bangalore torpedoes and cut wire…all that was necessary to perform the task allotted to them. When the attack came, they would be sent in as cannon-fodder to clear the way for the assault troops by clearing the mines and wire…one way or another. If they balked or tried to flee, the MGs and troops behind them would cut them down. Many were women and children…it would be interesting to see if the Brotherhood lived up to it’s moral codes and held their fire. In any case, if they succeeded, any male survivors would be handed back over to the Drillmasters and trained properly in the Talon Company way after the battle. If they failed, they would at least draw enemy fire away from valuable trained troops.

“Commander”, said his aide, “Lt Pierpont is next, he will report on the status of the meat, sir.”

“Very well”, said the Commander, “What do you have for us, Henry?”

“There have been some complications, sir”, replied Pierpont coolly. “The current strength of the ‘Special Assault Force’ is one hundred twenty seven, an increase of nineteen from yesterday. The training is proceeding satisfactorily, the Drillmasters are confident they will be able to accomplish their task….if they make it through the minefields”.

“Good, Good!”, said the Commander. “And what of the recruitment operations in the settlements?”

“That’s where the complications come in, sir”, replied Pierpont, a hint of nervousness crossing his features. “The Big Town operation was successful, but the force was intercepted by the Brotherhood just west of Megaton and wiped out. And the Arefu force….well sir, you might want to read this”, said Pierpont as he picked up a letter from his briefcase and handed it to the Commander. “Private Nash arrived with it an hour after dark”.

The Commander took the letter and read it aloud.

To whom it may concern,

This letter is to notify you that the men you sent to Arefu...with the exception of Private Nash, the bearer of this letter...are all dead. We, as is our custom, did feast upon their blood, but their corpses can be found at the old electrical sub-station a mile West of Arefu. When the chems we administered to Private Nash wear off, he can explain the details of the unfortunate demise of his comrades. Please note, Arefu is under our protection, a duty we take with utmost gravity. Be assured that any future expeditions you send against Arefu will suffer the same fate as the men you have already lost. No further warnings will be given….leave the good people of Arefu alone or feel the wrath of the Family, even in the heart of your strongholds.

Your Obedient Servant,

Vince
For the Family

“Pompous bastard, isn’t he?”, sneered the Commander. “What did Nash have to say?”

“They pumped him full of Jet and Psycho, sir”, replied Pierpont. “Most of what he says is gibberish. All we have been able to get out of him so far is they never even made it to Arefu. And word about Nash has the men talking.”

“A follow up raid on Arefu is out of the question while the Brotherhood sits in Fort Bannister….if I send less than a Company I’d be risking a mutiny”, said the Commander disgustedly. “What other options do we have?”

“Our scouts report Big Town now has a Brotherhood garrison”, said Pierpont. “there was a small settlement in Springdale but our intel is that Leggio cleaned it out already. Megaton has its Militia partially mobilized due to Raiders and they are aggressively patrolling the area around it. Rivet City is impregnable as long as those anti-aircraft guns are operational. That just leaves Tenpenny Tower and Grayditch…”

“Who are each owned by a Premium client”, snapped the Commander. ”And Moriarty has enough muscle in Greyditch to fight the Enclave to a standstill, don’t forget that.”

After a pause, the Commander continued.

“No”, continued the Commander, “there are no other options for recruitment. We’ve got as much meat as we’re going to get. The boys are ready, there is no point in delaying any further”. The Commander looked around the room, noting the time…. 01:30…and letting his words sink in.

“We attack at Dawn tomorrow”, the Commander said. “That is twenty-eight hours from now”.

[FoReVeR_Me_N]

Ikky. Under the table.Dark outside.

As the evening wore on, the chemist remained under the table where he had hidden. The terror that had filled him quickly faded as he huffed some more jet, only to be replaced by an intense feeling of fascination as he watched the townsfolk and their reactions. At times the tent almost emptied, while at others it almost buzzed with activity. People shouted, panicked, got angry and got shot, all the while completely oblivious to the thin stream of smoke trailing up from under his table.

“This town is [censored] crazy.” Ikky quietly muttered to himself with a grin. “What a place. I [censored] love it.”

“That language is completely unacceptable.” A quiet voice to his left almost sighed in response. The unexpected noise startled the chemist and caused him to bang his head hard against the underside of the table. As Ikky swore again and rubbed at his throbbing scalp he slowly turned to look at the source of the sound. The blue eyes behind his goggles bulging when they spotted the yao guai hunched down under the table beside him. The huge creature slowly turned it's head to face the chemist, the top hat balanced on it's head scraping across the the wooden table. Ikky started and hit his head again as it winked at him from behind it's monocle. “Shhh.” It whispered, “They'll know I'm watching.”

“Who the [censored] are you?” The chemist asked.

“Swearing!” The yao guai snapped. “I won't warn you again.” It paused and sadly shook it's head. “I don't know what's wrong with you kids today. All this swearing and talk of six and drugs. You just ruin it for everyone else.”

“Ruin it for who?”

“Everyone.”

“Really?” Ikky replied, looking confused. “I disagree. I'd say that since this is a blasted wasteland people are just reacting to their environment. Perhaps before the world looked like this, drugs and swearing were seen as unpleasant and uncivilized. But civilization disappeared a couple of centuries back and the world left behind falls a hell of a long way short of pleasant. We're just acting accordingly, products of our environment. And since our environment is a product of a dead world, of a people so “civilized” that they tried to wipe each other out completely, who's fault is it that we act this way really?”

“But what about the six?”

“What about it? It's happened since the beginning. People have always done it, so since when was it a bad thing? Was there a meeting? Did everyone have a vote? “That's it Ikky, [censored]'s out. You were asleep so we made the decision without you.””

“Hmmm,” The yao guai whispered in response. “I never really thought of it that way.” As it spoke the creature began to fade, slowly becoming translucent before vanishing altogether.

“That's right.” Ikky pushed his last joint of Vegas Baby between his lips and lit it. “Told you I was a [censored] genius, I can even outwit my own imagination. Time to apply my skills elsewhere.” Suddenly the chemist sprang to his feet, throwing his arms above his head as he rose and sending the table crashing against some chairs as it overturned them. “So, anyone here in need of my assistance?” He bellowed. “Anyone need some drugs? You need someone sedated? You need an unconscious person waking up again? Well bring their asses over here and let me see what I can do.”

[Farrah Barry]

Calypso

Calypso held a sneering grin on her face as she walked back upstairs. Edward was there, he stepped over by Calypso, “Calypso now that’s over I’d like to speak to you about Toby” he said glancing back at Toby briefly “I know he works for you but freeing him was a bad mistake, especially if Brandy dies. Avoiding the fact he’s a mentally unstable and selfish, the town’s People will want justice for attack on Brandy or death; I know I would and no doubt you would if he had shot one of your girls?”

Calypso placed her hands on her hips; her tongue pushed the inside of her cheek as she exaggeratedly turned her head to face Edward. He temper was rising yet again, who was Edward to question her?

“Sure we could refuse to hand him over but what if they attack? no offence calypso but we wouldn’t be able to take all them on, regardless of how good we are, there are more of them, they better guns, armor, supplies and they those Brotherhood soldiers with that Vertibird will probably support them. We either need to get him to jail or get him out of town now, I don’t see that Bob guy stepping down anytime soon and I’ve seen him and that vertibird in action; we would be dead in seconds.... "

Her hips swayed side to side as she closed the distance between Edward and herself. When she was within reach, her arms shot forward, grabbing Edward’s collar shoving him against the wall. “WHO are YOU to question me?” Her face was close enough that her breaths moved Edward’s hair, “The Paradise Falls slaver who preached to the slaves? The mighty Paradise Falls slaver who Ari had her way with?”

Calypso pushed herself off of him and stepped back, “Do you know what would happen when that imbecile Three Dog rand his mouth on the radio should the Brotherhood turn on the town that they have agreed to help? And all over a single, A SINGLE, na?ve girl? They would be hated more than they already are; it would look as if they perhaps wanted want the Enclave was unable to retrieve.”

She took a deep breath, “Maybe you need another lesson about who calls the shots? I am most certain that Linda would gladly help you out, as well as Ari. I shall dismiss your questioning of my authority this once.” Calypso held her stare on Edward’s eyes as she leaned closer, “But, if you wish to push it, I will have you nailed to a cross just like your savior. Though, the sins of which you committed, may be too much for your Lord to bare. Thus, you find yourself residing in the Ten Courts of Hell for eternity.”

Calypso finished walking into the lobby, “Toby Toby Toby," her arms held wide, "I worry not about whom you kill, but rather where it is that you do it." She walked up by him, "Now love, if it were not for my wish to spruce The Rose's exterior. I would have allowed your fate to be decided by the people. I shall redirect their attention elsewhere, but next time love, coax your prey back here to conduct their demise." She looked directly into his eyes, letting him know she was serious.

Calypso spun around like a tornado, stomping her right like she was trying to break the marble, "NOW," she pulled the note out and uncrumpled it and she held it up, "EVERYONE GATHER!!!

All of the girls sheepishly shuffled into the lobby, Calypso hopped up onto the teller counter. She noted, indeed Jade and Aponi were nowhere to be found, she clenched her fist. “It would seem as though we have an issue with following orders.”

“What? I never left my post Calypso,” Watson protested. Calypso turned her attention to Rip.

“Me to,” His voice a bit shaky, “I never left my post either,” Rip’s eyes drifted to Ari and Calypso followed his gaze.

Calypso waltzed over to the stairs, “I shall return momentarily, and I expect some answers. I have a note saying this man has two of my girls. This does not please me; it would appear that our little tribal has grown some nerve in her short time here. Jade, this fails to surprise me; nonetheless, they shall both be reprimanded after I speak to the sender of this note.” Calypso shed her shiskebob and short sword, picking up her samurai and a wine bottle opener. She returned down the marble stairs, “Girls, line up against the counter.” The girls all lined up as told, “Watson, Rip, do join them.”

Unsheathing her samurai as she approached the line, she began playing with her sword. “Do tell where Watson and Rip were during my absence?” she asked each girl, they all answered the same. Watson had been at the front door, but none of them knew where Rip was, except when Calypso questioned Ari.

Ari looked at Rip, “Sorry, but I’m not getting my ass killed or whatever. He was with me Calypso, he wanted a…”

“BULL [censored],” Rip yelled out.

“SILENCE, what better reason would my lovely Ari have to say that, other than to save herself?” Calypso sheathed her samurai, flipping the wine opener in her fingers.

“You [censored]!!!” Rip snapped at Ari, she shrugged her shoulders back at him.

Calypso thrust her hand out; grabbing his forearm, she yanked him right up to her. “Did I not tell you to WATCH?”

“Ya…yeah, you did Calypso. I [censored] up, it won’t happen again, I swear,” pleaded Rip.

Calypso raised the wine opener, turning it in her hand, eyeing it like a fine jewel, “Correct you are love, it will indeed not happen again. Hart, do restrain him.”

“Yeah Boss,” Hart grasped Rip’s hand behind his back, “Sorry bro,” he whispered.

“I said to restrain him, not whisper sweet nothings into his ear,” Calypso continued to toy with the opener, “When I tell you to keep an eye on the girls, and to not allow entry to my establishment, that is what I expect. What I do not expect is, to receive a note delivered by a molerat, informing me that…” She pushed the note into Rip’s face, “THIS MAN HAS TWO OF MY GIRLS!!!”

Calypso stared intently into Rip’s eyes, her jaw tense, her nostrils flared. Lexy was about twenty feet away and could hear Calypso’s breath. Calypso grabbed Rip by the nape of his neck with her right hand; the opener in her left inched closer to the frightened mercs right eye.

“A lesson is to be learned from this,” Rip screamed as she plunged the opener into his eye and twisted it, removing his eyeball, “Next time I say keep an eye out, perhaps this shall help to keep you focused on the task.” She took Rip’s hand and placed his eyeball in his palm. “Should this man have harmed my girls in any way, you will wish that was all the punishment you received.”

“I shall go freshen up before heading to this Tropical Room, do prepare yourselves as well,” Calypso whisked off up the stairs, her heels clicking on the rich black marble flooring. Shutting and locking the door behind her, she stripped off her leather armor. She washed with some damp cloths, sitting down at her vanity to brush her hair. Calypso stopped as she stared at her mirror, she saw Tracy looking back at her, the girls large hazel eyes curious and sweet. Calypso’s heart skipped a beat; the girl in the mirror did as she did when she moved her arm.

“Do you have any kids I can play with?” asked Tracy, her lips curled into an innocent smile. Calypso gripped the seat of her chair tight as her eyes went wide.

“N…no, I am unable to be with child,” Calypso’s eyes glassed over.

“Why?”

Calypso pressed her lips together, a tear fell from the corner of her eye, “I am uncertain darling.”

The girl folded her arms, her hair gently bounced with her movements, “I want another girl to play with, there’s only one little boy here in town.”

Calypso hesitantly lifted her hand as she raised her finger, “Sha…Shelby is like my daughter, she is older, but if I told her she would play with you?” She leaned forward, her finger attempting to touch the girls face; tapping the mirror. As soon as she touched the mirror, Tracy disappeared and Calypso now looked at her own reflection, “NO, the girl, where did the girl go?”

Her reflection’s face twisted into a wicked grin, “Look at you, the Goddess of the wasteland, you have anything, and everything that you could possibly want.” It waved its arms, “Except your own child.”

Tears began to flow from Calypso’s eyes, she slammed her fists on the vanity, “I have raised Shelby…”

“You corrupted that girl, teaching your ways,” The image spat back, “She was living a troubled life, but what have you given her?”

“Me? Uh…um, I have taught her to survive, given her whatever it was that she desired.” Defended Calypso.

“And you want to bear a child to corrupt in the same manner? NONSENSE, Tracy is an innocent, loving child. LOVE, is one thing that you lack Calypso,” The image in the mirror turned her shoulder.

Calypso was now sobbing, “But I raised Shelby to protect herself,” she fell to her knees and held the chair.

“And where is Shelby now?” The image inquired, raising the eyebrow facing Calypso.

Calypso sat quiet, catching her breath and stifling sobs, “I am afraid that I do not know where Shelby is,” Her head fell into her hands.

“SEE, you FAIL. You are unaware of the whereabouts of your self-proclaimed…daughter. You are not worthy to bear a child,” hissed the image in the mirror.

Calypso shot to her feet, she pulled up the vanity chair and heaved it at the mirror smashing it, “[censored] YOU!!!”

Lexy had followed Calypso; standing outside of her door should anyone retaliate from her actions against Rip. Lexy turned the handle but nothing, she began beating on the door, “Calypso, are you alright?” She did not receive an answer; she called again, no answer. Lexy frowned as she had a look around; she pulled out her 10mm SMG and shot the lock. Lexy kicked open the door and saw Calypso curled up on the floor sobbing. “Calypso?” she returned her SMG to its holster and kneeled down to her Boss, “Are you OK?”

Calypso put her hands on the back of Lexy’s neck and pulled her further down, “I know not where my beloved Shelby is…”

Lexy felt very uncomfortable, but she hugged Calypso, “I’m sure she’s fine, she can handle herself.”

Calypso pulled Lexy’s face to hers, “Nobody is to know of this, I assure you, you would not survive the punishment that I would deliver.”

Lexy shook her head, “I promise Calypso, I will not say a word.”

“Should I hear of you speaking of thi…”

“Calypso, I give you my word, and I strongly believe in a person’s word being a display of their character.” Lexy stared right back into Calypso’s blue and green eyes.

“Very well,” Lexy Helped Calypso to her feet, Lexy gasped when Calypso wrapped her arms tightly around her, “Do tell Monroe to find my Shelby.”

“Sure thing,” Lexy replied, squeezing Calypso.

“I must prepare myself for this impromptu meeting,” Calypso stepped away, brushing herself off.

“I’ll be right outside the door if you need me,” Lexy took one last look at Calypso before stepping back into the hallway.

Calypso rummaged through a few of her dresses, snatching the emerald green one that Harold had chosen for her. Even after some time, she ran a brush through her hair, sniffing as she did so, “Alexis, do don the dress you wore earlier, for we must have an audience at the Tropical Room.”

“Gotcha Calypso, I’m on it,” Lexy ran off to her room to change. A short time later, Lexy walked back towards Calypso’s room only to see her begin to descend the stairs.

“Swick, Hart, Watson, girls. Do accompany me to the Tropical Room.” Calypso paused, “Anyone who wished to accompany me may do so actually.”

Upon nearing the Tropical Room, Calypso’s temper rose at the freshened up entrance. The red velvet ropes, the lack of trash and debris, and the fact that two of her girls were inside. She pushed open the door; she saw Jade and Aponi giggling like school girls as they put down an empty bottle next to two others on the table.

“GIRLS,” yelled Calypso, Jade and Aponi’s jaws hit the floor, Jade mouthed [censored] me. They scurried over to Calypso.

“Ca…Ca…Calypso, we…” Jade stuttered, Calypso held up her hand.

“Since you two decided to venture from the Rose, do tell who this M person?” Calypso showed them the note, “You shall be disciplined for your actions.”

“Justin, his name is Justin Ma...Ma,” Jade took a deep breath; only able to imagine what was in store for her and aponi.

Calypso studied the Tropical Room, it was cleaner, more organized, and in general, better than The Elusive Rose. I must tend to The Rose’s appearance far more than I have, “Robot, do bring your owner to me at once.”

[electro_fantics]

Justin Mieux- The Tropical Room

Justin Mieux, sitting on the upper floor, the dining level overlooking the ballroom, he looked up from his glass of wine as a young man approached his table. He put the wine on a coaster, despite the once pearl white tablecloth long having lost it's brightness. "Hey, got any work for me? I just arrived in town.", he said. Mieux simply didn't respond, an eyebrow raising from behind the top of his sunglasses. "Well, I MIGHT, but a name would good for starters. On top of that, no 'Hello sir, I'm here seeking employment', and so on. Now, sit down an-" Mieux paused as a sound interrupted his thoughts, a sound he'd been waiting to hear as he smirked at the sound of the doors of the nightclub open with the sound of forced strength, looking at an old pocketwatch and smiled to himself, "Right on time."

The grand staircase clicked as gentle jazz played the speakers. Timing it just right, having played it in his head carefully, he renacted the scene he put in his head into reality as Calypso demanded the presence of Mieux. Mieux's carefully polished shoes clicked on each step slowly, echoing on the old marble stairs. Mieux walked down the steps with a cool, practiced grace and calm, lighting a cigarette with his Lucky 38 emblem lighter he got from Vegas. Despite the cigarette, Mieux had a light scent, an old Pre-War cologne. The spotlights that glittered the chandelier reflected gently in his reflective tinted sunglasses. He stopped as he descended from the balcony level, standing at the very base of the stairs. "No need, gorgeous. Nice voice, nice legs. You must be Calypso." Mieux smirked and continued on, "Calypso, the Greek sea nymph, and what a lovely little nymph you are." Mieux, obviously unconcerned at the strength he could sense radiating from Calypso, made a sly grope on her behind, then quickly played it off. "Please, don't hurt these lovely birds. They've been proper ladies all night, and seeing their boss now, I can see where they get it from." Mieux looked at the entourage that had followed Calypso, quickly disinterestedly dismissed them from thought, quickly focusing on Calypso once more.

Mieux simply grabbed her hand and gave it a formal kiss and bowed lowly to her with a practiced charming grin, "Justin Mieux, humbly at your service."

OOC: Mieux is aware Calypso is liable to cut him for the mildest thing, he can sense it (He's not psychic, it's just one of those things you can pick up about someone), but he's so in love with his self seen image as Dean Domino reborn, he's oblivious to any potential offense he could cause, and deep down, he doesn't even care how rude he came off.

[stevie trent]

Mr Burke

Paradise Falls – Late Evening


“Please don’t”, the slave girl begged Chuck, tears running down her face. “Not that!”

“You don’t have any choice in the matter, girly.”, said Chuck with a smirk as he held up the detonator to her collar. She was perfect….young and blonde, and a cryer. It was so much better when they cried and begged for him to stop. “You’re meat now…your only purpose is to please your betters.” He then gestured at the table nearby. “Go over there and assume the position, meat!”

The shrill ringing of the alarm clock dispelled the dream, and dragged Chuck into wakefulness. Chuck rolled over, dismissing the odd rustling noise he heard, and fumbled with the clock until it shut off. Looking at the dim radium numbers, he saw it was 11pm.

“Gotta get up”, Chuck said to himself, “I go on watch in a hour….if I’m late Forty-Two will have my ass.”

Sitting up, he heard the rustling noise again. Patting his chest, he realized that something had been pinned to his T-shirt.

“[censored]s!”, Chick said, raising his voice so the other slavers in the house turned barracks could hear him. “If you were [censored] with me while I slept, I’ll kick your [censored] asses!!”

Chuck got out of bed and lit the lantern on the small end-table in his room. Now able to see, he removed the safety pin from his shirt and examined what it had held there. It was a envelope. Chuck opened it, and found two items. One was another envelope, on it was written “Mr. James Leggio”. The other was a note, which Chuck began to read.

My dear fellow,

You have been selected to perform as task for me. Please deliver the enclosed letter to your employer, Mr Leggio, at your earliest convenience. While I am not offering any financial remuneration for this task, I’m sure once you check on your housemates that you will agree assisting me in this matter is the least you could do to repay the favor I have extended to you.

Cordially,

Burke

“What. The. [censored].”, said Chuck out loud. He then suddenly noticed how quiet it was in the house. Chuck got up and grabbed his Chinese 10mm automatic from the bedstand and left the room.

Entering the living room, he could hear Three-Dog, over the radio. Sitting in the couch in the center of the room, facing the fireplace, was Williams. On the table in front of him was a bottle of scotch, a half-full glass sitting on the arm rest of the sofa. Chuck walked around to face him, and saw that his shirt was drenched in blood. Someone had cut his throat with what looked like a razor.

Chuck gulped and went into the kitchen. There, he found Dave and Stu, slumped over the kitchen table. They had been playing cards when someone shot Dave in the back of the head, and Stu in the eye.

Shaking with fear, Chuck backed into the living room, jumping at every creak of the old house. It was then that the alarm started to ring, from the upstairs bedroom where Nancy and Lisa bunked. Chuck crept up the stairs, pistol extended. Reaching the bedroom, he tried the door and it was unlocked. Opening the door and peeking inside, he saw the lanterns in the room had been lit. They were lying on the bed, both dead. Like Williams, their throats had been cut.

It was then that Chuck lost it. The realization that he was in a house full of corpses…and the man who did it could just as easily killed him too, he had even entered the room while he slept and pinned a note to his shirt without him waking….was too much for him and he panicked. Dropping his pistol, he began to scream. He then turned and ran out of the house, screaming as if the Devil himself was after him.


Jimmy’s House – a few minutes later

“We found these in his bedroom”, Forty-Two said grimly, handing Jimmy a letter and a envelope. “Chuck wasn’t [censored]ting, it was Burke alright. The place is a slaughterhouse….the sick [censored] killed everyone but him so he’d wake up and find them all dead”.

“What I want to know”, said Ymir, “Is why did he come up here to send such a message to you, Jimmy? Is there something going on that we need to know about?” The other assembled senior slavers murmured their agreement to this.

Jimmy tore open the envelope and read the letter.

My Dear Mr Leggio,

It is my unfortunate duty to convey to you Mr Tenpenny’s displeasure regarding the recent order we placed with you. Not only was the merchandise not delivered, but his Agents were found at the agreed meeting point murdered and robbed of the payment for said goods. This is simply unacceptable.

The merchandise itself was sold to Calypso in Greyditch…I have with my own eyes seen the Bill of Sale, written out in Mr Luciano’s hand. Mr Luciano himself was last seen at the Nuka-Cola plant, several hours before my employer’s late Agents arrived there to be murdered.

Mr Tenpenny and I would like to believe that Luciano betrayed you, and absconded with both the proceeds from the sale of the merchandise and Mr Tenpenny’s payment. But in the end, it is really irrelevant. Mr Luciano is your senior lieutenant, it is up to you to make this right. To that end, we require two things from you if we are to remain on amicable terms. Firstly, Mr Tenpenny demands the sum of forty-thousand caps, the amount of the stolen payment plus interest. Secondly, we require Al Luciano be handed over to us, either alive or dead. As an incentive, we’ll waive the interest if Luciano is handed over alive and in condition to talk. This is non-negotiable.

You have one week...if you do not agree to Mr Tenpenny’s terms, the responsibility for what comes next will fall upon you.

Respectfully,

Burke

PS – I am aware you are planning to leave for the Mojave or the NCR...if you attempt to leave the Capital Wasteland before this is settled to Mr Tenpenny’s satisfaction we will be forced to make the conclusion Mr Luciano was acting on your orders and act accordingly.


Forty-thousand caps? Even if we sell all the meat in the pens I cannot come up with much more than half of that! What the [censored] am I going to do?

“What does the note say….”, Ymir said calmly, “….Boss?”

Jimmy looked up at Ymir, who calmly returned his gaze as Jotun began fingering his Super-Sledge. The other slavers were beginning to voice their support for Ymir’s line of questioning. In the background he could still hear Chuck babbling with terror and crying.

They are losing their fear of me…if I don’t act fast I’m going into the latrine pit with Eulogy. Looks like I’m going to have to save myself…nothing personal, Al.

“Get that babbling moron out of here!”, barked Jimmy as he pointed at Chuck. To Jimmy’s relief, the order was obeyed and Forty-Two and Carolina Red dragged Chuck to his feet and herded him towards the front door.

Jimmy then turned back to Ymir.

“You want to know what this is about?”, shouted Jimmy angrily. “I’ll tell you! Al [censored] us, that’s what happened! He sold the meat to another buyer, then turned around and ripped the Old Man off and ran off with his caps too! The Old Man wants his money back…and if he doesn’t get it, he will take it out of all of our hides!”

Ymir was taken aback by this.

“What are you going to do about it?”, he asked.

“I…I?”, Jimmy roared as he stepped forward and backhanded Ymir across the face. “You mean WE, genius…what are WE going to do about it?” Jimmy slapped him again. “Do you think Burke is going to stop with me? Those [censored]s he has already killed are just the beginning…he will never go away until he gets what he wants!!”

Ymir recoiled reflexively at the rebuke. Jimmy looked around furiously, the moment had passed and the fear the others felt for him had returned.

“Get all the boys together”, Jimmy snapped. “I want you to go out there right [censored] now and find Al…and whoever was with him…and bring them and the money back here. Whoever brings me Al…or his head…gets his job!”

For a long moment, everyone stood still, shocked at Jimmy’s rage.

“Did I [censored] stutter?”, Jimmy shouted, his face turning beet red. “Get out there….NOW!”

“Yes, Boss….right away!”, said the chastened Ymir. He then turned and headed for the door, the others…not wanting to draw Jimmy’s wrath…close behind him.

“Not you”, Jimmy said to Forty-Two, “you stay here”.

As the last one left, Jimmy pulled a bottle of whisky and a glass from the bar and poured a stiff drink, drained it, then sat at his desk and started writing, as Forty-Two stood there and fidgeted.

Not good…not good at all. Ymir is going to be a problem, the others were too quick to line up behind him. Once I’ve dealt with all, I need to deal with him.

Finishing his letter, Jimmy sealed it and handed it to Forty-Two.

“This needs to go to Littlehorn & Associates at Scrapyard”, Jimmy said, “….see to it personally.”

“Yes, Boss”, Forty-Two said, then scurried out of the building before Jimmy went off on him again.


A few minutes later

Mr Burke, wearing a black pair of coveralls and night vision goggles instead of his usual white suit, crouched unnoticed on top of the wall that ringed Paradise Falls, watching the slavers scurry about inside with amusemant.

I see my message was received loud and clear…the next move is up to Mr Leggio.

Burke looked at his wristwatch, noting it was just past midnight. He then climbed down from the wall of scrap metal and began heading south. On the other side of a small hill, he approached a pile of rocks, behind it was a object covered in a tarp. After making sure he was alone, he pulled away the tarp, revealing a small motorcycle…a pre-war electric powered dirt-bike that ran off of a fission battery. A firm in the Commonwealth had lovingly restored it to as good as new. It cost him a fortune, a average Wastelander family could eat for five years off what the bike had cost him. But the advantages it offered were worth the cost…he could quietly cross the Capital Wasteland in a fraction of the time it would have taken on foot, and the extra speed added to his reputation.

Burke folded up the tarp and stuffed it into a saddlebag mounted on the bike, then lifted it up from off it’s side and got on, then proceeded south.

Now to the next task….I need to meet with Mr. Griffin and give him his orders. I also want to be present for the upcoming spectacle to take place at Jury Street in a little over two hours….It won’t be as grand as if I had managed to hire someone to set off the Atomic Bomb in Megaton, but it will still be fascinating.

[Maria Garcia]

-Tracy


No one spoke about Cole, the lady – Calypso – merely squeezed her shoulder with a hand in attempts to comfort her. All Tracy could do was grip tight hands about the woman’s fancy dress and uneasily stare at the vault dwellers with teary eyes and wet cheeks. All she wanted to do was get away and see Cole.
As much as she tried, it was hard to pay attention to the negotiations; all she knew was that the man with an accent was willing to take them, and that these people weren’t to be sent off. Her sore, scratchy throat, soon to expose bruising, hurt more than ever as she looked at the muscle responsible.

“They’re – I don’t want them here,” she whined, too scared to let the dwellers hear her – at the price of no one else likely hearing it themselves.

She glanced to the man with the accent, “James,” with her quiet plea – he was injured, and not his arm. Whoever had done it, it wasn’t those three shots back at the tent moments before. And he offered his home.
“hey you, Aaron is it? Can you look after the kid, take her to tent, think he dad’s in there as well.”

“Dad? Is he okay?” she started up again.

When looking back at Calypso, she gave a long look throughout the group.
And then she knelt down, and something in her face changed. Her harsh, powerful looks softened into a smile, struck by something. She brushed Tracy’s cheek and hair and fixed her worn, yellow dress with a gentle, tender touch that startled the small girl.
Something was off. Something was wrong.

“Dad?” She felt her own throat closing.

“Tracy dear, your father is in the tent. You are safe; I will not allow these, or anyone to hurt you if I can help it.”

A tear dropped, and the world seemed to grow hazy at the haunting sight, her heart twisted with horror. She couldn’t breathe. Something was wrong.
The woman gave a kiss on the cheek, something Tracy hadn’t gotten since her own mother threw her out of home, and stood up, giving a surprising threat in protection of her. And then she assembled the gang of guns and knives away with her, the unfamiliar man – “Aaron” – beginning to send her to the tent. Tracy impatiently raced for it, forcing Aaron to rush to keep in range of her.

And there Cole was, wounded, and his face showed it. But he wasn’t dead, she hadn’t lost him. Yet.

“What’s going on?” she tried to demand the answer, as Cole was supported by another, but it came out struggled and meek.

The world felt like it towered over her, as Tracy’s knight in shining armor looked ready to…drift away. A number of advlts, all strange faces, looked like giants ready to squash her with old boots and shoes. A woman was stretched across a table drenched in blood, as a man opened up her body.
Tracy stood still, stiff; ready to jump at a wind of movement, with increasingly shaky, wide eyes.

[kasia]

Calypso - The Tropical Room - Late evening

As Calypso gazed about the clean interior of The Tropical Room, a silhouette on the staircase caught her eye. The click of dress shoes descending them in an unhurried, confident pace. The sudden glow of a lighter followed by a puff of grey smoke that encircled the man's head, lingering behind him as he continued down to the ballroom floor. The man stopped, standing casually at the base of the stairs, Calypso watched with an intense stare. "No need, gorgeous. Nice voice, nice legs. You must be Calypso." The man smirked and continued on, "Calypso, the Greek sea nymph, and what a lovely little nymph you are."

Calypso almost unknowingly turned her leg, letting the dress fall to either side to reveal it more. She was surprised at the man's unconcerned posture of her presence, let alone that of her crew. He further surprised her by groping her rear, she was quite pleased, the man was attractive, his words flowed like a fine wine.

"Please, don't hurt these lovely birds. They've been proper ladies all night, and seeing their boss now, I can see where they get it from." He looked over to her entourage, quickly focusing on Calypso once more.

Calypso's irritation rose and fell, she was not accustomed to a man treating her in such a way. Her eyes drifted towards Jade and Aponi, returning back to the man. The well dressed man grabbed her hand and gave it a formal kiss and bowed lowly to her with a charming grin, "Justin Mieux, humbly at your service."

"Mr. Mieux, as you obviously already know who I am, I must ask," She unfolded the note, "What matter is it that you wish to discuss in secrecy?"

Calypso turned over her hand gripping Mieux's and pulling his arm around her waist as she backed up to him, "I do admire your establishment Mr. Mieux, the vintage decor, the music, the dance floor. Perhaps we may hold our audience as we grace the floor of your Tropical Room yes?" Her head was now tilted back, her long black hair draqed over Mieux's shoulder, her lips inches from his ear. She held her voice seductively, but with a sense of authority.

Calypso waved off her mercs, they began to take seats at various tables, Swick and Watson sat down at the bar while the Mr. Handy served the drinks they ordered.

"You wish to hire my girls do you not?" She whispered into his ear, as her head remained leaned back, Calypso saw a young man coming down the stairs. A man whom she had not yet noticed about town, "I do inquire Mr. Mieux, how many do you you employ?"

[BRIANNA]

Mieux smirked, then simply whispered into her ear, "We can talk business later, never fun to mix business with pleasure. Word to the wise love, gorgeous behind or no, I'd appreciate if you tried NOT to eat my ear." Mieux shrugged off her cannibalism as if it was no big deal, "Surprised I know? I learned a lot. You'd be surprised at what you find out when you take the time to listen yourself." Mieux simply stopped speaking, his eyes lingering once more to her entourage, he looked at them, calculating their looks, some seemed to be wearing surprise, some confused. He then looked back at the side of her face once more. "That said, you and I can discuss business on the third floor, in my office. But for now, let's have some fun. You may think you run Grayditch, but if you want to do business with me, you'll have to play my game." He smirked a little once more, then pulled his head back as he heard footsteps behind him, it was Andrew coming down to the ballroom. "AH! This is....er...well....actually....never got his name..." Mieux said, for a moment his false accent slipped slightly for a moment at his unsureness of the young mans name. "He seeks to be an employee here, and I'd like to hire your girls, when you can find the time to let them have cart blanche to leave when they are not on the clock."

Mieux simply threw his hands together, then looked about the room. "Well! Since all introductions have been made, and I do believe pleasure before business, but for now, we all have a party." He eyed the mercs through his sunglasses, mildly annoyed with the mercs, of all things, not wearing suits and dresses to the club. "I normally have a black tie policy, but, I think I can make an exception tonight." He grinned at the end of his smarmy comment, and simply said "Ladies and gentlemen, please, feel free to dance, drink, or just eat a free steak, meals are on the house tonight. Speak to Winston, the Mister Handy, he'll set you all straight." He paused a moment as he heard a faint patter run into the room "Oh! Also, don't mind Domino, he's not a threat to any of you." Mieux bent down, like before, and forgot where he was again as his heart fell with genuine love. "Aren't you boy? Yeah, you're not a bad mole rat huh?" Mieux simply looked around, shrugged like it was nothing. "What?" he said looking at the room, then ascended the stairs to leave the others to their meals, taking Calypso by the hand and taking her to the second floor.

Escorting her to the opposite end of the room, to a spot overlooking the staircase, Justin Mieux sat her down at his table, a meal for two already at it's place. The spot Mieux had picked was special in it's own right, since anyone sitting there could see the ballroom, but a potted plant blocked the view from the first floor, giving a sense of privacy to the two. Not smiling, Mieux seated Calypso, took off and pocketed his thick tinted sunglasses, revealing his olive green eyes, then pulled his .45 from his shoulder holster in his coat. Holding it up, he said softly, "I could kill you here and now love, before the mercs could get to you." Then, he put the butt of the gun in Calypso's hand. "I'm not a fool Calypso, I can see it, in your eyes. That cold, calculating methodical thought process. I'm giving you my gun for the rest of our night together for a reason. For any partnership, one has to trust the other. Knowing the kind of nature you have, and handing my gun to you is my attempt to make a bridging trust. Don't let me regret this, love. I'm a great partner, but cross me, and I won't be to happy." None of his tone was hostile, on the contrary, it sounded concerned. Hiding his growing affection for the brutal woman, he continued to try and play it cool and sit down with Calypso, pouring her a glass of wine then himself. "So, I hear you're a rather brutal woman. I prefer a simple execution. Tell me, what made you favour brutality over simplicity?" He asked, his body language indicating that he was genuinely interested in her story.

[Marnesia Steele]

Calypso - The Tropical Room - Evening

Mieux smirked, then simply whispered into her ear, "We can talk business later, never fun to mix business with pleasure. Word to the wise love, gorgeous behind or no, I'd appreciate if you tried NOT to eat my ear."

Calypso pulled back her head and gave a questioning look to Mieux, he spoke before she did, "Surprised I know? I learned a lot. You'd be surprised at what you find out when you take the time to listen yourself." Mieux simply stopped speaking, his eyes lingering once more to her entourage.

"Indeed I find myself intrigued, but I do believe that you have fallen on false information darling," Calypso watch while Mieux observed the others for a moment, his gaze returned to her.

"That said, you and I can discuss business on the third floor, in my office. But for now, let's have some fun. You may think you run Grayditch, but if you want to do business with me, you'll have to play my game." He smirked a little once more, then pulled his head back as the sound of footsteps could be heard coming up behind him. he heard footsteps behind him, "AH! This is....er...well....actually....never got his name..." Mieux said, for a moment his accent slipped slightly for a moment at his unsureness of the young mans name. "He seeks to be an employee here, and I'd like to hire your girls, when you can find the time to let them have cart blanche to leave when they are not on the clock."

Calypso raised her brow in slight amusemant at Mieux's folly, a small smile graced her face. What an interesting individual, though who is this man to question me about my town?

Mieux simply threw his hands together, then looked about the room. "Well! Since all introductions have been made, and I do believe pleasure before business, but for now, we all have a party." She assumed he was looking back at her mercs, "I normally have a black tie policy, but, I think I can make an exception tonight." He grinned, "Ladies and gentlemen, please, feel free to dance, drink, or just eat a free steak, meals are on the house tonight. Speak to Winston, the Mister Handy, he'll set you all straight." He paused a moment as he heard a faint patter run into the room "Oh! Also, don't mind Domino, he's not a threat to any of you." Mieux bent down to acknowledge the molerat, "Aren't you boy? Yeah, you're not a bad mole rat huh?"

A girly giggle escaped Calypso, her fingers quickly found her lips in embarassment, something that rarely, if ever, happened to her.

Mieux simply looked around, shrugged like it was nothing. "What?" he said looking at the room, then ascended the stairs to leave the others to their meals, taking Calypso by the hand and taking her to the second floor.

The heels of their footware clicked simultaneiously up the stairs, "Mr. Mieux, Watson, the man in the tuxedo is my doorman at The Elusive Rose. I prefer a proffessional atmosphere at my establishment as well. Same holds true for my girls, as you can see, I provide them access to a marvelous prewar wardrobe. My Linda is a wonderful seamtress, perhaps you should visit her should you find yourself yearning to add variaty to your own wardrobe."

Mieux led her to a prepared dining table, a pair of piping hot meals awaited them. The seating provided a view of the entire ballroom floor, she noticed her mercs and girls engaging in comradery amongst themselves. A beautiful potted plant disrupted the view from the ballroom floor, she smiled as Swick squinted and craned his head in search of his Boss. Mieux slid out the chair, allowing Calypso to sit, she straightened her silky smooth green dress and sat. "Ever the gentleman I see," she smiled up at Mieux despite him not recycling the gesture.

He pocketed his dark sunglasses, he caught her off guard when he pulled out a pistol. Holding it up, he said softly, "I could kill you here and now love, before the mercs could get to you."

"Yes, but I have great faith that my Monroe would personally see to you most definite demise," Her eyes glistened in the low light.

Then, he put the butt of the gun in Calypso's hand. "I'm not a fool Calypso, I can see it, in your eyes. That cold, calculating methodical thought process. I'm giving you my gun for the rest of our night together for a reason. For any partnership, one has to trust the other. Knowing the kind of nature you have, and handing my gun to you is my attempt to make a bridging trust. Don't let me regret this, love. I'm a great partner, but cross me, and I won't be to happy."

"I could not be in more of an agreement," she smirked as her hand slid up her dress to unsheathe her dagger from her black garter. She twirled it with mastered precision in her hand, laying it on the table she slid it by his plate.

Mieux seated himself, and poured them each a glass of red wine, "So, I hear you're a rather brutal woman. I prefer a simple execution. Tell me, what made you favour brutality over simplicity?" He asked, his body language indicating that he was genuinely interested in her story.

Calypso rest her elbows on the table, interlocking her fingers loosely she let her chin rest on them, Mieux placed the glass in front of her. She took her right index finger and circled the brim of the clean glass, "Is that what you have heard Mr. Mieux? Perhaps some may think that, I do however, believe it aids in getting ones attention. Repercussions for their actions. Have you ever heard of the Jaded Emperor Mr. Mieux?"

She picked up the glass and swirled the wine around inside under her nose, her eyes closed as she sniffed the aroma emanating from the red liquid. "I am the Emperor's...death dealer if you will. I administer punishment to those deserving before sending them to answer for their actions in the Ten Courts of Hell. The Emperor them decides how he wishes to eternally punish them." Calypso eyed Mieux, "I must admit, a dinner with such an intelligent man does not come often, and lucky for you, you darling are in the presence of a Goddess."

"Let us celebrate this chance meeting shall we?" She held up her glass over the center of the table, "May we reach an understanding that will line our pockets with riches, quench our thirst for power, and potentially lead to more festivities later this evening."

Their glasses sang a gentle duet as the clanked together, Calypso took a small drink, savoring the flavor for a moment then felt it's warmth as it found the path down her throat. "Mr. Mieux I am most curious, how is that you are so knowledgeable of me, but I lack the same knowledge of such an handsome gentleman that resides in my community? Please, enlighten me."

[Hearts]

Mieux listened to Calypso's story with some interest, observing the knife between his fingers. As Calypso finished her story of her ideals, "Won't need this." Mieux said, simply unconcerned, throwing the knife carelessly to the floor, not bothering to watch it fall. As if it never happened, he simply carried on the conversation, "Interesting opinion, can't say I bother much with elaborate ideas of 'hell' and 'otherly world' punishments. I can be merciful, or I can be swift to punish, just depends. I prefer simple executions, but if I'm angered, I'm liable to see to someone being beaten first as punishment. Some might prefer eye gouging or intestine removal, but I'm not some New Reno mobster." Mieux stopped to drink, unaware he was speaking of the West and Calypso may not have been there. He smirked as Calypso flattered him with her compliment, "Heh, thank you for the compliment, a bit blush inducing though."

Mieux suddenly caught the muscles of Calypso twitch as she made a move to raise her glass, a formal toast soon came from her lips, wishing the two money and power. "Truer words can't be said, love. To all the caps in the world" He gave a soft laugh as the glasses clanked. Soon after, Calypso asked him a question he was hoping wouldn't be answered, how he came to learn a lot. "Good question, a little bit of this, a little bit of that." He smirked. "Alright, alright, I'm a stickler for detail. I listened carefully to your girls, who seem to have a fear of you, and I.....explored the town a little tonight. From what I gathered, you either run this town, or bully others into believing it. Either way, to be honest, I don't care if you think you run the whole of the Wasteland, I'm not here for power, I'm here for the money. I heard Grayditch was ripe for taking. I do admit, I miss my home in Tenpenny Tower, but, well, this club has taken alot of work. The walls aren't wallpapered save for the offices, so luckily I don't have to deal with cracked paints and peeling wallpaper. Anyway, before I slip off on a self-thought rambling, the short answer is 'eavesdropping on the girls' and 'eavesdropping on the tustle in the alley'. Still don't know about it. Oh, and one other thing, the girls mentioned to each other a name, or a word, not sure which. But who, or what, is Moriarity I heard about?"