[Manuela Ribeiro Pereira]

FRIEDA who may as well be controlled by Surfer as he insists on living in my head ~~ Diner ~~ late evening

Pawnee's idea of greeting her upon his return was to pick her up off the ground in a tight hug and spin her around. She squealed like a little girl, delighted and terrified, until he set her down.

“I’m stronger than ya thought right? Ya miss me?” He grinned and picked up his drink.

"Try that again, and I'll shoot you," she gasped, catching her breath. Pawnee didn't seem to hear, drinking his cocktail and glancing around.

"Gettin really crowded in here. Want some fresh air? Yah were talking about sunrises and sunsets. Wanna go see my place? Quietly drink under da stars? Jus da two of us. . . .” He gave her a long, lewd wink, and nodded his head towards the door.

Frieda bit her lip. She glanced towards Celeste but couldn't see her within the crowd in the diner. It WOULD be nice to be able to hear myself think for a while. She flashed a grin at Pawnee. "Sure, as long azits just stars. No...no funny stuff. First date and all." As an afterthought, she added, "...or I'll shoot you."

Pawnee rolled his eyes. "You need to drink more, still too seeerious." He linked his arm around Frieda's, swiped an open bottle of vodka off the bar, and led them into the street.

"Am not," she pouted, planting a loud kiss on to his forehead while she was clumsily hauled out of the diner. They swayed along, arm in arm, Pawnee cutting through the same alleyway they had used before and humming some tune. They strolled up the street towards Pawnee's house, Buck following behind them. She felt amazing. The cool night air caressed her hot cheeks and teased the few strands of hair that had come out during their dancing.

"Jus'...jus' one question. You're okay with the...the Enclave thing?" she slurred, leaning heavily on her R's and vowels.

(OOC: epic Celeste post to follow...)

[Juliet]

Duncan Talson

"Oh,no need for caps, just give it a try. It burns a lil going down, but it smooths out. My Papa used say it would put hair on your chest" she leaned towards Duncan and whispered "I'm sure glad it doesn't really" she giggled.

Duncan gave out a laugh at the joke as she filled a pair of glasses, just as Duncan was about to down the liquor the boy Pawnee came up to him.

'Hey-ya Duncan. Jus wanted to poligize for snapping you off like dat with Freida. I can get territorial, know what I mean? And youze a handsome man,” Pawnee chuckled. He turned to the girl, “and youze look new lil lady. Well welcome to town. Namez Pawnee. I’d stay and chat but got a lil sumething to care of first. Make yourself at home here in Greyditch. Celeste Iz awesome and dis iz a great place"

Duncan just grinned and thought quietly to himself the boy's drunks, no surprise though considering what he and Frieda have been drinking tonight Pawnee didn't stay for long something else seemed to catch his eye and he went off to chase it.

He turned to Brandy who was holding out her glass and shouted "Cheers!" Duncan returned the shout and downed his glass "It's all yours" Brandy said. Duncan made a sound in his throat before he replied, liquor hadn't done that to him for a long time. "When you said it burns, you weren't kidding" he said with a laugh "At least let me give you 15 caps for the bottle Miss" he reached into his pouch and placed the caps on the table "That is one fine brew you got there, potent, but fine, can't not pay for it" he gave another laugh then turned towards the dance floor where people were having a good time. He could feel the booze going to his head because for the first time in a long time he felt like dancing, he turned to Brandy and said with a friendly smile "How about a dance young lady?" and offered her his hand. when in Rome do as the Romans I guess

[Tracey Duncan]

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ late evening

It suddenly felt as though the diner was full of people, and so much was happening that Celeste was struggling to keep up. So much so, she hardly had time to really process everything that was going on -- including the fact that Joe had kissed her before taking off to take care of...whatever it was he was talking about with Jesse and the man who'd ordered water. She took a deep breath, stacking dirty glasses accumulating on the bar and setting them below.

A man with very greasy hair suddenly appeared in Celeste's vision. "So are there any rooms?''

"Aha!!" Celeste exclaimed, completely startled. "Oh, hi there. Uh, umm..." She pushed some hair out of her face and gathered herself before continuing. "Well, I'd say there are lots of rooms available. There are whole houses available." Celeste grinned. "I can tell you which ones are still open, but right now, why don't you have a drink, and something to eat? We're having our inau...inawkwardal town dinner here tonight. I'm Celeste Brown, this is my diner, and tonight you have as much as you want to eat and drink and make a new friend or two, okay?" She passed the man a clean, empty glass and a Nuka Cola. "I really don't mean to be rude, but I've gotta tend to my other guests for now. Let me know if you need something else, hmm?"

Heaving a satisfied, deep breath, she glanced around. James and Sue were sitting with Laura and Lucille. Celeste cut up some punga and brought over the last of the milk in a glass over to where they were sitting and placed the items in front of Lucille. "Having fun, sweetheart?" she cooed, grinning at the little girl. She turned her attention to Laura, James, and Sue, only to notice they all had drinks. "I hope y'all are enjoying yourselves. There's plenty of food left so by all means, if you're still hungry, go for it." With a quick wink, she said to James, "you can really shake a leg out there, I have to say I'm impressed."

Celeste scurried back behind the bar, where some plates were starting to pile up. She began to scraqe the scraps into an empty milk crate, filling drink orders as they came up. Finally those dishes were clear of scraps and her little crate was full. May as well toss this in the dumpster while I have a minute. "Be right back!" she called to no one in particular, sweeping out of the diner, rounding its corner, and into the alleyway behind it towards the trash bin.

She was humming some tune that was just on the radio, and had fully turned and was about to re-enter the diner, but something caught her eye. Something...shiny. Weird, she thought, stepping towards something that was glistening on the ground in the moon light. She tripped on something semi-warm, and soft.

It was a body.

A dead body.

A dead body missing the majority of its head, bone, brains, and blood pooled beneath it. The blood was the shiny "thing" she had spied.

She covered her mouth and was choked until she recognized the kid's suit. The rude man from before! He...he was just...

Celeste fled, shrieking, back into the diner. Some of the patrons turned to look at her. Where the hell is Joe?! Her face searched the room, frantically, for someone to talk to. Joe and Jesse were sitting together, giving her strange looks.

She rushed over to Joe and grabbed his sleeve, her eyes wild, her skin clammy and pale. "Th-th-th-th-there's...outs-s-s-s-s-s-side," she stammered. A shudder coursed through her body, somehow allowing her to continue. "There's a dead body behind the diner!! The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!"

[KiiSsez jdgaf Benzler]

Laura Leggio - Celeste's Diner - Evening

Laura wandered around the diner. She was looking for somebody to converse with. Jimmy never directly lied to her, but he didn't tell her things unless questioned. Too busy looking out for her. She really just wanted a friend. The only person she met before aside from her family was James, and she couldn't see him...

“Hello again Laura, enjoying the party? “ Laura heard from a familiar voice behind her. She turned around and saw James smiling at her.

"James, how are you?" Laura looked around and saw a free booth. "Care to join Lucille and I?" Laura sat in the booth and pulled her bottle of water from underneath her arm. She wanted to have fun that night, but drinking alcohol was out of the question in the presence of little Lucille. It was approaching her bedtime, but it was a party.

Laura looked across the table and saw a woman sitting next to James. She smiled at her. "I'm Laura... Johnson. How do you do?"

James said her name was Sue, and she was a mute. Laura apologised and wondered if James and Sue were a couple, but didn't pry.

Laura looked around for any source of time, but didn't see one. It was dark outside, and getting darker. Laura heard a small yawn from her daughter. Best be off soon.

"Having fun, sweetheart?" Laura glanced towards the voice and saw it was Celeste. She placed some punga and milk before Lucille. Lucille let out a chuckle.

"I hope y'all are enjoying yourselves. There's plenty of food left so by all means, if you're still hungry, go for it." Laura smiled in appreciation. Celeste turned her attention to James and said, "you can really shake a leg out there, I have to say I'm impressed." Laura had no idea what it meant, but it was obviously some sort of compliment. Celeste was certainly a nice young woman.

After Celeste had taken her leave, Laura told James and Sue that Lucille was getting tired. "She's normally in bed early. Wakes up early too, you know. Don't want her screeching too loud in the morning." Laura giggled and stood from her seat.

"It's been lovely talking to you, but I thin---" Laura was interrupted by a scream from outside. Celeste bolted into the diner, and after quickly scanning the crowd she ran towards the man who had delivered her the message earlier, the mayor.

"Th-th-th-th-there's...outs-s-s-s-s-s-side," she managed. Laura looked from where Celeste came and approached the exit. She stopped and looked at Celeste. The woman was shaking, sweating and clutching the man just to support herself. Laura moved from the door. She contemplated going over and comforting her, but she figured the man, Rennie Laura believed his name was, had it taken care of. Laura silently slipped out through the carnage and back in the direction of her house, quietly singing in Lucille's ear.

[Darlene Delk]

--Evening--
--Celeste’s Diner--
--Pawnee--

"Gettin really crowded in here. Want some fresh air? Yah were talking about sunrises and sunsets. Wanna go see my place? Quietly drink under da stars? Jus da two of us,” Pawnee gave Frieda a long, lewd wink, and nodded his head towards the door.

Frieda bit her lip. She glanced towards Celeste but couldn't see her through the packed diner.

"Sure, as long azits just stars,” Frieda slurred, “No...no funny stuff. First date and all...or I'll shoot you."

Pawnee rolled his eyes, "shoot me? You need to drink more, still too seeerious."

Pawnee linked his arm around Frieda's, swiped an open bottle of vodka off the bar, and led them into the street.

"Am not," Freida pouted, planting a loud kiss on to his forehead while she clumsily staggered out of the diner.

They two of them swayed along, arm in arm. Pawnee cut through the same alleyway they had used before while humming an upbeat tune. They strolled up the street towards Pawnee's house, Buck following behind them, while eagerly panting.

Pawnee felt euphoric. Just a few days ago he had had no one and nothing to his name. Now he was rich, and was hooking up with the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen.

"Jus'...jus' one question,” Frieda stammered as they made their way into Pawnee’s house, “You're okay with the...the Enclave thing?"

“Well I can’t say I’m a fan of the Enclave,” Pawnee smiled, “but I’m a fan of you. Like I said earlier - your past don’t matter to me one bit. Just who you are now is what’s important. . .but if ya do remember your past at some point, remember what we have now. Don’t go abandoning me. . .or turning me in to Raven Rock or Eden or sumthing.”

Frieda giggled.

Pawnee led her up the staircase and onto the second floor. Once there, he eased her down onto his bed roll, and the two of them laid there togther, staring up at the night sky.

“Drifter was going on and on about how beautiful those stars are,” Pawnee mumbled, “I heard their just balls of hot gas. . .but sitting here with you. . .they do look really pretty. I wish I knew some. . .con-stal-ations. . .that’s what you call them right?”

Before Frieda answered, Pawnee leaned over and planted a kiss on her lips.

“Like you said. . .no funny business,” Pawnee grinned, passing her the vodka, “you wanna just chat and fall asleep up here? I love it up here. Just peace and quiet, and the stars.”

A shooting star streaked overhead. Pawnee took a long swig of vodka and then lit up a cigarette. He passed it to Frieda.

“Think you could see yourself staying with a guy like me? I know it’s a first date and all. . .but I look at you. . .and its.. . .serious. I guess. . .I guess I just don’t want to lose you.”

Pawnee snuggeled up against Frieda. As a cool night wind began to blow, he started to drift off to sleep, Frieda still wrapped up in his arms.

Buck paced in front of the two of them, keeping watch until sunrise.

[Prisca Lacour]

Brandy - Celestes bar



Duncan turned to Brandy who was holding out her glass and shouted "Cheers!" Duncan returned the shout and downed his glass "It's all yours" Brandy said. Duncan made a sound in his throat before he replied, liquor hadn't done that to him for a long time. "When you said it burns, you weren't kidding" he said with a laugh "At least let me give you 15 caps for the bottle Miss" he reached into his pouch and placed the caps on the table "That is one fine brew you got there, potent, but fine, can't not pay for it" he gave another laugh then turned towards the dance floor where people were having a good time.


"Well thank you, and don't worry about paying, I insist." she smiled "We have quite abit at camp."


He could feel the booze going to his head because for the first time in a long time he felt like dancing, he turned to Brandy and said with a friendly smile "How about a dance young lady?" and offered her his hand.


Blushing, she took his hand "Absolutely, I'm not real good, but it sounds great."


All of a sudden a loud shriek made Brandy jump, she whipped her head around to see who, what or why. She saw Celeste frantically running towards the mayor. It looked as if Celeste had seen a ghost.

"Th-th-th-th-there's...outs-s-s-s-s-s-side," she stammered. A shudder coursed through her body, somehow allowing her to continue. "There's a dead body behind the diner!! The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!"


"Oh my God, did I hit someone when I accidentally shot my gun earlier? the thought twisted her stomach "Way to go, you really [censored] up this time."

She knew she had to find out, so she reluctantly grabbed her flashlight from the bar and headed towards the door. Still questioning herself about her clumsiness with her pistol earlier. She barely made it out the door, her head spinning and the turning in her stomach worsening. She stumbled and caught herself before she fell, leaning against the diners beat up wall, she slid down to the ground.

"I killed someone, I'm such a [censored] idiot, why did I take the gun from Ricky? How...I can't believe it, this is horrible." she sobbed


Never feeling so much emotion run through her body, and the shock at the possibility that she could have shot someone. She couldn't catch her breath, her head spiraling out of control, she passed out.

[Talitha Kukk]

(OOC: @Surfer -- fixed your typos :angel: Also, obligatory "men always fall asleep first" comment? Yes? No? Hehe.)

FRIEDA ~~ Grayditch/Pawnee's house ~~ nightfall

“Well I can’t say I’m a fan of the Enclave,” Pawnee smiled, leading Frieda into his house, “but I’m a fan of you. Like I said earlier - your past don’t matter to me one bit. Just who you are now is what’s important. . .but if ya do remember your past at some point, remember what we have now. Don’t go abandoning me. . .or turning me in to Raven Rock or Eden or sumthing.”

Frieda giggled. "Only if you give me a good reason to." If anything, people loved to talk about the eradication of the Enclave in the Capital Wasteland, a joint effort between the Brotherhood of Steel, and someone called the Lone Wanderer. Frieda knew all about the destruction of "President" Eden, and the base at Raven Rock.

Pawnee led her up the staircase by the hand and onto the second floor. Once there, he eased her down onto his bed roll, and the two of them laid there together, staring up at the night sky.

"Wow," she breathed, staring straight through what should have been the ceiling up towards the night sky. The walls were just high enough to make it seem as though the broken down town didn't even exist, just herself, Pawnee, Buck, and that glorious sky.

“Drifter was going on and on about how beautiful those stars are,” Pawnee mumbled, “I heard they're just balls of hot gas. . .but sitting here with you. . .they do look really pretty. I wish I knew some. . .con-stal-ations. . .that’s what you call them right?”

Before Frieda answered, Pawnee leaned over and planted a kiss on her lips. Warmth flooded her body and she gladly kissed him back.

“Like you said. . .no funny business,” Pawnee grinned, passing her the vodka, “you wanna just chat and fall asleep up here? I love it up here. Just peace and quiet, and the stars.”

Frieda returned the grin. "It's incredible. You weren't kidding." She took a mouthful of vodka and swallowed it all right down, enjoying the burn she felt in her mouth and throat. She took one more and passed the bottle back to Pawnee as a shooting star streaked overhead. He took a long swig of vodka and then lit up a cigarette.

He passed it to Frieda. She accepted it and stared at it for a moment, before giving in and taking a drag. She passed it back, studying his face as he stared up at the sky.

“Think you could see yourself staying with a guy like me? I know it’s a first date and all. . .but I look at you. . .and its.. . .serious. I guess. . .I guess I just don’t want to lose you.”

Right then, and right there, it didn't seem like such an outrageous possibility. But...

He'll forget he even said that in the morning. Frieda smiled. "Pawnee, all I know is that I had a really good time tonight, and your company is...really nice." She poked him in the nose. "Just stay nice, and I'll stay put."

Pawnee snuggled up against Frieda and let out a sigh. She wondered that he'd even heard her response. A breeze picked up and she could hear his breath deepening and slowing. Frieda gently stroked her fingers through his hair, watching his chest rise and fall, before turning her eyes back up to the sky.

"As for the Enclave," she muttered, an idea hitting her out of nowhere, "for all we know, I was kicked out."

Pawnee sighed again, his leg twitching twice before falling still again. She hugged him closer, enjoying his simple body heat, and even the smell of tobacco in his clothes and the vodka on his breath. This definitely feels nice.

It feels like...home. Whatever that means.

Sleepiness overcame her, pulling on her eyelids, as it had before. She closed her eyes, lulled by the rhythm of Pawnee's breathing.

[Danial Zachery]

Duncan Talson

Duncan watched Brandy blush as she took his hand and said "Absolutely, I'm not real good, but it sounds great."

"Well that makes two of us then" he gave a laugh and they started to sway to the music, but it was short lived when a loud shriek broke the scene, quickly followed by Celeste rushing in and tugging at Joe's sleeve. She was pale and had a look of horror on her face Th-th-th-th-there's...outs-s-s-s-s-s-side, There's a dead body behind the diner!! The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!"

Duncan's initial reaction was to go see Celeste and as he turned back to Brandy to inform her he saw a concerned look wash over her face. She then turned around, grabbed her torch and rushed outside. Duncan followed, but wasn't quick enough, when he caught up she was already heading back towards the diner with a look on her face as if she'd been struck by something. She leaned on the old rusted wall of the diner and slid down it before she began to mumble incoherently to herself and sob Wow coming from Michigan you'd expect her to have seen a lot of bodies, maybe this was the first one she has seen up close as he was about to reach down and comfort her, Duncan saw her go slack "another unconscious person, well, best get her in from the cold" he mused to himself and scooped up the light frame of Brandy and headed back into the diner.

(OOC: going to hold here until Drifter makes his observations about the slaves)

[Alexis Estrada]

Jesse Christophe - Celeste's Diner - Nightfall

Harlen snapped back. "Now you listen here Jesse. I'm a father, and I also had a father. Unfortunately he wasn't around much so much of the time it felt like he'd abandoned us. Before you go n' pop a cap you best know that I'm on your side. I don't wanna harm a hair on his head."

Eyes still narrowed, Jesse nodded slowly, still unsure as to what to think of this old man. When he had finished speaking the man began breathing heavily, and clutched his chest, but recovered shortly. "Goodness Jesse, we just met and you already tryin' to gimme a heart attack, hehahaha. Ooh, but yeah, I'm with ya. I ain't gonna harm a hair on his little chinny chin chin." he snickered and decided to further introduce himself. "Jesse, I'm a private contractor for God. Atleast I try to be. I've made some bad decisions in my life, but I done learn from 'em. Now I go by his laws, and yes, I might sin every now and again, but I always try to do the right thing in his eyes. Hurtin' Pawnee isn't right in his eyes, I can already tell ya. You understand what I'm gettin' at?"

Jesse let out a snort. Private contractor for God? I think your mind has outlived it's time on Earth, buddy.

Easing up at the fact that he wasn't here to harm Pawnee, the regulator decided to let go of his gun and began drinking again, relaxing his previously tense muscles.

"God." he repeated. "I wouldn't know much about that, to be honest. I know that there's someone watching up there, controlling us. Heck, it might even be several people!" he chuckled, the alcohol finally getting into his bloodstream and clouding his thoughts. "But you seem like a man of your word." he added, dropping his smile and speaking solemnly. "Yes. I know who Pawnee is." the regulator answered his initial question finally. "But reme-" he was cut off.

"Hello friend. Hello Jesse, how're you enjoying the party?" He stuck his hand out, offering it to the newcomer. "Joe Rennie, head of security. Don't believe we've met stranger." Joe said, emerging from the crowd.

Jesse let out a wry smile in his direction. "As long as there's something to drink I'm happy."

Before anyone could let out another word, Celeste burst into their little gathering, her face seeming like that of someone fraught with terror. "Th-th-th-th-there's...outs-s-s-s-s-s-side," she stammered. A shudder coursed through her body, somehow allowing her to continue. "There's a dead body behind the diner!! The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!"

Dead body outside? Jesse processed, and immediately sobered up, kicking into action. The Regulator vaulted out of the booth while simultaneously slinging his rifle across his back, pushing everyone out of his way to the diner door, kicking it open and training his sights along the entire down, rifle in hands. The entire display was done in a matter of a second.

I still got it. he smiled to himself, as he finally noticed the body laying in a pool of it's own blood. There's no gun here. Can't be suicide. he deduced, as he noticed there was a bullet hole in the mans skull that could only have come from a point blank ranged shot. How come I didn't hear the shot? he wondered, adjusting the grip on his rifle. Someones going to answer some questions. he resolved, turning back into the diner, slinging his rifle, headed for Joe himself. He remembered Pawnee talking to him earlier, perhaps he knew of this already.

[Ysabelle]

Harlen Jake

"God." Jesse repeated. "I wouldn't know much about that, to be honest. I know that there's someone watching up there, controlling us. Heck, it might even be several people!"

This made Harlen cringe a bit, The truth is much more simple.

Harlen could see Jesse chuckle a bit, "But you seem like a man of your word."

Harlen nodded at Jesse's recognition. Jesse added, dropping his smile and speaking solemnly. "Yes. I know who Pawnee is." the regulator answered his initial question finally. "But reme-" he was cut off.

"Hello friend. Hello Jesse, how're you enjoying the party?" The man of importance stuck his hand out, offering it to the Harlen Jake. "Joe Rennie, head of security. Don't believe we've met stranger." Joe said, emerging from the crowd.

Jessie replied, "As long as there's something to drink I'm happy."

Harlen lumbered up from the booth like an ancient tree groaning in the wind. He took a firm grasp of Joe's hand with a calm, but like a vice grip, "Well hello there Joe Rennie. My name is Halen Jake-"

Before Harlen could let out another word, the bartend he met earlier, Celeste, burst into their little gathering, her face seeming like she'd seen the devil himself, "Th-th-th-th-there's...outs-s-s-s-s-s-side," she stammered. A shudder coursed through her body, somehow allowing her to continue. "There's a dead body behind the diner!! The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!"

Jake remained calm, "Ah [censored]." To his left he watched as Jesse snapped to attention and hurried out to the scene, Harlen quickly followed. The Bounty Hunter walked with attentiveness.

He reached the body, which swam in a river of it's own blood, "Well golly, he died of blood loss is all." The Hunter took a further look and could see the bullet hole, put in from point blank range. Strangely enough, no weapon was at the seen of the crime. He took off his black rattan cowboy hat and ran his fingers through his hair. What is he doing here if everyone from town is in there? Somethin' ain't right bout this place. Jake continued to examine the scene as he could hear Jesse adjust the rifle in hand. Harlen shook his head, "Poor kid, just needed someone to teach him right from wrong is all. If that'd happened, this might naughta."

Harlen examined the people involved already, whether by sheer happenstance, or job title. Celeste? No, couldn't be. This fright damn near scared the piss outa her. He stroked his beard, Joe Rennie? Head of security, he has to knows a thing or two bout this Jake pondered it some more, "Hmmmm," Pawnee, he might have been involved. Why would he go on killin' though? This certainly does have a cloud of corruption about it.

The Bounty Hunter he back inside. He could see Jesse was already back, so he stood beside him. Harlen stood with his hands on his belt, subconsciously assuming authority, "What the hell was that back there Rennie? You know somethin' bout it, don't play chicken withouta head!"

[Ludivine Dupuy]

James Wilson – Grayditch (Celeste dinner) – evening ]

After speaking to Laura at the bar James and Sue had sat down in Laura’s booth, Celeste had bought Lucille some milk and noiw they were talking about little Lucille, how she was getting tired and that she was going to take her home, when Celeste bolted into the diner, and ran towards Joe.

"Th-th-th-th-there's...outs-s-s-s-s-s-side," she stammered. A shudder coursed through her body, somehow allowing her to continue. "There's a dead body behind the diner!! The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!"

drawing his Magnum James followed Jesse and the others towards the dead body, it missing the majority of its head, bone, brains, and blood pooled beneath it. Looking closer James saw a bullet hole in the mans skull. But there was no gun.. maybe someone took his gun afterwards?

“Well theres nothing we can do now”

Turning around James saw new girl had fainted upon seen the dead body and that Ducnan had picked her up and was taking her insde the dinner. Wonder if shes is okay? she was drinking moonshine...

James headed back into the diner and saw that a small crowd had gathered around Joe, with the New older guy asking him.. “What the hell was that back there Rennie? You know somethin' bout it, don't play chicken withouta head!"

I wouldn’t want to be Joe right now!

[Abi Emily]

Joe Rennie. Celeste's Diner. Evening.

Jesse turned to Joe with a wry smile, "As long as there's something to drink I'm happy." He replied. The newcomer lumbered out of his seat and took a firm grasp of Joe's hand with a vice like grip, "Well hello there Joe Rennie. My name is Halen Jake-"

Ah he's one of those types is he? "Tell a lot from a man's hanshake" type, Joe thought to himself, deliberately applying just the same ammount of pressure himself. Clearly some authority type.

"Well, pleased to....." Joe was cut off as Celeste charged over to him and started yanking at his sleve. "Th-th-th-th-there's...outs-s-s-s-s-s-side," she stammered. She paused, shuddering, "There's a dead body behind the diner!! The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!"

I know he is you dumb broad. Pawnee already told me. Why did you have to go snooping around outside? It was all going so well too, you had to ruin it.

Several people fled from the room, Jesse and the newcomer Harlen amongst them. Celeste looked to be near hysterical now, so Joe pulled her in to his arms and held her tightly, whispering reassurances to her.

Keep her calm Joe. If she faints then it'll be harder to get at that safe, someone'll help you get her home. Then what do you do? Ask them to leave while you stay behind? This time of night you'd look like the worst kind of deviant. No, just keep her calm.

As Celeste's breathing began to return to normal, Joe noticed people from the alley were returning. Harlen strode right up to Joe, preceeded by Jesse.

"What the hell was that back there Rennie? You know somethin' bout it, don't play chicken withouta head!" The grizzled older man barked at him.

Accusations huh? Well unfortunately you're not the only one here with a brain big fella.

Joe quizzically raised an eyebrow at the older man. "Not entirely sure what you are getting at friend," he said darkly, "but if it's what I think you're saying then I think you'd better get you're facts straight. Celeste says that it's Wierd kid out there in the alley. Well he was in here earlier, everybody saw him. They'd have seen me talking to him too. More importantly friend, they'd have seen him leave the building looking hale and healthy. So if that is the case and I haven't left the room since, then tell me friend. How exactly can I be involved?"

Joe stood back a little and glanced around at the small crowd thar was gathering. These are your people now Joe. Every one of them has seen you as a good man. Shooting at ghouls, giving Jesse the ok to build his wall. Helping Drifter cook this meal. Not a one of them will believe I have anything to do with this. Press the advantage though. This old timer looks like he could be a problem.

"That sorta brings me to my next question Mr Harlen Jake. He left before you arrived." Joe rested his hand on the butt of his pistol, jutting from the top of his waistband. "I'm sure everyone here would like to know. What business exactly, do you have here in Grayditch?"

[Sweet Blighty]

Harlen Jake

The head of security quizzically raised an eyebrow at Harlen. "Not entirely sure what you are getting at friend," he said darkly, "but if it's what I think you're saying then I think you'd better get you're facts straight. Celeste says that it's Wierd kid out there in the alley. Well he was in here earlier, everybody saw him. They'd have seen me talking to him too. More importantly friend, they'd have seen him leave the building looking hale and healthy. So if that is the case and I haven't left the room since, then tell me friend. How exactly can I be involved?"

Harlen laughed a bit at this, he kept a firm grip on his belt. The Bounty Hunter saw the look on Joe's face, looking around at the crowd gathering.

"That sorta brings me to my next question Mr Harlen Jake. He left before you arrived." Joe rested his hand on the butt of his pistol, jutting from the top of his waistband. "I'm sure everyone here would like to know. What business exactly, do you have here in Grayditch?"

Harlen shook his head, He better think twice before he pulls a gun on me. "Well first off, you are automatically involved because you are the Head of Security. People shouldn't just end up dead in the back alley, no weapon in radius. That leaves a man suspect to what goin' on see. You got yer dead body, and no weapon, thus no evidence that someone pulled a trigger. How does a man end up dead with a hole in his head without a bullet, and a gun that bullet was in?"

Jake was exasperated, "I did arrive afterwards, I don't remember seein' him without yet another hole in his head. Now you accuse me of murder?! I'm insulted, I only kill outa self defense, and from the looks of it, it only looked like that boy could do harm to himself."

The Bounty Hunter cooled his head, he breathed in a few times. The Bounty Hunter spoke with passion, "I am going to tell the same thing I told 'ol Jesse here, I'm a Private Contractor for God. I go by his law, and killin' is somethin' he don't take too kindly to. Now I've killed a few in my life, but I've got right with Him. You best watchout, if someone killed him then they are gettin' a kick outa this."

[Czar Kahchi]

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ nightfall

Celeste was shaking all over, the shock of discovering "Weird Kid" with his brains blown out slowly getting out of her system. Joe held her close, stroking her hair, helping her feel calm. She took some deep breaths and tried to relax.

Just another dead body in the Wasteland, that's all.

Somehow, Celeste had been sheltered for the majority of her near-quarter-century of life. She'd never been outside Ronto before she left to find her dad and never had to deal with the nastiness associated with eking out a meager existance in such a horrible place. The journey from Ronto, down to the Capital Wasteland, was the worst experience of her life. The caravans she traveled with ere constantly dealing with hostile insects, creatures, and people.

It was terrible.

The trip toughened her up a little, but the discovery of the fresh body behind her diner -- a place that had been filled with laughter and fun for hours -- shocked her again. Joe's warm embrace and soft words brought her back to the present.

"That sorta brings me to my next question Mr Harlen Jake. He left before you arrived." Joe rested his hand on the butt of his pistol, jutting from the top of his waistband. "I'm sure everyone here would like to know. What business exactly, do you have here in Grayditch?"

The man addressed as Harlan answered. "Well first off, you are automatically involved because you are the Head of Security. People shouldn't just end up dead in the back alley, no weapon in radius. That leaves a man suspect to what goin' on see. You got yer dead body, and no weapon, thus no evidence that someone pulled a trigger. How does a man end up dead with a hole in his head without a bullet, and a gun that bullet was in? I did arrive afterwards, I don't remember seein' him without yet another hole in his head. Now you accuse me of murder?! I'm insulted, I only kill outa self defense, and from the looks of it, it only looked like that boy could do harm to himself. I am going to tell the same thing I told 'ol Jesse here, I'm a Private Contractor for God. I go by his law, and killin' is somethin' he don't take too kindly to. Now I've killed a few in my life, but I've got right with Him. You best watchout, if someone killed him then they are gettin' a kick outa this."

He sure does talk a lot. Celeste felt angrier and angrier the more he spoke. She shook herself out of Joe's grasp and jabbed the same finger she used to threaten Frieda earlier that night, into the man's face.

"Now see here, stranger," she began. "I don't know who you are, where you came from, or what your plan is. We're a new settlement of nice, honest folk, with nice, honest jobs. That man out there, it...it's tragic but I'm sure it was just some kind of accident." She put her hands on her hips and tried to look big. "Joe has been here in the diner all night. Hell, he even tried to help the guy."

Celeste eyed Jake, whose hand hovered over his gun. "Don't you dare pull that thing out in my bar, not now, not ever. Joe's done nothing wrong, and he's right -- you were the last to arrive, other than Brandy, and she--" Celeste turned to gesture towards the young, dark haired woman, but noticed she had fainted to the floor. "O-oh, well...well I suppose there's your answer."

She looked around, and waved her arms in the air in an exaggerated shooing gesture. "Party's over, everyone. Go back to your houses and have a good night. Don't worry about cleaning up, that's my job, right?" Celeste tried to offer her best smile and a wink.

[amhain]

Jesse Christophe - Celeste's Diner - Nightfall

The regulator slapped his forehead as Harlen immediately began barking at Joe as they entered. He listened quietly, fuming as the exchange went along. It would've been best if you kept your mouth shut, old man.

Finally he snapped. "Both of you, can it." he said, glaring at both of the men simultaneously. "There's someone dead out there, and that's not a good sign for any of us. If it's not suicide, we're all in danger." he informed them. "Now Joe, I want you to tell me what you know." he said to him, his voice polite, but firm. Though he wasn't in charge, it was his inner conscience that lead him to such demanding behavior.

Can't risk any lives lost. he kept repeating in his mind, awaiting the response from the head of security.

[daniel royle]

Joe Rennie. Grayditch diner. Nightfall.

The old bearded man shook his head and frowned at where Joe rasted his hand. "Well first off, you are automatically involved because you are the Head of Security. People shouldn't just end up dead in the back alley, no weapon in radius. That leaves a man suspect to what goin' on see. You got yer dead body, and no weapon, thus no evidence that someone pulled a trigger. How does a man end up dead with a hole in his head without a bullet, and a gun that bullet was in?"

What? I'm automatically involved? How? Sure I will be involved, murder investigation and all. 'Least I would be if I wasn't planning to hit that safe and run. But you're jumping off like I killed him. Just stay calm Joe, talk your way out once he's done.

Jake seemed exasperated, "I did arrive afterwards, I don't remember seein' him without yet another hole in his head. Now you accuse me of murder?! I'm insulted, I only kill outa self defense, and from the looks of it, it only looked like that boy could do harm to himself."

The Bounty Hunter took a breath and seemed to calm down a little. When he spoke again, his gruff voice was filled with passion, "I am going to tell the same thing I told 'ol Jesse here, I'm a Private Contractor for God. I go by his law, and killin' is somethin' he don't take too kindly to. Now I've killed a few in my life, but I've got right with Him. You best watchout, if someone killed him then they are gettin' a kick outa this."

Killed a few eh? Maybe folks here will believe you killed Wierd kid. You just admitted that you arrived after he was last seen alive. Plus Nick and his crew are still here, even if Jesse sides with this guy, that's four guns to two while you dive for cover. Then James, Drifter, Jimmy. I reckon if the choice is me or a stranger, it'll be me that gets the backup.

Joe opened his mouth to reply when he was interrupted by Celeste "Now see here, stranger," she began. "I don't know who you are, where you came from, or what your plan is. We're a new settlement of nice, honest folk, with nice, honest jobs. That man out there, it...it's tragic but I'm sure it was just some kind of accident." She put her hands on her hips which only made her chest stick out further. "Joe has been here in the diner all night. Hell, he even tried to help the guy."

Celeste paused for a moment when she saw Harlen's hand near his pistol. "Don't you dare pull that thing out in my bar, not now, not ever. Joe's done nothing wrong, and he's right -- you were the last to arrive, other than Brandy, and she--" Celeste turned to gesture towards the young, dark haired woman, who had fainted to the floor. "O-oh, well...well I suppose there's your answer."

She looked around, and waved her arms in the air in an exaggerated shooing gesture. "Party's over, everyone. Go back to your houses and have a good night. Don't worry about cleaning up, that's my job, right?" Celeste tried to offer her best smile and a wink.

Joe opened his mouth to speak again, but was interrupted again. This time by Jesse. "Both of you, can it." he said, glaring at the people arguing in front of him. "There's someone dead out there, and that's not a good sign for any of us. If it's not suicide, we're all in danger." The regulator turned and faced him. "Now Joe, I want you to tell me what you know."

Joe's face had been a mask of surprise and indignation the whole time. He turned the expression up a notch before he replied.

"Jesse, I've been in here all night. How could I know anything. He shouted at Celeste, I had a word with him about it. He got drunk and left. After that I know as much as you, less even, because you've seen the body. Now we all want to know what happened." Joe turned his attention back to Harlen.

"Now Mr. Harlen Jake. I'm sorry if it offends you, but everyone in town was accounted for, right here. Before Wierd kid left. You however just admitted yourself that you arrived after he left." Joe paused for effect, playing the crowd a little as they began to leave, sowing the seeds of doubt.

"Now I'm not accusing anyone of anything friend. Not yet at least. But that boy didn't shoot himself then throw his gun over a wall." He looked meaningfully at the larger man's pistol.

"What say you take your hand away from your gun friend? Then I can take mine away too," Joe glanced round Jake "and Nick and his men can calm down again. Then we can sit us down and discuss whatever it was you did, that had Jesse so pissed off while I was dancing? Oh and one other thing," Joe turned to the room. "Doctor.... Ummmm,,, Ramesh isn't it. Cris. I know you've been drinking, but could you please have a look at the body for us?"

Joe thought back to the young fellow from earlier and what he had whispered to him. Pawnee if you actually did this, you are going to owe me one hell of a favor.

[Lakyn Ellery]

Jesse Christophe - Celeste's Diner - Nightfall

"Jesse, I've been in here all night. How could I know anything. He shouted at Celeste, I had a word with him about it. He got drunk and left. After that I know as much as you, less even, because you've seen the body. Now we all want to know what happened." Joe replied, seeming innocent in the entire affair.

This face can't be that of the man who did it. If he's involved, or knows more, I can't tell. But he didn't kill the kid. Jesse decided finally, giving Joe one final leer before he had finished his sentence.

"Now Mr. Harlen Jake. I'm sorry if it offends you, but everyone in town was accounted for, right here. Before weird kid left. You however just admitted yourself that you arrived after he left." Joe said, turning his attention back towards the old man. He spoke sense.

The regulator raised a brow as he glanced over the bounty hunter. No, can't be him either. he decided finally for no reason besides intuition. All these years as a regulator, I can tell whose guilty from whose innocent. This man has seen violence, but he hasn't caused as much. he shrugged away Joe's accusation. Jesse fought the urge to stand up on a table and announce to everyone that they should remain indoors, but decided he would leave the decision up to Joe.

I have no ties here. Why bother? he reasoned with himself, resigned to the fact that no matter what he did, someone else was running the show. All Jesse could do was follow orders. The thought made him miss his life as a regulator much more. If it weren't for this old body, I would be out there killing scum. he clenched his fists, sighing deeply.

"Alright." he spoke up finally. "Do whatever you must. I'll bury the body once everything is said and done." he informed. "Doc, if you want I'll carry this heap over to your clinic for ya." he offered, speaking in his usual gruff voice.

[joannARRGH]

Drifter - The Diner - Evening


Drifter listened to this so-called "Bounty Hunter" bicker back and forth with Joe Rennie.He decided not to get involved,he'd already had a bit to drink and wasn't about to get in the middle of the two.Joe could handle it.

He grabbed the his bottle of whiskey and strolled out into the crisp night air.As he walked by the body of the slave,he stopped to say a quick prayer for him.

God,rest his soul.

Drifter continued to the hill of rubble that he and Pawnee had talked on the night before.Climbing to the top,he searched around a little bit for tinder,and got eventually got a small fire going.

Sitting down,he took out his sack of buds and extracted enough for a mid-sized doobie.Rolling it up in corn-husk rolling papers,he kicked back and looked over the town.

Movement near the metro caught his eye.As Drifter's eyes were still adjusting to the darkness,he concentrated on the movement and realized it was people.

What the hell?That's more people than we've got staying in the town!

Drifter snuffed his fire and skidded down the side of the rubble hill,still smoking his joint.

Peering around the corner of a building,he was flabbergasted at what he saw.

[censored] slaves!

Drifter sat on his ass,catching his breath and trying to comprehend the situation.

Why here?Why,why,why,why,why....

Drifter got up and ran,stumbling,all the way back to his house.He sat there all night,brooding on what he saw.

He lit up a cigarette and fell into a deep yet uncomfortable sleep,filled with dreams of the enslaved.

[Riky Carrasco]

Harlen Jake

Jake could see Joe had tried to open his mouth to reply only to be interrupted by Celeste "Now see here, stranger," she began. "I don't know who you are, where you came from, or what your plan is. We're a new settlement of nice, honest folk, with nice, honest jobs. That man out there, it...it's tragic but I'm sure it was just some kind of accident." She put her hands on her hips which only made her chest stick out further. "Joe has been here in the diner all night. Hell, he even tried to help the guy."

Jake showed a look of confusion as he look down to see his hands around his old, rustic red belt buckle.

She looked around, and waved her arms in the air in an exaggerated shooing gesture. "Party's over, everyone. Go back to your houses and have a good night. Don't worry about cleaning up, that's my job, right?" Celeste tried to offer her best smile and a wink.

Joe opened his mouth to speak again, but was interrupted again. This time by Jesse. "Both of you, can it." he said, glaring at the people arguing in front of him. "There's someone dead out there, and that's not a good sign for any of us. If it's not suicide, we're all in danger." The regulator turned and faced him. "Now Joe, I want you to tell me what you know."

"Jesse, I've been in here all night. How could I know anything. He shouted at Celeste, I had a word with him about it. He got drunk and left. After that I know as much as you, less even, because you've seen the body. Now we all want to know what happened." Joe turned his attention back to Harlen.

"Now Mr. Harlen Jake. I'm sorry if it offends you, but everyone in town was accounted for, right here. Before Wierd kid left. You however just admitted yourself that you arrived after he left." Joe paused for effect, playing the crowd a little as they began to leave, sowing the seeds of doubt.

"Now I'm not accusing anyone of anything friend. Not yet at least. But that boy didn't shoot himself then throw his gun over a wall." He looked meaningfully at the larger man's pistol.

"What say you take your hand away from your gun friend? Then I can take mine away too," Joe glanced round Jake "and Nick and his men can calm down again. Then we can sit us down and discuss whatever it was you did, that had Jesse so pissed off while I was dancing? Oh and one other thing," Joe turned to the room. "Doctor.... Ummmm,Ramesh isn't it. Cris. I know you've been drinking, but could you please have a look at the body for us?"

The regulator raised a brow as he glanced over the bounty hunter. He shrugged away Joe's accusation.

"Alright." he spoke up finally. "Do whatever you must. I'll bury the body once everything is said and done." he informed. "Doc, if you want I'll carry this heap over to your clinic for ya." he offered, speaking in his usual gruff voice.

Harlen got a little flustered, "Hello people my hands are on my belt! Not over either my revolver, or by either my holster." He shook his belt up and down, showing a rather large, and old rustic belt buckle with a bull on it. "Oh [censored], I feel like I'm in a game of whodunit, when it coulda just been the boy himself."

Jake moves himself back to the booth where he was sitting a few minutes earlier. He collapses on the seat, and lets out a sigh, "I'm gettin' too old for thus nonsense y'all." He takes a sip of the purified water.

[Devils Cheek]

Alexander Scalatti - Greyditch, then enters diner-nightfall

By the time Alex wandered into the town, it was nightfall. After some asking around, he found out that the main hangout was Celeste's Diner in the middle of town.

"Oh, its right down the street, now, pay up." A slave said as he put out his hand.

Alex sighed as he gave the slave "payment" for the tip. It was a total of 5 caps. He just wanted to shoot the man, but held himself back. He needed to get to know the people of the town, and a murder would not do him justice. Alex adjusted his fedora was he began to walk toward the Diner.

When Alex neared the Diner, he could tell it was packed. There were shadows of people eating inside, and chatting. He needed evidence, so he walked into the Diner. He looked around, hoping that some group would invite him to their table.

OOC: I want to get into this RP, so could someone invite Alex to their table?

[TRIsha FEnnesse]

OOC: First off, there's no one else in town besides peoples own characters. No NPCs (besides slaves, perhaps) so yeah, the "Pay up" is sorta character control.

Oh yeah and, perhaps you should read the threads posts so you actually know what's going on.

[xx_Jess_xx]

OOC: First off, there's no one else in town besides peoples own characters. No NPCs (besides slaves, perhaps) so yeah, the "Pay up" is sorta character control.

Oh yeah and, perhaps you should read the threads posts so you actually know what's going on.

OOC: Changed the man to a slave.

I did read all of the posts, Alex just came inside, so had no clue on what is happening.

[Darlene DIllow]

OOC: Changed the man to a slave.

I did read all of the posts, Alex just came inside, so had no clue on what is happening.

:facepalm:

Take the issue to the OOC thread, please. I'll let the hosts explain.

[Roy Harris]

Duncan Talson - Diner + Duncan's Tent - Late evening

Duncan had just got back into the Diner when He saw Joe and the new comer Harlen as Joe had called him, butting heads. Duncan looked around for someone who would let Brandy bunk with her, but most were either drunk, to engrossed in the bickering of the two grown men, or both. He let out a sigh as he whispered to himself "looks like I'm going to have to take her back to my tent, might seem improper, but it's the best I can do for her."

Duncan was about to leave the Diner when Celeste started jabbing a finger at the new comer and suppressed a laugh, it all but vanished when she turned to Brandy and made a gesture towards her as if she was involved in the death of the boy.

She mumbled something then started to wave her arms about "Party's over, everyone. Go back to your houses and have a good night. Don't worry about cleaning up, that's my job, right?", "Night y'all" he said quietly and made his way to the diner.

The night air had a slight chill to it Duncan discovered as he shivered slightly. His mind raced back to the scene in the diner So Celeste thinks it could be Brandy, hmmmm, It sort of makes sense I guess, after all, her reaction to the body was odd for somebody from Michigan Duncan's heart dropped, "my god" he breathed out and looked down at the figure in his arms "There's no way this young lady would do something like that unless provoked." An anger started to swell within himself "after all, that new boy was deprived of certain things by the looks of it, I wouldn't put it past him." He walked the rest of the way in silence then laid Brandy down in his tent and wrapped his sleeping bag around her, being careful not to wake the sleeping lady.

He then kindled a fire outside to warm his bones, tossed Jane two handfuls of oats, gave her a good night stroke, then curled up near the fire to try and get some sleep, but it wouldn't come thoughts of why Brandy would shoot the boy raced through his mind but to quickly for him to focus on just one. He gave out an irritated sigh and slowly drifted off.

[kitten maciver]

Jimmy Leggio - Outside Celeste's Diner - Nightfall

Jimmy was outside relieving his bladder and whistling a song he had heard on the GNR when he heard the scream. It caused him to jerk forwards, spraying his new, expensive shoes. Jimmy pulled up his zip, swearing under his breathe. As he made his way into the diner he saw someone exit... Laura. She seemed to be singing into Lucille's ear, trying to calm her down. Jimmy could hear shouting from inside the diner.

Jimmy ran behind her.

"What the hell is going on in there?" Jimmy asked, giving his wife a small jump.

"Jesus, try not creeping up on me," Laura giggled. "And Celeste found a dead body outside."

"Dead body? [censored], who?"

Laura thought about scolding her husband for swearing in front of Lucille, but thought about how Jimmy would know (or at least know of) everybody in town and thus the news would affect him more. "I don't know, I decided I wasn't really interested in looking at a corpse. Weird boy, I think I heard?"

Jimmy shrugged. He really didn't care, so long as it wasn't Rennie. Jimmy certainly didn't want to hoof it all the way to Megaton to collect his caps. "Let's just go home, I'm sure Lucille's wrecked." Laura nodded and Jimmy put his arm around her. As they began home and Laura began telling about her conversation with James, Jimmy looked in the direction of the metro. All was good.