[Laura Shipley]

Frank sighed, he hoped to get abit more conversation out of the girl, but none the less, she was busy and trying to have polite chats with everyone else who was hassling her. But at least now he knew he could just help himself.
There was a big juicy brahmin steak left, so he forked it onto his plate without faltering. He took a bite, ''A bit chewy, not as good as I'm used to,'' he thought,''but food is food.''

He svcked the grease off his fingers, sipped at his whiskey bottle. Everyone seemed to be exchanging words well around the room. Having a laugh,enjoying each others company, forgetting the harsh wastes that laid just outside door. Everyone, it appeared, except himself. He noticed the two drunken idiots leave the diner, overheard something about the Enclave, ''Crap, I hope they don't get envolved in upcoming events, last thing I need when trying to be a regular citizen.''
He rubbed his forehead in thought,''never mind, probably just a drunken imbecile's ramblings.''

Suddenly he heard screaming,

''The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!''
Is all he heard, he turned and the barmaid was very upset and pale,''rude man from before?,'' he thought,''must be the urchin slave with no manners.''

After this there was alot of back and forth between the young handsome guy and tough looking one, Frank just sat back and listened, all this pointless arguing isn't going to help,'' he thought,'' they only need to look at the angle of the gun fired to really tell if it was suicide or not, well hopefully the doctor will figure that out.'' He sighed deeply once again,''I'm going to be living in a town of simpletons.''

After some more banter the girl said to everyone,
"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?"

''I suppose I better find a place to stay anyway,'' he relised.

He headed to the door, suddenly a man in smart suit and matching hat entered the diner.

[Project]

Alexander Scalatti-Diner-Nightfall

"The rude man from before, he's...he's dead!''

Alex just about bolted to the scene of the crime. It was outside the diner, and sure enough, there was a dead body. "Everyone, stay clear of the body!"

There was nothing else around the body, just the body, but it was a clean kill, almost too clean. Alex knelt down, there was no sign of any major hit, almost no blood. It was planned, that was obvious to Alex, but why?

Alex decided to just abandon it, he needed to be silent to uncover the disappearance of the trader. To do this however, he needed connections, help, aid. There was one person who eyed him as he entered the Diner, so Alex decided to talk to that person first.

"Hello, my name is Alexander Scalatti, I'm new here." Alex said as he reached his arm out.

OOC: That was to Starbug, in case of confusion.

[Adriana Lenzo]

Nick Parker - Outside Celeste's Diner - Nightfall

After the party was broken up, after Celeste went out of the diner and came back in screaming, the group of assassins headed out inconspicuously. The assassins headed towards where Gerald was supposed to be by nightfall. Sure enough, he was already there, waiting, albeit very anxiously.

Nick looked back with a bit of paranoia in his eyes. "Gerald, what have you got to report?"

Gerald sighed. "Sir, I may have detected movement near the metro but the ruins blocked much of my view. But before that, I saw somebody blow his own brains out outside the diner. The body's still there and it seems that Celeste found it."

Nick sighed and nodded, finally understanding why Celeste was screaming. "Alright, that's all I need to know," he said. As the group packed up and started to head back to their "base camp", what remained of the luminous sun that hung half way over the horizon was completely gone. The group settled in their base camp and they began their regular routine of games, fun, and the sort.

After the standard round of drinks, Katie sighed. "Nick, why are we here?"

Nick was taken back by the question. Both from the fact that the question came so randomly and that nobody really knew WHY they were still here. Nick drummed his fingers on a suitcase as he thought the question through. A minute later, he came up with an answer. "Moriarty. I remember we followed Jimmy to the place but the moment I discovered Celeste was Moriarty's daughter, I knew something big was happening."

Another pause. Then Nick continued. "Colin Moriarty, that [censored]. When I had my first squad, we lost 2,000 caps because of Moriarty and at that time...it was a lot. Three different assassination attempts, all three times we failed. But since his daughter is here...in this backwater, he's planning something."

[Charlotte Henderson]

Ryler North

Celeste placed a dish of food in front of Cris, to 'soak up' all the alcohol.

“Well, what kind of background do you have, son? Any medical experience?” Cris asked turned his attention back to Ryler.

"Why yes. I grew up in Rivet City. Great place. My father died of Leukemia and my mum died giving birth. I was taugh basic medical training by the local doctor there." He smiled breifly, "Then, when some scientist and I were out in the field..." He stopped there, "Nevermind. What about you?"

Just then a shreik broke out, making him jump. It was Celeste, saying there was a dead body. Ryler jumped up and ran outside, indeed seeing a dead body. It was the man that collapsed from before, a bullet to his head. Another dead body. So much death. Ryler shuddered, hands shaking, all the blood, so much blood. Memories flashed before his eyes like pictures on the wall. Ryler leaned closer to take a look, daring. Was it suicide or murder?

OOC: Sorry for the post being short. I will edit everything in later, when I have time.

[Katie Louise Ingram]

OOC: This is the close up post for day three people. @Wolfman, If there is any problem with the post then I'll edit, but I think Harlen will be ok with a peaceful solution. Just let me know mate.

Joe Rennie. Celeste's diner. After dark.

Once most of the townsfolk had drifted out of the diner, Joe sat and talked briefly with Jesse and the newcomer. After a little back and forth, they had agreed to wait until Dr. Ramesh had come back to them with a verdict. Joe had appologised for the misunderstanding about the older man's weapons, but had also asked Jesse to put Harlen up in his house till morning.

Harlen, for his part, had agreed to remain in town until the Dr was satisfied with the cause of death and delivered his verdict. Adamant that he would be cleared of Joe's accusations.

While the three men talked, Celeste busied herself with clearing away plates and dealing with enquiries from new residents looking for homes. The evenings events had robbed her of her usual cheer and she sounded quite sullen as she pointed out available homes to people.

After a time everyone had left the diner and only Joe and Celeste remained behind. Joe crossed the room behind Celeste and slipped his arms around her waist. "You ok?" He murmered in her ear.

She slumped a little in his arms and rested her hands on his. "It was horrible Joe. There was so much blood. Why... Why did he...." A quiet sob caused her body to lurch slightly in Joe's grip. Joe turned her around and held her tightly again.

"I really don't know Celeste. I've no idea what even happened to him." Joe replied as Celeste cried against his chest.

My God. Who cares if the little freak is dead? It's not like he was going to cure ghoulification is it? He's just another wasteland loser who died in a wasteland alley. Hell it happens all the time, and to better than him too.

"Look Celeste, it's tragic darlin', it really is. And if anyone came into our town and murdered the little freak, then you can guarentee that me or Jesse or one of the other security boys will catch them. But," He paused for a moment, "but you can't let this ruin your whole evening. Think about it. Other than Wierd kid, the whole party seemed to be a success. Everyone else seemed to have a great time. We all got together and everyone seemed to get along."

This seemed to help a little, the tears stopped and Celeste sat herself on one of the stools by the bar, dabbing at her eyes with a hankie.

"Tell you what," Joe said, walking round the back of the bar and grabbing the bottle of champagne, "The lady with the doctor bought this in with her. She said it was for us to toast the new town with. Well, from the way they were all putting away the whisky and vodka tonight, I don't think anyone'll mind if we take it. Here, you bring this." He slid the bottle along the bar so that it stopped just in front of her.

"And I'll bring these." Joe stooped and picked up a large container filled with dirty plates, glasses and cutlery. "What's say I make a start on the dishes while you pour us a drink?" He winked at her. "We'll drink a toast to the town, hell we'll even raise a glass to Wierd kid if you like. But it has been a good night Celeste, just had a low point. We'll go back to your's and drink till we feel better. See where the rest of the night takes us..."

He let the comment hang in the air as the two of them crossed the road to Celeste's house.

[Mr. Allen]

Jesse Christophe - Jesse's House - After dark

The old regulator wasn't happy about having to keep someone else in his house but finally agreed. Why my house? he argued in his head. Why not yours, Joe? Reluctantly, he accepted the man into his home, and welcomed him inside, allowing him to sleep on the mattress in the guest room for the night. But he did none of this before lifting the dead man up in a fireman carry, and carrying him over to the Doctors clinic.

What a day. he thought to himself, as he lay in bed shirtless, his duster hung on a nail, his shirt and pants on the couch to dry after the wash he gave them to get rid of all blood stains. What a [censored] up day.

[evelina c]

Harlen Jake

The mess earlier at the diner had and was being cleared up. Harlen was lying on a guest mattress in Jesse's home, he looked up at the ceiling. Jesse had welcomed if in, if not reluctantly. Harlen was all the more for it, atleast Jesse was a good man. Something wasn't right about Joe, he could smell it.

All these your folks made him think about his son, Rusty. What did he look like? Did he, what would be to his father's dismay, become a Bounty Hunter? If so it would break his father's heart. That's the one thing he did not want Rusty to be, a killer. I really hope Rusty is not me, thirty years ago.

Harlen lay in his long johns bottoms. It had been an interesting day. He came down from the Capitol, receiving an odd letter after accepting hunt down a boy named Pawnee. Time had yet to tell what it was the boy had really done.

Harlen prayed for a couple minutes, then drifted off to dreamland on his stomach. The moonlight showed what look tone aid of a scar, and a tattoo of a cross. Black ink showed that of a simple cross. The scar was given ten years ago. He had been caught by the man he was trying to capture. So they tortured him, and dug a scar into his back. Said he'd finally be able to carry his cross around wherever he went, even if it was to the grave. The arthritis wasn't as bad then. Harlen was someone able to escape, he considered it a miracle. From that day forth he carried it with conviction, and acceptance.

Harlen slept quietly under the ceiling of Jesse the Regulator's home.

[Ana Torrecilla Cabeza]

OOC: Its true - Pawnee is useless. Hehe. The guy falls asleep first and the lady leaves first, right Skirt?

--Dawn--
--Pawnee’s House--
--Pawnee--

Pawnee woke up early the next morning. The sun beat down on his face, glowing through his eyelids. He reached over to cuddle up to Frieda, but no one was there. He slowly opened his eyes and turned to where she had been but the bedroll was empty.

Huh. . .maybe she’s off for her morning jog.

Pawnee yawned and whisteled for Buck. The dog came charging up the stairs eaglery and he spent a few minutes petting him while fully waking up. He then reached down into his pockets and pack just to make sure Frieda hadn’t stolen anything.

Everything was in place. Pawnee pulled out a tiny pouch and emptied it. Fifteen gold coins were inside. He counted them out.

How am I going to spend these? They’re like a thousand caps a piece. . .

Pawnee furrowed his brow. He stood up and looked out of the window, scanning Greyditch.

The whole town looked asleep. He didn’t see anyone out and about. A mole rat and a few roaches scattered through the alleyways.

As Pawnee put the coins away, he noticed Cris’s stethoscope.

Better give this back.

He snatched it up, gathered his gear, and headed over to Cris’s house. When he looked in the window, no one seemed home. Cris had attempted to fix his missing front door, but its lock was poorly made. It rocked back and forth gently in the morning wind.

Good doctor. Bad carpenter.

Pawnee gently pushed the door open, “Cris? You around?”

There was no answer.

Maybe they’re asleep.

Pawnee took a few steps inside, over to a small end table. He placed the stethoscope on it, where he figured the doctor would notice. As he was about to leave, he paused.

I should really give him something for letting me borrow it. What can I part with?

The gold coins were out of the question. Otherwise, Pawnee had little else to trade. He bit his lip and then remembered the dead slave’s pistol. It was functional, but badly worn and only had half a clip of ammo. He removed it from his pack and put it down next to the stethoscope.

There. . .that’s a nice payment for borrowing the damn thing for a day.

Pawnee walked outside. Buck began to bark and pace, panting eagerly. Pawnee scanned the street but everything looked empty – even the diner.

He picked up a stick and threw it down the street. The dog eagerly chased after it.

Pawnee spent the next half an hour playing fetch with the dog, directly in front of Joe’s house.

EDIT

[josie treuberg]

James Wilson – Grayditch arms – morning


James awoke on the floor of his house with a Hangover(athough not as bad as he though it be) would.Sue was asleep on the Couch floor, after leaving the dinner both of them had fallen asleep on the couch, whilst finishing a bottle of vodka, which had spilled on the floor.

walking in the kitchen James picked up bottle of water and realised he had left his jacket in the dinner last night and that there was a note on one of his shotguns “To doctor from James Wilson, Grayditch arms ”

Oh yes that stupid bet I made, guess it’s time to pay up.

Grabbing the shotgun James headed outside, it was still early and only Pawnee was wake, playing fetch with his dog outside Joe’s house. When James reached cris’s house the poorly built door was open and there was a new sign hanging on the wall of the house.

“Hello anyone here”

There was no answer. They must be asleep

James took a few steps inside towards a small table, there was a stethoscope and pistol on the table and after Putting the shotgun (with note) on the other side of the table, James walked back outside and towards the dinner

Arriving at the dinner James put his jacket back on and sat in an empty booth watching Pawnee playing fetch with the dog whilst drinking his bottle of water and waiting for the others to awake…

Dam Hangover , i need some coffee or tea

[Genocidal Cry]

(OOC: no one said "useless"! <3 )

FRIEDA ~~ Grayditch/surroundings ~~ Pre-dawn

Frieda's eyes popped open even before the sun had risen enough to shine into the roofless room she'd shared with Pawnee for the night. Her mouth and throat felt very dry and her head ached dully. Her stomach churned and felt acidic.

I don't want to run today.

Pawnee had rolled over at some point during the night and was sprawled out on his back, fast asleep. She smiled to herself, feeling warm and not at all uncomfortable. That's a good sign. It's kind of nice to wake up next to someone... She slid herself closer and put her head on his chest and forced her eyes shut again, but that familiar nagging would just not let up.

It's time for run. Just a quick run. Get up and run.

Frieda groaned. She propped herself up and watched Pawnee's sleeping figure for another moment, then ducked and kissed his cheek. His facial muscles twitched slightly but he didn't otherwise stir. She stood up and stretched, joints popping, and looked down at Buck. "You wouldn't want to come, would you?" she asked, the slightest glimmer of hope in her voice. Maybe if I didn't have to go alone, just this morning, it'd be easier.

The dog gave a low whine. His tail flopped twice against the floor, but then he stood up, padded over next to Pawnee, and curled up on the warm spot she left behind.

Smart dog. "I'll see you later." She drank half a bottle of water they'd brought back with them the night before, hoping that would stop her headache, as she made her way back to her house. The town was dead quiet. Considering how much she had had to drink the night before, she expected her hangover to be worse than it was. She decided to just count herself lucky, waking up with a headache and sour stomach. I still don't want to run today.

Five minutes later she had emerged from her house in her running shorts once more and she was off. The water had given her a bit of energy but she still couldn't consider eating something. As she passed the Metro, she thought she heard a scream, but wrote it off as being a feral ghoul, or perhaps a Raider, deep below.

She returned twenty minutes later. The sun had just come up, but no one in town was stirring. Maybe they're all more hungover than I thought. She ducked through the alley and raised an eyebrow at the figure of one of the town security guys passed out behind their house/HQ.

Frieda re-emerged from her house once more, wearing her signature green t-shirt and having put her hair into a braid. She was coming back through the alley -- I should really clean this up if I'm going to use it so often, she thought to herself, passing a skeleton and some trash -- when she saw Pawnee playing fetch with Buck. He hadn't noticed her step out from between the houses, since his back was turned. Frieda grinned at the sight of him, and ran up behind him. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Good morning," she purred into his ear before kissing his cheek.

She reached down and pet Buck who had returned with the stick. Celeste came out of her house and offered them a broad grin. She looks like she had a good night. Celeste waved and hustled into the diner.

"Sleep okay?" Frieda asked Pawnee. "Come have some coffee with me, before I go to work." She turned to walk towards the diner. Pawnee grabbed her hand and smiled.

I could get used to this!

[Kelly Osbourne Kelly]

(OOC: ...well, the lady doesn't always leave first. :whistling: )

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Grayditch/her Diner ~~ Early morning

Celeste sighed, waking up from a wonderful dream:

She and Joe were dancing in a fancy pre-war gathering. "I'll go get you a drink," he smiled, and walked away.

"Okay!" she chirped. Celeste stood where she was and watched the faceless couples dance and twirl in front of her. The music played on and the couples began to spin and whirl faster and faster. There was no sign of Joe.

"Joe?" she called, feeling anxious. "Where are you?"

Celeste thought she could hear him laughing, but he never appeared.

She rubbed her eyes. That wasn't so wonderful after all. She sat up on her bed and looked around at the dully lit room. What happened last night? An empty bottle of champagne lay on the floor next to a couple empty whiskey bottles and an overturned glass. Joe was nowhere to be seen.

Joe. She remembered. Celeste smiled stupidly to herself. She got herself dressed and chose a pink sweater to wear for the day. After straightening her hair in front of a piece of shattered, grimy mirror, she left her house to open up the diner, humming happily. Frieda and Pawnee were already starting the day with some PDA in the middle of the street, but she didn't care. She was feeling good. She gave them a grin and a wave and made her way into the diner.

James was already sitting in a booth. "Well, good morning!" she greeted him cheerfully. "I'm about to see what I've got to throw together for some breakfast, but I'm going to brew up some coffee." Celeste winked, taking her place behind the bar and retrieving her coffee. Despite the fact there was a party the night before, Joe had done a surprisingly good job at cleaning up. A few smudges were present now that there was daylight to see better, but nothing she couldn't spot clean out before it got too busy.

She flicked on the radio. GNR was playing a new show. She listened as she put the coffee together.

"On the next episode of The Adventures of Daring Dashwood:

You can't be serious!"

A second male voice replied. "Oh we are indeed, Daring Dashwood. We're going rouge!"

"Rogue! You mean, you're going to be pirates!" Daring Dashwood gasped.

"No, no!" the pirate laughed. "We are going rouge! For we are...PIRATES OF BURLESQUE!"

Big band music began to play and the pirate began to sing. "Ohhhhhhhh~ A kiss on the hand might be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl's best friend!*"

Celeste giggled but changed the station to Agatha's. She noticed James giving a funny look to the radio. "I think we need something a bit quieter this morning, in light of last night's festivities."

--
(*OOC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamonds_Are_a_Girl%27s_Best_Friend from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", also covered in Moulin Rouge.)

[Kyra]

Frank eyed the man up and down, seemed formal enough, abit forward but he wanted to actually speak to someone for more than a split second anyhow.
He grabbed the man by the hand, and shook maybe abit too hard.

''Pleasant to meet you. '' Frank had to think hard, not very common for him to speak to people with idle chit pvssyr,''my name is...Frank...yes, Frank Smith. Alot has been occurring in here the last few moments, so I suggest you require what you came in for and depart. Is it a home you are inclining for?''

OOC- again, sorry it's short i'm at work

[Isaac Saetern]

Alexander Scalatti, The Diner, nightfall

'Pleasant to meet you. '' Frank had to think hard, not very common for him to speak to people with idle chit pvssyr,''my name is...Frank...yes, Frank Smith. Alot has been occurring in here the last few moments, so I suggest you require what you came in for and depart. Is it a home you are inclining for?''

Alex shook his head, "Nope, I pitched myself a tent earlier today, I will need a home eventually, my tent will suffice for now."

But Alex was kinda shocked at the leave comment. "I'm looking for information on the missing caravan, I'll be back tomorrow, but I might be here a while."

Alexander Scalatti, His tent, early morning

Alex awoke in his tent to the sounds of Greyditch coming to life. He pitched the tent right on the outskirts of the city, and made a small tin wall around it, not much yet, but Alex knew he would build a home on this site one day.

He walked over to his radio and put in a holotape of his favorite song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2S1I_ien6A He found the holotape in the D.C ruins one day, in a old music store that was still unlooted.

After getting dressed http://lanoire.wikia.com/wiki/File:Phelps_7.png Alex headed for the town. He knew that the Diner was the placer where the town congregated, so that is where he went.

After entering the door, he walked over to the counter. He looked at the menu, but nothing struck his fancy. "Hello? I'm new here, is there any Mole Rat stew or something like that?"

[Joanne Crump]

Jesse Christophe - Jesse's House - Dawn

The regulator finally came back to life after nearly eight hours of sleep. He yawned lazily and stretched as he sat up in his bed. Remembering the dream he had, his lips curled into a smile. He'd dreamed that he was living with a family in a house just like he was in now, except in the pre-war days when things were more peaceful. However, his face drooped back into it's usual grim expression when he realized that it was a dream and nothing more.

Back to reality. Jesse snorted, as he shuffled out of bed, throwing his clothes back on, and slipping into his boots. After several minutes of using the toilet and taking a quick shower, the old man was finally ready to head out for breakfast. I really need to get some supplies for this place. he decided, looking around his dingy looking home. The wallpaper was peeling and the entire house had no lighting. Furniture lay strewn across the dusty floor, cracked and worn out, while a musky smell lingered in the air.

Must be the other old man. he shrugged, smirking as he recalled the conversation he had had with the man the night before. Private contractor for God. Give me a break. he chuckled silently, shuffling over to the guest room and knocking on the door.

"You awake yet old man?" he called inside. "You still alive?" he added, with some humor. Generally, Jesse was not much of a morning person. In fact, he was not much of a people person. His life of chasing and killing so many dozens of people gave him a slight distrust in humanity itself. He felt that all good men left on Earth were pent up in the Regulators HQ. This narrow-mindedness was the cause of some of his bitterness with people. Despite this, if he were to be proved wrong, he would be more than happy.

Why do I do this? he often wondered to himself, realizing he could take up a much more peaceful and rewarding career. Why do I do this? Because no one else will. Jesse had decided finally. The day someone comes in to fill my shoes will be the day I'm willing to die. And I tell ya, I'd die a happy man.

He knocked on the door once more rather impatiently, snapping out of his reminiscence. "You want breakfast or not, ya old coot?" he barked this time.

[Steph]

Brandy _ Duncans tent early morning



As Brandy tossed and turned in the sleeping bag, she rolled onto her back.

"What happened last night?" she quietly asked herself

Sitting up and rubbing her eyes, she took in the surroundings. Laying next to a smoldering campfire was the man she met lastnight. Then she remembered the man that was shot lastnight. All of a sudden she felt flush and nausious.

"I really need to get back to camp, Ricky is probably furious with me. But what about the dead man from last night, could I have accidentially shot him?" the continued running through her mind Should I just get out of here, find the pistol first, turn myself in... she grabbed her hair in frustration

She had never actually killed anyone before, she couldn't bring herself to do so and it would have cost her, her life had Ricky not been there. Thinking of her grandfather, she decided.

"He would tell me to be accountable for my actions." she murmurred

With that, she got up, her dress all wrinkled, and a tangled mess of hair. She started towards the diner at the end of the street. As she shuffled down the broken street wondering what would happen to her. She noticed a sign on the front of house on her right General Emporium de Winters Clinic & Pharmacy in letters she had only saw in old books. The young guy who wore the power armor the night before was playing with his dog. The closer she came to the old diner, she more nasious she felt. Her nervs were tieing her stomach into knots. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the pistol laying next to the last house on the street. Brandy picked up the old pistol and proceeded into the diner holding in her hands.


Placing the pistol on the counter she blurted out "I may have killed that man lastnight, i didn't mean to" she looked at Celeste.

Trying to keep herself together she glanced around the diner, she recognized the man sitting in the booth. Lastnight she had watched him twirl his lady on the dance floor. Resting her hands on the bar Brandy let out a big sigh.

"Bot, I Really done it this time"

[Sasha Brown]

OOC: Little inside joke, skirt?

--Morning--
--Celeste’s Diner--
-Pawnee--

Pawnee joined Frieda, walking towards the diner for a cup of coffee. Celeste was already there along with James, and a man in a fedora who Pawnee had never seen before.

Pawnee ignored the man and pvssyd with Frieda for a few minutes. When he saw that Celeste wasn't occupied, he approached her.

“Hey Celeste. Frieda and I'd like some coffee when you get a chance. . .and about last night,” Pawnee svcked his cheeks in, “I’m pretty sure I said I’d pay for everyone’s drinks. . .and I’m sure that’s a lot of caps – so I was wondering if we could work out a deal?”

I hope this works. . .get rid of at least one of these things.

Pawnee’s eyes glimmered. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin.

“This coin is worth a lot of caps. A lot. I want to give it to you as. . .like a tab. You know what that is? Whenever I eat here, or drink here,” he glanced back at Frieda, “and whenever she eats or drinks here, you can put the caps on my tab. This coin. An upfront payment. I trust you to add everything up fairly. Hell, send this coin back to whoever it was that supplied this diner last time as soon as you can, and he'll send you a whole caravan's worth of stuff in return,” Pawnee beamed, "keep you in business for months until this town really takes off."

Before Celeste could answer, the new girl with a scar above her eye walked into the diner.

She slammed a pistol down on the counter, starting to tear up, "I may have killed that man last night. I didn't mean to," she looked at Celeste and then at Pawnee teary eyed, "boy. I Really done it this time"

“Huh?” Pawnee scratched his head, “no you didn’t. He killed himself. At least it looked like he did. I found him lying next to a blood-spattered pistol. I took it - looked like good scavenge.”

After Pawnee finished, he noticed that Frieda, Celeste, and the girl were staring at him. They looked utterly confused.

“What?” He shrugged, “I told Joe. He said to keep it quiet so it wouldn’t ruin the party. Didn't want to screw with the vibe. . .why are you so choked up about him anyway? People off themselves all the time. . ."

[Agnieszka Bak]

Joe Rennie. Celeste's house. The night before.

Well Joe. Turns out she does like to talk after. Joe thought to himself as he lay beside Celeste. Please Celeste just go to sleep. You must be tired. How much did we both drink too? I know I'm pretty drunk. Because of you. You wouldn't leave me alone, I couldn't tip the drink away. Would've been a shame to I suppose, waste of good bubbly. How long has she been talking for now anyway? An hour? Two? I want to get out of here woman! The whole town shoild be asleep by now. I'd be no more than a speck on the horizon by now if it wasn't for that safe. Just go to sleep.

"Ronto huh? Well Celeste I nee...." Joe began.

"Yes Ronto. I had this job there...." Celeste interrupted. Cutting Joe off and launching into another story.

Why won't she just sleep? I'm tired. I want to sleep. But I need to put some miles between myself and this town first. I hope whatever is in the safe is worth it. She hasn't stopped once. Her childhood, her mother, her mother's death. I just don't want to listen anymore. I don't have time to listen to everything. You know what Joe. She isn't going to sleep. Well in that case I am. There is no way I'm listening to her go on all night. I wake early anyway. Get some rest, hopefully she'll be sleeping when you do wake up. Then hit the safe and get the hell out of here. Grab Moriarty's money and the start up fund from the shack, then get out of town. Ok. That's the new plan.

Joe rolled on to his side and pulled some more of the blanket over himself.

"I'm glad we can talk like this too Celeste. I'm just getting comfortable. You carry on, I'm listning."

Joe Rennie. Celeste's house. Early morning.

Joe quietly stepped into the spare bedroom and crouched over the rug. From the end of the hallway he could hear the slow, rhythmic breathing that told him Celeste was finally asleep.
He stooped lower and grabbed the threadbare material, then pulled it back to reveal the safe. Even in the dim half-light of dawn he could clearly make out the lock. A simple key system. Child's play for Joe. He got to his knees and carefully pulled a short metal probe from his sleeve.

He bent down and carefully inserted the probe into the keyhole. Slowly poking it around, occaisionally jabbing it down. Eventually the probe was worked into position, holding the pins back from the cylender. He then plucked another sliver of metal from his pocket, jammed it into the lock and twisted. The safe door popped open a little and Joe siezed hold of it and flung it back.

A quiet sigh escaped from Joe as he knealt looking down into the safe. The triumph quickly dashed from his face.

All night. All night I waited. I listened to her talk for hours. And this is it! Are you [censored] kidding me?

Slowly Joe reached into the safe and lifted out the contents.

A teddy bear and a scrap of paper.

Numbly Joe unfolded the scrap of paper.

I.O.U A shotgun and a fat bag of caps.
Trust me. If you'd lived my life you'd unerstand- Culver

No! No no no no! I could've left! Last night. Just sent her home, grabbed the cash and gone. Go now Joe, get out.

As quietly as he could Joe ran down the stairs, stopping to pull his shoes on and headed for the door. Glancing around on the street Joe could see no signs of life. Things were looking up a little here. At least he could still slip out of town unseen. Joe jogged quietly over to the security shack, noting another new tent had been pitched during the night. He paused again at the door and peered around. Still nothing on the street moved.

Quietly Joe opened the door and stepped inside. He turned and pushed the door closed behind him. He wheeled round again, heading for the locked drawer on his desk. When his world exploded in pain. A massive, meaty fist punched Joe in the side of his head and an instant later another crashed into his kidney.

Joe collapsed to the floor, writhing in pain.

Well, too late Joe. Looks like Harold's awake.

[Red Sauce]

Jimmy Leggio - His home - Morning

Jimmy awoke early. It was quiet around Grayditch, and Jimmy liked it that way. He quietly rolled out of the bed, careful to not wake his slumbering wife, and got dressed. He decided to go for a more relaxing attire that morning, clean pre-war casualwear. Once he finished changing from his sleepwear, Jimmy made his way downstairs in search of food. The trader had some food on him. Most of it went to his slavers, seeing as they would be spending a lot of time in a metro, but he kept a few cans and bowls for himself and his family.

After rooting around in a press, Jimmy found a can of pork n beans. He sat down on an old wooden chair and began eating the contents.

Once Jimmy had finished his breakfast he exited his house and emerged into a quiet Grayditch. Peaceful, and not causing Jimmy a headache. He walked to the house next to his and knocked on the door. After a brief pause, the door was opened, revealing a small Caucasian man. Clay, fast and agile. No doubt the scout in the previous night's mission.

"How did the job go, son?"

"Well, sir. I received your signal, or at least what I hoped was your signal, and gave the let's go. The fellas' moved the slaves, undisturbed."

Jimmy nodded in relief. "I expected as much, good job. Who is with the slaves now?"

"Petey aaaand.... Daniel, I think."

"All right, Clay. You can go back to whatever you were doing."

"Thank you, Mr Leggio." Clay shut the door and Jimmy headed off towards the diner, to report the good news to Joe.

Jimmy began singing another GNR song as he made his way through the reasonably silent buildings and pathways. As he entered the diner he saw Pawnee and the blonde, borderline paedophile standing next to each other talking to Celeste. Another women, a new one, seemed to also be in a conversation with Celeste. She certainly knew how to keep busy. Jimmy looked around for Rennie, but couldn't see him anywhere. He approached Celeste behind the counter.

"When you two are finished, could you tell me where Joe is?" Jimmy asked, too tired and frustrated to hide his rudeness.

Edited. Dude, I need to learn to read people's replies carefully. :facepalm:

[jasminε]

Duncan Talson - Duncan's Tent - Early Morning

Duncan awoke with a stiffness in his back and dust caked to his face, he hadn't slept very well last night the front half of him had been warm, while the back half had been cold. He stretched getting the stiffness and brushed the dust from his face I must look like [censored], though it wouldn't be the first time I guess he gave a quiet Mirthless laugh then stood up to check on Brandy. To his surprise she was gone must have gone back to her camp already or to the diner he brushed the thought aside and went about his routine, Milking Jane then feeding her, cleaning up his tent site and checking his wares.

His hand landed on the wrist screen and his thought s raced back tothe night before. That Frieda, she looks awfully familiar, like the woman from Canterbury Commons that just wandered in to town one day with barely anything to her name, was a damn miracle worker with electronics. Today is probably not the best day to ask her though after what she drank last night he gave another laugh then set the device aside and picked up the bucket full of milk before making his way to the diner.

He walked down the main street of the settlement and barely anything was stirring Must have been a real wild night then, doubt we'll be seeing anyone until late morning he made his way into the diner to be greeted by looks of confusion on the faces of Brandy, Celeste and Frieda, while the kid Pawnee had his back to him as if he were explaining something to them.

Duncan scratched his scalp then cleared his throat "Morning ladies and Pawnee, what's going on here?" he said in his most neighbourly manner.

[Dalley hussain]

(OOC 1: not much of an inside joke when only you and I get it, though...and only if you laughed. You laughed, right? :cookie: EDIT: No, I will not explain, so don't ask.
OOC 2: borderline paedophile?! Ouuuuuuuuch. Don't say that to her...)

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ Early morning

Nearly as soon as she had stepped behind the counter, others began to come in. A man in a grey suit and fedora came in and sat down, took a look around, and then asked "Hello? I'm new here, is there any Mole Rat stew or something like that?"

Celeste grinned and instinctively wiped the counter in front of the man. "Hello, Mr. New Here, I'm Celeste Brown and welcome to Grayditch! This is my diner. I haven't got any stew, but I probably have some mole rat sausage left over from yesterday, and I'm about to put on some coffee. Otherwise I have standard dry provisions. How does any of that sound? Just let me know."

Frieda and Pawnee were next to arrive. She gave Frieda a cool smile, one the taller woman returned. We just have to get along, I suppose. Frieda sat down and Pawnee came to the counter. "Good morning, Pawnee. You don't look too much worse for wear, despite how you carried on last night."

“Hey Celeste. Frieda and I'd like some coffee when you get a chance. . .and about last night,” Pawnee svcked his cheeks in, “I’m pretty sure I said I’d pay for everyone’s drinks. . .and I’m sure that’s a lot of caps – so I was wondering if we could work out a deal?”

Celeste put a hand on a hip and tilted her head to the side. "I can't imagine why not...did you have something in mind?"

Pawnee gave her a heavy, shiny gold coin. “This coin is worth a lot of caps. A lot. I want to give it to you as. . .like a tab. You know what that is? Whenever I eat here, or drink here,” he glanced back at Frieda, “and whenever she eats or drinks here, you can put the caps on my tab. This coin. An upfront payment. I trust you to add everything up fairly. Hell, send this coin back to whoever it was that supplied this diner last time as soon as you can, and he'll send you a whole caravan's worth of stuff in return,” Pawnee beamed, "keep you in business for months until this town really takes off."

Where could he have got that? Celeste was silent as she considered how to respond. Brandy burst in and slammed a pistol onto the counter, making Celeste jump.

"I may have killed that man last night. I didn't mean to," Brandy wailed looked at Celeste and then at Pawnee teary eyed, "boy. I Really done it this time"

“Huh?” Pawnee scratched his head, “no you didn’t. He killed himself. At least it looked like he did. I found him lying next to a blood-spattered pistol. I took it - looked like good scavenge.”

Celeste looked from Pawnee, to Brandy, and back to Pawnee, feeling very confused. The little gears in her mind were turning. What is he talking about? Joe said he didn't know about Weird Kid.

“What?” He shrugged, “I told Joe. He said to keep it quiet so it wouldn’t ruin the party. Didn't want to screw with the vibe. . .why are you so choked up about him anyway? People off themselves all the time. . ."

Jimmy had appeared while Celeste was brooding about the coin. "When you two are finished, could you tell me where Joe is?" he asked tersely.

"Joe...Joe lied?" Celeste could hardly believe the words uttered past her lips. Brandy, at least, appeared relieved. She paled and looked as though she may pass out again. "Oh, honey, sit down," she said, taking Brandy by the arms and easing her onto the stool next to her. "Second, let's take this off the bar, and maybe you could just...put it away." Celeste wondered if that was a good suggestion, as the girl admitted she isn't exactly the most responsible with the firearm.

She smiled at Jimmy. The thought of Joe was making her sick at the moment. "Try his house, or the security shack. I haven't seen him all morning." Some bitterness came through in her voice. Duncan appeared as well. Everyone shows up the moment I need a second to myself, it never fails.

Celeste had to admit to herself, the sight of the balding farmer softened her mood slightly. He, at least, was nothing but kind and honest. "Morning ladies and Pawnee, what's going on here?"

"Not very much just yet, Duncan. I just got here, running late this morning...I'm just about to make some coffee and take a quick gander at what I can whip up for breakfast." For Duncan, she had a genuinely warm smile. "I think we could all appreciate some coffee, after last night."

With that, she turned away from them to busy herself with her task.



FRIEDA ~~ Same place, same time

She sat in the booth at the back -- seemed to be becoming a familiar haunt of hers -- and crossed her legs, listening to the conversation between Pawnee and Celeste. Once another distinguished looking man, and Duncan came in, she stopped paying attention and looked outside. Pawnee was nestling himself in beside her and put an arm around her shoulders. He sure does think he's smooth, doesn't he?

Frieda turned to look at him and couldn't help but smile. At least he's cute about it. "What's all this about someone committing suicide? God, I must have been plastered."

"Some escaped slave went out back last night and shot himself. I guess it caused some kind of fuss. I don't get why, no one knew the guy," Pawnee shrugged.

"Well, what's your plan for today? I have to go to work, we can't all clear out pre-war safes to make a living." She absently tousled some of his hair between two fingers as she spoke. "That is, if we ever get some coffee."

[Kortniie Dumont]

Duncan Talson - Celeste's Diner - Early Morning

"Not very much just yet, Duncan. I just got here, running late this morning...I'm just about to make some coffee and take a quick gander at what I can whip up for breakfast. She gave him a warm smile and continued "I think we could all appreciate some coffee, after last night."

As she turned back to her tasks he put the milk on the counter "Well the milk should come in handy again, I've always enjoyed my coffee with milk" he returned the smile and turned to Brandy with a look of concern in his eyes "I hope you're alright miss after your little collapse last night and I hope you slept well." He quickly whipped round to face Celeste again "and you to Celeste, that would have been quite a fright to see the body there in the dark alley. Good thing Joe was there to comfort you." he gave a smile as he thought of the happy couple dancing in each others arms last night, before the thought of Brandy having killed the weird kid crept into his mind, he let his concerns go unvoiced as he took a seat and relaxed into it. He looked round the Diner and saw Pawnee and Frieda get close in a booth up the back and called a cheery "morning" to them both before his eyes landed on a new comer with a fedora sitting on his lonesome.

"Well Howdy there stranger, the names Duncan, and who might you be?" Duncan showed a friendly grin revealing a few of his missing teeth."

[Anthony Diaz]

--Morning--
--Celeste’s Diner--
--Pawnee--

"Some escaped slave went out back last night and shot himself. I guess it caused some kind of fuss. I don't get why. No one knew the guy," Pawnee shrugged. His attention had wandered back to the new girl with the scar, sitting at the bar.

Sure is naive. Ain’t that sweet. . .can't fire a gun. How’d she even make it here?

He continued to absently stare at her as Frieda played with his hair.

"Well, what's your plan for today? I have to go to work, we can't all clear out pre-war safes to make a living." Frieda giggled "That is, if we ever get some coffee."

“That power armor,” Pawnee muttered, his attention mainly on the brunette. Celeste was trying to console her, she looked like she was about to pass out, “going to try and see if I can use it. Tinker with it. Heard you need training to walk around in it.. . .know anything about that?”

Pawnee stood up from the table and helped himself to the coffee when Celeste walked over to talk to Duncan. He filled and then dropped two coffees off in front of Frieda, and then walked away, filling up another, and walking it up to the new girl.

“Hey,” Pawnee smiled, acutely aware that Frieda was probably watching him, and wanting to keep this 'introduction' brief, “don’t go crying now. Don’t know where you’re from, but you’re safe here. That man in the alley ain’t your fault, and in the end aint nothing anyway. Think I told ya, my name’s Pawnee. What’s yours? You ever need someone to find something for ya, I’m the one to find it - so just ask.”

[Nathan Barker]

Alexander Scalatti-the Diner


"Hello, Mr. New Here, I'm Celeste Brown and welcome to Grayditch! This is my diner. I haven't got any stew, but I probably have some mole rat sausage left over from yesterday, and I'm about to put on some coffee. Otherwise I have standard dry provisions. How does any of that sound? Just let me know."

She sure is quirky, that is for sure, Alex thought to himself as he grinned. "I see you have a sense of humor, that's hard to come by in the wasteland, I'll take some coffee and some rat sausage if possible, just name the price."

Then, a country looked fellow also sat near the counter. He looked over at Alex.

"Well Howdy there stranger, the names Duncan, and who might you be?" Duncan showed a friendly grin revealing a few of his missing teeth.

Alex reached his hand out to Duncan. "Man, everyone in this town is so friendly, my name is Alexander Scalatti, pleased to meet you Duncan."

[Invasion's]

Edit -- added Celeste
Edit 2 -- added reply to Valentine, haha
Edit 3 -- would help to read a post first
Edit 4 -- I mean really read it. Dear God, I'm awful. So sorry.
Edit 5 -- new post to make it look better/make more sense. This is why I should always drink coffee in the afternoon.

FRIEDA ~~ Diner ~~ Morning

“That power armor,” Pawnee muttered, clearly fixated on the girl with the scar, and the glasses. “Going to try and see if I can use it. Tinker with it. Heard you need training to walk around in it.. . .know anything about that?”

"I told you, I don't," Frieda quipped, feeling annoyed. The new girl was really pretty and particularly innocent-sounding, and she could tell that Pawnee's eyes had wandered. Before she could say anything more, he had stood up, poured some coffee, and engaged the woman in conversation.

The middle-aged gentleman, the one who was sometimes seen with a woman and a child, was looking at her and giving her a smirk. She furrowed her brow and gave a quick shake of her head, as though to say "What?

Pawnee was reciting his famous words. "You ever need someone to find something for ya, I’m the one to find it - so just ask."

I shouldn't be jealous. I really shouldn't be. Jealousy doesn't become you, Frieda.

Yet it was upsetting her. He was the first person to look past her, well, looks, the only person to ever be told her secret, and he was already getting chummy with the next cute thing that walked in. That's what I get for jumping in to a relationship so fast.

She slipped silently out of the booth and made her way out of the diner as swiftly as she could, her braid swishing behind her. I hope he doesn't screw me on the Enclave thing. Frieda hurried down the street towards Spark and Flame, eager to start some work for the day. She had hoped a caravan would be in town that day, but none had yet arrived, so chances were slim.

I'm never drinking again.

[Jeff Tingler]

Rusty Valentine

Greyditch - Morning

The sun shown down on Greyditch with a fierceness. Rusty stumbles toward the diner, his lips were dry and cracking. He'd been walking for days, and it had taken it's toll. A massive migraine beat him down from within, while the heat slashed at him from without.

Valentine falls to the dirt in exhaustion. Several feet away and too dehydrated to call out. His hat rested between him and the ground thankfully. Making contact with the ground rattled his body, and let out a small thud resonate through the town.

He felt his death slowly approaching. A figure in black with a warm, fatherly embrace approached and embraced him. Rusty's vision blurred. He spoke one last word with a dry, cracked throat, "Wh-ater." He blacked out.

--

Harlen Jake

Greyditch - Morning

Jake was walking toward the diner that beautiful morning. A thought entered his mind, Late to bed, early to rise. It made him giggle that Jesse probably thought he was still sleeping. He could see a figure in the distance, near the diner. A figure that seemed familiar, as it stumbled forward.

Harlen cocked his head like a confused dog as he walked. The figure was close to the diner, but had trouble even walking. He watched as this figure fell. A sudden urge of compassion leapt from within, and Harlen dashed with worry.

The father could hear his own heartbeat as he ran to the strangers aid. He reached the body and tried to help him. The Bounty Hunter put his head near the face, and a ghost from his past reappeared and took hold of the present. It was Rusty, his son.

Harlen watched as his son spoke a word, and heard the dry voice sound out, "Wh-ater." The boys eyes closed before him, and his body lay heavy, with a slow beat.

Harlen took the boy in his arms, "Son, Rusty!" He looked around at a vacant street. The father yelled out loud with the roar of thunder, "Someone help! He needs water, and a doctor!"