Festival's eyes widened at the sight of the Porto. "The 1952 Colheita!" Her voice was breathy, her accent never stronger. "C'est magnifique! 99 points from Wine Spectator...and that was fifteen years ago...think what it must be like now!"
Lili raised her glass. "To women of grace" she intoned, echoing Gal's toast. She took her time savoring the first sip, marvelling at the complex but perfectly-balanced meld of flavors, the distinct essenses of vanilla, cinammon, and the ancient oak in which the wine had been aged. When the last of the captivating, lingering finish has passed across her palate, she continued, "and to wine of a grace to which I might some day aspire! This is truly marvelous."
"More than once our travels led us to Portugal, even to the banks of the Duoro where the grapes that provide this nectar are grown. But we never visited the winery. Always in such a hurry in those days. I look back on the person I was then and think of her as a child...yet I am but a few years older. Years that contained so much, though...so very much."
Lili paused, smiling. "And may the future contain no less, of the good, I hope...but of the bad as well, if the alternative is nothing at all. It is the full life that is worth living, no? Hell is not fire or pain...Hell is boredom!"
"And in this moment, I will not run.
It is my place to stand.
We few shall carry hope
Within our bloodied hands."
Jack watched as Gertrude walked away with a smile on. His mouth felt so alive from the tingle that was left by the spices. It was over producing saliva to try and fight it off, but only managed to give temporary relief and spread the burn around. He took a couple more bites, each followed by a good swallow of milk. He knew he wasn't going to be able to finish this. There just wasn't enough room in his stomach for chili and milk. Jack tapped his foot to the fast paced Minuet and it gave him the inspiration to see what else was on this box.
He slid off the seat and took a bite on his way over, took two steps and turned around to grab his milk. Drink in hand he stood over the music selection and scrolled through until he found someone he liked. He didn't know how many songs were up before him, but he could definately wait.Tapping the buttons he queued up Drink the Water by Jack Johnson and All my Friends by Amos Lee. He took another swig of milk and realized that he was done with the glass.
A short walk found him back at the table, and he resigned himself to bread and milk for a bit.
OOC: feel free to decide on what tunes or how many play. I'm off for a little hiatus this weekend so if i don't get to reply just assume the food's good , company's good etc. If the joint closes, Betty's aware she doesn't have to go home (probably won't 
) but she can't stay here.
In the bar, a piano piece was playing from the jukebox. Narshawn noticed it seemed to affect the man called Black sadly, and she understood from his tale why. Cold comfort was all she could give, but she wished him a light heart.
Gertrude was moving from the bar to the kitchens, apparently in a hurry to get back to Jack. He was easy to talk to, and flirted right back without being too serious about it. Light hearted, and she could certainly appreciate that, smiling to herself. He hadn't tried to pinch or grab, which would have ended anything she felt for him.
Gal smiled at the red-haired wanderer. Special people seemed to come to this place more often than she could have hoped. Regardless that it was doing well financially, she would have started this for no payment if she had realized it could be so wonderful. Too much violence in the city, she thought often. Place to relax, to see friends and have a good meal, that was why she started it.
"Miss Festival, you're a special one. Anyone is a friend of yours, is a friend of mine. The wine isn't half as good as the company. Martin may know grapes," she winked and placed a motherly arm around Gypsy, surprising the dark-skinned European, "but I know people."
"Tell me a little more about your troupe. Bend my spirit with your tales. You don't know how I love ta' hear about other places." Her arm moved from the now embarrassed Gypsy, who was unused to such shows of family, outside her own.
((OOC: What a wonderful thing, this RP and board. I delight in it, in all of you, and thank you for feeding my ego, which is now being surveyed for federal taxes. I may end up having to pay in two states if you keep feeding me like this 
))
[ QUOTE ]
"Welllllll, none of that seems like it was any of your fault. Looks like you were just a victim of misrepresentation. I've never been one to trust any government agency or any big corporations for that matter, so I'm not too terribly shocked."
[/ QUOTE ]
Despite Betty's reassurances, Basilisk seemed unconvinced. He acknowledged her, but his mood did not seem to improve at all.
[ QUOTE ]
"Hey, can I ask you a sort of personal question? This might seem kinda strange, but I can't contain my curiosity, really... and you don't have to answer if you don't want, but," she lowered her voice down to a somber whisper, "when you... if you do, when you dream... do you look like, or feel like you used to be, or how you are now?"
[/ QUOTE ]
The question made Basilisk stop, as if frozen in his seat. He took a breath and answered slowly.
"Dream? I don't much remember my dreams. A bit here, a bit there, but for the most part, I don't know. I do know that in what few dreams I do remember I'm human- fully human, that is. In my nightmares..."
His voice trailed off. He took a moment and readjusted the golden lensed glasses on his face.
"You know why I wear the glasses? It's my eyes. Not that they're mutilated or anything like that. They're perfectly normal, green-yellow slitted eyes. Sort of like a crocodile's. But, when I changed, I got another little surprise. Just like the basilisk in the myth, I can petrify people with a glance. Just like that- Pop! then they can't move. It's a handy little trick when I'm out bustin' Skulls, but every minute of every day I'm stuck worrying if the glasses fall off, who will end up as a statue? In my dreams, things are good and fine and everyone has a happy ending. In my nightmares, I don't remember much, but the eyes are always there."
My story arcs: #2370- Noah Reborn, #18672- The Clockwork War, #31490- Easy Money
Sartre once said, "Hell is other people." What does that make an MMO?
President Black let the music wash over him... The memories were still vivid, still so real to him, as if she could still be touched. That first day that she had seen him across the dusty street of the capitol, the way she swayed, the sweet perfume of the plains covered her. She was an african goddess, one that he never had thought he would find... He built a country with her, a life with her, and a family with her... But all these things had come to an end.
Perhaps over time he would be able to overcome them. He looked to Narshawn and waved her over to get her attention.
"Thank you for the music. I must depart soon, but before then I wondered if you could assist me?" He said, pointing to the back of the bar. "I am going back on assignment tonight, I'll be heading to a world that's currently under assault by a Nemesis; not this one's world though. Their supplies have dwindled to just military rations and packs, so I was curious if I could purchase a few boxes of alcohol. It was one of the requests of their soldiers at the time..."
That and some mutagenic sludge... he thought to himself... But it was still a great secret that some of the Rikti were helping to defend this world against Nemesis. Nobody had to know how strategic this world was.
"Could I purchase some?" he asked again.
[ QUOTE ]
"Could I purchase some?" he asked again.
[/ QUOTE ]
Narshawn considered this a somewhat odd request, but she was a fairly new hero, fairly young and had not been to places like Striga or Zulu. She nodded and placed a hand on her shoulder, some would have mistaken it for a salute, but in reality she touched a carving, hidden on her skin, that matched tattoos on every Sister in The Order. She thought of one name, concentrating.
Gal's head turned, her shoulder warming beneath her heavy shirt. Narshawn, she thought.
"Miss Lili, would you excuse me a sec?" She stood, motioning for Gypsy to stay. "I'll be right back."
She passed Beth, gently patting her shoulder, careful of the lace, and spoke a few short words to Manion. A greeting, a compliment.
"Nar, you need me?" She stopped at the bar, maybe of equal height with the bearded man. The tiny woman related his request and she turned to face him.
*Big man, handsome, something elegant in the way he holds the glass,* she thought, taking in details quickly. Her smile was wide, teeth sparkling and right hand thrust out.
"Welcome to drink as much as you can hold and be decent, while in my place," she said, "but I got'sa ask what you want with boxes of mah' liquor. There's reg's and the city could bust me good, sellin' for resale somewhere illegal, you know. No Hollows, no Faultline, some others.
"Where's it going?" Her smile hadn't shifted, but one eyebrow rose, questioning. She was as generous as she was strict on rules, and the bar was one of the best draws for the place. No sense losing a license.
((OOC: I bet your troops love you, Black. Bring me a bottle of Cuervo in the trenches and I would have ironed your shirts for a month ))
The white of President Black's smile contrasted with his pitch black skin and his graying beard. He quickly looked at the lady and was impressed with her stance and appearance. His mother, the one his dead tribe called Grandmother Sha, would have called her a Zulu if she had ever saw them. Not one of the people from the Bush, but close, so close.
"I do not wish to do anything illegal," President Black smiled. "The items in question would not be resold, they would be distributed to people in need of some relaxation after suffering horrible hardships for the past several years. I made a promise before I left that place to a friend that I would try and bring something back for them... They would have been happy at just a few bars of chocolate, but I think they deserve more than that..."
He paused and put his glass down on the bar. Even after all of that he wasn't even light headed. It was a shame, since it had been of good flavor too.
"The place is question is not of this world. If you know Portal Corp, then you know of what I speak of. While the information of the world's quordinates and name is classified to those whose security level is below 50 with Omega level clearance, I can tell you some things... These people have been battling with Nemesis for several years, only recently have we from Paragon come to their assistance. They have managed to hold out against a thread from another dimension for so long, when uniquely their world has no heroes, at least none of our sort. Their industry, their entertainment has been gone since Nemesis first invaded their world. We've been giving them supplies, but it has just been the basics," President Black paused and looked hard into her eyes. "I've been assigned to working on their frontline for the past month or so, and they could use some relief from the constant war."
He managed to smile again. "But where are my manners? My name is Adon Banma, what is your's madam?"
*Just noting that his full name would probably be known casually by anybody who paid attention to national affairs. The details of his presidency are in a past post.*
Yeah, well all the dreams I have that I can remember, theyre like nightmares cause Im stuck the way I used to be, her voice dropped into a sneer, weak and defenseless. Then there were the ones she didnt remember that she always woke up afterwards in strange places which as of late seemed to be rooftops.
Betty found herself fidgeting with the corner of the towel that covered the clockwork arm. She mentally scolded herself and once again sat on her errant left hand, trusting that the right was sufficiently occupied with the food, which had been served faster than shed expected. The salmon was done perfectly, too, cooked through just enough to flake easily but nowhere near dry.
Apparently, two drinks were not enough to take off the lingering nervous edge that came with the recent scuffle shed been in on the street. It was persistent enough that when the really huge guy sitting to the other side of her had polished off several bottles of a variety of spirits, topping it all off with the entirety of a fifth of Goldschlager down to the last fleck of 24 karat, shed mentally had to check herself from reflexively reaching back to free her blade from its housing, just in case. Thankfully, it looked like the big guy had no problem keeping his wits about him despite the quantity hed imbibed and the maudlin mood hed seemed to have slipped into. In fact, he seemed downright polite as he spoke to the bartender and then another woman who'd appeared from the dining room. Besides, shed felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over her as she noticed the blade the big man carried; it made the nicked and battered sword with duct tape wrapped around the pommel that she carried seem somehow unworthy even if it did serve its purpose in a pinch. She decided it couldnt hurt to have another drink and asked for a refill when the bartender went by again.
And then there was the conversation shed gotten herself involved in. How shed managed to slide right into such familiarity so quickly, it was one of the things that normally didnt happen. People usually got put off to her for one reason or another after the first short exchange of words, so the experience was turning out to be a real novelty. Unfortunately, she also had no idea how one was actually supposed to conduct such a conversation which was obvious in the fact that it seemed like shed managed to keep the man she was speaking to in a somewhat disagreeable mood when hed probably come in the place to get away from all that. She was trying to come up with something to say, all the while berating herself for sticking her nose into somebody elses business where it really didnt belong when her cell phone rang. She fumbled with the compartment shed installed on her belt to carry the device and withdrew it, peering at the display which read VENTRO.
She sighed heavily. So much for keeping a train of thought. She decided to ignore the call and turned off the ringer, but set the phone next to the arm on the bar
just in case. And then, true to form of course, she smiled at Dark Basilisk and let the next words slip without even thinking much about it.
Can I see? I mean, technically, since I dont really see like normal people anymore, theres a good chance I wont be rooted to the spot, and if I do, just redial that last incoming call. Thats my shrink and let me tell you, itll be a real lark just watching him try and get me out of a catatonic state. Besides, if hes calling it looks like Im going to need a good excuse for being out late without checking in.
Gal's face soured at the mention of Portal Corp, and her eyes grew hard when he claimed to be this man. The tiara she wore under her hair gave her a certain insight, along with her powers of tanking. It did not tingle, detecting no lie or subterfuge. He could actually be Mr Banma.
"Then I am honored," she touched her forehead, remaining upright. "A friend has spoken your name with high regard, and I know who you are. I'm Gal 'O War." She thought of Lady Sharon, who had once worked in his country, had spoken with only good words about him and his rule. She would not bow before any except her Ladies, but showed him the respect he deserved with her motion.
"Damn portals, I hear more about them tonight..." her manners returned, "Pardon me your grace. That cursed place is nothing but trouble, you ask me. I 'spose if it helps get the Nem's out of wherever you are, must be something good to it." Her expression showed her doubts.
"Now, about this support you need." She placed one heavy-soled leather boot on the brass bar footrest, leaning an elbow on the top. "Never been in the service, but I know what long overnighter's are, spent three weeks in Striga, but prolly nothin' compared." She looked around, catching sight of Dark Vegas as she passed through, always the vigilant one.
"Sir, you talk to Vegas here," she motioned as the much shorter woman walked over, dark hair and bright eyes. "Vegas, you take President Black here and get him whatever we have he can use. Pull it off the damn walls and menu if you need to, no hero in this city needs booze that bad.
"He wants to take some food, anything that'll keep for the trip, give him that, too. Now, mind you," she held up an immense finger at the woman, "mark it all up twenty-five points, ain't runnin' no charity operation here." The surprised look on the woman's face mirrored the tall man's own at being overcharged, for this.
"Don' worry, sir, you don' pay here," she brushed off his look, a grin opening her chocolate-colored lips. "Vegas, send the bill to that Portal Corp Office that Ad works for. Call it 'Overtime and Damages', and sign it with Sib's name. He'll get the message." She winked at the leader, then realized there was never a camera when you needed one.
"You come find me before you leave, please?" He deserved at least one-for-the-road.
Jack was done eating at this point, there was no way he had room for anymore. He grabbed a clean napkin and draped it over the chili. Hopefully he could take the left overs home. He took a drink of milk and realized that he wanted something else to drink. He liked milk, but he had had all the calcium he needed for the day. He watch Gal enter the bar and start talking to a man who Jack slowly realized was President Black. 'Maybe I should go say hi. Nah that would be impolite. He doesn't know me and it would just be awkward.' Jack just watched the conversation with interest. Then realizing that he hadn't finished his game of darts he headed off to do just that.
((OOC: If I had ever mentioned my SG and the story behind them then people would realize that Jack would recognize President Black. But I didn't however if you would like here is a little info. PDF. There is a whole storyline in the works, but that is not my job so I can't get you anything else.))
((OOC: My apologies, let me correct my text here. There that should be better. I am just trying to show my relationship to Portal and that if Black were spending months abroad doing major work on another world I'm sure Jack would have heard of him through the grapevine. If I'm stepping on toes let me know.))
Gertrude walked back into the pool room, noticing that the bowl was covered. She smiled.
"Jack, did you bury it or just couldn't stand to look at it anymore?" She crossed her arms, pushing her chest up and cocking one hip to the side. He turned, and his look was priceless.
Adon nodded his head to Gal solemnly, "Thank you, madam, this is most generous of you. I am sure that the troops on the front will appreciate this generous contribution..."
His lips turned upwards in a small wry smile. "Portal Corp, however, might have some difficulty with it, but it's nothing they can't afford with all of the patents of new technology they bring in... And I will see you before I leave, madam. You do not need to be formal with me, anything I did to warrant that was in the past, not the present."
Adon Banma had become President Black the moment he came to the US as a man expelled from his home. It was not widely circulated knowledge of his whereabouts, or even the fact that President Black and Adon Banma were one in the same. He did not go around telling everyone his real name. President Black had been his second chance to make a difference in the world by saving people from disasters. A second chance to make a difference. He had failed as a leader of his country in the end, all because he had allowed the others to see his mutant healing abilities due to the death of his wife at the hands of the Rikti. The people of Monban were not as enlightened as those of Paragon, it had given the military the excuse to take over like in so many other countries in Africa, making a 1st world democratic, industrial nation into a wartorn territory... He would not fail again.
He looked at Vegas. "Miss Vegas, I can haul quite a bit of supplies, since I have the ability to call in a teleporter from Portal Corp itself, I told them to be ready to accept some supplies later today."
He withdrew a few small disks from his pocket, tiny transmitters that closely resembled those that heroes carried to be teleported to the hospital. They had the Portal Corp emblem on them.
"Any food that would keep would be appreciated too... There isn't much in the way of defrosting or cooking supplies over there, so dried food would be best... Anything to take their minds off the military rations that they've received from Portal Corp and the government."
He gave a backwards glance to Gal and chuckled. "I do not work for Portal Corp directly, they are only in it for the technical details of continuing the link between our worlds. I am the coordinator of the government efforts between our people and theirs. The envoy if you will... Much easier than uniting tribes into a nation, but Nemesis has been full of headaches..."
He made a motion that he would follow Vegas, nodding to her that he wouldn't be in her way. This had turned out to be a very interesting day indeed...
((OOC: What, some health inspector come in that I didn't see? It's gotten awfully quiet. 
ummm, I mean 
))
"Ah, well I wanted to stop myself from eating any more. I'm stuffed and was a little worried that I might cause some permanent damage if I kept eatting. It was fantastic though." He grinned. "I was hoping to take the rest home with me, kinda thought about taking the bowl too." He wandered towards her to show she had his attention. "So when is this break you mentioned coming up? I'd love your company."
((OOC: It has been very quiet lately.))
((OOC: Must be that cursed I4 "OoooooH! PvP! Now I can smack my friends around! Grumble grumble.))
"That was it, Jack," she paused, "All I have to do is tell Nar, and put my apron behind the bar. My next twenty are free. I think everybody here has gotten their orders."
She shook her hair, ready to sit down for a moment and stepped back to where the bar opened. Nar was watching a huge black man and Vegas, but she dropped to the floor and came to Gertrude's wave. The tiny woman nodded, smiling and shoved the apron into a shelf.
"So, hero, what did you want to talk about?" She hopped up on a stool across from his bowl, letting out a sigh. One hand absently ran through her hair.
[ QUOTE ]
Can I see? I mean, technically, since I dont really see like normal people anymore, theres a good chance I wont be rooted to the spot, and if I do, just redial that last incoming call. Thats my shrink and let me tell you, itll be a real lark just watching him try and get me out of a catatonic state. Besides, if hes calling it looks like Im going to need a good excuse for being out late without checking in.
[/ QUOTE ]
"Technically, it's not a catatonic state. It seems that my victim actually turns temporarily to stone. Don't ask how- I got an explanation once, and it was so full of technical mumbo-jumbo that I couldn't repeat it to you if I tried. I can restrain it, to a degree. But the eyes do seem to work against Clockwork fine, so I can more or less guarantee that this won't be comfortable. You sure you're up for this?"
He waited for her approval, then closed his eyes and began to slowly lower the glasses. When the glasses were off of his face, he opened the scaled eyelids, revealing a pair of golden-green, slitted eyes.
Basilisk only held her gaze for a moment, before placing the glasses back onto his face, but it was long enough for the preliminary effects of the petrification to set in. Not enough to be fully immobilized, just a feeling of stiffness in the joints and limbs. He smiled briefly at her discomfort.
"Like I said, not too comfortable. It's backfired on me a couple of times, so I know what it's like. Relax for a bit, and it should pass."
My story arcs: #2370- Noah Reborn, #18672- The Clockwork War, #31490- Easy Money
Sartre once said, "Hell is other people." What does that make an MMO?
((OOC: As I wait for I4 to update. This will be short.))
Jack took the seat opposite Gertrude, and laid his arms on the table. He rubbed his chin in a thoughtful way and said, "Well, I can't say I had a topic in mind. I figured some idle chit chat would find us to a topic eventually. If I need an itenerary though I'm sure I could write one down. Ya got a pen?" He grinned. "I tell ya what, tell me something about yourself that I don't know. So far I got your first name, the fact that you have a son, I know that you are a waitress, and I even know where you work." He made the hand gestures of flipping through an imaginary notepad. "Yep that be all of my notes. We can even take turns."
"Okay, detective," she leaned back on the stool. "I got two kids, both by the same guy, and he's my ex. Not a nice one, but I got Gal and Gemini, and they watch over me like angels." Her tone was cynical, but her eyes said she truly believed it.
"You tied up with someone right now? Just making time with a waitress?"
He was kinda shocked. He hadn't expected Gertrude to be so open. He was just guessing, but it seemed like something recent, the anger still seemed to be there. He was also pretty sure she didn't want people coddling her since she seemed a strong willed woman. He couldn't act like she hadn't said it either. "You have my condolence for your situation, it should not happen to anyone, but I'm sure you've heard that enough."
He forced a smile on his face. "Now I haven't been tied up with someone in a long time, and even then it was only until till I woke up and realized what had happened. People have a tendency so try and take advantage of you if you're different." Looking around for something to drink he realized that he only had milk and she had nothing. That would wait though. "In all seriousness I have no romantic relationship, and haven't since I was engaged about three years ago. Now I'm not sure what ya mean by making time with a waitress, but I enjoy your company and your banter. Now what should I tell Narshawn you want to drink?" He stood up at took a couple steps towards the bar.
"Just a cola, though something stronger would be welcome," she had seemed to deflate, much of her bravado gone. There was no one else to see her, and he had been persistent, so she allowed her fatigue to show.
"Yeah, the mess was my making, screwed it up from the start and am just glad I managed to find some friends to help me." She had more to say, not many men she felt she could talk, even a little, to. And as good as Gal was, some things she didn't understand. She waited for Jack to return.
At the bar Jack ordered himself a Newcastle and couldn't quite decide what to get Gerttrude. "Narshawn she said she would like a cola though something stronger would be welcome. I don't know your policies here, and I'm sure you know what she prefers to drink so I'll let you make that call." Narshawn was quick and gave him her normal toothy smile. "Thank you Narshawn." He grabbed a couple coasters from the bar and headed back to the table.
Setting her drink down in front of her he gave her a smile. "Sorry that took so long. Continue with what you were saying." He took his seat and a long draw from his mug. Then setting the mug down he turned his full attention back to Gertrude.
[ QUOTE ]
You sure you're up for this?"
[/ QUOTE ]
Positive. I have certain fail-safes installed in the armor that would possibly counteract any effect anyway, so do your worst.
[ QUOTE ]
He waited for her approval, then closed his eyes and began to slowly lower the glasses. When the glasses were off of his face, he opened the scaled eyelids, revealing a pair of golden-green, slitted eyes.
[/ QUOTE ]
The optics blurred for a nano-second as the auto focus shifted. She was momentarily distracted as information started scrolling by on the con. She was in the process of trying to ignore it when she realized that the armor had totally shut down after it overheated during the fight on the street and shed forgotten to turn it back on.
Oh
It came out as half a whisper rather than a gasp, as she suddenly felt a tautness setting into her joints. She found herself locked in to staring at the green surrounding the slit pupils before she even realized it. The rhythmic hollow clicking of her jury-rigged heart all at once became an almost deafening thunder backed up by the whooshing of fluid that would have just barely passed for blood. Underneath it all was an insistent drone, not so much a sound as a feeling of being beckoned by the promise of an endless emptiness.
[ QUOTE ]
Basilisk only held her gaze for a moment, before placing the glasses back onto his face, but it was long enough for the preliminary effects of the petrification to set in. Not enough to be fully immobilized, just a feeling of stiffness in the joints and limbs. He smiled briefly at her discomfort.
"Like I said, not too comfortable. It's backfired on me a couple of times, so I know what it's like. Relax for a bit, and it should pass."
[/ QUOTE ]
She giggled nervously as she seemed to regain flexibility and things returned to what passed as normal. Woah!
thats wild. Dont let anyone tell ya those aint pretty, thats for sure
Abruptly, another call came through on the mobile phone that was set to vibrate with the ringer turned off. The vibration sent it shimmying across the bar top where it butted up against the severed arm, causing it in turn to set to rattling. The attention of the bartender and the waitress swiftly settled on the thing like a couple of hawks that had been circling idly but had suddenly found prey. Betty frowned sheepishly at the bartender and retrieved the phone. Sorry, she told Basilisk, I suppose Id better take this one. Heh, note to self of something to never have permanently installed.
She flipped the phone open and lifted it to her ear. What!?... look, Prof, I pay you to be my head shrinker not my babysitter
fine, fine therapist, whatever
no, the city does not either pay your bill, I went over to City Hall and put a stop to that charity as soon as I came into some money
is that so?...alright, alright, Ill meet you over there
yeah, on my way right now. She grinned broadly and shrugged before indicating to the bartender that yet another refill would be just fine. O.k. then see ya.
She snapped the phone closed and stashed it on her belt before picking up her refreshed glass and deciding shed better explain. Sheesh, that guys craziern I am, always wanting to do heroing on the side of his practice because he's collecting material for some psych journal he writes for. Although I cant disagree that busting up some Troll base would be at least mildly therapeutic, Im not sure it would be such a good idea for me to drink and slice. I wonder how long itll take him to figure out Im not showing? Serves him right for telling me he was going to find me help in getting rid of that Vahz wasting disease and then leaving me waiting with flies buzzing about all afternoon. She realized that a slight slur had punctuated her speech and she was essentially babbling. Itd probably be best that I go after this drink though, gotta find a place to stash the, uh, spare parts before my roommate comes home, anyway.
"Eh, just saying that I lead a fairly normal life. I don't know how normal a hero's life is, but mostly mine is work, kids, work. That kind of thing." She drank the soda, realizing there wasn't too much exciting about her.
"If you're ever interested in being bored to sleep, ask me what I do for fun," the tired smile crept back. "My latest thriller was getting my license changed back to my maiden name."
Just chatting was actually very relaxing. She might have looked tired, and was, but it was welcome.
((OOC: Darn 10 hour board maint!))
Betty let her head sway back and forth to the music and the slow ebb of the effects of the drink, taking in the story Dark Basilisk had related to her. After a moment of thought, she said, "welllllll, none of that seems like it was any of your fault. Looks like you were just a victim of misrepresentation. I've never been one to trust any government agency or any big corporations for that matter, so I'm not too terribly shocked." She vaguely remembered an acquaintence mentioning something about fighting people from Crey, but when she'd asked about it he'd just snidely replied that her security clearance was still way too low to concern herself with it, so she'd forgotten all about it until now.
)
She stopped the bartender to place her order as she'd finally decided on the salmon. Sometimes it seemed that the simplest decisions were the ones she had the most trouble with. She decided not to pester the waitress as she looked to be pretty busy. She knew that the job wasn't an easy one as she'd given it a whirl herself in the past. She hadn't even lasted a full 8 hour day before she'd earned her walking papers on that little adventure.
"So, Canada, huh? Bet it's nice. I've never been out of the city much myself." She noticed the song coming to an end and hopped off the stool. "Hold that thought," she said, slinging the towel-wrapped arm over her shoulder before wandering over to the jukebox. When she got there she was astounded by the sheer number of songs available to choose from. There wasn't much music she really didn't like, so faced with this newest pressing decision, she opted to just punch a series of random numbers on the keypad.
She was about three steps on her way back to the bar when the first selection came on. "Brain Damage and Eclipse" by Pink Floyd. Scowling, she spun back around to face the machine and brandished an accusatory finger. "Heyyyyyy... that's not very nice." The grin slowly crept back and she giggled for a moment. "OK, you're right, it is kinda funny, but you owe me." She went back to her seat, humming along with the music.
She bounced back up on the stool and dangled her feet like a contented child for a second and then addressed Dark Basilisk again. "Hey, can I ask you a sort of personal question? This might seem kinda strange, but I can't contain my curiosity, really... and you don't have to answer if you don't want, but," she lowered her voice down to a somber whisper, "when you... if you do, when you dream... do you look like, or feel like you used to be, or how you are now?"
The song switched over to "Minuet in Jazz" by Ramond Scott, and she perked up and brightened. "Wow... the music box sure knows how to make up a debt, " she mused.
(OOC: Sorry I took so long, real life has been kicking my tail for the last couple of days so I've had to be scarce. I'll have to wander over and check out how those of you who have dropped dead bit the farm as soon as I get the chance, sounds interesting.