HyperGaming Network

1. No powergaming
2. You may play as many characters at a time as you like but you must treat them as separate. No magically sharing information or items or anything between them, you must RP doing so as if the other chars were played by other people
3. Try to let all characters involved in an RP get a word in before continuing. IE if Tom, me, and Mango are RPing than I should wait for Tom and Mango to respond to my actions before I post again. This is up to your discretion naturally but please try not to end events before everyone gets a chance to RP in it
4. PM me questions about lore/suggestions you have for it. I deliberately kept it pretty open but I have standards so do not be bringing in your own inventions without consulting me.
5. Have fun.


Note: A lot of stuff is intentionally left vague because I didn't think about this for all that long. Chances are if there is something I do not explain and you have an idea for how you want that aspect to work, PM me and I will go over it and if I like it I will add it to the lore.

The Exusian Empire spans several solar systems and numerous planets in the galaxy. In its heyday it was the power in the galaxy but recently it has fallen on hard times. Surrounded by smaller empires all eager to claim parts of it for themselves and facing strife internally Exusia is approaching its final days.

The Empire's economy is almost feudalistic in a sense with wealthy "nobles" (Highborns) owning huge portions of the Empire's wealth. Most Highborns own huge portions of planets in the Empire, some own entire planets themselves. Entire populations of people work under these nobles and although most nobles try to keep their populations happy (since an entire planetfull of hostile peasants could be hazardous to one's health) after hundreds of years the Lowborns are tired of having no political say. Riots, uprisings, and general disorder are becoming more and more frequent. Coupled with external attacks from neighboring systems and slowly but surely Exusia is falling apart.

The last line of defence against the chaos is a group known as the Gunslingers. (Yes I ripped it off of The Dark Tower, don't care). This group could be equated almost with the spectres in Mass Effect, the Jedi in Star Wars, or...well the Gunslingers in the Dark Tower series (I never said this was original). They are essentially above the law and can act as soldiers, assassins, diplomats, or almost any other role needed to protect the crumbling empire. Only Highborns are chosen to fill the ranks of the Gunslingers and they are trained starting at 13 should they pass initiation. Lately though the gunslinger numbers have been dwindling due to the various conflicts. Because of this and desperate to prolong their way of life, the ruling Highborns have begun to conscript a small number of Lowborns who prove themselves to be "worthy". Typically these Lowborns come from "upper class" peasantry, are educated, and are chosen because they stand out in a relevant field (ie top of their class in college, extremely skilled athlete, extremely high scores in intelligence tests, etc). They are often seen as "second class" despite not being any less skilled.

Technology: Guns still use bullets, no lasers. No "shields", armor is ok and yes fairly advanced armor exists in this world but if you want to play as a rebel char you likely do not have access to it. Faster than light travel exists but it's not very relevant at this point. Depending on how far this goes that might come into play. Cars are hydrogen powered or electric, internal combustion engines exist but aren't ultra common. PDAs and smartphones and the like are all over the place...just be reasonable with what you want your character to have.

That's about the story so far...or at least all you need to know at this point I think.

To join in PLEASE PM me character details before starting to post as I don't want 90000 gunslingers and no rebels. Again I realize this is pretty vague so use your imagination and feel free to come up with cool stories and shit. Try to avoid stereotypical shit if possible and yeah have fun.

Story starts now. I will be acting as "dungeon master" kind of sort of if there are arguments over hits/misses although I think everyone who comes to the F-RP forum is smart enough to not suck. Don't powergame or metagame and hopefully this doesn't suck.

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The small shuttle touched down on the surface of Isis, kicking up a cloud of dust in the early afternoon sun. It discharged its passengers and lifted off again, almost seeming eager to leave this backwater world. Within a few minutes it was a small dot heading into orbit.

Crossing the landing strip and hefting a large backpack strode a tall figure. Clad in a dark gray duster that covered his 6'5, nearly 200 pound frame he was an imposing sight. The fact that he could back up this image with the huge revolver on his right thigh (concealed by the duster) made him dangerous indeed. His given name was Stephen but having been yanked out of his normal, Lowborn life and more-or-less conscripted into the Gunslingers he preferred to go by his call sign, Ares. He had a penchant for mythology and it helped prevent the obnoxious Highborns from knowing his ignoble birth.

Which is exactly why this empire is going to the shitter he thought bitterly as he started for town. "Town" could be applied to this collection of buildings very loosely. Isis was colonized largely because it had an atmosphere. Too backwater to be a trading post and possessing no resources that could not be found elsewhere for cheaper, lately it had become a popular planet for the rebellion to stage out of. Which was why he was here and also why he was trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.

Several weeks ago rumors began circulating about an Exusian "super soldier" cavorting around with rebels. Last seen in this sector "SOT-U746-L1456-14" (Specail Operations Trooper- Unit746-Legion1456- Number 14) was beginning to prove a real headache for the ruling party. Although Ares had the clearance to know the whole story the details did not concern him much. Several of these last-ditch attempts at salvation had blown up previously and typically a few Gunslingers were all it took to solve the problem...although apparently this experiment actually worked more or less how it was supposed to. Ares had no intention of testing himself against this...creature. Find it, bring it back, or kill it then go home and go deal with one of the myriad of other problems facing the Empire every single day, those were his orders in a nutshell.

He trudged off to the bar. Apparently the bartender knew something...maybe. It seemed stereotypical to Ares but maybe there was a reason for that stereotype. He stepped in and took a seat, scanning the tables for any sign or threat like he was trained to do. Although he had tried to keep as low-key as possible coming in there was a good chance someone knew who he was and may or may not be interested in harming him in some way. He approached the bartender.

"I'm looking for this guy", Ares said as he showed the man a picture from SOT-U746-L1456-14's service record. "Rumor has it you might know something"

((And then if anyone wants to jump in from here go for it although please PM me a character summary or similar before. You can be in the bar, in the town, 9 systems away, whatever just let me know. Someone could even be Mr. Bartender if they so choose))

A decently sized Man, probally in his 20's is sitting in a seat near by, He isn't drinking heavily but he's drinking though, he waits and listens to what the bartender has to say, This mans body is for the most part concealed by Civi's and he is also wearing some sort of a baseball cap. This man is decently built but not as built as Ares, or at least thats how it looked, this man was muscular, yet, Extremly skinny at the same time.

There is also a woman next to him, she looks rather athletic for a woman, she looks at the man sitting near the gunslinger and gives a few odd looks at the man, he gives a few odd looks back and they seem to change mood a bit. Almost as though they know whats going on, They both seem to sit and wait for the bartender to say whatever it is he is going to say.

A couple of Exusian patrol men walk in, One dawning a powersuit sort of deal, the other two wearing the light Exsusain trooper armors, The "Leader'" power suit has dual wrist blades underneath his hands, while having a built in side arm to his suit, His armor is thick, yet he chooses not to wear the helmet that goes with it, He has a slung "Ensi" SMG. The other two troopers wearing there helmets, using the standardized Side arm for Exsusain MP's. They stroll in looking among the crowd, there radios spout off chatter of a possible base for rebels. The leader seems to type on a keybad sort of thing on his wrist oposite of the side arm bearing arm.

The couple that were giving eachother strange looks seem to tense up slightly, waiting now for the patrol men to pass them by, or leave.

The bartender tenses as the patrol enters. Ares seems not to notice as he waits for the man to answer his question. The bartender considers the picture for a long while, seemingly debating whether or not cooperate. By delaying so long he has already answered Ares' question even though he doesn't realize it. Finally he speaks up

"Surely you realize I cannot be divulging information about my customers, especially to any passing stranger with no credentials. And no, can't say I've seen the man," he finishes somewhat awkwardly.

Ares pockets the photo, slightly bemused.
"Yeah sure I understand. Just an old friend of mine and heard he was in the area. I'm only passing through myself," he replies, making a cursory glance over at the patrol before turning back to the bar.
"Could use a drink come to think of it. You got anything from Knossus? Preferably something sweet," he punctuates the statement with a 10 cred chit that he slaps onto the counter.

The barman seems to relax and takes the chit, appreciating the hefty tip and mixes the drink. Ares takes a sip and turns back to face the crowd, letting his eyes slowly scan the room and looking all the world like any other lonely traveler hoping to see a friendly face. His gaze passes over the tense-looking woman and man and he makes sure to keep his expression neutral. What have we here?

The Patrol men walk up to the bar, The one in the center appears to be the Marshall on the planet , the two others are a couple of enlist rank troopers "Barman I need a drink, Looks like its going to be a long night, Not to mention we have some super human BASTARD running around aparently. . . Uhhg. . . I hate my job."

The Marshall is a bit scruffy, he has his hair trimmed to about 1 inch long. He has brown hair and Dark brown eyes, he is well built.

The man in the civi's tries his best not to look suspicious, trying his best to relax and act natural. He motions to the odd acting woman in a covert manner, and suddenly she is "all over him" so to speak.

The woman has "Green" eyes and redishbrown hair.

Ares rolls his eyes at the comment. How professional He ponders his drink for a moment and inspiration strikes. Polishing off the alcohol he heads to the bathroom. Locking the door to a stall he removes his gunbelt and shoves it into his pack. Free of that identifier (he realized he probably should have done this earlier, but is confident no one saw it under his duster) and shoulders the pack and heads back to the bar. He turns to the Marshal

"Should you really be drinking on the job? Don't you have some Lowborns to oppress or something?" Ares lets enough of his Lowborn accent into his speech to be convincing...he hopes.

The Marshall turns to the guy, his Marshall  badge sort of beaten "Yes Marshall Ill get right on that, along with the millions of other problems this planet has and has no money to take care of." He rolls his eyes at the man throwing down some credits. "The usal barman"

His suit is a standard "Vigorium" Power suit MKII, a slightly outdated suit. He unsilings his Ensi and lays it on the table, It is a bullpup stylized weapon, with a fold out ammo indicator.
It has the mark of the empire toward the front, but has the Marshalls name engraved in it "Amor"

Ares frowns at the man. "You know things probably wouldn't be such a mess if losers like you actually did their job instead of complaining and drinking"
He steals a glance back over to the suspicious couple, just to make sure they are still there and braces for the likely fisticuffs to come. Let's see if the fish here take the bait...

The marshall simply chuckles "So we have ourselves a little Poloticain, Look bud I got this job 5 weeks ago after the rebels poped old man jenkins, Besides, its the fact that this place is such a shitter that we get NO funding from Valarian. . ." The marshall goes back to his drink seeming annoyed.

The man and the woman seem to be occupied with eachother, but the man offer ocasional glances at the patrolmen and the possible bounty hunter, He eventualy "Accedently" smashes his bottle, and shoves his hand in the ash tray seeing an impending fight about to unfold. Grabbing a hand full of ashes

The marshall notes the broken bottle "Oi! You gonna clean that shit up?"

"Im sorry it was an accedent"

"Of course it was. . ."

The marshall turns about toward the man, the two enlisters following suit.

The man motions his head and the woman backs off he stares down the marshall, and the marshall stares down him, He May be your man. But it is hard to tell since the marshall and the men are obscuring your view

A screech can be heard, followed  by a large crash as an empty van makes its way through the front of the bar, breaking down the door and the surrounding wall,crushing a pair of men drinking at a table. Water sprays out of broken pipes as the car slowly burns, the windsheild broken, and it covered in debree. Two men wearing leather armor and weilding Simple pump-action  shotguns are seen running through the madness, and quickly scan the room, looking for the Patrolmen.

The man throws ashes in the marshalls eyes while they are pre-occupied, and flicks the bottle toward one of the patrolmens necks, The other patrol man pulls out his pistol and raises it while the man goes to use the dieing guy in his arms as a meatshield, against the Marshall and Other patrollman, he pulls out the dieing Patrolmans pistol that he is using as a meatshield and aims it around his meat shield.

The Marshall stumbles back a bit rubbing his eyes, while trying to find his Ensi.

Quote from: AwDs on 27-08-2010
A tall man wearing a trench coat carrying a ak47 walks in.
He aims down the sights.

// Quick thing, THis is based WAY far in the future, and the front of the bar just got fucked by a Van.

Quote

To join in PLEASE PM me character details before starting to post as I don't want 90000 gunslingers and no rebels. Again I realize this is pretty vague so use your imagination and feel free to come up with cool stories and shit. Try to avoid stereotypical shit if possible and yeah have fun.

Oh what the FUCK?

Things had been going well in Ares' mind right up until the fucking van drove into the bar. He sees the suspicious man take a swing at the patrolman and follows suit, aiming an elbow at Marshall's throat. He snatches the Marshall's Ensi off the bar table and fires 3 shots at the trooper aiming for the suspicious man.

He shifts his fire off the trooper and scans the room for any other threats, keeping his eyes on the van. What the hell just happened?

//AWds you need to PM me your character info before joining in.

The two leather suited men rush through the smoke. One hops over a toppled table, and fires his shotgun in the air; letting out a yell. The other kneels and fires a shot toward the marshalls direction. His shot is obscured by smoke and the sheer adrenaline. Creaking can be hear just before the shot, coming from the smoky-van's direction.

The man follows suit scanning the room, Jumping at Tank and yells "Late entery you ASSHAT! me and some random guy took care of it."

The marshall is on the ground unconcious.

The man drops the body on the ground and dusts himself off, grabbing the womans hand and walks toward the exit. Not even noting Ares at first then looks over at Ares "Who did you want to know about?"

A large, armored man steps off the van and through the smoke, coughing, he kicks the kneeling rebel in the back, him being in his way "Shut up...", Tank shakes his arms, and two large cleavers bend from his spaulders and into his hand, and then he scans the room and looks at the mysterious man. (//Ares)

A unknown rumble is heard outside of the bar.

//Guys you can use character names to describe shit even if you don't know them, that's not metagaming since you're setting a scene. Obviously for IC speech and shit you can't but there is no reason to be saying "Looks at the mysterious man ((Ares))"

Ares resists the urge to shoot the screaming idiot blasting holes in the ceiling and slings the Ensi as the armored newcomer eyes him. He decides to ignore the destructive idiot and  fumbles for the picture again. Holding it up for the suspicious man to see he says,

"I heard this guy was around here and that he might have connections I would be interested it...although I was not expecting any of this to happen. I think I might be getting close though, wouldn't you say?"

He takes stock of the room, eying the newcomers in the van and seeing if anyone is grievously injured.

"By the way what the fuck is the van all about...do you know that guy?"

His eyes settle on the girl and he sizes her up while he waits for a response.

The busted water pipe continues to spray but the bar is oddly silent as if everyone inside is too in shock to do anything. He takes a step over to the Marshall and starts removing spare ammo for the submachine gun. He dislikes the gun, preferring the more precise shooting offered by his revolver or his rifle but the Ensi is a solid little gun and he can't exactly be waving his Gunslinger weapon around in the middle of a rebel base now could he?

The "Eros" aka  "SOT-U746-L1456-14" still keeps his Itentity obscured with Sunglasses, and the hat. He Grins "Welcome to Isis bro. What sort of conections where you looking for?"
The woman fits the description and picture of anouther trooper in Ares mission roster named "SOM-U755-L1456-183" ((Specail Operations Medic)).

She keeps a blank expression on his face, and blinks a few times staring at Ares.

Tank looks away from the man, and to the bartender, pointing with his right cleaver "Hey bub, 2 of whatever you got.", he then kicks at the same rebel again.
The bartender shakes his head, and slowly backs away, clearly in awe from the recent events.

Tank walks closer, and slams his armored fist onto the bar, sliding onto a barstool. "Hmm?"

The bartender quickly grabs a mug from the back shelf and starts to fill it, shaking and spilling some as he slides it onto the bar.
  Tank messes with his right cleaver, pushing it back into his Huge wristguards untill a 'click' is heard, locking it in place. He then picks up the drink and takes a sip.

The two other leather-suited men scramble up and lean on the wall.

"The kind that shouldn't be talked about in public places with strange people," replied Ares, trying not to sound too eager at conveniently stumbling upon not 1 but 2 of his queries.

"...If you know where I could find him or could take me there though I would appreciate it. And even if you don't if I were you I would get moving. Someone probably noticed that retard mistaking this bar for a drive through" he adds.

He takes a step towards the door/big gaping hole. He peaks out, hand on the grip of the submachinegun.

You can hear the sound of a few patrol vehicles.

"Indeed" Eros adds walking with the woman to the emptiy Patrol Vehicle that the marshall was in "Yo' Tank, get yer boys to get in this shit so we can go before shit gets real."

He checks if the door is open and it is, and saddly the Marshall left the keys in the ignistion adding a remark "Amor Atil, you fucking idiot. You know they keep getting stupider and stupider assholes to put us down. . . I guess they think we are stupid and they can counter stupidity with more stupidity, Tsk Tsk."

Surprisingly Eroses voice is monotone with a bit of emotion now and then.

He leads the woman to the passenger seat, leading her in and then getting in the driver seat "Hey dude, you got a name? Come on, lets go for a ride."

Tank whistles and the two henchmen run up behind him. He then finishes the beer, slamming it onto the bar. Tank slowly gets up, stretching his arms. He slowly walks to the door, pushing the other cleaver back in , he then says to the pedestrians "Well....you guys have been too nice."

   The henchmen walks behind him as he walks to the car, and slides into the backseat. The car noticably goes own from all the weight, as the henchmen run around and sit on the trunk.

Suddenly, A small vehicle pulls up. A mercenary wearing his armor hops out. The car drives into the distant.

(https://forums.hypergamer.net/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F44169000%2Fjpg%2F_44169195_armour_usarmy_long.jpg&hash=a53edc1e06e4dd34f81bedf6d6f97e1da9d94e49)

Ares looks at the crowded car and wonders how his large frame could possibly fit. Somehow he succeeds in getting into the car. "I hope it isn't far. You can call me Eric. Who are you?" he says, clearly directing the question to everyone in the car.

This is going quite well...

"Who's that?" he asks upon spotting the unusually well-armed mercenary-looking fellow. He ran through all the units he knew to be operating in this area in his head and came up with nothing that matched that armor and weapon loadout. Means mercenary. Idiot van driver.

More people meant more witnesses and while he wasn't particularly adverse to killing things were always much simpler when you only had your targets to worry about. Right now his count of "people who could prove problematic" was up to 4, not counting the 2 targets. He patted his backpack absentmindedly, feeling the outline of his weapon.

Eros after seeing Ares is in "Okiedokes Eric, Im Eros."

He turns on the car and pulls away driving toward the Rebel encampment ((Good stoping point for me))

A couple of patrol cars pull up and troopers pour out of them, tending to wounded and asking questions.

One asks the merc "Who, what, when, where?"

(stopping since one o' clock is late.)

Tank moves around a bit, struggling to fit in the back seat with his armor on. He trys not to poke Ares with the spikes on his armor, as he rests his right shoulder on the seat. "Remember, my boys are riding on the back, so make sure you hit a few bumpy roads *Laughs*".

The mercenary shrugs. "I just got here" Then he rubs his hand together and starts moving towards the bar. // with a car rammed into it.. lol\\

Ares waits for the rest of the party to respond, especially the girl. Would be nice to know what she call herself instead of "SOM whatever-the-fuck"...yeah I'm real professional. He laughs to himself and watches the scenery change from the somewhat-dilapidated buildings of the port to open countryside.

After about an hour the party arrives at what appears to be an old quarry. At the bottom of it are prefab structures and supply crates. Rebels mill about, preparing detonators, training with their weapons, and stacking crates into vehicles. Jackpot. Ares mentally notes the location of what he thinks are the most flammable or explosive buildings in the quarry, though the solid stone will make sabotage difficult. Although that isn't my job. I'll leave it for the Army to crack this nut, he decides.

Eros drives up slowly, clearly showing he is not an Exusian Patrol but just driving one of their cars. He parks it in what seems to be acting as a motor pool and the party disembarks.

 Tank's men run off to a a metal shack in the south-west of the quarry, adorned with metal and spikes. Tank himself slowly steps out of the car, stretching out in the open air.
   "Well shit, if the average patrolmen can fit into that piece of shit, then we have nothing to worry about..." Tank says, yawning. He fiddles with the folded over Cleaver on his armguard, before slowly starting to make his way to the same shack as his henchmen.
  "Gotta go sharpen these damn things!", he exclaims before dissapearing from view.

Eros nods and leads Ares and the woman along "You're looking for the rebel leader right?"

He also nods to Tank as he runs off.

He starts to lead them through the court yard, the rebels are either patrol, Training, guarding, or just fucking around in general. He leads them to the tunnel entrance and down an elevator the go. They make it to the deeper end of the quarry. You see a few well armed rebels. . . Some in out dated Exusian armors, even one in a Vigorium MK I power suit. a few in Onyxian armor, and a few in Velevian Armors. . . He makes his way with Ares and The woman to his own quarters, he ushers the woman in and waits for Ares to step through.

((Keep in mind you guys can RP in seperate locations. So if you want to continue the RP but you are Not with Eros and Ares, By all means do so. BTW Velvian is of the Velvia Republic, and the Onyxian is of the Onyx estates))

Ares follows them in. "The guy in the picture is him? Yeah, I would appreciate that"

He takes stock of his surroundings, scoping out windows, exits, and other important aspects of the room that might come into play later. I need to get them alone and not surrounded by other rebels. Blade would work but Command wants them alive...

Originally pleased with his good luck at being literally led into the lion's den upon merely asking the logistics of the situation finally caught up with him. He still had the Ensi and his revolver and could probably win any gunfight against the poorly-trained rebels but...the odds were not exactly in his favor numerically and extraction was a day out at best. He considers his options:

1. Call in the cavalry and get the hell out of Dodge. Would take a few days for force to show up but clearly this base wouldn't be going anywhere in that time. Command might be upset at losing its two very expensive super soldiers but in return a major rebel staging area (possibly the major rebel staging area) would be gone...although depending on how dug into the rock the base was that could take a while and the leaders might escape beforehand. Ares rejected this idea.

2. Take SOT and SOM (or "Eros" and...the girl was a quiet one wasn't she?) alive and steal a vehicle. Get extracted. Then send the big guns in. This was the most appealing idea but to pull it off he would have to be very good and pretty lucky. Controlling the two by himself would be difficult although the romantic attachment (if there actually was one and it wasn't just for show) might work in his favor...

3. Kill them both and take a vehicle. This would at least remove any ambiguity but Ares rejected this idea. He didn't like killing people in cold blood, the Gunslingers had always been reputed to be honorable fighters (although this was certainly not always the case, especially in these dark times). That would certainly be the easiest course of action but that also represented a huge loss on the government's likely-very expensive investment into these two...although then it occurred to Ares that he had no idea what they were planning to do to the 2 if he brought them in alive. If the answer to that question is "Summary Execution" then I could save everyone a lot of trouble by doing it myself... He filed that plan away also.

Option two appealed the most to him for the time being. He made a note to get the location out to his handlers tonight. At the very least the cavalry would be enroute to blow this place sky-high.

Decisions, decisions.

 Tank opens the door of his shack, and flicks on the light. The room is mostly srap metal with a table in the center. On the table there is what looks to be a metal helmet, but missing eye holes. There is a door to the left with a light on behind, where the henchmen sleep.
Tank seems to ponder for a moment, and then heads to the back corner of the room. He bends over and moves some metal out of the way, revealing a cooler. Tank reaches in and takes out a beer, and pops ito pen, gulping it down quick.  He takes a second look at the two weapons adorned to his arms.

"   Well, I guess they don't need to be sharpened...", he mumbles. He picks a radio off the counter and speaks into it.
  "Where did you three head off too?", h slams the door walking back into the quarry.

Eros motions for the woman to sit on the bed and she does so.

Eros then motions for Ares to take a seat then hears his radio "We're at my place, Come down then eh?"

He then makes his way to his desk sits down in front of Ares ((If he sat down)) and keeps his hands under the desk.

Eroses Den is underground, There are no windows just a vent and a fireplace, There is also a door leading to a bathroom, Various weapons behind a locked cabinet, Also there are two suits on oposite sides of the room, fitting the Super soldiers armor description. There is only one exit. And yet. . . Eros calmly keeps his hands under the desk.

Ares takes a seat. He pulls his duster off and shoves it into his pack, arranging it so that it pushes his revolver's grip to the top of the pack (but still inside) for easier access. He leaves the back pack unzipped wide enough for his hand and the gun to go in and out if needed. Eros' hands disappearing out of sight sends up a red flag but Ares is still confident he hasn't been made. Either that or this guy is very, VERY brave. Or stupid...though I guess either way it is pretty obvious he's the right guy. He slides the large pack in between his knees, keeping the top up. Resting his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands, Ares' eyes again drift back to the girl. For FUCK'S sake she's a target and even if she wasn't she isn't going to be too happy with what you're about to do to her boyfriend. Get focused! He closes his eyes for a second.

"So where can I find him?"

 Tank closes the door to the elevator, and hits the corrseponding button.  He struggles to not get his arms caught in the closing door, and hums a little as the elevator decends.

Eros chuckles at ares When will they learn that Mercs don't work. Eros thinks to himself.

He keeps an eye on Ares and then says in a very monotone voice "Right in front of you, By the way Im not the rebel leader I am simply a valued member. . . The fact that you have a picture of me makes you look dodgy. . . So heres the scoop. . . Mr. Eric. . . Either your a merc. . . Or your in my personal fan club of stalkers who find me devilishly attractive. So. . . Seeing that Mr. Hyde is trained on you right now and Particle board has no unique bullet proof qualities that I know of, I recomend you explain to me who you are. . ." Eros chuckles coldly "The last two assholes who came in asking questions about me ended up beacoming our compost for our vegtable garden. . . So please do not doing anything Rash Mr.Eric."

The woman looks up at Eros with an inquisitive look, Eros ignores her.

 The Elevator reaches the floor, and Tank pushes the elevator door open. He brushes himself off and walk  behind Ares "So, what'd I miss..."

Fuck.

Ares remains stationary in the chair. No one on this planet (or most other planets) could possibly outdraw him...at least in a fair fight. He calculates the odds in his head and determines that drawing from in between his legs would probably not be conducive to his currently healthy lifestyle.

"Whoa take it easy man!" He raises his hands, spreads them. "You think I am a bounty hunter or something? If I was why would I have shot that patrolman?" He hooks one of his legs around the chair leg.

"I'm a craftsman, did a lot of smith-work. Even did some gunsmithing for the 'slingers. Due to some shit back home I ran out here. Heard about your outfit and thought I'd offer my skills up." That was surprisingly close to the truth. His family had been manufacturing mechanical parts for centuries and did indeed do custom work for the Gunslingers. He himself put together his own revolver after being initiated into the Gunslingers as well as building several personal weapons for other 'slingers before that. And look where I am now he thought to himself a little bemusedly.

He chooses to ignore Mr. Destructo behind him for the moment.

Eros keeps a blank expression on his face "That would be believable. . . Still dosn't explain why you have a profile picture of me. . . What did they release my file to the public. . . That would be highly improbable Mr. Eric.  Considering Im an exspensive piece of equipment. . . Less than human and all that Jazz. . . I mean. . . According to public records I don't even exsist. . . or so, Last time I checked I was non-exsistant. I find your story good but it dosn't patch all the holes. Answer me how you got my picture."

The girl seems to stand up and wrap her arms around Eros, seeming to whisper something in his ear. He nods and kisses her on the neck and motions for the cabinet. she nods and walks over to go open it.

Tank puts his hands on the back of the chair. "We have a problem or something Eros?". He shifts a little, running his fingers around the lock release mechanism for his Cleavers.

"Your file? You mean your rap sheet? They released that ages ago, saying you're wanted for desertion and rebel activity and shit. Had this picture on it." This was, of course, patently false as far as Ares knew. The government would never publicly call for a bounty on a botched project like this, the potential for embarrassment was too high. "The really weird part was that it didn't have a name on it, just a string of numbers like 'SOT-150-over9000something'"

He frowns after saying that.
"And what the hell are you babbling about 'less than human'?"

A slight pang of jealously jabs Ares as he sees Eros kiss the girl, followed by a feeling of loneliness. My GOD grow up. You have bigger things to worry about.

Eroses eyebrows shoot up "-MY- Rap sheet?" he seems intrigued "I sitll don't trust you. . . I hate people who are bad at lieing and think everyone is stupid. . . Since the last guys we managed to get to talk said they where hired Directly by an Exsusian officail by the name of "Valarian" He is apparently the head of the-" He stops as the woman reveals a pistol. "Oh yeah thats right. . . Bugger me. . . Letter openers don't fire bullets." He lifts his hand up and reveals a Kabar. He begins to laugh, The woman aims at Ares. "So Tank. . . I suggest we do something with Mr. Eric. . . Detain him for further questioning."

 Tank grins, and reels his arm back, attempting to punch the man in the back of his head with his spiked gauntlets.

Suspicious people bother me was the last thought that crosses his mind before Tank's fist connects with the back of his head. He slumps over out of the chair and onto his backpack with a small grunt.

After he slums over the woman lowers her pistol and wanders up to Eros, Eros motions for the bed and she goes there. He motions to tank to get the man out of here, and says "Strip search him and get him in a jump suit, Throw him in the brig." Tank does so and drags him off.

Eros goes into the pack and pulls out the revolver "Interesting" he remarks "A unique weapon." he continues to go through Ares's Stuff.

Later after questioning rebels he finds out about the slingers.

a few hours go by and Ares would wake up in a Jail cell Made of Iron rods used in construction. He is in a blue jump suit with about 6 Guards surrounding his cell. There is a small window that shows that it is night, the window is barred. You also find you have no equipment. . . Not even a spoon. . .

Ares wakes up, rubbing his head. Oh wonderful.

He takes a quick look around, and checks the suit for anything that might be helpful. Predictably he doesn't find anything in it. He tries to see if any of his gear is visible but it seems someone has taken that somewhere else.

I want my Gun back.

He sizes up each of the guards and recognizes not much opportunity presents itself there. Although an expert fighter 6 on 1 is far too many for him to take weaponless (though with his revolver it would be child's play). Seeing no further opportunities he heads to the window and sits against the wall, waiting for something to happen.

Tank leans on the wall down the hallway, and asks Eros. "So what are we going to do with him?"

Eros simply replies with "Hold him and question him. No torture."

Tank frowns,  messing with the locking mechanism on his Cleavers.

//Uh again guys you need to make sure your posts move the plot along so that everyone has something to react to. Conversations can be tricky in that regard but you need to actually GO somewhere after the question gets answered since now I have nothing different to react to.

Ares continues to wait.

"Just a little? I can get the info......", Tank says looking up.

Eros says "No, we are not them we are us." as he strolls up to the cell "Good evening Mr. Eric, or should I say Ares. . ." Eros says coldly ((Assuming we would be able to get that off of your PDA like device If not I said The first statement))

((Yeah while I am thinking about it the "interesting" contents of the my gear are:
1 X Revolver and holster/gunbelt
Multitool
High-End PDA (Encrypted, you can see the "Welcome Page" (similar to an iPhone's sort of) and that's it.)
Eye screen (Think like the DBZ Scouters or Garrus' eyepiece in Mass effect)
Fuck ton of high caliber bullets for the gun in speedloaders + loose ones. Some bullets are different colors
Hand cuffs
Flashlight
Folding knife
That's all I can think of right now))

Well then

Ares stands up and crosses over to the bars. He slides his hands through them and leans on bars. "How can I help you?"

Eros smiles coldly "Mr. Ares I cannot let you go and to kill you slash torture you while your down and out is not in my character , Though I may come off as a cold, emotionless, Mindless piece of machinery you'll find that we're not so different you and I." He motions for a few of the guards to leave, it is now down to him, Tank, and one guard.

Tank leans on wall behind him, casually listening to them, while flicking his right Cleaver in and out of place.

"Uh huh. I have better things to do other than languishing in your fine prison here. And stop calling me "Mr. Ares", Ares is a first name. Ask your questions or whatever and then I would like to be on my way if you do not want my smithing skills." Doubt he believes that after finding my gun but...

"Your as much a smith as I am a beutiful butterfly. . ." The woman walks back down and taps on Eroses shoulder, He looks at the time "Well look at the time. . . Its chow time. . . Ill have one of the guards send you food gunslinger. . ." He nods and motions for Tank to follow him, the woman follows and the gaurd remains. a Scruffy looking fellow.

ANd later he is dismissed to be replaced by a woman with black short hair, She has a Ensi, Some food, a Pack, and a guitar. She slides the hot meal through an opening big enough for food, and she pulls a chair up, lays her guitar on the ground, she pulls out a sketch pad and pencil and starts to draw something while looking at Ares.

((Now its time for me to juggle RP's on one forum))

Tank follows after him, flipping Ares off as he leaves.

Well at least that's an improvement Ares thinks as he looks at the girl.

"Thanks," he says as he takes the tray and begins to eat. He finishes the meal and sets the tray on a box in the cell. Might need that later. He slides back up to the bar and sticks his hands through again.

"Watcha drawin?"

She looks up at him for a second continueing the drawing "Something".

Meanwhile the Rebels are eating the same thing in a mess hall like structure.

"Can I see?" He keeps his voice friendly, trying to sound harmless. He continues to lean on the bars, watching her intently.

She smiles softly. she continues to draw it "Nuuu. . . Its not finished."

"Can I see it when it's finished then?"

He hopes it will be soon before any of the other guards come back. He figures he has about half an hour to an hour at most if he's really lucky.

She smiles, "Done" she signs it and rips the page out, folding it into a paper fooball like shape, She holds it and flicks it into the cell. "Have fun." she remarks as she stuffs the sketch pad into her pack and pikcs up her guitar, Since you would probally pick it up to not look like an ass, It is a picture of Ares. "I drew you cause I was bored and your about the only interesting thing in this empty brig." she says with a striagt face, trying to make that not sound like she is flirting cause she is not.

Well that didn't work at all like I thought it would.

He picks up the paper and unfolds it, looking at the picture. Despite himself he smiles, it's a good picture.

"I like it." He folds it back up and pockets it.

Looking at her guitar "Do you know the song Iris?"

She rubs her chin and picks up her guitar, she starts to tune her guitar. "Mhmm. . ."

She soon starts playing the song, she also starts to sing in decent singing voice.

And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am 

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything seems like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know your alive

And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am

She finishes off the song "Was that it?"

((The goo goo dolls are sooo famous that they made it into the future! lol))

Ares opens his eyes again, having closed them while listening. "Yeah that was it...thanks Taylor."

He stays silent for a bit as a flood of memories connected to the song hit him. Finally he speaks up again, "This is a very awkward question but...there's no toilet in here and uh...yeah," he smiles sheepishly.

"Umm... number 1 or number 2?" she blushes slightly saying it Awkwardly.

"Seriously? #2." He looks as embarrassed as she is.

"By the way you're an excellent guitar player."

He smiles at her again, remaining still against the bars.

"Oh. . . Well. . . Umm. . . I can't really let you out. . . By myself. . ." she then realizes he just complimented her "Wait. . . What?"

"You. Are. Good. At. Playing. The. Guitar," he repeats with exaggerated slowness, then smiles to show he's joking.

"As for the bathroom thing who's going to know? It'll take like 2 seconds just tell me where it is. You can even stay in there and watch me if you must. Come on."

"Thanks" Responding to the compliment with a smile

"Umm. . . I guess I can take you upstairs. just. . . Get up against the wall while I open the door to lead you there."

Tank finishes his food at the mess hall and stands up. He has his own table in the corner. He pushes his food into the trash as he makes his way out of the crowded mess hall. "I'll go see how this 'Repairman' is doing,mkay?", he says into his radio. He pushes the door open and walks into the quarry, waiting for a response.

Ares steps back from the door, keeping his hands visible. He continues to smile. "Thanks."

She opens the door and scurries back with her hands tightly gripped on her ensi. "Ok now slowly make your way toward the stairs."

 Tank walks through the quarry, and scratches his head, trying not to prick himself with his own gauntlets. The building with Ares in it comes into view, and he starts to head to the front door.

"Relax please. Nervous people with guns then make me nervous. And then I might shit myself and you'd likely have to clean that up. Which you probably don't want."

He heads to the stairway, his long strides propelling him quickly towards the door. He steps around the corner to ascend the stairs trying to stay a few steps ahead of her.

Taylor manages to keep up with Ares, keeping he hands on her gun, At the counter of the Jail you see an odd looking guy with a V neck shirt, A unibrow and Glasses "Hey ba- What the. . ."

Taylor quickly responds with "No Ivan just no. . . and apparently this guy has to use the restroom,"

"Make him do it on the wall."

"No he has to do #2"

"Make him do it then write on the wall 100 Times 'I will not fuck with Eros'"

"Ivan your an imature prick. . . Grow up."

She leads Ares to a small room with a toliet and a sink and one SMall window that is really small.

Tank leans on the outer door, able to hear them talking. He waits to see what's going on.

Well that didn't work either...oh well. He uses the facilities and washes up. He has another idea. Wrapping his hand in toilet paper and punches the window, shattering it loudly. He then darts to the side of the door and waits.

The woman cocks her Ensi and raises it, Ivan grabs his Draco Combat shotgun off the counter and the two sit in front of the door

T: Lets go in and fuck him up!

I: No no no. . . That window is too small for him to go through. . . BELIEV me I would know. . . when there are no prisoners in here I spend alot of time in there.

T: That is fucking disgusting Ivan

I: What my girlfriend Jill dosn't complain

T:. . .

Ivan laughs and says into his radio "Prisoner shat then broke a window. . . Need back up."

Ares waits for a few minutes and realizes the panicked response he was hoping for is unlikely to materialize. For fuck's sake. He searches for a weapon. Picking up a shard of glass he wraps a towel around it. As an after thought he picks up a second one and wraps it in toilet paper. He then carefully slides it inside his suit. Always good to have a back up plan. He crosses back to the door and waits for someone to come in.

tank icks in the door and walks up to the two "What the fuck is going on?"

Eros with an enterage of two troops with light armor, and 8 Troopers with no armor and himself exit the messhall and walk toward the jail later surrounding it a minute later , Eros and the two light armored troopers walk in.

Before that however

T: He had to shit and-

I: Its all her fault I swear!

T: Liar!

They erupt into a small arguement aiming at the door.

Tank pushes them aside and unlocks his Cleavers, the slide into his hands as he brings up the large metal plates on his arms like shield, ramming into the door, breaking it partially and slamming through into the next wall.

// Waiting for a chance to do a last second join in. :p

Ares lets out a quiet laugh at the arguing guards outside. Suddenly the door flies open. Ares presses himself against the wall, glass "knife" at the ready as Tank goes barreling past him, the whirling cleavers making for a pretty impressive sight. Too bad that door wasn't locked Ares thinks as Tank rushes headlong into the far wall.

He rebounds and swings wildly at Ares but Ares easily ducks under the swing. He comes up behind Tank and places the glass shard against his Adam's apple.

"Bummer"

This isn't much better...at all.

Eros walks in behind the guards with a pump action rifle ready for anything, The two lightly armored gaurds are armed with Damon Carbines readied as well.

// Anyone wanna put me up to date without me having to read all the post?

Eros is dumbstruck for a few moments. then he thinks Sacrafices must be made

He then goes for the grenade on his belt "Turn loose of him or Ill kill you both."

// He didnt stab me, hes using me as a sheild

// Edited my other post

Ares realizes he's hit a wall here. Even if Eros is just bluffing it doesn't change the fact that Ares is outnumbered, unarmed, and backed into a corner. He lets out a growl and shoves Tank away from him.

"Tank. . . Please leave. . . Men keep your weapons trained on the slinger, and get him to his cell"

// I have a FAR more interesting way for Ares to escape, Just remeber the Patroll car that they stole.

Tank stumbles forward, and rubs his neck. He looks at Eros with a look of being betrayed. He pushes past the girl and stalks out.

"I really did need to take a shit if you were wondering."

He walks out the door and starts to head back downstairs to the cell.

The troopers lock Ares away.

Eros remarks into his radio "Anyone not on graveyard shift has a freeday. . . Im fucking off to bed"

// Assuming they all go to sleep

Sometime in the middle of the night the alarm is sounded after a flare is shot into the base.

Radio chatter can be heard over all the radios

Rebel nightwatch: What the hell was that?

R1: I don't know.

R2: A. . . Fla-

Gunshots begin to echo through the nigh more then likely waking alot of folks up, the low rumble of patrol cars and APC's can be heard. A gunfight breaks out between a decently armed Rebel base and a heavily armed squadron of exusian troopers, Some of the trooper Wearing Vigorium Mk IV'rs, a few of them even carrying the Heavy Gladius assault weapon, Machine gun fire can be heard from various entrenchments in the camp, and machinegun fire can be heard from the attacking force. The rebels may lose.
And if thats not bad some of the troopers carrying Gladiuses start shooting the Semi Automatic grenate launcher attachment on the rifle, sening explosions and hot frags where ever they are shot.
// Go

 Tank wakes up from the sound of gunfire, and quickly starts to put his armor on. He grabs the now finished Titanium helmet from the table, and rams through the door, he starts to jog to the jail-basement to see if the prisoner is still there.

Well now that's service. Didn't even call this in yet.

He looks over at Taylor ((Who is presumably still guarding him?)) "If I were you I would get on the floor and stay there."

He walks away from the bars and sits against the far wall.

Taylor is crouched against the wall with her ensi Shaking nervously aiming toward the stairs.

Eros wakes up throws his Combat armor on and grabs his Damon Carbine and rushes into the fight. But see's that the fight is almost lost for alot of the rebels are already retreating he calls over radio "Hold your ground! Not one step backwards you cowards! We can fight them! We will survive!"

The rebels arn't loseing ALOT of people buts enough to cause peoples moral to be in the shitter, they return to there post after there fearless leader orders them to remain in possition, The Exusains are also loosing some troops.

A Gladius Frag round hits the wall of the lower part of the Jail and the wall busts open sending shrapnel and debris everywhere. . . Saddly It was nowhere near the cell. . . Taylor hits the ground in fear.

Tank barrels down the stairs, and stumbles into the wall, he looks at Taylor, and then at the prisoner. "WE are moving him now!", he yells, and  bashes the lock on the cell.

Ares look over at the new hole in wall. "Damn." He slides back over towards the bars and leans on them again.

"Very good Taylor. Just stay there and don't move and you'll be fine," he says, trying to keep her calm. The last thing I need right now is some scared-shitless girl with a gun spraying the place up.

He cocks an eyebrow at Tank as he bashes the cell lock open. "Frankly I'd rather stay here if that's alright with you. Basement is the safest place to be."

Tank yells at him through his new helmet "Myyabe for you, but there's like 200 Patrolmen up there!", he yanks open the door and points a cleaver at him, "Come on!"

Taylor remains on the ground for a bit slowly getting up.
Ivan runs down "FUCK THEY ARE TEARING MY DAMN JAIL APART!" he rushes to the hole only to have a 50 calibur round sail through his head causing his head to explode.

Taylor screams.

The fight outside rages on it looks to be a virtual stalemate. . . Till the Exusains drive there APC's through to the courtyard. . . a man runs up to one of them throwing a Demolition charge common for taking buildings apart on the PAC and runs off the side of the APC explodes and various people fire on the hole in the side of it, the one in fron is still operationonal, but the gunner got shot. Some of the patrol cars are now riddled with holes, some even exploding from the gun fire.

"Wait so what's our incentive to run out in the middle of all that then?" Ares asks Tank just as Ivan's head gets blown off. He stays were he is.

Not far from the jail, A helicopter descends, Touching the surface, Dropping off a squad of mercenary. The leader wears a arrow patch and he gives out the follow hand signal.


Each one looks like this. Two of them have shotguns, The leader has a Assault rifle
(https://forums.hypergamer.net/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tacticalwarfightergear.com%2Fgraphics%2F2020prototype.jpg&hash=aaf04f65b355762f4c89568bdca210ae2aa58fd9)

Tank looks at Ivan, then back at Ares. "Shit i dont know, i just dont want to get shot or get the chair after this....you gotta help me man..."

The squad advances at the base, Holding fire.


//fyi That armor is not uber high tech, part of it is not even kevlar.

The gunight goes on the Exusians look as though there forve may be dwindling, the rebel forces look as though there force may be exhausted as well. A sqaudron of Exusains make there way into the jail through the hole. Most are wearing Light armor, 3 are wearing the Legius medium armor. and the one at the head of the Squad a robust looking captain is dawning s Power suit, They shout at Tank, Taylor, and Ares "Freeze!" aiming there guns at them.

Eros continues to kill exusians in the battle ((Shocker))

There are about 44 Troopers left. and about 58 Rebels left.

The exusains press the assualt and keep pushing despite being out numbered.

The squad holds position, Watching the fighting from afar.

S1"Having second thoughts about moving in commander?"
C1"Trust my judgement."
S1"Sir, Yes sir."

"Well they don't exactly know I am here, I didn't call them. So step 1 would be for you to let me grab my gear and God (or Gods, or whatever your puny mind believes in) help you if Mr. SOT-I guess you know him as Eros-has my PDA or he broke or I can't get to it."

Without even waiting for an answer he walks past Tank and heads upstairs to his pack. He pulls his gear back on and his gunbelt. He grabs the Enzi, looks at it distastefully, and sets it back down on the table. Drawing his revolver he heads back downstairs. He sees the Exusian soldiers. "Bout time you showed up." He holds his gun up so they can get a good look at it and approaches Taylor and Tank.

"Alright you two are going to tell me RIGHT NOW where I can likely find Eros and the girl and then you are going to get handcuffed and act like good little prisoners until this is all over and then I can sort you out. Deal?"

The troopers nod "You got it from here" and move on.

The battle is now at E:39 to R:64 available fighters.

Tank turns to face him, having a look of Anger and confusion on his face, well the part you can see through the helmet.

Ares mutters something under his breath about the overall efficiency of Exusian soldiers. He looks at the two rebels. "Fortunately for you two I have bigger fish to fry. Give me your best guess as to where Eros might be. Now."

The Exusain Radio blares "Pack it up and get the wounded out we are pulling out! losses are numbered as too great and Amor has us Pulling out I repeat Pull out NOW!"

The rebel radio blares celebtraion but then Eros says over radio " we have no time, we must pick the wounded up and move. . . It won't be long intill the regroup and retailate We are pulling out of the quarry and moving to the old grove. As for our prisoner he is free to do as he wishes. . . He has no info that is compromising anymore because well. . . It appears as though our base just got fucked over. However if he follows me further he will face death. also if anyone see's him be sure to tell him to tell Colonel McNair that I says 'FUCK YOU!' Eros out."

Tank hears the radio, and raises his sheilds infront of him, dashing out through the hole, and bounds behind a quarry stone. (Or trys//)

The mercenary squad watches close, Then approaches the rebel base, Low and slow.

Taylor remains on the ground scared shitless

Two rebel vehicles drives over the horizon, Heading straight for the mercenarys.
The loud sound of their radio is a dead give away.

(https://forums.hypergamer.net/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft3.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3A8wDzlzDBlf2kqM%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandbros.us%2Fgallery2%2Fd%2F84730-4%2FIMG_2058.jpg%26amp%3Bt%3D1&hash=b9e794ae19966dd510ae9b5f5be32048214ac4a2)

Ares watches Tank go and debates stopping him but realizes that having to deal with Tank as a prisoner would be more painful than just letting him go. He turns his attention to Taylor and gently tries to pull her to her feet. "Do you know where this Grove is?"

Taylor gets lifted she shakes her head "I-I got here last week S-Sir. . ."

Suddenly, The mercenary's open fire at the small dune buggys. The leader says over radio. "Oh, I thought we killed you a week ago! Why don't you just stay dead, Ugly bugger"

Even though only a few remain at there posts, 2 machinge guns open fire on into the area around where the mercs are.

((Probally alot of missing since the smoke and woods and stuff))

One of the light vehicles flips over, The ammo box explodes from the impact, It makes a small explosion and kills both the rebels in the first car. The second cars gunner on the top opens fire at the mercenary's. The leader of the small group says over the radio "You only barely hurt us, Now its our turn to take one of your men"

The first soldier(S1) is hit un-luckily by a the machine gun.
The second soldier(S2) is gunned down by the rebels small vehicle.
The command quickly moves, Throwing down two smoke grenades providing cover to escape

 Tank can be seen bounding up the hill , unknowingly going in the mercs' general direction. A few gun shots ping off his shields from various places.

The jeep turns heading towards the run away mercenary. Firing at him, The bullets smashing near his feet

Ares frowns. "Alright then." He sets off upstairs and exits the building. If she doesn't know where the new base is she'll have nowhere to go. He shakes his head Not my problem...

Stepping into the night he tries to orient himself. I need a vehicle. After a few seconds of looking around he sets off in the direction of the motor pool, keeping to the shadows as much as possible although it seems the rebels are more concerned with evacuating. He arrives at the motorpool to find that every functioning vehicle has been taken. "Shit." He takes a seat against a rusted hulk and sets up a communications line to the Colonel.

"Ares here. SOT-U746-L1456-14 is indeed here, have made contact although was unable to apprehend. Calls himself 'Eros' apparently. The girl, SOM-U755-L1456-183 is also here, guess she was not KIA like originally assumed. Alias unknown but her and SOT seem romantically involved. Unable to apprehend her as well. It is quite a clusterfuck here, Colonel. Won't bore you with the details but I discovered a major rebel staging area. Was about to call it in for you guys to handle but the local garrison somehow found out about it and just launched a sloppy attack. Seems both sides got beat to hell, the local boys withdrew and the rebels are planning to bug out to a secondary base, location unknown but referred to as 'The Old Grove'. Do not know where that is, only that it is within driving distance as they took land vehicles to get there. Am currently stranded in the attacked base, am searching for an exfil method.
Ares out"

The mercenary opens up his pouch while running, Holding up a ignited red flare.
He keeps moving while he holds it up

The jeep slides across the terrain (( is this a desert planet?)).

The machine guns ceases firing, Red hot, Overheated. The jeep accelerates fast in the mercenary's Direction

Tank rushes through the smoke, seeing the merc and the friendly jeep shooting at it, he quickly starts to gain ground on the merc. He makes sure to keep his sheilds raised as he runs.

The mercenary drops a large sack that was on his back, He has  -not- fired at tank yet. He says over the radio "BACK OFF!"

The jeep is coming right up behind Tank, Closing in fast.

Tank starts laughing, and crouches down, still going a reasonable speed, but comepletely behind his sheilds, he is within 20 feet.

A helicopter flys over the horizon, The same helicopter mentioned before, It lands A quarter of a mile from the Merc

The jeep pulls up near tank staying close, Not engaging him

Tank charges fast as two large cleaversslide out of his wristguard, he riases both of his arms and attempts to maul the merc.

The merc is slashed, He falls down, His back bleeding.

The helicopter spins its guns, Opening fire.

Tank raises his Sheilds again, backing up using the jeep as cover.

// Turk is controlling the jeep....

//He asked me to post that, But I removed it if it matters that much

The jeep stops, The drive hops out reaching into the back taking his RPG, hiding,. THe bullets riddle the jeep.

The helicopter lowers a rope, Firing still. The merc crawls towards it.

Tank stays covered behind his angled sheilds, waiting for the rpg to fire.

The rebel loads his RPG, Pops out of cover aiming for the helicopter, He fires.

The helicopter explodes in mid air, Falling down into a burning heap of ruble. The mercenary not close enough to be hurt from it.

Landan turns to tank, " I want him alive, IF you don't mind"

Tank vaults the jeep and slowly makes his way closer, sheilds still in front. "I;ll try."

The helicopter rotors and the roar of the vehicles reaches Ares back at the motorpool. Well that could be an alternate extraction. And then the helo blew up Or not...

He starts to walk back to the brig. Maybe she has an idea. If nothing else at least I won't have to wait by myself. Ares scoffs at the thought but keeps heading that way anyway, he has no better ideas and needs to wait a day for the Colonel to send someone back here to pick him up anyway. Assuming she doesn't shoot me in the face when I stick my head back in.

He arrives at the cinderblock building and pokes his head through the hole , gun in his hand but not threatening.

"Taylor?"

She is up against the wall, still really shaken up by the events that just occured, she see's him and then looks at her weapon that is laying a few feet away from her, then back at him, not sure what to do now.

Landan stands up, throwing the RPG into the back seat. He climbs into the driver seat and starts the car. He looks forward at the mercenary, And hits the gas, Driving towards him.

The mercenary lays motionless on the ground. The helicopter in the background exploded.

Tank bends over, and tries to throw the merc over his shoulder, for later questioning. He looks at the jeep, and says "Gimme a ride to the grove."

Landan gets the jeep started he puts it into drive and revs the engine. Smoke can be seen rising from the helicopter crash sight**. Landan hits his radio, "Shall we?"

Tank throws the merc inot the back, and jumps in the side, the buggy going considrably lower from the armor's weight. "Go."

He ducks back into the hole in the wall and reenters the basement.

"Alright seems all the vehicles are taken. Which means we're stuck here until my ride arrives unless you know of another way out. Or you know where this 'Grove' is."

He holsters his gun and goes to cross the room.

She struggles to speak to the massive gunslinger "I-Uhh. . . The. . . Grove. . . Its the fall back point. . . I heard Eros talk about it, But I don't know details. . . Y-Your ride? Is it. . ." She trails off and looks at the ground and sobs a bit.

Ares keeps his face composed. "Calm yourself. Extract could be a while because the idiots at the garrison just managed to buttfuck themselves. It'll likely be a day out. I would rather not wait a day. Do you know of any other transportation near here or possibly any other motor pools or something? I realize you're scared but you are not the reason I am here and if you cooperate with me and make my job easier I can make things easier for you."

He lays a hand on her shoulder "Now stop crying. Eros mentioned details of this place to you? What did he say? Anything you can tell me will help, I know you don't know where it is."

Landan picks up the radio on his jeep, He holds it up to his face. "Any rebels in the area need a ride back to the grove? The more the merrier"

The mercenary's radio starts going off.

"Come in arrow. I repeat, Come in arrow!"

"Shit! Is anyone out there?"

Tank reaches around, and rips the radio off the unconcious merc, and tosses it off the side of the buggy.

"I- I Heard. . . Him say. . . It was N-near the. . . Resid-dential complex in sector f-f-five. . . The same sector that Fort Brag is in. . . I--Ironic isn't it? I-know of one thing-" she shakes a bit trying to not go into a panic attack.

Ares nods, smiling at her "Good, that is very helpful." He taps on his PDA as she speaks. He slides his hand to hers and gives it a squeeze "I know you're scared, you're doing fine. Just keep talking to me."

It is amazing what a little empathy will do

Landan shrugs and begins driving towards the grove.

"Y-Your ride. . . Can it get me off this hell hole? Away from the garrison. . . Its full of Brigands. . ." She waits for him to answer.

"Yeah it could." Although trading Isis for a prison cell might not be her definition of "good deal"

"But I am not leaving until Eros and his girlfriend are in my custody. Or dead. That's why I am here after all. Which means the faster you can get me to his grove the faster we can leave."

Ares doesn't like lying, but she is his only lead right now and promises himself that he will do what he can for her when the time comes.

Landan and Tank arrive at the grove. Landan turns to tank. "Heres we are. I am going somewhere... Special.. With the mercenary."

"There is one vehicle that I know of. . . No one would have taken it. . . Cause it was a project Akalena was working on. . . I think I know where it is. . ." She looks up still terriffied at the idea of helping a gunslinger.

He is a slinger and they are supposed to be truthfull I think. . . He might be my ticket off this hell hole. . . But at the cost of some of my friends. . . Bah they didn't care about me anyway.

Tank looks at the rebel, and steps out of the buggy "Ask Eros first.", he says plainly, before strolling away.

Landan mutter to himself "Eros.. Right" He turns around to check on the mercenary.

The mercenary is unconscious, The seat in the back is covered in blood.

"Please take me to it." He stands up and offers her his hand.

"You did the right thing, Taylor. Those rebels aren't your friends, they've abandoned you. The faster I deal with them the sooner I can get you out here."

She takes his hand grabbing her guitar and Pack, looking down at the ground, not looking Ares in the eye. as though she where ashamed about something. She starts to lead him toward the vehicle, stepping over her fallen Comrades, and dead Exusians, she thinks its a wonder she is still alive, the base wother than the burning buldings and corpses is empty.

They make it to a small roofed building, she opens the large doors to reveal a sporty looking car, she grabs the keys and unlocks it and gets in starting it, then she scoots over to the passenger portion of the vehicle and waits. Ares probally gets in and notices a bunch of buttons that arn't standard for this type of car.

Ares slides into the driver seat, looking at the controls. Bet this thing is fast. He smiles reassuringly at Taylor. "Going to need some directions. And maybe some instructions as to what these buttons do, if you know."

He pulls the car out and exits the quarry, slightly amazed at how quickly the rebels have managed to leave. He gets on the open road. He keys his PDA and speaks into it "Am currently enroute to rebel's fall back point. SOT and SOM believed to be there. Local Garrison probably does not have the stomach for this, get me a platoon that actually has a clue what they are doing and get them moving towards this system, would like them in a day or two if possible. Will call in with further instructions once I can evaluate the location."

Turning back to Taylor, "About how far is it?"

She lays her head on the window and motions for the road "Just stay on this road you'll run into the sector it is in eventually." she sighs "And I wouldn't press any of the buttons if I were you. . ."

Tank pushes through a large crowd of rebels, looking for Eros.

You find him over a table with a digital map of crutail Exusian targets that they will hit next, it also has a map of Rebel bases, Hideouts, stashes, and other crucial tactical data.

"That barely answers 1 of my questions," he says gently but doesn't push her more. Trying to make her relax he asks, "Tell me about yourself Taylor. 'Eventually' can mean a long time and I'd rather not spend it in awkward silence."

Tank walks up to Eros, and says "We need to leave the planet......they know where to find us now, and I'm usre there's plenty of shuttles in the spaceport..."

She turns to him, she shrugs and goes back to staring out the window, "I just want to get off of this hell hole. . . "

Well im a traitorous rat, A nobody, What eles is there to say. . . Im gonna die alone. . . and hated. . . She tears up staring out the window of the car.

Eros Turns to tank "How? this place. . . its a secret. . . the only way they could know is if they captured somebody. . ."

Tank looks at him. "That guard girl was in the room when I ran out...."

Ares sighs quietly to himself. "Alright fine I'll start. I was born on Olympus. My real name isn't Ares. I am a gunsmith by trade and then got conscripted to be a Gunslinger. I'm as Lowborn as you, which is probably why they sent me out here chasing a ghost. Lucky me when I actually found him."

He continues to drive, hoping she will open up.

"At the very least please tell me where you learned to sing and play the guitar so beautifully." He flashes his smile at her again while running through his new options for what to do when he actually arrives at the Grove...if he finds it.

Alright well they are going to be on alert so sneaking in won't work. I should just mark it and have the cavalry deal with it. Fuck 'Eros' if they really wanted him alive so bad they wouldn't have sent me. They would have sent someone experienced...and Highborn.

...But if I did bring him in....no. Delusions of gradeur will get you no where. You'll still be second class and alone with likely a few more holes in you than you started with...

Cavalry it is. And hope he doesn't run before they get here.

Eros looks at tank for a good few minutes "Thats fine for you but where will I go? Last time I checked Shuttles don't allow government super soldiers as casual fliers." Cool all my life and now its meaningless. . .

Taylor looks over with a dumb struck look on her face "Your. . . Lowborn?" she quickly passes over the fact that he is at a similar level at her. "Uhhm. . . It was one of those things I picked up . . After my friend Theo got killed. . . For the longest time it was one of the only things I would do. . . I just. . . Stopped. . . And then I joined the rebellion about a week ago. . . Trying to make new friends again. . . And here I am. . . Probally gonna end up alone again. . ." She trails off.

 Tank grins, "Who said anything about us being allowed? And as for where, there's a colony in the Cyon system, about 2 days flight at light speed,on one of the planet's moons, deserted since a plague a few decades back." Tank scratches his head. "Supposedly has a Jungle atmospere, so we'd be hard to find."

Ares nods. "Yeah surprising. They don't advertise the fact that Lowborn Gunslingers exist and there aren't a lot of us but there are some. And you won't be alone. I'll see to it you get off of this rock for all the help you provided."

In the distance he can see lights "Is that likely the Grove?"

She squints "No thats fort Brag, I think the grove is a bit deeper into the "Boonies" of this sector. So your a unique gunslinger in a way? And what is your real name?"

Eros stares at Tank for a minute not saying anything "Cool now I can be a hermit. Just like I've always wanted to be"

Tank says "Or we can stay here and get attacked some more, your choice..."

"Ares will do for now I think." He makes an adjustment to put them past the Fort and into the darker unincorporated area in front of them.

He considers it for a moment longer.

"Do you really want to know my name?"

She nods "Since now I know its not your real name. . . I do."

Eros nods "Well. . . Its either I go and get captured, Get attacked, or 'Disappear'"

Tank responds "I'm not saying you need to dissapear, the colonies facilities are still there, I'd give us a chance to set up a proper base....."

Landan ties up the mercenary, and follows Tank,((I mean follow exactly where you went, Towards eros))

He smiles almost playfully at her "What's in it for me?"

He returns to being all-business. "That it out there?" He points. In the distance some faint lights can be seen. "That's definitely not a major settlement."

"Alright Taylor I will make you a deal: After Eros is dealt with I will tell you my real name. Fair?"

"That might be it."
After he states his deal she frowns slightly "Oh. . . Okay. . ." sounding slightly disappointed.

Eros Nods, "If you can find a pilot crazy enough to transport us to suck a location then be my guest."

Tank nods, and pushes back to an old shack.

Ares pulls the car as close as he thinks is safe. He parks it in a clump of scraggly trees at the base of a small ridge overlooking the light source. He gets out of the car and rummages in his backpack for a set of binoculars. Shouldering the pack, he starts to head up the ridge. "Come if you want to, otherwise please stay quiet."

He reaches the top of the ridge and lies on his belly. He focuses the binoculars on the camp and takes note of what he sees in a map he draws in his PDA ((If you wouldn't mind explaining what I see Tom...))

Taylor Follows him and appon seeing that that is the base she frowns again.

Its down in a valley like thing except there is only one entrance, there are light walls made of scrap metal and the main entrance is guarded by 4 machine guns and about 10 guards who are lightly armed, you also see Eros hovering over a map with a rebel holding a merc, You see a similar motor pool, and a rebel working on modifying a car to have machine guns mounted on it, She goes inside of it and the guns go down into the sides of the car. The rebel pops back out and smiles and goes to making a crude Rocket laucher. There is also a decent sized HQ like building with windows wich you can see LOTs of communication equipment, You may start picking up a radio frequency or two "*Static* Exusian Convoy tra-*Static* Echo-2 inte-*Static*" There is also a Barracks and a mess hall. Rebels are still pouring in from the old quarry base. ((Basically if you have played red faction guerrilla it sorta looks like the Oasis base. Except bigger.))

Eros looks at the rebel carrying the Merc "What is this shit?!"

(( I thought that you where being carried by Turk.))

Tank walks out of the shack, this time without his armor. He is wearing some Civilian clothes and a hood, so you probably cant tell who he is. He hops into a standard car by the motorpool, and starts to drive toward the town.

Quote from: Tom on 29-08-2010
(( I thought that you where being carried by Turk.))

//whoopsy void that please

Landan drops the mercenary on the floor. "It's a old friend."

Ares looks over at Taylor "Want to take a look?" he says, offering her the binoculars.

He keys in his PDA again

"Ares here. Have discovered the location of the fall-back point. Pretty crude affair here, if the idiot garrison hadn't just destroyed itself attacking the quarry this would be an easy victory. Have eyes on Target SOT, no sign of SOM but presumed here as well. Attached is a map of the area from what I have been able to observe. Suggest that you get soldiers here as soon as possible before SOT leaves. Will continue to observe. Ares out."

That done he rolls over on his back looks at the stars.

Eros looks at the merc then at Landan, "Well if it a merc hit it with a newspaper or something. . . Make it go. . . I don't want assholes snooping around trying to kill me and shit."

Taylor looks through the binoculars remarking to her self "Sia Nara." she hands them back and rolls on her side facing Ares. "So umm. . . will my weeks time in the rebellion count for anything? Or do you think I can go scott free? I mean. . . All I did is run Jail shift with Ivan. . ." She then rolls onto her back feeling awkward after asking that

In the town Tank can be seen walking into a bar. He seems to be talking to some people.

Ares doesn't move, he takes the binoculars back and sets them on his chest. "Like I said I am not here for you." Interpret that as you will, Taylor.

He sits up a bit, slides his pack under his head and lays back down, still fixated on the stars. "You ready to talk about yourself now?" he asks gently.

I hate waiting.

She takes a deep breath "Well. . . I was born on Hora within the inner ring of Exusain planets, Moved out here with my family cause my dad was a man of science and though that Isis had what he needed for his research, Well He was flying about in his mining craft out in space collecting  Samples when a groub of Pirates attacked his vessle and destroyed it. This happened when I was about 10. . . So, my brother and his child hood friend Theo Took care of me, Theo and my brother Orion where more or less Freelancers and would take turns spending time out in space collecting jobs n' such. . . Well. . . Seven years ago My brother left and never returned. . . I guess either he got tired of this life or he died. . . Theo stuck around and took care of me. So a few five years go by, and Theo had become my best friend in a way, We where at a Check point, we had a nice car and looked fairly decent, the Troopers started popping off that we were wanted for some bogus reason, Theo demanded we saw the paper work, They had wanted me and my Necklace-" She pauses and pulls out a heart shaped Platnum necklace with a heart cut Emerald in it. "-My father had given it to meand said it was my mothers. . . So anyway, they pull theo out and start to rough him up. . . he eventually gets roudy. . . and one thing lead to anouther and. . . Bam. . . One of them miss fired and he was gone. . . I screamed and jumped into the driver seat and sped away. . . Went back to the house collected what money Theo had in the bank. . . and. . . I have been living the past two years as a hermit. I joined the rebellion to get back at the local Garrison I guess. . . Guess now Ill spend time being a musician and artist again. . ." she sighs.

Ares acknowledges the story with a "Mmmhhm" and stays silent for a bit.

"I know all about 'the hermit life'," he says and begins to hum "Iris" to himself quietly.

After he finishes the song, he goes silent again. "Frankly I think music is the better option for you than rebellion. Musical talent is a gift I don't have." He pulls a bullet out of his gun belt and examines it, then starts to spin it in between his fingers. After a few minutes he has it moving so fast it is almost a blur. The effect is hypnotic ((extra points if you get where this reference comes from)) and Ares stars at it for a few moments then stops and slides it back in the gunbelt. "Sorry about your brother."

He stretches out a hand and pats her.

She looks over at him and softly smiles "Thanks I guess. But how would you know about the hermit life? You are a Gunslinger, you go places, meet people, be all ninja badass n' stuff. I heard that sometimes you guys do Secret Agent type stuff too."

"Yeah. But you try holding a steady relationship while flying all over the place constantly endangering yourself for things you probably do not see the importance of and let me know how you feel afterward. And then the few times you are home your friends won't see you any more because they think you're 'The Man' and going to arrest them or kill them. Or when you work with other 'Slingers who look down their nose at you because even though you are faster and better than them you still aren't Highborn and therefore aren't important. And then you do finally meet a Gunslinger who sees past all that and is amazing and awesome and beautiful and..." he stops abruptly, sighs.

"And yes sometimes we do 'secret agent stuff' on top of that too. Although my last mission before this one was far from covert." And it was also my first mission ever but you don't need to know that Taylor.

She cocks her head "You met someone on the job?"

Tank can be seen laughing in the bar, and slides a sack of something acros the table. He then leaves the bar and starts up the jeep, heading back.

"Story for another time." And with that it is clear he doesn't want to talk about it further. "Extraction should be here tomorrow, the assault guys will be coming in a few days after that to blow the shit out of this place. I see no reason to stick around here so if you want to grab anything now would be a good time to do it." He rises to his feet, brushes some grass off of his back and heads back to the car.

Tank's Jeep pulls into the motorpool and he gets out. He walks to the shack to put on his armor.

She nods. "Can you take me to my house. . . Its the only place that has important things in it. . . Other than that the rest is- Was at the old base and is either looted or destroyed. . . I can show you where it is." She stands up and starts heading toward the car.

Eros Sighs seeing that He has been beat out of this planet. . . And that he will HAVE to start up eleswhere..

Following her directions, Ares navigates them back to town. He pulls up in front of the house she points out and stops the car. "Alright grab what you need," he says. I can't believe I am doing this.

She nods "Thanks Ares. . ." she steps out of the vehicle and goes into the Medium sized house leaving the door wide open as she starts to pack her shit to get the fuck out of there. The house looks to be a two story, with the second story being smaller then the first, you can see some art in the windows, and arangements of stuff.

((Going to be wrapping up this story arc and making a new Exusia topic on another planet soon so try to wrap things up.))

He contemplates following her in then shakes his head. Checking his PDA he sees that his transport is indeed in orbit and awaiting instructions.

"Just set down in the space port and act casual I don't want the Grove rebels thinking we're onto them. I'll be here in less than 1 hour."

He drums on the steering wheel, waiting patiently for her to finish. She steps outside with her belongings: an electric guitar, an amp, some art supplies, and some other stuff that he imagines is probably clothes or similar. He notices she's changed out of her "rebel" wear and is dressed rather nicely. He smiles to himself briefly and starts the car. "You look nice." She slides in and he heads off towards the space port.

He drives to the military part of the port and speaks to the guard who examines Ares' gun and credentials and waves him through. Ares parks the car and steps out, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. Taylor gets out too and follow suit. It's a quiet day for military traffic and Ares recognizes the shuttle quickly. "Come on."

They board and strap in. "Yeah sorry this isn't exactly first class" he practically shouts over the noise of the engines spooling up. "This is going to take me back to Olympus, that work for you?"

Taylor nods and smiles softly at him "Thank you. . . For everything you have done for me so far. Maybe I can find a record producer to get me going on my musical career." She smiles even bigger

Eros and Tank make an Exodus off the planet with a handfull of rebels to the new planet, there are still rebels in the Oasis looking base.

Yeah well at least some good came out of this...maybe.

"You're welcome." He checks his PDA and finds he has a message from his Commander. "Nice job marking the base we have a team all set to go, should be there within 12 hours. We'll take it from here." He turns the device off and closes his eyes, drifting to sleep.


Upon arrival on Olympus (Capital planet of the Exusian Empire) he disembarks the ship and heads to the parking area with Taylor in tow. He finds his car, a small sports car and climbs in. He turns to Taylor "I'm heading home. You're welcome to come if you need a place to stay."

She looks at the ground sheepishly for a moment and nods "Sure I guess."

After half an hour of driving they arrive at Ares' apartment. He unlocks the door and steps in, hold it for her. He tosses his backpack by the door and pulls off his duster, hanging it on a hook near the door. It's a large apartment, probably quite expensive although it looks extremely "lived in". He gives her a short tour.

"Kitchen. Probably no 'real food' in there as I have been gone for a while but I got soda and frozen stuff if you're hungry." He passes through it into second room. "This was probably supposed to be a bedroom but..." The carpetting has been ripped out and there is a large workbench against the wall. Scads of tools hang neatly on hooks or in boxes under the bench and bits and pieces of projects (mostly firearms-related) are strewn about. He steps through it back into the hallway. "And finally my room." It is surprisingly sparse with a desk with an expensive computer on it against one wall, a small closet with some clothes strewn about on the floor, and an unmade bed. "So yeah, make yourself at home. If you need to go anywhere let me know and I'll take you there."

He heads back to the kitchen, opens his fridge and removes a brightly-colored can. He opens it and downs it in one big gulp. "Uh...I don't entertain much...at all so sorry if this is as awkward for you as it is for me. The last time I had someone over here was when Ash..." he stops himself again. "Never mind."

She quirks an eyebrow "Ash- Ashley? Was that her name?" she asks inquizitivly, "Im sorry. . ." she later says realizing how hard it is for him to talk about it, she makes her way to the living room assuming he has one and plops her stuff next to the couch, she plugs her E-guitar up, and starts to Play Gemini.

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2C6A7u8-sI"

"Yeah it is. She's not dead in case you were wondering." He listens to her play for a bit and then heads into the work room and shuts the door behind him, only to reemerge immediately and head to his bedroom. He returns with a long rifle on his shoulder and heads back to the work room.

She finishes off the song Well I suppose thats a good thing she is alive. . . OR is it? she sets her guitar down and stands up looking around the kitchen a little more, she looks in the fridge grabing a soda poping the top and drinking it. She later goes toward the work room and sneakily peaks in

She sees Ares hunched over the bench with the impressive-looking sniper rifle in pieces in front of him. He has a piece in his hand and is going over it with fine grit sand paper. Without looking up "Please knock if you don't mind."

She is rather supprised "you heard me? Wow. . ." she scratches her head and walks in "That sniper rifle. . . I've never seen a model like it. . . Whats it called?"

"It's a one-off I built for myself. My family has been arming the Gunslingers for centuries now. I wasn't lying when I said I knew how to smith. If I had this on that hill it would have been lights out for Eros." He stops polishing the bolt. It reflects his face it is so shiny. He slides it back into the weapon. The outside of the rifle looks like it has seen a lot of use. He shoulders it and racks the bolt, then pulls the trigger. He sets it aside almost reverently. He then removes his revolver from its holster and sets it on the table. He begins to clean it, seeming to forget about Taylor's presence. The motions for him seem almost automatic and his hands fly over the gun and complete the procedure seemingly on their own.

she rubs her chin staring at this "Wow. . . Ill keep that in mind." she stares at him and his insane handy work, "So. . . Umm. . .You've done that ALOT, I can see."

"Mmmmhmmm"

He reloads the revolver and drops it back in its holster. He picks up the rifle and brings it back to his room. He steps back out, scratches his head like he doesn't know what else to do with himself.

She walks out of the Work room, patting him on the shoulder as she walks by smiling slightly, she goes into the living room and turns on the TV, and browses through the channels trying to find something interesting to watch.

Ares takes a seat on the couch. She flips past the new and he notices it's a report on Isis. "Hold it here for a second please."

"...raided a rebel camp on the outskirts of Fort Brag late last night. After brief but heavy fighting it has been confirmed that the camp has been completely destroyed." The image on screen flashes to a flyover shot of the burning camp. Exusian solders are seen sifting through the rubble for intelligence and off in the background sits a mass of prisoners.
"It is now believed that this camp was a major staging area for supplies coming in from the Border Worlds. Officials say that they expect this to be a huge blow for rebel operations. And now Sports."

"You can change it, thanks." No word about Eros or his girl though...Why do I have the feeling that they will show up again?

She changes the channel and Ares drifts off into his own thoughts, most of them about Ashley. Probably still languishing in a prison somewhere on Pharos...I hope. He frowns at the thought.

She turns off the TV after realizing that there is noting interessting on and picks up her guitar, tuning it at first, then she notices Ares frown. "Whats up bro?" She continues to tune her guitar.

Eros on the new planet crosses his arms looking at the report, he turns to his woman with a frown on his face, she stares at him, and a few rebels watching the report sniff.

Ares sighs. "You heard about the Rout at Pharos right? That's what I'm thinking about."

He stretches out on the couch and interlaces his hands behind his head, watching Taylor tune her instrument with anticipation though it seems he can't get Pharos out of his head. At least you were able to get off that rock. And you made them pay for every inch of the capital city...of course she did also and she was left behind... He sighs again.

She tilts her head to the side, "That was your last mission. . . And she got captured. . . Didn't she? That was one of the few rebel victories though both sides Lost ALOT of people" she continues to tune her guitar. She starts to play a song called "Rhylynn"

Andy McKee - Rylynn - Acoustic Guitar - [url=http://www.candyrat.com]www.candyrat.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsD6uEZsIsU#)[/url]

"Very good. Now tell me what my real name is, Ms. Observant." He chuckles. "As far as I know she's still alive though I haven't seen her since...since the evacuation." He stops, and then realizes he might as well tell her the whole story. After all you're already sharing your home with someone you met all of 2 days ago and were all set to kill with your bare hands at that time.

"It was the last couple days. We, Ash and I, were on the last flight in before they fully blockaded everything. And we knew that we were going to lose the planet but they wanted us to draw it out as long as possible so they could get a fleet together. So we get inserted and she and I decided to stick together because....well...we had hit it off pretty well in training despite the fact that she was a Highborn..." And damn she looked good in that dress the night she invited you over and- that memory causes a smile to flash across his face for an instant and then he continues, "...and this was our first deployment. By the time we all got there the enemy was pretty much at the capital city's gates I mean they were already evacuating all the nobles and shit. Which did wonders for morale." he rolls his eyes and keeps talking

"So we spend days in the city, getting pushed back little by little. We got really good at climbing rubble and using the sewers to get behind the enemy, get over them, get around them and our snipers were just doing work. But we didn't have any heavy artillery and no air support so basically anything bigger than a jeep and we couldn't do much. We were trying to stay as far out as possible and we'd let troops encircle us and walk past us so they'd think the area was safe. Which again worked brilliantly...until we had to move again. We got the call that the last ships out were leaving the next day.

We were in the top floor of this old apartment building and it was all bombed out and we were working out way back but by this time there were just so many rebels everywhere that we could only move at night and even then sometimes we had to literally walk through a rebel camp to retreat. Well we're in this building doing what we do, and we are getting pinned down and we know we have to move but we are absolutely surrounded and low on ammo since we've been shooting at stuff nonstop for several days and they are literally coming up the stair case. I was watching the stairs and she was still shooting out of the window and over the comms we here that the very last bird is about to leave so we basically charge down the stairs behind our guns just 'bambambambam' as fast as we can go and we book it as hard as we can getting shot at the whole way and then she gets hit and we have to stop. We duck into this building and we can literally see our ride out and she's bleeding and trying to move and we go up the stairs to get to the roof because the rebels are right behind us and are inside this building. So we get to the roof and I call for the bird to fly low and we'll jump into it and it flies by and I make the jump but she...but she stumbles or something and I'm inside the bird and it's booking it as fast as it can away from all this and I see her lying on the roof trying to crawl after us and she pulls out her gun and shoots the first few that come up the star well but she runs out of ammo and the last I saw of her was her being taken handcuffed by three rebels as we break the sound barrier and run home."

He takes a deep breath. "Play another song if you would. Please."

She nods not really having much to say besides "Im sorry."she sniffs relating to his story somehow she starts to play Motion Potion.

I wish there was something I could do for him to help him. . .

"Not your fault." He listens to the crazy guitar song and when its over yawns. "Wow that was...impressive. I'm going to sleep. You can take my bed whenever you get tired." He stretches out on the couch and closes his eyes, in moments he's sleeping peacefully.

She nods at the compliment and goes off to bed herself since its really late and stuff.

Ares opens an eye sleepily and looks at his watch and debates going back to sleep. His keen ears pick up a sound from inside another room in his house. His hand flies to his revolver and he bolts up...before remember that yes, of course someone else is in here, that girl. He sighs exasperatedly and holsters the gun. Swinging himself out of bed he heads to the fridge and grabs...something edible. He doesn't really pay attention to what it is as he shoves it into the microwave. He rubs his eyes and then his temples sleepily. Remembering Pharos did not put him in a good mood; thinking of Ashley ruined his sleep.

She's probably dead the cynical, practical side of him said. This side had been seeing more and more use these days. Or she's not and getting raped  and tortured every night. That thought was even less comforting. I need to find her. He smacks the counter top with a closed fist just as the microwave beeps. He removes the food, scarfs it down and tosses the wrapper into his trash disposal unit. He waits for Taylor to wake up.

Taylor snaps awake for some reason, and sits up, she looks around then yawns. She goes to the kitchen and trys to find something with Caffine in it, she nods to Ares "Good morning"

// So this time Tom is the female and Paintcheck is the male?

// Not necassarily, I have 2 possibly 3 character 1 is Taylor the musician, 1 is Eros a high ranking rebel.

"Taylor I know you were only in the rebellion for all of a week but did Eros give you any way to contact him at all or do you know how to contact anyone else? I know you're probably hesitant to give that information up but I need to know where Ashley is. I can't stop thinking about her, even just mentioning her last night has fucked me up."

He waits for a response. Long shot but...I need to know where to look.

She thinks for a few moments I didn't know any of them but. . . Should I really betray them all and release the acess codes to the Network? I could cause the rebelion to crumble do I really want that  blood on my hands? Then again I could always just tell him where Eroses PDA is located at the moment. . . I think Ill do that instead "I can find where Eroses PDA is. . . Its linked to a network of other PDA's you can track specific Rebels if you know there name, in this case its Eros, its for just incase a Rebel gets captured. . ."

She pulls out her PDA and types on it a bit, then shows Ares a large map of the Exusain Domain, she types in track PDA "Eros" it begins to hone in on sector 63, Then it hones in on Pharos, "He is on Pharos. . . Its probally where the Leader and your girlfriend is. . ."

He WOULD be on Pharos...actually more like he WOULD have survived the raid.

"I asked for his contact info not where he is," Ares replies gently. He wasn't sure whether the absolute lack of security in the rebel camp was a good thing or a bad thing but at least he had a lead.

"Actually scratch that," says Ares, coming up with a new idea. "Let me see your PDA, I want to send him a message."

"Ummm. . ." Yeah but then I'd either have rebels thinking I tucked tail and ran and betrayed them, Or they may think I was captured BOTH of which seem really bad "Maybe I should just give you the contact info. . ."

"I'd rather do it my way. If I send it from my PDA he'll know someone talked. If I send it from yours telling him you've been captured and a certain gunslinger would like some information in exchange for not putting a very large hole in your head he'd be more inclined to answer positively." Ares holds his hand out for the device.

She hands it over hesitantly "I hope you are right. . ."  Hopefully Eros takes the bait. . . I'd rather not die soon

He starts to type out a message

Eros

They captured me at Isis. I'm so sorry but I can't resist any longer. The Gunslinger wants some information from you. He knows you survived the assault. He wants to know the location of a certain person, a Gunslinger named 'Athena' who apparently was captured at Pharos. Please answer in some way or they are going to execute me. Forgive me, Eros.

Taylor[/i]

He hands the PDA back to her "Is there anything here that doesn't look like something you would say?"

Taylor shrugs. He sends the message.

A few minutes later Eros replies.

Taylor? Taylor. . . OH YEAH TAYLOR! heh. . . Forgot who you where for a moment. . . So umm. . . Ask them why they want to know for me

~Eros

Ares takes the PDA That was fast. Guess he really is still alive. Shame.

"Cheeky asshole. Alright let me see it." He takes the PDA back and types in another message.

Eros

They didn't like that question. PLEASE just tell them if you know where she is, Ares is not happy right now and he might just kill me.

Taylor

He holds it up for approval again.

// Im just here to watch, dont mind me.

THe PDA buzzes again

Oh okay its THAT asshole again. . . Dosn't supprise me that you got fucked over in the end, If she is anywhere she would be in the Pharos brig. . . And also tell him that Ironically enough he is the first person to ask about any of the guys/girls down there, I mean, no rescue attempt has been made. . . We collected alot of decent info, Tell him he is more th- Wait lemme check with Amor to see if its okay with him if we go ahead with something.

~Eros
P.S. This move reminds me of me for some reason, I don't know why.

Ares sees the message and has to try very hard to resist the urge to break the PDA.

He starts typing

Look you stupid fuck just answer my question. I have no problem killing Taylor here and I know you probably don't care about her but at least it will make me feel better. I am asking politely now.

-Ares


He mashes the send button angrily.

The PDA buzzes

Sir you just made my day, I mean really, I was rolling on the floor laughing, but yeah, your girl is in the brig unharmed, Amor says its ok for you to exchange her for Taylor, We have gotten all the info that we need out of her.

~Eros
P.S. Your right I don't give a flying fuck about Taylor, what I do give a fuck about is our exspensive tab to keep the brig running, get down to Pharos and move your ass! Come alone too.

He cocks an eyebrow. "Well that was...surprising. Looks like I'm going to Pharos. I assume you don't want to get reinvolved with them so...uh...I guess I'll give you some time to find your own place and a job and then I will be leaving."

He forwards all of the Eros messages to his PDA and flips hers back to her.

She nods. "Well I guess ill get on that then, Wouldn't want to hold you back. . . Look umm. . ." She looks down at the ground for a few seconds then looks back at him "Umm. . . Thanks, For everything." she goes to give him a Bear hug.

He looks a little uncomfortable as she hugs him "You're welcome? I guess call me or something if you need any help?" He thinks again at how absurd this is but shrugs it off. You're about to insert yourself into the most hostile environment in this galaxy and this makes you uncomfortable?