Feb 12 14:23:07 107 PA - Spending time at the Alibi

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Sun Feb 12 14:23:07 107 PA.

Flare is sitting at one of the tables watching the dance floor, a drink in front of her, but she really doesn't seem to be drinking heavily from it or anything.

Erica walks in from the cold weather outside. She brushes the snow from her coat after coming in. She unbundles herself revealing a red dress rather then the fatigues she normally wears. Still warming up from the cold she hurries over to the bar in her heels. After smiling at the bartender and ordering a mixed drink she takes the opportunity to look around for familiar faces.

Flare is watching the dancefloor more than anything else at the moment so doesn't notice Erica just yet, but would only be a matter of time. She does take a small sip from her drink.

Erica gets her drink from the bartender and takes a sip of the cocktail before she starts walking around to see who is here. Spotting Flare after a moment her lips curl into a smile and she heads over to the other womans table. "Hi there. Fancy seeing you here."

Flare smiles a little, "Well hello my dear, join me?" she asks and then shakes her head, "I tend to frequent here." she says with a small smile.

Erica takes a seat near Flare and keeps sharing the other woman's smile. "Why thank you. Yes I love this place. I like to go dancing here." She shrugs her shoulders lightly as she stirs her drink around with her straw before taking another sip. "I hope you are doing good today."

Flare smiles a little, "Well maybe we should go dancing sometime." she says and smiles a bit, "I am doing well, and yourself?"

Erica laughs softly in her little voice as she nods her head. "Sure that sounds like fun. I do enjoy dancing although I am sure I'm no where as good as you." She gives Flare a little wink as she leans back in her chair while idly stiring her ice cubes around in her drink.

Flare shakes her head, "i am not really that good." she says with a smile.

Erica raises an eyebrow curiously as she shakes her head. "But you did do some dancing over at the Ivory Lady right? So I'm sure you have pretty good rhythm. Likely better then me." She giggles softly as she takes a long sip of her mixed drink. "I am sure you heat up the dance floor."

Flare smiles a little and then blushes just a little, "Yes, but not the same kind of dancing." she giggles just a little.

Erica gives Flare another little wink and reaches out to pat her on the shoulder affectionatly. "So what else are your interests besides dancing and going out clubbing?"

Flare smiles a little and then shrugs, "Well I love fencing, cooking, going hunting, spending time in the woods, things like that, flying my hovercycle."

Erica is sitting at a table near to the dance floor with Flare. She has a tall mixed drink in one hand and her other hand is stirring the straw around idly. "All those sound like fun. You'll have to share some of your recipies with me. I would love to be able to cook more spicy foods."

Zero is a lithe young man, early into his twenties who stands at five foot nine inches. What little muscle he has is smooth, but power isn't his thing. He has a light skin tone and smooth features. His eyes are lazy lidded, often looking half closed, but not disguising their dark blue color. His hair is black and starting to grow out of a close cropped cut, clean but given an artful disorder beneath the brim of his camouflaged boonie hat.

Flare smiles, "Well I am not the best cook but I try." she says and giggles just a little. She takes a sip of her drink and glances around a little. "So what do you like to do?"

Erica laughs softly and shrugs her shoulders again quickly. "Well I like dancing of course. Uh lets see what else. Well cooking is nice, and I can make a few dishes. I spend some time at the gym most days. I also spend time at the firing range. Hmmm I guess flying around on my jetpack is pretty fun."

Flare smiles, "Do you like the jet pack or other things? I like hovercycles the most."

Erica frowns slightly as she nods. "Well I like my hovercycle, but it got impounded by the KDPD in a little misunderstanding. So I've been regulated to just the jetpack on my armor really. I could do some pretty cool tricks on my cycle though."

Zero comes into the Alibi in a pretty good mood given the bouncing addition to his step as he heads towards the bar. He keeps a decent time with the beat of the current music with that bouncy step and the bob of his head. And once he gets there, he switches to tapping his fingers on the edge as he considers the booze on tap. His order will be lost in the din, but after getting it in, he straightens up and grins to himself, looking to either side along the bar, considering the people there idly.

Flare looks a little, "well maybe I can take you out on mine and what misunderstanding?" she cocks her head to the side a bit and then smiles a little. She runs a hand through her crimson hair and pushes it behind one of her pointed ears.

Erica looks down adopting a meek look upon her face. "Uh well I slavaged some stuff that I thought was salavage a little ways out of town. Anyways it belonged to someone. So the KDPD confiscated my bike until I fix up this persons hovercar. It has been taking me a while." She looks up at Flare and gives a slight sigh. "But I'll get my bike back eventually I'm sure." She says as she leans against the table bracing her cheek against one hand while she peers down at the bar, trying to decide on her next drink.

Zero scores his drink, but seems to find the bar none to matching to his loitering desires for the moment. So he takes up the brown bottle of common beer that he's paid for and turns, scanning the tables and dance floor casually. He's browsing the people when he happens to notice Erica and Flare at their own table. He considers them a moment before he grins casually and heads right on over. As he nears, his calls out to them, "Hey brown, why so down? Hey red, what's to be said?" He seems quite pleased with himself afterward, pausing as he comes up next to the table.

Erica rolls her eyes slightly as she looks up at Zero. "Oh nothing I was just talking about a small problem I have." She takes a little sip of her cocktail as she ponders Zero for a moment. "And how are you doing today?" She asks casually as she turns to face Zero.

Zero watches as Flare leaves, then grins just a little. "I guess I scare elves," he jests casually before looking back to Erica. "I'm great. But then I'm usually great." He decides to settle down in the abandoned seat, setting his bottle down before him. "What sort of problem? Not much a solver myself, but you never know, right?"

Erica shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head. "I think she just had an appointment she had to go to." She says as she turns her head to watch Flare leave. "Well no problem you can solve unless you happen to be a mechanic." She mentions as she gestures to a waitress. When the waitress arrives at the table she orders herself another mixed raspberry vodka and soda.

Zero grins at Erica. "Well, I do happen to be pretty good with tools. I can make some things, fix some things, even build some things, I guess. But I tend to prefer taking apart. But they thought I could use some mechanics training." He lifts his bottle to take a swallow. "You need something fixed?"

Late afternoon is not the busiest time in the bar and so the petite runner can get through to the bar, passing security easily, her hands lifted in a gesture of unarmed. She is swamped by the massive, man's coat that she wears, hiding her figure easily, and the messenger bag crosses her chest, looking heavy. She stops at the bar, to all intents looking like she is ordering a drink, but papers are passed to the staff, and she receives a beer bottle in exchange, turning with a grin to look at the bar.

Erica returns Zero's grin with a little smile of her own. "Maybe I could use some help, but really isn't an issue at the moment. So don't worry about it. My name is Erica by the way." She mentions as she holds out a hand to be shook. She turns to smile at the waitress and nod her head in thanks as she gets her tall mixed drink. She picks up the staw with her other hand and stirs it.

"Zero. I think we've met a few times before, but not for a while, so better safe than sorry." The man leans back a little in his chair and he nods his head. "Your call, but I've got a lot of time on my hands right now. So its pretty much free to whoever has something worth doing." A brief pause before he chuckles to himself, though the source of his mirth goes without being said.

Sofiya turns, her gaze settling on Zero and her mouth widening into a grin. She slips through the crowd, to where they sit and reaches out to dangle the bottle of beer in front of Zero. "An apology for the stew last night." She rests her other hand on the top of the messenger bag, as she steps to the side of Zero, giving both a quick grin, cocky.

Erica nods her head slowly as she takes back her hand. "Sorry I'm not so great at names. I did think you looked familiar. Well I'm not sure exactly what I need yet, but I'll keep you in mind if I need your help." She picks up her drink and takes a sip of her new cocktail. She gives Sofiya a nod of her head as the other woman comes and talks to Zero. "Hi there."

Zero blinks as the beer gets dangled before him. HE's got one, but he's not shy about accepting another. "Hey!" He snags it lightly, then glances towards Sofiya. "Why sorry? I ate pretty much all of it after you guys left. How you doing, Sofi?" He settles the bottle next to the first, then takes up the first to get another swallow. He looks to Erica, then back to Sofiya. "Dunno if you two have met, but Erica, Sofiya. Sofi, Erica." He tips his bottle back and forth a bit towards each as he passes names back and forth. Erica gets a smile and he adds, "Yeah, you let me know. Don't really have a place right now, but if you see my truck somewhere, just knock on the door. I might be inside it."

Erica gets a cocky grin and jerk of the other girl's chin in acknowledgement. Sofiya pulls up a chair, swinging it round to sit on it backwards, resting the bag between herself and the back. "I thought the foxes got it." The mystery of the missing stew is solved, and rests her elbows across the chair back. "I'm doing alright. Done business for today, got enough cash for a beer for you, and some dinner." She shrugs, reaching to undo the massive coat.

Erica leans back in her chair and listens to the exchange with a bemused expression on her face. "Nice to meet you Sofiya." She mentions while she swirls her ice cubes around in her drink with her straw. "Well Zero I'm not sure which truck would be yours, so I'm not going to go knocking on random trucks. You have a radio? If so what is your radio frequency and I can use that if I need to get a hold of you." She places her drink back on the table while crossing her legs.

"Well, you can have some if you want," Zero offers Sofiya. "I'm not worried about your germs." His grin mischievous to go along with the statement. He then considers Erica. "Nah. the radio is busted. Got the truck on the cheap, second hand. It's one of those Diplodocus deals from NTI. Looks like it rolled down a hill then off a cliff." He chuckles. "How about I tie a little black bow on the antenna. Then you can be sure." He glances towards Sofi. "Then you can be sure too, should you ever be looking for me for whatever reason."

Sofiya's grin is a clear reply to Zero's and she reaches out to take the bottle back, taking a swig. "I know what your truck looks like. It is the one with the paint splatters on the side." The bravado is showing and she shoots him a look that is a challenge. "Nice to meet you too. Erica, right?" The coat is off, revealing a skinny body, a runner's figure, and showing her age a little more now. "Think the bow should be pink though."

"Oh yah that is one of those three axle trucks I see around right?" Erica asks with mild curiosity. "Alright well I'll keep an eye out for a truck like that. I'm sure I can find it if I need your mechanical expertise Zero." She turns her head to watch the dance floor for a moment before looking back at the rest of her table. "Yah it is Erica." She says as she nods her head to Sofiya. "Pink huh? I don't think he'll go for that."

Zero chuckles lowly and shakes his head. "Better than laser scars," he says, "But if I'm going to use pink, you gotta do something for me," he tells her. He then nods to Erica to confirm. "Its a good truck, good traction for this area. I like em better than hovercraft.. can't really feel the road on those, like you can in a good truck. I'm going to have to get some tools to work it over, though. Engine needs an overhaul so it doesn't sound like its gargling with rocks. Might make it run better too. Body work is going to cost a lot, though. A lot I don't got, sadly. But its a tough monster, still runs good enough for now."

"He might. I could always put it there when he is asleep." The mischief in Sofiya's grin is shared between the two. "Laser scars came way too close to my skin for my liking." But her eyes twinkle, brightening at the memory, and she dumps the coat on top of the messenger bag, her fingers playing with the bottle. "Ran really well earlier." She takes a long swig of the beer, as she glances between them.

Erica looks confused for a moment as she shakes her head. "Uh why would you need to feel the road if your in a hovercycle or hovercar?" She asks Zero out curiosity while she leans forward to pick up her drink and take a sip from the straw. She gives Sofiya a little grin of her own. "Or just paint the whole thing pink then it would be very easy to find." She giggles softly in her little voice.

Zero glances between the two women, shaking his head slightly. "Now now.. don't go taking things out on my baby." Though he chuckles as he says as much. To Erica he shakes his head. "I mean when you're on a hovervehicle, you don't feel the road. Its.. loose and strange. Whereas a truck, you can feel the road when you turn. A bumpier ride, but it feels better. To me anyway. I suppose most don't really care about things like that anymore, but I'm a bit particular about what I drive."

"Feel like you are going to fall over and be slung all over the cab." Sofiya's reply is given sharply, the grey eyes giving him a challenge of sorts. "Can't waste credits on a bunch of pink paint when I can grab a ribbon off a tart down the road." She shrugs, swigging the beer, twisting her skinny body to look out over the crowd. "Glad that thing has something to hold on to." The comment could equally apply to the truck, the tart she mentioned, or the dancer she is currently watching.

Erica brow creases as she looks even more confused. "Of course you don't feel the road on a hover vehicle. I mean your flying. Two different methods of transportation. You don't even need roads with most hover vehicles. Just fly over the trees." She shakes her head slightly as she shrugs her shoulders. "Sounds like it would be a smoother ride flying then driving." She mentions as she turns her head to look at the dancer that Sofiya is looking at before turning back to the table.

"If you wanna play it safe, there were seat belts," Zero tells Sofiya. "But then I couldn't make sharp rights and have you tumbling into my lap then, could I?" His tone casually mischievous. He follows her gaze, then adds, "Wandering eyes." He takes up his original bottle and takes one last swallow before settling the empty down. "You ever taken a fast ride in a good truck? Flying's fine.. I know how to drive those hovering things no problem. But that's more for when I have to. I like to feel the road under me."

Sofiya rolls her eyes, but she blushes, ever so slightly. "Just looking at someone showing off." The comment is defensive before the bravado returns, and she takes a swig of the beer, offering it back to him. It has about a third left. "Didn't notice the seatbelts, I was busy holding on, throwing things and ducking." She lifts her chin, a slight jerking movement to make the point. "Like you like to feel the ball court under you."

Erica shakes her head again as she licks her lips quickly. "Naw I pretty much fly everywhere I need to go using either my cycle or my jetpack. So really haven't been in too many trucks. I like the exhilaration of flying." She nods her head to the empty bottle of Zero's. "You all want another one or two?" She laughs softly at Sofiya and nods her head. "I think flying is the better way to go in this case. Sounds like your truck is much to rough for me, and possibly for Sofiya there too."

Zero chuckles. "I like it better under my sneakers than against my back,but yeah." He nods his head. "Feels like I'm more in control. And turns feel more.. visceral. I think if I was a better driver and had a souped up car, I'd be a racer. I could get into some high speed and sharp turns, you know?" He grins as he takes the third full bottle, lifting it for a glance. True to his word, he takes a swig without even cleaning it off. "I should take you for a spin around," he says to Erica. Nothing wrong with rough. But like I said, there are seatbelts." He then considers Sofi. "Was that getaway too rough for ya? I could slow down a little next time. Use my signal."

"I liked the truck." Sofiya's admission is a mumble, "Kind of liked feeling like it was a bit dangerous." She shrugs, resting her elbow on the back of the chair, her chin in her hand. Her expression shows her age more than anything else had, the grey eyes lit up at the memory. "Ducking down with that guy shooting at us, skidding around the corners..." She shakes her head. "Oh man, it was totally awesome." Then she looks up, remembering the bravado and slipping it back in place. "Not that I haven't done it before."

Erica flashes Sofiya a warm smile, and picks up her cocktail and takes a long sip of it. "That does sound pretty exciting. Few things are more exciting then being shot at and missed." She giggles happily as she waves down a passing waitress. "Ok so did you two want some more beers or not?" She asks while the waitress approaches. "Well if you want to be a racer I bet you could get a pretty fast car Zero."

Zero bobs his head towards Sofiya, amusement obvious as he says, "Well, hopefully next time we won't have the shooting. Exciting and all, but that costs credits to handle." He chuckles, then shakes his head to Erica. "Nah, I have to keep it low, cause I'm driving. WIth or without a passenger." He considers the woman across from him, then wonders, "How can you get a fast car? Might be better for truck driving, since those are what I really know. But.. it could be fun to get in some races. Maybe make enough to fix up the damage from them." He grins idly.

Sofiya gives Erica a nod and a grin, the bravado firmly in place once more. "They do street racing sometimes in the Dregs. I've watched them sometimes." The cocky reply is pure front and she reaches out to snag Zero's beer again, her eyes asking silently. "I can live without the shooting but it wasn't that scary."

Erica shrugs her shoulders as she nods her head. "Fair enough. Wouldn't want to make you drink and drive." She says as she offers Zero a little smile. She orders another mixed drink from the waitress and a glass of water while she finished off her current drink. "Well I know a person who could modify a car and make it faster. I bet with some work you could get a racer pretty fast. Although you would need some credits." She nods to Sofiya accepting the girls bravado without question. "Well hopefully you won't get shot at again Sofiya."

"Never did street racing before," Zero replies thoughtfully. "But yeah.. credits are a problem. I'd have to score some kind of job for that. Not really sure just what would fit me. Was thinking about construction, see if they need a demolitions guy. Don't figure that'd be a real time intensive job, just have to show up, set up some detonators and then watch the fure works." Of course, Sofi gets the bottle and he gives her a mock irritated look that doesn't last long before he notes to Erica. "You keep drinking like that, I'll have to drive you wherever you plan to go after here."

Sofiya's response to that look is a cocky grin and she takes a long swig of the bottle, tilting her head back, emptying it. She hands it back with a sweet smile and widened eyes. "Being shot at isn't that rare." She shrugs, brushing it off, as she settles her arms across the back of her chair, watching the dance floor for a bit. "Street racing is a bit different."

Flare slips back into the Alibi, getting rid of her jacket and actually steaming a bit. She doesn't appear wet at all once she moves away from the doors. She smiles a bit as she glances around. The crimson haired elf if looking for someone in particular.

Erica raises an eyebrow and shakes her head slightly. "Three drinks? I'm not that much of a light weight. Sides I'm just walking home. Not to far even in the snow." She gives the waitress a quick smile as she gets her next drink. "I'll keep an eye out for construction jobs. Most of the new construction seems to be shacks put up by refugees right now though." She gives Sofiya a slight nod of her head. "Yah I know what you mean. I've been shot at a few times. Don't like it, but comes with the job sometimes."

"Well, if they ever need something blown up and they got a few credits to offer for it, I'm the guy to see." Zero nods to Erica ands adds. "Or things fixed. Learned to handle weapons too. Cleaning, stripping, fixing. Even a little modding. I could probably get a job as a mechanic, but that's the sort of thing that that takes a lot of time, you know? Wouldn't have much time for racing, I suspect."

"Definitely comes with the job." Sofiya's hand moves, lightly touching the messenger bag. "I should go. Got another run in a bit." She gives Erica a broad grin, cocky, as she lifts her head. "Nice to meet you. Uh Zero, give my trailer a knock when you get back?" There is a brief flush across her cheeks and she busies herself pulling on her coat, hanging the bag over her chest. "Nothing major. No big deal."

Flare smiles a little and then heads over towards Erica and probably the others. "hello," she says softly and stretches a little as she gets there whether intentionally or habit it does show off certain features in the outfit she wears.

Erica nods her head slowly. "Sure if I hear anything I'll get back to you on any jobs." She offers Zero before turning to Sofiya. "Yah it was nice to meet you too Sofiya. I hope to see you around." As she gives Spfiya a little wave she spots Flare approaching the table and her smile widens. "Hey Flare. Glad to have you back." She says as she looks at the elf with a warm smile, her eyes looking over the elf's outfit.

Zero glances towards Sofiya, then gives a nod. "Sure, I can drop by soon. Keep your head down," he offers, his hand lifting to toss a casual salute her way. He then nods to Flare and gives her a casual grin. "Hope I didn't scare you away before. Have a seat." He tips his head towards the table in offer. "Just talking about truck racing and the drudgery of actually having to work to make money. All the things you can find in this world, you'd think someone would make a money tree."

Sofiya returns the nod to Zero, and scoots off, her steps taking her out of the club at a jog. Out through security, into the world outside.

Flare smiles a little, "Don't like trucks, give me a hovercycle or motorcycle anyday." she says and smiles a bit and then waves to the person leaving and then smiles and sits next to Erica, "Nah just had to go burn off some heat." she says and giggles a bit.

Erica laughs softly as she shakes her head slightly. "Well glad to have you back Flare. Yah I'm totally with you there Flare. I'm not a truck person either. I love to fly. You want a drink? I'm buying." She uncrosses her legs and crosses them the other way as she keeps smiling while she takes a sip of her mixed drink.

Zero arches a brow slightly at Flare. "Heat, huh? Alright." Something for him to think about. "More talking about me driving trucks. Though I think I need more practice before I can do any real racing.. you know, where you bet for credits or something." This said to Erica. "Last thing I need to do is start losing money when I don't got much of a chance. Gotta assume most racers are pretty good behind the wheel." He leans back a little in his chair, a hand lifted to lightly rub his chin.

Flare smiles, "I can have a drink," she says softly and then smiles a little. She thinks for a moment, "Something flaming." she says and grins a bit and then looks at Zero for a moment and smiles, "Lots of heat all the time." she thinks, "Used to race for money, one way to get by a little, though there are other ways. Need to get my routine down so I can start flamedancing."

Erica giggles in her little voice as she waves down a passing waitress. She orders a drink called an apple passion while the waitress doesn't know what it is Erica quickly explains the recipe. After ordering the drink she turns back to the table. "I think you'll like this drink Flare." She mentions with a grin before turning to Zero. "You know I don't think your going to find much truck racing around. People seem to like more high speed racing then I think you'll get in that truck. I mean it can't go that fast I imagine? But yah always be careful in your wagers. You don't want to lose money needlessly." Turning to look at the lovely elf she asks: "So when do I get to see your flamedancing routine?"

"You sure do seem to have a focus on fire. Not a bad thing, I kinda like it myself," Zero replies. He then tips his head. "The name's Zero. Don't suppose you'd mind if I call you Red, would ya?" He then nods to Erica. "Well, maybe I can get some truck racing started. Might not be as fast as some cars can get, but some off-roading.. that'd be something to watch. Murder on the suspension, but nothing some good maintenance wouldn't keep under control. That's where things get real exciting when you're in a good truck."

Flare smiles a little, "I am Flare and there is a reason for the emphasis on Fire." she giggles a little and then looks at Erica, "Well, if I can get a pair of flameswords or something similar, I think I could find something that would work."

Erica laughs a little at Zero's curiosity about the fire. "She is just one hot gal." She give Flare a little wink before continuing. "Well Flare I think if you go down to Draconic Secrets you could get some flameswords there. I don't know how much they would cost though." Her smile grows wider as the waitress brings over a small glass full of a green drink that has a blue flame dancing over it. "There you go something flaming Flare." She shakes her head slightly but a look of bemusement is on her lips. "Well Zero maybe you could build an off road track. That might be a good way to get started."

Zero is a bit bemused by the two, but its not something that keeps him down for long. "If you both say so." He listens to teh talk about fire swords and considers the drink that is brought along. "One thing that shouldn't be burned off is good booze," he murmurs casually. Though again he doesn't seem overly bothered. "Build a track?" He chuckles and shakes his head. "You must have mistaken me for a guy that's got money to burn," he says, lightly amused. "It's a decent idea, but way beyond what I've got. Maybe if I strike it rich some day, but I think I should keep my dreams modest for now. A decent place to live and money enough to eat good and regular."

Flare shrugs, "Alright," she says and then drinks the drink letting the flames touch her and not waiting as she downs the drink, the flames don't bother her one bit. She nods to Erica, "Yea I could probably do that. I should look into it anyway, before someone mentions it to Xander and he just buys them for me." she giggles just a little and then smiles at Erica. She glances at Zero, "The comforts of life."

Erica shrugs her shoulders as she takes another sip of her cocktail. "Well I don't think it would cost that much to build an off road track. Really it would just be a lot of hard work for you to clear the land. I guess it just matters how much you want to work I guess." She tells Zero with a soft little smile. She turns her head to watch Flare drink the flaming drink without blowing it out. Her lips are curled into an amused grin as she watches the elf show off. "Xander is pretty well off isn't he? Yah I don't think I would like someone buying me stuff all the time either."

"Necessities," Zero replies to Flare with a shrug of his shoulders. He considers the woman after she drinks the drink without putting out the fire, a brow lifted slightly. "You know," he starts, "I hear a lot about guys that buy things fir girls, but I've never heard so much of girls that buy things for guys like that. Just one of those things that you think about, right?" Or is it just him. He grins a little and shakes his head. "I guess that depends what you mean by a track, Erica. If you mean just.. clearing some land? I dunno, I suppose that could be done for something quick and dirty. Would probably have to be outside the walls, though. The Dregs would complicate things, I bet."

Flare nods, "Outside would be best." she says and then smiles a bit, "Not well off, just he does okay." she flushes a little, "I mean you say the flat, and that is the nicest place in the city." she shakes her head a bit and looks over at Zero for a moment.

"I don't know I would buy things for a guy if I had a guy, but I don't so the issue is moot." Erica says with another shrug of her shoulders. "Well you could start off quick and diry and then improve it as time goes on. Like I said just an idea." Turning to Flare she nods her head while idly toying with her straw with one hand. "Well he seems to make good money gambling as far as I've seen. And yah your place was super nice."

Zero grins a little. "Maybe.. But before I do anything, I need to get my baby's engine overhauled. THe shocks, maybe a little bodywork so she doesn't look like she took a tumble off a cliff. Then I can think about racing." He nods his head, considering the topic. Though only lightly as he grins at Erica. "You can buy me stuff if you want. I won't mind." His tone utterly lacking in seriousness. "Really, though.. I think comfortable is all I need. I've seen some fancy places in magazines. Makes me wonder how much effort it takes to keep that sort of place clean. Way too much effort."

Flare shakes her head, "not really, I like cleaning my place and then well, if I don't have time, there is someone that can come and clean it." She looks at Erica and smiles a bit.

Erica nods her head as she licks her lips quickly. "Yah money isn't the best thing in the world that is for sure. Although I think if you have enough of it you can hire someone to clean your place." She giggles a bit as she gives Zero a wink. "And I think Sofiya might mind if I bought you things perhaps." She returns Flare's smile with a warm smile of her own. "So Flare you want to light your next drink on fire yourself?"

"I guess the easiest way is to have someone else do it for you," Zero muses. "But I dunno about having someone else messing with my stuff." He glances towards Erica and considers. "I wonder what I'd do with that kinda cash." Though after he shakes his head and says, "She's got a guy, we're just friends," he says. "A good one to have, though. Can't go wrong with people who like some excitement, you know? But the lasers.. yeah, have to not get that happening again." He drops into thought again at that, considering quietly.

Flare shakes her head a bit, "Things happen, and I think I understand what she has gone through in her life." she says and shakes her head a bit again and smiles to Erica, "maybe."

"Sometimes, but sometime the only way to do things right are to do them yourself." Erica mentions to Zero. "Ah ok I just thought I sensed something between you two, but I guess not." She shrugs her shoulders quickly before asking a passing waitress for another drink for Flare this time not lit.

Zero arches a brow at Flare. "Who, Sofi? You know about her past?" Casual curiosity in that question. He then chuckles and rolls his shoulders at Erica. "Sofi's a nice girl. Maybe if we met up earlier. maybe not." He shrugs again. "Life is kinda weird like that, you know? You just sort of wander through it until you run into people that sort of click. Or they don't. Two times when I was kid, I thought I met 'that girl'. Obviously it wasn't so, so I kinda just let it flow now. I figure that's probably the best way of it. See what comes along and then what happens after."

Erica's lips curl into a slight frown and she looks down into her lap. "I've never really been in a relationship, so I don't quite know what all that is like." She shrugs her shoulders slightly as she picks up her drink from the table and finishes it off. She waves for another one as she lets out a little sigh. "I know more about weapons and maintaining them then I do about relationships really."

Zero smirks a little. "Well, I'd be lying out my ass if I said I know a lot about women," he says. "As to relationships.. well.. I'd say its pretty different from person to person. I've dated nice girls, tough girls, mean girls and so forth. Mostly only briefly. Each was pretty different. They like different things. I suppose the same goes for guys. We all like different things."

Erica looks up from her lap and at Zero. "Well I wouldn't know much about that. I haven't really dated anyone much. But it seems like your right. Everyone is different in their own way." She mentions as she looks up at the waitress as she gets another drink. Offering the waitress a smile she starts stirring her drink around with her straw. "I don't know."

Zero grins lightly and nods his head. "Well, I'm sure you'll find out. You're pretty.. might need a little more confidence, though maybe not. Some guys like confident girls, some don't. Some like girls that like guns, others don't. Though that does make me wonder.. what sort of girl would you describe yourself as?"

Erica shrugs her shoulders again before taking a little sip of her new drink. "Well I guess I am more cofident in military matters then dating." She giggles a bit and gnaws on her lower lip for a moment as she ponders the question. "I don't know I guess I would describe myself more of a regular gal who just trys to help others out. I don't know. I just went into the military to help out the place I lived. Then after a while I felt I could do more good out here."

Zero chuckles lowly and nods his head. "I think most girls think they're 'regular'. But I think most are wrong, cause regular don't exist since most everyone is different in some way. Sometimes I can tell what kind a girl is by what she does at off hours. So what do you like to do for fun? Besides come here, that is. Cause I suppose that's pretty obvious as something you do enjoy."

Erica giggles herself and nods along with you. "Yah I guess there is no such thing as regular. But how about I just say I am not abnormal." She swirls her drink around in her glass before taking a sip of her drink. "Well yah I like coming out to the bars and the clubs sometimes. I also exercise regluarly, and spend time and the gun range. Hmmm what else. Uh I take time flying around. It clears my mind to be up in the air at high speed."

"A little sporty, a little wild then, I suppose," Zero muses. "By why not abnormal? Contrary to popular belief, there's nothing wrong with abnormal. I mean, most would think I'm pretty strange for what I do. I like blowing things up. Fire, destruction.. it's cool, you know? Probably if I had loads of money to burn, I'd spend it blowing things up just to see what it looks like." He grins. "Not exactly 'normal', yeah?"

Erica laughs softly in her little voice as she shakes her head. She wears a bemused expression on her face as she regards Zero. "Well I guess I can see a bit of the attraction of blowing up things. I've seen a few things explode in my time. Even caused one or two of them, but I wouldn't exactly want to do that all the time. Although could be fun from time to time."

Zero shrugs. "Not for everyone, though probably most of the girls I've been around don't really know that about me. But it was never real important since things were casual and they'd probably think I was some sort of loon. One of the reasons I kinda like the abnormal girls. They don't tend to care like others do." He shrugs his shoulders a little. He lifts a hand towards her. "What about you? Got any secrets you'd not tell a steady guy?"

Erica smiles and pats Zero's hand affectionatly with her own hand. "I don't know. I've never had a steady guy. I don't think I would keep anything from him. I'm a pretty honest person I guess, but you never know how you react until your in that situation. I mean I've seen tough macho guys freeze up in a fight, and a meek woman face down a splugothian slaver. It is hard to judge."

Zero grins and shakes his head a little. "Couldn't say abut me in a fight. I've been in a skirmish or two, but.. nothing real heavy. If I was really into that sort of thing, I'd probably have stuck with my unit. But.. well, I just like breaking inanimate things. Not living things. And I don't exactly keep it secret.. I just don't tend to talk about it. Of course, some seem to think that's lying." His shoulders roll, revealing his undefined thoughts on that subject.

Erica shakes her head as she offers Zero an encouraging smile. "I don't think that is lying. Nothing wrong with not wanting to talk about some things." She pats Zero's outstretched hand again before taking her hand back and picking up her glass to take a sip. "And sounds like you have a pretty exciting hobby. You'll have to show me an explosion some time."

Zero grins idly. "Well, if you wanted, just take a barrel of fuel out into an open area and hit it with something.. a laser would do fine. The results are pretty wild. Been a while since I did that, but that'd be a lot of credits to waste. But I am making some paint bombs. That's what Sofi was talking about before. She got to test out one. I think the wall we plastered with it 'belonged' to someone since we got a few pot shots taken at us. All in good fun though, I suppose. But it was a success."

Erica laughs softly as she shakes her head. "I guess I could do that, but I don't think I would do anything like that. I mean sounds fun, but I'm not really into destruction for the sake of watching something go boom. Not to say there is anything wrong with it. Just not really my thing." She keeps giggling as she picks up her cocktail and takes a long sip from it. "Those paint bombs sound fun. Could have a good time with them."

Zero grins and leans forward, crossing his arms against the edge of the table as he wonders, "So what'd you do if I gave you one? Lets say.. I just give it to you and don't say anything about what you should do with it. And you can do whatever you want with it, what'd you do?" His grin turns a bit lopsided towards the end, his brows lifting as he offers the 'challenge'.

Erica gnaws on her lower lip as she thinks about it before shrugging her shoulders. "I guess I would throw it at someone at some point. Maybe Sage, but I wouldn't want to ruin anything nice she might be wearing. So I would have to wait for the proper time, but it would be a fun ambush." She giggles softly to herself as she leans back in her chair and uncrosses her legs then crosses them the other way.

Zero grins idly. "Dunno this Sage, but you must be pretty close to her if you'd do that. Cause it'd take a close friend to get something like that tossed at 'em." He's lightly amused. "Most times, I toss them at people I don't like. Takes 'em down a notch without any.. well, I guess without mess isn't quite the right word. But.. not bloody. That's better. No blood, just a nice coating of paint. I suppose I'll have to give you one after I make a mess of them, though I have to gather some new materials. A good can, a some wires and a few chemicals.. a lot of little bits."

"Yes she is a good friend. Maybe some day when she is her workout clothes would work best." Erica giggles again as she idly stirs her drink. "Well I'm not one to start a fight by throwing things at people I don't like. In fact I try not to start fights at all." She shakes her head before taking another sip of her drink. "I try to get along with people."

Zero lifts a hand and nods his head before the hand lowers. "Yeah, yeah, I don't tend to toss these until things get real bad. Met some guy yesterday that gave me the urge, though. Talking real masty about Sofi, acting all high and mighty. Rich looking guy, trying to sell stuff in the trailer park." He shakes his head. "I think a nice coat of paint would have unstuffed his shirt pretty quick." He grins idly. "Hard to look dignified with that all over you."

Erica raises an eyebrow as she listens to Zero's story. "Hmmm that is odd. What was his name? What was he trying to sell?" She asks out of curiosity. "What did he say about Sofiya?" She uncrosses her legs and leans forward against the table bracing her cheek with one hand.

Zero shrugs his shoulders. "He was talking to some lady at one trailer, seemed to get along well enough with her. THen Sofi put a little too much fuel on the fire and I guess that pissed him off or something.. dunno why, obvious he's never had to live in a place like that. So he starts mouthing off and we pretty much told him to get his arrogant ass the fuck out. Never asked his name. Called her a beast and was spouting off at Mik about flocks or some bullshit." He shrugs. "I had my mind on some stew, not on some prick looking to pick a fight. It was good stew. THat's why I ate it all after they left." He grins broadly.

Erica frowns and shakes her head slightly. "Well sounds like it was a bit of a misunderstanding, but I agree he shouldn't have acted like that. Sounds like he was a little uptight indeed." She shrugs her shoulders slightly as she keeps shaking her head. Picking up her drink she takes another sip from it. "I do like a good stew."

"He's just lucky he was bad mouthing people who don't just shoot people for that," Zero replies with a shrug of his shoulders. "A lot of people would probably have just shot him down, since its pretty damn obvious he didn't belong in the trailer park anyway." He shakes his head. "I guess its just one of those things. But yes, there was good stew. I'll have to figure out where she got it from, she said some guy gave it to her, I think."

Erica smirks and nods her head. "Yah the Dregs can be a pretty dangerous place. I'm surprised he walked out with his money or his clothes. I've heard some pretty nasty stories." She shrugs her shoulders quickly and idly stirs her drink with her straw. "I need to find myself a nice place with a kitchen. I'm tired of living at the hotel."

"Try living in a truck," Zero tosses back with a casual grin. "But yeah.. like I said, he's lucky he didn't run into any bad sorts. I'll toss a few insults, but I won't shoot a guy down for being mouthy. And I don't tend to rob, really." His shoulders roll slightly. "I might be abnormal, but I'm not a psychopath."

Erica laughs softly as she shakes her head making her hair bob back and forth around her. "Well I don't think I will if I can help it. I prefer a place that stays in one place." She gives Zero a little wink before continuing. "Well some people in the Dregs don't live by such a live and let live policy."

"Yeah, a lot like the Burbs," Zero agrees. "There is something nice about a home that moves with you. Maybe if I ever get enough, I'll buy myself an ATV and make that into a roaming home. If trouble finds you, you can just roll away. Not sure what I'd do with my truck then, though. Maybe hitch it to the back and pull it around when I'm on the move. The trailer park seems like a fine enough place to park a big ATV."

"Well I guess. I just like having a warm place that I can decorate and make into a home. I don't think I can do that with a truck." Erica says as she shrugs her shoulders again. "So I think an apartment is the way for me. That and I don't usually walk away from trouble. I tend to face it down."

"Well, that's good and well when the odds are in your favor, but sometimes it isn't." Zero smiles. "I think my perfect place would be a nice APC. The sort of thing that you fit platoons into. Plenty or room to decorate.. wouldn't have solid kitchens or anything like that, but I'm used to roughing it, so its not so bad. But yeah.. a place is nice too. I was considering getting something at that Cheapo place eventually. Looks like a good place to fix up a cozy resting spot with very little impact on cash reserves. Not swanky, but comfortable."

Erica shrugs her shoulders and flashes Zero a soft little smile. "Well sometimes you have to fight despite the odds. Otherwise you can end up running your entire life, and I don't think I could do that." She bites down on her lower lip and gnaws on it for a moment. "Yah I hear the Cheapo places aren't bad, but if you want a big APC I think you'll have to start making some serious money.

Zero nods his head. "Yeah, I know. It would be pretty hard to get something cool like that," he sighs. He shakes his head slightly then grins. "Well, I think I've been sitting around long enough. YOu sure you don't want a quick lift back to your place? I won't drive too fast if you don't want me to." He straightens, then rises up from his chair, stepping to the side before he nudges it back under the table with his foot.

"Well it is good to have a dream though. I mean you just have to work for it, and you can achieve it." Erica says as she offers Zero a sweet smile and then nods her head. "Yah I guess I have been around too long myself." She pauses for a moment and thinks about it before shrugging her shoulders. "Sure I guess I could use a ride better then switching out these shoes for boots and trudging away in this snow." She grabs her coat and stands up from the table.

Zero nods his head once, "Alright then, I'll pull it up closer so you can get in alright." And he'll go straight away to get his truck while she's getting ready. The machine is indeed a Diplodocus that has seen better days. THe body is dented and worn and the engine, while strong, has a roughness that speaks to its poorly tuned status. But it runs well and he'll get her to her place without incident, driving at a reasonable, but brisk pace before dropping her off at the Inn.