Feb 28 19:55:17 110 PA - Never Normal
From Chronicles
Feb 28 19:55:17 110 PA.
TRADEWINDS COFFEE SHOP
Coffee shops aren't really Kelly's speed. But today she's stopped in mostly because it offers a chance to both caffinate, and to be able to sit down and work on her hand-comp while doing so. So it is that her matte-black armor tends to make her stand out as she sits near the back of the room, a holographic display over the top of the comp as it rests on the table's surface. One unarmored hand is lifting the coffee cup to her mouth now and then, while the other manipulates the holo-display almost like it was an iPad or some such hanging in the air.
Coffee shops that are one of the few things that a Rubidia's speed. Though watching her pace at getting to the counter some my wager Caffiene is the last thing she needs. She gets some anyway, taking the large mug and turning to consider the available tables.
An older fellow stops outside the entrance to Tradewinds, giving a moderately-sized brown dog some orders to sit by the door and not bother anyone "too much." She goes off to lay down, tongue lolling and apparently not bothered by the weather. Of course, Gabriel doesn't seem much bothered either. His crisp uniform is plainly seen through a large open coat that might have been based off a Wehrmacht winter long coat from the Ardennes Offensive. Rather than going straight for the counter, he pauses inside the door to look around, same old smile on his face that he usually wears.
Yes, she's in EBA. Kelly doesn't really have other outfits since it wasn't like she packed thoughtfully before coming here. She was more worried about chasing her quarry than figuring out how many outfits to put in her gear. After all, she's someone who could be called... obsessive at the very least. A grunt that's something of a dismissive sound comes from her as she swallows coffee. "I swear... coffee is the single universal constant.." she mutters as she shuts down her computer display. Rubidia spots Gabriel's arrival and gives a nod. She then gestures to the empty table beside the girl in black armor as an invite. "Everywhere I've been has it." She notes to the armored woman as she takes her seat. "Even places that cant grow it somehow manage."
A wave is given to Rubidia, but Gabriel does eventually make his stop at the barista. A barista who today really doesn't need to do much to earn her pay. "Hi, Tiffany. Yeah, milk again. Thanks. Gracie says 'hello.'" He raises the glass in a little salute to the girl and finally walks over to the table. However, looking at someone clad in combat gear in the middle of a coffeehouse at this time of day causes him to take a slightly more distant and definitely more open chair. Sure, he can comfortably cross his legs and sip too. "How're you doing, Ruby?"
Glancing up at... well, unexpected table company, Kelly raises a brow. She's not really a social type, but she glances quickly about the crowded room and then nods to herself. When she speaks, it's with an oddball accent that might be difficult for locals to place. "I've been a -lot- of places and they all seem to have some version of the stuff." Of course, hers is just black... better to rot the stomach, yes?
"Me too. Russia, Japan, England. All the same story. Though the Russians have questionable brewing methods." Rubidia notes before Gabriel's seat taking pulls her attention away from the neighbouring table. "I'm alright I guess, been doing some soul searching after the ticket sale bomb for the concert. I'm kinda thinking that part of my life may be past and to let it be as it was. It was remarkable, but I should look to moving on."
Gabriel's own Kentucky-accented voice is only slightly muffled by his glass when he grunts, "Fuckin' slopes" at Rubidia's mention of Japan. But, he does maintain a pleasant expression to laugh and raise his own milk to the two women. "Doesn't alter your body chemistry like booze or coffee. But... no concert. So no funds. Sonufabitch..." His brow furrows down as he thinks into his drink that was hopefully delivered via bovine mammary and not a beetle's.
Okay, something there gets Kelly's attention. "Huh?" she asks eloquently, "Might I inquire... have you just come down out of mountains? Otherwise, what might a slope be?" Yeah, the -tone- Gabe used got her attention as well. "I must admit, I have become quiet lost by this world's vernacular."
Rubidia looks to find it particular as well, but not a sticking point for her. Instead she move on to funds. "Well not no funds, there are still my vending machines, which are making 600 credits a week for the cause. So here's a stick for 30000. Not what we were aiming for I know, but something. I think Sage wants to make a donation too, she's much richer than I am."
An outstretched hand happily meets the stick, and with an obviously genuine, "Thank you," from Gabriel's lips. "Everything helps. Not sure that I'd just swing by Sage's place though without business. We'll see, I need it. Thanks again, Ruby. I have some more people who might need the Sanctuary soon, so the sooner the better." As his dog makes a singular bark outside, the older fellow turns to look, but returns to the armored woman with a chuckle and shake of his head. "Friday gets a little jumpy sometimes. I'm not directly out of the mountains, no. But I am from Appalachia. Gabriel, been here for.. hmm.. let's see, three years now." His long-coat is opened to display the uniform and the identifying name tag. Of course, sometimes almost-black thread on completely black fabric can be tough to read. And that's assuming you can read English.
Okay, avoiding the subject, understood. Kelly isn't going to force the issue. She just shrugs her shoulders and turns her blue eyed gaze on Rubidia. "Seeking money. I can identify with that. Looking for ways to create income myself these days. Unfortunately, my skills are limited to what a peace officer or Tracer would have. It's not like I can just market myself for anything more mundane." Another shrug is given and she finishes off her coffee.
Rubidia raises a brow as she turns to look back at Kelly. "You can market yourself as a bounty hunter or mercenary? All kinds of jobs for those kind of people in this town. I signed up for a simple one myself yesterday. Going to look at rocks outside of town."
Gabriel looks at Kelly, a little lost for a moment before smiling and shaking his head. "No, sorry. Just more important matter for a moment. Japs, chinks, slopes, nips, nippers, rice eaters, yellos, gooks, bomb watchers... people who hail from Japan." A slight shrug is offered and the mild opinion, "There's nothing wrong with anyone getting a little sweat on their brow and strain in their muscles from making an honest living in the 'mundane' until you can find something that you think you're better suited for. I used to carry bricks and pour concrete for a living." Then, "So.. career change, Ruby? You're going into accountancy?"
"All I know is trackin' criminals really. My peace officer days are long behind me. Hard to track'em in town when the stupid laws won't even let me carry my rifle inside the walls. Seriously, if only law-abiding citizens are less armed, then all that does is make those who would avoid that law anyway more potent." offers Kelly with a snort. As if she's just starting to get to know the local methods. Of course, Gabe's reference to Japan goes right over her head, so she just lets that go.
"Accountancy?" Rubidia asks Gabriel with a look of incredulity. "No, I'm going to be a delivery girl. Getting packages to and from anywhere in the world." She answers with no small measure of glamour.
A pat is given vaguely to Gabriel's coat. "There are perfectly legal weapons around that might not be completely on par with a rifle, but close. Besides, when it's not a time of war, or Cold War battleground, the good guys are expected to beat the odds, right? We wouldn't be interesting if we could just kick down doors and haul people away like a buncha brownshirts." Clearly the odd pistols on his body aren't meant to indicate the more powerful whatever-it-is. He almost gives Rubidia a pat on the shoulder. "Ah, Ruby, the Wells-Fargo Wagon! No, really. I hope it goes well for you. Kind of surprised that you'd give up the music though, you seemed to love it." His eyes return to the other woman and he names himself again. "Gabriel. I think we may have met, but if we have, I'm sorry to say that I've forgotten your name."
"Um, no offense but that's quite a load you're shoveling there." offers Kelly towards Gabriel. "Those on the side of law should be -better- armed, not worse, than the criminals who have no respect for the laws in the first place. That's a lesson I learned on NewGen quite early on. IF you're going to enforce the law, and keep the people safe, do so by being the best armed fucker in town." She pauses and inclines her head before offering, "I'm Kelly... if it matters."
"All I'm saying is that you don't have to be better armed to still get the job done. You have to be smarter than the other guy. If not, it doesn't matter what kind of weapon you might be carrying," Gabriel replies. "If you are... it also doesn't matter what kind of weapon you're carrying. And yes, it's nice to know, Kelly. Not from around here? Neither am I." Sip.
"No offense but, I respectfully disagree. Sure, need to be smart, but someone who is smart, -will- make sure they are better armed as well. To do otherwise would be stupid, not smart. So what you're suggesting is... lets not use our brains until it's too late to plan ahead." suggests Kelly with a bit of a smirk, "And yeah, I'm from.... well... out of town you might say."
Gabriel shakes his head again and smiles. "No, no. You're reading too much into what I'm saying, and clearly thinking them I'm an idiot. Yes, plan ahead. But in those instances where you can't, smarter wins. Are you really looking for an enforcement job?" He seems to understand the woman's own lack of definition as to point of origin.
Rubidia looks between the two with mild amusement. "Well now, we certainly have different views don’t we?" She offers to break the tension that stole her spotlight
"Well, I think I'm done with law enforcement. Best I got is tracking down lawbreakers and bringing them back in." mutters Kelly with a shake of her head. Almost like she herself doesn't believe that she is worthy of being such an officer. You know, psychological issues! "But I'd happily sign on for some sort of security work."
Gabriel shoots Rubidia a grin. "Nah, just poorly-spoken ones." He finishes off his milk and sets the empty glass down on a nearby table, insides still coated in that interesting film that milk always leaves behind. "So, Kelly. I run a firm that employs security types. Unfortunately, I've had some poor experiences with hires and don't recruit freely anymore. But I do have an upcoming job, and if you'd like to tag along as... let's say an interview? And still get paid? I might be able to offer you something. Good benefits and everything."
"Seems you two are hitting it off anyway. I'm gonna run." Rubidia says before downing the rest of her coffee and rising to do that. With little more than a wave she is off on her way. Fast.
"Security firm?" asks Kelly. "I must admit, I'm not really in a position to be very picky, but it wouldn't be the smartest choice to just jump at an offer without knowing the goals of the client..." Almost as if she's less trying to get a job, as offering herself as the picky party and wanting to treat clients much the way clients want to treat prospective employees.
Gabriel isn't able to say much more than, "Okae...." as Rubidia jets out. He chuckles and shrugs across to Kelly. "Odd, fickle girl. Okay, so you want the details, that's fine. The 'interview' is security for an expedition out to the mountains about forty miles that way -" he shoots a finger northwest "- without a solid time frame, but not expected to be long or even too dangerous. Or did you mean what I might be able to offer for the longer term?"
"I mean... what is the expedition seeking? What sort of personnel are already engaged in the expedition?" asks Kelly. "Details and particulars are what I'm speaking of. For example... I'm not planning to hire on and get there to find out they're raiding some village and need thugs on hand for that."
"They're mining. I don't know the particulars yet because they are unavailable to be given - even when requested. If I show up and they're not decent, I'll stay here. I do know the man running the trip however, and he's a strange but honest enough guy whom I trust is legit," Gabriel adds. "I've worked with him before, though that time it was my own expedition and he was along for technical consulting." His eyelids flutter a tad in amusement as Kelly notes the attention to detail. As if he might be thinking... well, he's thinking something that he doesn't bother to voice.
"Oh, so this upcoming job isn't something that -you- are putting together so much as it just happens to be something you would be involved with and as such, you'd be able to observe and treat it as an interview. I see." offers Kelly with a nod. "That makes sense then. I will have to find out who to speak with for the job then." she adds as she waves a hand over her mini-comp and the holo display powers back up. "I may have missed it in my scans of the various boards on the streets."
Gabriel shrugs a little. "I'm in charge of security for the operation, I'm not tagging along with a rifle and hoping for good luck and a cash payout. But go out to the landing strip, find Quantum Concepts and ask for Bob. As for my own company? If you have any interests, you can certainly ask around; about the company and about myself in particular."
