Jul 24 07:06:42 105

From Chronicles

The large garage has a small corner desk, with pieces of paper and catalogues of machine pieces on shelves against the wall. Along three od the walls, huge metal shelving units hold a variety of brown boxes, each marked with some arcane mechanics scrawl that indicates the contents. The other has a long workstation against it, and a series of hooks and shelves, upon which tools sit, in apparently random order. The workstation itself bears the weight of half a dozen dismantled machines of varying sizes. The floor is concrete, stained with oil, with patches of sand here and there. A large tub containing sand squats beside the garage doors, a shovel sticking out of the top as if someone shoved it there after use.

A row of pegs against the wall by the workstation has various coveralls, coats and other things hanging on it and a large noticeboard has a range of oil stained pieces of papers stuck to it with pins. Along the beam that runs the length of the garage, several jars have been attached with a nail through their lid. They seem to be storing small components of different sizes.

A door exits the garage, apparently allowing entrance to the upper floor by the use of a key pad.

Desmond is loitering in the area, though not immediately in sight. The black armor clad feline has chosen a discreet spot in a shaded alley, partially protected from the afternoon sun. He traces the mildly familiar vehicle with steady, focused eyes, watching as it pulls up and stops. Only after he seems the passenger does he move, rising up to his full height languidly before emerging from his discreet position. As he does so, he casually slips the pulse laser pistol he had in hand, back into its holster smoothly. As per his usual, its hard to tell what's rolling through the big cat's mind as he approaches, but one constant will emerge. "Roulin." The big male's deep voice carrying forth his customary manner of greeting.

Roulin looks over to Desmond and pauses a moment, eyes looking him over for a moment longer then usual before he says "Oi! Desmond." He gives a reply, seeming a bit happier if not more hesitant before. As he goes towards the front door he says "Just now picked up on the new garage, and wanted to get a checkover for the big boss from the trip I made." He pauses for a moment then says "Didn't make it that far though, was taken out in one of the preliminary tourneys when early on, another truck got lucky and smashed my front axel in. Was driving a wounded duck."

Desmond nods his head as he finishes his approach. While not overt in any way, something seems to bother him. No one little thing betrays it. His posture, his tail, his eyes.. all of them give little clues. But his voice remains as steady as before. "That is unfortunate, but I am sure you tried your best. Aimee will be pleased you have returned in one piece, you should go to see her soon." His head lifts slightly, eyes panning to scan his surroundings in a quick sweep before he returns his attention to Roulin.

Roulin dosn't act like he notices it, as he idly places a hand on the door and gives it a tug, only to be stoped short and to grab his full attention. "Huh." His great words of wisdom before he sees the sign and says "Odd that a garage is closed this hour of the day. Maybe she needs more help?" He seems to give a shrug, not really looking into things as he looks back to Desmond. "Well, it's good you're here, I just now got info from Atticus about the work we're supposed to be doing. I wanna go and meet the others he mentioned as well, but do you know the timetable of when we're doing things?"

"I have been told that there is still planning to be done, but things seem better organized now," Desmond replies firstly. Then, "There has been trouble here. Cali was injured, but she will heal and return soon. I am here watching over her property, to safeguard it from those who might do ill." The responses a bit terse. Something else on his mind, which finally surfaces just a bit. "You have spoken to one like myself and Kesslan since your arrival, yes? In armor with a skeletal motif.. carrying a staff?"

Roulin gives a small 'bwuh' about Cali, "Is she okay? Erm, I should send her some flowers and a get well soon card. Know which hospital she was taken to?" he pauses and gives a slow nod, "Yup, at first I saw his shadow and you came to mind, but when I looked at him. You know, he never actually gave his name...but no matter, elitest bastard, trying to get me to ethier claim that pantherans are inferior to humans or that I'm ignorant of other cultures. He's slick with his words, and if I treated him like how he treated me, I would have attacked him for calling me a liar and insulting my home. He wants a special double standard to apply to him."

"Cali is fine, she was at the KEC when last I saw her," Des states before he gets back on topic. "He told me that you refered to Kesslan's people as inferior. Of course, I am now looking to hear your side of this, for I find it hard to believe that you would do such a thing. I would have you tell me precisely what you told him, that led to this. It is very important that you state it as closely and clearly as possible." Indeed, the big male's tone is utterly serious, as is his steady expression.

Roulin looks to Desmond, as he replies, "We were talking about my issues with Kesslan, and what lead to what happened...well, specificly the kicking the prisoner bit. Now I know Kesslan didn't do it for fun, I would have shot him then for it, but he did kick an unarmed, tied down, barely awake person in what I guess was trying to interrogate him. Maybe it was the right idea, but I found it the wrong way to do it. The ends don't justify the means to me. After I told him this, he stated the same bit that he would have killed me on the spot and Kesslan was being leanient about it, reserved, because I was directly challengeing his power. Now, I don't know about you, but the man with power was Atticus and we were on a team effort, and there's no I in team...there is meat though."

Desmond listens quietly to the words spoken. A deepening of his frown coming as it is revealed this is born of the already present troubles. But he doesn't interrupt, speaking only after Roulin has finished. "I sense this is not the end of the talk? Is there something in particular that you did say to prompt him to think you look down upon Kesslan's people? Be precise, for what he said before? It is no idle threat, nor do I take him for the sort to make jokes about such things. I do not wish trouble between you two.. indeed, I had hoped to see a peace between you and Kesslan upon your return, but.." He pauses then and shakes his head, letting Roulin speak.

Roulin looks to Desmond, "Look, Desmond...I think I can find peace with Kesslan personally...but I do not think I can find peace with him professionally. In his moment of outburst, his insults made his mind very clear, that he is the leader and noone else. If he is the leader, then I think I'd be fine, but don't need him about when he needs to work as a team. That's just not an acceptable risk." he pauses a moment before motioning the shade and going over to lean against a wall there. "As to tall dark and skully, I told him that the mistake I made was treating him like a human. He's got a troubled past and his whole race has issues, sure, but look where it got us with the water guns at the picnic? Any human would have ran away from the water, or cried out it's not fair and we woulda given you water guns. But, that clearly didn't happen. So, I told tall and armored that it was a mistake, and he went off on me for that, trying to get me to say that the pantherans were inferior to humans. Look, it was a trap even talking to him, we're different and there's apparently an inability to have the cultures co-exist. That one species can't simply be different, but one must be better then the other. I hated having to kowtow that to him and let it go that because I didn't say humans were better, that instead letting him smuggly think that pantherans are the best. Hated when he called kingsdale a squalid hole. Sure, it's not perfect, not like the golden days in the history books, but it's what we've got."

Desmond frowns deeply as he listens. Obvious enough is his displeasure with what he hears, though he doesn't elaborate on the focus of it until after Roulin has finished once more. Of course, even then he speaks with that steady calm. "First, Roulin, what you think is clear to your mind about Kesslan is not. I will repeat it again, but it seems neither you nor he is inclined to rectify the true source of friction between you. You do not understand him or his people well. You brush the surface and make assumptions that you cannot understand and thus do not try. That you would compare him to humans when it comes to reactions shows this. As you noted, his species is different from your own, thus would be his reactions. As to the other.. I will speak with him again. I am still gauging him and what place he will have with me. But I would advise, for now, that you keep your distance from him. I cannot decide which of you misspoke.. or if both have and I will make no decision on limited information. But he is not one to be toyed with, that much I will assure you. Thus distance would be better for all involved."

Roulin looks to Desmond, then says "It's not like I have a great source of info sitting around like a library about his culture. Besides, I havn't seen Kesslan in a month if not more...it's hard to get that when I'm away...but I'll speak with him. And see. As for tall and dark, well...I already got that impression from his threats. I really don't need them, and there's enough people in the city I don't have to deal with him."

Desmond breathes out a deep breath. "Kesslan is your source. That is where I have learned what I know, Roulin. I would not have brought that up again had you not persisted in speaking where you have little information." He then half turns and gives a casual glance around before he fixes on Roulin again. "In any case, it is good you have returned." He pauses and hten lets the topic shift again. "I believe, for you and I and those who are a part of our 'group', we are to plan tactics for the coming battle, after the preparations have been made. But I will admit more immediate concerns have taken the majority of my attention."

Roulin looks to Desmond and gives a simple 'Thanks.' before looking to the side, "Oh? I don't really know half the people in the group, so it's gonna be intresting. Gotta spend the time and track these people down to figure out out something." He pauses, "Whats up? And, hows Aimee been doing? I figured I'd just ask her directly..." He leans back against the wall, "And, does Cali have anyone else on staff yet? I'd see about getting the tune up from someone else if there is, otherwise I could do it myself."

Desmond cants his head slightly and offers, "Aimee and I are to be bonded. She has come to dwell with me in a new place, so too has Kesslan found more comfortable lodings. There is more in that, but I think it might be best shared when times are more comfortable. As to Cali.. I do not know what she has done with this place yet. You can ask her later, surely. But there is trouble. A gang came earlier to demand payment for protection from her. They were driven off, but they will return. I am here guarding her holdings in the now, though I don't anticipate an attack will be easy to fend off alone. Nor with Katsumi when she is here."

A short distance away, the nasty lurks. Specifically, it lurks in one of the upper floor rooms of Sally Ann's house of Flesh. The nasty has been there for most of the day, relaxing and waiting -- the position affording him a good view of Caliopa's Garage. He has his orders. Indeed, he has dismissed his girl some hours ago and has been simply waiting. And now the oppertunity is nigh. Carefully, from a black leather case he unwraps a beautiful bolt-action rifle, almost lovingly placing a clip of ramjet ammunition into it. Fah. Amateurs. Sometimes the proper level of force is required to do the job. Now loaded, he racks the bolt and shoulders the weapon -- poking the barrel neatly through one of the small panes of glass -- the falling, tinkling shards of which are un-noticed by anyone out on the street. Carefully, gently... he nuzzles the stock fondly against his grizzled cheek and peers through the scope, settling the crosshairs directly between the eyes of his target as he has so many times before. A quick feathering of his breath... And then with a tremendous *BLAM* the report of a SDC rifle rings out across the street, and a ramjet round goes streaking towards Desmond's skull.

Roulin gives an ahh, then gives his first warm smile to Desmond, "Congrats Desmond. Are you planning to adopt?" he asks he pauses, "Ugh, that's...well, not good." That is of course until a report goes out and Roulin is already moving to the ground, flinging himself there as he draws his pistol from the prone position, trying to see if he can tell where the attacker had shot from and if he can tell the window to return fire.

When the shot rings out, Desmond's ears flick in an instant, seeking the source of the sound. A hair before the round actually impacts on the big male. Sturdy as he is, the force of the bullet wrenches his head to the side a few inches. His expression twitches, a brief flicker of some furious or tense reaction to the sound before it goes slack. The momentum of the impact doesn't bowl him over, instead, head canted, he drops to his knees as his legs give way, pitching forward to slam into the ground hard. And still. While, in the moments after his fall, blood will start to pool beneath his head, Roulin would have noted a distinct lack of spray on impact.

Calmly, the man with the rifle racks the bolt again and chambers a new round -- beginning to seek a new target, or perhaps finish off the same one.

Roulin sees the sniper from the window, but instead can't get anything safely off at him, when he instead grabs at his belt and pulls a pulls the pin to his smoke grenade. He hopes it's enough cover as he moves to try and block Desmond by crouching in front of him and raising his armored arm up to protect his own face, wanting to get that smoke nice and full before moving.

For his part in the matter, the sniper smiles to himself as the smoke grenade goes off. Such things often have a dual effect... as much making it difficult to see out of the clouds as well as into them. And so, he waits for a moment too -- keeping Roulin covered with the rifle until both fade from view. At this point, the weapon's stock is used to smash out the window and he drops down to the porch roof, and then to the street... vanishing into a back alleyway as people begin to mill around, some flooding out of Sally Ann's and others other buildings, trying to figure out what was going on. They heard the shot afterall...

Roulin eventually gets on the line via helmet to get some help for Desmond, one of the bouncers to help lift him into the ATV as Roulin looks more then a bit worried. First stop with Desmond, Hospital! Second stop is the phone to call Aimee.

Desmond remains entirely limp and unresponsive, the steadily growing pool of red not stopping after the first few moments. And as the crowd gathers, one in particular breaks out of the crowd, moving closer to the covering cloud of smoke. He looks like your typical juicer, heavy armor, tubes and all, though his head is shaved, with tattoos running down one side of his scalp and neck, likely further. "What the fuck is going on here!" he demands.

Desmond remains entirely limp and unresponsive, the steadily growing pool of red not stopping after the first few moments. Getting him up and in with the arrival of the juicer is easy, though the dark wet along one side of his face gets progressively worse as time passes, without something to keep the shallow furrow cut along his scalp from seeping steadily. But then, there is no hole to be found, even at a glance, it is obvious the big male's skull stood up to and defeated the bullet's intent.

And so, on her way to check on the Garage for Caliopa, Katsumi will find Dregtown to be much as it allways is. Run down, littered.. only this time, as she nears the Garage, she'll notice some of that litter is starting to look disturbingly familar. The front of Caliopa's Garage has been spraypainted, and one of the doors has been forced open, sounds of one or more people smashing things and the like can be heard out even onto the street where Katsumi now stands....

Katsumi decides to hide in somewhere, watching the street carefully, searching for persons and peoples. In the same time she uses her built-in radio to contact with either Atticus or Desmond. She crouches down in the shadows, hopefully in a good hideout, touching her helmet slightly, whispering into the channel.

The sound of breaking glass, spraypaint cans in use, all sorts of other related noises so far help mask Katsumi's own noise, it's quite clear by this point that there are at least several people who have broken into the garage and are presently setting about trashing the place. No doubt members of the gang that were here earlier that very day living up to their promise to return...

Katsumi does nothing. She was ordered to not take any individual action, and it could be a suicide if they are outnumbered. But the Japanese stalker decides to remain, searching for a good spot, perhaps a roof or such, to get a better view and to check the events. She would rather know more about the force that her company has to face with. Her choose for a hiding place would be the following, written as her priorities. 1) A good chance to retreat - she wants to avoid unnecessary fight. 2) A good hiding from the garage viewpoint. 3) A good view to the garage - this priority could change with the two if the two couldn't meet. 4) A good view to the near streets.

Katsumi manages to find her perch given enough time, a rooftop corner with a good view overlooking the front of Caliopa's garage. And then winds up having ot wait rather paciently for some time, the sounds of more smashing and crashing comming from the shop. All in all a good 26 minutes come and go without much to be seen from her chosen perch, but at last a number of armored gangers can be seen departing, notably not exactly empty handed, for they are all armed, and more than a few are carrying a few items that were once Caliopa's or Atticus's, now stolen by the gangers.

However, before she does anything a sudden flash of warning from her pschich senses just as she's in the process of trying to read the ganger's auras interrupts her thoughts, and she has just enough time to turn around before another ganger who'd managed to sneak up on her is just about to try and shove her right off the rooftop....

Damn. Katsumi thinks and turns back, moving her left arm defensively to a parry position with the forearm vibro-claws. She just needs a moment to see the guy… to know if she could finish him soon enough to keep the chance to run - or rather she flees now. Katsumi hasn't got to much time so it will be based on the guys armor before she makes her decision. Heavy armored - she just jumps down before he could do it, if he has medium or less, she tries to engage in fight.Tags:desmond, katsumi, roulin