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Post by fen on Apr 6, 2019 21:08:15 GMT -6
“Copy that, Menaulion. You have permission to dock in our sixth chamber, you will receive the location shortly.”
It had taken the Menaulion less than a day to make the voyage to Phoenicia, perhaps the only safe space they could visit without drawing the attention of either the ESU or MR. The undersea cities, though part of Earth, lacked representation in the ESU. Due to this convenient factor, they had been left out of the major skirmishes on Earth.
This played two ways, though. It wasn’t just a safe space for them, it was a safe space for everyone. They just had to hope they won’t run into those that were looking for them.
The Menaulion descended below the city, eventually reaching a huge open hangar. It was a slow, arduous process to dock, but the vessel was eventually engulfed by the shadows of the deep, the hangar doors sliding to a lock behind it. It was typical for these undersea chambers to house several submersibles, but the sheer size of the Menaulion meant that it could be the only one. The water would drawn away, but for now a docking tube extended out to the Menaulion’s unused space door, locking in place as the vessel came to a halt.
---
As of now, it was just the Captain, Jack, and a handful of their security team, waiting for the chamber to depressurize and for the door to unlock. Both Adamaris and Jack were flanked by their security personnel. Though it had been a relatively quiet day until this point, it was obvious that there was much to discuss. Eventually.
“I contacted some ESU associates that work here, so we should be able to stay for a few days to repair and regroup.”
“A few days too many if you ask me,” the lieutenant muttered. “This is far from what I’d call an ideal hideout. Do you really trust those associates of yours?”
“Not any farther than I can throw this PDA, no. We don’t exactly have many options at this point, anyways.”
The door opened up, allowing them access to the hallway. Though it was a robust walkway, the fact that there was a crushing amount of water just a few feet away from them never left their thoughts.
“In any case, we can rely on them for now. They are Somnis representatives, so long as we can agree to a mutually beneficial situation, they’ll certainly do as we ask…”
Their security team led the way. It was going to be a long walk.
Though she seemed composed, it was clear that the entire ship had been under duress since the last operation, and the Captain was not saved from this either.
“...As for the pilots, what do you think we should do?”
“Frankly speaking, I haven’t a damn clue.” For what must have been the hundredth time the lieutenant’s ears popped. “Every one of them is like a powder keg just waiting to go off. And that doesn’t just go for the pilots.”
Adamaris sighed, reaching once more to massage her forehead. He was right, and they both knew it. “Maybe…” She paused, her hands now resting in her lap as they reached the exit. “Maybe we can give them some shore leave? Temporarily.”
“Temporarily,” Jonathan repeated. He was unsure whether their circumstances afforded them that leisure. But if the alternative was keeping them locked away in the Menaulion, he supposed that ‘fresh air’ might do them some good.
“Temporarily…” Perhaps the lieutenant had a point.
---
Giving her this responsibility was a bit much, wasn’t it? She already had her hands full with the special cases, and now they wanted her to do this meet and greet? She was shocked- shocked! -that taking the administrator position would result in this. She still had to calibrate Subject Two-Two… And now this?
“Diaz and Santos, I presume?” Came her pointed question, the researcher affixing some glasses to her face as if to scrutinize these two ‘soldiers’.
The bustling nation of Phoenicia was busy. Always busy, always moving. The fact that that they had arrived at the doors to the research institute an hour prior to their penned time showed they may as well have been natives.
Dr. Josephine Stiles put her glasses away, freeing her platinum blonde locks. That soft, almost wispish face of hers was more used to scrutinizing papers than fully-functional individuals. The two soldiers were some of the most accomplished, and now they were to pay their dues.
...Their ‘dues’ being whatever Somnis wanted. In this case, it seemed like actual, proper soldiery.
“Come come, then. They’ve already arrived.” She clapped her hands as if to wrangle them along, and without giving them another second of thought she began to walk them down one of the institute’s side halls.
“Please treat them with respect, they may not be loyal customers, but they are part of the ESU.”
“Work’s work, Doc,” said the taller of the two, arms crossed. “So long as it ain’t boring and these ’hotshots’,” he enunciated with air quotes, “don’t get bossy it’ll be smooth.”
As for the one with the slouch, he cleared his throat at his partner’s retort. “Seldom I wish to agree.” He began, the sound of his cane tapping following his footsteps. “But I do, and am curious to just how well this military shall take care of us. You don't happen to have a hint of that, now do you, doctor?”
The three of them made it to the end of the hall before the good doctor spun around, pointing straight at the two of them. “You know what? Both of you just keep your mouths shut! I don’t know why I bother.”
In the span of one, maybe two seconds, she went from griffin at their throats to plum and pleasant, smoothly transitioning to facing the door with a gentle smile as it slid open. The three of them were greeted with several armed soldiers, though they quickly parted to reveal Captain Adamaris and her second in command, Jack Cortaine.
“Welcome to Phoenicia, Captain.”
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Post by Captain Ameijin! on Apr 6, 2019 21:17:38 GMT -6
“Always a pleasure,” the lieutenant interjected. He stepped forward to meet the bespectacled woman at the door. “These must be the soldiers we’ve heard so much about?”
If she was pleased with the meeting, Adamaris certainly didn’t show it. She allowed Jack to take the initiative, watching as Dr. Stiles seemingly recoiled as she took Jack’s hand for a thorough shake. The captain instead diverted her attention towards the two men flanking her. They didn’t entirely look the part of pilots, but they seemed to fit the descriptions.
Stiles’ part of the handshake floundered compared to the stronger Cortaine, but she didn’t back down, pushing right up into his space as she attempted to match him. “C-Correct! These are two of our finest.” As they broke contact for a moment she motioned towards the first.
“Renardo Santos is one of our experts in electronic warfare, auxiliary operations military tactics, and equipment upkeep. He is also a peerless designer for military field gear and other such things, Somnis approved!”
Renardo adjusted his bright red spectacles while his eyes scanned across the vestments of his new superiors. Nothing special to write home about, but definitely comfortable in the guidelines of ESU military dress code. A faint spark lit across his lens when he examined the good captain’s bottom wear - an instant understanding of combining professionalism with the accessibility needed for her wheels. “Charmed.” He greeted them simply with a light bow.
Moving on, she then focused on the second soldier.
“In comparison, Daryl Diaz is one of our best pilots and operatives. He’s been approved for the works, you name it! Money can’t buy a better soldier.”
There was a quaint, somewhat awkward laugh that followed that. To an extent, that was in fact what this boiled down to. They were soldiers who were being bought. Could they call themselves mercenaries? Nearly.
Daryl stepped forward, his artificial gaze flitting from the lieutenant to the captain with an almost imperceptible whirr. “If I can be candid for a second, I asked around and did my reading on you two. Captain Cannon and L-T Cortaine,” he said, pronouncing the abbreviation as if it were initials. “You’ve both done some badass shit. So when the offer came round for transferral I jumped on it.” With that he adjusted his collar and gave the two of them a crisp salute. “Looking forward to working with you.”
Adamaris glanced over to Jack, cocking a brow as the two made their introductions. Each filling in a niche that was useful. Perhaps they could help with the slowly growing rift between the pilots and the others onboard. Perhaps not. She cleared her throat. “It’s a pleasure to meet the two of you.”
Her regular curtness was cut short today, both because she was dealing with a 3rd party, and also due to the unique status of these soldiers- they were not belonging to the ESU, so her usual strictness would have to be carefully deployed.
“Renardo Santos and Daryl Diaz… these are two of your finest, hmm?” Jack looked at the two the way a merchant might look at a leather sack overflowing with gold coins. Which is to say, in equal parts hesitation and expectation.
“We look forward to having you both aboard the Menaulion. Should I assume you’ve been briefed on the, ah, circumstances that precipitated your arrival?”
“You mean how one of your chickens flew the coop and burnt down half the farm on the way out?” quipped Daryl casually. “We heard. Lotta good people caught in the crossfire.” His fists clenched at his side, but his expression kept cool.
“Surely unfortunate, lieutenant,” Renardo added while planting both of his palms on the handle of his cane. “And also unfortunately, to be expected when in the climate drawn by a most high-pressure pocket in the ESU. I take it that your surviving ‘chickens’ - as Daryl calls them - are craving their own revolution of sorts in their grief.”
“Not ones to mince words, are you?” They’ll fit right in, Jack thought to himself. “Well you’ve got the long and the short of it. The Menaulion is down four pilots but we’re not out, and you two are being called in from the benches. Not long now before you’ll be up to bat.”
The lieutenant chose his next words carefully. “The wound is still fresh, so try not to rub salt in it.”
At his metaphor Daryl cracks a smile. “I played baseball all through middle and high school, LT. Learned a thing or two about being a pinch hitter.”
A mild clanking would be heard as Renardo’s fingers tapped against his aid, keeping eye contact with the lieutenant as if to try see through him. “Indeed. And I can assure you of no unnecessary salts, but I cannot assure you of trying to hide the wound. If your soldiers and our soon-to-be confidantes will not find a reason to wake up and step forward now, then all of us as a unit are vulnerable to your opponent’s now-bolstered psyche.” A quick glance to his proud-standing counterpart, whirring even in the face.
“In short, we are not here to be soft, lieutenant.”
“Sometimes a kick in the ass is worth more than a helping hand.” Daryl concurred, arms folded across his chest.
“Maybe the two of you have a point,” the lieutenant conceded. A sidelong glare at their ‘handler’ hinted at his disposition. “Though I need not remind you that you are here to follow orders. If I find either of you so much as thinking about causing trouble you might find yourself wishing I was much, much softer.”
Jack’s smile remained pressed against his face. “Now how about a tour of the ship?”
Adamaris cleared her throat, “Not a bad idea. While you show them around, I can finish up some of the details here.” She cocked her brow, both amused and somewhat concerned by Jack’s idea, given his current disposition.
“What a wonderful concept!” Sprang forward Dr. Stiles, causing the armed guards to give her a look. “Please, if you’ll come with me I’ll take you to our conference room.”
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Post by Captain Ameijin! on Apr 9, 2019 18:01:06 GMT -6
“...and there you have it.”
Lieutenant Jonathan Cortaine marched the two newcomers into the pilot’s lounge, the last destination on their tour of the Menaulion. There awaited the other pilots, whose faces bore a mixture of anticipation, wariness, and indifference. He had decided that the briefing room had an altogether unwelcoming atmosphere for a first introduction. Motioning for the two pilots to find their seats, Jack leaned against the door and swept his gaze across the room.
“Renardo Santos and Daryl Diaz are the two newest additions to our crew. You will be expected to act as a cohesive unit in the coming days and weeks, so leave your apprehensions behind you and treat them with the respect you would give any of your comrades.”
He paused to emphasize that point.
“But I did not summon all of you today merely to make introductions. There are several matters which require our attention, first and foremost… what you will be doing while stationed in Phoenicia. The Menaulion needs time to recover. The captain has elected to grant you shore leave for the duration of our stay.”
He paused again to let that sink in.
“It may be tempting to reach out to friends and family while away from the watchful eye of the Menaulion. Unfortunately, that is something we simply cannot allow. The possibility of our mission being compromised is too great to ignore. Doing so could endanger not only ourselves, but your friends and family as well.” Something about the way he said that almost seemed regretful. “You must not give away your identities while on shore leave or reveal that you are members of the military. Remain discreet and absolutely do not draw unwanted attention to yourselves.”
He cleared his throat to draw their full attention. Once he was sure that all eyes were on him, Jack continued.
“One final matter deserves my attention… the status of two of our pilots—Ernest Malkovich and Sean Roland. Their outlooks are promising, though it is too early to say they are out of the woods just yet. But the trees have thinned. And within the next few hours, Roland will be transferred to state-of-the-art medical facilities courtesy of Somnis Health Enterprises. Rest easy knowing that he will be back aboard and making a ruckus faster than you can say ‘big hairy scotsman’.” For the first time since he started talking, the lieutenant allowed himself to breath. “That… should be everything. A great deal of paperwork requires attending to, so you must forgive my brevity. You are now free to do as you please, within limit.”
He turned to leave but quickly spun back around.
“No bar fights.” There was a groan from somewhere in the room. “That’s an order.”
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Post by Charredgp on Apr 18, 2019 19:52:09 GMT -6
Two more new pilots to add to the ever-changing family that the Menaulion was becoming. It made sense from an objective standpoint. Had to keep the squads populated, what with everyone leaving and...otherwise indisposed. But it was something Gabe wasn't sure he liked. If nothing else, they seemed to serve as a reminder of why they even needed to be there in the first place. But he wasn't going to try and take it out on them. Not yet, at least. If they were assholes or bad at their jobs, he could get mad at them for that instead.
The two new pilots would get little more than a polite nod from him, the Martian more concerned with the rest of the announcements.
Shore leave...It wasn't necessarily unwelcome, but a part of him wanted to be back on the action. To have a chance to try and make things right, get revenge, or at least not have to think about much more than the mission itself. But much as the mind was willing to, the traitorous body knew it needed rest.
The mention of Sean and Ernest's conditions made him tense, expecting the worst even though he knew damn well that wasn't the case. Out of any of the pilots, he probably knew the most about what was going on in the medbay, or at the very least Sean's condition. But there was always that worry...Unexpected complications, medical incompetence, maybe even MR assassins in more insomnia-induced paranoid fears. Once they were free to leave, Gabe would rise from his seat, giving the two new pilots another look.
"Well, I can't guarantee there won't be a fight, but a drink don't sound like a bad idea." He announced to nobody in particular.
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Post by fen on Apr 19, 2019 16:06:50 GMT -6
The chit-chat between Dr. Stiles and Captain Adamaris was brief and one-sided until they arrived at their conference room, which was really more just the doctor’s personal office. With their guards stationed by the door, they entered- only to be greeted by a familiar figure.
“Captain Adamaris!”
Standing at attention was Rusty, no longer in ESU military uniform, but instead a more casual outfit, with jacket and all.
“...Specialist Popia? I thought you were MIA…?”
To say Adamaris was surprised was a bit of an understatement, even as the door shut behind them.
“No ma’am, well, sorta ma’am, see, I ended up being picked up by-”
“One of our operations vessels!” Interjected the doctor, who motioned Rusty towards the door with an all-too perfect smile on her face. “They found him through his distress signal and offered sanctuary, of course, we have his machine still as well… I should have told you about this earlier.”
Adamaris brought a hand up as if to stop her. “It’s quite alright, I’m glad to simply see him alive.” She took a deep breath, before staring down the once missing pilot. “You’re fit to return to service then…?”
“Yes ma’am! One-hundred-per-cent!” As if to emphasize, he stood at attention once more, a serious expression baked into his face.
“Very well, I suppose it wouldn’t be too much to request a transfer of his machine either, then…?”
“Of course! Please leave it to us, we’ll have everything sent over your way- Rusty, you wouldn’t mind leaving us then?”
Though his gaze shot between the two women, Rusty nodded in response. “Right away, and thank you so much for your assistance Dr. Stiles.” He did a short bow, before exiting. It was hard for him not to linger at the shut door, the pilot nervously running his hands through his thick brown locks, before looking at the two guards.
“So… Where did we park?”
----
It was eerie how quiet the Menaulion was.
Stepping aboard was like walking into a ghost town, only you did see people, it was just that they pretended you didn’t exist.
“Uh, hi?” he attempted to wave down a nearby maintenance worker, who pulled out his headphones.
“Yeah?”
“Where are… The other pilots?”
“...dunno, try the lounge.”
“Right, thanks.”
Rusty swore he could hear the maintenance worker mumble something as he went back to his work, stuffing his headphones back on. Hands in his pockets, he glanced around the central hub for a few moments before realizing that the layout should have been near identical to the Nias. Almost instantly he felt a pang of guilt drop into his stomach. For a man who looked like he could carry half the crew on his shoulders, the look on his face was anything but confidence.
It was regret.
----
He heard ‘no bar fights’ only a moment before walking into the lounge, yet before he could say hello to Lieutenant Cortaine walking out, he felt a strong pressure around his neck.
“Rusty-!”
“Y-Yuki?!”
Pulling the strongman down with the force of her hug was none other than the other rescued Nias pilot- specialist Yuki Nakamura. With long black hair pulled up in a short, sloppy ponytail, she looked oddly…
“...you look like a mess!”
Yuki chuckled weakly, her grip tightening as she whispered ever not so faintly. “Do not test me, Popia.”
That got a laugh out of Rusty, who couldn’t help but to return the hug. He scanned the room, an actual smile on his face now before spotting yet another important face. “Eva-!”
The pilot nearly barreled over half the room as he rushed over with Yuki still in tow, pulling her into his arms for the Ultimate Bear Hug. Lifting them both up, he twirled all three of them before finally putting them down, a hand on their backs. “I’m so, so, so happy to see you two! I thought… I thought…”
“Let’s… Not.”
Yuki patted his chest, the remnant of a tear clinging to her eye. “I’d rather talk about better things right now, yeah? I’m sick of hearing about tragedies.”
“Well, I heard someone suggest a good bar crawl…”
This time, Rusty projected his voice out in the room to bring in all the other pilots. “We don’t know each other, things have happened… What better solution than a bar crawl? I saw a few places that we could check out- I mean, I don’t know if we’re allowed shore leave but…”
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Mary
Little Twinkle
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Post by Mary on Apr 19, 2019 18:28:35 GMT -6
"A drink...sounds like exactly what I need right now." Eva pinched the bridge of her nose as she gave a half hearted wave to the newcomers to the pilots, rather disinterested in the whole thing. One or two more pilots meant nothing to her. It's not as if she had established herself as part of the crew, her home had been the Nias and now it was gone...Gone like she might as well be. There was work to do, rest to take but the words of the Lieutenant just rang in her head, another gut punch to remind her of her separation.
She tiredly punched the combination of her favorite Royal Milk Tea brand, head against the machine as the heavy thud of the can being dispensed rung in her ears. The can was popped, downed quickly, and then dropped as Meta was snapped back to the reality of what was happening around her the moment a ghost brought her into a hurried squeeze and up into the air. "R-Rusty!?" Almost immediately she sunk into the hug, giving the tightest squeeze she could muster before lowering her head, collecting herself against the last bit of her home, taking in the feel of Rusty and Yuki before it all hit her.
And then, for the first time since it all happened, she let herself cry. Emotions ran heavy, a twinge of quiet anguish mixed in with a happy relief as she hiccuped, digging her hands into his jacket before pulling Yuki closer and pulling the two into her bear hug. "Rusty you son of a bitch, I'll buy for you the entire night if you never scare me like that ever again!" Eva smacked him in the chest, unintentionally hard enough to send the grown man right on his own ass.
"And all of y'all are coming!"
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Post by S☆E on Apr 19, 2019 19:48:15 GMT -6
Daryl looked on bemusedly at the little reunion unfolding. "I guess it's decided then. Rusty... Yuki and Evangeline and... Gabriel, right?" he said, pointing to each to make sure he had their names proper. "I'm still flush with currency from my last job, so how about you let the new guy handle expenses tonight? I hate drinking on someone else's dime." He adjusts the cuffs of his tailored jacket, slides on a pair of expensive-looking sunglasses and then turns to the rest of the room. "This is an open invitation. If you come with us I've got you covered."
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Post by montywonty on Apr 19, 2019 20:18:51 GMT -6
The moment he found the introduction of him and his partner to be briskly complete, Renardo had no hesitation in claiming his own seat. He would listen intently, dutifully to the orders that his fresh new superior would be laid upon the crew - a crew that he was now a part of. While the lieutenant’s speech would remain in his memory, the designer found it more fitting for his duty to observe the demeanor of the Menaulion’s senior pilots. The few that were present had their own quirks based on posture alone. But, one thing appeared unanimous between them all - things were tense. At least one was still in mourning, another was wary of the change. As if things weren’t weary enough, they would all now be undergoing a strictly enforced, isolating shore leave. His earthy eyes did not leave until each note would be taken for his mind’s safe-keeping.
Once “no bar fights” had ended the briefing, Renardo would see the remaining pilots scattered as they pleased. Or at least, try to make their stand. He briefly turned to Daryl, hoping to get his word in before he might have run off to be the cock of the walk. “I believe--” But alas, it was too late. With the help of his cane, Renardo would bring himself back up to his feet. At that moment, a touching scene appeared to be happening by the vending machine.
The man knew little of the pilot that was being called “Eva”, and knew even less of the parties embracing her. Still, it stirred momentary interest. It would be hard for a lightened mood not to do so.
Renardo lightly tapped his cane, allowing it to resonate across the floor. “If truly, we are all invited to a venture of drinking, then I shall concede. ‘Tis only a wasted opportunity to not witness the circumstances of all of us under the influence.” His brow would furrow in response to Daryl wishing to cover the costs - he didn’t waste any time to build up a good rapport, did he?
“Perhaps it would be more appropriate then if both of the ‘new guys’ would distribute their funds for this initial outing.” He suggested. Strongly.
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Post by S☆E on Apr 19, 2019 20:26:57 GMT -6
"Far be it from me to tell someone else how to spend their money." Daryl quipped theatrically. "I just hope your trust fund doesn't take too much of a hit. If the ship's bar acquisitions manifest is any indicator the crew drinks well. If top shelf liquor gets to be too rich for what's left of your blood feel free to pass me the check."
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Post by Captain Ameijin! on Apr 19, 2019 21:04:13 GMT -6
The lieutenant, who was already out the door and down the hall by now, found himself cocking his head to the side. A light bulb slowly flickered on as he realized who the strapping young lad that passed him was. His eyes drifted towards the end of the hall, half-expecting another solitary figure at its end. Perhaps that’s too much to ask for.
Myra, who had remained silent for the duration of the lieutenant’s speech, watched the door expectantly. But she could only hold her breath for so long. Deflating, she averted her gaze from the touching reunion playing out only feet away from her.
The sight made her sick to her stomach.
“Won’t say no to free drinks,” she added in an attempt to remain aloof. “Doesn’t matter much to me who’s paying.”
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ned
Little Twinkle
Posts: 12
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Post by ned on Apr 19, 2019 22:04:37 GMT -6
Val shuffled into the lounge, wearing a hastily thrown together hoodie-and-sweatpants combo. The cup of coffee in her hand only served to complete the impression that she had most likely been awake for fifteen minutes. At most.
"I thought I heard something about booze?", she asked, stifling a yawn. "Count me in. I mean, if that's okay with everyone. Not one hundred percent sure I'm allowed shore leave quite yet."
She took a seat and gazed across the room. The look on her face... wasn't quite apologetical, but it was definitely more amiable than the standoffish attitude she'd displayed the day before.
"We didn't exactly get off to the best start yesterday, so this might actually be a good opportunity to get to know you guys. Beats a stuffy briefing room, anyway."
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moo!!
Cosmic Kiddie
Posts: 63
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Post by moo!! on Apr 21, 2019 12:29:22 GMT -6
“I’ll go.”
It hadn’t been very long, but the time spent after the meeting was spent in relative isolation, and Lin’s voice had grown quieter and hoarse from a lack of use.
And while she was still exhausted, she was a bit more lucid now than she was before, and even more so with the status updates on their injured team members, and… apparently the introduction of newer ones to fill the void. She’d said nothing but gave each person a small nod of acknowledgement. They’d forgive her for not wanting to speak much.
Then came the heartwarming reunion between the pilots, and that was when Lin considered making herself scarce. There were two things that stopped her: 1. The fact that everyone else was apparently up for it, and as a result, and 2. she was actually caught off guard by how many different voices and people she was seeing, which was probably a sign that she needed to make use of the vacation. Maybe it could do something. Maybe not. Lin never cared much for vacations. (Except Shanghai.)
She sighed, trying not to regret her decision. With everyone chiming in with little else said, she couldn't help but grind her teeth together, silently, in mild frustration. Plans. They had to make plans. Heathens.
“Considering the size of our group – and the potential of its growth – we should set up a meeting time. Forty-five minutes from now to allow ourselves to freshen up and get dressed, and we can meet up at the dock in front of the Menaulion. Any interested parties can convene there.” A glance towards the two new guys – Daryl and Renardo. Even though she was far, far too exhausted to keep up a friendly façade, there was the tiniest, tiniest hint of a knowing smugness – or perhaps even a joke – in her voice as she spoke. “Matters of payment can be sorted out in that time. If you truly have your hearts set on covering the costs, just be prepared.”
That was all the warning she’d give them.
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Post by fen on Apr 21, 2019 18:36:45 GMT -6
Laughter erupted through the break room as Rusty fell flat on his ass, the oaf wiping away the few tears that had dared collect. Even Yuki, normally far more stoic, couldn’t help but to laugh- gingerly covering her mouth as she did. He’d get up eventually, a wide grin on his face as he gave the two ladies another full-bodied pat on the back. “So it’s a plan then! I saw a good place earlier today that I think would be a good start, lemme just…” Rusty fumbled for his comms, pulling it out only to realize he didn’t exactly have everyone's’ number. “...ya’know, I’ll text Mets and she’ll text everyone else. Be there in ‘40, or you’ll be drinkin’ a 40’!”
---
The time came and went, and with it: the clinking of glass and the cheers of those with too much drink.
Deep inside Phoenicia was a pub by the name of The Drowning Squid. It was hidden on a quaint road that passed primarily through residential neighborhoods, most of which were high-rises. The level they were on was domed, and off in the distance they could see the shimmering waters surrounding them. Higher up still were other levels, the ones rising out of the water were lacking domes.
The walk wasn’t a long one, and it let them catch some of the nightlife in the city. Drunken salarymen and groups of workers went to and fro, the various restaurants and late night food crawls bright with light to attract their prey. It was surprisingly cutthroat, how the hosts would attempt to lure in the drunk and distracted with promises of cheap food. The group was not immune to it either, being solicited nearly each step of the way until they found the road they were looking for.
The Drowning Squid was a quaint pub, decked out in hardwood, giving it the feel of a place you’d find along the countryside somewhere. It was already filled with patrons- though they looked less like the crowd of drunk salarymen they had seen so far.
Rusty had already grabbed them a long-table in the back, nearby a pool table and close enough to the bar that grabbing drinks would be easy. He seemed to have that prepped though, with two pitchers full of beer already on the table, the taller pilot taking a swig from a full mug. A loud ‘ah!’ followed, until he raised his mug and put on a wide grin. “First round’s on me!”
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Post by Captain Ameijin! on Apr 21, 2019 22:00:19 GMT -6
A whale passed in the distance, and Myra gave it a passing glance. Its shape blurred in the cloud of smoke that billowed from her lips. With a sigh she shoved her pen back into her olive green jacket, catching up with the others as they approached The Drowned Squid. She muttered an apology under her breath as they shuffled inside.
First round is on you, huh…
The others barely had a chance to react before she stepped forward, snatching the pitcher of beer from the table. Her right hand held the handle while her left ushered it to her lips from below. It might have seemed vulgar, drinking straight from the pitcher like that…
Glug, glug, glug, glug, glug, glug, glug, glug.
...but they quickly realized she had no intention of sharing.
Clink.
The pitcher slammed empty onto the table as Myra wiped the beer from her lips with her sleeve. Heat quickly rose to her cheeks and she removed the jacket from her body, wrapping it around her waist and letting its arms dangle from her hips.
“And what about the second?”
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Post by S☆E on Apr 21, 2019 23:06:03 GMT -6
Daryl took in the bar, looking around. It had its charm, this hole-in-the-wall joint. He procured some supplies from the bartender, leaving the barkeep a generous tip, when he saw Rusty bringing his pitchers to what was to be their table. Bottles in hand, along with a small totem pole of rocks glasses, he made his way over and saw Myra slam an empty pitcher down on the tabletop. "Daaaaayum, girl! You killed that pitcher like it was nothin'!" He stood further down the table, lining up four highball glasses. "Alright, if you're that eager for round two then you're in luck. Daryl's going to make you a drink straight from Heaven's Door."
He rolled up his sleeves and set to work, laying down in each glass first a few shots worth of vodka, followed by grapefruit juice, an ounce of champagne ("the classy stuff") and a squeeze of lime. "This here's called the "Ace of Hearts". My grandmom used to make these at the Chubby Cherub Bar in the Pearly Gates Casino." He takes one of the glasses, taking a slow draw from the drink. "Aaaah~ Now that's a good-ass drink!"
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