Whole story

Last minute edits at the very end.

Cameron Blackwood wrote: Liam Routt writes:

Liam Routt writes: Cameron Blackwood wrote: Liam Routt writes:

Cameron Blackwood wrote: Liam Routt writes: Cameron Blackwood wrote:

Liam Routt writes:

Cameron Blackwood wrote:

I'll keep it brief...

Cameron Blackwood wrote: Liam Routt writes: Cameron Blackwood wrote: Liam Routt writes:

Liam Routt wrote:

Liam Routt writes:

Cameron Blackwood wrote: Liam Routt writes:

Liam Routt writes:

I tend not to cut out the large chunks of text. Feel free to do so if the text is getting unwieldy. One of us is going to have to paste it all together in the end (I don't mind who). :)

Yeah, im not sure if I do or not :-/

Cameron Blackwood wrote:

Liam Routt writes:

Cameron Blackwood wrote: Liam Routt writes:

Liam Routt writes:

Cameron Blackwood wrote: Liam Routt writes:

Liam Routt writes:

Cam,

OK, here's a starting point, at least.

Excellent... sorry for the delay in replying ;)

The taxi is kinda stinky, but its nothing Cas can't handle - heck, its a cab, and that's a lot more than she's used to springing for. She can't help but notice that her "readies" are running low, though, what with dinner and now this imperial transport...

Cas slides into the corner of the cab, trying to avoid the cateye of the cabbie. She takes out her 'wad' and checks through it, careful to keep it out of sight of the driver.

'Fuck. Since when do I spend money like that? That fucking waiter ripped me off.' She counts out whats left... $100, $200, $300, $350, $370 $390, $410, and some change and spare bills in her pocket. 'Shit.'

[that sound about right $ wise? I didnt really know the amount she got off glenn all that time ago :)]

[that sound about right $ wise? I didnt really know the amount she got off glenn all that time ago :)] [I'm sure at one time or another I did know how much she got, and I doubt it was $1000... I figured it was more like $600-700, which would leave her a bit less flush. I'm not too flushed, but perhaps $100-200 less? <shrug> I'm not too fussed. But I'd rather she was scrounging for money after paying for that one meal than still paying for other people... :) It's a better vibe for her.]

[I'm sure at one time or another I did know how much she got, and I doubt it was $1000... I figured it was more like $600-700, which would leave her a bit less flush. I'm not too flushed, but perhaps $100-200 less? <shrug> I'm not too fussed. But I'd rather she was scrounging for money after paying for that one meal than still paying for other people... :) It's a better vibe for her.]

situation makes her a bit fluttery, so she starts talking again:

*nod* Yeah, thats cool. :) Skint she is then. I can work with that. :)

'I cant believe I spent that much. What the fuck was I thinking?' Cas takes 3 $20's from the wad and stuffs the rest of the money back into the secret pocket in her jeans.

The cabbie pulls up and leers round into the back seat. "$34.80" Cas flips out two $20's and waits for the change. 'No tip for you arsehole.'

Its chill when the cab leaves her. A slicing wind blows in off of the lake, not that many blocks from where they were to meet. Its a clear night as well, no clouds threatening late autumn rains, but also nothing to keep the warmth in your bones. A pale, almost greenish moon competes with the almost lurid pinkish glow of the street lights, creating surreal highlights.

Cas quickly realises that the leather pants keep the cold out, but the midriff teeshirt maybe want the best choice. 'Still, clubbing, its all about gettin' sweaty and lookin' good at the meat market. And ya gotta suffer for ya art, right?'

Cas pulls Purple's jacket closed over the midriff tee and smiles, remembering being shoved out into the cold with Hope. 'That happened. Thats the same, I think, even if Im Sarah. Either way, it shows Im strong, right?'

[OK, yeah, so Hope and that part of the history *is* probably consistent. I vaguely recall thinking how that was good. Glad you reminded me, as it gives me a point from which to pull things from her past! :)]

Ok, maybe its just me, but I figure (and Im not the 'god' here :) that most of her background is the same, except she didnt stand up to Rob or anything.

This all works for me quite well. It was more of a "oh yeah!" comment.

I won't comment on the specifics of the history at the moment. I'm not sure whether it is all clear in her head, and the possibility of differences gives me some latitude in the future, if it makes things work better.

*nod* I dig where you're comin' from. Go crazy :) Feel free to change whatever you want.

Just because Cas thinks that its clear in her head one way doesnt mean that it is or that she wont get some memory that contradicts that. She might think that (what I outlined) is the case just so she can avoid really dealing with the full story.

(Ie, if its ok with you, Im going to go with that list that I sent as Cas' view of Sarah's history, but I wont be at all upset if you massivly change it.)

(Unless you specifically want it to be more vague and her to have not settled on something.)

No problem. I'll let you know. I'm not too worried about what you write down. I'm likely to think more about what Cas does in session (or in an out of session like this). If I feel something needs to go in a different direction at *that* point then she'll just feel hersself digging a little deeper and finding she was mistaken, or something. No problem at all (and it probably leads to a bit more of a Self challenge!). :)

Oh no! I better Min/Max it then :) me being a power gamer and all.

(now that I type that I see there isnt any reason that Sarah and Cas should have any common background, but I was just kinda assuming that Sarah's story was Cas' story without the wishfull thinking of being at all strong or in control of anything.)

Ie: * [same] She does the same in trying to avoid her Mum, she wags school and hides out with Hope to avoid being home too early. * [same] She doesnt stand up to Rob at all. She bombs out at school and hangs out with 'bad' elements (although she doesnt learn to fight, rather how to be 'useful' so you dont get ditched and you have someone to look out for you.) * [same] She still bails on Hope and gets her abused by Rob (and feels responsible for that) * [different] She just sneaks into Rob's room and takes his wallet, she doesnt try and wack him. * [same] for some reason Hope isnt at the railyard and she never finds out what happens to her. * [same] She hits the trains/trucks to get away from the east coast. * [same] petty hoodness. * [diff] ?? she meets up with Fixer who does sell the 'other white meat'. * [same] runs into Shadows turf and gets worked over just the same * [diff] Meets DMS in the donut bar, but it isnt a confrontation, but rather D and his gang picking on the 'fish out of water' * [diff] Hooks up with D as his 'toy' * [diff] Probaby doesnt get along well with Ice * [diff] TF takes her in. etc.

Basically change the smallest amount in the background to make her Sarah.

Im assuming Sarah: * doesnt challange people * who knows that people will beat you up and take whatever they want so dont fight it. * knows thats she screwed on her own, so she needs people to hide under.

?

(I might be on the wrong path here, but you get the idea?

Feeling more energised, Cas brakes into a job and heads to her destination.

'So, what am I gunna do about Purple? What does he want? He's obviously Jonesing for me. Geee, maybe he just wants to get to know me.' Cas laughs. 'Yeah, right.'

Cas' brain starts working, and her body kicks into a run.

Cas doesn't have to look around. He's just standing there, on the opposite corner, of course. From this range he looks both casual and alert - coiled spring and lazy afternoon all at the same time. He's got another of those black jackets, but this one is tailored a little looser; you can tell he could dance in what he's wearing, really dance. In fact, Cas would swear he's changed all of his clothes, even though he's kept the black with purple tie theme. But its all a bit different. Just a bit more casual. His shoes. That's what clinches it. He has those shiny nathan blacktops at dinner, the sort that let them look up your skirt. Now they are almost sneakers. Almost, but not quite. Casual, but not an after-thought. This guy thinks about it all.

'Ya know, he's kinda hot. I mean Michael's got this warm, dopey, kinda teddybear look goin' for him, but this guy is kinda sharp. Maybe not the settle down with kind, but hot enough to screw.' Something in Cas' mind adds 'Maybe' and the image that he's the kind that goes black and blue if you screw up.

sort of guilt). What about Glenn? Hopefully this guy is a platform or two above Glenn. And what about her friends? What about Lindsay?

Thats what she wants to talk about... (or atleats dump about).

He's just standing there, but he's looking around. He doesn't even check his watch once. He's waiting, but he's not worked up about it. You can tell by the way he holds his shoulders that he's not going anywhere. There is confidence there. Confidence that Cas will show, and confidence in himself. He's calm, but ready.

His eyes are scanning around, and he's going to spot her soon enough. But she has a moment or two to decide how that goes - where she is, and what she's showing...

seems he's going to cop a feel or go for the action, he pulls her jacket (well *his* technically) over her shoulders.

Cas looks down to check she's still attractive. 'Ya know, maybe he does dig guys. I mean he looks way good in that suit.'

Cas slows into a quieter jog, unbuttons the jacket and shoulders it open, so the local tourist attractions are out for all to see. She walks out into into his field of vision.

"Hey, Purple. Hows it hangin'?" Cas' eyebrow wiggles invitingly. "Look, I know you wanna go out dancin', and dont get me wrong, Im up for it, infact Im fuckin' jonesin' for it, but I gotta put some bidness on the table first, right, so just let me say what I gotta say and get it out the way and then we can go do whatever, right?"

"Hey, Purple. Hows it hangin'?" Cas' eyebrow wiggles invitingly.

He zeros in on her the instant she starts to talk, making eye contact and brightening with a smile across his face. Not too dopey, though, but genuine. There is a zing in his eyes, a sparkle. She can *tell* he is jazzed that she showed.

[Excellent. That's just going to up him in her ladder of worthy people.]

"Wow! You look great! I have to be the luckiest guy this side of San Francisco tonight!" His eyes take her all in, and she can tell he likes what he sees, but its not all about her assets - he's looking at all of her.

[He'd have to be dead or more intested in guys in SF to not like what he saw :). Sorry, just channeling Cas :) ]

Cas put her hands up, gesturing him off, and sets a firm tone of voice:

Ooooh! I went all "writer" on it! I was expecting just a few lines of "you get there and he's there already". <shrug> Let's see where we end up. I don't know that I'll be so verbose all the time! :)

You artist!!! :)

What's Cas wearing? What's going through her head? Does Michael figure in all this? He certainly doesn't have to (and certainly not all the time - he could pop up as a thought later, for example; but he doesn't have to at all - I'm happy for her confusion to be one of loving Michael despite or in addition to anything else, not to exclusion, and not towards any sort of guilt). What about Glenn? Hopefully this guy is a platform or two above Glenn. And what about her friends? What about Lindsay?

What's Cas wearing? What's going through her head? Does Michael figure in all this? He certainly doesn't have to (and certainly not all the time - he could pop up as a thought later, for example; but he doesn't have to at all - I'm happy for her confusion to be one of loving Michael despite or in addition to anything else, not to exclusion, and not towards any

I figure its just background. She does. She doesnt really question it. *shrugs*

Is she at all worried about the "we should stay together and not run off alone" stuff?

Fuck that. They piked on linsey. Screw 'em.

Is she planning to be pumping this guy for info? Or just having a night of it? If the later, I'm happy to steer largely away from conversations (as they slow things down) in order to cover more ground in the time we have. If she has questions that's fine too, we'll just need to make sure we get through them all! :)

Her dump would be (assuming he doesnt grab her or it isnt an ambush :)

"First off I gotta say that I really dig your job. If it were just me, Id be in like Flynn. I love the one warning then smackdown idea, thats just hot. Plus you obviously got the respect thing workin' for ya and I dig that."

"I dont think the guys, err, fuckknuckles see it though. There all too absorbed in their own crap to notice a good thing when it's infront of them. Id ditch 'em in a second," Cas blinks realising suddenly that she cant, ".. err, because, um, but.. someone said were kinda a group or something." She quietly adds, "I think, I kinda wasnt listening." Then, louder, "Anyway, our loss, right."

focused so that she can get it all out in one coherent piece:

"If you say so," he says, with a smile in his voice. He's still got the sparkle in his eye, but he's listening to what Cas is saying. He seems to actually be waiting to hear what she has to say. So she keeps on going:

So she keeps on going:

"If you say so," he says, with a smile in his voice. He's still got the sparkle in his eye, but he's listening to what Cas is saying. He seems to actually be waiting to hear what she has to say.

"morning. He's going to see what he can find out tonight, putting his 'ear to the pavement,' if you know what I mean." He seems to actually think that Cas might know what he means, too, but she senses she's missing something. But he seems to assume she's up with it all, and continues

Cas kinda shrugs. 'Funny, I thought he'd be more cut about it. I mean he tried to get us in, didnt he? Weird.'

[So, her thing here is that he tried to recruit them and they have basically said no? Have they said that to him (I honestly don't recall - bad GM)? Or are Cas' comments the first he would have heard? My feeling was that, whatever else the dinner was, it *wasn't* a recruiting session, although people read it that way. It was informative, to some extent, but he didn't say "sign up here!" I thought it was more of a "look, if you are interested, let us know" sort of thing. Did he communicate something else? Is Cas reading into his "pitch" more than he put there? Is my memory bad? Well, yes to the last one! :)]

[ Well it wasnt a 'sign here', but it did seem to me that there was questioning about who and what he represented and what we'd get out of it etc compaired to the NI. It was more informal than the previous meeting, but I think _we_ were looking at it that way (atleast cas was). I dont think he made a formal pitch as such, but the conversation definatly contained some 'we are like this' ]

[Cool. That's about what I remembered. I was worried that he'd been more proactive than that (or a little more than that, perhaps), which would have indicated a greater shift in his personality than I'm happy with. :) ]

[Oh, regardless of what the answers are, his reaction is pretty much the same.]

"Anyway, youve been real cool and I dig that, but I gotta tell you some stuff thats really out problem, but it's on my mind."

"Anyway, youve been real cool and I dig that, but I gotta tell you some stuff thats really our problem, but it's on my mind."

"Shoot." He moves them out of the wind, against the building on the corner. Something jossles in Cas' mind, but she keeps going, staying focused so that she can get it all out in one coherent piece:

Something jossles in Cas' mind, but she keeps going, staying

'Something..? Ah screw it.. if I dont say this now, Im never gunna...'

"Shoot." He moves them out of the wind, against the building on the corner.

He guides her against the building, and for a moment, Cas flashes back to making out with some anonymous guy against a building wall, kinda like this (only more grotty). She cant quite remember if it was some lump of meat she flung at a dance club or one of Sarah's clients...

"Look, I know you wanna go out dancin', and dont get me wrong, Im up for it, infact Im fuckin' jonesin' for it, but I gotta put some bidness on the table first, right, so just let me say what I gotta say and get it out the way and then we can go do whatever, right?"

"You know the other chick, Lindsey, the one who *twitch* wasnt at the dinner? Someone grabber her. For some fucked up reason the others have taken the night off, which is just fucked up. Anyway, it's fucked up and if theres anything you could do to help, Id be.." Cas thrusts her chest out, "miiiiight greatful. If you didnt wanna get your hands dirty, Campbell suggested that you smacked him down one, so you probably know how to find Carlos, right?"

Cas puts on a sultry look. "And I know how the game works, and Im not expectin' it for free. Im willin' to 'pay' you back." Cas moves closer to him, and reaches out to touch his arm, but somehow she isnt sure that that is the right vibe to give off here.

He's calm and firm. His arm pulls her over towards him, but just when it seems he's going to cop a feel or go for the action, he pulls her jacket (well *his* technically) over her shoulders.

He's calm and firm. His arm pulls her over towards him, but just when it

Cas tenses a little, but she's smiling. This is familiar. Comforting.

"You're going to get cold while we're talking, if you don't get something between you and the wind. Let's talk about this."

"Hey, I like the cold." She tosses her hair over her shoulder, Charlies Angel style. "It makes me feel alive. Reminds me Im a strong."

"I bet it does, at that."

He's got a more serious look, now, as though he's taking her seriously, but the sparkle is still there. She's pretty sure he's hot for her, but he seems to be setting that aside for the instant. Something about the whole situation makes her a bit fluttery, so she starts talking again:

He's got a more serious look, now, as though he's taking her seriously, but the sparkle is still there. She's pretty sure he's hot for her, but he seems to be setting that aside for the instant. Something about the whole

Cas is a little confused, part of her wants to go with it and get wild with this guy, but another part of her doesnt want to let go and knows that something (work?) needs to be done. For the moment, she focuses on the seriou ssides and she continues...

"Anyway, I feel like a complete prick tease for gettin' you juiced for night on the floor and then droppin' this heavy crap on you, but Im tryin' this new 'be honest' with people thing."

"And I got no clue on anything else to do to fix it myself, so if you cant help or wont, then dancin' is still like number 2 on my list. A really high number two actually."

"So, your call Purp."

"Purp?"

She shrugs and reaches out and grabs his tie.

"Yeah, y'know - the tie and all? Purple..."

His smile beams out at her, and he chuckles earnestly.

She smiles back and chuckles. 'Nice to meet someone who likes a joke.'

"That's a new one!" He takes a breath, and she's sure for a moment she can see through his confidence to where he's a bit shakey. But in the blink of an eye its gone, and he starts up: "I'm trying for the whole 'honesty' thing as well, this time... My name is Scott. I'd rather you kept it to yourself, as the no-name thing works well in this line of business. But you can use it, if you want."

"Scott huh? If it makes you feel any better, I would have thought you were a Wolfgang or somethin', so the Cred is intact. Look, Im gunna stick with Purple, Ok? Id hate to fuck up and tell everyone you're Scott Pointdexter or somethin' and ruin the cool rep you got here. Ya secrets safe with me, P."

He smiles and then ... focuses again on her eyes, and looks at her seriously. He has seriously nice eyes, actually. Sharp and clear, and focused. On her.

He focuses again on Cas' eyes, and looks at her seriously. He has seriously nice eyes, actually. Sharp and clear, and focused. On her.

"Carlos. As it happens, I talked with him this evening. He helped me out, and I told him about your missing friend. I wasn't sure exactly how you fit with him, but I figured that he might be able to help, given his position here, and experience."

"He was a bit more upset about it than I'd expected, actually," he says, giving Cas a look that tells her what he suspects that she already knows about the closeness between Carlos and Lindsay, "but we talked about it for a while. I talked him out of doing anything 'dumb'."

"I dunno jack about him really. We're all fuckheads and we dont tell each other shit. Carlos was Lindsey's friend, and we sharing about as much as kids with cool toys. It doesnt make any sense really, we should be pooling our resources." 'Where the fuck did that come from? 'Pool our resources', man I sound like one of Ren's Poindexter friends.' "Yeah, so we're kinda fucked now that she's gone and we wanna contact him."

There is something very final about the way he says 'dumb'. There is a lot of meaning there. A lot of water under a lot of bridges. But there is a flatness about it too, as though it is "just part of the territory" or something. She's pretty sure he's seen a lot of 'dumb', and had to put a lot of it down with two in the back of the skull. Or one, as he seems pretty super-spy, when you come down to it...

pretty super-spy, when you come down to it...

There is something very final about the way he says 'dumb'. There is a lot of meaning there. A lot of water under a lot of bridges. But there is a flatness about it too, as though it is "just part of the territory" or something. She's pretty sure he's seen a lot of 'dumb', and had to put a lot of it down with two in the back of the skull. Or one, as he seems

'He's so cool.'

"I told him that I'd be able to get a message to you people tonight, so he gave me his contact number, and asked that you give him a call in the morning. He's going to see what he can find out tonight, putting his 'ear to the pavement,' if you know what I mean." He seems to actually think that Cas might know what he means, too, but she senses she's missing something. But he seems to assume she's up with it all, and continues right on: "I have to be away tomorrow, but I'll introduce you to some guys tonight who will know how to contact me if you and Carlos run into something that you cant' deal with together. I imagine that all together you're quite something to behold." And he seems to mean it, even though he has a smile on his lips.

"I told him that I'd be able to get a message to you people tonight, so he gave me his contact number, and asked that you give him a call in the"

Scott hands over a slip of paper, on it is:

Midwest Yellow Cabs - 555-5555 Ask for Carlos, they are expecting "John or Cindy" to call, and have been told they are out of town relatives who need to hook up with me ASAP. They'll get a message to me, and I'll call back.

"Neat. You rock, Purp. You're a fuckin' life saver." Cas bounces on her toes a little, feeling like she's make a contact for the group, or atleast kept him intested after everyone else was such dickheads at their last meeting.

"Now, if that's not enough, I'm willing for us to take it to the street tonight, you and me. We can see what we can find out in the next few hours, and maybe get lucky. But I think Carlos would prefer a chance to look on his own for a bit. And I know I'd love to leave this all behind for a few hours with you. But its your call. This is your night - you choose how we play it out... Action-Jackson, or Hammer-Time?"

"choose how we play it out... Action-Jackson, or Hammer-Time?"

"Now, if that's not enough, I'm willing for us to take it to the street tonight, you and me. We can see what we can find out in the next few hours, and maybe get lucky. But I think Carlos would prefer a chance to look on his own for a bit. And I know I'd love to leave this all behind for a few hours with you. But its your call. This is your night - you"

He's got a big smile as he says it, but she can see the core of seriousness in his eyes, behind the sparkle. He's waiting for her to choose.

seriousness in his eyes, behind the sparkle. He's waiting for her to choose.

He's got a big smile as he says it, but she can see the core of

[Trivial americanization of Mitre 10 in next para]

"Ah, shit." Cas bites her lip. It's decision time. "If Lindsey is gettin' the `Mitre 10 DIY , pliers and wire, beginners torture treatment` then Im so gunna feel like a shit in the morning. But then I cant do jack without someone doin' mojo to find her and the rest of the guys,err, losers piked on me. I guess thats kinda Carlos' area and Im sure he'd call us if he needed it. Im pretty sure he's got my mobile number."

"Ah, shit." Cas bites her lip. It's decision time. "If Lindsey is gettin' the `Home Handyman DIY, pliers and wire, beginners torture treatment` then Im so gunna feel like a shit in the morning. But then I cant do jack without someone doin' mojo to find her and the rest of the guys,err, losers piked on me. I guess thats kinda Carlos' area and Im sure he'd call us if he needed it. Im pretty sure he's got my mobile number."

"Fuck it, lets party."

Cas tries to put Lindsey out of her mind, but cant help but cant shake the image of a dark room and Robs smile.

"Shit. No. Wait."

Cas stamps her foot, cursing herself. She thinks 'Why the fuck do I get involved with fucking losers.', trying to convince herself that she doesnt care

[ :) ]

"Look, Im just muscle right. I aint got no way to find her or anything. I cant summon zombies to do my bidding or Zoltan hound of Dracula to go find her. If she's in trouble I wanna do something, but Im pretty much useless at it without my gang, and they've all decided to ignore it 'till the fucking morning. If you can just point me at the fuckers who have her then Im off to kick some head, but Im not gunna roam the streets hoping that we find her. If you got a magic wand you can use to find her, then point me the right way. If you aint got nothing to do right now then I guess I owe you a big thank you for chatting to Taxi for us, so lets go clubbing."

"Look, I'm just muscle right. I ain't got no way to find her or anything. I can't summon zombies to do my bidding or Zoltan hound of Dracula to go find her. If she's in trouble I wanna do something, but Im pretty much useless at it without my gang, and they've all decided to ignore it 'till the fucking morning. If you can just point me at the fuckers who have her then Im off to kick some head, but Im not gunna roam the streets hoping that we find her. If you got a magic wand you can use to find her, then point me the right way. If you aint got nothing to do right now then I guess I owe you a big thank you for chatting to Taxi for us, so lets go clubbing."

Cas nods her head. Shes tried. She got the group to try and do the magic and she went out to find Carlos. Admittedly, it seems like it was all in hand, thanks to Purple, but she knows that she's done a fuck of a lot more than anyone else.

"Tracking people down, uh, 'mystically' is not my schtick. I've got eyes and ears, but I work like a private dick as much as anything else. If I was able to help more directly I would have offered over dinner," there is something in his eyes that says 'of course', as though such help would have been the only thing he would have thought about doing in that situation.

There are way more people, and its not about the DJ as much as the dancing. There is a DJ, though, and he's got solid taste. Its probably not as whitebread as she would expect. Scott has tried to chose a place that has to impress. And he's trying to indicate "this is only the first level". He's really hoping to impress her (hey, everyone needs a hobby), but he's too confident for that to show.

I think this place wouldnt suit Cas in the long run, but seeing as she is aching to just lose herself, this is the perfect choice. Later on in the night she'll wanna go somewhere else where she can actually interact with Purp.

"So, if we went looking it would just be the two of us on the Triumph Spirit ST cruising the streets and asking questions. I don't know how much we could expect to find, as I don't really know who to talk to in this town, but I'm willing to put in the time, if it's what you have to do."

"Spirit ST cruising the streets and asking questions. I don't know how much we could expect to find, as I don't really know who to talk to in this town, but I'm willing to put in the time, if it's what you have to do."

"So, if we went looking it would just be the two of us on the Triumph"

"What's a Triumph Spirit ST? Some ride or something? Has it got leather seats? 'Cause theyre really hot and it feels wicked bent against ya skin."

"'Cycle. You'll love her, I'm sure. There's bound to be time for a spin on it at some point tonight. I mean, I have to drive you home to your 'family', don't I?" The smile is palpable.

"DONT!" Cas pulls sharply away, suddenly 'furr up' and angry, "Dont call them that, OK?" Spotting her sudden change reflected in Purp's face, Cas tries to calm down, but the flash of anger is has faded just as quickly as it came. "Sorry. It's just, err, complex and weird and wicked fucked up."

Cas pulls the jacket around her tightly. "Sorry I snapped, OK?"

"My bad... Anyway," he says, turning back to the choice ahead of them, ...

"Anyway," he says, turning back to the choice ahead of them, ...

"On the other hand, Chigger and Dallas should be able to do some leg work for us after I catch up with them tonight, and I was going to introduce them to you anyway. Plus we have Carlos out there in the Midnight Taxi, and he really does 'have his finger on the pulse of the town'." He smiles a knowing and sharing smile with Cas, once again seemingly sharing some in joke with her that she's not really in on.

"Chigger and Dallas should be able to do some leg work for us after I catch up with them tonight, and I was going to introduce them to you anyway. Plus we have Carlos out there in the Midnight Taxi, and he really does 'have his finger on the pulse of the town'." He smiles a knowing and sharing smile with Cas, once again seemingly sharing some in joke with her that she's not really in on.

"Chigger and Dallas should be able to do some leg work for us after I catch up with them tonight, and I was going to introdu ce them to you anyway. Plus we have Carlos out there in the Midnight Tax i, and he really does 'have his finger on the pulse of the town'." He sm iles a knowing and sharing smile with Cas, once again seemingly sharing some in joke with her that she's not really in on.

"usually meet Chigger and Dallas here, 'cause the beer's free after 1, and poor Chig works a student's wage. Let's see if we can find them."

"So I say we hit the clubs. I know I could use the workout, and if its not tonight, I won't be able to get back into town until Friday... That's a long time to wait!"

"How do you think I feel? Ive been stuck with those guys since last wednesday." Cas stamps her foot. "Theyre so fuuuuuuuucking boring." She slips her arm around him. "You on the other hand....." And reaches over and plays with his tie. "So, where you gunna take me, Sugar Daddy." She bits her lip, blinks and smiles wickedly. "'Cause its a school night."

===> Cas chooses

"Oh, just before we head off," Scott says, "could I have my wallet? Its in the coat pocket, and I think I might need it tonight..." He chuckles. The wallet is right where he indicated, although its a bit jarring, perhaps, to realize that she hadn't even checked for it before now...

[ I definatly said I was looking through the jacket at some stage, but I think that was while Rene was stroking Lindsey in the windstar and it kinda got bypassed as less important. If its some magical thing then fine, but if he was testing her, she definatly looked in the pockets.]

[My bad. Let's drop it. I simply forgot that you checked. I guess he keeps his wallet in his pants, then!]

[ Sorry to be pedantic ;) ]

[I'm assuming Cas is coming along with this now, as we've been throwing it back and forth, both of them seeming to feel this is the direction to go.]

"OK, let's start up here," he says, gesturing north up Wabash towards the city, "there's a good 'early' place up a half-block, unless you want to focus on drinks alone?" He looks Cas in the eye for a moment, "Nope, I think you need to dance, and I'm rarely wrong about this sort of thing!"

"super-fly-spy-guy - we go one for one until you cry, then I get two for each of the glasses of water you need to sober up!"

He winks and chuckles, and starts them up the street.

"Hey punk!" Cas starts, " You ditched on me and I had to pay the fucking bill at Mario-Land earlier! Do know how much that place cost? I'm so getting paid back in full, preferably in Screaming Orgasms," She turns gives him her best hungry animal look, "but since it's going to take more than tonight to pay off that debt, let's start with the dancin'!" She smiles a big, predetory smile at him.

"Hey punk!" Cas starts, "You ditched on me and I had to pay the fucking bill at Mario-Land earlier! Do know how much that place cost? I'm so getting paid back in full, preferably in Screaming Orgasms," She turns gives him her best hungry animal look, "but since it's going to take more than tonight to pay off that debt, let's start with the dancin'!" She smiles a big, predetory smile at him.

smiles a big, predetory smile at him.

"Hey punk!" Cas starts, "You ditched on me and I had to pay the fucking bill at Mario-Land earlier! Do know how much that place cost? I'm so getting paid back in full, preferably in Screaming Orgasms," She turns gives him her best hungry animal look, "but since it's going to take more than tonight to pay off that debt, let's start with the dancin'!" She

[Tried to keep that section in, as I liked her lines...]

[Yep, I just cant improve on that... :) ]

"Huh? I was expecting Mister-Doctor Money would be handling the bill. How'd you get stuck with it? That place is way over-priced - I never go there unless the other people are paying. I'll tell you right now that my salary sucks ass, girl! But what I got is yours tonight!"

"How'd you get stuck with it? That place is way over-priced - I never go there unless the other people are paying. I'll tell you right now that my salary sucks ass, girl! But what I got is yours tonight!"

"Huh? I was expecting Mister-Doctor Money would be handling the bill."

"Ren freaked about lindsey and ran out of the place. I had to pay up, or I figured the waiter 'd call the cops or somethin'. He was a bee's dick away from throwin' me out anyway."

He laughs out loud at the image. "The doctor runs screaming from the place, leaving all the misfits north of Deerbourne to pick up the tab - slick as pickles!"

"slick as pickles!"

He laughs out loud at the image. "The doctor runs screaming from the place, leaving all the misfits north of Deerbourne to pick up the tab"

"Yeah, thats sounds about right. Hey, promise me we wont go back there again?"

[Deerbourne is one of the main streets in the center of town.]

[wouldnt it be south then? Dont the rest of us live south?]

[At the time you were all in Juliano's, which is way North of the city...]

[ My mistake, I read it as the misfits _from_ north of Deerbourne ]

[My mailer is _so_ messing this up. :( ]

"I can imagine that the promise of you paying sure got their attention at Juliano's! I wish I'd been able to stay to see that!" His laugh has a clear and open ring too it; there is nothing forcing him, nothing put on. He gives Cas a solid squeeze. It is strong, but not too strong. The insignificant instant is incredibly close - the gesture contains an unmistakable seed of affection, all the more notable for its casual nature.

clear and open ring too it; there is nothing forcing him, nothing put on. He gives Cas a solid squeeze. It is strong, but not too strong. The insignificant instant is incredibly close - the gesture contains an unmistakable seed of affection, all the more notable for its casual nature.

"I can imagine that the promise of you paying sure got their attention at Juliano's! I wish I'd been able to stay to see that!" His laugh has a

[If that's going to freak Cas, we'll drop it, OK. If she'll let it roll past, leave it in.]

[No i think she'd be fine with that. I know I play her as a tragicly screwed up mess, but I also think that she'd live for those moments of shared connection (but I think she looks for and lives in the moments, not for the more complex or permenant relations) (Ie screwing someone at a club is easier than letting someone close as a friend)]

[I know that might contradict what is happening here, but so far its just 1 date. :)]

Cas playfully pushes him away. "Way to go, tellin' me about the shitty salary, loser." She shakes her head, teasing. "That reeeealy ups your cred. Hey how about you keep that under your tie, Poindexter."

There are a few dozen kids freezing in a line along the sidewalk, leading up to a redish doorway with a hulking guard on it. At first it seems that they are going to go past, as they don't get into line, but as they reach the door Scott cocks his thumb, and says "Here, this is it."

As they walk over, the door-beast checks them out for a moment before his face shows recognition and he smiles at Scott. He opens the door, unleashing a tantalizing whisp of thumping bass, and waves them in.

Inside the stairs only go up. Most of the places Cas has been in are below ground level, but not this one. Red lights and signs that point up to "Red Heaven", lead the way up two floors and out into a tangled mass of writhing flesh.

The place is huge. There must be two or three hundred people in here. Red lights dominate, but a scatter of other colors, including lasers, explode out in all directions, pulsing with the beat. The music isn't immediately familar, but it has a driving insistence that pulls incessantly. And it is loud. Really loud. Really really loud. Cas can't hear anything but the music - its all around her, inside and out.

Cas just stares, open mouthed. Wow. How many people are in this place? I wonder if the DJ knows DJS. I wonder if I know anyone here. Ah, shit, thats Cas isnt it, not Sarah. Damn.

"Anubis' fuckin' dog collar! This place is huuuge. Dude, you could spray an Uzi in here and they wouldnt hear a fuckin' thing!" Cas pulls the jacket open and pushes her palm against her lower chest. "I can feel it. I can FEEL IT!. Shit! Thats LOUD!"

Cas realizes that she can scarcely hear herself, and there is no way that Purple could possibly make out her words. But his eyes reveal that he gets the gist of it, and he's jazzed that she's excited. He ...

Scott seems to know what he's doing, and gestures out into the sea of flesh. His shoulders already palpatating to the rhythms...

seems to know what he's doing, and gestures out into the sea of flesh. His shoulders already palpatating to the rhythms...

flesh. His shoulders already palpatating to the rhythms...

seems to know what he's doing, and gestures out into the sea of

Cas starts swaying to the beat. She stands where she is for about 5 seconds and then grabs Purple's arm and drags him out onto the dance floor.

Her head is bouncing to the beat as she flips through dance styles... screw style! I really need to just let it all go and lose myself in wild and free.... Time for the slow sexy grind against Purp later.

wild and free.... Time for the slow sexy grind against Purp later.

Her head is bouncing to the beat as she flips through dance styles... screw style! I really need to just let it all go and lose myself in

Time and sound quickly become a soupy blur. The pulsing, the moving bodies, the attention she can feel radiating from her Man With The Purple Tie... It all sort of smears together, sending shooting spears of warmth from her toes clear through the top of her skull. She can hardly tell whether her eyes are open, or whether she's standing, and none of it really matters anyway. Just the music. The moment. Alive.

whether her eyes are open, or whether she's standing, and none of it really matters anyway. Just the music. The moment. Alive.

Time and sound quickly become a soupy blur. The pulsing, the moving bodies, the attention she can feel radiating from her Man With The Purple Tie... It all sort of smears together, sending shooting spears of warmth from her toes clear through the top of her skull. She can hardly tell

Fly..................

....

It's like waking up, or pushing your way to the surface of a pool, only she knows she's been awake all the time, just in another place where the world seemed less important.

She's wet, from head to toe. Not drenched, but deliciously spinkled with drops of chill. And there's a jovial laugh. Its not a laugh at her, its a delighted laugh with her. That'd be because she's laughing as well.

"What was *that* for?" He keeps laughing, "I thought you wanted to drink it!" She can see his smile now, and its sooo bright and warm, like a lighthouse on a stormy night. But the storm is excellent too, whiping up her hair and tossing her around like a doll; a storm of music and people - a glorious, perfect storm.

Cas smiles a wild, animal smile. She's not entirely sure she can talk yet, but she will be able to soon, when her body gives itself over to her again. Instead she tosses her hair, raining her sweat and bottled water over him.

"God, that's great!" he says, upending his half-empty bottle over his own head, sending glistening snakes of water shooting down his jacket, "That's great!" he repeats. She can read the signs of pleased exhaustion in his movements. He actually kept up with her! Cool!

She grabs his arm and drags him away. They are over to one side of the massive floor, near the chrome and crimson bar. While the floor still calls to her, the monster has drunk its fill now, and now its her turn. They hit a wall. She spins him, and pins his shoulders. She devours his mouth, only pausing to gasp for air.

calls to her, the monster has drunk its fill now, and now its her turn. They hit a wall. She spins him, and pins his shoulders. She devours his mouth, only pausing to gasp for air.

She grabs his arm and drags him away. They are over to one side of the massive floor, near the chrome and crimson bar. While the floor still

[ I have nothing else to add, that whole section is juuuust perfect! I bow to your sage like writing :) ]

....

The air is crisp and sweet, and it sends shivers up her spine. The streets are empty, but in a vague and distant way. There is a moon looking down, and a slight breeze, and a wonderful emptiness around them as they walk - alone in a city of millions. Her ears are still buzzing, and her heart is still pounding out the beat of the dance floor.

Their talk is good-naturedly competitive.

"You are so not going to be able to keep up with my drinks, girl! I'll have to pace you out with Shirley Temples!"

"You do and I'll take an arm off before I toss you out the window, Mr super-fly-spy-guy - we go one for one until you cry, then I get two for each of the glasses of water you need to sober up!"

"You do and I'll take an arm off before I toss you out the window, Mr"

"Uh huh. Suuuuuurre.... Hey, this is it!"

'It' turns out to be little more than an unmarked door. But Scott turns the handle and pushes it in to reveal a humming hive of human activity.

The music and voices are loud here, but the buzzing in her ears is still louder.

"This is known as 'The Ox Cave'. I have no idea why," he chuckles, "I usually meet Chigger and Dallas here, 'cause the beer's free after 1, and poor Chig works a student's wage. Let's see if we can find them."

"This is known as 'The Ox Cave'. I have no idea why," he chuckles, "I"

"Fuck that! You owe me a couple of gallons of booze, and you're first payment is well over-due, salary-man!" She shines her teeth at him and makes for the bar. These places all work the same, right?

"payment is well over-due, salary-man!" She shines her teeth at him and makes for the bar. These places all work the same, right?

"Fuck that! You owe me a couple of gallons of booze, and you're first"

"A pair of Screaming O's, and a ginger beer for my elderly friend, thanks! He's paying!" The guy behind the bar starts to work, casting his eyes back to check her out several times.

"I said I was pretty tired, not that I couldn't have gone back out on the floor!" his face wrinkles in mock indignation, "Make that a Future Slammer!"

They each have a few drinks behind them when they are far enough into the joint to spot Scott's friends, who immediately make a bee line for him.

The first is a bear of a man - he's not huge, but he has that sort of fuzzy size about him, and a warm smile. He looks like someone's woodsy uncle, or something.

fuzzy size about him, and a warm smile. He looks like someone's woodsy uncle, or something.

The first is a bear of a man - he's not huge, but he has that sort of

The other guy is, in a word, dog-ugly (or is that two words) - he's thin and gangly, and looks instantly nervous when he notices that she's, well, a she.

The bear speaks up: "This is Chigger, the ugliest sonofabitch I know, but damn good at whatever the hell it is he can do," the guy has this sort of huggable warm-sweater sort of good-nature about him, while the scrawny kid squirms under their collective gaze, "and I'm Dallas, at least that's what Captain Midnite here calls me!" He sticks out his right hand in greeting, and uses his left hand to push the kid forward at the same time, "glad t'meet ya!"

Cas shakes his hand. "Im Cas and Im fucking great at everything that I do." She laughs. "So, Dallas, just so we dont get confused, he", Cas tilts her head towards Purple, "is Purple to me." Cas grabs his tie. "See. Purrrrrple." She turns and grins catlike, but also a slightly giddy with the drink and the dancing, but mostly with the sudden influx of fun and freedom that the night has brought so far.

"Captin Midnite - the man of many names! Purple works for me, if that's what the lady wants," he smiles and booms back.

"So, Im guessin' that you." She points to Chigger, "Do all the crappy work and" she points to Dallas "you do the leanin'? Or do I have your whole free beer powered organisation wrong?" She sniggers.

Purple points over to some chairs and a couch: "Let's get out of the way for a few - there seem to be a lot of people around tonight." He's right, there are a lot of loud, kinda geeky, middle-aged men around, and one pod are making their way in your direction even as he speaks. Somthing's poking at Cas's brain, but she's having too much fin to pay attention.

"I'm so not sitting down!" she says, shaking her torso and fliting from one side of Purple to another, "you do whatever you have to, old man!" She does the whole 'drawing the man' thing, leading him over to his chairs, only to find there's someone just behind her - spinning around its the ulgy kid, and he's dancing up a storm.

"I'll, uh..." he blurts, "... I mean, if you want..."

Indecision and insecurity stop him dead in his tracks. Thing is, he was doing great.

"You keep doing what you were doing, and I won't bite, 'K?" She tugs him into motion again, and his face cracks an ugly, open, grin. "Man, you are dog-ugly!". His smile broadens, "yeah, I know! Some of the creeps actually think I'm some kinda summoned creature! But whatever gets you in the door, huh?" He seems to have warmed to her quite quickly.

"You keep doing what you were doing, and I won't bite, 'K?" She tugs him into motion again, and his face cracks an ugly, open, grin. "Man, you are dog-ugly!". His smile broadens, "yeah, I know! Some of the creeps actually think I'm some kinda summoned creature! But whatever gets you in the door, huh?" He seems to have warmed to her quite quickly.

[replace ^^ ]

"You keep doing what you were doing, and I won't bite, 'K?" She tugs him into motion again, and his face cracks an ugly, open, grin. "Man, you are dog-ugly!".

His smile broadens, "Yeah, I know! Some of the creeps actually think I'm some kinda summoned creature! But whatever gets you in the door, huh?" He seems to have warmed to her quite quickly.

Cas leans up real close and whispers in his ear. "All the <b>really</b> ugly people Ive ever met were 'drop ya pants' lickable on the outside, but on the inside, thats where they were shit ugly and really fuckin' evil." "I aint made up my mind about ya yet." She pulls back with the Charlies Angel hair swirl. "Although, the dancein' puts a gold star on ya report card."

Cas leans up real close and whispers in his ear. "All the *really* ugly people Ive ever met were 'drop ya pants' lickable on the outside, but on the inside, thats where they were shit ugly and really fuckin' evil." "I aint made up my mind about ya yet." She pulls back with the Charlies Angel hair swirl. "Although, the dancin' puts a gold star on ya report card."

"I go to UIA - I'm doing economics and politics. Where do you go," he stumbles for a moment, "... uh, if you're at college..."

Cas snorts.

"Leave her alone, Chig!" the big guy chides, good-naturedly, "you just dance!"

"Leave her alone, Chig," the big guy chides, good-naturedly, "just dance, kid - that's what you do best."

[ Cas turns and to face Dallas. "Geee, thanks. I think I can handle it." ]

[I'm angling to remove that retort. Dallas' cut-in was a bit too heavy-handed, he shouldn't piss Cas off...]

Cas turns and to face Dallas. "Geee, thanks. I think I can handle it."

Purple speaks up, from his chair (he's the only one sitting): "Dallas runs a mail-order ammo store, and Chig's working behind the counter at Allan's Book Barn, over on Michigan Ave. They both keep their ears to the ground for me, and let me know when something's up. Plus most nights they do a circut or two of places where odd stuff gets talked about. Chig's magic with this sort of stuff - everyone talks to him. We only hang out with Dallas because he's got mighty mico-brewery skills and he fix our TV remotes," he smiles broadly.

Dallas chuckles. "You ever want to go Bass fishing, I'm your man! I'm pretty good with Captain, uh, Purple's ride, too... when he brings it to me in good condition!" he glances over at the smiling Purple, who's watching Cas dance with a delicious smile on his face and sparkles in his eye, "but if you are packin', I can set you up with some great prices, and good quality stuff; its all wholesale for friends of Midnite, uh, Purple."

"... and there are so many of those, right?" Purple chuckles.

Cas has been paying at least as much attention to the kid's dancing as the bear's chatting; he's really good on his feet, and moves effortlessly through old-school hip-hop moves to any number of styles. In fact, he may be the smoothest dancer she's seen.

Cas nods in appreciation.

"Don't have a gat now, but if do, I'll make you a shopping list, 'uncle Dallas'," she flashes him a feline smile. "You guys know you sound like something out of a lame A-Team TV show? All 'Chet here fires flares while the rest of us work on the tank, and we all go shoot up bad guys togther before swilling beer out back...'"

[replace ^^]

"Don't have a gat now, but if do, I'll make you a shopping list, 'uncle D'," she flashes him a feline smile. "'Course Im looking to load up. Thunder 5 by choice."

"Don't have a gat now, but if I do, I'll make you a shopping list, 'uncle D'," she flashes him a feline smile. "'Course Im looking to load up Thunder 5 by choice."

"That's primo stuff. Bit over-powered for my tastes, but I can sure get you some 410s for that, if that's what you want. Personaly, I prefer something a bit less awkward, like a Sig Sauer or something. I'd take accuracy over stopping-power every time, 'cause every load that misses is doing nothing at all..."

Purple breaks Dallas' monologue with a well-placed "Would you two cut it out!" and a big smile. "I'm trying to show the lady a good time!"

[ <a href="http://darkqueen.org/docs/rpg/cam/wolfie.mark/kelly.toys2.html">or anything from this list :)</a> But maybe this isnt time or place for it ;) ]

"You guys know you sound like something out of a lame A-Team TV show? All 'Chet here fires flares while the rest of us work on the tank, and we all go shoot up bad guys togther before swilling beer out back...'"

"You know you guys know you sound like something out of a lame A-Team TV show? All 'Chet here fires flares while the rest of us work on the tank, and we all go shoot up bad guys togther before swilling beer out back...'"

Purple laughs his head off, spurting his drink out in a stream. Dallas just chuckles and looks a little embarassed. Its not clear that Chig even knows what's going on.

"You guys are so not cool!" she crows.

"You haven't seen the 'cycle!", Purple enthuses, "come on!" He grabs her by the forearm and pulls her towards one of the rear doors. The other two trail behind, following the laughing.

The door opens out into an alley, complete with half-empty trash cans and cardboard boxes.

"If you want to get into my pants you don't have take me into a deserted alley, ya know! I'm not afraid of a little publicity!" She purrs, "but perhaps you need your two friends to help you out?"

[Hahahah. You go girl :)]

"They're here for your protection, babe. Chig knows First Aid, which we'll need when you collapse... and to revive you after you see ... her!" He tosses aside a simple cardboard-box baffle to reveal a gleaming black 'cycle - a real open-road speed machine. While its lines are new, and it gleams in even the small amount of moonlight filtering into the alley, she can tell immediately it has been worked hard and constantly.

"I thought you didn't make much?" all trace of the joking gone, she circles the ride, checking it out, "there is no way this was cheap - give."

"A lot of people want to do you favors when you don't blow their brains out in the night, even if that wasn't your intent. This one guy imports quality 'cycles, and was kind enough to offer me a steep discount on the upgrade." He seems proud that Cas can appreciate his prized possession.

"You job seems cooler and cooler, P."

"And boy was it not too soon for the Yamaha his was driving back then," offers Dallas, from his perch leaning against the wall, "she was two tight hairpins from falling apart under him - he drives them hard, does Captain Midnite. I told him to get a Ducati or something, but now I think the Triumph was the right choice - thing must be made of steel the way it handles his punishment."

Purple ignores the comment and talks to Cas: "Its got a Water cooled 12-Valve double-overhead-cam in-line 3 cylinder, 955cc, fuel injection, and a six-speed wet multi-plate clutch. Drives like a dream..." He's watching her like a hawk as he talks.

"Listen to you, trying to butter me up! I just want to know ..."

"So where are we goin', and how many laws you gonna break to impress me?"

"where we are goin', and how many laws you gonna break to impress me?"

"For starters, let's head up to a place on the near north..."

"You don't want to do that, Cap," chimes in Chigger, "there's been some kinda power failure - blacked out blocks and blocks north of the Golden Mile. There are utility vans out there working their butts off to get it fixed, but I reckon they'll be there for hours."

"OK, I got some other ideas... Hey, I got some work for you two, if you're not too busy downing cheap beers..." He chats to them about Lindsay and her disappearance. "You got a phone, Cas? So these two bozo's can let you know if they find anything?"

He starts to chat to them about Lindsay and her disappearance, while Cas pours over the bike.

She looks up when she realizes that they are talking to her: "What?" she says, standing up and taking a step back from the bike, just in case the problem is that he's all precious about it.

"You guys met with some New Inquisition jokers yesterday afternoon, right? You wanna describe 'em quick, to give these two a place to start?"

"Oh, they need hints? You're blowing all respect I had," she bounces over, hanging herself on the shoulder of a now-nervous Chigger. He has no idea what to do with his arm, and keeps figgiting with with.

"There was this one man-mountain, guy - said he was from Japan or something. Looked like a fighter. And a pretty-boy that Lindsay said could 'splode heads or summin. The main guy was some Mad Doktor like Renee, only not French. And with even less sense of humour. There was another guy too, but he was almost as scrawny as Chigger here," she says as she gooses the kid, who jumps a yard or two away. She purrs at him, as he smiles uneasily back and whines "Don't!"

Looking back at the others, though, she can see something's up.

"What? Don't touch the merchandise? You know I'm not paying whatever your asking for him - too scrawny by half." But the joke seems to fall flat.

Its Chigger himself who speaks: "You just described part of the Snipers. One of the Inquisition's top exterminator squads. That throws this all in a different light."

"Why didn't you mention this over dinner?" Purple looks confused, rather than annoyed, and then muses: "Why were you talking to them? Measuring up for coffins?"

"Hey, they didn't seem that tough. I mean I figure I coulda taken them alone, if I'd had to, although the others would have made it messier - only the cop even knows how to fight, and the Doc manages to get hit when we're just walking up stairs and shit. Fuckduster! Anyway, chill! You figure they nabbed Lindsay? Where do they hang out, let's bust in and take 'em!"

Purple's smiling, but he's a long way from the wild abandon of a few minutes before: "Its not that easy."

"We don't know where they hole up, particularly," says Dallas, "but it should make it a lot easier to track down what's happening. Have they been dogging you for long?"

"'Fuck do I know? We've had people shooting at us and threatening us and shit all week. Them? Bikers? How do I know?"

"You might not know," offers Chigger, "they're supposed to be pretty good at what they do. I wonder if we can find anyone who knows what they've been up to this week. Even if they don't where Lindsay is, it might give us an indication whether they have been on 'em all week, or this was just a one-off 'hello'." He pauses a moment, obviously putting stuff together.

"Don't bust nothin' - you got steam coming outta your ears there, junior!" Cas snipes.

"I was just... I mean. Well, its been a strange week, is all. No one is where they are supposed to be, and the Inquisition has been a mess. What if they're in damage control over something." He looks up at the others.

"Question is, what would cause that much concern to them? You guys didn't assassinate their spiritual leader or something?" asks Dallas.

"They talked to None when she was in town. Or she talked too them," Purple offers, "I really wish I'd been in town to have some words with her."

"Whatever! So, can you guys find Lindsay, or what?"

"It'll take 'em a few hours, at best, to see what's on the street about this all. You got a phone, Cas? I'll get these bozo's to let you know when they find anything, 'K?"

"OK, I got some other ideas... Hey, I got some work for you two, if you're not too busy downing cheap beers..."

[exchange numbers i assume]

"Sure, but they better not tie up my line with deep breathing, 'cause I'm popular these days." She pulls her phone out of a pocket, "give me a number so I can contact them." She tosses it to Purple.

"You using one of these Noxia 1290s?" Dallas comments, "if I were you, I'd ditch it for a Ling To; their a small brand outta Korea. The interface is only half English, half pixel-paint asian, but they are pretty well-made, and they have this dumbass SimCard format that most people don't know, so its a bit safer if someone grabs your phone. There's an electronics place on the near South - Hector and Bo's - has a good price on them. Tell 'em I sent ya and they'll probably throw in a leather cover or some shit."

"Might give you a call on that D. Some of my buddies need to be wired."

"She doesn't care, Dallas," says Purple, "only you care about that shit." He smiles a big smile, then turns back to copy numbers from phone to phone. "There. Now, let's ride."

"She doesn't care, Dallas," says Purple, "only you care about that shit." He smiles his big smile and the sparkles dance in his eyes again, then turns back to copy numbers from phone to phone. "There. Now, let's ride."

OK, let's try that. Try to resist making too much more out of the conversation, if possible. We need to get them (Purple and Cas) onto the bike and back into happy-land, at least a bit. The two of you are *not* going off to sniff out the Snipers tonight.

Oh, there are some changes in the quoted paragraphs - they are better than the ones from the last message. :)

Take care,

Liam

Liam Routt liam@routt.net Darcsyde Productions http://www.routt.net/Caligari/

-- still waiting for the Absolute Destiny Apocalypse --

"Oooh, rev it again." Cas slides up against him. "I gotta get me one of these. Then Id be able to swear off men forever."

"Oooh, rev it again." Cas slides up against him. "I gotta get me one of these. Then I'd be able to swear off men forever."

Cameron Blackwood wrote: "Oooh, rev it again." Cas slides up against him. "I gotta get me one of these. Then I'd be able to swear off men forever."

They are going at least 20 mph when they reach the end of the short alley and shoot out blindly onto the street. Purple seems not to care at all that there could have been a truck coming. The bike leans over and with barely a squeal it is heading out along the street with ever increasing velocity.

The wind passes through her - it is so cold, so fresh - not over her. Lights blur past, almost as chaotic as the ones on the dancefloor. Beneath her, the comfortable purr of the engine increases steadily in volume, only to drop back and start to rise again. She finds herself holding her breath for each repitition.

Lights blur past, almost as chaotic as the ones on the dancefloor. Beneath her, the comfortable purr of the engine increases steadily in volume, only to drop back and start to rise again. She finds herself holding her breath for each repitition.

The wind passes through her - it is so cold, so fresh - not over her.

Their speed is exhilarating, blinding.

"Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

Somehow they are already on the Freeway and blazing along building-high snakes of concrete like a modern-day X-Wing.

The rush, the miles, eat up the time, until, with almost no warning, she realizes they are rushing headlong towards a large dark void - Lake Michigan itself. Just before screaming off into the cold jet of the water, the engine ceases its upward whine, the bike spins, and the come to a squealing halt. She can reach her hands out over the edge of the land into open air.

squealing halt. She can reach her hands out over the edge of the land into open air.

The rush, the miles, eat up the time, until, with almost no warning, she realizes they are rushing headlong towards a large dark void - Lake Michigan itself. Just before screaming off into the cold jet of the water, the engine ceases its upward whine, the bike spins, and the come to a

Cas sits on the bike, shivering with cold and excitement. Breathing hard, almost panting.

Purple is breathing hard. "I gotta do that more often!" he says as he climbs off, bouncing on the balls of his feet, "all of this - the speed, the music, the dancing," he turns to Cas, his eyes practically afire, "and you! Good god!"

Purple is breathing hard. "I gotta do that more often!" he says as he

He seems overwhelmed by something, and words tumble out over each other: "You are so strong, so goddamn sexy, so alive!" he grabs her shoulders, "you're *alive*! I saw you die, and you are alive!" he crushes her to his chest. She's not sure, but there seem to be tears running down his face, and he's laughing into the night, a clear, ecstatic laugh of pure joy.

Cas leaps up and scizzors her legs around his hips, she snakes her hands around his neck and hungrily kisses him, the energy from the dancing and the driving overwhelmimg her again.

She snakes an arm around behind his neck and thrusts her hand down into her pants, pulling out a condom. "Less *kiss* thinking *kiss* talking." The conversation centers of her brain are drowned out by more primal urges. "More do."

She breaks her leg hold and pads back down to standing. She wants everything now! Fumbling one handed with her belt buckle while trying take off the jacket with the other and slipping one foot against the other shoe to kick it off.

She breaks her leg hold and takes a half step back, colliding solidly with the frame of the bike. She can feel its warmth behind her, and his warmth in front of her. They are a tanlge of limbs and libidos.

Purple's trying to say something when he takes gasps of air: "... outside ... cold ... Cas!" She's got her hands under his shirt and down into the back of his pants. His are all over her. And nothing matters anymore, to either of them. Nothing but the animal.

[ I think its safe to say that passes a chunk of time. :) ]

[ Hmmm. That's not where I thought we were going. Scott was going to take it easier, and even had a "not now" speech ready. But now I'm not so sure. He's prone to be bowled over by Cas' wild emotions at the moment, and he was already skating close to an edge of his own.

This totally throws off some of his plans for the night, although they were already being throw off by that power outage and the stuff about Lindsay and the Snipers...

:) Hahaha. Dont you just haaate players ;)

But I think it works, and the player (that's you) felt your character was there, which is important. Reading over it, it flows fine, and that's important. OK. I'll make some minor changes, and run with it. ]

*nod* Art before actually getting somewhere ;)

[ Made changes; no standing apart; just a tangle that gets more tangled; some indication he was thinking about rational reasons not to. :) ]

....

The cycle speeds along Lake Shore Drive, the lake keeping pace with them on the left as the buildings flash past on the right. Tthen a turn and buildings and trees blur closer on both sides into a comfortable street-lit yellow-orange mush.

They don't stop for lights; they don't even slow down. Instead they fly, a lonely bullet, through the empty streets, leaving only an engine whine in their wake.

There is a warmth deep down inside her stomach, and it feels as though she hasn't eaten for years. Her skin reaches out in all directions, drinking in every sensation.

And suddenly its over. Somehow the world has stopped flashing past, and the bike is only idling gently.

He hasn't turned around when he starts to speak: "You're really something. You're..." he turns so he can look her, "You're not just muscle, Cas. You're not just a piece of ass..."

Before it is obvious he doesn't know what to say next, Cas offers a throaty reply: "Yes I am, lover. Don't let it go to your head."

He lowers his eyes for a moment, and says, firmly, "I'll be back on Friday sometime, and I'll be sure you know about it. Chigger and Dallas know how to contact me, but I don't have a phone with me, so I can't give you a number or anything. But I'll call."

"Sure you will," she purrs, "and I'll be sitting waiting for the phone to ring." She swings herself off the bike. "Really nice ride, Purple," she intones in a silky low voice, and pastes him with a deep kiss.

[ Im sure if it was really Cas she'd express doubt, if only to make him doubly likey to call :) ]

"I've got to get to that meeting." He turns and revs the bike, "you..."

"Don't hit a tree," she laughs, "get outta here!" And she heads to the door. The bike has cleared the end of the block before she turns to stand, watching until its lights fade from view entirely.

climbs off, bouncing on the balls of his feet, "all of this - the speed, the music, the dancing," he turns to Cas, his eyes practically afire, "and you! Good god!"

The clock next to the bed reads 4:53 am as she hits the sheets face down. And for a time its OK. But then it hits her - stone cold mind-numbing loneliness, tearing its way from deep inside her chest, to shake her from her shoulders to her knees. And nothing can stop the sobs she cries into the pillow until sleep takes her.

Revised to:

The clock next to the bed reads 4:53 am as she collapses into the bed's embrace. Across the room she dimly hears Renee snore once and turn himself over.

And then it is all too much. It hits her - a stone cold, mind-numbing lonliness that tears its way up from deep inside her chest. She feels all strength leave her body, and she shudders from shoulders to knees. She's unable to stop the wrenching sobs, and each one summons up three or four more, until she is consumed by them entirely, crying out her soul into the pillow.

The void of sleep and exhaustion take her, and for a time she's encircled by the warm, strong arms of her mother, who rocks her slowly and gently, making everything fine again. Her dreams are soft and peaceful, and the only trace they leave is a general sense of safety and well-being.

[ Usually Id say this would be a good time for some Rene discovery of Cas' general unhappyness and background, but Im kinda feeling like im the cat who got to eat all the cream already and it feels greedy to take any more time. :). ]

[ Hmmm. I was figuring that she'd wake reenergized and uber bouncy, but now im not so sure. I can so see that ending too, so no complaints on a characterisation. ]

We'll see how she fares when she awakes. Sleep well little Cas!

I hope the revision is fine with you. You lose the distant alarm ringing, but still get Renee's snore. Anyway, I felt the story of her night deserved a more polished ending, and the images of a past she left behind so long ago - the core of the true lonliness she will never be able to outrun. :(

Take care,

Liam

Liam Routt liam@routt.net Darcsyde Productions http://www.routt.net/Caligari/

-- still waiting for the Absolute Destiny Apocalypse --

Renee snores uneasily and turns over. Somewhere in the house an alarm beeps for a few moments and is silenced.

I've taken a few more liberties here with your character. My reasoning is that the exhaustion of the whole night opens her more to Claire and Sarah's emotional sides. They are a tumble of passions, the three of them, and whatever she is feeling for Purple is a confusing ball of all three. What Claire feels, or has ever felt, of relationships is almost the opposite of what Sarah has ever felt.

*nod* all makes sense.

Anyway, think about it.

I figured her posturing outside the house was to be expected, although it was a bit off of her usual game, due to her emotional confusion.

*nod*

To fill in some of what was not written, Purple explained he had a "can't miss" meeting at past 5am, so he had to get her back. He's 100% into doing this again (every night he's in town) - don't take my poor styling to indicate anything less than 100% interest in her on a bunch of levels.

Oh, and he's a damn fine lay. Whatever the heck that means. Anyway, he's not a dud. He's responsive and firey and all that. Go stud boy.

*round of applause from the audience*

To reiterate, there were a few points during the night when things were bumping around in her head. She'll have a chance to twig to them the next day, and more so if she's talking about things that happened at around the same time.

*nod* Go on... destroy my character... i daaaaaaaaaaaaaare you ;) I doooooouble dare you :). Angst aplenty. You know you wanna. :)

Take care,

Liam

Liam Routt liam@routt.net Darcsyde Productions http://www.routt.net/Caligari/

-- still waiting for the Absolute Destiny Apocalypse --

That's all for now. (not much, I know, but I have to go). How's Cas going to take all this. He's drunk on it all, and that should be obvious to her, but there's the core of something there.

im sure she'll think about that later ;) She's under the influence too. :)

If this seems horribly wrong for her, I'll change it. I have an alternate, but I prefer this version of Scott at this point...

na thats cool.

Catch you soon.

Take care,

Liam

Liam Routt liam@routt.net Darcsyde Productions http://www.routt.net/Caligari/

-- still waiting for the Absolute Destiny Apocalypse --

Obvioiusly we have to merge in that other conversation here, but that should be easy (says the guy who's not compiling it all together, it seem!) :)

Take care,

Liam

Liam Routt liam@routt.net Darcsyde Productions http://www.routt.net/Caligari/

-- still waiting for the Absolute Destiny Apocalypse --

I gotta get out to work...

Let me know how this reads. I know its not up the standard of the last one... :)

I'll try to add a pic of the bike to the page I gave you before... :)

Take care,

Liam

Liam Routt liam@routt.net Darcsyde Productions http://www.routt.net/Caligari/

-- still waiting for the Absolute Destiny Apocalypse --

OK, I'm tired, and I figure you might want to add things, and or indicate how you want to treat these two. I have pictures for them, which you can find at the currently unlinked page:

You're pretty spot on so far.

http://routt.net/Caligari/Cabinet/Aurora/PurplePhotos.html

I'm sure there's all sorts of stuff I should be adding here, but I gotta get some sleep... :)

Take care,

Liam

Liam Routt liam@routt.net Darcsyde Productions http://www.routt.net/Caligari/

-- still waiting for the Absolute Destiny Apocalypse --

I'm stopping here to give her a chance to have an intial take on it all. I can keep going, though, if you don't have anything specific. I'm conscious of the (fairly sparse) time we have before Saturday, so I'll be pushing to "dictate" events a bit after this, until we reach important parts. But the first club has *got* to be an important part! :)

Dictate me baby! :) (Im sure there is a good Cas joke in there somewhere ;)

I see this as several orders of magnititude more expensive than Cas has been to. It is full of people, it has a bitchin' sound system, and a playlist that she's only heard bits of. Its a hammering place, and while she might not want to chat with any of the patrons, its not a hangout for kids with fake ids. Its a serious dancing club for those who just want to be in on the music. There are drinks and stuff, but its mainly a large dance floor and hot beats.

Yep. Screw talking to anyone. Time to lose herself.

In that way it lacks some of the intiamacy of the places in her 'hood. There are way more people, and its not about the DJ as much as the dancing. There is a DJ, though, and he's got solid taste. Its probably not as whitebread as she would expect. Scott has tried to chose a place that has to impress. And he's trying to indicate "this is only the first level". He's really hoping to impress her (hey, everyone needs a hobby), but he's too confident for that to show.

In that way it lacks some of the intiamacy of the places in her 'hood.

I think that might be a problem later ;)

For reference, I figure it is 1:30 as they hit the floor at Red Heaven.

*nod* I think she'd like to be home in time to meet the others in the morning, but Im guessing that'd be about, what 8? (Im sure she'd have some better idea having spent a week with them, rather than the rare now and then in the last 2-3 years :)

[Purple as the perfect man:] Consider: * he seems to have proved himself as a friend by his contacting Carlos * he told her his name, getting over this 'im soooo secret' stuff thats been pissing her off from everyone else. * plus he digs her and thats a so got her interested * he seems 'bad' enough to be able to threaten/bully his way into her pants, but he hasnt. (Sad to say that that probably makes him a 'gentleman'.) (Father Tipsey really blew that with his poem.) * he's got cred and a _really_ cool job (that Cas'd love).

Cas shakes her head and digs out his wallet, putting on a very fake, played up, tough girl attitude. "Shit, G. I knew I should have scored your wad and sold off your credit cards. Man, Im so slipping. I blame hangin' round cops too long."

She tosses it over to him, turning and walking away from the building, out onto the sidewalk.

"No shit! You ditched on me and I had to pay the fucking bill! Do know how much that place cost? Im so getting paid back in full, preferably in Screaming Orgasms." She turns around and gives him her best hungry animal look.

Feel free to interject, as you did before. I think we have something going here. I hope I'm not stepping on Cas' toes in any of what I'm writing. You stuff was excellent!

Na, its 5 by 5 :) :) :)

She going to call him Purple, or Scott? :)

Purp. She'd hate to blurt out 'Scotty' at the wrong moment. Plus noone else in the group shares, why should she.

What's she want to do?

See above. If he can give her an address then she's all for cracking skulls, otherwise lets say a big 'thankyou' to the nice man who contacted Carlos for us.

I think Purple has played his cards juuuuust right. :)

Consider: * he seems to have proved himself as a friend by his contacting Carlos * he told her his name, getting over this 'im soooo secret' stuff thats been pissing her off from everyone else. * plus he digs her and thats a so got her interested * he seems 'bad' enough to be able to threaten/bully his way into her pants, but he hasnt. (Sad to say that that probably makes him a 'gentleman'.) (Father Tipsey really blew that with his poem.) * he's got cred and a _really_ cool job (that Cas'd love).