macrossRPG.COMmunity

[Rosalie Doucette]

**CLICK CLICK**

The tiny speaker in Kesia’s helmet crackles back to life. “Girl? You okay, girl?” a concerned Cajun voice speaks. “Say somethin’, Razor Girl . . . let ole Rosalie know you not wit da angels yet, ya hear?”

[Halo]

**CLICK CLICK**

The tiny speaker in Kesia’s helmet crackles back to life. “Girl? You okay, girl?” a concerned Cajun voice speaks. “Say somethin’, Razor Girl . . . let ole Rosalie know you not wit da angels yet, ya hear?”

[Kesia Alfonse]

Kesia followed very closely behind Maza. She crouched low with her weapon held ready and stared at his back. He was wide open and unaware, she could plant the bug on him at any moment. She decided against it for now. They stopped momentarily behind some crates when they heard something.

The sound of large doors opening rang through the warehouse followed by several cocky taunts from the thugs. They seemed to have no cares and completely believed that Maza was no threat. She was sure their overconfidence would be their downfall. Maza looked less than impressed with them as well.

She heard the doors at the other end of the warehouse open. Who knew how many punks were flooding in from that end. It seemed they were surrounded.

They had to make it to the loading doors that the first few thugs had entered through. That was the only hope of escape she could see. Just then the speaker in her helmet chimed in.

“Girl? You okay, girl?” a concerned Cajun voice speaks. “Say somethin’, Razor Girl . . . let ole Rosalie know you not wit da angels yet, ya hear?”

It was Tommy’s partner again. She whispered back. “I’m alright, but Maza and I are pinned down in a warehouse. There are some guys after us, I can’t talk right now. Don’t worry, I can handle it."

Kesia realized if she was going to have a firefight, she’d have to get rid of her helmet, it made seeing things a lot harder. She lifted it up slowly and quietly off her head and placed it beside her on the floor. She shook her hair out of her eyes, Maza got his first look at this fellow racer and she didn’t look happy.

“Listen up.” She began. “You’re gonna move up towards the exit. I’ll draw their fire. I want you to get out of here, don’t worry about me.”

She was sincere. Maza was a criminal, but he was still a civilian. Someone she was sworn to protect as a Spacey officer.

Behind her back she now had the tracking device ready. She triggered it and the adhesives began to ooze out. She swung her arm around and quickly slapped Maza on the back, near his neck.
“Move!” She said, and gave him a slight push to get him going.

Kes turned her attention back to the thugs. She peered up over the crate and rested her arm along it for support. She pointed her gun at the closest man. Using her other hand to steady the firearm, she took careful aim at his kneecaps.

She had never shot at anything but targets before. Nor had she ever killed a man, and she didn’t want to start now unless it was necessary. She knew getting hit in the knees was guaranteed to incapacitate. It was the most painful place to get shot besides the gut.

Mocha breathed heavily and calmed herself before firing off a shot at her target.

Actions:
1) Place bug on Maza
2) Aimed shot at closest “Mask's” knees
3) Dodge/Duck behind crates

OOC- Hmm, so you say we get two actions without our mecha? I've been using three the whole time. Want me to switch it down to two?


[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-14 07:00 ]

[Nomad Soul]

Kesia followed very closely behind Maza. She crouched low with her weapon held ready and stared at his back. He was wide open and unaware, she could plant the bug on him at any moment. She decided against it for now. They stopped momentarily behind some crates when they heard something.

The sound of large doors opening rang through the warehouse followed by several cocky taunts from the thugs. They seemed to have no cares and completely believed that Maza was no threat. She was sure their overconfidence would be their downfall. Maza looked less than impressed with them as well.

She heard the doors at the other end of the warehouse open. Who knew how many punks were flooding in from that end. It seemed they were surrounded.

They had to make it to the loading doors that the first few thugs had entered through. That was the only hope of escape she could see. Just then the speaker in her helmet chimed in.

“Girl? You okay, girl?” a concerned Cajun voice speaks. “Say somethin’, Razor Girl . . . let ole Rosalie know you not wit da angels yet, ya hear?”

It was Tommy’s partner again. She whispered back. “I’m alright, but Maza and I are pinned down in a warehouse. There are some guys after us, I can’t talk right now. Don’t worry, I can handle it."

Kesia realized if she was going to have a firefight, she’d have to get rid of her helmet, it made seeing things a lot harder. She lifted it up slowly and quietly off her head and placed it beside her on the floor. She shook her hair out of her eyes, Maza got his first look at this fellow racer and she didn’t look happy.

“Listen up.” She began. “You’re gonna move up towards the exit. I’ll draw their fire. I want you to get out of here, don’t worry about me.”

She was sincere. Maza was a criminal, but he was still a civilian. Someone she was sworn to protect as a Spacey officer.

Behind her back she now had the tracking device ready. She triggered it and the adhesives began to ooze out. She swung her arm around and quickly slapped Maza on the back, near his neck.
“Move!” She said, and gave him a slight push to get him going.

Kes turned her attention back to the thugs. She peered up over the crate and rested her arm along it for support. She pointed her gun at the closest man. Using her other hand to steady the firearm, she took careful aim at his kneecaps.

She had never shot at anything but targets before. Nor had she ever killed a man, and she didn’t want to start now unless it was necessary. She knew getting hit in the knees was guaranteed to incapacitate. It was the most painful place to get shot besides the gut.

Mocha breathed heavily and calmed herself before firing off a shot at her target.

Actions:
1) Place bug on Maza
2) Aimed shot at closest “Mask's” knees
3) Dodge/Duck behind crates

OOC- Hmm, so you say we get two actions without our mecha? I've been using three the whole time. Want me to switch it down to two?


[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-14 07:00 ]

[Carlos Maza]

“Listen up.” She began.

Maza looks at the girl with his head cocked slightly to the side.


“You’re gonna move up towards the exit. I’ll draw their fire. I want you to get out of here, don’t worry about me.”

“Hey look,” he says with an expression that seems to say Ain’t going to be any Heroes or martyrs tonight! “I just want to – ” Maza’s eyes glance up behind Kesia. “Ah Shit!” he cries as a gunman splits between two large crates with his SMG leveled for Kes’ back. Carlos lays his shoulder into the girl and shoves her clear of the man’s fire!

A short burst of slugs spray out, missing Kesia as she falls prone, but grazing past Maza’s left cheek and drawing blood. A half inch further in and he’d surely be a corpse.

Falling back on her haunches, Kes drops her helmet so she can grip her gun with both hands, and fires a shot clean through the man’s groin!! Apparently there are TWO places more painful to be shot than the knee, as evident by the thug’s schoolgirlish shrieking and fish-like flaining on the ground. Hmmm…. he doesn’t appear quite so “cocky” anymore. (Yeah, groan if you like . . . but it was too easy to pass up)!

Looking back up, Kes spots the group from the rear left door quickly closing on the commotion and Maza looking fairly stunned as draws blood away from his cheek with a finger.


Enemies:
1) Mask-1, Green, Entering door at rear left (next to loading docks, beneath the office)
2) Mask-2, Green, Entering door at rear left
3) Mask-3, Green, Entering door at rear left
4) Mask-4, Neutered
5) ???, ???, Entered door at rear right (and you don't know how many mystery men entered through this door).


Notes:
- I rolled a 20 on your attack roll, hence the switch of a knee strike to the groin. A Knee would make him immobile, but able to return fire . . . but after suffering this critical strike he’s not doing much besides signing soprano.

- The Rear Left door is now unguarded . . . but slipping past the three Masks coming your way is easier said than done.

- The commotion happened before you could set the Bug. The adhesives have not been released yet.

[Halo]

“Listen up.” She began.

Maza looks at the girl with his head cocked slightly to the side.


“You’re gonna move up towards the exit. I’ll draw their fire. I want you to get out of here, don’t worry about me.”

“Hey look,” he says with an expression that seems to say Ain’t going to be any Heroes or martyrs tonight! “I just want to – ” Maza’s eyes glance up behind Kesia. “Ah Shit!” he cries as a gunman splits between two large crates with his SMG leveled for Kes’ back. Carlos lays his shoulder into the girl and shoves her clear of the man’s fire!

A short burst of slugs spray out, missing Kesia as she falls prone, but grazing past Maza’s left cheek and drawing blood. A half inch further in and he’d surely be a corpse.

Falling back on her haunches, Kes drops her helmet so she can grip her gun with both hands, and fires a shot clean through the man’s groin!! Apparently there are TWO places more painful to be shot than the knee, as evident by the thug’s schoolgirlish shrieking and fish-like flaining on the ground. Hmmm…. he doesn’t appear quite so “cocky” anymore. (Yeah, groan if you like . . . but it was too easy to pass up)!

Looking back up, Kes spots the group from the rear left door quickly closing on the commotion and Maza looking fairly stunned as draws blood away from his cheek with a finger.


Enemies:
1) Mask-1, Green, Entering door at rear left (next to loading docks, beneath the office)
2) Mask-2, Green, Entering door at rear left
3) Mask-3, Green, Entering door at rear left
4) Mask-4, Neutered
5) ???, ???, Entered door at rear right (and you don't know how many mystery men entered through this door).


Notes:
- I rolled a 20 on your attack roll, hence the switch of a knee strike to the groin. A Knee would make him immobile, but able to return fire . . . but after suffering this critical strike he’s not doing much besides signing soprano.

- The Rear Left door is now unguarded . . . but slipping past the three Masks coming your way is easier said than done.

- The commotion happened before you could set the Bug. The adhesives have not been released yet.

[Kesia Alfonse]

Kes had the bug ready and in her hand. She was moments from sticking it on her target. Suddenly though, Maza let out a shout and rammed her hard in the chest with his shoulder.

“Wha..Ahhhh!”
She reeled from the impact and landed on her back. Immediately she heard gun fire whiz through the spot she had just occupied.

Kesia quickly rolled onto her stomach and popped off a shot at the gunman which caught him in the crotch. The man dropped and began to scream. Mocha almost cringed at the thought of the pain her bullet must have inflicted.

She swung back around to face Maza. He was visibly shaken by how close he’d just come to death. Kes couldn’t believe what he had done. He’d risked himself for her. She hadn’t expected that from him.

“You…saved me.” She stumbled for the words. “Thank you.”

There was no time to think more on it however, as the shrieks of the neutered gunman undoubtedly had alerted the others to their position.

After slipping the bug back in her pocket for later use Kes took hold of Maza’s shoulder and shook him a bit. “Come on. You’re fine, we’ve got to get out of here.”

With the gunmen advancing on their position, the rear door was now unguarded. But how to get there unnoticed was now the challenge. Quickly her mind formulated a simple but hopefully effective plan.

Mocha grabbed the masked man’s dropped SMG for some extra firepower. Then she began to search her immediate surrounding for something with weight that could be easily thrown. (Pipes, bricks, etc)

(If she finds something use it for next action. If not, then use her handgun for this action.)

Kes scanned the areas across from her for piles of metallic debris, hollow crates, anything that looked like it would have a good sound to it. She then chucked her object (or handgun) very hard in a low arc. (So that it’s path can’t be traced back to her should anyone see it thrown). Her intent was to make a commotion away from her so the gunmen would investigate it, instead of her.

“Let’s go.” She told Maza.
She put her hand gun in her belt (if she still has the gun) and picked up her helmet in one hand with the SMG in the other. Kes began to sneak towards the rear door.

Actions:
1) Hurl object away from her to create distraction.
2) Stay low and move towards rear door.

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-16 11:31 ]

[Nomad Soul]

Kes had the bug ready and in her hand. She was moments from sticking it on her target. Suddenly though, Maza let out a shout and rammed her hard in the chest with his shoulder.

“Wha..Ahhhh!”
She reeled from the impact and landed on her back. Immediately she heard gun fire whiz through the spot she had just occupied.

Kesia quickly rolled onto her stomach and popped off a shot at the gunman which caught him in the crotch. The man dropped and began to scream. Mocha almost cringed at the thought of the pain her bullet must have inflicted.

She swung back around to face Maza. He was visibly shaken by how close he’d just come to death. Kes couldn’t believe what he had done. He’d risked himself for her. She hadn’t expected that from him.

“You…saved me.” She stumbled for the words. “Thank you.”

There was no time to think more on it however, as the shrieks of the neutered gunman undoubtedly had alerted the others to their position.

After slipping the bug back in her pocket for later use Kes took hold of Maza’s shoulder and shook him a bit. “Come on. You’re fine, we’ve got to get out of here.”

With the gunmen advancing on their position, the rear door was now unguarded. But how to get there unnoticed was now the challenge. Quickly her mind formulated a simple but hopefully effective plan.

Mocha grabbed the masked man’s dropped SMG for some extra firepower. Then she began to search her immediate surrounding for something with weight that could be easily thrown. (Pipes, bricks, etc)

(If she finds something use it for next action. If not, then use her handgun for this action.)

Kes scanned the areas across from her for piles of metallic debris, hollow crates, anything that looked like it would have a good sound to it. She then chucked her object (or handgun) very hard in a low arc. (So that it’s path can’t be traced back to her should anyone see it thrown). Her intent was to make a commotion away from her so the gunmen would investigate it, instead of her.

“Let’s go.” She told Maza.
She put her hand gun in her belt (if she still has the gun) and picked up her helmet in one hand with the SMG in the other. Kes began to sneak towards the rear door.

Actions:
1) Hurl object away from her to create distraction.
2) Stay low and move towards rear door.

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-16 11:31 ]

[Carlos Maza]

“Come on. You’re fine, we’ve got to get out of here.” Kesia comments to the stunned Maza as she swipes a stray board from the floor and sends it whirling low across the floor. Carlos holds his mouth open, about to speak, as the board **CLANGS** hard against a partially-filled barrel.

“Let’s go.” She says with a push to the man’s shoulder, and Maza doesn’t protest. Moving as swiftly as they could risk, the pair loops around the approaching thugs and close on the rear left exit. Two steps from freedom, a moronic call of “Where ya goin’, baby?” sounds from behind. Before Mocha/Razor can even turn around to face the idiot, she feels the support of her left leg drop out from under her weight. The world seems to drift into a slow-motion daze as the second bullet rips through the meat of her thigh and her body falls towards the concrete floor of the warehouse.

The world snaps back to full speed as Maza’s arm hooks around her waist and lifts as the pair falls back through the rear doorway. “Ah, FIRE!!” Carlos screams as he holds her body up with one arm and tightly grips her wrist with the other. With Maza holding her gun-arm out, and hearing his command, Kesia pulls the trigger and spews a half clip of slugs back into the room.

SMGs were difficult to aim and control at burst fire even when properly shouldered. With Kesia's limp arm only semi-consciously holding the weapon, and Maza’s waaay off balanced aim directing things, the shots fly erratically back into the warehouse randomly striking boxes and barrels. Barrels like the one Kes had just thrown a splintered piece of lumber at. Bright red barrels with yellow stickers . . . yellow stickers that said “Warning: Flammable”!

The force of the resulting explosion hurls Maza and Kes full out of the doorway and into the alleyway beyond. They hit the asphalt HARD, and are again glad to be wearing racing suits designed to absorb such impacts. Heat and ash fall around as the warehouse erupts in flame. “Ugh, this ain’t over,” Carlos groans like a human punching bag as he wills himself back to his feet and hooks Kesia’s left arm around his shoulder for support.

Half limping and half carrying the girl, Maza shuffles in pain down the alley and towards an intersection of several squat buildings. “You can’t run, and I can’t shoot,” he coughs out between breathes filled with chemical smoke. “Time for Plan B. We hide out and wait for the authorities to come investigate that fire.”


[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2004-12-16 17:42 ]

[Halo]

“Come on. You’re fine, we’ve got to get out of here.” Kesia comments to the stunned Maza as she swipes a stray board from the floor and sends it whirling low across the floor. Carlos holds his mouth open, about to speak, as the board **CLANGS** hard against a partially-filled barrel.

“Let’s go.” She says with a push to the man’s shoulder, and Maza doesn’t protest. Moving as swiftly as they could risk, the pair loops around the approaching thugs and close on the rear left exit. Two steps from freedom, a moronic call of “Where ya goin’, baby?” sounds from behind. Before Mocha/Razor can even turn around to face the idiot, she feels the support of her left leg drop out from under her weight. The world seems to drift into a slow-motion daze as the second bullet rips through the meat of her thigh and her body falls towards the concrete floor of the warehouse.

The world snaps back to full speed as Maza’s arm hooks around her waist and lifts as the pair falls back through the rear doorway. “Ah, FIRE!!” Carlos screams as he holds her body up with one arm and tightly grips her wrist with the other. With Maza holding her gun-arm out, and hearing his command, Kesia pulls the trigger and spews a half clip of slugs back into the room.

SMGs were difficult to aim and control at burst fire even when properly shouldered. With Kesia's limp arm only semi-consciously holding the weapon, and Maza’s waaay off balanced aim directing things, the shots fly erratically back into the warehouse randomly striking boxes and barrels. Barrels like the one Kes had just thrown a splintered piece of lumber at. Bright red barrels with yellow stickers . . . yellow stickers that said “Warning: Flammable”!

The force of the resulting explosion hurls Maza and Kes full out of the doorway and into the alleyway beyond. They hit the asphalt HARD, and are again glad to be wearing racing suits designed to absorb such impacts. Heat and ash fall around as the warehouse erupts in flame. “Ugh, this ain’t over,” Carlos groans like a human punching bag as he wills himself back to his feet and hooks Kesia’s left arm around his shoulder for support.

Half limping and half carrying the girl, Maza shuffles in pain down the alley and towards an intersection of several squat buildings. “You can’t run, and I can’t shoot,” he coughs out between breathes filled with chemical smoke. “Time for Plan B. We hide out and wait for the authorities to come investigate that fire.”


[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2004-12-16 17:42 ]

[Kesia Alfonse]

The door was getting closer. Salvation was within Kesia’s grasp. Had her luck finally changed? Would something actually go right on this night to remember? Thank god for small miracles. She thought as they reached the door.

Then she got shot.

Searing pain in her leg, the warmth of her own blood on her thigh and then the hard unforgiving concrete floor were all of the sensations Kesia felt in that heartbeat.

She realized suddenly what had happen. “Ahhh! Fuck!” She looked down at the wound. “Shit!”

A strong arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back through the door. It was Maza. He was saving her, again. She was starting to feel bad about having to plant a bug on him.

“Ah, FIRE!!”

Kesia heard him scream. She was blinded by pain but could feel that her arm was prone to attack. She instinctively pulled the trigger for as long as she could hold it.

A loud bang, followed by immense heat and a force that threw her off her feet made everything fade away as she blacked out momentarily.

When the world slowly came back into focus, a groggy Kesia realized that she was being shuffled along down the alley by Carlos.

Through the smoke in her eyes Mocha watched him. He was being pursued by bloodthirsty gangs and still he hadn’t left her behind to die. Why was he doing this? What did he have to gain? She couldn’t understand him.

“You can’t run, and I can’t shoot. Time for Plan B. We hide out and wait for the authorities to come investigate that fire.”


Kes lifted her head long enough to speak to him. She decided to remain in character and continue masquerading as a fellow criminal.
“But what if they find us? We’ll be arrested.” She reminded him.

She winced through the pain that was throbbing in her leg. It hurt that's for sure. She had never been shot before, but knew it was probably bound to happen in her chosen line of work. It was just unfortunate that she'd been shot already and hadn't even really begun active service yet.

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-17 12:15 ]

[Nomad Soul]

The door was getting closer. Salvation was within Kesia’s grasp. Had her luck finally changed? Would something actually go right on this night to remember? Thank god for small miracles. She thought as they reached the door.

Then she got shot.

Searing pain in her leg, the warmth of her own blood on her thigh and then the hard unforgiving concrete floor were all of the sensations Kesia felt in that heartbeat.

She realized suddenly what had happen. “Ahhh! Fuck!” She looked down at the wound. “Shit!”

A strong arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back through the door. It was Maza. He was saving her, again. She was starting to feel bad about having to plant a bug on him.

“Ah, FIRE!!”

Kesia heard him scream. She was blinded by pain but could feel that her arm was prone to attack. She instinctively pulled the trigger for as long as she could hold it.

A loud bang, followed by immense heat and a force that threw her off her feet made everything fade away as she blacked out momentarily.

When the world slowly came back into focus, a groggy Kesia realized that she was being shuffled along down the alley by Carlos.

Through the smoke in her eyes Mocha watched him. He was being pursued by bloodthirsty gangs and still he hadn’t left her behind to die. Why was he doing this? What did he have to gain? She couldn’t understand him.

“You can’t run, and I can’t shoot. Time for Plan B. We hide out and wait for the authorities to come investigate that fire.”


Kes lifted her head long enough to speak to him. She decided to remain in character and continue masquerading as a fellow criminal.
“But what if they find us? We’ll be arrested.” She reminded him.

She winced through the pain that was throbbing in her leg. It hurt that's for sure. She had never been shot before, but knew it was probably bound to happen in her chosen line of work. It was just unfortunate that she'd been shot already and hadn't even really begun active service yet.

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-17 12:15 ]

[Carlos Maza]

Maza carries the wounded Kesia down the alleyway with one arm slung over his shoulder. His eyes periodically glance back at the flaming warehouse and look for pursuers. Thankfully, there were none.

They eventually come to a squat office building among the much larger warehouses, probably an administration office. Looking back once more to be sure, Carlos turns and strikes the glass door with his crowbar just strong enough to punch through. “Mechanical lock . . . how quaint,” he mumbles dryly with a roguish grin as his arm slips through the hole and unlocks the door.

Once inside he carries Kes to the rear-most office, probably belonging to the boss, and leans her down on the floor and propped against the desk.

“But what if they find us? We’ll be arrested.”

Maza looks back at her with a curious expression as he begins snooping about the office. “Yeah, but would you rather be arrested or dead?” he says as he opens a wooden counter behind the desk. “There’s got to still be some of them out there. If we sneak out now, we face bullets. If we can hold out til the authorities arrive, we still try to sneak out, but if we’re spotted the worst we face are badges . . . and bullets scare me a lot more than badges.”

“Besides, I’m rich. My lawyers will have us free in thirty minutes,” he states with an odd inflection to his voice. Not arrogance, avarice or braggadocio, but rather an unexpected remorsefulness. Almost as if he was stating I think it sucks, but that’s the way this screwed-up world works.

His arm draws back out of the cabinet holding a bottle of whiskey. From the closet he finds a spare dress shirt and begins to tear the sleeves off. “Now, I’m no doctor . . . but I’ve seen a lot of movies,” he admits with a grin and kneels down next to Kesia. With a small pocket knife he cuts away the leg of her pants and examines the wound in her thigh. His finger pokes against the sore skin and presses down. “Well, I don’t feel a bullet in there, and it looks like it went straight through without hitting bone. I think that means you’re lucky, Razor.”

He unscrews the cap to the whisky and warns, “Here comes the fun part,” before pouring the stinging alcohol onto her thigh to sterilize both the entry and exit wounds. The pain was sharp, her eyes teared at the burning sting, but Kesia kept her wits about her and choked off a scream.

“You know, you’re not at all what I expected,” Maza says with a grin as he begins wrapping her thigh with the torn sleeves – they may not have been very absorbent, but thankfully they were clean. “I had heard that Tommy’s girl was French or something and harder to listen to than that fat-ass Muertes . . .”



[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2004-12-22 16:50 ]

[Halo]

Maza carries the wounded Kesia down the alleyway with one arm slung over his shoulder. His eyes periodically glance back at the flaming warehouse and look for pursuers. Thankfully, there were none.

They eventually come to a squat office building among the much larger warehouses, probably an administration office. Looking back once more to be sure, Carlos turns and strikes the glass door with his crowbar just strong enough to punch through. “Mechanical lock . . . how quaint,” he mumbles dryly with a roguish grin as his arm slips through the hole and unlocks the door.

Once inside he carries Kes to the rear-most office, probably belonging to the boss, and leans her down on the floor and propped against the desk.

“But what if they find us? We’ll be arrested.”

Maza looks back at her with a curious expression as he begins snooping about the office. “Yeah, but would you rather be arrested or dead?” he says as he opens a wooden counter behind the desk. “There’s got to still be some of them out there. If we sneak out now, we face bullets. If we can hold out til the authorities arrive, we still try to sneak out, but if we’re spotted the worst we face are badges . . . and bullets scare me a lot more than badges.”

“Besides, I’m rich. My lawyers will have us free in thirty minutes,” he states with an odd inflection to his voice. Not arrogance, avarice or braggadocio, but rather an unexpected remorsefulness. Almost as if he was stating I think it sucks, but that’s the way this screwed-up world works.

His arm draws back out of the cabinet holding a bottle of whiskey. From the closet he finds a spare dress shirt and begins to tear the sleeves off. “Now, I’m no doctor . . . but I’ve seen a lot of movies,” he admits with a grin and kneels down next to Kesia. With a small pocket knife he cuts away the leg of her pants and examines the wound in her thigh. His finger pokes against the sore skin and presses down. “Well, I don’t feel a bullet in there, and it looks like it went straight through without hitting bone. I think that means you’re lucky, Razor.”

He unscrews the cap to the whisky and warns, “Here comes the fun part,” before pouring the stinging alcohol onto her thigh to sterilize both the entry and exit wounds. The pain was sharp, her eyes teared at the burning sting, but Kesia kept her wits about her and choked off a scream.

“You know, you’re not at all what I expected,” Maza says with a grin as he begins wrapping her thigh with the torn sleeves – they may not have been very absorbent, but thankfully they were clean. “I had heard that Tommy’s girl was French or something and harder to listen to than that fat-ass Muertes . . .”



[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2004-12-22 16:50 ]

[Kesia Alfonse]

Kes never liked accepting help from others. Now was no exception. She would rather crawl to safety on her own than be carried like a helpless little girl. Though the thing was, she had to stay with Maza so she could place the tracking device on him. She swallowed her pride and let him aid her.

The two came to a small office and after breaking in, Carlos laid her down on the floor. Pain shot up her leg and she winced slightly.

“Yeah, but would you rather be arrested or dead?” … but if we’re spotted the worst we face are badges . . . and bullets scare me a lot more than badges.”

He had a point. But she said nothing. Instead she looked down at her wound. Carlos continued.

“Besides, I’m rich. My lawyers will have us free in thirty minutes,”

She didn’t doubt it. The way he spoke however made her get the feeling he wasn’t even happy that it was the truth. She found that strange, what kinda guy wouldn’t be proud of all the power he held.

He approached her with a bottle of whiskey and a pocket knife. She could tell what he was going to do. He carefully cut away the fabric of her pants around her thigh. Kes squirmed slightly, she was very uncomfortable letting someone get so close to her. She began to pull away but decided against it for fear of him slipping with the knife. Anyone’s hand on her thigh was just something she would never allow normally.

Well, I don’t feel a bullet in there, and it looks like it went straight through without hitting bone. I think that means you’re lucky, Razor.”

“Yeah well, I’m a little more worried about hitting a major artery and bleeding to death.” She said coldly. His closeness had sent her into a defensive mode where she was perhaps incapable of saying anything nice.

“Here comes the fun part,”

She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. “Yeah yeah, just get it over with.”

The sting was intense and she nearly cried out but Kesia was able to hold it in. Her eyes teared until Carlos became a blurry shadow and she quickly wiped them clean to hide her weakness.

“You know, you’re not at all what I expected. I had heard that Tommy’s girl was French or something and harder to listen to than that fat-ass Muertes . . .”

She shot him a look. “Hey, I’m no one’s “girl”. Okay? Tommy’s chick just hurt herself, so I took the opportunity to get some extra cash with the race.”

She crossed her arms defiantly while he wrapped her leg. Her face was one of stern dissatisfaction with the position she was in, helpless and bleeding.

After a few moments she spoke up, too curious not to ask certain questions.

“What is it you do Maza? Why are you racing? And who the hell were those guys that attacked us?”


OOC- Hey Halo, did you notice that originally you called Maza “Petros” instead of “Carlos”. Did you just change the name, or is Kes hunting the wrong Maza?

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-24 06:13 ]

[Nomad Soul]

Kes never liked accepting help from others. Now was no exception. She would rather crawl to safety on her own than be carried like a helpless little girl. Though the thing was, she had to stay with Maza so she could place the tracking device on him. She swallowed her pride and let him aid her.

The two came to a small office and after breaking in, Carlos laid her down on the floor. Pain shot up her leg and she winced slightly.

“Yeah, but would you rather be arrested or dead?” … but if we’re spotted the worst we face are badges . . . and bullets scare me a lot more than badges.”

He had a point. But she said nothing. Instead she looked down at her wound. Carlos continued.

“Besides, I’m rich. My lawyers will have us free in thirty minutes,”

She didn’t doubt it. The way he spoke however made her get the feeling he wasn’t even happy that it was the truth. She found that strange, what kinda guy wouldn’t be proud of all the power he held.

He approached her with a bottle of whiskey and a pocket knife. She could tell what he was going to do. He carefully cut away the fabric of her pants around her thigh. Kes squirmed slightly, she was very uncomfortable letting someone get so close to her. She began to pull away but decided against it for fear of him slipping with the knife. Anyone’s hand on her thigh was just something she would never allow normally.

Well, I don’t feel a bullet in there, and it looks like it went straight through without hitting bone. I think that means you’re lucky, Razor.”

“Yeah well, I’m a little more worried about hitting a major artery and bleeding to death.” She said coldly. His closeness had sent her into a defensive mode where she was perhaps incapable of saying anything nice.

“Here comes the fun part,”

She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. “Yeah yeah, just get it over with.”

The sting was intense and she nearly cried out but Kesia was able to hold it in. Her eyes teared until Carlos became a blurry shadow and she quickly wiped them clean to hide her weakness.

“You know, you’re not at all what I expected. I had heard that Tommy’s girl was French or something and harder to listen to than that fat-ass Muertes . . .”

She shot him a look. “Hey, I’m no one’s “girl”. Okay? Tommy’s chick just hurt herself, so I took the opportunity to get some extra cash with the race.”

She crossed her arms defiantly while he wrapped her leg. Her face was one of stern dissatisfaction with the position she was in, helpless and bleeding.

After a few moments she spoke up, too curious not to ask certain questions.

“What is it you do Maza? Why are you racing? And who the hell were those guys that attacked us?”


OOC- Hey Halo, did you notice that originally you called Maza “Petros” instead of “Carlos”. Did you just change the name, or is Kes hunting the wrong Maza?

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-24 06:13 ]

[Carlos Maza]

Kes squirmed slightly, she was very uncomfortable letting someone get so close to her. Anyone’s hand on her thigh was just something she would never allow normally.

“Would you relax already . . .” Maza declares as he steadies her squirming leg and locks it down for her own good. “This isn’t exactly my idea of a romantic interlude, you know . . .” he mumbles as he cleans and bandages the wound. Looking up with a disarming grin he adds, “Just be glad you didn’t get shot in the ass.”


“Hey, I’m no one’s “girl”. Okay? Tommy’s chick just hurt herself, so I took the opportunity to get some extra cash with the race.”

Carlos takes a step back with his hands held up in mock defense from her angered words. “Alright, so you’re no one’s girl. I can dig that,” he says as he wipes his hands clean and fetches the whisky bottle.


“What is it you do Maza? Why are you racing? And who the hell were those guys that attacked us?”

“Whoa, slow down!” he chuckles as the cap is unscrewed. “First off, anyone who can keep up with me on a street bike and take a bullet with my name on it is entitled to call me Carlos. As for your questions let’s see . . .,” muses as se swigs down a tight sip of the alcohol. “A little of this, a little of that . . . because it’s my one true vice, and I happen to be damn good at it . . . and people who want me dead. That seems to be a growing list these days,” he groans and chokes down some more whisky.

Carlos splits the blinds of the window to check outside one more time before slumping to the floor and assuming a more conversational posture. “I guess you deserve a straight answer,” he mumbles with a sideways grin. “It’s pretty hard to peg down how I make a living. It started with stocks and day trading . . . a bunch of Wall Street stuff, but lately I’ve been finding more business in acquisitions and as an intermediary between the UN Government and the private sector. Mostly managing deals between V.I. and the Spacy.” He takes another swig, and numbs his brain. “Our biggest project these days is in medical tech . . . big time, lots of coin to be had.”

Maza grins and leans the distance between him and Kesia, and offers the girl his pilfered bottle of whisky. “Okay, it’s your turn. What do you do when you’re not tearing hell down the highway?”


[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2004-12-28 17:48 ]

[Halo]

Kes squirmed slightly, she was very uncomfortable letting someone get so close to her. Anyone’s hand on her thigh was just something she would never allow normally.

“Would you relax already . . .” Maza declares as he steadies her squirming leg and locks it down for her own good. “This isn’t exactly my idea of a romantic interlude, you know . . .” he mumbles as he cleans and bandages the wound. Looking up with a disarming grin he adds, “Just be glad you didn’t get shot in the ass.”


“Hey, I’m no one’s “girl”. Okay? Tommy’s chick just hurt herself, so I took the opportunity to get some extra cash with the race.”

Carlos takes a step back with his hands held up in mock defense from her angered words. “Alright, so you’re no one’s girl. I can dig that,” he says as he wipes his hands clean and fetches the whisky bottle.


“What is it you do Maza? Why are you racing? And who the hell were those guys that attacked us?”

“Whoa, slow down!” he chuckles as the cap is unscrewed. “First off, anyone who can keep up with me on a street bike and take a bullet with my name on it is entitled to call me Carlos. As for your questions let’s see . . .,” muses as se swigs down a tight sip of the alcohol. “A little of this, a little of that . . . because it’s my one true vice, and I happen to be damn good at it . . . and people who want me dead. That seems to be a growing list these days,” he groans and chokes down some more whisky.

Carlos splits the blinds of the window to check outside one more time before slumping to the floor and assuming a more conversational posture. “I guess you deserve a straight answer,” he mumbles with a sideways grin. “It’s pretty hard to peg down how I make a living. It started with stocks and day trading . . . a bunch of Wall Street stuff, but lately I’ve been finding more business in acquisitions and as an intermediary between the UN Government and the private sector. Mostly managing deals between V.I. and the Spacy.” He takes another swig, and numbs his brain. “Our biggest project these days is in medical tech . . . big time, lots of coin to be had.”

Maza grins and leans the distance between him and Kesia, and offers the girl his pilfered bottle of whisky. “Okay, it’s your turn. What do you do when you’re not tearing hell down the highway?”


[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2004-12-28 17:48 ]

[Kesia Alfonse]

Maza forced her leg down, and bandaged it up while Kesia shifted her eyes away from him uncomfortably. She was impressed that he was able to be so forceful yet still be gentle enough not to hurt her.

“Would you relax already . . This isn’t exactly my idea of a romantic interlude, you know . . .Just be glad you didn’t get shot in the ass.”

She remained silent, forcing herself not to hear his joke. She didn’t need his pity. If she could have, Kes would have loved to just plant the bug on him and walk out of there.

After he finished Maza sat on the floor across from her with the whiskey bottle in hand. He threw it back a few times like an experienced boozehound.

“Whoa, slow down. First off, anyone who can keep up with me on a street bike and take a bullet with my name on it is entitled to call me Carlos. As for your questions let’s see . . .,”

He danced around her questions like any experienced businessman would. That was fine. She didn’t need to know about him anyways, Kes decided. Why bother? He was just some criminal scum who she’d never see again anyways.

Mocha had just finished deciding this when Maza began to spill the beans for real.

“I guess you deserve a straight answer. It’s pretty hard to peg down how I make a living. It started with stocks and day trading . .Our biggest project these days is in medical tech . . . big time, lots of coin to be had.”

Everything he said flew over her head. Kes had no idea about stocks or business acquisitions. She would simply have to trust Tommy in that Maza was a criminal.

He leaned in and offered her the bottle. Kesia looked at it in disgust for a moment before yanking it from him. She wasn’t a drinker by any means, but her leg was throbbing so much she was willing to try anything to numb it.

“Okay, it’s your turn. What do you do when you’re not tearing hell down the highway?”

She could feel her temper still flaring, the result of her defensive nature. He was asking about her. Getting in her personal space and she hated when anyone did that. Even if they had saved her life.
“What the hell do you care?” She snapped back at him.

Kesia turned away. Why should she tell him anything? The only people who had the right to ask her personal questions were friends, and she didn’t have any. Nor did she want any.

Looking the whiskey bottle over carefully for a few moments she finally tipped it back. The hard liquor burned her throat and made her nearly gag. She coughed and her eyes teared up. Gasping for air, Kes thrust the bottle back at Maza.

After a few more moments passed she spoke up.
“Well Carlos. I don’t do anything. I’m one of those scum that lives on the street,” She told him. It was half true, that was what she had been until she enlisted.

She leaned her head back against the wall and looked at the ceiling only to half knowlingly mutter, “I want to be a pilot someday though..”

Mocha didn’t know why she was telling him anything. Maybe Carlos deserved at least an answer to his question after all he’d done for her, no matter how much she thought she resented his help.

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-29 10:51 ]

[Nomad Soul]

Maza forced her leg down, and bandaged it up while Kesia shifted her eyes away from him uncomfortably. She was impressed that he was able to be so forceful yet still be gentle enough not to hurt her.

“Would you relax already . . This isn’t exactly my idea of a romantic interlude, you know . . .Just be glad you didn’t get shot in the ass.”

She remained silent, forcing herself not to hear his joke. She didn’t need his pity. If she could have, Kes would have loved to just plant the bug on him and walk out of there.

After he finished Maza sat on the floor across from her with the whiskey bottle in hand. He threw it back a few times like an experienced boozehound.

“Whoa, slow down. First off, anyone who can keep up with me on a street bike and take a bullet with my name on it is entitled to call me Carlos. As for your questions let’s see . . .,”

He danced around her questions like any experienced businessman would. That was fine. She didn’t need to know about him anyways, Kes decided. Why bother? He was just some criminal scum who she’d never see again anyways.

Mocha had just finished deciding this when Maza began to spill the beans for real.

“I guess you deserve a straight answer. It’s pretty hard to peg down how I make a living. It started with stocks and day trading . .Our biggest project these days is in medical tech . . . big time, lots of coin to be had.”

Everything he said flew over her head. Kes had no idea about stocks or business acquisitions. She would simply have to trust Tommy in that Maza was a criminal.

He leaned in and offered her the bottle. Kesia looked at it in disgust for a moment before yanking it from him. She wasn’t a drinker by any means, but her leg was throbbing so much she was willing to try anything to numb it.

“Okay, it’s your turn. What do you do when you’re not tearing hell down the highway?”

She could feel her temper still flaring, the result of her defensive nature. He was asking about her. Getting in her personal space and she hated when anyone did that. Even if they had saved her life.
“What the hell do you care?” She snapped back at him.

Kesia turned away. Why should she tell him anything? The only people who had the right to ask her personal questions were friends, and she didn’t have any. Nor did she want any.

Looking the whiskey bottle over carefully for a few moments she finally tipped it back. The hard liquor burned her throat and made her nearly gag. She coughed and her eyes teared up. Gasping for air, Kes thrust the bottle back at Maza.

After a few more moments passed she spoke up.
“Well Carlos. I don’t do anything. I’m one of those scum that lives on the street,” She told him. It was half true, that was what she had been until she enlisted.

She leaned her head back against the wall and looked at the ceiling only to half knowlingly mutter, “I want to be a pilot someday though..”

Mocha didn’t know why she was telling him anything. Maybe Carlos deserved at least an answer to his question after all he’d done for her, no matter how much she thought she resented his help.

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-29 10:51 ]

[Carlos Maza]

“What the hell do you care?”

Maza meets her glare with a smirk and steely-eyed expression of his own. You didn’t get to his position without knowing how to read a person, and he could clearly tell Kes was going to talk. He kept his poker face and waited in silence until she gives in . . .


“Well Carlos. I don’t do anything. I’m one of those scum that lives on the street. I want to be a pilot someday though..”

Carlos gives her a grin that seems to say You’re full of shit . . . but that’s alright. Where he comes from a little bullshit is par for the course.

Maza shrugs and gets back to his feet to glance out the window one more time. “So what’s stopping you?” he asks while his eyes sweep the buildings outside. “The pilot thing I mean.”

[Halo]

“What the hell do you care?”

Maza meets her glare with a smirk and steely-eyed expression of his own. You didn’t get to his position without knowing how to read a person, and he could clearly tell Kes was going to talk. He kept his poker face and waited in silence until she gives in . . .


“Well Carlos. I don’t do anything. I’m one of those scum that lives on the street. I want to be a pilot someday though..”

Carlos gives her a grin that seems to say You’re full of shit . . . but that’s alright. Where he comes from a little bullshit is par for the course.

Maza shrugs and gets back to his feet to glance out the window one more time. “So what’s stopping you?” he asks while his eyes sweep the buildings outside. “The pilot thing I mean.”

[Kesia Alfonse]

“So what’s stopping you? The pilot thing I mean.”

And more questions came. It seemed Carlos was intent on having some sort of small talk with her. Kesia sighed heavily and replied from behind him.

“Well, because no one would take a chance on someone like me. A woman who lives outside of the law’s little box.” She said bluntly while unzipping her racing jacket. “I don’t play by their rules, so I’d be too much of a hassle to handle.”

Kes stared at Maza. For some reason she was almost compelled to ask him a question back, about himself. She wouldn’t do it however, that would mean she cared to know. And Mocha was quite sure that she didn’t give a rat’s ass…wasn’t she?

From her spot on the floor Kesia began to push herself up painfully. She managed to get up on one knee and then slowly rose to her feet. Her injured leg shook under the weight and burned from the inside. The strong willed girl choked back tears.

Maza’s back was turned, which meant she could try to plant the bug. She only took two steps toward him before her leg gave out and she unintentionally fell against his back. To an observer it may have looked like she had embraced him from behind and Kesia was suddenly very aware of this.
“Ah!”
Panicking, she pushed him away hard. Since Carlos was already against a window however she only succeeded in knocking herself over and onto the floor again.

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-30 09:57 ]

[Nomad Soul]

“So what’s stopping you? The pilot thing I mean.”

And more questions came. It seemed Carlos was intent on having some sort of small talk with her. Kesia sighed heavily and replied from behind him.

“Well, because no one would take a chance on someone like me. A woman who lives outside of the law’s little box.” She said bluntly while unzipping her racing jacket. “I don’t play by their rules, so I’d be too much of a hassle to handle.”

Kes stared at Maza. For some reason she was almost compelled to ask him a question back, about himself. She wouldn’t do it however, that would mean she cared to know. And Mocha was quite sure that she didn’t give a rat’s ass…wasn’t she?

From her spot on the floor Kesia began to push herself up painfully. She managed to get up on one knee and then slowly rose to her feet. Her injured leg shook under the weight and burned from the inside. The strong willed girl choked back tears.

Maza’s back was turned, which meant she could try to plant the bug. She only took two steps toward him before her leg gave out and she unintentionally fell against his back. To an observer it may have looked like she had embraced him from behind and Kesia was suddenly very aware of this.
“Ah!”
Panicking, she pushed him away hard. Since Carlos was already against a window however she only succeeded in knocking herself over and onto the floor again.

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2004-12-30 09:57 ]

[Carlos Maza]

“Well, because no one would take a chance on someone like me. A woman who lives outside of the law’s little box.” She said bluntly while unzipping her racing jacket. “I don’t play by their rules, so I’d be too much of a hassle to handle.”

“That’s a shame,” Maza comments as he shifts to glance out the window’s other side. “I bet you’d make a helluva pilot, judging by how you handle a bike. Speed’s in your blood, and you certainly don’t have any fear of – huh, hey?!”

Kesia falls straight into Maza’s back, grasping him around the waist to avoid falling then pushing him against the window to escape the moment of uncomfortable closeness. Carlos turns, his face showing concern, and catches Kesia. “What the hell do you think you’re doing??” he asks as he rests her down gently.

Just then, alternating red and blue lights strobe through the open window blinds and the sirens of fire trucks echo outside. Maza looks back at her in silence. Then, without waiting for protest, he grabs her by the wrist and wraps her arm around his shoulder. He knew the stubborn, prideful girl was going to bitch and moan, but he didn’t care. “Suck it up, Razor,” he says bluntly and begins to carry her towards the door. “You can bitch at me all you want once we make it out alive!”

With that Maza half-carries, half-drags Kesia into the alleyway and makes for safety as fast as the girl’s hobbling legs would allow.

[Halo]

“Well, because no one would take a chance on someone like me. A woman who lives outside of the law’s little box.” She said bluntly while unzipping her racing jacket. “I don’t play by their rules, so I’d be too much of a hassle to handle.”

“That’s a shame,” Maza comments as he shifts to glance out the window’s other side. “I bet you’d make a helluva pilot, judging by how you handle a bike. Speed’s in your blood, and you certainly don’t have any fear of – huh, hey?!”

Kesia falls straight into Maza’s back, grasping him around the waist to avoid falling then pushing him against the window to escape the moment of uncomfortable closeness. Carlos turns, his face showing concern, and catches Kesia. “What the hell do you think you’re doing??” he asks as he rests her down gently.

Just then, alternating red and blue lights strobe through the open window blinds and the sirens of fire trucks echo outside. Maza looks back at her in silence. Then, without waiting for protest, he grabs her by the wrist and wraps her arm around his shoulder. He knew the stubborn, prideful girl was going to bitch and moan, but he didn’t care. “Suck it up, Razor,” he says bluntly and begins to carry her towards the door. “You can bitch at me all you want once we make it out alive!”

With that Maza half-carries, half-drags Kesia into the alleyway and makes for safety as fast as the girl’s hobbling legs would allow.

[Kesia Alfonse]

Instead of feeling the hard floor after knocking herself over, Kesia felt Maza catch her and put her down gently. Horrible embarrassed she said nothing to him, simply looking down at the ground.

That moment of uncomfortable silence was thankfully broken by sirens outside and Carlos lifted her up once again.

“Suck it up, Razor. You can bitch at me all you want once we make it out alive!”

Doing her best to not complain she merely grimaced at him. “Whatever, let’s just get out of here.”

From her pocket Kes carefully activated the bug and used her free hand to place it near the small of his back on his belt (or belt loop if he’s not wearing one). She figured that was as good a spot as any. She didn’t want to put it on his coat because he might take it off at any time that night. He'd be less likely to take off his pants....at least she sincerely hoped so.

Actions:
1) Be extra stealthy
2) Place bug on Maza

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2005-01-05 06:11 ]

[Nomad Soul]

Instead of feeling the hard floor after knocking herself over, Kesia felt Maza catch her and put her down gently. Horrible embarrassed she said nothing to him, simply looking down at the ground.

That moment of uncomfortable silence was thankfully broken by sirens outside and Carlos lifted her up once again.

“Suck it up, Razor. You can bitch at me all you want once we make it out alive!”

Doing her best to not complain she merely grimaced at him. “Whatever, let’s just get out of here.”

From her pocket Kes carefully activated the bug and used her free hand to place it near the small of his back on his belt (or belt loop if he’s not wearing one). She figured that was as good a spot as any. She didn’t want to put it on his coat because he might take it off at any time that night. He'd be less likely to take off his pants....at least she sincerely hoped so.

Actions:
1) Be extra stealthy
2) Place bug on Maza

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2005-01-05 06:11 ]

[Carlos Maza]

Maza carried the hobbling Kesia as swiftly and stealthily as they could manage away from the sirens and burning warehouse. Ash still fell like black snow around them, but with every step the stench of chemical fire became lighter and lighter. Salvation was not far away.

Sensing her moment was finally here, Kes palms the tiny “bug”, snakes her arm around the waist of her walking crutch. She carefully plants the tiny device and activates it!

“Okay, Raze, hold on. We’re almost there, just a few more . . .” suddenly Carlos’ voice goes silent, and then resumes with a bloodcurdling scream of pure agony! He tosses Kesia hard to the ground and when she finally looks up she bares witness to the most gruesome event of her young life. The device she had so artfully planted continued spewing a combination of nano-bacterial acid into his back! Maza flails helplessly as it burrows deep into his body tissue and the harsh stench of charred flesh fills the alleyway. The water of his body became superheated with an internal flash ignition, and heavy boils suddenly bubbled across his once handsome face.

Despite the anguish of having his body literally cooked from the inside out, Maza turns once more to face his assassin. With a face mixed with panicked fear and sorrow-filled confusion he looks at the woman he had risked his own life to save and meekly asks, “why?” before the greenish fire erupts from his every pore and consumes his body.

Within thirty seconds all that remains of Carlos Maza is a vaguely skeletal pile of charred ash.


[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2005-01-05 17:12 ]

[Halo]

Maza carried the hobbling Kesia as swiftly and stealthily as they could manage away from the sirens and burning warehouse. Ash still fell like black snow around them, but with every step the stench of chemical fire became lighter and lighter. Salvation was not far away.

Sensing her moment was finally here, Kes palms the tiny “bug”, snakes her arm around the waist of her walking crutch. She carefully plants the tiny device and activates it!

“Okay, Raze, hold on. We’re almost there, just a few more . . .” suddenly Carlos’ voice goes silent, and then resumes with a bloodcurdling scream of pure agony! He tosses Kesia hard to the ground and when she finally looks up she bares witness to the most gruesome event of her young life. The device she had so artfully planted continued spewing a combination of nano-bacterial acid into his back! Maza flails helplessly as it burrows deep into his body tissue and the harsh stench of charred flesh fills the alleyway. The water of his body became superheated with an internal flash ignition, and heavy boils suddenly bubbled across his once handsome face.

Despite the anguish of having his body literally cooked from the inside out, Maza turns once more to face his assassin. With a face mixed with panicked fear and sorrow-filled confusion he looks at the woman he had risked his own life to save and meekly asks, “why?” before the greenish fire erupts from his every pore and consumes his body.

Within thirty seconds all that remains of Carlos Maza is a vaguely skeletal pile of charred ash.


[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2005-01-05 17:12 ]

[Kesia Alfonse]

Moments after the “bug” had been placed, Carlos suddenly screamed in agony and threw her to the side. What the hell? Kesia thought, wondering if he had been shot by an unseen assailant. As he began to burn from the inside she realized with great horror that she was that assailant.

Panicking she reached out to help him just before he began to burst into green flame. She withdrew her hand, powerless to stop what she had started. Kes felt like she was in a nightmare and was unable to wake up.

Why?

She gasped, but no air entered her lungs. The look on Carlos’ face seemed to reach into her and just crush her heart inside her body.
“No..no I...I didn’t know…please no!” She frantically stammered to him, wanting so much to apologize. To let him know she didn’t mean it and that she was grateful to him. That she cared for her friend Carlos Maza.

It was too late however. A moment later he was dead and it was her fault. She remained kneeling beside him as the ash from the warehouse fire fell like a blanket of black snow onto her. She would have gladly let it cover her completely if she could have. Kes wanted to disappear and make the guilt go away. Her shoulders slumped and her face went blank.

Then something happened to Kesia that hadn’t happened since the day she found out her first love had been killed. Kesia began to weep. Slowly at first but before long she was sobbing uncontrollably.
“No…no come back..” She pleaded to his corpse and reached out to grab it’s gruesome hand. “I’m sorry….I’m so sorry…please..”

The poor girl was blinded by tears and her spirit had been crushed. She withdrew her hand and hugged herself tightly. She whimpered in between screams of sorrow, which steadily built into cries of rage. Finally the sobbing ceased and she looked up. Eyes bloodshot, her face was twisted with rage and hatred. Hatred for Thomas Moreno.

Kesia knew this night would weigh on her forever. She had killed a man who had saved her life. His last thoughts were of betrayal, of how his trust had been exploited. She couldn't stand that he had left the world this way.
She was confident God would see that Maza made his way into heaven where his kind soul belonged, but the least that she could do to repent was get revenge for Carlos.

She quickly put on her helmet and screamed into the mic, nearly salivating with anger.
“You bitch! Who are you two really? Tell me so I can kill you both!”

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2005-01-06 13:20 ]

[Nomad Soul]

Moments after the “bug” had been placed, Carlos suddenly screamed in agony and threw her to the side. What the hell? Kesia thought, wondering if he had been shot by an unseen assailant. As he began to burn from the inside she realized with great horror that she was that assailant.

Panicking she reached out to help him just before he began to burst into green flame. She withdrew her hand, powerless to stop what she had started. Kes felt like she was in a nightmare and was unable to wake up.

Why?

She gasped, but no air entered her lungs. The look on Carlos’ face seemed to reach into her and just crush her heart inside her body.
“No..no I...I didn’t know…please no!” She frantically stammered to him, wanting so much to apologize. To let him know she didn’t mean it and that she was grateful to him. That she cared for her friend Carlos Maza.

It was too late however. A moment later he was dead and it was her fault. She remained kneeling beside him as the ash from the warehouse fire fell like a blanket of black snow onto her. She would have gladly let it cover her completely if she could have. Kes wanted to disappear and make the guilt go away. Her shoulders slumped and her face went blank.

Then something happened to Kesia that hadn’t happened since the day she found out her first love had been killed. Kesia began to weep. Slowly at first but before long she was sobbing uncontrollably.
“No…no come back..” She pleaded to his corpse and reached out to grab it’s gruesome hand. “I’m sorry….I’m so sorry…please..”

The poor girl was blinded by tears and her spirit had been crushed. She withdrew her hand and hugged herself tightly. She whimpered in between screams of sorrow, which steadily built into cries of rage. Finally the sobbing ceased and she looked up. Eyes bloodshot, her face was twisted with rage and hatred. Hatred for Thomas Moreno.

Kesia knew this night would weigh on her forever. She had killed a man who had saved her life. His last thoughts were of betrayal, of how his trust had been exploited. She couldn't stand that he had left the world this way.
She was confident God would see that Maza made his way into heaven where his kind soul belonged, but the least that she could do to repent was get revenge for Carlos.

She quickly put on her helmet and screamed into the mic, nearly salivating with anger.
“You bitch! Who are you two really? Tell me so I can kill you both!”

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2005-01-06 13:20 ]

[Tommy Moreno]

“You bitch! Who are you two really? Tell me so I can kill you both!”

In reply all Kesia gets is a cackling Cajun laughter. “T’anks you sooo much, lil girl,” Rosalie openly taunts. “We couldn’ta dun it wit-outcha!”

Tommy snatches the headset clean off her head and stares daggers. “No need to be a bitch about it,” he chides his wheelchair-bound partner and walks to the edge of the roof. Looking out over City-15 Tommy slips the headset and earpiece on and watches as flames and sirens in the distance mark Carlos Maza’s grave. Taking a deep breath, he keys the mic open. This is gonna suck out loud.

“Kesia . . . it’s Tommy.” He didn’t have the faintest clue why he was pointing that out, or even why he was bothering to have a chat at all, but it all just seemed appropriate. “Look, I know you’re raw as Hell right now, and it doesn’t feel like it . . . but whether you like it or not, you did the galaxy a great service tonight.”

[Halo]

“You bitch! Who are you two really? Tell me so I can kill you both!”

In reply all Kesia gets is a cackling Cajun laughter. “T’anks you sooo much, lil girl,” Rosalie openly taunts. “We couldn’ta dun it wit-outcha!”

Tommy snatches the headset clean off her head and stares daggers. “No need to be a bitch about it,” he chides his wheelchair-bound partner and walks to the edge of the roof. Looking out over City-15 Tommy slips the headset and earpiece on and watches as flames and sirens in the distance mark Carlos Maza’s grave. Taking a deep breath, he keys the mic open. This is gonna suck out loud.

“Kesia . . . it’s Tommy.” He didn’t have the faintest clue why he was pointing that out, or even why he was bothering to have a chat at all, but it all just seemed appropriate. “Look, I know you’re raw as Hell right now, and it doesn’t feel like it . . . but whether you like it or not, you did the galaxy a great service tonight.”

[Kesia Alfonse]

“T’anks you sooo much, lil girl,” Rosalie openly taunts. “We couldn’ta dun it wit-outcha!”

Kesia had thought she had never been so enraged in her life, but Rosalie's comment actually angered her further. She screamed inside her own helmet, nearly deafening herself.
"I'm going to make you pay you wench!"

There was no reply. She wanted the cajun to talk back, she wanted to be able to tell Rosalie how much pain she was going to inflict on her. Seconds later she could her the muffled sounds of the communicator passing hands to Tommy.

“Kesia . . . it’s Tommy. Look, I know you’re raw as Hell right now, and it doesn’t feel like it . . . but whether you like it or not, you did the galaxy a great service tonight.”

"YEAH!?" She screamed. "I think you're wrong. I think you're the one who needs to be brought to justice. But it's too bad for the cops because I'm going to get to you first!"

Kesia's chest was heaving as she took deep breaths. Her muscles twitched and her fists clentched. She wanted to continue threatening Tommy, to remind him that his end was coming. But she had to ask a question or it would plague her forever. She spoke to him again, in a much lower tone. A tone filled with sadness.

"Why? Why me?"

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2005-01-09 00:13 ]

[Nomad Soul]

“T’anks you sooo much, lil girl,” Rosalie openly taunts. “We couldn’ta dun it wit-outcha!”

Kesia had thought she had never been so enraged in her life, but Rosalie's comment actually angered her further. She screamed inside her own helmet, nearly deafening herself.
"I'm going to make you pay you wench!"

There was no reply. She wanted the cajun to talk back, she wanted to be able to tell Rosalie how much pain she was going to inflict on her. Seconds later she could her the muffled sounds of the communicator passing hands to Tommy.

“Kesia . . . it’s Tommy. Look, I know you’re raw as Hell right now, and it doesn’t feel like it . . . but whether you like it or not, you did the galaxy a great service tonight.”

"YEAH!?" She screamed. "I think you're wrong. I think you're the one who needs to be brought to justice. But it's too bad for the cops because I'm going to get to you first!"

Kesia's chest was heaving as she took deep breaths. Her muscles twitched and her fists clentched. She wanted to continue threatening Tommy, to remind him that his end was coming. But she had to ask a question or it would plague her forever. She spoke to him again, in a much lower tone. A tone filled with sadness.

"Why? Why me?"

[ This Message was edited by: Nomad Soul on 2005-01-09 00:13 ]

[Tommy Moreno]

"YEAH!? I think you're wrong. I think you're the one who needs to be brought to justice. But it's too bad for the cops because I'm going to get to you first!"

“Maybe you’re right,” Tommy replies and fishes a buzzing cell phone out of his pocket. He squints at the illuminated displace face and sees its time to wrap this up. “Maybe you’re right, Kes. Maybe you’ll find me . . . and kill me. But that’s alright . . . because what we did tonight is worth more than my life. Or Maza’s. Or even yours. Maybe one day you’ll get to see that.”


"Why? Why me?"

“Because you could,” he gives a brief reply while the cell buzzes again. “Look, right now it’s not me who should be worried about cops. If you don’t want to be arrested for murdering someone with a lot of powerful attorneys, then you’d better get the hell out of there now.”

**CLICK** The comm closes.

OOC: Okay, my next post will officially bring this thread to a close. If you have any parting words or actions, feel free. If not, let me know and I’ll do the conclusion.

[Halo]

"YEAH!? I think you're wrong. I think you're the one who needs to be brought to justice. But it's too bad for the cops because I'm going to get to you first!"

“Maybe you’re right,” Tommy replies and fishes a buzzing cell phone out of his pocket. He squints at the illuminated displace face and sees its time to wrap this up. “Maybe you’re right, Kes. Maybe you’ll find me . . . and kill me. But that’s alright . . . because what we did tonight is worth more than my life. Or Maza’s. Or even yours. Maybe one day you’ll get to see that.”


"Why? Why me?"

“Because you could,” he gives a brief reply while the cell buzzes again. “Look, right now it’s not me who should be worried about cops. If you don’t want to be arrested for murdering someone with a lot of powerful attorneys, then you’d better get the hell out of there now.”

**CLICK** The comm closes.

OOC: Okay, my next post will officially bring this thread to a close. If you have any parting words or actions, feel free. If not, let me know and I’ll do the conclusion.

[Kesia Alfonse]

“... Maybe one day you’ll get to see that.”

Kes didn't care what his reasons were, what Tommy had done to Maza was wrong. And what he had done to her was unacceptable. There was no way he would weasel out of his fate. The fate that she would seal.

“...If you don’t want to be arrested for murdering someone with a lot of powerful attorneys, then you’d better get the hell out of there now.”

She heard the click of the comm going dead. Never the less she still screamed. "Tommy! TOMMY! You son of a..."

Finally she let it go and sighed heavily. As much as she hated to admit it he was right. She had to get out of there. Taking one last look at what was left of Carlos, she made him a silent promise of vengeance and began to limp away from the scene as fast she her injured leg could carry her. Kesia vowed to never forget the second chance at life Carlos Maza had given her.

OOC- Okay I guess that about wraps it up. I had lots of fun, we should do it again sometime!

[Nomad Soul]

“... Maybe one day you’ll get to see that.”

Kes didn't care what his reasons were, what Tommy had done to Maza was wrong. And what he had done to her was unacceptable. There was no way he would weasel out of his fate. The fate that she would seal.

“...If you don’t want to be arrested for murdering someone with a lot of powerful attorneys, then you’d better get the hell out of there now.”

She heard the click of the comm going dead. Never the less she still screamed. "Tommy! TOMMY! You son of a..."

Finally she let it go and sighed heavily. As much as she hated to admit it he was right. She had to get out of there. Taking one last look at what was left of Carlos, she made him a silent promise of vengeance and began to limp away from the scene as fast she her injured leg could carry her. Kesia vowed to never forget the second chance at life Carlos Maza had given her.

OOC- Okay I guess that about wraps it up. I had lots of fun, we should do it again sometime!

[Tommy Moreno]

And now the not-so thrilling conclusion to Night Life.

**CLICK**

Tommy had said his peace and tossed the headset back to his partner. With the hands now free he flips the buzzing cell open and answers. “Yes, sir. Sorry for making you wait, sir.”

The voice on the other end began speaking and Tommy nods his head a few times. “Affirmative, sir. The mission is complete, and a success.” He looks to Rosalie and twirls his finger a few times in a “hurry up” gesture, and she quickly begins packing their gear.

“We got lucky, sir. No, she’s still unable to ride, but a replacement fell right into our laps.” Again he looks towards Rosalie. “Yes, sir . . . she was quite a good match. Same height, hair length, build . . . even the same mocha-colored skin tone. And a helluva street racer to boot. I just had her keep the face down on her helmet and to leave the talking to me . . . . yeah, that accent would’ve given her right away, but Muertes is the only one who heard her talk and I don’t think he’s bright enough to put it together.” He pauses a beat. “Yes, sir. Of course, I’ll have a team see to him immediately.” More talk from the other end. “The replacement? She’s Spacy, sir. Fresh from the Hill . . . Lieutenant Kesia Alfonse assigned to the Burning Tigers.”

More waiting and silent nodding as Tommy listens through the phone. “Thank you, sir. We’ll see you soon.” He closes the phone and turns back to Rosie. “You send that money yet?”

“Yeh, ah wired de cash to Johnson Rentals. Pourquoi?”

“Never mind. Let’s move.”


[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2005-01-13 20:24 ]

[Halo]

And now the not-so thrilling conclusion to Night Life.

**CLICK**

Tommy had said his peace and tossed the headset back to his partner. With the hands now free he flips the buzzing cell open and answers. “Yes, sir. Sorry for making you wait, sir.”

The voice on the other end began speaking and Tommy nods his head a few times. “Affirmative, sir. The mission is complete, and a success.” He looks to Rosalie and twirls his finger a few times in a “hurry up” gesture, and she quickly begins packing their gear.

“We got lucky, sir. No, she’s still unable to ride, but a replacement fell right into our laps.” Again he looks towards Rosalie. “Yes, sir . . . she was quite a good match. Same height, hair length, build . . . even the same mocha-colored skin tone. And a helluva street racer to boot. I just had her keep the face down on her helmet and to leave the talking to me . . . . yeah, that accent would’ve given her right away, but Muertes is the only one who heard her talk and I don’t think he’s bright enough to put it together.” He pauses a beat. “Yes, sir. Of course, I’ll have a team see to him immediately.” More talk from the other end. “The replacement? She’s Spacy, sir. Fresh from the Hill . . . Lieutenant Kesia Alfonse assigned to the Burning Tigers.”

More waiting and silent nodding as Tommy listens through the phone. “Thank you, sir. We’ll see you soon.” He closes the phone and turns back to Rosie. “You send that money yet?”

“Yeh, ah wired de cash to Johnson Rentals. Pourquoi?”

“Never mind. Let’s move.”


[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2005-01-13 20:24 ]

[Halo]

The longest night of Kesia’s life only grew longer and longer. Heeding her enemy’s advice, she abandoned the remains of Carlos Maza and fled the crime scene. Not far from the warehouse district she was fortunate enough to find an all hours clinic that didn’t ask questions when someone showed up covered in ash with a bullet wound (yeah, it’s that kind of neighborhood).

They saw to her leg, cleaned it, and instructed her to change the bandage daily. Although antibiotics, pain killers and bandages went a long way towards feeling better physically, they did nothing to solve the numbness in her heart or burning vengeance in her soul.

And it was that burning that kept her going. Telling her to get back on her feet, and prepared her for the following day when she’d meet the Tempest Wolves and begin her new life as a combat pilot. And although she would be leaving this city behind her, she knew this story wasn’t over . . . and never would be as long as Tommy Moreno still drew breath.


OOC: And thus we bring the Night Life story to a close. But have no fear NL fans! The adventures of Kesia Alfonse continue here: http://boards.macrossrpg.com/viewtopic.php?topic=5015&forum=67&176

And our friends Tommy and Rosalie will be seen again!



[ This Message was edited by: Halo on 2005-01-16 16:42 ]