[Junk XIII] She's Gone (J 6-1)

Rich

Jack,

It's evening when you catch up with Rinso. You found him at Loots. He's been putting them away, the guy's as drunk as he acted at Cat's. Is Aqua with you or is she supposed to come along later?

There are some Libs in here, too. Honeycrisps and Jonamac are with some of the Prospects, talking and joking.

What do you do?

Adam

Aqua is with me. As it just so happens, we had the same idea for our evening meal — what can I say? Butter Nut knows how to make a good meal... After we finished up eating, we decided to go meet Rinso at Loots', as we originally agreed. The place is exactly as I remember it, but I give Aqua a concerned look when I spot Rinso drunk as a skunk, and I grab a seat next to him.

I gently grab the drink in his hand, and place it out of his immediate reach, "Rinso... Is there something you'd like to talk about?"

Rich

Rinso's sitting with six empty cans and three stacked up shot glasses around him, like he marked territory. He looks over at you, Jack, and says, "She's gone, Jack. Both of them are gone. Candies, too, even the babies. Just up and took off north. Gone."

Adam

My gods this man can drink... I look over to Aqua, and whisper, "could you get him some water, my dear?" Then I turn my attention back to him. I dare say I feel bad for the large man — coming home to an empty house — but now I'm simply curious. "Kiddo, I take it? What in the name of all the junk that's ever fallen from the sky could be worth travelling up North?"

Rich

"She took her frakkin gang up to the Ascendant to fetch her parents, Jack." Rinso says miserably. Aqua orders some water, then he continues, "She's moved on, gave up on me, man. I can't go... I still gotta do Walmart. Doesn't even matter anymore."

Adam

The Ascendant? Branigans' sandbox? My nostrils flare, and I grip his forearm tightly. "Rinso — listen to me. It is vital that you understand what I'm about to say — because I do not normally say things like this very often..."

I lean in close, and stare urgently into his eyes, "Frak. Walmart."

I mean it too. "Kiddo, and her family, may be in the hands of a man who plays with people's minds for sport. There can be no mistake: you are needed there now, more than ever."

Rich

Rinso looks up at you, "But the list, Jack. I gotta clear my debts, she won't even take me, man."

Aqua slides a water in front of both of you. She's not a counseling kind of girl, but she's here.

Adam

I slick some hair back behind my ear and shake my head. "Priorities, Rinso — priorities! Kiddo, the woman you love who is pregnant with your child, took her family and gang north to the home of a renowned psychopath. Your list is worthless if something happens to her. Why are you even doing this list for her continued safety if her immediate safety is at risk?"

The choice seems clear to me...

Rich

This sounds like a damn good manipulate opportunity. Let's see how it goes, Jack.

I assume you want him to up and go north ASAP, right? Leverage is faith in him and Kiddo and her safety (and VB's, too)

Adam

OOC: Manipulating Rinso. Roll+Hot. +1XP.
(Rolled: 2d6+1. Rolls: 3, 5. Total: 9)

Rich

Rinso finishes his last drink, slams it into the bar and slurs, "Frak yeah. Less go." He stands up, steadies himself, then looks at you and Aqua, "Ima go to the truck now. I got a whole frakkin jingle if we go tonight, y'all frakkers can split it."

What do you do?

Adam

I look to Aqua, then up to the drunken behemoth towering over us... "Perhaps you should drink some water, Rinso? To sober yourself up for the road?" I turn my gaze back down to Aqua, "It's yours if you want it, my dear. It's not my truck, after all..."

Rich

Rinso takes the water, drinks it for a bit. "I'll ride inna back, puke out the side. Less go!"

Aqua shrugs, "If you can leave now, I travel light. We can hit Recliffe tonight, then head north. Make it close to Salt by morning..." Make it close to where he died, more like it.

Adam

There's something downright jovial about his new-found enthusiasm. I chuckle to myself as he promises to "puke out the side" of the truck, and take a drink of water myself before addressing Aquafina. "You truly are a miracle worker, to make time like that... Let's go. We can sort out the details on the road."

Rich

Aqua shakes her head at Rinso staggering for the truck and says, "For a jingle, I can make ALOT happen, Jack." When you get outside, she sort of brushes her shoulder against yours and says, "Hey, Jack. Thanks for being honest with me before. I guess it isn't easy, sharing stuff like that. Or, well, knowing you might hurt someone when you sleep with them."

Adam

I nod courteously when Aqua thanks me for being honest. It seems to me this gratitude should be coming from me, for not running to the hills; but her acceptance of me, as tenuous as it may be at the moment, means quite a bit more than you'd suspect. I could live with her rejection, if it came to it; but her acceptance is a welcome change to a tune I've heard far too often.

I smile, and brush my shoulder against her. "You deserve no less than the truth, my dear... Whatever decision you come to regarding me, I want you to be sure it is your own." My past is something I cannot change — but I try my best not to let it destroy the man I hope to be. "I will admit though... You are a challenging lady to resist, in the heat of the moment. I hope you will not hold it against me if I follow your lead here."

Rich

"You are trouble, Jack," Aquafina says, but her tone is complimentary.

Within maybe half an hour, you've gathered up the meager cargo Aqua could gather for trade and you're driving off into the night. Rinso kept his word, sitting in the bed of the truck, puking out of the side. He's still wasted, but now he's drinking lots of water instead of alcohol. He swears he's going to be fine in the morning.

Let's try a custom move for this, yeah?

When you go for a drive at night near Wendy territory, roll +Weird
On a 10+, you avoid them by picking the right moments and avoiding their signs.
On a 7-9, Wendys are nearby and you either need to gun it to outrun them or drive way the hell out of your way
On a miss, you were surprised by a gang of Wendys. Not good. Not good at all.

Adam

OOC: Night driving. Roll+Weird. +1XP
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 2, 2. Total: 7)

Rich

Jack,

The first rays of the sun are showing over the horizon. Rinso is asleep in the bed of the truck, and you're riding beside a humming Aquafina when you get a tingling at the base of your skull. You're about an hour south of Salt, you'd say.

The tingling is quickly followed by the sight of some movement a mile off in the low-lying scrub, some bushes are moving like camouflaged vehicles. It so happens that Aqua doesn't see this at all, because she's slowing the truck down.

As the truck is coming to a stop, Aquafina says, "You know... I think this is the spot. There! That's the campfire and rocks. This is it, Jack."

What do you do?

Adam

This is extremely troubling... I look over to Aqua, an urgent look on my face, "My dear... I caught some movement out in the brush about a mile that way. Are you sure you wouldn't rather return in the daylight, with Rinso both sober and awake?"

Rich

Aquafina looks up, startled, "Movement? Gods, where?" She speeds up, looking this way and that. The road is rough here, so the ride is getting bumpy as she speeds up. The bushes move faster, and then they fall away, you see four Wendys trucks.

What do you do?

Adam

OOC: Reading the sitch... Because, why not? Roll+Sharp.
(Rolled: 2d6. Rolls: 3, 6. Total: 9)

Adam

OOC: What's my best escape route?

Rich

You know these four vehicles are set up to push her forward on the road into a trap. But it takes time for the trap to spring, for those ahead to know you're coming. If Aquafina can hit the nitro, keep it on the road, then you should be able to blaze through.

If you urge her to follow through on that, Act Under Fire with a +1 on the sitch.

Adam

I point out the road ahead, and stress the importance of blazing through here quickly.

Getting caught now would be ... problematic.

OOC: Acting under Fire. Roll+Cool. +1forward.
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 1, 1. Total: 4)

Rich

Aquafina nods and bears down, pedal to the metal. The bumps are rough, waking Rinso. He sits up, sees the Wendys giving chase and scrambles to bring his pulse rifle to bear.

Up ahead, Aquafina sees the front group pinching in, and she frantically pops the cover over her nitro button and mashes it. At the same time, Rinso was about to fire on one of the trucks, and the sudden jerk of the truck sends his shot wide, spraying bullets into the air harmlessly. He curses and tries to draw another bead.

Meanwhile up front, Aqua is handling the road as best as she can, the truck barreling forward, bumpity bump on the dirt road. You see the crap bikes ahead, this is Grimace's crew, they're going to try and drive you off the road. But hell, Aqua's nitro is more than they can handle. You're going to make it, to outrun them!

Right as you're coming up parallel to the bikes, on the left and right, painted purple with streamers off the handles flying in the wind, right then, you hit a pothole the size of Loots, and CRACK, the front axle splits. Fully splits in half.

The bastards must've dug a trench, because the front bumper drops down a meter almost and slams into the ground. Your head is thrown into the windshield, Aqua's is, too. Take 2-Harm.

Rinso must have gone flying, who knows where. The truck is slagged. You can probably push open your door. Aqua is dazed, barely moving, there's blood on her face and arms from the broken windshield.

What do you do?

Rich

Harm Move:
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 6, 6. Total: 14)

Rich

Oh and by the way, Jack. The front console on this sunnuvabitch is pinning your right leg. You're trapped in here right now.

Adam

I'm seeing stars as I pull my face off the dashboard of the truck, and struggle against my pinned legs in the dashboard — I cry out in pain as I realize it'll be a chore to get out from under here.

"Aqua," I cry, "Aqua! Run! Don't let them catch you!"

I need to get out of here. I need to make sure the Wendys don't take them.

Rich

Aquafina moves through molasses, her head lolling about as she tries to shake out the cobwebs. She mumbles, "Pistol inna glovebox." She doesn't even realize your knee is halfway in the damn glovebox.

Then you hear the bikes coming closer. The sound of boots running, dirt skitters from the top of the trench down and some frakker jumps down to land on your hood. It's this asshole, with a stupid-big-looking wrench like out of some video game.


He looks down at Aqua, who freezes when she looks up at him. Then he looks to you. It's Sweet T. How do you know this guy, Jack?

Adam

Sweet T is my half-brother. I never did like him much... I fumble down in the glove compartment for the gun — if I can just get to Aqua, and give her my earbuds... I must get to Aqua.

I must.

Rich

Sweet T takes the wrench and pries the frame of the windshield and pulls it back...

Give me an Act Under Fire, Jack.

Adam

OOC: Act under fire. Roll+Cool.
(Rolled: 2d6+1. Rolls: 2, 2. Total: 5)

Rich

Aquafina is whining in fear now, tears running down her blood-smeared face. The glovebox won't open, your iPod must've fallen down in the wreck, somewhere in the floorboard. No wait! You see it, by your left foot.

"Hey! Is that you, Jack?" It's been forever since you heard that voice, all fake gravelly like Sweet T does. Of course he'd know you, right? Wait, Jack, I'm curious. Did you ever wear the makeup?

"I got the big one!" you hear a voice from above. A woman's. Might be Chargrilled, she's got that certain lilt to how she talks.

Sweet T looks up, "Hey! Jack's down here!" He reaches down to grab your shirt and pull you up, but you're stuck in there good. It hurts like a bitch. And then he lets go, and drops down beside you, standing right outside the passenger door, looking in at you.

What do you do?

Adam

Don't be ridiculous — I would never wear that horrid warpaint. It's bad enough they gave me this horrible name, a cross to bear the rest of my life, but when the "suggestion" came down for me to wear the makeup, I declined.

Well, I didn't decline so much as steal away in the middle of the night...

I can't go back — I won't — but I can't use my projector either... It would kill them, I'm sure... Poor Aqua in her state... I need to bargain.

"Let them go, Sweet T," I whisper, "Just let them go, and I'll do whatever you want."

Rich

"Awwww., little brother, don't you fret now! Ima get you outta there." He climbs back on the hood, then steps up to the ground level, and you hear him shout, "Satisfries! Get me a crowbar, yeah!"

Aquafina opens her right eye, the one that isn't swelled shut right now, and looks at you. Like you're an alien. Like she doesn't know you. Like maybe she never knew you. "Just... just shoot me. I don't wanna be raped."

Adam

A tear strolls down my face when I hear Aquafina beg for me to take her life with that look on her face... The look I've seen so many times before. I will never escape my lineage, it seems...

If I could only guarantee her safety. If I could only send these monsters away. If only I had that gun, I would do anything she asked to make up for this mess. I can't bring myself to watch her suffer, but I don't want to kill her... If I gamble with her pain and suffering, does that make me a monster?

I fear it is too late to recover from this wound...

"Tee," I taste blood pooling in my mouth... I spit it out on the dashboard, and realize just how bad things must be. "Tee, don't touch them! Don't lay a finger on them! Let them go, please! I beg you!"

Rich

Sweet T comes back with a crowbar, and starts working at the door, "I bet that one was cute. I mean, before the wreck and all. She looks a little familiar, but hell, you see one, you've seen them all, am I right?" He grunts with effort and tugs at the door, and the sound of grating metal and this enormous pressure on your leg happens. Then, pop, the door falls off.

You can slip your legs to the side now, Jack. You realize you could do that and the gun should be right there. Sweet T doesn't even have a gun, just that crowbar. But how many Wendys are around? How far would you get? And any leverage you might have would evaporate.

So what do you do now, Jack? Want to roll a Manipulate on your half-brother? Or grab that gun and try to do something with it?

Adam

The numbers are against me. If I bring a gun to bear on my own half brother, I'll have nothing they want. Even now, the only thing I have to offer is understanding... That, and the weak blood bond I share with some of them...

I suppose I simply have to throw myself on my sword for them... Perhaps, if I am lucky, they will understand their wayward son's needs.

Adam

OOC: Manipulating Sweet T. Roll+Hot. +1XP.
(Rolled: 2d6+1. Rolls: 5, 5. Total: 11)

Rich

Sweet T reaches in and pulls you out of the truck, actually picking you up like a baby. He walks you over to the bed of the truck, which is at an odd angle, and sits you down. You're sitting up in the back of the truck now, and you see maybe a half dozen Wendys standing around what is probably Rinso.

"Little brother, isn't it crazy?" Sweet T asks as he leans against the truck, propping an arm up, and looking at you. "I never expected you'd come back to us. Ran from the paint. It happens. Ma's still pissed. You know, she carves out a plate of meat for you at every meal. Won't let anyone touch it! At least, not till she goes to sleep. Then the ragamuffins can pick it over." He smirks at you, which looks wicked in the paint, points at you like he's scolding,"And you've been missing some good cuts, little brother."

Then Sweet T looks down at your leg, "Hurts, hunh? Good, reminds you that you're alive. Alright, here's the deal, Jack. The truck is ours by rights. You know that, nobody would argue that. But the two folks with ya. They can walk to Salt. Probably get there in a day or so. We'll give em three. And you come back to see Ma." He pats your leg, just enough to hurt like hell.

"Deal, little bro?"

Adam

I clench my teeth, and cross my eyes in pain when he pats my leg. What can I do? He has me. As little as I desired to see my mother again, I will do it... I must.

I feel myself nod involuntarily — ashamed of myself for cowing to these demands. I'm not sure either of them would stand a chance exposed to the elements... I would never forgive myself if they didnt' make it. Rinso needs to be there for his child, and Aqua deserves her freedom. "I want to see them to Salt... I need to make sure they make it alive. When I'm satisfied they are in the care of the people of Salt, I will return here... And visit my mother."

Rich

Sweet T looks at you curiously, then walks over to the empty space that once had a passenger door. He calls in, "Hey there, little lady. You want Jack to escort you to Salt?" He pauses, there's no answer. He says, "No?" like she's answering him.

"Little bro, I don't think she wants you to go nowhere with you."

Adam

...

I hang my head in shame, and feel another tear roll down my cheek.

"Then let them go..." I'm not sure I could walk the distance anyway. I suppose one reaps what one sows.

Rich

Sweet T calls out, "Satisfries! Get the big one up and moving. He gets to walk to Salt with this little girl here." He climbs over the hood of the truck to open Aquafina's door and says, "You know what, little lady? It is your LUCK DAY! You get three days to walk to Salt. No food, no water, but both of those are at Salt, aint they?"

He pulls her out of the truck and drops her on the ground. She cries out in pain, but says nothing. Sweet T is out of your line of sight, but you hear him loud and clear when he says, "You got three days, baby. And on the fourth, you're allll ours. So you best walk fast!"

As you're laying there, listening to her breathing and sobbing, trying to keep it together, Rinso comes limping up. His face is a mess, a real mess. His ankle might be broken, his left arm looks twisted up, too. He says through broken teeth, "I... I frakked up, man. Sorry. Why're they letting us go? An not you, Jack?"

Adam

My hand is to my face, covering my eyes as Rinso approaches... I can't look either of them in the eye... He asks why they're letting them go and not me... "Because I am not like you," I mumble. I reach up to my coat, and fumble with my jacket for a moment. I think I may have broken a rib — the pain is quite significant.

After some effort, I manage to produce my bag of jingle — every last bit I have. I've had less when I first started... It will only take me a few years to accumulate it again. I hand it to Rinso. "It won't tally against the pain I've caused you both, but I've no use for it... If they send someone after you before you can manage to get back, pay them off with this. If either of you need medical attention, pay them with this. With whatever is left, rebuild."

OOC: That would be 4-barter currently.

Rich

Rinso stares at you for a moment, not following. The big guy stumble walks over, takes the bag, not looking in it. He wouldn't insult you that way. He looks at Sweet T, and the others. "Jack... you don't hafta do this." He's limp-walking over to Aquafina, he's not going to stand around here, not with the chance of the capricious Wendys glaring at him.

Adam

No, I don't have to do this. I have chosen to do it. I know who I was, who I am, and who I want to be... I will not let my past get in the way of that.

I watch them leave out of the corner of my eye... It is a bittersweet reminder that playing with the fires of passion burns. The look Aquafina gave me is a scar on my mind I will never forget — I will cherish the few moments we had together, but it will hurt forever knowing that I'm sure she'd be happier if she never met me.

The path back home is as familiar to me now as it was when I was a boy... I could walk it blindfolded, I'm sure — but the sooner I get these people away from Rinso and Aquafina, the sooner they can move on with their lives.

Rich

--END SCENE--