He can see something in my eyes when he says "snuff out Dremmer" and I just tense.
"Esco... you're doin' good stuff at the Diamond... givin' lotsa people a place and a fair chance." I shake my head, Pound a fist on the bartop. "But fugg it... Dre…
Concern on my face. I know what those stun-sticks do to you. We each had to get zapped by one in training... that ain't fun.
Not surprised Esco fekked her... little more surprised that he's got those kind of feelings for her. Kind of surprised that…
I listen... yeah the comment about the shotgun and stuff was a joke. Maybe I don't tell it right.
"Dremmer," I shake my head, "U.F. hardass. He took out an old friend, and things bein' what they are I guess telling him off falls in my lap."
I swi…
I laugh in return, "pretty sure she don't have a shotgun, at least... and I wager nine outta ten 'gainst her bein' a man."
The new drink arrives, "I learned I owe some Rocksucker a stompin' but it feels like the world's conspirin' to get my ass dru…
Esco, Esco, Esco. Not surprised. I have to smile softly and shake my head.
"Thanks for the offer," I raise a hand, palm out, politely decline, "you two have a good time..."
Esco takes a seat, I adjust my position in a bit to facilitate chatting.
…
A nod at the barkeeps words of wisdom. Keep on keepin' on. Yeah.
Someone with as perceptive an eye as Esco might smell a bit o'drink on me. Not ragin' drunk but it's clear I put down a drink or two.
"Speak 'o the devil and the devil doth appear!" …
"Yeah... kinda my job..." I try to control my breathing, which I just realize has been a little ragged. Let Arcpenny get to me a bit. Not good. He's the past.
"Thanks for the drink... can't tell ya how much I needed one," I continue. "'fraid I got …
Is this... Dremmer's place? I nod back to the guards, fake-punch one of 'em in the shoulder as I pass.
Yeah, I take the offer of a drink, pretty much never a good idea to turn down food or drink when offered... almost never... but I got two shots …
I flip the door the bird over my shoulder as I leave, just have this frustration welled up inside. Like I needed this shiite!
I wipe my brow with a sleeve, throw my helmet back on my head and march outta the genera vicinity towards the car. I asked…
He's getting me hot. Not in the good way.
"Fugg it, Captain!" I lose my cool and shout, "did you bring me in here to say adios to our old friend? Hell for a second I thought you might actually be human! Still just givin' me shiite about not followi…
I feel the burn behind my eyes. He's playin' me on my loyalties.
"I don't fuggin know! You think that's how it is? Every fuggin day the same in here? Makes no matter?" He's fugged up, feels his failure burning in his head... missing Princy and feel…
Of course I'm being watched. But I figure they don't feature me... I'm probably a black mark on the service. Probably.
I take a good look at the device, but don't yet take it. "Lots'a hardware making it's way into the place these days huh?"
I don'…
I nod. "I know Dremmer... 'course UF don't share fleas...." I think a moment, surprised if Arcpenny doesn't know this, "but we're pretty much on his home turf here, Captain. Wouldn't surprise me to find him polishin' jingle yonder at The Pit..."
I …
Keep calm. He's talking about breaking all kinds of rules on my account... wait. Is he askin' a price?
"You know revenge ain't my thing," I glance at my helmet where I left it on a chair, maybe this is more business than I thought. Hope not.
"But …
Nothing to fuggin' say. I wipe the corner of an eye with the back of my wrist. Lower my still-empty glass and place it on the corner of his desk with a "clack."
"B-town East, huh? You could do worse, Captain," much worse. "I'll swing by... when the…
We get lost, a little, in that warm glow of reminiscence. Easy to forget, for a while, that I'm a non-person and he's... I guess... wholly and legally superior to me in pretty much every regard.
I still don't know what my legal status is. Am I miss…
It's hard to listen to the crap excuses they've given Arcpenny. I try to believe he's on the right side of things... but you know. I did dust off and leave the unit.
I hold out my glass for a refill and remember Princy, the guy was as gentle as the…
Inhale through my teeth as he points out the injury. The alcohol feels cool in my mouth and burns nicely in the back of my mouth.
"Classified?" I think on that one... at least during my time the unit was designated "Prisoner Orientation" which invo…
Awkwardly, I stand here watching the Captain pour our drinks into glasses that I can't help but think Esco would die to have on his bar until Arcpenny finally reveals why I'm here. And why he wanted to see me in particular.
My throat suddenly dry, …
Yeah this feels weird. Nostalgic, bit claustrophobic, bit alien. As I walk down the hall I consider the fact that this may be another attempt to bring me in as they say. But I'm pretty sure they've given up on that. This location and the atmosphere.…
I raise an eyebrow, "it ain't nothin like that!" I almost lose my cool a bit. Seriously?
Fraternize. Really. Pretty sure that's not policy. I'll have to ask.
"Car's parked over yonder," I point back towards the local garage. "Meet up wit'cha ther…
He's givin' me that look.
I grin, "some people'd say it's always a bad time 'round here." I chuckle and shrug. He's a welcome sight but the timing could be better, "supposed to be a private affair... but I reckon you and I can talk the news on the…
Too much information... I just roll with it.
"Congrats on the discovery," I say with a bit of dry amusement. I stay where I can be seen from the door, but a bit to the side. Even though the slot is closed I'm sure I'm on camera.
Not wanting to say…
Been holding my surprise at finding Esco out here in the relative wild. Once the slot slides closed I relax a little and tilt my head towards the man.
"Sup Esco? Surprised to see your face so far outside'a the Diamond. How's the... Uh... hunting…
I clench my teeth, still weird me out to be called that. On this side of the visor it rrally don't feel too friendly.
"I'm uh... " damn it why don't I have something in mind to say, "Im permitted in this sector, officer. Why don't you check wi…
Don't get out to B-town East too often. Esco looking for new girls is news, and I'm keeping eyes out. Esco is kinda harsh on the ears sometimes but at least he's fair and you know where you stand at the Diamond.
The other reason. Yeah. I have't rec…