[Junk XIII] North of the Pods (K 2-1, S 2-1)

Rich

You've been on the road for a couple days since you left Salt. You passed "the pods", that valley where a huge colony ship crashed a long time ago. You see the smoke, and jutting up, just barely, gleaming white giant cylinders, the pair of pods, Pod A and Pod B. It's a graveyard now.

You haven't seen signs of the Wendys up north, not yet. There are other gang signs, though. There's a scuttled pick-up truck, flipped on its side, riddled with bullet holes. No bodies, but nailed into the tires are strips of colored plastic. It isn't until you get close up that you recognize them as candy bar wrappers.

Anyways, the next stop is Trench, it's just above you on a hill, overlooking the Junkwastes to your west. It has high walls made of mud bricks and metal plating and lookouts in towers with big guns and the place is safe with a capital S. What have you heard about how they keep their citizens so safe, Kiddo? Stitch, what did Metro warn you about Trench?

Here's a pic of it from the road:


As you see Trench up ahead, KellyTires first broadcast is about to start. Who's listening?

Stitch,

Speaking of your new friend, how did the next morning go with Metro? What image of him do you keep coming back to on the road? Kodak asked if you could take a shift driving, which is what you're doing now. Did you put up a fuss?

Please roll +Sharp. On a hit, choose options to be true. On a 7–9, choose 1. On a 10+, both are true:
* Your driving has gone better than you expected, it's actually quite nice being behind a wheel. Take +1 Forward to your next driving roll with this truck
* You’ve kept everyone healthy and wise. Wealthy will come sometime after the trip, right? The group is feeling upbeat. Take 1-Barter for that good work.

On a miss, none of them are true.


Kiddo,

How are things with Rinso now? Did you share what happened in the smoke, with Olimpia, or have you kept that to yourself? What about that dune buggy? Is it hitched behind a truck or is someone driving it now?

On a 10+, the trip went according to plan. Wasn't a cake walk, but you made it to Trench.
On a 7-9, you choose:
* used an extra barter of bullets fending off raiders, which kept them from hitting anyone, but you know bullets don't grow on trees
* used an extra barter of food, the weather turned on you, you had to hole up for a bit, or animals took it in the night

On a miss, you didn't make it to Trench quite yet because something happened.

Genevieve

Metro warned me that the woman who runs Trench- Spanx- is capital C, crazy. Just when you write her off as a nutjob- she talks to herself and seems to have multiple personalities- she does something ruthless or genius. She is either crazy or brilliant- probably both.

The morning with Metro was fun, if too short. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face and nearly decided to skip the trip and stay in Salt with him- but we've both got work to do, so more play time is gonna have to wait until later.

Before yesterday I would have put up a fuss about driving, but after driving Metro's van, I'm itching to get behind the wheel again. Kodak's truck isn't in nearly as good condition as Metro's, but it's still wheels. If it's got a radio I've got the radio on, trying to save the batteries Metro gave me.

OOC: Sharp roll incoming.

Genevieve

OOC: Roll+sharp.
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 1, 6. Total: 9)

Genevieve

OOC: "Your driving has gone better than you expected..."

I forgot how much I enjoyed driving- I didn't get to do much of it back in Imbria, most of the cars were self-driving hovercars and that just wasn't fun at all. I keep going back to Metro's smirk, and how it changed when I took my shirt off. He didn't even ask about my scars.

Adam

Rinso... We talked. It's complicated, yeah? We're both busy with work, and we can't share shifts like we did back at Salt... We need sleep. I was grouchy from the lack of sleep that first day; but I managed to get a nap in, and spill the beans to both him and Vee about the details of the Valley. I didn't tell Kodak, or Stitch and Svenja. They don't need to be dragged into this.

I left the dune buggy with Hump, in case they needed it. I'm not sure that was such a good idea...

Adam

OOC: Guarding the Caravan. Roll+cool.
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 1, 3. Total: 7)

Adam

We got hit by a dust storm a few days after breaking the North end of the valley, and we needed to hole up. We ate through more food than we expected, and somehow that's my responsibility.

Logitech will be hearing about this, I guaran-frakking-tee you.

Rich

Stitch,

You're driving Betty, with Caroline rolling behind you.

Kiddo,

You're up front with Kodak and VB.

Along noon, you try to tune in on the first broadcast. The truck radio sparks to life. After a few moments of running up and down the dial, you catch a very faint flicker of a signal. It's KellyTires.

"... station on the new Junk World Radio. I'm KellyTires, and I'm talking to YOU right now! That's right, this is a LIVE broadcast from Salt! Listen up, kids, because this is the first moment in a string of moments. I'm gonna talk for a bit, then serve you up some tunes! So, first things first, a big thank you to all the members of the Junk World Radio Network. We couldn't have done it without you.

KellyTires lists out about twenty folks, some names you recognize, Kiddo. Others you know, too, Stitch. Like Logitech, and Oliver, and Zero, too. Metro is listed in the roll as well. You're making a curve to the right to take the winding road up to Trench. Kodak told you all that you're doing a drop and pick-up here, but communications are down to Trench, so Kodak will probably need to wheel n deal for half a day.

As you're slowly heading towards the back of a long line of folks on foot, bike or walking carts, KellyTires continues:

"So, ah... here we are, up on Radio Tower One, me and Topps and her beau Humphrey, and we're looking across the scrub south and it is a toasty day. Sky is clear, so it's a good day for a drive. Speaking of a good drive, I want to take a moment to say hi to our listeners on the road. Hi there Kodak, Bank, Motel6, Rinso, VB, Svenja, Kiddo and Stitch. Oh wait, hold on..."

Hump's voice comes on, "Hey guys! It's me, Humphrey! Hi Kiddo! Hey Vee, Rinnie, Venger and Stitch! Hey Kodak! Hey Motel and Bank! I hope you guys are having a smooth ride! I'm gonna play Low Rider for you in a bit, sis!"

Topps takes over and says, "Well, since we're having personal greetings, I've got one more. It's from our very own radio tower tech to somebody special. He wouldn't say who, but he says she's got great taste in art! Annnnd, he said she's up in the sky of his starry night!" She pauses, there's some side conversation, and then KellyTires cuts over to a bouncy song, a traveling song. What is it?

After a half hour of edging forward in line, you finally come up to the gate. There are four men here, in armor made from old tires stitched together. Didn't Rolo say he came from Trench? There's a girl with grimy teeth up on the tower, she's sitting behind some frakking electricity gun or something, looks like it was recovered from a starship and retrofitted. Stitch, what the hell does that thing fire?

Kiddo, that's about when you see someone heading into Trench that you missed while you were in line. Who is it, and why were they ducking you?

Adam

I smirk at Hump's little intro to the airwaves, and kick my feet up while we drive up to the gates. I didn't give it much thought at first, but ... Wasn't that Fox's kid running into Trench? Oh... What was her name... Sapphire? Yeah! That's it!

Sapphire's a bit of a weird lone-wolf. She's quiet, and patient, and a wicked frakking shot. I've had drinks with her before — we're on good terms. Why would she be...

... Oh frak... Someone's gunna die.

Genevieve

I break out in a stupid grin when Topps comes on the radio- the only thing better would be for Metro to actually get on air. I try and tamp down the grin, but I'm sure Bank can put two and two together.

I'm a little nervous going into Trench- there's so many people outside the walls... Oh fuck, is that a laser rifle that girls got? They must have scavenged it off a starship. She's kinda small to be packing that kind of firepower- the thing can cut through a ship's hull. Don't know how they keep it juiced up, though, that thing sucks power like nobody's business.

Rich

The song playing is I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers

Kodak looks over to you, Kiddo, "Hey, take over the wheel. I'm gonna hop out and talk to the guards, try to grease the wheels, get the low down. Did you hide your rifles in the boxed already? You did, right?" He slips out of the driver's side, and you crawl over VB, right? She pinches your ass and snickers a bit.

You watch as Kodak chats with the lead guard, a big beefy guy, dusky skinned, makes his teeth look pearly white. Kodak slips him some jingle. What goes for currency on the road, Kiddo? Anyhow, you catch Kodak sliding this guy three barter. That's pretty steep, isn't it? Is that the going rate or is Kodak paying extra?

Stitch, you've got a morose Bank up front with you. She's been quiet most of the trip, but listening to the radio with you, hearing music, it seems to open her up a bit. She says, "U an I, we been to Trench a bunch. Always travelin passes, meanin three days. That's all ya get if yer a merchant or driver or whatnot. Keeps out the riff raff." She adjusts her rearview, sees Motel, then looks back at you, "Folk that live there are Trench citizens, an proud of it. They live pretty well, good food, a few teachers an docs. Real oasis. Ya know, you could get in here, bein a doc an all."

Genevieve

I wonder what kind of equipment the doctors in Trench have to work with. Better than the stuff in Boomtown, I'm sure. I shrug when Bank says I could get in there- the walls keep the riff raff out, but they keep folk in, too.

"Eh. Figure I'll do this job and then worry about the next." I reply.

Adam

I turn to Kodak and shoot him a dubious look, "Dude, I haven't carried a rifle in years..." I pat the holster strapped to my leg, "but it doesn't frakking matter. I can live with li'l whisper here." I reach for the wheel and push him over. "Skooch!"

I giggle when Vee pinches my ass and Honk the horn to scare Kodak as he walks off.

... I've been wanting to do that this whole trip...

Lots of things go for currency out on the road. Food, clean water, fresh porno mags... Anything that folks find useful. Most folks'll take scrap aluminum over anything else though. It's really valuable... My jaw drops when I see how much Kodak dropped at the gate — dropping 3-jingle is frakking insane, and totally unnecessary.

Rich

Stitch,

Once you guys are waved in, you're directed into sort of an outer rim town, where folks with travelers passes are allowed to stay. Sort of like a tourist or docks area. What's the place where you all hole up?

Genevieve

There's groupings of tents set up- some tiny two person camping tents and a few larger ones with standing room. All are well worn, but patched with skill.

Rich

Kiddo,
Which traveled tent are you set up in? Who runs it? Who's not happy to see you "round these parts" again?

Adam

Oh frak... I slump down and turn my back as soon as I spot Ivory up ahead as the administrator here. I see he must've sucked someone important off to get there... I pull Vee aside and point him out.

Ivory's something of a puritan, if there is such a thing anymore... He believes in working yourself to exhaustion, and towing the gender line with a whip and chain. Just a right repressed motherfrakker who can't let folks be happy on their own...

Heh. His daughter was delicious though. I wonder if she's still around....

Rich

You're all parked, helping to unload half of Caroline. Kodak and Rinso are doing the heavy lifting, but everyone is pitching in. Well, except VB, because she's little. But, she's watching over everybody.

Kiddo,

When you point out Ivory, VB snickers to you, Kiddo, "Gods, Ivory. Oh Kids, you are sunk.... I wonder if Medley is still around? Maybe he won't care if she took off?" She feins looking around, then laughs, "Nah, you're frakked, Kids. hah"

Ivory spots you before you head into the tent, which is a very large canvas tent that stretches between the outer and inner wall in a corner. Not a bad spot for defenses, really. He comes up, nostrils flaring, "Kid-do... you've got a lot of nerve coming around here after what you pulled..."

Stitch,

You're up on the truck bed, helping to steady a large mirror for Rinso when Svenja comes up behind you, puts a hand on your back to help steady you, "Hey, Stitch. Rinnie said they have electricity here. Running water, too. Not out here, but inside. Did Kodak ask you to go in for trading later, or stick you out here with me and Rinnie?"

Adam

I pout as Vee laughs at me — traitor! This is schadenfreude! Oh, I'm gunna get her... I narrow my eyes at her, and I can practically feel Ivory's gaze burning a hole in the back of my head.

Frakker.

I spin around quick, and grin wide as he approaches. The smile seethes sarcasm. "Hi Ivory! So good to see you again. Boy, I'm so glad the wastes didn't gobble me up," ... heh heh ... "or I may never have seen that stern face of yours again! Hey, how's your daughter?"

Rich

Kiddo,

Ivory marches up to you, eyes blazing, "It is NOT good to see you, Kid-do. I had hoped our last conversation would have made my point clear, but I see that it wasn't." He's wearing a white shirt with a wide neck, no collar, and long white pants with over-sized legs. Seriously, the thin cloth moves in the breeze and looks a bit like a dress. "My daughter Medley is now married to a good and upright young BOY... no no no, young MAN. She lives inside. Where YOU are not going, no no no. You can make do with your friends here at Ched's tent."

He steps a little closer and drops his voice, glaring, "You will not enter this fine town, Kid-do. That, I promise you."

Adam

Heh. She's married and miserable I bet — she was pretty miserable before, but that was a different time. Who knows... Maybe she was into dudes too. He mentions Ched, and I raise an eyebrow. "Ched? Ched's here?" I look around the compound, trying to see if I can spot him somewhere, "Seriously?"

Then he makes his promise that I won't enter the town, and I look back to him, shocked, "I'm sorry, what did you just frakking say?"

Did this asshole just forbid me entrance into his little shit hole of a town?

Rich

Kiddo,

Ivory narrows his eyes, "I am the steward of the Outer Rim now, Kiddo. It is within my purview to decide who receives traveling passes. Therefore," He states it as if it is fact, "You will not enter this fine town, Kid-do."

VB comes up behind you, "Hi Ivory, innocent friend here, please don't yell at me. Kiddo, it's alright, ok? We're just here for a day. We can have fun out here, like that time we hid Rainer's wrench set on top of the wall!"

Adam

I grab my temples and bury my face in the palm of my hand... Vee — you just shot yourself in the foot. I sigh and look back to Ivory, "Yeah, well... It's probably for the best. I don't wanna be in there if someone's gunna be killed anyway."

Genevieve

"Yeah, he did. Though I'm not sure why. I'm not great with people." I answer Svenja. It'll be interesting to see their setup. Like, real electricity? That's exciting.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure Svenja would rather be left with just Rinso and not me...

Rich

Kiddo,

Ivory narrows his eyes at VB, "You will NOT steal anyone's tool, young lady, or I will have you expelled. And yes, Kid-do, Ched is here, he runs what he calls the party tent. It is a den of inequity, I'm sure it is right up your alley." He points across the rows of smaller tents to the one shape like a triangle and colored purple and yellow.

Stitch,

Svenja chuckles, "Shit, Stitch. Just because you don't drop yer pants at anyone half attractive like other folks on this crew do, it doesn't mean you're mean like me. heh. Besides, Kodak's sharp, I'm sure he has his reasons." She hands you a few mashed up coke cans, "If they have any kinda soap... please get me some soap. I don't care what scent."

Adam

Huh... Nothing? Not even a passing comment about me mentioning someone being murdered in his precious little town?

Frakking whackjob.

I slowly turn to face Vee, but keep my eyes squinting hard on Ivory. "Vee," I finally look at her, "get the Doc. Let's go partake in some iniquities." I turn back to Ivory and smile, patting him on the shoulder, "We'll see you around, Ivy — tell Medley I say hi." I lick my lips for emphasis.

This guy's such a frakking asshole... Where's Ched's tent?

Rich

Kiddo,

VB heads over to the truck. As you're walking towards the tent, Ivory catches up to walk beside you, "I assume your casual mention of a murder was some kind of joke?" He's looking at you out of the corner of his eye, trying to seem almost like he's not walking with you.

Adam

I look up at him, a little annoyed he's suddenly decided to take me seriously, "sure Ivy. I joke about folks turning up dead all the time. It's funny stuff." I shake my head and pick up the pace. I think I'm as embarrassed to be seen with him, as he is with me... If I can just get to Ched's tent... It's like a sanctuary against frakkers like Ivory for half-decent folks.

... I did say "half," right? "I dunno for sure — but I wouldn't be surprised if someone did turn up dead."

Rich

Kiddo,

You get maybe ten meters from the open flap of Ched's tent when Ivory grabs your arm. Then, as soon as he does, he lets go, hold it palm up, like his sudden movement surprised even him. He says low and intense, "If you are not clear with me, right now, I will consider your caravan a threat. You will not be able to trade. All of you will be expelled. None of your trucks will receive any petrol. Tell me what the threat is, Kid-do. NOW."

Adam

I stop as soon as I feel his greasy palm on my forearm. I spin on my heel, and face him — deathly serious. "If you ever touch me like that again, I'm your problem, yeah?" I stare daggers into him, and wait for recognition before continuing — any kind will do.

I whisper low, and look around the crowd. "I saw someone coming in — a professional. Someone who normally wouldn't care if I saw them here... But this time? This time, she did." It's not the most solid lead I've ever offered — but y'know... I do security for a living...

Rich

Kiddo,

He stands there, hand still up. And yeah, those words surprise him, he doesn't see you as the badass you are. You're just the kid who frakked his beloved daughter. But the underlying menace in your voice, it speaks to his lizard brain and he's backed off. He may not even realize he's scared.

You see Bank, Motel and Rinso are finishing up their work. They're going to be heading this way shortly. Svenja has first watch on the trucks.

Then you drop on him that a pro came in, and he looks worried. "Who did you see, Kid-do? A fe-male? Who is she?" He hasn't stopped anyone. This could come back on him. His mind is racing now. You've got him by the short hairs, Kiddo.

What do you do?

Adam

Frak... Is Sapphire really that well known here? Fox was pretty mobile, but that was further South... "Girl a bit younger than me. Tanned skin. She had a hood up, but she had short brown hair last I saw her."

Of course, most folks who haven't bathed in a while look like that too... "You got anyone up in there that pissed someone off that thinks too highly of themselves?"

Rich

Kiddo,

Ivory breathes heavily through his nostrils, "It is a town of people, Kid-do, many inside think highly of themselves. I did not give a Traveler's Pass to a girl like that this afternoon. This means she is either here," he looks around the holding pen of tents all around you, "Or she slipped through the inner gate. If you see her again, notify one of the guard. I will reward you, yes? What would you want if you find this girl?"

Adam

I can't help but smirk at the thought of having a blank cheque with Ivory... But y'know what? I'm taking the classy road! "If I find her, I'm telling her to walk, Ivy... She won't spill to you, and she won't let you hold her — so you might as well just let that go." I sigh, and give him a serious look. "Just tell Medley I say hi, yeah? And help me get my folks through here quickly. I got folks back home I wanna get back to."

Rich

Kiddo,

Ivory sets his jaw. "If I find that you're helping this pro. This girl... then you will be in a great deal of trouble as well." He seems to think that's sufficient threat, and turns to head over towards the inner gates.

I assume you head on to Ched's tent?



No guards outside, lots of folks inside dancing to the music booming from a large radio. Behind the bar is your old "pal" Trix. You and her brother hooked up, right? She's looking.. well, weird nowadays.


Ched looks the same as he ever has. Hasn't changed a bit. Sure, he dyes his hair, and if he didn't shave, his beard would be salt and pepper. And yes, like he says, the fat pushes out the wrinkles, but there's Ched, chatting with a few travelers as some ancient electronica plays.


What do you do?

Adam

I smile, undeterred by Ivory's pissant little threat, and let him walk away. Yeah, I could use a drink. Ched's sounds nice.

I step in the tent and look around the joint, sizing it up if Ivory and his boys come around — also in case Sapphire's here, 'cause you never know. I walk up to the bar. It's been a while, yeah? I don't come up here very often — but when I do? Heh, well, you can see I like to enjoy myself.

My jaw drops when I spot Trix. Holy frakking hell! What the frak did she do to her... her everything? Is this what passes for fashion up here? I buy a cup of whatever the frak folks are drinking here, and wink at her all friendly like — then I make my way over to Ched, and let him finish his train of thought before squeezing myself into his conversation.

"Hey Ched," I call out, over the music, "this where you're hiding out these days?"

Genevieve

I try and stay out of the crossfire between Kiddo and Ivory- none of my business.

If Kodak needs me right away, I'll go with him. Otherwise, I'll go with Kiddo to Ched's tent. I could use a stiff drink right about now...

Rich

Stitch,

Kodak is checking off everything on his manifest list. He's even got a clipboard and everything. He says, "Hey Stitch, we're heading inside town in a couple hours, just getting things cataloged. I'm hoping you can refill your kit, right? Maybe double-check the food we're trading for, too. Can't let what happened to Union happen to anyone else." He hasn't shown any stress over Union's death to this point, but right now, you get a glimpse of him, that it did bother him to lose Union.

"Are you heading over to Ched's?" he asks curiously. "Keep an eye out for Kiddo, will ya?"

What do you do?

Genevieve

"Ok, yeah." I answer him. I doubt I have enough jingle to refill the whole kit, but maybe if we have time I can pick up a shift or something.

"Yeah, cause I'm gonna be able to help if she gets into trouble..." I say with a smile, joking.

Rich

Kiddo,

Sapphire isn't in here, no. Trix grins wide when you come up and order the new drink. "It's called Sin. Mixture of fermented Jenler Vine and rattler venom. Got a kick and a half, babe!" She grins and pours you a tumbler.

Ched squeals when you come up to him, throwing his arms wide for a hug, "Oh my gods, Kiddo! You hot little number, you got alllll the good parts from Ols and Zee!" He hugs you for a moment, he's gotten a bit more squishy since you've seen him. "Yeah, after the big mess at the pods, I wandered around with a few groups, but luckily, I ended up here! Not so bad. I'm almost a citizen!"

He introduces you to his tall, lean friend, "This is Twizzler." He nods. Then Ched says, "What brings you here, darling?"

Rich

Stitch,

Kodak chuckles, "Well, if she does, you can either run for help, or patch her back up afterwards, right?" He pats your shoulder, friendly. "Listen, we didn't chat before, but what happened with Union. That's not on you. At all. I appreciate having you with us."

Adam

I giggle girlishly and return the hug. Ched's always been so flash! I blush a little as he complements me, and give him a peck on the cheek. "Oh you! You don't look a day older since I saw you last! Frakking hell!"

I let him go and take a sip of that "Sin" stuff — ffffffffffffffffrakking hell, I think I might be blind in one eye... Huh... My throat feels better though. I smile and wave at Twizzler, a little cockeyed from the drink, "Hello! I'm Kiddo."

I clear my throat, and shake my head to sober myself up a bit. Gods damn that stuff. "I'm running security for a caravan. We're passing through, selling shit. How long have you been here?"

Rich

"A few Junkfalls, is all. Have to do a year of good service to petition for citizenship." he grins. "Running security? Oh my! I've always found you... disarming. hahahahahah! No, but seriously darling, that sounds dangerous." Twizzlers nods along.

Ched takes your hand, leads you to a round booth in the corner. There's a mirror with powder and straws, a ouija board and a small music player with tinny speakers. "Sit! Sit! Where's your family?"

Adam

I roll my eyes at the joke, but that doesn't stop me from laughing a bit. The life is dangerous, but someone's gotta do it, yeah? I shrug indifferently and follow him over to the corner booth.

Ched's into the hard stuff, I see... Hmm... I sit down with him, and tense up at the mention of my family.

"Hump's back in Salt for the moment," I scratch the back of my neck, like I'm thinking, "he's helping some folks with a Radio tower! Does that music box get radio? He might be playing something on it right now!" I wait a few seconds before adding, "Ma' and Dad kinda disappeared a few junkfalls ago... They were going north on a regular trip, and didn't make it back... I've been keeping an eye out for 'em. I don't suppose you've seen them recently, have you?"

Genevieve

"Heh. That's the plan." I tell him, half smiling. I sigh- "I know. It's just hard to lose a patient. Thanks."

I head over to Ched's tent.

Rich

Kiddo,

Ched looks impressed with the radio tower, looks to Twizzlers, "Doll, can you try and dial it in?" Twizzlers starts fiddling with a few controls on the small device, which looks even smaller in his large hands. Ched looks to you with sudden seriousness, "Didn't make it back? Well, yes, they came through here maybe two Junkfalls ago. Ollie played for me, a couple days, raised some scratch to keep them going, get some petrol for Zee's bike. Then they moved on. They haven't been back to Trench since." He senses your worry, pats your hand.

"How long are you in for again?"

Rich

Stitch,

VB was waiting for you to finish with Kodak, and she walks to the tent with you, "Hey, Kiddo told me to fetch you. But, uhm, you're already going, so yay, easy job!" She puts on a wide grin, she seems a little silly happy to be off the trucks.

Both of you come into the aforementioned tent (see above), see Kiddo sitting with a couple guys at a large booth. VB exclaims, "CHEDDDDDD!!!" She grabs your arm, pulling you over to them.

Kiddo,

Stitch and VB come up.

Both,

VB jumps onto Ched as he's starting to stand up. He falls backwards into the plushy booth and whuffs with the fall, but then he's laughing and tickling VB like she's some little kid. Twizzlers looks shocked, like this is something he's never seen Ched do. He stands up, offers you a hand, Stitch, "Hullo there, I'm Twizzlers. I'm Ched's mate." He grins politely.

What do you do?

Adam

I start dialing in the radio, and stop when I find the frequency. I perk up instantly at Ched's mention of Ma' and Dad. My eyes wide with attention as Ched fills me in. Gods, they've been here? They were here and I didn't know? Frakking shit! Two junkfalls ago... that's... That's a while back... They could be anywhere by now... VB Jumps in Ched's lap, and I mull over it all for a second, letting Vee say her hellos...

"Did they say where they were going? Or say anything about why they were even up here?" Oh gods, I think I'm gunna puke I'm so excited! This the closest I've ever been to having a useful frakking lead! "Anything, Ched... Anything at all."

Rich

Ched's busy with VB for a minute, she's sort of an attention hog when it comes to Ched. She's using this silly little girl's voice and begging him not to tickle her, and of course, he's tickling her and saying stuff like, "You are still so SMALL! Are you ever gonna grow up, little Vee?" But finally, he gets her to sit down beside him and collects himself, "Going? Oh, well, they were pretty vague, Kiddo. And you know me, I don't pry," that's a complete lie.

VB pouts, "Come ON, Cheddy! Don't play games with us, it's our parents, damnit!"

Ched glances around, does a subtle head shake of no, then says, "Sorry, girls. I only saw them come through, made some passes at your father, which he politely declined, and bid them adieu." He rises up to take your hand, Stitch, after Twizzlers says hello, "Hi there! Any friend of my two girls is a friend of mine! I'm Ched. This is my tent. Are you from the caravan, I take it?"

Genevieve

I shake Twizzler's hand. "Stitch- nice to meet you." I reply giggling over VB and Ched.

I turn to Ched and shake his hand, still smiling. "Nice to meet you, Ched. I'm Stitch. Yeah, from the caravan."

I look over at Kiddo, who seems very eager to talk to Ched. "Twizzlers, can you show me that radio?"

Rich

Stitch,

Twizzlers nods, then squats down beside the table. He's got an ancient smartphone that he's basically rebuilt into a radio and music player. There's ten gigs of music on here, lots of pop from the 2000s, some dance music and other sundry stuff. What catches your eye?

"It was in rough shape when I found it, but I was able to cobble together a few other devices to make it happen. It works well enough. The hardest part was making it solar."

Genevieve

I'm surprised to see Closer on his machine. I went out with some friends from the hospital one night and the band played a cover of it- it was so unusual.

"I'll bet." I say. The thing is even older than the tech I had a hundred years ago.

Rich

He turns on the radio and adjust the station until finally hits some tunes. Sure enough, it's an acoustic version of Low Rider. VB squeals, "That's Hump! Cheddy, that's Hump playin!"

Chedd smiles, "Is it now? Wow, the last time I saw him, he was about as tall as this table." He tickles VB,, then leans in to whisper something into her ear. Her eyes widen, then she nods. Kiddo, she looks right at you.

Stitch, Twizzlers says, "You seem to know this device, Stitch, or you're familiar with the ways to access it. Are you a tech?"

Genevieve

"I wish." I say. "No, I knew a tech with one sort of like this. He taught me. I'm into antiques, though..." I say, smiling the tiniest bit.

Adam

I barely have time to process what Ched said before Hump comes on the radio and demands my attention... Hump's pretty good over a radio! He's made for that kinda shit, yeah?

I look over to Ched and Vee just in time to see Vee staring at me with her eyes widening... "What?" I ask, leaning closer to them, "what is it?"

Rich

Kiddo,

Chedd glances around the room again, then says, "Are you sticking around for a bit, darling? we really should catch up." He smiles again, then says, "Twizz, love, could you get us refills perhaps? I am parched. Probably from drooling over these three lovely ladies! hahahha, but no, really, I am thirsty. Please?"

Twizzler gives a soft nod, looks at you, Stitch, "Go ahead and take care of the radio for me, please? I will get drinks." He rises up slowly, his left knee popping, but he doesn't grimace, its just a thing.

When he's gone, Chedd draws you in, Kiddo. VB right there, of course. He looks to Stitch and asks you, Kiddo, "I assume Stitch is a friend? Can she keep secrets?"

Adam

Considering Stitch is still secretly a spacefolk, I'd say she can keep a secret. I lean in, "Yeah, of course she can. She rides with us, after all. We're gunna be around for a while... Why? What's with all this secrecy?"

Rich

Chedd gives you a baleful look, "Listen, I'd crawl naked through a field of razorblades to watch Rinso bathe, but the boy is the worst liar I've ever known." He pauses for effect. VB snickers, slaps his arm playfully.

But Chedd gives you an appraising look, Stitch, "You have calculating eyes. And you aren't some kid like these two. Fine, but not now and not here. Kill some time, come back tonight when I'm closing up. There are too many folks eager to sell me out to move up the citizenship ladder, alright?"

Then he switches gaze up past you, "Twizz! You doll! Thank you!" And Twizzlers starts handing out drinks. "Anyone want some blow? First one's free!"

Adam

Sure Rinso's bad at lying, but he can keep secrets with the best of them! I roll my eyes again, and lift a skeptical eyebrow. I never understand why Ched is so hush hush about everything... I mean, if he kept someone like me on staff, he'd never have to keep another secret again!

Anyway, I hold up my hand and shake my head. "No thanks on the blow — that stuff makes me feel like I have ants crawling behind my eyeballs." Looks like we'll be coming back tonight then... I look down ruefully at my drink, and consider another way to spend my time...

"Hey Stitch! Come drink with me." I wave her over to another free table, so we can chat in private.

Rich

VB blurts out, "I like ants! Gimmie gimmie, Cheddy!"

Chedd snorts at VB and says, "See you all later then. Nice to meet you, Stitch. Laters, Kiddo." He makes kissy faces and then leans down to the blow, rolling a hundred dollar bill into a straw, "Vee, I saw this in a movie once. I have no idea why this paper is so important to those guys..."

"Gimmie!" VB says as she wrests the paper straw from Chedd and leans over the mirror.

Chedd leans in with her and says, "Just one line, this stuff is flash, Vee."

Twizzlers chimes in, "When it hits you juuuust right, you can speak with spirits, VB. You have to use the board though."

VB pauses over the powder line, "Do I hafta? I don't like dead folk, Cheddy. Can't I just get blitzed and pass out? Like normal?"

Chedd pats her robotic knee, "Of course you can, darling. It isn't man-datory... hahaha, did you catch that, Vee? Wasn't that great?"

VB gives him a raised eyebrow, but instead of commenting, leans down to take a line of powder into her left nostril.

----------------
So, you two find a table then?

Sure, no problem. There are a couple nearby. Handmade deals, made from jet black bone, some creature up north. What is it?

Adam

If I ever feel like chatting with dead folks, I'll keep that in mind... But for now? ... Well, I can barely deal with most living folks, so ... yeah.

Those bone dishes are from Onix-Horned Tri-tops. This frakked up creature native to the Tar Sea Bluffs up north that look like a cross between bulls and rhinoceroses. The males of 'em have — I shit you not — three frakking horns the size of a Plague dog's head growing out the front of their faces. It's weird though, cause the females are right docile.

I pat the seat next to me, and brush a strand of hair out of my face as I throw my feet up on the third empty chair to save it for Vee. "So you're a multi-talented kind of lady, ain'tcha? Playing doc, driving... Is there anything you can't do?"

Genevieve

I laugh at Kiddo's comment. "Can't shoot a gun for shit." I reply. "What's Chedd's deal? Why is he so secretive?" I ask, lowering my voice.

I keep one ear on the radio, feeling silly about it, but doing it nonetheless. I'm tempted to have a drink, but I'll save it for later- I still got work to do.

Adam

I giggle at that — man, this Sin shit hits you hard pretty fast! "You ain't gotta worry about shooting a gun worth a shit so long as Rinso and me are around!" I take a smaller sip of the Sin, and am a little surprised to see it's not as hard as the first drink — so I take another sip. Why the hell not?

"I wish I could tell you, sweetie. Ched's just Ched — He's always been all cloak and daggers. I think it's 'cause he dealt with all those people from the Pods growing up... They tended to hold their cards a little too close to their chests, if you catch my drift. He's awesome if you're looking for a good time though! He throws wicked parties!"

I lean back on my chair's hind legs, and start picking at my cuticles. Yeah, I know — it's a bad habit. "How are you feeling about the crew?"

Genevieve

"The crew seems alright." I answer. "Kodak wants me to go in-town with him later, check out the food and stuff. He was real nice about Union."

I laugh a bit- "I think I'm the only one who likes Motel's singing!"

Adam

Well, she's not wrong about that... As — uh — keen as Motel is, I wish he could sing a bit better. "Yeah... Union... It's a shame, that — but it ain't nobody's fault. We're just glad to have you 'round. Not every day you get to do a caravan with a doc on hand!" I lean in a bit closer, and whisper, "So uh... You think you could swing me as your protection for going into town? I saw someone go in that I think might be hired to cause some trouble, and I'd like to see if I can't grab 'em before shit goes down..."

I look around a little embarrassed, "I kinda pissed off the overseer last time I was here, so I need an excuse to get by him."

Genevieve

I don't know that I will be able to get Kiddo past that angry guy, but I certainly would feel better with Kiddo around. "I'll try." I reply honestly. "You? Piss someone off? I can't see it." I laugh.

Adam

I smirk, "you should try it sometime. It's fun." I offer up my cup, "Wanna try some? It's ... It's pretty frakked up."

Genevieve

I laugh- I don't doubt her for a second... "Yeah, just a bit." I say, taking a small sip from the cup.

I swallow it, but immediately begin coughing. My eyes water. "Fuck. What is in that?" I say, when I regain the power of speech.

Adam

I'm smirking pretty wide, and watching Stitch to make sure she recovers. I wave a hand in front of her eyes to make sure she can still see. "fermented Jenler Vine and rattler venom apparently," I take another sip — this stuff isn't actually that bad! "The burning is from the vine. So is the coughing, and the light-headedness — but that blissed out numb feeling you'll get in a second? That's the rattler venom. It'll wear off quick — unless you keep drinking." I jiggle the cup in front of her — but really I'm just teasing.

Genevieve

I blink a few tears away and wait a second for my eyes to focus on her hand. "Oh. That would do it."

I hold my hands out, "No, no. God no. I'm just fine, thanks. All for you."

Adam

I shrug and take another sip. "Your loss doc! Maybe later? I guess we should probably go find Kodak..."

Genevieve

"Yeah, maybe later." If I suddenly get the urge for the worst hangover ever. I laugh.

Rich

After your little chat, you decide to check in with Kodak. Kiddo, when you get up, that "Sin" hits you a bit. Take a -1 Forward on your next roll... except Hard. Take +1 if you use that one in the next hour.

Over at Chedd's table, VB is laying on Chedd's lap, giggling up a storm. Twizzlers is sitting across from them, fiddling with the radio. Oh and by the way, Junk Radio is playiing something off a record, sounds like classical.

You head outside into the evening, heading to your trucks. Rinso is chatting with Kodak. They see you walking up, turn towards you.

What do you do?

Genevieve

I wonder if VB will be ok here, but I don't say anything. If Kiddo is ok with leaving her here, that's good enough for me. She's just so tiny.

I walk over to Kodak, surprised to see Rinso there- I thought he was staying with Svenja? "What's the plan?" I ask.

Rich

Kodak smirks, "I think Kiddo is rubbing off on you, Stitch." Rinso snorts a laugh at that. But Kodak waves it off, like wasn't trying to be offensive, just joking, "Svenja and Rinso are keeping an eye on the trucks and cargo, Bank and Motel are grabbing some shut eye, and we're all going into town on passes to sell our stuff. I'm heading over to chat with Ivory in a minute. You ready?"

Kiddo, Rinso is looking at you oddly, like he's asking where VB is without words.

Adam

This stuff is frakking awesome! I giggle along at Kodak's joke, and feel kinda... Smiley. Do I look smiley to you? ... Frak. Nevermind. I'll just act natural... I smile and nod at Kodak. "Ready when you are, chief."

Is Rinso asking me about Vee? I sidle up next to him, and look up the towering frame of a man I've apparently started dating. I tug on his shirt to come down lower, "Are you asking about Vee? She's at Ched's, doing lines and shit — playing that giggly thing she does around him... That's really frakked, y'know? That thing they do? I mean — I would never say nothing, but ... well, it's pretty frakked up... That's all I'm sayin', yeah?"

Genevieve

"Ha." I laugh, more at Rinso's snort than Kodak's joke. "Ready when you are."

Wow, Kiddo's doing pretty good, huh? This ought to be interesting...

Rich

Kodak looks at both of you, nods and says, "No time like the present." He heads over to where the crates for sales are stacked. He's got a harness and a handle set up to pull the six big crates full of stuff on the rolling pallet, so he steps into the harness and starts pulling it along towards the gate. Ivory is over there. He hasn't seen you yet, but he's unavoidable. He's chatting with a couple more tire guards, they are big fellas.

Rinso shrugs, "Chedd's an odd bird, but he takes care of Vee pretty well. Did you say she's doing lines? Frak, Kiddo... and you're leaving her here?" Why is Rinso worried about VB doing lines? She doesn't get in trouble or anything does she?

Adam

Rinso's worried about Vee 'cause she has self-control problems when she's sober — let alone when she's frakked up.

Think about that: I just said that Vee has self control problems when she's buzzing. Me. If that was something to be proud of, that'd be a badge of frakking honor. Except Vee's rarely proud of the shit she does messed up... Still, she always seems to enjoy herself in the moment, yeah? I figure Ched's looking out for her... No sense in being a stick in the mud. "Just check in on her, yeah? Ched'll make sure she's alright, but he won't babysit her if she decides to leave — and you know Vee: she'll wanna leave, for one reason or another."

I pat him on the chest, and smile coyly at him, "She'll be alright. You should get some of that Sin crap for tonight! It's frakkin' awesome!" Hint, hint.

I adjust my holster on my leg, and give Rinso a kiss. "Keep that shit safe for us, yeah?" Let's go be security guards!

Genevieve

"Ladies and gentleman, my bodyguard." I say, mostly to myself. Apart from tasking like swallowing fire, it did give me a nice buzz for a few minutes- I'm not sure I'd want to keep it going for long, but I don't like to let loose like that.

Getting past Ivory with Kiddo like this is gonna be interesting with a capital I.

Rich

Alright, Stitch. Give me an Acting Under Fire to get Kiddo in the gates.

Genevieve

OOC: Act Under Fire. Roll+sharp.
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 3, 1. Total: 6)

Adam

I'm gonna help out by acting inconspicuous!
OOC: help Stitch. Roll+Hx, -1forward.
(Rolled: 2d6. Rolls: 1, 2. Total: 3)

Rich

END SCENE

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