Freedom?

04/24/01

~ABYSS~
The ceiling materialized slowly to Alan. Painfully blinking his dehydrated eyes open, back screaming from the relentless hours he'd spent in this godawful position on the couch. A bottle in one hand, half drained of its contents, and in the other a Dessert Eagle .50cal. What'd he been expecting that he'd been packing such a head opener? Well, anyone who knew about his "predicament" would understand completely why his home was almost nearly a fortress of the cutting edge in technological surveillance. That and a few things the civillian world can't attain. Those are his toys best kept secret. Licking his cottony mouth a couple times he peers around the room. He'd never been one to succumb to hangovers, they just never affected him. Al sits up slowly, placing his face in his hands. When had that freakin' redhead left? He must have been in such a stupor that he let her out because none of his alarms had gone off. S'what he gets for hiring a "proffessional". At least he seemed to have presence of mind enough not to let her take him for all the money he had at the time.One thing he remembers. He's at war... War with people that almost no one knows about. War.... War never changes. It's the conclusion to the path that man seems to have chosen for himself... Though, like all the wars that Al's seen lately, this is a war with no heros. Definately no momentus battles that anyone but the participants will remember. It's truly a waste... With another slight groan Al stands and heads for the fridge. Water will definately help his dehydrated state. And so he walks through his flat naked to the world, opens the fridge and grunts as he notices there's only beer in there.* Looks like I was in for a long binge...*Quirking a brow, he heads for the sink and cocks his head under the fawcet. A twist of the wrist sends the water rocketing down his throat...* *A slight chirping sound interupts his bathing/drinking frenzy. Coming up from his headlong drinking to stare over at the small cellphone on his counter. After a couple more rings he walks over to it, feet slapping noisilly on the tile covered floor. Flicking the small mouthpiece open, he presses it against his ear.* Talk to me....*Nodding a little as someone on the other side can be heard as only a slight gibbering of sentances.* Yes, I know you have a job for me or else why would you be calling. Now I said TALK to me, not BORE me with already known details.*Recieving a few raised pitch replies to his queries Al rolls his eyes slightly.* You bother with me because you've never had an operative as good as me, but if you're going to continue to waste my time I can remedy that for you.*The other side of the phone goes silent for a moment. Then a much more composed measure of the same voice speaks over the line. Going into a few full blown minutes of speaking with Alan nodding here and there as though the person on the other side could see him doing it.* Yes, now that's much more interesting... When? *A couple more of the indecipherable sentances are spoken over the wire. He nods a little, a relatively familiar look coming into his eyes. There can be no mistake about this. The life Alan used to live wasn't only for love of country, he genuinely enjoyed it...* Deal... You know the usual routing number, and you know the usual setup. Half now, half on completion of the job.*A full sentance comes over the phone.* When have I -EVER- dissappointed you? *With that he slaps the small speaker part of the reciever closed and sets it back on the countertop. Walking through his apartment to gather up his clothing, placing it in the shower room so he can dress as soon as he's out and begin his latest job...*

~ROCKY~
*a heavy sigh leaves her as channels flick randomly before her* nothing on damn it! *she pulls the glowing stub from her lips and glares at it in disgust* and I'm outta smokes *her gaze passes around the room, locking briefly on the few others....damn she hated this place..her gaze passes to the roof...she always felt trapped here, underneath the rock..more channels flip randomly and she glares at the remote...she hadn't done that, chuckling comes from the other end of the room her scowl instantly landing on the culprit....*she tosses the remote on the couch beside her and watches as the channels continue to flicker, then with a pained sigh she pushes herself off the couch* I gotta get outta here *..it had been a few weeks since her encounter with GUARD but she still hurt, healers could only do so much with her cellular structure... She slowly straightens up, an arrogant snarl tossed randomly at those around her...damned if she'd let them see her hurt, probably all turn into damn vultures.....she limps to the kitchen then leans up against the wall next to the door, her teeth gritted in pain* Okay Rock, You are so out of here *with a deep breath she pushes herself off the wall and heads out the door, only the faintest trace of a limp visible*

*Well there he is. Showering for what is probably the first time in a few days. After soaping himself all over he looks himself over a bit. Alan is a perfect example of a warrior. A thickly muscled, but lean, frame to him. Scars to prove that he's been in more than his fare share of combat. A slightly flexible nose where it'd been broken by a dear friend... Wandering over that thought for a moment, Al raises his hand to the once broken cartalige. Moving it around slightly, it'd healed alright. But it's a constant reminder to him how unstable some of these "bretheren" can be. Though he's altogether sure it's not entirely her fault. After all, Yvette had been more to him than just a mere confidant. She'd been a good friend. Hell, he'd even been welcomed into her home after proving that he was indeed one of the R.UN.ers. Besides rough women turned him on somthing fierce, and one that can break his nose.... He quirks a slight smile to himself, she'd really gotten him off his guard that day. Al leans a shoulder against the wall of his shower, there were things needing to be done. But he can't but help to wonder about the friends he's seemingly lost in the upheaval of the farmhouse. He knows where none of them are save for Geoff.... That one always seemed to get away scott free((Shamless Plug)). Losing track of time it would seem, he pushes himself off the wall of the shower and turns the water off. Grabbing a towel from the rack on the wall Al steps out of the shower to dry himself. The mirror reflecting everything down to his waist, a small picture of two grown ups, a small girl, and a boy with eye of ice blue sits on the edge of the sink. Staring at it for a moment before he heads out of the bathroom. Still drying his hair as he walks through the apartment dressing slightly as he goes. Preparing for his endless nights of surviellance. Finishing his dressing he heads out the front door after arming himself to the proverbial tooth.*

*finally a car stops for her, and she moves swiftly to the passenger door*where ya goin' kid? *Rocky simply shrugs as she climbs in* up the road a ways....a runaway eh? *he leers at her as he pulls out into traffic*...noone gonna miss ya?*rocky simply shrugs..she'd encountered this type before and expected trouble, but when didn't she..after a while she reaches forward to adjust the radio and a hand suddenly grabs the back of her head trying to force it down...without even a gasp of surprise her hand moves from the radio to his lap ....his smile grows as he notes the hand movement, but it quickly turns to a gasp of pain, the hand suddenly leaving the back of her head moving towards her face* BITCH!!! before his hand can conect hers has once more tightened upon a very tender piece of flesh* I wouldn't do that if I were you, I'd probably pull over...with a snarl he quickly pulls over,almost before she's out, the car is speeding off....she watches it leave* DAMN!!! *a sigh leaves her as she once more limps to the edge of the road, one hand now holding her stomach as she mutters to herself* I wasn't meant to bend that way *Her thumb once more goes out as a car appoaches* One of these times I'll end up with someone who kicks their kicks out of being squished *she shakes her head and sighs as the car passes her by*

Wandering out onto the street Alan surveys the area looking for anyone that might have seen him come out of the twists and turns of the alleyway maze that marks the way to his apartment. Seeing that there was no one that'd watched him come out. Alan pulls what seems to be a bracelet out of his pocket, something from a long time ago that he'd stolen from a dieing R.UN.er. He surveys the item for a little, having become quite profficient in its useage. Programming a few things into the bracelet. Al lights up his cigarrette then presses the button on the bracelet. A huge blinding white flash surrounds him and then he vanishes in a flash. Reappearing somewhere that his contact had told him to go to. He looks around a little taking stock of the area as he puffs on his cigarrette a few times.* Same shit... different day.

*several hours and many vehicles later she crawls out of the cab of a semi.....a faint spot of blood marking where she had sat....* thanks for the lift * she limps over to a tree and leans up against it with a pained sigh* well now what? *she glances over at the diner, a cheap ass truck stop in the middle of no where..at least she'd be able to get another ride...she just had to figure out where she was...and where she was going*seattles a good start I guess *she gingerly lifts up her shirt and stares at the lightly stained bandage* not too bad...but her thigh...and her hip....those hurt, burned like a hot damn...but thats what happened when two bullets tore through a major muscle...she reaches into her jeans pocket and pulls out a few bills* Yeah enough to eat for now *a grin crosses her lips...she didn't even have to steal this money, the last few drivers just gave it to her...a gimp hitching home...makes a damn good sob story..she pockets the money and limps towards the doors*

*He studies the small truckstop for a while. Why anyone would want a truck stop owner whacked is beyond him... And it really wasn't a test of his skill, or so he thought. I mean this was your basic front for drug trafficing right here. He's already seen, just in the amount of time he's been standing here, a few vehicles go in, and then come back out with axles that are loads lighter than they were. Unless this owner had some REAL heavy armourment, he's not going to be any sort of match for Alans expertise. Scanning the area a little more he notes a familiar figure not too far away. Squinting his eyes a little as he stays leaned against the gas station wall, smoke still lit in his hand. Totally unafraid of being found out. After all, if the drug dealers people found out. He'd just be dead a night sooner than he's going to be already. Quirking a brow at the girl as he watches her limp around, noting a slight stain on her pants. Knowing it to be a blood stain. He stands and watches for a moment. Wondering if she's in some sort of trouble. Normally he'd offer to help those that he's known in the past. But he's going to survey the situation first. Maybe she's being hunted at this VERY moment. And if he can spot the GUARDIAN before they see him while occupied with the girl. Then it was almost assuredly over for the poor jerk before it even began....*

*As she reaches for the door she takes a deep breath and straightens up, the limp no longer visible as she steps into the restaurant and moves towards a booth *she unconcIously reaches for a smoke pack thats not there and sighs as her hand falls to the table..she orders coffee and stares at the menu before ordering a burger...a smile graces her lips as she spots a smoke machine across the way and climbs out of the booth....she puts the money in and selects a pack...then hits the button again...and again this time harder* Hey! your damn machine is broke *she get a grumbled response from behind the counter and glares at the cook before hitting the machine again, this time a crack develops along the side and two packs obliging slide down *with a smile she reaches down to grab them and turns back to the counter* works now *she slides back into the booth a smoking cancer stick already attached to her lips*

*Al watches as the girl makes her way through the dinner to get the cigarrettes. Watching as she seems to be sitting by herself. Quite the ironic thing he thinks... Meeting this girl here and now. Maybe she was one of the carriers for this particular drug lord. But by the looks of her it's more likely that she's just passing through. And how ironic it would be if he were to wander over and have dinner in the VERY place he's going to bust a couple nights from now. Tossing his cigarette to the ground, he makes his way towards the dinner. His long flowing duster billowing out behind him as a nice amount of stray breeze catches it. there's a tell tale jingling of bells as the dinners door opens. Walking towards her table slowly.. Standing beside it as he looks down at her thigh for a moment then to her face.* Fancy meeting you here.... didn't realize you freqented dives.

*the food arrives and she crushes out her smoke before, digging in..she hears the door ring as another patron enters the building, but she doesn't look up...as they approach, she reaches for the coffee, simply assuming that they would move past to their own booth..the cup pauses part way to her lips as he stops and she looks up, fear showing for a brief second in her eyes before she scowls* What the hell are you doing here? *the cup rests back on the table as she watches him....was he maybe the rat? after all, not much of him is ever seen*

*He smiles slightly.... If she remembered he had warned her about the GUARD in the first place. A long time ago when she was in his apartment, one of the few to have seen it actually.* Me? Business... What about yourself? Judging from the arterial flow of fluid from your thigh i'm guessing running from something. Aren't we all...*He folds his duster about him and takes a seat opposite her. Ordering a coffee from the waitress as he continues his silent caseing of the establishment. Trained eyes taking in the back exit to the place. No doubt that's where the drugs are going in. And they probably go right out the front door with a customer, maybe a dealer or two.* Is that any way to greet an old friend who's simply come to see how you're doing?*Not having any idea that she's finally been disillusioned as to the fact that the GUARD exists and they are very real. He lights up a cigarrette flicking the match out with a few motions of his wrist.*

Seems awfully strange that your 'business' happens to be in the same shit hole where I currently am *She notes his casing and cautiously looks around, almost expecting to see magnet chick again..she shrugs as he indicates her leg* I ran into an old friend..*she watches as he lights up * old friend? only ones I got are after something *she pushes the still full plate aside and picks up the newly filled coffee mug* so why are you here?

*Al quirks one brow ever so slightly.* Yes.... Awfully strange isn' it? If I remember correctly the last time we met was because of the same reason, both of us seemed to have business in the area.*Al's eyes watch as her head turns in the direction of his gaze. Noting how she seems to be looking for SOMEONE and not somthing like he himself. He stores that bit of knowledge away in the back of his mind, she's running from someone. Taking a few drag from his cigarette nodding a little to himself as she recounts the reason for her leg...* Yeah... Got a couple o' those types of friends m'self. Sucks when you get back together with them. They never seem to want to talk about old times, just about burying the hatchet....in your head. Not going to eat..?*He asks with a slight indication of his fingers at the still full plate.* Told ya already... Here on business...*He smiles at the waitress when his coffee arrives. Al's a good lookin' guy to most, so it's no surprise that the waitress smiles back. He gives her a slight wink.... Maybe an -inside- contact would be good before his sting operation. But that was an idea that would have to come to fruitation later on. Al doesn't know if he wants to extend his operation that long. But more surveilance is definately required.*

You do seem to have a nack for getting around, or around where ever I am these days *She leans back in the booth, a cigarette rising to her lips....her gaze passes to the indicated plate as she strikes a match *Nahh, I think I lost my appetite *She drops the burnt match on the plate and reaches for the coffee cup*On business? *an eyebrow raises as she briefly looks around* waiting for your cowboy lover to show up or something?

*Al forms yet another slight smirk to his face as she speaks. Rocky definately reminds him of a couple of women back when he was in the NAVY. Butch women and serious faces. They all seemed to think it made them look tougher or more impossing to the person opposite them. Al always prefered to think that the person who could laugh at ANY situation was all the more dangerous.* Well, I certainly hope your loss of appetite has nothing to do with me. That would deeply sadden and dishearten me to no end...*That last bit said with a bit of sarcasm. Meaning that he really didn't care but it was the polite thing to say. Al didn't usually say the polite thing accept to people he thought at least somewhat worthy of politeness. As to her finishing remark though all he does is shrug somewhat..* No... My business runs a little deeper than that. Though from the looks of you, and the fact you're in this "old boys" bar, I thought perhaps you were soliciting yourself out to the truckers passing through. As long as we're going to throw jabs at each other that is...*He catches a couple more passing "sellers" with his eyes before returning his gaze to hers. Her earlier looks around when she was looking for someone, as well as the fresh wound on her leg...* You had a run in with one of "them" didn't you?

no, it was purely coincidental *sarcasm drips from her tone as she take a long drag. She watches as he scopes out the place, obviously he was watching,or waiting for something or someone?* 'fraid thats not my style, I prefer other trade *smoke curls around her head as she watches him* them?

*Al lets a slight grin take to his face in response of the young girls total sarcastic attitude.... How long had it been that he was like that at her age. She actually reminds him of himself accept for the fact that she's a runaway... Al had it different. Runaway is one thing, orphaned is another. But their attitudes were the same none the less.* Indeed... Other "trade" it is then.*Knowing exactlly what she means by that. He knew she was running drugs way back when he first met her. Though he'd like to believe she hadn't come here to do a pick up. That would mean she might think about getting in the way of his business here. And if that was the case "thinking" about it would pretty much be all she'd be able to do. Al had no problems killing other R.UN.ers. While the G.U.A.R.D. is the predominant enemy for everyone he knows first hand that there's bad eggs in what would seem like any "freedomistic" group.* Them.... As in the proverbial "bad guys". You know, the ones who shoot first and try to disect you later.

so why are you here? *her gaze slowly moves around the room as she finishes off the smoke, she finishes off the coffee and sets the cup on the table, then she slowly reaches for another smoke and lights it...the whole time she's thinking, weighing her options...she's silent for a while as she takes a long drag* There's a lot of those type out there....*Smoke curls around her head as she slowly nods* but..yeah

*Al looks around a little making sure that no one's watching or listening to thier conversation. With a slight smile on his face as he takes a drag from his cigarette and eases back into the booth they're sitting in. Figuring "What the hell, busting the place a day early if somone hears isn't going to make any difference."* Well if you really want to know, i'm going to put this little drug ring out of business.... The whole place is nothing but a big front, my emplyer would like to end the traffic going through here. It seems a daughter of the contractor was killed over some of the drugs that were coming out of this place. Guess she learned a little somthing on the way through that she shouldn't have and they offed her. Well all it ever takes is to piss off the wrong person in this world and you're over. Just so happens this little girl was the daughter of a rather wealthy man. So they called me....*He grins at her a slight bit. A grin that should say,"hope you aren't involved in this..."* Yeah, there's alot of those types in the world... Usually they ask questions though and don't disect you for the purposes that i'm talking about.

*she snickers..yeah she had seen some business, but doubted it was anything good they were passing, they seemed too slack..a smirk crosses her face as she shakes her head* You call this big? i call it lucky....*she leans forward., her smoke dangling from her lip* I have 'seen' too many of the transactions, and you never off someone in an obvious way....*she leans back and pulls the smoke form her lips* the only reason their stillin business is they are in butt fuck nowhere

*He grins to her slowly.* I don't think you were watching from outside... This place is bigger than you think. I've seen some rather large operations doing what I do. And this one definately classifies as no small timer. And yeah, that's the reason it's so successful. Because it's out in the middle of nowhere, and they have the local state troopers that run this route in thier pockets. This's somthing that's been here for a while. No doubt they got slack and thought they could just off some passing girl... It's different when they girls dad's rich though. Rich folk go outta their way to get revenge for some reason. Doesn't matter to me though, gives me a job anyway...*He puffs on the cigarrette a couple more times. She was right though. With his training, it wasn't going to take much skill to put this one operation out of business for good.* Well for whatever reason they are still in business, they made a mistake when it attracted a contract to me... Because now they're done...*He winks at her once then takes a sip of his tea.*

no *she shakes her head* I didn't watch outside *she shrugs* either way, they've gotten pretty damn lax...I'd think it would be pretty easy for almost anyone

*He shrugs. The point, as well as the conversation, were pretty much just that. Somthing for them to talk about that was getting dragged to the edge of overused... Tomorrow this place would more than likely no longer be here so he's not too worried about who can and can't do what.* It might be... But they got caught. *He indicates her leg using the hand his cigarrettes in. A slight hint of concern in his voice..* Leg okay...? Hope you gave as good as you got..

*the cup gets pushed aside as the waitress tries to refill it*yeah, I guess.....*she leans back in the booth, wincing slightly as her stomach stitches pull* Yeah, its fine....I've had worse*..well actually she hadn't, but why let anyone know....sure she had been shot at before, but most of those were grazes compared to this, not two shots through the thigh with her own gun and noone at the trigger...a shrug raises her shoulders* I dunno, don't remember much

*Trained eyes watch her as her faces betrays her response. Al nods slowly however... The girl wanted to appear tough as he would appear tough to anyone else. He'd not assault another persons pride by calling thier bluff.* As long as you're alright.. You know which one it was that got you? Might have to engrave your name into them when I finally run into 'em...*The words said so coldly that there could be no doubt. Al doesn't RUN from opposition. Perhaps one of the strangest R.UN.ers in that fashion. He's taken to hunting the G.U.A.R.D. figuring out what they like to do on thier downtime when away from the base. Then killing them off and disguising it as something else. Al will be taking the fight to them....*

*she shakes her head* hell no, I don't think I got more than a glimpse of either one...I don't know any of them, wouldn't know any except for walking steroid if I tripped over them *she crushes the smoke into the ashtray* which is why i decided to get the hell outta dodge.....that damn prison sure smells like a rat trap to me

*He nods slowly..* Well, guess they know about you now though. All of them will be onto you from now on. As an Admiral friend of mine once said a long time ago...."Welcome Aboard."*Puffing on his cigarrette a few times as he listens to he reasoning. It was the same fact that had led him to leave the lair long ago..* Yeah... With a place so readilly accessable to the public, what with all the parties and non-essential personel that are allowed inside, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a mole somone in there. I think the G.U.A.R.D.s just waiting to make thier strike. They might not be good team players with each other. But what they aren't is stupid.... Besides, it's exactlly the kind of move any military infiltration unit would use. I've used it before...

*she shrugs* I dunno, you guys kept saying that they already knew all about me, so whats the diff? *she nods in agreement* definately too many coming and going *a faint shiver runs up her spine* too many damn freaks int here for my liking too

*All gives a bit of a nod in agreement. Some of the R.UN.ers are definately disturbed. Not to mention a few of the friends that they bring into the place.* Well, i'd said that they knew you were out there. But until your first run-in with them they wouldn't know -about- you. Specifically what you can do. though it's only a matter of time until that happens for all of us. It's the only real weapon we have against them other than the power itself. Surprise them enough when they first meet you that maybe you take one out. They are overly confident... And there-in is thier undoing. Like I said before though...*He goes to crush out his cigarrette, panning his eyes up at her to stare out from under his lashes.*..watch over your shoulder. They have people everywhere, there's no established agency you can go to that they don't have thier claws in. Spend even ONE night in a jail and they'll have you. But watch your front too. A person who watches over thier shoulder all the time is usually killed from the front. Well, enough of the phillisophical shit... It's the officer in me.*He grins a little, the idea that he was ever a gentleman by proclimation is in itself absurd.* One things for sure.... this super power stuff isn't what the comics make out. And love lifes are impossible with them.*He laughs a couple times at the weak joke. He knew it was weak of course. But from a person that usually isn't bothered by seeing a body mangled beyond recognition it's still a pretty good attempt.*

*she shakes her head in amusement* thats been my policy my whole life..as for jail, I aint done time yet..and I can on keeping that record *She chuckles* In fact It hink this little group of 'friends' may be the only ones anywhere with record of me, no jails no hospitals, nothin' *she reaches to pick up the cup, realizes its empty and puts it back down* no, cause the good guy always gets off scott free.....

*He seems to be off in his own little world for a moment as he mentioned "love lifes". Remembering somone a while ago who'd he'd been in love deeply with. And to not have seen her for such a very long time. He's got his suspicions of course. It's almost assured that the G.U.A.R.D. has her. Otherwise she'd have contacted him mentally by now. That's another thing. If she's back in thier fold then she's got a connection over him that the G.U.A.R.D. could easilly exploit. In that case why hasn't she done it yet? Hearing Rocky droning on in the background. Realizing that she's finished her sentance after a couple moments. He'd heard everything but since he was only half listening it takes a moment for everything to sink in....* Yeah.... Definately not like the comics then. I haven't gotten off scott free. As a matter of fact, i've pretty much lost everything i'd ever worked for or wanted... I've even lost a few things I thought would be around for a while.*There's a definate hint of saddness in his voice. A rare moment for one that seems so outgoing and positive about what needs to be done all the time. With a little chuckle from his chest, one that could only be sarcastic seeing this is a belief he's wanted so desperately to be true his entire life.* What price freedom....

wanderin' the clouds? *...she never had much to begin wth except her 'family' and over half of them were dead or in jail, and the rest she didn't want to associate with in case she endangered them...hell, with their lifestyle they'd all be lucky to see 30 anyhow* lost everything *she nods* hmm, yeah i guess ya had that farm and shit going on *sarcasm hangs form her tone* what the hell is freedom?

*He doesn't understand the referance to "Wandering the clouds." But he doesn't give an outward appearance of it. He nods in agreement to losing everything. Although the farm wasn't what he was refering to. The object was somthing more like Jessie... Her sarcasm shows that perhaps she's never actually known freedom. He knew it, for a few moments at least a long time ago...* A dream... Something strong enough that people i've loved have died for it. I've fought for it, killed for it. To a politician it's the promise he uses to hide his other motives. But to a soldier, a true soldier, it's the golden chalice. I can't hardly explain it.. But i've experienced it, once a long time ago.

A dream all right *She reaches for the pack and grabs another smoke* thats all it is, all it'll ever be *she chuckles* if ya think ya saw it consider yourself lucky

*His mood grows a little bit dark at her mocking of a long envisioned aspiration for so many that've fought. A person who'd never served a day in her life. Hell a kid who didn't even know enough about the world and its serperate cultures to HAVE an oppinion on what freedom is or how much she enjoys compared to others. But instead of getting into a full blown argument with a young girl who couldn't possibly argue worldly affairs with a person who's known a little about every country, he just decides to end the conversation.* I've experienced it. And I feel sorry for those that haven't. Or have it when so many others don't...

Yeah sure, whatever *she leans back on the booth with a bored expression, smoke curling around her head as she briefly glances to the darkening sky outside ..looks liek a storms moving in, and she didn't see too many trucks out there she could hitch with..might have to start thumbing again......and almost any prospect was starting to look good beside this old wanna be herof*

*He simply quirks a brow at her flippid attitude. He too, however, sees the storm coming in. It would be a good opportunity for him to destroy this little establishment. Blame it on lightening or somthing of the like. Nah... To easy. He's been seriously considering walking up and just blatently demanding that they give him thier boss. At least it would make it more of a challenge if they knew he was coming. Not much of one, but more than when he rolls in and just starts killing people at random. If she only knew that he'd almost single handedly destroyed one of the G.U.A.R.D.s most "secure" bases then maybe her attitude would be different. Doubtful seeing her knack for disrespect. Like he could care though. With a slight sigh Al rises from the table and lays some money down for the coffee he'd had.* Well, i'll do you a favor... I'll burn the place to the ground after you've had time to find someplace else from the storm. *He sarcastically and gives her a little wink.* What else are friends for... Tell 'em i'm coming and you might be able to make a few bucks. Tell 'em, don't tell 'em. I could care less... The outcome won't be changed... Have a good one.*That said, he walks towards the door and even goes as far as to smile and nod at the large man standing near the access to the kitchen. Deciding already that he'd be the first one to feel a shotgun between the eyes on his return. With that he walks out into the starting rain, hikes his collar up to protect his neck, then makes his way across the street to wait in the alleyway.*

right *she watches as he gets up and leaves....about time, the old wanna be was boring her..she glances out the window again and with a pained sigh stands up, drops a few dollars on the table and heads out the door, making her way to the roadside, where she starts walking, her thumb coming out every time a car passes heading west*

*He grins slightly as he watches her hitchike along side of the roadway. Kids should definately learn to respect thier betters. Seeing as he doesn't consider himself and Elder. But as far as fighting goes, he's definately her better by more than a few years worth of training.* Yup... I give her about a couple months before they catch her. She doesn't have the right attitude to survive this game.*Al chuckles slightly.* Now here I am talking to myself.. I have to get it together.*He shakes his head a few times as she hitchhikes. So much for small talk with that one. She was more pleasent the last time they'd talked. Al leans back into the shadows and disappears into the night.*