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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Oct 10, 2005 19:49:13 GMT -5
William was stunned when the thug on the floor drew a 9mm from out of nowhere and fired on the bounty hunter. However, it seemed like lady luck had a taste for a different man that night and his Beretta quickly jammed leaving him at the not-so-tender mercies of the revolver wielding Mr. Suede. Another gunshot rang out before William could react, this time from the bounty hunter, blowing the prone man's forehead to pieces.
William, hunkering behind the table, clutching Thorn's Desert Eagle, debated what to do. Should he attempt to shoot the bounty hunter in the leg? Should he demand the man's surrender? Should he wait for the MPs?
Damn it, I'm a Mechwarrior not a cop!
The bounty hunter slung the limp bloody corpse over his shoulder, messing up his nice jacket in the process, and started making his way to the exit. William decided that an explanation was in order. Hoping that a few other gun-toting blokes in the bar (he knew they were there) would back him up, he pointed the Desert Eagle at the hunter's back.
"Hold it right there, Mr. Suede. If you're gonna bust into our bar and shoot the place up, you at least owe the Legionnaires an explanation."
Rhodes kept his sights centered on the man's back, hoping he had the nerve to stare down the obviously deadly hunter for hire.
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Oct 10, 2005 20:54:51 GMT -5
I walked into the bar after finishing diner with Morgan and Aliesha. I saw there a bounty hunter with a man drawn over his shoulder, and Rhodes with my Desert Eagle pointed at the man.
I looked at Rhodes. Thoughts of what the heck is he doing ran through my head. Luckily I also carried a smaller pistol on me. I fingered the holster it was in and thumbed the saftey off. I keep my hand on it but didnt draw it out. I waited for the first move.
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Abraham Tetsuhara
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
The panther with talent hides its claws.
Posts: 11
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Post by Abraham Tetsuhara on Oct 10, 2005 21:05:42 GMT -5
The light above my stool had burnt out ages ago, leaving the corner section of the bar unilluminated. I had noticed the slightly overweigh dreadlocked man when he entered the bar earlier—I had tagged him as a possible threat. When the bounty hunter came in proverbial red flags went off in my mind; this man had few intentions of hiding his nature, at least to trained eye. Although I couldn’t hear the men’s conversation, I was able to watch them in the reflection of one of the bar’s liquor bottles. It would seem that the bounty hunter was going to make some noise when he saw his quarry escaping and fired at him with an ancient firearm. Hidden in my large hand I held a small needler pistol—it remained trained on the bounty hunter. After dispatching his target, the bounty hunter slung him over his shoulder, the man’s glasses falling off his face. The horrible exit wound was exposed as he picked up the man—much of the blood which had been in the torso pouring from the man’s wound. Not standing for such disrespect for life and the Legionnaires, Mechwarrior Rhodes confronted the bounty hunter, scanning the crowd for allies. Rhodes’ eyes passed right over me, I truly had blended. Perhaps we was more talented than I thought and let his gaze pass without fixating on any objects of interest, but I doubted it—few would bother. His eyes did fall upon Mechwarrior Blake, who with the clanner, were at a table with a mysterious gentleman. For a moment Blake caught Rhodes eyes—Blake had Rhodes back. I sat there waiting for the next piece to move—hopefully it would be the lowering of a gun.
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Post by The 'Mech Dealer on Oct 11, 2005 8:25:54 GMT -5
I was about to give my spiel to this mysterious mechwarrior about the trade I had for him. A highly customized, experimental Zeus X, abundant with clan technology. It had been destined for a mercenary commander on Outreach, but since the Word of Blake attack on that planet, I no longer had a buyer and I was out of pocket on this thing. Two very bad situations for a seller to be in.
Three shots suddenly silenced the entire cantina and sent patrons diving for the floor and cover. Myself included. Scanning around I could see more than one gun had been drawn by those now lying on the floor. A man in a suede jacket confidently walked across the cantina, the obvious source of the afore mentioned gunfire.
I looked back to see what had become of the two mercenaries I had been dealing with to find that they were still sitting calm as day in their seats. Though both appeared to be intently focused on the now obvious Bounty Hunter, both immediately glanced at me when I turned to face them.
Impressed as much by their ice blood as by the bounty hunter's confidence, I missed seeing the bounty hunter's victim attempt to extradite himself from his situation or the bounty hunter's definitive solution.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Oct 11, 2005 8:44:35 GMT -5
Rhode's eyes made contact with mine for the briefest second. It was enough time though for him to see my acknowledging nod.
I whispered to Aliesha to keep an eye on our friend, who was currently cowering on the floor, attempting to hind behind the chair he had been seated upon so briefly ago. I was curious to hear what he had to offer.
Returning my knife to it's customary location, I stood and walked in a circular path towards the killer, who by now had picked up the corpse of his victim and had slung the body over his shoulder. As I walked to the killer's left side, the same shoulder he had slung the corpse over, I spoke up to him.
"Bounty Hunter ? "
This made him obviously aware of my presence, so that he wouldn't be suddenly spooked and also let him know that more than one person had taken an active interest in his activities and one of those was still to his back.
" Yes. Collecting on a drug dealer and murderer. "
Bounty Hunters, I had seen their type many times before. Sometimes they walked in, caught their mark and walked out again. Sometimes they walked in and were carried out again before being dumped in a shallow grave somewhere. Balls of steel some of them. Brains of shit the rest. This one had balls.
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Post by Bounty Hunter Sam Grisham on Oct 11, 2005 15:39:43 GMT -5
“For fuck’s sake… you HEAVY bastard!” I grunted as I slumped the late (but not great) Brockton over my left shoulder. As the remains of his head splashed onto my back, I felt tepid warm blood soak through my suede coat.
“Christ, even when you’re dead you can’t help but make trouble, can you?!” I muttered just under my breath as I placed my revolver back into it’s leather holster. Although I wasn’t entirely sorry for ending this murderer’s life, I did feel a little guilty I had to cause such a ruckus in this filthy, yet quaint, merc’ bar. The only thing that did ease my mind, other than the reward I would be getting, was the fact that just for once I didn’t have to unleash the “Crescent Moon” custom made revolver, which gently tapped against my butt as I took each sluggish step. Concealed from the view of everyone (thanks to my long, stained suede coat), I sense of relief wash over me. Had in unleashed that beast, I think this bar would have been painted with even more blood.
"Hold it right there, Mr. Suede. If you're gonna bust into our bar and shoot the place up, you at least owe the Legionnaires an explanation." Came a voice from behind.
“Shit…” I said openly within my mind. I hadn’t hoped to tangle with mercenaries… though I didn’t expect to kill my target either… I didn’t turn around, however I kept perfectly still as I heard several other “clicks” and “whines” of various weapons setting themselves to “shoot if he moves” mode…
"Bounty Hunter ?" came a voice from my left, which had been blocked by Mr Brockton’s heavy framed body. For several seconds, the only thing that could be heard was Derrick’s blood and drain matter dripping on the old wooden floors of the bar.
"Yes. Collecting on a drug dealer and murderer." I said calmly as I did a mental count on the number of bullets that were left in my revolver I had previously been using.
“Three shots to take him down… then one to end him… so that leaves me with two shots left…” I thought as I did the sum in my head. Although revolvers took a long time to reload, I was smart enough to bring more than one gun with me. On my right hip was the revolver I had just used. On my left sat her little sister. Taped to both shins were a couple of .22 pea shooters for “just in”. And strapped to my back was “Crescent Moon”, my most deadliest weapon. My mind began to calculate my possibilities for attack as I waited in the silence, waiting for the mercenaries’ response.
“Oh Really?” came the voice from behind. “Then you wont mind tossing your badge back here will you, Mister…”
“Grisham. Sam Grisham.” I said, reaching into my front breast pocket and tossing the badge over to the gentleman to my left. I heard the sound of rough hands catching the leather case that my gold badge sat in as I began to feel the weight of this heavy fucker…
“Looks real…” said the voice to my left. The sound of shuffling could be heard all around the Cantina as I shifted Brockton into a more comfortable position.
“You bet its real…” I said, groaning under the strain. I soon realised… I had three miles to walk to claim my reward…
“Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get this tub-o-lard down town to collect my money… so if you’ll excuse me…” I grunted, taking a step forward and soon regretting it. As I took my step forward, it seemed as though one hundred hammer’s snapped back into their cocked position. Slowly turning around, I saw all the squatters of this simple looking tavern point their firearms at me. I gave a quirky, nervous smile as the sweat on my brow collected on my forehead.
“I’m… sorry I ruined your bar…” I nervously spoke, cracking that same, small quirky looking smile. I was replied with silence for several seconds as the tiny population that formed the Cantina carefully trained their weapons on me and fat boy.
“Listen… in side that leather case that holds my badge… there is a card in there. It contains my contact details. Call me tomorrow, and I will repay the damages.” I said, turning to face the man that held onto my badge. Mercenaries, for some reason, scared the ever loving shit out of me. Like pissing on a police man, I had just stirred up some anger amongst these people. Right now, all I wanted to do was get my reward… even if it meant bargaining with these people.
“… It says your “for hire”…” said the gentleman who held onto my badge.
“shit…” I thought, realising what I had just done. Now… I was in their pocket, which meant I was in their debt… which meant I was gunna be in a whole world of shit if I didn’t do what they wanted…
“…Well, yes I am… to the highest bidder…”
“Well… I might just keep this…” replied the man, pocketing the card and tossing my badge back over to me. I snatched it from the air and instantly pocketed it. This guy’s cool assertiveness gave me the creeps. He didn’t sound threatening, yet his calmness in this situation was unnerving.
“We WILL be calling you Mr Grisham… now run along…” he continued, shoeing me off with a limp hand.
Without a second thought, I made my exit.
Soon I was in the cold streets of Gellen’s Heights, with half a tonne of dead flab on my shoulder. I sly grin crept over my face
“I’ll give them their money…” I muttered, closing the top of my jacket with a tight fist, stopping any cold getting in.
“But these “Legionnaires” might just turn out to be a little gold mine… If I play my cards right…” I muttered, soon realising that these mercenaries MIGHT be interested in my services… which meant some extra cash in my pocket.
“And there WILL be EXTRA cash in my pocket… with my fee…”
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Oct 11, 2005 16:05:45 GMT -5
I took my hand off the smaller pistol as the man left. I nodded to Morgan as he headed back to his table. I then walked over to Rhodes as he slumped down in his chair, relief washing over his face. I pulled up a chair and sat down.
You have guts Rhodes. A lot of guts.
The bartender came over and asked if I wanted anything and shook my head saying no.
So what other kind of trouble have you been gettting yourself into? I asked poking fun at the man.
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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Oct 11, 2005 19:02:24 GMT -5
William gladly handed the massive Desert Eagle back to Thorn. The pistol's mule-kick probably would have put him clean on his ass had he actually fired it.
You have guts, Rhodes. A lot of guts.
You missed the part where I practically wet myself. I don't like fighting without wearing a fifty-ton poncho.
Rhodes ordered another Timbiqui Dark to calm his pulsating nerves as Morgan Blake walked by. He barely recognized the man after his reconstructive surgery. Truly Dr. Saturina was a master of her craft.
Thanks for the back-up everybody. Especially you, Blake. I owe ya one. Next round is on me.
This brought a chorus of ragged cheers from the drunken and heavily armed bar patrons. William realized his wallet was just about to get a lot lighter.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Oct 12, 2005 4:17:51 GMT -5
Walking back to the table where Aliesha was patiently minding the mech dealer, I passed Rhodes, who was now accompanied by Alex Thorn. I gave a quick wink and nod of the head to congratulate him on his outstanding performance in handling the Bounty Hunter.
Returning to our table, the mech dealer had managed to raise himself from the floor and was in the process of righting his chair when he saw me approaching. Deft as he was, he wasn't quite quick enough to hide the hold-out pistol he was carrying before I saw it. As I suspected, he wasn't quite the meek and mild merchant he was portraying earlier tonight.
" Now, you were about to tell me why I desperately need the mech that only you have for sale and how giving you my clan salvage and my own mech will make me feel guilty about short changing you but you really want this deal for me."
After the interuption of the Bounty Hunter I was keen to get this transaction underway.
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Post by The 'Mech Dealer on Oct 12, 2005 5:44:22 GMT -5
The mercenary had turned brash and assertive. Probally all the adrenalin coursing through his veins after his brief stand off with the Bounty Hunter. This could work to my advantage, if he was still brooding about the Bounty Hunter, his distraction may lead him to trade away more than I had first hoped.
" The mech that I have to offer is unique. A blend of clan technology and cutting edge Inner Sphere research, this mech has no parallel. "
The mechwarrior's female companion and apparently his body guard guffawed at my statement but made no comment. I decided to ignore her to show her that her opinion counted not.
" The mech that I have to offer is a Zeus-X. Not one of the regular variant Zeus but one of the NAIS experimental X class test beds. Originally travelling with Operation Bulldog, the mech saw heavy action but stoically survived it all. Returning to the Inner Sphere the mech was refitted with select clan salavge, notably an extended range PPC, and a clan extra-light engine. In more recent times, the mech was purchased by an affluent mercenary commander on Outreach with influential connections in the Davion Research department. The mech now boasts one of the NAIS targetting computers, several clan extended range medium lasers, a heavy duty gyro, advanced Angel ECM package, command console for dual pilots, clan LRM15 slaved to an artemis IV targetting system and has been outfitted with jumpjets. Since the destruction of Outreach, he's gone and I'm left with a mech that deserves an elite pilot such as yourself."
I was sure that after that spiel, he'd be chafing at the bit ready to trade his soul for this mech. To prove he was worth of it.
" No. "
" No ? "
" No, as in not interested. "
" Why in Blake's name not ? " I queried.
" First of all my name IS Blake and secondly because it's too damn unique. The first time that some disillusioned bastard shoots at the thing and puts a hole through the armour, he's likely to bust something I cann't get repaired or replaced. Thirdly, how do you know I'm this deserving elite pilot the mech is crying out for ? I am dead certain that you have never seen me pilot a mech before in your life.
He had seen straight the mech's greatest weakness. It's uniqueness made it, it's own worst enemy. He was right, where would a merc with no contacts be able to find even the most common of the unique systems on this mech. And there was my dilemma. Who besides the original merc commander who had ordered it, would want it. No one else had the contacts to keep it maintained. I decided to try again, from a different angle.
" What I'm offering you is worth far more on the open market than what I'm asking for in return you know ? " "..." Obviously not or you wouldn't be trying to sell it on a minor planet in the chaos march in exchange for battlefield salvage. Quite clearly, what I have to offer is of far greater value than you are openly admitting and further more I suspect that you already have a buyer in mind for my salvage.
But you are correct, I am possibly in the market for a new battlemech. Now if you were to put a Turkina on the table, I might start to bend over backwards as you were hoping I would. "
A Turkina, I blanched at the idea. A Jade Falcon assault omnimech for what he had to offer, not on his life. It wasn't that I couldn't source one, eventually, but the value rivaled that of a small dropship, not some battlefield salavage as he had to offer.
" Sorry no Turkinas but I do have some other mechs in my inventory at present. Archer ? Warhammer ? Griffin ? Verfolger ? "
" I'd be selling myself short if I traded for any one of those. "
He wanted two of my pristine mechs for his salvage. Now THAT was audacious.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Oct 12, 2005 5:58:12 GMT -5
That the dealer was keen to part with the Zeus was evident right from the beginning when he started his spiel. Every nut and bolt got described upfront. None of this " but it's also got... did I mention...." half way through the bargaining process. It certainly sounded the best of the bunch despite it's unique nature and I knew that Thorn was after a Verfolger to replace his damaged Black Knight.
Eventually we settled on a deal, I would get the Zeus, Thorn would get the Verfolger, the dealer would get Thorn's Black Knight, my Thug, the Gargoyle minus the clan Ultra AC/20, the remains of Aliesha's Hellbringer minus any weapons and equipment pods and several million C-Bills cash from the Legionnaires. Bargained well and done as the clans say.
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Oct 12, 2005 17:14:40 GMT -5
I took the Desert Eagle in my hands.
Not a weapon for ya eh?
I turned the elegant but deadly weapon in my hand. I then holstered it and looked around. People were minding their own business after the bounty hunter incident.
I chuckled lightly.
Yes a fifty-ton poncho would help.
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