Roleplaying
2004 Archive
2005 Archive
Seminars
| When: | 12 March 2005 |
| Who: | Butch, Edward, Kacela, Uzal |
| What: | Kacela finally decides that she doesn't like Butch, and makes this point obviously clear. However, she's quite willing to still have him as an assistant of sorts. |
East - Austin
There are 'problem areas,' and then there are 'urban wastelands.' Much of the East Side of Austin fits into the latter category. It runs from the Capitol all the way to the eastern city limits, walled in by the University and the Colorado River in the south and an invisible line known only to the street-smart in the north. A reasonably comfortable buffer zone in the east-central and around the highways keeps the worst part of the city from mingling with the best and most important, and it is there that Austin has its most ambitious revitalization projects. The further east one goes, however, the faster the city seems to take an ungraceful dive into vice and decay. The exact opposite of the West Side, much of the East is a true barrio. The streets are unabashedly dirty, littered with both material trash and people, sitting or standing or walking aimlessly by the wayside.
It's evening and the sun has set. Not a good time to be walking through this area, let alone dressed as nicly as Edward is. Still, he doesn't seem to care and ingores the sometime hostile stares he gets as he walks along toward No Dinero.
Sunset for some is a thing of beauty, and Kacela herself is actually walking towards the grocer. A faint smile teases at the corners of her mouth as she takes in a deep breath. She keeps her gaze sharp, all the better to stay safe. It's with some surprise that her meandering path on the sidewalk should bring her to Edward. She recognizes him from the lobby of the Lutheran Church, and suppresses a faint smile. "Well hello there. You look a little lost. Probably the same way I did in that church. At least I could sing. Can you walk the walk?"
Edward's footsteps slow and come to a halt as Kacela approches him. With cold smile he tucks his hands into the pockets of his coat and looks her slowly up and down "Why do you ask?
Kacela narrows her eyes and gives Edward a scowl that would wilt concrete. "Not /ME/," she objects. "Leave it to the church goers to walk the red light district. I'm going to get myself some soup from the grocery store, I don't what you were thinkin' I was doing." She then looks at the surrounding area, as if trying to fathom why Edward, being as well dressed as he was, was here. "Oh... are you one of those urban renewal people? I heard some about that through the office..."
Roll by Edward: (2) (2) (4)
Edward smiles thinly "No, I'm not a urban renewal person, althouh this place could use some. I'm just out for a walk and to check out the club."
Butch comes stumbling down the steps of No Dinero clumsily. One hand clutching the side of his head, rubbing his temple slowly, the other fishing around in his jacket pocket for somthing. His hair is a little frazeled and he looks almost tired. After a moment of fumbling hes made it down the steps to the street corner and has found what he was looking for. His lighter and Malbro lights. He slides one out, lights up, and takes a long drag.
Kacela mmphs. "You're a bit well dressed. Gonna buy it out, then?" She shifts weight, resting one shoulder of her windbreaker jacket on the wall. And then, the information to Edward comes.
Peons, all of them. Kacela seems to save all of her compassion for her job, leaving little tolerance for fools in the meantime. There's a faint animosity pointed towards Edwards, as if he were a child that meddled into too many things for his own good. Edward would know best how he viewed Kacela -- Miss Kacela Howard, definitely not married, definitely not dating. As of late, she's been reading heavily into microbiology, epidemiology, and pathology, a product of an order from a highly-esteemed higher up, and has a more long-standing interest in bead design, origami, and fast, curvy cars. She puts quite a lot of faith into those who clearly hold rank over her, although she will give no endless amount of grief to others of equal or lesser rank, perceived or otherwise. There's a strong, fierce pride in her background, snatches of a wind-tossed, hot land, although it could very well be the Kalahari of ages ago. This truly is her neighborhood, though, with a considerable, gritty element weaving in and out of the fabric of her life. Murderers, drug dealers, dealing with them the way a snakehandler does cobras, with calm, grim, calculations.
Edward glances over at Butch as he stumbles out the club and once again his eyes narrow as he studies the man for a long moment.
Butch tilts his head back and seems to stare off into the sky and curse under his long breaths. He continues to smoke deeply and is now rubbing his temples with both hands.
Edward looks back at Kacela, still thoughtful even though he now knows a fair bit about her. "So, do you live around here?
"Mmm, the shoe store," Kacela purrs out toward Butch. "Just what do you do with yourself to keep in such good shape? And did you just get your ass kicked or something?" However, she turns back towards Edward. "Yeah, I do. And no you aren't coming by to visit, either."
Edward snorts at the suggestion "Belive me, I have no interest in that Ma'am. Like I said I'm just out to check out the club." He glances over Butch "Although it seems to be a bit rough tonight."
Uzal strolls down the street, swinging his long arms and legs breezily, just back from a satisfying evening of 'helping' the poor, oppressed citizens in this area. It just gives him such a glow of happiness. He smiles radiantly as he sees Butch and Kacela, turning his eyes curiously to view the other man nearby. "Good evening," he bows gracefully, as if they were in a ballroom rather than the junky side of town. He then lifts his eyebrows mildly as Kacela admits to living around these parts.
Butch snaps out of his trance at the remaks that seem to come from no where. He turns, smiling broadly and trying to show off his physique as he turns to look in the direction of the familar voice and not only does he see the lovely and familiar female face...but two others he recognizes. His smile fades as he tosses his cigarette into the street still lit. "Jesus, are you stalking me now Ulysess! It's bad enough I've still got a headache after our conversation last night, and I was an hour late to a chemical fire! AN HOUR! Do you know how much damage a fire can do in an hour!!!!"
Edward gives Uzal a curious look as Butch adresses him, but takes a step backward "Are you alright Butch?"
Kacela furrows her brow at Butch, "You were the only firefighter in town?" She does a double-take at Uzal, and utters something under her breath about pepper spray. She gestures grandly to the club, "By all means, though, go investigate. I'm not going in there, I don't like that kind of music." She folds her hands in front of her trim belly, content to see if anything comes of the interactions between those before her.
Uzal's eyebrow quirks mildly again. "Ah, it must have been so distressing for you to get there too late for the damage, Butch," he says deadpanly. "I do apologize. But you /were/ curious about me, too, were you not?" He smiles a bit. "And, no, I am not stalking anyone. I have simply been visiting this part of town to do some... one may call it volunteer work. Helping out the people in the less fortunate quarters of this metropolis."
Butch nods slowly. "Yeah. Nothing a strong drink won't fix. I think i need to train harder. I figured i could last at least six hours in the mosh but, i guess im not quite hardcore material yet. Some of those punks have pretty thick skulls." He smiles broadly at Kace. "Oh no my dear. Im not the only one. But I do love my job, and like to... /help/ whenever I can." He then turns to Edward. "Hey brother! Hows it hanging? Inside is a trip if your into the /hard/ stuff, and if you've got the endurance for it." He makes a crude wink in Kace's direction.
Edward smiles pleasently at Butch "Sounds interesting, and I'll have to check it out someday soon, but for not I'm afraid I have to depart. It was pleasure talking to you all."
Kacela laughs long and hard, tossing her head back. Braids and teeth flash, and she waves a hand towards Uzal. "You're kidding me, right, about helping out?" And then, the comment and wink from Butch comes. She practically groans, "I can't believe I'm getting this static!"
Uzal watches the man depart, with mild curiosity, then turns back to his two 'friends'. "Kidding? Why would I be? Helping others is so good for the soul," his teeth glitter as he smiles. Indeed it is, especially when it supports his Word. "I think Butch agrees in that department." He smirks mildly again.
Butch looks puzzled but slightly in better spirits than when he left the club. He addresses Kace with "Huh? Somthing I said?" Before he groans loudly at the bull filled talk of helping the soul and such. "Listen, I still don't know what the hell you do. But im damned sure you don't go around helping people cause it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside."
Kacela gives both Butch and Uzal a helpless look, before just shaking her head. She mm-hmms. "And just HOW do you go about helping these people, mmm?" Some part of her could at least enjoy a good tale, but there's something in her behavior that suggests that she is just not taking either of them seriously.
Uzal lifts his eyebrow at Butch. "Why, of course I act for the spiritual joy and satisfaction. Doesn't everyone?" Ah, that sweet feeling of Word-Essence. To Kacela, he replies with a smile, "Well, today I met some people who were having trouble with their landlord. I showed them how to stand up to him, to be more assertive." His teeth sparkle. "And some youth who were having trouble in school... I do think young people should value their own opinions and speak out rather than hiding in the corner."
Roll by Uzal: (3) (1) (3)
Butch growls "Im really not in the mood for more idle chit chat Ulysess. But if you miss would like to talk some buisness Im sure I can find time."
Kacela raises a hand to stroke her chin thoughtfully, as if taking some pleasure of the sensation along her jaw. She then juts her hands into the pockets, and tilts her head to the side, providing Uzal to the side. "Oh, that sounds like it's right up my alley." And then, she hmmms at Butch. "As long as you keep your hands to yourself," she breathes out, "I could always do with picking up a few more associates. And I'm sure the DFACS kids would love to slide down that pole in the firehouse where you work. Whereever that may be."
"You, too, have philanthropic interests, Kacela?" Uzal asks innocently, regarding her with interest. He just sniffs mildly at Butch's brusque tone.
Butch almost looks hurt. "Who, me? What kind of guy do you take me for? And...wha...wait. Kids? You want to let kids run rampant in MY firehouse?"
Kacela oohs, and leans in, "You're sounding a bit pro-tect-ive there..." She taunts out to Butch, before slyly replying to Uzal. "Well, I do make a point to aid battered women in protecting themselves. Why, Cell Block Tango had it right when they said "he had it coming"."
Butch says, "Hey, that place has my ride and gives me access to the best adrenaline rush you could ask for! So your damn straight on that one. But, if you don't mind I do have a couple of questions i'd like some answers to."
Uzal smiles at Kacela. "A most admirable profession," he says sincerely. One might guess he's one of those Balseraphs who have delusions of honor and nobility, like... well, like Baal.
Kacela looks coolly at Butch, and rocks back on her heels. "Questions? Oh, I love this game," she croons out sveltely. "Fire away." She flicks her gaze towards Uzal. "You can listen if you want," she says, upping the ante. "Where to, mm?"
Butch says, "Well, since theres no way i can get a straight answer out of puzzle box over there. I'm looking to find a few choice spots. Like, the nearest couple of ATM machines....Im looking to make a withdrawl. That and, it would be good to know where our....'bases' are located. Well...and I suppose a little more talk about the mutual thorn in our sides is in order.""
Withdrawing slightly, Kacela looks puzzled. "Why would you want ATM machines? And bases? What in the hell are you talking about? And mutual thorn in our sides?" At that point, her gaze slips over towards Uzal, eyebrows arched. "Him?"
Butch he smiles and shakes his head sadly. "Sorry, i guess hearing so many damned riddles from that schmuk is starting to get into my head. Yes, I want to know where I can find some isolated ATM machines.... I want to know where our /tethers/ are located. The mutual thorn im refering to, is that Lyman chump. OH! You wouldn't happen to know where I can find a local Herald do you?"
Uzal smirks a little at Butch's epithet of 'puzzle box'. "I am a man of many pieces, yes," he murmurs, then chuckles a little at Kacela's glance.
Kacela says mildly, "Oh, him? Why, he has a major share holding in Lux, and might expanding to other vistas. But chump? I wouldn't know about that." She narrows her eyes, and says, "Tethers? So you really really are a naughty boy, hmmm." She flicks her gaze back over towards Uzal. "Oh no," she simpers out, raising hands to the skies, "I'm surrounded!" She breaks into a laugh. "If you're clever and smart, you'll find them yourself."
Butch frowns. "If your not gonna help me thats fine. But, don't come looking for any favors later." He spits into the gutter and pulls out another Malbro.
Kacela rolls her eyes, and points languidly towards the run-down convenience store festooned in rust and razor-wire. "There's your ATM, don't say I never helped you. And I did say that I might have a use for you. Really. Now what were those OTHER questions of yours?"
Kacela then continues. "In reference to Mister Lyman, who knows? I think the heirarchy would be a pleasant chance. Certainly would help with that whole 'organization' thing that you were going on about, even if the thought of it doesn't sit too well with others..." She looks towards Uzal again.
"The pulling of this 'thorn' is also part of my interest," Uzal notes. "It is simply part of my nature to perform such gardening chores. Although, my dear, I suspect that you wish to let it grow until it is time to be weeded." He smiles at Kacela.
Butch continues to frown. "I see...I must have misread you then... At any rate. You don't have to tell me shit if you don't want to. I understand that women of your /quality/ are quite busy on a fine saturday night such as this."
Roll by Kacela: (2) (2) (6)
"OH hell no your white cracker ass just DID not call me a ho." Kacela scowls, and then with a scorned demeanor, tosses her braids, and begins stalking off. "I don't believe in that kind of bullshit." She continues to storm off, before whipping around, "But I /DO/ believe in this..." In her hands is a Glock, pulled from a shoulder hoslter, and three rounds squeezed off towards Butch.
Roll by Butch: (3) (2) (6)
There's surprisingly few screams on the street as the shots ring out. Instead, the few that are out and about just rather quickly walk to the other side of the street, while others dive for cover.
As the gunshots ring out, Uzal instinctively steps back, pulling cautiously out of the way. "Tch, tch," he murmurs, shaking his head at Butch. "It is not wise to insult a lady."
Butch takes a slug in the chest and grunts faintly. Then smiles widely as a familiar tune crosses his mind.
Roll by Butch: (4) (6) (3)
"Oh, of course. Jerk. This is the part where you're supposed to fall down." Kacela nods towards some of the people coming out of hiding as she reholsters the gun, scowling deeply. "Gunshots won't get calls to the cops in this part of town, but a motherfucker not falling down afterwards WILL. Are you dumb or something? We're going to have get out of here, now." She shakes her head, and then begins to stalk off, before turning around to him and saying, "Don't you EVER imply that shit again, fucker. Get your candy ass straight, and I'll show you one of the damned tethers tomorrow morning. AFTER I watch my Sunday afternoon news, I'm expectin' some entertaining stories, and I'd like to /not/ be bothered while enjoying them."
Uzal keeps out of the way, watching with a smirk. Neither of these two is in authority over the other, so he is not obligated to take sides.
Butch closes his eyes for a moment letting his song thats flowing in his mind dull to a hum. And he looks down at his fresh bullet wound. "Grrrrrrrr thats it!? Fine whatever woman! I don't think IM the one who needs there head screwed on right! The other night you were all about getting into this chumps buisness but now you've got cold feet! I SPENT THE FUCKING NIGHT LISTENING TO THAT DUMB RIDDLE BOX FOR NOTHING!? Thats bull shit!"
Kacela breaks into rich, full laughter, and then looks over towards Uzal. "HIM?" She begins speaking as if Uzal was not present. "Honey, honey, honey, you gotta know how to talk to him. You don't seem like much of a talker, though. Maybe a fighter, though, yeah... not flinching from the gunshot. How's about we just let it go and you can show much just how much angel tushie you can kick, later, mm?"
Uzal lifts his eyebrow, shaking his head chidingly. "Really now... I told you I would help you deal with the 'chump'." He chuckles a little. "Just let me deal with such in my own way, and I think you will be pleased."
Butch snarls "Fine! Whatever! Im soo freaking pissed right now that i could rip your head off but I wont...for one reason. I had a good first impression of you. But mark my words, if you turn out to be one of those little needle necked kobalites i'll be back with avengance!"
Kacela practically spits out, "Kobal? Give me a break! Laughing isn't going to bring Heaven to its knees. There's better use of resources. And I said I would show you the tether. You just have to make sure that YOU show up for your schooling." Another pause. "What is your name, ANYWAY?" Not expecting an answer, she rolls shoulders, as if trying to fend off the rising tenseness in them. "Dealing with you two makes me tired." She looks towards Uzal, "And let you have all the fun? But I positively MUST at least hear the gossip from you about what you plan to do..." She begins to saunter down the street, as if there wasn't a man bleeding out on the street, and as if she were not the one responsible for it.
Uzal leans back against the wall, hands in pockets, just chuckling slightly with amusement. He doesn't seem at all distressed by the scene.
Butch growls loudly as Kace just walks away. "I can't belive this." he mutters under his breath "bitch can't even remember my name." He sighs, as he looks down at his bullet wound. 'hmmm' he thinks to himself 'I forgot how much these stupid vessels bleed, well i've had worse.' He turns to face the jokester as he applies some pressure to his wound. "What are you smile'n at? If you want to dance im good for another three hours."
Uzal just smirks a little to himself, then composes himself to mock seriousness. "It is interesting to watch a new relationship develop, that is all."
Butch humpfs. "Im gonna go take care of this...unless your voluntering some help besides your riddles." He looks around....this side of town no one is really keeping their eyes out.
Kacela pauses to coyly look over her shoulder. "Gentlemen, gentlemen, take a number, please, or at least get in line. Although it is kind of sweet for you two to volunteer. And that's right, it is bitch, don't forget it." That last barb is delivered, and Kacela quite contentedly begins to saunter to whereever it is she calls home, a few homeless people shuffling away from her, parting like the proverbial waters of the Red Sea.
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