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#Post#: 912--------------------------------------------------
Carbon Black
By: calliamity Date: February 3, 2025, 6:14 pm
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[center]Regina Roberts[/center]
[center]Look, I don't wanna know anything anymore, this is a
world where nothin' is solved[/center]
[center]Rogue | Cloaking 3 | Confidence | Daredevil[/center]
[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/ZQRGjjb.png[/float]
[hr]
[BR]
They were on their third stolen car and just pulling into a
motel in Topeka when Regina finally realized they'd left their
Miku lanyard in the Jeep when they'd set it on fire. They let
out a sharp swear and slam both hands on the steering wheel,
then mumble an apology. Dark rings circle their eyes after eight
hours of highway driving interspersed with a few acts of grand
theft auto and moving their luggage and sleepy blonde passenger
between vehicles. Wishmaster is playing on the radio over
Bluetooth connection, an olive branch extended. AAAAA
loooonelyyyyyy sooooou-click[BR][BR]She shoulders open the door
and runs her fingers through greasy black locks as she climbs
out of the cool blue Ford Raptor. They're across state lines
from where she'd stolen it and they won't be here long enough
for the cops to sort out jurisdiction before she hops the border
into Oklahoma for the next leg of her maniac route to Vegas. "I
guess they're not as bad as I remember," she says to the other
woman, before slapping the door shut.[BR][BR]Her white shirt had
been ditched for a leather jacket at some point, and her
Protector was long gone, tossed out of the window way back in
Bloomington (sans the proprietary ammo, which she'd held onto
another hundred miles or so).[BR][BR]They grab Lena's gym bag
out of the bed and sling it before retrieving their own little
carryon-sized rolly luggage. Wheels ain't even necessary here,
her life fits in a suitcase small enough for her to carry
without strain for as far as she could walk without it. "Room
14's upstairs, there's only one bed but I'm too tired to make a
joke about that so I'll sleep on the floor."
#Post#: 913--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: Mother_Hydra Date: February 3, 2025, 6:33 pm
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[center]Lena Carsei
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/19FhIldip6oG-KbhWMoUYUm5MrNLlintHuCuOrMJRWOc/edit?usp=sharing[/center]
[center]We could all do with a fresh perspective, a solid pair
of shoes and, a great cup of coffee.[/center]
[center][I]Charisma 4 Bold | Permanent Paradox Flaw [/center]
[float=right
max=45%][img]
HTML https://i.ibb.co/sFP0gzj/rs-600x600-140728041846-600-Natalie-Dormer-Hunger-Games-JR-72814.jpg][/img][/float]
[hr]
It had been a draining eight hours for both of them, sleeping in
a car had never been a strong suit of Lena's despite the fact
she had done a great deal of it in her life, it always left her
groggy, and perhaps a little bit terse. She'd done her best to
keep them on course, having picked up a traditional road map at
one of the various refills along the way. She'd turned her own
phone off and pulled the sim card, any usage would be possible
to track, and eventually she would have to get a new one, likely
on a different carrier under a different name.
Ahh the joys of being on the run.
When the finally stopped in Topeka, preparing for a night of
rest where they would finally be in a bed rather than a car the
orphan is quite pleased to hear Gina admit that Nightwish was
infact, decent.
"That wasn't so hard was it?" She mused, patting Gina on the
shoulder as she hefted her dufflebag onto one shoulder with a
sigh.
"Why precisely would you sleep on the floor? You've been driving
most of the way here, if anyones on the floor its me, or we
could do the sane, adult option of sharing the damn bed." Lena
shook her head as she looked out across the parking lot,
considering what was around them.
"I saw a some kind of fast food joint a few buildings back, once
were in I'll go get us something to eat." She said as she
scanned the parking lot, not expecting trouble just yet but one
never knew.
"I wish i knew some decent places around here, but in all my
life I've never been to Kansas."
#Post#: 914--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: calliamity Date: February 3, 2025, 7:01 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Regina Roberts[/center]
[center]Look, I don't wanna know anything anymore, this is a
world where nothin' is solved[/center]
[center]Rogue | Cloaking 3 | Confidence | Daredevil[/center]
[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/ZQRGjjb.png[/float]
[hr]
[BR]
"It was in fact the most excruciating thing I've ever had to do
in my life, and that includes the time I had to dig a broken
claw out of my shoulder with flat-nose pliers." She shivers
theatrically at the memory and makes a sound of disgust. It had
been way more gross in person, though. "Who likes being wrong?"
Adjusting the straps, she tromps up the stairs to the outside
door to their room. Already paid off for a week on a stolen
credit card, she'd grabbed the keycard a few days ago and thrown
it in a dumpster in case she was searched in the interim. Now
it's her advanced smartphone that pops the lock. "Like I'd make
an old lady sleep on the floor. Fine, but I'm the big
spoon."[BR][BR]The interior is nothing special, with faded
paisley wallpaper and a rusty red carpet. A flatscreen tv sits
across from a bed, mounted atop a dresser that probably won't
see much use. She ditches the bags onto the writing desk tucked
between the bed and window, knocking over the desklamp in the
process and making utterly no move to try and stop it from
falling. With her hands free, she reaches beneath her leather
jacket to the small of her back, relieving herself of the weight
of the Beretta she'd tucked in there after dumping the X-5.
After a press-check, she sets it on the nightstand and arches
her back, spine popping dramatically.[BR][BR]"Well, don't get
too used to it, Dorothy, we're gonna blow on out of here tom-
tonight. Jesus." It's morning, or at least it's struggling to
be. The sun sleeps in on the winter, and who could blame it?
"Want some company? I'm still too wired to pass out right now."
#Post#: 915--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: Mother_Hydra Date: February 3, 2025, 8:00 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Lena Carsei
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/19FhIldip6oG-KbhWMoUYUm5MrNLlintHuCuOrMJRWOc/edit?usp=sharing[/center]
[center]We could all do with a fresh perspective, a solid pair
of shoes and, a great cup of coffee.[/center]
[center][I]Charisma 4 Bold | Permanent Paradox Flaw [/center]
[float=right
max=45%][img]
HTML https://i.ibb.co/sFP0gzj/rs-600x600-140728041846-600-Natalie-Dormer-Hunger-Games-JR-72814.jpg][/img][/float]
[hr]
Lena's brow rises at the mention of digging claws from shoulder
meat, and she rolls her eyes just a little bit as they ascend
the stairs, but she does offer as they climb. "You'll have to
tell me the story about that sometime." Genuinely interested.
She is decidedly less interested in the room as they press their
way inside. She had been in her share of hotel motels, and this
one was no more remarkable than most. She dumped her own bag
ontop of Reggies, and only moves to check the solitary bed for
any sign of bedbugs or other pests before dusting down her hands
and turning to her fellow runaway.
"Big spoon away, I get cold at night anyways." Reggie hadn't
seen her bedroom, which was piled high with blankets of all
kinds, warmth was always a problem with this particular body.
When Reggie asks to join her Lena cranes her neck from side to
side before doing a few shoulder rolls, obviously working out
her own kinks from the car ride. "Sure, what do you think we'll
be dealing with, greasy last night left overs? Or bland
breakfast menu?" She mused, her tone however actually spoke of
someone who was kinda excited to find out.
"Perhaps you can tell me what sort of response we can be
expecting as we walk, Ive been out of the loop for a while, I'm
not sure if much has changed."
#Post#: 916--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: calliamity Date: February 3, 2025, 8:47 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Regina Roberts[/center]
[center]Look, I don't wanna know anything anymore, this is a
world where nothin' is solved[/center]
[center]Rogue | Cloaking 3 | Confidence | Daredevil[/center]
[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/ZQRGjjb.png[/float]
[hr]
[BR]
"Well, for now, let's just say I have a history with
lycanthropes and leave it at that." Not blooded, but she knows
what kin are, in the vague way of an outsider. The crudely
simplistic way. She doesn't really remember how she feels about
it, though, which is part of why they're on this trip in the
first place. Shoving Lena's bag off of hers she pulls out a
knife from her luggage and swaps out her holster for the sheath.
It's substantial, fixed-blade. It is either a Fairbairn-Sykes
commando knife or patterned off of one and, worn horizontally
for a left-hand draw, it's just barely hidden by the drape of
her leather jacket.[BR][BR]Kansas might care if someone spotted
her M9, but state law doesn't care a whit about a
knife.[BR][BR]With a chuckle, she relents. "Fine, alright."
Better than the other way around. She hadn't been held in a
long, long time but she expects it might make for poor sleep
considering all she'd been through since then. Who was it, what
was his name...? Lost, written over with bad data. Need to
restore from backup. "When every meal might be your last meal,
it all tastes amazing."[BR][BR]She lights a cigarette once
they're back outside, and dons her opaque aviators to shield
bleary eyes from the sun's yawning rays. "They've got a lot of
resources tied up with the hellstorm in Washington so, honestly,
the timing is pretty good. Mostly ground-level operatives, maybe
some drones but more uh, conventional ones. MQ-9 Reapers, Hawks,
but that's why we're avoiding open ground and dealing with all
this traffic. There's this whole drone thing going on and
they're gonna be gunshy to fly 'em where anyone can see, let
alone dump a Hellfire on two total babes in a stolen F-150."
#Post#: 917--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: Mother_Hydra Date: February 3, 2025, 9:40 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Lena Carsei
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/19FhIldip6oG-KbhWMoUYUm5MrNLlintHuCuOrMJRWOc/edit?usp=sharing[/center]
[center]We could all do with a fresh perspective, a solid pair
of shoes and, a great cup of coffee.[/center]
[center][I]Charisma 4 Bold | Permanent Paradox Flaw [/center]
[float=right
max=45%][img]
HTML https://i.ibb.co/sFP0gzj/rs-600x600-140728041846-600-Natalie-Dormer-Hunger-Games-JR-72814.jpg][/img][/float]
[hr]
Lycanthopes, this was actually a subject of interest for Lena,
and the raised brows and tilt of the head speak that.
"Interesting, I will definitely want to hear more, I know about
their type in the vaguest of senses." But the werewolf nation
was never a particular subset of RD that Lena had ever dealt
with.
"I suppose there is some value in living on the edge, everything
does feel a bit sharper doesnt it?" Had Lena lost her edge?
Maybe, but back when she had been a primarily combat unit she
had been a very different person, that or she had been more
drone than person, only time and skill had given her back her
humanity, and then only sacrifice her freedom.
She steps out of the room and runs her fingers through her hair,
tossing it out. She'd definitely be looking for a shower when
they got back, her hair already a little greasy from sleeping in
their various cars, and from the simple fact she hadn't washed
in a few days before their sudden exodus from Chicago.
When the mention of drones comes up Lena does flick her eyes
skyward, but she manages to keep from actually gawking upward,
as if to try and spot something, of course drones could operate
well above easy visual range given their size. "Well thats
comforting, I think I'd rather deal with a HK over a drone, at
least that way I feel like I was actually worth someones time."
She shook her head as she descend the staircase angling in the
direction of the dive restaurant theyd spotted. "You should feel
flattered to get to spoon me." She said over her shoulder. "Not
many get the chance."
#Post#: 918--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: calliamity Date: February 3, 2025, 10:02 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Regina Roberts[/center]
[center]Look, I don't wanna know anything anymore, this is a
world where nothin' is solved[/center]
[center]Rogue | Cloaking 3 | Confidence | Daredevil[/center]
[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/ZQRGjjb.png[/float]
[hr]
[BR]
"Let's collect more of me first, huh? I think my feelings were
complicated." Hard to think clearly past that block. Hard to
think at all if she focuses on it, going cross-eyed and aching
at the temples. She lets out a sharp sigh and forces herself
back to the real world that exists outside of her head, so much
more welcoming and easy to live in even if it is chock full of
things that want to murder her and things that would merely do
so incidentally.[BR][BR]"Did you forget what it was like?" They
flash a toothy smile as Lena starts down the stairs ahead of
them. "'Cause I sure did." Climbing down after, they grip the
iron railings with both hands and perform an exaggerated leap to
land, balletically, next to the blonde.[BR][BR]They stick close
to Lena, close enough that they could be holding hands but
Regina isn't that presumptuous and anyways this is Kansas, not
San Francisco and that kind of thing might get them unwanted
attention. "That's why we're takin' the route we're takin'. But
if you wanna fight the real weird stuff I can always take us
through Utah and see if they jump us in the desert." They bump
her lightly and offer their cigarette over as they ramble on.
"Why not? I mean, not to pry but you're beautiful. Waiting for a
commitment?"
#Post#: 919--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: Mother_Hydra Date: February 3, 2025, 10:25 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Lena Carsei
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/19FhIldip6oG-KbhWMoUYUm5MrNLlintHuCuOrMJRWOc/edit?usp=sharing[/center]
[center]We could all do with a fresh perspective, a solid pair
of shoes and, a great cup of coffee.[/center]
[center][I]Charisma 4 Bold | Permanent Paradox Flaw [/center]
[float=right
max=45%][img]
HTML https://i.ibb.co/sFP0gzj/rs-600x600-140728041846-600-Natalie-Dormer-Hunger-Games-JR-72814.jpg][/img][/float]
[hr]
They walk along, close but not to close, and when the cigarette
is offered Lena considers it for a second before shrugging and
taking it up, taking a brief inhale before grimacing a little
bit and exhaling quickly. "I never did find one of these I
liked." She said as she offered the smoke back to the other
woman.
"As for a commitment, I would say I've simply been more
committed to my work, and my research. I went through a great
deal to escape, to find my way free...I suppose I simply focused
on what I wanted from that freedom, and another person simply
hadn't rated priority." She seemed a little uncertain about
that, as if she was wondering if perhaps she should have
prioritized it a bit more, but in the end she simply shrugs.
"Its easier to get lost in the work than trying to make someone
else do the same."
She continued on, quietly for a few minutes as they neared the
restaurant. The lot was still mostly empty, just one or two cars
in the lot, mostly likely whatever employee's had drawn the
morning shift and were now getting things ready to go.
"I didn't necessarily forget what it was like...I still remember
it, but I've laid low intentionally, and laying low means fading
into the background, becoming just another person in the day to
day. She looked up and over at Reggie as they cleared the curb
and stepped into the diner parking lot directly.
"It was nice, but all such things end I suppose."
#Post#: 921--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: calliamity Date: February 4, 2025, 2:06 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Regina Roberts[/center]
[center]Look, I don't wanna know anything anymore, this is a
world where nothin' is solved[/center]
[center]Rogue | Cloaking 3 | Confidence | Daredevil[/center]
[float=right max=45%]
HTML https://i.imgur.com/ZQRGjjb.png[/float]
[hr]
[BR]
Regina snickers. Kind of a childish sound, from an ostensible
Man in Black. There's even a little snort as they inhale at the
end. "You're not supposed to like 'em, Len. It just makes you
look cool." They take the cigarette back and tumble it between
their knuckles until they're holding it between ring and pinkie
fingers, then they plant it firmly in the corner of their lips.
"Like so," they mumble, the cherry at the tip glowing brighter
as they suck in a deep lung-hit of acrid
carcinogens.[BR][BR]"You're so committed to your job that you
don't even date?" they ask, a beat later, the coffin nail
falling forgotten from their mouth and skidding sparks down
their leather jacket. "I've seen where you work! Even Phillip
has a romantic prospect." Thoughtlessly, they extract a fresh
cigarette and light that one up too with a click-click of their
chipped Bic.[BR][BR]"Like I'm one to talk. You know what the sex
life is like for a reformed RD? Not great. And don't even think
about dating." They've already arrived at the restaurant. She
takes one spiteful puff off the dart she'd just lit before
burying it into the sandy ashtray outside and hurrying ahead to
tug open the door for Lena.[BR][BR]"It's better to be someone
than to be anyone, sweetheart. Deep down you know that's true."
#Post#: 923--------------------------------------------------
Re: Carbon Black
By: Mother_Hydra Date: February 4, 2025, 8:11 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Lena Carsei
HTML https://docs.google.com/document/d/19FhIldip6oG-KbhWMoUYUm5MrNLlintHuCuOrMJRWOc/edit?usp=sharing[/center]
[center]We could all do with a fresh perspective, a solid pair
of shoes and, a great cup of coffee.[/center]
[center][I]Charisma 4 Bold | Permanent Paradox Flaw [/center]
[float=right
max=45%][img]
HTML https://i.ibb.co/sFP0gzj/rs-600x600-140728041846-600-Natalie-Dormer-Hunger-Games-JR-72814.jpg][/img][/float]
[hr]
Lena had not expected Reggie to go for the chivalrous move, but
then they'd really been doing that since they met hadn't they?
She'd been prepared to go for the door herself, but she comes up
short when its obvious the erstwhile mirrorshade was angling to
do it for her.
She'd look up at the woman, a bit sidelong but there is
something of that quirky grin on her lips as she moved inside.
The door had rung a bell, an actual bell, the sort that was tied
to a string above the door such was the old school nature of
this place and when it does a young if bleary eyed woman in a
cafe outfit looked up from where she had hunched over beside the
register, the look on her face speaking of one who had slept
little, and drunk much the night before.
"Welcum, sit where ya like." She grumbles, and tries for a
smile, but really is just barely able to be here.
Lena offers her a wave and a nod, moving to a booth that was
stationed more beside a solid wall than a window, and settled
in.
"Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a
fall, better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to
divide plunder with the proud."
She says it by rote, as if it was something she had read before
many times. Its the first time that Gina would have ever heard
her quote scripture.
"I question your statement." She said as she lowered herself
into the booth and slowly turned to the side to rest her back
against the wall instead of the seat, her feet rising up, but
not onto the seat proper to give herself a bit of a stretch.
"I think there is something to somebody, being anybody." She
shrugged then and let out a sigh as she wriggled her toes inside
her shoes.
"As for your dating life that surprises me, most of the
management I dealt with preferred their subordinates distract
themselves, let off some steam rehabs or no."
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