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[IC] Deadlands: Machinations and Monsters

24

Posts

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Talk it out? Shaking his head, he couldn't believe the preacher.

    "We are spying on a railroad, and you believe they would just want to talk it out? You are naive."

    At this point, Carson drew his revolver, making sure it was loaded. The long barrel was a striking sight, and the pearl grip was immaculate. It must have cost a fortune to get the thing made.

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • INeedNoSaltINeedNoSalt Registered User regular
    Aquillina stayed close to Carson -- he had a head for these times when things got downright tactical -- although she wasn't entirely sure what was going on. Truth be told, she was still peeved about her game being interrupted some nights earlier.

    Her weapon -- a big, bulky shotgun that contrasted strongly with her slight frame -- fell smoothly into her hands. Stealth might be a thing at the outset, but once this thing excised its payload, any thoughts of quiet would be quickly defenestrated.

    sometimes you just gotta do a thing
  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    Reaching the warehouse, Nelson takes care to avoid the guards patrolling the streets. He estimates it willl be about five minutes until they come back.

    Examining the sides of the three story structure, Nelson finds a large sheet of metal slats extending three quarters of the height of the building set into the wall facing the train yard. There are single person doors standing to either side and windows set above and around the metal slats.

    The side facing the town has multiple windows set into the second and third stories and a large double door at ground level.

    The two sides facing the open prairie have one stout door each and no windows save one. The window is set at ground level and faces what Nelson guesses to be the best view of the prairie. The room inside appears to be a private office and the furniture looks well made but simple.

    In fact, the office is almost devoid of any decorations or knick-knacks of any kind. The only piece of decoration Nelson can spot is a shield hanging on the wall behind the desk. The shield is blood red and bears a crossed rifle and hammer.

    He can just make out a motto written underneath the shield. Never Back, Forward Always. Progress.

  • Cosmic SombreroCosmic Sombrero Registered User
    Nelson hesitantly puts his hand on the doorknob leading to the office, slowly attempting to turn it and gain access.

    [OOC]If it's locked, refer to the following paragraph. If not, I search it for information.[/OOC]

    After seeing that it's locked, Nelson sighs in relief. This really wasn't his line of work, Carson should be the one here, not him.

    Nelson furtively sneaks back to where his red friends were waiting for him. Wiping away the sweat that still clings to his brow, he murmurs in a low tone "Sorry Mister Carson, but everything was all locked-like. If they were gonna be creating something dangerous, it'd be in that add-on to the side of the building. They've got men posted on those doors, and I didn't trust myself to take them out." Sighing in frustration, Nelson speaks a little stronger. "Listen though, I'm just a preaching man. I'm out of my element here, you oughta be the one doing the sneaking, being Indi-... I mean, being bounty hunters and such. I want you to know though, I'm not gonna kill those guards though, I ain't even gonna be carrying my rifle. The Lord will carry me through any rough waters we encounter."

  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    Carson snorts softly, "We've learned enough tonight. We'll move downstream and camp for the night."

    The group spends an uneventful night at a makeshift camp a mile or so away from the town and its secrets.

    The morning sun rouses Nelson from his sleep and the noise of this movement wakes Carson. Aquillina is awake soon after. With but a few words the trio pack up and return to the town. In the sunlight all the buildings appear less sinister but an aura of fear and foreboding seems to hold the town in its grip.

    In the light, Carson can see one of the town buildings displays a prominent sign proclaiming itself, "Greg's Saloon and Inn." A few people can be seen fishing from the riverbank and more are working crop fields that lie upriver of the town. Squinting, Carson spies a dust cloud that looks like riders gone in search of game.

    As the night before, all is the picture of a normal frontier town but for the armed guards in front of the warehouse and patrolling the train yard. Combined with the furtive and fearful manner of the townsfolk it is abundantly clear that something strange is afoot.

  • Cosmic SombreroCosmic Sombrero Registered User
    Nelson stretches and yawns, enthused with the possibilities of a new day. "Well, hang me if this locale don't look a might friendlier with a bit of sunshine beatin' down. I'ma go order me up some breakfast at that Saloon and see if I can learn what's what. You folks need anything while I'm in town?"

    Nelson purses his lips shrewdly for a moment, lost in thought. "You know, Carson, whoever is watching that warehouse might be looking for some more muscle. Maybe if you went and inquired, we could have an inside angle for this job. If they ain't looking for help, and mind you that I don't condone such methods, maybe one of the other guards could have himself a bit of an accident, eh? Just a suggestion anyway" A little disgusted with himself, Nelson tosses on his duster and shuffles toward town. Things were moving a little faster than he liked, and he was bothered by how natural all this subterfuge felt.

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson leaned back as he watched the preacher make the trek to town. He snorted, a couple of smoke rings wafting up from his pipe.

    "What say you? We are not here to play around with the preacher's errand," he said, holding up the wanted posters as he looked at Aquilina from under his wide-brimmed stetson.

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • INeedNoSaltINeedNoSalt Registered User regular
    "Dinero es dinero, eh?" Aquillina says, shrugging at Carson. "So maybe we see what we can see. If these faces --," she lifts a finger towards the posters, "are around in this place, maybe we do that. If they are not, maybe we listen to the preacher."

    sometimes you just gotta do a thing
  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson grunted and stood up, rolling up the posters and placing them in his saddlebag again. "We will go to town then. See about this muscle. You can gamble," he said, trying to sound generous. It came off more as a command.

    He mounted his horse and sent it trotting down the trail.

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    Nelson walks into town, he gets a few strange looks but no one stops to have a chat.

    Reaching Greg's he enters and sees what appears to be a typical small town saloon. The main room is largely empty, the bartender stands behind the bar cleaning glasses and two old men sit at a table in a corner.

    All three turn to the door when Nelson enters but they go back to their business without saying anything.

  • Nelson scratches his head confusedly. Here he was thinking he'd gotten up late, but there wasn't much of a crowd at all. Sliding onto a stool at the bar, he raised a hand towards the barkeep. "Heya sir, any chance of getting a stranger some grits? Don't go easy on the sugar now, mind."

    While waiting for his food, Nelson turned towards the geezers and smiled. One of the truths he'd learned in his travels is that old people love a good conversation, even if all you do is listen. Figuring he has nothing else to do, Nelson hops down from his stool and springs over to their table. "Pardon me folks, I don't suppose you'd be willing to answer a few questions for a stranger in a strange land?" Nelson sat down before they had a chance to answer, he found that opening up with a question made people feel obligated to talk. Smoothing his tousled hair as he leaned forward in his seat. "If you don't mind me asking, how long have the both of you lived in this wonderful little locality? I blew through here a few years back during my preachin', but it looks like things have been shaken up a bit. I'd be interested in hearing how that happened."

    The preaching bit was a lie, of course, but Nelson figured God wouldn't sweat the small stuff when it came down to the final tally.

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson and Aquillina rode slowly into town. The big indian was scanning the place, taking in every detail - you can never know too much about your surroundings. If lead started flying, a man who didn't know the lay of the land would find himself buried six feet under come the morning.

    He grunted. "You go gamble. Make us dinner money, get the men talking. I will see about the muscle."

    Carson flicked the reins again and set his horse towards the warehouse from the previous night.

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    The two old men share a look and then one begins speaking, "Name's Henry, Henry Geldrin. I reckon I lived here going on eight years. But you're wantin to know all about the hullabaloo at the Big House. That's what we call it, the Big House." He pauses and thinks for a moment, "Why, it musta been more then three year since you've been around these parts else you'd know all about it. Somebody just up and bought the land one day n' thee a whole bunch of strangers just swooped in and done did built it in 'bout four months n' then..."

    The bartender arrival with Nelson's grits interrupts Henry, "This stranger bothering you two?" Henry smiles at him, "Naw, he's just a youngin what nows a man done get wiser with age, we're just havin a friendly chat, that's all Clarkson." Clarkson grumbles slightly but only says, "Here, One bowl o' grits, heavy sugar." and returns to the bar, still quietly grumbling.

    Henry smiles musingly as Nelson accepts his grits, "Now where was I? Oh yeah, I was sayins that that place we all call the Big House was build 'bout three year ago and's owned by Ol'Drobbins. He's a nasty fellow he is. Why I remember the one time he..."

    Henry is once again interrupted, this time by his companion, "Sorry Henry, an maybbe I'm gettin forgetful in my old age, but I don't reckon I heard you mention why you's in town again, Mr ...?"


    Carson and Medina ride through the town towards the warehouse. Carson notices that the few townsfolk walking through the town avoid eye contact and some seem to speed up as he and Aquillana approach. Regardless, this town does not seem welcoming to outsiders.

    On the way, Carson spies a man he thinks is John Geirin at first but as he takes a second glance he sees that the man just looks alot like the wanted rail bandit.

    Carson reaches the warehouse without incident but is stopped short of the main doors by a guard carrying a rifle. He eyes Carson warily before saying, "This here's private property. 'Less you got business here I recommend you get."

  • A smile automatically propped itself up on Nelson's face as he bashfully chided himself for his poor manners. "Aw heck, I do apologize. I don't know where I lost those manners my momma drilled into me, but when you've been traveling for so long, sometimes you forget the finer intricacies of conversation. The name is Nelson Hawking, preacher of His most excellent word. My business ain't much, a friend a little outside of Dodge City asked if I'd deliver a message on my way to Coopersfield in exchange for a small donation. I heard there's some preachin' work out in Coopersfield and I was hoping to settle down for a while with a steady congregation. These feet of mine have seen too much missionary work over the past few years."

    Nelson was conscious of a bead of sweat running down his neck. He was a good liar, but damn if it didn't make him uncomfortable. Mentally berating himself for giving out his name to two complete strangers when he was supposed to be doing covert work, he launched into something to distract them.

    Grinning slightly and gesturing towards Clarkson, Nelson spoke in conspiratorial tones. "Hey Henry, what's that fella's problem? Is a man sitting down to chat so unusual here as to provoke suspicion?' He said that last bit with a smile, but he felt himself tense up involuntarily. "If I am really bothering you fine sirs, I'll take my leave. I've just been riding for a while and felt a bit of conversation to go with my breakfast." Nelson makes as if to get up, his grits still untouched.

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson stopped his horse. He tipped his hat, pulling the bone pipe from his mouth. "I am new in town... looking for a job. Are you hiring? I am a good shot and I am willing to work for cheap."

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    The guard stares at Carson, visibly confused, before hesitantly asking, "A job? ... I'll have to ask the boss. Just stay right there." Turning, he hurries to a one-man shack set against the larger warehouse. Leaning forward in the saddle, Carson can just barely hear him talking to someone, “Hey boss, got a sorta-problem out here.” Carson hears no reply but the guard does, for he continues speaking. “Yeah, gotta redskin out here askin‘ about a job. … … naw, he don‘t look simple or drunk, seems pretty competent, matter of fact. … … Uhm, he rode up on a horse and’s wearing a six shooter, said he‘ll work cheap. … Ok, yeah.”

    The guard returns from the shack and looks at Carson, “Alright, I don‘t know what the boss‘ll do with you but he should be coming out here quicklike to have a look at ya. If‘n yer lucky he‘ll give you a job. If‘n you‘re not, well…” He shrugs.


    Both old men glance at Nelson and each other before shrugging. Henry begins talking, “Naw, I told Clarkson you weren‘t hurtin nothing and I meant it. He‘s just protective of us, we don‘t get travelers through here too often, you see. So whenever one shows up the whole town gets a little weird. Clarkson just happens to get more paranoid when strangers come a‘callin. … And Joe n‘I don‘t exactly give him good reason t’think we can keep ourselves out of trouble, eh Joe?” Henry accompanies his last statement with a quick wink.

    Joe smiles slightly, “Right Henry.” Turning to Nelson he continues, “Seems I forgot my manners too Mr. Hawking. I‘m Joseph Trapper, but call me Joe, everybody does. Anyways, Henry is alluding to the fact that he and I are tricksters by nature.”

    He turns to check that Clarkson is not paying attention and his voice lowers to just above a whisper, “And we tend to act a great deal more senile then we actually are. It‘s a way to pass the time and a good way to get people to leave us alone, but Clarkson tends to look after us and treat us like littleun’s all the time. I tell you, it‘s plum annoying, but that‘s why he came over here like he did."

    "But anyhow you want to know what‘s the deal out at Big House, right? Well, Henry and I can tell you all about that place, but this isn‘t the best place to talk. Clarkson means well, but the man‘s nosier then an old widow. There‘s a house that Henry, myself and a couple other guys share that‘ll work as good as anyplace. You can drop by anytime if you like, it‘s out on the west end of town. You can‘t miss it, the sign out front says Old House.”

    Seeing that Clarkson has turned to watch the table again, Joe’s voice returns to a conversational volume, “Nice meeting you, Mr. Hawking but I an‘Enry gotta get. Come-on Henry.”

    Henry lowers his head and winks at Nelson before jerking his head up, “Eh? What‘s that? Where we going? … Where are we?” Joe just sighs, “We‘re at Greg‘s Saloon, Henry, you know that.” Henry smiles, “Yer right, I do.” As the two old men leave Henry waves to Clarkson, “Bye Greg. Hope you get some good business tomorrow.”

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson nodded politely with a tip of his hat. "That suits me just fine," he said before relighting his bone pipe. He patted the horse who was beginning to get a little restless.

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • Nelson smiles as he digs into his grits. What were the odds of meeting the friendliest two fellas in town when he came in here? Savoring the sweet taste and rough texture of his breakfast, Nelson thought about what was so special about the Big House that it needed to be discussed in private. Finishing up, he left his money on the table and walked out.

    Heading towards Old House, Nelson shambled along in a slow gait, taking in what little of the town there was to see. Although he'd witnessed in hundreds of people's homes, he still felt a little apprehensive as he rapped on the front door of the house.

  • INeedNoSaltINeedNoSalt Registered User regular
    Aquillina'd split off from Carson somewhere during their approach through town, hitching her horse up outside of a saloon with a faded, hanging sign. She gave the horse a pat on the neck and moved on into the saloon.

    She scanned the crowd (not a heavy crowd, being midday, but then, even a light crowd in the Weird West was numerous in a relative way.) She eyed the bar, eyed the tables. Scuzzy men, mostly. Top-heavy barmaids. That is the way of things. Everyone is dirty in Kansas.

    Aquillina took her hat off of her head and made her way through the light crowd of the saloon, stealing a chair from a half-populated table along the way, and sat herself down amongst a small number of folks playing at cards. She withdrew a loose handful of tiny gold coins from her pocket, and offered a slight smile to the men there (bad sorts of men, men who came to a saloon at morning time because they didn't have affairs of a more righteous nature to attend to).

    "I play, si?"
    Spoiler:

    sometimes you just gotta do a thing
  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    A few seconds pass before the door opens and an old man, stooped with age, opens the door. He looks up at Nelson and asks, “Who are you? What do you want?” Before Nelson can respond, he continues, “doesn’t matter, come, come, inside, inside.”

    As Nelson steps inside, the man swings the door shut and abruptly straightens up with a groan. “Ah, I hate bending over that far, always puts a crick in my back.” He sighs and extends his hand to Nelson, “It‘s a pleasure to meet you Father Hawking. I‘m Johann Krouss, but please call me Rob. So Joe and Henry tell me you‘re asking about the Big House? Why don‘t we go into the sitting room and we‘ll talk.”

    Rob leads Nelson out of the foyer and into what Nelson assumes is the sitting room. A fire is burning merrily in a large fireplace along the outside wall and unlit lanterns and line the walls. Comfortable chairs are scattered around the room and one wall is given over to a single bookcase. Nelson spies Henry and Joe sitting in a corner of the room bent over a chess board.

    Rob then points to a pair of armchairs facing each other across a small table. Walking over to it he motions for Nelson to sit and takes a seat himself. “Aahh, these old bones ain‘t what they used to be,” He says, “Now, what do you want to know Father? Ask away, I am at your disposal.”


    The dealer looks up at Aquillina, “Sure you can play. We was just about to start another hand, I’ll deal you in. But I‘ll warn you, the pot starts at ten dollars each.” Aquillina just nods. As she sits down, she notices that all the players have that look, they think she’s another little girl that’s got in over her head. Unfortunately, they’re wrong.

    Over the next hour, she beats them all mercilessly, winning just over sixty dollars. Of course, she’s cheating during most hands, but she’s good at it. She does it all: palming cards, double duking, and dirty dealing, and the four men have no idea that they’ve been had. During the course of the game Aquillina notices that another player is trying to cheat, problem is he stinks at it.

    The cheater complains loudly, “Shit, here I just got paid n‘ I‘s already broke.” His friend speaks up from the opposite seat, “Yeah, but we got that job guarding the Yard, which ain’t hard for the pay. And maybe you could win it back another game.” Both men rise from the table and the cheater snorts and says in a low tone, “Maybe, but not if she plays. I could almost swear she cheats, the luck she had.” His friend claps him on the back, “I don‘t think so, I just think you‘re a sore loser. Come on, I‘ll buy you a drink.”


    The dealer looks at Aquillina, “You going to stay in the game, Miss? We should get some players in a minute or two.”
    Spoiler:


    As the guard promised, a man comes walking out of the main entrances before five minutes pass. He is wearing thin-rimmed spectacles and is dressed in a nice jacket, trousers and a bankers hat. A pistol is visible in a holster on his right side. He blinks in the bright sunlight before removing his glasses. He looks around before striding right up to Carson. Staring at him for a moment, the man speaks, “So. You‘re the man asking about a job. Well, you look like you can ride and you wear that pistol like you know how to use it. I‘m sure we can find something for you to do.”

    “I‘ll need your name and any skills you might have beyond riding and shooting. Then we‘ll see what comes up. Are you going to be in town for a while? Or is this a temporary stop-over? Because that will of course affect the sort of jobs we might offer you.”

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson puffed out a smoke ring as the little man inspected him.

    "I am Bill Carson. I am going to be in town for a little while, I think, a month. I am a bounty hunter by trade, a tracker. I am here following leads. Side jobs are good for when the trail goes cold."

    The indian gave a slow, pearly smile. "But, if the pay is good and the work steady, I could stay longer."

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • Cosmic SombreroCosmic Sombrero Registered User
    Nelson chuckles with delight. "So is everyone here playing the fool? Amazing." Nelson leans back in the comfy armchair, feeling wholly relaxed. "Rob, huh? That's a funny nickname to be sure. Did you come from overseas?" Nelson realizes he should probably stop getting so cozy with these strangers, and smoothly switches to business mode with a serious tone. "But, yeah, the Big House. There's not much I don't wanna know about it. Why here, in such a small town? What is it? Does it have anything to do with those lights set up throughout the town?" Nelson leans forward, a hungry look of curiosity in his eyes.

  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    Rob chuckles, “Well, you’re just full of questions, aren’t you? Let‘s see if we can‘t fix that, shall we?” He smiles and thinks for a moment. “To answer your first question, not everyone here is ‘playing the fool‘ as you so elegantly put it. But acting dumb does give some advantages, as you have noticed. Regardless, that wasn‘t your main concern, I think. Just give me a moment to collect my thoughts.”

    “Alright, I suspect that Joe and Henry already told you something about the complex. But I’ll start at the beginning, just in case. It was about four years ago that some guy started sniffing around here. He didn‘t say who he worked for but anybody with half a brain knew he was here representing Somebody. Nobody thought much of it since he was just asking about land prices outside of the town.” He thinks for a moment, “Of course, about six months later he came back and bought half a square mile of prairie right on the edge of town. I‘d like to say somebody did something then but the land wasn‘t worth spit for farming and whoever bought it paid more then it was worth so nobody did anything.”

    “Now we at least know a rail company bought the land. What we don‘t know is which company bought it, or why. Why they built it here? That I don‘t know for sure, but I have my theories. I think they didn‘t want the large scale attention this type of complex would gather in a larger town. I mean, you and your two companions are the first strangers we‘ve had through here in a couple months. And those glowing lamps were put in about a year ago, at the instance of Carl Drobbins. He‘s the current man running the warehouse. I don’t know how those lights work, but they’re a sight better then torches or oil lamps. And they certainly last longer.”

    “Does that satisfy your curiosity, Father? Or shall I continue?” Rob smirks at Nelson.


    The man‘s eyes widen slightly, “A bounty hunter, you say? Marksmanship and steely nerves. Perhaps some ability at tracking or trailblazing. Yes, I think we can find jobs that will suit your skills.” He smiles, “In fact, I may have an assignment for you shortly.

    He thinks for a moment, "Perhaps by tonight in fact. By the way, have you found lodging here in town? Or someway I can contact you if necessary? If not, that is more then fine. What I have in mind isn‘t a time critical venture. Could you come back tomorrow? The perimeter guard will be advised that you will be coming.” He slaps his forhead lightly and smiles, "Oh dear me. Where have my manners gone? My name is Charles Goodwin and I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Carson."

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson nodded, tipping his hat. "It is good to meet you, Mr. Goodwin. I will come back tomorrow at this same time. Good-bye."

    He turned his horse around, riding it back toward the center of town. Now to find that man who caught his eye earlier...

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • Cosmic SombreroCosmic Sombrero Registered User
    Nelson pondered for a moment, thinking of how to best probe Black River's defenses. "Just a couple choice thoughts, if you don't mind. What sort man is this Carl Drobbins? Would I see him at a Sunday service?" His mind wandered for a bit as he considered the implications of what he was asking. "I've always had a powerful curiosity in me, Rob. In a town like this, it must be hard to keep secrets, yet there's no one who's spoken about whatever contraption they're building in that warehouse? Must be a mighty powerful hand holding the reins over at Black River."

    Nelson could have smacked himself, what was the point of gathering information when you gave more than you took away? Still, it was a relief to know he wasn't that practiced of a liar yet. With a weak smile and a half shrug, Nelson muttered "Heh, least that's my guess. Seems like the kind of operation they'd run." Nelson licked his lips nervously, acutely aware of Johann's eyes on him. "Pardon me sirrah, but I do believe I promised a rendezvous with my companions some time ago, and they are not patient people." Normally Nelson would have been loathe to leave the comfort of such an establishment, but he felt relief flood over him as he stepped out the front door. Pastor Hawking wouldn't sleep easy until this damnable sneakwork was done, that much was certain.

    Striding briskly through the town, Nelson cast his head about for any sign of Carson or Aquillina, eager for a confidant.

  • INeedNoSaltINeedNoSalt Registered User regular
    Aquillina watches the men leave and looks to the dealer. She says, "When a player, he has his eyes on the deck and not his hand. Or when a player, he has too few cards in his hand or too many. You have to watch for these things, señor. It is your duty as dealer."

    She sets five dollars back on the table for the dealer. "You are a lucky dealer. Thank you for sharing your luck with me. I have business now," she says, and steps away from the table, follows after the cheater. She eavesdrops, of course; that is what she does. The Yard and easy work, right?

    She follows them to the bar, and finds a place next to the cheater, speaks to him abruptly: "In many places I have played, they will kill a man if he palms a card, if he counts the deck. In some places, if he wins too well." She sets out a coin at the bar to buy herself a drink.

    "So you work at the Yard. I have seen this place nearby, I think. It is a place with a warehouse, es grande, yes? Would you tell to me of the Yard?"

    sometimes you just gotta do a thing
  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson guided his horse slowly through the town, down the main road, looking at the poster of the rail bandit, John Geirin. He tipped his hat as he passed two ladies, stopping his horse.

    "I am sorry to disturb you, ladies, but I am looking for a man. This is his face."

    He holds out the poster. He knew the gossip would circle the town that a bounty hunter was seeking this man, but if his suspicions were right, the man who shared his face was not John Geirin himself.

    "Do you know where I can find the man who looks like this? I have seen him in town, earlier, but I did not get a moment to speak with him," he says, giving his pearly crocodilian smile. "I would like to change that, ask a few questions," Carson adds.

    Before the ladies answer, he sees Nelson walking down the street, a directed fire in the man's eyes. So, perhaps the preacher discovered something also. Perhaps this Black River job would be profitable too. The indian chuckled to himself as he let the women look over the poster before handing it back. The ladies quickly gave him the directions to a house near the edge of town, and the indian tipped his hat again. "I thank you, ladies," he says politely, flicking the reins, guiding his horse toward Nelson.

    As he approached, he gave a sharp whistle, catching Nelson's attention. "Preacher, you will accompany me. Take care of some business. Tell me what you have learned."

    Nelson noticed the big indian didn't get off his horse, or offer Nelson a ride. He merely looked at the preacher and began riding slow enough to keep up, waiting expectantly.

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  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    Rob quirks one eyebrow and rubs his chin, "Well, well. It seems you knew more then you let on, Father. Most Interesting... Black River, eh? I had my suspicions but no hard proof ...and they're 'building' something, hmm? Now that is interesting. It certainly puts a new spin on recent events."

    He looks up at Nelson's face and chuckles, "I can tell by your eyes that you've said too much but don't worry. I give you my word that what you speak here will not travel beyond these walls. You have given my friends and I much to think about. And for that I thank you."

    He smiles, "After all, when you get to be my age, there isn't much left to do beside think and chew the fat." As Nelson makes his apologies and stands up, Johann rises from his seat as well and extends his hand, "I understand completely, Father Hawking. Don't keep your friends waiting on my account but please don't be a stranger. Come back anytime."

    He sees Nelson to the front door. As the door closes behind him, Nelson hears Johann chuckle warmly.

    Nelson walks through the streets but he does not find Carson, Carson finds him. As Carson rides alongside, Nelson opens his mouth to speak but the sound of breaking glass nearby causes him to pause.


    Carson rides through the town, Nelson walking at his side. The two travel in silence, for the moment. However, this silence is shattered as a man flies through a window, scattering broken glass all around. He lands heavily in the dusty street as a second man emerges from the buildings interior. The newcomer spits on the man, “Alright, Bill. It’s time to pay up. No more ‘free samples.’ I won’t have you sneaking in and stealin money from my clients. And you’ll pay for the rough treatment too.”

    Bill grunts, “The hell I will.” and reaches for the revolver in his belt. The other man cries, “Shit!” and his hand darts for his gun as well. Nelson and Carson watch as both men bring their guns to bear, fully intent on using them.


    The cheater glares at Aquillina, “And in some places they’d show a woman her place if they even thought she were cheating.” He looks closer, “And a redskin as well, unless my eyes fail me. Well you’d better be doubly careful then or you might find your neck stretched one day.” He starts to laugh but his mirth fades quickly under Aquillina’s gaze.

    His friend, quiet until now, directs his attention to the shotgun, “Watch it Horace, she looks like she knows how use that thing.” Horace swallows uncomfortably, “Uhm, not that I was implying anything, Miss, just making idle conversation, that’s all. But you were asking about my job at the Yard? I really shouldn’t talk about that. The boss doesn’t want us talking off the base. But what he don’t know won’t hurt me, eh? It’s mostly boring work, every night I walk around that place for four hours. And no drinking allowed, but the pay’s good. Heck, then there’s the nights off with pay. When was the last one, Bill? Two weeks ago?”

    Bill thinks for a moment, “Yeah, matter of fact should be another one coming up soon. Next couple of days I recon. Nothing better then getting money for no work.”

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson watched the exchange. He knew the law; he had to, to be a bounty hunter. The other 'Bill' had drawn his iron first.

    That made him a target.

    With preternatural speed Carson yanked his gun from its holster.

    The bang was deafening as the bullet blew out the man's skull, gun falling out of his hand before he could get a shot off. His body soon followed with a dull thud.
    Spoiler:

    Player of Sapphire Sorceress, And Justice For All
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  • Cosmic SombreroCosmic Sombrero Registered User
    The sentence on the tip of Nelson's tounge falls away as the scene unfolds.

    He stares at Carson, blinks, and then looks back to the bloody pulp that is Bill's face.

    "Well, that was a might unnecessary, now wasn't it?"

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    He flipped his gun around with little flourish and slid it back into its holster.

    "This is the law, preacher. This Bill, he drew his iron. He was going to kill this man," he gestured to the other man who was still composing himself.

    Feeling no more need for justification, Carson lapsed into silence, waiting for the town marshal to show up so he could explain the situation and they could resume their business. That was inconvenient, and there was no money in killing this man, but he disturbed the peace which could affect business. Even Carson could see that. No, killing this man would keep the peace, maybe even make an ally of the man whose life he had saved.

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  • INeedNoSaltINeedNoSalt Registered User regular
    Aquillina fiddles at the handle of her gun, eying the cheater intently. She stares at him for long moments after he is done speaking, and holds his attention. Then there is a gunshot, and she says, "I hope that you will find pleasure in your free wages." She leaves the building.

    She is greeted by a grisly scene, shattered glass and burst faces. She hears, "Was going to kill this man."

    She surveys her surroundings, and purses her lips. She says, "Carson," and she lifts her fedora from her head. "What is this?"

    sometimes you just gotta do a thing
  • Cosmic SombreroCosmic Sombrero Registered User
    Nelson shakes his head, "I swear, you'd think a heap as big as yourself would understand the importance of keepin' a low profile. We ain't working on the most seemly of errands, and here you go blowing holes in people's faces. If you had to intervene, couldn't you have just shouted 'Stop!' or somesuch? You've made us these folk's business now."

    Tipping his hat to Aquillina, but not taking his eyes off the scene, Nelson says "Well miss, this is what happens when you give ole' Quickdraw here something to shoot at."

    Bill was too far gone for even last rites, but the other man was probably still in shock. Walking over and sliding on his preaching face, Nelson put a hand on his shoulder. "You alright fella? Whew, but for the Grace of God, that mighta been you."

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    "I shoot this Bill, one man is dead. I do nothing, one man gets shot here, the other is hanged."

    As if that settled the matter, he looked at Aquillina. "Disagreement. This man," he gestured vaguely towards the body missing the back half of its skull, "drew his iron."

    Carson lit up his pipe as the local marshal approached. He seemed to think that the situation was perfectly clear.

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  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    "Oy! What's goin' on 'ere!" The marshal calls out as he walks up.

    He stops short as he reaches the scene, "Patrick! What in blue blazes happened?"

    Bill looks up at the marshal, relief and shock evident in his eyes, "Dammed if I know, O'Malley." He glances at Will's body. "We never did got along, but I wouldn't have thought he'd try to kill me. Matter of fact, I'd be dead if it weren't for this stranger here." He gestures at Carson before looking the Indian in the face.

    "I gotta thank you for saving my life. Weren't for you, I'd have another hole in my head. Damnedest thing though, Will was a mean ol' cuss. No doubt about it. But I didn't think he'd pull a gun on me."

    He turns back to O'Malley, "I swear, he's been gettin' meaner and meaner ever since he got that job working for Drobbins. Yeah, he's behind on paying what he owes me an' the girls. Hell... I was half joking with him, thought we had an understanding. Then the crazy bastard pulls his piece on me. About pissed my drawers I did. So, whatta ya think, Mart? Do you need any official testonomy outa me?"

    Marshal Martin O'Malley thinks for a moment, "Naw, Pat. Not right now anyway, I'll prolly take a statement tomorrow after poker. Right now I need to talk to the good samaratin here." He gives Carson a look, "So, why'd ya do it, fella? You coulda just stood there and watched. Not that you're in trouble of course. Sounds pretty clean cut to me, Will pulls a gun on Pat with intent and you shoot first. But I'm curious, and I should probably put something like this on record."

    He notices Aquillina and Nelson, apparently for the first time, "And you two. What's your story? You with him? Or you just gawkin' like the rest of the town'll be when they hear about this."

  • INeedNoSaltINeedNoSalt Registered User regular
    Aquillina fixes her gaze on the Marshal. "I was just gawking," she says. "Like the rest of the town will be when they hear about this heinous murder."

    Aquillina eyeballs Carson. If they were going to have dealings with the lawmen, she meant to head out and meet Carson later on.

    sometimes you just gotta do a thing
  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    Carson nodded. This would work to his advantage. He had a reputation to build.

    "I am a bounty hunter, and I follow the law. Either this man would die, or they both would. It is easy to make the choice."

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  • Cosmic SombreroCosmic Sombrero Registered User
    Nelson gives a sympathetic look at the corpse while speaking to the sheriff. "Sorry to be a bother sir, I just happened to be an unfortunate witness to the dearly departed's exit from this world." For the first time, Nelson took in the gore of the scene, and had to repress a surge of rising bile in his throat.

    "Pardon me, but do you have a preacher in this town? I'd be happy to hold this man's eulogy, if that was in accordance with his wishes." The sentence surprised Nelson as he spoke it. He hadn't planned on making a name in this town, but any point of anonymity was long since passed anyway.

  • destroyah87destroyah87 Registered User regular
    Marshal O'Malley peers at Nelson and tips his hat, "Pardon me, Father, I didn‘t recognize you. Father Leron's the man you'll want to see about that. He'll likely end up handling burial. Will don't have any family around here and has few friends."

    He turns to Carson, “Well, then I thank yah stranger. It was a fine thing ya did.” He pauses and regards the “A bounty hunter, eh? Hunting any particular bounties around these parts? Or just passing through?”

    He gives Aquillina a dirty look, “Then I‘ll have to ask you to move along. This isn‘t a theater show. A man just died here ….”

    O’Malley pauses and his eyes widen slightly, “Shit, it just hit me, Will‘s really dead. Never gonna see his ugly mug across a poker table again. Never gonna have to throw him in a cell to sober up after a fight. Never gonna get to tell him to ‘shut up an’ give me the bottle’ when he got in one o‘his moods. …Father, if you‘d like to say a prayer for him, I‘d be grateful. He was a mean drunk but a good man in his own way. I‘ll miss him.”

    Patrick speaks up, “Aye, I‘ll miss him too. It was never boring around Willy, that‘s for sure. ...” The two men fall silent, sharing a quiet moment of reflection.

  • ArcanisTheImpotentArcanisTheImpotent Registered User regular
    "I am hunting a bounty, yes. I have business to do, actually," he said. Nelson could tell the statement was aimed specifically at him.

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