expiationlogs | open mingle - bust the moves, old timer!

Entry tags:

open mingle - bust the moves, old timer!

Who: Adults [citation needed] of Aldrip!
Where: The Tavern
What: A night out for the ~~senior~~ grown up folks of the chosen
Warnings: I'd say pretty much what you'd expect from a set-up like this! Please be sure to mark any potential warnings on the comment subjects!

**Ok, it says adults of the Aldrip. But icly there is really no one to keep an eye on this. So, if a rebellious or unassuming teen wishes to sneak in to smuggle out a beer and/or listen to old ppl talk about how things were good back in their days then they're welcomed :D

Sometime around the first week of the November there are fliers and posters posted around the Aldrip, welcoming the population of The Chosen to enjoy a night out at the tavern attached to the inn. There's some mention about the place changing the ownership from native citizen to one of the chosen, but that's not important! Not when there is also mention of the food, drink and the games! So yes. Come all!

The atmosphere at the tavern itself is warm and welcoming. The electric lights have turned dim so that they don't overthrow the candles that are burning on each table, creating a cozy and warm ambient lighting around the guest area. Those who've visited the establishment before, perhaps during their own stay, might notice that the decor of the place has barely been changed -- aside from the white roses that are the centerpiece of each decoration placed on the wall.

The staff at the tavern has been instructed to serve the chosen all night. While they might not like it, they still follow through the orders without much of a protest (that is unless someone were to provoke them), bringing them food and drinks as promised. If someone were to ask what's on the menu they'll simply answer something along the words "the big bird", whatever that means. As for drinks? Unfortunately, the selection is not the most vast or spread out, containing mostly just beer, wine, whiskey, simple cocktails. Though, if someone wants the real good stuff they can always ask the barkeeper what's under the counter.

As for the activities? There's a dart board placed on one of the walls, and there are cards & dice available if one wishes to partake to some lighthearted gambling. There's even a jenga with a little dares and questions written on the blocks. While there's no karaoke-set in the place this time, there is a live band who will take requests and leave the mic open for those who have the urge to bust out to a song!

Now everyone! Remember to be in your best behavior.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Although it's his first time seeing Root in the flesh, it still strikes Miller as oddly fitting that she comes to greet him with some unexpected development alongside her. Whatever is need to know is never minced with her. And so, even though he's looking all too military casual in comparison to her, he more or less takes it in stride, moving away from the bar to meet the two with a drink in hand. ]

Root, is that you? So we finally run into each other!

[ It doesn't go without notice that Shaw is being, um, encouraged to say hello, but nevertheless, he nods his head in her direction. ]

Good evening. You can call me Miller. Have you just arrived?

Yeah. Are you online-only buddies even though you're staying in the same city?

[Sorry to both of you, but there's definitely a bit of mild judgement going on here. At least she approves of the last-name-only situation, because she adds:]

You can call me Shaw.

[ Root spares Shaw a sarcastic look. ] More like we've been busy doing actual work instead of socializing. Miller ran the op for resetting the A.I. while I did the tech work.

Nice to see you in the flesh, [ she offers to Miller, recovering her smile easily. ] Shaw is my usual partner in crime. She used to be a Marine -- trust me, you'll get along.

[ This is entirely genuine; Root really does think they'll like each other. ]

[ He lets Root explain while glancing between the two of them. Marine, huh? That part really does pique his interest, though perhaps not exactly in the way she had thought it would. ]

Is that so? Well, it wouldn't be the first time aligning ourselves was the best tactical choice. I'm sure your skills will prove valuable if it comes down to a mission like that once again.

[ He returns a faint smile in Root's direction. ]

At least it sounds like the recommendation comes highly.

Likewise.

[Shaw gives him a proper once-over, now that she's past the online-friends judgement. Military casual is easy enough for her to spot, and it describes her own vibe as well: she's dressed in skinny jeans, a fitted tee, and boots with a chunky heel, but she carries herself like a soldier, from her ever-ready posture to the alert eye she keeps on her periphery to the small handgun tucked into her waistband. She doesn't appear jumpy or stressed (not at the moment, anyway), but she looks like she could spring into action at a moment's notice, if need be.]

You guys think you'll need another bruiser as backup? I've been here two days and I'm already itching for action.

[And while she doesn't necessarily get along with all military people, she finds that they understand her better than most. Root's other friends seem nice and all, but this guy seems like he might be able to give her a job to do.]

I'm sure we can find something for you to shoot eventually.

[ This does not sound scornful or judgemental; Root sounds fond, like she'll make an opportunity if one doesn't present itself, just to indulge her beau.

Meanwhile, she knows Shaw knows she doesn't give such a recommendation lightly, so she doesn't feel like she needs to say anything further about Miller to get them off on a good foot. Probably it would just make them both awkward. Root knows how people like this work. ]

Based on the records I saw online, we're due for some action soon. Don't you think, Colonel? There's a cadence.

[ He really had no mental picture in his mind of what Root might look like, yet upon seeing her dressed to the nines for this event, her companion has inevitably taken on the appearance of a bodyguard to her, whether intended or not. The revolver harnessed to his chest is covered but for its faint outline beneath his sweater, but that Shaw is as equally ill-fitting in this atmosphere as he is somehow puts him more at ease.

And doubly so, the quick transition to talk of their future agenda. ]

You picked up on that rather quickly. Historically, though, yes. We do not seem to be granted any long absence of happenings. Normally one might say that was a bad thing... but after the complete meltdown in the last month, going back to this crime and punishment shit feels like a slap in the face.

[ He knows Root has been antsy for something to happen, as well, if it would give her insight into what's going on with the AI. But as for Shaw, ]

I assume you've already been filled in. Do you work with technology, too?

[Shaw needs excitement in her life, and thrives in dangerous environments. The prospect of "happenings" should be a good one to her - but given the setting and the context, a small frown can't help but settle on her face. She knows full well that they can't be talking about anything as straight forward as nefarious plots to thwart and bad guys to catch.]

Me, work with tech? No way; I can't do more than an hour behind a desk.

[Not that Root's computer work involves much desk duty, these days.]

I crack skulls, shoot kneecaps, that kinda thing.

[Needless to say, she'd approve of the bodyguard designation.]

[ Root is a complete chameleon and a bit of a hedonist; she's not going to miss a chance to dress up, especially when this probably counts as her first traditional date with Shaw. She looks utterly comfortable in formal wear, and is intentionally playing up her appearance as a well-dressed useless woman. It's a façade she's taken on many times. Not that it matters here, but Root takes on and sheds identities freely, and it's fun for her. Especially after what Shaw might be surprised to learn was a whole month of actual desk work. She's relieved to not be staring at screens for a while. ]

I think this could be an interesting opportunity, actually, [ she says, thoughtful, head tilting a bit in consideration. ] Since we just did a hard reset, what happens next should be more or less default code. It might give us some hints about our real purpose here, or at least what "rehabilitation" really means.

And I'm sure we can shoot some kneecaps, too.

[ That response from Shaw garners a laugh that's just an exhale. ]

Right. I should have expected as much.

[ It is the American way, is it not? Of course, if it had to be one or the other, then it would be no question that Miller is on the side of the kneecap shooting brigade here. Though he's worked alongside logistics enough to both respect that it is the core to any good operation as well as retain a healthy sense of skepticism, and Root has thus far proven to him there is room to extend her his trust. ]

So, seeing this system operating in its default state may provide new information then? But where do you plan to go from there? And how do you intend to confirm that what you cobble together will be right?

[ Is that where the kneecap shooting comes in? Break it down for the meatheads, Root. ]

[This is clearly a question for Root to field, so Shaw keeps quiet - she's more curious about this guy and his military history and experience, anyway, especially since it had sounded like he's at least passingly familiar with the Marines. So while Root prepares to answer (and, possibly, still while she's talking), Shaw pulls out her handgun and shows it to Miller, then gestures at the outline of the revolver under his sweater, raising a curious eyebrow. Want to do gun show-and-tell?]

[ Root is all about the results, sometimes more so than others are comfortable with -- she's not fully on board the ends justify the means, but the list of things on her acceptable "means" list goes much farther than most people's. As long as her mission partner is on the same page with that, Root is no slouch at running logistics. ]

If you're waiting for complete certainty, you're going to be waiting a long time. A.I. run on probabilities, anyway -- human behavior is too hard to predict, so they have a few different scenarios running simultaneously as options. But I think figuring out what the default purpose is could give us hints about who made the A.I. We're "criminals" but we're not exactly in an internment camp--

Oh, are we doing weapons show and tell? I want in! [ Root halts her exposition as she catches on and eagerly pulls out the smaller of her Glock handguns from her handbag. ]

[ Although he is listening to what Root has to say, Shaw manages to offer up one of the few distractions compelling enough to pull his attention away—and with the special interest in it that only a fellow weapons enthusiast could portray while holding their gun in his direction. It's a pre-war weapon, which is natural for people who know nothing of that war, but that makes them especially fascinating to Miller, who holds his tongue long enough to look to Root rather than outright interrupting her.

And then she starts grabbing for a weapon, too, and he feels he has no choice but to oblige. ]

Is that a German import? Semi-auto?

[ He produces a .44 revolver from under his sweater, holding it out towards Shaw. The look of it isn't much of anything like your typical Magnum. It looks like it was scrapped together from various weapons' components and whatever else was needed for the job, complete with Tritium-illuminated rear sights. ]

I haven't seen weapons like yours in quite some time... Many people here are not familiar with firearms at all, or better yet, seem to have no need for them.

[Sorry, Root - tech talk has been completely derailed.]

A custom piece.

[Shaw says, approvingly; it's ramshackle, yes, but in a way that clearly shows that the maker knew what they were doing. Fancy paid-for custom jobs are cool too, but in a sleek, polished way that's less interesting than this is. This weapon tells a story: both of its user, and its place of origin. People with a lot of options don't tend to use weapons like this, and being able to work with limited resources is an impressive skill.

She'll take it in her hands, if he lets her, and will hand her own gun (a Beretta Nano with a laser aim add-on) over for inspection as well.

[ That's fine with her as long as no one complains later when she tells them what to do. Now's the time to ask questions, not in the middle of the crisis, so if they don't want to ask questions now that's on them.

Plus, Root also likes guns. She leans over Shaw to look at Miller's weapon with obvious interest. ]

Yup, mine's a Glock 19, pretty standard. Shaw's the one with the fancy Nano. What are you doing with a custom .44? Blasting holes in walls?

[ She doesn't actually know much about Miller, she realizes, since he isn't the most forthcoming on the network. And Root always likes hoarding information about others. ]

[ He accepts the switch, taking a closer look at Shaw's beretta. It's such a small piece that it fits easily in the palm of his hand, but it's clear it would be a mistake to underestimate it based on size alone. European imports were not uncommon in Russia before the war, but the chance of coming upon something like either of their weapons nowadays would be nearly impossible. The parts were long used to make frankensteins when their use ran out.

Speaking of which, ]

That's about all that it's good for here, don't you think? At least until you identify those kneecaps for me. Pre-made, fully functioning arms are not easy to come by back where I came from. I am privileged to employ the best of the best in weapons modifications.

I like him.

[Shaw announces, his gun still in her hands as she turns to Root.]

You've got good taste in friends. Or at least good taste in one friend.

[The jury's still out on the rest.]

[ Root rolls her eyes and elbows Shaw, neither of which is discreet. ]

You just like anyone who has a gun you haven't seen before.

[ She turns back to Miller, not about to give up her nosy prodding so easily. ]

What would you normally be doing with it? Why the need for modifications? Come on, it's a party -- tell me about yourself. [ She flutters her eyelashes a little in what is clearly a joke but only a hair's breadth away from being a believable ploy. ]

[ Root's sarcastic quip may well be true, but that's a good enough reason where Miller is concerned. He smirks at Shaw, whose remark is perhaps the saving grace in allowing this conversation to remain lighthearted banter as Root presses further. ]

Like I said, we hardly have a surplus of parts to choose from. We're just making do. But okay— [How should he put this? ] —it's for fighting mutants. I don't know what the year is for you back home, but where I am concerned, July of 2013 is the anniversary of Armageddon. A worldwide exchange of nuclear missiles. That was over twenty years ago and the radiation has transformed the surface of the earth.

[ It's really a long fucking story. ]

My people live in the metro, underground, but those who are physically able will go to the surface to collect resources. That is my job.

And we thought our world was crap.

[Shaw mutters under her breath. They're a couple years that particular apocalypse point, and so in theory they're talking about parallel universes here. But all the same, she can't help but ask:]

Any chance those nukes were influenced or controlled by a rogue AI?

Our world's not crap, [ Root scolds her immediately, ] and not everything is about A.I. Crazy coming from me, I know. Human beings are perfectly capable of causing worldwide nuclear destruction all on their own.

[ Not that she knows this is the case for Miller, but it seems like a safe assumption given his lack of familiarity with how A.I. operate.

Swinging back to Miller, she comments, ] No wonder you were ready to coordinate the reset teams. That's a dicey job. Are you talking about the Moscow Metro? I've been there before.

[ His accent is thick enough that it's an obvious follow-up question, and if with nuclear war it would make sense. The Moscow Metro is also a fairly memorable place between the elaborate décor and the ludicrously deep subterranean stations in some places. She could see it as a bunker easily. ]

Moscow, yes.

[ There is a somber element to his voice that slips in at the thought of freely traveling there, at remembering the metro in the same condition that it used to be. Though no need to ask how Root guessed. He knows the way his voice sounds and the assumptions may follow suit from there. ]

This was the conclusion of a long conflict between the CIS and NATO. There is no doubt it was the work of humans.

[ And he would know. After all, he had the privilege of foresight to get to safety with his family that only an insider would have... ]

You two are Americans, right? What is it you were doing there?

[It occurs to Shaw - though more out of curiosity than actual worry - that there might be some hard feelings here, or at the very least awkwardness. If his home was destroyed by a CIS-NATO conflict, and he's from a CIS country clarifying that she and Root are from a NATO country...

It doesn't change her response in any way, but it sits at the back of her mind.]

Freelance work.

[She says, briefly cutting her eyes to Root. She'll leave it up to her how much she wants to share about the Machine.]

Crimefighting on the mean streets of New York City.

[ Root is not curious or worried, but then, she's never formally aligned herself with a government in her life. Nuclear fallout as the conclusion of a CIS and NATO conflict makes complete sense, and she's both not the type to offer sympathy and senses Miller is not the type to want to receive it. ]

Yup-- American. I'm a globe-trotting assassin, [ she puts in casually, ] or I used to be. Lately I do whatever my rogue A.I. overlord tells me to do.

[ She's told him some about the Machine already; it rapidly became pointless to keep it a secret when she arrived to imminent A.I. breakdown.

And she knows it's going to auto-translate but she still says something brightly in Russian, assuming Miller will hear the difference in her mediocre accent. ] Привет, какой путь к метро? [ Hello, which way to the Metro? ]

[ It could be a bit awkward were these two interested in actually delving into the history of that conflict, but Miller suspects they aren't. It is as inconsequential as anything else when they can all remain assured that their worlds, although they sound like they might, don't actually align with each other. After all, he was quite hesitant to at first, but even he has cast aside a good deal of inherent bias for Westerners since arriving here.

Crimefighting or committing crimes on behalf of the harbinger of singularity though? That's interesting. ]

No kidding.

[ Unfortunately he loses the opportunity to ask more when the next words come out of Root's mouth. It never occurred to him that he could tell when someone was trying to speak Russian to him until now, even if it's only in these specific circumstances. ]

What the hell! [ "чёрт побери!" ] I bet it would really have come in handy to have this skill when blending into the setting of your next mission.

[ The auto-translation skill, that is. He is probably just testing it himself when he adds, in shaky, intentional English rather than the translated kind, ]

Hey. Let us get a drink. [ He's heard enough. ]

shows up 5 days late with coffee

yooooo

ok well if there's coffee

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