eachdraidh | 1st shot ( video ) open to both courts

[ The first thing seen is a face peering down into the locket. It's not so much a curious one, as it is annoyed, considering Jake's intolerance for new technology and having to figure it out, and the fact that he's quickly come to miss the old one that he'd retrieved from the facility in China. These lockets, this new tech, this new world... It would take some getting used to, and Jake had to wonder how long that would take him.

Sure, he's pretty good at assimilating to new conditions, considering all the movement he would have to do during his time as a mercenary, and then being on the run from the Ustanak and its crazy controllers, but there's a difference between getting used to a new place in a familiar world, and getting used to a new place and a new world at the same time. Good as he may be at fitting in to these new places, there are limits for everyone, and it seems that Jake has found his in the form of imps, worlds and a war he didn't ask to be a part of. ]

My name's Jake, if any of you have to know that. I'm here to kick some ass and then head back home—

[ Or get his own ass kicked, which he doubts will happen, considering his own confidence. Whichever one happens first. Jake scowls into the camera, unimpressed by his own thoughts. ]

I'm not interested in the semantics of this war, or who killed who and why retribution is necessary or whatever. So long as I get to fight, get paid and get out of here, then that's all that matters to me. The rest of it, everything else — I really don't give a shit.

[ Let it not be said that he's not to the point. It's not as though he's going to hold his thoughts back or act delicately in the fear of insulting some new people. It's all about being as brusque as usual, keeping his head mid-level and fighting his way out of here, if that's what it takes to go back to his semi-normal life. It shouldn't be too hard, he considers. Most of his life has been spent fighting, so what's a few more how ever longs going to do to interfere with the usual run? (A lot, but he tries not to think about that. It'll just cause more anger over this stupid situation he's found himself in.) ]

Just, y'know, don't be a dick, and I'm sure we'll be able to get along just fine.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And, what, have you had your mind changed?

[ Well, at least he isn't alone here. ] I'll keep an eye out, then. And that depends on how you're gonna act around me, and what you're willing to do.

Not really. I just quit talking about it in public. Who knows who's watching these things? And I'm not being paranoid. It's just the truth.

[Nah, there's probably more than one mercenary out there looking for work. None other that Lusiphur's met yet, but he knows quite a few people who are in the market.]

What I'm willing to do? Look, for the right coin, I'll stab your mother in the eye while she sleeps... and if she pays me twice that, I'll stab you instead. But I've got nothing against you personally for the moment.

[ever the friendly guy]

I'd have to say everyone, considering people need to know everybody's business. Tricky times, we're living in.

[ jake appreciates that he isn't the only one around here, and that there are others like him. not that it makes him feel like less of an outsider, but it means that maybe people are willing to hire, rather than throw to the curb, if they're not dead yet. ]

Considering my mother is dead, looks like I'm in a lucky position. What does being an ally of yours entail, then? If we're going to be thinking along these damn lines.

[ the friendliness is coming off of him in waves. ]

[Friendliness is overrated. This is just shoptalk.]

We seem to be in a similar line of work. In my experience, being "allies" means we don't kill each other on sight, maybe there's a name to call for a two-person job or passing the buck, and I tell you that Mair is a good place to start looking around.

[ jake can work with this. it's not the worse alliance he's had before, after all. ]

Sounds like a workable alliance to me. Cross my heart, I won't try shootin' at you any time soon, unless you start something first. I'll keep an eye out, let you know if there's any going as well.

[Alliances ultimately mean less competition. Neither work nor money was tight around here. Plenty to go around. If that were ever to change, they would have to revisit this talk.]

You got a specialty?

Fist fights, taking 'em out quick. Wars. Insurgents seemed to enjoy hiring me, so that's mostly where I worked. Paid good, so I'm not complaining or anything.

So you're a two-hit fighter? One is your fist to the other guy's face; the second is him hittin' the floor. I'm a stealth and sword guy myself, but I've been known to crack a few skulls bare-handed when I've really wanted to.

It's a good thing there's a war going on here then. It seems like both sides need all the violence-inclined people it can get its hands on.

What can I say? I'm goddamn effective when I want to be. Fist fighting can be a good way of takin' the other team out, first or last option, especially if you're good at it.

Makes for an interesting time, I can tell you that. Seems like even the pacifists are hyped up about this whole thing.

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