posted
"We're too late boys, the party's over. Head back to the shop, set up your rotation schedule and send Delta Orange to the Security Office."
All three agents group together, fire off their boot jets and take to the sky. In a moment they've disappeared from sight.
"Is Jailbait ok? You guys look like you're going to make it. Listen, we're trying to set up a quick reaction strike force for these emergencies. You can trust the Orange armored guys, they work for me. Buzz the Security Office for backup."
Knowing the independent nature and stubborn streaks that came natural to this bunch 3G decides to clarify a bit more, "This team will be handy until enough super powered agents can be trained to handle things. They're good guys, hunk-y too." He grins mischeviously.
"They're on MY payroll so they don't answer to any of the usual suspects and since I certainly have absolutely NO desire to conquer the world, usurp the reins of absolute power or ban heavy metal music, things should work out nicely. We're pretty neutral to the political upheavals around here"
-------------------- I'm too sexy for my shirt.
From: Brightonopolis | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
<as the celebrations continue in the streets following the triumphant defeat of Phineas B. Fuddle, at least one resident of Legion World has no cause to celebrate>
<a brooding Exnihil sits in the scorched remains of what remains of his former office, his shop having been nearly burned down as part of Phineas’ mechanisms. He is smoking his way through the last salvaged box of Carggite tri-gars reading, again, the posted notice that he found upon his return>
Dear Mr. Nihil,
It has come to our attention that, as part of your recent activities in association with Mr. Phineas B. Fuddle, you have engaged in what may be best described as several “questionable” actions.
While, admittedly, it later came to light that your actions were, in fact, part of a larger plan to act as the catalyst to defeat Mr. Fuddle, and did, in fact, result in the salvation of Legion World, the fact remains that you were involved in an ostensible assassination plot on the Legion Worlder known as Cobalt Kid.
As you must realize, these actions are neither sanctioned, nor endorsed, by our organization and, resultantly, effectively immediately, your license to import, sell, and distribute any of our products is hereby revoked.
We regret that your behavior has necessitated this decision, but - as has been well documented - the Tobacco industry has a long-standing policy of disaffiliation with those who are found to be dealing in death.
In any way.
Ever.
Sincerely yours,
Big Tobacco
<flicking the ash of the tri-gar, Ex puts the notice down on his charred desk and sighs>
-------------------- See Here for the latest update on the 2013 Chicago Gathering (now including tentative attendance list)
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
Exxy, I know this is a rough patch for you. But you came through in the end.
I realize you probably need time to think about things, so take your time... but if you're interested, I have a position at the Bureau of External Affairs (tm) that you might find rewarding.
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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<the carnage of the "Thyme Crime" is all but forgotten. The burnt out wreckage of the Tobacconihilist has long since been razed and new construction completed.>
<There have been a few blind items in the LMB ENQUIRER speculating from whence the sudden influx of capital had arisen for the reconstruction of Ex's shop had come... and why the Security Office has turned a blind eye but, thus far, rumor and innuendo had amounted to nought.>
<Nevertheless, it is with a sly grin... and an itchy palm... that Ex finally, after nearly two years, walks to his door and turns his "Closed" sign around to "Open".>
-------------------- See Here for the latest update on the 2013 Chicago Gathering (now including tentative attendance list)
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
<flings open the doors to the new shop and storms in>
Nice new digs you got here, Ex...nice. While I appreciate your generous "contribution" to the Security Office in exchange for my...discretion...regarding certain regs and laws that would have possibly stopped your shop from opening---I trust you have something else to contribute on this most momentous of days? I would hate to have to inspect this place too closely, after all....
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
<Ex, surprised, hurriedly shuffles some papers below the counter>
Hey... Lardy!... er... Chief! How you doing, buddy? I... uh... wasn't expecting to see you so soon.
I'm... uh... just getting things started again, you know? These things take a while to get going... but, uh... everything's above board, you know... just like we talked about. That whole "grandfather clause" is going to be great for this place... selling my wares strictly for "entertainment" purposes.
<looks sheepish>
But... uh... concerning additional "contributions"... that might be a little tough just yet...
-------------------- See Here for the latest update on the 2013 Chicago Gathering (now including tentative attendance list)
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
<Ex's diminutive frame is lifted off the floor by the Chief's throttling>
<choking, Ex sputters>
No...
Sir...
<Lardy eyes him threateningly, then slowly releases his grasp... Ex breathes a weak sigh>
I'm sorry... Chief... I... uh... I'm sorry...
<opens the register>
Would... uh... 20%... be OK this week?
-------------------- See Here for the latest update on the 2013 Chicago Gathering (now including tentative attendance list)
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
<watches Lardy exit and, through the front window, carefully watches him disappear down the street. When he is certain he's gone, he picks up his own Omnicon and dials a number. Someone answers, and Ex quietly speaks>
-------------------- See Here for the latest update on the 2013 Chicago Gathering (now including tentative attendance list)
Registered: Feb 2008
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Good morning, Ex. It's been awhile--trust all is well? I'm glad to see the Tobacco shop has reopened. In fact, it's opening was just about the only way I could track you down.
<begins looking through the different products; doesn't hide the fact he's being very meticulous about it>
You seem nervoius. Don't worry, I'm not with the Security Office anymore. Anyway, I was under the impression most of this was legal and grandfathered in through prior laws on Legion World and the UP at-large.
<turns to Ex, getting closer>
You know, after the Thyme Crime caper, I was fullly expecting you to take a more active life on the heroic side of the LMB. But you've proven to be quite the businessman instead. Interesting. I mean sure, you probably felt bad--you did shoot me after all.
...
...but all is forgiven.
<uses magnetism to lock front door>
I was Security Chief for years and my mind works in a specific way. I like to think I've become an expert in accounting and finance and following money trails.
<Cobalt's face is now deadly serious>
So I'd like you to tell me...who exactly are your business partners? And what else are you selling here?
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
<Ex sizes up Cobalt... he seems on the level, but the past few months have opened his eyes to the point where even those who he had implicitly trusted in the past have been shown to have nefarious intent. Still... if it did come down to it... the enemy of my enemy and all that. Ex relaxes>
"Grandfathered"? Yeah, that's one way to put it. Grandfathered for a price. I don't know what's been going down in the Security Office since you left, but let's just say that most anything seems to be legal these days... if you've got the dough.
So you're following a money trail, eh? I guess it doesn't take a genius to see that this place didn't build itself. But, any port in a storm, you know? Fact of the matter is... and before you say anything, let me tell you that on this front, everything has been above board... I made a deal a few months back with a certain businessman, and thus far it's been a great relationship.
Tell me, does the name Grueris Nybelif mean anything to you?
<Ex grins>
-------------------- See Here for the latest update on the 2013 Chicago Gathering (now including tentative attendance list)
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
<a cold, almost mean, half-smile forms on Cobalt's face for a moment; he is not surprised>
The Governer of Ventura. I figured as much...you just confirmed what some of my sources were saying.
I'm a businessman too, as you know. And I've been told numerous times, Gruertis Nybelif is a sentient who always makes his business partners very rich. But then again, I've also heard numerous things about Gruertis that make me inclined not get into business with him.
<trying to size up Ex some more to see just how much Ex knows about the Governer of Ventura>
There's something different about you, Ex. Different from a few years ago during Thyme Crime. You're an opportunist, sure, but I don't think you're all that bad. So I’ll tell you something right now you might already know. The people you’re doing business with are that bad. Gruertis Nybelif and ‘Zaryan’s Casino & Resort’ are fronting you cash so you act as a distributer for their tobacco products. You say it’s all above board and well…let’s just say I think that might be a partial truth. But you’re at the tail end of a smuggling ring that encompasses much more than some tobacco products. We’re talking hard narcotics. And even more, something far sinister if my theory is correct.
<can see Exnihil isn’t exactly aghast at these accusations>
Sounds like I have a date at the casino. And you might be coming along with me.
<but before Cobie can continue any longer, suddenly all the hairs on his neck are standing up; he knows immediately via his magnetic senses that something else is in the room; and suddenly he feels immense pain all over his body, spreading quickly>
Exnihil—get down!
<he magnetically pushes back the unseen assailant but he has no idea if he’s hit anyone; both he and Exnihil hit the floor>
Ugh! Ex, are you hit too?
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: Ugh! Ex, are you hit too?
<from the behind the counter, Ex shouts back, as he feels a strange pressure on his forearm, not so much pain, as more of a sudden pinch>
Ahhhhhhh! HIT???
<Ex stands up, throwing off his jacket, and frantically rolling up his sleeve. He looks at his arm in bewilderment>
More like... bit!
<Sure enough, all up and down his forearm are tiny red marks looking for all the world like miniature bites. He looks at Cobalt in disbelief>
Grife... is it always this way with you guys?! I'm just trying to make a buck here, and... yet again... the world's going nuts!
I don't pretend to know what's going on with Lardy... I'll give you that. If he's shaking me down, who knows what else is going on, but I can tell you one thing... Nybelif is clean. If he's mixed up in what you claim, I'll eat my hat!
<Cobie looks adamantly unconvinced>
Fine! You want to go to Zaryan's? Let's go to Zaryan's!
<looks around his shop, shakes his head. He walks over to the cash register and hits the "No Sale" button and the drawer pops open>
In for a penny... in for a pound...
But... if we're going to see Gruertis Nybelif at the casino... a pound ain't nearly enough.
<empties the register, and puts a wad of cash in his pocket>
-------------------- See Here for the latest update on the 2013 Chicago Gathering (now including tentative attendance list)
Registered: Feb 2008
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