[Mercy Merchant]

Yelena casts a questioning look at the decker.  "Marco?  Firefly interested Marco?  Hmmmm.  Yelena meet Marco only several days ago.  At meeting for club job.  Sam introduce.  Marco nice.  Yelena think too nice for shadows.  Marco say want change.  Yelena see if mean it.  Why Firefly interested?"

[Shaman_Yuri]

The blood that ran to my face at the audacity of my unchoreographed question is now joined by the embarrassment of having the question turned back on me.  I stop myself from answering reflexively both because I am sure I'll stumble over my words and also because it will make me look young and foolish.  Again!  Instead, I focus on completing the fasteners before answering.

"He's hiding something," I settle on answering.  "I'm sure you don't need me of all people to tell you that, but I'm not sure how to feel around him."

Damn, I meant to say "how to feel about him'.  Hopefully Yelena won't catch such a subtle slip given her English challenges.  I might easily miss something like that in Mandarin or Arabic.

[SgtBoomCloud]

Arc gave a nod as she tore into the slice of pizza, chewing deliberately as she approved the determined enthusiasm of the troll.  "Mmph, wiz bang on that, omae.  We can get you set up, null sweat.  I got some chummers with the Howlers, still...all trog gang, and they might have a couple equips or such I can pass off."  She let that pause a bit, the little bit of the crescent moon tat peeking out on her left shoulder confirming that.  A human, a short one to boot, that was part of an all troll and ork gang...probably a little confusing.

Either way, her train of thought was cut as her elven blood sister spoke about a date tonight, and Arc's expression seemed to visibly solidify, her jaw setting a bit as her eyes stared straight forward.  Her lip was chewed a little as she mulled over the realization, given the previous night's activities the elf had, and before Yelena could retreat to the room, Arc's cyberhand grabbed her by the arm, darting out and the metal digging in a little.  "...don't forget why we doing this, Srui...Still need to recover, don't push it.   Or you may not be able to do what ya wanna do..."  She dug in a little, looking up to meet the violet-eyed gaze before she sighed, letting go.  "Firefly's in there.  Don't scare her, aight?"

Looking around, she noted that Marco and Blake had since forgotten, having had their fill of pizza and discussed what they needed to.  Blake must still be working out deets on what to do next...okay.  We'll be in touch  Left alone with Tuskaloosa, Arc had checked her chronometer, seeing that it was getting pretty dark, and with the snow falling it was getting pretty cold.  Turning to the trolless, the mechanic gave a little smile, feeling a bit excited for this opportunity as she spent a moment to reorganize the parts with the engine.  "I'll be in touch with you often on this bike, omae, don't worry about that.  I got to head to a meetup with a guy about some other work tonight.  I didn't see you drive here, so you're probably walking, ah..."  She glanced over at the Americar, then back at the taller lady.  "I could maybe fit ya for a quick lift on the way?  Other than that, I can hook you up with a taxi.  Whichever sounds good to you, omae.  Sit tight."

Leaving the troll to her thoughts, Arc finished off her pizza with a small burp, heading over to her adjoining apartment.  What the troll thought was office space could be seen through the doorway for a couple seconds while the door was open, and it was apparent that instead of an office, it was rather an apartment.  Arc's apartment, specifically.  As the human went inside, she could hear talking from within, peeking her head in tentatively at the others, seeing Firefly helping Yelena into her skin-tight cheongsam.

"Don't mind me.  I gotta meetup with Ninelives tonight, maybe some more work this week.  Subaru, do you need a lift home?  My car's got room.."  Shrugging out of her casual clothes into her undies, the stout girl slipped into a clean pair of jeans and a tanktop, the multitude of scars on her back exposed for a few seconds before she pulled a synthleather jacket over her form, running a quick comb through her hair to right it before turning to them, smirking.  "I ain't looking forward to it, unlike you Srui.  Just don't OD somewhere, aight?"

Darting back out, the human looked a bit more upscale than her casual appearance the troll had first witnessed.  The jacket definitely fit the look of a wheelgirl more than a mechanic, and with the Predator concealed at the small of her back, the human felt a bit more secure.  "Thought of your answer, Tuska?  I don't mean to kick you out already, my bad, but I  got stuff to do, and a Vrukart to get back to tonight.  We good?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Yelena laughs.  "Yelena think most people hide something.  Firefly want be around Marco?  Firefly bed with boy yet?  Want try Marco?  Yelena not mind."

Yelena acknowledges Arc as she comes into the small room to change.  "Yelena all in, Srui.  Target know if hold back.  Yelena do best to be safe.  Got rest so that help."  She turns to face the others and smooths her dress to her form.  "What think.  Yelena look nice?"

She gets a thoughtful look on her face.  "Arc.  Maybe new rigger girl not live nice place.  Offer place in garage to sleep.  We fix bedding tonight.  Get better at shopping tomorrow.  Help watch place.  Closer."  She turns to Firefly.  "Maybe decker girl too?  Want live Yelena and Arc?  Arc mostly with Vruk at night.  What think?"  Yelena nods at her idea. 

She walks out right behind Arc and looks at the Troll.  "Rigger girl want stay garage?  Much room in corner.  Not good bed, but blankets.  Can buy big bed tomorrow if want live here.  Closer to us.  Not need walk or drive.  Work bike spare time.  All good ideas.  Yes?"

[gilga]

After the pizza and Blake I am back to my home. I send the chip to the Vatican and adds a personal message.
 “Dear Gabriel,
at the memory card of that book there is all my correspondence between me and the lady you asked about. If one of us is a sinner it is me, I got the complete opposite impression about her. She is my northern light showing me the path in dark nights. As you can read she got me involved in a soup kitchen to the needy, and if she actually get her innovation approved in my book she is two  miracles away from sainthood.

Yours truly, Marco”

And just like that that little drone in my balcony carried the message god knows where, was sent much earlier than requested.  I have a purpose now and I know what to do. I strip my clothes shower and leave the apartment as a little bird. It is all so natural to me by now and my path is clear. My next stop is the Salish Shidhe Council, or to be exact a little Shidhe village called Bleeding Mountain. I go there a lot, birds know no boundaries, and it does not take long before I am there. My plan is to study about spirits from Dancing Bear their Shaman. Nobody calls him like that, in the spirit of the era the names are still traditional but they are shorten to initials and Dancing Bear becomes DB.  I sometime wonder if he ever heard about databases.

Studying from a pagan Shaman is frowned upon but DB was trying to teach me, and my heart was not open. Every time I reached Bleeding Mountain was because I was running away from something. While I was constantly invited to visit the small village, I never did. It will be my first time in there during day daytime.  When I arrive the village is almost empty, it is still day and most of the people are at their daily labor. Some do agriculture and hunting but modern life have caught with most and despite their pseudo primitive living conditions, the vast majority of the inhabitants work in modern jobs. I land at the village center, right by their in and change back to human. Crying Wolf an elderly woman greet me at my local name “Crazy Bird”. I am unexpected, but not unwelcome and within a few moments my room is ready and I am wearing fresh and traditional clothes.

When I am out CW asks me: “You are not hiding so you must need something. “
I smile and completely comfortable with the directness of CW

 “I came to listen and learn, and I plan to stay for a while until the great spirit shares its wisdom with me. ”

“A spirit quest? I always thought you are after Angelo's way of life. The fingernails... they never lie and your hair always smells Anglo. Even now”
She is referring to my wonderful new shampoo, I am very proud of that selection it smells amazing. However, telling CW that I really like this shampoo will not be the best conversation move.
 
“When I just come to hide I am welcome, but when I come to open my heart and learn.  I am suddenly an Anglo?”


“CB, You are welcome as a guest, but the knowledge you seek is not for foreigners. It is for the children of this land.”

“But I am orphan, I have no land. I know you do not want to know about the past, but since I feel no connection to any land. Perhaps the great spirit will make an exception in my case. Perhaps the land can adopt me like a family adopts a child.”


“CB it was never done before, for an Anglo to become native.”


“Still I want to learn, and DB offered his guidence multiple times in the past. I am asking out of respect to your ways. I am not much of a warrior, but I am good with bargaining, perhaps I can help you trade.”


“We have plenty of traders, CB and what good is trading if you are barely around. You do not have roots, it is not your fault it is the way you were raised, but you hop from one place to another like a butterfly.”


“DB taught me more than you think. There is the story of your independence, of the great ghost dance. The people from many tribes working together and the land and its spirits gave their blessing. So if I serve your needs while being from a different tribe the spirit may still share its wisdom with me and perhaps in time, when I can grow roots the land can adopt me.”


“You are speaking about a service of blood, will you risk your life for our people?”


“I will do whatever it takes CW. You have been very kind to me in the past and never asked questions as why I come. You are a leader of honor, just name your task and I will do what I can do.”

By this time I already understand that there is something she wants. She is playing hard to get, because she wants to see my commitment or because... Well they are different.

“I did not think to ask a foreigner for help but I do not know what to do. DB was captured by bird tribe and they are going to sell him for a cooperation. It happened last night and they are probably hiding in one of the valleys nearby. If you bring DB back to us I will allow him to share his guidance with you.”


My heart is racing, the mage that I want to learn from is kidnapped and I need to save the day? Perhaps being so public about magic is a dangerous after all despite the dancing and the illusions and the dream quests. But if he dances and cast spells with his friends I have a website, who am I to say how one should behave with talent.

“CW, I would have done so without needing anything. You could have called and I’d come to help.”

CW say “ I know you would, but we cannot rely on Anglos to solve our problems. Even when things seems hopeless. Now you are suggesting a fair trade, you need something and I need something in return, This I can do.

I wish for her to stop calling me Anglo as I am if any an Italian. She gave me a native name. I know it was intended as a joke, but the name stuck and everybody is calling like that. How can I be both CB and Anglo. “Show me where your scouts last spotted them and I’ll be there quick as a bird and stealthy as a mouse. “

CW guides me, and I prepare my mind. I pray for Jesus to be able to resolve it without violence there is always a way. It does not take much time before I can spot the scouts, lying in the grass
my sharp senses pick them from a kilometer away. They are static and well disguised, I use my mind link spell and think at them “This is Crazy Bird and I came to help.”

[Shaman_Yuri]

"Yelena think most people hide something.  Firefly want be around Marco?  Firefly bed with boy yet?  Want try Marco?  Yelena not mind."

WHAT?!?

I can feel my eyes get wide and I thank Allah that my focus is on her dress and Yelena is turned away from me as she says this.  My face face must be about to explode like an override tomato!

Fortunately, Arc comes in and saves me from an answer to the offhanded (for her) awkward suggestion.  I look away from both of them as the start talking, working to catch my wits and calm my heart.  By the time the elf asks another question of me, I hope I'm presentable.

"What think.  Yelena look nice?"

"Very nice," I say appreciatively.  And I mean it.  If you ignored the body art, the hardness of her eyes, and imagined just a touch less lean on her, Yelena-sensei would fit on a billboard selling something.  Or as the front page of a fashion site.  She's that gorgeous.  Fortunately Arc's presence helps me maintain at least a little of my self-esteem around the older woman.  Not that Arc isn't pretty in her own right - she is and in more the manner I am- but set beside Yelena the two of us humans aren't going to catch many eyes.  Not even dressed as Arc is now in a jacket and jeans which makes her look rather badass.  I'm lost in my thoughts when the word 'decker' from Yelena's full lips lifts me out of my soulful reverie.

"Maybe decker girl too?  Want live Yelena and Arc?  Arc mostly with Vruk at night.  What think?"

Live here?!?  I don't get a chance to say anything before Yelena nods at her own idea and moves out to the garage to address the troll who had arrived earlier.  Hmmm...okay...she's asking her too.  Then maybe it's not...

But Yelena's suggesting I sleep in the same room with her. 

It makes rational sense, now that I think about it.  I rested on the rigger's bed because it's less used.  If I'm to apprentice to Yelena-sensei, it would make sense to live close to her.  And the closer I am, not only might I learn more but I can be more helpful to her.  That's my duty now - she teaches and I do whatever chores I can do to make her life easier while I learn.

And the troll is a girl too, so it shouldn't be immodest.  Maybe this can work.  Although it will leave my roomie in a lurch.  But then again, George can certainly find someone else to room with her.

So yeah, if Yelena-sensei wants me closer to her, it fits with what my goals are.

"I'm game," I pipe up as I walk back into the garage area after Yelena and Arc.

[Mercy Merchant]

Yelena looks over at the younger human and smiles.  "Firefly yes?  Is good.  Have things go get?"  She slips her white shawl across her shoulders so that it covers the top of her arms.  The violet heron and flowers on the front of the elegant cheongsam set off her eyes and the overall effect is demure sensuality.  She turns back to the Troll.  "So, is good idea?  If like stay here.  Yelena make keys tomorrow."

"Now Yelena off.  Gone all night."

Smiling at the others, Yelena walks to the door and leaves, walking the few blocks to where she can get a cab.  On the way she kicks in her 'link and sends a message to Bella.  >> Bella.  Is Yelena.  Other thing done.  Yelena can make start time.  See at club.<<  Yelena makes good time, stopping and chatting with the people she meets.  Her mind is partially on the party tonight.  Another couple will make it more fun, but she has to admit to herself that the pain inducer was different and is actually pretty exciting.

[Shaman_Yuri]

"You look gorgeous," I rave in answer my sensei's question.  It's an honest appraisal - I've had women as comely as her in my presence, but they never had the mixture of raw power mixed with sensuality Yelena exudes.  It's intoxicating just being around her.  If I can learn to be half the woman she is...

Then I might just manage to achieve my goal.

I accompany Yelena-sensei to the door, standing in the open portal and watching the elf recede into the night.  I'm cold in only the borrowed sweats, but the tableau of white hair cascading down a glistening white dress with the shawl shimmering in the streetlights, with snow falling lightly all around, is captivating.  I'm not much of an artist, but I remain transfixed, memorizing the scene in the hope that someday I might be able to rightly commit it to canvas.

I'm sure she'd be flattered.

After Yelena's form has receded to nothing into the wintry darkness, I turn back into the shop and close the door against the night chill.  Arc and the troll seem to be eyeing each other as the latter considers her own answer to Yelena-sensei's bold proposal.  It occurs to me that I don't even know the massive woman's name.  I'm sure I'll learn it soon enough, though, so I leave them to their discussion and return to the bedroom to retrieve my jumpsuit and make one more trip to the lady's room.  Once I've settled myself for a drive, I return out to the garage proper to see where things now stand with the two riggers.

[Duck N. Cover]

     A thought occurred to Tuskaloosa as Arc outlined her idea of hitting a local gang for some hand-me-downs.  “One of those 'chummers' of yours wouldn't be a realllly big orc...chromed right hand, shiny eyes?  Goes by the name Angel?”
      “You bet.  You know him?”
     She gave a weak smile.   “We met.  Hrock signed my hall pass.”  Then she brightened.  “If you see him, tell him this is his chance to arm a lady properly.  He'll know what that means.”

   
     

     With the elf's announcement that she was going to prepare for a date—and her friend's concerned warning—Tuskaloosa checked her own chronometer.  Cripes! It's that late?  She would have excused herself from the garage, but Arc explained that she, too had a previous meeting.
   
      "I could maybe fit ya for a quick lift on the way?  Other than that, I can hook you up with a taxi.  Whichever sounds good to you, omae. Sit tight." Her host walked into the room the elf had gone, leaving her to collect her helmet.
   
     Getting a lift didn't sound bad—other than the potential for being out of Arc's way. I wouldn't want to make her late for something scheduled. I can always give her my home spot and let her decide.  Even just a drop-off in her own home turf would be plenty.
   
     Absentmindedly she rotated the helmet in her hands as she waited.  She stopped it, her thumb coming to rest on the now empty air canister inside. The thing was a literal lifesaver—whether in the bowels of a garbage truck, or in the field—and while replacement canisters were fairly cheap, they added up. I wonder if Arc has the stuff to refill one...
   
     Suddenly Arc and Yelena both returned; the elf clearly at home in a party dress, her partner no where near as fancy, but groomed better than earlier.  "Rigger girl want stay garage?” the elf asked.  “Much room in corner.  Not good bed, but blankets.  Can buy big bed tomorrow if want live here.  Closer to us.  Not need walk or drive.  Work bike spare time.  All good ideas.  Yes?"
   
     “Me?  Stay here?”  They both nodded.
   
    Yelena continued, turning to a cloaked figure behind them.  "Firefly yes?  Is good.  Have things go get?"
   
    Now that she thought about it there had been someone bundled on one of the couches when she arrived...
   
     But the elf was speaking again to her again.  "So, is good idea? If like stay here.  Yelena make keys tomorrow.  Now Yelena off.  Gone all night."
   
     With a smile, she disappeared through the door.

   The offer was certainly tempting, no denying that.  Everything they were saying made sense, especially the lack of transit time and being able to start the rebuild when time permit.  Still, it looked like they were adding a new body as it was.
   She had also done her time of communal living during Boot Camp; she enjoyed the freedom to spread out.

   “It's very generous, but I'll have to pass.  Got a snore that wakes the dead,” she lied.  “Looking for a place a little closer would make a lot of sense though.  And if it's not out of your way, I'll  take you up on the ride offer...”

[Shaman_Yuri]

I come back out to the garage after twisting my jumpsuit a little to make it fit better around my bust.  It might not be obvious, but my jumpsuit is telling me I've grown since the armor was fitted to me half a year ago.  Back then I would have cheered to expand a little more in that department, but now it is just damned inconvenient because I don't have the luxury of replacing the thing any time soon.  Ah well, it wouldn't be the first time a woman wore something a size too small.  At least it isn't tight around my midsection where it would have been a lot more problematic right now.

“It's very generous, but I'll have to pass.  Got a snore that wakes the dead.  Looking for a place a little closer would make a lot of sense though...and if it's not out of your way, I'll  take you up on the ride offer...”

Hmmm, the troll seems to have decided she wants her own space.  I hadn't been sure how that would have worked out anyway, so honestly I'm relieved.  I've worked with trolls before, they've often been part of my protective detail and are reassuring to have around you when the drek flies, but I can't say that living with one was making my bunny jump too high.  Still, this one does seem a bit smarter than the average.  And Arc seems to be impressed with her.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Arc nods at the troll's answer and starts to close up shop in preparation for heading out.  Like Yelena said, I do have a few things to retrieve from my place.  It'll make sense to end up back at the Comfort Inn tonight to explain to my roomie the change and to collect what little I own.  It will fill a small bag, but it's mine nonetheless.  I'll coordinate with Arc to bring me back for good sometime tomorrow, whenever it's convenient for her. 

It'll give me time to finish researching Marco and the mage from last night, as well as catch up on any tasks assigned to me by the Yak.  For the time being, at least, I want to keep the Yak thinking I'm still dependent on them.  No sense tipping off my hand until I'm ready to play it.

With Arc busy getting ready to leave, the troll appears to be at a loss for what to do.  She's standing near the Americar, fiddling with her helmet and seeming to me to be trying to stay out of Arc's way.

"Um, I'm Firefly.  I didn't catch your name, Miss..."

[Duck N. Cover]

     Tuskaloosa still marveled at Arc: once set in motion, the little lady moved quickly.  Doors were secured, followed by a stop at a nearby rigger control console.

     Politely Tuskaloosa did what she thought best:  hang out patiently near the Americar.  Remembering the air canister in her helmet, she started to unhook it from its crevice.  Best to have it in hand when I ask,  rather than waste her time while I pull it out later...
   
     “Um, I'm Firefly.”
   
     She looked up from her work.  The woman in front of her was bigger than Arc, but smaller than Yelena.  She also noted the large, brown eyes and skin a shade or so lighter than her own.
   The gray hood-and-scarf covered anything else of detail.
   
     She was also sporting black, form-fitting body armor and from what the troll could tell was unarmed.
   Given how well the rigger had noticed Angel's armory earlier, that didn't mean much.  She was also well aware of the many, many ways an unarmed combatant could hand her hoop to her.
   
     Nevertheless, she didn't get the sense of danger that Yelena evoked, nor of the command that Arc had.

   “I didn't catch your name, Miss...”
   
      Polite.  “Tuskaloosa,”  She said, extending her hand.  “Tuskaloosa will do.  Pleased to meet you!”
   
     The hand that was extended was slow, the grip weak.
   
     It was something she was used to.

     With impeccable timing  Arc stepped up.  “All set?”

[Shaman_Yuri]

She seems nice enough.

Tuskaloosa.  Hmmm.  Not only is her language a bit better, but she seems to be...cheerier?...more cheerful than I am used to seeing in trolls.  She extends her hand and I accept the motion, returning the shake as best I can given the sheer size of her fingers. 

Using my still neuro-attached deck safely nestled in its pouch under my armor over my tummy, I record audio and video of our brief introduction.  I also scan over the engine again to document its appearance.  Once I'm done looking into Marco, this new troll needs to be better understood.  Arc-sensei and, surprisingly, Yelena-sensei are amazingly trusting with someone who just walked in off the street.  I realize I owe their generosity for my current hopeful situation, but I know I'm devoted to them.  That silver-tongued statue-made-real Greek god Marco and especially this "Tuskaloosa", not so much.

"All set?"

I give my usual Japanese hum in response.  I know Arc has a lot planned and I want to make sure we don't hold her up any longer than necessary.  I watch the troll get into the back, laying across the seats to fit.  I climb in the passenger side and belt in.

As we get moving, a name Arc-sensei mentioned comes to my mind and it seems the right time to ask.  "Arc-sensei, who or what is Ninelives?"  I have other questions, high among them what is it that Yelena is doing these past two nights that has her so busy and Arc so anxious, but they can wait until we have less of an audience.

[Mercy Merchant]

Once she leaves the Barrens proper, Yelena slips into an auto cab and gives the Stardust as her destination before slotting a credstick to cover the cost.  The ride is uneventful; she barely notices the streets the cab uses as she thinks over the events of the day.  She is a bit concerned that Marco had left without saying anything.  They had been supposed to talk about his idea for a new life, but events had conspired to keep them from chatting.  Yelena sends him and Jed a quick text.  >>Marco.  Is Yelena.  We not talk today.  Yelena sorry.  Can try tomorrow?<<  >>Jed.  Is Yelena.  Snowden dead.  Money paid.  Body missing, but DataDancer and cam show proof dead.  Yelena like hear more about helping by mojo.  Yelena talk PI man soon?<<

She disembarks at the club and goes inside after undergoing the usual visual and magscans.  By the time Yelena makes it up the broad sweeping stairway to the main lobby, the smiling hostess has been passed her name from the security station and greets her, complimenting the Keeb on her gown.  Having already put Yelena's name into her tablet, the beautiful girl sets an ARO to lead her to the private room reserved by Bella and her husband.  Yelena graciously thanks the hostess and walks into the club proper.  From here, she can see the large dance floor, which is already crowded with revelers wishing to see and be seen by whoever is here.  The music is pure synth and the pulsing beat catches Yelena's attention, stalling her forward progress and guiding her like the pied piper of yore to the entrance of the dance floor.

While she is standing and swaying to the music, two young Elves come up to her.  One offers her a cigarette from a nice case, which she politely declines in favor of one of her own.  Both of the Keebs shake their heads when she offers hers around.  She smiles as one of them coughs and politely moves away after Yelena lights up.  The other man laughs and introduces himself, asking Yelena if she wants to dance.  Yelena checks the ARO she was provided and sees that it is blinking yellow, meaning that she only has 15 minutes and sighs.  As much as she would love to be moving her body to the beat of the music, she explains that she is due at a private party in a few minutes and regretfully leaves the young Elf looking after her as she continues on to the room.  Yelena gives her name to the club man standing at the door and is passed inside. 

[gilga]

The reply I get from the men is surprising, “you can land, we got stuff for you. The problem is that he does not want to be rescued.”

I land out of sight and get dressed. I find myself in a pit of a tight spot.
“What do you mean do not want to be rescued?”



“Talk to him yourself he is right here, projecting or what ever it is.”


“DB... are you there?” I ask softly although I cannot see him.

 shortly after  I hear the Shaman's voice in my mind.
“I am glad to hear from you Marco.”


And now I am Marco, these people are hot and cold with me all the time, how can I possibly understand them. But perhaps it is not about me,  perhaps he does not want to be rescued by a bunch of angry warriors. Perhaps he refers to me by my name as a sign to what he really wants.

“I am not going to take you unwilling but why won't you be rescued?”


“This is what's wrong with this nation, every tribe with its own justice. One stealing from the other, then come the vengeance and the cycle never ends. Someone has to give up and it is better done before years of hostility.”


“But they kidnapped you, they have no honor do you really want to be sold to a cooperation and be a wage mage? What about all the spiritual stuff you kept mentioning”


“I am an old man Marco there is nothing to fight over and it is not like I have much left. Every action has a counter action and not all fights are worth fighting. Hurt these people and you will start a dispute that will claim the life of the many.”


“Let's see if we can talk some sense to these people. I have a way with words.”  I say.

Strategically speaking the kidnappers are not defenseless at all, they are outnumbered and surrounded.  The people I met,  were unhidden on purpose, perhaps DB told them I was coming.  RW  shows me silently the location of his warriors an ambush.

“Apparently I am Marco now.” I sigh “and DB is the spiritual and wise Shaman even when his own life are on the line. With you blessing I can try and negotiate. Will you be willing to grant them safe package and compensate them for risking their life?”

RW answers “We closed in on them and got them covered, DB is the only one that is keeping them alive”
I understand that the easiest way will be to give these people some way out with their dignity. Bargaining is about both sides being happy. “You cannot use this force, and DB say that even if you win this specific battle there is a long war that follows, isn’t financial loss a good bargain to avoid a war.”

“What about our reputation? Our pride? What will other tribes do when they find us weak?”

I sigh “Put yourself in their place, why did bird tribe steal DB from you?”

RW say “They have some problems of their own, the factory in their land was closed, EVO are transferring it to some place with less eco friendly regulations. Probably to the UCAS. It is the same story in many places.”

I add “So they have no jobs and no way to feed their families, perhaps you can help them survive the winter and they can return your Shaman. Do not do it as a surrender, do it out of solidarity.”


RW say “First he has to be returned, only then we can help, and we cannot feed them there is so much we can do.”

“I understand that, now with your blessing let's see what the bird people have to say”

I approach their hiding spot, a natural cave I am unarmed and alone and am terrified. I have never braved this far into this land and I have no idea what to expect. I lift my hands above my head to show that I am unarmed. Two men are pointing hunting guns at me and they seem to be aiming for  a long while.

Their hideout is a small cave and I am thankful for my low light vision to show me what's inside.

“We are not giving him back, and  your Shaman would not let you take him back. Just leave there is nothing here for you.”


“I came all the way from Seattle to talk to you, I am unarmed. Aren’t you at least going to listen?”

“From Seattle?! I thought that you came from Bleeding mountain. What DO you want?”


I cannot negotiate in the middle of a wasteland with my hands around my head. The situation does not promotes discussion and does not show the trust necessary

“Some good hospitality would be nice... do you have anything to drink?”

“Where do you think you are? You tell us what you want.”

I confidently move and seat near the cave.
“You can shoot me if you like, but you could  shoot me for a long while and if you do, you will never hear my suggestion and in that case I think that there will be a Bloodshed. “

“We are not giving him back.”


“Can we start with a cup of water?” I laugh softly, they are still suspicious but one of the men seats next to me and pours me some water. I know that at least I’ll be able to talk. If only his friend would stop pointing that hunting gun at my head it will be great.

[gilga]

“Thank you for the water I say and sip” The entire situation is stressful but I behave as if it is casual to be around two nervous people with hunting rifles, and as if I do not care that one of them pointed at me. “They said that they will let you go unharmed if you give them the Shaman.”

“We are not giving him up!” Said one and the other one seemed pissed of and almost clicked the trigger.

“ How much do you think you can get for him?” I say with confidence.

The one not pointing the gun at me say “50k believe it or not.”

I gently laugh “50k ? for that geezer? you are lucky if he even survives the trip. How many years do you think he has left... 50k is for someone young.”

“Listen asshole, why don’t I put a bullet in your head and we’ll find out.”


Why won’t you put a bullet in my head...Perhaps because once you fire the scouts will assume the worst. I think to myself.

“So you are going to start a war for 20k maximum”
I say, with genuine interest.

“20k?! you miserable piece of shit I said 50k”


“50k for a young and promising mage with thirty or maybe forty years of work. This one has ten years at best. So 20k is actually a very generous offer.  They may just refuse to take him as he may just kick the bucket next year or require high medical expenses. Have you ever worked with corporations before? They will pull a calculator right to your faces calculate the total revenue and expenses and you bring them an inferior brand. They will laugh in your faces and you started a war for nothing. “


Thinking to myself I must admit that they should take me, if only they knew I was a mage myself. But luckily for me they do not seem to know that. I see their response in slow motion, one of them becomes red, the wrong one - the one with the gun pointed at me.

“You miserable piece of shit... you got us all twisted up for nothing?” He say to his friend. 
“He is just playing you, they will pay 50k... I am sure of that. Relax Max”


Max? what kind of name is that? one tribe has animal and flower names and the other one latin origin names. Something does not ring a bell.
“No the kid has a point!  What do you offer youngster?" he say and the gun is now pointed at his friend

“Look, the Bleeding mountain people do not know his market value. They are willing to pay for him because he is their Shaman. They are worried for appearances tough and do not want to make kidnappings common.  If you return him unharmed now they will summon your leaders to a meeting and will aid your village out of solidarity.”

“Shut up you too devil talker, who say that they will even do it? You just offer that we give away our shaman for nothing.”
I smile confident of my answer, I know exactly what to tell them.

“Do you really think that Dancing Bear will play along in deception? He saved your life forcing his own tribe not to harm you. He already showed you that he is a man of honor.  Moreover, I offer you everything that you want. You get aided, you have no risk of transferring the Shaman to your buyer and you start no blood feud.”

They look at each other, the one pointing a gun at me asks “How is the shaman? still out?”  “Still out...” . “Wake him up.” With a few slaps and some pokes eventually the shaman is woken up.

“The youngster here say that we should release you and that your tribe will aid us and that there will be no dispute. Will you respect such offer?”


“I am glad you came to your senses and I will respect, we do not have much but what we can spare we will share and do not expect us to solve all your problems.”

The bastard I think to myself, promise them the world, they are about to release you. But no, Dancing Bear has to be realistic. To be quite honest I have never sold a mage to a corp and I am just speaking so confident about it as if I know what I am talking about, but apparently the kidnappers are no more knowledgable than me.

“You are free to go dancing bear, but we are keeping the youngster as collateral non negotiable. If you do not hold your part of the deal we will kill him.”


Holy crap, that did not go out very well for me, I am lucky they do not know that I am a mage.  DB sighs “If you insist... It shall be done.”

I watch in disbelief as Dancing Bear leaves the cave and I am left unarmed with two men in leather armor and hunting rifles. We remain all alone in the wilderness and the sun begins to set. I have no idea what to do next, but I sure need to come up with something otherwise who knows how long I am going to stay in that cave. In the meanwhile, I nurse another glass of water perhaps some good idea will pop out.