Requiem's Run: Chapter Three

Note: A few years back I wrote a book. It is set in the fictional universe of Shadowrun. I've decided to post it in weekly increments here on my blog thanks in part to where I'm at in life and because the fun game Shadowrun Returns was recently released by Harebrained Schemes. It re-stoked my passion for the game and I wanted to share that passion with you. Thanks so much and enjoy:  

Back to the Future: That time already? Super Sweet x 16!

Another round of pictures for you to enjoy. This series was while on my way to work. I wanted to capture some things I saw on my path, so, let's get started, よし:

A Golden Cherub

Jolt, a spark of recognition, and I feel so alive.

This is a falling through the sky, moonlit cloudless skies, in an endless breath.

I seek something familiar, but keep finding many new pieces.

Excitement courses through my veins, a life force of happiness, contentment.

I falter, but find myself quickly righted; back in the course.

This smell of fresh laundry, a cut summer grass, an ocean mist on your face, these are new sensations.

So familiar, but completely foreign concepts, like a new born babe.

What is this visage, but of one so heavenly. In part that experience abounds, it is still a divine façade to treasure.

And I find this falling without breath.

This golden cherub, can it be? Truly an angel in my eye, or is that the glitter shine of sunshine?

This pink and white growing forth from the mucky pond below.

Now the mists of spring have passed. No need to dab my silk sleeves, for the mind proves to be stronger in this blissful light.

I can sit atop the blossom, cherry or otherwise.

This’ll whisper into the midnight hour, a sunset, then moonrise again. A starry rain clears the night sky.

This’ll be the diamonds of our mind.

No monkey here, a silent open playground, setting the stage for a higher frequency, a powerful vibration.

The mudras have been cast.

The die is now in stone, and calling forth to the heavens: “oh Hark, let these angels dance, and dance!”

Where it that simple, such a symbol needed.

Now I reach out and grasp into the void, finding warmth and electricity instead of the dark familiar.

Requiem's Run: Chapter Two

Note: A few years back I wrote a book. It is set in the fictional universe of Shadowrun. I've decided to post it in weekly increments here on my blog thanks in part to where I'm at in life and because the fun game Shadowrun Returns was recently released by Harebrained Schemes. It re-stoked my passion for the game and I wanted to share that passion with you. Thanks so much and enjoy:  

Meeting of the Minds

     Falchion stood carefully waiting at the back of Requiem’s office. Watching and waiting for the swinging pendulum that he felt was fate breathing on their necks. He and his group were lucky to get out of the woods alive, and now potentially had to answer to their employer.

     Requiem seemed preoccupied too much to notice Falchion almost fidgeting at the back of the room. Instead he focused his hawk sight on the other three. He rested his elbows on the large metal desk and spoke, “Congratulations, you passed with flying colors.” Only a minor pause in his speech, “I had expected Falchion to be more than capable to accomplish this task on his own, but seeing you all here gives me hope for future works.” Requiem looked through the others to stare at Falchion.

     After a moment Requiem brought his attentions back to the front three, “I don’t want to bore you with the finer details of business workings, but needless to say we would like you and your team to help us with an obstacle to a construction project.” The others in the group thought they detected a faint hint of a smile across Requiem’s cold face.

     “We’ve been having some problems with a building, or more accurately an individual in the building.” Requiem took a short pause, and continued, “It’s a rather trivial matter, but we need the services of individuals such as yourselves.” With that, he made a small gesture and looked at the group.

     Falchion stood silent in the corner, the others paying him no mind. He felt the others could handle the business interaction, as he had already spoken to Requiem about this particular run, and knew what lay ahead. Requiem focused his attentions on the three in front of him, seeing Falchion had blended into the background. They had formed an agreement to allow the others to engage Requiem in the negotiations.

     “Well, you’ve piqued our interest,” Mr. Popular broke in; his impatience seemed to pulse through the still air of the room. Requiem quirked his brow towards Mr. Popular, “Indeed, I have. Very well, here is a small packet of information on your target. The job is easy enough, and you’ve got a maximum of two weeks. Ten thousand for the job, and we’re willing to pay twenty five hundred upfront.” With only a minor pause Requiem spoke again, “Yes, call me when you’ve completed the job, I wish to get this project underway as soon as possible.” Requiem gave them the slightest of waves, and bid them good day before immersing himself in his computer.

     Entertainment grabbed the back of her chair and made a flip off the back of it, and made her way towards the door. Mr. Popular slowly rose from his chair, his face was a look of indignity, and he made a noise as if snorting. Without even the slightest look of acknowledgement Requiem spoke, “If you have a problem with the details Mr. Popular, I highly suggest you take them up with your teammate.”

     Mr. Popular walked to Requiem’s desk, his strut was confident, grabbing the envelope of information, “Thank you Requiem, I think I will.” Shikkon rose from the chair he had occupied, as he saw his boss walking back towards him. He gave the smallest of bows, and the two of them made their way to the double doors. Entertainment and Falchion were already discussing plans for the run. Mr. Popular did not like their growing separation from his team. If only he could discipline them like his other employees. Falchion, and Entertainment, glanced over at the approaching two, seemingly interrupting their conversation. “Are we all set?” A small smile was on Falchion’s face as his voice was polite and cordial.

     Mr. Popular made a small scoff and continued through the doors. He was above Falchion, and here he was being asked to work for him, it was his team, not Falchion’s. The very notion, and Falchion’s little snide mannerisms, agitated Mr. Popular to no end. As Shikkon passed through the doors following his charge, he nodded to Falchion and Entertainment. Falchion gestured to Entertainment to follow them, and as he left the office he glanced over his shoulder at Requiem giving a quick nod. His icy stare following them as the doors closed behind them.

     The quartet waited in the elevator as it moved down the floors. Silence invaded the space, as they were the only ones taking a service elevator to the basement. No one seemed to pay any attention to Falchion as he simple faded into the surroundings of the elevator, vanishing from sight. As they disembarked from the elevator, they walked an empty service corridor, and headed to an underground garage.

     As they entered the corridor, Mr. Popular glanced around to notice that Falchion had disappeared. “Does anyone know where Falchion has gone, again?” Mr. Popular asked around with disdain. He didn’t need this, he had a job to do, and one of his subordinates had now vanished without a trace. Mr. Popular looked to Entertainment as she gave a simple shrug. In reality Falchion had told her he had some things to do, but would meet up with her later tonight. Mr. Popular only ignored this latest act of defiance, and took the chance to assert himself that much further.

     “We have a job to do, and I for one, want punctuality.” He gave a sharp look at Entertainment who ignored him. “We shall meet at Shikkon’s place tonight around 8 p.m. Perhaps you can convince your boyfriend to fit us into his busy schedule.” Mr. Popular kept his voice biting, and pointed, as he aimed his sights at Entertainment. Entertainment looked at Mr. Popular, anger flickered in her eyes, but she kept her demeanor flippant, “Yeah, Falchion’ll be there. Can you guys give me a ride back to my place?” Her question wasn’t even a hesitation on her part.

     Before Mr. Popular could answer, a look of surprise registering across his face at Entertainment’s rudeness, Shikkon replied positively. “Depends on which direction you’re headed.” Shikkon looked at her plainly, ignoring Mr. Popular’s disbelief.

     “Actually I live only a few blocks from your club, Shikkon.” Entertainment responded smiling. “No problem, we’ll drop you off in front of the club,” Shikkon answered as he opened the door for Mr. Popular. Mr. Popular felt as if he had no say in the matter, and simply climbed into the back, deciding he would save his complaints with Shikkon’s behavior for later. After all it was a polite thing to do, despite her being filth.

     Entertainment climbed into the rear of the car on the other side opposite of Mr. Popular. She fiddled around with the various switches and buttons before the car lurched forward. As the luxury car hummed silently down the street, every part in working order and perfection, Entertainment turned to Mr. Popular, and spoke calmly and direct in Japanese, “You know, I used to work for you Japs.” Her language was second nature, but to Mr. Popular it was distasteful and unfitting for someone like her.

     He simply ignored her, and she continued, “And I just want to say, that we’re in this thing together. We’ve got to do our best to work together.” She couldn’t see Mr. Popular roll his eyes, and paused staring out at the passing traffic. “I just want you to know, that I’m your man. I’ve got no lost love for your kind, but I’m your man.”

     Mr. Popular couldn’t believe his ears, and looked at her in disbelief. All he could muster was a feeble, “Oh?” She glanced over at him, and laughed a little, “Yeah, why, is that hard to believe?” Mr. Popular quickly regained his composure, “It’s not hard to believe, Entertainment, I’m a natural born leader. I’m glad to hear it. After we complete this task we can anoint you in my apartment.” Entertainment continued to stare out at the roving street, “Yeah, whatever,” Her response was indifferent.

     The car slowed and parked in front of Shikkon’s club, The Diamond. Entertainment, and Mr. Popular heard the driver door open and Shikkon speaking to someone. Entertainment’s door opened as Shikkon held it open for her, and as she climbed out of the car she gave a little thankful nod to Shikkon. A valet at the club held the other door open for Mr. Popular, and after closing the door, he climbed into the driver’s seat and drove the car away to park it.

     “We’re going to take care of some matters here at the club,” Shikkon spoke to Entertainment as she began her trip home. “Remember, 8 p.m., please inform Falchion, and try not to be late.” Entertainment gave a blind wave to the two of them as she walked down the sidewalk, weaving in and out of the various people. She thought she heard Shikkon say something else, but the murmuring of the crowd she found herself in had drowned anything else out. 

     Entertainment returned home, where she began planning for tonight’s endeavor. She polished her blades, and checked her pistols. She wasn’t sure what to expect, and prepared for going to work. After a couple of hours her intercom gave a loud buzzing noise. She found it strange that someone was ringing her apartment, since only a couple of people knew where she lived. She decided it was probably a mistake and ignored it. After a moment the buzzing died down, and she felt strangely relieved.

     She decided to pay it no mind, and refocused her thoughts about the different armaments she had laid out. After a minute she began thinking about Falchion and how curious he was. He would shift from polite and playful one minute, and the next become professional and business orientated. Entertainment was amazed by his ability to switch off his emotions seemingly at a moment’s notice for someone so young. He couldn’t have been more than twenty she thought.

      As she continued thinking about Falchion, there came a light tap from her windows. Her windows had been painted shoddily by the last tenant, white to give cover from the outside world and brighten the dark apartment. She hesitantly moved to the windows, and pressed her back against the wall. Through small specks in the paint, she peered on the outside world. She was sure she had heard a tapping noise come from her windows, but now all she saw was a dangling rope less than half a meter from her building.

     She stood pressed against the wall for a few minutes, completely tensed, waiting for something to happen. The rusty metallic fire escape let out a creak, that Entertainment barely heard. The creak could’ve been just a simple sound of age, but for Entertainment it was the sound of weight being added to ancient metal contraption.

     Another tap came from the window, this time it was more audible and sounded like metal on glass. Entertainment thought she could tell where the tapping had come from. She felt if she needed too, she could have pinpointed an attack through the window to hit this invisible assassin. Before she could act, a strange noise came through the window softly. She pressed as close as she dared to the window, her breathing tight and controlled.

     “E, it’s me, its Falchion,” she heard barely through the glass. His voice was so hushed, and partially muffled through the glass. Entertainment stumbled back from the wall, and bumped into a small table. “Can you let me in?” His voice was slightly louder, but still muffled coming through the glass.

     Entertainment fumbled quickly with the window, sliding it open as best she could. It had been many years since anyone had opened the windows in her apartment, and the paint didn’t help trying to open them. She managed to open the window half way, before Falchion said, “that’s good enough.”

     A minute had passed and Entertainment wondered if Falchion had climbed through the half open window. She saw nothing, nor could hear anything. Just as she began moving to look out the window, it began closing on its own. She stared at it in a state of disbelief, she had heard about a technology that helped render people nearly invisible, but had never seen it in person. As far as she could tell Falchion was invisible, and on top of being invisible to sight, he made no sound, unless he talked.

     The more she thought about Falchion, she realized in the small time they had been working together, he had never made a physical sound. It was a minute aspect to his physical nature, and she hadn’t really paid it any mind. Now as she tried to examine his invisible form, she noticed that he didn’t make any noise, and it became disturbingly evident.

     Once the window had fully closed and the latch re-adjusted itself, Falchion appeared standing, smiling by the window. His brown locks were mussed from being under the conforming hood of his armor. Entertainment could detect a faint amount of perspiration on his forehead.

     “Sorry about, dropping by unannounced, but I didn’t know how else to get a hold of you,” Falchion’s voice was polite and almost sheepish. He shifted slightly uncomfortably. Entertainment smiled a little a bit, at this hardened mercenary standing in her living room feeling squeamish.

     He felt the pressure of the situation, an uncomfortable silence hanging in the air around him, in his throat and gave a hard swallow. “Um, yeah.” He scratched his forehead as he continued, “I got done early, and I wanted to know if you wanted to go get drinks or something.” He tried to sound confident and calm, but Entertainment detected his voice betraying him.

     She took the opportunity, to make him sweat it a little. She shifted her hips and leaned back onto the wall, “I dunno, I mean drinks with you?” Entertainment shot a glance at Falchion, who had shifted his eyes to the floor. She had to hold in a laugh at his discomfort.

Seeing she had caused a little more awkwardness than intended she quickly switched to friendly, “I mean, that’d be cool and all, but we’re supposed to meet Popular and Shikkon tonight.” She had given him another small smile, a small tacit apology, something she was not accustomed too.

     He looked up from the floor, his eyes had returned to the bustling, sparkling green of her eyes, “That’s no problem, we can just hangout at The Diamond until it’s time.” His voice was upbeat and sure, he was un-assumedly taking control of the situation, just like with the group, it was something magical about him. “Let’s just make sure that we’re all set to go,” Falchion commented half to himself and half to her. Entertainment gave an acknowledging nod, and looked him over. He was definitely ready to go, and as always seemed dressed as a tactical special ops member, than the young kid he was.

     “I was just getting some drek together, before you surprised me, Falchion. If you give me a moment, I can put on something to wear for our “date”.” She turned as she finished talking, and headed into the adjacent bedroom. She left the door slightly ajar, so she could continue talking to him, and maybe give him a show. She had been all smiles since he had arrived and decided he was cutest when he was nervous or feeling out of place as he was now.

     She returned to the living room a few moments later dressed in an elegant evening gown. Falchion was rubbing the back of his hair looking at the floor. He was unsure how to respond to her comments, and as he looked up at her, he quickly averted his eyes. “Do you like it?” She said with feint innocence, fully knowing that he enjoyed her outfit.

     He gave her a quick glance as he responded, “Yeah, you look great.” He had barely managed to get it out, his voice almost breaking, something that hadn’t happened to him in a few years. He gave her a strained smile the stress of the situation was not something he was used too. He was used to high-pressure situations, and at that moment he would have rather been facing a troll with an assault cannon.

     Her voice became dipped with honey, “Falchion, are you,” a pause in her voice, only adding to her torture of him, “blushing?” She gave him a wicked smile, at her emphasis. He just kept his head down, and moved to the door. A meek and weak voice came from Falchion as he spoke, “no..”. His eyes glued to the floor in front of him, as his hand found the locks on the door, and undid them. 

     She smiled as she crossed the floor to her arrangement of gear she had spread out before. As she bent over the pick them up, she couldn’t help but make a small display out of it. She meticulously gathered her things, and packed them into her handbag. She didn’t realize it, but Falchion did. He noticed that she looked very similar to the last time they went to The Diamond. Except for her purple wig and her dress was longer, she looked very similar to the first excursion to The Diamond.

     She walked to the door, and nodded smiling to Falchion. He had opened the door for her, and stood waiting for her to pass through it. She continued smiling, and waved at him to pass through. It was a polite gesture, but she wanted to lock the door. He seemed to understand and walked out hurriedly in front of her. She gave a quick glance at him as he walked in front of her. She locked her apartment door, and nearly laughed at the thought of the awkward feelings she had stirred in him.

     She followed him out of the apartment building. The walk took a while since he had parked several blocks away. It was nice to just walk with him, even if it was silent and dreary. They finally reached his bike, which Entertainment noticed was a heavily modified combat bike. Except for the navy blue color it looked like something from the past.

     Falchion glanced around them as he grabbed a coat out of the seat of his bike. He unfolded it and handed it to Entertainment, “It might get a little cold, with your dress.” She gladly took it and put it on. She hadn’t realized the weather before she decided what to wear for the evening. He climbed on, and padded the seat behind him for her to sit. Once she was on, and she had secured herself behind him by wrapping her arms around him, the bike gave a quick roar and they were off into the humdrum of city life. The bike, like its owner moved with surprising acrobatic fluidity through traffic with a deft ease that Entertainment had not experience on a motorized vehicle. She could feel the wind nipping at them as they drove; it was cold, but exhilarating.

     Entertainment noticed that Falchion had taken a longer route to The Diamond than was necessary. Instead of going directly to The Diamond he weaved in and out of traffic, and looped several blocks around The Diamond. Finally he parked a few blocks away, and explained his actions. “I’ve been feeling like someone’s following us, ever since the Simon job,” he looked very serious in the shadowed alleyway. “I’m not sure if it’s the sniper I saw, or something else.” As he finished he quickly glanced around. “You go ahead to The Diamond; I’m going to give a quick scan of the area, and it’ll be better if we’re not seen walking together into the club.” Before Entertainment could protest, he had vanished from sight and she could no longer tell where he was.

     Deciding not to question Falchion, even if she could, she walked towards The Diamond. Her stride was relaxed and strong. No one would have guessed that she was feeling slightly paranoid from Falchion’s words. Only the most astute observer would have noticed her subtle glances around, surveying her immediate environment. No one troubled her, save for those glances, as she walked to The Diamond. Even the bouncers didn’t pay her much mind, as she walked passed them into the club.

Once Falchion had been rendered invisible from sight he began scaling a nearby building. If someone could have seen him, they might have confused him with some sort of spider like creature. Using his own blend of acrobatics, and the enhancements he had received, he quickly and silently reached the top of the building.

     He perched himself atop the ledge of the smaller brick building, and peered out onto the city streets below. He was no stranger to heights, and began to move from building to building. He would stop at each ledge to look around, observing the area with a spider’s perspective. He was seeking for a clue, a hint of the presence he felt around him. He usually wasn’t paranoid, and often his intuitions were correct. No matter how many times he thought about it, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed.

     As he neared The Diamond, he hadn’t found a trace, or instance, of anyone following Entertainment. As he stood on the ledge of the building across the street from The Diamond, he let out a small sigh. He leaned over the several stories and looked down. He could see the crowds on the street below bustling, but no sign of anyone or anything giving pursuit. He took one last look around the canopy of city, cracked his neck and dove off the building.

     If someone had been watching him, they would have seen glimpses of a blurry image shifting, as Falchion fell to the street below. As the wind soared by him, he felt a bit of relief in his plummet. A small twist of his body, and a pull on his muscles, he grabbed a hold of a light pole. Using the momentum of the fall, he swung himself around it till he gained control over his body. He let himself feel the freedom of the spin, but the light creaking of the pole quickly brought him back to the task at hand.

He climbed onto the top of the lamppost and crouched holding loosely to the bar below him. He looked below him, and studied the different patrons passing directly below him, waiting in line to get into The Diamond. The blur that had flown through the air above them like a sparrow, had vanished again, re-immersing itself back into the surroundings.  He made an effortless aerial twist off the streetlight, and silently landed on the marquee overhang of The Diamond, it was only another light creak of the metal taking on his additional weight that would have given his presence away.

He waited for the opportune moment to swing over the bouncers. He thought to himself that he could’ve just entered through another entrance, but he wanted to test his skills; keep himself sharp. He heard the door swing open, and he took his chance. His every motion swift and agile, he contorted his body upward, then flung himself down tightly gripping the overhanging precipice.

The bouncer closest to the door, looked up, and then behind him, feeling bewildered. He had felt a gush of wind, but saw no sign of any cause. His attentions shortly returned to the crowd of people in front of the club waiting to get in, and he continued without a second thought to the rush of wind.

Once Falchion was inside and managed to get into a bathroom stall, he reappeared and removed a small pack that had been attached to his back. He quickly changed into less conspicuous attire, and neatly packed his tactical gear into the small pack. He mussed his hair a little, and straightened it out, running his fingers through his chin length brown locks.

He looked down at his “normal” looking attire and breathed a little. He patted down his jacket attempting to remove the wrinkles to no avail. He left the top button on his shirt open, and tried to crease his slacks. He could still feel the hard metal pressed against the small of his back, and the pulsing through his veins. While his appearance was subtle and inconspicuous he still carried weapons on him, a blade, and five distinct rings seemingly permanently attached to him. He didn’t expect much, but wanted to be ready in case something did happen. You never could be too careful in this line of work.

He gave up trying to fix his appearance any further and slid the pack back on. It was a strange appearance, this floppy, wrinkled young adult walking out of the bathroom. He looked like an art student just taking an afternoon off for clubbing, but it was a stark contrast to the rich and elite that permeated the rest of the club. Falchion made his way towards the bar in hopes that Entertainment awaited him there. He received a few looks, some of them seemed rather unpleasant, but he paid them no mind. Those people were too concerned with stereotypes for Falchion. He had other things on his mind than ignorance and stupidity.

It only took Falchion a few minutes of searching before he found Entertainment. Despite being mid-afternoon, mid-week, The Diamond had a small crowd. Entertainment noted that the club always seemed to have business in it, but she admitted that she had only been inside a couple of times. They sat for an hour conversing and sipping on a few drinks. After a while Entertainment suggest they move to the second floor, so they would be in prime position to continue drinking, and be ready for a meeting. Falchion thought it might be a bit premature, since they still had over four hours before they were supposed to meet with Shikkon and Mr. Popular.

Either way he found himself sitting at the small bar on the second floor, with several empty glasses in front of him. Entertainment too had several empty glasses in front of her, and both of them still sat upright and conversing, their words not even beginning to slur.

“You know, if I didn’t know any better I would never guess you were an elf, the way you carry yourself, and being a decent drinker,” although Falchion’s words weren’t slurred his comment suggested he was feeling the effects of the drinks in his system.

Entertainment just shrugged off the slightly racist comment and playfully poked back, “And you drink pretty well for a kid and a human.” A grin had creased her glossed lips. Her words fell almost completely on deaf ears as Falchion, mesmerized, stared at her glowing persona. Quickly realizing he was staring, he turned his gaze distantly to the bar. Falchion had begun to zone out of the room, his perceptions gazing elsewhere entirely.

His words were far away, and monotone, “Not human; my mother was a human, and my dad was a dwarf.” He blinked hard and came back to reality, turning to look at Entertainment as he downed another drink. Entertainment was taken aback, she hadn’t seen it before, but she noticed his slightly pointed ears, and his physical features were stout and defined. She had gotten close looks at him before, but it wasn’t until his words that she noticed more closely his heritage.

“No wonder,” was all Entertainment could manage as she stared at the dozen empty glasses sitting in front of Falchion. She gave a slight hiccup from the liquid coursing through her veins. A light chuckle came from Falchion as he smiled at her. She ignored him and finished her drink.

“Alright, how ‘bout a little drinking contest, then?” Entertainment asked as she turned slyly. Falchion grinned a little and with a look of curiosity, “You think you can keep up with me?” His face had almost lit into a full smile. “A mere dwarf?” Both of them had forgone any subtly and let out mischievous looks. Falchion looked at a small digital display on his wrist, “We’ve still got a couple of hours before the meeting, let’s go.” The bartender overhearing them, filled fresh shot glasses in front of them. Falchion stared at Entertainment who returned the look; each of them had locked into a friendly contest of wills. To be settled by a test of stamina.

Falchion opened his eyes, and found himself confused. It took a moment for his eyes to settle and distinguish what he was looking at, but soon he realized he was staring at a ceiling. He found this even more confusing because he was unsure as to why he was staring at a ceiling. Furthermore he realized he had to be at a meeting with Shikkon, and Mr. Popular. It was then that he felt the soft cushion of a pillow under his head, and was utterly perplexed. He had gone to the club to meet about the latest run, and he was now laying down looking up at a ceiling.

He sat up to find out he had been placed on a couch, or at least he assumed he had been placed there because he had been sitting at a bar with Entertainment. Entertainment it seemed had sprawled herself all over, and upside down, on another couch adjacent from the couch he found himself sitting on. He gave a glance to either side of him, trying to recollect his bearings and thoughts.

A strong pulse hit him in the head, and he had to sit back as not to fall over. He gave a couple of blinks and looked down, it appeared that quite a mess had been made. His shirt and pants were covered in various wet substances, which he could only assume as different bodily fluids, and Falchion let out a sigh.

He stripped off his dirty clothes, and began removing different straps and gear from his pack. He slid into his sleek blue form-fitting body armor, and fastened the belts and buckles adorned over his body. He re-adjusted the knife at the small of his back, and looked things over. His head was pulsing, but he was fully dressed and ready to go. He wobbled a bit, as he moved towards Entertainment, and stood still. The effects of alcohol still coursing through him, he reached into his pack and pulled out a small patch and stuck it to his neck. His senses that were dulled now sparked to life, and he twitched slightly with a shudder of his nerves and muscles. Ah stimpacks he thought to himself, what glorious technology.

As he crouched over Entertainment, he noticed she too was covered in similar fluids and particles of what could have been food. Her light makeup was streaked down her face and her short hair tussled. He grabbed her shoulder and shook her gently, “Entertainment, wake up.” He kept his voice calm and soothing so as not to startle her.

Her eyes gave a flutter and looked sleepily and dazed at him. “Whu?” She managed to mumble. “What’s going on? Didn’t you have fun?” He choked back a laugh, as she was still out of it. “E, we’ve got to go, I think we’re really late,” he glanced at the digital display at his wrist, and nodded. “Yep, really late.” 

     Entertainment wobbly sat up on the couch holding her head as if bracing against an unseen force. Falchion could only empathize with her as he had just undergone the feeling seconds ago. He pulled another small patch out, and offered it to her. She silently disregarded it, and began undressing. Falchion stumbled back and quickly turned stashing away the patch back into his pack.

     After a minute she gave him a tap him on the shoulder, and gave him a raised eyebrow and a nod. They left the secluded room together in tacit acknowledgement of each other. As they reached the door leading out of the second floor a voice called out to them from across the room. “Boss told me to tell you two, that he went ahead to scout out a location, whatever that means.” The bartender who had been serving them drinks was walking up to them.

Falchion looked at him questioningly, “How long ago, did he leave?” The bartender focused his attention on Falchion, “He disappeared into the room you just walked out of about two hours ago; he left with someone who always seems to be following the boss around half an hour later.” Falchion and Entertainment glanced at each other, and Falchion turned back to the bartender. “Thanks chummer, you’ve been really helpful. Falchion pulled his pack in front of him, and fished around in it for a moment. The bartender bowed graciously, and walked back to the bar.

Falchion pulled out a piece of paper from the pack, and walked over to the bar. “I’ll give my compliments to your boss, this is for you,” Falchion said as he placed the paper on the bar. He gave a small nod to the bartender and left out the door with Entertainment. The bartender picked up the piece of paper, and was surprised to see it. The polite young man had left a paper tip of money for him, a ten thousand yen note, a strange occurrence in this day and age.

As Falchion and Entertainment mounted his sports bike he looked over his shoulder, “You ready? We’ve got to make up for lost time.” Entertainment held onto him snuggly and gave a nod. The bike gave a roar, and they vanished into the night heading for a destination Falchion hadn’t physically been in years, the Redmond Barrens, and to the home of an old man named Falchion.

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-BIO-

Name: Mason “Entertainment” Tritt

Height: 6 ft. (182.88 cm)

Weight: 145 lb. (65.9 kg)

Age: 40

Likes: 20^th Century pop-cultue, playing dress up, and talented people

Dislikes: Yakuza (and by mental association most Japanese), drinking games, and Stuffer Shacks

Archtype: Physical Adept

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Editor's Note: Mason "Entertainment" Tritt was initially created by Nate Rainey, with revision and editing done by this blog's author Benjamin Weisman.

Back to the Future: A little behind

This day was a day of unparalleled heat and humidity in my time thus far in Japan. It was so warm. Despite this, I still managed to have a wonderful picnic and day. Got to see a museum nearby and revisit some Japanese history and religion, thank you to my Professors at College. You guys did a great job. So without further ado here are some pictures!

Delicate Fruit

A pomegranate, so fair, the seeds keep calling me to their sweet embers of life, reaching out for an embrace. An embrace that fills me with comfort.

A peach, so juicy, breathes new life into me. This strength I find within, and without grows. Growing stronger and stronger!

These strawberries grow effervescently and quickly, could it be the dripping feelings of my heart? Explosion!

A dew covered blueberry dangles effortlessly over my tongue, now I sense this delicious flavor, so fresh.

This pomegranate fills my mouth with untold flavors! An united front joining forces to bring warmth to my tummy.

Warmth that spreads outward, and inward. Multiplying endlessly, relaxing the very fibers of my being.

What is this warmth? I'm finding happiness and joy. This brilliant light shining out into an endless void finding its reflection infinitely. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Requiem's Run: Chapter One

Note: A few years back I wrote a book. It is set in the fictional universe of Shadowrun. I've decided to post it in weekly increments here on my blog thanks in part to where I'm at in life and because the fun game Shadowrun Returns was recently released by Harebrained Schemes. It re-stoked my passion for the game and I wanted to share that passion with you. Thanks so much and enjoy:  

And I know

So brash is this life we lead:

Remembering

A side jaunt.

A friend of mine inspired me for this little jot.

We should take this day, and any day we think of it. To cherish, respect, (try to) empathize, love, and remember (above all else). Anytime there is a military conflict /"police action" big or small there are a majority of people who lose out. The side that "wins". The side that "loses". The outcome is generally the same. Someone probably lost an eye. Both literally and figuratively. Coming from an American background we tend to have a strong showing of military force in the world and the lovely distinction as being the only country to use a nuclear bomb in a conflict (thank goodness). Although many countries the world over have been in a multitude of conflicts throughout history and we all have had our share of losses.
So to this end I want to take today, to remember the people that served, the people that didn't, the people who died by casualty, the people who died fighting, and the many others who have been affected by the battles we have so enthusiastically fought during our time on this planet, whatever the reason. We should be happy to be alive and with all our efforts refuse to go to arms. Using it only as a last resort. I believe it shouldn't be worshiped or praised. Please do not mistake this as I am looking at service people in a negative light. On the contrary, I think the world of them and have many friends who are military. They are a brave and generally selfless lot of human beings who have put their lives on the line. That is something to cherish in the individual, not necessarily their actions because there are plenty of brave and heroic people who have done terrible things. They have seen terrible things, it is the unfortunate nature of the battle (so it would seem).
There really is no end to this (because others would argue it is inevitable and unavoidable, etc), but I ask that you only take a moment to imagine these people in a positive way. Not their actions. The people, and realize we're all in this together. People who have loss, people who have won, and people somewhere in between or not at all. This is our way as a people that we can cherish one another. Perhaps then our actions will grow and not kill.