sirenspull | 9th Standoff ☆ Video

[The feed flickers on to Jake sitting in his truck, looking absolutely pissed. Anyone who knows him knows it's really difficult sometimes to get Jake to show serious emotions, so whatever is annoying him is quite serious. And after a few moments, it's quite clear - from out of his truck's window, the Core site is clearly visible, with all of SERO's security precautions.

After a long moment of silence, Jake looks back at the Core site. Then he pounds the dashboard with his fist, and a few words are clear:]

Son of a bitch!

[He opens his fist a bit with his fingers still stiff, as if he's enacting the motion of strangling someone, before he closes his hand into a fist again, taking a deep breath or two to calm himself down. It's only then that he turns his attention back to his NV.]

I bet you've already heard the news, folks, but SERO done kicked us out. I don't care who you're with, AGI, SERO, neutral, whatever. I'm askin' y'all to stay away from the Core for now. Especially those of you who can't fight er nothin'. If what I'm hearin' is true, AGI's pissed and they might retaliate. I just don't want anyone to get hurt for no good reason, all right?

...

Until then, looks like I'm stuck with nothin' to do 'cept wait. We all are. And I don't like waitin'.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Some greeters have already fled home, unwilling to get involved in the storm brewing on the horizon. But Jake is not the only one still on site: Eraqus has fallen back to the entrance of the Tower Apartments. The numbers of recent arrivals may have tapered off considerably, but those few that have appeared deserve no less protection.

His expression is deadly calm. ]

They took no time at all ousting the Government officials. Too quickly.

[He's pinching the bridge of his nose a bit as he responds.]

Nah. Nah they didn't. I'm startin' to wonder if they had anythin' to do with the Governor's murder. Too bad I ain't involved with the case, I mighta learned somethin'. An' if we had the ability to arrest, well... this little planned attack of theirs may just fall through.

But 'til I get anything from headquarters, I can't do jack, just m'self against who knows how many SERO goons. Ain't even sure there are enough Newcomers to take all of 'em on.

[ Eraqus is silent as he listens, liking what Jake has to say even less as time goes on. ]

Their having a hand in his death seems almost too convenient. I do not know that it would be wise to jump to that conclusion, but it is clear that without even a strawman for a figurehead, they have every intention of doing things their way.

SERO's control of the voids does not help matters. So far, their reach has not extended to the Newcomer apartments, but I am concerned at what may happen if they do. [ Grimace. ] What would stop the more malicious natives from repeating what they did to the second tower?

I am no officer, but should needs must, I would be happy to lend you what aid is at my disposal.

I'm not goin' anywhere near those creeps, man! And believe me, I know what it's like when AGI's mad!

Good t'hear, hombre. Ain't no use gettin' yerself er others hurt over a damn turf war. 'cause that's what it's lookin' like it's gonna turn out t'be, much as I hate to admit it.

[He shuffles rather uncomfortably in his seat.]

Chief's workin' on things to stop this, though - let's hope we can 'fore it turns into that.

It's always a turf war with those guys...

Sure enough. But I ain't sure Newcomers should be gettin' involved, y'know? Last thing we need's both companies blamin' all this on us again. Though I reckon they already might, from those damn idjits that snuck into the Core site.

Why would they do that? The Core has been nothing but trouble since...since the very first time I came here!

I'd not imagine anyone cares to wait.

Stormin' up to 'em fer no reason ain't gonna solve nothin' neither. Last thing we need is both companies to shoot the blame at us folks. I don't like waitin'. But there's not much we can do - all their Voids are here, and we can't shoot first and ask questions later.

More's the pity. But the Voids ought to keep the worst of it down until the best time shows itself.

And what time is that? Does this mean somebody's plannin' somethin' on the Newcomer side? I can't officially say I approve of that.

[Though unofficially...]

I'd imagine we'll know it when we see it.

Or maybe it's time we join in on the retaliating part.

You think you can take SERO's whole pack of Voids on, by yerself? No matter how tough you may be, I ain't so sure you'll be as tough without yer powers.

[Not that he's saying no... he's just dubious.]

A pack versus a pack sounds like a fair fight.

You really sure you got enough folks? Looks like the whole of SERO's flocked here en masse, kid. If you're gonna take on the whole company by yerself, you'd better know that'll prob'ly get you in more trouble than it's worth.

Like we've got much choice.

Fight them, or get blown up when they wreck the thing.

Well, I don't have a choice. My powers ain't fit fer combat. Not like I can stop you, though.

There's more to fighting than fighting, you know.

What are your powers?

Hello? Does that include the Tower Apartments? [She looks tired - Yvaine doesn't want to have to relocate, but she's had enough danger from here.]

Well damn - I'd forgotten 'bout the apartments. You just sit tight right there, ma'am, we'll have some officers over there to keep this from spreadin' over yonder.

[In fact, he's putting his truck in gear right now, to head over there.]

'zat mean you only came in a little while ago, if you're still livin' in th' Towers?

Last month.

Thank you. Would it be better if I left them? [She doesn't want to be the cause of any trouble, and there can't be so many new people around that moving would be harder.]

Welcome to th'Port, then. Shame you had to see it in such a state - 'specially havin' to see firsthand how dangerous the companies can get.

Y'ain't gotta move, ma'am. It's our job to protect folks.

People have told me it was always dangerous. I take it there have still been better days?

If it would make you're job easier, we'd both benefit. [But, she has no idea of where to move. Not much money either.]

Oh, sure. Better and worse, from where I'm standin'.

It's actually makin' my job easier - now I got somethin' else to worry 'bout, rather than how damned mad SERO's makin' me right now.

[Then, he pauses.]

... er... I 'pologize fer my language, ma'am.

9th Standoff ☆ Video

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