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#FreedomFalls – February 24, 2017
Nathan had taken off to the left when he exited and, despite the weather, he has already made some distance down the street. He skids to a stop, almost losing his footing as he suddenly darts down an alleyway, barging past two asari minding their own business. He vanishes from sight.
Jason gives a muttering of "Fuuuuuck." as he spots Nathan and he quickly gives chase. He doesn't draw his weapon yet. No point in scaring the shit out of everyone. "Coming through, coming through. Out of the way." he calls to the same two asari once he finally reaches them and then proceeds to make their day even worse by barging past them. His hand shoots back under his jacket. He unlocks the Phalanx but keeps it out of sight as
Nathan disappears around the corner as the alleyway snakes and twists like a concrete serpent. Though his footsteps echo, reverberating as it is clear he is now moved from a quick job to a flat out run. The two asari glare after Jason, spitting cursewords at him and one of them taking a infuriated step towards him.
Jason peers down the alley and takes a stutter step into it as he hears the asari approach. He turns to apologize until he spots the look on her face. The cursing doesn't help. He furrows his brow. "I said 'coming through'!" he insists, realizing he doesn't have time to argue as he gestures with his free hand back the way he came, "That's the universal call for 'get the fuck out the way!' " He doesn't wait for a response before
stomping off down the alley. "Some people..." he mutters to himself as he tries to follow Nathan's trail.
Nathan 's trail isn't hard to follow, despite the asari sending a few more choice and colourful expletives Jason's way. His journey snakes and winds through the alleyway before depositing him on the other side of the commercial district, opposite the spaceport. Thankfully, it isn't hard to locate Nathan or the person he is supposedly chasing. From this distance,
however, details are hard to make out, save that it is a human male wearing a long, onyx coloured coat, jeans and boots. Nathan shoulder-barges past an older looking batarian, who turns and reaches to grab Nathan in barely contained outrage. He nimbly avoids the hand and continues his pursuit.
Jason picks up the pace, having reattached his Phalanx to his holster when he was sure there wasn't any immediate danger. As he sprints towards the batarian he gives a call of, 'On your right!' before swiftly passing by. Last thing he needed was a fanclub amassing with pitchforks and torches after he bumps into half the town. "The fuck are you doing, Ten!?" he says aloud to himself, silently hoping that the man will slow down so he
can get to the bottom of whatever in the hell is going on. No matter, as long as they remain in sight it shouldn't be hard to keep pace.
Nathan seems to hear hear Jason's internal monologue... and darts off down the main-street on the way back towards the Respite. However, he crosses the street, earning a few angry looks from a couple of cars before once more disappearing down an alley next to the Elkoss outlet. A couple of people continue to glare for a few moments more before continuing on their
Jason groans loudly with a 'What the fuuuuuck!' as he then darts across the street as well. The standard 'hands up palms outward' towards a couple of cars that nearly hit him causes him to trail behind a little, but he picks the pace back up once again as he enters the alley he saw Ten disappear into, angry horns booming behind him. Once more he finds himself looking for any sign of the duo. "Come the fuck on, Ten! I just wanna go
Nathan 's path is clear, given by the sounds of struggle from around the corner. The alley goes straight before dividing off to the left and right. The echoing sounds of a confrontation is coming from the right. And, if Jason where to round the corner, he would find Nathan grappling with coated man, his pistol drawn and ready to fire. Nathan's face is contorted
into a mix of frustration and anger as he swings the coated man into the wall with a thud, trying to turn the pistol on him. The coated man is an older gentleman, roughly into his late forties or early fifties. He has deep, hazelnut eyes and slicked back black hair that curls at the ends. His face is that of a man who has seen and experienced much, with a
nose that has been broken one too many times. He's tall, a few inches taller than Nathan and with the physique to boot.
Jason rounds the corner and skids to a stop as he finds himself amidst the scuffle. All it takes is the sight of the gun for his mind to switch right back into soldier-mode. Unknown man threatening a teammate with a weapon. The cause doesn't matter. The rationalizing, apologizing, kissing and making up can all come later. Given their close quarters, waving his gun around probably isn't the right idea. That's how friendly fire
happens. Instead he steps right into the melee and slams a palm against the mystery man's throat in an attempt to pin him to the wall. His synthetic hands make it a very tight, snug grip. "Drop the weapon or I snap it like a twig." he orders sternly.
Coated is caught off-guard by the sudden appearance of Jason, his body pinned against the wall as he clutches the predator pistol in his hand for a moment longer. Seeing the situation he is in and the synthetic grip around his throat, he deigns to drop the weapon to the ground with a clatter. Despite it all, he seems relatively calm. "Alright," he croaks, his voice a rasp. "Take it easy."
Nathan inhales deeply, hands curling up into fists as he scoops up the weapon and presses the barrel against the man's forehead. "Why did you follow me?" The question is directed at Jason, despite his gaze being set on the Coated Man. "I told you I'd be right back. This is personal business."
Jason keeps pressure against the man's throat. His breathing is a bit labored after the chase. "Oh-.... Purely coincidental. You know.... Nice day like this...." he sucks in a breath, glancing up briefly at the sky, "...Couldn't pass up the opportunity for a good jog...." With his other hand, he reaches into his jacket and unholsters his Phalanx. "So you two care to fill me in on why in the fuck you were playing the 'Angry Hugging'
Nathan sighs and taps the end of the barrel against the Coated Man's forehead, earning an annoyed glare from the man. "This fucker is Adrian Arsure. He's an enforcer to a group of slavers and pirates known as the Solar Falcons," he explains. "You ever had one of those that always got away and disappeared? Well, this bastard is one of them. While I was with
Sandbeck, we got word that one of them wanted to defect and was willing to give up information about Falcon activity in exchange for protection and to be sent back into Citadel space." His frown deepens and he presses the barrel hard against Adrian's head. "He ended up being as fucking useful as a chocolate teapot. And, in the end, he ended up playing us.
His information was false and it cost us a squad of Sandbeck peacekeepers. Good men and women. We don't know how, but he ended up escaping and disappearing off the radar. That was six years ago. But I sure as shit don't forget a face like his."
Jason furrows his brow, his gaze fixed on Adrian as Nathan explains the situation. "So your run of the mill shitstain." he says with a sigh. "Mind telling us what in the fuck you're doing in Freedom Falls, Adrian...?" he asks. "See, I don't-.... Did you say 'chocolate teapot'? The fuck does that meam?"
Nathan turns his gaze to Jason. "Really? Fucking really? Oh for-" He ignores Jason and looks back to Adrian. "Answer his question."
Jason glances in Nathan's direction, looking confused over this whole teapot ordeal. As Adrian pipes up, Jason glances back his way, looking him over with obvious disgust. He doesn't respond to him, but he does release his hold on the man's throat. Though he raises his Phalanx in the chokehold's stead. He keeps the weapon low as to keep it out of sight of any potential bystanders passing by. He gives another glance at Nathan out of
the corner of his eye before affixing a harsh look at Adrian. "We're not done with this." he says, though it's not clear who it's directed at. "Chocolate teapot?" he mutters with a scoff. Then a bit softer, "...Sounds downright delicious."
Adrian rubs his throat, clearing it a few times as he looks at the two weapons being aimed at him right now. But still, he seems oddly calm as he adjusts his coat. "For one, I -was- apart of the Falcons. No more, yeah? Left them a few years back. I make my creds selling information to whoever pays, yeah? So, I'm here meeting someone about something."
Adrian turns his gaze upwards, remaining silent for a moment before he looks back to the two with a toothy grin. He flicks his head to the side, down the alley. "Why don't you ask him?"
Jason instinctively glances in the direction. The hand that was previously against Adrian's throat now shoots to his chest, holding him in place as to keep him from trying anything.
Armoured stands in the alleyway, having silently appeared from seemingly out of nowhere. His armour is a bright white, accented with dark brown markings and patterns across the shoulders, chest and forearms. His armour seems lightweight and sleek, made for dexterity. He carries two, striking features about him. The first is his mask. Featureless save for two -
The security of Adrian's omni-tool would be probed at this point, as an attempt is made to remotely access it via a short-range wireless connection in order to copy any easily accessible content - primarily messages.
Armoured - gently glowing orange slits that seem to pulse and thrum. It is coloured similarly to the patterns, a deep brown, almost like leather. The second is the hood and shoulder cloak, drawn over his mask. The shoulder cape is pushed back over his left shoulder and it is a light, ashy grey. He carries a Hurricane in his right hand, holding onto it tightly.
Adrian 's omni-tool is not too difficult to crack, but there is only one message extracted from it. One sent to Adrian, merely stating to meet in Freedom Falls with the information.
Jason keeps his weapon aimed at Adrian's stomach as he looks the man over. He gives a roll of his eyes. Yep, somehow finds himself knee deep in someone else's shit once again. Not exactly the most tactically sound position to be in. Narrow alleyway without any armor. No shield generator. Facing down a potentially hostile armored enemy. He scrambles for a way to defuse the situation. "Hey. Bet that armor is a bitch to keep clean."
he says, giving an awkward, lopsided smile. He glances apologetically towards Nathan as he instantly realizes that probably wasn't the skeleton key he was looking for to this lock. He clears his throat. "...What's up?" Nailed it.
Armoured tilts his head slightly, a low chuckle escaping from him. "Indeed it is, Jason Wolfe," he says, his voice warped by the voice-box and granting it a disturbingly even tone. "Which is why I do not seek a fight with you or Nathan Tennhausen. All I want is the information that I paid for. Whatever you do with him, is none of my concern." He gestures with his-
- free hand to Adrian. "It actually disgusts me that I have to interact with scum like him. But, needs must."
Adrian suddenly looks very, very frightened, glancing around. "What the fuck?! We had a deal, man! Don't leave me to these guys, come on! I came to give you the info, don't throw me to the fucking wolves!"
Jason cocks an eyebrow, though his smirk grows a bit more genuine as the man speaks. Sure, it disturbs him that the man knows his name, but the more pressing concern (You know, being shot to death in an alley) has been alleviated. Good enough for now. He looks back to Adrian. "Wolfe. Singular." he corrects with a wink. He steps back from Adrian, removing his hand from the man's chest, though he keeps his gun aimed at him. "Forgive
me if I'm not ready to just turn him over. But, you know, an armed weirdo who seems to know a bit more about me than I know about him corners me in an alley and I'm not exactly the type to jump into a trusting relationship. What is this about?"
Armoured hums. "I'm not here for a trusting relationship, Wolfe. I'm here for the datapad that he carries. But, if it will ease your mind then I can assure you that, despite the rather vile messenger, the information he carries is for the benefit of a a desperate young woman who seeks help." He keeps the Hurricane lowered, gently motioning with his hand. -
Armoured - "Understand, this man cares naught but for credits. He will relay any information so long as it pays well. And whilst this tends to be information beneficial to those of a criminal disposition, sometimes he just so happens to carry messages and contents that are genuine and assist a good cause. This is one of those times, which is why I contacted him, -
Armoured - wishing to purchase the information. Half has already been sent to him. The other half when he hands it over." He takes a few steps towards them, holding his hand out and nodding. "So, please, if you could give me the datapad, I will be on my way."
Adrian looks about ready to run, sweat pouring from his forehead now as he realises that he may have just gotten himself into a rather bad deal. At least for him.
Jason looks the armored man over before looking to Nathan. "This is your call, Ten." he says. He scans across Adrian again, that look of disgust returning to his face. "Whatever history you have with this asshole... That's between you and him. But I don't make it a habit of opening fire on random people in the middle of the street. Remember what we talked about... This is how collateral damage happens."
Nathan nods. "I know, Jason. We'll... talk about this afterwards. Whoever this guy is-" he says, flicking his head to the Armoured Man, "-is beyond me. But right now... I don't think we have much choice." He turns around, lowering his gun as he reaches into the coat of Adrian and locates the datapad. He pulls it out and pivots, throwing it across to the armoured
Armoured catches the datapad and activates it. He quickly shifts through the contents before giving a single nod and stows it on his belt. "Thank you," he says. His Hurricane raises and a single, silenced shot thumps out of the barrel as he aims it at Adrian. The resulting blood splatter and sudden eruption of the man's head buys the Armoured Man a moment to -
Adrian 's head jerks as the bullet punches through flesh and bone, spurting brain and bone shards across the wall and Jason's arm. His body falls to the side, scraping along the wall and leaving a long, crimson streak across it.
Jason gives a short nod as he watches the armored man. "You got what you came for..." he says as the man sifts through the contents. The unsaid implication being 'Now get out of here'. As the armored man raises the Hurricane, Jason swings around to level his Phalanx on the man. The whisper from the weapon causes him to instinctively wince and dodge to his side. He drops into a shooter's stance, but the momentary distraction was all
it took for him to lose his bearings on where the man went. He can't exactly go ripping down the streets shooting at him anyway. Like he warned Nathan: collateral damage. "Fuck!" he shouts. Adreneline coursing through his veins and no fight to be had, the blood on his jacket sleeve finally catches his eye and the obvious dawns on him. He whips around to make sure the shot didn't catch Nathan. Never has someone been so
relieved to see someone's brains spattered against the walls. Nathan is still upright, and that's what's important. Jason lets out a deep breath and looks Nathan over. "You alright!? You hit!?"
Nathan eyes widen as the weapon is raised in his direction and he could feel the bullet whip past him. The whistle of the projectile, the sharp sting of the air as it cut through it like a knife through butter. And the warm specks of blood that mar the back of his neck as Adrian slumps to the ground. His mind briefly shuts down at the quick brush with death, which
allows the shooter to disappear from sight. He turns and stares at the body of Adrian, mouthing forming into a small 'o'. "I'm fine," he says quietly. "...What the fuck? What. The. Fuck?"
Jason wipes at his jacket sleeve with one hand, Phalanx in his other hand hanging at his side. "Fucking hell. Fucking hell!" he repeats, stepping forward and swatting at Nathan's ear. "Why the fuck did you go storming off like that! For fuck's sake, use your words! Tell me what in the hell is going on! Fuck! Don't just-..." he gestures wildly, "...just run off and start fighting some slimey old dude in an alley! We're not a bunch
of savages!" he insists. It's probably not the sort of thing he could make a strong argument for while coated in blood and standing above a lobotomized man. He looks Adrian over and sighs. "He's dead. Definitely dead... I'm not about to sit here and shed a tear for a slaver, but now we've got to call this shit in and-... Linda is gonna kill me if her kebabs get cold."