Roleplay part 9

*I listened to the stranger. he's name was Nikolai, a Hanza Elite soldier. perhaps he could be of use, but then again, it was not up to me to accept him into the group, and after what had transpired during my interrrogation, I was no more in a position of power, if I had ever been in it before*

'well, nice to have a name to call you, instead of stranger, however, it is not up to me to grant you passage into our group, if there is one left, but to all of us together, so I'm afraid you will have to wait a liitle bit longer untill they are all here' I said to Nikolai lighting up another smoke.

*out of the corner of my eyes I saw Anton approach us and take a sit at our table. I greeted him with a nodd and a smile and fixed my eyes back on the stranger, waiting for whoever else would show up. Melkov then appeared and sat down next to us, also eyeing the stranger suspiciously. If this Nikolai was a mole or had been sent to kill us, he would have a hard time doing so*

 

Benjamin just went to look for Polina back at the bar, but didn't find her, Bamul, so he's now at The Lone Ranger with the others. We haven't made any essential process that you should know of, except that Polina will now have to make her own way to The Lone Ranger seeing that you were too slow

"Quest; Realization is exquisite", I said out loud as I walked with determined steps towards Anton, Melkov, Steven, Odessa and the stranger who had presented his name while I had been standing around the corner, listening. I pulled out a chair and sat down on the short end of the double-table, like the host of a feast would do. "I believe that is why you are lusty to join us, Nikolai?? Or perhaps you have been assigned too much guard duty?", I asked with a cheeky smile before I stretched my hand out towards him in order for a handshake. "Benjamin Soprano".

Sorry if I forgot to mention anyone else sitting at the table. Also, the word 'Quest' in my little quote there, is a verb in case you didn't get that

 

Fancy talker, this Benjamin. Tall, too. I smiled for a moment when he asked if I had been assigned too much guard duty. "Pleasure to meet you, Benjamin" I replied as I gave him a firm handshake.
"Well, I was in fact assigned to a high-alert guard duty yesterday. Guess who I should be looking out for?" I asked as I looked around the group. I paused for a bit and took a swig of vodka. "I should be able to get you through most places, though."

 

"Likewise", I answered Nikolai as I shook his hand firmly before I let go and retracted my arm. "Have me excused for my latency. I had some business to take care of", I told the group while looking at them. I looked back to Nikolai and decided to cut right to the case. "What more can you tell us about yourself and your previous deeds, mister Konovalev?", I asked while I folded my hands on the table and got 'comfortable' on the little wooden chair.
Also, Darkyboi, you might want to change your RP Character name in your signature

 

"Well, my first job was as drug courier on the Hanzan ring, but after proving worthy in the 1st Hanzan-Communist war, I was chosen for the Hanzan Elite. I have been working quite a bit on the surface and done spying. This helped me to meet new clients, and, more importantly, get some friends at the different guard posts. I've also protected various trade caravans, most notably the one that goes to Sevastopolskaya.
Also, I am a light-hearted believer in the Norse mythology. Helps me maintain courage and initiative in dangerous situations." I said off the top, without really thinking much before the words just blurted out. Must the vodka or the weed, I thought.

 

Nikolai told us how he believed in the Norse Mythology, a belief that I could recall learning about in the Sanctuary more than twenty years ago. The only reason I remembered it was because I had some times encountered people in the metro who had the belief in their heart.
"Ah, Norse Mythology. Thor, the god who wields the hammer and protects mankind, unrelentingly pursuing his foes. And Odin, the god with the two Ravens that flies around and gathers information for him as he is in pursue of knowledge. I always used to find ravens rather mysterious, the way they would always fly by me, sit down nearby and just watch me", I said as I realized that I was wondering off to another world in my mind again. "Which of the gods do you prefer the most?", I asked him, trying to make conversation.

 

After Benjamin asked me about my religion, a member of the group bumped in, and interrupted the conversation by asking "What do we do now?". I looked at him for a second, then extended my hand to greet him. "I'm Nikolai" I said in a friendly tone. Once again I turned my attention to Benjamin. "I like Tyr, the god of war. Why? Because when the the other gods, or ase, needed help to tie the Fenrir wolf, he was the one who offered his arm to the cause, fearlessly holding the wolf's mouth closed while the other gods tied up Fenrir. It cost Tyr his arm, but he was willing to sacrifice it when no one else was - he did what was necessary to save the people and his fellow gods." I explained, making sure to explain the story as colourfully as possible.

 

Mikhail seemed desperate, I did not like taking jobs like this, but I could not turn him down. I promised him I would return with the books, and I am a man of my word. I step out of the school house and into the warm breeze of Polis station. Walking down the street, I could see the neon sign of the Lone Ranger glowing in the distance. Once inside, I glance around in an attempt to catch familiar faces among the crowd, if any. When I spot a bundle of dreadlocks sitting a top a trench coat, I grin.

"Sorry I am late to the party." I say, approaching the table. "I see you guys have already met my replacement. Good to see you again Nikolai."

With this note, I pat Nikolai's shoulder and force myself into a slot next to him in the booth. Yuri is quick to sit on my lap.

 

Actually, Lurkers, I've now in my posts in Polis stated Benjamin's appearance twice or perhaps even thrice, but I can do it a fourth time
Brown cargo-pants with metal-platings around the lower legs, black hooded sweater, dreadlocks on the back pluss the big brown backpack with all the equippment and weapons dangling here and there. The trenchcoat and urban-camouflaged uniform is lying in the backpack.

I nodded to Nikolai as if agreeing that his choice was an good choice indeed, and before I could say anything, Fyodor was there. "Welcome back, Fyodor. It is good to see you again", I told him with a nod in a gesture for him to take a seat. "Replacement?", I asked in a slightly startled way.

 

More and more people began to appear. And in a few minutes, and still morning, people completely surrounded two tables at the bar. A stranger, unknown to me according to my files, was talking with "Benjamin", the tall dreadlocked man. First on my list.

However, there was a problem. I couldnt hear what they were discussing. I mean i could see them perfectly, but evesdropping was my number one goal in this scenario. I was about 10 - 15 meters away from them at a cafe. And i had to get closer. I already payed the waiter, and so i grabbed my bag and put it on my back. And proceeded to the bar.

I steadily approached the bar, without making any contact with the group, who were now about 5 meters away from me. I sat down on a counter with my back facing toward them. I signaled for the man behing the counter, and payed 3 cartridges for a some home made alcohol. Completely unknown to me. However, it was the largest amount given at the bar, and i wanted to take my time.

I took a deep breath and waited for my beverage, listening to the group.

I was lucky that there were more people around me. giving some cover.

 

*I was about to ask where Fyodor was when he came in and sat at the table with us. well, it seems we were all there, except Polina, but I couldn't wait any longer, it was time. I cleared my voice and started talking, taking the small box I had and opening it. slowly I gave each of the guys a small envelope and nodded for them to open it*

'I should explain what has happened in the last three days. as you know, I was interrogated at length by Polis Authorities, and the powers that be have decided to demote me and discharge me from Polis' Service. nothing to do with the military, in fact, it was them the ones who managed to save my life, since the political arm wanted my head on a silver platter' I said stopping to have a sip of my coffee

'you are probably wondering why, but it has nothing to do with D6. the politicians decided that I had breach the rules and thus deserved prison for going to the Satanists Lair to help you guys. they think this was a deleriction of duty, and thus, punishable with life immprisoment. but my old friend General Zoukoi managed to convinced them to let me off with just a dishonourable discharge instead. fear not hough, I might be a free agent, but I still have the full support of Polis miltary. see, they don't like politicians poking their noses in their affairs' I said lighting up a smoke

'also they gave me this for you guys. in the envelope you will find a 'cheque' for 500MGR each, which you can cash in any exchange, whichever amount you want and a free pass for the whole metro, including the Red Line, Hanza, and the rest of the stations, and any outposts in the surface, obviously not Nazi territory. this is their way of thanking you for your efforts in, quote ' bringing peace and stability to the Metro' unquote'

*I looked at the guys and waited for their reaction*

'ah Fyodor, there is a pass for Yuri in there as well, and an extra 200MGR for him, and I also have another envelope for Polina, if she shows up'

 

I did not want to dig deeper into Odessa's past, although I admit that it was a mysterious story that I sometimes pondered over.
She handed up each our envelope. The clean white matte paper felt like fragile silk in my old, big, bulky, grey, scarred hands as I slowly opened it.
It contained 500 Military Grade Rounds and passes to almost anywhere in the Metro, discluing Nazi-controlled areas of course.
I would thank Odessa, but I knew that the gift was not from her. The so called 'politicians' had given us this as of saying "You helped us, now we owe you nothing". This reward was nothing in return of what we had just done, but we did not do it for them only, we did it for the whole Metro. For ourselves, that being as well. No, Polis was not going to make a little peace-treaty with these evelopes. They were not going to buy our loyalty with currency, not after throwing Odessa out like she was just a resource. The passes could prove useful, though, and I could need the currency after the shower and that bottle of wine.

I closed the envelope and slided it into a pocket on my backpack while I gave Odessa a nod in grattitude. I then folded my hands on the table again and adjusted my shoulders a little. "What about Gena?", I asked, looking mostly at Odessa.

 

Odessa handed me an envelope and I worked up a thin smile. I turn my head towards Benjamin, coughing into my hand a few times, clearing my thorat.

''I met Nikolai in Mendeleevskaya. In the event that the Nazis were searching the Northern Arch I employed Nikolai as a personal security officer to accompany me upon a civilian cargo train. Better be safe than sorry. His payment, his presence at this meeting. Upon my arrival, I had the full intention to follow the group on our next adventure. In fact, I was looking forward to it. This being said, something has come up that interrupts my earlier plans. So yes, I will not be joining you guys on your next adventure. So yes, replacement.'' I proclaim.

I tuck the envelope into my pocket and remove the bottle of bourbon from my pack. I rip the cork out and drain some of the liquid down the back of my throst.

 

Fyodor stated how he had brought Nikolai to us, and had other plans rather than coming with us. I wanted to ask what for, but I took his silence and his drinking as a sign that he did not want to talk about it, and so I avoided to ask, in order to not announce for everyone how Fyodor did not want us to know why. I nodded a couple of times. "It is a tragedy to let you go, Fyodor. It was an honor to be accompanied and assisted by you in our difficult task. Will you and Yuri be alright?", I asked in a concerned way.

Speaking of the mission, does anyone have anything in mind for what to do next, at all?

 

"Hello Joe, I see you're finally awake." I laughed as I talked to him. My attention now turned towards Odessa as she told her story.

After she had finished talking I began to talk. "Did my father have something to do with you getting kicked out? because I can talk to him." I told her.

We could get some books for Polis from the Library. We need a new enemy, you guys had Glock to try and fight. Maybe go around dealing with mutant threats in different stations. Ooooh what about we could maybe go to University Station

 

*I looked at Benji and shook my head with sadness at his question about Gena. I did not want to relay his misfortune out loud, so I said nothing. I was sure Benji would understand*

 

When Odessa shook her head, I nodded understandingly. I was not quite sure what had happened to Gena, but I knew that it was something bad, and also something not worth investigating further. I looked at all of us sitting around the table. "Polina told me she wanted to join us, but did not meet me at our planned location and time, so if she truly wants to come with us and has not changed her mind, she will be here soon. As for the sicentist from D-6, we will have to go on without him. If anyone has anything to report or that they feel that they need to lift off their heart before our little council begins, do so now", I said aloud to the people around the table, waiting a few seconds for anyone to say anything.

 

Plus the university is where Im headed.