‡2nd Treasure‡

[totallytrustworthy]

[This time Chloe's set up in her room instead of the chilly rooftop perch where she'd made her initial broadcast. One, it's cozier, and two-- well, two is that she's still busy enjoying the little collection of trinkets and coins that've been acquired over both the course of her stay in the city and their brief expedition into the past. (The most important of the bunch being Henry's Morgan dollars, currently being rolled over her fingertips as she addresses the net.)]

Well that was a wild ride, wasn't it? Here's hoping we get sent out on destination holidays a little more often. Shame about the mess here, though. Seems like everyone's had a hard time of things this week.

Just goes to show how much we all ought to be watching one another's backs, no matter what kind of a disaster it might be out there.

Speaking of which...[Chloe sets her coin collection down for a moment to hold up a slightly defunct looking digital tablet. Poor thing's seen much, much better days.] Anyone out there know a thing or two about computers? I'm trying to save this one from the scrap heap, but it's been giving me one hell of a time.

I also figured it was about time I put out the call again. If you need something found-- doesn't matter what-- my crew and I are willing to get it for you. Our rates are fair, and trust me, with as lovely a place as this is, you might as well have someone out managing the more tedious tasks for you.

And Koltira, you still owe me. Fifty for the last job, fifty as a down payment on this one. Try not to make me regret placing a little faith in you, yeah?

Comments

[totallytrustworthy]

I'm still surprised you went silent as long as you did. Import and export not going as smoothly as you'd like?

[doubleoohbaby]

It takes a while to set down the grass roots.

[totallytrustworthy]

Oh, so you were off gardening, then. [She likes the sound of that so far.]

Anything decent turn up?

[doubleoohbaby]

It's- [Thoughtful pause.] - promising.

I can't say much more than that for the moment.

[totallytrustworthy]

[There's a brief second or two of thoughtful silence before she thinks to speak up.]

I don't suppose you'd rather discuss your techniques in person?

[doubleoohbaby]

It might be best. I don't like to give trade secrets to the masses.

Drinks?

[totallytrustworthy]

You got it, love. Got a place in mind, or should I pick?

[doubleoohbaby]

A wretched hive of scum and villainy. [Check him out, he's seen Star Wars.] If the lady can handle such an establishment.

[Which sounds more like a challenge than a concern.]

[totallytrustworthy]

Awwwww...[She coos in an exaggerated fashion] You know me so well already.

[doubleoohbaby]

Hm, I do try. I suppose you'll know just the place, in that case.

[totallytrustworthy]

Uh-huh. Meet you in thirty, then.

[And, true to her word, she heads to the less than reputable part of town, As if the whole of it isn't somewhat awful, I mean, really finding a comfortable waiting spot just outside the bar.]

[doubleoohbaby]

See you then!

[Bond shows up not long after, thankfully dressed down for the occasion seeing as a nicely tailored suit is just asking to be mobbed. And yet he still manages to look pretty suave in jeans and a black jacket, shouldering his way over like the alpha male he is and offering up a nod of greeting.]

Hope I didn't keep you waiting.

[totallytrustworthy]

Nah. Not long, anyway.

[There's the most unashamed look-over Bond has probably had in his life. All right, maybe not the most, but Chloe's not about to hide the fact that he makes casual look remarkably uncommon.]

Shall we?

[doubleoohbaby]

[He doesn't seem to mind, especially not when it gives him a chance to return the look without having to feel sly about it. If she's allowed to do it, then so is he.]

We shall. After you. [And look, he's even holding the door open for her before following her into the total dive of a place.]

[totallytrustworthy]

[What a gentleman. She dips her chin in an appreciative nod, finding a comfortable little setup somewhere in a quieter corner where they're less likely to be heard, though she wouldn't be surprised if some local curiosity comes into play a little later on.]

So, Mister Bond, [That will never get old, even if he doesn't get it.] I hope you're not nervous about being seen in this part of town. Wouldn't want to damage your reputation.

[doubleoohbaby]

[After following in, James places himself besides her, glad for the corner space if only so he can people watch like a boss. No point in meeting publicly if he can't gather a few bits of intel off the locals while he's there.]

Don't be concerned, my dear, I've got to know the area quite well as of late. [Even the barman seems to recognise him. Although that might just be because he's a pretty well known spy...]

You don't seem entirely uncomfortable around here.

[totallytrustworthy]

[It's not the atmosphere or the patrons that surprise Chloe, or even the fact that someone so well put together is so remarkably well known in a place like this. It's the fact that out of all the people she's had the pleasure of prodding for a bit of information, he's the only one that's had the balls to seat himself at her side instead of directly across from her.

Nicely done.]

Oh, well, that's because these are my kind of people. Couldn't you tell?

[doubleoohbaby]

[She's not the only one prodding for information or after a good deal. And if Bond's going to deal with lovely ladies, he might as well do it while getting up close and personal. There's something a little too formal with sitting opposite a 'business partner' sometimes, especially when that partner has boobs.]

You look like you could manage yourself in most social circles, if I'm honest.

[totallytrustworthy]

Honesty is a funny thing, coming from our kind. But in this case, I think it's all right to make an exception and take your word for it.

[There's something to be said for spending a night out with a man named James Bond, regardless of whether or not he's the real thing. Casts even the worst days in a brighter light. Maybe she'll get lucky and they'll send in a Tom Cruise next time.]

But if we're being honest here, you don't much strike me as the business type. So why bother going through the motions? Why keep playing at a game you're no longer a part of? Not as if the Initiative doesn't already pay us.

[doubleoohbaby]

When the other option is sitting around on my arse waiting for something to happen, getting to know the locals seemed like the more favourable option.

[He lifts a hand to wave the bartender over, ordering two beers (there's really not much else on offer except paint stripper style spirits).]

All this is for my own safety more than any others. The more you know... [There's no way he'd leave himself ignorant. That's just asking for attacks.]

[totallytrustworthy]

Anyone that's content to let things slide with a change of scenery is going to earn themselves a rude awakening.

[And she can't help but wonder how many people had fallen prey to just that, getting far too comfortable-- or far too desperate for a little comfort-- and then finding themselves struck with the harsh reality that surprise, this really is a war. ]

Nice to know you're not in it for the money, though.

Because then you've all the more reason to share with a fellow survivalist. [Wink wink nudge nudge c: ]

[doubleoohbaby]

[The idea of a vacation wouldn't have been entirely unwelcome, but sitting back and relaxing isn't exactly appealing in a shit hole like this. Maybe if he'd been teleported to a nice beach somewhere...]

Perhaps a little deal could be worked out. From one friend to another.

I've got contacts and knowledge. What have you got?

[totallytrustworthy]

Much the same, though probably not matching contacts.

If your goal is safety-- survival-- It'd help if you cared to fill me in on what kind of information would benefit you the most. The Initiative, the surrounding landscape, the resources available...

[doubleoohbaby]

All of it would benefit me. Whatever you have. In the mean time, if you need fixing up with some traders, I might know a few you don't. None of them particularly friendly in character, unfortunately.

[totallytrustworthy]

[Chloe sucks in a quick breath between her teeth.]

Oooh...yeah, no, I only do business with reputable sweethearts. Big market for stolen goods with the nursing home crowd.