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[Xanmyral]

"Yeah, rats. Armed street rats, probably a small gang thinking they're something because they managed to snag a hideout. ...Right..."

There was a soft metallic thunk-like noise that came from the back of Alden's neck, around the base. He grimaced in pain for a bit, before going back to how he was before.

"Right, that's out of the way. Armor responsive and ready."

Alden clunked over to 2.6, by Judas.

"Was about to suggest that myself."

[Praefectus Screptum]

"I will just keep behind for now. It is pointless to have a cannon if you can't aim, you know."

Just wait.

[SeriousConcentrate]

Judas nodded to Thelfin, taking a moment to check the clip in his pistol.

"Makes sense. Let the pair of us go first and scout things out. Unless you three want to head south, maybe hack the forcefield."

That was something Dan could do, if he remembered correctly. He hadn't known any of them for very long - just long enough to get their names and a general idea of their abilities.

[Xanmyral]

"Doubt this will be difficult. Show a bit of force, bash a few of them around a bit, they'll go running with their tail between their legs."

After a moment of thought...

"If this is where the barman keeps his booze, wouldn't doubt if a few of them are out of it. Just makes this easier."

[scapheap]

"Forward we go."

Head to 3,6

[SeriousConcentrate]

Judas gives Alden the keycard, then goes ahead and moves to 4,6.

"So, Alden... I guess you trained to be an armorman because you're a big guy?"

Judas asked, looking for something to talk about while they waited for everyone to get into position.

[Xanmyral]

Alden chuckled.

"Certainly helped. Just seemed right to wear armor in battle. I was already strong, training just made me stronger, I was already tough, training just made me tougher. Things that are burdens to others trifles to me. It's what I like, what I'm good at, suppose you can say I have fond feelings for using big metal sticks to hurt people with."

He gave a grin at the last part, half jest.

"What of yourself? Not often you see someone own a drake, nor the know-how to work with one."

Alden didn't seem to know the difference between a wyrm and a drake.

[SeriousConcentrate]

"Ah. You mean my Wyrm, Pratchett?"

Judas reached forward and rubbed the top of Pratchett's head.

"We've been friends for a long time. My family breeds Wyrms for various organizations; Pratchett was born about seven years ago. He seems to look at me as his Alpha, and gets upset whenever we're apart for too long."

Pratchett... chirped, for lack of a better word to describe the noise he made in response to Judas's statement. Judas patted the Wyrm's neck calmingly.

"So... I got conscripted into the local militia for about five years not long after he was born... about a year, I would say. I got them to teach me how to ride Pratchett into battle, since he wanted to come with me, and the two of us make a great team. If I do say so myself. Since then, basically been doing mercenary work, letting the rest of the family keep up the business."

Pratchett chirped again, turning his long neck around so he could look at Judas before returning his attention to Alden.

(Also, question for Haspen: can Wyrms fly? I get the impression that Drakes are like standard horses and Wyrms are like pegasus/wyvern-style mounts.)

[Xanmyral]

"Your family breeds the lizards?"

Alden eyed Pratchett eying him before turning his attention back to the man on the Wyrm.

"Sounds prestigious, surprised to see you in this line of work then. Figured only those desperate for creds try their hand at merc work."

[SeriousConcentrate]

Judas shrugged.

"Well..."

"It's not the easiest job in the galaxy, true, but it's more exciting than tending to eggs and broodmothers. Plus he enjoys the exercise and all the new scenery. You're an adventurous lad, aren't you, boy?"

Pratchett chirped a happy response to Judas's question.

"We can always hang it up and go home any time we want. Mom and Dad would probably be happy to have me around to help out, and Dad says that strong Wyrms - like Pratchett - breed strong hatchlings. So the more combat experience this guy gets, the stronger the next generation will be, and the more we can charge for them."

The rider grinned.

[xelada]

[still picless]
That forcefield seems mighty interesting... I wonder what's on the other side...
Move to 4,7 then hack forcefield.

[Xanmyral]

"Thrill seeker then, eh? Can't say I blame you, nothing brings one closer to life than to face death. Not expecting we'll be seeing much of his boney face around here though, just some punks with more bone than brain."

Alden grinned, then spoke jokingly.

"So you plan on being a famous wyrm rancher then? Known throughout the lands of having wyrms that can beat a drake out with a mean stare?"

Alden laughed at his own perceived joke, then looks at the door, his mechanical eyes studying it.

"Just think, next moment we blink we'll be four hundred richer, and that much happier. Been much too long a dry spell for myself."

[SeriousConcentrate]

"Not sure if I want to be a famous rancher. It's just the Chetwynd family business as far as I'm concerned, and a good enough career to retire into."

He tapped the metal plate surrounding his right eye.

"I already know how dangerous battle can be, and I'm not looking to do this my whole life. No one can beat the odds forever."

"Anyway... yeah. There hasn't been much work lately. This four hundred will go a long way toward keeping me in business for awhile."

[Xanmyral]

Alden grinned yet again.

"You can certainly try to beat the odds, makes for a good challenge."

"Much the same, that four hundred is repairs, food, board, debts, got a name for every digit of it, will keep me good and happy for a bit. Might even get all of our names out there, better jobs and better pay."

[SeriousConcentrate]

Judas nodded.

"It's tough to make a living, that's for damn sure. Maybe we can loot these guys after we kill them. Whatever weapons they're packing, they might be worth a little."