Vault 15! (Wastelands Chapter 3)

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Dwemer was thinking about the group. "Inne, even if we hit the output with the Vipers, we still need to watch that main camp. If the outpost holds out, or gets wind of our movement, they could hit us first, or do a raid on the Vipers."

Inne nodded listening. "If you attack you are vulnerable, if you defend you lose the initiative."

"Yes, but what if we can do a diversion as well."

Inne thought about that. "But a diversion would rob us of our strength."

"But a diversion of one or two men might force the Rovers to be responsive elsewhere, drawing away strength that could be launched against us at the outpost. We would deny them strength while keeping the initiative." Said Dwemer. He didn't tell Inne that he would be the diversion.

Inne thought about it. As the senior fighter of the group, she was still in charge of the operation. But it was Inne's style to listen and be crafty. While she liked the idea she wasn't fond of the risks. Finally she said, "I don't like the risk of losing some of us. It's too dangerous. The person out there would be on their own."

Dwemer nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right. The Rovers would be able to use their knowledge of the ground and numbers to trap any single person or small group out there." Inne was right. It was a sacrifice.

What he didn't say was that he would be that diversion regardless. It wasn't that he didn't think Inne was right. Rather, Dwemer knew deep down that he was the target, and that whatever had tried to kill him would continue to follow him. He was drawing attention to the group and putting their lives at risk.

Besides, the Vault was his quest, not the groups.

So Dwemer quietly made his plans.

_______

Elsewhere, Melvin had been doing well with two of the Viper women and was feeling a good buzz from the Viper's moonshine.

"It ain't Colt 45 or a finer brand of Malt Liquor, but it's alright." He said.

Then he saw Vedpose glaring at Zeke.

"Yo baby, I just wanna say that I think we got off on the wrong foot and I wanna say, I'm sorry and you got my respeck."

"Respect, with a T." Said Vedpose.

"Yeah, alright. It's well, I'm a little fucked up and goin to get some fine punani tonight. Maybe you should too. A little muff is often enuff. But you know that."

"You disgust me." She replied.

"Yeah I discuss me too. But like I say'n. I respek your choice, though sorry you don't like the meat."

"I prefer vegetables." She said.

"Some girls like the cucumber. I hear that if you cut it right, it's better, ya know. Got to carve that tool. Make it right for ya."

"Cucumbers are hard to find."

"Yeah, well, ya know. there's other fruits too. But you really don't like meat. Sheeeit, maybe you ain't had the right meat between yo lips." Said Melvin. "Ya know. maybe you need some sauce of something. Maybe a BBQ sauce make it spicy for ya."

Vedpose glared at Melvin.

"Just tryin to help. Like I says you got my respeck. I got lots of holodiscs with that lesbo stuff and it's hot."

Vedpose glared some more.

Melvin was oblivious or ignored the glare. "Cause maybe one day we share notes and shit because I hear no one knows how to lick the holiest holes but those that got it, ya know. It's cool. So, you want a little of this action I got goin."

More glares.

"Maybe you shouldn't glare so much and people might like you better."

But that didn't seem to work either.

"I tell you what, I find a cucumber, it's yours. I'll even carve it for ya."

She seemed unimpressed.

"Maybe loosin you up a bit...... Sheeeit... To bad you don't like meat or I'd send you to my main nigga Caribe, talk about attitude..."

And so Melvin stumbled away for yet another night of debauchery.
 
OOC: OH Gotta love this thread :D :lol:

IC:

Inne said: Whatever we do, will be risky - but I have the feeling it will be worthy it. I dont want to waste anybodys life. We better think about it a bit more. See you in the morning.
He noded, then said:
- Inne!
She stoped at the door and turned to him, looking at his face.
What?
- UNder that thick skin you pose, you have a good heart. I hope you will be able to keep it this way.
She blinked, not expecting those words, then she left Dwemer to his thoughts.

OUtside, she overheard theconversation between Vedpose and the others. Inne had heard of that before - girls who liked girls - and that felt weird to most people.
Somehow, and she did not know how o explain, somehow that did not seem so weird to her. Why would it be wrong anyway? As Melvin said, some people liked meat, others did not, some liked cucumbers and others...
Inne wrinkled her forehead. What a heck did a cucumber taste like? SHe had never tried that!
Then she noticed Vedpose was looking at her....And Inne felt... uncomfortable? Curious?
The red haired cleared her throat then walked to the group.
Heya folks.
 
Zeke walked to the group silently.

"I'll go. You all wouldn't know what you are doing, but I have been a hunter for years and I will spend a few days learning the lay of the land, and scouting out the Rovers."

A mix of silent agreements and low murmurs came from the group, but Zeke quelled them and walked off.

When Melvin left to use the Restroom a tap on the shoulder had him turning to happily greet Zeke.

"Yo wassu brutha whatcha nee-"

WHUMP. Zeke's steel plated boot connected firmly with Melvin's groin with a sickening crack. A low squel of pain emitted from Melvin who promptly fell to the ground cupping his nuts.

"Nothing against you personally, but no one talks like that to my friend Ved. I hope you understand that it is fucking impolite. Now if you will excuse me I think I am gonna have a similar talk with Richard about his wise ass pregnancy idea. I was about to say she hadn't been feeling well lately, but he went and complicated things."

Melvin couldn't really do anything to Zeke seeing as he was much stronger, and attacking the guy who is willing to give his life for the team is like being mean to a blood donor.

Zeke gave a quick brutal kick into the air as in practice for Richard before shooting a smile at Melvin and walking off behind a tent.
 
Richard walked over to Dwemer as he saw Inne leave. Dwemer seemed preoccupied with something. It almost looked like guilt.

"Yo, big guy. I know Inne is supposed to have the lead on this little expedition, but something tells me you will be taking the initiative this time." Richard said. Talking reminded him of his sore jaw, man that girl throws a mean punch...

Dwemer remained quiet and gave a quick thoughtful nod.

"Just letting you know I'm game for any well thought out plan. My silenced pistols could be a great advantage if used properly. My leg seems to have healed up nicely, so I'm fully mobile again. Anyhow, think about it, you know where to find me..."
 
Zeke approached Richard with a heavy sigh.

"You know dude you put me in a damnably akward situation. For a while I was thinking of cracking your nads open."

Richard replied that there was no other option.

"Hey Vipers I am sorry, but Ved isn't feeling too good cause she ate some bad jerky this morning...........that woulda done it don't you think Richard?"

An apology was in order if nothing else and Zeke was waiting for it.
 
"I already apologized to Ved. She has more cause to be angry than you. It's not as if this whole affair is a drag for you, is it? Even if it was, it's not as if you'll be living here your entire life, continuing this charade. Get a grip man, the negotiations are more important than your personal comfort. You seem to blow this issue entirely out of proportion. We could all be dead by tomorrow, so excuse me if I find your arguments and objections not so compelling." Richard answered firmly.
 
The old Ghoul slowley shambled up to where Dwemer was standing deep in thought.

''That crazy smoothie is gona do it, isnt he. Ah hell Dan'l dont do anything crazy boy....'

However, Daniel didnt listen to himself.

"Hello smoothskin. You have the look of someone about to do something dangerous."

Dwemer just stared at the Ghoul.

"Ive been observin people for a great many years now, mainly trying to keep what left of my skin intact, and Ive learned to read people. Youre planning on being the diversion, all by yourself, aintcha smoothie. Just remember, some patchs dont have to be traveld alone, and it's good to have someone to watch your back. The choice is yours, but I'll be here if ya need me"

With that said, the old ghoul stumbled back to the vilage, coughing up flem all the way from his excassive talking.




OCC: Yes Welsh, I know Dwemer wants to go alone, but the way I envision him Daniel would make an assumption like that. Needless to say, since your the GM, and the player of Dwemer, it's up to you
 
OOC: Carib is a tough bastard and fast, so I'd suggest we keep the nut kicking for later, right.

IC:
Carib strolled over, hearing Richard and Zeke bicker over apologies and other. He had heard enough bitching for one day, even as a youth, he couldn't stand it. Anyone gave him too much jive, they usually ended up kissing his back hand.

He just stood by, playing with some cigarettes he manged to trade from one of the youths.

Zeke was about to open his mouth and retort, then another voice cut in.

"Let it go Zeke..." Carib said from behind, flicking his lighter till a blue flame blazed into existence. It touched the tip and Carib sucked in the nicotine. "There are no rooms for egoes here. You don't like it... tough. Ved doesn't like, my heart bleeds for her. But first things first. We got a job to do, so we do it. You going to start kicking my friends in their nuts and I'll put a .44 FMJ slug in your knee. And I hear tell, it hurts like hell." Carib didn't turn aside his jacket to reveal the Desert Eagle .44. It wasn't a threat, just a reminder.
 
Zeke had had enough bullshit for one day.

Taking a nailbomb in each hand with his thumbs in the pins he gave Carib a look that could cringe and eagle.

"If you decide to kneecap me I guarantee I will kill the three of us without a second thought. Wanna test me.........either of you.......go ahead."

A simple apology would be the best course of action at this point. Zeke was beginning to lose any shred of patience and sanity he had.
 
Carib just scoofed and continued to puff on the cigarette which now was half way done. He could see Zeke wanted some shred of closure to this whole incident. And I thought I had a temper, Carib thought.

"You see there is something wrong with your logic." Carib continued to look at both Richard and Zeke. His face unreadible. Like a poker player in a high stakes game. True, if Carib shot Zeke in the knee, he could still have some time to send off the grenades, since the recoil from the Desert Eagle would buy him enough time.

"And that is," Hissed Zeke.

"Who ever said I'd kneecap you now? Whose to say I wouldn't take you out right in the head, and believe me, I'd be surgeon at this point wouldn't you agree?" Desert Eagle drawn already. But it wasn't drawn in a threatening manner, just revealed to show Carib wasn't bluffing.

Zeke's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Well make the move Soda man."

"Fine," Carib turned around beginning to walk away, but pausing to say one last thing from over his shoulder. "Except you ain't hearing any apology from me since. Grow up. Ved seems over it."
 
Vedpose walked to see Zeke making a total imbecile out of himself.

“Well as much as I can be at this point. Now stop being some kind of damsel saving madman, all right Zeke. It's not that I don’t appreciate it pal, cause I do, but you’re going to piss everyone off and that ought to work out really well on this little trek, right?” Ved had walked up behind Zeke. Zeke just kind of stared at Ved like she was the one who was out of her mind at the moment.

“I know this stupid little arrangement isn’t exactly what either of us would want Zeke, but it’s either that or were completely out of luck with these guys (referring to the Vipers). It could be a lot worse. I could actually be pregnant with your child and you know I’d force you to help out. Of course, you could also be stuck with these same circumstances with someone you don’t know or even better happen to dislike.”

Ved didn’t even give Zeke time to respond. Seeing that most everyone else was here she felt it was time to clear up something else. “As for the rest of you whom seem to be slightly uncomfortable with my sexual preference for women with the very occasional guy, I’ll say this: if you feel uncomfortable about something I am doing tell me I’ll do what I can about. It’s not like I am some kind of rapist who is out on the prowl.” No one laughed at this little joke. “Otherwise I would prefer to keep my sexual life mine, as in none of your business.” The last part was directed at Melvin.

“Any questions comrades?”
 
Zeke went over to Carib, and laid a hand on his shoulder.

'Listen Carib I never really intended for any of this to happen and before you showed up and threatened to shoot me I was just gonna get a quick apology and leave the camp to save all of our asses from the Rovers. Why don't we set our argument aside like gentlemen so that we have the slightest chance of living through our mission. Now I am pretty sure you can find the decency in yourself not to do something as dickheaded as kneecapping to another person, so why don't your put away that eagle. I'd like to hear a simple fucking apology from Richard.
 
As Daniel walked back to the group, he saw them with weapons drawn.
While he handt seen the begining of the altercation, he saw where it was at now.
Zeke was demanding an apology for something, and didnt seem real happy.
Not knowing what the fuck was going on, and remembering the homemade grenades he had, Daniel went and backed up as where he could hear but would be safe.
 
"Apologize? Man, you really haven't got a clue of what you've just done, don't you? Keep the testosterone and the adrenaline in check when making serious decisions. I don't care about this anymore, it's not worth the time and it's gone too far." Richard said as he eyed Zeke slightly irritated.

He gave a quick nod at Carib, turned about before anyone could respond and walked off as if he didn't have a care in the world. Richard was thankful for Caribs intervention, although Carib didn't really help the situation. This was the last thing the group needed before going into battle. They needed to trust eachother and frankly, Richard would rather trust a radscorpion to cover his back than to have Zeke do it.
 
OOC-For the sake of the lives of the players apologize damnit.

IC-Zeke was beginning to lose it. He shoved his way through a small crowd of gathered people and headed towards his tent. His cot was uncomfortable, and this angered him even further. Not denying the fact that when he was walking to find Richard after kicking Melvin he was angry, he realized he was acting like an ass. But then when he had spoken to him he was calm and admitted earlier anger. All he had asked was an offhand apology from someone who he thought was casual enough to say sorry. Apparently he had underestimated the level of stubornness Richard possessed which rivaled his own. Richard had made a big fucking deal out of it, and decidedly refused to admit he did something stupid.

Zeke stood up quickly and kicked his cot in frustration senind it into a triple flip before it hit the dirt floor and one of the poles cracked.

Loud curses flew through the air as he fixed his cot, and sat back down.

Even more so Carib had come and threatened him..........bullshit, he didn't need some badass trying to fuck him over.

Apparently people had no sense of honor these days, and no one cared to say something if they slandered you.

Zeke hoped that Richard was understanding him becuase if he didn't get an apology by morning he would rig an explosive where the bastard slept and wish him the best of luck as he would walk his way to the Atlantic coast to start a new life.

His eyes closed slowly, and he actually fell asleep with a scowling face and his arms crossed over his chest.
 
The old Ghoul talked to the others, and got filled in on what had happend
'What a fucking dumbass. They make a lie that saves our ass's, and he gets pissed.
The ghould hadnt needed to sleep in a long time, he got rest by just being still.
Taking advantage of that, he positioned himself so he could see where Zeke slept and where Melvin slept as well, not knowing if any of the others would want to eliminate this potentel thorn to the group.
 
OCC- Zeke's being a prick. And don't forget Melvin is still down with his nuts crushed.

ICC-

Mutha fucka..... Mutha fucka....

The steel tipped boots had done damage and Melvin could barely gasp a breath.

For an hour he lay on the tyled floor of the abandoned restroom, crumpled in pain.

Mutha fucka.

Slowly, he got his breath back and got up, limping away.

"What happened to you?" Asked Caribe.

"Got blind sided by a chump." Replied Melvin.

Melvin walked into where Zeke was sitting an d got down to where the man was sleeping.

"Hey Zeke." He said.

"Wha..." said Zeke still blurry," Who....."

"Look man. You might not like me, and I might not like you. But I was sincere with your friend. She goes her way, that's cool. I respect that."

Zeke's eyes were beginning to open and get out their fuzziness.

"Ok, sure, yeah... whatever."

"You awake now? You hearing me? You can see me right?" Said Melvin.

"Yeah.. shit... what the fuck you wake me for."

"For this." Said Melvin.

The blow was like lightning. What Melvin lacked for strength he made up for with speed and accuracy.

The first punch crushed Zeke's nose. The next hit him in the eye, the third broke teeth.

By now Zeke was getting up.

But Melvin delivered a blow to the man's throat, that took the air out of him. Years of watching Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee flicks had paid off.

Everybody was Kung-fu fightings, with hands like lightning.

If Zeke had any fight, it was now beyond him.
Melvin put one hand under the man's throat and with another drew a knife.

Zeke could feel the cold metal against his throat. He could feel the blood running from his nose, and the loose teeth in his mouth.

Melvin was comfortable, speaking in a calm voice."Now listen muthafucka. That was a punk ass thing to do, kicking a nigga in the nuts. Especially a nigga that needs and knows how to use them. Cheap ass thing to do is kick a nigga when he thinks you're a friend. You wanna be a punk, be someone else's bitch. Now I could have killed you with that blow to your kneck by breaking your windpipe. Then you could have suffocated because your throat was all fucked up. Understand?"

Zeke was watching Melvin like a trapped animal. Melvin could have killed him, and still had that power.

Melvin was not smiling. "Now I understand you got attitude and aggression problems. You should talk to a therapist. I should slit you're motherfucking throat. But I won't. Because I'm a lover not a killer. But you piss me off and gave me disrespect. You got to learn your manners, mutha fucka. You're goin to have to apologize, or I'll have to fucking kill ya."

Melvin ease the knife back.

"You got a knife to my throat." Said Zeke.

"Apologies no good if it's under duress. You can apologize in the morning after you think about it."

Melvin backed off, and lifted Zeke up to his feet.

"Now we're even. You got a choice- either be cool or we'll kill each other. I suggest we be cool."

Melvin took a few steps back, just in case Zeke reached. Then he put his knife away and walked away.

The others had heard and were there, Ved standing closest.

Melvin nodded to her and walked past.

Zeke followed Melvin out of the tent, his nose bleeding, his eye swollen. He was reaching for a weapon.

The click of a gun hammer going back was clearly audible and stopped everyone.

"Enough of this." Said Dwemer, his hand on the pistol pointed at Zeke.

Vedpose saw the gun and instinctly reached. But Caribe had already drawn down on her.

"I told you when we left Shady Sands, you could join or you could go your own way or you could be with us. It's your choice." Said Dwemer, clearly pissed off. "But if you want to make trouble with us, this is your chance to leave. Make a decision. Either way, I won't have you kicking these people. I got no issue with you, but if you want to draw blood, than we'll draw it together."
 
"Carib why don't you lower your gun from Ved. She hasn't done shit. If anyone deserves to get shot it is me."

Zeke slowly took out his knife and cut a gash under his left eye to kill the swelling before he hocked a blood filled ball of spit to the dirt floor that was accompanied by one of his molars, and half of his right canine.

Zeke unbuckled his gunbelt and it fell with a clatter.

"Now why don't you folks put away your guns so we can talk like civilized people. I wouldn't just shoot one of you in the forehead over nothing." ::toothy grin:: "What do I look like, some kind of asshole?"

Nobobdy holstered their guns.

"Heh. Thought so. Before I go I thought I should tell you Melvin that you hit like a little bitch. Maybe when I get back I will teach you how to fight like a man."

Without another word Zeke kicked up his gunbelt from he sand and flipped it over his shoulder before he walked out into the night to confront the Rovers.

After he'd left sight a nailbomb soared back at the group and stuck in the sand. Everyone instantly dropped to the sand, but no explosion came. Dwemer was the first to see that there was still a pin in the bomb, and am echoing laugh bellowed back from the edge of the camp. This was the last they would hear of Zeke for a good time to come.
 
Dwemer hostered his gun and picked up the bomb, shook his head. Some people. He handed the bomb to Vedpose. "Your friend made his choice. You are welcome to either join or leave."

Melvin spat in the dust and walked back to the Viper girls, shaking his head. What a pussy. Try to beat some sense and spare his life and the guy is still making threats.

Caribe was watching Zeke leave. Some folks have too much aggression. Could he have trusted Zeke in a fight?

Inne had been watching. "Did it have to come to that?" She asked Dwemer.

Dwemer looked back into the darkness where Zeke had gone. "The man decided what the man would do. He had the choice, he took it. I wasn't about to let him draw down on Melvin when Melvin's back was to him."

They both knew that Melvin couldn't have let that go unanswered without losing his pride to the others. A man that would let himself be beaten without responding in kind was only inviting more of the same.

"Shame to lose a gun." Said Inne.

"Yes, but if he's too childish to control himself, than best to let him go." Said Dwemer. "Besides, do you want someone watching your back that doesn't want to be there, or that you can't trust."

"What about Vedpose?"

"She chooses her way." Said Dwemer. "Zeke's actions don't speak for her. She's a big girl. She can take care of herself. If she wants to stay with us, good. If not, well, vio con dios."
 
Daniel slowley got back up.
Ghouls didnt move slow, but they didnt move real fast normaly.
And Daneil had moved the fastest he had since before the bombs fell the moment he saw the nailbomb.

"Dwemer's right. Like it or not, were a team. And having someone who aint a team player can screw us over. Let's froget about him for now, odds are we wont see him again."


EDIT
OCC note:

Im not saying it like Im assuming that Pyro's leaving, but since my characther assumes that Zeke will either get killed in the wastes, or simply never wander across the group again.

though at the moment he plans to keep his eyes peeled, just in case.
 
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