The Hierophant:
Hmmm, change in behavior, that could be significant. Carson thought.
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Been waiting for M'ilo to respond, not sure what else I can do at this point. Subtle interrogation is not my forte.
Finding a good spot to keep an eye on Mask and his conversational companion, Troubleshooter kept an ear to the crowd for any local gossip that may be of further use.
Some things never change. Carson thought to himself.
Carson knew exactly what his strengths were, and chatting up people wasn't one of them. Taking a seat at a table next to Mask, Troubleshooter simply observed the interaction, and the surrounding environment.
When his partner made his way out to the patio, the mercenary subtly followed.
Sorry for not posting lately, been busy.
"I think I'll try and meet up with some of these college students. Figure out what crowds they run with, see if I can get on the inside track of whoever might try and get them to kill Nixon," M'ilo speaks up. "If fixing Reynold's finger is the keystone to everything else, then it won't make a difference, but if it isn't, then it would be nice to have a head start on some of this." "I'll go with you buddy. Can't have you getting into trouble on your own."
"Or maybe it was broken originally, then fixed by other means before he needed to go. Just a thought," Carson retorted a bit callously.
Carson listened to the options, and the news, "The man is a security guard, so a violent option isn't too far-fetched. And it's not enough that his finger gets broken, he has to go to the hospital as well. As far as the new report, there are other big events that are going to get peoples attention, so it should be as if everyone is going to be looking for UFO's. Still though, better watch what we say and do, best not to arouse suspicions."
Link worked here.
"I don't think the destruction of the tires is going to be that big a deal. The car was pretty wrecked as it is, I just slightly added to the damage. However, they may find it a bit more difficult to get it moving should they regain consciousness. Shouldn't make that much of an impact other than make them later in the morning. Which, as Brass pointed out, should be easily corrected." Stretching, he then added, "But I digress, let's head to this hotel."
"Indeed," Carson replied with a grin as he pulled his knife. Let's see, if my memory of older movies is correct, then..... Troubleshooter continued smiling with satisfaction as the air let out. He did the same to the other three. Re-sheathing, Carson said, "That should slow them down some more."
Carson looked down where the bottle impacted. Giving the spot a brush off, "They'd best pray I don't find them. It'll be uncomfortable."
As they walked along, Carson said to Vonash, "I'm fairly certain a 'hippie' wouldn't carry a weapon openly."
Knowing that Mask had this, Carson ducked into the bushes as well.
Can still happen.
Actually, you might be able to get away with that. The Original Series ran from 66 - 69.
Looking back at the screen, he noticed the date discrepancy. Ah, rich distant uncle with stock got an early model.
Carson began moving his various devices from his "old" belt to his "new" belt, making sure that higher tech gear was well hidden at the bottom of the bottom of the pouches, but yet easily accessible in a pinch. The design of his knife he wasn't too concerned with, as that particular one hasn't changed much in over two thousand years. Sliding that into a hidden boot sheath, the mercenary then looked at his pistol. Wonder if it already looks like a contemporary? Browsing the ship database, Troubleshooter quickly discovered that it looked almost exactly like a Keckler & Koch P9. Awesome. Holstering the weapon under his coveralls, he turned to the group, "I think I'll just stick with my name. Shouldn't stick out too much."
Carson took his seat in the Co-Pilot chair. It wasn't his concern what historical accuracy, just getting paid. Coming out of the Shuffle, he turned to Brass, "Not bad flying. I tip my hat to you."
"M'ilo, you know I never partake while on the job," Carson retorted.
Carson took a looked at the selection of clothing. Let's see, University Campus. Who would go the most unnoticed? He thought for a while, then glanced at Mask. "Well, looks like I'm going to take that janitorial job after all buddy." Taking the clothing of someone that looks like a maintenance man, Troubleshooter stripped his modern wear, exposing his skin tight armor. With his new duds, the Mercenary was sure to go mostly unnoticed.
Looking at the Lashuta, Carson said, "My knowledge of history isn't all that good, but, I do believe there were these people called Hippies that fit that description."
So, if Richard Nixon didn't become president, who was his replacement in Futurama? Lol.
Carson observed the others as everything happened, when the "egg" was offered he spoke up, "I'd recommend M'ilo here. He's pretty good and getting out of trouble should the need arise."
Carson listened to the Android and tried to recall anything he might have heard.
Nothing came to mind. "I'm usually called in when a problem needs Troubleshooting," He said emphasizing 'troubleshooting' to see if Brass had heard of him.
"Does it matter? We could probably take them in a fight." "Shampoo? I just use soap. Seems to work just fine." Turning to the Lashuta, "You mean TAROT?"
"You're one to talk," Carson said as he followed, "If they're expecting a confession out of me, they'd better have some coffee ready. It'd be a loooooong night." Adjusting he belt, Troubleshooter surveyed the surroundings, "Looks like the rest of the "team" is here."
As they sat in the van, Carson leaned over, "You owe me a dollar."
"I just want to see their faces when they open the door and see double. After that.......it's all you kid." Getting down on his knees, Carson put his hands behind his head, waiting for M'ilo to open the door.
Carson pulled up his front door cam to get a look at the ranking officer. A smirk crossed his face. Turning to M'ilo, he whispered, "Wanna have a little fun?" Troubleshooter nodded at the screen for Mask to take a look.
Setting down the second glass in front of M'ilo, Carson took his seat on the couch, "There is for me. I plan on going out one way, blaze of glory. Can't do that from the janitor closet." Taking a sip of his drink, "I suppose I'd better break the news to Tali. She might get upset at losing one of her well paying customers."
Carson just laughed, "You'd have to find out who that is first. I don't even know who my parents are. As for what they want us for," he shrugged, "who knows. It's TAROT, if you believe half the rumors, they're responsible for some shady s***. But they do pay well." Going over to a cupboard and pulling out a bottle of Fireball and two glasses, "Let's face it M'ilo, jobs have been skimpy ever since Joker black-balled us that one time." Pouring a glass and downing it, "Bastard." Pouring more in both glasses, Carson offered one to his friend.
"You're the only one to breaks in, jelly-face." Carson watched with amusement, then finally asked, "So this big thing, it wouldn't happen to have anything to do with TAROT, would it?"
Resolution: Joker spoke up, "Carson, seriously, you wouldn't just let this one go?"
Two shots rang out and a stunned Joker fell to the ground. Pulling a special device that took a month to make, he applied it to his partner's forehead, "Sorry pal, you'll have to forget this one." After punching some buttons, there was a rapid beeping, then a spark, then smoke. Removing the device and tossing it in a nearby dumpster, Carson turned to the shapeshifter. Handing over Joker's comm unit, he said, "Take this and run. I'll contact you later." After M'ilo left, he awoke Joker and explained to him and ARC that the target got away. A month later, Troubleshooter and Mask started working together.
This one had put up a hell of a chase. Alleyways, warehouses, even a Russian bath house. But Troubleshooter got it, one clear shot with the EMP round straight to the back of the head disabled its motor functions. It was only temporary, so Carson quickly moved in and with a few quick adjustments, permanently disabled them. Damned Rogue AI, credits barely cover the trouble hunting it. Activating his comm unit, "This is Troubleshooter, target acquired. Coordinates inbound." Punching his location in, he waited for pick-up. While waiting, there came the beep of an incoming message. Pulling it up and reading it, Carson thought, Hmmm, well the jobs lately have been getting cheap. Why not? After pick-up, the Mercenary dialed up Mask, "Hey M'ilo, you available?"
I guess we'll have to hurry up and finish this Mask.
Intrigue: Joker responded, "What they plan to do with you isn't our concern. Unless you can match their offer, we're not interested."
Never looks at the bigger picture. Carson thought. Intrigued at the possibilities, he asked the shifter, "And what exactly do you mean by "Go better for both" of us?" Joker protested, "You can't possibly be serious!" Troubleshooter pointed his weapon at Joker's head, "Just weighing the possibilities good buddy." Turning to the shifter, "Go on."
Who goes there: Coming around the corner into an alleyway, Carson came across the one sight he dreaded. There were two of Joker standing there, one with a pistol pointed at the other. Terrific, He thought. "Alright, which is which," he asked with a resound sigh. "I am," the unarmed one said, "He jumped me and took my weapon." The other one calmly turned to Troubleshooter and simply said, "Sahara." That was all Carson needed, there's no way the shapeshifter could have known about their old mission in Africa. Moving in with a pair of restraints, he said "Look, we don't want to hurt you, but ARC is paying good money for your capture and they want you alive, so don't force it. Okay?"
@ Mask: TIME TRAVELER, clever but way too long. Still good though. Oh, your turn on the narrative by the way. @ Tarren: I only suggested the card names for squad names as I'm certain that we're not the only team TAROT has sent into the past. Or maybe the card names are used for the time machines?
CROSS: Chrono Repair Or Safeguarding Squad KARMA: Knights Against Random or Malevolent Anomalies Or, another thought, maybe our squad is named after a Tarot card?
Legends of TAROT? Lol Honestly, no clue.
You that's who: Troubleshooter and Joker had only been searching the for about forty-five minutes when the Senator had made an appearance where the piano player was. Nudging his partner at the oddity, the two watched the speech. When the profanities started coming, Carson checked comm and learned that the Senator was still in the capitol.
Signaling Joker to move towards the nearest exit, Carson tried to follow the "Senator" through the crowd. Unfortunately, the incited sheep got in the way and he lost sight of the target. "Joker, you got eyes on the Senator?" "Affirmative, tailing now through utility corridors." "Stay with him, I'll be right there." It took longer to get through the crowd than anticipated, but Troubleshooter had made it through the crowd and into the corridors. Fortunately, Joker had dropped makers indicating where he was going. He followed them at a hastened pace.
Who goes there: Carson hated jobs like this. Trying to find a target in a crowded area without drawing attention was hard enough, but one that could change shape? He shook his head, paycheck was a paycheck and that ARC Scientist wanted it. Alive. Hell of a place to look though, shopping centers were always bustling nowadays.
Looking over at Joker, Carson asked, "What are the odds we can find this thing before lunch?" "Why, you got a hot date with Tali?" "Shut up," Troubleshooter responded. Double checking that he had non-lethal rounds in his pistol, he then said, "Well, we're not gonna find it standing here, lets get to tracking." The pair set off to find their quarry.
@ Malefactor: Yeah sure, what role do you want? Target of the mission or collaborator?
"Position of authority" ROFLMAO I'm just a lowly mercenary with a Malcolm/Inara type relationship among other issues. I doubt they'd give me any authority. As for my view on Androids, depends, can you handle yourself the chips are down?
Especially one that can hold their shape indefinitely.
(1) Choose something your character would miss. Carson would probably miss readily available access to the higher tech of the present the most. A lot of his personal devices need the miniaturized components of modern industry to make them truly portable and easy to hide. (2) Choose someone your character would miss. If there were one person in all the world he would miss, it would be Tali. The high priced escort that he visits from time to time after some of his freelance missions. She really knows how to get in his head and make his troubling memories go away. (3) A reason having your past erased might be a good thing. Over the course of his career, the Troubleshooter has made an enemy or two. Disappearing wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to him.
This is Fallen_Mage's submission. Well, the crunch at least. Still working on the fluff. |