The Cafeteria

(open to all who are hungry)

((sorry, i should have said this earlier. the cafeteria is kink on like a food court in a mall. with food stalls, shops, vending machines. the food shops are located around the perimeter of the court with tables and chairs strategically placed in the centre of the room. as to what food shops are present. that is entirely up to you and what you intend to eat. You still need to pay for the food just like any cafeteria or food court.))

Anna came into the cafeteria to just get a bottle of water for later. She would need it for her training and such. During training was when she got very thirsty and of course no one would really care if she is or not. So getting the water was the only thing on her list to do at the moment. The room was empty except for her and the vending machine with her now claimed propel/lemon flavored water. She put the dollar in and pressed the letter and number that corresponded to the drink she wanted.

The bottle got caught in the machine just as it was about to come out of its place into the belt that would bring it over to the opening. "Great." She said out loud to herself. She was of course being sarcastic as she banged on the glass-like covering. "I want my water you stupid machine." She then said with an aggravated tone.

Steele and i walked into the cafeteria. i made a bee line for Mcdonalds. big Mac here i come. i actually hadn't eaten for a few days so my hunger was justified. oh, wait, i had had a packet of chips two days ago but i didn't need to eat like a normal person. I could go days without food or drink or sleep. i didn't really need them as often as most people. I mean, i still NEEDED them. I would die just like any person if i didn't sleep or eat at all but where it would take a normal person three to four days of complete starvation to die, it would take me a good week.

i saw a girl near the vending machine. i would talk to her in a minute. right now i needed food.

after i had bought the food i went to sit at the table that Steele had chosen.

"so now the interrogation can begin" i said with a grin and a glint in my eyes before i dug into my burger.

Stones, finally awake after taking his power nap in the lounge, made his way to the cafeteria. Dressed in his civvies, tennis shoes, office work casual pants and shirt, he seemed a bit like your average office Joe. His hair had even been allowed to grow out for this op so that he could blend in rather then immediately brand himself as active military due to his buzzcut. His 5 o clock shadow seemed a little unprofessional as well. However, the MEU SOC M1911 pistol again set him aside, for better, or worse. Still, no one would be able to tell he's a US Marine The only thing that would designate him a marine would be the exact, very very exact fine details of the MEU SOC M1911, a signature luxury sidearm of the USMC. Still. The amount of attention, paranoia, training, know how, and plain... creepiness it would take to notice it made it less then a problem.

Stones made his way through the food court and got an order of Ramen. The real stuff. As he left the lunch-line, he spied someone alone on the other side of the cafeteria banging on the vending machines. At that moment, he realized that sticking to himself was no real way to get anything done. "He who stays on the defensive does not make war, he endures it". He could keep his back to the wall until he gets a real mission (an undefined amount of time) or get out there and find the going's on's. Estabilish contact with some of the people, getting a support structure in these environment's are mentally and occupationally helpful. The question is, who should he talk to? Stones didn't think on it too long. People are willing to say things and say them more openly one on one, and a big group of guys would probably be more dismissive then someone alone. Stones made his way towards the vending machine and then stepped to set down his food. He forced his face to go from his typical, borderline yet neutral frown to a neutral and barely positive half-assed smile as he says

Two steps forward, and three steps back. Another reason to prefer blowing up tanks to operating them. Excuse me.

Stones didn't mind hinting he had military experience, and he still did work a bit like that. Stones kneeled down and leaned so he could stick his arm into the vending machine, his hand searching gingerly. Claypoole had shown and told him a few things about vending machines, and while he can't steal them, he can get them if they're stuck. Stones finally pulled the water bottle out and held it out for her, his forced "Smile" growing a little from pride, although still being quite a bit a pathetic excuse for a smile... regardless of how matter how natural

Hey. I'm Richard. I just got assigned here recently. Brand new. You alright?

As Stones held out the water bottle, he edged towards his bowl of ramen

Darius got himself a sandwich and some soda and found them an empty table. Wearing full combat gear was troublesome when not in combat, but it was regulation that made him wear it. There was a girl having trouble near the vending machine, but luckily a guy showed up to fix the problem. He sipped his soda when Katsa found his table and sat down opposite of him.

"So now the interrogation can begin."

Darius smirked at her and took another sip of his soda. He thought about what he could tell her, and it wasn't much. He was trained to perfection in armed and unarmed combat, prefering ranged combat over close. It was obvious what he did, how he did it would have to wait untill they got into combat. He wasn't a super, but he didn't need any powers.

"Well I really don't have much to tell, except for the obvious." he hinted towards the firepower on him. "Unless you want something more personal."

Darius checked her out once more, the woman had a strange but natural aura around her. She was far more then met the eye. You couldn't really tell she was a super unless you knew it for a fact. And then she would still be shrouded in mystery.

"As for you, I know you have super hearing, reflexes and speed but that can't be all. Am I right?" He narrowed his eyes and tilted his head sidewards a bit.

"i think personal can wait. we just met" i said. i tried to say it with a straight face but it didn't work. i couldn't help grinning "and as for me, well... you are right, that isn't all. i looked at him in the eyes. he is my partner now so i suppose i could tell him.

i took a drink and launched in a detailed explanation of my abilities taking bites of my food in between sentences, using me hands and arms to gesture and exclaim. I spoke only load enough for him to hear and no one else. it was fun, explaining all this. my eyes flashing with amusement.

"when i got the shot I gained an instant and complete knowledge of all forms of armed and unarmed combat. I can use firearms but prefers to use bladed weapons such as my long sword and daggers. At first it was thought that i received the power to kill anyone i want, any time i wanted, in any way but it soon became apparent that it was more then that. The ability to kill without much effort was just a bonus. I have always been able to kill with out a thought but I had to learn and train to be able to hold it back and simply injure. I have tremendous speed as you know and my strength is greater then that of a normal woman’s. My ability allows me to be able to go days without food or water or sleep or live of very small morsels of food. i do not tire as easily as most people, in fact i am able to run, flat out for an entire day before i get tired. I am able to tell myself when to fall asleep and for exactly how long. if i want to sleep for no longer then ten minutes then that is how long i will sleep. I am able to light fires in even the wettest of places, though i do not have to ability to produce or control fire by any means. I always know what direction I am facing and what time it is without looking at a clock, compass or the sky. My eye sight and hearing are five times better then that of a normal humans and I do Not not get sick easily if at all."

when i had finished my explanation and my food i went silent, waiting for a response. it was one of the longest speeches i had ever given. It was also the most i had explained about myself to anyone ever. i was now uncharacteristically quiet. i was worried about what he would say.

Darius noticed her grin at the 'personal' comment. Maybe it did sound a bit weird. Before he could react Katsa lauched a long speech on her abilities, she had quite useful skills. He nodded a few times in acknowledgement, but remained quiet during her explanation. By the time she finished he had already finished his sandwich and sipped on the last bit of his soda.

"That's a big list." he said astonished. "But to be able to know how to use weapons, or master forms of combat just like that is incredible. I took me about 8 years to get to the level I am now."

He was clearly amazed at what she received in return for the genesis shot and part of him wished for the gene as well. He got rid of those thoughts and decided to test something out. He knew there was a clock in the room, several of them in fact, but he found it rather funny to have someone around who knew the time.. all the time.

"So tell me, what is the time?" he said while a smirk formed on his face. She was fun to joke around with, if kept at a minimum.

Anna heard that there were people coming in the room now. Now she was embarrassed. Couldn't even get a simple bottle of water out of a vending machine for herself. But they seemed to be busy getting their food and eating it while one of them, the girl, explained about her powers. Anna couldn't help but feel reluctant toward her or anyone who had the genesis gene. She could never decide if the feeling was from her own selfishness or whether she just didn't care.

The third person came over to her and the vending machine as she hit the machine another time. He talked, and she moved. A smile of gracefulness came to her face along with a light shade of red. She didn't like how she couldn't get the water bottle on her own, but the help she wouldn't and couldn't turn away from.

"Thanks." She said, gently taking the bottle from him. She made their fingers didn't touch at all. Skin to skin contact just wasn't what she was use to. "I'm Anna and yeah I'm alright. Just having a off day I guess."

"So tell me, what is the time?" he said while a smirk formed on his face. this was a test. i smiled at his for a minute and then, for a show, i closed my eyes and put my pointing and middle finger to my temples.

"if i am not mistaken" i said. i opened one eye "and i am never mistaken" i smirked and closed my eye again "the time is exactly 2:23pm" i dropped the act and lounged in the chair. "am i right Agent Steele? i smiled at him and chuckled "you know. even though i know the time, i somehow end up being late. i get distracted or i simply can't be bothered to rush. i have gotten used to it so much so that there are times where i actually have to think about it. hehehe. still don't need a watch though. If i oversleep, it is on purpose." i smiled sheepishly. "the generals are actually a little tired of me." i put on a thoughtfull face and bit my finger. "can't think why." then i broke in to a big grin.

OOC: I think for now I'll treat this as another country with Stones being assigned here as a Military attache/adviser for now...

Stones sighed a bit on the inside as he reached for his bowl of Ramen, knowing socializing with complete strangers like this wasn't his cup of tea. It was easier to start up conversations with him then the other way around, unless right now, he tried to make the conversation himself. A lack of any accent permeated his speech just as loudly as any Texas drawl as he responded

Hate days like those. Least when they're over its like they went by in the blink of an eye... And they're just one out of 21, 000 days of your life.

Stones didn't mention that 21,000 days was about the equivalent of 60 years, not the hundred something years most people live. Him, his mentor Kazakov, and buddy Claypoole didn't plan to live forever, and 60 years would be just fine for them. Stones took his package of utensils and used the holding end of the Spork to make a hole in the plastic from the inside, before glancing at Anna again. It was his training to maintain situational awareness, and to glean whatever intel he could when he could. Although anyone could notice Anna didn't have any food, they probably wouldn't have thought of it as much as him, who as a sniper and Force recon marine had been given more then a couple missions involving documenting patrol routines. It might not seem like much, but he knew sometimes it didn't take a lot to tip the tables in your favor. Stones looks down at his Ramen again before he says

No food? Not your lunch break Anna? Do you guys just have lunch whenever you decide to say "Break", or are they the only two assigned to lunch this time of the day?

Stones then held his paper instant-take-out looking bowl up close enough to his mouth it wouldn't be a hazard to his pants and two best friends when he tried to stuff some of the noodles into his mouth. He smirked a lot as he realized that was one job hazard his buddy Claypoole had never gotten over.

"True, and I must admit that I am graceful for them to be over in a blink of an eye." Anna said, opening up a little. Her day was actually only a little off. Getting up this morning she felt like the world wasn't gonna go her way. And of course she was right. Training seemed to drag on forever with her not able to do her best. And then her water bottle got stuck in the vending machine.

Anna could only imagine what else could go wrong today. But if there was a chance that her day could brighten up, she didn't want to jinx herself. Instead she looked at the bowl of ramen he had gotten for himself. As he started to eat it in his way, Anna had gotten thirsty. She broke the seal on her water bottle and uncapped the rest, taking a sip.

"I'm just not all that hungry at the moment. The caf is usually just opened all the time and people just come and go as they please." Anna capped her water bottle again and looked at him

Darius broke out in a laugh when he heard her comment on the generals. Yeah, he could imagine why, but honestly he didn't care. He liked the generals being pissed about something, then they might focus on the task more.

"Yes I think you are right." he told her while checking out the clocks nearby. He showed a big smile on his face. "Oversleep on purpose, maybe I should try that sometime."

Darius gulped down the last of his soda. He thought about Katsa's personality. She had a mindset of her own, and didn't bother to include anyone else. She was a bit of a rebel while she maintained her free spirit. He liked that way of living, but he couldn't see himself do that.

"You're quite the devil aren't you?" he grinned in approval. That might work out real good for the both of them. "You know, I think we'll make a great team." he said in all seriousness. His opinion had changed a bit since the meeting, but it only got more positive.

"i just might agree with you. now, i have a question for you. where are you living at the moment? do you live in a separate apartment? i understand that this is a bit sudden but i was curious. everyone lives everywhere. some live in the barracks, some have their own apartments and some just move about and go where they fancy. Its rather confusing at times. i was still smiling.

Stones' eyebrow twitched at the news. To someone like him who liked discipline, and "order" (With sometimes order and structure meaning little more for him then "Do what I say, you answer to me. No go out there with your fireteam and kill something"), and someone who was in a new possibly hostile environment looking for understanding the environment, it bugged him a bit. At the same time, for someone who had to live under that rule, it was pretty convenient. Stones swallow's and speaks casually again

Ah. News to me. My heads still stuck in the military I guess. Myself... I'm starving. Damn I hate plane rides... and they didn't even give me any of those roasted nuts.

Stones looked both way half expecting someone to say a "That's what she said" joke, before taking another bite of his noodles. He'd already heard so many of those he was just plain sick of them, except for the actual rare (Emphasizing rare) and clever one.

Waiting for them to finally put me to damn work. I hate down time like this.

(( Guys, should we meet up for the upcoming raid the resistance is going to throw at us, or are we to ignore each other. Tell me so I can make a scene ))

Darius raised his eyebrow at that question. Where did he live indeed... He slept where he could and mostly was on duty the rest of his time. He never really settled down, and even refused a room in the residence section of the tower.

"Everywhere, but nowhere at the same time." he smiled softly. "I go where I want, and see whatever it brings me. So to keep your answer short, I don't really have a place I call home."

Darius got a sad look on his face. His thoughts went back to the days his parents where still alive. Back then he did have a home, a place to stay when things looked rough. But ever since the incident he chose to ignore bonding to things. It took some time getting used too, but eventually he grew into a self sufficient agent.

"I've had a home once but I'll never set foot in there again. But that was a long time ago, so I won't bother you with my useless stories."

Maybe it was time he found himself a place to stay. It would take care of one of his daily problems and provide a safe place to stay. Well nothing was really safe, but that was a safe as it could be.

Steeles expression became sad. he had no real place to stay and it seemed that memories of when he did where painful.

A though occurred to me. I have a spare room that is not being used and enough space a my place. granted, we have only just met but if we are to be partners then this falls into "partner duty". i sat there for a few minutes, silently staring at Steele, calculating and trying to decide what to do. and then i came to a decision.

I sat up lighning fast and slammed my hand on the table, making Steele jump and the other two people in the cafeteria turn to stare it us. My face was lit up with a huge triumphant grin.

"I have a great idea. since we are partners it only stands to reason that you should live with me. i have a spare room with its own bath room that you can have. i also have a large study that both of us can use. Julie, the house keeper, is in charge in the cleaning, cooking and so on so you wouldn't need to worry about that and my apartment is one of the safest considering that it is on the 10th (top) floor as well as the fact that I'm a super and my house keeper is proficient with small fire arms. not to mention that you can take care of yourself. so what do you think? i sat back again and crossed my arms over my chest.

Darius listened to her idea in all detail. He was kind of shocked with the idea. Yeah it could work, but on the other hand he would be invading someones home. Someone he just met, and whom he didn't know at all. Another problem was the fact that she was female, not that there was any problem with that fact. It just made him real nervous all of a sudden. None of the reasons Katsa told him along with her story convinced him of going to live with her. He didn't care about safety, he was scared enough with the idea itself.

It would however be a great opportunity for them to get acquainted, and would provide the best results in teamwork. He could use a place to stay anyway, since sleeping anywhere you could find wasn't really something you got used too. It seemed the apartment was big enough for the two of them, without them being a bother to each other. Darius decided to give it a try and see how it worked out.

"I... I guess we can try that. But do you really approve of this?" he asked her, still showing some discomfort in his eyes.

"Off the record, I didn't know we could get such treatment. I mean an apartment that sounds really big and a maid was it? A maid, I didn't even know people did that anymore."

"its fine. you will have your own room and bathroom. As for Julie, she is not a maid, she is a house keeper and my friend. I am the one who hired her and i am the one who pays her. i smiled As for the 'treatment' you mentioned, the government pays for the apartment because I am an orphan that has been working in their service since i was 15. first as a normal human in the science department because of my intelligence and then as a super. Also, one of the generals is my unofficial adoptive father. The only money that i have to my name is the money that i am payed by the government and i could not afford the apartment myself. I suppose i could live with my general father but then i would have to live by his rules and frankly i couldn't do that. i grinned at Steele. the idea of me living with general Ascot was amusing to say the least.


"I would be honored to have my partner live under the same roof but i understand if you don't want to. it is entirely up to you, just promise that you will think about it" i stood and stretched. "come on. we have to get ready for the invasion." i turned towords the other two people and then back ti Steele. "do you think we should incorporate them in our little plan?"

Stones stuffed some more Ramen in his mouth rather then instantly acknowledge the impulsive fist-slamming behind him, feeling it was unnecessary and wanting of attention, before he slowly turned and glanced at them. It didn't take him but a couple split seconds before he recognized the double standards in it all--- two men sharing a house isn't much at all in this world's culture. College dorms, sharing apartments, sharing barracks', even if you wish to be that out there their bathrooms; yet once it becomes a man and a woman sharing something it becomes some big decision. A big responsibility. A massive statement to the world. Although Stones could be an arrogant ass and say he couldn't understand what the big deal is anymore after all his time in the marine corp sharing everything from soap to living space to their blood, sweat, and guts, he knew that doing that in an all man unit is far different from an individual man and woman doing the same. Double standards.

Stones turned back around again, his sensitive ears twitching a little as they finally say something of true interest to him. Still, he didn't quite acknowledge them yet. He started to mull over whether or not she should acknowledge them. Although he had his sidearm visibly on him, he would have to cut through some red tape to get his firearms before what ever time that scheduled mission was. He knew there was a briefing he was supposed to be waiting on, and about that time he would be getting his stuff back. However, he wouldn't mind getting into the field ASAP... even if it sounded like it'd be essentially a rogue op.

"Don't be honored because of me, but alright I'll try it out for a while." Darius told her, feeling a bit embarrased. Adopted by a general, that's something. Darius his own parent where high ups in the government when they were still here, but that didn't give him any advantage whatsoever.

He got rid of the uncomfortable feelings he felt and gave her a small smile again. "If you haven't noticed already, I'm fully prepared." he hinted towards his heavy loadout. "As for those two, I think we'll need all the help we can get."

Darius slowly got up an followed Katsa's example. He glanced at the other table. There were two persons sitting there, one rather normal looking girl and a dangerous looking dude on the other side. The man seemed pretty normal, but there was something not right about that image.

Darius hesitated but then said "You're the ranking officer, go get em!.... ma'am." with a huge grin on his face.

i frowned at him "Oh, thank you VERY much, i smiled and raised an eyebrow "and by the way, just so you know, he is a low ranking general. not very big, not very impressive. he's just old."

with that, i walked over to the young woman and the man. once there i gave them a waved and a smile.

"hello there, my name is Agent Katsa. We have intelligence that the resistance are planing on attacking the Supers training grounds. Now, Agent Steele i turned breafly to point at Steele and then turned back to them "and I have been put in charge of organizing a force to repel this attack. We have a battle plan and an idea of the amounts of men needed, so all we need to do is assemble our little army. We are taking both supers and normal humans. We would very much appreciate your assistance. So, what do you say? i gave them my trade mark grin and waited for their reply.

Stones swallowed another mouthful of Ramen as Agent Katsa came up and spoke to him and Anna. He probably would join in. She was asking and recruiting him for this mission, and was given permission it sounds like to recruit anyone she wanted... so he had a valid reason to not show up at the briefing (What ever it was about) as he was told to. Stones turns and finally acknowledges the other two

I just got here. My weapons are still locked up somewhere, and I won't be able to touch em for a couple hours. If you can wrangle me my rifles, sure. I just hope you've got more intel then what you've just told me.

Stones starts to shove another mouthful of ramen into his mouth, praying that they had more intel then that.

(( Stones did you get powers or not? I recall you mentioning something about adding some powers. ))


Darius silently moved near the trio, nodding when Katsa mentioned him. The more men they had, the better their chances of repelling the attack. He chipped in on the conversation when the guy finished talking.

"You're weapons are availible the moment you say 'aye' . As for Intel, we have more then enough. But we never truly know when or where they will strike. They tend to go guerilla on our ass."

He noted the man's need for equipment and thought of him as a well trained agent. His order would be enough to get him what he needed, and if not then they still had some strings to pull. The woman had stayed quiet during the conversation, but if she wasn't capable she wouldn't be here.

"The intel will be availible once you join. So.. what say you?"

OOC: Yeah, I did, they've been approved. They're in my bio now.

Stones set down the bowl of Ramen silently and tugged at his shirt collar, fidgeting for a moment as he straightens himself out. He imagined he couldn't stick to himself during his entire posting to the area which could drag on for years. He might as well get down to work now, like he wants to, and make some friends. He'd flash some of his cards although he wouldn't talk about the hummie power program.

Aye then. United States Marine Corp Force recon Master Gunnery Sergeant Stones, at your service. Scout-sniper, demolitions, CQB. Uber-shooter. Tell me the range and I'll tell you how dead they are.

He did need to know the range. He had his three sniper rifles all for different ranges and situations. The M39 EMR would be for the best if he was on the move, within 300 yards, expected to fight close up, and engaging fast movers or multiple tango's. The Cheytac intervention was superb if he was staying stationary in over watch out to 2200 yards, although the bolt action and eight limited it enough it'd be a tough choice between it and the decent accuracy and range M39 20 round semi auto. The Remington MSR is a nice compromise between the two, being much easier to carry, shorter, much lighter, 10 rounds of .338 Lapua vs 7 .408 cheytac rounds, against the .408 Cheytac. Not to mention he wanted to know how useful his short Remington 870 would be meaning he needed to know the environment and ranges. With that being said, Stones looked to Anna for her reply.

"it is great to have you aboard Gent Stones" I turned to look at the girl who had yet to speak "And what about you? will you join in our little game of go crush the resistance?"