Post by kaida on Dec 31, 2005 19:26:20 GMT
The whirring of helicopter blades pulled the young woman to her feet. The Zeshia forces were never this persistent before. Her right hand came up to hold her left upper arm where a flesh wound made itself visible with a slow flowing of blood. Hazel eyes looked to the sky, looking for the familiar spotlights that would flood her frame if she continued to stand there. The noise continued to come closer, until the PA could be heard from even her distance. Kaida ran across the street to the old abandoned pub. Hopefully, no one had seen her and she would have time to nurse the wound before it worsened or became infected.
The old place was trashed. Tables and stools lay on their sides, each covered in a thick blanket of dust. Used to worse, she sat at the one chair that still stood upright and pulled out a small bottle of rubbing alcohol and some Q-tips from the back pocket of her camouflaged cargo pants. Bright lights shone through the cracks between the poorly boarded windows allowing for some assistance in seeing what she was doing. Taking a q-tip, she dipped it in the liquid and applied it without hesitance. Her community service as an involuntary nurse paid of. It upped her level at what she wanted to become. Or actually, the only thing she had left to consider becoming. No job in the city would hire her now. Being paid to kill people sounded like a dream job at the present.
Though she used them a lot in the ward she worked in, she had no use for them in her own life. Band-aids were cute for children, but were a nuisance for anyone else. Especially for someone who was on the move 24/7. Bandages were much more useful and could be used more than once. Kaida pulled one out and wrapped the wound with the smallest one she had. Now, with that taken care of, she could make her way out of the city. And with any luck, they wouldn’t chase her. It was rumored, though only rumored, that a rebellious group called Stoneage hid amongst the ruins of Medias outside of the city. It was there that she would run. There that maybe she’d find refuge from the System.
A pounding on the door again brought the medic to her feet. The helicopter PA came on and she could hear the blades as if they were right above her. The blinding searchlight poured again through the boards, bringing her hands to cove her face. She hoped to god that there was a back door out of this place.
We have the front surrounded. Come out calmly, and no force will be used. Continue to cause disturbance, and we’ll send in a team.
“Come out calmly, my ass.” Kaida sneered at their attempts to talk to her. That was the System force for you. Talk first, shot later. Oh, and while we’re at it, get shot while trying to play peace maker. The pounding grew louder and harder. The dust flew off the wood as it crumpled under the force being used. Best not chance getting caught now. Quickly and silently, Kaida made her way to the back of the pub where a door to the alley stood unboarded and half open. Without hesitation, her gun was drawn and held firmly with both hands. She nudged the door open with the front of the gun and peered outside. Dumb arses. Why do they only ever cover the front? Kaida exited the building and ran around back…..where two officers stood waiting and watching.
One of them looked like he’s swallowed two full watermelons and was hungry for more. The other was a medium sized man who looked like he could piss his pants any moment. He was young. Her age maybe. The other was older, and probably charged with keeping watch of the younger officer. Both she could easily outrun. Sticking to the shadows cause by the fire-escape, she slid next to the wall and made her way around them. The helicopter PA was still going on and on about trying to reason with her while the main team had just entered the front of the pub. Light brown hair slid softly over her shoulder as she peeked around the corner to check for the clear. Four more officers were hurrying down the alley. “Damn…” She whispered softly to herself as she hurried back to the fire escape. The two cops already behind the building ran to meet the other four.
“No sign of her back here.” The old fat one spoke first. The younger officer merely nodded.
“She isn’t in the building either. The forward team raided the place. Only sign of her being in there is footprints in the dust. Leading out to the side alley. Do you think she could’ve…” As if they all thought the same thing, all six officers turned to catch Kaida climbing up the 2nd floor of the fire escape and all 6 drew their firearms at once. Though not one opened fire. One of the 4 leaned his head over to the side and spoke abruptly into a radio.
“Target has been sighted heading up the Fire Escape.” He kept his eyes on the ascending Kaida, whom by this time was on her way to the 4th level.
Understood, Sergeant. We’ll move above her position. Over and out. The voice on the other end of the radio came off overly loud, and it caught the fugitive’s attention. But by the time she got to a point that she could look down without slipping, they’d already had their guns aimed in her general direction and were trying to talk her out of being a criminal. The desire to knock them off one by one was great but her desire to make it to the ruins dominated it. Kaida made it to the top of the building where she was immediately greeted by the searchlight of the helicopter. As far as she could see, she was trapped.
*******
Off in the distance, hidden behind a roof access building, was a character of solemn thoughts and ambitions. He’d been watching the commotion with interest and a deep hope that the fugitive would not run for the ruins. Though the trigger-scared cops would not follow her in, he knew that DPS would. Latner and his little well-paid team of *dogs* would be all over this place. That was the last thing he needed at the moment.
Binoculars raised, he turned to check on the young girl’s present condition. Well, she hadn’t given in to their hopeless chatter yet so there might be hope for her after all. Twisting the focusing dial at the end of the binoculars, he noticed she had a gun drawn and was holding it behind her. Though whether or not she knew that the six cops from alley were behind her was beyond his far-reaching intelligence.
*******
Time ticked by as if tied down and chained up. Her impatience with the cops was indeed increasing with each passing breath. Fingers, though sweaty, tightened on the gun as she drew it around and aimed. Hell, if she were going to go down, she’d go down shooting the hell out of these bastards. The pilot had the audacity to look shocked. He knew she was armed but had no clue she was woman enough to actually use it. Despite his fear, he made no move to steer the copter away from her crosshairs.
The older cop, though overweight and slow, still had a silent edge to him. Kaida had not bee paying attention to the activity behind her. That’s why she let out a small *Ah!* when the chubby man grabbed her from behind and held her arms in place. The young medic twisted in whatever way she could but could not escape his grasp.
*******
Idle disappointment did not break his unemotional features. He’d rather liked it if she could have gotten away. A mental shrug as the binoculars were pocketed. Now that she was caught, he didn’t have to worry about her running out here for refuge. Like all other runaways and fugitives. They all ended up wither dead or became one of his *drones*. No loss what-so-ever on his part. He turned and started for the fire escape.
*******
In her mind, a wild beast had broken loose. The feel of someone else’s flesh touching her own sent a shiver across her mental wall. The knowledge that she’d been caught broke it. Hazel eyes flashed with a rage known only by those of her age when they didn’t get their way. Childish, yes. But when has a child ever gotten back by slicing the throat of the one who denied them their will?
The older officer passed her off o the younger one so he could tie her up. He hadn’t the energy to do that and hold her down at the same time. His over-weight lack of energy would cost him. Kaida twisted from the younger cop’s shivering grasp, unsheathed the knife at her waist, and held it firmly at his throat with his hands behind his back. Poor cop had actually let out a cry for help. No pity from the offending party. The other 5 cops aimed their firearms now with a serious expression spread about their faces. None of them had expected in the least for the co-pilot to open fire on all of them.
Kaida, out of instinct, dived out of the way. In doing so, she freed the young cop. Though a stray bullet had penetrated his leg so he didn’t get far. The young officer fell howling to the ground. Another officer ran to his aid as the fugitive dived off the roof and on hope’s wings, reached for the window pane of the neighboring building. As if acting on their own, her hands grasped a brink that jutted out from the side of the building. Not what she had intended to do but it worked either way. Kaida let go and twisted so she faced away from the wall when she landed. A sharp sting gnawed at her knee joints as she landed. They had taken abuse from the hit to the wall and now the drop to the ground. She did not complain, though she knew that they’d have her again if she did not move now. She sheathed the knife she’d been using before and headed for the ruins.
*******
Shots in the distance stopped the male from descending down the ladder any further. Either she had gotten loose, or they had killed her on spot. Knowing the cops as well as him, he had his bet on the first. Pulling himself up with one hand, he took out the binoculars with the other. A quick stride landed him back in his previous post. No sooner had he raised and set the binoculars than he saw cops gathered around a curled up body on top of the roof. Further zooming proved his earlier thought. The body, in no way, looked feminine. A smirk worked its way across his lips. She had gotten away. All be damned.
*******
Buildings shot by her as if she were the one rooted in one place. All the while, the medic kept a sharp look out for any more surprises from the Zeshia forces. By now they would have figured where she was going. Though they would have to actually FIND her first.
Kaida ran until she was sure that she was clear out of the city. She’d not have to worry about the cops anymore. Yet she did not know of Eric Latner then. She did not know that he and his team would come if he thought her a threat. Wishful thinking placed her as an unimportant fugitive. But then that was just wishful thinking.
*******
Damn it. The girl just had to run here, didn’t she? Stoneage’s area. HIS area. Face clear of all emotion, he pocketed the binoculars and quickly made his was down the fire escape. The intruder would have to be dealt with effectively and discreetly. Killing her would not work. He’d just have to deal with her his own way. He didn’t care how she had gotten away. All he cared about now was her not running into something he didn’t want her seeing until he’d dealt with her properly.
*******
Shivers went up and down her spine. Being watched could do that to anyone. It wasn’t just a feeling with her. It was a fact. Trusting her gut had gotten her this far. Yet where the gazing eyes were coming from was beyond her. Kaida slid against the wall of a certain building, watching for anything that might wish to cause her harm.
*******
Foolish, this one. Assaulters didn’t just come from the front. This was fact commonly mis-used by women. None of them looked behind them. Almost made him want to go around and knock some damn sense into each and every female he’d seen do this. No matter now.
Slipping from behind his overcastted spot, he grabbed both her arms and twisted them behind her. While his other hand covered her mouth. The male pulled her back and loosened his grip. There was no one around to hear her if she did scream, but better not take any chanced, hmm?
As soon as his grip had loosened, she twisted and unsheathed two of her hidden blades. Though trained well, the male had years and experience on her. He had her twisted around and in a submissive position before she could even raise a blade to attack.
Kaida tried yanking her arms from the male twisting them behind her. To no avail. The flesh wound received earlier that day stretched under the strain and broke off a scab that had formed. Fresh blood seeped out and dampened the bandage. She let out a small groan and struggled now with only one arm.
The bandage caught the eye of the male. Though he held very little concern for her well-being, it did give him and idea. This young girl might just be of use to him.
“You bandage that yourself?” Voice slow and almost thoughtful. It held a dark edge that matched his appearance.
“One of the cops was nice enough to stop shooting at me and bandage my wound.” Kaida rolled her eyes and tried jerking away from him again. He merely tightened his hold.
“You’ll find that I’m a hell of a lot easier to live with if you cut the sarcasm while you’re ahead.” Again his voice sounded so calm, so meaningful. It was astounding how his eyes betrayed his feelings so. “Do enlighten me, child. You have any other experience in the medical field?” If one looked closely, they could see a spark in his right eye. Spark of interest? Amusement perhaps?
“3 years working community service as a nurse.” She answered in fear of the male, but not without gritted teeth. Whoever this prick was, he had a damn death-wish calling her “child” as if she were one. Again she pulled away from him, this time finding the ground getting a lot closer than before. She stuck out her arms to catch herself before she hit it. The young medic quickly snatched up her blades and turned to face him. The male merely smirked and stood straight with his hands behind his back.
“It’d be wise if you put those away, nurse. I just wish to speak with you.’ Convince her to join Stoneage as the medic would be more accurate. Kaida made no move to put away the blades she now held with a firmer grip. The male raised a brow. Slowly but surely, she slid them back into their cases. Anyway, should he get aggressive again, she could always put a bullet through his head. Hand slipped down to pat the gun hidden in her pocket. Though at the time, she had no idea who she was dealing with.
“Clever girl.” These words came out a mocking whisper. He walked to a large bundle of rubble and took a seat, gesturing for her to do the same. She followed his lead, though doubtfully. “I’m sure you’ve heard of, or seen actually, what the heads of The System have done to Zeshia. The removing of currency and giving everyone the same amount of credits each month. Everyone’s lives being monitored by people with no lives themselves.” He stopped to see if she held any interest to this. Kaida’s forehead wrinkled slightly as a glare passed firmly into her eyes.
“Yes. I’m aware.” Her voice was more a growl than anything. The only thing better than finding an unemployed medic on the run, was finding an unemployed medic on the run who despised The System.
“Then you must be aware of Stoneage. The group of people who publicly oppose The System?” He waited a second for her to show any sign of recognition. Kaida nodded, growing somewhat suspicious.
‘Now you have to make a choice, nurse….’
“For the love of God! I’ve a name you inconsiderate prick! Try asking it before you go calling me “nurse.” I’m not a nurse! I’m-“ She stopped when the male stood and bowed. He was very much mocking her and she knew it.
“My apologies, Ms….” He straightened up again with another well-placed smirk.
“Kaida…” Her own shock at the outburst left her in a small daze. One that she soon snapped out of. “And you are?” She caught his gaze.
You have a choice to make Kaida. Either join the Stoneage rebellion on our side….”He then pointed towards the city, “….or go back to the System.” She didn’t have choice. She’d seen him and now she was a threat to Stoneage.
“Stoneage.” Her answer came a second later. “But what use am I to you? I don’t even know who you are.” The male walked towards the center of the ruins with Kaida on his heel.
“You shall be our medic. We’re lacking one and you’re the closest thing to it. Plus your training in combat will be useful on the field.” He led her to an old beaten down warehouse. Kaida looked around with curiosity and another nagging feeling in her gut. This guy was avoiding letting go his identity. Though her fear of him had quelled, she did not fully trust him. He opened the door and ushered her inside.
The warehouse on the inside was amazing. Computers dotted the room she’ entered. A bed with a sink and cupboard rested in a corner of the room. A neat desk was nestled at the far side of the room across from them. A door leading to another room stood tall and barred. The man walked over to the desk and picked up a folder. Kaida merely stood looking around. When he returned to her side again, he handed her the folder and pointed to the side of the room with the bed and sink.
‘That will be your working quarters. We’re working on obtaining new beds. Living quarters is wherever that suits you inside the ruins. We’re living off little, so don’t expect room service. I’ll erase your file from the DPS database so you’re free to roam the city. Your picture was thankfully not put on file.” All the while he was talking, the young girl had walked to her area and sat absentmindedly on the bed.
“You still have not told me who you are, stranger.” Though by now, she had an idea. Stoneage. The desk. His assertiveness and knowledge of The System. It couldn’t be. He disappeared some years ago.
“Maxwell Conner. Leader of the Stoneage rebellion and soon to be known as deceased.” With a smug grin, he nodded towards the file in her hand. Max knew from the moment she had said she had medical experience that she could be the one to help him pull off his *death*. Kaida looked at the file and for a moment, wondered what she had gotten herself into.
The old place was trashed. Tables and stools lay on their sides, each covered in a thick blanket of dust. Used to worse, she sat at the one chair that still stood upright and pulled out a small bottle of rubbing alcohol and some Q-tips from the back pocket of her camouflaged cargo pants. Bright lights shone through the cracks between the poorly boarded windows allowing for some assistance in seeing what she was doing. Taking a q-tip, she dipped it in the liquid and applied it without hesitance. Her community service as an involuntary nurse paid of. It upped her level at what she wanted to become. Or actually, the only thing she had left to consider becoming. No job in the city would hire her now. Being paid to kill people sounded like a dream job at the present.
Though she used them a lot in the ward she worked in, she had no use for them in her own life. Band-aids were cute for children, but were a nuisance for anyone else. Especially for someone who was on the move 24/7. Bandages were much more useful and could be used more than once. Kaida pulled one out and wrapped the wound with the smallest one she had. Now, with that taken care of, she could make her way out of the city. And with any luck, they wouldn’t chase her. It was rumored, though only rumored, that a rebellious group called Stoneage hid amongst the ruins of Medias outside of the city. It was there that she would run. There that maybe she’d find refuge from the System.
A pounding on the door again brought the medic to her feet. The helicopter PA came on and she could hear the blades as if they were right above her. The blinding searchlight poured again through the boards, bringing her hands to cove her face. She hoped to god that there was a back door out of this place.
We have the front surrounded. Come out calmly, and no force will be used. Continue to cause disturbance, and we’ll send in a team.
“Come out calmly, my ass.” Kaida sneered at their attempts to talk to her. That was the System force for you. Talk first, shot later. Oh, and while we’re at it, get shot while trying to play peace maker. The pounding grew louder and harder. The dust flew off the wood as it crumpled under the force being used. Best not chance getting caught now. Quickly and silently, Kaida made her way to the back of the pub where a door to the alley stood unboarded and half open. Without hesitation, her gun was drawn and held firmly with both hands. She nudged the door open with the front of the gun and peered outside. Dumb arses. Why do they only ever cover the front? Kaida exited the building and ran around back…..where two officers stood waiting and watching.
One of them looked like he’s swallowed two full watermelons and was hungry for more. The other was a medium sized man who looked like he could piss his pants any moment. He was young. Her age maybe. The other was older, and probably charged with keeping watch of the younger officer. Both she could easily outrun. Sticking to the shadows cause by the fire-escape, she slid next to the wall and made her way around them. The helicopter PA was still going on and on about trying to reason with her while the main team had just entered the front of the pub. Light brown hair slid softly over her shoulder as she peeked around the corner to check for the clear. Four more officers were hurrying down the alley. “Damn…” She whispered softly to herself as she hurried back to the fire escape. The two cops already behind the building ran to meet the other four.
“No sign of her back here.” The old fat one spoke first. The younger officer merely nodded.
“She isn’t in the building either. The forward team raided the place. Only sign of her being in there is footprints in the dust. Leading out to the side alley. Do you think she could’ve…” As if they all thought the same thing, all six officers turned to catch Kaida climbing up the 2nd floor of the fire escape and all 6 drew their firearms at once. Though not one opened fire. One of the 4 leaned his head over to the side and spoke abruptly into a radio.
“Target has been sighted heading up the Fire Escape.” He kept his eyes on the ascending Kaida, whom by this time was on her way to the 4th level.
Understood, Sergeant. We’ll move above her position. Over and out. The voice on the other end of the radio came off overly loud, and it caught the fugitive’s attention. But by the time she got to a point that she could look down without slipping, they’d already had their guns aimed in her general direction and were trying to talk her out of being a criminal. The desire to knock them off one by one was great but her desire to make it to the ruins dominated it. Kaida made it to the top of the building where she was immediately greeted by the searchlight of the helicopter. As far as she could see, she was trapped.
*******
Off in the distance, hidden behind a roof access building, was a character of solemn thoughts and ambitions. He’d been watching the commotion with interest and a deep hope that the fugitive would not run for the ruins. Though the trigger-scared cops would not follow her in, he knew that DPS would. Latner and his little well-paid team of *dogs* would be all over this place. That was the last thing he needed at the moment.
Binoculars raised, he turned to check on the young girl’s present condition. Well, she hadn’t given in to their hopeless chatter yet so there might be hope for her after all. Twisting the focusing dial at the end of the binoculars, he noticed she had a gun drawn and was holding it behind her. Though whether or not she knew that the six cops from alley were behind her was beyond his far-reaching intelligence.
*******
Time ticked by as if tied down and chained up. Her impatience with the cops was indeed increasing with each passing breath. Fingers, though sweaty, tightened on the gun as she drew it around and aimed. Hell, if she were going to go down, she’d go down shooting the hell out of these bastards. The pilot had the audacity to look shocked. He knew she was armed but had no clue she was woman enough to actually use it. Despite his fear, he made no move to steer the copter away from her crosshairs.
The older cop, though overweight and slow, still had a silent edge to him. Kaida had not bee paying attention to the activity behind her. That’s why she let out a small *Ah!* when the chubby man grabbed her from behind and held her arms in place. The young medic twisted in whatever way she could but could not escape his grasp.
*******
Idle disappointment did not break his unemotional features. He’d rather liked it if she could have gotten away. A mental shrug as the binoculars were pocketed. Now that she was caught, he didn’t have to worry about her running out here for refuge. Like all other runaways and fugitives. They all ended up wither dead or became one of his *drones*. No loss what-so-ever on his part. He turned and started for the fire escape.
*******
In her mind, a wild beast had broken loose. The feel of someone else’s flesh touching her own sent a shiver across her mental wall. The knowledge that she’d been caught broke it. Hazel eyes flashed with a rage known only by those of her age when they didn’t get their way. Childish, yes. But when has a child ever gotten back by slicing the throat of the one who denied them their will?
The older officer passed her off o the younger one so he could tie her up. He hadn’t the energy to do that and hold her down at the same time. His over-weight lack of energy would cost him. Kaida twisted from the younger cop’s shivering grasp, unsheathed the knife at her waist, and held it firmly at his throat with his hands behind his back. Poor cop had actually let out a cry for help. No pity from the offending party. The other 5 cops aimed their firearms now with a serious expression spread about their faces. None of them had expected in the least for the co-pilot to open fire on all of them.
Kaida, out of instinct, dived out of the way. In doing so, she freed the young cop. Though a stray bullet had penetrated his leg so he didn’t get far. The young officer fell howling to the ground. Another officer ran to his aid as the fugitive dived off the roof and on hope’s wings, reached for the window pane of the neighboring building. As if acting on their own, her hands grasped a brink that jutted out from the side of the building. Not what she had intended to do but it worked either way. Kaida let go and twisted so she faced away from the wall when she landed. A sharp sting gnawed at her knee joints as she landed. They had taken abuse from the hit to the wall and now the drop to the ground. She did not complain, though she knew that they’d have her again if she did not move now. She sheathed the knife she’d been using before and headed for the ruins.
*******
Shots in the distance stopped the male from descending down the ladder any further. Either she had gotten loose, or they had killed her on spot. Knowing the cops as well as him, he had his bet on the first. Pulling himself up with one hand, he took out the binoculars with the other. A quick stride landed him back in his previous post. No sooner had he raised and set the binoculars than he saw cops gathered around a curled up body on top of the roof. Further zooming proved his earlier thought. The body, in no way, looked feminine. A smirk worked its way across his lips. She had gotten away. All be damned.
*******
Buildings shot by her as if she were the one rooted in one place. All the while, the medic kept a sharp look out for any more surprises from the Zeshia forces. By now they would have figured where she was going. Though they would have to actually FIND her first.
Kaida ran until she was sure that she was clear out of the city. She’d not have to worry about the cops anymore. Yet she did not know of Eric Latner then. She did not know that he and his team would come if he thought her a threat. Wishful thinking placed her as an unimportant fugitive. But then that was just wishful thinking.
*******
Damn it. The girl just had to run here, didn’t she? Stoneage’s area. HIS area. Face clear of all emotion, he pocketed the binoculars and quickly made his was down the fire escape. The intruder would have to be dealt with effectively and discreetly. Killing her would not work. He’d just have to deal with her his own way. He didn’t care how she had gotten away. All he cared about now was her not running into something he didn’t want her seeing until he’d dealt with her properly.
*******
Shivers went up and down her spine. Being watched could do that to anyone. It wasn’t just a feeling with her. It was a fact. Trusting her gut had gotten her this far. Yet where the gazing eyes were coming from was beyond her. Kaida slid against the wall of a certain building, watching for anything that might wish to cause her harm.
*******
Foolish, this one. Assaulters didn’t just come from the front. This was fact commonly mis-used by women. None of them looked behind them. Almost made him want to go around and knock some damn sense into each and every female he’d seen do this. No matter now.
Slipping from behind his overcastted spot, he grabbed both her arms and twisted them behind her. While his other hand covered her mouth. The male pulled her back and loosened his grip. There was no one around to hear her if she did scream, but better not take any chanced, hmm?
As soon as his grip had loosened, she twisted and unsheathed two of her hidden blades. Though trained well, the male had years and experience on her. He had her twisted around and in a submissive position before she could even raise a blade to attack.
Kaida tried yanking her arms from the male twisting them behind her. To no avail. The flesh wound received earlier that day stretched under the strain and broke off a scab that had formed. Fresh blood seeped out and dampened the bandage. She let out a small groan and struggled now with only one arm.
The bandage caught the eye of the male. Though he held very little concern for her well-being, it did give him and idea. This young girl might just be of use to him.
“You bandage that yourself?” Voice slow and almost thoughtful. It held a dark edge that matched his appearance.
“One of the cops was nice enough to stop shooting at me and bandage my wound.” Kaida rolled her eyes and tried jerking away from him again. He merely tightened his hold.
“You’ll find that I’m a hell of a lot easier to live with if you cut the sarcasm while you’re ahead.” Again his voice sounded so calm, so meaningful. It was astounding how his eyes betrayed his feelings so. “Do enlighten me, child. You have any other experience in the medical field?” If one looked closely, they could see a spark in his right eye. Spark of interest? Amusement perhaps?
“3 years working community service as a nurse.” She answered in fear of the male, but not without gritted teeth. Whoever this prick was, he had a damn death-wish calling her “child” as if she were one. Again she pulled away from him, this time finding the ground getting a lot closer than before. She stuck out her arms to catch herself before she hit it. The young medic quickly snatched up her blades and turned to face him. The male merely smirked and stood straight with his hands behind his back.
“It’d be wise if you put those away, nurse. I just wish to speak with you.’ Convince her to join Stoneage as the medic would be more accurate. Kaida made no move to put away the blades she now held with a firmer grip. The male raised a brow. Slowly but surely, she slid them back into their cases. Anyway, should he get aggressive again, she could always put a bullet through his head. Hand slipped down to pat the gun hidden in her pocket. Though at the time, she had no idea who she was dealing with.
“Clever girl.” These words came out a mocking whisper. He walked to a large bundle of rubble and took a seat, gesturing for her to do the same. She followed his lead, though doubtfully. “I’m sure you’ve heard of, or seen actually, what the heads of The System have done to Zeshia. The removing of currency and giving everyone the same amount of credits each month. Everyone’s lives being monitored by people with no lives themselves.” He stopped to see if she held any interest to this. Kaida’s forehead wrinkled slightly as a glare passed firmly into her eyes.
“Yes. I’m aware.” Her voice was more a growl than anything. The only thing better than finding an unemployed medic on the run, was finding an unemployed medic on the run who despised The System.
“Then you must be aware of Stoneage. The group of people who publicly oppose The System?” He waited a second for her to show any sign of recognition. Kaida nodded, growing somewhat suspicious.
‘Now you have to make a choice, nurse….’
“For the love of God! I’ve a name you inconsiderate prick! Try asking it before you go calling me “nurse.” I’m not a nurse! I’m-“ She stopped when the male stood and bowed. He was very much mocking her and she knew it.
“My apologies, Ms….” He straightened up again with another well-placed smirk.
“Kaida…” Her own shock at the outburst left her in a small daze. One that she soon snapped out of. “And you are?” She caught his gaze.
You have a choice to make Kaida. Either join the Stoneage rebellion on our side….”He then pointed towards the city, “….or go back to the System.” She didn’t have choice. She’d seen him and now she was a threat to Stoneage.
“Stoneage.” Her answer came a second later. “But what use am I to you? I don’t even know who you are.” The male walked towards the center of the ruins with Kaida on his heel.
“You shall be our medic. We’re lacking one and you’re the closest thing to it. Plus your training in combat will be useful on the field.” He led her to an old beaten down warehouse. Kaida looked around with curiosity and another nagging feeling in her gut. This guy was avoiding letting go his identity. Though her fear of him had quelled, she did not fully trust him. He opened the door and ushered her inside.
The warehouse on the inside was amazing. Computers dotted the room she’ entered. A bed with a sink and cupboard rested in a corner of the room. A neat desk was nestled at the far side of the room across from them. A door leading to another room stood tall and barred. The man walked over to the desk and picked up a folder. Kaida merely stood looking around. When he returned to her side again, he handed her the folder and pointed to the side of the room with the bed and sink.
‘That will be your working quarters. We’re working on obtaining new beds. Living quarters is wherever that suits you inside the ruins. We’re living off little, so don’t expect room service. I’ll erase your file from the DPS database so you’re free to roam the city. Your picture was thankfully not put on file.” All the while he was talking, the young girl had walked to her area and sat absentmindedly on the bed.
“You still have not told me who you are, stranger.” Though by now, she had an idea. Stoneage. The desk. His assertiveness and knowledge of The System. It couldn’t be. He disappeared some years ago.
“Maxwell Conner. Leader of the Stoneage rebellion and soon to be known as deceased.” With a smug grin, he nodded towards the file in her hand. Max knew from the moment she had said she had medical experience that she could be the one to help him pull off his *death*. Kaida looked at the file and for a moment, wondered what she had gotten herself into.
