The Fourth Horseman

[Babe In Jello]

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
Revelation 6:8


The city lay in ruins, although she wasn’t even sure what it was called any more. It had a name once, of course, all cities did, but that time was long dead. Tanya had been young when it happened – painfully young. But her father assured her that it had been for her own good. Those who remembered the times of lavish prosperity said rock bottom felt even harder when you hit.

The sweat trickled down the nape of her neck as she surveyed the sun low in the sky. Shadows of the buildings seemed to stretch across the horizon forever, tattering the already ruined landscape with a sickly, bruised purple-blackness. It was a dead land, and yet, some had adapted. Some had survived, although flourishing was absolutely out of the question. No one was sure how many staggered aimlessly around. A million here, a million there. Although it was unimaginable without any viable form of reliable communication.

Pain was part of your everyday life. And Tanya saw it enough, had lived through it enough, to comes to grips with it. She even profited off of it...although not directly. Or so she had convinced herself.

Wiping the counter down with a damp cloth, she snagged her nail on one of the many cuts and grooves in the aging wood, cursing loudly into the dry silence of the bar room. Folding the cloth and pressing it to the back of her neck, she longed to sit like she had as a child in front of the refrigerator on those long summer days. Electricity was a coveted resource these days, so indicated by the yards of barbed wire that protected her generator. The lukewarm air from the fans would have to soothe her desires for the moment.

Sliding on her worn black leather boots, she splashed some water on her face, trailing her fingers across the mirror. Nineteen was supposed to be full of hope, not the jaded slightly sarcastic expression that looked back at her.

But her father, before he had been shot by his own brother over an argument about gambling debts, had taught her the importance of survival. She took that lesson, dug her claws into it, and refused to ever let it go.

Walking across the room, her blonde hair falling around her shoulders, she opened the door and flicked on the neon sign. The Fourth Horseman. Its eerie pink glow brought a new coldness to the sun beaten earth.

"Here come the vultures," Tanya murmered to herself.

For RG...but if anyone else is interested, PM either one of us, a little extra heat never hurt a story any....

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Rider...

*It was that familiar 'Potato-potato-potato' sound of a Harley Davidson, before it tore off again down the ruined streets...A Flurry of grey trench coat whipping out behind it. It grinded, groaned but then just went, taking him down the streets, he looked from side to side, seeing some frightened faces in the windows of buildings...he shook his head. Poor souls. He sent them his own version of a prayer, the warped silver cross changed into somthing like a sword with a sun rising behind it. His mother had owned it, he had been told, before the great change when everything went to hell in a handbasket. He finally petered to a stop in what had once been a cheerful square, and those penetrating blue eyes examined the destruction..he shook his head...wishing he could have seen it before this had happened...Tugging his coat back over his shoulders - wearing a plain black tee and rugged wearing Bluejeans. He combed back his semi-long dirty blonde hair with his fingers, and removed the riding Goggles...dust was prevailent, and if you werent careful, you could lose worse than eyesight....shaking off the momentary gloom, he pulled them back on and slow rode to the more habitable part of the city, where some semblence of humanity still lived. Luckily, gasoline was not terribly difficult to find if one was patient enough to look for it. And some mechanics had other ways of powering transportation, though some were pretty damn strange. He spotted a bar...<I>The Fourth Horseman</I> Cute. And the place seemed a damn hive for hte lower part of life. He needed to stop anyway...He pulled the bike into a yard..where he forked over a small wrapped bundle - which contained the only real currency these days. Electricity, specifically, a few AA Batteries. The man glanced inside, nodded*

Six Hours.

*he gruffly told the rider, and he nodded. Plenty of time, provided he didnt get into a fight or somthing worse. Heavy doc-martin boots thudded across the asphault and he approached the bar....the light chink of a gunbelt giving the only sign of how well he could take care of himself.*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

Tanya propped her feet up on the bar, feeling beneath the counter. She moved a few boxes of shotgun shells before finding the tattered novel she was looking for. Her stash was well hidden, the fastest moving merchandise up front where she could watch over her bar and get to it at the same time. The more exotic collection of weapons her father had gathered and bartered for around the globe was kept beneath her bed. Those interested in that would be forced to wait until she shut down for the night and she could escort them personally. It was a good system, really, because they inevitably bought a drink or two. She had the business sense, as well as marksmanship, of her father.

And dealing with a drunk bum is so much easier than dealing with a sober one.

Adjusting her position, she tugged her tanktop down over her low-cut jeans, covering the flat of her stomach. The book was without a cover, for good reason, for if the cretins – at least the literary ones – that inhabited this joint could read the title, they might get some ideas that weren’t already planted in their minds. It was a collection of erotic poetry…ranging from the sweet and sensual to the kinky and hardcore.

Her insatiable sex drive had been kick started when she was sixteen by her first – and to this date – only boyfriend. He had left her over a year ago when certain people decided that her business was not profitable for them. She never knew if he had been bribed or threatened. But either way, she was left with a yawning chasm of desire that she yearned to fill.

Licking her finger to turn the dog-eared page, Tanya looked towards the door as it opened, letting in a fresh wave of heat from the outdoors and a roughly cut blonde.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Rider

*The man glanced around..reasonably empty. He didnt expect much else. A Bar and (as he could tell from a certain lingering smell of gunpowder) a place that sold weapons as well. Well he could stock up on ammo, if nothing else here...The man had the look fo someone who had seen the roughest edge of life. He was whipcord and Bone, very lean, But it looked good on him, making him almost look like a hungry - and very dangerous - wolf. This was not someone one wanted to get into any fight - fist or gun - with at any costs. Pushing back the rakish dirty blond hair, he moved in..amazingly quiet on the wooden floorboards...over to the bar...he examined the lady behind it, and immediately decided not to cross her in any way. He had a feeling she might try somthing nasty if he did. The place was quiet, but not the sort of quiet that preceeds a disaster...But he kept his eyes over his shoulder...never knew what punk might decide to go for broke and rob a place like this with a machine gun looted from some old law station or military depot. For all the world, he almsot looked like somthing out of the old west. Minus a badge. THIS guy was a Sherriff, and he knew it *

Hello.

*He remarked in his curious, light voice. It had road dust on it, but who's didnt these days? His only visable fault was a thin scar that traced down his cheek to his neck in a curve, as if someone had tried to slit his throat - and nearly succeeded, but it only succeeded in making him look stronger..*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

She had again let herself drift away from reality and into the world of her dreams. A dangerous thing to do, especially with the typed that frequented her little corner of the world. The man’s husky voice startled her, but she caught her reaction and forced herself not to jump. Instead she assumed a bored expression that she let fall over the top of her book and onto the face of the man addressing her.

Clearing her throat with a silky sound, Tanya nodded in his direction.

“Hello yourself.”

She smiled to herself as he took in his surroundings, appraising the exits carefully, examining the scattered customers…and all in one broad glance.

“Looking for something?” she questioned lightly. It was never a smart move to push to hard into a stranger’s business. They were frequently defensive to the point of being violent. This was no longer a time of friendly chitchat exchanged between two people.

Uncrossing her legs and hopping down from the stool, she pushed it to the side and picked up her own water glass. Letting her lips rest on the rim, she played her fingers over the curves of the cup, waiting for his answer.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Rider

Possibly.

*it was a dangerous question indeed for someone who did what he did. There werent many of them...and no one thought they were anything but rumor. Which suited him*

Ammunition, Information, and somthing that isnt battery acid.

*he listed off, as quickly and efficently as a clerk...His voice seemed perminantly low, as if he expected listeners from every corner..Which, it was possible that he might...*

And Fuel.

*What the hell. It wouldnt hurt to ask where he could get a fill up. He watched her beneath somewhat lidded eyes...She was fairly good looking. Abstract for someone who had never engaged in that particular practice, but he still liked the look of her. The preditor recognizes one of his own kind.. he thought a little cynically. But smiled just a little anyway. It didnt hurt to be civil. Considering she probably delt with the lowest scum every day of her life..*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

A smile. Something she hadn’t expected. The requests she had, however, anticipated.

“Well I think I can help you in more than a few of those areas. But then again, you’re going to have to help me out here.”

Tanya paused, sipping from the glass and raking her hair away from her face. She found it hard to meet his eyes, he made her uneasy, a slight tingle in the base of her spine, the most basic reactions to a predator.

She was supremely proud of the fact that she alone controlled her destiny. Staying alive was not something to be scoffed at in these times. Women had practically no place in society, and were used for sex and the occasional meal. It was rumored that some cultures had resorted to cannibalism with the soil ruined and the ground unfertile. She wasn’t sure she wanted to believe these, but nevertheless, they felt true. And if something major didn’t change in the next few years, it was quite possible that cities like the one she inhabited would follow suit.

Unnerved by the fact someone intimidated her, Tanya snapped back at him as efficiently as his own list was spat out.

“I need to know what you carry, what you want to know, and what your poison will be tonight.”

She considered him for a moment.

“And as for the fuel, to most people I’d say you’re shit outta luck. But I have connections, if you can spark my interest.”

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Rider..

For the first..

*It was a movement that only a similarly skilled gunslinger - like her - could see coming, he drew in a flash of lightning, and set down the Six shooter.A Colt Single action Army. Considered by many to be the most powerful handgun ever made...it gleamed with slightly tarnished chrome..but was still beautiful, he held it out for her to tell the make and model...50. Caliber bullets. The kind that could take off heads..*

For the second, I need to know who most folks get basic day to day things from, and who runs the really underground stuff.

*That wasnt an unusual request - if it was one that could quickly prove dangerous to ones health....Especially for the underground. That was the trade in hard drugs, slaves, and worse some said. He knew she had had a time of survivng. The fact was, though no one wanted to admit it, things were better than they had been 16 some odd years ago. Things had started to stabalize, and from what He had heard, some folks were even starting to make contact with others. Gangs were still seriously prevailent, and food was scarce, But things did seem on the rise for the world in general, so long as the whole damn thing didnt fall apart again..*

And Third, Whisky. Preferably somthing half decent.

*he paused himself, studying her..*

And what might catch your intrest?

*He always kept a stash of odd items he came across...books, equipment he had no use for, other amenities that wouldnt go bad in any harsh conditions. Paper and writing utensils for instance...he wondered if he'd have to broach it to get a full tank for when he pulled out of here..*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

Tanya eyed his piece…the one on the counter, that is…running her finger lightly over it.

“The dark stranger has some class,” she said with a nod of approval, “not a bad choice at all. That request will be no problem.”

She turned sideways to select a bottle off the top shelf, a practiced gesture that never gave her back fully to him. He noticed the movement, she was sure, but she didn’t mind letting him know she was careful. Over-confidence was a dangerous personality trait.

“Glencadam, 86 proof, just enough to wash away the dust and give a jump start to your night.” She tipped the bottle into his glass, catching the few drops off the rim and licking them from her finger tips.

“Information, eh? I assume this is not just to feed your hunger for learning. I can give you names if you want names, I can even give your temporary addresses. The dens where the nocturnal ones spend their days. But much more than that, the what and the when, is walking a dangerous line.”

Setting the bottle back gently on the shelf, she hopped back up on her stool, once again in the dominant upper position. She felt better already.

“And what is it, may I inquire, that you’re offering?”

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He hooked a chair over and sat down, the gun going slowly back into it's holster near his side..a Threepersons styled one, great for the fast draw....He fixed his coat, and took the alchohol in hand, peering over the rim of the glass as he considered her remarks...All that information? She must be VERY Well connected. All of that info would be worth knowing...It would make his 'job' here easier, less dangerous..enough so that with some luck, he could have most of the scum he wanted gone, cleared out within a few weeks, would be very good indeed....He decided, while thinking over her offer of information....that he'd stick to fuel for the moment, he glanced around..well, lets get the obvious on the table..*

Books...odd gadgets...Assorted baubles...A Little of this, a little of that...Anything you might be looking for in particular?

*It didnt hurt to ask it, and might get him to know what he could use to get all he needed from her...He took a sip of the whisky, and swollowed without so much as a wince or a flinch. He'd had stronger in his time. But this did nicely for the moment...He was thinking, obviously, on the information issue..*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

Tanya glanced towards the man leaning on the end of the bar. He was one of her few regulars – most just drifted by, stopping in for a night or two and then traveling on. He was also a skirt chaser, and had been known to pick a fight or two with men she seemed to languish over too long. He seemed distracted by the mirror facing him though, perhaps studying his own reflection and wondering what in God’s name had brought him to such a run-down state.

Books...odd gadgets...Assorted baubles...A Little of this, a little of that...Anything you might be looking for in particular?

Turning her attention back to the newcomer, she tilted her head at the mention of books.

“I’m somewhat of a collector of novels – but they seem to be becoming scarcer daily. Other than that, I’ve been on the lookout for replacement valves.” She paused a moment at his confusion before realizing her British influence was showing through, “Vacuum tubes, sorry. For my radio. Other than that, I wouldn’t mind restocking on the regulars – soap, shampoo. Seeds if you have any. I’ve been looking for an inflatable mattress since I don’t know when. And I’ve got a craving for chocolate, although I’ve been told that’s about as likely as a sudden comeback of the stock market.”

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*he also made a note of the man..wondering if he would make trouble before he got what he needed...If he did, he wouldnt be walking out of here on his own two feet. It'd been in a box made of somthing or other. He turned his attention to the bargaining table...he considered that...well, he did have an old radio she might be able to use...books he had plenty of. As for the last commodity.....well, she wasnt far wrong, But there were some stores he didnt tell -anyone- about in public....*

Books I can show you what I have...I might have a Radio I salvaged you could use. As for regular things, well, odds are good I plan to stock up on those before I leave..and dont say it's not likely. You would be amazed the places people overlook.

*Like the one he found his bike in, he thought very privately...That had been one commodity some folks would sell their families for. And had, in the past...He considered the whisky again, and took another draw on the glass, letting this stuff linger for a little while he considered what he might be able to wrangle out of her..*

Seeds I have, and dont have any use for them.

*Those were rare, but not overly...seeds kept very well, even today, and a few judicious raiding of abandoned garden stores had managed to give him other currency than the batteries....He considered the man again, he got an itch behind his eyes. The guy was going to make trouble if he wasnt careful. He grimaced inwardly at the thought of putting a bullet through his head, but he didnt seem the type htat would stop for anything less..He turned his full attention to the woman before him. Deciding for the moment, to ignore the man. If he did somthing stupid, it would be handled circumspectly.*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

Things were starting to slow down – in the world today, “happy hour” was no longer the all night affair it had once been. Dusk was the only busy time – dark enough to provide an adequate sense of anonymity, yet not the heavy blackness that became the playground of the predators. By the time Tanya and her newfound barter-buddy had finished discussing produce and farming techniques, the room had all but emptied.

A sharp-tongued Get Out took care of the couple that was getting friendly in the corner. As they went scurrying to the door, she glanced at the ruffian all but passed out at the end of the counter, his head tilted ungracefully against the wall. He was obviously going to need a bit more convincing than the slap on the hand that the other two had received.

Silently taking her Sig p232 from beneath the counter, Tanya slid it into the worn black leather of her boot which happened to be nicely custom-tailored to her own design.

Walking over to the remaining patron, she stood over him, arms crossed in indecision about how to most tactfully handle this situation. He shifted sluggishly in what she assumed was his alcohol-spiked sleep, but then moved with the speed and agility no drunk should posses. When he grabbed her hair, pulling her hard enough against the bar to make her lose her breath, she let out a small scream.

Regaining her senses, Tanya reacted territorially, sinking her nails into his arm and ripping it away from her. Staggering backwards, off balance, she fumbled for her weapon even as she fell to the floor…

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Rider

*It seemed like an instant, suddenly she fell back, groping for her gun..and the man looked ready to pounce on her...He Pushed off the stool as time slowed down all around them...The man wasnt going to let her grab at the weapon....gripping her arm as he savagely tried to pull her over the bar...The Rider didnt waste time trying to decide ethics or the safety of the situation...With a speed any gunslinger would envy, and the percision of the Old West Legend, Doc Holliday. He drew the gun that won the west - The Colt Single Action Army - and fired..*

*With a sound like a cannon going off in the room, The Gun, for all of it's formidable recoil, barely moved, as the bullet screamed down the chamber, and delivered a final vengance right between the maddened eyes of the drunk....The rider had taken the shot sideways, like somthing out of an action movie, but it was as accurate as nothing else in the world could be. The blue eyes staring coldly down the barrel, as the bullet connected, with enough force to break his neck along with the gaping hole where his forehead had been, sending the man rocketing from the bar to crash into the floor in a heap as time sped up again, leaving him standing there, the gun smoking faintly, as he pulled it back, blew the smoke away as cooly as if he did things like that every day..*

I knew that bastard would make trouble.

*He commented into the uncomfortable silence that followed..*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

Her ears ringing from the shot, Tanya rolled over on her side, ignoring the hand he stretched across the bar for her benefit. Getting lightly to her feat, she grimaced, holding her side and trying not to let it show. Barely glancing at the body sprawled across the wooden slats of the floor, she grabbed the gray rag and began wiping up the blood. She had learned from experience to clean it up while it was still fresh, or it was hell to get off. And a bloody bar enticed a few of the wackos…but it wasn’t exactly a precedent she wanted to set for the rest of her clientele.

“You make a helluva mess.” Tanya stated simply. It took him a moment to realize she was only kidding with the amount of ferocity she put into that statement.

Grabbing his glass, she poured a sip of whiskey for herself and knocked it back. All members of the new world had to deal with death on a day-to-day basis, but she still didn’t enjoy it. Unless it was her own handiwork, she thought, but attempted to quash the thoughts before they could bubble up within her.

She admitted to herself, she did like the feel of a hunt and kill. It hadn’t always been like that…only within the last few months. But instead of the mere pleasure of being able to breath without watching ones back, she took joy in the actual process of killing as well.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Rider

*He stared at the body, Gun still up, He walked over to where it was, Clicking open the gun, he removed the used bullet shell..Sliding a new one into it, he clacked shut the six shooter and Reholstered it..*

What was his name?

*It was as bland as any inquiry he had made so far...he gripped the still semi-hot shell in his hand as he turned back to the bar and went for a seat...taking it quickly...He was still as quiet as before, Setting the empty shell on the counter, he removed what looked like a worn swiss army knife, and looked up, waiting for her awanser to that...There was somthing else behind his eyes, as if he was thinking about his reaction to danger right next to him*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

There was something so incredibly raw about a man holding a gun that made her hot. Tanya acknowledged the fact that she knew nothing of this man’s background, nothing of his intentions, nothing of his purpose in life; but irrevocably, the sense of mystery and danger made him even more appealing.

Biting her lip, she looked at the heap of disheveled clothes that contained the corpse of a man. Oddly, it didn’t affect her in the way she knew it should. There was something strangely exhilarating in death.

“No clue. He followed me like a lost puppy, I guess I should have at least had the courtesy to find out his name…” she laughed callously, “too late now, I guess.”

Walking over to him, Tanya reached in his pockets, patting each one down from the outside before wriggling her fingers between the material. A small pocketknife that seemed strangely feminine for such an ogre to be carrying…the I.O.U. slips he carried to pay her with…a silver flask, almost empty…two hunks of beef jerky wrapped in cloth…and a few batteries that seemed like they had seen far better days.

Lining them up neatly on the counter, like a proud shop owner displaying his wares, she occupied herself with straightening them. Glancing at the bullet, and then at the man himself, she leaned towards him.

“Nice shot, by the way…” Tanya lowered her voice to a more confidential whisper, “…but don’t you just love to make the ones like that suffer somethings?”

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Rider

*He scraped a number into the shell....52, And he pulled a little pouch, opening it...Inside she could see what looked like bullet shells, each one engraved with something on it. He dropped it into the pouch, and stowed it away...He looked at for a moment, expression somewhat unreadable...Odd. He damn near agreed with her. Despite his...reservations..about killing anyone who was still somewhat sanely human, there were times...he shook his head..Another dead without a name. Another mark against his soul. If there was such a thing these days. He turned his attetnion back to her. She had what he needed. He wasnt about to ruin his chances by saying what he wanted to say, and shrugged his shoulders a little..*

I Dont like it when folks attack unprovoked.

*it was a statement, it could be taken a million different ways. She couldnt help him dead, and he had a soft spot for females who were surviving as somthing other than slaves these days. He shrugged his coat back over his shoulders...The little bag of shells like a weight on more than his pocket. Life sucked sometimes.*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

I Dont like it when folks attack unprovoked.

“Folks, eh?” Tanya laughed slightly, it wasn’t the only unusual strain of the English language she had heard him use tonight. “You’ve got an accent I’ve never heard…but I like it. A bit quaint, maybe, but very suiting.”

“You said you had to stock up before you leave – mind if I ask where you’re going?”

Somehow she felt much more talkative and outgoing since the passing of the man at the bar. It was like they were kin, sharing a kill together.

“I’m Tanya, by the way,” she offered him her hand. When he accepted it, she shivered at the energy in his grip, and the lingering warmth in his fingers from the recently fired gun. Holding his gaze, she dropped his right hand and picked up his left.

“No ring. Somehow that surprises me. I’m sure you could clean up into quite a gentleman if you tried – a family man even, if there’s such a thing left today.”

She crossed her legs, leaning her elbows back on the bar. The air through the boarded up windows was cooler and it played with her heated skin, sending a shiver down her spine. She cursed the attraction she felt for this man. Another long night in bed with no relief other than her fingers - or the best birthday present her boyfriend had ever bought her, a battery-powered vibrator...although that was a pleasure she limited herself to. AAs didnt exactly grow on trees.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

The Rider Revealed.

*Quaint Eh? He'd been called worse, he managed a smile when he shook her hand*

James. James Ness.

*The last name had historical significance, but he wasnt going to elucidate on it. He watched her for a moment...Strange girl. Even as far as women went, she was strange. He seemed to think over her question. He settled, no longer worried about trouble now that it had happened..*

As for where Im going...Im not sure. I tend to gravitate towards where Im needed the most.

*And when I get there, he didnt add, I Take care of my business, and leave behind a town in much better shape than when I had arrived. Street gangs dead, Thugs ran out of town, crimes avenged and Supplies that were hard to get given out to the right people. It wasnt much, true. But every little bit made a difference. For every dozen idiotic thugs that ran the streets, there were those folks like him who wandered the ways of the world, doing what good they could, where they could. He resettled his seat, feeling a twinge of desire that he had not felt for years...damnit. Why now? He hadnt even gotten anything done yet...He -looked- at her again...well, he admitted. She was pretty good looking. Tough. If a little..rough minded was a polite way of putting it.*

Maybe there are troubles here I can do somthing about.

*It wouldnt surprise him, the big-city ruins always had somthing he could do...weather exterminating night-fiends or knocking back the gangs...He had the skill to do it. When she commented on his lack of ring, He Damn near started, but didnt, managing to maintain his cool. Damnit, why were the good looking ones always commenting on that.*

As you can see..

*And he nodded to the corpse not 15 feet away from him..*

I tend to attract trouble. I havent found the female who would stand for dead bodies on the kitchen floor.

*He said, in a dry tone, making something of a joke out of it*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

“I’m used to it, trust me. Except its usually my own handiwork that lands ‘um there.”

Tanya glanced nervously towards the door. Daniel would be here any minute, and she had a feeling that tensions would mount if James and he collided. Weapons weren't her only night-job…she routinely aided in Daniels little enterprise. And it just seemed like the kind of thing James would be completely against.

James was one of the few left with old-world morals. You could sense it in his demeanor, even if he did have the cold, calloused look of someone used to dealing with the necessities of staying alive. He didn’t enjoy killing, but he did it with a swift brutality that she could admire. In spite of it all, justice lingered in his eyes. He was a Sheriff, he wanted to put a town under his thumb, to dictate right and wrong.

These were usually the types she despised.

Tanya relished her freedom…it was what made her, her. She wasn’t sure how people of the past thrived under strict control of an organized government. That word alone made her shutter.

Daniel and Tanya had a casual business relationship. Each profited off the other’s strengths. She had the room and supplies to keep the women – and the occasional man. He had the connections to the kinds of people who indulged in the slave trade. Even in this world of anarchy, such practices remained an underground enterprise. Objections to it were loudly voiced by some, and it could be dangerous if you were found in connection to such an organization.

But the profits were good.

It was amazing, really, how the end of the world seemed to increase people’s sex drives by a 10-fold. Perhaps fornication was the only low-tech worthy pleasure activity worth indulging in, since TV, the Internet, and movies were practically forgotten joys of the past.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*James watched her go through her Ruminations...an itch on the back of his neck told him that it would get really uncomfortable for him to be here much longer...he glanced over his shoulder...towards the currently empty door*

Business?

*he asked, lowly. Combing a hand through his hair, as he watched her out of the corner of one eye...she was a dangeorus one. He had no doubt she had a few dozen side businesses he might not neccisarily like. But she, in comparison with some of the folks he ran against, was small potatoes. Unless she was some hidden ringleader. But those folks were usually a hell of a lot more affluent. Still...There were the oddballs.*

If it's somthing...under the table...I've got to find a spot to hang my hat anyway. I'll be in town a while it seems..

*For more than one reason. She had caught his hard-to-get intrest, and that was more than enough reason to hang around for a while. Besides, with luck he could do a great deal of good without getting into too much trouble for it...*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

“No, stick around,” Tanya blurted out, as much to her own surprise as his. She bit her lip once she said it, wondering if there was any way to take it back. Deciding to take the tactful route, she plunged on headfirst.

“You don’t want to be out there at this time of night, I don’t care how good of a shot you are. There’s more trouble than even the bullets in my supply could take care of. Especially around here. I mean, the middle-of-nowhere, and the inner-city where you can actually find people in numbers is doable alone. But not on the fringe.”

She studied his unconvinced countenance.

“Besides, its easier for me to talk in the dark. It doesn’t feel like it usually does – like the walls have ears.”

Downing the last of her water, she walked around the room, pushing in chairs and extinguishing candles.

“And if you don’t believe me about htat – if you think you’re enough of a big boy to take care of yourself no matter what – you’re a fool. But I’ll try to convince you through bribery. Theres three rooms upstairs that I used to rent out before strangers became so dangerous. Two have beds. And if I’m feeling generous, I may even let you use my shower.”

She regretted mentioning the last part – the plumbing indoors indicated some amount of her wealth. Not that she was by any means set for life, but there was a substantial amount tucked away that she didn’t like anyone knowing about.

Not waiting for his reply, spooked by the ghost footsteps she kept thinking she heard outside the door, she gestured for him to follow her up the stairs.

“C’mon. If it doesn’t meet with your 5-star tastes, you’re welcome to leave.”

 

[Roland Gilliad]

James Ness

*he snorted in derision at that comment. Five star tastes indeed! He followed her, giving the still body a kick as he passed it. Bastard. Sometimes, he wondered at the world. He kept an eye on his back though, watching the shadows as warily as anyone..He Focused his thoughts as well*

So, why stay on the fringe anyway? I know you're tough, but most folks tend to migrate inwards.. Better for business Generally.

*he was making small talk, and keeping a fresh mind on the place...never knew when you might have to make a run for it...He watched her as she moved. Damn but if she didnt really test his self control..*

 

[Babe In Jello]

Tanya

James’s eyes felt like shards of ice slowly scraping down her spine as she took the stairs two at a time, the stretch of her long legs feeling good after a night of sitting and standing. Not that it was a completely unpleasant feeling. Just unexpected…yet not entirely unwelcome.

“I have friends,” she replied cryptically, not elucidating any further despite his patience silence.

Taking a key from around her neck, she unlocked a door on either side of the hall.

“Take your pick. I assume you wanted one with a bed. I have some personal matters to attend to, I hope you can follow simple instructions.”

She swung the strap of black leather around her finger, the silver key glittering dimly in the faint candle light coming from the bottom of the stairs.

“…wouldn’t wanna have to lock you up like the rest.”

Turning, her body pressing against his momentarily as she artfully maneuvered around him in the small hall space, she left him wondering whether it was another attempt at humor or a little bit of the truth she was hinting at.