[center] [color=00aeef][b]Brandy Brooks – Ace’s Diner[/b][/color][/center]


The tall blonde blinked. "Ah -- oh. Thanks. I'm Richter," she replied, "[i]Frieda[/i], I mean. Frieda Richter." She took Brandy's offered hand and shook it, “Are you sure?” Brandy smiled politely so Frieda knew she was serious, “You’re a [i]lifesaver[/i], Brandy.”

Brandy watch Frieda quickly exit the diner and rummaging through her pockets for something to light a cigarette. Barney cleared his throat, “Yeah...Umm...that should be more than enough…”

“Oh thank you Barney,” she went to address Ace but he was already heading down to the cellar. Lorelei had left with Steve, another new face in town. Brandy watched with curiosity until a thud broke her stare.

“Here’s some radstag, hope it’s enough for you… I also have some molerat, if you like.” Ace said to Rook as he placed the meat on a table close to him. He turned to Brandy with a smirk, “I’m sure I could find a task or two for you to do...”

“Thank you [i]sooo[/i] much, anything you want I’ll help with, “Brandy looked at Rook then to Ace.

Barney groaned, “Hey Romeo, another shot of whiskey over here.” Ace winked at her as he turned to grab a whiskey bottle to serve Barney. 

Instantly Brandy’s cheeks felt like they were burning as she blushed, “W...I...oh n…” She quickly turned away flustered at Ace’s insinuation, which was his nature but it was still embarrassing when she didn’t get it right away. 

Frieda had sat down at the bar and almost instantaneously Barney cried out, “Hey, Well if it isn’t Little Miss Trigger Happy, huh?” Frieda stared blankly at Barney, “Best you not shoot that gun in here, you’re liable to hurt someone innocent. Rook’s a bonafide payin’ customer.”

Brandy looked from Barney back to Frieda, who looked between Rook, Barney and herself, “Look, I’m not going to apologize for earlier. Anyone-” Frieda paused and looked at Brandy, “Well, most anyone would have done exactly what I did. White flag or otherwise. Besides, it was just a warning shot, too.”

Brandy furrowed her brow while looking at Frieda; she glanced at Rook then back, “What’s Barney talking about Frieda?” Barney looked at Frieda and egged her to tell with his eyes, “Di…did you shoot at Rook? Why? He had a white flag, that means he comes in peace, or in war means he surrendered.” Her mouth fell open slightly, “[i]Why[/i]? He just wants the same thing we all do, to live as peacefully as we can and build a community.” Her heart felt like it was sinking and it was written all over her face.