[color=lightgreen][center][h3][i][b]Day 1
The World's End Pub
Village of Pristupin, Libor Province
Republic of Polavia
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[b]Soundtrack: [url=https://pie.yt/?v=https://youtu.be/AhnZEmnuzgM?si=RHdssh5G__lG5cZ-&pieshare=1]Elton John- Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting[/url][/b]

Rowan had breathed easier once she crossed the border into Polavia but she pushed deeper into Polavia. She wanted to move away from the border. She decided to avoid the larger cities where it was more likely she would be recognized as they received news from other countries faster. She might be noticed in rural areas as well but it was less likely that the folks living in those areas would connect her to events happening in other countries so far away or care. She was careful to stick to roads traveled enough to have gas stations. She really did not care to try and carry the few possessions she had managed to take with her. She could and would rather sleep in her car than on the ground. Rowan had gone through boot camp and had been trained in survival and had slept on the ground and dealt with the ick of mud and insects that came from the great outdoors. That did not mean she liked it. Rowan appreciated and liked modern conveniences such as running water and electricity. She knew that being on the run would force her to deal with fewer luxuries that she was used to. [i]Damn Reactor! [/i]

She had been inside Polavia for a few days when she ran into another former Reactor agent. She had stopped in the small village of Pristupin in Libor Province. She had refilled the gas tank on her Mercedes and was seeking some food. She was hungry and she thought finding a pub or bar to get a bite to eat was a good idea. She could glean some information about what was happening in Polavia and how bad her situation really was. Did she just need to lie low for a while or was she here to stay? If she was here to stay, what kind of work could she find? It wasn’t much of a plan but it was a direction and a step towards a plan. She had been walking towards the entrance to the pub when she ran right into Borys. She recognized him as a former Reactor Agent. Reactor Teams had sometimes been on missions together and sometimes they ran into each other at headquarters. There was some competition and rivalry between the teams which each had their unique abilities and strengths. Rowan decided that there was some safety in numbers. A familiar face was a welcome surprise. They had exchanged greetings before agreeing to finish catching up inside. 

Rowan was dressed for traveling. She would have loved to break out her more fashionable clothes but she was on the run. She felt like she needed to be able to blend in to the locals or at least look like other tourists. She was wearing her combat boots, black skinny jeans, and a long flowy purple tank top. She had a backpack purse that looked high end designer in black leather with a shiny gold icon on the side. Her wand was inside with essentials. She had left her weapons and tactical gear in the car. Locked up in the trunk out of sight with a protection ward guarding her gear and valuables. Her dark red hair tumbled down the center of her head in a waterfall of loose curls that tumbled down her back. Her hair free from the tight braids she used when going into battle. It was her attempt at fitting in as a tourist instead of a mercenary. 

Borys had been sharing how bad the alcohol was here as they went through the door. She was disgusted by his description. Maybe this had not been such a good idea. Her own alcohol was probably much better quality but she didn’t have much with her until she found a new home base to set up in. As they walked through the door a loud angry feminine voice was yelling. 

[quote][i][color=fff200]"BORYS, KURWA! YOU DWARF MIDGET PRICK, YOU OWE ME A HUNDRED CROWNS, YOU CHEAP BASTARD!”[/color] [/i][/quote]

Rowan looked on in amusement as the dwarf was confronted by yet another former Reactor agent. She was highly amused as the woman grabbed his ear intent on taking him with her when the dwarf picked her up and carried her across the pub. Rowan followed along in the wake of them both. This might have been a good idea yet. She was surprised to be greeted by name. She had not thought her team had gotten as much exposure as others. She did recognize the man greeting her, Felix Lyons. His story had been the hottest rumor around Reactor for at least a month after it had happened. 

Felix greeted her and seemed to know who she was. [quote][color=fff200]"I think they may know each other, I can't recognise the language. You did a lot of chemical warfare related stuff in Reactor, it's....Rowan, right?"[/color][/quote]

Rowan nodded as she took a seat next to Felix Lyons. She kept her voice low enough not to carry in the loud tavern. She was still being cautious. You never knew who was looking for you and might be listening in. She was well aware that some witches had scrying ability. She didn’t think she attracted that kind of specialized attention yet but a little caution never hurt. 

[color=#39FF14]“Yes Rowan Morgana, Chemical Warfare Witch, former Omega Team lead.”[/color] She gave him a polite nod in greeting. 

Felix offered her a drink.[quote][color=fff200]"Vodka shot? That is Oksana, and I'm Felix."[/color] [/quote]

She decided it was probably best not to inhale. The smell from the drink might turn her stomach. She lifted the glass in salute and slammed the homebrewed vodka down. It burned going down and made her eyes water. She gasped and coughed as she wiped at her eyes. 

[color=#39FF14]“Holy Shit! That crap could be used as paint thinner!”[/color] 

She was oblivious that she had just insulted the bartender. She took a moment to recover from the nasty drink. She wasn’t so sure about food now. She hoped the food was better than their alcohol. She looked around the noisy pub and the people in their group. She recognized that there were more Reactor Agents there and she suddenly wondered why so many of them were here in Polavia at this little village in this particular pub. She then remembered the news and what was happening in the DSR. Reactor had been laying off agents and teams for a few months now. Just like herself many agents were fleeing as they were now wanted for war crimes or by numerous countries. It certainly explained why there were so many of them in Polavia but not what had drawn them all together at this particular time and place. Rowan had a gut feeling that other forces were at play. Maybe it was logical as she had followed the most likely path out of the DSR and kept off the main roads but kept to minor roads that would have what she needed as she made her way deeper into Polavia. 

Rowan waved down the waitress and put in an order for something more substantial than bread. She decided to try the loaded potato skins and asked for some wine hoping it would be better than the vodka. They sounded safe enough and at least there would be some protein from the cheese and bacon that was supposed to top them. 

Rowan looked around at all of them. [color=#39FF14]“I want to ask the obvious question. I know how I ended up here. Why are all of you here?”[/color]