Necroes

Magik Ther Was

'European mix, class 5, three hundred meters. American, class 5, five hundred meters. American, class 4, nine hundred meters. French, class 5, three hundred meters. American, class 5, four hundred meters. Russian, class 3... one mile. American, class 5, four hundred meters.'

Smith ticked this information off as each new person drew near, using his rings reaction as the basic gauge for their power level, based on a rating-system a previous owner had devised. The smaller the number, the more potent the mage. It wasn't a perfect system, as it didn't take into account anything more than the rings reaction, but between that and the general feel Smith got from the person, he felt reasonably certain he had accurately ascertained their respective kill-zones. Need be, that would be the distance he'd take a shot from. Most of them were low priority, and shouldn't need as much range-the class three was probably a huge overestimate, but something about Russians always made Smith weary-but he preferred to play it safe with magic. So far, nothing too dangerous, and none of them were likely his boss. The only weird thing was how many there were.

Then everything went quite.

He looked American, from about fifty years ago and halfway across the country, but that was obviously a disguise. Whoever this was, he was a class 2, and that meant nothing less than a one-mile kill zone, with inquisition rounds. So, the boss had showed up, and he was wearing business-casual. That never meant good things. With the looks of the rest of what Smith had reason to believe was his 'team,' it meant that he was likely about to be sent on a suicide run, or a test drive. Amazing how similar the two tended to be, though the latter somehow had the higher mortality rate. Considering the spell he threw up to give them privacy, though, things leaned more towards the test drive. No need to hide information if the group's expected chance of survival is zero anyway.

Folding the paper and getting to his feet, Smith stood up, looking around. In his leather overcoat and business suit, he tended to cut an intimidating pose when he wanted to, and being the biggest one there, it was unlikely he wouldn't draw attention. But, just in case, he thought it best to make sure he had the spot light. Looking over at the man dressed like a hick, he shakes his head, shrugging. "Not a very bright lot, are they? Некоторые компании исключены , конечно." The last was directed specifically at the Russian. From the look of him, if nothing else, he looked to have a weapon, and again, Smith had a healthy respect for the race of people who embraced the 'scorched-earth' strategy as their primary defense.

"First off, let's get some things straight. I don't come cheap. My usual fee is six digits, minimum, and the first one better be at least a three. That said, I don't work with amateurs. I don't know what you're planning, but two of these kids look like they should be in college, and one of them looks like she actually Is. Also, I don't know how long you've been out of the loop, but your disguise is about fifty years out of date... Or were you going for Huckleberry Finn impersonator? Oh, and one more thing. Who was on the phone? Yea, I saw you talking to someone as you walked up. Someone we should know about?"

The last part was a bit of a stretch. A normal client wouldn't answer, and would probably take offence to the question. Private matters were private, and a hired hand wasn't meant to know about them unless it was deemed necessary by the check writer. However, this guy looked like he was less than normal. Throwing him off would help with the haggling, and if there was a team involved, there were other important matters he would need the benefit for. If Smith was lucky, he'd get an actual answer, and be on his first step to figuring out the larger picture. Just because it wasn't his job to know didn't mean knowing was a bad thing, especially when it kept him alive.

Magik Ther Was

And yes, this new site IS bad about double posts.

Magik Ther Was

If no one else is going to reply for a while, I think I'll just go ahead and post my reply... Though, it may not be until tomorrow. Depending on whether or not a friend shows up when he's supposed to.

Magik Ther Was

As soon as I hear back from Kiss, and everyone posts, I'll be sure to point the conversation in the right direction. Takes a lot of magic talent to do something like that, so regardless of looks, guy has to be packin.

Magik Ther Was

I really don't mind one way or the other. If someone else wants to post, I'd be fine with that. Honestly, I'm kind of interested to see how everyone else reacts to this latest development.

Magik Ther Was

Wow... Kiss, I admit, I did not expect Bubba-Gump.

So, my turn again?

Magik Ther Was

Personally, I always thought that tsundere was an archetype that was created for the purposes of lame jokes. After all, I've never met any one who's actually like that, and never come across anything close to it outside of Japanese anime. At best, I've known a few girls to play hard to get, but that's as far as it goes. But, then again, that's probably true of any comedic archetype.

So, Kissshot, oh intrepid leader our's, when should we expect our benefactor to make his dramatic appearance? And by that, I mean, you do realize everyone has posted, right?

Magik Ther Was

Yea, it doesn't help that I rarely play females. It's a cycle.

I don't play females because I'm not good at playing females. I'm not good at playing females because I never play females. Etc., etc.

It's kind of annoying, really. I honestly wonder if I'm actually bad, or if I'm just too harsh a critic of myself. I mean, the only thing I have to compare myself to is published authors, so... it may actually be the second one, come to think of it.

Magik Ther Was

Sneaky? I was just hoping one of the girls was a guy. I've been wanting some tips on how to play the opposite gender. My female characters always come across as over the top, or gender neutral. I just can't get down subtle femininity.

Magik Ther Was

Show of hands, who shares their gender with their character? Just curious.

*raises hand*