Pilatus

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

@PrinceAlexus@baraquiel

I'm good with it. Post him over in the character tab.

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

Joel Nicolosi

Both men stopped mid conversation to look at Marlin strangely after her comment for them to “Leave off”.

“She thinks you’re arguing,” Tommy’s young bartender said not looking up from the glass she was polishing. “This is how they carry on all the time dear, they’re not serious, it’s mostly just noise.” She looked up to glance at Marlin, partly to drive home her point and partly to get a look at her competition. Women that could put up with Joel for more than a few seconds were a kind of rarity. She could tell this woman had some kind of interest in him or she would have already been gone, like the rest of them. “If they’re not going back and forth about that car, then it’s usually some form of bro-science or politics.”

“What she means,” Joel said cutting in, “Is that I’m usually right.”

“No,” the girl said grinning and placing one hand on her hip, “It means that you’re both equally full of shit.”

Tommy laughed, “Probably true.”

“Don’t you have some other work to be doing?” Joel said. He tipped his glass back and knocked down the rest of his Guiness in an impressive couple of gulps before plopping the glass back down on the bar. “I found another glass for you to clean.”

The girl rolled her eyes and swiped away his glass refilling it from the tap and sliding it back in front of him. “There ya go, don’t say I never did anything for you.”

“Well, it is kind of your job.” Joel said munching a bit of steak.

“So what’s the deal with the Gala?” Tommy asked trying to refocus the conversation. He had managed to keep Joel and the female members of his wait staff in separate beds for several years now, not that it was normally too difficult considering Joel’s moodiness. The man tended to drive away as many as he attracted. No, it was just too close a mix of business and pleasure. The restaurant was his business and the car was an extension thereof. Joel was his best friend, but also his business partner and he didn’t need him getting too cozy with his other employees. Joel knew the rules, but still liked to test the waters from time to time. He gave the girl a nod towards main floor to take care of some customers and turned back to Joel and Marlin.

@PrinceAlexus

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

<Snipped quote by Pilatus>

I see since you know where I'm at my name was wasn't called. ^.^

@Almalthia

Gotta keep track of you redheads.

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

Joel Nicolosi

“Oh there’s going to be a trophy,” Joel said continuing to look the model over, “You don’t have to worry about that.” He and Tommy gave one another an affirmative fist bump with the statement. He looked up momentarily to study the picture as she spoke, though he hardly looked at her plane. He was mostly looking at himself behind the wheel. While the car looked immaculate in the captured light. In the shadow of the cockpit, his orange helmet was only partially visible while she could be seen easily in the blown up detail of high-definition all the way down to her tied back blonde hair. He was becoming slightly annoyed at how she always had to get her little jabs in first, but he knew that she was just looking for a way to push his buttons. Maybe there was some form of childish interest she had in him, though he was too stubborn to embrace it. The petit young server who brought him the beer looked over at him, jealous of Marlin. Ah, so much easier, he thought glancing back over at her momentarily. “Yeah, it is worth something.” He said slyly turning back, “Reminds me of the day I beat you in that race.”

The growling from his empty stomach and her remembrance of their bet was a proper combination and delivered with good timing. The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The old saying came to mind even though she wasn’t delivering by her own preparation, but because she lost a bet. Well, gotta stick what she’s good at. He smirked a little at the thought. He took a long few sips at his Guiness and remembered it had been some time since he’d drank substantially- a talent for which he was also well known. Relaxing a little he gently turned the model on its base so that the rear was facing Marlin. “I put your new decals on today,” He said. “I put the Polar Star decal right here on the rear deck-lid,” He motioned over the back of the car and spoke with the utmost in pretend seriousness, “So that it would be at an angle you were used to looking at.”

Tommy shook his head and snickered, “Tell me you didn’t really do that?”

“I won’t say I didn’t.” Joel replied, “You scared of her aunt? Or sister, or whatever she was?”

“You are completely full of shit.” Tommy said.

“No, I put them where they’re supposed to go like a good boy,” Joel said, “Last thing we need is another butthurt woman running around here.”

@PrinceAlexus

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

Joel Nicolosi

Joel turned off into Footsteps and was often the case, found nowhere to park. So having no fear of Tommy calling for a tow, he did what he always did and parked the Jeep happily up on the curb. With the suspension flexed on the uneven terrain he slid right out and made his way across the parking lot. When he spotted Marlin's Land Rover he very deftly flipped her windshield wipers up as he proceeded inside.

The restaurant/bar was busy for a weeknight, but it was busy most all of the time. Televisions mounted everywhere were tuned to sports channels around the world and the walls were lined and framed with an equally diverse array of memorabilia and artifacts. The ambient noise was fairly high as the patrons attempted to carry on conversations against sports commentators and ambient music. Wearing his standard Matco Hoodie and shorts, he hadn't bothered to change before coming up. Placing the new decals on the car was light work and he rather enjoyed the meticulous nature of it. With the Brits now footing the bill for the race, he was much more free to concentrate on the car.

Someone recognized him and shouted, "Nicolosi!" A few howls and cheers went up and Joel gave a small wave as he approached the counter where Marlin and Tommy were chatting. It was nice having the support of the locals, but he was never really one for the limelight. He took his regular spot at the bar, ironically directly next to Marlin and started to reach over for the sound mixer to change the music off of whatever Grease, 50's doo-wap Tommy had playing, but stopped short as another song came up that he didn't mind.

One of Tommy's rather attractive servers came up and poured a Guiness, "The usual?" She asked and slid the glass infront of Joel. He answered with a light nod and a wink.

"What's the word?" Joel said turning toward Marlin and Tommy.

"Thunderbird," Tommy said with a grin. It was an inside joke. He turned and retrieved the box, placing it up on the counter.

"That it?" Joel asked.

"No, I just keep this big box back here waiting for you to come up and ask questions." Tommy said sarcastically. Joel smirked and gave him the finger. It felt slightly odd for him to be out interacting with people on a weekday while there was still daylight.

Tommy produced a razor blade and very carefully began cutting down the sides of the box. He let out an impressed whistle as he got a first look at what was inside. The sides folded over and he pulled away a large bundle of plastic wrap revealing a large scale model of the racecar.

Joel's face became more serious as he leaned up on the counter to study it carefully. Perfectionistic as he was, he scanned every minute detail, looking for an error or a blemish, but finding none. Every decal was placed correctly and even the white lettering on the tires was spot on. He shook his head and a rare glance of awe came over him. He looked up at Marlin and Tommy and gave a firm nod of satisfaction.

"That's not all," Tommy said. He ducked behind the counter and produced a large framed picture. It was the shot of Marlin's plane crossing over Joel in the car during their race, blown up in stunning color. "Not too bad, huh?" Tommy said, "One of the ramp guys took it and sent it to me. I think we'll put them both right here behind the bar."

@PrinceAlexus

Footsteps Soundtrack #1

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

@Dragonydas@CoolGoy02@Icepick@The1Rolling1Boy@Sola@Furiosa@ReusableSword@Silver Fox@Rabidporcupine@Robo27

Where you at?

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

SiobhanPaige

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Wednesday

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Location: Gym; Main Lobby

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Interacting With: Each other

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With her bag slung over shoulder, Paige crossed the main lobby at a moderate pace. She had other things on her mind and had become numb to those staring daggers at her red jersey. She figured getting Lupe's tether removed would be easy enough and once done, she knew he'd tell her anything she wanted to know. She just had to make him feel important, something his parents never did. There was officially a BOLO out for one of the Cuban's crew and the implications of that night were pretty strong for the Indian as well. She took the time to look into it Monday at the office. She had little care for anyone else and was pretty confident that if things got nasty, Lupe would toss them all under the bus. Then there was the matter of the Dellesantos Gang which was a slightly more complex web of assholes to unravel.

Her footsteps tread quietly across the carpeted floor and following the signs, she finally caught a glimpse of her destination though as she neared her eyes first locked on to flaming red hair that was hard to miss. It was the girl she'd only briefly met at the party wearing the Scarlet O'Hare dress. She gave a polite waive as she approached, but her eyes quickly cut to the side as she picked up the glance of Milo's pathetic girlfriend slinking away. At least she'd have a short walk to her parking spot Paige thought with a devilish smirk as she turned back to Sio.

“Hey Paige.” Siobhan smiled and walked up to her. “I'd ask if you wanted to grab a bite but I have no idea where any really good restaurants are.” Siobhan adjusts her bag pulling her shirt down since the bag caught it exposing skin and shrugs. “That is if you're not busy. I have some time in between classes.”

Siobhan is in a dark grey long sleeved shirt that clings but covers from neck to just below her pant line. She has black yoga pants on and black sneakers on.

Paige shrugged. Here in the light of morning through the lobby the difference in their age was more clear. Sio was a little taller, but Paige figured the girl couldn't be much over twenty, still having some of her teenage youth in her face. A thought crossed her mind and she weighed it against others as the girl spoke.

“I've got a better idea,” Paige replied. “How about you skip class and ride with me for a little while?” She said offering her tone as an innocent temptation. “I've got some rounds to make today, it'll be fun. Nothin’ too dangerous, I promise.”

Siobhan’s eyes widened as she quickly processed the information and grinned. “Sure. Why not? You only live once, right?” She opens the door to the parking lot for Paige to go through. “Rounds? You know, I never asked what your job was. What did I just agree to?”

@Almalthia@PrinceAlexus@aladdin_sane

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

Map is updated

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

Of anyone wants to chat to Victoria, she at the coffee pot working in a corner quietly.

@PrinceAlexus

While her man bleeds out.

Sol City [Modern Slice of Life] . (CHAPTER ONE COMPLETED!) . ARCHIVED

Paige Kennedy

Saturday Night

Paige eased the door open to her apartment. Inside only the dark shadows of moving boxes and a few pieces of furniture cast against the walls. She had a small essential oils dispenser that glowed in an array of colors as it wafted a scent of eucalyptus through the air. Beyond her high balcony, only the quiet dim of Old Harbor reflected against the river with the western lights of Riverside. Tired, she felt around for the light switch, but having only spent a few scant hours in her new “home” since landing in Sol City, she had no luck finding the panel. Using the gentle glowing light as a guide she eased along the wall, nearly to the kitchen area, before she tripped over an unexpected box on the floor. Cursing under her breath, she pulled herself up to the countertop and swatted a barely visible switch. When the light came on she could see it had actually been a stack of boxes fallen over. The top one burst open on impact and various trinkets and other random items spilled out across the floor.

She moved aside a few things, reminding herself that she needed to at least try to cut down on her cursing. Her dad was always on her case about it. She mumbled to herself, thinking about one of his Bible lectures when she happened across a photo that stopped her cold.

Diamond Stadium was the backdrop of the shot, home of the Delta City Diamonds, ironically the arch rival of Sol City’s Angels football squad. The sky was crisp blue as the stadium towered behind. In the background, the parking lot was full of tailgaters going about their pregame activities. In the foreground, leaned against a bright white Audi R8 convertible stood Ana, Paige and Milo between them. Paige remembered how she “won” the car to drive in an office pool until Asset Seizure auctioned it off. Once again to her father’s annoyance, she and Ana skipped out of church early to cruise across town and meet Milo at the game. The two of them had only been on a few dates then. She looked at Milo, noticeably leaner, he had his arm casually over Ana and his other behind Paige against the car. The two girls leaned in for the shot. All were smiling broadly. Wearing matching tops in the bright red team colors, Ana and Paige both gave the #1 sign from opposing sides of the frame.

Paige found herself sitting and looking at the photo. It was a different time. She told herself. A lot different. Milo was fun at first and her and Ana looked so carefree. Of course Ana would go on to have her world turned upside-down by him and Paige felt herself marred by the profession she had chosen. No. She told herself. It wasn’t a choice, it was a calling. She was doing what she was born to do. Still, she felt she was always being pulled into the dark. It wasn’t long before she was transferred that she and Ana had gone to see a psychic reader. Ana thought it would be good fun. Paige thought it was something they were only going to joke about and never actually do, but there they sat in a dimly lit boutique shop as an older woman smoked and read their palms.

“All I can see with you is the ocean, honey.” The woman said to Ana. “You’re future looks calm for now… just in motion, hard to see. My vision looks west though, which is a positive sign.”

Paige visibly rolled her eyes before the older woman snatched her hand like lightning and rubbed her thumb over her palm, “You though…” She said taking a long drag from her cigarette, tone becoming grim, “I felt you when you turned on the street, missy.” Paige cocked her eyebrow in response and tried to pull her hand away, but the old lady held on defiantly. Ana looked on growing slightly concerned, “No,” The woman continued coldly, “Death is all around you…” She leaned back with her eyes closed and exhaled a cloud of smoke, “You’re looking for someone…” She said tilting her gaze back down. “You’re going to find them… but it’s going to cost you.” About two weeks later, Paige shot and killed a notorious gun runner and criminal pointman that the Marshal Service had been after for some time at the Delta Bay shipping yards.

Returning to the present moment, Paige found herself shaking her head lightly and slipping the photo gently back into the box before she quietly went to bed.

Wednesday Morning

Stepping down from the stair machine, Paige checked the time from the clock on the wall. There was no morning meeting on Wednesdays, so she’d decided to get her workout in early before going in and surprisingly the Luna Sports Facility again offered everything needed, and some. With the neat little golf venue, it was turning into her favorite place in Sol City. Not as good as Delta of course, she mused with a smirk, but acceptably close. The massive room was dedicated completely to cardio and cable training equipment while the adjoining addition, nearly as big, was filled with free-weights, racks and benches. The gym was busy and the sound of machines humming, plates clanking and various morning news programs filled the air from ceiling mounted televisions. Ambient light-pop music that was tame enough for everyone pumped through the speaker system.

With her earbuds in, Paige heard none of it and she casually observed the morning workout rush as she moved across the large room to finish up with some stretches. She likewise noticed she had a few observers of her own, but many looked on her with a narrow glance. Wearing a Delta Diamonds jersey-shirt she had cut up into a workout top gave the loyal Angels fans a very noticeable pang of irritation as wearing the sworn enemy’s colors in the home team’s gym equated to some form of sports sacrilege. Her hair was up. She had a black, form fitting top underneath that left her midsection exposed under the Delta jersey and leggings with a low top pair of Converse sneakers that matched the red of Sol City’s most hated team. She went about her stretching happy in the fact that she was causing so much emotional distress and conflict.

Finishing up, she grabbed her bag and towel and headed out to the main lobby patting the sweat off of her face feeling refreshed from the couple hours’ worth of exercise. There was supposedly a smoothie bar to be found, not that smoothies represented the healthiest option, but she’d been fairly disciplined over the last few days and the workout rigorous enough that she felt like rewarding herself a little.

Paige's Workout Music 1

SiobhanPaige

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Wednesday

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Location: Gym; Indoor Pool

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Interacting With: Each other

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Siobhan pulled herself out of the water if the indoor pool and toweled off as she went to the changing room. She had done about 10 laps before she was starting to feel clear headed. Then she pushed herself for more and lost count after 15 all together. She was beginning to wonder what possessed her to even come here. She wasn't concentrating on work or school like she needed to. Nope it was men.

Sighing she walked into the dressing room and changed; dry enough that she wouldn't leave wet spots on her clothes. She put her hair up in a bun after getting most of the water out. Walking out to the hallway she stopped to take a drink out of the water fountain

@Almalthia@RoccanIronclad