Best laid plans of mice and men (Unfettered)

[Marcus Prasad]

It was a muggy mid-afternoon in Long Beach. The kind of day where the sky couldn't be bothered to make up it's mind whether or not it was going to rain. The sky was a sheet of mashed potatoes keeping the suns rays from punching through, making everything grey, sapping the color out of the city.

A perfect time for some serious business!

At a cafe in the middle of Crow territory, a man sat at a table on a patio. An unassuming Metal fence keeping the rest of the city out. The man was garbed in a pair of burgundy cargo pants, a White button up T-shirt covered in a pattern of black and red leaves and to top it off, a blue flatcap tilted at a jaunty angle (Ok, that last part was a lie. There was nothing jaunty about how it sat on the mans head) flattening down a lions mane of reddish brown hair that ended in a long braided ponytail that curled around the mans neck and rested against his chest.

Marcus Prasad had alot of time to think about the past events since he had navigated the treacherous roads to California. He found that he had been doing alot of that lately, thinking. Ever since graduating from PHS#552, the man had been seriously going over the choices he had made and the consiquences thereof in his life.
And the one constant he kept finding himself going back to, was how little he took the world seriously. Everything had been a game to him. Every challenge and tragic happenstance a mere break in the bordom as he coasted through his life. The only time he ever felt the world to be 'Real' was when he was knee deep in a good fight.
Even the harsh reality of the destruction of his home city hadn't quite sunk into his brain for a long time. It all felt like such a surreal dream to him.

That is, until he stood face to face with the Man himself.
Sean Barker.

That encounter shook Marcus to his very soul and had been the final catalyst that pulled him clean out of his dreamlike state. The man could have killed him at any time, and yet for some unfathomable reason had let him live. With that brush with death, something within Marcus' brain finaly clicked, pulling him forever out of the dreamlike trance he had been under through most of his life.

Now the world was real. The Consiquences were real.

His potential death was more than real.

So there he sat, mulling over a speech he had rehersed and revised in his mind for over a week now. Sipping at a White Chocolate Mocha latte that tasted only faintly like a mud clod with the worm still attached as a half eaten Chicken sandwitch sat negleted on a plate at his elbow.
The Message had been sent. Marcus had managed to run a request to meet a certain man up whatever the Crows considered to be the chain of command. Now all he had to do was wait at the location specified.

And wait. Oh how he hated the waiting.
Marcus was nervous. Once could easily tell by he tapped his fingers against the ceramic coffee cup with a frantic rythm. Though not because he was about to come face to face with the man known as 'Unfettered' once again, Oh no. On the contrary, the man had an almost unnerving ability to put Marcus at ease.
What he was nervous about was the uncertainty of how the conversation was going to go. Already he could feel his guts knot up as he ran through the routine in his mind once again. He tried unsuccessfully to quell it by taking another draught of Shitty Mocha Latte as he wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.

["Unfettered"]

OOC: I leave it up to you if you wish this to take place in the past... or in the present. I'm still interested in this thread, and I wholeheartedly apologize for taking so damn long (and hope your muse is good for this still). ._.

Also, to anyone else who may lurk this... including possibly you, Kiyoshi, and hopefully you, Leon, while the chronological date of this thread is put in question, the following is what I believe has been... happening. If I'm incorrect, please let me know.

It Was A Goddamned Priority

SPOILER: Click to show

Industry. Business. A matter of belonging. Normalcy. Without incredible maintenance, without outright electricity, aside from that which could be gleaned through more "green" resources, it was difficult to get the territory under Crows to feel like normal again. It was outright impossible.

Currency was still a bit shaky, as nothing had been made official still, meaning bartering and reliable promises were what kept this land going. With Kiyoshi's reforms slowly getting underway to establish a more "feudal" type of "temporary" government created a sense of stability... but had its varying levels of risks as well.

Fishing was the mainstay now. Gasoline was scarce so wind sailing veterans were in high demand. With many empty houses, it was a matter of converting what lands that could be made available into small farms and ranches. Houses that were still occupied by their original occupants were repaired, though some were given the option to move closer to the Crows main base, where new housing was being developed by volunteers (with the promise of daily fresh fish) to more effectively protect their civilian populace.

Hundreds of little matters could overwhelm anyone. Getting a hold of medicine was difficult, immediately endangering the elderly and those with severe conditions requiring high maintenance. It was unfortunate, but no small sum of people had died during the early months. Dealing with the dead was continuing to be arduous, as preventing illness with such limited medical supplies was insane, and overburdening those who struggled to keep their medical-reliant elders and/or loved-ones alive. "Crime" was being dealt with in very simplistic manners and a mix of volunteers and Crows were being assigned to said prisons, along with pre-existing prison guards, to ensure limited abuse to new and old prisoners of this new world.

"Unfettered" still had yet to discuss if those found guilty of rape, murder, and otherwise sent to death row or assigned life sentences were to be better off outright killed. Lawyers that volunteered themselves to the German's side situations in terms of recovering lost material would inevitably be invaluable in ultimately dealing with these prisoners under Crows' reign.

[/i][/spoiler]

---For now, the German had chosen to focus on the here and now. He had under his left arm a roll of newspapers and paper towels and he ventured towards the still running cafe. He waved to the owner, who looked to the German and smiled. That done, the German placed the roll onto the counter and looked up at the owner.

"Danke for hosting us. Ich hope this makes it worth it."

"Pft. Well, its not like we can kill the cow. Thanks."

"It really vas luck to find the cattle zat du did. Und ze bull---has it gotten better yet?"

"Yeah, it seems to be getting along fine with just three legs. Those animal mooks were pretty helpful. At least three of the cows should be expecting sometime soon, too."

"Och, really? Zat ist wunderbar!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

A running cafe. So necessary, even though the German had switched to drinking black. He walked into the fenced-off area, his coffee's aroma filling the air ahead of him. Immediatly identifying the sole customer, the German would walk up to Marcus and smile, pulling himself a chair.

If Marcus would remain seated or stood up, the German would offer his hand to shake. If Marcus was seated facing away from "Unfettered," the German would rest a gentle hand on the man's shoulder, patting him gratefully for being so patient.

"Marcus. Danke."

A white t-shirt. Jeans. A plain, black eye-patch. Boots and a belt. The German was wearing himself very casually, holding just rigidity and control in the way he held himself. He hoped not to over-assume, seeing his first impression of Marcus was one who... still held that joy for life, for being unafraid of being so personal and friendly. In these times, it was not strictly business that the German restricted himself to, and a man of Marcus' disposition was one who held many favorable traits for both himself and whoever he involved himself with. Personable. Natural leader, perhaps.

With another nod, the German would seat himself at an 120 degree, as though leaving a seat open for a third person around the table. Coffee in hand, the man looked over at Marcus and raised his cup to him.

"To what pleasure do Ich owe?"

[Marcus Prasad]

{OOC} I'll have this thread set just before the events of 'Out from under a rock' Found here: phs259.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=major&action=display&thread=6939&page=4 {OOC}

Upon seeing the stark white haired man approach, Marcus would immediatly rise to his feet and offer his hand, taking Unfettered's within a firm grip and offer him a thankful nod before sitting back down. Still feeling fidgety, he took a moment to smooth himself down before shifting in his seat, trying in vain to get comfortable.
"Business, actualy. Remember how I said I wanted a detached role in the crows when we first met? Well after watching how you guys operate, and after making a few forays into Barker held territory I've come to one conclusion. That I've SERIOUSLY underestimated the scope of the issues we face here today. This is no time for me to be pussyfooting around and playing games. I've realized it's time to step up to the plate and get ready to take a swing at the ball, so to speak."

"Basicaly what I'm saying is that I'm ready to become a full member. I'm even bringing in resources to sweeten the deal."
Slowly the man would reach into his pants pocket and pull out a folded peice of paper. spreading it out onto the table revealed a map of long beach almost completely covered in chicken scratch notes and shaded sections denoting various territories.
Marcus then pointed to an area of the Neutral zone directly north of Barker territory and East of Dragon Territory.
"I live here, with my Roomate. An old friend of mine from back in New York city. Recent events......."
Marcus ' features suddenly darkened like a cloud passing over the sun, temporarily shading the ground.
"....Has left us with a sizable plot of land. Almost an entire suburban blocks worth that I intend to Fortify and Morph into a compound where I can safely grow food and manage repairs."

Marcus flipped the map over, revealing sketches of impressive fortifications, defence measures and farming plots including plans to jury-rig a watering system using above ground water pipes that feed from the city's water pumps.

"I'm almost done collecting the materials I need. What i'm offering you is a food supply as well as an Outpost to house Crow troops. I can easily turn those houses there into Barracks and guard posts allowing you guys to carry out operations against Barker on two fronts so long as they NEVER enter My friends home without her express permission. She is......REALLY not fun to be around when angered."
Marcus waved the thought away before continuing.
"I can also fix up and modify any vehicles you own, having a knack with tinkering and mechanics. Also I can provide a training ground for anyone who wants to learn Parkour. A Useful tool when Oscar Mike in an Urban Enviroment."

"Which actualy brings me to my one demand. Don't worry, its shouldn't be that onerous.
I want a team.
Using Survival Skills, Parkour training and Stealth Training I want bodies to form a unit that can infiltrate the Red zone from any angle, worm our way in like Cancer and hit ANYWHERE at any time. I'll teach them how to move, to fight, to strike and to dissapear. I already have some names for poosible applicants already. People who have perked my interest though they arent as of yet Crows."

["Unfettered"]

OOC: Tell me if this style bothers you. Otherwise, effectively combining most your last post with this one, seeing how that pans out.

"...And he smiled..."
~Necessity~
Theme Song: Beyond by Nujabes

The German noted the firm grip and shook vigorously in appreciation. As they both took their seats and Marcus answered him, the German lowered his mug down, taking a sip.

"Business, actualy. Remember how I said I wanted a detached role in the crows when we first met?"

"Unfettered" nodded.

"Well after watching how you guys operate, and after making a few forays into Barker held territory I've come to one conclusion. That I've SERIOUSLY underestimated the scope of the issues we face here today. This is no time for me to be pussyfooting around and playing games. I've realized it's time to step up to the plate and get ready to take a swing at the ball, so to speak."

...Slowly, the German's brow raised, raising the mug to his lips, drinking in Marcus words carefully. He knew Marcus had been operating to a loose degree in Crows territory, but he hadn't been monitoring the situation too closely. As a man acting independently of both Crows and Militia, Marcus had some potential intel he obtained in his forays that may have been acquired through more organizationally unorthodox means.

"Basicaly what I'm saying is that I'm ready to become a full member. I'm even bringing in resources to sweeten the deal."

The first reaction was to smile. Happy at the man's willingness to outright join them... By word of mouth, every supporter meant the possibility of one more. However, Marcus directed the German's attention elsewhere.

"Unfettered" lowered his drink onto the table with solemn graveness as he watched Marcus unfurl a piece of paper between them, a map scrawled with observed details and nuggets of information. Some areas marked out were places that had taken Crows a good three months to obtain intel on, while many others areas contained information that they hadn't even come across yet. The German's expression changed to what could be likened to ravenous, sliding the paper closer with two fingers.

Marcus may not have realized it, but he had made "Unfettered" positively giddy as a child on his first Christmas. The German poured over map that extended far beyond the lengths of just Long Beach. Culver City to Costa Mesa. La Habra, Buena Park... the range of the Dragons territory, the area where the Hirotaki Shrine was protected. "Unfettered" glared holes into the map like a strapping, young pubescent ogling his secret stash of dirty magazines. On his first Christmas.

It was a wonder he didn't salivate over it, but only the German's widened eye and craned-over neck would betray anything of him. His eye traced along with Marcus' finger to just east of Paramount.

"I live here, with my Roomate. An old friend of mine from back in New York city. Recent events......."

"Unfettered" looked up at the pause in time to catch the man's sudden change. He mentally paused his thoughts paused over the fact that the man was from New York... recognition of 552, and his roommate's relation. But he nodded at the grimness, expectant.

"....Has left us with a sizable plot of land. Almost an entire suburban blocks worth that I intend to Fortify and Morph into a compound where I can safely grow food and manage repairs."

The German's fingers were withdrawn as Marcus flipped over the map. He had to catch his own throat to stop from coughing as he bent himself over and stared over at the revealed defensive structures, ploys, and plotted infrastructure, including...

"I'm almost done collecting the materials I need. What i'm offering you is a food supply as well as an Outpost to house Crow troops. I can easily turn those houses there into Barracks and guard posts allowing you guys to carry out operations against Barker on two fronts so long as they NEVER enter My friends home without her express permission. She is......REALLY not fun to be around when angered."

A moment of reprieve from the seriousness. He gave Marcus a chuckle and look of curiosity.

"Doable..."

"I can also fix up and modify any vehicles you own, having a knack with tinkering and mechanics. Also I can provide a training ground for anyone who wants to learn Parkour. A Useful tool when Oscar Mike in an Urban Enviroment."

At this, the German nodded in agreement, still staring down at the designs. Not bad.... Not bad at all, he thought. He immediately thought of Delilah, as their head engineer. Having two had the capability of immensely increasing Crows' offensive capabilities.

"Which actualy brings me to my one demand. Don't worry, its shouldn't be that onerous.
I want a team.
Using Survival Skills, Parkour training and Stealth Training I want bodies to form a unit that can infiltrate the Red zone from any angle, worm our way in like Cancer and hit ANYWHERE at any time. I'll teach them how to move, to fight, to strike and to dissapear. I already have some names for poosible applicants already. People who have perked my interest though they arent as of yet Crows."

"Unfettered" looked up, staring down at the man. He drained his coffee slowly.

"Alright."

He smiled...

If it weren't for this situation, Marcus would be off, doing something he loved, being successful. Instead, here the two of them were, planning for war, preparing for what would inevitably be an incredibly bloody future. "Unfettered" closed his eye.

"Alright," the German repeated. He opened his eye... and a cold air of authority seemed to glimpse through it.

"Hence after zis, du vill be hereby recognized as a Crow und your territory will be under Crows' jurisdiction. Du vill answer to Kiyoshi Akechi und myself. Du vill have right und sovereignty to protect your region as du see fit und establish vat localized rules du will so long as it ist done vith justice und righteousness in mind for ze sake of ze people.

"That said... are du truly prepared to join Crows, then?"

He stared at Marcus coldly. This was no light matter. The responsibility of people's lives would be in Marcus' hands... valuable, diminishing lives. Marcus would be the face of Crows in his region region and his successes and failures would reflect on people's reactions towards Crows as a whole. There were laws to be upheld, people to protect, stability to establish.

The German straightened his back as he looked at this man.

Determining that conviction.

[Marcus Prasad]

{OOC} I have no problems with it ^_^ {OOC}

Well this was going far better than he had hoped. The map Marcus had handed the strange white haired man was a culmination of months of orienteering, cartography and infiltration. He tried to supress a smile as he saw the sheer excitment and hunger in Unfettereds remaining eye. Not knowing the extent of the Crows intelligence network, Marcus knew the Map was definatly a gamble. Unfettered could have just as easily scoffed and dismissed it as the workings of an amature instead of practicaly salivitating over it.

Over the course of thier conversation, Marcus face would soon mirror Unfettered's enthusiasm. His own territory? Managed and governed by him and Silk? His heart began to thud in his ears in the face of such responsibility. The very scope of it was more than your average New Yorker could ever hope for! Chest swelling with pride, a fiery determination lit up in Marcus' eyes as the wheels in his brain became turbocharged as it began to pencil a rough draft of banding the local tribes and families in Paramount and beyond together who would not only provide a stable work force, but a pool of soldiers for the cause. Already visions of a thriving and STRONG community materialized within Marcus' minds eye.
He NEVER would have gained this opportunity before the great fall!

And it was that exact thought that sobered him right up in an instant.
If it wasent for Barker, Marcus probably would have lived out the rest of his life as a respected Mechanic in a small time garage nestled within Manhattan, ekking out an average living. Just another face in a crowd of billions. He suddenly felt sick to his stomach at the notion that he would owe anything to that bastard.
'Everything I have is because of the choices I made. No more, no less.'

And then Unfettered laid down a challenge. Was he prepared for all of this? Was he really ready to become a Crow and take up the responibilities laid out before him?
Marcus locked eyes (Or at least his two to Unfettereds one) with the white haired man with a steely gaze and suddenly was hit with a feeling of deja vu. He couldnt help shake the idea that he had met this man before. The question was where and when?

"Let me tell you alittle story."
Marcus began as he laid back in his chair, taking another drink of stale coffee as he relaxed.
"it's a long tail so I'll give you the Abridged version. Once upon a time the Earth dragon himself drummed up damn near almost half the student body, including yours truely, for a suicidal idea. Show up at the school wearing green for solidarities sake and declare that we are sick and tired of being pushed around and beaten. Well in responce, the school beat us. HARD. Most of us ripped the green off of us and ducked our heads. The rest.......The rest got MEAN. Not surprising all things considered, they were angry and frustrated. Thus began one month of sheer uncontrolled violence as the green horde tore through the school until I finaly stepped up and said 'Enough was enough'. Yeah, Junior year little ol me. Relatively unknown in the grand scheme of things. So I start talking, cajouling and punching until I finaly had the reformists at heel. Unfortunatly by then the school had risen up against us and though I managed to stop the violence against the school, I found myself forced to use violence to stop the violence against us. Oh yeah, I pointed THAT bit of hypocracy to those Blue clad assholes plenty of times. They named me General of the Reformists and the 552 Civil war went into full swing. I went from a nobody to a somebody overnight but Fuck if I cared, I had an obligation to fufill. I would make that school safe for my peers or die trying. And Die I could have numerous times. Hell, The defenders even sent a man named Chrynos after me. Hoping to take the head of the serpent clean off."

"I survived. Had some......VERY unexpected intervention. We fought with me on the frontlines, rested with me on the sidelines prostelatizing our case to the masses. We drummed up support, Healed our wounded and fought. The Defenders? They just.....fell apart. I kept pointing out how they were nothing but pawns to our headmaster Vaughn Clark. They kept losing support. They were arrogant. Stupid. Blinded by thier own sense of self rightousness. In short, we won. Had them at the negotiating table and made them sweat. That.....was when it all fell apart on me. I got betrayed, thrown aside and thus ended the 552 civil war."

Marcus' eyes went dark and far away. It was a long time ago, but he still held a flame of Hatred for Stein Archist who pulled the strings behind Marcus back.
"And thus began the dark reign of Stein. Which was why I was so skiddish at first by the way. I wanted to make damn sure I had you guys figured out before I came to you in earnest. But suffice it to say, I was raised to believe that Evil will triumph if good men and women do nothing. Even had the nickname of bully killer in my early years cause I would challenge anyone who threw thier weight around."

Folding his hands behind his head, Marcus gave his head a sharp tilt, releasing a sickening crack.
"So. After giving you intel, land, food, the potential for troops? Let alone promising access to my knowledge, my technical skills AND my leadership skills.........You tell me Fett. Am I prepared to join the crows?"
He challenged playfully. His eyes twinkling with mischief as his mouth curved into his signature wolflike grin.

["Unfettered"]

OOC: I'm going to go back into amore simplified post form XD

The Weight

The rise and fall of emotion that a person displayed was not always indicative of the person themselves, but when such external emotes could be trusted...

"Unfettered" looked at the way Marcus held himself. Saw the enthusiasm, saw the sobering. At this, the German gave a silent nod---Their jobs were not to be enviable.

When Marcus began his story, the German slid back into his chair, raising a brow, pursing his lips. He watched the man intently to see the ways in which he talked, listened to this... 552er apparent. He knew of an Earth Dragon, but he did not know of the "Green Horde" tale associated with the man. It made the German nostalgic, as he hugged one of his arms over his stomach, keeping his coffee steadily in the other hand.

A Green Horde, frustated, violent.

A purist group of reformists, equally guilty.

A sinful school that brought up the issue in the first place.

And here, the German found himself talking to the leader of the Reformists, a man who wanted peace.

Another familiar name popped up: Chrynos. But one that the German was less familiar with. "Unfettered's" face expanded in a mild frown at the thought that assassins with the intent to kill would actually feel common place in a Public High School.

Rules of extremity, a school war without rules.

Marcus may not have realized it, but regardless of how little the German exuded out of himself right now, it was at that moment that he would probably see the German so comfortable. The man had a thing for stories.

Marcus would probably see "Unfettered" nod silently at the mention of betrayal. Understanding? Real sympathy? Admiration for having survived? The blue eye that looked at Marcus was a tender one, as that very eye tried to discern all the hurt that this man had gone through.

At the end of it, the German heard of one name that he was unfamiliar with: "Stein Archist"---An already eerie name to grant a child, as hard as it sounded symbolic. Fitting, in other words. The German's eye had swung away slowly away to ponder over these tales of Mr. Prasad's accomplishments, mulling them over. He looked up just in time to see the dark mood that took over Mr. Prasad... if only for a moment.

With a few final words and a crack of the neck, Mr. Prasad then issued, much to "Unfettered's" amusement, a fine rebuttal. "Unfettered" would smile quietly.

Yes, Mr. Prasad was ready. So long as the story remained true as a testament to Mr. Prasad's integrity as a character, seeing that Mr. Prasad was capable for the job was entirely easy to see. Rather, it was a necessity that Mr. Prasad be good for the job, that "Unfettered" could believe it. The smile fell away slowly on the German's lips and he took a sip.

When he put down his coffee, the German hunched over, staring hard at Mr. Prasad.

"Mr. Prasad.

"Ich can only trust you. Your testament to your abilities to lead, think, und govern will reveal itself in a year.

"But, Ich trust you. Ich must.

"There are not many others who vould take up the heavy mantle of leadership. But the free people need those willing to keep them safe. We must ensure the safety of a free generation. This war must end with ours, so our children do not end up fighting our wars for us.

"Ich will be relying on you, these coming months, maybe years. Be that good leader, that man looking out for the safety of his peers, the leader of the Reformists. But be ready, become able to be hard. We must fight zis war, we will fight zis war, because we cannot allow, in good conscience, to forget the world that Barker stole from us. But we must not fight with only intent to bring back ze old world."

The stomach to send good men to their possible deaths. The capacity to unbiased and just when issuing the law. To commit to death murderers and rapists amongst other several penalties for crimes under one's own law and be able to stand by such conviction. No, these responsibilities, in the German's mind, were not to be envied.

Jails were an expensive luxury.

"Mr. Prasad,", the German began, gravely, keeping heavily in mind the information he gleaned from his meeting with Stu Pott, "Ve must be prepared to accept zat there will be no help. No US government to swoop in und save us. Und when we defeat Barker," and confidence in the German's voice rose at such certainty of Barker's defeat.

"...Ve must then be prepared to contend with ourselves, in ze ensuing power vacuum."

The German would give a few moments for these... thoughts... to sink in. A tired smile would come over his face as he withdrew, straightening his back. He took a sip and looked at Marcus, suddenly now, looking so much more tired and old.

"Ich will grant whatever du require to establish yourself up in ze north. Ich will promise ten Crows to help supplement you temporarily to help build und defend in your region. They will be competent trainers for your men in basic drilling, but everything Parkour will have to stem from you. We should be able to spare du two vans full of supplies, maybe about fifty pounds of food, und fresh water. Your priorities should be obvious to yourself, but Ich shall state them anyvayz, for clarity:

"Establish a stronghold. A place where you can govern from and where your men can feel safe in. A place where du und Ich can get a hold of one another easily in security.

"Become a good leader and tend to your people. You already have explained your plans to me to make food.

"Stay alive."

A friendlier smile.

"When Ich founded Militia, Ich did so with intent to draw up emergency manpower in critical times. Ich know of juggernaut-like individuals like Hiroko & Katsuri Katashi, Gabriel Seran, David Blaze, the late Lightning Dragon... But it ist alvayz ze people that Ich have wanted to empower the most. Because it ist ze people who will believe in us, who will join us, work alongside us, who will die with us. The so-called 'weak' must bully the bullies und keep us grounded, so that we can finally put down such individuals like Barker.

"Even for those without Qi, the 'Human Spirit' is remarkably resilient. It is vith this humanity zat Ich wish to destroy Barker.

"It ist why du will become invaluable to Crows und ze new world."

A premonition. But to what?

[Marcus Prasad]

Listening to Unfettered, Marcus could feel himself getting psyched up to the point where he had to almost physicaly resist the urge to shoot up from his chair, salute and then RUN back to the compound to get straight to work.
'Easy now boyo. Deep breaths, deep breaths.'
The man was right though, it wasent just enough to defeat Barker by this point. They had to rebuild society considering there were plenty of enemies out there who, though they may not be as deadly a threat, could easily destabalize everything the Crows were working to protect if they didn't begin policing thier territories.

"Ten Crows would be perfect! I'll put them to work the second they arrive. One request though, can you make sure at least one of them are good at number crunching and logistics? Gonna need help keeping track of rations and supplies. Also if you have anyone good with engineering and electronics? I plan on repairing many of the houses in the suburbs that the compound sits in."

"Also what exactly IS Qi? Heard that word a bunch of times now since I got here."
Marcus asked with a curious tilt of his head, like an inquisitive wolf. Marcus rememebered Leon-sensei talking about qi many years ago back in New York City, but all Marcus rememebered was that it let him shoot lightning from his fists or something like that.

["Unfettered"]

OOC: This post... will probably be shoddy.

Is The Time Right?

"Ten Crows would be perfect! I'll put them to work the second they arrive. One request though, can you make sure at least one of them are good at number crunching and logistics? Gonna need help keeping track of rations and supplies. Also if you have anyone good with engineering and electronics? I plan on repairing many of the houses in the suburbs that the compound sits in."

The German mused, for a moment, nodding slowly...

"One gut vith number crunching und logistics? They men are trained under people who have spent a number of years of me, so... they should suffice." he grinned, perhaps humbly... or coyly.

"As for engineering and electronics... zer ist one person Ich would refer du to, but Ich don't know if Ich can actually lend her to du. Zat vould be up to her. Otherwise, ze Crows Ich am sending du should be properly trained enough to help du out in zat endeavor.

"Her name ist Delilah Black, an old und gut friend of mine. Engineers do not come better than ze likes of her," he said writing a little note from a paper he had pulled out, writing instructions on it on how to reach her.

"Also what exactly IS Qi? Heard that word a bunch of times now since I got here."

...At this, though, the German paused. He would look down at his still rather hot cup of coffee. He would dip a finger into it and summarily lick at it.

And then he would splash it towards Marcus.

---Except the coffee would never reach him. It would be stuck in mid-splash, stuck to the cup, the frozen ice coffee half a foot away from Marcus.

Apologetically, the German would smile and nod, putting the cup back down before sliding it over to Marcus.

"...Qi ist... something from inside. Ich can explain it to du now, if du like, but only if du have ze time. Ich do not mind sharing vat Ich know."

[Marcus Prasad]

{OOC} For the sake of simplicity, This thread will be set AFTER the events of Dark Knight Rises {OOC}

Marcus stiffened and went alittle red as Delilah's name was mentioned.
"Uumm, we've met......before."
Oh boy did they ever, and under rather interesting circumstances as well. Looking at his wrist, he began to fiddle with the red ribbon which she had givent him to remember her by. She could have been his, But she still held onto the hope that her Husband would return. A Decision Marcus regretted, but respected. The last thing he wanted to do was force her back into an unfair situation.

'Then again, It's not you're choice is it?'

"If Mrs Black is willing, then I'll accept any and all help she'll give me."
He answered firmly. Let it be her choice then. He had no right to make it for her.

Then Marcus nearly fell backwards out of his chair as Unfettered flicked....something at him. Marcus looked amazed as he realized that the man just flicked and suspended coffee in midair, coffee cup and all!

"Ok....That's a neat trick."
Now how does it work?

"...Qi ist... something from inside. Ich can explain it to du now, if du like, but only if du have ze time. Ich do not mind sharing vat Ich know."

Marcus shrugged and leaned back in his chair.
"Why not? I'm not going anywhere in a hurry."