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Post by David B. on Sept 16, 2012 1:34:44 GMT -8
"Pull up that end, and shift the other side forward!"
A large panel of metal and wood groaned as it was raised from the dirt, lifted and welded into place. It was the last remaining wall surrounding the newly reformed "Peace Cafe". The entire block surrounding it had been fortified: Entrances had been walled off, windows covered in metal. From the outside, it appeared to be one big fortress, similar to the Crows' own. Internally, men patrolled the walls on makeshift stands and platforms, bows made from tree branches and arrows with stones as tips slung over their shoulders, blades crafted from twisted metal or glass at their hips. It was primitive, but for now it would do. The Peace Cafe was the one entrance, though now it had a wall lifted in front of it as well, with a gate. On either side of it stood men with the Dragon emblems, either on their jackets or on the front of their bandannas.
David stepped away from the final wall they put up, looking around himself. They had taken apart several smaller buildings internally to make room for people to move, carry weapons, etc. He headed for a tent, taken from the site of a recently destroyed USA army outpost, pushing aside the flap and looking at those standing around. Two men, August and Brad, waiting for him on either side of a table, with a map outlining territories. Their army was small- probably the smallest, with barely over forty people working. With the ten men on the walls and the two outside the gate, he was left with somewhere around thirty. He had sent six in different directions: Scouts. They would report in every forty eight hours with news. If they weren't back by then, they would be presumed dead, though they were to leave their gear and dragon outfits behind so as to blend in and lower that risk.
He was left with about twenty-four.
He would be fighting still, even if it were just one.
You see, numbers were not the deciding factor for David. It was the will. If the men were willing to stand up and lay down lives for their families, he would find a way to make them count. Currently, his projections were all based on guerrilla warfare. It was the best possible way to hurt morale. Sting a man once, it burns for an hour. Sting a man again, it begins to wonder.
Sting a man a thousand times, and fear settles in.
August came up and sat with him, patting him on the back.
"Geez....never thought i'd be here. Standing over a war map, trying to lead men." August grinned.
"Nonsense, you're a natural."
David supposed that could be true. Back when he actually stood for something, and didn't just fight for the sake of fighting, or not fight just to appear too good for it...well, he was a Captain. A leader. He fought to protect people. People like Emily, like Olesya, like Mitsuki. He smiled sadly at the thought of the girl. What would she think about having the school she had stood so long for be in ruins? He shook his head before August cleared his throat and spoke again.
"Okay. We've got Barker soldiers through the south. The Crows rest on the Marina, and have taken steps to securing the borders near westchester. The northeast is mostly silent, people coming in droves from that location and settling isn Barker territory. The US military is constantly trying to repel bombs and Barkers soldiers, so they won't be of much help. We mostly need to focus, as I said, on our southern areas, near West Compton, West Athens, and hawthorne. Barkers men have been getting anxious. The Dragons have been silent too long."
David gave a grim nod.
"Then we'll need to show our teeth. Get ten of the men ready for night attacks. I want you to take them out and bite the hand that they are trying to stretch forward. Make them remember why the Dragons are were so feared, August. You'll leave at dusk." The man stood and clapped a fist to his heart, flashing a wicked grin before heading out and shouting orders. It was around noon, so the man could plan, organize, and train a little for the expedition.
There was much work to be done, and too few men to do it.
Brad stepped forward.
"Brad, I want you here with me. I need a logistics map drawn up, and these men trained where to cut, where to stab. When August gets back, his men will need to be traded out for fresh meat, and these men have got to know what their in for. A lot of new faces, eager to prove. Don't disappoint me." Brad slammed a fist to his heart before heading out the tent, taking three or four men with him. That left David with ten. It should be plenty.
He stepped out, the men left pausing. He began gesturing them down, the ten he had gathering around him. He stared them all in the face, one at a time.
"You fellows tired?"
They flexed, grinding their teeth, not answering. They weren't angry, they were eager.
"Good. Get dressed. I want sub patrols. Stay hidden in the ruins, watch the roads. Only those surrounding this enclosure. Stay together. Silent. Steady. You see anyone or anything that might look like a threat, you stomp it out, per Youichi's orders."
The girl stepped out of the shadow of an overhang, one of the shirtless men grinning as she walked by. She ignored him as she stood next to David. He spoke again.
"This is Tier Two Dragonling Commander Youichi. You can call her maam, madam, or Commander. If you use another name, she'll rip out your tongue and i'll send you back to your family for inadequate physical condition. The only thing that sets me above her is this patch-" He pointed at the one on his shoulder. "She says jump, you say "how high"? Get the picture?" No more smiles, just nods.
"Good. Get moving."
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Post by "Unfettered" on Oct 21, 2012 21:53:30 GMT -8
Flagging Down The Race Car From the coast, a flag would be waving over a small, paddle-powered boat. Five men would be at it, with a certain individual at its helm, back turned. A flag with a military-type spray paint font of a black "M" on it.
From among the people the people being sent out, many of the Dragonlings would find a bunch of people played in blatantly obvious places, waving their own little flags, smiling and waving at the soldiers. If accosted, all of them would speak plainly:"Hails from Militia of Crows, friend(s). Send word to David Blaze. 'Unfettered' is visiting you soon.""Hails from Militia of Crows, boiiii. Send word to David Blaze. 'Unfettered' is visiting you soon.~""FUCKIN' Hails from Militia of Crows, friend(s). Send some FUCKIN' word to David Blaze. 'Unfettered' is FUCKIN' visiting you soon.""Hails from Militia of Crows, friend(s). Send word to David Blaze. 'Unfettered' is visiting you soon.""Hails from Militia of Crows, friend(s). Send word to David Blaze. 'Unfettered' is visiting you soon." "Hails from... Militia of Crows, friend(s). Send word to David Blaze---yeah, David. 'Unfettered' is visiting you soon.---I DON'T KNOW, HE THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA---""Hails from Militia of Crows, friend(s). Send word to David Blaze. 'Unfettered' is visiting you soon."Of course, while all of this was happening, a group of Crows and one other , headed by a certain, familiar German---familiar, of course, to David Blaze. In his hand, he would hold that six foot pole with the flag still waving rather wistfully after them, dancing in Dragon wind. As they marched on to the gates of where his scouts had reported Herr Blaze being holed up in, the German looked back to one of the men following after him... who had the unmistakable look of a Dragonling.
"Du are sure this isn't too painful?"
"Yes.
"As a former servant to the Wind Dragon, Hon Fury, I am honored that you would take me as part of your entourage."
"Du stated zat du vish to see how his people prospered, Zhou Daming,"
"Yes. I wish to see with my own eyes," Zhou Xin confirmed. The twentysomething year-ld Chinese man walked dutifully, a little more observantly than the other Crows, but also a sterner, more disciplined step than the other Crows that followed after the German.
It made the German smile to see such willing unity. However, his concern lay ahead with a man who called himself Dragon, as of... a few years ago. It was concerning, and his old feelings were still none too keen.
Feelings that could be pushed to the side, for the time being.
They would come to a stop in front of the "Peace Cafe," after a twenty-minute march, unless they were molested in their marching as they deliberately made their presence clear. Otherwise, they would wait until they were accosted at the Peace Cafe's main entrance, to which the German would bow with a step back and an arm crossed over his waist, making sure to keep his head at waist level. If asked, he would respond:
"Ich am 'Unfettered' of Militia, Miliita of Crows, Zero of Crows.
"Ich am here first und foremost in honor of the alliance with which the late Areon Fury, also a Zero of Crows and Wind Dragon of the Dragons did his life on the line for us.
"Ich am also here under grounds of diplomacy. To whom with which may Ich speak?" |
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Post by David B. on Oct 22, 2012 15:49:43 GMT -8
The gates opened. A young woman walked out, long blonde hair and sharp, hazel eyes. She blinked up at Unfettered. This man was a mystery to her- David, since offering his protection to the individual, Delilah, had warned her the human cyclops might show up. But to her, he was different than she expected. When a sentry and come and spoke to her about his march toward their fortress, she had expected someone less...well, less. But she could tell by the men standing around him that his loyalty was well earned. Still, she remained nuetral. Her voice seemed soft, but carried surpisingly far.
Men stared. This was important to them, too.
"My name is Annalise, commander of The Dragon core. Your... Warning was indicating a leinency toward The Storm Dragon. I take it that this elder is the one you would prefer to meet?"
She expected a positive answer, and if she recieved it would continue.
"David Blaze is currently training the troops. I will lead you to the war room, where you may wait while I fetch him. Come."
She would turn and lead the men into the camp, turning left of the peace Cafe and heading for the war grounds. Men and troops were constatly moving. Tents were lined up where the soldiers slept. On the right, they would pass a building used for a hospital, a few soldiers inside with women and doctors. There were also a couple of families around the grounds, some kids hugging soldiers as they joined up with the Dragons. Eventually, they would reach a large building in the center, its windows boarded. Once inside, inner walls had obviously been torn down to make one huge room, its outer walls covered in maps and names, pins indicating skirmishes and armies, as well as Barker strongholds. In the center was a table, having already been cleared of documents. Annalise would gesture for the german to sit.
"Your men will come outside with me, and will remain there until you two are finished."
She would turn and exit, following the germans men out the door.
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"Kick left! Punch right! Duck! Keep those feet moving- you dont have guns and neither do they! Most combat will be hand to hand. Chin down! Keep up the gaurd hopkins! HOPKINS! HANDS UP DAMMIT! YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR GETTING READY TO HUG HIM! GET THISE FISTS UP!"
David was shirtless and sweaty, watching and training with the men as they busted their ass to Prove themselves to their leader. He turned and grabbed a cup of water, eyes on Annalise as she walked up. He glanced over at August, giving him a nod. He stepped up, shouting orders and taking over combat training. He used a towel to wipe off the sweat as she got there.
"Whats up?"
"Unfettered is here. Waiting for you in the Dragon Den."
David paused before turning and grabbing his jacket. He took a little more water before following the blonde, pulling his clothes on as he walked.
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The door would open, Anna stepping inside and standing at attention as David walked by. He would smile at Unfettered, a kindly one. He would, if the german was standing, reach out to shake his hand.
"Unfettered. Welcome to Dragonland. Can we get you anything to drink, or...?"
OOC: Forgive the spelling errors, if there are any. Posted from my phone.
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Post by "Unfettered" on Oct 25, 2012 18:35:17 GMT -8
OOC: Chronologically occurring after the meeting with Mr. Asiv and the Gods, to make this easier.Thank You For Having Us The gates opened and a dignified young woman stepped out to greet them. Zhou look at her, not quite recognizing her, but did not speak, merely observing. "Unfettered" however bowed from the waist up at this woman. The others, seeing that "Unfettered" had bowed so low and respectfully, did so in turn, even going lower. All would rise when the woman began speaking."My name is Annalise, commander of The Dragon core. Your... Warning was indicating a leinency toward The Storm Dragon. I take it that this elder is the one you would prefer to meet?" The German would look back with his profile at his entourage... specifically at Zhou Xin, the only one to survive the battle in which Hon Fury had died in. The one that the Dragons had allowed to back and join back with the Crows. "Unfettered" then turned towards Annalise, the commander of the Dragon core. A warning? Leniency?
The German nodded respectfully."Bitte," he smiled, gratefully."David Blaze is currently training the troops. I will lead you to the war room, where you may wait while I fetch him. Come." The German and his entourage would follow after her to see... a city slowly rebuilding. But the focus was different.
In the Gods, the streets were kept clean, people were encouraged wear clothes following after the Gods, the buildings had been fully reconstructed... and in its own way was its own version of a Utopia in this post-apocalyptic world.
Crows had focused almost entirely on a militaristic training, excluding the fact that their training was also comprised of rebuilding infrastructure, helping their fishing industry and other things.
Here, the Dragons buildings and infrastructure repair, as with the hospital that benefited soldier and civilian alike, but the infrastructure that was being built was focused more heavily on a more expansive military regime, which flickered in memory of the old 259... rule of strength. The old way of the School Captain.
With these bits, the German slowly muttered to himself, his eye downcast as he thought, figuring the first points he would discuss.
They made their way into the main building and immediately were barraged with an expansive amount of military information, maps, and skirmishes that were planned in the past or ones that would be occurring soon. The German turned to Dragon Core commander again as they halted. As he looked, Annalise gestured for him to sit at the table."Your men will come outside with me, and will remain there until you two are finished." The German turned to her and nodded… and then smiled once more, sweeping his hand towards his men.”Mein men are prepared to be at your disposal today, then, Lady Annalise. If it is not far reaching, Ich would encourage du to make use of their energy und put them to work. Ich can collect them at nightfall. Otherwise… do vith them as du see fit,” he would say, making nod and half a bow at her. There was a strange, comforting graveness to him today.” Vielen Dank, Miss Annalise.”Then, the German’s men would turn to her and nod their own heads. If she chose to take the lead, they would follow after her. If, however, she would politely decline, the German would salute them, dismissing them to wait outside and wait, to allow for Annalise to follow his men out.
Only when everyone else was out of view would the German stare down at his chair…
Misery? Nostalgia? Anticipation? Dread? Hope?* * * * * * * * * * * * * The doors would open again and the German would stand up from his chair at attention, as though roused back to life. Annalise had returned, and walking past her was none other than David Blaze himself. The German’s face slowly cracked into a nostalgic smile and their hands would meet one another, shaking firmly." Unfettered. Welcome to Dragonland. Can we get you anything to drink, or...?" ”Nein, Herr Blaze, but maybe later when we aren’t discussing terrible things,” the German would smile. Still, as he let go of the man’s hand, he looked the man over. The smell of sweat, the air of focus, the energy to get things done. Yes.”How have you been?” the German would say, walking back to the table and pulling them both a chair.
…He sounded genuinely concerned, almost distressed… but his brows and his face would not allow him to show it.
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Post by David B. on Oct 25, 2012 19:51:53 GMT -8
OOC: Sounds good. This will also take place after the monthy quest, and the talks with Delilah.
Anna would nod and take the men with her, doing as he said and putting them to work rebuilding before having returned with Blaze.
David noted the way the man moved, and spoke. Not quite in the same way "Unfettered" did- the man took weight of you with a look. David simply glanced, getting an idea for the mans current state of mind. In the past, David would try so hard to do right by him. Now, things were different. Now he was simply trying to make right by his men, by their families, by himself. He took the seat, waving at Annalise to leave the room. The woman hesitated, in which David turned a curious eye on her.
"S-sorry sir. It's just...after what happened with you three..."
David smiled calmly.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure Mr. Winters' intentions are pure."
She would clap a fist to her heart and bow, before exiting, the rest of the men previously in the room following suit. They would be entirely alone. He would interlock his fingers around his knee, his ankle resting gently on his other thigh. He let out a deep breath at Unfettereds query.
"Both good and bad, I suppose, depending one what you refer to. Myself personally, I am doing well. I have my life, Olesya is here. My mens morale is high after a recent string of victories. Myself professionally...well, it's been harrowing." A sad smile. "I didn't actually expect to be leading an army. I had initially intended on joining one."
Referring, of course, to the Crows at one time, though "Unfettered" was likely to be in the dark regarding it. It had been something he had spoken with Olesya about, when he first arrived, but nothing he had actively persued. As time went on, one thing led to another and he found himself north, with a growing military and two other leaders to lean on.
"But i've learned alot, and as you can see, I suppose I haven't done too terribly so far."
He would gesture to "Unfettered" in return.
"How about you? Are things going well?"
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Post by "Unfettered" on Mar 9, 2013 18:39:23 GMT -8
"Unfettered's" Post:
"Unfettered" noted the hesitation of Annalise, listening calmly. However, his expression gave away any hint as to whether or no he was eavesdropping or no. Only when she left did the German finally give David a smile and a closed-eye nod. Happy to see him under such care and vigilance.
Finally, the breath of reprieve.
So the German made sure to drink David's words, bit by bit. He gave a smile at the news of Olesya's whereabouts (lady hadn't said a damn thing and disappeared when he wasn't looking, what with Maddie and all). David at least, had a practical look about life and the things that he should have been happy with were happily in order. The word of the Dragons successes was also a verbal boon to the German... though to the last remark, the hindshadowing of joining with another force...
Well, "Unfettered" continued to grin.
...And he nodded gravely, looking around them. At this stronghold. At the way things were. It was fine whether David caught onto how much of what "Unfettered" thought or no. Because then it was the German's turn.
"As vell as zey can. More then Ich had initially imagined.
"Areon Fury's death has evidentally bought ze Crows ze time it has needed to train an army. An entire year, virtually untouched by Barker. These Crows have been trained under mein five-year Militia veterans und survivors of das cooperating police and military veterans zat agreed to volunteer zer services to us. Und ve continue to train zem on a regular basis...
"However, our focuses have not been as militaristic as yours. A rather large sore spot.
"Kiyoshi has been at our spearhead, claiming Hermosa Beach. However... ve have been focusing on fishing, on repairs, on building. Vith heavy guards, infrastructure for basic housing und for our force has been our greatest achievement. Ve have managed, in ze last few months... to become more self-sufficient."
...He smiled.
"Which brings me... to zis meeting vith du."
David would be able to see why. Especially from the openness on Crows notable strengths and weaknesses... An unwise bit of hope, foolishly shared? A commentary between two old friends or rivals, in a harsher future? However, the German would spell it out a little more clearly.
"Ich think du know vat Ich am about to propose."
David's Post:
David watched "Unfettered"s eyes, hands still clasped around his knee. As the german spoke, he would simply nod, just a little, from time to time. When he ended with the question, the indication of a proposal, David took a healthy breath through his nose, slow and deep. He would plant his feet on the ground and stand, walking around "Unfettered" and toward the maps on the wall.
Hands clasped behind his back, he would look over them a moment before glancing at the ground, working the tip of his toe into a bit of soot as he spoke.
"I have an idea of what you have in mind, yes. Though I suppose I can't be positive."
He turned back to "Unfettered", waiting, indicating that the white haired male could continue.
"Unfettered's" Post:
The German's gaze would turn to follow after David. He looked at the many maps. The little nuances that David had picked up in this past year had not been lost to the German's watchful eye. They were both like older men who had fought on different sides of a war, only to sit down again for a pleasant chat. Each others words were heavy as their history.
David's response was wise. Yet it was strangely nostalgic to when they worked with one another, regarding so many of the times that they had butted heads. It had been inefficient. But now, here they both were.
At David's cue, the German stood, rounding about the table. He looked down at it... slowly walking his way up to David, next to him. With a nod at David, he would look up at the map that David had been.
"Ich am working out an alliance, or at least a N.A.P. with das Gods. Ich met vith zem yesterday," he noted, staring up at the map...
If it was a map of a majority of Southern California, the German's finger would rise up, lining off where Crows seemed to be situated. And then from what he knew of the Gods.
"Crows ist overdue for a massive attack. It vould not be like Barker to sit und do nothing during zis past year himself.
"He will attempt to crush us.
"...Und ve..." he said, pointing to the bay area of Crows' territory... and pointing up the ocean and onto Hermosa... Right under Dragons' territory.
"...Vould like to know if du vould accept our people in ze event of a worst-case scenario.
"Das vomen. Children. Elderly."
David's Post:
David looked over at the man, eyebrows furrowing only slightly.
"Of course- though now the question that must be asked: do you believe the Crows collapse a possibility?"
David left unsaid that the Dragons were fully alligned with the Gods- Unfettered likely either already knew, or wasn't concerned with it, or he would have asked.
He wouldn't admit it- but to see the german here, asking him to care for his people should they fall...? Well. That was one thing he had not expected, and was slightly taken aback by the forwardness in which "Unfettered" adressed it. Still, he wouldnt argue with the man being blunt- he would just need to adjust accordingly.
"Unfettered's" Post:
The German looked next to himself, at David.
"Du are suggesting zat... under ze event of an attack, ve just let our people walk around, unevacuated?"
"Unfettered" looked back at the map.
"Barkers forces are massive. Ich vill not risk das lives of these survivors. Worse, if our people were to be captured und held hostage against us, das morale of our volunteers for our families..."
But the German turned back to face the map. Smiling.
"Zat said... Ich have a few Aces to use against Barker."
...Smiling...
David's Post:
David turned his eyes back on to the map.
"No, I suppose not."
He turned from the map, walking slowly back toward the table. He brought his left hand from behind his back, tapping his fingertips gently on the surface a moment before asking the question that had been scratching inside his skull for some time.
"Unfettered- tell me this. During all the time between my return and this moment, you never approached the Dragons for an alliance, or even an N.A.P. Why?"
He kept his back to the german again, his voice level, though curiosity burned in his chest.
"Unfettered's" Post:
"Unfettered" cast his blue eye to David. World weary. Bags under it. Energetic. Satisfied.
"Du suggest... zat Ich should have come here, asking for an alliance earlier? Vith an untrained army? Vithout, at ze time, means of transport? Vithout experiance? Vithout anything to offer to das Dragons in kind Vithout food or vater? Vith das debt of Areon Fury, Das Wind Dragon, our precious Zero, soaking so freshly on our hands?"
Yes. The German smiled his perhaps famous smile as he looked at David, nodding. Accepting of their situation.
"Ve vere not ready."
'...to pay back such a debt.'
David's Post:
David listened, walking down the side of the table with his fingers still sliding along the surface. He would reach the end before putting it back behind his back.
"Yes, I suggest that."
He glanced at the wall in front of him- charts, important notes. Photographs of Barker minions.
"After Areon died, what few Dragons I found were divided. They cast about for a need, a purpose. This place was falling to pieces, and they all were curious about who to follow, who should lead. When I took up the mantle, you and your men were far more organized and well equipped then us.
I wanted, initially, to lead them south. Bring them to you. But...Dragons are proud, and many wanted to wait for Areon and You to come and claim them. We waited too long. Now, the men are self sufficient, and are bitter toward those I would like to call our allies."
He turned to look at "Unfettered".
"Perhaps your reasoning is just- perhaps coming back then would have been a mistake. We would not be what we are today had you done so. Still, im telling these to you so you might understand the difficulty i face in convincing the other two Elders of an alliance, which I have wanted from the beginning, and to which i assume is the main reason for your presence here."
He assumed such based on the bravado of Jons entrance, as well as the distance travelled. He would pause, and give the german time to respond.
"Unfettered's" Post:
"Unfettered" did not agree or disagree.
Militaristically, the Dragons were not known for their forces. They were known for the ones who did have title of 'Dragon' or no. The power and strength of the ones titled Dragons was to be feared and any survivors who knew of their legendary tales during the times of 259, 552, and anywhere would fear them because of these individuals. It made the Dragons a much stronger fighting force with such an elite, focused, small group of individuals.
But what of their men?
Brought onto attack with them? Left to defend the Dragon territory? How did they fare under their masters' tutelage? Where were they recruited from? What was their form of training? Due to the heavy influence of Leon Sudeki and his Sudeki clan, he supposed that the Chinese influences would be strong and their abilities to make medicine---something incredibly invaluable in this time with no ready source---that the Dragons would be faring far better.
Both sides had to grow and mature. To take care of themselves first. It would be a shame if the Dragons had truly become bitter, but what would their relationship have become like then?
David Blaze... he was not like the other Dragons in many a sense. He was a newer dragon, from 259. His ideals were less conservative to the original Dragon idealogy that Leon had introduced to the German that day at the hospital. Maybe with David at the helm, the dangerous ego of the other Dragons should not have deterred them...
But that was just as well "Unfettered" being cautious. He could not regret his decision. And so he would start simply.
"First und foremost, David Blaze.
"Do du vant an alliance?"
David's Post:
David stared.
"Of course. I mean- was this NOT why you came here? Why we are meeting? I mean, if you honestly believe you can take on several million men with two hundred, and just wanted a fallback for civilians, say the word. I mean, I don't mean to sound sharp, but i'm a realist. I want to focus on my enemy- Barker. I don't want to worry about you and your men. About where our borders start and end.
I want to be standing on a hill, overlooking The battlefield you believe may come to you, and tell my men to defend your home to the last man. Everyone struts around thinking what we own means something- it does not. Not while Barker and his men live. For Barker, he sees us as watchdogs, babysitting his property until he gets bored enough to wipe away our stain.
The only way we can make sure it doesnt happen is by fighting this war together, against him. Not on our own, proud and stubborn until the day of our judgement comes."
He would comb his fingers back through his hair as he turned away to walk a few steps in frustration. He turned back to Unfettered.
"Do you disagree?"
"Unfettered's" Post:
...The German could not help but notice, as he listened to David's... "apalled"?... words, that they were talking like old times. This was much like why every time, back when the both of them were still students, they could get nothing done.
"Unfettered" would come with a proposition, say his old Militia's initial formation, and ask David to join. Essentially, "Unfettered" would come to David with an idea.
David would respond at first with immediate suspicion or a question that "Unfettered" would be unable to respond to directly. These questions were hardly ever unreasonable, such as to "Unfettered's" intent, if "Unfettered" was trying to capitlize on the situation (the whole Correctional Facility fiasco) and become a power house of 259's political build.
In turn, "Unfettered" would respond vaguely and typically with a question that called for a direct answer that would seem to antagonize David into asking his own moral question that would also just as winding a road.
Today, "Unfettered" came, offering his men's services to help build.
And things were going pleasantly.
...And then they asked each other how they were doing.
......And then, "Unfettered" responded to David's reciprocation with an explanation of Crow's situation in his typical winding way to illustrate where Crows was now on a militaristic scale, all but asking for an alliance.
To which of course David compelled him on... so "Unfettered" continued to talk about not just Crows' current situation, but their recently progressing political situation... and since David's reaction seemed to be less than favorable, stood away from outright asking for an alliance and instead asked for the safety of the Crows' civillian populace.
At this point, David, reading into the German's words, would suddenly get concerned, asking if the Crows were not as strong as they were made out to be, if the Dragons should be more concerned about themselves, perhaps, if the possibility of failure was possible. Of course Crows failure was possible, but saying it outright was politically bad. And somewhere, "Unfettered" knew that David had to know that on the surface that would look bad, so he had to answer in his old, "Unfettered" way: Elusive and not quite there... with another question.
Just another brave front. And confidence in his people's abilities. And perhaps egotistically his own. So the German would instead steer the conversation away from the Crows' weaknesses, and instead argued the semantics of why he would even suggest bringing Crows' civillians over to the Dragons.
At this, David would concede that point... but then turn to ask an apparently heated question (unbeknowest to "Unfettered") regarding why the German was so late in the politics scene to visit the Dragons, the Gods... anyone willing and able to fight against Barker.
Why the hell had no one looked to sealing an alliance with Delilah during all of the itmes she had visited the Dragons was beyond the German, but apparently an ambassador wasn't good enough. They needed to talk to a Zero, a head honcho. But this was the German's personal gripe and saw it unfitting to bring to the table... something that Delilah often complained to him about.
Formally speaking, it was necessary, but practically speaking... completely ridiculous. David was right, the alliance should've occured earlier. WHY NOT DELILAH!?
WHAT WAS EVERYONE DOING!? GETTING DRUNK AND FLIRTING!?
...Those thoughts screamining in the German's head... he resumed his mental bantering.
How the Dragons were apparently bitter. And then David continued onto how Crows should've done this and that, how the Dragons were too stubborn and how it was on the Crows to bring about the alliance. And many things. They could discuss about their two organizations, their flaws, the semantics of said flaws, their past wrongs, the semantics of their past wrongs, how "Unfettered" should have done this, the semantics of why "Unfettered" decided to not do this, why "Unfettered" should not have done that, the semantics of why "Unfettered" did that anyways, the things that David did, the semantics of why David did what he did, the things that David did not do, the semantics on what David do, and on and on and on. Neither of them were wrong, but were rather doomed to be stuck in an eternal discussion between the two of them, their personalities naturally colliding and clashing. Politics were as natural to these two as it was for goats to climb a mountain.
These were two very stubborn goats.
So the German didn't sigh. Didn't frown. He stopped smiling. He wouldn't even answer the question. He looked up at David.
...And placed a hand on the man's shoulders.
'You and I.
'We're insane, aren't we?'
"Du have terms. Ich have terms. Du vant an alliance. Ich vant an alliance. Let's make an alliance happen.
"Let's start vith du. Vat are your terms?"
David's Post:
David watched Unfettered, ready to listen to the mans likely coy or challenging response, which probably proposed a moral question or intimated some failure on his part. Unfettered was a natural, when it came to leadership. When it came to playing up to the politics of a situation. David had strength, and knew what was needed to get a victory. It was why thr Dragons were so focused on military, of combat- without it, there would be no reclaiming of the past, regardless of how safe you made the civilians feel.
He was a man of action, and wasn't here to mince words. He had waited this long for a zero to show. Be knew as soon as he walked in the door and shook the mans hand that they would either have an alliance on the table, or war. Because in the end, they NEEDED to stand together to win. They all knew it.
So, as he put himself out there, he waited earnestly for the german, as usual, to decide what path they might take. As the man stepped up and stated they were insane, David nodded.
"No doubt about that."
As the man said what would come next, David planted a hand on the shoulder of the arm that was touching him, giving a grin.
"Now THATS what im talking about."
He walked out of the germans grasp, heading for the door. After opening it, he would signal for Anna to comemback inside. She would put her hands behind her back and wait, looking over at the german and giving a nod of respect.
David closed the door and walked back in front of her. She would say nothing, for now- instead, a mere witness to the proceedings.
"Lets get the small things out of the way. First, obviously no Crow or Dragon can or will harm another. Second, We could use resources- water, food. You could use ours- stockpiles of medicine, herbs. We need to set up trade immediately between us. Third- every other gang or group needs to understand where we stand- anyone attacking one of us becomes the enemy of both. Are these three starting terms agreeable?"
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Post by "Unfettered" on Mar 9, 2013 18:42:50 GMT -8
...The Refining Begins Now it was “Unfettered’s” turn to watch David. And the smile was gone, because now was the time for business. As both knew of each other’s strong suits and weak suits, the German nodded gravely at the man’s recirprocation of hand-to-shoulder and smile. He just as readily let the man go and walked back over to the table with a sense of focus as he noticed David bringing back in Lady Anna again… to which, the German would grab a spare piece of paper and pen before pullhing them closer to himself along with sitting down. He immediately began to jot down David’s ideas:The German looked again at the written things so far.
He looked to David Blaze and nodded… but not in outright agreement. He eyed David.”So the treaty will break if a Crow or a Dragon harms one another, even on accident, if eizzer one of das participating parties fails to trade.”It wasn’t that the German was concerned with if one of them failed to uphold. It would be the extremists from either side that he was concerned with. In spite of their triviality, both David and “Unfettered” had common sense as leaders of their own respective forces to reach a common agreement. Instead… he looked over to Annalise.”Bitte, do du have any collection of encyclopedias about? It vould be best if Herr Blaze und meinself had some reference material for das understatedly gigantic undertaking ve are about to perform here.”If Anna could comply, the German would thank her quietly and then sit and wait until she came back. If she didn’t know of any collection of books or if such books were in a location too far away, the German would be forced to paraphrase and rely on some things off the top of his head.
If Anna did have the books, the German would tear into them as soon as they were delievered onto the table and look into first, the “A” for a collection of what “Alliance” was, but more importantly… examples of some of the strongest alliances ever. He would share and point the things he found to David, who would hopefully be doing the same in kind.”Vell, I’ll paraphrase here, but from das Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, arguably eins of das longest lasting alliances known to man to das date of Barker’s missile attack, let us take example from there:””…So…”...To start. From memory, from back in the days when internet was still up and running, this was more or less verbatim from its article, tweaked for the intents and purposes... but much work still had to be done. |
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