Journey of Squad 1 (Stevie)

[Stevie-Rae]

"Texas."

She didn't want to elaborate further. But disgust in her parents fueled her

"Home of the worst republicans who believe anyone who is different or even had a possibility of being dangerous is instantly cast out and branded as evil."

She sighed.

"My parents uncluded."

[Leon]

Leon felt he hit a nerve with that question. She was trying to put her past life behind her it seemed and build a new one here. It was rough no doubt, so he decided to share a bit about his family. Something he rarely ever does.

"My family all but disowned me as well. I was a product of one of my fathers conquests in a foreign land. He brought me home and forced a place for me, but no one beside my older brother really accepted me. When the war broke out is was a few years before I even heard anything from him. He died shortly after that though, saving my little brother and myself in the process. It's where I get my power too. He gave me his eyes and with them his power."

[Stevie-Rae]

Stevie frowned.

"'You'll never have as close a relationship with anyone else as you will with your family.' That's what a lot of people tell me. 'Just let the bad go and embrace the good.' Is what others say."

Now she was just letting off steam. She didn't want to be like this. It was the first time she had alone with Leon and it was horrid. Like a nightmare come to life.

"Sorry, I don't mean to be so cynical. I just hate...." She sighed. "So, both our families just suck." She'd give a little nervous laugh. "How crazy is that?" Good job Stevie, she thought. Now he'll totally think you are cool.

[Leon]

"Pretty Crazy honestly."

About then they would be able to see a city in the distance, maybe ten miles out.

"There is our first stop. Territory 226. We will move in here to meet our contacts and set up initial information. We will stay here a day or two to wait for our rendezvous team from Cabal."

[Stevie-Rae]

Stevie blinked. Leon had just let all the shit slide and just went on about like nothing had happened. That was cool. Just what she needed to relax a bit.
Then the city came into view. Time to get to work. Stevie focused on the mission.

"Alright. Get in, blend in, get the info fronbthe city folk, and await back up from Cabal. I'll know if you need help and you'll know if I do."

[Leon]

As Stevie recanted the objectives of the current mission point Leon turned into the main road into the city. Pulling into a hotel and parking. Getting out he would grab his bag and head inside to get the room. He'd eye Stevie out the corner of his eye to make eye contact, waving his right hand low to tel her to mingle and talk to the travelers in the hotel. There were a couple people standing about talking, or reading waiting for the lunch service.

[Stevie-Rae]

Stevie nodded once and headed off, being sure to grab her backpack and hat. Upon entering a nearby bar, she saw the news was on. A few good old boys were watching it and conversations about how "their kind" wasn't welcome and the like. Stevie huffed and made her way to them, putting on her best face, she would slide into the chair next to the fatter one and turn on the flattery.

"You got that right. Them freaks don't belong here. I been gone for a few weeks and heard they were leaving. Is it finally gonna be normal people here?"

She hated every word that escaped her mouth, but the plan was to gather info. Maybe she'd get to pound on this guy later.

[Leon]

The fat man would stare at her for a second before registering her words.



"Well, it's not like they are gone forever. You can apparently be born that way. It's the fault of those freaks in the first place that the world went to shit."

[Stevie-Rae]

"I dont care how long they're gone, so long as I can be in peace for a bit. Say, I got family up north about 10 miles. They ain't headed that way, are they?"

Stevie faked a semi-scared look and implored the guy.

"Where'd they head?"

[Leon]

"Does it matter where they went? Pulled out of here on a bunch of transport trucks. Though I suspect they continued on their way east of here."

He then puffed up his chest and beat on it with his left hand.

"Besides, Aint met a freak yet that I couldn't put in a head lock."

[Stevie-Rae]

Stevie nodded. Good. East. Thats good to know. Thanks. Stevie would then jump and let a small squeal escape. WHATS THAT IN YOUR DRINK?! Once he looked down she'd slam his head into the table and cover his head in water. It ain't nice to call people freaks. Some of us got a problem with that. The entire place sat shocked and silent for what felt like a year to Stevie. Slowly she walked out of the bar and searched for Leon. The sounds of his gurgles and thrashing about the bar in hopes of air growing fainter as she walked.

***In her Head*** Back to reality...

Stevie nodded. Good. East. Thats good to know. Thanks. Stevie glanced at his drink then back up at him. She burned with anger but remained calm. Ain't ya gonna buy me something, big guy? I don't even know your name. She briefly wondered if Leon was alright, then remembered what he said. She'd see if he was in trouble. Say, you said you fight em? I heard they act like animals or somethin. Real weird like. What do you do to em? Them's freaks against God's good will. She'd slide a bit closer and touch his upper thigh (outside) with her knee. I think I can handle it. Tell me please?

[Leon]

"U-uh, well. Lets get a drink over here for the little lady, huh?"

He calls out for whatever person working the bar could hear. He then flexed his arms and chest as he spoke next.

"Usually if you can catch em before they can use whatever power they have and get em in the face they can't fight back."

[Stevie-Rae]

Stevie beamed at him in "awe" and gasped. Do you kill them or just lock em up? I can't even imagine doing anything like that. You are so brave. Please, just a Tequila Sunrise. She'd steal a glance at his hands. Sorry to ask like this, but you aren't married are you? I don't wanna have another bad run in with an angry wife just cuz her hubby forgot to mention her. [[She laughed nervously]] Long story.

[Leon]

"Hahaha, no. Just teach em a lesson ya'know? They get high and mighty from time to time, like those Academy Soldiers. It's bad enough they teach em how to control their powers then drop em back off, but most of em stick it out and think they are protecting people or something by becoming soldiers for the guys who came to power by fightin and killin. Don't seem right to me."

[Stevie-Rae]

Stevie broke. Turning to fully face the man and [accidentally] spilling her drink over the counter [toward the bartender] she'd start going off. How do you explain the way the English came to this land. The natives had it first and the English hunted them down or forced them to move. Ever heard of the Trail of Tears? And another, we had slaves. We forced them to come to America and told them to work or be killed. When they ran away, they were tortured or killed. So, forgive me for saying, but you, my not-so-good sir, are a fool. If you really think the only way to run a country is by holding hands and singing Kumbaya, then you deserve all you've got and then some. Shame on you. Stevie would stand to leave. Just breathe... Just walk out and don't say another word... Just breathe... Stevie thought as she steamed walking towards the door.