Reporting for Duty (Leon/Research)

[Leon]

The ride would probably be a common enough site for Eric. Miles of nothing, plant life retaking what was once populated areas, small farming or building communities patched out in areas. A quiet ride through a serene wilderness, as if Eric were a knight in medieval times, only riding a motorcycle instead of a horse. However, before the sun began to shade the sky orange and purple he would roll into a decently sized community. easily a few ten thousand strong of normal people. However, the first thing that would likely stand out was the lack of any kind of patrol.

No territory had soldiers wandering around, in a community this big, that is definitely off.

[Mathew Amtrum]

Looks could be deceiving. He had traveled enough to know that not all patrols wore uniforms. Plainclothes was a common tactic for some of the non-allied territories. Guerrilla and insurgent tactics for offensive and defensive maneuvers. And just because he didn't see anything right away didn't mean there was nothing to see. Add in the rumors that 202 was working with black ops and he had a fairly confident first assumption.

The first thing he'd scout out for was somewhere to eat. He'd want to keep his strength up and blend in, getting something to eat would be a good way to get a feel for how the people act here. And it would give him time to plan his first moves.

[Leon]

He'd spot some places to eat rather quickly as most of the things you would expect travels to be looking for were on the main road and rather close to the entry points to the territories city. People didn't seem to pay him much interest either as through traffic was common enough that he simply got the "Oh look a traveler" looks.

Eric had his choice of diner like establishments. Likely supplied by some of the farmland he passed on the way in. A place that specializes in steaks, one for sandwiches, and another that seems to like pastries and bakery type stuff.

[Mathew Amtrum]

He thought the sandwich type place would be good. It would be a place that was casual and it would allow him to stay and eat, or grab and go as needed without attracting attention. Furthermore, it would likely be somewhat used to travelers and questions. So he could get some basic answers there. Or so he hoped.

[Leon]

Inside he would notice it was more like a living room than a diner, with comfy chairs surrounding coffee tables. Candles augmented the soft lighting and smooth jazz playing in the back ground from an in house band would set the mood. The place wasn't packed, but there were enough people around that it seemed a little busy. He would be approached almost immediately by this man who wouldn't smile or greet him out right, just speak as he seemed to be moving to pass by him.

"Just pick a place to sit, I'll be with you in a minute."

He'd then go through a door into the back room. It wouldn't;t be long before the man came back out and walked over to him.

"Alright pal. What do you want to drink?"

[Mathew Amtrum]

He'd pick a spot near the back with a clear line of view to the front door, and the kitchen. He assumed there would be a back door there for deliveries. This way if anyone suddenly came in or he needed a way out, he'd have a line of sight.

"Just water for now."

He'd say to the man as he settled into his chair.

"I've been on the road for a while. Which city is this? I didn't see a recent sign on my way in."

[Leon]

The man would nod, at the request for water, which was abundant luckily here.

"Mmm, before the war this place was called Hope. Now it's referred to as Territory 202... Some folks still call it Hope though. Where are you coming from?"

[Mathew Amtrum]

"All over. New York than California. After the war, I was in 259 for a bit, spent some time in 83 before moving through 96 and 181. And now I guess I'm here."

He'd take a glance out of the window.

"Hope... hope is a nice name though. Seems peaceful, I'm not used to seeing a place with this many people without soldiers patroling through the street."

[Leon]

The man would turn a bit to get the guys water, but would remark before leaving.

"Don't let it fool you, son. It's peaceful on the outside, but tensions have been high recently."

He'd wander off and bring a glass with ice water and set it down.

"Can I get you anything else?"

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Only recently?"

That seemed to catch his attention. Though it could just be him wanting to avoid trouble if he was now sitting on a powder keg. At least that was how he tried to present his facial expressions. His brows knitting together as he looked down as if debating on if he should go.

"A menu I suppose. Even if I should head out soon I need to eat sometime..."

[Leon]

The guy nodded.

"Far as I can tell... Some Territory 112 Prota soldiers were snooping around a few days back. Eyeing the town like hungry vultures. People around town are getting unsettled and as you said, we don't have anything in line for protection. No telling what those Prota guys are after, but it's never good with them."

As Eric was most likely fully aware of.

[Mathew Amtrum]

"You guys really don't have anything for protection? No soldiers or anything?"

His eyes widened. It really was odd for a territory with this many people too not have any standing defense. Not that it was easy to stand up to Prota soldiers, but still.

"How have you guys managed to grow like this with no protection? Isn't 202 outside of the accords?"

Of course, he already knew that. Just like he knew they were training black ops here. But it was useful to know what the populous knew, and what they believed.

[Leon]

"Mostly a small militia. Truth be told an old swordsman from the war has been training some of our young adults in Swordsmanship and bow usage. They are the Hunter Corps and generally go out to bring us meat and the like from non domesticated sources."

[Mathew Amtrum]

"Yeah, that won't do much against Prota... still, it's amazing that such a small force has been able to keep the peace. Truely you are all blessed here."

He'd take a drink from his glass of water.

"This swordsman is a big deal I take it? He one of the Dragons or something? Or one of the Gods?"

[Leon]

The guy scratched at his beard in ponder.

"Mmm so far as I hear it, he worked with The God's some years ago, but never got a title, so embarked on his own journey. I figure he must of just liked the peace and quiet."