10 Telvasreed / 26 October

That first step was tentative, almost hesitant as though something was unsure about the ground itself though this seemed far from the case. No, the concrete landing was solid, almost bulwark in nature supporting that footfall with the same silent resolution that hung on the misty morning air. But even on that sleepy morn there was still an aggravated tension that shrouded the very land, an excitement that vibrated " the promise of life and adventure and a thousand fold stories crashing together in a chaotic mess. It was the feeling that always held to this place, a fog charged with emotions and arcane energy.

Perhaps it was this which had him waffling, the ebbing push of that chaos that ran a tingle up his spine, made the skin of his fingers tingle. Intoxicating and discomforting all at once, it was the very essence of this place which drew him, lulled him into a sense of comfort and belonging. It was also that which so killed him here, which rotted away all he was and strove for while threatening to undermine every last machination he had in place. A force of nature both creating and eroding, that insidiously sculpted all those trapped in it's miasma. A force which gave even a overconfident bastard like him pause, made him rather reconsider things.

Was he strong enough to be here....was he worthy' Many questions buzzed as whispers in the cathedral of his mind, threatening to steal the name of action from him. But then this may well have been the strongest point pushing him forward as well " fuel for that bullish will of his to always keep moving, brash and boorish, in the face of the odds and fates thrown at him. He was almost to the inevitable finish line, the last chapters of his personal story; why should he change now how he'd lived his entire life to this point' What point was there in suddenly shunning recklessness with humility, modesty, or caution at this point in the game"

Reveling in the soft, tactile squeal of the leather gloves he wore as he flexed his fist he gave himself a mental push as finally his second foot joined the first upon that yellow painted platform. Looking to the east he took in the shimmer of the languorous sun reflecting off the waters of the not so distant docks, an ever so slight grin pulling upon his lips at the familiar yet long forgotten sight.

"I'm back..." The soft words spoken to no one but himself as Mach took in that which he'd been taken away from more than a half year past, that which he'd never thought he'd see again " Rhy'Din. Hoisting his bulky, canvas duffle bag upon broad shoulder he turned from the train, striding off into the quiet calm of the dawns early light, no fanfare to be had as he hailed down a taxi to carry him off into the city.

9 Dalsreed / 1 August

The four hour drive along the barren and inhospitable crags of the Deganback Coast was rather boring to say the least, the two men spending the majority of the trip in contemplative....or perhaps more accurately sullen silence. It wasn't like Morgan and he were really friends " far from such even. The handler was a straight laced career oriented soldier from a family steeped three generations deep in a tradition of military service. Hell, they'd had two failed marriages because at the end of each the man chose duty to country over duty to home and family. This was the sort of man that, let's be frank, was a polar opposite of one like himself - a schmooze, a degenerate, a delinquent that found duty stuffy, rules simply made to be broken, and viewed the military as nothing more than a deeply flawed meal ticket. And so generally the two of them got on like gas and fire where any over length of conversation outside of professional need tended to lead to arguing, bickering, and an explosive shutdown of relations requiring no small amount of dour ignoring less they try to kill each other. That last part he knew well, it'd already happened multiple times this trip alone just trying to talk about his treatment in the prison or the details of this little meeting!

Then again despite this the two men were far closer than fellows got simply being an overseer and subordinate. That dutiful streak that tended to rub him the wrong way had, nonetheless, served him as Morgan had done him no small number of solids throughout their time acquainted; sometimes even putting themselves in hot water to do so rather than simply giving him enough rope to hang with (an activity he was obviously very good at doing to himself if this last stint of incarceration was any indication.) As for him he'd pulled the strict man's ass out of a few fires and felt ingratiated enough for their continued support to at least try to keep the fallout for his own stupidity from having too detrimental an effect on them and theirs. It was a mutual concession that the other could have been worse and ergo probably deserved support which, when dealing with hunters, was about as good as things could get typically.

Cresting one last grasslands hill saw the outline of Odelina come into view, sprawling along the rocky bay trying to take advantage of the few slopped beaches of bone white sand that rested between the jaggedly black toothed coast. It wasn't a terribly large nor pretty city thanks to the harsh weather of this region but it still had it's charm that sat half between industrial fishing port and adrenaline junky tourist destination. The same rocky coastline battered by the elements nestled among choppy hills and craggy mountains which made the region perfect for housing dangerous mages and madscis also made for an extreme water and outdoor sports nuts heaven as well as a haven for all sorts of delectable crustaceans that liked to hide among the sharp crops of volcanic stone.

Watching the sun hanging lazily over the city of stone, terracotta, and steel like some blazing banister the hunter worked to stifle another yawn in the face of his boredom. He was really having regrets about not bumming some charge time from one of those guards a few hours back, especially after the last quibble about music versus news saw the radio and the two men silent. It was a sad state of affairs that only worked to make him all the more irritable, especially in the information blackout he was currently in. "Oh hey, I see Odelina."

"Mmm hmm." This warranted yet another soar look with that lone cobalt eye, his jaw working against the urge to spit venomous words at the older man. Beside their almost hilariously different personalities and sensibilities it was the officers tight lipness about who he was being taken to meet which also worked to further stir the dour mood between them. Mach wasn't very keen on all the smoke and mirrors going on here. By his experience it was usually such shadowy and dodgy dealings which saw him the most screwed in life.

"Look Morgan, I think it's about time you drop the fucking cryptic act and just tell me what?s going on."

This warranted a dim look from the career stooge. "Look Eli, I've already told you-"

"'-the party I represent wants you fresh on your meeting.' Yeah, yeah, I heard you but come on Morgan-"

"Albright."

"Morgan....but cut the crap, I just got out of prison, yeah' I'm a little fucking tired of backroom dealings....or you forget it's that kind of crap that saw me, a mage hunter, shoved into a prison full of mages!"

The handler worried their lower lip a little, one of their tells that he was pushing a particularly needling button on the man. Unfortunately they simply answered his pushing with a mild shake of head. "Look, I know you don't like going in cold but that's what was requested of me."

That was one of the annoying things about those who bought into the notion of duty and pride so fully, they could weather a lot of needling if they thought their cause was worth it. "So you're okay just throwing me under the bus?"

"Throwing you a lifeline Eli." This was emphasized with a sharp look from the fellow.

"Right, some lifeline - a shady meeting with someone I don't even get to know who it is."

"I thought shady dealings were right up your ally."

A jab in return from the man at the tattoo which worked its way up his forearm; something he'd explained away more than once was just something he'd needed to do to survive his time in the lockup. Like all the best lies it was based purely on truth with the devil lost in the details. Sort of like the likelihood of any further association he would have with an organization which was, frankly, in the top ten targets of the Hunter Corp hit list. "Look, that was survival, yeah' This" I don't even know what the hell this is."

"A chance to save your job, Eli. Look-"

"My job?" He scoffed derisively. "You mean the same job that threw me to the wolves I hunt hoping I'd get my ass chewed off" That job?"

Morgan shook their head mildly, an exasperated sigh escaping. "The job that you've dedicated so much of your life to, that you've stuck with-"

"For shit reasons Morgan."

The man shrugged mildly to this. "For whatever reasons you have you've still done it regardless. Look, you know as well as I that those papers in that envelop you have are nothing more than belated discharge orders....maybe even dishonorably. You stand to loose everything."

"Everything..." This brought a tired laugh to the hunter as he shook his head. "...that's pretty rich being told to a guy that's got nothing."

"Oh boo hoo Eli." The man's words were tired more than jovial or bitter, their expression thin as they set their eyes forward on the road. "Is that what you think you have" If you want I can just drop you off at the first bus stop or cyber cafe we come across. You can see what 'nothing' awaits you in a week or so time when you're seen before that review board your promised."

Mach chewed on those words bitterly, his jaw working on a pause that would have been uncomfortable if the whole experience wasn't already firmly in entrenched in such territory to begin with. Gnawing on the worn butt of the cigarette he wasn't allowed to light he finally cast a weary glare over to the other fellow. "So, either I walk or I make some other devils deal with some shady third party, huh?"

The man's frown grew at how unpleasant that choice sounded when boiled down to it's bones. "Yeah, pretty much. But you have to believe me, this party wants what?s best for you."

"Oh, I've heard that before." He snorted at the idea, his attention turning sullenly to the landscape which flew by outside the window. Silence once more settled between the two like a fat man in the middle seat of an airliner. A few more minutes would pass in that peaceful quite before the hunter stirred once more. "You really trust this person' Respect them enough to keep me in the dark?"

To this Morgan finally chuckled lightly. "That doesn't imply an awful lot of trust if all they have to do is beat out my trust in you." Rugged features twisted in a scowl at the straightman's attempt at humor at his expense. "But yes, I do. I feel that they have your best interests in mind and they warrant enough respect that I'm glad to play their game. Look, all you need to really know is this is someone who stands in a position to help you. Just....think of it as working the system."

"Working the system usually requires a lot less blind faith."

"I....I know, and like I said, you do have a choice in this. If you want I can-"

Mach waved off the mans placation's with his organic hand, a shake of head finally offered along with a tired sigh. "Whatever Morgan, whatever. Nothing ventured nothing lost....usually." He tried to make his words sound encouraging and appreciative but then he was just too damned tired of being dicked around to make them anything more than mildly less irritated at the whole thing.

And so the ride continued in silence, another half hour passing as they made their way down the basin passing small rural suburbs along the way to the city proper. By the time they had reached their destination the sun sat fat and sassy straddling along the horizon blazing yellow and orange that rippled with distortion from the atmosphere. The destination in question happened to be, interestingly enough, a steak house done up in dark wood veneer with topiary and a fountain to boot. A right swanky venue with a swanky name to boot " Laryata's Pearl. Certainly did a lot to explain the sports coat now.

Unfolding himself from the vehicle he groaned wearily, walking a few circles to work out the fatigue as they'd made no stops between the prison and here. Popping a few joints he finally set to straightening himself out....while smoking that mostly ruined cigarette since hey, he was no longer in the car. It was an act of defiance that warranted a mild snort from the handler as he reached for the glove compartment to draw out a honest to goodness paperback novel. "You ain't coming?"

The officer gave him a mild look from where they sat, head shaking as they sought out their page. "This is your meeting, I'm not invited."

"Pretty cold blooded, don't you think" Come on, why not be my wingman?" He gave the man a hopeful look but then again he couldn't really say he was all that surprised by the scowling frown he got in response. Rather than argue the point he just threw his hands up in an exasperated show of surrender. "Right, right, shut up and do Mach. Whatever, don't get to cozy, I may be in and out before you know it."

Before the other could get a word out sideways he slammed the door shut behind, cigarette spat out bitterly to be crushed beneath the glossy brown dress shoe. With hands shoved in his jacket pockets, thumbs hooked on the outsides he looked more like some gangster tough than a respectable officer of the military but then again he wasn't feeling terribly respectable or respectful for that manner. There was just something about all this that rubbed him the wrong way, particularly given the work over he'd already received by the military and what it'd cost him both here and the life he'd started to build in Rhy'Din.

Stalking up to and through the door with a nudge of toe the maitre d which stood at behind the oaken reception podium to greet incoming guests cast him a rather dubious look. "Excuse me 'sir' but do you have a reservation?"

He rolled his shoulders lazily. "I don't know, you expecting a Mach?"

The fellow had a husky build with a hairstyle and mustache choice which made them look rather greasy than classy though the clean pressed black and white suit they wore did much to help with their regrettable choices of personal styling. Looking him over a few times that incredulous look seemed only to grow though there was a light twitch at the name. "Ah yes, Mister Turner, yes you have been expected. Please, this way."

The reaction was a little too manicured for his liking, but then again it seemed all of this encounter was rather well scripted which only worked to put his hackles further on end. Somebody was pulling an awful lot of strings and it felt more and more like it was done just to screw with him, at least that was his most purveying paranoid view. Rather than worrying himself down on such though he instead just focused on following the portly fellow as they lead him off and into the restaurant. The interior was just as ritzy as the exterior with lots of turned wood furnishing, silken table cloths, marble statues, shimmering crystal adorned fixtures, and more silverware then could ever be reasonably needed.

Others diners in the restaurant shot wary glances at him as he most certainly stood out in his ramshackle of military and dress wear only exacerbated by his punk mannerisms. However had arranged this obviously didn't have a good grasp on who he was or else they'd never have chosen such a classy place for a meeting with him.

Then again maybe all of this was meant just to screw with him as he rounded a planter box of privacy providing greenery to find a lone corner table seating one figure he most certainly never expected. Adorned in a stunning blue slip and soft candle light, both did much to try and lessen the sharp edges of the sculpted form that sat commanding at the table. Black hair that fell no further down than their sharp cut jaw was styled in a classy part with curled tips which helped to try and soften severe features though it did little for the piercing slate gaze that shot out at him. Almost instinctively he straightened up under the scrutiny of that gaze, shoulders drawing back as a thin smile pulled upon the woman's full lips. "Elitia, it's been too long. Please, join me."

The words were spoken pleasantly enough, her smile inviting though there was still a commanding note behind it all, the confidence of someone who knew what they wanted and made it happen regardless of what anyone else wanted or who stood in their way. It was a tone he knew all to well, a dulcet voice that had his frown growing as he eyed the woman. Now he knew why Morgan had been so insistent on their silence because had he known it was this woman who awaited him, well, he might well have given a lot more serious thought about just getting dropped off at a random bus stop!

"Ivera...?

9 Dalsreed / 1 August

"Ivera..." The name was spoken with a mixture of warmth and ice that slid off his tongue as sweet as a promise and as bitter poison.

"You're frowning?" The woman spoke in a cool manner, their expression mild though he could still make out the slightest tells of their displeasure. It was a look he'd seen quite often from this one though it had a way of making her smiles that much more radiant the far and few between when the broke through. "And you're slouching. Honestly, it makes you look like a thug when you do that?"

Then again there was that ball popping minefield littered with thorny thickets you had to go through to see such a rare sight which kind of tarnished said radiance. Fighting the unconscious imperative to do as they said and straighten up he instead sabotaged such, working to slouch just a little more even if it degraded him down to near knuckle dragging Neolithic in appearance. The move was obvious enough that it had the woman's features shifting just a hair more into the realm of annoyed though it obviously had been a while as he remembered him being much better at getting under this one's skin. "Sorry, didn't want to buck expectations. If I'd known it was you I'd be seeing, well, I might have brushed up and been right fancy like." He hoped his tone was friendly and glib though given the drab expression Ivera wore he had the sinking suspicion it was that overly friendly which tended to come off as fake.

"More likely I wouldn't have seen you at all." A light smirk escaped them as they rose, slender fingers motioning for him to approach. "You need to apologize to Albright when this is over, I'm sure you gave him no end of grief about keeping quiet." Without even realizing he'd been moving Mach's expression worked into a frown finding the woman's fingers sliding along his collar to tidy him up in an almost motherly fashion that was at once familiar and aggravating at the same time.

"Me and Morgan' Nah, we tight like that, talked it up and such. Decided on my own I'll hear you out."

"I'm sure." Their tone was unbelieving to say the least but then again this one was far too keen on his games and his flighty words to really fall for such. Still, he had to try because that was just how he was and while the woman was not impressed by his banter they didn't seem turned off by it either. It was just the way they were, the way they had been.

As those fingers continued moving they paused upon the strap to his medical eye patch, a worried knit working upon their smooth brow as they studied the cover. It was a pause that had a chuckle rising from him. "Not the first time I've had that one removed."

"That doesn't make it better!" That reply came out guarded though he could still tell there was an irritated snap to it. He probably shouldn't have found vexation to be so comforting but then yeah' Mach."

Taking to movement once more those tidying fingers finally found their way to his cropped hair that was almost to the point of needing an actual style having been nearly a month since his last buzz cut. They didn't linger there long though it didn't take much effort for them to find the scar hidden beneath that mop of brown where a bullet had glanced off his skull" or his anti-domination band as it were which was why a scar had even formed versus just healing away like usual for him. "I guess."

A mild shrug offered before he leaned in to brush a kiss upon one cheek and then the other in greeting before finally his lips met hers in a move far to autonomous for it's own good. That tender moment lasted far too long for anyone to confuse that with a mere friendly greeting though there was an awkwardness to it as those mothering hands had retreated from his scalp to press shielding against his chest though there was no push to the motion, no struggle to actually make distance. With a soft breath that spell was broken as he drew back, their gazes met momentarily. There was a flicker of warmth spotted in those cool slate depth though it fogged over nearly as quickly as it came, succumbing to that cold collection. "Well, since you did come here of your own volition you'll obviously be joining me?"

The words were sly in a clubbing sort of manner as the woman finally pushed away leaving him feeling like an idiot as they easily turned things around on him. He wasn't even given a chance to scowl at them for it too as he had to move quickly so as to pull their chair out for them. Hey, they had a way of getting under his skin but that didn't preclude them from gentlemanly behavior! Taking the seat graciously he caught the simple, clean, no nonsense aroma of soap which clung to them. There was no frills or pageantry in that fragrance, a pretty apt example of the woman's persona as a whole. Of course there was more to them than just that strict exterior much like, despite popular belief, there was more to him than simply being a schmooze. But then again just as himself such facets were kept close to chest though such wasn't the case between them not that long ago; funny how ending a relationship with a prison term could rebuild walls taller and thicker than before.

Pushing the chair in he took one more surveying look around the fancy d"cor that surrounded them, his expression only thinning at how much sense this all made now that he'd arrived at the end point. Never let it be said that Mach didn't have 20:20 hindsight even if his ability to look ahead was slightly nearsighted and rather skewed. "Fine, fine?" This was spoken in a weary sigh, hands lifting in surrender as it wouldn't have done anything to be so petty as to walk out now. "But you're buying...Colonel."

That was a jab that seemed to land as he saw those toned shoulders flex slightly though their tone remained unfazed. "Of course, I already have the largest cut of meat they offer cooking, medium, to be served with pasta and plain rolls since you abhor anything healthy. You still drink Renegades I hope, the server nearly had a heart attack when I requested something so garish."

He felt his jaw flexing as the woman pegged right back with his tastes, the only saving grace being that he was still behind her. Not that she needed to look to see she had his number, or at least that was the bitter thought that crossed his mind as moved back around to take a seat across from them. "Yeaaah, actually my main squeeze are Mojitos now but I guess a Renegade for old time's sake wouldn't be bad." His easy breezy sounded a little wholly but he was still reeling from the fact that it was Ivera who had called this little powwow.

"Yes" for old time's sake?" There was a sore note to those words, a deflated undertone in that commanding, dulcet voice which made him feel once more like a dick for being so glib and petty with that tit for tat banter. It wasn't like he figured she hated him which was probably the natural conclusion one might draw from the sordid way things ended between them. But she'd made a decision and he, well, he lost because of it. Oh sure, it certainly wasn't that simple and there were plenty of factors involved, many which did not leave him blameless in the least but he found it easier to keep a healthy bitterness about things. Simplify the matter as much as he could because, despite all of it, he couldn't deny that he still had a soft spot for the cold woman' even if he wanted to hit it with a hard object at times.

Reclining some in that plush hardwood chair he let his gaze settle upon the woman while fingers tented upon the table before him, his expression mild. "Yeah' So' what?s all this about Ivera" Why am I here" Why now"?

10 Telvasreed / 26 October

There was a reason why he was never much for the front door to this place. Such was the thought which sat at the forefront of his mind as his foot tapped irately on the metal grate of that security vestibule which he was now currently trapped within. Obviously his profile hadn't been updated in the scanner database before his arrival, something he didn't know about until he tried using his credentials and was welcomed by the friendly blare of an "intruder" clarion along with a greetings committee comprised of ceiling mounted sentry turrets beading in on him. Hands up, head down, and legs spread was a position he felt he'd been in far too much for being a government peacekeeper and not a professional gimp (though at times he felt he may have had a talent for such.)"

It would take a few minutes of listening to that mind grinding alarm while being yelled at to both disarm and hold still until finally someone of some rank and importance arrived. The woman had obviously just been roused given the hastily flattened birds nest of golden hair and the oddly stiff hang of the still hanger fresh battle fatigues they'd thrown on. It was a homely face that didn't prompt any recognition though that didn't exactly say much as he rarely interacted with the ancillary or combat support staff. Give him the tools he needed to do his job and get out of his way had generally been his motto, the typical way of life for peacekeeper hunters versus full on combat hunters.

Giving him a weary once over with eyes a shade darker than the sky, the woman considered the spectacle that lay in front of them for a long moment before their visage scrunched disapprovingly. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Testing your security, of course. Courtesy service."

The woman simply snorted at his attempt at humor. "Of course. You know your credentials were shut down when you were taken from here in handcuffs."

Mach just shrugged mildly to this. "Ahh, see, there's the confusion. I didn't leave in handcuffs. Missing a hand at the time, so?" He lifted gloved right hand up as emphasis of his point which caused the two guards to lift their rifles in response. For the woman's part they just rolled their eyes, an exasperated sigh escaping.

"At ease soldiers!" Their tone was crisp and sharp, commanding in a way that had the two men scrambling while Mach just sort of watched with tired disinterest. What' He gave the woman's angry voice and face a solid five but he'd been on the end of much scarier and angrier expressions (a fact he probably shouldn't have been so blas" about.) "So, do you have your transfer orders?"

Offering an apologetic grin he moved slowly, an eye kept on the two twitchy soldiers that still stoned him with their hard glares as he reached behind and under his coat. Catching hold of the object tucked into the small of his back he couldn't help himself but to twitch while pulling it out causing the two men to snap their guns back up at him. He really was a dick sometimes and an idiot for pushing his luck as much as he did. For the woman's part the simply groaned angrily at his antics, a hand reaching to snatch the threatening envelope he now held in hand.

Pulling through the official U.T.R.A. seal which held the envelope closed she removed the packet of paperwork within, looking it over with a mild expression as those brilliant blue eyes scanned the document in hand. Skipping a few pages she finally reached the end, a moments pause taken to closely inspect the official seal and commanding officer signature before she folded the printed document over so as to hold it in hand easier. And with that the woman snapped to attention, a crisp salute offered. "Sir. Welcome to the U.T.R.A. Satellite Branch Office for the Rhy'Din Special Sovereign Region. I'm Lt. Calway, acting commander on shift. You've been expected....in a less spectacular fashion." That last little jab was spoken with a thin uptick of lip which had him smirking in turn. As for the two soldiers, well, they suddenly seemed to fall in line watching the acting base commander saluting someone; a reaction he probably could have elicited himself were he really interested in the whole respect for a superior officer thing. As was he hardly even garnered or expected respect from his pets much less military subordinates!

Straightening mildly he returned the salute in kind. "Glad to be on post, commander. And you know my lot, troublemakers to the end."

They shared a mild chuckle, the woman obviously having had a lot of experience dealing with hunters as his usually glib manner seemed not to get under their skin unlike many others not so experienced. "Sadly so." Motioning for the door the woman finally cracked a thin smile. "We'll get you access first and then go over a debrief of the current situation in Rhy'Din city and it's surrounding lands as well as go over getting you situated here, so long as you have no objections."

Mach just shrugged mildly, a lopsided grin offered in response which simply had the woman snorting. "Alright then, right this way..." There was an ever so slight pause as they looked at his neck, that familiar military spot check that anyone with any sense did before addressing anyone in uniform. "Cpt. Turner.?

9 Dalsreed / 1 August

At first glance he could tell the folder was a personnel file and of someone with as sorted a history as his given its girth. Oh sure it could have been from commendations and the like but folks who tended to be so highly praised usually had files that were just as highly secure given their innately trustworthy nature " and nothing about this file said "trustworthy." There was no warning tape across the front speaking of its 'super-secret' clearance nor threats of execution for poking your nose into the file without enough brass on your collar. What there was, which Mach recognized far too easily, was a little back sticker added to the top of the file which told him pretty much everything he needed to know about Ivera's plan.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes" - an apt saying in this case from the Earthrealm dead old dude language of Latin that roughly translated to "who watched the watchers?" In regards to Hunters the answer was the U.T.R.A. Department of Hunter Purity, Potency, and Discipline though they were just the boogiemen of oversight and regulation that cracked down on aberrant folks like him. And while they had themselves a deep arsenal of nasty to bring to bear (a fact he was intimately aware of as of late) sometimes the only judgment left to be passed was simply to cut losses and cull a rogue hunter. The unfortunate side to this was that when you have to create a monster to hunt monsters, well, the only way to eliminate said monsters just happened to be with another monster. And so at the end of the day Hunters were ultimately tasked with meting out final judgment on others hunters.

Another one of those dirty little secrets that weren't often spoken about outside of the circles of folks that had risen in rank and status enough where it became their problem. For Mach it was when he became an A3 and as part of his new dubious duties included enforcing final judgment against support class hunters that crossed the line. Not exactly an often occurrence as most problem children got nipped long before they came to the point of requiring such an intervention (his current treatment as case and point) but that didn't mean that he'd never gotten a black flagged file, had never had to put down one of his brother-in-arms who had become a liability to the state. If anything there had been a rash of such orders during the Mage Rebellion years ago, of support hunters turning vigilante sympathizer or outright terrorist against the regime. Yet another reason why the "good old days" were usually anything but in his opinion.

He reached with his mechanical to draw the file closer, the front flap tipped open to the basic profile page as blue eye blue began to pour over the soul that was marked for government extermination. "Really' A hit job is going to save my career" What's the charge?"

As cold as ever Ivera didn't even flinch at the mention of the dirty task, their expression immaculate as they lifted their glass for another sip of astringent cocktail. "Dereliction of duties, collusion with a known criminal organization, threat to national security, AWOL for the past few weeks." Pausing to take a drag from their e-cig the woman crossed toned, lithesome legs as they settled back apparently coming into their element. "It's believed they've been bargaining for a defection to the Vil"nyr Collective. Apparently they've handily forgotten that we were at war with them a decade ago." A derisive snort escaped the woman at that, their bent of nationalism showing though it wasn't like he could say anything against such in this regards. He had been nearly bit in half by a dragon during that war after all so it wasn't like he didn't have a bone or two to grind.

Letting his cobalt gaze tick over the details he felt his features pulling into a frown as the name in all the headers: Duncan Ornell, seemed familiar. Where had he heard that name before" Looking over a few more details the blanks slowly began to fill in his memory though one in particular caused him to halt in his tracks. "Wait a minute Iva, this guys an A3 like I am' was" is-ish."

Looking up from the file he noted a slip in the woman's cold exterior, their expression shifting through a strange embarrassed look which puzzled him a moment before he joined in realizing what he'd done. Holding his hand up apologetically he ducked his head so as to try and hide some of the rouge tint that burned across his features while he mentally kicked himself. They weren't exactly of the pet name sort of close anymore after all. Still, despite their mutual embarrassment at his blunder it did nothing against the truth of his statement " that he and Duncan were of the same license grade. That meant that they should be equivalents in power which was why higher hunters always dealt with lower hunters. Much more chance for success, much less chance of a protracted fight of attrition that ended with two corpses.

"Yes, I am aware." Spoken flatly between sips of their drink, slate gaze eyeing him warily though her heckles quickly lowered in the face of that truth. "The S1 hunter that was assigned to them is currently off post and due to the sensitive nature of this job it needs to be taken care of immediately."

"Except it could easily lead to my death."

"Yes, a deciding consideration calculated in this "chance.?"

He couldn't help but stare as the woman stated such so frankly though really how else was she supposed to sugar coat the fact that they were only able to even get something like this approved as a means of redemption for him because it could lead to his death. Hell, Mach was pretty sure the high likelihood of mutual assured destruction was probably a top selling point! "Jeez, I knew I wasn't popular but I didn't think all you folks wanted me dead that badly!"

Taking a drag of their cigarette the woman offered a roll of sinuous shoulder. "To be honest: yes, there are those that want you to fail and fail spectacularly. At the same time, though, there are others, like me, that think you have a chance based off your experiences and the discrepancies in ability you've been showing as of recent."

"Discrepancies shown in a land brimming with magic. And that even assumes I'm going into this even footed." Blue eye blue caught that ever so slight stiffening of the woman's neck as he said that which had his own frown growing. "I am being fitted for this, right' MPC" Tact gear" Maybe something to help with depth perception!?"

Each of those requests, sane as they were, might as well have been fishes that he was hitting the woman with for the reaction he got. "I" no, unfortunately due to the time restraints and the rather unorthodox manner of this request you'll be going with what you've personally hidden away for such rainy day scenarios."

"Such rainy day scenarios?" This drew a scoff from him which was hardly drowned by the gulp of burning liquor he chased it with. "This situation can only be called a "rainy day' if the rain was composed of angry minotaurs! This isn't a chance Ivera, this isn't even a hope we both die sort of thing. This is me willingly going to go eat a bullet so they don't have to wait for me to naturally expire!"

"I said you probably wouldn't like it-"

"Yeah, read the fucking crystal ball on that one." His tone was soar as he spat out those words, tossing back the last of his drink before shoving the glass aside on the table. It felt almost like a betrayal that the woman could get his hopes up only to give him this giant wiggly dick to the face sort of option but then he couldn't really even blame her for this. It was his own bad decisions that found him at this point, his own stupid blundering and pursuits of what he knew was bad that had him before this firing squad of an option.

Turning his attention back to the file before him as a form of distraction he continued reading about Duncan "Can Can' Ornell, angrily flipping through the other soldiers life. Noting the rank of Captain it almost made him laugh that even though they'd done screwed up enough to warrant a bullet to the brainpan they still hadn't done so enough to be busted down in rank as he had; though to be fair more of his disciplinary issues were related to actual lack of discipline and 'sticking it to the man' forms of rebellion versus the good and proper dereliction for sedition sake that Duncan seemed keen for. A few more bullet points glanced over in that sordid but extensive service record though would finally light that spark of recognition of where he'd come across the name before, the revelation making his churning stomach sink. 'Can Can' and he had met before when they pulled his ass out of a tight spot during the Red Rose Incident, one of several acts it seemed which had warranted them a Medal of Valor. Great, not only were they a better soldier than he was but a better person to boot.

"Elitia?"" Obviously his expression seemed to be speaking his thoughts as the tone from the woman was oddly soft and mild, uncertain even which was not something that suited the hard cut woman. Then again he couldn't exactly say he was acting as the carefree, cavalierly puckish thug brimming with confidence that they'd known him for when faced with such a crap hand. But with everything of late in his professional and personal life he pretty much felt well and truly beat down, so much so that not even an idiot like him couldn't fake a smile for it all.

That didn't stop him from trying though as he mustered up a weak willed grin for the woman that didn't seem to fool either of them. Worrying a pouty lower lip the woman's resolve to push such an insane plan seemed to be flagging fast which made him feel all the more guilty that he even toyed with the idea that she'd put all this together for a lark at his expense. Ivera was earnest to a fault as evidenced by the state of their relationship, but that meant that whatever they said could be trusted. That no matter how ludicrous a plan they put together to try and 'save" him was meant exactly for that purpose no matter how flawed it was. Releasing all that agitation with a soft sigh he took up the vaporizer once more for a lazy suckle. "It's" it's fine Ivera. I get it." Looking once more to the file he worked on organizing his thoughts through the haze of smoke that escaped him. "So, say I take this on and kick it-"

"Elitia, you can't go into an Op thinking-"

"Save the "positive thinking" Ivera. It's a likely if not more favorable outcome that I die doing this so, yeah, I'm basing my decision off this line of thought. So, question is, if I die during this will I keep my death benefits" Will all those be honored or do I lose that because of how janky and gray this all is?"

He could see the guilt oozing from the cracks in the woman's fa"ade, in the way they abused their lip even more worrying it between pearly teeth. It was one thing to make a plan were going into it was probably suicidal but it was an entirely different beast to have to actually sit across from the person you were condemning to such a fate and tell them so directly. Chewing on that bitter reality for a moment they completely missed him leaning forward to poke her forehead drawing an embarrassed scowl from the woman. They recoiled, a dirty look cast to him though he simply tapped on his brow in a knowing fashion, silent words in the personal language built between those who were truly intimate with one another at some point. She was thinking about bold face lying to him, he could tell by the way her brow scrunched up and inwards and he called her on it."

Scowling a moment longer the woman finally found her composure once more, slate gaze avoiding his. "It' yes, yes you would. It could be considered a last heroic act of duty to the state, something even your worse detractors couldn't spin as the actions of someone tainted by the lure of power. But this doesn't need to be a sacrifice Elitia. I know you, I've seen the kind of situations you've walked away from.?"

The vote of confidence, while heartwarming, only warranted a smirk from the schmooze. "Well that's something at least. And I hate to rain on your parade but pulling off stupid is this guy's M.O. too. And he's got me outclassed on magic and has all the initiative."

"So work around it. Play to his weaknesses. Play to the weaknesses you'd have if you were in their position. I know you can do it Elitia, I'm just not sure sometimes whether you want to or not."

That last bit was a nasty little jab that dulled his already weak sauce smile, another drag taken off the e-cig so as to try and mask his displeasure behind a screen of smoke. Mulling over things for a long moment he finally let his gaze shift to the woman as he flipped the file closed. "Alright, I'm a sexy badass, I get it." His cheeky little grin drew but an amused snort from the woman though she didn't push any further into what obviously was an attempt of diversion. "But tell me, how did you make all this happen" Whatever happened to this guy's original reaper at such a convenient time that this situation just so neatly presented itself?"

Now it was her turn to consider things, their expression a stolid mask for a long moment before something softened. "Believe it or not I took a few pages from your book and took a gamble. Got rid of the reaper and hoped something would come along."

"Wait, wait, wait. You took a gamble!?" This revelation warranted an uptick of brow as "Ivera" and "gamble" paired as well as bowling balls and crotches.

"An educated one!" It was cute how, for such a frigid ice queen the woman could still be so petulant as was evidenced by the huff they gave him, their expression taking a moody turn. "With more than a few backups if things hadn't panned out."

That expression of aggravation only grew on their face as he couldn't help the Cheshire grin that grew while listening to them. "You know that's what all gambling is about, right?"

Shooting him a nasty glare the woman downed the rest of her drink. "You know I never did like how smug you could get."

"Uh huh, suuuure." Another teasing little poke as he took a final drag from his e-cig causing the red "juice empty' diode to illuminate. "So what hunter did you take off case that left such a prime target available?"

Glowering a little longer the woman finally huffed out her annoyance as though the mere presence of such an emotion as embarrassment was distasteful. Nothing that red light on his e-cig they offered over their own as he set his aside. "You saw the change yourself just before being taken from the special zone of Rhy"Din."

Mach's brow quirked confused for a moment as he tried to follow that line of thought before finally quirking up. "Wait, is that why they sent The Wren out there!?"

Ivera was never one for letting their emotions show too much but even her lips curled in a conspiratorial if not imperious smile. "Well it certainly helped that you left an angry hornet's nest behind after fixing everything with an explosion so there was need for a very seasoned and efficient hunter. After that it was just a little push to the right people that Wren really needs to learn more cooperation skills and helping acclimate the greenhorn prodigy in the weird land would work perfect for that and" well, you saw the results."

The woman could be a real frosty bitch but when she was using such powers for good, well, it was kind of a marvel to behold. Chuckling softly Mach finally took that offered peace "pipe", a drag taken as a thought occurred to him. "Wait, so why have Elodie go out there then?"

"That' I wouldn't know. I planned a lot of things but that particular detail was someone else's pet project. I'm not even aware who it was who issued the original order, I just know it served my purpose and?" Another roll of tone shoulders gave a nonchalant air to the woman basically admitting how manipulative she could be and how un-invested she was to people who just so happened to be useful to their plans. Yeah' he felt just a little sorrier for the Spencer kid now and what they were probably having to put up with simply because his ex had a use for her.

"Huh' strange." Looking at the folder once more he could feel the tension in his jaw as he grappled with that decision placed before him once more. "So' I got one week to do this since I venture they're not going to postpone my review hearing until after I succeed or fail at this, huh?"

Ivera's smile thinned out as they placed down their empty glass, fingers lacing together. "You might have even less time than that. The number of suspected communications Ornell has been having has drastically decreased. Logistics doesn't believe he's developed a more secretive way of communicating so the only other option is that he's getting ready to make a move" and soon. Forces are already mobilizing and there's debate whether we should really be waiting until the actual defection meeting to try and nail him and his co-conspirators or if we should be putting more resources into a manhunt, try to take care of him before the chance that he could slip into enemy hands becomes viable. I've actually a meeting to attend in the morning about just that topic. You know how I'll be trying to swing that decision."

He chewed on this mildly, worked through the logistics as his gaze fell ever back to the file. Nursing on the e-cig as he thought a niggling question crossed him, passing go straight to his mouth. "What about Rhy"Din?"

This had the woman's features scrunching slightly as they put that into context. And when it clicked together, well, that touch of softness finally receded beneath their usually stoic mask once more. "You mean returning" I" I'm sorry Elitia but you have to understand. That place is considered a corrupting influence on you and you're pretty much already out of strikes. You get another and" and it just may be your file with a black tag on it." Her fingers flexed stiffly against each other chasing the color from them. "I'm sorry. I tried but' not even I could swing that for you." Slate blue gaze lifted to him, studying. "Is it really so bad that you don't go back there" I mean, all things considered with the Sanguine Cult hunt and" and the state of your relationships" is there really some driving reason to go back?"

Mach pondered that question, or perhaps more pondered it again as it had been something that had been on his mind for some time now. Taking another long drag off that e-cig he watched as the ashen smoke rolled lazily from his lips. "I"no, I guess not. Just kind of curious is all." He shrugged mildly through the tired slouch that hung upon his shoulders, attention returning to the folder for a long moment before he reached out to draw it all the way over. "Think I'll look into this" never have been one to go down without a fight, yeah' And hey, get to stick it to Wren, always a bonus."

He didn't venture the woman bought the sly smile that curled on his lips at those words but they didn't seem inclined to argue the point. "You know, you? you don't have to do this. I know I put a lot of effort to set it all up but there's nothing wrong with leaving this life behind and-"

"And what? Spend the last few years of my life slowly becoming nothing but a husk of what I was" See how close to cabbage I can get before I just naturally punch out leaving a lot of dick all and nothing behind" You know how I feel about that Ivera." Twirling the e-cig about in his fingers he offered it back to the woman along with the original he had been given. "I came into this world fighting, no reason to alter course now."

The woman's face grew taut at those words, tension evident on those angular cut features as she reframed from speaking out on this. Taking a few moments to rein in their aggravations they finally accepted back the spent vaporizer. "And hence this opportunity, I know how stubborn you could be and" I know how important it is you 'keep moving forward.?" A maudlin tone clouded those assertive features for a moment bordering on sadness or regret before such was swept away by the tides of imperial fortitude. "Just' don't disappoint me. Come back, ok" I didn't arrange all of this for you just so you can find an end Elitia."

He couldn't quite find a smile for those encouraging words if only because the guilt from the prior stab weighed so much. She may have been a royal bitch at times but, in the end, they both knew why their relationship fell apart and who shouldered most the blame. And while it was easier to demonize her and her views on him he knew too that deep down she still cared for him, if in her own way. "I don't know, disappointment seems to be the one thing I'm good at. Got a long line of dissatisfied folk to prove that."

His tone was glib though the woman didn't seem to share in his humor as their lips thinned. "Sorry, sorry. I'll....I'll try. No promises though, a little tired of making such when there's a good chance I won't be able to keep them." Another smile was offered though it felt like a weary grimace as those words were perhaps a little too honest. Racking his brain for a natural way to try and spin away from that topic he almost missed the movement out of the corner of his vision. Cobalt gaze snapped paranoid to the young woman that had approached (a still fresh reflex from the shanksville of prison) though his screeching heckles fell silent the second he noted the rather large serving tray they carried. Oh....well....thank The Way for natural intervention!

The two of them fell silent as the young woman unloaded their tray of a number of items including pasta, meats, cheeses, breads, vegetables, soup, desserts, and a steak that looked to be larger than his head! It was an almost comical amount though Mach couldn't help but drool a little at the fancy spread knowing he was probably going to have a little....or a lot of everything. Finishing up the clown car-like delivery the waitress looked between them a moment before turning away at the dismissive gesture from Ivera. Apparently, unlike the young man from earlier, this server knew how to deal with a commanding presence (the answer being by respectfully avoiding it if at all possible.) Slate gaze watched as the waitress left, waiting for them to be well away before they looked back to him. "Feel free to wipe your chin."

"Shaddup." Rugged features scrunched in mock petulance as he moved to tuck the folder away inside his waistband, "It's been half a year since I've had something better than mess hall fare you know."

A shrug was offered. "It's nothing that exquisite. I chose this place with hunter sized proportions in mind which obviously leads to a decrease in quality." Her tone mild as she chimed that in bluntly.

"Yeah, yeah..." Dismissing the matter-of-fact explanation with a wave of hand he was in the middle of setting out his napkin in his lap when he noticed the woman collecting herself. "You're not eating?"

The woman offered him a ruby smile that didn't seem all that polite. "I have that meeting in the morning if you'll recall."

"Of come on, you can stick around for a little bit, yeah' Food shared tastes better after all."

There was a pause at those last words, that mask like smile tilting a little towards the genuine during a brief moment of nostalgia before it vanished once again. "You do like to say that. But no, I....don't think that would be a good idea. Our mutual company would spoil the mood."

"Or we could try to be civil and just catch up. I can certainly give the civil shtick a try."

And once more that smile curled naturally again though this time there was a somber note to it. "Exactly." His own little smile faded at that one word that said all that it needed. There was most certainly animosity between them but there was a chemistry too that they both knew could be very dangerous.

Not waiting for him to rise the woman pushed from their seat in one fluid motion, their bag tucked beneath a muscular arm. "Don't worry about the cost, I've paid for everything in advance." Staccato clicks of their high heels carried the woman around to his side of the table where she bent down to press a kiss to his cheek. "Be careful Elitia. And good luck."

Watching everything play out he barely had a chance to return the kiss in kind, the woman pausing for a long moment as he caught her by the corner of her lips. Tension rose up between them like the hot, wet steam of a sauna. "Hey, Ivera" I, uh..." And as quick as that tension rise did it die as he watched that vapor freeze against the woman's redoubled icy exterior. Fire and ice, a very apt description for the two of them. "....that is, thanks. For doing this and....well, everything....even if it's a little screwed up sometimes."

The woman paused a moment as they straightened, giving contemplation to those words. "Of course." Another simple statement though this one held just a smudge of warmth to it and perhaps spoke more of the state of things between them than any assumption he could have made. Turning away they began to walk off, slender fingers lifting in a nonchalant wave back to him. "Take care Elitia."

Offering a mild wave in return he didn't respond to those last words as 'taking care' was pretty much the last thing on the agenda, not when he had to hunt a hunter. He watched as the woman took their leave, his mind churning over the conversation they just had. But once they had vanished from his sight so too did his interest in ruminating about all the subtext as he shifted his attention to the spread before him. It all sort of looked to be a fitting last meal, a thought he tried to push away but would stick with him as he dug in alone.

11 Telvasreed / 27 October

Mindlessly strolling along Mach had just sort of been walking the streets of Rhy'Din for the better part of the last four hours. He didn't really have any sort of destination in mind; rather, he just wanted to get reacquainted with the stomping grounds that were so familiar and yet so alien. It had been close to a year since he'd walked these cobbled streets after all, breathed the magic filled air of the at once ancient yet modern city filled with as many unique people and stories as there were stars in the night sky. Another in a long line of tentative drags taken from that mindlessly chewed on cigarette; an odd resistance shaking him from his reverie long enough to note the ashen black tip of what was apparently a long dead butt. When did that happen"

The spent ciggy was let to drop to the ground, a booted heel autonomously moving to give it a responsible crush as his gaze swept about trying to figure out where the hell his random wanderings had taken him. Tuscan stylized architecture mingled and gave way to more modern feeling housing around him with the cobble roads cutting back and forth leading to the gently lapping edge of the sea. It was a familiar vista that had him waxing nostalgic, that lone blue eye taking in the site as he drew his overcoat in a little closer against the bite of near winter sea breeze. Then again Mach couldn't quite shake a feeling of dread at this oddly familiar view, one that stuck with him until his scan over the sandy beach below happened across the structure at the very heart of his ill ease. A particular beach house....or more precisely his beach house, or it had been until, well, everything went to hell. A place he'd bought with big aspirations of creating a home, a dream that, as such things tended to go for the man, went up in smoke. Literally this time though it seemed a new house had been built over the ashes of what he had lost.

Almost tellingly poetic that - life went on with his presence, or absence, barely a moot point in the greater schema of things. And while he understood this for what it was he still couldn't help feeling just a little bitter about that fact and how flagrantly it was thrown in his face right then. "Well, least it ain't some damn parking lot now..." Words that tasted as vinegar dribbled angrily as he thrust his hands into his coat pockets, digging about for that pack of smokes.

"Would be a helluva shame if it were, don't find pristine beach like that everywhere." Mach flinched away from the grizzled voice that rumbled from behind, blue eye blue snapping to the speaker. Sporting a classy panama hat, big waxed moustache, and a floral print button down that hung loosely on their broad frame the fellow looked every part the odd amalgamation that was common in Rhy"Din. With a welcoming smile that emphasized more than a few wrinkles the man shifted casually from their lean behind the counter of the small coffee cart he'd apparently totally missed. Smooth Mach, smooth.

"You know it ain't kindly to sneak up on folks, yeah?" Sighing softly the hunter let go of the tension in his stance much to the chagrin of the elderly barista.

"Says the fella that just wandered past in a daze." Mirth played across sun kissed features as they poked fun. "Got just the pick-me-up for that if"n yer interested." Motioning to their wares the man beamed in that salesman friendly manner.

"Right?" Drab, uncaring tone did little to dissuade him from sauntering over towards the cart, blue eye blue pursuing the small placard of offerings. "How about a Devil Eyed Kahuna-"

"Double of espresso, light on the coconut....right?" This warranted a quirk of brow which set the man to chortling jovially. "I never forget a regular though I gotta says it's been some time since I've seen you about. Weren't sporting the pirate swag last time either." They motioned to their right eye as demonstration.

For Mach's part he just sort of stared at the fellow for a long moment until recognition finally percolated to the surface. "Oooh yeaaah' you've been running shop" er, cart, round these parts for several years now." Thinking on this a sheepish grin found its way upon rugged features as he scratched at the back of his head. "Er, sorry, memory like a goldfish in a bowl of vodka, yeah' As for me I've been away' traveling" and getting into trouble, obviously." A tap to his right temple emulating the others indication of said "pirate swag." "Tussle with some old god wannabe or some such, blew a few things up, screaming and mayhem, you know how it goes."

To their credit the fellow didn't seem in the least bit phased by his glib rhetoric but then again they were a merchant in Rhy"Din so' yeah, dealing with chaos and liars in equal measure was probably just par for the course to them. "Is that so' Sounds you've had a rather busy time of it." Chattering mindless the fellow was obviously focusing on their work rather than trying to answer the crazy that was the life of Mach which he was glad to leave them to. Letting the sound of the steamer wash over the lull in the conversation he settled in, enjoying the rich aromatic notes of chocolate and smoked coconut that mixed with the sea breeze drifting up from the shore. With a snap, crackle, and pop he'd add in his own nuanced note of cheap tobacco to the nostalgic bouquet as cobalt gaze drifted back to the beachfront property that nestled below, his thoughts turning once more to the past. It was a rather common thread of late no matter how much he tried to admonish himself for it, tried to focus on the present that stood before him, the present he'd fought like hell to claim.

"Ya know buddy, I got baked goods too if yer hankering for something to eat with the cafe." Droll, gravely words once more dragged his attentions back to the barista who smiled ever-so-sweetly beneath the curl of their walrus bush, the large cardboard cup in hand held out towards him. It took a moment of thought to piece together that the fellow was referring to the way he abused his freshly lit ciggy, the end already marred by the thoughtless grinding of teeth which had a touch of embarrassed heat flushing across his cheeks.

"You know, I don't remember you being such a prick last time we talked." Sullen words as he drew out a few crumpled bills tossing them onto the counter in exchange for the warm, fragrant drink.

Apparently his manner or his terse words tickled the jovial ones humor as they simply chortled at his words. "Aye, well, I figure yer last memories are probably painted over by the rosey veneer of love." Their grin was broad and filled with humor though it seemed to deflate some in time with his own thinning expression. "Or was??"

"Was." Tepid agreement with that correction, the bitterness at the admission drowned in a long swig of the warming beverage. "Things fell apart a little before, well, the shit show that hit seaside here a year ago."

"Oh?" The sound apologetic and uncomfortable at once as they tilled the cash. Sorry to hear, you two looked like you were having the time of your lives together. Had a real dreamy look to ya too, dazed and the sorts."

This drew his lone gaze back to the man, his expression tired before a smirk finally broke across those rugged features. "Time of our lives, huh?" Taking a drag off his cigarette he watched as the plume of ashen gray rolled lazily in the chilly air. "Maybe? but you know the shit thing about dreams" No matter how hard you try to stay asleep, inevitably you gotta wake up, face reality."

His words seemed to take the wind out of the jovial ones bellows but then he wasn't exactly feeling terribly charitable, especially given how they were the ones that dredged up the reality he faced. He was a man made monster, a weapon fast approaching it's shelf life and this fact had once more gotten in the way of and inevitably destroyed his prospects for some fairytale life. Really, thinking back it was almost laughable to ever think he could only live for the moment as so many preached to him; not when he knew, had seen time and again how the future and one's circumstances waited for no one or thing.

No, his circumstances would always have a say in his life, would always dictate how things would play out - no matter how pretty the window dressings used to try and conceal such. Shaking his head to try and clear his thoughts of the past he took another drag off his smoke. "Which should be pretty interesting when it can hunt gators and knows how to shoot a fella at a hundred yards." Smirking lazily he really wasn't feeling the humor he tried to sell to cover the task he had to do, another promise he'd have to break. But then if anything he'd learned from late was that time would inevitably see this broken anyway, the only question was whether he'd lead them along or balls up and do the right thing.

Of course none of this translated to the elder barista who shot him a rather quizzical look. "Er, nevermind" thanks for the jo, yo. Hey, you wouldn't happen to know of a good motorcycle dealership round here, would you? Maybe one that sells bulletproof vests"?

15 Dalsreed / 9 August

It took a special kind of nerve (i.e. stupid) to remain calm and collected when you knew someone had a gun aimed at your gut, especially when said someone held no reservations against pulling the trigger. Hunters, by and large, weren't exactly shy about the use of violence with extreme prejudice in the pursuit of survival after all. Mach could attest all too well to this which was perhaps why he couldn't fully erase that telltale tension as he ground the end of his cigarette between his teeth. Working to hide the sign of ill ease behind the casual movement of lighting that cigarette he took a few tentative drags to try and help ease his nerves before tossing the offered book of matches back across the table. "Thanks." His tone was dryly cheery and full of false bravado as he moved to pull the chair out across from the man, hands remaining above board the entire time so as not to give the other any reason to just gun and run. "If it's any consolation I never exactly envisioned I'd be in this position either so?" Shoulder rolled mildly as as he settled into the seat carefully, the lack of a response from the other taken as an invitation to get comfortable.

It was a ballsy candor which had the other veteran hunter smirking ever so lightly as they sat back casually themselves save for that pocket which remained solidly tracked on him. "Not much consolation, no." Taking a long moment to stare him down Mach couldn't help but notice the faint hint of a dull blue glow leaking about the rim of the gaudy shades, the air of magic all but wafting from them with how many potions and spells were obviously active. After an almost excruciating time under that hard gaze they finally let their attention flit quickly about to take inventory of their surroundings likely in an attempt to figure out why he'd taken the most tactically stupid way of approaching a wanted man. "You here alone?"

Another shrug as he settled in more, finding a tiny amount of solace in the others curiosity. Asking questions generally involved a lack of killing" well, for a bit anyway. "You know how our lot work " solitary and stupid, yeah?"

"Well I'll give you stupid alright." Stifling an amused snort the man took one more glance around their surroundings before feeling satisfied with his answer as their gaze leveled once more on him, features scrunching slightly in concentration. "You should've kept your distance."

"Oh I would've, believe me. Long shot with a 308 from across the valley was definitely Plan A but figured you'd have a kinetic ward up." Duncan didn't bother to look at the book of returned matches which he motioned to, it's natural course skewed by the unseen whirlpool of magical energy which protected the fellow. A pretty safe assumption all around as only an idiot of a fugitive hunter would have been out and about without such a base spell in place. Of course he didn't have such but then he wasn't a fugitive" not that that was his reason for such. No, the decided lack of a magic processor capable of fueling a spell like that was his reason though he worked to keep that detail close to vest as he leaned back so the other could see the outline of the shoulder holster beneath his duster. A game of smoke and mirrors to try and make up for his decidedly stacked against hand. "So yeah, distance was out of the equation."

Considering this the other hunter took another glance around as they tried to figure out his angle. "Right' Still, coming right up to me" That's pretty ballsy, even for you?" There was a hint of a smile with those words, his own features mirroring the others though his was much more sheepish for the reminder of their shared past.

"Well a guy's gotta keep things fresh, yeah' Spice of life and all that jazz." Taking a lazy drag off his cigarette he let his attention drift about their surroundings, inspecting it as though he hadn't totally cased the place before stepping in.

It was a nonchalant sort of attitude that seemed only to set the other on edge, brow furrowing as they stared him down. Neither man wanted to reveal their hand too much which was only bringing them to a stalemate; and this could only serve him and they knew it. Considering him for a puff or two more they finally leaned forward, that stoic expression darkening. "Alright, fine, then how about this - give me a reason I shouldn't just gun you down right now. Way I see it you've got nothing that should stop me from doing just that' unless that button down is sturdier than it looks."

Mach smiled thinly as he flared his hands innocent. "I come in peace....Look, I just want to talk, yeah' Figure why you're doing this-"

"Bullsh-"

"-AND maybe try to talk you to coming back reasonably. Come on, you know what seeing me means - you've been made. Fed's have got your number and it's just a pissing game of how hard they're going to punch it. I'm just a formality, one that wants to talk and not just shoot first."

Can Can considered this mildly, their expression thinning as he heard a soft, almost imperceptible "click" of a safety toggle being popped. "You really should have stayed away, I don't have anything to talk about with you." There was a discomforting finality to those words as they started to lean back.

"You do if I know the nuts and bolts of the assault taskforce that's coming for you " movement profile, strike strength, leads-"

"None of which could be true."

This warranted a sneer. "Hey, don't think I've got a deep love of the corp, man. I just spent half a year in a mage prison because they wanted to fuck me straight!"

A nonchalant shrug was offered to this. "Seems to have worked, I'm sure that was hell and yet here you are, eager to please acting as those bastards trashman."

"Eager" That's a joke." Scoffing he still remained stock still as the other still looked rather on edge. "Look, this is a means to an end, nothing more, nothing less. I don't want to be here but here I am because they've got what I want and this is the price. Hell, you're the one with the shining record, don't make a lick of sense that I'm not the one threatening you with a super quick appendectomy."

As the other hunter mulled this over their features took on a darkly humored edge. "So you consider murder an acceptable means to an end?" Now it was Duncan's turn to scoff. "Just goes to show you how good of monsters we've become" that we've let ourselves become." A bitter tone as their expression hardened. "Well no more, I'm done. The war, the incidents, the revolts and the fallout' I'm done being a triggerman, being a dog for the military."

Mach felt his features grow taut at that hauntingly familiar sentiment. "Yeah....okay....I get that. But come on, defection to an enemy state" The same enemy state that we were at war with, that stirred up all this anti-mage and anti-nonhuman sentiment to begin with!" You don't see something kind of, oh, I dunno, fucked up about that?"

His snark seemed only to bring an amused snort to the other though he was sure this humor didn't reach their shaded eyes. "You tell me. If I want out of the game here, in Tanga, I have to give up all the benefits I've accrued because I'm not "of age for retirement"....or better dead. And say I was okay with that, say I didn't give a shit about having nothing to show for all the sacrifice I've made, all the blood I've split' that doesn't mean I get back the humanity I lost, that people in this nation won't always look at me or treat me like something rather than someone; especially with how things are just spiraling downhill with public opinion about magic. At least in Vil"nyr I'll be a person again and they can keep me alive to enjoy it, not lording it over me like a leash. Only price I have to pay is give them some dirt on a frightened, corrupt, dirty system that just might deserve this sort of comeuppance for creating monsters they hope will die at each other's hands. Seems like a steal to me." Finally leaning back the man's form relaxed. "And what about you? Maybe I'm wrong but you don't strike me as the loyal sort, don't seem as the kind that's got a hardon for duty. So what bone they offering you to be such a good dog" You said it yourself, you harbor no love for what the government has made you? so why continue to serve?"

This gave him pause hearing, frankly, all the same complaints he'd ever said about his situation echoed back at him. He really could have been the guy on the other side of the table if ever he were the type to take that plunge; turn traitor and give up on all that he knew while kicking the pricks in the fallout. And they did raise a very vaild point, what was his fascination with Rhy"Din" Was it any less a case of him running away; any better than what this guy was seeking" Could he really excuse murder of a compatriot, of someone who'd saved his bacon in the past, as an acceptable cost for his own selfish desires" Chewing on the end of his cigarette he worked to keep the murky uncertainty that churned within from clouding his face. "That's" look, I just don't want to fight you or see you get your ass nailed because-"

He felt his cigarette slipping from his lips as they slacked stunned stillness. Silencers, despite all the shows and movies, hardly eliminated the sound of a gun going off. At best they just deadened the sound profile from an ear piercing crack to a thrumming thud" unless they were enhanced by a silence spell that is. A couple of muddy flashes hidden in the inky shadows beneath the table and the soft tinkle of shells bouncing about in the man's pocket were the only indications that they'd pulled the trigger not once but twice" well, that and the hot pain that bucked him forcefully against the booth seat. spread in his stomach. "Don't worry, you don't have to see me get nailed to the wall Blackjack. We're both monsters, after all, just like you I'm quite willing to kill for what I want?"

Sliding out from their side of the booth Duncan stepped over, a hand slipping past his arms busy cradling his gut and into his duster so as to release the spell leash toggle on the caster in his shoulder holster. "...I'm just more honest with myself about them." Drawing back they clapped a friendly pat to his shoulder. "Stay down and don't follow, you'll regret it.?

Clutching at his stomach Mach slumped in the seat as Duncan moved off for the door.

22 Dalsreed / 15 August

A tired sigh escaped as he flapped the empty sleeve of his uniform jacket on impulse warranting a glower at the reminder to use his left hand to claw loose the noose that was his necktie. Undoing the buttons that held his bare collar closed (folks on the U.T.R.A. chopping block didn't get to wear rank before tribunals after all) he took in a deep breath of the warm, fresh, unprocessed air that washed over him as he stepped out of the concrete building that looked more the part of a bomb bunker than judicial administration offices. Today had lasted far too long as evidenced by the now fat, sagging orange shimmer of the sun he could have sworn was bright, perky, and much more overhead when he'd first was escorted into this building by a set of motley MPs.

Now the only person awaiting him was a lone figure dressed in less battle fatigues with bullpup rifle and more work uniform with a crop of short shorne blonde hair. Lurching from their pensive lean against the steel pillar that helped support the overhang of the building the man idly wandered over to him. "Have fun?"

This drew a scoff from him as he tore open his coat so as to get at the pack of cigarettes in his breast pocket. "Oh yeah Morgan, a fucking blast. A few hours being grilled about my behaviors before a tribunal, a few being grilled before a disciplinary board about my blase use of explosives in densely populated hours, some quality time with a purity review board super interested in all my kinks, and I even got to retake the written portion of the Hunter License exam, you know, cold and without any sort of study." Drawing out a cig he offered one to the older man before setting to lighting up and taking a much needed drag of that cancer stick. "And paperwork. So much paperwork that, well?" He waved that empty sleeve once more, a glib grin pulling across his features.

For their part they older man didn't respond to that implied joke, rather just watching him dimly before falling in begrudging step as the two started for the barracks. "I see." The response was mild and tentative, a few awkward moments passing before they cleared their throat to break the silence that had fallen. "And so?"

Taking another drag or two off his cigarette he finally moved to pull the leather fold from his pocket, flipping it open to show the newly minted license which sat within. "I'm a fuckup, but competent enough I guess." Morgan visibly slacked a little in relief upon seeing that license, the motion annoying him just a hair at their obvious lack of faith. Then again with how things had been going recently he couldn't exactly blame the guy. Hell he was pretty surprised when they told him he'd passed mustard.

"That's good, Turner. Good on you too." Pulling together their composure once more the man straightened up, turning their gaze out towards the setting sun. "So have you been given your orders yet?"

A smoky snort escaped him at that, his features twisting angrily. "No. And frankly I don't care at the moment." Another drag was taken, this time released in a tired sigh. "Just wanna find a pillow to suck on and pass out. Let my chain smoking, burger guru, couch potato of a brain that was just forced through a triathlon die in a ditch and worry about tomorrow's shit tomorrow, yeah?"

His colorful descriptor seemed to touch a funny note in the older man as their expression cracked just a hair, a corner of those thin lips lifting up though they worked hard to extinguish such emotion. "Is that so. Then I take it you wouldn't be interested in this then?" Reaching into their uniform jacket they produced a drab manilla envelope which was held languidly for him, the barest hint of a smirk playing across the other man's features.

Part of him wanted to tell the man to take that envelope and stuff it, especially as they dangled it before him as though bait before a fish. And that part of him, the part made up of piss, vinegar, and spite-a-plenty, was winning out as he averted that lone cobalt gaze away from the envelope, his focus turning to the barracks in the distance and the sweet taste of the tobacco on his tongue. Screw Morgan and screw the system that jacked with his life as it did, jacked with the lives of all hunters.

And yet at the same time he couldn't help but be curious to see what prize he'd traded so much for, what his good dog behavior had won him. He hated the feeling, hated how it exposed the worst aspects of him; but then what was the point of all his actions if in the end he turned away from what he'd been fighting to get' Oh sure, spite-a-plenty but not even he was stupid enough to jump through so many hoops only to turn down the prize, whatever such may be. Oh sure, he knew what he'd been promised but he damn well knew how cheap such words could be. Perhaps not stupid enough to turn away whatever he'd earned but still stupid enough to have tried in the first place.

Finally snatching the envelope from the older man he fiddled to get it open with just the one hand. Morgan for their part was at least smart enough not to try and offer their help in such regards, rather leaving him to struggle in his pride as he finally took to shamelessly tearing open the package with his teeth. Catching hold of the papers within he shook the envelope off, letting it drop for the other to pick up as he started to read over the formal typeface of that stuffy form letter.

Scanning through militaristic pomp he skipped around, taking in the general overtone of apathy before finally catching the line that he'd been looking for. "...You are to be posted for duty at' the Special Economic Region of Rhy"Din?" The words were spoken, softly, as though tasting each one. The Special Economic Region of Rhy"Din. Rhy"Din. A flash of disbelief crossed his features as he shot a glance to Morgan who remained stoney faced prompting him to return his attention back to the packet. "....Blah, blah, blah, culture classes, blah, blah' oh great, Tarlton!" Why couldn't Bell have chosen a medical city to fit me with a prosthetic not associated with the Red Rose Incident' fuck, taking a train there this time?"

The more he read the more surreal the order felt. They'd done it, the paper pushing middle manager had actually done it! "Just' how did you do this!" I know Ivera's part but' she said she couldn't get me back. So how?"

"She didn't want to get you back." Morgan made that statement rather bluntly as the folded and tucked away the remainder of the envelope he'd dropped. "I'm' not so sure of the benefits myself, but I was at least willing to try. And I had some powerful help from over in Foreign Affairs."

This warranted a tick of brow. "Foreign Affairs?" Wait, you mean?"

The older man nodded mildly. "It seems W.O. Hardings has a bit of clout in her home department. I guess being assigned to an S.E.R. isn't exactly the career death sentence that it is for a military officer proper. If anything it seemed to give them a lot of ammo to argue with - stuff about the difference between a military and peacekeeping mission and aspects of PR and foreign diplomacy and so on and so forth. She's quite the fighter in her own right."

"Well" damn." The response escaped him in an almost impressed whistle. "Maybe Hardings was more into me than I thought."

"She's not." Those words came sharp and succinct warranting an incredulous look to the stoney faced fellow. "Don't look at me like that, she said as such herself. Told me not to let your head get too big because "ol Claire" helped you out."

Despite the deterrence he couldn't help but grin at the hidden message that the older officer had passed on inadvertently. ""Ol Claire", huh' Nice name to waste space on?" Morgan shot him a quizzical look which he just sort of ignored as his attention returned to the post orders. "Still" can't believe it. In two months I get to?" Catching those words he silenced himself with a few contemplative puffs of smoke. Rhy"Din was comfortable, yes, deceptively so....but there was no more a home for him there as was here. It was just a good place for him to finish out, no matter how much excitement he might have placed into his ability to return.

Flipping through a few pages that outlined the nuts and bolts and rather hectic schedule that lead up to his deployment he found his gaze arrested by an odd point near the end. "Wait' what? I'm to return to active duty effective immediately with the rank of? Captain!" Hold on, hold on, how the hell did I get a promotion out of this!"! They were ready to drum my ass out no more than a few hours ago and suddenly I go up a rank?"

Morgan offered a thin smile to what he could only imagine was his totally flabbergasted expression. It was sort of annoying really but then he felt that the other man did things like that just to screw with him in their own way. "Ah, yes, that. Well, despite your best efforts you did receive commendations of valorous work from not only the local police authority in Rhy"Din but also from the government offices there as well. I suppose being likeable has more merit in that society than not being a terror or causing massive explosions and dust ups with crazed cults." The man spoke in a skeptical manner, obviously not being able to rectify the difference in his deeds and intentions to the resultant chaos surrounding such. "It also helped that a member of the governing body at the time pretty much bullheaded their way up the ladder and demanded an audience with someone of some importance so as to plead your case."

Now this warranted a surprised upshot of his own brow. That was news to him! "Wait, wait, someone from Rhy"Din actually came here to Tanga" and to speak to someone of?" He felt some of the color leave his features. "...who-"

"Brigadier General "Grim' Volsted as I understand, along with a few other high ranking brass."

Okay, the color most definitely drained from his features upon hearing that name. "General Grim!" Oh shit' th-this promotion isn't suppose to be posthumously is it!?"

The older administrator smirked lightly at his, honestly, very reasonable response. They were talking about one of the highest ranked officer in the U.T.R.A. Hunters Corp after all, and one of the few S3 hunters to boot. A veritable badass of more than a few wars and civil disputes that was known for their rather" stern, view of things. "As I understand they were impressed with the individual's spirit and tenacity which brought them that far....if not disgusted with their views of social order and their inability to follow through on said spirit."

Mach wasn't sure if he should have been touched and thankful for whoever this person was that came to speak on his behalf or horrified" he decided to settle on both at the same time. "Well" damn. Do you-" Glancing over he caught the simple but firm shake of head from the other which answered that question. "Ah?" If Morgan didn't know it was pretty likely that the meeting was on a need to know basis which meant that only folks he didn't really want to deal with would know the truth of it. Well, crap, that was going to bug him' though not near as much as the other thought that percolated up from his mind.

"Wait a minute" if I'm a Captain now then how is that going to work with my handler being the same rank..." And suddenly all the pieces fell into place. There had been a niggling thought in the back of his mind that Morgan had seemed more subdued to this antics than usual, and even anxious if he'd have paid attention to the stiffness of their manner until now. Of course now he couldn't not see the stiffness in the other man's manner, the almost pitying apology in their aged features. "....oh."

Morgan's thin lips shifted some, probably trying to find the right way to approach things given it was apparent they'd known about this change from the get go. A few puffs passed before the older man shifted their gaze to the sinking sun. "I imagine it was a decision that was made due to my backroom dealings to get you back to Rhy"Din. I actually found out about it a day or so ago."

Blue eye blue gaze focused on the silhouette of the man as they continued to gaze out to the distant horizon, obviously avoiding eye contact. It was a less than subtle motion that spoke volumes about the natural question that came next, one that had his teeth gritting angrily. "How bad is it?"

This drew a soft, airy smirk from the man as he saw right through them. Turning back to him the man offered a mild smile which only added weight to the furrows that naturally touched their features. "It's just a review board though nothing near as high stakes as yours tend to be. Just some cage rattling to remind me of my place and my objective duty is all, it's nothing to worry about Turner." Slowing their pace it was now him working to match the other as they came to a stop. "As for you your "handling" will be transferred to Colonel Romanii starting next month. As I understand they're-"

"Strict and by the books. A hardline conservative that works closely with Purity." His tone was half strained and half laughing as he dredged up what he'd heard about the man that was Alexander Romanii. Hunters didn't typically talk much about handlers unless it was to speak about how they'd been driving theirs crazy' or if there was a particularly bad one to avoid. Romanii was decidedly in the latter of those two categories, but then again what did one expect of the handler over the Wren. "Well, guess I am that much of a fuck up."

The administrator couldn't even muster a crack of a smile to his glib jab. "This isn't a joking matter Turner, neither myself or Col. Trang can protect you anymore. Col. Romanii stands well above both of us in clout and position and they would have no problem snuffing out a rebellious individual like yourself."

"Oh I know?" A smokey sigh escaped him as he shook his head. Yes, he knew, especially since things had been starting to look a little too good for him. Couldn't have that now, could he! Spitting out the last vestiges of that cigarette he stomped on it in mild frustration though he worked to keep the anger off rugged features rather leaving tired resignation for those. "I know. Damnit' Looks like I get what I want but my leash is decidedly a noose now" great."

Morgan shifted uncomfortably at his caustic tone and he just sort of joined them unsure of what more to say. Things had gone most assuredly sideways for both men even if the administrator tried to downplay things. And in the end there was really only one person he could blame for the state of things which did a lot to steal the winds of victory from his sails at getting the posting he wanted. "Look, Morgan, I'm-"

"It's" Albright. Remember our positions, Captain." Squaring their shoulders the man straightened up, apparently not interested in a pity party or an apology. What a prick that at the very end they would be the one to show some spine.

A weary sigh escaped him, his head shaking in self-admonishment before finally he straightened his own spine. And in a move that had the other ones brows lifting in surprise he snapped a good and proper salute to the man. "Right...Cpt. Albright. Thank you." Those two words seemed wholly inadequate for what he wanted to convey and yet he wasn't sure if either of them were really the sorts to have the heart to heart that this sort of situation probably required. Funny for how different they were there were still similarities that helped them find common ground, embattled and snide as it usually was.

Snapping a smart salute of their own the administrator finished by offering out their hand. "Be careful Turner. Keep your head on a swivel, alright?"

Looking at the offered hand his first instinct was to knock it away and grab the fellow by the shoulder, maybe admonish them and their sudden dour turn. But given how everything had played out he couldn't exactly discount the benefits of this being a terminal end of their relationship. He was going back to Rhy"Din under one of the most watchful eyes in the administrative side of the hunter corps, there really wasn't a way for him not to get into some sort of trouble. And for all the crap the other had had to suffer because of him he didn't want to drag them down anymore with him than he had to.

And so with a thin smile he took hold of that hand, giving it a firm grip and pump. "You too Albright, you too. I'll catch you on the other side of the trenches, yeah"? The other man flinched at that old hunter idiom, their jaw flexing as though they had something to say though they kept their silence as did he. And so releasing their hand he left the handler and his friend in the warm silence of that sunset, his footfalls heavy as he marched off for the barracks so as to catch some sleep in preparation for getting his just rewards.