|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:40 pm
Einar frowned as well, his a bit more visible, at the woman who popped off at the mouth about his questions being annoying. How could anyone think that getting information to keep themselves alive annoying? This woman was more than touched in the head, he decided right off, but did his best to grin and bear the situation.
When Lokiari's hand gestured towards him, with his name attached casually, he did the polite and correct thing of dipping his head in a demi-bow.
"Pleasure's mine, miss. And I have no more 'annoying' questions to ask, since it seems like everyone else is prepared to play this off the a** and by the ear."
His words held the right amount of sarcastic bite to them that it didn't quite go unnoticed, hopefully, and he just leaned back in his seat with his eyes now closed. Einar didn't care or notice that Lai looked airsick, and he didn't care what the women would have to say afterward.
"Here's to hoping we make it out of this alive."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:56 pm
"I didn't sneak away." Moira grinned innocently, shrugging at her and sitting back. She listened to the other answers, absorbing them for later, but her attention went to the two men accompanying herself and Lokiari on the India mission. Lai seemed to be a nervous sort, when he acknowledged her she smiled and nodded back. Einar, though... Something was off about him, she couldn't place it. Moira decided she didn't like him. Fair or not, something irked Moira about him.
"None from here." Moira said, staying in her spot and starting to settle into the seat proper, distancing herself from the others so she could focus. Moira could slip into a focused mindset at whim, but for this particular mission, Moira decided that the sooner she worked on that, the better. Or it would've been, had her ears not picked up the jibe from Einar. She narrowed her eyes, and looked back. "For your information, asino, I was referring to my own question. You know, the one that had nothing to do with the mission? It was a joke. We're not in India yet, lighten up."
She settled herself in her seat, scowling. Naturally, the 'off' feelings she'd felt about Einar didn't help to quell the rage. If he was as serious as Wraith, they were going to have a problem. Back to being focused. She'd disappoint a good couple of people if she mucked up this mission because of some l'uomo stupido che non potrebbe stare allo scherzo...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:12 pm
At Einar's response to Moira, Loki gave a small shake of her head, "Now, if you've any questions, you ought to ask them now. No question is useless or annoying, particularly when embarking on a mission to collect intel. Though she was mildly concerned with Lai's apparent discomfort, or sickness, she was more focused on the possible problems between two of her chosen teammates before the mission even began. This could be a problem if Einar and Moira chose to dislike each other and have at it in the middle of the mission. But she could feel the plane beginning it's descent, and realized that there was really no time to 'fix' any problem that might arise, or to convince the two to work together. So, instead, Lokiari settled on an over large grin and gave a nod at Einar, "A pity there's no wine to toast to that!"
Returning her attention to the Italian spitfire, she chuckled just a little, "Well, I wasn't sure if that Shane of yours would let you out on a mission like this." While there was more Lokiari would have loved to say, to tease the woman, and to lighten the mood, she felt the plane touch down and knew that it wasn't really the place nor the time to engage in silly antics like that.
Instead, she chose to add a light and teasing, "Now, now, children, let's save the name calling for our return. If our mission is successful, I might even treat you all to dinner!" Whenever we get back to Lotus for dinner that is. Getting to her feet as the plane came to rest at the end of the tarmac, she asked for the final time, "Any questions before we disembark? If not, I believe we should find our mafia contact waiting for us just outside."
She certainly hoped her contact was where he said he'd be. Otherwise they were going to be lost and the mission would take even longer as they tried to find a way to meet with the Don.
Even as she spoke, though, the pilot was opening the hatch and indicating everyone could go ahead and take their leave. He muttered that he'd be waiting for them when they returned, or could be found at some local bar if they took more than a day to get what they needed, before stepping back from the hatch door to allow everyone to leave as they chose. A young man stepped up to the base of the steps, dressed smartly in a suit as if expecting business partners or foreign diplomats. He gave a small wave up the stairs, indicating he was the one they were to meet before he, too, took a step back to allow them passage past him and to the car that awaited them.
Although the man didn't speak a word, Lokiari gave a small nod in his direction before waving at the hatch door, "Shall we?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:35 pm
Lai listened to the conversations between the other three mission members with his eyes shut. His stomach felt better this way. The Russian occasionally smiled at various things the others said but other than that did not move. He was happy he did not have a heavy case of air sickness. Still, the discomfort of it and the nagging feeling that next time he might not be so lucky stuck in his head. If he was able he would stop by a pharmacy and purchase a large bottle of air sickness tablets.
As the plane began descending Lai, with his hand still on his stomach, sat upright and buckled his belt. The young man yawned and momentarily stretched, feeling a bit better after doing so. Once the plane was stopped on the tarmac he unbuckled and stood, trying to downplay his sickness in case anyone had spied on him while he had his eyes shut.
At Lokiari's wave at the door he nodded and stepped out between his seat and the one in front, handing her the file back as he did so.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:30 pm
Einar had ignored any and all remarks left by Moira as he'd planned to from the beginning of her little chat and simply closed his eyes and ears for the remainder of their flight, even missing what little tidbits Lokiari had to add at the end before their plane was set to descend.
For some reason he felt the most at ease now while the plane rattled around him then he had while on the ground, and he wondered if it was because he'd gotten so used to the roar of the zeppelin engines acting as lullabies instead of the silence of real life? He was so close to drifting off into a restful sleep. . .
. . .but was startled back awake with the landing and the sudden jostling of his body against his seat. Einar always liked taking off, never landing, and he frowned as he stretched his arms and legs.
"I suppose we should indeed get going. It's not polite to keep a Don waiting, is it?"
His voice held a chuckle in it as Einar got to his feet and followed Lai from their seats, wondering if the Russian had thrown up at all during the flight.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:03 pm
While her three counterparts slowly disembarked from the plane, Lokiari had quietly pulled the young man in the business suit aside to see if, perhaps, he could find a way to occupy the young Italian. At least for a little while, to get her to cool her head and allow the rest of the team time to do some basic intelligence work. She might come in handy later, but, as the leader, Lokiari was having to make a decision on the fly and chose to have her set off on some other...lesser...mission. With a smile as everyone else came down the steps, she waved at the vehicle before ducking her own head and taking a seat near to the window where she could easily keep an eye on things around them. The young man sat next to her and she waited for the others to take their own seats, where ever they might choose.
As soon as this was done, and everyone was neatly buckled in, the man in the suit directed the driver to go and opened the briefcase that had previously been hidden under the seat. He introduced himself only as "Aja" before turning himself to the pouting Italian lass. "Our stop will be first, miss Moira. We will be going to a local gathering to collect data at the request of miss Lokiari." With a small nod, he gestured out the window to a place they were approaching as the driver pulled to the side to allow them to exit.
When both people had taken their exit and the driver continued on his way, Lokiari gave the two remaining members of her team a warm smile, "You boys ready for this?" It likely wouldn't be a dangerous mission, but she enjoyed seeing how the Russian reacted to the possibility of it being dangerous. It was a pity those files hadn't been even more detailed - all she knew was they were to meet a mafia don about a possible problem that both parties could - or were - suffering from. Maybe find out some extra, fun stuff while they were at it, as well, about this Don and the local area.
The city was alive as night fell and you could see many monks walking along the street as they ever so slowly approached a large palatial building that she concluded could only be their destination. It was not so large as to be too obviously conspicuous, but it definitely appeared as if someone important resided there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:43 pm
The first breath of India's air provided him with a dry relief as it entered his lungs and almost immediately Lai felt better. His nausea faded as he followed Lokiari to the waiting car, wondering what the coming mission would offer. A Don was a big boss of the mafia so utmost respect had to be in place when speaking. Lai knew that wouldn't be a problem he was used to being polite to others, though this time would require etiquette to the maximum. The Russian followed the two women into the car, sitting close to the window and making room for Einar who was behind him. He buckled when the door shut behind Einar and as the car moved his attention was drawn out the window like he was a tourist and not the member of a secret organization on a mission.
As Moira and the man calling himself 'Aja' left Lai removed his attentions from the darkening world outside to his superior and remaining teammate. At the question he gave a pleasant, albeit small, smile and a quick nod, his mind now on possible scenarios that could happen when in the midst of this mission and amongst the Indian mafia. As well, the Russian hoped he had all the information from the files Lokiari had passed around down pat. He really did not want to slip up and cause this mission to be a failure, that was his only and greatest fear. His head turned slightly to Einar to see his answer to the woman's query. The Norwegian was probably even more ready than the rest of them, he seemed to be the type.
Lai managed another small smile after the thought and then turned his attention back out the window, getting a better feel of the surroundings as they came to life. His eyes found the same building Lokiari saw and he felt as though this place was where the Don waited for them to arrive. He took a deep yet quiet breath and prepared himself. They would be there soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:39 pm
Everything was just so old fashioned, even down to the ways they traveled, and Einar wondered if he would have such a hard time adapting to it all. Of course during his time most nations had all come together and completed what they needed, technology running streamline with everyone, but now it seemed with fractured time things just...went helter skelter.
"Even if I wasn't ready I'd still go. We can't just sit around and wait for things to come to us. We've got to be the ones to go to the problems and fix them in one way or another."
His voice was calm as they rode in the car, his answer said more freely instead of like he'd put any thought in to it. The city was going past and he was watching it with looks of interest mixed with boredom, occasionally turning his gaze to his fellow occupants.
"The sooner this is over, the better"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:09 pm
The nearer the trio got to the palatial building, the thicker the stream of monks and well wishers grew. Newly made temples were put up haphazardly all over the place, and many people stood or knelt beside them. After much honking and cursing, the driver managed to pull the car up near to the steps of the home of this particular branch of the Indian mafia. Slowly he pulled to a stop before giving an impartial wave out the door towards the steps. Without a word he unbuckled and stepped out before coming around the vehicle and opening the door nearest to Lokiari as she also unbuckled with a small grin, "Well, boys, I'd say we're at our destination!"
She thanked the gentleman for getting the door for her, but again without a word he shrugged and returned to his own seat, allowing the men to fend for themselves in exiting the car. With a small shrug for Lai and Einar at the impoliteness of the man, she glanced around at the steady stream of people that lined the streets. A few monks in traditional clothing climbed the stairs, but other than that no one really entered the building that they were about to. The stares that she received put her out only a little as she frowned right back at them, waiting for her companions to join her.
Clearly, an outfit change was going to be in order before she went to see the Don. This thought didn't please her, but if he was interested in religion...and picky about it...then her pleasant form of dress would not be acceptable in his eyes. At the least, she would probably need to put on a jacket to hide the alluring space in her shirt that showed off her body. It was mildly uncomfortable to be at the center of disapproving looks, but she shrugged it off and turned her attention to the car and her thoughts to how best to approach the Don about the information that she had discovered. She didn't want to be forceful, and she was actually quite tempted to allow the boys to handle the situation. To take a back seat and see how they handled themselves. It would be good to let them get a grasp on things, because as soon as they hit level ones...they would have to step it up to even harder missions...
With a small nod, she concluded to tell them a much more in depth version of why they were there, and to let them know they would be taking the brunt of things. After all, she had a sneaking feeling that if her clothes weren't well received, her personality with all its force would also not be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:03 pm
As the car pulled to a stop Lai unbuckled his seat belt and waited calmly for Lokiari to step from the vehicle first. His time's mannerisms told him that women always got out of a vehicle first before the men. He wasn't expecting the driver to open the door for him or Einar, so the Russian did it himself, keeping it open for the Norwegian he was seated next to. Once the other man was out he promptly shut it and followed the mission leader's steps up to the building. Lai caught the staring directed at Lokiari's clothing and though he didn't pay much mind before he wondered how their manners of dress would be taken by the Don. Surely a man in a skirt (a dark red one no less) wouldn't be taken too seriously. He hoped for the best in this situation, he had no other garments at all back at LOTUS after all.
The Russian put that out of his mind as he caught up with Lokiari, waiting in silence for the other Norwegian to walk up as well. Lai had caught the woman looking towards the car and presumably the two men as well, so in his mind he figured she would reveal some more information about this Don once both of them had caught up with her. It was his first mission (he was sure it was the same for Einar too), and he wanted to be as up to speed with things as possible. Every little detail, he assumed, would be important and he wanted to hear and know it all.
"...." He still didn't speak, he would only do so when spoken to for now. Respect, respect, respect. A key element for this mission to be a one hundred percent success. He did have a feeling that the leader and Einar would be the more talkative ones though, hopefully a good thing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 10:54 am
"Silence is good you know, but you're going to have to say something to one of us at least. Eventually, anyway."
Einar had quietly followed along in his own right, not caring at the looks that were shot his way if there were any at all. He was used to being ogled at, the man was missing an eye after all and wore very brightly colored clothing, so he merely didn't even register anything should it come. Instead he was focused on the silence of the Russian, and he whispered into the man's ear his little warning.
"If you're silent in the way you are then you're more likely to be called on when you're lost in thought, and then when you stumble to find yourself you'll most likely offend someone somehow. I'm not saying be a chatterbox, but don't look so lost."
This was indeed Einar's first mission, for LOTUS anyway, as he'd done plenty of ...other...things for his country, but this time he felt like what he would be doing would actually be for benefit and not for murder or expansion.
"Lokiari, I leave the talking to you. I'll make sure our little Russian friend here doesn't space out too much."
Of course he was probably reading too much into Lai's silence, but he had an odd urge to both tease and protect the older man. Maybe it was because he was shorter? Who really knew.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 12:03 pm
As her two fellow Lotusians got out of the vehicle and joined her, she realized that neither of them were very inclined to talk. The Russian had said absolutely nothing upon catching up with her and though she hadn't quite caught everything Einar had stated to Lai, she gave a small sigh when he quickly informed her that she would be doing all of the talking. This was certainly not going how she'd planned at all. If they were to help with the mission...they'd need to do some talking and since India was so into its religious movement right now, it would undoubtedly be best for the men to talk and for her to find a robe to wear so that she didn't offend the Don. Quickly, the woman glanced around for a vendor selling more appropriate clothing, or even just simply a robe she could toss on over her current clothing and, upon locating one, went to retrieve one for herself paying with money she had...borrowed...from Wraith.
Upon purchasing the garment, she thanked the man in English for lack of knowing how to say it in Indian and hoped he understood her well enough as she turned just as quickly as she'd come and walked back over to the boys, throwing the robe on as she walked and tying it off at the waist as she returned to them. With a small nod of approval at the way it conveniently hid her bright and contrasting clothing, she turned her bright blue eyes back on to both the Russian and her fellow Norwegian. "Clearly India is well caught in a fervor of religion, so we'll need to be careful not to say anything about that or to disrespect their religion - or religions. We're here looking for information in regards to a captain about whom many rumors have been floating around, in the reports I've read, it was said that Wraith and some other recruits met this man before, but the details were shaky at best. I'm hoping we can get some details here about what's going on. Maybe learn a little more about India and its present state." What she did not mention, however, was that she also intended on finding things out about Wraith and Shee if she could. The two fascinated her as they were hardly seen and even then, Wraith especially was cold and hard towards his staff.
With another glance around, she gave a small smile before adding, "And, due to the religious fervor, I think it may be best if you both do the majority of talking." There was a small pause and she winked, "Don't worry, though, I'll help you and guide you. But don't forget, you two are on a mission and it is only if the three of us work together that we may be successful." Hoping that the two understood they would need to assist, she gave them one last final chance to ask her questions as she moved towards the doors of the building, ready to begin the mission in earnest.
"Any last questions?" With that, she placed her hand on the door knob and gave them one final look, if they had any questions, she'd answer, if not she'd just boldly walk in and see if she could locate the Don. She was itching to get started and began to pull the door open, clearly ready to get moving rather than just standing around looking silly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:47 pm
Lai's head turned to look at the Norwegian man when he heard his voice in his ear. A pink tint touched his face when he saw how close Einar was to him, but it faded with a curt nod to the other man.
"What would you like me to say comrade?" A faint, openly friendly smile lifted the corners of his mouth as he said that, but it too faded quickly back into a neutral look as Einar spoke again. The younger...Was he younger? Lai assumed they were around the same age...but that wasn't important now. The other man's words were valid, but he didn't look lost did he? It was his first mission and he was in a foreign country, but still he didn't feel completely lost. On the contrary, he felt like he was learning just a little more by standing here and observing. Better to give a reply to the blond man. "I understand and do not worry, I was not lost in thought, only following the idea of 'speak when spoken to'."
With that and a more noticeable yet still friendly smile, he turned to Lokiari but Einar's words about watching to make sure the Russian didn't space out made him turn his blue-gray gaze back to the Norwegian male. He didn't scowl or anything, just took in the other man's face for a moment before turning back.
"I know how to be attentive comrade, believe me when I say that I will not 'space out' or however you put it." Years of schooling with tutors and professors who did not take kindly to a lackadaisical attitude towards life taught him to be very alert and ingrained it very fine into his mind, lest he find himself clutching his hand to his chest after a ruler came down on his knuckles. Especially with something as important as a meeting with a mafia Don, he wouldn't let those teachings slip away any time soon. "Besides, I have a faint inkling that Miss Lokiari would like to see how we handle the situation and speak for ourselves. India has a very male-dominated culture and we would probably be taken more seriously in discussions, especially with a Don." A sheepish glance and slight bow to Lokiari. "Of course, no offense meant to you Miss."
He said that just before Lokiari made a dash over to make her purchase, waiting patiently for her to return, idly tugging at the cuff of his right sleeve in the short meantime. When the woman returned he took in her words with curt nods, noting each and every thing she said mentally. Every little thing was important, especially about the religious fervor and the so called 'captain' the other members had confronted before he and Einar had arrived at LOTUS.
Lokiari's mention of the men talking brought another faint smile to his lips, he was right after all, but he couldn't help but feel a bit of a nagging worry. He was never one for standing up in front of people and giving a performance, even playing his cello and the instrument made him look down while playing it. 'Stage fright' was the term he believed, but Lokiari's assurance that she would help when needed brought that fright down some. It rose again as he followed her to the door, but at her inquiry he shook his head.
"I believe I am set asking questions wise." He turned his eyes back to Einar, as if he thought the blond would have questions of his own. He may have one or two that Lai did not think up after all though there was something about the man with the eye patch that made the Russian want to look back at him again and steal a glance, possible questions or not, and he didn't know exactly why.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:33 pm
Okay, so the Russian seemed to have things well at hand and in order. That put Einar's mind somewhat to ease, as he didn't want to do all the talking if it came down to it, which it did thanks to what Lokiari said about men probably being listened to more. Perhaps now would be a good time for Einar to mention that he was a smooth talker but only when it came to talking about things he know nothing /next to nothing /could clearly lie about.
"The only question in my mind is I wonder if they'll shoot us on the spot should we screw up or will we be taken it out and have it done publicly. I'd rather not be shot either way, of course, but I'm pretty sure I could handle the pain of a bullet better then either of you. Unless it went into my skull, in which case everything is null and void in terms of cans and can'ts."
He wasn't going to go into detail about how he knew what the pain of a bullet felt like, he figured the others didn't care or wouldn't want to know, so he left it at that and nodded for the Norwegian woman to go ahead and open the door. As he did so he managed to catch a tail end of the glances the Russian had been sending his way, and Einar raised an eyebrow in wonder of it all. Sure he'd been stared at before, a lot to be more exact because of his personality and his award winning eye patch, but this seemed different.
"Another thing though, before we go in Lokiari, and it's about pass and fail. I'm pretty sure we're going to get ourselves in deep over this, but will our outcome change how we're greeted when we return? I'd rather not have to deal with Shee . . . "
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 2:49 am
It really couldn't be helped when a small, almost proud smile came across Lokiari's face at the thought of Lai so quickly understanding everything - and have seemingly caught on even before she had said anything that the men would have to do the majority of the talking. She had been right and he had been an excellent choice for the mission at hand. If there was one thing she knew she could count on the Russian for, it would be to maintain his manners no matter what happened. The way that Einar mentioned he would keep an eye on Lai, however, concerned her. Were they best friends? Lovers? Either way - she would have to trust that the Norwegian would not lose his cool if anything were to happen and if Lai and Einar were as close as she was beginning to suspect, that would make Einar a possible liability.
With a nearly inaudible sigh, the woman shook her head slightly to clear the random thoughts out of it. The last thing she wanted to be doing before the entered the facility was daydreaming or pondering about possible gossip. Winking one of her bright blue eyes, she chuckled, "Don't worry, Lai, no offense was taken." There was a quick pause and she added, "And you don't have to call me Miss, Lokiari or 'Loki' will do just as well." A friendly smile touched her lips as the last word exited her mouth before she returned her attention to Einar and his questions.
Although the woman was positive they would not be shot on the spot, she merely responded, "I doubt they will shoot us, Einar. Though, really, the only way to insure you don't get hurt is to not screw up!" Another light laugh escaped from her lips as she winked at her fellow countryman before thinking over his second question. The pass or fail would largely depend on if they got the information necessary or not. Shee probably wouldn't care either way, so long as no one came back injured...and Wraith...well. If they failed Lokiari would certainly be in trouble. The recruits...not so much. And so it was with a large, confident grin Lokiari assured the Norwegian, "Don't worry, pass or fail you two won't get into trouble for this mission."
With a glance at their guide she gestured towards the door, indicating he should open it and lead them towards the Don before waving her hand to the two men accompanying her, indicating that they should stand next to her on either side as 'escorts' before they entered the building. Once both men were situated, they were led down several halls with many twists and turns before arriving before the door of the Don's room. Leaning over towards Lai, Lokiari quickly whispered, "Don't forget, we are here for info on the Crimson Captain." After this, she quickly whispered to Einar with a wink, "Don't forget - Wraith and Shee are from India."
Whispering completed, the woman returned to her original standing point before issuing one last order as she pushed open the doors to the Don's office, "Eyes and ears open, boys."
As the door opened to reveal three visitors, one of whom was clearly female, the Don stood from the luxurious chair behind his over large desk and gave a nod at the three members of LOTUS. In a thick Indian accent, but perfectly good English, the man raised one thick eyebrow before inquiring in his loud voice, "I take it you are here to help me with our...problem? The man had coughed in between the words "our" and "problem" and it was quite obvious it was a sore subject for him, that asking for help was even harder than dealing with the man himself. One large hand gestured towards the two chairs available directly in front of his desk, inviting the men to sit down as he opened a bottle of bourbon and poured three glasses, quite obviously ignoring the presence of Lokiari.
"Come, have a seat while we discuss the issue at hand."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
