Rusty's OC/Misc. Art and Fiction!

Backland Beat
Prologue – Reflections

Carolyn Gates

Damn, I've lost my diary. I really need to start organizing better, although this time it isn't exactly my fault. You'll always misplace something during a big move. Anyways, I better recap what's been going on the past few weeks. You know, just in case I never find my old diary (which I probably won't.)

Let's see, I've just been given an administrator position over a new branch of Region Works. I'm not going to lie to myself and say that it had nothing to do with the fact that my family is one of the largest shareholders in the Company, but I like to think that's not the only reason. I've been employed by Region Works for the past six years as a liaison, a good one too. Hopefully they realized that I was capable of being more than a mere peon.

The branch I'm responsible for is Altrinity Proaction. Sort of a strange name. Sounds like we're a philanthropist group. As of right now I'm the only AP employee, finding the rest is up to me. I'll have to start looking at possible prospects and getting some interviews scheduled.

...

Which reminds me that I need to set up my office. Right now the AP complex is nothing more than an empty shell. I'm not exactly sure I'll be able to convince future employees that I have a cutting edge contracting firm while sitting atop a pile of cardboard boxes filled with clothes.

Where was I? Oh that's right, the new job and the big move. I'm no longer living in Grenoble, and instead now here in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Some people thought I was crazy to move all the way to the US, but it's not so bad. I did grow up here for the first dozen or so years of my life. It's just different here, but you could say about any European country compared to the States.

More specifically, I'm in Corpus Christi, Texas. It's going to take a while to get used to the heat, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

What time is it? 12:30 AM.....I better call it quits for tonight. I have a big day tomorrow. Actually now that I think of it, where am I going to sleep? Tsk...guess I'll have to find a hotel.

Carolyn


Lyssa Eichelhardt

As a rule, I don't normally do favors for other people. They usually involve details that were "forgotten" or weren't considered “important” at the time. But I owed them a favor in return, and I hate being in debt. That said, this favor certainly involves its share of forgotten details.

Sitting next to me is one of them. Carmeia, I believe her name was. We're both contractors with Region Works and were asked to help a certain VIP's relative (I think, I can't remember the relationship) jumpstart a new Company branch in Texas. I wonder if she owed someone a favor as well.

Speaking of which, I met Carmeia in Cologne, and from there we flew to the United States. I don't know her very well, but she certainly looks capable...that is you don't count the fact that she's currently sleeping against my shoulder and snoring.

Technically we should already be in Corpus Christi, but in a moment of weakness I gave in and we're now behind schedule. You see, there was a ComTech tradeshow in Houston and Carmeia insisted that we go. I'm not too big on what is essentially a giant live weapon commercial, but I guess my partner here is. Guess it can't be helped. There's always one gun-nut no?

Still, it's a little disappointing. I liked my work in Cologne. There was plenty of it, and I was gaining a repuation as one of the best marksman in the area. Plus...America's a really big country isn't it? It's going to be hard to work up a reputation again, but at least that gives me a goal while I'm here...

Okay, Carmeia just snuggled her head up against my neck and we're starting to get some stares from the men on the bus. This needs to be corrected now before it gets out of hand...

Great, all I managed to do was coax her to lean against my shoulder again. Sheiss...My face is red and that only makes it look worse. They probably think we're a pair of traveling lesbians.

What...What in the world...?

Oh gross.

She just drooled on my shoulder. I can't take it anymore. Time to act.

Lyssa


Carmeia Marini

GAH!

I've just been jabbed in the ribs with Lyssa's icepick for an elbow. What the hell was that about? She's just glaring at the seat in front of her now. Wonder what crawled up her butt.

Regardless, I get to write in a “journal” now because Lyssa forbade me to sleep the rest of the trip. Hells...this trip. First the 12 hour flight, now the bus. Why couldn't we fly direct? America's one of those places that have airports in every backyard isn't it? Meh, whatever.

Oh yeah! Yesterday I lucked out and managed to visit Combat Technology's tradeshow. Those guys distribute almost every gun out there. The absolute best part was the consumer live-fire trials. I got a chance to fire a vintage Browning M2 anti-aircraft turret. I wonder if I can convince this new Company to let me mount one somewhere...

Also, I took Lyssa along because she looks like she doesn't get out enough. Naturally she resisted and mumbled about “schedules” but hey, the world won't end because we're a day late right? She tried to act all cool by looking disinterested, but I saw her eyeing the sniper rifle kiosks – Especially the .50 cals. Kinda funny to think that a little blonde like her shoots one of those things like...what's the name of that western movie guy...John...something.

It sure is going to take a while to get adjusted here.

Speaking of getting adjusted, I could really use a nice glass of Jassarte...though I highly doubt I'm going to find any bottles of it here...Americans certainly don't have the vineyards we do.

Hmm...Lyssa's not scowling at me anymore. I think I'm going to see if I can sleep some more...

Carmeia


Sayumi Konae

Just got off the phone with my mother in Yokohama. It was the usual conversation. Kept asking me when I was planning on moving back home, go to university, and then become an office lady >_<. I hope she was only joking, but you can never tell with her. She also made it a worldwide disaster that I wasn't going to be around for the Summer festival. I keep telling her that real life isn't TV and that I 'm not going to find “true love” at one, but she's a romantic deep down I suppose. XD

Anyways, it's harder finding work as a contractor in America without knowing anybody than I thought it would be. I figured it would be fairly simple, given my capabilities, but I suppose I'm still just a bright-eyed kid to these people. I've been able to get a few one-time jobs here and there, mostly as a coordinator, but I want something more long-term. I definitely haven't seen any field work yet and you know what they say - “Experience is everything.”

I hate to say it, but part of me thinks that my mom was right. Just up and leaving everything behind for an exciting life in the US certainly isn't as glamorous as I made it out to be.

Ugh...is this flight ever going end? Doesn't help that I'm sitting next to a giant whale of a man who, no offense, probably should have had to pay for two seats. And the whole time I was using the plane's phone was eyeing me in a really weird way >_>.

Yeah that's right, if you're peaking into my journal (which I'm pretty sure you are), I'm writing about you. So kindly keep your eyes to yourself and take a nap or something. Oh, the captain just gave an announcement. 20 minutes until we land in Corpus Christi.

^_^

I sure hope my luggage wasn't knocked around too much in the cargo hold. There's some sensitive equipment in there!

Sayumi

Place Your Bets...

“Seven's a winner!”

The stick man pushed the dice back towards the player, while a base dealer paid out chips. A man on the far side of the table grabbed the dice once more. He held them over to his left as a young woman blew on them for luck.

The dice clacked as they tumbled onto the table.

“Seven!”

An uproar of cheers came from all sides as once again, bets were paid out. The shooter felt a strong hand clap his back as he raked in his winnings.

“Lemme tell you son, your lady friend there must be as lucky as she is beautiful. Don't you let her go. My second yacht is riding on it.” The boisterous man winked as he placed another bet. So far, everything was working out well. The blonde woman in question leaned over to whisper in the shooter's ear.

“Clay, I thought you said we were suppose to keep a low profile.” Clayland continued to act enthusiastic about the game while he replied just as softly.

“We are. I'm the dashing young newcomer with a hot streak and you're my gorgeous companion.” Technically, that wasn't the plan, but so far it seemed to be working as if it was. He threw the dice again.

“Easy Eight!”

Laine wrinkled her nose at his response and turned her head left and looked across the gaming floor. A richly dressed man in his mid-30's was commanding the craps table to the left of them. His black hair was styled into a contemporary cut and his gold watch and rings only served to further announce his wealth. As she turned back towards her handler she watched as his latest throw roll to a stop.

“Seven-out! Sorry, sir.” Clayland shrugged and smiled and watched as his chips were pulled off the betting field.

“Aww...next time babe.” Laine leaned over and pecked him the cheek. Afterwards she turned her head and whispered once more. “Heads up. The target's moving.” Clayland looked over to where Laine had previously been watching. “Looks like he's heading back to his suite.”

“Thanks for the game gentlemen, ladies.” He stood up and gave a small nod towards the other patrons. Quickly the whimsicle smile vanished and thus began the second phase of their mission.

Simon Fournier was currently walking in front of them, heading towards the stairs of the Crystal Zephyr casino. Fournier was one of the richest men in the world, and also one of the most important information brokers currently doing business. He had been selling classified documents to whoever had the most money, and now it had finally caught up with him.

“He's getting into an elevator.” Laine said between terse lips as they continued to shadow their mark.

“Don't worry, we'll grab the next one.”

If Fournier had noticed them as he turned to get into the elevator, then he certainly didn't show it.

“Which room did you say he was in again?” Clayland pushed the up button and checked his watch.

“24^th floor, room 2405. A balcony suite.” The elevator arrived and the two of them stepped into it. The door closed as Clayland pushed the button to the 23^th. While watching the elevator's floor counter rise he heard a ripping noise come from beside him. He looked over at Laine who was the source.

“D-did you rip your dress?” He asked in confusion.

“Uh huh.” Laine replied nonchalantly and tossed her head to loosen her hair.

“That was expensive you know.”

“Sorry Clay, had to. I can run easier this way if I have to.” He noticed that Laine had already grabbed her KA-BAR they had placed in the emergency phone compartment the day before. She strapped it to her right leg and adjusted it's position.

“Just remember this the next time you say I never buy you anything nice.” Clayland joked as he looked at the ripped seams of her dress.

“Hmm...it's hard to take you seriously when you keep looking at my thighs.” She said, cocking her head to the side.

“I am not.”

“Are to.”

“Ok ok, drop it. We've got more important things to discuss. You remember what to do?” The elevator had just hit the 22^nd floor and it would be seconds until they were forced to start the third phase. As soon as they had reached the 23^rd, Clayland stepped out of the opening doors and turned towards his partner.

“Of course I do. Just try not to get lost on the way up m'kay?” Laine grinned and hit the button labeled '24.' As the elevator doors closed Clayland made his way to the emergency stairwell.

*DING*

After a short trip, the elevator opened and Laine stepped out into the hallway.

*****

Clayland broke open the fire axe box with his elbow and after waiting a minute to see if anyone had noticed the sound of broken glass, he reached inside. Finding what he was looking for, he pulled out a USP Compact and a suppressor. He rolled his eyes. Hiding weapons throughout the hotel was Laine's idea. While it was true that weapons were impossible to conceal in the high security casino floor, in the hotel itself there were no such problems. They could have just as easily put the weapons in their room but, to be fair, it would have been an extra trip.

“C'mon, it's much more 'James Bond' this way isn't it?”

He remembered her saying. Naturally Bond always kept his sidearm with him, but he was feeling particularly accommodating yesterday.

“No point in complaining now.” Clayland told himself and then peaked through the narrow window of the stairwell door. He waited as he saw Laine walking towards room 2405.

*****

Laine had observed Priscilla after a night of drinking enough times to know exactly how to act. She adjusted her cleavage, then walked up to the door and knocked. As she did so she leaned up against the wall next to the entrance and waited. The peephole darkened as someone viewed through. A pair of muffled voices could be heard from the inside. Finally the door opened and in its place stood a strong, well-built man.



“Yeah?” He said gruffly.

“Ohmigosh!” Laine gasped and giggled, waving her hands in the air as she leaned sideways against the hallway wall. “I think I may have the wrong room!” She peeked her head into the doorway and into the room. The large man sidestepped in order to cut off her view, but was stopped as the other voice in the room spoke.

“You're that delightful young lady that was downstairs with the rather plain looking kid by the craps tables, no?” Fournier had stood up from his couch and began approaching the doorway.

Keep coming...not quite close enough.

Laine thought as she kept her inebriated smile.

“Mmm...maybe!”

“Well please, come inside. I would hate to keep a guest waiting in the hall.” He finally stepped up next to his bodyguard and motioned for him to move out of the way so she could enter. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Simon had little time to react as he watched the blonde girl's expression sharpen into an icy stare as she leapt into the room. The room's lights reflected off of a steel edge as it came slashing through the air.

The bodyguard dropped like a sack of potatoes as his face was sliced diagonally upwards, blood and sinus fluid pouring out from the bisection. Fournier himself tried to scream but was unable as he felt a steel grip grasp him around his neck, crushing his windpipe. He could only convulse as he felt the knife imbed itself deep into his ribcage. The last image he saw through the excruciating pain was the bloodied blade withdraw, then plunge down between his eyes.

*****

As soon as he had seen Laine leap into Fournier's room, Clayland quickly exited the stairwell and moved down the hallway, gun drawn. He saw what must've been a bodyguard drop lifeless to the ground, and from the shadows flowing from within the room, the main target wasn't going to be alive for much longer either. As he approached he saw Laine standing over the body of Fournier and wiping her knife off on the man's suit jacket. She turned around and stepped back into the hallway.

Clayland was just about to praise her for a near perfect execution when the door on the far side of the hallway opened. Out stepped a man dressed in a similar suit to the dead bodyguard on the ground between them.

This second bodyguard's eyes widened as he took in the situation and reached inside of his jacket for his weapon. He hadn't even gripped his gun before a quick double tap sent two subsonic bullets into his chest, sending him dead to his knees.

“Looks like for once you weren't late for the party Clay.” Laine said turning around and looking at the body.

“Can't let you do all the work. C'mon, let's get out of here.” He removed the suppressor from his gun and placed both on in the inside pocket of his sports coat. Likewise, Laine removed the knife sheath from her leg and handed it to him which went into another inside pocket. They summoned the elevator and didn't have to wait long before the doors slid open.

“Going down?” An occupant asked as they stepped on.

“Ground floor please.” The man nodded and hit the last button in the row. There were three others in the elevator, one was a middle-aged woman who was eyeing Laine's appearance curiously. Her eyes glanced over the ripped dress and tousled hair. The cyborg met the woman's glace and giggled.

“Oh this,” Laine motioned towards her appearance, “He can be such an animal sometimes.” She then winked and grabbed Clayland's arm. The woman raised an eyebrow and smiled nervously. Clayland played along.

“Hey, what I can I say. I guess I'm just insatiable.” He shrugged as Laine looked up at him
with a Cheshire grin. Inwardly, Clayland was placing an imaginary hand over his face.

This is going to be the longest elevator ride of my life.