Rifts - Dead Man's Hand - Library
Rifts - Dead Man's Hand - Library
The familiar beep of the library computer starts as Dane pulls up some of the built-in games and searches through selections. Usually better than hanging out with the local thugs his age. Keeps his over-active mind busy and is actually fun.
oO(Ooo! What's tetris?)Oo he smiles as feels a light tap on his shoulder. He looks back to see Miss Hoffman smiling at him.
"Dane, your dad's here and would like to talk to you." Meg Hoffman, even though she's almost ten years older than him, is cute. She gets along with him and the library is his favorite hangout. He hopes to earn enough from odd jobs to afford his own computer. But hearing his dad's voice towards the front of the library gives him a sinking feeling.
Deputy George Stryker, formerly army, is a tough man. Taught Dane everything that school hasn't up to now, especially computers. He never talks about his past and if asked, he gets quiet. Usually he's supportive and understanding, but today doesn't feel like one of those days. One day, Dane was snooping through old storage and found what looks like a military combat uniform, but nothing like he'd ever seen. The words, "US Army 4th Psychological Operations Group" adorn one patch. The words "345th PSYOP Company" adorn another patch. His surname, "Stryker" adorn another patch, like a nametag. And an emblem that resembles a flag, but he can't place where he'd seen that red white and blue flag at. His father caught him and promptly punished him harshly for it. He's never asked or bothered with it since. Hopefully this isn't similar.
Dane locks the computer, oO(Dangit! It costs a credit per 4 hours on that thing! I'm wasting time)Oo stands up, and ever so slowly walks towards the front counter. There, his father, dressed in the tannish-green deputy uniform stands, serious look on his face. Megan, being kind as usual, already has his credit ready to slide back to him. Dane reluctantly takes the credit and looks at his father. "Hi, dad."
"Hey Dane. You going to waste your entire summer on that thing? It's old and barely works," he knows more about different computers than Dane, but not THAT computer. His reaches behind his back and brandishes what looks like a mini computer and hands it to him. It's bright red with only a dozen buttons on it and the words, "Nintendo - GameBoy," written across the top. His father then hands him another two credits.
"Umm, what's this?" Dane is confused.
"Well, you worked your tail off for the first month of summer and I know that you're saving up for a computer from Smith Falls. I've had that game system for the last 25 years. I don't use it. I loaded as many games that I could using a raspberry pi installation, back in the day. I hope you like it." George leans against the counter, "On one condition."
Dane seems more confused.
"You never hang out with the others," he nods to the credits in Dane's hand, "They're at the Bottoms Up, chowing on burgers. Some cute girls there too. I want you to go hang out for a day. It'll do you some good."
Dane sighs as Miss Hoffman smiles, "I can close the library for lunch and come with you if you want."
George's eyebrow raises as a mischievous smirk crosses his lips, "Bmyeaa! And you made a friend!" He nods to the gameboy again, "Small price to pay for that thing. What do you say?"
oO(Ooo! What's tetris?)Oo he smiles as feels a light tap on his shoulder. He looks back to see Miss Hoffman smiling at him.
"Dane, your dad's here and would like to talk to you." Meg Hoffman, even though she's almost ten years older than him, is cute. She gets along with him and the library is his favorite hangout. He hopes to earn enough from odd jobs to afford his own computer. But hearing his dad's voice towards the front of the library gives him a sinking feeling.
Deputy George Stryker, formerly army, is a tough man. Taught Dane everything that school hasn't up to now, especially computers. He never talks about his past and if asked, he gets quiet. Usually he's supportive and understanding, but today doesn't feel like one of those days. One day, Dane was snooping through old storage and found what looks like a military combat uniform, but nothing like he'd ever seen. The words, "US Army 4th Psychological Operations Group" adorn one patch. The words "345th PSYOP Company" adorn another patch. His surname, "Stryker" adorn another patch, like a nametag. And an emblem that resembles a flag, but he can't place where he'd seen that red white and blue flag at. His father caught him and promptly punished him harshly for it. He's never asked or bothered with it since. Hopefully this isn't similar.
Dane locks the computer, oO(Dangit! It costs a credit per 4 hours on that thing! I'm wasting time)Oo stands up, and ever so slowly walks towards the front counter. There, his father, dressed in the tannish-green deputy uniform stands, serious look on his face. Megan, being kind as usual, already has his credit ready to slide back to him. Dane reluctantly takes the credit and looks at his father. "Hi, dad."
"Hey Dane. You going to waste your entire summer on that thing? It's old and barely works," he knows more about different computers than Dane, but not THAT computer. His reaches behind his back and brandishes what looks like a mini computer and hands it to him. It's bright red with only a dozen buttons on it and the words, "Nintendo - GameBoy," written across the top. His father then hands him another two credits.
"Umm, what's this?" Dane is confused.
"Well, you worked your tail off for the first month of summer and I know that you're saving up for a computer from Smith Falls. I've had that game system for the last 25 years. I don't use it. I loaded as many games that I could using a raspberry pi installation, back in the day. I hope you like it." George leans against the counter, "On one condition."
Dane seems more confused.
"You never hang out with the others," he nods to the credits in Dane's hand, "They're at the Bottoms Up, chowing on burgers. Some cute girls there too. I want you to go hang out for a day. It'll do you some good."
Dane sighs as Miss Hoffman smiles, "I can close the library for lunch and come with you if you want."
George's eyebrow raises as a mischievous smirk crosses his lips, "Bmyeaa! And you made a friend!" He nods to the gameboy again, "Small price to pay for that thing. What do you say?"
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: Rifts - Dead Man's Hand - Library
Dane senses that his dad might have some secret motive behind all this, but he just brushes it off with a casual "Sure, I guess." Still, the intense curiosity in his steely gray eyes betrays his nonchalant tone as he takes the Nintendo Gameboy and credits from his dad. He turns the device over in his hands, giving it a quick look-over before slipping it into his pocket. He tilts his head slightly to avoid eye contact with miss Hoffman, and with a somewhat awkward grin on his face—one that’s a bit goofy because of the burn scars on his chin and cheek—he tells her she’s welcome to stay or join him, but he’s fine on his own if she needs to keep working at the library. His grin’s a little crooked, but he quickly relaxes his face and waits.
Joe - Administrator
Re: Rifts - Dead Man's Hand - Library
Dane senses that his dad might have some secret motive behind all this, but he just brushes it off with a casual, "Sure, I guess." Still, the intense curiosity in his steely gray eyes betrays his nonchalant tone as he takes the Nintendo Gameboy and credits from his dad. He turns the device over in his hands, giving it a quick look-over before slipping it into his pocket. While doing so, he notices that where it looks like batteries go, his father has refitted it to accept battery packs, meaning weeks, if not months, before needing to recharge.
He tilts his head slightly to avoid eye contact with Miss Hoffman. With a somewhat awkward grin (one that’s a bit goofy because of the burn scars on his chin and cheek), he states, "You're welcome to stay or join me, but I'm fine on my own if you need to keep working." His grin’s a little crooked, but he quickly relaxes his face and waits.
"Oh no, Dane." She laughs, "I see you so often that I feel like we're family. I'm hungry anyways." Her dress shoes click across the smooth granite floor behind him.
Dane hears his father as he exits the library, "No funny business, alright?" Dane knows that it's a joke, considering Dane really doesn't put himself into troublesome situations. He hears his father exit the library and climb onto his patrol horse and canter away.
Looking behind, Dane sees Belle and Mindy's stables, and pasture beyond. That's usually where Megana is helping tend to the horses. It's not unusual to have two Meg's around with the same name, but if Megana is in the saloon and Miss Hoffman is coming with, it could get confusing if someone simply says, "Hey Meg." Which one answers?
Up ahead is most of the town, including the almost complete 'Hammer Inn'. The Inn is a three floor hotel that offers vouchers for a free breakfast at the Bison Stampede, the local restaurant, if there are no complaints during the prior night. Only reservations on the first two floors are available. The top floor has been delayed for the construction, of the stage and combat arena, in the middle of main street.
Passing the Lord's manor, the restaurant and several shops, Dane approaches Mr. Fowler and his four man crew still sawing and hammering away to get the stage built in time for tomorrow's festivities. The moderate noon temperatures and partly cloudy sky make for a nice day. The light breeze drifts in the smells of horse manure from the pasture and the occasional lake smell from Sandhole Lake.
The saloon, near the far side of town, across from the lumber mill and festival stage, smells inviting. The aroma of fire grilled hamburgers waft through main street. "Ooo, I may get onion rings too!" Miss Hoffman abstractly comments. Dane notices that she's walking incredibly close to him. The girls never do that.
Just beyond the lumberyard and saloon, several members of the native tribes are setting up tepees, where they can charge to stay in overnight or have their own little marketplace. They usually have great bone knives, bows and arrows, wetskins, stone jewelry, wild jerky and various herbs to buy. They also offer psychedelic teas, but usually the locals stay away to avoid judgement. People from Smith Falls love the stuff.
Upon walking past the stage, Mr. Fowler calls out, "Hey Dane! Come and use those computer skills and help us out!" He laughs and then Dane can hear him mutter, "Useless hobby. Won't amount to anything."
Meg frowns, also hearing it, and tells Dane, "Don't let those jerks get to you. You're one of very few who can do what you do." Her blue eyes flash genuine sincerity. For the first time, Dane can almost feel her concern, much like he can for computers. In fact, there are days when he intuitively knows what to do on the library computer, even if he's never tried it. He understands the programming of some software, even though he doesn't understand how to do the actual programming. He knows that his mind is nearly as fast as a CPU, well, he thinks so. But now, he notices this beautiful woman actually noticing him. His mind moving faster than it ever has, but no logical conclusion or scenario will seem to form in his mind.
She once dated Teddy, who, at the time, was probably his best behaved. Till they broke up. The town was really harsh on her for dating Ted, but not like Ted never started trouble. He once hit Dane in the chest, trying to tease him. It hurt! Yet, Teddy promptly regretted his decision when the townsfolk and Dane's father got involved. Teddy spent the night in jail. Since then, Ted either avoids Dane, or simply nods as though showing respect. But what about now? Teddy still likes Meg. It's not hard to see when he shows up at the library once a week to check out books that he'll never read. She just ignores him and...
Dane realizes that he's gawking when Meg adds, "Hey, I was thinking that we could sell the old computer and get one of those new ones in Smith Falls. They're a thousand times faster and with this neat add-on, we can actually use the Smith Falls network. I think it's called a network card. That means we can order new books faster and connect to other computers and people!" Her eyes seem to excitedly look for some semblance of positive emotion from Dane.
He tilts his head slightly to avoid eye contact with Miss Hoffman. With a somewhat awkward grin (one that’s a bit goofy because of the burn scars on his chin and cheek), he states, "You're welcome to stay or join me, but I'm fine on my own if you need to keep working." His grin’s a little crooked, but he quickly relaxes his face and waits.
"Oh no, Dane." She laughs, "I see you so often that I feel like we're family. I'm hungry anyways." Her dress shoes click across the smooth granite floor behind him.
Dane hears his father as he exits the library, "No funny business, alright?" Dane knows that it's a joke, considering Dane really doesn't put himself into troublesome situations. He hears his father exit the library and climb onto his patrol horse and canter away.
Looking behind, Dane sees Belle and Mindy's stables, and pasture beyond. That's usually where Megana is helping tend to the horses. It's not unusual to have two Meg's around with the same name, but if Megana is in the saloon and Miss Hoffman is coming with, it could get confusing if someone simply says, "Hey Meg." Which one answers?
Up ahead is most of the town, including the almost complete 'Hammer Inn'. The Inn is a three floor hotel that offers vouchers for a free breakfast at the Bison Stampede, the local restaurant, if there are no complaints during the prior night. Only reservations on the first two floors are available. The top floor has been delayed for the construction, of the stage and combat arena, in the middle of main street.
Passing the Lord's manor, the restaurant and several shops, Dane approaches Mr. Fowler and his four man crew still sawing and hammering away to get the stage built in time for tomorrow's festivities. The moderate noon temperatures and partly cloudy sky make for a nice day. The light breeze drifts in the smells of horse manure from the pasture and the occasional lake smell from Sandhole Lake.
The saloon, near the far side of town, across from the lumber mill and festival stage, smells inviting. The aroma of fire grilled hamburgers waft through main street. "Ooo, I may get onion rings too!" Miss Hoffman abstractly comments. Dane notices that she's walking incredibly close to him. The girls never do that.
Just beyond the lumberyard and saloon, several members of the native tribes are setting up tepees, where they can charge to stay in overnight or have their own little marketplace. They usually have great bone knives, bows and arrows, wetskins, stone jewelry, wild jerky and various herbs to buy. They also offer psychedelic teas, but usually the locals stay away to avoid judgement. People from Smith Falls love the stuff.
Upon walking past the stage, Mr. Fowler calls out, "Hey Dane! Come and use those computer skills and help us out!" He laughs and then Dane can hear him mutter, "Useless hobby. Won't amount to anything."
Meg frowns, also hearing it, and tells Dane, "Don't let those jerks get to you. You're one of very few who can do what you do." Her blue eyes flash genuine sincerity. For the first time, Dane can almost feel her concern, much like he can for computers. In fact, there are days when he intuitively knows what to do on the library computer, even if he's never tried it. He understands the programming of some software, even though he doesn't understand how to do the actual programming. He knows that his mind is nearly as fast as a CPU, well, he thinks so. But now, he notices this beautiful woman actually noticing him. His mind moving faster than it ever has, but no logical conclusion or scenario will seem to form in his mind.
She once dated Teddy, who, at the time, was probably his best behaved. Till they broke up. The town was really harsh on her for dating Ted, but not like Ted never started trouble. He once hit Dane in the chest, trying to tease him. It hurt! Yet, Teddy promptly regretted his decision when the townsfolk and Dane's father got involved. Teddy spent the night in jail. Since then, Ted either avoids Dane, or simply nods as though showing respect. But what about now? Teddy still likes Meg. It's not hard to see when he shows up at the library once a week to check out books that he'll never read. She just ignores him and...
Dane realizes that he's gawking when Meg adds, "Hey, I was thinking that we could sell the old computer and get one of those new ones in Smith Falls. They're a thousand times faster and with this neat add-on, we can actually use the Smith Falls network. I think it's called a network card. That means we can order new books faster and connect to other computers and people!" Her eyes seem to excitedly look for some semblance of positive emotion from Dane.
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: Rifts - Dead Man's Hand - Library
The second Meg mentions getting a new computer, Dane practically jumps in, blurting out, “Seriously? That’d be awesome! I could totally help set it up, maybe run some tests or benchmarks.” His words tumble out faster than he can process them—because the thought of a real computer, maybe even hooked up to an actual working network, short-circuits whatever part of his brain usually reminds him to be self-conscious.
He hasn't touched real tech since... well, maybe since the accident. The one that gave him the scar. Back when he still knew how to smile without it feeling weird. For a while, he rambles—half-talking to Meg, half just thinking out loud—about what kind of mods or software they could install, how much faster it would be than the junk they usually have to mess with.
But after a block or two, the adrenaline fades, and so does the babbling. The silence creeps in, and Dane's brain turns inward. He thinks about Meg. Then Teddy. Then Meg and Teddy, and how complicated everything feels right now. The closer they get to the Bottoms Up, the more his anxiety builds.
Finally, he clears his throat, eyes fixed somewhere ahead so he doesn’t have to look directly at her. “Uh... hey, Meg?” he says, voice a little lower now. “I mean, I know we’re not, like, a thing or anything... but what do you think Teddy’s gonna do if he sees us walking together? I mean, me and him never exactly clicked. And I’m pretty sure he’s still ticked about that one night. You know... the jail thing.”
Even as he says it, he kind of wants to bite his tongue off.
.oO You'd think someone who can rewire a tracking drone blindfolded could figure out how to talk to a girl without sounding like an idiot. Oo. he thinks bitterly.
He hasn't touched real tech since... well, maybe since the accident. The one that gave him the scar. Back when he still knew how to smile without it feeling weird. For a while, he rambles—half-talking to Meg, half just thinking out loud—about what kind of mods or software they could install, how much faster it would be than the junk they usually have to mess with.
But after a block or two, the adrenaline fades, and so does the babbling. The silence creeps in, and Dane's brain turns inward. He thinks about Meg. Then Teddy. Then Meg and Teddy, and how complicated everything feels right now. The closer they get to the Bottoms Up, the more his anxiety builds.
Finally, he clears his throat, eyes fixed somewhere ahead so he doesn’t have to look directly at her. “Uh... hey, Meg?” he says, voice a little lower now. “I mean, I know we’re not, like, a thing or anything... but what do you think Teddy’s gonna do if he sees us walking together? I mean, me and him never exactly clicked. And I’m pretty sure he’s still ticked about that one night. You know... the jail thing.”
Even as he says it, he kind of wants to bite his tongue off.
.oO You'd think someone who can rewire a tracking drone blindfolded could figure out how to talk to a girl without sounding like an idiot. Oo. he thinks bitterly.
Re: Rifts - Dead Man's Hand - Library
The second Meg mentions getting a new computer, Dane practically jumps in, blurting out, “Seriously? That’d be awesome! I could totally help set it up, maybe run some tests or benchmarks.” His words tumble out faster than he can process them—because the thought of a real computer, maybe even hooked up to an actual working network, short-circuits whatever part of his brain usually reminds him to be self-conscious.
Meg smiles knowingly, causing Dane to realize that this was her plan all along; to give him the good news. He hasn't touched real tech since... well, maybe since the accident. The one that gave him the scar. When he still knew how to smile without it feeling weird. For a moment, he rambles—half-talking to Meg, half just thinking out loud—about what kind of mods or software they could install, how much faster it would be than the junk they usually have to mess with.
After a few moments, he adrenaline fades, and so does the babbling. The silence creeps in, and Dane's brain turns inward. He thinks about Meg. Then Teddy. Then Meg and Teddy, and how complicated everything feels right now. The closer they get to the Bottoms Up, the more his anxiety builds. They stop outside of the saloon door.
Finally, he clears his throat, eyes fixed somewhere ahead so he doesn’t have to look directly at her. “Uh... hey, Meg?” he says, voice a little lower now. “I mean, I know we’re not, like, a thing or anything... but what do you think Teddy’s gonna do if he sees us walking together? I mean, me and him never exactly clicked. And I’m pretty sure he’s still ticked about that one night. You know... the jail thing.”
Even as he says it, he kind of wants to bite his tongue off. Her expression seems surprised, which quickly turns into, what Dane feels like a close bond. Two similar minded people who love information and quiet.
.oO You'd think someone who can rewire a tracking drone blindfolded could figure out how to talk to a girl without sounding like an idiot. Oo. he thinks bitterly.
"Listen Dane, I like you," she states, forcing Dane to make eye contact as she steps in front of him, her face dangerously close to his, "But aren't I a little old for you?" She asks, causing Dane to realize that that was what got her in trouble in the first place with dating Ted years ago. She looks so young and is always upbeat that age seems non-existent. "Let me handle Teddy. He has to get over it sometime." She grasps Dane's free hand gently. She has soft, soothing hands. "I see you as a good friend and I love seeing you come into the library every other day. Teddy has no say in who I can talk to. I won't let him hurt you or himself over his idiotic temper."
Meg smiles knowingly, causing Dane to realize that this was her plan all along; to give him the good news. He hasn't touched real tech since... well, maybe since the accident. The one that gave him the scar. When he still knew how to smile without it feeling weird. For a moment, he rambles—half-talking to Meg, half just thinking out loud—about what kind of mods or software they could install, how much faster it would be than the junk they usually have to mess with.
After a few moments, he adrenaline fades, and so does the babbling. The silence creeps in, and Dane's brain turns inward. He thinks about Meg. Then Teddy. Then Meg and Teddy, and how complicated everything feels right now. The closer they get to the Bottoms Up, the more his anxiety builds. They stop outside of the saloon door.
Finally, he clears his throat, eyes fixed somewhere ahead so he doesn’t have to look directly at her. “Uh... hey, Meg?” he says, voice a little lower now. “I mean, I know we’re not, like, a thing or anything... but what do you think Teddy’s gonna do if he sees us walking together? I mean, me and him never exactly clicked. And I’m pretty sure he’s still ticked about that one night. You know... the jail thing.”
Even as he says it, he kind of wants to bite his tongue off. Her expression seems surprised, which quickly turns into, what Dane feels like a close bond. Two similar minded people who love information and quiet.
.oO You'd think someone who can rewire a tracking drone blindfolded could figure out how to talk to a girl without sounding like an idiot. Oo. he thinks bitterly.
"Listen Dane, I like you," she states, forcing Dane to make eye contact as she steps in front of him, her face dangerously close to his, "But aren't I a little old for you?" She asks, causing Dane to realize that that was what got her in trouble in the first place with dating Ted years ago. She looks so young and is always upbeat that age seems non-existent. "Let me handle Teddy. He has to get over it sometime." She grasps Dane's free hand gently. She has soft, soothing hands. "I see you as a good friend and I love seeing you come into the library every other day. Teddy has no say in who I can talk to. I won't let him hurt you or himself over his idiotic temper."
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: Rifts - Dead Man's Hand - Library
Dane feels even more like a heel now. His thoughts try to form a cohesive response. Yes, she's probably too old for him, but the girls his age seem so immature and he doesn't have anything in common with them. On the other hand, his heart races at her touch but falls at the use of the friend word; so confusing. "Yeah, I mean I like you too, but I didn't mean it that way. I was wondering what other people, especially Teddy, might think since I spend so much time at the library and us walking together." He can feel his face getting red which always makes it look even more blotchy than usual. "I know he doesn't have a say in what you do; I was more worried what he might do."
Re: Rifts - Dead Man's Hand - Library
OOC: Dane is 16, she's almost 26.
Dane feels even more like a heel now. His thoughts try to form a cohesive response. Yes, she's probably too old for him, but the girls his age seem so immature and he doesn't have anything in common with them. On the other hand, his heart races at her touch but falls at the use of the friend word; so confusing. "Yeah, I mean I like you too, but I didn't mean it that way. I was wondering what other people, especially Teddy, might think since I spend so much time at the library and us walking together." He can feel his face getting red which always makes it look even more blotchy than usual. "I know he doesn't have a say in what you do; I was more worried what he might do."
She reaches up and cups Dane's burned cheek in her hand, speechless. Dane swears that she might even kiss him as she is so close, looking into his eyes then his lips, when shouting can be heard from within the saloon. "She's fighting me! Whose side are you on?" She doesn't even hesitate. She rushes into the saloon as Dane can hear Teddy, "What's going on, Frank? I thought you'd always have my back."
Megan shouts, "Teddy! You need to calm down!"
OOC: Don't respond here, respond to Bottom's Up. Your character hasn't quite walked in there, but I'd assume that your character would follow her.
Dane feels even more like a heel now. His thoughts try to form a cohesive response. Yes, she's probably too old for him, but the girls his age seem so immature and he doesn't have anything in common with them. On the other hand, his heart races at her touch but falls at the use of the friend word; so confusing. "Yeah, I mean I like you too, but I didn't mean it that way. I was wondering what other people, especially Teddy, might think since I spend so much time at the library and us walking together." He can feel his face getting red which always makes it look even more blotchy than usual. "I know he doesn't have a say in what you do; I was more worried what he might do."
She reaches up and cups Dane's burned cheek in her hand, speechless. Dane swears that she might even kiss him as she is so close, looking into his eyes then his lips, when shouting can be heard from within the saloon. "She's fighting me! Whose side are you on?" She doesn't even hesitate. She rushes into the saloon as Dane can hear Teddy, "What's going on, Frank? I thought you'd always have my back."
Megan shouts, "Teddy! You need to calm down!"
OOC: Don't respond here, respond to Bottom's Up. Your character hasn't quite walked in there, but I'd assume that your character would follow her.
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7