New meetings

[Cal Mensen]

As the morning sun rose over the horizon, Cal stumbled out of the make-shift dorm room. Taking a look over to the Market and the Hospital, he noted that there had been movement since the last day. He also noted two forms moving from the Hospital moving up to the Watchtower.

"Hey, we've got company. I'll be the greeting party, you play back up?"

Cal ran down the stairs, exiting out of the Watchtower entrance just as Lartius and Nelson reach the entrance. He gives them a small smile.

"Greetings, former tributes. What brings you to our neighborhood?"

[Nelson Clark]

Nelson was exhausted form running and he just eyed Cal as he walked up. There usually wasn't a welcome when he went someplace, especially during these last few days, so this already put him on edge. "Just getting some supplies. Plus the hospital REEKS. It just smells like medicine and cleaner and dead people and---ugh, just couldn't be there." Nelson moved to adjust his pack. "How's the view?"

[Cal Mensen]

Cal notices Nelson's discomfort, decides to cut the tension by turning his attention to the Watchtower.

"Amazing, we're high enough up we can study the movements of anyone at the Market or Hospital. It comes in handy when trying to determine anyone's intentions if they approach the tower."

He opens the front door, waving Nelson along.

"Its a long way up, we may as well get to know each other on the way. I'm Cal, and I fight for the rebels. I believe in an honest approach, so how about you state your case. Which side are you on? What do you hope to do next? How long have you been camping out at the hospital?"

He looks over Nelson's shoulder, noting Lartius behind him. He nods his head quickly to him.

"Same questions for you, pal."

[Nelson Clark]

"Thanks." Nelson was quick to keep up with Cal up the stairs, "Maybe I should've thought about these stairs when making my getaway, might've made my decision easier, huh?"

"hey Cal. I think I remember you from interviews. I'm Nelson and---good for you? I'm on the 'whatever-keeps-Nelson-alive side', if we're being wildly honest." Nelson shrugged, "I never expected any of this, so it's a lot of trying to--you know--figure out what's going on....I hope to just get food, I guess. I wish I had a more complex answer to give you. I've been at the hospital for 2 days."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal nods, listening carefully to Nelson's words. He reminded him of himself before he came to the training facility, preparing for the Games. This revolution was a curve-ball even for a seasoned career.

"Well, food isn't exactly in vast supply here. To find that, you'd have to try the Market. In the meantime, you're more than welcome to try and find some here. Unofficial rule: you keep what you find. If you scope out a tv dinner or snack pack before me, it's yours."

Upon reaching the central platform near the top of the tower, Cal takes a deep breath, relieved of the finished climb. He motions over to the computer displays as well as the full view of the Capital.

"As you can see, this is a Rebel controlled point. You're free to use the monitoring equipment and viewpoints to map out friend or foe from the Market to the Hospital. As long as the equipment stays online for the rebel cause, we won't have any problems."

He takes a seat, leaning against the door of the dormitory.

"So Nelson, what's your idea of a perfect Sunday?"

Cal leans back and whispers into the dorm toward Wren.

"You want to join in or continue to monitor quietly?"

[Nelson Clark]

"That's fine. I mean--I didn't expect this place to be more stocked than the Market. But if you're all good then we're all good man." They finally reached the top and as much as Nelson kind of wanted to just crawl on the floor and wheeze for a while, he forced himself to stay upright for Cal.

"Goodie for the rebels. I'm just trying to figure out my next move. And I thought---hey, if you can see everything, you can kind of plan your next step. Wow, that is quite a view....have you kind of claimed the tower?" Nelson was kind of in awe about the view....he normally didn't see this much...land. Mostly it was all ocean back home and looking at water wasn't really as cool as seeing everything in the Capital from this view. "I mean...I can see why you would. 's pretty."

"A perfect Sunday? Not fuckin this." Nelson picked at his nails watching Cal, "Probably something involving food and maybe some sun. I'm getting a little pale here. You ever smoke fish on a beach?"

[Cal Mensen]

Cal shook his head.

" I'm afraid I haven't, we didn't have access to much fish in the mountains of 12. Someone would bring in hunted game to the black market sometimes, and she really seemed to have some sort of satisfaction in processing it. Made for a good meal too."

Cal stood up from his chair, offering it to Nelson. Walking over to one of the computer terminals, he began scrolling through images, typing as he went along.

" As much as I've enjoyed being here, I make no claims for the Watchtower. Once I've found better use for another location, I intend to leave."

Cal stops the footage of the computer, moving over to present an image of Sharlot.

"I don't know if you met her, but she holds a special place in my heart. We didn't get an opportunity to exchange words after the chaos of Day 1. Did Sharlot communicate with the group at the Hospital much?"

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren wandered into the control room of the watchtower to find Cal and Nelson chatting. He felt a bit awkward at first, remembering how he'd scared off Nelson at the feast by being too eager and chatty, but he decided to join in the conversation anyway.

"Morning. Oh hey, Nelson. Sorry about the feast, man. I was pretty eager to talk to people, and it seems I might have scared away some potential friends and allies. So...my bad. Are we cool?" Wren half-smiled at Nelson.

"And did you say smoked fish? Damn. That sounds awesome. I should have tried some fish during our training days. I've never had it." Wren looked down at his boots and kicked at a piece of trash. "Smoked venison, though. That stuff's pretty amazing, although I've never actually hunted deer myself. My dad usually did that." He smiled, remembering his favorite foods from back home.

Wren looked over at Cal. "I thought I heard another pair of footsteps. Was there anyone else here? Maybe they're hiding or something. I've never even seen some of these kids' faces, so I doubt I'd recognize who it is if I ran into them..."

Wren whispered to Cal. "Should we spy on them? I know a hack action would help reveal, but spying would also give a shot at stealing something, plus seeing if they 're  already injured or something...Can't decide it that's a wasted action or not...I'd also like to spy on Dante, but I trust the market crew already is. Or we could check out hospital group. Or try to beat this guy out for food/gun... what do you think? Use a spy here, each take one?"

[Nelson Clark]

"It's great, the smoke somehow gives the fish that...sandy flavor. I know, it doesn't make sense but I promise it's hella good before processing."

"Oh, cool. Well---there's not much in the way of hospital other than food and some morphling and a whole lot of scrubs."

Nelson sat in the chair, watching Cal scroll through images before stopping on Sharlot, the girl he'd met briefly at the hospital before leaving.

"Oh, her! I talked to her a little bit yesterday. She was posing as a doctor, you know it would've been easier if she had posed as a nurse, what with the scrubs and all. She's pretty funny. You know her? Yeah I hear that, I lost track of my district mate after Day 1."

[Nelson Clark]

Nelson stared at Wren trying to picture where he'd seen him....the shots....and the party.
"OHHHHHH the open bar! No worries, wish I had something to offer you now; might've killed the edge of this a little bit." Nelson held out his hand for Wren with a grin, "Yeah, we all good bro."

"Well that's all we do. I tried some beef or cow or whatever during the feast and oh my GOD it was unlike any fish I've ever had EVER." Nelson grinned at him, "Venison? Who the fresh hell thought we're going to call deer VENISON? I mean--it sounds good. If we stumble across some fish, I'll find somewhere to smoke it because--DUDE. You haven't lived without some good liquor and smoked fish."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal nods, listening to Nelson's words.

"Yeah, in a way. She was one of the first ones in our alliance to give me her confidence. What you describe makes sense, she holds a lot close to the chest. Thanks though."

He looks over to Wren walking in, giving him a small smile.

"About time you made yourself presentable. I think there is one more person here, must have lagged behind on the stairs."

Cal walks up and rests against the wall next to Wren, giving him a small playful punch in the arm.

"You're not the only one who can make an unnerving first impression."

He whispers to Wren.

"I'm leaning towards vetting Dante myself, as well as securing supplies within the Watchtower. I think I'll try and find a weapon and spy on our remaining Accord members. It'd be a comfort knowing everyone down at the Market are awaiting allies."

[Nelson Clark]

"Oh, you're in her alliance? Well that makes me feel loads better. I thought everyone was just kinda bopping around like I've been. Good to know you guys all have a plan."

Nelson shrugged, "He looks pretty presentable compared to the rest of us. I'm just happy you're not sick people in the hospital. You smell better than them."

"Is that a crack at me? Because if it is...well then, good one."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren made a face at Cal's punch and shrugged at Nelson's comment as he shook his extended hand. "I dunno. Probably the same guy that thought cow should be called 'beef.' And damn, that does sound good. I don't drink much, but I could see how drinking a little and eating fish would be a decent experience. There might be a lake somewhere in Seven, but not in my sector of the woods. I guess that's part of why I headed up here to begin with...the feeling of being up so high makes me miss my trees at home." Wren sighed as he relaxed into a wheeled chair at the control desk.

"My life wasn't perfect, but I guess I'd sorta love a chance to get back there after this war has ended.This whole situation is pretty crazy if you ask me. I hear there are some peacekeepers fighting on the rebel side, which could also mean it's possible there are rebels working for peacekeepers. Shit's crazy...I've met some really strong people, but if they just go shooting or throwing punches without information, it's likely they could be killing off their own teammates and screwing themselves in the long run. And that Sharlot...she seems pretty sneaky. I can never be too sure of whether she's telling the truth. Same for most people I've met, actually. I've felt so paranoid during this whole thing." Wren shook his head to clear away these thoughts. "Have you met any trustworthy people, Nelson?"

Wren whispered back, "Alright. Good luck. I'm considering either spy-hack or spy-scavenge for food. I really think spying on someone within range would be a good use of my talents. Also, I might try to pretend I'm something I'm not, here...don't take offense, please."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal broke down into a grin, looking to Nelson.

"No no no... that was a rip on me. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable earlier, but I imagine it was a bit better than having weapons drawn on you."

He returns to the computer console, studying the images a bit further.

"Yeah, there's a plan. Unfortunately Sharlot's deviated from it to an extent, so I'm just looking to keep my eye out for her. When you don't get the opportunity to know which side they're really on, doesn't hurt to double check."

He waves his hand towards the direction of the Marketplace.

"Take that group, for example. From what I've interacted with them, they can be a bit antsy but their heart is in the right place. Still got to be sure, though."

Cal does his best to stifle laughter, giving Wren a large smile.

"Oh, this should be good. I actually challenge you to try and offend me."

[Nelson Clark]

"There's nothing like being decently plastered on the water." Nelson grabbed a stick on the floor and began to draw patterns with it. Wren and Cal were pretty cool, albeit very pointed with their questions but pretty cool guys, he thought. "Yeah, not a heights guy myself. But Wren, I'll stand under the tree and wave."

"really? I mean yeah, I can see that. She really did hold a lot closer to her chest. I have a feeling she was just kinda poking around to see what I knew but yeah....wow that's a lot. Double crossing? Jesus. This is a lot more than I thought." Nelson was a little overwhelmed, he'd kind of just been in his own little world in the hospital for the past few days...

"yeah I figured the Market was gonna be a mess. That and the armory. It seemed like those would be the places where it would just be a mess."

"anyone I trust? I dunno...I guess I trust my district mate but other than that...I don't know, you guys probably." Nelson chewed on his nails thoughtfully.

[Cal Mensen]

Cal smiles at Nelson, appreciating the good will.

"Thanks man, its a lot easier to get by around here when you give people a shot. Don't lose your skepticism though, it may be your best tool in navigating this war."

He pauses for a bit, reflecting on Nelson's words.

"I don't believe I've met your district mate, but that was my own fault. I spent most of training inside the archives, even missed out on the Tribute Feast."

Cal moves towards the door leading out of the control room, onto a balcony with a good view of the market.

"I've got some work to do, I'll leave you guys to your conversation."

Cal closes the door behind him on his way out. Moving towards the balcony, he checks his Jabberjay. Finding it fully charged, he begins to type out a message. Fiddling with the display options, he encodes the typed message with a password entry key. He speaks his other message out loud, recording his voice and detailing another message for anyone to read. After a few minutes of reviewing his words, Cal releases the Jabberjay, a small jet propelling the device down towards the Market. 

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren nodded, "That's something, though. I wish I'd met my district mate, but she stayed cooped up in the hotel room during the feast and training days so I never got to know hey." He spun around in his chair.

"Did you get to talk to Gillian at all over at the hospital?"

As Cal left Wren leaned over to Nelson and added, "By the way, if this guy bothers you, let me know. He can be pretty forward, sometimes. I'm not sure what his intention is behind that." Wren chuckled

[Nelson Clark]

"I mean mine is the same way. I think I may have talked to her once at the Feast but if you can't trust your district mate, who can you trust?"

"Uhhhhh no. I know she was at least there on the first day but no--she stayed hidden at the hospital so I never talked to her. Until she made her move, I had no idea she was in the hospital." He shrugged, "I'm so not helpful, sorry."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal re-enters the control room, taking a deep breath. He turns back to Nelson and Wren, calm expression on his face.

"Still discussing our tribute-mates? Gwen was pretty closed off to begin with, I think most of her time and energy was focused on getting to know the other tributes. I think I reminded her too much of home, so she kept her distance."

He takes a seat next to Wren, flipping a coin in the air and catching it in his hand.

"I've sent the Jabberjay, let the Market know about our current situation. I told them I'd look into both Dante and yourself. Last members of the Accord to vet."

He stares at Wren, waiting for a response.

[Wren Hartwood]

"That's alright. I didn't mean to prod for info. Just been curious about her, that's all."

Wren guffawed at Cal's mention of Gwen. "Kept her distance?! I'm calling bullshit on that one, mate. I've heard some pretty juicy stories..." Wren smirked at Cal.

"She's cute I guess, if that's what you're into. I dunno. Not my thing. Too flirty. I've seen her hitting on guys and girls, both." Wren sighed. "Though, if we're all about to die, can you really blame her for living a little?"

Wren snagged the coin out of Cal's hand and tossed it a few times, himself. "So Cal, are you enjoying your time in the watchtower? Better than the view in Twelve?"

[Cal Mensen]

Cal nods, smiling at Wren.

"To be fair, she kept her distance at first. I still say what I say holds at least half true."

He gives Wren a sideways glance, reacting to his question.

"I don't know, Wren. I think the view is much more enjoyable, but the accommodations in Twelve were a lot more... consistent? Less surprises, but it's not like I could return to Twelve. That time has passed."

He takes out a second coin and began flipping it.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren shrugged. "True enough, I suppose. Everyone has their comfort zones and misses home, and I imagine it's hard to be yourself in a situation like this. Away from home, thrown in a death match...nah, thrown into a damn war with other kids, all raging with hormones and adrenaline." Wren tossed his coin back into Cal's hand, clanging against the new coin.

"I'm at least hoping to keep my integrity, though. I know some people here like mind games, but I just feel like the two-timing shit is a waste of time. We'll all find out everyone's identities soon enough."

Wren leaned in quickly, so Nelson didn't notice. "So, you're gonna spy on Dante and ME? Huh. Interesting. Or, are you just going to tell them you did?" He smiled. "I'd like to think you wouldn't waste an action on me like that. Thanks for sending one, though. I tried to get some info on Nelson, but I failed. Creep on him or the other guy, if you want. Or look for food, maybe. Up to you. Also, I kinda wish we'd had a movement plan before sending that..." Wren frowned. "I'd like to be able to coordinate whether they're coming up here or if we should meet them in the market tomorrow...we'll have to discuss that later."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal gives a slight chuckle, then shakes his head.

"Well that's real big of you Wren, planning to come out of all this smelling like daisies. It doesn't matter that anyone conducting mind games might be carrying that burden for others. Maybe those willing to do the dirty work think it's necessary in order for those who can't to survive. What if there's no world left for those people, but they fight for it anyway?!"

Cal's voice had been steadily rising through his sentences. After the last one, he looks down at his feet, wishing he was somewhere else.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren wasn't sure what brought this conversation on, but he was determined to have his say and didn't want to be put down. "I never said I wouldn't fight for my side. Just that I'm hoping to stay true to myself. I've fought before. That's a small part of who I am. I'm just also very gentle, in some ways. That's all. And I believe in loyalty, which seems to be an issue here for lots of people."

Wren stood. "Plus, there are tons of things worth fighting for, if you're looking for motivation. Fight for yourself, fight for the love of fighting, fight for Panem, fight for someone you love. I'd fight for someone I love. That's who I am. And if there's no place for me in the end, I'll die knowing I tried. I'll die knowing I made a difference to someone, somewhere. I didn't sign up for these Games, but I'll play. I'll do my best to make things right." Wren was out of breath. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some rest."

He walked out of the control room, into an adjacent security dorm room to rest.

[Cal Mensen]

Cal looks up at Nelson, giving him a look of unease.

"Look, as you can tell, we've got some stuff going on. Please, make yourself at home, we've got a while before the sun comes down. I'll see you around."

He moves into the security dorm room, closing the door behind him on the way in.