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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 27, 2015 15:31:26 GMT -6
Wren walks back into the control room as the sun began its slow descent. "Damn. Nothing beats this view."
He took a seat back in his spinny chair, near Nelson. "Sorry about that. I was just exhausted, mentally and physically. This war is messing with my mind. Plus, Cal and I had some differences to work out." Wren picked at a bit of leather that was peeling off his boots. "But, I think we've got things sorted out...for now."
"So, enjoying your stay up here? I still haven't met this other guy. Did you guys come together on purpose, or just sorta both wandered over?"
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 27, 2015 17:53:50 GMT -6
"Nah, I've never even seen him really. He just kind of appears." Nelson kicked at some sticks, "ah, 's okay. This isn't really something they taught us in training and between you and me, this shit is WAYYYY beyond our maturity level." He joked, grinning at Wren, "at least they fed us first."
"The views pretty cool. You guys been here a lot? You and Cal?"
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 27, 2015 18:20:03 GMT -6
Wren shrugged. "He's probably been here more than I have. We have some history, though. We hung out a lot near the end of training. This whole war thing sorta shook up any friendships that formed during training days. I don't think anyone saw that coming."
Wren continued to pick at his boots. "I had come up here with consideration for checking out the hospital, just to see what's there... But if it's as shitty as you say it is, I might actually pass. I dunno. I'd like to see all sorts of places, but I imagine they're all pretty shitty." Wren laughed, considering each location had its perks and downfalls.
"Any idea what your next move will be? Or are you sorta the type to decide on an impulse?"
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 27, 2015 18:24:33 GMT -6
"Kinda wished I'd spent some time in training talking to other people, because when t all like--went down I just kind of panicked. I think it's cool that you guys have like--a friend or teammate or whatever you wanna call it through this. Bet it helps."
"Believe you me, the hospital isn't much...at least not compared to here. Sharlot was probably the first person I even saw or talked to since this whole thing started, to give you an idea of how dead it is. I mean--they've got morphling, and food. But I didn't see much else. There was a baton but Lartius got it. But other than that...yeah."
Next move? Yeah I guess Nelson would have to start thinking about it. "I don't...know. I'm not sure. I just kind of go on instinct. I ran here because I thought there'd be more supplies. But...I dunno. What're you doing? If you wanna tell me; I totally get wanting to keep it a secret."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 27, 2015 18:37:09 GMT -6
Wren walked to the window and looked over at either side of the watchtower. "Yeah... I'm not great at making decisions, either. I second guess nearly everything I do here." Wren sighed.
"I guess I've got more time to consider things, though. Good to know most places have food. And I'm sure morphling would be useful at some point as well. But damn. I sure hope that Lartius guy knows what he's doing. As I've said, impulsive moves with zero or wrong info could end up screwing your own team over. We all need all the help we can get in this thing."
Wren considered what Nelson said about Sharlot. "It's great she has that communicator device, being an avox and all. But she's just so... Sneaky. Do you trust her?"
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 27, 2015 18:57:55 GMT -6
Nelson followed Wren to the window and looked out with him. "Yeah because this is kind of...more real, I guess. Ever since it all went to shit it's been...wild." "Well yeah. And since you're here you can see anyone coming up to the tower. That's pretty awesome. You saw me coming." Nelson rolled his eyes. listen, I didn't like that he took the baton. I don't like that he just skulls around. I don't like him. I don't trust him." Nelson had been tired of checking over his shoulder for a guy he knew so little about but knew what he had. "And if I'm gonna make it, I'm not losing to his stupid baton." "She's an Avox? What?" Nelson was kind of surprised. That explained the writing. He thought she was just being careful but....huh. It made sense. "I don't know. I don't think I trust her totally. I'm not sure who to trust; these last two days there's just been so much. Before I was just scrounging and taking care of myself."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 27, 2015 21:35:55 GMT -6
Cal enters the shared room, taking a seat with the other two. "Sorry, don't mean to interrupt. When it comes to trust, you either build it through experience or observation. A fair number of the tributes developed deep bonds with each other during training. An excellent start if you find similar beliefs. When you encounter someone new, study their behavior, their movements. Even if you can't get a good read on them, their actions can reveal their intentions." He looks to Nelson, his face focused and calm. "Looking out for yourself is a good first step, but putting that extra effort into finding someone to cover your back, worth it." His eyes move to Wren, giving him a quick wink before looking up to the starry sky.
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 27, 2015 21:45:12 GMT -6
Nelson shifted to make room for Cal in the tower, leaning against one of the walls and picking his nails again. "Yeah? Well--you make it sound so easy, all of this. Wish I'd had you guys around during training." He laughed a little bit, "is that how you guys like--found your group or your partner or whatever?" He shrugged, "it wasn't exactly encouraged when you're going into the Games. It's usually about self sufficient but--I don't know, there's so much more to this than I thought."
Nelson grinned at Cal's advice, "but at what point does being on your own not..be enough? All I've ever done is really look out for myself--and I'm not sure where to go from here."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 27, 2015 21:49:22 GMT -6
Wren turned at the sound of Cal's voice. "Then again, sometimes even spying isn't any help. I've encountered some people here that claim to fight for the opposite side of their 'allegiance' and some that I fear are just really really deep covers."
Wren furrowed his brow. "That's why I also just talk to people. Sometimes that helps more than snooping and watching. Obviously, a combination of experience and watching might be best, or might just confuse the hell out of you, like it has for me lately." Wren laughed. "It's also possible I'm reading way too much into things."
He turned back to Nelson. "Well, to win this war, you've got to work with other people. Unless you just play like the actual Games and try to be a lone victor, which I'm not even sure is possible."
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 27, 2015 21:58:07 GMT -6
"I mean--yeah, I feel that." Nelson shrugged, "I guess it's something I'll have to feel out for myself, I guess." Nelson was even more confused than ever now. He'd spent so long just trying to look out for himself that when faced with the bigger picture, he found himself confused and overwhelmed by everything going oN. These guys seem to know what they were getting into, which is why he was soaking up their advice, especially when they would all (inevitably) leave the tower.
Nelson stared at Wren, "well--when the stakes are this high--I guess it's good that you read a lot into this."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 27, 2015 21:58:58 GMT -6
Cal tips his chair back, balancing it on two legs. Being that it is a spiny chair, the feat is all that more impressive.
"Wren's got it right, its a lot of things put together. But I think his final remark holds the most wisdom. Unlike the games, it isn't about being the last one standing. Those groups you band together with, you don't have to turn on each other when the dust settles."
He tips his chair back down, remembering that they are in a tower very far off the ground. He also began to question the safety standards of the Capital having these types of chairs here in the first place.
"On the same note, a healthy suspicion will keep you alive longer. You don't have to blindly team up with whoever is the first one to reach out to you. Or you do, you just have to make sure you're really sure about them. Beyond that, all you can do is have faith in these allies."
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 27, 2015 22:07:39 GMT -6
Nelson kicked at the dirt at the end of his boot and grinned at the two, "'S probably the only good part of this whole thing. That we don't have to turn on each other at the end. I'm pretty sold on that."
"Yeah, I hear that. I think that's solid advice, especially going forward, you know? I mean--somethings been working. I mean, I made it this long without allies. Maybe--I dunno. It wouldn't hurt to have someone in your corner but you know, you'll still have to like--depend on yourself at the end." Nelson shrugged, "wouldn't be any fun to be the deadweight. It's MUCH more fun to feel like you're doing something.0
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 28, 2015 6:43:06 GMT -6
As midnight struck, Cal's eyes motioned over to the computer consoles. The Watchtower remained under rebel control, his observations have bore fruit, and the Accord remains alive and well. He turns to Nelson. "It looks like you had yourself some fun today. Thank you, I think you saved our asses. As far as I'm concerned, you've earned your spot on the Phoenix Accord." He turns his attention to Wren, his eyes tearing up, a grin spreading across his face. "I've got more to say Nelson, but this comes first." Cal leaps from his chair and wraps Wren in a tight embrace, a soft laugh resonating from himself through Wren. "I'll never doubt you again, and I'm sorry I ever did." He moves his head back to face Wren, and drops his voice to just loud enough for both Nelson and Wren to hear. "I told the team at the Market that if you were a Peacekeeper, I would come to them tomorrow. If my word is worth anything to them, I'm staying up here for at least one more day. Its up to you if you'd like to tell them yourself. Either way, we've got some catching up to do.
Also, Dante is a peacekeeper."
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 28, 2015 8:15:20 GMT -6
Nelson grinned and shrugged, "Well I wouldn't necessarily call that fun.but thanks. It's far more fun not to be the deadweight."
"Phoenix Accord? Is that what you guys call yourselves? ...do we get jackets?" Nelson jokes, putting away his newly acquired food and facing the other two. "Well--these past two days have really been...something." Nelson removed his jacket from his pack to make room for his new food.
"So, what now? I live to see another day and didn't get shot. Which--I didn't think was happening but thank god."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 28, 2015 8:36:33 GMT -6
Wren relaxes as he gathers his information from today and stashes his new items away, into his boot. He becomes stiff again as Cal hugs him, momentarily feeling betrayed once again at his spying. "We'll get through this. But you're an ass." Wren smiled at Cal. He gave Nelson a hearty slap on the back. "I'm so glad I know who you are, and what you did." He beamed at Nelson. Wren leaned in, careful not to let Lartius overhear. "Sorry we whispered around you yesterday; we were arguing. Cal told me he was spying on me, which pissed me off because I'm a founding member of the Phoenix Accord, having given us this name with Eloise and Millie during training, and we're...well, we're pretty close if you couldn't tell. And I'm sorry for confusing you and not being direct about who I am, but I wanted to try and get a read on who you were based on how you'd react to hearing about the lying and double-crossing.
Sharlot is a peacekeeper. She was originally with us for the accord, but she's just so damn sneaky. We already have two confirmed peacekeepers fighting for us on the rebel side and refusing to hack at all; they call themselves PeaceBRINGERS. Isn't that great?!" Wren laughed. "So if Sharlot is really fighting for the accord, I'd find it hard to believe. I'll let Cal talk about who the other two are if he's comfortable with that..." Wren looked at Cal.
"Alright. Here's your information overload: Trusted rebels: Me (Wren), Eloise, Wallace, You (Nelson). We assume Gwen and Demetri are, based on other events like hacking, etc. We haven't figured out Holly yet, but she might be alright. Known peacekeepers: Dante, Deo, Sharlot. Cal will tell you about himself and Val, if he's okay with that. Since Lartius has a baton, followed you, and hacked badly we're still not sure where he stands.
Please don't be offended by my grabbing the gun. I'm not usually very violent, in fact I came into this hoping to only attack anyone that attacks accord members and ranting about being peaceful in our approach, but I'm hoping to take out some people that have lied to us about who they are. And it seems at least one new accord member has been injured..?"
Wren looked Nelson over. He seemed weak or injured somehow. "Are you injured? Who hurt you? What did they do? Vester shot me before this all began so I considered taking your morphling, but you look worse than I do so maybe I'll let you keep it." Wren smirked at Nelson .
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 28, 2015 8:52:00 GMT -6
Nelson made a face, "what, the food? I'm super proud too; I've been looking every day and I hadn't found anything that could help so--go me." "I got into something that could be labeled serious shit. Hypothetically. I trusted Sharlot and she told me to come over here to take care of Cal. I wasn't entirely convinced but hey--WE'VE ALL DONE THINGS WE REGRET. DEEPLY REGRET.--Anyway. So I don't think I deserve the congrats because I really just kind of wandered into this situation because of a pretty girl." Nelson shrugged, "she's heading back to the hospital today and I'm supposed to meet her. But I'm pretty sure she was just using me as a warm body to stir up shit."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 28, 2015 8:52:47 GMT -6
Cal grinned at Wren, nodding his head in agreement. He lets out a laugh at Nelson's joke and turns to face him. "The jackets are on back order, but if mine ever comes in, its all yours." Cal drops his voice again to match Wren's, keeping the conversation between the three of them. "To add on to Wren's information, Gwen has been confirmed similar to how I know you're one of us. She hacked this point on Day 1, contesting it against Sharlot. I also doubt that Sharlot is really fighting for the Accord myself, considering she tried hacking as a peacekeeper. Wren did vet you though, so he's right that you're a confirmed rebel rather than Gwen's circumstantial evidence."
Cal draws in a deep breath, his smile fading for the time being.
"Full disclosure, I am a peacekeeper. However, I was telling the truth when we first met: I fight for the rebels, for the Accord. We call ourselves Peacebringers, a title both me and Val share, being in the same situation. I don't know Val's motivation for fighting, but mine's standing right here next to us."
His eyes glimpse back at Wren, a small smile spreading on his face.
"He's right though, I did spy on him earlier today. I had doubts lingering in the back of my head, so I had sent a Jabberjay this afternoon to inform our allies at the Market. Dante was excluded from the important information of course."
His gaze returns back to Nelson.
"Got any questions, concerns?"
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 28, 2015 9:04:16 GMT -6
Nelson scrubbed his face, "boy this has been a wild ride. At the very least Cal's miraculous stumbled face got us through." "I KNEW IT I KNEW IT I KNEW DEO WAS A PEACEKEEPER WHAT A SHADY BASTARD." Nelson's eyes went wide, "if Sharlot is a Peacekeeper then she knows about me doing my thing...she's gonna be waiting for me. Deo was back at the hospital; and Sharlot is waiting for--oh shit."
nelson shook his head, "nah I got hurt the other day but it's clearing up. I'm okay. I'm just--trying to process this. I wasn't--I didn't even know about any of this until yesterday and now all this shit--it's a lot."
"better you than Lartius. I was just afraid he was gonna get it and I don't need him taking any more weapons. You're fine."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 28, 2015 10:35:14 GMT -6
Wren laughed at Nelson's odd remarks. "I'm so glad I met you, man. You're funny. Wish that Lartius guy would show his face and come chat, though." Wren looked around to see zero signs if that guy. Wren realized they were running out of time for this day and decided to consider their next plan. "So, do you have any plan for tomorrow yet?" Wren looked at Nelson and then lowered his voice, hoping Nelson would be able to hear him. whipser your movement plans if you want to/are able to. And let me know if you didn't hear our previous whispers about who to trust
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 28, 2015 15:20:37 GMT -6
"You wish, but the guys been with me for like three days and I've not spoken a word to him. If he wants he can come?" Nelson shrugged. The sun was getting pretty low and he knew he had to make a decision soon. "um, tomorrow? No not yet. Figured I'd flip a coin." "I got it. All of it. Thanks--it feels better knowing all this. Actually Cal should thank you--I was weary of him until you came up."
"I was--I was supposed to meet Sharlot back at the hospital but now---if I go back with both her and Deo there, it won't be good. But if you want me to do a little spy work, I could. But for now--no, I don't have plans."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 28, 2015 15:44:11 GMT -6
"You got a three sided coin we don't know about?" Cal asks, giving Nelson a smile. "Well it's ultimately your decision, I think we had already pointed out everything that needs to be known." "You'll be able to find more food at the Market, also allies like we had discussed in the earlier whispers. Still trying to figure out the best way to convey that you're a proven rebel and an asset for the Accord. Any ideas, Wren?"
OOC: At least with my experience, I haven't been able to create whispers using a mobile device. You may have to find a laptop or desktop to be able to respond to us in secret.
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 28, 2015 15:57:59 GMT -6
With time running out, Cal couldn't wait for a definite response. Its better to improvise than to let a friend drift about. "Alright, here's what you can do..." dropping into a whisper. "Go to the Marketplace, seek out anyone we had identified as an ally, explain that Wren had spied on you, Ghost approved your actions and you'd like to help the Phoenix Accord. If they're skeptical, talk to Gwen. Tell her I said "There's no easy way out". If all else fails, one of them can spy on you to be sure. Uh... damn, I wish we had more to work with in such a short time frame. Wren, if you got something to add, let us know."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 28, 2015 17:19:28 GMT -6
Wren considered how best to help out in this situation. He knew all three locations weren't bad options. He still had yet to decide, himself. "Yeah... I'll think of something. Just give me a moment." Wren thought for a moment and spoke, "The market's not bad. We're hoping to maintain at least 3 rebel points a day, so wherever you go, help out if you can.
If you run into Sharlot or Dante, feel free to throw some punches. If you see Eloise, tell her 'big brother gives the okay' for you to join the phoenix accord. She's a bit slow to trust, and kinda depends on me a bit. Best of luck to you, sir" Wren pulls Nelson in for a hug and then turns to Cal.
"So, are we going with your jabberjay protocol?"
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 28, 2015 17:35:20 GMT -6
Cal nods, confident in Wren's ideas. He turns to face him. "I don't want to give anyone the wrong idea, so I'm sticking around here for now. Nelson, what say you?"
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 28, 2015 18:15:26 GMT -6
Nelson grinned and hugged Wren, a wide grin on his face. "Thanks dude, it's been a ride. This whole thing. You guys make sure you stay on top of yourselves, all right? Don't walk out any windows or trip out the door or something." He clapped Cal on the shoulder with a grin. "I say--as much fun as this is, I'm really not a heights guy." "I'm gonna head to the Market I think. I'm running really low on food and I know you guys can hold onto the watchtower. im just gonna hope that these guys will know that I'm...you know...with you guys but I think it'll be safer for me than the hospital. I'll figure it out; I've gotten this far and now since I've got you guys on my side, they probably can't kill me until at LEAST Day 6 and you guys can come stop them before then...right?"
"be careful you guys, all right? I'll see you soon?"
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