At the bar

[codair]

The scene opens up as TJ Codair is seen sitting down at bar, and looking at his cell phone. A bottle of Jameson sitting in front of him with two shot glasses. He waits for a minute as he recieves a text message. He turns looking to the door as he waits for Rhonin to come in.

tbcb - Rhonin

[Joey Harris]

I watch Codair from over his shoulder, as I slowly enter the bar. Why would he ask me to meet him here? This is a crowded bar; surely, he wouldn't plan an attack in such a busy place. Stranger things have happened, of course. Still, as I approach the bar, my instinct tells me Codair can be trusted.

Not that I can recall my track record, as far as my instinct goes.

"What's this about, TJ?"

I hear the clinking of a shot glass, as he sets it on the bar after taking swallowing his poison. He was expecting me, of course. I had just sent him a text just before entering the bar. I'm pretty sure he had even seen me enter. He must think I am trustworthy, to turn his back to a man who had previously been ordered to beat him down less than a week ago, a man whom he had attacked with those painful eskrimas. Is this courage he displays?

Or is it naivity?

TBC: TJ Codair

[codair]

I take a drag off my cigarette and take a swig of my beer, as a slight grin comes across my face

“This is a crowded place, but his defenses are up. I can see it in the way he walked unsure of what he was getting himself into. Figure I better show my hand before he decides that the reason I got ahold of him were far from what I want him to think. Sides, I kinda like this place.”

“Ya know kid, I saw something in the both of you that night that needs to be made a point of, reason I contacted you. I saw a resolve in ya ya did not have the night y ou faced Atwater. Ya came in with the sole intention of doing what ya had to do to stick it Brian Hollywood. I can appreciate that. I understand why ya went along with things, and well took a beating for it.”

I can't help but chuckle a little bit, even though I am sure he don't feel the same appreciation for it as I.

“Allow me to make this clear, what that was personal towards Brian, not to you or Atwater. I got my ass kicked to say the least and had to even the score, I gave Brian what he wanted long enough before I just allowed myself to do what I needed to do. That is why I actually let ya walk away. Of course the whole firing thing, that was a bit absurd. To say the very least, he got what he wanted. Cept for my head on a platter like he wishes. Fact is kid, I understand why ya did what ya did, and wanted to make sure ya understood why I did what I did.”

I pour two shots of Jameson into the glasses and slide him one.

“Bar keep, get my friend here anything he wants.”

I just look at Rhonin.

“Fact is kid, I ain't your enemy, we ain't war buddies either, but the fact remains the same, its about time for everyone to get their shit in order and figure out where they land on this war that is just about upon us. Sides, if ya were against me, after the shit you just took, ya woulda cracked me across the back of the head as soon as ya got close enough, not sat down to talk.”

tbcb Rhonin

[Joey Harris]

"Apparently you know more about me than I do."

I smirk, not quite letting my guard down, but I feel confident enough that Codair isn't looking for a fight.

"One whiskey sour, please," I motion to the barkeep, as I sit on a stool beside Codair. He seems cool, and relaxed. How could he feel so comfortable around a man who was previously ordered to beat the hell out of him? I turn my attention to him, but remain fixed on the clear glass that is being filling up for me.

"Just so we're clear, Codair," I begin, "I know there is a war taking place in PWX. Brian Hollywood is a dick. Maybe you know this better than I do. The fact remains, Brian Hollywood is my enemy, as well."

I reach for my glass, tipping it slightly toward me, but not quite lifting it off the bar.

"Don't get me wrong, TJ. I don't need your help fighting Brian Hollywood, and I damn sure don't care if you and I become enemies."

I raise the glass to my lips, sucking down my drink until it is nothing but ice. I grimace, but only briefly- the whiskey went down a bit harsh, but the night is still young. I clank my glass on the bar, signalling for a refill.

"But, since you are here, and I am now unemployed...how about you buy me another drink?"

TBC: TJ Codair