[closed-ish] an' I don't give a damn 'bout my reputation

[beatupgrass]

Who: Rocket (beatupgrass) & various quest-goers, etc.
What: A catch-all for quests, etc.
When: September through October-ish??
Where: Various places.
Warning(s): Rocket's mouth, mostly.



[A catch-all for any quest logs I've made plans with. If I made plans with you during the CR meme for quests when they go up (or if you just want a thread), and I don't have you on plurk, PLEASE do not hesitate to PM me to do a starter for you. I would absolutely love to.]

Comments

REN & TOBY (MAGDA'S DISAPPEARANCE)

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket doesn't give a rat's ass about Magda. What Rocket wants is support from Nadril in all of his endeavors. He's not inclined to impress anyone, but if he wanted to, then these are the people to impress.

Plus, if he does Nurray a favor, then maybe she'll do one for him someday. It's win-win.

Quill's gone back into stasis, so when Nurray sent him off, she gave him two partners who had also come to her hoping to look into the matter- someone he knew and someone he didn't. Either way, Rocket's made a point to throw all twenty-five pounds of his weight around to be a leader in these times, following Nurray's theory to the southern border, as they pick their way through the ice and snow.]

Y'know, I was actually really impressed that somebody built a laser out of this junk, but that thing sounds like crap. They really do need my expertise around here.

[errantdetective]

[Toby has no issue letting Rocket act like the leader, at least not as long as she agrees with his calls. For the moment, she doesn't really know what's going on anyway. Just that someone's missing and she's damned good at finding people.

Now, whether she'd turn Magda in if they find him is another matter. She's more interested in finding information than engaging in politics she doesn't care about or understand.]

...they need your... laser expertise.

[She sounds skeptical. But honestly she doesn't think lasers are ever particularly useful outside of rock concerts.]

[thedarkbond]

[Ren's not too fussed about who's doing what here - it's not exactly a serious enough situation yet for him to bother trying to take the lead. He's mostly just here out of curiosity - he trusts Magda about as far as he could throw him, and Ren doesn't exactly have the build for throwing people around.

At the mention of laser expertise, Ren offers a rather airheadedly thoughtful look.]

Hmm, you'd think the Natha would have figured out lasers, at least...and they borrowed most of this technology from them... ["Borrowed", a.k.a. the polite way of saying "stole".] Maybe you can make it a better laser when we find it--

[And then he has to break off for a moment with a small sound of surprise when he slides down a tiny snowdrift and barely manages to save himself from faceplanting into the snow at the bottom.] How close are we to the border...?

[He's not whining slightly, no sir.]

[beatupgrass]

What? You think think this thing on my back's a thermos? [To be fair it does look like one.] Lasers are basic, anyway. Ion cannons, plasma rifles- those are where it's at. And-

[And down goes Ren. Rocket stops short so he can pick himself up, snickering to himself.] Not close enough. I can smell the smoke, but it's a ways off, but, hey, if it turns out Magda's dead, you'll probably be the first to find his frozen corpse.

[errantdetective]

You carry a laser on your back?

[That sounds dangerous.]

What's the big deal about this guy, anyway? Do you think he's likely to be dead?

[thedarkbond]

Hmm, it kinda looks like one... [Ren's definitely just. Going to point that part out as they keep going.

Ren frowns slightly at the corpse comment, but honestly, he'd be kind of disappointed if Magda had been overcome that easily.]

He's an old refugee who's really bitter about the Natha...so I'd be really surprised if he was dead. He seems like the kind of person who's missing because he wants to be.

[Despite Ren's careless, airy tone, it's a reasonably grounded observation.]

RIKU (RISE OF THE RYDERS)

[beatupgrass]

[The main reason Rocket agreed to these terms with the Ryders has nothing to do with decency or acknowledgement that organized law enforcement is needed in these difficult times. It's one hundred percent vengeance.

Quill's back in stasis, which is upsetting enough, and Quill's the one who encouraged him to take a step back and not get hasty and murder-y about Rasyc's goons. Well, fuck it. They're still out there, scattered, and who knows what they might do. He had a bad time in the mountains when they kidnapped him. It's only fair he makes sure they have a bad time.

He wanted to do this alone, but Thali had partnered him with Riku after noting his intentions to try and wreck one of the old Fangs' current hideouts where he was styling himself as a crime boss. Rocket's anger is palpable as he and Riku hover in an alley in the Old City, keeping eyes on a scarred husk of a building, half-hidden by market stalls.]

That's the place.

MOIRA (LULLABY FOR A DRAGON)

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket's actually stormed into the Undergrowth on his own, having been here a few times- he and Yusei could have mapped this place with the way they tore through it on his motorcycle. Between that and his nose, he's fairly certain he can find what he's looking for.

His gun is out as he walks, squinting at the trees as if daring them to produce something dangerous, because he'd love to shoot something right now. Something emerges from the path behind him and he whirls, taking in the woman's appearance, but not lowering the gun.

He's... not in a great place right now. Your best friend going back into stasis will do that to a raccoonoid.]

Hi. What brings you out here?

[tellmehowthisfeels]

[If Moira is bothered by having a gun pointed at her then she clearly isn't showing it. Instead, she's just ignoring it completely as she studies the plant life that surrounds her presently.]

I would imagine that it is the same thing that brought you out here too. Unless you make it a habit of wandering this area alone.

[With that, she continues on her way. Though, she does look over her shoulder at him.]

Little point in us lingering. The thing we need isn't in this location.

[beatupgrass]

I mean... Sometimes it's been known to happen. [It's mostly defensive. Rocket's not a good liar. He just doesn't like to be seen as overly transparent.

Which is why he actually debates following her, instead of just doing it. Ugh. It's not like he needs help or anything!!]

For the record, I don't actually need help. We're just heading in the same direction. It'd be awkward if we didn't walk together.

[So convincing and tsun, Rocket.]

[tellmehowthisfeels]

How fortunate that I never implied you required assistance then.

[She's not convinced at all but she's currently waiting to see what this animal is good for. See if he's more useful than that ridiculous ape that had served Overwatch. Time will tell really.]

Is there anything else I should be aware of?

[Her tone is dryer than a vast desert.]

[beatupgrass]

[The dry wit and sarcasm between the two of them is going to be enough to keep Rocket interested. He likes being around his sort of people and he likes to win.]

A lot of things in this forest can and will eat you, but watch out for those wispy-lookin' trees. They'll rob you blind.

[He eyes one of them as they pass, taking pointed steps to avoid coming in range of its tendrils.]

[tellmehowthisfeels]

Said in a tone like you have experience in this.

[She looks down at the raccoon with a brow lifted. That might be amusement in her eyes.]

Perhaps personal experience?

LANCE (RISE OF THE RYDERS)

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket has no real love for people of a lawful persuasion. He'd accepted Nova into his heart after the Battle for Xandar, but the Guardians of the Galaxy had remained unaffiliated and basically their own group, who just happened to be comfortable allies of the most powerful peacekeeping group in the galaxy. Period.

Since his arrival in El Nysa, Rocket hasn't been interested in any of the peacekeeping forces, but he made bad decisions to side with Cree and the Fangs, and that's cost him a bit, so he's begrudgingly accepted the Ryders.

So here he is, an irritated raccoonoid with a plucky(??) young partner, hunting down a crime syndicate in the Old City.] This place is bad news, kid. Watch your step... And, uh, try not to look like law enforcement or something.

[particlebarrier]

[It's okay, Lance got the memo about this being more of an undercover gig so he's not wearing anything that sticks out like a sore thumb -- say, paladin armor. Today he's dressed in Wyver casual, red bayard jammed inside a pocket so it isn't immediately obvious that he's carrying any kind of weapon.

What he did not get the memo on, is that his patrol partner is apparently a talking raccoon. He's seen enough aliens on different planets to know not to stare too long, but he'd be lying if he said that he's 100% focused on the mission because there's a lot of novelty in talking to a raccoon all nbd, nbd. Luckily, Rocket's not necessarily asking if he's fully focused on the task at hand.]

Hey, don't worry man. I've never been mistaken for a cop in my life! [...is that supposed to be something you brag about, Lance. He laughs.] We're gonna blend riiiight in. Like ninjas!

[beatupgrass]

No, not like ninjas. [Rocket's tone is very pointed, like somewhere along the line someone (probably Quill) ruined ninjas for him, and now he thinks they are the opposite of stealthy.]

Like... Like fellow gangsters. I've been associated with the Fangs before. They might recognize me and wanna parlay or whatever. [And maybe they won't recognize him as an asshole some of them held captive. Eh, those guys are probably mostly dead. Maybe Rasyc didn't have a burn book that he shared with his posse.

Worth a shot, anyway. Stealth is easier when you're his size and alone, but this is a two person job.] Can you look tough?

[particlebarrier]

Like gangsters, huh......

[Alright so no ninjas, even though ninjas are far cooler than gangsters in Lance;s opinion. He's not going to argue though because he's new to the place and Rocket's clearly got a better sense of what's going on.]

Don't I look tough now?

[...Actually, wait, Don't answer that and crush his dreams. He stands up straighter, shoulders pulled back, brow furrowed in a scowl.]

I got this.

[....as though any of this really changes the fact that he has the appearance of a leggy string bean.]

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket stares up at him, expression full of such intense disbelief that it might as well be a direct insult.]

Yeah, okay. [He scratches at the side of his neck. Just take the help, Rocket. You're not in the right state of mind to act like you don't need it.] So wily street urchin with something to prove. [He points at Lance.] Criminal genius. [He points at himself.] And whatever you do, don't pull a weapon until I give you the signal.

[particlebarrier]

[Lance slumps a little with disappointment.]

Oh c'mon! I'm a paladin of Voltron! I'm as tough as [Shit analogies were never his strong suit.] ..a whale. [Nailed it.] And way too handsome to be a street urchin. [#priorities]

Nobody will ever believe that cover story.

[Rocket get him back on target....]

SOLDIER: 76 (RISE OF THE RYDERS)

[personalwar]

[ For this assignment, there isn't someone better fitted to the job than 76. As a member of the Ryders, he's been getting back into the swing of things since their return from Nadril, and learning that he can hunt down Rasyc's followers in an official capacity makes his life that much easier. His personal life might be a mess right now, due to a certain ghost who's come back to haunt him, but at least this is straight-forward.

The Ryders are enlisting the help of anyone who has the guts to go searching out a group of dangerous radicals, and so it's no surprise that Rocket shows up for both the promised silver and the opportunity to get some revenge.

This is what the two of them do best. 76's memories of being splashed with freezing cold water are still crystal clear, and he can only assume it's the same for Rocket. ]

The Ryders have sniffed out a few leads.

[ 76 is holding onto a piece of parchment with some notes jotted onto them, given to him by one of the head Ryders. It's a starting point. ]

All we've gotta do is follow 'em. You ready?

[beatupgrass]

I was born ready. [The sky mansion in Wyver is looking a little emptier these days and so this came at exactly the right time for him. It's a distraction and it's payback.

He eyes the paper like it holds the key to bringing joy back to his life. Quill said it wouldn't, and he's probably right, but Quill's not here and what else does he have but odd jobs and a hopefully prospering business?]

And I appreciate you not giving me shit about siding with the Fangs all that time ago. Who woulda thought the people who acted below the line of the law would turn out to be dickheads.

[personalwar]

Funny how it works that way.

[ Strange words to come from someone like 76, who has definitely broken his fair share of laws in recent years, but there's always a fine line between someone who doesn't want to follow the rules to the letter and someone who's a morally bankrupt criminal.

He'd like to think he's not that far gone yet, but others might argue differently.

He and Rocket fall into a similar category, and so 76 isn't going to judge his compatriot for past mistakes. None of them saw it coming, even though they probably should have, and all they can do now is try to clean up the resulting mess.

76 jabs a finger at the one of the bullet points on the parchment. ] Looks like this guy's running some kind of black market operation. He's going by the name "Tesak" now, to try and hide his identity. Wanna start there?

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket just rolls his eyes, but let's it lie, since 76 has clearly been nice enough not to judge him for it ever, and the two have been perfectly amicable about the matter in the past. It's nice that he has someone who can think differently than he does, but also generally the same.

It sure makes that hole Quill and Mantis left so much less deep. If he didn't have people here he genuinely cared for, he'd be in a state right now. He shakes his head and runs his hands over his ears. No, no, Rocket. Focus on the mission. Not the hole inside of you. Fuck.

He drops his hands, laces his fingers together and gives his knuckles what would be a crack if they weren't pure cybernetics. It's mostly effect.]

We gonna talk first or are we gonna talk first? Personally, I'm all for the very specific brand of talking that leaves no room for doubt, buuut I'd hate for anyone to sneak past and get the word out to the rest of these goons. We might have to be a little gentle for now.

[personalwar]

[ It's odd to be analyzing the body language of a raccoon, but 76 has spent enough time with Rocket to be able to tell when something's off. Is it stress? Whatever it is, something else beyond their current mission seems to be on his mind.

Having a game plan going into this will help, and 76 has to agree that they should take some care with their approach. ]

Yeah, let's be subtle about it. We don't want to send the others running and make it impossible to track them down. So, let's approach him as potential customers and try to lure him somewhere.

[ It's possible that the guy will recognize them on sight and then they'll have no choice but to escalate things, but they can wait to see how it goes. ]

[beatupgrass]

I mean most of the guys that took us up into the mountains came down with a case of "not being alive anymore," so there's that. [He scratches under his chin.] I can do the talking. I'm not charming, but I do know how criminals think. I've done my fair share of shady deals in my time.

It'll be like that drug bust we did awhile back. [That was a good time. Rocket would love to go back to those times.. before dragons, before the Natha fucked off, before Quill, Gamora, and Mantis went back into stasis.

Fuck. He is so bad at focusing. Agreeing to take point on this when his mind is elsewhere was a bad plan, but once he's in it, he'll be better. Truly.] Okay. Let's get to it.