you spin me round - january catch-all ( open/closed )

[shashka]

Who: Revolver Ocelot (shashka), various others and you?!
What: in which Ocelot does some quests, lurks all over the place, and is otherwise a super upstanding guy.
When: all throughout January
Where: here, there and everywhere...
Warning(s): Ocelot being shady? if anything comes up, I'll throw it up here.

OUTSKIRTS - THE DESERTERS

[ does Ocelot care that much about the well-being of his fellow man? not particularly. does Ocelot see the advantage in finding out just how many have no desire for war? almost certainly. he's dressed down, hair pulled into a different style, so he's not quite as easily recognizable as he might be.

when he sees someone else who doesn't look quite as despondent as the others, he takes a chance to stop and talk to them. ]

What do you make of all of this?

[ blind idealist, or pure realist? what can he say, he wants to know the difference between the fools and the pragmatists. ]

WYVER - THE NOT-SO-COLD WAR

[ Ocelot had been determined not to take sides. he has interests in both Olympia and Wyver, and had hoped to keep himself in the good graces of both sides.

but, it would unfortunately seem that Wyver had other plans for the time being. some genius recognized him as having worn an Olympian pin at the Gala (so much for "friendly competition") and for the last ten minutes or so, had been doing his best to pick a fight with him, despite Ocelot's best efforts to neutralize the threat. ]

This isn't going to end well for you.

[ Ocelot has preferred not to use physical violence, but when the guy throws a punch at him, it's not like there's much else he can do. with a couple deft motions, the other guy is on the ground, and a crowd was beginning to gather.

just perfect. Ocelot, meanwhile seems to take this in stride, giving a shrug. ]

He said we should invade Olympia right away, instead of wait.

[ hopefully that would be enough. lord knows he's seen the same argument break out time and again. but, judging by some of the glares he was getting, it just might not be. he's scanning the crowd, hoping to spot a fellow refugee that might "back him up", so to speak. ]

THESA STATION - I'VE GOT A LOVE THAT KEEPS ME WAITING

[ somewhere in between quests, work, and dodging fists, Ocelot manages to find his way back to the Station on a near-daily basis. sometimes, he might be spotted on an observation deck, looking contemplative. others, he might be in the cafeteria, getting the closest approximation to Russian food they have. but mostly, he's in stasis, trying his best not to linger around one pod too long, and quite frankly, failing miserably. ]

You think that the Orbiters will actually keep their promise? Or will we all end up stuck dealing with some war that none of us actually care about?

[ said to no one in particular. a man has to have some secrets, after all. Ocelot just happens to have more than most. ]

WILDCARD

[ got something else in mind? let me know over at roflskate, or just write something up! ]

Comments

closed to anders.

[shashka]

[ it hadn't been that long since they'd last seen one another, but Ocelot figured that given the circumstances, downtime probably wasn't going to be something that would be easy to come around. that was why he decided to invite Anders over to share a couple of drinks, and some food he'd picked up earlier at the store (he would not wish his sour cream laden cooking on anyone). DD, of course, was waiting patiently at the door.

just two friends, hanging out, being bros. ]

[judicia]

( Anders, for his part, was overwhelmingly delighted by the invitation. He doesn't get to see Ocelot as much as he would like, between all the work he's been putting in at the Sanctuary and the rebuilding effort that's been taking place these last few months in Olympia. Anders doesn't dare to admit that out loud, though, so he settles for a companionable smile and a few questions about how Ocelot has been faring, instead. It's a lot less embarrassing that way. )

You know, if you're ever in need of anything, you can always stop by the clinic. ( He mentions, in between munches of food and a furtive glance that he draws over his untouched drink. )

I can do a lot more than just heal people.

[shashka]

[ he notices that untouched drink, and makes a quick note of it. ]

Oh, trust me, I know.

[ he offers him a genuine smile. given his line of work back home, while he had more than enough friends, he'd always been more than ready to betray them at a moment's notice, or let them die. nothing personal, of course, that was just how things were, and how they had to be. here... the circumstances were different. and he really liked Anders. more than he would probably like to admit to himself. ]

I'll try to visit.

[ and he genuinely means it. ]

But, I am curious. Are the abilities like the ones you have common where you come from?

[ here was the thing. as close as they were, Ocelot had never actually asked Anders that much about himself, partially out of respect for him. after all, he wasn't exactly someone who was forthcoming with any information on himself either. ]

Back home, there weren't many people around with supernatural abilities. And some of the people who have them might even go their whole lives without ever even knowing about them.

[ himself included... at least until he showed up here. ]

[judicia]

( Anders' face lights up, once he sees that smile spreading across Ocelot's face. He's come to appreciate him a great deal, too. That's why he had to make sure he knew Anders would be there for him if he ever needed anything. He wants to do whatever he can to keep his friend safe, to keep him happy, if that is even within his power to do so.

He hasn't spoken much about himself out of any desire to be secretive, though, so Ocelot's questions don't seem to bother him all that much. The smile in his eyes does dim a little, however, at the end. )

Really? Is that because it takes more concentration to use them?

( He's already come to terms with the fact that there are worlds without magic. People not knowing whether they have powers laying inside them or not is a new one, though. )

Where I come from, you usually find out when you're young and by accident. It's not something that everyone can do, but there's plenty of us that can. It makes a lot of people nervous.

[shashka]

Something like that. Or, they weren't trained in how to use their abilities.

[ he's silent for just a moment as he's contemplating how much to tell his friend. it's not that he doesn't trust the man, he does (or at least as much as a man like Ocelot can), it's just that his past, and his life, have always remained a closely guarded secret. still... ]

Most people also can't do too many different things. The man who raised me could control electricity and shoot it out of his hands. One soldier back home had the power to control bees. An exception is those with unusually powerful psychic abilities. [ and as for the real piece of information... ] My father had exceptionally powerful ESP, though his real talents were apparently in his ability to channel spirits.

[ a pause. ]

Is that how you found out? Through an accident?

[ it sounds like he's talking from experience. ]

closed to dorian. (with a possible cameo by Ana later?)

[shashka]

[ despite their very different tastes in fashion, animals, and... most things, Ocelot did like Dorian. if nothing else, he was an incredibly entertaining individual and shockingly astute and charming when the situation called for it.

not to mention, he had certain abilities that might come in handy for a task that Cree had set out for. it was a good deal too. a fifty-fifty split, and in the end, they'd have to toss a coin for the promised picture of the bird.

still, as they stand at the... entrance of the crypt, Ocelot can't help but feel something odd. it was similar to the feeling he'd gotten some twenty years ago, like someone was watching him. ]

You buy the rumours that this place is haunted?

[ just one more thing to watch out for. at the very least, at least this will give him an opportunity to try and hone those so-called spiritual powers. ]

hell yeah (and go for it!)

[flashystyle]

Oh, it is most definitely haunted. I don't think I've felt this much spiritual energy since my the Fallow Mire... dreadful place. Let's hope that there aren't undead.

[He says, but his tone is inappropriately cheery. He takes another moment to survey the place, then shrugs his shoulders and starts through the entrance with a grin over his shoulder.]

You aren't frightened by the idea, are you? I promise that I'll protect you.

[shashka]

[ well. it sounds like they have something in common after all, even if Ocelot's spiritual abilities were... sketchy at best. but, it's not like he even really knew about them until arriving in El Nysa. ]

I didn't realize that you were that sensitive to spiritual energy. I might not know too much about it, but I can tell when something feels strange. Might even be able to communicate with any spirits we find, if they're in the sharing mood.

[ he can't help but laugh at Dorian's next comment. ]

I'll be fine. My first posting back home was rumoured to be haunted. It all turned out.

[ of course, when an area is haunted by your father that makes things a bit different. ]

You want me to go in first, or do you want to show me just how brave you are?

[flashystyle]

I think your definition of haunted and mine might be very different. Almost every place in Thedas has-- had spirits crawling all over the place. We'd call things haunted if we could see them walking around as if they own wherever it is you are.

[He turns his chin up, starting down the steps without waiting up.]

And I am very brave, thank you!

[Of course, this is said before he walks straight through cobwebs. Ignore him coughing and wiping his face all the way down.]

closed to mcu!bucky.

[shashka]

[ meeting up with a near total stranger to find out information on the Institute, which, from everything he's heard was an incredibly dubious organization at best?

well. stranger things have definitely happened for Ocelot. and, at least from what he's seen of the other man, he looks capable enough. Ocelot is dressed for the occasion, wearing casual enough clothing, with only his gloves carrying a slight splash of red. he waits by a vendor, outside the Institute, casually browsing wares.

(worst case: if the guy doesn't show, he'll just meet Dorian for lunch. surprise him. but, he's pretty sure that he will.)

this was going to be interesting. ]

I live!! Sorry this is laaaate

[rzhavyy]

[Working with strangers admittedly wasn't Bucky's preference, but this wasn't something he wanted Steve involved in, and he hesitated just enough before contacting Bruce that this just ended up being how it all turned out. He had enough bad associations with these sort of places that maybe a more-or-less stranger was easier.

He just hopes that the man is capable enough. If not, Bucky's fairly sure he can work this out himself, but it'll get a little bit messier.

Thankfully, the had met each other again, so he can pick him out in a crowd. He's dressed to blend in; just another refugee, rough around the edges. He shows up a little early, enough to scout out the area before he eventually approaches, right on time.

He looks over the vendor's wares, a nod of his head in the other man's direction.]

my turn for apologies wow thanks inbox for losing this. :|

[shashka]

[ well. this guy. the two of them had briefly met when they were travelling in Wyver, with his dog (Ocelot decided that while DD had many talents, this was one mission he ought to sit out of). when the man catches his eye, he walks over to him, smile on his face. ]

It's been too long! We need to catch up.

[ he places a friendly hand on his shoulder, indicating that they should go elsewhere to talk.

no one would mistake them for anything other than two refugees catching up, if this guy plays his cards right. ]

January has been Hell, but lets do this /fight emoji

[rzhavyy]

[Bucky isn't the best at feigning sociability, so he doesn't try to overplay it. He recognizes him, so that isn't fake.

His reaction is subtle, but well-acted: the way he leans into the hand on his shoulder, his blue eyes glinting with warmth of familiarity, his lips curling up at the left side. He nods, moving with him, letting him lead the way.]

It really has. How have you been?

[He asks the obvious questions, just enough that any too-curious passers-by hear the normal flow of conversation.]

Thesa Station

[poolhall_killer]

[After his medical class, Venom pays his own visit to the stasis area. He's been keeping a small amount of flowers near one of the pods, and clearing away any wilted ones. He's been coming to this part of the station less, and lately he's been feeling guilty. He hopes Lord Zato will forgive him for being away from his side for so long.

As he's replacing some old flowers with fresh ones, he hears a familiar voice. Curious, Venom looks around and spots the other visitor.]

Ocelot?

[shashka]

[ he really shouldn't be surprised that there's someone else here, but he is. that was just how it always was whenever he was around John, wasn't it? always so focused on him, he misses the bigger picture. the dangers out there. ]

Venom.

[ always showing up right when he's at his least guarded. it wasn't exactly something he was incredibly fond of... but it was hardly as if he could actually do anything about it. ]

[poolhall_killer]

[Venom honestly doesn't mean to run into Ocelot during such moments. It just happens somehow, and it probably makes the former assassin look like he's up to no good.]

I didn't mean to overhear. My apologies.

[shashka]

[ he waves his hand, a friendly enough expression on his face. ]

It's fine.

[ a lie. it really wasn't. not because it was Venom, but because he knows well enough that John is his one weakness. one that has been exploited before by someone else.

of course, he was stuck with the conundrum of what to do. he settles on the truth. ]

Just checking up on an old... friend.

[ the same thing he'd told Peggy when she came across him. he supposes that when you're up here as often as he is, things like this are bound to happen. besides, being at least somewhat truthful would be easier if when John wakes up again. ]

closed to byerly (and potentially prior).

[shashka]

[ throughout his time in Olympia, Ocelot has been an exemplary guardsman. well, if you discounted the fact that the was also working for Cree on the side, and cared little about the actual job. but, he'd certainly done his part in appearing as morally upright as he possibly could. still, when he was given a chance to look into the guard with a close, personal friend (or two), who was he to refuse?

patiently, he waits for Byerly to meet up at the location. time to see the other man in action, so to speak or, at least a different kind of action. ]

[vorrutyer]

[ By shows up on-time - which is remarkable, as he never shows up anywhere on time, ever. He's dressed in black, trim and professional-looking, well-groomed and gentlemanly. He looks, in short, like someone who's hardly even a rapscallion at all. He pulls his cuffs into place as he joins Ocelot, saying - ]

I think this'll be a grand time. Eh?

[shashka]

[ Ocelot looks Byerly over just once, giving him a nod of approval. while the man seemed like a layabout a good chunk of the time, he knew well enough that he was intelligent, and would rise to the occasion.

what more could one ask for in a partner? ]

It's been a while since I've had an excursion like this. Can't think of a better way to spend my day.

[ spying on your employer and collecting your colleagues' darkest secrets? sign him up. ]

[vorrutyer]

A bit of mischief and a bit of nosiness. And money at the end.

[ He presses a hand to his heart. ]

I can't imagine anything better.

thesa station

[nanamari]

[ Ana is up at Thesa Station at least once a week, and often more. She adds to her small cache of ammunition, she trades herbs and recipes with the chef, but most of her time is spent near the stasis units with a thermos of hot tea. She's on her way to one unit in particular when she hears a familiar voice.

She's seen Ocelot here from time to time, usually at a distance. She heads toward him; she's gone to no effort to hide her presence, so she assumes he's aware of her well before she comes to a stop at his side. ] I'm starting to think both of those things will happen.

[ She inclines her head by way of greeting. ] Would you like some company? I brought tea.

[shashka]

[ he can't help but laugh at what Ana says. ]

Figures.

[ after all, he was born in the middle of war. it would only make sense that he'd die in the middle of one too. as for company... he thinks about it for a moment. he could tell her that he's fine, but that would be suspicious. or, he could accept, and let her see just how much the other man meant to him. either way, he gives something away.

so... might as well accept. ]

Sure. It can get a little quiet up here.

[ a pause. ]

You visiting someone?

[nanamari]

[ It seems like the war never ends. If she's not fighting through some great catastrophe, she's living in the shadow of it. Ocelot seems like someone who understands that feeling better than most.

She opens her thermos of tea, takes a sip, then offers it to him. He reminds her too often of Gabriel, always keeping his cards close to his chest. Maybe that should make her more weary, but even Gabriel was her friend, once. ]

Yes. My daughter, Fareeha. [ She takes a breath, and then nods at the pod on front of them. ] Is this your comrade?

[ If Ocelot has any other friends, he hasn't mentioned them to her. ]

[shashka]

I should've known. You seem like a mother.

[ really, she reminded him far too much of his own, of a woman he barely knew but whose legacy he tried to uphold. he's more than happy to take the tea, smelling it for a moment, before taking a small sip.

he supposes he could lie, but there really wasn't much to gain with that, now was there? ]

It is.

[ there was no point in lying about that. oh, he has other friends. still, most of them were superficial. John was the only one who actually knew "Adam", rather than any number of masks he might wear. ]