[b][u]Mia Jones[/u][/b]

She handled the incoming comments cooly. While idiocy and snide remarks was something to warrant reciprocation, threats were easily set aside. They weren't anything that she ought to be making light of by agitating them further, but neither were they words that'd instill any sort of fear or trepidation in her. Between the sound of a young woman's warning and the cocky bastard who Mia had assumed was twirling the cute little switchblade, she remained silent and focused on the gruff man. She shifted her weight from one hip to the other and leaned on her metal cane, straining her ears to hear what else this “Skeleton” fellow had to say.

To be perfectly honest, it was quite predictable.

But she had expected something only slightly different, like punching an old lady or shooting a cop. But no, buster here opted to send one of his own to test her. A woman named Reiko – a peculiar name – was to test her mettle. To see if she had what it takes. Was Reiko tall? Strong? Old or young? It wouldn't be a challenge if this Reiko girl wasn't capable of fighting back. For all intents and purposes, it might be best to assume she had a little bit of somethin'-somethin' to back up Skelly's trust.

Or maybe they weren't half the shit everybody thought they were. Even Reiko's voice sounded hesitant.

“Just the one? You're quite sure about that?” Mia shot back nonchalantly. She exhaled deeply and combed hand back through her hair. “Alright, fine by me. Let's get this over with.”

Mia didn't wait to turn around and hold open the door she came through, waiting for the woman whose ass she had to beat in order to impress these goons. If anything, she was half tempted to offer him to throw in a couple more of his boys just to even the odds. She had to admit – she almost laughed to herself at Reiko's complaint. Apparently she isn't as indispensable as she likes to think.

- - - - - - - - - -

[b][u]Baron Moreau[/u][/b]

The news, if anything, seemed to startle is old associate. On the other hand, Baron was taking it all in unearthly stride. In fact, he was mostly curious. He didn't know the nature of the gangs in this town, but if these guys were worth even half as much as the locals feared them, then perhaps they were serious business. Maybe they won't let John Frost's death go unavenged. Ivan was a hardened soldier and Baron knew that. Sure, the man has aged a couple years, but he was fairly confident that Belroth would welcome their old explosives expert back with open arms. With less time shooting people.

Just the fact that Ivan appeared so troubled was enough of an indicator. He was going through a check-list, it looked like.

“Doctor Tobias Wright.”

Baron looked over and saw Ivan's companion, who had extended his hand. It was covered in suction cups and appeared clammy. A brief half of a second of quiet contemplation with a straight poker face prior to the moment Baron steeled his nerves for the handshake. Yep. Felt just as weird as he expected. He didn't let on to his emotions and he kept a straight face: a friendly smile. That was all this situation would warrant.

“Baron Moreau.” He replied. When the server came along, Baron met her with a warm smile. Raised, piqued brows, a smile flushing either cheek and dimples on the side of his face. “No thank you, darlin'. I supply my own vintage.”

“Professor of genetics at Mendel University and Ivan's co-worker.” Toby continued.

“Psychologist.” Baron explained. “I've got work experience in medical, criminal and domestic fields - I never really left the Dreads, I suspect that Roket here told you just a little about it.”

Baron glanced at his old explosives specialist. He sure hope he told just a little about them. Speaking of who...

“So, he's a co-worker?” He asked inquisitively. “I don't recall him going into genetics. Mostly, he just...” Baron made a slow and dramatic display with his hands, expanding his hands, “made things go boom... I mean, hell, he stopped them from doing that too sometimes, but that's a different kind of adrenaline rush.”