Khelzar

Black Dawn Academy IC

"Really? Another one?" Dylan does not look impressed. Then again, that last one could be him. In fact, with his previous luck? Chances are it would have been him. But it isn't. Slowly, he shakes his head. Slowly, he looks around the place. His gaze falls on Nadia first and he stares just a little too long at her.

"No surprises there," his words carrying a certain hopeful tone to it that is a bit at odds with the situation. Optimistic is perhaps a better descriptor, yet the worry on the young man's face is certainly hard to miss. He turns to Josephine and a half smile touches his lips. "We had to make the same choice about you," he wryly tells her. "And her we are are. Seems fair with give this next one a chance too," he looks around. Bracing.

"So yes, after that last one we go."

Black Dawn Academy IC

Brace.

The moment Dylan hears the word, he is bracing. The smile he worked so hard to welcome their next pick up with, is just gone. In fact, he hasn't even had a chance to introduce himself when suddenly he is holding on for dear life. Then there is the calm, and yet, Dylan doesn't relax.

Brace.

It happens again. The world, his breakfast, it all threatens to go upside down and Dylan forces his mouth shut, lips pressed hard into each other to avoid turning the contents of his stomach into the new interior decorations of the helicopter.

The news delivered by the soldiers are met with apprehension and numbness. He blinks a few times. He didn't even care about those stinky cousins. He lowers his head. He didn't care about his uncle. His eyes close. It's a moment, a moment of emotion, of vulnerability. He draws a deep breath, wipes his eyes with his arm.

“If they know where we are, where we are going... they'll just follow us on our way to Black Dawn, won't they? Or, they'll take us out on our way there. Regardless, this,” he gestures around at the helicopter. “It's very quickly becoming a useless piece of junk.” He looks at Nadia and somehow, manages a smile at her.

“I don't know about you, but if we're going to have to fight our way back I like our odds with more people than less. I vote we grab at least one more, then we ditch the helo, making it look like it crashed and just hike our way back.” He looks over at one of the soldiers. “Please tell me our destination is not somewhere in the middle of the ocean."

Black Dawn Academy IC

Many a time Dylan wonders if the last sunrise would be his last.

His parents? Gone. His siblings? Gone, he buried his sister two days ago. That was five days after his birthday. Not that those matter anymore. No, the days of throwing the ultimate party when you turn twenty one? Those days are far gone. All that matters now is survival. And boy did Darwin have it right. Survival of the fittest is the key, not just physical fitness but mental fitness. So Dylan sticks around the cramped bomb shelter his crazy uncle on his mother's side built even though it's filled with the stink of cousins he never really cared for before. Truth be told, they don't care a whole lot about him either, but they're smart enough to realize that those clever traps Dylan knows how to build has kept them fed. And that's all their smarts used up, right there.

The sound of a helicopter nearby disturbs his daily hunting/gathering routine and that definitely annoys Dylan. Hunting time is the only time he manages to get away from the cramped homemade bomb shelter, with the stinky cousins. At first he considers ignoring it and staying right where he is, on the branch he's been patiently sitting on to wait for prey to be caught in one of his traps. And then he finally remembers.

“Shit,” Dylan says to the little squirrel that happens to run by him down the tree and right into one of his traps. He jumps down the tree, trap forgotten, and hurries back to the bunker. He arrives just in time to see, those men in all-black tactical gear rounding up his “family”, weapons pointed at them as they call out his name, Dylan Harker. The sound of his arrival, given away by his rugged boots purposely stepping on a branch has those weapons turning to him faster than he can raise his arms, which he does. With arms up he looks at the group and flashes them a grin.

“Whoa,” he does his best Keanu Reaves impression.

It takes him all of two seconds to make the decision, much to his uncle's chagrin who is now realizing that he's about to lose his badass trapper. Dylan says yes before he's even made it to the men in all-black tactical gear with the scary weapons.

He's saying hell yes as he goes grab his duffel bag, filled with the few things he actually cares about enough to take with him. The only goodbye to his uncle is a pat on the shoulder that reads more as a 'Sucks to be you', than any true affection. There's also a grin and upnod to those stinky cousins before he pulls himself up into the helicopter.

And as he settles in, gets himself all buckled up, Dylan looks over at the sun going down in the horizon and for the first time in what feels like forever, he doesn't think about tomorrow's sunrise.

Black Dawn Academy IC

Dylan Harker, 21

1.

2) City/State/Country of Origin

Springfield IL - USA

3) What do you consider the most important quality in a leader, and why?

The ability to improvise. Every plan, no matter how good will eventually go down the drain. Something will go wrong, it's just Murphy's law. The weapon will jam, the door won't open, the car won't start. When something like that happens you want someone that can think on his feet, that can come up with a solution and boom, make things happen.

4) Describe a time when you could have demonstrated good leadership skills, but failed to do so.

There was that time, during gym class, when I was given the ever important task of being the captain... of the expected to lose team, during a dodge ball game. That wasn't my proudest moment, let me tell you. And the thing is, I know I could have led our little group of losers to victory, but I was too scared of what the much bigger, badder and not as handsome or smarter kids were going to do to me.

5) If you were the leader of a world power, what are the first three steps you would take toward ending the war?

What do others want? You need to figure that out, then find a way to hold it over them like a carrot on a stick. You develop the means to obtain it. Is it going to take an army? A group of engineers and scientists? And finally, you have to be able to hold onto it. So yes, we will need people that can punch others in the face, but only because everyone else is going to be looking to do just that. And if during those we can start working on the cure? All the better.

6) In wartime, which is more important - military protocol, or the morale of the people?

Morale. Military protocol is important, but the military by itself would be useless without the people to support it. If the people aren't happy, who's going to feed the soldiers? Maintain their equipment? Do the things that keep them able to be focused on defending the rest of us? After morale has been taken care of, then you turn toward military protocol.

7) Throughout all of history, name the leader whose style you would most closely emulate, and why.

Fucking Neil deGrasse Tyson. Because surviving in this new fucked up world takes skills, science and know-how. Because it takes some good old common sense. Because this isn't the time to let ourselves be weighed down by superstitions. Oh, you don't think he's a leader? Well, I got news for you, you're just plain wrong.

8) Rank the following in order of least to most important: Wilderness survival, espionage training, getting a good night's rest, the art of persuasion, martial prowess, agricultural skill.

Wilderness Survival, Espionage Training, Art of Persuasion, Martial Prowess, martial prowess, getting a good night's rest.

9) Which do you think has the capacity to be more dangerous in the long-term - the ongoing war, or the illness ravaging the population?

There's been how many wars through history? We were still kicking around after all those. No, the biggest issue here is this illness, our biggest enemy ends up being the stupid flu.

10) Describe your personality in in one concise paragraph.

Witty, savvy and smart. I know how to get dirty and down, but we're not going to survive this by punching people in the face. No, we need to work together, and we need to want to work together. So I can be a bit of a clown at times, because people do need a laugh or two here and there, but when it comes to buckling down and getting shit down? I'm your guy. I'm not religious, at all. Well, that's bullshit. Science is my god, and my god is good.

Black Dawn Academy

Dylan Harker, 21

1)

2) City/State/Country of Origin

Springfield IL - USA

3) What do you consider the most important quality in a leader, and why?

The ability to improvise. Every plan, no matter how good will eventually go down the drain. Something will go wrong, it's just Murphy's law. The weapon will jam, the door won't open, the car won't start. When something like that happens you want someone that can think on his feet, that can come up with a solution and boom, make things happen.

4) Describe a time when you could have demonstrated good leadership skills, but failed to do so.

There was that time, during gym class, when I was given the ever important task of being the captain... of the expected to lose team, during a dodge ball game. That wasn't my proudest moment, let me tell you. And the thing is, I know I could have led our little group of losers to victory, but I was too scared of what the much bigger, badder and not as handsome or smarter kids were going to do to me.

5) If you were the leader of a world power, what are the first three steps you would take toward ending the war?

What do others want? You need to figure that out, then find a way to hold it over them like a carrot on a stick. You develop the means to obtain it. Is it going to take an army? A group of engineers and scientists? And finally, you have to be able to hold onto it. So yes, we will need people that can punch others in the face, but only because everyone else is going to be looking to do just that. And if during those we can start working on the cure? All the better.

6) In wartime, which is more important - military protocol, or the morale of the people?

Morale. Military protocol is important, but the military by itself would be useless without the people to support it. If the people aren't happy, who's going to feed the soldiers? Maintain their equipment? Do the things that keep them able to be focused on defending the rest of us? After morale has been taken care of, then you turn toward military protocol.

7) Throughout all of history, name the leader whose style you would most closely emulate, and why.

Fucking Neil deGrasse Tyson. Because surviving in this new fucked up world takes skills, science and know-how. Because it takes some good old common sense. Because this isn't the time to let ourselves be weighed down by superstitions. Oh, you don't think he's a leader? Well, I got news for you, you're just plain wrong.

8) Rank the following in order of least to most important: Wilderness survival, espionage training, getting a good night's rest, the art of persuasion, martial prowess, agricultural skill.

Getting a good night's rest (sleep when you're dead), Martial Prowess, Agriculture, Art of Persuasion, Espionage Training, Wilderness Survival.

9) Which do you think has the capacity to be more dangerous in the long-term - the ongoing war, or the illness ravaging the population?

There's been how many wars through history? We were still kicking around after all those. No, the biggest issue here is this illness, our biggest enemy ends up being the stupid flu.

10) Describe your personality in in one concise paragraph.

Witty, savvy and smart. I know how to get dirty and down, but we're not going to survive this by punching people in the face. No, we need to work together, and we need to want to work together. So I can be a bit of a clown at times, because people do need a laugh or two here and there, but when it comes to buckling down and getting shit down? I'm your guy. I'm not religious, at all. Well, that's bullshit. Science is my god, and my god is good.

Malena & Khelzar | Sky Pirates: The Crimson Claw

"You hit your head pretty hard, so I wouldn't try to move to too much," Solomon says as he carries her into the dock. He nods approvingly when he sees the Claw, ready to depart. Without fanfare, he makes his way to the ship's boarding ramp and he stops by the hatch, which is still closed. He looks at Katarina at her questions, more like stares at her, really. It's not an unfriendly stare, perhaps it is a little creepy in that too serious kind of way. He does gently put her down, though and then gently touches the dried blood spot on her temple. "We'll have to get that looked at."

At the rest of her words, he lightly shrugs. "I considered charging you extra, for the additional service, but I'll waive the fee this time," he says. Then there's a consideration of that last bit she says and he shrugs again. He finds that crumpled poster, and offers it to Katarina as he now knocks on the hatch, in a very specific pattern. "I see no reason to terminate the contract," he says. "But you do have a lot of explaining to do, Lady Katarina," that last bit is said quietly. "And don't worry, I have no desire to turn you in, but I do enjoy a good story or two. I'm sure you have some of those," he finally grins at her and nods to the ship when the hatch opens with a loud steamy hiss. "Now, let's go. I think we both would prefer to leave this place as soon as possible."

Malena & Khelzar | Sky Pirates: The Crimson Claw

*CLICK*

That's the sound of Solomon's two pistols, cocking.

"You two are by far... by far, the worst kidnappers ever. Just, the worst," Solomon says as he catches up with the group. The wind, even though it buffets all around him, he pretends to ignore. Instead he just stares at the two men. The kind of stare that tells, he isn't exactly a nice man. "Now, do yourselves a favor. Put the girl down. Leave, and you," he nods to one of the guys, "get to keep your head, and you," he nods at the other, "get to keep your balls." He looks around. "That is, if the wind doesn't finish you off first." One pistol points at Gallus' head, the other at the skinny man's balls.

Apparently, Gallus has had enough of this, because, he does exactly as Solomon instructs and puts her down. Skinny Man, on the other hand, seems a little unhappy with the situation. "The 'ell are ya doin'!" He cries out at his companion. The moment that Katarina is down, Solomon steps forward. "Leave. Now." He continues approaching. Gallus, seems very keen on doing that, and breaks into a run. Skinny, sort of decides to stick it out. Solomon lowers the pistol he had aimed at Gallus, but keeps his other one trained on Skinny Man. He continues approaching. "I won't say it again. Leave."

Skinny curses, "Fuck--" BLAM. The shot misses, grazing Skinny's hair. Skinny pisses his pants.

But now, he's furious. "I'm gonna cut ya, fucker!" He brandishes a knife and comes at Solomon. Lightning fast, one of Solomon's pistols is holstered, he spins around to avoid the first stab, and in the movement reaches for the sword at his belt. Skinny twists, and tries to slash at Solomon, who now ducks, barely avoiding losing his neck in the process. But just as quickly as he ducks, Solomon comes up, sword first and impales Skinny through a rib.

Skinny gives Solomon a look of disbelief. With an expression as hard as stone, Solomon simply says, "No," he dives the sword further in, Skinny gurgles and Solomons adds, "you're not." With a swift movement, he pulls the sword out, sheathes it and Skinny just slumps to the floor.

Silently, he makes his way to Katarina. Gently, he picks her up. And without a word, he carries her unconscious form the same way he came and back to dock fifty five.

Malena & Khelzar | Sky Pirates: The Crimson Claw

Katarina is not the only one vacating a steam car today. Solomon spills out of one that comes to a sudden stop. He hurriedly presses some money into the extended hand of the car's driver and then fast walks his way to the ship, casually waving at dock workers nearby. As casual as those waves are, there is an urgency to his step that is, until he comes to a full stop. Because... there is the ship, pretty much ready to depart at this point and there is some luggage, but a very key and important component is missing. The passenger.

He turns to the dock workers, the few that have wandered in and out of the area. However, nobody seems to be interested in helping out. So, he begins walking the way he came and that is when something catches his eye. He walks to a crumpled piece of paper? It looks more like a crumpled poster of some sort. Solomon approaches and picks it up, straightening it out. His eyes go a little wide. "Well, well." He crumples the poster again, putting it away. He looks into the alley that appears to be connected to his only lead and pats the pistols holstered at his belt, before he breaks into a run and dives into said alley, hoping to run into his missing passenger.

Malena & Khelzar | Sky Pirates: The Crimson Claw

Solomon narrows his eyes at her expression, staring at the girl after they agree on the price. "Don't worry, the crew will be ready, I guarantee it. You just make sure to be on time," he adds, staying right where he is, as he watches her rise. He glances casually as she Catherine makes her exit. One, two, three beats later he stands up. There's a deep breath and he starts on his way to the door. Just as the door swings open.

"Hey Pierce."

The voice is so annoyingly familiar. The owner a certain Mr Gibson. Large man, nicely dressed, with one steel monocle covering an eye and a steam powered right arm. "Gibson," Solomon says. "Just the man I wanted to see." Gibson looks at Pierce, amused. "Really? Because word is you were seen running away from some of my guys, like the little girl you are." The words slam against Solomon cool-as-cucumber armor, and the man frowns darkly. "Oh?" His eyes narrow, and Solomon's hand goes to his belt, where his pistol is at.

Five more guys enter the pub, and they stand around to make sure to cover the door. "Like a little girl," Gibson repeats. Anger silently simmers in Solomon's expression. He smiles a thin lipped smile.

Outside the pub...

BLAM. BLAM. BLAM. One of those five guys that entered the pub staggers out and... THUD, lands right next to that bearded giant that fell down on the street later. The doors violently swing open again, as Solomon busts out, jumping over the two bodies and flipping in midair as he unleashes a few more shots toward the door. He lands into a roll, and without missing a beat, breaks into a run. (DAREDEVIL KEY)

It's Gibson's turn to storm out, using his steam powered arm to barrel through the door. However, Solomon is just too fast. Way too fast. Some of Gibson's goons also step out, and Gibson turns to them. "Get me Pierce and find where he's keeping his ship. Move!" The goons scramble to do as told...

The Crimson Claw dominates the view once one enters dock fifty five. All manners of tubes connected to large steam machinery lie around the area, some are still connected to the ship. As promised, or so it seems, the ship appears close to ready to depart, with most of those tubes connecting to the steam machinery already removed. The boarding ramp is down, but the hatch leading into the ship is currently closed. Dock workers can be seen here and there working on some of the machinery or taking notes from readings on the many meters that can be found all over the place.

Malena & Khelzar | Sky Pirates: The Crimson Claw

"One hundred twenty," Solomon replies, without missing a beat. "And eight o'clock works, the Claw will be prepped and ready to go by then," he assures her. His lips form a thin line and his eyes narrow as he continues to try and read her. "You won't have to worry about that," he says of the passenger list. "Having dealt with Imperials before, I'm not exactly looking forward to getting too close to them, or letting them look at my cargo," he says with a simple shrug.

He nods to her words on the payment. "Half now, half on arrival," he agrees to that part, hints of amusement showing as he mentions scuttling her. He shakes his head. "I wouldn't do that, not after you played along with my little stunt earlier and saved my ass." When she mentions having a deal, he just looks at her, to see if she wants to make a counter offer or if she's accepting his. "Dock fifty five," a pause, "if you need help with your luggage, I can have someone from my crew meet you where you're staying," he says.