Armored car speeding on well-worned road. Headlights lighting their way through nightly shades of yellow zone. Occasional turns and crossroars were mostly the only reasons to slowdown a little. Kilmure taking a nap while Beda is sitting in eco-mode on a backseat. Nomomo on a driving seat and Nita on front passanger seat.
Nomomo - ... and if you want to keep your place here. You should stop asking questions.
Nita - But then who will tell me, what are we supposed to do?
Two dolls were having conversation without rasing their voice. To avoid waking up anyone behind.
Nomomo - As I said, all you need to do is to follow orders and do them perfectly! We are here not for some sort of social interactions between dolls. Leave such stuff to civilian dolls or fairy tale like the ones surrounding PMC "Griffin". We are not in PMC, we are not friends, and you should keep that in mind. Because i am in no mood to explain every single detail to you.
Despite loud statemends, Nomomo said her piece with calmness and indifference.
Nita - Why are you so hostile? Did i do something to you?
Nomomo - Yes you did! You keep on trying to get me for a small talk, while all i need is to keep driving. So do me a favor and stay silent till the end of a ride!
Once again, Nita wanted to say something, but decided that better to not say anything.
Beda - Don't mind her, its always like that. She is not really unfriendly, just shy and sensetive.
From backsteats, Beda leaned forward to say her piece to Nita.
Nita - Was she always like that?
Beda - Mostly! I spent in a group somewhere around 4 months, before i was able to finaly have somewhat friendly time with her. Before that, she just kept on nagging and nagging about different things. Mostly because i was saving her head from enemies.
Nomomo - Because you provided support fire to a wrong side. I could'v handled my side perfectly. But because of you, Blaze were surrounded, and we had to replace most of her frame, and then enjoy the view of burnt hardware, because Blaze were in panic and started shooting everywhere!
Beda - Maybe next time you would say "thank you" for a change? Because back then, you were surrounded by ELID's and Guards alike. And Blaze is a Blaze, she was mostly fine... Untill the HAV appeared.
Nomomo - This is pointless... Can you two just stay silent for a few hours?
Beda - See! Shy and sensetive!
Kilmure - You girl's are having fun here? Where are we? Did we arrived?
Sleepy voice of Kilmure, and just as sleepy Kilmure. After stretching a little, he reached out for his communicator
Nomomo - We are currently on our way. ETA approximately is 51 minute!
Kilmure - Oh, we almost there? I will take a nap, wake me up when we get there. This will be a long day, so Beda, stay in ECO. Not a fact that there will be time for a charge!
Beda - Yes Sir!
And at that, Beda went back to ECO mode, and Kilmure leaned backwards on his seat, to take another nap. Nomomo kept driving in silence, and Nita turned her attention to a window. A dirty landscape of broken world kept passing by.
=== Memory [Code Link Error] ===
Petr - A-a-and... That's done! Now, how is your visual module working?
A well worn camp, with familiar faces. So many people are walking around. But mostly because their camp got visited by a bunch of wandering traiders. It's unusualy lively here. But despite that, someone clearly is having fun. As there is a loud music and drunken singing.
Nita - Recalibrating is complete. So far, it works fine.
Petr - Well, at the very least, it is working. Thanks for that.
Nita - May i ask a question?
Petr - Well, go on, ask what is it on your mind?
Nita - Why are you not going with the others? Everyone is celebrating and having fun! But you are stuck here with me, doing repairs.
For a few moments Petr looked at the crowd of happy people. And then shruged.
Petr - Not my well to swim. Don't like booze, don't like people i don't know.
Nita - Why?
Petr - *Sigh* Are you my personal psychiatrist now?
Nita - No. Just noticing that you mostly trying to find a work around the camp whenever there are other companies around. Like with bounty hunters few weeks back... or like right now.
For a few moments Petr shaked his head as if dissapointed or frustrated.
Petr - Listen. Sometimes, things teach you a lesson. And sometimes lessons teach you things... Take it however you want. But i said my piece. Is there any problems other on your frame while i am at it?
Nita - No, all systems are green.
Petr - Then we are done here!
With frustration, Petr closed his toolbox and rushed away. Leaving Nita alone, sitting near SUV.
Somewhere among drunken voices, were heard familiar, Boris's deep and heavy singing. Sergei's loud and smoky. Nikolai's soft and sharp. They all were there... they all were...
=== Now ===
Soldier - It's all safe and clear! Welcome to CHE-02 mister Nifarov
After check were finished. Soldier returned packeg of documents back to Kilmure. Then Soldier walked backwards, away from the car and waver to someone else. Then the gates started finaly started opening up.
Kilmure - Finaly, some proper road and city!
Nita - Never was in green zone!
Kilmure - Then enjoy the viev! I sure did when i was first time there! Oh, since You and Beda will have some downtime, maybe Beda can show you around?
Beda - Sure. I could use some sweet frame maintenance. That are done by a propper profeccionals.
Nita - I think i will skip on frame maintenance, but otherwise i am... exited...
As the car made it's way through the streers. Sight were changed. Street lights, an actuals buldings. Neon signs, advertisements boards. All that was like from another world. 'Mostly' clear roads and streets. All that was just like all ruined buldings, just if they were fully functional... It felt confusing.
Beda - Hm... You sure are exited. Girl's gotta go for shoping! Finaly, i can spend all that money!
Kilmure - Just don't go overboard like last time! I am not paying you from my pocket ever again!
Beda - Sure, Sure!
Kilmure - And it seems like we still have seven hours before the meeting. Nomomo, let's take a hotel... The usual if it's still there.
Nomomo - Sure thing!
As the car drived it's way through streets, Nomomo slowly turned the wheel to take a turn through street and in to the parking lot. Bright neon sign on a roof of nearby building were flashing with multiple colors. "Day and Dawn Motel"
Kilmure - Ok... Finaly here. I will get us a room and then i have a few tasks for you girl's. Sit tight!
Beda - So-o-o... First time to green zone! What do you think?
As soon as Kilmure left car and closed the door behind him, Beda springed from the backseat to show her face between Nita and Nomomo. It was clear by her smile, what she wanted to hear.
Nomomo - Beda! You should be more sophisticated about such matters. Stop asking silly questions and sit tight as you were told to!
Nita - No, it's...Beda - And you should be more open with your thoughts and feelings, big sis Nomomo! Or you will forever be stuck here with us, getting your own hands full.
At first, Nita wanted to keep things calm, but Beda kept going, even ignoring Nita's answer.
Nomomo - That is not your business what am i doing or how i am doing. Better watch for yourself, or things can get messy and you will endup just like Blaze did.
Beda - So that is how you look at our little companionship? Dare to threat and swear at everyone? And how did it work out durning the your job at white zone?
Nomomo - You better shut up... Nita - BOTH OF YOU! CALM DOWN!
The things got violent and unnerving, but ultimatly, Beda droped back on backseat. Nomomo, opened door and walked outside, probobly to get some fresh air.
Nita - What the hell is going on here?
Beda - Nothing to worry about. As i said, she is shy and sensetive. Sometimes we get in this kind of heated arguments, but don't worry, i know her well. She may get angry, but never to the point of fight. I guess this is rare moments when she shows at least some sort of care in a world.
Nita - You said that she is from a white zone?
Beda - I am not gonna tell her story for her... But yeah, she is from white zone.
Nita - And what do you think of her?
Beda - I'l tell you this Nita. Play her games, work in team and sooner or latter, you will find out who she is behind her mask. All you need to do, is to get a little patient. Me, Nomomo, Blaze... We all have reasons to be here. Just like Andre or Kilmure. Even that idiot Martin. We can all leave at any point we want. And just like you. No-one is holding you here. Just ask to leave, and they will let you go.
Nita - And why you never left the group?
Beda - Me? Well, i have my best enemies that i have to keep safe and sound. Like Nomomo, Like Blaze, Like Kilmure. Maybe, one day this list will have your name on it.
Nita - Best enemies?
Beda - Yes... You will understand when the time will come.
A familiar shadow of Kilmure were walking it's was back to the car. And Beda steped outside. For a few moments, Nita were thinking on given words, then followed the suit, and steped outside.
=== Memory [Code Link Error] ===
Nita - Minor bleeding. For now this should do. Kikima will take a proper care of you latter.
Roman - Thanks Nita!
Nikolai - And how long are we supposed to wait here? This bastard said he will be here at twelve... It's already one and a half. And this collapse storm is not making things easy.
Unusual suspects stuck under a bridge, in some small storehouse. It was supposed to be a deal with traders to sell and buy some stuff, but then ELID's appeared and collapse storm too.
Roman - Hey, I know how this sounds, but thins are going to be fine. Look, we are somewhat safe, all of the cargo we had are still with us. It is all going fine.
Nikolai - No. I am not taking "fine" as a right measure. I want thouse wild brockers to get their asses here and do a god damn trade. We had a deal and they are running late!
Roman - Nobody, who lives in yellow zone is stupid enough to go through the collapse storm. Maybe that is why they are in delay? And at the end of a day, all we can do, is to wait for a stom to calm down. We still have all of the supplies.
Nikolai - I don't want some third rate photographer to lecture me on my actions. If anything, you are not supposed to be here in a first place. Good thing you still got your arms and legs on yourself.
Roman - Okay, Okay. Jeez, no need to get so agressive. I knew where i was going.
Nikolai - And you still taged along? *sigh* Fine.
Finaly, the tense air felt little lighter. Nikolai started walking in circles, occasionally taking look at his wrist watch or at the windows. Roman sat down on a comfy chair in corner of a room.
Nikolai - Nita! Take a look here!
Suddenly, Nikolai stoped near window and called to Nita. A bunch of ELIDs were wandering around, and wandered right under the bridge, as if seeking someone out.
Nita - That is indeed complicates things.
Nikolai - Yeah... I hope the traders are really just on a delay, because they promised some good booze, not like the one Boris is carrying around! Because otherwise, i will call this the worst night ever!
=== Now ===
Kilmure - Ok, just throw the bag on a bed.
As it was told. Nita throwed the bag on a kingsize bed. Small, comfy room were reminding of a time, when her old group stayed at some sort of hotel.
Nita - Anything else?
Kilmure - No, no. We still have some time before meeting with a client. In a mean time. Nomomo! Check on a dilivery, then check on our guy in workshop.
Nomomo - Yes sir!
Kilmure - Nita and Beda, you are free for now. But please Beda, don't do anything stupid... and stay away from the dance floor.
Beda - That i can do! Come on, i show you around town.
With nothing to do, Nita followed Beda. First rays of sunlight appeared on the sky. First people started appearing on streets. More cars were driving through the streets.
Beda - So what will it be? Frame maintenance? Maybe you need new clothes? Or interested in some drinks? Just tell what you interested in, and i will figure something out!
Nita - Not really interested... But sightseeing sounds interesting?
Beda - Sightseeing? Really?
Nita - I am mostly fine.
Beda - Mostly? My girl, you got some damage raw damage to your frame. Clothes are riddlet with bullet holes and where is your god damn gun? No! You are going with me for shoping.
Nita - Can i refuse?
Beda - No!
Nita - Alright... Lead the way.