A Meeting With Charubin...

**Zerotolerance**

(( Formatted and edited for more of a flow, with some mild grammatical adjustments. Nothing was removed or added, just rearranged to make more sense. This goes back to a live event that took place months ago, though I was not here for the continuation that followed in the wake of meeting with the Bluepill and attempting to track down Sarv. If anyone can refer me to what actually happened in my absence, it would be appreciated as it would fill in the gap that I missed. Apparently Charubin is at odds with Sutola and I, but most likely with other Cypherites too. ))

W4rbl4de (Phone): Salutations.

Charubin (Phone): Hot *CENSORED*, how'd I end up in the middle ages?

W4bl4de (Phone): Such a greeting is old form, I suppose. Would you rather I introduced myself with gunfire? In my experiences, it is much more commonplace.

Charubin (Phone): Whatever. You want something?

W4rbl4de (Phone): What I 'want' makes no difference to you, I'm sure. What I am requesting, however, is a brief meeting so that you might introduce yourself properly... I like to familiarize myself with the would-be power players of the simulations. The fact is, I've heard of you. Your reputation precedes you and I don't just keep tabs on anyone.

Charubin (Phone): You know what? What the Hell, come on up to Duality. I am just by the elevator door.

W4rbl4de (Phone): I am already in the area. I will be arriving shortly.

--

W4rbl4de enters stealth.

Elevator door opens.

Charubin: Oooh, scary.

Charubin taps his foot.

W4rbl4de: Stealth protocols are for a reason, operative. I don't like surprises. At least not ones I am not already privvy to.

Charubin: And I don't like talking to thin air.

W4rbl4de deactivates stealth.

W4rbl4de: I assure you, I'm quite solid.

Charubin taps his foot and shrugs.

Charubin: So who the Hell are you?

W4rbl4de: My name is Bryce. I do what I can to watch over the simulation and its denizens. Those who haven't been pulled from the System.

Charubin: Oh? A toaster, then?

W4rbl4de chuckles.

W4rbl4de: Please... I am not affiliated with the Machines. Not anymore, at least.

Charubin: So a freelance hippie, then?

W4rbl4de: Freelance Samurai, if you will. I hold a certain respect for the Law of the Land; those green characters that comprise your very essence in this place.

Charubin: Okay. Ronin, then?

W4rbl4de: ...though that's not a name I've gone by for quite some time. Yes. Ronin.

Charubin shrugs.

Charubin: I wasn't asking for your life story.

W4rbl4de: You asked who the hell I--

Charubin: Bryce was enough.

W4rbl4de grunts.

W4rbl4de: If I was going to tell you my life story, I'd ask you to take a seat--

Charubin: Okay, so, what... are you done?

W4rbl4de: ...

W4rbl4de: Either way, I am somewhat of an investigator. I'd learned of your presence not long ago.

Charubin: Lucky me.

W4rbl4de: I'd like to hear your story, if you will, more direct - more to the point. You know how word of mouth distorts things... I'd like to hear it from you...

Charubin: Okay, well... Once upon a time, I gave the big screw you to some guy asking questions!

Charubin insults W4rbl4de.

W4rbl4de: I see.

Charubin: You see? Hmf. Warblade, is it?

W4rbl4de raises an eyebrow.

Charubin: I remember you. I remembered you the second you stepped through that elevator... You were there when Sarv got me out of here. You're the one that a$shole - Sutola - sent after Sally.

Jedi44 uses root on W4rbl4de.

Charubin: So sorry if I'm not gonna open right up for ya.

Jedi44 prepares Logic Cannon; Root wears off.

Charubin: See you around.

W4rbl4de opens door and jumps to the lower roof. Jedi44 follows...

Fight ensues and Jedi44 is sent to her loading area by W4rbl4de.

W4rbl4de tracks Charubin to the yellow line subway...

W4rbl4de: You will need to send more contraband signals than that. Sutola sent me for a reason. Be seeing you, Charubin.

Charubin shrugs indifferently.

Charubin's signal is lost...