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Post by ‹ kˆ†eworth › on Nov 12, 2010 21:34:18 GMT -8
< 226 Benjamin - to persecute us >
The blue-and-gold jacketed ragdoll took a moment to access the now-overflowing surroundings through which more and more people seemed determined to manifest from. The dull gold optics flicked from Eisley to Serration to 99, and rested on Don for only a split second longer than the others.
Maybe his little target would have to wait. But he twitched a smile at the only other male ragdoll and gestured a hand at 99.
"Do you see? Gentlemanly. It's rude to judge someone so quickly, my friend."
Benjamin dipped his head forward gently and flourished a low bow in Eisley's direction, making sure to turn a bit to include the gesture at 99.
"Ladies. I am called Benjamin."
As if to solidify his peaceful intentions in the eyes of the audience, the tall ragdoll lifted his blade gracefully and slung it back over his shoulder, the suave grin still plastered faux on his face, the rest of him dubiously relaxed. At least, now that the snake-like machine had stopped its initial guarding behavior. For now, it seemed. Benjamin wasn't frightened of a machine, and was sure he would stand a chance, but those skills had yet to be tested. He was good at fighting and subduing soft-bodied anima like himself. Machines.. no.
"I don't suppose you let guests into your marvelous tower? I'm only curious, you see."
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Post by ♫ e s h e ♪ on Nov 13, 2010 13:52:53 GMT -8
⚉ In any other situation, Don might have been overjoyed to have a fellow Racketeer arrive on the scene. Eisley in particular, as Don trusted her over many of his other co-workers. The minute the Clocktower's "guard dog" was distracted from Don's order, however, Don felt a wave of exasperation pass over his head. How sparking hard was it to get support against this guy? When Benjamin's gaze lingered in his direction, Don stared back coldly.
"Do you see? Gentlemanly. It's rude to judge someone so quickly, my friend."
"I could say the same thing." Don muttered, not quite loud enough for the entire group to hear. What was it about this certain doll that made him feel so uneasy? The way he reminded Don of 27? Or the way he captured the attention of the surrounding dolls so effortlessly? Don watched as 99 passed over to Eisley and Serration, noticing that only he and Benjamin were standing apart from the small cluster. Immediately, Don promenaded over to the group, not wanting to be left aside with only Benjamin.
"Ladies. I am called Benjamin." Sparking suck-up. The bowing and clear charm emitted from Benjamin's words made Don curl his hands into fists as he struggled to control his temper. He made sure to reach out and give Serration a small stroke along it's metallic beak when passing it, his optics set on 99 for only a moment before he addressed her. "I could never ask for anything in return. Giving a lady a warm place to stay for the night would be my pleasure. I don't see why you couldn't stay here in the Clocktower, now that I think about it."
How's THAT for gentlemanly?
Don trailed his optics to Eisley, his gaze clouded and expressing clear anxiety as he mouthed "I need to talk to you" to the female Racketeer. He wasn't about to let Benjamin get into the Clocktower. Not after his greeting. Here for me...
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Post by ♔ K ℇ N N Y ♔ on Nov 15, 2010 15:30:26 GMT -8
[[ I'm really sorry guys but due to recent events I'm not going to be on very often. I think I need to scoot out on this. Just say Eisley waddled back inside. ]]
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Post by shio on Nov 15, 2010 16:38:32 GMT -8
OOC: Understandable Cool Guy. *Cuddle* ^_^ Good luck! Short post is short. orz;;;
99 blinked slightly as the grey Ragdoll suddenly seemed to remember she something she had forgotten, something urgent by the looks of it, since she dashed away without pausing to answer her greetings. That was odd. Oh well. She eyed the serpent warily for a moment, "Ya don't need ta worry, I en't here to spy or anythin.' If you wanna play secret base that's fine with me."
"Nice to meet you too Benjamin." She held out her hand to offer a shake to the tall doll, feeling slightly more secure now he'd put that nasty looking blade away. "99." Turning to Frank, she tilted her head slightly at his very generous offer. "That's a lovely offer, but I never think it proper to ask for somethin' free. Shall we put it on my tab?" She gave a cheeky smile, still watching the serpent out of the corner of her eyes. "I don't think yer watchdog likes me so much. He's a big fella isn't he?"
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Post by Shooku on Nov 15, 2010 20:05:37 GMT -8
((I understand Cool Guy, hope you get back on track soon <3))
The serpentine Machine turned its beaked head to sightlessly watch as Eisley scurried back inside. He gave a concerned chirp, unsure of what to do now that the person giving him orders was absent. When Don stroked along his beak, he gave a slight trill in response. He continued to monitor the faint vibrations everyone around him was causing, not wanting to suddenly get attacked or anything. When Benjamin asked permision to enter the Clocktower, the burlap creature sent a warning hiss his way. Intruders weren't allowed in the Clocktower! He then swiveled his head over to point in 99's direction when she spoke to him.
"Ya don't need ta worry, I en't here to spy or anythin.' If you wanna play secret base that's fine with me."
Serration made a sort of haughty exhale sound, as if in distrust. He didn't quiet trust the female yet, seeing as he still didn't know if she was a Racketeer or not. From the conversation she was having with Don, though, he guessed that she wasn't. Faintly confused as to why Don was inviting a possible intruder into their home, Serration turned his rusted beak expectantly to him, as if waiting for an order.
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Post by ‹ kˆ†eworth › on Nov 16, 2010 16:45:35 GMT -8
< 226 Benjamin - to persecute us >
…..crap.
Benjamin paused in his response to 99, the hand he held out to take hers in greeting halted in midair. He watched as the blotched girl, the one who'd come out to soothe their excited guard dog, turn and hurry back into the safety of the building. Not that he'd been planning to hurt her, mind you.. at least, not yet.
No, his concern was the fact that he now had one less hook in which to play on in order to gain access. It was clear that if it were up to Don, the machine watching them would tear him limb from limb in a heartbeat. As it was, one of the only things that seemed to have been keeping it at bay was that he and 99 had not tried to enter the Clocktower and that the girl had come up to calm it down.
If he tried to force entry and nobody stopped the machine, who knows what would happen. He sure as hell didn't. But he was ten times as sure that he wouldn't let his new target get away. If he couldn't make it inside to take care of this out of eyesight of the others, and pin it on one of their own as he'd intended, he'd have to take care of it soon. Very soon. Before he was forced to let the chance get away into a literal fortress.
Benjamin's gaze flickered over Don once more, very fleetingly, before finally taking 99's hand in a carefully polite shake, consequentially taking steps closer to the machine and Don as well. He took a moment - and grinned all the while - to bend himself down at the waist and place a kiss on the back of 99's fingers.
"A pleasure, miss 99."
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Post by ♫ e s h e ♪ on Nov 24, 2010 14:23:38 GMT -8
⚉ Don raised a hand to comb aside black strands of hair which had a habit of falling in his face, offering a halfhearted smile to 99 as he did so. Luring this certain she-doll into an abandoned pipe and murdering her discreetly was out of the question, and this certain fact made Don's chest clench up in frustration. How long had it been, truly, since he'd last killed? Was he... turning soft? Spark.
"That's a lovely offer, but I never think it proper to ask for somethin' free. Shall we put it on my tab?"
"Well if it means that much to you, miss 99, your supplies of precious items could prove useful to my organization." Don spoke formally, adjusting the blue tie he wore around his neck and casting a minute glance to Benjamin before returning his attention to the she-doll. "We buy, sell, and trade items, like any good-natured market. I work as a... warrior myself. We could always use another supply gatherer, if you'd ever considered joining a group for a better purpose. Employees get good benefits, of course, and the Clocktower is nicely heated."
As the Racketeers' guard dog bent its barbed metal beak in his direction, Don carefully extended an arm to stroke along the rusted head to calm it. Despite his usual disgust and hatred toward machines, this one was considerably useful, and made Don feel more in control of the situation. "No need to get defensive around miss 99, she is our guest." Don spoke to it softly, grinning and nodding to 99 as she mentioned the guard dog. "He seems to be a little wary around strangers-"
Don's speech broke off when Benjamin kissed the back of 99's hand, his optics narrowing subtly in suspicion. He needed to get rid of the tall, imposing doll, but in a way that wouldn't make him appear a villain in 99's eyes. His optics trailed to the guard dog... the Clocktower... 99... Of course. Don leaned his head close to the machine's beak as if to give it an affectionate nudge, but whispered a muted order as he did so.
"When I take 99 inside, attack and kill the tall male."
Don straightened up, having spoken too softly for the other two dolls to overhear his intentions, and cast a warm glance once again to 99. "How would you like a tour? I'd be happy to give you one if you'd like, 99. The Clocktower is only more magnificent on the inside. Benjamin, however, will remain out here until I can find another Racketeer to give him a tour as well. I hope that all sounds fair." Don glanced to Benjamin with a smirk.
Run while you still can.
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Post by shio on Nov 24, 2010 17:56:14 GMT -8
Though puzzled by his hesitation, and not missing the way his eyes flickered over to Frank and the Machine, 99 smiled uncertainly. "It's ok, I don't think he-" She was cut off by a short gasp as Benjamin kissed her hand. For a moment, she wasn't sure what to do. Then she coughed politely, gently extracting her gold-tipped fingers from his hand and giving a shaky smile. "W-well now. You're certainly an... interesting one." It was quite obvious she would be flushed red if she were capable, something that was making her distinctly uncomfortable, she could only cover it up with a joke. "You act this way to all the girls?" Ok, that had been weak, but it was something.
Shrugging it off as best she could, she smiled back at Frank, fiddling with the bag at her waist. "Not sure if much is valuable 'ere, but it certainly look pretty." She dug around inside it for a moment and at length withdrew a fragment of gold chain, part of what once had been a rather expensive necklace. "Found this back yonder, any use to you?" 99 wasn't stupid, she knew this metal was valuable, and that it was the same material that laced her structure. Whether it would have an value to her companions was another story altogether. 99 was taken off guard by Frank's question of joining their little group, it didn't seem like a bad idea really... but only if they understood that some of her methods were a little shady. "Sound's alright ta me. But I warn ya, some of my skills involve taking a weight outta peoples pockits." She winked, grinning.
99 kept an eye on the machine, casting a doubtful look at Frank when he mentioned leaving Benjamin outside, and she did not miss the smirk. Finally, something began to strike wrong here, the alarm bells faintly chimed and this time, she heard them. "Don't see much wrong with that." She said cautiously, choosing her words. "But I 'ardly think it's proper for a gen'leman to leave a comrade out in the cold. Less you think it's ok?" That last part was directed at Benjamin, and she watched Frank carefully, it was only a hunch... but his reaction could tell her a lot...
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Post by Shooku on Nov 25, 2010 18:08:22 GMT -8
Serration lowered his beaked head a fraction, relaxing a bit under the stroking. When 99 was labeled as a guest, he turned to click apologetically at her. Guests were allowed in the Clocktower. He was still confused, and wished Don would tell him what he should be doing so he could do it. "When I take 99 inside, attack and kill the tall male." Finally! An order! Serration warbled softy in acknowledgment to Don's hushed command. The burlap Machine swung his badly-rusted head around to point at Benjamin, riveting his attention on the tall male. The claws tipping his long spine flexed in anticipation. The conversation Don and 99 were having faded into the back of Serration's mechanical mind. It didn't occur to him that he was now 'staring' at Benjamin like a creeper, or that the female seemed to have guessed Don's plans. He was completely focused on the tall male. The intruder. A hiss rose in Serration's throat, which he held in for the time being. He had to wait until his coworker took the girl inside. Then he could dispose of this intruder. He parted the serrated metal of his beak just slightly, a silent threat to Benjamin. He should run while he still could.
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Post by ‹ kˆ†eworth › on Nov 29, 2010 6:56:14 GMT -8
< 226 Benjamin - to persecute us >
Benjamin's optics immediately narrowed as the machine zeroed in on him separately. He hadn't been able to hear Don's mumbled words to the guard, but it was obvious what its orders now were.
The ragdoll quickly replaced the ugly, threatening look with an innocently concerned one, as if he were worried about what would happen to him if he were left out here alone with this beast. This look he turned on 99. The only other movement he made was to shift his weight slightly. Hah. He wouldn't grace Don with a facial response to that smirk. Now was the time for trickery and survival, not pride.
How he did wish he'd kept his knife out, heh.
But Benjamin didn't throw the situation into the unsalvageable pile. He tilted one corner of his mouth down, eyeing Serration with as much faux worry as he could force out.
The tall ragdoll wanted nothing more than to take care of all of this before Don took 99 inside.. which could be any second. But he was painfully aware of the fact that he'd taken much too long. Now that the Clocktower's guard dog was here, he wouldn't get away with it.
Screw this.
Benjamin dropped the facade, not even bothering to see if it'd helped his case at all. He stood up straighter, rolled his head slightly as if to crack his neck, and took a defensive, a fighter's stance, with his feet apart. He gave into the pride - damn it all - and gave Don his best devious grin, which probably looked more like a bored, knowing look. He raised his voice so that it would bring more than just Serration's attention.
"Okay, have it your way. How about we make a deal?"
The tall ragdoll put a hand to his chin, as if thinking, though he had everything planned out in his mind. "I'll leave now if you give me a good, thorough rundown of this place and what it's used for and who all lives here."
Of course he was lying - partially. He would leave now, but he would be back, count on that. Once he'd made the decision to get Don.. well, let's just say that Benjamin doesn't let go of decisions easily. Or at all.
"You refuse and I'll leave anyway." The grin widened and his optics got - if possible - even more bored. "But you will know about it constantly. All of you will. It'd be smart not to come out of your precious clocktower after that. You ever been in a siege situation?"
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Post by ♫ e s h e ♪ on Dec 2, 2010 16:54:50 GMT -8
⚉ Don couldn't help but glance twice at the offered item, his optics grazing over the iridescent golden chain that looked like a little strand of sunshine. It had been years since he'd cared for things that were once considered valuable to humans (what was a diamond worth to them now?), but he knew gold when he saw it. He extended out his hands, feeling the cold metal graze over his iron fingers, and couldn't help but emit a humored laugh when 99 admitted to picking loose items from strangers' pockets. "A bit of a thief, are you? Heh... you'll fit right in."
Don's smile hit the dirt like a stone when he realized the Clocktower's guard dog was staring in an obviously threatening manner in Benjamin's direction. The damn machine was hardly an actor, and to say the least could make this situation a whole lot worse by turning 99 against him. She seemed to be delighted by the taller male's charade, but Don wasn't buying it.
"Okay, have it your way. How about we make a deal?"
Then it stopped. And Don almost glanced to the earth to see where Benjamin's shed mask had fallen. The grin Benjamin gave him made Don tense up; the long line - slightly curved upward - made his cogs reel with warning. He took a curt step between 99 and Benjamin, sending a threatening glare up at the taller male and narrowing his pupils into dangerous slits. Aside from the concerning mannerisms provoked from Benjamin, however, Don couldn't help but feel triumphant. If Benjamin was willing to drop the disguise, it meant he was running out of options. Don would have to give that guard dog a few extra head scratches for this.
"I'll leave now if you give me a good, thorough rundown of this place and what it's used for and who all lives here. You refuse and I'll leave anyway. But you will know about it constantly. All of you will. It'd be smart not to come out of your precious clocktower after that. You ever been in a siege situation?"
Don frowned deeply at Benjamin as he spoke, his hands curling into shaky metallic fists. The bored expression made his oil boil, and Don couldn't help but find himself releasing a forced laugh at the other. "Do you REALLY think I'd tell you any of those things after you've proclaimed yourself a serious threat?" He straightened up, attempting to appear taller than he was, and hissed with relish in Benjamin's direction. "A siege, huh? You and what army? This Clocktower is teeming with strong warriors; you'd be run through before you could even blink. And THAT is all the information you are going to get."
Don let his sense of triumph show on his face as he grinned up to the taller male before glancing back at 99, as if to say: Do you understand now?
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Post by shio on Dec 4, 2010 23:49:46 GMT -8
She was pleased at Frank's favourable reaction, though she had to wonder just how shady they got if he was sure she would 'fit right in.' 99 may have been a thief, but she had her code to uphold, she was not going to be involved in any beating or cheating of innocents. Though some might call her logic flawed, 99 did not consider using pick-pocketing cheating, as long as you picked the right targets. "What kinda business are you fellows run-" Serration's oddly aggressive behaviour caught her attention just then, and she frowned over Frank's shoulder, funny, it wasn't directed at her so- Ah. Benjamin was the target was he? That could make things difficult... she could not afford to offend her potential host. But at the same time it seemed like it was Frank making the threats toward Benjamin, who seemed like a decent bloke...
At least that was until he began smirking like that. For a moment, 99 could only stare at him in horror, why was he... making such horrible threats? Eventually the answer worked it's way through her foggy brain. So this was his true self then? That gentleman had just been a mask, a clever mask, and she had fallen for it. Spark. 99 desperately wanted to kick herself in the head for making such a stupid mistake, brains and skill both, that made him all the more dangerous. "Hey, hey..." She blinked a moment, when had Frank moved there...? And backed to the side a little, hand resting on her knife - "Why don't we just calm down 'ere? You seem like a reasonable fella-" She nodded toward Ben, ignoring Frank's meaningful look. "So what're you after Frankie 'ere for?" She glanced briefly at both their blades, which looked nasty... had there been something going on that she had missed? "What's the need for sieges and all that?"
99 knew she was in no condition for fight or flight, so she would have to try and work her way out of this one, but she was not about to go along with whatever Frank said just because one decided to get a little aggressive. A little...? I could get torn to shreds at any moment... This is definitely not good. Her hand shook on her knife, she felt certain that her chances of surviving this were looking pretty grim.
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Post by Shooku on Dec 6, 2010 17:14:32 GMT -8
A shrill scree pierced the air as Serration interrupted the now-aggressive dolls. His spines bristled in irritation, and he snapped his beak open and shut. The tense atmosphere was bothering the Machine, and he wanted it to dissipate immediately so he could carry out his orders and remove the threat. He 'glanced' at Don and angled his head toward Benjamin, as if prompting him for an order to attack. He didn't like this, not at all. This intruder was threatening his coworkers and a guest! He wouldn't allow any harm to come to them! The serpent's tiny legs dug into the ground as he leaned forward toward Benjamin, his rusted beak parted to let out a long hiss. [ 'INTRUDER! STAY OUT!' ]
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Post by ‹ kˆ†eworth › on Dec 9, 2010 6:32:27 GMT -8
< 226 Benjamin - to persecute us >
Winding it down~
Benjamin reached up hastily but carefully, unwilling to provoke the machine into an early charge - but this was a threat, and even someone who's intentions weren't negative would be pressed to defend themselves. He unslung his knife and brought it down to place between himself and the clockwork worm, focusing on the dolls as much as he could afford.
"--and THAT is all the information you are going to get."
Benjamin made a sort of click-click sound in his throat, simultaneously shaking his head. "Come on now, do you really want them to think of you as "the guy who screwed us all over"?"
The grin was always plastered there, never changing except when he spoke. "Your little pet worm can't be everywhere at once, and there's nothing in the rules that says I can't be silent in my work. I can hide.. and wait.. and as soon as the first person comes out.." He laughed aloud, the knife swaying slightly. "..and the second, and the third.."
The tall doll's gaze flicked down to 99 at her protests about the situation. He could easily admire the female's attempts at trying to keep peace. He offered her a smile on an otherwise-blank face and flourished one hand to the side.
"What am I after him for? Ma'am, that individual-" His flourished hand turned into an accusing, direct point at Don, "-is a criminal. And I'm willing to bet that it's more than simple thievery or fraud." The Executioner's gaze swept from Don and 99 to Serration and back, keeping tabs always on the machine. "Isn't that right, sir?"
He lifted his head a bit, staring at Don specifically. "How many murderers do you have in there, hiding from people like me?"
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Post by ♫ e s h e ♪ on Dec 14, 2010 19:47:39 GMT -8
⚉ Percolating, buzzing anger bubbled and leapt with each word Benjamin spoke; it hammered around in Don's chest like a disturbed wasp, searching for something to sting. Luck seemed to be something Don carried in short supply, either that or it had been misplaced in the womb, and here he was years later still lacking good fortune in his soul. He'd only joined the Racketeers recently, and yet now he was put up to the task of making a decision that might not only affect himself, but every inhabitant of the Clocktower.
The blades were out.
Broad, callous and gleaming. He hadn't even noticed the whirring of gears that echoed from his arms each time his hands were pulled back as the knives stepped in. But, then again, they never missed their cue. "Listen to me, 99. The business we run here may appear shady... hell, most of us are thieves struggling to find a purpose." He glanced over his shoulder at the disconcerted she-doll for only a moment, motioning in Ben's direction with one of his heavy-set blades.
"But I've run into dolls like him before. He won't be able to differentiate between the innocent and the ones of us who have a background that's... not as clean. And there ARE innocents living here, like Eisley." Don turned his attention back to Benjamin, hissing a warning in his direction. "Maker knows Eisley doesn't deserve that!"
Don's vocal escapade trailed off behind a nicely-molded scowl, his stance locked against the earth. He glanced aside to the obviously irked machine, and his expression flickered just slightly in recognition before it was turned back to Benjamin. "It must be nice to feel like you're in charge, however... threats like that can't be taken lightly. My only option now is to dispose of you before you become a greater threat."
Don turned his stare straight at the serrated machine, smirking.
"Kill him."
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