1623/Lizards and Pokemon Trainers

Lizards and Pokemon Trainers
Date of Scene:	20 February 2015
Location:	Bar and Grill at the Edge of the Multiverse
Synopsis:	Lute, yari, and Mantigora meet up at the Bar and Grill
Cast of Characters:	188, 583, 691

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Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari Takane arrives in the Bar and Grill quite accidentally. After her little shopping trip, intending to go to the mall's food court, she passed by the door to a small shop. Once passing through the threshold? Suddenly the Au Ra kunoichi arrives, still dressed in her recently purchased yellow sundress, scarf, and leg-warmers. There's confusion on her face as she stares around. A waitress, quite used to the reaction, guides her over to a table. Sitting down, menu before her, she simply sighs a moment.

"So unusual..." Then with her tail swishing behind her, shopping bags set on the floor, she starts to comb through the menu. It's extensive. And she got the /short/ version. Poor thing feels a bit lost.

It's with a serious, if confused, expression the slender Centurion goes about her task. She looks no closer to choosing, even after she orders an ale. Stomach grumbling, morale is clearly suffering from her slight frown.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute is already in the Bar and Grill, relaxing and kicking it back. He has been fairly busy as of late, and not just with the whole 'dating fourteen women' thing. A lot of it has just been having various irons in the fire, various plans he is working on. And, even when he isn't actively working towards those, he's working to raising his Pokemon.

     As such, it's break time. He's sitting at one of the tables. Sitting across from him is Giratina. Yes, the gigantic dragon Pokemon. It's really helpful that this place is /so/ accomadating to all shapes and sizes! He idly tosses a PokePuff in Giratina's mouth. He himself is having a beer.

     He looks over at Yari. He has... not actually met her, he believes. But, well. This being Lute, and her being a cute girl, albeit a partially non-human one, he's almost immediately vaguely interested.

     And so, he waves over to her, since she's at a relatively close by table.

     "Heeeey, cutey. Why don't you come over here? I'll help you order. You look like you're not sure what to get."

     His voice is almost certainly immediately recognizable.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
While the Bar & Grill sided with no faction and remained a neutral party in the matter of great wars, that didn't mean the establishment wasn't willing to take advantage of the situation for business. A neutral group that discouraged outright fighting and had the personal security to back it up was an optimal, and very profitable, venture for those what sought such conditions for meetings on both sides of legality.

It's out of one such 'back room' that Mantigora strides with a more casual than usual manner, taking a bite out of some sort of shiskabob of alien meat chunks speared by one of her arm blades instead of a normal skewer.

And waddling behind her is her Chua 'sidekick', the three foot space rodent flicking his fingers through some sheets of paper. "Hmph. Some species still using inferior parchment. Too easy to burn or loose. Going to have to copy to proper database later." Then Skuzzler craned his neck to peer up at the Draken. "As much as appreciate help appropriating these documents... did she-Draken really have to dart his guards?"

Mantigora just shrugged her shoulders. "He needed enough of a threat to know we were serious. That's the way some of these scumbags work. Besides, it was only a knock-out nano-dart. Entirely non-lethal." Pause. Then shrug again as she continues walking. "Unless he has an allergic reaction."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
A familiar voice reaches Yari's ears, and she turns. A beat, a blink, and a tiny tail swish. Recognition dawns, though her eyes only lid slightly. Pondering the situation, she rises, beer in her single hand, and walks over. The menu is held with her teeth given her difficulties.

After a sip to wash out the taste of menu, she joins Lute. Chair pulled out with a foot, she crosses her legs as she sets down her things. Sip.

"Your offer is generous, Sir. Asagi Kono." Her voice is quieter even than usual, but it should be easily recognizable. Those eyes of hers narrow for a split second meaningfully, then return to normal.

"What would you recommend?"

Up close, one might notice her blonde hair is dyed black today, and even her scale-patches seem to have taken on a red hue. The undercover kunoichi, now forcefully yanked from her mission, offers a look to Mantigora and Skuzzler.

A small nod to the pair. No welcoming to her horn-sister, after all. Best to play this easy in case any unionites show up.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute smirks a bit, a little surprised she actually joined. He supposes, as usual, that it's simply more luck with the ladies. Or the person could just be confused and not sure what to get. But, he looks over the menu a little.

     "Well, Asagi, what kind of food do you generally like? That'd be a good place to start. I mean, I have some generic suggestions, but like. Having an idea of your preferences help."

     And, then, a glance at Mantigora. He hasn't met her either. He hasn't even heard her on the radio. But, of course, seeing her, he just waves to her. She's a /bit/ more dragon-y than Yari? But still, She's still in the line of where Lute could find her attractive. If she were just a /bit/ more dragon-ish, though? Probably not.

     "Hey, you should come over here, too. The more, the merrier."

     Lute smiles, leaning back a bit. He tosses another PokePuff to Giratina, before turning to Yari again.

     "Well, one thing, though... You can never go wrong with the meat on the menu. They have a /lot/ of exotic animals you can eat here."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Really, you can't be a Fed and female without at least knowing of Lute. Some of the shameless side of his reputation proceeds him very well. Mantigora narrows her eyes just slightly, as the familiar voice of Au Ra belays the womans real identity. A faint smirk follows for a moment afterwards as she realizes there's probably a reason for the difference in appearances and the subdued happenstance-like greeting. She's not fond of 'undercover' herself, but it's an important aspect of their lines of work at time. So that's okay, we can play along.

Mantigora takes another bite out of her shish-claw-bob as she strolls over to the two of them at the table. Though at first it's Giritina that she gives a glance towards. Nice, formidable looking creature there. "Mind if we join you?"

Skuzzler pauses, squints one eye really far as he peers at 'Asagi'. Then cranes his head towards Mantigora again, using a hushed tone that really isn't all that hushed, it's just more raspy than usual. "I thought you said those not-Draken were ra-oow!" Which gets cut off in a yelp as Mantigora stomps on his tail just hard enough to get the point to shut up across.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
A glance over the menu once more. Her lips purse in thought. For some reason, this seems to be a very important decision to 'Asagi'. Finally, the Au Ra nods.

"I am a cook. My goal is to experience multiversal cuisine. I prefer pasta-based dishes. However, an exotic-meat based pasta would be interesting." Another glance down the menu, and...

"How is the unicorn-meat alfredo?"

There's a glance to the Giratina. An eye squints warily. "You are an impressive master of beasts. This creature is tame?" No, she is not assuming that Giratina is sentient.

As for Mantigora? The ninja simply scoots her chair over and pulls a new chair in. There's a small nod again in welcome.

And then there's tails being stomped on. "Good evening, Sir, Ma'am. The ale is excellent." She says politely, though peers at Skuzzler oddly. What a strange being!

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute just grins as yet another woman joins him at the table. Yes, almost certainly, he is doing very well. But he smiles at both of them. First, to Yari.

     "Well, the Unicorn Meat Alfredo is /great/. Though be careful who you eat it around. Some of the folks from Union territory really don't take kindly to eating Unicorn. Though I think all of the Unicorn meat here is free range, and humanely killed?"

     A smile at Mantigora, "And, who are you? I don't thin I've met you before, either. Though, you're pretty hot. ...Both of you girls, really."

     He finally glances up at Giratina. "And, yeah, I raise monsters. Pokemon, mostly. This is Giratina. A /fairly/ powerful Pokemon. And, well. He /is/ sapient, but. He doesn't like talking much. So don't expect him to say hi."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora drops into the offered chair with ease, leaning back and letting the arm without the claw-blade skewer drape over the back. "Mantigora," she replies to Lute, though doesn't bother with the surname and titles since this is a casual conversation. She does raise one barbed brow at the rest of his comment though. "No, I am quite comfortable with temperature."

She bites another chunk off her kabob and gulps it down before remarking towards Asagi with a grin that shows some of her more fang-like teeth. "How to properly prepare a kill is good to know."

Skuzzler wanders away for a moment, then comes back pushing one of the 'highchairs' for short races over to the table with an obnoxious squeek-squeek against the floor before he finally climbs up into it at the table and grabs one of the menues.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
"I will keep this in mind. 'Humane'? They object to the methods used to capture food?" Truly, Yari seems confused here. The whole concept of humane food is simply beyond her.

But she quickly orders the food, and soon enough, is tucking in with an utter lack of restraint that somehow manages to end with her spotless. The unicorn meat, as it turns out, is delicious.

The compliment has her cheeks flushing just a bit. A tiny hiss escapes her.

"Th...thank you." She doesn't seem to know how to take a compliment this one.

"You are both pleasing as well." She finally returns.

But she then quickly latches onto Giratina, looking the creature over. A small bow. "My apologies, Mister Giratina."

"You are a professional monster tamer, then?"

"Asagi Kono. You are a...hunter, Miss Mantigora?" She clings to the cover rather desperately as she eats, and devours ale. NOm.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute smiles at Mantigora, shaking his head a bit, and waving a hand dismissively at Mantigora. "Oh, no, no. I don't mean it like /temperature/. Uh, let's see, how can I say this where you would understand... Oh! I find your physical form visually appealing. Does that make sense?"

     He smiles a bit, "But, yeah, preparing the kill properly is good to know. I'm only an okay cook, myself, which is why I prefer to eat out."

     He glances back to 'Asagi'. "Well, Unicorns are often considered holy, and something that shouldn't be killed. A lot of them are more mundane than that, though. But I think there are even some unicorns in the Union, too. So they might take offense to that. But, really, don't worry about it. Unicorn meat is /delicious/."

     Whether or not Giratina took offense is hard to tell. He's just somewhat looking at the others without much care. He is more focused in the food in front of him, and the occasional PokePuff Lute is tossing him.

     But, Lute shrugs, smiling. "Professional Monster Tamer, yeah. Let's see, though... Maybe I can show you guys some."

     He reaches into his pocket, and pulls out several Pokeballs. Several appear. Tentacruel, Arcanine, Raichu, Gardevoir, and Castform. They just sort of hang out for a second, while Lute tosses each of them a Pokepuff. The Pokemon begin talking a bit amongst themselves, too.

     "These are just some of those I have... What about you, though? What do you do?"

Mantigora (583) has posed:
"Oh." So he was complimenting her appearance. Though he wasn't nearly as slimey about it as some of the things people have said of this Lute would suggest. So either they were exaggerations, or he was being extra nice. The difference really did not matter to her. Humans weren't really a thing for her, but a return compliment was probably expected culturely. "You are... acceptable as far as human-like beings go," she finally replies. "I am not familiar enough with your kind to know what attributes would not be considered dishonorable to mention."

She bites the last chunk of meat off her kabob and picks up a napkin to wipe off the blade. "A hunter, yes. In many meanings of the term."

Skuzzler just hunkers down behind the menu and grumbles about the lack of appropriate Chua dietary requirements in most of the offerings, which gets an eye-roll out of Mantigora.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
"Agreed." That, on the unicorn meat. The fact she's already devoured her plate should be a testament to /that/. A small nod.

"That would be educational." She says simply, before finishing her beer. She looks over the appearing pokemon. And the Arcanine even gets a little pet!

"I am an adventurer and cook. A traveler, mostly." Then, she smiles to the pair, and stands.

"Thank you for the company, I should be going. Good day to you both." Paying for her meal, she slips out with her shopping bags, off to ready herself for the operation.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute waves to 'Asagi' as she leaves. "See you. Have fun."

     He turns to Mantigora, now.

     "...So. I'm trying to remember. Are you a Confederate? I... /think/ I might of heard your voice on the radio before, but I forget. Sorry. I really shouldn't forget a beautiful woman's voice."

     "Also, thanks for finding me acceptable. That's more than a /lot/ of people say."

     He pauses, considering. Baaah, he barely knows her. What to talk about?

     "What do you even hunt, anyways? Rare animals? Or is it more of a bounty hunter type thing? Or a mix?"

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Beautiful? Okay now he was just layering on the compliments. Granted she would be considered quite a catch by her kind's standards, but that's more than physical appearances. It gets a bit of an amused snort out of Mantigora though if only because the thought of someone actually flirting with her was rather out there. "I am, yes."

Once the sauce (or is that blood) is wiped off the blade retracts into her arm with an audible slicking sound. Then she smiles at Lute, letting all of her sharp, predatory teeth show. "Both. Rare animal hunts are a grand tradition.... but not always that challenging. Not like things that -think- and can -plan- for themselves."

Skuzzler must of found something that looks edible to him, as he verbally drags over a waitress to order. Mantigora reachs over to snatch the menu as he does, since she's finished her appetizer from the back-room meeting, and after looking it over to find something that looks pallable orders a meal of 'gaqh and bloodwine'. The uncooked version.

The waitress does give her a leery look for a moment, but after noticing those teeth seems to realize that she ordered something off the Klingon menu shouldn't really be a surprise and doesn't comment.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute smiles, "Well. I'll try to remember you, then. Though, it shouldn't be hard. Just so many people around now days, I somehow missed on meeting you sooner." A bit of a shrug from him.

     Lute ponders, "So, if you're a bounty hunter, though... I /might/ have some missions for you. You interested?"

     Lute chuckles a bit, though. "Blood wine? Man. That stuff is hard to handle. I've tried it a few times, but it's a /bit/ strong for me, usually."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
With food ordered Skuzzler picks the stack of documents back up and shuffles through them again. Then hisses through his moustache. "Stupid ancient information method! Chua not have proper anachronistic impliment to make notes on stupid prehistoric parchment."

"He means a pen," Mantigora simplifies when the waitress gives her an odd look again. "His species doesn't use 'paper' anymore." This gets an eyeroll out of the woman, but she does pull one of the pencils normally handed out to kids for the activity placements from her apron pocket. Skuzzler snatchs it out of her hand before she can even ask. "Serving wench a credit to her job!... Now go away until food ready."

"Or social graces," Mantigora deadpans as the woman walks off. Oh well. "Strong, hmm? We'll see if it holds up to what I'm expecting then." She then leans forward a bit, resting one arm on the table. "One of the finest in the Dominion." Though now he's gotten her attention with the mention of possible jobs.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute leans back, just observing. He's really not used to aliens, but he's still handling himself well. Smiling. "Well, while I can see avoiding using paper, I can't imagine completely avoiding it. But, still, yeah. Pens are what you'd need. But... Well."

     He just stares at Skuzzler, "You really should be nicer to the wait staff, or else they might spit in your food or something. It's not a good idea to piss people off who are serving your food."

     He shrugs, though. I mean, just advice after all.

     "But yeah, Blood Wine is incredibly strong. Though if you want /really/ strong, try a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster. It's one of the most dangerous drinks out there. ...I'm not sure if this place serves them, though."

     But, a smile. Time for business.

     "And as for the job... Well. Person after me named Riva Banari. And I want her life made a living hell. I want as much as possible discovered about her, and for those she cares about to be targetted. Interested?"

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Skuzzler squints at Lute for a moment. "Good minions know it better to spit on food than say something directly," he says like this should be common knowledge, then hunches over the edge of the table to start adding his own notes to the papers.

Mantigora just rolls her eyes again. "Don't mind him. Chua have a very.... eccentric social structure."

Then she pauses a moment, considering. The name may of popped up in a report or two, but she can't place any actual experiences with yet. No matter. "My, my. And what has she done to earn such ire if I may ask?"

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute just shrugs, "Well, I won't mind him too much. I already got my food, anyways."

     A smile at Mantigora. He leans forward.

     "Well. What she did is simple. She's calling me out for the fact that I have so many girlfriends, and wants to beat me up because of it. I really did /nothing/ wrong. It's personal social life stuff. And she wants to beat me up for it."

     "So. The more pain she suffers, the /better/."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
"So it's over putting her nose in business it not belong in. This can be worked with, yes." Mantigora pauses to sit back up as her food, not taking long to prepare since it's not cooked, is brought out. It's not just raw, it's raw enough the worm-like creatures that are piled on the plate like a mass of pasta are -still squirming-. The waitress is already looking a little ill as she quickly sets down the glass of bloodwine to go with it and walks away in a hurry.

"Make her miserable for making you miserable. Ah, such a familiar setup." Mantigora spears a lump of the gaqh with a fork and shoves it in her mouth. At least she's polite enough to actually chew a bit and swallow before speaking again. "That tickles going down."

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute, for his part, remains rather calm as he watches her eat. Really, it's not his preference. But, he's just fairly hardened to this kind of stuff.

     "Well. For now, I want it not linked back to me. But, I'll pay you whatever you find fair. I put up a very /cheap/ bounty on the Syndicate board, but in truth, I'm willing to pay a /lot/ more."

     He smiles a bit.

     "Heck, maybe we could even go on a date later, too. I mean that's worth a lot too!"

     Yeah, he's never not on. Unless its his other mind in control.

Mantigora (583) has posed:
"One of the benefits of this job is it's easy to not have to say where the trouble is coming from." Mantigora replies, then goes for a sip of the bloodwine. Licks her lips afterwards. "You're right, that does have a nice sharpness to it." This must be pretty close to Draken cuisine if she's not reeling from it.

"Let's not mix business and pleasure on matter." Well that's not a no per say, but it might just be her being polite about it since he did just offer her a job.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute nods, "Fine, understand not mixing business and pleasure. But, still. Just tell me how much you'll want. I don't know who she is connected to, though, so it might take some looking things up to target those connected to her. I know she uses guns as a weapon, but that's all I know otherwise."

     And, another smile.

     "I'm sure you'll do /very/ well at this. Thanks for being up for taking the job."

Mantigora (583) has posed:
Mantigora gives Lute a toothy smirk as she sticks her fork back into the plate of goqh and pulls out another wad. "We will worry 'bout actual price once we see how much work it actually takes." She stuffs the wad of living worms in her mouth and chews thoughtfully on it.

Lute may be as kooky or not as kooky as people say, but that matters little to her when it comes to work. Besides. Look at the screwball fuzzbrain she works -with- as a partner.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute smiles. At this point, he recalls his Pokemon, and stands up.

     "I'm glad we can do business. I'll have to meet you again sometime."

     And with that, he leaves.