Questions and Secrets (part 2)

Jp with Lorem, Lasersexpanther, mdman, and Jaxx

Dr. Jackal sighed after looking at his pocket watch to see that the time was moving slow. Sadly it was common to see that when checking the time to often. Of course he clearly overheard the conversation behind him. Lorem reminded himself of when he was younger and before his life changing accident. She was still in the "Can I do it?" stage and has yet to reach the "Should I do it?" stage. Perhaps she would learn that in a better situation than he did. Cronk on the other hand was your typical muscle brain, but he seemed to be a gentle giant for the most part. He seemed concerned by the talk the two women were having. Seeing as he had nothing better to do and it was a matter of time before any of them learned of his darker side, he decided to speak up on the topic. Dr. Jackal turned to the group and looked back as he replied, "Mr. Cronk you are indeed scary to many due to your rather large muscles and height, but after talking to you that feeling is not a problem. You have many good things about you that can be charming. However you are not a monster....... I on the other hand am. Sadly you may hear some of my darker stories during this meeting or elsewhere. I make no excuses for my other half and will have to spend my remaining years under careful watch until I can control my other half or I pass on somehow." Dr. Jackal gave them a polite grin as he tipped his hat to them and turned around to look out the window again with sad expression his face. He knew saying that would likely make the wedge between him and the others larger but it was going to happen sooner than later. Oddly enough he had a sudden desire for some gourmet coffee.

Sasha listened to Dr. Jackal's input and turned back to Cronk. "Let me ask you Cronk. Do you respect women?" Sasha asked. "If you do, and know if they say no, then you leave them alone, and you don't hurt anyone just because you want to or because you can, and only do it when you don't have a second choice you are not a monster. Not to me." Sasha reached back and patted Cronk on the shoulder. Do not worry Grand Garçon." Sasha said, "You seem like a good guy to me, and even if you were the monster 'type' that doesn't make you a monster, how you act makes you a monster."

A look of relief came upon the Orc’s face. A smile evolved around the tusks protruding from his lower jaw. He couldn’t understand those who thought of him as a monster just because he was different. Where he grew up, he would be seen as a useful farmhand, and quite a handsome one. Cronk’s jawline jutted out in proudness as he thought of it.

He truly wanted to fit it with these strangers. Cronk did not wish to be an enemy of one with whom he was to work. That would make things awkward.

“Cronk no force self,” he solemnly swore.

Sasha gave Cronk a look that was clearly a smile. "Très bien." Sasha said. "Then you will help me get the bad guys, yes?" She asked him, and extended her hand for an acceptance handshake.

Cronk looked at the Good Doctor, who seemed to be alone upon a bus with many. Cronk knew that look. He hated feeling alone.

Cronk remembered one time in particular, when the feeling of loneliness overcame him. He destroyed a pub in Oslofjord before his energy was exhausted. The owner would not allow Cronk to return. He was young then, trying to find himself. Then Quinn happened to find him and drew him away from that life.

“You not bad,” Cronk said to Doctor Jackel. “You struggle.”

Dr. Jackal turned to look at Cronk and gave a pained smile as he nodded and replied, “We all do Mr. Cronk. Some more than others.” Then he turned back around to stare out the window of the bus.

Lorem’s gaze panoramically scanned up and around at the three towering figures near her. She was the odd one out. All three of them had experienced traumatic trials and tribulations; leaving behind figurative scars and perhaps literal ones too. She on the other hand had a wonderful upbringing and enjoyable life, something she was grateful for.

Cronk was lonely and seeking after meaningful attachment. Dr. Jackal was depressed. Sasha was guarded, perhaps due to insecurities. This was her novice assessment of their state of being. She was a little concerned by it to be honest. People suffering from limiting believe systems might be problematic in their decision making. It was something to keep her attention on, lest she end up a casualty of other’s choices.

Sasha had a sudden thought. "Lorem." she addressed the gnome woman, "Do you happen to have any room in your shop I could use to load ammunition?" she asked. "I don't believe handloading rounds in my quarters is safe or acceptable."

Lorem had gotten drawn in listening in to the variety of conversations taking place. Particularly the one between Dr. Jackal and Lady Elizabeth. She nodded to Sasha. “I have room and you are welcome to use it.” The place wasn’t technically hers, but she assumed belonged to the team under the umbrella of Lady Elizabeth’s authority.

“I can set up a space that will be suitable for your use.” The gnome added.

"Merci." Sasha said, "I don't require a large space, just enough for fabricating my ammunition and repairing my firearms." she added.

Lorem smiled in reply. Such a request would be easy to accommodate.