"How do", William greeted their guest.  He had recognized Caihong from a while back but wasn't familiar with his friend. He scooted his chair over to make room at the table. "Come.. join us.  It looks like our benefactor felt we might need a couple more hands on this job.  Apparently it's going to be a bit more difficult than we originally thought."

Even thought they were just talking about heading out William thought it might be a good idea to see if the new guys had any information to add to the mix.  He stood and raised his hand to the barkeep, "How about a bottle and another round of beers".

With a shit-eating grin that went from ear to ear William added, "Y'all showed up just in time.  Here in a few minutes Nathan was going to grace us with a operatic song and tale from the old days."  William finished adjusting his chair and made sure to be out of arms reach of Nathanel… just in case.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:00, Thu 15 Oct 2020.

Luther walked in with his acquaintance "Michael" whom he knew as Hai Rong. Luther hadn't been to these parts before and was somewhat warry, but Hai said it would be alright. As they approached the table, Luther realized just how well armed this bunch was, though they were trying to hide it. He had left his long gun on his saddle, and rarely carried a side arm. He preferred his trusty knife in close quarters. He adjusted that on his side as he sat at the table with the others. He tipped his hat to them all and said How do all. Name is Luther. Hai here, ahem, Michael, says he has worked with ya'll a few times. He and I have also "worked" together a bit. Nothing regular, but every now and again. And, just whiskey for me, don't really take to the brew.

Nathan pulled his blade free of the table and resheathed it as he gave Billy a glare.

He then gave each of the new men a nod of greeting.  "Nathan."  He offered.

"I assume the Boss gave ya both the lowdown on what we're doin' here?"  Nathaniel asked.

He didn't know what the pair had been up to before heading for Branson, and as much as the telegraph was an aid for their group and its efforts, information sometimes had a way of losing its way or falling behind.

Luther was confused. He didn't know who this "Boss" was. He was just here cause he and Hai had heard the same rumors about a possible freak. He looked up at Nathan and responded with Look, I am here with Hai investigating some rumors we both heard about. I don't know who this "Boss" is. But he sure ain't my boss. Iffin ya'll work for someone, that is all good. But I work with folks, not for them.

Micheal gave a light shrug alongside Luther, not knowing who this benefactor was. Caihong then nodded eagerly about wanting to help people. "Came here to do same. Help people" Still talking as blandly as he could, Micheal also had put his rifle on his horse, though kept looking back at the doors to make sure it was still secured.

Crooked Kane was just pulling his ass out of his seat as their two new...associates entered. His slanted smirk cut his lips as they introduced themselves. Not knowing about The Benefactor was intriguing. They'd all known by now that HPL worked in mysterious ways.

"Luther. Michael, welcome back." Kane greeted them simply, as he was want to do. With a Chinese man, a colored man, and a half-colored native in the group, they were sure to stick out like a fly in the milk. At least the dark things they hunted didn't discriminate. Though he could imagine anyone setting eyes on their resident bearman would certainly take a swipe at someone ab ti more their size. Like Billy.

"You boys showed up just in time, it would seem." Kane re-propped his feet onto the table. Looks like he'd have time for another cigarette. As he rolled another one, he made sure to add in a much lower voice, "The only talk we've picked up so far happens to be of fairgrounds and foul play. That would seem to be our objective for our...night's activities."

With a tilt of his hat towards Silver he adds, "Jeremiah's tending to one of the more inebriated guests. Probably thinks he can get more out of him." Kane snorted, a harsh sound filled with smoke. "That'll be a miracle."

Kane looks to the two arrivees. "You said you came here on rumors at the very least. You hear anything different then us? We're not going off of too much right now..."

"We leave that nonsense to Billy, Silver, and Nathaniel's singing voice."

His smile was slick as oil.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Sun 18 Oct 2020.

Luther eyed over this new fellow speaking. A long, lean, slender man who seemed to have mixed heritage. Luther guessed he was probably Seminole, probably having both African and Native background. Luther noticed some symbiology of religious origin and decided he may actually like this fella. Apologies sir, I did not catch your name. Indeed I did hear some whispers of an ungodly, vile sort. You see, I typically judge the abominations like Vamps and Wraiths. But in this case I made an exception. I heard there was someone eating human flesh.

Luther did not shout, nor did he keep his voice down. He just spoke matter of fact. His eyes constantly scanning. Not just the room, but the folks in front of him as well. In this case, mostly this fellow he was engaged with. Searching for any kind of reaction.

Now, I ain't tryin to be rude or nothin, but unless these activities are hunting down this scum and judging them, then count me out. I am here for one purpose, not to get caught up in someone elses stuff.

Hot diggety dog, William silently screamed unexcitedly inside.  Theres one born everyday. Theres always that one loner that believes they can do everything on their own, until its too late and they need help.  Help to clean up, cover up, beat up, break up, break out, wipe out and it goes on and on.  At least it always ends in a half meant thanks and a never repaid "I owe you".  But that's OK.  Its part of the job and or it come with the territory.

Well sir that is exactly what your going to do … Our STUFF!!!

William put both his hands out and motioned to Luther to settle and relax.  "No, no its all good Sir.  We're not asking you to get involved in business that is not of your affair.  It was simply my misunderstanding."
William leaned back in toward the center of the table and continued speaking in a friendly tone.
"We too are here to investigate the rumors of unearthliness.  As Caihong can attest too, we are very good at our job.  But as we all know, its better to work as a group rather than a bunch of individuals.  We were just going to go over tonights plans. How about, since we all know what we're doing, we do it together.  Your input would be more than welcome and I'm sure the rest of the group would love to have both y'alls company."
William sat back in his chair and looked at the others in his group, just incase he overstepped.  (of course, if William didn't overstep then he didn't step at all)

     Hearing a bit of a ruckus and billy's voice Jeremiah Siver decided to step back to the table and see if anything needed smoothing over. Getting there he see's Michael and Luthor Guns he both knew and respected. He quickly put on a smile and interjected himself into the conversation.
    Hey there you must be Luthor, Silver stuck a hand out to be shaken close enough that Luthor could not easily stand. I know of your reputation. He nodded to Micheal, "Caihong, good to see you. Yes, both your guns are a welcome sight. Ain't none of what we hunt, our affair, when you think on't. and yet the good Lord sees fit that we hear about where t' be and when - just so's it gets taken care of.

Luther leaned back a bit as this man stuck his hand a bit close to him. But he did offer a shake. Good to meet you sir. Hai has told me of you all, and spoke highly of this group.

Luther turned toward Billy next No misunderstanding, I am here to hunt and Judge. I came to be a part of this or any group doing the same. I am not foolish to think I alone can make a difference. That is why Hai and I have worked together in the past. Now, as for tonight, Our long guns aren't gonna be a lot of help in the dark. We will still need to scout the area first, that is a must. No use going into something we don't know.

     Silver sits down and props back up again against the wall. "Well That feller who I locked up in the room there, was talking some mighty interesting things - thought I'd give him an hour then wake him for some questions, but your right, Recon first. "

"Apologies sir, I did not catch your name."

That's because it wasn't given, Kane thought.

"It's Kaneenawup," he said on a cloud of smoke, the name lilted with pride. "But Kane suits just fine."

Questions and and recon sounded like right business to get to. "If we're waiting for Silver to work his silver-tongue, then you'd might as well enjoy a drink."

Kane had no faith that anything of good would come from the questioning. Even in an hour, if the man did wake up, he'd still be so drunk it'd be hard to get anything out. The gunman, however, had been wrong before. So he'd have to wait and see.

Nathan just gave a nod at the reply to his question.

"Fair 'nuff.  Glad ta have the help, either way."

Looking to everyone he then posed the question.  "So, should we wait 'til the man wakes up, 'r head out now 'ta have a look 'n then come back?"

In reply to Nathaniel Miller (msg # 51):

I'll stick here and just make sure he does not wake up and wander off. But if there is any reconaisssance that can be done and information gained, it would be good to get. Besides, I will be glad to keep an eye on the occupants of this room too.

"What do you say guys? Do ya wanta go sneak around in the dark?"
William stood looking to see if anyone was going to join in.

"Good at hiding, and uh... living in the desert. Recon, good?" Caihong says, mostly have been keeping to himself as he listen to every word spoken between all the guys. He wanted to try and apply these words to his own sentences, and quietly have been repeating what the others have been saying before speaking up.

I'm in for some recon. Luther was in for anything that would get him away from the din of noise in this room. He liked it quiet, and this was not that.

Nathaniel also rose from the table and gave Billy a nod of agreement.

If nothing else it would at least get him out of any potential entanglements of the musical variety.

It looked like everyone was in agreement with the recon.  William gave a nod to the group and started working his way around the table. He gave a wave with his hand indicating to move it along, to those a the table.
Making sure to make eye contact with Silver, William says in a lone tone, " Be carful. We'll be back as quickly as we can".

In reply to William Joseph Stratton (msg # 57):

Back to the wall mah frien'. You all as well.

Kane nodded, getting up and putting out his cigarette. He was shit when it came to recon. Maybe it was because of the cigarette scent that gave him away. Maybe it was because he was too set on a deathwish. Either way, he was ready to figure out this funny business.

     Jerehmiah gets a small bucket and fills it and goes in to the room with the drunk. He carefully props him up at a chair, leaning on a table and once the other man is stable he scoops up some water and splashes it directly aross the man's face. Jeremiah steps back with a towel at the ready, to see the effect.

The man's head rolls on his shoulders like Pinkerton swinging a sap, there might be the hint of a mumble from him as he does but the man drank so much he's not likely to be very helpful even if he can be roused at least for another hour or two.

In reply to Gamerunner (msg # 61):

"Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle, I figger'd you'd a woke by now. I'll be back, I got some questions. "

Silver leaves, locking the door from the outside and he nods at the barkeep. "A penny now for your toruble and a nickel if you can keep him til i come back. He drops a penny and slides it down the bar.

After that he headed to the faigroudns

-----> Fairgrounds at dusk
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Thu 29 Oct 2020.

The barman nods in agreement and says You be careful out there, things get rough after dark since the war ended.