Off the Rails

[Rails]

Downtown Sacramento. X street. Between 19th and 20th. That's where the Blue Line passes under I-80.

And that's where Rails is waiting.

It's late afternoon, shading into evening. The sun is low on the horizon. Everything is tinted a lazy, hazy gold.

Rails is lingering beneath a big tree, very close to the Railroad Crossing sign for the light rail. He's still wearing his work clothes: a pair of blue coveralls and heavy, black boots. Smoking with a level of intensity only someone who's been down bad can muster. It's the kind of smoking you see after an NA meeting ends.

There are few people on the street. Not many destinations in this part of town. But those who do pass him by barely register the Warlock. Just the way he likes it.

He's not sure what to expect. Winter is an unknown quantity. One thing's for sure: he's the only Guardian contact Rails is aware of in Sacramento. And that's enough.

Stats

Active Spells: 2/5
Personal Spells: 2/3
Vulgar: 0
[2R] Mental Shield
[4R] Incognito Presence

Equipment

Cell Phone
Magical Tool
Cigarettes + Lighter

[Winter]

A cold wind blows, but it's a pleasant afternoon. The Guardian walks across the mainline, clad in a brown coat, enjoying the sight and taking a leisure stroll, a lit cigarette stuck between his lips.
He stops by the railroad crossing sign, studying the only other person there.
"Nice weather"

[Rails]

Rails watches the guy amble up. Still fuming smoke.

Looks up at the sky, back to Winter. "Good enough." A weird way to talk about the weather.

Smokes in silence for another 15, 20 seconds.

"You looking for somebody?"

Because why not? Rails is pretty sure this is the guy. Might as well make him say it.

[Winter]

"Somebody was looking for me", he shrugs, "it's only polite to answer"

[Rails]

"Politeness has its uses," he replies with something that approximates a smile.

"I'm Rails," pitches his butt into the street. Extracts another. Lights it.

"Want to take a walk?"

[Winter]

He makes a note of coming back later and collect that cigarette butt.
"Winter", he responds, taking the first step of their walk "sure, the road up north is quiet enough. You got my number from the classifieds?"

[Rails]

"I did," he responds simply, falling into step with his fellow Guardian.

"Thought it best to look you up directly. Get the lay of the land."

He smokes for a moment in silence. Thoughtful.

"So are we the only two?" Might as well start there. Not that he'll fully believe the answer. In their organization, firewalls have to be maintained.

At the very least, he can learn what Winter is willing to disclose.

[Winter]

"Sometimes", he remarks, "sometimes not. The city goes from desolate backwater to hot front, people come and go with the flow", the sidewalk is surprisingly dirty today.
He winces.
"What brings you here? Business or...?"

[Rails]

"I get it." And he does. Disposition of forces. Pieces move in. Pieces move out. All depends on the level of need.

A sidelong glance at Winter as he ponders the question.

"It's always business. Even if you don't know what that business is yet."

A pause. Rails decides to go a little further.

"You know how it is, our line of work. Sometimes you've got to move on. Start fresh."

He gestures around them: Behold. My new beginning.

"How about you? Been in town long?" He'd thought to ask: What's your story? But he's not in the mood for lies. Other than his own, of course.

[Winter]

"Right", he echoes the sentiment, "been awhile. Things used to be much wilder back then, luckily they've calmed down a little. The community here is tight. There's about three of us who've been around more than a few months, the rest is fresh blood"