Gear:

It was another day in this blasted desert of a landscape, Ataru was out and about looking for more crew members. The Falcons of Hell needed a little something, Ataru wasn't sure what yet. He was in his typical gear the desert was a climate he was accustomed to while it wasn't his favorite. He had put notice signs all over the city, they all read similarly. That an elite treasure hunting group was looking for individuals of any occupational background. The only requirement was job secrecy, and the ability to travel for the foreseeable future. It also had fine print at the bottom that said government officials need not apply, this job requires loyalty to the employer over the government. As they would be operating in areas not always under government control. It listed the interview location as a quaint cafe tucked behind the bustling streets of the city. This was for two reasons one, it was diagonally across from the small bed and breakfast he was staying at. Secondly he wanted to be able to observe the interviewee in a more private area to better understand if they were qualified.

So far Ataru had turned down quite a number of applicants. Mostly because they didn't seem like they would last a second on the seas, he didn't need liabilities he needed usefulness. His mood was very polite and respectful anyone who sat down for the interview would be greeted just like this.

"Greetings Sir/Madam I am Ataru of the F.O.H we are an independent salvage and acquisition crew. What is your name?"After the person's brief introduction he would launch right back into speaking. "This is a business as I'm sure you understand but here at F.O.H we also like to see each member as more than that. We like to approach each other as family this helps with small unit leadership, in the business you never know when you'll be split from the company. Would you be comfortable working in a setting like this? How do you feel about violence, while it doesn't happen all the time some cultures, especially those that are relatively unknown can be hostile. What capabilities do you bring to the table relative to combat? It's completely fine if you have no combat skills, instead what can you bring to our organization? I know these questions can seem direct but I assure you each question has been vetted personally by our own specialized marketing team.

Ataru would listen closely to the first interviewee making sure to keep eye contact the entire time. He wanted to reassure any applicants and he would make verbal reaffirmation to his listening. While also nodding along at specific points in their talking.

WC: 454/250

Her arrival at Rubeck island did not leave her with a great impression. The scorching sun, the ancient desert, and dry air did not make a good combination. Compared to any cold weather, however, this was definitely a landscape that Haru would prefer. The land of the blues was far different than what she had expected. While she knew that it wasn't wise to trust rumors, Haru also understood that this was simply one island. There were many more islands around the blues, however, she simply had the luck to find this one as her first island.

The young woman looked around the area before the sound of a deep voice reached her ears. She glanced at the direction, to see a man speaking loudly of his crew. Curiosity piqued within her mind as she walked closer to hear what he was talking about. An independent salvage and acquisition crew? For a moment, she was confused with the words that he had used to describe his crew until her mind began to unscramble the words. Haru could briefly recall those advertisement signs she had seen within the city, and while she had ignored them somehow she found herself towards the location where the man was advertising. Doubts filled her head, he was a man. Was he to be trusted or would he betray her? Cautiously she called out to him, her voice full of suspicion. "What will we get in return? Do you simply require our services and nothing else?"

Haru forced a bored expression upon her face, she wasn't particularly impressed by the words he chose, however, the idea was rather tempting. If they were to keep their end of the bargain this would benefit her greatly. But there were still multiple risks that would have to be taken, especially the risk of being betrayed. For now, she simply needed to test the waters. She had to be given an idea of whether he was to be trusted and his idea of a treasure hunting guild had no ulterior motive.

Knuckles walked up behind Ru, his appearance is matched to what one would assume a Scientist or Doctor would look like. No white trench coat here, no he wore a black coat which was currently sipped up showing only a part of his grey undershirt. His jacket hung over his black pants just as his pants hung over his black combat styled boots.  While his appearance perhaps didn't say much about what sort of position he was in Knuckles was indeed the Captain of the Falcons of Hell, not by choice though it was simply placed into his lap.  While Ru was off shouting his lungs off to find someone to join them, it was becoming apain. Most of these people were seeking a payout with no effort.  That changed when someone with some sense walked up to Ru and asked a few question Knuckles slid on into the conversation assisting his friend.

"Why yes, all we ask is that you fulfill your duties you sign up for. In return the treasure is split amongst those who are part of our crew. Not only will your pockets be too full with gold to walk around you also get free medical!   Was he as silver tongued as Ru, perhaps not though he gave a answer anyone would love with an extra bonus. Though that free medical part he might regret later if was still the only Doctor on board. What was he getting himself into?

The recruitment seemed to be going well though for the most part, they had came here to find a friend of Ru's  but had no such luck. Instead they needed to find others to take that spot. Knuckles did hope this desert plain had someone worth to offer.

Ataru watched as a more came to the cafe to interview so far he had been incredibly disappointed with all the interviews so far. That was when he heard a girl holler at him from a little across the way asking about payment. Typically such answers would be met with a scoff, however Ataru was a little more desperate than usual. Such rudeness who asks for the pay before they even bother to list their own qualifications. For all I know she could be just another grunt with some attitude. When he was about to respond his Captain appeared, to answer the bored looking woman.

At the arrival of his captain, Ataru would give a quick gesture where placed his fist on his heart while saying "Greetings Cap'n". He would then pause and allow Knuckles to speak listening to him as well. Ataru held his laughter but almost did at the mention of free medical.Well I guess if he's offering his services I shall offer mine as well. Though I really wish he didn't talk about payments before we learned what capabilities the girl has. He does like blunt people though, so she probably stuck out to him.

Smiling at both individuals Ataru would begin to speak again. "Here at F.O.H we are a merit based crew, with very little rules which means the few we have are important. There is a zero tolerance policy towards violence against crew mates. The only exception being of course if both parties waive their right to this policy for a mutual agreed upon engagement. Your pay range depends on what exactly you bring to the table. The main excavation team, is looking at pay out minimums of 150,000 Beli while we are operating in the blues. Once we move to Paradise that minimum increases to around 500,000 Beli for the increased danger. Services offered at the moment are of course Medical as my captain mentioned and I offer a dial services. Now its my turn to be blunt, why do we want you on our team?" He would speak like this not just to answer the girls question, but since she wasn't sitting down anyone nearby would also hear the payments. He knew that ultimately people were in it for the Beli something he could understand a lot easier than dreams.

Unfortunately for Ataru, it seemed his line of questioned had upset the prospect. She walked off and Ataru waited tos ee if anyone else would respond to the add waiting at the cafe patiently. He would ask the same questions from the first post to the next person who entered.

WC: 388/250

Rubeck another beautiful kingdom, Aloeus seemed to find himself in a lot of those lately. Having left the city of white to a dessert kingdom that in its own right was special. Unlike the newly rebuilt Flevance, Rubeck was ancient looking nearly identical to how it was in its founding but still ahead of the times. Everywhere there were monuments erected to some deity or were they royalty. It didn’t truly matter all of equaled beli. Beli in the structures beli buried under the sand. It would be well worth expedition for anyone knew where to look.

Dressed in his usual tropical open button up he wore with it baggy white linen pants and a green bucket hat, covering his eyes with eye with his goggles for a much needed relief from brightness reflecting off the sand.  In tow was large bag many times his size covering a weight that one think impossible for him to carry. But he wasn’t even carrying it, but n on would be able to discern this. On his head the sack rested, floating as he walked. To on lookers it would look like the sack was moving on its own accord. The wind picked up blowing a flier in his face. Grabbing snatching it up he began to read  Falcon's of Hell... More sun light was being casted up upon him no longer was the large bag casting its shade on him. Someone's curiosity had gotten the best of them. Standing above him was tall slender man who had gotten a glimpse of what was in the blinded by the white stone reflecting the sun he didn't see the owner of the loot. Raising his hand not to reclaim his stash but in assault to the nosy citizen Aloe sent bag hurtling into the man's face breaking his nose he let out a scream. Rushing to his cover his nose blood gushed out spraying his lightly color clothes. Not knowing what happen several people came over to help. Aloe walked on disregarding the flier he let fly away since it now had blood on it. Floating the bag to roof level Aloe didn't want a repeat of before. Watching near by was a young boy dirty boy who would begin to tail Aloe.

It didn't take long for Aloeus to find what he was searching for. A traveling merchant stood outside his temporary stand beckoning people to come take a look at his assorted wares. Right by the hotel that faced the restaurant in which FOH hopefuls were meeting. The merchant would frequently rush up to those he figured might take the bait. It was working this guy did have some nice stuff after all. Aloe had gone up to the stall intending to look for a possible trade. But he wouldn't get to look long before being spotted.

You there Fairy! Don't touch anything!!! The shop keeper scolded as he scurried to protect his goods. This man was right to be wary Dwarves while traditionally honest were notoriously entitled. If they were so inclined they would take as they pleased from big humans. But Aloeus was worse than that he was a thief by profession.

You have the right instincts but your off base my friend if I was here to steal you wouldn't see me. It's not like you got the valuables out here Aloe retorted. Looking back he met the man's gaze and new that he was right. Fine then what do you want. Don't think I've seen one you outside the grandline, walking around. But I guess they have to come from somewhere, the man said his trailing off.

With that comment Aloe grew livid knowing that man was talking about slaves it took everything in him not to destroy the man's shop. Instead he changed the subject. I'm looking to sale white lead he would say as calm as if it were vegetables. To the mans dismay he wasn't the only person to here Aloeus offer quickly he rushed into stall so he could start negotiations with some privacy.

The watchful boys patience had payed off not only did he know what where the loot was but what it was. What would be his play?

How sad, it seemed the girl was scared of buy the question. That's was a good in a way, now he didn't have to worry about getting some harassment calls on him if he ever gave her an exam. That would be bad for business. "Damn, don't any of these people want to make money and have adventures. They just want the damn hand out. This is why slavery is probably so popular. Even though that shit is disgusting right Ru? You'd never partake in that stuff you understand." He was about to go one complaining about the people here but then he heard a yell coming from across the street. Sounded like a disagreement at most. Looking over all he could see would be a older male walking into his store and a floating bag? What kind of magic type shit was that!? Knuckles had to see this up in person. Blowing past the people in the street he pushed into the shop seconds after the bag had wondered in. Maybe it was some kind of tech that allowed the bag to float through magnetism, no no, that wouldn't work as the bag was following the man too now just floating. Not to mention the sandy terrain would make that really difficult to work out . Even if they had figured it out Knuckles didn't see nothing to pull the bag behind him, it was simply too puzzling to figure out with out seeing in person!

Ataru was wondering if anyone of note would show up when Knuckles struck up a conversation. At the mention of slavery Ataru choked on his water he had been drinking."Cough Cough Slavery of course not that's digusting!Ataru of course was lying through his teeth and the voices would not let such a matter to rest so easily. The voices came too fast for him to even slow down one to understand, he felt the incredible pressure in his head. He just wanted to go away even if it was for a second that's when he blacked out for a brief second. For Knuckles and the audience they would get a different show entirely. Ataru in his neurotic state "accidentally" activated his jet dial cause him and his chair to shoot up into the ceiling of the cafe. This would knock Ataru on his ass for no more than a brief second. Happening simultaneously as the woman's yell it was unlikely that Knuckles would divert from his path of walking out. The audience inside would stare and laugh at Ataru for a second before he stood and they all went quiet at the sight of his sword. It would be enough for him to forget the topic they were just discussing. As he was looking back up he saw that Knuckles had walked off towards something.I wonder what Knux is going to check out I'll just watch through my vision dials just in case he needs some back up. Still have to make sure someone is here in case someone else shows up.

Pulling out his vision dial Ataru would occasionally glance over in his Captain's direction in case of trouble. He wondered what had caused his jet dial to activate as well.I hope I'm not losing track of memories again that ended poorly last time. If it does happen again I'll probably have to tell the captain for my own safety. Sigh, I'm sure it was a one time thing nothing to get worked up over. ITS NOT OVER, you know yOU wILL pAYYYY. The rogue thought went away as fast as it came. Ataru knew Knuckles was a doctor and probably someone that could help him with his psychiatric problems, yet he still hadn't come to terms with having inner voices.

WC: 383/250

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The boy had seen the posters around town and was even there when some of them went up. So he knew that this was just outside of their meeting spot. If he managed to steal the white lead then he could leverage them for a spot in the expedition. Something about the words on the flier and the recruitment seemed off like not everything was on the up and up. That was okay with Troy though he didn’t want to excavate anything that wasn’t the life for him. But a ticket out of this dust bowl was. He could also manage that by outright selling the goods himself. He knew people after all. Important ones by way of proxy, Amru was nobody just a con at best.

“Look your stuff isn’t worth that much Flevance is that far away. We see this stuff often enough. I think I still have that dinner set someone sold me. The bottom line that stuff is toxic it takes a very particular customer who is willing to take it.”

“Go shovel that shit somewhere else! I know that this kingdom doesn’t do enough business with Flevance that Amber Lead is common enough for you to blow up this deal.“


“Have you been outside today? Imagine if the show across the lead who’d be able to see? I’ll tell you what I don’t normally deal with dirty goods;” Amaru pauses as if the thought dealing with stolen goods weighed on his conscience. “What is it some nick knacks you took from people’s houses?” Amaru quotes Aloeus a price at which he counters a few times. When they come to an agreement Aloeus goes, outside that he could walk the Amber lead in.

Troy had left the spot in which he the Amaru’s store before Knuckle had come out. He had climbed on top of the roof closest to the stall and had rigged a contraption to get the bag that was 6ft away from the roof’s ledge, two stories off the ground.  Troy shook with excitement the treasure was about to be his when the pole began to pull him forward. The bag was descending too quickly! Aloe had spotted the kid just before he began to fall but it was too late for Aloeus to keep his secrets and save the boy so it all came crashing down. Aloeus released his hold on the on the Amber Lead making sure that the untreated lead would fall on top of the cloth and not actually touch the boy.  Letting out a loud scream he crashed through the stall causing it to collapse on him and Amru.

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Knuckles walked into the shop seeing nothing really out of the ordinary happening. He took a glance or two around and shrugged. He had looked at some of the items they had for sale but nothing of serve interest to him here. Turning around he walked out, probably right past the Dwarf not even noticing him if he had walked past him. How odd he thought this occurrence was. There was commotion one second then gone the next. It was if the issue was something small, and out of site. Like it was nothing big at all. Knuckles was making his way back past the crowd walking back up to Ru, he looked at his friend wondering why his helm had a scuff mark on it and why alot of people kept looking back at him. Did you helmet fall of your head of something Ru? These people seem to be starring at you as if you removed it. It's like that time when we saved those cats and those people were in awe. What did you do here?" He was now curious why Ru was getting so much attention, maybe that was why no one had really stepped up that was serious about this gig. Perhaps they was worried what would occur with Ru on the ship with them. He hoped that wasn't the case. Shaking the thoughts from his head he reached down grabbing a sign of theirs and held it in the air. He was tempted to use Rev propaganda to seek the help of these people.

While watching Knuckles something interesting happened that he didn't take notice of. Someone had screamed and one of the trader's stand fell as a result. Ataru put up the vision dial, his helmet was scratched a little from the incident as Knuckles commented. "Ugh sometimes I get caught up in big plots to make money, you know the life of a merchant can be interesting. I'm going to check out what happened at that stand over there. You should be more than capable to hold the fort down Knux." As he passed Knuckles he would give him a fist bump to assure him everything was fine. At least for now it was Ataru moved over to the scene of the incident to help the boy out of the tangled mess. On his way he spotted a familiar face, one that they had originally come to the four blues for. It was Aloeus, or at least it looked kind of like him so hopefully Ataru wasn't being racist towards dwarves. He would start to walk towards him waving and speaking at the same time. He would also remove his helmet up until then if Aloeus had glanced his way he would probably have no idea who was waving at him.

"Aloeus, is that you? It's been ages man, how have you been?"As he walked closer the people who had been watching would start to walk away. Sadly for Ataru his reputation from traveling with Revolutionaries was really well known in the blues. Not many would want to associate with him even though the World Government held no sway over the town, his bounty was enough to scare them. After he spoke a couple words to Aloeus to show him his face he would put his helmet back on. God I can't wait to get the fuck out of here, hate everyone knowing me this is annoying.

WC: 314/250

Troy’s fall through the stall had created a big mess but luckily for him he had a relatively soft landing managing to only break one arm. The shop keeper had been knocked out by a piece of fallen debris. By the time he woke up Aloeus and company would be gone completely missing his freak out not only over his store situation but a potentially lucrative deal. Scattered amongst the debris were Aloeus’ amber lead. There wasn’t nearly as much of a mad dash to pick up as Aloeus would have thought. Maybe the citizens were more refined here, still in shock, or it could be the lead was still taboo. But there were still plenty ‘helpful’ people around willing to help clean up starting with the raw lead but there were also those who went to help Amaru and Troy. Troy was less concerned about his arm than he was escaping; it had to be the adrenaline.

With the flicker of his hand the lead would hold down in place to those trying to move the material it would just seem too heavy, unless they were stronger than Aloeus. With the danger of his stuff being taken dealt with he turned to the shop to deal with ass hole who obviously was trying to steal from him. With a great fury he started towards the kid who was being held by a few people trying to care for him. “You fucking thief-!“  But who am I to judge Fufuha Aloeus’ internal laughter and mixed admiration came to halt at the call of his name. Who the fuck is that? Seeing there weren’t many who knew him by name Aloeus turned around half expecting to see another dwarf. Instead his eyes were greeted by hairy set of legs that belonged to no woman that he knew but were still adorned with a skirt. Aloe’s mind went back several years ago. Aloes would run towards Ataru with his arms outstretched crying out “A t a r u…” as he put on his helmet. At the last moment he would sneering and avoid attempt to catch or embrace him and instead head but the man on the forehead and land on the ground. “You left me there to die!” Make no mistake these were exaggerations of the tallest order. The pair’s last mission was dangerous but Aloe had  been the one to leave the group behind.

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Knuckles gave up on trying to find anyone amongst these people. Seeing the gather of people Knuckles had just came from there. Looking to make a quick pay day with his doctor skills he walked over pushing through the crowd passed Ru and the Dwarf not even noticing them. "Make room make room I am a Doctor I can help!" The people seemed to clear at this point letting him judge the damage. "Where are your parents kid?" Knuckles had asked trying to see if he would be able to get paid or not. It wasn't that Knux wouldn't help the boy if he didn't have parents but the care he would get depended on it. With no money perhaps just an examination of the damage, with money probably some help. He had a crew to gear up after all. Not to mention inventions to fund. Wars weren't cheap and he wasn't getting paid enough either. Upon further review he noticed the arm was swelling and turning black and blue due to the swollen and burst blood vessels within the arm. It didn't seem to be too serious as no bone was sticking out likely a small fracture. Knuckles pulled out some pills from his doctors pouch and fed them to the boy. If he accepted Knuckles would slightly grin. The fee would have just doubled hahahahaha. Was he wrong for trying to do this he didn't think so. Doctors work wasn't cheap and neither was the medicines he used.

Ataru was happy to see Aloeus still remembered him, that was until the headbutt. Granted the headbutt wasn't too strong and it didn't really do much to Ataru besides leaving a small scratch. It was more of the surprise of it that shook him for a second, not an entirely crazy reaction. With the old crew there was no definitive answer on who left who first. The only thing for certain was that the crew ended in disaster with nothing to show for but a large bounty on his head. Ataru quick with his words, as merchants and brokers tend to be, decided to turn this all on its head at this moment."Ah, it doesn't really matter who left who. What matters is that I can easily make up for it by inviting you to the crew I'm in now, we could use someone of your talents." As he said talent he looked around to make sure no one was to close to hear the next part as it was more of a whisper to Aloeus."You're still in the same profession right, we don't know how long we'll be on this island we got plans to score big maybe even in paradise eventually. I don't know if you've been to paradise in a while, but there's islands full of treasure with not a soul to claim them. All for the taking, not to mention the Marines are so busy with Oceanus and Abfall there's plenty of opportunities for folks like us."

Ataru would see Knuckles going over to the child to treat him for his injuries. He would also use this even though he was pretty sure that he had ulterior motives. "The captain is a real people person he's right over there, look at him taking care of that child. He's a genius good with machines and anatomy." Ataru planned on showing Aloeus his own skills at a later date, he didn't particularly like to brag about himself. Especially with someone who knew him when he was younger.

WC: 339/250

Aloeus was surprised to find Ataru it had been more than two years since they last spoke. Neither of them was from whatever island they parted and the ocean was a big place. To find some again in a completely different must have been fate. Aloeus wasn’t much of believer in fate but he was a gambling man. Luck seemed to be on their side so Ataru was a good bet. At the mention of his profession it would bring the surface why he was here. Interrupting Ataru, Aloe would ask him for his help before continuing the conversation.  “As a matter of fact I was here for that very reason.” Gesturing to shining white rocks pieces that were scattered in the sand the dwarf inquired “could you help me with these?” If Ataru agreed Aloe would first secure the statue and black bag before moving on the raw pieces. “Yes as a matter of fact I am expanding shipping and handling.” Aloe would never admit this out loud but there were some things that even he couldn’t do alone. He had yet to realize that there would come day he would need the support of a team. "Its been years since   I was in paradise but my hobbies call for me to be informed “Well we can’t just leave the treasure sitting there now can we? ” Rubbing a finger across his nose as if he could smell the treasure he responded “I can't in good conscious leave the treasure with out a home,” the dwarf smiled genuinely. Which was his way of saying that he would join up with Ataru once again.
Nearly done with the pile of lead near he looked back at Ataru, who was looking at Knux as he talked. [i]Help those who help themselves. Aloe didn't think much of Knuckle helping the kid, but having a doctor around was always useful. It had been awhile and Aloeus had a few new tricks of his own that would come in handy.

Troy would except the pills but not take them already thinking of selling them he started calling Knuckle a pervert. "This guy is trying to fill me up and drug me! No you can't by my 'daddy sicko'. At the first chance he got he would call out to Aloeus, if Knuckle didn't stop him he would run away towards Aloe. "Hey little guy I know what that is this guy would have ripped you off but I know where could get good price, for percentage that is."

Aloe would scold the kid for stealing but eventually coming to arrangement that resulted in flat fee for introduction. But only to end with allow hitting him in his non injured arm for his shit negotiating. "How you going to be a thief with two broken arm Eggplant head.?"

After meeting the man who would be leading him for the foreseeable future he would inform Knuckle and Ataru that he had some business to finish. Taking the Amber Lead from Ataru had collected he would add it to his own bag and walk with boy around the corner still within earshot of they didn't follow along. Troy would lead inside a building and stop at an interior door. After once again stressing the importance of the introduction he was making he would buzz the door. A woman's voice would ask a coded message and after it was answered. The pair would enter and exit 13 minutes later. Aloe would then pay the child what he should have negotiated for, on top of what he was paid by the organization.

Returning to the pair he still had the black bag but its contents had shrunk down to one covered object that rested on his back

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