Post by Porter on Feb 18, 2006 0:59:21 GMT -5
The darkness had started to recede back into the shadows of he buildings as the morning sun began to rise from its slumber. The streets remained void of life except for a pack of dogs that were scavenging for their morning meal. The group had rummaged through the nearby trash disposal and started to gorge themselves on any edible portion they found. The lead dog, a German Shepherd, let loose a threatening growl when a man emerged from the shadows of a nearby alley. After a moment of trepidation, the animals realized the man was not a threat to their breakfast. Returning their focus to the treasure they had found, the pack continued to devour the first meal they had found in days.
Erick observed the dogs for a moment before glancing towards the row of shops that lined both sides of the street. Any and all types of businesses had setup shop in this Seattle district, from food shacks to book stores. During their peak hours the streets would be crowded with all walks of life as the shop owners tried to entice the onlookers in with announcements of bargains. Erick reached down, moving his left hand over the leather satchel that rested against his side. Even through the thick hide, he could feel the vibrations of energy radiating from the object inside. Bringing the edges of the lined jacket tight around his body and over the satchel, Erick began a casual pace towards the shops.
The journey back from Portland had taken its toll on Erick and it showed. The “simple” courier run that Sirah had offered him was anything but. With every step he took, his feet dragged across the concrete, making it appear he was carrying the weight of the world on his back. The dark circles under his eyes made his emerald gaze seem dull and listless, like that of a man had not slept in some time. His body ached from the bruises that were hidden from sight. But to Erick, the promise of a hefty Nuyen cred stick would make the events of the last forty-eight hours a distant memory. The moment Erick spotted the familiar shop sign for the Eight Muse; he got a familiar bounce in his step, as he knew the journey was coming to a close.
The morning’s silence was broken when Erick heard the eruption of threatening snarls from behind. Erick turned to see the German Shepherd and the rest focused on the alley he had exited moments earlier. However this time, the animals did not lessen their stance. Rather the growls continued to escalate until the German Shepherd sprinted off into the narrow corridor. The remainder of the pack followed the alpha dog, without hesitation. Erick heard the fury of the pack increase as the barking and growling reached deafening levels. Within seconds, the rage of the pack was stifled. Erick heard a pitiful yelp followed by an eerie silence. Erick stood his ground, waiting to see who or what was going to exit the alleyway.
Curiosity got the better of the man. Carefully stepping forward, Erick kept his attention focused as his jacket to fell loose on his frame. Nearing the entrance to the alley, Erick’s gaze narrowed, straining to catch a glimpse into the darkness. The tips of his fingers slipped under the folds of the corduroy jacket until he felt the textured grip of his trusty firearm. The moment he started to grip the handle, a sudden explosion of pain lashed out through the length of his body. Collapsing against the nearby wall, his jaw clenched shut in an attempt to dilute the intensity. Muscles constricted and limbs became rigid as agonizing pain continued on for what felt like hours. The last thing Erick remembered was the cold chill emitted from the cement wall as darkness over took him.
To Be Continued...
Erick observed the dogs for a moment before glancing towards the row of shops that lined both sides of the street. Any and all types of businesses had setup shop in this Seattle district, from food shacks to book stores. During their peak hours the streets would be crowded with all walks of life as the shop owners tried to entice the onlookers in with announcements of bargains. Erick reached down, moving his left hand over the leather satchel that rested against his side. Even through the thick hide, he could feel the vibrations of energy radiating from the object inside. Bringing the edges of the lined jacket tight around his body and over the satchel, Erick began a casual pace towards the shops.
The journey back from Portland had taken its toll on Erick and it showed. The “simple” courier run that Sirah had offered him was anything but. With every step he took, his feet dragged across the concrete, making it appear he was carrying the weight of the world on his back. The dark circles under his eyes made his emerald gaze seem dull and listless, like that of a man had not slept in some time. His body ached from the bruises that were hidden from sight. But to Erick, the promise of a hefty Nuyen cred stick would make the events of the last forty-eight hours a distant memory. The moment Erick spotted the familiar shop sign for the Eight Muse; he got a familiar bounce in his step, as he knew the journey was coming to a close.
The morning’s silence was broken when Erick heard the eruption of threatening snarls from behind. Erick turned to see the German Shepherd and the rest focused on the alley he had exited moments earlier. However this time, the animals did not lessen their stance. Rather the growls continued to escalate until the German Shepherd sprinted off into the narrow corridor. The remainder of the pack followed the alpha dog, without hesitation. Erick heard the fury of the pack increase as the barking and growling reached deafening levels. Within seconds, the rage of the pack was stifled. Erick heard a pitiful yelp followed by an eerie silence. Erick stood his ground, waiting to see who or what was going to exit the alleyway.
Curiosity got the better of the man. Carefully stepping forward, Erick kept his attention focused as his jacket to fell loose on his frame. Nearing the entrance to the alley, Erick’s gaze narrowed, straining to catch a glimpse into the darkness. The tips of his fingers slipped under the folds of the corduroy jacket until he felt the textured grip of his trusty firearm. The moment he started to grip the handle, a sudden explosion of pain lashed out through the length of his body. Collapsing against the nearby wall, his jaw clenched shut in an attempt to dilute the intensity. Muscles constricted and limbs became rigid as agonizing pain continued on for what felt like hours. The last thing Erick remembered was the cold chill emitted from the cement wall as darkness over took him.
To Be Continued...