The Prodigal X5 Returns

[likethemouse401]

He'd only really been in Seattle a few weeks. The hint of Aussie was still lingering in his voice, and it wasn't necessarily a problem -- sector police didn't check Australians for barcodes -- but it still was making him stand out. Standing out was always a bad thing, because it always attracted attention that he didn't want

Comments

[smart_alec494]

Alec looked up from the form he was filling out, noting the accent. He'd never tried an Australian one before. "Right here, dude." Because speaking of accent, Alec would always have 'military' in his. "At least if you've got money to go with it."

Jinx, chose that moment to stick his nose in. Literally. Because the breeze from the door carried scent down to him where he lounged on the blanket that Alec had been leaving on the floor fir him. Then person smelled like cat. Like pack a little bit, but it wasn't the Max person, or any of the other cats. His front paws landed up on the counter next to Alec and he cocked his head as he examined the new person.

Jinx's reaction made Alec pay more attention. He sniffed. If Jinx's was all about being alert then Alec was pretty sure in mean non-human. X5. All over. And sa new one to Seattle at that. alec didn't even recognize the face. He tapped the counter like he was impatient and flashed the hand signal for 'Unit'.

[likethemouse401]

His eyes caught the signal as he looked down to reach for his wallet, placing the package down on the counter. He recognized it instantly, and his eyes flashed up again, from him to the dog and back again, confused for a moment before he decided to turn his nose back on again.

X5. Well, well.

Clearly the guy didn't know who he was, so he was a bit more relaxed than he would have been, but he hadn't been on the run for five years just to get sent back to Manticore now -- whether it was in pieces or not.

He glanced around for a minute, trying to catch the sign of any handlers that might be in the area, before turning back to the X5 in front of him. "Charlie," he said, keeping his voice low as he slid the money across the counter.

[smart_alec494]

He cracked a small lopsided grin. "Off the leash." It ws just as quiet. Not a handler to be seen. He took the money, scrawled on a form and turned it for New Guy to sign. He scratched behind Jinx's ears and then flashed another quick set of signals for intel and one click west. That would land New Guy at a crowded sandwhich shop. Alec was grateful that while his hands still didn't look so great, they were up to sign language again.

He turned away. "Normal!"

"Yeah?" Nornal didn't bother coming out of his office.

"I uh, gotta jet. Dean called. He's gotta pick me up early." which had happened before.

There was a groan. "Fine you uneducated slacker. On time tomorrow or you're fired."

Alec grinned at the new guy.

[likethemouse401]

Alec was also lucky that Mickey's signals weren't as rusty as they could have been. He took the message and signed the form in front of him, before spinning it back towards him and giving him a friendly smile.

"Thanks a lot, mate. I'll be seein' ya around."

With that he walked out of the Jam Pony just like it was as business as usual, but instead of heading back in the direction he had come in, he made a casual turn West, slipping his hands in his pockets as he made his way in the direction that Alec had told him, not looking like he was heading anywhere in particular.

He probably should call into work, say that he was taking his lunch -- but he also knew that his boss really wasn't going to care, so long as he wasn't around the wife.