[log] the sound and the furry [closed] backdated

[clockblock]

Characters: Alister Azimuth and Steve Rogers
Location D1, building 8
Date: DAY 53
Summary: Captain America and a space cat grandpa spend the night under the same roof.
Warnings: None at this time!

[It had been a long day of scooping away snow from around the perimeter of building 2. Hard work, cold work, made three times as difficult by the lack of a shovel or any decent substitute. But Alister still had his gloves, and he had the time. What he didn't have, and would not find, was what he was looking for: a venue of outside access into where building 2's trapdoor would have led. Bunker doors set near the house's foundation, a hatch built into a wall....something, anything. By the time that the outside light began to dim, Alister was forced to conclude that there was nothing. Disappointing. Yet, in his opinion, worth knowing. He could try other things, move on to new ideas.

Tomorrow.

He retrieves his pack from building 2 and treks over to building 8, opening up the door and walking inside to settle in for the night. The rusty fireplace poker he found a couple days ago never leaves his hand as he scopes out the interior in a quick check for other.....occupants. It was no Omniwrench and far from a proper weapon, but he still felt a little better for having it.]

Comments

[starsandtights]

((OOC: I'm going to pretend this is immediately after Steve's Evening 53 network post. Somehow. Maybe he came inside a little early, he's been working hard in the snow all day too and it's cold out there. And he was being super cautious not to overestimate travel time because he's new here. *handwave*))

[Steve is all burrito'd up in the smaller bedroom upstairs, poking around to see if anything important came up on the network, when he hears the sound of the front door opening and closing. He freezes, then swears under his breath, untangling himself and stuffing his sheets, his book, and his tablet into his new pack before slinging both packs onto his back; if it's a monster and he needs to get out in a hurry, he doesn't want to leave any of his stuff behind. Trusty scrap-metal poking stick in hand, he caaaaaarefully eases open the bedroom door and steals silently toward the stairs; he may not be a space cat, but for a big hunk of human muscle he's nearly as quiet as one.]

[clockblock]

[Alister does a quick sweep of the bottom floor first, ears pricked for odd sounds and his night-vision giving him a slight edge in the dim light. Since he's been here before, he doesn't bother thinking about doing a search for supplies or secrets. Making sure that there aren't any hostiles is his first and only priority.

He moves as quietly as he can, keeping his back to the walls, but he's never been part of Special Ops and his shoes are metallic. They clink softly with each careful footstep.]

[starsandtights]

[Steve slinks down the stairs then stops and listens. There it is—the slight 'clunk' of something walking in the next room. He sneaks over to the door, takes a few moments to prepare himself, then ducks his head around the edge of the doorway to see what it is. It's hard to see much detail in the fading light, but he can tell that whatever it is is definitely not human. Before he can think or do anything else, it spots him.

Adrenaline floods his system; he's ready for fight or flight.]

Are you a monster please tell me you're not a monster!

[clockblock]

[After years spent first in the military and then eking out a paranoid, solitary existence, Alister has very sharply honed instincts, especially when it comes to minute changes in his environment and sensing others within his space. He feels Steve's eyes on him and swivels his head that way. Reflexes have got his poker on an upswing motion, ready to block and guard incoming attacks, before the man's shape registers as being human. Then that voice pierces through as well, loud in the darkness and charged with adrenaline. Unfamiliar, but mortal. For the species, ordinary. Possibly not a threat on his life.

With a supreme effort, Alister abruptly goes still. Poised to defend himself, but not strike out.]

I'm not a monster. Calm down.

[A firm voice, if one strained tight with an undercurrent of tension. Battle nerves kicked into high gear independent of logical thinking.]

I've got a tablet, and rations, and the need to sleep inside. Just like you.

[starsandtights]

[Steve's alarm register immediately goes down a few notches. Everyone who's told him about the monsters insists they don't talk. Steve's not entirely sure what this thing is, but it's not attacking him, so that's a good sign.]

...Well. Good. I was really hoping to not have to go outside again today.

[Steve puts a hand out, palm open, a 'please don't attack me, thanks' gesture. He carefully and slowly lowers his poking stick to his side.]

It's a big house, I don't mind sharing if you don't. ...What's your name? I'm Steve.

[clockblock]

The doors are about to lock. You wouldn't make it far if you did.

[He notes the gesture, can recognize it, and lowers his makeshift weapon. But he doesn't let it drop entirely. While he's hoping for peace, he's still prepared for a fight. To kill, if that's the only option left to him. Because it hasn't gone amiss how Steve thought he was a monster based on appearance alone.]

....my username on the network is Fastoon. That will suffice.

[A slight jerk of his head to the ceiling, indicating the floor above them.]

You were upstairs, then.

[starsandtights]

Yeah, that would be one reason I didn't want to have to go outside.

Fastoon it is then. Nice to make your acquaintance.

[Steve gives a short nod.] I was. Heard the the door open and shut, wasn't sure who or what was down here. ...I've checked the whole house already, there's nothing else in here with us. You're welcome to take a look yourself, of course.

[clockblock]

[A nod, then he studies what he can see of Steve's face in dim light, eyes narrowed and watchful. Thinking it over. What he's heard about the dangerous creatures is that they attacked immediately, and were not prone to lying in wait to seize a later opportunity. This house isn't big enough to simply overlook one.....if Steve is smart enough to approach strange noises with care and silence, he's likely smart enough to do a thorough search of his surroundings.]

I'll take your word for it. [An eyebrow quirk.] How long have you been here?

[starsandtights]

[Steve is actually a little surprised Fastoon is willing to take his word on it, considering how carefully he's watching Steve, and what with giving a fake name and all. It's good though. A small sign of trust.]

In the house? About an hour, maybe a little longer. In Norfinbury? Two whole days now.

[clockblock]

About an hour....that explains why I didn't see you enter.

[He had been kneeling in the snow next to building 2, intent on his work and obscured from view. Alister shifts his weight before walking forward, a small warning before he moves. He wants to set up a sleeping place on the first floor, in a nice, solid corner.]

Only two days? ["Poor bastard", his tone almost implies.] Coming up on two weeks for me.

[starsandtights]

[Steve raises an eyebrow.]

Were you watching the house?

[Steve backs up out of the doorway, giving Fastoon room to get by him.]

Yep, I'm a brand-new immigrant to this lovely town.

[clockblock]

No, but I was across the way. You would have been in my eyeline.

[He brushes past, tail flicking back and forth behind him, ears still pricked. Exposing his back, but not for long, and fully prepared to lash out with punishing force if an attempt to exploit that small and fleeting bit of almost-but-not-really trust should come.]

More's the pity. [He slings off his pack and takes out some rations.] Find anything worth trading in those two days, Steve?

[starsandtights]

Ah.

[Steve leans back against the wall, relaxed and intentionally giving Fastoon lots of space. He raises his eyebrows at his inquiry about trading.]

I dunno, you looking for anything in particular?

[clockblock]

[Chemicals. Weapons. Tools. Things to burn and things to make them burn. Medical supplies, but not drugs, because he can't be sure that anything meant for humans would work on him like it ought to. For all he knew, it could make his fur fall out or send him into a coma.

Alister doesn't voice any of that right out, though. He doesn't think Steve would give up such things if he did have them. Too precious. Better not to show his hand in that way when he doesn't have much (if anything) worth bargaining with for high quality loot like that.]

I don't suppose you've run across any spare parts? Gears and wire, screws, things like that. It's fine even if they're third-hand.

[starsandtights]

[Steve winces.] I'm afraid I haven't. Unless you want some... coins?

[It occurs to Steve he's carrying some electronics, but he's not really sure he's ready to scrap them just yet. Especially not his phone. If the Avengers show up, he's going to want to still have that.]

...What do you need them for?

[clockblock]

Coins might do.

[Not for this, but for other things. You never knew when a bit of metal or alloy came in handy. In response to Steve's question, he raps the knuckles of one gloved hand against the chestplate of his outfit.]

I'm looking to make a few repairs. The communication system in my armor hasn't been working since my arrival.

[starsandtights]

Well then, heck. [Steve slings his backpack to the ground and digs around for his wallet and unzips the little coin pouch, emptying it into one hand.] I've got... three dimes, and two pennies. [He holds them out for Fastoon to see.]

Hmmmm. I don't have any service on my phone, either, but I assumed that was because Tony doesn't have any satellites in this dimension.