Ain't Talkin'

Seven men stood in the lengthening shadows of a gas station southeast of Parmiskus somewhere in Polkun County. The three Resistance soldiers in black and gray fatigues had lowered their automatic rifles and stood at attention, awaiting orders. Kendall Miner stood with the help of his cane, shaking slightly, as though standing this long was accomplished with great physical pain. Doctor Weaving rubbed the smoothly shaven rumble of his jaw with two fingers, grinning. Alex Markus stood with his hands in his pockets somewhere between Roche and the Resistance men, but more to Roche’s side. Roche smoked his cigarette, fingering his revolvers more passively than ready to draw.

“Are we settled down enough to negotiate, Mr. Roche?” Miner asked.

“I suppose we’re as settled down as we’re gonna get.”

“I have a few questions, myself.” Markus folded his arms over his chest.

“That’s great, kid. You ain’t really a part of this anymore.” Roche shot him a look.

“Fuck you too then. I’m still staying a part of it. You’re the one that asked to have me picked up by the Res, aren’t you?” he asked Weaving.

Grin, grin. “Why my dear boy, how perceptive of you.”

“I’m not helping with any of that research. You can send me right back to the Corporation before I will.”

“And they’ll have you executed or worse. Though it may well come to that before all of this is through-”

"Gentlemen!” Miner rapped his cane on the side of the sedan, letting loose a cloud of rust. “I am afraid we must delay this conversation and quit the bickering. The sun is going down and the compound is far safe a place to talk then here. If that is agreeable to all parties involved.” He didn’t make it a question. “Mr. Roche, I’ll assume you’ll follow.”

“Yep.”

“I’m going with Roche.”

“That’s fine Mr. Markus. We’ll show you the way.” Miner whistled and the three Resistance soldiers piled into the sedan, one helping Miner into the backseat. The sedan started right up as Roche was leading Lucky from behind the gas station to the bed of the troop transport once more. The mare wasn’t enthused.

“Why you wanna come with me, kid?”

“Besides the fact their car was full? I dunno. Force of habit.” Markus smirked and swung into the truck behind the wheel. “I’ll drive.”

“Suits me just fine. Roche secured the bolts of the tailgate and apologized to the horse with a tip of his hat.