Meeting of Two Minds (Matrim, Reira, Closed)

[Matrim]

I'm in a prison completely surrounded with security camera's, teachers with dangerous Qi's, students who seem to be more afraid of me then friendly with me, and I'm an orphan. The hell would I be up to? Besides, I'm asking mainly because I have a girlfriend, and I'd appreciate privacy whenever I'm around her. Not big on public displays of affection. Got that?

Matrim then cleared his thoughts and began to lean back in the chair. He decided to take a nap right where he sat until Reira and Alex were done chatting. He began humming a tune in his head, and old tune from his dads days. It was by a band named Jimmy Eat World who were old to say the least. All of a sudden Matrim picked something up. Somehow he was hearing music.

Solaris? Matrim focused his thoughts on the AI, What the hell, am I picking up radio frequencies with this damn thing?

[Reira]

Individual interviews! Reira could've sworn her shoulders drooped when he said that. What else was she expecting anyways? Of course there would be interviews involved! Truth be told though, Reira was always a little iffy on interviews..it's not like she dressed the part for it either, with pink hair and piercings, but it would be no problem. She could do it, she just might now like doing it. She would just have to dress a little more appropriately for the part.

The whole invisible ink thing shouldn't be a problem. I mean I see invisble things all the time! How hard can revealing invisible ink be? "When the interviews have been scheduled and finalized, I'll be sending you both a text message. The message will be simple, but will get the point across. You two just have to get here, to Kane's Floor, on time, alright?" Alex said with a fold of his arms. Reira realized she had been tapping her fingers on her knee, thinking about the whole thing. "Interview is the most important thing, check. Get here on time, not a problem," she said, haulting her tapping.

After Alex's small explanation, it seemed like their little conversation was coming to an end. She was just going to ask him, if he had any more information for them, when he said "Reira, could you stay back for a little longer? I have something to discuss with you." That answered her question nicely. Now she was extrememly curious as to what he needed to discuss with her and just her. Why couldn't Matrim be here with them? And would she be allowed to tell him about it later? Probably not, seeing as how Alex just asked him to leave the room. But she trusted Alex, so it wasn't that big of a problem.

The guard that was called to escourt Matrim to the lounge arrived shortly. Still seated, Reira looked over her shoulder to Matrim. "See you soon, okay?" she said with a small wave and smile, and with that he was gone. It was only Alex and herself in the room.

"Okay, let's hear it," she said to him curiously.

[Alex]

"Yeah, sure thing." Alex couldn't help but think Matrim had other things on his mind, his reply sound distracted. He saw him give Reira a reassuring look, letting her know she was safe with Alex. "Interview is the most important thing, check. Get here on time, not a problem." he heard Reira say, as they waited for the guard to come. "See you soon, okay?" he saw her say to Matrim as he left with the guard Alex had called. Once Matrim had left and the door was closed, Alex sat down in his desk chair, moving it so that he faced Reira.

"Okay, let's hear it." " Curious aren't we? Alright then." he said, looking at her. " Reira, I remember you said you feel like you're tagging along, that you want to do something to help us out, right? I have a proposition for you. How would you like to join a gang Matrim and I created? It's called St. Paragon's Enforcement Squad, and it's basically a student authority. The teachers would come to us if they wanted us to handle a student." he started, his hands resting on his knees.

" If you join, it would make communicating with you and Matrim much easier, under the guise I want to discuss something with the both of you regarding our gang, but really about the plan. Of course, I can't force you, but I wouldn't mind having you join our ranks. Here," he said, getting up and walking to his desk, he opened a drawer, and pulled out a bandanna with the gang's emblem on it.

Going back to Reira, he stood in front of her, and held out the bandanna for her. " Just think about it, you can take this if you like." he said, as he grabbed his chair and placed it back at his desk. " Oh, you can tell Matrim about this, though I'm not sure if he'd be happy or shocked I asked you this." he added, smiling slightly. Opening the door, he let her walk first, and closed it behind him. " You can message me with your answer when you've decided, a simple message is fine, heck a one word answer would suffice." he said, grinning, as he pushed the elevator button, waiting for the elevator to arrive.

When the elevator arrived and the doors opened, Alex stepped in, and the doors closed. He pressed the button for the guest lounge floor, and the elevator descended. Minutes later, they reached the floor, and he stepped out. Walking down the hallway, he reached the guest lounge, and opened the door for Reira. " Matrim." he said, looking at him, " You two can go now, I've finished talking with Reira." he said, moving away from the doorway to let Matrim go out.

[Matrim]

"Sure thing." Matrim said realizing he wasn't hearing a radio, probably just an awren with headphones on blast.

My mistake..... Huh, well at least I can talk to Aternity whenever I want, oh yeah! Ask Alex about.... what did Aternity ask?

Matrim smiled at Reira, he was glad that didn't take long whatever it was, and he was extremely curious as to why he wasn't in the room. He figured he would ask her about it all later. For now he had more important things to discuss.

"Let's roll then, shall we? Oh, and Aternity asked me about the next time the gangs meeting up, just thought I'd let ya know. Still haven't had a chance to test those ten, but I'm sure they'll do fine." Matrim wondered what would happen when he left, would he always be a member of the Enforcement Squad? He was the one who started it after all, at least he could leave knowing he made a difference here. Maybe something that could eventually tip the scale of power just a little bit.

[Reira]

"Reira, I remember you said you feel like you're tagging along, that you want to do something to help us out, right? I have a proposition for you. How would you like to join a gang Matrim and I created? It's called St. Paragon's Enforcement Squad, and it's basically a student authority. The teachers would come to us if they wanted us to handle a student."

St. Paragon's Enforcement Squad? The name had a certain edge to it and she really did want to do more then just come along for the ride, but he mentioned that teachers would come to them if they wanted them to handle a particular student. Which probably meant fighting...which was something that wasn't second nature to her. She could learn though, even if it was just a little, that would be enough for her.

"In short, SPES basically takes care of trouble makers and then takes out the trash?," she asked, with a slight incline of her head. She began to scrutinize this proposition. "Hmm..let me think about for a bit." Her information about the gang wasn't much, but a offer like this probably didn't come to just anyone...she was lucky perhaps. If she joined, her feeling of 'doing nothing' would probably vanish.

"If you join, it would make communicating with you and Matrim much easier, under the guise I want to discuss something with the both of you regarding our gang, but really about the plan. Of course, I can't force you, but I wouldn't mind having you join our ranks," Alex said, getting up from his seat and handing her a bandana with the gangs emblem on it. She traced the insignia with her fingers.

She began to twist the bandana as she thought about her significance in joinging this group. "I really have no idea how Matrim will act either, guess we will just have to wait and see," she said returning his grin. She was happy that he gave her some time to think about this. She was pretty sure she knew her answer already. The elevator doors closed, and she felt her stomach make that familiar feeling as the machine carried her and Alex down to the lounge.

Matrim was waiting for her in the lounge. As soon as she exited the elevator he gave her a warm smile, which she returned. Smiling was contagious. Before Alex could leave though, Reira turned to look at him. "I'll accept your offer." Her attention was then on Matrim. "I hope you don't mind, but I guess we'll be spending a lot more time together, I just joined your gang," she said with a iffy grin.

So it took her a shorter time then she thought to make her decision, but there was clearly no time to hesitate about this short of thing. Alex had said it would make it easier to communicate if she joined, if that made the plan roll faster, why not join. She sort of felt bad about not talking about her offer with Matrim before she made her decision, but that was the thing, it was her decision to make.

[Matrim]

"Heh, you have to convince me first. It's a rule of ours. Me and Alex both got to approve," Matrim faked a smile, and he faked a wink.

He should punch Alex in his fucking face if it wasn't for them getting out of there.

HER QI ISN'T A FIGHTING ONE YOU IDIOT! SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIGHT! WHATS THE GOOD IN HER BEING IN THE GANG? YOU'RE ONLY ENDANGERING HER!

Marquise calculated it, another gang, or somebody angry with the gang might attack her, he might not be there, she would be vulnerable to attack, she wouldn't be able to defend herself. The bandanna wouldn't do good, it would only harm her. Still, he didn't want to anger Alex, and he definitely didn't want to anger Reira.

Besides, her family has had enough GANG VIOLENCE already! God forbid something happens to her! Yeah, how would that look? 'Sorry Samara, I was going to bring your daughter until she was put in a coma during a GANG FIGHT!'

Damn you Alex........... God damn you.......

Matrim gave a joking shrug, "Sorry it's the rules, you gotta impress me first Reira" He let out a laugh to show that he was trying to kid.

In all truth he wanted to break Alex's nose.

[Alex]

"In short, SPES basically takes care of trouble makers and then takes out the trash?," he heard her ask, with a slight incline of her head. " To sum it up, yes." Alex replied, nodding. "Hmm..let me think about for a bit." " Of course." Alex stood up and gave her the bandanna, as she traced the insignia with her finger, and then twisted it. "I really have no idea how Matrim will act either, guess we will just have to wait and see," she said, as he saw her return his grin. The walked out his room, into the elevator, and reached the lounge where Matrim was waiting for her.

As Alex turned to leave, he heard her speak. "I'll accept your offer." Alex turned around, surprised. " You accept?" he said, clearly surprised at her quick decision. That was fast. He then saw her turn to Matrim and grin. "I hope you don't mind, but I guess we'll be spending a lot more time together, I just joined your gang." Alex however, could tell Matrim wanted to punch him right in the face, even though he faked enthusiam. "Heh, you have to convince me first. It's a rule of ours. Me and Alex both got to approve."

Alex sighed inwardly, guess he owed Matrim an explanation."Sorry it's the rules, you gotta impress me first Reira." Alex sighed again, and spoke, rather curtly. " Both of you, let's go into the lounge." Alex said, motioning for them to go in. He nodded at the guard, who immediately took it as a sign to leave, which he did. As soon as the guard was gone and the door was closed, Alex motioned for the both of them to sit down, he remained standing.

" Alright Matrim, you can drop the act, I know you want to break my face." Alex began, looking right at him. " Before you do however, let me explain my reasoning for having Reira in the gang. I know her Qi is not a fighting one, nor does she know any martial arts. However, I can help with one of those problems. Reira," he said, now addressing her, " If you like, I can teach you some basic martial arts moves, I would be a very poor leader if I allowed one of the members to be hurt. I would teach you here, in Kane's Floor, whenever you want to. Just keep it in mind." Alex said, now turning back to Matrim.

"Why did I ask Reira to join the gang? Simple, it would make communication between the three of us easier, under the guise of gang business, but actually it would be about you-know-what." Alex explained, making sure not to allow Solaris to know what he really meant, in case the AI was in tuned with Matrim right now. Right now, he hoped Matrim was not, or everything could go downhill from here.

" I know fully well the danger she would be in, hence why I'm offering the opportunity for her to learn some martial arts, even if it's only the basics, at least she would know something. As the leader," he said, folding his arms now, " I would make absolute sure that she would not be harmed. Yes, you may not be around to protect her, but if she knew how to fight back, she can at least protect herself. Of course, I could be around to help her out if I happen to see her. Now do you understand why I asked her, are you satisfied now? Or do you still want to punch my lights out?" Alex asked, his eyes serious, no smile ever crossed his face in the time he had been talking.

[Reira]

Reira thought as much. Matrim didn't approve of her joining the gang. She knew he was just worrying about her, but she didn't want him to have to worry about her. Yes she didn't know how to fight, but there had to be someone around here that could offer their time to teach her the basics, it was a prison for crying out loud.

"Sorry it's the rules, you gotta impress me first Reira," Matrim said, with a laugh, but she knew it wasn't a laugh that was joyous. It was fake and he was mad. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Kay, I'll impress you then, Matrim." Before anything else could be said, Alex, added " Both of you, let's go into the lounge." She nodded and followed him, taking her seat.

"Alright Matrim, you can drop the act, I know you want to break my face." Alex could tell Matrim was pissed to. She wished he wouldn't be so against the idea. She was fully capable of taking care of herself. Alex then began to explain why he made his decision to allow her into the gang. She made sure to study Matrim's face as Alex spoke, wondering if he would lose his temper. "If you like, I can teach you some basic martial arts moves, I would be a very poor leader if I allowed one of the members to be hurt. I would teach you here, in Kane's Floor, whenever you want to. Just keep it in mind," Alex said to her.

"I think that's a great idea!," Reira said, getting out of her seat abruptly. "If I knew how the defend myself, then Matrim won't have to worry about me, problem solved." She was thanking Alex inwardly, he saved her the trouble of finding a fighting teacher. She would've asked Matrim to teach her, but it was quite obvious now, that he didn't like the idea of her fighting. Sitting back down, she once again listened to Alex.

" ..... Now do you understand why I asked her, are you satisfied now? Or do you still want to punch my lights out?" Good question. Her eyes fell upon Matrim, wondering what he would say.

I don't want you guys to have to protect me. I don't want to have to depend on you guys for protection. That's hardly fair for the two of you. I refuse to be some damsel in distress!...and I don't want to hold either of you back...

"Matrim..you don't have to worry about anything. I'll be careful. It's not like I'm going to go around asking people to throw a punch at me. I know all the pros and cons of being in a gang. My great Uncle is the leader of a drug mafia! Of course, this is nothing like that! So could you just have a little faith in me?," she said with a straight face.

[Matrim]

Matrim wasn't the type to throw a hissy fit. He wasn't the type to act out his anger. More so, he was the type to try and let things take their course and act out his aggression later on a punching bag. Finding an outlet for it, rather then letting it out right then and there.

"Do as you wish," He said, looking away, "As long as you get us the hell out of here. The faster we get those interviews, the better."

It was the truth, as long as they got out of their quick, who cared whether or not she was in a prison gang. She wouldn't be in the prison. The thing was, he felt as if it was his responsibility to give her a better life then what she had. He was sure her mom wouldn't want her in prison, wouldn't want her dealing with a gang, and probably definitely against the idea of dating a member of a gang.

I swear to you Alex, one scratch, one minor scrape caused because she's in this gang, and I guarantee that I will quit this gang, and for every hit she takes, I'll give you two. Nothing personal, that's just how it is.

"Speaking of the squad though, I want your approval to borrow a few members for my personal orders. I don't want to go into detail as to what those are, but it's nothing that breaks the rules, and it's nothing that will endanger the gang. I'd prefer if it was Eric, Isaac, Steven and Rina."

Matrim had a new mission. One that he wouldn't fail.

"If that's OK with you, I'd say that discussion is behind us."

[Alex]

"Kay, I'll impress you then, Matrim." Before any more could be said between the two of them, Alex asked them to follow him into the lounge. After they had sat down, Alex proceeded to explain to Matrim why he asked Reira to be in their gang, though as he talked, he could tell Matrim was not happy, not one bit. When he asked Reira if she wished to learn some martial arts from him, she responded, "I think that's a great idea!," as he saw her leap out of her seat, "If I knew how the defend myself, then Matrim won't have to worry about me, problem solved."

" Alright then, just message me when you want to begin, any time after classes if fine with me." he replied, turning back to Matrim again, who spoke, "Do as you wish," he saw Matrim turn away," As long as you get us the hell out of here. The faster we get those interviews, the better."

Alex sighed inwardly, Matrim still hadn't let his decision go just yet, but there wasn't very much Alex could do about that. Besides, a member could only officially become one if both the Captain and Vice-Captain agreed, and Alex had a feeling Matrim would not agree any time soon. "Speaking of the squad though, I want your approval to borrow a few members for my personal orders. I don't want to go into detail as to what those are, but it's nothing that breaks the rules, and it's nothing that will endanger the gang. I'd prefer if it was Eric, Isaac, Steven and Rina."

Alex looked at Matrim, slightly surprised, but took it in stride. " Go ahead, I don't mind." he replied, as Matrim said one last comment. "If that's OK with you, I'd say that discussion is behind us." " Yeah, alright then. I'll get working on the questions and send them to you as soon as possible, as for the interviews, I'll take care of that, though I must tell you now," Alex said, looking extremely serious, and almost, grave, this was the part he didn't like about interviews.

" Your profiles will have to be sent and looked over. Of course, I'll be looking at them to choose who gets an interview, but the two others who will be at the interview with me, will have looked over them beforehand. I'll make sure to modify them before it reaches them so that it doesn't include the fact that both of you committed crimes and are in a prison, alright? You're free to leave now. I'll see you both later." Alex finished, turning and walking out of the lounge.

Matrim, trust me. I won't allow Reira to get hurt, no matter what, I swear on my honour as a Hikari. No one will ever hurt her, not if I have anything to say about it.

And that was the unshakable truth.

[Reira]

"Alright then, just message me when you want to begin, any time after classes if fine with me," Alex answered. Hmm when was a good time? She wanted to get in a much practice as possible. Maybe start out slow at 3 days a week, and then work her way up. "I'll probably send you a text tomorrow after school..if your not too busy."

Reira smiled briefly when Matrim said "Do as you wish. As long as you get us the hell out of here. The faster we get those interviews, the better." It wasn't a flat out 'yes' but it meant that he wouldn't stop her from learning how to fight. Reira was elated...until she remembered the fact that she was not accepted as an official member of the gang. Matrim hadn't agreed to that yet. Brief moment of elatedness gone.

Why couldn't he just give her the thumbs up yet? She wasn't going to be in the gang for long, seeing as how they were planning on escaping. She guessed she shouldn't be complaining though..afterall he was only worried about her and she was going to learn some martial arts. That was good enough for her.

M: "Speaking of the squad though, I want your approval to borrow a few members for my personal orders. I don't want to go into detail as to what those are, but it's nothing that breaks the rules, and it's nothing that will endanger the gang. I'd prefer if it was Eric, Isaac, Steven and Rina."

A: "Go ahead, I don't mind."

This was official gang business right here...but..she wasn't a member as of yet, so she didn't feel obligated to ask any questions, even though she was more then a little curious as to why Martim needed those members and what he was planning. She wondered if he would tell her. Probably not.

Reira was happy to note that the conversation changed into something she could comment on. Alex was talking about how he would hurry and get those interviews going. Everything seemed easy enough. Alex would send them the questions and change their profiles into one that was clean and innocent. Sounded good to her.

"Stupid record..I hate how it always follows me around..so annoying," she muttered to herself. She then turned and waved her goodbye to Alex. "See ya later! Thanks!" Once it was only her and Matrim in the lounge, she remained quiet for a moment, hoping he wasn't too mad at her. "Should we get going?," she asked softly.

"If you need some time alone..I can walk to my dorm by myself." Looking at him, she really didn't want him to agree to what she just said. She'd hate to leave him knowing how he felt.

[Matrim]

"Stupid record..I hate how it always follows me around..so annoying, see ya later! Thanks! Should we get going?"


"Later Alex." Matrim said, he was in a slightly better mood that he had permission to carry out his plans. He was going to need to do this before he left after all. He had to test his abilities out to their limit, and nobody was going to do it here, there was no one here who could test his shield. Except perhaps Jeremiah, "Yeah, let's get out of here."

Yeah.... let's just pretend that isn't an option. I want to test my shield, not break it in two seconds.

He still had yet to see Jeremiah's qi ability.

Oh god....... god forbid he actually have one......

"If you need some time alone..I can walk to my dorm by myself."

"Nonsense, and pass up hanging out with you?" Matrim said. He knew he was going to let her in the gang, he would tell her then and there. It was the way his thought process worked. Alex did him a solid, and Reira could hold her own with some training.

"Well..... I guess that means I'm your superior now? At least in the gang rankings. After all I am the vice captain. A rank that demands respect from all the other members." Matrim jokingly flexed in front of Reira, his chin up in a way that showed he was feeling better, and not as angry as he was before. "Yes, that means you're in."

Matrim pulled his MAC and sent a message to the four. He would be seeing them later that night, to begin his mission immediately.

"So, as my first order, I command you to come up with something for us to do to kill boredom!" He said, crossing his arms and grinning at her, since he was completely out of ideas. He came up with the picnic idea after all.

[Alex]

"I'll probably send you a text tomorrow after school..if you're not too busy." " After school is fine, I'll be here anyways, it's not like I have a busy social calender." he said, grinning at her slightly. After Alex gave the okay for Matrim to borrow some of the gang members, the discussion was over and done with.

After he said he would modify their profiles so that they would have no criminal record, he heard Reira say under her breath, "Stupid record..I hate how it always follows me around..so annoying," Alex smiled slightly, he had a lot of work to do, there was no time to waste.

He then walked out of the lounge and turned, saying goodbye to them, as they responded. "See ya later! Thanks!" "Later Alex." Alex watched as the both of them walked away, he then turned and headed back to the elevator, it was time to begin Operation: Prison Break.

OOC: This thread is closed! Closed closed closed! I love the plan name. If you two still plan on continuing your conversation, then go and post.

Reira, I'm not sure if you want to make a thread with Alex, him teaching you martial arts, so PM me if you do, or not. If you do, you make it!