Quoted By:
You open your mouth to answer, but your response gets caught in your throat like a rogue chicken bone. Can you respond ‘yes’ to her question? Certainly. Can you respond ‘yes’ when she added that ‘truly’ at the end of her sentence?
Maybe not. In truth you hadn’t really considered the long-term ramifications of loading up Volka’s band of City Scouts with dangerous criminals, but perhaps that was because you were taken by the idea behind it… the possibility of giving back to the community! Yea… that just might work, actually…
Taking a steadying breath, you respond to the Marshall with a confident ‘<span class="mu-i">No!</span>’ Buuut, you add as the Skog shoots you a bewildered glance, does <span class="mu-i">she</span> think they can’t <span class="mu-i">BECOME</span> a good addition? Truly?
Now it’s <span class="mu-i">her</span> turn to choke on the metaphorical chicken bone! “Well,” She begins, her expression betraying her uncertainty, “We <span class="mu-i">do</span> have an ex-bandit on the team, but-”
Well there she has it then, you interject! When the only alternatives are jail or death, isn’t this what the Lamplighters are all about? The community?
“I… I see your point, Ant-”
Daring to give the girl’s tail a gentle pat, you give her a reassuring smile as she continues to look perplexed. She said before that everyone deserves a second chance…
Any ammo left in Volka’s argument fizzles as your words hit her… does she have ears?
“... You’re right.” She sighs, her tail flopping against the ground like a rubber gavel. “Hells, here I am spouting off about ‘second chances’, but I can’t even give one ta’ people who might really benefit from it…” A sheepish grin forms on her face. “Some leader I am, huh?”
Well go ahead, you reply, stepping aside for the Skog to pass, give it to ‘em! With a grateful nod and renewed confidence in her mighty stride, Volka approaches Boss with nothing but business in her yellow eyes!
“Hells…” Groans her would-be recruit, “Now the pet Skog’s gonna give it a go? Spare me…”
“Right, you:” Snarls the ‘pet Skog’ with the composure and kindness of a hungover drill sergeant, “Say goodbye to your old life, cuz’ it’s <span class="mu-i">over</span>.”
“‘Zat right?” Snickers Boss as she leans closer to Volka, “So sure are you, tusks?”
“I’m <span class="mu-i">certain.</span>” ‘Tusks’ replies, “Your life of crime is done–now ya’ gotta’ make a choice: finish things here, or start with a clean slate!”
“Clean slate, ey?” Frowns the quasi-dead Boss, “An’ how d’ya suppose that’ll work?”
“Simple:” Volka smiles, “You and your remaining crew will join <span class="mu-b">THE LAMPLIGHTERS!</span> Give back to your community an-”
The pitch is deftly shot down by a long, derisive laugh!
>CONTD.
