A Brave New World

[Max Griffiths]

*I see Red out of the corner of my eye, but don't acknowledge her. This is between Orwell and me.*

[Jonathon Orwell]

*If I was not so intrigued by Max I might have noticed the odd exchange between Riley and the young one. I look Max straight in the eyes and say evenly.* I do not think you heard me properly Max. You will be working in the city. That is final.

[Max Griffiths]

*I wait a long moment. I feel my anger rising, but can't bring myself to harm a superior. When I speak, my voice is cold* It seems you've placed yourself in a difficult situation. You can choose between losing me or losing the city.

[Jonathon Orwell]

*Ah. He is a smart one.* Give me a few minutes and I shall present the changes I am making to my unit. In a month we will not need you. I choose to lose you.

[Max Griffiths]

Then why should I give you my time? *I flex my fingers, itching to grab my gun, and turn to leave*

[redhavoc]

*I panic, but try to put a mask over my emotions. Not only is Wilson in the room, I may be loosing Max. Right now I can do nothing but stand and listen. I think of the grenade still in my pocket...*

[Jonathon Orwell]

*I see him move his fingers and regret that I had not yet picked up my issued ray gun.* Where else would you go? Surely you would not go to the zones? We at Better Living offer you a paycheck and stability. You are free to leave us but I gaurentee you will not be much better off.

[Max Griffiths]

*I stop and turn to face him* What do YOU know of the Zones, Mr. Orwell?

[rileywilson]

*I think of shooting, but decide to let it go a little longer. Red is trying not to make eye contact with me. I make a mental note to schedule an evaluation with her later. I am confused by Jonathan's actions. I see no reason to lose Max, but will gladly shoot him*

[Jonathon Orwell]

What do I know of the zones? I know that it is a huge desert and is very very hot. I know there are people you hate out there and they are running rampid with weapons. I know there is very little food and water. I know that it is not very pleasant and that you are better off by staying here. Now sit down, our meeting is about to begin. *I turn my back on him and walk to the front of the room to write on the chalkboard.*

[Max Griffiths]

*His answer doesn't impress me* Your perception is... limited. *People start filing through the door, and I turn again to leave.*

[Jonathon Orwell]

MAX. *I say it firmly and loudly. Enough that all the CROW agents who just entered into the room turn and look at him. I turn as well and lean my back against the chalkboard and fold my arms. I stare him down.* I said. Sit. Down. NOW. That is an order.

[Max Griffiths]

*I freeze, then slowly turn to face him. I'm furious now, but can't help but follow his order. I sit down in the nearest seat, not taking my eyes off his*

[rileywilson]

*I watch Silent Max, more astonished than relieved. He figured out Maxt that early? I definitely picked the right man for my plans. He doesn't even look shaken. I can't see Red and think she's hiding somewhere in the back of the crowd. Then I see her. Interesting, very interesting*

[redhavoc]

*People stream past me, intent on not acknowledging what happened. They're giving Max a wide berth, sitting at least two seats away in every directions. In the semi-chaos of everyone settling down, I slip into the seat beside Max, the side away from Wilson, and try to understand what just happened. One this is clear and in a way I'm kind of relieved. Max has also undergone some special type of BLI training. If you could call it that*