"Claro, jefe. Nos vemos!"
Javiér walked out of the warehouse, happily humming a tune he heard on the 'trids that morning. He loved his 'trids; some were so funny, 'specially the one with the coyote and the bird that went "Meep-meep!". Laughing at the thought of the silly coyote, he hefted the combat axe back into the loop at his belt, then slung the shotgun across his back after checking the ammo drum and the safety.
He looked around as he walked to the Thundercloud Morgan. This part of the Barrens could be worse, but despite his size he'd learned a long time ago that it paid to be on the look-out; if the assault shotgun and axe wasn't enough to deter the wannabes, standing 8' 6" and weighing in at close to 900 lbs generally let him walk in peace and quiet. Sometimes people would recognize him from the steel horns, though.
"That was a long time ago... And I may be a little slow, but I ain't stupid; no, señor!. These putas, though, they must be pretty dumb. "Sadists", huh? Silly name for a gang... I need a drink."
The ATV creaked as Javier got in, and he banged his right horn on the roll bar while getting in, just like usual. The vehicle looked like it was wrapped around his large frame, even with the modified cage, windshield, and the lowered seat. With a mumbled curse he fired up the engine and sped off to La Strada for a cold one.
---
Pulling up at the popular Aztlan-affiliated hangout, Javier parked the ATV on the side of the curb as always and headed inside. He quickly made out the shape of a tiny human female bartender, and let out a bellowing laugh.
"Dia! Long time no see, chica! How's my fave girl this side of the border doin'!?"
He ran over and caught the lithe woman in his enormous arms, easily lifted her up and spun her around before setting her down. The act earned him a withering glare, one of those that all women had seemed to learn when they were still just girls, and he quickly sat down at the bar, hanging his large head low.
"Sorry, Dia. You knows I get excited. Please don't be mad."
He looked up at her, and as the redhead burst out laughing, he realized she'd played him. Again.
"Don't worry about it, you lumbering ox. I can't help myself, you're just too easy." Dia said, ruffing the hair on his head like he was a little kid. Javier grinned wide, embarrassed but relieved.
"You're too smart for me by far, lady. Hey, I need some info. Oh, and a drink. Can you help?"
They discussed the Sadists over drinks, and he learned how they were strung-out gangers probably using too much of their own product. Dangerous; not someone to take on alone, then. Besides, the chief had said something about another gang, too. They called themselves The Redwatch according to Dia, and they were apparently rubbing shoulders with the Sadists. He asked if they were recruiting, and Dia looked over at the troll with obvious concern.
"Whaa? Oh come on, don't gimme that look. I can handle myself, you know. Just gimme the info. Please?"
She sighed deeply, turned around, and rummaged through the bar cabinet for a short while. Finishing up his fourth drink of the night as she returned, Javier smiled wide again at the look on her face as she handed him a note.
"See, I knew you would come through for me, I just knew it! Thanks, Dia, I owe you one"
"Just take care of yourself, you big burro", she said, shaking her head.
Examining the note, Javier found a commcode for someone called Boss. He got back into his ATV and sat down to type up a message.
"Maybe I should just call this guy... Naah, don't wanna seem too eager."
Taking his time, he carefully typed up a message on his oversized 'link.
"To Boss:
Hai Boss,
I heer you need some musle for help wi da Sadists. Jus so happens, I gots plenty of musle, and it can be yours for da right price.
You jus let me now wen and were, man...
Javiér"
Setting the commlink down on the console in the vehicle with a satisfied nod, he fired up the engine and went for a ride while waiting for a response.
