Taste of Solitude(Open)

[hewhostandsalone]

Things had changed on Earth rather abruptly. Gerrek had been forced to all but give up anything he cared about. Its not that the people of Earth were able to put him down, but that he didn't want to hurt them if he could avoid it. Ever since seeing that stupid news feed on the TV in one of his favorite bars, he'd kept out of sight as best he could. He didn't have a place to stay specifically, so most days he hid out in the wilderness wherever he could find a home.

With this logic in mind, most would wonder what he was doing in Satan City. He wasn't far into the city. He was just on the outskirts, in fact, and he was hidden away in a alley, sitting quietly between a dumpster and a fire escape. Bathing in streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers was getting old. His body armor had long since broken and the tightsuit that he wore under it had been washed and worn more times than he cared to count. It had holes all over the place and was so faded that it was barely plausible to say that it was ever its original color. Most of his chest armor was gone. A large hole and several cracks in the armor made it look more like a hardened toga than a full chest piece. It only covered his right shoulder and his abs in the front. The sides were still in tact and the back was mostly there, too. The hip guards and pauldrons were gone, though.

Overall the big red reptilian alien probably looked like what the people of Earth expected from an alien monster. For those who could feel the life forces of others, he was likely a great leap above the average human, which did concern him a little, but so far no one had sought him out. It was a toss of a coin, really. If the Prime Minister and his forces found Gerrek, he doubted he'd survive. On the other hand, there seemed little hope for him to be found by someone else. It was a waiting game that he felt he couldn't win. He was getting restless with sleeping on dirt and eating wild animals. He still managed to cook them, but it wasn't like a good, prepared meal.

[Deleted]

Drexx touched down on the outskirts of Satan city and looked at the city in awe. He couldn't get over the fact that humans were able to make such places. The resiliency of the average human astounded Drexx. Normally frail creatures they each held inside them the power to do amazing things, and Drexx respected and admired the race for that.

He looked down at his list. It was the second time he had set out for supplies in the past week. He was building a home for himself outside the Crane School. It wasn't that he didn't feel like he fit in at the school. He just knew what trouble having an android around could cause, and his life tended to get destructive. Especially for those who chose to be around him. He was grateful of the company of Orenji, the two had fast became good friends and the years they had spent apart had only the strengthened the bond on return.

Tara appeared and looked around worriedly. Drexx raised an eyebrow but she held up a hand to silence any talk.

Do you sense that?

Drexx activated his scanners and sure enough, there was a large power-level somewhere near them, seemingly alone in the outskirts of the city.

"So? It's not uncommon for a strong fighter to be in Satan city"

He looked around, there were people all over the streets, refugees still struggling to find homes. He supposed he had felt like that for a while after his fathers death. He hated to think of a once great fighter wasting away in an alley somewhere no place to call home. Worse still if the being was an alien he would very probably be hunted down, a target for the new laws of the GSF. He bit his lip and Tara at once knew what he was thinking.

Shall we go take a look?

"I can't not help someone if they need it. It's against my code. Let's just go see if they even need my help."

Drexx rose into the air and made his way to the power-level, making sure not to be seen himself. Yes he looked human, but there were ways of knowing he was an android, and he had no desire to be a target of the GSF himself. He landed close to the source of the signal and was surprised at what he saw. A giant red alien nestled between a dumpster and a fire-escape. His armor was old and ragged, he smelt like the dumpster he was sitting next to.

Tara stopped Drexx by putting a hand on his shoulder.

How can we be sure he's friendly, how do we know he won't attack?

Drexx shrugged. His blind faith in people had led him to meet the best friends he had. He hoped this would be similar. With that blind faith he walked over to the creature. Tara sighed and smiled, Drexx certainly did have a charming innocence. She just wondered how the creature would react to it.

"Hi friend, I'm Drexx. You seem to be in need of a wash and some food, I have a place not too far from here if you want to come for a meal and a bath?"

[hewhostandsalone]

Gerrek was silent. The sound of someone touching down nearby caught his attention. His eyes didn't move from the ground between his own feet as he sat in his little niche between the dumpster and fire escape. When they got close his eyes didn't move, either. He closed his eyes and listened as the person in front of him offered not just to help him, but to give him a home. Even if the offer was temporary it was a grand thing for someone from this planet to give.

He shook his head, eyes still closed. "As nice as that sounds, it's probably too much of a risk for you to be bothered with harboring an alien. You'd be labeled a traitor or worse...I can't let you do that. I've been on this planet for a few years now. I can fend for myself." He didn't bother to look the person in the eye. He didn't know if he fully trusted them in the first place. It was possible that this was a trap. Somehow, though, despite the state that Earth was in and how bleak things looked for him he wanted to believe the man in front of him. He wanted to believe that there was still a decent glimmer of hope and good faith in the human race. He sighed and looked up at the man.

"My name is Gerrek Zig. You're either very brave or very foolish to come and associate with me, but I appreciate your gesture of kindness." He stood up and dusted himself off as best he could. "I apologize for my lack of cleanliness and the smell. Living as a refugee is not easy. If I come and try to take what I need by force people get hurt. I'm a mercenary...not a murderer..." He was very direct in his speech and he got to the point. He was also honest in what he said, even if he spoke in a cryptic or metaphorical manner from time to time.

[Deleted]

The big red alien didn’t look up at Drexx. He just shook his head and refused the offer. He even went so far as to tell Drexx it would be dangerous for him to be with him. It didn’t surprise Drexx, he didn’t know how he would react to someone he didn’t know coming up to him and being an Alien in this day and age… with what Geurin had said… though he doubted adding another to their motley crew would endanger them anymore. Drexx was startled when the creature looked up at him; there was a kindness in his eyes that he hadn’t been expecting.

"My name is Gerrek Zig. You're either very brave or very foolish to come and associate with me, but I appreciate your gesture of kindness." The being stood up and brushed himself off. Drexx was startled at the size of the creature standing. He was well over a foot taller than Drexx and bulging with muscle, not cut and defined like his own but thick and bulging under his skin. "I apologize for my lack of cleanliness and the smell. Living as a refugee is not easy. If I come and try to take what I need by force people get hurt. I'm a mercenary...not a murderer..." The creature spoke honestly and directly.

“I’ve been called both brave and foolish before, not sure which I am yet… probably a little of both. You have no need to apologize my friend; you are a handsome alien, just in need of a little cleaning up.”

Drexx looked the creature up and down, inspecting the holes in his armor. He realized he had been staring for quite some time and said a quick apology. He considered a different approach.

“Alright, what if I pay you to come to my house and take a bath and eat a hot meal? As a mercenary I’m sure you’re looking for work and it seems to be hard to come by around here. Look, I know this may sound strange but I am really just trying to help. I guess you could say I’m just a good person.”

He turned away from the alien and unhinged a plate in his back, exposing wires and circuits an incredibly dangerous thing for him to do. If the alien chose he could kill Drexx right now, simply by ripping out his wiring. But Drexx had blind faith, as he always did.

“Or not person… I’m an android you see. I’m used to prejudice and danger, just for being me. You’re not going to add any danger to my life friend; in fact I may add some to yours. But I’m willing to accept that if you are.”

[hewhostandsalone]

Zig's mouth fell agape for a moment. This strange young fellow had not only offered him help, but he also told him he was handsome. Whether or not he was just being kind was beyond the red alien's grasp, but he took the complement as it was and smirked, sighing once again. He gave a light chuckle at the ridiculous suggestion the android made and shook his head again. He held up his hands, motioning for Drexx to relax. "Calm down... If it means that much to you I'll come and get cleaned up. You don't need to pay me. I just wanted to be certain you were trustworthy." Again, Zig wasn't intending to be rude. He was merely being straightforward.

When the android said that he wasn't a person, the hulking red alien shook his head once more, putting a large hand on the smaller man's shoulder. "You are more of a person than anyone I've encountered for the last few weeks. Shame, that. This planet used to be very personable. Some of my favorite bars are located on this hunk of rock." He admitted with a mild snicker. He then reached down and closed the panel on Drexx's back and tugged on his shoulder to turn him back around.

"For a being made of cold steel, you have a very warm heart. If you'll lead the way, I'll go with you to your home. It's better than sitting next to a garbage dumpster in the slums any day."

[Deleted]

Drexx smiled and clapped his hands together. He was incredibly grateful that the alien had not slashed his wires when he had given him the opportunity, and this was enough for Drexx to give him his complete trust. He could feel Tara's disapproving thoughts inside his head, but he ignored her. This alien could have killed him at any time, and the fact that he didn't gave Drexx hope that he had a good heart. He even refused his offer of money.

"You are more of a person than anyone I've encountered for the last few weeks. Shame, that. This planet used to be very personable. Some of my favorite bars are located on this hunk of rock."[/b]

Drexx was taken aback by the complement and found himself smiling a wide grin. He had often wondered what it would be like to Human, or Saiyan, or even simply made of flesh. He felt feelings the same, but could never feel the touch of warm skin on his own, or the taste of anything, or the warmth of the sun. He would never be free of the prejudice that followed androids.

The alien seemed to read his thoughts.

"For a being made of cold steel, you have a very warm heart. If you'll lead the way, I'll go with you to your home. It's better than sitting next to a garbage dumpster in the slums any day."[/b]

Drexx was delighted. He had set out to find supplies but had instead gained a friend. A giant red alien friend. That was better in his book by far. He lifted off the ground and made to set off towards his home. He turned to face his new found friend.

"I assume you can fly? If not I am more than prepared to carry you. I'm stronger than I look." He chuckled and waited for his new friends response.

[hewhostandsalone]

Gerrek nodded when questioned about his capabilities of flight. He hopped into the air and lifted up to the edge of the buildings that surrounded the alley. He didn't feel the need to say much else right now. He still found it rather strange that the only person on the planet who seemed to care about an alien was, in fact, not a flesh and blood human. But misfits like themselves had to stick together.

The possibility that this could be a trap no longer lingered in his mind. Instead a faint smile spread across his face at the thought of a nice hot shower and perhaps a night's rest in some place not covered in leaves or surrounded by garbage. That brought something else to his mind, though. How did an android have his own house? Wouldn't that require a job of some sort? "Don't think me rude for asking, but how does an android end up with their own house with working power and water flow?" It was a legitimate question in Zig's mind.

As they flew along, the red alien didn't bother to look down. The clouds and the horizon were the only view he needed right now. Something to take his mind off what he'd seen for the passed few months. He was still a mercenary at heart, a man who could survive on far less than most, to be certain. But there was a gaping hole within himself. It was like a barren waste in his chest. It always crept back into his life somehow. Whether through lack of strong drink, lack of work, or just being lonely. He shoved that thought aside for the time being, though.

The android seemed pretty confident in his own strength. Was there a fighter buried in that metal shell of his? And if so, maybe he knew where Zig could put his own talents to use... He sighed deeply again and decided to wait til they were at Drexx's home before he asked such questions.

[Deleted]

The duo quickly sped over trees and rivers, making their way steadily towards Drexx’s home outside the Crane school. Drexx was glad for the company, even if much of their flight was in silence. He had to admit to himself that he hated to be alone. Drexx almost laughed out loud when Gerrek Zig asked him why he had a house, but then stopped to ponder it himself. He didn't need the shelter or the food… he didn't need running water and had absolutely no use for plumbing.

“I would never think someone rude for an honest question. I have a house because… Well I guess you could say it’s for reasons exactly like this. I like company. And I built it… or am in the process of building it. I've done most of the labor myself. It’s quite easy when you can access hundreds of architecture manuals instantly. The second floor is in the process of being built, but the first floor is done, It has a kitchen and a living room, a study and a full bath. I think it’ll be to your liking.”

They quickly approached the unfinished house, but from the outside it looked done. It was a blend of Saiyan and Human architecture, and Drexx was extremely pleased with the way it turned out. He hoped Gerrek was also pleased. Drexx touched down lightly outside the door and opened it, revealing a humble entry way. A stainless-steel kitchen twinkled off to the left, while a cozy living room with a crackling fire in the fire-place stood at their right.

“Welcome to my home. The bathroom is down the hall to the left. While you’re in there what can I make you? I have access to over a thousand different recipe-books and can always download more. This internet thing that humans have is fascinating, if sometimes disgusting.”

Drexx turned toward Gerrek expectantly; he hoped his new friend would be pleased with what he saw.

[Orenji]

As Orenji appeared in front of Drexx's house, he was surprised to see a huge red alien looking creature standing next to him. Orenji didn't know weather to attack this new creature or leave him be. It seemed like Drexx trusted the creature, but Drexx seemed to almost trust everyone.

"Well Drexx it seems like you have meet someone new here, and by the looks of it a huge someone." Orenji said quickly walking into the house

Orenji had been keeping a low profile around Earth because of the whole Aliens are evil thing that is going around. Orenji really didn't feel like getting into any trouble with the people of Earth. So he traveled very little, and did very little as there wasn't a whole lot he could do while hiding.

"So anyways it appears that Drexx trust you, to since you are here what is your name?" Orenji said turning back around looking at the red skinned alien

[hewhostandsalone]

Zig wasn't surprised that Drexx was so capable at building a home when he actually thought about it. An advanced piece of machinery like himself would naturally be able to tap numerous information databanks for the sake of learning. An AI that could learn was something unique, for sure, but he had a feeling that Drexx's programming was a lot more than just an AI. When the finally arrived at the house in question the red alien let out a light whistle to show how impressed he was. The house, whether in construction or now, was quite well made and looked of exceptional quality. He nodded at Drexx and chuckled, "Quite a nice place."

He listened to Drexx explain a bit more and offer dinner of some sort as well. Zig smiled and licked his lips. "Steak, fruit, bread, and cheese. It doesn't have to be fancy. As long as the steak is done and the bread isn't like a rock." He laughed as he headed for the bathroom to shower off, but he was stopped before he could get there by another guest, one of Drexx's friends it seemed. He glanced over to the Namekian and answered, "My name is Gerrek Zig." As Zig spoke his own name he extended a large hand to the Namekian for a greeting. "It's been a few years since I've visited your planet, or even seen a Namekian for that matter..."

[Deleted]

Drexx smiled, nodded, and walked into the kitchen leaving Orenji and Gerrek to get to know each other better. He was happy, the giant red alien seemed pleased with his house and even let out a whistle upon seeing the place.

"The shower is on and the water's warming up Gerrek Zig, whenever you finish talking to Orenji please feel free to use it."

Drexx began to cook the steak and bake the bread. The fruit he had picked up earlier. He himself didn't need to eat, but he had guests from the school and those he had met along the way. Orenji had appeared in his house randomly, as he was want to do. It had worried Drexx at first, he seemed to have gained the trust of Gerrek Zig, but Orenji could be abrasive and had been known to be quick to start fights. He was pleased when Orenji seemed to relax and ask for Gerrek's name. It would have been more polite to offer his first, but Orenji was still learning Earth's customs.

"Orenji, when you're done there help me out in the kitchen." He shouted, and went back to preparing Gerrek's dinner.

Drexx was a fantastic cook as he had often been told, but never could himself eat. It was one of the drawbacks to being an android. Though, he thought as he accessed his files and prepared a fillet mignon, the access to thousands of databanks of knowledge was nice.

[Orenji]

Orenji looked at the red skinned creature, who s name he had just learned, Gerrek Zig. Orenji extended his hand and shook his. There was still a little distrust, in this new character but since Drexx seemed to have faith in him Orenji was going to give him a chance. Orenji took a look around the house, he had known that Drexx was building his own house and it was coming along quit nicely.

"The shower is on and the water's warming up Gerrek Zig, whenever you finish talking to Orenji please feel free to use it."

Orenji looked back at Gerrek "We will talk more later, I am curious to see what you know about Namekians."

Orenji walked into the living room and was about to sit down before Drexx spoke again.

"Orenji, when you're done there help me out in the kitchen."

Orenji turned around and followed Drexx into the kitchen, Orenji leaned up against the counter as Drexx began preparing dinner. Orenji soon realized that he was just in the way, so he moved from the counter to the kitchen table.

"So Drexx i have some questions for you about your new friend over there. Where did you find him in this city and how long has he been here? Also I would like to know why you invited him back to your house? You know your trust might get you killed someday, you better be careful in the future.

Orenji looked at Drexx waiting for a reply

[hewhostandsalone]

(OOC: Sorry for taking so long.)

Zig gave an approving and thankful nod towards the android when he was informed that the water was warming. "Thank you, my friend. I appreciate your hospitality." After Drexx departs to the kitchen he looks back at the Namekian and grins. "I look forward to the conversation. I've practically been alone on this planet for far to long. The company and kindness that your friend has shown me is quite unexpected, but I would be foolish to turn it down."

And with that he bids the Namekian goodbye with a small wave as he turns toward the hall and heads for the shower. Drexx and Orenji would have a few minutes to converse while they worked on the cooking. Zig, on the other hand, was going to enjoy his first hot shower in several months. Bathing in streams and rivers could only get you so clean. Soap and clean, hot water could do so much more to make a person feel less like an animal and more like a sapient, civilized being. He took a somewhat extended shower for this purpose. To relax a bit and let the hot water just wash over him.

[Deleted]

Drexx turned from his cooking back towards Orenji and smiled.

"So Drexx i have some questions for you about your new friend over there. Where did you find him in this city and how long has he been here? Also I would like to know why you invited him back to your house? You know your trust might get you killed someday, you better be careful in the future."

"Gerrek's nice isn't he?" Orenji gave him a stern look and Drexx sighed.


"Look I know you think I just blindly trust people but it's not just that. Yes I trust Gerrek, but so far he hasn't given me a reason not to. He seems like a good enough guy and that's all I really need. You and I both scanned him. Don't tell me you didn't. If he tried anything we both have enough power to take him down if need be... But it won't come to that."

Drexx turned back to his cooking, but could tell Orenji wasn't satisfied with that answer.

"I invited him here because when I found him he was sitting in an alley next to a garbage dumpster and smelling like it. He was hungry and dirty. And an alien... You know the new laws. He's safer here with us than out there with... them..."

Drexx arranged Gerrek's plate and waited for the red giant to return.

"Until he gives me a reason not to, I'm going to trust him. You don't have to. But I will."

[Orenji]

"I never said that I didn't trust him Drexx, I was just saying maybe the next time you find someone in the alley way you might take a little longer to invite them back to your house. That is all I meant by it, but I am still going to keep an eye on him for the time being." Orenji said walking around the kitchen

Orenji walked around the kitchen looking over Drexx's house and all the work he has done to it so far. Orenji wanted to go outside and look at the house, but that was going to be too risky and could possibly put Orenji and everyone else in trouble with the GSF.

"You have a pretty nice looking house here Drexx, how long did it take you too build all of this." Orenji said walking back into the kitchen "If you don't mind I think I am going to stay here for a long time, this place is better then Kuros and I won't be putting them into any trouble.

Orenji hadn't seen Migan or Kuro for a couple of days, he knew that he had to go back and check on them sometime but it was going to have to wait. He knew he was going to get hell from Migan for leaving for so long, but there have been some things that he had to take care of before he can go back to see the two of them.

"So what are we going to do with Gerrek?" Orenji said waiting for Drexx to respond