Just Why?

[Claude Saint-Clair]

((Continued from here))

Claude had continued looking through Nox Durante's file. Another Atharim named Zephyr had done extensive research on him. The red light district was a sort of perimeter.  On top of that, a schedule, of all things.  Nox was a creature of habit it seemed. So he found himself entering the Red Light District. There were drones there and at times, he would see them, watching him probably. But they didn't do more than watch. At least now. 

Claude sighed. This was an incredible pain. He wasn't too thrilled about any of this. He wasn't scared of Nox. Nox was an ex-Atharim channeler and from what he could see, he was incredibly skilled. There were reasons why he should be, but given their conversation with Eliot, he wasn't worried that Nox would attack him unless Claude did something to aggravate him.  Eliot had no reason to lie, and Claude had no reason to antagonize the man.

So Claude found himself outside of the man's home. A building - looked like a business building too.  The research he had seen showed that too.  The bottom floor had businesses in it.  Claude hesitated a bit, wondering if he should ring the bell or just go in. He wasn't sure at all. He stood outside for a bit before finally ringing the bell.  He didn't want to intrude or anything and he wanted to do anything he could to stay on Durante's good side.

[Legione Sumus]

SKIE aka Sky

A computerize voice comes over the speaker. "Is this a personal visit, for Durante Security or Borealis Industries? The door is open, come in our of the cold at any measure."

[Claude Saint-Clair]

Claude didn't answer right away. He was taken by surprise by an AI asking him what he was looking for here.  Claude wasn't sure what he expected, but it wasn't that. "Umm...Personal - I'm trying to reach Nox Durante." He wasn't sure he should say that or Durante securities, but he figured that would get to Nox either way.

"He's currently on a run. He'll be back in about ten minutes. I've alerted him to your presences.  You can wait for him in the kitchen upstairs." the AI responded to him.

Claude entered the building and went up the stairs finding a kitchen there. He felt a little awkward waiting begin here, but he guessed it was better than standing in the cold. He sat down at what appeared to be a bar. He was thankful no one else was here for right now. He took a deep breath and waited.

[Nox]

A message came through his ear price from sky, "You have a guest. I'll have him wait in the kitchen."

Nox nodded but he didn't say anything to acknowledge he heard. But she did. He picked up the pace. Last thing he wanted was strangers in his house for long.

He ran up the stairs two at a time and stopped to kick off his shoes and catch his breathe before moving towards the kitchen. "I'm Nox. How can I help you?

Nox walked around the bar and to the fridge and pulled out two bottles of water. "Water?" Nox put the second bottle on the bar and turned to start making himself some breakfast. "Hungry?"

[Claude Saint-Clair]

Claude heard the man come up the stairs. The AI had been right. He had clearly been on a run. He got straight to the point, offering a bottle of water and some food. Claude accepted the water with gratitude, but politely declined the food.

Claude sighed, trying to decide what words to use. ”Claude Saint-Claire,” he said offering his name. ”I was given your name by Eliot Lagueax. He thinks you can help me with my problem. You know - before I get too sick.”

There was a twinge of irritation in his voice. He had also avoiding saying that he could channel. It was stupid really, but saying it would lock in the reality of it. It would lock in the idea that he was once again a disappointment. He was here to save his own life. Then he could throw the power aside. Never to be used.

[Nox]

It didn't surprise him to hear Eliot's name so close to having met with him. He'd said he wanted him to help with others. This must be what he meant. "I can help. How many times have you been sick?" Nox asked out of curiosity before taking an large glug of his own water and then starting his own breakfast. Liam had already made breakfast for the kids, they should be doing their work either upstairs or at Kallisti. As long as it got done he didn't care.

Nox flicked his eyes and the lenses scrolled to some of the commands and the TV popped on and the security feeds popped up so he could check in on everyone. It might be a late start to his morning. Lily was sleeping in her crib while Liam sat by in the chair with his laptop nose to the grindstone. Nox smiled. He'd was a good kid.

The others were all sitting at their own laptops in various places around the building and a handful were at Kallisti including Sterling and her friend Liam. Though Liam didn't look as if he was actually doing his school work as he glanced around watching everyone else. It wasn't Nox's responsibility to keep the kid on task, but he had a touch of ADHD and was often scolded in real school because of it. But Sterling tapped him on the arm and pointed at his computer and he gave her a grin, before turning back to his work. Sterling was like their mom. She kept on top of everyone else.

Nox looked expectantly at his guest sitting across from him. Hoping he hadn't been sick too often, it sucked. And it also meant the closer to death one was.