Beauty & The Beast

[Carthrat]

"Absolutely," replies Rick. "We have a lot to catch up on, N'Dovu. A great deal to discuss. I'm afraid we may need your help with a few things down here."

[Brian]

"I'll be glad to offer what help I can," N'dovu replies.  "But first, we must speak.  Where shall I meet you?"

[Carthrat]

"I'll meet you in Phoenix," replies Rick. "Do you have a phone, yet?"

[Brian]

"No," N'dovu replies, shaking his head apologetically, before realizing that Rick can't see the gesture.

[Carthrat]

"Ok, never mind. You'd be at the bus terminus, correct? There's a cafe nearby- 'Cafe David', I think. I'll meet you there in about two hours," replies Rick. You can actually see the cafe he's talking about; it's just across the road.

[Brian]

N'dovu nods, and says, "Spirits willing.  Take care, Rick."  After hanging up the phone, N'dovu makes his way into the cafe, and takes a seat.

[Carthrat]

When N'Dovu sits down, quite a few people stand up to leave, and the cafe doesn't get much business for the next couple of hours.

As promised, you see Rick's beat up old van pull up just near the cafe. He gets out of it, and waves to you, clad in a battered grey shirt and black pants.  He heads towards you, and takes a seat.

"Great to see you again, N'Dovu," he says, enthusiastically.

[Brian]

N'dovu smiles at Rick.  "It is good to see a friendly face," he says warmly.  "But I have set many things in motion behind me.  I apologize, but you will recieve a letter from me soon that is very misleading."  N'dovu frowns at this, and shakes his head.  "We should depart as soon as possible," he adds, looking around nervously, though not expecting to find anyone as conspicous as ... well ... himself.

[Carthrat]

"If you say so," replies Rick, shrugging. "I think my car will be big enough for you. Maybe." With that, he heads towards his vehicle.

[Brian]

N'dovu allows himself a half smile before following Rick and preparing to crowd into the vehicle.

[Carthrat]

It's a tight fit, but at least your head isn't bashing against the roof.

Rick turns on the engine and starts to navigate his way through Phoenix traffic. "So, tell me, what've you been doing?" he asks, curiously.

[Brian]

"Attempting to commune with the spirits," N'dovu replies.  "Also, fleeing what I suspect are very bad people."  Sparing no detail, and not having a reason to speak anything other than the truth, N'dovu explains what's happened to him since being approached by Angela.

[Carthrat]

Rick continues driving, and he looks to grow increasingly concerned as your tale progresses.

"It seems, then, that your first order of business would be to attempt to commune with this.. unique.. spirit," he says, sighing.

[Brian]

"That would be mine, yes.  But before I can take part in your hospitality, are there not things that I can do for the Cahuilla?" N'dovu asks.

[Carthrat]

"There are always things to do," replies Rick, ominously. "You've been working as a bodyguard for some time, havn't you? Would you like to continue this work?"