Return To Duty

Fight Back.

Butch sat at the bar staring down at the drink he had ordered awhile ago, it sat in front of him untouched with his reflection in the amber liquid staring back at him. It was surprisingly quiet, There wasn't anyone else in the bar, say from the bartender of course. But for the most part it was almost barren. Most nights he'd have to listen the ruckus of a few bandits hooting and holering or and even a few of them getting a fight sometimes. Butch found this very odd but decided he shouldn't think too much into it and rather just enjoy the peace and quiet he had in this place, for once.

"Butch, you've been nursing that drink for the last hour, You planning on staying all night or you planning on actually drinking it? It's not a life decision, you know." He looked up at the bartender and made direct eye contact with her. Her black hair was tied with a small top hat adorning her head, She also wore a short red and black dress and her face was painted white with pink dots on her cheeks and red lipstick.

"Yeah, Ah know, Mox." He said bringing his hand up to rest it head in it. "Ah guess Ah'm just not up for a drink right now."

"Honey, in my bar, the only thing we don't have room for is a long face. Wanna talk about it, or do you just need a better drink? Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved...most of the time." She said as she tossed the wash-cloth over her shoulder and took away the full glass.

Butch lowered his gaze down to his right arm and stared at his prosthetic hook for a moment. He had gotten it during his time with the Crimson Lance before he was forced to retire. The memories of that day came flooding back as if was yesterday. It was the day he lost his hand, the day he lost his lost his purpose, the day he lost..her.

He let out a small sigh then lifted his head back up to face her. "Fine...Ah've just been feeling lost..y'know?" he says sitting up and straightening himself as he continues. "Ah don't know what to do. Ah've lost my fucking job. Then ah lost mah-mah goddamn hand" He says as he lifts his hook. "A-ah don't know..Ah don't know what to do Mox.." his voice lowers and he lays head back in his hand sulking in his seat.

Moxxi leans herself onto the bar and looks at him. "Life can be a royal pain in the ass sometimes, Butch. That I know. Lost some, won some, that's how this rough world goes around. But throwing yourself a pity party ain't gonna help. Look at you, despite everything, you're still sitting here, alive. Maybe not thriving, but surviving at least." She says reaching a hand to tap his hook. "This right here? That's not a loss, Butch. It's a testament of your resilience. It's a story to tell. And who knows, you might long outlive the job you're mourning. The world's big, it's bound to have something else in store for you. Perhaps it's time you started hunting for it. Remember, Butch. On Pandora, we're more afraid of giving up than dying."

Butch drags his hand down his face and lets out a long breath. After a moment or two he speaks up. "Like what? what should Ah do?.." he asks.

Moxxi turns around and grabs another two glasses then fills them. "Well, sugar, have you ever considered the Crimson Raiders? Don't get me wrong, it ain't an easy path. It's a life filled with danger and uncertainty. But it's also a life of adventure, companionship. A family that fights for each other, and they could sure use a seasoned soldier like you."

She smirks as she lays one of glasses down in front of him, glancing at his hook, "Maybe you could swing that, smack an enemy or two. It won't bring your hand back. But it would sure as hell make a grand story."

He smirks softly at her. "The Crimson Raiders..ok, Ah'll give it shot" he says lifting the glass.

She grins and clinks her glass against his "Atta boy! That's the spirit. Just remember, while shooting and fighting matter, it's the companionship and the passion to keep going that'll define your time with the Raiders. When the going gets tough, remember: The world didn't break you before, it's not gonna break you now."

They both take a swig of their drinks. "Oh and Make sure to come back here and share your grand stories with me, okay?" She adds giving him a wink.

Butch stands up from the barstool grinning at her. "You got it" he says pointing at her then turns around to walk but stops and turns back around. "Oh, uh who do ah talk to, to get into the raiders?"

"Darlin', you'll want to find Lilith. She's the one leading the charge. She's got fiery red hair, and a sigil tat on her chest that's hard to miss. Usually you can find her at the command center in Sanctuary." She'd say smirking at his excitement, "Don't let her tough exterior fool you. She's got a big heart and would be glad to welcome a soldier of your caliber. Go on now, make a name for yourself, Butch."

His grin grows wider "Ah will, thank you, Mox." He says as he pulls a wad of a cash and drops it intro the tip jar. "Ah'll see you later!" He says gleefully as he runs out the door with a new sense of conviction.

"Good luck, Butch!" She calls out as he disappears out the door, her eyes twinkled with amusement. She picks up the generous tip from the jar, with a sly smile on her lips.

"Can't wait to see how this goes." She murmurs to herself, chuckling as she goes back to polishing the glasses.