Carn and Alison stare at each other, with the kind of tension only made between exes who have unresolved issues.
"So, what's the big bad Marauder doing down here?"
"I have a new contract, and was looking to see if there was anyone around I could use."
"Oh?"
Alison walks up to him, in an oddly aggressive, yet subtle way. Like a leopard, preparing to leap.
"And just what kind of contract is this?"
"One where I could use Jasper more than you."
Alison makes a face.
"Jasper? What do you want with that guy? Planning a few alterations?"
"Hardly, I could use someone who has medical knowledge. And, I can control him."
"Please, nobody controls Jasper. You'll wake up one day with your stomach opened up, and Jasper's hands rummaging around in there. He only bides his time, and you know it. Anyways, he's in town alright, but in prison. They convicted him of aiding a strange group called the Birdmen. Apparently they liked mutants, and we both know how Jasper gets with that kind of thing."
Carn's face, briefly hardens into a grim expression, then is wiped clean. But not before Alison sees it.
"Oh, do these birdies have something to do with your job? Well your in luck Alister, I'm a licensed combat surgeon now."
"Oh, and when did this happen?"
"Please, its been what, four years since we last saw each other? The point is, I can properly sow your spleen back in you after it falls out, and it sounds like nobody else in your group can. That, along with my other skills, would make me seem like a qualified candidate for your contract, now doesn't it?"
The internal war in Carn's mind is settled. The need for someone of Alison's skillset, outweighs their personal history.
"Fine. Follow me."
Carn walks out, Alison following about five feet behind, with a cat-like smirk on her face.
