Prelude - Han Me That Wrench

[Trogdor]

"Ookami," Tenebrous says with a nod. "I'm Nick. Who are these bad people?" Could it be the Skree? "We'd like to help you. Where did you live with your packmates before the bad men came?" He stays very still so as not to startle the wolf-man.

[ardh05]

"We lived in big woods, gone now. Burned. Pack killed. Mate dead. Caught trying to save. Not know who. Hear something about DNA..." Ookami, so relieved to find friendly people, begins blurting out information, ignoring sentence structure completely.

[Trogdor]

"Were the others of your pack like you?" Tenebrous asks. "Tall? On two feet?" He hadn't heard of any wolf people in this area - though that didn't mean much, as he knew so little about his new home.

[Eanwulf]

Mr. Han seems confused. The beast clearly doesn't speak Japanese, but appears to have a Japanese name. Still however, the elderly Asian man eventually manages to beam a smile at the wondrous creation, careful to avoid showing any of his teeth to the manimal.

"Hai," the old man adds to the conversation, "Mr. Nick is right. We help if can. I Mr. Han. Will deal with Fowler, owner of building. You stay here for now and Mr. Han find you something to eat and good place to stay." Though similary odd in his speech patterns, the elderly Asian man's words seem true, his face sincere.

[ardh05]

To Nick, "No, on all fours like most wolves. I know not why I walk like you..." To Han, "Thank you much. I try to stay out of way. Want to make new pack, but not sure how my kind would accept me." Seeing Mr. Han's confusion, "There was a researcher that looked like you, he probably named me." He extends a paw/hand, imitating the way humans offer a handshake.

[Eanwulf]

Mr. Han continues to smile and accepts Ookami's offer graciously. The tiny Asian man clasps the giant beast's paw in both his hands and cradles it softly. Now rubbing the top of the creature's hand affectionately, the elderly man then comments. "You tell Mr. Han what you need. I try best to find it for you. Are you hungry? Do you need a bath? I can get you some..."

The look of embarrassment quickly falls upon Mr. Han's face as he suddenly remembers that he is down here to fix the boiler. Releasing the creature's paw, he turns towards Nikolai and inquires. "Mr. Han almost forget, we here to fix boiler so you can take hot shower. Maybe new friend can help?"

[ardh05]

Ookami smiles, trying not to look menacing. "That would be great! I would be glad to help however possible. Some fresher food would be nice..."

[Trogdor]

Tenebrous also shakes the man-wolf's paw. "Of course, we'll help however we can," he adds. "Though I think for now it would be best to keep you out of sight. Even the way things are today," he adds, your appearance would likely draw attention." He smiles. "At least from what I've seen. I'm somewhat new to Hoboken myself."

"But yes," he says when Han mentions the boiler. "Let's tend to that first." He offers a reassuring smile to Ookami. "Once we've fixed the boiler, we'll see about getting you something better to eat, as well as somewhere nicer to stay." He shakes his head. "This is too cold, too dirty, and too exposed. Anyone in the complex might come down and find you."

[ardh05]

Ookami nods his head. "Thanks. If there is any way I can help fix it, I will."

[Eanwulf]

It would appear that everyone has made themselves a couple of new friends this day!

Mr. Han escorts the two tenants towards one corner of the basement. The Asian man then proceeds to examine the battered and rusty boiler. "Repairs not as bad as Mr. Han predicated." the old man eventually comments, occasionally turning to give Ookami a friendly smile. "We have fixed in no time!" The trio spend the next hour working on the damaged boiler. Ookami's strength proves highly valuable in moving the device about when Mr. Han needs to make an adjustment on it with his tools. Even Nikolai seems to be useful, holding a flashlight like no other! The man's thoughts however, seems to drift off at times, captivated by the shadows that flicker about in the room.

At the end of an hour's time, Mr. Han places his wrench in the toolbox and slaps the top of his thighs with both his palms. "Hai," the Asian man comments cheerfully, "That should be last of repairs. I believe that we all done. Thank you both for help!" The old man bows politely to his two assistants and then inquires. "What say Mr. Nick go take nice warm shower and come back later to Mr. Han's for lunch? Ookami come too?"

OOC

He doesn't seem to worried about Ookami's presence when offering lunch. Maybe he has some kind of spell? Then again Ookami doesn't know that the two of you are wizards LOL.