The Baker Tapes
Troubled times
Long Beach, CA
3rd March 2013
Tape 1
12th December, 2010
The bunker is extremely quiet. Like ‘you could hear a pin drop’ quiet. That’s probably because Johnny’s fallen asleep and Brian and Matt went into Long Beach proper to pick up our new drummer. Well, our prospective drummer. It’s not a definite thing, yet. The kid might not fit.
Admittedly, the only reason we’re looking into him is because his dad, the Major, wouldn’t stop talking about him. Even showed Shads some video of him playing… I didn’t see it, but I trust Shads’ judgement on those things. And I guess I am intrigued. Shads said he was covering some of Jimmy’s stuff in the video…so, we’ll see. We do need a drummer…
But, it’s hard to get passed…the past…
So, yeah…I’m sitting here talking to myself. Because, that’s what it looks like, right? Johnny was making some quip about that earlier. I think I threw a peanut at him to shut up. He threw a pillow at me. Real mature…
Not that I can talk.
Anyway. This kid, Arin Ilejay…he’s got some garage band, called Confide that he plays in. It’s all hush-hush, though. The laws in Long Beach aren’t as strict when it comes to rock bands…but they’re still there. It’s kinda interesting, though. Considering who his dad is. But, I guess that just adds to the mystery. I mean, we know next to nothing about Major Thom Ilejay. And, he really doesn’t talk much. Except about his son… Ironic much. Oh, and our plans. But, then again he usually just listens to Shads and Eli.
Speaking of Elijah Masters…he’s been a great source of knowledge and a lot of fun to be around. He’s loosened up since we first met him. Guess that’s what trust does, hey? Though there’s still a sadness about him. About all of us, really.
Not entirely surprising…
Losing Jimmy…
No.
Sorry… I think I’ll take a break…
~~~~~~
“Hey? Anyone home?”
Zacky shut off the mic and leaned back on his chair, stretching his neck as he looked to see who was calling out. A lanky male was standing at the entrance to the bunker a pair of drumsticks clutched in his right hand.
“Hey, Arin,” the mechanic grinned as he hastily brushed at his cheeks. There was wetness there but he didn’t want anyone seeing. Wisely the younger male made no comment and just waved his sticks, smiling in return. Zacky stood and made his way through the obstacle course of beer cartons and pillows – Johnny’s fault – coming to a halt before the younger male.
Arin cocked his head at the mess. “Johnny?”
Zacky nodded to the single sofa where the previously youngest member of their group was snoring away. Arin chuckled, brushing his dark curls from his forehead.
“So,” the mechanic said, “I guess Shads finally decided you can come down and join us?”
Arin nodded as he shoved his sticks in his back pocket, the ends stuck up in the air. “Yep. He came and picked me up on the way.” He glanced back over his shoulder to the door.
Zacky followed his gaze, eyebrows lifting. “On the way?”
“Yeah, had to pick some chick up after he came and got me.”
The mechanic’s eyebrows went up higher than before, but before he could say anything they heard voices filtering down through the doorway. One of them was female. And she sounded angry.
“…not talking to you, Shadows. I will talk with Zachary, but I will not discuss this with you.”
“Melissa…” Matthew’s voice, sounding agitated.
“No. If you want this information you will have to accept my terms or I’m out.”
“Be reasonable.”
“I am being perfectly reasonable.” The woman’s voice didn’t sound so reasonable to Zacky. She sounded angrier than when she started speaking.
Matthew groaned, audible even down in the bunker. “What would Elijah think of this?”
“Don’t you bring my uncle into this, Shadows.” The woman’s tone was furious now. “This has nothing to do with him, and everything to do with you, so either you accept my terms, or I’m leaving.”
Arin gave Zacky a curious look. He shook his head equally as confused.
The silence was deafening and then Matthew and Melissa appeared in the doorway. The former was attempting to keep his expression calm; Melissa just looked pissed. The way she clutched at her elbows and glowered at the room at large was a good indication that she was not pleased with the situation. Zacky decided to try and salvage it before things got too sour.
“Hey, Melissa, welcome to Avenged’s base,” he gave his cockiest grin.
She sniffed slightly, locking eyes with him. Zacky shifted beneath her gaze and motioned to Arin who was standing in silence beside him.
“This is Arin…but…uh…”
“We met.” Her tone was clipped. Zacky frowned, this was not getting off to a good start. Arin gave a small smile.
Matthew strode into the bunker and went directly to the fridge, grabbing a couple of Jack’s and a bottle of mineral water. He tossed one of the beers to Zack and handed the other to Arin before popping the lid on the water and downing half of it. Then he walked off to the other end of the bunker where Brian was listening to the radio. Arin smiled apologetically before excusing himself and following the older male.
Melissa rolled her eyes as Zacky glowered after his friend. “Leave him, Baker. He’s in a mood.”
“He should’ve offered you a drink.”
She lifted her shoulders, a graceful motion. “I’m alright. We should get to business.”
Zacky sighed, nodding. “You have information?” He motioned for her to join him at his recording desk. It was his space and most of the guys stayed out of his way when he was there.
Melissa sat on his chair so he parked his ass on the desk itself; she gave a tight smile that held no joy. Zacky nodded to encourage her to open up. She took a moment to gather herself, eyes scanning the bunker. The mechanic observed her in silence, giving her time, and taking note of every small twitch. She was nervous, that much was evident.
After a moment, when she still hadn’t spoken, Zacky prompted gently, “Why don’t you start with your connection to the General?”
Melissa crossed her legs, pants rustling. “You know he’s my father.”
Zacky nodded in the affirmative. The woman sighed, shaking her head.
“He’s got your best interests at heart. But…”
“But?”
“The Creed believe otherwise.”
Zacky nodded as he sucked at his bottom lip. “Understandable.”
“Which brings me to what I know,” Melissa’s expression darkened considerably. The mechanic leaned forward to listen, eyes narrowed. She twisted a lock of hair around her finger. “The TaskerOne has been spotted in Long Beach.”
Zacky went white. “Shit…Jason Berry…” He sucked harder at where his snakebites used to be. “What the Hell is he doing in Long Beach?”
Melissa smiled tightly. “My Father sent him to meet Major Thom Ilejay.”
“The fuck…?” The mechanic swallowed hard, pupils dilating in shock. “But…”
“The Major is on our side, right?” Melissa’s lips turned down expression souring. “These are troubled times, Zachary. People are never who they seem to be.”
Zacky lowered his gaze to the floor and pinched at the bridge of his nose, licking at his lips. Then he lifted his eyes to hers. She was watching him an almost anxious light in her usually stern gaze.
“No. There must be some explanation…” his voice was strained. The woman shrugged, expression gentling.
“Perhaps, but that’s my information. I am sorry…”
Zacky grimaced, glancing over his shoulder. “I can’t tell Shads…he’ll…fuck, I don’t know how he’ll react to that. I mean…” he shook his head in frustration. “We’ve just let the Major’s kid join us.” He grimaced. “And Jason…” he trailed off, not wanting to even think what Matthew would do if he knew Jason was sniffing about.
Melissa nodded. “Look, I’ll see if I can find anything else out, and get back to you.” She smiled the look softening her features considerably. “Then you can tell Matthew.”
Zacky closed his eyes, nodding. “I would appreciate that.”
They both stood and he held out his hand to shake hers. Her grip was firm as they shook; their hands stayed clasped longer than was necessary. He smiled grimly before releasing her hand and showing her to the door.
“When you know more…”
Melissa nodded, “I’ll let you know.”
Zacky lifted a hand in farewell as she turned and left the bunker. He stood for a moment listening until he couldn’t hear her anymore then turned to head back into the building.
3rd March 2013
Tape 1
12th December, 2010
The bunker is extremely quiet. Like ‘you could hear a pin drop’ quiet. That’s probably because Johnny’s fallen asleep and Brian and Matt went into Long Beach proper to pick up our new drummer. Well, our prospective drummer. It’s not a definite thing, yet. The kid might not fit.
Admittedly, the only reason we’re looking into him is because his dad, the Major, wouldn’t stop talking about him. Even showed Shads some video of him playing… I didn’t see it, but I trust Shads’ judgement on those things. And I guess I am intrigued. Shads said he was covering some of Jimmy’s stuff in the video…so, we’ll see. We do need a drummer…
But, it’s hard to get passed…the past…
So, yeah…I’m sitting here talking to myself. Because, that’s what it looks like, right? Johnny was making some quip about that earlier. I think I threw a peanut at him to shut up. He threw a pillow at me. Real mature…
Not that I can talk.
Anyway. This kid, Arin Ilejay…he’s got some garage band, called Confide that he plays in. It’s all hush-hush, though. The laws in Long Beach aren’t as strict when it comes to rock bands…but they’re still there. It’s kinda interesting, though. Considering who his dad is. But, I guess that just adds to the mystery. I mean, we know next to nothing about Major Thom Ilejay. And, he really doesn’t talk much. Except about his son… Ironic much. Oh, and our plans. But, then again he usually just listens to Shads and Eli.
Speaking of Elijah Masters…he’s been a great source of knowledge and a lot of fun to be around. He’s loosened up since we first met him. Guess that’s what trust does, hey? Though there’s still a sadness about him. About all of us, really.
Not entirely surprising…
Losing Jimmy…
No.
Sorry… I think I’ll take a break…
~~~~~~
“Hey? Anyone home?”
Zacky shut off the mic and leaned back on his chair, stretching his neck as he looked to see who was calling out. A lanky male was standing at the entrance to the bunker a pair of drumsticks clutched in his right hand.
“Hey, Arin,” the mechanic grinned as he hastily brushed at his cheeks. There was wetness there but he didn’t want anyone seeing. Wisely the younger male made no comment and just waved his sticks, smiling in return. Zacky stood and made his way through the obstacle course of beer cartons and pillows – Johnny’s fault – coming to a halt before the younger male.
Arin cocked his head at the mess. “Johnny?”
Zacky nodded to the single sofa where the previously youngest member of their group was snoring away. Arin chuckled, brushing his dark curls from his forehead.
“So,” the mechanic said, “I guess Shads finally decided you can come down and join us?”
Arin nodded as he shoved his sticks in his back pocket, the ends stuck up in the air. “Yep. He came and picked me up on the way.” He glanced back over his shoulder to the door.
Zacky followed his gaze, eyebrows lifting. “On the way?”
“Yeah, had to pick some chick up after he came and got me.”
The mechanic’s eyebrows went up higher than before, but before he could say anything they heard voices filtering down through the doorway. One of them was female. And she sounded angry.
“…not talking to you, Shadows. I will talk with Zachary, but I will not discuss this with you.”
“Melissa…” Matthew’s voice, sounding agitated.
“No. If you want this information you will have to accept my terms or I’m out.”
“Be reasonable.”
“I am being perfectly reasonable.” The woman’s voice didn’t sound so reasonable to Zacky. She sounded angrier than when she started speaking.
Matthew groaned, audible even down in the bunker. “What would Elijah think of this?”
“Don’t you bring my uncle into this, Shadows.” The woman’s tone was furious now. “This has nothing to do with him, and everything to do with you, so either you accept my terms, or I’m leaving.”
Arin gave Zacky a curious look. He shook his head equally as confused.
The silence was deafening and then Matthew and Melissa appeared in the doorway. The former was attempting to keep his expression calm; Melissa just looked pissed. The way she clutched at her elbows and glowered at the room at large was a good indication that she was not pleased with the situation. Zacky decided to try and salvage it before things got too sour.
“Hey, Melissa, welcome to Avenged’s base,” he gave his cockiest grin.
She sniffed slightly, locking eyes with him. Zacky shifted beneath her gaze and motioned to Arin who was standing in silence beside him.
“This is Arin…but…uh…”
“We met.” Her tone was clipped. Zacky frowned, this was not getting off to a good start. Arin gave a small smile.
Matthew strode into the bunker and went directly to the fridge, grabbing a couple of Jack’s and a bottle of mineral water. He tossed one of the beers to Zack and handed the other to Arin before popping the lid on the water and downing half of it. Then he walked off to the other end of the bunker where Brian was listening to the radio. Arin smiled apologetically before excusing himself and following the older male.
Melissa rolled her eyes as Zacky glowered after his friend. “Leave him, Baker. He’s in a mood.”
“He should’ve offered you a drink.”
She lifted her shoulders, a graceful motion. “I’m alright. We should get to business.”
Zacky sighed, nodding. “You have information?” He motioned for her to join him at his recording desk. It was his space and most of the guys stayed out of his way when he was there.
Melissa sat on his chair so he parked his ass on the desk itself; she gave a tight smile that held no joy. Zacky nodded to encourage her to open up. She took a moment to gather herself, eyes scanning the bunker. The mechanic observed her in silence, giving her time, and taking note of every small twitch. She was nervous, that much was evident.
After a moment, when she still hadn’t spoken, Zacky prompted gently, “Why don’t you start with your connection to the General?”
Melissa crossed her legs, pants rustling. “You know he’s my father.”
Zacky nodded in the affirmative. The woman sighed, shaking her head.
“He’s got your best interests at heart. But…”
“But?”
“The Creed believe otherwise.”
Zacky nodded as he sucked at his bottom lip. “Understandable.”
“Which brings me to what I know,” Melissa’s expression darkened considerably. The mechanic leaned forward to listen, eyes narrowed. She twisted a lock of hair around her finger. “The TaskerOne has been spotted in Long Beach.”
Zacky went white. “Shit…Jason Berry…” He sucked harder at where his snakebites used to be. “What the Hell is he doing in Long Beach?”
Melissa smiled tightly. “My Father sent him to meet Major Thom Ilejay.”
“The fuck…?” The mechanic swallowed hard, pupils dilating in shock. “But…”
“The Major is on our side, right?” Melissa’s lips turned down expression souring. “These are troubled times, Zachary. People are never who they seem to be.”
Zacky lowered his gaze to the floor and pinched at the bridge of his nose, licking at his lips. Then he lifted his eyes to hers. She was watching him an almost anxious light in her usually stern gaze.
“No. There must be some explanation…” his voice was strained. The woman shrugged, expression gentling.
“Perhaps, but that’s my information. I am sorry…”
Zacky grimaced, glancing over his shoulder. “I can’t tell Shads…he’ll…fuck, I don’t know how he’ll react to that. I mean…” he shook his head in frustration. “We’ve just let the Major’s kid join us.” He grimaced. “And Jason…” he trailed off, not wanting to even think what Matthew would do if he knew Jason was sniffing about.
Melissa nodded. “Look, I’ll see if I can find anything else out, and get back to you.” She smiled the look softening her features considerably. “Then you can tell Matthew.”
Zacky closed his eyes, nodding. “I would appreciate that.”
They both stood and he held out his hand to shake hers. Her grip was firm as they shook; their hands stayed clasped longer than was necessary. He smiled grimly before releasing her hand and showing her to the door.
“When you know more…”
Melissa nodded, “I’ll let you know.”
Zacky lifted a hand in farewell as she turned and left the bunker. He stood for a moment listening until he couldn’t hear her anymore then turned to head back into the building.
Hold up! Hold up! Hold up! WTAF did Shads DO to her :.( OMD, what did he do?!
5/17/17