| Chapter 2: People, Hell and Angels | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 11 2013, 05:23 AM (170 Views) | |
| Jason Hawk | Mar 11 2013, 05:23 AM Post #1 |
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"So you're telling me that Daniel Craig *is* the best Bond, now?" said Hitomi incredulously. She walked beside Hawk down the darkened alleyway in the Manhattan financial district. A few rats scurried into the shadows as they passed by. The sounds of the city never ceased, but the ally was a quiet solace from the cars, sirens and people going about their lives. They had left Arianne's safehouse shortly after dark, promising to return shortly. "I'm a convert," said Hawk. "I watched the new movies on the flight over from Italy. Daniel Craig's portrayal is just so…." "Gritty and real?" "Um, sure…oh! And that thing where he's running on the rooftops and cranes? I've done that and I was STILL scared for him!" "Right!" said Hitomi, enthusiastically. "I know…gritty and real!" "And vulnerable," Hawk added. "And those swim trunks," said Hitomi, nearly swooning. "Hello, daddy!" "Yeah, I have no opinion about those," said Hawk, shifting the weight of the black leather duffel bag to the other shoulder. "Are we getting close?" "Another half-block," Hitomi replied. "Hawk….are we geek-bonding? Who would've thought?" "Don't let Jade know, we don't need another reason to put her on edge. I think she's still getting used to the fact that we've had sex." "I know what you mean. Oh hey, what about Pierce Brosnan? Do you like him?" "In what?" Hawk replied with distaste. "Mrs. Doubtfire?" Hitomi rolled her eyes. "The access point is over here. Just down this manhole." "I'm not sure Arianne is entirely ok with the idea of us popping out for a bit." "We won't be out long," she replied, pulling the manhole cover off and shining a flashlight into the hole. "I like to have all contingencies covered. They have the the streets around the ApostleCorp building locked up tighter than Fort Knox with troops. FEMA has locked downy the entire block. This pipeline stretches down the entire boulevard. If we blow the pipeline, we'll take a hell of a lot of them down. They definitely won't be expecting it." "Arianne wants this to be a silent operation." "And it will be," said Hitomi, climbing down the manhole to a control panel below. She picked the lock to the panel cover and pulled the cover away. "This is a worst-case contingency, remember? Toss me those charges." Hawk tossed the duffel bag to Hitomi. "The news reported tear gas was fired at protestors today. The police appear to be leaving it to FEMA troops to keep the peace. Looks like they control this section of the city." "Krueger's in control, you mean," Hitomi said, setting up the charges and activating the arming mechanisms. "The city officials wouldn't roll over so quickly without a federal mandate." "Makes sense. If one of those protestors gets shot, the situation in the city might explode, especially with fear on the rise and hospitals over capacity." "Yep…..hang on, there done. Let's get the hell out of here." Hitomi climbed out of the hole and returned the cover. "Ok, all done." "Arianne won't be happy if she knew what you just did." "Better to ask forgiveness than permission. Come on, let's go." Edited by Jason Hawk, Mar 11 2013, 06:06 AM.
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| Jason Hawk | Mar 12 2013, 07:34 PM Post #2 |
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Hawk and Hitomi returned to the safe house shortly after nine PM. When questioned, Hawk made a few offhand comments about how difficult it was to have equipment smuggled into the country with no questions asked. "Ever since 9/11 the cost to grease the local dock foreman to look the other way on a shipment from Italy marked *Machine Parts* has gone through the fucking roof." "Technically these *are* machine parts," Hitomi noted. "Explosives and firearms tend to bring about the notice of customs, regardless," Hawk replied. "This isn't some third world banana republic shithole where you can just shove a wad of bills in the custom agent's hand. These federal employees have a job for life, salary, government benefits, fucking union benefits and a pension to look forward to and retirement at fifty. It's a lot harder to payoff someone with that kind of sweet setup. I swear that's where half my fucking money goes anymore. I should be able to write it off on my taxes as business expenses." "Just setup a dummy corporation and funnel those expenses through it," replied Hitomi, picking out choice weapons from the duffel bag Hawk placed on the table. "I know a guy in Chicago. He handles all my stateside investments. I'll get you introduced when this is over." "Somehow I think mafia payoffs, shady business dealings and smuggling terrorist weapons into the country isn't something Arianne is keen on." "We don't have the connections she does," said Hitomi. "So we improvise. Does this H&K go with this top?" Hitomi brandished an MP7 submachine gun and a black Hello Kitty top. "Definitely bikini girls and machine guns territory," said Hawk. "I like it." Hitomi smiled and gave Hawk a kiss. "So, where the fuck is Jade?" she asked. "Has she really been in the bathroom for three hours?" "Don't ask," Hawk replied. "And definitely don't knock...trust me." |
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| Jason Hawk | Mar 13 2013, 04:43 AM Post #3 |
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The Cord Building in Los Angeles was the newest addition to the city's skyline. A glittering silver shard, designed by renown architecture firm of Grimshaw in London, it had last year passed the US Bank tower to become Los Angeles' tallest building at eighty stories. Deacon Cord's main conference room was on the top level, with windows that provided a panoramic view of downtown Los Angeles. The room was an expansive conference room , with a long mahogany table in which Deacon Cord sat at the head on an elevated dais in his swivel chair, which was bound in leather and featured arm rests with retractable covers that revealed elaborate controls to the various pieces of machinery in the room. The wall opposite the windows was dominated by a huge, plexiglass-enclosed tank in which deadly, man-eating, short fin mako sharks swam, occasionally eyeing the room's occupants hungrily before swimming off. Around the table were his most trusted lieutenants, members of the board of directors and various high-ranking government officials. Seated at the table, closes to Cord, was Max Krueger, director of FEMA. A video screen controlled by Cord played the day's news highlights. "The Aquinas Protocol went online today signaling the largest change in the Internet's infrastructure since the development of TCP/IP protocol was developed in the 1970s. This proves to radically change the way content and communication is delivered worldwide.” “In other news, the V-42N virus continues to spread beyond the ability of health organizations to keep it in check. Today four more nations signed agreements with ApostleCorp to provide vaccine and distribution….” Cord switched off the video feed and basked in silence for a few moments. "In every age that comes to pass," said Cord. "There is one….born to greatness….sent from Heaven to shape the world to a divine vision.” “I am…the one,” he said with a smile and a low evil laugh. He stopped his laughter and grew deadly serious. “So I gave the order that Arianne Kelsen be killed. Why is she still alive?” No one at the table offered a reply. They all fidgeted about, uncomfortable…no one wishing to be the first to speak. “Hmmm?” said Cord, looking at each one individually. “Hmmmm? No one? Director Max Krueger, I will choose to believe that this morning’s failure to kill one lone woman was some,” Cord laughed. “…elaborate attempt to amuse me and not that you are an incompetent fool.” “Respectfully, I am no fool,” replied Krueger. “That is a matter of opinion,” one of the men at the table interjected. It was Mr. Hawker, one of Cord’s legal team, as well as one of the key leaders in Majestic Twelve. He had worked with Krueger in providing the logistics and manpower necessary for the Kelsen operation. “Mr. Cord gives you all the resources of Majestic Twelve, more money than God and enough firepower to eliminate a company of troops and yet Arianne Kelsen still draws breath.” “She had help,” replied Krueger. “Oh really?” “I sent eight of our best, fully equipped and air mobile. She was supposed to be alone.” “You had an order and failed,” said Cord. “That makes me very angry…..” “Our men should have been able to easily eliminate Kelsen,” said Krueger resolutely. “She had help.” “Our reports said she’d be alone,” Hawker protested. “The renegades, Hawk, Anderson, Asakura and Cavanaugh. They’re here in the country.” “I gave orders for them to be killed in Europe,” said Cord, his cool demeanor belying his anger. “They’re here now,” said Krueger. “They’ve obviously connected with Kelsen already. They have a prior history together. It’s obvious. It’s the only way our team could have been eliminated before achieving their objective.” “This is completely ridiculous!” Hawker protested. “Listen to what you’re saying! Everything was arranged! Krueger was in charge of the mission. He failed. End of story!” “You know the price of failure,” said Cord, his finger moving perilously toward a button on his arm rest. “Look, give me another chance and I….” “For some there are no more chances….” Cord pressed a button and the seat Hawker was sitting in gave way, dumping Hawker screaming into a tube beneath the floor. Seconds later, Hawker was dumped into the shark tank. The hungry mako sharks eagerly converged on their new meal, tearing Hawker to pieces as the people at the table watched in horror. Only Krueger spoke. “Very effective,” said Krueger, his trademark confidence fazed momentarily as he watched Hawker torn apart. “Krueger, understand this. I need protection….there are those who wish to expunge me.” “I will protect you with my best endeavor, Mr. Cord,” said Krueger. “We know they’re in the country now, in New York City most likely. Kelsen hasn’t been spotted moving out of the city, which means they’re still there. I can have enough firepower to level a small country in the city by nightfall. Leave it to me and they’ll be dead by dawn.” “Krueger,” said Cord, stepping down off his dais and grabbing Max Krueger by the collar. “Project Ascension is at a critical phase. I won’t allow our progress to be compromised. I want Kelsen, Hawk, Askakura, Cavanaugh and Jade Anderson dead before they can interfere with my plans further. Any cost is acceptable. I want you to complete this task with all efficiency necessary.” “Efficiency is my middle name,” said Krueger with a smile. “I’ll leave for New York tonight.” Edited by Jason Hawk, Apr 17 2013, 07:27 AM.
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| Jason Hawk | Mar 19 2013, 01:17 AM Post #4 |
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"Aaaaaagggghhh!" the young girl screamed. She was young, buxom and blonde. She wore a black spandex bikini fringed with silver and high stiletto pumps. Her outfit belied the fact that her character was supposed to be an atomic scientist on a lonely outpost on an alien world. She began to speak as she opened the door to the chamber of horrors before her. "Whoa," she began slowly. She looked around in befuddled confusion, then began to recite dialogue suspiciously as if she was reading off cue cards. "Like, my whole research team is like, dead…..and dismembered. The alien creature Dr. Jarvis was breeding in this secret off-world laboratory has escaped and now I'm all alone. I hope that nothing, like, bad is going to happen me." "I know!" she said brightly. "I'll go take a shower!" *** Hitomi laid draped over Hawk's lap on the leather sofa drinking a goblet of wine and watching the movie impassively on the giant plasma screen. "You have *got* to be kidding," she chortled. "Night of the Blood Beast is like the worst fucking movie ever." "You're thinking of Night of the Blood Beast 2," replied Hawk. "This is Night of the Blood Beast 3, in 3-D. The Blood Beast goes into space." "Whatever," she replied. "That girl can't act." *** The girl on screen stepped into the shower. As the water dripped over her lithe form, a creature appeared out of the shadows, it's fangs dripping and eyes glowing red. She screamed. *** Hawk burst out laughing and chortling. "Oh god, did you see that? The Blood Beast took her head right off her fucking body!" "Whatever, that was fake as hell." "What? The CGI or her tits?" "Take your pick," Hitomi said. "Where the fuck is everyone? How long does it take Arianne to call her dad?" "Give it time," said Hawk. "We still have a few hours. Besides, we haven't gotten to the Blood Beast love triangle yet. No spoilers, but the Blood Beast finds love in this one…." "Ugh," said Hitomi with a grimace. "You have *got* to be kidding…." Edited by Jason Hawk, Mar 19 2013, 05:08 AM.
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| Jason Hawk | Mar 21 2013, 02:46 AM Post #5 |
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Marcus wandered into the room, head bent as he furiously thumb-texted on his iPhone. “Hawk,” he said, without looking up. “I can’t believe I’m asking *you* this, but you’ve probably been in the most stable relationships of any of us... Does it mean what I think it does when someone who can afford anything they want starts texting you links to jewelry stores?” He cringed as another text came in, shoving HItomi’s feet aside so that he could sit on the end of the sofa. “I mean, look at this...” he motioned to hand over the phone and then noticed the screen. “What in hell are the two of you watching?” “It’s Night of the Blood Beast,” said Hitomi with distaste. “Part three,” Hawk corrected her. “This one’s in space. The first was a Roger Corman production. Then there was a second, but part two was...eh, kinda weak.” “Oh, sorry for my mistake,” she replied sarcastically. Hawk took Marcus’ phone and looked at it with passing interest. “Looks like pool boy wants something a little more permanent. Congratulations. Let me know what stores you two are registered at.” He handed back Marcus’ phone and went back to watching the movie. Marcus groaned and glanced back at the screen one more time, shaking his head. “I was afraid you were going to say that,” he replied. “Dare I ask... Does Jade know that the two of you have bonded?” he asked, suddenly realizing that Hitomi was practically in Hawk’s lap. “That’s likely to get you killed, you know.” he added looking over at them. “Why did they make the need to make three of these?” he added, cocking his head to one side in confusion as he watched the scene on the television. “Is there a problem?” she said. “We’re just watching a movie and passing the time before a certain death scenario later tonight. We’re watching Night of the Fucking Blood Beast. It’s not like I’m going down on him.” “We found a common bond in Daniel Craig,” Hawk explained. “What, you want to sleep with him, too?” Marcus asked, smirking. “And I think she’d actually take less issue with you going down on him than she would with the two of you bonding... Maybe you haven’t noticed, but she’s even jealous that you and I are friends.” “So let me get this straight,” said Hitomi. “Jade doesn’t want him to have friends? I’ve heard of Overly Attached Girlfriend but she takes it to new and disturbing levels.” “You’re just noticing that now?” Marcus laughed. “Think about it. Hawk is all she has. She’s probably as addicted to him as she was to her drugs. If he makes other friends - especially ones with benefits, it takes him away from her. You’re a threat. The fact that she finds you attractive makes it worse - She’s rather possessive of you, too. How many times has she voiced her theory that you must want to sleep with me because we’re friends. She’s jealous of anyone who threatens the thin hold she has on the two of you.” “Don’t be silly Marcus,” said Hitomi. “I’m no threat to her. I don’t want a relationship with Hawk. To be perfectly honest I wouldn’t be seen in public with him back home. I run in certain social circles and if I was seen on *his* arm, I’d be the laughing stock of the Tokyo club scene....no offense, Hawk.” “None taken. Marcus, Jade and I are working through some things right now. I appreciate your concern but its really nothing I can’t handle. Now, about the jewelry....I’ll trust you’ll pick something tasteful and not overdone.” Marcus laughed. “Believe me, if there is any picking to be done at all, I won’t be asking for your advice. I’m sure if Jade wasn’t completely psychotic you’d have bought her something appallingly ugly from a television shopping channel by now.” he said, glancing back down at his phone as yet another text message came through. “And I’m not sure you *can* handle her anymore,” Marcus added, thumbing another reply as he spoke. “You seem to forget that in the last month alone she has almost killed you twice, burned down your home, and then nearly burned down a rental house in an attempt to destroy most of the items you managed to salvage. I’m not an expert on dating psychopaths, but that doesn’t sound like ‘handling it’ to me.” “Marcus is right,” said Hitomi. “Jade’s sick. She’s fucked up.” “Well other than being crazy as a loon she’s the picture of health,” said Hawk. “Anyway, you don’t need to tell me that Jade and I have our issues. Believe me, I know. And about the ring you mentioned.....it wasn’t bought off of television shopping....it was my mother’s.” Marcus’s jaw dropped. It had never occurred to him that Hawk might have actually considered proposing to Jade. “You mean... you actually asked her?” he said. He’d always assumed that Hawk was nearly as terrified of commitment as he was. The idea that he’d even considered such a sentimental gesture just didn’t gel with his mental image of the other man. “No, I said the ring was my mother’s,” Hawk deadpanned. “Anyway, it doesn’t really matter now. It’s not like I’m anywhere close to asking that question now.” “Have you ever been close?” Hitomi interjected. “Not in a long time. I’m still not married, never have been. At this point if it was going to happen, it probably would’ve happened already. Not many women see an assassin as husband material, anyway. We kind of live fast and die young. It’s like being a rock star without the drugs and groupies.” “It brings new meaning to ‘till death do us part,” Marcus said with a wry smile. |
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| Jason Hawk | Mar 21 2013, 04:46 AM Post #6 |
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“I can’t imagine you staying faithful long enough to want to tie yourself down to one person,” Marcus said. “This is news?” Jade appeared in the doorway. She wore a black wife-beater and underwear. Her hair was dripping from having been washed. She stopped a few steps inside the door when her eyes fell upon Hitomi draped across Hawk’s lap, her feet essentially on Marcus’. “Well, don’t the three of you look cozy,” she said icily. “How the fuck long does it take you to shower?” said Hitomi with a bored expression. “Marcus was just showing us the latest message from pool boy,” said Hawk. “Are you doing a church wedding or will it be more a trip to the JP and then a jaunt to the Caribbean? Don’t tell me you’ll wear white, Marcus, that image is just too damn funny.” Marcus rolled his eyes and groaned. “You know, I don’t need this...” he replied in irritation. “It took over a decade and a half for me to let him spend the night, do you really think I’m running out and eloping?” Jade scowled. “I don’t know what the fuck the three of you are on about, but I fail to see how any of it requires Hitomi’s head in your lap,” she said. “And I’ll take as fucking long as I want in the shower. Why do you care?” “Probably good you got out when you did, actually”, Arianne said, walking in from the door. She tossed her smartphone onto the sofa and plopped down next to it. “This place wasn’t really set up for this many people so the water heater isn’t as badass as it should be. It’s electric, too. It probably would have run out of hot water in five more minutes, tops.” “Sorry Jade,” said Hitomi, picking up her head and sitting up straight. “Hawk was just making me watch one of his shitty movies. I’m sure you can sympathize, living with him and all. And to make matters worse I can’t smoke in here. As good as Arianne’s wine selection is, I’m ready for a bit of action.” “Oh don’t play the martyr,” said Hawk. “This place is actually very nice. Arianne gets ChillerVision. Later they’ll start the all-weekend Blood Buffet. I’d almost rather hang out here. Oh, Marcus is getting married, Arianne.” “Hawk greatly exaggerates,” Marcus muttered in irritation. “Congratulations”, said Arianne. “You’ll have to introduce us sometime.” “Believe me, you don’t want that,” Jade said to Arianne. “No one is getting married, at least no time soon,” Marcus said, pushing Hitomi’s feet aside and standing up. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but can we talk about business?” “I’m an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church,” Hawk said. “That’s the church that let’s you get ordained online. I did it before breakfast one day. I thought it was funny, but I am legal to perform weddings. Just throwing that out for ya....” “I dunno, I’m not sure Marcus is the type for a religious wedding. Besides, won’t it create controversy in your church to perform a wedding of... that nature?” Arianne put in. “You’re assuming it’s a real church,” Marcus said. “You should know Hawk well enough by now to know better.” “If it’s real enough to perform weddings, you shouldn’t belittling others’ religious beliefs”, Arianne replied with a smirk. “The truth is that none of the fifty states could give two fucks of a prairie squid if you’re ordained or not,” Hawk explained. “In many states you can get married by, and sometimes even to, your cousin or any drunk off the street. We’re in New York State now....so yeah, just let me know, Marcus.” “Believe me, *if* I choose to marry, it will certainly not be performed by you, nor will it be in this backwards excuse for a country,” Marcus said. “Can we please discuss something else?” “Very well,” said Hawk. “So, what’s the latest, Arianne?” “My dear Daddy agreed to come with us. But it was like pulling teeth, as if he hadn’t tried about a dozen times to get me into something like this. It took a while to convince him -- even though I swear he was just pulling my leg -- and another while to arrange for bringing his gear in. Not the sort of thing you want to check through airport security.” “When does he arrive?” Jade asked, “Oh don’t look so fucking excited Hitomi,” she rolled her eyes. “He’s not here to give you all his money.” “I was going through a transitional time back then,” Hitomi hissed. “I’m not one of Dean Martin’s fucking Golddiggers, okay? Could it be possible that I simply find the man attractive and charming, unlike some people in this room?” “Children!” snapped Hawk. “Play nice. Sorry Arianne. I look forward to seeing Chris. He and I will have to get drunk again. He introduced me to the most excellent port last we met.” “Dad is big enough to make his own decisions. We’ve long agreed not to pry in each other’s love lives. So, Hitomi, if he’ll go for it, go broke.” She chuckled. “And if it’s the port I’m thinking of, I have some of that.” “Hawk and I did some recon of the ApostleCorp HQ,” said Hitomi. “Based on what we saw, the best approach would be on foot via Atlantic Avenue and into the Rockaway Subway Station. It will take a short hike through the tunnel to reach the weak point in the wall to plant charges, but that should lead us into the abandoned tunnel and directly under ApostleCorp HQ.” “Charges.” Arianne sighed. “I hate explosives. They’re never as quiet as I’d like.” “They’re messy, and an unnecessary extravagance in most cases,” Jade concurred. “You had a better idea?” said Hitomi expectantly. “I prefer to use doors where possible”, said Arianne. “Or windows. They’re easier to get through than walls.” “What a novel concept,” Marcus muttered. “What are you fucking nuts?” said Hitomi, as if Arianne had sprouted a second head. “Security around that whole block has been federalized. You’ve got FEMA troops securing the whole block. You have fucking Humvees, soldiers with machine guns and that night vision shit. How do you propose just walking in?” “Maybe Arianne has a way,” said Hawk. “The only way into the building isn’t always obvious. There’s always going *over* the street, if you get my meaning.” “From the next building”, Arianne agreed with a nod. “Zipline. Tricky, and you have to be quick, but it’ll get you against the wall of the building high enough to bypass all the security.” “You’ll need to cause a diversion so we can get in,” said Hawk. “Can you and Chris manage?” “Please don’t suggest an explosion,” Jade said, rolling her eyes. “And you seriously expect that one to use a zipline?” she asked, looking over at Marcus. “He’ll be latched on,” said Hitomi. “You basically can’t fall, Marcus.” “Well, there was that one time in Belgium,” said Hawk, remembering the rappel lines he brought that provided an *interesting* escape from the Brussels ApostleCorp building.” “You’re not helping, Hawk,” she chided. “I’ll be fine. I’m not helpless,” Marcus said. “When do we leave?” Jade asked. “Dad’s not coming in until this evening”, said Arianne. “We’ll give him fifteen minutes to get over jet lag and then we get going tonight.” “Great,” said Hitomi. “So Jade, are you going to join us for the splatterfest or are you onto phase two of your brood-a-thon? Sorry, no matter how long you keep practicing in the bathroom mirror you’re not going to get that Kristen Stewart Twilight expression down perfectly. Hawk’s not Edward, anyway.” Jade gave Hitomi a blank stare. “What the fuck are you talking about?” “Its a poorly written series of nov...” Marcus began, shutting his mouth when he realized the futility of trying to explain any form of popular culture to the woman. “Never mind. It’s an insult, but then I suppose you probably surmised that.” Jade glared at Marcus and then at Hitomi. “Yes, I’m fucking joining you,” she hissed. “I hope you all understand”, Arianne put in, “that we’re trying to do this quietly, and that there isn’t to have a ‘splatterfest’ except as a very last resort, yes?” “She means the movies,” said Hawk. "Cannibal Santa! This Christmas, Santa has a list and he's checking it twice! He knows when you've been naughty! This Christmas, be careful what you *axe* for!" The scene changed to a couple on a sofa in front of a fire and a Christmas tree. "Come on baby," the young man whispered in the girl's ear. "There's no one here. Let's get romantic….." "No, I can't," the girl replied. "The sight of all those people at the mall, just doing their Christmas shopping when that crazy man dressed as Santa Claus butchered them! I can't get it out of my mind!" "Don't worry about that baby, I'll protect you…." "Well, ok…." said the girl, giggling. A moment later, an axe came down on the young man's head, splitting it open and splattering the girl with blood. She let out a blood curdling scream. A vision of a Santa Claus wielding an axe stood before her, swinging his axe down onto her screaming body while yelling, "Naughty!" "This Christmas, you'd better not cry, you'd better not pout, because Santa Claus is coming to your town….and he knows who's been naughty and who's been nice! Cannibal Santa!" "Excellent," said Hawk. "We have some time to kill. Have some wine and join us, Jade….Arianne." “Is this any better than any of the twelve previous movie you had me sit through?” Arianne asked. “With a name like ‘Cannibal Santa’... probably not.” “If it shuts him up, let him watch,” Marcus said, pushing Hitomi’s feet aside and sitting again, absorbing himself in reading something on his iPhone. “Tell pool boy hi from me,” Hawk called out. |
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| Jade Anderson | Mar 23 2013, 05:28 AM Post #7 |
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Hawk hid in the shadows on Atlantic Avenue a block away from the AposteCorp HQ building. It was an ultramodern glass and steel structure that glittered in the night. Police barricades were placed at the streets accessing the block around the building and soldiers were stationed at the access points, directing traffic to detours. He work a long black leather coat with a hood pulled up over his head. He crouched in the shadows just inside the alleyway between two buildings. He listened over his earpiece to Hitomi, who was herself in a similar position, doing reconnaissance down the street. “Looks pretty quiet,” she said into the team radio. “Paddy’s Irish Pub seems to be packed. No great surprise there; it’s Friday night, after all. A couple of stray cats in heat. Oh, and a pair of young men with shaved heads and swastika armbands on the corner. You meet the loveliest people in New York City.” Hitomi paused, then said sharply, “Are you listening, Hawk?” “Yes, dear,” he replied. “Charming,” Jade replied. “All quiet from this end,” she added. She was positioned in an alley on the opposite side of the building. Dressed in tight leather pants and a black sweatshirt with the hood pulled up, she blended with the shadows. A few blocks away Marcus watched as two people took several steps towards his concealed surveillance spot. They stopped just out of sight of the street and had a brief conversation before parting company. A moment later he chimed in. “Pretty sure I just saw my first drug deal, otherwise clear.” “Mr. Steed and Mrs. Peel should be in position shortly,” said Hitomi. “Access should be at the Wolfram building across the street from the ApostleCorp HQ. Elevator should take us to the top. One of us will need to distract the guy at the front desk. Any volunteers?” “That depends, if you want him alive, I’d suggest it not be Jade or Hawk,” Marcus replied. “I’d Arianne flirt with him, that seems to be her thing,” he said, recalling the time she’d tried to charm him out of money, but she was just the target of an attempted assassination, she might be on their radar.” “I’ll do it,” said Hitomi. “Um, you’re in full tactical gear,” said Hawk. “Then again, some guys are turned on by that.....I know I am.” Hitomi swore under her breath. “I’ll distract him and club him over the head, simpleton. It’s hard to be charming in body armor.” “That works, too.” “You don’t think someone will notice that?” Marcus asked, sighing audibly. “Besides, do you honestly think they’re not going to notice someone in tactical gear approaching the building?” “We can do it the hard way,” said Hawk. “Go around the far end and climb up to the fourth floor. There’s office space up there. We have miniature laser cutters and suction grips. Should be easy enough to slip in and get to the elevator and up to the roof.” “This is getting difficult and we just started,” said Hitomi with a sigh. “We aren’t all Olympic gymnasts like Arianne.” “Yes, I’ll bet you wish you’d skipped those four martini lunches,” said Hawk. “You’re getting fat.” “That’s her liver expanding,” Jade added, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll go... I’ll tell him I forgot my pass card and need something in my office or something,” Marcus suggested. “Fine, Marcus, you charm him or I do something worse.....” said Hawk. “We’re not killing the guy at the desk,” said Hitomi. “No, I was going to make him accompany you on a shopping trip. Get going, Cavanaugh,” Hawk paused. “Oh, hang on one sec....” “What?” Marcus asked, pausing before he could stand upright. “Be right back.” Hawk jogged across the street to where the two young skinheads were conversing amongst themselves and drinking 40 ounce bottles of cheap beer. Hawk produced a long, telescoping black titanium baton and smashed one of the young men in the back of the head. Before the other could react, he clubbed him in the face with the baton, sending blood and teeth flying. He smashed the first young man another two times and hit his friend in the nose, smashing it. One of the young men staggered away as Hawk took his friend’s head and smashed it through a car window. The youth fell to the ground, and Hawk gave him several brutal, savage kicks to the ribs. The young man coughed up blood and lay bleeding and beaten on the sidewalk. Finished with the beating, Hawk jogged back to his hiding spot. “Ok, I’m back,” said Hawk. “While I appreciate the sentiment in that, it probably could have waited,” Marcus said. “Can I go, or do you have more plans for vigilante justice first?” “I don’t like Nazi’s,” Hawk said with a shrug. “Besides, I think I did those young men a favor. Anyway, I thought Neo-Nazi’s existed to give us people whose asses we could kick and not feel bad about it.” “No one likes Nazis,” Marcus replied. “Except film makers and video game writers,” he added, standing up and unzipping the designer leather jacket he wore over a fitted black silk t-shirt. Although his clothing was all black, it was far to expensive to be considered ‘tactical’ or ‘practical’. Having said that, it at least afforded him the best chance of walking in unnoticed. “Alright,” he said, stepping out of the alley and walking casually down the sidewalk, “I’m going in.” Marcus approached the building, taking on a more frazzled stance as he got to the entrance. He put his phone to his ear and began talking as he walked in, hurriedly approaching the elevator. His tone was stressed and his voice was loud enough to be overheard by the guard. “No, I’m at the office... Well, I have nowhere else to go, do I? I don’t know... hang on...” he fished in his pocket, came out empty handed, patted down his jacket pockets and then swore softly. “I have to go, I can’t find my key card for work,” he told the fictional person on the other end of the line. He pocketed his phone and turned to walk back towards the security desk. “Excuse me, but I was wondering if you could do me an enormous favour?” “Yes?” said the man at the front desk. He was apparently bored and engrossed in a basketball game on the television. He showed little interest in Marcus. “Look, I just got in a huge fight with my girlfriend and she threw me out... You know how it is,” he ventured. “I have nowhere to go, so I thought I’d just come back to work, but I must have left my pass back at the apartment.” He paused to look at the game. “There’s a pizza in it for you if you help me out...” he offered. “Oh, I understand totally,” said the man. “My roommate got kicked out by his girlfriend when she found out he was balls deep in her best friend. Mind you, they were broken up at the time it happened. You’d think she’d see reason, but this is a woman we’re talking about. Yeah, go up and get what you need. I’m just glad you’re not one of those FEMA jackoffs. They’ve got traffic absolutely fucked with their blocking off the streets. They’re not National Guard, they’re not Army.....who the hell are they? Last I heard of them, they’re fucking up the response to New Orleans, next thing you know they have their own fucking army.” Marcus rolled his eyes. “The first mistake is assuming that women are capable of seeing reason. They get mad if you work late, mad if you don’t work enough, want you to stay home, but don’t want you watching the game, or doing anything you actually like...” he fished out his phone again, glancing back over at the game. “You know, I’ll bet we can get that on the huge monitor in the boardroom,” he suggested, “With all those FEMA guys outside wasting our tax money, I doubt anyone will notice if we watch up there.” He pulled up a pizza menu on his phone. “Meatlover’s good?” he asked. “No,” he replied. “I’m vegetarian. I eat milk, cheese, eggs.....I haven’t quite made the jump to vegan. I’m not that cool. Say, where are you from? You sound European.” Marcus nodded. “Originally, yes.” He replied. I was transferred here in 2005 from the Brussels office,” he replied. “Oh, that makes sense. Well, go on up. I’ve already lost money on this game anyway.” Marcus nodded. “Thanks, man. Decide what you want on that pizza...” Marcus said, clapping the other man on the back. He walked towards the elevator and queued it, waiting for the guard who would need to activate the buttons to take him to his floor.. once he decided what floor that was. He skimmed a directory on the wall while they waited for the doors to open, deciding on a department and selecting a floor.”Twentieth floor,” he said, “Can’t beat the view of Manhattan from there,” he grinned. “This must be a boring job,” he said to the other man. “Can’t be much action after hours...” As he spoke, he hoped that the others realized that he was in. *** “I like pizza,” said Hawk, in mock disappointment. “You get nothing,” hissed Hitomi. “I wonder if that guard has a fortress of pizza boxes in his livingroom like you did?” Jade asked sarcastically. “I swear to christ you could have fucking built another fucking house with all of them,” she added. *** “Veggie, no anchovies, with crazy bread,” said the guard. “And a bottle of Pepsi. Say, it’s boring on the night shift. Want to hang out and watch the game?” “Sure, It’s not like I’m going to be doing much, other than surfing the net and maybe sleeping in my desk chair. You know, considering I pay the rent, *SHE* should be the one sleeping at work.. but then that would require her to actually get a real job,” he complained. “I still think we should watch it in the boardroom. They have a huge set in there,” Marcus replied, hoping to hell he was right about that, and internally cringing at the idea of having to sit through any part of a game. Keeping with the ruse, he fished out his phone and actually called in the order, by the time it arrived, he figured the pizza guy would figure out that it wasn’t going to get delivered. *** Jade snorted as she listened to the conversation. “This is fucking hilarious. I can’t believe the guy actually buys this.” “Well, he’d be dead, bludgeoned or cockteased if it was anyone else but Cavanaugh,” said Hawk. “Score one for subtlety.” “Cavanaugh,” said Hawk into the radio. “The ones in blue and white are the Mavericks, the ones in green and white are the Celtics. The Mavs are winning. PIck the color jersey you like best and just cheer when they put the ball through the hoop. Got it?” Jade laughed. “I wish we could record this, I’m sure he’d love his friends to hear it.” *** The elevator doors opened and Marcus headed through the marketing department towards a set of doors that he assumed was a boardroom. He opened them, his heart pounding, and turned on a light. Thankfully it was a large room set up for a presentation. He found the remote and tossed it to the other man, helping himself to scotch he found on a sideboard and flopping heavily into a chair, putting his feet up on the boardroom table. “Any time you want to move instead of mocking,” he muttered to the others under his breath as the tv sprang to life. *** Fifteen minutes later Hawk made his way into the lobby, after a brief discussion with the pizza man. He wolfed down a slice of pizza as he set the pie down on the desk. “We’re in....” “I can’t fucking believe you threatened that poor guy and took the fucking pizza,” Jade muttered, making her own way into the lobby and looking down at the box with distaste. “I suppose I should just be happy you haven’t blown anything up yet,” she added, rolling her eyes. “Oh please, I still tipped him,” said Hawk with annoyance. “Thin crust....I like it. Cavanaugh, extricate yourself and meet us at the elevator ASAP.” *** “Gotta hit the head,” Marcus said, stretching and getting up. “Back in a minute.” He tipped back the rest of his glass, paused to watch someone score, and then walked out. Edited by Jason Hawk, Mar 23 2013, 06:23 AM.
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| Jason Hawk | Mar 24 2013, 03:48 AM Post #8 |
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"It's all clear," said Hitomi, making her way into empty office space on the forty-third floor. "Looks like this floor has been empty for a while now. "I picked the lock and there's no one around up here." She knelt by a window and looked out at the other side. She pulled a sophisticated night scope out of her black duffel bag and scanned the ApostleCorp building. The scope scanned the infrared spectrum, illuminating heat sources. It had a limited ability to see through walls. It also had an attachment which amplified sounds when focused at a certain area. “Floor thirty-six seems our best entry point. It seems empty for the moment. Apparently it’s one of the employee cafeterias. Hang on, I’m getting voices on the forty-second floor. Let me try to amplify. I’m patching this into the rest of you….” “All clear on this level. Continuing patrol.” There was the click of a radio being turned off. “It’s boring to be up here instead of down on the street. When a protester comes and throws a bottle, that’s all it will take for someone to “accidentally” get shot.” “ApostleCorp security doesn't seem too pleased to have FEMA troops in the building.” “Nothing they can do about us. Max Krueger has declared the vaccine production a matter of national security. Besides, we’re all on the same side….just no one likes to admit it. It’s not like they can say anything about it….our orders and theirs come from the same people.” “Yeah…hey, you were saying something earlier about executive orders?” “Yep….Executive Order 10990, for instance. It lets us take over all modes of transportation.” “FEMA can do that?” “If the President declares an emergency. Executive Order 10995. We can take over the media.” “All of it?” “Any and all. Executive Order 10997. We can take command of natural resources.” “So it’s all legal?” “Sure, the National Security Act falls under our umbrella. And the Defense Production Act. If he plays his cards right, Max Krueger can pull off a bloodless coup.” “All the better. Then we don’t have to fight.” “Exactly.” “Guys, we have FEMA troops in the building,” said Hitomi. “If they’re anything like what we saw in the street, they’re well-armed and trained.” “Maybe they’ve gotten a paranoid since the Brussels incident,” said Hawk. “Indeed. I’m in position and ready to cross over.” “Copy, coming to your position.” |
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| Jason Hawk | Mar 30 2013, 10:24 PM Post #9 |
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“Wonderful, FEMA troops inside the building working with ApostleCorp security,” muttered Hawk, waiting by the elevator for Jade and Marcus. “Tell me again why more of our operations don’t involve breaking into preschools?” “Well you hate kids, for one,” Hitomi replied. “Yes, there’s that.” “Preschoolers are also better educated than FEMA troops... at least they are in my country,” Marcus said, appearing by the elevator. “Oh, and I think I deserve an Academy Award for that performance,” he added with a wry smile. “Being butch doesn’t suit you,” Jade said, striding towards the group, “but I think you’re right about the education.” “To be fair, critical thought, people skills and independent thinking aren’t qualities found in most low-level henchmen,” said Hawk. “The ability to follow orders, not ask questions and count to twelve are pretty much boilerplate criteria in their job descriptions. An enjoyment of pulling the wings off flies is a plus, I guess.” “And pretty nice hustle with that front desk guy,” he added. “So, are we ready?” “As ready as we’ll ever be,” Marcus replied. Jade nodded. “Let’s move, then.” Hawk joined Hitomi in the empty office. The two discussed optimal angles of approach. Hawk took out a suction cup and attached it to one of the windows. Then, with a portable industrial-strength laser torch, he slowly cut out a circular section of the window. He pulled out a portable zip-line gun and fired it at the other side, where the hook embedded itself into the side of the ApostleCorp building. “I hope you don’t have a fear of heights, Cavanaugh,” he quipped. “No just one of falling to my death,” Marcus replied, offering him a sardonic smile. “That’s okay, Hawk’s just trying to hide the fact that he’s terrified,” Jade piped up, watching as the line unraveled. “After you,” she said, smiling at Hawk. “I’ll be honest with you, Cavanaugh,” Hawk said, picking out an arsenal of assorted weapons from his black duffel bag. “There was a time when I was terrified of heights. The thought of going up into a tall building made me break out in hives. Forget about flying in an airplane.” He attached himself to the zip line and checked to make sure he was secure. “Then, I joined the Army. It kind of cured me of my phobia. You see, it was either go up in a plane and jump out with the rest of my squad, or this particularly mean drill sergeant would beat the living shit out of me. It taught me one thing that has stuck with me all these years.” “That anyone can overcome their fears?” said Hitomi. “No, that pain is a powerful motivator.” “Yeah well, I prefer to give it than receive it,” Marcus replied with a smirk. “See you on the other side,” said Hawk, jumping out into mid-air and swinging down high over the city street on the zipline. On the other side, he again used the laser to cut himself an entry through a window into the building. “I’m in,” he radioed. “No contact. Area’s safe. Come on down.” Jade attached herself to the line, perched on the edge of the window and pushed off. She hopped down off the window sill next to Hawk and drew her weapon. “This seems too easy,” she said. A moment later, Marcus appeared in the window. He paused for a moment to breathe. “That was... exhilarating, “ he said. “And I’m never doing it again.” Hawk extended his hand to help the man in. “Very graceful,” said Hawk. “You looked just like a black-turtleneck wearing Peter Pan out there.” Marcus rolled his eyes “I am neither peter-pan-like, nor am I wearing a turtleneck,” he replied. “And holding on isn’t exactly a difficult skill to master... especially given the alternative.” HItomi was the next to enter. “Wow, that was just like sex, just not as messy.” She checked her weapons and looked not unlike a schoolgirl dressed for a firefight with black body armor, guns, grenades and pigtails with purple highlights. “That’s disturbing,” Marcus said, smirking. “We can chat later,” Jade hissed. “Let’s move while we’re not getting shot at.” “Move where is the question,” said Hitomi. “Are we still in comm blackout with the Kelsens?” Hawk nodded. “At their request until they were in position. They should be in position by now.” “Unless they’ve run into trouble,” Hitomi noted. “I trust Chris. They’ll make it.” Hawk scanned the area. “You have the employee cafeteria and down the far hallway there appear to be offices and conference rooms. This is actually quite swanky. Much better than what we had at Section 17 in London.” “You actually ate at that cafeteria?” Jade asked. “I was squatting in a building where I had to steal electricity when I started there and even *I* never ate there.” “Charming,” Marcus muttered, “and I somehow doubt there’s much of value in there unless you want to know the price of a coke.” “It’s....” Hawk began. Then he noticed doors opening down the hall. A conference room was occupied and its occupants were exiting. Hawk ducked behind a wall to hear what they were saying. “I’m telling you we don’t *need* federal assistance,” said one man with a hint of annoyance and anger. “ApostleCorp security has the operation well in hand.” “Your counterpart in Europe said the same thing.....before I relieved him of duty. I want no more....mishaps, like the Belgian incident.” “Director Krueger, I must respectfully disagree. My men are well-capable of securing *both* our distribution operation in the underground levels as well as the data archives. I think....” Krueger turned and hissed. “Who told you you could think? I don’t give you enough information to *think*! You do what you’re told, when I say!” The man Krueger was talking to started to cry in pain, as if Krueger was applying brute force to some sensitive part of his body. “The data archives contain information about our most sensitive operations, understood? If they were compromised it could cause the company....and me personally, considerable damage. Our North American operations....the Belgian operation I personally oversaw to eliminate our rivals in Europe.....you wouldn’t want that to be exposed, now would you?” “No....” cried the man, whimpering in pain. “So, you’ll cooperate and do what you’re told?” “Yes.....” “Good, I knew we could come to an agreement. Thank you for being reasonable. Now, do exactly what I said or I’ll erase your ass. Is that understood?” “Yes,” gasped the man. “Yes, understood completely.” With this, the group disappeared down another hallway. Jade stepped out of the shadows. “Late night security meeting. That doesn’t bode well.” She said. “Krueger is in the fucking building?” Hawk hissed in disbelief. “This can’t be a coincidence. They’re onto us. That’s the only explanation.” |
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| Arianne Kelsen | Mar 31 2013, 11:36 PM Post #10 |
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"You know, dad, you were right," said Arianne in a quiet voice as she hauled herself of her hiding place, a narrow space between two cupboards in the kitchen of one of ApostleCorp HQ's cafeterias. "I really had no idea how much I missed waiting for hours in a cramped space." As soon as she was out, Kristoff extricated himself as well. "Now, now, no snark, my dear. Remember, it's your problem that we're fiing here. Besides, think of it as reestablishing our lost closeness." Arianne shook her head ruefully. "Let's go. The others will be coming in in thirty minutes, tops. We need to have the pressure alarm disabled before then." They made her way towards the grilled sliding doors that blocked the entryway into the cafeteria. They were locked, of course; Arianne had picked the lock on the way in, but had locked the door behind them after they'd entered so as to not arouse suspiscion when the security guard made her rounds. Arianne waved towards the lock. Kristoff quirked an eyebrow and gestured himself. "I'm not your apprentice anymore," Arianne muttered. "Ah, but you know how fathers are," Kristoff replied quietly. "You'll always be my little girl." Arianne rolled her eyes, though she could not hide her smirk. Expertly, she worked the lock again, unlocking it. The pair slid through the gate, then Arianne locked the gate again between them. Kristoff watched her with satisfaction. "You've kept in practice." "Of course." "I wasn't sure. I'm glad. Though I must say your new job has its perks. Getting in via a delivery truck is an old trick, but I didn't think you could arrange it so quickly." "You have no idea how many pies my organization has its fingers in", Arianne replied. "It actually kind of scared me at first. It was basically impossible for ApostleCorp to be supplied without one of our hidden subsidiaries being tagged. Once we figured out which one... child's play. Easier than the part about having to hide until nightfall." "Color me suitably impressed," Kristoff replied. "I'll be more so if we can get *out* with what we came for. That's always the rub." He gestured for silence as they left the deserted confines of the cafeteria, and motioned towards the corridor. The black-clad pair quickly and silently made their way through the corridors. Expert burglars both, they made not a sound padding through the hallways. They encountered the occasional security guard making the rounds, but had no trouble backtracking and finding alternate routes to avoid them; the guards never realized they'd been in. Eventually they left the office area and came to the basement, where they reached their first destination: a specific electronics panel. Here there was no jockeying for who would get to do the work. Kristoff, who had more experience with the system, quietly started working on it while Arianne stood watch. The pair had carefully timed their intrusion so that they would have the most possible amount of time before the patrolling guard's rounds would come back here, giving the Kelsens as much time as possible to do their work. Kristoff opened the panel, looked carefully at the wires, and selected those he needed to deal with. From a pouch he drew tools and wires, and busied himself with bypassing one of the components. He worked quickly and before long leaned back and closed the panel with a satisfied smile. "Done?" Arianne asked, though she knew the answer. Kristoff nodded. "Time to tell your friends to go ahead with their showy entrance." "Hey, at least they don't get to wait five hours in a cafeteria," Arianne replied. The pair left the panel and found an out-of-the-way nook from where Arianne could send her signal. "This is the Molerats -- announcing intrusion is a 'go'. Repeat, intrusion is a 'go'. See you soon." Edited by Arianne Kelsen, Mar 31 2013, 11:37 PM.
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| Jason Hawk | Apr 2 2013, 05:43 AM Post #11 |
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“I’m not surprised,” Jade said, motioning to them to move down the hall. “They’re dialled in to every communication source on the planet,” I’m surprised they haven’t found a way to isolate our comm feeds.” “Comforting,” Marcus muttered. “Does this chance our strategy?” “It depends on how important killing or capturing Krueger is to us,” said Hawk. “Can you say mission creep?” Hitomi retorted. “We might not get another chance. Thoughts?” “I agree. He’s in our laps now. We need to take him out, we should take this opportunity to do so,” Jade said. “He’s as deeply inside as you can get,” Marcus said. “Not that I particularly want him alive, but do you not think questioning him would be prudent?” “Question him, take fingers, leave Jade alone with him for an hour,” said Hawk. “He’s in bed with Cord and we need what’s in his head. Whatever it takes. Hang on.” Hawk paused, listening to his earpiece. “They’re in,” he announced. “You had better warn them about Kreuger,” Marcus said. “And getting back to interrogation tactics, perhaps leaving him alone with Jade should be a last resort if we actually want information before he dies.” “Fuck you, Cavanaugh,” Jade hissed. “I think Fuck you, Cavanaugh is a term of endearment by now, coming from Jade,” Hitomi quipped, looking at her handheld scanner. “Okay, the 3-D thermal imaging is giving a pretty clear picture. Guards are in pairs, apparently following pre-assigned patrol routes in every sector. Arianne’s sent a datafile on the building schematics. From what we know, there’s a security station on the level above us. From there, we can tap into the security computers....disable cameras, open doors....I think she’s trying to tell us something.” “I think that should be our priority, with Krueger’s head secondary,” said Hawk. “Oh, and I’m getting some other thermal readings....strange....these don’t make sense,” said Hitomi, confused. “They don’t match up to human biometric readings....” “What do you mean ‘not human’?” Marcus asked Hitomi, eyeing her as if she’d lost her mind. From the far hallway, a heavy thump-thump and hiss of hydraulic machinery could be heard. “Unit 1, scanning Sector 7, Level 43.....” said the mechanized voice. A bipedal machine, twin-linked autocannons mounted below its mechanized torso, appeared down the hallway. Blue laser scanners were mounted on its torso, scanning the area ahead. “What in the fuck is that?” Marcus hissed. “Cybernetic security engine,” said Hawk. “Stay out of path of the lasers and you should be fine.” “Comforting,” Marcus muttered. “Because this wasn’t bad enough... How do we stop them?” “Simple, anti-tank rocket, EMP blast, reprogram the EPROM,” said Hawk. “Or just wait until it goes away. They’re on a preprogrammed patrol path. Lethal, but not much in the brains department.” “What are the patrolling for, exactly? Heat, noise?” Marcus asked, feeling like a sitting duck. “Depends on the model,” said Hawk. “The early ones just had the capability of scanning the visual spectrum. Second gen models did visual and heat signatures. Third....” The bot stopped and snapped to attention. “Threat indicated 80% likely in this sector....investigating.....” “Did sound.....fuck,” hissed Hawk. “Arianne.....are you there?” “I copy you, Hawk. We’re on our way up the stairs. No bad encounters so far, everything going slick and clean as you please. How are things on your end?” “Could be better,” Hawk whispered. “We have a CRD-209 sentry bot on our level and it’s close to detecting us. Can you hook into the network and shut it down?” “Those things are ridiculous”, Kristoff said. “More expensive than a human guard and dumber. They’re easier to avoid.” “We’ll see what we can do,” interjected Arianne, “but the security stations are above you. You’ll have to sit tight until we can make it there.” “They can’t shut it down in time,” whispered Hawk. “We’ll have to slip past it.” “Let’s move, then. Before something else goes wrong,” Jade hissed. “Feel free to lead the way,” Marcus added. “Maybe it will be satisfied shooting you.” “Gee thanks,” said Hawk, deftly moving past the security bot’s scanners. Hitomi moved behind him. “I’ll shoot a man without a second thought,” Hawk whispered. “I just don’t like fighting things that have a warranty....” “Hawk, this is america, even breasts have warranties,” Marcus replied, following Hitomi. “What would you know about that?” Jade asked, slipping past the scanners and taking cover next to them. “More than you think,” Marcus replied. “The automobile, the airplane, the Big Mac and fake tits, all American inventions,” Hawk hissed. “Can we please continue this conversation far away from the Tin Man over there?” “Happily,” Marcus replied. “Lead the way.” Hawk pressed the button on the elevator for the next floor. “We’ll need to shut down security cameras on levels 12, 18 and 22 and open the blast doors on another four levels. Is there a way we can access the security station without killing everyone there?” Hawk said. “We could just kill everyone in there, it’s never stopped us before,” Jade said. “Now he’s selective,” Marcus sighed. “How many people are in there, do you think?” Could we cause a diversion that would distract them but not make it up to Kreuger’s level?” “If we kill everyone that would definitely get us access, but cost us time. We’d be immediately detected.” “What did you have in mind, Marcus?” said Hitomi. Marcus furrowed his brow. “We need something that would send up a red flag, but not something that suggests an intruder. Just enough to draw them out... What if one of those sentry robots ‘malfunctioned’?” he suggested. “Possibly,” said Hitomi. “How can we make one malfunction?” “They don’t look great at navigating obstacles,” said Hawk. “They have a control panel on the rear of the torso,” said Hitomi, accessing her datapad. “Cut the wires are you’ll sever the link to its mobility controls.” “Which one of us is going to get close enough to that thing to do it?” said Hawk. “Give me that,” Jade said, yanking the datapad from Hitomi and studying it. “I’ll go.” Handing it roughly back to Hitomi, she turned to the others. “Cover me,” she said, knowing that it was likely useless. Jade turned and made her way back down the hall toward the sentry. She waited as it turned to scan the hall and prepared to strike. “Jade!” hissed Hawk. “Even *you* can’t be crazy enough.....Look, Jade, you don’t need to impress us, ok? If that thing detects you....” It was too late, she was already in mid motion. “Jade don’t be a fool,” Marcus hissed, for once agreeing with Hawk.”We’ll find another way.” Jade studied the machine, waited for what she considered her window, and in so many words, pounced on it. The machine stopped and brought its weapons to bear. “Scanning.....threat detected....processing....” Jade grabbed at the hatch, attempting to pry it open. At this proximity, she hoped she’d be too close to be in the line of fire. The door to the control panel pried open, revealing a keypad and some exposed wires. “Tracking mode activated.....acquiring hostile.....” Jade’s heart sped up, but she remained remarkably calm. She studied the keypad and wires. Finally, she simply grabbed a handful and yanked on them. The bot jerked upright, then emitted a low wail, not unlike a wounded animal. “Nap time....Sleep mode activated....” “Nap time?” Jade asked, standing up and walking back towards the others. “Who the fuck designed these, five year olds?” “Five year olds generally don’t design things with autocannons the fire depleted uranium rounds,” said Hawk, his face white as ash. “Jade,” said Hitomi. “That was.....I was going to say dumb, but nice job.” “But also dumb,” Marcus said. “You could have been killed.” “We can all be killed,” Jade retorted. “Look at what we’re doing. We should move before they figure out something is wrong.” “What were they expecting anyway,” said Hitomi, eyeing the immobilized bot. “Maybe they thought someone was going to fly a tank in here.” *** On the 44th floor security station a security tech noticed the disabled bot. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, that’s the third time this week!” “They’re still working the bugs out,” said his partner. “And every time we’ve got to go babysit it. What is it this time, I wonder. Did it trip on some stairs?” “Who knows? Last time it got stuck in the door to the ladies room. I’ll stay here and watch things until you get back.” “No way, if I have to move that thing out of some wedge its stuck itself into, I’m not doing it alone. You’re coming with me. Let’s go.” Edited by Jason Hawk, Apr 2 2013, 05:46 AM.
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| Jason Hawk | Apr 10 2013, 03:54 AM Post #12 |
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Hitomi kicked open the door to the security station and burst in with her assault rifle drawn. Fortunately for anyone inside, it was empty. Rows of video monitors and computer terminals gave information about every floor in the building. “Clear!” she said, sitting down at one of the terminals. “We don’t have long before those guards return,” said Hawk. “Let’s get what we need and keep moving,” Jade said, approaching a monitor that displayed security footage of an empty hall. “What are we looking for?” Marcus asked. “Well first,” said Hitomi, navigating the security console. “We’re going to help Mr. Steed and Mrs. Peel a bit. There, the doors to levels 48, 49 and the interior access hall leading to the R&D servers is wide open. I’ve disabled door locks and cameras. Security bots have been deactivated. They should have a clear path barring any human intervention.” “Won’t someone notice what you’ve done?” said Hawk. “Probably. Lucky for us the Kelsen family moves quick.” “Leaving us to clean up the residual mess we make? Terrific.” Jade rolled her eyes. “Where’s Krueger?” said Hawk. “Hang on...I’m zeroing his location now....Whoa, he’s definitely still here. Let me bring up the video feed....” A video transmission from the security camera one of the offices broadcasted Krueger and several of his men in some sort of conference. Deacon Cord was speaking with them via holo-transmission. “Krueger...you have some good news for me?” “Yes, our men are in complete control of the ApostleCorp building in New York. We’ve increased the security at every access point. I’ve personally selected the men to oversee the operation. When the renegades arrive, we’ll be ready for them.” “You assume much. You’re exposing our operation to considerable risk. Any delays in Operation Ascension will be on your head. If you fail me, you may not get another chance....” “They’ll be dead by dawn, I assure you. They’ll come. This whole operation is so obviously a trap that they will no doubt see it as a challenge. Their weakness is their predictability.” “Don’t fail me again, Krueger,” hissed Cord. “For your sake. When the renegades are dead I want you to start the next phase of our targeted assassinations in Europe. The Network may be gone, but we can allocate some specialists from Majestic Twelve. Ducs was the first...there will be others.” “As you command....” “I knew it!” Hawk spat. “Kreuger was behind the assassination in Belgium. He had it pinned on us!” “What the fuck? Krueger *knows* we’re here? How did that happen?” Hitomi cried. “I’m not surprised,” Jade said. “And they know we’re coming. They don’t know we’ve arrived. So we’re still one step ahead.” “His computer is there,” said Hitomi. “We need what he knows. We can clear our names!” “We don’t know what we’re walking into,” said Hawk. “How much worse can it be?” Marcus asked. “We’re already walking into a death trap. At this point, we have very little to lose and a lot to gain. I for one want what’s on that computer.” “Easy for you to say, Cavanaugh,” Hawk replied. “We’ll likely be doing most of the shooting. They have FEMA troops....and kill-bots. The last guy they sent against us had a fucking rail gun....but I admit that we won’t get this opportunity again. And killing Krueger is simply a nice little bonus. What do you think, Jade?” “Unless they plan on figuring out a way to drive a tank or fly a bomber through the corridors, or detonate some sort of explosive, they’re running out of showy options for retaliation.” Jade said.”I’d pay to kill Krueger with my bare hands,” she added. “Let’s do it.” |
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| Jason Hawk | Apr 15 2013, 01:08 AM Post #13 |
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Hitomi kicked open the door to the security station and burst in with her assault rifle drawn. Fortunately for anyone inside, it was empty. Rows of video monitors and computer terminals gave information about every floor in the building. “Clear!” she said, sitting down at one of the terminals. “We don’t have long before those guards return,” said Hawk. “Let’s get what we need and keep moving,” Jade said, approaching a monitor that displayed security footage of an empty hall. “What are we looking for?” Marcus asked. “Well first,” said Hitomi, navigating the security console. “We’re going to help Mr. Steed and Mrs. Peel a bit. There, the doors to levels 48, 49 and the interior access hall leading to the R&D servers is wide open. I’ve disabled door locks and cameras. Security bots have been deactivated. They should have a clear path barring any human intervention.” “Won’t someone notice what you’ve done?” said Hawk. “Probably. Lucky for us the Kelsen family moves quick.” “Leaving us to clean up the residual mess we make? Terrific.” Jade rolled her eyes. “Where’s Krueger?” said Hawk. “Hang on...I’m zeroing his location now....Whoa, he’s definitely still here. Let me bring up the video feed....” A video transmission from the security camera one of the offices broadcasted Krueger and several of his men in some sort of conference. Deacon Cord was speaking with them via holo-transmission. “Krueger...you have some good news for me?” “Yes, our men are in complete control of the ApostleCorp building in New York. We’ve increased the security at every access point. I’ve personally selected the men to oversee the operation. When the renegades arrive, we’ll be ready for them.” “You assume much. You’re exposing our operation to considerable risk. Any delays in Operation Ascension will be on your head. If you fail me, you may not get another chance....” “They’ll be dead by dawn, I assure you. They’ll come. This whole operation is so obviously a trap that they will no doubt see it as a challenge. Their weakness is their predictability.” “Don’t fail me again, Krueger,” hissed Cord. “For your sake. When the renegades are dead I want you to start the next phase of our targeted assassinations in Europe. The Network may be gone, but we can allocate some specialists from Majestic Twelve. Ducs was the first...there will be others.” “As you command....” “I knew it!” Hawk spat. “Kreuger was behind the assassination in Belgium. He had it pinned on us!” “What the fuck? Krueger *knows* we’re here? How did that happen?” Hitomi cried. “I’m not surprised,” Jade said. “And they know we’re coming. They don’t know we’ve arrived. So we’re still one step ahead.” “His computer is there,” said Hitomi. “We need what he knows. We can clear our names!” “We don’t know what we’re walking into,” said Hawk. “How much worse can it be?” Marcus asked. “We’re already walking into a death trap. At this point, we have very little to lose and a lot to gain. I for one want what’s on that computer.” “Easy for you to say, Cavanaugh,” Hawk replied. “We’ll likely be doing most of the shooting. They have FEMA troops....and kill-bots. The last guy they sent against us had a fucking rail gun....but I admit that we won’t get this opportunity again. And killing Krueger is simply a nice little bonus. What do you think, Jade?” “Unless they plan on figuring out a way to drive a tank or fly a bomber through the corridors, or detonate some sort of explosive, they’re running out of showy options for retaliation.” Jade said.”I’d pay to kill Krueger with my bare hands,” she added. “Let’s do it.” |
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7:27 PM Jul 11