chicago mission ♔ the people under your feet are shooting stars in the night

[rationalizes]

♬ Dreamworld - Rilo Kiley

WHO || Gar, Kat, Mark, Dumage, Martha, Myri, Buffy, Sven, Spike, Desmond Descant, ??, ?? [Closed]
WHAT || The Knights infiltrate Nightscape to intercept a deal for the Eternal Jade. And... so does Des. At the same time. Hilarity ensues???
WHERE || Chicago. Nightscape.
WHEN || Friday, March 9th, various tiemes.
HOW || Actionspam; Don't sweat tagging order.

It's been a busy day. Following Gar's discovery of a message that seems to imply a trade for the artifact known as the Eternal Jade will take place at a location called "Nightscape" the next evening, several of the Knights headed out to the area outlined in Hoffman Institute files, only to discover the place was an office building that sold pharmaceuticals. However, as Myrilandel stared at a strange canopied fruit stand attached to the front of the building, she began to notice something, well, quite odd about it. A long line of people waited against the edifice to enter the stand, but none of them looked as if they fit into the commercial sector whatsoever, with their leather, vinyl, spiked hair, glitter, colored hair, etc. In fact, only by staring at the image presented and concentrating could the others recognize there was something wrong with the whole picture - something that caused theirs eyes to rebound off from it and find the entire scene innocuous otherwise. The line of people disappeared into the canopy - but none of the crowd ever came out again, defying any logic about how many people could humanly fit inside the tiny stand at a time.

It was clear that it wasn't just any fruit stand.

It was an entrance. They quickly surmised just what it had to be an entrance to. Myrilandel managed to note a number of guards emerging from the club after hours, dressed in some kind of futuristic looking armor that... looks a lot like Halo armor. She spotted the symbol on the side of the van they climbed into, and the surveillance team took note of it before heading back to the hotel.

Meanwhile, the research team back home (Kat, Buffy, and Sven mostly, since Gar passed out asleep in her chair) threw themselves into finding out what they could about Nightscape: and found rumors about an invite-only underground club, whose location was protected by magic, which seemed to mesh with what the other Knights had seen. The most interesting aspect of the club, however, wasn't just the fact that invitations to it come in the form of pills that implant directions into the subject's unconscious mind, but that supposedly it played havoc with the memories of those who frequent it. Every visit fades from the patron's mind when they leave, in the same way a dream does - they could remember a vague feeling of what it was like, but not any details about what actually occurred - and the more they attempted to remember, the more the memories would elude them.

Today, they've managed to look up that symbol Myri noticed on the side of the van and identify it as belonging to a private security firm that hires out to wealthy patrons in often underhanded deals. Which has allowed a plan of action to be hatched. :O

The Knights will coordinate efforts to plant a fake detour between the security firm and the club, derailing a van full of guards to lead to a stop light that will be controlled by Kat. And allow them to come up through a conveniently placed manhole to plant a device on the underbelly of the truck that will cripple its battery temporarily. At this point, the Knights will assume control of the vehicle, and Kat, Gar, Buffy, and Spike will don the armor of the guards and take their weapons, proceeding to the club as security personnel. Mark and Myrilandel will transport the captured guards to somewhere safe to keep them out of the way and possibly interrogate them. Dumage and Martha will drop off Sven at the club - he'll be attempting to bluff his way through the front door as a patron so that they can have an eye in the crowd as well, and then the ladies will park on the street to sit and wait as a getaway car / backup if necessary.

Obviously, nothing could possibly go wrong. :)

[ooc; subthreads to come!]

Comments

[rationalizes]

If you're caught up here like that, who knows what they'll do with you. [Her tone is more worried than chastising though, and she furrows her brow, thinking] Perhaps we can use that to our advantage.

[She nods to Buffy] We think we have discovered where the trade will occur. [She glances around the corner to make certain it's clear, then gestures for them to look] A group just entered those double doors down the hallway. Kat and I were already scoping out the area up here: those doors lead to the adjoining chamber between the hallway and another room, where they must be meeting. That meeting room can also be reached by a back entrance down the far corridor.

Perhaps the three of you can monitor the front exit from the chamber beyond those double doors, while Kat and I make our way to the back. We'll have both exits covered, therefore, in case they've already made the exchange.

[slays]

[ Buffy listens intently to the directions and nods. ] I think we can swing that. If they try and get through us, we'll knock 'em out cold and wait for you guys.

[bigbad]

You really enjoy violence, don't you? [Yeah, Buffy, he saw you raise your fist before he (almost literally) scared the shit out of the elevator boy. And how you whacked the previous owner of Spike's coat. And oh, Spike. He looks back up at the other three.] But all right, I'm in. Though I still don't see why we've got to babysit the new guy.

[shootfirst]

Because it looks a little more suspicious to have one regular dude trailing after two guards all buddy buddy than a group of three clubbers getting lost?

[rationalizes]

♬ Short Skirt Long Jacket - Cake

... As she says, it seems the most practical approach, although now neither of you are armed... [She frowns deeply at this, obviously concerned about leaving her hapless squires out here ): But, desperate times, etc. etc.] Though hopefully it won't come to violence. [Do you hear that, Kat? Hopefully 8| Gar goes to place her helmet back on but pauses, hesitates, and looks back at Des]

If it's answers you seek, perhaps we can make an exchange of information - if it's you who leaves here with the Jade. [And with that promise, she stuffs her hair up into the helmet again, shoulders her gun and heads off down the hall with Kat in tow]

[nothingsodivine]

[Des has just been watching this exchange, occasionally trying to get a word in edgewise, but... He's not in the special club. Sorry, Des. That's what being a lone wolf gets you- no one wants to hear your voice. But once Gar addresses him, he feigns shock.] Oh, hey. Am I a part of this conversation now? [He rolls his shoulders.] We'll see how it goes. Not really a plan guy.. Or a plays-nice-with-others-guy, but I'm willing to try new experiences. Oh... And, just in case you were wondering? [He pulls a revolver out of the back of his pants.] I'm armed. We're good.

[bigbad]

We don't need weapons. [Because Spike and Buffy both are super strong. That and Spike... can't actually consistently hit people without getting a massive headache. But he doesn't feel like admitting that one.] Planning on sharing your name any time soon?

[slays]

[ The look Buffy gives Spike says "no, I don't need a weapon. The weapon you need is called Advil." But she gets past it to address Gar and Des. ] We'll be fine. [ And to Des, she adds. ] I'm Buffy, this is Spike. And this will be easier for all of us if you learn fast to work with us.

[nothingsodivine]

As long as no one points a gun at me. [He holsters the revolver and glares at Kat. YOU ARE ON HIS SHIT LIST FOREVER, OKAY, MISSY?] Name's Desmond Descant. Descant if you know what's good for you and Des if that's too much of a mouthful.

[bigbad]

[Spike's already made up his mind to call him Desmond. Because he's contrary and wants to know exactly how it isn't good for him. So he's ignoring the instructions. Sort of.] Stop whinging. No one shot you.

[slays]

[ Oh boy. She can already tell this is gonna be fun. This much testosterone in one half of the mission. ] If either of you keeps yapping, someone will get shot. [ She rolls her eyes, and grabs onto both of their shirts, tugging them down the hall. ] See you guys inside. [ She directed at Kat and Gar, then dragged Des and Spike toward the double doors, letting go after a few steps. ]

[behindcloseddoors]

♬ The Package - A Perfect Circle

[Kat and Gar disappear down the fall hallway as the others reach the double doors. They're made of heavy wood, and have two curved golden handles.

((If they're sneaking, plz make Move Silently (Dex) checks. If anyone listens at the door, a 13 or above will confirm voices inside, but faint, since as Gar stated, there should be an empty room between them. The doors are unlocked. And to avoid having to do another tag about this since THEY WILL PROBABLY OPEN THE DOOR AT SOME POINT:

The door swings inwards, and reveals an empty sitting room. There's a rug dividing the room leading from this door to the next, and a few sparse end tables line the walls, which are covered with gilt framed mirrors. The rug is green and silver, and worked with images of the moon going through phases, each moon shape wrapped in vines, leading up to the full moon right before the second set of heavy wooden doors.]

[nothingsodivine]

[Des rolled a freakin' SEVEN, so he... Has heavy footsteps. LOOK, HE'S TRYING. And because he's the damn PI here, he gets himself free of Buffy's grip and puts his ear to the door. And... Gets a twelve, so he can't make anything out.] They might as well being saying "cucumber cucumber" or something.

[bigbad]

[...Des has nothing on Spike, who got a natural one. Vampire grace, yep. If anyone asks, it's cause Buffy was being so pushy that he... fell against the door with a loud clunking sound and a grunt of impact. It's like when he's trying to be all menacing and walks into an open grave because he's a MORON and it's hilarious. Sob, his life. At least he landed ear-first because he got a freaking 26 on his listen check. At least his... vampire super senses are working.]

I can hear them.

[slays]

[ Buffy is the only competent person here with her fourteen move silently check, and it leads to her glaring at them both. ] And I think it's safe to say they can hear us. Good job with the gracefulness. [ She rolls her eyes. ] Can you even make out anything they're saying? [ Yeah, if Spike is gonna brag, she's not gonna bother with a listen check. She has her vampire puppy for that. ]

[behindcloseddoors]

[None of the voices inside seem to indicate anyone has heard - or at least nothing is said. Spike can also hear a smooth male voice saying:]

Now, my dear. We’ve extended this offer to you before, and been denied, but we thought we would give you the chance to reconsider signing with us. Your talent is undeniable, and, more than that, we can offer you a place you can belong. [With noticeable disdain:] Away from... here.

[A female voice responds, fiery and confident.]

I’ve got everything I want here, thank you very much. I belong here. I don’t need to be a part of whatever it is you’re really angling for, and I told you that once already. That's my security team outside right now, and they'll be more than willing to see you out.

[A deep voice with a thick Caribbean flavor responds, (Des would probably realize it's most likely the tattooed man):]

Not so fast, little one. You’ve had your chance, and so the time for games is over.

[The woman's voice is angrier, surprised when she says quickly:]

What are you doing? Get away from me!

[bigbad]

[Spike nods, speaking in a low voice.]

They're making an offer to someone--a woman--she's got a security team. They're saying--

[...those aren't good words. She wants them to get away. And that deep voice had sounded very threatening...

Fuck this waiting around plan. Spike's never been one to sneak around anyway. He steps away from the door and kicks it open. Strength check 18!

...Which leads him into the large sitting room area. Oops. Undeterred, he stalks quickly across it, turning over his shoulder to explain to the other two.]

They're about to hurt her!

[nothingsodivine]

[Des just... Stares. Holy shit, someone killed a door and it wasn't him. He's so glad not to be the BIGGEST DUMBASS in this room.] And now? Now they're probably gonna shoot us. [He pats Spike on the shoulder and pushes forward, drawing his gun.] Tally-ho, then.

[slay]

[ Buffy looks like she might bitch at Spike, but she doesn't yet. Because as soon as he says they're about to hurt her, she's on team barging in and breaking down doors too. ] Kat and Gar are gonna love this. [ Nonetheless, she charges across the setting room, shoulder-to-shoulder with Spike and knocks the next door open without hesitation. ]

1/2

[supremacist]

[Seven people turn to look at them as the door goes flying open. It's a bedroom, centered around an emerald and oak canopied bed, where the singer from downstairs sits, surrounded by a man in a white suit with slicked hair and this group of people: the tattooed man, the three guards, and the blonde floozy, who stands off to the side, arms folded. The tattooed man has his thick hand around the singer’s arm. One of the guards holds the leash to a small creature that first appears to be a large cat with jet black fur, almost darkly purplish - but for the fact that floating off from its back, attached to its flanks, are two floating tentacles, also purple and fur covered, with vicious looking barbed ends, swishing there like extra tails.]

[borrowedheaven]

[The singer flashes her dark, angry eyes from him to the newcomers, looking confused momentarily when they... aren't the guards. But still, her tone is strangely confident for being mid-manhandled by that beast of a dude, and she demands:]

What do you want?

[bigbad]

[No briefcase. This isn't what they're here for. But right now, that doesn't matter since the singer is clearly in danger and Spike's not about to just leave her there one against six and a... cat beast. He's on the mission because he was sent there. He doesn't really care about the jade or the rest of it, though he'll do his damnedest to get it back. He does care that there's a girl who needs help. And a headache won't be enough to stop him from finding a way to help her.]

...we're here to, uh, help you.

[nothingsodivine]

They're here to help you. [Des jerks his thumb in Spike and Buffy's general direction, keeping his gun up, but not pointed at anyone specific.] They're probably good at it, too. Me? I'm just here for the party favors- and I know I'm good at getting them. [No containers, no nothing- what kind of drop is this?

Well. Des knows one thing. And he's dumb enough to pull it. He puts the gun on the girl.] So someone's gonna start talking about what this little party's for or this room's getting a really interesting new paint job. Don't everyone speak at once or anything. [He eyes the dude in the suit. And he got a nat21 intimidation check, so yeeeah boi. Finally... His life goes right.]

[slays]

[ Sense motive check of 26 means Buffy realizes Des is bluffing, so she doesn't actually ... tackle him. Which is what she would do if she were genuinely worried he'd shoot some innocent girl. Instead, she holds out her hand, placating. ] Whoa. Let's resist the new paint job impulse, huh? [ She turns her gaze to the tattooed guy. ] Maybe let the girl go. He's not big with the jokey fun time, and I personally don't want to see the inside of her head.

1/2

[supremacist]

[Mr. Suit is all too quick to put both hands up, minor panic on his features making it apparent that Des' bluff is working on him, at least.]

Now, now. I see no reason for such violence. Miss Jade and I had an appointment to discuss business. That is all.