Realistic or Modern The Vigilante Code

[Mitheral]

Prior to the Cage Fights


When Sean finally spoke, Erica eyed him curiously, a bit startled by some of the things he seemed to be implying. In fact, she let out a small cough in surprise. Did he just pseudo ask her if she wanted to date him again? "Just what exactly are you asking me, Sean?" Erica could have elaborated and made sure that Sean understood what he was talking about, but she knew he likely would anyways. And if that wasn't what Sean was asking, Erica would save herself the embarrassment.


Sean was silent for a time. Old emotions had boiled to the surface and the thought of Erica placing her life in danger weren’t helping. It had been one thing for her to take off for the National Guard to live a separate life halfway around the world. But he wasn’t so insensitive that he couldn’t tell that something was still there. But part of him still resented her for leaving. He knew that was just wrong. But he simply couldn’t help it.


He was taking too long to answer.


“Like I said. If my brother is there, we need to have our story straight. If we go with picking up where we left off, then we are eventually going to be expected to do more than hold hands. Remember, we are infiltrating. That is a long term thing. Sort of like joining the National Guard and taking off for four years.”


He regretted his words as soon as he said them. This had NOT been the time for them.


He adjusted his tone a little. “I could have been patient. You didn’t even have to sign up. I could have helped with college. Don’t get me wrong. I am proud of you. And as cliche as it sounds, thanks for all you do.” He clenched his jaw. “Jennifer pissed me off with some of the Psych course crap. But if anyone has had the experience with analyzing, it’s her. She says I have abandonment issues. Maybe she’s right. And no, I am NOT going to repeat what else she said.” He actually had to fight a smile at that last thought. It had been something about having his cheesecake and eating it too…. Of course, Jennifer had suggested trying other flavors.


Illegal Cage Fighting Arena


Juanita could see that the younger woman wasn’t taking the bait. She smiled slightly and nodded. If anything she could respect Erica. She still suspected that there was a very strong connection between Erica and Sean, but Erica wasn’t allowing that to crowd her judgement. Erica was her inferior in every way - except perhaps martial arts. That was the one area Juanita knew she could never underestimate the younger woman - especially in front of the men,


And yet, Juanita also knew that it was going to take both she and Samuel to put these two down in the Cage. Anyone less and they would fail. Juanita frowned to herself. She was going to have to speak with Samuel to make sure he understood this. Putting Sean down hard was going to be necessary.


Once they were signed up Sean and Erica were split up to go change and do any taping. Loose clothing was not allowed - at least nothing loose enough in which to conceal weapons. In fact, a bare minimum was the requirement - enough for modesty and little else. Only big name fighters were ever allowed to wear more ornate costumes, but they had to conform to regular rules if they wanted to face lesser fighters.


The locker room “officials” corrected part of what they had been told. Fight gloves were acceptable. Boxing shorts or boxer briefs only and sports bras for women. MMA fights requires no street shoes - kickboxing footwear only. Lockers were assigned, locks not provided. Fighters were allowed to stay in the locker room until a 5 minute call was made for Next Up. Then they went out to a Ready holding pen. For an illegal fight club it was run pretty well. The chilling part of the briefing was the part about fatalities and what to do. From the sounds of it they had a clean up crew to dispose of bodies.


The fights were pretty much what Sean expected from the moment he saw Samuel there. He was matched up against his older brother. Like he hadn’t seen that coming. This was now the perfect opportunity for his brother to kill him. Erica was matched up against Juanita.


Sean vs Samuel went first. The betting was fairly heavy, the odds stacked against Sean - though not by much. It was called a grudge match - brother against brother - with bad blood involved. The purse was $250,000. It was a long drawn out fight. Sean refused to go down. They beat each other pretty bloody. But from the start of the fight Erica could tell that Samuel was better trained, stronger, and tougher. Sean was, very simply, outclassed. Samuel could easily have taken it easier on him. But there was an unspoken communication between Juanita and Samuel. Juanita wanted Sean beaten down - if not dead. In the end they had to carry Sean’s unconscious bloody form out of the room in need of serious medical attention.


Samuel walked out of the cage with a stern expression on his face. He spoke with on of the senior ninjas, who bowed, gestured to several others to grab the stretcher, and departed. Samuel himself, limped out after them. They both looked like they had been through a war.


Juanita smiled calmly as she entered the cage. Only now did Erica begin to see what she was up against. She had youth on her side, probably greater flexibility. Juanita was likely an experienced killer though. If she didn’t want Erica alive, this was going to be a lethal fight. As the fight began Juanita tested Erica defenses with blows snapped too fast to do any real damage. But they were also too fast to stop. Then she would dance around and feint. Juanita also tested Erica legwork with sweeps. Then came combinations. It was almost as if Juanita was giving a lesson like some sensei.


Well, Lori had suspected this to be a recruiting operation.


It wasn’t long before Juanita’s tactics became transparent. Erica could feel herself slowing down, losing muscle control. It wasn’t too hard to figure out that she had been drugged somehow. Juanita’s dancing about and feints had been just to allow time for the toxins to do their job. Erica realized at that point she was easy prey. And the fact that the older woman had cheated wasn’t going to save her life.


Much Later After the Fight


(Probably the next Morning June 29, 2015 .. maybe 0500 ish)


(Probably aboard the Ship)


Erica awoke in a bed with sheets of fine silk. The bed was of the sort of quality one might expect of a cruise ship. And the first clue that she might be on a ship was the smell of salt air - though it was combined with the fragrance of medical herbs. Her muscles were stiff and she had been stripped. But her possession - all of them, including everything from her locker - were present. She was not alone in the room.


The other presence in the room was a giant of a man, extremely tall like Sean, but rail thin. The man was well dressed in a finely tailored formal suit. His gloved hands had very long fingers. And he wore a mask. The first thing he reminded her of was the Phantom of the Opera.


“Good, you are awake,” he spoke with a French accent. “I am Erik - with a k. There is tea on the nightstand. It will help counter the effects of the venom. You are under my care. If anyone tries to harm you before I have declared you fit, tell them I will kill them - slowly and painfully or offer them the chance to kill themselves. If they do not recognized the name, try Phantom. That will discourage even Ms Vasquez. I understand that you fought well, considering that Ms Vasquez cheated. And yes, the gentleman you were with is alive. He is also under my care. Yes, you are aboard a ship. Yes, you are a guest with restricted movement - effectively a prisoner.”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin, Matthew, and Kevin(Thinking too much)


“You burned the money?” Edwin asked rhetorically, sending a look of utter disbelief at Matthew Channing. He was a mix of emotions: flabbergasted, impressed, annoyed, and somewhat jealous. Edwin couldn’t decide which emotion to settle on. “Couldn’t you think of something better to do with the cash?”


Like give it to him?


Contrary to his accusation, Edwin wasn’t opposed to using money stolen from villains. After all, money was still money no matter how matter how dirty. Granted, such a large amount of money would raise questions and draw suspicion from the police. How had Matthew even dealt with that? Edwin had his suspicions, but he figured that there was no point in bringing it up.


“So you kept track of the Dark Knight’s activities and followed a trail of illegally made money to the ship,” Edwin summarized, glancing between Matthew and Kevin. “And you did this two years ago.”


It would explain how Matthew knew where to find the Dark Knight, as well as, well as the reason Matthew had suspected the Dark Knight would know something about Nico’s murder. Matthew had been aware, at least somewhat, of Kevin’s case…even before their group met with Kevin. Judging from Kevin’s lack of surprise, he guessed Kevin was aware that Matthew had been aware as well.


One things was for sure, Edwin knew it wasn’t just Matthew’s body that was bit abnormal. “Are you a Dark Knight stalker or something? Why would you go through the trouble of keeping track of criminal activity? Curiosity?”


From what he had seen of Matthew’s reckless, and somewhat flamboyant, personality he figured Matthew might just be the type to involve himself in such dangerous matters out of curiosity. The other option was that Matthew had decided to become a vigilante long before the group made the decision to be vigilantes…secretly protecting the peace of New York City even before Nico’s death. The, other, other, option was that Matthew was a criminal who needed money to build his clinic and stole from other criminals to ease his guilty conscience—he’d kept track of the Dark Knight because he knew the professional vigilante would come after him one day. The other, other, other option…


Edwin slapped himself.


He really hated how his mind worked sometimes.


Edwin, Matthew, and Janice


“Prestidigitation,” Edwin corrected Matthew, shaking his head as he watched Channing toy with his opponent. It was times like these that reminded Edwin that the brilliant doctor was a year younger than him. Then again, etymology was hardly a scientist’s field of expertise…nor “magic” for that matter.


However, Edwin couldn’t deny that he was impressed by Channing’s skills. Edwin had seen Matthew take the gun, barely. However, he could only see it because he had been watching Matthew very closely. More specifically, he had been looking at Matthew’s hands, which had been hidden in the scientist’s pockets— hands which Matthew’s opponent should have been looking out for if he was clever. In a street fight, who knew what weapons might be pulled out? Granted, Matthew was blindingly fast and Edwin had a more trained eye for things like this than most so there was no guarantee that the large, brutish-looking man could even see what Edwin saw even if he had looked. Even Edwin, looking as closely as he did, had only seen a blur of movement.


It was classic misdirection. The casual posture was to distract the target from his true objective. In this case, Matthew’s casual posture was to intimidate his opponent long enough for Matthew to approach and steal the weapon. That didn’t make Matthew’s feat any less impressive—especially since it was often the simplest tricks in magic that were the most effective.


Edwin rolled his eyes when Matthew’s opponent went after the gun again and again at Raf’s orders even though it was becoming clear that the big guy stood no chance. In Edwin’s opinion idiots weren’t people who lacked strength or skill, but people who tried the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Edwin tilted his head in amusement. Though, he supposed Matthew’s taunts had something to do with that.


From the corner of his eye, Edwin watched Matthew’s movements as he belted the Raf’s bodyguard. It was clear, to Edwin at least, that Matthew had practiced a form of martial arts. Shaolin? No…much more free flowing than that… Edwin shrugged. Erica was the expert at martial arts, not him.He hoped Sean and Erica were doing alright with their mission.


Edwin whistled when Matthew tossed the un-loaded gun straight through the driver-side window of Raf’s car. In addition to being talented at sleight of hand, Matthew had excellent accuracy and co-ordination as well. The fact at he was a show-off simply meant Matthew would work well on stage. This was much different then when Edwin had thought Channing to be a reclusive nerd with no friends who only came out at night.


Edwin was tempted to ask Matthew to be his magician assistant. He’d been thinking he might need one, if he ever succeeded in buying his own stage and Matthew appeared to be quick learner. The problem would be, of course, Matthew’s condition + glaring stage lights, but he was certain that he could work a way around that.


Unfortunately, such plans would have to wait until after they resolved Nico’s case.


Edwin narrowed his eyes angrily when Raf tossed Janice aside and reached for Edwin with his bare hands. He half expected the greasy looking man to pull out a gun…or at least a knife. Even though, Edwin had paid a greater attention to Matthew, he had made sure to keep an eye on his own crude opponent as well…and he had seen Raf’s brutal treatment of Miss Mueller. From Raf’s words, it would seem that Miss Mueller owed the guy money. Loan shark? Former business partner? Not that it mattered one way or the other.He didn't think he needed to yell 'Holy Greaseballs Batman' against such an opponent--not that Edwin would have done something as undignified as that anyway.


Edwin side stepped Raf’s assault and thrust his hidden taser into Raf’s exposed neck. To any passerby, it would it would simply look as if he had punched the man. Edwin had lowered the voltage so that it was enough to spasm the muscles, locking them in place, but not enough to give a normal human cardiac arrest.


“Sorry, but I’m gonna have you sleep for a bit,” Edwin whispered, gripping Raf by his oily hair and covering his mouth and nose with a chloroform laced hankie, which he pulled out of his pocket. Edwin would have tried hitting Raf hard in the chin or neck, like he learned in self-defense class, but Edwin wasn’t confident he could actually pull it off in a real situation. Better to be safe than sorry.


Edwin counted 30 seconds before Raf went under. After kicking the man to be sure, Edwin went over to where Janice was thrown and knelt down to check on her condition. “Are you alright?”


Edwin wanted to lift her hand from where she clutched her side—to check to see if she had any critical wounds—but he was reluctant to touch her for fear of causing her even more unnecessary trauma. He had noticed the way see reacted to Raf’s beating. It was common for former abuse victims to not fight back against their aggressor…but then Lori had already told them about that.


“Stop playing around, Dr. Channing,” Edwin called to Matthew. “I’m gonna need help assessing her injuries.”


He didn’t think Janice's injuries were grievous enough to warrant a trip to the hospital, but he could be wrong. Edwin was no doctor, after all.

 

[WritingMan]

Prior to the Cage Fights





If looks could kill, Erica would have splattered Sean all over the side of the car. He wanted to do this right now? Right now, as they were on their way to a potentially fatal place?


Sean never could understand why Erica joined the National Guard. She had known that for some time. Hell, he had made as much clear when he found out she first enlisted. He thought that his money could fix everything. The problem was, Erica wanted to be indebted to no one. Taking Sean's money would have been the easy way out, and she would have been able to feel the same way around him if she had taken it. The National Guard was her way to prove herself, not only to herself, but to the others who doubted her. So while Sean might have wanted to help, in Erica's eyes they never could have been together if he had helped with college.


Erica just shook her head at Sean, disappointed with what he said. "If you still haven't been able to figure out why I joined the National Guard, there's nothing more for me to say right now." It was true. While she certainly had feelings for Sean, and from what Sean had said he had feelings for her, any route to a true reunion would require Sean to truly understand that. "We'll both do whatever we think we need to do sell it. But whatever we do, it means nothing." Again, that wasn't the way Erica wanted it to be, but she didn't see what choice she really had.


Illegal Cage Fighting Arena





As Erica and Sean were split up, Erica headed for the women's locker room. A few minutes later, she was changed into her fighting gear, consisting of a red sports bra and some tight black yoga pants with red stripes down the sides. The outfit left Erica feeling a bit exposed, and indeed she was. Unfortunately, there was no way to hide the figure that the outfit gave her body.


A few minutes later, she found herself back out front watching Sean fight. It seemed that they wanted her to watch him fight. Somehow, Erica wasn't surprised to find that Samuel was Sean's opponent, which caused some worry for Erica. She wasn't sure just how exactly the fight was going to play out. At first, Erica thought that Sean might beat his brother. He seemed to have his brother on the ropes. But when Samuel did his first counter, delivering a jab to Sean's chest, Erica grimaced at the pain Sean had just received. Whatever hope of Erica held of Sean winning the fight vanished with that counter. It was going to be a slaughter. Erica subtly turned her gaze to avoid watching the continuing fight. She didn't want to see this.


When the final bell rung, signaling the end of the fight, Erica then turned to look at the results. Seeing Sean's bloody mass on the floor almost caused Erica to go running towards him right then and there. Her feelings from before swelled to the surface. She wanted to go down there, call out his name, make sure he was okay. The worse part was she couldn't do any of that. She had to remain stoic, as much as it hurt her.


At last, it came time for Erica's fight against the woman Juanita. From the moment Erica entered the cage, the rest was a blur. Most of time, Erica was able to fight and comprehend what was happening. However, Juanita's skill and assaults left her no time for that. Erica had to react solely on instinct. The last thing Erica remembered was staggering over, unable to pick herself off her feet, and watching Juanita slowly walk over towards her to finish the job. And then, there was only darkness.


After the Cagefighting


Erica tried to take in what the man had been saying, her brain still reeling from the pain she was feeling. The one important thing she took away from it was that Sean was alive. That, to Erica, was really the only thing that mattered right then. All Erica could do was nod in response to what the man said, too tired to form words.


Slowly, Erica stretched out her shaky right arm, grabbing the tea and pulling it towards her. She took a sip of the drink. It tasted foul, perhaps one of the worse tastes she had ever tasted. The taste was enough to make her cough. Still, the man said this medicine would make her better, so she bravely dumped the entire substance down her throat, trying to avoid tasting it as long as possible. She manged to get a good amount of it down before she finally tasted it, the last little bit of the tea out into the air in front of her.


With the tea done, Erica set the cup down on the floor next to the bed before laying back and preparing to drift back into slumber. Soon, she would figure out what was going on, but right now her body and mind was too ineffective to do anything. Even if someone had tried to kill her then and there, Erica wouldn't have had the strength to resist.

 

[Mitheral]

“Awww ... “ Matthew whined. Garth was already turned away and trying to go for the gun. Could anyone be that gullible? Apparently so. Matthew gave Garth a swift kick in the rear so hard that the driver bounced off the car. Then Matthew spun the man around and grabbed his throat with one hand and lifted him up off his feet.


Garth kicked helplessly and tried to scream. His face began to turn beet red. Matthew looked at Edwin with an impassive face, raising one eyebrow enough that even with his sunglasses on it was noticeable. His free hand came up and made the ever so geekishly predictable gesture of a Vulcan. “Long life and prosperity.”


Garth went limp several seconds later. Matthew stuffed the man in the back seat of the car and pocketed the gun out of the back seat. Then he walked around to clean Rafael up off the sidewalk, doing the same - stuffing him in the car - also the back seat. Then he smiled again and arranged them so it looked like they were making out.


Janice shook her head. “I’m okay. Really I’m okay.” But even as she tried to stand she nearly went sideways and had to be caught. “I’ll be okay. Really … how is it that guys always know how to clock you so that it hurts like that?” The side of her face looked rather red. “I don’t live far.”


Matthew came on over. Already he was calming down. You’d think with a body to check out like Janice’s he’d take more interest. But then as a medical doctor he had probably seen plenty of bodies. As Edwin watched he began to realize it was more than that. Running a free clinic he probably saw a lot of prostitutes and street kids. He seemed almost immune to her presence.


“Well, nothing broken. I’m a little surprised. But she may have a concussion. We should at least make sure she gets home alright. Personally I’d recommend a hospital to get a CAT done. Does your neck hurt at all? Any stiffness?” He had no clue what he had said.


Janice perked up and grinned. “You tell me.” Matthew actually looked confused. Janice looked at Edwin and smiled, whispering. “That’s usually my line.”


Matthew began to realize that Janice was making a joke, which meant her faculties were probably fine. “You should take it easy. If nothing else I have a free clinic I could send you to. Observation wouldn’t hurt.” He looked at Edwin. “I’d take you myself, but I need to get going home soon.” It was getting close to daybreak and soon he’d be trapped away from home.


Then Matthew pointed at Janice’s side. “You’ve been favoring your side…”


Janice gave the slightest wince. It wasn’t pain. It was that she had been noticed. “Yeah. No. I mean .. I’m not hurt there. I was carrying something fragile. I know it’s June, but I picked up really nice ornament for next Christmas. I’m saving them up to surprise my brother. He’s sick.” She seemed to think about it for a moment. “Maybe you’d like to meet him?”


Matthew looked at Edwin. Janice was making it almost too easy to talk to her. But she was offering every possible excuse. “I’d love to. Rain check for me? What’s wrong with your brother?”


“Depressed immune system. He lives in a clean room. I had it built in our apartment.”


“Oh, well, then definitely a rain check. My specialties are blood borne diseases and genetic disorders.”


Matthew helped Edwin get Janice up to her apartment in the 14th floor. More than once it felt like the elevator would fail. The fire escapes looked half ready to fall off the building. the building needed a facelift. Many of the tenants were retired elderly or on welfare. And the slumlord who owned the place knew it was getting near the 1st of the month. He also knew Janice’s schedule. But one look at the fact that she had two men with her and he let her pass unmolested. Odds were she paid the rent with her body on occasion.


Her brother woke up when the door opened. He was probably attuned to the return of his sister. And one look at her face was enough to earn a questioning glare that Janice had to nip in the bud. “Rafael,” she explained. “These two put a stop to it. That is Dr Channing and .. “ she paused. “And my personal rescuer has introduced himself yet. Boys, that young man in there is my brother Jake.”


Jake’s demeanor reversed itself immediately. “Cool.”


Matthew bowed slightly. “Jake, if you don’t mind I’d like to talk, but it is getting really late for me. I work nights. Rafael didn’t do your sister any favors. I think she’s okay, but I am going to suggest my friend stick around and keep an eye out for any signs of concussion. I run a free clinic, so don’t worry about that stuff.”


Once Matthew had headed out, Janice tried to get her brother to get back to sleep. Then she offered Edwin something to drink. (She has no alcohol in the apartment.)


 
Prior to the Cage Fights


Sean shook his head slightly at Erica. “And if you think I didn’t understand, then you’ve forgotten who I was and am. The money would have meant nothing to me. Why do you think I tried to live below my means all those years? I offered, but did I ever ask anything in return? Hell no. There would have been no strings. No … you didn’t trust me for that. Instead you took the money from another guy … who asked you - forced you - to move halfway around the world.


“Now if you joined for a matter of patriotism, I can respect that. But you joined out of plain stubborn pride. I do love that about you. But it is pride - to a fault. You could as easily have asked for a million … ten million … dollars. Maybe you’re right. If you can’t understand why it hurt so much that you couldn’t trust me, maybe we aren’t ready. But I wouldn’t go so far as to think it won’t mean anything.”


Erik and Erica


“Get up,” Erik ordered. “Use the curtain to protect your modesty. The toxins will clean from your system quicker if you move about some. You have never had the advantage of trainers such as Ms Vasquez had. You developed your skills from basic techniques. In this regard you are the superior fighter. But that won’t do you any good if you allow lethargy to damage your muscular structure. Besides, what use to your boyfriend will you be if you can’t move? And I have much better things to do with my time than babysit a child.”


(Sorry, kept this last part pretty short. Been fighting a cold and losing. Brain is on the fritz.)

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin caught Janice when her body swayed sideways, frowning at her inability to stand straight. “I don’t know what guys you’re used to, Miss, but I assure you we have no intention of imitating such crass actions.”


Upon closer inspection, he realized that the picture Lori showed them of Janice Mueller didn’t do her justice. She was much prettier than her photographed image. However, given the situation, he was more concerned for her welfare than her body, at least until Matthew came over.


Edwin coughed, flushing slightly when Janice whispered in his ear. While, Edwin was not the ladies man that Sean was, he had been on his fair share of dates…mostly with college girls though. Janice Mueller was a different creature altogether. The young woman was much more forward than the girls Edwin was used to dealing with. Not that he minded.


“My friend’s right,” Edwin agreed, silently praising Matthew’s ingenuity. Channing’s profession as a doctor would certainly make it easier to keep an eye on Miss Mueller. “It’s better to be safe than sorry. I can personally vouch for Matthew’s skills as a doctor.”


No, he really couldn’t as Edwin had never been treated by Channing before, nor had he ever seen Matthew at work in his chosen profession, but Janice didn’t need to know that.


When Matthew pointed out that Janice was favoring her side, her lie was so obvious that it was almost insulting. The sudden shift of topics hadn’t bypassed Edwin’s notice either. Ornament? It was more likely that had picked up something she didn’t want others to know about--something illegal. Still, Edwin smiled, giving no indication that he was aware of her falsehood.


“Let’s get you home then,” Edwin said, after listening to Janice talk about her brother’s condition. “I’d like to meet him as well—regardless of whether or not Matthew can help him.”


Edwin’s first priority upon entering Janice’s apartment building was locating any possible, escape routes, emergency exits, etc. However, from how old the building looked, he figured Matthew could simply break the door down. Hell, give him a crowbar and Edwin could probably do it himself. Probably.


Though Janice had told them that her brother lived in a clean room, it still felt weird meeting the boy with a glass wall between them. The introduction with Janice’s brother had started awkwardly with a glare, but took on a better atmosphere when Janice explained the situation. Edwin grinned when Janice called him 'her personal rescuer' and followed Matthew’s slight bow with a dramatic one of his own—the same one Edwin used in all his magic performances. “Edwin Wickers, at your service. It’s nice to meet you Jake.”


Edwin wondered how the kid could endure being in such a small area for an extended amount of time. Even as a child, Edwin had hated the feeling of being trapped. It was for that reason, Edwin was always looking for escape routes, both literal and metaphorical. Jake looked no different than the kids Edwin occasionally performed for as a freelance magician. Intending to bring a smile to the boy's face, Edwin reached behind Janice's ears and pulled out a flower, winking at the boy before handing the flower to boy's sister. “I don’t believe, I’ve had the pleasure of hearing your lovely name either, Miss.”


After Matthew left, Edwin watched Janice try to get her brother back to sleep, secretly checking the room for anything that might look like anything a dangerous terrorist organization might try to smuggle. He was somewhat annoyed that Matthew had ditched him to do all the work—though logically he knew Matthew’s reasons. At the same time, being the normal male that Edwin was, he was somewhat excited by the prospect of being alone with a beautiful girl in her apartment. Jake was there, of course, but the boy probably wasn't leaving the clean room anytime soon.


When Janice finished, they settled around a small makeshift table where she offered him a drink.


“Just water please,” Edwin said. While it may appear as if Edwin was simply being considerate of her financial situation, he actually had a purpose for choosing water over other drinks. Water was the hardest beverage to put poison in as it would require a colorless substance and odorless substance. In addition, if he were to dump the water somewhere, it wasn’t very noticeable and wouldn’t stain.


Edwin watched Janice get the water, somewhat mesmerized by her graceful movements. The girl was definitely a dancer. Edwin took the cup, his fingers brushing against Janice’s. He pretended to drink. Might as well make conversation with her, while he waited until nighfall...when Channing was active. Edwin could think of worst things to do than spend Sunday morning with a beautiful Scorelli dancer. It was better than thinking about his upcoming anthropology exam at least.


He still had no idea how Matthew planned on sneaking them on that terrorist ship and Matthew hadn't really said anything about it. Edwin's method would always be disguises. However, after learning that Matthew had infiltrated the ship many times before--and managed to steal copious amounts of money--Edwin figured it might be alright to go with whatever Matthew had in mind.


“So,” Edwin started casually, playing the part of a random, righteous passerby. “Who was that Rafael guy, anyway?” He shook his head and spoke with indignation in his voice. “What kind of crazy maniac would brutally assault a girl like that? Especially one as pretty as yourself…”


Edwin stopped and blushed, as if finally realizing what he had said. He turned away, pretending to be embarrassed.


It wasn’t as if it was completely pretend either.


Acting had always served as a weird vice for Edwin. When he acted, he could actually feel the emotions he pretended to have as if they were his own. And, much to his chagrin, he often grew addicted to those emotions…receiving an unnaturally freakish high from the heightened emotions…so much so that he imagined that was what taking drugs felt like—though Edwin couldn’t actually compare as he had never taken drugs himself. Edwin had never told anyone this, not even his best friends…not even Nico…because he was too ashamed by his mental abnormality. However, when he got into character long enough, he could actually fool himself into believing everything he lied to be true.

 

[WritingMan]

Prior to the Cage Fights (Final)


Erica didn't have anything to say to Sean in response. Perhaps he was right, perhaps he was wrong. It was too hard for Erica to objectively judge where she stood on the issue, particularly when they were about to undertake some serious business. Neither of their views had changed much, but at least they had, for the first time in forever, discussed where they stood. It might be the first step in process of reuniting them.


Erica and Erik





Erica was about to fall back asleep when the man Erik suddenly spoke to her again. Listening to the man talk, Erica realized for the first time that she was naked. She had been so out of it before she hadn't even realized that her clothes had been removed. Blushing slightly, she wrapped herself up in the bed sheet, using it something like a soft robe and rose to her feet.


The first few steps were tentative. In fact, she almost fell down, having to grab onto the edge of the bed to stay upright. It took a few moments, but then she was able to take stronger steps, no longer about to teeter over with the blowing of the wind. Although, she did notice that while she still had some motor control back, she didn't have more advanced motor control back. That was still being effected by the toxin it seemed.


As the minutes began to go by, Erica began to pace back and forth around the room, feeling more and more confident with her body with every minute that went by. It seemed that the man was right. Movement was helping to clear the toxin quicker than if she stayed still.


Pacing around the room, Erica could already feel herself starting to go restless. There wasn't much to the room. She was already ancy to explore beyond the walls, and most of all find Sean.


"How long are you going to keep me here for?" Erica finally asked Erik, trying to figure out what the plan was. "Am I here indefinite or is there something you need from me?"

 

[sharlene79]

Janice Mueller's Apartment


Sunday June 29, 2015 0400 ish

​

Jake grinned from ear to ear as edwin actually made his sister blush. No, it was the irrepressible grin she tried to fight and failed. Janice was a sucker for magic. And the subject instantly got Jake going. He had a book on magic - a How to. He tried to demonstrate a sleight of hand. But even he admitted he probably sucked at it. He had only been trying for a year or so with no instruction save for Janice. But judging from the books on the shelves the boy read a lot of books - including classic literature and comic books.


With his own magic trick not exactly a sensation, Jake brought up the fact that Janice did some magic tricks. Janice, of course. flushed with embarrassment. Her sort of magic was escape tricks. Realizing she would never get Jake to sleep without at least a demonstration she pulled out a pair of handcuffs - the pink, fuzzy kind. She handed them over for inspection. They were not trick handcuffs - no classic staged releases. She presented her hands and arms for inspection and even offered to let him pat her down - for “professional reason.” Finally she had Edwin handcuff her hands behind her back and step back in front of her.


She handed the handcuffs over so fast that Edwin didn’t even have time to count. Her hands didn’t look broken or dislocated. It was the single fastest escape he had ever witnessed. She allowed Edwin to study the cuffs again. But he couldn’t find a gimmick.


“Unfortunately, I’m a one trick filly.” She leaned toward Edwin suggestively and pitched her voice seductively. “Let me know if you ever want to go for a ride.” She winked.


“Oh please! Get a room! Sis, I KNOW what THAT was code for.” Jake rolled his eyes.


“And that is time for you to turn the volume down so you don’t have to eavesdrop on the rest of our conversation. Maybe get a little more sleep.” Janice adopted her mom tone.


++++++++++++


“Rafael was someone I used to work for. I quit on him a little while ago - without giving my 2 weeks. He wanted me to pay until he - or I - could replace me.” She smiled sweetly. “As if ANYone could replace me.” She frowned. “Come to think of it, he expected me to find TWO to replace me.” She sighed. “I hope you scared him off.”


She gave mixed signals as to why she had wanted the man to leave her alone. But then knowing the sort of people Janice associated with, it was entirely possible that she didn’t want to be responsible for his death. It was unlikely that she cared for whatever sort of work he had in store for her. Rafael had seemed more like a pimp, that a broker for high value thefts. And the fact that he wanted two to replace her just solidified that idea.


She sighed. “Off the record? Are you a cop?” She waited for the answers, then walked over to turn on some music. She didn’t care for the Press or Police. “Jake’s medical bills are pretty bad. But I do whatever I have to to keep him alive and us together. He was there for me when I was sick. And I always protected him from our parents. Let’s just say I didn’t grow up in an ideal family. But I’ll be damned if I will let him get flushed into the system.


“After Jake got sick I dropped out of school to help with the bills. And I hate to admit it, I had to do some pretty distasteful stuff. I managed to keep my mom out of prison a few times by doing … favors. And that should give you an idea why I don’t trust cops. There was this one that was into redheads, young ones. And he liked to get rough. He was a pretty scary one. Still goes to Scorellis. But he’s the sort of cop you don’t piss off because some day he is probably going to be a Chief.


“Those are the sort of favors that pay for all the medical bills. Rafael was just a pimp. Jake knows, but I don’t like bringing that world around him. I just have to make it 5 more years and save up enough to support him. After that it doesn’t matter. Rafael won’t be back because if I tell the people I work for these days what he did - and I may have to - he may end up in a morgue. Scorelli’s is legit. But the people that go there? Many aren’t.


“You’ve heard of Scorelli’s? That is Scorelli as in the old world mafia Scorelli. I’m a dancer there. I don’t think I have to tell you what kind. It wasn’t exactly my dream job. I dance .. and do favors for special clients. I stay clean - very clean. So far I’ve been lucky. Oh, and if I make an offer to you. It won’t be for money. You’re nice and Jake liked you. I’d give about anything to get out of the mess I’m in. But it is my mess.”

 

[Mitheral]

Erik and Erica


Erik, for his part, did not stare. Rather he diverted his attention just enough for Erica’s modesty while she moved. If anything he seemed a little annoyed. When she finally started to speak her questions were utterly predictable. He thought he had already answered them. Well, perhaps not exactly.


“My task is merely to heal you and your boyfriend. Until I release you, you are under my protection. After that I turn you back over to Ms Vasquez - or her superiors. I am merely an Enforcer. I was away on business in the city when they called. Very annoying. But the payment was made properly and respectfully. It is a shame your benefactor may not survive in this organization for long. He hasn’t the stomach for it. All he had to do was kill his brother and he would have had what he holds most dear.


“You hold little interest to me personally - except perhaps for your natural aptitude for martial arts. What interests me now is why you were at the Arena to begin with. With a skill like yours you could easily have gone into competition, ended up with movie deals, been famous. You might have even ended up richer than your boyfriend with the right manager. Your boyfriend has been very boring. He stubbornly refuses to talk - but that is not his fault. I placed him in a coma.” He gave a reassuring gesture. “Medical coma. He will heal much faster. But for now he can’t explain why a rich spoiled brat like him would end up at an Arena. Now I haven’t yet begun to look into what business has been transpiring this past week. It seems it has been very busy. But then I have more pressing business.”


He snorted a derisive laugh from behind his mask. “My own … suPERiors …” he mocked the very notion. Then man had an ego. “... are angry I wasn’t taking their shipping concerns more seriously. You see there was a time when someone stole a great deal of money from them. I had a hand in developing new security protocols for the last shipment. That shipment wasn’t even touched. As you can imagine though, they are none too thrilled with me being distracted like this. It isn’t as though I am the only Enforcer.


“So then … what is your story? You may as well entertain me. The longer you can captivate my attention, the longer you will remain under my protection. I will strike a bargain with you. You may tell me anything you wish for the next 10 minutes - or longer if it is truly interesting and you request it - and I shall safeguard this information with utmost diligence. You have my word.”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

"No, I'm not a cop," Edwin said in response to her question, watching as she looked away from him to turn on music. More specifically, his eyes flickered briefly to the purse at her side—the one she had desperately tried to protect from Rafael. "And I don't have any intention of going near one,"


It wasn't a lie. Vigilantes were borderline criminals, after all. The only reason he might go near a cop is to get information.


Edwin had already known most of what Janice told him. He heard the basics of Miss Mueller's lifestory from Lori. However, it was much different hearing it from Janice Mueller herself. Edwin couldn't help the feeling of pity that stirred within him. She was only 18, even younger than Edwin, and yet she had gone through so much. Janice might have been a criminal, and possible enemy, but he respected her perseverance--even if it was misguided.


The thing that Edwin questioned was why she would tell bother telling him all this. Janice might not have liked her situation, but she wasn’t ashamed of it. If she was, she wouldn’t have told all of this to a complete stranger. Did she just need someone to talk to…release her pent up stress? Or did she hope that he would save her…just as he and Matthew had done?


Either way, her forwardness was kind of…hot?


Edwin's face took on an insulted expression at her indirect offer. "I didn't save you to have sex with you, Miss Mueller. I’d like to think I’m above the boorish men you are used to. You’ve been through so much…”


His expression took on a sympathetic expression as he shook his head. “Men like Rafael have no class at all. I do like you Janice, but I don’t want to win your affections through sex.”


Though he was sorely tempted to. Janice’s handcuff trick was brilliant. Edwin could only imagine the flexibility that it required to perform such acts…flexibility that Janice probably had in bed as well…


No, Edwin! No dirty thoughts while working!


Edwin mentally berated himself as he shoved the arousing image from his mind.


“Instead…” He leaned closer, his eyes locking with Janice’s as he flashed her a charming smile. “How about you keep me company for one day? Just until my friend shows up, of course. I'd like a chance to get to know who YOU are...not just your body. You don’t have work on Sunday, do you? And Matthew WILL show up. He serious about seeing what he can do to help Jake out. Matthew’s one of those good doctors and he likes children, you see. I do as well. Even if he can’t do anything for Jake, he could probably refer you to a doctor who can.”


Ad-libbing had always been one of Edwin’s strong points. He had no idea what Matthew’s view of children were. Nor did he know Channing’s contacts…but it sounded reasonable enough. Edwin took Janice’s hands.


“The world isn’t really as bad as you might think and there ARE good people out there. We really do want to help you, Janice.”


This was a good opportunity to reach into her purse and take her ornament—while her eyes were focused on his and her attention focused on his words. However, what would he do when he did? Make an excuse to go to the bathroom and secretly escape through the window?


Too suspicious. It would be better to wait for Matthew to show up and coordinate the stealing with him. However, if Janice didn’t agree to Edwin’s offer, that would be what he would have to do. Steal the “ornament” then leave quickly.


Edwin unconsciously yawned. It was 4am and Edwin hadn't slept since meeting Lori! He silently cursed Matthew for turning him into a night owl. “Sorry about that,” Edwin said, ad-libbing again. “College parties can get pretty exhausting. Matthew and I were on our way home when we ran into to you and Rafael. Mind if I sleep at your place for a couple of hours?”

 

[sharlene79]

Janice gave a genuine smile. “You can stay as long as you like. You know … I didn’t make that offer because I thought you expected anything - but because you didn’t. You have no idea how rare that is. Not that the thought hasn’t crossed your mind. I’d be worried if it didn’t. I mean, that would have meant you could be my gay BFF. Instead you have a chance of just being a BFF.” Her eyes practically sparkled with humor. She had already recovered from her earlier abuse.


“There’s something I want to show you. I’m just not sure that I want to trust you - or anyone. What I am going to show you though … It’s a chance for Jake to live, a very large dent in the medical bills. I had to go through loan sharks. Someone bought out my debts. Now I am working for him. I’ll be dead honest; he scares the hell out of me. But he’s been feeding me good info, good gear and good jobs. At least he pays a whole lot better than Scorelli’s.”


Janice removed her purse and placed it in front of her. She was about to solve the whole problem of accessing the purse. “I’m only showing you this because I think I can trust you. I don’t think you’d kill Jake. You are wondering what could have been so valuable that she would refuse to protect her face or throat? Well, it was the Christmas ornament. At least that is what is sort of looks like. There were two of them. One was a fake. I swapped them and stole the real one.”


The case the ornament was in was shaped like a rounded military canteen. There was a thumblock on the outside. She half closed her eyes for a moment praying it wasn’t broken. Then she pressed her thumb to the lock to open it. The interior had been lined with protective foam to absorb the impact of a fall. But what was inside did indeed resembled an ornament.

“The gems are real. I checked. The guys it belonged to spoke Russian I think.” Janice was in WAY over her head. She had no idea what the thing was. It was a Faberge. An expert would have recognized it as an Imperial Faberge. And the best experts would have confirmed it was a lost Imperial Faberge. That made it utterly priceless. But even being recognizable as a simple Faberge was enough to see a value


Descriptively it looked like "a hen of gold and rose diamonds taking a sapphire egg out of a nest" The sapphire egg was loosely held in the hen's beak. The hen and the basket were both made of gold studded with hundreds of rose-cut diamonds.


“It’s pretty,” she admitted. “I almost hate to part with it.” She sighed. “Anyways, I need to put this somewhere safe until I have time to get it to … uhm .. the guy who wanted it. I hate to think about what HE wants it for.” She allowed Edwin a few more seconds to look at it, then closed it up. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll get you set up with a bed.” And with that she headed off to her own room and closed the door, locking it.


She was back a few minutes later looking slightly rumpled, like she had been crawling around. “This way …”


(OOC: The description fits one of 7 lost Imperial Eggs.)

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin blinked stupidly as he stared at the “ornament” that Janice unveiled. However, his mind was running in a rapid pace.


OMG! OMG! OMG!


It was the one of the seven lost Faberge Eggs! Edwin recognized the egg from the description he had read of the lost treasure when he visited the New York State Museum with his uncle a year ago. Gilded Masquerade had been tasked to do a special performance for Easter and Edwin had been given the role of Peter Carl Faberge. In order to research the role, he and his Uncle had spent days going in and out of the museum, taking notes.


He tried to recall what the egg was called, but drew a blank. Edwin wasn’t even a hundred percent positive that the artifact was a genuine Imperial Egg or a fake one. If it was indeed the real deal, it would be worth a lot more than what Janice probably suspected. If only Kassandra was here…she was much better at history and random obscure knowledge than Edwin was.


Even while utterly shocked, Edwin had managed to focus his mind on Janice’s words. Someone had bought out her debt and ordered her to steal the egg…likely someone connected to the organization responsible for Nico’s death. The question was who? Who was this HE that Janice was so scared of. Hell-burner? Possible…but unlikely. What would someone, whose name sounded like an arsonist, do with the egg? It was probably someone who was in a higher position within the organization…a wealthy antique collector?


Edwin rubbed his temples as Janice closed the case and hid the possible treasure in her room. He was too tired to think straight. After she re-appeared, he followed Janice to the room she prepared for him. There were so many things to consider following Janice’s revelation - so many possibilities to take. Edwin would decide of his next course of action after resting his mind for a bit.


Janice Mueller’s Apartment


Sunday June 29, 2015 1300


Edwin woke with his mind clear and his next course of action already formulating in his mind. There was no need to steal the Farberge Egg from Janice. The egg wasn’t important. Actually, it was probably very important to historians and antique collectors. However, while the egg was an international treasure and he felt sort of bad about leaving it in the hands of villains, he doubted that retrieving it would help them apprehend the criminals they were after.


It was much better to tail Janice while she completed the transaction and figure out who she worked for. He had a feeling the exchange would occur on the ship he and Matthew planned to sneak on. Lori had mentioned that she caught sight of Janice hanging around near that ship. In that case, it would tie in with their original mission. Even if that wasn’t the case, and they did deviate from plans a little, Edwin figured it wouldn’t matter if they could figure out the identity of an upper echelon of the organization they were after. He knew the risks if they were to be discovered, but he figured the benefits outweighed the cost.


Besides, even if he did steal the egg, Janice and her brother might be the ones in trouble with the 'evil' organization. Edwin had known about the consequences of stealing Janice’s ornament. He had made the decision to steal the item despite the risk it would incur on her because he hadn’t known what the item was. It could have been a weapon that would further aid the organization’s power…or important military secret that could be used to destabilize the country.


Most importantly, it might have been something crucial to bringing down the organization responsible for Nico’s death.


People might call him obsessed about getting revenge…and they would probably be right. However, few people knew what Nico represented to Edwin. Yes, Nico had been a friend…but he had also been more than that. Nico had been someone Edwin genuinely respected. To Edwin, who spouted lies as easily as he breathed, Nico’s general good nature and honesty had drawn Edwin to him. Nico had fascinated him. Edwin had always been drawn to people who had what he didn’t have…who could do what he didn’t do. That was why he had become friends with the vigilante group, whose unique members caught his interest. They fascinated him, just as Matthew now fascinated him.


Once Edwin’s plan was fully formed, he badgered Janice into play cards with him while he waited for nightfall when Matthew would show up. He would need to tell Matthew of his plans to tail Janice…but he was fairly sure he could get the nocturnal scientist to agree. He had a feeling Matthew did most of the things he did for the fun of it anyway.


“Hey, Janice,” Edwin began casually as he re-shuffled the deck. “You know the guy you mentioned before? The one you work for…the one you’re so scared of? Who is he?”


Judging from the fact that Janice never mentioned the name, Edwin guessed that she either didn’t know or she was too afraid to say it. However, he figured he should ask anyway…just in case. He figured she trusted him enough at this point to mention the name if she knew. Janice had showed him the egg, after all.


“I understand why you’re doing what you do,” Edwin continued. “I won’t judge you, but I’m worried about you. The guy you’re working for sounds really dangerous," Edwin paused, his expression becoming serious. "So let us help you. You know that both Matthew and I can fight. Let us come with you to the transaction…just in case something goes wrong.” Edwin winked at Janice, his voice full of knightly bravado. “Give me a chance to show you that I’m more than ‘just BFF’ material.”


It wouldn’t matter either way what Janice’s response was. He planned on tailing her anyway. However, it would make things easier if she knew and agreed…they wouldn’t have to worry about her catching them in the act.

 

[sharlene79]

(OOC: We used a generic image of a Faberge. There are no known photos of the Hen with Sapphire Pendant. Here is a LINK to a description and history. Wait until you see what @Mitheral plans with it.)

Janice Mueller’s Apartment


Sunday June 29, 2015 1300
​

“Hey, Janice,” Edwin began casually as he re-shuffled the deck. “You know the guy you mentioned before? The one you work for…the one you’re so scared of? Who is he?”


Janice paled visibly. “I don’t know his real name. He’s like - and I know this sounds crazy; these people ARE crazy - but he’s like a supervillain from a comic book. You ever watch the Fantastic Four? Well, the movies messed it up. He wasn’t some guy with powers. He was a scientist like Reed Richards. They went to college together. An accident messed up his face and he created a mask to cover it. Eventually he added a full set of powered armor and became Dr Doom. Well, this guy wears a suit like that and calls himself Professor Muerte. There’s a lady with him called Scorpia. She’s pretty scarey. And another called Iron Man, but he isn’t in a suit of armor or anything. Huge guy, but not anywhere near as scarey. And there’s a mercenary - their sniper - named Pale Rider. Then there’s … Hellburner. Real lunatic. Even his own people don’t really trust him. He’s always playing with fire. He even wears this suit and lights himself on fire for kicks. He looks like Ghost Rider. I saw him snuff out a magnesium flare on his hand for kicks.


“None of them really mess with me too much. I work for Muerte, not them, and they know it. I think Muerte warned them not to bother me - which I guess means he wants something from me a whole lot bigger than this. He called this a real test of my skills. Oh, he made me come up with a name. So I go by the name Ricochet with them.”


Edwin’s offer to help made Janice smile wistfully. “Where were you years ago?” She was shaking her head. “These guys are really dangerous. This is my problem.” She looked sharply at Edwin. “And Jake never hears about this. I don’t want him feeling guilty about any of this stuff. Besides they will never let you on the ship. And I am supposed to hand the Egg over to Muerte only, not Scorpia or any of the others. He will keep them in line. But he might not be so understanding if I brought company.”


(OOC: Cut this short in case you want to say / do more before Mith brings back Matthew. Matthew will show up around 2100. Janice is also waiting for night.)

 

[Mitheral]

Janice was a sucker for magic. She loved watching tricks over and over. Well, most magicians wouldn’t repeat the same trick. But that didn’t bother janice in the slightest. She admitted to having never been to a magic show. Then she confessed to a small wish of her. She had always wanted to be one of the random girls picked to assist in stage magic. She didn’t care if it was being cut in half, made to disappear, whatever.


But when it came to her own tricks she claimed that there was no trick to them. She demonstrated the handcuff trick again. Then she went and got a suitcase. It was one of those ones that a stewardess might use to walk through an airport, complete with the wheels and handle. She stepped into the suitcase and proceeded to fold herself until she was able to zip it up. Then she looked out grinning. And she claimed she wasn’t even really showing off.


+++++++++


Matthew showed up, his face intense. He was looking back and forth as it just waiting for some surprise news. “So guess what. I bought a new shirt to throw some color into my wardrobe.” Then he flashed them by opening up his duster.

Janice giggled. “I’m not so sure black on black counts as color.”


“It’s … a different SHADE of black!” Matthew protested.


Janice gave him a bland look, then gave a sidelong look at Edwin as if to say ‘he’s your friend.’ “Well, I can’t stay real long. I really do have some business to take care of.”


Matthew nodded. “Okay … well, I don’t HAVE to do this tonight. Maybe a reschedule? Although .. I DID bring a few books for Jake. Yes, de-germed, etc. And Edwin and I have a friend who owns a rare and used book store. He might loan a few later.” Matthew snapped his fingers. “I know, we can get a tablet setup for him here and one at the bookstore so they can walk him around to browse.”


Janice was practically bouncing on her feet trying to get away from Matthew who was again in manic mode and just would not stop talking. But she managed to extricate herself so she could go and retrieve the Egg.


+++++++++++++


Edwin almost had to tell Matthew to shut up. Janice had not liked the idea of being helped. She was as worried for them as she was herself. Muerte might not have liked her talking to others. And if they were going to tail her, they needed to get going. They already KNEW where she would end up at at least one point. She would be boarding the ship. That would mean walking the ramp onto the ship.


Matthew asked Edwin to catch him up quickly once she departed. Now they had the problems of not having disguises or costumes. Oh Edwin might manage something. But they should have planned this earlier. Matthew’s problems with daylight were a serious detriment.

The Pier / Johanna Athene


Sunday 29 June 2015 2200 hrs

​

Matthew seemed to know where every guard or worker was as they threaded their way through the maze of shipping containers to get to the Johanna Athene. Matthew looked for the darkest route to the ship. This would have been so much simpler alone. And he hated to admit it, but he had not been keen on showing anyone - even Edwin - what he could do. In all his life he had met but one person that might be as unique as himself. That was Kevin. But what he was about to do was going to change Edwin’s whole outlook - and how his new friend looked at him. That was depressing.


“Okay,” Matthew’s voice was flat, almost listless. His mania had already faded. “I guess I was going to have to show you this eventually if I was going to get you on board. First, lets get down to the water. We need to get really close to the ship - or we could take a ride in a container while they move it. But this is faster and safer.” He guided Edwin down to the water’s edge and lowered himself and stepped out.


Matthew stood there … on the water. He was freaking walking on water!


“Your turn,” he whispered. “Whatever you do, do not let go of me. I can only do this with roughly my own mass. We are going to walk over. Stop looking at me like I am Jesus. We are going to walk over. Then I have to show you the REAL trick. Think about how many times I had to do this to empty most of a container filled with cash. Now you know why I got bored.”


Once they made it to the side of the boat Matthew smiled. It was so dark that Edwin probably couldn’t see him. “You ready? Nothing to it. I’ll take it easy on you and not do multiple hops…”


One moment they were standing on water. The next they were in pitch blackness, in some sort of metallic corridor. “We’re inside the ship. Don’t worry. I can see just fine.”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

The Pier / Johanna Athene


Sunday 29 June 2015 2200 hrs


Edwin stood still, his expression utterly stunned, as he watched Matthew perform the impossible. Edwin knew something was wrong when Matthew’s voice had become listless...almost sad. He had expected Matthew to show him something bad—like reveal that that the scientist had drowned someone in order to board the ship or something. But he had never expected Matthew to perform a miracle! As a magician, Edwin had faked walking on water before—when he had entertained a couple of teenagers at a pool party. However, that feat had required bit of set-up. Edwin knew for a fact that Matthew had done no such thing. He had known Matthew had a different bodily constitution than the average human…but this was far beyond being nocturnal and healing from blood…this…this was magic!


Matthew’s words snapped Edwin out of his daze and he belatedly realized that Matthew had offered a hand to him. Giving the appendage a skeptical look, Edwin hesitantly took Matthew’s hand. As much as he disliked the situation, he trusted that Matthew wouldn’t try to kill him…probably. Edwin could feel his heart beating rapidly as he took his first step into the water, holding his breath and closing his eyes…just in case he really did sink. Letting out a sigh of relief when he didn’t, Edwin looked at Matthew, his lips unconsciously curving into a smile. Edwin grew more confident with each step in which he didn’t drown.


“I don’t normally like to pry into a person’s life, but, after we take down Hellburner, we WILL talk about THIS,” Edwin said, referring to Matthew’s Jesus-like capabilities. He could tell that Matthew would have a difficult time talking about his unnatural abilities, but Edwin couldn’t fully trust Matthew unless he knew the truth of what Matthew could do.


When they arrived at the side of the ship, Matthew shocked Edwin again. Before he could ask what Matthew meant by “hops”, he felt a momentary disorientation. The next thing he knew, he was in complete darkness, standing on what felt like firm metal.


“It’s a good thing you do, because I don’t,” Edwin said irritably in response to Matthew’s statement. Honestly, Channing could have been more specific in his warning! At least then Edwin would have been prepared. To say Edwin disliked his current situation would be understatement. Edwin hated feeling vulnerable…feeling trapped. He liked having options and escape routes…different methods of success which he can choose from. However, at the moment his only option was depending on Matthew’s unnatural eyes and ears.


“I assume you know your way around the ship?”


If Edwin had more time, he would have asked Lori for a blueprint of the ship. He had little doubt the computer genius could trace Johanna Athene to its manufacturers. Edwin was a stage magician who worked through set up and planning. He could only perform his magic tricks if he knew the layout of the ship, the best place to plant fireworks, the best escape route in case of emergencies…


Of course, since Matthew could apparently teleport, all of that was moot point.


“As for our disguises, I figured it would be better to do what is usually done in comic books and movies,” Edwin said as he walked through the darkness, guided by Matthew. “All the costumes I have are generic and I have no idea what the workers/waiters on this ship actually wear, since uniforms are all different depending on the ship owner preferences. Therefore, I think our best bet is to knock out two of the workers, steal their uniforms, and use that for our disguises. This also saves us the trouble of having to create fake IDs as we can steal ID cards, keys, or anything else they may have. Try to choose someone with a similar height and build,” Edwin paused. “As for the face and hair, leave it to me. I might not be able to walk on water, but I’ll show you what THEATER magic can do.”


Edwin didn’t exactly have the materials to falsify height on him at the moment…there was only so much Edwin could carry in his bullet-proof suitcase. However he had brought enough wigs, colored contacts, and equipment to make even Hollywood make-up artists and hair-stylists jealous. Edwin prided himself on his attention to detail and his ability to, visually at least, transform himself into anyone.


“I don’t think we’ll be discovered, but in the event that we are I have a backup plan for that as well. There’s a reason I spoke to Janice about following her, other than the fact that her knowing would make it easier. I’ll play the part of an idiot in love who decides to follow Janice anyway, despite her warnings. You can play the part of a concerned friend who tags along because he’s worried about me. If they question the validity of the story, Janice can confirm the fact that she knows me and the fact that I had planned on coming with her to the ship. This is only in the event that we are discovered, of course…”


Edwin smirked. “I didn’t just spend the entire day flirting with Janice because I liked her you know.”


That was a lie and Edwin knew it. He supposed he was trying to convince himself with that lie. Edwin was surprised to find that he rather liked Janice. She was hot, sexy, fun to talk too, and seemed to like magic. Most of all, her abnormal flexibility and skills as a cat burglar—Edwin imagined it would take a lot of skills to outwit the Russian mafia—fascinated him. Janice didn’t fascinate him enough for him to abandon his goals…nor Nico, but he would be lying if he said the thought of stealing a large amount of money from the ship, just as Matthew had done, in order to help Janice and her brother with their debt, then convincing Janice to be his magician’s assistant hadn’t crossed his mind…


“Our main goal is to find and apprehend Hellburner who is Nico’s murderer.” Edwin reminded Matthew. He had a feeling that if he didn’t, the hyperactive, nocturnal, miracle-performing, unnaturally strong, scientist/doctor would get distracted by something or another. It also helped Edwin organize his priorities when he spoke aloud.


“Side missions include: tailing Janice—to possibly discover the identities of Dr. Muerte, Scorpia, Pale Rider, Iron Man, etc—, looking for shipping logs or signs of advanced weaponry—proof that Lori’s parents might be alive—, and discovering anything else that might be useful in taking down the organization responsible for Nico’s death. Sean and Erica should be in the middle of their cage fights at the moment, but hopefully they’ll be able to successfully infiltrate the organization. Our main job is to spy on Hellburner and discover his schedule in order to plan his capture together. So…,”


Edwin eyed Matthew’s sunglasses with displeasure. Even though he knew Channing probably needed the dark lenses with all the lights on the ship, it wouldn’t help their disguise any. “…try not to stand out too much.”

 

[WritingMan]

Erik and Erica





Erica wasn't sure just how much of Erik's story she was buying. While the man seemed to be straight-forward, Erica instinctively knew that it could all be a ruse. The problem was, what did she tell him? The truth? A lie? Or a mixture of both?


Pacing back and forth, Erica pondered the man's statements. It was hard to tell how honest the man was being. For all she knew, Sean could be up and walking around right now instead of being in a coma. She had no evidence that Erik was telling the truth. The inverse of that, though, was that she had no evidence that Erik wasn't telling the truth. At least, concerning Sean, Erik, Erica reasoned, had no motive to lie about that. The problem was, even if Erica wanted to lie, she felt that Erik would see straight through the lie. The only solution seemed to be to tell the truth.


Erica finally came to a stop, turning and looking Erik dead in the eyes, so he knew she was telling the truth. She eyed up the man, preparing herself for conflict if Erik wasn't being truthful. It was a risk, she knew, spilling the secret of why they were here. And perhaps, too, it would end badly. Still, it was a risk Erica was willing to take.


The story Erica told started at the very beginning. She went to detail about her growing up, living in a family where it seemed half her relatives were in jail while the other half and just gotten out. Before too long, she transitioned into her adolescence, highlighting her sense of justice that had grown inside of her, and also the relationship that was formed between her and "her boyfriend." Then, she told Erik of her time in college, finding out that her money was gone and winding up in the National Guard and before too long Afghanistan. When she transitioned the part of the story where she came back home, she spoke of the inherent lack of justice she felt in the world still, and the need to right the wrongs the law couldn't. So, she said, she teamed up with her boyfriend to right those wrongs. At last, she spoke of the boy they had found brutally murdered, and the manhunt they had begun which led them to the arena, hoping to draw the ire of the man or the group he was with.


At last, Erica finished her story, with only a few seconds until the ten minute window was up. She had avoided giving away anyone else, basically saying that Sean and her were acting alone. That way, she didn't blow anyone else's plans nor would they suspect that might have someone sneaking into the boat. Carefully, she studied Erik, trying to determine just what his reaction would be to the information he had just received. She could feel her muscles starting to tense, her fight or flight instincts beginning to kick in.

 

[Mitheral]

Erik and Erica


Erik found himself practically nodding off as Erica recounted her early life. To him it was about as boring as watching soap operas. The whole justice kick didn’t seem to phase him in the slightest, nor military service. It wouldn’t be until she began speaking about Nico that Erik took any real interest at all.


“That thought you had … about attempting to flee. Very bad idea. You’d be vaporized in your attempt. There is an automated defense system in place - defense. It isn’t really so much there to keep you in - as Ms Vasquez out. I gave you my word. Money means very little to me. My word is far more important. I shall keep it. You story is full of holes - information left out. But then you did rush a bit.” Erik began to pace back and forth himself. In a way his pacing was reminiscent of Matthew. Both men had the same lean look with exaggerated, theatrical gestures.


“I will offer you this. I do know of the man you speak of - the idiot, imbecile, moron, fool. No, forgive me, I insult fools everywhere. I mean the arsonist, not Mr Kincaid. New York is MY city now. And that fool Muerte should have run any plans to kill anyone through me - especially a death so public and insulting. The boy was flawed, but his mother loved him still. But that is not the worst of it. I know Mr Kincaid’s best friend. Perhaps I should say that Nico was his closest friend. The young man is the half brother to my daughter. And that means this is not a death I shall forget.


“I fear it is my fault. I have been … distracted.” Erik looked uncomfortable. He seemed to lose himself to private thought for a long moment. “But I am not distracted not. As I said, I gave you my word you would remain under my protection until you were well. Therefore, the longer it takes you to recover the better. Practice coughing and fainting.


“Perhaps you would like more tea? Something less distasteful than the first brew?” His eyes darted side to side. “I should prepare something for Matthew.” Erik chuckled. “By now he has seen the ship in harbor. He stole a little money from these people a couple years ago. They think they are ready for him this time. While we wait, perhaps you have a question or two. If I should choose to answer, I would request the same discretion I have promised you.”


 
The Pier / Johanna Athene


Sunday 29 June 2015 2200 hrs


Edwin and Matthew


Matthew nodded, then shook his head. “Let’s switch that up a bit - not because I want to, but because we entered the ship about as far away from people as I could manage. My guess is that our primary objectives are about as far away from us as possible. But that gives us a chance to find disguises before we get there. I mean, we COULD just ignore everything and jump through fast, but I would rather know what is in our wake in case we need to retreat.


“I have a good idea that I know where the money will be. Should be possible to spot it by the surveillance. Unless they are complete morons they will have improved the security a bit. It would also be good to locate any armory. Wouldn’t be a legal thing aboard a cargo ship. This is going to be a ship within a ship. To say I know my way around would be a slight overstatement. I didn’t really explore last time. But I do recall there was also a dock within this ship a place for a submarine to dock.


“I can see about 50 feet in all directions wherever there is shadow. Figure the size of the ship and you have an idea of my limits. It would take a lot of hops to search the whole ship. Plus it is always best to look before I leap in case guards move unpredictably. Now I know the money isn’t a priority. Besides it is likely on the surface deck. Here is the SOP for us moving. I will jump out and about for up to 5 minutes. If I am not back in 3 minutes, I ran into trouble, be prepared to move. After 5 minutes you are on your own. If I can regroup I will. Try to stick to dark areas. If you get captured, try for solitary confinement. Easiest place to break in and out of. We’ll shorten those times as we start getting into more populated areas where someone might come across you in a 3 min period.”


And with that he backed off and was gone - humming the tune to Mission Impossible. He stuck to plan though. One of the first interesting places he dropped Matthew off was the interior harbor. This he did with a precautionary gesture of silence. There was, indeed, a small submarine within. But that isn’t what Matthew wanted Edwin to see. Before he could even whisper anything an armored figure shot out of the water and began to hover - Iron Man style. The pilot within veered to the side a bit and several onlookers scattered. But he recovered and after a few aborted attempts landed the bestial armor. The overall size of the armor was about 8-9 foot tall. It was pretty obvious this was just some sort of test.


Matthew ported them out. When he arrived he was grinning. “Can I have one?” But he didn’t sound like he was fixated on it. He was just in his usual manic mode. “I haven’t forgotten. Nico. A-and … thanks.” With that he was off again. But still if that was evidence of the sort of weaponry these people were smuggling in ….


The next discovery was inside of a container. Matthew wasn’t bothered by barriers like locked or sealed doors. In here they could use a low level light to see the contents and that had been precisely why Matthew had brought them here. A normal team could have searched for days and not have discovered this container. Of course they were locked … Matthew pulled out some lockpicks, but he needn’t have bothered. Edwin already had it opened before he could get them out.


“Ooo .. magic,” he whispered, grinning. “These guys must think it’s Christmas.” Within the crate were FN F2000’s

Not exactly new, but these weapons had the appeal of chambering NATO 5.56 and had an under barrel mounted 40mm grenade launcher. Matthew wrinkled his nose. “Already have some of these…. Junk.” As an afterthought he added … “bad junk. Dangerous junk. I don’t think this is quite the sort of stuff SHE was looking for.”


Matthew transported Edwin to a few more containers leaving his friend to check the contents while he searched for better container shipments. Some of what they found …

Some crates of ammunition of a fairly large caliber (50 cal). Some future rifles for firing around corners. Grenade launchers and grenades of an advanced type. It was easy enough to grab a few samples of smaller items like ammunition.


(Seo would be able to tell you a LOT more about what these do … or might do. Some she would need to have some quality time with in a lab.)


The next phase of the search ended abruptly when Matthew returned with a look of seething anger. It was the worst Edwin had seen yet. Only a couple minutes before Matthew had been all grins. For something to send him into a near berserk stage like this… Matthew ported them into another container. Only the back half of this container was a cage in which a woman was chained. She appeared to have been through hell. A wheelchair was chained up outside the cage. Laying on the floor, already rotting were bananas.


But that hadn’t been what caught Matthew’s attention. It was the tail. She woman had a tail. And her feet … resembled those of a chimpanzee. She was like some simian throwback. Maybe some sort of genetic experiment? It didn’t really seem to matter to Matthew. He just saw someone caged like an animal and it was pissing him off. In fact, he was muttering things in a language Edwin had never heard before, intermixed with Latin.

Janice Rand

 

[sharlene79]

Saturday, June 27, 2015 - 1300 hrs


Agatha's "A Taste of Mystery" Dinner Theatre


Atlanta, GA


Galaxy Guardians of the Avenged showing


‘Meet me at the university library ASAP. It’s urgent. Hurry.’ Kassie’s cell phone had been set to vibe. She checked the message and could see it was a group message. Well, they all knew she was away in Atlanta for a two day marathon of mystery theater, psychic speeches, and a book signing. She had been invited to Agatha’s “Taste of Mystery” theater partly for the publicity. quite frankly she now understood why celebrities wore sunglasses. To protect their eyes from camera flashes. Geez.


Tomorrow was the book signing and there would be fans camping overnight. She wasn’t about to disappoint. It wasn’t so much vanity. It was cool and all. But how would SHE have felt if she was in their places. No, she would be there on time, if not early, and giving her best smiles.


Sunday, June 28, 2015 - 1000 hrs


Mall of the America’s


Atlanta, GA


The news had hit hard. Nico Kincaid. Dead. It was already Trending. And she would have picked up on the news sooner if she hadn’t been in the black hole of her own fame. And still there was little she could do about it sitting around in Atlanta. She wasn’t scheduled to fly out until Monday.


She hadn’t known Nico as well as Eddie. Well, maybe she did. Kassie tended to read people so well that she knew them better than their friends in short order. But she preferred to be fair and give frequent time spent together more credit as being more familiar.


Sunday, June 29, 2015 - 2000 hrs


JFK International Airport


It always seemed to take forever to get through airports. For the umpteenth time she had been profiled as a possible terrorist and pulled aside. The first time it had been a funny sort of surprise. Now she was getting a little tired of it. And accusing people of profiling or threatening to sue never helped. That just put them on the defensive.


“Look if all you guys want is an autograph, all you have to do is ask.” She tried to use humor. But then TSA never had much of that.


“What sort of a name is Kassandra Soleil?” the agent asked her.


Kassie groaned inwardly. “The kind I made up. Noone knew my name - including me - and I sort of needed one for an ID. I liked the sound of it.”


“Our records indicate that you have a rather unusual number of aliases …” the agent began.


Kassandra rolled her eyes. “Juvenile records. Those are supposed to be sealed. I was a naughty girl.”


The agents had no sense of humor. “Some of these are from adult years.”


“Yes, but all lawful. I even paid taxes on them. I just used them to avoid being turned down for my course load. Noone would have believe I could handle so many semester hours at once. I sorted all that out long ago. Kassandra Soleil is my legal name.


“I have a question for you, sir. Why bother with heavy profiling on domestic flights? Why not concentrate on international flights? After all, what self-respecting terrorist would go through the trouble of jumping through TSA hoops when all they have to do is drive there? Oh … I know. They must be in some sort of hurry to die. New motto? You fly; you die? Oh wait … I got it! They are testing your ability to spread yourself thin, to try to be everywhere at once, miss everything, and slow travel to a crawl.”


Her flippancy didn’t help.


Sunday, June 29, 2015 - 2200 hrs


JFK International Airport


It had been sheer luck that the supervisor had been a fan. he had walked in, recognized Kassandra on sight and asked what was going on. It took him but 10 minutes to straighten things out. The other agent had even handled her Tarot cards - a real no no in the psychic community. But she had gotten her revenge by reading the man’s cards - with stunning accuracy.


On the way out her cell phone vibrated. She frowned. Who the hell called at this hour? Then she saw the ID. Kevin Brady. Interesting. The man wouldn’t call this late unless NYPD needed help with a case. And they hated psychics.


“Yes Kevin? Long time.” Kassandra responded.


“Look to your left” Kevin kept his voice neutral.


There he was standing next to his car. His mannerisms tried in vain to disguise an underlying tension, a sense of urgency. He was hold a sign that read: “Kassie.” He swapped it out for another he had held right behind it. “THE END IS NEAR.” A couple passers bye nearly tripped as they looked over at it. Then he swapped to the third one. “DIDN’T YOU SEE IT?” She tried to fight a smile as he smiled back, then walked around to get the door for her.


“Psychic humor? Really? I get enough of that all the time.” Then she balked. “There’s been a break in the case.” It wasn’t a question.


He almost did a doubletake. That was fast. Crap. He had forgotten just how fast her mind worked. But she was right. “We’ll talk on the way.”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

The Pier / Johanna Athene


Sunday 29 June 2015 2235 hrs


Edwin and Matthew


Edwin was disappointed that they would not be going after Hellburner first, but Matthew’s logic made sense. It wasn’t as if Edwin even knew Hellburner’s identity anyway…nor could he confirm that Hellburner was indeed on the ship. The only villain that Edwin knew for certain was on the ship was Dr. Muerte—and that was only because Janice had told him about the transaction. It was probably smarter to do the easier and closer side missions first, rather than simply tackling the harder mission head on.


Matthew’s plan was simple, but effective. His teleporting trick also made searching the ship much easier than Edwin thought possible…though it gave Edwin a headache every time the scientist pulled Edwin along for one of his “hops”. Edwin was gradually growing used to watching Matthew disappear only to reappear a minute later. He supposed Channing’s unnatural ability explained why the young scientist hadn’t needed a car.


However, Matthew’s feats weren’t the only things that shocked Edwin. Their discoveries on the ship also amazed Edwin. He had known the organization they were after dabbled with weapons smuggling, but he had never thought that they dealt with such advanced weaponry. Lori and Kevin were right. Edwin could only imagine the trouble the organization could cause by selling such weapons to foreign nations. If worst came to worst, the organization could even use their advanced technology to hold the nation hostage, Edwin thought grimly as he secretly held up Lori’s burner phone and silently snapped a picture of the “Iron-man suit” as it was being tested.


Edwin had made sure that he muted the phone and that the flash was off, immediately sending the picture to Lori through the email address she had given them. Knowing Lori, it was probably fake. Once finished, Edwin deleted the picture and cleared all email history from the phone. Better safe than sorry. Edwin knew that it was Kevin who had asked them to look through the ship’s “armory”, but Edwin figured Lori had every right to know what they found…especially if it might have something to do with her parents.


He repeated this process with each weapon sample they couldn’t carry…over and over again. Edwin was relieved that Matthew kept on track and, despite his cheery demeanor, wasn’t too fixated on anything he saw. As amusing as Edwin thought Matthew’s whimsical nature was, he didn’t think this was the time or the place for it.


Edwin had been busy gathering samples of advanced ammunition and grenades(at least the ones he could carry), when Matthew once again disappeared. Edwin wasn’t too worried, as he was quite used to Matthew’s disappearing acts. However, when Matthew began to near the 3 minute deadline, Edwin could feel worry growing in his gut. Adrenaline pumped through his blood as he prepared for the worst. Fortunately, the worst never happened.


“What took you so—,” Edwin stopped mid-sentence when he caught sight of the young doctor. There were burns on Matthew’s skin—likely due to an encounter with light of some kind—, but what really caught Edwin’s attention was Matthew’s face. Edwin had never seen Matthew look so angry. Even when they confronted Matthew about Nico’s death…the scientist had appeared calm, almost deadened with grief…but not angry. Edwin hadn’t even thought Matthew capable of such a furious look.


Wordlessly, Edwin took Matthew’s hand as they warped to whatever had caused Matthew to feel such rage. The sight before his eyes nearly caused Edwin to take a step back. He had never seen anything quite so disturbing. It was a human woman...with the unnatural features of a monkey…locked in a cage. Judging by her appearance, she appeared to have been tortured extensively. Edwin pinched the bridge of his nose, to keep himself from feeling nauseous. They didn’t have the time for such luxuries.


“Calm down, Matthew,” Edwin whispered, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. Matthew was muttering—probably cursing—in some foreign language. “You’ll frighten the poor girl by acting like that,”


Edwin checked the area for any hidden cameras before cautiously approaching the simian woman, who had been awoken when Matthew tripped the lights. He approached her the same way one would approach a wild, wounded animal. With relative ease, Edwin undid the locks on the cage and studied the chained woman, feeling disgust and anger at the ones who had done this to her—though none of his emotions showed on his face. He held out his hands to show that he had no weapons.


“We’re here to help you,” Edwin said soothingly. “What’s your name? Who did this to you?”


Edwin watched her eyes as he spoke, looking for any signs of intelligence…or, at the very least, the will to live. He wouldn’t undo her chains—not yet anyway. Edwin had no way of knowing whether or not she could even speak…or understand him. He didn’t know anything about the woman. She could have been raised as a lab rat…tortured to insanity…never been taught to speak, for all he knew. As much as Edwin wanted to help her, he wouldn’t jeopardize the lives of Matthew or himself for his own ego unless he was certain it would not be wasted effort…unless he knew she had the strength to try to live on despite what had been done to her.


Otherwise…it might be kinder to simply put her down so she at least no longer suffered.

 

[sharlene79]

“Calm down, Matthew,” Edwin whispered, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. Matthew was muttering—probably cursing—in some foreign language. “You’ll frighten the poor girl by acting like that.”


Matthew blinked out again. Several seconds later the reason became obvious as the strobe lights began flashing. While bright, they weren’t as bad as a flash bang. But accompanying them was a screeching siren mixed with the sounds of screams and babies shrieking for attention. This was outright torture. The woman clamped her hands over her ears and squeezed her eyes shut.


“Name?” the girl asked half delirious. “I’m Mother Fucking Theresa! What the hell difference does my name make? If you’re going to help me, get me the fuck out of here! Or do something about the noise. Got pillows? These people are sadists. I had a hangover when they started. And I already had no sleep. I came all the fucking way from Lesotho to here by way of the UK. I could eat a whole jungle by now. All I had were those peanuts and little bottle of rum.


“I am going to have to do soooo .. many hail mary’s later.”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin cursed when a loud, annoying, series of screeches blared to life and Matthew vanished. Moving quickly, he undid the simian woman’s chains. She was capable of stringing words together and appeared to have a measure of wit about her—that was more than enough for Edwin. He’d stuck with simple questions to assess whether she was mentally stable enough to be aware of who she was and her current situation. It didn’t actually matter whether she gave him her name or not.


“Well then, Miss Theresa,” Edwin pulled her up gently from where she was crouched with her ears covered and her eyes shut—cautious of her wounds. He didn’t actually think her name was actually ‘Mother Fucking Theresa’, but he had no idea how to address her otherwise. “We should get out of here before worrying about food or prayers. Can you stand?”


If not, he’d have to carry her—which he was NOT looking forward to. Assuming that the annoying noise was a torture device, Edwin guessed that the container was sound-proof, but he couldn’t be sure…and he didn’t want to risk it. He didn’t want to be trapped in an enclosed space if ship security was coming.


“My friend Matthew—the teleporting one wearing black—can get you off this ship, if that’s what you want.” Edwin continued. “Afterwards, you’re free to return to Lesotho—or wherever you live.” Sadly, geography had never been one of Edwin’s strong points. “However, Matthew and I have something to do on this ship so we won’t be able to go with you.”

 

[Mitheral]

Edwin and Matthew


Janice seemed a little short tempered - understandable given her foul treatment. “Of course I can stand.” She tried to roll onto her feet … and failed. “Or not.” She looked a little shocked, then weak as if drained by the attempt, almost ready to pass out. “Oh … it’s been that long …”


Matthew had only ported out long enough for Edwin to free Janice and for the room to go dark again. As soon as it went dark again and she was freed he was back. “Let’s get her out of here before those things go off again.” He frowned. He really didn’t want to show anyone else what he could do. But it was either that … or take down the guards outside. In two quick trips they were in another part of the ship.


Janice Rand gripped Matthew’s arms with a death grip when he ported her despite her weakened state. “How, what, who ..?”


“Matthew,” Edwin’s friend’s voice was a little tense, but his earlier rage was already starting to dissipate. “And my fff-ff-frr ... sidekick is Eddie.” That was the first time Matthew had used the less formal version of Edwin’s name. “Doctor Matthew Channing … at your -- ow!” He actually stood up forgetting he was in a tight area and manage to bump his head into the ceiling.


Even starvation and torture wasn’t enough to keep Janice from seeing the humor in this. He face contorted a little as she fought down a simian grin. Her eyes shifted to Edwin while Matthew grabbed his head fighting back the urge to curse. “Well then, I have had enough Ow! for one day thank you. And … it’s Janice … Janice Rand. I’m not FROM Lesotho. I was doing missionary work there. This is my first trip across the Pond. I came here to scare up funds for our work.”


Matthew’s antics came to an abrupt halt when he heard the word … funds. His attention riveted on Janice for a moment. Then he looked at Edwin. His next words were completely predictable. “Funds?” He cocked his head suggestively at Edwin with a grin. He was still rubbing his head. It was his “can we” look.


Then he remembered. “Uhm … uhm … we do have some work to do here first. But … uhm … how much do you need?”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin raised his eyebrows at Matthew's introduction of him, but figured it wasn't worth commenting on at the moment. Instead Edwin was relieved that Matthew seemed to have regained some of his humor. It did strike him as strange that Channing got so worked up about a person in a cage. Didn't scientists often work with lab rats? Edwin remembered that Matthew had a pet bat that lived in a cage, as well. While Edwin was disgusted by the people who had apparently caught and tortured the woman, he didn't feel the same rage that Matthew obviously felt. It almost seemed to Edwin as if Matthew took the entire thing personally.


He shook his head at Matthew's interest when Janice mentioned funds. You'd think he'd be more interested in the fact that Janice had the features of an ape. "Churches and missions ALWAYS need money...since there's ALWAYS people that need help,"


If Matthew wanted to help donate to charity, Edwin had nothing against it. However, he wasn't particularly interested in how much Janice needed. He was more interested figuring out how the simian woman ended up on the ship...how she had even gained monkey features in the first place.


"So you're a foreigner who's traveled to a different country for the first time in order to raise funds for missionary work?" Edwin asked incredulously. "You didn't come here alone, did you?"


If that was the case, it was no wonder that she was caught by the organization. He wouldn't even be surprised if she was caught by human traffickers. "Did you even have a plan for making money? How did you end up in this ship? More importantly, how did you end up with..." Edwin paused trying to find a nicer way to phrase his words. "...those unique simian features?"


Edwin wouldn't normally bombard a woman who had obviously been tortured with so many questions. However, she wasn't exactly normal and any information she could give them about the organization might come in handy. He also wanted to get the talking over with fast so Matthew could get Janice off the ship and to a doctor(one with the appropriate tools). Not to sound like Kevin, but Edwin didn't want to needlessly involve a woman, who had clearly been put through extensive torture, in their mission.

 

[Mitheral]

Janice raised an eyebrow. “Of course I came alone. But I can tell you this, never again. I mean the flight. I reallllyy hate flying.”


“So no magic carpet …” Matthew mumbled, disappointed.


Janice wrinkled her nose at that idea. “No plans, just ask for money from the Church, and maybe a petition to the CDC for medical aid. The rest … that’s a longer story. Long story short. Terrorists mistook me for a terrorist. Homeland security mistook me for a terrorist. So I have had a really bad time. I mean, who tazes someone who’s already beaten and down in a room full of explosives and detonators? And the … feet and tail, that’s all natural. I was born that way. And no, that wasn’t my first time in a cage. Look tell you what, I know you guys have things to do. How hard would it be to do that port-y-thing and drop me off outside well away from here.”


Matthew nodded at Edwin. He could tell that Janice was clearly not part of the evening’s plans. Maybe if she weren’t about to keel over. “Can do. And I know just the place to send you and how. They’ll feed you, find you a place to sleep, and keep you as safe as they can. And I’ll help you get a taxi and send along some cash. I am guessing they took your wallet and passport. We’ll keep our eyes peeled, but … it’s a pretty big ship. My friends can probably get you some help along those lines too.” He glanced back at Edwin, then all around. “I’ll be back shortly - allow me several minutes in case it takes me a little longer to find a taxi.”


++++++


Matthew was gone damned near 10 minutes. He looked none the worse for wear. “Sorry, she’s a talker. Yeesh. Do I still have ears left?” Then he paused and grinned. “I saw her first … and MY Janice is way cooler than YOUR Janice.” By now Edwin knew that Matthew liked to try to push buttons. He was way too obvious about it though. Kassie would have eaten him alive before he knew what hit him.


A few more sets of hops brought them to the next waypoint. When Matthew arrived he was excited again. “Shh … Janice … your Janice. Spotted her meeting some armored guy. Looks like Muerte in armor from her description. I’ll see if I can port us in close enough for you to get a look. No noises.” He handed a pad of paper and a pen over. “Don’t want them to even hear us breathe. But there were others with him. Pretty sure it is the better part of Terror Inc all in one place. I’m starting to think a couple of their goons would work if I can find some in our size. I haven’t forgotten. But first, I think Janice - aka Ricochet - is about to hand over something to Muerte.”


The meeting was taking place in a hold where Ricochet entered with her case. She looked almost like a man. She had disguised herself by wrapping her upper body to flatten it. She wasn’t overbuilt anyways. She managed to disguise her walk rather well. And her face was covered by a simple translucent white mask.


Muerte spoke, standing out front to receive the Egg. “I hope you haven’t disappointed me.”


“No, Professor Muerte,” Janice spoke, her voice distorted by a voder unit. She handed over the case and stepped back. Curious, the other villains stepped forward a little to get a look at the prize.


Muerte nodded and offer the thumblock for Janice to activate. She did this quickly and retreated again. When it opened the Professor removed the Faberge and held it up. “Finally, one of my people who can follow simple instructions. Did you verify authenticity?”


Janice nodded, “I did. Real gems and all.”


Hellburner spoke up. “All this fuss over some hunk of jewelry shaped like an egg? Is it worth much?”


Muerte nodded. The others looked at Hellburner like he was stupid. “Indeed. Priceless. A similar Egg went for $55 million. This one could fetch a touch more.” And with that Muerte closed his armored fist and crushed the Egg into dust, a piece of history no more concern to him that a fly.


The room was struck silent - all but Muerte. “Priceless to me because Ricochet has proven she can actually do as she is told. Hellburner, was it necessary to draw the whole nation’s interest to Mr Kincaid’s death? The idea was to coerce Lucius Kincaid from hiding, not start a manhunt that places Hydra assets in danger of being exposed.”

 

[sharlene79]

Kevin and Kassandra


As they drove Kassia listened as Kevin began to explain the events of the past 72 hours. Nico’s death, his part in the NYPD investigation, Matthew Channing’s interview at Police HQ. Then he started to get vague, glossing over details as he skipped forward to mentioning the fact that he now knew who killed his father and that two of her friends were missing.


She smiled calmly. There was no point in overreacting …. yet. Instead she responded with a single word as a question. “Details?”


Kevin balked. “This is going to be a little … complicated. My sources …” He balked. His sources were Lori, Matthew, James and Jennifer, and the rest of the vigilante group. Unfortunately as a CSI intern he had no reason to consult with vigilantes. And there was Lori.


“Did my friends know the sources?”


Kevin cleared his throat. Kassie could see that he was really uncomfortable now. “Yeeaahh .. uhm.”


“What’s her name?”


Kevin shot Kassie a look of shock.


“What makes me think there’s a her involved?” Kassie actually smiled. “And somehow you got my friends involved in your case - which means you know something you want to tell me.”


Kevin had to think about that one. Finally he spoke. “It’s not exactly like that. More of a mutual thing. I know about your group - and the Code. They know about me … and Matthew.”


“Which is?”


“I’m getting there!” Kevin snapped a little. “Matthew is the guy who’s been going around claiming to be Batman, who everyone thinks is Dark Knight.”


“But in truth you are actually Dark Knight.”


Kevin glowered. “Will you let ME tell the story?”


Kassie smiled. “Sorry, please continue.”


+++++++++++++++


By the time they arrived at Lori’s apartment, Kevin had brought Kassie up to speed about what he knew of the group, Nico’s death - as far as he was allowed to speak of it, the Johanna Athene, and what he suspected of Lori’s backstory - minus details like her name. Kassie said nothing about the exclusion of the information. Kassie read the nature of the woman’s introduction as paranoia. But then considering that backstory, who could blame her. But the news that Erica and Sean had suddenly dropped off the radar and were now probably prisoners aboard that ship, Kassie was no longer in a joking mood.


Meeting Lori was even more enlightening. The girl was crippled, but brilliant. She had not given up the possibility of recovery. The exercise machines were evidence of that. Kassie found the girl’s variety of interests fascinating. And she couldn’t help but notice that Lori was being a little defensive. And she was paranoid. But Kassie could see why Kevin’s head was so screwed up at the moment.


“So .. Erica and Sean were to infiltrate by way of the recruitment efforts of this organization. Eddie and Matthew were somehow supposed to sneak aboard the ship - which sounds like a bit much for Eddie --”


Lori nodded. “They made it. Matthew has already been off the ship and returned to the mission. He just dropped off a prisoner they found aboard the ship. I ran her biometrics for identification and she popped up on a terrorist watch. Thing is, she is also the informant that called in about a terrorist plot. I think she might have been mistaken for one of the terrorists. She has a history of working among terrorists. But she is also a missionary who works in 3rd world countries. Apparently the medical supplies she brings with her to her work tend to be an attractive target. I’m afraid my research abilities about events in such regions is sketchy.”


“So, what do you need me to do? Rescue Sean and Erica?”

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Edwin and Matthew


Edwin waited patiently for Matthew to take the simian woman to a safer place, taking the time to analyze what he learned of Janice Rand. She didn’t seem to know much about the organization they were after. From what he heard from her lips, it sounded like she had gotten on the ship via misunderstanding and accident rather than anything else. The girl was honest, impulsive, and clearly not one for cleverly thought out plans from what he could tell. She didn’t seem to be very conscious of how she appeared to others either.


Edwin had a habit of categorizing people into certain roles and personalities based on what he knew of them. He’d done so with every person he had met: Kevin, Lori, James, etc. It helped Edwin organize his thoughts, put himself in others' shoes, and formulate the proper response to them. After all, the best way to fool someone was to know their thought process and find ways to lead their beliefs astray. And a majority of thought processes were dictated by the “roles” each person played in life. As a kid, Edwin had believed the world to be dull, simple, and predictable. It wasn’t until he met his Uncle, that Edwin realized that he had been living in his own ego and that he, himself, played a role in the vastness that was the world.


Still, Edwin couldn’t help his thoughts anymore than he could beat Sean in an arm-wrestling match. Edwin’s view of the world was best summarized by William Shakesphere, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…” To him, people were simply defined by the role they played—which was why he, who had acted all his life, had no problems imitating others. Kassandra would probably reprimand him for pigeonholing and making assumptions that oversimplified the complexity that was human nature. In fact, the only person who Edwin had yet to successfully fool was Kassandra because she seemed to read his thoughts as if he were an open book. It was a trait that both annoyed and endeared him to the psychic.


Then again…there were people like Matthew that, through their deviation from the norm, simply mystified him. Edwin rolled his eyes at Matthew’s attempts to tease him. From what he could see, both Miss Rand and Matthew would make an interesting—if not somewhat annoying—pair.


They ported several more times before something caught Matthew’s interest.


Edwin accepted the pen and paper from Matthew, his frown deepening when Matthew informed him that the “better part” of Terror Inc were all in one place—unconsciously worried for Janice Mueller. Janice had mentioned Terror Inc when describing the group of people she worked with—Hellburner, Scorpia, Iron Man, Dr. Muerte, and Pale Rider. From what he could see of the uniforms, the name was rather fitting.


Teleporting with Matthew to the site of the meeting, Edwin watched as his Janice—not that he thought she belonged to him or anything, but it seemed an easier way to refer to her— handed the Imperial Egg to Professor Muerte. Even with her face covered, her voice masked, and her figure disguised, Edwin still recognized her graceful, unwasted movements as she opened the case…the same as when she had handed him the water. That…and he heard several of the villains refer to her as Ricochet which he knew to be the fake name she used when working. Edwin recognized most of the people present in the meeting via their costumes which Janice had described—including Hellburner who had torched Nico. Clenching his fist, Edwin looked away from the pyromaniac to prevent himself from doing something stupid—like leap out from where he hid and rip that freakish, fiery mask off Hellburner’s maniac face. Instead, Edwin focused his mind on the conversation.


He winced when Dr. Muerte crushed the Farberge Egg, in a brutish display of power. There was one thing Edwin learned about Dr. Muerte—the guy was no antique collector. That Egg alone could have probably bought Edwin his stage—and more.


Edwin learned several other things while listening to Dr. Muerte talk.


First, was that Nico’s death wasn’t just meant as misdirection for weapons smuggling, but as bait to draw out Lucius Kincaid. Why? That was something they would have to find out. Did Lucius have some important information regarding the organization? From what Edwin had recalled, Kevin had told them that Lucius had been was probably working for the Interpol. Kassandra had always been better at this interrogation and reading people stuff than Edwin. However, if he recalled correctly, she was in Georgia for a book signing or some other publicity stunt. Edwin repressed the urge to sigh as that would give away their position.


Second was that the organization Kevin and Lori were after was called Hydra—a serpent-like monster from Greek myth. Edwin wondered if the name was significant in some meaningful way—like that the organization had many heads and that even if one head was chopped off the organization would still survive. Of course, it could also be an acronym : Hideous Youths Dressed Really Awkwardly.


In order to stop himself from coming up with some more really bad acronyms, Edwin conveyed his plan with Matthew via notepad.


Once the meeting is over, we tail Hellburner


Flipping the page, Edwin wrote quickly:


How quickly can you knock out a couple of goons, steal their uniforms, and get back here?


We’ll need to act fast if we plan on having disguises.


We move as soon as the conversation is finished and they split.


Edwin was confident in his ability to change quickly. However, a complete transformation into the goon—involving stage make-up—took a bit more time than they had. It was luck that Hellburner happened to be at the meeting and Edwin didn’t want to lose their target. Fortunately, the Terror Inc uniforms came with full face skull masks. Besides, chances are someone as dumb as Hellburner wouldn’t bother to remember all the grunts that worked for him anyway.


Objections?