Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole coughs and exists simultaneously
<Aphex_> You’re all called into briefing room A01. Per usual, the old man with a prosthetic left leg from Internal Affairs is here, standing at the rolling podium. He seems to scowl as you all walk in; a manila folder is on each of your chairs, labelled ‘OPERATION MIDAS’ HEEL’.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri reports to the briefing room with his gear bag in tow, as always.
<Klurg> Zack drags his arse in, grabbing a Manila folder.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley's dressed in pretty regular stuff today; "Good evening everyone! I hope we're all ready to work."
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole’s in light Foundation recon gear. With a black ballcap and radio headset on. The swiss army knife comes out of a pouch to file her nails
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<Aphex_> The old man speaks up with his nasally New England accent. “Alright, listen up. This operation is very simple; Doctor Hector Ludwig is holding a donors’ black-tie party at his estate- typically, Iota-10 would play his personal guard, but since Neptune Down, they’ve been scrambling for members. As such, it’s on you all to get to Ludwig’s estate and lock the place down. Nobody gets in without your knowing about i
<Aphex_> t- and if they get in, you need to handle the situation as best you possibly can, and with minimal noise if possible. Make sure you can blend in to the crowd.”
<Aphex_> The Ludwig’s estate are given in a detailed map (https://i.imgur.com/JuY75di.jpg). The files note the locations of heavy foot traffic, as well as some electric, air, and water line documentation. “Does anyone have any questions? Or are you going to load up and get out of my hair?” The old man asks after a moment.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole sighs, "The one time I pre-emptively change out of black-tie and now I have to change. I expect black tie for us IS expected now, yes?”
<NeonSkitty> "Blending in is one of my primary directives! Does the estate have a full video security suite?"
<Soulless> Joshua is there.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri looks at his bag of gear. Then sighs and walks out of the room to requisition a dress shirt and some pants for himself.
<Aphex_> "Of course, Reeves. Thirty-three-ought-one, no video surveillance. Don't start on the 'directive' nonsense."
<NeonSkitty> "Oh, uh, sorry sir." She nods- "I'll go change and get ready." Hadley takes a folder and skitters off!
<Veiedhimaedhr> "They check weapons at the door as well? Metal detectors or the old pat-down special?”
<TeslaTornado> He comes back a few minutes later, looking uncomfortable, dressed in a white cotton button-down, black jacket and shirt, black shoes, concealment holster for his 6P9.
<TeslaTornado> "… Okay, will floorplans be provided? In the event that we need to extract doctor Ludwig, I would like to have plan of escape in place before event begins."
<Klurg> "Anywhere they can hide my heavy ordinance in case of emergencies? Cause I ain't exactly too good with a regular gun, and can't blend in with an m60."
<Aphex_> "Sorry, head-to-toe hand sweeps only. For a rich man, he's cheaper than shit." Beat. "Stefansson, there's a map in the folder provided if you would just look."
<TeslaTornado> Snorri blinks. Then slowly opens the folder and purses his lips, looking over the map.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole nods and leaves to go change. She returns in a black evening gown and a purse…as well as only 1/3rd of her pistols, the silenced glock, and a single push dagger.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Hmm, think I can snag a concealment holster from armory actually?”
<Aphex_> "Agent Wright, are you seriously asking to store ordinance in advance?"
<TeslaTornado> "The deployment of heavy weapons in tight spaces is inadvisable."
<TeslaTornado> "This is black-tie gala event, not shooting gallery, and donors would likely be upset if they went home with gunshot wounds from entering crossfire."
<Aphex_> "Thank you, Agent Stefansson- If you can get it, grab it, Reeves."
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole goes and gets it. Now she’s concealing 2 pistols and 2 push daggers.
<Soulless> Joshua has a concealed carry license assuming the state has one, if not he has one from a nearby state of repute.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri looks at the plan. "Gala will be confined to ballroom and adjacent areas, correct?"
<Aphex_> "That's the likely, Stefansson." Joshua, you won't exactly need it, but you're supplied with one regardless.
<TeslaTornado> "For sake of crowd control I would prefer not to deal with securing entire house with only five people."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "So protect the VIP in a mansion while everyones waddling about like well-dressed penguins. It’s like a chapter out of my childhood. Are we the only individuals providing security? Or just the secret security?"
<NeonSkitty> Hadley returns with a white dress shirt, black blazer, and black fancy pinstripe skirt, as well as some nice shoes and knee socks. Her handgun is hidden away in her blazer!
<Klurg> (Bleh sorry here) Zack stares ahead blankly. "Then I guess I'll just go with a dinky pistol." He shrugs.
<NeonSkitty> "I'm ready to go whenever we're all ready."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Oi, don’t nob on the trusty pistol." Nicole says as she checks the condition of her browning
<Klurg> He goes off, and gets his fanciest outfit, returning with only concealable weapons.
<Aphex_> "Good question, Reeves." He mumbles something along the lines of 'fucking finally'. "The Ludwig estate has personal guards, but you'll be Hector's personal guard."
<TeslaTornado> Snorri looks at his jank-ass 6P9 with an expression that indicates deep personal offense at his handgun being insulted.
<Aphex_> Once you all are ready to go, you’ll be ushered into a dropship and flown to Washington state. This will mark the beginning of the Planning Phase- you will have five to ten minutes to chat, talk tactics, or otherwise plan. If you are all ready to go, type ‘\\ Ready’.
<TeslaTornado> \\Ready
<Soulless> Joshua goes for a smoke.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Will the people around Hector recognize us as his guard or is he expected to look defenseless until the moment someone tries to shank him with cutlery?”
<Klurg> Aye aye capain
<Veiedhimaedhr> (Ignore that I’ll save question for later planning)
<Veiedhimaedhr> Ready
<NeonSkitty> \\Ready
<Aphex_> Skipping ahead, you're boarded onto a dropship and the flight to Washington (the state, not D.C.) begins. You may officially begin the Planning Phase, and it will end at 18:43 EST.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole tries to sit comfortably on the dropship in a gown"Will the people around Hector recognize us as his guard or is he expected to look defenseless until the moment someone tries to shank him with cutlery?”
<TeslaTornado> Snorri is still looking at the floorplan, going over it with a red marker.
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<Soulless> Joshua covers his eyes, shares with the team-
<Soulless> Trust no one, watch your backs, windows aren't the best view.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri smiles at Joshua and gives him a thankful nod.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Basic bodyguard theory is control the avenues of access to the VIP. Typical is two layers, perimeter and personal. If we assume competence on the perimeter’s part, the most we’ll have to worry about is someone giving him the William Mckinley Handshake. If we assume incompetence, we need to be both reactive, and monitor threats as they approach."
<NeonSkitty> "I would recommend keeping me close to doctor Ludwig. I can provide silent communication with all of you while I keep a lookout."
<Klurg> He fives Joshua a thumbs up. "What about monitoring food to avoid poisons?"
<TeslaTornado> Snorri nods. "I am more effective when allowed in close contact with hostile individuals; personal protection is not my specialty."
<Klurg> "How'll we deal with that?"
<Veiedhimaedhr> "True. Oi threes and zeroes, got a chemical analysis function somewhere?”
<NeonSkitty> "I do have some analytical programs, yes, but it's not my primary purpose so they're nothing special. I can still try, though!"
<NeonSkitty> I'm also carrying a P220, so Ludwig won't be unprotected while I'm around."
<NeonSkitty> *"
<Veiedhimaedhr> "You’re the food taster then. Best we can do. I’ll overlook from the floor overlooking the ball."
<NeonSkitty> Hadley nods!
<Aphex_> The pilot relays information to you from IA. «Alright folks, got incoming. Keep contact with Command where you can, callsign is Alpha Actual. Ludwig is expecting you all as on-hand staff today, so please smile nice and wide. Touchdown in 2 mikes.»
<NeonSkitty> Though she's not sure how socially acceptable that'd be.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "We also need an exit strategy if any hostile parties stop giving a shite about patdowns and shoot through perimeter. What can best be used as a saferoom on this map?”
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Staff suite’s my recommendation. Controllable access and exit, no windows it seems."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Scratch that. Small windows."
<TeslaTornado> "I can handle exit strategy," Snorri says confidently. "Most secure location is presumably ensuite kitchen for master bedroom."
<Aphex_> And just like that, you've touched down in the Ludwig's front yard. It's a nice courtyard, an open area with well-trimmed shrubbery. The pilot hustles you all off via radio, then pulls away and back towards 15.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley is hustled!
<TeslaTornado> "Person of interest can be secured there; no windows, room for at least two guards." Snorri says this as he dismounts the dropship.
<TeslaTornado> "Additionally, provides points of egress through master bedroom balcony as well as secondary ensuite."
<Soulless> "I'm probably a better perimeter guy."
<Soulless> "I have a decent eye, and can be annoying to take down without a fuss. It'll give you time to secure the poi."
<Aphex_> «Alpha team, this is Alpha Actual. Requesting radio check, over.» Your radios (for those of you that actually brought yours) crackle to life. It's the old guy from IA.
<TeslaTornado> "Second possibility is staff suite, although I would prefer not to secure person of interest there in long-term."
<NeonSkitty> Hadley's is internal! Hurrah for silent comms! «Radio check, Three-Three-Zed-One checking in.»
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole has an earpiece «Thorncastle checking in»
<TeslaTornado> Snorri reaches down and plucks his radio off his belt—oh hey, it's not there. It's in his pocket. He feels around for it, grabs it, turns it on. «Alpha Actual, Alpha team reporting in.»
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Kitchen 1st choice then." Nicole agrees with Snorri after radio check
<Aphex_> «Good copy, Alpha team. Actual Out.» The transmission ceases.
<TeslaTornado> "We should also attempt to funnel guests toward west wing ballroom and discourage them from roaming the household free-will, if security personnel have not already set up countermeasures for this."
<Aphex_> You're now all standing around like lame ducks on a Foundation donor's front lawn. The man himself might be just up ahead to greet you, assuming that's him in the too-large doorway.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "We should get in contact with this Hector person’s head of security too while we’re here" Nicole whispers on approach to the doorway
<NeonSkitty> Hadley approaches the entrance, smiling pleasantly with her hair up in a tight bun!
<TeslaTornado> Snorri follows, raising a hand in greeting.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole’s business face is up and her hair is down
<Aphex_> "You guys the detail?" The man speaks, gruff. Pretty solidly-built guy, wearing an obviously tailored-to-move suit. PERC if you want to figure this guy out.
<Klurg> Zack gives the man a friendly wave, moving up. "Yep that's us."
<Klurg> 4df+4
<Glacon> Klurg: 6 (4df+4=0, +, +, 0)
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) Fuckin figure it out bud
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) Fuckin figure it out bud: 4 (4df+4=0, +, 0, -)
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 u know we’re gonna perc when u say that
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: u know we’re gonna perc when u say that: 3 (4df+5=-, 0, -, 0)
<Soulless> 4df+5 perc
<Glacon> Soulless: perc: 6 (4df+5=-, +, +, 0)
<Soulless> Joshua also scans their surroundings for any neighbouring structures that a sniper could bne on.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Last line of defense is the informal term. You the VIP, mate?”
<Aphex_> Snipers might not be anything to worry about given that the estate is on a hill. Those of you that pass, it's clear this guy is wearing an earpiece.
<NeonSkitty> 4df+5 PERC owo
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: PERC owo: 6 (4df+5=0, 0, 0, +)
<NeonSkitty> Hadley's internal VERITAS switches on while she inspects him.
<NeonSkitty> *Actually redact the VERITAS
<TeslaTornado> Snorri moves up next to Nicole, hands clasped behind his back. "We are security detail, yes. You have earpiece; this is to communicate with other members of your security team?"
<Aphex_> "Yeah. There's about ten of us total. You comin' in to meet the boss or what?"
<NeonSkitty> "Of course!" Hadley steps in!
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Ten? Quality over quantity is the theme for the help tonight I guess. Lead on."
<NeonSkitty> "That's nonsense, I'm sure everyone here is worth their weight in safety!"
<Klurg> "Yes, hence the quality and lack of quantity." He follows in, ready to be led to the VIP."
<Klurg> (Ignore that last ")
<NeonSkitty> "… Oh, I must have misheard, whoops." Hadley chuckles, moving on.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri nods and gets ready to fall in.
<TeslaTornado> "Where are security checkpoints for admitting guests?"
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole coughs and follows along
<Soulless> Joshua heads in. He's content to let Snorri and Nicole tell hjim what he needs to do, since he's not knowledgable on this.
<Aphex_> "…" The security guy is pulling a fucking sour face right now. You're all lead up the stairs and to the right, where a large set of double doors sits just down the hall. There's music and chatter emanating from behind the things. As you walk through, you're greeted by a sea of people below you, all socializing and listening to the live orchestra. The view from the mezzanine is really nice.
<NeonSkitty> Hads goes to the doors and waits for the others!
<Soulless> 4df+5 insight- anyone who seems a little… unpleasant, or tense
<Soulless> Or hiding a wesapon
<Glacon> Soulless: insight- anyone who seems a little… unpleasant, or tense: 6 (4df+5=-, 0, +, +)
<Soulless> 4df+5
<Glacon> Soulless: 7 (4df+5=+, 0, 0, +)
<Soulless> c-can I have the 7
<TeslaTornado> Snorri's hiding a weapon.
<Aphex_> S-sure.
<Veiedhimaedhr> She looks ofer the crowd, "…This house has more than 35 windows on a single floor alone. 3 balconies and more than just a single front door. Covering this with just 10 people on perimeter is difficult, actually less given we’ve only just shown up to take over personal protection. What’s your current patrol route?”
<Aphex_> Joshua, you see a man in an all black (and matching blacks at that) suit. He's got his fair share of scars, but he really just looks intimidating. That's all that's notable.
<Soulless> Joshua directs his team'
<Soulless> s attention to the fellow wieh an earpiece.
<Soulless> «There's a fellow over there with all black, looks intimidating. But that'd be too easy, innit…>
<Soulless> *»
<Aphex_> The HeadSec leans over to Nicole. "Outer perimeter sweeps every five minutes, interior clear every thirty. Our guys don't get to sleep or even take it slow."
<Klurg> «lots of these people are intimidating, just keep an eye out for odd behavior» zack responds to Joshua, then keeps an eye out
<Aphex_> He turns to Joshua. "Yeah, we cleared him earlier. Creeps me out, but he checks out."
<Aphex_> You're all in close proximity, you don't need to use your local net.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "You have someone in the kitchen on at all times checking what goes in the food and drink, right?”
<NeonSkitty> "I'm sure there'll be plenty of interesting people here tonight, we'll have to widen the horizons of what to look out for."
<Aphex_> "Tonight's catered from outside. No need to worry."
<NeonSkitty> Hadley blinks, then looks at Nicole with a Look.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri turns and looks at the guy Joshua points out.
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<Aphex_> "They're verified as well." HeadSec looks a little pissed. "Our main concern here is people trying to get in when they shouldn't. You lot are the last line of defense if me and my guys fail."
<Aphex_> Snorri, roll me a PERC.
<NeonSkitty> "I'm sure you won't. As long as everyone works together, the night'll go smoothly!"
<NeonSkitty> Hadley smiles at Mister Big Security. :D
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) Pls no John Wick
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) Pls no John Wick: 6 (4df+4=+, +, +, -)
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<Aphex_> The guy down there looks right at you Snorri. You looks a little familiar- maybe an old CO or something.
<Aphex_> *To you he looks
<TeslaTornado> Snorri grunts. Familiar faces, of course. Foundation events mean Foundation personnel, or people connected to them.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "And your people are screened too? All 10 of you best buds and all that, not recent hires?”
<TeslaTornado> He shakes his head, and runs his hand through his hair. Stands next to Nicole. "And all guests are being kept within the area of the ballroom, yes? No wanderers?"
<Soulless> Joshua looks for a good place for him to stand and check people as they approach bossfellow. A place with decentish traffic to keep an eye out.
<Aphex_> "You sayin' I can't vouch for my men? What, you want me to go get the paperwork?" He's… not happy. "We might have a few stragglers out in the Gallery, I dunno. I'll ask my guys to keep it clear." Well, the night is young, ladies and gents. The HeadSec makes his exit, and you're all free to go look for Hector or generally scope the place out.
<Aphex_> Joshua, you're kinda standing on it- the mezzanine is a really good vantage point.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley puts a hand on Nicole's shoulder- "Uh- No, I think she just wants to make sure there's no loose ends here to worry about. I'm sure she meant no offense."
<NeonSkitty> "After all, it's not like we're familiar with eachother personally, right?"
<Aphex_> HeadSec is gone, having muttered something about 'fuckin' women these days' on his way out.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole watches headsec leave and then speaks"He didn’t answer the question, and he looked like someone took a shite up his nose for most of that conversation. Assume incompetence on the perimeter’s part…and keep a good eye on them as well tonight, all right folks?"
<NeonSkitty> "… I don't think he likes the Foundation's choice in employed genders." She pouts a little, before heading off to find Ludwig.
<Klurg> "Gonna have to agree, the closest to our VIP have the most opportunity to harm him. So, who's gonna stick with our guy and who'll take care of patrols?"
<NeonSkitty> "I'll stay with the doctor, in case anything goes wrong."
<TeslaTornado> Snorri decides to keep his head out of the debate over women in the workplace. "I am going to check the two safe locations for VIP, and then I will attach myself to VIP, unless I am desired to go elsewhere."
<Soulless> Can Joshua also scope out the other securitu people from his vantage point?
<Klurg> He nods. "I'll take care of making sure only those authorized get in."
<Aphex_> Those of you planning on hunting down Ludwig, head to #tooltime. Anyone going to scope things out or otherwise play security elsewhere, stay here.
<NeonSkitty> (People are in TT >3>)
<Veiedhimaedhr> "I’ll be overlooking from above if best I can. Running interference if no vantage is in sight." She stops for a moment and turns to Snorri, "second safe location is staff room. Considering there’s 10 of them, absolutely nobody on security should be there right now." She goes to meet the VIP
<Aphex_> \\ Whoops. #homeimprovement2 then.
<NeonSkitty> Oke!
<Aphex_> Alright, so those of you not headed to the floor, what are you trying to do?
<Soulless> Can Joshua also scope out the other securitu people from his vantage point?
<TeslaTornado> Snorri nods to Nicole. Then, once the others have cleared off to keep the host from getting molested, Snorri's off to check on the kitchen and the staffroom, the two areas that Snorri had agreed with Nicole to use as secure areas in case the VIP needed to be removed from the ballroom for any reason.
<Aphex_> The other security guys, for this scenario, are not on the floor. The Ballroom and connected mezzanine and balcony are entirely your domain.
<Aphex_> So, Joshua, you can't. You can keep an eye on things from above, or head out onto the balcony.
<Klurg> Question; would we know who's approved and who's not?
<Aphex_> Snorri, head to #tooltime2 for your quick jaunt to the staffroom / kitchen.
<Klurg> As in, approved to be in the party
<Klurg> Invited and such
<Aphex_> If you want to go play doorman, by all means. You'll have someone from the personal team with you to vouch or handle any situations.
<Aphex_> That'll be in #origins-ic5 if you're that adamant about door duty.
<Klurg> (I'm just sorta lost on what else to do because memory is shite and I'm reading through the backscroll on what to do and can't find it.)
<Aphex_> (either go find Doctor Ludwig and stay close or go play overwatch on anyone that seems suspect in the ballroom)
<Soulless> Joshua heads out to the balcony, if he can.
<Klurg> Alright overwatch it is, as the majority are already going with Ludwig.
<Aphex_> Avery, what do you do on the balcony? Zack, where do you overwatch? Do you stay on the mezzanine?
<Veiedhimaedhr> (Avery ur back! Thought we lost you lol)
<Aphex_> *Joshua
<Aphex_> \\ whoops again
<Klurg> (Looking at the map for overwatch locations)
<Soulless> Joshua scans for other security people, just trying to get a solid look on the vibe of his new co-workers, checking for amiss thigns.
<Aphex_> There's some of the guys from the Local team doing a perimeter sweep outside, just below the balcony. Nothing seems to be too amiss here, save for the temperature- hot and humid.
<Klurg> Ok because I can't read maps, any overwatch positions other than balcony?
<Aphex_> Staying on the mezzanine (the interior balcony overlooking the ballroom) might be a good course of action. You can see Hadley moving ahead and Nicole speaking to some guy below!
<Klurg> Then Zack does that
<Aphex_> Joshua, roll PERC.
<Soulless> 4df+5 perc!
<Glacon> Soulless: perc!: 7 (4df+5=0, +, +, 0)
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<Aphex_> You can hear some chatter below. "10-103, we're looking out here. Not sure what's going on."
<Soulless> Joshua listens for any more chatter.
<Aphex_> "We'll check it out. Might be 10-107" beat. "I'm 10-23." You can't catch the chatter on the other end, but something seems to be going on outside.
<Aphex_> Zack, roll PERC for me.
<Soulless> Joshua tries to heads outside to investigate a bit, takin a stroll.
<Aphex_> Pause there for a sec, Joshua.
<Aphex_> Zack, can I get a PERC roll please?
<Klurg> 4df+4 sorry here
<Glacon> Klurg: sorry here: 3 (4df+4=-, +, -, 0)
<Aphex_> You don't see much in the sea of people below you on the Floor.
<Aphex_> Joshua, you can head out now.
<Soulless> Joshua is talkin a walk
<Aphex_> PERC/
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<Klurg> Zack continues investigating, looking slightly bored but knowing he's gotta make sure nothing happens.
- Livender is now known as Lavender
<Soulless> 4df+5 perc
<Glacon> Soulless: perc: 4 (4df+5=-, -, 0, +)
<Soulless> 2df boost
<Glacon> Soulless: boost: 1 (2df=0, +)
<Soulless> That's a 7
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<Aphex_> You don't see much, but you do hear some commotion from back where you came. Just some rustling, like someone trying to get away.
<Klurg> «Not much, keeping an eye over things, can't find anything, over» Zack responds to Nicole.
<Soulless> Joshua walks real calmly over there.
<Soulless> He touches his earpiece.
<Soulless> His eyes narrow just slightly. Thought so.
<Aphex_> Snorri comes over the local Foundation secure-channel. «Alpha Actual, this is Alpha Team, be advised - I have discovered evidence of possible Red Valley presence at the gala. Infiltrators may be wearing maroon-colored bowties.»
<Aphex_> And just like that, pause.
<Aphex_> Joshua, Zack, you can only hear static from the other end of the channel. PERC if you're overlooking the Ballroom floor.
<Klurg> 4df+4 Zack looks for any Maroon tied individuals
<Glacon> Klurg: Zack looks for any Maroon tied individuals: 7 (4df+4=0, +, +, +)
<Soulless> 4df+5 perc
<Glacon> Soulless: perc: 6 (4df+5=0, 0, +, 0)
<Aphex_> Zack, you'll note the man in black (the creepy scarred one from earlier) is slowly approaching the duo of Nicole and Hadley.
<Klurg> «Nicole, Hadley, man in black you found intimidating slowly heading towards you» does he have a maroon tie?
<Aphex_> Joshua, you hear some commotion from below. "10-23, 10-23. Hold pos."
<Aphex_> He's not wearing maroon anything! All black, all matching.
<Aphex_> Your message doesn't send, Zack. You get static.
<Soulless> Avery heads towards that voice.
<Klurg> "Dammit." Zack begins making his way down, taking the fastest route possible while trying not to disturb the crowd. ~radio channels down, we need to get to our VIP fast~
<Klurg> Could he get there in time with 6 acrobatics of nyoom?
<Aphex_> Then you're both headed to the Ballroom floor.
<Aphex_> #homeimprovement2
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<NeonSkitty> Hadley's at the dumbwaiter!
<Klurg> Zack's here, ready to be a dumb waiter.
<Aphex_> Ludwig looks between the two of you. This is 100% a one person ride, so make your choices on who goes first.
<NeonSkitty> "I'll go first and secure wherever it leads."
<Klurg> "Nah, I got it, I can handle a surprise best."
<Klurg> "You make sure Ludwig stays safe while I go down."
<Klurg> "Me first, Ludwig second if it's clear, then you."
<NeonSkitty> "I… Well, alright." She nods, not arguing.
<Klurg> He goes down, moving the dumbwaiter slowly.
<Klurg> "Look down and if it's clear I'll give ya a thumbs up."
<NeonSkitty> "Alright!"
<Aphex_> Alright Zack, PERC.
<Klurg> 4df+4 of course
<Glacon> Klurg: of course: 4 (4df+4=-, 0, +, 0)
<Aphex_> You can hear some chatter nearby as you drop into the lower area. «Copy… keep sightlines.»
<NeonSkitty> Hadley looks down the shaft, waiting quietly.
<Klurg> "…" Zack stops, and tries to listen more, to check for sound clues that they're targeting the dumbwaiter's exit
<Klurg> Perception again?
<Aphex_> Yup.
<Klurg> 4df+4
<Glacon> Klurg: 1 (4df+4=0, -, -, -)
<Klurg> (Feck off)
<NeonSkitty> Whoopsy
<Aphex_> You don't see him until it's too late. A man wearing a load-bearing vest over formalwear calls over his radio. «Echo 1-3 has viscon.»
<Klurg> He didn't go down
<Klurg> He stopped the dumbwaiter mid fall
<Klurg> (As stated in the previous message)
<Aphex_> Redact then. The previous message by Echo 1-3 stands, but you aren't seen yet.
<Aphex_> You can't see him, either.
<Klurg> .ch go down, don't
<Glacon> Klurg: go down
<Klurg> Zack looks up to Hadley, mouths 'danger', makes a so-so motion, then goes down, weapon in hand not moving dumbwaiter down.
<NeonSkitty> Hads nodnods.
<Klurg> can he roll stealth to go down sneakily?
<Aphex_> Roll it, but Echo 1-3 is still down there somewhere.
<Klurg> 4df+3 oh gods
<Glacon> Klurg: oh gods: 4 (4df+3=+, +, -, 0)
<Aphex_> You'll note that the power goes out.
<Aphex_> 4df+5 (PERC)
<Glacon> Aphex_: (PERC): 6 (4df+5=-, 0, +, +)
<Klurg> Welp that's fair
<Klurg> (He is not a sneaky boi after all)
<Aphex_> You lower in, and are face to face (6 to 8 feet from) with the radio fucker from earlier. «Echo 1-3 confirming contact!»
<Aphex_> Roll initiative!
<Aphex_> ACRO, in this case.
<Klurg> 4df+6 oh no!
<Glacon> Klurg: oh no!: 6 (4df+6=0, 0, 0, 0)
<Klurg> (Spicy)
<Aphex_> 4df+6 (ACRO)
<Glacon> Aphex_: (ACRO): 5 (4df+6=-, -, 0, +)
<NeonSkitty> Does Hadley need initiative too?
<Aphex_> No, Zack only for the moment.
<NeonSkitty> Aight!
<Klurg> What's he armed with?
<Aphex_> So, Zack, PC turn first.
<Aphex_> Echo 1-3 is carrying a P226 with a flashlight in his off hand.
<Klurg> Zack slides out of the dumbwaiter grabs him wherever he can reach. Grapple spec, to damage, comes in next turn
<Klurg> 4df+6
<Glacon> Klurg: 5 (4df+6=-, +, 0, -)
<Aphex_> 4df+6 (ACRO) big avoid?
<Glacon> Aphex_: (ACRO) big avoid?: 7 (4df+6=-, +, +, 0)
<Klurg> "Hostile!" He calls out to Hadley.
<NeonSkitty> "Do you need assistance?!"
<NeonSkitty> Is this all one floor down?
<Aphex_> Yes, but it's a small gap, one that could simply be dropped.
<Aphex_> NPC turn unless Hads drops down as well,
<NeonSkitty> Hadley remains for the time being, as planned. She won't risk losing Ludwig.
<Aphex_> Okay, NPC it is.
<Klurg> "Not yet, wait up!"
<Aphex_> 4df+7 (RNG[L]) close-range boolit
<Glacon> Aphex_: (RNG[L]) close-range boolit: 7 (4df+7=0, -, 0, +)
<Klurg> 4df+6 oh no
<Glacon> Klurg: oh no: 9 (4df+6=+, +, 0, +)
<Klurg> Oh yeah
<Aphex_> You manage to be missed, making it PC turn.
<Klurg> He moves to deliver a left hook to the enemy's abdominal
<Klurg> 4df+8 unarmed therefore light melee
<Glacon> Klurg: unarmed therefore light melee: 9 (4df+8=+, 0, +, -)
<Aphex_> 4df+4 (RESL) no plates
<Glacon> Aphex_: (RESL) no plates: 1 (4df+4=-, -, -, 0)
<Klurg> d4
<Glacon> Klurg: 1 (d4=1)
<Aphex_> He's caught off-guard, but hey, that's aight. Hads coming down?
<Klurg> "We're good here!" He says whilst combatting.
<NeonSkitty> "You should go first, doctor. I'll follow behind you. I can't risk leaving you up here alone."
<Klurg> There's still fighting
<Klurg> He's not KO'd
<Klurg> He said it in a way that implied
<Klurg> He doesn't need help currently
<NeonSkitty> O!
<NeonSkitty> Nevermind, redact
<NeonSkitty> "Let me know when he's subdued, I'll be ready!"
<Aphex_> 4df+8 (RNG[L]) pop pop
<Glacon> Aphex_: (RNG[L]) pop pop: 7 (4df+8=-, +, 0, -)
<Klurg> 4df+6 WEH
<Glacon> Klurg: WEH: 5 (4df+6=+, 0, -, -)
<Aphex_> d4
<Glacon> Aphex_: 1 (d4=1)
<Klurg> -2 from that because of Zack's body armor point buy
<Klurg> (The one that could be worn under clothes)
<Klurg> So total 0 damage
<Aphex_> The bullet catches you in the chest, but falls short.
<Klurg> He whips out the baton, attempting to do more damage than his fists can
<Klurg> 4df+6 medium weapon
<Glacon> Klurg: medium weapon: 5 (4df+6=-, -, 0, +)
<Aphex_> 4df+6 (ACRO)
<Glacon> Aphex_: (ACRO): 4 (4df+6=-, 0, -, 0)
<Klurg> d6
<Glacon> Klurg: 1 (d6=1)
<Klurg> …ffs
<Klurg> Again you damnable bot!
<Aphex_> You go for the knee, but he catches it with a quick thigh block.
<Klurg> "Maaaayy need help here, unless there's no one else up there!" He calls out to Hadley.
<Aphex_> Echo 1-3 falls back into the room, now totally in the dark.
<Klurg> "Wait, target's retreating!"
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<NeonSkitty> "… Should we come down now?"
<Klurg> "…best thing we can do."
<Klurg> Zack puts baton away, takes out pistol, keeps it aimed in the general direction the target went.
<Klurg> He motions for them to come down.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley gestures for Ludwig- "Please, go first- I'll follow right behind you."
<Aphex_> Ludwig follows as directed.
<Aphex_> For all intents and purposes, Ludwig is just an attachment to Hadley at the moment.
<NeonSkitty> Okay! Hads heads down afterwards in that case!
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<Aphex_> Well, now you're all down in the basement area.
<Aphex_> With a confirmed hostile still in the area. Now what?
<NeonSkitty> Hadley levels her pistol, scanning the area. "Which way did he go?"
<Klurg> "Stick near us, avoid windows." He points in the direction he fled.
<Aphex_> That's forward, towards your exit- a door barely cracked to the outside. He didn't flee, he got a better position.
<Aphex_> There also aren't any windows down here. PERC.
<NeonSkitty> 4df+5 PERC
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: PERC: 2 (4df+5=-, -, 0, -)
<NeonSkitty> :|
<Klurg> 4df+4
<Glacon> Klurg: 2 (4df+4=-, 0, 0, -)
<Klurg> ffs
<Aphex_> RROTD if you want, both of you.
<Klurg> "He's outside… where we're supposed to be."
<NeonSkitty> 4df+5 >:V
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: >:V: 9 (4df+5=+, +, +, +)
<NeonSkitty> …
<NeonSkitty> Thank you oh holy GM
<Klurg> Yeah skitty's got it
<Aphex_> Hadley, your visual receptors pick up trace amounts of VX-derivative gas in the air, getting in through some of the vents to the first floor.
<Klurg> (Man these people really like their poison gasses)
<NeonSkitty> Hadley looks around- "… We need to get out, regardless. But I'll go first. Even if I get shot, the plating in my body will keep stray bullets from penetrating and hitting either of you."
<NeonSkitty> She speaks in a hushed tone.
<Klurg> "I hope you're right." He goes on and lets Hadley lead, pistol raised and ready for a fight.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley steps outside, pistol raised! She disables her pain receptors as she does this.
<Aphex_> Roll ACRO for initiative.
<NeonSkitty> 4df+2 ;-;
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: ;-;: 4 (4df+2=+, +, -, +)
<NeonSkitty> o ok
<Aphex_> 4df+5 (ACRO)
<Glacon> Aphex_: (ACRO): 6 (4df+5=-, 0, +, +)
<NeonSkitty> dratz
<Aphex_> PERC, Zack, to get an opportunity to interrupt 1-3
<Klurg> 4df+4
<Glacon> Klurg: 3 (4df+4=0, +, -, -)
<Klurg> Akwkejejekjrkee
<Klurg> *audible frowning*
<Aphex_> RIP.
<Aphex_> 4df+5 (RNG) pop pop pop
<Glacon> Aphex_: (RNG) pop pop pop: 5 (4df+5=+, 0, -, 0)
<Aphex_> Hads, roll to not be shoot
<NeonSkitty> 4df+5 RES Hadley doesn't dodge, that's a good way to get the people behind her shot. She braces herself instead.
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: RES Hadley doesn't dodge, that's a good way to get the people behind her shot. She braces herself instead.: 3 (4df+5=-, +, -, -)
<Aphex_> d6 poppoppop
<Glacon> Aphex_: poppoppop: 1 (d6=1)
<Aphex_> Well, Hads takes a bullet to the chest but turning pain off is kinda important.
<Aphex_> PC Turn
<NeonSkitty> Hads rolled lower, so I think it's Zack first.
<Klurg> "Hadley, be a meatshield for him, I'll take care of this one." Zack goes on in, motioning for Ludwig to stay out of combat, and charging towards the now revealed 1-3, baton in hand. "Only shoot into melee if ya have ta!"
<Klurg> "Actually do it anyways, the risk is worth it!"
<NeonSkitty> "Meatshield? I'm made of metal!" Hadley blinks, but guards Ludwig regardless!
<Klurg> Roll melee?
<Aphex_> You gonna go hit him? Sure.
<Klurg> 4df+6 Baton Rouge
<Glacon> Klurg: Baton Rouge: 6 (4df+6=0, 0, -, +)
<Aphex_> 4df+6 (ACRO) fuck you glac
<Glacon> Aphex_: (ACRO) fuck you glac: 8 (4df+6=+, +, 0, 0)
<Aphex_> The baton trick doesn't work on body armor. You gonna try anything Hads?
<NeonSkitty> Hadley aims for a neutralizing knee-shot at Echo!
<NeonSkitty> Do specs stack with the Accuracy bonus?
<Aphex_> Third spec?
<NeonSkitty> Ye
<Klurg> If you're talking about the light weapon bonus, pretty sure it does
<NeonSkitty> Yea that
<Aphex_> Go for it.
<NeonSkitty> 4df+9 Combat Negotiator - Hadley fires twice with her P220 in a tight grouping, at Echo 1-3's right knee for a neutralizing shot.
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: Combat Negotiator - Hadley fires twice with her P220 in a tight grouping, at Echo 1-3's right knee for a neutralizing shot.: 9 (4df+9=0, -, 0, +)
<Aphex_> 4df+6 (ACRO) gonna take a miracle
<Glacon> Aphex_: (ACRO) gonna take a miracle: 7 (4df+6=-, 0, +, +)
<Aphex_> roll dmg
<NeonSkitty> 1d4 Pew Pew
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: Pew Pew: 1 (1d4=1)
<NeonSkitty> fucking
<NeonSkitty> alright Glacon enough with the 1s
<Aphex_> \\ Right?
<Aphex_> You manage to shoot and graze the knee.
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<NeonSkitty> Dang! Besides that, Hadley remains in front of Doc Lud.
<Aphex_> 4df+6 (RNG) pop pop @ Hadley as 1-3 falls to his good knee!
<Glacon> Aphex_: (RNG) pop pop @ Hadley as 1-3 falls to his good knee!: 3 (4df+6=-, -, 0, -)
<NeonSkitty> 4df+5 RES Stronkbot
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: RES Stronkbot: 3 (4df+5=-, -, +, -)
<NeonSkitty> :|
<Aphex_> :/
<Aphex_> Attacker's clause
<Aphex_> d6 pop pop
<Glacon> Aphex_: pop pop: 1 (d6=1)
<Aphex_> …
<NeonSkitty> I knew it.
<Aphex_> He narrowly misses your head, Hads.
<Aphex_> PC Turn
<Klurg> Question: which room are they in?
<Klurg> And are there any hazards that one wouldn't want to fall into?
<Aphex_> It's a basement storage area, and no random hazards.
<Klurg> Ok then, baton it is.
<Klurg> 4df+6 Alright glacon you bot humping bastard let me have good attack and damage rolls or I swear my next damage roll is targeted at you
<Glacon> Klurg: Alright glacon you bot humping bastard let me have good attack and damage rolls or I swear my next damage roll is targeted at you: 6 (4df+6=0, 0, -, +)
<Aphex_> 4df+6 (ACRO) and yet
<Glacon> Aphex_: (ACRO) and yet: 4 (4df+6=-, 0, 0, -)
<Klurg> d6 now the damage
<Glacon> Klurg: now the damage: 6 (d6=6)
<Klurg> …good
<NeonSkitty> O O F
<Aphex_> …fuck off.
<Aphex_> 1-3 goes down with a satisfying THWACK to the helmet.
<Aphex_> He's not dead, but unconscious.
<Klurg> So, basement storage
<Klurg> Lockers?
<NeonSkitty> "… I've got an idea."
<NeonSkitty> What kind of uniform is 1-3 wearing?
<Aphex_> No lockers.
<Aphex_> It's formal wear.
<NeonSkitty> Oh! Okay.
<Aphex_> Just with armored-plate carrier vest and a rifle.
<NeonSkitty> I thought he had like some kind of special forces gear or something for some reason
<NeonSkitty> Hadley picks up his rifle, checking the magazine- "Well, this could solve a big problem."
<Klurg> So where in this basement are items stored?
<Klurg> Since it's a storage basement
<NeonSkitty> After, Hadley pulls off the vest as well, giving it to Ludwig- "This should help keep you a bit safer." Then to Zack- "We need to get him out of here, and us out of range of those jammers."
<Aphex_> The mag is down about 10 rounds, leaving a nice 21 useable. And yes, Zack, it is a basement used for miscellaneous storage.
<NeonSkitty> (I think he more means that they just kind'a put stuff down here to get it out of the way, not like lockers and vaults and stuff)
<Klurg> Ah
<Aphex_> Precisely. It is a "put shit here to forget about it" room.
<Klurg> Anything heavy?
<Klurg> That zack could carry but this guy couldn't?
<Klurg> (Zack having 6 athletics and lotsa muscles)
<Aphex_> What would you be using it for?
<Klurg> Putting it on top of the guy
<Klurg> So he can't move
<Klurg> Doing it gently as possible so it won't crush him
<Aphex_> You can try.
<Klurg> But enough so that he can't slide it off or crawl off of it
<Aphex_> We'll say there's a locker, just a personnel locker for jackets and the like.
<Klurg> Yep he's gonna stuff him in there (or if he doesn't fit, under there)
<Klurg> And remove weapons before doing so
<Klurg> Then get going
<Aphex_> He pretty clearly won't be able to fit in it.
<Aphex_> It's for jackets, not people.
<Klurg> Underneath he goes
<Klurg> Of course his head still visible
<Aphex_> Roll ATHL with every bonus possible.
<Klurg> Would this count as a pin for his grapple spec?
<Klurg> 4df+8 because -2 if it doesn't
<Glacon> Klurg: because -2 if it doesn't: 6 (4df+8=-, -, +, -)
<Aphex_> 4df res
<Glacon> Aphex_: res: 2 (4df=+, 0, 0, +)
<Klurg> He's trying to be as careful as possible so he won't crush him (too much)
<Aphex_> You drop the jacket locker on top of him, crushing his ribs and puncturing a lung. He gurgles like water-filled squeak toy. Move on.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley cringes. :[]
<Klurg> He flinches, but better to be safe.
<NeonSkitty> "Eesh… Maybe we, uh… Could have found some rope- Er, not the time, right- Let's go."
<Klurg> He leads the way to outside.
<Klurg> Looking for trouble.
<Aphex_> You don't actually see anything. Your radio crackles on though.
<NeonSkitty> Reception!
<Klurg> Where are they currently?
<Klurg> Outside the mansion and how far away?
<Aphex_> Just outside, about 10 feet now.
<Klurg> "A bit further, they might still be listening." Any cover?
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<NeonSkitty> Hadley nods!
<NeonSkitty> Can Hadley attempt a Logic check to try to transmit an encrypted message to Alpha Actual?
<Aphex_> No need. Alpha Actual immediately starts transmitting. «Radio check three one, Alpha Team do you copy? This is Alpha Actual.»
<NeonSkitty> Ah! «Alpha Actual, this is Alpha Team. We've encountered complications, but target is secure.»
<Klurg> «we copy, two of us out
<NeonSkitty> *. Over.»
<Klurg> out here with the target, rest are in there as distractions, please hurry before enemy figures it out, over»
<Aphex_> «Understood, Aught-One. Alpha Actual will be sending Exfil. Actual Out.»
<Klurg> Zack begins walking about, making sure he's near Ludwig so he can act as a meatshield.
<Aphex_> \\ RUN FIN
<NeonSkitty> Hadley hunts Ludwig down!
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole coughs on her way to find Ludwig
<Aphex_> You're going to take the stairs down to the ballroom floor, those of you hunting Hector Ludwig down.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley does so! "Are you okay Nicole? Do you need a cough drop? I've got a few."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "If cough drops could help me, I’d have taken them years ago. I’ll take one anyway since you’re offering." She holds out a hand as she walks
<NeonSkitty> Hads nods, pulling out a package and handing Nicole a wrapped drop! It's lemony!
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Cheers." She eats cough drop for a +3 to Lemon appreciation rolls
<Aphex_> You're both met with a sea of people crowded into the ballroom. There's a lot of chatter, and the orchestra can barely be heard. The guy from earlier that Joshua spotted has vanished into the crowd. You're both free to explore and attempt to find the Doctor.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole radios in the perimeter: «What’s the current, exact location of the VIP?»
<Aphex_> HeadSec comes over the channel. «This is Local. VIP is on stage, just with the orchestra. Any issues? Over.»
<NeonSkitty> Hadley looks at Nicole, then into the crowd, and attempts to wade her way to the orchestra's stage!
<Aphex_> ACRO, Hadley.
<NeonSkitty> 4df+2 Clumsy robo girl is clumsy
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: Clumsy robo girl is clumsy: 2 (4df+2=0, 0, 0, 0)
<NeonSkitty> ‘wow`
<Veiedhimaedhr> «Negative issues, just saving time. Over» Nicole sighs and wades her way to the stage as well
<Aphex_> 4df+6 (ACRO)
<Glacon> Aphex_: (ACRO): 7 (4df+6=-, +, +, 0)
<NeonSkitty> >_>
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+8 Wadin through the crowd
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: Wadin through the crowd: 6 (4df+8=-, +, -, -)
<Aphex_> You narrowly avoid bumbling your way into a man with a nice black/burgundy bowtie. He gracefully moves his briefcase out of the way, just in time. "Oh my, sorry about that!" He’s a lean Asian fellow, with a nice smile.
<NeonSkitty> "It's alright! I'm not exactly the most graceful in heels, so it was partially my fault!" Hadley smiles and does a little bow, before trying to continue.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Can Nicole roll perception to question why there’s a briefcase at all? This isn’t a business conference
<NeonSkitty> They're… Not even really heels, just high shoes. Hadley PROCEED.
<Aphex_> Sure, Nicole.
<Aphex_> Hadley, you proceed on, occasionally getting a compliment here and there about how nice your hair looks.
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 wtf r u doing with a briefcase mate
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: wtf r u doing with a briefcase mate: 6 (4df+5=0, 0, 0, +)
<NeonSkitty> This makes her happy. :D
<Aphex_> The case is locked, and appears to have some sort of fancy lock on it.
<Aphex_> Maybe if you ask him real nice you'll know. He seems a little annoyed with the staring though, Nicole.
<Aphex_> "Can I help you, ma'am?"
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Is there a meeting of sorts tonight? A party’s a strange place for a briefcase…interferes with the dancing."
<Aphex_> "Ah. Yes, my monetary donation for the charity is all in here. I could not send it beforehand, so I'm shackled to it!" He laughs.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole makes laughing as well, “I see. You have a good time, mate; good looks and all that tend to magnetize eyes, you know how it is."
<Aphex_> His smile is very muted, but there. He bows at the waist, then continues his chatter with a woman in a suit. How empowering.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley starts to peek around when she gets the stage in sight, looking for anyone not playing an instrument on the stage!
<Aphex_> PERC, Hadley.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole turns and continues making her way to the VIP. She also radios in, «This is visiting. You people let in someone with a briefcase. You checked it, right?»
<NeonSkitty> 4df+5 👁️ 👁️
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: 👁️ 👁️: 4 (4df+5=-, 0, +, -)
<Aphex_> «Visiting, this is Local.» HeadSec again. «There's a lot of guys in here with cases. Money, mostly. We checked 'em all, didn't find anything. Over.»
<Veiedhimaedhr> «Local this is Visiting. Lovely. Over.»
<Veiedhimaedhr> She makes her way next to Hadley
<Aphex_> «Roger, Visiting. Local Out.»
<NeonSkitty> Hadley takes snapshots of everyone she passes buy, making a little section of faces in her memory.
<NeonSkitty> *by
<NeonSkitty> she's not purchasing guests
<Aphex_> Hadley, you might have seen the Doctor- he seems to be wearing everything typical of a black-tie party. He looks older, and has a gut. He just chatters with one of the orchestra, his back to you.
<NeonSkitty> She points him out to Nicole!
<NeonSkitty> "Do you think that's him?"
<Veiedhimaedhr> "A good orchestra shouldn’t be getting bothered at all. He’s the only one who could get away with that."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "What IS he doing up there?" Are there side stairs to the stage or is it one of those small ones that are just slightly raised above the ground?
<NeonSkitty> "… That's true. I guess money gives you some kind of weird power, huh."
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<Veiedhimaedhr> "Welcome to real life." She coughs and makes her way to a place she can get onstage without bothering the musicians or obstructing the crowd’s view of them
<Aphex_> It's a slight raise. The orchestra has actually stopped, thus the Doctor(?) talking to them.
<NeonSkitty> Hads approaches as best she can!
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole approaches head on then. "Excuse me, Dr. Ludwig, I presume?"
<Aphex_> The man just keeps talking to the brass section.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Excuse me, sir." She asks louder
<Aphex_> The rotund old man turns, eyes ablaze. "What?! I'm trying to speak to my players on the downtime, what do you want?"
<NeonSkitty> Hadley blinks.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Your attention. 15 sent us to guard you. You hired the other 10 guards, I take it?”
<Aphex_> "…What on earth are you blabbering about?"
<NeonSkitty> "… Uh."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "What are you on about? We met your head of security earlier, said there were 10 of them. Who’s been providing security to this place so far?”
<Aphex_> The man looks at you, incredulous. "…You must be mistaken here. I'm the conductor of this orchestra, not Hector. He's over that way." He jabs a thumb at a man sitting off to the side of the woodwind section. He's wearing an all white suit with a baby-blue shirt- he's leaner, and looks a bit older than this guy.
<Veiedhimaedhr> She sighs, "fuck me. All right thanks." She goes and walks over to the older real hector gentleman, "Dr. Ludwig, I presume?”
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<Aphex_> "Why yes, you must be my security from our friend, Fifteen?"
<Aphex_> He looks to the woman to his right. "I'll be just a moment dear." He stands to talk to you.
<NeonSkitty> "Oh!" Hadley rushes over to Hector! (Sorry went to talk to my maaaaam)
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<Veiedhimaedhr> "You hired the firm who’s providing perimeter security, right? Do they usually only provide 10 people or did you specify that?”
<Aphex_> You've all stepped off behind the platform. "Ten exactly, yes. I don't have the funds to hire more at the moment. Your friends, the Feds, they cover the gaps usually but…" He looks on for a moment. "Anyway. Is there something important going on?"
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<Veiedhimaedhr> "Only your safety sir. Are these reputable people? Screened properly?”
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<Aphex_> "Yes. Hell, one of them is my son-in-law. The big one with the sour face." HeadSec, probably.
<NeonSkitty> "Nothing of note's happened yet, but I'd like to offer my service by your side for the night, in case something goes wrong."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "My compliments for the marriage. There’s a man who’s been properly scarred up here. We saw him earlier. He security, or someone you know?”
<NeonSkitty> ~His mother must be buff as hell.~
<Aphex_> "No, I can't say I've seen anyone like that. If he's here, he must be fine though."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "I see. Anyway, this is Hadley. She’ll be sticking with you and doing her best to make sure you don’t ingest poison. A big Scandinavian named Snorri will assist her later. I’m Nicole, I’ll be watching the crowds as they move to you and around. Joshua and Zack are around doing similarly. Excuse me while I check in.” She steps back and radios in, «This is visiting. We’ve linked up with the VIP. What’s
<Veiedhimaedhr> the sitrep, over.»
<Aphex_> "It's a pleasure!" He grins. What a nice old man.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley smiles and offers a hand! "I'm happy to be here to help!"
<Aphex_> «Visiting, this is Local. The old man's doing alright, everything's quiet save for a drunken stumble outside. Break. You have any issues getting secure? Over."
<Aphex_> *»
<Aphex_> Snorri comes over the local Foundation secure-channel. «Alpha Actual, this is Alpha Team, be advised - I have discovered evidence of possible Red Valley presence at the gala. Infiltrators may be wearing maroon-colored bowties.»
<Aphex_> And just like that, pause.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole passes that information on to local, if they hadn’t received it, and then to Ludwig himself
<Veiedhimaedhr> (Didnt see pause rip me)
<Aphex_> (b&)
<Veiedhimaedhr> (:V)
<Aphex_> You'll all hear static on the other end of the channel. The party is continuing as normal, but something feels off. You're free to continue here.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Hmm. Dr. Ludwig if you’d please follow us calmly, we’re going to a saferoom."
<Aphex_> He frowns animatedly. "Oh my."
<Aphex_> He nods, ready to follow.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Do the radios with other foundation pals still work or can we just not contact the locals?
<Aphex_> You've got nothing. Local doesn't seem to respond either.
<NeonSkitty> Hadley looks around the room before they head off, looking for maroon ties on anyone nearby.
<Aphex_> PERC, Hadley.
<NeonSkitty> 4df+5 PERC!
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: PERC!: 5 (4df+5=+, 0, -, 0)
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Hadley, keep pinging the radios until we get something, and check our backs. Doctor, follow me." Nicole takes point, a hand close to wherever a concealed holster would be for an evening gown, and scans the crowd as well
<NeonSkitty> Hads nods, and does just that!
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 👁
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: 👁: 6 (4df+5=+, 0, 0, 0)
<Veiedhimaedhr> (Geddit it’s because Nicole only has 1 eye im funny i swear)
<Aphex_> The both of you remember the Asian man from earlier. His tie was just a bit off color-wise.
<NeonSkitty> "… Maybe we should have checked that case." Hads whispers to Nicole.
<TeslaTornado> Agent Stefansson arrives on the ballroom floor.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole keeps her eyes forward as she walks, "The locals checked each case, they said. Hadley ask him about the fellow with the briefcase, and describe it too." She maintains her focus forward
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) He's also on the lookout for the mysterious maroon bowtie.
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) He's also on the lookout for the mysterious maroon bowtie.: 3 (4df+4=0, -, +, -)
<Aphex_> Ludwig doesn't know anything.
<Aphex_> Snorri, you don't spot anyone. You split the sea of people like a methed-out Finnish Moses.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri's shifting it. He may not know where the others are, but he knows where - if all goes according to plan - they should be going, and so he's moving through the ballroom toward the kitchen.
<Aphex_> WAIT ONE.
<Klurg> Zack arr- oh
<Aphex_> As you all make it to the ballroom floor, you can hear a gunshot ring out in the crowd. The bullet seems to vanish into the ceiling. The crowd begins to stampede in every direction, bumping into and near-colliding with the lot of you.
<Aphex_> RESUME
<NeonSkitty> Hadley takes Ludwig under her arm, drawing her P220 from her blazer and looking around for the source as she tries to get them both to the saferoom!
<Soulless> Joshua is here.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+6 (ATHL) Snorri's gonna keep pushing through the crowd, toward the kitchen.
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (ATHL) Snorri's gonna keep pushing through the crowd, toward the kitchen.: 7 (4df+6=+, 0, +, -)
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole coughs in surprise and keeps moving forward as best she can, "Dr. Ludwig, stay close behind me!" She scans the crowd for any panicking guests who don’t look panicked at all and have only murder in their eyes
<Soulless> He heads calmly, looking around for any other folks positioning themselves like they are.
<Klurg> Zack keeps heading towards Nicole and Hadley, going through the crowd.
<Soulless> 4df+5 where are our enemies?
<Glacon> Soulless: where are our enemies?: 4 (4df+5=-, -, 0, +)
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 Ved forgets to roll perception
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: Ved forgets to roll perception: 4 (4df+5=0, 0, 0, -)
<Klurg> If he gets there: "hey, remember creepy guy? He's coming to ya, and I think they've been listening to our radios. Cause everything's jammed."
<Veiedhimaedhr> Are there other gunshot noises or just the one so far?
<Aphex_> In order: Snorri's able to be the train that leads the team to the Kitchen. Hadley, Hector is right behind you. Joshua, Nicole, you don't see anything given all the panicking civilians. No other gunshots outside of the one.
<Klurg> And Zack?
<Soulless> Joshua follows his team.
<Aphex_> Zack meets up with the others. You are now back to being a Full Unit
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Dr. ludwig, how well do you know your son-in-law? His security just let in an entire gun, and they don’t seem to be fighting anything at the moment."
<NeonSkitty> As oppose to a G-Unit
<Klurg> Ok good, so squad knows about slowly approaching creepy guy as zack told them.
<Klurg> "Snorri, you got the safespots right?" He asks, keeping guard and a keeping an eye out.
<Aphex_> "How dare you talk about Jimmy like that!" Ludwig says, irate. "He's not with these bozos."
<TeslaTornado> "I did," Snorri says, once again refusing to get involved in the others' bickering.
<NeonSkitty> "It's just our job to double check everything, doctor! She doesn't mean any offense, I hope you can understand."
<TeslaTornado> "No comms. We stay close to each other and we extract VIP from premises as quickly and smoothly as possible."
<TeslaTornado> "Stay away from windows."
<Klurg> "Then let's get going, we can worry about traitors on the way there."
<NeonSkitty> Hadley's other hand reaches down into her blazer again, pulling out the baton and snapping it to its full length.
<Klurg> Zack takes out his baton.
<Aphex_> Zack, roll ACRO.
<Klurg> 4df+6
<Glacon> Klurg: 8 (4df+6=0, 0, +, +)
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole takes out a pistol from her concealment holster
<Aphex_> You barely avoid being hit by a guy running away from something.
<Klurg> "Ok running away from something over there." Zack points to the direction he was running from. "So probably not that way." (The squad moving now?)
<NeonSkitty> Hadley's starting to usher Ludwig to the aforementioned saferoom, so she is at least moving!
<Aphex_> Assumedly, you've been moving. Hadley, roll ACRO to get into the Kitchen safely.
<NeonSkitty> 4df+2 ;-;
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: ;-;: 3 (4df+2=0, +, +, -)
<Veiedhimaedhr> Do we all roll?
<Aphex_> Just Hadley.
<Soulless> Joshua keeps goin.
<Aphex_> You manage to usher Hector in just in time. The whole squad is officially in the Kitchen. Now what?
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole gets the other staff in the kitchen out
<NeonSkitty> "We need to find out how they're jamming our communications."
<NeonSkitty> "My bet is that the brief case was a mobile jammer."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "That’s not good. Jimmy said his people let in quite a few cases."
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<Aphex_> PERC, all.
<NeonSkitty> 4df+5 My Eyes
<Glacon> NeonSkitty: My Eyes: 3 (4df+5=+, -, -, -)
<Soulless> 4df+5 mhm
<Glacon> Soulless: mhm: 3 (4df+5=-, -, +, -)
<NeonSkitty> wow
<NeonSkitty> ok
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 My eye
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: My eye: 5 (4df+5=+, 0, -, 0)
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) if they turned the fucking gas back on I swear to god
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) if they turned the fucking gas back on I swear to god: 6 (4df+4=0, +, 0, +)
<Klurg> 4df+4 hello there
<Glacon> Klurg: hello there: 6 (4df+4=0, +, +, 0)
<Aphex_> Hope one of you all have barred the doors. Snorri, Nicole, Zack; you hear some chuckling from behind it. Snorri'll know it right away.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri has in fact barred the door by pushing a heavy object in front of it as he made his way through.
<Klurg> "They're behind the door. Looks like it they want us here."
<TeslaTornado> His eyes twitch slightly when he hears the laughter. He does, in fact, know it, and the fact that it's there, and not at the bottom of a bore-hole fifteen miles underground, makes him angry.
<Aphex_> "You guys even have a plan in there?" Echo-Lead, better known as Peter, laughs it up.
<TeslaTornado> "Plan has two steps," Snorri replies calmly through the door.
<TeslaTornado> "First I throw you off balcony."
<TeslaTornado> "Then we win."
<Aphex_> "Gotcha, Finland. Lookin' forward to it." Peter keys his radio. «10-51, we are go for offensive at five dash sixteen.»
<NeonSkitty> Hadley raises an eyebrow.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole is quiet and inspects the kitchen. Any dumbwaiters or walk-in freezers? How many doors?
<Veiedhimaedhr> Do we all hear Peter?
<Aphex_> You've got a few doors here and there. There's a large walk-in freezer. Everyone can hear Peter after his taunting of everyone's favorite Finn.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri looks around the room for a non-walk-in refrigerator or freezer.
<TeslaTornado> Just a regular standing fridge.
<Aphex_> There's an industrial sized fridge just to your left.
<Aphex_> So, Team, now what?
<Klurg> Question: any rope and anything you can use to prop up an object and prevent it from falling?
<TeslaTornado> Snorri takes a look at the hinges on the door of the standing fridge, gauging how much force it would take to get the door off, how heavy it is. Critical things like that.
<Klurg> And a prop that can prevent say, a fridge from falling.
<Aphex_> A nice slug or two might do it in, Snorri. Zack, you could try to disassemble part of the dumb waiter system, but that might be cutting it close on time.
<TeslaTornado> Also there is, in fact, a dumbwaiter that could be used in a pinch.
<Soulless> "Whatever you wanna do, do it."
<TeslaTornado> Snorri breathes in calmly. Looks at the surrounding members of the group.
<TeslaTornado> Lowers his voice.
<TeslaTornado> "… We move quickly. Split into two teams; two on protection detail, three will exit through front door of kitchen."
<NeonSkitty> "I'll stay on protection."
<Klurg> Zack points to the fridge, makes a leaning, then falling motion… then listens to Snorri's plan because this sounds like a better idea.
<Klurg> "I'll take protection as well." He volunteers.
<TeslaTornado> "I am going to use refrigerator door as shield in attempt to draw fire from any potential hostiles. Remainder will come with me; two others will accompany Ludwig through dumbwaiter shaft."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "I’m with you, mate." She says to Snorri
<TeslaTornado> "Primary goal is to provide adequate distraction for extraction of doctor Ludwig outside of range of radio jammers."
<NeonSkitty> "Understood."
<Veiedhimaedhr> She pulls out her second pistol, "Can do."
<Klurg> Zack takes out his pistol, looks at it funny, then motions to hadley and Ludwig to wait at the dumbwaiter with him once Snorri gives the signal.
<Aphex_> Those of you doing the fallback, #homeimprovement
<NeonSkitty> Hadley heading to the dumbwaiter!
<Aphex_> Those of you about to rush, stay here.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri does what he's gotta do to get the refrigerator door off.
<Aphex_> …Snorri manages to get the industrial fridge door off its' hinges. Now what?
<Soulless> Joshua is part of the front door assault, it seems/
<TeslaTornado> He moves over to a position where he's blocking the line of fire from the door to the dumbwaiter.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole gets to cover behind a…table or something
<TeslaTornado> He's going to buy time for the extraction team to get Ludwig into the shaft, and then he's going to move out through the door.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole gets behind snorri is what I meant to type
<Soulless> Joshua is ready to help!
<Aphex_> There doesn't seem to be any movement at the door.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri pushes the refrigerator door towards the kitchen door.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "10-51 means they’re getting a vehicle doesn’t it?” Nicole whispers suddenly, remembering APCO
<TeslaTornado> "I am not sure," he says quietly as he shifts forward.
<Veiedhimaedhr> She follows, guns raised
<TeslaTornado> Snorri reaches around the refrigerator door and slowly turns the knob, keeping himself positioned at an angle to the door so that he can see through the crack in the doorway while still being able to block most incoming fire with the makeshift shield.
<Aphex_> There's nothing out there, not immediately.
<Soulless> Joshua follows, keeping his eyes peeles.
<Aphex_> There's a momentary flicker in the power. Then the whole place goes dark.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) The dark is not your friend. Snorri keeps watch through the crack in the door.
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) The dark is not your friend. Snorri keeps watch through the crack in the door.: 3 (4df+4=+, -, -, 0)
<Soulless> 4df+5 Joshua keeps an eye out.
<Glacon> Soulless: Joshua keeps an eye out.: 4 (4df+5=+, -, 0, -)
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 nicole keeps her singular eye out
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: nicole keeps her singular eye out: 2 (4df+5=-, 0, -, -)
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole rubs her eye
<Aphex_> Yeah the dark really doesn't help you guys. Door seems clear, maybe you could play it cool and go slow.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri pulls the door gently the rest of the way open. Starts cautiously into the doorway with the fridge door held up in front of himself.
<TeslaTornado> "Stay close behind me."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Already doing that." (I see you montagne)
<Aphex_> When do you breach?
<Soulless> Josh is close behind.
<TeslaTornado> Can they hear the exchange about hostiles in HI1?
<Aphex_> PERC if you're gonna try!
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 unlike her eye, Nicole has two ears
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: unlike her eye, Nicole has two ears: 6 (4df+5=0, +, +, -)
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) constant tinnitus from having been shot so many times
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) constant tinnitus from having been shot so many times: 2 (4df+4=-, 0, -, 0)
<Aphex_> Well, Nicole hears the gunshot, and something about 'viscon'.
<Aphex_> Snorri, you're ears deep in the whole 'reverse breach' situation.
<Soulless> 4df+5 perc
<Glacon> Soulless: perc: 6 (4df+5=+, -, 0, +)
<Aphex_> Joshua hears the same, and a bit more of the struggle between whoever was scoping the lower area out and the hostile.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Gunshot." She whispers, "Visual confirmation from the opfor. VIP’s not as safe down there as optimal.”
<Soulless> Joshua confirms. "There's a struggle."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "What’s the plan? Continue on? Full focus on the subterranean route?”
<TeslaTornado> Snorri curses once he hears the gunshot. "… Subterranean exit. Window coverage is reduced there. Joshua said avoid windows."
<TeslaTornado> "Basement may have external exit."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Radio coverage is still a problem. If we get out, we’ll be outdoors and still without communications unless we can snatch a vehicle."
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<TeslaTornado> Snorri nods. "Garage was not included as part of floorplan."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "We could take one of /their/ vehicles. Doubt Ludwig would’ve let guests park in his garage."
<TeslaTornado> "May also be tactically viable to locate and destroy radio jammer."
<Veiedhimaedhr> "That would mean locating a briefcase in a mansion in the dark, with hostiles. That would take forever. We find one of these mingers, and politely ask for its location."
<Veiedhimaedhr> She says ‘politely’ sarcastically
<TeslaTornado> "Then we should move."
<TeslaTornado> "Position for breach."
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole readies her pistols
<TeslaTornado> Snorri waits for the others to stack behind him, then hauls the door open and gets moving.
<Aphex_> The second you open the door, you'll all note there's a slight maroon tinge to the air, smoke hanging like fog on the floor. There's people choking on their tongues and generally in a poor state.
<Soulless> "…"
<Soulless> Joshua puts his hankerchief over his face and backs up.
<TeslaTornado> "… Poison gas." Snorri grimaces. About how high has it risen off the floor?
<Aphex_> Knee-high. Seems… denser than usual compared to the typical.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole coughs and gags. Gowns dont offer many pockets for handkerchiefs.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+1 (LOGIC) Would the air above that level be breathable if nothing caused the gas to rise?
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (LOGIC) Would the air above that level be breathable if nothing caused the gas to rise?: 0 (4df+1=-, 0, +, -)
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<Aphex_> You've got breathing room, team.
<Aphex_> Barely. It feels like a really tall mountain, low O2 but enough to keep you vertical.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri draws in a last long breath of clean air. Then he pushes into the room, hefting the weight of the fridge in front of him.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole does the same but her shit lungs make her unhappy about doing so
<Aphex_> PERC, all.
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 Glacon is king and we should all love him
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: Glacon is king and we should all love him: 3 (4df+5=-, +, -, -)
<Veiedhimaedhr> Glacon didn’t believe me
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC)
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC): 4 (4df+4=-, 0, 0, +)
<Soulless> 4df+5 rip
<Glacon> Soulless: rip: 4 (4df+5=-, +, 0, -)
<Aphex_> Snorri, you watch Pete (now with his gas mask on), wave at the lot of you as draws a circle in the air with his gloved-fist.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri pulls the door shut to the kitchen as he moves through. He stares at Peter and doesn't say a word.
<TeslaTornado> Advances cautiously into the room.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole would say something but holding breath. She follows behind. Is peter alone?
<Aphex_> He looks alone.
<Soulless> Joshua follows alongside, nervously. He doesn't wanna pass out and die.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole aims her gun around Snorri’s shoulder at him
<TeslaTornado> Snorri also glances over the opposite shoulder, back into the kitchen, since that's a pretty goddamn ambiguous gesture there Pete.
<Aphex_> PERC, all.
<Veiedhimaedhr> 4df+5 Glacon I hate you I know you’re gonna give me bad roll so lets cut out the middle man: u suk
<Glacon> Veiedhimaedhr: Glacon I hate you I know you’re gonna give me bad roll so lets cut out the middle man: u suk: 6 (4df+5=0, +, -, +)
<Soulless> 4df+5 o
<Glacon> Soulless: o: 6 (4df+5=+, 0, 0, 0)
<Klurg> (I think Glacon liked the abuse veie)
<Veiedhimaedhr> (That’s the secret. Glacon’s a massochist)
<Aphex_> Nicole, Joshua, you both hear boots stomping down the sides of the room, starting just behind the orchestral platform Pete's standing on.
<Soulless> "Movement." He motions.,
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Shoot now" she motions
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) FFFF
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) FFFF: 5 (4df+4=+, +, 0, -)
<Aphex_> Snorri's got the bead too. Pete looks dead on at him, then the others, then gestures like a maestro- arms spread wide and feet squared. "Isn't that something else!" He laughs, turning face real quick as he holds his fist up to his boys. "One question. Where's the old man?!"
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole motions to Peter and points to her mouth “Bad air. Can’t speak." She also flips him off
<TeslaTornado> Snorri glances back and forth between the two ranks of men on either side of him, then up at Peter on center stage.
<TeslaTornado> His jaw works back and forth slowly behind the refrigerator door.
<TeslaTornado> He glances back to Nicole and Joshua. "We do not have many options."
<TeslaTornado> "Negotiate, or die."
<Soulless> 4df+4 Persuasion. "Let's talk about this."
<Glacon> Soulless: Persuasion. "Let's talk about this.": 6 (4df+4=+, +, +, -)
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<Aphex_> "Oh, a smart guy!" Pete says. "What terms do you have for me, huh?"
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) Snorri, meanwhile, is looking for a way across the room to Peter that involves getting, subjectively, less shot than he would have otherwise.
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) Snorri, meanwhile, is looking for a way across the room to Peter that involves getting, subjectively, less shot than he would have otherwise.: 5 (4df+4=+, 0, 0, 0)
<Soulless> "What do you want with the man?"
<Aphex_> "Just a good old twist of your arm, Foundation. You cost us a good opportunity the first time, after all."
<Aphex_> Snorri, if you fall back into the kitchen, you could probably get out and rendezvous with 3301 and Wright.
<Soulless> "…What if we offered you something else to twist our arm?"
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole coughs loudly and bloodily, holding her breath in for that long with bad lungs wasn’t a good idea
<Aphex_> Pete laughs a little. "And what could you offer in turn for your biggest piggy bank?"
<Veiedhimaedhr> "He’s our what?" She asks hoarsely
<TeslaTornado> Snorri reaches back and taps Nicole on the hip, giving her a gentle push back towards the kitchen door along with a minute swipe of his chin.
<TeslaTornado> Back in and down.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole coughs and gets the idea. She begins backing up to kitchen
<TeslaTornado> Snorri positions himself behind his shield again. Covers the group.
<Soulless> "Information."
<Soulless> "Files."
<TeslaTornado> "Hey. Peter."
<Aphex_> "Gotta be more specific than that or me an' my boys-" There's a split second where Peter's face, or what can be seen of it behind his gas mask, explodes with rage. "WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT?!"
<TeslaTornado> Snorri laughs.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Can nicole just transition to HI1?
<TeslaTornado> "You are very sensitive man."
<TeslaTornado> "Did your mother not hug you enough when you were child?"
<TeslaTornado> He performs the same gesture to Joshua that he did to Nicole, still blocking him with the shield.
<Aphex_> "Finland. I was talking to your little egghead friend here."
<TeslaTornado> "No, no, you are talking to me now."
<Soulless> Joshua moves.
<TeslaTornado> "These are words, they are going back and forth between you and I, we are talking now."
<Aphex_> Pete looks on. Waits a second. He claps. "Good on you. Buying time, that it?"
<TeslaTornado> "I have just missed your smiling face so much since the last time we met."
<TeslaTornado> "I have missed it so much, I dream of my boot stomping it every night."
<Veiedhimaedhr> Nicole continues making her way back to the kitchen
<Aphex_> "And I've wanted to pump you full of neurotoxin with my own hand since our last chat. Yet here we are. You're buying time for who, your target?"
<TeslaTornado> "I just want to talk. I get bored."
<TeslaTornado> "Your men I meet last time we were in same place at same time, they did not talk so much."
<Aphex_> "Yeah. Not much for talking to strangers. They get shy, ya see. Tick tock, asshole."
<TeslaTornado> "Hatchet to face also makes it difficult to talk."
<TeslaTornado> "Would you like to come here and see example?"
<TeslaTornado> Are Nicole and Joshua clear of the room yet?
<Aphex_> By this point, definitely. They're waiting on you, Stefansson.
<Veiedhimaedhr> Idk I was waiting for the ok from Aphex to transition to HI or anything
<TeslaTornado> It's about this point that Snorri himself starts backing down toward the kitchen.
<TeslaTornado> "I am hungry."
<Aphex_> Kitchen will still be in here, until the end of the Run.
<Aphex_> "Sure you are, Finland." He signals to his subordinates to round up.
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<TeslaTornado> Snorri backs down and closes the kitchen door behind him. Once the door's shut, he immediately pushes the fridge door up against it.
<TeslaTornado> Gestures for Nicole and Joshua to get down the dumbwaiter shaft.
<Aphex_> «Central, this is Echo Lead. Target got away. Returning for Strike Five.»
<TeslaTornado> Starts moving the standing fridge to block the door as well.
<Veiedhimaedhr> "Joshua, you get down there first." She says as she helps Snorri
<Aphex_> Once you all start heading down, you'll eventually link up with Hadley and Zack, with Ludwig in tow.
<Soulless> Joshua joins up with the group.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri heads on down once the Business of Barricading is finished.
<Aphex_> Once you link up, run is FIN.
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???
<TeslaTornado> Stefansson has entered the kitchen.
<TeslaTornado> Normally this is cause for alarm.
<Aphex_> The kitchen is just slightly off to the side of the mezzanine, and contains a small service elevator / dumb waiter. There's not a ton going on over here, since everything is catered tonight.
<Aphex_> PERC.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: 4 (4df+4=+, +, -, -)
<TeslaTornado> ;u;
<Aphex_> You see a burner on. That's no good.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri goes over and checks the burner, to see if it's gas or electric.
<TeslaTornado> Either is problematic, but gas is much much worse.
<Aphex_> Gas, and it's lit.
<Aphex_> Strange.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) Snorri checks the range over to try and spot any signs of tampering before he turns the stove off.
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) Snorri checks the range over to try and spot any signs of tampering before he turns the stove off.: 5 (4df+4=0, +, 0, 0)
<TeslaTornado> It's entirely possible that turning it off could trigger some kind of electrical discharge, which would cause a fire or an explosion.
<Aphex_> No tampering. There is a matchbook just off to the side on a large cutting block, but no tampering.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri picks up the matchbook, pockets it, then turns off the stove.
<TeslaTornado> Then, since it's a catered event and he figures it wouldn't disrupt anything, he looks for the flow valve on the gas line into the stove and turns that off as well.
<Aphex_> It's all shut down. Doesn't seem to be much going on here. Might be smart to move on, unless you want to go hunting for something more.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) Snorri does one last security sweep of the kitchen for good measure, making sure that nothing is out of order and attempting to find the best location for the VIP to be secured out of any crossfires or explosive devices' blast radii.
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) Snorri does one last security sweep of the kitchen for good measure, making sure that nothing is out of order and attempting to find the best location for the VIP to be secured out of any crossfires or explosive devices' blast radii.: 3 (4df+4=-, +, 0, -)
<Aphex_> There's no good exits here, but you seem to be out of the way of any danger in here. A half-eaten sandwich is put down as you leave, as one of the security guys steps out from his cover in the pantry. That was a close one for him- one wrong breath or chew and bam- break over.
<Aphex_> Not that you'll see that part though.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri does not! He's a man on a mission. And his mission right now is the staff room.
<Aphex_> The staff room is… actually populated for a change. A man in a janitor's uniform is vacuuming the floors. He had headphones on, which are connected to a Walkman.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri walks over to the man, keeping a small, pleasant smile on his face. He taps the man on the shoulder gently to get his attention.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) Checking for signs of concealed weapons or other devices
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) Checking for signs of concealed weapons or other devices: 4 (4df+4=-, 0, 0, +)
<Aphex_> He's just a janitor- admittedly a very scared one since you've caught him off guard. He's an older Latin man- his eyes wide at you randomly tapping his shoulder. "W-who are you? Are you allowed to be in here?"
<TeslaTornado> Snorri smiles. It's easy for him, and looks natural as a result. "I am part of security detail. Just performing check on some of the rooms. Do you have clearance to be here?"
<Aphex_> "Yes, yes." He says something in Portuguese. "Here." His ID checks out, he's even got a fancy title on his badge. "Head of Maintenance Staff"
<TeslaTornado> Snorri nods. "Okay! Thank you, I am just new here. Is it okay if I quickly examine the room? I will not bother you, I promise."
- DiePotato has quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
<Aphex_> "I will have my eye on you, okay?" The man says, walking into the corner. He leans on the wall, keeping his eyes peeled.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri laughs, giving the man a nod.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) He does his sweep of the staff room, keeping clear of the windows when he can, per Joshua's suggestion at the beginning of the operation.
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) He does his sweep of the staff room, keeping clear of the windows when he can, per Joshua's suggestion at the beginning of the operation.: 1 (4df+4=-, -, -, 0)
<TeslaTornado> … hell.
<Aphex_> RROTD if you wish to expend.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+4 (PERC) RROTD
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (PERC) RROTD: 4 (4df+4=0, -, 0, +)
<Aphex_> Heeey, that's better. You don't seem to catch anything too odd, save for a black-almost-burgundy bowtie left completely untied resting on the back of a chair.
- Lavender is now known as Livender
- Livender is now known as Lavender
<TeslaTornado> Snorri murrs at the sight of the bowtie, his eyebrows perking up slightly.
<TeslaTornado> He looks to the Janitor and waves at him. "Hello! Do you know who this bowtie belongs to?"
- Kaeru is now known as AFKaeru
<Aphex_> Do you inspect it further? The Janitor looks at you. Shrugs.
- Odocoileus (moc.duolccri.notlrahc.F6DD051B-CRInys|171213diu#moc.duolccri.notlrahc.F6DD051B-CRInys|171213diu) has joined
<TeslaTornado> Snorri makes another noise, then takes a closer look at the bowtie.
<Aphex_> There's a subtle shift between black and red- the red is almost a maroon color in the right light.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri gives the bowtie a curious look. He moves over to a desklamp or other light source and gives the bowtie a closer inspection.
<Aphex_> It just shifts colors due to fabric.
<Aphex_> Being. Well, fabric.
<Aphex_> INST, please.
<TeslaTornado> 4df+1 (INT) what brain
<Glacon> TeslaTornado: (INT) what brain: 3 (4df+1=+, +, -, +)
<TeslaTornado> oh okay then
<Aphex_> That color looks real familiar. Really close to a certain GOI that may or may not have a personal vendetta on the Foundation- its' donors included.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri sits bolt upright as the connection hits in his head. Red. GOI. Vendetta against the Foundation.
<TeslaTornado> He stands up abruptly and makes his way out of the room, getting onto the radio once he's reached a quiet area:
<TeslaTornado> «Alpha Actual, this is Alpha Team, be advised - I have discovered evidence of possible Red Valley presence at the gala. Infiltrators may be wearing maroon-colored bowties.»
<Aphex_> And just like that, pause.
<Aphex_> Snorri, you also receive static, just like everyone else.
<TeslaTornado> No line back to Command?
<Aphex_> The Janitor looks at you funny.
<Aphex_> Nothing. Just garbled signal.
<TeslaTornado> Snorri gives the janitor a pleasant if slightly flustered look. "Sorry, strange things happening."
<TeslaTornado> "As you were, sir."
<Aphex_> The man just nods slowly, cautious. He puts his Walkman back on and gets back to cleaning.
<TeslaTornado> He then gets up. Pockets the tie and heads out of the room, towards the ballroom.
<Aphex_> If you're going back to the mezzanine, #homeimprovement
<Aphex_> If you're going to the Ballroom floor, #homeimprovement2