Javier Santos had done as he was told. Following orders he had spoken to Lil Tinos men arranging for the meeting in about an hour or so. Was he a fool, did he really believe this woman Prissy was actually a twin, an agent to bring down Jonahs? He would find out soon enough. Either he would be dead or not, it was only a matter of time.
He returned to the door having passed Burke's room again. It had been strangely quiet since the commotion from earlier. He wondered if they were even still in the room.
A few minutes later Duke came upstairs with a message. The meeting with Lil Tino had been changed. The Don was on his way and wanted to speak to Jonahs personally. Santos nodded and told Duke to get the men. He wasnt sure what to expect, but if nothing else one less Family would be better for the world. Duke agreed and left.
Now Santos stood in the hallway alone once again. He reached into his pocket and looked at his only Christmas gift. He studied the bottle capped frame picture of his family. The picture his daughters had given him. He was ashamed of himself, of the misery he had caused and wondered if Maria would ever forgive him. He didnt think he ever could.
He heard the door click, then it began to slide open. Javier turned, he didnt know what to expect so he just waited
[ QUOTE ]
She took a deep breath, steeled her face into Prissy's arrogant, blatantly sexual smirk, and opened the door.
[/ QUOTE ]
Pandora was both frustrated and relieved to see that Santos was still there. Relieved in that she could deliver a more pointed message, frustrated in that he could have left already.... She stepped forward to frame her figure in the door, the light from the room behind her silhouetting her against the dimmer shadows of the hall.
"Ah, Santos... just the man for the job. Jonahs is hungry... call in that order for the hero sandwich, extra mustard, and tell them to make it an express."
The smirk was solidly in place, outlined in smudge-proof blood red lipstick. With that she began to turn back into the room, the tips of her thumb and index finger on the zippertab of her jumpsuit, nudging it down a few inches.
He watched her movements slightly mesmerized by her actions. She was a temptress, a beauty, and possibly the only hope of him ever seeing his family again.
She tossed her hair, facing back once again. "Go pick it up, you've got fifteen minutes, Jonahs isn't a man who likes to wait, and it's not like I need a bodyguard with him in the room with me."
Then as she started to head back into the room again, Santos found his voice, Sorry, no can do. Theres been a change of plans with the meeting he wanted. Seems like the Don di Gallo himself is on his way to talk to Jonahs. I didn't think that was good, so I told Duke to get the men ready. I have no idea how it going turn out. So the sandwiches are going to have to wait, but Ill give you your 15 minutes.
"Fine, I'll pass it on." She nodded Prissy's approval of Santos' actions, though inside she wanted to rage at the delay and newest complication. The Don himself. Well, it wasn't as if cement shoes would be any more than an annoyance to the man in the room, but they would weight her down just fine. And Santos.... Did he not believe her? Was he stalling for a better time to bolt? Would he instead double cross her because he thought the FBSA and Longbow couldn't protect his family? Did he think she was running some sort of double double-cross? The fifteen minutes of distraction she referred to had been meant for him. Not herself. Not even for her partner.
Her _expression and body language didn't change, but her voice dropped to a whisper and her lips barely moved, the benefit of her and her twins years active in school theater.
"Just get out. No matter what."
Because someone was going to die, she couldn't see how it could be avoided now.
Her stride carried her back into the room to face Jonahs, laughing in a loud, brash humor. "You'll never believe it, sugar! We get to meet The Man himself!"
Then she slammed the door shut behind her, the percussive sound echoing down the bleak hallway leaving Santos outside to his decision, whatever it would be. Leaving herself to the man inside... whoever that would be...
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
Alexi had interupted Uncle Tino's supper with a problem. Lil Tino had been attacked while in the club. Don di Gallo's reaction was calm as he looked up at Alexi.
"Where is he now? Still at the club instead of dinner
. You know what to do." Tino returned back to his olive brisket in wine sauce.
It only took a phone call for a name and less than a minute later a follow up call with all the information Tino had requested, and he went over it in his thoughts. The Family had been making headway into several dealings, and now this. He was a Underboss, it didn't matter what his stupid son had done, it was a matter of respect. He pushed away his plate in disgust.
"Alexi, you tell them I want him dead. No, wait. You tell them I'm coming."
Alexi nodded and grabbed the phone. The Capos moved, grabbing hardware and ordnance. They were heading to the club, where this situation would be handled personally by the Big Man himself. While they were on the move, Tino's private line rang, Once. He answered it, reading the extended text message.
Madra di Cristo
.
[color= red] Elsewhere... [/color]
Jonahs eyes snapped open suddenly, scanning the room, taking it all in virtually instantaneously. It was the nightmare again. He had been fighting a flagged-suited hero
always the same one. It made him hate Paragon City all the more. He would burn this place to the ground, would find and kill this hero. He needed his Santanista seer. He believed he created his own future, but it never hurt to consult the spirit world.
His eyes fell on Prissy as she kicked the door shut behind her. He fixed his attention upon her face and voice.
[ QUOTE ]
Her stride carried her back into the room to face Jonahs, laughing in a loud, brash humor. "You'll never believe it, sugar! We get to meet The Man himself!"
[/ QUOTE ]
He smiled, a Jonahs smile. "Well, Don Antino di Gallo himself wants to make sure he gets his cut, I suppose." Jonahs looked over at the bed piled with money, over a million dollars, then swung his eyes around again to stare wantonly at Prissy and the cleavage displayed by the jumpsuit and its wandering zipper. "Everything always has to wait. It's always something."
She moved closer, talking again and thinking very fast. She opened with sarcastic laughter, Make him wait! This Gallo that's coming... has to... he can't just walk away, or he'll lose face. His pride and anger won't let him.... he thinks he can dictate the terms, take what he wants, but behind the fancy suit and his nameless goons hes probably shaking in his boots. She dismissed it all, "Everyone waits for you, Jonahs... everything is waiting on you, on your move."
Jonahs smiled, Prissy was right the Don could wait.
She slowed, using every curve to hold his rapt attention, moving to within an easy reach away. Money and guns you could get anywhere, diamonds and men too. Even a base of operations
She waved a hand dismissively, using even that motion to compel his attention back to her. Youre the real deal, a man who doesnt hide behind a veneer of civilization, who really does take what he wants and be damned to what anyone else thinks. These people, the sweeping gesture of her hands implied The Council, Family, even the Heroes of Paragon City, are sheep for the fleecing
Twice before in the very recent past her touch had seemed to ground Jonahs, to calm the level of violence that telegraphed in ever motion of that borrowed, powerful frame. The first time had been in Burkes room, when Santos had pulled a gun and challenged Jonahs
the second had been only minutes before, when hed relaxed so much that for a few short moments the man he truly was had been able to communicate with her.
But before that, much earlier in this very room, when she had touched him, before shed realized just what was going on, hed hurt her. The bruises hed left were gone, but not the memory.
Now she went to bat again, the whole game riding on this one pitch.
Tell me lover, what are we really here for, she slid sideways onto the couch alongside him, facing him eye to eye.
and when are we going to take it?
Jonahs reached out and took hold of her pulling her even closer to him. She was right he had waited long enough payment was long overdue. This America betrayed me, sent me an invitation via the CIA. They called down The Thunder, they wanted The Fire. Looking into her eyes his dead cold eyes finally held some life, a red glint sparkled. Well Im bringing The Fire, they will rue the day they did.
His smile, the Jonahs smile, returned as he looked into her eyes. Yes
. Prissy had been denied long enough. He kissed her tenderly. They could all wait, this was long overdue
.
She saw it coming, and when he moved for her she met him, the scent of her refreshed perfume strong and twining about them like an indistinct mist. Her decision was already made... whichever him he was at the moment or would be in the next, for the sake of the one she cared about, for the sake of everyone.
He would bring The Fire. God help them all.
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
As they arrived at Club Dokken, Don di Gallo phone rang yet again. What is it?
The voice spoke calmly on the other end. Trouble down at the dock in Liberty Quay, Sir. A lone nameless heroine killed some enforcers before being taken out herself. It seem she had some friends as locations all across the ports are talking about directed strikes geared at The Family as a whole. We are getting ready to move to the Hollows to transfer that shipment is that still a go?
Antino didnt have time for this, Send a message to everyone involved, and call the Columbian to take care of the heros friends. Your responsible for that shipment Vincent. Anything happens
He didnt finish He knew Vincent understood.
Yes Sir, I will take care of it personally. Vincent hung up the phone.
Don di Gallos men moved into the club, 15 Capos armed with assault rifles in the lead securing the now empty club before Don di Gallo walked in. The other Capos securing the clubs outer perimeter.
The Devils Own had already cleared most of the room prior to the Dons arrival. They sat drinking on the farside now waiting and watching the Capos enter. Burke and April sat next to the empty chair left for Jonahs. Duke was near the lower stairs while Santos had stood at the top of the stairs waiting.
Don di Gallo frowned then nodded at Tony who was at the bar. He moved forward stopping short of Burke.
Are youse lookin fer a fight, Get Jonahs. No one keep The Don waiting.
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
[ QUOTE ]
His smile, the Jonahs smile, returned as he looked into her eyes. Yes
. Prissy had been denied long enough. He kissed her tenderly. They could all wait, this was long overdue
.
[/ QUOTE ]
A short while later...
Pandora lay quietly, breathing slowing to a more even cadence. She said nothing, but lay on her side propped on one elbow while her other hand combed through his hair. Black as a raven's wing. Unsure of just whom she had just made love to.
He'd treated her as though she were as delicate as spun glass, as precious as the diamonds Burkholder wanted from him, as vital as oxygen. It wasn't at all what she expected from Jonahs to whom women were interchangeable and disposable commodities.
Jonahs? Lx? Unsettlingly, both?
Again, Mike's voice echoed in her thoughts. Would
you do anything...?
Yes. She would. She had. She pushed the thoughts away. Any method, any weapon, any guile. Whatever it took, that's what she would do.
[ QUOTE ]
The Devils Own had already cleared most of the room prior to the Dons arrival. They sat drinking on the farside now waiting and watching the Capos enter. Burke and April sat next to the empty chair left for Jonahs. Duke was near the lower stairs while Santos had stood at the top of the stairs waiting. Don di Gallo frowned then nodded at Tony who was at the bar. He moved forward stopping short of Burke. Are youse lookin fer a fight, Get Jonahs. No one keep The Don waiting.
[/ QUOTE ]
April smiled. "He's currently busy. Ensign Santos, please inform Lt. Jonahs that Don di Gallo is here."
Santos hadn't missed the posturing Specialist Bellante was doing, but he also didn't care one way or another if a firefight broke out. He was looking at the reasons why he found himself in this position to begin with. Ignoring April he looked over at Tony
then to the Don.
"Commander Jonahs will be down shortly. I will let him know you have arrived, Sir. As a token of friendship and hospitiality, the bar is open."
Javier looked over to where April and Burke were seated before he walked down the hallway. He stopped in front of the door and knocked before opening it.
Jonahs simply enjoyed Prissy's attention. He refused to think about anything for the moment, his headaches were getting worse, so instead he just laid there waiting, and listening. He heard the commotion before Santos ever even reached the door to knock. He sat up in a fashion, blocking Prissy from view as Santos entered.
"Ishmael, sorry to disturb you but He's here and waiting. It will look very bad if you make him wait too long." Santos stated.
"I'll be right down."
Santos closed the door, and headed back to the upstairs landing to wait for Jonahs.
Jonahs looked back admiringly at Prissy's form while he dressed. "Should we kill them, wait for di Gallo to make the move first, cause he will try? What do you
forsee?" he said casually.
With her gift at full power and cooperating, her twin could have told him anything right down to the number of fillings the Don had. Pandora wasn't her twin.
Playtime was over, Jonahs was back to all business. Now so was she, reaching for her own jumpsuit and weapon harness. Thinking. Reaching for her twin in a vague hope that maybe Cassie's gift would cooperate for once, rather than torment her as it had in their teens. She closed her eyes in concentration, going completely still.
Whether it was their physical proximity in the same city, the last days were the longest they'd been so close together in ten years, or her own increasingly powerful mutation Pandora felt something, and beneath the closed lashes of her eyes a pale reflection of the white light signature of her twin's gift of prophecy flickered.
Dread. Sorrow. Fear. Despair. Anger. Across the city, at this very moment her twin was prophesying, the words, images, and meaning of that seeing were beyond
Pandora's reach, but the emotions... as always emotions carried over their twin link as clearly as a cellular phone carrier. And so Prissy prophesied for Jonahs, one more attempt to strengthen her influence upon him.
"The Heroes are afraid, furious.... something important has happened, and we need to know what it is. Let Di Gallo speak." As she opened her eyes to meet his the glow faded out.
"And one more thing Jonahs," she added, a piece of information she knew of her own right that she knew would get his attention. "The Dark Harrier is alive."
He smiled broadly. Of course it made sense to him now, it wasn't her computer expertise, or her soft company which he enjoyed greatly. She was his witch, his seer, and everything else was just bonus.
"You speak wisely. Hmm, so Harrier is alive. Heroes are so resilent, the city system is designed to keep them that way. We will need signal jammers for the emergency teleporation system. If nothing else, to reroute them into our own prisoner holding cells."
There had been a subtle change in Jonahs attitude and actions, immedately noticable to Prissy. More than just having value to him, she had become important. She could see it in his eyes.
"Let us go greet the Don and see if he is a man of business or pride."
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
Pandora dressed quickly, there was no time for further thought and certainly none for emotion. Jonahs wasnt going to idle, he was a man of action. Jumpsuit, gunbelt, contents of her purse hastily scooped up and dumped into it
the two items she was most concerned about, the surveillance disk and a black plastic card
yes, both were still there.
Jonahs was already heading out the door. He didn't need time to spruce up, not like Pandora did. No time for hair, or to polish Prissys painted image and freshen perfume. Her long hair was a mess from the bed, so two pencils from the table served as improvised hairsticks as she knotted it up into a bun. She still had to run to catch up to him, the heels of her boots hard upon the floor. Reaching him slowed and
held position a few steps behind.
She met Santos eyes as they passed, turning her head to hold his gaze for an extra moment, trying to communicate and more than a little upset, even angry that he was still there. She didnt have long to compose her face, to restore Prissys signature smirk laced with sexual arrogance and malice.
Santos met her gaze, if he had any emotional reaction to her he didn't show them in his face. She had several bills stuck in her hair and on the back of her neck. He reached over and pulled the bills off.
Your money is showing, Chica.
He then placed the bills in her hand, keeping the eye contact as he spoke. I plan on picking up those sandwiches 'personally', but for now there's food downstairs. The comment and attitude spoke more than volume. Pandora could tell he believed her at some level, but that hadn't stopped him from passing judgment upon her.
Santos' words and actions had the effect of a verbal slap in the face upon her. On one end of the spectrum, the humiliation and shame she felt was phenomenal. The only decent human being in this entire mess had declared her the [censored] of Babylon. And she was. On the other, it was the final spur she needed. She accepted the money with a signature Prissy smirk and stuffed it deep into her cleavage.
"Well then, Mr. Holier Than Thou, don't drag your feet about it. You're on the clock. And it's ticking, she thought.
Downstairs, April Bellante had lost no time in going to accompany the Don. She had escorted him to a table a bit off to the side, making small talk. He was a man of power and men of power were vain. He enjoyed the decoration that hung to his arm, it was something he was accustomed to.
Vinnie brought Lil Tino over to where the Don was sitting. Don de Gallo frowned, his son was a mess; blood on the front of his shirt, he was drunk and high. His eyes left his son to fall upon each of the men assigned to protect him, they obviously were not capable of the task assigned.
April looked up at the top of the stairs as she heard movement and nodded to the Don as Jonahs appeared on the landing, followed by Prissy and Santos.
Showtime.
Jonahs was feeling quite powerful. With a side glance at Prissy he stepped off the edge, casually landing with a loud thud a story and a half below, fully absorbing the impact into the solid mass of his body with a blatant smile.
Taking his cue, Prissy followed suit. Jonahs extended his arms and caught her with a grin letting her slide down against the length of his body until her heels met the floor with a soft click and she was standing with him.
Showtime indeed.
The effect upon the Capos was not missed by the Don. His men had faced many a super, and they knew they were watching one now.
Lil Tinos hand had slipped inside his jacket pocket where he now gripped his pistol. He had been humiliated by these two. He saw the look of scorn and despise his father had given him, he would make this garbage pay, he would show them all. This Jonahs was a dead man walking.
Santos walked pausing midway down the stairs. He kept his distance for tactical advantage, his rifle positioned midway down the stairs waiting for him. The Devils Own had already zoned the entire room should a firefight break out. The training they had received from Commander Jonahs had been paying off. This once ragtag band of misfits was a well-oiled machine ready for action.
This set up of the room too did not go unnoticed by the Don. Nor did the seating location which Specialist Bellante had chosen for him which actually removed him from direct line of fire.
Jonahs frowned as he approached the table, Specialist Bellante had changed attire and affixed herself to Don di Gallo as well. Her table would have given the Don's men tactical advantage if Jonahs himself wasn't bulletproof. She was useless, and becoming a burden, she had already given him all the information he needed, so she had very
little value to him, if any left at all. He would deal with her
later, he thought.
"Don di Gallo, what brings this unexpected visit? I hope it is business," Jonahs said.
"Archon Jonahs. Yes, it is business, threefold in nature. I had heard there was an incident involving members of my family. Upon arriving here I see that that is true. I also was told that you wish to conduct business and in this case I felt it prudent that we talk about such business ourselves."
Jonahs smirked at the mention of Archon, and then formed a sly smile at Apris stunned _expression. So he had received yet another promotion, or people believed him to be an Archon, all the better he thought.
Don di Gallo paused, sizing up Jonahs, trying to read the man standing before him before continuing.
Jonahs looked at Lil Tino, still smirking, and nodded at both comments.
And through arrogant and malevolent eyes Prissy watched them all.
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
The subsequent series of events happened in almost slow motion, as she would recount later.
Jonahs stared at Tino while Don di Gallo spoke. He knew Tino was going to go for the gun, he just needed a push to do it. He smirked and let the taunt come silently from his eyes.
Santos shifted his position on the stairs to his left bringing up his rifle. The red bead appeared on Lil Tinos forehead before Tino even finished moving.
Lil Tino was oblivious to everything else as he stared into Jonahs eyes. It was there, The Taunt, and he went for it. The laser pistol cleared leather.
The moment it did, Jonahs snatched Lil Tinos hand with the drawn laser pistol and crushed it before anyone else could move, mangling both hand and weapon into a deformed mass and removing the offending appendage from the wrist with a deft twist and pinch in a blink of an eye. A sarcastic martial arts enthusiast might have titled the move 'Striking Cobra Working Bread Dough'.
The lump of bloody biscuit plopped to the floor. Time resumed. The room drew a collective breath. The Devil's Own watched to see where the chips would fall.
The immediate pain didn't register in his drug-induced mind, so Lil Tino still followed through with the planned action, still trying to shoot Jonahs. The slow realization came to Tino that not only his gun but also his hand was missing. Tino collapsed to his knees staring at the mangled mass of flesh that was his hand and clutching at the raw stump in complete horror with the remaining hand, no sound escaping his lips.
And Pandora knew then, that her partner was lost. She felt a stab of pity for the mobster's son, but it fell distant beyond the demand of what she now had to do. Humanity could come later, if there was going to be one. For her or any of them. Jonahs was in control. And Prissy moved to keep her place at his side.
"As courtesy for our guest, Jonahs..." she lashed out with a sarcastic quip and an arc of green healing energy from an outstretched palm "The Don's son's life upon the floor doth bleed, to cease it now, as I will so mote it be." With a flourishing gesture the arc of green energy flared and snapped with a surge, fluorescing the area around her figure like a strobe light, then vanished as suddenly as it appeared. "A gift. One last chance for Tino to still grow up to be half the man his Old Man is..."
Don Di Gallo watched in amazement at the events that transpired. His own son had drawn a weapon at a Bosses meeting and was suffering the price of that mistake. How many times had he had someone killed for those types of transgressions? It was the drugs, the booze, he thought he was invincible. If it had been anyone else he would have ordered him to be killed. A hard lesson learned and the answer to the question of whom was he dealing with. He looked at Prissy with a slight head nod as he spoke.
"Archon Jonahs, please forgive my son's transgressions and thank you for the gift of his life. But I believe we have business to conduct as my men take him away."
April Bellante had not believed the stories she had read, things she had discovered, she had begun to think Jonahs was nothing more then a simple thug with a brash swagger and reputation. Slowly, it dawned in her mind just what kind of mistakes she had been making. She had seen the look in his eyes before. It was there now, and she knew that she was next.
The Capos waited for the signal, they hadn't even gone for weapons as this started, and it had been inconceivable that one of their own would go for a weapon first. From the angle no one could even be sure that Lil Tino wasn't making a play for his father. Now they waited for the order to take care of him.
Don di Gallo gave the order to take Tino. Vinny and Anthony moved in unison they figured they were just as dead as Tino. That didn't matter now, doing their job they picked him up and carried the shocked Tino out of the club and to the limo.
Jonahs smiled. The Don was a smart man they could do business. The smile turned to a grin as he sat down and pulled out a piece of paper. It listed: Ordnance, weapons, the latest SOTA available of all types, and more importantly things he would have in stock.
"I need as much of this as you have, you can include any Crey, Horn, or military-grade prototypes as well." Jonahs predatory smile returned.
For a while they discussed business... and the world turned a bit colder it seemed...
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
Elsewhere...
Across the City of Paragon, Steel Canyon was still undergoing repairs, victims of the attack by the Council were still being treated.
Longbow, FEMA, DCI, FBSA, National Guard and MetaForces had been mobilized, and for once the Councils presence was clearly not noticable.
Lt Gary Drake left the Whitmore after speaking with several heroes. Now he was heading to the hospital, he had several more heroes to check up on and one of them had something he needed.
He stood outside of the hospital room, an uninvited guest to a major event in anyones life. His thoughts reflected on his own life briefly, he pushed it aside and waited for the right moment.
Lt Drake continued watching what was going on. There were several heroes involved in these events, some of them from the begining. As the Chaplain finished the service and the groups began to break up some, he entered and walked over to the heroes known as Sol-Ar, and Steele Magnolia.
"Congratulations to the both of you. I have some paperwork which I picked up, no need for red tape to continue to get in the way of your family's happiness."
He handed several papers to the newlyweds, shaking Sol-Ar hand and giving Steele Magnolia a kiss on the cheek. He deliberately didn't speak to American Valor or Vision 2020, just nodding to each in turn with the 'I'm not pleased' look on his face, before he returned back to Steele Magnolia and whispered something to her.
They spoke tersely for several moments. When it was time for him to depart he left with a small cartridge.
"Thank you, Steele Magnolia, once again Congratulation."
Lt Drake looked back to see American Valor speaking quickly with Vision 2020. He should have run them both in they were up to more then a wedding, as was the Dark Harrier who was there with his girlfriend. He had only left them a short while ago, But he too had other things to do and no time. There was a madman on the loose, who needed to be stopped. Gary sighed, he didn't trust anyone else to do it.
Lt Drake walked to the nearest Drone and activated the port system and in a Flash he was gone...
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
Commander Burkholder, sat at his desk review the contents of several files which he had recieved. Information like this was priceless, and it had been delivered privately. He would of course need to insure its accuracy and truth. His project was behind schedual and that was something he didn't like.
Did Lt Jonahs truly believe he could make himself an Archon, and no one would be the wiser. He thought. He continued flipping through the paperwork there was Helsinger signature. How Jonahs managed that was beyond him. But it was there none the less. He would see if these men truly knew each other or if this was simply Specialist Bellante doing, trying to use an established Archon to once again further her own agenda.
Burkholder called in his aide. "Thomas I need you to schedual a meeting for me tomorrow night 6pm in the base. Let Hess know that I expect Helsinger, Jonahs, and the rest of my command staff to be present."
Sgt Thomas nodded and walked out. In moments messages were sent to all involved about the schedual meeting.
The door closed and Burkholder sat in his chair staring out the window looking at the latest assembly of the Project being assembled. Jonahs would explain himself or would be vaporized in Lava. He sat brooding for the next hour.
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
Timed passsed... money exchanged hands and deliveries were schedule...
Commander Jonahs and the Devils Own departed shortly and each unit went to complete there assigned task.
Javier Santos was assigned to special operations ensuring safe transport of several prototype weapons. While the others were loading and securing the area, Javier took out the black phone and called in a lunch order.
April Bellante had once again dodged the bullet, fasttalking and showing her remarkable intelligence information. Impressing Don di Gallo and getting herself yet another reprieve from Jonahs.
Now they were standing at the entrance of the base in the Northwest corner it was a hive of activity, and Jonahs frowned. The Mekmen were on patrol and taking care of daily routines. All of them kept acknowledging him as Archon Jonahs. It disturbed him slightly but he dismissed it for the moment someone was toying with him and he would find out who later. Right now he was going to have to finalize plans on a heavily guarded safehouse.
Prissy stayed by his side offering silent support. He looked at her once, while addressing the command staff of his bunker.
She just nodded at him and he continued, he relayed the overall plans of the base fuction and what he was expecting of them. It was concise and to the point he left nothing to misinterpretation...
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
[ QUOTE ]
Commander Jonahs and the Devils Own departed shortly and each unit went to complete there assigned task.
Javier Santos was assigned to special operations ensuring safe transport of several prototype weapons. While the others were loading and securing the area, Javier took out the black phone and called in a lunch order.
[/ QUOTE ]
Javier Santos looked at the black cellphone for a minute deciding if he was about to get his family killed or not. This was not what he had envisioned or planned and now if he was to believe Prissy/Pandora then It was the only way to save them.
The office was dead quiet In the last 24 hours events had unfolded in the city requiring extensive manpower all departments were hits and skeleton crews had been manning the office. The Op phone line chimed, once, twice, a third time with no answer.
Javier looked about nervously at the others. The supplies were being loaded into the breadtrucks for delivery to the new base. He glanced about again, 7th then 8th... His Family was as good as dead, he thought. He had been setup by Prissy another twisted loyalty test and How many would Jonahs allow him to fail before he met a worse fate then Tino or the Harrier. He resigned to hang up the line...
The coffee cup flew from his hand as Mike scrambled the last few steps across the office and dove for the phone, flipping it open.
"Dammit! Its about time! Where the heck are you we need to get you out Now!"
Javier sighed a small breath of relief Prissy hadn't been lying to him about the phone anyway. He spoke slowly and clearly so as not to be misunderstood.
"I am not who you think I am, She is fine at the moment. She is unable to call you herself, and wished me to call you. This is the FBSA is it not.
Agent Connors heart froze in his chest as he listened to the voice on the line, not only was it not Agent Jenkins, but he knew who he was calling. A Quick "Yes" was all he said. Mike activated the satlink gps and pinpointed the phones location in the Hollows.
Javier breathed slowly. "Your FBSA agents took my wife and kids for safe keeping. I need to know they are safe. Your Agent is playing a dangerous game with a dangerous man. I have been trying to help her. I will try to relay a message to her if you have one, But this wasn't in the original bargin."
Mike jumped at the opening. "Well Yes your family is safe. The original deal has been compromised due to the events which happened in Steel Canyon, so this is the new deal. You do whatever she needs you to do, and you call me back in 6 hours. Do you understand me...."
The Satlink spy camera turned and focused clearing the image further and further, match... Mike smiled and continued...
"Javier Santos."
So he was right, Maria and the girls were safe. He would do what was needed to keep them that way. Javier breathed a sigh of relief. "Listen closely As I don't have much more time..."
Agent Mike Connors recorded and wrote notes getting all the information he could before Javier ended the call....
(And somewhere the Forces of Good prepared to face the Forces of Evil)
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
Baker Unit had secured the proto-type and military grade weapons from the Hollows. Santos, Corchado, Duke and Smith expertly drove the two bread trucks across the city under the watchful eye in the sky tracking Javier's movement since the call.
Elsewhere different events had unfolded....
Charlie team lead by Turner had run into a snag in IP...
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
[ QUOTE ]
Charlie team lead by Turner had run into a snag in IP...
[/ QUOTE ]
There was a double cross in play, a faction of the Family had been attempting to redirect the Military Hardware which was being supplied from this point to the Devils Own. A fire fight had broken out amoung them and at one point the Devils Own had all but secured the the warehouse on the dock until the arrivial of heroes...
Elsewhere at that exact moment...
A trap was being set for the heroes involved in messing up the Families protection racket in Liberty Quay, several empty stores had been burned to the ground and a local fish monger beaten with in an inch of his life and his wife taken hostage. He had been instructed on what to tell them, and failure ment death to his wife and other things....
AND STILL ELSEWHERE...
plans were being set in motion to ensure the destruction of Paragon City, and Commander Jonahs looked over and smiled at his Prissy...
and the world turned colder still on this winter day.
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
FBSA Headquaters...
Agent Connors entered the information into the computers, he crossed matched and doubled checked the information given. Less than an hour had passed since he had talked to Javier Santos.
Longbow Agent Mythos, had arrived and after a small bit of jocking and a not so idle threat with a bat on Agent Connors part did other pieces of the puzzle fall into place. He had a complete work up on CI Santos, and passed the information on Commander Jonahs for Longbow to update there records.
Lt Drake arrived and was briefed on all activity which had happened in the last three hours. He studied the picture of Javier Santos, yet another clog in the wheel he was now responsible for. He entered the weapon armory and retrieved the weapon he needed.
Agent Connors began activated the assault team at Drakes request. Then a different call came in from Ernesto, Drake took it on his private line...
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
Lt Drake and his teams had 12 hours to deploy all man power they could muster, infultraite Fort Richmond and take out Burkholder, Helsinger and Jonahs. He didn't waste anymore time with additional planning, moblizing and mission prepwork, it was go time. He picked up the phone and made a call...
"Hello Auzira, at 5:55pm you have to drop all your magical protection."
She paused for a moment "Understood, Lt Drake" Then she hung up the phone and began making the necessary preperations to sucessfully do what Lt Drake wanted without killing American Valor.
Gary nodded looking at the Holomap he had been given. They would be hitting a warehouse full of robots, then 4 teams would be hitting the rader stations, and two teams would be entering the base. One from below the other from the top. He would be on the first entrance team. The slightest miscaluation and they would all be dead. Gary sat looking at the dog tag in his hand and wondered,... what was the price of one....
Quote:
|
by Star Ranger 4 WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT. WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO! |
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG
Location Upstairs Club Dokken:
Pandora turned away from Jonahs presenting her back to him should he open his eyes before she reasserted control over her features. The sense of danger that constantly surrounded the dark haired, tattooed man was already beginning to return, even as he slept. Like a dreamer who clenched his hands, tension present even still.
It wasn't just paranoid melodrama, she was gifted Her gift was as a melting icicle to the roaring waterfall of her twin's, but it was real just as the link between them was real. Maybe I can use that... Later.
She wasnt sure how much time she had.
With the brief exchange she was now absolutely certain that something had gone wrong. Catastrophically wrong. There was no way she would be leaving him again.
Love denied her escape.
His words echoed in her mind: Where were you? Those were desperate and despairing words, words that revealed how lost, how hurt, how very abandoned he must feel. She was sure if she left him again there would be no saving him.
Loyalty denied her escape
He needed a partner. Not just a girlfriend, a protégé, a courier, or a sidekick. He needed a partner, someone he could depend on to cover his six and back him up, to stand for what was right, not just expedient, in pursuit of the mission when he couldn't stand for it on his own.
Duty denied her escape.
I, Pandora Two-Bear Jenkins, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic...
That was Jonahs in a nutshell. An enemy... both foreign and domestic. Jonahs was Lx and it was up to her to stop him, if she could. All of this passed through her mind in a matter of seconds. She needed to talk to Santos quickly and crossed the room pausing momentarily at the door. Santos was supposed to be outside on guard. Was he, or had he already bolted?
How much time did she really have? Seconds, a few minutes, no more than that... already she could hear Jonahs beginning to stir.
How far was she willing to go? Her mind voiced it while her hand quivered on the door handle. Would she kill to stop him? She'd read Ishmael Jonahs's file after her first foray into the field, before embarking the second time as Prissy. Jonahs was a South American mercenary involved in weapons smuggling and drug dealing, a peddler in human flesh and misery. Now on US soil, and after the same thing he had been then.
Before the Rikti war, Lx had killed Jonahs while undercover in Mexico to keep him from getting his hands on a nuclear weapon. Events were repeating themselves three years later in Rhode Island... with a few twists. This time Lx was already a casualty. Jonahs was a high-order meta in addition to being sociopath and all the more dangerous for it.
And it was up to her to stop him.
She took a deep breath, steeled her face into Prissy's arrogant, blatantly sexual smirk, and opened the door...
WIN LOSE OR DRAW, WE WILL FIGHT.
WE ARE HEROES This is what we DO!
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.
MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG