IC: Extassis, Les Etrangers Beaux Options

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Aaron glanced over at Angelina, shocked at the change in her attitude and behavior, instinctively responding to the challenge in her tone and manner his feet shifted beneath him to ready him to spring. Other than preparing himself for combat and making sure not to give his back to the woman he addressed himself to underlying question the others must have.

"I have no idea why Raja would be striking at me like this, I didn't even think it possible. As for my past causing this group trouble, it's not like I did anything to bring this down on us. Hell, the guy hasn't even seen me and he's killing people in here, it's far more likely he was aimed at the group and I just happened to know him."

He addressed himself more directly to Angelina.

"If I see him I'll deal with him if that's what the mission calls for, otherwise, he's just another threat out of a multitude of threats that could manifest."

[Fenris]

Bakatare arches a brow as Desdemona appears and spears Aaron with both a glare and the stream of vicious commentary.

"To begin with, we're moving a dead body out of our safehouse, not spending time on a proper funeral. Secondly, we have a day before we're supposed to complete this job. Not only do we not have the time to properly chase down this Raja, the resources can better be spent dealing with one problem at a time.

Once we deal with Michael and complete our obligations, we can deal with someone stupid enough to strike at a group of people that live and breath in the shadows.

I would hope that I wouldn't need to remind you, despite our best efforts, we're firmly entrenched in the dealings of dragons. Removing ourself from that situation needs to be our primary goal if we're to survive."

He focuses his gaze on Desdemona intently for a long moment.

"You seem overly upset by the death of someone you barely met. Is there more information we should have about this situation? I assure you, you will be safe if you remain behind my wards, if that is your only concern."

[BishopMcQ]

Nodding his acknowledgement to Moira, Shiver steps forward between his ward and the others.

"You are all safe at the moment from this blood mage. He has been dealt with and the dolls destroyed. The burden of Havoc's death rests on my shoulders."

He lowers his voice to a quiet whisper and speaks to Desdemona.

"Control within is critical, cousin. Find it lest you be beyond my ability to control."

Rising back up, the aging troll fixes his ward with a look. Eyes telling the truth behind the charade they had both been walking. She knew that his age could be set aside for Necessity, and what his Duty was. Though it would kill a piece of himself, they both knew Shiver would do exactly what was needed of him.

[Buddha72]

Downtown

The tension builds in the room as Desdemona seeems ready to strike, the violence hovers just underneath her skin and just as quickly it seems to drain away leaving her smaller and somehow more fragile as she turns away from Shiver.

"None of you are worth it anyway..." She makes her way to the room she was resting in before and the tension seems to shatter and dwindle away with the sound of her door closing. Moira lets out the breath she had been holding in a long relieved sigh. She gives a nod of thanks and a weak smile to the aged troll who once again seemed to bring his charge back from the brink of something unsettling. She begins to speak, attempting to fill the wake left by the incident.

"I will need some time to prepare for the party. I'm supposed to meet with Madam Yin to get my costume fitted and get a little more familatr with the layout of the club. I would prefer to have someone with me when I go just in case." She looks to the newest members of the team, the extra protection and firepower hired for the event, looking for someone to volunteer.

[Fenris]

He watches her turn and leave, oddly feeling like they'd just bullied a very small and very frightened girl into submission.

He turns back to the conversation with a small shake of his head as Moira speaks.

"I'll need to do some preparations of my own, summoning and the like. Perhaps Aaron or Hiroto?"

He turns to head back into the main part of the apartment, sunglasses sliding down over his eyes as he briefly touches his ear, cell phone already calling out to locate the people that would help him.

[Buddha72]

Elsewhere

The drone of the music dies off abruptly as the concealed door closes and the silence rushes in to fill the void. Stefan makes his way down the warmly lit hall, pausing to confer with the mages gathered in the hall. He watches with some interest as they work to reinforce the wards around the club. He feels the pulse and crawling sensation along his skin, the only sign to him that the work was being done. He pauses to knock at the door at the end of the hallway, counting the seconds precisely in his head, he opens the door at the 7th count to see his employer sitting once again at his desk conferring with the Magi from the higher circles.

He feels his face flush when his entrance is acknowledged by a nod and brief eye contact. He quickly pushes the emotions aside, the club had been tense and strange with Carvaggio's asbence but with his return much has returned to normal. The last minute details are concluded and the inner circle withdraws from the office, each member pausing a moment to nod or greet Stefan. He closes the door as the last person leaves and turn to his employer waiting as usual.

"I can assume the car has been arranged for the party this evening?" Carvaggio looks up to catch the nod of assent from his assistant. "I also hope you find some absurd gift to give Michael?" As he speaks, he moves around the office. placing things away and preparing to leave for the evening.

"I was able to acquire a set of fraternal twins that should delight him and give the appearance of your genuine desire to appease him and curry his favor." Stefan moves to retrieve his coat and small attache. "If our information is correct the runners are planning to deal with him tonight and I have made arrangements for Calisto to appropriate our gift and see they disappear for some time. We should be in the clear."

"Excellent." Carvaggio shuts off the lamp on the desk and moves to take his coat, pausing to allow the door to be opened. "I have left instructions with my security for the party to put on the necessary show of force during the party. I can only hope I am somehow injuried in the ensuing choas."

"I can ask Calisto to see that if you would prefer?" Stefan opens the door and trails behind him as usual, his ever present shadow.

"Please do, make sure to compensate her for the extra care and instruction."

Body Bag

You find yourself once again at the fetish club, all around are the obvious signs of a big event in full swing. Extra staff is milling about in an assortment of leather, feathers and body paint. Madame Yin stands in a suit of leather and metal, her body a testament to withstanding the ravages of time. Her voice commands attention and obediance as she moves through the seeming chaos, it is easy to imagine her with a whip bringing executives ot their knees in slavish devotion to her will. Arrangements have been made for the team to enter in a private entrance for the event.

[Fenris]

Bakatare pauses at the door, tugging the cuffs of the custom cut suit Moira had converted his original Actioneer into. The suit hugged his body, thanks to Moira's magic, and was edged in nearly translucent circuitry along the edges, maintaining the original style. He left Sifrexehethenes draped across his shoulders, tail curled down his left arm. One needed to maintain appearances, after all...

He turned to the remainder of the group.

"Everyone is clear on the plan? Those of you working with the wait staff, make sure you watch the attitudes. Those of you staying out of sight, listen for an obvious sound or over the radio for the signal. And all of you, watch the collateral damage."

He worked as he spoke, quickly stretching out his will, weaving loose shields around each of them that would allow him to stiffen protections if they were magically attacked.

[BishopMcQ]

"I shall remain vigilant. Upon the signal, I shall deal with Michael. You should only have to hold Zuzanna's attention for a brief moment."

Shiver had spent the last several hours in quiet meditation. Now the moment rests upon them, soon the guests would arrive. Following that, they would act. By the end of this night, their task would be done and his vow fulfilled.

[Buddha72]

Moira enters behind Bakatare wearing a long full long coat that screams wealth and ease. She removes it to unviel a breath taking vision of lace and silk. Her appearance as a singer highlighting the evenings entertainment seems complete. She appears withdrawn and quiet, her will focused on the performance. When she speaks her voice seems distant and strangely calm despite the promise of violence that hangs over the event.

"I will wait for a signal from Madam Yin that our target has arrived and is in the audience. I'll be nearly bilnd on the stage and under the spotlights. Listen for the opening notes of the song, after the first chorus I will attempt to enthrall the audience, strike a few mooments after that."

Pacing the small room, Desdemona looks ready to crawl the walls. Her body language is agitated and eager. Her whole being seems committed to the upcoming conflict. She finally stops pacing to chime in her bit.

"When the songbird is done doing her part, I'm suppose to back Shiver up as he tries to get to the target and destroy his shiny toy."

[Fenris]

With the portion of the crew that would be guests or out of sight accounted for, there was only Hitori and Aaron. He opened the door enough to get a good look at several of the early patrons of the party, and turned to Moira.

"We need you to convert their armored stuff to more appropriate...garb." he murmured, reigning in a small smile at the site of the leather straps and harnesses that made up the majority of the fetishwear that passed as clothing.

[BishopMcQ]

The stone within the pond, Shiver stands calmly in the room, quiet and unflustered. An aged world-weary troll changeling, poised as a counterpointe to his dual-spirited ward.

"Once the item is broken, I will finish Michael. Desdemona after you have assisted me with breaking the toy, it is up to you to decide whether your skills are better spent against Zuzanna or Michael for the master will fall tonight and I believe the servant shall follow."

[Buddha72]

Moira takes a moment to look out over the wait staff, she seems to be trying to come up with a "look' for both men that stills covers the majority of their bodies but fit in with the general attire. She turns back to face them and places one hand on each of their outer garments. he begins to breathe deeply and closes her eyes. She begins to sing a soft lullaby that can be barely heard over the din of the party prep. A soft glow begins to gather over their forms and travels down their bodies. As it passes over their clothing to shift and wavers and assumes the appearance of fetish wear. The song ends and they stand decked out and ready to blend in with the rest of the serving staff.

"Nice work, I may call you later to alter a few gowns I have." Madame Yin's voice carries from the back of the room as she closes the door from what looks to be an office behind her. "I know I don't really have a choice in all of this but I feel the need to remind you once again to try to leave the maority of my club still standing when this is all done and over. While I understand collateral damage will make my claims of innocence and ignorance seem more genuine, try to keep the damage to around 4 or 5k. I can swing that." She looks from person to person, attempting to impress upon them her sincere need.

[Fenris]

He nods, with a certain amount of genuine sympathy, to Madame Yin. He'd never regret blowing up a building full of Aztecnology workers, or raiding an Ares facility, but this was different, for some reason.

He turns to the group, sizing up everyone in the costumes and various extras, keeping his voice low as he gives one more recap.

"Madam Yin's going to cue Moira when the target arrives. She'll start the song, and after the first chorus the crowd should get a bit zoned. That's when we'll strike. Shiver will start by taking out Michael's focus. Hiro and Aaron will deal with the bodyguard. Then everyone focuses on Michael. We'll deal with other members of his circle as necessary, but make it as clear as you can that we're only here for Michael. I'll be providing spell defense and magical protection as necessary. Any questions?"

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Aaron shrugged his shoulders, working to keep his muscle loose and ready.

"Understood., The elf glanced over at Hitro, "we take down the bodyguard quick and hard then get in close and work the target. I'll be leaving my weapons in the vehicles, so I shouldn't have any trouble with security sweeps."

He kept his breathing calm and deep, charging his body for the action ahead.

[Buddha72]

Body Bag

The event picks up energy and guests as the hours tick by. Outside limos and private cars line up to deposit their contents on the sidewalk in front of the club. With each guest sporting the usual accessories of power, wealth and bodyguards. The club slowly feels with a small collection of eccentric people. The air soon seems to shimmer and ripple from the gathering of these many Awakened people. Each guest is sporting an orginal look of some sort or at the very least clothing that could easily pay a year's worth of rent in any middle class part of town. The club has had most of the chairs and tables removed. In their place is more open space and small installations of living art. Bodies locked in several poses of pain and passion, their still faces etched with agony and exaltation. On the small stage a dominatrix is putting a group of men through their paces as show ponies. A thick heavy beat saturates the atmosphere and the drinks flow freely from the bar. Wait staff mingles through the crowd offering platters of exquisite food, all sized to be eaten on the go.

[Buddha72]

Body Bag
The party goers soon hit their flow and mingle naturally amongst themselves. The servers do their dance of food and drink, they blend into the general décor of the club. The living art seems to be the natural focal points for groups to congregate, the low hum of laughter and conversation soon fills the room.

Shiver
You center yourself and allow your senses to relax and expand. You quickly pick up the on-going chatter of the guests.

“…it seems a bit much for even him but what do you really think…�
“I assume we’ll have to endure the simpering and back stabbing from his cronies, at least the…�
“…you need to remember the goal here, if we can get him to agree we’re set. Any other…�

The bodies flow and intersect across your field of vision, you notice the usual discrete body guards the wealthy and well connected often have tagging along in their wake. Most of the guests have opted for a light fetish flair to their look for the evening. With a slow and even breath you begin to look through and down into the area, letting yourself be carried by the emotional wash of the party.

You feel the detachment of the professional staff manning the event, the cool disinterest that lurks just beneath the surface. You feel the sharp focus of the hired muscle as they maintain an artificial state of alertness, keeping themselves wound tight in case their client is threatened. The guests give a range of reactions, from genuine excitement and arousal to apathy and annoyance. As you begin to draw back into yourself, you sense at the edge of the mass of emotions a clear and empty void. This person is focused in a way that says professional, you detect a pleasant and seamless emotional mask being projected out to the other guests. Snapping open your eyes you see a woman standing some distance off. She looks to be in her early 20s, long black hair and wearing a long floor length gown. She’s carrying a small matching clutch and a light wrap across her shoulders and neck.

Bakatare
You scan the crowd from your vantage point, assured of your concealment. You realize that many of the people are new to you perhaps a reflection on your place in the shadows. You keep scanning the crowd looking for any member of the circle when you feel a lurch at spotting Carvaggio entering the club. You see him escorted by some sort of Nordic eye candy, possibly his protection for the evening. You watch as Madame Yin greets him personally and they embrace like long standing friends or close associates. He is wearing a well cut and stylish silk suit, his only nod to the theme of the evening is a leather bracelet with metal beads worked throughout.

Murrey
You sit feeling the thrum and buzz of the drones connected to your network, your mind is awash in a cascade of images as you route the various sensor feeds from the drones deployed around the area. You watch as car after car deposits guest at the main door of the Body Bag, gone is the usually troll bouncer who has been replaced by a sultry woman in some sort of PVC body harness. Only a handful of arrivals actually seemed to be in rigger adapted vehicles. You do spot a familiar face, Carvaggio exiting from a small 1950s luxury car with some sort of blond arm candy of the muscle variety. He seems relaxed and easy as he enters the establishment.

You pull up and route a feed with the local security force, a small company called Core, some subsidiary of Knight Errant. You hear the chatter of a rigger verifying the deployment of two sensor bblimp drones over the club and a report in from an extra patrol unit of 2 cars assigned to the area. The reports seem delivered with a dispassionate tone of people doing their job and waiting to be bored for the remainder of their shift.

Shifting your focus, you review the sensor data from the drones deployed. Nothing stands out from the feeds other than the relative wealth of the guests, thought you do see two of the new runners decked out like a fetish wear catalog model, a sight certain to stick with you for some time.

Aaron
You move through the crowd serving some sort of small morsel on a wood and leather tray. You soon discover the complete invisibility afforded by posing as a member of the wait staff. Nothing seems to give you a second glance, and when they do its usually directed at your body as if admiring a fine piece of furniture or art. You relax your face into a pleasant façade as you move across the floor but you quickly count the number of bodyguards working the event. You see 12 in total, none sporting anything larger than a heavy pistol. You continue to scan the crowd and pick out a woman standing near the edges of the crowd. Expertly hidden along the lines of her body in a dress meant to deflect the eye elsewhere, you make out the shape of a monofilament whip perhaps two. Her face appears innocent and almost vapid as she exchanges pleasantries with another guest. Nothing about her suggests runner or body guard.

[BishopMcQ]

"Another stands alone. We must be cautious for she does not feel to be what she seems."

Shiver closes his mind to the wash of emotions and takes a moment to center his thoughts. His breathing and heartbeat slow as he begins to enter a light meditative trance. The path lay before him, Duty, Necessity. In completing his duty, he found honor though others may think the course dishonorable. It was a burden to bear, like so many others, and he would bear it.

In a moment, Moira would begin to sing. That was the moment he would strike, like an arrow fired from the bow down the straight, unwavering road which was his destiny.

[Nikoli]

Over Comm, "There are two security limp drones and two patrol cars in the vicinity, they seem bored. Also, Caravaggio has has just entered the establishment in case you'd blike to know."

[Buddha72]

Murrey

You watch the area and soon pick out a large Hummer style limo making its way towards the club. It pulls up in front, you see the targets exiting the vehicle and lining up like a parade with Micheal at the front as they enter the building.

Body Bag

A single clear tone rings out through the club, as the living art throughout the main space raises their voices in unision. The sound starts strong and urgent to trail off into a post-orgasmic sigh. Lighting shifts and the entrance is sublty highlighted as Micheal enters with Zuzana trailing at the end of a delicate gold leash with her head bowed. Coming up in his wake trails the rest of the circle, each dressed in a fetish themed get up, each one looks uncomfortable and tense but all smile like trophy wives as the lights play across their faces. Micheal pauses for a single beat as if inviting the room to drink him in and then makes his way into the throng of guests. Many make their way towards him, faces schooled to pleasant and excited masks.

The lighting shifts once again as the small stage in the back of the club is washed in a soft pale blue light. Moira steps out into the light, the light and make up give her an insubstantial appearance as if she was a spectre from a time before. She simply moves to the microphone and runs her hands along as if greeting a old lover and a swell of strings and wininstruments begins to fill the club. The tone of the music seems to speak of letting go and drifting away, of leaving this life behind for another seen in a haze or a dream. You hear her slow intake of breath and she begins to sing. You watch the sound seem to wrap around the audience and gather their attention to her, to drawn them in and hold them in its sound.

The moment to strike is here.

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Aaron

The Elven warrior keeps his face pleasantly blank but moves to free his hands in preparation for combat, handing the entire tray over to one of the other wait staff with a quiet word.

"Excuse me, please."

With his hands free he moves to find an oblique angle from which to attack.

[Nikoli]

Better get a fix on that things transponder code.
Murrey focuses his attention on his scanner, plugged into his deck for the assignment, as he attempts to get a fix on the behemoths transponder.

[Buddha72]

Body Bag

Hiroto moves quickly, he shifts through the enthralled crowd like a faint breeze. His movement moves by one of the bars, reaching up under the lip and withdraws a flash of liquid silver as a bare katana blade arcs through the air slicing down towards Zuzana's neck and shoulder. A sudden glow springs up around her slim form as the blade is stopped mere centimeters from her skin.

[Buddha72]

Bakatare

You watch a delicate almost invisible web of mana flare to life around Zuzana as it draws a large overlay of more complicated weaves from the collar around her neck. You watch the flows from these held spells reach out heavy with hungry and need to ground into the circle members at the party. It grounds into the auras then the brief connection fades leaving behind a bright and steady shell of magics on the bodyguard.

The Rest of the Team

You catch the sound of several grunts from the circle members as they all seem to take on some sort of strain or effort. You see a light sheen of sweat and their breathing sounds slightly labored.

[Fenris]

Anchored spells, and the Circle is sucking the drain. Drek...

[Nikoli]

Get to frag the subtle drek.
Murrey prepares to paint the limo with full active sensors for a lock on for the guns.