IC : STARDUST, In-Character thread for Stardust Options

[Shadow]

Frosty and Worm

[ Spoiler ]

"So are you worried about the people you are meeting? Or that someone will try to crash the meeting?"

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi, Jacky D, and Hank

[ Spoiler ]

As the undercover officer's thumb swipes the fire selector on the SMG and shouts his warning, civilians scatter and fall to the ground. Inadvertantly, the officer had cleared the way for Ludi to make for one of the train's wide open sliding doors. With tremendous effort, Ludi bolts for the train, utilizing a proned out obese man to power her final leap through it's open doors. The man grunts as Ludi's boot pushes off on his back. Landing haphazardly and sliding into a pole, Ludi anxiously looks back. Unwilling to fire on the crowded platform at a fleeing suspect, the officer is giving chase. Behind him, other armed undercovers are just clearing the turnstiles. Jacky D is behind them.

Just past the turnstiles, Jacky D catches up to one of the officers, who are focused on Ludi's escape attempt. With a solid thump, Jacky D nails one in the back of the head with a rabbit punch Iron Mike would've been proud of. The officer's head jerks forward with the force of the blow as Jacky's fist connects. The sheer power of the blow shocks the officer to such a degree that he unintentionally presses off a three-round burst with his SMG, which sprays wildly into the Platform area. Though two of the rounds deflect off the concrete and harmlessly into the train's structure, one of the rounds deflects and strikes a little ork girl huddled close to her mother. The sound of the gunfire incites panic everywhere, and the screams of scared civilians drowns out the pained whimpering of the innocent little girl and her wailing mother.

Responding to the gunfire, two of the officers turn and spot Jacky D trying to slink away as the punched officer writhes on the ground with a splitting headache. As Ludi begins moving towards the back of the train, the two remaining officers board and give chase, weaving amongst the panicked civilians onboard.

In her earpiece, Ludi hears Hank's familiar voice. "I don't know what's happening in there toots, but we've got company out here on the street...Pig company." As Hank gave Ludi the heads up, she realized something. The train wasn't going anywhere yet.

Wormwood, and Gunther

[ Spoiler ]

Mr. Stone looks pleased as Jaques offers to expand the surveillance. "If you insist it would be no trouble to you, then I can see no reason not to do so." Stone listens carefully as Gunther asks his question, and responds concisely. "I am worried that somebody might attempt to "crash" the meeting." He continues: "It's no secret that I just had somebody go after my top model, and since I am holding this meeting to scout new talent, I thought it would be prudent to have some neutral professionals on-hand." Stone places odd emphasis on the term neutral, but continues. "In fact, if this meeting works out well, would the two of you be interested in further employment? The girl will no doubt need a security detail, and top-notch surveillance at her residence. Would you have any qualms with that kind of work?" Stone inquires.

As Stone finishes making his offer, the waitress returns with the group's meal. Odd, since usually a kitchen attendant would serve the meal in this sort of establishment. With a slight smile from the girl in Wormwood's direction, the mystery is quickly unravelled. As she finishes setting the table, "Can I provide anything further, sirs?"

[Mister Juan]

Running for the closest connecting doorway, Ludi grabbed the collar of her jacket with her free left hand, the other one already holding her Colt.

"Don't worry about us. Go to the next station."

Still running, the woman wasn't giving a second to the passengers of the train. They were probably all frozen in fear and shock... and she somehow understood that. Even she was feeling the fear: this could be it. She could be gunned down in this train, and die today. Her mouth felt dry; her spit salty with the taste of bile. Her stomach was turning on itself and all she felt like was to hurl. Reaching the door, she jumped on the side, getting in a low crouch and using the doorway as cover.

*click*

The smartlinked safety seemed to echo like thunder in her ears.

I have no choice. It's them or me. Forgive me Lord.

She crossed herself, prayed for the two officers and leaned back in the train, extending her right arm forward.

In the enclosed space, the shots were deafening.

[Shadow]

Worm and Frosty

[ Spoiler ]

"No thank you," he says to the waitress.

After she leaves,

"As for expanding my role here, I am open to that. I could stay in Seattle for a few more months."

Gun spreads his silk napkin in his lap before eating. He cuts off a piece of the steak and eats it slowly, measuring its taste and texture.

"I could definetly stay," he says with a smile.

[Slacker]

Frosty and Gun

[ Spoiler ]

With a wink and a sly smile, Wormwood kindly responds to the waitress, "Perhaps a bit later."

Good thing the meeting isn't until tomorrow night. I'm looking to have some fun between now and then. I wonder what time she gets off work.

As she leaves, he answers the Johnson's inquiry. "I am certainly not opposed to further employment here in Seattle." Glancing back towards the waitress, he continues "There are certain attractions here that I wouldn't mind having more time with."

After a brief pause, he looks at Mr. Stone with a more serious gaze that the wistful one that had just crossed his face and says "Furthermore, you seem quite capable and it would be my pleasure to extend our arrangement."

"Can you tell me when such security/surveillance would need to begin? Would it start immediately following your meet with her? I just need to know so I can be properly prepared tomorrow."

[Qillin]

Jacky runs for the cop3 stepping on the cop on the ground. Then making a running dive for cop3 hands first, tackling him. Mid air Jacky's hands give a quick burst of blue sparks, you might not have notices if you weren't looking directly on Jacky flying at you.

This post has been edited by Qillin: Aug 28 2005, 01:56 AM

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi, Jacky D, and Hank

[ Spoiler ]

A split second after Ludi presses off two shots at the officer nearest to her, the man drops to the floor crunching over as he falls, catching both rounds in the stomach.
With shots already fired, panicked civilians everywhere, and with no immediate cover to make use of, the remaining officer kneels and fires a well-aimed burst in Ludi's direction with his SMG!

Meanwhile, on the platform, Jacky D rushes forward at the officers facing him, using the one he punched earlier as a springboard. Feeling sickening crunch of breaking ribs as he presses his foot on the fallen officer, Jacky catapults himself at the nearest officer!
Trying in vain to dodge the troll's massive bulk, the officer reels backwards as Jacky D strikes him with his pair of bare fists with a *smack*. Both fall to the ground, the officer pinned underneath Jacky D's gigantic frame. To his right, the other officer has a bead on Jacky with his SMG and shouts at the top of his lungs:
"Stay where you are! You are UNDER ARREST!"

Wormwood and Gunther

[ Spoiler ]

The waitress smiles back at Wormwood before leaving the table as Gunther answers Stone. Sensing the man's obvious taste for the finer things in life, Stone replies: "Well then I believe we will have a great working relationship."

After Wormwood returns his attention to the meeting and addresses Stone, the man shows a broad smile. "It would be great to have you aboard. I am unsure of what surveillance measures would be needed, or even the terms of when they should begin. Obviously, she would have to agree first, and before that could happen, I would have to see if she is indeed acceptable as a client of mine." Stone adds emphasis to his last sentence, and continues speaking immediately afterwards. "Now, would you gentlemen wish to discuss your fee after we knew further terms, or shall be banter with it now?" Stone asks. "Furthermore, I am assuming you would like to negotiate terms individually, but as you will be working together, I will leave that decision to you both."

[Shadow]

Frosty and Worm

[ Spoiler ]

"I am happy to discuss terms now, but I don't think you have the information you need to do it. Like how long you would need security for her. Since she doesn't technically work for you yet. However, if you would like to hire me for an additional week if she is hired I would happilly agree. If you don't hire her your out very little, and if you do hire her you don't have to worry about a delay in covereage. 5k a week, payable each friday to a specified bank account is what I would need."

Gun finishes his juicy butterflky steak and glass of whine.

"The food here is excellent. I'll have to recomend it to my friends back in Frisco."

[Mister Juan]

Seeing the first officer go down, Ludimla felt her throat tighten. The shots were still ringing in her ears when the man hit the ground. Blood squirted from behind him, one of the bullets burrowing itself in a seat.

Everything seemed to be going in slow motion.

When the second cop knelt down and took aim, the young russian woman saw her whole life go by in a three round burst: her mother, Volgograd under a cover of snow, her 7th birthday party, her first night with Mikahail, Lana's bright eyes. When the burst it, he jaw was still clentched, her arm still extended forward and her breath still holding in the air.

With a clear yell of pain, she doubled back, catching herself on one of the support polls with her free hand. She felt the hot lead tear its way thru the thin protective fiber of her form fitting armor, ripping flesh and muscles on target. The pain was such that her vision blacked out for what seemed like forever.

Is this it?

When she finaly came back to herself, she was still in the train, clutching the support poll. Already, a deep dark red circle was forming itself on her side.

Ludmila wanted to go home.

She didn't want to leave her daughter an orphan. The good thing about being SINless was that the Star would never be able to broadcast her identity. She'd died as a nameless criminal... and maybe Lana would never know. To her, her mother would have simply vanished in thin air, while on a business trip out of town.

I want to go home.

But she was corned; a wounded animal backed with no where to go.

She fought agaisn't the pain to concentrate on what would be one of the critical moment of her life. Leveling her trembling right arm, she aimed straight at the Lone Star officer's head and squeezed one round.

[Slacker]

Frosty and Gun

[ Spoiler ]

Wormwood watches Gunther as he is discussing the additional work. Hmm....he seems professional enough, but I don't know jack about him....For now, why don't I stall until after the meet to finalize anything? That way I can get a measure of this man.

Before the Johnson answers Gunther, Wormwood interjects "While in general terms I can agree with his proposal, I would like to reserve final decision for myself until you have more details. As you said, there are a lot of uncertain details and it is unclear what, if any, surveillance will be needed. While I am capable of straight security, that is not my specialty."

"Besides," [b]Wormwood[/b[ pauses to take another bite of his escargot. With obvious signs of enjoying the food, he continues, "I'd hate to spoil such a fine meal with crude negotiations."

[Qillin]

Jacky to going to roll over with the cop3 in his arms, using him as a human shield.

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi

[ Spoiler ]

In the train car, Ludi struggles to fight off the pain resulting from the slugs in her body. As if the wounds weren't bad enough, the bullets were also hot. As she raises her Manhunter, she sees the officer's eyes widen with alarm.

Both fire at the same time.

Jacky D

[ Spoiler ]

Firmly grasping the fallen officer beneath his massive body, Jacky makes a quick roll to place the wounded officer between himself and the officer still standing. As he rolls, he reaches for the wounded officer's sidearm, concealed within his coat. Barely able to find and remove the weapon, Jacky realizes something: This cop probably didn't have his weapon troll-modified.

Grabbing the weapon regardless, he places it at his "hostage's" head and shouts his warning.

"You don't wan't to do this." The officer still standing warns. "Just put that weapon right down. There's nowhere for you to go."

[Mister Juan]

This time, Ludmila knew she was hit, but couldn't feel it. The pain was numbing her senses, and what little she had left was being overridden by the adrenaline rush.

The whole experience was surreal. It was as if she was out of her body and could see all the events unfold before her eyes.

The first bullet struck her in her left tigh, piercing the protective fabric of her armor. The second and third one, hitting higher in her abdomen and chest, did not rip her flesh apart... but she was almost certain a rib had broken.

The officer hadn't been so lucky. The single heavy caliber bullet Ludi had sent his way punched a whole in his armor.

As the slide of her Manhunter cycled forward for the following shots, it was then that Ludi registered the screams. All around her, people were screaming in panick, trying to take cover under the seats or rushing outside of the train.

In nomine patre.

Something hot was slowly creeping down her leg.

Et Filis,

The burst had thrown her off balance, and she only noticed so when she had to retake her shooting stance.

Spiritus sante,

Grabbing, for the first time, her Colt in both hands, she took careful aim.

Amen.

The Manhunter echoed once.

[Qillin]

Jacky holding the cop with his left arm and the small gun in his right Jacky says

" Your the only one left here cop and my partner is still alive. I'm big and mean and don't care if more of you guys die, so don't make any sudden moves."

during this speak Jacky is trying to maneuver himself into a standing position, keeping the cop he's holding covering his upper body.

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi and Jacky D

[ Spoiler ]

As the blast of Ludi's weapon resonates through the train car, the officer drops to the ground, clutching his side where the slug hit. Hitting the ground like a rag doll, Ludi can see the expression of pain on his face as he tries to gain his senses and scoot in futility for the exit.

As this is happening, Jacky D attempts to stand, keeping a tight grip on his human shield and a sharp eye on the officer in front of him. Finally making it to a standing position, Jacky spots the badly wounded officer Ludi had just wounded trying to scoot out of the train car to his left. After Jacky threatens the officer in front of him, the officer replies: "Listen buddy. You just put the gun down right now and surrender." He begins calmly. "You realize we've had shots fired and you're already in a shitstorm. If you go taking hostages, they're going to bring in HRT, and you don't want that." He reasons.

Gunther and Wormwood

[ Spoiler ]

Stone seems niether pleased or unpleased at the answers he hears, but instead focuses his attention towards the delicious meal as he speaks. "As Jaques said, perhaps it wouldn't be a good idea to mar this meal with negotiations." He takes a sip of wine and continues. "It would be more appropriate to decide on terms once we knew the terms. However, if there is anything more you would like to discuss regarding the current job, I would be happy to oblige. Otherwise, I personally will take this time to enjoy the food." Stone finishes his sentence and displays the trademark smile which has made him so many clients in the modelling business, and then enjoys a bite of his salmon.

[Qillin]

Jacky finally able to get to his feet, suddenly drops the small gun from him right hand, So he could grab ahold of the Cops right shoulder. (the one hes already holding)
Then he slids his left arm, already wrapped around the cops chest, bringing it back grabbing the cops left shoulder.

[Mister Juan]

Quickly taking cover in the doorway, for a few second, the woman held the virtual reticule in her field of vision on the retreating LoneStar officer. He finger tightnened around the trigger, as her arms contracted to take in the recoil.

He crawled a few feet back.

She held her aim.

He crawled a few more feet.

Her finger started pressing on the trigger.

*click*

The Manhunter's safety clicked back into place.

Letting out a heavy sigh of pain, Ludmila limped to the officer she had already downed. Approaching him with caution, she turned him over and started rummaging tru his pockets, looking for his badge.

[Shadow]

Frosty and Worm

[ Spoiler ]

"I'm good."
Gun finishes his meal and whine with a satisifed smile.
"I'll see you gentlemen tomorrow."
The big human excuses himself fromt he table and exits the revolving area.

[Slacker]

Frost and Gun

[ Spoiler ]

Wormwood tips his glass towards Mr. Stone, and nods his head in agreement. "Capital idea, if I do say so myself."

With no further questions regarding the job, Wormwood begins the meal in ernest.For the remainder of the repast, he says little. Instead, he focuses his attention on the exquisite tastes. When he does speak, it merely to exchange niceties with Mr. Stone (and the occasional flirtation with the waitress).

Timing the completion of his fare to coincide with when Mr. Stone finishes his own, Wormwood concludes the meeting by saying "I thank for the delicious meal and pleasant company. Rest assured, I will be in position and ready when you arrive at Matchsticks tomorrow."

Once he had excused himself from the table, he heads over to the bar for another drink and for a more in depth conversation with the lovely waitress.;)

[FrostyNSO]

Jacky D

[ Spoiler ]

With an explosive burst of power, Jacky D heaves the wounded officer at the one standing in front of him and follows up with a bumrush! Unfortunately, the throw misses, sending the thrown cop sliding accross the tile as the cop in front of you tries to evade.
Scrambling to the side, the officer ducks out of Jacky's massive reach, but Jacky's hand manages to snag the sling of the officer's SMG, sending it skittering away on the ground.
Immediately, the officer tries to bring his sidearm into action. As the officer reaches for the weapon, in his panic, the hood of the holster doesn't unsnap immediately. The officer readies the weapon and points in at Jacky D, but it may already be too late for the cop!

As Jacky prepares to make his move, he spots activity in the terminal. Taking a quick peek out of the corner of his eye, he eyes a tactical team making entry.

Ludi

[ Spoiler ]

low over to the downed officer she had killed only moments before, Ludi checks under the officer's longcoat and in his pockets. Already, the color was starting to fade from his face as the blood in his body settled.
Under the longcoat, the man had been wearing a tactical vest with 4 extra SMG mags, a pair of extra pistol mags, and an Ares Predator in a drop holster. In the small of his back, were two sets of handcuffs in pouches.
The coat was bloody inside and out. Gut wounds weren't known for their cleanliness. Ludi held her breath and searched the pockets for anything useful, finding a leather wallet and a leather badge case. Sgt. Earl Herrera. In another pocket was a set of keys, and a pen with a tiny notepad whose first few pages had been torn out some time ago, and whose remaining pages were blank.

Wormwwod and Gunther

[ Spoiler ]

After the delicious meal, and after Gunther leaves, Stone picks up the bill and leaves to settle it with the cashier, leaving Wormwood to enjoy the fine view by himself.
Strolling over to the bar, Wormwood spots the object of his attention, which gives him a sly smile as she leaves the bar to take a table their drinks. Taking a seat near the bar's swingtop, Wormwood waits patiently until the girl returns. When she does, Wormwood sees the familiar look of nervous curiosity in her emerald eyes. "What can I get for you this evening, sir?" She asks the obligatory question, though she seems to know the answer.

[Mister Juan]

Ludmila tried, as much as she could, not to look at the man's face. It wasn't the first time she killed someone... but she had never been too thrilled of gunning down police officers and security guards. Her list of bodybags was mainly consisting of gangmembers, mobsters, triads and yakuza members. She always felt like she was simply taking out the garbage. But this time around, she was the bad guy.

Her abdomen was burning. She knew she wasn't going to die in the next minutes: belly wounds were terribly painful, but she wouldn't die from it until a good few hours. Which, she hoped, was enough to get some medical attention. She grabbed everything there was in the dead cop's pocket, took his Ares Predator and sticked it in her back, under her belt.

Keeping in low crouch, under the window, she quickly made her way to the end of the train, and jumped out. As she ran, which was more like a quick limping, she kept an eye out for emergency conduits or hatch to the street level.

[Shadow]

Frosty

[ Spoiler ]

06:00 day of the job.
Gun rolled out of bed with a thump on the plushly carpeted floor. Mornings were not his cup of tea. Years of training allowed him to be alert, but little else. He shuffled into the shower and woke up some as the hot water washed over him. Thin white scars traced up and down his thick, well muscled torso. The trophies of fights lost and won.

Well I am still here, so they are all wins.

He heard movement outside the shower, his ultra fast reflexes kicked in and he grabbed the bar of soap defensivly. Like an idiot he had left all his knives in his clothes. The shower curtain was pushed aside to reveal a beautiful and very naked young elf. Her long blond hair cascaded down her slim body.

Gun grinned. He had met her in the lobby last night and they had ended up staying up till 3 in the morning drinking and talking. One thing led to another and they fell into bed. Not his normal modus operandi, but he was a little lonely and vulnerable. Not that he would ever admit that to anyone but a dame. It's hard to keep up the tough guy mafioso image if you're cryin all the time.

"Hey doll, wash your back?"

"I thought you would never ask," she said in her sweet soprano.

An hour later Gun kissed her goodbye at the Elevator. He had arranged a security escort to take her wherever she wanted to go. He also left her with his number and a contact in San Fran.

Time to go to work.

His working gear was all layed out on the bed. 20 sharp slime throwing knives rested in a leather bandolier. Each one had the black crystalline look of dikoted metal. Next to the bandolier were 2 Cougar long blades, with the same sheen, followed by 2 Cougar short blades. Above them on the bed was his black leather holster for his Manhunter. Knives were his primary tool, but he wasn't an idiot, sometimes guns were called for.

[FrostyNSO]

Wormwood

[ Spoiler ]

You awaken with bleary eyes to a bright white room and silky white bedsheets halfway over your face. As you stir, you feel movement beside you, with the warm touch of a woman's hands and bare chest against your own. At first startled, but quickly settled, you pull the sheet down a bit and look to the girl at your left, still holding you snugly. The room is very neat and tidy, with white walls and flowing white curtains over a partially open sliding glass door. Through the sheer curtains, you can see a calm balcony with two chairs and a glass table, and nothing but blue sky in the background. Around the room there is well-chosen accents and a few pictures here and there of the emerald-eyed waitress and what you guess are her family. The room is well-lit with the only light coming in through the balcony, a side-effect of the light decor.
You gently slide the girl off of you and sit up, looking at her flowing hair, still beautiful in the morning and her healthy, smooth skin, which bears a freckle here and there. You try your best not to wake her, and as you set your feet upon the soft taupe carpet, you watch her roll over and drift back to sleep with a satisfied smile. You see the bathroom door and the door to the livingroom if you remember correctly. Speaking of remembering, what was her name again?
Making your way to the sink and splashing some water on your face, you have a thought: It would probably be possible to hook up a camera to the case of your executive protector. You make a mental note to remember to try it when you get home. Until then, it was time you find your clothes.

Jacky D

[ Spoiler ]

As the tactical team enters the terminal, clearing the area as they go, the officer in front of you is drawing a bead with his pistol. The time to act is now!

Ludi

[ Spoiler ]

Limping down the railway, Ludi tries her best to stay off of the electrified third rail as she drags herself down the tunnel. The darkness is pervasive, seperated only by a string of poorly-functioning halogen lamps in need of replacement. In a short while, the only sound is that of Ludi's breathing and the dragging of her feet. The tunnel is long...really long. But up ahead, she spots something out of the ordinary. One of the lamps, different from the others, glows with a green light.
Cautiously moving towards it, what choice did she have afterall, she spots a worn metal door on corroded hinges. The paint on the door has long since peeled away, leaving only bare metal with the occasional chip of paint. However, accross the door's surface someone has spraypainted a phrase. The paint used in the graffiti is green, and old too, Ludi presumes. It is almost entirely faded as well. The graffiti reads:

Ork Rights Now!

[Mister Juan]

As Ludmila approached the door, she felt her legs weaken under her. Tripping forward, the russian was barely able to catch herself before hitting the dirt. Her left arm, outstretch, was using the wall of the tunnel to keep her upright. Her vision kept blurring in and out, and she felt like throwing up. Breathing was getting harder by the minutes. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the pain away. When she opened them back up, everything around her seemed clearer. Without realizing it, she had switched to low light vision.

Should have tought of that before.

The adrenaline was starting to wear out, and Ludi could already feel her body tremble in place.

Breath in. Breath out. Breath in. Breath out.

If she was to see this whole run to the end, she'd first have to get herself, alive, to a doc. Slowly, she pulled the Manhunter from her waist, the cocking of the hammer echoing like thunder in the dark and empty tunnel. With her free hand, she creaked the door opened. The Star would soon be on her tracks... she had to get out to the surface.

Jacky.... I hope you're alright....

She went it.

[Slacker]

Trying not to wake his slumbering lover, Wormwood makes his way around the apartment picking up his clothes.

It's been a while since I stayed in a place this nice. Guess she does well for herself at the Needle. Not surprising with the way she looks and the Money that frequents that place, he thinks as he's getting dressed.

Not wanting to simply leave her with the impression of a one-night stand, Wormwood prepares her a glass of ice cold water, artisticly folding a napkin around it to collect the condensation. He then sets it on the nightstand at her bedside, with a note giving her his current cell number. Hopefully, we can enjoin another night's pleasure once this job is over.

He lightly kisses her on the cheek, before quietly departing.

Arriving at his hotel, he takes a quick shower before he getting down to business. First he checks over his suit to make sure there aren't any stains. Nope. Just one of the benefits of proper dining etiquette. However, he did notice several wrinkles. So he made a quick pass at ironing them out. Just as a precaution, he also sprayed it with a sanitizing spray to make sure there wasn't any lingering odor.

Next he pulled out his Ares Protector and one of his micro-recorders. Opening the briefcase and pulling out the smg contained within, he took a closer look at just how the trigger in the briefcase's handle worked. Picking up the micro-recorder and looking at it more closely, he thinks Hmm....yeah. This should work. Just take these wires and connect it to them to the case here, here, and....here.

He gets up and gets his toolkit from the shelf in the closet. Returning to the desk he had set the case and micro-recorder on he quickly and easily connected the micro-recorder to be activated by the handle-trigger. It just took a few pieces of wire from his toolkit.

Testing it to make sure it works, he thinks Mon dieu...that was even easier than I thought it would be.

Everything set for the evening, he busied himself around the hotel and the neighborhood surrounding it until it was time to go. He again donned his Armante suit, concealing his pistol in its holster beneath the jacket. He picked up his briefcase and headed out well in advanced of the time the Johnson would arrive. Need to make sure I get that particular table.