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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

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?"

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

With an exhaled breath all emotion, fear and doubt, has been cleansed from Shiver's mind. He could feel Moira's song stretching light tendrils of control over as the emotions of the room begin to crystallize.

As the newly hired muscle courses across the room to engage Zuzana, the ancient troll knows that now is his time. A web of deception surrounds her, preparations made to give a moment to save Michael.

He would not be saved.

Movement from Aaron, the strange katas which project force across the gap, striking against the Chi of the target rather than the flesh which binds the spirit to this realm. Now is the time.

Shiver, a shimmering half-seen force, begins to move.

Body Bag

The strange contrast of entralled guests and violence makes the events seem unreal. A woman in an elegant evening gown flows into motion, dropping her purse and withdrawing two short handles or cylinders from her gown. She draws up to Nancy and makes a slashing motion with one hand and a small weight draws forth a line of silver so thin it seems to appear and disappear. It cuts a thin line down her one arm that wells up crimson. Her shriek of pain rings out through the club.

"Take down him fast and make sure it's messy, that's what we're being paid for." The woman seems to be addressing the rest of the team, her tone suggest familiarity.

"Ready the car." Zuzana's speaks quielty and looks to Hiroto, her eyes promising pain and release from this life before turning away. She moves quickly, sliding like silk past the enspelled bodies. As she reaches Nancy's side her body twists and a foot lashes out. You hear the faint crack of bone as the woman wielding the whips is struck soundly in the ribs. She tries to roll with the kick but ends up slamming into a table and falling to the floor.

Murrey

The senser network comes alive around you as a broadcast of alarm is carried out through the network of the Core security force, you watch as you insinuate yourself into their network with relative ease. You watch the limo heat up as the driver starts the vehicle. You hear the incoming message that the patrol units are inbound to the club. You watch with alarm as a strange distortion builds and pulses out from the club. The signals from the drones inside seem to skip and fade but stabilize, you see the distortion have a similar effect on the drones in the Core network.

Shiver

You move vitually unseen through the space, a ripple of distortion like a heat vapor as you arrive at your target. His face is a mask of arrogance and contempt, no real fear registering on his features. You watch a smug small creep across his lips as his bodyguard attacks what he believes the leader of this pack of shadow trash. You breathe out and feel the calm descend as the blade does, arcing gracefully through air, tendon and bone but none of that matters just the small vial is of any importance. You watch through the spray of blood and bone as the leading edge of the sword slices cleanly through it and the small scale held within. You feel the last of your breath leave you as the scale is neatly cut in two.

Body Bag

A pull, like a wave returning to the sea grips the room. A ripple passes through the air and a moment of stillness hangs in the air until a heartbeat later a pulse of pressure and light explodes outward from Micheal and washes across the room. Light flicker and the sound of fuses blowing from the stage go off like machine gun reports. The room is filled with the after images of astral spirits made visible by the pulse and glass shatters, filling the air with tiny points of light. A single roar of outrage and defiance fills your mind as the pulse fades.

In the silence that follows Desdemona strikes. She draws heavily on the mana around her and hurls it with a savage gesture at one of the Circle members, Alex. The air between bends and twists as the mana is warped, deflected and reflected between them. It hurts to watch the space as it rips and tears before the magic grounds itself into the objects around them. Small chairs explode, the floor smokes and tables warp from the contact with the mana flows. Desdemona screams with rage at the failed spell and draws a large pistol, readying it.

Micheal stumbles back from the strike as his wrist sprays his life's blood to the floor. His face gripped with disbelief and shock. He quickly mutters a series of words and clamps a hand to the stump where his hand once was. The blood flow slows but doesn't quite stop completely as his body tries to repair the damage fueled by the mana pouring into it.

On the stage, Moira watches with undisguised horror at the violence and bloodshed, her skin pale and waxy as she holds the song strong. A shimmer heralds the apperance of her ally spirit as she rests a hand on his back. Reaching out, she weaves flows of mana around the club erecting spell shields around the guests near the confrontation creating a bubbles over groups of them.

A snap, and the length of the collapsible staff extends, power and possibility collecting around the mage as he triggers the power focus.

Flickering, ghostly essences rise up through the floor, the towering outlines of the great form elementals already taking shape amid the already crowded club. The rumble and groan of earth, the roar of fire, and the howling of the winds fills the space as the elementals push through the boundaries between this world and their own.

A small smile touches Bakatare's lips as he adjusts his own protective shields, including the elementals for the moment to assure they're not removed by some errant spell effect before stepping forward. He raises his voice above the din, making sure to be heard by all.

"MEMBERS OF THE CIRCLE! Your leader's life is forfeit, but that fate can be limited to he and he alone if the rest of you leave immediately!"

Body Bag

Bakatare's voice carries through out the club and holds a power to it that compels belief. You watch the uncertainity and doubt wash over the faces of the Circle members as his words sink in. They seem to teeter back and forth in the wake of the destruction of the focus and Bakatare's words seem to make the final choice for them.

Brett smiles once at Micheal before a spirit appears, wrapping itself around his body. His body begins to distort and waver becoming harder and harder to see. The ripple of his form makes it's way through the crowd and exits from the main area of the club.

Nancy, face pale and drawn, locks eyes with Micheal and a quiet moment passes between them. "I told you that this was coming but you thought yourself safe from this fate. The Tower falls as I said it would." Her voice is cold and hard as she speaks. "I leave you to it." She backs away cautiously from the guests and makes her way to the front door of the club.

Watching the other two leave, Alex seems lost as he briefly weaves the threads of mana around and into his body. As he begins to fade from sight you see his flesh ripple and change. The sound of wings flapping are heard as he disappears completely from mundane sight.

Micheal screams at their departure, his voice ragged and raw. "I'll kill you all! Do you hear me? I will find each of you and gut you! You'll take hours to die...." His tirade is cut short by a sudden explosion from a small hand bag dropped during the fight that rips through the club. You hear screams as flechette slices through the air, it clatters against any armor with no effect but tears through flesh with ease. The calm held by Moira's song is broken as guests scatter from the explosion; you can see several prone bodies riddled with wounds as the smoke clears.

Zuzana does not seem fazed by the unfolding events as she pivots and strides towards Hiroto. With the space cleared by the flechette and fleeing guests, she launches into a series of back flips, her body becoming a blur as she crosses the floor. She stops just in arms reach of the swordsman. Her arms lash out, weaving into a kata as Hiroto brings his katana up and launches into a series of parries trying to keep her at bay. In the space of seconds they exchanges blows and counters faster and faster, her face cold and focused. The strain begins to show on the young runners face as she drives him backward. The building tension snaps as she feints a strike to his neck, he raises the blade expecting resistance and stumbles slightly when there is none. You see the awareness of this vulnerability dawn on his face as Zuzana turns in the space of his hesitation and delivers a roundhouse kick to his head. There is a sickening wet cracking noise as she clears her foot from the strike. The sound of the katana blade tumbling to the ground seems to echo out louder than any other sound as Hiroto is knocked to the ground.

On the far side of the club floor, the whip wielding woman kips up to her feet. A brief look of regret flashes across her features at the sight of Hiroto falling. Once again a hardened mask falls into place as she runs towards the recieving area, where Micheal's gifts were being kept for later. With an expert flick of the whips she slices away the silk cloth wrapping one of the larger gifts. It falls away revealing a set of elven twins no older than ten bound together in a pose that makes your body ache in sympathy. Her voice carries out once again. "Kill him and let's secure the package, we don't have all day their rent-a-cops are going to be on us in seconds." She appears to be addressing Bakatare as if they were long time companions. "Make sure to get our fallen, leave as little evidence as possible."

Micheal still seems to be reeling from the sudden reversal of fortune. His will reaches out and weaves a tight sheath of mana around his body, as the last threads touch his whole body is wreathed in flames that burn white hot. He glances around trying to keep Shiver in his field of vision as he backs away, trailing a thin stream of blood from the partially healed stump of his wrist.

Discipline is the only thing that kept Bakatare from breathing a visible sigh of relief as the group dissipated around Michael, leaving the circle leader alone. He winced as the flechettes tore into the crowds, but that wasn't him or his, so the Madame would have to take it up with someone else.

He tugged on the lines mentally connecting him to the elementals, redirecting and focusing their energies on the single man. As the woman calls out, he spares only a moment for the odd sight of the twins, not a bit unusual considering Michael's tastes.

"Moira, get Hiroto and get out of here. You've done your part."

Body Bag
The sharp crack of bullets fill the air as Desdemona fires at Zuzana. The slim adept only makes small adjustments in her stance as the bullets bite into wood and concrete behind her. Her eyes seem to focus in and outward on the shooter, once again promising death and pain.

Murrey
You see Nancy exit the front door of the club, she looks panicked and frightened as she runs down the street towards the approaching security vehicles.

Over the comms, "Make up in there folks, someone is about to have a chat with the wan."

Body Bag
From the other side of the club floor, Aaron seems to draw into himself as his body moves through an elaborate kata. The mana ripples through the space around his body as he mimics striking a target in front of him. The distortion moves quickly through the space, Zuzana's eyes narrow as the blow slams into her. She is knocked from her feet, spinning through the air she reaches out with her hands and rolls into the force of the strike. She comes to her feet looking balanced and steady but a growing bruise is spreading across her ribs.

Meanwhile Micheal seems to be trying to back away from his unseen assailant. There is a flash of metal almost too small to be seen except for the gleam as it catches the light. He twists and turns, desperate to keep the small silver from touching him. A look of comprehension and horror creeps over his face as he turns to try to run from the attack. Despite his frantic movement the needle strikes home. There is a comically delicate popping noise as if a bubble had been burst. His scream is filled with rage and hopelessness as the room seems to grow darker and heavier. In the span of seconds everyone is reduced to a dim outline in the gloom.

"Ring around the rosie,
Pocketful of posies.
Ashes, ashes.
We all fall down."

The light silver laughter of a child echoes through the space and the light floods back in. Micheal is nowhere to be seen.

Murrey
You watch as one Core patrol vehicle pulls over to intercept the fleeing Circle member whille the other one comes to an abrupt stop outside the club entrance. You see two sec guards exit the vehilce with heavy pistols drawn, they appear to be readying themselves to enter the club.

The changeling community avenged and obligation met, Shiver now had two duties left.

"Desdemona, we're leaving."

Turning to look to the alter-ego of his ward, it is obvious that the decision was not meant to be questioned. Zuzana while perhaps a personal threat was not yet a danger to the supernatural community. The Circle was broken and the direct influence of dragons removed. Now he must live and serve.

The others would survive if it was in their destiny. Here his path diverged from theirs.

Over Comms, "I'm not sure if that means we win however, you should consider plan B. Two uniforms are entering as I transmit. That's
'B', like back door."

Murrey calls up the Felix camera view, scanning around for prying meta-human eyes.

Body Bag
The sound of a door being kicked down or busted open echoes from the coat check area of the club. A strong and steady male voice calls out.

"Security! Everyone down on the ground and arms away from your sides!"

Moira nods at Bakatare and releases the spells being sustained in the main floor of the club. The feeling of ants across your skin diminish as the ambient mana begins to recede. She sings a soft tune, it brings the to mind the shore and the sound of isolation. Hiroto begins to lift gently from the ground, supported firmly but gently by the flows of magic. Somehow she weaves a ssecond melody into the song, one that seems insubstantial and ethereal. Moira and her cargo begin to fade from view as she makes her way to the back exit with Hiroto in tow. Her ally spirit gives a shake and leaps from the stage and transitions to the astral leaving no evidence of his existence.

Around the club the groans of patrons fill the relative silence. Several bodyguards upon hearing the command, lay themselves over their clients but wait before putting their weapons away. The whispers of conversation start as people begin to talk.

Zuzana takes the arrival of the security forces with little visible reaction. With the same determined look she launches herself into motion, turning and entering the coat check area. The sound of shots being fired soon follow quickly followed by grunts and the sound of bodies slammed against walls then silence. The sound of the main door being opened is heard.

The woman bearing the whips gathers the twins and reaches for another gift. With little finesse she rips the package open and removes a small electronic device of some sort. She hits a button on it and makes her way towards the stage and into the back area behind it.

Murrey
You see the events unfold in the club and see Zuzana exit the club onto the street. You see no sign of pursuit from the sec guards that had just entered. She seems to pause a moment to get her bearings and take in the street with the a glance. A small alert scrolls past your vision from the sensors. With a thought you open a small window in your mind and it reports a signal having been sent from somewhere in the club.

Body Bag
With a twist of the staff that Bakatare always seems to have in hand, he begins whispering in Latin. He and Aaron vanish from sight and footsteps are heard heading to the back of the club. Seconds later a rustling near the gift table is heard and several packages fall to the ground from an unseen force.

One box lifts into the air and the magic surrounding the thief extends over the box to shield both from sight.

Desdemona glares at Shiver and moves to the front door. Gun fire and screams from wounded guards cry out, as the changeling woman vents her frustration on the downed rent-a-cops. She gets to the street and begins moving in the opposite direction of Zuzana.

Over comms, Bakatare's sure voice calls for an evac. "Meet at the staff entrance."

Murrey
You can clearly see Nancy point at the fleeing forms of Zuzana and Desdemona. The security personnel begin to move to get back in their vehicle, calling for reinforcements.

.oO(Fraggedupsonsofmotherlesswhoremongeringtrollops
Over the radio to the team, "Going loud. Go out back door, head for my honda, if I get clear, I'll contact you."

Over the drones, Lynx's remove target limo from the field.
Cutting transponder data and opening up on the police car.

Murrey
Servos whine as the lynxs disembark the van. The loud report of automatic fire echoes in the street as bullets pull across the reinforced body of the limo, marring paint and denting the door. Fractures form across the windshield with the first bullet and as the machine gun strafes across, the ballistic glass shatters inwards.

Sensors register the target as forward weapons manually lock onto the patrol car. Bullets chew through the lightly armored plating of the hood. The guns climb with recoil, ending just before reaching the windshield. A puddle of fluids begins to pool under the front of the vehicle.

At the Honda
When only half the team arrives at the vehicle, Moira begins to look around. Her eyes almost glassy as she looks at a world beyond the material.

"They are coming."

Within seconds, you hear movement and a splash. Unable to see the people who joined you, there is a sense of presence that lets you know someone else has arrived. Coming from a different direction than the noise, Shiver becomes visible as the ruthenium polymers deactivate.

"Where are the others?" The aging troll asks as he leans against the car to support his weight.

"We are here." An unraveling of mana reveals Bakatare and Aaron. "Now I would suggest that we leave. Aaron, or whomever is best qualified, drive. We are heading for Tacoma."

Page to the Honda, Allow manual driving controls once door closes. Activate Security System once in motion.

Over drone network, Good job Number Two, finish it off then recover. Number One, recover. Fixit and Six, assist. Felix, get in the Honda.

.oO(Of all the times not to be running the show from the Honda...)

Murrey
Sensors report a solid trajectory angle for the grenades, measuring distanc and wind speeds. The explosive soars through the broken windshield and bounces around in the front seat.

Each drone follows orders and a dance of electronics organizes them into the vehicles.

At the Honda
Servos unlock the doors automatically and the passenger door swings open. Scurrying from behind another parked car, a small robotic cat zigzags between legs and jumps into the Honda.

There is a moment of hesitation as you realize there are no controls to actually allow you to drive the vehicle. Noticing the datacable, the job falls onto the only person with a datajack.

All
A thunderous boom echoes down the street as a grenade detonates. The explosion built up in the confined space of the limo and the shockwave seems to have cascaded, building on itself to become more devastating. Before the first echoes have cleared a secondary explosion roars as the limo itself detonates.

Car alarms are blaring, threatening to drown out the constant sound of sirens approaching your area.

Murrey
With the explosions, sensors report a spike in radio traffic on the police bands. Beyond Core, it's likely you have attracted the attention of LoneStar.

As it becomes obvious that the team gathered around the Honda is not going to be able to drive the vehicle, Shiver looks to Desdemona and then to the rest.

"Part ways and evade pursuit. Desdemona lead the way, conceal your nature if you will."

On the Street
The group looks around quickly before splitting off. Desdemona pauses for a moment and a ripple passes from the top of her heead to her feet as she fades from view. The sound of her running off away from the bar can be heard.

Moira floats Hiroto closer to her as she sings a song of new mornings and renewal. Running her hands along the sides of his neck, you can see the discolored flesh heal and hear the crack of bones resetting. "His wound is severe, we need somewhere to take him and soon. I've done what I can." She closes her eyes and takes a moment to concentrate, a small luminous cloud appears near her head. "I need your help one last time before the moon sets. Conceal me and my companions as we seek shelter and safety this night." A brief pulse washes over the gathered runners as the spirits slips back into the astral with a sound like a sigh.

Aaron nods once to everyone before sprinting down the darkened street, his footsteps only lightly echoing as he begins to lose himself in the city and its shadows.

As the ripple of luminescence washes over the companions, Bakatare reached up, lightly brushing along the space where his familiar sat curled across the back of his shoulders in astral space. The tiny dragon wasn't actually present in the physical world, but Bakatare could feel him nonetheless, the closeness of the bond passing on ghostly sensations. Keep watch o'er us... he whispered silently.

Gathering the strength of his familiar and the staff still extended in his hands, he quickly lifted himself and Moira into the air, clearing the tops of nearby buildings and maneuvering rapidly to put as much obstruction between himself and the arriving security as possible. Acceleration abruptly kicked in as the Air Elemental added it's power, jetting the group away at speeds many times faster then he could have accomplished alone.

Murrey berrates himself, Sure, nobody will ever need to drive the other car but me. How stupid. You've put their lives in danger, just like with the other team.
Sending a page for the Honda to park in a lot in Tacoma.
Once #2 is tucked away in the back of the van, Murrey begins moving away from the scene of the violence, searching for a route to curtail overhead viewing.

With an ear for his ward, Shiver follows the path that she sets upon. Between steps there is a shimmer and he fades from view.

With the staff gripped tightly in his hand, his draconic familiar curled around his shoulders, and Moira floating along beside him as the elemental sped him through the air, it almost seemed anachronistic to reach up and tap the ear plug cellphone, and dial up Winter's LTG through the interface in his glasses.

"Winter? I need a chop shop. Something high rent...it's got alot of bruises, but it's all blunt force. No gun shot wounds, but I'm assuming lots of internal damage. I don't want to risk it on some gutter trash with a sharp knife..."

Bakatare
Once again her warm yet dettached voice washes over you, she always seems to make any request sound reasonable and casual. "Not a problem, you understand with the lateness of the hour and the lack of any prior appointment it will be a little more expensive for high end care?" Her voice conveys the sublte message of giving a repeat customer fair warning of a possible high price tag, she waits the few seconds to allow you to decline then procceeds when you don't. "There is a small clinic run out of the edge of downtown that specializes in urgent care, I'll send the address and the physician's name is Dr. Anderson, I'll call ahead and let her know you're coming. Good night." The connection is terminated and a small icon appears in your vision heralding the arrival of a data packet bearing Winter's ID.

Murrey
You watch the rigger traffic spike in your immediate area. You catch snippets of communications.

"..I repeat, we have men down and heavy ordiance is in play...please advise.."
"..Lone Star please confirm, this is an request for immediate assistance.."
"..all drone units, priority target is in play, all units priority target is in play.."
"..be advised, targets are armed and armed response has been authorized.."
"..all employess please respond with location and status, I repeat all employees respond.."

The sensor network registers three incoming aerial drones converging on your present location. You slide your consciousness into the van and pull away down the street. You see two Core patrol cars take up pursuit from behind. You acccelerate and take the the upcoming corner tight as possible. You hear and feel the impact of one of the patrol vehicles as it fails to maintiain control and loses control. You see the plume of fire as it crashes into a building front.

Windshield wipers stutter across the windshield as Murrey mentally wipes his brow. Think man, think. Alley way, gotta get out of line of sight.
Murey crosses his fingers for luck as he wrenchs the van in a powerslide left turn, narrowly avoiding an on coming taxi into a service alley bisecting the block.