Lucas climbs into the room and helps Akio lower the man out of the window. "Alright, get to safety as fast as you can."
He turns back to the others. "I still think we can get up the stairs easily. Then hopefully, we can come back down to this floor via the stairs near the emergency exit. Four attackers are going to be hard to take out all at once, especially trying not to hurt any of the hostages."
Melania nods at Connie
That is good to know.
She tilts her head, staring in to space, before bringing it upright again and continuing to speak
I have ranged capability, how about you three?
After hearing the group's answers she continues
I think an idea might be, the person better suited to CQB should stumble in to the room and distract the attention of the hostage takers, perhaps coming from the restroom and acting like you do not know what is going on? Then that may draw them to you and bring at least one in range as they try to control you and bring you to the others being held. Then once one is within striking distance, the others of us who have placed ourselves in appropriate ambush positions can strike.
She waits a moment for this to sink in, then continues
Thoughts?
Wait! the hispanic man says. If you're going onto the next floor you'll need this or you won't be able to open any of the doors.
He unclips his security pass from his belt and passes it to you.
"I don't have a weapon, but I'm good with my hands. I'll stand in the front." He clentches his fists, thinking back to his training all that was drilled into him.
Listening to the plan he stands. "I understand most of the plan..I think it could work and I'm happy to go out there but." He pauses for a moment. "But what's a CQB?" He hesitatedly asks, always feeling stupid for it.
"Ranged capability? I, uh...I guess so. I mean, I have these." He lifts a flap on a pouch on his belt, pulling out several golfball-sized devices. "Uh, these are experimental chemicals -- volatile usually except that this is holding them stable. If I turn it off, they'll explode likely in a matter of seconds. But, uh, they're not exactly non-lethal."
Lucas had been working on the miniaturizing the system that he and Maggie had developed in school. He had finally gotten it to work and on a whim had decided to carry a few around. It was a hugely foolhardy move, but it was coming in handy now.
"CQB? I think that was on the field test. Close Quarters Battle, like hand-to-hand combat? If that's what you're asking, that's definitely not my forte. But if they do come close, I have this." He pulls out a collapsible baton.
Receiving the security tag from the man, Melania nods but doesn't look at him, intent as she is upon the others.
She nods at Lucas
He has the right of it, CQB, close quarter battle. Utilised in confined areas, typically urban scenarios where a quick and decisive action is required to resolve a problem. CQB consists of hand to hand combat or use of short-range firearms
She encompasses the group with a hand gesture
Normally a team will either take a slow and methodical approach, clearing a building section by section with a focus on safety, or alternatively rely on a rapid assault with a focus on removing threats with a high degree of speed and precision in order to minimise casualties to both teammates and bystanders.
She shakes her head
In this scenario we lack firepower and numbers, so we need to rely upon surprise and swift action. No hesitation. Have no doubt, these assailants are armed and willing to commit illegal and immoral actions, as evidenced by their very presence here. As such, you must not falter in removing them when you have the chance. If you allow them to stall you, our momentum will be lost and we will fail to overcome them. Remember, they do not have your good character, if you do not remove them from active participation, they will continue to be a threat to you, us and the innocent hostages. If they surrender that is good, however secure them and move on quickly. Do not be drawn in to conversation, do not drop your guard.
She turns to make sure everyone has heard.
So here's the plan, such as it is... Lucas, as the only other ranged combatant you will come with me and we will secure the upper level looking over the main entrance. Connie and Akio will then appear from the breakroom, perhaps a carefree couple who have been otherwise engaged until this point and missed the excitement, they will approach the main area looking confused at the alarm, feigning confusion and alarm when addressed by the bandits.
She points at Lucas and herself
Once you have drawn out all the ground floor assailants, you will have the opportunity to knock down the ones that get close to you in order to control you. If they do not get close, feign panic and start crying, perhaps collapse on the floor in order to entice them to close the distance.
She maintains her dispassionate tone, as if she were reading from a technical manual.
Lucas and I will by then have identified those others in the hallway, Lucas can remove one as a threat where his unauthorised and untested experimental chemical bombs will have the least chance of damaging either the innocents or the building, and I will remove the other threat.
She looks around
At this juncture I must advise you that our odds of success, being untrained, in an unfamiliar situation, never having worked together before, unsure of our own capabilities and operating on limited intelligence... are slim...
She lets her words hang in the air for a moment before continuing
But we're all they've got, we represent a chance that the hostages will leave here unharmed and the criminals will be brought to justice. Hand in glove. I am ready if you are?
Akio smiles as Concussion is simply just as confused as him with all the tactical talk of CQB.
When it is explained to him he nods. "That will be me then, I'm all about getting up close and personal."
As the strange looking woman breaks down the plan Akio just nods attempting to take in all the tactical talk and hoping not to ask anymore stupid questions. "So it's me and Concussion." He turns to look at the woman a little awkwardly at the mention of a carefree couple. "Stay behind me, I'll try and take the heat and stop any getting too close."
He then feels his confidence of the whole thing drop as she speaks of the odds, his face turning to confusion. "It's the best plan we have.. and we are out of time. I suppose we have to move now." He focuses up again feeling the adrenaline pumping in his body.
Lucas nods. "Ok, let's go. Remember, watch out for the hostages." He pulls out a small bottle and gulps down the entire contents. Immediately, Lucas looks around like he's just realizing where he is. However, he spins the bottle idly on a single finger.
"Ready. Let's get upstairs."
Between them, the group pulls aside the refrigerator that had been partially blocking the door, not worrying about the noise as the alarm had been blaring for a full two minutes by now.
With a nod to eachother, Midnight pulls the door open and then she and Lucas make a dash for the stairs immediately to their right.
As they look up they can see the stairs spiral up seemingly forever but after taking them two at a time they reach the door to the first floor that is signposted Data Entry and Application Processing. With a swipe of the keycard they are in and dashing across the floor, hoping to make it to the other side in time to catch the assailants on their flank.
Dozens of people are on this floor, all at the windows trying to catch a glimpse of the police or perhaps a masked hero coming to rescue them and when Midnight and Lucas enter they are fairly swamped with concerned citizens, asking what is happening, who they are, if the police are on their way, is so-and-so ok.
Meanwhile, Concussion and Akio wait in the breakroom doorway, ready to make their move...
Taking in the spectacle of chaotic people around her, Melania groans inwardly, just what they didn't need. Gathering authority around her like a wreath of smoke, she speaks loudly without shouting, firmly without demanding.
Please stand aside citizens! Clear the way!!
She directs Lucas to follow in her wake as she makes her way across the floor to the other doorway, guiding people to the side as she picks the quickest paths through the assembled desks and crowd.
Akio closes his eyes concentrating on his inner ki, then lets out one long sharp breath fortifying himself for what lays ahead.
He then looks down as Concussion points out his uniform. "I had completely forgot but.. Pizza? Not to fall into a stereotype but I deliver for a chinese.
He looks her up and down. "You should.. fit in as just banking here I guess." He then catches himself looking to long and turns back to the door. "Ok we'll do as you say but stick close, I'm good at all this CQB stuff."
Lucas pushes aside the people as they mob him. "You people need to get somewhere safe! There are gunmen downstairs! Stay here and lock the doors!" He growls at a couple of them who don't seem to back off.
"Melania, I have a smoke bomb. Maybe we can use that to cause a distraction at first? Maybe it'll help confuse the gunmen, but it also means we won't be able to see them as well."
As Concussion and Akio move forward out of the breakroom, they see that lobby is an enormous, air-conditioned space that takes up most of the floor of the bank. It is decorated in pale, neutral colours and highlighted by the occasional piece of modern art that hangs on the walls or strategically placed, expensive-looking Japanese plants.
A row of teller windows lie to the north whilst offices sit to the west. Curving around to the east, further desk space can be seen with even more customers and staff lying down and whimpering in various states of distress.
Four people, two men and two women, dressed in black suits are screaming for everyone to Keep their heads down! and to Shut your mouth!. Two of the criminals are in the lobby area, one armed with a pistol and the other with a long black stun-baton. Two have forced the door open to the north and are behind the glass with the tellers and are similarly armed.
Security cameras in the corners of the floor have been disabled, covered with a sticky mesh
As you move in, the four robbers wheel on you, pistols levelled and through their masks they shout;
Stop right there! Get down! Get down!
"Chase me down...?" He asks but trails off as as Concussion starts to act increasingly strange but then almost instantly a guitar appears in her hands as if she had been playing it the whole time. "Um.. I wasnt expecting that." He blurts out. "There seems to be a lot more to you than what I can see." He puts aside all his questions for now.
He then focus up again as he moves to the door opening it, stepping out into the bank with hands held high. Their confronted right away with a pistol and what looks like a stun stick. "我不知道发生了什么" He shouts out, taking a deep breath and speaking again. "I was just here for a delivery." He nods down at his uniform. "I don't want anyone to get hurt." He continues to hold up his hands.
I said get down! Get down on the g*ddamned ground! the man roars again, waving his pistol in Akio's general direction.
Melania shakes her head at Lucas
Whilst good to know you have the capability, let's keep to the plan for now so the other two are not confused. Also, I have no way to see through the smoke so it would be as much a hindrance to us.
She reassures the man
Do use it if things go badly for us though, it would be ideal in aiding an escape or retreat.
She fouses on getting through the remaining civilians as swiftly as possible.
Akio glances back at Concussion as she offer to play a theme song then looks around hoping for the other two to show up sooner rather than later. "Ok ok..." With his hands still up he gets down on his knees. "I don't want any trouble." I don't want to get really captured here
The man with the pistol bares his teeth like an animal before striding forward purposefully, weapon aimed directly at Concussion.
Shut your mouth. Shut it before I put a bullet it in little girl! he growls.
You can see several of the bankers and customers looking at you in wide-eyed terror, the message written plainly across their faces. What are you doing?
Whatever it is, it has drawn the attention of the other robbers anyway, as they turn to watch and one of them who is beyond the glass of the teller windows comes to the door and waves his pistol across the crowd;
Two more minutes and we'll be out of your lives. Don't make this the last two minutes you ever have!
Akio suffers forward on his knees, getting inbetween Concussion and the gun man. "Point the gun at me." He states plainly with his arms still up. "You wouldn't want to hurt someone so beautiful'" He says eyes locked on the gun man.
The gunmen keep their weapons trained on the crowd as the alarm still blares, fully forty seconds after it first sounded and by now is drilling into everyone's heads.
But the thieves don't seem to care and simply hold the crowd under control.
Melania will have crept over to the door and peeked out the window so she and Lucas have a better idea of the immediate situation.
Whispering to Lucas she relays what she sees.
We'll give them a few more seconds to try and draw one of the bandits over, but whether it happens or not we need to strike soon lest the situation change to our disadvantage...
Akio looks around the room hoping to spot the other two.
He then turns as Concussion begins to sing beckoning the man closer.
The goon blinks hard several times before taking his pistol in both hands and pointing it directly at Connie's face.
You are gonna shut your damn mouth or I'm gonna put a bullet in it, b!tch!
From Midnight's position in G7, you cannot see eachother. Midnight can barely see the robber with the yellow halo.
The map HERE illustrates her line of sight from that position.
Lucas drinks another concoction and his feet seem to speed up considerably. He nods to Midnight. "Ok, let's go. They can't hold them off forever. We just told two civilians to act as bait while we come around."
Lucas dashes out toward the frightened hostages and more importantly, the thieves making their lives a misery. His legs pump with renewed bloodflow, adrenaline coursing through his veins and he covers the distance across the slick marbled floor in less than a second.
Akio finally see's one of the others, and with and with whatever Concussion tried to do fail he decides now is the time.
Standing up he stares the man down stepping forward calmly. Clenching both his fists he bring them up into a striking stance and in this motion they seemingly start to glow faintly. Then in a blink of an eye he strikes out at the mans chest.
Ebon suddenly springs into action, leaping forward like a striking snake and drives his fist into the solar plexus of the surprised robber.
The man staggers backward, sternum fractured and a red-hot agony running through his chest. He barely raises the strength to bring his pistol up and as he falls backward the weapon discharges, the bullet striking the marble floor and gouging a furrow there. As it ricochets up, Ebon sways aside from the deadly trajectory.
Hit
The screams ring out even louder than the gunshot and the alarm as several people cower. Some others make for the doors but one woman trips on her high heels and begins shrieking in pain at the suddenly sprained ankle.
One of the robbers from behind the teller glass rushes forward at the commotion and yells to another on the bank floor:
Jesus what the Hell is going on! he roars before seeing the slowly writhing form of his accomplice. Sh!t! he curses. Get 'em before Spiderman or one of those other a$$holes shows up!
Needing little invitation, the robber rushes toward the terribly scarred and monstrous-looking man and swings at him with the black stun-stick he holds in right hand. Lucas ducks it deftly though, the basic hand-to-hand combat training they provided him at SHIELD coming into real practice for the first time.
Miss
Lucas dodges the stick and tries to strike back with the collapsible baton that is suddenly in his hand. Whoa, this is for real! No training ring anymore. This guy means business! He tires to remember his training and continue to move around his opponent.
Akio looks around his fists still glowing he brings them up to attack and dashes forward towards another gun man flying past one of the hostages and over the man he knocked out.
Seeing that battle is joined, Midnight rushes toward it, never flinching. And though the citizens begin rushing toward the doors to free themselves from this situation, she is very wary that a stray bullet can kill as easily as one aimed at it's target.
And so she resolves to end the conflict as soon as she is able.
She draws her clenched fist back as if to throw a haymaker but when she thrusts it forward a blast of supercharged air streaks across the bank to slam into the chest of the robber attacking Lucas, striking him like hammer.
Hit
Did not confirm
We gotta get out, we gotta get out! one of the robbers shouts as he sees more and more of these weirdos appearing out of nowhere.
He raises his 9mm at the chinese guy but his hands tremble badly and he simply pulls the trigger as quickly as he can, squeezing off shot after shot. The bullets fly well wide but Connie hears the whizz of one passing by her head less than two feet away and thud into a wall behind her.
Miss
Miss
Another steps up and swings his black club at Akio but the martial artist easily raises his forearm and thrusts it at the man's wrist, blocking the attack and also sending a burst of pain along the nerves that cluster there.
Miss
The robber facing Lucas reels from the sudden blast, all of the air blown out of his lungs as the blast slams into him. He staggers backward, one eye on the door and how he can get out of this situation that has suddenly gone south. He swings out with the stun stick almost blindly but the ceramic body of the weapon smack painfully into Lucas' collar bone, giving him a nasty shock as it does so.
Hit
and
Midnight continues her assault.
The quicker they are taken down the less damage they can do...
Gliding just above the floor, she repositions herself and throws another air bolt at the fleeing robber.
With bullets ricocheting around him and an enemy swinging at him with a black club Akio takes another deep breath and steps forward. Years of training his honed his skills for this moment to move forward and never back, stick to your enemy and never let him out of your sight.
As he moves he sends out two short punches at the man's chest, attempting to disable him.
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"Uugh!" Lucas grunts as the man's stick connects and a jolt goes through him. Holy s!@@, what was that? Some sort of tazer stick. What the hell am I doing here? I'm a scientist, not a superhero!
When the man turns and runs, however, Lucas's training kicks in. He swings his asp at the man's head, connecting with a sickening thud. He turns in time to see the Chinese delivery man in the midst of bullets and blocking a similar baton with his forearm. Holy crap, it's like a Bruce Lee movie!
"Move, get down!" He shouts to the bank hostages. There were too many hostages to use his explosives, plus setting the bank on fire wasn't the best strategy. We're going to have to do it the hard way.
"Raaaah!" Lucas roars as he charges through the hostages towards the man with the gun. He swings the asp at the man's shoulder.