Sighing to herself in frustration, she contemplates playing her Joker in this metaphorical card game & decides against it.
Steeling her resolve, Isabelle walks over to the parcel, picks it up & begins examining it minutely.
Finding nothing overtly disturbing beyond the fact that it was delivered to her, Isabelle proceeds to open the parcel.
The courier finally seems to realize her danger at the last moment, the woman starting to dive out of the way as the false Masque pulls the trigger. Instead of going through her head the bullet instead wings her in the shoulder, and she goes down cursing mightily, before the real villainess puts her out of her misery. The package falls to the floor, now splattered in blood.
Masque quickly pats the courier down, taking her wallet, keys and anything that seems like it might be useful. She hands the package to the masque, who steps back into the apartment and bolts the door from the inside. The masque carefully opens the package.
The masque opens the door and gives Masque the contents of the package.
"We should probably find someplace else to sleep tonight," Masque says to herself, looking around at the bloody mess in the hallway.
The masque nods, and they make their way back to the warehouse, to see if anyone wants to go to a funeral.
Professor Mayhem had grown tired of preparing the warehouse for the transmutation of more suitable living accommodation so he found a place to rest. As morning came and someone arrived looking for him he just grunted and took the item.
Masque finds a wallet with $40 in it, and various ID identifying her latest victim as one Cynthia Jones. She finds a set of keys on a keychain with a corporate logo matching the one plastered on Cynthia's cap and shirt of a smiling package flying through the air accompanied by the company name. She also has a phone in another pocket, a strange scanning device, and a clipboard listing a number of names, addresses, times and an alphanumeric string below a barcode.
The package when the false Masque opens it, does not explode or react at all. Inside is what appears to be a watch style object, with a moderately sized LCD screen and a number of buttons. A few moments later, as the false is about to hand it to the real it buzzes and vibrates for a short moment, before a message appears on the screen.
Was that really necessary?
He then stalks to the toilet and given his gastronomic indulgence last night... you wonder if the lurk has been outfitted with anywhere near enough air freshener...
If I lose a hand from this... He thumbs the power button and starts experimenting.
Beneath the brown paper is a non-descript box, and inside is what appears to be a watch style object, with a moderately sized LCD screen and a number of buttons. The screen seems to be inactive, but there is a fairly obvious power button.
After switching it on, the device seems primarily to focus on secure communication functions with a pre-entered list of 6 contacts; the other five members of your cell, and Doctor Destruction. Belle also discovers a camera/documentation function, data storage, and an interesting function called V-MAP, or V'Sori Military Activity Profile which currently shows several locations around Star City with various tags and icons presumably representing different activities and targets. As she looks at it one turns red and disappears, another yellow icon taking it's place in a different part of town a short time later.
Professor Mayhem frowns and holds the piece of technology up. He makes a detestable face before he sets the watch back in the box. "The Devil one can probably tell us what it does. Someone should find him. I am not wearing any piece of technology until I know what it does, especially from Destruction. I don't trust him anymore then I trust anyone else."
Professor Mayhem expresses his suspicion of the device and its maker. Better the bug you know about, no?
Looking back at Oz' sleeping form, Isabelle decides against waking him, makes a domestic shopping list & after changing into the now slightly-too-large-and-three-years-out-of-date street clothing she had Ozwald stash for emergencies, proceeds to both fill the shopping list & better familiarize herself with the neighborhood.
'Advocate, darling! You will never guess what Santa brought me...
Actually, I suspect you will given there is evidence to indicate Santa made a similar delivery to everyone.'
'If you haven't already, open yours. You will enjoy your present. Still on for our 'date' this afternoon?'
DA staggers from the office hair still wet from the rag bath provided by the small office sink.
Seeing the communicators on the others wrists and the unopened package in the dirty table Advocate exclaims. "Oh hell, no!"
Carefully opening the package to reveal the unit the Advocate the combat helmet you have seen before. Dim lights and soft sounds accompany the eyepiece sliding into place.
"Hmmm seems solid enough...Good sleek design...Modeled on the units the secret service used I think... Right let us see what you are hiding."
While the Advocate cracks the case Rebecca scans the known spectrum to identify any signals this new toy is emitting.
She certainly was arrogant enough, but Radio-Girl quibbled about taking lives. That didn't make her any less guilty, however. Whatever Masque was meant to see this device as, a gift from the Council could only be a trap. She did not take it from her masque's hands, and the masque simply shrugged and dropped it on the courier's body.
"Absolutely necessary," they both said, in case anyone was waiting for a reply. They walked out of the building and made their way back to the warehouse.
DA's paranoia kicks in over his initial excitement as he considers how best to get inside this device. He thinks to himself. "If I was an evil mastermind with a penchant for gadgets, and didn't want valuable technology of mine getting into the wrong hands, what would I do to such a device to prevent tampering."
The dun suited villain downs tools and studies the bracelet thoughtfully.
To the room: "I must admit to some caution with this gadget. If, as I think I am, I am looking at an Omega communicator. Then dear mad Dr. D has been using these successfully for the past three years. Using them without them being tapped or cracked. These must annoy the V'sori to no end."
"I expect, given time I could coax the secrets from this fine piece of work but I ask myself, what countermeasures would I install in such a thing? I would start with the best anti-tampering systems I could think of. Push too hard and the device dies and sends a kill signal back to the network. I expect there are occasional false positives and these beauties have a limited active life but that just means a bit more courier work getting replacements out."
"All in all I think this is more useful intact for now. Perhaps when I have proper equipment and an actual clean room again I will pull the pearl from this oyster but for now assume they are monitoring our location and reporting what they can back to the Doctor."
"If you like I can work up a black-box system to prevent this but that might trip the kill-setting."
Around noon, barring other excitement.
Devil's Advocate stands and walks away from the table. The Vmap tucked securely in a pocket. "Gentlemen, Ladies. I have an errand to run and then will be joining Bella for brunch. There was some loose talk about hitting up So-corp or some local drones for donations...
The Advocate presses a few buttons and the familiar figure is replaced by that of an Asian youth. Male, mid to late twenties sporting a number of tattoos and a spiked black leather jacket.
The Advocates voice seems odd coming from the youth. "..so if any of you would care to join me?"
Devil's Advocate leads as many as choose to follow on a lovely walk through South-point. The first stop is at a heavily vandalized and clearly non-functioning cash machine in a little used alley. The unit swings open as DA approaches revealing a safe like space containing a pair of guns a short black baton and two clip on belt-pouches.
"Ah, it feels good to be fully armed again."
The youth touches a couple of spikes on the jacket and the guns, pouches and baton vanish into the figure as the cash-point swings shut.
As DA's monologue descends into words much longer than Mus'ad's entire vocabulary the massive man's brow furrows into a series of valleys and mountains. Tentatively he says after "Little man want Mus'ad to come and break heads? Mus'ad is not sure... words are far too many and long"
"Yes Mus'ad," The Advocate replies speaking slowly and stressing each word as one would when speaking to a small, rather thick, child. "we are going to meet the pretty lady for brunch. We may find some SOCorp or drones along the way who will give us their toys if we ask nicely. Now, do... you.... want... to... come... along?"
Mus'ad focuses in on DA's words, squinting with effort before straightening with a laugh. "Ha! Mus'ad will come... but for food, where we eat muszt have tandoor, yes?" giving DA a companionable slap to the shoulder... a little o'erhard for his comfort.
Staggering a bit from Mus'ad's friendship The Advocate turns to the remaining residents of decrepit central.
"Professor? Bad Penny? Coming along? It's South-point Sam's."
Either as a group or with Mus'ad alone for company Devil heads off for brunch.
Next stop is a functioning cash machine on a more frequented street.
"I'll just be a moment. If you wait here the camera can't see you." The youth approaches the cash point and draws a flat silver card from his jacket. A thin wire trails from the card into the youth's sleeve. The Advocate feeds the card into the reader and again touches a few spikes on the jacket.
The cash machine whirrs and returns the card along with a sizable stack of bills. As the youth passes out of the cameras view his form shifts again and a Caucasian woman with a dyed blond Mohawk, multiple piercings and a similar but midriff baring spiked leather jacket rejoins the group. "That's better. Brunch appears to be on me." The woman smiles and takes Mus'ad's arm as they head toward South-point Sam's
The Professor shrugged. "I have no intentions of accompanying you but Destruction made it quite clear that we are an Omegan group now. Drones are useful to unlock the secrets of the V'Sori, though I would like to take one of them apart for fun and research." He comes distracted for a moment as he runs through a list of spells, and possible components that he could gain from a live V'Sori.
Devil's Advocate rallies the group together and heads off to loot some supplies, collecting from his stash first, before making a bee line for an ATM. Being in the slums of Star City that is Southpoint he only manages to score ,000 but well, at least it'll be enough for lunch.
A short time later the group makes their way to Southpoint Sam's Kede and Grill; despite the 'disappearance' of it's owner, the Atlantean-Human Hybrid for which the bar is named, not much has really changed since the place was opened a few decades ago. The menu is an odd assortment of strangely seasoned seafood dishes and more traditional bar style food, with the 'Chef's Surf and Turf' being one of the more well known fusions of the two.
Despite their odd looks the group that arrives there don't get more than a few glances in their direction, though they do have to wait a short time for a table to clear. Sam's disappearance certainly hasn't done anything to hamper the reputation of the place, and despite being in southpoint the place is known to attract all kinds from all over Star City. About the only people who don't seem to bother the place are the V'Sori and fins, how the new owner Murray accomplishes this is anyone's guess.
Damn, I was hopping Ozwald was wrong about Sam...
Well, it looks as if DA isn't here yet. Might as well enjoy a bit of people-watching...
Though she is certainly putting reasonable effort into not making herself obvious, it's kind of difficult to hide the fact that you are the most beautiful woman in the hemisphere when you have no real skill for self-concealment. The rest of you spot Belladonna sitting in a corner of the restaurant fairly soon after you enter, even with the hoodie pulled up over her head.
The attractive punk-looking young woman who just walked in with Mus'ad...Blink....well it takes all kinds I guess... Hurries over to Belle's table.
"Jackie! I haven't seen you for since that ride with your Doctor friend. " she exclaims. Sitting down she continues loudly.
"He was a strange one, where ever did you dig him up?"
Not giving you a space to answer the mohawked woman continues.
"Anyway, I know I was supposed to be here, like, and hour ago or something but there was this thing, and then I had to go to the bank, lunch is on me by the way, and some shopping and the boy here...you know how it is. So tell me what have you been doing with yourself?"
Here she steals a drink from your water glass and winks.
Mus'ad squints at the menu disapprovingly before ordering an item that piques his interest. "Mus'ad will have the wings of buffalo" thinking that implies he shall receive two slabs of magnificent bovine... and so cheap too!
"Billie!" Belladonna responds enthusiastically to the punk girl's greeting. Continuing, "Oh, you know, this 'n' that..." as she indicates a couple of bags filled with...
household cleaning supplies?
'Mus'ad, you magnificent pillar of rage, sinew & self-absorption...
If you expect to slake your hunger on , you will need to trouble our friend here for more than just one order...'
Responding out loud to the voice in his head "What?! Buffalo is big like cow no?"
"Yes but with very tiny wings." Billie fails to cover a smile.
"Let me get this...." Billie turns to the waiter and orders a deep kelp and braised sea lice salad for Bella, chilled sea hare shashimi with blanched carrots and kale for herself and four orders of everything on the menu that is deep fried for Mus'ad. Pints of Nor'easter pale are also included. Unless the seasonal brew looks better.
"So.." Billie gives Jackie a significant look "...did you run into anyone interesting while shopping? I was thinking of heading downtown to see what is in the shops today."
Professor Mayhem sits quietly with his arms crossed just staring at Belledonna for a few minutes before he turns to the waiter and orders something completely out of place that gets him a blank look from the staff. He tries several languages as well before ending with "I hate mortals. Very well, I will take the... Salad named after the amateur conqueror Caesar."
"That's right, you were always more of an Enkidu fan-boy if I recall..." 'Jackie' responds, smiling beatifically at the darkly scowling professor. Turning back to 'Billie', "Not really, mostly just catching up with old friends. Although this cute guy I'm seeing give me this great watch...
But I'm not sure about him. I think he might be seeing others as well."
Professor Mayhem slams his fist on the table, "I was no friend of Gilgamesh. Enkidu was after my times, the heavens reminder to curb his arrogance because people as strong him could still exist. Gilgamesh would have knelt before me with all of his people had it not been for the meddling of the sages and their prison." He flexes his hands as he stares at them.
"That's right, you were always more of an Enkidu fan-boy if I recall..." 'Jackie' responds, smiling beatifically at the darkly scowling professor. Turning back to 'Billie', "Not really, mostly just catching up with old friends. Although this cute guy I'm seeing give me this great watch...
But I'm not sure about him. I think he might be seeing others as well."
"Yes they are quite the rage today. A bit flashy but I see no harm in them." Billie extends her order to include the Professor's salad and whatever Oz is eating.
As the meal ends. "So Jackie, shopping? Downtown? You can try out your watch and see if we can dig up any friends."
Billie extends her order to include the Professor's salad and whatever Oz is eating.
"Let me make a quick stop at Oz' place. These..." indicating her street clothes, " really togs."
Scratching idly at his hair, Mus'ad misses his turban as he awaits his repast.
Check paid, generous tip included, and every patron and staffer who came in range image scanned and safely stored for later use by the chameleon device, DA et.al follow Bella as she heads for Oz.
Now kitted out in something dashing (like she would wear less) and perhaps with OZ in tow to carry the packages the would be Omega Cell heads north.
Mus'ad will follow... DA has promised that heads will be cracked and Mus'ad will be there to see it done!
"I have no interest in mortal shopping. I will return to the warehouse to complete the ritual to turn it into a suitable living place. Do not get yourself caught by them again, I doubt our benefactor would be there a second time."
The remaining half of the Omega cell--once the Professor leave to return to the warehouse--heads North, then south-east as Belledonna leads the way back to Oz's slovenly stye. She finds her minion snoring peacefully, and unless she bothers to wake him, he will remain as such while she changes into one of the other items of her meager wardrobe. More appropriately dressed she heads with Devil's Advocate back towards Downtown to spend some of his ill gotten gains, Mus'ad trailing in their wake.
Mus'ad sneers at just about everyone that they pass... more so at those that look weak or are lacking in cranial hair. His piggish eyes also rove for sign of something worth picking a fight with...
Notice: and
Devil's Advocate, Belledonna, and the ever sour Mus'ad hoof it on foot into downtown--the only mag-lev operating in the city being the one which traverses the bridge to the mainland and back--to peruse the shops for supplies.
It is a much changed place from it's former glory before the invasion; people still wander the streets, stare into windows, chat at restaurants... but the occasional patrol of drones and fins still freezes conversations in their tracks, a tension running through the pedestrians as they pass.
The group do their best to keep their heads down--two of them anyway--as they make their way into a sporting goods store to cross off the first few items on the list. Where DA might have been expecting rifles and ammunition he finds at best a crossbow and some arrows, and where he seeks a medical trauma kit, he finds only a first aid kit, about the most powerful thing in it some antiseptics and some antibiotics. A man in his early twenties stands behind the counter, eyeing Mus'ad warily as the brute glares around the store stocked with camping equipment, hiking gear, cold weather clothing, and other outdoor gear.
Noting the young man's attention, Mus'ad very deliberately walks up before the counter and stands his full height... glaring down at the man wordlessly with arms crossed...
Intimidation: and
Incensed with the 'even-more-sheep-like' behavior of the citizenry about them, Belledonna ramps into one of her more incendiary screeds denouncing the current power structure, the human quislings, the V'sori, the 'fins' & even the deceased & captured heroes for not seeing the true threat when there might have been time to respond appropriately.
The Advocate or rather 'Billie' does not really bother to keep 'her' head down. Billie proves to be a very good customer. Buying camping gear, packs, clothes and more (buying everything on the ooc list that is available) Billie even buys the crossbow and bolts. (A silent weapon could be useful on occasion. Besides I might be able to work up some trick bolts.)
Bellie also takes care to spread a little money around for information and good will. Dropping only semi veiled questions about buying more useful goods. (AKA trying to get in contact with some black market sellers. Streetwise if you want me to make the roll, , wild .)