Ready to go!
Given Leona a review as I might of missed something....
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The day-to-day activities of the Environmental Policy Impact Commission, also known as EPIC, are not something most people would find exciting. Mostly paperwork and the occasional site inspection, but nothing to write home about...and that is exactly how the 'Powers-that-Be' want it to look.
As members of EPIC most of your time seems to be spent on waiting. Waiting to hear about a case...waiting to be deployed, and mostly just waiting for something to happen!
With your last training classes behind you, the team has assumed their mundane positions within EPIC and, over the last few months, has been slowly gaining knowledge of their roles.
Your waiting is over....
Each of you received an 'EYES ONLY' envelope at your places of work. Within, brief instructions to travel to the city of Calgary and to present yourself at the main post office located at 510 7th Avenue SW. Once there, you are to ask for the Comptroller. You need to arrive no later than 2pm MST on April 26. Included in the package is a ticket from your city to Calgary, $1000 CDN cash and an ID with your photo on it showing you as a member of the RCMP.
It is 10am April 24th....
The final instructions are to place the information into the burn bag supplied and destroy the information and your current employee ID.
Dana got off the bus in front of Courthouse Park and scanned the area looking for the post office. As was typical, he was about twenty minutes early for his meeting.
He was wearing a simple gray suit with a hastily tied paisley-patterned tie in an unflattering color and carrying a common type of suitcase in black. Style was never much his thing, that was more his brother's forte.
Dana entered the post office and approached a clerk. "Doctor Trmeblay for the Comptroller," he said presenting his most current credentials and using what his mentor termed, "your police voice," firm and clear and confident.
He was slightly uncomfortable destroying his old ID badge and current orders, but a lot of this new detail made him less than comfortable, so this was not a new sensation. Besides, he was still a Mountie. He was just investigating far different cases than before.
Right on time, Joey muses to himself when the parcel arrives, recalling the private conversation he had with Don Vito Rizzuto less than a week ago. The Government is worried about what we stumbled across; worried enough that they took Vito's deal. It looks like I'm going to be officially working for the RCMP. "Heh," He chuckles to himself at the thought, considering he has been spending the last few years trying to keep the RCMP from knowing anything about what he and the Rizzuto family were up to.
He takes a moment to look at the government ID. Nice. Reminder to self, take note of the watermarks for future reference. RCMP fakes've gotta be a lucrative side business.
He puts the money and ticket in his safe for now, and the ID in his billfold. After memorizing the meeting location and time, he dutifully follows the instructions and uses the burn bag to destroy the letter and other now-disposable documents.
"Connie," he says in a loud, carrying tone. "Connie, hon, I have business in Calgary in a couple days. I fly out tomorrow night." When he used this tone, she knew exactly what he meant by business and that it was better she didn't ask. Ignorance of such things kept her and the kids safe. "I'll call you when I can, so you know I'm okay, but just in case, I'll make sure the bills are paid up before I go, including the life insurance."
Joey spends the remainder to the day and the next taking care of personal affairs. He makes sure all the bills are paid, as promised, and makes a point of spending quality time with Connie and the kids including going to see James and the Giant Peach, followed by a stop at the ice cream parlor.
The last thing he does before heading to the airport is to stop by the church and give his confession to Msgr. Igino and to ask for his blessing, mentioning that he may be coming face-to-face with the Devil himself within the next few days.
The evening of April 25th, Joey flies out of Trudeau International and lands in Calgary a little over 4 hours later. He checks into a hotel near the airport, and does his best to get some rest. He checks out the next morning as late as possible, grabs some breakfast at a local diner, and catches a cab into the city. Having a few hours to kill before the meeting, he decides to take the opportunity to visit the Heritage Park Historical Village. Dressed in his tailored suit, he probably stands out more than he would like, but what was more incongruous was the boy-like expression of joy on his face as he looks at the steam engine, the roundhouse, and the smithy.
Alas, all good things must come to and end, as he realizes he needs to get to his meeting. He takes the C-Train to 7th Avenue, and then walks to his destination.
Entering the building at 1:53 PM, he approaches the guard and the front desk and says, "Hiya. Renda. Guiseppe Renda. I have an appointment with the Comptroller at two." He reaches into his inner coat pocket and retrieves his billfold, pulls out his RCMP ID, and holds it out to the guard. "It's my first day, so if I'm messin' up the protocol, be a pal and let me know, 'kay?"
Leona gets off her plane and walks casually through the Calgary airport
with her looks drawing attention as she walks through the airport
What F*cking thing crawled out from the shadows and now is causing trouble.
Well I'm gonna be finding out, as EPIC is a different agency then Special Unit 2.
Also giving me that notice while on my modeling job, I'm just glad my photographer is part of the agency.
After getting into a cab and asking to be taken the Hotel at 512 7th Avenue SW, but a bit away from the post office.
She caught the driver taking a few quick peeks of her in the mirror as they drove to the address.
Another @$$ hole trying to get a good look at my chest and thinks I don't notice it.
Well, No tip for this one, he got it already.
Arriving at the address she gets out with her bag, and pays the driver the exact amount, leaving no tip.
He shouts "Hey No Tip.."
I reply back coldly "You already took it during the ride, don't think I didn't notice.
I might need to ask your Boss about employee behavior, if you complain."
The drivers face has a bit of shock and fear, and gives up getting a tip and drives off.
Leona enters through a service door.
One that her badge allows in through the special way in to a special agency only counter,
as Her agency already knows a bit about EPIC and they know this place had a second desk for agents to get their assignments.
Leona says casually says to the secretary
"One Leona Law for Comptroller, And I believe I'm 5 Minutes early for my appointment,
given where I had to come from."
Leona can see the dumbfounded look in the secretary's eyes
Then Leona adds "First time seeing someone who could be a model being part of the agency I take it.
Well I am one."
Joshua opens the envelope as soon as it is dropped off. Things have been boring in the safety department. That's a good thing, it means no one has been hurt on the job lately. His eyes scan the letter and he nods. He puts his new ID in his wallet and the old in the envelope and drops it in the burn bag.
He walks out to his truck and drives to his cabin. He takes some time getting the house in order and clean. He packs a bag with his clothes and his rifle case with his rifle in it.
When he leaves the next morning he puts on his holster with his 1911 and turns the pump off on the way out.
He arrives at the post office around 1 o'clock and approaches the desk. "Comptroller please." is all he says and waits patiently, as he scans the area for any safety hazards.
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Each of you is escorted into a rather typical-looking meeting room. The only difference you notice is that there are no windows and just one door into the room.
First into the room is Dr. Tremblay, quickly followed by Mr. Rendo. A few moments later, the door opens to Miss Law and, finally, Mr. Jericho.
All four of you are in the room...and can go ahead and interact, if you wish.
"Hi. The name's Renda, Guiseppe Renda, but no one's called me Guiseppe since my Nonna passed. Joe or Renda is fine. So, I guess we're a team now, at least for whatever the RCMP's currently got cookin'."
Joey moves towards the table, but doesn't sit.
Joshua enters the room and looks at those already there. When Joe introduces himself Joshua moves over to him and offers him a handshake as he says "I'm Joshua Jericho, nice to meet you." He then offers a hand to the others as well before sitting.
Joey smiles and returns Joshua's firm handshake. "Joshua," he says, with a nod.
Leona eyes Dr. Tremblay, and Mr. Rendo as she enters and walks in like somewhat like a model.
Then she introduces herself with her right hand on her hip, left hand brushing some hair back over her left shoulder.
"Hello, My Name is Leona Law. I hope we can work well together."
I just hope it doesn't end up like that one teaming up of folks, a few years ago...
When Joshua enters she again introduces herself.
She looks over the team
Looks like we have a man of Science, of they might have a hard time with the truth of things,
a mobster, might be good for underground information
and given that look in his eye, a survivor of the truth.
”A pleasure, Miss Law,” Joey replies in a respectful tone. He pulls out a chair for her , and with a gesture, offers her the seat.
Leona looks at Joey and thinks on his actions
"Hmm... Seems he's being polite.....
But if I take a seat while he's still standing, he'll be getting a good view....
Ahh ... this is always a bit of a pain....freaking curse...
Well it is also a curse that pays the bills, but the trouble ain't worth it."
She finally replies with a
"Thank you"
and takes a seat graciously on the simple chair joey offered
with her derriere filling the chair's width.
Finding himself alone at first, Dana pulls out a copy of the latest Lancet and resumes reading an article about hip dysplasia he had started on the flight out of Toronoto. When others finally begin to arrive he notes his stopping point and feigns reading, preferring to observe a moment. Presumably, this is his new squad. The others make introductions, and he remains quiet as the others get comfortable.
"Well," he says at last, setting the medical journal down. "It is nice to meet you all. I am Doctor Dana Tremblay. You can just call me Dana. I assume we all have some experience with law enforcement? Don't let my title fool you, I have plenty of field experience." He stands and removes his suit coat. Hanging from a shoulder holster is the standard sidearm of the RCMP, a S&W nine millimeter. Dana cracks his neck and returns to his chair. "I had a long flight, it would have been nice if they'd offered us coffee, huh?"
Leona replies after hearing the Doctor's words while in her seat crossing her legs with a straight back for a proper posture,
which also prominently enhances her figure some.
"Well then Dana, I hope you are ready for what you might experience while on the Job.
As some experiences in an agency like this one might break you."
she smiles a bit before adding
"Just hope you never get cursed, as some Curses are a royal pain to live with."
"Curses? What, like Jack Russel in Marvel Spotlight #2?" Dana chuckles, assuming Leona just likes to toy with people, or possibly play the cryptic mystic for unknown reasons. Attractive women sometimes like to play on stereotypes about witches. "The last time I was cursed, I was informed by a serial killer's taunting letter. A week later and we caught him. I guess his curse was a weak one."
Leona keeps smiling leaning forward a bit as she replies
"Oh sarcasm... Not a good look for you, Unless your playing Dr Gregory House."
she then adds while making eye contact
"And you might learn what I mean about curses a bit later,
As I don't think your ready for the real McCoy of the hidden truths that some agencies hide."
and for a brief moment as she spoke her Blue irises changed to Violet irises.
"Hiya doin' Dana. I'm Joe," Joey says, offering the doctor his hand. "Is this all of us? It seems our new boss's runnin' late."
Joey checks his watch almost reflexively with the statement. He does not take a seat, but instead leans against the wall in one corner of the room, opposite the door.
At the mention of curses, Joey makes a small sign of the cross, followed by a gesture resembling the 'devil horns' enthusiastically raised skyward by heavy metal music fans. Instead of raising the 'horns', however, he points them downward towards the floor.
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While talking among yourselves, the door opens and a petite, older oriental woman with straight, iron-grey hair that frames her smooth, serene features walks in. She is dressed in a soft green tailored blouse with a knee-length skirt. When she speaks, you can hear the faint traces of a British accent.
"Dr. Tremblay, this is not the meeting room in a Holiday Inn. If you want some coffee, you should have brought it yourself. Now, please, all of you sit."
She waits until the group has settled before continuing.
"I am Mrs. Lee, the Managing Director of the Calgary office of EPIC. You have been called in for two reasons. Firstly, you are new agents to our "Company" and as such are still in the training stage of your employment. That said, you can consider this your final test. Success means you can consider yourselves members of this elite, and dangerous agency. Failure...well, let's just say there are no ex-EPIC operatives around. I take it we understand each other."
She waits a moment, looking each of you directly in the eyes. She continues...
"The second reason you are here is that we have no one else at the moment to call upon. Our other agents are either too busy or are recovering from other assignments. Are there any questions so far?"
Dana just shakes his head no and waits patiently. He is used to sitting quietly and just observing. Hong Kong, perhaps? Given her accent? Not much to go on, but it's a start, he thinks to himself. Employer or not, he always wants to know everything about every principle in an investigation.
Joey takes a seat when instructed by the Comptroller.
He listens carefully to Ms Lee, and glances at his companions. Sounds like the same stuff Vito said when I was brought in. Looks like I’m in two Families now. Glad I’m paid current on the life insurance.
”No M’am,” Joey replies.
Joshua just shakes his head. She really hasn't said anything that needs clarifying.
Leona observes the room like a predator hunting prey.
She thinks on Ms Lee's words puts her hand to her chin
Training stage, right, Special Unit 2, has a good deal of Overlap with EPIC. So I'm more like a Veteran, but should still learn from them still to keep appearances. Though I wonder if I should start poking the bear to see how much they know about Special Unit 2. Didn't help that we had that little info leak. Thank goodness SU2 fragments files so complete pictures of things are very hard to find. So it wasn't too bad, but they aren't sure if rookie accessible records were leaked, or if some of the more detailed fragments were leaked.
Leona then asks Ms Lee
"So your so short staffed, you even needed to drag in a model for something like this?
Or is there another reason to do so?"
She observes Ms Lee to hard to spot any tells in her answers for lies or other hints.
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Ms. Lee scans over to where Leona is sitting, and right away, you can tell that she does, indeed, know more about you and your situation than you might have liked.
"I am sure, Miss Law, that your 'skills' will be appropriately used to help the team reach its goals. Now, were there any other questions before we get down to the brass tacks!"
Leona observes processing the response and thinks
So they got fragments they really should not have in their hands.
Well, both agencies deal with supernatural entities.
But then again EPIC is only a National agency, Special Unit 2 is a continental agency covering Canada, The States, and Mexico,
With Special Unit 1 pretty much being Europe, and Special Unit 0 being the Middle East.
I am Wondering what the heads of Special Unit 2 were thinking,
They should of made the job more clear, but I am getting the feeling they are either;
Sending me in to find out how much they know, that they shouldn't know
or
They are lending me out to help them out...
Though the first option is a maybe as I suck with computers,
but then again I'm good at the social engineering aspect of fishing out information.
I guess I can poke the bear a bit more as well and see if she slips a bit of what she knows
Leona looks at Mrs Lee
"Well I hope my "skills" as a model are useful being a trainee."
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After Mrs. Lee's reply
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Leona then smiles asking those in the room.
"Well I hope everyone has their PAL license for any arms they have.
As I wouldn't like it if someone was using firearms they aren't ready for."
"I'm good," Joey says in reply. "As long as I'm not called on to fire a Stinger or one of those big-ass fifty cal sniper rifles, anyway."
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Mrs. Lee waits until all that had questions asked them before moving on.
"I am sure your skills will be put to good use Miss Law and you should not need any extra weapons or any type of high explosives on this mission. Let me remind you all, we work quietly from the shadows...if you have to use a weapon in the execution of this mission, let it be your minds rather then a gun!"
She looks at all of you in turn before continuing.
"Now then... let's get down to brass tacks, shall we. You will proceed to the residence of Clyde Baughman. Once there, you will remove any evidence of Delta Green’s activities. Baughman’s heirs are expected within 48 hours. Make sure everything is clean by then. Involve no one else in this operation. Once completed, you will meet back here in 48 hours with your final report. If you find signs that Baughman violated Delta Green security, report them."
Opening her attaché case, she removes a file. On one of the pages, a key has been taped.
"Here is a brief file of Mr. Baughman and the key to his apartment. I will see you in 48 hours from now."
"Are there suspicions that he violated security protocols?" Dana asks as he reaches for the file to skim it. He has a dozen other questions, especially about the apparently late Mister Clyde Baughman and how he came to be a corpse, how the company was alerted to the status, where the body is now, and many more. "Was he working any current cases, I mean, missions?"
”What happens if we encounter one of these relatives who decides to show up early?” Joey asks. ”Do you want us to abort the mission, flash a badge and tell them we are looking for classified government documents, or do you want us to take care of the potential security threat and clean the site?”
Leona goes over Ms Lee's words as she re-crosses her legs with her arms under her chest then says
"Guessing your thinking of me as a Weapon of Mass Distraction "
As lifts her arms some to cause a bit of a distracting chest bounce as she continues
"if attention starts falling our way.
Ah, does EPIC also only think of me as just a weapon on Mass Distraction, and a pretty face...."
Leona then faces two of her speaking team members.
"Since Mr Baughman is dead and we are being sent in, it is to make sure secrets stay buried.
Guessing he was on a case and was working things out, they just want to make sure he left no notes for his a heirs to find."
Though SU2 does allow family to join the agency provided certain conditions are met...
More so if a child of theirs has inherited an entity bloodline....