Scene #1411: Chasing Case 53

Owner	Pose
Defiant	The Pendragon is heading to Scion-Earth's version of Philadelphia. To those who have decided to come along on the apparent investigation (and just what sort of investigation involves two power-armored superheroes and their giant robot dragon mech?) it's a simple matter - there's someone selling superpowers in bottles and, to Defiant and Dragon, this is a large enough problem that it should be quashed out. Dragon had apparently identified the person known only as 'the Dealer' just a few hours ago inside Philadelphia's metro area and, with a brief chat with Chevalier, the head of Philadelphia's Protectorate, the pair has managed to bring a team into the city. The inside of the Pendragon is a bit on the cramped side but it was apparently designed to transport a dozen people and their equipment. Dragon and Defiant sit in the front of the craft, pilot and co-pilot. "We're a few minutes out," Dragon states, looking back towards the passengers. With their armor and helmets on, the pair are virtually identical. "Any questions?"
Steve Rogers	The whole issue of people 'selling bottled superpowers' is a big enough issue to bring Captain America out to investigate as well. And he doesn't have powered armor or heavy firepower. ... He has a shield. "Do we have any code names for this stuff, or anyone associated with its production and distribution? Anything that we can ask about that might point us in the right direction?" he asks Dragon.
Finna	"Juuuuuuuuuuuuuust one. How much trouble do we expect this guy to be? Orrr is that even worth asking?" When the HECK did Finna join up for this endeavor? ... When and WHY? Hard to say. One moment she wasn't there, next she was... seated on one of the seats. Someone may have unknowingly played host to a mouse on their pant legs. Or perhaps a fly on their back. But whatever the case, she appears on a seat as if from nowhere. Whatever magic that was used to mask her presence... gone. She just LOVES to befuddle people no matter what kind of trouble that causes, doesn't she? "Give us the story on this guy, what kind of powers people've been... getting... is this a guy? Girl? Both?" ...Both? "I can go slipping around in the alleys, see if anything funny's going on... you tell me where to look if not. City life... not my style." It isn't, is it? Why does she spend so much time in cities these days then?
Wally West	Wally West, aka Drift, has come along for this little trip. Though he wouldn't have come if it wasn't for the fact money was involved. Even if the idea of bottled super powers is a slight concern... The black suited speedster has his hands behind his head and one leg crossed over the other. He is possibly jamming to music in his headset, only he can hear--- unless someone has /very/ sensitive ears. like inhuman sensitive. His foot moves ever so slightly with the beat of the music he is listening too, though when Dragon asks them about any questions, Wally taps his ear-cap to shut off the music, His foot coming down and leaning forward a bit. "Yeah. I have one. What do we have on this.. Dealer? Like does /he/ have any special powers? How many goons are under his employment? What kind of resistance we maybe expecting?" Then after he says that he looks at America who asks his questions either before or after, then he gives the man a grin, "Fancy running into you again, Cap." Though it sounds like Finna maybe asks the same, which causes Wally to look toward her and then furrows his brows behind the reflective visor of his. "And another one as well.. small world."
Auron	An investigation that involves costumed superheroes and their dragon-shaped mech is probably one of the only ones Auron could go along with a weapon like he usually carries around. But he's actually without it at the moment. He's not dressed in his usual attire, either. His normal attire is likely a dealbreaker for 'don't draw a lot of attention' as a requirement. Sure, capes and spandex, since everybody's used to that. But Auron doesn't wear spandex. He's not wearing it now, either. Instead he's wearing a nice, three-piece gray suit. The sleeves look a little looser than they might normally be, especially at his wrists. But that's because he's wearing his 'gift' from Altair. Looser pants too, and he's wearing those boots that he always wears. But to the normal observer, he's just wearing a well-made gray suit. He listens to the questions of the others, keeping quiet for the time being. He'll speak up if he has something to add, but for right now others are asking the questions, and he benefits the most from staying silent and listening to the answers.
Staren	Staren has joined this little group, after apologizing for last night's misunderstanding to Dragon. For now he's in street clothes -- his normal clothes with his labcoat replaced by a blue jacket -- and there's an overly large metal suitcase tucked away in whatever passes for a cargo compartment. "Yeah. What's known about where powers come from in this world? Do we have any hypotheses at all about how this person can give people powers? ...Or is it possible he's an extraversal, using multiverse magic or tech to bestow powers that resemble the superpowers of this world?"
Defiant	Dragon turns in her seat, and seems to leave Defiant in command of the Pendragon. Knowing Defiant, this is probably better for all parties involved. To Steve, she says: "No. What we do know is that this man is almost certainly connected to what we call Case 53 capes. These are capes who exhibit physical deformities or mutations." Nodding to Staren, she adds, "Like Weld, whom you encountered in Brockton Bay yesterday. All of the Case 53s exhibit a mark somewhere on their body, something that resembles the greek letter omega." To Finna, she says, "As for the powers the Case 53s exhibit, there is little that seperates them from the powers other capes possess." Dragon turns in her seat, turning the featureless helmet and its blank lenses on Drift. "Very little. He has never been seen demonstrating a power and, as best we can tell, operates alone. He might be a Tinker who has found some way of granting powers, or he might be the representative of a larger organisation." To Staren, "He was present before Unification. We have had scattered reports of him for several months." "One minute out," Defiant comments. "There is a nightclub," Dragon says, "Where we have recently seen him in security camera footage, and one where there has been an unusually high number of Case 53s in the past three days. This is where we will start."
Staren	Staren nods. "I see." He reaches into his bag and pulls out a small, clear crystal. After concentrating on it for a moment, his ears and tail appear to vanish, with normal human ears apparent on the sides of his head.
Wally West	Drift gives a soft nod of his head at the information given by Dragon. "Right." He leans back and crosses his arms over his chest. "Man.. hate lack of details.." He rests his head back, before then looking at Finna. Then there was a grin on his face, "So.. you do this kind of stuff often, babe?" Don't worry, he'll stay focused once they are on the ground. Really!
Steve Rogers	"So we ask around and try not to pick fights," says Captain America. "Do you need me to try and be a little less recognizable?" he asks, gesturing at his uniform ... which is, well, pretty obvious. Given that this was a superhero operation, of course he came dressed for the occasion. "Or will my being identifiable help draw some attention away from the Protectorate?" Besides, it's not a lie that SHIELD is rather curious about what's going on here - that is, in fact, exactly why Cap is here in the first place. But if 'Dealer' and his compatriots are going to react aversely to ANY kind of outside attention swinging towards them, better to sort that out now while Cap can improvise an alternate costume of some sort.
Auron	The mention of the Omega mark gets a frown from Auron. "...A mark like that doesn't sound like it comes from a drug," he observes quietly. Though this is the Multiverse, anything's possible. Possibilities swirl about in his mind, but he doesn't voice them yet. No need yet, and it might skew the investigation if he did voice them. He raises the brow of his remaining eye at Wally's antics, emitting a quiet, amused snort. Though he remains quiet on it, since it's not his place to intervene. Cap's words get his attention next, and he looks to Dragon for the answer as well. It's true that it's a bit late for him to change for utility over blending in. He's not exactly a cape anyway, so it works. But he's curious, just for future reference.
Defiant	"So do I," Dragon tells Wally. "Touching down," Defiant advises, and the Pendragon settles down onto its feet, rocking slightly. The engines begin to wind down and Defiant rises from his seat. He takes up his spear - little more than a long tube - and attaches it to his belt. He's already moving for the main hatch. "Pendragon, when there are no more people aboard this craft, secure all hatches, execute." "Yes, Defiant." Dragon follows. She looks to Captain America as she takes up a gladius from where Defiant had picked up his spear. She stows it at her thigh. "I think your uniform is fine. It is distinctive and doesn't match anyone in the Protectorate database. Let's try to avoid a fight. Chevalier gave us access to his city under the terms that we don't get into a fight. We'll make the Dealer come quietly, or find some way of tracking him." And then she's out into the night air, Defiant falling into step behind her. The Pendragon has touched down in what looks like an empty parking lot, dominating the whole lot. The nightclub shouldn't be far.
Finna	"So deformities come with the powers... meaning there's probably more catches. There's always catches..." She stands up to stretch and... MAAAAAYBE coincidentally but likely not, her tail brushes over Wally's way in the motion. It's probably, PROBABLY coincidence that the tail brushes his nose as she stretches... .... naaaah... But you'll never get her to admit that. "Mmmmmrghh..." Sitting back down again, she folds both arms under across her chest and declares, "This kinda stuff? A lot? ... More than I thought I'd be! Kind of have a back-scratching arrangement with the Union... so I drop in, do some heroics... wish something I'm able to shine in would come up, though!" Whatever that is.
Wally West	Finna's tail rolls under his nose and it twitches it gently. It was hard to tell he was watching her, but Drift was so watching. Her reflection caught in his visor as she sits back down and smirks faintly. "Back scratching huh? Not for the excitement or possible danger?" Though when the Pendragon goes to set down and the others get out, Drift goes then to stand up and walks over to the steps before motioning to the door, "Ladies first." He says to Finna keeping the grin on his face. Once they do step off, he looks around the empty parking lot and then glances around. "So.. that night club," Putting on a bit more of a game face. "How far is it from here and is it guarded? I can probably do a quick scout around to parameter and report back with anything." This is when Drift stretches, "After all, speed is my thing. I can run ten laps in a second, maybe even faster then that when I'm feelin' in the mood." He then places his hands on his hips.
Steve Rogers	Cap rises to his feet once the Pendragon touches down, and nods to Dragon before joining the general exodus from the airship. He's already looking around as he emerges into the parking lot, looking around to orient himself and try to scope out the lay of the land. He seems content to let Dragon take the lead towards the nightclub - but he's also keeping his eyes peeled for anything apart from the nightclub that might be worth a closer look.
Staren	"Don't get into a fight? How can we guaruntee that? I mean, we'll /try/ not to... then again, as far as this world knows, I'm just some new Tinker they've never heard of, right?" As he says this, he draws his laser pistol, ejects the battery, re-inserts it, and holsters it. "So it won't be traced back to... no, you're here, and people will remember Dragon and Defiant getting into a fight. Ah well. I will try to avoid a fight." Staren looks to Finna. "Catches? Maybe, who knows?" Staren looks at Drift when he brags about his speed. "Man, you gotta race Rainbow Dash someday."
Auron	Auron too exits the craft, after the others so he can watch their backs. His normal modus operandi. He straightens his tie as he gets out, and adopts an air like one would expect of a man in a gray suit. He's not sure where the nightclub is, so he'll need to at least follow until they get there. Adding to Wally's suggestion, Auron offers one of his own. "Once we get there, it might be a good idea for us to enter at different times if you'd rather them not immediately associate us with each other," Auron suggests. He can look the part of a 'normal schlub' looking for a fast-track to be a cape.
Defiant	"Not far," Dragon advises. "Take the next right and then head down the street for two blocks. If you see anything that looks out of the ordinary, let us know." If Drift were to race off ahead, he'd find a fairly standard nightclub made out of some old building - it isn't a classy establishment. A pair of tall, muscular bouncers seem to be doing their best to keep the line of clients orderly and well-mannered. No one outside seems to have any indicator that they're anything but a normal person. "I agree with Auron," Dragon says. "And I'm already pulling up a floorplan. Defiant and I will go in through the front door. This will draw attention to us. There are two additional fire exits and we'll need those covered in case anyone tries to slip out. The rest can follow us in."
Staren	"This is a world of superhumans. What's 'normal'?" Staren asks.
Finna	Finna's looking incredulous at Drift's claims, but her eyebrows raise slightly and the expression's joined by a slight smirk. As if to say, 'can you REALLY now?' "So you DO have a few bones of heroism in you, Mr. I work For Money" Yup, she'll poke him in that. And then... after looking left and right to make sure nobody's looking... somewhat exaggeratedly... "Tada!" She spins in place. Silvery light wreathes around her body momentarily like streamers. It all comes back to her, reforms... she's changed clothes... and hairstyle... and hair COLOR... Silky, long blue hair, smooth and fine as it gets.... runs down her back, all the way to her waist. Her outfit's also shifted into a cerulean gown of simple design with a vaguely china-dress aesthetic. Then, after a moment, she looks over her shoulder at Defiant and executes a concerned whisper. "...Wait a moment, do people have blue hair in this world?"
Defiant	"Costumes and disguises for one," Defiant replies. "Even villains have a uniform." He just stares at Finna for a moment. "Hair dye does exist."
Finna	Finna seems to ponder this knowledge for a few moments... then snaps her fingers. The hair shifts from blue to shimmery earthy brown, the change beginning at the roots and cascading down her back.
Wally West	Drift snaps a salute to Dragon, "Got it." He then looks over to Staren as he makes his comment, "Can she move at mach speeds?" He says with a boyish smirk, before suddenly he is gone. There is only a kick up air from where he was. Just a blur of speed really. By the time Dragon finishes explaining the plan to Auron, here comes back Drift. He slides hard, his feet sliding across the ground, a few papers laying around may be kicked up. Perhaps one right for Staren's face if he isn't careful. Not intentional, really! "They got two tall bouncers. The building looks pretty old, not what I call a top class place from the outside-- though may not be the case on the inside. The music was really muffled, which means some expense was at least put in for sound dampening." Drift then crosses his arms over his chest as he continues. "Also quiet the line, so if we act like the normal crowd-- we may be waiting around for awhile. If these guys got a back way in, I may be able to hack the lock and get us in that way.. or we make ourselves out to be VIPs-- I mean.. what nightclub doesn't have VIPs right?" Drift then thinks a bit more. "..also if the door is locked with no lock... I.. might be able to shake myself through.. but.." He doesn't sound very comfortable with that idea.
Staren	A blue-white tendril of energy reaches out from Staren's chest and touches the paper, freezing it in midair (but not timestopping it. It still rustles slightly in the wind). Then the tendril disappears and the paper falls. "Hmm. Go for the locks?" He looks from Drift to Finna. "Or talk our way in?"
Finna	"Kitty-boy," Finna sweves about to waggle a finger at the scientist, "Simpler answer. I sneak in as some little critter like a bug or a mouse, slip into the back, find the door and open it from inside. No need to talk or risk alarms!" Oh so she DOES know about alarms. "They won't be locked from INSIDE right? ... Oh, there might be someone on the inside. Ehhh... six to one half-dozen the other."
Auron	Auron nods to Defiant's idea. He pauses a moment to look at Finna's change. "Handy ability to have," he observes. Suddenly Drift's zooming away... and then zooming back. The speed seems to surprise Auron and he blinks his remaining eye as Wally gives his account of what's there. Bouncers and a line of people wanting to get in. "That might mean a list," he observes. Finna's plan gets a nod. "Other ways in might be a good idea for plan B, in case the doors are watched inside. Is there access from the roof?" he inquires.
Staren	Staren nods to Finna, smiling. "That works!" He'd thought about sneaking in as a cat, but... a cat is big enough to be noticed, in a place like this. He suspects.
Steve Rogers	"Finna's shapeshifting would let her slip inside and scout around," Cap agrees. "We'd probably be better going in like regular visitors, though ..." He looks to Dragon and Defiant, "Would this kind of place have a cover charge or anything? Or would the bouncers likely accept bribes to get inside without already being on the list?" It's worth asking, right? Particularly since this sounds like the sort of place to operate on the shadowed side of the law.
Wally West	Drift gives a nod to Finna as she suggests it. "That works, but you'll need to make sure to take out the cameras. Most places have cameras watching the doors and stuff." He has learned a great deal of this stuff from a man in black who is pretty much the night.
Defiant	As Drift reports, Dragon nods to him. "Thank you, Drift. Once I am inside, I'll disable their cameras." She's already moving, with Defiant just a few paces behind. People turn to look at the pair of green-and-gold armored heroes as they approach - but they have no idea who they are. When the bouncers move to block them, Defiant steps up and holds himself over them. Dragon slips through and Defiant seems to be set on monitoring the front door. "Go about your business," he intones, "And don't think about alerting anyone. We will know." Slip in through a fire exit? Shapeshift in? Bribery? Say 'I'm with the green and gold brigade'?
Finna	"Cameras. Please. Those fake eyes are easier to fool than real ones!" She takes a few deep breaths, gathers a bit of Essence into her stance... Dragon's sensors... and for that matter, anything else that relies on a camera or other technological vision fails to register Finna. There might be a slight moment of static once or twice, but she's simply GONE off them. A moment later she cancels the effect and will reappear on such sensors. Of course people relying n normal senses don't recognize a change one way or the other. "Besides, who cares about a mouse? Either way, can't waste much more Essence and still make a good time of this so pick your poison!"
Staren	Staren, meanwhile, heads around to the back to look for the door Finna will open. While he waits... what the. hey, why not? He'll scan for wireless networks that might be crackable with a faster, more advanced computer. Just in case this is a secret base of operations, or he can get to the cameras that way.
Steve Rogers	Rather than going in right behind Dragon, Cap lingers outside for approximately a ten-count, sizing up the bouncers; if they seem like they're going to go against Defiant's 'command,' he's ready to reach over his shoulder, grab his shield, and do something useful with it. He's hoping he WON'T have to, though. Assuming no such trouble emerges, about ten seconds later (give or take; he errs on the long side), Captain America strolls into the club through the front door as if he's an established member who has every conceivable right to be here. More right to it, probably, than anyone else who might notice him. At least, that's the air he's trying to convey.
Auron	Shapeshifting is right out for Auron. As is bribery-- he doesn't have anything with him that these guys would be interested in. he does carry things like Fire Gems, true. But as much as they're valuable in battle, aren't worth much outside it. They're obviously not gems. So there's really nothing he can do but go in as Cap does. Steve has something, in that air he's trying to convey; Auron does the same. Once he's (hopefully) inside, Auron starts looking for the exits, mentally making note of where they are, and finding a place he can watch as many of them as possible.
Wally West	Drift tilts his head to Finna, "I was more like thinking about the rest of us.." While Cap plays 'I belong here', including with Auron and Staren goes to 'hack', Drift can only hope Finna can get in and give everyone away in. As for the Speedster? He actually goes straight up the wall at full speed. Running straight up and flipping up onto the roof. He crouches down and tries to see what he can find up there. Also mindful of any cameras that could be up here.
Defiant	Inside the club, Dragon stands well above almost every other clubgoer. And all of them keep a wide berth from her. She stands at the periphery of it all, helmet turning left and right, like she's trying to pick people out. "No sign of the Dealer," she reports, finally. There's a few strange people around, though. A woman in what looks like some weird black-and-white combination of a dress, samurai armor and riot gear. Another, younger woman in a green dress and hood. On the other side of the club, there's another young woman in a red black costume - and a gasmask. "But I have eyes on Faultline and two members of her group. Labyrinth and Spitfire." On the roof, Drift doesn't spot any cameras, just a roof exit. That's good. What might be less good is the young man standing by the door - with bright orange skin and dark red hair - and a tail. "Uh... 'sup?" he asks. Staren finds the door - it's a heavy thing. No wireless networks beyond the club's wi-fi system it seems. He almost bumps into a morbidly obese man with translucent skin and a fair number of small, hardened growths like little spirals over his face and neck. "Help you?" he grunts, in heavily accented English.
Finna	"That's one of my specialties. Infiltration. Sabotage!" And probably a few more fanciful words... but with everyone doing their own thing, Finna decides to just run her way up the wall and join Drift on the roof. except hearing a voice that isn't HIS, she never finishes that climb and instead dangles from the edge with just enough of her head peeking up to see what's happening. Once she's sure that this guy's attention is firmly on Drift however... She scurries up, slithering across the ground in a snake-like manner to put herself out of easy sight of this one... 'guard.' Meanwhile, she rummages through a pouch or two and pulls out a throwing pick and some err... augmentative treatments for the pick. The kind that might knock somebody out for an hour if it gets into their system, y'see.
Staren	Staren blinks. He's used to seeing nonhumans, but this guy is notable as seemingly the only one here. Staren is slightly surprised, that someone is here and at his appearance, as he looks him over. Staren considers lies he can tell that would explain why he's going to be let in the back door and comes up blank. "Uh... Do you work here?"
Steve Rogers	Gas mask? Inside a nightclub where everyone else is breathing the air just fine? As soon as Captain America spots the young woman sporting such an unlikely accessory, he has to consciously prevent himself from going for his shield. Something about her just screams HYDRA to him, mostly because every single HYDRA mook he ever faced during World War II was wearing a largely-similar mask to that one. Maybe not quite as obvious with the air-filters as most gas masks are, but ... close enough. So much for casually belonging where he is, huh? Cap finishes stifling the impulse to grab his shield off his back and sidles a little closer to Dragon. "Know anything useful about them?" he inquires, more or less sotto voce.
Wally West	Drift gives a smile to the guy. While he takes notice of Finna, the visor hides where his eyes are looking. The only down side is their reflective quality, so he tries to make sure to keep Finna out of the reflection as he talks and moves ever so slightly. "Hey there! Hope you don't mind me coming up here. Heard the view up here from a lady friend of mine was breathtaking at night. I was trying to see if she was right and you know-- maybe get some pictures for her." Drift says trying to keep the guy distracted. "Cause you know how the ladies can be about stuff. Finding the right place, right spot.. eh?"
Auron	Auron listens to the radio, and nods. These supervillains are mercenaries and they have a lot of these 'artificial' superpowers. They must know something. So he acts as though he's just noticed the people and then heads in their direction. "Excuse me..." His voice sounds younger, lacking the gruffness that he usually has in his tone. He also feigns nervousness, and looks around. "I've... I've heard a rumor that I'd like to ask about..." He gives off the air of a person who knows he shouldn't be asking about it, but just has to. Curiosity? Or desperation? Hard to tell.
Defiant	On the roof, Newter's face splits in a goofy, confident grin. Looking past the bright orange skin and tail, he'd be fairly handsome. "Huh, no way? I know just how the ladies can be about stuff. Wish I could be down in the club, you know? Girls dig the whole 'freaky monster' look." He laughs - and doesn't seem to notice Finna. Out the back, Gregor looks to Staren. His face is just... neutral. "I am working here, yes," he comments. "Fire exit. Not entrance." Inside the club, Auron wanders towards Faultline and Labyrinth. Faultline turns to look at him from behind a blank visor that's something like a riot shield. "Have you now?" She doesn't sound impressed. And Dragon looks to Captain America. "Power capabilities, general psychological patterns - nothing that tells me why they're here. This is well outside their territory."
Finna	For a few brief moments, Finna considers making things a little bit surreal for this 'Newter.' Only Defiant's warning ringing in her ears keeps her from that path. She stays hidden, but her ears perk and an amused smile flickers across her face. OHHHHH these boys. These BOYS. Haha!
Wally West	Drift gives a nod of his head and keeps up the boyish grin, "Don't I know it, man." He then rubs his chin in thought, "Heey," he then grins a wicked grin, "Maybe I could invite my lady friend up here and you two could meet up.. maybe have our own party up here, you know what I mean?" Drift then cants his head a bit to the side, still careful about his placement. "Speaking of dude-- why aren't you down in the club? Someone got you stuck up here on boring old guard duty?"
Auron	That's okay, he's not trying to impress her. In fact, just the opposite. He doesn't look all that impressive anyway-- his muscules aren't bulky, they're compact. Like this, it's difficult to see his build. So at the moment he looks not too different from the average pencil pusher. which is exactly what he wants. "I heard about a drink that could... do things for people," he says. He's hedging, the way someone would do if they were nervous and trying not to offend or say too much. "You see, I have... problems. With getting respect. And I think that this drink might be able to... to fix that, you know?"
Staren	"...Right." Staren says, somewhat lamely. He thinks about trying to talk his way in, but... he just can't think of anything. So he turns and starts heading around back to the front. Stupid line. Plan B, then. While in the alley, Staren shifts into a black cat. Then he creeps around to the front entrance, seeing if he can sneak by the bouncers while they're distracted by the line. Of course, then he'll have to find somewhere secluded to change back... or maybe not. Shapeshifters are a thing, after all!
Defiant	On the roof, Newter's grin only intensifies. "Sure, man. Hell yeah - just don't be too cut up if she can't help but taste the orange, y'know?" He seems to pointedly ignore the last question. Faultline continues to stare at Auron. "So you've heard about him, too. My people and I are looking to find him. If you come with us, perhaps we can find a place for you." Staren manages to make it inside without much fuss, managing to get a glimpse of Dragon still trying to scope out the crowds. Still nothing, it seems. So, where the hell is he? Could half a dozen capes have gotten all of this wrong?
Staren	Staren finds someplace to change back, then looks around the club. ...What is he looking /for/, anyway? If you were a mysterious person handing out powers, where would you be? He starts looking for shady back corners with mysterious figures waiting alone, or possibly in groups.
Auron	Auron nods to the question of having heard about 'him'. And his eyes go a little wide when Faultline says they may be able to find a place for him. He smiles. "Thanks, I'd appreciate that." He offers a hand for a handshake. "Aaron Kimura," he introduces. He /does/ look slightly Asian after all. "When's he expected to show up?" Auron inquires. "And how will you know him when he does?" He reaches up, to scratch his ear. He can't talk on the radio during a conversation without appearing to be mumbling to himself. So instead he just turns the radio on, so his conversation can be heard.
Wally West	Drift frowns inside that the guy doesn't answer the question, but on the outside he keeps up the whole gig, including signally Finna in a silent way to move right on in. "Well, if she does-- at least I'd get a chance to enjoy the show. Some things are nicer when they are enjoyed with a view." He says with a snap of his finger. He can only hope Finna has this. He is pretty sure by now everyone else is inside-- but they-- they get a chance to check out another level entirely. Maybe they'll get luck-- or not. Who knows!
Steve Rogers	Cap nods to Dragon, and continues to scope the interior of the club for a bit before finally making his way towards one of the supervillainous women. The girl in the green dress and the hood, in particular, seems to have his attention. And despite the fact that they're probably going to be enemies ... "Hey. Were you waiting for someone, or just hanging around?" ... he can still make an open effort to be a nice guy. Besides, the friendly approach - and he's not even trying to hit on her or anything, just to be polite and friendly - can work wonders sometimes.
Finna	"...." THAT comment out of Newter sets Finna off. Ignoring Drift's earlier request, she springs up high into the air and just HURLS the throwing pick down for him. But when she lands, silent as an owl diving for prey in the night... she suddenly has managed to pull out grip and crossguard of well-made clubword - the Business end is mostly missing. But it's just long enough for... "Yoohooo, Newtie. Nightie nightie!" ... She landed in a crouch of course. Because she RAMS this thing up at an angle, straight for his CENSORED At the same time she hurls a rock at the ground. It skips OFF the ground between his legs and straight up for... the sensitive parts on the OTHER side of a guy's body. That... is going to hurt. It's going to hurt so badly that Finna's found people generally can't even get a chance to scream, because it empties their lungs out of pure shock. ... And by that time the knockout drug will hopefully take effect?
Wally West	Drift can only /wince/ a little as he watches Finna go to work. He can-- kinda sympathize with the dude in his head. Even if it /doesn't/ work-- just the idea. Just the /sheer/ idea of it all.
Defiant	In the club, Faultline accepts Auron's hand. "Faultline," she replies. "He should be here already, and he's carrying a silver suitcase. It won't be a problem." Labyrinth stares out from under her hood at Steve Rogers. She doesn't say anything and, really, by the look in her eyes, she doesn't seem to be all there. Faultline says, "Don't bother her, thank you." On the roof, Newter grins at Drift, and is suddenly put down by Finna. He crumples over, spittle flying from his mouth - make sure that doesn't get on your skin! The roof is clear! Staren, in the club, keeps his eyes peeled. Shady back corners, mysterious figures... There! A glimpse of someone poking his head in through one of the back 'staff only' corridors. Suit, hat - and a suitcase. He pokes his head in, seems to see something, and then walks away!
Wally West	Drift has to do a quick step to avoid the spit, though he suddenly shows up behind the dude and Finna. He then looks over to the door, then back at Finna. He'll let the lady do her work.
Steve Rogers	"... right," Cap answers Faultline after a moment, shifting his attention to her. And Auron seems to already be on top of the situation with that one - so he can either go talk to the gas-mask girl (which idea really doesn't sit well with him), or he can circulate. ... speaking of which, this IS a nightclub; it would be weird not to drink. So Captain America meanders towards the bar for a beer; his metabolism should knock out the alcohol without giving it a chance to affect him.
Finna	Finna rifles through the fallen Newter's pockets and removes the pick very carefully. The drug she used is a mild one. he'll be down for about a half-hour most likely. Might be tingly once he wakes up. Or he might wake up early and feel extremely sluggiest and have trouble moving or speaking. But it will wear off harmlessly. Just not... 'pleasantly.' She hunts perhaps for a key to the door. "Is the door even locked?" Or anything interesting. She'll leave clearly personal stuff alone though. No need to get personal... ..probably...
Auron	"Good to meet you, Faultline," Auron replies, with a nod. He also nods to Cap when he approaches, as if he doesn't know the man. Though he notes something odd. "Already here?" He casts a glance around. "Where?" He's probably not in a position to see the man with the suitcase bailing the way he looked in. If Faultline didn't see it, he probably didn't either.
Staren	Mysterious businessman! Seems as likely as anyone else... Staren moves purposefully towards the hallway, though he doesn't rush. Doesn't want to draw attention to himself. If he can step into the hallway unseen, he shifts again and speeds down the hall, looking for the man. If he can see the man when he reaches the hallway, he just follows him normally.
Defiant	On the roof, Newter doesn't seem to have much. A wallet, some money, some ID. Nothing spectacular. Time to check the door - which is unlocked, as it seems! On the club floor, Faultline replies to Auron, "That's the question. We had a deal, and I dare say he has gone back on it. And I think it is the fault of the lady knight in her shining armor," Faultline says, jerking a thumb in Dragon's direction. Dragon is moving off in the direction of Staren and the suspect, and Faultline, Labyrinth and Spitfire move to follow! Captain America finds himself drinking a beer - it is fairly watered-down. Urgh! In the back corridors, Staren follows the suspect. He's moving at a quick pace, in the vague direction of the door where Gregor the Snail might be. He'll fall right into the clutches of Faultline's crew the moment he steps through that- Oh. The door just vanished. Something's wrong.
Wally West	When Finna doesn't find anything, that is when Drift checks the door-- and sure enough it is unlocked. "Well. I feel stupid. Wait here!" He remarks and then looks in careful, seeing if there is any cameras. Then with a quick steps, moving a bit like a blur, he tries to feet a sense for what is around them at where they are. Like is it a room, do the steps go down to the club. Elevator, more guards-- stuff like that. He will pop right back outside though, to give Finna the update on what he finds.
Steve Rogers	Now that's just insulting, to water down the beer that's on tap. Getting a bottle would've been better ... probably. But Cap is less concerned with the quality of the beer and more concerned with where those three women are going (not to mention Dragon herself). He finishes the beer in something resembling record time, and gets back up from his briefly-occupied seat to follow the three (four) women, making his way easily through whatever crowd is here.
Staren	Staren follows, trying to stay quiet. But when his HUD map shows him the man is heading for the fire door, he skates down the hall on hovershoes... and then the door vanishes. "What's going on? Who are you?!" Staren switches to coasting and puts a hand on his pistol. If the man reaches for anything, he'll draw and aim: 'Drop it! Hands where I can see 'em!'
Auron	Auron looks in the direction Faultline points. "Oh... is that someone in particular?" he inquires. Of course he knows it's Dragon... but he doesn't want Faultline to know that. However, when the group starts heading that way, so does Auron. Though he keeps behind them, since he's supposed to be the unpowered wimp looking for an easy way to get strong.
Defiant	The man in the suit holding the suitcase turns to look at Staren, his eyes wide. "Please!" he says, voice desperate, "You have to help me! She's coming for me, I know it!" Dragon's heavy footsteps ring ominously in the hallway behind the pair and the trio of Faultline's crew aren't far behind with Auron and Captain America not far behind them. In Wally's case, though? Everything seems fine! The stairwell leads down into probably a back corridor - maybe even the one where everything suddenly feels wrong and ominous.
Staren	Staren keeps it holstered with his hand on it, and comes to a stop several feet in front of the man. "Why is she after you?"
Wally West	Wally looks over to Finna, "So everything seems clear. Hard to say where it is going, but it has kind of the dark vibe, you know?" He then tilts his head slightly. "I can get us down there fast like, if your willing to let me carry you." He could just sweep her off her feet anyways, but he rather ask for an OK-- give what she already did to the dude up here. "And if it suddenly gets hairy, we can just race it back up here."
Finna	An amused twinkle shines in Finna's eye and she gestures for the door and tilts her body, as if to get ready for said carrying! "Then let's go, speedy!"
Wally West	"You got it!" Wally says with a grin as he lifts Finna up with ease and races down. He watches his speed though, given he knows that most people can't handle it and he doesn't want to cause Finna to get a friction burn. Now it was only the question of what they would find.... Or even who.
Steve Rogers	Cap continues following the others through the club's corridors with Auron; it's not the most sophisticated pincer maneuver in the book, but it should be effective enough. If Faultline and her crew try to double back, Cap and Auron will intercept them; otherwise, they'll come up behind the three in the alley out back. Defiant's sudden concern on the radio about a 'Thinker' catches Cap's attention enough for him to pay attention. He doesn't break stride, though.
Auron	Auron can hear the desperate sound of the man's voice once he gets close enough. That's not what he expected. Well, this looks like it's going to turn into something unpleasant fairly quickly. And now suddenly it looks like the shoe is on the other foot. What's going on? Auron doesn't quite know yet. So he keeps back-- for /now/-- and watches how this unfolds. He wil decide on a plan of action once he has more information.
Defiant	In those moments, about a thousand things happen at once. The Dealer shouts out, "Because I stole the formulas from Cauld-!" Dragon abruptly stops mid-stride. A middle-aged woman with olive skin and a tailored black suit steps out of the wall and, in one quick and terribly precise movement, slits the Dealer's throat. That same knife, she hurls at Labyrinth - and it hits her square in the shoulder - while she bends down to pick up the suitcase. Labyrinth howls in pain, and the world begins to /change/. Around Labyrinth, the world begins to twist as everything is replaced. The corridor becomes the main area of a church, with pews and all, and then shifts into a mountainside and the vertigo of a sudden cliffside gives no doubt that it's real. And then it's a burning house - and then both. And over it all, Faultline is frantically saying, "Elle! Elle! Come back!" Drift, with his super speed, is probably the best equipped to keep his footing. All they need to do is cross barely ten feet of constantly shifting terrain! The woman stands on the other side of the ever-shifting impossible labyrinth, holding the suitcase, and she tips her hat at the Union elites.
Steve Rogers	"GET DOWN!!" Cap yells - to allies and could-be-enemies alike - as he reaches over his shoulder, grabs his shield, and FLINGS it straight at the Thinker. He'll worry about the illusion-based obstacles later, but if he can stop the alleged psychic from getting away with the suitcase, that has to come first.
Wally West	The world around them suddenly starts to change, but the speedster does not lose his footing. Hoping when he needs to, kicking off things, all while keeping Finna safe. As Drift takes notice as the women with the brief case starts to make her way out and can see Cap throwing his shield, he looks at Finna in that moment. "Go get her!" Then with a quick step he gives Finna a rather decent throw to get her out of the crazy area. As for himself he is going right for Labyrinth and kicks it into high gear with one hard step, then with another hard step, he throws himself forward. His fist rears back as he gets in closer, all that speed, all that momentum behind his fist as he goes to hook punch Labyrinth in the face. He can only hope it knocks her out cold and she isn't one of those super strong chicks. Though Drift does feel bad for hitting a woman...
Staren	Staren draws his gun on the knifewoman without thinking -- but a split-second later she's killed someone and stabbed another and he remembers Dragon's warning. And then reality goes on lunch break. "Wh--" he turns to run from the woman, only to find himself running down the aisle of a church and then he's on a cliffside. But he doesn't have to worry about heights because he can fly oh now everything is on fire and now everything is on fire AND high up. The course of action he ends up taking is: Deploy energy wings, fly to Faultline and Labyrinth while deploying his armor, then try to grab Labyrinth and drag her around the corner. "We gotta go!" he shouts, at both her and Faultline.
Defiant	The Thinker - Contessa, a name unknown even to Dragon - throws a second knife towards the shield as it comes towards her. But, for a single moment, Contessa feels something she hasn't felt since triggering. Surprise. The knife bounces off the shield and falls away down the cliffside, clattering away somewhere distant. The shield slams right into Contessa's middle and she topples rather inelegantly to the ground. The suitcase clatters away from her grip. Drift decks Labyrinth, and the young woman collapses immediately. The abruptly shifting Escher-esque landscape pauses - but it doesn't vanish. The hallway simply becomes a church, which on one side becomes a sheer cliff face, then segues into a burning house, and then into black and white squares of what can only be a chessboard. All in the space of ten feet. Staren has the right idea in that flying over it is preferable to trying to navigate it. Labyrinth offers no resistance as Staren hurls her away, and Faultline takes the opportunity to run for it.
Finna	"Whee--" Finna thought that would be fun. A bit dramatic. And maybe another way to tease Drift a bit! But the RUSH knocks the wind out of her a bit. Friction burn not so much, but... WHOAH, what a rush. Ad then they're down in the main room... Whereupon they're faced with a few Capes trying desperately to make themselves unreachable. And there had been someone stepping OUT OF A WALL, what? Finna's a second or two slow to react, just out of pure CONFUSION! But when she does move... She springs through the zone of crazy with the spry agility of a light-footed mountain goat, sure-footed and shifting positions like water flowing around obstacles. A filmy aura of moonlight, barely visible in the nightclub for now, surrounds her... For Finna's begun tapping into her deeper Essence reserves just to keep up. "No running away for you!" She half-stumbles once or twice, but like Drift... seems VERY adept at handling crossing distances. Just... in a very different way. She flips acrobatically towards the Thinker and tries to come down for a feral POUNCE. Drive her straight into the ground even!
Wally West	Drift watches as Staren takes the area changer out of here, then watches as the other one runs. He then turns about to look in the direction of where the Thinker has gone off too, including where Cap's shield has hit and where Finna has pounced. With no time to spare. The Speedster quickly covers the distance in a blur of motion, before sliding in and reaching out to snag up the fallen brief case. If he obtains it, he gets back up on his feet and will probably hand it over to Dragon. Though if somehow someone manages to stop him....
Auron	Dealer's too far gone for Auron to help. Potions and Phoenix Downs don't help deadly injuries. But the terrain shifting... that's going to be an issue. Someone's got her, so Auron makes for the shifting terrain. It's only ten feet. Suddenly he wishes he'd come as his avatar. Ten feet of constantly-shifting terrain wouldn't be far to fly. But for someone who has to be on the ground, it's... a major issue. He's also too big to pick up and throw. However, Wally solves it with a punch to Labyrinth's face. Meaning he doesn't quite have to blow cover yet. For the time being, however, he remains behind, hoping to play brick wall to cover Wally's escape with the briefcase! He doesn't know how long he'll last against the violent Thinker, but that's an extra second Wally has. And with what he's seen so far, a second is all the speedster needs to get gone.
Steve Rogers	With Contessa being brought down for the count, Captain America heads in her general direction, staying focused on the fact that it SHOULD be solid ground, relatively clear of impediments. (Although anything which looks like he'd have to evade or vault over or otherwise navigate around ... well, how convincing is the illusion once he's going hands-on with it?) Drift seems to be procuring the briefcase, but Cap needs his shield back. God help any of the bad guys who try to intercept him, though.
Staren	Staren was told to run and he's doing that! But, he will take this opportunity to ask Faultline: "What the /hell/ is going on? Who /was/ that? ...Who are /you/?"
Defiant	Contessa is already rolling to her feet as Finna leaps down upon her. With another knife in her hand, she goes to jab it into Finna as she closes the gap. She can't reach the suitcase, because that unknown speedster just swept in and swiped the thing! She lashes against Finna, aiming for eyes, ears, pressure points, trying to find one second of freedom! Because, if she gets that second, she'll vanish away into nothingness again! "That woman, I've seen her before," Faultline tells Staren, trying to check Labyrinth's pulse as she does. "She has no name. She just shows up and she kills. My name is Faultline and, with all due respect, I'd like to get my people out of here." Strangely, Wally finds Dragon out of the hallway, back on the club floor. She glances at the briefcase and, even through the helmet, Wally can hear the confusion in her voice. "I'm sorry, I don't understand. There's a gap in my memory."
Auron	Once it seems like Wally's going to be okay with that suitcase, Auron makes his way out of the hallway himself. He's not speedy, but he's steady in making it over obstacles. He'll rejoin the group as quickly as he can, though he's keeping watch for that woman. Just because she's retreated doesn't mean she won't make another attempt. And she might do it now, when they don't expect it and think the danger's passed.
Staren	Staren nods. He checks on the radio that his allies are okay, and continues booking it back to the front door. He'll hand over Labyrinth when asked, or outside. Then he books it for the Pendragon.
Finna	Bringing a knife out against Finna's not as smart as it might normally be. Exalts don't bleed out! A stab or two's not much of a wound. But PAIN, on the other hand... "Rrrrrooooargh!" As Finna was trying to SUBDUE and not kill, there's an opening to fend her off. She's forced back and flips off... landing on all fours?! Yeah, crouched WAY low to the ground. Humans shouldn't be able to move like that! Just how flexible is she?! But before that, there was all kinds of flailing, biting, scratching. Finna ends up licking her lips and snarling Contessa's way. "Don't push your luck, it won't save--" And then Contessa vanishes?! Finna halts right then and there, reduced to a state of confused blinking.
Wally West	Drift stares at Dragon for a moment as it seems the woman has, well, maybe forgotten what they are here /for/. He furrows his brows behind the reflective visor and then taps on the comm about it. He frowns a bit when it seems like this whole thing with her not remembering is 'OK'. That slightly bugs him, though he keeps his thoughts to himself. Even more so that something could have impacted /both/ of them. He does glance over his shoulder to check on Finna, then looks back at Dragon. "Lets get back to the Pendragon then." He takes a step around, "Hey Caps! Make sure Finna and everyone gets back, alright!" With that said, the speedster is off back to the Pendragon with the suitcase in hand.
Steve Rogers	In the midst of the confused fray, Cap reclaims his shield from where it landed - the thrown knife might not have saved Contessa from getting hit, but apparently it prevented the normal rebound from working as it would have. So he scoops it up ... Notices that Contessa is gone. Then tries to scoop up Finna the fox. If she actually allows that, he'll settle her into the crook of his right arm, with his shield strapped to his left. "Seems like we're done here already," he remarks to the shapeshifting Exalt. "Shall we head back to rendezvous with the others and get out of town?" He's looking around to see if anyone else poses a threat or an obstacle to departing as he says that. (And if Finna didn't let him pick her up, he still says/asks much the same thing.)
Defiant	The assassin woman abruptly vanishes, blinking out of the escher-esque corridor like she had never been there. It remains a complete and total area of broken reality and it'll probably be one hell of a thing for the owners to explain to an insurance company. The Pendragon is where it had been landed, all green and black armored, with the engines idling. Defiant stands by the entrance ramp, spear in hand. "There's a secure lockbox at the back of the craft. Stow the briefcase there," he says to Drift as he approaches. No one untoward seems to follow any of the Elites back to the dragoncraft. Still, on the part of the two capes, it's a silent ride back to the nearest warpgate. A briefcase, some answers - and a heap more questions.