angrydurf Posted October 15, 2009 Author Posted October 15, 2009 Natasha merely clutched tighter at Tony as the suggestion to talk to their parents was made. For his part Tony merely looked at Edge like he was completely insane. The baffled expression continued as he tried unsuccesfully to form some kind of statement on that idea but couldn't seem to find the word to express just how crazed it was.
blink Posted October 15, 2009 Posted October 15, 2009 Cute and an altruist, Blink thought staring at Edge as he suggested heading over to the head of the mob and trying to work things out. Well, it took all kinds and someone had to be an optimist. "I don't think that will work so well... um..." she struggled for his name, then realizing that he hadn't introduced himself she just continued, "... the mob isn't the most reasonable group of people. They are very used to getting their own way all the time. I think staged deaths, or threat of massive retaliation is about your only bet. Arrowhawk has the right of it."
Cyroa Posted October 15, 2009 Posted October 15, 2009 Dark Star frowned to himself but had to agree. "Most criminals, let alone ones with power over an entire organization, seldom listen to reason and common sense. Arrowhawk, and I assume Blink here, are far more knowledgeable on the subject than you or I Edge. I'm not sure about the 'faking their deaths' as it seems they will still be on the run. While we could handle it I'm sure, these two should have their chance and running doesn't seem like a way to do that. As much as I dislike the concept of threatening people, if it is more likely to succeed or give these two their chance, then i suppose we must. Again, I suppose we shall have to let Blink and Arrowhawk take the lead on this."
Ecalsneerg Posted October 18, 2009 Posted October 18, 2009 Oh god. I'm in Romeo and Juliet. And not a good version. The weird one with Leonardo DiCaprio and guns of the 'Sword' manufacturer. And Mercutio in drag. Doing a dance number. "Ok, so we go for massive threats. My preference, seeing as I want the mob stopped. I say we get these two to a safehouse and then pay their daddies a visit. But one condition for my help here: anyone so much as draws a gun, the first arrow knocks it from their hand andthe second goes where the sun don't shine. Adhere to that, I'll throw my full weight and resources behind this." He turned to Dark Star. "Can you think of a safehouse? I suppose we could ask to use the Lair."
blink Posted October 18, 2009 Posted October 18, 2009 Did heroes lie? It was a question she pondered as Arrowhawk talked about safe houses and threats. Could she trust them not to turn over the two kids to the authorities? Then again, did she really have much of a choice? She didn't have the resources to keep the girl and little to no desire to play babysitter for the next five to ten years. Her reputation with the mob was already shot, and this would probably finish any career she had as a paid contractor. Was it all worth it? A glance back the scared couple told her that it likely was. She was always a sucker for the underdog. "Sounds like a fun time, I didn't much care for your father anyway Natasha. I'm in as long as you can keep those pointy sicks of yours aimed somewhere other than my backside."
Cyroa Posted October 18, 2009 Posted October 18, 2009 Dark Star nodded a little hesitantly. "If that is the plan, fine. And Blink, you'll be fine. You've already proved your intentions. Though, if everyone doesn't mind, I'll handle the firearms? I sincerely doubt someone will be able to lift a gun if I choose otherwise. As for a safe house, yes, I can think of somewhere secure. Though I think something to give them some downtime without the stress of the Lair would be more appropriate." He turned to the couple. "Would you mind a staying on a deserted beach? There's a fresh water stream and tropical fruit trees nearby. Given that it is approximately 28,000 light years from here and there are no space-faring races within the relative vicinity, I think we can say with a fair degree of certainty that you will be safe there while we follow Arrowhawk and Blink's plan to procure your safety."
angrydurf Posted October 18, 2009 Author Posted October 18, 2009 The young couple blinked uncertainly at the Heroes, the night certainly wasn't going as planned but perhaps it was going to work out. Finally Tony spoke up, "Ok, that sounds safe enough I guess." He was clearly bewieldered by the prospect of goign to another world but continued regardless. "Just don't actually hurt em. I mean my old man is a right bastard sometimes and crooked as the day is long but he's still my father, same goes for Vaslev." he said with more certainty though the last somewhat grudgingly. Natasha vigerously nodded agreement and mouthed a heart felt "thank you" to Blink. The couple stood and walked to Dark Star, "So how does this work?" She asked.
Cyroa Posted October 19, 2009 Posted October 19, 2009 Dark Star nodded. "We do not want to hurt anyone and shall do our utmost to make sure it doesn't degenerate to violence. Now, it's quite simple, relatively speaking." He concentrated and reached out. In front of them, a hole opened in space hovering just above the street. On the other side, it was bright and sunny. Warm winds and gentle breezes accompanied the apparently endless stretch up beach. With trees on one side and the ocean on the others, with the stream just being barely visible, it was a right little paradise. "You simply step on through. There are a couple indigenous creatures. While loud, they are completely harmless and 'cute'. I apologize for the lack of towels or swimwear. But it shouldn't be for too long. I'll be back to get you as soon as this is all resolved."
angrydurf Posted October 19, 2009 Author Posted October 19, 2009 The young couple nervously stepped through the wormhole onto the beach still holding one another. As the portal began to close they turned to wave. Natasha spoke up just before the portal closed, "Thank you, and good luck." Given the task before them the heroes may just need it.
blink Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 For a moment, Blink looked as if she might step through with them. However, she remained in place and asked, "you can get them back... right?"
Cyroa Posted October 21, 2009 Posted October 21, 2009 Dark Star nodded. "Of course. It's just a matter of inducing a strong enough gravity well to create a weakening in the fabric of space. From there, I simple duplicate the affect at another location, linking the two 'holes'. In effect, creating a wormhole. When the situation is resolved, we'll bring them back. Its restful for them. Baring knowing that ability, it would take several hours to travel there, even at my speeds. So, we have some time. What are we going to do to handle this?"
blink Posted October 21, 2009 Posted October 21, 2009 "Well this is kind of new territory for me. I don't suppose you'd go for just rubbing him out, and to be honest that's not really my style anyway. Personally, if it was me, I'd kick the door in, wade through the goons and whatever security he has, and sit down for a long chat. While we might not intend on rubbing him out, he doesn't have to know that we aren't. Besides, I think he could do a pretty convincing job of it," she concluded pointing to Arrowhawk. "Of course, if you want to get fancy about it, you could hit a few of his illegal joints and make sure his pocketbook really feels the pain. That's more likely to matter to him in the long run anyway."
Ecalsneerg Posted October 21, 2009 Posted October 21, 2009 "I have no issue with sneaking into their offices and scaring them with a solid right hook," scowled Arrowhawk. "'Oh, please don't rough up my daddy, he only executes his enemies and floods the city with illegal acts'," he said in a high-pitched mocking tone. "Naive fool, no wonder he needs help hiding from daddy. However, I do like the idea of hitting up their ventures. I'm not going to take a man's life, but I can take away his friends, his money, hell, everything but his life. We need them running scared, not just for those kids, but for the whole city's sake."
Cyroa Posted October 21, 2009 Posted October 21, 2009 Dark Star was definitely not comfortable with this entire concept, but they were trying to make the best. "I think I like Blink's idea of a chat with them best. It at least gives them the chance to see reason. I'm sure arranging such a meeting will have some minor obstacles if they refuse to speak with us, but I'm also just as sure we can handle them safely. If the talking fails, I suppose we can work on their criminal endeavors. Between us, I think we should be able to close them all down, at least for the short term."
blink Posted October 21, 2009 Posted October 21, 2009 Blink looked at Arrowhawk sizing the man up. He lived up to his reputation as a driven, overly zealous persecutor of crime. She could see it and could now understand where some of the legend came from. Then she considered Dark Star's statements on shutting down the mob. After seeing him in action, she had little doubt that he could. "Perhaps finding one of their locations, and closing it would be sufficient currency to get their attention. Then a... reasoned... conversation with them would be far more receptive. I know of a few places, but am open for suggestions."
Ecalsneerg Posted October 21, 2009 Posted October 21, 2009 "How about a casino?" suggested Arrowhawk. "They're high-profile, they're big money spinners, and there's usually something dodgy going on behind the scenes. They're also fairly easy to get into if you know how to go about it." "The trouble is, we can't take too long. Remember, we need to stop both of their fathers."
blink Posted October 21, 2009 Posted October 21, 2009 "True, but as long as the action is sufficiently visible, than the threat need not have occurred to both. They just need to know that we can shut them down wherever and whenever we want," Blink said thinking the problem through. "Then a visit to both of the parents can be emphasized with that sample."
Cyroa Posted October 23, 2009 Posted October 23, 2009 Dark Star frowned. "A casino has innocent people in it, just there to have a good time of their own volition. Is there something more...criminal we can deal with? Once we have the targets, travelling between them and to meet the parents will not be a problem." It'd be easier to simply yank the two men out of their respective locations and have a chat with them, but that was treading a little too close to kidnapping for his taste.
Ecalsneerg Posted October 23, 2009 Posted October 23, 2009 Arrowhawk gave Dark Star a strange look. "Do you actually know about subtlety? The really illegal stuff goes on in back rooms and upstairs offices. It is completely possible to pull off an operation without ever going near the main casino area. Hell, the fact it is a public place means you can just walk in the front door and sneak into the restricted areas without risking getting caught breaking in a back way and starting a shoot-out. A casino is quicker to find and infiltrate than tracking down some other operation. Unless you forgot, you left the people we're trying to help alone on a strange planet light years away from anyone and everyone. Dragging our heels is more than a little inconsiderate."
Avenger Assembled Posted October 25, 2009 Posted October 25, 2009 "I'm not allowed in casinos," said Edge apologetically. "Not just because I'm underage," he added, knowing that was the big thing that set him apart from the other adults here. "My powers do weird things there," he admitted. "Just as long as I don't get on the gambling floor, though, maybe it'll be all right." He hmmed. "Of course, gambling at casinos legal here, Mr. Arrowhawk," he said politely, not wanting to sound disrespectful. Maybe things were different in Scotland. "Maybe if we find an illegal gambling place, though? Like an illegal dog-fighting ring or something. Then we could beat those people up and use that as a way to get the attention of the big bad guys?"
blink Posted November 2, 2009 Posted November 2, 2009 "Yes, casino's are legal, however Vaslev is supplying muscle to casino. Is not on the up and up," she replied anxious to get moving. Life was so much easier when she didn't have to worry about things like laws and the like.
Ecalsneerg Posted November 2, 2009 Posted November 2, 2009 Hold on... Lenny mentioned something... "Hmmm... just remembered something. Vaslev owns a shipping company, likely looks above board from the outside. Thing is, it's a cover for his smuggling operations. Hit him in the wallet?" He looked around for the other's thoughts on the idea.
blink Posted November 2, 2009 Posted November 2, 2009 Nadia nodded at Arrowhawk, even if she didn't trust him, he certainly seemed well informed about what was going on. If he really knew which pier Vaslev was operating out of, it would indeed put a crimp in the crime lord's plans. Enough so that they just might have the leverage to pull this thing off. "Is much better target than casino. Could be cutting drugs off the street as well as getting attention of father. Am liking it very much."
Cyroa Posted November 3, 2009 Posted November 3, 2009 Dark Star nodded. "This is your area of expertise. I will take your word for it. Do you have any idea or would you like me to simple take a ship for safe keeping? If there's nothing illegal about or on it, I'll have to return it you understand. I don't usually do this kind of thing so am unsure as to how we should proceed."
blink Posted November 3, 2009 Posted November 3, 2009 "You know how to sail a ship?" Blink asked Dark Star wondering why he would want to pilot one of the massive freighters that inhabited the docks.
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