ic Jury Duty

[Brown Dynamite]

GM

 

The private and very spacious residence of Donald Ritchey

Southside, Freedom City, New Jersey
Monday,  June 9th, 2014
7:08 PM

 

Donald Ritchey prided himself as a self made man.  Growing up with nothing, he started his own construction company at the tender age of 16.  A lack of formal schooling did nothing to stunt his success, as Ritchey offered a level of dedication few competitors could match.  As the times changed so too did Ritchey Construction, now named Ritchey and Sons.

 

In the 80s Donald Ritchey sought to provide a better life for his family, getting into bed with questionable elements of Freedom City's organized crime families and one of the first side business that Big Al could count as his territory.  The business remained independent enough that even the likes of Augustus Roman couldn't get a stranglehold on it.  Which ultimately might have been one of the focal points in Big Al's rise to power after the power vacuum left behind by previously leadership.

 

After forty years of building his construction empire Donald has recently been diagnosed with terminal leukemia.  With little time left to live Donald Ritchey has decided to make amends for his prior sins.  Agreeing to testify against his many current mob connections.  Making the stipulation clear that he would have.

 

The Federal Marshalls tasked with keeping his family safe were assassinated by what could only be described as a squad of ninjas before transport was even feasible, with Ritchey only surviving thanks to the timely assistance arrival of armed police escort.  Now the city finds itself scrambling to provide discrete protection for the Ritchey family, before information could get out about the current risk to their key witness in a pending trial against key members of the Driogano family.

 

No amount of discretion prevented information from seeping through.  With a few heroes being drawn to Donald Ritchey's sprawling Southside mansion to volunteer their services.  

Edited April 17, 2015 by HG Morrison

[Ardebitis]

Crescendo looked to the large mansion as he approached, double-checking a small slip of paper.

 

This looks like the place.

 

This would be the hero's first bodyguard job. His first job working with people at all, in fact. Usually his jobs involved simple 'hit and runs'; intercept a small-time robbery, knock them out, leave behind a thumb-drive.

 

Crescendo got the feeling this was going to be a bit more involved than that. Still, it would be worth it to knock the mob down a peg or two...

 

Regardless, he approached the mansion, and knocked on the door, taking the time to make sure he looked as nonthreatening as he could with a giant axe strapped to his back.

[EternalPhoenix]

Terrifica was already inside the house. She sat on an overstuffed armchair in what appeared to be a rather large parlor. She'd gone with the jacket over top of the battlesuit for this time out. There was a tea set on a table in front of her, ready to be used, but Terrifica didn't trust it. Patience is not one of my strongest suits, I admit. That said, it's been-she consulted her wrist computer-eight minutes, and just over fifteen since I arrived. However, she wasn't exactly eager to meet Donald Ritchey. The man was an admitted criminal. He had knowledge of thefts, murders, and heaven knew what else. He kept it to himself and let the suffering continue. It made Terrifica's teeth clench. The only thing worse then savagery was the one who stood aside and allowed it happen. Perhaps it was for his family. But what was so altruistic about doing nothing? Enough. She reached into her utility belt, pulled out part of her reference materials, and began to read.

[Brown Dynamite]

The sound of Foreshadow opening a fridge carried throughout the floor.  Deemin it proper to invite himself in, much like he had deemed it proper to help himself to the man's food.  Donald Ritchey won't be needing it after all.  The macabre joke aside, Erick was there to help.  The guy was no innocent by any means.  But, it wasn' only the righteous that deserved protection.  And after all there were bigger fish in the water.  

 

Reaching for a prime cut of deli meats and cheeses.  He'd find a loaf of bread and began preparing himself a sandwich.  All the while making no secret of his rummaging around in another man's kitchen.  Perhaps highlighting the security flaws in the manor.  Or he could have just been having fun with it.  That was also a strong possibility.

[Brown Dynamite]

GM

 

Detective George Divens was a short stocky man.  His attire gave the impression that his thick frame lacked in musculature.  But the bulk came from both a combination high protein diet and rigorous hours at the gym.  His simple minded approach to criminology often made him the butt of many a joke around the office place.  And his unpleasant attitude guaranteed those jokes were not to his face.

 

But the man knew how to do his job, and do it well.  An extensive history of success led to Detective Diven assigned to this protection detail.  Much to the very man's chagrin.  His face contorted to an ugly sneer upon opening the door.  Clearly not pleased at the second arrival, not that he was any happier about the first.  Before he could express such disdain, Detective Divens overheard a commotion from the kitchen.

 

Drawing his firearm the officer rushe for the kitchen.  Expressing further exasperation as yet another 'unprofessional spectator' showed his face.  Mumbling to himself, Detective Divens would storm off.  Calling out from the living room shortly after.  "C'mere you lot."

[Valcili]

Walking up the driveway Baby Brawler could see the entry just as the man with the large bladed weapon on his back walks in. She quickens up her pace a bit and reaches the door a few steps after it shuts behind the individual. She rushes forward to catch the door before it could be completely closed and latched shut missing by just a step snatching her hand back just in time from them getting smashed. She may be able to take a beating but still feels pain like anyone else even if it is muted.  She breathes a sigh of relief to see it was not latched. She opens the door and invites herself in.

[Ardebitis]

Crescendo blinks behind his goggles, as he notices a small female following behind him just as he closes the door. He looks down towards her as she makes her way inside as well.

 

"Sorry... Didn't see you there, or I would've let you in. You're not a ninja, are you?"

 

He chuckles a bit at that ninja comment, before hearing the detective calling from another room. He makes his way past the kitchen on his way there, quirking an eyebrow at the man making a sandwich within, before moving on, finding a place to stand in the living room, presumably for briefing, or whatever it was the more social heroes did at this point.

[Valcili]

Putting on a mischievous but friendly smile, Baby Brawler tilts her head back to look at the tall slender figure in front of her. Jesting back to him, “Now if I were a ninja, you really think I would be using the front door?â€

She Joins in with his chuckle then gestures with her hand with a (lead the way) manner towards the voice from the kitchen.  She rolls her shoulders and neck making muted popping sounds as she loosens up for the conversation to come.

[EternalPhoenix]

Terrifica got up (with some entirely unexpected difficulty), returned her reference materials to their case, and strode towards the sound of the detective's voice. She was well aware of his attitude concerning heroes and aside from herself (and certain unnamed others), she shared it. That didn't make their initial meeting go any better, however. I'm tempted to tell him exactly how little he knows about criminology and forensic science. That said, his history is littered with success after success, so he must be doing something right. She arrived in the living and gave everyone the once over. A musician, a small girl, and a living myth. Perhaps the detective has a point after all. "You rang, detective?" Personal biases aside, a man's life was in danger. It would extremely petty to let her...distaste for virtually everyone in the building interfere with his protection. Whether it was deserved or not.

[Brown Dynamite]

GM

 

Foreshadow followed soon afterwards.  Sandwich in hand he would take a place on the nearest piece of furniture.  Where Detective Divens would further show his appreciation with a low grunt.  The living room was about as spacious as a school auditorium.  Which was appropriate as the furniture seemed position around what could only be described as a movie theatre screen.  

 

"Right, let's let get it started.  The chief in her infinite wisdom decided that we should reach out to civilians for assistance.  Some of you were invited.  Some of you invited yourselves.  All of you are unnecessary risk factors.  However, and it behooves me to say this, transport times are normally kept private.  Which would mean that someone forwarded the information.  In this collaborative effort to really put the hammer on the Driogano crime family.  We are flying by the seats of our assess here.  There wasn't even a safehouse prepared ahead of time with the original one and backup considered compromised and Ritchey refusing to leave the city."

 

Detective Divens then turned his nose up.  "It doesn't help that not everyone has been vetted as a potential security risk.  You are to help keep the witness and his family safe and coordinate efforts to do so.  But the final say starts and stops with me.  Am I clear?"

[EternalPhoenix]

Behind her mask, Terrifica's eyes narrowed. "I am not a hired fist, Detective. We are here because the police chief decided that the department couldn't be trusted to keep a secret from the Mafia, based on evidence written in the blood of US Marshals. Additionally, even if the secret could be kept, the rank and file don't have the skills, training, or equipment to deal with the specialists organized crime can call upon. The fact that we're expendable by comparison is a bonus. Have I missed anything so far?" She didn't give him a chance to answer. "Excellent. Do not misunderstand me. I have the utmost respect for your record and what it says about your skills. I even understand that because I do not carry a badge I am intrinsically worth less in your eyes than those that do carry them. However. I am not someone you point at the bad men to punch them away. I am the one who outwits them so you can put them in handcuffs and take them away." That was harsher than I intended. Tone it down, Samantha. You're better than that.

"As for everything being cleared through you, I understand perfectly. You are our contact and authority figure. If there is something we need, you will tell us if it can be provided or accomplished. If you feel the mission is going too poorly, you can end this arrangement quickly." Terrifica took a breath. "So. With that said, I require more data. Specifics on who the Driogano family may have hired. Early autopsy reports on the Marshals. Essentially, everything you have so far. That is, if you are willing and able to provide these items. The more data I have, the closer I can get to doing my best work. And I assure you, Detective, my best work is nothing short of astonishing."

[Valcili]

Following detective into the living room, Baby Brawler takes a seat easing herself down, in her usual fashion, no need to break another chair as she had on many other occasions. As her body settles the wood creaks a bit from the newly applied weight. Looking over the others who are in the room, she takes in each in turn then directs her focus on what the detective has to say trying to retain a serene appearance under the gaze of these strangers and trying to decide if the detective’s insults were intentional or if he is just oblivious to them. Listening to what the slender girl is saying, an acceptance towards her forms as Baby brawler see that she is a smart one and concurring with her requests and snickering slightly at her last comment.

[Ardebitis]

Crescendo looks to the small female curiously, his trained ears easily picking up the creaking of the chair. That's certainly odd, he thought to himself, before quietly listening to the detective. His words were a bit insulting, but they seemed about right. When the detective asked if he was clear, Crescendo started to respond, before being cut off by the female in blue. At that point, his mind began to wander. Listening to the conversation started to take a back seat to his thoughts of music. It was a good thing nobody could see the vacant look in his eyes behind his goggles. When the blue-clad female finished, his mind began to slip back into reality. God, that was boring. I hope it wasn't too important... He thought, simultaneously hoping that nobody in the room was a telepath. That would be bad.

[Brown Dynamite]

Finishing up his meal by the end of the opinionated woman's request, Foreshadow did nothing to hide his chuckling.  "Oh man, Divens she really tore into you."  He made no immediate motion to show whether he supported her assessment, it was merely clear that he was amused by the entire affair.  "Honestly, the old guy's played a large enough part in enough death's that I'm not going to be shedding any tears that life's a little tough for him now.  Relax you're letting the hot air leak, we got this."

 

Familiar enough with Big Al's operation he had less in the way of questions.  He knew there were plenty of options to hire out from.  The man didn't take failure lying down.  And they were currently inside a residence he had likely visited multiple times.  It wasn't exactly all that different than walking on a tightrope overlooking a croc pit.  So essentially to Erick it was downright fun.

 

It was the do or die adrenaline of it all.  Helping people always took a backseat.  But they dressed up in an elaborate outfits and beat up people using stupendous abilities of their own.  There was no guarantee of survival, especially when bullets started flying and your body was as soft and fleshy as anyone elses.  So you might as well have fun and throw out the logic every so often.  That was his view at least.

[Brown Dynamite]

GM

 

Detective Divens dry swallowed.  The bulging vein on his forehead and the red pallor of his sin giving just a slight hint of how hard it was for the man to further restrain himself.  Clearly wanting to yell at Terrifica.    The lackasidal nature of foreshadow and Crescendo's responses didn't make matters any better for the man.  Or non-response in the case of the former.

 

"Listen here.  Do not presume yourselves privy to the sealed autopsies for ongoing homicide investigations.  Also it is not as if the chief and Big Al discuss business partners over coffee at lunch time.  Can't say for sure who they've hired.  There are some known associations.  We can't prove it, but he has an in house cleaner squad.  Some rumors of some out of the state parties showing interest.  Including some whacked out of their mind cultists.  Last one's probably just rumors, no such thing as the Murder League after all."

 

Blustering forward he turned away from the woman whom had upset him so.  "What I'm trying to say is there's no way to be sure who will show interest.  These are some powerful people with even more powerful wallets seeking to get rid of a problem by any means necessary."

[Ardebitis]

Crescendo seemed to take particular interest in that last sentence. Rich, powerful people looking to eliminate problems? Maybe I shouldn't leave a thumb-drive this time, it could be bad for my music career... He thought, before mentally returning to the conversation. 

 

"If what you say is true, that would explain why you haven't thrown us out yet." Crescendo commented, adjusting a shoulder plate on his costume. "In that case, wouldn't it help to know what we have to work with?" After all, from all he could see, he was paired with someone short, someone smart, and someone with a smart mouth...

[EternalPhoenix]

Terrifica let out a long sigh and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Glorified bodyguard duty. That said, you have misstepped, young lady. Fix it. She took a deep breath and forced the irritation out of her mind. "I apologize, Detective. I...don't react well to closemindedness, even when it is warranted. I am well aware of police procedure. That said, this young man is correct. Anything you can tell us would be of immense assistance. I do mean anything. As a detective yourself, you ought to be well aware that even most insignificant detail can mean a great deal." Humility did not come easy to Terrifica, that much was a fact. It was a struggle to be that easy on the man. She consulted her wrist computer. She began to input data into a what appeared to be a 3-D mapping program. "At any rate, you speak of a potential siege. If the blueprints for this building are available and my associates"-she glanced at them all meaningfully-"would not mind sharing their capabilities with me, I can put together an effective protection plan. Among my many strengths, I am also an excellent tactician. Even if we must travel, I am just as capable of a navigator." One of these days, this will come easier to me. Hopefully.

 

She lowered her arm, and looked Divens straight in the eye. "You are in charge of this operation, Detective." And as much as I find it unpleasant to kowtow to a closeminded and crude pìyÇŽn, "My vast intellect, immense knowledge, and wide skill set is at your service."

[Valcili]

Seeing her associate activate her holographic toy on her arm immediately grabs BBs attention. Quickly standing she grabs the chair she was sitting in and drags it over to the to the lady with a screech and thud Knowing well enough she could pick it up noiselessly and stands on it so she can get a better look at the hologram.

Looking at her now at eye level if just a few inches taller with the chairs assistance when she asks about her skill set. “I primarily do my best work with my fists. Don’t get me confused however, I am not a brainless brute so don’t confuse this with blonde.†She grabs a few stands of her ice white hair from the back of her head band as to show it to her. "I may be a front runner but I have valuable input, not just some asset or pawn to be ordered around."

“Mostly I would be the  one who takes the beating and give it back polished and sharpened, do you understand my meaning?â€

BB still finds it a bit awkward and difficult to be imposing to someone especially when she  is standing on a chair to look them in the eye but doesn’t let that show as she speaks. "By the way I go by Baby Brawler, as we are now acquaintances that is what you can call me, or BB for short."

Edited July 9, 2014 by Valcili

[Brown Dynamite]

During the assertive woman's rebuttal of the detective, Foreshadow took the moment to look between the guitar clad hero and her.  Her referring to him as 'this young man' stood out especially.  There wasn't a large visible age gap, not that you could easily tell with people whom could live decades without aging.  But, from his view it was the sort of reference a far older person would use in an attempt to be respectful.  Or possibly just a haughty one.

 

"Hey, what's wrong with blondes?"  Foreshadow added as his own input to the conversation.  "I can sneak around and if it requires flipping around you'll be hard pressed to find someone who can floor it better.  And of course I can throw down.  But, as she-"  He stopped to point at BB before continuing.  Making no comment at her use of the chair to place her at eye level.  "said.  This is isn't an infomercial where I'm here to sell myself.  I'll follow a game plan sure, and am definitely a team player.  But, it won't be questionless service.  If I see a need to go off the rails, won't hesitate to take it." 

[Ardebitis]

Crescendo ponders a bit, making note of each response in turn, particularly Foreshadow's. "It seems you and I are intervals of the same chord, as far as combat styles go." He commented, rising to a stand. "I use an axe and have a blatant musical motif, but we both seem to be patrons of the ways of agility." He nods a bit to himself.

 

"That said, it seems at least two of us are primarily close combatants. That may need to be accounted for in your plan." Crescendo finished, humming a quiet melody to himself. I hope there's a piano somewhere around here, it certainly would help... Getting off track again. Focus. "I'll do what I can to help, but unquestioning loyalty, I cannot promise."

[EternalPhoenix]

Terrifica smiled fiercely, highly pleased. A worthier bunch than I expected. Good. “I didn’t ask for your undying loyalty and obedience. I actually expect everyone to think and judge for themselves at all times. “ She looked BB in the eyes. “It’s nice to meet you, BB. I’m Terrifica. For the record, when it come to combat I am a patron of the way of agility myself. However I imagine I pale in comparison to the others. At any rate, it seems we don’t have a ranged specialist, which will make things more difficult. All the same, I have most of the ground floor plotted out, and I think I can come up with something decent.†She turned back to Divens. “Detective, do you have anything to add? My plan is only a rough outline. Any variables you could eliminate would be appreciated.â€

[Brown Dynamite]

GM

 

Detective Divens pulled out a sealed envelope with a layout of the estate.  As was submitted to the city.  It was a sprawling home, but that much was apparent even without the layout.  With more rooms than there were people in the home.  Including the officers and heroes currently.  The large amount of property also made it difficult to keep a steady lookout on the entire area.  Coupled with the fact that for some reason the family didn't have any actual personal security measures.  They had size.

 

"I reckon.  They probably shelled out enough money for a few addendums under the table to the home.  Panic Room, secret panels, all that stuff.  But he never submitted it to the city.  Behind the bar is a door that leads to the cellar.  We dont know how many others there are.  Which means we don't know how many potential entrances they are.  And of course the family is keeping tight lipped.  Not taking the threat seriously enough, if they're concerned about having possible charges filed against them for minor infractions like building a room that was not up to code."

[Brown Dynamite]

GM

 

As Terrifica began to explain the course of her plan there was a loud clanking sound across the ceiling.  It travelled along the air vent.  As if there was a wrench actively moving along the inside of the air vent.  The metallic sound clattered about for a good five minutes before coming to a sudden stop.  And then there was nothing.  The sound just came to an abrupt pause without any explanation.  Not that they could actively explain it in the first place.

 

Suddenly there was a loud booming noise akin to gunfire from upstairs.  A thud followed by a woman's scream immediately afterwards.  The sound of footsteps scuffling about agitated.  Something was occurring on the floor above them with the family.  "What the hell was that?"  Divens bellowed out.  Lumbering up the stairs with his weapon drawn.  Two officers practically falling over themselves to keep up with him.

[Ardebitis]

Crescendo would certainly pick up on the metallic sound, very slowly inching towards the nearest window as it continued. By the time it stopped, Crescendo was at the open window, peeking upwards. If it was previously closed, it wasn't now. Though he couldn't know for sure exactly what it was, he knew it was both suspicious and above him, and that the plan could wait. By the time the gunfire-esque sound echoed into the downstairs room, Crescendo was already scrambling out the window, and a few seconds after the scream, Crescendo was already scrambling into the window directly upstairs. If it was unlocked, he'd simply open it and climb through, If not, the owner was rich enough to replace a broken window or two.

[EternalPhoenix]

Terrifica had a good, effective plan all but laid out when the noise in the ceiling silenced her quite effectively. Her mind worked, producing several theories. It could be mechanical. A small kill bot. Perhaps a small mobile bomb. Or a ninja. It was surprising what a ninja could get into. Worst of all, there were several supervillains that could squeeze into such a small space. No. It was clunking metallically. Definitely tech. It was then the loud boom was heard. There could only be one of a very few sounds. Theorizing shoved aside, she bolted up the stairs, a step ahead of Divens. "Detective! Make sure the EMTs are standing by! There could be injuries." Of course, he probably knew that, but Terrifica adored certainty. She purposefully didn't burst into the nearest room. There was no telling which room it was. There were so many. "Ma'am! One more sound, if you please! I'm here to help, but I don't know which room you're in!" Failing that, she did see the kid with the axe go out the window in her rush upstairs. At best, he'd be in the right room and taking action, the sound of which would lead her to the right place.