[Story] ItGWO: VVS Promotion Parties (and what not to do when trapped in one)
06-22-2008, 10:27 PM
06-22-2008, 10:27 PM
And here we go... Rob and I have agreed this bit, but what KJ (officially designated by Fnord as mayhem maker while busy with First Impressions and unable to regularly contribute) has in mind we don't know.
Gate 3, Watchtower Docks, Old Town, Kandor City, Luna
Friday 19th July 2013
18:50 KCT
The security guard swallowed nervously as the motorcycle pulled up to the checkpoint. It wasn't the fact the two women in 'waved and skin-tight racing leathers on it were stunning. This was Kandor City, well formed women in skin-tight clothing were two a penny here. It wasn't the fact the woman riding on the back in the green and black leathers was holding the driver in a way that didn't seem platonic. That wasn't his problem. It wasn't even the way the engine seemed to emit bird cries. This was Fenspace after all. No, he was nervous for one very good reason.
The long barrelled 40mm coilgun mounted to the side.
Before he could (politely) demand they remove their helmets, the driver (a tall woman all in black) produced her ID with a flick of the wrist. The guard didn't recognise the name, one Natalia Romanov, but the black colour and seal of the JLI caused him to pale and insert the card into a reader, hastily return the card and open the gate.
With a nod, the two women rode off leaving the guard to wipe his brow in relief.
***
A.C. ignored the giggling coming from Greenpeace as she made her way down the twisting streets of Kandor's old town. Using a S.H.I.E.L.D. ID was probably overkill, but staying in character had saved her sexy butt several times. The problem with being a Super in A.C.'s opinion was the way Jarvis kept a list of IDs being used by various members and made sure they all had that person's licenses and security levels.
Which meant the look on the guard (which had Greenpeace in a small giggle fit) was nothing compared to what it would have been if he'd realised she had (among others) Level 6 S.H.I.E.L.D. clearance, a Senior Armourer Q Branch rating, and a Double 0 licence. Any of those could give her the right to carry mil-spec weaponry around Kandor City. All three would have caused him a heart attack.
"We're going to be really early." Greenpeace warned as A.C. threaded her way through the dock to the city.
"I'm not really a fashionably late kind of woman." A.C. pointed out wryly. "Besides, we're stopping by Q Branch to pick up a gift for Sora."
***
The Epsilon Blade, berthed at the Watchtower Docks, Old Town, Kandor City, Luna
Friday 19th July 2013
19:20 KCT
"Noah, Mal said 'no weapons'."
"No he didn't, Yayoi. He said we wouldn't *need* weapons." He checked his Sig-P229's clip, then put the pistol back in its shoulder holster.
"His exact words were 'if it *does* happen, it'll be over before you get a chance to use it.' But that's at the party. There's at least 200 yards of open area between here and the closest taxi stand, and La Mariposa still wants us dead, remember? I'm not going out unarmed. And before you point out the pantsu and pompom grenades, they don't count."
Yayoi sighed. "I still think you're being rude."
"How am I going to maintain my reputation as the richest S.O.B. in Fenspace if I'm not rude sometimes?"
Yayoi sighed again as she shook her head.
The Epsilon Blade's airlock cycled, and two of the most famous people in cislunar space stepped out onto Kandor City's docks.
Noah took a look around as they started walking. "Nice place. Think I should buy it?"
"What, the dock?"
"No, the city. We *are* looking for a place to grow our own vegetables, after all."
Yayoi took a good look at Noah, then grinned as she realized he was joking. "You had me going for a moment."
"Good. If I can act like that at the party, then Sora won't be tempted to stay to help me get over ..."
"We aren't talking about last month," Yayoi interrupted quickly. "Besides, you *are* over them. *Both* of them."
Noah sighed. "I'm over Yoriko. I think. But ..." He stopped when he noticed Yayoi glaring at him. "I hope you're right. Do you have the data units?"
She nodded. "Two identical memory modules, one sealed against radiation, one ready to use. Do you have the going-away presents?"
"Sora's new bracelet is in my shirt pocket. The replica moulds for the Irreproachable Service in the Armed Forces of the USSR medals are in my briefcase. And here we are. Taxi!"
The ride to the Watchtower was uneventful. Except for the very end, when the cab swerved abruptly. "Hey, sorry about that. A couple of crazy broads on a bike cut me off. Hey - they've stopped right in front of the building you want. What'd'ya want me to do?"
"Stop here, please." Noah reached for his pistol.
Yayoi looked out the taxi's front window. "It's okay, Noah - it's A.C. and Greenpeace."
"You're sure?" She just looked at him. "Of course you're sure. Go tell them their dangerous driving nearly got them shot at; I'll pay the fare."
***
Level 4, Q Branch, Kandor City, Luna
19:10 KCT
As she walked through the workshop, a tiny part of A.C. was slightly irked that she wasn't getting the usual amount of attention she expected a beautiful woman in sexy and revealing clothes to get. Unfortunately for that little spark of feminine vanity, the rest of her jumped on it with reminders about her biomod quirks, the fact most of the people there were very busy, and that even though this was essentially Geek Central it was still Kandor City and beautiful women in sexy and revealing clothing were two a penny around here.
That didn't mean she wasn't putting a little extra swish in her step however.
Still, she saw the usual things going on. The computer desk chair ejection seat was being tested to the far left, an argument to the right suddenly ended when the device in question (a knockout gas cigar)) was set off, and as she passed by the workstations she noted the watches with built in lasers, the explosive cufflinks (she made a mental note to recommend they not give any to Kohran. At least, not without clearing it with Noah first), the X-Ray specs, and such being worked on.
All in all, pretty much normal for Q Branch.
One person who was paying her close attention was the scowling woman by the security door who pretty much ran the place. The scowl did nothing for her in A.C.'s considered opinion, but then again when it was found out that Tessa Thornton's first name was short for Quintessa everyone called her QT (pronounced Cutey). She'd never liked the Q nickname anyway.
"'Bout time you showed up." Tessa grumbled, and let her through the door to the secure labs. Theoretically A.C. had the clearance to do it herself, but she'd never been around long enough to need it.
"Same old, same old eh Tessa?" A.C. replied cheerfully, knowing she was about 5 minutes early. Running Q Branch always left Tessa sour during work hours.
"The old man's been in every day for the last fortnight." Tessa complained. "How else would I feel?"
"Bill's out on patrol then, otherwise you be at least a little more civil."
Tessa shot A.C. a glare before a yellow blur caused her to jump back in alarm. A.C. had just calmly caught the blur and was scratching under the creature's chin as it nuzzled friendlily.
"Hello Jasmine. You been keeping in shape?"
"Pika chu!" Jasmine nodded happily. "Chu pi pika pi-chu."
"Hey! It's up to him if he wants to get into a relationship. What's she like?"
"Chu pi chu pika pi chu pika chu."
"A little jealous are we?" A.C. asked slyly.
"Pika chu pi pikachu pi chu."
A.C. laughed, and gave the Pikachu a quick hug before letting her down. Looking over to where Tessa was still backed against the wall she rolled her eyes.
"Come ON Tessa, you know Jasmine won't hurt you."
"Pika chu." Jasmine shook her head. "Pi pika chu."
"I just don't like mice." Tessa ground out.
"Pikachu." Jasmine sighed.
Tessa's habitual scowl deepened, and she pointedly resumed walking down the corridor.
It took only a few long strides to catch up.
"What's up?" A.C. asked. "I wasn't expecting to come down here."
"Nick wants to see you."
General Nicodemus Huray was the commander of S.H.I.E.L.D., the JLI's law and military branch. Looking nothing like either of his canon counterparts, the middle-aged American-born Asian had a mind like a steel trap and a dislike of unnecessary duties. For him to want to see her in person was very worrying.
~ Could be worse. ~ A.C. mused. ~ It could have been M. Or BOTH. ~
"It is about time you got here Scarlet Angel." The General said as Tessa escorted her into the cleared lab before disappearing off to get Sora's gift. A.C. could hear a bit of his old asian-american accent slipping into his normally perfectly unaccented English.
"What's up General?" A.C. asked.
"Intel has identified some of La Mariposa's agents in the city. They're currently all in a warehouse in the industrial district, but your friend Mr. Scott is visiting. La Mariposa's still a bit angry about last month."
"So am I." A.C. said. "When are you hitting them?"
"In fifteen minutes."
"Then I'd better catch up to Noah. Can you do a quick sweep around the 250K Saloon? Mal is having a promotion party there."
"We'll contact you if we find anything, so get going."
A.C. nodded to the General and walked out to meet Tessa holding a wrapped box.
"Thanks Tessa."
"Not a problem. I'll see you out."
***
19:32 KCT
[Sweep 98% successful] Jarvis informed A.C. via her wristcom. [Checking the last three floors now.]
"What about the raid?" A.C. asked, sliding quickly past a car and ignoring the warnings on her helmet H.U.D. The Old Town wasn't really laid out for automobile traffic.
[They are performing the headcount now.] Jarvis replied. [The average speed of a taxi at this time of day in these traffic conditions from where the Epsilon Blade is docked...]
"Means he's almost there." A.C. threaded past another car at high speed to spot a taxi coming up to the Watchtower's public entrance. As she got closer she spotted two familiar silhouettes in back and put on a burst of speed. She shot past and cut the taxi up just before he'd clear the shadow of the buildings by the plaza before pulling up in front of it.
[Sweep complete. All Clear. All suspects accounted for.]
"Thank you Jarvis."
[Yes Ma'am. Goodbye.] Jarvis signed off.
~ Now all I have to do is smooth some ruffled feathers. Why always me for Big Blue's sake? ~
***
Greenpeace took off her helmet and shook her hair free. While not a claustrophobe in any way (claustrophobe's either got over it very quickly (which in itself was fairly odd. It might be interesting to find out precisely why, beyond blaming the Wave) or didn't come up), she didn't like wearing a helmet any more than she had to. There was one thing she disliked more, but she spotted Yayoi coming up meaning she could deal with it.
Popping her wings from where they'd been folded against her back through the (until then) concealed slits in her waved leathers, she took off with a delighted grin.
"Yayoi!"
***
Yayoi, being what she was, had far greater balance than a normal person. She could deal with sudden movements and compensate without batting an eyelash. She was a very skilled pilot after all. In this case she could see the incoming projectile and brace herself so she didn't fall over.
What she never seemed able to deal with was the fact Greenpeace always seemed to hit/grab her in just the right places to cause her to blush in embarrassment without actually being inappropriate.
"Yayoi! It's so good to see you again. Are you doing well? Have you got a girlfriend yet?"
"Hello Greenpeace." Yayoi sighed. "I'm fine, and no I don't. Not yet at least." As Greenpeace seemed about to start questioning her on her love life she cut her off. "Later. What was A.C. thinking cutting us off like that? Noah was about to start shooting."
"Um, can we talk about it inside?" Greenpeace asked. "A.C. had a good reason."
Yayoi shot a glance back at Noah, who was walking up after paying the fare, causing him to nod.
It was a quiet group that walked into the public lobby. The guards obviously recognised them, and waved them through while ignoring the alarm from the scanner as they walked through. Waiting for them as the express elevator to the JLI council chamber was a dress uniformed S.H.I.E.L.D. captain.
"Ma'am, Ms Crolis." The rather earnest looking Captain saluted, before turning to Noah and Yayoi. "Mr Scott, Ms Fujisawa." He took out two cards from a breast pocket. "With the Council's compliments. Please keep them with you in our fair city." Once the two Stellvian's took the cards, he stepped back and saluted before keying open the doors to the elevator.
Once the elevator was on its way, Noah turned to A.C.
"Class 3 weapons licenses?" He asked.
"Nothing to do with me." A.C. shrugged. "I'd have gone for Class 4. That'd give you some REAL grenades. Class 3 is basically an unlimited personal weapon carry. It's a political thing Noah. The Council's hedging its bets on the Patrol, and is allowing the key players the same leeway as its cops, rather than D.P.G. Which ties up with cutting you off, given S.H.I.E.L.D. found some of La Mariposa's agents in town. While the plaza is secured, they didn't confirm everyone accounted for until about five seconds after I did that." She gave the two Stellvian's a wry grin. "Besides, unless you're packing some special ammo you'd never hurt us. I'll see if I can get info on why they were here after the ceremony."
Gate 3, Watchtower Docks, Old Town, Kandor City, Luna
Friday 19th July 2013
18:50 KCT
The security guard swallowed nervously as the motorcycle pulled up to the checkpoint. It wasn't the fact the two women in 'waved and skin-tight racing leathers on it were stunning. This was Kandor City, well formed women in skin-tight clothing were two a penny here. It wasn't the fact the woman riding on the back in the green and black leathers was holding the driver in a way that didn't seem platonic. That wasn't his problem. It wasn't even the way the engine seemed to emit bird cries. This was Fenspace after all. No, he was nervous for one very good reason.
The long barrelled 40mm coilgun mounted to the side.
Before he could (politely) demand they remove their helmets, the driver (a tall woman all in black) produced her ID with a flick of the wrist. The guard didn't recognise the name, one Natalia Romanov, but the black colour and seal of the JLI caused him to pale and insert the card into a reader, hastily return the card and open the gate.
With a nod, the two women rode off leaving the guard to wipe his brow in relief.
***
A.C. ignored the giggling coming from Greenpeace as she made her way down the twisting streets of Kandor's old town. Using a S.H.I.E.L.D. ID was probably overkill, but staying in character had saved her sexy butt several times. The problem with being a Super in A.C.'s opinion was the way Jarvis kept a list of IDs being used by various members and made sure they all had that person's licenses and security levels.
Which meant the look on the guard (which had Greenpeace in a small giggle fit) was nothing compared to what it would have been if he'd realised she had (among others) Level 6 S.H.I.E.L.D. clearance, a Senior Armourer Q Branch rating, and a Double 0 licence. Any of those could give her the right to carry mil-spec weaponry around Kandor City. All three would have caused him a heart attack.
"We're going to be really early." Greenpeace warned as A.C. threaded her way through the dock to the city.
"I'm not really a fashionably late kind of woman." A.C. pointed out wryly. "Besides, we're stopping by Q Branch to pick up a gift for Sora."
***
The Epsilon Blade, berthed at the Watchtower Docks, Old Town, Kandor City, Luna
Friday 19th July 2013
19:20 KCT
"Noah, Mal said 'no weapons'."
"No he didn't, Yayoi. He said we wouldn't *need* weapons." He checked his Sig-P229's clip, then put the pistol back in its shoulder holster.
"His exact words were 'if it *does* happen, it'll be over before you get a chance to use it.' But that's at the party. There's at least 200 yards of open area between here and the closest taxi stand, and La Mariposa still wants us dead, remember? I'm not going out unarmed. And before you point out the pantsu and pompom grenades, they don't count."
Yayoi sighed. "I still think you're being rude."
"How am I going to maintain my reputation as the richest S.O.B. in Fenspace if I'm not rude sometimes?"
Yayoi sighed again as she shook her head.
The Epsilon Blade's airlock cycled, and two of the most famous people in cislunar space stepped out onto Kandor City's docks.
Noah took a look around as they started walking. "Nice place. Think I should buy it?"
"What, the dock?"
"No, the city. We *are* looking for a place to grow our own vegetables, after all."
Yayoi took a good look at Noah, then grinned as she realized he was joking. "You had me going for a moment."
"Good. If I can act like that at the party, then Sora won't be tempted to stay to help me get over ..."
"We aren't talking about last month," Yayoi interrupted quickly. "Besides, you *are* over them. *Both* of them."
Noah sighed. "I'm over Yoriko. I think. But ..." He stopped when he noticed Yayoi glaring at him. "I hope you're right. Do you have the data units?"
She nodded. "Two identical memory modules, one sealed against radiation, one ready to use. Do you have the going-away presents?"
"Sora's new bracelet is in my shirt pocket. The replica moulds for the Irreproachable Service in the Armed Forces of the USSR medals are in my briefcase. And here we are. Taxi!"
The ride to the Watchtower was uneventful. Except for the very end, when the cab swerved abruptly. "Hey, sorry about that. A couple of crazy broads on a bike cut me off. Hey - they've stopped right in front of the building you want. What'd'ya want me to do?"
"Stop here, please." Noah reached for his pistol.
Yayoi looked out the taxi's front window. "It's okay, Noah - it's A.C. and Greenpeace."
"You're sure?" She just looked at him. "Of course you're sure. Go tell them their dangerous driving nearly got them shot at; I'll pay the fare."
***
Level 4, Q Branch, Kandor City, Luna
19:10 KCT
As she walked through the workshop, a tiny part of A.C. was slightly irked that she wasn't getting the usual amount of attention she expected a beautiful woman in sexy and revealing clothes to get. Unfortunately for that little spark of feminine vanity, the rest of her jumped on it with reminders about her biomod quirks, the fact most of the people there were very busy, and that even though this was essentially Geek Central it was still Kandor City and beautiful women in sexy and revealing clothing were two a penny around here.
That didn't mean she wasn't putting a little extra swish in her step however.
Still, she saw the usual things going on. The computer desk chair ejection seat was being tested to the far left, an argument to the right suddenly ended when the device in question (a knockout gas cigar)) was set off, and as she passed by the workstations she noted the watches with built in lasers, the explosive cufflinks (she made a mental note to recommend they not give any to Kohran. At least, not without clearing it with Noah first), the X-Ray specs, and such being worked on.
All in all, pretty much normal for Q Branch.
One person who was paying her close attention was the scowling woman by the security door who pretty much ran the place. The scowl did nothing for her in A.C.'s considered opinion, but then again when it was found out that Tessa Thornton's first name was short for Quintessa everyone called her QT (pronounced Cutey). She'd never liked the Q nickname anyway.
"'Bout time you showed up." Tessa grumbled, and let her through the door to the secure labs. Theoretically A.C. had the clearance to do it herself, but she'd never been around long enough to need it.
"Same old, same old eh Tessa?" A.C. replied cheerfully, knowing she was about 5 minutes early. Running Q Branch always left Tessa sour during work hours.
"The old man's been in every day for the last fortnight." Tessa complained. "How else would I feel?"
"Bill's out on patrol then, otherwise you be at least a little more civil."
Tessa shot A.C. a glare before a yellow blur caused her to jump back in alarm. A.C. had just calmly caught the blur and was scratching under the creature's chin as it nuzzled friendlily.
"Hello Jasmine. You been keeping in shape?"
"Pika chu!" Jasmine nodded happily. "Chu pi pika pi-chu."
"Hey! It's up to him if he wants to get into a relationship. What's she like?"
"Chu pi chu pika pi chu pika chu."
"A little jealous are we?" A.C. asked slyly.
"Pika chu pi pikachu pi chu."
A.C. laughed, and gave the Pikachu a quick hug before letting her down. Looking over to where Tessa was still backed against the wall she rolled her eyes.
"Come ON Tessa, you know Jasmine won't hurt you."
"Pika chu." Jasmine shook her head. "Pi pika chu."
"I just don't like mice." Tessa ground out.
"Pikachu." Jasmine sighed.
Tessa's habitual scowl deepened, and she pointedly resumed walking down the corridor.
It took only a few long strides to catch up.
"What's up?" A.C. asked. "I wasn't expecting to come down here."
"Nick wants to see you."
General Nicodemus Huray was the commander of S.H.I.E.L.D., the JLI's law and military branch. Looking nothing like either of his canon counterparts, the middle-aged American-born Asian had a mind like a steel trap and a dislike of unnecessary duties. For him to want to see her in person was very worrying.
~ Could be worse. ~ A.C. mused. ~ It could have been M. Or BOTH. ~
"It is about time you got here Scarlet Angel." The General said as Tessa escorted her into the cleared lab before disappearing off to get Sora's gift. A.C. could hear a bit of his old asian-american accent slipping into his normally perfectly unaccented English.
"What's up General?" A.C. asked.
"Intel has identified some of La Mariposa's agents in the city. They're currently all in a warehouse in the industrial district, but your friend Mr. Scott is visiting. La Mariposa's still a bit angry about last month."
"So am I." A.C. said. "When are you hitting them?"
"In fifteen minutes."
"Then I'd better catch up to Noah. Can you do a quick sweep around the 250K Saloon? Mal is having a promotion party there."
"We'll contact you if we find anything, so get going."
A.C. nodded to the General and walked out to meet Tessa holding a wrapped box.
"Thanks Tessa."
"Not a problem. I'll see you out."
***
19:32 KCT
[Sweep 98% successful] Jarvis informed A.C. via her wristcom. [Checking the last three floors now.]
"What about the raid?" A.C. asked, sliding quickly past a car and ignoring the warnings on her helmet H.U.D. The Old Town wasn't really laid out for automobile traffic.
[They are performing the headcount now.] Jarvis replied. [The average speed of a taxi at this time of day in these traffic conditions from where the Epsilon Blade is docked...]
"Means he's almost there." A.C. threaded past another car at high speed to spot a taxi coming up to the Watchtower's public entrance. As she got closer she spotted two familiar silhouettes in back and put on a burst of speed. She shot past and cut the taxi up just before he'd clear the shadow of the buildings by the plaza before pulling up in front of it.
[Sweep complete. All Clear. All suspects accounted for.]
"Thank you Jarvis."
[Yes Ma'am. Goodbye.] Jarvis signed off.
~ Now all I have to do is smooth some ruffled feathers. Why always me for Big Blue's sake? ~
***
Greenpeace took off her helmet and shook her hair free. While not a claustrophobe in any way (claustrophobe's either got over it very quickly (which in itself was fairly odd. It might be interesting to find out precisely why, beyond blaming the Wave) or didn't come up), she didn't like wearing a helmet any more than she had to. There was one thing she disliked more, but she spotted Yayoi coming up meaning she could deal with it.
Popping her wings from where they'd been folded against her back through the (until then) concealed slits in her waved leathers, she took off with a delighted grin.
"Yayoi!"
***
Yayoi, being what she was, had far greater balance than a normal person. She could deal with sudden movements and compensate without batting an eyelash. She was a very skilled pilot after all. In this case she could see the incoming projectile and brace herself so she didn't fall over.
What she never seemed able to deal with was the fact Greenpeace always seemed to hit/grab her in just the right places to cause her to blush in embarrassment without actually being inappropriate.
"Yayoi! It's so good to see you again. Are you doing well? Have you got a girlfriend yet?"
"Hello Greenpeace." Yayoi sighed. "I'm fine, and no I don't. Not yet at least." As Greenpeace seemed about to start questioning her on her love life she cut her off. "Later. What was A.C. thinking cutting us off like that? Noah was about to start shooting."
"Um, can we talk about it inside?" Greenpeace asked. "A.C. had a good reason."
Yayoi shot a glance back at Noah, who was walking up after paying the fare, causing him to nod.
It was a quiet group that walked into the public lobby. The guards obviously recognised them, and waved them through while ignoring the alarm from the scanner as they walked through. Waiting for them as the express elevator to the JLI council chamber was a dress uniformed S.H.I.E.L.D. captain.
"Ma'am, Ms Crolis." The rather earnest looking Captain saluted, before turning to Noah and Yayoi. "Mr Scott, Ms Fujisawa." He took out two cards from a breast pocket. "With the Council's compliments. Please keep them with you in our fair city." Once the two Stellvian's took the cards, he stepped back and saluted before keying open the doors to the elevator.
Once the elevator was on its way, Noah turned to A.C.
"Class 3 weapons licenses?" He asked.
"Nothing to do with me." A.C. shrugged. "I'd have gone for Class 4. That'd give you some REAL grenades. Class 3 is basically an unlimited personal weapon carry. It's a political thing Noah. The Council's hedging its bets on the Patrol, and is allowing the key players the same leeway as its cops, rather than D.P.G. Which ties up with cutting you off, given S.H.I.E.L.D. found some of La Mariposa's agents in town. While the plaza is secured, they didn't confirm everyone accounted for until about five seconds after I did that." She gave the two Stellvian's a wry grin. "Besides, unless you're packing some special ammo you'd never hurt us. I'll see if I can get info on why they were here after the ceremony."