Master Thief

((Author's Notes: Spot as many references as you possibly can. I feel the ending is quite weak, but this thread of continuity is not over yet!

Finished: 19/02/2007))

Re Insertion

A nondescript blue sedan rolled to a halt in front of the faculty office. The driver, a dark haired man looked towards his passenger next to him and asked.

“You ready for this?”

His passenger, a young dirty blonde hair woman, nodded while attending to her hair.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”

Without so much as a farewell, the young woman exited, slamming the door. Within moments the blue sedan had left SS’ School of Martial Arts and was no longer seen. The woman strode with purpose into the building, heading through a route that was memorised and rehearsed. She stopped in front of an office door, much like those of any other office door in the building. There were two knocks before it was answered.

“Oh hello Dia, how nice of you to drop by.”

The man that answered led her inside. It’s wasn’t a complete mess but anyone could tell the laissez-faire attitude that was exuded from the arrangement of items and object in the small office.

“So, how may I help you today lil’ missy?”

“Master Leeds, I have a feeling that something isn’t right.”

“That would be Liam to you. As for that silly feeling, who’d want to harm a pretty lil’ girl like you?”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe them?” asked Dia.

Behind Liam, outside were two men. They were rappelling down from the adjacent building, aiming to break through the window. Liam kicked back his desk, leaping over with his firearm drawn. The crash was heard and the ensuing chaos allowed them to pluck Dia away. Far from defenseless, she tried resisting and attempted to reach for the closest weapon. It was a bit too late they already had restrained her right arm. One of them was dragging her towards the window with a gun pointed at her head. The other made sure that Liam didn’t pose a threat. Having taken what they had come for they escaped upwards, to the roof. Liam burst from his office to the confused stare of his colleagues before taking the stairs. Dia had slowed down the men considerably, enough for Liam to stop and take a potshot. He didn’t mean to kill, only to immobilise. He gripped his revolver a bit tighter before letting loose. His target dodged out of the way, as if he could see the future. Evaluating the situation, one of the men held Dia in full view and threatened to shoot. Liam was not cowed, easily removing offending piece of metal. His next shot did the same for the other man who dropped his weapon in surprise. The tables had turned. They let go of Dia and made off with their lives. Liam holstered his revolver. Dia and her clothes were a bit roughed up but that was all.

“Thank you. I’m not sure what would have happened if not for your intervention.”

“Ain’t safe for you now, I suggest you stay with me.”

“But isn’t that forbidden.”

“Don’t you be getting any funny ideas now lil’ missy.”

“Of course, thank you again Master Leeds.”

“I told you, it’s Liam.”

Exfiltration

Night had fallen and it was no less busy. Lamps did little to brighten the darkened streets. Vehicles would cruise by, indifferent to the pedestrians. This served Noch well. He was leaning against a street lamp, watching, waiting for the lights across the streets to go out. His accomplices were still not ready. His usual frown righted itself. The cold wasn’t biting and he was enjoying every slit against his cheek. His digits were slightly numb but that was not a concern, they would warm up. He wished the cold season lasted forever. The light in the area started to dim and his moment of relative silence was broken.

“Where are you? Auggie and Seb just took out the power, get moving!”

Noch didn’t need to reply. He was already striding across the street and up the steps of the building. In the darkness, everything gave off a haunting silhouette. The bewildered men and women in the building went about by feeling the walls, a major blackout was foreign. Noch did not need to feel his way. He memorised the steps it took to reach his destination. He remained silent even as he was bumped into the temporarily blinded. The same voice was heard in his ears.

“You have 20 seconds Noch, hustle.”

The time was well spent as he was where he wanted to be when the lights came back on. However the number of people in it was not as what he expected. There was only Dia. Surely she would have been better protected than this. There was only a small tap on the hard floor before he knew why.

“That was a classically executed textbook break and entry manoeuvre right there. A shame I was the one who wrote the book.”

“Master Leeds, I was expecting you.”

“You think a young ‘un like you could just waltz in here and take lil’ Dia just like that?”

“Not really.”

Noch produced a pistol.

“You shouldn’t point that thing around, you might hurt someone.”

“Oh, don’t worry, these are only tranquiliser rounds,” replied Noch waving the pistol around before squeezing the trigger as he finished.

“Ah fa…” was heard before Master Leeds teeth clenched and he started to collapse.

Noch caught him in time.

“Dia, be a dear and tell the others we’re ready for exfiltration.”

“Okay big bro,” Dia borrowed Noch’s communicator, “Eh, Manu, nous sommes prêt!”

“Dac-o dac, je suis en position.”

Outside the window, a small truck back up in the alleyway between this building and the next. Its roof read Manu’s Maintenance Cru. That stupid truck was going to be their undoing someday. Closing the window as they descended with their captive, Noch did a brief mental check before boarding. Back inside, Dia was undoing her hair. She like letting it flow free, or so she kept repeating. Manu was at the wheel, weaving and dodging through traffic now. The truck banked left and right from the forces it was subjected to. It wasn’t far to the safe house despite the evening traffic. They pulled into a small mansion near the edge of town. Any witness would have written it off as suspicious but they were far too busy sleeping or spying on another house. Killing the engine, Manu hopped out and hit the hay. Dia did likewise but Noch stepped out of the garage to bathe in the rays of the night sky. Textbook manoeuvre huh? Well, he’ll show Leeds a trick or two of his own.

Exposition

Grogginess, blurred vision and a headache greeted his visitor. Measures had to be taken to ensure that nothing unexpected will happen. The sun had set moments ago so the only available lighting was provided with only the fireplace and a table lamp.

“Ugh…” the only audible noise his visitor had made since he was brought into the study.

“Awake already Master Leeds?”

“Who may you be? Better yet, did I get drunk again?” his visitor asked groggily.

“Just your friendly neighbourhood kidnapper and no, you did not imbibe any alcohol over the past 24 hours.”

Master Leeds, his visitor, jolted awake as if he had a nightmare. Taking a quick look at his surroundings before resting his eyes on his host and tried to regain his composure. It only reminded him of an interrogation. Despite the comfort offered by the armchair, the binds were starting to bite into his wrists and ankles. His host took a pocketknife out, cutting the binds on his wrist and ankles.

“Are you comfortable now Master Leeds?”

“Just out of curiosity, you’re not a Vigilante are you?”

“Quite the contrary Master Leeds, I work on the other side of the law.”

“That narrows its down a bit. Don’t tell me let me guess. A suit and necktie, a businessperson, a live hostage, not a murderer, you used a professional team, not mentally imbalanced. So, you’re a thief?”

“If you clearly must resort to such vulgar terms, the answer is yes.”

“No need to be so high and mighty Mr. Say, I didn’t get your name.”

“Mortimer, Mortimer De LaRoche,” coolly said.

“Well Mr. De LaRoche, what am I doing here?”

“I have brought you here to issue a challenge.”

“I’m afraid I can’t take part Morty, I do have a parole y’know?”

“Master Leeds please do not abbreviate my name, if you please.”

“Only if you say so Morty,” Master Leeds was getting comfortable.

“Regardless, you will partake whether you agree to or not.”

“Ooh ooh. Don’t tell me, the stakes are too high for me to not care.”

“That is precisely it Master Leeds, if you wish to not witness genocide, I suggest you prepare yourself to stop me from finding Krin,” his tone was chilling.

“I suppose you want to me to consider the fact that you have a fully assembled team and that I’m on my lonesome? Well, that girl, Dia, she was your ‘Monkey’. The young man who barged in to get me was your ‘Iron Man’. The outage did not happen on its own so I suppose you have a hacker or a mechanic, probably both. Last but not least, you had a getaway vehicle to transport me and that means you either have an actual driver or a jack of all trades rounding out your team.”

“To be fair, I will give you a twenty four hour handicap, I do not expect less of you, Master Thief William Leeds,” he was clearly impressed.

“You know nobody calls me that anymore. By the way, are you going to drug me and boot me out the backdoor?”

“I’m afraid so. Do not take it personally. It is but standard security procedures.”

“Ah well…”

Master Leeds then paused before taking out a small pill he took as regular medication. Mortimer offered him a drink to go with it. Later that night, a certain Master Leeds was found in the Red Light District asleep in the gutter with a bottle of the strongest spirits this side of Pangea in his arms.

Thief LFG

Liam Leeds handed his form to the clerk. More administrative bull he had to go through to actually take an official leave. Well, it wasn’t like he was taking time off everyday for a snooze or just plain not doing anything. He’d leave the kids in Wiji’s care. All the loose ends were tied up. Now all he had to do was to break into the Gate Archives Bureau. What was he thinking? He’s too old to do any of that crap anymore. Bollocks, replied his other, younger side, it’d be just like old times. Debating with himself did no good as he walked in the front door of the Gate Archives Bureau. Moving to the information desk, he asked the bored looking young man behind it where he could find a certain Ghin Hansen’s office. Without even shifting his attention, the boy lifted his finger and pointed towards one of the corridors. Liam left in that direction, not bothering to waste his time with the miserable service. It was a stride with purpose, unhindered neither by the old and dark denim trousers nor the unkempt leather boots. In fact, for a Master of the Arts, Liam Leeds possessed little more than his mottled shirt, short sleeved leather jacket, his briefs and his firearms. The pants were not his and neither were the boots. No one wanted to make a fuss about something so trivial, if they had known in the first place, and besides, what were they going to make him do, take off the pants? This train of thought brought him to his destination. Office of Ghin Hansen, of all the people inside the Bureau, she has seen more outside the city than any other person, partly due to her immortality. Maybe she could help him find Krin. He knocked gently. No answer. He knocked again, a bit more forcefully now. There was still no answer. He knocked again, this time he was eyeing the security camera. No dice. He spotted a nearby restroom, and on a hunch he went inside. Guess he really had to break in after all. There was even a grate that was loose enough to dislodge. He made sure no one was using the stalls before punching the grate up and climbing into the vent. He put the grate back in place before crawling through the cramped confines. He had no idea if he was going in the right direction and it took a few looks out of the occasional grate to find out where he was. Heck, it was as if the whole building was made to crawl through in the vents. It was ironic how the movie industry’s spy flicks usually employ the vent crawling gimmick while the masses cry out saying how unrealistic the movies were. There he went, wandering off in his thought again. Although each time he did lose himself to deep thought it seemed to bring him to his desired destination. Freaky he thought. The vent conveniently enlarged itself as he peered through the small grate that led down to Ghin Hansen’s office. It was clear why the door was locked. Voices, one of Mortimer, the last night’s host and who he could only presume to be Ghin Hansen.

“Mrs. Hansen, may I remind you that I am only here for any information regarding the areas outside the city?” slight annoyance was present in Mortimer’s voice.

“Well, may I remind you that you are threatening me in a most callous fashion and hence I will not divulge the information you desire,” her condescending tone mocking his.

Ever the knight in shining armour, Liam burst from the ventilation into the room a distance from Mortimer and his retinue who shifted their attention to him as he landed with a clang.

“Mrs. Hansen, I presume?” corny at the ready.

“Mr. Legatha, can you please show this man the door? Please also make sure he leaves in right body bag.”

The ‘Iron Man’ whipped out his fire arm, a small machine pistol. Certainly the office grand but it also was lined with dust collectors along the walls, leaving the space in the middle of the room to be filled with a fish tank, a coffee table flanked by various chairs and a couch. Not a great position to be in the first place. The coffee table was the first to go. Liam tried to kick it up, only managing to flip it over. Nothing was gained from the manoeuvre and he ate a few bullets, as he tried the couch. What he didn’t know was that Ghin Hansen does not like to have her office trashed, since it was already filled it. She wrested free from the man holding her to the chair and sprinted for an old shotgun she had on the wall. Yanking it, twisting in such a way that anyone close would have been righteously smacked. Unfortunately, one of the henchmen was stupid enough to do so. Ghin always kept the gun in working condition and fully loaded, in case of emergencies like these. Aware of the thwack to his comrade, ‘Iron Man’ turned his weapon on her but the clicking signalled that he was empty. He jumped behind the couch as fish tank behind where he used to stand was blown apart.

“Agh, my exotic fish!” exclaimed Ghin.

“Funny to find you back here eh?” said Liam to the new arrival.

“Uh, what?” said ‘Iron Man’ who was fumbling with his weapon.

‘Iron Man’ was punched repeatedly. Ghin turned her weapon to Mortimer who had his hidden derringer pointed at her face.

“Go ahead and shoot, it’ll only hurt but I’ll be fine.”

“Aren’t there rumours that you’re not immortal as everyone thinks?”

“Are you willing to take that chance?”

Mortimer lowered his weapon after some thought.

“Fine, we’re leaving.”

His henchmen retreated with him out the window, rappelling down to a waiting truck. Mortimer looked indignant as he left the field of view. Liam crawled onto the couch. Ghin looked him over as security and Vigilantes descended on the scene. He briefly explained the situation to her before they put him on a stretcher. She was definitely thinking. Before he could be carted out, he asked her,

“So, Mrs. Hansen, wanna party?”

“What does your parole officer say?”

Caravan

Ghin was waiting for Liam at the edge of the city. Whipping winds buffeted the fallen highway, throwing her hair into disarray. She’d tie her hair, but she just didn’t like doing that. For a moment, the wind had completely obscured her vision with a face full of white hair. When she had finally brushed her hair aside did she find her vision to be obstructed with Liam’s face.

“Your late,” she said, voice tinted with shock.

“Sorry, business to attend to, now, shall we get going?”

Trying to nod, Ghin only succeeded in beaning Liam. Stumbling back a bit, Liam rubbed his face. Ghin had already proceeded down the side, not waiting for Liam. When both were finally at the bottom did Liam take the first step outside of Gate. He looked backed only saying goodbye to civilisation for a time. She only told him to bring his weapon and a few tins of food. This was Ghin’s territory. She knows the land better than anyone outside the exploration department of the Gate Archives Bureau. With good reason since no one really wandered outside the city, it was far too dangerous with aggressive mutants up and about. So it came as a surprise to Liam that after a few days travel, did they arrive at an isolated settlement. Ghin was untroubled by it, she had been here numerous times. It was a sort of cross road for anything living outside of Gate. Humanoids lived here, most were darker skinned than Liam and he tried not to look uncomfortable. Residents went about their business. The odd youngster would wander by and take a good look at him. He couldn’t tell what these beings were. Ghin paid them no mind as she sauntered over into one of the buildings, leaving Liam to bake in the heat. As if by habit, Liam sought out the shade of a nearby building and promptly took a nap. It felt as if it was only a brief moment that he closed his eyes before he woke up with a jolt.

“Kila! Stop disturbing the man.”

Liam readjusted his hat and sight. A young girl was poking him with a stick. Liam reached out and grabbed it. Not many suspected such speed from a man who just awoke.

“Master Leeds? How in the world did you end up here?” asked the older woman who was now by what could only be her daughter.

Liam recalled seeing her somewhere before but he had not the slightest when, or where.

“It’s me, Kathryn Kidelowski, from the wedding.”

He remembered now. It was at Jessie’s wedding. She must be her mother-in-law. He nodded.

“You must forgive Kila, she is quite inquisitive.”

Kila scowled. This did not contribute to relieving tension. Liam’s hands retreated into his pockets. As if sensing weakness, Kila leapt at him, sliding out the blade from within the stick she prodded him with. With barely any space left between him and his attacker, Liam fell and the blade cut through the air. He had no time to relax, rolling backwards and on to his feet. He still didn’t feel the need to draw his weapons.

“Kila, stop it!” her mother exclaimed, but to no avail.

He backed away from the blows, side stepping and making sure that he wasn’t nailed by follow through. This Kila was meticulous, almost with no opening to exploit. He miscalculated the distance once and it was enough to draw blood. It was only a graze in his cheek but dust kicked up by the melee incrusted itself within the wound making it sting. Kila thrust the blade straight through. The dust kicked up from the force of movement was testament enough to the power behind it. Impaled on the blade was a tin ration. Puzzled, Kila moved her arm towards the tin. She cut short when she realised that her weapon was refusing to move and when she turned around, she was staring down the barrel of a six-shooter. A crowd had gathered during the whole event which was only brief in duration. Liam had guessed it. She was drew him into the heat so that his strength could be sapped. A cunning plan he even admitted.

“Give up lil’ missy?” he asked.

“My, my Liam, do you certainly have to attract attention wherever you go?” Ghin’s voice came.

“Well Ms. Hansen, where have you been?”

“A contact of mine says he’s seen a bunch of shady types pass through town this morning. I have a hunch that it is Mortimer and his men. We should get going and fast.”

“Ah, so you’re the one Ghin is travelling with this time,” said Kathryn who had separated the Kila from Liam.

“Kathy! It’s so nice to see you again. I wasn’t aware you two knew each other,” Ghin answered, approaching in greeting.

“He was at my son’s wedding. He’s the co-worker of my daughter-in-law if I recall,” Kathryn elaborated.

“Wow, congratulations, I didn’t know.”

Kila was squirming around, trying to get free. Liam only gave her a stern look before Kila stopped as if cowed. Liam whirled his revolver back into his hip before speaking,

“So, Ms. Hansen, what about speed is of the essence?”

“Yes, I suppose we should get going. Well it has been nice seeing you again Kathy. It’s also nice to see Kila persisting in her efforts to be the best fighter. I suggest schooling her in the city. We’ll keep in touch.”

She left with Liam shortly further heading west.

Break and Entry

Jungles have a knack for inspiring fear in people. However, what is even more fearful is a jungle at night. Sounds are heard, their general direction known, but when one tries to look in the said direction, pitch black emptiness stares back. Even a torch or flashlight does little to aid in seeing. The mother star of the Pangea barely reaches the forest floor, let alone the multitude of dimmer celestial objects. When one does find a clearing, respite is given in reward, and to look and stare at the stars in the night would be a rare privilege indeed. Liam couldn’t see them though. He was sure it was a clearing as there were no trees in the nearby vicinity that he could see or feel. Ghin smiled, or at least, that’s what Liam thought he saw. He could only feel her presence. It was as if she melded into the darkness.

“Polo,” said Liam.

“Marco,” confirmed Ghin.

“This is it?”

“Watch this.”

Liam still couldn’t see, but Ghin had laid her hands on something. Slowly the light slit the darkness and enlarged itself until he could see the familiar figure basking in illumination. The figure and what a figure it was, he thought to himself, beckoned to him and gladly he followed. Squinting from the piercing light he found himself in a nondescript room. The door behind him closed and another one in front opened. A welcoming committee of men armed to the teeth entered.

“Ghin, you know better than to use the back door,” greeted one of them.

“Ragen, you know me better than that. This is important. Your security will be breached,” Ghin said, getting straight to the point.

“Already has, I don’t know who or how, but someone has entered out private network and acquired a copy of this compound’s blueprints. I suppose you can tell me how they’ll proceed next,” the one called Ragen answered.

“I can’t, but he can. Gentlemen, this is Master Thief William Leeds. He should know how to best direct your defences,” Ghin said as she gestured towards Liam.

“Please call me Liam,” Liam added.

Ragen waved to his men and led the pair of visitors into the main complex. He briefly touched his ear. Ear communicators, these guys took no chances thought Liam.

“Ghin, Krin wants to see you, for some reason. You know where to find him.”

Ghin peeled off at the next corridor whilst Ragen and Liam proceeded to their destination. Along the way, Liam glanced at a door with some writing on it. SS’ office was written on the plate. So that was where that old coot worked. He hid his smile. Inside the control room for all security, the monitors were all lit, casting a ghastly hue to the observers. Then Liam saw it. A few monitors would flicker for a moment. He scrutinised the ones that did. Every few seconds, he noticed a frame cut. He was really too late, at least, he hoped not.

“Ragen, seems like the ‘Monkey’ has already gotten in. What is the quickest way to get to Krin?”

“Actually I don’t know, only the higher ups know that, and I’m only just a Major.”

“Okay, Major, follow me.”

Ragen followed him as Liam ran outside. Running down the corridor and he turned the corner. He was met by corpses.

“The ‘Iron Man’ is in too,” Liam quickly remarked.

Liam drew his revolver and Ragen drew his armament and hailed for backup. Advancing slowly forward, Liam quickly checked the ceiling, no signs of tampering. There was a bigger junction this time. He swept the room carefully with Ragen covering the entrances. Nothing out of the ordinary, but it was rather a funny place to put a janitor’s closet though. Liam didn’t take any chances. He motioned for Ragen to open the door. Liam levelled his gun, but as the door cracked open, there was nothing. He stepped inside, feeling the walls, mops and buckets. Still nothing happened. He closed the door this time and hit pay dirt. A small opening revealed itself and he stepped inside. He closed the entrance he came through. Creeping alone through the narrow space he was afforded, he could see light at the end. It ended with a grate. Looking around, it was a vast office space and he was standing behind the fire place. A muted clack was heard. Knowing what I could well be, Liam kicked the grate out of his way and leapt through the flames. Ghin’s puzzled face greeted him as he landed at her feet. Another man, presumably Krin stood up to take a good look at him.

“It seems you have found your way here regardless,” Ghin said exasperated.

“He most certainly looks like what I expected, welcome friend, to InfraRift. I am Krin, how may I help you?” announced the host.

“The ‘Iron Man’ and the ‘Monkey’, they’re here. It would be unwise to stay here,” was all Liam could say as he dusted off the soot from his coat.

Just then a small screen came to life. Standing in the arranged lighting stood Mortimer De LaRoche.

“Unwise indeed, unless you surrender yourself to me, I shall take extensive measures to acquire you, whether you wish to or not. That is my ultimatum. When my agents reach you, I hope you will have a satisfactory answer. That is all.”

As swiftly as he appeared, Mortimer disappeared.

“I guess I should surrender myself then,” said Krin after some silence.

Ghin looked at Liam, who was looking at her. They then settled their gaze on to Krin.

“Er, why are you looking at me like that?” he asked.

Moving Out

Noch dropped another pair of guards. Mortimer and his games were drawing too much attention.

“Sis, where are you?” he spoke into his communicator.

“I’m waiting for you slowpoke.”

He grimaced at how his sister could be so light hearted at such a time. As long as it didn’t distract her it was fine. He conjured up the mental image of the building’s schematics. This would be the correct door to bust through. The omnipresent hum faded from the area as Noch counted up to three. On three, the nudged the door open and he proceeded inside with his fire arm at the ready. Inside stood Master Leeds, Ghin and his package around a table, waiting to be picked up. He levelled his weapons on Leeds. Leeds took out his weapons and tossed them aside casually. Ghin did the same. Dia, who had appeared from the opposite door quickly, scooped them up.

“He is coming with us!” commanded Noch.

His package got up and waited for him to lead the way. Dia grabbed a hold of him and tossed him into the fireplace and into the secret passageway behind the flames. Noch exited after them. Keeping an eye on Leeds and Ghin, he thought to himself how amusing that Mortimer had actually done something useful. As the captors and captives burst through the door Noch did not spare a second to pause before proceeding to the exit. A mistake he rarely made in his professional life.

Sergeant ‘Lucky Man’ Andrew joined his superior officer, Ragen, in the nearby corridor.

“Engage hostiles but do not shoot to kill,” an order came from their communication devices.

“Copy that, LM, give chase, I’ll flank,” Ragen said as he saw the intruders coming out from a door with Krin in tow, “Command, this is Major Smirl. We have contact, southeast corridor probably heading for that exit.”

Command confirmed that call and mobilised men to the area. They just had to hold them from the exit. All the while, Sergeant Andrew took out his standard issue IR Pistol and plugged away, each shot doing nothing but alerting the captors to his presence. Noch, now aware of the threat, dropped to his knees as he brought his machine pistol to bear. Loosing a few rounds kept his attacker’s head down. Took careful aim but was interrupted by the sound of a shot coming from an adjacent corridor. He left the package unattended, and worse, his sister. He covered his retreat with a few more rounds as he scooted down to the exit point. They were waiting at the door now. Switching the firing mode to semi, he freed the use of one hand as he collected another identical machine pistol his sister held out for him. The fire streaked towards him now, but they were not aiming to kill, as far as Noch could tell. He side stepped before using a wall to launch him above and into the midst of men. The first was struck as Noch came down, dispatching the rest with quick flicks of his arms. They fell with neat holes in their heads. The doors started opening now. Dia and the packaged slipped inside first.

“Halt!” exclaimed the reinforcements of enemies.

They were powerless as the doors closed shut. Sergeant Andrew and Major Smirl could do nothing to stop it. Ragen banged the door with one of his fists before his communicator came to life.

“Major Smirl, you are expected at Helipad 1.”

“Copy that, on my way.”

Speed Devil

The chopper lifted off into the night amongst the others that had already lifted off to search of any signs of Krin, this one had a particular purpose. Ragen was glum, Ghin was emotionless and Liam was the one who broke the silence.

“Don’t worry Major. It’s all going according to plan.”

“What plan? I swear half the time you’re winging it,” replied Ghin.

“They take Krin to Gate and lose the home turf advantage. Let Morty delude himself, Mo is nobody,” Liam spoke matter-of-factly.

Ragen froze at the mention of that name.

“Mo is not a criminal since he doesn’t think like one, ergo, he can’t help Morty. He’s more corporate Mafioso kingpin than street thug, so he doesn’t have the contacts. All he has is money and money, only gets you so far. Ragen, where we landing again?” he asked.

“The TwisT and Shout Night Club, or Psyklone Industries Headquarters, take your pick,” replied Ragen.

“That’ll be the TwisT and Shout Night Club then. I know a good driver around those parts. Then all that’s left is to extract Krin from Morty’s Mansion then we’re home free.”

“That’s your plan? It’ll never work!” exclaimed Ghin.

“Well, that’s what you think. In either case, you have done a lot already. So just sit back, relax and let me do my part.”

The chopper was descending. Landing on one of the hottest clubs in the city gave a rare chance for the chopper crew to get some R&R. Inside the club, Ghin and Liam were lead out into the VIP section. The music was deafening and people were either scantily clad or had loud shirts. Outside in the cold street, Ghin parted with Liam. Liam had to make sure he was alone. He made his way to the curb, raised his hands and snapped his fingers three times. A car across the street opened its eyes and raced towards Liam, stopping next to Liam to allow him to get in. A car was not his preferred method of transportation, but it shielded him from prying eyes. This was no ordinary taxi service, his driver dodging and weaving through traffic. They headed southeast before crossing the river that bisected Gate. Getting to the end of the bridge, his driver pulled the hand brake up and with the same motion twisting the wheel to the right. In the next instant the handle was down and the gears were slammed into the third. The screeching skid brought them under the bridge as the driver wrenched the steering wheel the other way. They entered Los Sinistre, the slums of Gate. A minute later and the car cruised to a stop at a bar. ‘The Pit Stop’ was scrawled on a nearby sign. Liam handed his driver some money but it was rejected.

“For friends of the Devil, service is free.”

Liam pocketed his money and stepped out onto the muddy tarmac. He slammed the door and his temporary chauffeur took off into the night, screeching as if to advertise his service. He stepped inside to find that there was a friendly atmosphere as slow music played in the murky smoke that hung in the air. Men and women were having drinks and chatted about everything and nothing. His arrival did not go unnoticed.

“Ah, good friend Master Thief William Leeds, what brings you to Pit Stop?”

“It’s good to see you again Igor Keukalov, or should I say, the Los Sinistre Devil,” Liam returned the favour as he seated himself next to his buddy.

A man looked up at them from the bar and drew two pistols.

“I thought so! William Leeds, you are under arrest for breaking parole by going AWOL, and you Igor Keukalov are under arrest for numerous infringements of traffic laws,” he said.

“Watch it, it’s a COP!” one of the patrons exclaimed.

Most of the patrons ran for the door. The older ones sat quietly minding their own business as they knew how it was all going to go down.

“Civil Onroad Protection, the last group of people I need on my back right now,” said Liam with a tired tone.

He raised his glass. It was shot out before it touched his lips but Liam continued the motion anyways. Igor threw a lazy punch, fast enough to pose enough of a threat but slow enough to be caught by any novice.

“Is that the best you can do? I thought the Los Sinistre Speed Devil was much faster,” said the man a bit disappointed.

It was the last thing he said before his skull erupted in blood and he fell.

“He leaves us alone now. Da?” Igor half asked the man, “Spasibo, free vodka for my friend!”

“Ugh, you know I hate that stuff, I’d prefer whiskey if you please. Anyways, Los Sinistre Speed Devil he called you didn’t he? Acronym isn’t as catchy as LSD eh?”

“It isn’t,” a female voice came.

“Not her, anyone but her, she spoil vodka. Liam can you, how you say, stall her, I get Krazny,” Igor groaned.

“You know, that’ll make me your accomplice,” Liam reminded Igor.

“Da, but don’t you have bounty already?” countered his friend.

Liam palmed his forehead as Igor slipped out the back. The woman, who could only be a Vigilante, tried to follow but Liam caught her arm.

“Drink for a dashing young lady?” asked Liam.

“Not on duty,” she replied, flipping him over the counter and into the bottles of fermented grain.

Igor’s pursuer went out the back. Liam paid for his drink and the damage before meeting up with Igor’s car. A classic muscle car, only repainted and redone on the inside, the way Igor liked it. The loud red and yellow abomination was unmistakable in its origins. Liam stepped inside, which rode quite low. Igor kicked the gas and with a mighty rumble, the car he called Krazny took off with its two front wheels off of the tarmac.

“So comrade Liam, what help do you need?” said Igor as they sped along.

“I’m doing a job and do you think you can help me transport my package to the TwisT and Shout Night Club tomorrow?”

“Ah, delivery, just like good old times no?”

“Just like good ol’ times buddy,” replied Liam.

Felon’s Finale

Mortimer was indeed pleased. The operation had gone smoothly, without a hitch. They had made good time having arrived only a few hours ago. While his team took their well deserved rest, Mortimer sat in his study, thinking of the choice words he’d deliver to his captive, Krin. He got up and paced furiously, still unsettled for a reason unknown to himself. He might as well have a chat with Krin, gauge whether he was a worthy prize or not. He walked across the hall, noticing an open window at the end of the hall. Mortimer peered out the window, scanning for anything out of the ordinary. He could hear a fading rumbling, part of traffic but probably no ordinary car. Street racing here? Well he had to admit the whales that beached themselves here had some fashion of overcompensating. He’d run an acoustic check of the sound later anyways. Closing the window, Mortimer walked to his office. On the chair across from his seat was his captive slumped in a chair. Without much as glancing at his guest, Mortimer seated himself in his seat, looking out into the garden that his office overlooked. He couldn’t shake the feeling of uneasiness and talking with his captive could betray his façade. Regardless, he turned around and stared straight.

“Surprised to see me Morty?” asked a familiar voice.

“Master Leeds, what an unpleasant surprise,” he answered without emotion.

“Don’t bother looking for Krin, he’s left the building.”

“Well played then, Master Leeds. I do wonder though, how did you bypass my security measures?”

“Medication that keeps me somewhat lucid after being tranquilised, the rest is just memory, I don’t take it because I love it,” Liam said, laying a few tablets on the table.

Mortimer swiped them off across the desk, scattering them around the room.

“Well, as the youngsters say it, keep it real Morty and see you around,” said Liam as he parted.

Mortimer summoned his team to the office. They arrived in short order.

“You have all failed me. It seems the package was retrieved while we were too busy celebrating a precocious victory. You all have expired my options.”

Mortimer produced a remote from his sleeve, pressing the button and waiting for a few moments before an explosion rocked the building. Sebastian and Emmanuel, as if having foresaw it, slipped out the door. Auggie tried to do the same but before he could turn to leave, Mortimer’s derringer slithered out and cracked his skull open. It may have been small but it had enough power. Ensuing explosions ensured that fires quickly spread. The derringer steadied on Noch, who didn’t flinch. What a waste it would be thought Mortimer. He shifted his aim and took his shot. It wasn’t aimed at Noch at all but the round still struck him. He had dove into the path of the projectile to spare his sister. Dia was now helpless.

“How does loneliness feel Ms. Legatha?” Mortimer asked as he trained his sights for the last shot.

He couldn’t take it though. Cold steel protruding from his abdomen froze his body in shock. The steel retreated and Mortimer’s felled figure revealed another sleeker one. This was a woman’s gaze burning with in the intensity of the cold.

“Phile Keukalov, Vigilante, it seems you might need help getting out of here,” she greeted in a tone most serious.

Dia could not refuse her aid for she knew her story was not to end here.