Binary is "do you think you can change anything?" for the curious.

Can't recognize anyone from the image. A couple of moldies?

>>530134
Penelope on the right, moldy on the left.

Wire 2013/07/31(Wed)22:49 No. 530139 ID: 4652c9
File 137533618076.png - (109.67KB , 800x600 , 2.png )

The slow crash of the subterranean waterfall sounds like the white noise on a huge, neolithic dead tv station.

73-6 brushes the flecks of water off his collar.

"Here they come," says Penelope. "Told you they didn't need a chaperone or nothing."

"I get nervous when we're in the cavern atrium," says Monica. "They splurged for the big conference platforms at the underground waterfall but they couldn't be bothered to put guardrails on it for some reason."

"it's about the decor of the thing," says 73-6.

"Speaking of decor, she brought Keisha. Bueno." Penelope nudges 73-6. "You didn't wake me up last night when she was running around with no pants on. You know what that makes you?"
"respectful of your much-needed post-surgical rest?"
"A bad friend."

>>530139
So, what now? We gonna get inducted into the business or something?

Well, get going with the debriefing.

That's what this is, right?

Informing Keesh and Sara of how dead they are if they ever think about mentioning this to anyone else?

Obvious questions from the girls: Penelope's still with them, and she's traded in her ninja suit for one of them trench coats.

Also... so uh, what happens now?

>>530139
I bet they're somewhat surprised to see Penelope here.

Tell Pen that you'll make it up to her later.

Hey, they killed some Fantomas for you. That's good, right?

Wire 2013/07/31(Wed)23:33 No. 530152 ID: 4652c9
File 137533881424.png - (10.20KB , 800x600 , 3.png )

"i'll make it up to you later," says 73-6.
"I'mma remember you said that," says Penelope.

"Take a seat, folks." Monica pushes a button underneath the table and chairs pop up from the ground.
"Holy cannoli, this is cool," says Sara.
"We don't usually get to show our cool toys off to civvies," says Monica.
"Our tax dollars at work," says Keisha.

"Were your rooms okay?" asks Monica. "We had to convert a couple offices. Sorry about the clutter."
"I slept great," says Sara. "Thanks for, uh, being there, Sev. I don't know where we could have gone but here."
"nill problemo," says 73-6.
"Easy for you to say, Mr. I-Don't-Do-Paperwork," mutters Monica. "Anyway! We reviewed your case files. I had a couple questions for you about last night."
"Such as?" Keisha takes a seat next to Sara.

Wire 2013/07/31(Wed)23:35 No. 530154 ID: 4652c9
File 137533892781.png - (10.45KB , 800x600 , 4.png )

"Take a look at this."
With another button Monica raises up a holographic projector and a color image of a strap-on square visor flickers to life.
"I know you didn't get a good look at them, but the visor guy. It look anything like this?"
"Exactly like that," says Sara.

"That is very good news, and very bad news," says Monica. "Very good news because we can know exactly where that thing came from, and very bad news because we can know exactly where that thing came from. This is a Sintex Solutions Visor. Sintex Solutions, the Agency. You can only find them in two places. And since I can't imagine a Sintex agent could be working alongside the Fantomas, that means your mysterious rocketman picked this gadget up in the Black Stalls." She taps the desk. "This shit is rare and extremely illegal for nonagency use. Anyone who sold it would have records as to where it went. I think a shopping trip is in order."

"You goddamn right," says Keisha. "All my clothes got blown up. You spooks are paying to replace them, aren't you?"

"You two can't go outside without an escort right now," says Monica. "Fantomas could easily be looking for you. We can't let you out of Bureau sight."
"Ooh," says Penelope. "I can take her. We can hit up the mall, have girl time, get new duds. Divertido."
"Well if one of you two is willing to take people shopping, I have an assignment for the other to investigate the Stalls," says Monica. "This is our chance to find out just who the Fantomas have working with them."

>>530139
Sara, before you all get down to business and things get seriously moody, you tottaly need to plug in your compy and replay from your memory-banks how Keisha completely shut down that Fantomas checkpoint guard!

>>530154
Did the hacked communications pick up anything while this was going on?

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)00:04 No. 530165 ID: 4652c9
File 137534068902.png - (9.90KB , 800x600 , 5.png )

"what about that communications hack? did it get much?"

"It got this," says Monica. She pulls up a terminal window, which plays an audiofile. Two voices.

"Punch it. Come on, punch it."
A sudden, glitchy blast of distorted vocals.
"There's a gunfight going on in there. They have guns."
Another blast. 73-6 flinches.
"That's what you're for."
One more blast of static, then a muffled boom. Sara swallows.

"He's smart," says Monica. "I don't know how, but he scrubbed the voice. During the transmission to us. He knew we were listening. Check this out." She fastforwards to a different segment of recording.

"We can't find them. They're gone."
"Could they have been atomized or something?"
Loud static bleat.
"Then we have a problem."
"We- under fire. Repeat, we are under fire from target building."
"Copy, flushout. Withdraw. Delta Apex, pull out with them and comb the area."
Static.
"What? We aren't- what are you talking about? Bugged? Dispatch, get me tech on. Now. Scrub the comms. Someone switch to the secondary channel. We-"
The comms end. Then suddenly two airhorns blast in, making everyone jump and a poorly compressed soundbite of a fart plays.
"Should have warned you about that part," says Monica. "It came from him. After the comms shut off. He was playing with us. A search on the name 'Delta Apex' came back completely dry. Must have been a mission only codename."

>Airhorns and a fart sound
I am caught between hating this guy for trying to murder us and loving him for the sheer amount of fucks he refuses to give.

>>530165
Shit, this guy is GOOD. Was there nothing before that?

Delta Apex... uh, top of the triangle? Capstone? Or it could just be D-A. Or just something random. Probably a dead end, don't look too far into it.

Wait. Didn't Sara shoot at them immediately after the guy shot that rocket? From these transmissions it sounds like they were shot at after the two got away by crossing the cables. Who was shooting at them...? How far did they fastforward, there?

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)00:37 No. 530182 ID: 4652c9
File 137534262109.png - (8.25KB , 800x600 , 6.png )

"sounds like someone started shooting after you two made your escape."
"Sounds like it," says Monica. "We need to find out what happened and who made it happen before we can go any further."

"and i know where to go to find out."
"And I know where to go to find pants," says Penelope. "Come on, kids, I'll drive you places."


>Choose which agent to take control of. Both perspectives will be seen; whoever is not selected will be played second.

Voting for the lesbian drug ninja.

>>530184
I thought penelop was bi, and monica was the lez?

>>530187
Maybe? I really dont think it was stated solidly beyond pen's fixation on keisha's butt, however. Still, this is more /dis/ thread stuff, so lets try and stick to votes for now yo

>>530187
No, check the original thread, Penelope's straight-up gay.

Anyway, voting for Penelope.

Penelope!

Penelope
We got to take care of this relationship thing right away.
Penelope already has a +1 in her chances since Keisha has been deeply disappointed by many boyfriends (according from ITQ and the fact that she wanted us to kill her ex, which we did)

We owe Penelope! Let her go with Keisha! I'm voting 73-6, you heartless bastards.

Pen Pen.

I like it that neither of the girls thought to question that Penelope is still hanging around.

lets start with the something a bit easier and work our way to the other.

Penelope

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)09:35 No. 530287 ID: 4652c9
File 137537494882.png - (13.54KB , 800x600 , 7.png )

"Everything that glitters ain't fishscale," Keisha and Penelope say in unison. "Let me think; don't let her faint get Ishmael. A shot of jack got her back it's not an act stack forget about the cackalack holla back clack clack blocka. Villainy. Feel him in ya heart chakra chart topper star shit bouta be a smart shopper. Shot a cop day 'round the way 'bout to stay but who'da know there's two mo that wonder where the shooter go."
"Can't believe you know Figaro," says Penelope. "I love this old shit."
"Please, girl, I ain't a barbarian." Keisha rolls the window down and blows her cigarette smoke out.

>>530242
It's been a day since the ladies arrived. Penelope got the chance to reintroduce herself. It was a touching reunion.
She and Sara hugged while Keisha just stood there raising her eyebrows like she does.
Sara isn't coming on the shopping trip, though. She needs specialized clothes for her chassis that let her see out her chest. Apparently they're a lot more expensive.

"Where we going?" asks Keisha.
"Well, there's Faneuil and there's Arsenal," says Penelope. "Those the two big malls I been to. Faneuil's closer, but I'm thinking with a bunch of Fantomas slinking around here we might want to go farther, even if it takes a while."
"As long as we back in time for me to go to work," says Keisha. "You driving me to work, by the way."
"Is it really the best time to work when you got a shit load of gangbangers looking for your head?"
"I don't come in for the night shift, my boss is gonna join them. And she a lot scarier."

when do you work, knowing that will give us a better idea of what kind of time frame we have to work with. Also what do you do.

>Apparently [Sara's clothes are] a lot more expensive.
It's ridiculous what designers will charge to cut eye-holes in a blouse or dress these days.

>Fantomas slinking around looking for Keesh
What are the odds Tribranch is looking for you? The Bureau let on that you're dead, right? (I still liked the mock sympathy card idea). Safest way to keep them from looking for you.

>job
What's she do, anyways?

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)10:16 No. 530292 ID: 4652c9
File 137537740648.png - (55.57KB , 800x600 , 8.png )

"Where do you work, anyway?"

"I'm a clerk for the Department of Mindin Y'all's Own Business," says Keisha. "and I gotta be on 377 Bailey at 8."

"That's plenty of time," says Penelope. "Arsenal it is."

>>530289
As far as Penelope knows, TriBranch thinks she's dead. 73-6's mission report states that he killed her, and the Bureau's pulling the line.

"Why are Sara's clothes all so expensive, anyway?" she asks.
"One-way fabric or something," says Keisha. "Poor girl can't barely afford the clothes on her back. Most of it got blown up, too."
"She have a job?"
"Data entry," says Keisha. "She does it all online with that robot body of hers. And she loans out processing power she ain't using to some business or another to get some extra cash on the side. Ain't easy to work when you a crazy-lookin robot. Y'all black coats should give her a job patching people up. She came right back alive when she was sewin up yo boyfriend a few nights ago."
"Not my boyfriend."
"I know, I know," says Keisha. "I'm just tryin that line on everybody."
"Why didn't you bring this jobhunt angle up to Monica?"
"I don't know if Sara wants it," says Keisha. "And if she gets all useful, they might start looking for what I can do for em too."

>>530292
So, not a fan of the corporations I take it?

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)10:41 No. 530298 ID: 4652c9
File 137537890968.png - (10.03KB , 800x600 , 9.png )

"Not a fan of corporations?"
"Not a fan of them when they want a favor and I can't do shit," says Keisha.


Arsenal is bright, loud, and plastic.
Keisha drags Penelope around trying to find a place she can buy clothing. It's on the Bureau's dime, so she does a lot of looking and tutting.

"Here we are," she finally says. "This place is always good."

"Corporat?" asks Penelope.
A scrolling marquis across the storefront says Conservative clothes for Conservative People.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)10:43 No. 530299 ID: 4652c9
File 137537899690.png - (13.36KB , 800x600 , 10.png )

"Naw, that one." Keisha points to the store's neighbor.

It's called Devil On Your Shoulder, and Penelope can hear the thumping club music inside from here.

"You coming in, or you watching the door?" asks Monica.

>>530298
...I suspect there's something not quite right about that place. Could just be paranoia, but ask her to tell you a bit about it before you go in.

Actually, nevermind, Devil seems okay. Typical punk stuff. Corporat still seems like a front for something, though.

>You coming in, or you watching the door?
Yeah, you're not standing around here like an idiot if someone tries something inside. Head on in.

that a clothing store or a nightclub? either way it sure looks a lot more fun then standing out here.

Devil's what she deals with eh?
Alright.
Wait, why does she just want us watching the door or something?

Well, now we know where 73-6 shops.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)11:18 No. 530313 ID: 4652c9
File 137538112770.png - (13.79KB , 800x600 , 11.png )

Penelope heads inside with Keisha.

Devil On Your Shoulder is lit with a dim, reddish glow.
Keisha picks through the shelves, humming along to the pounding trance music and pulling things off racks which couldn't really be called lingerie, but couldn't really be called normal clothes either.

"This is, uh," says Penelope. "This is for your work?"

"That's what I said," says Keisha. "Hm. Those fishnets I had back in the apartment were nice, but if the Bureau's payin, I think we can afford to splurge." She looks back at Penelope. "You buyin anything or you just gonna gawk?"

>>530313
Buy a sexier trenchcoat!

might as well browse to see if you can find something that catches your eye.

>>530314
If I remember correctly, the Bureaus trenchcoats are bulletproof. And that's sexy enough for anyone.

Still you should grab something more bedroomy. Ask her for help in that, I'm sure she has good advice.

Well, you weren't planning on JUST gawking, but plans may change if she tries that on.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look around.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)11:41 No. 530327 ID: 4652c9
File 137538251916.png - (8.09KB , 800x600 , 12a.png )

"I'm looking for something a little more, uh, bedroomy," says Penelope.
Without any other acknoweldgement, Keisha reaches to a nearby shelf and tosses something over her shoulder.

Penelope catches it.
Fuzzy handcuffs.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)11:46 No. 530329 ID: 4652c9
File 137538275951.png - (8.92KB , 800x600 , 12.png )

Well, at the very least now if she needs to make an arrest or something she's covered.

The two women leave the store with their purchases in tow. Keisha reaches into one of her bags and pulls out a new hat. She quickly and expertly tames her wild mane with a couple of scrunchies and adopts her usual look.

Penelope is clearing the store's archway when she stops. The hairs on the back of her neck rise up. Something tugs at her gut.
Someone's watching them.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)11:46 No. 530330 ID: 4652c9
File 137538276576.png - (11.85KB , 800x600 , 13.png )

Trying his best to blend into the crowd is a man with a black hoodie.
Penelope realizes she saw him when they came in.

As soon as he catches her eye, he takes a couple steps back and turns to try and blend into the crowd.

>>530327
Huh. Didn't think Keisha swung that way.

Maybe you should stick with a nice replacement unitard. Something in kevlar, maybe.

Play awkwardly with the handcuffs. *click-click*.

Oh hey, lookit that! Penny's already got a head-wire.

Don't let all this throw you completely off your game, sword-girl. There are people who would want you both dead. Keep an eye peeled on your surroundings and the people around you. Can't afford to let yourself be caught off guard.

>>530330
Cuff him.

think it's a Fantomas or something more?

either way I don't think chasing the guy is a good idea so I vote for just leaving.

Ask Keisha if she knows the guy in the hoodie. Try to be subtle about it.

Oh, we got a tail.

Either we lose him, or we fake him out and grab him. Trick is getting him to think he's going to lose you and rush, and do it someplace where the crowds aren't there to react.

>>530330
you can't draw attention to yourselves and you can't let him escape. get him alone and get some answers.

Maybe act like you saw him staring and wander over to pretend to flirt with him?

>>530330
Describe the guy to Keisha, maybe it's one of her ex-boyfriends that hangs out at the mall a lot.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)15:37 No. 530459 ID: 4652c9
File 137539664648.png - (10.85KB , 800x600 , 14.png )

"Keesh, escúchame," says Penelope. "You know that guy?"
"Who?"
"Hoodie over there."
"Him? No. I'd remember a mug like that."
"I'm gonna go talk to him. Stay here."
"Why? You think he some kind of street rat secret agent?"
"Just hold on, amiga."

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)15:37 No. 530460 ID: 4652c9
File 137539665134.png - (11.94KB , 800x600 , 15.png )

"Hey," says Penelope, approaching him. "Hey, uh, excuse me."

He walks backward a few steps, sizing her up, then spins round and sprints.

>>530460
...yeah, it's not worth chasing him and getting separated from Keisha. He's probably just a pickpocket or something, someone scoping you and Keesh out for some lesser crime.

I say use his burst of speed away from you to get Keesh somewhere else so he won't find you again.

Thinking ahead: How the heck are we gonna keep Keisha from being Soylent Green if we don't even know where she works or what she does there? We need a lookup on her address and some clues if we're really going to let her go to work.

Keisha's a stripper, Duh!

>>530460
You're an unstoppable commando berzerker. Chase him down.

Orange bandana around the neck, that screams Fantoma.

Then again, he could be a distraction for someone else to grab Kiesha.

>>530474
Fantomas is orange and white. Also orange is literally the only color we can see, bro. Lastly, that's a hoodie, not a bandana.

>>530476

He's described as wearing a Black hoodie, that ain't black.

The jacket part of the hoodie is black, the hood is colored. Not that uncommon.

so.. err... hoddies are cool.

...it's not worth chasing him and losing track of your charge. We handled that wrong. Shoulda just gnabbed him.

Let's just move on, or get out of here.

>>530462
I agree. if he's up to anything sinister enough to make him worth chasing, its not worth it to leave keesh unguarded.

Well, if he was tasked by bad people to tail us, we just got him to stop. Mission accomplished. Get back to Keesh and try to keep your wits about you in case he tags in a replacement.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)20:57 No. 530541 ID: 4652c9
File 137541586840.png - (8.60KB , 800x600 , 16.png )

Penelope backs off and returns to Keisha.
"What was that all about?" she asks.
"I don't know," says Penelope. "but it ain't kosher. We should get going, chica."
"I was gonna look around more."
"Maybe another day."

"Girl, what has got into you?" asks Keisha in the parking garage. "You more squirrely than a,"
"Squirrel," says Penelope.
"I was looking for something better," says Keisha. "but yea. It's just a trip to the mall. Ain't gotta get all spec-ops on my ass."
"Well, we- wait." Penelope leans down.
Keisha jumps. "Gotdamn, girl, what is it now?"

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)20:57 No. 530542 ID: 4652c9
File 137541587253.png - (7.23KB , 800x600 , 17.png )

"This door," says Penelope, "was 100% locked when we left."

>>530542
Open the hood of the car. Check for a bomb.

CAR BOMB

also they jacked your fuzzy dice.

>>530542
Aw crap, its been rigged to blow up when the door is opened hasnt it

on second thought, don't even open the door.

Just call Monica or Sev, and say
"Does the Bereu have car-bomb insurance?"

>>530542
Penelope, are you getting paranoid because of withdrawal symptoms? Regardless, ask Monica how easily someone could get one of these vehicles open. If it's even vaguely possible, take out your gun and check all the seats from the outside. Aside from that, you could pop the hoods and check to see if anyone's tampered with the engine or trunk.

If nothing's out of the ordinary then uh, are you SURE it was locked?

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)21:09 No. 530549 ID: 4652c9
File 137541655332.png - (4.18KB , 800x600 , 18.png )

>>530543
She most certainly will.

>>530548
She most certainly isn't.

>>530545
It most certainly has.

Magnetized bomb on the bottom of the vehicle, driver's side.

>>530549
Tell Keisha and Monica.

Any good at defusing bombs?

Dang. They made you rather fast, didn't they.

Do you know how to disarm that? If you don't, we could call Monica.

...ooor we ditch the car and commandeer another.

>>530549
What happens if you demagnetize it?

>>530549
Welp. if you cant defuse it to get home then remote detonate it and try to make it look like you got caught in the blast

get rid of it if you can, if not steal another car and have this little bomb go off to make it look (at least at first) that they got you, then get the hell out of here and make sure you're not followed.

Well, an alternative is just not use that door. Someone is likely watching to make sure the bomb goes off though.

>>530549
i can only hope you have similar comm tech to Sev now? This is something that should be reported. If you can give them a good description they may even be able to help you disarm it.

Whoever planted this bomb was sloppy. Leaving the door unlocked and the bomb in clear sight are big no-nos

>>530564
Then maybe they're just a distraction for an ambush. Or there's a second, better hidden bomb that will get us after we remove the obvious one.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)21:49 No. 530570 ID: 4652c9
File 137541898416.png - (7.58KB , 800x600 , 19.png )

"Car bomb," says Penelope. "If you'da opened up that door we'd be shaking hands with God."

"Forget everything I said about yo ass being squirrely," says Keisha. "Yo ass is not squirrely. I would not have yo ass any other way. Can you disarm it?"

"Claro que si," says Penelope. "This shit I got experience with."
She slides under the car, shaking her butt a little just in case Keisha was being literal about it.

She bites her tongue in concentration as she tinkers with the bomb. It's not going to explode unless the detonator's triggered, but she wants it recovered as intact as possible for the Bureau.
She likes that. Workin' for the Bureau. It's more fun to say than Branch.

"Penelope?"
"Thinking deep thoughts, Keesh. Silencio, por favor."
"Penelope? Babychild? I think the bomb just took backseat in our priorities."

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)21:49 No. 530571 ID: 4652c9
File 137541899228.png - (13.29KB , 800x600 , 20.png )

"Correctamundo," says a nasty little nasal voice from above. Penelope cranes her neck to see out from under the car.

Hoodie is back, with friends.

"Sups, ladies," he says. "How we all doing tonight?"

>>530571
Oh hey, guys to kill. Ask them who they are before we get down to business. Or just kill two of them and ask the last guy alive.

How well armed are you right now, Penelope?

>>530571
>Detach bomb
>throw bomb at assholes
>Use distraction/dead bad guy ruse to make your escape.

CAR CHASES WOO

Maybe say something witty about car trouble? I don't know, I'm certainly not a writer.

...I see one weapon, and it's a crowbar. I'm pretty sure you're more than a match for these guys. If you've managed to fit your sword under that coat, you could cut them down all pretty quick. Or three quick shots with a gun, anyways. You got any stims left, if you need them?

The bigger risk is if someone trips the detonator. Even if you kill all the punks, you and your charge are standing close to the bomb.

Come out from under the car, play along. Act cool and cocky, find out what they want.

Then beat the shit out of them, or kill them, as appropriate.

>>530571
What cho hasslin us for boys

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)22:05 No. 530581 ID: 4652c9
File 137541992463.png - (8.03KB , 800x600 , 21.png )

"What do you want?" asks Keisha.

"We'll start with your friend under the ride," says Hoodie. "You I'mma save for later. Come on out, Oppie."

Penelope's katana is strapped to her thigh. They took her stims, but the katana they let her keep.
In a shoulder holster on the inside of her trenchcoat is a boxy .357 semiautomatic.

She glances at the bomb. She hasn't got it unstuck yet.
How did these dweebs get this hardware?

Her professional diagnosis is that these little mallrat fucks don't know who they're messing with.

>>530571
Keisha- pull out the dress you got in that bag, see how they react.

The guys with the hands in the pockets probably have weapons. crowbar dude you save for last as he is unprepared to do anything with it. I say take out the guy in the back first with the gun. use the katana to kill the weasel and interrogate crowbar.

>>530582
Better: pull out the dress, dangle it around for just a sec, then toss it at them and immediately go for the throat. They will have a split second of confusion to react to the dress coming at them and by the time they've dealt with it you'll have dealt with them.

>Her professional diagnosis is that these little mallrat fucks don't know who they're messing with.
Yeah, that's my analysis too.

Let's fuck their shit up.

Grab that one dude's crowbar and beat the shit out of them with it. I don't think these guys are enough of a real threat to bother killing.

...or failing that, default to sword-slaughter. No gunshots mean we're not attracting more attention.

gun down the Elvis wannabe first and then put a hole in crowbar's head, close the gap as quick as you can and cut off a hand (whatever one is holding whatever weapon he's got preferably) on sweater rat. Then put the blade right above his crouch and ask him a few questions, also watch your back, If this numb nuts got someone to give them a bomb it wouldn't be to much of a stretch for them to have backup somewhere around here.

I'm partial to taking the crowbar and beating the shit out of them. I'm totally against using the gun. Katana if necessary.

>>530591
>>530588
They put a fucking bomb on our car. Pulling a gun on these fuckers is not an escalation, it is a downgrade, it is fucking reasonable discourse. If they really don't know what they're dealing with, show whichever one you leave alive for interrogation how much of a fucking mistake he and his two soon-to-be-dead buddies just made. If they DO know what they're dealing with, at least you didn't fuck up by underestimating them.

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)23:01 No. 530594 ID: 4652c9
File 137542329419.png - (8.74KB , 800x600 , 22.png )

"Hey, hey, mis amigos." Penelope extricates herself from the car. The men advance. "Uh, we just had some engine issues. No es nunca."

"Never seen a wetback Oppie," says Elvis. They weave their way through the cars toward her with the predatory gait of wolves. Penelope's fingers twitch. She thinks she's going to enjoy this.
"You want us to take a look at that for you?" says Hoodie.
"I'm good," says Penelope. "I went to school for this."
"You a mechanic?"
"No."

Wire 2013/08/01(Thu)23:01 No. 530595 ID: 4652c9
File 137542329937.png - (13.74KB , 800x600 , 23.png )

"I'm a troubleshooter."

6/10, Penelope, thinks Penelope, as her trenchcoat whips out and around. Maybe the draw will make up for the difference.

Her hand shoots down from her shoulder and slides the gun from the holster. She twists it round her index finger by the trigger guard and instantly ventilates Mr. Wetback-spouting Elvis in the throat. The casing pings out of the gun and slides down the waving trenchcoat, sailing up and into the air.

Yeah, giiiirl.

"ghhm," says Elvis.
"GUN," says Hoodie.
"RAGUGH," says Crowbar, leaping at Penelope.

She's not going to have time to line up the next bullet.

>>530595

Take a few quick steps backward and prepare to disarm Mr. Crowbar. Then embed said crowbar into his neck.

>>530595
Hahaha look at that little knife. Show them what a real blade is. Quickly draw your sword and parry his strike, then disarm him. By cutting off his arms.

After that we can hold the rat at gun/swordpoint, make sure he has his hands fully up, and ask what the fuck he was thinking.

show crowbar that sword beats crowbar

Slide the pistol over to Keisha, then pull out the sword and waste this chump.

Draw katana. Chop guy with crowbar.

If we don't have time to properly point a gun, we sure don't have time to unsheathe a damn sword.

If he's leaping, that means downward strike. Dodge to the side, pop him in the skull when he misses.

>>530608
False. Some styles of sword combat, especially those related to the katana, have strikes that specifically start while the sword is sheathed. She should be able to do it. Simply drop the pistol right there in mid-air and whip out the sword, cut crowbar's arm off.

>She's not going to have time to line up the next bullet.

Then he's moving too fast and reckless to avoid a foot between his legs: Faceplant him on the concrete and curbstomp.

draw katana and deflect the crowbar into the ground then cut off his arm.

We are a leaf on the wind.

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)11:23 No. 530686 ID: 4652c9
File 137546779512.png - (12.42KB , 800x600 , 24.png )

The TriBranch martial arts training regimen included a heavy focus on Iaido, the art of the killing draw.

Penelope is a highly practiced Iaidoka, because she thought it looked fucking awesome.

She demonstrates the proper kata to her charging attacker, stepping up and into his charge and nearly cutting his arm off entirely. She opens his chest up from one end of his ribcage to the other.

He halts and gurgles. The crowbar clatters to the floor.

>>530686
Alright, look around to make sure nobody else is gonna interrupt you, then get that last guy's hands up and ask him what the fuck he was thinking.

Feel sad that you don't get a stim high while this happens.

Now who will free-verse at them?

Instead, ask the last guy "You knew I was an Operative. What did you THINK was gonna happen?"

Ask him again what they wanted.

Right, take hoodie alive so we can beat some answers out of him. Keep an eye peeled for anyone else in the garage, though.

And remember you're standing next to a bomb, and if this idiot doesn't have the detonator, someone else may. Meaning if you stand there like an idiot, you guys may get blown up.

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)12:14 No. 530702 ID: 4652c9
File 137547088797.png - (9.20KB , 800x600 , 25.png )

Penelope sweeps forward as Keisha scrambles to pick up her discarded gun. She shoves the blade's edge into Hoodie's face.

"Okay, nidada. You know I was oppie. Why the fuck you try and fuck with me?"

"Guh. Ffuh. Um, we.

"We."

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)12:14 No. 530703 ID: 4652c9
File 137547089234.png - (9.61KB , 800x600 , 26.png )

"We, uhm.

We. We."

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)12:15 No. 530704 ID: 4652c9
File 137547091929.png - (11.15KB , 800x600 , 27.png )

"We are," he says, and before even Penelope's honed skills can react he is gripping her katana and pushing down on it with hysterical strength. Blood curls and spurts along the steel from his hand.

His eyes are blank and bloodshot. He's riding the stimboost rocket.
"We are. We are. We are. We are."

Yep, these guys are TriBranch. You're a stimmer, so you know how to deal with one, right? Do what you do best. Probably run like hell.

Oh god PUSH FORWARDS AND IMPALE HIM.

Oh, Keisha has the gun, yell for her to shoot him!

Stab forwards. Maybe it'll cut his fingers off and send the tip through his brain. Drugged or not, he's still made of meat.

Unless he's got a better grip on it than you do. Then I got nothing.

...I still don't get why they wouldn't at least try to just snipe you if this is indeed an ambush prepared in advance. If they are working for Tribranch, does Tribranch have some crazy urge to avoid using guns for killing whenever possible or something? (That would fit with Penelope's starting equipment...)

Oh fuckshit. He's a brancher? Or they're just giving gangsters stims to fuck with you? This ain't good. They found out you were alive way to fast.

Kill him kill him kill him. Slice through his hand, push back into his brain.

(Are the stims on his person, or is there a brancher here to kill you who just darted this guy?).

quick, use one of your legs to sweep his feet out from under him so he loses any momentum he might have and then as he's going down put all your weight on the blade and try and hit something vital.

Either stabbing him through head or slicing through hand sounds like good options, but in general, stim boosted branchers I bet are the modern equivilant of the ancient art of Berzerkers-warriors who don't feel pain and thus don't STOP when injured...
But the trade-off is they have no reason, soo I'm guessing that it wouldn't be that hard to take him out. The trick...Is doing that and surviving.

>>530704
strong or not, he's gripping a blade. slice his fingers off and kill him

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)13:04 No. 530733 ID: 4652c9
File 137547387097.png - (8.86KB , 800x600 , 28.png )

Penelope can't move the sword. His grip is too tight.

She goes for his legs and tries to sweep them from under him, but he just ends up toppling over on top of her.
Her swordarm is pinned. He's sitting heavily on top of her.
"Fuck you up you think you can mess with me french fry Imma fuckin kill you don't mess you can't mess Imma mess you ain't" he says.
His fingers scrabble for her throat. She's trying to kick him off.

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)13:04 No. 530734 ID: 4652c9
File 137547387377.png - (6.20KB , 800x600 , 29.png )

With a loud pop his head cracks open. He dies instantly. His grin is frozen on his face.

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)13:04 No. 530735 ID: 4652c9
File 137547388006.png - (11.57KB , 800x600 , 30.png )

Keisha lowers the gun.
"Fuckin' psycho-ass bitches." She shakes her head. "Shopping sprees ain't what they used to be."

niiiicce shot there, and thank her for saving your squirrely ass.

I also think would be a good time to leave

>>530735
>Penelope: be incredibly turned on

>>530735
Don't forget about the bomb, still gotta disarm it. You do that while Keisha looks through their pockets for any clues as to if they're directly affiliated with Tribranch or just got sent at you like expendable weapons.

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)13:39 No. 530756 ID: 4652c9
File 137547595178.png - (8.19KB , 800x600 , 31.png )

>Be incredibly turned on
Roger.

Penelope gets to work fully disarming that bomb while Keisha picks through the bodies.
"Ayo Pen," she calls, while Penelope is just finishing the defusing. "Check out what the big one had." She holds up a vial and sloshes it around. "Hawaiian Punch Special."
"Shell upgrade?"
"Ye. And five hundred dollars."
"That's grip."
"That is grip," says Keisha. "That is a lot more than hood rat money."

What about the stims he used? Check the vial or needle or whatever. Is it Branch issue? If so, I think you've got a problem.

>>530758
I do not believe we left anyone intact, no. Hair guy got shot in the throat. He's either dead or no longer an effective communicator. Dunno what info we'd get outta him anyway. Seems like a safe bet these guys are Tribranch who now know about our defection. And what car we drive. Be sure to get checked out for implanted bugs or trackers, if we haven't been already. You know, when we have a spare moment.

Actually, better make sure hair's actually dead before we let our guard down too much.

So no smoking gun yet but hood rats do not go around blowing up peoples cars while mugging them. It tends to destroy all the loot.

How long where you shopping? Because in that time someone put a bomb on your car and 3 well armed thugs went after you. The bomb and the thugs could be separate things but that's a stretch.

hey Pen, just how well did you know other agents from your old job? I mean could your recognize people on sight if you saw them or since you where still pretty new you never really got to know anybody? Just asking to see if any of these guys look like they work for branch or not.

Can... can we upgrade you like we do Sev?

Upgrade Keisha.

Well, we know there are more agencies than just TriBranch and the Bureau. Are there any that eschew investing in their operatives, and prefer to just hurl cheaper cannon fodder at a problem?

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)15:53 No. 530799 ID: 4652c9
File 137548401143.png - (8.30KB , 800x600 , 32a.png )

Penelope doesn't know any of the corpses.
But under the hoodie guy's hat, she finds an injector headband that looks troublingly familiar.
It looks just like the one she had in her helmet.

>>530779
Anyone with shell-compatible bionics is compatible with universal shell upgrades.

Penelope doesn't have as much mechanical shit inside her as 73-6 does, but every agent worth their flowing garment has a few augmentations here and there.

But right now she has a serious urge to put distance between her and here, and Keisha needs to get to her job.

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)15:53 No. 530800 ID: 4652c9
File 137548401510.png - (7.58KB , 800x600 , 32.png )

"This, uh, this is 377 Bailey?" asks Penelope.
"Yup."
"You work here?"
"I do."

Wire 2013/08/02(Fri)15:55 No. 530802 ID: 4652c9
File 137548410110.png - (43.78KB , 800x600 , 33.png )

Keisha hops out of the car in front of the neon monolith known as PISTON. One of the hottest, loudest clubs in the lower city. This place is famous.
Or, wait, infamous is probably the word Penelope was looking for.

It's quiet right now, and there are only about half the garish display lights on than usual. A scantily clad cybergirl shakes it on the oscillating building sign. Later tonight, this street is going to be crowded and loud as fuck.

"You, uh, you're an employee there?" asks Penelope.
"How many times you gonna ask me?" Keisha shoulders her bags. "Aight. I'll catch you later."
"I can't go in?"
"Go get dinner or something," says Keisha. "I'll be fine here. Ain't nobody gonna try anything in Piston."
"What if I just wanna dance?"
"Jet, amiga," says Keisha, heading to the door. "Pick a night I ain't working."
"What exactly do you do in there?" asks Penelope, but Keisha is already inside.

>>530802
Respect her wishes, dog. If she's workin what I think she is workin, then I dont blame her for wanting to keep work and friends as far apart as she can.
Lets sod off for a bit and find us something to do.

Hmmm somebody sounds embarrassed about there job.

I would say respect her privacy but we are her bodyguard right now and that means sticking close. If she gets strangled in the bathroom how would you feel about yourself?

If you can disguise yourself and lurk unnoticed that would be nice.

>>530804
She picked off a thug on Space PCP who was kicking our arse. She'll be fine. There's bouncers in places like that who are more heavily armed than you.

...well, anyplace like that needs security to deal with idiots acting up. They can probably handle anything handle-able that gets inside.

You fond something to eat, and find a place where you can watch the exterior. So long as you don't see a strike team or super assassins moving in, she should be fine. Watch your own six, too.

Probably a good time to call in the bomb and the attack. See if you new support structure has anything useful to offer.

>>530803
Actually you know what? screw that
GET IN THERE DOG.
The guards in there are just gonne be regular bouncers, I doubt they can prevent any agents from going after peeps with any reasonable dependability

If we wanna stay on her good side do what she says and don't go in there tonight.

She didn't say anything about sticking around outside though. Go get some dinner, upgrade yourself, swing back around here and mingle in the crowd outside till she is off work. Not like you have anything better to do.

>>530821
Yeah, stay outside, and find somewhere nearby.

BUST IN

You're her bodyguard! Get in there! There should be a thick enough crowd in a nightclub that you'll be able to be there without being seen. It's your job to protect her.
And if you get an eyeful of stripper keisha ass, that's an added bonus

>>530821
Close enough that if some shit does happen to go down loudly, you can respond. But she did imply there was good security, and you implied it was infamous, so I should hope that nothing silent will happen, at least.

>>530802
Penelope, maybe you should just chill out somewhere nearby. Remember, the Tribranch expendables were after you first and foremost. Keisha is more in danger the closer you are to her right now.

You should probably put some thought into getting a disguise of some sort. Also, use that shell upgrade.

We got orders to stick with her, we stick with her.

Also what the hell guys we killed three guys and found a bunch of sweet clues we need to call that shit in.

go get a quick bite to eat and call the bureau and see what they can find out about the bomb attack then head back here and just stake the place out. I really don't think you have to worry to much about any agents of any kind going after Keisha since to them she's a nobody and the Fantomas are really the only ones looking for her if for nothing more then to make an example out of her but I really can't see them putting anymore time into finding her if she got away since they could just as easily say they got her to anyone that ask. Still it's not like we got anything better to do so might as well just stake the place out just to make sure nothing to big happens.

>>530821
Speaking of upgrading, I pre-emptivly vote for Wetwork.

>>530927
Fool, the answer is clearly ALWAYS HACKING. If we dump enough upgrades into Hacking, then we'll eventually be able to call up the Universe's Console and activate Big Head Mode.

Wire 2013/08/03(Sat)00:04 No. 530972 ID: 4652c9
File 137551347832.png - (8.56KB , 800x600 , 34.png )

Through the lips and over the gums, thinks Penelope as she uncorks the Shell Upgrade. Look out, stomach, here it


madre de dios that hurts

Penelope has different augmentations than 73-6, and her upgrade paths are slightly different:

HUNTER: Any melee attack with a blade will no longer miss and is a guranteed one-hit kill or KO on normal enemies.

SHINOBI: Penelope can now block a bullet with her sword if she sees it coming. Semiautomatic weapons only.

HACKING: Penelope gains beginner hacking skills.

SHINOBI

>>530972
Shinobi all the way.

SHINOBI. We will be CYBERPUNK NINJA.

Penelope needs the most baller upgrades possible and right now Shinobi is that

They're all great options but... Shinobi! Ninj the shit out of things!

Shinobi because it's the most cool.

SHINOBI
just because

>>530972
Shinobi, because that's fucking awesome.

Wire 2013/08/03(Sat)00:20 No. 530986 ID: 4652c9
File 137551445389.png - (10.19KB , 800x600 , 35.png )

Penelope almost wants someone to shoot at her just so she can test this out.
This is so badass.

Oh, right. She has to report in. Tribranch was a lot more hands-off, but 73-6 used to get that I'm-on-the-phone look all the time.

"Uh. Hola. Monica?"
"Agent Penelope. How was shopping?"
"Ran into some gangbangers tried to blow up our car. Killed 'em and got the bomb. You want I should bring it home?"
"How many?"
"Three. One had a shell upgrade on him and now I can block bullets with my sword."
"Holy shit."
"Right?"
"How's Keisha?"
"She went into work. Told me not to follow her."
"So you told her heck no, right?"
"Nnnno. I kind of went to go get pizza instead." Penelope chews, pensively. "She blew a dude's head up. I think she can handle herself."
"Handle herself or not, you're not supposed to keep her out of your sight, agent," says Monica, sharply. "We shouldn't have let her go to work in the first place."
"She's in Piston. Ain't no one would try shit."
"Oh. Well. That's something," says Monica. "But if it's a choice between obeying her wishes and keeping her safe, you keep her safe. We need the roomate, and Keisha dying would seriously upset her."
"It would seriously upset me."
"Then maybe go in that nightclub with your collar popped or something and hang in the back," offers Monica. "Who knows? Maybe she's just playing hard to get."
"Don't you go play games with my lesbian heart, chica," says Penelope.

>>530986
She's right, the mission comes first. Also you forgot to mention one of them had a Tribranch stimpack.

Yea make sure to mention the headband and the rest. Do not mention the money though.

Then get in there and protect her. Just because someone wont try anything out in the open does not mean they wont try in a back hallway or room. People get killed in the bathroom all the time because some stupid bodyguard let them have there privacy.

Sure she might be a bit upset but you can apologize later.

>>530986
Okay, to stay inconspicuous in this place, you're gonna need a class FIVE collar pop. Stash your weapons in your coat. 'ware Bouncers.

a place like piston has got to have lots of shady spots to hide in just stick to those. I mean as long as you don't move to the front of the stage or wherever it is she's working you should be fine.

>>530986
Hey Monica, are you seeing someone?
I mean, hey, still going for Keisha for dat ass but you know how to rock future 50's style.
It's just friendly curiosity.

I honestly think she might be a stripper now, Penelope. I mean, she doesn't want to let you in? Doesn't want you to know what she does? Isn't afraid of someone attacking Piston? The fact that Piston sounds very sexual?

Oh yeah Penelope, lapdance. I can only hope NPH has some relevance still in your time. Now why don't you drop that one layer of dough cheese burger and go get down on some fur burgers!

Monica is surprisingly casual among this official reporing-in routine. Isn't she supposed to keep a little more distance?

Anyway, before you come in, walk around the building and note any back doors and whatnot. Look for possible escape routes.

Wire 2013/08/03(Sat)01:08 No. 530998 ID: 4652c9
File 137551733782.png - (15.52KB , 800x600 , 36.png )

"Oh, and uh, one had a TriBranch stimpack," says Penelope.

She hears the sound of Monica choking on something. "Son of a bitch," she says, coughing. "All right. Shit. Well, we knew something like this might happen, and if people are running around with Sintex visors they could be running around with TriBranch injectors. I'll look into it. You just... keep Keisha alive and then get back here ASAP, okay?"

"Okay. I'm going into the club now."

A huge crowd has gathered outside Piston. Someone's dragged out dividers to organize the line, which snakes into the street. The entire place is lit up with neon, and the ground vibrates with the thumping bassline.

Penelope was worried about being conspicuous with her trenchcoat, but she doesn't think she has anything to worry about.

"It's crowded as fuck," yells one woman over the bass thunking. The heart-shaped panel over her eyes is steadily scrolling LOVE ME FUCK ME. "It's thursday. Why's it so crowded?"

"Thursdays always crowded," says the Plague Doctor she came here with.

Wire 2013/08/03(Sat)01:09 No. 530999 ID: 4652c9
File 137551734601.png - (223.54KB , 800x600 , 37.png )

Penelope makes it inside.

The bass is joined by a spiraling, lascivious synth as she navigates to the main floor. The drums pound like a monstrous, rampant hearbeat. It washes below the droning, dipping bassline, which alternates from smooth surges of thunder to doo-wop slapbeat.
Lasers and searchlights rake across the mass of humanity on the dance floor. Semi-translucent plastic chrysalises ram up and down with the rhythm, the curvy, guiltlessly erotic dancers inside miraculously stable and graceful.

Penelope retreats to higher ground as the music throbs and slithers through her. It's dark, pumping, primal, sexy. It makes Penelope want to dance or kill or fuck.

She looks out across the floor.
How the fuck is she gonna find Keisha in all this?

Well she was concerned about what she was wearing so shes probably on a stage, or working the floor. doubt she's behind a bar as she said she used fishnets and you gotta show off your legs to work those.

>>530999
Look for her hair. Hey, I think I see it over there in that glowy thing on the left.

>>530999
Start by looking at the chrysalises (up on the left?), then places like the bar staff. Since she's an employee, not a patron, she's probably not amongst the masses.

Wire 2013/08/03(Sat)01:30 No. 531005 ID: 4652c9
File 137551860913.png - (19.42KB , 800x600 , 38.png )

Penelope squints her eyes to see into the far piston, but that's too tall to be Keisha. Her ass isn't big enough, either.

She looks to the stage, the whirling nexus of music in the eye of the storm. A group of outrageously-clad women undulate and dance around the raised DJ booth, thick with cables, electronics, and dazzling LEDs.

Wire 2013/08/03(Sat)01:31 No. 531006 ID: 4652c9
File 137551868881.png - (18.86KB , 800x600 , 39.png )

Standing in the middle of a sea of synths, turntables, pedals, and speakers, Keisha Chalthoum is whipping her little brown hips to the rhythm, pumping one velvet-clad fist in the air while the other dances across a keyboard.

Her lips are dark and full against the mic. She sings with a syrupy, tar-dripped alto that punches straight through Penelope's guts into the lower regions.

Wire 2013/08/03(Sat)01:32 No. 531007 ID: 4652c9
File 137551874103.png - (16.38KB , 800x600 , 40.png )

The song ends and Keisha slams both fists onto the synths to create a blindbursting backwash of noise.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS UP, PISTON," she screams.

The crowd screams back at her.

"I SAID WHAT THE FUCK IS UP," she howls.

They scream again.

"THIS ONE'S CALLED SINTAX" Keisha starts in with her thunderball bass again. She shakes her thick dreads to the beat. "WHEN I'M DONE WITH THIS ONE YOU BETTER BE FUCKIN' OUT THERE"

She bends into the mic. "NOT REALLY I GOTTA CLEAN UP IN THIS SHIT"
Then the synth picks her up and throws her around like a wild marionette, and she starts in on the next song.

Penelope meow and purr in the distance.

>>531007
Well then.
Hang back, keep an eye out for trouble.
We'll want to make it out of here without her realizing we were there when the show ends, so if possible we should stay near a back entrance.
This will also allow us to accost any sneaky punks coming in the rear.

so she's the dj, that's actually really good since that means we don't have to worry about her going back stage and figuring out how to get back there ourselves since she'll likely stay by her turntable for most of the night. We just need to watch her to make sure no one tries to do something stupid and maybe get ourselves a drink ever now and then (not enough to get drunk of course) so people don't where just some creepy stalker and try and have security throw us out.

>>531007
Daaaaaaaamn. What was that girl doing in that shithole of an apartment?

Find someplace relatively close to the stage yet out of the way to lurk.

>>531011
Saving up money to get a place that's not a shithole apartment.

>>531010
Yeah, but better to not drink anything, for multiple reasons. I don't think anybody is going to notice, this place is too packed anyways.

>unanimous shinobi
I'd complain about sleeping through an upgrade vote if that wasn't exactly how I would have voted.

>DJ Keesh
Hawt.

Hmm. On stage has its ups and downs. On the one hand, she's important. Center. Security will be watching her. On the other hand, she's exposed, visible. A target. If someone got in here and really wanted to take a shot, they probably could.

No time to really enjoy this, though. You're on the job, and you'd really prefer her not dead. Stay out of her sight, but try to get someplace closer. Some place with a vantage point, but where you could intervene if you have to. Leap and deflect a bullet. Shoot an attacker. Knock her out of the way.

If I was going to kill her I would do it one of two ways.

First would be just shooting her from a far corner while she was on stage. They wanted to make a example of her for helping you and that would make it loud and clear.

The second one and probably a bit more likely is wait for a break in her set and kill her when she is in a back room or hallway. Would be out of sight and easier to avoid security.

They could always try something more complicated but those are the most likely.

On the plus side, she's easily in view of us. On the other hand, she's easily in view of everyone else. Hopefully she is right about no one starting trouble here.

I'd say keep an eye out for anyone who seems out of place, but that'll be hard with this crowd. Just try to watch for people with weapons.

>>531009
lol, coming in the rear.

OK
contact Monica, let her know (via text, if she can't hear over the music) that Keisha is out of reach, but you have your eye on her.

also, get yourself out of immediate site, use your Agent training to ID a nice spot to keep an eye on keisha where she won't be seeing you.

That "Penelope: be incredibly turned on" command earlier that may apply here, depending on how Penelope feels about club scenes.

Wire 2013/08/03(Sat)23:48 No. 531292 ID: 4652c9
File 137559893593.png - (173.81KB , 800x600 , 41.png )

>>531252
>Continue to be incredibly turned on
Roger.

Penelope stays in the shadows of the upper catwalks, where the haze of smoke and the smell of candy-flavored booze and libido rise and cling. She surveys the pulsing crowd while Keisha grooves and writhes onstage.

A fan of lasers fret through the smoke, and on the other side of the club, Penelope sees a man unsling a bulky backpack from his shoulder. He puts it near the balcony and pulls something long and metallic from inside.

well move in quick and get ready to draw your sword. Just whatever you do try and keep it quite.

>>531292
A shame they dont pat people down before they enter, innit?
Ninja yo butt over there and tackle him, yo.

>>531292
Could be a tripod for a camera...? Get closer to properly identify what he's doing, while being ready to draw your gun. Or katana, depending on how close we can get.

>>531294
However, make sure you read the situation. It might be a part of her show. What I am saying is, use your damn ninja reflexes or some shit and block any bullets with your blade sonny

>>531292

Potential sniper spotted! Go stop him!

>>531292
Mosey on over there and quietly break his neck.

Wire 2013/08/04(Sun)01:35 No. 531313 ID: 4652c9
File 137560534280.png - (310.72KB , 800x600 , 42.png )

Penelope moves to the other side of the hall, fingers tightening on the catch in her scabbard.


Oh. It's a camera.

That makes more sense.

That would have been a little embarrassing. Penelope takes a deep breath. Maybe there's such thing as being too on edge.

>>531313
make sure it's actually a camera and not a sniper rifle looking like a camera

>>531313
Maybe. Keep scanning the crowd anyway. See if you can pick out anyone you know.

Maybe get a drink?

one person, alone? seems sus.

Just go hello how's it going nice hat what model camera is that?

>>531318
And how them that you've got a smartphone with a camera in it too isn't that cool and hey look its got this app that makes it look like it was taken on an ancient broken Polaroid!!

...I think it might be too loud to engage in conversation with anyone.

...you sure that's a real camera and not a gun in a camera? Be in a place where you can mess up his shot and/or parry it.

Also, keep scanning the place. Nothing else has happened while you let this guy distract you, right?

>>531313
It might be a Camera-Gun. Chat him up about his camera.

Aw hell naw. That's a terrible thing. Flash photography in a darkened club? Wrecks havoc on the eyes, and it's an AOE on everyone in the club.

Not to mention the potential to be a gun, or setting up from the actual sniper to be taking a shot.

I recommend confiscating* that thing. "No photos in the club."

*in this case confiscating means cutting in half

Oh jeez this is gonna be embarrassing.

Talk to the camera guy. Ask him how he's doing and if you can help... camera stuff.

Wire 2013/08/04(Sun)23:17 No. 531590 ID: 4652c9
File 137568346607.png - (133.26KB , 800x600 , 43.png )

"HEY IS THAT A CAMERA?" says Penelope.

"WHAT?"

"WHY ARE YOU ALONE?"

"YOU ALONE TOO."

"THAT A CAMERA? YOU SUPPOSED TO BRING CAMERAS IN HERE?"

"UHHH"

"STOW IT, AMIGO.

"AW, NO, HOMES, COME ON. I WON'T SHOW IT TO ANYONE BUT ME. IT'S SEKHMET. THIS IS MY SHIT. "

"WELL THIS IS MY SHIT." Penelope grabs the camera off the tripod.

"HEY-" The amateur photographer scrabbles at the camera. "FUCK YOU, MAN. COME ON."

"YOU WANT IT BACK, YOU ASK SECURITY OR SOME SHIT AFTER THE SHOW," says Penelope.

"JESUS, FUCKING COOL YOUR SHIT." The man in the hat storms off. "GET A DRINK OR SOMETHING, YA CRAZY FUCKIN BITCH."

"WHAT?" says Penelope.

"WHAT?" says Penelope.

"HEY," says Penelope.

"WHAT?" says the guy in the hat.

Wire 2013/08/04(Sun)23:18 No. 531591 ID: 4652c9
File 137568348431.png - (127.71KB , 800x600 , 44.png )

He turns around just in time for Penelope to bean him in the face with his camera.

He catches it and nearly fumbles.

"YOU WANT I SHOULD FUCKING DECK YOU?"

"YEAH, AMIGO, TIENES UNA POLLA TAN GRANDE AND WE ALL IMPRESSED. PISS OFF BEFORE I CALL SECURITY."

He pisses off before she calls security. Penelope laughs. She needed something like that. She's too wound up right now to really be digging this club thing.

>>531591
Get a drink or something.

>>531593
No drinking. Bartender could be under pay, drinks could be drugged, or they could just be that full of chems. We need to be clear headed for when we need to start slicing bullets in half.

well that was fun, now to go back to watching Keisha. Maybe find somewhere comfortable that still gives you a good view since you're probably are going to be stuck here for a bit.

Right, back to watching for threats. You're on security detail, you can't really enjoy the dance or drink or even enjoy the show (too much).

Stay vigilant, stealthy ninja guard in the shadows.

>>531594
We could... get something non-alcoholic?

>>531604
What, you wanna drink tapwater?

Shirley Temples are awesome non-alcholic drinks! They're so sweet, like Mountain Dew Red but less poisonous to your insides!

>>531599
That.

Wire 2013/08/05(Mon)00:53 No. 531614 ID: 4652c9
File 137568920863.png - (44.18KB , 800x600 , 45.png )

Penelope saunters to the bar, near floor level. It's a good vantage point and there's got to be something non-alcoholic she can drink there.

She sits warily at the bar. Most people are up on their feet dancing, so there's plenty of seats available.

"Welcome to Piston, Leathergirl," says the bartender, in a deeply modulated voice. He's wearing one of those weird zentai suits. His face is blinking LEDs. "How can I fuck you up?"

"Got a Shirley Temple?"
"A what?"
"Shirley temple. Ginger ale and grenadine?"
"No I know what that is. Just making sure I heard you right. You know there's no, uh,"
"Mhm."
"Okay. Just making sure." The bartender scratches his head. "We've got the shit for that somewhere around here."

Wire 2013/08/05(Mon)00:55 No. 531615 ID: 4652c9
File 137568931346.png - (37.27KB , 800x600 , 46.png )

After an hour and a half or so, Keisha grabs the mic, yanks it close, and yells into it:
"THIS PLACE IS THE SHIT BUT I'M OUT DOE"
The crowd screams again. The applause is thunderous.
"DON'T GET TOO EXCITED NOW," says Keisha. "I WASN'T THAT BAD. AIGHT NEXT UP IS SOME DJ I AIN'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT NAW I'M FUCKING WITCHU IT'S DEE! JAY! SHADE!".
The next round of applause is a little more subdued.
"HE GON TAKE CARE OF YOU! I BLAZES WITH THIS MAN AND YOU SHOULD TOO! PISTON Y'ALL ARE SUN GODS AND I! LOVE! YOOOOOUUUUUUNEVAHFORGET"
Then she pitches the mic bodily into the crowd, does a neat back spring out of the booth, and goes offstage flanked by a flock of frilly dancers.

Penelope sips her latest Shirley Temple through the bendy straw charitably provided by the bartender.

>>531615
Aight, lets bounce. Get out the frontways before she does.

>>531615
Alright, go follow her wherever she's going. Which is likely backstage, but you gotta. If she complains, tell her you're under orders. Also that she has a totally sexy singing voice.

anyway you see to get back there?

Say to the bartender that you're a designated driver. Really not much choice, you'd choose something heavier, but hey man when you gotta work you gotta work.
The flavor's nostalgic.

Wire 2013/08/05(Mon)21:37 No. 531826 ID: 4652c9
File 137576386006.png - (12.56KB , 800x600 , 47.png )

Penelope makes her way through the thinning crowd to the backstage entrance.

She is predictably obstructed by the biggest, ugliest motherfucker in the club.

"Excuse me," he says. "You lost?"
"I'm good."
"Club's back there."
"I'm a friend of Keisha's."
"Everyone wants to be friends with Sekhmet. Sekhmet has a lot of friends. You going back to the club."

Wire 2013/08/05(Mon)21:37 No. 531827 ID: 4652c9
File 137576386719.png - (16.97KB , 800x600 , 48.png )

"Yeah, amigo, but I mean outside of work."
"Right. Get outta here, hon."
"No can do, hombre. I'm looking after her."
"That's my job. You looking for a boot up your ass?"
"You looking to put it there, chica?"
"Turn yourself around before I-"

Keisha pokes her head out of the doorway, looking a little wobbly.
"Barker, who you terrorizin out here?" she asks. "Chill your- Pen-el-lo-pee?"
"Hola."
"Whatchu doin here?"

>>531827
Watching over her fine ass, like you're supposed to.

>>531827
Remember the car bomb? Trying to stop stuff like that from happening again.

Caught a dude with a camera that might have been a gun, so there's that.

>"Whatchu doin here?"
Taking stock of what seems to be refreshing competent security.

>>531830
this

Wire 2013/08/05(Mon)22:22 No. 531836 ID: 4652c9
File 137576653567.png - (15.11KB , 800x600 , 49.png )

"Reviewing some refreshingly good security," says Penelope, stepping gingerly around the gorilla.
>>531828
She's a little too sober to be putting any implicit moves on the ass of Keisha, fine as it is.

"Giiiiiiiirrrrllllll get yo cyberpunk-ass crewcut up in here," says Keisha, smiling an alarmingly large, vibrant smile. "Go punch a baby or something, Barker."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Love you, Barker!"
"Thank you, ma'am."

"You see the show, baby?" asks Keisha, half-dragging Penelope through the door.
"Yeah. It was great."
"It woulda been a little rough around the edges if I had got blown up," says Keisha. "So yo drinks are on me."
"I'm not actually"
"LAY-DEEEEEES," sings Keisha. "This that ninja chick I was talkin bout! This Penelope. She saved my ass."
"Is she a moldie?" asks one of the dancers.
"She look like a moldie?" asks Keisha.
"She's wearing a trenchcoat."
"Shut yo stripper ass up, Julia." Keisha is nearly vibrating with energy. "We about to hit the floor, Pen. Take off that leather andd all yo swords and shit and get at least twice as drunk. Your sun goddess commands you."
"She has swords?" asks Julia.
"Hell yeah, she has swords," says Keisha.
"I'm actually not drinking tonight."
"If you wasn't before you is now, mamacita!" Keisha spins Penelope around with surprising force. "Let's dance! Let's get out there and make some niggas sexually frustrated. Take some Flushout when we done or something."
"Flushout?"
"Insta-sober, girl. Piston's got it on tap. Let's raaage!"
"I don't know."
Keisha grabs Penelope's hands and rocks back and forth, pulling her toward the club. Her palms are very soft through the velvet. "Cmooooon. I promise if you do I'll forgive you when I'm sober for directly disobeying my ass."

>>531836
Walking out into the dance floor unarmored, unarmed, and drunk, while on bodyguard duty? That's grounds for getting yo ass fired. Walk out there unarmored but not completely unarmed, and feel free to get a bit drunk, just sober up before we leave the secure building. One out of three will let you keep your job, at least.

>>531836
Screw it, lets go for it. keesh has backup security, and they seem p. diligent. lets have some fun, yo.

Juuust a little bit of drink. Quietly ask the bartender to water yours while Keisha's not paying attention, perhaps.

And agree only on the compromise that you keep your gear on. If you can ninja with it on, you can dance with it on too, and this club should be perfectly friendly to strange garb.

Go ahead and enjoy yourself a bit. But make sure to keep some flushout handy so you can get sober quick if you need to.

>are you a moldie?
...you know, if anyone might actually buy the lie, the Bureau stealing your corpse might upset Tribranch slightly less than getting you to defect. Penelo-who? I'm just 96-1, you drugged up brancher. Go away.

>do it?
As much as you'd prefer to get drunk and half naked with Keesh, you can't exactly afford to take leave of your senses and weapons. People have already tried to kill you once tonight.

Worry about keeping her alive and doing your job, for now. You'll worry about making her happy with you later.

...looks like you're gonna be one of them peeps being made sexually frustrated.

Wire 2013/08/05(Mon)23:12 No. 531848 ID: 4652c9
File 137576952156.png - (14.72KB , 800x600 , 50.png )

"Can I take the sword?" asks Penelope.
"I am one hundred on you taking the sword," says Keisha. "I love that. AYO BARKER! SHE'S TAKING THE SWORD!"
"She has a sword?" calls Barker.
"You gotdamn right she do! I'm with it. I am one hundred on it. I blaze with that. Meg! Babygirl. Babychild. Sugarbaby. Baby baby baby. Pass me that."
One of the backup dancers passes Keisha a thin glass full of something fluorescent. "Drink this."
"What's that?"
"This, Penelope mine, is Piston's specialty. Drink this shit."
"I don't know."
"Aw it's just booze, sugar," says Keisha. "What am I gonna do, roofie yo ass?" She touches Penelope's arm and waves the flute in her face. "Woooooo," she goes in a little chipmunk voice. "Put me insiiiide yoooou, Pennyyyyyyy.

>Penelope: give into peer pressure
if you dont wake up in bed with her after a long ass night of partying i will come after brom with a stick

>>531848
"I can't. I'm on duty. And if I take one drink, I'll take four. And then when a deathsquad kicks in the door, I'll be sloshed!"

How high is your alcohol tolerance? I know you have used a lot of combat stims in your old job but this is a bit different.

Because one or two drinks should be fine and then you can pretend to drink more while hiding them.

But if you are the type to get one drink in you and wake up 4 hours later hanging off the lighting then it might be a problem.

>>531848
"How can I refuse such an invitation?"

Get a dose of flushout first and keep it on your person just in case.

>>531848
Keisha is a completely different person drunk oh my god.

This girl is nothing but trouble.

...le sigh. Short of being the stubborn stick in the mud, I think you're going to have to take a hit or two just to keep her happy. I hope all that drug abuse gave you a high tolerance.

Wire 2013/08/05(Mon)23:54 No. 531869 ID: 4652c9
File 137577208515.png - (295.30KB , 800x600 , 51.png )

Penelope downs the drink.

The effect is immediate and awesome.

Her heart bounds joyfully up from her ribcage into her throat and slams blood into her cheeks.
Her limbs tingle and loosen. She feels dextrous and sloppy at the same time.
Her pupils dilate and her ears take in the sound around her like a neon-tinted slagfall.
She wants to dance. That or swordfight someone, but that's probably just her.
The chaotic club around her makes sudden crystal sense. Any discomfort and self-consciousness she felt has just been blasted into shrapnel. She feels sexy.
She is horny as fuck.

"Holy shit," she says.
"Right????" says Keisha.
"Right!!!!" says Penelope.

"Get out there, girl," says Keisha, slapping her ass.

The next hour or so is a sweaty, vacillating motion blur.
The floor seems almost to part for Keisha. She moves like poetry.
Penelope manages to resist tackling her, for which she is very proud.

Wire 2013/08/05(Mon)23:54 No. 531870 ID: 4652c9
File 137577209874.png - (50.63KB , 800x600 , 52.png )

They are deposited, laughing and panting, to the bar.
"FUCK," says Keisha. She knocks hard on the bar. "Ayo! Robogimp! Two shots of rum!"
"I caaaan't," says Penelope. "No queiroooooo."
"You caaaan," says Keisha. "Quieressssssssss." She spins round on her bar seat and faces the thumping dancefloor. "You dance like you fight."
"How do I fight?"
"Like a badass motherfucker, how you think? It's cos you got a ninja sword. I want a ninja sword."
"Katana."
"Ka-ta-naaa," says Keisha. "That's the shit. Y'all bureau agents is the shit."
"I thought you didn't like the bureau?"
"Ye, but I dig badass and I dig leather," says Keisha. She leans forward, kicking her legs against her barstool. She just barely doesn't manage to touch the ground. "So Pen: which is better: yo house or mine?"
"Yours don't have a waterfall."
"Yours don't have a room full of horny men," says Keisha. "For rill. Point at any single one of the fellas up in here and Imma hook you up, girl. You rollin with Sekhmet now and we up in the kingdom of the sun."

>>531870
YOU MUST POINT AT HER.

>>531871
This is the one true path to enlightenment.
And remember; Keesh likes it ROUGH.

>Point at any single one of the fellas up in here
*cough* ...fellas ain't exactly the way I point.

>>531870
Lean in and leer. You're already both drunk as fuck, you may as well go that extra mile.

>>531870
flirt before going all out for her, make sure she's ready and not surprised.

>>531875
Oh good idea maybe we should sorta lead up to it. Like, "What about the ladies? Could you hook me up with one of them?"

Wire 2013/08/06(Tue)00:54 No. 531883 ID: 4652c9
File 137577568591.png - (192.51KB , 800x600 , 53.png )

"Anyone?"
"Anyone, baby."

"I don't actually, uh, point that way, Keesh," says Penelope.

"Wha?" Keisha looks down at Penelope's finger. "Oh. Ohhhhhhhhh. Oh jeezum kringles, Pen, I didn't mean to assume nothing. You like, uh,"
"Chicas," says Penelope.
"And me?"
"Kind of, yeah."
"Penelope, you great, and you badass as fuck, and tonight was the shit, baby," says Keisha as Penelope's heart gradually starts to let off hot air, "but I don't know if that's the way I ride, babygirl."

>>531883
Say that you understand, but ask if she's willing to try and find out.

>>531884
"Can you think of a better way to find out?"

>>531883
Uh, she doesn't know? Has she ever tried it? Thought about it? I mean, no pressure or anything but well.

>>531883
"We're both high as fuck, what better time to find out?"

Wire 2013/08/06(Tue)01:10 No. 531889 ID: 4652c9
File 137577660773.png - (49.25KB , 800x600 , 54.png )

"Okay."
"I'm sorry."
"Are you sure?"
"Well, I mean babe, I," says Keisha. "I'm a, actually. hold up." She stands up, pursing her lips. "I done way more shit with some people who deserved a chance way less than yo ass."

She throws one caramel-colored leg over Penelope and kisses her ferociously.
Her lips are full. They taste like nectarine.
Once Penelope gets over the shock she kisses Keisha back. Her arms close around the DJ and she leans back against the bar.
For a second Keisha gasps and freezes up. Then she lets out a little groan in the back of her throat and pushes herself up against Penelope's chest, her legs wrapping tight around Penelope's hips. She gyrates like she did in the booth up onstage, and Penelope's heart nearly chisels its way out of her chest.

"Two shots of- ohh. I'll, uhm, I'll come back later."

Wire 2013/08/06(Tue)01:10 No. 531890 ID: 4652c9
File 137577664623.png - (125.09KB , 800x600 , 55.png )

"Shit," gasps Keisha, when she finally pulls away, "maybe I was wrong about that whole 100% straight thang."
"Ya think?"
"That was interesting," says Keisha.
"Bueno interesting?"
"Bueno interesting." Keisha boings the wire in Penelope's head. "Pen. Babygirl. I need you to do something for me you probably rilly rilly do not want to do."
"What?"
"Sso maybe that flicked a couple switches I didn't think it would." Keisha swivels her hips a little and Penelope's breath catches. "But maybe that's just cuz I'm drunk as fuck, sugar."
"Take a flushout?"
Keisha shakes her head. "I don't know if I'm ready tonight, Pen. Flippin the script is a bigass step."
"I get it."
"So I'mma need you do something."
"Anything."
"Talk to Sober Keisha about what we just did sometime," says Drunk Keisha.

Hey, thems the breaks with a creature of the night. Gotta have that night/day matrimony and shit. That's fine.

Can't have one half without the other.

>>531890
If she tries to shoot us we can deflect her bullets with our sword. I vote sure thing, yo.

>>531893
Haha yeah we should just straight up tell her that.

>>531890

>"Talk to Sober Keisha about what we just did sometime," says Drunk Keisha.

That is a land mine if I have ever seen one. Not insurmountable by any means, but you may want to hold off on that talk for a little while.

>>531896
>Hold off
Nah man, this is gonna be like a bandage. Gotta rip it off quick, not let it fester. If we wait she'll just get pissed we waited, dog.

>>531890

Sure. Staying quiet or saying No is worse, anyway.

>talk to sober keesh about that
...well, you've faced certain death before. And for worse causes. What's once more?

(Continue to keep an eye out for assassins and the like).

Alright, fun's over. Get yourself sober so you can cope with inevitably being jumped on the way out.

Wire 2013/08/06(Tue)17:25 No. 532137 ID: 4652c9
File 137583512291.png - (187.99KB , 800x600 , 56.png )

"Sure thang," says Penelope. "You try to shoot anything at me I can just deflect it with my sword."
"You can do that?"
"You're gosh darn right I can."
"Don't make me jump yo ass again or I'll smear my lipstick, girl," says Keisha, grabbing a proffered shot of rum and slamming it down. She gags and shakes her head as another song comes thundering on. "Mmm. God! I fuckin hate this song. Let's dance."
"I haven't had my shot!"
"We can make out some more too."
"Fuck shots!"
"Look after her booze, robogimp. I need my bodyguard up on the floor." Keisha grabs Penelope's hand and pulls her toward the grooving crowd of dancers.
"About 90 percent of the straight men in this club would kill someone to get to do what you're doing," says the bartender wryly, picking up Keisha's empty shotglass.
"Yeah? Well I killed two," says Penelope.

Then she's back in the crowd and dancing her ass off.

Wire 2013/08/06(Tue)17:25 No. 532138 ID: 4652c9
File 137583512871.png - (9.87KB , 800x600 , 57.png )

The entrance to the Black Stalls is in the back of a dingy dead end alley, flanked by tombstone buildings and bearing absolutely no sign that it is the door to the biggest weapons and technology black market in the country.

This was, of course, by design. The only people the Stalls want visiting are the kind of people who would know exactly where the Stalls are.

Operative 73-6 is that kind of people.

>>532137
Atta girl.
>>532138
Well? we gonna pop in there? or is there some kind of secret handshake?