Issue #21 (June 2018)
Written by John Cheese Featuring: Sunset Bain
Thundersword
Ghost
Headhunter
The Enforcer
|
"Sunset Social"Sunset Bain sat in the command chair in the main security hub and watched her guests dance, eat and generally enjoy themselves in her home. As the hostess of the party she had decided to be fashionably late, and of course there was the briefing of her security and science team to attend to regarding the reveal of her newest piece of technology. Turning to her bodyguard clad in golden armour a jagged doubled bladed sword slung over his back, she smiled before getting to her feet.
“Thundersword, stay here are complete the scan of our guests.” Sunset ordered as the bodyguard remained stock still. “Coordinate with external security, I want to know the names of everyone on my property in the next fifteen minutes.” “Yes Ma’am.” Thundersword replied as he took the seat she had just vacated. “Is there anything else?” “Make sure that we have some test subjects for the first demonstration, look to the additional staff we hired.” Sunset ordered as she walked out of the room. “Preferably a man and a woman and take a reminder to reimburse the recruitment company we acquired them from for any damage done.” “It will be done.” Thundersword answered as he turned to the monitor and placed his hands together, his chin resting on them. “Get external security to complete another sweep, I will look for the ‘volunteers’ Miss Bain wants.” He added as he got to his feet and gestured for one of the security team to take his place. As he stomped out, nobody noticed the grey gas-masked face emerge from the rows of consoles along the back wall before slipping back into the wall and machinery it had been hiding in. “We’ll have the security sweep data soon, this ‘Cuckoo’ of yours is a most clever tool for extracting data…that is if the user is a clumsy fool.” Ghost announced over the team radio as Gillette stood next to the buffet table and nibbled on a mini quiche. “We’re not all hackers you know.” She replied as a shout drew her attention away from the table and over to where a blonde-haired woman was in the process of slapping Daniels in the face. “How are Bain’s internal servers looking, will you need assistance.” “The defences are formidable.” Ghost answered as Nero led Daniels away from the woman he’d been chatting up. “While I expected the layers of encryption, the isolated power grid even the geo-lock, I did not expect the servers to have a dead-man’s circuit.” “Dead-Man’s Circuit?” Gillette whispered as she saw Sheroke smile at a bunch of young men and women on the other side of the courtroom before pointing to where the Headhunter was standing. “Let me guess it wipes any data stored on the server tower if tampered with?” “In layman’s terms yes.” Ghost replied. “Even I would find it hard to bypass, hard but not impossible if I had time.” “That’s something we don’t have.” Gillette sighed as Sheroke walked over to her along with a young dark-skinned woman dressed in a gold dress and eight-inch heels. “Indeed, I’m now glad you took the liberty of having Mr Nero smuggle tools in for me, I assume it was confiscated on arrival?” Ghost asked as Gillette smiled at the women approaching her before turning away. “Yes, but Calvin is inside and working on it.” Gillette quickly yammered. “Look I have to go, I’ll talk to you soon.” She stated before turning off the radio link unit hidden in her earrings. “Ms Sanada, who’s your friend?” Gillette asked as the golden dressed woman looked Gillette up and down and smiled. “This is Toby, she’s currently a model in Milan.” Sheroke announced as the Lea in question offered her hand to Gillette. “I told her about you, she was very interested in meeting you and more.” She purred before stalking away. “So Sheroke says that you’re a mutant.” Toby stated as Gillette shook her hand and looked a little shocked about what was happening. “I think that’s really cool, in fact my boss has been looking for mutant models to showcase our new range of ‘Post Genosha’ fashions.” “Ah so I’m what a diversity option to sell clothes then.” Gillette stated as she took her hand back. “To them yes.” Toby whispered as she got closer to Gillette. “To me you’re this interesting and powerful looking woman that I would love to get to know.” “See about that Toby, as a powerful woman I’m also a busy woman and I don’t get a lot of time to…well do anything but business.” Gillette replied as Toby looked a little upset and backed away, just as the Enforcer walked over. “I see, I’m sorry I brought it up.” Toby replied sadly as she walked away. “New business contact?” Nero asked as he looked at Gillette’s trembling hand before steadying it. “Everything running according to plan?” “Yes.” Gillette sighed before rubbing her head with her free hand. “Or no, you look like you’ve run across a snag.” “Maybe, maybe not.” Nero answered as he watched Toby walk away. “There’s the smell of magic on the air, I think there’s a witch or warlock on the premises and that could mean trouble, especially if it is who I think it is.” “And that would be?” Gillette asked as she turned to follow Nero’s gaze towards Toby, the young woman walking over to a chocolate fountain surrounded by frozen strawberries at the other end of the courtyard. “The Hooded Witch, she killed my old partner Sarah.” Nero answered as he turned to look back at Gillette. “If she’s working for Bain then it’s game over. But speaking of relationships, when did you last have one? Have you ever had one?” “I experimented with mutant-human relations in University.” Gillette confessed as she kept her eyes focused on Toby. “After that though I dedicated my life to my one true love my work.” “Well do yourself a favour and relax for once.” Nero announced as he gestured to the couples dancing to the music throughout the courtyard. “You deserve to have someone love you, even if it’s just for a little bit, in fact everyone does.” He added as he released Gillette’s hand and walked towards the door leading back outside. Sadly, Gillette watched him go before looking at Toby. Taking a deep breath, she walked confidently towards the model. Perhaps Nero was right, perhaps she truly did deserve a chance to be happy. Walking up behind Toby and held her head low, almost in submission. “So, you still interested in getting to know a powerful woman?” Gillette asked quietly, her voice causing Toby to turn around, a warm smile on her face. “It would be my pleasure.” Toby replied as she took Gillette’s hand and lead her onto the dance-floor. Calvin stood outside the strong room and nodded to the blonde waitress as she walked past him, her hand carrying a tray of crab cakes. “She’s easy on the eyes.” He stated as Ghost popped his head out of the floor and watched the woman leave. “Are we covered?” “I’ve looped the feed from the strong room, and as we speak I’m sending a simulated version of you out into the garden to tend to the guests out there.” Ghost wheezed as he fully emerged from the floor. “The sim will dissipate in five minutes, if we can’t get the tools by then there will be trouble.” “Then let’s not wait around here then.” Calvin answered as Ghost phased a hand into the door, turning the steel shutters intangible and allowing his teammate to walk through into the area where the lock-box containing the confiscated stun stick that the guards had taken from the Enforcer. Locating the box, Calvin placed a contact strip on the keypad and turned it on, the box shuddering before hissing open to reveal its contents. Removing the stun stick, Calvin slipped out the battery and handed it to Ghost, the cyber terrorist turning the cell over in his hands. “One temporal charge.” Ghost hissed as he slipped the cell in his battery. “A twelve second window is almost unfair.” It added, with a sneer. “You have 180 seconds to get out into the corridor, I would hurry if I were you.” “Yeah I get it.” Calvin said as he walked out of the room as Ghost phased into the room. As he did the blonde-haired waitress walked in, placed the tray down and picked up another lock box and quickly tapped a code into the key pad. “Hmm this is interesting.” Ghost whispered as the waitress removed an antique shotgun and slipped both the cartridges out and emptied a small electrical detonator from inside before pocketing it. “Who are you, and more importantly who are you working for?” He asked as the woman closed the lock box and left the room unaware that she was being watched. “So, were you an X-Men?” Toby asked as she and Gillette sat down at a table next to Sheroke and Daniels. “I was never an X-Man.” Gillette admitted as she looked over at Daniels and gestured for him to leave. “I did see Professor Xavier once, he went to the house over the road to see the Grey family after the girl over the street Jean got powers. I always remember seeing him cross the road from where I was hiding in the basement.” “You were hiding?” Toby asked in a worried tone. “Yeah my parents were ashamed of me before I was a mutant.” Gillette sighed as she gestured for Daniels to leave again. “It was bad enough when I was just an albino, but when my mutant powers appeared they made sure I never left the house, never even came out of the basement unless I was sick.” “Wow, and I thought my mum was tough.” Toby gasped as she looked down at the purple gem on her ring. “We moved around a lot after she left home, she told me it was for work but I don’t know if I believe her. She always wanted me to go home and make things right.” “And I assume being a model doesn’t help achieve that?” Gillette asked as Gillette covertly pointed to the dance floor to Daniels. “Super model and no.” Toby replied as Daniels didn’t take the hint before wincing as Sheroke gave him a kick under the table. “So where is home?” Gillette asked, as a dark-haired woman walked past the table, a worried look on her face. “Currently Milan, but between that and where I was born London, Chicago, Hong Kong, Windhoek and Bissau.” Toby answered proudly as Sheroke cleared her throat and got up from her chair. “I think it’s time I said hello to the hostess, it’s only proper.” She added. “Mr Bowman I think I heard that ebony haired beauty mumble something about how fine your ass is.” “Really!” Daniels exclaimed as he bolted up from his chair. “I guess there’s going to be a very lucky lady on the dancefloor tonight because I’m groovier than the Hypno-Hustler at a disco revival.” He added as he walked after the worried looking woman. Gillette mouthed thank you as Sheroke headed away from the table as Toby snorted a burst of laughter at the ridiculousness she had just experienced. Smiling Gillette turned to her and cocked her slightly. “What?” She asked. “I feel sorry for any woman your friend tries to flirt for with those lines.” Toby answered. “His content may by sub-par, but Danny is a decent guy and a good friend.” Gillette told her. “Now I’m trying to figure out if you and I are friends?” “I don’t want to be your friend.” Toby cooed as she went in to kiss Gillette. “I want to be something else.” Nefer Neith Sinue looked around at the dancing guests before singling Rachel out of the crowd, her bodyguard looking concerned. Walking over to her employee, Nefer saw that a man dressed in a suit was following her. “I need to talk to you.” Rachel hissed as she saw the man shoot Rachel a wink before stalking off towards the dancefloor. “Thanks to your malware hacking into the villa’s security cameras we have proof that Bain has hired additional enhanced security for the event.” “Anyone we know?” Nefer asked as she looked round at the guests on a futile attempt to determine who these mysterious security officers were. “Some small-time outfit calling themselves the Crossfire Crew.” Rachel answered as Nefer twisted her watch to reveal five holographic mugshots. “The Headhunter, Chemistro, Spear, Shockwave and the biggest problem of all the Enforcer.” “As in the Enforcer that used to work with Sarah before you slept with him?” Nefer asked as she focused on the image of the Enforcer. (As seen in Flintlock’s flashback in #5 of Project Argent) “Bain’s facial recognition software hasn’t picked him up within the villa.” Rachel answered as the man who had been hassling her earlier returned with a pair of martini’s in his hands. “We need to warn Sarah that he might be here.” “Would either of you ladies like a drink?” The creepy man hiccupped as he blundered in between the pair of them. “You warn her and I’ll keep the floor manned.” Rachel told her, as Nefer nodded and walked towards the atrium. “As for you,” She hissed at the man, “stop following me!” “But babe your hot.” The man cooed. “And you should be leaving.” A voice behind him stated as <> man appeared behind him. “Because honestly the lady looks ready to wring your neck.” He added with a charming smile. Rachel gasped slightly, the man standing before her was Jasper Daniels AKA the Spear, it was clear from his presence that Bain’s security squad had realised who they were and what Nefer and her associates planned to do. “Yeah okay.” The man squeaked as he looked Daniels up and down before beating a hasty retreat. “He shouldn’t bother you anymore.” Daniels stated as he held out a hand. “Mike Bowman.” “Rachel Gray.” Rachel gulped slightly as she tried to catch Nefer’s eye as she stood near the bar, her gaze focused on her wrist. “Listen I’m flattered but…” “…but you’re not interested in dating, fair enough.” Daniels sighed slightly as he retracted his hand, a sorrowful look spreading across his face. “You’re working security for one of the guests, right? I just wanted to compare notes with a fellow professional is all, maybe share some conversation I can actually understand. I mean I consider myself able to follow an idea, but some of the things these tech gurus talk about go right over my head.” “They never make it simple I agree, although my boss shares some of my interests.” Rachel announced as a coy smile appeared on her face. “And those would be?” Daniels asked as she spotted the smile on Rachel’s face and chuckled to himself slightly. “Pre WW1-firearms, Captain Orchard micro-brewery cider, 60s muscle cars and air shows.” Rachel answered as she put her hands on her hips. “Thoughts?” “Like the firearms, love the cider, prefer 70s super cars to the 60s muscle and defiantly enjoy a good air show.” Daniels answered as Rachel let out a superior snort about their preference on cars. “I bet you can shoot like a pro.” “I’d wager I can outshoot you.” Rachel said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “You know there is a shooting range round the back of this place, if you’re feeling brave enough that is.” “Rachel, now you’re talking my language.” Daniels replied. “Lead on and get ready to lose all your money.” Thundersword stood over the two restrained prisoners, before watching as Sunset Bain sauntered in her black dress shimmering like oil on water. Arching one eyebrow she bent down and looked the soon to be victims in the eyes, the chains of lightning restraining them jerking their heads up so they complied with her will. “Get them ready for the demonstration.” Bain ordered as Thundersword handed the chains to a number of his subordinates and took two long steps back. “What is this other revelation you have for me?” “The Sanada’s have betrayed us.” Thundersword growled as Bain got to her feet and looked at the feed of Sheroke walking towards the security office. “We were prepared for this, and I still don’t believe she is outside our control.” Bain sighed as she saw Thundersword reach for his weapon, only for a brief wave of her hand to stop his preparations. “Save your ire for Headhunter and her clan of rejects, their deaths will allow me to sit at the head of the table, Sheroke’s won’t.” She added as the door opened and the guards showed Sheroke into the office. “Sunset.” Sheroke stated with a fake smile on her face. “I come to offer my thanks for you and your compatriots continuing to support Sanada Enterprises after the death of Kono.” “I have information regarding that very matter.” Bain sneered as Thundersword brought up an external video feed on the main monitor. Watching the feed, possibly from the scope of a sniper rifle, the Sheroke saw her brother push his way through the crowded Mandripoor street. Focusing the crosshairs on the man, a gunshot sounded and the big man went down, a gunshot wound to his head, the feed disconnecting as the shooter folded his rifle away. “Kono?” The woman gasped as she went to get up from the chair, only for a tonfa to slam into her neck, the dizziness it transmitted causing her to sit back down. “Why!” “Because Sheroke.” Sunset Bain purred, a cruel smile stretched across her face. “I know that you performed a favour for Crossfire’s bastards. That you got them into this little occasion of mine. I already have to deal with enemies in my ranks, but you, you decided to invite that viper and her brood into my home.” “You still haven’t answered my question.” Sheroke hissed, as she saw the guard with the baton rise it, ready to strike her again. “It’s a warning Sheroke, your brother Kono was loyal to us, but in the end, he was not important enough to make him irreplaceable.” Sunset Bain stated as she gestured for her prisoner to get to her feet and waved the guard back. Getting to her feet, Sheroke looked around the room, before realising that Bain had brought herself close to her lips almost pressed to her ear. “So, killing the rest of your clan would be easy, wouldn’t even make us bat an eyelid. Do you want to save them?” She whispered as she backed up. Sheroke nodded, concerns about the rest of her family weighed equal with a desire to rip Bain’s throat out right here and now. “Then I suggest you start making yourself…” Bain stopped, her head tilted with mock forgetfulness, “…what was that word Sheoke?” “Irreplaceable.” Sheroke whispered. “What was that dear?” Bain said sweetly as her security guards forced Sheroke down onto the floor, her lips pressed against Bain’s exquisite designer heels in a forced kiss of vassaldom. “Irreplaceable!” Sheroke screamed, her volume catching Bain by surprise. “Very good.” Bain stated as she shifted her foot, almost as if she was making to kick the prone woman, instead turning away at the last moment. “Get to it then.” She ordered, as Sheoke was wrestled back onto her feet and pushed out the room, her face shooting Bain one last look of rage. “I have a world to stun.” She added as she walked past Sheroke out into the main hall where her guests were beginning to assemble. “Ladies, gentlemen as we all know humanity is strong, but the human body is weak.” Bain announced, her voice causing the crowd to suddenly become silent, not just because of who was speaking but also due to the tank containing the two figures dressed as waitstaff rising from the floor behind her. “People still die in surgery, suffer during droughts and blizzards. Well my scientists have found a solution for such affronts. I bring you K-0.9, mankind’s path of continuing strength!” She added as mist sprayers within the tank activated, thick black fog flooding in around the test subject’s knees. “This chemical contains a unique compound that can place a human being into a complete and self-managing stasis without the reliance of machines!” Bain stated as the woman began to bang on the glass in an attempt to escape while her male counterpart tried to block one of the vents with his boot. As they did a roll of laughter sounded from the majority of the crowd who obviously thought their terror was part of the show. “This chemical has a multitude of potential markets; Medical, Law Enforcement, Disaster Relief, even Space Exploration.” Bain continued as the woman dropped to the floor followed by the man five seconds later. “What about the safety of those affected by the gas?” A potential investor in the crowd asked as a few late comers arrived at the back of the room. “See for yourself.” Bain stated as the gas was drained from the tank and a pair of technicians dragged the woman out and lifted her onto a gurney. “Anyone with a nervous disposition should look away now.” She added as she was handed a power drill by a security guard. “Hey stop pushing!” Someone in the crowd yelled as Bain powered up the drill and pushed the revolving blade through the comatose woman’s hand with neither party involved seeming to flinch as the act was carried out. “As this experiment demonstrates those effected by K-0.9 feel no pain.” Bain stated as Nefer Neith Sinue pushed her way to the front of the crowd, an angry look on her face. “YOU MONSTER!” Nefer yelled as she made a lunge for Bain only for security to tackle her to the floor. “It’s bad enough that you stole the formula for me, but to demonstrate the pain-numbing effects on human volunteers…” She stopped as Bain loomed over her, hands still on the power drill and a wild look in her eyes. “I assure you Mr Carr and Miss Barnstow knew what they were getting into.” Bain told the audience. “As for your claims about stolen products, I happen to know that Rosetta Stone Technologies is stealing technology from Stark Industries, Hammer Multinational even my own company Baintronics so your claims are more than a little hypocritical.” “What?!” Nefer barked as she tried to shake off the guard’s grip on her. “You are a sick excuse for a human being!” She snapped as Thundersword emerged from the security office and grabbed Nefer by her hair forcing her to look up, the bones in her neck clicking. “You are no longer welcome on my premises.” Bain hissed as she shot Nefer a smirk. “Leave before I call the police.” She added as Thundersword released Nefer in a way that she fell backwards onto her back. “As you wish!” Nefer replied in a cold tone that caused Bain a shiver to run down her back, albeit one that faded as her business rival left to the boos of the crowd, her bodyguard putting herself between her employer and the missiles that some of the more violent crowd decided to throw at the retreating women. From the back of the room Daniels slipped over to where Gillette was standing, a severe look on her face. “Where’s Toby?” Daniels asked as he watched Rachel close the door behind her and Nefer. “Bathroom thankfully.” Gillette answered. “We can assume that our communications are being tapped into so the covert part of this heist is over.” “Then let’s call the big boys in.” Daniels stated with barely contained rage as Bain demonstrated the pain numbing effects of ‘her’ new weapon on Chemistro’s lifeless body. “Just tell Sneed and Bill that I want first shot at Bain!” He added as the pair of them slipped out of the main courtyard. “Move in.” Bain whispered to Thundersword. “I want the Headhunter alive, butcher the Spear and that woman she was talking to earlier.” |