>>>>>PROLOGUE<<<<<

LOCATION> SERAPH'S BEDROOM, THE NIGHT PRIOR TO LEAVING FOR THE AFOREMENTIONED MISSIONS.

SCENE> SERAPH SLEEPS SOUNDLY IN HIS ROOM.

ACTION> A BRIGHT FLASH OF WHITE LIGHT APPEARS BEFORE SERAPH, JOLTING HIM AWAKE. AS THE WHITE LIGHT DISSAPATES A BLONDE, SHORT HAIRED WOMAN WITH MASKED EYES AND IN A RED JUMPSUIT STANDS AT THE END OF SERAPH'S BED.

<Seraph> ::sits up:: ...what? ::squints:: who..? who are you?

<Zoe> Greetings Gideon. My name is Zoe Culloden. I am The Expediter, employee of the interdimensional and extraterrestrial offices of Landau, Luckman, and Lake. I've come to make you an offer.

<Seraph> an offer?

<Zoe> Upon your time traveling adventures you were singled-out as an anomaly to sensors. Your fate in this universe is uncertain and we wish to acquire your talents as an agent for the company.

<Seraph> ::blinks:: what do you mean?

<Zoe> This firm has holdings in several realities and extra planetary systems. As an agent, you would perform tasks assigned. I'm afraid I cannot elaborate more right now, as you have not yet agreed to my offer. ::looks down a a device on her wrist::

<Seraph> ::rubs his eyes:: I'm not sure if I can accept such an offer without knowing at least a little more

<Zoe> You have been selected for the same reason our other agents have in the past, your fate, an important fate we believe, has yet to be determined. ::looks down at her wrist again::

<Zoe> ::sighs:: Probability and time strings indicate that you will refuse my offer, so I shall give you the needed time to think it over. ::reaches her arm out towards him, a small rectangular card appearing in her palm:: My card in case you wish to contact me.

<Seraph> ::takes the card and looks at it:: um.. alright ::faint smile:: is that all?

<Zoe> Yes.

ACTION> ZOE DISSAPPEARS IN A FLASH OF WHITE LIGHT AND SERAPH IS ALONE IN HIS ROOM AGAIN. THE CARD HAS SMALL TYPE ON IT SAYING: Zoe Culloden, Expediter. Landau, Luckman, and Lake. BUT IT HAS NO CONTACT INFO WHAT-SO-EVER.

>>>>>SIM START<<<<<

LOCATION> MADRIPOOR, NIGHT

SCENE> OUTSIDE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICE, CRYZ LEADS THE GROUP OF CLICK AND TALON AS THEY WAIT IN THE SHADOWS OF THE OFFICE AS PHASE INTANGIBLY SEARCHES THE OFFICES LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE STOLEN FILES AND ANY TRACE OF EVIDENCE LEFT BEHIND BY THE THIEVES WHO RECENTLY BROKE IN HERE.

<Cryz> ::leans against the wall of the building, in the shadows:: ((What's taking him so long?))

<Phase> :::Walks amongst the surroundings, keeping a sharp eye open for anything that might seem promising::: ((Second time I've played super spy. God, I feel like a common criminal these days.))

<Click> ::eyes around quickly, for any movement, keeping psi tabs on Phase::

<Phase> :::Resynchs long enough to push a few papers around, keeping sure to sound lightly and leave as few prints as possible:::

ACTION> PHASE SEES THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE.

<Cryz> ::looks over to Click, whispering:: How's he doing?

<Click> ::looks back:: no word yet, he’s alright tho

<Phase> :::Looks up from the papers, notices the sign on a door::: ((Hello, what have we here?)) :::Desynchs to make his way into the office, checking for security devices:::

<Cryz> ::nods to himself:: Good, good..

<Click> {{have you found something Phase?}}

ACTION> PHASE SEES NO SECURITY DEVICES, AS OBVIOUSLY THE LAW ISN'T A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF LIFE IN MADIPOOR. HE DOES SEE SEVERAL MEMOS IN THE CONSTABLE'S DESK.

<Phase> ((Possibly. I'm checking now.)) :::With a satisfied nod, resynchs, then begins going over the memos:::

<Click> ::looks back over and wispers to Cryz:: he may have something

<Cryz> ::nods absently:: ((I'm not used to sneaking around like this..))

ACTION> CLICK'S MIND TINGLES AS HE SENSES ANOTHER PRESENCE NEARBY.

<Click> ::looks around quickly:: someones here ::tries to locate the person::

<Phase> :::Checks the memos over carefully, still taking care not to touch them in a way that would leave a full print or a useable one:::

ACTION> THE PERSON MOVES SWITLY AND CLICK IS UNABLE TO GET A CERTAIN LOCATION, BUT HE/SHE IS MOVING CLOSER. INSIDE, PHASE LOCATES A REPORT OF WHAT EXACTLY WAS STOLEN, FILES PERTAINING TO THE OFFICES OF SOME GROUP ABBREVIATED AS LL&L, LOCATED IN LOWTOWN.

<Click> Coming nearer ::checks to see if its going towards Phase, or himself::

<Cryz> ::eyes narrow then stands, shifting to crystal::

<Phase> :::Goes over the report, filing most of it to memory::: ((I think we got something here. A report by the commissioner. List of items, mostly files.))

<Click> {{hurry, someone’s coming}}

ACTION> BEFORE CLICK CAN VERIFY ANYTHING, A WOMAN CLAD IN DEEP BLUE NINJA ATTIRE LANDS SOFTLY IN FRONT OF THE TRIO STANDING OUTSIDE THE BUILDING, HAVING JUMPED OFF FROM THE ROOF.

<Ninja> You know not what you do here. ::jumps forward landing on her hands and flipping feet forward into Click, who is thrust against a wall::

<Click> ::attempts to let the Ninja's feet sink into his torso as he makes it open a bit and snap shut::

<Phase> ((Hurry? Somebody coming.)) :::Quickly takes a mental list of all he can, then desynchs and makes his way to the outside:::

<Cryz> Is that so? ::forms his fingers longer, eyeing the ninja, walking toward her::

<Ninja> Yes. ::pounces away from Click, spinning and looking at Cryz::

<Click> ::steps back off the wall:: {{she is out here Phase}}

<Cryz> ::moves toward the ninja, sharpening his fingers to claws as he swipes at her with a hand::

<Phase> :::Rushes out of the offices, letting his eyes adjust to the change of light::: ((Who is this "she" you're talking about?))

<Click> {{wierd ninja lady}} ::gets ready to strike after Cryz::

<Gage> <Ninja> What is it you Americans say? They always return to the scene of the crime? ::draws a sword of some purple energy holds the sword toward Cryz:: Leave, now.

<Phase> :::Resynchs once his eyes have adjusted, unholstering his pistol::: Could you boys use a little help here?

<Cryz> ::eyes narrow then stops and forms his hands back to normal, reverting back to flesh:: Hold on, we're not thieves or anything

<Ninja> No, I am the thief. ::glances at Phase, then thrusts the sword at Cryz, flipping at Click::

<Click> ::lashes some tendrils at the Ninja, trying to intertwine her::

<Phase> :::Brings up his pistol, aims at the ninja::: Hold it, lady! Drop the sword or I drop you!

<Cryz> ::moves to try and dodge to the side, muttering to himself:: ((..physical wounds are better than having a stomach cut out while you're in crystal form and can't shift back..))

ACTION> CRYZ DODGES, BARELY. CLICK GRABS THE NINJA BY THE WRIST AS SHE LANDS IN FRONT OF PHASE.

<Click> ::tries to wrap her up and steal her sword::

<Cryz> ::shifts back to crystal then stalks over to Phase and the woman:: ((She's a wily one..))

<Phase> :::Looks down at the ninja, then at Click::: Nice catch, buddy. :::Aims at the ninja's back:::

<Ninja> Stupid Americans. ::begins running and clotheslines Phase with Click tendrils::

<Click> ::hopes Phase is smart, so he lashes out with the other tendril to grab her feet::

<Phase> Ack! :::Gets dropped to the floor, grunts as he hits the floor::: ((Just ain't my day.))

ACTION> CLICK'S TENDRILS SMACK PHASE AS HE DROPS.

<Gage> <Ninja> ::swings her sword down on Click's tendrils with her other hand and severs the end of his tendril from her wrist::

<Cryz> ::turns and tries just to smack the woman with a crystal arm or hand::

<Phase> Ow! :::Rubs the spot where he got smacked::: Watch it with those, will ya!

<Click> ::growels and retracts his tendrils:: sorry, i thought youd phase

ACTION> CRYZ CONNECTS WITH THE NINJA AND SHE STUMBLES FORWARD INTO A CORNER.

<Phase> Assumption'll get you killed, didn't you know that? :::Quickly gets to his feet, taking a moment to shake off the disorientation:::

<Cryz> ::rushes over to the ninja, forming a hand into a lobster-like claw, trying to pin her around the neck against the wall::

ACTION> THE NINJA QUICKLY DUCKS AND ROLLS AWAY FROM THE THREE OF THEM.

<Phase> :::Brings around his pistol, trying to get a good aim::: ((Screw the spy sh*t.)) :::Begins firing rounds, hoping for a clean hit:::

<Gage> <Ninja> ::stops, looks at the trio:: I'll give you a warning. You don't want to mess with the poeple who had me steal those files. Now, if can forgive the cliche... ::throws a vile to her feet, as it bursts causing a large cloud of smoke to engulf the immediate area::

<Cryz> Whoa, Phase watch out.. you might hit somebody.. or get hit with a ricochet

<Phase> :::Stops firing, grunting with anger::: You're not gonna tell the others I went trigger-happy, are ya?

<Click> ::attempts to keep a psi trace on her::

<Cryz> ::glances over to Phase:: Why? They'll automatically think you did, anyways..

ACTION> ALL CLICK CAN DO IS FEEL HER PRESENCE MOVE SLOWLY QUICKLY AWAY UNTIL HE CAN'T DISTINGUISH IT FROM OTHER MINDS IN THE CITY.

<Cryz> ::reverts back to flesh::

<Skyler> +com+ Alpha group, come in?

<Click> shes gone... ::looks around quickly again::

<Phase> :::Huffs, then reholters the pistol::: ((Am I really that predictable these days?)) So, what now, fearless leader?>>

<Cryz> ::looks at his watch:: +com+ We've met the thief.. and everything you see in movies about ninja thieves is true.. She warned us to stay away. If it means anything, she was wearing all blue and had some sorta energy sword..

<Skyler> +com+ Find out what she stole?

<Cryz> ::looks over to Phase:: I think this part of the phone call's for you..

<Phase> :::Smirks, then brings his watch up::: +com+ Looked like a buncha files of some sort or other. About some company named LL&L, down in Lowtown.

<Skyler> +com+ Okay. Get your group to Lowtown and check it out.. Keep on the lookout for any signs of Beta group. I've lost contact with them. Gamma group and I have just arrived in Sydney. Skyler out.

<Gage> >>>>>ELSEWHERE<<<<<

<Gage> LOCATION> LOWTOWN. THE PRINCESS BAR, A HALF-HOUR EARLIER.

<Gage> SCENE> GAGE, SERAPH, MYRIAD, AND RHYTHM HAVE ARRIVED AT THE PRINCESS BAR. JUST BY THE SMELL ONE COULD TELL THE TYPE OF PEOPLE WHICH HANG OUT HERE. HALF A WALL IS IN SHAMBLES AND THERE IS A CLEAR PATH OF SPLINTERED WOOD LEADING TO THE BACK OF THE ESTABLISHMENT WHERE A LONE DOOR IS. SEEDY LOOKING PEOPLE CROWD TABLES.

<Seraph> ::looks around:: why are we here again?

<Gage> ::looks at Seraph:: To find the Jugger-Lady-Naut.

<Myriad> ..Well, isn't this cheery?

<Seraph> ::looks at the wall:: well.. I don't see her here... maybe we should go

<Gage> ::a look of distaste on his face:: No really, no. ::to Seraph:: And maybe we should ask around. ...lets keep a a low profile, though.

<Rhythm> ::walks in last and stands for a bit behind the others:: ((i'm thirsty))

<Seraph> ::looks around nervously, spotting the wood trail towards the back and begin to follow it::

<Gage> ::nods to the others then heads to the bar to talk to the bartender::

<Myriad> ::looks at the people crowding the tables, trying to tell of any of them have 'abnormal' emotions::

<Seraph> ::looks at the lone door in the back:: hello?

<Rhythm> ((damn, Gage went there 1st, I'll wait for him to move so i can get a beer)) ::vaguely looks around the room::

ACTION> UNBEKNOWNST TO SERAPH A MAN STICKS HIS FOOT OUT AND TRIPS HIM AS HE FOLLOWS THE SPLINTERED WOOD TRAIL. MYRIAD CAN SENSE THAT MOST OF THESE PEOPLE HAVE IN INFLATED SENSE OF SELF, ARE FEELING TIRED, AND HORNY TOO. iN OTHERWORDS, THEY'RE DRUNK, AND IT'S HARD FOR MYRIAD NOT TO MIMIC THEIR EMOTIONS.

<Seraph> wha..? ahh! ::falls forward:: oof

<DrunkRuffian> Mwa har har har! ::points at Seraph:: Watch where you're goin' stupid!

<Seraph> ::slowly stands and brushes himself off:: is this the restroom?

<Myriad> ::..puts her hand up to stifle a giggle, which turns into a yawn:: ..Don' wanna stay here.. borring..

<Rhythm> ::noods to some women sitting at a table before approaching the bar and signaling the bartender to come closer::

<Rhythm> <<nods>>

<Gage> <Bartender> ::walks up to Rhythm:: Whadya want?

<Rhythm> a beer

<Rhythm> whatever ya got on tap

<DrunkRuffian> Soes the little baby gotta tinkle? ::stands and pushes Seraph some::

<Seraph> ::blinks at the drunk guy and keeps walking towards the door::

<Myriad> Lesshee.. there's gotta be something fun here t' do.. ::..looks around for any cute guys::

<Rhythm> ::starts looking for some money to pay with::

<Seraph> ::falls backards onto the floor again:: ouch... ::looks up at the guy:: yes, as a matter of fact, I do

<Rhythm> ((where the heck did i put that local currency?)) ::finds a 20$ bill::

<Gage> ::looks at Rhythm, then walks over:: He won't be having beer. He's busy. ::gives Rhythm a look, then sees Seraph getting picked-on and starts over:: Myriad, go see if you and Rhythm can't get any info out of the bartender.

<Seraph> ::stands back up and stares at the guy::

<Myriad> ..Info.. Riiight away, bossman.. ::slight giggle, almost stumbles as she moves over to Rhythm and the bartender::

<DrunkRuffian> ::glances at Gage as he walks over:: Who's this, your daddy?

<Rhythm> ((what?!)) hey i can work and drink at the same time...::mumbles::

<Rhythm> ::looks at Myriad:: you okay?

<Seraph> ::looks at Gage:: no

<Bartender> ::chuckles at Rhythm, then eyes Myriad as she stumbles over::

<Myriad> ::..waves a hand:: ..Ooh, I'm fine! Just great! ::waves to the bartender, too:: ..Hi there! ::...bats her eyelashes::

<Gage> ::stern look:: Whats going on here, Gid?

<Rhythm> ::raises an eyebrow looking at Myriad then quickly changes his attention back to the bartender:: hey buddy ::takes out the 20$ and places it in the man's hand:: this is for that beer.. and also, some info

<Bartender> Oh? What info?

<Seraph> this gentleman and I were just discussing where the restrooms are located

<Gage> That so? ::looks at the guy::

<DrunkRuffian> ::sneers:: Yeah. And then he fell over. Like this... ::pushes Seraph into Gage::

<Rhythm> what else? a girl ::grins:: but this one's special

<Seraph> acufff! ::falls backwards again::

<Rhythm> ::looks at Myriad briefly, grins and back at the bartender::

<Bartender> Here's a fine looking girl. ::looks at Myriad with a grin:: How you doin tonight sweetheart?

<Myriad> ::..small grin:: ..III'm great! Never been better!

<Myriad> ::..steadies herself against the counter::

<Rhythm> ((whatha?!)) Yeah..she sure is ::puts an arm around her:: she's with us though ::serious look at the guy:: and we're looking for another

ACTION> IN HER STATE, MYRIAD FINDS THE BARTENDER TO BE UTTERLY ATTRACTIVE, DESPITE HIS GLASS EYE, MISSING FRONT TOOTH, AND UNSHAVEN FACE.

<Myriad> ::..pushes Rhythm's arm off of her:: ..Whatd'ya think you're doin', huh?.. ::..slight look at him before turning her attention back to the bartender::

<Seraph> ::tries to sit up:: I'm sorry Mr Gage

<Gage> S'okay, Gideon. ::glares at the guy::

<Seraph> ::stands up and glances at the two at the bar::

<Myriad> ::..almost whispering:: ..Rhythm wants a giiirlfriend.. ::...giggles, then grins at the bartender:: Soo, mister rugged, whatcha do for fun?

<Seraph> ::looks back at the guy:: what do you want from us?

<Bartender> ::looks at Rhythm:: If you want to knwo about the big orange girl, she went through that door. ::looks back at Myriad:: So, you think I'm *rugged*, eh?

<Rhythm> ::gives a serious look at Myriad and shakes his head. Looking at the bartender and pointing:: that one?

<Gage> What he wants is to pick a fight. ::powers up momentarily and punches the drunk guy, knocking him out::

<Seraph> ::moves away from the guy and lets Gage handle it:: um.. should I check out the door now?

<Bartender> Yeah, that one. :;waves Rhythm away::

<Myriad> ::ignores Rhythm, traces a design in the bar with her finger:: Yeeah.. like you'd fit in goin' mountaineerin' or something.. ::..giggles again::

<Gage> Lets both go, Gideon. ::eyes the other people in the bar::

<Seraph> ok.. ::turns towards the door and walks for it::

<Rhythm> ::smiles and pulls Myriad away from the bar while addressing the bartender:: thanks for your help buddy, i better get my retarded/underage sister here to our hotel, it's way past her bedtime

<Gage> ::follows Seraph, looking back seeing that Rhythm and Myriad are following::

<Myriad> ...Huh!? ..Amnot! ::..tries pulling away from him:: ..I'm tryin' to talk to him! ..Lemme go!

<Rhythm> ::tapping his wrist com:: +com+ yo Gage, c'ere

<Myriad> ..You're *ruining* my *fun*! ::grits her teeth and beats on his arm with her other hand:: ..Leggo, NOW!

<Rhythm> ::trying to hold on to Myriad without hurting her::

ACTION> MYRIAD CAN'T DO ANYTHING BUT STRUGGLE AS RHYTHM IS STRONGER THAN HER.

<Seraph> ::peeks into the doorway::

<Shadowcat> <<I say you knock her out until whatever crack she's been smoking wears off.>>

<Gage> ::shakes his head seeing Myriad struggle, then yells:: Just get her back here, we're looking at the...door.

<Myriad> ..Oooh, just wait 'til I get loose! You're gonna regret it! This' the last time I put up with this! ::..glaring::

<Myriad> ::looks over her shoulder at the bartender, pleadingly::

ACTION> SERAPH SEES NOTHING BUT BRIGHT LIGHT AS HE CRACKS THE DOOR OPEN SOME.

<Rhythm> ::wraps his left arm firmly around Myriad's waist and drags her to where Gage and Seraph are::

<Seraph> ::pushes the door open some more, slowly, trying to see inside::

<Myriad> ...! ..Don't touch me there! ::...tries to slap him::

ACTION> THE DOOR SINGS OPEN AND A WHITE LIGHT ENVELOPES THE GROUP AND THEY LOOSE ALL SENSE OF SPACE...

<Myriad> ...Wheeeee!

<Gage> >>>>ELSEWHERE<<<<<

<Gage> LOCATION> SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. NIGHT.

<Gage> SCENE> ARRIVING IN SYDNEY, THE TRIO OF WOMEN (Drags, Polaris, and Shadowcat) AND SKLYER FOUND THAT CAIN HAD WAKENED FROM HIS COMA AND LEFT THE HOSPITAL. FOLLOWING THEIR DOSSIER INFORMATION, THEY'VE COME TO A NIGHT CLUB CALLED AMNESIA, A HIDEOUT JUGGERNAUT SOMETIMES USES. THEY HAVE CURRENTL ADJUSTED THEIR SUITS TO APPEAR AS NIGHT CLUB ATTIRE AND HAVE JUST ENTERED THE FRONT OF THE CLUB.

<Dragon> ::glances around the interior, blinking slightly as her eyes adjust::

<Skyler> ::looks around the club, an unpleased look on his face:: Well, Marko shouldn't be too hard to find...but this is a big place.

<Dragon> ::light psiscan of the club as she glances around::

<Shadowcat> ::yells over the noise:: Marko shouldn't be too hard to find. He doesn't exactly blend well with the locals.

<Skyler> ::starts walking deeper into the club, pushing past people::

ACTION> DRAGON CAN'T LOCATE MARKO AS SHE'S NEVER SENSED HIS MIND BEFORE. SHE DOES SENSE ALOT OF SEXUAL THOUGHTS.

<Dragon> ::slightly annoyed look, starts through the crowd toward the bar::

<Skyler> ::moves way from the women:: Keep your coms open!

<Young Man> ::pops out in front of the group, yelling over the blare of the music:: 'ey there. What brings a couple o' sheilas like you 'ere tonight? Wouldn't ya rather be back at my apartment? ::coy smile::

<Dragon> ::slips past the young man, ignoring him and continuing toward the bar::

<Young Man> ::scoffs some:: Whoa! ::hops in front of Drags:: Come on, now. What did I do to deserve that kinda treatment?

<Shadowcat> ::steps up to the man with a come hither sort of expression trying to distract him from drags:: I don't think her husband would approve of the attention you're giving my poor friend there. What's your name?

<Dragon> Sod off. ::sidesteps again, scowling slightly::

<Young Man> My mistake. ::looks at Shadowcat with a grin:: Greggory. You can call me whatever ya like, though. ::stare::

<Shadowcat> Well, Greggory, why don't we go someplace a little more quiet so that we can get to know each other a little better. ::bats her eyes and tosses her hair::

<Young Man> Sound like a plan to me, luv. I-

ACTION> A RATHER BRUTISH LOOKING ORANGE HAIRED MAN STALKS BY AND SHOVES THE YOUNG MAN TO THE GROUND AS HE HEADS TOWARD THE BAR.

<Dragon> ::steps up to the bar, glancing along it before turning her attention to the bartender::

<Bartender> ::in a hurried tone:; What'll ya 'ave, luv?

<Shadowcat> ::snickers looking from the brute to greggory:: Are you okay? ::offers him a hand up::

<Dragon> Nothing. Not that you'll notice. ::stares at the bartender as she starts examining his mind for some memory of someone who looks like Cain Marko's description::

<Young Man > Thanks. ::stands::

ACTION> DRAGON, DOESN'T GET ANYTHING RIGHT AWAY, BUT AT SHE STARES INTO HIS PUPILS, SHE SEES THE REFLECTION OF THE ORANGE HAIRED BRUTE STANDING BEHIND HER. IT'S MARKO.

<Dragon> ::droll smirk:: Convenient. ::turns around, folding her arms::

<Cain> ::looks past Dragon:: Bartender! Get me double shot of whiskey! ::looks down at Dragon:: What're you smiling at, sweetheart? You like? ::flexxes::

<Shadowcat> Greggory, it's been real fun, but I'm afraid I have to cut this short. ::beelines to the bar::

<Young Man> Uh...right-o. ::walks away::

<Dragon> ((Not particularly...)) ::thin smile, glances away through the crowd toward Shadowcat:: Funny... Just the person I wanted to talk to.

<Cain> Me? ::smirk:: I ain't much of a conversation fella, more of an action man, if you get my drift.

<Shadowcat> ::takes a seat at the bar behind marko as he faces drags::

<Dragon> ((Spare me the testosterone...)) ::clears her throat slightly:: Too noisy here. Find a quieter spot... ?

<Cain> Sure thing, girly. ::turns to look around for the exit, his eyes making contact with Shadowcat's for a second, but not recognizing her::

<Dragon> ::moves away from the bar, following Marko:: Curious about some things. Maybe you can help.

<Shadowcat> ::eyes follow drags and marko:: ((He looked right at me.))

<Cain> Yeah, sure. (( Girl's in the bag...if she shuts up anytime soon. )) ::points:: The exit's this way. ::starts pushing people out of his and Dragon's way, when he makes a sudden stop, turns, and looks back at the bar at Shadowcat::

<Cain> YOU!

<Cain> ACTION> CAIN CHARGES THROUGH THE CROWD AT SHADOWCAT.

<Cain> >>>>>SIM END<<<<<