2019-02-15 #acdum Bain's Skirt

2019-02-15 Bain's Skirt
Sydney, Hoxton, Wolf, Dallas

[19:24:49] <Sydney> *Sydney's workstation, an already disorganized space, has been taken over by printouts, maps, and various other heist errata. She could have taken over the downstairs planning area now that the police station heist was successful, but she's keeping this a quasi-secret from most of the others (though she's kept Bain in the loop).*
[19:37:17] <Dallas> *Media's abuzz with speculation over the kerfuffle at the third district station, easily overshadowing the tiny story that squeaked by concerning a hefty anonymous cash donation to three pet shelters around DC. The MPD's keeping a tight lid on the situation, despite multiple eyewitnesses having heard an explosion inside the building, and citizen-shot videos of a news chopper landing on the roof during what the MPD claims was a fire drill. Only statement from Captain Winters: "The situation is under control."*
[19:43:12] <Dallas> *Dallas resurfaces the morning after the heist, Hoxton in tow. Doesn't look the worse for wear. In fact, it looks like a weight's been lifted off him. He remains somber, however, calls the team together for a quick meeting to get everyone up to speed.*
[19:44:31] <Hoxton> *Hox is waiting in the safehouse. The laptop propped on his lap and he is reading articles with a grin. The faint echo of adrenaline still pounds in his veins, especially seeing the footage of the chopper pulling away. He is admittedly proud of having pulled off that one with Dallas, reading Dallas some vague Winters statements.* Under control? My arse. Doubt they'll even believe that one lone cop.
[19:47:15] <Dallas> If that boy's got any sense in that thick skull of his, he'll keep his mouth shut and move on. *Y'know what's better than articles? Photos of Hox flying Bile's chopper in a frickin' MPD uniform. All of them transferred over to Hox's phone, of course. Now that's stranger than fiction.*
[19:47:16] <Sydney> *Sydney enters after a moment. She's already heard the good news, but she still arches an eyebrow and gives them a slow clap.* Well. Consider me bloody impressed.
[19:48:18] <Wolf> *Wolf chuckles from his spot on the couch.* Security theatre, you know?
[19:48:32] <Wolf> Act like things are okay.
[19:48:53] <Wolf> And they're not. But the people don't know that
[19:48:56] <Dallas> *Dallas chuckles.* Security theater. Making us sound like a bunch of terrorists, Wolf.
[19:49:22] <Sydney> Well, I mean, you guys did blow up a bridge that time, yeah?
[19:49:52] <Wolf> That was an unintended side effect.
[19:50:00] <Wolf> Of bombs.
[19:50:17] <Sydney> So you were still gonna blow it up.
[19:50:21] <Sydney> Just not as much.
[19:50:30] <Wolf> .. Yeah.
[19:51:03] <Hoxton> *The pictures are saved and tucked away for rainy days. He gives them one more fond look, leaning back. Proud cat.* Yeah. Kid was lucky Houston is a calm dic.----calm one. *he grins* Winters however? Amazin.
[19:52:18] <Dallas> *moving on smoothly from that* So that's that precinct situation dealt with. Coke's in the bag, cops still don't know what hit 'em. *A nod to Hoxton.* Gonna need you to get in touch with your contact, arrange a meet. After that--
[19:53:39] <Hoxton> *Hox sits up straighter and nods. This is only part of business done, of course. But screw it, it felt amazing.* I'll call him after this, right? Gettin this shite sorted. I wonder how much they betted gettin our arses arrested...in uniforms.
[19:55:09] <Dallas> Who, the Russians?
[19:55:39] <Hoxton> Yeah! They better not underestimate us now.
[19:56:31] <Dallas> I don't know. 10 pounds of pure cocaine--that's, what? About $600, 700 grand? Getting that all back without having to pay a red cent--that's what I'd call a bargain.
[19:57:00] <Sydney> *Aside from a slight incline of her head and raised eyebrows at Hox's statement, Sydney doesn't comment. She's also remaining standing, not taking her usual spot on the couch.*
[19:58:35] <Hoxton> *Hox frowns a little.* Twats. That's serious money we hauled outta there. They better not gonna pull weird shite on us now. *He turns to look at Sydney* 'Sup? What ya standin there for?
[20:00:05] <Sydney> Just stretchin' my legs. Been sitting working on a thing for a while.
[20:00:48] <Dallas> New art project?
[20:02:25] <Hoxton> Thing? Now dont be so specfic, please.
[20:02:57] <Sydney> Nah, just putting finishing touches on my old one. It's pretty much ready, so whenever you've got a minute.. *She looks to Dallas, thinly disguised glee in her eyes.*
[20:05:16] <Sydney> No rush. The last layer's still drying.
[20:05:46] <Dallas> *Dallas looks a little surprised, but chuckles.* Gonna let us in on your new masterpiece? Helluvan honor. *gestures* Lead the way, Sydney. No rush, though. Only when you're ready to show us.
[20:06:59] <Sydney> Oh, I'm ready. *She all but bounces as she leads the way towards her workshop. She's clearly excited.* So, uh. I got more than a little carried away with making this cool rather than making this practical. Don't get your hopes too high up, kay? It's more of a display piece.
[20:08:48] <Dallas> Now you've got me curious. *Exchanging a look with Hox, Dallas comes over to the workshop entrance.* How do you wanna do this? Want us to cover our eyes, and you say when?
[20:10:07] <Hoxton> *Hox gets up, raising an eyebrow at Dallas but nods and follows him. He puts the laptop aside, stretching and following.*
[20:10:38] <Sydney> Nah, no need. *Sydney gestures towards the mask on display at the center of her workstation. The mask seems to be largely the same as Dallas' normal mask, but the surface of it seems deeply cracked and broken in areas, emphasizing the depth of the wrinkles and the smile. Portions of the brow seem to have a burned texture. It gives it an interesting look, but Sydney's excitement seems greatly out of proportion to the final product. She carefully picks the mask up, looking to Dallas with a smile.* Someone hit the lights, yeah?
[20:11:06] <Dallas> *Dallas reaches over, switches the lights off.*
[20:11:21] <Wolf> *Wolf's followed as well, a small grin on his face.*
[20:11:21] <Sydney> *Sydney fumbles with the mask in the darkness, flicking a switch on the inside. Suddenly, the cracks and eyes erupt with yellow-orange light, illuminating the mask such that it looks as if it's made of molten lava. The light flickers in intensity, the eyes irregularly flaring with light.*
[20:11:54] <Dallas> *Standing there in the orange half-light, Dallas can't help a surprised chuckle.* Wow.
[20:12:05] <Sydney> Fuckin' wicked, right?
[20:12:16] <Wolf> Holy fucking shit.
[20:12:40] <Hoxton> *Hox leans at the doorframe, whistling at the sight. Mother of flashy, that's one show off piece for sure.*
[20:13:43] <Dallas> You are one talented son of a gun, Sydney. *He sounds impressed, stepping closer to have a look at the way it glows from within.*
[20:14:46] <Sydney> Okay, so. Bad news time. While it looks bloody fucking wicked, it's...not actually wearable in the field. The cracks compromise the structural integrity - if I dropped it, it'd shatter into a thousand bloody pieces. No good in a firefight, at all.
[20:14:55] <Sydney> It's perfect to impress the ladies (or gents), scare the shit out of kids, or to put on a shelf, though.
[20:16:16] <Dallas> Don't worry, I'm not gonna wear this beauty. *Dallas nods to her--may I? Then takes the mask from her and tilts it, gazing into its eerie eyes.* Damn.
[20:16:52] <Hoxton> That's more like what the cops and thugs out there see. One big and mean motherfucker.
[20:17:22] <Dallas> *looks over at him* Oh yeah? *chuckles* See this coming at you in an alleyway, probably shit my pants.
[20:18:48] <Hoxton> Christ, I'd run back under Winter's skirt if I saw you wearin that and comin at me. It looks amazin.
[20:19:16] <Hoxton> *he chuckles* If I was an actual cop.
[20:19:36] <Dallas> As it is, feel free to hide in Bain's skirt.
[20:19:44] <Sydney> That's the idea.
[20:19:55] <Sydney> *She grins.*
[20:20:10] <Hoxton> *He groans* Now that's imagery I wont burn outta my head. Cheers.
[20:21:55] <Dallas> *Then he turns to Sydney, says earnestly* Thanks, kid. It's beautiful. Tell you what, though-- I'm not gonna wear this out trick-or-treating or anything. I want you to hang onto this. *holds it out to her* Maybe put a little rack up here on the wall, put it up on display. Maybe the muse'll strike, and you'll make more of these, line 'em up in a little row. Like a little gallery of masks, and they'll watch over you those late nights while you're working, and you can switch 'em on, and they'll glow. Atmospheric, you know.
[20:22:07] <Dallas> Hell, maybe when Bain finally gets his shit together and gets this place refurbished proper, we can get a nice blank wall out in the living room, and you can make it a mask gallery. Wall of glowing clowns. Whaddaya think?
[20:23:44] <Sydney> I think it'd be metal as fuck. *Her grin widens even further.*
[20:24:20] <Dallas> That's the spirit. *He nearly reaches up to tousle her hair the way he'd do with the others, but manages to hold back and just pats her shoulder instead.* Make me proud.
[20:24:35] <Dallas> ((No messing with the punk hair!))
[20:24:49] <Sydney> ((*Dallas goes to mess with her hair* *It crunches*))
[20:27:27] <Hoxton> *Hox is just quietly watching, grinning. Though the responsibility of stuff to come still on him. But he doesnt begrudge Dallas a moment like this. They risked their lives in that heist and goddamn, glad there are moments like these inbetween.*
[20:29:11] <Sydney> *She nods, smiling wickedly,* Sure thing, dad.
[20:29:31] <Sydney> *She can't keep a straight face, she starts giggling.*
[20:29:52] <Dallas> *Dallas chuckles, moving back to the wall to switch on the lights.* All right, kiddo. Don't forget to show your mom. Bet she'd love it.
[20:31:33] <Sydney> Me mum's had a restraining order on me for a good...six years now. And she wouldn't appreciate it anyways.
[20:32:46] <Dallas> No, your--other mom, the fictional mom to... *motions to himself* your old man over here. But I'm sorry to hear that. You got real talent.
[20:44:47] <Hoxton> So now the mask business is nice an all. But anythin we need to discuss?
[20:48:42] <Dallas> *Dallas waves them back out of the sanctity of the workshop, consults his phone.* Had a chat with Bain earlier. Said something about... a support group?
[20:48:53] <Dallas> Something like that.
[20:49:22] <Sydney> Wha-? What kind of support group? *She's immediately suspicious.*
[20:50:11] <Dallas> Not for us--it's that guard. The one from that Roberts Bank we knocked over a while back. Like a trauma support group or something. *nods to Hox*
[20:51:08] <Hoxton> *Hox frowns as well...then his eyebrows rise. HE knosws.......yeah. Hox nods, looking carefully curious.* Wow, Bain remembered that? What did he say abot that group?
[20:51:46] <Hoxton> *Under his breath* Poor bastard was...sobbin.
[20:52:05] <Dallas> Guy hasn't had a public meltdown yet, so I'd say--it's probably fine.
[20:56:02] <Hoxton> Good on him. *he rubs his face.* Hope Bain is gettin him a proper therapist or session.
[20:56:50] <Dallas> *Dallas nods.* All right, that about covers it. *a nod to Hox* Lemme know what happens with the Aleksandr situation. When he's expecting the coke, and where.
[21:01:24] <Hoxton> *Hox nods, does a lazy half salute and heads out to call Aleksandr. One big coke delivery coming up. And damn, he is glad the situation with the guard....the man needs help*
[21:05:59] <Sydney> *Sydney shrugs, heading to the kitchen to get herself some lemonade.
[21:07:18] <Wolf> *Wolf fidgets a bit, looking around nervously.* H.. Hopefully that was the last job from the mafia.
[21:10:10] <Dallas> *Out in the alleyway behind the laundromat. The snow's melted away, pavement wet and glossy under the street lights, and Hoxton's alone. Aleks answers after two rings.* Hello? Hoxton?
[21:14:32] <Hoxton> Oi. It's me. *he paces up and down, right in front of he side entrance.* Well I suppose ya saw the news eh? *Satisfaction creeps into his voice and he goes on.* We got your product and the evidence has been properly fucked with, mate. So...I'd say time to conclude our business eh?
[21:19:56] <Dallas> Aleks: *sounding pleased* Well done. I knew from the very beginning that if anyone could pull this job off, it'd be you. Congratulations. Can you meet me tonight?
[21:23:02] <Hoxton> *Hox grins but that flattery is expected. Like a set of rules. He cant just say he is surprised Hox is still alive.* Yeah. Can be arranged. Surely with a little less force this time?
[21:23:51] <Hoxton> The job's done just as ya specified. I hope ya keep that in mind.
[21:26:17] <Dallas> Aleks: Of course. Come meet me at the Tasteful Club around, say--eight o'clock. Is this convenient for you, my friend?
[21:27:57] <Hoxton> *Hox shifts his weight, pushing a bit of melting snow around with his foot. Yeah he wont come alone for this. Hopefully. It could be a trap but then so far, Aleks has been honest with him.* The tasteful? Is it running again?
[21:29:10] <Dallas> Aleks: I'm afraid not. But the police were kind enough to allow us back into the building, and everything's been cleaned up. Come over, we'll have a drink at the bar, and then we can conclude our business transaction.
[21:32:42] <Hoxton> *Conclude? Hox looks a little worried now. This could mean....damn. The high from the police heist weighted down by this final business.* Very well, mate. I am sure Bain could offer footage of the heist if ya fellas are doubtin me and Dallas' handiwork. It's been done as asked.
[21:33:33] <Dallas> Aleks: No need. The Payday gang's reputation speaks for itself. I'll see you at eight, then. Come around the back entrance; Boris will let you in.
[21:36:45] <Hoxton> At eight then. See you then, Aleksandr! *he nods and waits for him to end the call.*
[21:37:03] <Dallas> Aleks: *awkwardly* Okay, bye! *And he hangs up.*
[21:38:33] <Hoxton> *Hox sighs and takes a deep breath. Alright. Next steps incoming. He heads back inside, looking for Dallas and Sydney.* Oi. I just had a chat with Aleksandr. Ya wanna hear the details now?
[21:38:45] <Dallas> *Dallas nods. Give us the skinny.*
[21:39:29] <Sydney> Yeah, sure. What's up?
[21:40:56] <Hoxton> Eight o' clock at the tasteful. He'll be there and his pack of brutes as well, as it looks like. Fuckin wanker. Decked me good. *A faint blue spot that was the bruise from Boris the russian bear.* Drink and finishin the business. I...want backup, fellas. I doubt he'd cross me like that but better to be sure eh?
[21:41:15] <Dallas> He didn't say to come alone, did he?
[21:42:33] <Hoxton> No. He didnt so I guess he'll expect me to do it. *a short pause* We should update Bain as soon as possible as well.
[21:42:57] <Sydney> *Sydney nods.* If you want backup, I'll be there.
[21:43:39] <Dallas> I'll let 'im know right away. *Dallas moves off to the kitchen, pulling out his phone to shoot Bain a quick message.*
[21:44:42] <Hoxton> Hell, I'd be more relaxed doin business with a few friendly guns. So yeah. Just in case shite goes down bad. If we can leave the russians happy afterwards, it'll be worth it.
[21:45:34] <Sydney> Sure sure. I imagine I can't get away with bringing Brenda though.
[21:47:54] <Hoxton> *A nod towards Dallas before he walks off.* Well bringin an LMG to a couple drinks....might be a little too bloody conspicious. And the coppers might be patrollin this area. *he goes quiet, yearning for a smoke.* But for fook's sake, dont even think bout shootin unless I get shot or I tell ya to.
[21:49:54] <Sydney> *She gestures dismissively.* Yeah yeah yeah. I'll just pack light and look intimidating.
[21:52:07] <Hoxton> Exactly! Ya got it! I wont let this chance blow after we put our arses on the line in the precinct. This gotta go smoothly!
[21:53:04] <Sydney> No w-- No fucking worries, mate.
[21:53:57] <Dallas> *Let's skip forward to the meet then. There's no line outside the Tasteful Club tonight. The lights are on inside, but there's no music. The door's been fixed. All the grenade-shattered windows are new and clean. Dallas is at the wheel, giving them a ride there in the van. He's packing--Bernetti under his jacket.*
[21:56:07] <Hoxton> *Hox even bothered to wear one of his better suits. He looks calm but there is a frown on his face. He is curious to see how it goes. If it goes down and all that. The club itself wakes rather conflicting memories. But he fights those back and concentrates on the job ahead.* Alright. Time to party, mates.
[21:58:37] <Sydney> *Sydney's also in a suit, and has her mask. She's got her 5/7 AP, and has stashed her Cobra and a flashbang in the car. Just in case.*
[22:01:07] <Dallas> *Dallas checks his gun, masks up. Bain sounded worried on the phone earlier. Compared to an ally like Vlad, crazy as he is, the Russians are a wildcard. They've resisted alliances in the past. It's a short walk down the alley to the back door. Closed and locked. Looks just like it did the night they last came here, only no Dmitri to push it open.*
[22:03:16] <Hoxton> *No need for Hox to mask up yet. He stops at the back entrance and frowns. What the...shouldnt be boris the big guy here and let him in? He pats his sides and makes sure his guns are where they should be.* This is.....we should have been let inside, fellas.
[22:04:18] <Dallas> *There are a pair of cars here, including the black Audi. Must be people inside. It's cold out here.*
[22:04:24] <Dallas> *Y'want a hint?*
[22:04:40] <Hoxton> *Sure!*
[22:04:45] <Dallas> *Try knocking.*
[22:07:02] <Sydney> *Sydney's masked up as well. She shakes her head.* Got a bad feeling about this.
[22:11:55] <Hoxton> *a deep inhale. Alright. Here goes nothin. He goes to knock on the cool and hard door, stehn stepping back.*