Wolves and Sheep

Taking the card with a nod, Dozer listened. At her question he let his eyes unfocus for a sec, before glancing around at the armory, the card tapping against his left palm.

"When I was a teenager, fresh out of school and figuring out what to do with my life, I saw a report on the news," he was just staring off into the air now as the memories, somehow still fresh, played out, "an entire school of little girls had been murdered, poisoned..."

More tapping.

"By Jihadists. The reason they gave? Because the school was trying to teach them how to read. That was it, just the mere act of learning how to read."

He turned his left hand over, and looked at the back of it as it clenched and unclenched.

"I'd felt anger before then. It had gotten me into a couple scraps as a kid, though I was trying to turn myself around, try to focus on getting good grades."

He was looking at the open palm now.

"But as I was sitting at my computer, watching the TV as the report continued, I felt as though my very veins were on fire. I doubled over in my chair, because it was like my entire nervous system was screaming."

The hand clenched into a fist.

"It was the first time I felt absolute rage.

"A few days later, I practically marched into that recruitment office."

He turned his head towards Agent Thompson, though he didn't look directly at her.

"I wasn't exactly the peak of human form back then. What you see before you is the result of years of throwing my all into training, with a heaping helping of raw experience. And while time has cooled the heat a little, let me enjoy the more relaxing things in life...

"I can still feel that fire, boiling away at my blood. And I'm just sitting here."

He looked up at Thompson, no doubt letting some of that anger show on his face.

"Give me another train. Hell, give me two, make me jump between them. Set me loose. Put me behind the trigger, point me where you want to go, and I will dig my through hell to get to the other side, even if I have to carry every innocent on my back while I do it."

Last edited August 16, 2019 2:51 pm

Aug 16, 2019 3:06 pm

Ellie listened, nodding in understanding as she stared at the grizzled war veteran through narrow, assessing eyes, feeling the intensity of Dozer's compassion.

"I can't guarantee that every day will be like yesterday, but in my current assignment we pursue the baddest of the bad ... criminals, terrorists, whatever may be a threat to our Nation's security," she replied, "and the Special Agent in Charge has been afforded a lot of leeway. She has a reputation for getting results."

Smiling she added, "We'd like to have you on board. You seem to be in the results business as well. We are always on the lookout for independent thinkers and doers such as yourself."

RusVal Inactive forever!

Aug 16, 2019 3:32 pm

Dozer lightly scratched his beard with a thumb in thought.

"Yeah, I think I might have heard about her. Daniela Flores, right? Bit of a legend?"

He then rolled his seat over to another table.

"Well, I need to put the finishing touches on my AAR, and then I need to talk to Cho. But after that..."

He reached around, and pulled out a full duffel bag, plunking it on top of the table. Unzipping it, he put the card in, before zipping it back up. He then turned to Thompson.

"When do we start?" he asked with a grin.

Aug 16, 2019 3:43 pm

"The one and only," she said with a laugh in reply to his question regarding the boss.

She waved a dismissive hand, "The AAR can wait. Why don't we start now." Taking two of the jars of parts Dozer had carefully organized into rows on the bench top she emptied them onto the table, careful to keep the parts separated in neat piles, blew out the dust and proceeded to pour two even drams of whiskey. Grabbing one she held it up, nodding for Dozer to do the same, "to new beginnings."

RusVal Inactive forever!

Aug 16, 2019 4:01 pm

"Why Miss Thompson," Dozer said in an exaggerated Dixie drawl, placing a hand over his chest, "Ah do declay-ah that you are thryin' ta liquor me up."

He stood up, grabbing the jar with a smile.

"And while I accept the attempt," he said normally, winking, "I must warn you it'll be quite difficult to get me to drink past this."

He clinked her jar with his.

"To new beginnings."

Last edited August 16, 2019 4:03 pm

Aug 16, 2019 4:47 pm

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/goCPwhF5P8aOviBo-C7x54sNPOid4CJcq7H590mpHmpclZDgmzOuZyPDsH1wEHMccUoq_Q8X2w39iTxWTCDfa4iC8r4TobZU5kp1RvGoAirDnrBH7jWnU_1cHoLcL7cTCak1sHIoXCLDazNzI5H6tPmnxoRG0YCzKpRWGx-zf-zk8RCbrqvrI822VHl3na6ATqdtHQzkZpXje7C-QdoRxVkJc6nPOb7yZLKj8_PJfI7Ade_YdFY0UsZe2zMFW8_lzK1S7bW8D8oVlE6mEcNxiN4ZT_4kObv9KHG07st2jQMVuw3tzcw2GytDZkramMxCAjah8I4-i-kINUZEHrhlWY3dDkQDgMe9LMbSZ8JE8WLD-A5qFtwJp-encN56vRudc_a6W_7Uayl0m3s7sHn9Ax-o10CzS1_296SeKjNbQIcb-XkyRUC9IBgppy7iVQEBRmq54HXTRjs8k3ZBvcrdy3P3uTvCUzBitQd6HoxOIoWLHbP9hELhfhIGzJYGvxD2a_RsAmKfs_p-QltAOI8_71TIZlOu1P91BF2QEfKbegAaOdE9MycPqWQDNs5p5_VdPXvaVBZ6ovYTJSQDZenUUmOlcBIUv6D90GMhMSzN4ugc_yIcCaED2CBh5x8wBrhnObIUIEEHly7VOZcTdHnYFpnHtqF9pg=s100-no

Case de Fairbanks

https://flvacrentals.com/uploads/1/27.jpg

Stephen sat on the couch in his bedroom, staring blankly out at the bay, his mind pointing out all the mistakes he had made over the last couple days. It had been a sloppy operation all around, put together too hastily, too little time to plan and prepare.

It had started on the train. Leaving the scene as himself, that was just stupid. There is no doubt the FBI had images of everyone that disembarked from that train and it wouldn't be too hard to put a name to those faces even if they weren't on the passenger manifest. Worse, someone not on the passenger manifest would draw more attention.

That created a link between his real self and the events on the train. His real self was never supposed to be out there.

And, oh god, what if that coin he had taken had been a tracking device!? Hell, it didn't open like it was supposed to, it probably wasn't even the same coin. Taking unsecured objects with him would've been bad enough even had he stayed in character. He kept safe houses around for just this purpose*. Sloopy. Just sloppy.

And why had he felt the need to return the drive? He could've just kept the drive or, worst case, set up a dead drop and sent Dozer the information on where to find it. There had been even less time to plan and prepare for that little operation. Did he even wipe the drive and case for prints? Why did he have to set up a face-to-face?

"Because you're not a monster, Steve. I wouldn't love you if you were."

The memory came to him unbidden. His wife had been trying to console him while he rattled off everything he had screwed up during one of his first ops. Stephen's vision blurred as his eyes filled with tears. It had been a long time since he had lost her, too long since he had last thought about her. He felt like he was slowly forgetting her.

Stephen sat on the couch and sobbed deep into the night before he finally willed himself to bed.

OOC:

This was also me kicking myself because I took a frickin' feat for this specific purpose and forgot about it!

Aug 17, 2019 2:33 am

Case de Fairbanks

Several days later ...

Stephen was enjoying a late breakfast when he heard the doorbell. He heard his diligent housekeeper's footsteps hustling towards the front door as he called up his camera app on his phone*. He was greeted by the striking visage of a dark haired woman, clearly of Latina descent. She was dressed as many of the other stay at home moms in his neighborhood, which in Miami is still very fashionable yet comfortable.

He finally heard the door open, the woman's face in the camera smiling at clearly recognizing a fellow Spanish speaker in Maria.

"Hola. Cómo estás. Está la señora de la casa?"{Hello. How are you. Is the lady of the house in?} the woman said.

"No. Solo el señor Fairbanks. No se Pierda, "{No. Only Mr. Fairbanks. No Mrs.} Maria replied, a hint of sadness to her voice.

"Oh. Me acabo de mudar al vecindario y esperaba presentarme y conocer a las otras esposas,"{Oh. I just moved into the neighborhood and was hoping to introduce myself and get to know the other wives.} the woman said, her mouth seeming to pout slightly in disappointment, "Está el señor Fairbanks?"{Is Mr. Fairbanks in?}

"Sí," his housekeeper exclaimed perhaps a little to enthusiastically.

Stephen saw the admittedly attractive woman enter at his housekeeper's invitation and barely had time to set the phone down before Maria swept into the room.

"Señor Fairbanks. You have a new neighbor come to say hi," she leaned in and whispered, "she's very pretty señor." She held up her hand, smiling as she pointed to her ring finger indicating she had noticed his guest was not wearing one.

OOC:

*Stephen seems like the kind of guy to have one

Aug 17, 2019 6:58 pm

Case de Fairbanks

https://flvacrentals.com/uploads/1/28.jpg

Whether this was just a friendly neighborhood visit or the authorities had caught up with him, it wasn't something Stephen really wanted to deal with right now. He gave Maria an exasperated glance but pushed down his unease and brightened his face as the visitor came into view.

Standing, he greeted the newcomer, "Good morning, uh, Ms. . . ."

OOC:

Assuming she gives a name, he'll follow with "It's a pleasure to meet you. To what do I owe the honor?"

*Stephen seems like the kind of guy to have one

Yes, he does indeed.

Aug 18, 2019 6:43 pm

Returning Stephen's smile, "Dani," the woman replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well," she said, her eyes widening slightly in what appeared to be recognition. "I'm sorry," the woman exclaimed, almost apologetically, "But have we met before?"

Aug 18, 2019 9:13 pm

Case de Fairbanks
"I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I would remember if we had." Stephen took a sip from his coffee cup and added, "Maria said that you were a new neighbor. Which place did you move into?"

OOC:

To expedite matters, I am going to make a Knowledge check regarding what I know about the neighbors.

Just in case her answers about the neighborhood don't fit with what I know.

Like "Oh, I just moved into the place a couple blocks down?"

"Really? Which one? The old Manchester place or the Johnson house?"

Edit: OK, not a great roll. I probably only know the immediate neighbors. :P

Last edited August 18, 2019 9:14 pm

Rolls

Knowledge check - Residents of Neighborhood - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Aug 18, 2019 9:34 pm

"Are you sure?" she asked, ignoring Stephen's question regarding the neighborhood. Waving a finger as if remembering, "No, I think it was that time I was out with my friend Beatrice"

Aug 19, 2019 8:18 am

Case de Fairbanks
"Beatrice?", Stephen frowned. "Doesn't ring a bell."

They know! But they haven't arrested me. They must be fishing for something, trying to get me to confess to something, Stephen thought.

"But then I haven't been back in the states long and all of my time has been taken up dealing with the estate, I haven't gotten out much lately." Stephen snapped his fingers and added, "I bet you've seen me on TV.". Stephen's voice took on a somber tone, "Ever since the murder-suicide they've been showing my picture on TV. The", Stephen made air quotes with his free hand, "'last surviving heir' of the Fairbanks Fortune."

Aug 19, 2019 2:38 pm

Dani smiled, a warm yet at the same time knowing smile, as Stephen denied knowing 'Beatrice'. Her smile took shrank a bit, sympathy evident in her eyes as he mentioned his parents.

"My condolences," she replied with a sympathetic incline of her head, "but I wasn't aware there was much fortune to speak of." Her emphasis on fortune clearly indicated that she knew more than she was letting on, and most certainly not a neighbor.

"And perhaps you've been out more than you think," she said, the knowing look returning, "Do you like trains Mr. Fairbanks? Perhaps enjoy the occasional Mexican meal?"

Dani calmly and complaisantly raised her hands, trying to ease Stephen's undoubtable alarm with a show of non-aggression. "I am very interested in meeting Beatrice, and I know you have at least some connection with her, she continued, "She is very talented and I'm hopeful she would allow me to put those skills to use doing some good."

Aug 19, 2019 5:06 pm

Case de Fairbanks
"You'll have to excuse me for one moment. Or", Stephen shrugged, "you could come with me, if you want."

Stephen set his coffee cup on the table and made his way to the kitchen. "Maria, why don't you take the rest of the day off. I can finish cleaning up here."

"Oh no, señor Fairbanks, I couldn't . . ." Maria trailed off when she looked at Stephen, who was tilting his head towards Dani, silently indicating he might want some alone time. Her eyes widened, "Oh, of course, señor, I'll go right now. Just give me a call if you need anything."

With Maria getting her things together on her way out, Stephen moved to one of the spare bedrooms.

https://flvacrentals.com/uploads/1/13.jpg

Stepping up to the mahogany cabinet in the corner, he opened the door and pulled out the jammer* he had used on the last mission.

Moving to sit on the foot of the bed, he indicated to Dani** to take a seat, "If you want to talk, we can talk, but understand,", Stephen said as he twisted the knob on the device, "I don't trust you. Nothing we discuss in this room leaves this room. Now, what is it you want?"

OOC:

* Since we haven't started the new mission yet, I am assuming I still have it.

** I am assuming Dani followed me because she doesn't want me sneaking out the back or something. There are enough doors and windows in this place to make that a distinct possibility.

Last edited August 20, 2019 7:03 am

Aug 19, 2019 6:16 pm

Dani watched the exchange between Stephen and his housekeeper with a polite smile, bidding Maria a good day and a pleasure to make her acquaintance in Spanish as the industrious housemaid hastily shuffled out with a barely controlled smile on her face.

Following her host back to a spare bedroom, she observed with interest as Stephen immediately stepped to a wood cabinet in the corner to take out a signal jammer. Inclining her head slightly to hide a knowing smile as she appeared to be curiously surveying the room. As Stephen placed the jammer on the bed and activated it, her gaze shifted to the device before rising to meet the young man's, a brow raising in question. She didn't take a seat immediately, instead running a hand along the mahogany dresser, "You wouldn't be as good as I think you are if you did trust me," she finally said and took a seat.

Having read Ellie's summation of her interview with Agent Barnum she added, "I'm assuming from the jammer and the fact that I know one was utilized on the recent hostage situation with the Amtrak train you have no doubt seen on the news ... if not experienced first hand ... that you're the mysterious 'Beatrice'?"

"All the better if you are," she continued before he could confirm or deny, "My name is Special Agent Daniela Flores of the FBI's Counter-Terrorism Task Force." She calmly took out her credentials and laid them out on the bed next to him, "And more specifically the Office of Special Projects. And what I want Mr. Fairbanks ... is you. Or whomever this Beatrice person is. To work with me."

Aug 20, 2019 7:28 am

Case de Fairbanks
Stephen smirked, "I . . . was Beatrice, yes. Alex, too." Stephen leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees and his chin on his clasped hands. "But here's the thing. I don't work for governments. Too rigid. Too easily manipulated. A group like Pitfall steps in and they just fold in half like this morning's laundry. I'm self-employed. I prefer it that way. If you want to contract me for a job, completely unofficially, of course . . ." Stephen shrugged.

Aug 20, 2019 2:36 pm

Dani's sultry and infectious laugh filled the spacious room, "I couldn't agree more with your assessment. Which is why I advocated for the formation of a small, quick response division that could quickly apprehend or neutralize even the most elusive criminals and terrorists as they became a threat ... free from the red tape and political posturing that unfortunately is prevalent in the FBI and Department of Justice today. The intelligent, knowing smile returned as she cast an appraising glance at Stephen, "I've also been afforded the freedom to work with and recruit whom I see fit. Which I believe the Deputy Director suspects could be of the less savory type." Her eyes widened a bit in surprise, her hands coming up apologetically, "Not that you're included in those types. I was simply stating that not all my ... for lack of a better term, employees, need be in the FBI or other government agencies or service branches."

Her eyes swept the room, lingering a bit on the stunning view of the bay out the window, "We of course can provide an income ... a consulting fee, let's call it. To help maintain your lifestyle as Stephen, the Fairbanks heir.

She stared at the jammer, her face and demeanor thoughtful, "We of course will not compromise your relationship with your network of supporters ... nor that of your other cause."

OOC:

I typically would not roll for a player in an opposed roll situation or at least given the NPC the success without the opportunity to roll, but in this case I had AD to burn so Daniela has accurately guessed that Stephen is aligned with Banshee Net. The AD took her result to 29 and since Stephen's skill cap is 20 (and he doesn't have enough AD) I went ahead and gave her the success.

She has also successfully made her Innuendo check (DC 15) to convey to Stephen that she knows about his other commitments. Roll an Innuendo check (DC 15) to see if Stephen understands what she means.

Aug 22, 2019 2:58 am

Case de Fairbanks
"I don't think you really understand what my other cause* is. That relationship is mutually beneficial but they are just a means to an end to me. Any relationship we have will be much the same."

Stephen pulled out the burner phone he bought earlier.

"When you need me, I can be reached at this number," Stephen said as he read off the phone number**. "If you call my personal phone I will disavow any knowledge of who you are. If there is no answer, leave a message on how to contact you. If this phone is ever compromised it will be relegated to a public trash bin so do not leave any information you wouldn't want intercepted."

Stephen paused for a moment, then asked, "Are those terms acceptable?"

OOC:

* Sense Motive / Innuendo was 15 + 6 = 21

**The phone number I am giving her is the same one I gave Dozer.

Last edited August 22, 2019 2:59 am

Aug 22, 2019 1:21 pm