Wolves and Sheep

Office of Special Assignments - Miami, FL

Hitting the pause button on the controller held in his massive hands, brow rising slightly in surprise at the flashing indicator at the bottom of his screen, an alert he was hoping for but didn't expect. Putting the controller to the side, he keyed up the full report, reaching up to his ear to and activating the blue tooth headset. "Dani. You'd better get up here," he exclaimed, a touch of excitement in his tone.

"What is it?," he heard in reply.

"You know that hacker's digital footprint you were having me monitor ... or rather trying to monitor I should say. It's popped up on a passenger train's WiFi," he answered.

---

Nicolai's Apartment - Miami, FL

Nicolai's was awoken by the piercing shrill of his phone's text alert. Most people were ignored during sleeping hours but he knew by the tone it was Cho, one of the few that were not blocked. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he grabbed his phone. As per their agreed upon protocol little was said, and to anyone snooping in his phone would only think it was an early morning 'booty call' but he knew it to mean that they should meet, and that it was urgent.

A short time later he was sipping a coffee at one of their predetermined meeting places. It was early enough still that there were few people on the street and he picked her out easily walking down the street, her feminine stride and sway of her hips bringing back fond memories of the one incredible night together before agreeing to break it off for their own safety. Entering, Cho quickly found Nicolai, offering a smile of thanks at the steaming cup waiting for her.

"I know it's a little outside of our protocol but time seemed of the essence," she explained taking a sip, "it seems my employers have been offered the chance to bid on something of great value. Something that would seriously hinder any investigations into their own dealings while also allowing them advantage over their competitors. The Russians are the sellers ... the auction online. My contacts however have discovered where the Russians are." She smiled again, reaching across the table to which anyone watching would think they were holding hands as she slipped a sheet of paper into his ...

---

The Fairbank's House in Miami

"Senor Fairbanks ... there is a delivery man at the door. He say he can only have you sign," Maria said as she sheepishly entered the room Stephen had come to refer to as his office as he worked through settling his folks affairs.

Looking out the window Stephen saw a FedEx truck pulled into the drive, however once he came to the door he knew the delivery was anything but ordinary. Handing him the package the driver leaned in and whispered, "from COBRA," before turning on his heels and leaving. Upon opening the package Stephen found an old school flip phone and a train ticket ...

---

Federal Bureau of Investigations - Miami Field Office, Miramar, FL

Sebastian was pulled from his reports by an alert on his phone from SAC Witting - CONFERENCE ROOM NOW

Quickly doing as instructed Sebastian entered the conference room where mission briefing were conducted, offering a short nod in greeting to Special Agent Cho and Bill that he knew were both from the tactical units.

Snapping his fingers Special Agent Witting pointed towards the big screen on the wall and said, "We've got an incoming call from what appears to be a hacker we've been following. Begin the trace."

An elaborate, computer rendered three dimensional caricature fills the screen performing a combination of dances popular with the Fortnite crowd. Simultaneously in a corner of the screen a countdown timer begins at 5 minutes.

"Look at me, back from the dead and I haven't even hit thirty," it says in a comical, cartoonish voice. The figure giggles like a hyena and moves through another series of dances, "I'll get to the point. I have your little doggy on a leash, but it's a short one."

The timer reads: 4 minutes, 30 seconds.

"Right now it's up for the highest bidder. But you know what ... it doesn't matter who gets it. Once this puppy's out, there's no bringing him back. Once I upload Fluffy to a satellite, I can bounce it anywhere in the world. So what do you think of THAT, chumps?"

"Stall him," whispers Witting.

---

OOC:
Briefing - A computer hacker works with the Russian mob to take over a bullet train. His goal: to upload SEER via satellite in a bid to disrupt government snoops all over the globe. But which train and which satellite?

And we're off ...

As hopefully has been explained ... you will be tracking down a mysterious hacker who is working with the Russian mob. They intend to sell SEER, a surveillance program developed by the FBI. The hacker will upload the program via satellite. Currently he and the mob have taken over a train leaving Miami. The satellite is expected to be in range in 20 minutes.

Objectives:
Prevent SEER from being uploaded
Capture the hacker
Avoid civilian casualties

I have PM'd secondary Allegiance objectives to those with allegiances

Sebastian and Dozer - You will be with an FBI tac team and must gain entry to the train

Nikolai and Stephen - You will begin already on the train.

This first scene is the Intel Phase - please select your gear and respond to the above posts (and PMs if you have them) accordingly. To ease into things let's have replies due by 9:00 PM Tuesday.

Earlier...
Federal Bureau of Investigations - Miami Field Office, Miramar, FL
Armory

---

Aaaaaaah. Nice to be ahead of the curve.

Dozer leans back in his chair as, for a time at least, he had no work that needed doing. Looking around quickly, and seeing the coast clear, he rolls over to his bag. Reaching in, he pulls out his phone. Logging in, he plugs in an earpiece, then taps on the app he wants.
While his time in Japan wasn't as long as most people thought, he did spend a fair amount there. And while he definitely didn't catch anime/manga otaku, or whatever you called it, as a gamer growing up he could appreciate the digital contributions of that nation, even if his tastes started shifting more American as he got older. Being "stranded" there as a grown man, however, did mature that previous appreciation a bit.
So as Gungirl Brigade started up, he couldn't help but admire the detail of the artwork of the guns. Or of the over-proportioned young women holding them...

The ringing of the phone startled him. Juggling it for a second, he quickly tabbed out. The number was listed as Unknown, but he recognized the digits. He thumbed answer.

Jazz music started playing in his ear.

Smiling, Dozer looks around again, before speaking.

"Miller's Pizza and Bar."

He hears a small *click*, before...

"Hey hey, what you say?"

"Say hey, say hey," Dozer said, "What's going on?"

"Giving you a heads up. Got a griefer with a hot piece of music. You are most likely going to hear about it from your bosses in a few minutes.

"Our little Micro Friends would like a copy of that music. Even parked a guy in the store. Only problem is the crates of Vodka everywhere. Gonna need someone to move them."

"Say my name?"
IFF?

"They know to look..."
...For Rook, right, Dozer thought as he pulled out his tuque, Ooof, gonna be a bit warm."Oh, and, uh, don't gib the griefer."

"I offer no guarantees."

"Haha. Alright, catch ya on the flip side."

"Okay, love ya, miss ya, buh-bye."

"Hey Bill!" Cho thunked the window as he walked by, "Conference room!"

"Be right there! Speaking of..."

Nicolai's Apartment - Miami, FL

Nicolai's was awoken by the piercing shrill of his phone's text alert. Most people were ignored during sleeping hours but he knew by the tone it was Cho, one of the few that were not blocked. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he grabbed his phone. As per their agreed upon protocol little was said, and to anyone snooping in his phone would only think it was an early morning 'booty call' but he knew it to mean that they should meet, and that it was urgent.

A short time later he was sipping a coffee at one of their predetermined meeting places. It was early enough still that there were few people on the street and he picked her out easily walking down the street, her feminine stride and sway of her hips bringing back fond memories of the one incredible night together before agreeing to break it off for their own safety. Entering, Cho quickly found Nicolai, offering a smile of thanks at the steaming cup waiting for her.

"I know it's a little outside of our protocol but time seemed of the essence," she explained taking a sip, "it seems my employers have been offered the chance to bid on something of great value. Something that would seriously hinder any investigations into their own dealings while also allowing them advantage over their competitors. The Russians are the sellers ... the auction online. My contacts however have discovered where the Russians are." She smiled again, reaching across the table to which anyone watching would think they were holding hands as she slipped a sheet of paper into his ...

Their hands touched as Cho slipped him the note and Nikolai felt a tingle run up his arm.

Damn, he thought, why does that happen everytime we make contact. Maybe one of these we'll have to recreate that night. . . someday.

"You had me at Russians," Nikolai replied. He looked into Cho's eyes, not letting go of her hand.

"Thanks for the info, lover. I'll look into it. Anything I can do to upset the Russians is worth my time, and if I can frustrate your bosses at the same time. . . that's just a bonus."

Nikolai stood up, leaned over and gave Cho a kiss on the cheek. He breathed deep the smell of her. before she could respond, he was gone like a wisp of smoke. . .

------
After reading Cho's note, Nikolai made his way to the Amtrak station and bought his ticket to ??? and waited, surreptitiously watching the other passengers arrive. He was aware of many players of the Russian mafia in Miami and patiently awaited their arrival

Miami Station, Miami

Amtrak Silver Star line servicing Miami to Orlando

---

The Miami railyard slowing began to slip by the window of Beatrice's private room, the scenary quickly beginning to pass as the train gained in speed, which in this part of Miami was not much to look at as the tracks more or less followed State Route 9 and the I-95 Expressway. From what she could tell from the itinerary provided with her ticket they would be traveling at least 25 minutes until their next stop at Hollywood Station in Hollywood Beach north of Miami. Fortunately she was able to connect with her Banshee Net contacts prior to boarding, the dossier they provided on the mysterious hacker nestled next to the laptop in her classy black leather backpack. At a quick glance before shoving it the backpack she knew the hacker's name to be Kevin Medroff, the former chief security specialists at AsiGroup before corporate downsizing put him out of a job, but not before taking over eight million credit card numbers with him and releasing them on the internet.

Pulled from her thoughts, Beatrice heard knocking and muffled voices from one of the private berths towards the front of her train car. Not all that unusual, however the knock did seem a bit more forceful than one would expect from an Amtrak employee serving the private cars and the voices more intense and less polite in tone ...

---

Purchasing a ticket for Orlando (the only destination via train from Miami), Nikolai took his assigned seat in Coach whose cars were all located middle train. I guess the rich and swanky didn't want the lower class freguenting their cars. While he was familiar with a few of the players in the Russian mob he did not seem to recognize any of the faces in the crowd. Not unexpected, Ms. Mikhailovich's organization was vast and encompassed both the Russian and Italian crime families. He did however notice a number of individuals who seemed to be trying a little to hard act as if they did not know each other ... and was that the teltale bulge of a gun in that ones waist? As the train started to move, Nikolai definitely saw a look pass between them, 4 by his count ...

---

OOC:

Avenger - You still need to select your mission gear (whitmore as an excellent example at the end of his post on how this should be presented, telling me what gear is what and where Stephen has it stashed). You have (1) Gadget and (1) Security pick for your 3rd level Intruder picks. Don't forget that the Intruder 'Gear Prep' ability will allow you to pick 1 caliber higher than the current mission's caliber (3 in this case) up to a number of picks equal to your starting action dice (3).

You're seated in coach with two seats next to either window and an aisle down the center

Whitmore - You are of course in a private first class suite (with rest room and fold down bed) in the last car of the train.

Avenger / Whitmore - React how you see fit. Any actions you want to attempt that would require a roll (or if you aren't sure) send a roll with your reply and you can narrate what you think the result is by your roll, I'll adjust accordingly with my reply.

You both have (3) (d4) Action Dice.

Posts due Thursday (4/11) by 4:00 PM

Active Subplots : Stephen has his Long-Term Mission subplot activated and Nicolai also has his Wanted subplot activated.

Federal Bureau of Investigations - Miami Field Office, Miramar, FL

---

The hacker's signal was backtraced to an IP address at Miami Station, Miami's only passanger train station near the airport. Upon hearing this Sebastian stood and paced out the conference door, already calling up a list of FBI resources he kept in his phone. Hearing movement behind him Agent Witting turned from the screen, the click of the conference door closing the only sign Agent Milford had even been in the room. Brow rising in curiousity, he turned his gaze to the other two agents sitting at the table and indicated they should follow the eager agent with a nod towards the door, pulling his own phone out of his pocket and to his ear.

"What's the plan there speedy," exclaimed in greeting as Sebastian picked up. Listening as the enthusiastic agent stated his intentions the senior agent's mouth pinched into a small smirk, nodding as he responded, "Smart. A chopper would just give the hacker to much of a warning and it'd take too long to get a warrant to search every passenger's computer on that train.

"The train departs the station in ten minutes and won't stop until Hollywood Station in Hollywood Beach. The techies think he'll be trying to upload to a satellite that will be passing over in the next 20 minutes. Which conveniently gives him the option of disembarking at Hollywood or continuing on in the confusion. The timing works that you should be able to meet the train at Opa-locka, which happens to be the first real opportunity for road access near the tracks ..."

---

OOC:

Vex/Rus- You still need to select your mission gear (whitmore as an excellent example at the end of his post on how this should be presented, telling me what gear is what and where Stephen has it stashed). Vex - You have (1) Vehicle and (1) Weapon pick for your 3rd level Wheelman picks. You also have (2) picks for your CHA bonus that can be selected from Gadgets, Tradecraft, Vehicles, or Resources. Rus - You have (1) Weapon and (1) Security pick for your 3rd level Soldier picks. You also have (1) pick for your CHA bonus that can be selected from Gadgets, Tradecraft, Vehicles, or Resources.

Suggestion: As this is a city, the tracks for the most part or protected by concrete barricades from the parellel roads so you probably should make sure that your vehicle has the Off Road quality in case you elect to drive on the gravel/terrain immediatly adjacent to the tracks (or even the tracks themselves).

Google Maps is your friend. If you do a search for train directions from Miami to Orlando you will see the route highlighted and what roads you may elect to drive on. Your selection will determine how much traffic (i.e. if you elect to drive on I-95 you will be facing head on traffic and it will most likely be crowded).

Vex/ Rus - React how you see fit and formulate your plan. Any actions you want to attempt that would require a roll (or if you aren't sure) send a roll with your reply and you can narrate what you think the result is by your roll, I'll adjust accordingly with my reply.

Vex - You will be entering into a Chase dramatic conflict so also post your first strategy in an OOC: section of your post and narrate how you see fit in the body of your post.

You both have (3) (d4) Action Dice.

Posts due Thursday (4/11) by 4:00 PM

Active Subplots: Dozer's Long Term Mission subplot is active

Federal Bureau of Investigations - Miami Field Office, Miramar, FL
Conference Room


"Great, it's a slash-dance spammer," Dozer muttered to himself as the computer render moved on screen, before sitting in silence to listen to what the guy was saying.

Yeah, I'd say that's a pretty hot piece of music right there.

Then Special Agent Witting whispered to stall the guy. Thinking for a second, Dozer leans forward.

"Wait, so ya w'nt 'n sto-all Fluffy de g'ard dawg," it had been a while since he had done his 'stereotypical upper New Englander' voice, but like log rollin' it all came back to him, "'N yer now g'nna go up 'n dere sell 'im auff to de high'st bidder, th'n'in you lot 're g'nna LAUNCH DE POOR PUPPY UP'N TO AUTER SPAYCE?!"

Dozer leaned in a bit further.

"Is dis one of dem PE-TA peoples I hear'd so much about? De ones dat woulsd strangle kitt-ens 'n order ta free 'em from de 'slavery' of ownersh'p?"

Looking around at the various reactions around the room, Dozer shrugged in a 'What?' manner.

Then the computer dinged.

As everyone looked over at the readings, Dozer noted the sound of someone leaving the room. Looking around, he realized the person was Sebastian.

Uh oh, what's he up to now?

Looking back at Witting, and getting a nod to follow, Dozer quickly left the room.

Sebastian Milford. Dozer had made his acquaintance shortly after the Calle 89 incident, when the guy had trashed one of the SUVs, then had tried to repair it himself. Reminded of the time his squad had tried to fix a Humvee that had gotten wrecked oversees, Dozer decided to offer a hand.
It wasn't a bad time, all things considered. They both got to talking, Dozer learned Sebastian was from a family of movie stunt people, even that the guy was a former Night Stalker. Dozer, meanwhile, had let slip his nickname. So far it hadn't come back to bite him yet, but there were more important things to worry about.

Outside, Dozer listens to the plan.

Just him and me, huh? Yeah, that might make things a little easier with contacting my little 'friend' if I don't have a whole squad watching over my shoulder.

"Okay, I'm game," Dozer nods, "You probably know more about the local roads than me, though, so I'm going to let you focus on that bit."

Dozer pulls out his phone and turns to Special Agent Cho.

"Have them send me the layout for the train. I'm going to need to plan how we're going to breach and clear this thing."

Dozer then turns to runs towards the armory.

"Meet me outside!" he calls back to Sebastian, "I need to grab my 'oh crap we're MOVING' kit!"

Silver Star - First Class Car

Stepping out of her suite, Beatrice could hear clearly what was being said to her fellow first class passengers in forceful, Russian accented tone from two men standing in the corridor. Catching her exit out of his peripheral one turned, raising the pistol he held in his hand.

"Cell phone. Tablets. Computers, " he bellowed in very broken English as he motioned her towards him with his other hand.

---

OOC:

He caught you coming out of your suite but is still at the end of your train car so you would have time to duck back into your room if you choose

OOC:

Possessions
Laptop computer (backpack)
Electronic kit I (backpack)
Fiberscope (backpack)
Lockpicking kit II (Carry-on bag)

Common Items
Btteries
Cell phone batteries
2 Cell phones w/ ear buds
Multi-tool
Swiss Army knife

Mission Gear
Grappler Gun w/Winch (Cal III) (carry-on bag)
Gadget-Invisibility (Cal IV) (housed in cell phone)

I hope this is correct. Still learning the system.

IC:

Nikolai pulled out his phone and stood up. He began snapping pictures of the scenes outside the trains windows. He stood back as far as he could in an attempt to fit in the people next to the window as well. As he made his way down the aisle, he apologized to other passengers and made small talk. His comments were friendly and made to put the others at ease as the camera on his phone clicked.

When he reached the seats where the Russians were sitting, he said "I'm sorry, gentlemen. I just want to take as many pictures as I can to send to my parents back in Wisconsin. They've never even been out of the state. They're gonna love these. No, I take that back. They did go to Illinois once. My dad won tickets to a Packers-Bears game at Soldier field.

As he snapped the pictures, he tried as best he could to get the faces of the Russians without alerting them to his efforts. He continued on until he reached the far end of the car and then made his way back to his seat.

Sitting back down, plugged the phone into his laptop and ran the facial recognition program. Of course to anyone watching, he was simply uploading the photos onto the computer. . . .

Federal Bureau of Investigations - Miami Field Office, Miramar, FL
Armory

---

There are advantages to working in the armory. You know where everything is, for one thing. You also are on speaking terms with the guy in charge.

"Agent Barnum checking out gear for mission," Dozer yelled out back as he entered.

"I heard," yelled the reply back, "level three only, Bill. Gonna have to leave some of your bigger toys behind."

"Yeah, yeah," Dozer said as he pulled out his 'low drag' customized M4A1. EOTech red dot sight, tactical sling, fancy replaced handguard that does nothing except look cool combined with the integrated silencer. Fun gun, especially with a drum. Too bad the 100-rounders were so clunky. Grabbing some (and by some, he meant 10) 30 round PMAGs full of rubber bullets, Dozer remembered hearing a rumor that Magpul was working on a moderate-sized drum. Maybe someday he could try it out... Oh well. Plenty of chances to show off all the tacti-cool reloading moves he'd been practicing!

Right, hear and now. Pull out the Personally Tailored Improved Outer Tactical Vest, stuff all the pouches full.

An idea. Gotta get onto a moving train, and Dozer was not really up for jumping it. Glancing around, he lean-slid over to a special bag hidden in plain sight. A gift from some friends, with some nice goodies inside. Reaching in, he pulled out a special armor 'sleeve' attachment. Slipping an arm in, he strapped the 'spine' onto the vest's left shoulder. Then he looked at the device on the back of his wrist. At first glance it looked like any wrist-mounted computer. At least, until you noticed the lack of screen. Clenching his left hand, then tapping a button, a grapple hook popped out the end.

Not technically standard issue.

Dozer smiled.

Then again, all the paperwork's been filled out. Anyone else doesn't know that, not my problem.

Putting the hook back in, Dozer then quickly grabbed the rest of his things...

---

…and ran outside.

Garage

Didn't take long to find the ride. Just had to follow the sound of engine revving and find the guy with the half-crazed look in his eye behind the wheel. Not that the guy who looked like he came straight from the sandbox could mock, glass houses and all that. Pulling his tuque over his head, Dozer ran to the passenger side, opened the door, and hopped right in.

"Punch it," Dozer said, reaching into his pouches to pull out some headset radios, "Here."

Putting his own headset, Dozer pulled out his phone.

"Check, check, radio check. Cho, how's that intel coming along? I'd really like to not go into a possible killbox completely blind."

"I don't know, Agent Barnum. Did you say the magic words? Never mind the fact that you just ran off without asking me first."

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were the one set on jumping onto a moving train while being driven around by Evel Knievel over here."

"Sounds like a Tuesday. Sure you are up for it?"

"Hey man, this ain't the first time I've had to ride head-first towards a possible firefight, with possible hostages, at high speeds in a government utility vehicle. At least this time we won't have to be dodging IEDs along the way."

"Roger that."

Silver Star - First Class Car

Using the moments afforded by the act of retrieving her phone from her back pocket to appraise the burly, clearly Russian man at the end of the train car she could see a man used to violence and taking orders. A foot soldier in a gang or crime family most likely, the bored way he was holding his pistol seemingly indicating he didn't figure the train passengers for much of a threat and without any kind of silencer clearly not concerned with subtleness.

---

OOC

Hopefully my narrative was descriptive enough but just in case ...
No. No silencers on the pistol
Foot soldier in the Russian mob
Both. This individual looks like he'd have no qualms shooting an unruly passenger outright or smacking him around
Definitely an order taker not giver.

Reply deadline Sunday by 4:00 PM

Roll:1d20+11 Sleight of Hand: Conceal Action

( 8 ) + 11 = 19

Silver Star - Coach Car

The passengers Nikolai had identified as the Russians that had to be involved with the deal Cho had informed him of were spread out about the car, and while not seemingly concerned with his photography one did eventually shoo him off with an annoyed wave of his hand. Finding his seat, he began to fire up his laptop just as the scenery out of the window shifted from the Miami rail yard to industrial when movement drew his attention to one of the Russians who had stood, stepping into the aisle with his gun in hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he spoke in a Russian accented, commanding tone, "I need you to stand, place all electronics you have on your person into one of my associates bags they will be holding, and begin moving towards the rear of the train"

---

OOC:

I rolled for your skilled use of conceal action. We are early in the game and you are still learning the system and how I prefer things so it's not a big deal. But remember in the future that you can attempt anything you want ... as in this case taking pictures of the Russians with your cellphone camera and then running their faces through facial rec. Ideally, as you recognized that the thugs probably wouldn't agree nor want their pictures taken, you would send a roll along with your description of the skill use and in this case would have been a conceal action roll for taking pictures and then another conceal action roll for running their photos through the computer software and then an investigation roll to run facial rec on the photos.

Reply do by Sunday 4:00PM. Have a great weekend.

I-75 - Heading South towards State Route 916 and Opa-locka

---

The Rogue's engines roared as Sebastian streaked down I-75, the flashing lights of the FBI vehicle doing little to push the traffic to the side, yet the cool former stunt driver easily manuevered through. In the backseat, Special Agent Cho could be heard comminicating with HQ.

"There's no way to see inside the train," he yelled over the engine noise, "but Amtrak has stated that the train is 12 cars in length. The first and last are first class cars and there is a dining car the second from the front." He let out a surprised yell as Sebastian swerved before continuing, "And sources indicate that the Russian mob may be involved ... as buyers or aiding the hacker it is not yet known".

The lush green and clear blue of Amelia Earhart Park filled the mid-size SUVs front and passenger windows, and any other day would probably be thought of as beautiful but Sebastians and Dozer's gaze was pulled to the tracks and train on the horizon, rapidly approaching as the northbound tracks would pass under road not far up ahead.

Exiting, Sebastian took the Douglas/Le Jeune Connector North, the train still off the cars right though running parallel the road they were now on ...

---

OOC:

Again, Google Maps will be your friend. If you run a search on the Opa Locka Hialeah Flea Market you will see the Douglas/LeJeune Connector and the tracks running beside it. You will have a until Sunday so you can use the boards or email each other to formulate a plan.

The tracks will cross Rt. 916 so you ride between the northbound and southbound tracks and begin the chase there, alternatively Ali Baba Ave runs parallel to the tracks with multiple roads that intersect and in looking at Google have vacant lots that you could use to run along side the tracks. Trying to beat the train to Opa Locka Station or Golden Glades station won't work as those are Metro stops. This train will run non-stop to Hollywood Beach much further North.

Narrate your plan and OOC your first Chase strategy. Ramming and Cut Off are inadvisable (little Rogue ... BIG train) and you can't use Close In.

Posts due by Sunday 4:00 PM

For a brief moment Dozer felt a little embarrassed. Until Cho had let out his girly scream, Dozer hadn't realized the guy was in the back seat, instead of back at HQ over radio.

Forcing his mind to the task at hand, Dozer ran his tactical calculator with what he knew.

Our little Micro Friends would like a copy of that music. Even parked a guy in the store.

Hope the guy has a backup plan. Though if they were taken hostage by the Russians, then they might be able to buy us some time on that front...

"If this jackass is as smart as he thinks he is, he's probably going to try to force us to choose between stopping him, and saving civilians. Probably will keep as much distance between himself and them to make it difficult.

"Well, joke's on him. He's the hard timer, so he's priority. Once we've got 'im, we can try to delay any hostage takers until we take them down."

Dozer points toward the train and leans a little toward Sebastian.

"Best bet is to get at least two guys to breach between the third and fourth cars. One goes forward, secures the train, the other works his way back. First guy sprints to catch up to the second after securing. Not ideal, but it's the best we got."

Silver Star - First Class Car

Playing the distraught woman perfectly, Beatrice sent the phone flying with shaky fingers skittering past the thug. His eyes narrowed in annoyance, exhaling sharply in disbelief as he turned and bent over to retrieve the phone mumbling as he did, "Tupaya Suka." The words were cut short with a surprised yelp as Beatrice's fist connected with the back of his head. Though a solid hit, the thick cords of the thugs neck, tempered from years of violent living, seemingly absorbed most of the impact.

"Suka," he bellowed as he whirled around, the phone forgotten.

---

OOC:

Solid plan, and she did get the drop on him. Poor damage roll.

Regular combat round, though you have the initiative so you can act first.

Silver Star - First Class Car

Beatrice's fist to the Russian's abdomen did little, her follow up swing glancing harmlessly off the thug's muscled shoulder.

Chuckling in amusement, he hammer fisted the top of Beatrices head with the grip of his gun in rapid succession that had her seeing stars. She felt the wind from the second goon's missed attempt brush by her head only to be followed by another impact.

---

OOC:

You have suffered (6) points of subdual damage.

So far they seemed amused and mildly angry. Beatrice would guess that she has the next round to take them out (or at least one and take his gun and enter a standoff per your first plan) before they see her as a threat and start shooting.

Ali Baba Avenue - Opa Locka, FL

With a hurried warning to his passengers, Sebastian mashed the gas that sent the Rogue lurching forward with a scream of its engine, pushing the small SUV perhaps past it's limits. Easily shifting through the moderate traffic, the drivers of today still frustratingly not yielding to the flashing lights of their vehicle, he easily closed the gap. They were making headway, the train easily glimpsed through the tractor trailer lot on their right.

---

OOC:

The train's lead is now 3 (or 60' ahead).

Pick your next strategy (keep in mind the requirements of each strategy) and send a Drive roll with your post.

Sebastian hadn't even completed his sentence before Dozer had his seatbelt clicked in.

"Man, I wish these things were designed with tactical pouches in mind."

Dozer looked over at the train again as he felt the G-forces from the acceleration

"You probably have a point. We might not have time to get two guys far enough front..."

Hours upon hours of combat and training flashed calculations through his head.

"...and if they are taking hostages, then they haven't had the chance to round them up yet. We might be able to catch them off guard."

His hands then moved through his pockets. With a clump, he dumped his spare Grappling Hook into the back seat.

Damn. I was hoping for a classic Rainbow Six breach and clear. Looks like this'll be a Mile High Club rush.

Tossing his night vision goggles over his shoulder at Cho, Kinda grabbed those out of reflex, Dozer flashed a smile at Sebastian.

"Alright Crabman. Up for a movie stunt? Get me in close to the last car!"

OOC:
FYI the advantages won with the Close-In strategy are Pause (meaning no lead is lost or gained) or Stress (meaning everyone other than the driver involved suffers stress damage).

Not trying to be critical or anything ... just trying to help you learn.

May I suggest - Redline again (even though I told you before the Rogue didn't have the acceleration I momentarily forgot that the Daredevil feat gave Sebastian a +2 to A/T on his vehicles :-P )

Kind of a basic Chase since all you are trying to do is catch the train ... and all it is trying to do is carry on the way it's going. Strategies really become important if your trying to catch someone without damaging them or something in the vehicle or are just trying to ram them off the road, etc..

I'll post a proper reply assuming the Redline strategy

Makes sense... we might as well go with redline then

Silver Star - First Class Car

The Russian thug's amused eyes widened in surprise and pain as Beatrice's kick took him square in the groin that raised him on his toes, his eyes rolling back in his head has he crumpled to the floor in a heap. Wasting little time, she knelt and grabbed the goon's gun and brought it to bear on the second Russian.

"Ty malen'kaya shlyukha{you little whore}," he exclaimed stunned, his only option left to hold his gun trained on Beatrice as his mind struggled with what to do next. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, his eyes darting nervously, as he was clearly not expecting the passengers to be any sort of threat.

---

Ali Baba Avenue - Opa Locka, FL

The traffic whipped by as the small SUVs engines screamed, a wild glint to Sebastian's eyes that matched the elated grin on his face. Dozer offered a few key points on what they could expect as he began dumping unneeded gear in the back seat, the distance between them and the train decreasing by the second.

---

Silver Star - Coach Car

The passengers Nikolai had identified as the Russians that had to be involved with the deal Cho had informed him of were spread out about the car, and while not seemingly concerned with his photography one did eventually shoo him off with an annoyed wave of his hand. Finding his seat, he began to fire up his laptop just as the scenery out of the window shifted from the Miami rail yard to industrial when movement drew his attention to one of the Russians who had stood, stepping into the aisle with his gun in hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he spoke in a Russian accented, commanding tone, "I need you to stand, place all electronics you have on your person into one of my associates bags they will be holding, and begin moving towards the rear of the train"

---

Unclicking his seatbelt, Dozer's smile widened into a grin.

"Thought I was joking earlier, didn't you? Then again..."

He then leans out the window. (OOC-Let's imagine he opened the electric window with his off hand during the last post)

"...why jump?"

Reaching his left arm forward, clenching his fist, he then tapped the button again. The hook once more popped out.

"When you can enter with styyyyyyle?!"

Aiming for the connector frame above the far back door, Dozer carefully adjusted, then lightly jabbed the trigger switch.

Silver Star - First Class Car

The nervous darting of the eyes paused at her words and Beatrice saw the Russian's muscles begin to tense, what failure would mean for his future in trying to explain how he let a passenger get the drop on him displayed in the depths of his narrowing eyes ...

Her shot took him in the head, his body dropping lifeless to the floor of the cabin at the only other occupant's feet whose shocked eyes moved from the thug on the floor to Beatrice and back again.

---

Ali Baba Avenue - Opa Locka, FL

The wind roared in Dozer's ears and his eyes began to water as he leaned out the window, taking careful aim at the frame above the train cars rear door and fired. The grapple zipped towards the train car to thud against it, near enough wear Dozer aimed, only to find purchase mere seconds before shifting and then falling off. Cursing, Dozer winched the hook back in for another try.

Heart racing from the sheer thrill of it all, blood pumping, Sebastian cautioned Agent Cho riding in the rear seats to prepare his self to board or take over at the wheel, as he sent the Rogue surging forward, the engine pegged. Opa-locka Station was fast approaching and knowing they would lose visual, he sent the small SUV power sliding around Abel's Tire onto Superior St just as the rear of the train crossed in front of them. Dozer shied away from his open window, shielding his eyes from the splinters he was sure to come from the train crossing gate that did not seem to be rising fast enough, only to stare in amazement as the stunt driver expertly sent the car in a drift underneath. The gravel began to fly as the Rogue, now riding between the metro rail and passenger train tracks, closed the distance ...

---

"Damnit. None of you saw that!"

Dozer frantically wiped his arm around, worried that the hook might grab the track and yank him out. Fortunately it didn't, and the winch spooled the rope up cleanly.

As the SUV started to powerslide, though, Dozer dropped back in and, upon seeing the ever approaching gate, shielding his eyes.

Eye protection, I keep forgetting to bring eye protection.

Looking up when the expected splinters didn't come, though, he saw the expert drift Sebastian pulled off.

"Pah, sure, whatever," Dozer muttered as he leaned back out the window. He aimed the grapple again, this time determined to get it.

A breath.

A push...

Silver Star - First Class Car (interior)

The frightened woman could only nod as Beatrice explained the situation, her eyes widening in horror at the thought of locking herself in the cabin with the rapidly cooling body on the floor whose blood and brain matter was slowly inching it's way down the window where it had splattered on exit. The other passengers, upon hearing the gunshot, had slowly peeked out of their doors only to rapidly retreat back into their rooms at seeing someone lying prone in the corridor with a click of their locks.

Emptying the Russians pockets provided little in the way of immediate information, though both were carrying cell phones along with their pistols. Securing the extra ammo in her backpack and ensuring the one in the corridor wouldn't be a problem later should he regain consciousness, Beatrice was afforded a few minutes to take stock of her situation ...

Silver Star - First Class Car (exterior)

This time Dozer found his mark, the grapple taking hold, the wench easy carrying him across the distance between the car and train.

Utilizing his FBI training, Sebastian took a few deep and calming breaths to slow his rapidly beating heart, the thrill of the chase and prospect of jumping on a moving train that threatened to overwhelm him subsiding with each exhale and leaving his mind to focus on the task at hand.

"Check, check," came Agent Cho's voice over he and Dozer's headset, "I'll get back on the road and follow in the car." He grabbed the wheel and held the speeding SUV steady as Sebastian climbed out the window to expertly jump onto the train. "Be advised. The local PD has been alerted and we are trying to keep from interfering until we know the situation inside but there have been reports of an active shooter in the last car."

Peering through the rear door window Dozer could see the body of a male lying face down on the floor with his hands behind his back apparently restrained and a young woman with a leather backpack standing in the corridor that otherwise is empty.

---

Dozer felt the thunk as the grapple hit its mark.

"Ha," he let out, his slightly bruised ego redeemed slightly.

Pulling himself out more, Dozer then pressed the back of the mechanism, and the winch went to work. Pushing off, he zipped over to the door. As his feet landed on the ledge, and he gripped the door with his right hand, he couldn't help letting out a little "Hee hee" with a big dumb grin. He then looked back as he heard Sebastian shouting.

Dude, I gave you a headset for a reason.

The grin returned though as Sebastian then expertly jumped over to one of the side doors.

Yeah yeah showoff. Try doing that while wearing full kit next time.

The grin subsided when he looked in through the window, however, as Cho came in over the radio.
Suddenly Dozer's mind clicked. Combat was brewing.

"Confirmed, got eyes on. There's a man tied up on the floor, can't get a look at his face. Don't see anyone else."

Reaching up with his left arm, Dozer "punched" the winch into the grapple hook, disengaging the mechanism. Grabbing the door with his now freed left hand, he then grabbed his rifle from its sling with his right.

"Right, making my way in now."

He slowly opened the door, rifle ready just in case.

Office of Special Assignments - Miami, FL

The serious, yet sultry visage of Special Agent Daniela Flores expanded into existance in the lower corner of the bank of screens Jay was monitoring.

"Sitrep," she said in way of greeting.

"I've been monitoring the train from local traffic and security cams," he responded, his eyes never leaving the activity on the screens, "the FBI is or was rather in pursuit and local law enforcement has also been notified."

"What do you mean WAS, in pursuit?"

"Two agents have boarded the train."

"Boarded the train? While it was moving?"

"While it was moving."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Jay's lips as he saw the image of Dani tap her lips thoughtfully. "Call Ellie ... I want her on scene ASAP. Contact Agent Witting, we're taking over this investigation ... this hacker has been on our radar for a while so we have the authority," she ordered as her mind refocused on the present. "And scrub any references of terrorist, terrorism, hijacking, etcetera from social media ... I don't want Pitfall sticking their noses in as I'd like to limit the amount of collateral damage," she said before her image winked out.

---

Silver Star - Forward First Class Car



Looking up from his laptop screen and pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose he began snapping to the only other occupant of his small suite, pointing to the police scanner once he has the gentlemen's attention.

"I thought your men were handling the passengers," he exclaimed worriedly.

"I assure you they are," came the thick Russian accented reply.

"Then how do you explain that," he said with another emphatic gesture towards the scanner, "how else would the local police know of our presence."

"Mudak," he grumbled in an unsuccessful attempt to hide the anger and contempt from his face, "Maybe the FBI contacted the locals when you taunted them."

Pulling out his phone he exited the cabin, leaving the 'pedant' to his computer.

---

Silver Star - Coach Car

With a vigorous nod of appreciation and one last shocked glance at the dead man on the floor the woman practically ran to Beatrice's berth at the rear of the train, the door sliding shut with extra force that was followed by the telltale click of the lock engaging.

Fixing the image of Kevin Medroff, the hacker, in her mind before momentarily considering activating the jammer, Beatrice slowly made her way to the door that would take her to the next car and the front of the train. Glancing through the window she could see the next car was a coach car ... and packed full of people. Certainly more people than there were seats and all looking at each other nervously. No one seemed to notice her entry into the car, a dull whispered buzz of voices and nervous energy permeated the interior that was suddenly pierced with Russian folk music coming from her backpack. The passengers closest to her jumped and turned with a start as she quickly dug out the phone. The caller ID read босс {boss}, "Passazhir v bezopasnosti {Are the passengers secure}?"

---

"Problema? {Problem?} Obrabatyvayetsya kak? {Handled how?}," there was a slight pause as the voice on the other end seemed to be lost in thought a moment, "Nevazhno ... eta noyushchaya suchka, kazhetsya, dumayet, chto passazhir zvonit. Posmotrite, yest' li u drugikh problemy, i proydite vpered. Auktsion nachnetsya v blizhaysheye vremya. {No matter ... that whiny bitch seems to think a passenger was making calls. See if the others are having any problems and make your way forward. The auction will be starting soon.}"

---

Silver Star - Forward First Class Car

"Whoa, whoa, whoa ... something's happened," Kevin's whiny voice pierced the otherwise quiet of the empty car, "I've lost the WiFi and my satellite uplink strength has decreased significantly. Are you sure everything is okay back there?

Eyes narrowing in annoyance, Alec pulled his cell phone from his pocket with a few mumbled Russian expletives. His irritation grew at seeing his phone had zero bars, "Keep working, I'll check it out" ...

---

Silver Star - Rear Coach Car

Seeing her options quickly dwindling, Beatrice activated the jammer in her backpack before carefully stashing it away in the overhead bin and pushed forward through the crowded car, fearful whispers following. Oh my god ... was that a bomb in the backpack? Did she have a gun? We're all going to die!

The whispers were quickly drowned out as she slipped out of the car onto the platform between the cars. Peering in the next car she could see it was full of passengers and just as full as the car she exited, perhaps more so. The fearful passengers eyes widened as she entered, their gaze drifting towards the gun before darting away and those in the aisle shying away.

On the next platform she could see two men standing to either side of the door, armed with shotguns, with two more sitting on the armrests of the coach seats facing each other and laughing in conversation. She was torn from her observations by a violent bang on the window, one of the thugs face filling the window, "Back to rear cars," he growled in contempt as his eyes drifted to the gun he her hand.

"Pistolet!" he yelled in warning, his eyes widening in horror.

---

Silver Star - Rear First Class Car

As Dozer and Sebastian carefully entered the rear car, the only oddity the body lying zipped tied on the floor. Suddenly the silence was pierced by a shrill hum in their ear before silence, their radio headsets apparently dead ...

"Crabman, what are you doin'?" Dozer said as he glanced over to the side door as he entered, "You're going to get blown off if you try to climb the outside the whole way, get in here."As he walked up to the body, rifle ready, Dozer noted the guy hadn't moved once even as they entered.

"HQ, looks like the body's out like a light. Don't think it's a hostage. Going toACK!!"

Flinching, Dozer reflexively yanked his headset back as his headset gave a shrill hum. He put them back equally reflexively as they went silent.

"Shit, something's going down! MOVE, GOGOGO!!" he shouted to Sebastian as he dashed to the door.

YEAH, IT'S A F*&^ING MILE HIGH MAD DASH!!

Silver Star - Rear Coach Car

These Russian goons, unlike their brethren Beatrice had dispatched earlier, seemed more alert and cognizant of the potential threat the passengers could present bringing their shotguns to bear before she could get her own pistol raised. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM the shotgun blasts filled the confines of the car and connector, Beatrices ears ringing even as she was showered in glass, the concussive force of the combined shots taking her breath away.

The other two were now on their feet, pistols in hand and clearly now just figuring out that their cell phones were jammed.

Beatrice's shot blasted the cell phone out of the confused thug's hand before taking him in the chest, her second striking the seat just below the other's bottom. The Russian's wide eyed gazed dropped to the bullet sized hole, then to his comrade bleeding out on the floor, before staring at the door in horror just a Beatrice slid to the side.

"Zvat' na pomoshch {call for help}" came an angry command from one of the gunman followed by four more shotgun reports that showered her in shrapnel from the car's flimsy door and glass.

She glimpsed the other goon exit the rear of the car, clearly going for backup ...

---

Silver Star - Rear First Class Car

The rushing whistle of the wind subsided with a bang of the train cars metal sliding door as Sebastian entered, rubbing at his ear with a pained expression and understanding as he too could tell that the dead radios meant something was amiss. Dozer, eager for action took off, suspecting that the jammed radios may be due to interference caused by his contact.

The passengers reacted like startled deer as he came charging in, his gruff baritone shattering the otherwise quiet car. Their fear was quickly replaced at seeing his FBI lettering and his voiced confirmation, relief evident as the passengers began to crowd around he and Sebastian in a flood of questions. No stranger to combat, Dozer's ears picked up what could only be the sound of a shotgun being discharged only to be confirmed seconds later ...

---

Dozer barely had any time to attempt waving people back to let him and Sebastian through when the shotgun sound thundered.

"DAMNIT!" he shouted before yelling over his shoulder "Stay down!!" towards the passengers as he dashed to the next door.
Quickly shoving the first door to the side, he brought his rifle up to his shoulder as he stepped up to the second...

Silver Star - Coach Car

Like the Red Sea, the terrified passengers parted before Dozer and Sebastian, providing a clear lane through the train car and the next. Through the window leading into the tight corridor between the car they were in and the next they could see what appeared to be a passenger, a young woman, cowering down in the corner just below the door, the pistol in her hand having little effect deterring the two men with shotguns standing in the next car.

As they brought their shotguns to bear on the woman, Sebastian slid the door aside and shoving his gun through the opening and identifying his self as a federal agent as he did. His first shot ricocheted of the car door into the ceiling as the second took the man in the chest.

The second man looked on in horror as his companion collapsed to the floor in a heap, shotgun shifting to the new threat with consecutive booms that sent Sebastian falling back in a shower of metal and glass.

---

There wasn't much conscious thought that went through Dozer's brain as lead flew through the air. Just reflex, hours of practice, and raw experience.

Target, foot mobile, shotgun, UNDER FIRE, MAN DOWN.

Muscles twitched, and his rifle was on his shoulder.

He barely even registered the woman taking cover. Afterwards, the thought that this was the person that might have tied up the other guy would reach his mind, but right now he had threat to take down.

The tango was taking cover. Dozer's front hand shifted further forward, shoving the M4A1 further into his shoulder, the EOTech sight lining up over the target.

He only noticed he pulled the trigger when the recoil hit him, releasing only after three rounds were downrange...

---

Note-this takes place during the 5 ft. step

---

"Siddown!" Dozer couldn't help but bark as the thug fell.

OutofthedoorOUTOFTHEDOOR! his mind screamed at him. Complying, his rifle angled down slightly as his focus shifted to the woman taking cover.

"Federal agents! Identify!"

Silver Star - Coach Car

Pushing the heavily damaged door aside with a screech, Beatrice provided her name and urged the agents forward. She guessed they had 10-12 minutes left before the auction was concluded and to her point they didn't know if there would be any more endangered passengers or how many more gunmen there would be. Following her own advice, she raced up the aisle to quickly duck in one of the rows of seats about a third of the way down.

Picking his self up off the floor, Sebastian shrugged and followed the strange passenger who seemed to have taken charge, moving into the car and following Beatrice's example -- ducking into a row of seats opposite her.

---

Dozer gave a confused "what?" look at Sebastian just shrugging and following this woman's lead.

That's not how you... ugh, this guy needs to get out of the car and onto the field more.

"Covering!" Dozer yelled after Sebastian as the other agent moved up, before training his rifle at the only other possible entrance on the far side as he shifted closer to the guy he shot.Dozer then turned his head somewhat towards the woman.

"Got any more zip ties? I'm running rubber rounds here." he called at her.

Silver Star - Coach Car

Moving to the downed gunman he had just moments before rendered unconcious, Dozer cautiously approached with his gun trained on the lengthy car's far door. The roar of the steel wheels on rolling upon steel track grew louder as a gunmen entered, his surprise at seeing Dozer over his fallen comrade fading in alarm as the relative silence of the car was shattered by a burst from the FBI agent's rifle. Rubber bullets impacted the seats and wall around the man, somehow avoiding him.

---

Dozer gritted his teeth as the rounds went off target. He wasn't sure, but it was possible he had heard a ping during firing.

Damn, something must have gotten in the barrel. Gonna have to give this thing a once over after this mission.

"Contact front, solo!" he shouted a warning to his teammates.

Silver Star - Coach Car

Still with a take charge attitude, Beatrice replied to Dozer's question with a reminder that she was little concerned with tying up the gunmen at this point and that that was something left for when they were no longer shooting at them. Dropping and peering under the seat she could see a nice pair of jeans and what appeared to be expensive shoes. Steadying, she squeezed the trigger, only to be disappointed seconds later as the bullet embedded itself into the bottom of the seat cushion just in front of the Russian's legs in a puff of fabric and foam.

The rhythmic sounds of the train upon the track grew louder as the car door opened, the lone pair of legs quickly joined by four more. Surprised cries of 'FBI' filled the train car's interior as the new Russians hurriedly filed through the small doorway to see Dozer standing over one of their own.

Following Dozer's example, Sebastian identified his self as a federal agent before firing. His first shot smacked into the headrest of one of the seats before his second glanced one of the gunman who fell to the floor with some unflattering Russian curses.

---

"Okay," Dozer pressed through his teeth as he stepped towards the closest cover reflexively upon seeing all five gunmen.Pure adrenaline surged through his system. It was a familiar feeling, a river of energy flowing over him.

A river he dived right into.

"OKAY," he repeated, louder, sharper, carrying over the whole of the train.

He brought his rifle to his shoulder.

And tilted it.

"YOU WANT SOME OF THIS?!"

His rifle clattered low thunder...

Silver Star - Fourth Train Car from Rear

With the practiced motions of a seasoned soldier, Dozer slid to the side and found what little cover could be offered by the train car's severely damaged door and frame. Bellowing a challenge, he sent rubber streaking downrange in a sweep across the standing gunmen. The first and second in line fell to the floor unmoving, while the third and fourth jolted with the impacts, their eyes widening in rage as uncomplimentary Russian phrases escaped their lips as they banged their enormous muscle bound chests and issued a challenge of their own.

---

Silver Star - Fourth Train Car from Rear

Thoughtfully identifying the thug Sebastian had taken off his feet as a threat to her hidden position, Beatrice steadied her hand and fired. The Russian jerked with the impact and collapsed to the floor, lifeless.

Her second shot at one of the thick, muscled calves of the two remaining gunmen harmlessly struck the rear wall of the train car as the slide locked back indicating her pilfered pistol was out of ammo.

Still hurling Russian insults, the two burly gunmen brought their weapons to bear on Dozer. The smaller report of the pistol combined with the loud boom of the shotgun, peppering the door frame and showering Dozer in plastic and metal fragments and glass. Conscious of the unseen threat to their legs the thugs moved across the car, also in the hopes of getting a better angle on grizzled FBI agent with the biggest gun.

Face the picture of seriousness, Sebastian zoomed in on the closest Russian and fired. His first shot grazed the thug's corded neck muscles before the second took the gangster in his broad, toned chest. He fell back against the car's rear wall before slowly sliding to the floor, leaving a dark red smear.

---

Dozer internally cursed forgetting eye protection again as he turned his head away from the glass. Turning his head back to the Tangos, however...

"Oooooh, someone's had their sand-vich today!" he grinned mockingly at them, before one of them took Sabastian's shots.

"Though only half for that guy it seems. Tell you what..."

He brought his rifle up again, and let off another burst.

"Have a rubber snack..."

---

Silver Star - Fourth Train Car from Rear

Answering the Russian's taunts with some of his own Dozer fired another burst from his trusty M4A1, one of the rubber rounds ricocheting of the cocky gunman's forehead. Mid-taunt, the big thug's eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed to the floor.

Ejecting the magazine and replacing it with practiced efficiency, Beatrice reloaded her borrowed weapon and suddenly painfully aware that her remaining magazines were a few cars back in her backpack, along with the jammer that seemed to be doing its job. Across the aisle, she could see one of the FBI agents stand his firearm still trained at the far end of the train car as he yelled, "Clear."

What had seemed an eternity in actuality took seconds and as Beatrice took a few calming breaths she mentally calculated that they probably still had 10-12 minutes ... though they were still nearer to the rear of the train than the front.

---

"...and a waitress will be by for your order," Dozer sighed as the last gunmen fell.

Stepping toward the first unconscious thug, Dozer reached into a pouch with his off hand.

"Agent Milford," he said, trying to get the agent's attention, before indicating 'Beatrice' with a head tilt, "Grab a few Zip Ties, lock down this car."

Turning his head towards the car with the passengers, Dozer shouted, "Medic! We need a medic up here!"

Standing up, he then fished out a fresh mag as he walked towards the front of the train.

"Once you've done that, catch up to us," Dozer tactically reloaded, slotting the fresh mag in before pocketing the partially empty one, "That jackass is probably at the front of the train, so we got another eight cars to run still."

Silver Star - Fourth Train Car from Rear

With the last thug down and none immediately coming to their companions aide there seemed time to take stock of the situation, reload, and ensure the downed gunman nor passengers would present a potential threat later. Sebastian's brow rose slightly in confusion and curiosity at Dozer's directions, his eyes drifting to Beatrice.

"What agency are you with?" he questioned and turned to Beatrice. "Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for the assist. But wouldn't it make more since for you and me, Dozer, to push ahead while she retrieves her gear and secures the car and weaponry?" The way he said gear betraying his confusion as to why a seemingly civilian would have zip ties and be concerned with pushing forward now that authorities were on the scene.

---

Dozer held up his hand to stop Beatrice from heading further back while giving Sebastian a blank look.

"So what you're saying is..." Dozer said to the other agent, "You don't want to check her for zip ties to confiscate, but do want to leave her alone with unconscious suspects, by herself, collecting all the weapons, grabbing her gear, and in general mucking up all the evidence?"

He points at the woman.

"And don't think I don't notice what you're doin' right there."

Then looks back at Sebastian, pulling out a handful of his own zip ties to hand over.

"No, we need an agent here to do it, and I need to be on the front lines of this thing."

As he handed over the ties, he decided to try to ease his teammate's fears a little.

"Hey, check out the pistol she's holding, and the ones the thugs are using. M1911s."Looks like they got a bulk order somewhere. And considering that she's salvaging ammo after only one reload that we know about, she didn't charge into this fight with a full combat kit. Seems to me a clear case of self-defense."

He looks back at Beatrice, while still talking to Sebastian, "Now as long as she stays behind me, behaves herself, and only fires if she is fired upon," Dozer made sure to emphasize those last few words before glancing at the bodies bleeding on the floor.
I called for a medic in case these guys might have been saved. Looks like I didn't need to bother. They are long gone.
"Then we can bother trying to straighten everything out after we've dealt with this. But right now, we are on a clock, don't know how many more we need to deal with, and could use every gun we can get."

Silver Star - Fourth Train Car from Rear

Sebastian shrugged his shoulders, his face betraying that he agreed only in part to what Dozer was suggesting before his attention shifted back to Beatrice.

"While I agree that perhaps I should secure these men and legally it's clear she was acting in self-preservation," he intoned, his head shifting helplessly to the side with a slight smirk, "and we can certainly use the extra help. It's just she's safe for now and what kind of lawsuit are we looking at if she continues ahead with us and gets injured?"

Silver Star - Fourth Car from Rear

Sebastian eyed Beatrice somewhat suspiciously, questions clearly evident in his eyes but not spoken as his mouth narrowed in indignation at her comments regarding the Bureau. Ultimately she could see that her stated facts must line up with somewhat with what the two men in front of her were briefed on because Sebastian only took the proffered zip ties from Dozer as he gestured impatiently to Beatrice to lead the way to her pack.

---

"Damn, CIA. Makes ya want to arrest her even more, don't it?" Dozer gave a crooked smile and a wink, before heading towards the door leading engine-ward, "I'll cover our front, and save you a few steps."

Silver Star - Third Train Car from Rear

Sebastian followed Beatrice to the previous car, taking a moment to calm the passengers by telling them that the immediate threat seemed to have passed and cautioned them against moving forward ... more to keep them from seeing the dead bodies and causing a panic than their safety. Not wanting to invade her personal space but get close enough to keep their conversation somewhat contained to themselve he moved close to her as she retrieved her pack from the overhead bin.

"So ... CIA huh," he whispered, his eyes shifting to the passengers looking for any that might be a little too curious, "I wasn't aware you all were able to operate on US soil"

---

Silver Star - Third Train Car from Rear

Sebastian snorted a laugh in amusement, his lopsided grin indicating the response worked for him, and took the zip ties from Beatrice as he motioned again for her to lead the way. Entering the fourth car he expertly began securing the dead and unconscious thug's weapons, while applying the zip ties to the hands of those Dozer had knocked out with his non-lethal rounds.

---

By the time the two had returned, Dozer had tied up another one of the unconscious thugs, and was just barely finished pumping the shells out of one of the shotguns.

"Alright, we're Oscar Mike," he said, tossing the shotgun out of range of the bodies, before shouldering his rifle once more as he entered the next car.

Seeing said car empty, he moved forward a bit, then waited for Beatrice to catch up. When she did, he started moving forward again.

As he did, so, however, he double checked to see if they were out of earshot of Sebastian. When Dozer judged the were, he turned a little towards her.

"CIA, huh?" he said at a level he hoped only she heard, "Say, you seen a guy named Micro? I was supposed to carry some stuff for 'im."

The following is a dramatization of a live transmission

Beatrice gave the FBI agent an odd look, "Mike Rowe? Yea, I've seen him. Why?"

Dozer paused, realizing what she just said, before turning a little towards her, "Nono, MICRO. As in CHIP. That I have to help LIFT A LOT OF."
He raised his left hand in a lift gesture, as if to help get the point across.Beatrice continued to look at Dozer oddly. It was obvious he was trying to say something but whatever it was, wasn't coming across.

"Uhm, no, I don't know a Micro, either. But most code names are disposable so he might have been going by a different name."

Dozer paused again, seeing her twisted face of confusion. He thought back to what he said, before something dawned on him.
Oh hell, did I forget the updated codephrase? he crinkled his brow, Damn, going to have to wing it.
"Okay, but you look like the nerdy computer type that he hangs out with, that would require calling one of Rook's army buddies to help carry things."Beatrice held up her hand, palm forward, clearly frustrated with Dozer's continued accidental comedy routine.
"No. No. Just, just stop," she said, looking around at the empty car, "There's no else here, just say what you want to say."

Dozer sighed heavily, muttering, "Why did the Captain assign me here?"
He let his rifle dangle, before starting to pull off his gloves.
Well, so much for subtle.
"You Banshee Net?"

"Oh."

Dozer could see Beatrice's mind start racing, eyes darting over him as she considered who he might be. With a corner of his mind aware of his sidearm on his hip, just in case, he reached into his pocket.

And pulled out his Challenge Coin.

About medallion-sized, it looked like any other type of drink-getting military change, helped by the rather bland Army logos adorning it. Then he pressed his now bare thumbs on the center of the faces. With a tiny click he slid the top of one face to the side.

Well, Beatrice thought to herself, He doesn't know who I really am. I just have to get off the train so why not.

He then held it up to her, letting her get a clear view of the quarter in the pocket inside.

On the face of the quarter was stylized star, with the phrase "Per populum, pro populo" written around it.

"The Shadow Patriots sent me to assist."

"I see," Beatrice seemed to relax, "I've worked with Banshee, before, yes."

Relieved internally, Dozer closed the coin back up, before quickly putting it away.

She still had questions, "But your work with the FBI and what Banshee Net wants might be in conflict. What's more important to you?"

Heh. What's more important to me?"

Calmly putting his gloves back on, Dozer looked straight into her eyes.

"I'm a Continental. What's good for this nation is what's important to me."

He tugged his gloves tightly.

"And if my commanding officers say helping you will assist in bringing that about, then I will throw down my life for it."

Naturally, since she probably didn't know who the Continentals were, she suspiciously looked him over again, turning the words he said around in her mind to see if he was lying to her. No doubt she was thinking back to the little time she had to interact with him in the previous car.After a moment of scrutiny, she gave a small nod, "All right, you seem to be legit. I am going to trust you, for now."

"Banshee wants 2 things from here. A copy of SEER and this hacker, Kevin Medroff, needs to be left unharmed."

Dozer nodded, "Matches with my orders."

Beatrice will reach into her backpack and produce a folder of paperwork, from which she retrieved a photo. "This is Mr. Medroff."

Dozer grabbed the file, and looked it over. Now he had a face to go with that stupid dancing from earlier.
"Be advised, my partner back there, and most of the FBI, don't know about me. As far as I'm aware."

"Understood. We'll need to keep Sebastian in the dark, then. But beyond that, we just do what you were sent here to do and you and your partner back there can take all the credit. My role in this should be kept under wraps."

Dozer gave her a little smile, "Maybe I can tell him in code. Should keep the secret well enough."

Beatrice lightly rolled her eyes, "Anyway, time is limited so we should get a move on. Direct route or do you have any better ideas?"

After looking through the file, Dozer handed it back. Lifting his left arm, he showed her the device.
"Got a grapple gun as an option, in case we want to catch them off guard."

Nodding back towards Sebastian, "And that guy's a crazy stunt guy, so he'll probably just climb outside with his bare hands."

Dozer then picked his rifle back up, "But they don't call me 'Dozer' because of my subtlety.

"They do it because I snore."

After a pause, he smiled again.

"And because I plow my way through problems."

However, Beatrice seemed to have completely missed his joke, because she was so busy looking somewhat wistfully at the grapple gun.
"You guys get the cool toys. Those of us in the trenches have to make do with whatever we can find in stores."

Beatrice looks towards the door to the next car, "Men first."

Trenches. Right.

Signaling forward, Dozer then leads the way towards the front of the train, clearing each car as they go.

Silver Star - Fifth Train Car from Rear

Having confirmed Beatrice was his contact he was to assist on the train and she providing him with a clearer picture of their collective objectives, Dozer took point moving through the empty train car, his weapon ready as he cautiously yet quickly moved forward. The rumbling of the train on the tracks grew louder briefly, a quick glance showing Sebastian entering the car, his weapon drawn and at the ready too. Nodding slightly at the unspoken question he confirmed that the downed gunmen were now secured and their weapons where they would not pose a danger to the passengers. If he noticed a change in Beatrice and Dozer's stance towards each other he didn't give any indication, though Beatrice got the sense that though he might not totally have bought her story their brief chat seemed to belay any concerns he might have had and he genuinely seemed appreciative of the help.

Approaching the door to the next car Dozer could see through the window four more men, all facing each other and half sitting half standing in the aisle leaning on the armrest. The occasional laugh could be heard over the din and at least for the moment they did not appear to be armed. Their demeanors suggested more Russians, as thus far all the passengers they had encountered were scared and docile.

---

Dozer raised a fist.

"Contacts," he whispered, signaling the group to take cover as he ducked left, "Four of 'em, looks like Russians. They haven't noticed us yet."

Checking his sightlines, he grimaced.

"Doors are making the shot difficult. One of us'll have to open 'em to clear a path. I'll stay here, take the tangos on the left. One takes the tangos on the right."

Getting ready, he held up his left hand over his right shoulder so the others could see, middle three fingers pointing out.

"On my go."

Dozer nodded as Beatrice and Sebastian confirmed his plan, before looking back to keep an eye on the thugs as everyone got in position.

He almost grinned at the obliviousness of the Russians.

They obviously didn't expect anyone to get past all those other guys, least of which a bunch of passengers.

Feeling a light tap on his shoulder, Dozer nodded again.

One of the thugs was speaking. Dozer waited a split second, then spread the three fingers he was holding over his shoulder.

Three.

Two.

One.

The thug got to a punchline.

Dozer pointed forward.

"Go."

Silver Star - Sixth Train Car from the Rear

At Dozer's order, Sebastian slowly crept up and activated the switches that would open the doors. With a soft whoosh they slid aside, the Russians' muffled laughter instantly becoming clear as all four glanced towards the now open doors ...

One of the Russian's jerked with the impact of Sebastian's shot, the smile that had been previously on his face fading has he looked down to the rapid spreading red spot on his expensive Hawaii patterned shirt before tipping to the floor.

---

There's a small thunk as the silencer of Dozer's rifle slaps one of the seats as he brings it up to aim. Biting a curse down, he flexed his shoulder, leveraging the sling to help readjust his aim.

Soon loud pistol bullets were joined by muffled long rounds.

Silver Star - Sixth Train Car from Rear

The remaining thugs barely had time to register their colleague collapsing to the floor before Beatrice's first shot caused one to flinch as it struck the seat by his hand and then fall to the floor dying with a wound in his chest to match his associate's. Confusion and horror were evident on the other pair's faces before they too jerked from the impact of Dozer's bullets and collapsed in a heap.

---

"Huh," Dozer said, partially in reaction to how quickly that all played out, "Now I'm curious what the joke was."

Signaling Sebastian to tie up the further unconscious thug, Dozer then walked up to the closer one.

"Check for weapons, too. Would be kind of embarrassing if they were some passengers they just happened to know."

He then looked at the bloodied Hawaiian shirt.

"Though we could try claiming self-defense of our eyes from a weaponized shirt. I mean, really..."

Silver Star - Sixth Train Car from Rear

Grinning slightly and shaking his head at Dozer and Beatrice's comments, Sebastian began moving forward to secure the weapons and suspects as directed. He didn't get very far before ducking quickly into a row of seats.

Beatrice, realizing the amount of noise they had just made, kept her weapon trained on the far door. Eyes narrowed, she focused on the small window as she slowly made her way forward. The window darkened, signaling someone approaching. Unfortunately there had not been enough time to act before the far door slide aside. The noise of the train grew louder, accompanied by angry Russian and what could easily be recognized as the sound of a fist impacting a face. A lone, well dressed man entered. Annoyance clear on his face at having been the one sent to investigate that was quickly replaced by wide eyed surpise at seeing Dozer fully kitted out and with assault rifle in hands.

---

For a moment Dozer and the newcomer stared at each other.

"Now that's a nice looking suit," Dozer quirked an eyebrow in appreciation, before bringing his M4A1 up, "It'll look good in your mugshot!"

Silver Star - Sixth Train Car from Rear

The Russian's surprise quickly turned to anger at Dozer's quip, his mouth opening to issue a reply that was quickly cut off by the loud report of Sebastian's gun. The thug's eyes fell to the hole in the shoulder of his well tailored shirt, narrowing in rage at the slowly spreading wetness.

The angry sounding shouting from the next car changing to excited arguing ...

---

"Uh oh," Dozer said as he dodged to the side, "Sounds like the next car's a clown one."

Knowing that, he fought down his instinct to fire immediately, and instead got his rifle set to take on more targets in the near future, aiming at the bleeder as he did so.

Then he squeezed the trigger.

Silver Star - Sixth Train Car from Rear

Moving to find what cover could be had, Dozer slid to the side while taking aim at the Russian who was now shuffling to the side, seeking cover of his own. None of Dozer's shots found their mark and the gunmen drew his own pistol and fired, the bullet lodging harmlessly in the seat cushion Dozer had just taken refuge behind.

---

Silver Star - Sixth Train Car from Rear

The Russian insults gave the stylish gunman pause as his attention diverted from Dozer to the woman cautiously approaching, staring dumbfounded before Sebastian's bullet impacting the wall behind him tore him from his hesitancy.

Two more men came rushing in, clearly unsure at what they were running into as they dove to the side to find cover behind the seats.

---

Even though the original target moved, Dozer maintained his bracing has new targets popped up, keeping the rifle snug as he shifted the dot on his sights. Keeping quiet, as to not interrupt the sudden stream of, he assumed, insults in Russian, Dozer instead let the whizzing if munitions speak for him.

Silver Star - Sixth Train Car from Rear

Beatrice continued to hurl insults at the well dressed Russian, that were nearly drowned out by the suppressed coughs from Dozer's rifle. His first burst caught one of the newly arrived ruffians square in his trendy hoodie, the barrel of his gun shifting slightly even as the young man fell. The second volley harmlessly battered the rear wall of the car, followed by almost immediately by Beatrice's single shot.

"Sumasshedshaya suka ty umresh,"{Crazy bitch you die} the man Beatrice had been hurling insults at bellowed as he brought his pistol to bear, unfazed by her last barrage of words. Unexpecting the fury in the thug's response Beatrice could only watch in frozen shock as the Russian's bullet impacted the seat, pushing through to cause a dimple in the back dangerously close to her abdomen.

"That didn't sound like appropriate language towards a lady," Sebastian said as his first shot took the sylish thug in the chest before adjusting the barrel of his pistol and dropping the other. As the last Russian fell, what sounded like a struggle could be heard from the next car.

---

"Oh that's not a good sign," Dozer said as he heard the struggle in the next car, before turning to the team, "Cover me, moving!"

Silver Star - Sixth/Seventh Train Car from Rear

With practiced efficiency, Dozer moved quickly and cautiously down the train car aisle with his rifle held ready. Misinterpreting his command, or at least assuming the command was not meant for her, Beatrice followed. The door had closed as the moved forward but peering through the small glass window they could see two men, one being restrained, his long blonde hair obscuring his face. As Sebastian moved forward to join Beatrice and Dozer at the door, the man being restrained broke free, the other man quickly and not very smoothly drawing his weapon from the waist of his trendy skinny jeans ...

---

Getting into position, Dozer turned to shout back to the others.

"SE-ESUS!" he flinched back as he accidentally yelled into Beatrice's face, "Don't do that!"

He then turned more to call to Sebastian.

"SE-," he stopped when he saw the other FBI agent already moving up the car, "Oh forget it."

Turning back to look through the door, he then saw the two men struggling.

"Aaaand now they're fighting without us. Swell," Dozer huffed as he punched the door open button.

He leaned out as the passageway cleared, and shouted.

"FBI! And currently six train cars passed willing to PUT UP WITH THIS BULLSHIT!"

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

The long hair gentlemen, whose back was to Dozer, flinched slightly in surprise at the FBI tactical officer's authoritative ID. Turning slightly to get a look at what could be a new threat he pointed at the young man holding the gun, "They're taking over the train".

When the man turned, Dozer could see that he did not appeared to be armed and his face showed signs of taking a beating.

---

Advanced polymer made a quiet sound as it slid against pouch material.

"Watch my back," Dozer whispered out the side of his mouth at Beatrice.

"Well then," he said to the bruised blonde, tactically pulling out the half empty magazine, "Since you're dance partner failed to respect my authority as a Federal Agent in a timely matter, today's you're lucky day."

Making sure to slap the fresh mag into the well to get an audible click, before tapping the M4's side plug with the old mag, Dozer then held up said half-empty magazine as he aimed at the gunmen.

"May I draw your attention to the Magpul brand Polymer Magazine," Dozer presented it sideways towards the gunman, "in particular the handy-dandy window on the side, to help keep track how many rounds are left.

"As you can see, it is half empty. That's because..." Dozer then tapped the empty ammo pouch on his armor with the magazine, "I have been blasting rubber bullets into multiple Russian thugs who just can't seem to get a clue."

He then tapped one of the other four doubled-stacked ammo pouches, three of them still full and strapped.

"And I'm full up and ready to blast my way through the rest. Because I've been gunfighting for nearly a decade, and I'm good at it."

Dozer then, finally, put the magazine away in his "spent" pouch.

"So in short, you're done fucked, son."

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

Great, more people, Beatrice thought upon seeing the 2 in the next car. Am I going to have to put up with another third degree?

In any event, Dozer seemed to have a handle on this so she focused her attention on the far door for anyone else who might come to investigate.

---

OOC

I am going taking the ready action.
Trigger: Anyone attempting to shoot towards us from the far end of the car.
Action: Shoot the one attempting to shoot towards us.

I am staying in cover near the current door so I am looking at a range of about 90 feet to the next door which is in my 4th increment so I am probably not going to hit.

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

Sebastian stepped past Beatrice to stand beside Dozer, gun trained on the young man. The gunman's weapon began to shake in his hand, his eyes flicking nervously between the two FBI agents and the battered, long haired gentlemen. Unlike the more grizzled, experienced Russians Beatrice fought in First Class this young, trendy thug clearly did not fit the typical mafioso type with his skinny jeans that were rolled up slightly to show of his bright patterned socks and high top leather shoes and 'smedium' V-neck shirt. Finally, he let the barrel of the gun fall in his hands as he raised them in clear surrender.

---

"There we go, nice and easy," Dozer tilted his head appreciatively.

Keeping his rifle trained, he pulled a zip tie out and held it up as he approached.

"Gun on the ground, slowly. Then kick it away, hands behind your head."

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

The trendy Russian did as instructed, slowly setting his weapon on the ground and sliding it towards Dozer with a sweep of his foot. The long haired passenger's eyes followed the gun as it slid towads him, before moving back up to the Russian, narrowing as Dozer saw the man's hands begin to contract into fists ...

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

Seeing the clenching fist, Dozer quickly moves forward, and catches the gun with his foot

Keeping her sight and sights on the far door of the train car, Beatrice added, "You might want to make this quick, we haven't exactly been quiet."

Dozer calmly puts a hand, holding the zip ties between his fingers, on the passenger's shoulder, "Easy there brother. I've got three overstuffed cars with passengers waiting for the all clear.

"You might have a beef with this guy, but I've got a time limit to deal with."

The man flinched slightly at Dozer's touch, whatever actions he was considering fading away as his previous tense posture relaxed, though his eyes still held on the young Russian with a bit of malice.
"I can put those on him for you," he said, his hand moving to the zip ties with a promising grin.

Pausing a second, Dozer nods "Carefully, please. Got enough paperwork as it is waiting for me after this."
Letting the battered gentleman grab the tie Dozer leaned down and picked up the gun, turning to hand it to Sebastian.

"Agent Milford, if you would be so kind.
"I'd suggest the seat over there," He says to the man.

Enthusiastically, the long haired man grabbed the zip tie and proceeded to not so gently apply them to the Russian. Hoisting the young thug to his feet, the abused man roughly shoved him into the seat Dozer directed with a satisfied grin.

Taking the gun from Dozer, Sebastian watched the scene unfold with a barely contained smirk.

Leaning over slightly towards Sebastian but without taking her eyes off the door, Beatrice asked, "Does that have a full mag I can use?"

Sebastian ejected the mag and handed it to Beatrice with a nod.

Beatrice pocketed the magazine without checking it for the moment. "So what is the plan for these guys?"

Watching the new guy tie up the "trendy", Dozer pulls out a second zip tie to hand the new guy "To the chair, please."
Turning to Beatrice's question, "Agent Milford, please lock down the last car."

Wordlessly, Sebastian went back to secure the previous car as the abused passenger took the zip tie from Dozer. "With pleasure," he grunted as he very roughly secured the Russian to the seat.

Turning back to Dozer and Beatrice he grinned somewhat lopsidedly, "Thanks for the assistance."

"Just doin' my job, brother.
"Speaking of, though, unless you have further business, I'd suggest... uh..."
Dozer looks back, thinking about all the downed bodies then turns forward, "Waiting over there until we've secured the train."
Motioning to Beatrice as he raised his rifle to cover the far door, "After you this time."

The man's appraising gaze took in Dozer and Beatrice, "I was heading towards the front in the hopes of reaching the Engineer's radio to call for help, once the cell phones went down." His eyed drifted to Dozer's rifle, his tac armor, and clear marking identifying him as a FBI agent. "If you all are here, why hasn't the trained stopped?"

Dozer looks at him with a raised eyebrow, "Dude, this is us literally doing that right now."
Shakes his head, "Sheesh, zipline from a moving SUV directly from HQ, and people still want you to hurry up."
Dozer then thumbs behind him, "Heck, we're only this far because that guy back there is such a crazy stunt driver."

Sebastian returned, a small knowing grin tugging the corners of his mouth at Dozer's vivid description of him. He nodded to Dozer, letting him know the car was secured. As the passenger watched the exchange, he shrugged and with a touch of questioning in his tone he said, "I could assist."

Hmm, Dozer thought, Gonna have to remember how much I pushed to allow Beatrice's help.

Sebastian leaned in towards Dozer and Beatrice, his eyes lingering on Beatrice before whispering, "He has taken a beating so the 'self defense' bit could work in theory for him as well. Though we'd obviously have to do a very brief background check ... as in verbally ask his background and try and gauge his reaction."

Dozer looks at the guy "What's your name?"

Looking at Dozer the guy smiled somewhat amused, "Yes. I guess introductions should come first. Nik. Nik Sikorsky. Though despite the last name I'm not with them." He emphasized his point with a jerk of his head towards the Russian that was bound to the chair.

"So . . . Nik. What business brought you onto this train today?" Beatrice added, taking her attention away from the door long enough to gauge his reaction and looking for tells ... a hesitation, nervous tic, averted gaze.

Nik's eyes swept across the trio, narrowing slightly as he clearly was carefully considering his response before replying. His gaze settled on the two FBI agents before the features of his face relaxed. "It was brought to my attention that the Russians were holding an auction ... sometimes I like to liberate items of value from the irresponsible."

Turning to Dozer, "Well, he has more Intel than most and I like the idea of given these thugs more targets to shoot at besides me," she replied.
"But what's in it for you? What do you want out of this?" she directed to Nik

Smirking and looking at the bound thug, "The chance to piss off the Russian mob and hurt their bottom line is pleasure enough."

Dozer gives a small chuckle "I hear that."
He then indicates himself "Agent Bill Barnum"
Thumbing towards Sebastian "and Sebastian Milford."

"Agent Sebastian Milford," Sebastian corrected before turning to Dozer, "So ... I guess we're giving another civvie a gun?"

Beatrice shrugged but didn't "correct" him. She didn't want to rehash her fake backstory all over again so she let it go.

"Hmm," Dozer grunted, "I guess we might be."

"Before we move on, there's is something you both need to see, though. Dozer, you have that door covered?"

Dozer lifts his rifle, "Covering."

Beatrice safes her weapon and unslings her backpack. Opening the zipper and pulling out the Dossier on the hacker, she retrieves his picture and shows it to Sebastian and Nik.

Hmm, well if she wants to do that, I won't stop her, thinks Dozer.

Beatrice added handing the picture and folder to Sebastian; "It's imperative that we do whatever possible to take this man uninjured. We need to know how the item he is auctioning today came to be in his possession."

Sebastian took the folder and leafed through it with the efficiency of a federal agent digesting a case file, whereas Nik glanced over the agent's shoulder to look at the picture with an 'okay whatever' shrug. Sebastian handed the folder back to Beatrice before pulling one of the pistols taken from the Russians to give to Nik.

Just before Sebastian could hand the gun over, Dozer let go of the grip of his rifle and held up his hand. Reaching down, he works the holster on his hip, "Alright, Nik. Nearest I can tell, you're probably as freelance as you say you are."

Dossier back in her hand, Beatrice returned it to her backpack before pulling it back on.

Pulling out his M9, Dozer steps toward Nik, holding the gun up by the barrel, "But this is my gun. And while my rifle's running rubber, this gun is running as live a round as you can get.
"By taking this gun, you accept the responsibility, and the repercussions of using it."
Leaning in, his expression turns dark, "And if you make me regret giving you this, I'll see just how many 5.56 rubber rounds it takes to crack a man's ribcage.
"Am I understood?"

Beatrice thinks to herself, "I'm glad I found a weapon before I met these guys."

Sebastian leaned in, "You don't think there'd be less paperwork involved just giving him one of the Russian's guns?" He shrugged, "We can explain that away as 'self defense' or 'the Russians turned on each other'."

Nik's eyes moved between the agents, "I only plan to use it on dirty Russians ... your geeky looking man is safe from me." He held out his hand to grasp the grip of Dozer's sidearm, waiting for agreement between the two before taking it.

Dude, Dozer thought, You're ruining the moment.
"With the way she's hoovering up the ammo?"

Sebastian met Dozer's questioning gaze, snorting a slight laugh at his quip before offering a short nod of agreement as he jerked his head towards Nik as to say 'give it to him'.

Letting go of the gun, Dozer tapped his pouches
"Nine-mil. The thugs are running .45s," reaffirming to Nik "Let's hope that adds a bit of weight to your trigger pull, yeah?"

Smirking, Nik expertly checked the magazine and chamber, before tucking behind his waist.

"All right, it's time to move. I believe I was going first this time," Beatrice said as she leveled her weapon on the far door, stepped out from behind the seat and into the aisle and cautiously moved forward, Sebastian was already following, his own weapon leveled at the far door as he cautiously moved down the aisle.

---

Florida State Highway 9 - Miami Gardens, FL

Agent Cho's eyes flicked nervously between the train off to his left and the car traffic around him on Rt. 9, the little Rogue's engines screaming to keep up with the train as the black SUV's sirens blared. The vehicles onboard data center indicated an incoming call, "Cho," he said in answer to the unknown caller.

"Agent Cho. Agent Eleanor Thompson of the Office of Special Assignments. Special Agent in Charge Witting tells me you are following a suspected hijacked train and that you have agents on board?"

Grunting agreement as he swerved around a vehicle to the annoyed honk of its horn, Cho replied, "Yes, but I have lost radio contact. The hijackers must be using a jammer. I can't reach them by cell either"

There was a pause as Ellie considered the information before responding, "I have an HRT squad ready and waiting at Hollywood Station ... out of sight for the moment so as not to spook the hijackers. We have the train 8 minutes out. Let me know if your team establishes contact."

"Yes ma'am," Cho replied before ending the call.

---

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

Beatrice and Sebastian paced forward, weapons trained on the forward door as Dozer covered and Nik nonchalantly stalked up the aisle. Beatrice and Sebastian were nearly to the door when it slid aside, a smart dressed man pausing in mid-entry, his eyes widening in surprise and shock. "Idioty," he growled to the men in the next car, "FBI." He stressed his point by grabbing the nearest thug and shoving him towards the open door, barking orders to the other three.

---

"Well, at least we won't have to introduce ourselves!" Dozer noted as the smart dressed man shouted to the other thugs.

That said, the sharply dressed man had made a tiny mistake: He showed competence, followed by shouting orders.

The next, more major, one was using his own thugs as cover.

Dozer flicked a pair of bursts at the boss.

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

The quick, successive, suppressed coughs of Dozer's rifle responded to the Russian boss's orders and stopping them short with a grunt as the rubber bullets bounced off his shoulder. Picking up where he left off, his orders came in earnest through gritted teeth.

Sebastian's first shot took the staggering thug he had been pushed forward, dropping him to the floor as the second caught another who had just stepped in front of his boss in the chest.

Holding his shoulder the well dressed and seemingly leader of the crew took off at a run towards the next car, yelling very loudly and very angrily for reinforcements.

The two remaining Russians, drawing their weapons and firing. Dozer heard a round whiz by and Sebastian flinched as another embedded itself in the door jamb.

---

"Yeah, borscht, borscht," Dozer called mockingly as the 'boss' shrugged of the rounds to spout Russian to his lackeys, "'Look at me, I had my Iron Curtain Wheaties today!'"

As a return round zipped by, Dozer barely even flinched.

"You'd better hope your grunts did the same, 'cause I'm gonna chew my way through all of 'em!"

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

Reaffirming her stance on being first moving forward, Beatrice found protection behind a seat and fired at the two remains Russians. Both were short, yet built, and reminded her of club bouncers ... dressed the part to. Her first shot thudded harmlessly into the seat closest to one while the other struck the second tough's shoulder, illicitting a grunt.

Moving forward slightly and taking cover across from her, Nik raised his borrowed sidearm and fired. The Russian Beatrice had clipped fell to the carpet, a rapidly spreading wet patch in his chest to match the one in his shoulder. The only remaining gunman roared in rage and challenge, his large bicep bleeding from the hole Nik had put in it.

---

"That was too close, you get to go first from now on!" Beatrice yelled back to Dozer as she popped up and squeezed off a couple rounds.

"Aw, come-on ya big baby, it's only bullets!" Dozer yelled back.

As the last (current) thug roared, Dozer decided to reply...

Silver Star - Seventh Train Car from Rear

Dozer answered the burly thug's challenge with bullets, his first burst peppering the cloth backed seats before his last shot punch through. The Russian grunted in pain and collapsed into the seat he had taken refuge behind.

The 'boss', made it to the far end of the car in retreat, roaring orders as he passed through the doors.

---

"Alright, alright, I'll take point next time, sheesh," Dozer said, taking the quick quiet time to think.

With the enemy boss running off, it looked like any element of surprise was going completely out the window.

"Hey, anyone know how to uncouple these cars?" he asked the others as a thought hit him.

Dozer shook his head as he blanked on how to actually work the mechanism.

Guess I should have paid closer attention to Uncle's model trains.

"Never mind, had an idea, but it's probably not worth it at the moment."

Carefully walking up to the next door, "Speaking of ideas, they definitely know we are here. Might be time to throw a curveball."

He glances at Sebastian, "Still up for that open air stroll, Agent Milford?"

"Because if they hadn't already taken over the engine, they more than likely are going to now."

Walking over to the unconscious thug with the bleeding arm, Dozer points at the ceiling.

"We need someone to clear and secure that engine, and there won't be enough time to fight through all of those thugs to do it. We need someone to walk the roofs.

"I'd do it myself, but a.) this grapple gun's a lot harder to use than in the movies, and b.) we need someone to divert their attention, and I've got the biggest gun here."

Pulling out a zip-tie to bind the thug, Dozer nods towards one of the side doors.

"Go out there, walk the roof, try not to get spotted, enter and secure that engine. By that time, the rest of us'll probably have made it to either the third or second car. If you haven't drawn their attention by the time you've secured it, wait for us to breach the front car before you support from your direction.

"Hooah, Night Stalker?"

Silver Star - Eigth Train Car from Rear

Sebastian's eyes widened at Dozer's suggestion in an almost feverish excitement, his voice nearly cracking before he gained control with a calming breath.

"Hooah," he replied, with barely a moment's thought. He then quickly began to confirm everything was secure, his gaze drifting to Nik. Nik caught his glance, hands coming up as he stepped back.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa ...," he exclaimed, "Train surfing's not exactly my thing." He turned to Dozer, who was binding the unconscious thug, his eyes drifting to the gun in his hands, his mind remembering the beating he had been given curteousy of said thug's associates, before turning to the side door consideringly. "Though it can't be anymore dangerous than getting shot at suppose," he thought out loud. His eyes narrowed, clearly not excited about either prospect yet to proud to say he was fine sitting the rest of the journey out after already offering his help. With a resigned sigh he made a 'go ahead' motion towards the side door as he secured Dozer's weapon in his waist band.

The train car filled with the whistle of the air rushing in, Sebastian cautiously peering about before satisfied nothing was going to knock him off he side of the train. Giving one last look to Beatrice and Dozer he grinned, a dangerous glint to his eye as he began to ascend the service ladder to the top of the car. Nik, looking less thrilled, offered Beatrice a confident wink before following the FBI agent.

---

Looking at Beatrice's face as the other two went out the side, Dozer couldn't help but laugh.

"I did say he was a stunt driver. From a whole family of 'em, it turns out."

Pulling out one of his half empty magazines, he double-stack grabbed his current magazine.

"By the way," he said as he deftly transferred some rounds over, "I've had my armor personally tailored."

Clicking the now fuller magazine back in, he put the lighter mag back into the 'used' pouch, "Probably would get in your way more if you tried to wear it."Giving the rifle a once over, tapping the mag into the well, tapping the plug, double checking the zero, he glanced up.

"Alright, that should give 'em enough of a head start. Shall we go?"

I-65 Heading North - North Miami, FL

"What the ...," Agent Joe Cho swore as he momentarily took his eyes off the busy highway to monitor the train as he had been doing since depositing two agents on the train. Quickly finding Agent Thompson's number in the recent call list he pushed the call button to dial up the Office of Special Assignment's field team leader.

"Agent Thompson," he said in greeting, "You're not going to believe this ..."

---

Silver Star - Eighth Train Car from Rear

Cautiously, Beatrice and Dozer stalked the aisle towards the far door that would take them to the ninth train car from the end. Whether from a shadow or change in lighting it was clear that the Russians gathered, and waiting, in the next car sensed their approach. However, being trained operatives the pair were the quicker to react.

---

Dozer quickly hopped to the left of the door, rifle at high ready. Once in position, he adjusted his rifle, leaning back a little as he did, for maximum stability, preparing for the opening salvo.

At Beatrice's nod, Dozer, left leg on the corner, swung his right leg over, and kicked the door open button. His rifle barely moving as his leg swung back down, Dozer let a stream of bullets fly...

Silver Star - Eigth Train Car from Rear

Though they had only been working together for less than 10 minutes, Dozer and Beatrice had seemingly worked up quite a rapport as the grizzled military veteran prepped to fire Beatrice wordlessly took up position opposite and indicated her readiness with a nod of the head. Rifle still held at the ready, Dozer mashed the button that would open the door, the chk chk chk chk of his suppressed weapon sounding in rapid repitition as he sent rubber streaking down range. Beatrice, staying low, darted forward as agent's bullets whizzed overhead. All four of the Russians jolted with the impact of multiple non-lethal rounds, falling back into the seats behind them with frustrated and angry grunts. One, going limp, bounced off the seats and
collapsed to the floor.

Recovering somewhat, the three remaining brought their pistols up in retaliation to pepper the door frame with bullets, the unflattering Russian phrases more accurate than their more deadly shots.

---

"Oh fer…" Dozer grumped as only the far left guy fell down. Wanting to reduce the risk of hitting Beatrice as she took cover on the left, he shifted is aim, and strafed them from left to right.

Silver Star - Eighth Train Car from Rear

Cursing the Russians' resilience, Dozer opened fire again, sending rubber bullets sweeping across the train car. The thugs fell back, the click click of Dozer's empty weapon providing an accompanying rhythm to the beat of the thugs collapsing to the seats.

---

Click, click?

Dozer tilted his rifle to look at the ammo window. Still had 9 rounds left. Pulling the magazine out, Dozer saw the round in the feed sitting crooked.

Failure to feed, terrific, Dozer rolled his eyes as he put it away.

"Huh, that worked well. Same thing next car?"

"In a second," he said as he pulled another fresh mag out, giving it a nice slap into the well.

Pulling back on the charging handle, keeping an eye on the ejection port to make sure the round fed properly, he walked over to cover on the opposite side of the isle to Beatrice.

"Knowing our luck, these guy's'll wake up right after we leave the car if we aren't careful," thumbing the bolt release with a click, he then pulled out another handful of zip ties, and held them out for her to grab.

Silver Star - Ninth Train Car from Rear

Having bound the unconscious gangsters and secured thier weapons, Dozer and Beatrice cautiously made their way down the aisle towards the next car with their weapons trained on the far door. Unlike before, no reinforcements came to the aide of their comrades and the only sounds were the dull, thud-thud thud-thud of the trains heavy steel wheels upon the track. Coming to the door that would take them to the next car they took positions to either side, and prepped to implement the plan that had worked so well just moments before. Peering in through the half plexiglass window there did not appear to be any Russians in the next car ...

Dozer raised a hand.

"Hang on," he said, voice hushed, "Getting IED flashbacks."

Stepping up to the door, he looked closer, trying to find signs of a booby trap...