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File 127880507457.png - (175.67KB , 800x600 , title.png )
205991 No. 205991 ID: 4f6e37

This quest is in the same continuum as Eivr and Oren: They share elements and characters between them.
>Eivr Archives are at: http://tgchan.org/wiki/Eivr
>Oren Archives are at: http://tgchan.org/wiki/Oren

Some take what they can get out in a world that gives them shit.
Some reason with life's problems, try to make the best of it.
Some sit by their broken windows thinking what they could have had.
But some said to themselves, Fuck that.
Maybe we were just born bad.

88 posts omitted. Last 100 shown. Expand all images
>>
No. 208126 ID: f95872

>>208121
>We're not asking about Henry, we're asking about the people who have been asking about Henry.
It's possible that he knows. In which case that'd be why he's defensive.
>>
No. 208722 ID: 4f6e37
File 12792532001.png - (232.96KB , 800x600 , 14.png )
208722

"Badges? Badges. You want our badges. To see them. Of course. Yes," says Aldo, thinking fast. "They're out in the car. Let me just go get them real quick."
"Okay," mutters the barista, watching him step out.

"stall," whispers Aldo to Sofiya as he walks outside. He sets about shaping the badges from the metal shield. He's seen enough flashed in his face to get the general idea of one down.


Sofiya and the barista just stare at each other. Sofiya is thinking hard about what to say.
"Intereth- Ni- Cool pla-location you've got here," says Sofiya, picking her words. "How i- doe- do you make your coffee?"
"With beans," says the Barista.
"I thee," says Sofiya. "Uh, I mean, I get it."
>>
No. 208724 ID: 4f6e37
File 12792534868.png - (296.96KB , 800x600 , 15.png )
208724

"Badges," says Aldo, rushing back in and flashing his creation in the barista's face.

"Okay, that looks legitimate," says the barista, and the tension leaves his shoulders. "I'm sorry, officers, but it's just that Henry was attracting the wrong sort of crowd, y'know? Near before he vanished he was always sitting in a corner with his back to the wall or rushing out without picking his cup up or something. And these shady people kept parking outside Chell's and just watching, or coming in and asking about him. Like you." He coughs. "Uh. Not that you're shady or anything, but..."

"We get it," says Aldo. "When was the last time you saw him in here? What happened that day?"

"It was three or four days ago," says the barista. "No. Three, exactly. He came in for his morning coffee just like normal and then never showed up in the afternoon." He shrugs. "That's all I know. Can I do anything else for you? Maybe get you something to drink on the house?"
>>
No. 208726 ID: 701a19

>>208724
"No, but thanks for the offer. Let us know if you hear anything."
Ok, so he went missing three days ago some time between morning and afternoon, and the grab occurred either at work or in the segment between work and this shop. Continue tracing his path.
Tell your driver to keep an eye out for his car, while you look for signs of violence.
>>
No. 208730 ID: f0641c

>>208724
Get descriptions of these shady people, what kind of car they had, that sort of thing. Also if Henry gave any indication that something was unusual on the last morning he was seen, and what times were normal for his morning and afternoon coffee. Then ask if there's anything else unusual they've noticed recently, and get out of there.

Sofia will know if it's appropriate for cops to accept complementary beverages while on the job.
>>
No. 208744 ID: 4f6e37
File 127925697383.png - (385.10KB , 800x600 , 16.png )
208744

"I don't know. Are we allowed to accept drinks on the job, Officer Sesaphas?" says Aldo.
"Why not," says Sofiya, grabbing a cup.
As the barista grinds the beans, Aldo asks, "What were these shady guys like? What sort of car did they drive?"
"Several," says the barista. He turns and looks out the window, then suddenly stiffens as he sees what's parked next to the Cafe.
He grabs a napkin and a pencil from his pocket. He scribbles on the napkin and then tosses it down on the counter. He points to it.
>>
No. 208745 ID: e973f4

>>208744
That's not good.

Act normal.

I'm not sure if you should go try to take these guys now or try to give them the slip or what. I'm really not. :/
>>
No. 208747 ID: 701a19

>>208744
"Well, we better get back to our investigation.
If you hear anything then let us know."

Head outside. If somebody is at the steering wheel, then put a bolt in them then jack them out of the van. If not then fuse the ignition into a useless lump, then do the same for all the van's hinges and locks, then start menacing the occupants with horrible painful death in order to extract information from them.
Start by having tendrils of floor rising up and burrowing right through their feet, forming a closed loop that requires cutting in order for their feet to be released.
>>
No. 208770 ID: 0b2a05

Ask for the drinks.
>>
No. 208774 ID: c2c011

>>208744
Accept your drinks. Drink a bit. Have Aldo loudly declare that he needs to take a piss and go into the alley to do so. Disable the van, subdue and arrest the people inside the van. Drag them back to the station. Interogate them, forcefully if necessary since time is limited and you're not real cops anyway. Save Henry, skip town.
>>
No. 208799 ID: 22f0f6

>>208744
Don't leave Sofiya alone. She's probably a target too.
>>
No. 209500 ID: 4f6e37
File 127943003496.png - (204.41KB , 800x600 , 17.png )
209500

"Thank you for the drinks," says Molder as he takes his cup. "We'll be on our way, now."

He and Sofiya head outside, intending to confront the white van.
But as soon as they walk out the door, they see Elena talking with two imposing-looking guys in suits who are standing between her and her car. They're speaking in low tones, and whatever they're saying is making her shift from foot to foot like a cornered animal.

>>
No. 209510 ID: 701a19

>>209500
Also, go seal the van. Sophia, notch an arrow and keep a bead on one of them. Then tell them to put their hands on their heads, and approach.
If one of them makes any sudden movements then kill the one you're aiming at.
>>
No. 209536 ID: a594b9

...can we even do that?

I'd suggest sneaking up on them if it's possible. Get close enough so you can hear what they're saying, before they see you.
>>
No. 209538 ID: e973f4

>>209500
Go up to the van and ask if there's anything you can "help with," to use the cliché line.
>>
No. 209568 ID: 545b13

>>209510
This is too aggressive for a cop cover. We need to keep playing to that in any confrontation, mostly using falsely implied authority while also making it clear that we're willing to escalate to direct conflict if necessary.
>>
No. 209585 ID: c2c011

>>209500
Aldo, go and stealthily disable the van if it's still there. Sofiya get set up on a nice marksman position and draw a bead on one of the thugs.

Aldo, once the van has been disabled, walk over to the thugs and ask if there are any problems. If they try anything then Sofiya can pin one to the car with a bolt through a leg while Aldo knocks out the other one.
>>
No. 209598 ID: 701a19

>>209568
Not really, no. They're menacing a victim's family, and unless they're undercover federal agents they're in the employ of a crime syndicate. Either way, they are armed.
Also? The war acts are still on. Nobody will ask any questions. If they're dumb enough to make a sudden movement, then they deserve to die.
>>
No. 251963 ID: 4f6e37
File 128883685837.png - (83.46KB , 800x600 , 18.png )
251963

((No, this isn't someone else doing the art, and it isn't permanent, so if you hate it don't freak. Check >>/questdis/335867 for an explanation.))

Aldo takes advantage of the thugs' distraction to prepare a bit of a surprise for them if they get it in their heads to bolt. That's the front tires loosened on both cars. Just in case.

Devious. Sofiya sets herself up behind the tinted glass of the door, ready to break the glass with a bolt if it comes to that.
"Wait, what?" says the barister.
Authority. Deal with it.
>>
No. 251967 ID: 4f6e37
File 128883695996.png - (90.80KB , 800x600 , 19.png )
251967

Aldo marches up to the two thugs, his hands on his hips. "What's going on out here?" he asks.
"Nothing that needs your help," says one of them, coldly. Heavy Furlesian accent. Face like someone streaked shit on it.
"I'm with the Authority, it's my job to help," says Aldo.
"So go get an old lady's cat down from tree," says Shitstreak.
"Cool it," hisses his companion, who Aldo will call Weaselly Motherfucker, or WM for short, because he is a Weaselly Motherfucker. He turns to Aldo. "Us and the lady just want to talk. We're friends."
"You don't look that friendly," says Aldo.
"Look harder," says Shitstreak. "No. Tell you what, look somewhere else. Things to fill your quota, ja? We need no guests looking into private conversation.

>>
No. 252080 ID: 9a5057

Can you do the noir babbling dialog option? It tends to throw folks off guard
>>
No. 252105 ID: 701a19

>>251967
"You must be poor friends to smile while she's obviously uncomfortable. And scared.
If you want a private conversation then I can arrange for that."
>>
No. 252110 ID: a09a03

"My quota's problems solved. She's got a problem with you. You got a problem with me. I got a problem with your mouth. We've all got problems. But I'm here to help."
>>
No. 253499 ID: 4f6e37
File 12891045694.png - (172.06KB , 800x600 , 20.png )
253499

"Friends wouldn't act like gazelles in the Lion cage," says Aldo. "I think the problem's on your end, folks."
"You are our problem," says Shitstain. "Is not healthy position."
"Now if you really can't help but want to talk to her I can arrange for a private place, say six by eight feet," says Aldo. "The Authority's here for everyone, after all, no matter how much their suits make 'em look like waiters at a restaurant where the theme is thawed cave trolls."
Shitstain growls, but WM steps in front of him to placate him (and out, unfortunately, of Sofia's current cone of fire. Aldo is now blocking her shot). "There's no need for that sort of talk," he says, "from either of you. Now this is just a little shindig."
"A hootenanny?"
"If you want to call it that," he says. "So how about we just pay an official Authority public hootenanery fee of, say, 100 Gilt, and you let us go about our business unmolested?"

>>
No. 253509 ID: 0d5620

Score. Free money.
>>
No. 253522 ID: e3f578

>>253499
100 isn't worth a man's life. I'd say even 1000 isn't. make the offer about 9000 or so, maybe up to 10,000
>>
No. 253523 ID: 701a19

>>253499
Raise your hand up like you're motioning for them to shut up. Then Sophia can see it in case you need to signal her to take the shot.
"Ah, see, there's some problems with 'at.
First is ya seem to be saying somethin' a might unethical and mighty 'legal.
Second is a bent cop 'd just take ya down and 'misplace' your valuables.
Third is I ain't dumb or blind. Start talkin' 'fore I toss ya in lockup an' see whacha doin' in town my way."
>>
No. 253525 ID: 754124

Sounds like good money. But >>253522
is right. We can probably scare up a bit more.
>>
No. 253536 ID: a09a03

This isn't a man's life, per-se. It's so we look the other way while they beat up Elena. They probably don't plan to kill her in broad daylight.

I say take their money but then arrest them if they do anything to her anyway. It's not like you've got a reputation to maintain. You're not even using your real name.

Plus, it'll piss them off so they start a fight, so you can kill them. It'll be great.
>>
No. 253544 ID: e3f578

>>253536
100 is still chump change. You wanna slap up a woman you gotta pay big money. One hundred is an insult to our integrity, which is almost priceless in itself, so there's definitely a price-hike percentage to repair that damage of such a fine work of art.

The total is still 10,000. Even then since with all the work of calculation, plus tax, it will have to double that.
>>
No. 253545 ID: 4f6e37
File 128911021632.png - (153.77KB , 800x600 , 21.png )
253545

Sofiya can't hear shit through this door. She does her best trying to figure out what's going on outside. Big guy and ratty guy. Oh, hell, the big guy's looking right at her and growling. Now it looks like they're getting Aldo in the way to keep her from taking a shot.

"Whoa whoa whoa," says Aldo. "100? That is a tiny price to pay for this sort of hootenanny. I believe I see some jacknavery occurring."
"Jacknavery?"
"Skullduggery, even," says Aldo. "Now I am not dumb or blind."
"I suppose we could work out a larger amount..." says WM, nervously.
"Good. So add two zeroes onto that number and we'll call it a deal."
"Two zeroes?" says Shitstreak, starting.
"Now now," says Aldo, holding up his hand to placate the man (and prepare a signal to Sofiya, just in case). We"


The final straw for Sofiya comes when the big one jerks toward Aldo. He brings up his hand-wait, is that a signal? That's a signal to her, isn't it? She makes a split second decision. Aldo might not see he's in the line of fire but Sofiya has no other choice. He needs her. She's taking the shot.
>>
No. 253546 ID: 4f6e37
File 128911021937.png - (176.62KB , 800x600 , 22.png )
253546

"can't be having any

oh fucknuggets."

>>
No. 253547 ID: 880ed2

>>253546
Tackle the second guy!
>>
No. 253549 ID: 1854db

COVER BLOWN PUNCH THE OTHER DUDE IN THE FACE AND LET'S GET OUT OF HERE
>>
No. 253561 ID: a09a03

Woops! Knife to the throat!
>>
No. 253564 ID: 56dc25

>>253546
Well, shit.

Nothing to do now but roll with it and press your advantage. Engage this guy in melee, immediately while he's still in shock/thinking you're a cop, and get him pinned, knife at throat if possible.

Then it's interrogation time.
>>
No. 253569 ID: 754124

OKAY SO PUNCH THE OTHER DUDE OUT QUICK BEFORE HE REACTS

Then I guess we want to interrogate him in a controlled setting or something.
>>
No. 253643 ID: 701a19

>>253546
Clothesline the one left standing. Bring him down before he even knows what's going on, and act like you didn't expect that.
"Th' fuck did ya piss off?!? Th' hell ya boys bring to my town!?!"
>>
No. 253693 ID: 4f6e37
File 128915368522.png - (164.62KB , 800x600 , 23.png )
253693

Knife? Knife? When did Aldo say he had a knife? He doesn't have a knife.
He can make one, though, and he starts to do so, warping the metal of his badge into a blade.

But Shitstreak is not shocked into any sort of complacency by his companion taking an arrow. At all. He immediately pushes himself off the car with a roar and smacks Aldo in the face so hard his right eye goes temporarily blind. Ow, spirits. He's pretty sure one of his teeth just got chipped. Elena screams and stumbles backward. Aldo's not sure if that's because he got hit or if it's because Sofiya just shot that guy in the head.
The balance of combat is in Shitstreak's favor.

>>
No. 253715 ID: e3f578

his hand's on the car, morph the metal of it into a spike into his hand
>>
No. 253722 ID: 45be60

>>253693
Back off. Get away from him, and try not to be between him and the window. Between him and Elena would be helpful, assuming she doesn't have the presence of mind to back off. You need a moment to recover your footing, and HE needs something besides punching you in the face to think about in the mean time. The prospect of not getting shot in the face should help.
>>
No. 253725 ID: a09a03

>>253715
If you can't do this, backpedal until you've got a shiv, then make with the stabbing.
>>
No. 253807 ID: 4f6e37
File 128917943049.png - (185.99KB , 1024x768 , 24.png )
253807

Inside the cafe, Daniels sees that the big one's still up and desperately starts winching another bolt into place.
"Did you just break my door and kill a guy in my driveway" says the Barister. She ignores him.

Aldo stops going for the knife, and instead focuses his attention on the car, yanking a spike of metal out of the door, directly through Shitstreak's hand. He bellows with pain and rage, trying to yank himself free.

Advantage is now Aldo's, whose ears are starting to stop ringing from that smack.

>>
No. 253808 ID: 27fe93

grab his other hand and just start punching him in the face, repetedly.
>>
No. 253809 ID: 56dc25

>>253807
Before he can yank himself free, twist around that bit of metal and meld it back into the rest. Make it so that he literally cannot free that hand without tearing either it or a metal bar in half.

If he brings his other hand anywhere near the car while trying to free himself, do the same damn thing to that one.
>>
No. 253824 ID: 4f6e37
File 128918189849.png - (178.08KB , 800x600 , 25.png )
253824

Aldo twists round the metal and fastens Shitstreak's hand to the car. He's not going anywhere unless he rips either the door or the hand off. Aldo starts punching him in the face, but he only gets past one hit before Shitstreak grabs his fist and squeezes, hard. Ow ow ow ow ow. He can't pull his arm away and his fingernails are starting to dig into his palm. He hears a popping sound and hopes it's just a cracked knuckle.
"You aren't cops, are you?" the Barista is saying.
"Yeth we are," says Sofiya, barely paying attention to him. She's nocked the next bolt, and is almost ready to fire. As she cranks back she looks up, and sees that Aldo is now completely blocking her shot.
>>
No. 253828 ID: 56dc25

>>253824
Aldo: If he's winning at this range, change it. Leap forward and punch/elbow/whatever him in the face. If he lets go of your hand to defend, you can get away.

Sofiya: Say something vague about your department having broad jurisdiction and more flexible options than local enforcement can legally try. And if you get a clear shot, shoot- but preferably in the leg or arm or something which will allow some interrogation.
>>
No. 253829 ID: 46c430

>>253824
Gouge him in the eye(s) with your free hand!
>>
No. 253844 ID: 4f6e37
File 128918367181.png - (117.51KB , 800x600 , 26.png )
253844

"We have broad jurthidction," says Sofiya.
"Broad jurisdiction my ass, you shot that guy in the face," says the Barista. "Is he dead?"
"You think he'th taking a nap?" says Sofiya, tugging the crank one last time and hearing tht click. She's finished loading the crossbow and now sights out the shattered doorway. Dammit, Aldo is smack dab in the way. She has no clear shot.

Aldo ignores the jolt of pain that comes screaming from his hand and steps into a punch right to Shitstreak's face, putting all his weight behind it.

He catches him right in the jaw, sees a tooth fly out, feels the grip loosen. Damn, but he's badass.

>>
No. 253847 ID: 27fe93

hit the deck, let her finish him.
>>
No. 253852 ID: 4f6e37
File 128918522395.png - (147.48KB , 800x600 , 27.png )
253852

>>253847
Sofiya sees Aldo leap away from the stunned thug. Where does she shoot him? Where does she shoot him?!
>>
No. 253854 ID: e17e82

>>253852
In the other arm! Pin him to the car!
>>
No. 253855 ID: 27fe93

groin. shoot him in the dick.
>>
No. 253856 ID: 701a19

>>253844
Sophia: "I can't talk about an ongoing investigation, but I think you know they didn't want to do anything Mrs. Fierberg would enjoy. Get everybody in the back of the store, and send the bill for the window to the Sheriff's office.

Aldo: Knee him in the groin, then put your full strength into getting his free hand down against the vehicle.
>>
No. 253858 ID: 701a19

>>253855
Pin his other arm, or graze his balls so he understands how proper fucked he is.
>>
No. 253863 ID: 754124

In the gut or groin. It should take the fight right out of him, but he'll survive long enough for us to interrogate him.
>>
No. 253887 ID: e3f578

fuck the charade. Sofiya just admit you're vagrants doing essentially vigilante work while Officer Oren and Deputy Nessie are outta town for some good old time fun kicking badguy ass. What's the Barista gonna do, stop two badass motherfuckers from saving two citizens? Tell Oren on us while he's unable to respond?

If anything, admitting you're not the law and two paladinish psychos will probably be defined as Elena not seeking the police for help and its just two stupid glory hounds. They'd even be more afraid of you because there'd be no lawful bullshit holding you back.
>>
No. 254915 ID: 4f6e37
File 128942913796.png - (140.68KB , 800x600 , 28.png )
254915

With a twang, Sofiya fires a bolt right into the thug's Thug Jr., raising an agonized howl. Aldo and the barista wince in unison.
She kicks the door open and snaps another arrow into place, marching briskly outside.
"You aren't cops at all, are you?" says the barista.
"Brilliant obthervation," says Sofiya.
"You're nutcases with crossbows," he says.
"We're altho the only hope thith woman'th huthband hath. Who elth is gonna help her?" says Sofiya, turning back in the doorway. "Her barithta?"
"I could call the Authority," says the barista.
Sofiya smirks. "Thith crothbow and me are the only authority thith town'th got for today, sugar."
She looks out at Aldo, who's waiting for her next to the groaning criminal.
And Aldo sees Sofiya walk out, reloading the crossbow. That broad has got a lot of fucking explaining to do. They now have one prisoner and one body. Elena's just standing near the coffee shop, looking stricken.
>>
No. 254968 ID: d677cc

>>254915
Go talk to Elena first, I guess?
>>
No. 254988 ID: 27fe93

Aldo: ask what was up with sofiya shooting the first dude! then start interrogating the prisoner. slowly make that protrusion through his hand widen if he isn't being forward with the answers.
>>
No. 255082 ID: 4f6e37
File 128944972597.png - (208.62KB , 800x600 , 29.png )
255082

"What the fuck was that?" says Aldo, as Sofiya walks up to them. "When did I tell you to shoot WM in the head?"
"You thignaled," says Sofiya, raising her voice over the keening moan of the prisoner. "I thought they were threatening you."
"I-" says Elena.
"Signaled, hell," says Aldo. "Since when does holding a hand up translate into 'shoot WM in the head'? I was in the middle of extorting that cockhole!"
"aaaaaaugh" says Shitstreak.

"Exthtorting?" says Sofiya. "Aldo, were you taking bribes from them?"
"I didn't have any intention of letting them go, I just wanted their money," says Aldo.
"Hey-" says Elena.
"We're thuppothed to be acting like the good guyth for onth, Aldo. Will you try and get your athpergerth or whatever under control for one fucking day?"
"Playing Cops and Robbers or whatever we're doing here was YOUR idea," says Aldo. "I was all for just leaving but NO."
"aaaaaaughrhg," says Shitstreak.
"Shut UP," says Aldo. "Now if we aren't rearrested we're going to get hunted down by Andri and force-fed our own fucking HEARTS."

"Hey-" says Elena.
"What do you care?" says Sofiya. "You want to be your usual cowardly thelf and jutht run away. That'th alwayth worked for you before."
"And why not? You just KILLED A GANG ENFORCER IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. As if anyone will think we're cops now-"
"I don't care," says Elena. "I really do not care. You may not be the ideal law enforcers, and your methods are really really not kosher, but you are all Henry and I have got, okay? So would you please just torture this guy or whatever so you can find out where Andri is so you can help me?"
>>
No. 255083 ID: 4f6e37

>>254988
>>255082

((Quick clarification: Interrogate how? What questions do we need to ask him? Do we want to ask him? How much do we want him to know?))
>>
No. 255084 ID: a09a03

You heard the lady.

Bind the guy and transport him away from here so you can interrogate him.
>>
No. 255099 ID: 701a19

>>255082
Pfft, naw, we can get more information out of him without torture.
Drop your voice low.
"Here's the game plan. Henry has gambling debts, and rather than setting up a payment plan to recoup the losses over time your fuckwit boss decided to try to bleed a stone.
Now, you're going to tell us everything we want to know, then we're going to beat the shit out of you and leave you in the street. Because if you don't share we're going to bandage your wounds and let you go."
>>
No. 255100 ID: e3f578

I think he's suffered enough honestly, he'll probably give anything right now if he could just get some painkillers and a doctor. Just tie him in Elena's car (after fixing it of course). Say you'll only take him to a doctor if you spill the beans if not, he'll take a hike... in the desert a few miles from here where his balls will bleed out in his pants. If he replies he'd rather die than reveal anything just comfort him with the fact that his entire organization would likely be dead in the next few hours if he would just gladly supply the information, taking out all threats that could endanger him.

In one way, he might end up dying horribly of exposure and bleeding out his ballsack, in the other he gets off scott-free with a free vivisection. He'll be able to hit all the pussy if he wants to risk opening old wounds... then we put a arrow between his eyes so he can't threaten the now safe and sound, reunited family.
>>
No. 255211 ID: 754124

>>255099
This sounds like an interesting idea. Keep the fellow on his toes, at the very least.
>>
No. 255456 ID: 4f6e37
File 128953705167.png - (57.83KB , 800x600 , 30.png )
255456

Fine, whatever," mutters Aldo. "You going to help, Sofiya, or are you just going to stand there and beam self-righteousness at me?"
Sofiya just glares at him.

"Now hear this," says Aldo, dropping down to eye level with the agonized Shitstreak. "Here's the game plan. You're going to tell us everything we want to know or else we're going to let you bleed to death through your balls, no?"
Shitstreak spits blood out of his mouth from his nose. "I know nothing. I am just thug."

"You got a lousy poker face, friend. No judgement, maybe that's a result of the arrow in your crotch. Now spill the beans," says Aldo, "and we'll rough you up and leave you in the street, and maybe you can make it to a hospital in time to save a couple nickels from your coinpurse. Or, if you don't," he leans in. "We'll patch you up spick and span and send you right on back to Andri, gift-wrapped. I wonder what he'll do when he finds out you failed."
Shitstreak pales, but recovers. "He is my cousin, Pavel Andri. He is family."
"Ah," says Aldo. "But I know him. Better than you do, I'll reckon, if you think that's going to stop him."

Shitstreak grimaces in anger, pain, and (perhaps) a bit of fear. "I talk," he says. "I talk I talk. What are you wanting to know, exactly?"

>>
No. 255473 ID: a09a03

Whether Henry is alive, where he is, and how to bust him out before anyone realizes you're crazy enough to stage a rescue.

I can't think of any way to ask the required information without making it obvious that we're going to try rescuing him. This is a problem since he's going to contact his boss as soon as he's out of earshot, but I can't think of any solution.
>>
No. 255791 ID: 24a9bd

You want to know where the kidnapping victims go, and consequently, where his boss is. You want to know what his process is for killing them, and you want to know how many guards and the security of the building.
>>
No. 255802 ID: 4f6e37
File 128962593049.png - (75.62KB , 800x600 , 31.png )
255802

"Is Henry alive?" Aldo asks.
"Yes," says Shitstreak.
"Okay. Where?" says Aldo.
"Being held in building next to. What is the word? Place where skiffs are parked."
"Skiff Station? He's in the skiff station?"
"Next to it, ja. Big brick building. Two floors, used to be warehouse, maybe. Seven, eight men inside and your Henry. Is all I know, I swear."
"And is he going to be killed? What was the plan?"
"Woman shows up, we take the money, kill him and his wife," says Shitstreak. "It is rough business. Examples must be made."
"Classy. Where's Andri?"
"Maybe there, maybe not. We have hotel rooms in Fourth Way Motel. Maybe there."
"So how would one bust Henry out?"
"What, you ask me?" says Shitstreak, grimacing. "Why would I know or tell you? Is not simple. Kill everyone and untie him. You are big hero people."

"Tho? What do we do?" says Sofiya.
"I don't know. You think of something," says Aldo. "It was your idea to play the damn hero in the first place. So now we have a body to get rid of, a hysterical broad to calm down, and a big giant gangster from hell out for both of our hides. He has like eight guys and what, we've got a crossbow, a glorified blacksmith, a couple badges and a car."
"There'th a way out of thith," says Sofiya, stubbornly.
"I'd love to know about it," says Aldo. "The floor is yours, madam."
>>
No. 255820 ID: 24a9bd

Not everything needs to be "run in and kill all the bad guys", what you need to do is get a disguise. What's the induction ceremonies, would they have them while a kidnapping is taking place? And if not, how are guards identified? Passwords, suits, what about janitors and other servicemen? How would you get in without the fanfare?
>>
No. 255821 ID: c99f30

>>255802
This plan doesn't involve running away and hiding in a hole for a week does it? Or does this one involved gratuitous application of high explosives, must say I prefer the latter to the former.
>>
No. 255822 ID: e973f4

>>255802
Yeah you are not going to be able to take on eight guys with what you've got. Short of finding some ragtag bunch of misfits to help you out, you're gonna need to scope out the place or something, if you can do that.
>>
No. 255827 ID: e3f578

>>255802
You know banks don't murder their clients if their loan isn't paid in time. Usually there's a simple penalty a few times before they hand it off to a collection agency. I take it your boss isn't business smart, it's only rough because you dumb fucks decided it was going to be rough. Word gets out about that bullshit and damn people are not gonna go to you at all. How in the fuck do these gangster bankers maintain business if there so goddamn scary? I really want to know their secret.

Damn bankers need some fucking leniency. That's the whole fucking point of a loan, spirits.
>>
No. 256107 ID: 4f6e37
File 128970201173.png - (207.26KB , 800x600 , 32.png )
256107

>>255827
Andri isn't a banker, he's a druglord. That's a bit of a difference. Aldo's not sue how Henry got into debt with him, or if he even did and that isn't something Andri just made up to sucker Elena into delivering him cash.
"Is there a password or something you people use to identify each other?" Aldo asks.
"Technically, password is 'Sjenka'," says Shitstreak. "But is formality. There are few besides the people in warehouse Andri has brought with him. We all know each other."

"A thtakeout couldn't hurt, though," says Sofiya. "Not if we're careful."

They unstick Shitstreak from the car and let him limp off to a hospital somewhere, then Elena drives them to the Skiff station. She drops them off overlooking it. Below, a Courier Skiff has just arrived, and a crew of utility workers in olive drab suits are dragging their maintenance carts toward it to clean it up and make sure there's no sand in the gears or something.

The skiff is parked below the two-floor warehouse Shitstreak talked about. Looks like there's a guard leaning against the wall outside the door, focused more on a phone he's tapping on than the hubbub below him.
>>
No. 256115 ID: e973f4

>>256107
Hmmmmmm.

Any other ways in, as long as the guard isn't looking at you?
>>
No. 256123 ID: a09a03

Look for a window you can enter with a ladder or from a fire escape without being quickly spotted.
>>
No. 256142 ID: 4f6e37
File 128970815829.png - (81.97KB , 800x600 , 33.png )
256142

There are no other doors that aren't rusted shut and boarded closed from lack of use. There's windows on the second floor that are open or breakable, but Sofiya's not entirely sure how to get up there, especially without a ladder. These old factories relied more on foldable shutter ladders held up on the second floor for fire safety, and fire escapes are unfortunately absent from the walls.
>>
No. 256149 ID: e3f578

I see a bunch of ramps for flying cars through. Do any walls on the second floor look weak enough to fly right through it if your push the pedal to the metal? There's bound to be a few cars the gangsters use nearby that Aldo could steal so we don't have to wreck Elenas.

Flying cars through walls are usually the best improvised plans without floorplans or patrol routes. It's statistically proven in fictionland.
>>
No. 256154 ID: e973f4

>>256149
This sounds totally insane.

I'm gonna have to put in a vote for it.
>>
No. 256156 ID: e3f578

Actually I realize how ineffectual that plan would be. We need to drive a skiff through the building.
>>
No. 256160 ID: 4f6e37
File 128971057477.png - (218.92KB , 800x600 , 34.png )
256160

They could ram a car through the wall.
What? That's... what?
There's ramps and stuff. No way to get a skiff up from the desert floor or anything but they totally could ram a car through the wall. Sofiya's the one who wants to be an action hero. Aldo just wants to help her follow her dreams.
Even if they found a car and that did work and they DID get in, they've just rammed a car into a warehouse with eight armed guards inside.
Yeah, but they've got the drop on them if they do this. And if there's anyone Aldo can trust next to him in a fight to the death, it's you, sugar.
Aww, Aldo...
Even if you're the whole fucking reason he's fighting in the first place, you crazy broad.

Sofiya looks up the ramp. She is still no where near sure about this plan.
While Aldo heads over to one of the pit guys. "Do you folks have any cars allowed down here?" he asks.
"Not really, sir," says the man. "Only motorized vehicles are carts we use for tugging the heavier stuff. Cars are a bit unwieldy. If you need to park somewhere there's a parking lot nearby up above."
"How fast do those carts go?"
"Uhh," says the pit guy. "Why?"
"Just wondering."
"I don't know. Fast enough."

>>
No. 256161 ID: 97f72c

Go down and get a closer look at the skiff and the people staffing it. Maybe there is something there you could use as a distraction?
>>
No. 256165 ID: 701a19

>>256160
If you drive in then I don't think he'll be able to stop you.
However, be smart about this crazy plan: Don't be IN the car while it's smashing through the wall. Instead, fill the car with flammable liquids that happen to actually be on fire and ram that through the wall when you are nowhere near it.
Then while they are distracted you sneak in through the back and smuggle Henry out.

Or, at least, that would be the way you would have done things if the thug had sent you to the right address. Might want to check on that before making a ruckus.
>>
No. 256517 ID: 4f6e37
File 128979650321.png - (117.94KB , 800x600 , 35.png )
256517

>>256165
Probably the right place, unless you can think up another reason one of Andri's goons would be hanging around the door.
There is no back to sneak into. But yeah, they probably don't have to be in the car when it bursts through the wall. That would be in fact a bad idea, seeing as it's a solid-looking brick wall.
Sofiya heads off to go check out the parking lot and see if there are any cars left unsupervised. She finds one or two likely prospects. Aldo's the one who knows how to hot wire them with that metal magic of his.

Aldo is down at the station still talking to the skiff guys, while scoping the area out for a possible distraction. Nothing besides the big skiff itself but five or six guys and a couple women in jumpsuits. They've got a few carts on wheels, about big enough for you to fit inside if you curl up and filled with the various tools of the trade. One's leaned a ladder against the skiff and is up on top, futzing with the sails. The others are mostly hammering out dings or cleaning.
"What're you guys doing to her, anyway?" says Aldo, gesturing to the skiff.
"Just a straight up maintenance check," says the young mechanic he's talking to. "Like make sure the parts don't fall off on the return trip to Anchorturn, hose her off, that sort of thing. Why?"
"I'm a bit interested in these things," says Aldo. Sort of true. He worked as a chef on one for a while while he was avoiding a PI. That was moderately interesting. "Is there anything awry?"
"Not much," says the mechanic. "The aft canvas rudder's got a bit of a hole punched in it from a rock or something. The whole thing lists a bit to the left now, and there ain't much scrap metal to patch it, so we need to go hunting. Normally we'd just grab some from that old warehouse up there, we have for years, but there's these guys up there now give us dirty looks whenever we go near the place." He pulls a metal thingy out of his cart. "Bet they're crooks or something."
"Jerome, no saying anything bad about the neighbors," says a mechanic nearby, polishing the front cab. "Not when they may be in earshot, anyway," she mutters.

>>
No. 256523 ID: e973f4

>>256517
Is that distrust on these guys' part that I hear?

Man, I'm almost tempted to try to ask these guys for anything they might know or might be able to offer, in a rather discreet fashion.
>>
No. 256531 ID: e3f578

>>256517
"I'm about to blow up that warehouse's entrance with a car. Do you want me to get anything for you while I'm at it? Some eggs, a galleon of milk, a few transistors or a 6-pack? In exchange for some information on these guys, or... hell a better way in? A car is still going to blow up though, fun fireworks. Maybe I'll just nuke their cars in the parking lot to draw 'em out, what do you think?"
>>
No. 256534 ID: 701a19

>>256517
"So, who's skiff is this, anyway?"

Screw jacking a car, can you imagine THIS thing busting through the wall?
>>
No. 256537 ID: e3f578

>>256534
We've covered that option already. It's fixed to the desert floor
>>
No. 257243 ID: 4f6e37
File 128996944336.png - (73.91KB , 800x600 , 36.png )
257243

Sofiya singles out the biggest car in the place and hangs by it, waiting for Aldo to make his decision.

"That almost sounds like distrust on your part," says Aldo.
"Really?" says the woman, innoncently. "What gave you that impression?"
"Have you even gone near the place?"
"Not since they moved in. We've been a bit too nervous to ask to go inside for scrap."
"If I told you I was here to take care of those gentlemen, how would you feel?" asks Aldo.
"Take care of them how?" says the young one.
"A fast-moving car and a hole in the wall may be involved," says Aldo.
"Well, I for one would wish you good luck and go hide," says the kid, nervously gripping his gadget. "Is that what you're going to do? Should I leave?"
"Got any information to help me with?" asks Aldo.
"Should I leave?" the kid repeats, nervously.
"Hold on now," says Aldo. "I just need to know who or what you saw in or around that building. Info, yeah?"
"Uh," says the kid. "There's this really nasty looking furlesian one, and there's also this one with like scars all over who carries a sword thing with him wherever he goes."
"A sword thing?"
"A skinny dueling sword thing," says the kid. "Like a raper."
"Rapier, hon," corrects the woman, patiently. "Look, mister, is there anything we can do for you? If you're about to do something stupid tell us right now so we can go, okay?"

>>
No. 257438 ID: 394f1e

hmmmm, yeah, tell them to all get in the skiff, should be safe enough for them in there.
>>
No. 257440 ID: 2044df

>>257438

Sure, this. Why the hell not.
>>
No. 257449 ID: d677cc

>>257243
"Yeah, we're probably about to do something stupid."
>>
No. 257451 ID: a09a03

"That's probably a good idea."
>>
No. 257623 ID: 4f6e37
File 129006176592.png - (65.01KB , 800x600 , 37.png )
257623

"Probably a good idea," says Aldo.
"So what, you're cops or something?" says the woman.
"We're certainly something," mutters Aldo. "Keep you and yours safe now, hear?" He marches off to go find Sofiya.


Sofiya is standing in front of the biggest thing she can find, which happens to be a delivery truck. Aldo catches sight of her and walks over.

"'Give Pizza Chance'", he says. "There's a sort of cosmic irony there you have to appreciate. Sort of."
"I'll appreciate the fuck out of it if it giveth uth a chanth to thurvive," says Sofiya. "Tho are you going to hotwire thith now?"
>>
No. 257625 ID: 4f6e37
File 129006184087.png - (221.22KB , 800x600 , 38.png )
257625

"Hotwire it, fuse the accelerator to the floor, and get out of the way," says Aldo. "We don't want to be in the car when it goes through the wall, I'm telling you."
"Tho we're really going through with thith?" says Sofiya.
"Unless you have any better ideas, yes, we are," says Aldo. "So I have two plans circling the dome. We could just plow it straight through the fence and hit the building from the side. That would cause a nice big hole and all (if the fence doesn't slow us down so much that we can't get all the way through). Or..." he taps his forehead, "we could drive it down to the platform, then launch it up one of those ramps and right through the wall. That way we wouldn't have a fence or anything in our way and we'd get airborne smack dab into the wall. The problem is that guard might see it coming if we went right from straight forward and weren't fast enough, and if we don't aim right it could just fall off the ramp and then we're fucked. So safe -well, safe for a given definition of the word- and boring, or destructive and flashy?"
>>
No. 257674 ID: a09a03
File 129007181476.jpg - (35.62KB , 196x300 , socool.jpg )
257674

Destructive and flashy
>>
No. 257684 ID: 9b7e5c

Safe. Too much can go wrong.
>>
No. 257690 ID: e3f578

I have developed a plan B. We are pizza deliverymen and someone seems to have ordered 50 pizzas. SOMEBODY has to pay for these.

It leads to sex so it's pretty safe AND exciting
>>
No. 257729 ID: 698a22

Safe is for the police. We are not, as such, the police.
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