Session Start: Sat Jun 12 15:31:18 2004 Last time, on Hunters: Princess Sakura dropped by the agency to chat about things - the last mission, Lady Hardhat, the rapist Lord, and where some of the intel was coming from. And oh yeah - that Princess Squeegee would be stopping by with some sort of task for the team. Afterwards, Rinada and Leena put in requests for firearms - Sakura said yes, of course, but they may be a little while in coming. The team waited all week for Squeegee to call... and Maya's phone finally rang Saturday morning. The Princess wanted to meet at the agency after school. [Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 1330 local time] [session start] * Minami arrives like an arriving person. * Taki shows up early, not really sure why she is though. * Lord_Darkmoon arrives right on time, with almost annoying punctuality. He's wearing his school uniform under a winter jacket, leather gloves, and a carefully neutral expression. * Secretary waves to Minami and Taki as they arrive. She is sitting almost at attention behind her desk. * Maya made absolutely sure to get there well before time, and to have all the reports and such handy, to boot. She's looking better, if a bit worn down. * Minami waves to the Secretary. ... I will learn to hate math, one day. * Taki already changed out of her uniform into her casual comfortable black clothes. * Minami also waves to everyone else! Good afternoon, Maya, Taki, Minami. * Lord_Darkmoon bows politely to everyone already there when he arrives. The Princess has already arrived. Please go back to join her. * Secretary doesn't even wink at Darkmoon. Figured as much. * Minami cricks her neck and holds open the door. * Taki gives a general "Yo" to everyone around. * Lord_Darkmoon nods acknowledgement, and thanks Mina for holding the door as he walks on back. Alrighty... and thanks. Off to see the Princess, it seems. * Secretary does not follow the team in. * Maya waves to the Secretary, then nods to Minami as well. "Heh, thanks." * Minami nods back. * Taki trails the group in, looking extra mopey just for the princess. * Minami enters after everyone else gets in. * PrincessSqueegee is transformed, but wearing a long, narrow dress of heavy dark-brown material. She is sitting at the computer, and poking through some documents. * Taki takes up her spot in the corner, leaning against the wall, eyes down on the floor. * Lord_Darkmoon executes a formal bow from the waist. "Princess Squeegee," he says by way of greeting with perfect formality. * PrincessSqueegee nods absently at Darkmoon. * Maya nods and smiles at Squeegee, shuffling the mess-o-reports she's holding. "Good day. How have you been?" Maya, come here. ... ah, right. * Maya walks over. There goes the smile. * Minami bows, as she's already changed out of school clothes and therefore not wearing a skirt. Then she takes an opposite corner to Taki and leans casually against the wall. * PrincessSqueegee is looking at the after-action reports from the last mission. I see here that you described rather a lot of injuries in the Deer incident. That's not abnormal I guess, especially since you were outnumbered... * Lord_Darkmoon stands in his usual location, eyes fixed on the Princess. * Minami winces and goes very blank. As far as was reported, she was badly injured, yes. But in the expensing forms, I don't see any line items for clothing repair or replacement. Do you folks not bleed? No, no, I mean injuries to your team. * Taki reflexively touches the stitched X on the back of her coat. Deer was transformed and in uni - not a problem. ... ah. I apologize for omitting those... I think I have all the receipts and whatnot, so I can have that edited. My apologies. * Maya looks back at the others in a 'please tell me you gave me everything' manner for a moment. * PrincessSqueegee eyes Maya. "...good. At least you're not being stupid and trying to cover those costs out of pocket." * Lord_Darkmoon 's face relaxes into a semi-smile, semi-smirk for a moment as he nods to Maya, then returns to his carefully neutral one when he returns his gaze to the Princess. * Minami looks back in a "as far as I know" manner. * Maya doesn't exactly wilt under Squeegee's gaze, but she looks a tad nervous. * Taki looks down and mumbles something faintly. Just so we understand each other. You have a very, very large budget here. * Maya just nods, leaving the talking to Squeegee for now. But things have to be turned in promptly, and they need to be accurate. I have to worry about cash flow. Her Majesty will be very unhappy if things don't work smoothly. All right? Of course. I'll make sure to remember that from now on. Of course you will. * PrincessSqueegee turns to the wider group and stands... and looks around. Where's that hammer girl? Leena is... somewhere. Why do I have a feeling I don't want to be her right now? * Maya tries not to look amused, and succeeds somewhat. She needs to have a little more respect. When you see her, tell her that the next time she comes to my attention, I'll be arranging for her to spend a week off of school. At the palace. * Minami winces, then goes back to looking blank and invisible. * Lord_Darkmoon , having no information to impart, does not reply. He just keeps his unwavering gaze on the Princess. * Taki silently fumes. * Maya winces as well, but keeps it in check. "She does have a bit of a problem in that regard, yes. I'll let her know you said that." But I didn't come here to scold your team. I need you for some courier work this evening. * Maya does a fine job of not looking off-put. "Something important, I'm assuming?" * Lord_Darkmoon almost visibly bites his tongue. It shouldn't be dangerous, but it is just dicey enough that I think you should go as a group. For... political reasons, we can't send a Princess, and this team has kept secrets fairly well. So. * Taki fumes harder. It is important. Believe me, it is important. ...but I can't tell you why. * Minami remains blank. Blankity blank blank! * Maya makes a slight face, but doesn't look upset or anything. She doesn't *look* it, mind. "Political reasons... ah. Well... I guess it's a matter of what, when and where." Mmm. We must make an appearance, but we do not want to make too *much* of appearance, lest we lose face. So. I need you to head over to the south side of Edogawa and meet with someone there. * PrincessSqueegee holds a printed sheet of directions and maps to Maya. * Maya takes the sheet and such, two-handed. * Minami lets a raised eyebrow escape her. "Do we at least get to know who we're dealing with?" ...no. You will meet a man who goes by the street name of "Flip". One of you - just one of you - will transform in front of him. I think it's probably best that we don't know. * Lord_Darkmoon raises an eyebrow at the transforming instruction. "Unusual." Yes. He is... he represents... an ally. * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes narrow. "An 'ally'." * Maya opens her mouth to say something, but doesn't say it, brow furrowing. If you want to disguise yourself to meet with him to keep your identity secret, that is fine - what is critical is that he sees you transform. I see. He will, in turn, give you an envelope or a small package. This is to be delivered immediately to the Palace. You may not hand it off to anyone but Sakura, the Queen, or I. I assume we bri---right. He will be waiting for you at 15:45 - don't be late. ... today? * Maya blinks twice. * PrincessSqueegee smiles winningly. "There, that's not so hard, is it? Any questions?" Yes, today. You have... two hours to get there. Shouldn't be too hard. Then we should be getting ready... the only matter there really should be is who transforms. Me? It really doesn't matter. * Minami nods. Darkmoon. Does that tessen of yours work on people who are untransformed? ...whoever transforms should be able to act as your spokesperson for whatever conversation he starts. ...which should be essentially none. * Minami nods again, still looking at Darkmoon. * Lord_Darkmoon looks to Minami. "It works for any magical person. I use it in both states. If you recall, Leena and Princess played with it during the Disney trip, as well, untransformed." * Taki stares quietly at the ground. Not really acknowledging the fact that there's a discussion going on around her. Only works on clothing? More or less. The definition seems...loose, but it couldn't change your face. Might be able to do makeup, though, if you want that sort of disguise. Mm. I suppose that... works. The faster we take of this, the better. Of course, my Lady. Right. * PrincessSqueegee pulls a fur coat off the arm of the couch. And of course, this is all to be kept in total confidence. * Lord_Darkmoon goes and opens the door for the Princess. Can't be ungentlemanly now, can we? 'Sides, it gets her out quicker, maybe. Of course, Princess. Of course. If Sakura asks you about it, you may tell her, but that's it. Mmm-hmm. Understood. Very well then. I will get out of your way. * PrincessSqueegee slides into her coat and strides out through the front door. * Lord_Darkmoon bows formally, and closes the door behind her. * Secretary sidles back into the living quarters. ... mn. ...so. I imagine you can't tell me about it? * Maya waits for Squeegee to get well out of earshot, then exhales loudly. Not a drop, no. * Lord_Darkmoon 's face relaxes just a bit as he resumes standing in his usual spot. "Good riddance," he says sotto voice, winking to the Ladies. Drat. * Taki mumbles something rather obscene about the princess. * Secretary finds her purse and walks back out. "I'll just go shopping, then." Have fun! Heh! I like your style. ^^ * Minami doesn't wink back at Darkmoon, and turns to Maya. "So, shall we get going?" We better. The sooner we're done, the better I'll feel. *** Secretary is now known as NPC2 Mm. It may be prudent for you to decide who is to act as spokeswoman before we go, Maya. I will relinquish my Tessen to her, if she so desires, for this mission. We should be as prepared as possible when we meet this...'Flip'. * Taki grumbles and heads out the door. "Let's just go..." I... hm. Anyone actually wants to do this? If not, I will. * Minami frowns a little. "I wish Squeegee could have told us just how much of an 'ally' this guy is. I'm not sure how far we're supposed to trust him." * Minami shrugs. "If you like...not sure how much it matters." I'd prefer not to know anything. It's probably for the best. I just worry whether it could affect us, later on. "What you don't know, can't hurt you?" *shakes his head* Sadly, that philosophy is a dangerous lie in politics such as these. * Taki waits out front for everyone to finish talking and come out. It is, but we might be even more hurt for knowing even the tiniest bit. If it's... this high-up, we're pretty much damned either way. So let's just go. * Minami thought they were walking and talking. Oops. ^^ Right. * Minami walks. * Lord_Darkmoon gets the doors. * Taki trails far behind the group as the exit the building. ...maybe I should have stopped by home to pick up Aka and Tsubasa. *sigh* Oh, well. I shouldn't think we'd need them for something like this. True. * Maya gets to moving as well. "Meh... just a quick in and out. Nothing more. I'll do the lack of talking." * Minami walks along in her long jacket, obviously thinking about something. Mm. The map and instructions indicate that the team needs to go to Edogawa - a relatively unsavory district just past the docks on the far north tip of the Bay. Very well. Do you wish to borrow the Tessen for a disguise, Maya? A cloak at the very least would probably be a good idea. I think I'll be fine without it, Rinada. But thank you. Are you sure? ... *looks concerned, but doesn't argue* The train station is busy when they walk in. It's Saturday afternoon, and all the kids and families are going out to have fun! Whee! I'm just worried, that's all. Rinada, mind if I borrow it? * Taki avoids the children and their cuteness as best she can. I'm worried as well, but I guess I might as well not bother hiding if this is a once-and-never-again thing. * Maya notes the kids offhandedly, watching them from time to time. Not at all. Just please be careful with it. *hands the black- silk iron-ribbed folded fan over to Minami* The train into and through downtown is jammed, and the team is packed in like sardines. We don't know who he is outside that cover. He could be anyone. He could be someone we see every day. Just because he asked to meet there doesn't mean he's from there. * Minami nods to Darkmoon. "Thank you." Very true. And you are welcome. * Taki looks very unhappy to be so close to so many people. Or in fact any people. ... I know, I know. But... mn. It only works with clothes anyway, and if he's going to see the other me, it probably won't matter much anyway. Just get something with a hood, that's all. The train rolls out, and the team is en route! If they aren't crushed to death on the way. * Minami finds a convenient place to use the tessen to make it look like she just shrugged on a long, black, heavy winter coat. With hood. It gets worse as they get closer to downtown, then in a matter of just three stops the train almost entirely empties. * Minami waits for that before doing that, then. <.< ... a hood works, sure. May I? * Minami nods and hands the tessen over. * Maya takes it and works the old magic. No star motif this time. * Minami then pulls the hood up over her face and leans back, showing her rendition of the Taki motif. * Taki isn't impressed. :P The team rolls on for another half hour before reaching its final stop in Edogawa. * Minami , for greater accuracy, isn't trying to impress anyone, so that works out fine. * Maya is just... there. The mission might have her a bit... worried. It's not the hopeless blight that North Yokohama was, but it does give off an air of not being a safe place to visit. * Taki stays back and separate from the group, but keeps a careful eye on them in case of trouble. The train station faces into a shopping district... except that there seem to be a lot more young toughs just standing around than actual people shopping. * Minami flanks Maya, and manages to look somewhat tough herself. Your map leads back further into the district, into a mixed commercial section. You finally catch sight of the alley where the meet is supposed to happen. The team is ten minutes early. ... mmmn. I'm... not liking this. * Minami shrugs one-shoulderedly. * Maya looks around slowly, then back at the map. "Not in the slightest." Getting bad vibes? * Lord_Darkmoon eyes the toughs calmly as they walk by the various groups. "This is not a good part of town, if I may state the obvious. Most likely, there is a reason so seedy a neighborhood was chosen for this rendezvous." Sort of, but I could just be nervous. There are probably multiple reasons. Ah. * Taki takes up a spot outside the alley, leaning casually against a wall. There is no need for nerves. We are well protected. Though wariness is probably a good idea. * Minami remains flanking Maya. Taki can be the outer-perimeter girl this time. It is, but... * Maya shuts up and waits, shuffling a little on her feet. What is it, Maya? You see a man with slightly-ratty hair but a crisp black shirt and black tie casually stride into the alley. * Maya notes the man, nodding to the others in his direction. * Minami nods back. * Lord_Darkmoon takes up the position to Maya's other side, completing the image of a young lady with bodyguards. He looks over this well-dressed man with an unreadable expression. * Maya approaches said man, giving him a thrice-over, not saying anything. * Minami follows! * Lord_Darkmoon follows. As they get closer, they can see crimson tattoos peeking out around the cuffs of his shirt. He is leaning against a wall, watching the group with his eyes, but not reacting to their presence yet. * Taki keeps an eye out for anyone else who looks like they're watching or with the guy. * Maya gets within casual speaking range, noting the tattoos. For a moment, she just waits, hoping for a reaction. * Minami glances up now and then. Are you from Squeegee? * Lord_Darkmoon meets the man's eyes with his own, but does not speak. ... do you have a name? I'm known as Flip in some circles. * Minami glances at Maya. I see. You might want to shield your eyes. * Flip grins and slips on sunglasses. * Minami keeps a lookout. * Lord_Darkmoon takes a step away from Maya, giving her room to transform. His eyes do not leave Flip. * Maya wastes little time in doing as required, letting out a very muted "It's showtime!" in the process. It is good to meet you, Lady. * Flip bows. * LadyMysteria bows lightly in return. "Thank you." * Flip straightens, and for the first time appears a little nervous. Unfortunately, I can not give you the package you are expecting. ... why? * Minami crosses her arms and glares. ... * LadyMysteria frowns, the bubble-mask doing a good job of hiding her widened eyes. I am sorry, but my boss wants to meet with you - he said there are things that must be discussed. * LadyMysteria looks back at the others for a moment, then back to Flip. "I... see. How long will this take?" * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes narrow, and he flicks a glance at Mysteria. I do not know exactly, but he does have other things scheduled this evening, so it should not be long. You may bring your associates, of course. He said... that there are things the Queen needs to know. ... very well, then. * Minami frowns. "This wasn't in the arrangement." I do not like this, my Lady. Why doesn't Squeegee know about this...change in plans? You are right, it wasn't, and my boss apologizes for that. He would not have done this if he did not think it was necessary. We've still got to fulfill our part. And if we're going to have to make a detour... then we make a detour. This was arranged months in advance. It was decided long ago to keep contacts between our groups to a minimum. Uh-huh. If you would follow me? This isn't far. As you wish, my Lady. *looks darkly at Flip* A good policy, I think. This...break...with it will be worth it. *his tone indicates that that is almost a command, rather than an observation* * LadyMysteria looks back. "... we should get this over with." She then promptly transforms back to make for easier travelling. * Minami narrows her eyes, but says nothing. * Taki watches the group exit the alley and trails behind them. Keeping her distance and trying to look casual. * Flip edges out of the alley and looks around. Not seeing what he didn't want to see, he walks across the street and into a small bank building. * Minami lets Darkmoon continue flanking Maya and moves up ahead a little, instead. * Maya follows along, looking attentive as well, and a tad more nervous. There is virtually no one in the lobby, and only one teller visible to take care of any business. * Lord_Darkmoon does, indeed, continue flanking Maya, and keeps a wary eye on all surroundings. * Flip stops at a door by the counter and punches a short code into a keypad. The door clicks, and he pulls it open. * Minami waits for Flip to enter before going in, or letting anyone else go in. * Maya doesn't watch too intently, following along as directed. "... hm." * Lord_Darkmoon lays a hand on Maya's shoulder before she goes in. "After you, Sir," he says to Flip. * Taki follows the group inside. * Maya looks back at Rinada, smiles, then resumes a-walkin'. ... *follows Maya* *walks slightly ahead of Maya* * Flip looks surprised to see a fourth person in the group, but lets Taki through. It's just in the back here. * Taki heads through the door with the group, nodding at Flip as she passes. * Flip leads the team through mostly-empty office space, past a vault, and then stops at another code panel. * Taki keeps her eyes moving about the building, checking the security and such. * Minami checks those coded doors. Are they coded on both sides, or just for entry? There is no visible security in this part of the building, save for a number of video cameras. The doors appear to be set up to prevent access, not exit. This code is quite long, almost ten digits. Flip has to try it twice before getting it right. * Flip opens the door, allowing the team in. * Maya doesn't bother to watch it, too busy keeping her eyes peeled. * Minami takes a look inside first before letting Maya in. * Lord_Darkmoon stays with Maya, visible bodyguard, while Mina works point and Taki acts as rearguard. Nah, these teens ain't seen too many Yakuza movies, why do you ask? Where the outside rooms seemed to be a broken-down bank, the back rooms are a rich combination of living quarters and accountants' desks. (Young and Dangerous....oooh! *-*) ... not bad. The wallpaper is silk. The desks are hardwood. The chairs are imported. Everyone, even the number-crunchers look sharp and at least a little bit dangerous. * Taki continues staying apart from the group, keeping her eyes moving. * Maya looks back again, a bit more visibly worried. * Lord_Darkmoon seems to be working at maintaining his straight posture, almost as if he'd like to hunch over in a hulking posture more reminiscent of something animal. But he manages to keep straight. His hackles are definitely raised, though. * Minami checks doors. * Flip leads you into a side room, where two couches face each other across a low glass table. An older man is sitting on one couch with a 20ish woman who appears to be giving him a manicure. The man is just a little gaunt, and dressed in rich-looking traditional robes. Tattoos trace a fine pattern over his bald scalp. * Maya observes the man, and pauses. Just for a moment. Sir. I have brought her. * Flip bows, then turns and shuts the door, and comes to attention next to it. * Boss stands, pulling his hand away from his attendant. He looks closely at the group. * Lord_Darkmoon visibly relaxes upon taking in this scene. No less wary, but his posture assumes a more practiced ease. He looks about the room, then at the old, bald, tattooed man, and waits. He at least tries to give an imposing presence, hopefully reassuring Maya, as she's in the position of his "boss" at the moment. * Maya bows politely to the man, because she seems to be the woman of the moment, as it were. * Minami eyes the Boss just as closely. Hm hm hm. ...which one is she? Are you sure there is a Lady here? * Taki doesn't show how impressed she is with all this awesome Yakuza stuff. * Lord_Darkmoon allows the smallest of smirks at that comment. * Minami has moved back to her flanking position, by the way, and puts a hand on Maya's elbow to keep her from transforming. "He saw her transform>" It's the one in the middle. She transformed. It was unmistakable. ...then she detransformed. I see. Hm hmmmm. Indeed, that would be wise of her. Our kind have to be careful nowadays. * Boss bows deeply to Maya. May Her Majesty's reign be long, and may her enemies disappear into the deeps forever. * Minami just watches and waits. *waits * Maya smiles, just a little, and relaxes. "Thank you for allowing us to meet you personally. It says much of trust... maybe of the urgency of the matter, too." It is good that you were sent - it seems you have a full appreciation of the circumstances. * Boss sits back down, tenderly. * Maya nods, perhaps knowingly. "Flip said you had information that the Queen needs to hear. As one of her servants, I thank you for your aid, and shall do my best to relay whatever you have to her as quickly as possible." Hrrrm. Hm. Please, make yourself at ease. * Boss waves at the other couch. * Taki continues standing against the back wall. The girl sitting next to him finishes putting away her grooming tools in a small case, then sits erect with a completely blank look on her face. * Maya sits down after a quick nod, seemingly a bit more at ease on her rump. * Minami walks behind the couch and remains standing. * Lord_Darkmoon does the same as Minami, on the other flank of the couch. In the beginning, I admit, I was slow to appreciate the new order, but I have supported it in full these last four years. Most of my compatriots have done so as well. There have been some regrettable incidents, but it is understood that our level of control is not nearly so complete as Her Majesty's. I imagine we all want to see people's lives saved, no matter what path we travel in life. And... I understand. * Boss looks away from Maya's eyes. Unfortunately, not everyone sees things as we do. We've come to understand this on a very personal level. There have always been opposing elements, but before now they have not been serious. * Maya nods, slowly. Things are slipping out of our control - someone has arrived with a large amount of money, and is using it to subvert our organizations and even some of us. This new actor's only demand is that your interests be attacked. * Minami frowns. This would probably explain the level of professionalism we've seen before... how seriously has this spread? We quash these requests where we can. I could do nothing less for Her Majesty. But more of our associates are enticed by this, this... bounty. They can not know of our arrangement, and so they can not be easily dissuaded. It has not become an all-out hunt - indeed, the new actor appears to choose targets very carefully. But it has come to the point where whole groups will ignore our directives on this matter. * Maya makes a face. "Then there has to be a reason for the targeting. I'll look into that personally." Events are slipping out of our control, and soon I may be unable to provide even the fractional bits of information I have passed on in the past, simply because I will not have any information in time to do so. * Boss finally looks back at Maya. Not at all good. I imagine you're risking much just with this meeting, and I thank you for it. * Minami frowns more. * Lord_Darkmoon bends down and whispers something to Maya. ... hm. * Lord_Darkmoon straightens again, resuming his normal posture. * Maya looks directly at the Boss. "Do you have operatives within any of these cells?" Of course not - it would be a gross insult to infiltrate my compatriots' organizations. * Minami nods. Understood. My apologies for asking. * Minami snorts. * Maya bows from where she sits, which is a bit of a task. * Lord_Darkmoon tilts his head, consideringly. * Boss smiles wearily. I should not expect you to understand the rules of my world, any more than I understand the rules of yours. * Minami takes her turn to whisper to Maya, after the Boss finishes speaking. * Taki stands at attention, listening as best she can while lost in her own thoughts. Hm. As for our groups' arrangement... where does it stand right now with you? I imagine the present situation has changed much in terms of what you can and can't do. * Maya looks relaxed, the tension mostly gone. No, no, that will hold steady. Her Majesty is assured of our continued obeisance. * Maya nods. "You do not know how much any sort of help in this matter is appreciated." Those of us who can organize such things are of one mind in that regard. ...there is one more thing. Yes? Her Majesty should know that there seem to be two new players. Their groups are small, but they are disciplined, and they appear to be preparing to challenge her. * Maya leans forward, suddenly very attentive. "Is there anything in particular you know about these groups?" I do not know much of them - one seems to be of a traditional bent, an old clan that has found a new master. * Taki looks up a bit at that. That master seems to be the same one that has subverted our own. * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes narrow. ...but there is another. And I know nothing of them, save that they have some power over the police. They do not tolerate us, and in the few cases where we have met, they have won the field of battle. ... not good. * Maya looks down at her hands. "Police control could make for problems. Big problems." Those fields have then become a stage for attacks against Her Majesty. ...we will fight these newcomers, for ourselves and for her. You have my word. * Lord_Darkmoon whispers to Maya again. Thank you. We will do what we can. This battle simply has to be won. There's no other choice for us if we wish to survive. .... hm. Do you have anything pertaining to those 'fields' that we can bring back to the Queen? Hardly - but where these men rule, your Ladies die. * Boss stands. ... mmm. * Maya stands as well, slowly. * Minami forgets the whispering to Maya and just asks flatly. "What happened to the package?" I regret that such dire circumstances have required this meeting. Ah, yes, the delivery. * Maya looks at Minami for a moment. * Minami shrugs semi-apologetically. * Boss turns to the woman, who pulls an envelope from between folds in her skirt. Here it is. We have adjusted it to compensate for our... failures. The woman extends it to Maya. * Maya approaches and takes it two-handed, with a nod and a slight smile. "Thank you." The envelop has some papers and a thumb-sized lump in it. Or at least that what it feels like to Maya. * Maya doesn't make any sort of face upon noticing the lump. Again, I thank you deeply, on behalf of the Queen. We are but her faithful servants. * Boss bows once more, then straightens abruptly as there is a massive *THUMP* from upstairs. ... I assume that's unexpected. * Minami frowns and edges closer to Maya. My Lady, my Tessen, please. * Flip turns and throws the door open, drawing a well-concealed automatic pistol as he does so. * Taki looks around cautiously. The accountants are frantically piling papers into wall safes, and well- dressed goons are racing for the gun rack. * Taki peeks out the door trying to see what's going on. * Maya hands it back, frowning. * Flip steps out into the main room just in time for a second explosion to drop half the ceiling of the room onto him. *WHAM* ...FUCK. [end session]