13082/Shadow X: Hidden Tracks

Shadow X: Hidden Tracks
Date of Scene:	15 October 2022
Location:	Abandonned Subway - New York
Synopsis:	No description
Cast of Characters:	Artemis Crock, Monet St. Croix, Natasha Cranston

---

Artemis Crock has posed:
Early evening and the sun is just setting outside, casting eerie shadows in whatever cracks allow light to creep in from above the dilapidated piece of Abandonned subway in New York. There were rumours abound that this was a 'safe place' for mutants to hang out and practice their abilities. To make friends, establish networks and find a place where they could belong.

Their last hideout had supposedly been 'attacked' by 'terrorists' and set on fire, sending people fleeing. But of course a lot of unexplained things happened that night and the truth was left up in the air.

It hadn't been enough to deter more mutants to come out, encouraged by heresay, rumours and flyers that were carefully dispersed in the underground, inviting mutants to the Abandonned train station. It is set up rather elaborately, like an obstacle course and training room rolled into one. There's an old Abandonned train car on the tracks where people hang out with a bonfire and snacks, an old boom box playing on a table set up near the back, disco lights reflecting off the walls, a climbing wall, punching bags, climbing rings, workout mats.

People are enjoying themselves, mostly teens, usually scared angry frightened teens. But-here they are relaxed, happy. Totally oblivious to the men in black suits and shades that stalk the perimeter, surely 'for their own protection.' and in the observation room a floor above, someone else watches, apparently the boss of this outfit.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet had been part of a group tracking them for awhile. Unfortunately, when they were discovered, it meant that there was little time. Merely putting in a call for reinforcements, then going in with whomever is available - whether or not anyone would hear it and get there in time. So it meant going in without necessarily any backup. Which was no problem. she was perfect and all powerful, aftera ll.

She was going in sweeping mentally, attempting to get as best an idea as hse could as to the whereabouts of anyone hostile. M was going in quietly, attempting to use the warehouses and things in the background as cover. Her outfit darker to help her lbend in, and a hood over her head. A long cloak to help her press in and hopefully not be noticed.

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    A pattern of kidnappings, making the community band together for mutual safety. Destruction of their secure safe house, prompting them to move to an alternate location on a promise of safety.

    Vernon isn't nearly the detective his nebulous employer is, but he's had enough hard knocks that he doesn't quite trust a gift horse like this - especially after he was informed that he shouldn't tell anyone where he was going "for his safety".

    Getting some privacy to place a clandestine call took a bit of sneakery, but at least now The Shadow Knows."

    Natasha hasn't had quite as much time to familiarize herself with the forgotten passages of New York's underground, but her grandfather's maps were quite helpful. She's currently moving in the darkness, stalking the 'security perimeter' and getting a feel for just how many there are...

Artemis Crock has posed:
There are a lot of people here, a lot of minds to sift through. But Monet is no amateur of course. She is an Xman Afterall. And while most thoughts are of excitement, maybe a little fear, it's those suits in black that catch more attention, their thoughts hostile, cynical, smirking as they eyes the mutants like stock, little cattle to be slaughtered..

Oh but there's so much more going on here, they watch the teens intently as they so openly display their powers in the obstacle course, one is very agile, very quick on her feet, effortlessly spinning, twirling, flipping, landing like a cat on her feet, gracefully..Another is a tall thin boy whose body stretches, sliding up the climbing wall effortlessly like liquid.

There are others, and the black suits pat more attention to those with real talent, mostly ignoring the ones with less useful skills. But of course, they *need* them for something. But what? The shadowy figure observing in the room upstairs, her thoughts are clouded, hard to read. She turns and stares at M through the glass window, one of her eyes flashing bright red, a slight smirk on her lips. Does she know she's a telepath?

Then there's the blonde girl, hair pulled back in a long ponytail. She steps past M, not a mutant, but no less determined. Seems she's here to..Stir up trouble, to rescue these people who 'don't need rescuing'. she smiles at Monet, nodding to Vernon too, seemingly sizing them up thoughtfully. "Great party this." she comments casually.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet has picked up that Vernon is sneaking about like she is, and there's a frown on her face. Lovely. Another unknown factor. But one to deal with later unless they turn hostile. She memorizes where he is, and only goes for a quick scan of his surface thoughts over. And lovely, more things. Monet's enhanced hearing goes to pick up the girl commenting to herself over and she lets out a growl. Does the other girl -have- to monologue? Talk about a lack of professionalism..

Then Monet hisses again while seeing the red flashes of eyes and lets out a groan. This is getting better and better. How many are here that aren't even bothering to try and get themselves in quietly?

Monet goes to slowly crack her fists together at the ones approaching her. "I'm here to save them. And if you get in my way you'll be the ones that will be put in traction." She would hiss.

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    Vernon looks decidedly nervous under Monet's attention, although that could just be for perfectly mundane reasons. "Yeah... Kinda," he allows to the blonde girl. "I kinda miss the old place, though. It may not have been much, but it had roots, y'know?"

    He gets slightly more nervous at Monet's sudden declaration. "... You think there's something here we need savin' from?" he asks, looking around anxiously.

    Out on the perimeter, Natasha shadows one of the black suits, close enough to overhear anything they might discuss over radio.

Artemis Crock has posed:
Artemis Crock arches a brow at Vernon, "Oh? You were at the dance party? Shame it caught on fire. Wonder what started that even?" oh she's totally oblivious, except that she isn't '. She knows more than she's letting on, with that smooth smile and nod as she offers a hand, "My name's Artia. Who're you guys?"

But it seems the other girl here has other intentions, and her comment does earn a raised brow from Artia, although she no in the least bit intimidated. "You're here to help? So am I..But to do that, we need to play their game to get to the people in power..Show em what we can do so we're..Selected. Are you with me?"

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would go to get her hands together and let out a sigh, "Very -well- if we need to lower ourselves to such patheticness.. Is there no reason we can't sipmly locate those in power and beat them into giving themselves up?" She wasn't fond of having to play the simpering rat. "I can hopefully locate them. And I am M." Real helpful there over!
    Glancing over at Vernon, "And you're here to play for someone else, aren't you? I'd suggest you keep your head down."

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    "... Vern," Vernon replies, shaking the proferred hand. "Yeah, the party was great until the fire and the screaming started. Hoping that's not how today ends."

    He stares a little more worriedly at the other girl's comment. ".. Wait. 'Selected' ? What's going on?"

    He starts sweating a bit more profusely at Monet's accusation. "Huh? What do you--? I mean... I'm just here because I don't want any trouble..."

Artemis Crock has posed:
Artemis Crock arches a brow at 'M'. "So what, that some kinda codename?" she smirks, "Well then, nice to meet you..M..Vernon.." M's comment causes her dark eyes to twinkle with amusement. "Trust me, if it were that simple, I would have just come in here guns blazing before. But, if we're gonna rescue the others being held, we need to show off, so we will be selected as prime mutants to be taken upstairs, to meet..Her.." she glances skywards, towards the figure behind the dusky glass who observes everything.

"She's planning..Something..With those specially selected, and last time she managed to escape with a few of them. I need to know why. The rest?" she just shakes her head, "Those guys in black, they're fully loaded with weaponry and other mutant suppressing devices. So if you want in, you gotta play the game. Show off your mutant powers, attract their attention, they will take you to the others, and to her."

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would just glare over at Arty but groan, "Very well." This will be humiliating.. But, there's no one here over that will witness it other than this blonde. she would lgance at Vernon, "You're a horrid liar. Get out of here. This isn't your place and you'll put yourself in needless danger." She's being polite here rather than belitlting. "Get over to cover and then bow out when this display is ongoing and you have some cover."
    She would smile over at Artemis, "I'm not a mutant, if that's what you're asking." That's a lie, but an extremely good one. She needed a bit of denial over for herself after all. "And since you feel this is the only way.."

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    Vernon glares at Monet, more out of stung pride than any actual inaccuracies in her assessment, and there's no real heat in it. "... Yeah. Fine. I'll stay out of the way. Just... Be careful, okay? If this is as slimy as you're saying it is, you might need some backup..."

Artemis Crock has posed:
Artemis Crock rolls her eyes at Monet and shorts, "Tch, gimme a break, you say you're not a mutant but you look like you're itching for a fight..And you're so confident that you think you can assess the abilities of others, like Vernon here?" she laughs and shrugs as she sizes the guy up..Maybe she's right but.

"Dont worry, you go do your thing, we'll be right behind you. I've got Vernon's back." she shoulders her backpack, glancing around as if assessing escape routes. But of course she's no helpless girl and has every intention of playing hero in her own way.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would shake her head over at Vernon, "Of course. Get yourself somewhere to cover and try an sneak out of here when you can. Report this to the Genoshan Embassy over in bushwick if you don't hear back from us>" That seems the best way to start.

She goes to let ou ta sigh over and then moves over. Going to upt up a telepathic spectacle of herself being over a small waif to anyone watching. Then she goes over towards the train car.. Well, well beyond her capability to lift. But instead she adds to her telepathic illusion, casually hoisting it up as the 'wait' but not even budging it.

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    With one last look back at Monet and Artemis, Vernon scurries off. Once he's somewhere reasonably private he sends a quick text to the Shadow.

    << Mutants being evaluated and 'selected' by ppl organizing this place. 3 planning to get into it to find out what happened to previous abductees. M among them. I think she made me. >>

    Natasha acknowledges the missive and considers for a moment, then drifts past the perimeter guards and finds a position to observe the 'tryouts'.

Artemis Crock has posed:
Artemis Crock nods to M and steps back, slipping into the shadows herself as she gets ready to change into costume. But by this time, a small crowd has gathered to watch M's seeming display of strength. No one yet has been strong enough to lift that train car. And while this may be a mere telepathic illusion, even then her skills of trickery are nothing to scoff at.

"Wow, look at that! Amazing! Think she will be chosen?"

There are all sorts of awed muttering. And then one of the men in black suits comes forward, nodding to her. "What is your name, Miss? Your skills are truly impressive.." his voice, his expression is a monotone, almost robotic as he extends an arm, "Madame Ruby has extended a special invitation to you and a select few others..We would like to make you a special offer."

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Going to release it, the 'waif' moves to make sure there's an impressive telepathic THUMP over to sound like teh huge mess was just dropped with ease. She doesn't have the skill to simultaneously put up a big cloud of dust with it or debris, but it's dark out and everyone isn't paying too much attention. So hopefully that's enough over to let it thwack on down and drop hard.

"And what sort of offer?" Monet as the 'waif' goes up timidly, looking like a terrified girl.

Artemis Crock has posed:
The black clad man smirks, "An offer of a very prestigious position among our ranks, a well paid job, status among your kind. Anything you could wish for. So what will it be? Ready to meet our boss? You'd better decide quickly, she has little patience." and there are so many others to pick of course.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
The waif nods over, "I.. I need it. Go ahead and take me along. Iwant it." she plays up the desperation in her body. Going to hold her stomach. "I.. I haven't eaten in days."

Artemis Crock has posed:
The man in black smiles wolfishly, rubbing his hands. "Excellent. Follow me." and if she notices, there are other black suits leading other similarly impressive mutants up the metal winding stairs that lead to the upper level. The steps look a bit unsturdy but that doesn't stop the eager Catgirl and slithery mutants from wanting a better life. The black suit talking to M will also lead her up the steps and into a waiting room.

Downstairs, Artia is nowhere to be seen. Artemis steps out, dressed in her green costume, still waiting in the shadows as her gaze sweeps over the area, searching for Vernon. Is he safe? Is he watching the exits, getting ready to usher people out if this gets ugly?

Monet St. Croix has posed:
The seeming waif would go along after the man. She whimpers timidly now over and moves to follow him along after. As soon as they're out of sight, she's going to try and braindrain him as much as possible. Going to try and rapidly pump up the melatonin levels in his brain if she can. This would make him sleepy, disoriented, and just sort of staggeredly going forwards then to let her follow him like a marionette.

And hopefully his brain all too open.

Artemis Crock has posed:
The black suit yawns a bit as he leads her to a room. "This way.." he sways unsteadily to his feet. But..Manages to stagger in, leading her to one of the plush chairs in the fancy room. "Take a seat.." he yawns again and as three more mutants come to join them, the other black suits peer at him curiously, "Hey, quit sleeping on the job, this is important!"

But of course his mind is like a book to M. she can hear some of his thoughts more clearly now, although his knowledge is limited. Madame Ruby wants these mutants'power for herself, that much is clear, and the lives of those downstairs dint count, they're to be eliminated as they are nit of use to the Mistress.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Well, now over to keep track of things. She's identified Madame Ruby, has what she needs from the puppet.. She lets him lead her along, playing up his state o fdazedness. He looks like he's just going over to do everything he has to and then goes to sit down with her.

The waif dangles off the chair, her ankles kicking back and forth, "Can you please bring me something to eat?"

Natasha Cranston has posed:
    While Monet picks through the man's brains, Vernon has found someplace a bit out of sight where he can fidget in private. His nerves are not at all soothed when a moment later the darkness seems to sprout eyes and a scarf.

    "Your report."

    Vernon somehow manages not to yelp. "... Geesh, what happened to a phone call?" he complains when he has his heartrate back under control.

    The Shadow declines to reply, tilting their head slightly to prompt him. "... right. From what that one girl was saying there's some kind of tournament or exhibition going, and they're only 'selecting' the most promising ones. Whatever that means..."

    The Shadow remains silent while digesting this, then nods. "With the recent attacks they've been able to concentrate everyone even remotely promising in one location, and they're now sifting out the ones they want to keep." the figure concludes.

    Vernon considers this for a moment, then blanches. "... Somehow I don't think they're planning to let the rest go, are they?"

    "Most likely not. Too many questions. Too many potential witnesses who might miss the ones they keep."

    Another pause for thought, then a nod. "Get yourself into position and await my signal. I'll clear a path; you'll have to make sure people will use it to get out." With that, the figure fades again.

    "... You don't ask for much, do you?" Vernon mutters at the empty air, then looks over the larger room and sighs.

    Monet had the right of it. He's not a hero. He never set out to be an X-man. He just wanted to stay alive.

    ... But if he turned and ran now he'd be seeing some of these faces in his dreams for the rest of his life.

    He sighs, and goes to do as instructed.

Artemis Crock has posed:
"Food? Drink? Of course..Help yourselves..The Lady will be down in a moment!" the black suit grins wickedly, ushering in another black suit who sets a tray of cookies and cans of pop on the table. But what's this? Something in his mind screams danger! As he looks at the food with a knowing smile. Then with a snap of his fingers, he and the others turn and walk out of the room, locking the door behind them.

"Nice!" one of the mutants exclaims! making a grab for the cookies, another reaches for a pop drink, all three of them totally oblivious to any sort of impending danger..