15130/The Path of Progress -- A Sublime Time Pt. II

The Path of Progress -- A Sublime Time Pt. II
Date of Scene:	26 June 2023
Location:	Sublime Pharmaceuticals -- New York City
Synopsis:	Cable and company successfully infiltrate Sublime Pharmaceuticals, getting the necessary intel to hopefully take down the whole monster at once. But the head-honcho bows out of his scheduled appointment leaving the team still hunting the head of the snake.
Cast of Characters:	Cable, Monet St. Croix, Sally Pride, Tabitha Smith

---

Cable has posed:
Somehow, all of this feels just a little wrong. A little off-brand as it were.

Most of the time, Cable and the allies he gathers together have a pretty direct approach to problems. It is part of their charm. There is no hemming or hahing. No long debates over what sort of action should be taken. They pretty much walk into a situation and punch, kick, shoot, blast, or just generally blow up a problem until it is no longer moving. It is not the most subtle of approaches, but all in all it has a pretty high success rate.

Not today though. Today they are going for more of a targeted approach. Part of that is out of necessity. It's just hard to tell exactly what they're walking into here lacking good intel. Part of that is the abundance of potential innocent bystanders. Cable might be a little more willing to spill blood then some of his fellow mutants, but that doesn't make him completely indifferent to human life. Particularly human life that is not directly involved in whatever offense he is seeking to deal with.

So, today Nathan Summers and his team enter through the front doors of the office building for Sublime Pharmaceuticals. They pass through building security without incident and ushered directly to a bank of express elevators that will take them right up to the fortieth floor. Even Cable's metal arm and cybernetic eye hardly draws attention - or at least comment. It would seem that in this company at least, such things are almost expected. The dark suit and tie he wears might help of course, as does the briefcase he carries.

As the elevator doors slide shut in front of the small crew, the soldier from the future finally reaches up and tugs at the collar of his shirt a little irritably. "This had better be worth it," he mutters.

This outfit doesn't have anywhere near enough pouches to suit him and whatever arsenal he might have at his disposal must be small and subtle enough to fit in that case he carries at his side.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix is going along, festooned over in the gear of a bodyguard. She's nabbed some outfits that she's seen Elizabeth do variations over on when she's in 'I'm going to kill everyone' mode and adapted them to fit. It's not her usual style, but she has to play a role here. The role is being the enforcer for the very big man that she's with. Her eyes are over behind a set of sunglasses..

Which have been lightly modified to pickup data and scan things and pass it along to Cable's network to see what they can get an optic on. Monet is moving along at a steady clip, exactly one point six meters away from Cable at all times, adjusting her strides to keep such a consistent distance down to a centimeter or two the entire way. A very, very robotic strait.

Sally Pride has posed:
If one were to ask her Sally would agree with that slightly off-brand feeling. Typically she was all for the more forward, aggressive style Cable prefered. But she also agreed that they couldn't rush in blindly. There had to be some consideration of potential bystander lives, or they were no better than the very grim picture a lot of people tried to paint about mutants.

Fortunately, while likewise playing 'bodyguard' she didn't have to get all dressed up in a suit. Not that she wouldn't look good in one. But she opted for a jumpsuit, and a helmet that had been modified for her by Lizzy and Seymore to be a more angular flight helmet, very advanced looking. A bodyguard that doubled as a pilot, very useful for big important corperate people. And with her training as such Sally didn't feel too awkward in it, either.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
The rare moment Tabitha has to wear something not so loud and brightly colored. Or not one of her field uniforms. Amazingly not only does she have a pantsuit it fits pretty nicely. Black with silver vortical pinstripes, a blouse in pink just faded enough to almost be mistaken for white.

Some wedge heeled ankle boots on her feet help finish the look that would not be out of place in an office along with yellow tinted red framed cateeye lenses and her hair up in a bun struggling against the chopsticks pinning in it place. Easily more personal assistant than bodyguard.

She has just enough pockets for tools and other gear someone sneaking about might need, but it's easier to to move about like you own the place. Hiding in plain sight. <<Chill guys, just another day at the office.>> With her, Monet and Cable himself all on the psionic spectrum, managing communications without speaking is just a thought away even for Sally. <<You know if you wanted we can probably hook you up with an image inducer Sally.>> she also offers. <<Not that you should hide the dorbs look on a day to day. But spy shizzle might make it easier.>>

Cable has posed:
<<That's the one advantage of this particular undercover assignment. With this Sublime character being prominent in the Transhumanist movement looking something more then baseline human actually will help us sell our credentials. Hopefully,>> is Cable's telepathic reply. There is always the potential that this John Sublime has better intel on them then they have on him, but that seems unlikely. Certainly it was easy enough to arrange the meeting with the promise of several hundred millions in investment capital and an array of cybernetic technology as the sweetener.

So far, so good right?

The doors to the elevator slide open after their rapid ascent revealing a lavish waiting area beyond. There is the large reception desk of course, backlit by an illuminated version of the company logo while a trio of attractive young women are busy answering phones or answering questions. Comfortable, modern chairs are interspersed with the odd table and numerous monitors are mounted about the area, all of them seeming to tout the companies numerous products. More then one demonstrates that the Transhumanist movement is apparently embedded in the corporate affairs, as they outline various 'products' designed to help interested parties 'unlock their potential'.

No sooner do those doors open and they step off the elevator then a young man in an expensive suit rushes forward, a too big smile plastered on his face. "Ahhhh, Mr. Summers. Right on time. We're all so excited to meet you," he says, offering a hand and glancing around at Cable at the rest of his party. "My name is Davis Atkins and I am one of Mr. Sublime's executive assistants. I am to take you on a quick tour of the floor and answer any questions you have before you see Mr. Sublime," he offers up pleasantly.

It seems like the 'legend' Cable planted -- with the help of Greymalkin of course -- has done it's job.

"A pleasure Mr. Atkins. I've been looking forward to this for awhile now," the future soldier admits, hiding away the customary bite that might be in those words. "These are my assistants," he says, motioning towards Tabitha, Monet and Sally. Though only Tabby looks like she actually fits the role. Anyone with an ounce of sense should recognize that Monet and Sally might assist him -- but probably not by taking appointments or notes.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
And Monet goes to play up the very sort of unnatural way that she's moving. SHe's an enforcer, and she looks virtually robotic. Her breathing is minimal, her movements are precise. She goes to walk almost in perfect symmetry. She's very well got the uncanny valley of motion as she goes to sweep about. She goes to stand slightly to the right of Cable - again, that exact one point six meters, and goes to look at Mister Atkins. She is not going to make a snark over about his rather ridiculous diet. She wouldn't want to take away the fun that Tabitha might get.

Everything here seems fairly standard here. Layout, tout the products, awe anyone coming in and put them at ease. Monet goes to trace back and muses along the mental link <<How effectively corporate of them. It's like they completely franchised out their layout from a college catalogue. No effort at all to make it impressive>> They're here looking for kidnapped mutants that have been experimeted on, and here she is critiquing the office layout and presentation.

M's gonna M.

She retains her gaze over at MIster Atkins, then going to cross her arms in front of her. THe dark sunglasses are completely covering her eyes - she's styled them to make them cover the pupils. It enhances the effect. For the intimidation that she's going for. And that ever, ever unnatural way she moves.

Sally Pride has posed:
By this point Sally has worked with Cable and the ragtag crews that form around him to be use to the telepathic communications. Though she's not sure if 'adorbs' is what she would describe her usual appearances as. <<Most of my typical work doesn't require it,>> she replies with a mental chuckle. <<Right now, a little 'not quite human' helps us. But I didn't want us getting too many stares on the way into the core of the operation.>>

So far the elevator ride is uneventful. They're greeted by a corperate toadie while marketing plays around them. She does her best to not think too much about what's been going on in the shadows to make many of those products possible. Eyes forward, mind on the matter at hand.

She just gives a nod when indicated, curt and polite. Nothing to say. She'll play the strong silent type for the time being.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
The elevator trip does feel like it's taking forever. Tabby playing the part of bored but eager assistant to aplomb. Fingernails unpainted drumming against a tilted hip while she waits for the car to reach the intended floor.

<Hey, interiors design at corporate is like straight lucrative. They probably did pick a design out of a catalogue.>> she points out.

Blue eyes that almost look green behind the yellow tints looking about for floor plans. And maybe also checking out all the staff, not just the ladies at reception.

The blonde is in con mode so part of that is as much casing as it is playing a part. <<I'm like half expecting we don't have stares when we have security cameras go wild panning up and down over us so they can stare later.>> she adds while looking ever the attentive assistant.

Cable has posed:
\It would seem that if Mr. Atkins was hoping for a round of introductions, he's destined to be disappointed. It would appear that while Cable has subscribed to the necessity of a different approach for this particular part of the mission at large, small talk is not on the table. And while that seems to throw their welcoming party a little off his game -- at least initially -- his smile falters for only a moment before it plastered back in full force once more, beaming brightly at his guests.

"Well then, shall we?" Davis asks, waving towards the set of double doors that would appear to lead into the rest of the corporate offices. While he takes the lead, he measures his steps, always half-turning back to make sure the small group he's escorting is keeping pace, ready to answer any questions or fill in any blanks. "As I'm sure you are aware, Mr. Sublime is a self-made man who founded this company a little more than a decade ago. It has already risen to be a leader in the industry on the back of cutting edge research and a number of breathroughs, particularly in the area of human augmentation," he says as he leads the way into what looks to be a fairly typical office environment. While offices and meeting rooms appear to dominate the edge of the building -- and thus have all the views -- everything around them is of a more open plan and hums with activity.

<<If derivitive decorative choices prove to be their worst offense, I'll eat one of my guns,>> Cable thinks sardonically to the others. <<Monet, see if you can pick up any mutant signatures on site and if we can pinpoint the security or server areas. We'll want to get a tap on one or preferably both of those,>> he instructs telepathically. <<The rest of us should keep an eye out,>> he adds.

"I understand that your company mostly distributes your products through in-house clinics instead of selling to the medical community at large..." Cable says conversationally, gaze flickering about the floor.

There are in fact a pair of mutant signatures coming from on the floor, though unlike past encounters these do not appear to be drugged into an insensible state. They are calm and unruffled, feeling more like employees then anything else. If there are other mutant signatures on premises, they are much better hidden. Likewise the security and server rooms seem to be a little more difficult to pin down...

Monet St. Croix has posed:
And Monet has been paying attention very, very closely as she uses the assistant droning on as a cover to sweep the room. A quiet message is sent to Sally <<Can you smell or hear anything?>> Because she's the one with enhanced senses. Cable's far superior to M as a telepath and she's somewhat wary of scanning too deeply. A truly paranoid man will have telepathic suppressors installed where about he keeps himself after all. Presuming that he's even on site. The mutant minds..

That's not necessarily a surprise, but unwelcome. But they'd alread seen other mutants working with the Reavers ever so recently afte rall. So what was one more betrayal of your own kind with those about slicing and splicing them into bits?

Monet goes to stay quiet, moving to try and glance along some of the arrays of things being setup.

The lenses in her glasses go to quickly scan each workspace. Trying to skim over for anything viewable on screens, smartphones, the post its that have the passwords to the network.. Scanning for anything that the optics can quickly decipher and transcribe. Then the computer would quickly sort algorithmically, prioritize what was o fimmediate use, and run it in a background processor to continuously keep itself updated as M goes to look about for employees to see if there are any she recognizes.

Sally Pride has posed:
As the group walks Sally does as well, her stride just shy of being an actual march. But it is very precise, keeping pace with the group's movement at just behind and to the side of Cable and their escort. The flight helmet might give the feeling that she is always looking straight ahead, but really she's got plenty of view around her. She's studying where they go, where they been, getting details on build and infrastructure they didn't have before. So far only offices and meeting spaces... but doorways and tables can be useful for cover if a fire fight broke out. She doesn't see any signs of server access, but it only makes sense that would not be at such an exterior accessable location.

<<I was contently not thinking about that until you brought it up,>> Sally mentally grumbles. Being the freak cat person that does have a more humanoid build that many other mutagen subjects means she gets a lot of both kinds of staring at times.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Under normal circumstances an assistant would probably be taking all kinds of notes, or at least recording any discussions. She at least does her best to look like she's remembering everything. That's probably something Monet is better at with the whole 'perfect brain' compared to the years of scrambling that Tabby's was subjected to.

She at least can work the con and not look like she's casing a place. They may end up having to break in later on so little details about how to get in and out, where things like the bathrooms or break rooms are. How many layers of keycard or biometric security checks are need to get through areas they can sea. What kind of equipment is used at that.

All the while under the facade of the bubbly blonde. It's not that much of an effort but office girl is a far cry from nut job dangling herself from aircraft in flight to make chaff on the fly.

Cable has posed:
"That's exactly right," Davis beams as if Cable has just done something truly impressive. A puppy shaking it's first paw, perhaps. It's pretty hard not to roll one's eyes. "Our procedures are so bleeding edge that they require extremely well trained specialists to deliver so we almost exclusively work in-house, providing the product, the treatment and the aftercare. It does make our expenses a little higher then might be desired but it insures a certain measure of quality and makes sure the profits all stay in-house too," he says with a slight laugh. "And of course it helps keep our competitors from retro-engineering our advances quite so easily," he notes.

Call him paranoid, but Cable rather suspects that is the primary reason. Especially if some of their 'advances' are just harvesting body parts from mutants. Homo-Superior might not be all that popular, but it is likely that the authorities might have some small issue with them being kidnapped and carved up for spare parts.

"I see," Cable says conversationally. "So what exactly is your footprint?"

"We have a number of facilities of course. Most if the clinics are concentrated in the Northeast and West coast of course, though we are looking to expand. As Mr. Sublime has become increasingly well known for his promotion of the Transhumanist movement we've begun to move the dial of public acceptance of our proceedures," Davis say, continuing to beam. Clearly he has had some serious tooth-whitening done. One could go blind staring at that smile. "Beyond that of course we occupy five floors in this building. Largely our sales and marketing forces along with executives. This is of course the executive level and the four floors beneath us have the other departments including IT. Security is obviously located up here," he says, gesturing vaguely to the northeast corner of the building. "Our many research labs are out in our facility in New Jersey though. Much cheaper to outsource there then try to run the lab here in the city," he says with a laugh.

At least he's chatty. That's always helpful.

Security is a matter of interest of course, and while it is subtle it is clearly present. There are a number of small camera emplacements about the office, hardly noticable to anyone not used to looking for such things. But that won't be any of the 'guests' today. While access to the office seems to be available via a standard fob, it would seem that a number of offices are secured by more advanced bio-metric locs and security. And with the location of security made plain, it is also possible to note a few individuals scattered through the office -- seemingly in standard business attire. But also sporting suspicious gun bulges if one knows to look.

More troubling perhaps is the fact that not a hint of activity can be sensed from that northeast corner. There is definitely telepathic dampening tech at work, which in addition to potentially being inconvenient, also speaks to the level of resources available to Sublime and his followers.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Advanced technologically and somewhat paranoid on security. But still, telepathic shielding is relatively rare. Expensive.. And hard to setup. Much less that can at least deter high powered and skilled telepaths. That has M's attention in a rather wary way as she confirms it over with Cable. She would muse over lightly after a moment and considers.

<<If we could get access to one of those fobs for a moment could you replicate the sequencing pattern?>> It was still just a very highly advanced key. Information went in, it had to match close enough to the access permissions, and it would authorize. So if they could perhpas get one for just a second they might be able to replicate it. But again, that would require them to have something immediately here to pursue.

And armed. Definitely several armed about here. She would try to review what faces she could make out to try and match them to her eidetic memories of files on Friends of Humanity members. Looking through them for anyone. Or any government officials. Good to know hopefully if they had something to cross reference later.

But still, what sort of paranoid man built up telepathic buffers? She would then go to glance over at Cable, and consider <<SHould we ask him for a tour then? I have a sensation that he's stalling us. This is all rather boilerplate. He's giving generic information and nothing immediately useful that wouldn't be in a press briefing>>

Sally Pride has posed:
Only the lower portion of Sally's face is visible with the helmet on (though it's enough to give that slight not-just-human impression without fully revealing her more feline features) so she forces herself to keep a neutral expression. While mentally she's grimacing enough that the telepaths can probably feel it. She may not be a corperate person but she's been around Null uncomfortably enough to recognize some of the buzzwords and empty talk that conceal what has been going on in the shadows.

M's comment about the generic lecturing does make her think a moment. Does Davis even know about that? How many people here actually do? That's beyond her grasp to actually figure out though.

<<He is certainly giving us a roundabout speech>> she agrees.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
The need for an FOB, at least to get through basic security doors gets the telepathic equivalent of a shoulder shrug unseen while Tabitha and the others converse through the mind link. <<You could try nudge reception to get a card made, they'd like so have ways to replace lost cards. It's pretty much like straight encoding a blank RFID. If it looks like part of the process, it's less of a hassle for us.>>

That still leaves any biometrics which they probably do not want to leave on the system. <<Anyone else sense the telepathic blind spot. Psi blockers or power dampeners? Any bets?>> she says while her hands adjust the chopsticks in her hair. That bun gotta stay neat and fresh after all.

RSally's mental grimacing gets a telepathic response. <<Blah blah, we're awesome Mister Summers, give us all your money, no we're totally not down for harvesting mutant DNA to sell as super soldier serums!>>

Cable has posed:
They are clearly not going to get the complete, unvarnished story from their escort. That was always a given. That's part of the reason why access to the server and security is desirable. Tapping that should go a long way in filling in some of their intelligence gap. Now all they need to do is arrange it.

<<Corporate doublespeak,>> Cable agrees drily. At least the telepathic-dampening technology is not ubiquitous throughout the entire floor. That would be considerably more inconvenient, though the requirements from an installation perspective and ongoing power consumption would likely make it prohibitive for even a corporation of this size and profitability. <<It might be questionable just how much Mr. Atkins is tuned into everything that's going on. Anyone who could smile that brightly about their 'good work', knowing about harvesting mutant body parts to allow much of their work would have to be a psychopath. He seems more annyoing then crazy,>> Cable comments blandly.

Tabitha's telepathic comments draw a brief smile from the soldier from the future -- thin-lipped as it might be -- though Cable manages to look suitably impressed by the sales job they're getting. <<We can try getting one from reception, but lets hunt bigger game first. I imagine their security has enhanced access. I have a device in my briefcase that should help copy cards. I'll give you an opening and see if I can't get you an in,>> he says telepathically.

"I see. Very impressive. Of course we are most interested in seeing your books and insuring that my investment is going to yield the kind of returns that I'm looking for. While I believe in the movement, business is business," Cable says with a forced smile. "While I and my accounting expert here," he says, motioning to Tabitha, "do that, I was hoping that my security experts could get a little closer look at your security. I, like Mr. Sublime, am concerned that my technology only ends up in the hands of the appropriate indivduals," he adds.

Which is when Cable conveniently stumbles, that briefcase at his side dropping from his hand to snap open as it lands at the feet of Sally.

Davis Atkins was pausing to ponder the request, just a hint of hesitation there, at least until his guest stumbles. He practically leaps forward to grab Cable by the arm, the white hair perhaps convincing him that he is a doddering old man despite all other appearances to the contrary. "Mr. Summers! Are you alright? I am so sorry about that," he says, continuing on hastily. "Of course, of course, that can all be arranged," he says, subtly motioning towards one of those suited, armed men who starts to walk on over.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
And it's go time. MOnet goes to immediately move over to the side of Nathan - she's on the opposite side of him this time. The distance between them shorter, just enough for her to be clearly going there in to help catch Cable.. But Davis gets to him first. Monet goes to cock her head in a position that implies appreciation - though her mouth doesn't do any change of expression, her head just turns over at a slight angle to imply it.

The primary importance of this is that it puts her body blocking immediate view over of where the small thing lands. It also is intended to give the expert sneak-thief with them a quick go to nab it back and do what they need to do. It covers the zone for just a couple of seconds while she's at the other side of Cable and is clearly htere to help steady him if need be.

Oh, how she wishes this were simpler. But she was the one that suggested they go in this way.. So she can only blame herself! But, hopefully one security tag for them to decrypt and get deeper access..

Sally Pride has posed:
There are ways things are dropped accidentally, and then there is intentionally. It's not always very obvious, but the telepathic heads-up helps when seeing the lid pop open in a way that obscures the contents from Davis. Who is fortunately more occupied with helping Mr. Summers back up.

As it falls near her feet Sally is the one to crouch down to pick it up. "Got it." She grabs the top of the lid with one hand to keep it open and obscuring as she's behind Monet and the others, gesturing with the other as if to scoop papers or whatever back into it. And make sure they get the intended device out, before closing the case as she gets back up. Sally has good-sized hands even if they are dexteritous, so hopefully palming or even tucking it partially into a sleeve is enough to keep the device out of view.

The briefcase is held back out in the other hand to be retrieved. "Do be more careful sir." It's the most she's said, and does her best to sound like her consern is merely it being her boss and source of a paycheck.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Ever the dutiful assistant, Tabby iis there to make sure her boss recovers from the trip, even if he appears to not need it. It's when Cable 'Accidentally on Purpose' stumbles with his case that Sally moves in to very quickly and stealthy get that mobile card reader when the case lands and pops. One hand 'steadies' Nathan while beaming a smile at him while she appears to make sure he is alright.

Hopefully a good distraction while Sally does her thing and recovers the device and returns the case.

"I'm sure Mister Atkins is thankful that it was an accident and nothing worth a lawsuit over." she says and eyeballs the flooring ahead of them in case of anything like bubbles in the carpet or wet hard surfaces. Things an old man could further stumble or trip over.

Cable has posed:
All's well that ends well. Despite his advancing age and clearly oh so frail state, it would seem that Mr. Summers is none the worse for wear from his little stumble and his briefcase is back in hand, all straightened out thanks to the attentive Mr. Atkins and his aides. Pfffft. He might have the capability for this sort of thing, but it's hard not to think that this would be much simplier if they could just blow the hell out of this entire place.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Cable hastens to reassure the group clustered around him, confident that things have gone off without a hitch. As a bonus, it would seem that the stumble forced Mr. Atkins into making a knee-jerk reaction and grant Monet and Sally access to the security area. Clearly they don't want to see hundreds of millions of dollars and advanced cybernetics walk out the door.

That security guard comes over, folding hands behind his back as he watches the group impassively. "Jason, these are Mr. Summer's security experts," Davis Atkins says. "If you could please give them a brief tour of the security facilities. Just an overview really, to make sure they have some idea just how seriously we take our corporate security," he asks with a smile, receiving a crisp nod in return.

"Yes sir. If you would follow me," he says, offering an equally crisp nod to both Monet and Sally before he starts back towards the northeast corner, that key card fob dangling from his belt.

"Thank you for humoring me," Cable offers up. "Now then, if we could get a copy of your financial records and then see Mr. Sublime as soon as he is available...?"

"Of course, of course, please come this way. We have everything setup in one of the rooms," Mr. Atkins assures them.

There's a risk to splitting up. But so far there are no obvious red flags, making it worth it.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
So far, things seem to be going all right. Monet goes to ponder for a moment, and then moves to glance in the other direction from the group. She'll handle security. And the optics that are in the glasses will take along everything. The joys of advanced recording software that if Cable's put in might have some minimal data-tap capabilities.

She would go to cock her head up and then speak, the first words she had said so far. "I'll handle security." IT's what her persona is, after all. And the words come out in something that sounds very contrary to the woman that she normally presents herself as.

A thick, strong, and very rough Russian accent. For the woman that's almost seemed like a robot for how interative she's been.. IT would be almost jarring. That's the point - to keep them phased and off balance psychologically enough to be a litlte more accomodating. There's no questioning in her voice. But also no coercion or pressure. It's just a statement.

Are /you/ going to tell the scary Russian woman the guy worth nearly a billion dollars that she can't go where she says?

Sally Pride has posed:
Sally Pride returns the nod from 'Jason' with one of her own in acknowledgement. "Lead the way." Still a woman of few words. She doesn't need to tweak her voice, she sounds a bit more gruff than your typical woman already. She falls into step with M and their new escort, folding her hands behind her back as she has seen many soldiers do. Which also allows her to conceal the device in both gloved hands.

<Keep a good eye on the chief,> she thinks primarily towards Tabitha. <He's the one paying us after all.> It's a joke, one of her attempts to take some edge off the situation as they're forced to split up. They're here for more reasons than money after all.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Being in personal assistant mode, Tabitha is sticking with Cable while the others her own accent being that sort that may have once been southern but years in and around New York utterly obliterates. <<Please never use that accent again Monet, it makes you sound like your Russian is worse than mine. I bet Illyana and Piotr are drowning their sorrows.>> There may not be enough vodka.

Tabby outwardly though gives the women a nod of her head. "I'm sure neither of us will be that long. I'll text if we need you though!" well she'll mental ping as long as neither pairing ends up in a telepathic dead zone. Hopefully phones still work though.

Cable has posed:
While the missions that Cable brings them usually involve a whole lot of explosions and getting shot at, there are a few advantages. There's certainly no lack of resources at the very least, whether it be a huge arsenal, advanced tech or yes, fake identities and pretty substantial sums of money put together on short notice. One wonders what he could accomplish with more peaceful pursuits if he wasn't so preoccupied with raining down death and destruction upon the scum of the Earth.

<<So far so good. In addition to grabbing access card info see if you can get a tap in their system installed,>> Cable thinks at his pair of security experts even as he starts off towards the indicated meeting room with Tabitha, following in Mr. Atkins wake. Their tour guide has of course started back into his spiel. Apparently Sublime Pharmaceuticals is pretty much responsible for every single good thing in the world at present.

It's good to know.

"And here we are," Davis says with that too bright smile, leaning in so that the he can put one eye close to the bio-metric scanner, the door giving a quiet buzz before opening a moment later. Beyond is a meeting room -- though one with an impressive view of Midtown Manhatten. A large, dark wood table dominates the center of the room while a screen fills the far wall of tele-conferencing and a solitary laptop sits already open on the table. "You'll find all the desired records on there. I will give you a few minutes to look things over to your safisfaction, though please feel free to summon me by the intercom if there are any questions I can answer," he says before slipping out.

Moving to the table, Cable pulls back the chair. <<I don't suppose you are actually a forensic accountain?>> he thinks sardonically towards Tabby. Hey, it's possible. She's full of surprises. <<Lets copy what we can and then finally meet this Sublime.>>

Meanwhile, across the floor 'Jason' leads Monet and Sally towards the northeaster corner, passing a few other discretely armed security personnel before turning down a side hallway. A number of offices sealed with bio-metrics line the hall here, along with what appears to be a seperate employee area, but Jason moves directly towards a reinforced door instead, fobbing his own card against the sensor before pushing it open. "As you would expect, we do have access to a number of discretely located cameras that give us universal coverage of the five floors that we occupy in the building. We utilize bio-metrics as I'm sure you noted on some of the higher security offices and with record management as well as advanced encryption on our servers. There are always at least 16 security officers on premise here, and small teams at every other facility as well including a number of specialists who have been enhanced with the products that we offer," he explains, leading the way into the darkened control room.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
And then M would go to speak back to Cable <<I am. It's not that difficult a process. I just need a very complete picture of thier finances. Not exposure, a majority of it. Not something youc an just quick sneak a picture of furtively.>> The joys of having super intelligence, extended training in mathematics, and being extremely anal retentive. And still having to go ahead and one up everyone! She moves along with Jason while moving to cock her head over and would just give an acknowledgement of Jason. There's a slight nod over of her head, and she gives no verbal response for a moment. Then she goes, idly and moves to speak. "Then what do you do when it all goes ot hell?" She uses the Russian word for it, which is pretty understandable.

"When you have sixteen different people screaming into your devices when you've lost power, and the building has automatically locked everything? When you have a fire alarm go off and sirens are going? Where are your backups? These are all very pretty." She would gesture up at the cameras.

"But useless if your staff are not professional and you have a well setup system wiht backups. Arkham has good security, Da? Extremely safe place. Never has accidents. All this system is very pretty. But how do you make sure it -works-?"

That question is bounced out over in a way to make it clear she has been paying attention.. A nd she's seeing if 'Jason' knows about the system at all or he's just giving the choreographed tour. IF he's on the wrong foot, then he's likely to babble to not make it seem like he's failing at his job.

IF he goes on into details about how their security procedures work because he's impressed at someone else knowing thier business? Good either way.

Sally Pride has posed:
Sally Pride on the other hand is continuing the strong mostly silent type act. She occasionally nods her head, makes some small gruff or groan, and in general lets her body language show that she is listening even if she is not saying much. M is already asking all the good question, even if the accent is hard on the ears.

Five floors? Good to know. That does fit their theorizing that only part of the building is used in Sublime's employ. Gives them a better idea of what part of the building will avoid more extensive collaterial damage or casualties.

Now they just need to find the chance to get the device to scan the access they need. And Sally is a gearhead, not a hacker.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
The boots and wedge heels that carry Tabitha about behind Nathan and Atkins help to make her look a lot taller. So it should help with the covert identity thing. The suit jacket helping conceal a lot of her figure, or at least the upper half of it.

<<I leave the Math to the smarty pants types like Monet or Kitty back home. Money Math I think is Bobby's bag.>> This is not a lamentation, it's a miracle she's able to not look like the work is boring her. But she does at least get to work on making totally innocent soft copies of any hard copy records set in front of her.

Mostly with the tedious process of using her phone's camera as a scanner. It's a burner for the mission but it'll do. Any info that needs to be translated into 'Biz'. She can beam directly to Monet. Let her sort it out and then Tabby can relay it back like it was her own work and be more than just a pretty face.

Cable has posed:
The security room is pretty much as would be expected really -- a darkened room with a bank of two dozen monitors that slowly flicker across the various camera access points throughout the five floors where Sublime Pharmaceuticals operates. Three other security types are stationed in the room -- two of them with clear enhancements. One looks to be physically enhanced with arms and legs that bulge obscenely, far too muscled for any ordinary human and another with a pair of odd looks eyes and ears -- likely sensory enhancements. They don't even look up when Jason leads the other two into the room, but then one of hte monitors shows a view directly outside the door. They already knew who was entering.

One security measure that Jason doesn't mention but is plain enough is the telepathic dampening. As soon as they enter the area it comes down like a hammer, cutting off their communication with Cable and Tabitha. At least it appears to be focused solely on telepathy and not all powers.

Also fortunate, there are now 4 security keycards in close proximity and the bank of monitors looks to be a likely place to apply Cable's security tap.

"Fair questions. As mentioned, a number of the security personnel have been enhanced with Transhuman abilities. Some offenseive, some defnesive, some sensory in nature. Anyone who is not enhanced has an extensive background in law enforcement or the military. In most cases, we tick all of those boxes," Jason says, just a little smugly. "Technology is well and good, and we do have the best money can buy. But it's our people that make the difference," he says, gesturing towards what appears to be a secured gun locker. By the looks of it they have considerably more then .45 sidearms at their disposal. That's no real surprise though.

Out in the board room, Cable sits keeping an eye on the door as Tabitha goes through grabbing copies of whatever information looks like it might be useful. The 'money trail' as it were might not be as clearly useful as a tap into their computer system and security, but it could help them identify every single facility at their disposal. When mental contact with Monet and Sally is abruptly cut off, Nathan's jaw firms ever so slightly. <<If there's going to be trouble, it will be now...>>

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Good to know. The woman would gesture over at the monitors. "Good, explain to me the layout. How you scan and observe. How you look for inconsitencies. How you know when it's just the system being.." She uses a Russian word that's rather insulting of technology - the exact translation doesn't matter, but the men will likely knwo exactly what she means just by how she phrases it.

"I'll check at random." She would lgance at the man, "As a professional I have to know that it's good and not just marketing." She would go to shift her expression over to that of the PR INtern that Cable was being lead by. "Because it's all in the floor!" Her doing a very bad imitation of him to hopefully get them all to roar with laughter. Humor made many things much easier after all. And hopefully it's enough of a distraction to let the Lioness nab anything and everything while M goes to keep on picking their brains.

"I hope you don't have to deal with sewer backup." IF they have enhanced senses. "Plumber has it worst of all. You been down there in basement and seen?"

Sally Pride has posed:
This works in their favor, even if they need to be a bit more careful of the number of other bodies present. But Jason helpfully points out that most of them are likely to be augmented in some way. While Monet continues her purposely(?) rough Russian impersonation Sally steps around the room, looking over the screens, the equipment, and nodding a bit as she's still listening. "Very... thorough." This way she doesn't need to actually nab a card off one of the various personel and draw attention, just get close enough for the device concealed in her hand to do it's job. And not make any faces at the fact they're dumping something into the sewers. She doesn't live down there, but she knows a few certain mutants and other recluses from society that do. Will have to warn them to be careful in the vicinity of the building, later.

Then one the device is done it's getting it close enough to a terminal to make use of the scan. M is being a good hold on attention, and Sally is making her movements as unintrusive as possible to not draw attention to what she's really doing as it looks like she's inspecting the room and it's equipment. Let the device do it's thing, get the files they can use, and back out. They stay too long and it will risk weakening their cover.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
In order to make sure the scanning of documents seems legit, it practically takes a photographer's eye. Lining up and angling the camera right while making sure she can see the screen to make sure she's right before the simulated sound of a shutter going off is herd each time.

So tedious.

When Monet and Sally can't be pinged she takes a moment to stretch her arms, as much to prep in case of needing to throw hands as work out the kinks of repeated motions. <<Hopefully security behaves. If we've beem made, they might not want us blasting our way out and airing dirty laundry. Suck to be them if every hero in New York starts turning up on rescue duties.>> she hopes it goes smooth and doesn't devolve into a smash and grab.

The suit wasn't cheap.

Cable has posed:
the distraction seems to go off without a hitch. While the security officers maintain a semblance of professionalism, they snort and chuckle and the mocking of their 'corporate overlord', distracted just enough for Sally to do her thing and get everything that's needed. Mission accomplished. And not a single thing blown up. This could be the start of a disturbing, non-violent trend.

Naaaah.

"Obviously building security oversees the broader concerns. So no, no worrying about sewer backups, or fire alarms. That's in their wheelhouse," Jason says. "Which is both good and bad. Having to share responsibility with another team is a potential weakness," he acknowledges before his tone turns smug again as he opens up the door once more and prepares to lead them back out onto the main floor.. "Though we do have backdoors into their system, should the need arise. Like I said, we know our jobs," he asserts.

Just not, you know, well enough to catch Monet or Sally.

For Cable and Tabitha, they continue to pilfer the financial info of Sublime Pharmaceuticals when a tapping comes at the meeting room door before it opens a moment later. Once more Mr. Atkins stands there, though the smile is gone and he instead looks politely apologetic. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Sublime has been summoned to deal with an emergency and won't be able to meet you right now. He's hoping that you might be willing to meet him out at our lab facilities in New Jersey next week instead? Again, so sorry for the inconvenience," he offers up, wringing his hands just a little.

Clearly he doesn't like giving bad news.

Truthfully, it would appear that this location is entirely corporate and while being tapped into it is valuable, the lab seems a much more promising target when it comes to shutting down this whole evil affair. So while Cable gives a small frown outwardly, as soon as that telepathic contact is restored to Monet and Sally he is already relaying the opportunity on.

"I entirely understand Mr. Atkins. And it will give my team and I a chance to go over your financials in more detail. Just send the date and time to my assist here," he says, motioning towards Tabitha. "And we will see Mr. Sublime then."

With luck, by then they'll have all the intel they need to take him down. Once and for all.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
One thing at a time now. They have the outer layer of defenses done with. "Believe me, none of you want to have to go down there if you have something in the sewers. You want something mutated? Just imagine that therea re things worse than that shark or alligator in Gotham jail they have, Da?" She seems more relaxed now that they've gotten in some taunting against corporate adn they've all had their required joking moment together. She would cock her head over to the side and listen.

Tapping her finger up and over at her ear approximating a mic. "My boss came all the way here to see your boss, and your boss can't make it." She would grumble over. "Ah well, thanks. Next time here if you're off duty I'll get you some beer. Stuff that will burn those.. Whatever you have.." She would poke over at one of the man's bulging, enhanced muscles.. "Right off. PUt some hair on it, Da?"

With her teammate in tow, she's going to withdraw now while going to shudder lightly internally.

Sally Pride has posed:
There's just a snort from Sally. It's all in good gest, there's nasty stuff in the sewers, and the thought of who knows what making things even worse.

But they're still not New Jersey at least.

Everything done. They've got the files for better intelligence. They can work from that.

She follows M back out, after slipping the device back out of view. There will be time to be disgusted at things later. Probably when they get more intricate details out of those files.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Eventually even Tabby runs out of documents to scan, a bit more than she could memorize but that is part of the whole idea behind making copies. As an alleged investor it's being handed to them freely. Whether any of it is legit or just some supremely cooked books might take someone more adept at it than Tabitha.

Psi-links come back up and any visible relief can be put down to setting down any papers that doesn't need keeping in a neat ordered stack to be filed away once more. Anything keepable goes in Nathan's briefcase.

The invite to a tour in Jersey gets smiles from the apparent assistant.

It's been a minute since she's blown labs up and maybe she's jonesing.

Now is not the time for booms, but mostly graceful exits.