1581/Another Day, Another Paycheck

Another Day, Another Paycheck
Date of Scene:	09 May 2020
Location:	Hydra Warehouse
Synopsis:	Mastermind, Grifter, and the Cat infiltrate a distribution center which is secretly a Hydra cell. A clever application of mind manipulation leads to full on chaos, as automated Hydra defenses battle with deceived Hydra agents. Robots explode. Critical data is retrieved. Our mercenaries disappear into the night.
Cast of Characters:	Shen Kuei, Cole Cash, Martinique Wyngarde

---

Shen Kuei has posed:
The arrangement wasn't like many others. Discrete channels had requisitioned the services of three fairly prized assets. For accepting the risk associated with accepting a contract for an anonymous benefactor, the retainer fee had been quite generous. The objective was straight forward but the target not so much. A distribution center northwest of New York City proper had been purchased by a Hydra shell company. Evidently over the last year, the facility had secretly been converted into a safe-house for agents and equipment was being smuggled in via various avenues to establish a proper cell for their operations.

The objective itself is a download of the Hydra mainframe located deep in the bowels of the distribution center. Kept off-grid, the only opportunity for theft was physical infiltration. The compound itself looks normal. Barbwire topped fences, lighting, asphalt for acres. Various trucks and vans move in and out the facility carrying consumer goods to New York city and the surround. Some of them no doubt contain weapons or other devious devices.

Up on a tree topped hill, Shen 'the Cat' Kuei waits patiently for the arrival of his would-be partners. He had insisted a solo-job, but the benefactor wanted guarantees beyond his sterling reputation. An increase to his usual retainer fee had silenced objections. A pair of nightvision googles held up to his face, he carefully observes the 'mundane' security of the facility. No doubt they were more trained then they appeared.

Cole Cash has posed:
Cole Cash rarely takes jobs dealing with infiltration and stealing. When he does that, it is usually for his own benefits. However, when the world 'Hydra' was mentioned he figured he was due for the good deed of the month. Screwing up Hydra counts as a good deed, right?

It was not the pay was good. But that always helps.

Partners, he can tolerate. As long as they are more or less sane and not the serious single-minded killer ninja type. Seriously? No one likes ninjas. Except, maybe, if they are turtles.

So, he comes here armed with a combat shotgun supplementing his usual twin heavy handguns, as Hydra is known to field dangerous thing. Not that he really expects big Hydra names guarding a mainframe. But power armor or robots? Maybe. And half the stealthy infiltration missions he has been have ended in shootouts.

"Good evening, Grifter," he says as greeting. He wears his red mask because night vision is a good thing at night.

Martinique Wyngarde has posed:
Martinique Wyngarde could use some money, and she's under the impression that Hydra is itself a problem of an organization. So, she tkaes the job. Suited up, and very well armed with two large handguns, plus an extrastring of ammunition over her shoulder, she'll show at the place she was supposed to arrive. "Good evening. If there are guards to distract, they should be no problem."

Shen Kuei has posed:
Shen Kuei turns toward the others and offers a somewhat smug smile. "Though this mission is not without risks, I believe our most significant danger is stepping on each other's toes. Wouldn't you agree?" He gazes between the pair appraisingly. "Shen Kuei. Some know me as the Cat. If my reputation does not precede me, and I would be shocked if it didn't, then know my specialties are hand-to-hand and the delicate subversion of security measures." His green eyes squint at Cole, and he nods. "Yes, I know the name, and I believe I understand your specialty."He gestures with amusement to Cole's firearms. The Chinese man lacked similar weapons.

When Martinique announces herself, he tilts his head. "A name if you please, or at least an alias." He pauses regarding the guards, "I see."

He then turns and gazes down upon the compound once more. "Those guards move with too much grace to be average paid security. I've also noticed an abundance of security cameras and other sensors." He glances toward the pair. "I believe the element of surprise.. and a dose of chaos are in order. However..." He pulls gazes down at a watch on his wrist. "There should be a shipment arriving in five minutes. I suggest we hijack it and use it as our entry point. Any objections?"

Cole Cash has posed:
"I have heard of you," admits Grifter, nodding briefly. The Cat certainly has a better reputation than Cole does. But that is not difficult. Grifter is mostly known for being surprisingly hard to kill, not for his great mercenary skills.

Martinique gets a glance. And then a second glance, because he is a guy.

But then there is talk about a plan. "Good plan," is his only comment. A plan is good in his book when it is so simple it is impossible to misunderstand and leaves a good deal of space for improvisation. "Where do we do the interception?"

Martinique Wyngarde has posed:
Martinique Wyngarde nods, as she rests her hands on her hips. "Mastermind. I have a proposal to alter the plan. You prepare to enter that way. I will stay here, reach into the minds of the guards, and find a means to distract them. Ideally getting them to shut down cameras in the process. That way, when you move in, you will be clear to act, at least for a few minutes. Then you let me in."

Shen Kuei has posed:
Shen is about to answer Grifter when Mastermind announces her addendum. His eyebrows raise at the implied psionic skill. He then nods, "If you can get us past the gate, the security kiosk for such locations is usually adjacent to the dock. With some luck, we may avoid detection."

He turns to Grifter, "I will stop the truck, and you will kindly seize it, then we will then be on our way."

A large truck and trailer with 'Roxxon Energy Corporation' is the expected target. It travels along a semi-private road, and the next stage of the operation couldn't be more clear cut. Shen guides his compatriot to a place he had scoped prior, a brief bend in the road with ditches and thick trees for adequate cover. He draws a flashlight from his belt and walks out into the street, shining it into the eyes of the approaching driver.

There is something about a flashlight that brings authority. Only a legitimate member of security or law enforcement would use such a tactic. Right? The driver slams on his breaks. The Cat is undeterred as the vehicle quickly closes the distance, keeping the flashlight trained on the windshield. The driver's side window rolls down, and an angry Brooklyn accent calls out, "Ehh.. I'm drivin' here! What's this about? Huh? You trying to die, buddy? I've got ten minutes to be in my dock, or they are gonna dock me! You know what I mean?" Shen Kuei offers in a cool voice, "Apologies, but this is a surprise inspection." He will wait a moment for his armed compatriots to emerge. "And surprise!"

Cole Cash has posed:
Ah, so that is the distraction Mastermind meant. Psychic. Good when it works. Cole knows too much about what happens when it doesn't work. Otherwise, "nice to meet you."

A few minutes later he is sneaking around near the road, using tree trunks to avoid being spotted by passing vehicles. Surprisingly, their quarry arrives in time. That is a good start of the night. Well, for them.

For the truck driver it is not that good as Grifter jumps in, grabs him by the scruff of the neck and unceremoniously pulls him out the truck cabin through the window. At some point he also used a knife to cut the seat belt. So fast it was easy to miss.

Poor guy has barely time for a startled cry before the blonde merc slams his dead against a side of the truck knocking him out. And tosses him into the ditch like a rag doll. "I´ll drive," he states simply.

Shen Kuei has posed:
Shen offers an amused smirk and gestures to the truck, "Be my guest." He clicks off the flashlight and walks around to the passenger side of the truck, opening the door and slipping inside.
The ride up to the gate is uneventful. The checkpoint itself appears to be fairly lax. It's as if the guards want to be perceived as unprofessional. They move slowly, sitting up from their leaned back position in the attached gatehouse. However, there is something in the way they move that a trained eye could pick up. There's too much 'soldier' in these 'normal guards'. The Cat waits patiently though beneath his composed exterior, he's feeling nervous about trusting in the powers of someone whom he has just met.. but.. again the pay was worth the risk.

Martinique Wyngarde has posed:
Martinique Wyngarde watches as the other two go off to do their part. She takes a deep breath, and reaches out with her mind, reading into their minds. Seeing the soldier in them, she first warns the others, speaking softly: "Those are soldiers, not mall cops. You're about to hear some noises, but don't worry about it."

Warning made, she reaches out to the entire facility. Everyone inside she can reach, has the illusion that they are under attack. But it's an unconventional attack. Hackers have taken control of internal security. None of it is to be trusted, and it should in fact be shut off immediately before it's weaponized to start attacking them. This is what they believe, and see, very real. Laser sights showing up on cameras. Ominous speaking from computers. But luckily, reinforcements are coming from a truck. They are to be obeyed.

Shen Kuei has posed:
The soldiers at the gate panic very briefly. One even goes so far as to draw his pistol and shoot at a box perched on the nearby fence. "Like hell I'm going to let that thing take a pot shot at me." Once the shell of the box is blown away, what appears to be a gun turret is exposed. The other guard offers Grifter a crisp salute, "Hail Hydra!" then waves them through.

Other random shots ring out through the base, alarm klaxons blare into the night then abruptly silence. True chaos occurs as many of the individuals at the facility do not know how to respond to their own defenses working against them. Civilian drivers run for cover, some diving underneath trucks. Others jumping behind the steering wheel to make a get away.
A truck dock door is open and vacant directly ahead of Grifter and Cat.

Cole Cash has posed:
Cole pulls off the mask for the approach the gate, frowning when he sees the guards stances. Not the usual brainwashed Hydra rabble. He doubts they will fall for his usual story about how the dog ate their documentation.

It would be nice of Mastermind can do what she said she could do.

"Evening... and Hail Hydra," he greets the guards, a hand on the wheel and another on a handgun.

Shen Kuei has posed:
The guard gives Grifter a frantic wave through the gate before he offers a string of profanities at his security console. Shen Kuei raises an eyebrow at the mass chaos that seems to be occurring around him. "Not.. my usual method, but I did say chaos, now didn't I?" He chuckles lowly then points ahead, "Mister Grifter, if you would please drive us through there."

Cat doesn't wait for an affirmative, Grifter seemed professional enough in person, even if his reputation left something to be desired. He lowers the window and crawls out the door, climbing to perch on top of the truck. Once they arrive inside the dock, he leaps onto a raised platform and sprints to the obvious security kiosk nearby.

Thanks to the efforts of Mastermind, he's greeted with an open door. "Oh Thank God. I hope you can do something about this we..." The guard is abruptly silenced by a boot to the face, perfectly executed kick who's momentum is carried forward into a roundhouse to his compatriot. Both men effectively K'O'd, he begins working on the security console to ensure the feeds are terminated. He then speaks into his microphone, "You are clear Mastermind."

Martinique Wyngarde has posed:
Martinique Wyngarde starts jogging. She hops the fence after getting clearance, salutes to a guard driving up to her, and commandeers his cart to catch up with the others. It's only a moment before she catches up. "Alright," she says, a smirk on her face. "So, I did my part. You're up."

Cole Cash has posed:
Grifter nods to Shen, putting the mask back in place. Then he reaches down and rips the plastic dashboard coverage and rips some wires.

A second later he jumps off the truck, which follows forward speeding up. Crashing through a wall and still going on to trample small trees, fences and everything else on the way. More chaos.

"Going inside. Ah, if you stay here you'll miss the fun parts," he adds for Martinique.

Shen Kuei has posed:
"If you wish to remain behind Mastermind, I would appreciate it if you cou-." Shen Kuei is interrupted by a sudden explosion as what was a hidden door shoots from the side of the distribution center. There are screams heard from within a cloud of smoke, a few silhouettes emerge with assault rifles, they turn and shoot through the smoke. A beam of energy parts the smoke and one of the guards encounters the grisly fate of incineration. An electronic voice echoes in mono-tone, "Traitors will be executed. Traitors will be executed."

A pair of robotic sentries come into view, singular sensors on what counts for their heads glowing like sinister red eyes. They turn their attention to the squad of mercenaries and declare in the same monotone as before. "Halt Trespassers." Robotic arms raising the business ends of energy cannons, one could assume what comes next.

Shen Kuei springs into action with experienced composure. He leaps and vaults off the head of one of the sentries then calls out, "You handle them! I'll complete the objective!" And just like that, the Chinese operative disappears into the smoke.

Martinique Wyngarde has posed:
Martinique Wyngarde chuckles "I'll shoot anything that isn't..." and then there's a distraction. "Wait what? Well that's no fair. I can't reprogram them" Without hesitation,s he jumps for cover, and starts firing for headshots, at whatever looks like a shiny metal head.

Cole Cash has posed:
"Hey, not bad," comments Cole, pulling off his combat shotgun. "The plan didn't go FUBAR until about seventy percent complete."

And maybe he should have kept the truck to do some run-over-ing. Well, too late for that. Instead he opens fire on the head of the closest mech, then jump for cover behind the security kiosk half a second before the robots strafe with plasma his former position.

Shen Kuei has posed:
Mastermind leapt at an appropriate moment. There is a surge of energy from a cannon and a ray carves an angry molten grove into the concrete she just occupied. The aim for the head pays some dividends. A red sensor cracks, shatters and then sparks. The robotic head pivots and a rear sensor now becomes it new forward facing eyes. Fortunately, this is a trick each of the sentries will only be able to do once, and Grifter being of a similar mind, one of his shots takes out the second sensor. Unable to respond to it's environment, the sentry appears to power down.

Meanwhile, the remaining sentry first finishes with the remaining guard who's last words are "Stop, I am not a tra--" before he's ash on the wind.

Gunshots from within the smoke continue and an errant beam of energy lances into the night sky. There was evidently more chaos still inside, remaining guards v.s. at least one more robotic sentry. Hopefully this was plenty of chaos for Shen Kuei to take advantage of.

These thoughts are probably last on Martinique's and Grifter's minds, for the remaining sentry begins to unload on both their positions, each receiving the full attention of a energy cannon arm while receiving more of the monotone robotic monologue. "Halt. Desist. Put down your weapons."

Martinique Wyngarde has posed:
Martinique Wyngarde decides to keep moving. Crawling when she can, Jumping when she must. Firing acrobatically with both hands as she flies through the air, landing with a grunt, and starting the whole process over again. Talking to Shen with a breath "Estimated time to completion?"

Cole Cash has posed:
Grifter was hoping the impact of the shells would punch through the robot armor. It was sheer luck it destroyed the sensors. But sometimes it is better to be lucky and to be good.

Plus, it is a serious design flaw. Typical Hydra. The gave the robots decent armor and lots of firepower, but very limited sensors. So, as the kiosk is pulverized by the energy blasts, Grifter crawls away, then stands up and sprints behind a building wall. As soon as the robot takes a break to cool down the blasters, he pops up and tosses a hand grenade to the machine.

Shen Kuei has posed:
Shen replies over the radio, gunfire and the sizzle of superheated air making a backdrop for his voice. "I have located the mainframe and initiated the download. ETA is thirty seconds for data retrieval. One minute for extraction."

Engaging multiple targets is probably a tactical error on the automations part, the acrobatics of Mastermind combined with Grifter's tactical use of terrain foil its targeting algorithms. Just when it might have an appropriate firing solution on Martinique, it receives the care package of a grenade. The explosive force knocks it over and shrapnel bombards its sensors. One cannon arm pinned, the other attempts to re-engage, the robot firing while on its side with raking beam fire.

Another robotic sentry emerges from the smoke, but this one is heavily damaged. There is a sound similar to rushing air as a rocket launches from within the building and impacts the sentry center mass. An unfamiliar voice calls out, "Take that you fucking rust bucket." The more heavily armed guard emerges and calls out to Mastermind and Grifter. "You the back up?" He squints at Grifter, "Wait a second.. aren't you.."He then notices the damaged sentry and hurries to reload his launcher.

While Mastermind and Grifter handled what was likely the most dangerous complication of the mission, Shen Kuei is making the most of the situation. With enough operations under one's belt, one has an almost sixth sense regarding 'evil lair' layout. In general, these are practical affairs, designed to keep intruders out. The most important assets tucked safely in the center ideally a floor or two down from the entrance. These facilities are not designed for attacks from within and the confusion instigated by Mastermind's mental attack has completely nullified standard operating procedures for the Hydra agents.

Martinique Wyngarde has posed:
Martinique Wyngarde looks back at the new arrival. She calls out "We've got a technician working on the main computer. Tell all nearby units to cover him and help him get to us as soon as he's done with repairs. We've got one shot at this. Make it count." She then lifts a hand and fires a few shots blind in case the rocket didn't finish the sentry.

Cole Cash has posed:
Grifter grunts, seeing the robot is still moving after the grenade. But not moving very well, so he advances on it, firing the combat shotgun twice in quick succession. Then reloading with practiced ease. He is aiming for the points the armor was damaged. "Yes," shot, "backup," shot, "hail hydra," shot.

Shen Kuei has posed:
"Affirmative." The guard leans his head to the side speaking into his microphone as he levels his reloaded launcher at the remaining sentry. "There is a technician assessing the computer core to nullify the virus. Provide cover. Destroy automated systems as necessary. Hail Hydra."

Moments later, Shen Kuei is once more heard on the radio. "Retrieval complete. Commencing extraction."

Grifter's advance on the automation is rewarded with plates of armour ripping off from concentrated shotgun blasts. The metal frame recoils from the impact of slugs. One generates a shower of sparks, the arm cannon jerks wildly and sends a beam of death raking across the horizon. A section of the wire fence glows, molten metal giving way, fence sheets rattling as they impact concrete.

The guard decides Grifter has the threat handled. He turns and takes a knee, pointing the launcher toward the smoke, waiting for more threats. One almost immediately emerges but is handled with the loaded rocket, the generated shrapnel proving to be the greater danger. "Yea, get some!"

Shen Kuei appears in mid forward flip, leaping over the wreckage of the smouldering foe. Noticing the hole in the fence line, he immediately sprints in that direction. "Time to go!"

Martinique Wyngarde has posed:
Martinique Wyngarde gives the guard a salute, and start her retreat. She intensifies the illusion as she retreats. Giving the entire organic population of the base a sense of climactic urgency. Just long enough for the three operatives to get out. And once they're in cover, she gives them... relief. A sense of a job well done, and full permission to relax, and not think about anything for a good 10 minutes. Long enough to get far enough away.

Cole Cash has posed:
Cole is happy to hear it is over. Although he didn't really get to shoot any Hydra agent. But well, life has those small disappointment. And those robots must cost a small fortune each. Hydra goons are cheap, but the robots probably aren't.

For the getaway he also 'borrows' a nice Volvo he saw in the way in. Carjacking is how he started, anyway. Some skills are useful all the life.

Shen Kuei has posed:
Once out of harms way, Shen Kuei will slide a small data card into his smart phone and tap out a few instructions. He will then announce over their shared radio frequency. "Package has been delivered. Mission accomplished. Our respective accounts with be credited. Enjoy your rewards, comrades." Shen will then make his way into the tree line evidently having his own plan for further escape.

Awhile later, a Hydra quadcopter arrives at the facility, spotlight searching the landscape before landing. There are.. angry exchanges and executions.

One might expect a ruckus like this to appear on the news, but a well-funded coverup operation prevents that eventuality. This is likely good for our well compensated mercenaries. Fewer complications.