Cauda 11 - Our Main Act
"I can't believe we're actually doing it. I've dreamed of this day."
Movements for Cauda 11 [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNdQO_xXEAAvE80?format=jpg&name=large]
Now Playing...
Artist: Vesna
Song: Pautina
The final team was enroute to the compound now.
Team Python.
Tabi, the Andromeda brothers and you. Aldryx drove, nominating himself the most capable. He drove with no hurry or any odd manoeuvres. Glancing at the rearview mirror you could see he looked focused and just a tad angry.
He drove with the window down, cool summer air flowing through the vehicle. He expected Tabi to make some remark about being seen but didn't. Tabi didn't care who saw him.
Agoti had moved on from worrying about the prison. But Aldryx, you could tell he didn't forgive that easily. He was still pissed about it, even after everything was said and done, Tabi confirming that much to you. During one practice Aldryx snapped at his brother, that he shouldn't just 'get over' his incarceration. Aldryx wanted revenge.
Agoti sat in the passenger seat, headphones on, jamming out. It was hard to tell if he took it seriously. He seemed the most laid back of anyone in the car. During the simulations he commonly goofed of. It would have worried you if he hadn't already proved himself in Blindside, Earthquake and Flashbang.
You and Tabi sat in the back, your mind awash with the operation and all you heard so far.
Nikku's team was ultimately successful.
Annie's team and a surprise guest (Pompom) had taken quite a beating but were now in IRIS' hands back at the data centre. According to S Annie's car had been totalled by demons but compared to what could have happened it was a good outcome.
Mommy was taken out of the picture too...and summarily brought back. It pissed off Annie, who demanded she be taken back to the compound for a rematch.
Updike's team botched their role, though in their defense nobody could have seen Psychic coming. Even Tabi and Carol weren't aware of Psychic, despite visiting the compound before. For now Team Zig, plus Blackjack and some robot called Hex were waiting for Psychic to retrieve Retro. You had no idea who Hex was, but a few members on the team stated he was okay to be trusted. Even Tabi remarked that he'd seen that bot before. Based on what you understood he was an IRIS associate.
Hex apparently tried to convince Psychic to go with the team though his answer was unclear. Regardless, if Psychic didn't, Updike prepared his own fallback. TGG were enroute with some 'anti-telepathic weaponry' and would try to take out Psychic with it should he refuse.
The only bonus was that they set up the repeaters, making the spell still possible.
Psychic also mentioned something about a Laughing Plan. Tess and Solazar were already looking up any mention of it, hitting nothing but dead ends. All you knew was tonight the night it debuted, and Psychic warned Hex and friends to get as far from the compound as possible. S too, was in the process of hacking everything to see if he could find a mention of it.
Despite the warning you and the others had no intention of stopping. You continue to stare out the window, looking at passing streetlights.
Tabi sat next to you, fiddling with his weaponry. He came armed and prepared. Never mind a heist he was dressed for war. Even though he wore his usual blue hoodie and jeans he wore an additional vest over, brown and bulletproof it hung open. He also added blue armbands around his upper arm like a soldier would. Alongside his hunting knife he brought a flamethrower, M1895 revolver and RPK-47, the assault rifle he had purchased from that strange arms dealer.
Like Aldryx, Tabi was ablaze with fury. He was focused, energetic and ready for this, barely even sleeping last night.
For him, this was a long time coming.
Even before the pick-up he insisted you even take a photo, your partner demanding to know how he looked on the day he won. He'd taken the vest off because of the summer heat but damn he still looked cool.
https://www.deviantart.com/odaocer/art/The-Coolest-Known-1036633591 [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/5347fd06-56ca-4d36-8584-e8dd38de8e12/dh56nlj-3e1d6fcb-5bf1-413b-812c-ce643c27946c.png/v1/fill/w_1192,h_670,q_70,strp/the_coolest_known_by_odaocer_dh56nlj-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzIwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvNTM0N2ZkMDYtNTZjYS00ZDM2LTg1ODQtZThkZDM4ZGU4ZTEyXC9kaDU2bmxqLTNlMWQ2ZmNiLTViZjEtNDEzYi04MTJjLWNlNjQzYzI3OTQ2Yy5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.6B3VJ4OWY7uoUpdZAdFMyZpjvGZUxXOT5NBYZ5YWfvE]
In his hoodie pockets he carried incendiary grenades. He intended to bring another rifle too, but Solazar stopped him, remarking that he had no need for such weaponry, that his 'hands would be better used carrying the money'. Though Tabi denied it everyone knew he still meant to kill any family members he found. Most of the simulations ended with Tabi killing someone.
Currently he remained focused on the RPK, using tissues to wipe it down. Like Tabi, you came armed as well. Former police-issued combat shotgun, two handguns, a flashbang, plenty of ammo and a baton, just in case. Most of the weapons were strapped to your armor. The name "Displo's" still read on the back. You knew you'd have your revenge, Psychic or not.
Needless to say everyone also brought plenty of bags. Believing you and Tabi had the weapon situation covered the Andromeda brothers saw fit to free up their hands.
You stopped looking outside and load the final shell into the shotgun, checking if it was in proper condition.
"Everyone's ready right?" Tabi asked.
"Damn straight." Aldryx said first.
"I do hope you all ready. This could get ugly. The other three teams have already faced several challenges." Solazar said through the link.
"Yeah, yeah. We got this. Got two walking tanks with us anyways." Agoti said, turning his volume down.
"I'm ready." You added.
Aldryx pulled a U-turn and parked beside a nearby building. Walking the rest of the way, S remarked as he saw you appear on a nearby camera. You weren't sure but somewhere above were the Seven Deadly Sins. With the chaos around the former church, S controlling the cameras and the search for Annie there wouldn't be anyone stopping you and the others from waltzing in. Just ahead you could see the hangar past a patch of trees. No runway stood by and aside from some very antsy looking guards nothing actually threatening.
Just ahead was the manor. It was designed to have an old, almost gothic look. With spiral towers atop the east and west wing, gargoyles perched atop some of the roofs, Victorian-stylized windows and trimming and a massive overhang it allowed for a huge porch. A far cry from the sleek and minimal designs most houses were made with today. It contrasted with the design on the floor plan, the Family having added to it since inception. With S watching and Nikku now commanding the patrols you and the others made your way to the front gate.
You take one look at the skies, checking if Psychic was lurking around. For the moment the coast was clear, the last patrol heading towards the hangar. As you stepped to the front gate you notice Tabi shudder.
"You alright?"
"I am."
"You ready?"
"Couldn't be more ready, babe." Tabi said slyly, resuming his personage. You chuckle, loving how brazen he become.
"I can't believe we're actually doing it. I've dreamed of this day." He said.
"Hey be careful guys." Nikku spoke up, using Mommy's voice. Agoti nearly jumped upon hearing it. "Ahem. Sorry." Nikku changed her voice to one of the demon guards. She sighed, having trouble keeping up with everyone. "I'm not seeing any of the family members around. Just Mommy and she went to the hangar. Psychic is unaccounted for as well."
"All quiet on this front." S added.
"Do you see vat girl and her boyfriend?" Tabi asked.
"Nope. No idea where they are. I am still tracking, just as you-"
"Never mind that!" Tabi said, shutting off his comlink. You looked to Tabi who looked away embarrassed. "Sorry." He said sheepishly. "I just wanted to know."
Agoti slapped his shoulder. "You gotta get over her man. Geez."
"I will. I'm sorry."
"So it's out of the bag? Yeah I haven't seen them." S said slickly. Tabi had shut his link off and didn't hear S' mocking words.
"Er..there's no surveillance in the house btw." He added.
The house was divided into three sections. An east, west and centre wing. The way it stretched out on either side made it appear like a bird showing its wingspan.
Just walking right up to the front you stop, entering the sheltered area, the roof above you.
"Alright." Tabi said. "(Y/N) and I will go straight in. You two go up. We meetup later. Anyone got a problem?"
"Nope."
"Good."
It was determined early on that having all four go through the front entrance would risk exposure. Instead, in the interest of the Andromedas' agility plus the possibility of having to make a break a split up was proposed.
"Alright. Let's do this." Agoti said excitedly. You weren't even sure if he cared about the heist. Since the simulations began he acted like he wanted to get caught as if it were a game. Tabi was similar, thought he wanted bloodshed not money.
It would certainly explain why you and he would go through the front door. Thinking on it you remember Tabi suggesting it first, probably envisioning some grand finale with Daddy right in the lobby.
Satisfied, Agoti nodded and made off with his brother, the two grabbing a hold of the pillar and hoisting themselves up to the porch roof. You hear them scampering on it, mentioning something about the antenna, then disappearing into a window.
Tabi looked to you, hesitating. You take the lead pushing the front doors open. Not locked, they open easily, revealing a grand entrance.
Now Playing...
Artist: The House of Hidden Light
Song: Invitation to the Lighthouse
Ruby rugs, fancy curtains and not a spec of dust anywhere. Two grand staircases that flanked either side of the grand lobby, covered in that same rug with gold trimming on the sides. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling providing a great light across everything.
Both staircases wound to the second floor, massive hallways up top going left and right leading to other wings. In between the staircases another hallway, venturing deeper into the manor.
Perfect mahogany wood made walls, engravings and curtains covering some. Plenty of paintings, pictures, artwork and more, displaying a fanciful collection.
You had to hand it to him. In true supervillain fashion his base was impeccably decorated. It exuded a certain 'finality' and you felt it. This was the endgame.
"Wow." You mutter.
"I know. Is very big." Tabi took a deep breath, keeping his nerves under control.
You notice him staring into space.
"Wonder how they keep it clean." You ask, bewildered.
"...They have an army for that."
You snort. "Had. Had an army."
Tabi chuckled, getting back into focus. He shook his head. "Sorry. This place is. Just. Familiar."
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"Well this is the last time you'll see it."
At the top of the stairs you notice a patrol, flashlights disappearing into one of the wings. You had just missed them.
"Right. Where do we go?" You ask. Having done the simulations before Tabi memorized the path. With your helmet displaying a minimap in the visor you didn't bother memorizing.
"Let's avoid the stairs, go straight, find another way up." Tabi said. "Follow me." He led, watching closely for guards.
In the gap left by flanks of stairs, a hallway stood. Determining it the best course you and Tabi make down it, slowly moving and watching for any patrols. A system developed. You would watch for guards, using your helmet as assistance while Tabi kept an eye for any good places to hide and lead.
Tabi kept a hand on his waist at all times where one of his pistols was stashed. A few times you notice his hand twitch, no doubt getting eager to start the fighting.
The hallway lead into a corridor, plenty of doors surrounding either side you. While some parts of the floor plan didn't list what each room meant you could at least see all the routes to the second floor.
You two moved in silence, keeping upmost quiet, only stopping when S shouted on the comlink. "Whoa, what the hell is that?!"
It made Tabi flinch, who muted his comlink again. He shook his head in annoyance.
You kept yours on, curious to the deal.
"Yo, Starline. Some weird looking thing just burst out the, uh storage room. It's gone."
The storage room was connected to the hangar, you recall incorrectly.
"Looked like huge...stick-thing...fly maybe? Idk. It didn't have any wings. Damn it's moving fast."
"Report. Where is it headed?" Solazar asked.
"No idea. Watching, jumping the fence, huh. He's running off the compound. Just outright left. I can see him climbing a build-"
You heard gunfire from the link as another person joined the conversation. "Kill it!" Sakuroma shouted. "Reporting that whatever that thing was just fleed. We didn't hit it. It's fast. Jumping from building. Should we purs-"
"No." Updike butted in. "I'll send a TGG patrol to take it. Just leave it for now."
"Copy that."
Tabi stopped, curious to what was going on. He noticed you slow down, focused on the conversation. You shake your head, "Nothing. Some monster left the compound."
Tabi shrugged, continuing on, you close by. Thanks to modifications by Theo and S nearby doors would light up if you were on the right path.
And sure enough it did, a door on your left turning green in the visor. "This is it." You say, stopping. Based on the intel, this was the dining room. Beyond it would be a hallway containing a room with a ladder to the 2nd floor.
"We still don't know the locations of some of the Family members, namely Daddy." Tess said through the comlink.
"Understood."
"Just be careful please. Keep a low profile. If occupied I got three other routes for you."
"I got this." Tabi said, nudging you aside.
He knelt down and peered through the crack, looking for anyone. "Hm. Strange."
"What is it?" You ask, watching both sides of the hall.
"There is no one in there."
"Let's go then."
Tabi nodded, slowly opening the door and entering, looking around. "Hm. They've remodelled." He mumbled. You enter along with him, closing the door behind you.
While it was listed as a dining room there was no table in sight, indents on the carpet indicated it had been here recently. A row of windows lined both sides of the room, both looking out to different sides of the compound. While some had curtains drawn, others didn't. Either way, you and Tabi took precaution, hiding from any passers-by under the windows.
Psychic still lurked somewhere but based off what you heard, if he had a problem he would have showed up. You guess he was either busy elsewhere or stalking the grounds.
In-between several windows a series of paintings hung. All professionally done they depicted the Family, though mostly of Mommy and Daddy. There were none of the other members.
Between the sturdy chandelier on the ceiling and thick curtains there were plenty of places to hide. After a one-sided game of hide and seek, you and Tabi made it out of the dining room. He continued to lead, even remarking he didn't need your helmet. Any initial anxiety he had was gone, replaced with determination. He was still itching for a fight, however.
At one point you caught him ready to open fire on a guard. You stopped him, preferring to keep things stealthy. After another hallway and a close call you and Tabi found yourselves in a study, ladder in the corner of the room to next floor.
A fireplace stood in the centre wall, adding some much-needed warmth to it. A large leather chair and footrest sat in front of it, though not for long before Tabi pushed both in front of the door blocking it.
There wasn't much time to appreciate the study as Tabi started practically dragging you along to the ladder. He wasn't interested in admiring the place or had some bad memories here. Either way, he worked faster. Just before you could ask why, a knock at the door silenced you.
"Yo dad! You in here? We got a big problem!" A bratty voice called. Tabi's eyes went wide, and he pulled you, motioning to go up the ladder fast. You complied, trying to balance speed and stealth.
The door opened slightly, stopped by the chair. "What the hell? Dad, you in here?" The voice asked again, confused. Reaching the top, Tabi practically pulled you in, pushing you away from the entrance. He shushed you and pointed a finger to the previous floor, then moved to his neck, drawing his thumb across it. understood. A neck-slitting motion. A little extreme but you said nothing.
You draw your baton, ready in case Tabi needed help. He stood on the other side of the opening, ready to grab from behind.
"Stupid door, OPEN!" The voice shouted, forcing open the door, knocking the chair asunder.
"Why was it.." You hear someone mutter from below.
"The son." Tabi whispered.
Neither you nor Tabi moved, waiting for the son to make his next motion. He circled the room, the fireplace the only other sound.
Seeing nothing unusual the son shrugged and walked away. You hear the door close behind him. While the thought occurs that he tried to fake you out it's stopped as you hear him calling for his sister outside, voice growing distant as he walks away.
"Damn." Tabi muttered, putting away his knife disappointingly. Yep, he still had his bloodlust. You motion to go, uninterested in this small library you and Tabi had entered.
Based on the map there was a hallway perpendicular to this room and to the right an alcove plus door to a second dining room, connecting the two wings.
Peering out Tabi saw this hallway darker than the others, one of the chandeliers having gone out. Grabbing your hand, Tabi lead you and rounded the corner. Like the map displayed, a large alcove and two large oak doors covered in engravings and symbols, leading to an additional dining room.
With how much of a 'black sheep' Girlfriend was in the family you wondered if she ate with them or had to use the other dining room. With the door slightly ajar, you got down and peered inside, Tabi standing behind watching both sides of the hall.
A long room, light red carpet, a long table and none other than the back of Daddy Dearest, laughing maniacally with his guests.
You shudder, stopping yourself from grabbing your gun. You hadn't seen him since that day and boy did seeing him again burn a hole in your stomach. Guess you hadn't gotten over it after all. You couldn't see who Daddy's guests, but they looked to be having a grand time.
"Found Daddy." You say into your comlink. Tabi reacted instantly, twitching. You looked, expecting something more but his attention was focused on the hallway. "Two patrols coming from either side. Need those alternate routes." He said.
From the comlink you heard a shuffling of papers. "Uh. Okay." Tess started but Solazar but in, sounding as refined as before. "There are three. The first is if you can do go down the hallway. Make a-"
"No can do. Patrol there too."
"Yo, is that a ghost?!" One of the demons shouted. Though concealed by the broken chandelier, they could still clearly see Tabi's flames glowing.
"Shit." Tabi said as he ran into the alcove with you. "Need another path."
"Archway along the ceiling and there's a window by you. One could scale it, the other crawl along." Solazar said quickly. You had to hand it to him, in a tense situation he never lost his cool.
Tabi nodded as a he jumped upon the door's frame and heave himself up. Scaling it, he jumped to the chandelier. You understand and unlatch the window, easily opening it. You hurry and get out, lowering yourself to the ledge beneath it, holding tightly to one of the gargoyle statues, crouching.
"Hey, (Y/N)! I see ya!" S said through the comlink.
Glancing up you see a flashlight emit out of the window, the guards looking outside.
"I tell ya, this house is haunted."
"Nah, I think you should get your eyes checked." The demons said. You stay unmoving as you hear the window click close and lock.
Now Playing...
Artist: Bull of Heaven
Song: The Lamp Ever Burning
Below was a steep fall, though not deadly. Bushes lined the wall that in the event a fall would catch. Looking further out into the compound you see some patrols, but none notice you yet.
"S. Can you keep the patrols off me? I gotta traverse this."
"Sure! But imma watch of this. Let's see how you do platforming." S said, amused. You figure a camera was inside the gargoyle.
The ledge didn't continue but the windows did. It would be an upper body exercise but possible, nonetheless. You make the jump to the first window, holding on with both hands. Large ledges hung off each window, a gap separating each. It wouldn't take much to move between them and with a foot on the wall you found yourself able to leap from one window to another.
You could have peered inside but decide against it, preferring to keep your nose out of Daddy's business. And as tempting as a surprise attack was, now was the not the time for violence.
"You doin’ okay?" Tabi asked through the comlink.
"Yeah, so far." You said. You took it slow, careful not to burn energy. Though the rain had long stopped it remained damp and cold outside. Your armor did a good job at keeping you warm, allowing yourself to stay heated as you scaled. The ledges were damp but thanks to erosion you were able to find indents in the rocks that helped grip.
"I will meet you on the other side, let you in." Tabi said.
You try not to look at the ground. Though you knew you could survive the fall you didn't want to get more anxious. Not to mention Psychic was still-you shake your head. Stay focused.
Just as you predicted, the chandeliers remained sturdy. It was even large enough for Tabi to sit down on the flat top of it. Just in front of him he could see into the dining room.
Plenty of times sleeping in the tree made him good at scaling. Feeling as if his time spent in the park finally paid off he jumped off the door frame to the chandelier just as the guards stormed the alcove.
Reaching into the triangular window he grabbed ahold of the supporting beam and began his trek. Sitting atop the chandelier Tabi could see into the dining room.
The room contained a wooden archway ceiling that stretched across it, a long wooden beam holding the shape across. Per the way the room was built, another window existed on the opposing side. Grabbing the top ledge, Tabi pulled himself upwards.
Hugging it as a slug would, he crawled along, grip tight on it. He moved slowly, creeping along. He made sure everything stayed tight on him, no way anything would fall. He even checked the state of the wood, ready to grab onto another arch if it faltered.
He couldn't help but chuckle as he made his way. He knew if this were the old Tabi he would have gone in guns blazing, relishing the opportunity to catch Daddy by surprise.
He looked below, curious as to who the dinner guests were. Below he saw a long table, red tablecloth with a few plates and dishes atop it. Sitting at the head of the table was Daddy Dearest, holding a glass of red wine. Sitting across and next to him were people Tabi did not recognize. Two humans, and judging by their attire and manners, politicians. Hmph. All corrupt, Tabi thought.
Still holding on to the pole he used his free hand to reach to back, touching his RPK. Could get a good shot in right here...no. Not safe enough. Recoil could make me lose balance. One of the 'politicians' looked up.
Flinching, Tabi looked up too. He froze, realizing his eyes could have given away his position. He closed them, listening in to the conversation. A few seconds later he looked back down cautiously, seeing the dinner chat still going. He'd have to do this blind. Closing his eyes he continued scooting along, listening to their conversation. If they stopped, he knew to stop. He even held his breath, eliminating any sound he made. He froze again upon hearing the doors open.
"Ah! Here is one of them now!" Daddy bellowed. It sent chills down Tabi's spine. The grandiose but still husky and rough sounding voice of Daddy struck fear. Tabi looked down, instead perplexed by what he saw.
A few demons rolled in a stretcher, an anthro strapped to it. The anthro didn't move and Tabi couldn't tell if he was even still breathing. The anthro appeared lizard like, with a long snout. He had long silver hair that covered half his face and settled around his neck, fluffier than anything. From his bright blue skin, green-tipped horns and blue, white and black tail hanging off the stretcher, Tabi had an idea who it was.
"This guy right here, complete criminal. Wanted for extortion, gang violence, fraud, murder, you name it!" Daddy shouted. "We capture him, syphon his energy for the Laughing Plan and the city is safer. We've had him for about two months. And you guys don't need to do a thing!"
"Remarkable." One of the politicians said. "Is he still alive?"
"Of course! We can't drain them completely. We let him heal up a bit and go again. This way they don't get strong enough to fight back. It's a perfect system! We have three of these demons right now."
For a brief moment Tabi felt bad, realizing if this was the alternative then he got off easy. He didn't recognize the prisoner specifically but based on features he guessed it to be Retro, Ace's boyfriend.
He continued along, knowing to report what he saw. The demons rolled Retro out the other door, Retro still not moving. Another demon came in after, cart full of trays of food. Unintentionally, it made Tabi's stomach growl a bit. Should've eaten something earlier, he thought as he continued.
Reaching the end of the archway he climbed out the triangular window and placed himself onto the chandelier. This one was better lit but still provided cover.
After taking a few breathers you made it to the end of the hall, climbing from ledge to ledge. Your hands were freezing now, enough that it slowed you down. A light drizzle started again, stinging your hands as you gripped the stone. S demanded you keep going, stating that he'd do worse to you if you fell. It helped.
With one final heave you latch onto the ledge opposite the one you started from. Grabbing onto a gargoyle you take a few breaths, waiting on Tabi.
"We've lost contact with the Seven Deadly Sins. Cannot reach Sakuroma." Solazar said into the comlink.
"W-what the hell?" You said, shivering, not from the realization but from the damp air.
"I-I don't know. We just can't reach them." Tess said, a little worried.
"Maybe it was that ugly guy." S chimed in. "Or the ooooo mInDrEaDeR!"
"Everyone proceed as usual. I believe this may be a hiccup."
"I'm here. Taking the shot." Sakuroma said, her comlink coming back on.
"Sakuroma. Do not shoot!" Solazar shouted in the comlink. You heard gunfire, Tess gasp and Solazar shouting about bad ideas. You tune it out, focusing back on the mission. They could handle themselves.
Tabi likewise came to the same conclusion, also hearing S saying something about not getting involved. He waited until the demons carted Retro off. Now that the coast was clear he lowered himself off the chandelier onto the ground.
"You at the window?" He asked into the comlink.
"Yeah, hurry up. Getting soaked out here."
"On it." Doing another quick check, Tabi went to the window and unlocked it, opening and helping you inside. You sit down against the wall, getting your breath back and warming up.
"All good?" Tabi asked.
"Just need a sec."
While waiting Tabi opened his comlink, reporting that he found Retro.
"Wonderful! I'll get S to tag his location." Solazar said.
"I thought Psychic was going to get him." Pompom interjected.
"What was that gunfire?" Tabi asked.
"Our demonic friends tried sniping Psychic again. Suffice to say they fled and are being pursued by him." Updike said, a little happiness in his voice.
"Was that..planned?" You asked.
"Haha, no, but they'll be able to keep him at bay. There's 6 of them after all. Either way we are wiping our hands clean of SDS for now. We have no relation to them." Updike snickered.
"Indeed, let's proceed on the mission. With Psychic out of the way the spell and all we planned for is possible now." Solazar added.
"I'm keeping watch on them, but they won't be able to help us." Tess concluded. "At least he's gone now."
"NO!" You heard Ace shout. "Who's gonna get Retro? I'm going in! Don't try to stop-"
You heard violence on the comlink, presumably coming from the Updike's team.
"Whoa! Why the hell did you do that for?" Kapi shouted on the comlink.
"Is...he dead?" Hex asked.
You heard Updike sigh. "I apologize. I could not stand his disparity any longer. He's just unconscious." Clearing his throat he continued. "Teams Python or Lisp. Can either of you retrieve Retro?"
"Ehn sure. I could go for some fresh air." Nikusa responded.
"Good then. Just...what is it?...Of course you did." Updike sighed. "And S, can you go retrieve Kapi's phone?"
"Oh oh! I can do it!"
"Well stay careful of those hellh-"
Once again you tune the discussion out. Nevermind the complete chaos of the rest of the team you and Tabi had a mission to complete.
You get up, figuring it better to stay on the move than be so close to Daddy. "There's politicians in there." Tabi said, pointing to the door.
"Really? Let me see."
"Heh. Go for it. You're more a political perp than me."
Peering through the crack of the door you see the three people. Tabi was correct, you identifying them instantly.
The mayor of Newgrounds City sat on the left. You weren't surprised there. The city was corrupt as well. Looking at the second person your heart sank, and you let out a sigh. One of exasperation, as in 'you should have expected it'.
Sitting at Daddy's right side was none other than the police chief. You shake your head, not letting that fact get under your skin. He was corrupt. You already knew that.
You get up and start walking.
"What's wrong?" Tabi asked.
"Nothing. Just things I shoulda expected. Let's go."
"Heh-heh, saw some familiar faces?. Doesn't matter, I'm right behind ya."
With Tabi by your side you proceed down the hallway, making your way.
The next chapter will be called Ripples Across the Compound.