Blue Moon
Rating: PG-13
What: A Masquerade in celebration of a Blue Moon New Years Eve (December has 2 full moons).
Where: Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy1. Chief Weller
At home for the holidays, Chief was forwarded the following message:
To the honourable Dr. Everard Weller of the ACME Detective Agency;
This is Jeffrey Bruno, Public Relations officer of the office of the Consulate of Italy. As discussed with Mr. Chase Devineaux in the summer of this year, we would like to extend our gratitude to the services provided by your organisation.
The Mayor of the city of Venice cordially invites selected members of the ACME Detective agency to a celebration on the pavilion of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
Date: December 31, 2009 (New Year's Eve)
The dress code is Black Tie, Masquerade. You are welcome to be in full costume.
Please RSVP by December 26.
With cordial regards,
J. Bruno
This looked important, and Chief immediately posted a virtual bulletin to all members of ACME. To Chase, he wrote an additional message: "It seems you will need to go to this one, enjoy Venice."
[OOC: Enjoy the party, everybody!]2 Patty-Larceny Patty was at VILE Headquarters, going through new catalogs for fashion accessories when a henchman ran up to her.
"More noise, you want to sift through them now or later?" He handed her a disk full of stuff they got from ACME communications. Most of the secure stuff is never deciphered, but Patty ends up with the day to day emails and messages agents get.
"I'll take them," Patty sighed, she didn't want to get stuck with this later. The guy left and Pats sifted through info. She passed by the word 'Masquerade' twice before she realized this was a mass email ACME's Chief forwarded out. Saving it, she immediately sent a copy to Carmen.
3 LadyLoralye Loralye was chewing her hair. It was a habit that Lora started when she consentrated very hard on something. That "something" was an idea. Lora was trying to work out all the kinks for her new invention idea; she wanted it perfect when the idea is presented to Carmen.
Looking up, Lora saw a henchman going to give more noise for Patty to decipher. Lora groaned internally. She was thinking too hard and a distraction would do her brain good.
Following the henchman's path, Loralye found where Patty was. "Anything interesting?" she asked.
4 Carmen
Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill
Carmen, under the alias of Morgan Kent, was spending a few nights in London after a planned trip near Minsk, Belarus ended with satisfaction. An Italian tour group, presumably of dignitaries, resided at the same hotel. From them, Carmen had been hearing about the Blue Moon New Year's Eve party straddling the Grand Canal from St. Mark's square to the Salute.
Near the end of the day, she received a forwarded invitation from Patty. A momentary hesitation arose as she contemplated her next moves. This would be an open party full of law enforcement and ACME agents. What were the possibilities of a 'selected' amount of V.I.L.E. agents surviving such odds... once in a blue moon, perhaps?
"Patty," Carmen replied via voice, "take the Carrier out, send a message to all free agents, pick them up, and meet me near Venice for an early Carnival. Be prepared."
On her way to the hotel's The Churchill Bar, she purposely ran into one of the Italians who had been boasting about that masquerade. He apologised, she apologised, and after a brief English Afternoon Tea, Morgan Kent had a copy of the printed invitation.
[[OOC: V.I.L.E. Agents, you are to assume that you have been contacted by Patty, the 'Carrier' mentioned above is a large plane in which you will be picked up. You would have been in Venice for approximately one week before the party begins, please feel free to describe your costume in full detail and post your arrival after Chase's first post. My thanks.]]5 Chase
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute 5:50 PM (1750hrs), Local Time (10 minutes before the party starts)
Venice, Italy, 54 °F (12°C). Clear skies.
A calming shade of warm gray under the setting sun, the pavilion in front of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute laid in preparation for an evening of light cocktails and flutters of conversations.
The Italians arrived on time along with their families, which usually included the oldest and youngest members. This sort of event was an expensive curiosity, and Venice never lacked them. Little girls quickly head into small groups, comparing their costumes; while boys tend to stand close to the pier, playing near the dark waters until their mother, aunt, or grandmother--half speaking to friends and half watching the children--would change their voice from normal speech to a loud parental threat for the boys to move back into the party.
As the moon rose, temperatures dropped. Waiters lit fires in containers arranged by party organizers. Tall tables made for standing and talking formed a grid a few meters apart from one another. The masquerade also extended into the nearby building. A former Customs House was now a Contemporary Arts museum where guests may sit and talk in the warmth should the pavilion become too cold.
Chase Devineaux stood modestly in a tuxedo and black eye-mask at the steps of the basilica next to the Public Relations officer, Jeffrey Bruno; being introduced to a few of the city's notables. He had been in Venice since December 28 and planned to stay until January 2. The train of people to meet seemed endless, and he slowly grew burdened by the lack of familiar faces. He was never fully comfortable attending large, open-air parties--and Masquerades, with people parading around wearing costumes, seemed even more absurd--but he understood society, and getting along with such people was currently his job.
[[The party starts after this post, go ahead and write your characters' entries.]]6 DetectiveAwesome
For the past few hours Daniel Ainsworth felt overdressed in a French inspired mousquetaire costume, complete mask, rapier, and poufy hat. At least he wasn’t alone, the other two musketeers of ACME were by his side, Nevon Blair and Pete Moss. Tonight they were Athos, Porthos, and Aramis… though the three hadn’t decided who was who.
As soon they arrived at the party, however, Dan actually felt a bit under dressed. It seemed some folks went all out, with costumes the size of small parade floats. There must have been hundreds of people, and the night was just kicking off.
Danny could see Chase Devineaux among some important looking people and photographers, and he thought he might have recognized some other ACME agents in the crowd. Just then some fancy people in long beaked crow masks and sparkling black robes offered them a plate of canapés and champagne flutes.
“Talk about being posh… glad we decided to skip the TV countdown and come here this year.” Danny said as he took a glass.7 Nevon
Nevon adjusted the feather in his hat. He moved it in different directions but only made it worse. When he put on the hat, the feather fell to cover his face.
"Hey Dan," Nevon nudged his friend, "this doesn't look right. I have Porthos's boots, if you remember the movie, but you have Athos's vest... no one's going believe we're actually the three musketeers!"
Nevon's rant was canceled when he spotted Chase with a train of important people near the church. Press and photographers were everywhere. "This is the best party ever!" He hit Dan's shoulders, "we're going to be on TV!"8 Crimson
(OOC: I have received permission to meet up with LadyLoralye.)
Crimson had just returned from spending a vacation in Greece with her boyfriend's children and grandchild. It was a very relaxing trip and a great way to bond with his kids, that are older than her. "That is really awkward" she thought to herself, "and if we get married I would be a grandmother..." The former model shuddered not just because of the cold, but because of the thought of being a grandmother.
Crim had decided to come to Venice after the kids went back home. She had always wanted to see Venice. After this little excursion, she would head to Milan. Of course, a lot of shopping would be done there. Crimson was in Venice for one specific reason, though, thanks to a certain forwarded message.
The gondola ride was quite relaxing. She looked over her texts again. Crimson was supposed to meet up with Lory now that the gondola was docked.
The fun thing will be finding her in this crowd of people.9 LadyLoralye
Loralye wandered nervously through the crowds. When she asked Patty if there was anything interesting, Lora had no idea what she was getting herself into. Crimson had insisted on taking her shopping and picking out a gown. Finally, after hours of looking, they had settled on a strapless, black flowing gown with silver crystal beading. As for the mask to conceal her identity, Lora chose a white mask with beading on the bottom.
She checked her phone to see if Crimson had sent her a message...Nope. Lora didn't like this one bit. Sure she loved the ball, but a ball where everyone's in a mask and could potentially be an ACME agent? Loralye was all for taking risks, but this seemed to be pushing the envelope.
She grabbed a drink off a waiter's tray and sipped. Thank God the drinking age in Italy was sixteen, this was going to be a long night.10 EarlJr
Euge slipped his mask over his face moments before entering sight of the pavilion. The three faced mask he wore had been a special acquisition for the sole purpose of this party; the left side of his head was a black mask of tragedy, and the right a white mask of comedy. They were bridged by a piece over his eyes and nose where the two colors swirled together.
After tonight, it would join several other masks on his office wall.
Euge briefly broke step to adjust his mask and make sure his aviators were still in his jacket pocket. Satisfied everything was in place, he scanned the crowd. He wasn't looking for familiar faces, of course there wouldn't be any, but for eye catching masks and costumes. He spotted a trio dressed as musketeers and briefly wondered if they were Nevon, Dan, and Pete, for he had heard a rumor they had picked out those exact costumes. "Time to find out." Euge thought to himself, and grabbed a drink before making his way towards them.
11 Crimson
The former model removed her cloak and gave it to some worker.
Crimson looked like a princess and felt like one, too. She was wearing a white elegant gown with some intricate, hand - sewn silver detail with her matching silver shoes. Dangling from her ears were a pair of pearl drop earrings. She also was wearing a matching white mask with silver detail. Crimson's shoulder - length, chestnut colored hair was curled loosely. She figured she could pull off the all white look now that she had the perfect tan from her 'bonding time.'
She continued to look around and spotted Lora drinking some alcoholic drink. Crimson ran over to her friend and gave her a hug. "The party has barely started and you are already drinking? You look fab by the way!" she said to Lory12 Miss_Guided
Amber eyes stared out from behind a carved metal mask, the way it curved around her features making it seem like it was one with her skin. As the gondolier pushed his gondola across the water towards its destination the person wearing said mask gave a light sigh, or as much as she could beneath the bodice top of her gown which, if its influence had to be named, seemed vaguely like that of a french aristocrat. Its emerald green with metallic accents made it seem like the design of the metal on her face extended down into her gown. Her hair sat atop her head in a mountain of curls with only a few tendrils allowed to make their way down.
The plan had been to buy something to cover her whole face and a dress to let her blend with the crowds. Allow her to say her hellos, be accounted for as present and then hide somewhere against a wall or by the pier, leaving her more enthusiastic peers to mingle and network and whatever else there was to do. It wasn't that Missy necessarily hated holiday get togethers... she just had bad luck when it came to company holiday get togethers. The number of years with ACME had only numbered three but after last year's Holiday Party where one too many honest drunks were followed by one man vomiting into her lap Missy had decided that she wanted nothing to do with it all.So what part of 'nothing to do with it all' had to do with a bright emerald dress, a fancy metal colombina mask and the rest of her 'look at me, I'm pretty' ensamble? Missy couldn't say though she was pretty sure it had something to do with the silver tongued salesman at the costume store. Her trip had indeed left her wallet crying for mercy after she'd finished getting her last minute masquerade help. One thing she COULD say was if anyone vomited in her lap THIS year there would be hell to pay.
The gondola bumped against the waterway's edge finally and, after securing the boat, the gondalier started to let its small group of guests off, offering a hand to each person in turn. Silver shoes clacked against concrete finally and, making sure she'd remembered her purse, Missy made her way into the party. Looking out over the sea of masked faces Missy couldn't help but be thankful that the dress allowed plenty of room for her Smith and Wesson.13 wesdon
Pete scratched his stomach then his neck where the costume was itching. This party was full of sophisticated people, he felt very out of place. He didn't know what he was going to wear until Dan and Nevon convinced him that costume rental was cheaper if they went as the musketeers. He took off his mask and hat for a bit to breathe a little. Tucking them under his arm, he grabbed a drink while he listedn to Nevon's excited yell about being on TV. What isn't new with this guy?
Pete looked around at the reporters and TV cameras. This wasn't what he thought the party was going to be like at all. He didn't know it was so high profile. Luckily, he started seeing some familiar faces. Chase was up where almost everyone can see him, and Pete thought he could see Missy, the girl that lived upstairs in the dorms.
"Mates, is that Missy, yeh? In the green?" He asked his two other musketeers. He waved to the girl, so maybe she'd look his way.14 Carmen
Carmen Sandiego, still as Morgan Kent, allowed herself some time to adjust to the weight of her dress. Walking back and forth in a swinging gait before a large mirror, she judged how well her wardrobe had been fastened, and how her steps would look to the casual observer. Finding a natural rhythm, one that made her demeanour appropriately British, she smiled in a self-congratulatory way and moved on to her crowning accessory.
The golden masterpiece radiated as light played off its lustre. Meticulously created by an undiscovered Italian artist who dubbed it 'La Regina dei Ghiacci', its allure was worthy of the highest spot in coveted galleries. As with all things of beauty, the mask required extra preparation, the woman wore a silk maschera to cushion her skin from the metal.
Many minutes later, as her lazy gondola glided along the Grand Canal and drew nearer to destination, lights and voices rising from the squares showed the event's magnitude. Behind the disguise, her eyes worked to capture this chaos from a distance. Doing so kept her cognizant as she stepped on to the pier.
Before anyone asked her to present an identity, the flamboyant Italian she had met in London, Giulio Sarno, greeted her. This was according to plan; they had discussed 'La Regina dei Ghiacci' and its artist over afternoon tea.
"Piacere, Morgan!" Giulio quickly pulled her into the crowd, speaking in unpractised English, "You must meet Jeffrey Bruno's American friend, l'ospite d'onore, handsome man!"
Comprehending that she will need to spend the next few moments with the Italian, Carmen could no longer account for the rest of V.I.L.E. Presumably, they would find their own experiences, in some way, enlightening
15 Ivy
Ivy arrived from the pier and looked around at the bustling party. She had never been comfortable wearing dresses, but this was a special occasion for ACME. Still, the self proclaimed tomboy couldn’t quite bring herself to wear one of the antique styled gowns, so she opted for a more modern look.
The detective donned a long satin taupe dress, with draping that resembled a Grecian tunic. It tied at her neck and waist with the same colored material rope, leaving her back exposed. Her fiery red hair was tamed in a tight bun, and she wore a silver cat-eared mask which covered her eyes and nose.
After a few moments of taking in the sights and catching up with some of ACME Italia’s finest, Ivy realized that the night was colder than she had anticipated, and excused herself to stand near one of the large fires.
“Should have gone with a layered dress…” She said quietly to herself.16 Patty-Larceny
Patty was amped, totally amped to be going to a Venetian Masquerade. Ok, so it wasn't really the February Carnival when everyone was going to be in costume, but this was going to do. Special occasions were her thing and Patty knew how to fit into places. It didn't start out this way, though. Several years ago, she had to work at being social, and she still spends plenty of days making mistakes.
For the party, Pats a was playful clown in a free-flowing dress checkered with red and black, and a harlequin mask to match. In the Commedia Dell'Arte, she would be considered a Columbina, or a maidservant of an Innamorata, whose up-lifting role would be to disguise herself as her mistress to fool the mistress's love interest. Comedies must have been simpler back in 17th century Italy.
Patty hopped off the gondola along with a bunch of other people, traveling in a crowd was safest, just in time to see the most awesome golden mask disappear into the party. She wondered what kind of women had the time and grace to wear something like that.
Up on the steps of the basilica, she saw a tall guy standing with a group of people. That has to be ACME's poster boy, Chase Devineaux, looking good in a tux and a black mask. It's so easy for men.
From where she stood, she saw three, no, two musketeers and one fool with his mask off trying to wave to someone. Then a little to the side, she could see two girls greeting each other, that's probably Crim and Loralye, both in darling eveningwear. Showing her invitation and walking in, Patty headed to the girls.17 LadyLoralye
Loralye pulledback from her friend's embrace. "It's not my fault. Where were you? I was starting to worry." Crimson just shrugged her shoulders.
Now that Crimson was here, Lora really didn't want to drink. Looking around, she spied a group talking nearby. As no one was looking, Lora tipped her almost untouched drink into an empty glass. A waiter was walking by and she placed her now empty glass onto the tray. Thinking about it, it was stupid to pick up the drink at all. Every time she drank, she became closer to being inebriated, and being drunk in a room full of ACME agents was not a good thing. Lora sighed. Those blasted ACME agents were getting to her.
"They'll be the death of me," Lora muttered to herself. To Crim she said, "Come on, let's go mingle." Loralye was determined to enjoy herself.18 Crimson
"You ok?" Crim said to Lora. She looked sick, or maybe just really tense. Or both. Either way, they were here at a party with ACME agents. No big deal and no turning back now. Crimson actually liked the idea, though. She liked parties and the rush she was getting from possibly being caught by ACME, and the scene that could result, was probably one of the most intense feelings she has ever felt.
"Fine, we will mingle." she said to her friend. While walking toward a crowd, Crimson spotted a blond girl in a clown style dress . "That is probably Patty" she whispered to Lora. "Let's go see." Crim walked over to the girl and said "Ciao!"19 Little-Mac
Just arriving in Venice Italy Mac knew he was prepared with his just bought and tailored suit from Monaco and a Phantom of the Opera styled Mask in his hand along with the invite slip to the Party.. Mac has never been to Italy nor is he very familar with it all he knows is Venice and Naples as far as Italy goes and the food as much as the Culture the closest he has been is Little Italy back in NYC.. But he knew there was a diffrence from those two places.. One thing about Mac Suits and Parties were and are not his style at all but he decided that This maybe fun and Too he heard that the Acme agents from Italy knew how to Party..
Stepping into the gondola Mac looked at the sights of Venice The People of Venice were having the Time of their lives espcially with his Boat Driver singing as Mac smiled looking at Venice.. Minutes Passed by and Mac was at the Place the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute Italy.. Mac tipped the Gondola Driver and Went into the Group putting on his Mask that was like the Phantom of the Opera's along with his Bandaged wrapped Hands.. He entered the Group of People20 Vic-the-Slick
Poi Pet, Cambodia - Gambling town (Illegal)
Vic got a message from Patty about some mascarpone in Venice, Italy. At first, he ignored it, but then he read the message again and found out it had nothing to do with cheese. Hauling himself off the mattress of the $6 a night "hotel" he was staying in, the part time salesman and conman rubbed the drowse off his face and grabbed himself a towel for a shower.
"Sin!" he yelled to his Cambodian landlady when he was dressed and ready to leave "I go, ah? The pay's in yer room." He put the dollars in an envelope, because locals preferred it to the Riel, and kicked it under her door.
Sin yelled back something in Cambodian that Vic couldn't understand, but she ended with a loud "Come again!" and that, he got. Vic called a cab to the airport in Phnom Penh.
No way was he going into a party unprepared with a whole bunch of ACME agents in masks ready to off him. He don't like parties but that "Chase Devineaux" kinda danger is involved and VILE could always use backup.
21 Kyzano
Dragon was arriving on her own, she for one damn approved of boats as a way of travel. They weren't as noisy and honestly the water was quite nice at night. She was sitting in a gondola, what exactly that was she didn't know, but she figured it was the boat. She didn't know what anything beyond the utmost basic things, and those that were the same in her home country, were but she was enjoying the country nonetheless. Dragon hadn't ever been to a new country before now, never seen the point. Italy was, in some places, beautiful. As the small boat continued to glide along Dragon took in the night air. She had to give credit where it was due, despite her concerns on it, Dragon actually liked what she was wearing to this party.
It wasn't a dress, that had been the first thing that had worried her when she'd seen what the others were to be wearing. But thankfully Alpha had a better idea. She'd also been told it was a costume party or something like that. Dragon didn't really have a full grip on the word... but she remembered that it usually came up around the 31 of October, Halloween. She actually enjoyed that human holiday. So she'd brought with her an old style scythe, blunted of course, but still it was a weapon and that gave Dragon a vast amount of calmness in the midst of the fact that she was going to be around so many humans. It stood at 6 feet tall so it was a few inches taller than Dragon, who stood at 5’8’’ flat, but it didn't really matter, it wasn't heavy to her.
She was coming to the party as something called a Grim Reaper. Honestly she enjoyed the idea and the customization that V.I.L.E. was able to get for her made her swear to send any further business their way. Hey, she wasn't completely feral she needed clothes and they always had to be customized because of her lifestyle. Regular clothing was not made for hunting or living in the woods. She'd foregone any kind of footwear, it really wasn't cold to her, hell she could probably bathe comfortably in the water if she wanted, and instead both her arms and legs had been painted, though with something that smelt weird that was called henna? Dragon didn't know but honestly her legs up to her knees and her arms up to her elbows looked like a skeleton. Hands included but not on her palms or the bottoms of her feet. Her pants were basically black half cargos, they cut off just after her knees, she found that comforting, it was almost like her regular clothing just a bit shorter. Her shirt however was something that had stunned her lightly.
In order to create almost a more ominous presence the shirt was a re-enforced t-shirt that had a black chain wrapped around her abdomen. When she took a rather heavy step or sometimes even a lighter one you could hear the links sometimes clink against one another. But with the cloak she was wearing you couldn't see any of this. In fact you could barely see her at all, the sleeve opened up and went past her hands, it clung to her body somewhat but didn’t give away her gender but it wasn’t something that would be awkwardly big or small to her, it was frayed lightly on the bottom by her feet but did not touch the ground, giving it an aged look and revealed the 'bones' on her legs a little, it had a hood that completely covered her head, it extended some at the back and made a curved point that ended somewhere around her shoulder blades. The hood came and covered a little bit of her forehead but not much, just enough so that you couldn't see the edges of her mask.
Dragon downright loved the mask. It was metal and padded lightly with something soft, she had no idea what it was, it was a single layer mask that was curved and made to fit her face, and hers alone. It went up to cover her forehead and came down in a bit of a tri point. It covered just a bit past the bridge of her nose in the center ‘point’ and came down to just past the center of her cheeks for the other two more curved points, it covered her jaw bones as it went to only just before her ears before the strap came in holding it to her face, black leather strap, Dragon’s eyes peered out of the eye holes and her crimson slit pupil eyes caught the light, making it seem, thanks to the design of the mask, that her eyes were coming from empty sockets. Yeah, Dragon really liked the mask, especially since she didn’t have to worry about her fangs for once. It was nice. The fact that it had been painted to look exactly like a skull in proportion just made it that much sweeter. Oh yes it did.
Though she had been ready a while ago, Dragon had caught and eaten a small bird, hey she’d been hungry, and she had used some of the blood to lightly make some realistic stains on the cloak, she didn’t want to bloody the scythe though, so she’d left that alone. It was only after that she was glad that the people who had thought far enough ahead to make the designs on her hands had thought to make them waterproof. But anyway now she’d cleaned up and there were some realistic stains on her cloak, all completely dry and they weren't very red, hell they just made the black cloak look a bit darker in the right light but still it completed things, for Dragon anyway. Hey, from what she was told a Grim Reaper was a sign of death. Death meant someone had to kill and killing means blood.
The strange words from the man who had been... do you drive boats? Well he’d tapped her on the shoulder and pointed once he got no response from Dragon other then her turning her head slightly to glance at him from over her shoulder. Oh, she was here, carefully standing up she gave the man some coins, she didn’t even know what they were but she’d gotten them after buying some water earlier, she didn’t want to drink from the roads, and he nodded with a smile. Okay, she got out of the boat and heading towards the masses, her scythe across her shoulders her right arm holding onto it near the small handle for her other hand should she have been holding it in the correct position, the sleeve of her cloak sliding down to the elbow as she moved. For now she moved lightly, the chain not making noise, she’d spent nearly a day working on how to do so it is a lot harder then she thought, and froze on spot, her whole body tensing up along with the grip on her blunted weapon.
Cameras?! No one said anything about cameras! Breathing deeply Dragon forced herself to calm down. For all these humans knew, she was too. And she had her scythe, blunt but still useful if she wanted to bust some cameras. If all else failed she’d use her hands. But she would be civil for now. No reason to attract attention when none was being given.
Looking around again she sniffed lightly at the air, nope, she didn’t think she’d be able to peg anything specific but hey it never hurt to try. Deciding that for now she’d head over to the one of the fires where she could make out someone with red hair and... were those cat ears? Probably a mask, but still it intrigued her. She moved carefully, not quite so silently, timing her heavy footfalls appropriately, making sure not to hit anyone with either end of her scythe accidentally. As she made her way over she noticed someone without their mask who was waving at something, another person who most of the cameras were pointed at and a brief flash of gold from the corner of her eye that drew her eye but she missed where it came from as people mingled, she’d figure it out later.
22 Sarah-Nade
The outfit was somewhere between gaudy and horrific. Bright colors, feathers... she looked like a Macy's day float. Who could look inconspicuous in that? There were shades of bright blue and purple streaked throughout peacock feathers that wove themselves into short blonde tresses.
The gentleman next to her, a clean cut blonde with a black and gold columbina boroque mask, adjusted the sleeves of his tuxedo just slightly as he sat next to the woman in question, attempting to keep a straight face as the feathers of this overgrown peacock waved into his face with the motion of the boat they were taking over to the party. As the gondola finally reached land the gentleman was the first to stand, offering his hand to the peacock which she took with a loud screech of a Thank You.
The woman entered the party quickly, her loud costume announcing her presence long before that screech of a tone did.
Hanging back to tip the gondalier the gentleman chuckled as he replaced his wallet. Or as much as 'he' could with his chest bundled that tight. Brushing a piece of freshly cut and bleached hair out of 'his' face and smoothing it back into the rest of his do he smiled.
With a well practiced masculine swagger and dashing grin this masked tuxedo presented his counterfit invite and slid in among the crowd. Sarah Nade knew how to make an entrance. However, she thought to herself as she attempted to drown out the sounds of the loud peacock from a number of yards away, she did at times know how to not make one.23 Chase
7:00 PM (1900hrs), Local Time (60 minutes into the party)
Benito, Giulio, Carlo, Carlo's wife Antonia, Michel, his wife Marie, Alessandro number one, two, and three... Chase recounted in mind the names and faces he should memorize for the duration of this party.
The bright lights pointing his way started to hurt, causing an uncomfortable strain deep behind his temple. He felt somewhat dazed, his senses hindered by a veil of hot white and rippling sea of onlookers. Attendants had exchanged the warm, mostly full Champaign flute in his hand for a new glass three times.
Luckily, the Mayor of Venice arrived ten minutes ago, meaning the 'introduzioni' session was ending. Chase breathed cautiously and snapped to attention as the next face greeted him. Giulio Sarno was back, introducing a striking woman with an intricate golden façade first to Jeffrey Bruno, then to ACME's Field Director.
"Ciao, Chase, ciao," Sarno started, "questa è la mia amica, Morgan Kent. Ci siamo incontrati a Londra!"
"Ms. Kent," Chase repeated then ran that inside his head as he reached for her hand, gold mask, Morgan Kent, London... beautiful smile, she can't be with Giulio Sarno, "Chase Devineaux. ACME, United States."
24 Mikal
Cameras flashed and whirled in the distance as Mikal stepped onto steady land. He immediately walked toward the party, briefly scanning rooftops along the way. There were no snipers of course, it was merely out of habit.
Once integrated with the crowd, the former soldier adjusted his mask. It was an item of typical Venetian design, concealing his entire face in matte black and capturing in itself an expression of restrained anger. Mikal purchased it out of necessity only moments ago. The clerk had told him something about the mask’s literary importance, which was lost on the rushing buyer. If Mikal had paid attention he would have found that it portrayed the tragic Moor of Venice, Shakespeare’s Othello.
The Israeli was here to relay information to his current case director, which would prove more difficult than previously anticipated. Tonight the spotlight was fully on Captain Devineaux. As Mikal waited for an opportunity, he spotted a lone woman near the flickering fire.
Ivy said:
"Should have gone with a layered dress…" She said quietly to herself.
"Wouldn't say that." Taking time to think of the right words in English, he continued, "You’re cold? I can give you my coat."25 Carmen
Lights glazed the basilica in stark bluish white, giving the men standing in front of it an aura of righteousness. They seemed almost impossible to touch, but for a certain pseudonymous guest, one above all others appeared particularly vindictive.
Chase wrote: "Ms. Kent," Chase repeated as he reached for her hand, "Chase Devineaux. ACME, United States."
As his hand extended to hers, Carmen took it with moderate enthusiasm. Having decided that her next moves would set the night's entire tone, she preferred control.
"I know who you are," she replied in Received Pronunciation to his introduction, "Mr. Chase Devineaux from ACME, United States." After mocking the phrase he must have recited to hundreds of people both inside and outside of this event, she alleviated with a slow smile, "It's certainly a pleasure."
The Mayor of Venice, Massimo Cacciari, called for attention and a toast, allowing those on the steps to join the party.Carmen moved down with Giulio Sarno.
26 Little-Mac
As Mac was enjoying the Masquerade seeing the many unique cultures combine from ACME He knew that ACME was the right move for him Besides Boxing. Sure he loved the Money, The Fame, The Women but Doc was around no more and Mac was on his own this time and Being a ACME agent is something he has wanted to do for awhile.. Now He is fullfilling his dream and Now is in Venice..
Walking Towards the Buffet Table Mac grinned widely with His Phantom of The Opera Mask on grabbed a Plate and Napkins and started to dig in eating and watching everyone be happy and have fun.. Mac tried to look for other ACME agents and even the Chief but none were recoginzable with the masks on He just ate away at the Canolli's and some of the Pasta Dishes as he tried his best to watch his manners.. He Ate his food and Gazed at all the Masquerade guests27 Patty-Larceny
"Ciao bellezze!" Patty smiled to Crim and Loralye, "Oh wow, cute dresses!" She complimented then took a glass of soda from one of the help. Like all parties with kids running around, this place had Sparkling Wine, Red Wine, White Wine, and a selection of water, cola, or orange juice. Patty tasted the cola and concluded it was Coke and not Pepsi.
She was paying a lot of attention to the dignitaries near the basilica because she hasn't spotted Carmen yet, and it was getting innerving. To make her feel better, Patty naturally staked out people to play with.
"Check out the three musketeers," she pointed with her glass for Crim and Loralye to see. "You want to torture someone tonight, they'd be my mark."
28 Miss_Guided
Her face seeming a bit blank as her eyes searched for a familiar face Missy finally smiled as she saw someone waving at her. Slipping between the crowds with care she approached the three men, holding her dress up from the ground as not to step and trip over herself.
"Hey Pete!" Missy cheerfully chimed, finally placing her skirt down properly as she reached her immediate destination, taking a moment to smooth down the material before taking a glass of white wine from a traveling serving boy and taking a small sip. "Let me guess... Nevon and..." she paused, trying to make out the masked faces and finally a light seemed to come over her head. "D.A.!"
Her eyes couldn't help but glance over towards the lights and TV cameras as she took another sip of her wine. "...Nice, uh, party, huh?" By the tone of her voice one could tell she wasn't quite loving the cameras and tv personalities everywhere. She knew ACME had an international reputation to uphold but... well, this was a bit much.
Somewhere in the back of her head Missy dreamed of a pint of Sam Adams and a handful of beernuts from Doyle's Bar in Boston.29 Tanya
Tanya came to the party in a light green dress of chiffon faux leaves and a paper mache mask of gold and silver maple branches. This was her third time in Venice, but her first time joining a masquerade. It looked nothing like the new year celebrations in Moscow, where most of her friends would already be dancing at 7:00 pm.
The first thing she saw were lights and cameras, and she gasped at the scene, a white basilica standing before the Grand Canal. She took Zack's hand leaving the gondola and proceeded with him into the party.
Looking around, Tanya could see Ivy's red hair by one of the fires with an Othello; she tapped Zack to show him where his sister was. Near the basilica were the party organizers and head, and back on the floor were costumes of all kinds from Aramis to Zanni. One girl in a harlequin costume was lively, a phantom of the opera ate at the buffet, a grim reaper passed her by, three musketeers talked amongst themselves, near them walked a man with many faces, and not too far from him, a woman stood in a lovely emerald green dress with silver accents.
"So many people," Tanya whispered to Zack, "should be fun, da?"30 Zack
Zack smiled behind his mask as he helped Tanya out of the gondola. His attire was much simpler than Tanya’s, a plain black suit with a matching tie in the colour of Tanya’s dress. His mask was not as as fancy as hers. It was a Tempest mask, with the colours being black and white. Zack was not that creative in coming with a matching costume with Tanya- he lacked fashion sense.
He too was amazed by the site and forced himself not to look everywhere like a little kid. With Tanya’s hand in his, they proceeded to the party. Tanya pointed out Ivy to Zack almost immediately, and he nodded as a response.
"So many people," Tanya whispered to Zack, "should be fun, da?"
“Extremely fun!” he said, barely containing his whisper. Another long look at the dance floor decided what they should do next.
He looked at Tanya and bowed.
“May I please have this dance?”
31 DetectiveAwesome
Nevon said:
"Hey Dan," Nevon nudged his friend, "this doesn't look right. I have Porthos's boots, if you remember the movie, but you have Athos's vest... no one's going believe we're actually the three musketeers!"
Danny wondered why Nevon knew so much about the musketeers. He himself didn't even remember the names until he was bored in the hotel and decided to do an ACME info-scan. "Don't sweat it Nev, I'm sure no one's going to be comparing us to the movie." Just then, Pete spotted Missy and she came over to greet them.
Miss_Guided said:
"Let me guess... Nevon and..." she paused, trying to make out the masked faces and finally a light seemed to come over her head. "D.A.!"
"Bingo, Missy!" Danny replied when she guessed his identity. He hadn't noticed it at first, but up close Missy's dress was really well put together. He was used to seeing her in garage jump suits with greese on her face. Now she was practically the belle of the ball. "Hey, you look awesome!"
There was a man wearing a three faced mask walking towards the small group of detectives. He seemed familiar, but Danny had no idea who it could be. He nudged Pete, "Hey, try using your detective skills again and guess who that is."32 Chase
Carmen said: As his hand extended to hers, Carmen took it with moderate enthusiasm. "I know who you are," she replied in Received Pronunciation to his introduction, "Mr. Chase Devineaux from ACME, United States." After mocking the phrase he must have recited to hundreds of people both inside and outside of this event, she alleviated with a slow smile, "It's certainly a pleasure."
Welcoming Morgan's sympathy, Chase Devineaux returned her gesture with a smile of his own. As she walked away, he took an unconscious step towards her, torn between his duties to stay and pursuing a new interest. Coincidentally obstructing, the Mayor called for a toast, and with it, the noise and lights came back to Chase's awareness. His headache returned, admissibly, as this signaled the official start of the party.
Cameras moved away, taking with them the blinding lights and glare. Devineaux walked down to the party. Morgan Kent from London, he thought with a lingering smile, gold mask, red dress. Feeling better, he looked at his watch for the time, only to find it missing...
33 Little-Mac As Mac had his Fifth serving of Gelato and Tiramitsu it was time for him to mingle with some of the Guest and maybe find a Face or person he is familar with he adjusts his mask walks the area till he hears a Woman in a Light Green Dress with a Nice paper Mache Mask there was a Guy with her and he listened to her
Tanya said: "So many people," Tanya whispered to Zack, "should be fun, da?"
And Mac heard what the Guy had to say he looked down as he wanted to Ask the woman with the Green Dress and exotic accent to him for a Dance but he heard what he said
"May I Have This Dance"
Mac Looked Down for a bit walking to the Seats awaiting to see what would Happen next during the Masqurade... Mac Look and took a walk to the Viewing area where he saw more people Mingling as he heard of the Guest Morgan Kent and her Beauty Mac and to Run over to the Area to see who she was..
As Mac Ran into the Area He Bumped into a Server tripping over three chairs and slid into three more guests... Mac feeling like a Idiot all he did was smile a unsure way
34 wesdon
Pete was glad Missy came over when he waved, he was even more glad that he waved in the first place. He was trying to think up words in his head but things were cloudy and he resigned himself to the knowledge that he wasn't good at complimenting girls.
He felt Dan's nudge and saw a three headed man walking towards them. Something inside Pete snapped and he figured that this was a chance to try something new, now or never.
"Donno who that could be mate," Pete said putting on his hat and mask. Talking to Missy, he said, "Dance with a musketeer, m'lady?"
((Good suggest on making colours clear mates!))
35 Nevon
Nevon was about to excuse himself to go adjust his hat, but then he saw Missy, his jaw slacked open a little. What kind of party was this? While feeling under dressed, Nevon listened to Pete answer Danny and then ask Missy to dance.
"Is Pete blowing us off for a girl?" Nevon asked Dan quietly. He was distracted again when the mayor made a toast and all the people up by the basilica started making their way down to the party. The cameras were on their way down too. Alas, Nev's dreams of stardom were put on hold as the press was on break. They were also enjoying themselves at the last party of the year.
A lady in a golden mask passed by the crowd and Nev stared at her from a distance. "Woah, Dan!" He exclaimed, "I think I just saw Monica Bellucci!!"
36 Ivy Ivy saw a rather menacing figure holding a large scythe pass through the crowd, but in the darkness it was hard to make out any details. As the fire light flickered it seemed that the grim reaper had disappeared right into the shadows, and she shivered again.
Mikal said:
"You’re cold? I can give you my coat."Ivy turned towards the speaker. The gentleman before her wore a black mask, hiding pale green eyes underneath. He had spoken with a Mediterranean accent, but she couldn't pin point exactly where he was from.
"Thanks." She said, as she slid the jacket over her shoulders, leaving her arms free of the sleeves. "I'm usually more prepared, but—" She was cut off by the fanfare of the mayor's toast, and announced that the dancing would commence. Great, Ivy thought sarcastically.
"You don't mind if I head towards the museum?"
37 Crimson
"Thanks! Your dress is so adorable" she said to her very blond friend.
Patty said:
"Check out the three musketeers," she pointed with her glass for Crim and Loralye to see. "You want to torture someone tonight, they'd be my mark."
Crimson looked over to the three musketeers, well, now two. They did look quite vulnerable just standing there. How much of a risk are we taking? she thought to herself. But, we only live once! She turned to Loralye and Patty and said "Let's go torture those guys for a little entertainment"
38 Kyzano
Dragon watched a male with a black mask go up to the female with the cat eared mask and she figured, while she wanted to see more of the intriguing mask, that she had best leave the two alone. Maybe they were together, she knew that humans didn't much like being interrupted, the fact the male gave his jacket to her only furthered this conclusion in her mind. So with a quick shift of her feet she turned heading further into the party.
Dragon was shaking lightly as her grip on the scythe tightened slightly again; she really, really wasn't liking all the humans she was around. Suddenly there was a toast. 'Dancing? Over my dead body!' She thought with a mental growl as she glared out at the world, almost daring any human to come ask her to. No way was she dancing with a human she didn't know tonight. That would probably make her, who was teetering on the edge of running, do something that would draw all the attention to her. Uh nuh, no way. She quickly moved towards a group a people, well okay not towards them but close enough. A woman in a green dress and three- wait was that a rapier? Okay, weapon, that got Dragon's attention, altering her path she headed over. Still keeping her footfalls in proper timing for the ominous chains that could be heard but not seen.39 DetectiveAwesome While everyone was just starting to dance, Danny looked around the party. Suddenly he heard the sound of pounding chains and spoted a Grim Reaper eyeing his pants. He hoped he hadn't sat on anything weird on the boat, so he turned around to check and noticed that the grim reaper turned too. And then it hit him--it wasn't his pants, it was the sword thing that came with the costume. Duh. He looked to Nevon to see if his buddy saw the awesome costume too.
"Hey there!" Dan waved once he thought the incomming guest was in ear shot. Then he thought about all the people he knew who would be interested in a sword. "You're ACME right? Let me guess... Josha? Renne Santz? Mr. Grovington?"40 Nevon
Nevon looked at Dan when the Grim Reaper came towards them. "Uhm...." Nev made one eye smaller to see if he could tell what kind of LED lights were being used for this costume. Not seeing any, he shrugged.
Dan said: "Hey there!" Dan waved once he thought the incomming guest was in ear shot. Then he thought about all the people he knew who would be interested in a sword. "You're ACME right? Let me guess... Josha? Renne Santz? Mr. Grovington?"
Nevon waved to Grim too. "Mr. G, if it's you, and we guess right, can we get extra credits?"
41 Carmen
Walking with Giulio Sarno into the crowd, Carmen became aware of a small incident involving a 'Phantom of the Opera' and a garcon. In a party of hundreds, such things rarely affect the mood. As she scanned the floor, she saw Patty's blond confidence off to mischief, leading two newer VILE agents straight for a set of victims. Lightly taking her young protégé aside, Carmen whispered, "Ten o'clock, coming down from the steps, tall, tux, black mask, I suggest red wine."
Spotting the grim reaper nearby, she let go of Patty and caught Dragon's scythe-wielding arm briefly with a smile, "Stop shaking, you're safe." She patted the young woman then spun around to catch up with Sarno. While doing so, she brushed into a man with a 'tre facce' mask.
"Mi scusi," she apologised politely, reaching for Sarno again only to kiss him goodbye as she wound her way to a figure whose demeanour and body language she concluded to be Sarah Nade's male doppelganger.
"Walk with me?" She invited Sarah, "I need you for a moment."
42 Kyzano
"Hey there!" Dan waved once he thought the incomming guest was in ear shot. Then he thought about all the people he knew who would be interested in a sword. "You're ACME right? Let me guess... Josha? Renne Santz? Mr. Grovington?"
Nevon waved to Grim too. "Mr. G, if it's you, and we guess right, can we get extra credits?"
Dragon blinked not responding for a moment. 'Oh f***.' First she was around all these humans and now the first ones who talk to her are the ones who wanted to- "Stop shaking, you're safe."
Dragon instantly stopped shaking, and as she was patted lightly Dragon felt the corner of her mouth turning up slightly. Leave it to Alpha. Dragon would meet up and thank her later. For now though, she was alright.
"I'm not with ACME." She tilted her head a bit her crimson eyes glancing from Dan to Nevon her eyes now more playfully dangerous, rather then a cornered animal. "As for a name... you can call me Death." She smirked at that, her fangs being slightly more revealed with the expression.43 LadyLoralye
Crimson said
"Let's go torture those guys for a little entertainment"
Loralye looked over towards the two Musketeers. There's two of them and three of us, Lora thought. "Let's do it," she said with a smirk. As the three VILE agents walked towards their victims, a woman dressed in a lovely red dress and a beautifully complex golden mask stopped them and pulled Patty aside. Lora could only assume it was Carmen. Lora heard her whisper:
"Ten o'clock, coming down from the steps, tall, tux, black mask, I suggest red wine."
As swiftly as she appeared, she was gone. Loralye looked over at her companions and asked, "What did she mean by that?"44 Miss_Guided
Missy, never really being one for boasting on her clothing choices, smiled at the guys who gave her compliments, a wordless thanks coming in nods and light chuckles. She was more thankful just to have people nearby that she knew, it made her comfort levels soar.
"Hey, try using your detective skills again and guess who that is."
Hearing the question Missy turned to look at the masked man approaching. She was pretty sure she had an idea for the identity of the figure though the name was escaping her. She silently watched as the guys tried to figure it out, taking another sip of her wine before turning to find a hand placed just within reach.
"Dance with a musketeer, m'lady?"
Amber eyes looked up to the now masked face of Pete and she smiled though remained silent for a beat. Carefully she placed her wineglass onto one of the returning serving boy's trays before finally answering. "Sure..." If you had asked her earlier in the week if she'd dance at a formal party like this the answer probably would have been No. The dress, the wine, the fact that she had yet to deal with one person telling her 'You know, I never liked you' after drinking three shots of jagermeister in a row... it was encouraging.
Sliding her gloved hand into his she let him lead the way to the dance floor, the steps she took allowing her to adjust to the weight of the heavy satin skirt she would be compensating for.45 EarlJr
Euge had finally made his way over to the musketeers, not that he was in any hurry. This month had been unusually busy for him, and this was his first opportunity to attend a party since joining ACME.
she brushed into a man with a 'tre facce' mask. "Mi scusi," she apologised politely.
Euge turned his head towards the speaker and saw a woman in a magnificent gold mask and red dress striding away. "Of course Ma'am," he said quietly to her backside. Smiling to himself, he came up behind Nevon:
Nevon waved to Grim too. "Mr. G, if it's you, and we guess right, can we get extra credits?"
"If you're wrong, does that mean I get to fail you?" he said to Nevon's backside with a grin. Euge realized, with people beginning to dance, these two were going to get left by the wayside. Looking around, he saw a harlequin and two women in white masks making their way towards them. "Problem solved," he whispered to himself.
(OOC: want to help me play matchmaker for the dance Patty?)46 Little-Mac As Mac Dusted himself when he saw this Kent woman that was around the Masquerade he saw her just be slightly aware but not by Too much.
Carmen said: Walking with Giulio Sarno into the crowd, Carmen became aware of a small incident involving a 'Phantom of the Opera' and a garcon. In a party of hundreds, such things rarely affect the mood. As she scanned the floor, she saw Patty's blond confidence off to mischief, leading two newer VILE agents straight for a set of victims.
"Mi scusi," she apologised politely, reaching for Sarno again only to kiss him goodbye as she wound her way to a figure whose demeanour and body language she concluded to be Sarah Nade's male doppelganger.
"Walk with me?" She invited Sarah, "I need you for a moment."
As Mac walked through many people He saw that This Kent woman was with another Man as she asked him To walk with me.. Mac stepped in front of them and he saw Ms Kent.. As her Beauty excited her reputation and he saw her date as well he looked at him and spoke to Ms Kent..
"Hello Ms Kent...Ummm I saw you around the Party here.. and Was wondering if he is not with ya if a Dance could be alright with you... You know.. If that is fine sir???" As Mac Awaited a Response He saw a Woman wearing a flowing white dress with a Sliver Mask
47 Sarah-Nade
Things had been uneventful. Sarah, or William Blake as her phony identification would suggest, had found this gala to be a bit boring for her tastes so far. Enough paired off couples to keep her safe from interested women, enough booze and merriment to keep people too preoccupied to question much... it was a cakewalk but a piece of her still pined for The Dropkick Murphys who she'd been planning on seeing when the New Year hit. Ah well, she'd chosen to be here and she had a feeling something entertaining would eventually find its way here.
Warming her hands with a nearby fire and her insides with her third glass of wine 'William's' head turned as she heard a familiar voice.
"Walk with me?" She invited Sarah, "I need you for a moment."
"Of course." William replied, the speaking tone safely hovering in a secure male tenor tone. Gloved hands carefully started to escort Carmen in a gentlemanly manner, her body turning to make it appear that 'he' was leading (though in actuality Sarah knew Carmen's skill in crowds well enough to let her pick where they should walk) when a man who rounded barely 5'6" stepped in front of them, blocking their path.
"Hello Ms Kent...Ummm I saw you around the Party here.. and Was wondering if he is not with ya if a Dance could be alright with you... You know.. If that is fine sir???"
'William' smiled a gentleman's smile, 'his' hands remaining in their place. "If it pleases Ms. Kent... a lady may go as she pleases. There is no need to ask me." 'He' chuckled warmly as in Sarah's mind she held back a couple of choice words she would have loved to use if they were somewhere else. Especially as she watched his eyes wander to another woman. Overeager ACME agents... they may have gotten older but the need for shiny toys stayed the same.48 Patty-Larceny [OOC: I'm for it, Euge!]
Patty saw the glint of gold come her way as she was walking with Crim and Loralye to the musketeers, but she didn't expect to be pulled aside and given information on a new target. At her 10 o'clock, she saw Chase Devineaux coming down the steps. Now that she knew who Carmen was, Patty felt more wholesome.
"That's Chase Devineaux," Patty pointed out to her surrogate sisters, "we'll need to keep an eye on him, later." As a boy passed by, the Harlequin swooped up a glass of red wine. She could see next to the musketeers someone in an elaborate Death costume (that could to be the new Dragon girl Carmen picked up from Canada, Patty remembered her costume having to be custom tailored) and a man with three faces.
She overheard some of the conversation.
"You're ACME right? Let me guess... Josha? Renne Santz? Mr. Grovington?"
"Mr. G, if it's you, and we guess right, can we get extra credits?"
"I'm not with ACME. As for a name... you can call me Death."
"If you're wrong, does that mean I get to fail you?"
ACME... Patty thought, the perfect way to stir up a good cappuccino. "Hey there! Hope I'm not interrupting," She said to the group in her sweetest country-belle accent, giving them all a nod of respect. "Ya'll look like a good time to be had. Not too many people speaking English at this party don't you know. I'm Lacy Boone, pleased meeting y'all."
"And if I can introduce these lovely ladies," she walked a few steps back to highlight the two women with her. Patty first pointed to Crim then to Lorayle. "This is Cassandra Kennedy, of the Kennedys', spent most of her life in Paris, and this is Abrielle Fiore, daughter of the Italian Premier's third nice."
'Lacy Boone' moved herself to the back of the boys. "They were both wondering how American boys danced," she winked and gave them a nudge, "and I promised that they wouldn't be disappointed..."
49 wesdon
Pete hoped Missy didn't say yes out of sympathy for an Aussie lost in a masquerade, he took her hand politely and guided her to the floor. It didn't take very long to reach an empty spot near the sides because his confidence in dancing wasn't very high. The closer he was to Missy the more nervous he got. He couldn't figure out why either, he thought this would be easy because they were casual friends. She used to ask him and Danny to turn the party down and they used to ask her to turn her power drills off. Now they were dancing.
"You look great tonight, mate - uh - Missy, ai?" Pete minded his feet, trying his best not to step on her pretty dress. "ACME ought make this a dress code."
50 Nevon
Nev thought a little about the consequences of dancing with a pretty girl in Italy while he has an on-again off-again girlfriend back in San Francisco... a girlfriend who would rather spend time with her parents for New Years... decision made! This is the best thing that could ever happen in his career, a random hot blonde comes up to introduce her two random hot friends. This must be what Chase Devineaux deals with every day. Nevon felt one step closer to his hero.
He adjusted his hat and chuckled off any second thoughts before they happened.
"May I have this dance?" He gave his hand to 'Cassandra Kennedy'.
51 DetectiveAwesome
Dragon Said:
"I'm not with ACME. As for a name... you can call me Death."
Well, that certainly wasn't his advance aviation teacher's voice. "Death? I get it, you're keeping your identity secret until midnight. There aren't many Americans here besides us." Danny said, automatically assuming that the accent was American. "Well if you're not with ACME then we haven't met. I'm Danny, ACME sleuth. This here is Nevon."
The agent paused a little as he noticed a bright red liquid on the metallic mask that looked convincingly like blood. Probably just red dye and corn syrup, he thought. Before Danny could offer a handshake he saw the three faced man come up to them.
Eugene Grovington Said:
"If you're wrong, does that mean I get to fail you?"
"Mr. G! Hey, awesome mask!" Danny had once peaked into Eugene Grovington's office and saw a few samples of his mask collection. To his memory, some of them looked similar to the one the grim reaper wore. "Have you met our new friend? Goes by the name of 'Death'. She'll give you a run for 'best dressed' tonight."
Patty Larceny Said:
"Hey there! Hope I'm not interrupting. Ya'll look like a good time to be had. Not too many people speaking English at this party don't you know. I'm Lacy Boone, pleased meeting y'all. And if I can introduce these lovely ladies This is Cassandra Kennedy, of the Kennedys', spent most of her life in Paris, and this is Abrielle Fiore, daughter of the Italian Premier's third nice. They were both wondering how American boys danced," she winked and gave them a nudge, "and I promised that they wouldn't be disappointed..."
Dan thought the southern blonde seemed mildly familiar, but he couldn't quite place where he'd seen her before. And why did the name 'Smith' come to mind? Skipping that thought he realized that Nevon had already set his sights on the Kennedy, Danny looked at Abrielle and gave his best smile. He had flashbacks of his seventh grade autumn ball, when it was completely nerve wrecking to ask a girl to dance.
"Would you do me the honor?" He bowed a bit as formally as he knew how and offered a hand. Danny would have also included her name in the question, but wasn't sure he could pronounce it properly.52 Tanya
Tanya smiled and took Zack's hand. He barely had to ask, she was itching to dance since they left the gondola. The party had the kind of rare live music that makes everything more enjoyable. Playing old classics was a band with a string quartet, a pianist, and a flute player.
"You are so cute um.. when you ask, da?" she giggled, "reminds me of why I call you Zaychik (Bunny)," then in her Russian version of French, she whispered, "Je peux danser... toute la nuit."
53 LadyLoralye
As Loralye, Crim, and Patty made thier way towards the intended targets, she was able to catch some snippets of conversation:
"Mr. G, if it's you, and we guess right, can we get extra credits?"
"I'm not with ACME. As for a name... you can call me Death."
"If you're wrong, does that mean I get to fail you?"
So, these men were with ACME? Figures. Lora's heart rate began to race and she took deep, relaxing breaths to calm herself. She regained her composure and flashed a dazling smile. Lora listened as Patty introduced herself as 'Lacy Boone' and dubbed Lora with the name 'Abrielle'.
Crim was quickly swept away leaving Lora with the black haired man.
"Would you do me the honor?" he asked, bowing slightly. 'Abrielle' bowed her head in acceptance and placed her hand in his. "Amerei a," she said. "I would love to."54 Crimson Patty said:
"That's Chase Devineaux," Patty pointed out to her surrogate sisters, "we'll need to keep an eye on him, later."
Chase Devineaux. The name rang a bell. Once Crimson realized where she had heard the name, it hurt her like a punch to the gut. Little sis talks about him all the time. He's the main reason why she joined ACME... The former model couldn't think about this right now. It would spoil all the fun she was having.
Crim suddenly felt like she was being watched. She turned around and saw a man wearing a 'Phantom of the Opera' styled mask. He was looking at her but he appeared to be engaged in conversation with another man and a woman. I can't waste my time with trivial things like this. I could be doing more important things.
While walking with Lory and Pats, she had overheard a conversation with the three men. Crim didn't realize how dense certain men can be. And when 'Lacy' introduced 'Cassandra' and 'Abrielle' to the ACME agents, the former model had to hold back a smile. ACME really had no idea.
Nevon said:
"May I have this dance?" He gave his hand to 'Cassandra Kennedy'.
The former model though of her boyfriend, her kids, and her grandson back home. I'll regret this but... it is strictly for business...
'Cassandra' placed her and in his and said 'Oui, monsieur.'55 Lee-Jordan
((OOC: Mates, I'm bringing in Lee for some extra fun if we can use him for more trouble, he uses the same colour as Pete, hope you don't mind, ai?))
Lee Jordan was in Venice and in the party, but not as one of the guests. He didn't need an invitation because he was part of the masked security team, one of a handful of men that were law enforcing here. With his job as an ACME informant still waiting on the next assignment, he heard about the party through other informants that were closer to base than he was. Knowing it was a masquerade, and guessing that VILE might be interested (he had no idea they would actually come), he jumped at the chance to send in his alias as a hired help for the Venetian government.
In his position by the pier, he saw every guest arrive, and he had handled almost everyone's invitation, everyone's but Morgan Kent's. She entered that party all too easily, with the help of a dignitary friend already inside. He dared not say he knew who she was, that would jinx things if he was wrong.
56 Vic-the-Slick
[OOC: Got permission for everything down here.]
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
Days before the night of the party
Vic was on a layover from Phnom Penh to Rome. In Bangkok, he arranged to meet an Iranian contact here about some goods to be delivered when he gets to Venice. The Iranian lived in luxury in Dubai for 12 years. When Vic first met him, he was a thin kid trying to make his first international deal with random grafters. Now this man was sporting a belly fat on lamb and a wallet full of money. Vic told the Iranian what he needed, but knew he wouldn't get confirmation until he was already out of Bangkok and flying over the Himalayas. This made Vic jittery.
Like some people attending this party without an invitation, Vic was going to be doing a lot of guesswork. One of these guesses was easy. He knew which mask Carmen would be wearing because he found the contact that found the Italian artist and made the purchase deal for her. The artist didn't want any profit, practically giving her the mask, but Carmen made Vic forward a little higher than the asking price to the man's account. She was always like that, never took anything she couldn't give back or give away. When she first started, he had doubts, but she somehow found a way to get trust in a business where trust was scarce.
57 Not-Applicable
What a wonderful night, thought Ennai as she breathed in the icy Venetian air. It had been almost 13 years since she had last been to Venice in winter. She had almost forgotten it's dreary romance. She had almost forgotten she had fallen in love here. The very air intoxicated her, as she wondered how she could have ever forgotten this feeling. Although Ennai had been here several times for business afterward, it was always in late spring or summer. Lovely, but not the same, and marred by the grime of the dirty deals she forged while undercover.
Ennai was sitting up on the seat her hands supporting her as she reminisced. Lost in her thoughts, Ennai had missed what the gondolier had spoken. "Sono spiacente?" she said quietly, in what little Italian she knew. "Siete arrivati, signorina." Ennai looked up. "Oh. Gratzie," she said to the gondolier with a smile, as he gave her his hand. Ennai was curious as to what it would be like to be at such a soiree where she didn't need to bring a gun, or worry about having someone out to kill her. Of course, she wasn't attending as herself... she was attending as Ennai, the ACME detective. But it was truly the closest thing she had ever played as to herself. It was strange. She could possibly just act ... natural. Huh.
As Ennai sweeped across the floor, her silver gown moved as though in a dream. It was perfect for the occasion and she couldn't believe she had found it in time. Her mask was old, a gift from an old Parisian friend from when they last met in Turkey. It was made from silver, which delicately twisted and fell into flower-like drops of Chinese rhodochrosite. She stopped in the middle of the floor, scanning the room for someone she knew. Her normally bright blue eyes, now a dark silvery-grey color in the lighting, landed on what looked like Euge in a three-faced mask. She smiled brightlyand made her way to one of her favorite people she'd met while in the Chief's employ. "Hi Euge! Have I missed anything good?"58 EarlJr
Euge felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as the harlequin moved behind him and the remaining musketeers, and was suddenly thankful he kept his wallet in his inner coat pocket. It wasn't security that motivated the choice as much as posture. Eight hours sitting sideways wreaks havoc on ones back. Now, though, having it secure was a definite bonus, especially in a crowd such as this.
Dan said: "Have you met our new friend? Goes by the name of 'Death'. She'll give you a run for 'best dressed' tonight."
"A pleasure to meet you ma'am. That is a magnificent costume you have." Euge said to the Reaper. Out of the corner of his eye, Euge saw Nevon and Dan sliding away with their respective dance partners. "Have fun guys," Euge thought to himself with a small grin.
Ennai said: "Hi Euge! Have I missed anything good?"
Euge didn't recognize the mask, nor the woman gracefully supporting it, until she spoke. Ennai's voice was immediately recognizable. "Ennai! I was beginning to think you were not going to make it!" Euge greeted her with a quick handshake. "No, you haven't missed much. The dance has just started."
59 Kyzano
"Death? I get it, you're keeping your identity secret until midnight. There aren't many Americans here besides us." Danny said, automatically assuming that the accent was American. "Well if you're not with ACME then we haven't met. I'm Danny, ACME sleuth. This here is Nevon."
Before Dragon could give a reply she was cut off by someone in a triface mask who had come up behind the human that Danny had called Nevon. Wait, what was that about Midnight?
"If you're wrong, does that mean I get to fail you?"
"Mr. G! Hey, awesome mask! Have you met our new friend? Goes by the name of 'Death'. She'll give you a run for 'best dressed' tonight."
So this was 'Mr. Grovington'. She had to admit she liked this human's mask. Three females approached and Dragon turned to look at them.
"Hey there! Hope I'm not interrupting. Ya'll look like a good time to be had. Not too many people speaking English at this party don't you know. I'm Lacy Boone, pleased meeting y'all. And if I can introduce these lovely ladies This is Cassandra Kennedy, of the Kennedys', spent most of her life in Paris, and this is Abrielle Fiore, daughter of the Italian Premier's third nice. They were both wondering how American boys danced," she winked and gave them a nudge, "and I promised that they wouldn't be disappointed..."
Dragon tensed a little, so... many humans coming and going so quickly. Though she swore that Lacy's voice was familiar. 'A comrade?' That would be a stroke of fortune right about now. In the midst of enemies a pack member was ALWAYS welcome.
"A pleasure to meet you ma'am. That is a magnificent costume you have."
Dragon nodded and her eyes flicked over to Dan and Nevon as they left with two of the three females who had approached. Fair enough, but Argh... Dragon was starting to get that backed into a corner feeling again. No! She. Had. To. Remain. CALM! Forcing herself to relax, albeit only a little, she nodded in thanks to Grovington. "Thanks, I'm enjoying yours as well, I'm really liking your mask." She said to him.
"Hi Euge! Have I missed anything good?"
"Ennai! I was beginning to think you were not going to make it!" Euge greeted her with a quick handshake. "No, you haven't missed much. The dance has just started."
Okay so the males name was Euge... good to know. But if he knew this 'Ennai' that meant she was also ACME. Forcing back a growl Dragon stayed put, she really just.. wanted to leave right now. Though... right now she felt kinda out of place, like she was intruding on something between Euge, Ennai, and Lacy. Even though she knew she probably wasn't.
Dragon could feel her arms lightly shaking again... damnit. She hated being around so many humans.. but Alpha wanted her here and she would do whatever her Alpha wanted. Come Heaven, Hell or high freezing water.60 Carmen
If 'William Blake' had not stopped, Carmen may have overlooked the shorter man with a peculiar temperament. He referred to her by 'name' while failing to give his own, and then made an impossible request. Pertaining to her role as the elegant Morgan Kent, she had little choice but to ignore him. With a courteously apologetic smile, she pulled her escort's arm and moved away from the Phantom of the Opera.
She took Sarah gliding along the outside of the Punta della Dogana Contemporary Arts Exhibition. When they were far enough from the party, Carmen quoted, " '...a lady may go as she pleases'?" She laughed effortlessly, "Rather medieval, don't you think, 'Mr. Blake'?" Sarah Nade had been by her side longer than most, it was refreshing to speak freely again, albeit under disguise.
61 Mikal
Mikal was silent for much of the mayor's speech. He was wondering if the flame-haired girl in front of him was an ACME detective, given her American accent. From there, his mind fluidly drifted to thoughts of how her sharp features might look under the mask.
Cat-mask girl said:
"You don't mind if I head towards the museum?""I don't mind if we head towards the museum." He amended.
As they passed the crowd, Mikal took note of the caramel-stoned structure that was the former customs house. What he could see was a large room, filled with colorful pieces and tables of food. People were already mingling inside, dining and admiring the displays. One of the most noticeable pieces was a horse that had been anchored to the wall in the fashion of a head mount, except it was the body that was on display, with the head disappearing into the stone wall. Mikal shrugged. He didn't quite understand modern art.
Keeping one eye back at the party, the Israeli noticed that Chase Devineaux was now making his way into the crowd. In a gathering of this caliber, one could easily loose a target. He grunted. Even if he'd rather continue a conversation with the pretty American girl, there was a job to complete.
"I need to uh... speak first, with someone. Maybe, I meet you inside?"
62 Sarah-Nade
'William Blake' gave a light shrug as if to say 'Better luck next time' as he was lead away. The Sarah Nade sitting inside suppressed the urge to give a light laugh as she and Carmen made their way around the outside of the art exhibit. The tuxedo jacket thankfully guarded against the night cold better than she could have expected.
The whole situation did have a bit of a nostalgic feel... not the costumes or the cross dressing but the ability to be alone with the boss somewhere they shouldn't be. Sarah had been in VILE alot longer than many could claim... she remembered the early close calls. When the schemes consisted of little more than a get away driver, a daring thief and the satisfaction that they had accomplished the unbelievable. They'd both been so young back then...
" '...a lady may go as she pleases'?" She laughed effortlessly, "Rather medieval, don't you think, 'Mr. Blake'?"
'William' chuckled lowly, covering her mouth quickly to make sure any stray feminine tone would be well covered. "Well it was either that or a dirty limerick about a leprechaun..." she replied in a hushed tone, the tenor remaining but Sarah's smile coming through instantly. "Some one's gotta stay under the radar..."63 Zack
Tanya said: "You are so cute um.. when you ask, da?" she giggled, "reminds me of why I call you Zaychik (Bunny)," then in her Russian version of French, she whispered, "Je peux danser... toute la nuit."
"Moi Aussi Yana...Moi Aussi." he said as he grabbed her hand and led her onto the dance floor. Zack lead into a slow song, and tried to hold his frame properly. While he was away, he learned more "elegant" dancing so he could impress her.
He tripped over his own feet halfway through the song. Zack was good at skateboarding, but not at dancing.
"Sorry!" he whispered hastily into his partner's ear and gave an apologetic, yet goofy cute smile.
64 Carmen
'William' chuckled lowly, "Well it was either that or a dirty limerick about leprechaun..." she replied in a hushed tone, "Some one's gotta stay under the radar..."
"Thank you for coming," she said as she rolled the watch she had stolen from Chase in her left hand, "I know you were looking forward to another round of that Celtic punk this year... but if I may make it up to you when the Stones go on tour next year?" Lifting the object to the light of a nearby lamppost, in part to show Sarah, she paused to inspect her prize.
Carmen knew this piece was different the moment she slipped it from his wrist. A smirk confirmed her suspicions; Chase's watch was a Patek Phillipe, a long-standing brand whose minimum price begins at 5-figures. An inscription on the back had the manufacturer's logo in gold, the letters 'CDR' and the numbers 1976. Its worn strap seemed unfitting for its classical face and the thief imagined her victim to have replaced it several times after receiving the watch as a gift from his father.
She sighed without a thought. The smirk, so finely crafted, evaporated as she considered what she had taken from him. Chase Devineaux was a man of sentimental values, and the decades-old timepiece was only worth anything while attached to its owner.
What happens now? Discomforted by the mild pang of guilt, she raised her eyes to Sarah, "Chase Devineaux's," she finally said in a careless tone that she hoped would deter Sarah from asking 'why', "...should I give it back?"
65 Ivy
It was nice to see how everyone was moving along. Ivy chuckled as she saw her little brother attempt to lead a dance with Tanya.
Mikal said:
"I need to uh... speak first, with someone. Maybe, I meet you inside?"
Ivy smirked, "More damsels to rescue from the cold?"
She really didn't mind. After all, she was only a few steps away from the warm museum, and there was a really interesting modern art exhibition tonight.
"Thank you for the jacket, and the company." The ACME detective noted politely. "Oh, and Happy New Year... That is, if I don’t see you inside before midnight."
She slid the jacket off her shoulder and returned it to the owner with a smile, then headed indoors.66 Sarah-Nade
"Thank you for coming," she said as she rolled the watch she had stolen from Chase in her left hand, "I know you were looking forward to another round of that Celtic punk this year... but if I may make it up to you when the Stones go on tour in 2010?" Lifting the object to the light of a nearby lamppost, in part to show Sarah, she paused to inspect her prize.
Sarah turned her head to look at the claimed prize, pausing the motion as Carmen's words hit home. "Ah, you, eh, you heard about that?" she asked softly. She hadn't even mentioned her plans on seeing the Murphys or really complained to anyone about missing them. To be fair she'd never want Carmen to feel bad about making her miss something like a concert in London. A job like this, along with the monetary benefits, had allowed Sarah to take in the world in ways she'd never have been able to if things had turned out differently. Complaining about missing a band she'd seen 14 times on 4 different continents never seemed appropriate.
"Alright... you're coming with this time though, right?" She gave a toothy grin and narrowed her eyes to look at the watch in Carmen's hands. It looked worn. Nice but worn. Petty thievery really wasn't Carmen's style, especially in a place like this. Knowing Carmen the woman just couldn't resist in a room full of ACME's finest. As proud to walk off with someone's watch as a rabbit who can walk through a den of hungry wolves without being touched. It probably belonged to someone important.
"Chase Devineaux's,"
"Ah." Sarah said, giving a nod. Of course thats who it was from. Could Sarah call them or could she call them?
"...should I give it back?"
Sarah looked from the watch back up to her boss. The fact that she asked for an opinion was a bit of a telltale. She couldn't hold it against Carmen... afterall her boss had morals. 'William' nodded and held out a gloved hand. "Do you want me to?"
Sarah didn't know watches, she didn't really pay much attention to the year or the initials on the watch. However a man who can crash a Porsche Cayman in his day to day job didn't wear a watch like that without it meaning something. Even a highschool drop out like Sarah could tell that.
"He hasn't seen me yet and I'm sure he'll be glad to have it back... besides, how else would he know when the New Year starts?"67 Miss_Guided
The side of the dance floor was a fine enough place. The center seemed more reserved for those wanting to look impressive while twirling about. A couple of possibly professionals or at least overly practiced pairs twirled about, looking to the crowds as if they wanted applause.
What do they want? A cookie? Missy asked herself.
"You look great tonight, mate - uh - Missy, ai?" Pete minded his feet, trying his best not to step on her pretty dress. "ACME ought make this a dress code."
Looking back to her partner Missy smiled.
"Dress code... could be interesting... but I'd hate to see a dry cleaning bill for doing an oil change in this thing." She laughed lightly, smiling softly. Pete was so sweet but so nervous. Taking a breath she stopped her motion, saying a soft 'Wait.' She brought her hand under his chin, taking his eyes away from her dress and his feet. "Its ok... keep your eyes up." Her tone was soft but also instructive. At least it was good to know she'd learned something from those formal dance classes SOs had to take. Slowly she started the dancing motion again, shifting the lead from herself to him.
"There you go... the dress will swing out of the way..." she whispered. "Move your hand a little higher on the ribcage... right... and... much better." Her amber eyes sparked from beneath the mask as the two started to move as one unit with a previously unseen grace.
"Better?"
((Pete I hope this is ok... if you want me to change anything let me know.))68 DetectiveAwesome
Danny led Abrielle to the dance floor, and bowed again before starting. He remembered to do this from last semester's Ballroom dancing class at ACME. It was one of the easier classes for him since it didn't require so much history and geography.
"My name's Daniel, by the way. Daniel Ainsworth." He thought it was polite to give a proper introduction since Lacy Boone had already told him all about Abrielle. "I'm a sleuth for ACME back in San Francisco."
Moving in time with the music, Dan continued, "So… do you live here in Venice , or are you visiting too?"69 el-halcon-verde
Through the entrance with enough space around his shoulders for a dozen men his own size, came ACME's famous Luchador. "There is a such thing as being fashionably late." he reminded himself as he entered. The reason he was late was obvious, at least to certain people. He actually had replaced his luchador mask with one that looked the same except the matte green leather was replaced by a sparkling glittered green polymer. Taking a cue from the invitation he was otherwise dressed in a full black tuxedo, obviously tailored specifically to his large frame.
He spent a long time in the room of his office looking at his reflection in the mirror sans mask. He hadn't looked upon his face since he was a child, and quizically wondered as he saw himself, whether or not, he had deprived that other person of a normal life for having donned his mask. "No," he said to himself. "It had to be done. I cannot be the mere son of my mother any more." And with that, he applied the formal mask.
The mask was new, but the tuxedo had a history. He was glad it still fit, since last he wore it he was in his twenties. He then wore it at a party thrown by "La Madre," a matron of the wrestling organization he belonged to. The night ended with a fight between him and El Narcissimo, a vein non masked wrestler, who tried to sabotage the party after not being invited. Since El Narcissimo eagered he would take El Halcon's mask that night, he in turn, had his head shaved by the partygoers for losing the bet. Looking down on the tuxedo now El Halcon wondered if anyone could see the black stitch marks.
Clancing around the room, El Halcon gave a sigh. "Que lastima, por the lady I would like to dance with cannot be here." True that, Eartha could make a similar attempt to crash the party, her large, feminine frame would make her stick out even in a crowd like this.70 Little-Mac
Carmen said: If 'William Blake' had not stopped, Carmen may have overlooked the shorter man with a peculiar temperament. He referred to her by 'name' while failing to give his own, and then made an impossible request. Pertaining to her role as the elegant Morgan Kent, she had little choice but to ignore him. With a courteously apologetic smile, she pulled her escort's arm and moved away from the Phantom of the Opera.
As Ms Kent did not answer Mac and just smiled at him as she grabbed her escort's arm and moved away he bared his teeth as they walked away from him talking to each other he looked at the dance floor and then to the Band that was Playing the music for the party. He took out his Pocket Italian Phrase book and looked at the Band and slowly walked towards them passing by the many guests and possible ACME agents or even VILE... Mac did not know why he thought VILE would be here but that was part of his Wild exaggertaion ordeal ..If There was one thing Mac disliked was Rejection when it came to anything... Boxing, Dancing, Women he just started to get that Drive to prove himself..
Coming near the band he sees the leader and speaks to him with the Little Italian he knew.. "Mi Susci" he tried to say as the leader of the Band spoke English and asked him what he wanted and Mac gave the band a large tip as he said "Flamenco Time" The band smiled at him as they told the lights man to shut the lights off.. as Mac walked to the Middle of the Dance Floor standing till the light Shined on him.. The Spot light shined on Mac standing in a Flamenco Stance..
Mac taught in his head.. "Okay This is it all or nothing lets go..Dance Like a Fly bite Like a Lion"
The Music Started as he tapped his heel three times and started the first part of the Flamenco Dance.. Effortlessly like Don Flamenco with out the boxing added Mac Did all the steps he was taught moving with the Music.. Feeling the Music.. Dancing like the Wind.. Mac Clapped his hands Three times half way and Danced to the music till he was sweating...
After Seven Straight minutes of the Flamenco he stops..In the Stance Don taught him Clapped his Hands one and yelled the word "OLE!!!" as the Music ended..
Mac Stood there awaiting the whole Parties response
71 Nevon
Nevon guided Cassandra to the floor and adjusted his costume, bowing a little because he was taught to. The ACME Ballroom Dancing class was taught by a genius of a woman because she got Nev to listen to most of her instructions.
Before they could do any dancing, the band stopped the music and some guy in a Phantom of the Opera mask moved all the dancers aside and started stomping his feet to what Nevon figured was a Spanish dance.
Nev has seen a lot of egotistical moves in his time, but this was one of the worse yet. He could only pray to all masquerade gods, whoever they are, that this guy wasn't from ACME.
"Sorry you had to see that, Ms. Kennedy," Nevon felt the need to apologize, "that's not how Americans dance... we don't try to take the spotlight like that, anyway."
[[OOC: Great post, Mac! It was hilarious!]]
72 Patty-Larceny
When this new girl came around, the one the three-faced man called Ennai, Patty could almost feel an air of romance. That silver gown was classic, with the mask to boot. While studying the woman, she also caught a better look at the grim reaper. Yep, this was definitely Dragon, the new kid Carmen picked up from Canada. There they were, two VILE Agents, and two ACME Agents... Before Patty could think of what to do, the music changed.
"Oh my God," Patty said, almost losing her accent as she watched the man dancing the flamenco alone.
"So," she said to the grim reaper, the man named Euge, and Ennai while the dancing phantom continued, "I heard the veal here is to die for if ya'll hungry..."
When the dance ended, Patty wasn't sure he was part of the entertainment, and couldn't bring herself to start clapping first.73 Chase
Somewhere between 7:30 PM (1930hrs) and 8:30 PM (2030hrs) local time
Without his watch, Chase guessed the hours. He could not yet conceive if the strap came lose or the timepiece was stolen; but if it was taken... he found himself wishing the culprit to be Morgan Kent and he laughed internally at the idea. A beautiful woman like that will never be lonely. To his side was still Jeffrey Bruno, the Public Relations Officer, and in front of him was Massimo Cacciari, Mayor of Venice; who was casually talking about new construction projects that may need a security firm, they were willing to look for bids outside of Italy. That was a hint, and ACME's Director of Special Operations understood quickly.
Once he finished speaking to Cacciari, the few lights in the open-air pavilion dimmed and a man in the attire of Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by French writerGaston Leroux stepped forward to dance the traditional Flamenco, from Andalusia, Spain. The security didn't seem to like this, and neither did some guests, yet the band played on. It was highly inappropriate on all accounts, but then Chase's throat felt cold as he began to realize that the man, with a frame of no more than 5 feet 6 inches, was ACME Agent Mac Lewis, otherwise known as Little Mac.
While the dancing proceeded, Jeffrey Bruno, whose face relied on the success of this party, grunted a long curse in Italian and pulled a security officer angrily next to him, "Who is this disrespectful man? A Spanish dance at an Italian masquerade? Get him out of here!"
"Wait," Chase said casually while his mind searched for words that would convince Bruno otherwise. "You don't want to make a scene," he reasoned, "the dance isn't too bad, guests are confused, clap when it ends and everybody goes home happy."
"But I am Public Relations Officer!" Bruno injected with Italian emphasis on his title. "I cannot have someone doing this random thing at a Consulate party. Do you understand?"
"I do, but if you arrest this man, that's all the media will be talking about tomorrow morning."
Bruno hesitated and then waved the security officer away, free of instructions. To Chase's relief, when the dance officially ended, the PR Officer followed with a forced, exaggerated clapping that started a light barrage of claps around the pavilion.
74 Kyzano
"Oh my God,"
Dragon shared the sentiment. But she ignored the guy. Honestly a waste of her time to watch, but the dimmed lights gave her eyes an edge, which helped her costume, that and it helped her calm a little. Darkness was always a good cover. Always.
"So,"
She looked over at Lacy.
"I heard the veal here is to die for if ya'll hungry..."
Food! Now that was something that Dragon could agree with! "Veal?" She asked turning towards Lacy. "Mind showing me where and what that is? I've never heard of it before." She asked, partly Dragon was hungry, and the other part wanted to find out if Lacy was VILE or not. It would also get the two away from the whelp that was making a fool of himself in front of everyone.75 Patty-Larceny
Dragon said: "Veal?" She asked turning towards Lacy. "Mind showing me where and what that is? I've never heard of it before."
"It's meat from a calf," Patty smiled, "come on, I'll take you to the meat station." She turned to the two from ACME, "if ya'll excuse me, I'm off to feed Death a few bites of the finer meats. I'll see you round the party, won't I?"
At the meat station, Patty pointed out the fresh boneless cuts, "You pick those, then you wait while the guy behind the station grills it for you. Like this."
She picked out two cuts, handed the guy her plate and said "Medium rare please, with pepper sauce."
While they waited, Pats smiled and pointed to the beef carpaccio, Italian raw slices of beef. "Those you can have now," she said, handing the grim reaper a plate, "Dragon, right?"
76 Kyzano
"It's meat from a calf," Patty smiled, "come on, I'll take you to the meat station." She turned to the two from ACME, "if ya'll excuse me, I'm off to feed Death a few bites of the finer meats. I'll see you round the party, won't I?"
A calf? Okay, Dragon added the word veal to her vocabulary as something that was good. Hey, if it was meat it was good and good if it was meat. End of story.
Walking with Lacy over to the meat station the scents filled her nose and made her starving... okay, now she wanted to go hunting... or just walk off with the table in front of her. But before she could go through with her idea something was pointed out to her.
"You pick those, then you wait while the guy behind the station grills it for you. Like this." She picked out two cuts, handed the guy her plate and said "Medium rare please, with pepper sauce."
Ah! Of course, cooking the meat made much more sense, for humans anyway. But Dragon remembered that right now she was playing one. Ohhh how she wanted it raw.
"Those you can have now," Lacy said as Dragon accepted the plate with her left hand, "Dragon, right?"
Dragon grinned, her fangs fully showing. She accepted the plate with a nod. "I knew your voice was familiar. Err... it's... Patty right?" She asked as she placed the scythe down, letting it lean against her shoulder as she took some of the raw meat that had been pointed out to her. Names had never really been her forte, but as she tried a few pieces of the raw meat in advance Dragon growled lowly in approval.
She and Patty were going to get along just fine.77 LadyLoralye
Loralye pulled everything she knew about Italian mannerisms and customs into play; standing close together, talking with the hands, eye contact-everything!
"My name's Daniel, by the way. Daniel Ainsworth. I'm a sleuth for ACME back in San Francisco."
Lora smiled internally. So she was dancing with Danny then? He was rather important to ACME and was sure to know many things...many useful things...many useful things for VILE. Lora pushed all minor feelings of unease from her mind and allowed her new identity to take place. If she was going to pull this off then she needed complete confidence.
"So… do you live here in Venice , or are you visiting too?"
"No," Lora said, thinking fast. "I live in Mestre, not far from here."
She was about to say something else when all the lights went out except for one spotlight. Lora could see a man who started to dance in a Spanish style. Lora watched curious for a few seconds before remembering her cover.
"Che l'inferno!" she said angrily. Turning to Danny she asked, "Who is that?"78 Crimson
Cassandra made a slight curtsy toward her partner. She knew that the dancing portion would be next. But as soon as they were about to begin, the music came to a sudden halt. A man in a Phantom of the Opera styled mask started to dance what seemed to be a Spanish dance of some sort.
Nevon said:
"Sorry you had to see that, Ms. Kennedy," Nevon felt the need to apologize, "that's not how Americans dance... we don't try to take the spotlight like that, anyway."
"That is alright. I didn't think Americans danced like that man. What kind of dance was that, anyway?" Crim actually managed to say that in a perfect French accent. "Is he with you?" Cassandra said, pointing to the dancing man.
79 wesdon
((OOC: Ai mate! No problems, love it!))
Pete couldn't help feeling like a kid, but instructions were good to have. He started remembering that Ballroom dancing class from last semester. His confidence started growing.
He wanted to talk about a lot of things, but paying attention to his feet was tough enough at this point. Then a performer or a really rude bloke killed the mood. Pete watched the flamenco from the sidelines with Missy nearby. Knowing his moment was over, he had to say something.
"Missy," he said less shy than before, "thanks for the best dance ever, ai? I know you're a superior agent and the like. Much appreciated."
80 Miss_Guided
Hearing the music changing abruptly to a faster paced... Spanish music... Missy couldn't help but stop in her place, the middle of the dance floor opening up as someone started to flamenco dance. To be fair he was good. His footwork was decent and somewhere else it might have been appropriate but the murmurs and sounds of slight disapproval in different languages came to ear and looking around she caught sight of Chase. He was doing what he did best and that was calm someone who she would assume by his dress and actions to be the party's coordinator or Venice's Elected Masquerade Official or whatever it is that they had around here for titles.
She stayed close to Pete, her hand remaining in his she turned back as he started to speak.
"Missy," he said less shy than before, "thanks for the best dance ever, ai? I know you're a superior agent and the like. Much appreciated."
Missy was slightly surprised. "I... uh... you really shouldn't be thanking me... I should be thanking you. I'm not really a holiday... party person..." Finding her words not coming as smoothly as she would have liked she considered explaining last year but, well, why ruin a perfectly good moment with bad stories? "Thanks for asking me to dance."
Leaning over she kissed him on the cheek quickly before squeezing his hand and letting it go. "I think I might be a little... danced out. Wanna hit the museum?" Missy couldn't help but grin. She was pretty sure they would be serving more wine in there.81 Xander
It had been a few good years since the archer was back in his land of heritage. He breathed in the scent of Venice, the salt water, and the pizzerias and of course, the faint smell of ancient architecture. It was good to be back.
Unfortunately, Xander had no time for sightseeing. He had received the invitation last minute and it was already hectic enough for him because he had no idea where all his fancy clothes were. As he glanced around the passing scenery in his gondola, he adjusted the quiver strap and the bow that was neatly attached to it. It was his bow, but it had a removable covering around the design so it looked antique and part of his costume.
De Luca carefully got out of the gondola, and thanked its driver. As he walked towards the entrance, he pushed up his simple mask that covered his eyes and part of his nose- in black of course. Xander had matching dark forest green. Green dress shirt and slacks, but had a black vest, tie and shoes. On his head, was the signature pointed hat that was in the same green.
Xander passed by a guard, and recognized it as an old acquaintance.
“Buona Sera Francesco.”
“Buona Sera “Robin Hood”
A look was given by Xander before both smiled and laughed softly. The archer proceeded with a smile and more awe. The place was more beautiful than he thought.
Immediately, he began to look around the room for any familiar faces, and couldn’t detect any at the moment. He grabbed the bow from his back and placed it and held it in one hand, placing it at his side. Immediately, he ignored the dancing and went straight for the food. Who cares about a masquerade dance when there is delicious thinks like hand-made canolis and a chocolate fountain.
He took a canoli and ate it quietly and observed the dance floor. At least there was good food.82 Little-Mac
Chase said: Somewhere between 7:30 PM (1930hrs) and 8:30 PM (2030hrs) local time Bruno hesitated and then waved the security officer away, free of instructions. To Chase's relief, when the dance officially ended, the PR Officer followed with a forced, exaggerated clapping that started a light barrage of claps around the pavilion.
As Mac herd the Claps and saw some of the crowd did not approve and some did.. As he tried to look for Ms Kent once again but with Mac's height to him she was no were to be found and stopped looking for her.. As it was no use he ended it as he saw who he thought was his lead boss as he likes to call it Chase even though he could not have authority of Mac he still always showed respect to the head honchos he spoke..." Mr Chase Im sorry about that dance I just was not thinking"
As he walks away He sees a Man wearing a Three faced mask from what it looks like and a Woman in a Silver mask and Gown That was sliver and he slowly walks in and speaks with the woman in the gown... "Umm Hello.." he said
(OOC First off I want to thank who that liked the post I made.. 2nd off I want to make apology about what Mac did.. I thought this was RP was trying to make it exicting if I offended anyone with Mac's behavior I apologize as that as that is how he is and Made him that way on purpose yes he is not perfect and Intend on him to be that way if you do not like it Im fine with it as you can ignore me all you want if you want to understand it is cool and thanks for the support... Sorry If I runied the story)
83 Mikal
Cat-mask girl said:
"More damsels to rescue from the cold? Thank you for the jacket, and the company." The ACME detective noted politely. "Oh, and Happy New Year… That is, if I don’t see you inside before midnight."
"You're welcome. But, I do plan on returning." Mikal took the girl's hand, pressing it firmly before taking his leave.
As he made his way through the pavilion he passed a woman dressed in green who was dancing with a musketeer on the sidelines. The crowd was thickening, and getting louder when all of a sudden it stopped, lights dimmed and a man danced in the middle of the floor.
Everyone watched, frozen, and Mikal took this opportunity to quickly slide through the fracturing guests. He finally reached his intended target, who was one of the few figures moving and speaking.
Chase Devineaux said:
"The dance isn't too bad, guests are confused, clap when it ends and everybody goes home happy."
"But I am Public Relations Officer! I cannot have someone doing this random thing at a Consulate party. Do you understand?"
"I do, but if you arrest this man, that's all the media will be talking about tomorrow morning."
The lights returned and a barrage of claps filled the air. The dancer immediately walked off the floor and spoke toChase Devineaux, Mikal waited until he left before tapping the Captain's shoulder.
"Ma Nishma?" He greeted, and in the same breath handed the man a small envelope of photographs. "I thinking... Russian? It all in Amman, yeah? Very close. I don't want to upset the people at home, who needs it? But this is where it is."
84 Tanya
Zack said: He tripped over his own feet halfway through the song. "Sorry!" he whispered hastily into his partner's ear and gave an apologetic, yet goofy cute smile.
Tanya adored that goofy smile. She helped her partner upright, then let him lead again as they glided on the dance floor. There was a short break where a performing dancer took the stage, and Tanya watched with curiosity. When the dance was over, she adjusted Zack's tie a little and brushed off any glitter that fell from her mask to his suit.
"Are you hungry?" she asked, "We can eat now, da, before it gets too cold?" Looking around, she could see an array of food stations, everything from warm soups to meats and pasta.
85 Carmen
'William Blake' said: "Ah." Sarah said, giving a nod and held out a gloved hand. "Do you want me to? He hasn't seen me yet and I'm sure he'll be glad to have it back... besides, how else would he know when the New Year starts?"
Slowly handing the watch to Sarah, Carmen paused just before letting it go. A critical thought appeared... this was Chase Devineaux, ACME's Director of Special Operations, he would recognise a woman dressed as a man and then identify Sarah without much trouble. Not that she enjoyed giving the man credit, but a thief must rely on caution.
"It's too risky," she said, putting the object away. In a breath, she took Sarah's arm again, "Let's go into the Museum, I have something else to show you."
86 Ivy Mikal said:
"You're welcome. But, I do plan on returning." Mikal took the girl's hand, pressing it firmly before taking his leave.
Ivy smiled to herself as 'Othello' made his way through the crowd. He didn't look half bad walking off.
Just then a microphone screeched and an announcer inside the museum started to speak. He introduced himself as Sergio Bianchi and then made an elaborate presentation in Italian with bits of very heavily accented English thrown in. She wished that Zack was here to translate.
Sergio then drew back the curtains of one wall to reveal a magnificent exhibition of modern masks made out of every imaginable material. Aside from pieces carved in wood, bone, and metal, there were even more eccentric items like chocolate, ostrich leather, and elephant dung paper. They were all created by famous artisans throughout the world, and based off of a bronze-aged Grecian funeral mask which was placed prominently at the heart of the display.
The funeral mask itself was a gold alloy, and carved delicately to portray a beautiful yet solemn woman. It was brought to Venice nearly two centuries ago by an Italian explorer, and usually resides in his family's private collection. They called it "The Mask of Helen", after the mythical Helen of Troy… the face that launched a thousand ships.87 Vic-the-Slick
Colombo, Capital of Sri Lanka Two nights before the Masquerade in Venice
The old man in front of Vic laughed as one of his servants produced from a small package, a mass of glittering gems. "No one cut them like me," he coughed through the fume of his hand-rolled cigarette, "no one."The American conman wasn't here on the business of gems, but he needed to make sure his deal with the Iranian from Dubai was given sufficient backing.
"I heard your nephew's in Welikada Prison now," Vic made conversation, handing the man a sort of 'shopping list', "Best regards, ah?"
"He's gone," he laughed again, coughing heavily, "bad luck talking." Looking through the list with his faded eyes, the old man took a confidently sharp whiff of smoke, "Who you want dead?"
"No asking," Vic replied, "how much of that can you get me?"
"I get the crucibles now, the chemicals I FedEx you in Venice."
"Won't do, ah? I need whatever you can get by morning."
With some thought the Sri Lankan asked, "Who you want saved? Elephants?"
Vic shrugged, "Yes or no?"
"Calm, business man, we are friends..."
Vic somehow knew it would come to this, "How much?"
"Double your offer," the gem cutter grinned, "and I get you all this tomorrow afternoon..."
88 DetectiveAwesome
Danny wasn't sure what Abrielle was thinking, at first she seemed a bit conflicted but then she calmed down when they started talking.
He was just begining to enjoy the dance when the music stopped and one of a completely different beat played. Dan turned to see a Phantom of the Opera dancing the Flamenco. The man looked kind of familiar, kind of like… Mac Lewis? Mac was an ACME agent who lived on the fourth floor of the dorms but had been away for a while on personal leave.
Abrielle Said:
"Che l'inferno!" she said angrily. Turning to Danny she asked, "Who is that?"
The ACME detective looked down and pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment before speaking, "I'm not sure, but I think he's ACME. I'm sorry if that upset you, Ms. Abrielle…" Dan thought of how to best control the situation, "Why don't we get everyone together again and head towards the museum? We can get more champagne, and I think there's a special exhibit tonight."89 Nevon
Nevon caught a glimpse of the Phantom of the Opera going up to Chase and wanted to do the same. He'd say: "Mr. Devineaux, it's great to see you at this amazing party!" ...That was a lame thought. Nevon shrugged it off.
Cassandra said: "That is alright. I didn't think Americans danced like that man. What kind of dance was that, anyway?" Crim actually managed to say that in a perfect French accent. "Is he with you?" Cassandra said, pointing to the dancing man.
Then he heard Dan say the dancer was ACME. "I... uhm.. don't know him," he shrugged, "how about we do what Danny says and head into the museum? Unless you're hungry, we can grab a bite first?"
90 Eartha-Brute Carmen told her to come to this party if possible, when Eartha refused because she had nothing to wear, her crafty boss suggested coming as the Viking Goddess Frigga. It took forever to get the Valkyrie horns on her mask and headdress, but she was surprised - when she arrived at the party, and gave her invitation - that she was able to fit in. Nobody looked at her strangely, at least.
Now, to find what everyone else was wearing. She saw a woman in a green dress with a silver mask and thought she was Patty, but she wasn't blond enough. There were some musketeers, some robed figures, and lots and lots of men in tuxes. Oh well, VILE would find her soon, she was sure. It was best she ate something first.
"Uh... excuse me?" She asked a large man in a tuxedo who looked like he was important, "Do you speak English?"
[OOC: Sorry I'm late guys! Thanks for writing, El Halcon! Happy New Year! *hugs*]
91 Crimson Nevon said:
"How about we do what Danny says and head into the museum? Unless you're hungry, we can grab a bite first?"
After that display by the Phantom of the Opera, all of the hunger that Cassandra had accumulated previously had disappeared.
She looked over to Abrielle and Danny then Cassandra scanned the crowd for Lacy. She guessed Lacy was having too much fun doing whatever else and wouldn't be joining them for the rest of the night.
Cassandra turned to her partner and flashed him a sweet and innocent look. "I am not hungry. Can we all go to the museum, please?"92 Not-Applicable
Kyzano said:
"Hi Euge! Have I missed anything good?"
"Ennai! I was beginning to think you were not going to make it!" Euge greeted her with a quick handshake. "No, you haven't missed much. The dance has just started."
Okay so the males name was Euge... good to know. But if he knew this 'Ennai' that meant she was also ACME. Forcing back a growl Dragon stayed put, she really just.. wanted to leave right now. Though... right now she felt kinda out of place, like she was intruding on something between Euge, Ennai, and Lacy. Even though she knew she probably wasn't.
Dragon could feel her arms lightly shaking again... damnit. She hated being around so many humans.. but Alpha wanted her here and she would do whatever her Alpha wanted. Come Heaven, Hell or high freezing water.Ennai smiled at the two people in her friend's company: a stylish harlequin who absolutely screamed sass and a grim reaper. Her smile faded before she could even had the chance to introduce herself. The grim reaper was bristling. She reminded Ennai of a cat stuck in a tree. Her concern increased, as well as her caution, when she saw what was unmistakably dried blood on the harlequin's mask. She had been around enough of it to know the real thing. Before Ennai had the chance to investigate the matter, she was distracted as the blond let out a declaration of disbelief. "Oh my god." Ennai followed the girl's gaze. It landed on a short, well-built man who it seemed had taken over the floor to dance flamenco. Ennai burst out laughing at the guts of this guy. Dancing flamenco at an Italian party, filled with Italian nationalists and some of the most powerful Italians in the country. He had completely stopped the entire room into a confused silence. Their faces were priceless. Ennai was completely amused. Wit is most
The man himself was actually very good. She watched as he moved with conviction, his face clearly absorbed in his dance. "So," interrupted the girl "I heard the veal here is to die for if y'all hungry." Ennai let out a laugh, glancing at the harlequin, before looking back at the dancer. As he finished, Ennai joined in with the harlequin's clapping.
"Veal?" said the grim reaper. "I've never had veal. Mind showing me where that is?" Ennai's attention returned to the other two girls. "It's meat from a calf," responded the harlequin. If y'all excuse me, I'm off to feed Death a few bits of the finer meats. I'll see you around the party won't I?" Death. Ennai gave her the most convincingly genuine smile to ever land upon a person's face. This party was turning out to be a good deal more eventful than she had imagined. Her mind raced, accounting for all the details she noted about the them, as she watched the pair make their way to the food. No, tonight wouldn't be the break from work she had thought. It didn't really matter, though. All it meant was that she would have to be more alert.
Now, sure that the shady characters attending the party were more than just corrupt bourgeoisie and cheating spouses, a thought was tugging at the back of her mind. "Euge," she turned to watch the couples on the dance floor. If anyone were to look at her, she would appear to simply be enjoying the company of a friend making a idle chatter. She was excellent at this. The ability to give nothing away was her most important skill. "Have you heard any thing about any party crashers? Like maybe V.I.L.E.?" Before he could answer, the flamenco dancer appeared before her. "Umm Hello." Ennai found herself towering above the man, standing 5' 10 in her two-inch heels. She smiled at him. "Hello. That was quite a show you put on, Mr...?"
((O.C.C. Sorry about the formatting, or lack of formatting, for the quotes. I can only quote from one page, because my server won't allow me to copy and paste.))
93 LadyLoralye
Danny said:
The ACME detective looked down and pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment before speaking, "I'm not sure, but I think he's ACME. I'm sorry if that upset you, Ms. Abrielle…" Dan thought of how to best control the situation, "Why don't we get everyone together again and head towards the museum? We can get more champagne, and I think there's a special exhibit tonight."
Loralye looked at him and saw that he was quite distressed. Oddly enough, she didn't want him to feel that way, to be worried over her. Lora gave the ACME agent a small smile. "No, it's fine," she said, waving her arm in a swatting gesture. "I overreacted and I apologize. It is just considered rude to begin dancing like that, though I must admit that he was rather good, sì?"
She grabbed onto his arm and started to walk in the direction of the museum. Lora spotted Crim and her partner a few feet in front of them. Seeing her friend reminded Lora about getting some useful information from the ACME agent. It was a tad risky but Lora knew that if Crim knew of her idea, then she would say to go for it.
Resisting the urge to pull a sly smile, Loraly looked sideways at Danny and asked in an innocent voice, "So, exactly do you do for ACME, Mr. Ainsworth?"94 wesdon
Pete smiled wide with Missy's gesture and he felt himself turning red, which made him more embarrassed, and he started wondering if the whole party could see him red as a tomato.
He was thankful when Missy continued, asking to enter the museum, "Ai, yeh, let's go see the arts." Offering his arm for her like they taught him back in class, Pete walked her towards their next destination. Along the way, he grabbed a glass of water for all that dancing he was thirsty.
"I heard the art is from mostly private collections," he told Missy, "Ai, you like modern art?"
95 Miss_Guided
Missy gently took Pete's arm, walking into the museum, taking a glass of wine from a serving platter as they entered. Taking a sip she smiled. the warmth of the alcohol and the room hitting her. The dress she was wearing was heavy enough and she wouldn't complain about temperaures even if it wasn't but it was still a relief to her exposed parts to find somewhere just a little warmer.
"I heard the art is from mostly private collections," he told Missy, "Ai, you like modern art?"
"Hmmm?" Missy said with a muffled sound, her lips still drinking from the wine glass in hand. "Art? Art's ok... I'm more of an antiques fan myself." Looking around at the masks on display Missy couldn't help but smile. These were nice... she could see herself putting one or two onto her walls if she were so inclined. Most of her 'art' consisted more of beautiful pieces of furnature, old maps and documents, things people actually used. But this was nice too.
"Masks... fitting." Missy said with a shrug, still holding onto Pete. "I don't really have much of an eye for art but a good show is a good show." Looking to Pete she smirked. "How about you?"96 Sarah-Nade
Slowly handing the watch to Sarah, Carmen paused just before letting it go. A critical thought appeared... this was Chase Devineaux, ACME's Director of Special Operations, he would recognise a woman dressed as a man and then identify Sarah without much trouble. Not that she enjoyed giving the man credit, but a thief must rely on caution. "It's too risky," she said, putting the object away.
Sarah couldn't help but pout just a little bit at that. Carmen was right, of course. It WAS risky... but there was an idealistic part of her which almost wanted to try it simply because if she got away, and most likely she would not, she would have fooled one of ACME's greatest. Carmen was not the only one who enjoyed the thrill of doing things that should not be done. Unfortunately years of working under Carmen had not exactly given Sarah the same skill set to work with. While the rabbit could walk among the wolves untouched this fox would never be so lucky...
In a breath, she took Sarah's arm again, "Let's go into the Museum, I have something else to show you."
William nodded and adjusted 'his' mask a bit, escorting 'Ms. Kent' inside of the museum. She had not been inside yet... the invitation had said something about a display or an art thing but to be truthful Sarah hadn't been paying much attention to such things, more concerned about getting her hair and outfit to look right. It was already hard enough to tell someone you wanted your hair cut in Italian... telling someone you wanted a men's cut was just awkward.
Walking past the servers and the dignitaries 'William's eyes were drawn to the pieces displayed around the room. Masks. Every texture, every design and in the center of them all a bronze funeral mask. The lighting and arrangement all pointed to this being the center of the night's display and the 'gentlemanly figure' could not help but give a subtle grin. Ah. So that was why they were there.
Eyes turned to Carmen, twinkling with a hidden understanding. "Beautiful display..." 'he' commented softly. "Pieces of this collection probably haven't seen the light of day in ages..."97 Chase
Since we're all moving inside the Punta della Dogana Contemporary Arts Museum, here's what the interior of that looks like in our present universe
98 Chase
Closer to 8:30 PM (2030hrs) local time
Little Mac wrote: "Mr Chase I'm sorry about that dance I just was not thinking"
Chase nodded firmly, "No need to apologize, Mac, best flamenco I've seen in a while." As Mac Lewis walked away, Devineaux responded to a tap on his shoulder.
Mikal Darsha wrote: "Ma Nishma?" He greeted, and in the same breath handed the man a small envelope of photographs. "I thinking... Russian? It all in Amman, yeah? Very close. I don't want to upset the people at home, who needs it? But this is where it is."
The images showed vital details of smuggling activity in Amman; the only problem was the lack of merchandise. A slight disappointment hovered over the Field Director as each picture showed indication, but no evidence. Mikal's hunch was right, Russian, but it wasn't solid. The last two pictures were more prominent; a set of visible tattoos identified men from a Siberian prison, and one tattoo, of a dagger inlaid with a three-barred cross, identified a member of the Noukhev Bratvia.
"Noukhev," Chase said in a lowered tone, "black dagger, three-barred cross." Without a pause, he took out his communicator, making adjustments, "I'm going to elevate you to agent status, make this a case. Find out what they're hiding, then clean it up." Handing the pictures back, he added, "Behatzlacha1, and get rid of these."
Loosening the bowtie around his neck slightly, Chase readjusted his tuxedo and walked down the steps into the party.
1Behatzlacha -- Hebrew -- good luck99 Patty-Larceny
[OOC: Wow! Great picture, thank you!]
The man behind the meat station gave a plate of presliced medium rare steaks to Patty. Grabbing a fork for herself and another for Dragon, she found a nice tall table where they could stand, eat, and talk. "Nice to finally meet you," She said between bites, "The two girls with me, they're with us too, maybe we can get introduced after this party's over."
After the dancing subsided, the band went back to playing classical songs and guests began gathering into groups and talking. She could also see her surrogate sisters heading towards the Contemporary Arts Museum with their dance partners.
"Everyone's heading to the museum," Patty nodded quietly in the direction of the open door, "Let's go in there when we're done, or you want another round? I think there's roasted pheasant around here somewhere too."
100 Kyzano
Dragon was loving the food, she'd probably eaten more then the average human would have of the raw meat but honestly, she didn't care! She was handed another plate and Dragon thought for a moment before quickly finishing off the raw meat and stacking the new, cooked food plate on top of it and carried them both with a hand, the fork resting on the plate with the cooked meat, as she picked up her scythe and moved to the table with patty.
"Nice to finally meet you," She said between bites, "The two girls with me, they're with us too, maybe we can get introduced after this party's over."
That made sense to Dragon, now Dragon had never used cutlery in her life.. she was stuck... well then screw cutlery. No she couldn't do that. Quickly using a claw she cut the steak into smaller portions and then, awkwardly mimicking patty she used the fork.. well for the first few pieces but then after that she abandoned the strange human utensil and switched back to her hand, clearing her plate quite fast.
"It's good to meet a comrade in this sea of enemies. Those two are with us as well? That's good to know." Dragon nodded as she grabbed onto some napkins that were on the table, she'd bathe later, hell she'd need to tonight. Pushing these thoughts away Dragon focused on the task again."Everyone's heading to the museum," Patty nodded quietly in the direction of the open door, "Let's go in there when we're done, or you want another round? I think there's roasted pheasant around here somewhere too."
While still hungry... Dragon couldn't stay at the food the whole night, hell she'd probably end up eating far more then usual... Dragon's body DID require almost double the usual amount a human needed. A very active human. Her metabolism was that hyper active, and things could get dangerous for her quickly if she didn't eat for long periods of time, where a human could last almost a month without food, Dragon would only last about two weeks.
Sidetracked again she realized Patty was waiting for an answer. "Ah... I think it's best if I get away from the food for now. But what's a mu-ze-um?" She asked sounding out the word.101 EarlJr
The Harlequin Said: Oh my god.
As Euge watched the dancing phantom it dawned on him that it was Mac making a fool of himself. The height and body language matched perfectly with what Euge knew about the short scrappy fighter. Euge couldn't understand what he was playing at though; had he simply had too much to drink? No matter, Chase would sort him out as he saw fit.
Mac's performance drew to a close, leaving guests confused as to what just happened. Euge noticed Ennai and the harlequin clapping politely, but didn't join in. He couldn't support stupid stunts, not when agents were supposed to be low profile.
Ennai said: Have you heard any thing about any party crashers? Like maybe V.I.L.E.?
The thought had crossed his mind briefly, as the invitations would have been trivial to counterfeit. Before Euge could open his mouth enough for an answer, he saw The Dancing Phantom coming his direction.
Little-Mac said: Umm Hello.
The voice served to confirm Euge's hunch as to the phantom's identity. He cast an amused glance at Ennai towering over Mac before looking away. Mac seemed more interested in her than him, and Euge took the opportunity to quickly scan the area. Ennai's hunch was probably correct as usual, but if V.I.L.E. was present, they would be after high value targets, not random detectives.
Euge lightly nudged Ennai and whispered in her ear, "I'd lay odds whatever V.I.L.E. is after is part of the special exhibit. We may want to move in that direction. You packing?"
To Mac and whoever else may be watching, it looked like Euge was telling her sweet nothings instead of business talk.
102 Carmen
'William' said: "Beautiful display..." 'he' commented softly. "Pieces of this collection probably haven't seen the light of day in ages..."
Once her eyes fell upon the coveted 'Mask of Helen', Carmen was transfixed. Its blank, placid gaze beckoned with a characteristic appeal unrivalled among the work of so many great talents.
She had researched the mask of Agamemnon extensively in the past, and among the tendrils of information she received, a budding rumour of the existence of a feminine funerary mask from the Mycenaean era captured her curiosity. Previously, this story seemed unverifiable; yet here was the mythical golden face, so close within reach.
"The museum closes at 2330 hours," she whispered to her escort, "everyone will be asked gather at the pavilion under the moon for the countdown. Whatever happens, meet me here at 2340?"
Beneath her calm exterior, Carmen could feel the start of a good heist. This incitement, growing from a combination of a rare target and impractical situations, would rage inside until the mask was safely hers. She would expect, emphatically, to join the crowd at the stroke of midnight and walk out without a single incident.
103 DetectiveAwesome
Danny was glad that everyone was forgetting the strange scene and heading to the museum. He also thought that Abrielle was a pretty cool girl. As they entered the building, a collection of masks could be seen, with the prized "Mask of Helen" gleaming in the center.
The display reminded Danny of when he used to hang around his mom's gallery after football practice. She kept asking him to look at the pictures and tell her what he thought it meant, or what emotion it made him feel. Right now all the masks with their sad faces and hollow eyes made him feel… uncomfortable.
Abrielle said:
"So, [what] exactly do you do for ACME, Mr. Ainsworth?"
"Well, you know, the usual stuff." Danny shrugged, he thought of his daily life in ACME which consisted of memorizing facts, training, and doing extra credit grunt work in the labs. None of those things seemed very impressive. At least he had a bit of field experience to bring up. "I'm usually part of a team that directly tracks down V.I.L.E. agents. Best part of the job, I'd say… knowing that you're keeping those crazy guys off the streets. I mean, have you seen some of the things they've tried to steal?"104 Nevon
While waiting for a reply, Nevon was still looking at Chase, hoping he could get a chance to talk to his hero about something, anything. But when Mr. Devineaux entered the crowd, he disappeared.
Cassandra said: "I am not hungry. Can we all go to the museum, please?"
Nev gladly lead Cassandra to the museum. He needed to get warm anyway. "Do you know Chase Devineaux?" he thought he'd start a conversation, "He's the greatest, and he's... well... he's going to be my mentor, so I can better guard the world against V.I.L.E., and all that."
Then he overheard Danny:
"I'm usually part of a team that directly tracks down V.I.L.E. agents. Best part of the job, I'd say… knowing that you're keeping those crazy guys off the streets. I mean, have you seen some of the things they've tried to steal?"
"Yeah," Nevon smiled to Cassandra, pointing out the 'Mask of Helen', "This is the kind of thing we'd try to keep those crazy guys at V.I.L.E. from stealing."
105 Little-Mac Not-Applicable said:
Before he could answer, the flamenco dancer appeared before her. "Umm Hello." Ennai found herself towering above the man, standing 5' 10 in her two-inch heels. She smiled at him. "Hello. That was quite a show you put on, Mr...?"
Mac stared at the woman standing at 5'10 that was taller than him or should he say Towering above him with his Phantom mask as she said "Mr...?" Mac spoke in a low yet soft Tone.."Lewis... Mac Lewis.." He said in a James Bond sort of Fashion with out the brittish accent as he smiled at her He took his mask off slightly to show his face.. Even though he was the Phantom he did not have a Ugly face like the character but showed his face to her.. as he looked at her eyes and he asked her "So did you come here with anyone if you do not mind me asking???" He said in a low voice as he put his mask back on awaiting The Woman's response
(OOC: Sorry that was short it will get better)
106 wesdon
Pete looked at the displays in the museum and blinked a few times. Was that really a headless horse mounted on the wall? Why does this remind him of that Godfather movie?
"Im no good with art, mate," he chuckled. Then he saw a scene that was different. A beautiful golden mask was looking at a beautiful golden mask, but before he could say anything he heard a conversation from Nev and Dan, to two pretty shiels.
Danny said: "I'm usually part of a team that directly tracks down V.I.L.E. agents. Best part of the job, I'd say… knowing that you're keeping those crazy guys off the streets. I mean, have you seen some of the things they've tried to steal?"
Nevon said: "Yeah," Nevon smiled to Cassandra, pointing out the 'Mask of Helen', "This is the kind of thing we'd try to keep those crazy guys at V.I.L.E. from stealing."
That was a nice mask, and would be the only thing Pete wouldn't consider as modern junk in here.
"Never been to a party like this, I'm good with more laid back things," he added for Missy, "after this, you gotta come to more of the 303 parties, mate, we like fun people, ai?"
107 LadyLoralye
Danny said:
"Well, you know, the usual stuff." Danny shrugged, he thought of his daily life in ACME which consisted of memorizing facts, training, and doing extra credit grunt work in the labs. None of those things seemed very impressive. At least he had a bit of field experience to bring up. "I'm usually part of a team that directly tracks down V.I.L.E. agents. Best part of the job, I'd say… knowing that you're keeping those crazy guys off the streets. I mean, have you seen some of the things they've tried to steal?"
Loralye was somewhere between amused and agitated. Part of her wanted to laugh out loud at how he described VILE. And so she did. Secretly, the other part wanted to smack him across the head at how he described VILE. 'Those crazy guys'? Seriously?
"I have heard some rumors of these VILE agents," Lora said. And it was true enough, she had heard plenty of rumors concerning things VILE had previously stolen. "Though if you think about it, they must not be as crazy as you think if they are able to elude you ACME agents so well," she continued in an amused tone.
Loralye continued to look around at the beautiful display of art along the walls. Normally she wasn't a fan of modern art but Lora found it strangely captivating-especially the supposed mask of Helen of Troy.
Remaining as nonchalant as possible, Lora proceeded to ask, "Do you know of the location of any VILE agents?"
((OOC-I won't be here for two days, so I can't post. Just so you know.))108 Patty-Larceny
Dragon said: "Ah... I think it's best if I get away from the food for now. But what's a mu-ze-um?" She asked sounding out the word.
Patts nodded and pointed at the doors to the Punta della Dogana Contemporary arts museum. "That's the place, come on, I'll show you inside."
If bouncing around was possible, Patty would be doing that. Francois Pinault, the owner of the Gucci Group and father-in-law of Salma Hayek put some of his personal art collection up for display in Venice at the Punta della Dogana earlier this year. Some of his friends followed, one with an incredible display of masks based on the beautiful 'Mask of Helen' positioned at the center.
Inside, Patty spotted Carmen and a blond-haired man and tried to think who that could possibly be. "That's her," she whispered to Dragon, "I'm going to go find out if that guy with her is one of us."
She walked up carefully to the man's other side, "Lovely display ain't it?" She asked with a wink in her southern accent, "I'm Lacy Boone, have we met?"109 Kyzano
Patts nodded and pointed at the doors to the Punta della Dogana Contemporary arts museum. "That's the place, come on, I'll show you inside."
So... that didn't really explain what a museum was. but one thing Dragon did understand was, "That's her, I'm going to go find out if that guy with her is one of us."
Dragon grinned, well this saved her from finding alpha on her own.
"Lovely display ain't it? I'm Lacy Boone, have we met?"
Dragon chuckled. Wow, that human had guts. No bones about it. Well.. time for her move. The prey was within reach and now was the time to strike. Dragon moved to just behind Alpha, where the gold masked female would be able to take a full step back.
"Because you could not stop for Death, I kindly stopped..." She lowered her scythe so that the dulled blade was resting to the side of Alpha's shoulder, right within her vision. "For you."
Dragon has successfully prevented her from getting away, she could really only step forward or back, or turn around, unless she wanted to run into her male partner or the dulled blade.110 Vic-the-Slick
Venice, Italy 24 hours before the new year party
Vic stuck a herbal cigarette between his teeth, and walked around the pavilion in front of the Salut where the party was going to be held tomorrow. He could see gondolas in black and blue docked up around the area, some seaweed being cleaned off the side of the piers, and some workers putting up a display with plywood for the Contemporary Art Museum.
The conman remembered coming here a few years ago where the old Customs house was nothing but an empty dump waiting to be repaired. It's great what the rich and powerful are capable of, these days. They can make a run down building into a place that displays trash. When the workmen were busy, Vic took a quick look inside the museum and found a flier that detailed what would be displayed. The words "Mask of Helen" stood out and Vic held back a curse. This is going to be just perfect.
"You're Vince Fumigalli?" A younger man approached speaking in a French accent, "I'm Tino Carrisi, we spoke on the phone."
"Right, you're the artist?" Vic asked, with some disbelief, "I'd think you were, I donno, Italian?"
"I studied in Paris," he smiled with half his mouth, "you looking for best, I'm best."
They shook hands, "We better get to work, Sonny," Vic was anxious to get started, "got about 24 hours before this thing goes live. How many men you got with you?"
"Ten," Carrisi replied, "all family, you'll see, nothing gets out."
111 Carmen
Patty said: "Lovely display ain't it?" She asked [Sarah] with a wink in her southern accent, "I'm Lacy Boone, have we met?"
Patty's accented American English received a proud expression from Carmen, whose mind still fluttered about the Grecian funerary mask. Coincidentally, as she let herself consider the topic, Dragon's sardonic voice recited a greeting with a modified line from an Emily Dickinson poem. At the same time, a cold, flat metal touched her shoulder. Delicately pinching the blade of the scythe, Morgan Kent moved it away, as she turned to face the 'Death' that so 'kindly stopped' for her.
"Well met," she smirked as she placed the worn leather straps of Chase's Patek Philippe watch around Dragon's upper arm. In this position, Death's dark robe would provide sufficient cover. "Keep that hidden," she instructed quietly, "and guard it well."
Smoothly transitioning to avoid suspicion, she continued. "Mr. Willam Blake, Miss Boone, if I may introduce a friend... Malach Hamavet, from Tel Aviv."
[Malach HaMavet, Hebrew, "Angel of Death"]
112 Crimson
Cassandra looked over at the 'Mask of Helen.' Those 'crazy guys at VILE' are probably enjoying eyeing up these masks. She knew she was. The way the lights hit the masks made them look divine. They were artifacts. No one had worn them in years. Thousands of years, really. To put it simply: the mask was beautiful.
Cassandra then realized her partner said something about Chase Devineaux. Here goes nothing... She turned to her partner and said "You work with Chase Devineaux? I have heard so much about him! Could you introduce me to him... um, Je suis désolée, but your name is?"113 Sarah-Nade "The museum closes at 2330 hours," she whispered to her escort, "everyone will be asked gather at the pavilion under the moon for the countdown. Whatever happens, meet me here at 2340?"
William Blake nodded. The target was clear, not necessarily the plan to get it or the escape route but that was understood and at times expected. Sarah couldn't help but feel the urge for a cigarette now that she knew something was going down other than partying in Venice but it could wait until after the night's events.
Turning William smiled as 'he' was approached by, what was obviously, Patty in disguise.
"Lovely display ain't it?" She asked with a wink in her southern accent, "I'm Lacy Boone, have we met?"
Good girl Sarah couldn't help but think. It was expected that not many would recognize her as a man, the fact that Patty was checking on Carmen's accompaniment made Sarah smile. "Perhaps." William replied, "I'm William Blake... I deal in music..." then he leaned in to whisper "I'm always looking for a good... serenade." Pulling away William grinned, that was until out of the corner of his/her eye a sythe came to sit on the shoulder of Carmen.
Sharp eyes narrowed, immediately wanting to know the meaning of this and the identity of the person who did that, only to watch as Carmen reacted as calmly as if she'd been given a rose and quickly gave the figure the watch. Giving a small exhale of relief Sarah smiled once again.
"Mr. Willam Blake, Miss Boone, if I may introduce a friend... Malach Hamavet, from Tel Aviv."
"Very nice to meet you..." 'William' paused at calling Death sir or madam, as already the body type of this death, upon further examination, was leaving Sarah quite confused. William spoke lowly "Newly hired, I assume?"114 Chase
Somewhere around 10:30 PM (2230hrs) local time
The children running about at the beginning of this party were now going home. Families with older and younger members, while enjoying parties of this caliber, could rarely afford to stay until the wee hours--whether or not this was the last night of the year. They were going back to places that mattered most; some would head to smaller community gatherings, while others would return to their homes or hotel rooms to enjoy the countdown there.
Chase Devineaux spent the past two hours speaking to members of the Venetian Government. As all ruling offices, they were interested in security consultation, but didn't understand all the implications. The Field Director scheduled a more formal meeting with ACME's International Relations department later in January.
Finally free from 'business', Chase entered the museum. Near the middle of the hall, Morgan Kent divided her attention to a Harlequin, a Grim Reaper, and a blond-haired man... no, woman in a tuxedo. From where Devineaux observed, Morgan's poise and manner, added with the way that dress fitted, and topped with the crowning mask, attracted nearly every pair of eyes in her wake. She mesmerized the party tonight, and he was glad to see her still here.
Next to the mask exhibit were more friendly faces. Ivy Monaghan, with her red hair and gatto mask was quietly looking around. Melissa Wayward stood in green and silver with the Three Musketeers. Judging from their height and frame, the boys were ACME's Daniel Ainsworth, Nevon Blair, and Pete Moss. The two women with them did not strike as ACME employees, and were likely party guests. The Agent walked towards them, where he would be most comfortable.
"They found the mask without a body inside a Mycenaean casket," he added conversationally to Daniel's and Nevon's comments, "and named her 'Helen' from the amount of wealth buried with her. There's still a debate on whether it really is a funerary mask, or something ceremonially buried to change the luck of an empire." Chase turned back to the two guests, not wanting to be rude. "I'm sorry, we haven't met," he extended a hand, "Chase Devineaux, Special Agent, ACME United States."
115 Nevon
Cassandra said: "You work with Chase Devineaux? I have heard so much about him! Could you introduce me to him... um, Je suis désolée, but your name is?"
Oh sure, all the cool girls must have heard of Chase Devineaux. He's the best kind of celebrity, real, the kind that doesn't only act like he's cool on screen... Nev imagined the glitz and glam that came with that then remembered that Cassandra was waiting for his name.
"I'm.." Before Nevon could answer, a familiar deep voice joined in and Nev snapped to alert. He watched Chase smoothly talk about the mask with information that couldn't have come from the pamphlet that came with the invite... not that Nevon read it. Then the special agent introduced himself. (So that's how to do it!) A part of Nev wanted to reach over and shake his hand first, but he settled for introducing the girls instead.
"Mr. Devineaux," he said, "this is Cassandra Kennedy, and this is..." (what was her name, what was her name?) Nev looked at Dan for help.
116 Miss_Guided
That was a nice mask, and would be the only thing Pete wouldn't consider as modern junk in here.
"Never been to a party like this, I'm good with more laid back things," he added for Missy, "after this, you gotta come to more of the 303 parties, mate, we like fun people, ai?"
Missy chuckled. "Yeah... yeah I should. Now that my testing for special operations is over I can actually enjoy my nights off." She took another sip of her drink and looked around for more familiar faces, unable to stop herself from hearing the name and voice of HER boss.
She glanced over and smirked just a little. At least he'd managed to get away from the dignitaries. She didn't know about him but the idea of spending the night talking to the mayor of Venice did not in any way sound interesting to her.117 DetectiveAwesome
'Abrielle' said:
"Do you know of the location of any VILE agents?"
"Sure, we always have some under surveillance. You know you've got to really keep a close eye on them. Most that get of jail go right back to doing the same thing. Some of the good ones, like Philo see the light and join ACME."
Just then Chase Devineaux joined the small, but growing group.Chase said:
"I'm sorry, we haven't met," he extended a hand, "Chase Devineaux, Special Agent, ACME United States."
Nevon Said:
"Mr. Devineaux, this is Cassandra Kennedy, and this is..."
"…This is Abrielle Fiore, from Mestre." Danny interjected, hoping he got the pronunciation of her last name correct.
Danny turned to find 'Death' and 'Lacy Boone' curiously hovering around a beautiful woman in a gold mask and a blond man in a tux. Something about the way they all approached each other was odd. Especially 'Death', and her use of the scythe.
"Hey Boss," Danny nudged Chase Devineaux, "You met that lady right? Is she some kind of actress?"118 Kyzano
Dragon couldn't help but grin as Alpha calmly led the scythe, not that there was any resistance from Dragon to let her do so. She ignored the glare from the male... who she was beginning to think wasn't so male.
"Well met,"
Dragon gave her a nod, but as something was strapped around her upper arm Dragon's face took a touch more confused and serious face. Not that you could really tell behind the mask however.
"Keep that hidden, and guard it well."
Letting the butt of the scythe rest on the ground as she held it Dragon just gave her Alpha a small smile. "Of course." She'd switch which hand she was holding the scythe with at some point in the conversation. Less chance of whatever was now hidden on her arm being seen."Mr. Willam Blake, Miss Boone, if I may introduce a friend... Malach Hamavet, from Tel Aviv."
'I'm who from where now?' Dragon wondered. Pushing that aside she gave a smile to the two she was being introduced to.
"Very nice to meet you..."
"Just call me Death." Dragon replied, for now that alias would have to do. Least until they could speak more freely.
"Newly hired, I assume?"
Dragon gave a smirk, her canines showing a little more as she did. "If you can call it that yes." Hired? Er, would help if she knew what that word meant more or less. She had a basic idea, but she wasn't completely sure. But yeah, she was with them if that's what they wanted to know.
Usually a handshake would follow an introduction, though Dragon rarely gave them out, claws can be tricky that way. She hoped that Willam Blake wouldn't mind the lack of manners. Dragon preferred not to have her cover blown by accidentally scratching someone... specially with eyes watching.
Oh she could feel them alright. Spending time in the wild made you know when you were being stared down. She tensed a little, but quickly schooled her features back into neutrality. Now was not the time. Plus, Alpha was right here, anything went wrong, it would be easy to get her away form danger and the cops. Right yeah, them too.119 Not-Applicable
EarlJr said: Euge lightly nudged Ennai and whispered in her ear, "I'd lay odds whatever V.I.L.E. is after is part of the special exhibit. We may want to move in that direction. You packing?" To Mac and whoever else may be watching, it looked like Euge was telling her sweet nothings instead of business talk.Ennai smiled and looked away as though he had just given her an embarrassingly touching compliment. "Always. It's a rather dismal arsenal though. One snubnose and two stratofighters." Ennai hated the snubnose. It only had six rounds and was rather pointless except for it's discreet size. She hadn't even brought extra ammunition. If she were to bet their lives on her weapons alone, she would place her money on the stratofighters.
Ennai was extremely skilled in hand-to-hand combat. Her knives were folded in easy access calf straps. Her snubnose was in a holster strapped below her knee, which made it difficult for quick draw. The dress she chose was impractical for combat. It had no slit and none of her usual compartments for weapons. Her long hair hung loose instead of in an up-do out of her face. She was, in every sense of the word, unprepared. Of course, this not a problem for Ennai. It wasn't even a setback. She could handle it.
In actuality, she wasn't expecting anything to happen tonight at all. She was almost always armed, but tonight what she was sporting was even less than her civilian outfitting. Normally at an event like this she was decked out in her best stock. But she was usually at these events for work. Tonight she had let her guard down. Somewhere in her mind, she had felt that things like this didn't happen in her Venice. In her mind Venice in winter was, irrationally, a completely different universe than the city at any other season. It was different from any other place in the world. It was safe and perfect.
Ennai felt like a fool. Venice was her love, but her work followed her everywhere. She couldn't pretend otherwise. Euge was right of course. If V.I.L.E. were here, it would be for the art in the museum. "Right, let's get moving. " she said in a clear, low voice. She rested her hand at the crook of his arm. They were just a couple, off to admire the generously donated mask collection. Just the type of collection that has, time and time again, proven to be catnip for crooks.
((Sorry this took so long, Euge.))
120 Crimson It seemed like as the hours increased, the people count decreased. All of the children that were here with their families were assumedly heading to their next destination. Looking around at the crowd, one could tell the difference between the government officials and the civilians. The differences lie in the way they hold themselves, their facial expressions, and who they converse with.
The man said:
Cassandra was listening to her partner about to introduce himself when someone came up from behind her. She jumped, for one reason or another, when he started to talk. But, the man gave a very informative and detailed history of the 'Mask of Helen.'
"I'm sorry, we haven't met," he extended a hand, "Chase Devineaux, Special Agent, ACME United States."
Cassandra accepted the outreached hand while her partner introduced her to Mr. Devineaux. "The pleasure is all mine, monsieur. Now, if you don't mind, tell me about the everyday life of a Special Agent."121 wesdon
Like Nevon, Pete Moss was amazed by the smooth way a Special Agent talked. It's not every day a field agent gets to see this, and this was only Pete's second time seeing Chase Devineaux up close. He was starting to get what Nevon's fuss was all about. Pete gave a smile and nod to welcome Chase and looked to see the same smile on Missy's face. He was happy to know they were feeling the same thing, it would give Pete something to talk about later.
ACME's partys were private and teeny compared to an event like this. Pete wondered how many times he'd have to mess up before he'd learn enough to be a pro. Then he saw Dan ask Chase about the pretty lady at the center of attention. She has to be an actress, Pete agreed, and he was looking forward to a reveal near the end of the party too. From her height, she looked like Famke Janssen in that James Bond movie, enough to get the small bits of Pete's fanboy feelings off thinking.122 Mikal Chase Devineaux Wrote:
"Noukhev, black dagger, three-barred cross." Without a pause, he took out his communicator, making adjustments, "I'm going to elevate you to agent status, make this a case. Find out what they're hiding, then clean it up." Handing the pictures back, he added, "Behatzlacha, and get rid of these."
Mikal nodded, and took the envelope. He walked towards the pier where orange fires were still raged brightly, each reflecting a dimmer doppelgänger into the Grand Canal. Without pause he passed the flames, tossing the envelope into their center, and continued on his path.
By now, guests were pouring into the modern art museum. A selected few remained on the pavilion, among them a tall blonde and her companion, a young man dressed as Robin Hood, and a member of the security team. Mikal's mind was already set on Amman. From Venice, there was a flight with connections in Istanbul, and another he knew of that connected in Vienna. He preferred the later, though it departed early in the morning, and left little room for preparations.
Of course, there was still the matter of the masquerade, and New Years Day sanctioned a form of permissible counterproductiveness. Mikal found his way into the art museum, and was happy to see the cat masked girl was still there.
"Good, you're here." He greeted, "We didn't finish our talk, yeah? Did you come here with anyone?"123 EarlJr
(It's all good Ennai!)
Ennai smiled and looked away as though he had just given her an embarrassingly touching compliment. "Always. It's a rather dismal arsenal though. One snubnose and two stratofighters."
As Euge listened to Ennai list off her equipment, he thought he detected an undercurrent of disappointment in her voice. It was gone in a flash though, replaced by a practiced tone and smile. "Too bad," Euge thought to himself; "this was supposed to be a night off for all of us. I'll need to make this up to her somehow." A moment passed as Ennai seemed to collect her thoughts before speaking again, and Euge felt for the reassuring heft of his M1911. This party had shifted to business too quickly for his tastes, and Euge was glad neither of them came completely unprepared.
Ennai said: "Right, let's get moving. "
Euge nodded and wordlessly offered his left arm to her, which she took, and the couple walked into the museum, brushing by an Othello on his way out. Inside, they were confronted by what could only be described as modern art, consisting of the body of a horse positioned such that its head was stuck in the wall. Further down were a wall of masks being studied by the three musketeers and their dance partners, who were engaged in conversation with ACME's masked bandit.
Euge idly wondered if Chase had even been trying to conceal his identity, or if he was just pandering to the crowd. At least the ACME agents would know who to look to if everything hit the fan. Further down, in a poorly lit corner, Euge could see the woman wearing the gold mask talking to Lacy Boone and Death. "The musketeers standing with Chase are ACME," Euge whispered to Ennai, "as is the woman in the green dress and metal mask."
124 Patty-Larceny
Patty nodded back to 'William' after 'he' introduced himself, her face still pleasantly smiling. This is good, Sarah's here! When Carmen introduced her to the Grim Reaper, Patty played along too. Off to the other corner, she could see ACME amassing and she felt her gut rise like a helium balloon. She knew that the rule of thumb was to not have the group stay together at a party too long. Sticking together meant being easier to be recognized.
"That there's a nice horse's rear end, ain't it?" She mocked a comment in as sophisticated a tone as her accent would let her, "Has anyone seen the other side?"
125 Ivy
Ivy heard a few familiar voices from the new group of guests in the exhibit. It was always easy to pick out an English conversation when surrounded by Italian speakers. She flagged Chase Devineaux among them, and figured some of the musketeers and similarly dressed 'princesses' were her students at ACME academy. When she was just within earshot, 'Othello' found her.
Othello Said:
"Good, you're here." He greeted, "We didn't finish our talk, yeah? Did you come here with anyone?"She smirked, and beneath the Venetian cat mask, Ivy raised an eyebrow. If anything, he was direct, she didn't mind it, but she hadn't decided if she liked it yet.
"Yes, and no." Ivy tilted her head towards the nearby group of detectives, "I guess you could say I'm with them. Ivy Monaghan, ACME United States."
126 Carmen This short gathering was a necessity only to confirm attendance. All members of her team understood what to do hours before the party began. The target, however, was a variable. No picture or depiction of this 'Mask of Helen' ever made it to the media until after the gallery opened, and Carmen had not been thoroughly sure she would attempt its 'relocation' until she had seen it.
Patty's good sense to break the conversation received a nod from the ringleader. "Please, enjoy the exhibition," she said to the three with her, "I'm sure we'll meet again." They would disperse and resume position inconspicuously approximately one hour from now.
Looking to the exit, the first person she noticed was Chase at the display of masks and, respectively, other members of ACME became visible. A part of her wanted to return his timepiece as she watched him habitually led the younger agents by example, the same side of her was also glad she had given the watch to Dragon for safe keeping. With that option impossible, she had no reason to approach the group and, instead, sent a silent thought of support to Crimson and Loralye as they stood among strangers.
In the meanwhile, she moved on her own from one crowd of people to another. In a masquerade, pretending to know anyone was effortless.
127 Chase Nevon said: "Mr. Devineaux, this is Cassandra Kennedy, and this is..."
Daniel said: "…This is Abrielle Fiore, from Mestre... Hey Boss. You met that lady right? Is she some kind of actress?"
Cassandra Kennedy said: "The pleasure is all mine, monsieur. Now, if you don't mind, tell me about the everyday life of a Special Agent."
After the introduction and a brief sweep of greeting nods to his fellow agents, it was more apparent the young women with the sleuth and the rookie were not from ACME. He repeated their names, as always. "Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Fiore, I hope you're enjoying present company."
As Daniel Ainsworth temporary directed his attention again to Morgan Kent, he met her glance before she disappeared. That look sparked an idea that she may be someone she wasn't. Telling Dan he knew her identity seemed like a lie. "No," Chase replied from behind his thoughts, "Don't know her."
Returning to Cassandra Kennedy's question, he smiled, taking a cue from her French. "Rien d'intéréssant, Mlle. Kennedy, je ne veux pas vous ennuyer."
Nearby, Devineaux spotted Mikal Darsha talking to Ivy Monaghan. Already with a girl, Mikal worked fast. "Khalid Rifai," he called out to the Israeli, systematically introducing him to the rest of ACME as 'Khalid Rifai', an old friend from Afghanistan.
128 Zack
Tanya said: "Are you hungry?" she asked, "We can eat now, da, before it gets too cold?" Looking around, she could see an array of food stations, everything from warm soups to meats and pasta.
Zack nodded and holding hands with Tanya, went over to the food station. He eyed some of the roast beef that was cooked to perfection at the table. His stomach grumbled at the sight.
"Heh... guess I didn't eat dinner today..." he commented and laughed again. He handed a plate to his dance partner along with the appropriate cutlery.
129 el-halcon-verde
"Ah, los croissants es muy bien." El Halcon said to himself standing to the side of Zack, piling a plate with the delicate french breads. El Halcon had a healthy appetite, especially when it came to pastry. He spun around, noticing the couple at his side and tilted his head up. "Ah, love that blooms at wintertime. It is one as rare as a rose in winter." Inwardly he was stretching his mind trying to figure out who were behind the masks, but since he was still new to detective work, he forced himself to give up. Ha had to work on identifying people more keenly, to prove he was more than just some hired muscle.
130 Vic-the-Slick
5 miles outside of Venice, Italy
12 hours before the new year party
While Vic's people and Tino Carrisi's team worked on putting the stuff from Dubai together, a knock at the warehouse's door disturbed the peace. First thinking it was cops wanting to know what all the noise was about, Vic remembered this was a suburb, and there was a louder water treatment place close by.
Vic answered the door to see a wiry little kid of about 20 or 25 nervously bouncing his knees like he's got ants in his pants, "What you want, tike?"
"You... uh... Vince Fumigalli?" The Italian boy jittered around his words. He wasn't bad at English, so Vic figured he was nervous, "You work for her? San.. Sandiego?"
Not the person to have this kind of patience less than 12 hours before the party, Vic sneered, "No, get outta here!" He moved to shut the door, but the kid stopped him.
"Wait, wait," he reasoned, "I know, I heard from Luca you're in town, I've been waiting my whole life for Carmen Sandiego, uh for VILE. She's coming to Venice, eh? I want in."
Vic sniffed; he could smell 'crazy fanboy' written all over this sorry loser.
"Listen, I've been doing security, break-ins, big cons, you name it" the boy was getting more confident while he got Vic's attention, "I can show you, I'm useful eh? Drop me off at this party, I'll protect her I'm a good shot, anything, Vince, just get me in the door."
Vic paused, taking a long breath and shook his head. "What's your name, pirla?"
"...Achille Mondadori," the boy said carefully, not liking the fact that he was just called an idiot.
"Let me tellya something, Archie, you go back to your grifting gang or whatever and get your head outta this mess, I ain't in no mood to be picking up noobs when I'm minding my own business. Capisci? Now get outta here!" Vic slammed the door.
"Cazzata?" Tino Carrisi, the artist, raised his head from what he was doing to ask if that was something stupid.
Vic nodded and cursed, "Cazzata... Fanboys. Let's hurry up, time's wastin."
131 Crimson
This was not how Cassandra planned things would go. All these people... and they were all ACME agents. She knew she was caught in the middle. But Cassandra knew she had the confidence to keep going. After all, socializing and dealing with awkward situations is what she does best.
"I am enjoying the company of... um, this man." Cassandra said as she pointed to her partner, seeing as she still didn't know his name. Keeping the perfect French accent throughout most of the night was harder than she thought it would be.
Mr. Devineaux said:
"Rien d'intéréssant, Mlle. Kennedy, je ne veux pas vous ennuyer."
The woman smiled back at Mr. Devineaux. "Vous ne m'ennerrez pas, M. Devineaux. Je suis tout intéressée à fait dans l'organisation. Même dans probablement joindre. "
Thinking ahead, Cassandra asked, "There is one more dance after this, oui?"132 LadyLoralye
Danny said:
"Sure, we always have some under surveillance. You know you've got to really keep a close eye on them. Most that get of jail go right back to doing the same thing. Some of the good ones, like Philo see the light and join ACME."
Loralye would have given anything to roll her eyes. All she wanted to do was to run to the nearest wall and bang her head against it. This guy was so...frustrating! He wasn't letting anything slide, just teasing Lora with the information she wanted. If she didn't know any better, she'd say he was doing it on purpose.
Just then, a man dressed in a tailored detailed history on the mask of Helen of Troy. Lora knew all the information of course, but she found it impressive that this man was so knowledgable.
Chase said:
Chase turned back to the two guests, not wanting to be rude. "I'm sorry, we haven't met," he extended a hand, "Chase Devineaux, Special Agent, ACME United States."Well this makes things more complicated, Lora thought. These bloody ACME agents wouldn't leave them alone! The situation was quickly becoming critical.
Introductions were made and simple conversation was breaking out. Crim and Chase Devineaux were conversing in French. Loralye understood all of it of course, but the others didn't need to know that...Lora just sat back and listened for anything that could be important.
Crimson said:
Thinking ahead, Cassandra asked, "There is one more dance after this, oui?"
That was it! Dancing was the perfect excuse to split up the group of ACME agents and keeping them thoroughly distracted. Lora chanced a glance towards the horse statue. They just might be able to pull this off after all.133 Nevon
Daniel said: "…This is Abrielle Fiore, from Mestre... Hey Boss. You met that lady right? Is she some kind of actress?"
Chase said: "No," Chase replied from behind his thoughts, "Don't know her."
"Duh, I keep telling you it's Monica Bellucci," Nev nudged Dan, "What other Italian actress has the prop of showing up here looking that hot?"
Cassandra said: "I am enjoying the company of... um, this man." [A lot of French] "There is one more dance after this, oui?"
Nevon smiled ear to ear when Cassandra mentioned dancing. Before she said that, he was trying to decipher the French she spoke with Chase Devineaux without any luck. He could hear the music outside and some of the guests already dancing tonight. Each song lasts about 5-10 minutes, and Nev knew they had plenty of time before midnight, and he was starting to like entertaining this French Kennedy.
"There's always time for dancing!" Nevon answered after Cassandra's question, "And I'm Nevon Blair, Ms. Kennedy, I'd be honored if you'd have a go... at another dance or two with me?"
134 Not-Applicable
EarlJr said:
Euge nodded and wordlessly offered his left arm to her, which she took, and the couple walked into the museum, brushing by an Othello on his way out. Inside, they were confronted by what could only be described as modern art, consisting of the body of a horse positioned such that its head was stuck in the wall. Further down were a wall of masks being studied by the three musketeers and their dance partners, who were engaged in conversation with ACME's masked bandit. Euge idly wondered if Chase had even been trying to conceal his identity, or if he was just pandering to the crowd. At least the ACME agents would know who to look to if everything hit the fan. Further down, in a poorly lit corner, Euge could see the woman wearing the gold mask talking to Lacy Boone and Death. "The musketeers standing with Chase are ACME," Euge whispered to Ennai, "as is the woman in the green dress and metal mask.""Right," she muttered, performing a mental assessment of all of the people in the room. Ennai's main concern was the number of people who weren't A.C.M.E. Be they V.I.L.E or civilian, they posed a problem. To add to that, she had no idea how V.I.L.E. planned on pulling of a heist in this crowd. "Right," she reiterated. "We have to let Chase know first. Even if we're wrong, he needs to be alerted. If he doesn't already have the same concerns as us. Any ideas on how to do that?" She was referring to the mass of people who had suddenly engulfed Chase. She was slightly agitated. That was a horrible position for him to be in. It was a strategic nightmare. " Do you think we could somehow get Chase out of that mess? I mean without causing a scene?"
She took quick inventory of the art in the room. What were the probable security measures put up for the masks? She didn't know. Oh WOW. She cringed in distaste. Was the horse's end really necessary? Actually, it did seem a bit... off. Why was it even there? It threw her off, was that there was a random piece of unrelated modern art in an exhibit that was completely focused on masks so much older than it. It was weird. Her imagination proceeded to wander to a mental video reel of a live horse, hanging and stuck in the wall, struggling to get out. It made her nauseous, and she refocused brushing off the feeling. It was weird, but irrelevant.
She had way too many weird thoughts like that. Ennai was naturally over-analytical, causing her to consider possibilities that were unlikely. Some had merit, others didn't. As a young girl, her father had called her "An angelically devilish little girl, hell-bent on deconstructing the hypothetical causes and implications of every possible detail," to one of his colleagues. It was a small part of an elaborate excuse for why she had told the wife of the U.S. ambassador to Switzerland that her husband was having an affair which ended in "I'm sorry she caused you so much trouble." Of course, in that particular case she happened to be right. Two months later, some pictures surfaced and the newspapers got a whiff of it. The thirteen-year-old looked at her dad silently, with a hint of irony.
135 Xander
After Xander had finished stuffing himself with food, he glanced around the room again and shrugged. Anyone he would know would be at the museum right this minute. He took a few steps forward and then spied some tiramisu that he had not tried. Glancing at the museum entrance, he shrugged. He grabbed another plate and fork- food was more entertaining and more delicious than a museum.
136 DetectiveAwesome
Danny could have sworn he saw a mutual look of recognition between Chase Devineaux and the lady with the gold mask, but then she turned and walked away so he shook it off. Maybe they didn't really click or something.
Aside from that, he liked how everyone from ACME was crowding together. It gave him that warm fuzzy holiday feeling. Pete and Missy seemed to be getting a long well, and Abrielle looked like she was really interested in that horse. He was also glad that Chase came over to speak a few words of French to Ms. Kennedy.
By the time Ivy Monaghan and Chase's friend Khalid Rifai came over, ACME seemed to be holding the central position in the gallery. Danny bet Chase and Khalid had lots of awesome stories, the kind of awesome stories him and Nevon and Pete were going to be telling younger agents some day.
Just as people were about to head out for dancing, Danny saw Mr. G and a lady in a silver dress, so he waved to them. "Hey! Mr, G! Over here. We were just about to head out for another round of dancing. Are you two in?"137 EarlJr
Ennai said: "Right," she muttered, "Right, we have to let Chase know first. Even if we're wrong, he needs to be alerted. If he doesn't already have the same concerns as us. Any ideas on how to do that? Do you think we could somehow get Chase out of that mess? I mean without causing a scene?"
Euge glanced sideways at Ennai with mild concern; she seemed to be almost shaking with tension at the latest turn of events. Ennai was right to be concerned, but Euge couldn't justify breaking up the party just yet, as the ACME agents were forming a conveniently unplanned barrier around Chase. The agents in the thick would be the first to notice if something was amiss.
"Chase is a big boy, he's done this kind of thing before." Euge reassured her. A thought occurred to Euge, and he pulled out his communicator and fired off a rapid message while talking; "He has his communicator on him; I'll send him a message on the priority channel." Euge finished typing and stuffed the communicator into his pocket, looking as if he had done no more than text a friend.
"There. We can't do anything more until VILE makes their move, so let's relax and enjoy the new year." Euge finished with a soft smile at her. With that, Euge steered Ennai and himself towards the group congregated around Chase when he noticed Dan the Musketeer waving at him.
Dan said: "Hey! Mr, G! Over here. We were just about to head out for another round of dancing. Are you two in?"
"With how that first round went, how could we miss it?" Euge patted the hand resting on his arm while he joked with Dan, "If m'lady is so inclined, of course." Euge added with a quick glance at Ennai. Speaking to Chase would give the two agents an opportunity to compare notes and hopefully put her mind at ease, and they still had a bit of time before the party moved back outside. Dancing could wait for another moment or two.
138 Sarah-Nade
"That there's a nice horse's rear end, ain't it?" She mocked a comment in as sophisticated a tone as her accent would let her, "Has anyone seen the other side?"
Sarah chuckled in an acceptable tenor tone as she watched Carmen leave to mingle among more guests. Sarah could pretend to make small talk for a little while at these things but Carmen, Patty, even Vic had a way of working crowds that Sarah couldn't help but admire. Put the singer in a room full of drunks and she could handle herself just fine but this... this was a bit fancy for her tastes.
Pulling the tux sleeve away from her wrist Sarah took a look at her watch. Hmmm. Time for a little look around before the gallery closed. With everyone seeming to be ready for another round of dancing it would be a good time for a peak around the back of a building... all under the guise of taking a cigarette break. Oh. The things she did in the name of her work.
"If you ladies would excuse me..." William said with a smile, making a small 'tipping my hat' motion with 'his' hands. "I must excuse myself. Save a dance for me, would you?" With a wink and a smirk Sarah walked away and out the front door of the gallery, taking a sharp turn to the side of the building and then again to the back, pulling out a silver cigarette case as 'he' did so and lighting up a cigarette.
Taking a large puff s/he strolled along the back of the building. Everything was as she expected. Two bathroom windows placed about six or seven feet off the ground, the security for the building was back here too. Hearing the security door start to open Sarah pulled herself away from the back and planted herself against the wall at the side of the building. As expected a pair of footsteps came from around the back, showing themselves as a pair of uniformed guards walking back to the party. They hardly took a second look at the man taking a cigarette break as they argued back and forth quietly about the latest futbol game.
Sarah smiled as she took another puff of the cigarette.
"Nice." she said softly to herself.139 Kyzano
Dragon didn't really know what to think as both Alpha and... err William? She'd never been good with names, excused themselves. Dragon knew it was time for her to get into action as well, though she'd catch up to this 'William', Dragon was almost positive that it was a female there and not a male, having been given the extra time to observe, later.
Switching to holding the scythe with her left hand, keeping the object wrapped around her arm even more hidden, she made a bit of a motion of rolling out her right shoulder, making it appear as if it was tired from holding the scythe the rest of the time. She looked to Patty and gave a nod.
"Sorry but I'm going to head back to the food, I'm still starving." And it was true; Dragon was really, really hungry.
Hunting here was much harder to do then back home, she hadn't been eating as much as she was supposed to. Even though tonight she'd probably already eaten enough, raw meat at that, for a human almost twice her size. She gave Patty a bit of a grin and then turned heading back out of the museum for the food tables, though her paranoia was acting up again, focusing her thoughts on the food and on her job distracted her from most of it.
The moment she hit the outside air she felt her body relax, even if it was just a tiny amount. Dragon never felt as comfortable inside a building than she did outside. Save for maybe a cave, but that didn't really count. Walking back to the food tables, once again timing her footfalls and making sure no one accidentally got hit in the head with her scythe, her mind flitted back to a promise she'd made.
During the plans for this thing, of which she had to have been filled in via voice only, Alpha had made her promise not to fight until her express word. Dragon had given her word without hesitation. Dragon knew why of course, that such a promise had to have been made in the first place. Dragon did not do well in crowds, let alone one this size. Should she start fighting the chances that she would panic would be almost 100%. If Dragon panicked she would cease to be non-lethal.
This was something Dragon severely wanted to avoid. These people had done nothing to warrant death. They'd just shown up for a good time and to bring in the new year, a concept that was completely new to Dragon. So unless Alpha was being threatened by lethal force, or the heist went bad and she was told to get rough, Dragon wouldn't be getting to seriously involved.
Shaking the thoughts away Dragon couldn't help the grin that spread across her face as the scents of different meats hit her. The chef behind the station seemed to recognize her as he grinned and gave her a small wave, she returned it with a nod as she picked up a plate. She was in a good position to do her job and there was food. The latter serving as a much more satisfying fact as she dug in.140 Chase
Chase received a message from Euge just before Dan called out to Grovington and his unofficial partner. Reading the text, he realized it was time to meet up and reassure his friends that nothing was out of the ordinary.
"Euge, and... Ennai," he smiled a warm greeting when he recognized the girl in the silver dress, "enjoying your time off?" With a quick nod, Chase continued: "The Italians set up a nest egg for this area years ago," he commented, "They're renovating the buildings one by one, what you see now just reopened a few months ago. The piers were recently fixed too, if you haven't seen the new stonework."
Turning to 'Khalid' and Ivy, who were seemingly paired, Chase thought the red-haired detective looked cold. "Once the museum closes, you can stay around the former customs house until countdown. They'll be lighting more fires, it should be warmer."
141 Miss_Guided
Following Pete's gaze Missy's eyes couldn't help but follow the woman in the red dress as well for a moment before, realizing that she might have been staring, she turned her eyes to other things. The horse's rear that sat on the wall seemed like an entertaining enough alternative as she overheard Chase talking about when they all left the building and keeping warm. She glanced at a small silver watch that sat on her wrist... she had other means of telling what time it was but, well, she'd rather not have to pull anything out of the area she had her blackberry hidden unless necessary. It was getting late and the gallery would be closing soon enough.
"Hows the night been treating you, Mr D?" Missy asked casually after finishing another sip of wine. "The Mayor's been keeping you entertained, I hope?"
She couldn't help but grin a little at that. She could only wonder if the Mayor was as bored with the TV cameras and attention as she had a hunch Chase was right now.142 Patty-Larceny
Patty made another scan of the museum. Sarah and Dragon had both gone out, and Carmen had blended into the crowd so well, Pats could hardly keep sight of her. It didn't change the fact that she had a job to do in a few minutes, and Patty moved around the area, studying all the exits.
She also watched ACME's body language while she walked. They weren't doing much, but she could almost swear some of them looked over confident, especially the musketeers. Reading their lips were only a little helpful because they were talking nonsense. What she wouldn't give to be able to turn out all the lights, run in there, and take that mask right now just to show them how blind they are.
That idea was bad, but it made Patty smile. Soon, the curator and a spokes person took center stage and started to tell people they were wrapping up. So this is it, the blonde thought to herself, the museum was closing.
143 Not-Applicable
Euge said:
Euge glanced sideways at Ennai with mild concern; she seemed to be almost shaking with tension at the latest turn of events. Ennai was right to be concerned, but Euge couldn't justify breaking up the party just yet, as the ACME agents were forming a conveniently unplanned barrier around Chase. The agents in the thick would be the first to notice if something was amiss."Chase is a big boy, he's done this kind of thing before." Euge reassured her. A thought occurred to Euge, and he pulled out his communicator and fired off a rapid message while talking;
"He has his communicator on him; I'll send him a message on the priority channel." Euge finished typing and stuffed the communicator into his pocket, looking as if he had done no more than text a friend. "There. We can't do anything more until VILE makes their move, so let's relax and enjoy the new year." Euge finished with a soft smile at her. With that, Euge steered Ennai and himself towards the group congregated around Chase when he noticed Dan the Musketeer waving at him.
Ennai'smind fell at ease. Euge was right. She had never worked with team like this before. She realized that this was not her job. She had to trust Chase to do his work. He was the best in his field.Dan said:
"Hey! Mr, G! Over here. We were just about to head out for another round of dancing. Are you two in?"
"With how that first round went, how could we miss it?" Euge patted the hand resting on his arm while he joked with Dan, "If m'lady is so inclined, of course." Euge added with a quick glance at Ennai. Speaking to Chase would give the two agents an opportunity to compare notes and hopefully put her mind at ease, and they still had a bit of time before the party moved back outside. Dancing could wait for another moment or two.
"Hi Danny." Ennai was elated to see the A.C.M.E agent. "I was actually hoping to take a closer look at the masks. I haven't had a chance to see them yet." She glanced at Euge with a hint of mischief, "But I fully expect a dance tonight." Ennai was actually hoping to get a chance to talk with Euge.
Chase said:Chase received a message from Euge just before Dan called out to Grovington and his unofficial partner. Reading the text, he realized it was time to meet up and reassure his friends that nothing was out of the ordinary.
"Euge, and... Ennai," he smiled a warm greeting when he recognized the girl in the silver dress, "enjoying your time off?" With a quick nod, Chase continued: "The Italians set up a nest egg for this area years ago," he commented, "They're renovating the buildings one by one, what you see now just reopened a few months ago. The piers were recently fixed too, if you haven't seen the new stonework."
Ennai's face lit up at the idea.The pier would be beautiful with lights illuminating the night's water. "I'd love to see that. Maybe when the museum closes?" For some reason, she had a feeling that tonight would turn out to be great.
144 Crimson
Most of the ACME members were looking really content. A select few were looking smug, though. Their stances and faces said it all. Especially for the musketeers. They were all clearly enjoying their partner's company. The boys were dancing with important 'people.' They had a right to be smug -- to some degree. But, those boys seemed over - the - top smug. One could tell just by looking at their facial expressions and their stance. And Nevon seemed a bit... nervous and excited, especially when Chase was around.
Mr. Blair said:
"I'd be honored if you'd have a go... at another dance or two with me?"
Cassandra smiled at Nevon. Not just because she knew something that he didn't but because the way he asked her to dance. It was kind of cute. Whoa, whoa, whoa... I have a boyfriend back home and I'm working. I need to focus on the task at hand.
Cassandra stuck her arm through Nevon's, "I'd love to dance with you."145 wesdon
Pete saw Missy's eyes moved from the lady with the gold mask to the horse and then to Chase. All this conversation and talking was nice, but Pete was starting to get hungry. Dancing with a woman like Missy made him nervous, and he probably lost plenty of calories, so it explained why when he took a peek outside, his attention was on the food stands. That Robin Hood looked like he was really enjoying the desserts.
"Mates, I'm starving, ai?" He tipped his musketeer hat for his friends to excuse himself, giving a special nod to Missy. He didn't want her to feel bad he was leaving her for food. Good thing that she was already in a conversation with Mr. Devineaux. "Meet up for countdown?"
146 LadyLoralye
Loralye was being the unseen observer. She was standing quietly among the company of several ACME agents, all of whom looked too arrogant for their own good. Not only was Lora listening into each conversation of the agents, but also the chatter of some of the nearby guests. The last thing they needed right now were suspicious party go-ers.
Lora noticed Chase Devineaux pull out a device similar to a cell phone, and saw his eyes quickly scan the message. From the look on his face it appeared to be nothing of consequence. She also noted that Crim had just agreed to dance with her partner. Taking a page from her book, she turned to Danny and said, "Care to give me the last dance of the year, Daniel?"
147 Ivy
Chase said:Nearby, Devineaux spotted Mikal Darsha talking to Ivy Monaghan. Already with a girl, Mikal worked fast. "Khalid Rifai," he called out to the Israeli, systematically introducing him to the rest of ACME as 'Khalid Rifai', an old friend from Afghanistan.
[...]
Turning to 'Khalid' and Ivy, who were seemingly paired, Chase thought the red-haired detective looked cold. "Once the museum closes, you can stay around the former customs house until countdown. They'll be lighting more fires, it should be warmer."
Ivy raised her brows when Chase started talking to her and Khalid. Did he just guess that she was cold tonight, or did she unintentionally show him? Can everyone tell? Ugh, nevermind. Now was not the time to be overly self-critical.
Knowing someone was looking out for her interest was nice, but after finding out that Khalid was an old friend of Chase's, Ivy had to wonder how much of this meeting was random.
"Might as well get started on a little food and a little dancing, Khalid," she hinted to her partner, "looks like the museum is closing." Sure enough, the Italian announcers she saw earlier this evening were now saying their farewells.148 Mikal When Chase Devineaux introduced him as Khalid Rifai, Mikal was all too glad that he wore a full faced mask. Otherwise someone might have caught his moment of surprise. This name was used on his very first mission with ACME Special Operations, simply to avoid a conflict between his employers and the detective agency. Whatever reasons Chase had for reinstating the identity was unclear, but hinted that the field director was being cautious.
Chase Said:
Turning to 'Khalid' and Ivy, who were seemingly paired, Chase thought the red-haired detective looked cold. "Once the museum closes, you can stay around the former customs house until countdown. They'll be lighting more fires, it should be warmer."Ivy Said:
"Might as well get started on a little food and a little dancing, Khalid," she hinted to her partner, "looks like the museum is closing."
'Khalid' nodded, offering an arm to Ivy. "So, you don't mind dancing now? That's good."
149 Sarah-Nade
Finishing her cigarette and flicking its remains into the nearest canal Sarah made her way back into the museum and made a B-line for the men's bathroom. Bathrooms, she thought to herself, were usually the easiest place to hide if wanting to stay in a building longer than the security wanted you to. She had made herself an expert at hiding in stalls and finding the ceiling panels that could be opened without effort in the past. Closing the door behind her Sarah didn't even need to look into the lavatory before finding a closet door.
Amused at the ease in which she would be able to stay in the building Sarah pulled out her wallet and jimmied the door open with a credit card, sliding herself in and closing the door as another museum patron started to enter. There she would wait until the museum was properly closed.150 DetectiveAwesome
'Abrielle' said:"Care to give me the last dance of the year, Daniel?"
"It'll be my pleasure, Ms. Fiore." Danny replied, it was something he thought well mannered people would say. He offered his arm to Abrielle and lead her outside, just behind Nevon and Cassandra. The air was a bit cold again, but Chase was right, the party organizers had lit more fires.
As the music started, Danny took the lead as he was taught to in the ACME classes. "So that was an interesting mask back there, what did you think about it?"151 EarlJr
Ennai said: "I was actually hoping to take a closer look at the masks. I haven't had a chance to see them yet." She glanced at Euge with a hint of mischief, "But I fully expect a dance tonight."
Euge returned Ennai's mischievous glance with a sly look of his own. Maybe tonight wouldn't be a total loss. "But business comes first," thought Euge as Chase pulled them aside. Obviously Chase had received the alert; the only question was how concerned was he?
Chase said: "Euge, and... Ennai," he smiled a warm greeting when he recognized the girl in the silver dress, "enjoying your time off?" With a quick nod, Chase continued: "The Italians set up a nest egg for this area years ago," he commented, "They're renovating the buildings one by one, what you see now just reopened a few months ago. The piers were recently fixed too, if you haven't seen the new stonework."
Ennai said: "I'd love to see that. Maybe when the museum closes?
"Sounds like an excellent spot to watch the fireworks," Euge agreed. The voice at the back of his mind was telling him fireworks would be the last thing he will be paying attention to. Squelching that thought, he turned his attention towards the masks. "Impressive pieces," Euge said to Ennai; "maybe they could use them to cover up that horse, make it a little less distracting." He could hear the band resuming on the pavilion and was suddenly ready to leave. As far as masks were concerned, Euge had his own collection he could gaze at, and the horse was becoming unnerving.
152 Nevon
Nevon smiled wide for Cassandra and took her out to the dance floor. He gave her a bow, like he should and tried to remember his best footwork.
When he got into the rhythm and they twirled around a few times, Nevon started pulling off American-Styled moves with a side sway and underarm turn.Then he realized he could do basic moves for the waltz almost as well has he could do the moonwalk. The geeky dancer side of him was laughing with joy.
"Do you go to parties like this a lot?" A little breathless from the moves, he asked his partner.
153 wesdon
Pete made another turn around the food stands and got himself a hefty meal. On his plate had some macaroni with cheesy cream sauce, baked and fried potato wedges with seasoning, marinated beef slices, baked beans, and two kinds of salad. Was he really this hungry?
Seeing Robin Hood around, he greeted. "Ai mate, good desserts?" He wasn't sure if he's seen this guy around ACME, but he looked friendly, and was one of the characters that Pete understood.154 Xander
wesdon said:
Seeing Robin Hood around, he greeted. "Ai mate, good desserts?" He wasn't sure if he's seen this guy around ACME, but he looked friendly, and was one of the characters that Pete understood.
Xander looked over at the new arrival at the food table and nodded.
"Great desserts, they get it from the good local pastry shops here."He took another cannoli.
"How's your night going?"
155 Ivy
'Khalid'/Mikal Wrote:
"So, you don't mind dancing now? That's good."The last time Ivy ventured into the realm of ballroom dancing was at a party commemorating Josha's 'sand-hog' invention*. That whole ordeal seemed like forever and a year ago.
"Maybe it's just the Venetian mindset getting to me..." She took Khalid's arm with a mildly playful grin. They didn't walk very far into the pavilion before the music started.
As a detective Ivy was naturally cautious, and Khalid Rifai was hard to figure out. His demeanor seemed strangely honest, like the kind of man who would blurt out exactly what was on his mind at any given time. Yet, he kept looking around and sometimes onto the rooftops as if someone was watching him.
There was an element about the party that had her on edge too. Ivy shook it off for a moment as she rested her hand on Khalid's shoulder. Maybe it was the masquerade's atmosphere. With fire light and everyone in stoic masks, the mood was a little dark for comfort. You could be dancing right next to your worst enemy and not know it.
"So, an old friend of Chase Devineaux, huh? You're not one of those spec-ops boys are you? "
*Refer to WOEICS episode 38
156 Crimson
Cassandra curtsied slightly to Nevon. She secretly hoped that there would be no more distractions. She did not have the time, or the patience, right now for distractions. 'Cassandra' was too busy being one herself.
After dancing with Nevon for a little while, he started doing some Western style moves. Cassandra giggled, "So, this is how Americans dance! Thank you for showing me!"
Nevon said:
"Do you go to parties like this a lot?"
"I go to parties like this at least once a month, in France, of course! They are very fun and, usually, no distractions appear... How about you? Does ACME get invited to these parties a lot?" Cassandra asked with her perfect French accent still intact.
157 Chase
((This post will close off the museum so VILE can start their part, I'm assuming everyone is where they need to be, let me know if you have questions.))
Approximately 11:30 PM (2230hrs) local time
Missy said: "How's the night been treating you, Mr. D?" Missy asked casually after finishing another sip of wine. "The Mayor's been keeping you entertained, I hope?"
Unsure if he liked the title of 'Mr. D.', Chase shrugged off his preferences as lights dimmed inside the Contemporary Arts Museum and curators waited for remaining guests to exit. Outside, the party was still lively, and waltzes kept people happy. Before Devineaux could reply, Peter Moss made a hasty exit.
Pete said: "Mates, I'm starving, ai? Meet up for countdown?"
Inside of a quick nod to the Australian, Chase pondered in passing what kind of hunger Pete was possibly experiencing. A more superstitious man might have considered the second full moon of the month a sign for some of the lunacy that happened tonight, but aside from losing his watch early in the evening, Devineaux felt, everything else was under control.
"Looks like it's you and me," he said to Missy, offering a cordial arm and walking her outside. Moments later, security officers entered the building to verify the absence of all guests; then the inner doors closed while suited personnel entered a series of numbers onto keypads and the outer doors followed. Chase could guess their methods, a few infrared sensors and magnetic detection on specialized locations. For a heavily renovated building, security could only be so good.
Giulio Sarno approached with a light salute to Chase, "Beh? Ne vale la pena?*" He said with a laugh, waving goodbye at the same time. "We must tell Bruno to stop being a child about problems. Enjoy your evening!"
As Sarno disappeared into a crowd of organizers preparing for the countdown, Chase unconsciously agreed with the slightly flamboyant Italian. He should be enjoying the evening. Looking at the dancers, he stood considering the floor, the song, and then turned to Melissa Wayward at his left. "Still a long way until countdown, are you up for a waltz?"
*Beh? Ne vale la pena? -- Italian -- So? Worth the trouble?158 LadyLoralye
Danny said:
"It'll be my pleasure, Ms. Fiore."
Loralye allowed herself to be led onto the dance floor. Seeing as the museum was closing, Lora gauged that it was nearly 11:30. She had to get away from the ACME agent at 11:45 to be sucessful in slipping away from the party before the masks were to come off. But Lora really wasn't all that concerned, she had already planned everything out. After the dance ended she would give a simple and plausible excuse for leaving. She also noted Chase Devineaux leaving the museum building with a woman in a green dress which she recognized from their previous group. Lora felt the corner of her lips threaten to turn upwards. The woman may not know it but she was sucessfully doing Loralye's job for her.
As the music started, Danny took the lead as he was taught to in the ACME classes. "So that was an interesting mask back there, what did you think about it?"
His question brought Lora out of her musings. She gave a tight smile. "Frankly, I'm more interested in the history of the mask rather than the mask itself. Certamente it is beautiful and one of a kind, but artwork can be so easily lost while a story, especially one as famous as this, would be much harder to loose."
Lora decided it was best to steer the conversation away from talk of the mask. So she asked, "How did you learn to be such a good dancer? Most Americans I know can't dance at all, let alone a waltz!"159 Miss_Guided
Missy watched quietly as Pete made his way over to the foods where a rather familiar looking Robin Hood was ready making short work of the italian desserts. It was interesting... she'd been at this party all night but didn't really feel like eating anything. It was a very large difference from former holiday parties where eating finger foods seemed like something to do while watching co-workers get drunk on the company dollar.
Taking the arm of Chase they made their way back out to the crowds, back out to the cold. Smiling she continued to look over the people who she could make out through their disguises as Chase made small talk with Italian dignitaries. This... was nice. There wasn't much time until the ending of this party... unless something horrible happened this party might have to make Missy rethink her views on holiday get togethers.
"Still a long way until countdown, are you up for a waltz?"
Missy looked at Chase with a sideways glance, shooting him a small smirk. "I think we could make that work..." she replied softly.
160 Carmen
Morgan Kent's strategy depended on knowing how much time to spend, and with whom. Near the hour of the museum's closing, she meandered through faces and light conversations, informing many of them in minor ways that she would be joining William Blake for the countdown. More importantly, she gambled on the mentality of the party organisers. To them, it was improbable that anyone among the prestigiously invited would wish to mar this Venetian night with a disenchanting theft.
Aside from the fortified main hall, which occupied the Mask of Helen, the Punta della Dogana was a building abundant with hiding spots, from layers of novelty curtains to the varying exhibits. With the museum quiet, Carmen slowly moved from her cover to one of the interior doors adjacent to the primary room. Here, rested a secondary set of security panels, a copy of the ones at the museum's exit.
As she recalled from a survey of the area prior to the museum's closing, infrared sentinels were located at two corners of the ceiling. Disabling the security for the grand hall relied on the keypads, which belonged to a familiar European Standard EN50131-compliant brand. Equipment informed the thief that this was a Grade 2 system, and she followed procedures, using an external device to register maintenance and entering an overriding code for a shutdown.
This first breach would allow her and her colleges to move freely without detection. The second step, yet to come, required much more forethought and certain finesse.
Slowly pressing one side of the doors as if the alarm remained alert, Carmen listened intently at the sounds around her. The party outside grew louder, but the sensors stayed idle. More confidently, she entered the hall and drew towards the mask that tantalised her earlier this evening.
161 Patty-Larceny
Patty was hiding in one of the exhibits on the second floor, where an artist depicted some kind of plague and had a bunch of bodies draped over with pale gray cloths. All she had to do was replace one of these bodies and she was set for the heist. Pats waited until all the lights were off to start moving again. It took a while and she had to keep sane by playing a song in her head.
After coming out and putting everything back where they belonged, she spotted Carmen near the entrance to the main hall.
"We go in now?" Patty asked in a whisper.
162 Sarah-Nade
The men's bathroom, which had been locked under the assumption that it was empty, had its door unlocked from the inside with a clack and opened, presenting the dapper 'gentleman' from before. Sarah Nade looked around once before completely emerging, a piece of toilet paper trailing from her shoe as she walked to the other two thieves. Catching sight of it in her pariferal vision she shook the paper off before finally joining the other ladies.
As she waited for the word from their leader Sarah pulled a folded leather wallet like item from her inner jacket pocket which, upon opening, was revealed to be a set of lock picks. From the look of the leather and the way she handled it there was little doubt they had seen multiple heists.
"Anytime you're ready." Sarah said softly once she'd finished her check and placed the lock picks not in the jacket pocket this time but down the back of her pants, securing them at the small of her back. Being the only one with pants on at the moment it was pretty obvious that she'd be the one doing anything requiring alot of movement.163 Not-Applicable ((This takes place before the museum closes.)
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Euge and Ennai had been chatting for some while, but the museum was soon to close. Ennai knew that it was time to take Chase's suggestion and move to the piers; she could tell that Euge had the same thought on his mind. "Perhaps it's time?" she said softly, her bright grey eyes quietly studying his features. He looked rather different without his sunglasses on. She looked towards the doorway of the exhibit and back at him.
((I have exams until Thursday, Euge. If you need to move things along, you can write in my actions/dialogue 'til then. ))164 Mikal
Mikal did a quick parameter scan. There were several people who spun about the floor expertly, the ACME detectives and their partners among them. Near the center of the pavilion, however, a few couples danced slower, in a more intimate and less structured pace.
When he felt Ivy grip his shoulder, he immediately took her free hand and led her towards the secondary crowd. Making sure she was close, Mikal rested his palm against her waist in the standard slow dancing position. It was a good move for courtship, but better still, it helped to conceal the fact that he had no idea how to waltz.
Ivy Said:
"So, an old friend of Chase Devineaux, huh? You're not one of those spec-ops boys are you? "
Mikal looked at Ivy, he should probably have known she was one of those detectives, the kind that saw invisible things just by looking at the objects around them. Lucky for him, another similar detective gave him tips on what to do. To thwart her from this train of thought, he had to do the unexpected. Instead of casually chuckling, Mikal put on a more serious expression.
"Not that I eh.. offended, Ms Ivy," he shrugged noncommittally, "but where I come from, speculation like that is um, like bad luck for me, yeah?"
165 Carmen
Seeing both Sarah and Patty properly ready, VILE's leader felt more secure. "Be careful," she advised without instructing, "I'm sure you've seen the back? Remember, once you reset the sensors, move on to objective two. There is a sixty-second timer before all units function. We're using the back exit, and we must be outside by then."
As she spoke, Carmen removed 'La Regina dei Ghiacci', leaving the black silk underneath as a secondary mask. She then adeptly untied her dress, revealing a long, thin red gown made from tensile micro-woven fabric. This 'change of shape' was to give her an advantage, as without her stunning gold mask and elaborate dress, she would no longer be Morgan Kent. In addition, she was much lighter now.
Turning to Patty's wardrobe, she kneeled down to check the Velcro lining and hidden pocket that would serve as temporary transport for the 'Mask of Helen'. Finding everything to be in order, she nodded to Sarah, "We're ready."
166 Patty-Larceny
Usually, a heist like this could be covered by one or two people, but Patty understood that Carmen had to work the crowd tonight, it was the younger thief's job to slip out with the mask and whatever unscathed. While they waited for Sarah to reset the security system and give them about a minute to switch the mask and make it out the doors before they lock and load, Pats rolled up Carmen's discarded corseted dress and hid that in her harlequin bustle. As long as she didn't sit down from now on, it wouldn't look so conspicuous. The Mask of Helen would go into a lined pouch hidden in the folds of her dress. These checkered pattern were almost like camouflage.
"I'm definitely ready," Patty prompted and stood in position.
167 Nevon
Nevon was glad to be dancing with a woman who went to a lot more parties than he did. More important than that, she looked like she was having a good time with him. This almost never happens to Nev.
"I'm actually not invited to these kinds of things often," he admitted, "I bet they are though." Nev pointed out Euge and Ennai then Chase and Missy walking out of the museum. "I'm just a field agent, we're better off than informants, but we don't get perks until we're really good. Right now, I'm still just a rookie. My friend Dan, dancing with your friend, he already made sleuth!"
"Is your whole family in politics?" Nev didn't want to pry, but she was a Kennedy, he thought he'd ask.
168 Ivy
Ivy was a little surprised when Khalid led her towards the slow dancers. Not many guys summoned the bravery, or nerve, to start that way. Though, his politeness smoothed it over.
Ivy Wrote:
"So, an old friend of Chase Devineaux, huh? You're not one of those spec-ops boys are you? "
Khalid Wrote:
"Not that I eh.. offended, Ms Ivy," he shrugged noncommittally, "but where I come from, speculation like that is um, like bad luck for me, yeah?"The detective wrinkled her nose slightly at the comment. She wasn't quite sure what to do with this strangely Blunt -Secretive-Othello-Impulsive Casanova.
"Right. You do know that this only makes me wonder what goes on with that side of ACME." Ivy gestured towards Chase, Missy, Euge, and Ennai. "But all that aside, we're here to enjoy the New Year. Are you heading stateside with everyone else after the party?"
169 Sarah-Nade
"We're ready."
Sarah nodded and walked away from the two of them, not to the back door but back to the men's bathroom. With the way the alarms were currently set an exit from the back doors would have triggered things. That, however, did not stop the bathroom windows from being an easily accessible exit from the building. Popping the window open Sarah climbed out quickly, the small size of the opening forcing her to hold onto the window sill and do a small flip as she exited, allowing her to land on her feet rather quietly.
Taking a quick look around (and being thankful for the black tuxedo and mask being great cover for the shadowed back of the building) she pulled the lock picks from the back of her pants and, once she looked at the locked security door on the back of the building, removed the appropriate picks for the job. She chewed on her bottom lip just a little as she worked, kneeling in front of the door. As she continued to play with the lock, which she would have preferred to have some sort of light while working on, she softly spoke as if calming a child or an animal.
"Come on, sweetie..." she said softly, moving around the picks as she felt the tumblers falling one by one. "We can do this." The door gave a satisfying click and, placing one of the picks between her teeth she turned the doorknob which opened without problem. "That's a girl." Not her best time for picking a lock but it would do in a pinch.
Sarah slipped inside and closed the door behind her, turning on the lights before returning her lock picks to their place in her jacket. Their job was done, now it was time for another. Turning to alarm she was about to start the alarm reset when a diagram on the wall caught her eye. Alarm schematics for the entire building. The thief smiled.
"Hmmmm, I bet you someone would love to have a copy of you." Sarah said as she pulled her cell phone from her jacket and clicked a couple of pictures. Carmen would love to have these, that she was sure of. Satisfied that she'd taken advantage of all the room had to offer Sarah initiated the sensor reset and shut off the lights, exiting the room and going to the back door to wait for the two thieves working inside.170 Chase ((Co-post with Miss_Guided.))
Under the light of the New Year's blue moon, Venice was a glowing, glittering, beautiful yet frigid marvel. Taking a cue from his partner's response, Chase walked nonchalantly with the building music and led Melissa Wayward to the center of the stone pavilion.
"This is where I bow and you curtsy," he smiled lightheartedly, "but let's skip that." Gently placing her in the closed position, he slowly swayed to the band's variation of the song 'Blue Moon'. As soon as he felt her movements complying with his rhythm, he whispered, "There we go," and pulling her in, then out, took the first step leading to the waltz.
Stepping into his movements Missy smiled as he stared to lead, talking her through the motions with a gentle and caring tone. The last time Chase Devineaux had worked with her, ballroom dancing was not exactly a skill she'd possessed. To be truthful she wasn't any master at it now but she had at least received training, not that she had the heart to remind her former field director of that. Then again, after her awkward reveal to the steel-eyed head of Special Operations, she wasn't really sure if she had the heart to say much.
"So... nice night..." she said softly.
"Perfect night," he added, then began to move along with other waltzing couples counter-clockwise around the outer edge of the floor. Every time she reciprocated his lead, he raised his brows, unconsciously surprised she was able to keep up. He realized she might have caught on to his slightly patronizing gesture and apologized with a warm grin and a shake of his head.
Missy couldn't help but chuckle just a little as Chase realized his error in assuming her inexperience, turning her eyes away as she did so. "You know, when I learned how to dance like this it was never to anything very contemporary... even if the beats are the same dancing to Blue Danube and Blue Moon, well, there's definitely a noticeable difference."
"Difference?" he asked rhetorically, more to carry this conversation with her than to understand what varied between the classics and the contemporary.
"Yeah, like lots of things... fundamentally the same but they feel different." she answered offhandedly. "Besides, Blue Moon would be alot different if it was about a river too..."
"Missy," Chase playfully interrupted, "do you always talk this much when you dance?" Not waiting for an answer, he spun her around quickly where the music became louder, and held her steadily for another turn around the pavilion.
The female agent chuckled softly but otherwise dared not reply as they made their way around the outer edges of the dancing crowd. It had been a while since she'd smiled around Chase and, despite disguises, the first time she'd felt like she was acting naturally. It was hard to put into words how much and in what ways she had missed just being herself.
171 Crimson
Cassandra was so bored. Of course, she has been to parties like this before, but this one was a drag. The only thing semi-great about this party was the fact that it was in Italy and that she picked up a few Italian words from hearing the people around her. She couldn't wait to leave. But, Cassandra continued to put on her 'happy mask.' I should become an actress after this fabulous experience...
The 'Kennedy' wasn't paying attention when something Nevon said caught her attention.
Nevon said:
"Is your whole family in politics?"
'Cassandra' was in luck. She had completed a history report on the Kennedy family lineage just a few weeks before. All she had to do was pick a random member, really. "My father has never held an elected office in his life. He has never even run for one and my mother is a lawyer" she said with her flawless accent. "My grandfather was a Senator for um... New York State... but he was assassinated in 1968 while trying to run for the office of President."
At this point, Cassandra wanted to seriously leave. She was bored out of her skull. She was tired and actually hungry. And thinking of school - related things was not what she wanted to do right now.
"So, you know some things about me but, please, tell me about yourself, Nevon" she said smiling and turning to her partner172 Carmen
In the stillness, a single, pulsating light behind the Mask of Helen ceased to function, signalling that the integral part of this heist was now in session. The thief slowly removed the Mycenaean mask from its base of wood and light adhesive polymers, and then (mimicking a proud connoisseur) placed in its stead the Italian 'La Regina dei Ghiacci' that she wore earlier tonight.
The texture of the bronze mask felt through her gloves were uniquely satisfying and she lingered shortly before slipping it into Patty's hidden linings. Securing the Velcro tightly, the leader smiled to her young accomplice.
"Back door, let's go," she whispered, taking the blonde by the wrist and, pushing a metal lever, exited the Punta Della Dogana just as indicator lights returned without a flaw. Overall, this had been very easy; barely a stunt conjured. While Carmen knew that it was not yet over, she also knew she must have been radiating with controlled delight. It was nearly midnight and, without raising a single alarm, VILE had stolen the mask at the heart of a party teeming with law enforcement... particularly ACME's finest.
"Mr. Blake," she said with a slight air of fearlessness as she reached for Sarah's arm, "shall we return to the party?"
173 Patty-Larceny Patty's smile was bright when she saw Carmen glowing a little. This was the best part of any heist, better than the end, because in the end, you have to figure out if this was all worth it. For now, all you have to know is everything went right and the merchandise is in your pocket.
Seeing Carmen take Sarah's arm, Patty took William Blake's other arm and started walking back, giggling happily like all the other girls who got their fair share of excitement at this party.
Then Pats spotted Crim and Lora, time to get them out. Walking over to them and the dancing detectives, the Patty marked where Chase Devineaux and a woman in green was dancing so she could avoid them on the way back.
"Ya'll don't mind me taking these lovely ladies away?" she laid out her accent again for the two ACME agents while nodding to both Crimson and Loralye, "They have to be in Nice for another party tomorrow."
174 Nevon
Nevon Blair was distracted from his partner when he saw Chase take the floor with Missy. That kind of leading in a waltz looked all professional and romantic, Nevon would bet all the dollar he had with him that if he could do that, exactly that way, he'd be that much cooler.
Nev didn't see the blond harlequin southern belle girl until she was almost right in front of him. She looked different, sort of happier than she was before. When she asked for the girls, he nodded, a little happy to be free of entertaining someone who was probably too high-maintenance for him. Though she was kind of cute and French, which would make her one of those girls out of his league.
"Thanks Ms. Boone," he said without thinking, "Uhm, I mean, thanks for the dance, Ms. Kennedy." It was near midnight, this was Italy, and Nev was itching to go for a round of drinks with the guys after.
175 DetectiveAwesome
Danny was having a great time when he saw Ms. Boone come up to Nevon and Cassandra. He and Abrielle were close enough to join the conversation with a turn of their heads.
Patty said:
"Ya'll don't mind me taking these lovely ladies away?" she laid out her accent again for the two ACME agents while nodding to both Crimson and Loralye, "They have to be in Nice for another party tomorrow."
"Not all ladies." He replied. "But are you going to miss the fireworks? They should start any minute now."
Danny heard that the party planners had gone all out with the fireworks display. He was hoping to see how it compared to the 4th of July shows back in San Fransisco, or the New Years show in Sydney that Pete showed them on youtube.176 Crimson
'Ms. Kennedy' was thinking about what she could be doing right now. But here she was, at a masquerade party with ACME agents. This was not her first choice on how she should spend her night... at all. On a positive note, she was really enjoying the sights and the people of Italy.
Cassandra was about to say something when 'Lacy' ran up to her and 'Abrielle'. All she heard from the first sentence was the word 'away'. There was a small part of her that was sad. She was really liking Italy. The rest of her was glad to get away and, eventually, go home.
"Oh! Je suis très désolée, Lacy! I completely forgot about the party! Au revoir, Monsieur Blair!" Cassandra said while walking away.
With her back now turned to the ACME agents, a look of confidence appeared on Crimson's face177 LadyLoralye
Loralye was actually enjoying herself despite her present company. She had been worried at the beginning of the evening, but as the party wore on, Lora felt herself getting more comfortable.
Lora noticed the subtle change in demeanor of the party guests. A feeling of anticipation was in the air and Lora gauged that it was time to make her getaway and find Crimson. As she drew breath to utter her excuse, a voice that Lora easily recognized as 'Lacy Boone' beat her to the punch.
Patty said:
"Ya'll don't mind me taking these lovely ladies away?" she laid out her accent again for the two ACME agents while nodding to both Crimson and Loralye, "They have to be in Nice for another party tomorrow."
Well that would work. Lora turned to her partner and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry," she said, "but I really must go. Thank you for the lovely dance." She quickly pulled him in for two small air kisses.
Danny said:
"Not all ladies." He replied. "But are you going to miss the fireworks? They should start any minute now."Lora gave him a grimace. "While it will be unfortunate, it cannot be helped."
And with that she washed her hands of the agent.178 Vic-the-Slick Yesterday, Vic walked the pavilion of the Punta della Dogana and the Basilica for talks with a forger named Tino Carrisi and his 'family'. So far, they have been able to pull off everything just in time, but the leader was getting restless. He was doing this without much contact from Carmen, who; for this heist, looks to be a little more than distracted. The hour was closing in, and Vic and his crew did a quick last-minute sweep.
"Paint's still wet," one of Carrisi's people reported.
"Forget it," Vic shrugged, "It's gonna have to dry on our way there. Load up, and keep that radio on."
179 Carmen With the countdown approaching, Carmen placidly walked, ignoring guests and making a more conscious effort to survey her surroundings. Patty had retrieved Crimson and Loralye from the musketeers, Dragon was in position to watch for the escape vehicle, Sarah as William Blake was nearby, awaiting a slow descent into the shadows once the show of fireworks begin.
Things were running smoothly, yet an odd coldness discomforted the thief as she scanned the area. The atmosphere of the party has changed after the families with children and aging members dispersed. What remained were men, women, and young couples, a perfectly normal combination for late gatherings, why would this worry her?
180 Chase (OOC: This is a story post agreed to by those involved, it wraps up a part the RP and was edited by Vic, Mikal, and Carmen. Thanks for helping, everybody.)
Being an obscured sentimentalist, Chase secretly knew the words to Blue Moon... along with several tunes that were categorically elevator music. At one time, he had learned them to impress his parents--a feat he never considered very useful. As the song slowed, and he began to move Missy out of the dance floor, Devineaux caught sight of Giulio Sarno, who nodded a greeting in return. Midnight was fast approaching. Venice's Public Relations Officer, Jeffery Bruno, representing the Major, stood at his microphone announcing the countdown.
"Missy," Chase said in a hushed, distracted voice, "hang on a minute?"
He left his dance partner's side and, following the direction of Sarno's glance, headed straight for a woman clad in red.
Back in June of 2009, the Mayor of Venice met with Chase Devineaux after the successful return of several artifacts along with the capture of core members belonging to an Albanian-Italian syndicate. Casual talks to secure additional members escalated into a plan of action as the detective was introduced to Pascal Thierro, of the The Agenzia Informazioni e Sicurezza Esterna (AISE).
This plan was to host a ball, an exclusive invitations-only masquerade. They would convince Miles Garatti to display his coveted Mask of Helen. It would be an art exhibition like no other, with additional highly skilled works from various famous modern artists. Few notable crime syndicates would refuse the chance... in theory.
As the New Year closed in, the plan gained momentum. Skilled Special Agents situated in major cities throughout Europe posed as Italian dignitaries. The man assigned to the name Giulio Sarno stayed at the Churchill in London. To avoid entrapment, Devineaux strictly forbid all agents to make direct contact with possible suspects. While Carmen Sandiego was not a suspect particularly on radar, she conveniently approached Sarno. She took the 'bait', and as other crooks with false invitations were discretely rounded, V.I.L.E.'s near authentic papers allowed them a few hours to spare.
Thirty minutes before midnight, Giulio Sarno said the phrase "Ne vale la pena?" indicating someone was in the museum. No security system would work as well as carefully positioned observers. The infiltrators were identified by only their characteristics, a short blond man in a tuxedo, a harlequin, and a woman in a red dress, as Sarno pointed out. Despite the parallels, Chase convinced himself that a V.I.L.E. heist would involve much more fanfare. The closer he moved towards her, the more doubtful he was of his own conclusions.
"Ten!" the crowd shouted along with Jeffery Bruno as the seconds ticked, "Nine!"
"Carmen," he called to her back, hoping somewhat that the clamor drowned out his voice. At the same time, Devineaux removed his mask; Sarno did the same, followed by the public relations officer on stage who prompted everyone in the crowd to remove their masks on cue.
By the time the first fireworks short up, a distant cheer emitted from the public party across the canal, but the pavilion stayed silent. According to plan, only members of the Italian government, law enforcement, and ACME agents remained after the museum had closed, and all but V.I.L.E. had unmasked faces.
181 Carmen
[OOC: Joint post between Carmen and Chase. My thanks.]
As she heard her name declared by a familiar voice, Carmen was mildly amused that he, of all people, expected her to reply; but as the crowd of dimly lit masks disappeared to reveal only faces belonging to members and allies of the other team, she felt a flash of disbelief. With that, of course, she turned to meet his apathetic features.
Now that he had her attention, it was a little easier... "The mask," he spoke his next words and presented an open palm in her direction, "please."
The nerve of this man and the eyes of spectators now upon her provided an appropriate mixture of emotions. Under her indomitable exterior, Carmen was angrily wishing she could channel all her energy into the destruction of the man in front of her. Her initial reaction, as raw as it was, faded when she noticed that the cuff link on his extended arm matched the Patek Phillipe Nautilus watch she had taken from him earlier in the evening. Pleasantly entertained, she exhaled to hold back a smirk and nudged Patty lightly for the Mask of Helen. Chase was a reasonable man, and she was without a reason to deny his current request.
Devineaux nodded a light 'thank you', taking the mask from her hand. Behind him, Giulio Sarno approached, holding up a police radio.
"I called the pickup, but they have not responded," he said just as the sound of an approaching helicopter joined in with the burst of fireworks.
"Requesting landing," a police pilot announced. The bird positioned itself just behind V.I.L.E. for transport.
"Never mind," Sarno continued, "they are already here."
182 Vic-the-Slick
[OOC: Got the ok for this, ah? Euge, I wrote you as "shaded man" 'cause ACME has all their masks off.]
An Italian boy, wiry and about 20 or 25, stood at the back watching everything unfold behind a pair of malicious eyes. He sneaked into the party just before the countdown, knowing that was when most of the security guards were less stringent. This also was where his moment would be... no way would he let VILE be captured tonight.
When he saw Chase Devineaux taking the Mask of Helen from Carmen Sandiego as the police helicopter landed, the boy acted impulsively, quickly swiping a gun from a nearby officer. No one noticed while he took the weapon and weaseled his way through the crowd. It would have worked too if he wasn't so brazen. With some misguided lust for glory, he pulled out his gun at ACME's Field Director and shouted, "Leave her alone, Devineaux!"
Instantly, the crowd moved and swayed. To his left, the boy saw a shaded man reaching for his gun. In the surging adrenaline, fear suddenly struck him and he reacted almost involuntarily by firing at the attacker. The man went down. Attempting to recover, the Italian looked again for his target, but something forcefully hit his elbow. Numbness could be felt all the way to his knees as he was then knocked around until he could feel his entire body pressed against the cold stone of the pavilion.
"Stay down!" He heard in an accent he thought sounded a little Mediterranean.
There followed more shouting.
"Get them into the helicopter!" Someone instructed, "Go, go!"
Inside the 'police' helicopter, Vincent Fumigalli, dressed like an officer, watched the boy he knew to be Achille Mondadori, the crazy fanboy that wanted a job some time yesterday. He cursed a little under his breath.
Tino Carrisi looked out at the chaos and turned to his co-pilot, "Is that one of your guys?"
"Yeahum... no," Vic replied, "that was a freebie."
183 Carmen
[OOC: This is a joint post, once again, my thanks.]
Thankful that she recognised the voice of the helicopter pilot, Carmen understood that she was now safe. She preferred having that over the loot; as the mask, once compromised and exposed, was worthless in both intrinsic and core values.
The shouting, gunshot, and subsequent pandemonium allowed for a faster escape; and taking advantage of the situation, she signaled V.I.L.E. to her side. The ringleader ensured everyone was in the helicopter before entering and letting the 'officers' shut the panels.
"Tell me that's not one of our own," once safe, she spoke briskly, removing her mask and throwing it aside, "have someone assess the damage, find out what happened?"
Vic nodded, "He ain't ours, I swear, but yeahum.. I'll send someone. Did he get Devineaux?" The conman presumed, since he heard the name shouted out and that Mondadori kid was bragging about how great a shot he was.
Carmen shook her head negatively. In hindsight, she retrieved the watch strapped to Dragon's arm. A brief smile was exchanged. Then, deciding she would rather be preoccupied during this flight than to recount what went wrong tonight; Carmen walked towards the seat of the co-pilot and gestured for Vincent to exchange places. As she wore the gears and readied herself, she handed her Italian friend the Patek Phillipe. "Replace the strap for me? See if you can get it in the original leather... 1976"
"Classic," Vic whistled then kept the watch in his left coat pocket. Carmen wasn't the type to collect things like this but he didn't dare pry. She probably wasn't in the mood.
184 Chase
((This post ends Blue Moon, generally, but there's an epilogue with Euge soon, right Euge?))
Back on the ground, the crowd began to gather in sets giving way to the approaching paramedics and additional police force. Chase, firmly on his feet, began doing what he did best: controlling the situation. Giulio Sarno and his people brought in a boat to take away the gunman while members of the security team apologized to the public relations officer, Jeffery Bruno.
The fireworks in surrounding areas stopped to make way for another helicopter that arrived to take Euge to a nearby facility. It was here that Chase realized the fireworks did not stop for the first helicopter -- Was the police pickup for V.I.L.E. unplanned?
"Sarno!" Chase yelled out, "did you call for a helicopter?"
"The medics?" Sarno looked confused, pointing at the leaving medical bird, "Of course I did, it is right there."
"No, I meant the pick up -- the first helicopter."
Sarno stopped to think, "No, no," he moved his head quickly from side to side, "I called for pick up, I didn't say helicopter."
"Then you called for the boat," Chase concluded, somewhat exasperated, "the one that picked up the gunman..."
Giulio Sarno looked at the boat then the medical helicopter, and began to notice the fact that fireworks had stopped as a safety precaution. The first air pickup obviously didn't receive the same treatment. He said something unintelligible and short in Italian that Chase assumed signaled a revelation.
"Right," Devineaux nodded in affirmation, "that helicopter was their own."
Epilogue
In the style of classic film noir, we now present to you the long overdue conclusion to Blue Moon Masquerade.
5 days later...
Hospitals; Eugene had harbored a unique spite for them ever since he could remember, but there was no way he could possibly extract the remaining bullet fragments himself. The first round had bounced off a rib and exited cleanly while the second had shattered upon impacting the titanium pin in his shoulder.
A relic of injuries during a previous life, the pin had been bent by the impact of the bullet, severely limiting his range of motion until the doctor could replace it. At least the VA would be paying for the operation; small relief, but Euge took what he could get. In the meantime, ACME doctors had insisted he be relocated to the medical facilities at ACME's San Fransisco HQ, which suited Euge just fine. His apartment was just down the road, and there was doubtlessly a knee deep pile of paperwork waiting for him back at the office.
With a small grunt of pain, Euge swung himself off the bed and headed for the door, ignoring the protests of the nurse who had walked in a moment ago. "Forward the release papers to the director's office," he snarled, and made to leave the medical building.
By the end of the eventful Blue Moon Masquerade, after it was established VILE had escaped but the Mask of Helen was safe, another extraordinary mask was discovered inside the Punta della Dogana. Hallmarked as 'La Regina dei Ghiacci' or The Ice Queen, this gold alloy mask would have been exalted as a masterpiece in its own right if it wasn't linked to Carmen Sandiego... Chase thought this was a shame.
Devineaux also harbored a level of guilt knowing his name was called but Eugene Grovington took the hit. What happened was unforeseeable, but still felt a lot like the product of arrogance.
As it turned out, this golden mask would prove beneficial. Anyone who was ever inside Eugene Grovington's office saw the collection of faces neatly arranged on the wall. As a small 'corrective' gesture, the Field Director bent a few rules to have this piece of evidence released to the pilot. The Ice Queen, still in its evidence bag, was with Chase and on its way to Grovington's room in the medical building.
As he neared the elevators, his phone gave a tonal beep. The display blinked 'Call from: unidentified', that phrase usually meant intelligence officers or a particular Israeli. "Devineaux," he responded, expecting the person to already know his name.
"Are you headed to see Eugene Grovington?"
The brain has a way of sorting out information, and Chase's was no different. While he didn't recognize her voice right away, what she said and the way she said it revealed her identity. He hesitated to continue, "...Yeah, I am."
"Do you have my mask?"
This was starting to feel unsettling, "Is this a social call?"
"Chase, I would never call you without purpose, it's ridiculously expensive on my part," the thief spoke, "I assume you're giving it to Eugene?"
He knew 'it' meant the mask, concluding that his bending of rules caught some unwanted attention.
"If that's a 'yes'," she broke his silence, "you have my thanks."
Realizing that she may have felt responsible for what happened, Devineaux decided to let his own convictions go, "Sure, it's his."
"Perfect," a smile was in her voice, "he's at the helicopter pad." With that, the conversation ended.
Double-checking her information, Chase asked a medical attendant about the pilot as he pocketed his phone. As expected, Grovington left his room several minutes ago.
Euge's progress towards the pad was agonizingly slow, but after several minutes of bone grinding against metal, Euge found himself at the helipad, with a BA-609 gleaming in the sunlight. He barely made it into one of the passenger seats before the painkillers faded, sending a fresh ripple of pain through his shoulder. Reclining his seat, Euge took the moment to reflect upon the events of New Years' Eve.
"You're out faster than you ought to be," Chase Devineaux approached the heli-pad casually, hoping he hadn't disturbed a man and his thoughts, "What did the doctor say?"
"Lots probably, but I hate IVs." Euge replied distractedly. "I go back in three days to get the joint replaced." Although his tone didn't give it away, Euge appreciated the diversion; he had gone over the night countless times, and was still kicking himself for being slower on the draw than his opponent.
Chase acknowledged with a nod; and looked over the golden mask again before handing it to the Pilot. The masterpiece, still in its clear evidence bag, gleamed with mischief. "If it's any consolation...," he said, "Evidence doesn't need it, and Venice doesn't want it... I thought you might."
Euge cast an amused eye at the mask, half obscured by the labels proclaiming in no uncertain terms it was not to be removed from the evidence bag. He broke the security seal and held it to the light with his good arm. "It would be a shame to let this rot in an evidence locker; it's such an incredible piece," Euge mused. "I suppose no one else wants anything to do with it?" Some elements within ACME would doubtlessly view such a work as nothing but a mockery of their failure.
"Maybe I phrased that wrong," Devineaux explained, "I told Venice that this was never coming out of Evidence, and told ACME Evidence that it was going back to the artist... for reference." He paused before continuing, "Right, and I've been meaning to apologize for this mess... seems unfair, the whole operation was my idea and you end up casualty."
Before any length of silence could lead to awkwardness, Chase moved on. "So, if you're not on any serious medication, how about a beer?"
Eugene's amused look spread across the rest of his face. "Eh, not the first time I've been slabbed. You paying for the first few rounds would go a long ways towards making up for the SNAFU."
