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Post by numble on May 5, 2022 11:42:34 GMT -7
De4 As expected, the heroine threw her billy club but at the man’s leg, rather than his head. At her “No more killing.” statement he nodded. “Not this time.” The criminal stumbled as the club took out the back of his knee with a ‘thunk!’ and dropped to all fours. As he scrambled to try and get back up, Robbie let fly his chain which swung forward in an arc and collided with the man’s ankle, wrapping around it and trapping him. As he and Finesse approached the man, Robbie slowly reeled him in, hand over hand by the chain until they were standing over him. The ghost rider glared down at the man with burning eyes, immediately causing his look of fear to change to pure terror. “Was this your only operation? Or do you have more drug labs set up?” The man on the ground held his hands in front of his face “Just this one! This is the only one, I swear!” Robbie took a step closer. “And Dana Sikorski. She was the woman downstairs? Is she the leader?” The man nodded hurriedly. “Y-yes. I’m just the chemist, she was the boss, she had the connections and property. I was looking to make quick, easy money and she found me.” Turning to look at Finesse, Robbie said “What do we do now? We can probably find out who dealt for them by interrogating Sikorski. I don’t think this guy was involved anymore than he said he was- nothing past production.”
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Post by aquarius on May 6, 2022 14:07:32 GMT -7
Despite all the training for fighting with a group, Finesse greatly preferred working alone. Not least because her unusually broad skill set meant she could adapt to almost any situation. However, there were times when a power house like the Ghost Rider really did simplify things. Even without anything to learn from watching him other than first hand witnessing of a magical being in action, of course. But right now, maybe he was the ideal tool to employ a little psychology.
A moment taken to check her Avengers Commcard, and she looked back up to the criminal, hearing his desperate pleas of... not innocence, but insignificance at least. Tapping in a command, she bent down to remove the man's wallet from his pocket, checking his name on his ID before putting it back, then she spoke clearly and calmly as if this was 'just another day at the office' for her, not far beyond what would have been permitted for her had she sought permission. "If that is the case, I shall be happy to leave you here for retrieval. Should you attempt to flee..."
As if on cue, thunder roared through the air above as Thor approached the location of her previous signal, no doubt her card being tracked by at least one of the main team by now. Jeanne smiled at this, looking back to the crook. "If you are lucky, then Thor would find you, if not then the Ghost Rider and I would instead."
Whether the supernatural chains of the Spirit of Vengeance were capable of holding him long enough for either Thor or SHIELD to locate the man, Jeanne didn't know or care. Fear would keep him in place for more than long enough. This meant they could turn their attention back to the one with useful information. She gestured back in the direction they had come, and spoke to Robbie as she began walking. "There might be someone in there already, but even if so, nobody would have left yet. We'd be able to get a few minutes interrogation, no doubt, as long as you're with me. And if you ever wanted to further your connections in the business, being known to a few of the more prominent Avengers could be of benefit to you."
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Post by numble on May 9, 2022 10:58:11 GMT -7
De4 If he had had the muscles and skin necessary to emote on his face, it would have been clear that Robbie was staring up in awe as the sky cracked with lightning and thunder as Thor flew overhead. At this point, Finesse was the closest he’d come to meeting an Avenger and knowing that the god of thunder himself was presently landing to deal with what was left of the situation suddenly made him feel very small. The world of heroes was very large and he’d barely dipped his toe into it. He looked over to Finesse and then down at the man on the ground. “Those chains should hold you… but if they don’t, it would be wise for you not to get any ideas.” His voice was a low growl and sparks of flame flew from the corners of his mouth like spittle as he spoke. As Finesse started to walk away he turned and walked with her. She made good points. “It would be good to interrogate them, yeah. I’m sure Sikorski has info on her contacts stashed away somewhere. Maybe even dirt on them if she’s smart.” When she mentioned being known to prominent avengers, he tensed up for a moment. To associate with them would be incredible but… “You think the Avengers want to chum around with a murderer?” Eli’s voice jabbed at his mind and he could hear the man laughing. “Never forget what you really are, kid. You get to play hero because I allow it.” Robbie however, ignored the voice for once. “That would be great, actually.” he nodded. “I only really know the other riders and even them, I don’t see very often.” He hoped he could manage not to fanboy too much in front of Thor.
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Post by aquarius on May 9, 2022 12:08:08 GMT -7
His hesitation at the suggestion of meeting other Avengers was very faint and barely noticeable, even to her. However, the reason behind it was assumed to be mere nerves. Most people had exhibited anxiety regarding the Avengers in particular, the pinnacle of superheroes at any time. It was natural for someone to be uncertain about the prospect of meeting them, therefore. Even other heroes had shown such reluctance, after all. This apparently new hero and almost certainly relatively young man was no different.
"I am confident the meeting will be free from complications. We had best return swiftly though."
Re-entering the passage was simple enough, and the smoke had cleared enough for them to be able to proceed without any real difficulty, only at the end of the tunnel did she have to stop to take a few seconds locating the means of opening the secret panel to return to the room in which they had done battle only a few minutes ago.
The first thing she saw as it opened was a large figure in Asgardian attire with a large hammer in a defensive pose which relaxed immediately once her identity was clear.
"Ah, Finesse! I am glad to see you are unharmed! And you have met a Ghost Rider? Well met! You appear differently attired from any that I have encountered before, I take it this is the first time I have met you?"
As he had been talking, Thor had walked over to the two criminals, moved them together, their arms placed alongside each other and Mjolnir rested on top of them. This was apparently enough to convince him that no escape would be likely, but he still did not entirely turn his attention away from them, just in case they had any more tricks to pull, especially with the woman showing signs of beginning to regain consciousness.
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Post by numble on May 9, 2022 12:46:57 GMT -7
De4 Robbie followed along behind Finesse as they made their way back through the villains’ hideout. He was more than happy to let her figure out the method of opening the secret entryway- he’d have probably just broken it trying to force it back open. When he stepped through it, looking over Finesse’s shoulder, he saw him. The god of thunder, in the flesh. If he’d had eyes, they would have widened. To answer the Asgardian’s question, he said “No, we uh… definitely haven’t met before. I’m new. Ish.” He looked up at the other hero. “New compared to the other riders at least.” He looked over at the two criminals, restrained by Mjolnir and nodded. “We came back to talk to her, actually.” As if on cue, the woman’s eyes fluttered open and she looked wildly around the room before her eyes fixed on Thor. “Oh #@$%.” She struggled briefly before noticing the magic hammer holding her down and she swore again and relaxed with a sigh, seeming to give up, realizing that there was nothing she could do now. Robbie looked over at her and said “You’re caught but you still own this property. Why don’t you just tell me where I can find info on your associates so I don’t have to tear this place apart to get it?” She looked at him and grimaced, spitting back “You think I care about the building? It was just a convenient location. The business was all that mattered and that’s clearly over and done with now. You’ll have to try harder if you wanna get anything out of me.” “Is that so…” Robbie replied, his eyes beginning to burn red as he took a few slow steps forward, his fingers flexing into fists. “It would be my pleasure.” He spoke as menacingly as he could.
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Post by aquarius on May 10, 2022 13:03:27 GMT -7
It seemed that there were still criminals who didn't know (or at least believe) the reputation of the Ghost Riders. Getting to witness it first hand in better circumstances than from a distance in a poorly lit warehouse was of great interest to Finesse. This 'magic' was as far as she could tell indeed exactly that - outside of the laws of science, incomprehensible by any rational analysis. But directly observing magical events in person meant far more complete data, and therefore far better insight into whether it had its own rules which made any sense. Probably not though, or else you'd see the likes of Iron Man and Reed Richards using their own forms of magic. Not that either of those two were particularly trustworthy with that kind of power. Nor was Jeanne herself of course, but she had no desire to abuse power, merely to learn all she could.
Thor meanwhile was no fool and knew exactly what the woman had just as good as dared the Ghost Rider to do. He held out a hand and recalled his hammer, allowing the captive to be moved however the Spirit of Vengeance needed. Given it was to question the captive he was confident they would not actually be harmed, and when it came to the emotional distress he knew the Penance Stare could cause? Well, all it did was to let them feel what they had inflicted on others. Maybe it was harsh, but it was not unreasonable. And the captive had been given every chance to volunteer information. Hopefully they would change their mind before it was too late, but it seemed... unlikely.
"So long as no permanent harm befalls them, I have no objections to you... questioning... the prisoner."
He remained vigilant though, in case of any sudden threat from either of the captives or if this new Ghost Rider proved less lenient than Thor was assuming.
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Post by numble on May 10, 2022 14:08:08 GMT -7
De4 As Robbie bore down on Dana Sikorski, she squirmed against the weight of the hammer. When it flew off of her she tried to run but Robbie grabbed her shoulder, yanking her back in front of him. "You could have made this easy. I don't enjoy doing this." He locked eyes with her and she suddenly started shaking as red light locked their gazes together and she gasped and then screamed as all of the pain, all of the weight she had dealt to others. When the light finally died she slumped to the floor, gasping for breath as the Ghost Rider stood over her. "Tell me where your files are or I'll do it again." With that threat her eyes widened in terror and she shook her head. There's a false bottom to the drawers in my office desk. Just take them!" Robbie turned to Finesse an Thor and scratched the back of his head. "Sorry you had to see that. But I doubt she was lying about those files. Hopefully they'll be enough to shut down her dealers and the whole ring."
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Post by aquarius on May 11, 2022 10:14:40 GMT -7
A false bottom to the desk drawers? That was the kind of thing that Finesse would have spotted almost instantly, had she had a chance to search the room. Still, they had not been in a position to make a more steady paced investigation, so these more direct methods were apparently effective enough. She looked to the other two heroes, nodded and stated "I shall go and confirm this" before walking back towards the wreckage of the stairs destroyed in their fight earlier, a series of acrobatic jumps from wall to wall getting her up to where she deemed them intact enough to take her weight again, at which she dropped down and walked the rest of the way, soon out of sight around the corner.
Thor meanwhile, looked round the room once more, considering the signs of the battle earlier, what he knew of Finesse and of Ghost Riders in general, before speaking "So, I assume you met Finesse by chance, and combined your skills to defeat these villains? Tell me of your battle, my new friend."
It was always difficult knowing how to interact with Midgardians, especially the 'lone wolf' types, if he recalled the expression they used correctly. Some were actually quite social once they decided they knew you well enough, such as Wolverine. Others were actually very friendly from the beginning but just preferred working on their own, such as Spider-Man. And then you got the antisocial loners who were never going to do anything more than fight crime. But so far, this fire headed man seemed little like the Punisher...
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Post by numble on May 11, 2022 10:36:57 GMT -7
De4 Robbie watched as Finesse left, glad it wasn’t him having to find his way back up the broken stairs. At Thor’s question, he nodded. “Yeah, I was dealing with some gang members and she happened to have already staked it out. Working together seemed like a good idea since we were both ultimately after the same person. I don’t know that I’d have gotten this far without her. Certainly not this quickly, at least.” He looked back at the two criminals seated on the floor, the man still unconscious from the earlier brawl. “We made a pretty solid team. Nice working with someone else for once. Made me… look at things from different perspectives. She has skills and knowledge that I don’t. Brute force was only necessary some of the time. Knocking Sikorski out with gas was all her.” He turned back to the Avenger and said “Sorry if I interfered with her education at all. I imagine if you wanted her doing a… team-up exercise? She’d have been paired with someone from the beginning. Though for what it’s worth, I’m certain she could have handled this whole thing herself. I just sped things along.” The efficiency with which they had found the location and dismantled it certainly seemed like something neither of them could have achieved on their own. Though if Finesse had handled the whole thing herself, it was likely nobody would have died. He looked away. “Avengers don’t execute people, kid.” Eli’s voice was in his head. “Don’t get any big ideas, they don’t want someone like you.”
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Post by aquarius on May 12, 2022 13:15:34 GMT -7
It sounded like one of those chance team-ups which were so common in their way of life, which reassured Thor that there had been little real danger to Finesse during this unscheduled deviation from her assignment.
"You have my thanks for ensuring her safety, however things progressed. Finesse is a capable combatant and skilled in a great many ways, but she has no more resilience than any mortal. Until she has finished her training, it is our duty to protect her from dangers she is not ready for. The Avengers Academy is a new way for new heroes to train, but so far it has shown great promise. You have already done it a service in protecting one of its students."
Whilst they had been talking, Thor had not ignored the senses extended to him by his signature weapon. Mjolnir had the power to sense all kinds of energy, especially powerful evils. Whilst there was a fair amount of darkness in any Ghost Rider, the extra passenger of his was giving off a confusing additional little hint of 'wrongness' that he was quietly trying to figure out.
The sound of soft footsteps on the stairs heralded the return of Finesse, who descended the broken stairs as easily as she had scaled them. She held a few items in her hands - a folder apparently full of pages of paper, a computer memory stick, and a bundle of cloth wrapped around some unknown objects. This last one was gently tossed to the floor in front of their captive.
"I disarmed the traps whilst I was there. I was... unimpressed."
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Post by numble on May 12, 2022 14:24:53 GMT -7
De4 Robbie nodded and looked at the floor sheepishly when Thor thanked him. "It was my pleasure to be of assistance." He decided not to correct Thor and downplay his involvement this time. 'just take the compliment.' he told himself internally. "Yeah, take the compliment. Whether you deserve it or not." Added Eli. He shifted uncomfortably. Obviously there was no way Eli could just let him enjoy something, however briefly. His mind was back on the matter at hand however when Finesse returned. He saw the file and USB stick, both things that were to be expected but the bundle of cloth caught his attention. When Finesse tossed it in front of Sikorski, he nudged it with his foot. "What's this?" He looked first at Dana and then at Finesse. "Or is this the disarmed traps and I'm just dumb?" He looked back to the captive. "Funny how you didn't mention any traps." She looked visibly distressed to have his attention again.
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Post by aquarius on May 17, 2022 10:46:36 GMT -7
Robbie seemed to have figured out the answer to his own question before he'd even finished asking it, so Finesse nodded with a simple "yes" confirming the answer, before going into some more detail. "A modified roadside flare would have caused serious injury to any ordinary human, but was positioned with clear primary intent of destroying the records.
I would hypothesise her omission was out of fear, rather than malice, and no doubt she will be keen to offer any additional information she can in order to maintain our belief of her cooperating with our investigation, rather than forcing us to interpret this as one last act of hostility to report to the authorities."
Thor had been moving to take control of the prisoner at the revelation of this last act, but at Finesse's masterful use of psychology he stayed out of it. This was hardly his forte, after all. Interrogations were usually handled by just about any other Avenger in the times they had to get information from someone, but it seemed Finesse was as capable as many of them. With the Ghost Rider assisting her, surely there would be some little name, some fact so far unknown to the authorities, that would be another victory for them this day.
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Post by numble on May 18, 2022 15:38:12 GMT -7
De4 As Finesse worked to calm him down and talked through the possible options Sikorski had before her, he felt good. It was nice having a good cop to his bad cop. Beyond that, she was almost certainly right. Fear made people make bad decisions. He looked down at the criminal and said "Well? Got anything else to tell us?" He began pacing back and forth as he waited for her to speak, never averting his burning gaze from her. She shrank in front of the three heroes and finally spat out "Th-there's another file. It's hidden in the bottom of the metal table." She pointed at a long stainless steel table against the far wall. Robbie strode over to it and quickly flipped the table over revealing a darker metal plate the length of the table, screwed to its underside. Digging his fingers into it, he bent the metal table enough to get a grip and tear the plate free. Sure enough, as it came loose a file dropped onto the floor. "Thanks for your cooperation." He said, looking over at the others.
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Post by aquarius on May 24, 2022 14:15:01 GMT -7
Finesse glanced across at the paperwork uncovered by the Ghost Rider, considered the probabilities, then moved over to pick it up, flicking it open before giving a nod to the other two heroes. "This will be... useful. It is in a code which will take some time to break no doubt, but the patterns are consistent with names and addresses, with additional information which I cannot speculate as to the nature of."
Thor moved over to look at it hoping it was something that the Allspeak would permit him to read, but he was out of luck in that respect. Instead he simply took the file from Finesse and spoke calmly "I shall see this given to Iron Man and his computers to decode, then. My thanks to you both, I hope I will be able to speak to you both at the mansion later, after I have seen these two into SHIELD's hands?"
With that, the God of Thunder casually picked up the still unconscious man with one hand, and with a gesture of his hammer in the other bade the woman rise and to head to the secret passage to head outside again. As the door closed behind them, he glanced back to give one last grin of congratulations to the two of them.
Finesse, meanwhile, looked around the room again as if searching for more clues. Only once Thor was gone did she speak once more. "I have an eidetic memory, and have already finished decoding that file. One moment..." She moved over to a table where a pen and paper rested, and took only a few seconds to write down a short list of names, addresses, and varying amounts of money and a few dates.
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Post by numble on May 25, 2022 12:19:40 GMT -7
De4 Robbie nodded at Finesse’s observation. As soon as she pointed out that their forms resembled addresses, even he could see it. “This is a great find then. Something we can actually pass onto the police or SHIELD, potentially.” He said ‘we’ but he meant ‘you’. He hadn’t dealt with cops yet and didn’t really relish the idea, especially after having executed a criminal that very night. He then watched as Thor trotted the two bad guys off, nodding at his suggestion and trying to play it cool. To Thor’s grin, he gave a small thumbs up which immediately felt stupid but it was too late, he’d already gone and done it. Once the god had left, he turned to Finesse and said “The mansion? Like the Avengers mansion? Where the Avengers live. Tha mansion.” He paced the room as Finesse decoded the information by memory. He barely noticed her astounding mental gymnastics. “You don’t belong there, kid.” The voice in his head was almost threatening this time. “Don’t get any big ideas, they’re just humoring you. You’re no Avenger. You’re a hero because I allow it.” He shuddered and walked back to Finesse to look over her shoulder at the list. “You made pretty short work of that. I wouldn’t have been able to solve that at all. Probably would have just turned it in to the authorities… if I’d even found it to begin with. We made a pretty good team tonight.”
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