Endgame

*And so everyone is clustered in Noct's house. Several people had to wake up early, because it's an emergency, but several of them still need to go in to work.*

E"Alright, so, let's review. After you guys won the Pro-Bending Tournament, the Purists & the Red Monsoons attacked. I killed the Purist Leader in a fight, but Senthose assassinated Councilman Saxeus. The cops seem to be going berserk about it, but in reality, we never got rid of all of the corrupt cops. Unfortunately, we don't know who exactly is involved in this scheme. So that's why the Chief had to stay underground, & contact us in secret."

R"So...you're saying we're going vigilante?"

E"I guess."

R"Awesome."

E"But remember, you're a fully accomplished lightning bender now. That means you can use lethal force, & you have to be careful to control that."

"Wait, so, what did the Chief say, exactly," Noct asked, "Do you know where she is?"

*Tirea had shown up only because it was a life or death situation, and stands in the corner, silent*

Astarte stayed quiet and rubbed her temples, trying to wish her hangover away.

Hector, Eduj and Stefan continued to be imprisoned.

Dalia continued to be hospitalized.

E"No. I figure she must've been really close to the apartment, but I couldn't find her. She must want to stay hidden, for now. Anyway, she specifically said what I told you, & that the bomb that was supposed to kill her was planted by someone in the RCPD. Whoever took charge of the investigation might have been trying to finish the job, but it's difficult to say, because we don't know how far this extends."

"But we're going to find out," Mortal said.

"This all sounds very exciting," Noctis said, "But also very dangerous. Are you sure it is appropriate to get Astarte, and Tirea involved."

"Why wasn't my name on the list?" Gabe asked, "I'm not a cop either."

"I... would like to help..." Astarte said. "If I could at all..."

E"I'm not 'involving' any of you, I just want you all to know what is going on, because you can't necessarily trust the law. And apparently Roatha has been itching to go rogue."

*She gestures at him.*

R"I like shooting lightning at people I don't like. Is that so wrong?"

Astarte smiled a little, but stopped when her head felt like rupturing again.

*Tirea steps forward*

<I..I want to make these people pay for causing so much pain...>

Noct nodded, "Fair point. I suppose it was smart to warn us all. I just don't want to see anyone get hurt."

Gabe chuckled, and patted Roatha on the back, "There isn't anything wrong with that."

E"We'll just have to agree to disagree, Gabby. Anyway, I won't begrudge anyone's help, but I don't have anything for you to do at the moment. All we know is that the cops tried to assassinate the Chief, & appear to be trying to frame the loyal officers for crimes. We don't know what else they've done, or if they're still allied with the Triple Threats."

<So just be on high alert for now?>

"Exactly," Mortal said to Tirea.

"Well, alright then," Gabe said.

E"Well, we have to go to work now. Sorry for getting you up so early."

R"Shit, me too. Would you mind driving me part way?"

"Sure, c'mon," Mortal said.

"Take care," Noct said, "And please try to stay safe."

Gabe began to head out as well, "See you guys later."

*Tirea gives everyone a small waves then makes a dash for the door. Once outside, she starts walking home*

Astarte stood up and started heading out.

*Once everyone else is out of the house, Ven approaches Noctis.*

V"I've been meaning to ask you, how did things go with Keter last night?"
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*Meanwhile, Euryale drops Roatha off about halfway to the plant, & she & Mortal continue driving to the hospital that Zolt is at.*

E"Right, so, we can be pretty sure at least some of the staff are on the Triad's payroll. Plus, the corrupt cops. But, we don't have a warrant. What are our options?"
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*Someone starts banging on Eve's door with a metal clanging noise.*
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*Astarte & Tirea can both notice a police airship flying nearby, but other than that, nothing out of the ordinary.*
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*There is a knocking on Dalia's door.*

A"Excuse me, may I come in? You have a visitor."
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*The Terrible Trio can hear noises coming from the darkness. Clanging, rocks smashing & grinding together, & sloshing.*

Astarte walked on, looking for a taxi to hail.

The three wait, as they have been.

"Of course."

Noct looked at Ven, and smirked, "I think things went well."

--

"Well, we won't need a warrant if they commit a crime, or we suspect them of committing a felony in public," Mortal said, "So if we want to arrest anyone without a warrant, we're going to need them to give us a reason. I'm just not exactly sure how to do that without getting civilians hurt, or just having the corrupt cops not doing anything so they're not exposed... Wait, what if we warn the hospital that a bunch Triple Threats are coming to help protect Zolt. Only those on Zolt's payroll will know it is a lie, the rest will try to get to safety."

E"We could try it. I'm a little worried about a panic, or being surrounded. Depending on how much of the staff he's got wrapped around his little finger."
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*She finds one pretty quickly.*
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*Aroma leads a police officer in.*

<Hello, Ms. Lao. I'm here to offer you a guard.>
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*After a moment of silence, Selene shows up out of the darkness, grabbing the bars & smirking.*

<Miss me, boys?>
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~The Previous Night~

*Some time after everyone had left, Ven & Noctis were putting the drinks & food away, when there came a knock-knock-knockin' on the door.*

Astarte hailed the taxi and told them to take her home.

Hector's eyes widened for a moment, then half closed again, "...The Monsoons have cops of their own, huh?"

"Why?" Dalia looked from Aroma to the cop. "Has there been a threat?"

Noct wondered if she should answer, worrying it might be another asshole with a grudge, but she put down the glasses she had in her hand and said, "Excuse me a moment." With that she made her way over to the door, and answered.

--

"True... What do you think we should do?" Mortal replied.

*Keter stands illuminated in the doorway. Oddly, her hair is not in her usual style, the top of her head concealed by a blue cloche hat. She wears a long, sleeveless blue dress with evidence of a red camisole underneath, particularly over her chest. The skirt also has a slight opening on the side, where red ruffles stick out. Her fingers have been painted red, but Noctis can see that the skin on her index & middle fingers are unusually red besides that. She looks down at Noctis like she isn't quite sure if anyone is there. She doesn't make an attempt to sound lofty or inviting, for once, resulting in a cold, skeptical tone.*

Keter<You requested my presence?>
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*The crowd in front of them disperses & the gates are opened for them. Euryale drives through, heading for the parking lot.*

E"Well, I guess the first thing is to report for duty. After that, I don't know. All I can think of is looking out for suspicious behavior."
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<Senthose was right. The Triple Threats were twice the idiots it took to create this mess.>

*She grabs the lock & breathes on it, freezing it in a block of ice. Then she draws water out of the air & rakes it across the bars, carving a very thin groove across them with a shrieking of steel & a shower of metal sparks.*
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Cop<Something like that, yes.>
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*The taxi take Astarte home so she no be on street.*