Blanking the Slate

bushwacked · **Reply #300 on:** April 10, 2016, 05:16:38 PM

Axel scowled at who he took to be Lily's clone, his crooked ear twitching. "You know what? Fuck off," he said and swung the door shut in her face. Muttering under the breath, he skulked back to the couch, throwing an irritated glance over his shoulder to one of the Purifiers. "Your pet's arrived."

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Marcus glanced sharply at Aaron and Soren. "Only if we need to." Killing more cops would only bring more trouble down on them, and right now that was the last thing he thought they needed. Following behind Marie as they headed towards the maintenance corridor, he shared the German Shepard's concern about Emilena. If she'd been moved from the cell block already, it could throw the plan out the window. He raised his cell phone. "You manage to track down those spare pipes yet?" he said lowly, the code phrase for where's Emilena? - trusting that Marita had managed to access the CCTV feed.

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Striding confidently to the front doors of the precinct, Junko pushed the doors open... and paused briefly when she saw the disarray the building was in. The smell of damp filled her nostrils, and as she scanned the room a disgruntled looking officer shambled across the far side of the hall holding a bucket. He stopped in front of a persistent leak and dropped the bucket under it, looking like he was wondering where his life went wrong.

Shaking her head, Junko walked further in, stopping in front of the reception desk. "Detective Hengsha, Holmia P.D." As the receptionist glanced up from his computer, Junko leaned forward amiably, her elbows resting against the corner of the counter. "Looks like it's not such a good morning for you guys over here."

The man blinked. "Yeah, that's... putting it lightly. Can I help you?"

She straightened. "You've recently detained a individual who could be crucial to a case I'm leading. Emilena Echo. I need to speak to her."

Nick22 · **Reply #301 on:** April 10, 2016, 06:45:41 PM

spare pipes have been located. they are under the bench' Marita replied ' this was code for ' shes in a cell down to the left'' you guys better move someone just came up the front desk looking for a 'package" Our package in fact. I calculate you guys have 3 minutes max" Marita said.' Bust a pipe"

aabicus (LettuceBacon&Tomato) · **Reply #302 on:** April 10, 2016, 09:36:19 PM

Lily seethed with anger, but couldn't restrain her surprise. She didn't remember Axel having enough gall to slam a door in her face like that. She furiously slammed her fist into the door so hard the hinges rattled.

Nothing happened so she scoped out the window and saw Flora on the couch. "Hey, let me in!" she snapped.

"Sorry, busy playing with Barbie." Flora didn't take her eyes off her phone game, and had to fight to repress a smile as Lily growled a strangled cry of frustration and disappeared from the window.

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Emilena's relatively nonsensical dream was interrupted by a sudden flash of anger and shock. Rolling over with a start, she fell out of her cot for the first time since she was five.

She would have reflected on where the odd rage came from, had a cold dunk into three inches of water not dashed all other thoughts from her mind. As is often the case, by the time she'd staggered to her feet and shimmied her soaked jumpsuit off, she'd lost all memory of her dreams.

What the hell is this? she wondered, looking at the hallway and seeing the water damage was not restricted to her cell. "Tax dollars at work..." she muttered, hiding on her cot for the time being and beginning to wring her jumpsuit dry.

Serris · **Reply #303 on:** April 13, 2016, 03:04:52 AM

"Let's hope those pipes get here within three minutes or we'll have to come back tomorrow," Aaron said. He sniffed the air, trying to catch Emilena's scent. The humidity made it only slightly more difficult. He pointed down the leftmost fork of a three-split hallway.

"If the package is damaged, do we accept it or do we demand a refund?" Soren asked. He was thankful his boots were non-slip and waterproof as he sloshed through the puddles. He passed by a janitor who breathed a sigh of relief as she vacuumed up the massive puddles.

Both those phrases were coded terms for "We need to find Emilena in three minutes or we have to get out of here." and "If we run into the person looking for Emilena, do we kill them or simply say we don't have Emilena?" respectively.

The duo passed by several empty cells. Apparently the guards had been moving the prisoners to the non-flooded cells.

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Anne was sleeping off her stimulant crash in the corner of the grimy motel room. Thanks to her Equine physiology, she was literally asleep on her feet. Even Lily's outburst failed to rouse her.

Nick22 · **Reply #304 on:** April 16, 2016, 01:21:14 AM

we accept the damage and fix it as best we can ": Marita replied : this was code for" get Emilena out any way you can." " Incoming eta 90 seconds. 'Better find that leak."
_ Marita sniffed in the air and made a beekine to a cell that was at the top of the steps. she glared into the cell then made a motion to the other " found defective pipe" she said. ' this was code for ' found her'

bushwacked · **Reply #305 on:** April 18, 2016, 04:53:07 PM

Marcus stopped in front of the indicated cell. His features gave no sign of recognition as his stare passed coldly through the bars onto the soaked Emilena within. Shifting his grip on the tool bag, he glanced surreptitiously around. Two guards at the end of the corridor, talking together but every now and then shooting looks in their direction. On the other side of the cell block, another guard was patrolling outside cells containing more prisoners waiting to be moved.

He grunted. "The inner surface of the pipes is oxidising." This was coded slang for 'There are 3 guards in the immediate vicinity who could be a problem if we want to get her out. Also, as we now have a pressing time limit, we need to think fast'. But how the hell were they going to get her out and make off with her?

He heard footsteps approaching from behind, and Marcus turned to see a new police officer walking in their direction. He waited until the officer drew closer then cleared his throat. "Excuse me sir, we've been brought in to fix the problem with the water pipes, and we need to take a look at the pipe network which runs through this cell. But there's a prisoner..."

The officer shrugged. "You can have all the time you want. Taking her across to the interrogation rooms, you can get inside in a second." He stepped past Marcus, the corner of his mouth creasing as he saw the condition of the cell. "Shit, it's like a swimming pool in there... Come on, someone wants to speak to you."

As the officer spoke, Marcus locked eyes at his teammates. This could be our chance. Just need to pick the best moment.

Serris · **Reply #306 on:** April 18, 2016, 07:59:09 PM

Soren locked eyes with Emilena as the guard prepared to unlock the cell. He shifted slightly, the toolbox's weight starting to strain on him. He looked at the inside of the cell, focusing his attention on the concrete wall. "Do you think we can clean the pipes here or do we gotta take 'em back to the shop for cleaning?" This was a code for "Do we just kill the guards while they move Emilena? Or do we break her out when she's in the interrogation room?"

Aaron shook his head. "We don't got the tools to properly clean them here. That'll have to wait until we get back to the shop." This was the coded response for "Too many guards here. We'll break her out at the interrogation room."

Soren maintained his calm demeanor as he peered down the empty cell block. The time limit hung heavy on his mind. If the person looking for Emilena showed up any time soon, then there was a good chance they'd have to blow their cover...violently.

Aaron looked at the clock on the wall. "Damn it! Those pipes should be here by now!" This was the coded response for "We're running really short on time now!."

aabicus (LettuceBacon&Tomato) · **Reply #307 on:** April 18, 2016, 09:07:04 PM

Emilena glanced up, sighed and slipped her jumpsuit back on. "Why'd I even bother drying the damn thing out..." Sloshing her way to the door, she held her hands through the bars and allowed herself to be handcuffed. Then she stepped aside as the guard unlocked the celldoor open and began leading her down the corridor.

It was then that she noticed Marcus' team. Her pupils dilated and she almost broke pace. She spared a glance back at her cell, where a pocket behind the toilet stored an assortment of crudely-fashioned shivs. The ONE time I don't think to bring one...I'm going to look unprepared in front of everyone, she griped wistfully to herself.

Nick22 · **Reply #308 on:** April 21, 2016, 06:24:24 PM

marie walked behind her ostensibly cleaning up the puddles of water with her vacuum. she gave brief glances to the others, that said ' ' when she gets to the interrogation room ' get her out. just try abd make sure we dont get recorded on camera>' we need a check on cartridges' he said into her talkie ' which was code for " can you kill the video cameras in the interrogation room? ' Cartridges are full' Marita replied " This meant " i'm on it.."
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bushwacked · **Reply #309 on:** April 25, 2016, 02:18:05 PM

"This way." The officer assigned to show Junko the way to the interrogation room indicated a door to his left, and as she approached he turned the handle, pushing it open.

She nodded her thanks as she followed him through. "The layout of this building's pretty confusing. You must need a map to help you get around." Stepping into the room, she took in the details of her surroundings within a couple of seconds. Stark white walls, metal table with a loop on one side to fix the prisoner's handcuffs to, steel chairs. A two way mirror on the side opposite to the door. A security camera fitted to the top right corner of the room, observing everything. Junko had no doubt they'd be watched - even with her identification, it wasn't as if they'd just leave her to talk to one of the most important prisoners of recent times without a clue of what was happening. But that didn't matter. She'd used ricin before. By the time it exerted its effect, she'd be long gone.

The officer chuckled. "Nah, you get used to it. She should be here in a few minutes, someone got sent to fetch her." He paused briefly on his way out of the room. "You know, you were pretty lucky. With the flooding, most of her block's being transferred. Trying to find her could have been a nightmare."

"Sounds like I got here just in time," Junko laughed softly. Behind the mask of her smile, her mind was working. She was going to be transferred...

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Marcus watched Emilena being led down the corridor, reaching into his dufflebag and rummaging randomly until they'd turned the corner. He stopped and leaned closer in to the others. "Can't let them reach it. It'll be impossible to get her out," he murmured, urgency creeping into his voice. They were almost out of time - they had to just go for it, and pray they got lucky.

He shifted the weight of the bag onto his left shoulder, keeping his voice quiet. "We follow them. Time it right and get rid of the guard. Marita, turn off all the cameras in this section. If it's just a few minutes, they might assume its the water interfering with the electronics."

Nick22 · **Reply #310 on:** April 26, 2016, 02:09:36 AM

' 4 of your pipes are bent' Marita said. This meant " you guys have 4 minutes to get her and get out' ' marita typed in a few commands and one by one, the security cameras blinked out.'darkness has sprung, now get to it..

Serris · **Reply #311 on:** April 26, 2016, 02:47:15 AM

Soren dropped his toolbox and rummaged around for the SMG he had packed away and stashed it inside the rather spacious pocket of his jumpsuit. Of course, he knew not to use it unless things really went to shit.

Aaron growled as the two guards escorted Emilena towards the interrogation room. He turned to Soren. "Okay, we're going to clean those pipes." This phrase meant We'll dispose of the guards..

Soren nodded as he jogged after Aaron. Soon, the burly German Shepherd caught up to the duo.

"Excuse me," Aaron said. "But we have traced one of the leaks to this room and it is due to a large water main that is in danger of cracking. We need to enter to repair it."

"Are you fucking kidding me!?" one of the guards growled. The Kea clicked his beak kn exasperation.

"Hey, we just do what the boss says," Soren said with a shrug.

The Kea bent over the keypad as he began to swipe his ID card. Aaron and Soren looked at each other and nodded.

The next few moments were a blur of violence as the Human slammed his toolbox into the back of the Kea's head, causing him to fall foward. He then dropped his toolbox and grabbed the unfortunate Avian by his crest of feathers and proceeded to slam him into the keycard reader over and over.

At the same time, Aaron lunged at the other guard and proceeded to attack him with the pipe he had in his tool box. His attack was so ferocious it caught the guard by surprise.

When all was said and done, the two guards lay in bloody heaps with feathers and blood spatter decorating the hallways.

aabicus (LettuceBacon&Tomato) · **Reply #312 on:** April 26, 2016, 02:57:15 PM

Emilena had been thrown into the corner when the guards were suddenly assaulted, and unsteadily got to her feet. "I know a thank you is kinda underwhelming at this point, but...thanks." She dropped to her knees and rummaged through the avian's uniform until she located the keys to her handcuffs and freed herself. She also relieved the guard of his nightstick and taser. "Should have predicted the flooding wasn't an accident; you all turned this place into New Orleans."

She prepared to follow whoever took charge and started executing the next step of the escape.

bushwacked · **Reply #313 on:** April 28, 2016, 03:46:07 PM

Marcus set the bag down, shooting quick glances up and down the corridor as he unzipped it. No alarm, no pounding of feet to signal incoming guards... so far, so good. Sifting through the tools, Marcus pulled out a creased jumpsuit of an identical style to the ones everyone else was wearing.

He roughly held it out to Emilena, along with a grey baseball cap. "Put these on. Not perfect, but best we've got. You two," he growled, looking at Marie and Soren and poiniting to a storage cubpoard just a short distance up. "Hide the bodies. Marita, need you to turn on the sprinkler system in this corridor in a few minutes. Got some blood that needs cleaning."

Marcus turned to Aaron. "Back through the front, or try to find a back exit?"

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Alone in the interrogation room, waiting for the guards to bring Emilena, Junko kept replaying the guards words in her head. Flooding... transferred... What were the chances that just a short while after Emilena was arrested, there would be a flood so severe that it would need her block, in particular, to be transferred?

Trying to find her would be a nightmare... The guard was taking a long time to bring her. Junko's gut tightened. Something was wrong. She could feel it. The guard said she hadn't been transferred yet - I can't wait here. Junko stood up slowly, keeping her features composed.

aabicus (LettuceBacon&Tomato) · **Reply #314 on:** April 28, 2016, 04:57:19 PM

Emilena decided to handle the bloody bodies before changing clothes. "Bodies won't be a problem...hopefully the flooding hides the blood well enough." Using the guard's keys, she unlocked the nearest jail cell and wrapped the bodies in the cot blanket, then stuffed them in the far corner. "Let's move," she agreed, slipping into the new jumpsuit and donning the baseball cap.

Nick22 · **Reply #315 on:** April 28, 2016, 11:11:56 PM

' got it. turning them on now ' marita said.' go out the front door ' act as casual as possible. go now. ' package carrier is starting to smell.'

Lets go switch out our wrenchs ' Marie said ' Translation " lets get the hell outta here."

Serris · **Reply #316 on:** May 03, 2016, 05:09:50 PM

Soren and Aaron were both dampened by the sprinklers going off. Luckily, the blood from their clothing and equipment easily came off under the spray of water.

Aaron shook the water off his clothing and head. Soren wiped some water from his eyes.

The two casually strode through the now empty cell blocks and out the front door. Strangely, no one seemed to pay any attention to the fact that five plumbers had exited...despite only four plumbers arriving for repairs.

All in all, it seemed the whole plan was going to go off without a hitch. Emilena's presence was quickly explained by Soren as her not being part of the crew he was with.

Nick22 · **Reply #317 on:** May 03, 2016, 06:25:09 PM

Marie Casually climbed into the waiting van.' Alright Marita restore things to normal. make it look as if we fixed it.' He said into the phone
_ Done' Marita said' Cameras are back online too, so they'll think it was due to the water that power was knocked out. Get back here pronto..' Marita said.

bushwacked · **Reply #318 on:** May 04, 2016, 04:43:26 PM

"So 7 o'clock? Tonight?"

Junko nodded, her fingertips lightly brushing the receptionist's hand as she straightened up from the front desk. "Outside Carlson Theatre. See you then." She looked at him warmly before turning away and heading for the door. Men. Pathetic.

On leaving the interrogation room, Junko had headed straight for the entrance, gambling that if Emilena was being rescued they'd try the easy but risky route of going straight out the front door. As she'd emerged into the hall, Junko was rewarded with the sight of some familiar faces entering from a corridor on the other side of the room. She'd studied them enough over the past few weeks - Soren Almaya, Aaron Geasbrecht, Marcus Hayton... and the lady of the hour herself. Emilena Echo. The baseball cap had been a nice idea, but when someone was looking specifically for her, the disguise was next to useless.

As she'd glanced at them, she noticed they were all wearing some kind of janitor uniform. Cute. But there's no way the receptionist won't notice the extra pair of hands. As the group started forwards, Junko had moved quickly, making straight for the desk, managing to distract the receptionist the quickest way she knew. Give them the possibility of a quick fuck, and they're all yours.

Now, as she walked out the front doors moments after them, Junko spotted the group climbing into a van just up the road. She raised her cell phone. "It's me. No, I'm fine. But the plan's been changed. We could have a lead on all of them."

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Climbing into the driver's seat, Marcus shot a look out the window towards the station. No sign of alarm, no officers running to apprehend them... It looked like they'd actually succeeded. After taking just a short second to steady his heart rate, the doberman turned the key, the engine rumbling to life.

"Rest while you can," he said over his shoulder to Emilena as he pulled out, slotting the van into the morning traffic which had started to accumulate. "When we get back, you're going to to tell us everything you read in that file. Marita..." He paused, his voice begrudging. "Good work."

aabicus (LettuceBacon&Tomato) · **Reply #319 on:** May 04, 2016, 05:57:29 PM

Emilena nodded and laid her head on the side of the van. She wasn't particularly tired, despite a sleepless night in the jail thinking of her future behind bars, but she also appreciated that for one brief car ride she had insurance that nobody would try and murder her in her sleep. That wasn't an opportunity to squander.