Mission: SWAG

Sam Robertson (Redux)

Vindaya Mhasalkhar (Panacea)

## Mob Boss Peggy

The Lune D'Or Condo complex is an ultra-luxury place of residents only for those who can afford the creme-de-la-creme of Eaux Claires. Millionaires and up only!

It has 53 floors and is highly exclusive. One can't visit without explicit permission from a resident at the front desk, or without their passcode. The people at the front desk are legendarily snobby and tight-lipped regarding the addresses of their residents. The condos have a security staff who are armed but not paid very well and certainly aren't very intelligent.

It's a beautiful facility, marked by marble floors, gold accents, expensive and confusing artwork (that you're too poor to understand), and spacious 'powder rooms'.

Image References: https://imgur.com/a/29Ay0hz

## echopixel

The ride to Eaux Claires #the-lune-d’or-condo-complex was longer than expected, with traffic through Downtown bogging down the commute, but at least Dart held some semblance of a conversation. Maybe sitting in the back seat with his wings to distract him and no eye contact required help!

They arrive mid afternoon with the sun shining off the pristine snow around the condo complex. Dart steps out of Mithra’s car immediately hating the sheer size of his damn wings as they brush the untouched snow.

“Arug, okay let’s go find Vindaya and Sam quick. Told them to meet us around here somewhere.” Dart spreads his wings and gives a few light flaps. “Oh, um,” Dart turns to Mithra, tugging the yoque he pulls from his coat pocket over his ears. “Do you mind if I take a look around for them. I’ll be a minute.” His wings stretch independently of the other and ruffle.

## Elysium | Vindaya | al-Fasis

Vindaya fared even worse on the bus across town. She was saving up for a proper car, an inevitable expense that had fallen to the wayside as she lived close enough to the hospital that she could walk. And since she so infrequently did anything other than commute to and from work, the bus sufficed for everything else. But between the traffic getting across Downtown and the snow, the bus wasn't sufficing particularly well. Having not had more than a few minutes' rest all day until that point, Vindaya was having trouble staying awake, despite the sun still shining outside. It wasn't often that she was out of work before dark and she wanted to appreciate it, sleep deprivation be damned.

By the time she got off the bus, she was still dazed but a little more awake in the fresh air. She pulled her coat a little tighter around herself as she headed towards The Lune D'or Condo Complex, where Dart had told her to meet them. Having not spent a great deal of time in Eaux Claires, she wasn't really sure what to expect, but it seemed even this relatively well-off area hadn't been spared that winter's snowfall - although even the snow here seemed a little cleaner.

She walked towards the Complex, keeping an eye out for any of the three men she was supposed to be meeting (if Dart could even be considered a man yet). It was only when she considered *who* exactly it was that she was meeting that she cast her gaze upwards, looking distantly into the sky with a hand over her eyes to try to block some of the blinding sunlight. Suddenly, she was glad to be on a mission in an unfamiliar neighborhood; that lessened the chances of anyone she knew catching her with a *bird boy*. The last thing her coworkers needed was more gossip fodder, especially when it came to her.

Then she lowered her eyes and caught a glimpse of a familiar car a ways in the distance and, with more confidence now that she had a clear direction, made straight for it. Hopefully, she hadn't kept them waiting too long.(edited)

## bitch whipding | Sam | Flora

Sam had arrived well before anyone else, having already been in the immediate area. He'd took the time to find a decent place to park his moped, eventually finding a lamppost on a main road that he could chain it to. Hopefully it wouldn't get stolen here... like the last one.

What he hadn't had time to do after dropping off the last of his crust-less pizzas was clean himself off; his clothes were still covered in sticky cheese and tomato paste. The most he'd been able to do was remove the plate-sized pepperoni that had attached itself to his leg - ideally, he'd strip down and scrub everything off himself, but there was nowhere to hunker down around here, and it was waaay too cold to do that out in the open. At least his face had been protected by his helmet, so he could still see.

Soon enough, a car appeared much further down the road. At first, he wasn't totally sure it was the one he'd been waiting for - he'd only seen it once or twice before - but a winged figure hastily stepped out of it. Unless that was a heck of a lot more common than he knew about, it looked like his teammates had arrived. He drudged his way through the snow towards it, leaving a trail of footprints behind him.

August 2, 2018

## irredivivous

Mithra turns off the ignition to his car, stepping out to observe the scenery of the condominium. The biting air whipping at the top of his nose and cheeks, causing them to redden a bit. Burying himself in a cozy cashmere scarf a client bought for him, he squinted upwards. He was trying to make heads or tails of how high up this guy was. He wonders if he has to astral project himself in order to search for the affluent male. If that’s the case, he might as well give his teammates the heads up that he might have to go home after this mission.

Comprehending that Dart truly wanted to look for everyone, he just smiled. But realizing it cannot be seen, he just nodded and muffled through his scarf, though he made sure he was audible, “That’s fine.”

His mind then brought himself back to the concept that this was essentially a stealth mission with a hint of diplomacy. Difficult to be diplomatic when someone barges into their apartment just trying to convince them to join their cause. Well, this probably couldn’t be the most traumatizing day for them, right? At least they were not trying to kidnap the poor guy.

Reaching into his phone, he saw notifications for the Forum. Scrolling up, Vindaya had commented on him finding trouble. Smirking, he replied to her at the very least with their present location.

Oracle is idle.

We're at #the-lune-d’or-condo-complex Panacea. I drove my car, so if you need a ride afterwards, I am sure that can work out.

## Elysium | Vindaya | al-Fasis

As Vindaya was walking over to the car--and she could now see her teammates standing around, waiting--she was briefly distracted by her phone buzzing in her pocket. She paused to check it and then returned it to her pocket. A ride back would certainly be nice, lest she fall asleep on the bus and end up god knows where. That is, assuming all went to plan. Speaking of...

"I'm so sorry," Vindaya said as she reached them, Dart looking like he was just about to take off to look for her. "Didn't mean to keep you waiting. And yes," she looked up at Mithra, "a ride back would be very nice, thank you." As she spoke, she could see her breath in front of her face in the frosty air. Best to get this underway and over with sooner than later, at least so they weren't standing around in the cold. Besides, she hadn't missed Leo's message, either; she had a suspicion that she might want to check in at HQ before heading home. Or, possibly, straight back to work.

She took a moment to examine the complex in front of them, wondering at the best approach. Though she might be amongst the least threatening of the four of them, she definitely did not possess a silver tongue. Maybe Mithra would be best suited for that. Additionally, he or Sam could scout ahead, considering who they were dealing with. Vindaya wasn't convinced their prospective ally was dangerous, but one could never be sure. At any rate, how to make herself useful, then?

*Was* she useful?

Probably not the time for that.

"Maybe Sam or Mithra could scout ahead," she said, voicing her thoughts aloud before they veered too far off course. "See how paranoid Mr. Greene really is. Or just take a direct approach and hope he listens." She hesitated. "Unless you have a plan already."(edited)

August 3, 2018

## echopixel

Dart tucks his wings up against his back and watches Vindaya approach, that was one less person he needed to find. Which he supposes is for the better, Dart knew people knew that people had powers but he had always been very conscious of his wings. They were big, they were noticeable, they made him stand out when he much rather not.

“Hello Vindaya,” Dart replies. He scans the area for Sam, crossing his arms and hugging himself for warmth. At Vindaya’s suggestion Dart turns to look at Mithra. “I never really considered how to do this and there are a lot of us.” Dart tucks his nose under the collar of his coat. “I like the idea though. Me and Vindaya can knock on his door see if that works while you two get to business?”

## bitch whipding | Sam | Flora

As approached the car, he noted that both Dart and Mithra were facing the same direction - namely, away from Sam. A smile on his face, he decided to have a little bit of fun. Emphasis on little. Fun category: immature.

His footsteps became quieter and quieter, eventually the crunching of the snow fading entirely as he became small enough to walk on top of the snow rather than through it. He was able to walk under the car, soon finding himself standing behind Dart, settling on keeping himself at knee-height. No sense in putting himself in danger for something so stupid.

He waited patiently as the two talked, even remaining quiet when Vindaya approached. It wasn't until Dart proposed a game plan that he bothered to join in the conversation, so to speak. Rising to full size, he leaned in close to Dart, placing a cheese-covered hand on his shoulder.

"SOUNDS GOOD TO ME," he replied, directly into Dart's ear, smirking to himself. He took a step backwards, in preemptive response to any reaction Dart may have had. "Either way, wouldn't mind getting inside. It's bloody cold out here..."

August 4, 2018

## echopixel

Dart startles, whipping around to bat at Sam for being a complete asshole. Shouldn’t of surprised Dart that he’d do it, Sam took any opportunity to humiliate Dart; whether he knew it or not. This was one of those times Dart was sure Sam had no idea just how hard he’d been attempting to play cool with Mithra and this wasn’t helping.

Dart huffs and rights himself. “You can fuck off,” Dart snaps but sounds outright pouty. “So we agreed, infiltrate quite with mini Sam and Spirit Mithra?” Dart repeats and as he does he heads for the condo building with the address that was on Saana’s paper.

“Vindaya,” Dart pauses next to the side of the building staring up. “I could fly you and I up to the top balcony if you like. Then come down and watch Mithra.” Dart turns looking at his friends. “I mean, if you need that, I don’t know how the whole astral thing works and it would be stupid to leave you open and alone right?” Dart rambles a little.

## Elysium | Vindaya | al-Fasis

Vindaya, having seen Sam approach from afar, wasn’t startled by his sudden appearance. In fact, she snorted when Dart responded in kind—and then outright snickered at Sam’s appearance. He hadn’t been kidding about needing that towel. “I don’t even want to know what happened to you,” she told him, and then focused again on Dart.

“Sounds fine,” she said, not so thrilled at the prospect of being flown anywhere. But knowing it wasn’t a bad course of action, being quickest and most direct, she would go along with it. She might not be the most charismatic, but she had a decent bedside manner and she’d manage if she had to. Mithra’s talents were better used elsewhere. Right now, her best advantage was probably not looking (or being) threatening. Besides, she had to remind herself, she was not doing this alone. “As long as he isn’t too startled by a strange woman on his balcony,” she added. She glanced between Dart and Mithra, then Sam, considering. “Once I’m there, I’ll wait for some sort of signal from one of you before I... engage.” Whatever that would end up meaning. She didn’t expect there would be many if any hazards to worry about, but on the off chance there was, it was probably best to wait for Sam and/or Mithra to clear it first. Always better safe than sorry. Besides, however unlikely it was, the possibility existed that he wouldn’t even be there and they didn’t want to waste all this time and effort for nothing. “I’m ready when you are, Dart.”

## bitch whipding | Sam | Flora

Sam's only response to Dart was a shit-eating grin, making a point to keep at more than arm's-length away from him. This was hardly the first time he'd pulled something like this , and Dart was... well, somewhat predictable by this point.

"Yeah, you really don't," he replied to Vindaya. "I, uh, prolly shoudn't be the one to talk to this guy - I don't think this'd make the best first impression..."

Of course, with his powers, getting into the building would be pretty easy - he was relatively sure he could just walk straight under the front door. Honestly, with all this gunk on him, he was more worried about someone smelling him than seeing him. Getting up to wherever he needed to be would be the hard bit, but he had his ways. Regardless, it didn't seem like there was any particular rush.

August 7, 2018

## irredivivous

Replaying how the plan should go down, Mithra just nodded his head and then said, “He’s on the very top floor, no?” He rubbed his temples, preparing himself for the potential nausea that was about to ensue. It’s a cold and brusque winter, it would be a surprise if there are any windows or balconies open above them. Unless there was someone rich and insane living on the higher levels, it would make no sense for such things to be open. Vindaya and Dart would have aerial advantage to get there quicker than the rest of them who have to take the elevator or the stairs.

However, Mithra has had clients at this particular location before. He knew that asking the front desk for anything without explicit permission was a means for trouble. Last thing he wants is for their little merry band of soon to be misfits to discover that he is an escort and uses one of the apartments at this location. If he could afford the steep rent on the affluent side of town, he would. Cringing at this soon to be spiraling chain of events, he had to think fast.

And fast, he thought.

Composing himself, he brought his attention to his phone, giving the appearance that he’s texting someone. “I know someone that lives here, they’re not home but we’re real close.” Putting his phone away, he looked at Sam directly. “When I walk into the building, I will talk to the receptionist briefly. They should be able to allow you to come up with me without so much of a fuss.”

Looking back at Dart and Vindaya, “Should things get a bit risky, I’ll text you the apartment number so we can reconvene and construct a new plan.” Mithra figured that sense his room is in the hearth of the complex, astral projection won’t be too much of a hassle today. “No one gets left behind.” His eyes shined hazel as the white of the snow surrounding them made them more intense.

Not waiting for much of a “*go team go!*” antics, Mithra pushed through the doorway of the apartment complex and was at least greeted with a familiar face. A nosy one, but a face nonetheless. The man looked up from the computer desk and had a cheshire grin which betrayed their overly professional voice. “Why hello there Mr. Shira--”

Mithra made the hand gesture of chopping his throat open. Therein, Mithra spoke over what would have been the mistake of a century, “Me and a friend of mine are going to my apartment. I do not want to be disturbed unless it is of grave importance.” He kept it short and sweet, no time for dawdling.

The smile didn’t leave but the man bowed his head respectfully and replied, “Understood.” Walking towards the elevator, he waited inside for Sam. Hopefully that boy isn’t dragging his feet.

## bitch whipding | Sam | Flora

Sam was, of course, incredibly impressed. He'd known that Mithra had his connections - as one of the older members of the group, it wasn't all that surprising. But still, to know someone who lived *here*? That was certainly something to admire.

What was even more impressive was this clearly wasn't the first time he'd done this. Sam just quietly followed along as Mithra did his thing, apparently knowing exactly what he needed to say. He was initially confused to what exactly was going on, but it was pretty obvious once he'd given it some thought. Mithra was pretending to be whoever who knew who lived here - presumably something that person was okay with - hence being addressed as 'Mr. Shira', to gain access to the apartment.

Still somewhat stunned by... well, just how *cool* that was, Sam trundled along into the elevator, standing beside Mithra. He'd been planning to stealth his way up, but clearly that wasn't necessary anymore. Better yet, it looked like they would have a temporary base of operations, considering they had access to this Shira guy's room.

At this point it occurred to Sam that they hadn't received a key or anything to get into said apartment.

"Um, Mithra..." Sam asked tentatively, not really wanting to question his methods. "How, uh, are y-- *we* planning to get into the room? Break in or something?"

## echopixel

Dart watches Mithra and Sam go. Without so much as a goodbye they’re off and headed straight for one of the complexes. Leaving Dart standing near Vindaya without a clue what to do in the meantime. Dart turns to the older woman with a awkward smile and a shrug. She doesn’t send him tittering on like the awkward teenager he is, not like Mithra, but she is very pretty Dart notes.

“I guess we should just wander around until we get that text huh?” Dart suggestions and starts to walk in a random direction. “Umm, Vindaya are you afraid of heights?” Dart asks casually looking over at her beside him and takes his time to size her up figuring out how best to lift her. She isn’t all that much shorter than him, slim, but still it would be awkward to attempt a bridal style lift.(edited)

## irredivivous

Once Mithra noticed Sam’s body in the elevator, he pressed the button for the 38th floor and mulled over the possibilities as the elevator hoisted them up for a ride. The higher up in the floors, the more money the individual had and if he considered how supposedly well-known the guy was, he could be on the upper-crust levels. However, Sam looking at him the way a kid discovers something insanely cool about someone they know is a bit disconcerting.

“There’s nothing to plan to get into my friend’s condo.” Mithra said matter-of-factly, but softly to denote a polite tone. “Unless you’re meaning how are we going to properly get inside this famous designer’s place then we’ll see what Dart and Vindaya gather.”

The elevator promptly stopped and a soft ding alarmed them that they had arrived to the 38th floor. As the doors slide open, Mithra walked out first and took strides towards the destination of where the very popular *Alauddin Shirazi* lived. On his way there, he noticed that one of his neighbor’s had their ex-wife over to come collect their child for visitation rights. Well speak of the metaphorical devil .

“Mama! I’m so excited to spend time with you! I got loads to tell you about with school!” An exuberant mixed girl bounced up and down with excitement. A woman that usually wore a stern look and had mastered the art of resting bitch face, looked down at the bundle of joy with such motherly adoration that it was difficult to not feel warmed by it.

*“Je connais ma petite, bientôt. Nous devons partir maintenant.”* A thick French accent wrapped in warmth cooed at the young girl. An African woman of French descent was impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit and Christian Louboutin boots crouched down to stroke the young girl’s cheek fondly. Righting herself back up, she looked back into the room and had a snarl on her lips, “You’ll see her when I say you’ll see her.” Promptly, she slammed the door in the face of the man that actually lived in the apartment.

“Come now, Mama wants to hear about all your adventures in school.” The little girl grasped her mother’s hand and started walking down the hall.

Mithra rolled his eyes at the dramatics, but at least the little girl was in good spirits. A few rooms over and he’ll finally be able to reach the apartment when.

“Hello there mister! I hope you’re having a great day today!” The little girl looked over at Sam as well, “You must be Mr. Mister’s friend. I hope you have a great day too!” Her smile was absolutely contagious.

Before Mithra could get a word of gratitude out, the mother butted in, “Men that have *common* professions such as him do not deserve to be acknowledged.” Her dark, soulless eyes traveled over to Sam as well. “Neither does his little *companion.”* She snarkily spat before laughing, all but dragging her daughter away from them before she could try to fight her mother on wondering what she meant by that and how that was potentially mean.

Nadra Delacroix, you bitch.
Reaching his door, he called down the hall *“J'espère que le français de ta fille est aussi mauvais que tes manières, salope!”* in a tone of absolute disgust. Mithra hated women like her, and she’s one of the few that gets under his skin.

She didn’t turn to acknowledge him, lest he wants to see the little girl’s frown turn upside down. Finally, long gone out of the floor, Mithra just punched in the passcode and along himself in, making way for Sam to come in as well.

“Do not think much of that interaction, I do not usually lose my cool like that.” Mithra gave a half-smile even though that interaction was absolutely awful. Attempting to get over it, he then asked Sam, “Does anyone even know what this guy looks like? It’s difficult to AP without even knowing a face or even a name.”

## Elysium | Vindaya | al-Fasis

Vindaya, arms folded and hands tucked against her body, impassively watched her teammates enter—Mithra confidently, as though he belonged there and knew it, and Sam his lackey. She wasn’t worried about either of them, but the reminder that they were here doing a job made her straighten her back and raise her head. This was happening. Finally.

Still, Vindaya wasn’t thrilled to be stuck waiting. She knew it was necessary for a couple of reasons, the Complex’s security being the least of them, but being sidelined, at least for the moment, was frustrating. So, she paced, boots crunching in the snow. Until Dart spoke, and then she stopped and turned. Facing the building, she cupped her hand over her eyes, gauging just how high up their target was. Mithra said he was on the top floor and from her standpoint, she couldn’t make out which balcony was his—there were too many in the way.

“I suppose,” she said, looking away from this impressive display of hedonism and back to Dart. They really ought to have earpieces or something for easier communication, but she didn’t mention it. Still a little frustrated at having to wait, she resumed pacing. “No, I’m not afraid of heights,” she said. With the toe of her boot, she nudged a piece of ice out of her path, then paused, considering. As far as she was concerned, she and Dart faced two problems: getting up there and getting in to the apartment. Mithra and Sam could clear it thoroughly, but they couldn’t convince him to open the door for them. They could try his balcony, but she didn’t know how receptive anyone would be if they found a stranger on their balcony.

Then she had an idea. She tilted her head back to examine the building in its entirety once again, and then said, “Dart, do you know if there’s an entrance to the roof? Perhaps we could enter that way, knock on his front door instead of just appearing on his balcony.” Eager to get moving, she stepped closer to him. “We could go up there now while we wait for them.”

## echopixel

Dart considers her suggestion for a moment. Sure it could work, but it seemed less likely that he would open his door if stranger somehow got into the building to knock in the first place. “I feel like the balcony is still a better option. If we need to we can at least break glass. Not sure about you Vindaya, but I can’t kick down a door.” Dart looks away from her and up toward the tops of the buildings. “Not perfect but we’d be inside long before he could call the cops on us.”

August 8, 2018

## bitch whipding | Sam | Flora

Sam stayed quiet for the rest of the ride upwards, Mithra's answer keeping him satisfied for now. Due to his somewhat limiting power set, he hadn't exactly been on many missions before this, and he'd never been inside this building before, so he was more than happy to let the older man take the lead for now.

Upon stepping out, Sam stared at the walls of the corridor as they walked, jaw hanging slightly open. For what was really just a functional feature of the building, it was certainly well-ordained. Paintings were hung up practically everywhere - although not quite enough to be distracting and tasteless - and the walls themselves were so clean that he wasn't sure they'd ever been touched by human hands.

Speaking of humans, here were some now. The most striking was the woman, who looked... well, exactly what he'd expect from someone who lived here. From her clothes to her accent, everything about her screamed stupid rich. She didn't seem particularly willing to talk, but her daughter clearly had other ideas.

Sam couldn't help but smile back at the little girl, but it soon faded when her mother looked straight at him. Well, into him. This, combined with her tone, conveyed a sense of judgement that he couldn't really understand the origin of, other than snobbishness. Unless...

He just looked on with mild confusion as she dragged the girl away, although apparently Mithra had come to the same conclusion he had. A stream of french came pouring out of his mouth - Sam couldn't understand any of it really, but it sounded appropriately disgusted and scathing. He simply followed Mithra into the empty room. Well, empty other than the incredibly expensive furniture.

"No worries, homophobic bitch deserved it," Sam replied. "Just feel bad for her daughter, is all."

Mithra was right, though. It was going to be a hell of a hard time to find this guy if they didn't even know his name. "Not sure what they look like, but I think Vindaya mentioned a Greene?"

BirdBOI is idle.
Hey all in a pickle right now. It's fucking cold out Vindaya and I could use a little help. Anyone at HQ willing to go find a piece of paper for me? Or ask Mr. Finch, it has the appartment number to some dude designer fabric master on it. Anyone?

Apparently they weren't the only ones in this predicament. In hindsight, they probably should've checked all this beforehand...(edited)

August 10, 2018

## echopixel

Dart wiggles his phone at Vindaya. “Tada I have an address my friend. Leo says it’s 5060, that shouldn’t be too hard to find eh?” Dart feels a sense of relief knowing they could be of some use now. Instead of wondering around the apartment complex with nothing to do and even less to talk about. Vindaya was cool and all with the whole doctor thing, but they sure didn’t have a lot in common from their difference in age to the fact he was an awkward pizza delivery boy!!!

Dart moves through the complex looking for the right building, spotting in within the next five or ten minutes. “Ahah! Looky here we got ourselves a designers apartment building!” Dart’s wings flap a little as he stares up the side of the building with a pleased smile.

“So balcony or doorbell?” Dart asks, looking to Vindaya. Of everyone here she sure had the most to lose being caught up in some ‘heroes done do an oops’.

## irredivivous

Swiping his phone, he typed in *“Fashion designer Greene”* into Chrome. There’s only really one person that fits this bill and he was overwhelmingly famous. Memorizing his face, he can only hope that Designer Greene is here presently and not out and about in this cold weather. Receiving pinged messages from the Forum, Mithra noticed that Dart was trying to inquire more necessary information about him as well and Leo was pulling his leg as usual. Seeing the room number, that just meant Greene was at the very top of this building.

Walking towards the kitchen, he opened the refrigerator and retrieved two water bottles. Better be hydrated before setting foot out of this body. He all but guzzled the water down before going over to Sam and handing him one, despite him not asking.

”We have the intel. I would rather make sure to see if he’s actually in the building, but,” remembers that Dart and Vindaya are outside. “They do not deserve to freeze to death.”

Sending a message on The Forum, only to be halted to see Dart replying to Leo. Shrugging, replied anyway Go there and be careful. I’ll meet with you two soon. Thanks Leo.

At least Sam had the semi-easy part of watching his body. Mithra can do still very basic things, they just become more annoying the longer he’s astral projecting. ”Time for me to find out if they’re the real deal, I can’t really do too much while like this.” Walking over to the living room and reclined leisurely on the couch.

Feeling himself leave his body, the astral version of Mithra looked back at himself and Sam. His form was a bit wispy, and not as defined. He needs to envision the 50th floor, he’s only been there once but if it’s anything like he remembered. His astral body then disappeared into particles before re-materializing on the final floor of the complex. Reaching the door that belonged to Mr. Greene, he walked through it to see that the lights were on in the condo, the fireplace keeping the place warm and the woodsy smell of a genuine wood. He walked around to note that the balcony was in what looked like his personal bedroom. There was a lump on the bed.

Hopefully that’s him.

## Elysium | Vindaya | al-Fasis

Vindaya heard him, then deflated and took a few steps back. Turning inward and silently berating herself, she started pacing *again*, retracing her footsteps in the snow and practically making a rut. “You’re right,” she said. Between knowing that she’d have to trust Dart to fly her all the way up there and the possibility of committing a felony just to get an audience with the guy, Vindaya was starting to regret leaving work.

She sighed, came to a standstill, and said, “I just don’t like being idle.” It made her think of what she’d said to Mithra during a fleeting break she’d had earlier that afternoon, the recollection giving her a renewed sense of frustration. It occurred to her, a little belatedly, that maybe she could and should use this time to *talk* to Dart, but she hadn’t the first clue as to where to start with that, nor was she particularly inclined to. Dart was nice, but he was… well, Dart.

Then she felt her phone buzz a few times and looked over at Dart, who was waving his in her face. When she checked the messages, she tutted and said, “Mithra’s the only one of you whose texts makes any sense.” But she was relieved to have some guidance, even if it still took them a few minutes to find the right place. “I’d prefer the doorbell,” she said, thinking of all the ways showing up on a rich man’s balcony on the top floor of his ritzy condo could and should go wrong. “But you had a good point about the balcony.” At least she wasn’t likely to run into any of the people who lived here at work, but it was a small consolation.

She just had one thing to do before Dart swooped her away. With her phone still in her hand, she tapped out a message to the boys, whose location was still something of a mystery:

ThePanacea is idle.

We’re headed up there now. Let us know if you get any more information.

“Okay,” she said, dropping her phone back in her pocket. “Let’s go.”

## bitch whipding | Sam | Flora

Sam stared at the spot where Ghost-Mithra had once stood, blinking a few times before regaining his composure. He'd seen his ability before; but that didn't make it any less bizarre to watch.

...

So... what now? He clutched the lid of his water bottle, twisting it open as he pondered this situation. Was he just supposed to watch now? Mithra's body seemed quite comfortable slumped down on the sofa, so it hardly seemed like he really needed any help. What was he even here for?

...

He took a deep sip, letting the liquid soothe his throat. Who just kept water bottles in their fridge anyway? What was wrong with tap water? Perhaps he just didn't understand the nuances of the high life yet.

...

Okay, this was getting boring now. Time to go do something productive.

His body shrunk to a speck as he slipped silently under the door. If there was one thing he was good at, it was stealth - and for once he knew exactly where he needed to go.(edited)

August 14, 2018

## Elysium | Vindaya | al-Fasis

“Actually,” Vindaya said, frowning up at the general area they were targeting. The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became with the idea of just flying up. There were entirely too many ways things could go badly with that course of action, despite Dart’s pros.

And the more she thought about it, the more convinced she was that there was a better way to do this. Once she’d decided that, there was no changing her mind.

“Let’s do this less illegally,” she said, and then cut a glance over to Dart. “And less conspicuously.”

She walked back around to the front, all the while pulling her phone out and dialing Sam’s number. Mithra could very well be in his astral projection mode and San would be better suited for what she had in mind, anyway. “Sam, can you get me in to the building? I’ll head up to Mr. Greene’s apartment from there, I just need to be allowed past security.”

## bitch whipding | Sam | Flora

Increasing the size of his body just enough to help move along faster, Sam continued to make his way down the hallway. As stealthy as it was, things always took a bit longer in this state. He wouldn't normally bother - now that he was in the building, there was technically no reason to keep this up - but given his current appearance, he probably wouldn't last long here without someone asking questions. It was better like this. It made him feel more comfortable, at least.

He naturally had to drop this once he reached the elevator, though. Stealth was cool and all, but there was something to be said about being able to reach buttons too. A few pushes here and there, and he retreated back to his tiny state in the corner of the lift, waiting to head up to the top floor. A couple of people joined him, but naturally he went unnoticed.

And then his phone rang.

For a moment, he thought his cover was blown, but then remembered that his phone was even smaller than he was - if anyone heard it other than him, then they probably needed to recruited too. He was mildly surprised to hear Vindaya's voice on the other end when he answered it, but then remembered she was waiting outside still. He'd kinda forgotten about the others, with Mithra taking center stage for a while.

"Oh, um, sure. I think you can get in if you tell them you're here to see a Mr. Shira, Room 3834, Mithra's friend or something. I'll send you the passcode in a sec. See ya in a bit."

He hung up, and texted out the passcode he'd seen Mithra type into the door earlier. A few moments later, and the elevator doors opened up at the 50th floor. Now for the difficult bit - actually getting into this guy's room without freaking him out.

## Elysium | Vindaya | al-Fasis

“Thank you,” Vindaya said before hanging up and then strode into the building like she belonged there. In another ten or twenty years, maybe she would, but for right now she looked like a classy, if tired, brown twenty something woman and somehow, she didn’t think that first impression was earning her much favor.

Not that it mattered. When asked, she confidently rattled off the given information, and if there were any skeptical looks, she dismissed them as she headed for the elevator bank. She had no intention of heading to this Mr. Shira’s room, whoever he was. No, she was heading straight for Mr. Greene, no more dallying.

*I’m just getting in the lift now. I’ll see you there.* Vindaya texted to Sam. As she rode up, she avoided eye contact with the rich and snooty, more focused on feeling a little bad for leaving Dart and Mithra in the dust. But they were playing their parts just as well. And Vindaya had hers.

When she stepped out into the 50th floor, she saw nobody. Likely Sam was as shrunken as he could be, and though she probably could find him with enough looking, she didn’t feel the need to. Covered in pizza as he was, Vindaya suspected Sam wasn’t eager to do much talking. Besides, if she called out for him, she might attract unwanted attention. Best to trust that he wouldn’t be far behind.

So she walked up to the door they’d been told belonged to their target and rang the doorbell. Mithra would’ve told them by now if nobody was home, so now all she had to do was wait and try to be convincing...

SWAG Part 2