some people just deserve to die.

[goodsoldier]

Who: STEPHANIE, KATE, HELENA, and JASON
What: vigilante anti-Militia party
Where: Deadman's Walk 12, Dog Fenn; assorted other locations possibly
When: backdated to the night of Jan. 31 and into the wee hours of Feb. 1
Notes: there are some different sections, one for Kate and Steph to meet up/coordinate, one for Helena and Jason to do the same, and one where y'all tag anyone you want GO WILD, because coordinating 4 people in different time zones is just not gonna work
Warnings: torture and general violence!

Helena had told him she'd meet him there, as finding a baby-sitter with little warning isn't always easy. He uses the travel time to take notes on the four different transmissions he'd received, sorting the information and prioritizing it. Of the four, the Howl Barrow raid kept his attention the most. There is a face, a name, and an address. That seems promising, and he figures, it would be best to move fast.

People talk about the transmissions in brief, hushed intervals, but he sits there like he really is studious chemistry major Nate, head down, notepad filling up. There is, however, a long black bag at his feet, heavy with useful things that would be difficult to explain were anyone to open it right here, right now.

No one does, of course. Even busy, Jason tends to exude a certain sense of fuck off please, an attitude generally respected by Baedal citizens of all stripes.

Helena is his only real ally right now; it would take an emergency for him to think of calling on Tim, Barbara, Superboy, or Stephanie. And this isn't an emergency yet. He's sure they can handle this, as long as they're quick. He does imagine that other people are taking similar actions across town, and he spares enough time to think that sooner or later, they're going to have to coordinate, somehow. He doesn't know how soon that will be true.

Comments

Main Street Park (KATE AND STEPH)

[goodsoldier]

Abrogate Green is closer to Dog Fenn than Skulkford, so the park is a decent landmark to meet at, despite the slight shadiness of being there after dark. The shadiness is only slight, because this is not really a park to do, say, drug deals or gang fights. It's a little open for that: there are covered and open picnic tables, barbecue pits, a baseball diamond, fields and trees, and a teeny creek on the east side.

[joiedeviolet]

A little open is too much for Kate right now, dressed in her finest superhero gear and armed to the teeth with her best arrows. It's why she's not in the park itself but on a rooftop nearby where she can see everything that goes on down below. If Steph knows her well enough, she'll know where to find Kate.

[controlledvariable]

It only takes a quick scouting of the surroundings of the park before Steph finds the spot Kate is mostly likely to be, and she makes her way up to the rooftop there.

"Hey." It lacks the usual cheer a greeting would have, because the situation doesn't really allow for that sort of thing. Steph's in her Batgirl gear, utility belt stocked with basically all her supplies, along with a few extra additions on the form of a knife and a few throwing darts (they'd been easier to get her hands on than shuriken). The protection amulet she'd picked up is around her neck, hidden under her suit.

She hadn't seen the same transmission Kate has, and had pretended she hadn't seen any at all. She didn't have to be asked to come along, though, she wasn't gonna let Kate try to take on a militia member on her own.

[joiedeviolet]

Kate doesn't need Steph's or anybody else's permission to take a person on, but she isn't stupid. She knows one person won't be able to handle the Militia no matter how much fighting they know how to do. Maybe they need more than two purple-clad vigilantes, but for now, they'll make do. There is no way Kate will pretend she didn't see that mystery transmission. There is no way she knows that ended well at all. She can only hope the woman is still alive, if not completely and utterly broken.

A nod is the reply Steph gets as Kate's eyes are now on the CiD, replaying the transmission and trying to decipher who's who on the Militia team by face. None of them are familiar to her, but with any luck, they'll be familiar with Hawkeye.

"You ready?" she asks, slipping the device into her pocket. Good thing it's practically indestructible.

[controlledvariable]

She left her CiD in her apartment, just in case they got caught. It's a horrible thought, but being a Bat means being prepared for every opportunity.

"I'm ready. Let's go," she's got the way to the address memorized and starts in that direction, keepig to the rooftops and moving as silently and quickly as posible.

She wonders if she should be scared, but the same anger that had filled her after seeing the transmission with the kids had come back as soon as Kate had shown her this woman being assaulted. Maybe fear would be more sensible, but there's no room for it next to the anger.

[joiedeviolet]

It would have been a good idea if Kate did the same, but she's working with Steph tonight and not the rest of the regular crew. If something goes down badly, she might need to call for backup and while she's a good screamer, there's only but so far her voice will travel.

With a nod, Kate runs toward the edge of the roof, sliding down a drain pipe and down to the pavement below. Fear has taken a vacation tonight. There were enough scared people in that video; Kate needs to help them, not add to them.

[controlledvariable]

When she's close to the address, Steph joins Kate on street level. She brings a hand up to check her braid is still done tight, then pulls out her bo staff so it's ready to extend as soon as they get inside.

"You're in charge," she looks at Kate with a faint smile, Steph doesn't like deferring to others, but Kate normally leads her own team and there's no point them butting heads over who gives orders. "How do you wanna go in?"

[joiedeviolet]

As a leader, Kate is strict and firm, but she also knows when to give in and listen to her teammates. This isn't a solo show and egos are not allowed here. Kate's willing to take the head on this one, but if Steph sees an advantage somewhere, she's free to say so.

"Slow." They could bust down the door like a couple of purple hooligans, but the intel on who lives in the house other than the Militia member is limited. It could only be Henry; it could be Henry having a family reunion. Kicking down the door could be a nice surprise for him but it could backfire on them and end up messy. Better to play it safe and case the joint before they make any moves to get in.

Kate strings a bow, a EMF one to shut down any potential calls for help. It's good to be prepared. "Keep an eye out for his friends."

[controlledvariable]

Steph flicks down the lenses on her cowl and switches to infrared, peering at the house, "I'm... not seeing anyone inside."

That could mean a whole bunch of things, "Some of the walls might be too thick for me to pick up body heat, but..." She gives Kate a shrug, an unspoken what now?. She'd still like to go in, if only to make sure there really is no one there. And at the very least they can check out the place for any info.

[joiedeviolet]

Kate furrows her brow at that. No one inside? Did they miss him? Should they camp out and wait for him? "Damn. What's the likelihood of your thing being on the fritz?"

Not much, Kate suspects. She trust Steph enough to keep her equipment in tip top shape and anything can make up the walls of this house. Kate sighs in frustration, glancing back at the house, concentrating on the windows in case of any movement. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

"Well, we've come this far..." Kate grins at Steph in that way that says that there was no option of ever turning back.

[controlledvariable]

"Zero percent, I'd know if it was an equipment malfunction," the rest of the image is clear, there's just no obvious heat from a human body. Steph flicks the display to simple night vision.

"My thoughts exactly," she grins back, loosening up a little and starting towards the house. Steph heads for the back, because it's easier to slip into the shadows there and they'll draw less attention picking the lock on the back door. This is probably the part where she should be letting Kate take point, but she's not great at this following-other-people thing, although she will stop if Kate tells her to.

[joiedeviolet]

"I need to get me one of those." It'll definitely come in handier than Kate's normal sunglasses.

While Steph slips in on one side, Kate takes the other, covering both ends in the black night. It's deathly silent, both in and out of the house. If they're lucky, the guy will be in bed. In just a few seconds, they reach the rear where Kate gives Steph a nod to get the door. Lock picking isn't her strong suit, but she suspects it might be Steph's.

Deadman's Walk 12 (HELENA AND JASON)

[goodsoldier]

Henry Mau Jennings of Deadman's Walk 12, Dog Fenn, is either Militia, or a very brave cameraman. Jason knows which of the two possibilities he finds more likely.

There are lockers at the station. He leaves his CiD in one. If everything goes well he can pick it up again tonight, and if everything goes to hell, he can walk back and pick it up again tomorrow or in a few days.

Dog Fenn is a quiet little suburban place with a nice park. Not too terribly many places to carry out dark deeds without notice. But it is night, and he walks confidently, like he belongs.

His black bag has, among other things, the crowbar and his lock picks, while he carries his kris and two guns. Ammo is precious here and he can't go in guns blazing like he has before. He notes a restaurant not far from the address and takes to the rooftops several houses away, looking for Helena.

[shadeofviolent]

Jason probably hasn't been waiting long by the time Helena arrives, landing neatly on the rooftop just behind him to his left.

"Nice place. You come here often?"

She's got a smirk on her face as she leans lightly on her bo staff, looking quite ready for a fight or nine. In reality, she's only halfway to the proper mindset for ass-kicking -- Benny didn't want her to go, and she can't quite get his teary expression out of her head -- but a little more of the night air and a good run will set her right, she's sure.

[goodsoldier]

"Oh yeah. I love that steakhouse down the street." Jason deadpans back, pulling his helmet out of the bag and putting it on. It's not his usual deal, the red thing. This one is black, shaped more like a motorcycle helmet, but the visor is only see-through from his perspective, and it goes around enough for his peripheral vision not to be affected. The rest of his get up is pretty typical for him, though, relatively normal-looking, tough wear clothing with body armor under the jacket.

"In fact, we should take Mr. Jennings there. They'll have a walk-in freezer, should be about as soundproof as we can get in the suburbs. You want front or back?"

[shadeofviolent]

"I'm sorry, is this a black-tie affair? I suddenly feel under-dressed." Helena fakes a pout, then flips her hair over her shoulder. "Oh well, too late to go change into a little black dress... and I'll take back, I think."

She doesn't have a real preference, per se, but there's something to be said for old classics.

[goodsoldier]

"Then I'll see you soon." Jason salutes sardonically and stows the bag in the crook of the roof and the chimney, leaping to the next roof and landing practically without sound. He doesn't look back. They've worked together a few times, and that's enough for Jason to trust her. If he didn't, they wouldn't be here together.

The security on the house is good by Baedal standards, which is to be expected of a Militia member, and effort has been made to blend the components in so the residence doesn't stand out. However, Baedal's electric system is not as reliable as it is in a fully industrialized setting, and unfortunately for Mr. Jennings, Jason has disconnected the house from both the grid and the back up generator. This means Helena beats him inside the house proper with a minimum of fuss.

Henry's house is in mild disarray. It's not like he has damning Militia documents lying around that need to be destroyed, but he's in the middle of taking care of a bit of clean up, his bag is mostly packed, and he's in the bathroom dying and cutting his hair.

[shadeofviolent]

"Sounds good." Helena straps her staff back into place before leaping off the roof to move to the backside of Jennings's house.

There are enough shadows that the journey isn't hard, and thanks to Jason, the electrical security is out. She makes a mental note to thank him for that later as she starts working the lock. It's good, but not nearly as complex as any of Gotham's, so Huntress has little trouble jimmying it open with her picks. (Some would be surprised that she knows how to pick locks, but it's not like you can always go around kicking down doors and knocking through windows.)

After she shuts the door, careful not to let it squeak or slam, Huntress pulls her crossbow from its holster and starts creeping down the hall, closing in on the flicker of a light, and the sound of scissors. She leans up against the wall just outside the bathroom, then waits to catch Jason's eye before busting in. There's only so much space in there, after all, and it wouldn't do to try going in together, only to get stuck in the door.

[goodsoldier]

Jason nods her on, since she got there first. He doesn't even have a weapon out, which is partially commentary on his assessment on her and partially because he feels it wouldn't be necessary. The Militia are effective primarily because of their numbers and their better equipment. Neither are a factor in this situation.

In the bathroom, the sound of scissors stop, a clink of metal on porcelain signifying he's put them down.

[shadeofviolent]

A half second after the scissors hit the counter (he's far enough away from them that he won't pick them up again too quickly) Huntress sweeps into the room and fires her crossbow, hitting Jennings in the shoulder before kicking her leg out. Her heel hits the inside of his knee, and there's a dull 'popcrunch' as it connects. He shouts as he crumples to the floor, curling in on himself in a vain attempt to stop the pain.

"Hey. Shut up."

The click of Huntress cocking her crossbow silences Jennings. He stares up at her with wide eyes. The moment he realizes that she's a woman, he smirks and eyes her over.

"Or what?"

Huntress is preoccupied with his gaze (it makes her feel slimey) and doesn't notice him sneaking his good hand around his waistband to his pocket.

[goodsoldier]

It's been a very, very long time since Jason carried non-lethal projectiles. No batarangs, none of that bullshit. His knife is not actually balanced for throwing, either, which is why the hilt bounces off Jennings' forehead, stunning him without knocking him unconscious.

"Tie him up, I'll go check out the restaurant," Jason suggests, stooping to retrieve the knife. He'll make sure whatever security they have is sufficiently disabled, check for any loiterers, and make sure they do in fact have a walk-in freezer. It'll all be ready by the time Helena shows up.

[shadeofviolent]

"Oh sure, leave me to do all the heavy lifting." Huntress pulls duct tape out of her belt, though, and starts tying Jennings down as Jason leaves. Thoughtfully, she wraps his wrists and palms, but leaves his fingers tantalizingly free for ~*future fun*~. (Huntress is not a very nice person, but then, that's been obvious for a while.)

In the end, she's got Jenning's arms tied behind his back and his knees and ankles are also secured. She's also taped his mouth shut, out of consideration for the neighbours. Can't have them waking up, after all.

"Hmm..." She stares down at him for a moment, considering, then smiles. "Right, I forgot."

She sets a foot on his chest, then pulls her crossbow bolt out of his shoulder. The wet sound of it sliding out almost muffled by Jennings's scream, but the gag keeps either sound from being too loud.

"That's better." She wipes her bolt on the hem of the man's shirt before storing it then, again out of deference to the neighbours, she tapes the shoulder wound shut before she slings Jennings up and over her shoulder into a fireman's carry. He's heavy, but she's shouldered worse, and the restaurant isn't too far away. "Let's go, shall we? I hear there's going to be dinner and a show. How exciting."

[goodsoldier]

"Please, like you haven't done harder," Jason calls back as he goes.

The back entrance into the kitchen has been left ajar for them, and there is indeed a walk-in freezer, which Jason has also left open. Only the freezer is illuminated. Cuts of meat line the walls, but there's room for a metal chair and a bit of space to move around it. Jason has thoughtfully laid out a few tools. Some he brought, like pliers, but some he clearly raided from the kitchen, like the meat tenderizer. He goes to give Helena a hand, to get Jennings into the chair and fastened to it.

"Hi," he says blandly, circling back around to face Jennings, crouching there with one friendly hand on Jennings' shoulder. The helmet simply reflects the Militiaman's face back at him. It's probably obvious if it hadn't been earlier that the helmet has some kind of voice modulation built into it — it's just especially noticeable in the enclosed space. "So what'll it be, Henry? What do you value the most: your hands, your eyes, or your balls? You do have those, right? Huntress, you wanna check if he has any balls?"

[shadeofviolent]

"Hmm, not particularly, but--" Huntress sets her heel on Jennings's crotch with an expression of vague distaste and starts putting pressure down. She's not wearing stilettos, but he still writhes and screams, trying to get away. Helena sniffs, then eases off. "Looks like he has them. Although, I expect they're not in mint condition anymore, and they're certainly not all that substantial."

She leans back and starts beating a tattoo with her nails on her bo-staff for show, to ramp up the tension in the room. The bound man's eyes follow the glint of her nails on the metal, and Helena thinks she understands why some people sin to get this kind of rush. At least, she would have, if being in this kind of man's presence didn't make her feel so greasy.

"Maybe we should just start with his fingers. Those are harder to miss. Plus, there's more of them. I think he can stand to lose a few. And you do so love that knife of yours..."

The meet up (FREE FOR ALL)

[goodsoldier]