>>5190748“Lonicera, do you know anything else about the other two groups that may be on their way?” You ask, seeing a potential informant. “Abilities, methods, timing. Anything might help.”
“Yeah, I got a pretty good idea of who else took the job.” Loni admits, waving off her crew as they start to draw a little closer, no doubt as a sign of good faith and to allay their own concerns. “One group’s made up of heavy-hitters called the Breaker’s Dozen. Focus on demolition and full-blown offense. More of a loose collection of violent sociopaths than a proper team, but that doesn’t stop ‘em from getting the job done. There’s only eight of ‘em, so the name’s kind of a misnomer.”
“Sound like my kinda gals.” Rath mutters, only half-joking.
“And the others?” You prompt, ignoring your ally’s comment.
"Sneaky bunch that go by the Hassan, supposedly led by someone of the same name.” Lonicera explains, shifting what little weight she has as her flock briefly chirp in protest. “They’re renowned for their skill with wet works and infiltration, but as far as I know they’ve turned down any contracts that involved trying to filch Mara’s stuff…then again, that was when Mara was still around. If they’re on their way to you, they’re not gonna make it obvious. Hell, if I were them I’d wait until the Dozen got around to making some noise and then move in…but hey, what do I know?”
“What about the one who posted the contract in the first place?” You continue, and Loni shakes her head.
“You’d have to have that out with the girl who gets us our contracts. She’s the Skintalker. Best we’ve got with us is some combat-focused Neuromancy. Whoever it was, though, was ready to pay through the nose to make it happen. Smells like some old money, to me. Someone who’s been around a while to be able to throw around that sorta coin without batting an eye.”
“Duly noted.” You sigh, planting your hands on your hips as you size up the situation. “Sounds like you and your girls are looking for honest work. I’ve got a contact who’d be in the market for your skills, if you’re in the market for it?”
“Wh-…y-yeah, of course!” The other girl stammers, taken aback by your offer. “Steady work’s hard to come by, and honest work at that?”
You nod and smile, all the while the seconds are ticking away in the back of your mind.
Seconds to minutes.
Minutes to hours.
Five remain.
Use them wisely.
>>Make plans for intercepting Behemoth—Relic loadouts, contact, and logistics. It’s go time (Choose Intercept Team and Defense Team, in addition to any other pre-conflict preparations.)>>You’re running short on time, but there’s one or two more places/persons you need to touch base with (Write-In).>>Write-InYOU ARE IN CONTROL
