Log:Kirin Fight Club, Scene 3

Kirin Fight Club 2004/12/06 	 Dark Horse Eleven Hephet (Random Factor) 3

Hephet simply nods. "Yes."

Dark Horse chuckles quietly, "I know you're familiar with Pride, right? I mean...I saw you on the news." He motions with his head to the Palace, "Well, that's his place, even if he's technically not running it officially right now."

Hephet glances over, "I do not see any members of his harem of supervillainesses present. You are aware they shot, with high-caliber bullet, innocent citizen a short time ago? He is currently in the hospital undergoing treatment."

Dark Horse shakes his head, "I'm guessing they've shot more than one person. Who was it this time?" He pauses, "And where'd the 'harem' phrase come from? Was that the news broadcaster's choice of words?"

Hephet notes, "One known as AC/DC believed to still possess the pistol involved in the attempted murder of the unconscious civilian. Recovery may aid prosecution. Individual in question is named Jack Wong. He was investigating the 'Eternal Youth Procedure' used by a front company of Imperial Technologies to lure in out-of-state civilians who then disappear."

Dark Horse nods, "Ok...so if that's the case, what's happened with Imperial Technologies? Are they still in business?"

Hephet nods, "Insufficient information gathered for further action involved Imperial Technologies. Their clinic and offices are still operational in the city. Would need assistance of someone capable of covert surveillance and investigation for further action. Such currently unavailable."

Dark Horse chuckles, "You may have just found your man, though. I'm capable of those actions quite well."

Dark Horse says, "Just yesterday, I was in the Dragon Palace 'employee only' areas, doing a little reconnoitering. Found out a bunch of information about the layout of the place, and a couple more leads."

Hephet smiles slightly, "How fortunate. What would be your name and contact number?" He then checks one of his pockets and pulls out a scrap of paper with an address written on it. "Here is the location of Metatron Holdings Trust, LLC, a front company for Imperial Technologies. The manager of the office is Ernest Goethe, whose last job was a mid-level Special Projects Manager for Imperial Technologies. MHT's only activity appears to be managing something called the Maat Research Center in Nigeria. We currently know that some clients who enter never leave and some people who never seem to have entered leave. These individuals are driven directly to the airport where thy depart on untracable flights."

Dark Horse chuckles, "I'm Dark Horse. And...I don't really have a good number for you to reach me at currently. I can keep you posted on a regular basis, though." He pauses again, "Though...I think I can probably tell you what's going on already, just based on your description."

Dark Horse says, "I bet they're giving these people new identities, altering their appearances, and the like."

Hephet considers, "Current theories are Youth Vampires and Alien Dopplegangers. Clients do not appear to be wanted individuals. Advertisements for eternal youth process placed in beauty and health magazines catering to most narcassistic portions of population."

Dark Horse nods, "Either explanation sounds reasonable. Well, as reasonable as any explanation involving vampires or dopplegangers. I wonder if Pride is hooked up with this? I mean..I know he has ties to the assassins, but that doesn't mean that they don't have other clients."

Hephet considers, "Injured civilian may have simply been in wrong place at wrong time, resulting in his inability to continue investigation."

Dark Horse nods, "What were the circumstances of the shooting? Do you know?"

Using your Streetwise you find out that Asia doesn't seem to have a home. People tell you that she is always at the Dragon Palace or at work. Perhaps that is her home? When you look at old pictures in the media of the Dragon Palace and Pride, a lot of the pictures, under careful exam have Asia in the background. Sometimes she is next to him, sometimes she is just a background face. Again, from your streetwise, you hear about this Youth character. People say that he looks like a little asian kid but is really not that young.

Hephet notes simply, "He approached too close to a trap designed for Pride and was not properly prepared to deal with the Harem of Evil when they arrived on the scene."

Dark Horse blinks..."As in...you set a trap for Pride, and when the assassins showed up, he was in the line of fire?"

Eleven enters from Beach Street.

Hephet notes, "I believe he was hiding nearby at the time."

Dark Horse is up on the building across from the Dragon Palace, speaking with Hephet.

Dark Horse nods slowly, "Tell me more about this trap you set."

Hephet shrugs a big. He rustles around in his coat until he pulls out a chocolate bar. He snaps of a piece and chews thoughtfully. "Standard entrapment procedure. Short-range media broadcast ridiculing targeted villain. Anticipated response in excess of that prepared. No fatalities resulted, but reapprehension unsuccessful."

Dark Horse nods, "Who'd you ridicule? The assassins, or Pride? And how many of them showed up?"

Hephet notes, "Pride alone. Four of the Harem showed up. Only two among the known supervillainesses. Powers displayed included electricity, frost, and super strength."

Eleven limps around the corner walking down main street.

Dark Horse says, "You know...calling them a 'harem' is probably innaccurate.""

Hephet considers carefully, "Group of female supervillainesses, all in the service of a single male supervillain. Term appears appropiate."

Dark Horse shakes his head, "Only if he's the only one they're working for. And I'm not convinced that's the case. Besides, it's a little demeaning."

Eleven approaches the heroes if they are in a area that can be seen.

Dark Horse is on top of the building across the street from the Dragon Palace, speaking with Hephet. They're in plain view...but up on the building.

Hephet is hanging from the side of a building, opposite the Dragon, munching on a chocolate bar while chatting with Dark Horse. He notes, "Elementary tactics. Media attention focusing on Pride as mastermind may cause Harem to become independent. Weakening both groups and assisting in recapture."

Eleven continues to limp around on the streets below.

Dark Horse looks down at the street, "Hey...what's with that guy?" He points to Eleven. "He's kinda walking like he's been shot."

Hephet glances down, "He has been shot recently. That is likely the reason. Excuse me." He scurries down the wall and over to Eleven. "Firearm not located at scene of incident."

Eleven grumbles to Hephet. "Crap. You didn't find it? ..." Jack curses to himself in Chinese and looks very pissed off. "What's going on?"

Hephet points a robotic limb up at Dark Horse. "Mysterious Vigilanti meta-human hunting Pride." He points at the Dragon Palace, "This establishment declared to be owned by Pride."

Dark Horse jumps down off the building, bouncing off a light post with his foot, and lands on the sidewalk near the two of you.

Eleven frowns. "Hey I thought there was only room for one Mysterious Vigilante hunting Pride." He certainly doesn't seem to like competition. Jack sighs. "I guess I'm no good without my gun now.."

Dark Horse chuckles, "If there was only room for one, I thought it'd be Silver Spider."

Hephet considers a moment, "When last I spoke with Silver Spider, she had arranged a meeting with Pride in which she planned to apprehend him. Have not seen her since.

Eleven bahs, "Silver Spider, she doesn't know what she's doing. I'm not worried about her." Jack glances over to the Dragon Palace and then back to Dark Horse and Hephet. "Just when I was ready to get those ninja and Tangki guy. This had to happen." He gives an unfriendly glare to Hephet, perhaps giving him the blame.

Dark Horse looks to Eleven, "You were involved in this...'trap' that was sprung?"

Hephet notes, "Currently mysterious company causing civilians to disappear, new supervillain group by Pride gathering new recruits, and the dread hovership Pegleg may be unleashed at any moment. Tangki is considered low priority. He is only wanted for questioning."

Eleven growls at Hephet, "I could have dealt with Tangki while you guys go play with Peglegs and whatever!" He then answers Dark Horse, "Unfortunately, he suckered me in. This is worst than that time that Flare lured me into a so called trap. Lost my gun there too..."

Hephet frowns slightly, "Plan was valid. Full strength of Pride's minions was beyond reasonable estimate."

Eleven tells the group, "While the eternal youth clinic thing is giving me problems, I did make some headway with Tangki and company. I found out where they hide out and and what company they are hiding under."

Hephet notes, "Self understand you are under medication, in pain, and grieving for weapon of great sentimental value. What is plan for Tangki? There are no outstanding crimes he is wanted for. Police merely wish to discuss certain matters with him."

Eleven throws his hands in the air, "Fine, I'll deal with them when I get better."

Eleven explains to Dark Horse, "Some loser metas that want to have some power while Pride was gone. Now they are getting ready to be killed now that Pride is back."

Eleven tells Dark Horse, "Turns out that his Sumo guy defers to a Samurai Guy. Found out their hideout at a dock warehouse under the name of Rising Sun IMports."

Hephet looks a bit curious, "Samurai Guy? I have not heard of that metahuman."

Eleven nods. "That because you guys never bothered to look into criminals.. "

Eleven seems kind of peeved.

Hephet simply asks, "Is the Samurai actually wanted by the police for committing any crime?"

Eleven answers tersly, "I'm looking into it."

Dark Horse raises a brow at Eleven's comment, "I hope you're not lumping me in with him." He motions to Hephet. "Mainly because I barely know either of you."

Eleven chuckles to Dark Horse. "I'll see when I see you actually do something."

Hephet nods, "Well, feel free to make a report of what you learn to Starguard."

Dark Horse smiles, "The fact that you haven't seen me actually already speaks enough to me."

Eleven asks sarcastically, "Oh and is Starguard going to care? I don't think samurais and sumo wrestlers are considered aliens unless you guys regulate illegal aliens as well."

Hephet notes, "You might also report to the local police."

Eleven just grumbles at Hephet for now.

Eleven tells Dark Horse, "Anyways, those assassin girls took my gun. I'll need to get it back before I can be effective anymore."

Hephet considers carefully, "Perhaps investing in more effective body armor would prove a wiser course of action?"

Dark Horse chuckles, "You're totally ineffective without your gun?"

Eleven groans, "Look at me. Im like a cripple right now. I can't run, I can't fight. I'll have heal up first."

Dark Horse says, "Then why are you here? You might want to go get medical attention."

Eleven is also has a mental thing where he needs a gun to have some confidence. (ooc note)

Hephet nods, "It seems unwise for you to have left the hospital so soon after a gunshot injury."

Eleven explains, "I hate hospitals. Full of weak sick people. Need to get some fresh air. Get the muscles working again."

Eleven asks the group, "What did you guys find about Pride anyways?"

Eleven thinks. o O (I wonder if they got any info that I don't have...)

Hephet considers carefully before replying, "Random Factor is taking over lead of that investigation."

Dark Horse shrugs, "Serena certainly seems to be in the clear. Looks like Asia's not. There's a guy working with her, supposedly named 'Youth'. Apparently he hangs out in the pool hall/arcade, and is older than her appears. This lends some credence to this vampirism/doppleganger thing he was talking about." Again, he motions to Hephet.

Hephet notes softly, "Interesting. He is located at the Pool hall? Perhaps I should speak with him."

Eleven nods to Dark Horse. "Right.. Asia, Pride's Lover and second in command. Youth is her brother. They both are not to be reckoned with."

Hephet sighs a bit, "Family relationships of Pride appear rather complex. Are relatives powers known?"

Eleven says, "You mean his sister? I think she is just some bubbly college school girl that got put in to run the place when Pride was put Jail. I don't think Pride has any super abilities.. He's fast and skill in the martial arts.. But He does have nifty weapons."

Eleven rubs his arms and thinks about all those cuts he got.

Eleven asks Hephet, "What vampire doppleganger stuff are you talking about?"

Hephet finishes off the chocolate bar, "Speculation regarding a current potential problem. Apologies. Starguard duties call. Conversation may be continued at a later time." He bows politely to both of you, then heads off back to his base.