Log:How to Beat a Wolfguard

Rescuing the Wolfguard Kids 2009/11/04 	 Lorelei Dragon Guardian Aura Jennifer 1

In the Workout Room, Steel's Gym
Jennifer and Jessica are waiting in the workout room. They seem a little tense to those who know them well. A message was sent out on some team communications channels and over the coffee shop grapevine that the twins were intending to hold a training session for anyone interested in attending.

Jessica says, "Thank you for coming, everyone."

Dragon Guardian shrugs as he listens, arms folded over his chest as he looks around. "You're welcome... so what you have in mind, ladies?"

Lorelei has arrived in good time. "No problem Jess - is this for something special? It's not often we get called to training over comms..."

Aura is standing near the back. She is a little uneasy, her wings folded behind her, but she was curious and so she came.

Jennifer says, "I'll start with a quick summary of why I'm putting on this session. I received a message yesterday that brought me back to the city from Jefferson's America. The contents of the message are largely irrelevant. The nature of the messengers isn't. Who here has heard of a group calling themselves Wolfguard?"

Lorelei says, "Oh shit - Wolfguard's about?!"

Jessica nods, "From what I was told,yes. At least two of them in the city."

Lorelei's use of such language rather indicates she has.

Aura cocks her head to the side and looks a little confused. Her aura flares in strange colors and she glances at Lorelei, curiously.

Lorelei says, "Two as in two or as in four?"

Jennifer looks at Dragon Guardian and Aura, "I take it from the general lack of reaction you haven't had contact with Wolfguard before or any knowledge regarding them."

Dragon Guardian thinks on that, then shakes his head, "I'm not aware of them... they must be European mainly. Or they stayed away from the racing circuits I was involved with."

Jessica says, "Two of them as in four."

Lorelei nods.

Dragon Guardian says, "No, but from the reactions of you and Lorelei, I take it these are going to make the Triad look small?"

Jennifer says, "Wolfguard is a European based assassination for hire group. At least, on the surface."

Aura nods, "I haven't heard anything about them in the time that I have been on your world." she says softly, "It hasn't been long, but still, and my parents hadn't heard of them either so I have no knowledge."

Lorelei mutters, "When that's your *cover* you know things are bad."

Jessica says, "I am, or rather I used to be Wolfguard. So when you think Wolfguard, basically you're talking about people with capabilities like mine."

Jennifer smiles wryly, "So not too bad, huh?. she says.

Aura blinks and pales a little. Her aura darkens and seems to fade a bit.

Dragon Guardian quirks an eyebrow at that. "You two just told us there's more like you two, at least four in the city... and you said it's not too bad?"

Lorelei frowns. "Male or female?"

Jessica says, "Seriously, Wolfguard assassins are dangerous. But a lot of that comes from the average cape not knowing what we can do and not knowing where we are weak."

Jennifer says, "One of each as I understand the situation, Lorelei."

Aura cocks her head to the side and listens closely.

Jessica says, "So what I want to do today is lay out some information regarding Wolfguard's standard tactics and show you how to kick my butt."

Dragon Guardian winces a bit at that. "Descriptions? And any ideas on who or what they are after? I'm also a bit uncomfortable knowing you two's weaknesses as well."

Jessica says, "Description is unimportant. They can look like anyone they wish to."

Lorelei nods. "Could be worse then. Why couldn't it just be the Horde back again, or another super-tsunami?"

Jessica says, "It seems they are after me, Dragon Guardian. I don't see any option except to go along with them. But that means I'll be out of the city at best, and actively turned against you all at worse."

Lorelei says, "You're going with them?! Why?"

Dragon Guardian frowns a bit. "So you're wanting us able to take you two down at best, and at worst be able to take more than just the two of you down?"

Jessica nods, "Yes. That pretty much sums it up."

Dragon Guardian looks at the other two, then at himself, then at Jennifer and Jessica. "You realize this will take a lot of work?"

Aura raises a brow for a moment and then hmmms slightly.

Jennifer says, "But first a digression into Assassination 101. Realistically once an assassin gets to his or her target, the target is dead. To protect against assassination you have to control access to the target in the first place. The best you can usually do if you fail to control access is to discourage the next assassin by capturing this one."

Jessica says, "Of course Wolfguard know this. So they use a number of ploys to avoid being captured. The foremost is to not be there when the assassination takes place. If you know your target will be in a certain location, say a building, at a certain time, just blow the entire building up from a dozen miles away."

Lorelei says, "Sporting."

Jennifer says, "The second option is to have sufficient hostages to prevent attempts to capture after the hit. If Wolfguard have to make a personal appearance, given the time and opportunity they'll have mined some location, schools are often selected, and threaten to blow it up if not allowed to leave afterwards."

Jessica says, "The lesson to be learned from that is take the initiative away from them. Don't fight on ground they have prepared. Catch them by at least tactical surprise and those options are closed down."

Lorelei says, "I don't see how you do that except by getting them when they're not planning something."

Jennifer nods, "That's largely correct Lorelei. What it means is finding where they are laired up and attacking them there. Because when they come out of the lair they usually have that hostage backup plan in operation."

Dragon Guardian hmms. "Do you have one of their transmitters? If they're going to blow something, maybe I can make a jamming device."

Lorelei says, "A telepath would also be useful. Is there any way to block the mind links? With telepaths or tech? Anything short of sending one to another dimension?"

Jennifer says, "The Wolfguard equipment I have access to is obsolete. In any case they generally resupply from local sources, black market and street weapon dealers for anything other than the standard easily concealed equipment."

Dragon Guardian blinks a few times. "Seriously?" He asks, then grins a bit. "That's up my alley."

Jessica nods, "Yes. MIA have a device to block our link. It's not very mobile and takes time to set up. But it's effective. They took me down with it once. You won't find the MIA local branch in that fishing bait shop down on the docks because there is no MIA. They don't exist. But that's the place to go,"

Dragon Guardian considers, "I don't know about stopping... wait. You said mind link? Maybe I'm lost on something here, but... what mind link?"

Lorelei says, "Would they be doing that? How would they have come here? If by Transmat they'll not have brought weapons with them, would they?"

Lorelei says, "And - well - it's hard to ask people who don't exist for something."

Lorelei says, "Sorry, Dragon Guardani. I think I made Jess skip ahead."

Dragon Guardian shakes his head, looking at Lorelei, "The scanners on the Transmats don't spot everything, Lorelei. They didn't spot my gear after all."

Lorelei says, "That's why I phrased it as a question."

Jennifer says, "Weapons are picked up from various Embassies, sent via sealed diplomatic bag. Some countries covertly cooperate, some are threatened into complying, and Wolfguard have some highly placed supporters in South America and Germany."

Lorelei says, "Ah. I didn't know that."

Lorelei frowns.

Lorelei says, "Do people know where they're based?"

Dragon Guardian frowns a bit, "So... we obviously can't catch them on their own gear... the things they need to pull something off, though, we might have better luck." He says. "Lorelei would have to stay out of some of the areas I can question... she's too much of a public face to go to the black markets and ask around."

Jessica hesitates for an instant before telling Dragon Guardian, "That's the real Wolfguard assassin secret. The reason we can be so effective. I'm one person. My sister and I are separate bodies with a single shared mind. What does that mean. Absolute 100% coordination between my sister and I.

Dragon Guardian hmms. "So fighting both of you is like fighting one person at the same time?"

Jessica nods, "Exactly."

Lorelei says, "They work together as well as one's hands do, if you see what I mean. Believe me, I know."

Jennifer says, "There are a number of bases. After my siblings and I left Wolfguard they moved to new locations. I'm pretty sure there's a base in South America. The Baron's castle is a good bet for another."

Lorelei says, "For that matter, they're pretty effective even when 'split in two'. Though I think it's fair to say it's likely to be disorienting to them at first?"

Jennifer nods, "Yes. It's not usual to be split up. The first few times it happened to me I was totally disorientated for a minute or so. It hardly affects me now because I've been dimension and time hopping so much, but the average Wolfguard has never been separated in that way."

Lorelei nods. "I remember how panicked you were - thinking the other you had been killed...."

Jennifer and Jessica both shudder, "Don't remind me. That was a horrid experience. No offence Lorelei, but given the choice I'd rather be in me than you."

Lorelei says, "None taken."

Dragon Guardian nods. "So what's step one to learning what to do and not to do regarding Wolfguard?"

Jennifer says, "Wolfguard weaknesses. We have structural, tactical, and training weaknesses that can be exploited."

Lorelei says, "Do you mind if we sit? I didn't realise this was going to be mostly a lecture - not that it's not useful!"

Jessica says, "Structural. We're not good at improvising, and we don't fit in well in normal society. That's why Wolfguard are paramilitary assassins using overwhelming force instead of more sensible precision strikes. I doubt if a Wolfguard assassin could maintain cover in a social situation for long. And if you can surprise one he or she will react with combat skill but not with any longer term plan than kill everything in the area."

Jennifer uses the remote to create some comfortable sofas. "Sorry, should have thought of that."

Lorelei says, "Thanks."

Lorelei sits down. "And that's how to spot them, even if they're disguised."

Lorelei says, "They're supposed to look non-descript, but they're social and cultural fish out of water, and as arrogant as - im, no offence, Jenn."

Jessica laughs, "It's true. I like to think I'm not like that anymore, thanks largely to you. But what Lorelei says is absolutely correct."

Jennifer says, "Tactical. Wolfguard distain guns. We'll use them and be good at it. But it's unusual to carry one. Also our mobility is not great. We are quicker and more dexterous than the average guy on the street but that doesn't give any great movement capability. So someone like Ferryl, with good movement and ranged attacks, can dance around us not allowing us to hit them while hitting us."

Lorelei says, "On the other hand some of us are no faster."

Lorelei says, "What's the maximum range of the whips, Jenn? And do they always have those? That's worth knowing."

Jessica says, "The maximum effective range is ten meters. They can be extended further but fine control beyond that range is more hope than skill. The whips are our trademark weapon. I have learned to avoid using them because it's a giveaway but every Wolfguard you meet will go to energy whips first by choice."

Jennifer says, "Also in tactical weaknesses, we are conditioned to obey higher authority. In my case any of the 'Royal' or senior caste. The Royal caste are conditioned to obey the Master, etc. That is built into our genes. And makes us pretty easy to control mentally. You might call it the German effect. I was only obeying orders."

Lorelei says, "Just a thought - can that be faked? How do you recognise a member of the caste?"

Jennifer says, "Good question. I just did. I have no idea how. It's a long time back. We were kids when we left."

Lorelei nods.

Jennifer says, "Finally, training weaknesses. The Wolfguard training is based largely around our ability to coordinate. Usually we'll avoid committing to any action until the opposition has done so. Then whichever twin is attacked will go defensive. The other will attack. So forcing us to commit throws off our trained tactics."

Dragon Guardian thinks a bit. "Hmm..."

Lorelei nods. "I've noticed you usually work one offenive and one defensive at a time. The trouble is, that usually works well."

Jessica says, "Lorelei, Wolfguard are human. Well, mostly human. You'll be very effective against a male. Sadly that means you'll be a high priority target for any female Wolfguard."

Lorelei nods. "I've figured that out. Well, at least if they know what I can do."

Dragon Guardian shrugs, "I'll see what I can do on this... I'm a good combatant, but two working that well together is not going to be easy even for someone who's a martial artist."

Lorelei says, "Jenn, how much loyalty to Wolfguard have to each other?"

Lorelei says, "I'm just wondering what chance I'd have of talking one into fighting another... I know you're always itching for a fight, but...."

Jennifer says, "I was hoping to run some actual simulations but," She looks at Lorelei and Dragon Guardian, "there aren't enough capes on hand to make it viable."

Lorelei nods. "Well, it was a bit short-notice, Jenn."

Jessica says, "Loyalty is extreme. To the Brigade. I've heard rumors of Wolfguard fighting Wolfguard. That never happened when I was still in the organization so I cannot comfirm it."

Lorelei says, "Hm. I'm not sure that tells me anything...."

Dragon Guardian shrugs, "A bit like you never hear of infighting with Triads unless you know where to look, Lorelei."

Jennifer says, "The Wolfguard I knew was a single united organization. But I've recently heard of fractions acting against each other. If the Wolfguard you meet are all from one Brigade they will be intensely loyal to each other. In my day that would have been true of all Wolfguard. I'm not sure it's true any longer."

Lorelei says, "Jenn, you said the message wasn't important. But it might be useful to know why they're in town?"

Jennifer says, "They want me to go to 'visit' the Baron."

Dragon Guardian hmms. "Who's this Baron?"

Lorelei says, "I've heard you mention the Baron but..."

Jennifer says, "Baron Z. Baron Zoristein. The son of the old time villain Dr Destroyer. The genetic engineer who stirred together my genetic cocktail."

Lorelei blinks. "Dr Destroyer's son? And I just thought of something else, Jenn. Given that you're not, um, from around here, how do they know about you?"

Jennifer says, "Well over time I've given away what I am to anyone paying attention. But it's a good question. I shouldn't exist. I'm too young for second generation and too old for third generation. I am actually a third generation model but as Lorelei says I'm not from this year. Heck, maybe they want to talk to me about copyright infringement."

Lorelei says, "Jenn - if what Jennifer says is true - that you'd have to obey someone of the royal caste - how can you even think of going with them?"

Jennifer says, "Because the Baron has offered me a prize worth paying any price for if he means what his message says."

Lorelei says, "What prize?" Jennifer says, "The location of the base where the forth generation have been cloned. If Wolfguard have stayed on schedule those will be, oh, about two or three years old now."

Lorelei says, "But why would he give you that?"

Jessica says, "I cannot think of a single good reason for him to do so. But Wolfguard don't lie to each other. It's not honourable." She shrugs, "Blowing up an apartment block to kill a single political target is fine but lying to one of the family isn't."

Dragon Guardian hmms. "Actually... I'd like to put in a fail safe for this meeting. Something you can use as leverage." He says. "How many has Wolfguard made very angry in the underworld?"

Lorelei says, "Family reunions must be fun."

Jessica says, "Angry? Lots. Scared? Even more."

Dragon Guardian nods. "Leave the baron's location with some of us. If you don't come back... we give it to those they've made angry and especially UEMS and the like."

Lorelei says, "The marshalls? Oh *that'll* help."

Jennifer says, "You can look it up in Yellow pages, Dragon Guardian. According to the Bavarian regional government the Baron is the respected head of a bio-genetic reseach facility in the Black Forest mountains."

Dragon Guardian shrugs, "... it was an idea, Lorelei. And that's a bit scary. If he's that powerful..."

Lorelei says, "Well, that's the Marshalls out. Citadel at least wouldn't lift a finger to help, and would probably arrest you for trepassing if you set a foot on his land without a court order or something."

Jessica laughs at Lorelei's comment. "That's just so utterly true."

Jennifer says, "Alex has been there."

Lorelei nods.

Dragon Guardian shrugs, "Then... we do it another way. How many heroes have you helped and respect you in this city again?" He smiles a bit. "I don't know about any others, but you're one of the few I'd say most of them would go after the Baron for."

Jennifer says, "I have another hope actually. If the Baron does reveal it, I hope the heroes here will go get my nieces and nephews away from Wolfguard."

Lorelei says, "Jenn - I just thought of something - back to tactics."

Jennifer nods and listens.

Dragon Guardian hmms, then nods, "If it happens, I'll put the word out on the 'net."

Lorelei says, "You said that because one of you is on the offensive and one on the defensive you throw them off by attacking the 'wrong' one. But - am I right in thinking if you've stunned one you've stunned both? Doesn't that suggest you actually want to concentrate fire? (Well, if they're still mindlinked.)"

Dragon Guardian hmms, then shakes his head, "No... I see where it's going. They'll be expecting someone to concentrate on only one. It's ingrained. Am I right?"

Jennifer says, "Yes. You are right in that if one of me gets hit hit enough to stun me it obviously stuns me. But short of a mentalist, honestly, Lorelei, how many heroes could hit me when I'm being defensive?"

Lorelei says, "So - get one on the defensive, then concentrate fire on the other."

Dragon Guardian shrugs, "I can hit, I just can't injure. I'll have to think on that one. Do all of the Wolfguard have your defenses?"

Jessica nods. "Yes. Once one twin has gone defensive, ignore that one and go for the other half of a Wolfguard.

Lorelei thinks. "The adults - they'll be second-gen. Are there significant differences between the second and third gens?"

Jennifer says, "Yes. Actually, Dragon Guardian, the Wolfguard equipment I carry is training gear for kids. The mission equipment is rather more deadly."

Lorelei says, "Wonderful."

Jennifer says, "We're faster and stronger than the second Generation. But they have a lot of years of extra training."

Lorelei nods.

Dragon Guardian shakes his head, sighing, "This is going to be troublesome..."

Lorelei says, "I suppose nuking them from orbit is out of the question?"

Dragon Guardian shrugs, "I could make a bomb big enough, fly over his place, and drop it."

Dragon Guardian says, "Out of chewing gum and string."

Lorelei says, " ... remind me to stop chewing gum."

Jennifer says, "Well not the base where the kids are. But anywhere that's not going to create too much collatral damage, yeah, go for it."

Dragon Guardian blinks, then looks at Lorelei. "Early 1990's show called MacGuyver... I think I got the name right. Go look it up sometime." He looks at Jennifer. "I'll see what I can do. Making bombs ain't easy, though."

Lorelei says, "They're better at it than we are, I'll bet."

Dragon Guardian shrugs and pulls out something. A small round ball with a flip open case and a button on top. "These actually took over two hours to figure out... making something that big... hmm... oil, proper ignition, some sort of timer... that'd take a while."

Jessica sighs, "Yes. Listen to me. At the moment they don't seem to be too hostile to Colonial Bay. Why I don't know but that seems to be the case. If you start to affect them significantly you'll be targeted. It's something to consider before you jump in."

Lorelei says, "True. Hm - maybe it's because they don't have too many enemies - or friends in the US yet? Strong and arrogant they may be, but that's no reason to pick fights you don't need."

Jennifer nods, "True. Their objective is in Europe."

Lorelei says, "Say - do you know what their objective is?"

Dragon Guardian rolls his eyes, "Jennifer, I have Triads that would gladly kill me at least twice back in China. Simply because I took on some of their top fighters, kept whatever the hell they wanted away, and then made an escape to the States. Wolfguard is just one more organization I'd have to seriously worry about and otherwise watch for. At least they're a bit easier to spot."

Jennifer says, "Yes. The establishment of the Forth Reich covering the entirety of Europe. The assassination business is just a fund raising and field exercise sideline. What we actually are intended as is test models for the Forth Reich's super-soldier stormtroopers."

Dragon Guardian shakes his head, "Dictators... you sure you don't want back up of some sort when you go?"

Lorelei says, "Again, wonderful."

Jennifer says, "The Baron created us. You can be sure he has a few top of the line models on hand to protect him. Plus I'm pretty sure a single word or two from him and I'll be saluting and asking, 'Jump? How high?'. He's going to have put a couple of backdoors into us. Only makes sense. Backup wouldn't do anything other than put others at risk as well as me. It's still a price worth paying if he comes up with the location of the new training base."

Dragon Guardian says, "You're also not giving a choice to your friends in this. I'd go along... might make a mess of things if it comes down to a fight, but I'd still come along."

Lorelei says, "I still don't get it. You've no reason at all to trust him."

Jennifer says, "You're right. I'm not going to give the choice of coming with me to any of my friends. I feel bad enough as it is. I do not want to also know I killed any of you."

Jennifer looks quizzically at Lorelei, "Huh? If course I trust him. He's Baron Z. Why shouldn't I?"

Dragon Guardian frowns at Jennifer. "Now I get it.... they gave you some sort of command, didn't they? The whole brainwashing thing?"

Lorelei says, "Um - Jenn. I think this is part of the inbuilt conditioning you were talking about. Put it this way. If some villain who wasn't Baron Z said that, would you trust him?"

Jennifer says, "Of course not. That would be silly. Trusting a villain? But the Baron made us. He's different."

Lorelei says, "Precisely. He's different because you've been made to trust him."

Jennifer says, "Well sure I trust him. He's a villain but he's an honourable person."

Lorelei thinks. o O (And that's the thing. Why not just order Jenn back? If there's any reason to trust him, it's because a ruse seems unnecessary.)

Lorelei says, "How do you *know* that, Jenn? Do you have any real evidence?"

Jennifer nods, "Well yes of course. I just know he's basically honourable."

Dragon Guardian frowns. "There's two types of honor, Jennifer. Those that follow a code... and those that do anything to follow a code or restore their personal honor to that code. And I do mean anything. Which is he?"

Jennifer says, "Back during the rift war, Alex, Yutaka, and Valencia went to see Baron Z. They were looking for information about a fixer named Morlock who was hiding out in the Baron's castle. The Baron held up his end of the deal he made with them."

Lorelei says, "Right. Well, that's something. Jenn, in that case, can I ask you to promise me something?"

Jessica says, "The Baron is Prussian nobility. He'd annexe Poland in a heartbeat. But he wouldn't go against his code of honour."

Jennifer smiles, "You can ask, Lorelei. But if it involves my family I'll need to hear what it is before promising."

Dragon Guardian hmms. "In that case... I'd like to make an emergency transmitter. The Baron can obviously order you around, but can he order you when you're not in plain sight to not call for help? The frequency would be extremely high. Possibly belong sensing and be enough for us to know where you are at the time."

Lorelei says, "It's this: please talk to Alex about this. You trust him, and he's dealt with the Baron, and he doesn't have any pre-programmed behaviour. Don't go if you can't convince him that you should."

Jessica and Jennifer nod at once, "I can promise that, Lorelei."

Lorelei smiles. "Good. It's all I ask."

Jennifer says, "Sounds like a good idea, Dragon Guardian."

Dragon Guardian nods. "How long do you have before you have to go?"

Jennifer says, "The mesaage didn't give any deadline. There doesn't seem to be any great rush."

Dragon Guardian nods. "Give me a couple of days. I'll also add in some extra surprises that they won't know about. Who knew being part of an underground racing circuit at one time would come in useful?" He sighs a bit.

Jennifer nods, "Try not to forget what I've said about fighting Wolfguard. If this is on the level, and I'm sure it is, I'm likely to be staying with the Baron. But that's a small price for having the forth generation kids rescued."

Lorelei says, "The more I hear about Wolfguard, the more I worry about them. They might be more of a threat than the Horde, or that black hole...."

Dragon Guardian frowns at Jennifer. "I'll say this much... if they are rescued, don't count out a lot of us coming for you."

Lorelei says, "Jenn - I understand you want to rescue the kids but - isn't there another way?"

Dragon Guardian sighs. "Lorelei, we have to respect her choice. I imagine it's something like she's been looking for a way to rescue them for a long time with people who have even more contacts than most. Am I right?"

Jennifer says, "If I knew where the new training base was, then maybe. But I don't. The Baron seems to be willing to tell me that. Although even if I knew, I'd have to ask for help. At a training base there's going to be at least a couple of Royal caste."

Lorelei nods.

Dragon Guardian smiles a bit. "In other words, it's time we start asking around for help and we've got a short amount of time to do it?"

Jennifer smiles, "I didn't say that. But I wouldn't object or complain."