The address on Mr. Talent's card led each of them to downtown to a nice, yet rather non-descript office building.  As they each approached the doors, a security guard promptly walked over and opened the door for them.  Obviously, they were expected.

"Take the elevator to the fifth floor, sir.  Suite 550."

It felt strangely like they were showing up for a job interview.

The elevator opened to the fifth floor hallway, and it took a little time to find the suite.  There was no company logo or anything else to indicate the occupant of the suite.  Finding the door unlocked, they opened it and peered inside.

Nothing.  The place looked deserted, except for a low light coming from a room around the corner.

Venturing inside, they found a simple conference room, bare except for four chairs.  Evidently, they were meant to take a seat...

H stood a bit, breathing in the atmosphere of the suite. He paced slowly, touching this and that chair, feeling them.

He took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a long puff, spreading the smoke when breathing out as if marking his territory. This reassured him a bit.

He paced a bit to and fro, waiting for others to join him.

Kyle looked around quickly, his eyes taking in every detail.  Satisfied that he wouldn't be suddenly ambushed, he walked over to one of the empty seats.  With a slight psychic push, he levitated his Magic deck into his hands and began shuffling the cards nervously.  Other than that small sign, he kept his emotions closely guarded; he didn't want the doubt he was now feeling to show to whoever else showed up.

Hopefully they won't be too thuggish, he thought to himself, images of men better suited for shadows than public viewing flashing through his mind.

His eyes flashed across to the other occupant of the room, silently gauging him before resuming their wandering path over the room.

"I hope this starts soon," Kyle said as nonchalantly as he could.

"Yeah tell me about it.  This place is creepy, eh?"

Bouncer spoke up as he enters the room, his tone mellow and humorous.  His dark coat, slung at first over one shoulder, was moved to the back of a chair across from Kyle.  The young man took a seat and looked around the room.

"Cozy, Looks like just the place for a late night rap session.  Four chairs, I suppose that means we're one shy."

He took a closer look at his 'co-workers', getting a better feel for his reason for being here.  Leaning back in the chair and resting his hands behind his head, Bouncer looked up at the ceiling waiting for the final arrival.

"I guess we're only waiting for Mr. Talent to arrive.", said H, in a dry and monotonous tone, as if trying to hide something.

He took another puff from his cigarette, exhaling the smoke and letting it twirl around his black wrinkled suit in a downward spiral.

"We are all here for the same reason, right? A Mr. Talent invited us."

Another long puff of his cigar, while taking a step back and gauging his companions. This time the smoke came out in the shape of a small dragon, who took nest on his unkept black hair, there to dissipate.

"I'm H, by the way. Just H."

Derek slipped quitely into the room just as H made his introduction...he quickly glanced at each person. As he noticed the fourth chair, he made his way to it.

"Name's Nightshyft...been here long?"

The shadows around Derek were very agitated, betraying his nervousness and guarded posture...evil looking tendrils and wispy flying things appeared and dissappeared around his body and the chair. Nervous, Derek began to "play" a silver dollar along his hand... making it walk across the top of his hand... ableit, a little clumsily.

Kyle returned his deck to it's holder before rising and introducing himself.

"I'm Kyle Dunroe, and, well, I'm here because Mr. Talent asked me to be here," Kyle said, his eyes flashing across to the others in the room.

"I wonder what he wants with us..." Kyle muttered under his breath as he sat back down.

Bouncer closed his eyes and slowed his breathing a bit as the introductions went around.

"You guys can call me Bouncer."

He opened his eyes yet remained leaning back and relaxed while looking at each of the men in the room.

"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough why we are all here."

H shifted weight from one foot to the other to disguise his nervousness, but only managed to attract atention to himself. It wasn't that he was unconfortable, only that he was not at ease with new people.

"So, you guys were all contacted by Mr. Talent... what was your impression of him?"

H didn't like the silence in the room; it was overbearing, made him uneasy, and all these people, with secrets all their own... it was all he could do to break the ice. It sure beat talking about the Dodgers.

"Take it easy H, sit down and relax.  We all have our impressions lets leave it at that, though I guess I should admit that I like his style."

Bouncer remained in his leaned-back position, hands behind his head.

"Course if you really want to talk about something, I'm curious what this gig is all about.  Doesn't feel like any thing I've done previously.  And this office is way too stuffy, no atmosphere or anything."

H took a while to look at the man calling himself Bouncer, impressed but still hiding his views very well.

Still smoking, he took Bouncer's advice and took a chair; a wisp of smoke trailed down around a chair leg to rest on one of his shoes.

"I have no idea what this is all about, but it has piqued my curiosity to see so different fellows on the same room. I wonder what Mr. Talent as in store for us."

He finished his cigar, looked for an ash tray, and finally stepped on the cigarette-butt after throwing it on the floor.

A newly lit cigar quikly replaced the old one. He looked briefly to the flame, watching it as it shaped a dancing feminine form before putting it inside his jacket.

"I also don't know what to make of this office, but I sure would like something to wet my mouth with."

"So...I take it this is your first "special job" Bouncer? H? Or You?" Looking at Kyle...

Nodding his head slowly, Derek once again looked around the room, then again at the other three occupants.

" Talent has obviously chosen each of us for a reason, besides the fact that each of us is obviously one of the "Gifted" he called us." Derek flipped the coin into the air, passing through several of his shadow phantoms, to finally catch it in his fist.

"So...who wants to go first? Who wants to lay his cards down and show his hand?"

"I suppose I should go first..." Kyle said, rising nervously from his seat.  Once again, he levitated his deck to his hand.  He shuffled it a bit more before setting it in front of him, where it floated seemingly of it's own power.

Kyle drew a card and held it so that everyone could see.  The card was a Fireball card, and as the others looked on, it seemed that the fireball was trying to force its way out of the card.  Finally, with a whoosh, it burst free and flew to the center of the room, where it erupted in a small but intense blast.
"I'm not entirely sure how it works," Kyle said as he returned the card to his deck, and the deck to its holder, "but I can bring the cards in my deck to life.  I'd rather be without it, personally, but that's what I do."

"A most impressive display, Mr. Dunroe.  You have a most unusual talent, even among the Gifted.  I suspect you've only just begun tapping the possibilities."

No one had noticed him enter.  He was simply there.

Mr. Talent had arrived.

He stood confidently at one end of the dimly lit office, like a school teacher lecturing to his pupils.  He still had the confident smile and knowing tone that he demonstrated in his first meetings with each of them.

"I'm pleased to see that all of you have decided to come tonight and listen to my proposal.  You each possess certain unique talents which will be useful in this venture.

"I know that questions are running through your minds.  I will attempt to answer some of them.

"I represent an organization that needs your assistance.  Simply put, they have had something of great value stolen from them, and they desire its safe return.

"Now, you are all relatively new to your gifts, but I'm sure that you can understand that conventional law enforcement has very little involvement in the affairs of our kind.  Humanity, for the most part, is unaware of our existence, and we prefer to keep it that way.  Therefore, in a circumstance such as this, it is often necessary to employ a more direct approach."

He paused for a moment, letting this sink in to his guests.

"Of course, you are wondering how we found each of you, and why you've been chosen for this opportunity.  Let me address the second question first.

"The party that has stolen from my client is rather well-known and maintains an unusually public profile.  If it should become known that my client took direct action against him, there would be certain uncomfortable questions asked.  My client would prefer to avoid this.

"That is why you have been approached.  Your gifts have only recently been acquired and you are largely unknown to the rest of our kind.  For reasons of your own, you have largely kept yourselves out of sight.  You have no connections to anyone who might have a concern in this matter.  Therefore, your actions could not be traced back to my client.

"Put simply, you provide plausible deniability."

He paused once again, casually looking over their expressions.

"How did we find you then?  Well, I'm sure each of you by now has felt the presence of others like yourselves out there in the shadows.  You've felt your skin chill... seen figures in the periphery of your vision.  Perhaps some of you have seen humans react to you in discomfort... or even fear.  This is the effect that beings of power have on others.

"There are those with gifts that give them exceptional sensitivity to such effects."

Once again a pause as he let that bit of information settle over them in a wave of paranoia.

"The answer to your question is "yes"... if we became aware of you, then others are or will be."

A longer pause, and then he smiled.

"However, this is where we can help you in exchange for helping us.  My client has authorized me to offer each of you a substantial sum of compensation for your assistance in this matter... $1,000,000.  In addition, successful completion of this task will earn you favor with a very influential group of individuals.  Such favor may bring you valuable information and further opportunities down the road."

He let this sink in.

"Now before I get into the details of the proposed task, I have to ask whether you agree to these terms.  If not, then you are free to go and I wish you well out there."

With that, Mr. Talent fell silent and surveyed the men before him... waiting for their response.

"Well, that certainly answers some of our questions..."

H took another puff of his cigarette, the smoke coming out perfectly normal. He leaned forward in his chair, to accentuate his following remark.

"I understand that we are to be put in a somewhat physically endangering situation, right? Or the amount of money would not be that considerable."

"He's right," Kyle said with a heavy sigh.  "A million dollars is quite a sum of money, and I'm worried about what that money will entail."

Kyle stood and paced about the room for a moment or two before turning back to Mr. Talent.  "I've come this far already, and I don't much like the alternatives to working with you, Mr. Talent.  As you said, there are others out there that know we exist, and their methods of recruitment may not be as... gentle as yours are."

For a few more moments, it looked like he was going to say more, but instead of speaking he slouched back to his seat and sat down, looking completely miserable.

"I agree to your terms," Kyle said, finally, feeling dreadfully certain that he really had no other options.

Nightshyft then spoke. " OK....I really wish you would stop doing that. One Million? Four of us? ...This is quite a big job you are hinting at...I know my qualifications here...BESIDES my "gifts"...I reiterate...what abilities do we have here?"

Bouncer leaned back and relaxed while Mr. Talent filled them in on various points and questions they have all had.  Then he offered the grand sum of 1 million dollars, and at this Bouncer blinked and sat upright, hands still behind his head.  The others shared their concerns while Bouncer slowly set his hands palm down on the table.

"Hmm...yeah like Kyle said, I don't like the alternatives.  You might as well count me in Mr. Talent, my mind was made up before I got here tonight.  And just for the record...this is going to be untracable fundage right?  Cash, or a highly secure Swiss account?"

Mr. Talent replied to their pressing questions.

"Yes, the compensation is considerable and it reflects several considerations.

"First, as you have suggested, the task does involve a high degree of personal risk.  It is entirely possible that one or more of you may not survive.  However, please keep in mind that we would not have selected you if we didn't think there was an excellent chance of your success.

"Second, the compensation serves as an incentive for your loyalty and your discretion.  My client wants to ensure that you will deliver their property and that you will not be... tempted... by competing offers.

"All sums will be paid in cash, and I have been authorized to leave you each with a downpayment of $50,000.  This is a small taste, to be sure, but it should be sufficient to confirm our seriousness."

He paused for a moment and looked over their faces, content that he had addressed their questions.

"Now, as to the particulars of the task.

"Some of you may have heard of an organization called the Ninth Mystery.  It has gathered occasional press as a new-age spiritual group seeking 'advancement of the human condition'.  It has groups throughout the country, but its leadership is centered in this city.

"What is unknown to the public is that this order is a front for a group of Gifted headed by a man called Brother Ivory, a being of substantial psychic power. We have only limited information about the organization's activities, but we believe that Ivory uses the religion as a means of recruiting normal humans and somehow dominating their minds.  They effectively become an army of sleeper agents operating on his behalf.

"We have also received reports that he has used his recruits as fodder for experimentation.

"Ivory is also a former associate of my client.  The property that he stole is the source of the power he holds over his current followers.  You are being asked to retrieve that property.  Any damage that you may do to Ivory's organization in the process would be considered a bonus.

"The Ninth Mystery will be holding a major ceremony at its facilities tomorrow night.  The frenzy of activity will provide an excellent opportunity for you to gain entry, disrupt the operations, and retrieve my client's property.

"We have information on the location of an underground access point to the building, which is used by the organization's Gifted leaders and lackeys to enter and leave unnoticed.  This will be your point of entry.  You will then need to make your way up to the top floor of the building.  This is Ivory's private quarters where we believe he keeps the property in question...

...a child called 'Paz'."

He stopped again, and let the information sink in.

"Now, if you have any further questions, I will address them now.  If not, we will begin preparations."

"Actually, I do."

H shifted nervously on his chair. His trembling hand took his cigarette another time to his lips, as he raised his eyes to Mr. Talent to ask his question.

A small puff, and this time the smoke came out looking like a raging panther, dissipating after clawing at empty air.

"You want us to get into the Headquarters of a powerfull psychic Gifted and return a child named Paz."

He looked around at the group, looking for some look of approvement or support. He went on after smoking a bit more.

"If we Gifted sense the presence of each other, how will a powerfull psychic not know we're there?"

Bouncer ran a gloved hand through his dirty blond hair while listening carefully to the asignment.  Then he crossed his arms and nodded in agreement with H's question.

"Good call, H."

He freed an arm and propped his chin on his fist, thinking-man style.

"Along that line, while the frenzy of activity will ease security for our entrance, it could lead to trouble on the exit should trouble happen to find us liberating the prize.  Not that I would mind a little rumble in Hippyville."

He glanced at the others, gauging each face for a brief second as they too responded with questions.

"I think that's where I could come in handy," Kyle said, drawing forth his deck once more.  Shuffling it a bit, he drew forth a card, this time the picture of an ornithopter on the card face.  A moment later, sitting in the middle of the room, was an exact replicate of the vehicle in the card.  "It's quite real, I assure you," Kyle said, seeing the suspicious glances the others were giving the new item.  "This one isn't good for much other than buying us some time while we escape.  However, I have a few cards that would allow me to do... more impressive feats."

A moment later, the device was gone once again, and Kyle had returned his cards once more to their holder.

"I do believe we're still waiting on what everyone else is bringing to this mission," Kyle said, his nervousness dying down now that he was in familiar territory once more.

H once again shifted in his chair. This was proving to be of a freak show than he expected - but he was one of them now.

"I'm sure every one of us here is more than able to find a solution to escape the place, but that just solves one part of the equation; we'd still have to find a way in, a way to cover our tracks, a way to get to the child, and a way to survive after the job is done. We'd have to either stick together, or stick with Mr. Talent for a very long time."

H took a long puff out of his cigar this time.

"Quite frankly, I think this is madness. I think we're all going to die there."

The smoke came out a Death's Head.

Mr. Talent smiled at H's comment.

"Such the pessimist, my dear Mr. H.  Be careful, though... those who are convinced that they are going to fail will usually find a way to make it happen.

"Still, you and Mr. Bouncer raise some good questions, and I am happy to provide as much information as I can to improve your chances for success.  As I said, it's in my client's interest that you come back with their property."

He paused for a moment, focusing his attention on H.

"First of all, you have the advantage that no one will be expecting this, including Brother Ivory.  Ivory is formidable, but he is also overconfident.  He believes that his public profile will dissuade other factions from taking direct action against him, but this is a critical miscalculation.

"And while Ivory has powerful psychic talents, he is not precognitive.  Indeed, his attention will be focused almost entirely on tomorrow's ceremony.  Keep in mind that sensing the presence of other Gifted is not the same as knowing who, where or how many they are.

"It is likely that certain Gifted followers of his will be on hand, but I am confident that the power represented in this group will be adequate to deal with them.

"Just remember that you must strike hard and strike fast.  Do not hesitate, because they surely will not.

"As for entry, I believe that our shadowy companion over there will be your key."

"OK...getting in is easy...piece of cake actually. Getting OUT with the kid?...."

Derek felt a little self concious at the stare of the others. Glancing from Mr. Talent to the others, he supressed a slight grin...

"Alright then...since some of you have been nice and showed what you can do....I guess it is my turn. As you have noticed by now, shadows do funny things while I'm around...become something more than just shadows. Heheheh...well, I can also take on some of the properties of the shadows as well."

With this declaration, Derek made the shadow around him cavort and dance in strange shapes...then he simply melted it down into a two-dimensional shadow.

" On top of that....my profession is...how you say? Freelance Acquisitions Expert...get the drift? So, Mr. T., what building plans do you have? What type of "normal" security BESIDES the Gifted does Brother Ivory have? Also...any information as to WHO on the local Police Force( if any) is in Brother Ivory's pocket? "

"And if there are any non-Gifted security or police ties....how fair game are they?  I hit pretty hard so I need to know if I can throw all I've got into it or not."

Bouncer slammed his fist into his palm and cracked his knuckles, then repeated the action his other hand.

"You all sound like some characters in a comic book, all eager to test your skills against some super-powered foe."

"But I'll join in your little charade, at least for now. I can always appreciate the view."

H was feeling more and more uneasy about the whole business, and was finding it harder and harder to disguise his discomfort. His smoking became more tense by the minute.

"Eager, H?  No.  I'd rather have nothing to do with this, but as things stand, it's the best course of action," Kyle said, looking H straight in the eyes.  "I'm sure that the good Mr. Talent over there feels the same way, if he didn't need us for this, we wouldn't be here."

Kyle paused for a few moments, letting his words sink in before continuing.  "We're going to need everything we've got for this, I'm sure.  However, it does us no good to treat this fatalistically.  We have to go in thinking not only that we can do this, but we will do this.  Anything less, and we'll probably all end up dead."

Again, Kyle paused to let his words sink in.  After a moment, he turned to the rest of the group.  "We're going to need a plan for this to succeed.  We've my skills, which will likely come in handy as we're on our way out, we've got Bouncer's strength and Nightshyft's skills.  So, what are you bringing to the table, H?"

Kyle stood once again looking straight into H's eyes.

H listened attentively to Kyle's speech, all the while smoking as if he had nothing to lose from it.

He finished his cigar, lit another one, and tossed the empty packet in a corner.

As soon as Kyle was finished, he took a big smoke out of it. Holding it on, he said:

"I thought you had already guessed."

He blew the smoke out, slowly. It took on a shape.

"I can do things with smoke."

The smoke took on a shape of a small pixie, which flew to Kyle, kissed him on the right cheek, and then dissipated, waving a merry goodbye.

H smiled at Kyle, taking another puff of his cigarette. The smile was not as merry as his pixie's.

"Damn, I'm starting to feel down right mundane next to you folks."

Bouncer's smirk enhanced the sarcastic tone of his voice.

"A smoke shaper, a gambler with funny cards, and a shady character.  I don't know H, feels more like something from a B movie than a comic book....maybe Mystery Men.  As long as we don't wear any bright colored spandex we should be alright."

Bouncer ran a hand through his hair, and waited for whatever information Mr. Talent chose to give them next.

Mr. Talent addressed Bouncer's questions first.

"There is no need to feel mundane, Mr. Bouncer.  Your abilities may not seem as flashy, but do not underestimate the value of simple physical power.

"You and Mr. Nightshyft have raised some important questions, and I will provide you with the intelligence that we have.

"The facility of the Ninth Mystery is a three-story mansion in the city's eastside.  The first and second floors are the areas open to the group's human followers, and we have detailed information regarding the layouts."

The man seemed to pull two large rolls of paper from out of thin air and hung them on the wall.

"The top floor is restricted and we do not have much detail on the layout.  Ivory's personal quarters are on this floor, as well as those of four or five other Gifted who support him.  We have only limited information on their identities and abilities, as they've managed to keep a very low profile on their activities and association with Ivory.  We do believe, however, that their Gifts are of a similar level of power to your own.

"The building will also have a basement.  Again, we do not have details of this area, but this will be your likely access point from the underground entrance.  You should be prepared for at least one, and perhaps two, of Ivory's Gifted agents to be guarding this area.  That would leave as many as three others upstairs to deal with.

"This should be the extent of Ivory's protection.  He would not trust any human security personnel.  However, you are welcome to deal with any human resistance you encounter at your discretion.

"As for any police involvement, my client has certain relationships that will help ensure that any response is... delayed.  If you move quickly, you shouldn't have a problem."

He paused once again.

"Any further questions?"

"That is a lot of open ground over there... I sure hope our good friend the shadow-manipulator can find us some cover to get to the child..."

H was apparently calmer, now that he'd accepted his situation and the group. His smoking was still tense, though, as he voiced his next questions.

"Speaking of which... can you share any information on the infant? Any reason why your employer wants him? Any... Gifts... he might possess that we should know about?"

Mr. Talent's brow furrowed a bit at H's question.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that my client has not seen fit to provide me with details regarding the property in question.  Please suffice it to say that it is of great value to them, and it is therefore understandable that they would prefer to keep such information confidential.

"Now, are there any other questions that I may answer?"

H took the tip from Mr. Talent, and replied dryly.

"I think you have already answered our questions, Mr. Talent. If none of my companions have further questions, I say let's go get the brat."

Bouncer shrugged.

"I think I got one, how are we getting there?  And does anyone have a plan?  Then again, we could always just do what we do best and hope it works out."

"OK...one thing Mr. Talent? Will the kid come along with us, or are we going to have to force him?"

Derek looked around at the others and then nodded to Bouncer.

"And I agree with Bouncer here...We NEED a plan. H? Smoke, huh? How about this...can you create enough smoke to make it look like the kitchen's are on fire? Say smoke seeping outa the walls and such? How about you Kyle? What sort of "fire" things can you provide? Leaping flames? Wall of flames? Get my idea yet?"

Derek looked at the maps and pointed at the corners of all the rooms...then panned across the whole of the maps.

" Cameras...are there any in any of these rooms? What about motion detectors in the rooms where no one is supposed to be? Glass break alarms on the windows? Look...I may sound paranoid here, but this is what I did for a living BEFORE the gift....so I am looking at this from a professional angle. I personally don't want to get caught because we went in half-cocked."

"Good thinking, Nightshyft.  Yeah, I can provide you with a wall of flame and a few fire elementals if you give me the time.  Of course, a well timed distraction would do wonders for this mission.  Like, say, an assault on the front doors when we're ready to get out of there, or something of the like."

Kyle sat thinking for a few moments, trying to think of what else they would need.

"My friends, I would prefer if we discussed this somewhere else. If it's time for plan discussing, I would like it to remain in our circle."

H took a short smoke of his cigarette.

"I believe we shoudn't burden our employer with such a load.", he said, looking at Mr. Talent.

He then replied to Nightshyft.

"I can do with smoeke whatever I like, my shadowy friend. You just have to ask."

Again his smile, while taking another smoke.

Mr. Talent turned his attention to Nightshyft and addressed his question.

"Your expertise in such matters is one of the very reasons that we approached you, Mr. Nightshyft.  I am happy to tell you what we know and what we suspect regarding the building's security.

"The windows are indeed protected and an alarm will sound if they are broken.  They will therefore be more useful as an escape than an entrance.  We would expect that the underground access is monitored, although we are unsure whether this is through the use of cameras or guards.  This is where your particular Gifts will be quite valuable, as you will not easily be noticed in the poor light and will be able to enter and ascertain the situation.

"To our knowledge there is no sophisticated system of cameras or motion detectors monitoring the upper floors.  The security has been established at a basic level to keep out the ordinary human nuisances.  As I mentioned, Ivory is confident that no other Gifted are prepared to act against him publicly.  It is likely that he believes that he and his personnel are all the security he needs."

Hearing H's suggestion that the group planning be done in private, Mr. Talent spoke once more.

"If there are no other questions, I'll take my leave of you.  You are welcome to use this facility for your planning, or you may go elsewhere if that suits you.  If you have any questions that arise, please feel free to return to these offices.  I will plan to check them periodically.  I will expect to see you here upon completion of your task."

He then walked past and handed each of them an envelop that he appeared to pull out of thin air.

"Your down payments, as promised."

He then gave a slight bow and a smile, and left the room.

H examined the contents of the envelope, to make sure it had indeed the promised money. He then stored it safely in a pocket, patting it lightly.

"You can call me paranoid if you want, but I didn't like the way our Mr. Talent furrowed his brow at my question of the child... so I thought it best we discussed things between ourselves."

He took another puff of his cigar, before adding.

"If he wants to have his secrets, we can have them as well."

Bouncer shrugged again and collectd his 'pay.'

"He seems like an alright guy to me, though I guess that doesn't matter too much since we don't know each other very well yet."

He looked at the maps for a minute then leaned back in his chair and looked at the ceiling.

"So lets start from the top.  How are we getting there?  Walking?"

He ran a gloved hand through his hair, and said under his breath,"or whatever."

"And do we want to keep planning here, or is H's paranoia enough to send us packing?  If we leave...where could we go?  I don't know of any place that would be more private and descrete than this."

Kyle picked up his money and slid it into his pocket, then looked around at the office.  "It would seem to me that this is the best place.  If somebody knows why we're here, they could easily follow us no matter where we decided to plan at.  At least here we know they won't come in unexpectedly."

Kyle returned to his seat and looked over the maps for a while.  "It's too bad we don't know the layout of the entire place..." he muttered under his breath.

Between smokes, H addressed Bouncer's question.

"I agree with Kyle, this might be the safest place for us, for the present, at least. You don't know how things will turn in the future; of course," he smiled roguishly at Bouncer, "you can always tell we're being watched."

Derek picked up the envelope, counted the bills inside, then placed it in his jacket pocket...

"As long as Mr. Talent is around, we will always be followed or watched....that is just the feeling I get off him. As far as to how we get there? No idea...Look here is a plan I am throwing off the top of my head here...I can sneak upto the basemeant entrance and do a look/see...H can back me up...Again H, how much smoke volume can you affect/create? Can you make your smoke appear like fog? Would make a nice "cover" if needed. Bouncer and Kyle can provide reinforcement if needed. Once we determine what the Gifted that guard the basement entrance are capable of, we can then take pains to neutralize them."

Stroking his chin, Derek looked at the others...

"One more thing...we need someway to communicate while we are doing this job. How about we get some headset mikes to talk back and forth?"

H replied to Derek, between smokes of his cigarette. The smoke gathered and swirled around him as if dancing.

"I can create the necessary amounts, my friend. I can make it appear like fog, I can make it change color, I can turn it into poison gas, I can make it darken the sky if I so wish; is it sufficient?"

He paused to change subject.

"Now, I agree with you, we should have some means of communication. Ok, so we have a plan forming. You and I can provide cover for the others, so what about we split into teams of two? Or do you find it best if we all entered? Or even if only you and I got into the place?"

"That would probably be for the best.  Since you two will be able to get in and out easier than Bouncer or I, you should probably go in alone.  If you need a distraction, Bouncer and I will be waiting in the wings to perform an assault on the front doors."

Kyle looked back at the maps hanging from the wall.  "I can't help but have a bad feeling about how little we really know.  I guess it can't be helped, though..." Kyle muttered under his breath, as he tried to think of something more to add.

"Hmm.....I don't know about this split up thing.  I mean sure, we could bust in the front doors and all, but that would just cause a panic with the normals.  I'd say lets all go in the 'secret' entrance.  Though, a little scouting might not be a bad idea."

Bouncer straightened up in the chair and looked at the others.

"I like the idea of headsets, that would really help.  That way if the scouting mission goes awry we can bust in for back up.  I have a feeling that anything we do at the main entrance will only draw a different kind of attention and wouldn't distract the underentrance guards.  Its just like security at most of the places I've worked, if your guarding a private door, you don't do the frontdoorman's work, you stay put."

Kyle looked up and quickly looked over

"My guess is they'll be able to handle the guards at the entrance without much trouble.  However, what happens if they set off an alarm and everyone else comes after them?  I'm not saying that my idea would keep everyone off of them, especially after they've got the kid, but it would keep the majority of the pressure off of them, and it might make the ones who stay at their posts look the wrong way long enough for Nightshade and H to get back out."

Kyle stood and walked over to the wall behind him.  "It's the same way that you win a good Magic game.  You give your opponent something they either want to believe or dare not disbelieve, then you hit them with something they aren't expecting.  They have an assault on the doors, they're not likely to believe that somebody else is sneaking in the back.  Throw in a few other bits of chaos, and you'll have them exactly where you want them."

Kyle turned back to the gathered Gifted and said, "All we have to do is make sure we keep our heads while everything's happening."

"I like your way of thinking, Kyle;", said H between smokes, "in a way, you remind me of me. But I offer this: it should be easier to let just me and Nightshyft go in at first, with you and Bouncer as backup should things go wrong. We have a way of molding stuff to our needs, and I think it best if we went alone; two more people and we have double the chances of activating any alarm."

Another smoke, which came out perfectly normal.

"What do you say?"

Derek responded. "Sneaking is what I do best...So, then, is this the plan then? H and I'll sneak in, scout out the boy and the opposition. If the opportunity is right, we snatch the boy and start our way out. Bouncer and Kyle, you guys will be ready to either create a distraction or act as reinforcements to aid in our departure....Now, we will also need some sort of transportation or two. With the advancement we each received, we should be able to get the necessary vehicle(s)...I suggest a nice, boring , average looking set of wheels...say a Mini van or an older model SUV...because there will be five of us. Something older and boring to blend in with other cars that might be on the streets...plus we should ditch the vehicle as soon as it is safe. Anymore Ideas?"

Derek looked a little nervous, glanced at his watch, then the others. The shadows around him started to form evil looking creatures that appeared to be stalking something...

"Fine by me, unless anyone has any other ideas?"

H was still smoking as he talked, looking at Kyle and Bouncer for replies.

"I've no objections to the plan," Kyle said as he tried unsuccessfully to settle himself in his seat.  "I, ah...  I don't see anything wrong with it."

Bouncer shrugged.

"Sounds good to me.  I'm just the bouncer after all."

He punched his fist into his palm.

"Lets get to work."

Having established a plan of action, the group split up to get some rest.  They met the next day to gather the needed equipment and prepare for the mission.  Following the instructions that Mr. Talent had provided, they located the storm drain which would provide them access to the underground.  Mr. Talent's operatives had evidently already made preparations as the security gate was wide open.

Once darkness came, the four men descended into the city's underground.  The filth and the smell were decidedly unpleasant, and vermin scattered as they approached.  Occasionally, they encountered human remains, most likely those of the homeless who sought shelter in the sewers.

The tunnels were approximately 50 feet wide with an overhead clearance of 15 feet.  Numerous pipes ran along the passage walls and above their heads.

Following the map, they managed to make their way through the tunnels.  After more than an hour, they approached a T-intersection.  If they were reading the map correctly, the passage to the left would take them to the entrance to Ivory's lair.

"Hummm... according to this, we should turn left, now. Let's just assume the map Mr. Talent gave us is correct and follow it," said H between smokes.

"Right now we only have to get there, so let's waste no time."

"Looks like this is going to be as good a place as any to wait," Kyle said, pulling himself to a stop at the intersection, the dirty-brown uniform he had picked up earlier hanging ackwardly from his frame.  "Any farther and Bouncer and I will likely be more hassle than help."

Kyle strode over to the wall, where he leaned forward and looked busy.  "Don't worry about me.  If anyone comes along, I'll just tell them that we were sent to check the piping."

Turning back toward the others, Kyle quickly shooed them on.  "Go, go.  We've only a short time to work in, remember?"

"OK...H, I'll scout ahead in shadow form, looking for surveillance devices..."

Derek's form wavered for a second before seemingly melting into the wall of the tunnel...He then slid up the wall and onto the ceiling of the tunnel. Going down towards the left, he scanned left nad right, looking for surveillance devices (cameras, motion detectors, heat sensors, even something not so obvious such as an odd lump or an unusual look in the area).

After about 50 feet, he turned to see if H was following.

As the group approached the tunnel's intersection, they became aware of a presence nearby.  They each experience the uncomfortable sensation of skin crawling that they immediately recognizea as the presence of beings of power such as themselves.

Nightshyft didn't get far before the group heard a sound from up ahead.  It was evident that someone had heard the group as they approached and spoke amongst themselves.

A figure could be seen slumped against the tunnel wall up ahead.  His tattered clothing was similar to that of the homeless that the party had encountered intermittently during their trek through the sewers.  His face was hidden beneath a hat and a thick scarf.  The figure rambled wildly, not seeming to address them in particular.

"Great! Just what we need around here," he mumbled loudly through his scarf, in a slur of disgust. "Ya know, that's the problem with this God-forsaken city. All the damn mutant freaks makin' life miserable for the rest of us."

H took a long smoke of his cigarette, exhaling through the nose as noiselessly as he could, while taking small steps towards the man.

He addressed him in a slow, toneless voice:

"Its not our purpose to make anyone's life miserable, friend."

H continued to advance, slowly and confidently. His smoke was not showing any nervousness he may have felt before.

Noticing that H was confidently striding past the guy, Derek attempted to create a shadow limb to, well, "shadow" the guy in case he made any funny moves.

Noticing that his shadow limb looked a little scraggly, Dererk attempted to bolster it with another try.

Confident now about his "watchdog", Derek continued to move silently along the ceiling, looking for more surveillance equipment while also keeping an eye on homeless guy.

Bouncer moved to back up H as he advanced toward the stranger slumped against the tunnel's wall.  His body tensed as he prepared himself for any sudden moves by this strange man.

"Friend? I ain't your friend," the figure responded as H slowly approached.  His demeanor became more lucid the closer H came to him. "You and your boss would be half way to Hell by now if I had my way."

The stranger then motioned his fist above him, his thumb pointing toward the swirling shadows above his head that Nightshyft had created.

The stranger's tone became sardonic, almost challenging the party.

"Shadow puppets, huh? Wow. You sure got short-changed at the mutant bank, didn't ya?"

H smiled at the man, and replied as sharply as the man had addressed Nightshyft.

"Indeed you correct, we are not friends. My friends have more than half a neuron, which still comes very far from what you've manifested."

A sharp, short smoke from his cigarette. The smoke stayed in.

"Now, are you gonna stand aside and let us go our business, or are you going to keep playing butler and introduce us in?"

In response to the H's posturing, the stranger slowly pushed himself up from the floor of the damp tunnel.

Now standing, his back against the cold brick of the tunnel wall, the stranger raised up his head to look clearly upon the party for the first time. The hint of pale flesh could be seen peeking from beneath his wide-brimmed hat.  Straggling bits of black hair hung down, unceremoneously framing his face.  The wide scarf wrapped around his neck and mouth relaxed just a bit.  The stranger's eyes filled with power as they began to glow faintly with an eerie, red aura.

"I serve no man," The stranger replied indignantly.  "Not even Death himself can claim to hold sway over the likes of me."

The stranger's grim visage and chilling voice had a powerful effect on the memers of the party standing before him.  It gave them pause.

"But I like your style, breather, so I'm gonna do you a favor.  You go on ahead." he continued with a single nod in the direction of the steel door.  "Return to your boss and tell him that I'm coming. I want him to know that soon he will meet with 'Other' personally.  Tell him Death is coming for him and to prepare himself. You do this for me, and I will spare you his fate."

Seeing the others' reactions, Derek stayed in the shadows, keeping his shadowtalon moving "around".

Whispering in his mic,"H?...give the word and I'll shadowphase him!....Hhhmmm....You guys OK?...Guys?.."

He slid further into the shadows.

Taken aback by the stranger's actions, H took one step behind before continuing.

"Thank you. Perhaps we will also meet in the future?..."

H took the cue from the strange man, but preferred not to comment or do anything about it now. He might prove an ally in the future, but H was not confident in telling him the party's plans right now.

With a single sweeping motion, the stranger waved his left arm in front of him to suggest safe passage for the new arrivals.

"Don't forget, mister. You owe me the courtesy of following through with our little arrangement. That's the only reason you're walking away at all. You tell Brother Ivory that his time has come. His life for yours. That's the deal. Got it?"

Bouncer found the whole situation rather strange.  He wondered just what the hell this stranger was babbling about, although it was obvious he had no love for Brother Ivory.

He decided to speak.

"Just what's your problem with this Brother Ivory guy, and who do you think we are?"

The stranger replied in a wary tone.

"Feigning ignorance now won't release you of your obligation.  We have a deal. Look, I don't care if you serve the man out of love or loyalty, or if you're just in it for money... or power... or whatever. It doesn't matter because you won't be working for him much longer, I assure you. I'll be seeing to that personally."

Kyle looked over at where Bouncer and the stranger were conversing.  "Let it drop, Bouncer," he said warily as he walked over.  "He's not holding us back from our mission no matter who he thinks we work for.  In fact..." Kyle turned to look over where the entrance lay, "I'd say that he'd likely be a help to us.  So what do the rest of you say?  Shall we tell him the plan?"

Hearing Kyle's comments, a look of confused frustration came over the stranger's face.

"If you don't serve the 'good' Brother," he asked with a hint of scepticism still lingering in his voice, "then who? Because you're not down here by chance, that's for sure.  So if you're not followers of the 'Ninth Mystery', I'd ask you to please explain yourselves.  And we don't have a whole lot of time."

All words, pictures, characters, tiles and just about everything else was created by and is copyright Stephen Rice and Electric Comics, 1996

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