The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: OOH, choose your own adventure...me like! I'll go with...

Scenario 2. More likely. Any sign of a violent reaction, even non-lethal, and he might drop it or drink it.

IC: He smiled, not at all a friendly expression, but one full of teeth--a canine 'smile.' "Just make sure to stay well away from me, understand? Wouldn't want any 'accidents,' would we?" He glanced poiuntedly at the thermos. "I just want to be left alone; as as long as I get my wish, no one has to get hurt or die."

Nevertheless, he followed them, at a discrete distance, of course.

[JEDCJT]

OOC: Heh, fun, eh?

IC:

Morris and the other agents shivered inwardly from disgust at the man’s ‘animalistic’ smile and expression. They would never introduce him to their wives and daughters, they thought to themselves.

Morris and the other agents backed out of the corridor and down the stairs, keeping their weapons trained on him the whole way. “Look, man…it is better to surrender now. That way, nobody gets hurt. Look inside your heart…” ‘That is, if you even have one.’ He thought to himself. They were nearing the front door, and the Stasi and NYPD police officers immediately trained their weapons at the man as he became visible; snipers high on rooftops of nearby buildings placed their crosshairs right on the man’s head. But upon seeing the open thermos, which they assumed contained something terrible, the police paused.

By then, the area was completely cordoned off, with Stasi and NYPD vehicles (normal and armored) everywhere, as well as Stasi and NYPD operatives.

Edited July 23, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Subtleknifewielder]

"Surrender?" The smile became a snarl of rage and--fear? "You have no idea of the fate that awaits me if I surrender!" The suitcase was long abandoned--he had that clothing he'd purchased for a disguise still stuffed down the clothing he was waring now.

Instead, the other hand still held the gun, though pointed at the ground to avoid alarming anyone unnecessarily. "I just want to be left alone!" he repeated in a shout.

OOC: Indeed, fun.

[JEDCJT]

“Yes, surrender. But don’t worry, we’ll treat you well.” Morris reassured, though he knew that wasn’t usually the case. The Stasi often utilized tortu—‘methods of physical persuasion’ against confirmed and suspected terrorists. Morris and the other agents continued to lead the man toward the middle of the ‘crowd’. But little did they know was that there was a car nearby – which someone had mistakenly (or foolishly) left the keys inside. Would the man do something about that, even though weapons were being pointed on him from every direction?

OOC:

[Subtleknifewielder]

"Yes, surrender. But don't worry, we'll treat you well." Morris reassured, though he knew that wasn't usually the case. The Stasi often utilized tortu—'methods of physical persuasion' against confirmed and suspected terrorists. Morris and the other agents continued to lead the man toward the middle of the 'crowd'. But little did they know was that there was a car nearby – which someone had mistakenly (or foolishly) left the keys inside. Would the man do something about that, even though weapons were being pointed on him from every direction?

OOC: Nice...

IC: While he was being led on, Rolph was not letting his gaze be idle. He took in his surroundings, pinpointing the location of every single hostile he could see, and the locations where a few more might possibly be hiding.

And he spotted the car with the keys inside it. Casually, he leaned against the door. he knew that as long as he held up the thermos, they wouldn't shoot for fear of risking the release of the virus.

"Yes, surrender. But don't worry, we'll treat you well." He glanced at Morris, an almost disbelieving expression crossing his face, as the hand between him and the door casually checked to see if it was unlocked. It was!

He eased two fingers into the handle, but did not yet open it. "You? My ultimate fate would not lie with you were I to give up."

He clearly meant that even if the Stasi did torture him, he would await a fate even worse than anything they could dream up once he was returned to face 'justice.'

And now was the time where he opened the door, getting in quickly while still holding the thermos, then in one smooth motion, dropping the gun on the seat next to him and turning the keys. The car started right off, and he pressed down furiously on the gas pedal, incidently aiming at Morris and the man next to him, who were standing smack dab in the middle of the closest, most direct path out of there.

[JEDCJT]

One moment, the man was standing in front of them. The next, he was suddenly in a car, heading straight for them. “Oh (expletive)!” Morris cursed as he and the other agents were forced to scatter to avoid being hit by the car. Almost immediately, hail of gunfire followed the car, pelting it with holes.

Getting up from the ground, Morris holstered his P99 and immediately ran for the closest NYPD vehicle, another agent following him. “I need to commander this car, immediately!” Morris briefly stated to the NYPD policemen, who nodded and got into the back seat. Morris and the other agent got in and started the engine. While countless Stasi and NYPD officers were scrambling about, getting into their vehicles and the like, Morris pedaled after the target car.

“Suspect is fleeing, I repeat, suspect is fleeing. We’re turning left on the main intersection.” Morris barked into the receiver as he made a hard left. The target was obviously running red lights and the masses of civilian cars in the way definitely didn’t help. “I need backup! Try to find out which route that car’s taking and then seal it off!”

By that moment, several NYPD helicopters lifted off into the air and flew in the direction of Manhattan, where the target’s car seemed to be heading toward. They would shadow the fleeing car and report its position. “Man, where’s Spider-Man when you need him? We surely could use his help.” The agent next to Morris, named John Munch, muttered sarcastically.

Edited July 23, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Subtleknifewielder]

As they opened fire on him, he ducked to avoid being hit. One bullet even went through the rear window and out the windshield, but he payed it no mind for the moment. Fortunately nothing critical was hit.

"Bloody idiots!" he mused to himself. "They crash me, they might spill the virus. Are they f***ing insane?"

When they began chasing him, often, if he could do it without rsiking himself unduly, he would cut off a vivilian's car and force them to crash, making his own impromptu roadblocks, and though no one was actually hurt, it would further hinder his pursuers.

He was pointed in the direction of Manhattan at the moment, but the first chance he got he would turn and head out of the city in any direction but the sea...

Edited July 23, 2009 by Subtleknifewielder

[JEDCJT]

Yes, they were insane. But that was their job, and they was willing to do everything, everything, to ensure the safety and stability of New England, even if it was insane.

“The suspect is heading southwest, toward the New Jersey border, over and out.” The operator in a NYPD helicopter radioed.

“Thank you, sir. Over and out.” Morris said as he turned left once again, managing to get through a mess of civilian cars (‘obstacles’ as he called them). He radioed the other NYPD and Stasi vehicles, informing them about the suspect's whereabouts. The situation may have seemed chaotic, but the Stasi had actually maintained order, placing its operatives all over New York City, as well as neighboring areas of New Jersey, on high alert and cleared the cars in front of Morris’s advance.

In several possible escape routes in front of the target car, Stasi agents began putting obstacles (such as spike strips, also known as ‘tire deflation devices’) on the roads and placing several highly-armored NYPD vans to block the roads. They were to minimize the options for the target, as well to slow him down sufficiently to capture him.

Alive, that is.

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: Oh, I just got a wickedly brilliant idea, inspired by the spike strips...

IC: So, they were herding him? Not a bad strategy on their part, and he had to silently give them props for using the resources they had. He just wished they weren't using those resources to catch him.

But as he saw he was passing an entrance to the subway, he got an idea. Turning down one of thoose side-routes, he deliberately ran over one of those spike strips to blow the tires, then very carefully with the remaining momentum, went right down the center of the entrance to the subway network, honking his horn to let people know they should get out of the way.

Miraculously, he hit no one on his way down, and he hit the platform about the time one subway train was passing. Turning the wheel, he managed to maneuver the car onto the tracks despite the difference in height between the platform and the tracks, and then slammed on the gas pedal.

His gamble payed off--the now tireless wheels acted just like train wheels, propelling him along the track at breakneck speeds in the direction opposite the train.

OOC: Another indirect James Bond reference, eh? Can you remember which one?

And this should make for an interesting news bulletin for you when it's finished.

[JEDCJT]

“Sir, the target just disappeared into a nearby subway entrance.” The pilot in the NYPD helicopter stated.

“(Expletive)! The (expletive) just ran down the subway-oh no…” Morris trailed off. The subway…surely not the New York Subway? The largest and extensive subway in New England, and with branches going to different cities, an opportunity that the man would surely exploit as a means to escape.

“Attention all! The target just entered the New York Subway. Enact preventative measures: seal off the entire subway, protect people’s lives, and more importantly, stop that car! Utilize lethal forces if needed, but do not set off that virus!” Morris barked into the radio as he made a hard right and then left.

The Stasi operatives heeded the command; after briefing the Directorate of the Stasi – who promptly ordered that ‘emergency measures’ be enacted – the Stasi began sealing off all Subway branches throughout New York City, leading bewildered citizens outside and reassuring them. All trains were stopped and their inhabitants were safely led outside. Soon, the normally crowded Subway stations were cleared and Stasi and NYPD officers put out yellow POLICE – DO NOT CROSS strips around the subway centers. New Yorkers immediately knew that something was up, and it would not take long before the whole of New England and the world knew too (the Mayor of New York City would soon declare a state of emergency).

After figuring out where the car was and where it was going – with great difficulty – Stasi operatives crept into the darkened tunnels and placed various obstacles to try to slow the car down. Soldiers wielding sniper rifles were laid out near the tracks, their crosshairs poised. They would try to shoot the target in the head – that is, if he appeared.

OOC: Oho, that was clever!

Yes, that does come from a Bond film…unfortunately, I cannot seem to place my finger on it of which film it came from…

[Subtleknifewielder]

He had only just blasted by one platform and made a single turn before the Stasi reacted. Even with their manpower, however, it would take more time to set up these preparations than it had the roadblocks above.

He was moving along faster than the Stasi probably anticipated...and approached one obstacle in the middle of being constructed, just as the agents were beginning to place it. he gunned the engine even further, turning the lights (which had previously been on a low setting) on to their full brightness, hoping to disorient the agents long enough to blast past safely.

OOC: Why thank you. And the movie was Octo!@#$%--when Bond is chasing the circus train, the train the nuke is on.

EDIT: *grumbles* Should have known that was filtered.

Edited July 23, 2009 by Subtleknifewielder

[JEDCJT]

OOC: Aha, now I remember. Thank you.

IC: The agents placing the obstacles suddenly saw bright lights to their right – and it was growing brighter. It was the target car – and it was getting closer! While the agents began to scatter to avoid being hit, they raised their firearms and began to shoot in the direction of the windshield.

At that, the snipers got the green light. Raising their crosshairs to the windshield, the snipers pinpointed it on the target’s head. “Goodbye (expletive).” One of the snipers muttered as he pulled the trigger.

OOC2: It’s up to you to decide whether the snipers hit their target or not.

Edited July 23, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Subtleknifewielder]

Though they wouldn't know it, he had put the cap back on the thermos to avoid spilling it accidently, about the time he had successfully maneuvered onto the tracks in the first place.

He began regretting that decision when the agents opened fire. Two of the wild shots hit him, on e in the shoulder an the other in the side, knocking him back in the seat and causing him to slump to the side, banging his head against the door before he caught himself--right as the snipers pulled their triggers.

The wildly shot bullets, though they hurt, had just saved his life, and as he frantically came to a stop and ducked down, he grabbed the gun and unscrewed the thermos once again--but didn't sit back up, letting them think he was dead...

Edited July 24, 2009 by Subtleknifewielder

[JEDCJT]

Having done the work, the Stasi agents and soldiers began to advance cautiously toward the now-stopped vehicle from all sides, their weapons still raised. Reaching the front seat, the Stasi agents could see the man slumped down on the seat. It seems that he may be dead…but it never hurt to make sure. As such, one of the agents aimed his weapon at the form, his finger moving over the trigger, ready to fire.

After all, the Stasi never left anything to chance…

Edited July 24, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Subtleknifewielder]

When they actually came close enough for everyone to see each other, he twitched...showing that the cap was still off on the thermos, and that somehow, miraculously, it was still full.

They would see this about the time the agent with the itchy trigger finger began tightening his finger on the trigger...

[JEDCJT]

Indeed, the agent with the trigger finger did see the open thermos, and paused. The (expletive) had trapped them, again. However, the man was still evidently alive.

“Come out of the car with your hands up! You’re under arrest!” One of the agents shouted as he kept his weapon trained on the man. Noting the open thermos, the agent knew that if he shot the man, he would be more likely drop the thermos and thus spread the virus. But if he did nothing, the man might spring an ambush and spill the contents in the thermos over him and his buddies, thus endangering their lives. What to do? What to do?

Another agent quickly radioed Morris about the situation. Over the radio, Morris coached caution and to try to snatch the thermos out of the man’s hands before he could react. Upon notified of this, the first agent nodded and began to cautiously open the door while another agent, on the other side nearest to the man, carefully put his hands through the broken window to grab the thermos. While the second agent’s hands were nearing the open thermos, the first agent raised his weapon at the man and shot him in the side a couple of times. Hopefully the second agent could get a hold of the thermos before the wounded man reacted or before it was dropped…

[Subtleknifewielder]

The agent almost cried out as he was shot two more times. While the agent that had reached for the thermos was successful in obtaining it, some spilled--onto the rogue's hand.

At the same time, an involuntary twitch in the finger of the hand holding the gun sent a bullet straight for the eye of the agent that had shot him again. in one final act of defiance, the rogue lifted the hand that had been spalshed with the contaminated water and raised it to his lips. If they were so bound and determined to capture him, he didn't intend on being alive for long...

Edited July 24, 2009 by Subtleknifewielder

[JEDCJT]

The second agent was successful into obtaining the thermos – but not before so narrowly avoiding the bullet – and he immediately passed it on to his associates to be placed in a special container. However, the first agent – with a sharp eye – noticed that some of the contents of the thermos had spilled over the man’s hand, that he was raising it toward his mouth, and that the man had a defiant and fanatical look on his face. He immediately knew the man was going to take his own life.

Thinking quickly, the agent raised his weapon, aimed for the man’s hand, and fired – all in less than a second. Such a quick-thinking person he was.

OOC: Subtle, it’s up to you of whether the bullet hits his hand or not. What would you prefer: the man to take his own life, or the agent successfully ‘intervening’ in to save his life and therefore take him into custody? We can go with whatever you prefer.

Edited July 24, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Subtleknifewielder]

The quick-thinking agent was not far off the mark in interpreting Rolph's expression. It was, indeed, defiant, and to a lesser degree, fanatical.

He did not fear torture at the hands of the Stasi. Such methods, should they use them, would pale in comparison to the mind games Subtleknifewielder would put him through if he was returned alive, and therein lay the reason that death was preferable. These men would be horrified if they knew the truth of what he would endure--especially if they learned he was the only one that hadn't released their sample of the virus. He'd seen the orders as false, but he also knew he'd be implicated with the others if it got out, and so had decided he needed an insurance policy.

But that was not passing through his mind as the bullet pierced his right hand. The gun in his left all but forgotten, he dropped the thing and reached over. If he couldn't put the virus into his mouth, he would smear it into the wound...

OOC: Intervention. I want him to come close, VERY close, to death, but I want him alive in the end.

[JEDCJT]

Just about the man was SO close to smearing the virus into the wound, the first agent managed to grab his left wrist and collar. With great effort, the agent quickly hauled him out of the car and onto the ground. “You’re under arrest!” He stated as other agents – wearing protective gloves – quickly grabbed both of the man’s wrists and got him off the ground, keeping the hands apart.

With that, another agent quickly notified Morris through radio. Morris, jumping with jubilation, ordered that the man be treated for any wounds that he may have endured – and to be decontaminated. He also notified the Directorate of the Stasi, who now ordered that the man be treated property – means of ‘physical persuasion’ were strictly prohibited in this case.

Acknowledging the order, the agent notified the others about this. After that, the Stasi carried the wounded man through the darkened tunnel, illuminating it with flashlights and flares. Soon, they came to a subway platform. Ascending it, they went through an open door and the hallway beyond it. Crossing the hallway, the agents reached another door, and a while later, they were outside.

“Put him in protective custody.” One of the agents instructed his associate, who nodded. “Oh, and keep his hands apart. Treat his wound, use the strongest brand of iodine.” With that, the man was carried into a highly-armored NYPD van, where the agents treated his wounds. The emergency was over…

OOC: Do I inform Subtleknifewielder about this first, or do I inform Maelstrom?

Edited July 24, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Subtleknifewielder]

OOC: Maelstrom only. If I remember correctly, Subtleknifewielder said to contact Maelstrom only.

IC: He would have resisted when he was pulled out of the car and pressed to the ground, but having been hit with five different bullets, and at least one near a major artery, he had lost too much blood to be in any condition for a struggle, despite the seemingly indomitable will most SWORD agents possessed, or even the fear-induced adrenaline that had prompted his flight.

Once in the van, he stared up at the ceiling, unblinking, as they treated his wounds...

[JEDCJT]

OOC: Ah, got it. Thanks.

IC:

The NYPD van brought the man and the agents to a secret Stasi medical facility somewhere outside New York City. After treating his wounds (literally pouring iodine over the wounds and bandaging the wounds up), the agent carefully brought the man into a Stasi jetliner; the jetliner lifted off into the air in the direction of Boston.

Upon arriving in the capital, the agents brought the man, who was now under cover, into an armored Stasi van. They drove on to a top-secret, maximum-security government holding center several blocks away from the Massachusetts State House. President Kennedy had wanted to meet with the man, but he was refused by the Secret Service on grounds of ‘national safety and security’.

While the man was being held, in a small windowless room guarded by heavily-armored, heavily-armed Stasi guards, the federal government contacted the government of the Dragon Empire, sending a classified telegram to Maelstrom Vortex himself about the successful capture of one of the rogue Promised Land agents.

OOC2: Maelstrom, you may reply in here.

Edited July 24, 2009 by JEDCJT