04: Into the Breech part 4

[takewithfood]

"Into The Breech"
Part 4

It seemed like an ordinary day at work - at least at first. Keith and the other guards at ProCorp HQ had been tipped off about the gang violence in Hersh in the early hours of the morning, and occasional reports trickled in over their radios. By the sounds of it, the crime spree was getting rapidly out of hand and spreading fast.

It was bound to happen, really. Ever since rumours of the Steel Sentinel's disappearance started, the citizens of Liberation have been living in fear - fear that only worsened when the Sentinel's death was confirmed. The fact that it's taken weeks for the city to fall apart could actually come as a surprise - but either way, it seems to be happening, and happening now.

It's still early morning, and the cavernous lobby is only just starting to get crowded. Today Keith and a fellow security guard are positioned just behind and to the right of the main reception desk - out of the way, but still quite visible; from where they stand they can see the entire lobby. Man or woman, young or old, most Pro Corp employees look alike: all dressed for success, carrying briefcases in one hand and overpriced coffee in the other. Most even wear the same expression: an awkward mix of dignity and anxiety. Whatever it is they do up there in their cubicles and offices, it must make for a competitive and stressful life. The employees form into two long lines at either side of the lobby as they wait their turn to pass through a security checkpoint, complete with metal detector and the latest x-ray scanning equipment.

Another report crackles quietly over the radio: gang violence reported in Baybridge, now; news crews are setting up at City Hall. That's only a few blocks away. If this keeps up, it could get ugly. Stay sharp, stay focused.

"Hey," says Rick Grebe, the guard standing beside him. "Looks who's here." He adds a gentle elbow to Keith's ribs, and nods towards one of the lines of employees - specifically to Svetlana Romanov, an admittedly attractive woman from the 58th floor. Neither Keith nor Grebe knows exactly what she does, but she seems to be rather influential; or perhaps its just the way she carries herself. Either way, ogling Ms. Romanov while she passes through security seems to be the high point of Grebe's day. The fact that the black marble floors are highly polished and that the ceiling is paneled with mirrors isn't helping any.

Then, another report: Shots fired at city hall. This day is going to get worse before it gets better.

[Neros]

Svetlana sure seemed to have it all.. Incredible looks, an interesting carrier and allot of success.. Its women like her that makes Keith wish he was stationed upstairs.. But with all the wierd stuff going on up there, Keith is more than satisfyied with where he is..

He watched her for a short moment and then turned his attention to the other guard and gives him a serious look, still with a friendly smile..
"I understand why this is one of the highlights of the day, but I hope you're attention isn't wandering.. Things sound like they could get ugly and we are charged with protecting these people.. So stay focused.. Im gona contact central to increase security...."

So Keith picks up the cellphone to contact the central security room..
"Central, this is Keith Porter, There have been reported a disturbances a couple blocks from ProCorp and it looks like its getting closer and worse by the minute.. I would like to request we increase security down at the main lobby incase it becomes a problem.."
==============================================

Health: 2/2
Recovery: 2

Start Energy: 15/15
End Energy: 10/15

Action 1: Security 2r
- used to keep a eye out for trouble

Action 2: Social Skills 3r
- Used to ask for central to send down more security

Agility: 2
Defense: 1 (Kevlar Vest: +1)

[takewithfood]

"This is Central," comes the reply over the radio, "sending four uniforms from the 14th floor." Then, as an afterthought: "Stay cool down there, boys."

Glancng over his shoulder, Keith sees the service elevator light come on, indicating a stop at the 14th floor. They'll arrive soon.

Grebe spots it too. "You're right, Porter," he says in a rare moment of seriousness. "We should step up security. Any one of these people could be hiding a weapon.." With that, he steps towards one of the metal detectors, just as Ms. Romanov is approaching the front of the line. "Ma'am," he says to her, using his official voice, "I'm afraid I have to ask you to step out of the line.."

Grebe gives Keith a subtle wink over his shoulder before returning his attentions to Ms. Romanov. "Arms out to the sides, please.." he orders; she narrows her eyes at him, but complies.

Suddenly, Keith notices a commotion outside on the sidewalk: he can see clearly through the glass front doors out into the street where pedestrians are suddenly running in fear. Five large thugs push their way into the lobby, each armed with a firearm of some kind; they look like bikers, dressed in black leather jackets and chaps. The largest of them sports an impressive blond mohawk and must be at least 7 feet tall - worse, he has a wild and manic look in his bloodshot eyes as he lifts his shotgun into the air.

BLAM!

Shards of broken mirror rain down all around him, but he doesn't seem to care. "EVERYBODY SHUT THE F*CK UP AND HIT THE F*CKING GROUND!" he screeches like a madman. "THIS IS A ROBBERY!"

[Neros]

"Aaw, dam Grebe.." He thinks to himself as he rolls his eyes.. Offcourse he would use this increased security as and excuse to get a close look at Ms. Romanov..

But he is stopped in his thoughts when he noticed the commotion outside.. "Shit..".. As soon as he sees the guns, he ducks into cover hoping that they hadent noticed him so he could inform central about their situation.. This would also give people a chance to hit the ground before the bullets would start flying..

Keith slowly reaches for the radio to call central, while he also releases the safety on the gunholster: "Central, we have 5 armed hostiles in the lobby.. I'll try to wait for backup.."
"Dammit.. I hope that elevator is faster than usual..
=============================================

Health: 2/2
Recovery: 2

Start Energy: 12/15
End Energy: 8/15

Action 1: Intelligence 2r
- Used to keep out of sight

Action 2: Agility 2r
- Used to move around silently

Agility: 2
Defense: 1 (Kevlar Vest: +1)

[takewithfood]

Keith thinks quickly and ducks out of sight, simultaneously drawing his firearm in one smooth, practiced motion. Meanwhile, he hears screams of panic from the two lines of employees, followed by the rapid pops of gunfire breaking out. In the high-ceiling lobby, the echos are almost deafening. With all the noise, he can't make out any reply over the radio, but help is on the way, no doubt.

Keith can't see much from where he's found cover, but he spots Grebe hit the floor on his back; his pistol skitters away across the floor. The alarms on the scanning equipment go off as employees stream towards the back of the building, desperately seeking any place to hide. Several people take shelter with him behind the reception desk.

[Neros]

People looked like they would rather run for cover.. "Fuck!.. Grebe..".. Keith wasn't sure if Grebe had been hit or if he just have been knocked over.. But not having his gun might pose a problem..
".. By the look in his bloody eyes, Mohawk might not have the biggest patience level.. If people don't get down, he might decide to make and example of one of them and with Grebe laying there.. I gotta do something.."

Keith edges his vision around his hideout, trying to get a better viewe of whats going on, he will then try to time a shot at the mohawkguy who acts like the leader, when there is the smallest chance of hitting anyone els..
=============================================

Health: 2/2
Recovery: 2

Start Energy: 10/15
End Energy: 5/15

Action 1: Intelligence 2r
- 1 used to remain hidden
- 1 used to time a shot

Action 2: Range Combat 3r
- 3 stone attack on the guy with the cool mohawk
- Pistol Speciality
* 2x Damage from Desert Eagle

Agility: 2
Defense: 1 (Kevlar Vest: +1)