Located in the back districts of Paratel, one of Athens largest cities, Connor's apartment is a five room, dimly lit place that is not in the best part of town. It has reinforced walls, with an amplifier on the top so that Connor can send and receive signals from far away. He has numerous devices inside that cloak his singals, so if any Alliance members were to catch on, they wouldn't know where the signal was coming from. The back room, Connor's equipment/computer room, is carefully guarded, and locked up whenever he's not in there (and sometimes when he is...) His other three rooms are as follows. The first is his "guest" room, where he can entertain and sleep up to twelve people comfortably, it is plushly decorated and he tries to make others feel at home...seeing as most of the people he "works" with don't have a permanent one. His other three rooms are a bedroom for himself and a bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen...

There was a slight dinging sound and it woke Connor from his slumber in front of the computer...he had fallen asleep. He looked around quickly to make sure he was still alone before putting the connection through.
"Connor O'Sullivan speaking...what can I do for you?"

Mr. O'Sullivan this is Captain Kale Galway of Destiny, Dingo class transport.  I was directed to ya by Walton Squires - I believe he informed you of my comin'?"

Connor squinted at the captain, as if trying to measure the man up before he responded.
"That is correct Captain. And I'm more than willing to help you and your crew out. However, the security on these channels are fleetingly secure at best and I'd like to meet face to face...did the good professor give you the address to my apartment?"

Kale nodded, "He did.  Said ta give you a wave 'fore we headed on down though.  Our eta currently is 'bout an' hour now.  We'll be hittin' the Paratel Docks then.  Should I head right on over an' is the place secure or am I lookin' at extra security measures ta make sure me an' my own don't get double crossed?"

Connor nodded.
"Captain, proceed straight from the docks to my location...it is about as secure from the Alliance as you'll get on this world...and if you bring anyone extra...just make sure they're well armed...see you in a few Captain..." The transmission signal cut off. Connot sighed and stood up to stretch. Then, after making sure he packed another small bag with a few weapons he might need, he went to ready his apartment for guests...the bags he needed were in reach should he have to make a quick get away.

[From Destiny: Cargo Bay]

The walk wasn't bad at all, although it certainly had become abundantly evident when they had crossed over from the more civilized sectors of Paratel and into the the poorer districts.  'Course Kale was used to seeing the type of folk that were wandering about the streets here so it was no let to him.  He stopped outside a particularly rundown looking building and glanced at the others behind him.

"This here's the place." he said, "Now Connor's supposed ta be a friend 'o the Professor's but even so keep yer eyes open, don' know how far we can trust him yet." with that he led the way upstairs and came to a stop outside of the man's door, rapping his knuckles against it.

"Not to far but the look of things," Rhaef said quietly, his eyes darting around, and hands sliding to his holsters, this area reminded him of home, and that meant that were rats throughout the woodwork.

Wei-Li walked with the others.  The location, and Rhaef's hand placement wasn't lost on her.  Still she keep her hands on her side and a smile on her face as she watched their surroundings.

Though her pulse was up, her expression was the same she had when she was performing.

Geoff hadn't minded the walk to Connor's apartment, it had been kinda nice actually, chance to see the sights a bit and get the blood flowing.  By the time they had reached the mans apartment Geoff was ready to go.  He wasn't at all disturbed by thier surroundings, in fact he had hardly noticed as they had passed from the 'good' to the 'bad' section of the city.  "Place kinda reminds me 'o growin' up." Geoff said in a mock wistful voice.  Truth be known he didn't really much miss living in back alleys like this one or squatting in rundown apartments til the Feds kicked him out.  But it was a way of life, and he knew well enough not to judge this man from his choice of home so he waited patiently for someone to open the door, a smile painted on his face because he was out doing something.  Being at the professors had been all well and good but Geoff wasn't really one for the peaceful life.  He was ready for some good old fashion crime.

Connor stood on the other side of the door, listening to the things Kale and his companions said. Finally, he opened the door and smiled at them.
"Well Mr. Sorandash...that same amount of trust could be, in turn, applied to yourselves...its not like you have a sterling reputation to live up to...however, I would like to invite you all inside and give a good first impression of myself..." He gestured and waited for them to make themselves at home inside...

Kale was slightly shocked to realize that Connor had been standing at the door while he and his crew talked - he must have seen them coming, some sort of monotiring system he was sure, which seemed to hold with what the Professor had told him of the man.  Techinical genius he had said, Kale hoped he was right.

"You'll have ta fogive my first mate here - he ain't the most trustin' 'o individuals." Kale couldn't help it, the comment just sort of slipped out, he frowned slightly at Connor's comment about his reputation ... Kale thought he had earned himself a pretty good one - course that last job with Cortez had probably put a bit of a stain on his name.  He knew Cortez sure as hell weren't happy with him.  He stepped inside however after Connor, motioning for his crew to do the same but to still keep on guard.

The inside of the apartment was actually ... nice.  Not what Kale had been expecting given its outside appearance.  He reminded himself again that appearances could be decieving.

Geoff wasn't really all that surprised the man had been listening in, that's what he'd of done.  Want to know who you're dealing with before letting them inside.  He noticed the Captain frown at the mans comment about their reputation and smiled, "Heh, that's right, our reputation ain't sterlin' it's gold.  Solid gold." he said and stepped inside, keeping close to Wei-Li, this time he was hell bent on protecting her and not letting her get shot or kicked or thrown around no more.

Rhaef nodded, "Forgive my Captain and the rest of the gang, Mr. O'Sullivan, their reputations are spotless, although it appears you would be correct about mine, its a bit rusty. Out of date too, I might add." Rhaef replied warily, although relaxing enough to take his from his holster as he was the man ushering them into the apartment.

Kale smiled slightly at Geoff's comment and cast a small glance in Rhaef's direction as he spoke but himself made no remark about his reputation, "I suppose the Professor already told ya bit 'bout me but this here's Rhaef my first mate, Geoff, and the lady is Wei-Li.  Rumor has it yer the man ta go to 'bout breakin' into highly secured museums an' removin' priceless artifacts."

Wei-Li smiled and nodded when Kale introduced her, then moved into Connor's apartment. She found herself smiling at Geoff's hovering next to her.  It was very much like being home right now.

With Kale, and Rhaef, and Geoff there she felt as safe as a person could be.

Connor shut the door behind them and locked all five of the locks on the door. He gestured for them all to sit down.
"Would anyone like something to drink? Eat? Please interrupt if so...as for the professor, he is quite correct, I am your man. As for the whole museum break in...it will be a cake walk. Now, how much are you being paid to do this favor for my dear friend the professor?"

It took Wei-Li effort to keep from shaking her head and smirking.  Experience told her that 'cake walks' never were.  Ever!

She smiled and began studying her surroundings.

Rhaef chose to stand by the door, his eyes constantly darting around the room, looking for trouble. He also listened to the conversation, slightly worried about the phrase "cake-walk" those jobs had the greatest tendency to go south because people were not being sharp enough.

Kale took a seat on one of the couches across from Connor and leaned foward, his elbows resting on his knees.  He shook his head to Connor's offer for refreshments, "Nah, that's alright, we'll stick ta business fer the time bein'.  I sure do hope that this job will be the cake-walk yer expectin'." he didn't mention that somehow everything he did ended up as anything but a 'cake-walk'.  "As to payin' well, this is just what you said - a favor.  Money is goin' ta the good folk of Regina.  Keep them breathin' easier, hell keep them breathin' at all."

"But that ain't somethin' really concernin' you, sure the professor has whatever deal he has worked out with ya.  What I'm interested in knowin' is what you know 'bout the security system at this place an' what you have in mind fer bypassin' it."

Connor laughed.
"The on site security is one of the weakest on Athen's period. However, set off any of the trip alarms that guard each exhibit...and you'll have the Alliance on you in literally about two minutes...which is why you'll need me to go in with you. Once we're inside, I'll hack through the firewalls and disable the exhibit alarms, leaving the physical secrity guards to you..."

"Sounds a like standard security protocol, Mr. O'Sullivan, why exactly can't it be done remotely, and what are the redundant security systems? An artifact this valuable is not simply going to be guarded by a computer system, even this far from the core. Its not like the Alliance." Rhaef replied, his mind thinking back to similar crimes he undertook in his past life. "What type of standard systems, cameras, human guards, etc, are we looking at?"

Connor sighed, nothing was ever simple.
"First, the exbihits are each guarded by their own secrutiy systems, independent of one another and routed so that they can only be accessed on site. The number of security guards on site is exactly thirty two, no more, no less...that number is as of today. Cameras cover every single inch of the damned museum, but those can be shut down or hacked into easily. Bascially, we're looking at a well-guarded system...but not an impossible one...Kale, there are a few devices that I can give you and your crew that will help deactivate the systems, if only temporarily...the rest I will have to dig into."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Sat 17 June 2006.

Kale listened to Connor's words, his mind already starting to take what little bits and pieces of information he had just been given and mold it into a working plan, "You got anything I can look at?" he asked, assuming the Connor probably had his peliminary work drawn up on some computer or tablet so Kale could familiarize himself with what they'd be dealing with.

"Basically, we help you get inside and let you loose on their security systems and then we have to retrieve the stamp."

Connor nodded.
"Yes Captain, I have several schematics and floor plans of the museum drawn up on my computer, we can get to that in a minute. As for your summarization, yes, I hack, you take, and I might be able to arrange for something else to disappear so you actually get paid for the work your doing...if not, I'm sure I can get you something..." Connor stood. "Captain, if you'd come with me for a minute, I'd like a chance to speak in private..."

Kale nodded, schematics and floors plans were just what he was wanting to look at, but he could be patient.  What he was shocked to here was Connor's willingness to help him and Destiny come out on top in this job.  Most folk wouldn't really care what was in it for the other person, so long as what was in it for them had been worked out.  Then Connor asked to speak to him privately.  He glanced at his crew then stood up, there was a time when he would have demanded Connor just told him in front of everyone - ain't no secrets he kept from his crew - however he had done that before and learned that sometimes people really did just need that private word.  Made them feel more comfortable, "Alright." he said, and followed Connor.

Connor looked at the rest of the crew.
"Please make yourselves at home, my house is your house...just don't open the door... for anyone." He motioned for Kale to follow him into his computer room. Once inside, he closed the door. "Captain, I'll be frank, how well can you trust your crew?"

"That ain't a question at all." Kale said, "Completely.  I trust them completely."

Connor nodded.
"Good, I've had more than one mission go awry because some bastard got too greedy for his own good, and went cutthroat on the rest of us, I just wanted to be sure. Now..." Connor flicked two swtiches, the lights went on and a projector screen unrolled. The projector blinked blue and then the entire floor plan of the museum appeared before them on the screen. "This map is accurate as of twenty three minutes ago...it should still be accurate for the next five years, but then again, one can never tell...I'll explain to you first, then we'll call your crew in and give them the full details..." Connor launched into his explanation. It entailed Kale and his crew sneaking in undetected as Connor hacked into the security cameras, setting fake images. Then, once they were inside, they would spread out and set up disruptors so the alarms would be temporarily deactivated, giving them the time they needed to work. Then, it was a matter of taking out the guards and then taking what they needed, with Connor hacking through the final defense systmes of the individual cases they would need from the site...and then getting the hell out of Dodge as the Alliance would realize they were msising something the second the disruptors died...the batteries on them could only last for so long when disrupting such a powerful signal. "...so, did we catch that Captain, or shall I explain it to you again...I've been informed I talk too fast sometimes..."

Kale's eyes analyzed the maps and schematics that Connor pulled up as the man talked, already forming in his own mind his and Destiny's part in the job.  He was impressed with the Connor guy though - the man knew what he was about had a very professional air about him, "I follow." Kale said when Connor was done talking, "DOn't worry, in my line of work you learn ta be a fast listener."

He stood up and began pointing out a portion of the map, "Lookin' at this part, what do ya-" Kale didn't get to finish his sentence however as loud banging came from the other room where his crew was still waiting.  He cast a quick look at Connor and then darted out into the main room.

The door looked like it was about to break and a few mens voices could be heard on the other side.

Rhaef had had his gun in hand and pointing at the door even before the pounding had started, as he had heard the footsteps coming down the hall.  Geoff and Wei-Li had given him a confused look for a moment but then the pounding started and all was clear.  As the Captain walked in he said grimly, "Looks like we got company."

Connor came out of the room after hurriedly shutting down the computer programs and grabbing everything he needed into his bag...it took him a minute and a half...he was used to this. Connor ran out with the two bags he had gotten ready and ran up to the door, looking through the peep hole. He turned away from the door and pulled out a gun.
"Ah damn it." He looked to the member so of the Destiny crew. "Old associates are here...if you have any weapons, now would be a good time to pull them out...the men on the other side are armed and have those arms drawn..."

Gun already in hand, Wei Li looked around nervoiusly, looking for escape routes and cover.  She reamined glued to Geoff's side.  If things were to turn violent, she knew that he and the others would be teh ones to lead the way.

"Nice folks..." she quipped.

Connor shook his head.
"Not in the least, the only reason I helped them is because they were doing some damage to an Alliance base that was putting a squeeze on the locals around here...and that's bad for business...plus I can't stand to see soldiers harming women and children for the sake of credits...its ridiculious..." Connor called out to the men outside the door, trying to appear as though he were merely preoccupied and getting ready to open the door. "One moment please!" He looked towards the others and dropped his voice a bit. "Anyone have a plan?...or shal we wing it?"

Geoff had been slightly confused when Rhaef had suddenly pulled his gun out and started aiming at the closed door.  But it was pretty evident that the man just had better senses then him cause a moment later someone had begun pounding on the door.  Geoff wasn't really complaining though - in fact, he was grinning as he pulled his guns out, "Now this is my kinda meetin'." he said, stepping closer to Wei-Li in an attempt to block her from the line of fire.  He didn't want it to seem like he didn't think she oculd handle her own, but he'd be real sorry if anything happened to her.  He promised nothing would.

"I gotta plan." he said, "It's called 'shoot 'em till their all dead'."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Rhaef commented, his eyes were glued to the door, "They're going to break it down in a moment.  I say we run.  This isn't our fight." he added, glancing slightly at Connor.  He didn't really intend to put all of them at risk if they didn't need too.

"No time." Kale managed to get out right before the door came splintering into the room and in burst four very big and very well armed men.  Course their weapons of choice appeared to be more along the lines of heavy clubs and chains.  Kale's crew easily had far more firearms between them.  But they certainly didn't all look as big and mean.

"Well, what do we got here?  The rats got some friends." the largest of the men commented, he was holding a very nasty looking spiked club in one fist and a pistol in the other, "Don't matter, we'll still be givin' ya you're payment." he said, "And we intend to pay in full."

Connor's eyes narrowed as the door splintered inwards.
"What the hell have I told you about waiting?!" He was surprised to find himself so angry. His two bags were concealed and he would definitely be getting them before running out. He pointed his pistol right at the leader's face, though he stood out of reach of the nasty looking club...no point in taking chances. "I thought I told you the last time I didn't want payment for this one...either way, you are leaving...NOW!" Connor pulled back on the six-shooter's hammer and waited to see what the leader's response was.

The man just grinned at Connor, he was missing a few teeth making his grin look even more eerie. Kale smirked however, just a stupid bunch of thugs.  "I think you should listen to the man, or things could be goin' real bad fer ya." Kale said, getting ready to take them on.  His gun raised now and aiming carefully at the man, he was getting ready to take a step forward.

Rhaef had both his pistols leveled at the door when the men burst in.  So much for skipping out on the fight. He was ready to fight as well when the man grinned.  He recognized that grin, he recognized that man ... in fact he recognized most of them.  His blood turned cold.  These weren't just some thugs.  These men were in association with The Hand.  Whether they were after him or not they most likely would recognize him now and go back and give away his location.  This also meant that these men were well trained and highly dangerous.

"Kale! Look out!" he shouted, moving to cover the Captain as he noticed one of the men behind the lead man aiming his gun.

Wei-Li tried to find as much cover as she could, which wasn't much in the small apartment.  She watched, trying to size up their opponants.

This was not going to be good, she knew that much.

Kale was about to deliver some damage of his own when he heard Rhaef's voice shout at his side.  He turned just as a shot rung out.  His turning had put him directly in the line of fire and the shot connected solidly with his right shoulder.  Ta Ma De!" Kale gritted his teeth and spun around firing off a shot of his own.

"Ya shot the Cap'n!" Geoff called out, "Now ain't smart but I know that was not a good idea." he said and opened fire himself.  This was his area of expertise, causing damage, and he intended to cause plenty of that.

Wei-li dropped to the ground, making herself as small as possible.  She began firing at the people in the doorway.  They'd already hit the Captain which meant they weren't going to talk.

And if that was the case, she was going to make her point heard another way.

"Damn it!" Connor pulled the trigger, and then dived to floor behind a large, padded sofa. He hoped the bullet went through the man's face. Connor cocked the hammer on his gun and fired over the sofa. His bags were almost automatically over his shoulder and he looked around to see where the others had gotten to...

Rhaef didn't really have any time to think before Kale was getting shot.  His heart sunk then and his mind became perfectly clear.  This was his fault.  And as long as he was around it would always be.  These men, they were associated with The Hand ... it looked like his past would never stop haunting him and as long as it did those he cared about were going to continue to get hurt.

"I am the beast." he said in a low murmur under his breath.  His eyes flashed as he turned his cool clarity on the men now shooting at him and the others.  He took cover behind one of the overstuffed chairs, pulling Kale down with him and began firing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:00, Thu 22 June 2006.

Kale's wild shot hit nothing but the wall.  Geoff, Connor, Wei-Li and Rhaef's however were far better aimed.  The men they were shooting at however were not inexperienced.  The leader managed to avoid Connor's shot to the head, although it did hit his shoulder instead as he tried to dive out of the way.  The dive landed him behind a hall table where Wei-Li's shot kept him staying out of sight.  Geoff's fire had managed to make one of the men take cover outside of the room.  Rhaef was the most deadly.  His first shot had landed one of the men in a crumpled pile on the floor and sent the other ducking for cover on the otherside of the couch where he and Kale were now crouched.

One man down the other three men were not backing off.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:31, Thu 22 June 2006.

Rhaef leaned back against the chair after hitting his first target and knowing that the next was just on the otherside of the chair that divided them.  He cast a quick glance to his right at Kale, "Are you alright?" he said.

Kale gritted his teeth, "Well, I just got shot - so I'm gonna say I've been better.  Don' worry 'bout me though." he managed to get out.  He'd been shot worse before.  He knew perfectly well that this was a deadly wound, they just needed to get out of here now.  While everyone else was shooting Kale's eyes had been scanning the area.

"That window there." he said pointing, outside of it he could see the fire escape, if they could get out that way they could make a run for it.

Rhaef's eyes followed Kale's gaze and he nodded his head, "I'm on it, and Cap'n, about earlier -"

"Don't worry 'bout it." Kale cut him off, "Now ain't the time anyway."

"Right." Rhaef said, and then he looked over at Geoff, trying to catch his eye.  Once he had he quickly motioned to him to take out his guy on the opposite side of the chair why he covered the guy behind the door.  They wouldn't be expecting the reveresal of attacks he hoped.

Geoff nodded and put a hand on Wei-Li's calf to let her know something was about to happen.  He held up one finger, then a second as he tightend his grip and got ready to move.

As the third finger came up he targeted the other man and began firing.

Connor saw the look between Geoff and Rhaef and hoped he'd read it right. To add to their plan, he was going to try causing a distraction. Making sure the light bags were secure on him, he reloaded his gun and stood up, dodging about and firing towards the three remaining hostiles. Connor fired all six shoots from his gun and dove to the spot where Kale was currently laying, hoping it was good enough cover.
"Ah captain, this has gone to hell in a handbasket..." He pulled out a shot of what looked like morphine and handed it to Kale. "My last one...its for the pain." Connor reloaded his gun again and waited...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Thu 22 June 2006.

Rhaef waited until Geoff had put down his last finger and then dove to the side, firing at the man behind the door and trusting Geoff to take down his man on the other side of the chair.

Rhaef's plan worked, while he kept the man behind the door at bay Geoff was able to take down the man behind the chair due to the fact that Connor's shots had prevented the man from trying to escape around the other side.

Two men down now.  One still hidden behind the door frame and one injured behind the hall table.

Kale offered Connor a tired smile, "Well it usually does." he said to Connor's comment about everything going to hell.  Then he took the morphine shot and gritting his teeth injected himself.  "Thanks." he said, then pushing himself into a crouching position he pointed to the window.

"Geoff, Wei-Li and I will make a run for the window.  Connor, Rhaef, gives us cover and then move out yourself." he said and then with a quick look to Geoff and Wei-Li he began to make way for the window and the fire escape beyond.

Connor nodded to Rhaef and stood cautiously, falling into a crouch. He pointed his gun out and waved for Rhaef to make sure that the others were leaving. Then, he pulled out what looked to be like a remote control. Connor sighed. he would miss this place, but there was no way he could let the equipment inside here, not to mention the information, fall into the wrong hands. Connor fired a few shots and waited for Rhaef to give him some sort of signal.

Geoff nodded, as he slid another clip into his pistol and gave Wei-Li's calf a tug to get her moving.

He supplied cover fire staying between Wei-Li and their attackers, shielding her with his own body, and backup up once she was in place.

Wei-Li could hear her pulse racing, but everything else had been lost in a dull roar from the gun fire.  She moved back as soon as she realized what Geoff was trying to get her to do, moving as quickly as she could she slipped out onto the fire escape and checked for any sign of trouble while she waited for the others.

Kale followed after Wei-Li and Geoff, allowing Rhaef and Connor to cover the three of them since he was still gritting his teeth from the pain in his shoulder - although the morphine was setting in now.  He fired off one or two shots but wasn't really taking aim.

"Down!" he said as he climbed through the window to Geoff and Wei-Li, then he waited for Rhaef and Connor to head towards the window to provide them cover.

Connor wasn't going to wait any longer. He fired a few shots to make sure the hostiles stayed where they were, then rushed over to Rhaef.
"I can get rid of these guys, but we have to get out of here first!" Connor held up his button mechanism to Rhaef, then hid it again. He swung one leg out of the window and fired a few more rounds. Then, he swung the other leg out, though still facing the inside of the apartment, covering Rahef so he could exit as well. "We gotta go!"

Rhaef shook his head at Connor and snarled, "No, Connor, you know who I was when I came in, and so do they, you go out the window, and blow the room in 60 seconds regardless, I'm, going out the front door. This is personal."

With that Rhaef slide fresh rounds into each gun, and went deep into his dark place, steeling himself, he dove through the open doorway and blasted the man sheltered behind it. He knew the Hand, they'd have someone down stairs, and if he did not get there first the others would be sitting ducks coming through the alley. He jumped down the firest flight of stairs and walked into a firefight in the lobby.

Connor looked at Rahef, stunned, then angrily.
"Godammit! We don't have the time for heroics!..." It was too late. Rahef was gone. Connor fired off the last rounds in his gun and reloaded, turning out the window and looking to the rest of thethem, shaking his head. "He's gone...let's go..." Connor waited for the rest to make their way down the alleyway before reaching into his jacket to thumb the button mechanism...Rhaef knew what he was doing...

Geoff started firing on the signal, but when Rhaef moved foward instead of back he was halfway through the window before he realized what he was doing... and the fact that Wei-Li and Kale were on the escape.

He knew he needed to stay with them and hoped that Rhaef knew what he was doing.

"Lets get off this thing," he urged the others as he climbed back out.

"What?!" Kale grunted as Connor returned alone, for a moment he thought the man meant Rhaef was dead and his heart sunk but when he glanced back into the apartment he saw Rhaef crashing through the door.  Well, if he wasn't dead yet, he would be soon.  What the hell was he doing?

"Alright, lets move." Kale said and the group of them began climbing quickly down the fire escape.

Rhaef, by what seemed to be sheer luck managed to take out the two guys on his way out the door, and he had been right, there were three more men downstairs.  They weren't expecting Rhaef to come barging into the lobby however with guns blazing.  Others milling about the lobby screamed and scattered, but the three men raised their guns and began firing at Rhaef.

Rhaef bobbed and weaved, and got lucky in guessing what the hand was doing, they had left the inexperienced men in the lobby, where they hoped odds would when the day. Against a trained killer though these men were no match. Rhaef was completely inside himself now. His fury unleashed, the only thing he cared about was the others got back to ship and that the crew...well at least one member of the crew...got away unharmed. He blasted left and right, blazing the targets presented by the raised gunmen.

Connor made sure he let the others go down first. Then, as he hit the ground from the fire escape...he pulled out the button mechanism and pressed it. Immediately it whirred and a red light in the button began blinking...Connor looked up.
"We have exactly one minute to get the hell out of here...I'd suggest running, now..." Connor checked to make sure his bags were in place, then readied himself to run, waiting for the others to signal to him they were ready...

Wei-Li froze, staring at Connor.  "What about the others in the building?" She demanded.

While she didn't like the idea of being shot, or caught by the law, she did not want to see innocents hurt in the name of escaping.

Connor looked at her.
"I duty-rigged a fire alarm to go off ten seconds after pressing the button..." Sure enough, a shrill alarm began blaring from the building. " I can do nothing else...we have to go! Come on!" With that, Connor began walking out towards the street, hoping the others would follow him...

Everything was happening so quickly - Kale should have expected everything to go to hell ... it always did.   "Go." he said to Wei-Li and Geoff, "Get the hell outta here." he made no motion to leave however as he peered into the lobby where Rhaef he assumed would be emerging.  The gorram, headstrong fool.  He had a serious problem with takin' orders.  Now he was gonna go try an' play hero - figgered'

Kale moved forward and spotted Rhaef and began trying to provide cover fire for him to get out of the building, the sound of the fire alarm ringing in his ears and people pushing past him to get out of the building.

The men would have gone down with a fair amount of ease if it weren't for all the gorram hiding places in the lobby and the other people running about like chickens with their heads chopped off, it was pretty apparent that most of the other occupants of the building were on some sort of drug.

One man fell to Rhaef's shot and he pressed forward,  Kale managed to take out another before he was pushed up in a crowd of people and forced back.  Leaving Rhaef alone to get out.

"Ruttin' hell!" Kale shouted, trying to push his way through the mass of bodies pressing to get out of the apartment building but he couldn't get through.  Rhaef was making his suicide attempt alone in there - and he didn't have much time before whatever it was Connor had rigged up went off.

Rhaef spun toward the door, when shots began fired, "Gorram it, Kale, you need to get the others out of here, and you too. I'm a monster, don't save me." He mumbled to himself, yet he was grateful for the cover fire, and fired one more well-placed shot at the leg of the last Hand man in the crowd. It would not kill him, but stun him, Rhaef could only hope that the man did not recognize him.

The blast fired, Rhaef slipped through the crowds like a fish going up stream, grabbed Kale, and moved toward the outside.   "Gorram Kale, I was making sure you all could get out okay, and you came rushin' back. Why? After all I said, I ain't nothing but trouble."

"You're part 'o my crew.  End of questionin'" Kale growled, still not at all happy with him for taking off like that.

The two men rushed away from the building just as the upstairs apartment that they had just come from exploded, shards of glass and debris falling from the sky as they caught up with Connor, Geoff, and Wei-Li.

Rhaef nodded, "Fair enough, Kale." Yet, the Captain's response had confirmed what Rhaef had feared most.

Kale and Rhaef caught up with the others, Kale was still obviously in pain despite Connor's morphine, "We make for Destiny, let's go." he said and led the way.

[To Destiny: Cargo Bay]

Wei-Li kept pace with the others.  This was not what she had been expecting.  She wasn't usually one for shooting, but she had.  She remained focused on what they were doing and was gratefull when they reached the ship.

----> TO Destiny: Cargo Bay

Geoff stayed back from the others where he could keep an eye on them, and anyone who might try and hurt them.  He gave one last sweep as the others boarded destiny.

With Geoff taking the rear, Rhaef took the point, his eyes scanning for the typical Hand traps as they made their way back to the ship. Even as they did a plan was forming in his mind, who's urgency was multiplied by the fact that they might have been followed back to Destiny.

Connor sighed and followed the rest...the professor owed him for this one...
(OOC: Connor to Destiny: Cargo Bay))