Project S.T.A.T.I.C. Part 4: Worlds Apart

Beth stood on the ledge of the building across from the hotel. She, Pam, and Jason had just arrived moments ago. Moralis was staying in a suite on one of the uppermost floors. "You're sure he's in there?" Beth asked, nodding at the corner suite.

"Asshole is in there alright," Jason replied, checking his gear, "People like him always want the highest floor, the corner office, and the illusion of safety. How many, Pam?"

"A dozen inside the suite, and nearly two more outside in the halls," Pam replied with eyes closed, "I can feel their greed even here."

"Sounds like a party," Beth remarked, cracking her neck, "Too bad they don't know what's coming."

"Safeties off, but barrels down, Feral," Jason reminded her, "Trust me, it'd be easier going in guns out, but we need to save that for a last resort."

"And if it comes down to last resorts?" Beth asked.

"What do you think?" Jason countered, opening a case he'd brought and grabbing the components of his rifle.

"I'll do my best to keep quiet," Beth said, "No sense drawing more attention if we can help it, but our luck isn't exactly great when we need it to be."

"Yeah, I've noticed," Jason shook his head as be screwed the barrel onto his rifle, "Pam, you ready for this?"

"Yes," Pam replied, "Let's get this over with. I'm not a fan of us being separated."

"Right, ladies first," Jason said as Beth got her grappling gun out, "We don't know anything about the team in there, but if Eva hired them they're trained and deadly. Keep your head on a swivel, and I'll provide cover when I can. I'll join you once we've secured the suite, or if shit hits the fan and I run out of rounds."

—-

"You're sure this floor is secured?" Phillip Moralis asked his security chief.

Cara Marx, a behemoth of muscle and skill, sighed and crossed her arms, "Positive, for the one hundredth time. You have nothing to worry about as long as my team is here. The check from your boss cleared already, and we don't take our roles lightly. There's a reason they called us first."

"Do you have any idea the shit storm that's coming with what that parasite loving flesh-eater did?" Phillip asked, "Sue me for being concerned. I've stayed above board for a long time, but I remember when that Feral bitch first appeared a year ago. She tore through the underbelly of this city like paper because of her connection with that bird suit wearing idiot. What do you think she's going to do now that she knows Eva-"

"We don't say her name," Cara cut him off with a stern look.

"What difference does it make now?!" Phillip demanded, "She's shown her damn hand, and those costumed freaks know she's-"

"Our employer hasn't shown anything yet, Mr. Moralis," Cara cut him off again, "Men like you are meant to serve a specific purpose. You're here to handle the day to day operations for your betters, and my team and I are here to keep the fish from devouring worms like you. Shut your mouth, go to your quarters, and let us handle things here."

Phillip glared at the larger woman for a moment, but Cara met his with one of her own. He looked away and sighed, "Fine, but I expect you to handle any threats that arise."

"Let me do my job, and you can continue sniveling and doing yours," Cara scoffed, "Let them come and die. The sooner they do, the sooner we can begin to move into the next phase. You'll continue living, earning money you don't deserve, and we'll keep the rats at bay as we always have."

Cara watched as Phillip sulked off to his bedroom. Men and women like him truly disgusted her. She longed for the days of power and conviction from the city's former glory. The days when women such as Kaitlyn, Goth, Footgirl, and others sought to bring the city to its knees. It was part of the reason she'd accepted the contract from Eva months ago. A woman with a vision that would remove the weakness from the common folk. Order and strength to those that deserved it, and fealty to those that didn't. Her and her team would serve, yes, but their service would be rewarded in the long run. 

A curtain blew near the balcony from the living room, but she ignored it as she past by to make her rounds. She had guards stationed throughout the suite with more outside. Nobody was getting in without her knowing, not even The Feral. She'd heard the stories and accounts from survivors, but she wasn't afraid of ghosts and legends. Her time in the service meant she was ready to take on whoever was foolish enough to stand against her. She pulled out her phone and slid it open to see if there was an update on the second phase. A message was on her screen:

Gemini Intiated.

Cara smirked at the words. Everything was going according to plan. Soon there would be an army at their disposal, and she would lead the charge against the city and those dumb enough to fight back. Subjugation and compliance would come soon enough. All she had to do was babysit this little worm for a little while longer. They'd leave in the next two days, and then they could return to their grander ambitions. It wouldn't be long now. A drink was in order to commemorate this milestone. Her team could handle things while she enjoyed a moment to herself. 

"Stacey, check the windows," she ordered as she headed for the kitchen, "Make sure we don't have any pests creeping in."

—--

Beth stood on the balcony hidden in the shadows on the outskirts of the light. She'd watched as a massive figure of a woman had practically barked and belittled Moralis. Judging by the body armor and patches, that was the leader of his security outlet. She'd moved back when the curtain fluttered slightly, but she'd locked eyes with the behemoth for a brief second. Strong as the woman undoubtedly was, she hadn't seen her. Instead, she'd gone off on her own after ordering one of her men to check the balcony. The first of many to meet their end tonight. She rolled her shoulders as she grabbed one of the knives hidden in her coat.

The guard stepped out onto the balcony and looked around. Armed with a pistol and an smg slung over his back, he was definitely a testament to the security hired. Thick body armor, possibly armored pants, and sleeves that would make cutting difficult. She had her work cut out for her tonight. She waited until he walked closer to the railing before making her move. Beth quickly crept out of the shadows and behind him. One hand found his mouth, and her blade slid across his throat to put him down. She pushed his body over the railing and prepared to move inside. With one missing, it wouldn't be long before the others noticed. This was clearly an operation that was tightly run by the look of things. She crouched low as she approached the doorway.

There were two in the living room. The captain was somewhere else, so that was three and she'd just eliminated one. Eight more were somewhere in this room, and then there were the forces outside of the suite. Navigating this without one of them firing a shot was going to be a challenge. A minute passed before she saw an opportunity. One of the guards was heading down the hall, and the other was staying in the living room. His back was to her, and she waited until the other guard was rounding the corner before making her next move. Just like her last victim, she crept up behind him and dispatched him with a hand over his mouth and a blade across his throat. She pulled his limp body over behind the couch and tucked herself down out of sight. 

The captain of the team walked back into the living room holding a glass of bourbon. She frowned as she looked around, "Miles, report in!"

The guard that had left down the hall hurried back into the room. "Nothing yet, ma'am," he said, "All has been quiet."

"Stacey and Cohin, where are they?" Cara asked.

"Stacey is probably out on the balcony still, but Cohin was just here," Miles answered, looking around, "Maybe he went to get a snack? Guy has an appetite that rivals a fucking glutton, boss."

"I just came from the kitchen, Miles," Cara frowned, "We've got an uninvited guest."

"Ma'am?" Miles frowned, "Are you-"

"Find her, break her, and bring her to me," Cara snapped, pulling her handgun out, "Earn your keep, soldier."

Beth sighed and shook her head. She'd hoped to have taken out more than two before things got loud. Thankfully, Pam was still outside, as was Jason on the rooftop across the street. On cue, the lights began to flicker before going dark. Beth switched her helmet to night vision the second they went out. Pam was only using novice spells, but cutting the power was simple enough. There wouldn't be any fireballs or chains this evening, but magic like this wouldn't alert Eva and Emily. There was a moment of brief confusion before Beth sprang into action. She vaulted over the couch and kicked Miles hard in the stomach. He went down, and Beth immediately lifted her legs and spun herself around to avoid any gunshots and getting grabbed. The struggle that ensued was short-lived as Miles tried to go for his gun, but Beth drove her blade down into his skull before he could.

The heat was on, and she had to move quickly before things got worse. Beth threw herself into a backwards roll and grabbed a second blade from her coat. She launched it at the captain's hand before she could shoot. It would have been better to kill her, but disarming was a safer play in case she missed. She heard the gun hit the carpeted floor, and Beth charged forward to take her down. Tucked low, Beth grabbed the captain by her waist, picked her up, and slammed her down on her back. What should have been a simple elimination turned into a hearty skirmish as Beth tried to impale her. The woman grabbed her wrist just before the edge of her knife could sink into her face, and a strong hand slammed into Beth's forearm. It took everything Beth had to keep from dropping her knife.

She felt her head spin as that same hard fist hit her helmet. This woman was strong, unbelievably strong, but Beth refused to let up. She caught her arm with her own and wrapped it around her forearm to stop from hitting her again. Before she could twist and snap her arm, the woman got her boot under Beth and flung her off. Beth rolled as she landed, and the sounds of footfalls coming around the corner could be heard. She looked up as the captain got back to her feet. Rather than reaching for her gun, Beth flung a handful of knives at the corner of the kitchen. Two more of the security team came around just as her blades went soaring, and they dropped as the knives dug into their chests just above the armor. Beth saw a shadow move in from the balcony, and she knew it was Pam sneaking in for support. That meant she could focus on the captain of the security team.

The large woman got to her feet and eyed her gun near Beth's feet. Beth expected her to go for it, but instead she pulled out a large knife from her waist. "Cutting the lights, that's cute," the woman sneered at her, "Unfortunately for you, I can see in the dark. Let's see if the legends and stories are all they're cracked up to be."

Beth scoffed and shook her head as she widened her stance. Whoever this woman was had confidence and skill, she'd give her that. The captain stepped in with a stab aimed at Beth's face, but Beth leaned back and swatted her arm away. She sliced upward, but the woman pivoted in a quick spin to dodge. She followed through on her spin with a horizontal slice, but Beth blocked it her blade. The force sent her sliding backwards, and the captain was charging after her. Beth stepped back and held her arms up to block two leaping kicks aimed at her face and chest. The captain landed in a crouch and tried to sweep her legs out from under her. Beth stepped over the leg sweep and kicked forward. Her boot connected, but the woman rolled backwards and into a back handspring to get to her feet.

Beth cut her eyes to the side as the sounds of fighting came from the kitchen. Pam was busy, and she wished she could lend a hand. The behemoth in front of her was a priority, though. She waited for her to make another move, not wanting to give her any opening unless absolutely necessary. The captain moved in again with a downward slice that Beth easily dodged. She switched hands and swung up with the blade once she missed, but Beth managed to block it again before it could connect. She pushed down and headbutted her to stagger her opponent and create an opening. Beth stepped closer, but the woman swung at her throat. She dropped down to one knee with a quickness and sliced her thigh. Beth quickly got up and dragged her blade across her chest. The body armor she wore stopped the cut, but not before she managed to knick her neck and force her back another step. 

Beth watched as she put pressure on her leg and tried to ignore the pain. She charged forward, limping just slightly, and tried again to stab Beth in the arm this time. Beth knocked her arm away and threw her knee up to slam it into her stomach. Instinct took over, and Beth drove the blade down as hard as she could into her back. It cut through the armor, but it wasn't enough to be a fatal or crippling blow. Beth found herself being lifted off the ground and slammed to the ground hard on her back. The tables had turned now, and Beth was just barely able to stop the blade from coming down and cutting into her throat. She didn't have long before she'd be overpowered one way or another. Beth grimaced behind her helmet as she managed to get her leg out and extend it to the side. By the skin of her teeth, she was able to land a hard blow to this woman's side and break their power struggle. 

Her arms free for the briefest second, Beth hit her opponent across the jaw as hard as she could. She hardly budged as she recovered and tried to stab her throat once again. Beth hit her wrist to knock the blade out of her hand, though, and she wrapped her legs around her waist. The woman growled as she tried to break her helmet with a hard punch, but Beth wrapped her arms around her arm and started applying pressure. She squeezed her legs together and held on tightly to her arm. She arched her back and tried to break it, but the woman fought to get to her feet. Amazingly, she managed to do just that and lifted herself and Beth with a hefty grunt. She stumbled forward, Beth's weight throwing her off balance, and slung Beth into the wall. The drywall dented in from the force, but Beth managed to snap her arm with a sickening and satisfying crack. 

Beth hit the ground with a thud and pushed herself to her feet. She'd be feeling that hit in the morning, but she'd taken worse over the years. "Little bitch," the woman growled as she tried to move her arm, "I only need one hand to take you."

Beth rolled her neck as she stared her down without a word. Gunshots rang out from the kitchen, and that was all the signal she needed for the gloves to officially come off. Beth drew her gun, but bullets broke through the windows from behind before she could shoot. Jason had finally decided to lend a hand, but he missed the captain of the guard. The woman cursed as she ducked down and ran for cover. The problem now became the guards in the hallway. They'd be coming any second now. Beth saw the body of a female security guard get flung into the living room, and she watched as Pam ran in and stomped her throat to finish her. Beth whistled and tossed Pam her spare handgun. Her girlfriend caught it and nodded as she turned her attention back to the kitchen. 

Beth pushed herself against the wall and waited for any sign from the captain, but she was wellhidden in cover. She could hear heavy footfalls running into the suite, and she sighed in frustration as she pressed the barrel against the wall. Four shots cut through the drywall, and the sounds of dying groans could be heard. She spotted the captain trying to make a move, and she launched one of her throwing knives at her to cut her off. It was enough to break her momentum and force her back to cover as Jason again tried to provide covering fire. She turned when she saw another guard rounding the corner with his gun raised at her. She tucked and rolled to the side to avoid the hail of bullets coming her way. She returned fire as she rolled, and the guard quickly fell.

Her momentary victory was short-lived as two more made it past Pam who was busy with her own firefight. Beth moved towards them to close the gap and spike their adrenaline. She slid between one of their legs and spun around as she hit the tile floor of the kitchen. Four more well-placed shots to the back brought them down, but now she was in the kitchen with the others pouring in. Pam was tucked behind an island for cover and firing at every chance she had. Beth kicked off of the cabinet near her to push forward, rolled onto her stomach, and pushed herself up and emptied what was left of her clip into two more guards. She ejected the empty clip and threw it at another guard coming in to stagger him before reloading and tossing Pam a spare. She tucked herself against a corner and waited while Pam opened fire on the others filing in.

Pam gave her a nod to signify an all clear, and Beth stayed low as she ran back towards the living room. The captain was still in there, and she needed to stop that bitch in case Jason hadn't. Beth ran into a strong forearm that lopped around her neck and slammed her into the ground as she crossed the threshold. She let out a gasp, but she kept hold of her pistol as she hit the ground. She twisted to the side as a boot came down aimed at her face, and she kicked the security captain in the calf at the last second. She raised her gun and fired two shots into her leg. She went down to one knee, but she grabbed a machinegun she'd had on her back. Beth jumped up and ran towards the hallway as bullets trailed after her. The psycho had just taken out some of her own, but that was fine by her. That meant less work for them in the long haul.

She could hear the woman panting and trying to give chase. She'd give her this much, she didn't know when to give up. A loud bang could be heard from the kitchen as Beth threw herself against the wall for cover. The sounds of slicing and gunfire came next followed quickly by the grunts and cries of the dying. What was going on now? Had Jason finally decided to join the festivities? Beth shook her head and decided to figure it out after the immediate threat had been dealt with. She heard the slide of the machine gun, and she ducked down to avoid another hail of gunfire coming towards her. The bullets came at an even curve, and Beth took a shot to her leg that caused her to fall to the ground. She rolled onto her back and emptied her clip at the woman as she limped down the hallway. She had one bullet left when she finally finished the mammoth woman, and Beth got to her feet and fired a shot into her head to ensure she was dead.

She grimaced as she made her way back towards the living room. It was quiet, too quiet for her liking. "Beth Thomspson!" a voice she hadn't heard in a long time shouted from the kitchen, "Lay down your weapons, put your hands where I can see them, and get on your knees!"

Sadie Wilson, the smelly assassin, was here. This complicated things considerably. Beth frowned as she ejected her magazine and slapped another one. "Whatever you're planning, Sadie, I suggest you back off and walk away," Beth said, throwing herself against the wall, "I've got no patience for bullshit tonight, and I've already dealt with one bitch."

Beth tensed as Sadie stepped into the living room with her sword pressed against Pam's throat. "Oh, I think you'll make time for this, sweetheart," Sadie smirked, "You can relax, your girlfriend is just a little insurance to keep your bullets in your gun. I've heard how itchy your triggerfinger is, especially when someone you care about is taken from you."

"Let her go, Wilson," Jason's voice came from the balcony, his rifle at the ready and aimed at Sadie's head, "Whatever the Brunswicks are paying you isn't worth it. A dead woman can't spend a fortune."

"Jason Graves, the infamous Deadman," Sadie grinned, "It's an honor to meet a fellow ghost."

"Hurt her, and you'll see the animal in me," Beth warned, her voice trembling with outrage.

Sadie smiled at Beth's threat and chuckled. She moved her sword and pushed Pam forward into the room. "Who said I was working for the Brunswicks, Mr. Graves?" she asked, "No, I'm here on business, but not with them. I'm not your enemy, not this time."

Beth kept her gun trained on Sadie for a long moment, but Jason lowered his rifle once Pam was safe. "Want to explain what you're doing here then, Wilson?" he asked.

"Ensuring you three aren't in over your heads, for one," Sadie replied, "You should be thanking me. The team you took on is part of a special operations brigade that's comprised of exmilitary. Cara there served alongside me overseas years ago. I have to say, Beth, I'm impressed you could take her on. You've grown into quite the formidable young woman since we last met."

"I'd be happy to show you just how formidable I can be unless you answer the fucking question," Beth snapped, "You said you were here on business. Who are you working for?"

"Someone I wasn't expecting," Sadie vaguely replied, "It'll be easier to show you all. She went to your apartment, but contacted me to track you down after I finished my task. What are you doing in a place like this? Something tells me that the front desk didn't just let you in here."

"Reconnasince," Jason replied, staying vague as well, "You want to know more then tell us who you're working with."

"You wouldn't believe me if I did, Jason," Sadie sighed, "I'll take you to her, but it's better to show than to tell in this case. Time is of the essence, I'm afraid, and we need to move before you're found by the Brunswicks and their associates."

"Not without Moralis," Betn shook her head, turning to head down the hall, "This bullshit was because we need him, and I'm not leaving without that little weasel."

"Phillip Moralis?" Sadie asked, "What could you possibly want with a sniveling worm like him?"

"Information on the Brunswicks," Beth replied.

"Yeah, let's just give everything to the woman working for the highest bidder," Jason scoffed.

"She's on our side," Pam spoke up, rubbing her neck, "Besides holding a sword to my throat, she's helped us this night. I can sense her sincerity. She's telling the truth, Jason."

"You're sure?" Jason asked.

"I'm an honest woman," Sadie smirked, "I like money, expensive things, and a good fight, but I'm nothing if not honest. You three are wanted by my employer, but not because of any grudge or hatred. She needs to speak with you about something she thinks you'd be interested in."

"Well call her and tell her she can fucking wait," Beth said, "We have our own business go attend to first."

"Hmph, I'm sure she'll be delighted to hear that," Sadie rolled her eyes, "Make it quick, Feral. My time is valuable."

"Piss off," Beth called as she approached the door to Moralis' room.

She kicked it open and leaned back as a gunshot rang out and split the wood. "Stay back!" Moralis shouted from behind the bed.

Beth rolled her eyes and shot the gun out of his hand. "That's your one warning, fucker," she growled as she grabbed him and dragged him into the hallway, "You see this? This is what happens when I'm in a bad mood, and guess what? I'm pretty fucking pissed off right now."

Beth threw Moralis down beside Cara's body and he whimpered and crawled away, "Please, please, I'm just a man that's-"

"You're not a man, fuckhead," Beth spat, walking over and putting her boot on his back, "You're the scum of the damn earth, but you've got a chance to do something worthwhile with your shitty life. As a bonus, you'll get to keep it if you do."

"What do you want?" Moralis asked, "Money, weapons, just name it!"

"Information on your bosses," Beth answered, reaching down and forcing him to stand up, "You tell us everything you know about Eva, Emily, and their operations, and you get to live."

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Moralis lied.

Beth threw him against the wall and put her arm against his throat, "Don't lie to me, shithead. The companies you run are on their fucking payroll, and the trucks and deliveries have been seen at a number of crimescenes. I want answers, and you're going to give them to me."

"I-I can't," Moralis whimpered, "They'll kill me."

Beth bit her lip as she grabbed a knife from her coat and held it against his face, "The fuck do you think I'm gonna do? I can make your death as slow and painful as possible, or I can keep your sorry ass alive until I kill your fucking bosses. Your choice, asshole. Either talk and live to see those bitches die, or I can break you until you're begging for death. Choose. Now."

"My but you have a way with people," Sadie chuckled as she watched, "I'd do what she says if I were you. Hard to spend money if you're dead, right?"

"Okay, okay!" Phillip shouted, "Yes, yes, I work for the Brunswicks. I run smaller operations for them that serve as fronts for their cash flows. I move money around, oversee tasks, and ensure that their products get where it needs to go."

"The trucks at the crime scenes?" Beth asked.

"Sometimes people get in the way!" Phillip shouted, "Wrong place, wrong time, but it's not like I pulled the triggers on them!"

Beth glared at him and fought to suppress the urge to cut him. If they didn't need his information, she'd have been beating this slimeball to a pulp. She settled for hitting him across the face with the pommel of her knife. "No, you were just the one who sanctioned the order," she growled, "Men like you make me sick. The blood is never on your hands, it always someone else. Here's what's going to happen, shitbrain. The lovely lady over there is going to send you someplace safe, but the people there won't hesitate to fuck you up if you try anything. Run, make a call to Eva, or lie to us, and you will beg me to kill you before it's over. Cooperate, help us, and we'll make sure you live through this shit show."

"We need names of all the companies you know of, routes for Eva and her teams, and anything you can give us on them," Jason explained, "It's an arrangement we have to keep you safe and alive, but my friend isn't lying about killing you. If we didn't need you, you'd be dead already like the rest of your security. Think about that for a second. Thirty-seven trained killers taken out by less than five people. What do you think your odds are of surviving long enough for your masters to save you? More importantly, do you think they give a shit about a loose end?"

Phillip nodded frantically as Pam approached, "I-I understand. Just…just keep me alive and I'll help you."

Jason patted his face a couple of times and sighed, "Smart man, Pam do your thing."

"This won't be pleasant," Pam said as she sent him falling through a portal of darkness towards the safehouse.

"Hmph, I expected more bloodshed," Sadie remarked, "I'd heard that The Feral was known for her interrogation methods being particularly brutal. All I saw were empty threats."

"He's an asset until he stabs us in the back," Beth clarified, "If we didn't need him, I'd have beaten him until he gave us something. You might not be familiar with what these women are capable of, but I've seen it firsthand. We need every advantage we can get, Sadie. Now, I believe you said your employer wants to meet us?"

"I did and she does," Sadie replied, sheathing her sword, "If you'll follow me, I'll take you to her."

"Tell us where it is and we can warp there," Pam said.

"Oh I don't think so, Pamela," Sadie chuckled, "No, I don't do magic if I can help it. Besides, my employer doesn't want any unexpected surprises. I'm already bringing a third wheel, and I don't think she'll take kindly to any other surprises."

"Where are we going?" Jason asked, "Nevermind magic, you can at least tell us that much."

"Somewhere these two haven't been in a long time," Sadie answered vaguely, adding when she received skeptical looks, "Trust me, it's better if I show you. Just try to keep your triggerfingers in check, kids."

"Not liking the sound of this," Beth scoffed, "What are you leading us into?"

"Just a meeting, Beth, nothing more and nothing less," Sadie replied, "Trust me, I'm nothing if not honest."

"Fine, lead the way," Beth said, "Screw us, and it'll be the last mistake you ever make."

"My code will keep you safe, you have my word," Sadie assured her, "Just because I'm for sale doesn't mean I'm dishonest. This way, we can leave the way I came in."