Operation story: CR-3

Operation

Story

Previous CR-2	Next CR-4
Characters
Ela Fuze Iana Doc Catapult Tequila Mateo Tecno Reynell Miłosz Commanding Officer Mayor's Bodyguard Warehouse Watchman Community Resident Auction Host Solemn Man Waiter Sound from Headphones Sound from Loudspeakers
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Before operation

“

Eager to get the medicine off his hands, the Capitán instead draws the attention of Team Rainbow, Tequila also tracks down the delivery. Going after the same thing, the two sides almost come to blows.

”

<Background 1>
Commanding Officer	The meds are in the underground warehouse, sir. As you instructed, we imitated them, set up a bomb, caused a little bit of chaos, and got the stuff.
Mateo	Good...
Commanding Officer	You don't look happy, sir.
Mateo	We need to get rid of the stuff... It's hard to not leave a trail, even if we change the packaging and sell it on the black market.
Commanding Officer	You think it'll get tracked down?
Mateo	I got word that Rhodes Island sent someone with an... atypical background to make the delivery.
Commanding Officer	I noticed. The man looked familiar... But old Pancho is in jail, and his people are scattered. Just being his son won't carry much influence.
Mateo	Not necessarily. Someone from the city council let slip that Candela is looking for a successor, and the kid is a candidate.
Commanding Officer	But I thought Pancho and Candela...
Mateo	Candela cares more about ability than a personal grudge.
Commanding Officer	What can we do?
Mateo	Reynell's secretary shared some resources with us the last time he came by.
Commanding Officer	Yes... a few shops and warehouses.
Mateo	Wasn't there a warehouse that belonged to a pharmaceutical company?
Commanding Officer	Yes.
Mateo	One box of meds more or less won't catch their attention.
Commanding Officer	You mean, pin it on Reynell?
Mateo	That's not how I would put it. They came asking for our help. It's only natural that we asked for something in return.
<Background 2>
Mayor's Bodyguard	Apologies for keeping you waiting, Señor Ernesto.
Tequila	No problemo, I just got here.
Mayor's Bodyguard	Excuse me, one...
Tequila	I got your drink, Señor Burke. A double, right?
Mayor's Bodyguard	I'm glad you still remember what I like, after so much time away.
Tequila	Our time together was much longer.
Waiter	Here's your coffee.
Mayor's Bodyguard	Thanks. Mm... everything is just right. After you left, there was no one who could take care of things like you could. Young people these days...
Tequila	Have patience. You can change quickly in an environment like that.
Mayor's Bodyguard	By the way, Lady Candela wanted me to give you this document.
Tequila	Document? Does she want me to do something for her?
Mayor's Bodyguard	No, it's what you're looking for.
Tequila	I haven't even said why I'm here today.
Mayor's Bodyguard	Lady Candela knows the exact moment that you entered Dossoles. She knows that your shipment was stolen, and that you're anxious to get it back. This is a record of all unusual traffic and cargo movement, including locations and persons involved.
Tequila	I don't know how I can thank her.
Mayor's Bodyguard	No need for thanks, just don't forget us.
<Background 3>
Ela	*cough* *cough*...
Fuze	There's more dust here than cargo.
Iana	What's your mission, Ela?
Ela	The stuff here has been stuck in the warehouse for the past six months, with only a single watchman keeping an eye on it.
Doc	That's like an invitation for people to help themselves.
Ela	Yes, Miłosz says there are reports of stolen goods every day.
Iana	Are we tracking down where they went?
Ela	No, it's normal for stuff to go out, but yesterday the watchman got a call to expect a delivery of medicine. Miłosz is suspicious and wants us to investigate.
Fuze	Hostile intent?
Doc	Hard to say. I don't know what they would want with a warehouse like this.
Iana	Maybe Miłosz just wanted an excuse to get you and Shuhrat out of the way now that he finally has time to get something done with Reynell.
Ela	All he needs to do is ask, and I won't go within a kilometer of either of them.
Iana	You really don't like him, do you?
Ela	I just don't like having to watch him play golf on the balcony every day.
Fuze	At least he kept his promise to behave.
Ela	...
<Background 4>
[Tequila and Catapult arrive in front of an old building.]
Tequila	This is where the clues from the document lead, but...
Catapult	But it's just an old run-down warehouse.
Tequila	There's a shipment of medicine coming to the warehouse in a bit. Let's see if it's the one we're looking for. Only one watchman at the warehouse. No threat. Once the truck comes in, Tecno is going to turn off the security systems and let us go in to check it out.
Catapult	Well, we still have to wait... (Yawns)
<Background 5>
Warehouse Watchman	*yawn* Sleepy... When is that shipment going to arrive? I can't believe they're actually sending someone to inspect it. What for? The weather is so good, I just want to find a beach to lie down on, have a cup of coffee, listen to a song or two. Dancing a soundless tango at night♪ Where's the CD? Ah.
Sound from Headphones	Dancing a soundless tango at night♪ I can't see your face, only the warmth of your hand♪
Warehouse Watchman	Now this is life.
[Tecno silently drops into the room.]
Tecno	(He's not even trying...) (If you want to sleep so badly, I'll lend you a hand.)
<Background She whacks the guard in the head.>
Warehouse Watchman	Oomph...
[The guard faints.]
Tecno	That was easy. Let's see, where are the controls? I thought there was just one manager. Why are there four people here? Who are they?
[Tecno contacts Tequila with her communicator.]
Tecno	The security systems are down. I have good news and bad news. The good news is that we know those meds are the ones we're looking for. The bad news is that Reynell's bodyguards are here. Four of them, all in the warehouse.
Tequila	I thought nobody ever came here. Well, we've got a disadvantage in numbers... can you cut the lights, Tecno? Arleta and I might be able to sneak in under the cover of darkness.
Tecno	Sure, I could try...
<Background darkens>
Tecno	It's off.
Tequila	Alright, we're moving.
[The transmission ends.]
Tecno	Well, this guy knows how to live alright. Music and coffee... is that this year's crop? (Sniffs) It smells good… Ouch! Too hot! Shoot, spilled it all over the keyboard. Where's a napkin when you need it?!
She stops at the sound of springs pushing a plastic cover open. She hastily lifts her arm and sees an indicating light glowing green next to the keyboard. Below it is a tag that reads— "Broadcasting."
<Background 3>
Ela	When is it coming?
Iana	Don't worry, we have time.
Ela	...
Iana	I guess that's normal for an old warehouse like this.
Sound from Loudspeakers	Dancing a soundless tango at night♪ I can't see your face, only the warmth of your hand♪
Iana	...
Ela	Fuze, check out the control room.
<Background 5>
Sound from Loudspeakers	In a dark corner♪ You step on my toes, but I'm head over heels♪
Tecno	Shouldn't have drank that stupid cup of coffee!
[The sound of footsteps draws near.]
Tecno	(Someone's coming...) (I need to hide.)
[Fuze enters the control room.]
Fuze	Excuse me?
[He contacts the rest of the team on his transmitter.]
Fuze	The watchman has been knocked out. There are signs of sabotage in the security and lighting systems. Someone has infiltrated the warehouse. They spilled coffee and pressed the wrong button... not a professional, from the looks of it.
Tecno	(Ugh...)
Fuze	I'll try to get the lights back up.
Tecno	(Looks like Ernesto isn't in yet. Got to put you to sleep too then, big guy.)
[Tecno tries to whack Fuze, but he dodges.]
Fuze	Hm?
Tecno	(Oh, he's fast!)
Fuze	A kid?
Fuze is shocked by the figure leaping out of the darkness, not just because of her small size, but also because her punch was so fast that it was all he could do to block it. He grabs the girl's wrist after a few exchanges and attempts to restrain her, but quickly realizes that things will not be so easy.
Tecno	Not so fast!
[Tecno easily shakes off his grip.]
Fuze	What?! This kid's stronger than a grown man!
Tecno	I'm not a kid!
The girl struggles free of Fuze's grasp and stomps on his toes. Before he has a chance to feel the pain, the girl launches a spinning kick to his face.
[Fuze collapses.]
Fuze	Oof—
<Background 3>
Sound from Loudspeakers	Walking on the streets, we let each other's hands go♪ Far away you go, never seen again♪ I'm left alone, searching in the dark♪ Oh, the silent, unfinished tango♪
Tequila	(Whisper) Stay close.
Catapult	(Whisper) Alright.
The pair sneak forward silently along the wall, not realizing that another group is doing the same a short distance away.
<Background fades out and in>
Ela	(Whisper) Fuze?! He's not answering.
Iana	(Whisper) Should we look for him?
Ela	(Whisper) No, I'll go. You wait here for the truck. There must be more than one infiltrator.
Iana	(Whisper) Be aware that we can't use lights if someone is lying in wait. We'd be sitting ducks. (Whisper) Do you want to use my night vision goggles?
Ela	(Whisper) You hold on to it. I'll be careful.
Ela crouches down, clutching her gun, feeling her way in the darkness.
<Background fades out and in>
[Tequila wanders around...]
Tequila	(Damn... where did Arleta go? I told her to stay close.) (It's just so hard to do anything in the dark.) (Was it this way? I might have taken a wrong turn. There shouldn't be another corner.)
Sound from Loudspeakers	So many times, brushing past each other♪
[...Ela wanders right beside him...]
Ela	(There shouldn't have been a corner here! Not this way!)
Sound from Loudspeakers	So much searching, so much lost♪ Maybe we'll see each other again, at the next corner♪
Ela & Tequila	(I hope not.)
[...the two barely miss each other.]
<Background fades out and in>
Catapult	(Whisper) Ernesto? ... (Uh oh, I lost him.)
[Someone approaches behind her...]
Catapult	Who's there?!
[...and knocks her out.]
Doc	(Whisper) Did the girl not realize she was walking in circles around the same wall?
Iana	(Whisper) Not everyone has night vision. Say, I think I've seen her before. (Whisper) She was in that art community yesterday... should we leave her here?
Doc	(Whisper) I think her friends will come for her. I'll wait.
Iana	(Whisper) Alright, I'll look elsewhere.
<Background fades out and in>
[Meanwhile, Tecno is trying to drag Fuze's body away.]
Tecno	(Mm... he's heavy.) (I should have stuffed you in the cupboard with the other poor bastard.)
<Background fades out and in>
Doc	(Why would people from that neighborhood be here? This doesn't make sense.) (*sigh*...) (What's that noise?) (Hm?)
Doc holds his breath and reaches for his weapon. Auditory senses are sharpened in darkness. The dragging sound grows ever closer.
Sound from Loudspeakers	So many times, brushing past each other♪
[The sound grows louder...]
Sound from Loudspeakers	So much searching, so much lost♪
[and louder...]
Sound from Loudspeakers	Maybe we'll see each other again, at the next corner♪
[...and Doc finds Tecno dragging Fuze's body.]
Tecno & Doc	—! Freeze!
Their surprised exclamations send the warehouse into a frenzy.
Iana	Doc?!
Ela	Gustave?!
Tequila	Tecno?!
Tecno	Well, you can blame your bad luck!
<Background flashes>
Ela	What is that?
Iana	Arts flash! Get to cover, Ela!
Tequila	Wait, Tecno, don't do it here—
Doc	No wrong moves, girl! I've got your friend here!
Tequila	Oh no, they've got Arleta!
Tecno	Hmph, we have a hostage too.
Iana	Shuhrat!
The only light in the darkness is from Tecno's Arts, not bright enough to illuminate the whole warehouse, but just enough for everyone to see each other's faces. Gazes cross and scan around, reading the same thing on the assembled faces—
Iana	(Whisper) Well, this is awkward... how did we end up here?
Tequila	Maybe we can exchange hostages and each go our own way?
Tecno & Ela	Wait!
Tecno	What are you doing here?
Ela	We have to find out who's been using this warehouse for smuggling. What about you, girl?
Tecno	Looking for the meds we lost.
Doc	We've already said we didn't steal the meds.
Tequila	Really? Then what are you doing here?
Ela	I told you, we're trying to find out who's smuggling stuff into this warehouse. What about you?
Tequila	I said, this is where our meds are!
Ela	You people are just impossible!
[Ela cocks her rifle. Tecno prepares her Arts. Then suddenly, someone bangs on the door.]
???	Hey, anybody home? Your stuff's here! Man, all the way out in the middle of nowhere...
Everyone	...
Tequila	So... if we all want to know what's up with that shipment of meds, why don't we ask the guy who's delivering it?

After operation

“

Team Rainbow resolves the misunderstanding with Tecno and gets to experience the creativity and vitality of the artists. Ela passes on what she sees to Reynell, in hopes he would go and see the street art community for himself. Reynell seems open to the idea.

”

<Background 6>
[Fuze sits up.]
Fuze	...My head hurts.
Tecno	There you are, big guy. Here, ice for that bump on your head.
Fuze	Y-You're the kid who attacked me?
Tecno	Call me a kid again, and you'll get another bump on the back of your head.
Fuze	What happened?
Iana	They found the meds they lost, so the misunderstanding with us has been resolved...
Fuze	Meds? Misunderstanding? Resolved?
Doc	It wasn't so hard persuading that poor driver to cooperate, after all.
Fuze	Wha... I'm even more confused now... where are we?
Doc	Come, see for yourself.
<Background 7>
Ela	Here's your medicine. Careful with it.
Community Resident	Th-Thank you...
Iana	What's your name? Check it off the list.
Community Resident	Mike... there.
Ela	Two portions left.
Iana	Let me check the list again. Maybe someone forgot to come... see if anyone hasn't signed.
[Tecno approaches.]
Tecno	The last two are mine.
Ela	Here you go.
Tecno	*cough* I-I'm sorry about today. We didn't know someone else was behind the robbery...
Ela	It's ok. Glad to see that the medicine ended up in the hands of those who need it. Gustave told me that a lot of people here are afflicted with a special condition that requires these suppressants to control.
Tecno	So... wasn't that Capitán at odds with Reynell? Why is he stealing our meds to suck up to Reynell now?
Ela	Miłosz told me that he's after Reynell's development rights in this district.
Tecno	And what if he gets it? Reynell had the rights himself, and he couldn't do anything about us.
Ela	Good thing too. It would be a shame if the local culture here got replaced by hotels and casinos.
Tecno	You've only been here half a day, and you're talking like you know the place well.
Ela	And in this half a day, everyone who came for their medicine was trying to promote their artwork to me.
Tecno	People have to eat, after all... what's that on your arm?
Ela	A braided wristband. I didn't plan on buying it, but then I saw the kid's hands full of needle marks...
Tecno	(Whisper) Who could be so clumsy?
Ela	What did you say?
Tecno	Uhh... I mean... would you like to take a break in my workshop?
<Background 8>
Auction Host	50 million Columbian gold certificates! 50 million going once, 50 million going twice! Sold for 50 million gold certificates!
Reynell	What did you say? The warehouse that kept losing stuff? Which one?
Ela	The one from the pharmaceutical company that shut down six months after you acquired it.
Reynell	I seem to remember something of the sort... so, some people stole meds meant for that neighborhood, framed you for it, then tried to sneak those meds into that warehouse.
Ela	To be precise, they tried to frame you.
Reynell	What do you want me to do, then? Thank you for resolving the misunderstanding?
Ela	There's no need for that, Mr. Reynell.
Reynell	Miłosz says you're leaving the accommodations I arranged for you. Have you found your friends?
Ela	No, we just found another place to stay.
Reynell	Where?
Ela	That neighborhood.
Reynell	There? Not that I'm against it or anything, but why?
Ela	I saw something interesting.
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 6>
Tecno	This is my workshop. There's a lot of space here. I work together with other artists, looking for inspiration, sometimes exhibiting our work.
Ela	Are those wet papers abandoned drafts?
Tecno	No, they're finished artwork.
Ela	Finished?
Tecno	There's a guy who leaves his paintings outside and lets the rain dissolve the paint. The work isn't finished until that step is done.
Ela	Hm... The man who's flexing his muscles... is he looking for inspiration?
Tecno	Strictly speaking, he's a work of art too.
Ela	Performance art?
Tecno	Read the plaque in front of him.
Ela	"Name: Pepe Turrión. Artist: Pepe Turrión's parents." "Description: Six months after creating this work, the artists abandoned it in the suburbs of Dossoles due to lack of economic value." "Little could they imagine that Pepe Turrión would become one of the greatest masterpieces of Dossoles twenty years later. Eat shit, jerks." Wow...
Solemn Man	I am the greatest Originium Artist in Dossoles. Would you like to see my Arts?
Fuze	Is he better than you, Tecno?
Tecno	No one's better, when it comes to Originium Arts.
Fuze	Hm.
Tecno	Be careful and don't hurt our guests.
Solemn Man	Of course.
The man takes out a few dark crystals from his pocket, each one glowing with an orange-yellow light. The visitors cautiously take a few steps back. The pure Originium Prime crystals begin to spin in the man's palm. Then, he tosses them into the air one by one. He begins to juggle pure Originium. After a few rounds, he tosses all of them into the air at the same time, then looks up and catches the first one with his nose. Then the next, and the next... finally, all the crystals form a tower on the tip of his nose. The man turns slightly, and the tower of pure Originium slides back into his palm.
Iana	I thought Arts was about flashing lights and fireballs... that's Originium Arts?
Solemn Man	What is this, if not Originium? What did I demonstrate, if not arts?
Iana	I... see...
<Background fades out and in>
Tecno	We're here. My biggest work lies beyond this door.
Doc	I think I've said this not too long ago, but I want to say it again—nothing could surprise me now.
[Tecno opens the door and reveals...]
Ela	Two mannequin heads? So big?
Tecno	Those are just the heads. You haven't seen the bodies yet. They'll be dancing the night our arts festival begins. They will dance when the twin moons begin to set, and the sunlight has yet to shine. They will be the center of attention, the stars of the show. They will turn and pirouette on the streets, stepping in tune and gracing the entire community.
Fuze	A beautiful picture.
Ela	I'm sure many people will be dancing with them.
Tecno	No, maybe... ...I don't know.
Iana	You don't know?
Tecno	Nobody has danced in a long time, ever since that dance hall fire.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 8>
Ela	I told you, they've got innovative structures, deep emotions, delicate expressions.
Reynell	Interesting... you've piqued my interest in what those people are doing. If you're going to that neighborhood, will you see what they're doing on my behalf?
Ela	I thought you weren't happy that they planned their arts festival on the same day as your opening ceremony.
Reynell	Doesn't mean I can't be interested in what they're doing.
Ela	I can observe what they're doing on your behalf, but I have no reason to intervene in your conflict with them.
Reynell	Of course not! Not that I wouldn't appreciate it if you could convince them to change the date.
Ela	I can't make you any promises.
Reynell	You can't succeed if you don't try.
Ela	Anyway, I'm surprised you're willing to learn more about what they're doing.
Reynell	... You wouldn't be surprised if you were willing to learn more about me.
Ela	I thought...
Auction Host	Collection No. 257, antique music box, starting price 15 million gold certificates. Any bidders?
Reynell	Shh... I have to focus. (Raises bid card)
Auction Host	20 million! Anyone else? 20 million!
Reynell	(Raises bid card)
Auction Host	Er... same bidder to 25 million?
Reynell	(Raises bid card)
Ela	There's no one bidding against you.
Reynell	(Raises bid card) I don't care what anyone else bids. I just want to raise it to the price I think it's worth.
<Background 1>
Mateo	I-I apologize for my rash decision... But we didn't think they would have the nerve to openly insult Coalition government forces that... I-I understand! Next time—there won't be a next time! I'll accept any punishment if this happens again! You can fire me, court-martial me, anything!
[Capitán Mateo puts down the phone.]
Commanding Officer	Capitán...
Mateo	Shut up. Now the brass knows about that stupid truck driver. They stripped him naked and dropped him at our front door. The brass considers it an open insult to the Coalition government. They asked whether our relationship with Reynell can continue, whether there is hope of obtaining the land. What am I supposed to say? Stupid, incompetent idiots.
Commanding Officer	Capitán, Reynell's secretary is here... do you want to see him?
Mateo	Show him in.
[The door opens and Miłosz walks in.]
Mateo	If you're just here to complain on Reynell's behalf, you can save it.
Miłosz	Of course not, Mr. Mateo. Reynell is satisfied with your efficiency. You were just a little... reckless. There are many Infected in that community. Stealing their medicine is one way to take them down. But you must understand that, if many Infected die because of it... Making a big mess does none of us any good.
Mateo	We understand. What else did he tell you?
Miłosz	What he means is that, if you were too reckless before, perhaps a more cautious approach now can bring about a peaceful resolution.
Mateo	We've gotten to this point, and you want me to negotiate with those people?
Miłosz	No, Mr. Mateo. There's no need for you to worry about it. Mr. Reynell has already sent someone to do it.
Mateo	Who?
Miłosz	Miss Ela and her squad. You're familiar with them, no? Your men have had dealings with them, and people have even confused them with your men.
Mateo	We have an agreement, Miłosz. Don't forget it.
Miłosz	No need to get excited, Mr. Mateo. Reynell doesn't intend to terminate his cooperation with you. He just asks for cooler heads. We can talk about the land once you're calm enough to do so. Is there any message that you would like me to deliver to Mr. Reynell?
Mateo	...
Miłosz	I take my leave, then.
[Miłosz leaves.]
Mateo	You were playing games with me, weren't you, Reynell?! You're dead, Reynell, DEAD, if I don't get that piece of land from you!
<Background 7>
Iana	150 million? He bid a music box to 150 million on his own?
Ela	He may be eccentric, but he shows respect to what he considers art, in his own way.
Iana	It sounds like you're starting to change your mind about him.
Ela	I've never made up my mind about him, Meijer. He's not easy to make up your mind about.
Iana	Is that what makes him interesting?
Ela	I'll admit that he's not your traditional, boring art dealer.
Iana	That's saying quite a bit, coming from you. You're not big on compliments usually. What now? Will you continue to work with him?
Ela	I'm not sure... but I'll think about it.
Iana	Come to think of it, we couldn't have adapted to this place so quickly without his help.
Ela	We did save his life, so we're even on that.
Iana	*sigh*...
[Tecno approaches the two.]
Tecno	Hey, Ela... do you have a moment?
Ela	Of course. What is it?
Tecno	Papá wants to see you.
Ela	Mr. Diaz? Why?
Tecno	He has some questions for you.
Ela	Very well, I'll go and see him.
Tecno	And just so you know... he might act pretty... angry.
Ela	He wants to intimidate me.
Tecno	He may not admit it, but... yes.