( OPEN ) FIGHTING CRIME BY MOONLIGHT

[transmit]

WHO: Every Outsider interested!
WHAT: Catch-all log for cleaning up (or making more of a mess of) Neo Tokyo's crime scene! Refer to the OOC post here for details. Neo Tokyo's current social and political climate can be found under the World / Setting section here.
WHERE: Neo Tokyo, Japan.
WHEN: Nov 2024 & onward.
WARNINGS: Violence, drug use, threats and coercion … whatever else that happens where crime and criminal activity are involved. Please mark for other CWs if necessary!


From the month of November and onward, Outsiders can find recruitment posters around the base for a specialised subsection of an anonymous Neo Tokyo security agency! Feel free to assume that's where most of the directives come from.

Current quests relating to this player plot can be found under < STREET FIGHTER > and < RISE AND THRIVE > on the QUEST BOARD.

People are free to use this log or their own for open and closed starters. However, if you'd like to contribute to the quest chain or setting changes, please remember to eventually submit your links and a summary under the associated quests! Otherwise, go wild!

Comments

january (open) (street fighter ii)

[zauneyete]

o1. A Chilly Rendezvous

[ The (club/bar/host(or hostess) club — feel free to name it or just pick one and I'll come up with one) as being listed as a potential target is the most recent in a string that have the potential draw of the Sapphire Room. There's been plenty of digging into the the pieces, but now there's a trail.

Which means that there's a plan.

Perhaps you're meeting up with Silco outside the location — where he's puffing on a cigar in the cold January weather, somehow looking both like he will shiver out of his skin, or like he's perfectly fine. Somehow, both are true, even as he blew thick plumes of smoke into the too-cold air. To be fair, in the evening, he looks a sight from a distance, with that glowing eye standing out against the backdrop of the modern building.

His slight lift of his head, the slightest of nods with a single eyebrow are the indication that he sees you. After all, he probably called you along, or messaged you, or what have you, to encourage you to join in. ]

o2. Me and my Associate saw you from across the bar and...

[ Or maybe you're already inside, enjoying a drink, and sipping away at something nice. Maybe you're enjoying the attentions from the staff, or just eyeing someone else that is. Either way, there's someone hunched over a drink at the bar, looking every bit like he doesn't really want to be there. No matter where it is, he's just, as a whole, not having a good time.

Thankfully, by now, most Outsiders know who he is, and there's a twitch of his lips, and a flash of his orange eye, that indicates his implant is running. It's hard to notice without actually paying attention, given that his eye always glows, but hey. It's there if you stare. ]

Are you the one helping out tonight?

[ So you have two options. Either you were asked by Izou's little agency to come along, or you aren't, and you can either be truthful, or just play along. Dealer's choice! ]

o3. wildcard!

[ just throw me a starter! If you want something specific, just hit me up and I'll write you something a little more tailored! I'm truly down for anything! ]

dante (closed) (this is a real bar and it made me laugh) (Dual purpose questing go)

[zauneyete]

[ The back room of the bar "Deathmatch in Hell" was easy enough to break into. Surprisingly, the place had a physical lock, which was something Silco very easily slipped through after purchasing a large round of drinks for some... celebration at a table, complete with a bartender display and cocktails on fire. It was easy enough, and the cheers and excitement meant that he could slip away, and fiddle the lock open with only a few quick jerks of his hand, getting the thing open, and into the back.

Now, bars had certain structures, and he knew them well. Back rooms, store rooms, an office. This also, oddly enough, and a security room, and a server room — wasn't that unusual? — and though Silco was no techie, he'd been doing a lot of work to read up on what he needed to know, and so it seemed... odd? Unusual? Who knew? He certainly couldn't do much with it, though the hum from he door was curious enough.

He's slipped back to the office, where it's thankfully abandoned — he had his small pistol on him regardless — and he's started to rifle through papers, even while he pulls out a small piece of tech, to try to slip something someplace inconspicuous, but still where it could record.

He's in the middle of that when there's the sound of a door handle turning and —

Silco's already up against the wall, with sliding a knife from where he'd tucked it away in his boot. ] ]

[followyourstar]

[The handle moves slowly, and the door pauses after opening a crack, as if the person on the other side is trying to listen or peek through to see if anyone is inside. Little by little, the crack grows, and when Dante finally takes a step through, they keep as close to the door as possible, using it as a shield between them and whatever might be on the other side.

It's then that they catch a glimpse of Silco at the edge of their vision, and they have to do a double-take, blatantly staring until their shoulders drop and their expression shifts into one of annoyance.]

Really? You're here too?

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's single eye narrowed, as the door peeked open, and a semi-familiar face peeked through the crack.

What was their name? He didn't remember, he supposed it didn't matter. They were an outsider, at least, and not a member of the staff. That was something, and a far cry better than being caught and having to dispose of some worker that was just coming back for a check, or to clock in, or however they did it. ]

Yes, me. [ He hissed, and jerked his head to the side, as if telling them to get in, or close the door. ]

Are you going to stand in the hall until you get caught?

[followyourstar]

[They sighed and slipped the rest of the way in, closing the door behind them.

It doesn't matter. Get in, get out, get back to base... and hope no one found out they were going this far with this mission. The bar had seemed on the up-and-up for the most part when they looked it up earlier, but they'd also seen a server room when they slipped back here earlier--something that they could have assumed was normal in Neo Tokyo, with all its technology, if the bar itself didn't seem to be.... decidedly low-tech.

They were definitely going to have to slip into that room and take pics on the way out.]

Let me guess, you're following those subliminal message leads too?

[zauneyete]

What.

[ He said, as he slipped away from the door, and slipped the knife back into the hidden pocket he kept it in. Just like that it's like he was never armed in the first place. ]

No, I don't have any interest in that.

[ He slid back around to the desk, and looked at it again. He wanted as much unimpeded sound as he could get. In his hands was a small bead that looked to be easy to tuck under a surface, if needed. ]

You didn't get the information from LILITH about this place?

o2

[likemybooks]

[A high end bar, a gang of shady fellows to gather intelligence on, a request for espionage...this has to become a chapter in Taryon's future autobiography on his time as a kaiju hunter. And this won't involve any combat, he hopes. A safe mission is a good mission.

They did request thay he not bring Doty indoors. As good of a bodyguard he may be, a giant automaton bearing inscribed runes make Taryon a conspicuous figure. Too conspicuous for his plan to work.

So, with his friend left at the building entrance, Taryon enters the bar with his best downloaded outfit: a pair of sleek black dress pants, a silky shirt, and a shimmering vest. A real watch adorns his wrist, two rings (for beauty and for emergency protection) adorn his hand, and he's borrowed an earring for the night. Upon entering, he flashes a smile at nearby patrons and turns on his heel to walk directly towards his teammate.

He hopes his hair did a cool flip as he did so.]

I must be, if I'm here. [The empty bar stool is taken by this shining, grinning man, excited for the night.] I've always wanted to try charming information out of the enemy.

TARYON I LOVE YOU...

[zauneyete]

[ He certainly had a way of getting attention, didn't he? Silco's own figure was stooped and hunched over the bar, looking every bit the sour bar fly. It's an easy role for the man to fall into, especially considering that he didn't exactly look the part like Taryon did. Sure, Silco had his makeup on to cover the worst of his scar, but there was just something about his agitated, terse... everything that was offputting.

His fingers were curled around a glass of whiskey, but his fingers twitched to pull a cigar out. No, he'd wait on that, and use it as a cover, because he was certain the staff would take issue. They always did, even though Silco didn't see the big deal about it. Well, whatever. That was a tool he could use later.

As it was Silco had a little device that he was playing with in his fingers. It looked like a lighter. He flicked it — it was — except for the panel that was a chip to transmit.

He's getting there, with this technology thing. He is no genius, but a radio shack electronics store did seem to have enough to get peepaw by.

He flicked his eyes to Taryon, and then: ]

< @ BAD DADDY >

I would suggest you not say that out loud, unless you wish for this attempt to be stillborn.

There's supposed to be a group of interns with one of the local district-level politicians coming here tonight to [ His hand gestured, automatically, as if he were speaking. ] "relax". We'll want to get some information, and plant something to listen for the rest of the night. Later, if they are particularly foolish.

save him Silco

[likemybooks]

[With his hands folded tightly on the bar, the flinch in response to the chiding message is mitigated by his fists keeping Taryon steady. His posture his straight, his smile is unwavering, his hair is perfect. And yet someone he's trying to chat up this dour old man.

Considering the variety of patrons at this bar, it's not that unusual of a sight. The others give the ongoing exchange of glances little heed.]

< @ GOLDILOCKS >

Right. Sorry. Let's pretend I didn't start with that.

So what's the plan? I distract them with my wit and charm and plant the bug before we leave? What about you?

[Outwardly, Taryon clears his throat.] It's quiet the cold night, isn't it? Makes places like this so much more appealing. A warm atmosphere, a good drink, and plenty of lively conversation to spend the night, eh?

[He leans towards Silco with a smile. The bartender, feeling a bit sorry for this young man's and his introduction to the night, wanders over to take his order: a red wine, imported from one of the remaining vineyards from France.]

You really should look more personable at a bar. Or is that your plan? Go after the other surly politicians?

he's going to do his best...

[zauneyete]

It's fine.

[ he says out loud, with a roll of his shoulders. He eyed Taryon up and down, and then finally: ]

< bad DADDY >

Something like that. I'm here to cause the distraction when you need it, to slip the bug into their things. Otherwise, I'm barely here.

[ He tipped his head, more toward Taryon, giving him a glance of his eye. ]

I tend to stand out otherwise. I want to be only memorable enough as a distraction, and nothing more.

[ After all, these corrupt politicians could someday be his, and he doesn't want them to remember him. ]

[likemybooks]

<@ Goldilocks>

So what are you going to do to distract them? Start a fight?

For now, just chat with me and look like you're having fun. We have to pretend we belong here.

[The bartender arrives with Taryon's wine. He raises it towards Silco's own drink.]

Fine evening, I should agree! Do you often come here?

[His smile is a bit strained. What else are people supposed to say at bars? Taryon understands the flirting part...sports? Should he talk about work? Gossip?]

1

[newphew]

[ how did hunter get roped into pretending to be silco's assistant for this little romp through crime avenue? well, silco has the advantage in that hunter disappeared and is therefore behind on what crime is out there and what the sapphire room's latest plans are. how the tables have turneth. ]

[ and yet, here he is, underdressed for the weather, flapjack safely tucked into the clothing he is wearing.... and once again, scrunching up his face in annoyance and disgust at the cigar smoke ]

Let's get this over with.

[ he's shivering faintly as well, but this does not detract from his general vibe of soggy and angry. ]

[zauneyete]

[ The kid looks fairly cold, doesn't he? It's almost as if he is from a... island that boils, or something?

(haha... 🍅)

Silco blew a plume of smoke up into the air. ]

Since you're on the young side, you're going to need to play at being allowed to be here.

[ He gestured behind him to the bar's entrance. There's only so many reasons that a kid would be at a bar, and unlike Zaun which was a reasonable place, this place had drinking ages. Who ever heard of such a thing? ]

You're going to need to pose as my... [ ugh ] son. So they don't kick you out immediately.

[newphew]

[ fingerguns eyyyyyy ]

[ hunter, on the other hand, folded his arms sourly. already so good at playing the disgruntled son!! ]

[ (it's up for debate how strict the boiling isles were when it came to drinking ages)

I know how to go undercover. I.

[ and then he just froze up like he'd run into a system error or something ]

Your... son?

[ oh dear ]

[zauneyete]

[ Silco rolled his eyes. ]

Have any better ideas for why a boy your age would be in a bar and not attempting to flash a fake ID?

[ That was one thing to adjust to for him too. He wasn't used to drinking ages either. It's just... a thing that isn't really done. The thing that kept kids out of bars in Zaun was the fact that they didn't have funds. ]

Is it really that unthinkable?

[newphew]

As a new employee.

[ that much is possible, with a seedy bar such as this. but Silco was right, pretending to be his son is probably their best bet. ]

I thought you weren't the... fatherly type. [ mister bad daddy. there's a long pause, and then: ]




Dad.

[ wow. awkward ]

1.

[cosmarchy]

[ Jinwoo's ocular buzzes with an annoying ping. A new message has arrived, and one look at who sent it is enough to cause his mood to nosedive. It doesn't come as a surprise to him that Silco has sought him out— after all, how things left off between them was hardly wrapped up in a pretty red bow. That doesn't mean he's more inclined to play along, however.

Or so he wants to believe, but after reading the man's message, the unease he felt that day crawling right back. There's a taunt mixed in with the words, an arrogant statement that claims the game won't ever wait for him to be ready. That it'll play Jinwoo if he allows it. His jaw tightens as he rereads it. He's never liked feeling cornered, but Silco has a way of turning a refusal into an invitation.

It's tempting to ignore it. He's walked away from plenty others before, but something about Silco's attitude nags at him. The man doesn't seem like the kind to waste his time on people who can't prove useful. THat, more than anything, is enough to make Jinwoo curious. After all, it wouldn't be the first time he's allowed himself to be used when he can take advantage of them in turn. He knows how these things go.

Jinwoo approaches the designated location hours later, just right before the agreed-upon time. He spots Silco from half a block away. Even without the glowing eye, the man is impossible to miss— the faint orange glow illuminates plumes of smoke, curling upward like a beacon in the cold, night air. The club looms behind him, its neon sign flickering with the promise of decadence and danger.

For a moment, Jinwoo considers turning around. He's not sure what bothers him more— Silco's confidence that he'd show up, or the fact that he's here anyway. But he's never been one to run from a challenge, and if this city runs on power plays, then it's time to start learning the rules.

He comes to a stop in front of the man, hands shoved in his pockets. ]

Are you looking to cause an accident here too?

[zauneyete]

[ He expected Jinwoo to show. The boy had been tempted, but the prospect of danger of double-crossing LILITH had stayed his hand, so Silco was happy to see if the prospect of doing something fairly more in-line with what the organization wanted would... draw him in. After all, he could understand any new arrival that wanted to do something that didn't catch too much negative attention.

That's why he's doing what he's doing after all, isn't it? He's playing the crime "fighter" even while he puts the pieces in place, eliminates who he wishes and allows the entire house of cards to topple over on his very command.

His lips curl, when he sees the man approach from the street. The thick plume of smoke drifted from his lips. ]

Oh no, nothing of the sort.

You see, LILITH has spent a great deal of time tracking down leads on a well-known criminal organization, did you know that?

[ Silco's smile looks like the cat that caught the canary. ] I've been assisting. You should be so lucky to participate. It's for the good of the city, after all.

[cosmarchy]

[ Jinwoo can tell that every word that comes out of Silco's mouth is deliberately placed to paint himself as a cooperative force in the city's chaotic landscape. It's hard to say whether he believes it or not, especially considering how their first encounter went down. Silco is too sharp to be anyone's pawn. Jinwoo is almost envious, in a way. But he also can't ignore the bigger picture: if this is what LILITH wants, then defying them isn't exaactly a wise move right now. ]

LILITH sent me the brief. I know the basics.

[ Just to spare them both some time.

He pulls his hands out of his pockets, his gaze shifting to the flickering neon sign of the club. The place screams trouble— a perfect breeding ground for secrets and shadows. The kind of place Jinwoo would have avoided back when he was weaker, back when every risk he has to take needs to be calculated. (Reckless.) Now, though... now it's different. ]

I'll let you do all the talking. I'll make sure no one messes with you.

[ He doesn't wait for Silco to respond before stepping past him, heading toward the club’s entrance. Jinwoo knows he's walking into a den of snakes: rich CEOs, crooked politicians, gangsters masquerading as legitimate businessmen. It's the kind of place where power is traded like currency, and trust is in short supply.

Still, he's not here to trust anyone. He's here to gather intel, do the job, and get out. The rest? That's a problem for later. ]

[zauneyete]

Ah, perfect. One moment.

[ He reached into a pocket and pulled out a small eyepatch, before affixing it over his eye. There are few things that can make Silco easily identifiable, but his eye was truly the one that set him apart. He couldn't simply turn it off, couldn't change it, so the only option was to cover it. It felt Wrong of course, all that work to retain vision in his eye, but his options were limited without further surgeries or other options. LILITH had plenty, but Silco... Silco had already endured one.

It had been misery. ]

There. Now we are ready.

[ He smiled with that knowing smile, as if he were daring Jinwoo to say something about it. He know how it must look, but he also knew the merit in protecting his identity, after all, "guy with a missing eye" was far less identifiable when he took the patch off, and he was no longer missing an eye.

He wanted to be the barest of memories to them, and his eye was far too novel to not. ] We'll stop at the bar first. Get a drink, and then find the target. If you see anything, use your implant to contact me.

[ The bar itself was... thriving with energy. Thrumming in a way that was far too excitable, far too alive. People dancing, men in suits in their lounge spaces. There were a few places here dancers could undulate if they wished, and the VIP seating faced them. Silco... for all of his odd mannerisms, and for all that he seemed like he wasn't the type — and he wasn't — but he looked oddly at ease in the middle of the loud music and thriving club. Like it simply was normal, but he was still an island to himself in the middle of it, instead of someone who enjoyed it. ]

crawls back here... (also not the eyepatch)

[cosmarchy]

[ Rather than say anything, Silco's move to hide his eye gives him pause.

It makes him wonder if there's any merit to hiding his own identity too, but he doesn't plan on causing a big scene anytime soon so he'll go without it. For now. It's easier for him to blend in with the crowd than Silco anyway— even if the club isn't really his scene. Bodies dance to the rhythm of the music, but there are way more interesting things happening if you find the gaps in between.

He reaches for his drink wordlessly, head tilting at the other man's statement. ]

You'll be the first to know if something catches my eye.

[ Jinwoo mixes in with the crowd soon after, surrounded by those already lost to the influence of alcohol and cheap thrills. He would have ignored all the pretty things who approached him if he didn't have to look like he belonged here as much as he can, so it's not long before he's got an arm around someone's waist, their lips on his neck murmuring nonsense as he continues to observe the area.

Luckily for him, his shadows are also on the lookout. Beru chimes in moments later saying he's spotted who they've been looking for. Over at the VIP section, wearing a nice tailored suit and a red tie. Not too far from where he left Silco. He pulls up Silco's contact details via the implant while the girl in his arms presses a kiss to his jaw. ]

He's close to you. Is he the one we're looking for?

1

[intertwinedfates]

[After their slightly disastrous attempt at tailing the bad guys last time, Yato's decided that for now he's going without Hiyori. Meaning he'll need to team up with someone else, and that someone happens to be Silco. Now that he's gotten a bead on the man somewhat, he doesn't mind the idea of potentially joining forces to gather more intel and proof.

So he arrives at the designated place at just the right time, donning a rather fetching suit and looking the part of a slick, young host hired by the club in question. It's only a temporary job, so they'll have to make their time inside count. But for now he approaches Silco with a subtle wave that's more vague gesture indicating the doorway.

As he passes by Silco to go inside, he pauses long enough to give him a brief rundown.]

Got myself hired for the evening since they're short-staffed. Give me a couple minutes then follow, and I'll serve you up something as a distraction, 'kay?

[zauneyete]

[ He tapped on his cigar, letting the ashes fall to the ground. They landed in a bank of snow, and left the slightest of dark divots against the white. He tipped his head, eyeing Yato up and down, and then nodded. Well, the kid came prepared, at least. Silco had plenty of plans for some of these bars, each one unique and different, but he'd keep these in the back pocket. This was probably better. ]

Good, that will do nicely.

[ A beat, and then: ]

Nothing too outlandish, I hope?

[ He'd at least polish off the last few puffs of his cigar before he went in, which would give Yato enough time to get rolling. Cigars burned slowly, after all. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Lingering by the doorway as if he might have been asking for a smoke or something, Yato glances around to make sure there's nobody else hanging about to potentially pick up on their connection before confirming Silco's question with a stronger nod, shoving a hand into his pocket.]

Trust me, I'm nothing if not good at stealing the show without going too overboard.

[Although if he knew the god a little better, he'd probably wonder big time about that...]

No need for something like a stripper routine.

[Grinning, he offers a quick wave and slips inside to head for the kitchens in order to get ready.]

[zauneyete]

[ Silco could only scoff softly, a shake of his head, before he started to finish off his cigar. He gave it about ten minutes more, plenty of time to puff sourly on the stogie, send off a quick message via his implant to one of his connections, and then he let the cigar fall to the ground. It sizzled in the ice and and snow, and he turned to enter, shaking his head as he did so. ]

'Without going too overboard'. Where have I heard that before?

[ Brushing snow off of his shoulders, he stepped in, eyes scanning to take in the lay of the place. Where the bar was, where the targets were, where Yato was.

He doesn't move quickly, but with purpose, aiming to skip the host's spot, indicating he would head toward the bar. ]