twiceahero | (no subject)

X just nods.

Once.

Specifics are important.

And she is fairly sure Babs will have a lot of details to relate.

At least, if they are necessary.

"The reason I asked for your help is that I need a new face. And someone who can manage a data plant that looks like a simple smash-and-grab."

And X is multi-talented!

X nods again.

Then --

"There will be resistance."

It's a little bit of a question.

"There is a limit to acceptable collateral damage?"

"It's a corporate front for a criminal enterprise, so there's on-site security, but they're legit. Expensive, but civilian. I'd prefer they all survive the experience." Breakage beyond that? Acceptable.

"I will remember."

It's almost a promise.

X does not enjoy killing. Even when she judges it necessary.

"Then let's get down to details..."

Barbara hits a couple of keys on her keyboard and a massive set of 3D schematics springs to life.

X takes a few steps back.

It lets her see more of the immense display.

"You have already determined an optimal insertion point?"

"We want it to look like a smash and grab, so I figured the secondary entrance here, at the loading dock." The hologram spun around and a section highlighted red.

"Standing guard here, two exterior on patrol. I've got control of internal security, so I can op for you once you're inside."

"Servers are on the fourth floor."

"Multiple stairwells," X confirms, looking over the projection.

"Good."

It will be useful. Flexibility on an op is key.

"You have small explosives?"

"Yes."

Barbara smiles. "I have everything. When we're done here, we'll go down to the armory."

X relaxes a fraction.

She trusts that Babs' armory is very well-stocked.

"There will be a drop point? For me."

Beat.

"And a pick-up location, too. Or it is all on foot."

She can work with either, really.

"Helicopter insert a couple of blocks away, and then on standby for extraction when and where you're ready. Figure it'll be easier that way. That said, primary extraction is here on the other side of the building." The hologram spins again to highlight a small park. "Secondary on the roof."

Barbara grins. "But you'll have one of the best pilots in the world, so if you need to get a bit... creative, well... don't hesitate."

"I will not," X confirms.

"Hesitate."

You know, so Babs is sure of where she stands.

"There is other pertinent information?"

"Get in, drop a spike," Babs pulls out a thumb drive. "Then smash things."

"Need anything else?"

X considers this as she reaches out for the thumb drive.

Then --

"No."

Armory time now? She's got a few things she'd like to pick up.

"Then let me show you around the armory." Babs wheels away from her desk and heads for the elevator at one end of the room. "Shelley-Watermelon-Ripkin" she calls over her shoulder, causing her systems to blank out to an Oracle mask.

Someone might be paranoid.

X follows.

She understands paranoid.

It is efficient!

The elevator arrives just before the reach the doors, and Babs rolls into it, then turns in place and waits for X to join her.

It doesn't take X long. She's quick.

She also pays attention to her surroundings. Sensible precautions aside, it's always interesting.

And it keeps her busy.

"Armory," Babs announces. There are buttons, of course, but they're something of a pain to use from the chair. The elevator doors slide closed and the elevator shudders as it descends a couple of floors.

The armory is pretty similar to the command room, but instead of screens, the walls were loaded down with gadgets. Tranq guns, smoke grenades, body armor, rope, grappling gear... was that a sewing machine?

Babs believes in being prepared.

"Take what you need."

X is quick but thorough.

Several small explosives, two smoke grenades, assorted flashbangs, and something like a grappling gun.

Just to give herself more options.

"Thank you."

She's ready to go.

"There's a car waiting in the parking garage with the GPS programmed to take you to the airport. The Aerie Two is ready and waiting there. Assuming there's nothing else you need."

"You'll find ID in the glove compartment if it ends up being necessary."

Might as well get rolling, right?

X goes still for a moment, poring over her mental files to make sure there is nothing she missed.

Then she shakes her head once.

"I am prepared."

Then she heads back toward the elevator. And the parking garage.

The car is where Babs indicated it would be. On the driver's seat there is a small box that contains a comm earbud. X puts it in, checks the ID in the glove compartment, then starts the car.

It will take an effort to remember to obey the speed limit, but only a small one.

She tries to keep in practice.

"Let me know when you're on-site. Or if you have any questions between now and then."

Babs has a couple of things to check in on while X is in transit.

"I will," X says.

Then she falls silent.

The GPS is loud enough on its own.

Though X does have a moment or two when she has to figure out the best place to park at the airport.