Earth Victoriana: Yanks in Tanks (IC)

[Azuth65]

As their hands clasped, silver tendrils began to spread up Siphon's arm while more moved over the back of Mr. Snake's hand.

The rush from Mr. Snake's powers was indeed a fairly painful process. After few second of clenching his teeth however he let out a long slow breath "Okay. Ow. Yeah, that sucked," he muttered. Running his tongue over his teeth he mentally added, 'Good thing this is temporary. My dentist would have some uncomfortable questions.'

[Supercape]

GM

Mr. Snake slumped back on his chair.

"Hell, I've had worse..." he mumbled, his eyes finally blinking "like that time in the Gunsmoke Bar with Miss Venice Corsetta..." he added, whistfully.

"What a night that was!"

He put his hands gently on the table in front of him.

"Well then, partners, now that you are tooled up, let me tell you where Finnigan and his boys are holed up. RIght in Houston, yep, that's right. Oh, he has a ranch out in the countryside, don't mistake me. Probably has a dame or two stuck out there for safe keeping. But normally, he is right here. Owns a little, or rather, big, place called the Big Wheel. Gambling joint, all sorts of crazy folk hang out there, and his boys have to be tough enough to handle it. Its hard drinkin, hard gamblin, and from time to time, hard fists..."

He had a smile on his face. He liked the place.

"And Finnigan rules it with an Iron fist. Has a penthouse suite up top, and a fleet of his cars and whatnot below. Take yer pick!"

[Raveled]

"Well then, if we're all set, I think we can just about set off, pardner." Starlight stopped, and then rubbed at his chin. "Actually, unless we're going to wear out out boot heels, mind if we get a lift?"

A few hours later the clanking, noisy, steam-powered jalopy of Mr. Snake rolled into Houston. Starlight was at the wheel and drove the vehicle up to the hotel nearest to Finnegan's casino and gained a room with a few of the coins that Her Majesty's Government had lent the team. The team holed up in it, Starlight staring across the street at Finnegan's casino. "I feel that I must make one last attempt to end this peacefully," he said, the Western drawl dropped in favor of the hero's more normal style of speech. "I'm going to go over there. Don't come unless you see explosions."

With the order given, the hero-turned cowboy left the hotel and crossed the street, walking over to the casino. He swaggered in and took a seat at the bar, motioning over the man who stood behind it polishing glasses. "Get me some whiskey," he said, drawl back in place, "if there's any in this pit worth the name. And tell your boss I'm the only man in town who can tell him how to save his business."

[Supercape]

GM

The bartender - a bald man with dark eyes that seemed to see everything at once, raised an eyebrow at Starlight's request.

"Finest Whiskey in Housten" he replied in a slow drawl, spitting in a cup, polishing it, and dutifully puring some whiskey into it.

It was strong, but not half bad.

"Now then stranger, what would you be wanting to talk to the boss about. Finnigan's not the patient sort, mark my words. And he don't take kindly to threats, if you take my meaning. Now - no need to take offence, none meant. Just I don't like blood spillin' if there be no needin' for it. Jus' some freindly advice, that's be all..."

He went back to polishing the glasses.

"Business here seems to be pretty good an all. You sure you want the boss down on you?"

[Aoiroo]

Catalyst stayed out of the pub but outside of the car as she leaned on the hood at an angle through the pub doors which she could get a clear shot. She adjusted her goggles and read the heat signitures of all the inhabitants.There was a fair number of people, but it was likely she could clear the room if she needed too. The real problem was if Starlight got in the crossfire. Given, she could teleport, but she still didn't like her going in alone. Still an individual would look less suspicious then a group, especially with Siphon so, snaky. Honestly she might consider gluing him to the floor at a second glance if she didn't know better, and even then she half flinched of some of his more sudden movements. It was stupid, but she didn't know much about his or Mr. Snakes powers to know if there were any side effects like change in personality or unusual bouts of agression.

[Raveled]

"Now, now, you misunderstand me." Starlight picked up the glass and sipped at the drink. "Your boss... he's doing too much, too quick, you see? It's like he's building a big ol' house over all of Texas, but he's building the top before the bottom's finished! Pretty soon there's going to be a big wind that comes along and... well." Starlight set his hand upright on the bar, teetered it back and forth, and then let it fall flat. "Boom. No more house, no more business... and woe betide those who are caught underneath it." He smiled and knocked back the whiskey in a single swallow. "I'm actually trying to help you, see? So go get Finnegan for me, sonny jim."

[Supercape]

GM

The Bartender looked Starlight straight in the eye. "Ahm not yer son, An, my names not Jim..." he said in a slow even pace, his gaze not wavering from the hero.

"But looky here mister, if you want to see Finnegan, Ahm not the one's going to be stopping you. But he ain't a man that's best reknowned for his good temperament, if you understand me. Man got a trigger finger. Whatever you do, don't insult him, and don't mock the Irish..."

He leaned back and poured Starlight another stiff whiskey.

"Got one of them fancy el-ah-vay-tors" he said slowly, nodding his head towards the back of the casino, where a lonely (steam powered) lift sat, with two burly guards on either side. "Just press up, and you reach Finnigan's penthouse".

He pushed the whiskey to Starlight.

"On the house. Man going to meet Finnigan needs something for his nerves..."

[Raveled]

Starlight gave the man a nod and picked up the glass, carrying it in one hand as he ambled over to the elevator. He gave a short nod to the men guarding the entrance and pushed the call button; when it arrived he opened the door, stepped inside, and pushed the arrow for up before sliding the door closed. On the short trip to the penthouse, the hero took a deep breath and released it, brushing one hand over his costume. He had deliberately chosen not to manifest any weapons this time, hoping to make himself appear as nonthreatening as possible to Finnegan.

[Supercape]

GM

The Steam-powered elevator was beautifully constructed, like a work of art, but not as silent or comfortable as the lifts of freedom city.

Hsssssss! came the noise as it shuddered and rose, and gentle puffs of steam wafted up from Starlight's feat.

"Welcome to mah humble little abode!" came the old, deep, and somehow mellow voice when the Elevator opened up on the top floor.

Finngan was a tallish man, with a fairly broad build. The kind of unassuming robust and athletic build that could pass without notice but spoke of some physical muscularity. He was well into middle age, with a craggy face, and white hair neatly cropped complemented by an elegant moustache trimmed in a Victorian style. His eyes were deep and black, like sharks.

He was dressed in finery, like a cowboy made of silk and tweed. Only his boots had any masculinity to them, worn under his dandy suit, and with imposing, menacing spurs. His belt had a gun holstered to it, just under his jacket, obscured from view.

To either side of him were two large large men, with little effort made to look so fine. They were aiming to look imposing, and by and large, they succeeded, aided by the fat guns, low slung.

The only other person in the room was a pretty woman dressed in a dress and high heels, with a pen, paper, and bright red lipstick to match her red hair. She looked like a secretary, but Finnegan obviously liked to have something nice to look at it in the hot Texan heat, too.

"You a fine dandy!" he said, pouring himself and Starlight a glass of whiskey.

"A real dandy, sir!" he continued, smiling at Starlight and having a drink. "Go on, have a drink, it's not poison. Least, not in the traditional sense!" he laughed, his voice a not unpleasant marriage of drawling Texan and lilting Irish.

"Then you can tell me what you want from me, Sir, and I'll see if ah fancy blowing your brains out for your h'impertinence!" he smiled, the shark eyes drilling into Starlight.

[Raveled]

"Now, you misunderstand me." Starlight took the drink but merely held it in his hand. "I'm really not here to hurt you. Truly, I'm doing you a favor." He took a sip of the liquor and let it slide down his throat. "There are some mighty powerful people turning their eyes towards your little slice of heaven, sir. And truth is, I'm on your side. I'd rather see Texas spread out across the whole world; hell of a lot better than what the Brits have set up. But your boys... they aren't being too nice with what they have, you understand?"

[Supercape]

GM

"There are some mighty powerful people turning their eyes towards your little slice of heaven, sir. And truth is, I'm on your side. I'd rather see Texas spread out across the whole world; hell of a lot better than what the Brits have set up. But your boys... they aren't being too nice with what they have, you understand?"

Finnigan laughed heartily. For all his cold black eyes, the man had a certain charisma about him. He took another large mouthful of liquor, something he seemed to enjoy just a little too much.

"Well now, I reckon our sweet Texas is a little to much for the world" he replied "although I appreciate your mighty fine sentiment, sir, yes I do!" he proclaimed, slamming his empty glass down jovially on his desk - a glass promptly refilled by one of his lackeys.

"But as for my boys. Well now, they ain't paid to be nice. Ruthless, loyal, and just a little dumb. Well now, those are the qualities I look for in my boys. But nice ain't on the menu." he continued, once again with a cold darkness to his eyes.

"And whilst I appreciate you sharing your sentiments with me boy, may I be so bold as to ask you to share your name with me, and maybe what the hell you doing here? where you from?"

[Raveled]

"Call me Buck if you like," Starlight said, "or Tom or Big Jim or Eddie Blank. Because I can promise you that you can't pronounce my real name. As for where I'm from? Father away that you can even imagine, little man." Starlight stood, dropping the drawl and the slow smile. "Now, if those are your boys causing a ruckus, then it's back on your head." The cowboy's eyes slowly filled in with gold, until they were solid from side to side. A moment later his skin began to glow with a soft white light and he floated an inch into the air. "Now I'll give you one last chance to do the right thing, or by any god you care to name I will tear this building down around your ears."

[Supercape]

GM

Finnigan merely laughed at the threat.

"Will you now Buck? Will you now!" he laughed, slapping his knee.

Whatever his age, he was still fast. In an instant a gun was in his hand.

"And what if I shoot you down, stone cold dead? who will be doing the tearing down then. You make me laugh, though, you got some balls on you. Maybe I'll let you live, eh? How's about that?" he said, looking with steely eyes at Starlight.

"That's if you tell me who in the hell you are you think you can order me around. And if, lets say, yer tounge be feeling sleepy, then maybe my two friends here might help loosenin' for you..." he added, with a nod to the two large men in the room who cracked their knuckles and advanced towards Starlight.

[Raveled]

Starlight shook his head. "I have given you all the chances that anyone could ask for," he said, "and you will not turn aside from this disastrous path. In that case, I can only tear down your home around your ears -- maybe then you will learn!" He brought his hands close together and concentrated his power; soon there was a glowing ball of light floating between his rough palms. With a cry he threw his hands wide open and cast the power out, letting it fly loose and run through the office with power and heat.

[Supercape]

GM

"What the holy blazes of satan...?!?!?" yelped Finnigan with explosion of light and power, before ducking under his thick wooden table.

His two cronies jumped, one getting under a sofa, and the other getting hit full blast, hurling his unconscious body roughly against the wall.

"Ah've seen some bat-crazy tricks in my time boy, but that beat's em all!" screamed Finnigan, as he took aim with his pistol and fired at Starlight.

The mook popped his head up from behind the sofa, and in an impressive feat of strength, charged towards Starlight with the furniture in his hands.

[Azuth65]

Kyle stood outside the casino, back against the wall of the casino. Every few minutes he'd look up, not sure what he was looking for in terms of signal but he had a feeling he'd know it when he saw it. And when the blinding flash erupted from the window, he reacted.

Running with speed he was far from accustomed to, he zipped through the front doors, around the gaming floor and into the stairwell to the floor the lightshow had come from. As his legs moved, every muscle in his body seemed to kindle to life and he felt his reactions become faster than he'd previously experienced. Inwardly he had to admire Snake for being able to live like this twenty-four/seven and not going crazy from it.

[Raveled]

Starlight took a moment to assume her gold-armored heroic form and took to the air, hovering an inch or so above the ground and moving towards where Finnegan was cowering. "Beware, mortal man," she exclaimed loudly. "You have called down the wrath of powers far beyond yourself!" She put out a hand a blast of light issued forth to smash at his cover. "Surrender now, or face your doom!"

[Aoiroo]

Catalyst was right behind him, around him in front, in front of him, she could really book it for a chemist. Through the salon, up the stairs through the door. She didn't even stop to question anything as she pumped the room with several rounds of pepperspray into the faces of any unfriendlies. Her eyes fell on Starlight who had resumed a different form, putting her gun down she raised an eyebrow,

"Guess maintaining a low profile is a bit pointless now, isn't it."

[Supercape]

GM

The spray hit the enraged mook, slap on the shoulder. He coughed, his eyes watering, but he was too enraged to pay much notice. With a turn of pace, he ran and slammed into Starlight, his eyes burning with fury. Whatever else could be said about Finnigan, he chose his boys well - tough, mean and strong - if on the somewhat dull side.

Finnigan meanwhile ducked behind his oak table.

"Missed!" he yelled, as he cocked his gun, took careful aim and shot Starlight straight and true.

"Don't be thinkin ye can take on Finnigan in a gunfight!" he yelled, pleased with his aim. His smile was wiped clean as the table in front of him exploded, splintered and shattered, destroyed by Starlight's mighty blast!

[Azuth65]

Siphon rushed forward, his hands balled into fists as he stepped into the office and took a quick assessment of what was going on. In his power and adrenaline fueled rush he spotted Finnegan and his henchman attacking Starlight almost before the door had opened fully.

Running forward, his muscles singing with the motions, the power-thief pulled back and swung at Finnegan's goon. Unfortunately for the former football player, his hand to hand skills were somewhat lacking and the hired muscle was able to roll with the blow, virtually negating the impact. Okay, note to self, start taking lessons when we get home he mentally groused.

[Aoiroo]

Catalyst moved through the room and found a good crouch position behind an overturned table. Shifting through her ammo she went through the rounds. She wasn't quite sure the deserved some mild chemical burns, and moving them after glueing them to the floor might be troublesome, so she opted for the pepper spray rounds before moving up from her position and shooting Finnegan and the goon head on with each round. She got a head shot with each one before resuming her position, whether it was effective was another thing entirely, but she kept her pepper spray rounds as she walked crouched down to find a different point of attack.

[Supercape]

GM

Finnigane caught a mouth and noseful of pepperspray, coughing a heap of it out, but succumbing to the tears and wheezes.

"What in Satan's holy name is that..." he whispered, fighthing for breath and wiping his eyes as he leaned by the wall to steady himself.

"Smoke and Mirrors..." he coughed..."I'll be damned if some crackpot little lady alchemist get's the better of me..." he said, just about vocalising his feeling. His face was bright red - how much of this was due to anger and how much due to the toxic effects of Catalyst's spray was up for debate. His head did look exceptionally swollen.

The mook by his side wiped away the pepper spray and spat it out with a grin.

"No girly takin' me down..." he grunted. His face streamed with tears, but he ignored the pain and irritation, with a look of hate.

[Raveled]

Starlight floated through the battlefield, untouched and untouchable. She raised a hand at Finnegan, watching his unsteady stance. Power gathered in her hand, more and more of it, until it flared, uncontrollable. She fired the blast of energy off, but the glare got in even her eyes and it ended up ricocheting off the largest piece of debris that used to be Finnegan's desk, ending up spinning into the sky.

[Supercape]

GM

Finnigans burly henchman took a few steps back, wiping away the tears and the remnants of Catalyst's chemical attack, then leaned forward, taking a few steps.

He crouched down, and his steps accelerated into a headlong charge straight into Catalyst.

"Fighting and Shooting's a man's game, doll!" he grinned as he collided with her "you best leave it to real men!" he added as his shoulders heaved too and cannoned into the smaller frame of Catalyst with a heavy thud.

"I want her stinking head!" spluttered the red-faced Finnigan, looking like his head would explode at any moment.

"Nobody messes with me in my own shindig!"

[Azuth65]

We'll see about that Kyle thought to himself before taking off in a rush that would have made his old football coaches proud, moving directly towards Finnigan. Delivering a painful tackle into Finnigan, the local man dropped like a sack of potatoes.

Picking himself up he turned towards the remaining mook, "You want some big guy? I can do this all day long." He rolled his neck and cracked his knuckles for emphasis.