Stormrunner looks out of the side window of the aircraft as they fly into Crystal City's airspace. The modified aircraft used to be a civilian passenger transport, but its interior has been completely overhauled to fit the needs of criminals to smuggle goods. All that remains of the original design is the hull, still impersonating the look of a civilian aircraft.
Strapped into a seat beside him, Shift sits in deep concentration and works on a mobile remote-connected computer. He looks at it, but nothing on the screen makes any sense to him.
"You can ask me." Shift says without taking her optics off the screen, her voice inviting and friendly, but Stormrunner remains silent, his gaze wandering to his colleagues.
What has the world come to with them working together with the people they are sworn to combat?
One thing was Torment, but now they are allied with one of the world's largest criminal organizations. Trusting them and working alongside them.
It is so surreal and unbelievable, but here he is, sitting beside one of the most wanted hackers in the world, flying in an aircraft belonging to one of the most wanted criminal leaders. And it is all becoming so, if not normal, then more of a natural occurrence.
::We are nearing our destination. Hold tight as we descend.:: The pilot announces over the speaker, and Stormrunner puts a hand on Shift's shoulder to stabilize the hacker while Shift grips hard on the computer to prevent it from falling out of her lap.
Again, a natural reaction that shouldn't be.
He should be arresting her for her crimes, but instead, he is assisting her in possibly committing even more.
Shift looks up from her work with a smile.
"Thanks."
He looks away, longing for when this is over and the world can return to what it used to be.
"Don't mention it." He mutters indifferently, and the moment the aircraft lands and the stair at the exit begins to lower, he rises from the seat to get out of the small confines.
Representatives from Crystal City's law enforcement authority wait for them when they get out of the aircraft, and Stormrunner nods to the leading figure walking toward him. Finally, some normalcy.
"We got your message, but I would like to know more about the reason behind your presence within our precinct before I let you go roaming around within our border. Your director purposely kept it all vague. Something that I don't like."
"I understand fully, Sir, but that is something I can't disclose. I'm just doing what I am being told to do. You will have to take it up with the higher-ups." He deflects smoothly, hating the lie.
It is of the essence that everything is kept a secret until they have done what they came to do. Afterward, they can always smooth out any affront their subterfuge will have caused and rebuild the good faith between the Iaconian and Crystal City Law-Enforcement Departments. They can, after all, not waltz in and announce their actual affiliation with the Joint Investigation Unit since it no longer, to the public knowledge, exists.
There is a deep, resigned sigh from his counterpart, an inclination Stormrunner is all too familiar with, knowing how stiffly the bureaucracy between the Departments works.
"Very well. But keep me updated on your progress and when you take your leave."
"I will." Stormrunner answers with a curt nod.
Shift walks up to him when the locals have left, and his attention turns to her.
"So, where are we off to now?" He asks, itching to get to work and get out of here.
"Ember and his lot are still at the triangulated location located a mile and a half southwest of here. I must be within 500 meters of their location to activate my trap." Shift says, bringing a map up on her mobile computer. Pointing at a location a safe distance away from their target, she sets their destination.
Ember is deeply immersed in his work when it gets interrupted by a ping on the screen announcing an incoming communication from Torrent. Naturally suspicious, he checks the communication ID and confirms the origin. With a frown, he accepts it, wondering what Torrent now wants.
Usually, they contact Torrent when they have new information, not the other way around.
He sits up straight and checks himself over as it connects, wanting to look presentable for their benefactor. But once the communication has connected, all of their computer systems abruptly shut down one after another, an image of a black falcon filling the screens before they go black as systems die.
Ember sits back in shock, staring at the mayhem happening around him.
They have literally been shut down without any chance of defending themselves against the highly sophisticated attack or counterattacking.
SHIFT!
It can only be her.
She must have been able to track the origin of Torrent's message to their location, and if Shift knows their whereabouts, so does Torment and his associates. They have to move fast before they get caught because Shift wouldn't alert them to the fact she has found them if she wasn't already close by.
He rises from his seat and orders the rest of the group to destroy everything down to the last chip. Then he hurries to the front door, knowing that it is a matter of minutes, possibly only seconds, before chaos descends upon them.
The moment he opens the door, a fist comes flying at him, striking him hard in his midsection, causing him to crumble together in pain. A second fist rapidly follows up on the first, hitting him square in the face, and he collapses unconscious on the floor in a disgraceful heap of limbs.
Shift stares down at her adversary while shaking the pain out of her right hand.
"That felt beyond good."
Stormrunner sets to work, cuffing the unconscious hacker while his group of enforcers moves in to secure the perimeter. They have covered every exit of the building to ensure that Ember and his colleagues have no chance to escape. One of them still tries to flee by jumping out of a window, but he is rapidly apprehended.
As the enforcers arrest the members of the hacker group for their crimes against society, Shift steps in to salvage what data she can from the hacker group's hardware, collecting the evidence the authorities need to get Ember and his lot convicted for their crimes.
She is busy getting the hard drives out of the various destroyed computers when Stormrunner walks up behind her.
"It all looks ruined to me. Is there even anything to salvage?"
Shift looks at Stormrunner briefly, a curved smile on her lips.
"This is why I needed to do this my way. You have no idea how fast they can destroy vital evidence. With my course of action, all the data they didn't want you to see is safely stored on my computer and able to be reviewed and used in court. But we still require their hardware to prove that the data originated from their systems. That will be the hard evidence that will get them convicted for their crimes since I can't assist you in that aspect, being who and what I am."
One after another, the hard drives are carefully put into protective sleeves that will safeguard them on their travel back to Iacon. When the last of them has been put into a sleeve, Shift hands them to Stormrunner for safekeeping.
"That is all of it. There shouldn't be more for us to do here."
"Then let's get the pit out of here before we get hindered by bureaucracy and hope no one decides to question us about our 'cargo'." Stormrunner says as he subspaces the evidence.
It is wishful thinking on his part.
Getting into Crystal City was one thing - getting out unseen with a handful of arrestees in tow is a whole other situation, especially since they are Crystal City citizens. Questions will be asked, and bureaucracy will put its foot in the machinery.
"Leave that to me." Shift grins unrepentantly as if reading his mind.
Stormrunner sighs resignedly and leaves Shift to carry out whatever crazy plan the hacker has thought up to get them undetected out of the city-state. Instead, he focuses on getting them all back to the aircraft waiting for them.
When Stormrunner turns away from her, Shift gets to work while contacting the Polyhexian Cartel's Command Center and getting in contact with Shade to give her status report.
-Mission accomplished. We are soon getting out of here. ETA in Iacon - 4 hours. Where do you want us to hand off our cargo for processing?-
-It is good to hear back from you, Shift. You can drop off your cargo at the Iaconian Enforcer Headquarters. I will arrange pickup before everything get too heated for you when you do so. They will be too busy with everything else to notice who you are.-
-Acknowledged. It is good to know you have my back now that I have accomplished my mission. Do you have any updates on Torment? I heard about Athena but have had no contact with him or Talon. Is he okay?-
-Torment will be fine. He is with Talon and the attack force focusing on taking down Torrent. I will keep you updated as I get information about their progress.-
-Thank you, Shade. Crystal City out.-
Shift lets out a deep exhale, knowing that Torment indeed will be okay if he is out there fighting.
Shade crosses out the mission in Crystal City, knowing that Shift can handle things on her own and refocuses his attention on the mission at the Senate. Quarrel and his squadron of smaller one-manned aircraft give him a perfect overview of the airspace over the Seat of Power as Hailstorm's assault aircraft approaches its destination and finally lands at the foot of the stairs up to the Senate.
-Any activity yet, Quarrel?-
-Not yet, but we will be prepared. So far, we have had no issue regulating the regular traffic around the premise. Everyone wisely keeps away, but we will be ready to deflect curious onlookers.-
-Good. Let me know if you need assistance and I'll send out Stampede and his team. Shade out.-
On the ground, Hailstorm is stepping out of the aircraft in all his deadly glory and organizes his team of elites before they advance up the impressive stairs with their weapons poised. Behind them, Topkick follows with his own smaller team of Joint Investigation Unit officers. Guards storm out of the majestic building but don't get far before they are incapacitated by precise, non-lethal shots. The frontliners secure the prisoners with handcuffs before they, as a unit, follow Hailstorm into the Senate.
No longer able to follow the proceedings at the Senate, Shade focuses his attention on following Flamestrike's attack on Iacon's political top to stop the undercover agent in its midst. But now and then, he goes back to the live feed from the Senate in case anything unprecedented should have happened.
At this point, the news media have arrived at the scene and is also filming live, their comments running in the background as Shade follows up on the global operation. The information he gets from all over the planet is invaluable to better understand how all the special operations commence around the globe.
-Mission accomplished.- Ricochet calls in.
-Any casualties?-
-Only our target. Enforcers are flocking to the area, but we are safely away from there. ETA should be 6 hours unless we decide to stay a while longer to follow up with the local base of operation.-
-Talon wouldn't mind that. It will save him the trip. We will be awaiting your return. Keep us updated. Shade out.-
That only leaves Overtop unaccounted for on their side.
-Any update, Overtop?-
-Enforcers have encircled the building housing the political top, preventing us from going in. We are waiting for an opening, and I will let you know our progress. Hopefully, the attention will keep our target from carrying out his mission, or at least it will keep his target aware and alert and not as easy to take down as he would have been.-
-At least there is that. Let's hope we can get to him before he gets too desperate and goes on a murder spree.-
-You and me both. Overtop out.-
Inside the Senate, Topkick and his enforcers follow Hailstorm and his frontliners as they methodically clear the way to their target like a close-knit military unit. He will grudgingly admit that it is fascinating to observe how smoothly Hailstorm leads his people, especially when they come to a point where they have to split up. With a few gestures, the frontliners fluidly separate into two groups, one of the frontliners taking charge of the new group and leading them towards their target while Hailstorm leads his group in another direction.
::They will secure the President while we focus on Highline.::
He blinks in surprise when he receives the communication from Hailstorm, only now realizing that his counterpart possesses his personal communication ID. Alongside the communication, he has, in turn, received Hailstorm's communications ID and saves it for a later moment. It might come in handy at some point.
::Acknowledged. Do I want to know how you gained access to my personal communication ID?::
Hailstorm glances briefly over his shoulder, a glimpse of humor in his cold optics.
::I requested it. If we were to work together, it would be required to communicate, or you could risk misinterpreting some of the things I do while we are on this mission.::
Topkick shakes his head in disbelief but can't help the smile pulling at his lips.
Their group move as one, the two commanders for once on the same wavelength as they guide their respective teams towards the target of their mission. On the way, more guards get incapacitated, and Topkick and his people stop to ensure their vitals are okay before following Hailstorm again. In turn, Hailstorm handles the delay with acceptance, knowing that the enforcers must keep their backs clean for when all of this is over and they have to face the consequences of their collaboration.
Something he doesn't envy Topkick.
When they are at the door to the Vice President's office, Hailstorm retreats to the background, allowing Topkick to take charge of their unified group as the highest-ranking enforcer. He and his team have fulfilled their purpose, getting Topkick and the enforcers to where Highline is hiding.
Topkick knocks forcefully on the massive door, stating his identity and demanding entrance, but there is no response. He knocks again, repeating his identity and the demand for entrance, but nothing happens.
His optics narrow and he is about to knock on the door for the third time when Hailstorm steps forward and places his hand on his arm to stop him.
"You have given them enough time to humiliate you. The time for niceties is over. It is high time they learn who they are dealing with." Hailstorm states, the plating on his right arm retracting to reveal a selection of missiles while a launcher emerges from within his shoulder.
Topkick hesitates for a short moment but then gives a curt nod and steps away to give Hailstorm space. The enforcers and frontliners follow suit as Hailstorm selects a missile suitable for the purpose and aims it at the door, blasting it down. He turns to Topkick when the dust has settled and gestures graciously towards the hole the missile has created in its wake.
"After you."
Topkick can't stop the wry smile at Hailstorm's overly friendly theatrics and steps slowly into the Vice President's office.
Highline stands surrounded by guards within his main office, their weapons poised and ready to defend the Vice President against the intruders.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!" Highline demands to know with righteous fury, looking at Topkick. "How dare you intrude on my office like that!"
Topkick ignores his anger, moving toward the Vice President with purpose.
"Vice President Highline, on behalf of the people of Cybertron, I am here to arrest you for your crimes against our society. You have the right to remain silen-"
"HOW DARE YOU!" Highline cuts in. "I am a SENATOR! You have no authority to arrest me!"
Hailstorm steps into the office, his assault rifle poised and aimed casually at Highline.
"I would let him do what he came to do, Senator." He growls threateningly. "Unless, of course, you want to face me instead of him. If so, I will be more than happy to oblige."
"A wanted criminal!" Highline splutters, looking in utter shock from Hailstorm to Topkick. "What is the meaning of this! How can you just stand there while he is threatening me! Arrest him!"
Topkick shares a glance with Hailstorm, a cold smile grazing his lips as he borrows some of the high-profile criminal's brutality. He narrows his optics as he looks back at Highline, filling them with borrowed coldness and genuine disdain.
"I am not arresting him simply because he and his people are more honorable than you and the people you support ever will be." He says and instinctively makes more room for Hailstorm to maneuver if it should be necessary since the Vice President's guards still seem pit-bent on defending the despicable Senator.
Highline stares indignantly at him, his lips tight-lipped and curled in an ugly snarl.
"So, Senator, how is it going to be?" Topkick asks patiently, waiting with the cuffs in his hand.
Outside the Senate, things are beginning to get heated when the first enforcers arrive at the scene. Quarrel keeps his squadron in check, opening the airspace and allowing the enforcers' aircraft to land beside Hailstorm's at the foot of the stairs leading up to the Senate.
-You have some very insistent visitors coming in, Hailstorm.- He hails the Second-in-Command as the enforcers gather their forces and advance up the stairs with weapons ready.
-I appreciate the warning. We are finishing up here and should be coming out soon. Continue to keep a distance and let them do whatever they want. Topkick and his team will take point and make the decisions from now on.-
-Affirmative.-
With the new orders from the Second-in-Command, Quarrel focuses on keeping civilians away from the premise and deflecting any confrontation with the incoming enforcer vessels that hails and orders them to surrender. Something none of them have the intention to do. Instead, they are keeping more and more of a distance from their opponents, gradually relinquishing control of the airspace above the Senate to the swarming enforcers.
When it no longer makes sense for them to stay in the area, they all leave as one, having completed their purpose at the attack on the Senate. Now it is all up to Hailstorm and Topkick to finish it.
Warned by Quarrel about the incoming enforcers, Hailstorm steps up beside Topkick as the Joint Investigation Unit officer finishes putting Highline in handcuffs.
::We have incoming.::
Topkick glances at him briefly and gives a curt nod.
::I'll take over from now on. I assume you have considered this outcome and have a way out that doesn't involve getting arrested. If I can do anything to assist you, let me know.::
Hailstorm smirks fiercely.
::Don't grow soft on me now, Officer. We are back to being fierce enemies when this is over. You must maintain your integrity to keep your status among your peers. And I have not survived for this long without having contingency plans for every possible outcome of a situation. I expect Highline to stir up an awful mess the moment he sees what he believes to be his rescue, and while everyone is dealing with that, no one will notice our disappearance. Just play your cards right and remain the stoic officer you are and it will all end in our favor.::
::Very well.:: Topkick acquiescence, taking Hailstorm's words to spark as he leads Highline out of the Vice President's office, a twinge of regret in his spark at losing the mutual companionship he and Hailstorm seem to have shared while on this mission together.
As predicted, Highline causes a ruckus when he sees the advancing Iaconian enforcers coming toward them. While Topkick talks to the enforcer in charge of the Iaconians to sort things out between them, he discreetly looks back at where he and his team had come from, but there is no one there. Hailstorm and his team have vanished in thin air as if they never had been there in the first place.
A volley of shots gets fired outside the Senate, drawing all their attention, and when Topkick looks out the nearest window, he sees Hailstorm's aircraft already in the air and blasting away at high speed, its weaponry engaged and firing to keep the enforcers from pursuing.
He would have found the high-profile criminal's sheer audacity to pull something like this off humorous if it weren't for the several enforcers lying wounded on the ground where Hailstorm's aircraft had been parked moments before. It is pure mayhem for several minutes, the heavy suppressive fire successfully keeping the enforcers grounded until Hailstorm's aircraft has laid a safe distance to the Senate and then vanishes from sight when it activates its stealth mode.
In the chaotic aftermath, Topkick and his team assist the Iaconian enforcers in helping the injured when he has handed Highline over to the leading enforcer for safekeeping, the wounded taking precedence over everything else at that moment. And when none of the downed enforcers at a later inspection turn out to be fatally injured, Topkick suspects Hailstorm did it on purpose, giving him the perfect distraction to bring Highline into custody while protecting his integrity as an enforcer.