Saints Row 3 Lovers
Episode 8: An Elaborate Play
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In Isabella's Penthouse, the Boss started packing up everything that was important. Since Bella was not here at the moment, it was the perfect opportunity. STAG has entered Stillport and they have already targeted the Saints before either one of the operating gangs in the city. Totally asinine and completely out of touch with the way they are running things.
But enough of that, once the Boss packed up two double heavyweight duffel bags, a knock on the door was heard, and entered a Saint; Zoë Rockwell.
Zoë: Isabella? What's going on?
Isabella: STAG knows we're here in this penthouse, so we have to get away from this place, and move into a different crib…
Zoë: You need help?
Isabella: You don't live here however if they do know where you live then you have got to move out of your place…
Zoë: That's the thing, Isabella, I'm gonna go undercover…
Isabella: Undercover? What for?
Zoë: [shows her documents] This guy, Cyrus Temple; I'm going to know exactly what his end goals are, and why is he here…
Isabella: [cocks pistol] I can help you out with that… Monica sent him here…
Zoë: Monica Hughes? Huh, she can do that?
Isabella: Apparently, well, anyway… [grab her shoulders] Be safe Zoë, and call me Boss, alright? You're in the Saints now…
Zoë: [nods] Ok, Boss!
Leaving the Boss's room, Isabella grabs her two duffel bags and stared at Zoë going to the elevator. Downstairs, however, she sees Oleg and Pierce in the living room playing chess.
Isabella: [puts duffel bags on the couch] Come on, pack it up! We gotta move!
Pierce: What? I got 20k on this game!
Isabella: [scoff and kicks the table]
Pierce: Damn!
Isabella: Now it's a draw!
Pierce: [points to Oleg] This isn't over… What's up?
Isabella: It's not safe here… You two clear and sort everything out, I'll grab STAG's attention…
Meanwhile, in Burns Hill near the power plant, Matt's brother infiltrated through a secret underground mission for the Deckers, before receiving a notification on his phone. Luckily it was on vibrate, and when taking a quick glance, his eyes widened in fear, and ran away from his position. One of the Deckers heard a faint movement in the background, but as he was about to take a peek at the disturbance, from above was the soldiers of STAG getting ready for the assault and arrest.
Shin Miller, driving in this incognito vehicle, drives to Salander without being caught, or stopped by the STAG Initiative. He manages to get away, however, there were several troopers scattering the area of Kinzie's Abandoned Warehouse. His eyes widened as so as his heart began to quicken; composing himself to remain calm, Shin parks his car far away from the bulky vehicles, and began going in stealth to kill them off. Speaking of Kinzie, the girl wasn't even there, but soon enough, she will return home.
In Loren Square, Bella was in her apartment looking at the window, watching the chaos happening. Scared beyond words, her breath began to hyperventilate as she slowly back away from the window. Shaky hands, teary eyes, and a bang on the door. Wait… Bella's head snapped at the door, retracting her back was up against the wall, her heart beating fast, until… a familiar looking face appeared. "Get up, we're leaving." Shaundi, Isabella's closest friend she knows and loves. Fear overwhelmed Bella, still unable to speak nor move, but Shaundi hasn't had the patience to wait, therefore approaching the Boss's girlfriend to grab her hand, dragging her out of the apartment.
Following up on Shaundi's point of view, she takes the alleyways of retreating back to a safe haven, where all the Saints were held up, but what does that say about Bella? She is still hyperventilating, damn near about to pass out. Shaundi was clearly not helping her calm down, she was more of being cautious about the situation and the city being in massive danger. Calculating on her whereabouts, scoping out the perimeter, and analyzing the area, Shaundi knew a great strategy of setting off alarms for STAG. Bella let go of Shaundi's hand and held her head tightly, getting ready to scream.
Shaundi: [push her against the wall and covers her mouth]
Bella: [trembling] !
Shaundi: I am trying to help you get away from these assholes, and unless you don't want to die then I suggest you toughen up, and grow a fucking pair! [uncovers her mouth] Do you understand?
Bella: Where's Isabella?
Shaundi: [irritated] …Ugh, I'd rather leave you out here than to deal with your scary ass but if you want to run in there getting shot to death, be my guest! Don't say I didn't warn you! I ensure myself by the Boss's concerns for your safety, but as you continue to make a fool of yourself…
Shaundi stopped short, and looks around for any more STAG. Surprisingly, Shaundi was taken aback when Bella grabbed her hand again.
Bella: I'll go… Please, protect me…
Shaundi: [scoff] Stay close, and keep quiet!
~XXX~
At Kinzie's Warehouse, Shin cleared out most of the STAG within the area, but as he was about to unsheathe his combat knife, he was caught by an alert from behind. A STAG soldier alerting his location, as he slit his throat before repositioning himself. Kinzie was stepping out of her car and saw several STAG vehicles, and an incognito car alongside it. A window broke and a bullet almost hit Kinzie's cheek, practically grazing her. She opened up her car, grabbing her trusty shotgun, and slowly approaches her warehouse.
Opening the garage, she gasp to see Shin stabbing the last man from STAG, and dropping him off. He got on his knees, panting, and looks up.
Shin: …Kinzie?
Kinzie: [drops shotgun]
Shin: [fell down]
Kinzie: [caught him] …What happened here?
Shin: You have… been burned…
Kinzie: [smack lips] Shit!
Shin: They won't find you…
Kinzie: [looks at him] Stop worrying about me, and worry about yourself…
Sunset Park, Shaundi escorted Bella to a place called Gothedral, which is a Cathedral but gothic. Upon entering, every Saint there was not in their purple attire, however, blending in with the citizens' wardrobe. Bella wasn't standing up to this at all, but trusted Shaundi enough to go along with the plan. However in Shaundi's case, she has left her in the Gothedral while she goes to the doors, leaving herself as bait, and getting STAG away from the church. Bella was impressed, also concerned for Shaundi's safety.
Returning back to Isabella, she was flying around in a stolen STAG VTOL destroying STAG's equipment and vehicles to get their attention onto the Leader of the Saints. Helping Pierce escorting their packages and Saints to different cribs in Stillport, helping Oleg clearing a path in Sunset Park by killing STAG soldiers who come across, and off by soaring over to the 3 Count Casino to blow up a big plane with a satellite radio surveillance dish. It was a lot of work for one high tech jet, but nothing but a little carnage as she always say. After the crashing in a downward trajectory, Isabella took the VTOL back to her penthouse, and went to go call Shaundi.
I'm Joshua Birk. Hey. On TV I play Nyte Blayde, an exceptionally good looking but misunderstood vampire, who risks life and limb every week… to keep the world safe. The men and women of STAG put their lives on the line every day… to protect your city against gang violence. Want to be a real world hero? Talk to your STAG recruiter today. I know I have.
"STAG Needs You. Contact Your Local Recruitment Officer. Nyte Blayde Says "It's Ok To Rat Out Your Neighbors!""
In the STAG PR Center.
Kia: Nyte Blayde's the face of STAG? Why don't you just put someone in a fucking deer suit?
Monica: Hearts and minds will win the war my dear.
Cyrus: Shock and awe wins wars Senator. Authorize the Daedalus and this will all be over.
Monica: Absolutely not.
Kia: [sighs quietly]
Cyrus: That kid's gonna get himself killed.
Monica: Well you ensure Josh Birk's safety or I'll find someone who can. Understand?
Cyrus: Yes ma'am. [looks at her and squint]
Kia: [nods]
From around the corner, Kia walked out, leaving Zoë with a business suit, adjusted her glasses before walking with a clipboard in hand.
Isabella parked her very own stolen STAG VTOL on the helipad, and changed her outfit just to go out again. Gotta keep moving to get STAG off her back. Reaching the Gothedral, Isabella was cheered for the girls, the citizens, and her Saints. Applaud for the Leader's safety, especially her girlfriend in the back of the church. Squeezing past gently, the Boss hugged Bella tightly, and told her specifically that she wants her at the penthouse. Request was granted, and so there were.
In her bedroom, Isabella cuddled Bella as her radio surround sound was playing Old R&B, and Underground Hip-Hop genres on low volume.
Bella: I'm happy you're safe…
Isabella: I should be the one to tell you that, not you sweetie… You were on my mind throughout the mission…
Bella: [blush] Your friend helped me escape, but with the way it went out today, I was… fine, at least for a while…
Isabella: You don't have to lie to me Bella… Shaundi told me everything about what you were up doing throughout the day…
Bella: [groans softly] I wish she hadn't… I wanted to be tough… like you…
Isabella: [long kiss to the cheek] One day baby, one day you'll be tough enough to make it through the day without feeling like you're scared of everything… [sigh] For now, I wanna relax with you…
Bella: Will we be in danger? From… those people?
Isabella: No, I won't let them…
The Boss stopped cupping the little spoon and got on top of her, slowly motioning her hand on Bella's lower area. With a flirtatious smirk, Bella gasped as her heart jumped, knowing what Isabella was about to do.
Bella: I-I-I can't… Not now…
Isabella: You sure?
Bella: Don't be angry… I… I'm sorry, I…
Isabella: [smile and kiss her forehead] I'm not mad, considering your first time, it's scary, I know… I'll stop, all right?
Bella: [nods]
Isabella: Aww, Bella… Don't cry… [wipes tears] Ok? It's fine… Until you're ready for the next time…
As for that, Isabella gotten out the bed to walk out and going downstairs into the kitchen. Bella, on the other hand, continuously crying silently to not let anyone hear her, especially her girlfriend.
Heading towards the kitchen to cook herself a meal, Isabella turned on the TV to see nothing but STAG everywhere; the news, cartoon shows featuring STAG, even the freaking weather channel, turning it off completely. Turning on her music throughout the house, she cooks up a meal that contains protein, carbs, and dairy; her beverage being a beer- of course, she took it to the dinner table and began eating. While doing that, she called Pierce on her phone, ready to make a move on STAG.
Pierce, you worked out a way to hurt STAG yet?
Yeah, Viola's on her way to meet me now…
Viola?
We need her, uh, talents…
What are you planning…?
Just swing by, I'll fill you in!
Isabella was baffled by Pierce's response, and when did he had time to contact Viola for a mission? Surely he'll be butt-hurt because of the whole Morningstar showbiz, but apparently not. Pierce is the forgiven type, and Shaundi is, well, not all that forgiving herself. After finishing her meal, Isabella headed to the left side to workout. Pierce will have to wait, solely because her mind is worrying about Bella and Viola, also Kinzie surprisingly. Been ages since she'd contacted the Boss and ever since STAG showed up, it has been dead silent.
Two hours later, Viola was parked at a convenience store, telling Isabella to show up whenever she can.
Viola: [sees her car]
Isabella: [gets out] …
Viola: Working out huh?
Isabella: [chuckle] How's Kiki?
Viola: Hanging in there… She's stressed about this STAG bullshit and me risking my life to help you… Also pissed about not having to be here with you…
Isabella: I'd imagine she would be pissed…
Viola: [groans] Let's go inside…
Isabella: After you…
Inside the convenience store, Pierce was staring at a comic and reading through it, being impressed by the work of art.
Viola: Oh look, Pierce can read…
Pierce: Girl I don't gotta explain myself to you! [gave Isabella a comic book] STAG is using Nyte Blayde as their mascot… We snatch the punk!
Isabella: And we draw out STAG…
Pierce: Set it up right, we'll get the drop on those mother fuckers…
A fan girl approached Isabella, stammering over her words, upon asking to sign her signature onto a movie that Legal Lee wants to direct. Isabella smiled, patting the girl's head before signing her signature. Sure, she doesn't want to play and act in a movie, but the money's worth the hassle.
Isabella: So how do we find Birk? That fucker could be anywhere…
Pierce: We lay the right bait, he'll come to us! That's why I have you and the new girl!
Viola: [hands on hip] My name's Viola!
Pierce: [show her the comic] Your name's "The Bloody Canoness"!
Viola: [looks at it] You can't be serious!
Isabella: [jerks head] Oh boy…
Going out by Isabella's car, they both got inside as the Boss started up the engine.
Viola: I feel ridiculous…
Isabella: You're working the slutty nun angle better than I would, trust me…
Viola: I didn't get a masters in economics to look like a slut!
Isabella: All the more reason to do this with me, and since this is Pierce's idea, it'll be fun! [laughter]
Viola: [frustrated sigh] Are you sure Birk will even be at the PR center?
Isabella: I met this clown before… He's probably on set doing his "lion face, lemon face" right now…
Viola: …He that serious about his work?
Isabella: No, he's that deluded about being Nyte Blayde… It's a sickness, believe me…
At the PR center…
Viola: Is there a plan?
Isabella: As Nyte Blayde's arch enemies, we "act" out a kidnapping!
Viola: I doubt it'll be that simple…
Isabella: Well we could say we have Shaundi hostage but that could just get weird…
Viola: And knowing you having a thing for tough girls, you'll do it anyway…
Isabella: Uhh… [blushes] I mean…
Viola: [smile] Admit it Isa…
Isabella: Nuh uh!
Viola: How childish of you…
They both got out the car, and began walking to the front doors. Once they entered, Isabella in her Cardinal cosplay, shouted in the worst impression of a character in Nyte Blayde. "Take us to our arch nemesis, Nyte Blayde!" The soldier of STAG casually and tiredly said, "Yeah, yeah go in," and made their way up the stairs.
I can't believe that work! You flash a little skin we can probably get into anywhere in the city!
I don't care if it works or not, I'm not making going out like this a habit!
"Habit," hahaha, ah that's too precious!
I hate you…
Going through the elevator as they were going up, they made it to a room where they would shoot a scene of the show. "This looks like the right place," Viola said nonchalantly, and walked right on in.
Josh: [deep breaths] I am Nyte Blayde. I have no fear. I will save Marion. I will destroy Mr. X! Hey you guys wanna do some warm ups before we shoot? You look familiar-
Isabella: [punch his face] …
Viola: …Really?
Isabella: [carries him] Let's get the fuck out of here…
An alarm going off, alerting all STAG to injure the Leader of the Saints, and the other weird disguise Saint into custody.
Viola: Very subtle…
Isabella: Next time you punch him, it's very soothing…
Josh: Wha… What's going on…?
Viola: Is he gonna be alright?
Isabella: He's taken a thousand of hits on his show, he'll be fine…
Viola: And if he isn't?
Isabella: Then I'll feel bad for like two whole minutes…
Josh: Are, are we rolling…?
Down the stairs…
Josh: You'll NEVER… stop me, ugh…
Isabella: What does this guy dream about? Actually, I don't wanna know…
Viola: Hold on Isa! Incoming!
Throughout the conference room, citizens were hiding themselves behind and under safe environments, while STAG troopers continued to shoot down the Saints in the vampire cosplay uniforms.
Isabella: Are all these guards just for Birk? Jesus! Can you say overkill?
Viola: I'm not surprised… Publicity is the key to taking a city!
Isabella: Some guns and a few high explosives tend to get the job done too!
Viola: Yeah, a coma and three friends dead! It really worked out for you!
Isabella: Way to kill the mood…
Viola: What'd you think I meant?
Josh: I… I think I fell…
Killing enough STAG members, Isabella and Viola got onto the elevator as they entered out through the main lobby. Now all they have to do is clear out STAG from top to bottom to reach the elevator which goes to the garage.
Josh: That wasn't… in the script…
Viola: Looks like they're all over the entrance!
Isabella: Then we keep heading down! C'mon Viola!
Josh: Are we… improvising?
Viola did her usual job of clearing the room by killing STAG, along with Isabella using one hand to use her pistol in helping out Viola in case she was getting into cover to reload. Meanwhile, they made it downstairs and into the elevator, and as they go down to the ground floor, Isabella hurried to a car to drive in.
Isabella: Buckle that asshole in! I'll get the car running! [put Josh down]
Viola: [sighs and points the gun at him]
~XXX~
[Car Bursting Through Gates]
Viola: What now?
Isabella: We go back to the penthouse and dump him with Pierce and Shaundi!
Viola: And if he wakes up?
Isabella: With an outfit like that, use your imagination honey…
Viola: Ugh, I'm killing Pierce!
Isabella: [excitedly] I'll watch!
Escaping a horde of STAG and SWAT units, Isabella tries her hardest to make it back to her crib.
Josh: Great work guys, that was classic Boal!
Isabella: You know this is straight up kidnapping, right?
Josh: Wait what? Why?
Viola: Really? Do we need to spell it out?
Josh: You're not gonna get away with this! STAG, my agent, and the Nyte Blaydettes… they'll all come looking for me!
Isabella: "Nyte Blaydettes"? Oh you don't wanna make Shaundi jealous- do you?
Josh: Sh-Shaundi's here? I'll play your game…
As they make it back to the penthouse, the scene panned over to the STAG PR Center, STAG soldiers busting into a room full of dead bodies. Cyrus, ordering his officers to check the bodies, only to find a suspicious red patch of clothing. He radioed his walkie talkie, "Get me Monica Hughes," for a couple of seconds, she responded on the radio.
They have Birk.
WHAT!? Well, find him god damn it!
Yes ma'am. We'll get him back.
Around the corner, Zoë wrote a note on her clipboard before walking off. "Always in contact with Monica Hughes, assisting himself with Kia, and a mole from the inside of Thermopylae. Ok, it's time to get into a stolen STAG outfit, and infiltrate their main base."
To Be Continued…