11921/Latverian Garden Party

Latverian Garden Party
Date of Scene:	05 August 2020
Location:	Latverian Embassy
Synopsis:	A garden party at the Latverian Embassy goes horribly wrong when Kasnian separatists strike!
Cast of Characters:	Doctor Doom, Mockingbird, White Fox, Lex Luthor, Peggy Carter

---

Doctor Doom has posed:
The Latverian Embassy. A castle like structure surrounded by high stone walls. It's a fortress, but a fancy one fit for royalty. Which is a good thing, since the Monarch of Latveria is currently here hosting a garden party for a wide range of people. Dignitaries, scientists, military officers and successful capitalists. It's quite the shindig, all told. Outside on the lawns and in the gardens there are numerous tables set up. Just tons of scrumptious delights and tasty drinks set out, many of them traditional Latverian fare.

The whole compound is quite well defended, too. There are Latverian soldiers in towers at the corners of the walls and at the main entrance, where they can check the identification of anyone trying to get into the party. They're polite, disciplined and dressed quite nicely for people that are armed to the teeth.

Inside the compound numerous people in white jackets move around with trays, replenishing drinks and making sure the food stocks are full for the guests. They're efficient, mannerly and impeccably groomed.

Doctor Victor von Doom is present, of course. He's standing around chatting as quietly as one can in a massively powerful suit of magitech armor, "And that is why it's important to make sure one's people are provided for properly. Our social programs are being expanded into Kasnia as we speak, making sure that their standard of living is equal to that of the people of Latveria proper, however not everyone there is eager to benefit."

Mockingbird has posed:
Bobbi's here, of course. it's amazing just /what/ weaponry she can stash in a suit jacket, smart pants, smart shoes. Even in asuit, Bobbi is dangerous. And oh by the way, she's got her mouth on her, probably her most dangerous weapon.

And she's got a critical eye on the food, too. This party could go any number of ways. She carefully takes an entree and looks over the white jacketed people, giving them a polite nod.

Bobbi looks over the party and shakes her head with a wry smile. She was told, no. Ordered, to keep her sarcasm in check. That came down to 'Bobbi...do /not/ cause an international incident with your mouth, please...' types of instructions.

Mostly since she's known for sarcasm. At least she's being good for now.

White Fox has posed:
Nobody would have sent Ami Han to the Latverian Embassy to spy, that would have been a clear violation of international treaties, especially since Ami Han is known to be the head of the superhuman division of the NIS of the RoK. Which exlains why Ami Han, stern businesswoman, is not appearing at the LAtverian Embassy. No, it's a white haired woman with quite long hair wearing a likewise white dress, and a white mask that might belong to venetian Carnival. The invitation she hands to the porters is one that belongs to some company that had been set up as a facade by the NIS for such uses. To get agents into other embassies without getting either side implicated with the other.

Like a good guest, the White haired one does work her way through the crowds to echange at least a short few words with the ruler of Latveria, eying over his armor as she closes in. But once reaching, she bows, knowing the etiquette. "Hail Doom, Lord of Latveria. I am honored to see you are present in person and not have send one of your decoys. Am I right to believe that this is the armor you wore during the Slokovian campaign, when you secured the collapsing country from the anarchy that would surely have followed?"

Lex Luthor has posed:
Technically, Lex is all four of those things, though the 'military officer' aspect of it is less well advertised. Who likes to be reminded that a billionaire industrialist and inventor has a private army at his call? Some do, but for the most part, Lex likes to downplay the role of Team Luthor in his operations. Being downplayed means being underestimated. Being underestimated means they they can surprise would be aggressors.

Nonetheless, Latveria is handling security for todays party. Mingling among the elite of upper end social circles, small talk mixed with business is the order of the day as Lex plants a word or advice in each ear as he goes, his impeccably tailored black and red tuxedo adding to the mans natural charisma.

With the natural elegance to the way he goes about the party goers, one could easily say Lex was born for these sort of engagements.

Behind him at a few feet of discreet distance remains Mercy and Hope, Luthor's bodyguards. The two women couldn't be more different if they tried. Right down to their manner of dress; one is wearing an elegant business dress... while the other has more bodyguard fare. Creative expression, perhaps?

Doctor Doom has posed:
In the background a group of the servers in their white coats split off from the rest. They make their way towards the barracks area of the embassy building, heading for the armory. There's a soldier on guard at a desk there behind thick metal bars and a heavy door, all marked with lightning bolts to show that the cage is electrified. As the servants approach the guard they produce suppressed pistols from under their white jackets and open fire, a few rounds catching him in the body armor while others strike him in the face. He doesn't stand a chance.

One of the white jackets pulls a small mechanical object from his pocket and tosses it at the ground in front of the fence. Throughout the embassy grounds lights flicker slightly and mobile devices skip a beat as the tiny EMP is triggered.

After the little flicker of electricity Doom turns to return the bow to the white haired person, "Well met. Yes, this is that same armor." The mask reveals nothing, "It is important to be able to help with stability around the world when we are able to. Peace is a hard thing to come by once it's lost."

One of the servers Bobbi nods at will smile back at her and wander over with a tray full of Latverian salt cabbage crepes. Truly a delicacy.

White Fox has posed:
"Indeed, indeed. Yet I had hoped you might show the triumph armor of your latest campaign. I have only heard about how the delicate patterns on its cloak did accentuate your regalness, and was hoping to see them in person." The Whie Fox knows her flattery as she slightly straightens her posture, giving a smile to the iron-faced dictator.

Then, there are the shots in the house. Just a harsher sound in the mix of the party, not really audible, not even to the enhanced hearing of a Kumiho.

"But I don't want to distract you from your duties as a host too long. I hope some day to get a glimpse at that parade armor in person."

Peggy Carter has posed:
So much about SHIELD has changed, but some things very much remained the same. Undercover or invited, Margaret Carter has been at her share of black tie events over the decades and they haven't changed all that much. She's quietly relieved that it seems retro styles are very much in vogue, as she's in a glittering gold gown that would be right at place on a movie set in the 1940s. It hugs her hourglass curves quite nicely while being looser at her legs and having a golden back that is heavily draped at the bottom of her spine, easy to hide a few weapons beneath the pools of gold material. Her hair's done in its usual vintage waves and, for the moment, she's enjoying the anonmity of time. Back in the 70s, her face would have been entirely too well known to ever pull something off like this.

Now, it's just good to be in the field again.

She takes a not real sip of champagne, dark eyes watching the room carefully as she lingers near the sides, playing the elegant gold draped wallflower next to Bobbi. She mutters quietly behind her champagne glass, so if anyone is lipreading her mouth cannot be seen, "...recommendation for the most important asset to keep eyes on? I'm still catching up on billionaire world news."

Lex Luthor has posed:
As the lights flicker, Lex is already taking a look at his LexPhone. Bringing up the logs, he scrolls... and his eyes narrow just so as he sees the telltale one he's looking for. His right hand makes a slight gesture, and both Mercy and Hope move up closer to him, to obey the unspoken command to listen to a whisper. "Be on your guard. We have a potential situation."

Then, Lex is moving through the crowd, over to Victor, making it look like he's making small talk... but Victor would easily be able to tell that Lex is keeping eyes in his direction.

Given the nature of this party, it's not hard for someone like Victor to reason there's a reason for that.

Mockingbird has posed:
Once again it's the Bobbi and Peggy team. SHIELD let them out after taking out the Hydra nest yesterday. Somebody figured they would fit this gig perfectly...and Bobbi's not complaining really. Well, besides eating those salt grape things as the lights flicker and she mutters to Peggy. "Everyone, we're here as guests but keep an eye on everyone and be ready to react"

Yeah like SHIELD agents are ever off the clock...and she stiffens a little as the lights flicker.

"Ready?" she asks and stretches her arms out. It looks like she's stretching. Nah, she's ready to pull her staves if needed and defend herself, Peggy, and quite a few others here. She's hoping this won't get too violent. The Bobbi/Peggy team being 2 for 2 in violent missions is looming large in her head...and she don't like it much. On the other hand, Peggy here means no need to call the Triskelion for advice.

Doctor Doom has posed:
The EMP blast enables access to the armory for the not-quite servers. They move in and start grabbing automatic weapons, grenade launchers and grenades. Soon they're moving back towards the party, guns at the ready. Some split off to try to take high ground on the roof of the embassy. When they get there, they open fire on the embassy guards up there, automatic gunfire ringing out loudly over the noises of the party as the other bad guys make their way into the party, starting to yell, "Get on the ground! Free Kasnia! Get on the ground!"

Doom looks at Lex as he approaches, nodding his masked head at him slightly before returning his attention to the white haired lady, "This is actually the same armor, merely a different paint job and cloak." The guys with guns are given a glance from the Latverian, "I suggest that you surrender. Your interrogations will be much more pleasant." As one of the separatists point a weapon at Doom it suddenly locks up and fails to fire. The armored suit booms, almost as loud as the machine gun fire on the roof, "Keep as many alive as is possible. We'll need them for information."

White Fox has posed:
The sound of automatic gunfire is unmistakably, and the White Fox quickly moves more into the crowd even before they demand everybody to get to the ground. But sh edoes drop with many of the other guests, though not to a full laying, instead, more a crouch, as if she doesn't want to durty the dress. She's waiting for one of the separatists to be dumb enough to get close to her.

Peggy Carter has posed:
Well, that was a pleasant ten minutes before complete chaos starts. Peggy's eyes go wide at the sign of automatic gun fire and the insurgents spilling into the room. The only indication that she might not be a civilian is the fact that she doesn't scream and run for cover -- probably what a lot of the now-terrified guests are doing. No, she drops back against the wall and gets lower to the ground, crouched expertly in her gold gown, as she removes her first weapon from the thigh slit at the top of her dress.

She begins subvocalizing over the SHIELD communicator, "... Order of operations -- protect guests, down the attackers, clean up and return home? If anyone's near an exit, let's start funneling out civilians as quickly as possible." The fact that one of the insurgents is already being disabled by... the party host?? That makes her blink a moment, but she skims along the wall, closer in their direction but trying to flank behind as she hits an emergency exit and shoves it open. Who cares if the alarm goes off? Things are already chaos and she wants to help get people out that door.

Lex Luthor has posed:
Well, Lex *WAS* moving over to Victor. Then, there's a confirmed threat, and he and the two bodyguards are making a beeline for a safer place.

Sure, the warsuit is on premises, but there's  no way he's using that unless there's no other option. Against human opponents, Mercy and Hope are more than capable.

Mockingbird has posed:
For once Bobbi's not the one shooting up the place when Peggy's around. For two, she's doing the same as Peggy, only the other side of the room, and she's crouched with a pistol in hand. If she can get enough of a shot she'll snap off a shot with the suppressed pistol she snuck in. Battle staves are good but they can't be shot at the problem.

With her shoulder against the door shee rams into it. She's got her staves, guns, and is listening to Peggy. And calling for medical assistance too as well becaus she's extremely worried people will get hurt. Even so her finger slips onto the trigger as she's lining up shots and firing, given she isan extremely accurate marksman...or markswoman, and a knife thrower she's doing her best to neutralize the threats. Out comes a knife as it's hurled through the air towards another of the attackers, too. Bobbi is, legit, throwing cutlery at them, because why not. Improvise, Morse. Improvise!

Doctor Doom has posed:
The separatists try to corral everyone in the area, one of them shouting, "Now you will crawl into the embassy and through the doorway to your left. Anyone who deviates from this order will be shot!" Some of the armed men are trying to grab those who aren't immediately complying to force them down. Others are on the lookout for trouble coming from the outside. The guys on the roof are covering the grounds. A loud 'thump' noise can be heard from up there and the Latverian soldiers now moving tactically from the front gate are blown to smithereens by an explosion. The loud noise makes almost everyone jump a little bit, even the hostage takers.

As Mockingbird gets started kicking ass the terrorists snap back to attention and some, those without bullet or blade in them, return fire. They've almost all turned away from their hostages.

Striding forward, Doom grabs the guy whose gun failed to work on him by the throat and starts to squeeze. After a few seconds the figure goes limp and Doom tosses him aside. Bringing his hands together, then apart in some strange occult gestures. The civilians are soon protected by a glimmering magical shield.

White Fox has posed:
With the hostage takers suddenly preoccupied by Mockingbird letting loose, White Fox moves in, standing up behind a gunner and doing the headtwist on him, grabbing his gun as he drops. The magazine might only hold so long still, but she uses its contents to shoot at the guys on the roof instead of focussing on those on the ground floor, those seem covered by Bobbi.

Lex Luthor has posed:
As soon as one of the armed men comes over to try to corral Lex, Hope is already in the way. The sounds of electrical shock can be heard and a pained scream as one of the men is electrocuted by her shock gloves gets sent flying through the air. Mercy brings up her right arm, expands it, and a weaponized laser pops out, aiming for the next nearest potential threat... and the laser begins firing even as the three continue on to a safe room. The laser itself can be adjusted for yield... but at this point, Mercy is going for maximum effectiveness: lethal.

Lex himself pulls out an L99 custom .45 pistol, keeping down and out of the way as the two bodyguards work to clear the way for their boss to get to safety.

Victor seems to have the situation well in hand, and Lex has plenty of respect for his hosts abilities.

Peggy Carter has posed:
While Peggy is rather better with a gun, the hostage takers are quite distracted by Bobbi and Doom, so this is her bext chance to get civilians out. "This way, now!" She hisses in a quiet voice over the half of the crowd closest to her. As people start streaming through the one exit she's found, probably into a stairwell and hopefully not the exact outdoors, she begins moving through the crowd. She's trying to get to the flank of that crowd so she can protect their fleeing backs, her gun still in hand.

When one of the insurgents FINALLY notices that half the crowd is trying to escape, there's no reason for her to remain quiet. Her firearm jerks up and with a precision that comes with decades of experienced marksmanship, she coughs out a well trained shot in the man's direction. She wastes no bullets and certainly doesn't spray the crowd. The woman in gold knows well what she does.

Doctor Doom has posed:
Some of the guys on the roof fall as they're struck by rounds from White Fox's rifle, one even tumbling over the side, screaming on his way down until he hits the ground with a 'splat.'

Mercy and Hope are efficient in their destruction of the enemy.

The civilians, under protection from Doom and guided by Agent Carter, begin to beat a hasty retreat. The guy that has the misfortune of noticing the escape also has the misfortune of catching a round from Carter and dropping dead.

Doctor Doom just blasts one of the terrorists with a concussion beam, slamming them hard into the wall behind them. Then strides to catch another by the lapels before thumping them in the side of the head with a gauntlet. Those two, at least, appear to still be breathing.

Mockingbird has posed:
Now everyone's safely dealt with, Bobbi's more in cleanup mode..she figures alright, the cleanup crews don't wanna deal with Her being associated with what went down, even if this time...it wasn't really her fault. Wrong time, wrong place...as Bobbi slips out the door she made, and checks on Peggy while arranging evac....and updating the SHIELD fiolks what's gone on. Point is. Bobbi's left the carnage to Doom. he's got it well in hand.

Peggy Carter has posed:
Even if she loves the fight, Peggy Carter knows the order of operations. Other people are handling the insurgents. She's got a strange shield up between her, her people, and the violence. That means her entire job is now to make certain civilian panic doesn't cause any of them to be needlessly hurt. She falls back into the crowd, beginning to direct people a bit more calmly. Out the doors, out the stairwell, to medical care or other rescue. Her natural commanding presence tends to be reassuring in situations like this, keeping everthing more organized than it'd be otherwise, even if it means she's well out of the fight. She'll play glorified traffic director in a golden dress half the night, until as many civilians as possible are safe and calm.

White Fox has posed:
As the gun she had 'liberated' runs empty, White Fox drops it, dashing oer to another one to pick up, scanning for other killers on the roof to get down. Not that she was counting, but the numbers might run out soon, especially with three actively reducing the numbers...

Doctor Doom has posed:
Now that the civilians are safe Doom is able to concentrate on the destruction of the party crashers. Well, more their capture. As they point their weapons his way they fail to go off. Even a grenade that rolls to his feet doesn't detonate. Soon, the bad guys are all unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. Latverian soldiers, with White Fox's help, are able to gun down the gunmen on the roof.

"I apologize for the rude interruption of our festivities," booms Doom. "You're all welcome to stay, of course, but I feel that the murderous activities of these villains has left a certain distaste for continued celebration for most of us. Please, pick up your gift bags on the way out." Almost begrudgingly he states, "I wish to offer a special thank you to those of you who intervened in the attack. Feel free to grab a weapon on the way out. They're replaceable, unlike the lives that otherwise may have been lost."