6580/Sentinels: Ready or not

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Sentinels: Ready or not
Date of Scene: 20 February 2019
Location: Unknown
Synopsis: The Avengers discuss how to extract a target from the Sentinel factories; unfortunately, Hydra is attempting to murder the same target...
Cast of Characters: Iron Man, Spider-Woman (Drew), Black Panther, Captain America, Wasp (van Dyne), Captain Marvel (Danvers)
Tinyplot: Sentinels


Iron Man has posed:
Originally, the flight with their John Doe scientist they needed to extract was scheduled to land the evening of February 19th, about 9pm. The plane was supposed to come in to a small airport, and various plans were in place to act quickly. In fact, the Avengers had prepared for the extraction: a possible reroute of the plane had been a possible plan, but it was too likely to cause something else to go awry, or to cause the opportunity to not be available.

But then, it seems someone else may have meddled, because when the plane was scheduled to have left Russia ... it did not. Suddenly the house of carefully planned cards was collapsing. Tony called a heads up meeting immediately, while still gathering the intel that he had access to (which was, actually, considerable), for a new plan to be flung together.

The gathering is in one of the rooms in the Avengers mansion, around one of the big tables. ...Or it will be. It's empty.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica probably had a rousing night of reading ahead when she heard the news. And then it was a scramble. First, to find something to wear. She settles on a thin ivory cable knit sweater and brown slacks. Then to get her hair out of a ponytail and into some meaningful array with a brush. Then, to find her shoes, both of which had been inadvertently pushed beneath the bed when she took them off and sat down to read in the first place.

With a calm and composed air, Jessica enters the room where the meeting has been called. Hoping against hope there are snacks.

Black Panther has posed:
T'Challa walks into the room, carrying a pair of coffee mugs. He glances around, seeing that most people are not here yet. The African man makes his way over to the table, sliding out a chair and taking a sip of the dark blend from his cup. He flashes a quick smile over to Jessica and nods her way in greeting.

T'Challa's head lifts, hearing footfalls coming down the hallways. Recognizing the stride, he takes hold of the additional coffee mug by the bottom, turning it so the handle will be available to the new arrival to grasp hold of upon entering.

Teamwork.

Captain America has posed:
One to rely more on physical information than that found in terabytes of hard drives, Steve arrives in a blue button-down and slacks with a thick collection of files beneath his arm. He's arrived from a late shift at the Triskelion. A ping on his cellphone from Tony meant a hasty ride in on his motorcycle (a little heedless of his personal safety, but he's not about to mention it to anyone), so the cuffs of his pants are still wetted from spray from the streets.

To all arrived in the room, he nods briskly and sets down the armful of manila folders on the big table. "Glad you were able to make it," he says, still addressing the room as a whole. "Plans have changed." Upon noting the coffee offered out to him by T'Challa, the Captain gives him a small and grateful smile. "Thanks. Gonna need it," he says before sipping at it.

Iron Man has posed:
"Mr. Stark has requested that I convey that he will be arriving promptly. I would estimate five more minutes," the voice of JARVIS announces to the room serenely from the general ambiance of the panels in the room.

"But I am able to advise as well, and answer questions," continues the AI. JARVIS just is not, obviously, going to run any meetings.

Wasp (van Dyne) has posed:
Janet's sitting on Steve's shoulder. Which is easy, given that she's about eight inches tall. Legs crossed at the knee, tablet balanced on her thigh, she's there to multitask. Work calls, even when Avenger-related briefings are happening. She whispers into Steve's ear once in a while but otherwise remains fairly discreet.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica tilts her head, nodding to T'Challa in greeting, and then Steve as he enters. She has begun doodling on her pristine small legal pad with a pen. The perfect fine tip pen for writing the words, "five more minutes" and incorporating them mindlessly into a mosaic of flowers and geometric designs that take on a spiderweb-like appearance. But silently the gears are turning as she doodles. It's how she does her best thinking.

Black Panther has posed:
The Wakandan monarch settles into a seat and at the mention that Jarvis can field questions, T'Challa leans back into that chair and considers. "Jarvis? Do we have any idea, what happened to the flight? And do we know where the scientist is now? Or have we lost track of him?" T'Challa asks. He glances at Steve's files, motioning towards some as if to ask Steve's approval. Assuming he gets it, T'Challa pulls up a few maps of the area. He also then waves to control the holographic interface, pulling up the same area, where the flight was supposed to have departed from.

Captain America has posed:
At Janet's arrival, Steve glances over at where she perches and shoots her a little smile as well as nod, all the better to not jostle where the wee fashionista sits.

The manila file folders are pushed towards both Jessica and T'Challa in case they wish to have something physical in their hands. Within the various folders can be found the layout for the Corning-Painted Post Airport, the schematics for the plane purportedly thought to be carrying the scientist and his entourage, various potential faces that the team could run into (all of HYDRA origin, of course), and what is known about the scientist in particular.

"The flight was reported to have 'sudden mechanical issues'," the Captain replies to the Panther, giving the others a significant dry look that can only mean he doesn't believe innocent part-failure to be the reasoning. "We can assume that the scientist is still accounted for at this time. The plane's flight plans still show that they intend to land at Corning-Painted Post Airport, up by Big Flats in upstate New York. JARVIS, any of this information changed since Tony texted me?" The man glances upwards towards the ceiling.

Iron Man has posed:
"The report we have is that the plane is suffering mechanical difficulties specific to pilot instruments; that is accurate. We know that they boarded the plane and did another check, and found the problem. The flight was aborted just before they left. Mr. Stark has an inquiry pending related to that, as we have connections: no hacking should be required," JARVIS replies evenly to T'Challa and Steve.

"Updates, yes. Due to additional security reports that I can provide to you involving a sighting of a Hydra agent in footage that I have analyzed, it is suspected that Hydra has made a move to adjust the timetable to one that they prefer, or to a location that they prefer, or to sabotage this transfer entirely."

"Our John Doe's trying to be in the wind, but we still have a string on that kite; his security detail's just too big for him to be hidden easily," Tony announces as he parades in, as if the party could finally start. Behind him comes two assistants, heavy with bags, and they begin to quickly lay out food at the other end of the table. Greek.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Thank GOD," Jess replies to Tony's quick summary. It's probably for the fact that we still have tabs of some sort on the scientist, and not the fact that there is food being laid out. Probably.

"Do we have any inclination whatsoever as to whether Hydra got wind that we were going to attempt an extraction?"

Black Panther has posed:
T'Challa looks over the information thoughtfully. "So if we go with the same type of transfer? We may be letting Hydra pick the battlefield," T'Challa says quietly. "I assume we wish to wait for him to leave Russia to avoid international incidents, yes? So retrieving him directly would be... problematic?" T'Challa asks in his precisely enunciated English. "Though I think it is worth considering, still."

Captain America has posed:
Looking over his shoulder, Steve lets out a small sigh -- possibly of relief, though also maybe of mild frustration at the late arrival -- however, better late than never and especially with food.

"Thanks, Tony." The Captain speaks while the containers of Greek food are being placed down and while others are serving themselves. He'll wait until everyone else has plated-up before snagging one of the lamb gyros in particular. "From what I can tell from the various intel we've got, it looks like HYDRA might not suspect it's us. They play a mean game of cat's-paw. I hazard they might have wanted to down the plane and make it look like an accident so no one could step in at all, even another competing shadow-cell. They've done it before, cloaked assassinations in an accident." His jaw grit-grits at memories.

"We're not looking to cause any international ripple, right," he nods at T'Challa. "I dunno that it's worth the attention to go overseas. We're going to have to be subtle. No big bangs, no drawing attention, not if we can manage it." The smallest little smirk accompanied by lifted eyebrows is aimed at Tony in particular. "This is our home turf here. We can lever the advantage."

Iron Man has posed:
"Honestly this all seemed like a lot of trouble over one scientist. I mean, he isn't me," Tony says, without a shred of humility. "We did get a break at the airport. I have a friend there, with a facility for helicopters.... I'm looking through the security data now," Tony says, draping himself in one of the chairs, and pulling a plate of food towards himself. He'll eat while working, on his own tablet. A gesture of 'help yourself' is offered, most specifically towards Jessica. The assistants finish putting food out, and exit, closing the doors.

"We have a full view on the entourage, identification on everyone with him. Lots of hired help. Expensive. And our John Doe was very passive, probably drugged. Disoriented." Tony narrates while popping up a security video trio on one of the big panel monitors. The team is eight people, plus the scientist. The scientist looks more like an athlete, which makes him blend in with the others a little, except for the behavior. "I think he's some kind of test subject, not a scientist. The airport read some weird biological signs at a checkpoint. Trying to make sense of it still: wish it was /my/ equipment, but we make do. It doesn't change our approach."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Test subject..." And just like that, Tony has her attention. The food is forgotten, and Jess is sitting up straighter, seemingly more alert. "So we have ID's on everyone? What strings do we have on this target at the moment, then?"

Captain America has posed:
Paused with little cuplet of tzatziki sauce about to pour on the innards of his lamb gyro, Steve's eyes reflect the light of the security footage on display. He begins to frown and straightens from his slight lean overtop his food. By his expression, he's nearly forgotten that the sauce is in his hand.

"I don't think you're wrong, Tony." The Captain's voice is low and almost steely in reaction at what he's observing: mainly, the 'scientist'. "He's built like he can take a hit, not like he's at a counter for long hours over test tubes. I've seen that behavior before." He glances around the room again, including over at Janet on his shoulder. "Anything new in regards to strings, Tony?" he then asks of the genius-inventor.

Iron Man has posed:
Tony did not forget the food. "Strings in terms of two of these 'guards' are already under heavy surveillance by SHIELD," Tony addresses Jessica, not talking through his food, but he's not stopping in his meal either. Still, he brings up the video again to show off two scrawny looking mercenaries at the back of the 'guard' entourage pack. "I was able to compare this data with SHIELD's. I've decent access." Of course he does. "So, we have good intelligence on their movements, recent safehouses, you name it. So long as they're part of the detail, we shouldn't have trouble tracking him indirectly, and have a few boots on the ground over there. Agent, uhhh." Tony pauses.

"Agent Kinney," provides JARVIS.

Tony shrugs. "So we did not get at the guy tonight, but we did catch a bit of a break there, in that we haven't lost the group either."

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
Carol arrives uncharacteristicly late, having exhibited some erroneous behaviour in bits here and there since her little advertised fight/not fight with Thor. But it seems she is rather caught up, to some degree, as the moment she walks in, she quips, "best laid plans...wish someone would have consulted me on a covert ops, remember, former CIA Field Agent, I can offer some tips," Carol muses, "did we ascertain it was Hydra who shot down our plan?"

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jess nods absently as she watches the footage, and the visuals that Tony provides. "Fair enough, if you can't seem to do any better than TWO--" Jess begins to harang Tony about the guys under surveillance, in her own characteristic way, when Carol breezes in and takes over Jess' best efforts at giving Tony hell with the real thing. Jess silences, and slooowwly shoves a falafel into her mouth. And chews.

Captain America has posed:
Glowering down at his lamb gyro, Steve finishes putting the final touches of sauce upon it and then rewraps it with the foil it arrived in. Janet leans in to ask him something and he simply laughs drily and shakes his head. A bite of it and it's clear that the Captain is happy for the food; a tension about him lessens.

Carol's arrival means he can't speak with his mouth full, so the gentleman is certain to speak after he's swallowed. "Plans are still laid, mice and men and all. Just a shift in timing. Between the footage and a gut feeling, HYDRA attempted to sabotage the plane to kill the scientist. Flight was averted last minute. Tony mentioned Agent Kinney over at SHIELD has tabs on two of the entourage." He gestures with a free hand towards the schematics both on the table on paper and projected up in holographic form of the airport.

"Small place. Most obvious place to stage the kill would be in one of the hangers. Not a lot of coverage in the surrounding area, not even in groundcover. I'd hazard on at least one sniper."

Iron Man has posed:
Tony looks over as Jessica eats the falafel. "I hear it's better with sauce," Tony says flippantly to her, with a slight movement of the muscles around his eyes, as his expression quirks enigmatically. Tony and his variable facial expressions, nearly all of them charismatic somehow.

"What I suspect they'll do is keep their flight as secret as they can..." he trails off. He looks at his datapad. Some adjustments. "Update. We have a new flight plan. I think this is bogus, though. I'm going to just go ahead and get myself access to --- it's better if I don't say it, probably. I'll get the real flight information, though I think once we have it, we'll have to be agile and move fast, adapt to whatever it is."

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
"So SHIELD is in an active role?" Carol asks at Steve's input, turning to focus on Tony for a moment, before shifting around to have a better view of the visuals. But hearing about fake and actual flight plans now, Carol frowns, "this is starting to sound more and more like wetworks in progress, just FYI."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jess, ever the chopped liver, tries in vain to swallow the falafel that seems to have doubled in size since she shoved it into her mouth. She chews, and chews. And chews. Then swal--no, chews. As Steve continues. Then swallows.

"Well," she begins through a mouthful of falafel. Then swallows again. "Time is going to be of the essence, fake info or no. How long till we have a better idea of the flight plan?" she asks Tony, taking a tiny cup of sauce and making a dramatic point of pouring it into her mouth.

Captain America has posed:
"Definitely wetworks," Steve agrees quietly with Carol. He glances over at the Alpha Flight pilot and then back at the various schematics on display, both on paper and on via screens and hologram.

"We'll need to adjust plans on the fly. Carol, thoughts? We're not looking to cause any international disruption, but moving in on the flight while it's still in Russia is on the table."

Iron Man has posed:
Tony makes a vague shrug towards Jessica. "When they're airborne, if they keep swapping it around after this. This fake flight may not even be our target's doing, but Hydra blowing smoke. We're getting more and more of a mess. I mean, I'm smarter, and I'll untangle this, but we probably should at least get SHIELD to push back on Hydra's meddling, if we want the Sentinel boys to bring the guy here for us to rescue."

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
"Ideally, I would have been undercover as the pilot for the flight from the getgo...," Carol muses, crossing her arms as she turns back to the visuals, "who do we have on our side from the ground crew?" She asks, peering at Tony, before noting to Steve, "I would be all for getting involved, but we need a solid alibi, or this will turn into diplomatic hell."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jess sighs, idly rolling another falafel around under her fingertip on her (until now) unused plate. "I don't like it. Even with you untangling this, it is too precarious. If they think we're looking too hard, that flight will never make it out of Russia. Because there'll be no need for it anymore." Her expression is stern and thoughful. But she might just be contemplating whether she has time to hoover that falafel before her next pose.

Captain America has posed:
One file folder in particular is plucked by Steve from the collection he brought with him to the meeting. It's offered out to Carol. "Ground crew for the flight. If you think you can bypass security and replace someone, it might not be a bad idea. Jessica's right." He glances over at the young woman. "We need to remain under the radar at all times. If we can get someone on-board, it'd be stacking the deck in our favor when the plane lands in upstate New York."

Tony's given a wry smirk. "Dunno that you've been caught yet hacking into files. Once that flight plan's confirmed or denied, we can move." A nod towards the man.

Iron Man has posed:
"Okay, so, subtle," Tony answers Jessica, smoothly, with a wink that leans subtle flirt. "I'd risk getting one person in, if Carol's up for it, I'm fine with that. Although if scrutiny was high before, it'll only be worse, with someone messing with that previous plane. But maybe I can leverage my friends over there, get them to offer replacements, a trusted crew... But we'll need you in Russia yesterday, Carol," Tony warns Carol. "And our team here will need to be ready, too. So. We like this? I'll work with Carol to see if she can get over there and get in touch with the SHIELD agents, or get her into the flight crew, and Steve, head up this group here with a new extraction plan?" Tony suggests, gesturing from Steve to Jessica, T'Challa, and Janet. "And counter assassin plan. Hydra's not just over there."

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
"I can be on the way now...do we have a safehouse in the airport's vicinity? I think it's a bad idea for me to fly directly there, and I'll obviously need local SHIELD for small touches before moving in." Carol seems quite ready, though Tony is absolutely right, she should have already been there, which could have happened if she would have been consulted first. Or so she'd like to think.

Carol also thumbs up at Tony for reminding the rest of counter assassination plan, because she'll only be able to provide cover during the flight. But if nothing happens, there'll be some time she won't be able to act in order to keep cover.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"I like this plan. We're going to need to deploy defenses here and get an ear to the ground. Hydra shouldn't be able to pick their nose without us knowing where they put it. Because they're barbarians. And you just KNOW they don't even own Kleenex. I'll do what I can, wherever I can. If we spin our web just right, they won't be able to make a move without us knowing it." Jess looks from Tony to the others, then back to him. "I have faith in you."

Captain America has posed:
"We'll have the plan rolled out before the plane even reaches cruising altitude," confirms the Captain, lifting his gyro in a small salute to his own words. "You get Carol into place and I'll have SHIELD keep me in the loop. Those punks won't know what hit 'em -- and if they figure it out, it'll be too late. The asset will be in safe hands." By the glint in Steve's eyes, he's very looking forwards to decking a few HYDRA agents in the extraction process.

Iron Man has posed:
"If we don't have a safehouse, I'll get one: but I think SHIELD is the ticket here, not me forging new paths. I'll set it up though," Tony says, already acting on the pad. "Or rather...." he pauses, looks up. "JARVIS, get Carol in touch with that agent, and work with him to get her over there and familiar with the layout." Tony will delegate!

Tony chuckles with a puzzled smile at Jessica's faith, but Steve's tone does indeed create faith.

"All right. We'll assemble again soon. Help me finish that before you leave, though," Tony teases, gesturing to the food, though he himself is getting to his feet. He's eaten plenty /during/ the meeting!