Welcome to Gaia! ::

Now, we all know and love our rogues, our gambler, and our captain, but how did they all get started, hmmm? Let's take a look at their first adventures, when men were real men, and real men wore tights, and paligamy was legal...... xD

Chapter 2

After they ate, Kavid and Yath began their walk back to the room. Kavid was already getting tired of this climb, and he had only made it twice. Gaining ranks felt even more appealing with each aching step up the staircase. Kavid ignored the looks of the other members as he tried to engage Yath in conversation. For a man of so many words, he seemed to have little to say about himself. He also punctured every sentence wit a ‘Hey”, or ‘How’s it goin’?’ To every one they passed.
“So what did you, hey! Did you say you, sup? You did to get noticed?” Yath asked.
“Well, actually, I-”
“Oh, that’s cool, hey, man.” Yath said.
“But I didn’t..... never mind.” Kavid shook his head, this would take some getting used to.
Kavid walked in silence until the reached the third floor. He followed Yath down the hallway back towards their room. Once they finally reached it, they saw that someone was poking their head in.
“Hey!” barked Yath.
Both Kavid and the person looking in jumped.
“I’m sorry.” the person said, turning around. “I’m-”
“A girl.” Yath interjected.
“Yes.” The girl said. “I am. I’m boarding in the room next to you guys. Supposedly I have a roommate, but I haven’t seen her yet. Oh, my name’s Pilot, Pilot Donavan.”
“I’m Yath, just Yath.”
“I’m sure you are....” Pilot trailed off. “And who are you?” she asked Kavid.
“I’m Kavid, nice to meet you Pilot.”
“Alright, kid, I’m just gonna leave you be now, k? Catch some shuteye.” As he left he turned to Pilot. “Nice kid really, but hasn’t got a clue what’s goin’ on.”
When Yath had closed the door behind him, Pilot whispered. “Is he always like that?”
“As far as I know.” Kavid said. “Nice kid though.”
He and Pilot laughed softly.
“Well, he’s right you know.” Pilot said. “We really should be getting to sleep, training’s first thing in the morning.”
“What are we going to do?” Kavid asked.
“We’ll find out tomorrow.” Pilot said. “See you in the morning.”
“Right, nice to meet you Pilot.”
“You too, Kavid.”

The next morning, Kavid was woken up by someone shaking him.
“Come on kid!” Yath said. “We’re gonna be late!”
Kavid quickly changed, and ran after Yath downstairs. As he rushed down the hallway, none of the doors were open, and noone was out like they had been last night. Kavid wondered what time it could be. He skidded to a halt in front of a window on the landing. He lifted one of the curtains and peered outside. The buildings were all dark, and the sky was tinged faintly red. It couldn’t have been earlier than 5:30 in the morning. Kavid groaned inwardly, and took off again. He kept an eye on Yath’s retreating form in front of him. Kavid had to keep him in sight, or else he would be lost. Kavid barreled around another corner, and crashed into Yath at full speed.
“Why the hell did you stop?” Kavid demanded.
“Shhhh!” Yath hissed, holding up a finger. “We’re right next to the training room’s door. It’s already started.”
“So then why didn’t you go in?” Kavid hisssed.
Yath shook his head. “Haven’t you ever been to school or anything?” he asked.
“Yeah, a while ago....” Kavid mumbled.
“Then you know that being late means trouble, especially in here. Other Hats wouldn’t think twice about doing serious damage to make an example.” Yath said darkly.
“They really would do stuff like that?” Kavid asked.
“You want to take that chance?” Yath retorted.
“Fine. But what do we do?”
“I’m trying to figure that out. Oh! How about, no...” Yath trailed off.
“I’ve got an idea.” Kavid said.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”
“No, listen, here’s what we do....”

Bluto paced back and forth across the training room floor. He had been put in charge of the recruit training unit.
“Where are they?” he growled.
“Calm down Bluto.” said Eva, the person who had escorted Yath to his meeting.
“Hey, if I have to suffer through being these wingnut’s mentor, the least they could do is show up on time.”
“I’m mentoring too.” Eva reminded him. “And so are Simian and Thatch.”
“Yeah, but you guys don’t have my kid. Little twerp won’t shut up! And he has and attitude.”
“Oh no, Bluto’s scared by a smart mouth kid.” Thatch joked.
“Oh, shut up. Where the hell are they?”
Pilot watched the conversation with minor interest. So far, she had been the only one who had shown up. It was all very boring. She was itching to get started, but they all had to wait until the others got here. Her eyes lazily scanned the training room’s walls. The only indication they were in a room at all were the weapons rack on the far wall, opposite the door, the door itself, and the list of hours hanging on the wall next to it. As stared blankly at the door, something caught her eye. A hand waving, beckoning her over. Kavid’s head popped up briefly on the other side of the glass pane in the door, and he waved his hand more urgently. Pilot pointed at herself and quietly mouthed the word ‘Me?’.
Kavid nodded vigorously. Bluto turned his head suddenly to look at the door. Kavid disappeared from sight, and then came back a second later when Bluto’s head was turned back. Pilot got casually got to her feet, and started to amble slowly towards the door. She paused at the hours chart, pretending to gaze at it, while sneaking a last look at the mentors. She then walked the last few feet to the door, and opened it a crack.
“What are you doing?” She asked in a hissing whisper.
“Hey, baby, do us a-” She heard Yath’s voice begin.
There was a smacking sound, and Yath cursed. Kavid’s voice continued.
“We kinda overslept.” He said.
“No really?” Pilot said sarcastically.
“Yeah, well, do you think you could help us out?” Kavid asked.
“What do you-?” Pilot lowered her voice. “What do you want me to do?”
“Just keep their attention away from the door for awhile.”
“Doing what?”
“I don’t know, improvise.”
Pilot sighed. “Fine, but you owe me.”
“Right, we do. Now go, improvise!”
Pilot took a deep breath, and turned around. She walked across the large room to the weapon rack. She gave it an overview, and picked up a rather ornate looking rapier. She carried it over to the group of mentor, making sure that she was facing the door, so their backs would be to it. She cleared her throat.
“Um, what is this called?” she asked in her best naive voice.
Bluto and the others turned around to see who was talking. Pilot suppressed a gulp.
“I mean, I know it’s some type of sword, but, what kind exactly?” she asked.
“That’s a rapier.” Bluto said. “It’s a very flexible and.....”
Pilot watched as the door opened, and Kavid and Yath Snuck through, crouched low. It looked as though they were heading towards the weapon rack.
“What are they doing?” she whispered.
“What did you say?” Eva asked.
“Uh.... what.... What is the proper form for a sword like this? I mean, do you act like you’re fencing? Or...?”
“Well, you see Pilot....” Eva began.
Bluto nodded along with Eva’s explanation of proper techniques. Pilot was only half listening. Kavid and Yath were almost at the weapon rack now. She still had no idea what they were planning to do. They were about to pick up some weapons when Bluto interrupted Eva.
“Eva, I know our charges aren’t trying to sneak in to training late.”
Bluto turned around and glared at Yath and Kavid, who were currently frozen on the spot. Yath recovered first.
“No, sir. We were just uh...”
Kavid jumped in, “We had come early to try out some of the weapons. We uh...”
Yath picked up again, “We just were practicing elsewhere, and didn’t want to disturb your demonstration for Pilot by coming back in to return the weapons we had borrowed.” He flashed Bluto a smile, which quickly fizzled under the large man’s glare.
“Oh?” Bluto asked. “What weapons did you try out?” he asked innocently.
Kavid and Yath looked down at the weapons they were about to pick up.
“I was going to use... this spiked ball and chain thing.” Kavid said, picking up the flail.
“And I was attempting to master....” Yath looked to see what his hand was closest to. “The subtle assassination techniques of using the small but deadly pellet gun!” He finished, brandishing the six inch long straw.
Pilot ran her hand down her face, shaking her head. Bluto smiled.
“Perhaps you could show us what you learned?” he said.
“Oh, sure, uh...”
Yath blew hard on the little straw. Nothing happened.
“It must be stuck, hold on.”
He sucked back, and the stone inside the straw shot down his throat. Yath started to gag.
“Uh, you, see, Yath is demonstrating what the victims of this weapon look like...” Kavid said, trying to salvage the quickly sinking situation,
“What about you, Kavid?” Bluto asked.
“Oh, yeah. Well, this is the uh, windmill technique I was working on.”
Kavid took the flail’s handle in one hand, and he began to swing it in large circles, like he was winding up for a pitch. After about five swings, Kavid lost control of the weapon, and it flew out of his hand, strait towards Bluto. Without a flinch, Bluto shot his hand out, and grabbed the flail by its handle, stopping the spiked head from hitting his face by inches. Kavid stood there sheepishly, not saying anything. Yath finally stopped choking, and stood up.
“I told you Kavid, counterclockwise!”
“Shut up Yath.” Kavid hissed.
“For once, I agree. Shut up.” Bluto said. “Now, I’m not going to ask why you made us witnesses to this horrible circus act gone wrong, I’m just going to skip right to the punishment.” Bluto smiled. “Fifty pushups, now.”
“Bluto...” Eva warned.
“Fine, twenty. Because this is a first offence, and because I’m too tired to argue.”
Kavid sighed, and he and Yath dropped to the floor to start their pushups. 20 arm aching presses later, they stood, breathing hard.
“We really need to get you in shape.” Bluto mused. “Now, before we begin-”
“Sorry, did I miss something?” A voice asked.
It was a girl, with reddish down to about her shoulders. Her eyes were grey, but they seemed to catch the light differently, making one look blue, and the other green.. She stood looking at Bluto as if she was extremely bored.
“No, just in time. We were doing introductions.” Bluto said.
“What?” Kavid blurted out. “How come she doesn’t get punished?”
Bluto rounded on Kavid. “Because she’s not my charge, that’s why.”
“What about me?” Yath asked.
“Boy, you choked on a straw.” Bluto said.
Pilot snickered, and Yath shot her a look. She covered her mouth and tried to look sorry.
“Now, as I was saying, introductions. You’ve all met knucklehead one and two over here.” he said, gesturing to Kavid and Yath. “This here is Pilot.” Bluto said, gesturing behind him. “And our late arrival is...?”
“Christina, but you can call me Chris.”
“Right. And we are people with nothing better to do, so we were chosen to be your mentors.” Bluto finished.
Eva stepped forward, “Don’t mind him, he’s always a mess without coffee. Let me introduce us better, shall I? My name is Eva, and I am Yath’s mentor. And the other’s are Simian, Thatch, and the Big Blue.”
“Ah, I see where the nickname comes from, Simian.” Yath said, addressing Bluto.
One of the other women stepped forward. “Name’s Monica Simman. My friends call me Simian.”
A look of pain crossed Yath’s face. He took Simian’s hand and shook it. “Sorry.” He said to Bluto, and backed away slowly.
“I’m Thatch.” The third women said. “I’m Pilot’s mentor.”
“And I am Bluto.” he stared pointedly at Yath. Yath cringed. “And if you ever try to call me Big Blue, it’ll be your head. My charge is little windmill over here.”
“Bluto.” Eva said.
Bluto sighed. “His name is Kavid. Okay, everybody good, everyone happy?” Bluto looked around. “Then savor this moment, because for the next few weeks, all you’re gonna feel is pain, bruises, and my foot in your a** if you’re late again, got that?” he asked Kavid and Yath.
“Yes sir.” they mumbled.
“Okay, then let’s get started!” Eva said.
The first weapon that they would be practicing with was the boa staff. It was the basic starting weapon. Since the most common weapon used was the sword, they could practices techniques without causing harm to their sparring partners. They were split off into pairs, Kavid and Yath, and Pilot and Chris. The mentors oversaw the battles, looking at their form, style, and general technique. This first match was to see where they fell skill level wise, and to see what their specific training would have to focus more on.
Yath was defiantly more aggressive, but he was slower than Kavid. With Kavid being almost constantly on defense, they were an even match. Pilot and Chris were more clumsy, seeing as they didn’t prefer swords. Once they all began to get into a pattern of fighting, Bluto stopped them with a wave of his hand. All were both breathing hard.
“Okay, we now have a pretty good idea of where you stand. Now, before we break off into individuals, are there any questions? No? Good-”
“I have a question.” Kavid said.
Bluto gritted his teeth. “What is it?”
“If the Black Hats are primarily thieves, where are we practicing swordsmanship and stuff?”
“Because,” Bluto said. “Stealing will come with time. You need these skills now for your first few missions where you’ll almost certainly mess up, and need to fight your way out.”
“Oh, okay. I guess that makes sense.” Kavid mused.
“Okay, everybody done with questions? Good, now, go with you’re mentor, and do private training. Let them go at noon unless they’ve been a pain.”
The new recruits split off with their mentors, and each went to a different corner of the large room. Kavid watched them go, nervous for what Bluto had in mind for him.
“So, what are we working on today?” Kavid asked in what he hoped was a cheery voice.
“Pushups.” Bluto said.
Kavid stopped himself from groaning. “How many?”
Bluto smiled. “Until I say stop.”

Chapter 4

Over the next week, Kavid began to learn the techniques and forms that everyone else had learned over the last few months. He was a natural. He quickly mastered every odd form or rarely used technique that Bluto threw at him. Within two weeks, Kavid had all but mastered what it had took the others months to learn. However, he was still behind. During the first few days of his form training, everyone else had chosen their real weapons for close combat. Yath of course chose the sword that he always carried around with him. It was a beautifully crafted long sword, with a flawless blade, ornate hilt with a red jewel set in the center of it. Pilot chose a belt of daggers, and a short bow with a quiver of arrows. Chris had two long jagged edged daggers of her own, and she also took a short sword. All Alex took was a small knife.

“Why did you choose that?” Kavid had asked him.
“Because,” Alex explained. “My, uh, abilities are sufficient enough that I don’t really need a weapon.”
“You know, you never actually told me what your ‘abilities’ were.” Kavid said.
“We’ll you’ll find out on our first mission then, huh?”

Now it was Kavid’s turn to choose. He picked up every weapon left, testing its weight and feel in his hand. Even the flail, even though he knew from his last experience that he wouldn’t use it. After a long time, Kavid had finally narrowed his choice down to three things. They were all swords, a rapier, a long sword, and a scimitar. Bluto walked up to him.

“You know, you can always choose two weapons.” he said.
“What, double wield?” Kavid asked. “You can’t really do that with any of these, except the long sword. And to do that, I’d need a short sword, but there’s none left.”

Bluto nodded along with what Kavid was saying. “That’s all true, except for one thing.”
"What?”
“There is one short sword left.” Bluto said.
“There is, where?” Kavid asked.
“Come with me.”

Bluto crossed the room, and walked up to the hours chart. He lifted it up from the wall to reveal a handle inset in the wall. Bluto tugged it out slightly, and then pushed inwards. With a slow creaking sound, a door opened in the wall! It was undetectable, even if you were looking for it. It opened inwards an sealed so precisely that there were no cracks when it closed. All the trainees gaped open mouthed at the sudden opening in the wall. Bluto beckoned Kavid forward. As he walked into the room with Kavid trailing behind, he said,

“This particular sword hasn’t been used in about twenty years. It has been used by only the best swordsmen of the Black Hats. Some say that it even belonged to the original Black Hat himself. All I know is that it has been passed down since then, and now I think you should use it.”

“Really?” Kavid asked in amazement. “I don’t what do say....”
“Do you want to use it?” Bluto asked.
“Yes! I mean, sure. Yes, I would be honored.” Kavid said.
“You should be.” Bluto said with a smile.

He walked over to a large covered object. He whipped off the tarp to reveal.... a trunk. Bluto unhinged the trunk’s elaborate clasps to reveal.... another tarp. He pulled off the second tarp to reveal one of the most amazing swords Kavid had ever seen. As Bluto picked it up gently, the light sparkled off the golden hilt, and the jewels inlaid in the blade. Kavid felt as though he had fallen in love. Bluto looked at the sword thoughtfully, and then tossed it over his shoulder. Kavid watched in horror as the blade spun through the air, and then hit the ground and shattered. Bluto turned to see Kavid’s mortified expression.

“What, you didn’t think that was it, did you?” Bluto laughed. “That was a quality gold paint and stick on jewel replica incase anyone managed to get in here and tried to steal it. This is the real sword.”

Bluto gave a tug, and removed the false bottom of the trunk. He removed yet another small tarp, and gazed into the trunk. He then reached his hands in, and removed the fabled short sword. Kavid still couldn’t see it, as Bluto’s large body blocked his view. He must have done that on purpose. Finally, Bluto turned. With a flourish, he drew the sword from its scabbard.

“That’s it?” Kavid asked. “That’s the famous sword only used by the masters?”
“Uh huh. Pretty cool, ain’t it?”

In truth, Kavid would have preferred the fake. The real sword was very plain, very dull, not at all the *shing*, *sparkle, sparkle* he had expected. The blade, probably once shiny, was old and dull. The hilt was just as plain. With a simple metal guard separating it from the blade it was on the whole, not special. Kavid looked at it disheartened. But Bluto seemed to think that it was the greatest thing since taco sauce on spaghetti, so Kavid cracked a weak smile, and took it by the hilt. He had to admit, it felt good in his hand. Kavid gave a few experimental twirls, and nodded. Despite its lack of luster, it was still a good sword.

“The blade cuts through things like butter.” Bluto said. “Well, accept like stone, it doesn’t really do that.”

Kavid absentmindedly fingered the blade. He jerked his hand away suddenly, his finger was bleeding.

“I told you,” Bluto smiled. “Like butter.”

Kavid lay on his back on his bed, looking at the sword Bluto had given him. The long sword lay next to his bed. Next to it was the small pellet straw. Kavid has decided to take it along for laughs more than anything else, but you never knew. Yath’s head appeared upside down from the top bunk. He looked at the sword in Kavid’s hand for a few minutes.

“You know what Kavid?” he asked finally.
“What?”
“That sword is a piece of crap.” Yath said, with a confirming nod. His head disappeared, and he jumped down to the floor.
“Well, it looks like it but...”
“But it’s still a piece of crap.”
“No, I just feel as if there’s something different about this sword. I just can’t put my finger on it.”
“Maybe it’s just a-”
“Okay Yath, I get it. It’s a piece of crap.”
“Now you’re getting it.”

There was a knock on the door. Kavid raised his head to see who it was.

“Can I come in? Pilot asked.
“Sure.”

Pilot came in, and walked over towards them. As she passed, Yath stood up strait and puffed out his chest.

“How you doin’?” he asked in his best deep manly voice.
“Oh, hi Yath. So,” she turned to Kavid. “How’s the sword?”
“It’s a piece of....”
“Yath!” Kavid said. “It’s okay.” he told Pilot.
“Well, Bluto did work it up to be all sorts of special.”
“Yeah, well, it’s not much to look at, but there’s something about it. I don’t know. It’s probably nothing.”
“You guys have a regular party going on in here.” Chris said, walking in.
Yath puffed up again. “Chris.”

Chris looked Yath up and down with a slightly pained expression on her face. “Yath, how’s life?”
“Oh, you know, life is good. I-”
“Yath, give it a rest, will you?” Kavid asked.
“Excuuusssse me, Kavid.” Yath said, putting emphasis on his name. “I am trying to do something here.” he said, gesturing to Chris.

Chris smiled. “And what exactly would you be trying to do Yath.?” She asked innocently.
“I, uh, well, so Kavid, how’s the sword?”
“It’s a piece of crap.” Kavid replied sarcastically.
“Who’s this?” Pilot asked, picking up Alex’s picture frame.
“I wouldn’t touch that.” Kavid warned her. “He can get pretty testy. I don’t know who that is though.”
“I should ask him.” Pilot mused.
“Yeah, you can do that.”

After reaching the same level as everyone else, Kavid joined them in the MSR. The acronym stood for the Mission Simulation Room. It was full of obstacle courses, and life size models of vaults, and other useful things to prepare the recruits a bit more for an actual mission. Kavid, Yath, Pilot, and Chris stood shoulder to shoulder in front of one of the larger safes. Their mentors stood facing them.

“Where’s Alex?” Pilot whispered.
“I don’t know...”
“Quite!” Bluto barked.
“Your first objective is breaking in, obviously.” Eva said.
“Well, that should be easy.” Yath commented.
“Don’t be so sure.” Eva cautioned them. “The thing you’re really trying to work on is getting the job done undetected. Now, all of you have your own strengths and weaknesses, use those to your advantage.”
“Trust in each other.” Thatch added. “You’ll only be able to be successful by working together.”
“You will have a time limit of one hour.” Bluto told them. “The simulation will terminate once that time has elapsed, or if other circumstances interrupt that.”
“Other circumstances?” Pilot asked.
“Success is the most preferable.” Bluto said with a small smile. “Once the doors close when we leave, the timer will start, good luck.”

One after the other, the mentors filed out of the MSR. The recruits watched them go, and waited until the door sealed itself. A horn sounded, and they knew that the simulation had begun. Kavid stared up at the model vault. The door stood ten feet high, and they didn’t know what the interior was like. He knew the others were also taking in their surroundings, as they had been trained to do.

“Ready?” Kavid whispered.

Everyone nodded in response.

“Okay then, Yath, give me a leg up.”

Kavid just put his hand on the ledge, when a blaring siren echoed thunderously though the chamber. Kavid fell and landed on Yath. Everyone was trying to cover their ears. Kavid felt as if his head was being split open. Finally, after a full minute, the blaring stopped. While everyone’s ears were ringing, Bluto’s voice came over the intercom.

“Tch, tch, didn’t check for cameras did they?”
“No they didn’t.” Eva’s voice answered from the speakers. “Nor did they look for motion or pressure sensors.”
“They didn’t, did they? For shame.” Kavid could imagine Bluto shaking is head in mock shame. “Reset!” he barked unexpectedly. “Obviously you have a lot of work to do, so let’s get to it!”

There was a collective groan as the trainees picked themselves up and got back into position. This was going to take a while.

Once again, Kavid was worked to near exhaustion, day in, day out. He took little solace in the fact that the others were with him this time. Except Alex. Somehow, he always managed to disappear right before training, but none of the mentors brought attention to it. It’s like they didn’t even notice. Normally Kavid would have asked Bluto about it afterwards, but he needed his little remaining strength to get up the stairs at night. All the same though, they were improving, individually, and as a team. Their weaknesses and strengths were becoming apparent to each other, and they used this knowledge to aid them.

Even their social status was improving within the Hats. Yath would get returning nods to his greetings, even the occasional ‘morning’. Kavid would get occasional greetings as well. Chris, to her displeasure, was starting to be hit on by some of the members, and Pilot could often be found talking about flying with the more interested among the senior Hats. But even with the added attention, the four, and Alex when he was around, stayed together as much as possible.

It had been almost a month and a half since their first try at the vault, and they had come very far. They had managed to scrape up times decent enough to get on the charts for all six of the practice vaults, and had mastered the obstacle course. They had even passed the surprise test when the Hat’s had stolen all their things, and locked them in the tower. All that was left was a field test, and they would be full members.

“This is it.” Bluto said, pacing back and forth. “This is the final hurtle before I don’t have to look at your faces anymore.” he softened a bit. “You have come along way. But this is the turning point. You either become members, or we send you home.” he paused. “Yes, we can do that.” he said, seeing Yath open his mouth to speak.

“We have chosen a target for you.” Eva told them. “It’s not all that big, but it will still be a challenge. I think you guys can handle it.”

“Here are the plans for the building.” Simian said, handing them to Chris. “Look them over, plan your strategy.”

“It’s three o’clock now.” Thatch told them. “You have until 3:30 to look around the actual building and the premises, and then you are to come back here. Come nightfall, you will start the mission. Hopefully you will not fail.”

“If you are chased, do not come back here.” Bluto said. “There is a safe house to go to while being pursued. Lose any tails there, and then report back here. Any questions?”

“Yeah, will Alex be with us?” Kavid asked.
“Yes, he will.”
“Where has he been all this time?”
“He has been taking private lessons with the Black Hat.”
“What? Why has-”
“I suggest that you save your questions for Alex.” Bluto said pointedly.
“Understood...”

Later, Kavid went with Yath to scope out the outside of the building they were going to break into, while Pilot and Chris milled around inside. It was a typical bank, three vaults, and teller stations. Easy picking once they got in. Even though it was a bit stereotypical, the girls would cause less suspicion loitering around inside than the guys would, so they had agreed to look around the building’s interior. Just as well, Kavid though, it was pouring rain outside.

“Shouldn’t Alex be here with us?” Yath asked, his voice barely audible over the sheets of rain.
“Yeah, but he’s probably, oh look. There he is now.” Kavid said, spotting the white haired head.
Kavid jogged over with his collar pulled tight around his ears. “Alex!” he called.

But Alex didn’t turn. Kavid finally reached him, and tapped his shoulder.

“Alex, what are you doing?” Kavid asked.

But it wasn’t Alex. Kavid wondered how he had missed it. This kid was short, but still a lot taller than Alex. His cold, nearly black eyes stared at Kavid.

“What do you want?” He asked in a voice as cold as his eyes.
“Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”
“Piss off.”

The white haired man strode away from Kavid without another word. Yath caught up to Kavid.

“What’s up with Alex?”
“That wasn’t Alex, just another guy with white hair.” Kavid said.
“What, is that like the style now?” Yath asked. “I wonder if Chris likes white hair....” He mused.
“There’s time for that later.” Kavid told him. “Come on, we have a rendevous with Chris and Pilot under that awning over there.”

Kavid and Yath trudged though the storm over to the awning, never realizing they were being watched. The man with white hair watched them with a scrutinizing eye as they met with Pilot and Chris. He read they’re lips as they conversed.

“So what did you find out here?” Pilot asked.
“Pretty standard.” Yath told them. “Windows are all high, and we saw blinking lights, which means an alarm would be set off if we broke a window to get in.”
“There are cameras on every corner,” Kavid said, motioning to the black boxes mounted on the front corners of the building. “Pretty low tech by my guess. Probably on the same circuit, we just had a bit of trouble finding an outside line with all this rain.”
Yath nodded. “As for entrances, there’s only two, the main one out front, and a service in back. It opens out onto a private dock onto the Thames, for cargo barges.”
“What did you find inside?” Kaivd asked.
“Nothing we didn’t know already.” Chris told them. “Three vaults, easy enough. There aren’t any obvious ways in.”
“That’s good, because they won’t be able to trace our escape.” Pilot said. “The only other thing that uh...Chris found out by using....”
“Lesser mainstream methods.” she interjected quickly.
“Right, well, anyway, she found out that there are two night guards on patrol, and one passes the vaults every five minutes.”
“Could we take ‘em out?” Yath asked.
“No.” Kavid said. “If they’re found before they wake up, they’ll be on to us. It would be best to just be in and out before the next one comes.”
“That’s cutting it really close.” Chris reminded them.
“Yeah, but have you seen some of our times?” Pilot said. “I say go for it.”
“Right,” Kavid said. “Anyone else have another idea?”

They all shook their heads.

“It’s decided then.”
“Now someone’s gotta just tell Alex.”
“Well, he’s probably back at the base.”
“Let’s head back then.”

The white haired man followed them with his eyes until they walked around the corner and out of sight. They were good, considering they were so young. But he was better. The man allowed himself a small smile. It took him a moment or two to figure out which muscles to use, he didn’t normally smile. Those kids really did make his job easier. Now that he new their plans, he could make the grab before them, and let them get chased on his behalf. The man walked out into the storm again, and disappeared into the rain.

Back at the base Kavid and the others were making final preparations. Kavid and Yath were strapping on their weapons when Alex walked in.

“Where have you been?” Kavid asked him.
“Yeah, we were supposed to be scouting.” Yath said.
“You guys had the covered.” Alex replied. “So I stayed behind and looked over the plans we received.”
“Oh, that’s real helpful.” Yath said sarcastically.
“Actually, it was, look.” Alex said, unrolling the plans on his bed.

Pilot and Chris walked in.

“Oh, there he is.” Chris said.
“Here, you come and look too.” Alex said.

He gestured to the representation of the Thames on the plans.
“Somewhere around here is another way into the building.”
“Yeah, it’s called the cargo bay, we already knew that.” Pilot said.
“No, not that.” Alex told her. “When the ships come here, the should be able to refuel and stuff right?”
“You think there’s a fuel line that leads into the building?” Yath asked.
Alex nodded. “Yes, I do, but there’s something else more promising. Remember a while back, when all river side building were equipped with a duct for water power?”

Then it hit them. Alex was right, there was another way in. Not the most favorable, but it was completely unguarded.