What Happens in Vegas [NSFW]

[Acewing13]

FBI Branch Office, Chicago, American Union

"Alright," Bee said, looking at the gathered Interpol members. "Thanks to your hard work, we have gotten the information we need to get a so called Judge of the Singularity Crusaders. Honestly, it was a bigger catch than we expected, but because we were able to take the information our, newly compliant, source gave us and run with it."

Bark gave a salute in the meeting, his tail giving a small wag or two happy about what they have accomplished with all of this. "If I may ask Captain what information did he reveal about the so called Judge? I hope a location of where he's housed perhaps and any other weapons caches, maybe could catch them all at once?"

"Honestly, our informant doesn't know about the Judge specifically," the Captain said with a smirk. "What our informant gave us is deeper access to their systems. Our main goal was to go up one link in the chain to get a 'manager', the middle managers between the Crusader's individual cells and the Judges. Fortunately for us, their internal security between cells and the managers are relatively poor. So, thanks to the work of our cybersecurity experts and our resident 'tech-witch', we were able to compromise a manager's system to some extent. Namely, we got access to their calendar."

Her smirk widened as she brought up said calendar on the room's screen. "Most of it deals with meetings with lower cells, keeping in contract with their peers, etc. However, one meeting stood out," she said, going to a couple of days in the future, clicking on an event labeled, "Judge - Henderson."

"This took a little bit more work to figure out," Bee said, tabbing over to a plane ticket, "But we found that our manager has a ticket to Las Vegas the day before and a return ticket the next, so we think they'll be meeting in Henderson, Nevada, a quick drive from Las Vegas. So, we'll be staking out the airport and following our target until we can confirm that the meeting is in Henderson. Any questions so far?"

"What is planned for if they are present?" Shade asked, "After we've stalked them sufficiently. Another surprise attack? Or is the confirmation enough?"

"We'll be pulling a snatch and grab if possible," the Captain said with a nod. "We don't know when we'll have another chance to grab one of the highest up members of the Crusaders."

Bark listened to the information and was viewing it as much as he could, after all this wasn't quite his forte exactly but he could dabble enough to ask questions and at least figure out what direction they're going in. "Do we know how many others he will have protecting him or perhaps if there are any prominent cells in Las Vegas? Also do we have any information on Judge Henderson? It might be good to know what weapons he's legally packing or even perhaps what augmentations he might have, assuming some of them were obtained legally and have some kind of trail?"

"We don't have firm numbers, no," Bee said, going to another slide showing several of dots around metro Las Vegas. "Nevada seems like a hot spot for the Crusaders, with eight local cells known, including two in Henderson alone. And we have no information on the Judge themselves. Not even a gender." She sighed, looking over the group. "I admit, it's a rush job. But we will have the support of AU federal agencies, since this is a bigger break than they've seen."

Bark will give a nod and tap a claw onto his muzzle trying to think of anything else that might be relevant. "If I may ask Captain is there any information the AU federal agencies may have on the other local cells? Maybe we can try to get an idea of what they may have based on what the nearby cells have? If not? Well I might be speaking out of line, but we've got your back Captain. Whether through the unknown or backs against the wall. I would like to ask what is the plan concerning this rush job? Stealth and reconnaissance? Search and Detain?"

"All our information on the Nevada cells comes from the AU," the Captain said with a nod. "They don't have as much information on western state cells, they've been focusing on infiltrating southern state cells, which is how we got the opportunity to get our informant in the first place. They'll try to gather some information in the meantime. As for the details of the plan," she continued, going to the next slide, a map of downtown Las Vegas and Henderson. "First phase will be undercover again, but with a lot more people. Enough cars to rotate tailing any vehicle that the manager takes, people to go into casinos and hotels when they stay over night, etc. Second phase will be when the meeting with the judge happens, where a smaller contingent will be keeping an eye out on the meeting place while the rest of the squads converge on the meeting place. Third phase is the make or break moment, trying to grab the Judge and exfiling to Nellis Spaceport, where we'll have a full military base to keep the Crusaders from trying anything."

"Any concerns about the plan?" she asked, looking around the room.

He gave a small nod before responding as one immediate thing came to mind. "I can be wrong, but depending on the time table? This plans leaves much room for error with a number of variables that can take place, but I figure given the situation? This sounds like the best plan, but I suppose I'll ask is our covers from before compromised? Did word get out about who we were? Also if I may ask who will we be working with especially concerning the undercover portion of this mission?" His ears were perked up on alert out of habit, since this plan didn't feel as solid as the previous one at least to him.

"He just doesn't want to have to come up with yet another undercover character," Shade chuckled. "Will I have to do the same? Usually I just get put in a server room where I do my work. I really don't think a dress works with my style, for casino living."

"We'll be sticking to squads throughout," Bee said with a shrug. "We need people in cars and walking around, so it really just depends on who we can get in appropriate clothing for the casino and hotel."

His ears perked up as he pulled out a list of different undercover characters. "Ted was based on someone real, but I have plenty of covers I can do! Look!" He points to an art example of a man with glasses, slouched and clumsy but can get up perfectly fine in secret.

"All he's doing is standing straighter," Shade mused, unimpressed. "With glasses. I feel as though better work can be accomplished."

Bark shook his head at the notion. "No he's clumsy, but big so people can bump into him all the time and no one would suspect him of anything because he seems timid! It's perfect."

"Clothes do make the man," Oaf said with a chuckle. "Worst case, we can always use the work allowance to buy clothes. Not that you'd need to, Captain."

"True," Bee said with a smile. "And it'd probably be better if I was in a place to see the manager without having to rely on others."

"So... I am still unsure of my part of the plan. Where am I supposed to go?" Shade rolled her head against the wall she was leaning against. "Just give me something to do, for the love of technology."

Bark tapped his chin. "I probably should stay with Ted, he was always a people person. Well before I became a people person..." He tapped his muzzle. "I'm good in either position Captain, wherever you want me? I'll do my best."

"Our squad will be one of those that infiltrates wherever the manager stays," Bee said with a nod. "It'll get Shade access to their systems so we can keep more eyes on them and let me keep the good old eyeball on them as well. Unfortunately, I think we can guarentee that whatever place the manager stays will have links to the Crusaders, so you'll have to remain inconspicuious while doing tech-witch stuff. And inconspicuious in a casino is a little different..."

Shade blinked, worry filling her heart. "How different? I... I just wear something... exactly like what I'm wearing right now?"

Bark blinked and looked at Shade since in many of these matters and of knowing things he was essentially the newbie in this. He may not have seen various movies concerning casino culture, Las Vegas most of all, but he did know how things worked there through some experience. That however was on a personal need to know basis. "Well...Really different it's not your version of stealth I believe. Go into the shadows and stay out of sight. Many casinos, Las Vegas especially, most people are in sight. You would stick out like a sore thumb trying to be in a corner on a computer. They might even suspect you're trying to cheat if you wear your usual attire with computer software and cyberwarfare the way it is. You would have to blend in, which at best might be looking like a regular tourist. However if you were to have some tech around? It is possible you might have to appear extravagant to a degree or of upper status, could mean you belong to a company and you're sending messages. Perhaps even some rich lady to waste time at the slots."

With a whine Shade's shoulders slumped. His reasoning was sound, even if she questioned where this knowledge came from. "I... have never been rich before. I would not know how to act. I must... research this. And I suspect my current attire would not be sufficient."

 

[Acewing13]

"Think that calls for a shopping trip," Bee said, smiling as she went back to her notes. "Any other questions?"

Bark blinked for a moment confused for a moment until he thought of the situation. "Oooh so to go undercover we'll need new attire? That could be great! Also awkward depending on the situation." His fashion sense wasn't quite the best.

"I'm sure Captain Moneybags can handle it," Shade said, deflecting her own anxiety via sarcasm. "I'm surprised she hasn't invited us to a grand ball, hosted by a wealthy aristocrat who is actually a villain in disguse. I bet grand balls are just a myth."

Bee bit her lip at the jab, taking a breath before saying, "Alright, everyone else, get with your squads and get a variety of vehicles to tail the target and ferry agents to the meeting spot. My squad, stay here for a minute."

As the rest of the company filed out, the infiltration squad was left by itself.

"We don't all have to be on the floor," Oaf said, looking uncomfortable at the tension. "Zima and Shade could set up somewhere out of sight and do their jobs."

"Finding a good spot would take days and foreknowledge that we don't have," the Russian said, shaking her head.

"Alright," Bee said, looking over at Shade. "I deserved that. However, I did mean my points that it'd be easier to do your job in the hotel or casino if you're there. Unless you think Oaf can do a better job?"

Shade's eyes slid towards the Captain, then Oaf. "Well of course not." She growled. "I would own that casino entirely with an hour and a few foolish server defenders, but I can become their security in a few minutes, which should suffice. I... may need some assistance picking an outfit."

Bark gave a few audible taps on the desk, as an auditory indication he was going to voice either an opinion or perhaps even an idea. "I do agree that it would prove an advantage for them to be in the casino or hotel itself. However I do believe due to the type of security that could frequent the various Las Vegas casinos and even the organization itself? It might be best if we go to the floor as groups if not in pairs perhaps? It leaves more..." He paused for a moment looking for a word that could fit given the social situation of the matter. "Defense or perhaps fall back if there is any suspicion on one us. If not in groups nor pairs, then at the least there should be some check in times just in case."

"So," Oaf said, thinking through possible combinations before falling on the obvious. "Mismatched couple," pointing at himself and Zima, "and ladies man with two rivaling ladies?" he asked, pointing at the other three.

"Barely have to act," Zima said, looking up at the ceiling.

Shade's eyes narrowed then, looking at Zima, the cat seaching her soul for answers. "It would be very hard to imagine, yes," she said with a haughty hiss, "but worst case scenario Bark can pretend to be on his game enough to come to a casino with two women. His persona probably has money or something."

Bark blinked as his ears perked up at the scenario. A disguise based on some truths was far easier to pull off, but on the other hand? It was perhaps an unintentional low blow to say that it was a worst case scenario, which made him wonder for a brief moment was he good enough for this? That implied he was an alpha in the situation, which unfortunately he saw more than enough how that was played out. However he could play it perhaps somehow differently than how he perceived it? He took a deep breathe and gave a sigh. "A casino bigshot? I can do that I think...I'll just have to combine attributes of people I know. Hopefully turn it into our best case scenario and not disappoint everyone. Perhaps I could include Oaf and Zima in an awkward way..." A background, no a story was playing around in his head trying to provide backgrounds and alibi's all over the place.

"As fun as you trying to figure out how to fit me into that," Oaf said with a chuckle, "I do think there's some benefit to having two groups. Easier to rotate being close to them so they don't get as suspicious."

"True," Bee said, frowning as she thought things through. She shook her head before looking to the two Chongwu. "If we're good with this, then we'll need to go shopping ASAP. Going to be a pain trying to find fancy clothes that'll fit Bark."

Bark chuckled a little at his statement. "C'mon now we made a good team. I talk too much and allow you to get right down to business. They don't see you coming at all Oaf." He gave a nod to Bee, but blinked when he realized what she said. "Er why is it going to be hard finding fancy clothes for me? I'm not too big am I..."

"You walk like a behemoth with all the subtlety of a trainwreck," Shade said bluntly.

"If you were any bigger, you wouldn't fit through the doorway," Zima said with equal bluntness.

"I do think the ladies like that though," Oaf said with a shrug.

Bark blinked and his ears which normally had been perked up, decided to swoop down. The ears themselves might have looked like they were trying to do a dance maneuver hitting the metaphorical floor. Unfortunately that wasn't it, but he took their words as more of advice on what to do. "Okay then, I suppose I'll walk more regal I suppose? Some grace in my posture. For the disguise and out of the disguise." He gave a nod, but chuckled at Oaf. "I hope so as I can't really change my size far as I've checked."

"Or you could lean into it," Bee said, tapping her fingers against her leg. "Just swagger in as if you own the place and own the spotlight. Who'd think a government agent would pull something like that?"

Shade had seen his ears droop, and all her comebacks and snide words were halted. She felt like a bitch for suddenly throwing him down like that, in defense of... what? Herself? So she remained leaning against the wall, tail hidden largely behind her.

Bark thought on that matter, which one of his ears perked up seemingly awake and ready to rumble. "That is a good idea and that was the plan, but perhaps not be too blatant about it? After all there are big names that do and can frequent Las Vegas of all places. Maybe seem confident, but not too loud, maybe too loud when it counts. Like personal challenges or leering eyes looking in too deep and too much." He gave a nod to himself at his idea.

"Alright," Bee said with a nod. "I need to find a place where we can get appropriate clothing. Can you two take care of yourselves?"

"I think so," Oaf said, with Zima nodding in reply.

"Good luck," Bee said, before turning to the two Chongwu as the other two left. "So, can you two figure out where to get some lunch after we go shopping?"

Bark tapped on his muzzle now to think of a place to eat. "There is that one fancy place by that one chef who loved to yell alot. I think some chefs have even tried to copy that particular style for various shows and keep his style going after all these years...I forgot his name."

"That's a very old trope," the Captain said, tapping her datapad and adjusting her earpiece. "Hi Mom. No, I'm good. Promise. Hey, do you know any good tailors in Chicago? Yeah, going to a thing and don't want to ship stuff from home. Yeah, going with a guy, he's pretty big so helping him get some clothing. Both actually. Yes, I know I have a type," she said, smiling as she shook her head. "Couple of weeks, yeah."

Bark listened to the Captain speak on her earpiece, which he smiled at seeing her happy to speak with her mother. It was nice to see her on speaking terms with her mother, but it left him curious on where they were going to get clothes from. He stayed silent waiting for the call to finish to be polite all the while leaving his one ear to take in any sounds.

Shade continued her silent vigil as she waited for things to happen. Still scared of saying something mean towards Bark in defense of her... what? Honor? Pride? She couldn't even say anything towards the Captain because that might give clues as to Shade's relationship to anyone, and she couldn't have that. She watched Ngao from the corner of her eye, searching without words any lingering evidence of if she'd actually hurt him.

"Alright," Bee said, tapping on her datapad as she talked. "Uh huh. Yeah, I'll take care of paying it. Thanks. And yes, I'll let him know. Love you, bye."

"Okay, got the tailor picked out, they'll have plenty of stuff for either of us," she said, pointing to Shade. "And also have enough material to get something to cover you, Bark. And they take walk-ins, so let's get going."

Shade stood up from he wall, contemplating herself. They three were alone, but she couldn't trust that at the moment. Her eyes blinked red for a second before resuming their usual unlit existance. Ngao had a text on his phone, that said, very simply, "I'm sorry for making fun of you."

Bark blinked as he realized a little too late what those kind of clothes could imply for his body. "Wait is it those outfits and or suits where it's really tight to move in? That might not be a good idea...I might have ripped those once or twice when trouble happened." He felt his communicator buzz, which he was confused unless it was his neighbor in his apartment trying to give far too much food. He looked at the message and his other ear seemed to rise up almost lazily, but excited.

He typed into the communicator since he figured she wouldn't want a reply, at least not out loud. "It's fine it was just some issues I haven't quite dealt with in my old employment."

"It's a balancing act between showing the physique and being comfortable," the Captain said with a nod, putting her datapad away.

 

[Acewing13]

Bark tapped a finger onto his muzzle as a question came to mind. "Uh I'm curious what did your mother say about me?" He blinked as this was all new territory having to deal with being on speaking terms with someone's parents.

"Hmm? Oh," Bee said, chuckling as she brushed a piece of hair back into place. "She said 'Hope you at least stick around until we can meet in person.'"

This was pressure in just a short amount of time, as he dealt with doubts concerning Shade's retorts of making fun of him and now the worry he wasn't going to be good enough for her mom. However this was a different kind of pressure, but he was used to pressure. He took a deep breath and realized he would have to mentally view it as apart of some mission to go on. Operation names would have to wait. Mommy Approval or Motherly Approval weren't good operation names. "Alright well no pressure but I'll stick around until we meet her and beyond that." He smiled and his tail wagged.

"I have no doubt," Bee replied with a smile. "Had to say it, cause I know she'd follow up on that and give me no end of grief if I hadn't."

Shade, having been forgiven but still did not trusting herself to speak (for instance, her first thought was Operation Mommy Issues) so she stood next to Ngao, far closer than she'd ever stood near him in public before. She was silently showing support, tail drifting to lightly brush alongside him occasionally.

Bark raised an eyebrow at that one. "So she is someone who pays that much attention huh?" He chuckled, but gave a nod. "I'll make sure to remember that." He noticed Shade closed to him, which he smiled at her closeness. On purpose his tail was wagging over to her tail to engage in the light brushness.

Suddenly embarrassed, she nearly pulled away at the reciprocal physical contact, but held herself firm next to him. She was determined to let him remain close to her until such a time that she had repaid for being mean.

"Alright, let's get going," Bee said, turning to walk out of the room.

--------------------

Stitches In Kind, Chicago

"Ms. Simmons and co?" a goat Chongwu asked, walking up to the group as they sat in the lounge, a tape measure around his neck the universal sign of a tailor.

"That's us," Bee said, standing up while keeping the provided water bottle.

"I'm Christopher and will be your tailor today," he replied, looking the three of them over, before settling on Ngao. "I can see why you wanted a professional, not going to find good clothes in his size at Sapient's Warehouse."

Ngao blinked looking at the goat Chongwu, as he was curious about his appearance. However he made certain not to stare and gave a nod to Christopher. "Pleased to meet you sir and I do apologize for any problems my size may cause in your work to get me fitted."

Shade kept close to Ngao as they collectively entered yet another building she was unfamiliar with. Arms crossed as typical, guarding her against this new individual, she remained near Ngao. He was large and safe to be around, and so near him she would stay.

"Nah, I get paid by the hour, so no real problems here," Christopher said, waving away his concerns. "It's just going to cost a pretty penny for the rush job. Luckily, no one comes here without being recommended, so I know that's not a problem.

"Anyway, just follow me," he said, taking the three of them deeper into the Stitches In Kind, until they came to a round booth. "Just hop in there for a second to be scanned."

Bee went first, keeping her arms at her side as the booth hummed for a moment before a beep announced it was completed.

"Sub-millimeter scan, a lot faster than the old tools of the trade," Christopher said.

Ngao tapped his muzzle looking at the machine and was curious about it, but first he would turn to Shade. "I appreciate you being close to me Shade, it makes me feel warm if that makes sense? Good, but also warm. Happy too." His tail was showing his happiness, as it seemed to be wagging a mile a minute. So much so that it had to stop due to exhaustion at some point, but it started back soon enough. "However you can speak Shade, I like your voice."

He turned towardst he direction of the sub-millimeter scan and made his way to it. "I'm ready to be scanned sir, it doesn't make the fur become static does it?"

"Nope, get plenty of Chongu through and no reaction thus far," the tailor said, before the booth finished.

Shade was shocked Ngao would just say what he said in public, but not too shocked. He just... paid her a complement and then moved on! It was alien to her. She didn't even have anything really to say anyway, at the moment.

She entered the booth next, her body very much in a defensive stance as her eyes scanned the machine for hidden weapons. She didn't know what might happen in there, despite the evidence of success, she still wasn't enthused about entering the booth. She'd do it, however. Despite her misgivings, the booth just whirred and beeped when its job was done.

"That done, let's get going," Christopher said, leading them back into another room, this time an entire wall taken up by a screen. "Which of you wants to go first? The man to get his job going first or one of you?"

Ngao checked if Shade was safe, but once he saw no problems? He stepped forward almost seeming to be majestic. A canine who was to receive a medal or perhaps an important mission. "I'll go first sir, but I did have a particular style in mind if you'll indulge me?"

"Feel free," Christopher said, tapping on the wall to wake up the machine, which brought up a menu of different styles.

Ngao started skimming through some of the styles of suits and proper wear, but there was a more professional design he was looking for. One that could be potentially athletic and all the while flexible for the mission needs. It was one with a sleek dress shirt, vest and dress pants, it even had some leather gloves for part of the outfit. "Maybe this one?"

"You want a pimp hat and cane to go with it?" Christopher asked before waving his hand. "I kid, I kid. What colors are you thinking?"

Ngao chuckled a little, but shook his head. "No thanks knew someone who liked that aesthetic and it didn't do him any favors, even though he was good at his job." He tapped his muzzle and looked towards everyone in the room. "Thoughts, opinions on the colors?"

"Could always go with the classic tuxedo colors," Bee said with a shurg. "Or if you're very sure of not spilling anything, go all white."

"Full darkness," Shafe offered quietly, "to ensure all watching that you mean business. Or white, which is similar but harder to get stains out of. Makes a statement, I'm sure."

Ngao was stuck on what to go with, but at times it was better to go along with a consenus or perhaps even meet in the middle. "Hmmm what about white and black? A reverse of the tuxedo colors? You don't see that common type of color combination I think, but then again if the ladies agree with going all white..."

"White tux could work," Bee said with a nod. "Does make me wonder what colors we should go for though."

Even the menu display of the option caught Shade's eye, but she'd have to see it on him to let it affect her in any way. "I'm wearing black," she said, "it is practical and sneaky, should I very rapidly need to leave."

"That would be the typical choice," Christopher said, tapping on the wall some more, before a rendered image of Bark in the white tux popped up. "This look alright?"

"It looks great to say the least, probably divine on anyone else. I think this is the ball park hitter so to speak." He smiled looking at it, as it seemed to be an attire he could have confidence in himself wearing.

"I approve," Bee said, leaning back in her chair as she looked between Ngao and his screen doppleganger.

As soon as the screen showed the potentiality of Ngao in the suit Shade actively turned her head to look at anything else. This was not the place for impure thoughts, which she was shocked had come up so suddenly. "I'm sure you'll do well enough with such an outfit," she said, masking her thoughts.

Ngao looked at them and gave a wide smile. "Thank you both I'll do my best to fit the part. Now I think since I've decided my outfit one of you is next. Although Christopher can you make sure the material is flexible? I'd be scared to tear it by mistake."

"What do you take me for?" the goat Chongwu asked, tapping the screen to send the clothes order off. "Long as you don't go at them with a pair of scissors or something, they'll stand up to any ordeal you put them through."

"I'll go next," Bee said, getting up and walking over to the screen, navigating through menus until she landed on a red seqined halternecked dress, leaving nearly her entire back uncovered, the material only meeting at her neck and just above her ass. "Hmm, skirt or no skirt?" she asked, switching between the options, the skirtless option barely covering her butt.

Ngao looked over at the screen and became flustered for a moment seeing the options, which he was scared of his response. More so they were in public, but at the same time far as he could tell Bee did have an affinity for skirts. Then again that could have just been for him? "You'll look divine in either one. It's a hard choice however..."