Being a freelance operative meant being flexible with his business partners. Alan knew reaching some dangerous targets required playing middle man in another organization’s exploits. These were people he couldn’t simply draw out on his own or locate without external help; luckily for him, curious cyan eyes that spied on his activities offered the chance to eliminate a mutual enemy. 

The job was simple: act as protection detail for another operative during a negotiation. No doubt these were the furthest from professional assailants, but the goal was to take them alive for extracting information on a greater threat. The chances of things becoming heated were high and diplomacy was likely only the front for a full-on attack. Tonight the venue was privately reserved to minimize civilian injuries, at the same time ensuring the secrecy of the meeting.

The smoky air of the speakeasy bothered neither of them as they tended to their drinks. The Crow sat across from the Raven, Tommy Gun nestled under his arm while she spun her revolver. Visia had no doubts this upcoming shootout would be in the bag…after all, she was the individual who confirmed his talents in person. Her smug half-smile playfully contrasted his focused expression, already visualizing the plan in their heads.

As they heard the door open behind them, the avians looked over their shoulders in unison. The targets had arrived, individuals of all kinds stepping in with their own firearms and bloodstained leg breakers. Few words were needed before negotiations fell through, both of them interrupting a snide remark by quickly serving shots of their own. 

Their ammunition was supplied by Visia’s Master, a far cry from the traditional copper or lead bullets used everywhere else. Within each round was a corruptive black latex that would spread upon impact; rapid application would inject nanomachines into the victims, non-lethally subduing them in hypnotic trance. Rounds of the shiny substance struck against cheap suits and flesh alike, turning once notably colorful characters into sleek, black and white indistinguishable blank slates.

It had ended before it even started, faster than anyone could have expected. The tobacco smoke found a new companion with the burn of expended black powder. With their victims subdued, Visia called a secured line to have these would-be wiseguys taken to her Master. Sitting back down and admiring their work, she saw Alan crack an amused smirk that proved to be quite contagious. A trifling victory…but a victory nonetheless. 

They clinked glasses before downing the last of their cocktails, the Crow holding the door for the Raven as cool air filled their beaks. Only for a short while did they walk into the moonlit street together, both turning down separate alleys to vanish into the night. In his mind Alan could only imagine what awaited those trapped souls and his next assignment…though they scarcely lingered as he pondered the prospect of working with Visia once more.

Perhaps this is that similar gangster timeline, or a modern day speakeasy, either way, it's a stylish look. And Visia's been looking for excuses to team up with some outside guns for hire. 

Alan may prove to be useful in the future, as long as the checks keep clearing. 

Gift art from DuckKingXI of His crow Alan and my good Raven Visia working together on a job. 

Art By Toughset.