3.03 (tofix)
Planning the Heist
“No,” Brian stated firmly, “Such a bad idea.”
Lisa, phone in hand, proposed the idea of a bank robbery as a “rite of passage” for their team of criminals. Bitch, with her unique style, stood beside her, a small, one-eyed terrier at her heels.
Brian, ever the pragmatist, argued, “Robbing a bank is moronic.” He explained that the average haul was a measly twenty thousand dollars, and considering the location in Brockton Bay, it would likely be even less. After splitting it five ways, they’d each get a paltry two or three thousand dollars.
Alec, more interested in the notoriety, chimed in, “I could do with an extra three thousand dollars.” But Brian countered, highlighting the significant risks involved. With three major superhero teams and numerous solo heroes in the city, a fight was almost guaranteed.
“We won because we picked our battles,” Brian argued. “We wouldn’t have that option if we were cooped up in the bank.” He emphasized the layers of security they’d face and the high probability of a cape showing up to stop them.
Alec, still swayed by the prospect of making headlines, said, “I kind of want to do it anyways.” Bitch agreed, but Brian retorted, “Not fucking up is better for our reputation in the long run.”
The protagonist, feeling uneasy about the whole idea, voiced her agreement with Brian, deeming it “reckless.”
Lisa, however, had a counterargument. “He does make good points, but I have better ones.” She revealed that their boss wanted them to do a job at a specific time and had offered a good deal. The bank robbery was her idea, and the boss liked it. The Protectorate would be busy with an event on Thursday, minimizing the chances of encountering them. They would target Bay Central, the biggest bank in Brockton Bay, conveniently located near Arcadia High, where most of the Wards attended school. Due to jurisdictions, New Wave wouldn’t intervene, leaving them to face the junior superhero team.
“Figure that’s happening in the middle of the school day,” Lisa continued, “and they won’t all be able to slip away without drawing attention.” She reasoned that they’d likely face a couple of the strongest Wards or one strong member with a group of less powerful ones, a fight they could win.
Brian conceded that they might do alright under those circumstances, but Lisa had another ace up her sleeve. “I also got the boss to agree to match us two for one on the haul.” Their boss would add double whatever they stole, or bring their total to twenty-five thousand, whichever was higher. They were guaranteed at least five thousand dollars each.
“That’s insane,” Brian exclaimed. “Why would he do that?”
“And,” Lisa grinned, “He’ll cover all our costs, just this once.”
The protagonist echoed Brian’s disbelief, unable to fathom such large sums of money.
“Because he’s sponsoring us,” Lisa explained, “and he doesn’t want to fund a team of nobodies. We manage this, we won’t be nobodies.”
The team fell silent, considering the deal. The protagonist, still apprehensive, tried to find flaws in the plan, worried about the potential consequences.
Brian broke the silence, “The risk to reward still isn’t great.”
Lisa countered, “It’ll be more than five grand for each of us, I guarantee you.” She explained that Bay Central was the hub of cash distribution for the entire county, with armored cars coming and going regularly. They would hit on a Thursday after noon, maximizing their potential take.
“Well, you got me,” Brian sighed, “It sounds good.”
Alec and Bitch were already on board. Everyone turned to the protagonist.
“What would I be doing?” she asked, stalling.
The Plan and the Enemy
Lisa outlined a general plan, with Brian making helpful suggestions. The protagonist, realizing the robbery was inevitable, offered suggestions to minimize the chance of disaster, hoping to get more information on the Undersiders and their boss while preventing anyone from getting hurt.
They discussed the bank’s layout, using a satellite image and a picture of the bank manager to map out the interior. Lisa’s power allowed her to deduce the locations of tellers, vaults, and other key areas.
Alec, restless during the planning, made lunch. They ate as they finalized the plan.
“Alright,” Brian said, “I think we have a general idea of what we’re doing.”
“So, the enemy,” the protagonist said, nervous about facing the good guys. She admitted her limited combat experience.
“Let’s talk strategy and weaknesses,” Brian said, “You know who the Wards are?”
“I’ve researched them,” she replied.
Brian went down the list:
- Aegis: Team leader, flies, seemingly invincible due to redundant biology. Best strategy: keep him occupied or trapped. * Clockblocker: Can freeze anything he touches in time for an unpredictable duration. Untouchable while frozen. Avoid contact. * Vista: Twelve years old, can reshape space but limited by the Manton effect, which prevents powers from directly affecting living beings. Take her down quickly. * Kid Win: Tinker, uses a flying skateboard, laser pistols, and high-tech visor. Mobile but not overly threatening. * Gallant: Wears armor, shoots blasts of light that cause physical and emotional effects. Avoid getting hit multiple times. * Shadow Stalker: Aggressive, has a vendetta against Brian. Can become intangible and nearly invisible but her crossbow bolts become solid after half a second. Avoid getting shot, take her down if possible.
“So that’s the plan, then?” the protagonist asked.
“That’s the way these things go,” Brian replied.
The protagonist admitted to having second, third, and fourth thoughts but resolved to go through with it.
“Good,” Brian said, “Then we’ve got the rest of today and tomorrow to prepare.” He assigned tasks: the protagonist would meet him for a run and receive a cell phone, Lisa would confirm the job with the boss.
“So unless there’s anything else,” Lisa said with a grin, “I think we just planned a bank robbery before noon.”
The protagonist couldn’t help but wonder if that was a good thing.