#562 QG 10-13-17

A view of Washington D.C can be seen, which includes the White House.

WPA COMPOUND, DIRECTOR'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON D.C
*The director of the WPA, Agent Spencer, is working on his computer, when someone knocks on his door. “Who is it?” Spencer calls out. “Agent C-0!” A familiar voice calls out, from the other side of the door. “Its open!” Spencer yells. The door opens, and Ciara comes in. “Sorry I’m late. There was a problem with the flight, so it was delayed for a bit.” Ciara says. “That’s perfectly fine, I’m just happy that you made it at all! I didn’t think you would, given everything that has happened. How are you doing, by the way?” Spencer asks. “I’m managing, or, at least I’m trying. Losing my brother has been hard on me and my entire family. But, I think keeping busy with work will help me cope with the pain.” Ciara says. “So, you’re sure you don’t mind taking on a new mission right now? If not, you are most welcome to take a leave of absence. It would be understandable, given all you’ve been through.” Spencer says. “Thank you, Director Spencer, but a leave of absence is the last thing that will help me. Like I said, I need to keep busy. Its the only thing that helps with the pain.” Ciara says. “As long as you’re sure...” Spencer says. “Believe me, I am. So, about this new mission. I was kinda surprised when you asked me to come here and meet with you, in person. Usually, you deliver new jobs to me through the secure email server, or by pigeon, aka, one of your other agents. What’s so different about this mission?” Ciara asks. “This mission is significantly more important than anything I’ve given you in the past.” Spencer reveals. “Hm, you have me intrigued. But, just to be clear, I don’t want to take any missions out of town. My family needs me, right now.” Ciara says. “I understand. Fortunately, the target of this mission is someone that lives right in Fantastic City.” Spencer reveals. “Really? Someone I know? Oh, let me guess, its Andre Stanpatos, isn’t it?” Ciara asks. “No, not Andre, but someone equally as dangerous.” Spencer says. Spencer slides a folder across his desk, and Ciara opens it up, finding a picture of Lysandros inside!

ANDY AND REBECCA'S HOUSE
Andy is in the living room, playing with Ava, who is in her stroller. Rebecca comes in, holding her laptop under her arm. “Working from home today?” Andy asks. “Yeah, I’m going to get back on Brody’s trail.” Rebecca says. “I thought you gave that up.” Andy says. “I stalled the search, after V.J was shot. But, now that the funeral is over, I need to get back on the trail before it goes cold.” Rebecca says. “Its been five months since Brody kidnapped Silvia, its probably already gone cold.” Andy notes. “I don’t know about that. Chances are, Brody left Fantastic in a hurry. After all, his plan was botched when Lysandros showed up, so he probably had to leave a lot earlier than he intended. Maybe I can find a flight plan.” Rebecca says. “I doubt Brody got on a plan. The guy is wanted, no way would he make it onto an airplane without someone catching on.” Andy says. “Maybe not, but my point still stands that Brody was in a rush at the end. Chances are, he got sloppy and made a trail of mistakes, I intend to follow that trail.” Rebecca says. Rebecca sits down at the desk. “So, do you have any idea where to start?” Andy asks. “Actually, I do. The last time I was looking into things, I discovered a bank account registered to the name “Frankie Hart.” Its an alias that Brody has been known to use.” Rebecca says. “Okay, what do you plan on doing with this info?” Andy asks. “Well, the bank that the account is registered at is an international bank. There are branches of it all over the world. So, my plan is to find out when Brody made his last transaction, and then find out WHERE he made that last transaction.” Rebecca says. “Its a solid plan.” Andy says. “I thought you would think so.” Rebecca says. The doorbell rings. “Can you get that?” Rebecca asks, as she opens her laptop. “I’m on it.” Andy says. Andy waves bye to Ava, before standing up, and walking into the foyer. He opens the front door, and is surprised to see Victor. “Look pal, if you came back for round three, Rebecca and I aren’t interested. Plus, our daughter is in the other room.” Andy says. “I’m not here to fight. I want to talk to you and Rebecca.” Victor says. “We’re kinda busy.” Andy says. “Please...it will only take a minute.” Victor says. Andy sighs, and steps aside, so that Victor can come in. Andy leads Victor into the living room. “Hon, look, we’ve got a visitor.” Andy says. Rebecca turns and sees that Victor is with him. “I’m gonna bring Ava upstairs.” Rebecca says. “No, no, no, you don’t have to.” Victor says. “I’m not gonna allow you to scream and holler at us in front of our daughter! You are welcome to do it anywhere else, but not...in front…of HER!” Rebecca firmly states. “I’m not here to scream and holler at you. Quite the opposite, actually. I...I came to...apologize.” Victor says. “What?” Rebecca asks. “I know, I know, that is probably a word you NEVER thought you’d be hearing from me, and to tell you the truth, its never a word that I thought I’d ever be saying. However, given the way I’ve treated you over the past few days, I believe that the situation calls for it.” Victor says. “Go on.” Rebecca says. “It was terrible judgment on my part to blame you for V.J’s death, or to say any of the things that I said against you! Yes, you sent V.J on that operation, but he was a cop, and he knew what he was getting himself into. Also, as you’ve pointed out, he had a choice. He could have backed out of the operation, but he didn’t, because that is the kind of man he was, brave and courageous.” Victor says. “That he was.” Rebecca agrees. “I’m not going to try and justify the way I spoke to you, by saying that I said those things out of grief, because that would be a lie. I said those things because I was a sad, miserable, angry person, and I have been that way since I was a teenager. It wasn’t me lashing out at you out of grief, it was just me being me. With that being said, I’d also like to apologize for firing you.” Victor says. “Victor, that was YEARS ago.” Rebecca says. “Maybe, but I still did it. You didn’t deserve to be fired, you were suffering from a crippling illness, hell, you are still struggling with it, and you will be for the rest of your life. But, rather than try and understand what you were going through, I fired you.” Victor says. “I wasn’t doing my job, Victor, I know I was upset at the time, but you had every right to fire me.” Rebecca says. “Why the sudden apology tour?” Andy asks. Victor sighs. “What happened...what happened at the funeral earlier was a wake up call. Never in a million years did I think that I would be tossed out of my own son’s funeral.” Victor says. “You know why Lucas and I tossed you out.” Andy notes. “Yes, I do. The way I acted at the funeral was probably the worst I have ever been in my entire life, I got so bad that I was actually going to physically attack Rebecca. So, once the funeral was over, I went back to the church, to say a private goodbye, and that is when it happened.” Victor says. “When what happened?” Rebecca asks. “My awakening. For the first time in forever, I looked in the mirror and I didn’t like the man that was looking back. The man that treats everyone else below him, the man who belittled his own children and wife. That wasn’t being a man, that was being a child, but worst of all, it was being a bully. That is what I’ve been for the past fifty years…a bully. I realized that almost everyone around me didn’t actually like me, but were just tolerating me, and why would they? I treat everyone like dirt, even my own family, which includes the two of you. Andy, you are one of the few children that my precious sister has left. She was probably rolling over in her grave, listening to the way I spoke to you at the hospital, yesterday. The last thing I ever wanted to do was to disappoint my older sister, but I have done exactly that.” Victor says. Rebecca smiles. “Believe me, seeing you now...I bet she isn’t disappointed. It took a lot of courage for you to come here and admit that you were wrong, Victor. So many people wouldn’t be able to do what you just did.” Rebecca says. “I came very close to backing out. So many times during the ride over here, I thought about just turning around and going back to the castle. But, if I did that, nothing would’ve been accomplished, and things would remain the same. I don’t want to be the most hated man in Fantastic City, anymore. I want to be a part of the community, a respected part of the community.” Victor says. “You’ve taken the right steps, so far. If you want to be that man, you just need to be more respectful towards other people.” Rebecca says. Victor smiles. “I know that, now. Well, I should really get going. Thank you for seeing me.” Victor says. “You’re welcome, and good luck trying to turn things around. If anyone can do it, you can.” Rebecca says. “Have a nice day, you too. And, maybe, someday soon, I can invite the three of you over for dinner at the castle.” Victor says. “The three of us?” Andy asks. “Well, I’m including my great niece, of course. Ava is this family’s future, and I want to do everything possible to make sure that she feels welcomed.” Victor says. “I’m sure she will appreciate it.” Rebecca says. “Alright. Well, take care, you two.” Victor says. “You too, Uncle Vic.” Andy says. Victor smiles at them, before walking out. Rebecca gasps. “Who WAS that?!” A shocked Rebecca asks. “I don’t know, but whoever it was, I liked him.” Andy says. “Do you think Victor is serious about becoming a better man?” Rebecca asks. “Too soon to tell, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I think V.J’s death woke something up inside Victor, and maybe it made him reflect on his actions, which is exactly what he needed to do. For as long as I have known the man, he has been horrible to everyone, with the exception of my Mom and sometimes his kids.” Andy says. “Well, I’m glad that Victor is making an effort to try and become a better person.” Rebecca says. Andy smiles. “Me too.” Andy says. “Well, I should get back to work on this case.” Rebecca says. “Right. Anything I can do to help?” Andy asks. “Um, keep baby Ava company while I look into Brody’s bank account?” Rebecca asks. “Wow, you are really putting me to work today, aren’t you?” Andy sarcastically asks. “You think you can handle it? She can be a little spitfire sometimes.” Rebecca notes. “Gee, I wonder where she gets that from?” Andy sarcastically asks. Rebecca giggles. “I have no idea.” Rebecca says. “Don’t worry. I think I can keep Ava entertained while you do your thing.” Andy says. “Great, thanks, honey.” Rebecca says. “Anything for you.” Andy says. Rebecca gives him a peck on the lips, before going back to the desk, and opening her laptop back up. “Okay, Brody, time to find out what rock you’ve been hiding under.” Rebecca mutters.

EMERALD NIGHT CLUB
*Brady is sitting at the bar, with a drink in his left hand. Theo enters, and walks over to Brady. “Isn’t it kind of early in the day to be having a drink?” Theo asks. “I just spent an hour at my brother’s funeral, I needed something to take the edge off. What about you, Doc? What are you doing here in the middle of the day?” Brady asks. “If you recall, this place has takeout. I’m on my lunch break, so I figured I might as well grab a burger.” Theo says. Theo sits in the seat next to Brady. “One burger, please.” Theo says. “Coming right up.” The bartender says. “So, how are you doing?” Theo asks. “How do you think? My wife is dead, my brother is dead, I’m doing just dandy. But thanks for asking, it really helps to talk to the homewrecker who tried to destroy my marriage.” Brady sarcastically says. “I never set out to destroy your marriage, Brady.” Theo says. “Really? You weren’t trying to seduce my wife while I was in a coma?” Brady asks. “I’m not going to defend my actions, because I agree with you wholeheartedly. However, I didn’t set out to seduce Kristina. I was drawn to her, Brady, she is the only woman that I have ever loved, the only woman that I have ever been with. She meant something to me, and even though I tried to fight it, I couldn’t deny my feelings for her.” Theo says. “Save your sob story for the bartender, man, I don’t wanna hear it.” Brady says. “I’m just telling you the truth...you should be happy the way things ended in that debacle. You woke up from your coma, and Kristina chose you over me, as she should have. Despite the past we shared, her previous love for me could never commit to the love she had for you.” Theo says. “REAL comforting, Doc. Now will you get lost? I wanna drink in peace.” Brady says. “Do you think Kristina would want to see you like this, Brady? She would be horrified if she saw what you have become.” Theo says. Brady turns towards Theo, with a disgusted look on his face. “How dare you toss my dead wife in my face! You like to think that you know her, but you didn’t! You only knew who she used to be, you have no idea who the woman I married was!” Brady says. “I know her enough to know that she would be concerned right now, Brady, just as I am!” Theo says. “Oh, you’re concerned? You didn’t seem all that concerned about me when you were planting kisses on my wife, or trying to get her to leave me for you! You weren’t concerned then! Were ya, buddy?!” A furious Brady asks. “I’m...I’m sorry.” Theo says. The bartender brings Theo his burger. “Here you go, sir.” The bartender says. Theo throws money down on the bar. “Thank you very much. You can keep the change.” Theo says. “Thank you, sir.” The bartender says, before walking away. “You got your burger, now go.” Brady says. “No, I’m not going anywhere without you.” Theo says.

THE FOGGY TAVERN
*Acerbi is standing behind the bar, when Victor walks in. “Good afternoon, Olivia.” Victor says. “You seem chipper.” Acerbi grumbles. “And you don’t. What’s the matter?” Victor asks. “As if you care.” Acerbi says. Victor sighs. “I realize that there is a lot of tension between us, however, I want you to remember that we are still family, and although I haven’t shown you, I do still care.” Victor says. Acerbi laughs. “You haven’t shown you have cared in over fifty years!” Acerbi notes. “I know, which is why I hope to remedy that. I want to reestablish bonds with my relatives, and I suppose you would be a good place to start.” Victor says. “That is a LOVELY sentiment, Victor, however, I am not interested in having a close relationship with you.” Acerbi says. “It was worth a try.” Victor notes. “However, I do think you might be useful to me in a professional capacity.” Acerbi says. “I’m not a doctor.” Victor points out. “I don’t mean in a professional capacity at the hospital, I mean here!” Acerbi says. “Olivia, I’m a bit too old to be bartending.” Victor says. “And I am a bit too old to be doing it as well!” Acerbi says. “You run the place!” Victor says. “Which is why when we are understaffed, I am forced to step in, and as the chief of staff at the hospital, I have no time to be doing such a thing. I thought running this club would be a fun new adventure, however, it has proven to be nothing more than a burden.” Acerbi says. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Victor asks. “Oh please, Victor, please, PLEASE buy this place back! You don’t even have to pay me for it! In fact, I will pay you! Just take it back!” Acerbi says. “You’re serious.” Victor realizes. “Yes! Being a doctor is my passion, not running a nightclub! This job is far more pedestrian than I ever thought possible, and, I-I just cannot take it anymore!” Acerbi says. “Well, to be completely honest with you, I have been thinking a lot about Club Aqua, lately. I miss the good old days, back when Dylan and I were running it. Honestly, I regret ever selling this place. Since doing it, all sorts of new business ideas have popped into my mind about what to do with it, but, I could never execute them because I no longer owned Club Aqua, or The Aqua Casino, or anything aqua related!” Victor says. “Now is your chance! I will gladly sign everything back over to you.” Acerbi says. Acerbi pulls a document out from behind the bar, and places it in front of Victor. “You already had the paperwork drawn up?” Victor asks. “I intended on approaching you!” Acerbi notes. “Before I sign this, I just have one question. Does this building have a second floor?” Victor asks. Acerbi nods. “I had one built not long after purchasing this place. I was going to use it as a personal office for me, but, I never managed to get around to it. Do you have a plan for it?” Acerbi asks. “Oh yes, I have a perfect plan for this place.” Victor says. Victor pulls a pen out of his jacket pocket, and signs his signature. Victor then hands Acerbi the pen, and she signs her signature. “Congratulations, and god help you, Victor, you are now the owner of The Foggy Tavern.” Acerbi says. Victor chuckles. “Not exactly. As of this moment, I’m shutting this place down to make the necessary renovations, because Club Aqua is coming back.” Victor reveals!

WPA COMPOUND, DIRECTOR'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON D.C
*”Lysandros Masters is the target?” Ciara asks. “That isn’t a problem, is it?” Spencer asks. “I just don’t understand. From what I’ve seen, Lysandros hasn’t really been involved in anything criminal, lately, so why would the agency be targeting him?” Ciara asks. “Masters has been on our radar since he kidnapped his great nephew, and he will continue to be on the radar until he is apprehended. The only reason he isn’t in jail right now is because he played the legal system.” Spencer notes. “He’s definitely smarter than most criminals.” Ciara says. “Which is why I wanted to have this conversation in person. I didn’t want to send you an email that Lysandros could potentially hack into. The man is a genius, so I wouldn’t put it past him to do such a thing.” Spencer says. “So, any particular crime that you want Lysandros charged with?” Ciara asks. “Although arresting Lysandros Masters is a priority for the agency, it isn’t top priority in this particular case.” Spencer says. “But, you said that he is the target of the case.” Ciara notes. “Well, actually, the case really just centers around him, he isn’t necessarily a target in the way you are thinking.” Spencer says. “I don’t understand.” Ciara notes. “Allow me to explain. After the chaos surrounding Joe Fish this past Summer, the agency has put LIBERTY under a microscope. Suffice to say, with Joe dead, the organization has pretty much been disbanded, due to lack of proper leadership. However, just because LIBERTY was disbanded, that didn’t mean the threat was eliminated. Given the fact that Joe was able to build a giant bomb capable of destroying half the country, I wanted to make sure that there were no more weapons like it, and if there were, that they were destroyed.” Spencer says. “Do you even know where any of LIBERTY’s compounds are located?” Ciara asks. “Not at first, which is why I sent an agent over to Colossal Heights Asylum to get some answers.” Spencer says. “why Colossal Heights?” Ciara asks. “Your father’s cousin is incarcerated there, we needed to interrogate her.” Spencer says. “Oh, that’s right. Mia was the one who revealed that Joe was alive. That’s how she got her deal, and ended up in an asylum instead of prison. Did Mia cooperate?” Ciara asks. “She played the crazy act for a while, but, the agent I sent in is trained well in interrogation. It didn’t take him long to manipulate Mia Goo into giving us the information we wanted.” Spencer says. “Which was?” Ciara asks. “Locations of LIBERTY compounds, passwords to the computers, intel of that variety.” Spencer says. “Did you access the information?” Ciara asks. “We did. Every last LIBERTY compound has been shut down. I think that it is safe to say that the organization has been properly defeated.” Spencer says. “What about weapons? You said that you were worried that LIBERTY might have more weapons like the nuclear bomb that Joe created in their arsenal.” Ciara notes. “And they did. I couldn’t believe the kind of weapons that our people confiscated. We are talking nuclear and atomic bombs, bio toxins, things that you’ve probably never even heard of!” Spencer says. “But, all of that has been taken care of, right?” Ciara asks. “Most of it.” Spencer says. “What do you mean?” Ciara asks. “There is still one LIBERTY project that is unaccounted for.” Spencer says. “Ah, this is where Lysandros comes in.” Ciara says. “I assume you’ve probably heard by now that several years ago, Lysandros turned on LIBERTY, and turned over every bit of information he had on them. However, what you don’t know, and what the agency didn’t know until very recently, is that Lysandros failed to disclose one very important detail. A LIBERTY project known as ‘The Ultimate Lifeform’.” Spencer says. “Never heard of it.” Ciara says. “Course you haven’t. It was top secret, no one outside of LIBERTY’s most elite operatives have heard of it.” Spencer says. “How did you find out about it?” Ciara asks. “There was a file on it within the LIBERTY computer base. The file didn’t give much detail, probably because Joe figured that someday, the file might end up in someone outside of LIBERTY’s hands. However, it did say the outcome of the project. Apparently, it had just been completed when it was stolen right out of a LIBERTY laboratory. Can you guess who stole it?” Spencer asks. “Lysandros stole one a LIBERTY project?” Ciara asks. “It wasn’t just a project, it was a weapon. I don’t know what the weapon is capable of, and I couldn’t find anything in the LIBERTY data base to tell me what it is capable of, but, I can only assume that it is deadly, and its last known owner is a stone cold killer.” Spencer says. “Do you think Lysandros still has it?” Ciara asks. “I don’t know, but it is your job to find out. I want you to get these answers from Lysandros by whatever means necessary. We need to get possession of this potentially dangerous weapon, and make sure that it can NEVER be deployed.” Spencer says. “How do you want me to do that? Lysandros and I barely know each other, and we aren’t on speaking terms, either.” Ciara says. “Your best friend is his half sister, correct? Try building off of that mutual connection. Convince him that you want to form a friendship with him, for the sake of his sister.” Spencer says. “I don’t know if that is going to work.” Ciara says. “You need to at least try! Don’t you see, Agent Goo? Lives could be put in danger if this weapon is to be released! We need to get Lysandros to tell us where it is, so that we may neutralize it. Otherwise, there is no telling what could happen. So, are you in?” Spencer asks. Ciara contemplates her next move…

ANDY AND REBECCA'S HOUSE
*Rebecca is on the computer, while Andy makes funny faces at Ava. Rebecca looks over her shoulder at them. “Are you trying to make her laugh? Or scare her?” Rebecca asks. “Either one is fine. After all, Halloween is coming up.” Andy notes. Rebecca smiles, and returns her attention to her computer. “Any luck?” Andy asks. “Not really. Brody has made a bunch of transactions over the past several months, each of them being in a different country than the last.” Rebecca notes. “Which means he is on the move.” Andy says. “I don’t know how. He has been on the run for nearly a year, and given that fact, its highly unlikely that he has any form of lucrative income.” Rebecca says. “Strange, for sure.” Andy says. “Huh, this is strange.” Rebecca says. “What?” Andy asks. “On April 27th of this year, a very interesting transaction was made, involving Brody’s account.” Rebecca says. “What, did he deposit money? Withdraw money?” Andy asks. “Neither. Someone else deposited a payment of $50,000 into his account.” Rebecca reveals. “That’s a whopping transfer. Why would someone give Brody that much money?” Andy asks. “Hang on, let me check something.” Rebecca says, as she pulls out her phone. She makes a call. “Eugene, its Commissioner Rogers, I need you to do a favor for me, can you tell me the exact date when Silvia Miller was reported missing, after being kidnapped by Brody McKay?…Yup, I’ll wait…You’re sure? Okay, thanks, Eugene.” Rebecca says, before hanging up. “What is it?” Andy asks. “Silvia was kidnapped by Brody on April 27th, 2017, the same day this mystery person paid Brody $50,000. I don’t think that was a coincidence. I think that someone might’ve paid Brody to kidnap Silvia.” Rebecca says. “Who do you think would do a thing like that? Lysandros?” Andy asks. “I doubt it. Remember? Brody shot AND stabbed Lysandros. Even if they put on that fight for show, I don’t think they would’ve allowed it to go that far.” Rebecca says. “Can you trace the account that wired the money into McKay’s account?” Andy asks. “Hang on.” Rebecca says. Rebecca begins typing away at keys on her computer, before suddenly stopping. “Oh.” Rebecca says. “Did you find something?” Andy asks. “The account that made the transaction is under the name of Roman Burton.” Rebecca says. “Why would someone named Roman Burton want to kidnap Silvia?” Andy asks. “Well, I’m assuming that the name is an alias. I don’t know who it belongs to, but, an alias nonetheless. The most interesting part to me though is which bank that the account is registered to.” Rebecca says. “What bank is it?” Andy asks. “A bank only found in the Northern part of Italy. Now, I could be completely reaching here, but we BOTH know who is from Italy.” Rebecca says. “The Stanpatos family.” Andy realizes. “More specifically, Andre Stanpatos.” Rebecca says!

EMERALD NIGHT CLUB
*”I’m not going anywhere with you! Not now, not EVER!” Brady yells. “Please, Brady, you are drunk! The last thing I want is you getting behind the wheel of a car!” Theo says. “I’m not gonna do that. But, since you are refusing to go, I’m gonna go. Not in a car, I’m gonna walk home.” Brady says. “Aren’t you staying at the castle, currently? That’s quite a walk.” Theo says. “I can handle it. See you around, Doc.” Brady says, before standing up, and staggering out of the bar.

BRADY'S CAR
*Brady gets into his car, and sticks the keys in the ignition. “Screw him, I’m not that drunk. I can drive just fine...” Brady says. Brady turns the keys, turning the car on. Once the car has started, he turns on the radio, and changes the station to a heavy rock station. He then turns the volume knob all the way up. “Now I’m ready to drive home...” Brady says. Brady’s vision can be seen to be slightly blurred, as he squints his eyes to try and see better. “It’ll wear off...” Brady says. Brady steps on the gas pedal, and the car leaves the parking lot, cutting off someone on the main road, who honks his horn at Brady. “SHUT UP!” Brady yells out his window. As Brady is driving, he begins to slam his hands on the steering wheel to the beat of the music. He then begins to mumble the words of the song. As Brady is driving, he notices someone standing in the middle of the road, coming up. Brady slams on the horn. “Hey moron, get out of the way!” Brady yells out the window. The person turns around, and is revealed to be Kristina! “Oh my god!” Brady yells. Brady loses control of the car, and it slides off the road, right into a tree!