Mayor's office.

[FG Admin]

The mayor's office is a large building, but most of it is filled with other smaller private offices that line the halls. The security is about standard, seeing how it is a political building. There is a check in desk that scans for weapons, and a few guards on patrol through out the building. The only place that is the most guarded is the doors that lead to the mayor's office. Just before you step in a woman is sitting at a small desk that serves as the mayor's Secretary. The label on the door reads "Mayor C.B. Ronson".
And if you step in, that is exactly the person you'll see.

[FG Admin]

((Choices: 55... I have no choice...))

Upon hearing the news that his daughter had been kidnapped and was being held hostage, there was only one choice to make, he had to comply with their demands. He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers together in thought, then leaned forward and opened the top drawer to his desk.

"I haven't seen you in a long time..."

The Mayor proceeded to remove his HAA handgun, a single shoulder pad and strap that resembled a brown football shoulder pad, and a long red bandanna.

He picked up his telephone and pressed the button to connect him to his secretary. "Julie? I'm going on my lunch break. I'm heading over to the News station."

"But sir, the gangs are right outside the building! They are about to break through the police line!"

"Don't worry about that..." He picked up his HAA pistol and hung up the phone.

"I'll take care of it..."

The Mayor ripped his jacket clean off and proceeded to gear up to save his daughter.

"Don't worry Jessica, I'm coming."

[Bernard]

((Not sure if this is where it belongs, but here we go))


((SP 53/53 of 55 Exp 9/10))
HP:=120
-----

”Your city is sick.” Bernard addressed his host emerging from the shadows of the room. ”Far worse than you may realize. Not the kind of place you would want to raise a daughter you love so dearly. How is Jessica? Adjusting well I hope? All for naught I'm afraid. Her kidnapping ordeal pales in comparison to that which she is destined to endure. It’s only a matter of time. As it stands she will likely die. Quickly, if she is lucky. Unless we can stop them.”

“ Do you even know what is behind that wall on the edge of your city? The pandemic horror it houses? They have lost control. The invasion they are running into the underbelly of Excel isn't going to make things any better. Carson is already dead. Their course of action wiill bring nothing but city wide panic. He has to listen! I know I can can help. I must speak with Rycroft without the threat of his goons. You can arrange that without suspicion. A evening chat among friends. “

”What do you say? Will you help me?” Think of Jess. Her future. Our future.”

[FG Admin]

The Mayor was sitting at his desk reading over some papers when he heard the voice begin to talk. He was startled by the masked figure that emerged from the shadows in the room, and quickly jumped out of his chair and backed away.

"Goodness man! I knew you were coming, but you could have at least knocked like a normal person! You nearly gave me a heart attack... especially after the riot..."
He relaxed a bit and looked at the man.

"So you are Omen? The one that saved my daughter? I want to thank you first, I owe you... a lot... but what you ask is.... it isn't easy. I can't just betray Rycroft. For all I know you could put a knife in the man's heart. I NEED Rycroft right now, and I do agree that the city is sick. We have mass murders, robberies, rape, riots. He is the only one that can give me what I need to save it. You may not like it, but Rycroft is the cure to this city. And that wall? What about it? It was the old district, it is under renovation. Hydra used to have a full district to itself several decades ago where all their employees lived and worked. Think of it like a mining town, but replace the miners with the world's top scientists. It's what made the city what it is and helped save the economy. Our plans were to renovate that part of the city after our new power plant went online, then we would expand and start improving the slums. Things were a bit delayed when that pest and his gang members started causing trouble, it delayed things greatly. If you want me to help you, you're going to need to give me a bit of evidence here. How do I know Carson is dead? How do I know what you tell me is the truth? I need something... I can't just take your word for it. I'm sorry, but with all the crime happening in the city you could be just another crazy looking to kill the one man that could save Osiris."

The Mayor crossed his arms and awaited the strangers reply.

[Bernard]

((SP 53/53 of 55 Exp 9/10))
HP:=120
-----
There was silence as Bernard assessed how to navigate the political minefield.
"Mass murders, robberies, rape, riots, all true. And while driving a knife through the bastard’s heart sounds promising , it wouldn’t solve anything. He has come back from the dead before. He may BE the cure to the city but not in the manner you think.”

The was another brief pause as the masked vilgilante redirected.

”Proof you ask.” The red head’s smile was hidden behind his mask holding up the phone to displaying the image of the decapitated gang membe taken in the Exxel Underground. ”He was responsible for another high profile kidnapping. The reporter.”
He studied the politian’s face for a reaction to what had been revealed.After all he had just admitted to murder. Not that it should come as any surprise after rescuing his daughter. He had to trust.

” But there is a far greater reality than these horrific crimes. And Hydra is the root. I've seen things. TOZ isn’t what it seems. It has evolved. Become something far more sinister. These yellow eyed monsters that roam your streets are just the beginning. Hydra has known about this manifestation for years. Used District Zero as a quarenteen zone while they searched for a cure. Unfortunately they lost control. Sooner or later that infectious stark raving mad brood behind those walls WILL break free. And when it does the city and ALL its inhabitants are dead to the rest of the world. It may already be too late.”

[FG Admin]

The Mayor squinted his eyes and looked at the images on the phone. He crossed his arms and listened in thought.
"Alright... You have my attention. Carson is dead... You saved my daughter... Why would Hydra leave District Zero up if what you say is behind the wall? Why not torch it all and burn it to the ground? If these.... monsters... are out there, how do we stop it? You get a meeting with Rycroft then what? You are placing me in a very difficult situation here. Maybe I should just send in a strike team to torch everything infected and save the city. Maybe request an airstrike and napalm it. I'm sorry, but I don't see the connection here. Why would Hydra do something like this and not take action against? It just doesn't make any sense."

The mayor let off a heavy sigh and rubbed at his face and eyes. He looked over at the phone on his desk before continuing on.
"I really want to believe you, but it is difficult for me to understand Hydra's role in this. I might be able to get you that meeting with Rycroft, but I'm going to need a really good reason. We just had a meeting earlier in the week about the police force and the crime rate. Calling him up is no problem, but requesting a meeting is a bit more difficult. What would I say?"

[Bernard]

((SP 53/53 of 55 Exp 9/10))
HP:=120
-----
“Why would Hydra do something like this and not take action against? It just doesn't make any sense." Ronson questioned.

”WHY???’Bernard exclaimed. ”The short version. Pride. Wether or not is is some expermimental super soldier program gone awry or simply an offshoot caused when the original reactor was destroyed we may never know. One thing is certain, Hydra has known about this outbreak for quite some time, hiding behind the TOZ effect as the root of the symptoms while they worked on a cure. Thing is, the solution they had been working on is currently behind that wall and they have somehow lost access to it. Torch District Zero and you still loose the city. I don’t have all the answers but I have enough to press Rycroft and the proof to back up my acusations. To go public at this time would only cause mass hysteria. Could you imagine keeping control with the city in its current state of disarray? that is why I ask for your help.”

”I don’t care how you get him here. Just don’t tip him off about what I have revealed. Tell him you need his help to convince Jessica to accept to be cloned. Talk her through the process. Explain to her it isn’t immorral. With the recent attempt on her life, your concern for her prosperity would come across as more than legitimate.If he balks at the reques, maybe throw in a carrot like you will back him in any plan he has to save this city if he convinces her of the proceedure. I just need him here, tonight.”

[FG Admin]

Mayor Ronson rubbed at his chin. "I see..." He said in thought.

"I really don't want to get my daughter involved in this... But I will think about it. Getting him here tonight? You are pushing it. If things go wrong I will jeopardize our entire relationship that we have built this far. I would need a pretty urgent request to get him here that fast. I will do as you ask, but I'm not sure how well this will go. I'll ask him to meet me over dinner to talk about cloning for myself, I think he will be a bit more willing if we keep it friendly. Does dinner at the Casa del Luna sound fine? In the mean time, I would like to see this so called evidence with my own eyes."

[Bernard]

((SP 53/53 of 55 Exp 9/10))
HP:=120
-----
“In the mean time, I would like to see this so called evidence with my own eyes."


”Casa del Luna is far too public." Bernard replied. " Rycroft would have a certainly have a security detail with him. Something I wanted to avoid for this meeting. That is why I came to you. Looks like I may have been mistaken. I thought you could help.”

The poltics of the situation were stifling. Bernard decided to make a final attempt to sway the Mayor’s position.
He reluctantly played the footage involving Springfield and the unfortunate circumstances of Hydra agents that came in contact with the yellow eyed Consumer.



”I can understand your apprehension on this. Like it or not, your daughter is already involved or will be. We all are. Maybe when this outbreak has run its course you will look back upon this visit and wish you had had acted when you had the chance. I had to at least try to persuade you. I understand you have a city to save. When you do cross paths with Rycroft ask about the antidote and its effectiveness. For Jessica’s sake I hope you find the answer soon. Even cloning won't save her from what's to come.”

[FG Admin]

The mayor watched the video in shock and a deep frown fell upon his face.
He let off a sigh and picked up the phone. "Good Lord... I don't completely understand what I just saw, but I have a bad feeling about this. I'll call him now. I will tell him of my concerns about this entire situation and request an emergency meeting. This needs to be dealt with. I can't guarantee that he will come alone though, so expect someone else to be with him. Requesting him not to bring anyone might be suspicious." He began dialing the number and waited.

"This is the Mayor, I need to speak with Rycroft immediately. Something urgent has come up.... Yes I am aware the time and I know it is last minute.... As soon as possible, have him meet me at my office.... No it cannot wait. Due to recent events I have decided on looking into the cloning service for my daughter and I. I don't want to wait another day." He looked at Bernard and a funny look came on his face.

"To tell you the truth, I have also recently stumbled upon some disturbing video footage... I can't explain what I see, but I think Rycroft should see it as well. I fear for my safety as well as my daughters..." There was a long silence. "Thank you."

He hung up the phone. "The secretary was giving me a hard time and Rycroft didn't want to make the trip, but he will be on his way. I hope you know what you're doing..."