"Just some payback," AJ growls, "aside from that I'm fine." He stands up and stumbles slightly before being able to keep his footing.


"Check for anyone else," Sarah cautions as she goes out to see the bounty hunter.
He waits patiently for them in the snow and ice. Even though he looks rather out of place he seems to have avoided gathering unnecessary attetion.
"About time," He mutters, "so when do this to happen? My friends have resources and are willing to help us a little on two conditions one is they want you bring them proof of what's going to happen. The second is that they want to talk with you and Winter. I don't know what you've heard in the underground, but my friends are scared of a new kid entering the equation and want Winter's help."

Knuckles put a hand on AJ's shoulder with a stern look. "No, no you aren't," He spoke, a hint of exasperation in his tone.
---
Zero glanced around for any followers, ears twitching. Aside from Falconi and who he assumed was Strike, it seemed the spaniel hadn't been followed. "Talking seems to be the simple part." Zero mumbled. "But what sort of proof? And what new kid?"
---
"...So then I said to the guy, 'Sure, a tranchcoat I could rock, but deerstalkers are where I draw the line'!" Tolka's statement over the video chat was went with a short burst of laughter from Joe. "Ha! No, no, I agree with you. Those things are ugly as heck. You'd look good in a fadora I think though."
Tolka grimmaced. "A light pink fadora?"
"No, like brown with a matching jacket. Wear the pink sweater underneath."
"...Huh. Yeah, that could work. Heehee, best fashin suggestion you've ever made. Now if only you could apply them to yourself."
"Hey," Joe playfully returned.

"What if this wasn't an isolated incident Knuckles," Clay thinks aloud, "Recently there have been rumors circulating that a new person is vying for territory against the gangs and mobs. One of the more outrageous rumors is that the new person is going for Winter's territory too."
"I was afraid you'd say that," AJ growls, "Knuckles if this gets bad think about how much innocent blood will be spilt, we can stop this or at least slow it down. It's our duty to act."
"What about the police in this situation?"
AJ frowns, "They don't know the underground like we do."

--
"There isn't much information on this new kid," The Spaniel says, "All I know is that blood has already been spilled and more is likely to be spilled soon if this doesn't stop, that and there are whispers about the kid being from an old bloodline. I mean ancient times old. Do you have plans for defeating Hoowlers, and once they are executed can you prove that you carried out your plan."

---
Kini smiles slightly hearing the banter between them. That is until the radio goes off, he listens in to it thankful for Komodo's newest invention. The eavesdropper as Komodo calls it lets a person listen in on a conversation without being detected as long as the eavesdropper is within two miles of the conversation.
"Joe, Tolka have either of you heard of a new person who is gunning for territory within the mobs," Kini asks, "Also I like deerstalker hats, they're cool."

Joe flipped the laptop around so that Tolka could see Kini. He shook his head. "Nah, haven't been covering crime stories lately..."
"Maybe Joe here would look fine in a deerstalker but not a Mobian of my fluff levels." Tolka huffed. "But rumors.... Hm. Can't say I have, at least not over there. Pleanty of mob bosses in Studiopolis though."
---
"The plan depends heavily on the intell we're able to gather," Zero clarified. "There are only two of us, and against a target of that calibur, we'd need to act strategically rather than forcefully. As for evidence once it's complete...." Zero shrugged. "That can be easily provided provided we don't use too many explosives."
---
Knux growled softly. "I don't disagree. But what do you plan to _do_ about it right this second? I'm a fine healer but I'm not magic; you're gonna need a bit of time to fully recover."

"Can you keep an ear out, just to play it safe," Kini asks her, "please Tolka, it could be a huge story and save lives."
==
"What makes you think there are just two of us," The Spaniel asks.
"Your friends agreed?"
"Yep, they want Hoowlers gone too, and this new kid has threatened their livelihoods' already. Zero is the leader of the operation with, you Nox as his second. Just tell me what to do and I'll relay the orders."
Sarah looks over at Zero, "Well what's the plan?"
==
"I'm not saying we do anything this second," AJ explains, "We just need to set up a few precautionary measures. Cameras, guards, and such at the museum. I know Max has those in place already but a few more wouldn't hurt."

"I don't doubt it!" Tolka giggled warmly. "Alright, I'll do it just for you and Joe, sillies."
---
"Again, it would be unwise to plan without information. I'd like to know who we're working with." Zero huffed. "In the meantime, I'll nose around for any information on Hoowler's current situation. Is that acceptable?"
---
Knuckles gave a nod. "Hm. Alright. He doesn't have a comm, so of either of you want to phone call him..."

"Thank you Tolka," Kini responds calmly, "Be careful."

--
The Spaniel sighs quietly, "You're working with my team of mercenaries being backed by some interesting people who want Hoowlers gone. I don't know names so don't ask. What I do know is that they are willing to spend extra help if we need it as long as we bring back results."

--
Clay gets out his phone and calls Max.

"Good thing I always deliver." Zero hummed boredly.
---
"No promises!" Tolka joked. "Okay boys, I gotta head out now. Have a story to cover uptown, but talk to you later!"
"Yeah! See ya Tolka." Joe chimed, switching off the camera.
---
Ring, ring...
"Good afternoon, you've reached the Spagonia Campus History Museum. This is Curator Maxillium, how may I assist?"

The Spaniel wisely chooses not to comment about the Egghead bounty.

"Well Joe we have some investigating of our own to do now," Kini responds, "Do you think you can get Ms. Sakura to agree?"


"Max it's Clay. Is the museum secure after what happened," Clay asks, "AJ is with me. We're safe."
"And ready to help if possible," AJ adds.

(Smart dog.)
Zero twitched his tail. "Right. Stay in touch, I'll scout around. Let them know I'm willing."
---
Joe reached for his coffee mug. "Hm? Oh, uhm. Maybe. I dunno. She and Winter ain't exactly buddy-buddy."
---
"Yes, yes Clay." Max responded form the other end. "Just working on clean-up after the little... mishap."