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WHO: Bela and a few closed starters
WHERE: In various places
WHEN: First 2 weeks of June
WHAT: Plotting, scheming and a friendly visit
WARNINGS: None as yet but will update!

Snart: Somewhere discreet...

Snart wasn't wrong when it came to meeting up somewhere secret and not on the radar. Their plans were not to be overheard by anyone else. While she waits on his arrival Bela orders a few drinks, knowing what Snart liked; aside from that, it was a gesture of good faith from her. They were partnering up after all. Whatever trust there may be between them had to be maintained if this was going to work.

In the bag at Bela's feet there were a few blueprints and plans for the heist. Kept out of sight from prying eyes or curious members of staff. She won't take them out of their hiding places unless it was absolutely necessary - Bela had a encrypted back up on her device which she could just as easily send to Leonard.

Bela settles back in her seat and crosses one leg over the other, lifting her glass to take a sip. She's rather relaxed considering the circumstances. But the prospect of a heist and the rewards that came with it always seemed to have a soothing effect upon her soul.

Gemini: Of plans and diamonds...

Bela waited until her apartment was free from her roommate before calling Gemini over for a discussion. The De Chima diamond exhibit was due to end in a few days so they needed to act quickly if they were going to have a chance of obtaining a big score. She knew of her own skills and expertise (as well as her powers) but Bela had no idea of what exactly Gemini was capable of. At least from their brief text exchange she could tell that the other woman was keen and wanted to work with her. Maybe that would have to be enough.

There's a pot of tea and two cups laid out on the coffee table in the living room. Perhaps she should have asked Gemini what she preferred to drink but surely she wouldn't refuse a decent cup of tea.

Already, Bela has a few ideas in mind about the best way to approach the heist but she would welcome any suggestions that Gemini may have. They were working together on this after all.

Enid: Catching up and jewellery...

Enid was one of a handful of people that Bela was friends with. She wouldn't have imagined being on good terms with a teenage girl, but then Bela didn’t expect to have any friends at all in this place. There was just something about Enid that Bela seemed to connect with and it seemed stupid to ignore.

She called at Enid's place a little after six o'clock in the evening with a few bags in her hand. Gifts mostly. Bela knocked on the door softly a few times, waiting patiently for it to be answered. She had yet to have any dinner so perhaps they could order some takeout for themselves - Bela's treat of course. She wouldn’t let Enid pay for anything.

Bela had high hopes for their evening, whatever it turned out to be.

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Following their last communication, Gemini had been looking forward to hearing more about Bela Talbot's plan to obtain some diamonds, so when she got the text she immediately set out, all manner of avaricious thoughts filling her black heart.

So as the clock ticked towards the appropriate time a bird swooped down out of the sky and landed outside Bela's apartment, and a moment later Gemini, in her own form and wearing a casual set of jeans and T-shirt so as not to attract attention, walked up to Bela's door and knocked.

She was more than capable of getting past the door in at least five different ways, but that would hardly be projecting the right tone.

At the sound of a knock Bela got up from her chair and walked down the short hallway to answer the door. She wasn't expecting anyone else (god hope no one was coming to see her roommate instead) but Bela wasn't going to ignore the knock.

She opened the door to find Gemini standing there. Bela gave her a polite smile, stepping to one side to give her guest some room.

"Hello. Please come on in."

"Thank you." Gemini walked in confidently the moment the door was open, eyeing the interior with an air of mild interest before settling herself down in an armchair and eyeing Bela speculatively. There was no point in beating around the bush so she got right to the point.

"So this diamond exhibition. I must say I was intrigued by your offer."

She took her place opposite Gemini on another chair, resting comfortably upon it. So far, so good.

"I knew I couldn't do it alone so I figured you would make an excellent asset. A two-woman job so to speak." Bela smiled, placing her hands in her lap. "This is the first time I've attempted to pull off a heist like this here."

"You figured right." Gemini nodded with a proud smile, referring to Bela's evaluation of her being an 'excellent asset', her ego taking it for praise."

"First time jobs are always the most interesting, particularly with a new partner." If Bela proved herself less than reliable Gemini would unfortunately have to kill her, but if she proved herself to be skilled this could be a very profitable arrangement for them both.

"So, how are you proposing to get these diamonds?"

"They can be quite interesting, yes."

Depending on how this went there was potential for another heist. It was likely to be in the far, far future though. They should have enough diamonds to last them for a while.

"I suppose it's better late than never to kickstart the plans." Bela smiled a little. "But I'm also interested to hear your suggestions, how you would approach it."

"I'd approach it by slipping into the exhibition either after or shortly before it's about to close, sabotage the security system, grab the items and leave before anyone was the wiser. But that's just me."

Crossing her legs she cocked her head and looked up at Bela curiously, wondering what imPort powers she might have that would be useful.

"How would you go about it?"

"Well, that's a solid plan. I was also thinking about disabling the security system. It might be better under the cover of night though. I have an ability that lets me blend into the shadows."

Bela could also use her mental inducement powers to get the exhibition to staff to actually hand the goods over, but she wanted to do this job undetected. Hence the need for secrecy.

"Security could be lax closer to the end of the day though. Maybe."

"The cover of night works for me, I'm also capable of blending into the shadows, so if that's the route you want to take."

Gemini nodded thoughtfully, adding that new variable to the preliminary planning that she had done in her mind.

"I'm pretty sure I can get us both in either before they close or after, but another question is at what level you were planning to go in? We could go in via the ground, or I can fly us both to get in via the roof."

"The roof might be better. It'll have access points that the ground floor won't have." Like vents and airducts.

There was one thing that concerned her. Apart from being able to trust that Gemini could fly them both safely to the roof.

"What about our equipment? I don't want to have a heavy bag with me in tow while you're trying to get us up there. Should we stash it in a hiding place beforehand?"

"The roof then." She agreed, liking Bela's strategic approach, and luckily she was able to put her mind to rest as well.

"We won't need much equipment, some spray to detect laser security grids and a tablet to help bypass the security systems should be all, anything else I can provide you with." Being able to morph her limbs into virtually any shape came in very useful when it came to tools and other accessories, something Bela would soon see first hand.

"As for the bag I'm pretty strong, I'm sure I can manage it."

"Seems like we have got it all worked out then."

Between the two of them it was slowly coming together. They might need to iron out a few of the finer details closer to the time but it shouldn't be a problem.

"I am glad to know there is someone else around here who has a clear goal in mind and can handle it. Is willing to take the risk for a huge reward. Not everyone is up for something like that, you know?"

"Seems so."

Gemini agreed, trying to think of any further details that might be necessary but not coming up with any.

"What's life without a little risk?" She grinned, "besides who wouldn't want this reward." Rising to her feet, the coffee cup completely untouched, she extended a hand to Bella as a gesture to seal their partnership.

"So I guess I'll see you later then?"

"Not much of a life at all really." Risks made things all the more interesting. "Do-gooders obviously wouldn't want the reward. They'd rather protect it."

Bela took the hand with a smile and shook it firmly.

"Yeah, I will see you later, Gemini. Thanks for stopping by. I'll show you out." While she may have criminal intent, Bela was still a polite and gracious host when it came to having guests in her home.

"More fool them." Gemini agreed with some venom, releasing Bela's hand and following Bela towards the door. Manners were very important when it came to business, mother had taught her that, and Bela's had impressed her greatly. It was a good sign for their future transactions.

"Later then, it's been a pleasure."

Gemini turned the corner outside the door and within a second had vanished as if she'd never been.

The half full moon cast a gentle light into the sidestreet around the back of the museum in De Chima, a museum which very soon would be the victim of a serious theft.

The light was perfect; providing enough light for the two master thieves to see what they were doing, but not enough to substantially raise the risk of detection. In some ways Gemini saw Bela's presence on this job as being surplus to requirements, she was more than capable of robbing a museum herself. But the shapeshifter needed partners, not more enemies, and she actually liked Bela, which was why she had not double-crossed her, although perhaps the empty street might make Bela think otherwise.

As the time for their rendezvous neared, the street remained seemingly empty, the only movement being a few rodents scrabbling away at a garbage can and the gentle trickle of water leaking from an rusty sewer grate.

Pulling off the heist with Gemini was a test to see if they really could work together well and not screw each other over. While they had a decent plan and conversation, it was a matter of actions speaking louder than words; Bela did not want to be played by Gemini.

She dressed appropriately for tonight prior to coming out to meet her partner in crime. Something black and comfortable, stretchy enough to allow room to move (and breathe) in. Sturdy shoes and gloves to hide fingerprints. This isn't Bela's first rodeo after all. But it has been some time since she attempted a heist of this magnitude.

Bela arrived a little ahead of their agreed meeting time, wanting to see if there was anyone else around. Anyone who may interfere with their plans.

Out of Bela's eyeline one of the rats stretches and changes, and a moment later Gemini emerges into the light, dressed in one of her usual combat costumes.

Looking Bela up and down, noting in particular the shoes and gloves, Gemini gave an approving smile and got right down to business.

"You've got everything?"

She hopes that she didn't have to wait too much longer. Or that something had happened to Gemini. Bela was relieved to see her when she did arrive, and it shows on her face.

"I do, yeah."

Bela looks around them for a moment.

"Do you?"

"Of course."

Although she doesn't appear to be carrying anything whatsoever, Gemini nods, a pair of large leathery black bat wings smoothly emerging from her back and flapping experimentally a few times as Gemini gives Bela a smile.

"If there's nothing else we can get going?"

She opens her arms wide as if to give Bela a hug.

Her eyes widen at the sudden appearance of the bat wings before she accepts it for what it is. Bela has seen some weird shit around here.

"Yeah, we can get going."

Bela steps forward and accepts Gemini's embrace, securing her arms tightly around the other woman. She knows how they were going to get to the roof, she just didn't want to hurt herself while they were getting there.

No sooner has Bela secured herself then Gemini flaps those wings again, propelling them both forcefully into the air, the huge wingbeats carrying them rapidly up to the rooftop, swinging around to set down on a section of roof where there is a camera blindspot.

"The skylight? We can cut a hole in the glass." Releasing Bela, Gemini nods to the nearby skylight set into the roof, her wings shrinking down into her back as if they'd never been.

She doesn't dare look down when Gemini takes them to the roof, shutting her eyes. For all of her confidence and swagger, Bela wasn't that keen on being so high up all of the time. Suffice to say she is relieved when her feet touch solid ground again.

"Exactly what I was thinking." She makes her way towards the skylight, glancing over at Gemini. "Did you want the honours?"

"Sure." Gemini agreed following Bela over to the skylight, checking to make sure there were no guards who might hear the glass being cut before acting. The fingers on one hand widened, yawning nearly a foot apart, their tips sharpening to slice into the glass, quickly and efficiently cutting a person-sized hole.

"Easy as cake." Gemini pulled out the glance and threw Bela a smile. "Want me to lower you down?"

It was good to have someone around who could provide just about any equipment needed for a heist without having to physically bring the equipment with them. Needless to say Bela was impressed.

"You could lower me down, yeah." She knew that she had to put her trust in Gemini again to be careful with her.

Gemini extended a hand to Bela five fingers merging into three cables, the palm of her hand shifting into a solid platform for the other woman to stand on. Once Bela stood on it she would stretch her 'fingers' to lower her down, then follow herself a moment later.

"Which way to the diamonds?"

As impressed as she was, Bela still found it a little strange to see Gemini shift and change like that. She had several questions about the process but that could be left for another time.

"Down this hallway." She indicated to the right.

"You lead?"

Gemini half-asked. It was her intention to hang back to keep a watch for security or any cameras, and in any case Bela knew her way around this museum whereas she had no idea which way they were going.

The marble floored galleries were still and quiet, nobody had detected their entrance yet, but that might change any moment, and all of Gemini's senses were on alert to try and avoid any guards that might pass by.

"I will."

Bela did know her way around the museum, having studied the blueprints extensively. She'd rather have Gemini watch her back and keep a lookout for guards - Gemini could probably deal with better and much more swiftly than Bela.

She did lead the two of them down the hall towards the prize, mindful of her steps and the noises she could make. Bela was always cautious when she was on a heist.

Following behind, Gemini's footsteps were silent even to Bela's enhanced senses, the combination of hollowing out her body and the softening of her boots combining to make her quieter than a trained ninja.

She kept behind for a good minute, before her arm stretched out suddenly, seeking to hold Bela back even as she let out a quiet murmur.

"Camera."

Everything was going according to plan. Smooth sailing. Until Gemini stopped her. Confused, Bela looked around to see what was going on, realising it soon enough when Gemini spoke up.

"Got it."

She breathed out slowly and waited on Gemini to tell her when it was okay to keep going.

Although her feet remained on the ground, Gemini's torso elongated upward, carrying her up to the back of the ceiling camera from where she inserted a wire thin finger into the electrics, slicing through them until the red light on the device died. Spooling back down she grinned at Bela, gesturing that it was safe.

"Security will notice, but if they don't see any damage and more importantly us they'll think it's an electrical fault."

Or you could just go and do something like that.

She watched in fascination as Gemini disabled the camera, not saying anything until she was back to her usual shape. No, still not getting used to seeing Gemini doing that. Give her a while and maybe she would.

"I think you have it covered. Not many people could disable a security camera at that height, especially when it would be difficult to reach. I doubt security will think anyone sabotaged it."

Bela hoped so anyway.

"Shall we?"

You better not be trying to roofie me.

[Leonard slides into the seat across from her and in spite of his joking suspicion, he picks up the glass immediately taking a sip. If he's nervous himself, it doesn't show. But then, with him? These things never really show. Much as with her, probably just the mark of a true professional.

He sets the glass back down, finger absently tracing the rim, his attention is on her.]

So? What's up?

Cute.

[Comes her short but amused reply. Bela understands his brand of humour and would play along whenever possible.]

Eager to get started are we? I like your enthusiasm. But we can make some small talk first if you want before getting into the details.

Small talk, yeah? You'll have me fake being a people person.

[In spite of that veiled complaint, he's still smiling - in his own subtle way anyway - turning the glass with his fingertips, eyes on her.]

Nice hair.

[He presents to you: Small talk.]

Oh heavens, how terrible of me!

[Smiiiirk. Then she smiles. Teasing him was a lot of fun.]

I think you mean fantastic hair. It takes a long time to get it this good.

[A pause.]

Do I have to say something nice about you in return?

Since receiving it Bela's call, she had been looking forward to it too. Shortly after six was the time they agreed on and so she was waiting, doing little things around the apartment to tidy up. From organzing her bead station to tentatively setting out a few bags of chips on her table well in advance the time Bela said she'd be by. She wasn't really sure how to host, having never done it before.

The knock at her doors comes as she finds herself nervously straitening a hand towel out on the stove. Stopping, she turns to move towards and open it.

"Hi. You made it." She smiles. At the same time she opens the door wider and steps back, off to the side to gesture Bela in with a wave.

Edited 2017-06-14 20:35 (UTC)

"Hi, Enid."

Bela smiles in return, moving inside after Enid makes some room for her to pass by. She was hoping to get a quick tour of the place but that could come up in conversation later. Right now, Bela just wanted to see her friend and the jewelry that she made.

"Thank you for allowing me to come by."

The place was actually small enough to get basic idea of once through the door. The kitchen was just to their immediate right with a sofa making and completing the entire room just above it, and the washroom and bedroom doors in that order to the left. There was a desk just in between everything. Different boxes were neatly stacked upon each other and organized all sorts of items away, and there on the desk itself laid a few balls of yarn and her recent, yet unfinished projects.

Enid knows that's why Bella is here and wastes no time closing the door behind them and gesturing her over, casually. "It was a long time coming." She feels too long. Bella is someone she trusts more than most and that deserved this show of friendship.

As small as it was, the place was fit for purpose. It also showed some elements of Enid's personality and taste; like it should. Bela tried to do the same for her own place, even when she shared with someone else. Having a roommate wasn't so bad.

She follows Enid further into the house before coming to a stop somewhere in the middle of the main room. "Looks like you've got a lot of supplies. Which hopefully means a lot of orders."

The last part is said with a smile.

It wasn't the only place she lived, but it was the most private. Maybe a lot of her clothes weren't here anymore, maybe most of her things were elsewhere, but enough still remained in her minimalistic style of living that some of it could be gleamed. Her choices of beading and current projects were perhaps more telling of her style.

"Something like that. I don't make the same thing twice, but I make the number they want to sell."

She returns the smile with a light one of her own.

"Ah, so you like to be very unique when it comes to your products. I like it."

Bela finds a free spot to place the bags she had brought and opens them up, taking out what was inside. There are numerous gift boxes of various shapes and styles- all for Enid's business.

"These are for your customers. If you want to put your pieces into gift boxes of course. I just thought it might be an idea. I also have something for you. If that's okay."

"Mmhm. It's the same thing I do for my jewelry."

Bela may even notice the necklace Enid was wearing that very moment. It had the strange key she always wore on it but was accompanied by other strange charms and clunky piece of wood shaped like a feather. She joins Bela on the free cushion next to her. There were more gifts being pulled out of the bag than she excepted so she looks down at them with geniune surprise.

"Y-you didn't have to do all this for me. But, um, yes, it's okay. How can I say no?"

She had noticed the necklace earlier, wondering if the design had a particular significance for Enid. Did it remind her of something? In any case, it was an interesting looking piece of jewelry.

"Oh, it's nothing. I was happy to do it." Bela wasn't in the habit of doing nice things for people so this was a nice change. After a moment she took out another small box and presented it over to Enid. Inside, she would find this.

"I don't know if you even like brooches but it's from my shop. I thought it was pretty."

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Plans

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HEIST

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ever so discreet

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FINALLY OFF HIATUS and back to a more reasonable tagging rhythm

hurrraaaaaayyyyyy!

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