Hephaestus’ Safe House (somewhere in Europe)

"You’re a man of many talents, Equinox. I hafta admit I would've never believed you knew how to break down a Barrett ‘Light-Fifty’, let alone modify it," Mouthymerc commented as he pushed the box he’d been carrying into a corner of the garage. He and Trinity were steadily unloading the equipment and bringing it into the house while Equinox and Hephaestus worked on the rifle.

Equinox smiled as he polished one of the rifle’s parts with a rag. His sleeves were rolled up behind his elbows, his jacket lay over a chair and his tie was loosened but still around his neck. "Does it comfort you to know I’m more than just a fop with a pretty face?" His tone was teasing and though he’d replied to Mouthymerc, the question was directed at Hephaestus.

"You’re full of surprises, I’ll give you that," Hephaestus said, grudgingly. "Stealing a rifle from an American military base’s armory was kind of ingenious, and not an easy task."

Trinity smiled. "I’m double-jointed, what can I say?" Mouthymerc almost tripped over the box he was pushing, causing Trinity to laugh.

"That doesn’t tell me why we’re here and what we’re doing, though, and that’s how we’ll really know if you’re up to the task," Hephaestus said and he picked up a tool and began picking at one of the rifle’s parts.

"I’ll give you a better briefing when Avatar gets here," Equinox said, and everyone (except Equinox) froze in mid-action.

"W-why’d you call him in?" Mouthymerc stammered when he’d recovered. The others, even Trinity, nodded their agreement.

Equinox sighed and picked up another rag, wiping the grease from his hands. He retrieved his briefcase and logged on the computer, then twisted it around so the rest could view the screen. The other three agents leaned in and finally, Hephaestus let out a low whistle, eyeing Equinox with a newfound respect. "That’s what he intercepted?"

"Yep, and as far as I can tell, he was the only one who knew what he had; even they didn’t know."

"… Boss, he is so gonna kick your ass."

Mouthymerc nodded. "I like you, and you have your tricks -- I’ll give you that -- but you’ve either got the brassiest stones in the world or you’re just plain loco."

"Perhaps, my friend, but we’ll see if I’m onto something." Two honks interrupted the conversation and the agents looked up to see a nondescript SUV pull up into the driveway, towing a small trailer. "Speaking of which, here’s a large part of the plan now."

Mute exited the vehicle, quickly followed by two female agents and another male, also dressed in a suit. The females looked confused, Mute appeared slightly nervous and the male agent, indifferent. "I got your suit, Equinox," Mute said.

"Wonderful! We’re on schedule, then. Ladies and gentlemen, please acquaint yourselves with each other as you unload the vehicles; we’ll be working in tight quarters on a strict timetable so you’ll need to be familiar with your capabilities, and fast. Avatar, if you’ll follow me, I’ve got some things I need to show you." Equinox grabbed his coat and the newcomer male agent followed Equinox into the house.

Mouthymerc waited until the two agents were out of earshot before he turned to Trinity and asked, "Talk, Trinity: what’s your boss up to?"

"I have no idea," she said with a shrug. "He rarely tells me exactly what’s on his mind; instead, he usually makes me guess."

"Are you usually right?" Hephaestus asked.

"Sometimes. More often than not, it’s just a smaller part of a bigger picture."

"Perhaps you guys can shed some light," Hephaestus said, pointing to the two female agents. "What do you do? What’s your names?"

"Ashlyn O’Connor, but friends call me Koschei," the one on the right said. Her eyes were cornflower blue and she spoke with a slight Irish accent. "Currently of the Foundation’s Division Nihil. I typically handle things of a mystic nature although I’m handy with a spear in case things get rough."

The other female looked even more confused. "I’m Diana Whitehall, better known as Eris, also of Division Nihil, but I typically do field research. I also have…other talents." She looked as if she would say more, but exchanged a look with Koschei and fell silent.

"Well, you can call me Hephaestus. I build stuff, pure and simple. I also play chauffeur every now and then."

"And I’m John Done, or Mouthymerc if you like, a Company man. I shoot stuff dead, or beat it unconscious if it needs to be alive. This is Trinity – she does special favors for Equinox." Koschei’s eyebrows shot up at that and Eris managed to giggle and blush at the same time.

Trinity scowled at Mouthymerc, who didn’t seem to notice his social gaff. "Among other things, I’m good at B&E, but I help the boss coordinate a lot of his activities. I’m sort of a personal assistant." She looked to Mute, who’d been following the conversation in silence.

"Akuma, or Mute. I’m a Collective black market specialist, troubleshooter, amateur sleuth and all-around nuisance to those who piss me off."

"Now I’m even more confused, considering what Equinox just showed us," Hephaestus said.

"What’s that?" Koschei asked. "What did he show you?"

"I showed them this," Equinox said as he held up a folder. Avatar followed closely behind him as they returned to the garage. "I’m betting you’re all confused, given your diverse talents."

There were nods of agreement, and Trinity stepped forward. "Yeah boss, even I’m having trouble following your logic this time."

"It’s okay, Trin. I’ve had to be especially tight-lipped on this one, and for good reason. As of now, you’re all sworn to the highest levels of secrecy on this mission. If all goes well, you’ll be able to tell your kids you were on the mission team that helped kill Villain X."

"I take that back, Equinox. They’re not made of brass, they’re titanium. Indestructible, immutable, indescribable. What’s your plan, ‘cause I know it’s gonna be good?"