158 Bubbly

Ori continued to lay out the basics of the job, providing tips he wished he knew when he first started along with tidbits that'd help him get along with Maine's crew better. He'd worked with them enough to understand how they usually operated.

He ended up taking the kid to a shooting range for a gun anyway. Turned out he was a better shot than Ori had been when he first started, though he could still use the practice. Regardless, the rookie would hopefully survive long enough to lose the title.

All in all, Ori found David to be a good-natured guy, if somewhat moody and precocious. Someone like that was a good fit for Maine's crew, especially with how he blushed whenever Lucy was mentioned...

------------------

[All in position?] Sasha questions over the comms, checking for the last time before things truly start.

[Yep, we're ready to shoot the place up if needed.] - Rebecca

[Just remember the objectives and don't draw attention to yourself.] - Ori

[Obviously.] - Sasha

She glances over her shoulder at Christy, who was wearing her full 'BD Star' getup. Colourful, stylish, and flashy enough for the NiCola advert. They were all working on the presumption that the agency considered Christy missing, and thus lacking a proper outfit for her.

"Y-you sure this is going to work?" the singer tentatively questions, nerves for the upcoming event obviously getting to her. High-pressure situations weren't unfamiliar, but obvious subterfuge and assassination attempts definitely weren't her forte.

Sasha nods, starting up the executive vehicle they'd rented for this occasion. "Don't worry, we'll manage."

Christy can only sigh in response, reapplying her lip gloss for the second time today.

They arrive at the agency building ten minutes before the ad was scheduled, giving them ample time to get ready for whatever had been set up. Sasha parks the car in one of the offered spots and steps out, revealing her black suit, shoulder-length hair, and black shades which concealed her coloured contact lenses. She'd even had her face tattoo's covered with makeup to make identifying her even more difficult. Even Ori had difficulty recognising her with the full disguise on, which was good enough for her.

She opens Christy's door as some guards from the building walk over to intercept the unscheduled arrival, only for them to freeze as the BD Star steps out, obviously recognising her. She gracefully flicks her hair and sends a cold look at them, "Is something wrong?"

"Ah-no, we just weren't expecting you so early, Miss D'Clert!" the lead one pipes up as the other turns away and speaks into his radio.

"If you wouldn't mind, my client has an appointment to attend." Sasha stepped in, arm outstretched while the other was ready to draw a firearm.

"Apologies, do you know the way or do you want an escort?"

"That will not be necessary." Christy states in a dull tone, "I've been here before." she walks past as Sasha shadows her. They acquire the studio number from the reception and make their way up, finding a surprised camera crew who'd been under the presumption that she'd been absent.

"Have Sheila and Fae not arrived yet?" she haughtily questions while trying to spot the NiCola consultant. Which was fairly easy considering he was the only one wearing a suit more expensive than most of the camera equipment present.

"Not yet, their drivers messaged us that they will be late, traffic apparently. It's good to see my Miss D'Clert, I was told you'd not be able to attend today. I'm Bayer Michaels by the way, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." the director says, smiling lasciviously as his eyes run up and down her form. "Your outfit still leaves a little to be desired though, I'll have the costume girls get something more suited for what I have planned."

"And what would that be?" she glances at the set-up scene, to her chagrin it was almost completely pink with bubble machines already powered.

"I'm planning on having you three do some dancing, we'll be able to do three independent ads at different price points if we split them up afterwards. The full one will be shown on TV networks as well of course." he glances at Sasha who was still hovering behind Christy, "You can take a seat somewhere, no harm'll come to her in this place. I assure you."

Sasha glares at him from behind her shades, causing the man to straighten slightly, "I'll be the judge of that. Her safety is my responsibility for the time being. You do your work, I'll do mine. Is that understood?" she states, carefully choosing her words in order to not reveal her accent.

"Yes, I believe that will be fine." the door to the studio opens and he turns to it with a large grin as Sheila and Fae step in. "Ah! You're finally here! Let's get started shall we?"

Of course, the duo freeze in place when they spot Christy, both paling slightly as she smiles 'naively' at them.

"Hey! I haven't seen you two in days!" Christy cheerfully greets them, pulling both into an awkward hug. Neither knew how to react to the strangely chipper girl who they'd tried to have killed...

"Y-yeah... Good to see you too Christy..." Fae pats her bandmate on the back.

"We were just wondering where you'd been. You haven't gotten into any trouble have you?... Not the Police I hope!?" Sheila gasped, acting as if she was trying to win an oscar with this performance.

Christy pulls back and shakes her head, "No, nothing like that. I've just had some security problems," she gestures at Sasha, "Say hi to my sexy bodyguard." she smiles.

Sasha gives a brief nod, "I have been charged with her safety until these strange attacks have been resolved."

"Ah... Well, I wish you luck, I'd be horrified if anything actually happened." Sheila throws her arms around her bandmate's shoulders, "After all, we're a team! Things just wouldn't be the same!"

Fae hurriedly nods, "We wouldn't have made it so far without each of us."

"Guys!" Christy tearfully exclaims, hugging them both... Impressing Sasha at how readily the singer could tear up on command.

avataravatar
Next chapter