"Wisp," replied the woman. Carter accepted the handshake. After some of the other... [i]encounters[/i] that he'd had with other masks throughout the city, it was nice for one to go civilly for once.

"Should be easy to remember," said Carter, releasing her hand.

"Oh now, how cute. A little congratulations over a job well done."

Carter turned, noticing a silhouetted doorway at the opposite end of the warehouse. He could see one man standing there, the moonlight behind him shadowing his features. All except for the cigarette in his mouth, which glowed dimly.

[i]Stupid! Stupid! You leave your guard down for a second...[/i]

Another voice, this time a woman continued the thought. She moved from behind the first, cutting an impressive figure. "Looks like we've got us some pests, Jazz."

"Too true, Jo," replied the first man. "Good thing I brought'sa some exterminators along."

Like wraiths from the shadows, the "exterminators" stepped forward, each with an automatic rifle in-hand. Carter counted at least twelve in the dark, but couldn't risk reaching up to turn on his night vision. No quick movements. At least, not yet.

[i]About 15-men. 30-round clip AK-47s. Possible reload clips. This will not be fun.[/i]

"Put down your weapons, and you will not be hurt," said Carter slowly, the helmet masking his voice.

The boys laughed, as did Jo. Jazz, however, didn't even crack a smile. "Are you being serious? You thinking you can somehow survive a hit like this? Can you not count or something?"

"I'll warn you a second time," said Carter, his grip tightening on his shield handle. "Put the weapons down."

"I think the guy needs that helmet 'cause he's wrong in the head, Jazz.," Jo snickered.

"You may be right there, Jo," replied Jazz. He motioned for the others to move forward.

"Well, now," said the woman, Jo. "See-in's as we've got 'em standing here, I think we oughtta make an example, don'cha think, Jazz?"

Slowly, Carter reached his right hand back to his belt, and gripped a three-bang flash grenade.

"I think you're right there, Jo." The man, Jazz, took a last drag on his cigarette before flicking it towards the two vigilantes. "Boys - Let's show these masks what messin' with the Family'll do for your health."

Carter grit his teeth, his muscles ready to move.

[i]3... 2... 1...[/i]

He pointed. "Light 'em up!"

Carter turned and tackled Wisp to the ground, sliding to a stop as he turned with the shield in front of them. Bullets began to ricochet off the shield's surface in every direction, as Carter tossed the grenade.

"Eyes closed!" Shouted Carter to Wisp. It was then that the entire warehouse lit up like the sun.