Knock knock

[evillurks]

As before, The Shadow leaves for his deceased alternate's New York as soon as he knows it's dark there. This time he goes more heavily equipped, ready for any contingency, or so he hopes. He has not discounted the possibility that the men he goes to visit may turn out to be enemies rather than allies in restoring order to that city. He goes knowing

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[shadowagents]

Fortune favors the patient: after a short wait none other than Hawkeye appears from down the hallway. The short, shifty man is easily recognizable, however he looks to have certainly seen harder days. His face is worn and a couple faint scars are visible, his hands look tortured with their crooked fingers, but they are deceptive, as they move fluidly over a well-hidden panel that is tucked out of sight of The Shadow's direct view. Opening it, he presses a switch and waits for three seconds before entering the doors. Confidently, he walks into the antechamber that currently keeps the Shadow out, and the door closes automatically behind the small man.

[evillurks]

The Shadow has seen a Hawkeye older still, but the scars are unfamiliar. This world has seen an ugly time, and clearly it has left its mark on all he knows.
The single guard is at his least wary, knowing a man he works for has just passed. That lax attitude also hints that Cliff is either already inside or not expected anytime soon. The Shadow moves swiftly and silently, and is upon the guard before he can cry out. This time he does not bother to hide the unconscious form, knowing that even that absence will tip off any who see it. Removing a glove he seeks the wall panel, making an educated guess from Hawkeye's stance and what he could see of his arm movements from behind.

[shadowagents]

The inspection is quickly fruitful as a panel, well hidden by the decorative wood around it, gives slightly. Most people would think it merely a weak spot in the wall, but The Shadow's delicate fingertips tell him it is otherwise, and with only a split second more, he has found the seam and the small spot flips open on silent latch and hinges. He is presented with a single, red button about the size of his girasol. Hawkeye appeared to have only pressed it once in The Shadow's detail oriented eyes.

[evillurks]

There seems little else for it but to copy the other man's actions. He presses the button, and waits for three seconds before proceeding after Hawkeye, slipping his glove back on as he goes. His gaze roams quickly over the next room as he enters, and he is tense and alert, ready for any threat, in any form.