4/14/2025 Kick Recap - "Do You Turn Into A Bat?"

Lang studies the modifications CJ made to her brainstorm board, laughing at her childish drawing of Yeager. Lang reads through CJ's recap of the weekend, but gets interrupted by a noise outside. Beric told CJ that he lost his arm during his interrogation from the Faceless. Lang asks if she's heard from Edgar, hoping he's not dead - she hasn't. CJ gets a text from the mission phone giving her more details about the target, Lang wants to take the equipment to the Forge to upgrade them while they have time.

Skipper, Saab, and Jonah are working on selling fentanyl to other gangs. South Cypress gave them a few racks to help with their butcoin farm. South Cypress arrives to hand off some product, they all remember to go vote in the new elections. Lang votes for Party Hardy (North) and Marty Banks (South). Lang considers including Saab on the Talon Mission later, since he's a 'trained assassin'. Edgar calls to check in, asking for a property to use for 3 days. Edgar explains that he promised Delver a property to use after blowing up his house, hoping that they move the Orb into a place they can access easier. Lang will try to figure out an option, Edgar clarifies what he should tell the Faceless, but Lang decides he should just be honest.

Liya arrives at the Forge, she's back from vacation. Lang and CJ greet her, but leave to get their errands done. CJ tries to plan the mission with Lang, showing him places that she spied on the agents before. Lang doesn't think that CJ is ready for this mission, but they don't have a choice. CJ gets another text confirming that the mission will happen at the docks, and that the investor will have a briefcase on him with further details. Lang and CJ prepare the equipment, Lang gets a van to clean up the bodies with. Lang, Saab, and CJ roll out to the docks and wait for the precise moment for the mission to begin.

Talon Mission 1

After noticing a few helicopters and police cars, CJ receives a text about the meeting moving to Fort Zancudo. They head over in a hurry, hoping to still remain on time. Setting up around the hangars, they spot people waiting to meet a client. Saab and CJ move in, taking out different guards and associates as they approach. Lang silently shoots down a few guards, eventually deciding that it's become too hot and they storm the group of men. Saab and CJ hold up the target in his bulletproof car, Lang shoots down a supporting helicopter and loads up the downed bodies in his van. They take the target into a helicopter, CJ holds him hostage after robbing him and shooting off one of his fingers. The agent has a key to a stash at the docks, CJ reads the schedule that she finds in his notes. The agent knows of Lang Buddha, declaring that they are well aware of him. Saab shoots down another helicopter that's chasing them, they land at the docks. The agent bleeds out, CJ hops out and gets injured in the helicopter blades, Lang bails from the docks after loading them both back in. They dump the agent's body in the river waters, taking all that's left in his pockets. Saab administers first aid to keep CJ alive, Lang lands in Paleto and drives CJ down to the hospital in a panic. Saab takes CJ into the emergency ward, Lang runs into Pixie who asks if he forgot about their therapy appointment. Lang realizes how terribly timed this is, he offers an excuse and checks on CJ. CJ is high on drugs after being patched up, Opal runs into them at the hospital and reminds Lang that he's supposed to be checking in every day still. Opal makes a note that she trusts he's not up to anything, and doesn't search him. Sweat drops from his brow as he charms his way out of it, taking a leisurely walk out of the hospital as he waits for a pick up. Lang is picked up by Saab and CJ, they race to the docks to find the stash. CJ remembers the code to break in, they find: bundles of cash, faceless coins and cards, and a USB key.

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Saab takes the guns and equipment to dispose in the Refinery, Lang and CJ head to the Rest to sort out everything they learned. Lang and CJ read through the notebook the agent had, Lang wants her to mind map it all and detail it on the board. Lang takes the USB to the computer in the basement, but it doesn't seem to work correctly. He decides to take her to a better computer (pausechamp). On the way up the Vinewood hills, he cautions CJ about the next reveal, warning her not to mention it to anyone.

Lang's rental car crawls up the familiar hillside, approaching the Manor's garage door. He has her wait in the car as he inputs the security codes, stepping out to make sure they lock behind them. Covered in a light dust, but still painted in a vibrant clarity is the mural of the Cleanbois. Lang approaches the wall with the car as a loud vibration shifts the wall and raises it. Lang drives forward in silence, CJ panics as they enter a large set of tunnels. Lang drives down the dimly lit corridor entering the Cave. Lang parks the car on the Cerberus logo, and has her get out. CJ freaks out, looking at the suits and equipment adorning the walls. Lang begins by logging into the computer, getting her assistance to plug things in as they attempt to hack into the Faceless USB.

Once they hack into the USB, they find files for different missions including today's. Lang has CJ take photos of every screen they find, hoping that it can be all laid out on the boards in the basement for reference later. Upon exiting, Lang takes the shortcut and leaps from the hillside onto the streets below. CJ is stunlocked by everything she's witnessed, Lang offers to answer the few questions she has. Lang details what the different suits were used for (the Future suit, Shadow's suit, and the Alias suit). Lang talks about his history inventing and creating, his time with Talon, and then his time with Cerberus. He knows he strayed from the path Shadow intended for him, but the return to most of these things and places have shown him how misguided he was. Lang apologizes for CJ nearly dying, believing he is responsible for her not being ready. They are interrupted by a radio alert with news about their shootout at Fort Zancudo.

Lang gets his bags packed and heads to the airport, hoping to make contact with whoever is issuing missions to CJ. As Lang slowly walks down the airport stairs, an ominous red glow reflects from his eye.

(assuming he sleeps on the plane)