This is the IC Board for Initial Shadow Offering.
OOC Board for Initial Shadow Offering

0230 September 20th, 2063 University of Washington, Metroplex, UCAS

The heavy bass thumping, intermixed with vocals which sounded suspiciously like someone strangling an adult wild boar, told Phiber-Wire his next door neighbor was home. Thrash, as he had self titled himself, was big on Troll Trash Bands. He also liked synthol abuse and date rape.

Phiber knew a little bit about self-titling though. However his speciality was programming rather than sexually assaulting passed out sorority girls. As he deftly manipulated the microtronic instrutments manipulating the optical chip, Phillip Hobbes knew he was close.

As he flipped the switch, the screams of Johnny Gutrot and the Trog-Town Trio faded into silence, and darkness.

Against the back drop of the Campus Host, Phiber looked out at the icon before him, as his icon emoted an enormous cartoon grin...

There's a term for this, I believe it's... Eurkea!

There was so much to do now. Phiber fired of a message to Selina, his gf. It read:

"We're Rich!"
-PH

Next was a rapid jacked in converstation with Professor Ishitaka, head of Programming.

That converstation led him to a UCAS federal host, filing a patent application, and the documentation for a Limited Liability Company, Phiber Electronic Technology.

It was about 7:30 am now, in just five hours Phillip Hobbes had gone from college undergrad to potentially very very rich...

Seattle, UCAS 10:25 am September 27th

Caitlin:



George



Nadia:

Seattle, UCAS, 10:27 am, September 27th
Tchiang Kiang Soup Restaurant, Carbanado, Puyallup

"Downtown eh? I take it it's not with any of the usually crew..... yea.... ok.... I'll be there. Take it easy chum."

As George slipped the phone back in his pocket, he could already feel Judith's disapproving stare. The young ork didn't even lift his head from his bowl of wong ton soup: he knew the look perfectly and knew what discussion it would spark.

"Why do you do this George."

He sipped his soup.

"Do we have to talk about this again?"

"Yes we do! You don't seem to understand what you put me through each time you go out!"

"I have to baby, you know it. We need the money, especially now..."

He started turning his spoon around, making the big noodles turn in circle.

"You know very well that mom and dad could..."

Without a warning, George's fist came down hard and fast on the table. The bowl jolted to the side, spilling some of its content on the plastic table. finally lifting his head to look at his wife, he saw she was terrified. She was fully pressed in her chair, seemingly trying to make herself as small as possible. He reached a hand to put it on hers. Judith almost drew it back, but seemed to afraid on the moment.

"Honey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. We really need the money. Especially with the baby coming.... We need to move out of here."

instinctively, the beautiful elf George had as a wife, had her free hand on her belly.

"Yes... I know George... but I'm scared. What if you don't come back one day?"

"Now, don't say that. I'm sharp, and I'm very good at what I do. You know perfectly that if something was to happen, I have people who will take care of you. Relax babe, it's all going to be fine."

He got up and went to sit next to her.

"Come on" he wiped one of her tears "I won't be gone long. Miron says its a cakewalk."

"You know how I feel about that guy... he's so shifty."

"Yea, but he's a good guy."

straightening back up, he picked up his bowl and Judith's now empty plate.

"I have to go hit the streets now. Some business to attend to. You should go see Martha. I'm sure she could use a hand at the clinic."

The fight was over now and George was glad it had ended so quickly. Judith got up on her toes and reached her arms around him to give him a kiss. She then picked up her jacket and walked out. George could do nothing but look at her leave. She was so damn beautiful. The restaurant was still empty... To tell the truth, it wasn't even opened yet. Wu would probably be in soon, and the first morning customers would filter in. George, who had a good relationship with his father in law, simply didn't feel like dealing with him this morning.

Going thru the kitchen, he went up to the small apartment he was renting from his family in law and gathered some gear.

Seattle, UCAS 10:30 am September 27th
Caitlin's apartment, outskirts of Redmond

Caitlin slowly uncoils from her lotus position on the floor, a slight frown flickering across her face at the interruption to her meditation. No matter. The state of gnosis was as elusive as ever. And she certainly needs some work. She glances sourly around the cramped efficiency apartment. It may be clean... now... but it is still spartan, despite a few homey touches, and the utilities are not as reliable or as fully functional as she is used to. And even in these reduced circumstances, her finances are still precarious. "How the mighty have fallen," she thinks to herself.

Shaking herself out of her mental funk, she pads over to the mini-fridge, getting out a plastic container of leftover chicken pasta and a bottle of water. At least the meet is in a decent neighborhood. She gives the Johnson a point for picking an upscale but informal place for the meet, rather than the usual crowded nightclub or seedy bar.

After eating, she meticulously prepares herself. She is grateful that Spindler gave her plenty of time before the meet - of course, a simple spell could have made her presentable in seconds, but she finds the ritual of her preparations to be relaxing. She decides on a charcoal grey pantsuit, with metallic lipstick to match her mirrorshades, but a lacy blouse to soften the hard corporate look a bit. She looks at her immaculate appearance in the mirror, smirking for a second before schooling her face back into a look of bland innocence.

She takes the tube to the neighborhood of the meet, and heads into the bookstore as if she were any other customer. After observing the place under the guise of browsing, she heads out to do some more window shopping, mulling over things like the number of exits, windows, fields of fire, and other tactical situations. She heads back into the bookstore about 40 minutes before the time of the meet.

Seattle, UCAS 10:30 am September 27th
Nadia's Apartment

Sweet! My first real shadowrun! Nadia thinks to herself as she reads the message Fat Charlie left on her pager. Her excitement fades when she takes a closer look at the particulars. A campus bookstore? Ugh, that's not as glamorous as I'd hoped. Marco's always talking about the hip clubs he get's into for meets. It's not like a wanted the Eye of the Needle or anything...

She is jolted out of her musings when the elderly dwarf woman behind her gently nudges her butt with the dwarf-sized shopping cart. Nadia notices that the cashier is ready for her. She smiles sheepishly at the older lady and sets her few items on the checkout belt. After leaving the store, Nadia pauses at a public telecom a spends a couple minutes looking up pictures of the current college fashion trends. Deciding that she can match them by selecting bits and pieces from her wardrobe she returns home and gets ready for the meet, taking the time to slurp down an extra-sized bowl of instant ramen.

Now that doesn't look too bad. she thinks as she admires her clothing in her bedroom mirror. It hid the form-fitting armor nicely, but left no room for her heavy pistols in their concealable holsters. Too bad jacket aren't in style this season. Digging through her closet she finds her largest purse and slips a loaded Colt Manhunter into it along with a clip of regular ammo and a clip of explosive bullets. After a second of thought she moves to her dresser and adds two stim patches and a pocket flashlight to the mix. There we go.

With an hour to spare Nadia scoots out the door and catches a series of buses over to the proper side of town. She enters campus and then the bookstore attempting to look like any other college student. She even browses the text-chips and selection of writing implements.

Now how the heck am I supposed to know who to talk to? She takes a discreet look at each of the stores other patrons.

1500 September 27th, 2063, "The Bookstore", University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS


Caitlin Only



The bookstore consists primarily of a series of cyberterminals, lined against the walls, and at counters, where students can browse, and than download any class materials they may need. There is an elevator which can transport people to the floors above, but it appears to require a University ID of some kind. There is one main entrance, a double glass door, featuring what at first appear to be MAD weapon detectors, but upon looking closer inspection you see they are only theft-protection devices. A door behind a counter in the rear of the store leads to an employee only area, and presumably, a service exit of some kind.

To your right as you enter the door is a cafe shop, advertising the most "Seattle" of all soykaf brands. A young woman with a heavily pierced face is the barista. She's wearing a green apron that matchs the birdsnest that is her hair, beneath that a black t-shirt, which features a hologram with an Ares Predator, intermixed with the phrase, "What, Me Worry?"

Sitting at a table is a young white male, perhaps no older than twenty-six. He's shoulder length brown hair is shaved on one side, exposing a datajack, a hair cut fashionable... maybe ten years ago. His pockmarked face features what must be described as a look of intense concentration... all of his efforts appear to be focused on sipping an espresso without spilling it all over the t-shirt featuring in big black letters, "Your Kung Fu Is WEAK!" The t-shirt covers a pudgy exterior.

Behind him, a young, maybe twenty-two, hispanic elf female, physical fit, and attractive by any standard of judgement. She is resting one hand on his shoulder, and apparently watching people who enter.

Given the number of people present in the store, it is obvious they are waiting for you, and you are waiting for them.

Nadia casually walks up to the coffe table flashing her friendliest smile.

"Hi," she says to the coffee-lovers. "My name's Nadia. A special 'friend' told me to meet you guys here. Something about an escort?"

These had better really be the people I'm supposed to meet or I just fragged up bad. She thinks to himself.

14:53 September 27th, 2063, "The Bookstore", University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

George had been standing across the street, at a bus stop for almost 15 minutes, staring at his reflection in the semi reflective plastic panel. Whatever he seemed to do, he felt like his tie wasn't quite tied properly. He undid it, for the 50th time, and started all over again.

There...

It seemed correct. He straightened his Mortimer Greatcoat and flashed his reflection a smile. George looked assured on the outside, but inside, he was nervous. Like before any job... His palms were sweaty, and his nose kept itching. Walking a few feet, he stopped at an electronic news stand, getting a print of the daily news sheet. He cared very little about current events... but he simply felt strange walking in with his hands empty. When it was finally 14:55 George walked in the book store. The place was rather empty, just like it had been a few hours ago when he had walked around the place to do his recon. He had already spotted the little coffee shop, and walked to the serving counter, with a seemingly "deeply absorbed in his tought" demeanor. Pretending to read the newspaper like any good suit, George let the counter girl ask her question 3 times before he snapped out of it.

"Oh! Excuse me! I... hummm..."

He looked over the selection of coffee.

"I'll just have the Coffee of the Day. Large one... please".

Fishing a few UCAS dollars out of his pockets, he paid his due and took a table, making sure to sit in a manner that he could see the whole room. It was probable that the people he was here to meet were amongst the three individuals present in the room... but... it wasn't 15:00 quite yet. He still had some time to enjoy his coffee.

14:40 September 27th, 2063, "The Bookstore", University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS


Caitlin notes her prospective employers nearly as soon as she re-enters the bookstore, and gives a mental wince. Could they be more obvious? And the general lack of people in the store makes them stand out even more. She originally thought the bookstore meet was a clever way for the group to sit down together with some coffee, looking for all the world like an informal business meeting or study session. Apparently she overestimated her prospective employers. Not as if she can be too picky, though, so she'll hear their spiel.

First, she goes over to the barrista and gets a cup of espresso - the real stuff, not soy. A bit of a luxury given her current circumstances, but she can't abide that soy swill. As she approaches the duo, another woman steps up and introduces herself to them. As soon as they reply affirmatively, she steps up herself. "Ah, so this is the... meeting... that I was told about? You should be expecting me; are there any other people we're waiting for?"

1450 September 27th, 2063, "The Bookstore", University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

The Barrista mutters profanity very loudly under her breath as George moves away from the counter and sits down. But it looks like he may not have chance to perfect his "Suit act" as Nadia and Caitlin rapidly approach the apparent Johnson.

Said "Johnson" jumps straight up, splashing espresso every which way, awkwardly offering a hand, to both the women, providing a limp wristed shake.

"Forgive me, this is all a little new to me." he says, as caffinated beverage slowly drools down between the word "Kung" and the word "Fu".

"There should be one more joining us I think. We should wait I suppose for them." he says as he sits down, and resettles his beverage.

Eventually, the sharp dressed George makes his approach, which leads to another round of espresso-spillage, as the fellow stretches his hand out for another shake.

As the clock in the cafe , an antique, gear-laden thing mounted to the ceiling, chimes, indicating its time for students to bussle along to their next class, or in this case, for the meet to officially begin.

"I suppose that's it time...shall we?" He says, sitting again. The woman behind him, has remained silent this whole time. She looks partially nervous, and a little expectant.

"My name is Phill Hobbes, I'm president of Phiber Electronic Technology, and a UW student. Well I was. Officially withdrew two days ago." He pronunces it U-DUB, like a strange caucasian rastafarian, the way all students here do. "In 3 days our newest product will be through the patent office, at which time we'll be meeting with a notable corporation to provide it to them under contract. It will be a lucrative deal. Two days ago my room was ransacked, my cyberterminal, and all my coding equipment was stolen. Fortunately I had the program with me. But it seems clear that someone wants to steal the product before the patent comes through. Who would do that sort of thing I don't know."

Of course Nadia,Caitlin and George knew exactly the kind of people who do that kind of thing.

"Than yesterday I was damn near run over by a car. I watch enough trid to know it wasn't an accident." He says. "So that's where you guys come in. For three days you guys keep me out of harms' way, keep the product out of unworthy hands, and when the deal goes down, you'll be well rewarded."

"Sounds good, but how much of a reward are we talking about? I mean, three days is a lot of my time..."

Nadia allows her voice to fade away at the end of her final statement, inviting the sloppy corp president to name a figure. Hopefully one with a few zeros at the end of it.

Nadia had just finished her sentence that George, setting his mug down, jumped in. His low and deep voice carried easily in the empty coffee shop, and so, he spoke in a very gentle and soft tone.

"Mister Hobbes," he leaned a bit forward, making sure the man would notice the rows of razor sharp teeth that filled his mouth "I just want to make sure I'm hearing you well. We will " he took a small pause, "not be paid until you conclude your deal?"

Straigthening back in his seat, George took a deep breath to make himself even bulkier. Hobbes seemed like a rather affable man, and simply intimidating him in coughing up a big wad of nuyen didn't seem like such a bad plan to Pliskin.

Plus, looking tough was one of his best traits.

Phil seems delighted that someone else brought up the topic of monetary details..

"Well, the thing is, that until the deal is actually completed... We're not exactly endowed with liquid assets. That being said, We're willing to offer 1,000 up front, with 500 a day, and another 1,000 upon completion. That's a total of $3,500 per person. How does that settle with you?"

1450 September 27th, 2063, "The Bookstore", University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

"Are we supposed to provide security for the both of you?"

Damn, that was a good question. Nadia thinks to herself. I sould have come up with that one.

A grimace attempts to rise to her lips, but she fights it back down and maintains her calm expression as she waits for an answer to the handsome ork's question.

1500 September 27th, 2063, "The Bookstore", University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

"Uhh..." Hobbes stares for a moment, before recovering, "Not as such no. Sel.. will eventually be taking over our marketing department.. that is when we have a marketing department. But in the mean time she'll be remaining a student." He looks over his shoulder at the elfin woman, who offers a large blank smile, and remains quiet. There is the prospect of her attending the deal itself, so what I would say, is that you'd be expected to provide protection while she's with us, but you wouldn't have to dispatch a person for her protection the rest of the time."

"Are you two, um, how do I say this...a couple?" Nadia asks. "I'm only curious about what might happen if they try to use her to get to you?"

Of course, two people will require a significant raise in reward. Nadia's inner-self grins mischievously as she maintains her calm, confident expression.

1500 September 27th, 2063, "The Bookstore", University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

George crossed his large arms across his chest. Without turning to face her, Nadia's comment made him smirk. She seemed young enough, but had her head well on her shoulders.

A quick thinker. Good.

"She's right." he gave her a discreet nob of approval "And as you just said, even if the Miss won't be with you all the time, the number of people to protect has now double." He gave him another carnivorous smile, then took a long sip of his half drank coffee.

"Most people would ask for you to double the price. But, we aren't money hungry thugs" who am I kidding... "and can understand your current situation. But one thing that we all know is that you, Mister Hobbes, are about to be a very wealthy man."

He took another sip.

"But in order to be wealthy and successful, you have to get to that meet in one piece. You have to live. Plus... this operation comes very short notice and is rushed."

The coffee was now starting to get cold, but George didn't change his attitude. He had to stay cool, in control.

"I can understand you can't spare more than 1 000 on the advance payment, but 500 a day, and 1 000 on completion isn't satisfactory. Just the resources we'll have to deploy cost more than that."

He looked at him, from head to toe.

"I'll make a wild assumption: you're new to this. Thats alright Mister Hobbes, but you don't seem to be aware of the current running prices for our services."

The mug was now pretty much empty.

"We could be vultures and ask a percentage of the deal you'll be cutting in a few days, but that would simply be... uncivil."

The ork ajusted his cuffs.

"If you cannot come up with more nuyens on the table, I'm sure that large parts of shares from your company could fill the gap. But a bigger completion payment would then be required."

He leaned forward, locking eyes with Hobbes.

"I don't want to bully you into any deal, or force a price down your throat. It is unethical. But you must be able to come up with something better than that offer."

Once again, the ork leaned back in his chair; back straight, shoulders out; taking as much place as possible.

Hobbes gulped noticably, his adam's apple bobbing like a buoy in a sea of total naivety.

"Perhaps Mr...." He doesn't complete the thought, presumably deciding that he'd just as soon not know George's name.

"you misunderstand our current situation. On the strength of a potential product, we have acquired a business loan, its specific amount does not concern you. But after the completion of my business, you'll be looking at a full on corporation, with... ahh... all associated needs... Payroll, financing of future projects, office rent, etc... all of which will eat into what might otherwise appear to be a large prospective sum." He pauses for a moment, clearly thinking, than adds, "That being said, we do have a slight budget for security... uh... some of which I'm willing to make use of at this point. Would you all be willing to accept a thousand up front, five hundred a day, and an additional 2,000 at completion? That would mean just under five thousand nuyen for you... a not inconsiderable sum, as I'm sure you can agree. If Selena's security should enter the picture, I will throw in a bonus, to be negotiated after success is achieved."

He looks at Nadia and Caitlin, as if seeking recognition that this is... indeed... a fair deal.

More than satisfied with the deal, Nadia locks eyes with the equally talkative ork and gives him a barely perceptible nod, but before the deal can go forward she turns to look at the other female runner wearing a bright smile.

"I'm sorry. It seems that we've been hogging all the conversation. Is there anything you'd like to add?" she says pleasantly.

Caitlin thoughtfully steeples her fingers under her chin. "The amount of the payment is... acceptable. I do expect Mr. Hobbes to also handle expenses such as hotel rooms and such."

She turns to Mr. Hobbes. "I hope you understand that this situation is fairly serious. Word has gotten out somehow, and for the next three days, you are going to be a marked man. I hope you didn't expect to be returning to your apartment... for the next three days, we're going to all have to keep moving, and we'll be using certified cred to pay for anything that we need to." A wintery smile flickers on her features. "Just think of it as a vacation."

"I'll have to keep an eye out on the girl, too," she thinks. "I wonder if she's the one who sold him out... or if she didn't, but might still consider it. I'll have to watch her to see if she tries to contact anyone."

1510 "The Book Store" University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

"Arrangements have been made. Presuming you accept, we'll be traveling from here to the hotel. I should be able to make all my arrangements from there, until the actual meeting. As for living expenses, and travel costs, we'll be covering those, I expect that you will be provide any equipment or materials needed for your work."

The girl, apparently named Selena according to Hobbes, suddenly pipes up.

"I've gotta run babe... meeting a Prof to review my groups project." She turns towards the three of you, and gives a brief nod.

"A pleasure to meet you all. Keep him safe!" she says with a giggle, and begins to move towards the exit."

Hobbes waves devotedly, and than turns back to business, in his left hand he holds three certified credsticks, in his right a fourth, from which he appears to be transfering funds.

"We have a deal?"

George, who had been staring at his empty cup, lifts his deep brown eyes toward Hobbes.

"I believe you do have yourself a deal."

He extends a large right hand toward his new employer, as to seal the deal.

"Pliskin. From now on, you stay behind me whenever you can."

Caitlin mentally curses as the girl blithely skips out of the coffee shop. Do they not have a clue how serious this is? She turns back to Hobbes, who seems to be ready to conclude the deal, and holds on to her cool reserve.

"I'm in," she nods. "You will be safe with us... although I am less sure about Selena. She'll be fine if she makes it to the meeting, but that's a pretty big "if".

"I'm Caitlin, by the way."

"I'm Nadia," Nadia says as she shakes hands all around. "And I am most deffinately in."

I guess the girl will take care of herself. Although if she gets into trouble, I'm not risking my neck without a substantial bonus.

"Well, shall we be off? I am sure we can continue introductions when we reach our destination."

She turns to the handsome ork.

"You seem to know bodyguarding pretty well. Do you have any particular suggestions for us?"