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[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:18:41
Bliss Nightclub

Each of you had received the message from Erik Suriel to arrive at Bliss nightclub in downtown no later than 9:30 pm as he had planned a little celebration of a job well done. Plus there was that whole issue of settling up payment as well and he assured you he’d be there with certified cred for each of you in the amount of $500 each for the satisfactory completion of the courier job you pulled the other day.

Erik made it quite clear that you were to show up dressed well, no gear, no street clothes. This was an upscale club that catered to a preferred and “pretty” clientele, besides Erik couldn’t tarnish his vanity and his reputation being seen with common shadowrunners. He also left the details that once all five of you had arrived, you were to make your way upstairs to “Heaven” where he’d be waiting with a private booth.

When you make your way into Bliss, your eyes and ears are assaulted by popular synthpop and an amazing technical light show. Club goers are decked to the nines in the latest street fashion, each person trying to outdo the next and stand out. Body mods, phosphorescent tattoos, fiber optic hair seem to be the norm. Every person there is stunning looking, especially the service staff. They wander the club in skin-tight holographic uniforms that hardly leave much to the imagination. Most impressive on both the male and female service staff are the pairs of angel’s wings that seem to have grown from their shoulder blades. The wings move and spread as if they have a life of their own, truly amazing devices if you stopped and thought about it much, but the bodies and faces of everyone around you keep you from doing just that.

As you make your way further into the club, you are plunged into the main dance floor and bodies pressed against one another as the club is packed. On the far side of the club you can make out the fire bar, decked out in various shades of red and orange lo-glo and even live flame behind the bar. Seems like that’s the place to grab a drink and wait for the rest of your team to arrive.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:20:12

Billy Shen wasn't surprised that his quick scan of the parking lot didn't show anyone else's vehicles. He'd learned how to drive by hanging on for dear life, riding bitch with his arms tight around the flat belly of one of the Sprawl's premier small-scale smugglers and general courier drivers. She'd done the driving, he'd done the talking, and together the two had sped and lied their way out of the alleys and into real business. The first time he'd slung one leg over his very own motorcycle -- revved the handles and all -- he'd reflexively kicked the beast into the same breakneck speed he always associated with the two-wheeled monsters, and he hadn't slowed down much since. While he still had only maybe half Razor's knack for it, Billy he was still a better (or, failing that, faster) driver than most folks in this 'burg.

Better early than late, he grins to himself as he slips his glasses on, then extends the upward motion so that one hand dives through his helmet-matted hair (memory gels re-perfecting each cranberry red spike). A few seconds later, and even as his long legs are carrying him across the parking lot, he's got his little black earbud nestled into place just in case he's got an incoming call. The bounce-staff must've been told who to expect, because a nod and a wave is all it takes for him to get past the leather-clad archangel at the door. As he strolls through the entrance he carelessly tosses an unlit cigarette to his lips. Even if the joint's not my cup of tea, I'd rather wait on Mister J than have Mister J wait on me.

A finger-roll on a near-invisible dial built into the frame tints his crystal clear lenses until they're mirror-hard and unreadable. Behind the glasses, Shen's eyes are now free to roam undetected; and while he finds most of the view (waitresses, especially) quite to his liking, the decorations aren't really his style. He prefers ladies that don't glow in the dark, nightclubs without pretentions of the afterlife -- Really, Dante's stopped being cool in, what, 2060? -- and front doors that don't sport MAD scanners (no matter how tastefully decorated). Billy knows the polymer-crafted lemon squeezer up his left sleeve won't trigger anything, knows the suit-top he's wearing is baggy enough all along the arm no one will notice it, and knows he doesn't really need the gun to be dangerous; all the same, he dislikes being told to leave his hardware at home. People like Erik needed a better understanding of the people they did business with. It was a matter of principle.

But freelancers, he reminded himself with a sigh, even as his smile seemed so very sincere, his step so light, his half-dance across the floor and towards the bar so perfectly natural, Don't have the luxury of principles. You chose this life for yourself. Fuck pride, get paid. That's the motto, ain't it?

His steps are quick as he weaves his way through the crowd, his balance unaffected by the tides of humanity crashing around him. He's a red-clad speck making his way through a rainbow-and-more of glowing, wriggling, writhing, partygoers; but he's a speck making his way, all the same. A look at him wouldn't show his determination, but Billy Shen's a born liar who's polished it to an artform. His palms grope the same spots everyone else does, his smile flashes just as bright as the novacoke-highest club hoppers around him, his body moves with the music the same as everyone else's, he gracefully accepts the tongue thrust into his mouth by a bodysculpted elf wannabe who gleefully presses against him for no good reason (and leaves him checking his pockets out of street-born reflex), but his mind is on the bar, the soon-to-be-assembling team, and the payday yet to come.

Fun was fun, and he'd have some fun with this five hundred -- but not 'till he got the 'stick in hand, and had left Johnson and his elitist club far behind him. Biz was just biz. He was here for work, not pleasure.

His hands wear fingerless black-mesh gloves as he raps his knuckles twice on the bar for a bit of attention, then waves the nearest drink-tosser over. Belying his almond-shaped brown eyes, his voice doesn't hold a trace of an accent (only a hint of a slur, from the cigarette still held between his lips). "I'll take a light and a Tsingtao, in no particular order."

[TheOneRonin]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:24:37

Gary was making fat nuyen tonight. This was his first valet job, but it was cake. All he had to do was park and retrieve the vehicles of the wealthiest patrons of Bliss Nightclub. So fat, in fact, that he had made almost $250 nuyen in tips. Thus far, the guy with neon purple hair in the Ferarri Enzo Classic had been the biggest tipper.

Gary snapped out of his reverie when the latest customer approached the valet area. Gary scrunched up his nose at the arrival of the champaign color '62 Honda Civic. This certainly wasn't the type of vehicle he expected to see tonight.
The honda barreled into the valet area, barely missing Gary, and leaving tread marks as it screeched to a halt.

"What the FUCK are you looking at, you pencil neck prick!" is all Gary hears as the door opens and the driver steps out.

Fucking dickhead valet acting like he's never seen a Honda before. Spoiled rich brat probably rides in a fucking limo everywhere. Julio adjusts the cuffs on his leather jacket as he steps out of his car. He strokes his gotee and then tosses his keys to the valet. "If it comes back with so much as a scratch, I'm gonna have your fucking cock for breakfast, you shithead."

Julio's gaze drifts across the entrance to Bliss, the metal dectectors, the bouncers, and the long line of nobodies hoping to get in. Fancy fucking joint, this is. Just here to get my payoff and be done with dis pretentious shit. And maybe I can get one of those cuban import cigars from Billy...if that tight fuck can unpucker his ass cheeks long enough to give somethin away without charging.

Julio pauses at the entrance just long enough to throw a couple of "fuck yous" at the bouncers, then makes his way into bliss. In stark contrast with Billy's crowd blending, Julio is a bull in a china shop. He shoves, shoulders, and elbows his way through the crowd, his glare more than enough to shut down anyone who mouths off.

Eventually he makes his way to the staircase, lighting up a smoke and looking around to see if the rest of the team has arrived. It doesn't take long for him to spot Billy at the bar. Three chicks all over his balls aready...fucking typical. We're here for business, and he's thinking about pussy.

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:25:58

With her heels clacking on the floor, the elf girl pushes her lithe body through the crowd, brushing against some of the other club goers like a cat as she moves by, and listening to their bawdy chatter. It did pay off to practice walking properly in this dress for a few hours while watching the latest music videos. While the guy watching the cyberware scanner at the entrance did raise an eyebrow when the elf had entered, he just nodded her in, after casually checking the SIN broadcast from her PAN, that explained the scanner readings. Scantily clad in a racy black dress, showing more skin than anything else, with a skirt as short as they get, and a revealing open-back neckholder bodice with a deep plunging neckline, likely taped, the little cloth barely held in place by a thin strap around the neck and another two across the back, Scarlet easily fits into the crowd tonight. She actually feels quite comfortable in here, strong even. The dress is the latest parisian chic, at least she was told as much, when she had bought it from a chinese clothes shop earlier that day. The price certainly told a different story, a real dress from Paris would easily cost twenty to fifty times as much or more, but who cares for that, it sure looked that way, and most of the others here wouldn't even know where or even what Paris is, anyways. She bought it along with those damnable, but incredibly sexy black strappy sandals with 4" heels - italian, of course - but she wanted the full package, and she got it. “You look like a princess, miss!” the salesgirl had said with her heavy accent. More like a slut. At least not a cheap one. Proper etiquette stopping her from saying this thought aloud, but the salesgirl did do a rather good job in selling her this dress, and well, she did look rather hot in it for sure. You could do worse. Scarlet's left shoulder and the left arm are decorated with a phosphorescent pattern of green color, matching her beautiful eyes, just a temporary body tattoo most likely, her ash-blonde hair falling over her back and down to her slender waists with some honey-blonde highlights, extensions. There's only a hint of make-up and no lipstick, Scarlet hates that stuff. No nail varnish either. A plain bracelet around her left wrist is likewise the only jewelry she wears, the only other accessory being a small black hand bag and her slim and stylish purple sunglasses.

An hour ago, she had changed taxis at a subway station, where she deposited a shoulder bag with some more belongings, and a set of extra clothes, in between. You never knew how the evening turned out...

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:26:00

Apex walked into the Bliss without a word to the goons at the door. Their scanners could scan all they wanted he wasn't carrying any weapons that weren't provided by his genetic code.

The crowd in the club reminded him of the rich snobs who'd attended MIT&T and Harvard back in his days in Boston. Mom and Dad dropping six digits on an education none of them took advantage of while he scrambled to maintain his scholarship and work to pay his rent.

Oh well, life ain't fair, and no one ever promised you it would be.

He stood tall and headed for the bar, tall for him meant 5'8" but it was as tall as he got, to get a drink before heading up stairs. In this crowd he had to look like the ugly duckling, short curly hair cut close to his head, simple corporate casual clothes and his heavily armored sythleather jacket, no frills or neon on him. He drifted through the crowd, trying to work with the movement of the crowd instead of fighting against it. Be like water was one of Sifu's favorite aphorisms in his JKD classes, who knew it'd come in useful in trying to get to the bar in a crowded club. He lacked the muscle mass to push through the crowd, he was built like a short Elf all lean muscle mass and grace, which meant that the dancers were a real obstacle for him. Eventually he got to the bar and got his Tequilla Sunrise, then headed upstairs.

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 20:22:13

The coffin’s door closed itself with a hiss, the maglock light switching from green to red as Jiro locked what meager possessions he had in the small space. He had been living out of the automated hotel for a few months now, moving from coffin to coffin as the week passed. Kenji had offered, countless times, to help him find a place to stay… but Jiro had politely decline. After having lived the pass 15 years in a cell, a coffin motel seemed luxurious enough for him. He didn’t spend that much time “home” anyways.

Both hands buried in the pockets of his jacket, his head low and eyes drifting along the sidewalk, like his feet, the Japanese ex-con slowly walked through Downtown’s international district. All around him, he could hear the sound, smell the food and see the colors of his homeland. Chiba felt so distant. He sometimes wondered if he had in fact ever been there. He took a small metallic flask from his inner jacket pocket and took a long swing from it. He swallowed in a mix of relief and pain, pushing down the memories that were starting to crawl back out of their dark resting place.

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:27:11

As he arrived to Bliss, Jiro felt alert and awakened. The walk, albeit long, had given him enough time to meditate and center himself in a calm and collected state. That and it was good for his knees and back. By passing the line of club goers who were huddled outside, the old enforcer got a few strange gazes left and right. His dark gray hair slicked back, his neatly trimmed mustache and his dark grey stripped suit with matching tie made him look more like a Japancorp sarariman than anything else. He politely bowed to each doorman as they waived him in, the scanners at the entrance picking up neither cyberware nor weapons. Jiro was a man of honour and of his words: he had said he would show up unarmed, and he had done so.

The aggressive beat of the music and flash of colours and light disoriented Jiro for a brief moment. Closing his eyes, he steadied himself, pushing all distractions aside. When he started moving through the crowd, heading for the bar, nothing touched him. He simply turned and dodged around whomever came close to him with a clear ease.

Reaching the bar, it didn’t take more than a single look to spot Billy… already surrounded by a few scantly clothed women. He took the seat next to him, acknowledging his pressing with a slight bow of the head, but nothing more.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:27:54
"Ahh, and here they all are now. Sorry, ladies. Business calls." Billy sends the trio -- Honey, Candy, and Lola? Or Brittany, Maria, and Angel? Ahh, who has time to remember? -- away with a smile and a stray handfull of blown kisses. One lithe hand, fingernails painted to match the girl's silver-metallic hair, strays in his pocket for a moment, leaving a BTL chip or a slap-patch or maybe just a trid number. Billy knows nothing was taken, the only puzzle is what exactly was left. "And remember, ladies, hush hush. Big secret!"

"Right on time, everyone!" He grins and takes in a mouthfull of flavorful chinese beer (he can't really stand the stuff, but keeping up appearances is important to a guy like Billy). Once their -- largely uncovered -- backs are turned, Billy's free to roll his eyes towards Julio, the first of his team-mates he makes eye contact with. The ladies were nice to look at, but not big on bright conversation. "I told those crazy ho's we were Lone Star undercover. I dunno why, man, but bitches love badges. Some chicks just get off on thinkin' they're gonna corrupt a white knight, or somethin', y'know?"

"Lady, gentlemen." At Julio's arrival, he speaks coarsely. At the rest of the team's, he similarly fits in with each new arrival; a social chameleon, whenever he puts forth the effort to try. He gives Jiro a nod -- guy doesn't talk much, so guy doesn't get talked to much -- and then flashes a brilliant smile at Scarlett's approach. Truth be told, she was almost easy to miss in this crowd. Billy tosses his head towards the staircase, exhales a careless mouthfull of faintly mint-smelling smoke. Apex was already halfway upstairs. "Shall we?"

[TheOneRonin]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:28:07

Julio frowns at the departing club girls. "What...you kidding me? I wouldn't touch that pussy with your dick, Billy. Now blowjobs...that's another story. And if they can't suck cock, I'm sure you can give 'em a few pointers."

"C'mon yous guys...I got shit to do...let's wrap this bitch up and go the fuck home."

"Oh...and Apex, I got a line on some fucking PI-shit work that might be coming down the pipe. Some northside "goomba" thinks his old lady is fucking around on him. From what I hear this schmuck has more money than sense, so we could make out like fucking bandits. We'll talk lata."

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:28:34

“Let's take the stairway to ‘heaven’, we don't want to let Erik wait with the party, or do we?”

Blending in with the club-goer crowd, Scarlet checks her slinky figure in one of the mirrors on the way and adjusts her dress and hair one last time for a perfect fit, before slowly moving upstairs, smiling like a fan that's just going backstage to meet the novahot star.

Truth be told, the elf was only half-pretending there, and half-looking forward to some partying that night... of course, she was also expecting, that the night would take a completely different direction, but she had taken precautions for that already. Scarlet was too long in the business to not always expect the unexpected.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:28:49

"Y'know, technically," Billy quips as he -- behind mirrored lenses -- enjoys the view from four steps behind (and below) Scarlet, "We've got a little over a minute before we'd be late, and he'd be 'waiting' for us. We're in no huge hurry."

All the same, the grinning elf makes his own way up the staircase with everyone else. He's got his imported beer in one hand, the other hand stuffed into a pants pocket, and his shoulders slouched to show just how lazy-casual-unhurried he is (a pose not uncommon with the lanky 'runner, but one he can toss aside to take a combat stance plenty quickly). "I got five noo says we find Erik in a white lounge lizard suit."

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:28:49

As you ascend the staircase up to Heaven your eyes take in the spectacle before you. At the top of the stairs is a landing, filled with the crème of the crop of the beautiful people. All are vying for a nod from the bouncers watching the doors, a chance to be let into VIP for the evening. Behind frosted glass doors edged in chrome are where Erik is waiting for each of you. Patrons try to be discreet when they try to peer into the floor to ceiling mirrored windows for a glimpse of what celebrity is partying in Heaven that night. It’s a Friday night and they all know someone has to be inside.

As the five of you approach, the bouncers look you each over and instead of motioning you over to the cattle call that was growing to the left of the doors they part the way with a nod. Instantaneously there’s a buzz that you can hear and feel over the din of the club’s sound system.

“…are they?”

“Someone special…”

“…In a TriDeo movie, I think.”

As the words hit your ears you can’t help but straighten up a bit, try to look more cool, add a little swagger to your walk as you step through the now open doors.

Brilliant white light fills your vision, shadows dance off chrome accents as people move about the space. The volume level drops about 5 levels as the doors close behind the five of you. The mood is calm and subdued, whispers of conversation overheard amongst low-level ambiance music. Groups of people mill about and gather near the windows which overlook the club below and give a spectacular view from above. Plush white velvet booths filled with down pillows are filled with the who’s-who of Seattle. The Sim Starlet Anika Ryan is entertaining her entourage in one oversized booth while a couple of talking heads from competing stations are canoodling in the corner over a bottle of wine.

As Erik spots you walking in he shoos away the groupies hanging around his booth and waves you over. When you get close he rises to his feet and welcomes you with a perfect-white-toothed grin to take a seat and asks if he can get anyone a drink to kick off the celebration. He’s dressed to the nines in a perfectly tailored suit in a soft subtle shade of grey, offset with a pale plum tie and white shirt. He could almost fit the part of St. Peter up here in Heaven.

“I trust they gave you no trouble coming up here?”

[Critias]

"I was close," Billy barely whispers with his head half-turned towards the team, then hiding it behind a dazzling smile as he pulls his hands from his pockets -- what magic trick had he pulled to make that half-bottle of cheap beer vanish before the team's grand entrance? -- and gives Erik a polite wave. His spine's straighter, his demeanor openly friendly, his too-cool slouching a thing of the past. It's time, quite plainly, for Billy to do what Billy does; face for the team.

"No, no, everything was fantastic! They didn't even stop us from getting in down stairs, much less up here. It's a great place, only my second time here and my first upstairs, of course. Intense!" Billy's smile is poster-perfect, warm, personable. There's not a hint of the gutter-runner's disdain for someone like Erik, who's got to rub the noses of his temporary employees in their lifestyles just to make himself feel better. No sign of his irritation at the dress code or his annoyance at the forced no-weapons policy, no sneer at their polished surroundings and the brittle egos sharing a room with paid professionals. For all the world, it looks like Billy showed up to chat with Eric and enjoy the club, and getting paid is just the icing on the cake.

In short, he oozes personable gratefullness; the sort of thing Erik's been getting his entire life, and has come to expect. "I don't know what strings you had to pull to get us in, but I wish I'd shown up earlier just to enjoy the place!"

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:29:06

Jiro slowly walked up the stairs, standing well last behind the other four runners. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust them to be in his back; on the contrary. Truth be told, his knees were simply giving him the hardest of time, creaking and cracking painfully as he made his way up the stairs. Some shady and sketchy street doc had mentioned heavy calcium deposits on his joints… but Jiro had never expected it to be so painful. Nevertheless, the old Japanese man did his best to hide it, gripping a firm hand around the railing of the stairs to steady his ascent. When he finally reached the top, he held a sigh of relief in.

When they finally made their way into the VIP lounge, Jiro was thankful for the subdued atmosphere; his ears were still ringing from the music, and his tired eyes were still blinded. Jiro wasn’t just getting old; he felt old.

The old Yakuza man didn’t even give a side gaze to see who else was in the private area of the club. He did not care. It was none of his concern. He was here to perform a single task, and meddling in the affairs of others wasn’t… ethical.

“Konban wa” said Jiro in a coarse voice, as he bowed to Erik as he would have for a respected superior.

“Your invitation” he straightened back up “is very gracious and appreciated.

He bowed once more, this time in a sign of thankfulness.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:29:31

"Yes, yes. Please have a seat there's business and a celebration to get underway." Erik jestured to the booth surrounding him, open seats to either side of him. He's got a complete aire of confidance, if not slightly cockiness as well. He doesn't expect trouble since he's holding up his end of the bargain making the payment for a job completed and more! He's even picking up the tab for tonight.

As you all take your spots around the booth, Erik waves the waitress over to the group and looks at you all expectedly.

"What can she get you? Tonight it's on your employer!" He says with a possibly genuine (for him) laugh.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:29:49

"I'll just have whatever he's having," Billy says to the waitress with a smile as he takes a seat. He's got to be agreeable, and while he's got a whole list of tasty drinks in mind, Erik seems like the sort of Mister Johnson that'd enjoy one of his 'runners emulating him, just a bit.

[TheOneRonin]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:30:23

"Gimme a scotch on the rocks...and none of that cheap shit either," spat Julio to the waitress. He was growing more uncomfortable and less patient by the minute.

Why can't these fuckheads get down to fuckin business? All this bullshit is wasting my fucking time.

Julio looks over at the rest of team who all seem to be doing better than he was. Billy was schmoozing like he always does, Scarlet was being quiet and listening intently, Apex had that distant look he gets sometimes when his mind is "elsewhere", and Jiro, strangely enough, was looking right at Julio. Jiro gives him a slight nod, likely in acknowledgement of Julio's discomfort.

After everyone gives the waitress their drink orders, Julio frowns in Erik's direction. "We're all here with fucking bells on, so you mind getting da show on da fucking road, Mr. Suriel?" Sadly, that delivery was one of Julio's more polite ones.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:30:52

Billy turns a glare at Julio into a good-natured laugh before Mister Johnson gets a look at him. "Ah, the impatience of youth."

Nevermind, naturally, that of the two, Billy's the younger. "Sorry about that, Mister Jay, but you know how nice places like this can get someone all eager to finish with business and go spend, spend, spend."

He considers, for a moment, kicking Julio under the table. For once, they'd had a run go smooth as butter. They'd made the pick-up without shots fired, they'd gotten it across town without incident, and they'd dropped it off, safe and sound, without anyone being maimed. All that was left was buying drinks on someone else's tab, and making small talk while drinking those drinks, waiting for credsticks. Billy might not love the bar, but he loved someone else picking up the tab; loved it enough, at least, to just enjoy the ride.

"Some of us are just more willing to pay our own way than to ride on someone else's generosity, I guess." Billy knew Julio had actually gone out of his way to be polite just then, but biz was biz. Sometimes the best way to make it through a Meet -- and man, why hadn't Julio figured it out yet? -- was to just shut the fuck up. "So maybe it would be best to just pay Julio first thing, and not worry about picking up his drinks."

Billy's smile flashes again, bright and snow-pure. "Then the rest of us can sit around, if you want, and maybe talk about future business propositions, or anything else you might have in mind, sir."

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:29:47

Scarlet moves over to Erik giving him a quick hug and a peck, like the sim stars do on trideo shows. Seems to fit the atmosphere. Then she seperates herself from him equally quick, showing a big smile and turns to the waitress.

“Martini Dry, ice-cold. Thanks!”

Afterwards, Scarlet takes a seat in the back of the booth, where she has a good view on the surroundings and the other people, not having been in such classy environments a lot, the elven woman is rather curious.

“Nice place for a little celebration.”

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:30:00

Apex watched the mana patterns swirl around the table, each person's aura touching and connecting irregardless of their meat bodies, as they interacted. The emotional swirl of colors and patterns was fascinating, like watching some cosmic Artist creating an everchanging canvas. He could loose himself in the infinitely intricate patterns and be forever enraptured.

With a mental wrench the young mage brought his attention back to the man they were meeting. The fixer person's aura indicated a general honesty though, which was the main point Apex was interested in at this time. He ignored the watcher spirits and the other astral beings, they were like texture on the canvas to him, interesting but not the main point.

The meat form of another aura stood at the table, clearly female and showing signs of false interest to hide her ennui at her banal job. Apex returned his focus to the meat world and looked at the waitress.

"Oh, yes, um. . .how about a gin and tonic with a twist?"

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:30:23

For a few seconds, which seemed to stretched in an eternity, Jiro contemplated Erik’s offer of a drink. Since he had woken up, he had craved nothing but a drink. Contrary to most people who ended up like him, the old Japanese man didn’t have a poison of choice: he simply drank. A lot. Often. Almost every night he would drown himself to sleep. Throughout the years, it had been the only way for him to deal with his own demons. The rare times he didn’t pass out in his coffin, or in the backroom of the shop, he’d here her cries of help. Over and over.

Finally, he snapped back to reality, politely waving off the offer of a “drink” in favor of a simple mineral water.

Everyone around him looked as if they belonged there and felt completely at ease. Jiro himself had sat through numerous meetings, but always in calm, quiet and discreet places. The Yakuza was not known for its flash and pomp. Of all his fellow teammates, only Julio seemed to feel as awkward as he did.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:30:52

If Julio's words were meant to raise Erik's temper, or even get him to move faster, neither are the outcome. He just smiles a knowing smile in Julio's direction, nodding along with Billy's words.

Once the waitress got everyone's orders she slipped away from the table and requested the drinks from the bartenders. It seemed that but a moment had passed before she was passing everyone's drinks out around the booth, finishing by placing two glasses of Fix+ Vodka on the rocks before Billy and Erik. She disappears from the table as soon as her job is complete, almost fluttering to the next table to serve.

When the girl is out of earshot, Erik clears his throat and picks up his fresh glass.

"To a well-run show. A competent team, a smooth job, and…” He reached into the inner pocket of his suit coat, withdrawing his commlink and holding it in his hand he instantly transfers to each of you the remainder of your pay. “To getting paid.” His perfect white teeth flash in the cheesy practiced smile he shoots your way as he raises his glass up to each of you.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:31:12

"I'll drink to that." Billy grins at the low-key vibration over his heart as he raises his glass; his commlink verifying an incoming funds transmission. He idly wishes he'd gone ahead and asked for an Ng Ka Py -- Erik's drink of choice doesn't hold a candle to Shen's favorite Chinese brandy -- but beggars can't be choosers. Or, rather, beggars doubling as suck-ups to their temporary employers can't be choosers.

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:31:17

“Cheers!”

Scarlet raises her glass to the toast.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:31:31

Erik took a healthy sip of his Fix+ on the rocks to seal the "toast" and looks to each of you and is about to say something when something out of the corner of his eye catches his attention, namely an attractive raven-haired beauty in a skin-tight white leather jumpsuit.

Turning half of his attention back to the group while his eyes are still locked on the woman he grabs his glass again.

"Well friends, I once again thank you for a job well done. I'm certain that with your success, there will soon be more jobs around the corner for you. Tonight I ask that you stay and enjoy yourselves, drink up, dance the whole nine yards as it's on your employer's tab. Unfortunately, my next appointment has arrived and I must go tend to them."

He says this all with some mix of sincerity and witha tone that doesn't make him come off completely like a rude dick. Erik rises to his feet and scoots past Billy and Julio before he's free of the group. He turns back to you all and gives you a bit of a mock bow and a too-slick smile before he makes a bee-line to the raven-haired woman at the bar.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:31:51
"I wouldn't mind an appointment like that," Billy says through a grin and with a puff of minty smoke, "Instead of sitting at a table with you, Julio."

With payment made, and their employer distracted, Shen goes back to slouching, and talking for what passes like normal for him. He finishes most of what's left in his glass, tempted by someone else's tab, but still not really as comfortable in a joint like this as he is at Matchstick's. He glances around the table, "You guys feel like dancing the night away at this high-class joint, or splittin'?"

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:32:07

“Black hair, white suit. Looks almost like a negative of my usual outfit,” Scarlet mentions half-laughing. “Or would that be a positive?”

“Anyways, I havn't bought this dress only for a five minutes meeting, and since the drinks are free, I will definitely stay for a while longer. I don't think I have any appointments tomorrow, so... I'm going to have some fun!” Scarlet explains. “Good, I don't need to drive.”

“I surely understand, though, if some of us...” Scarlet is looking mostly at Julio and Jiro “...feel more like leaving rather sooner than later. No hard feelings for sure. There are more than enough guys here...” the elf adds with a wink.

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:32:07

Apex sat studying the refracted lights that prismed through the ice in his glass, comparing the ever shifting colors to those generated by the life patterns he'd been observing just moments ago, and smiling slightly. When Erik had terminated the meeting so quickly it made him curious, and curiousity was always him terminal flaw.

He allowed his meat eyes to track across the room, noting people and faces briefly then again opened himself to the world beyond again.

"I wonder who that is? I mean it's a little odd for Fixer-man to drink and run so quickly. I expected him to offer another contract in addition to our final payment, otherwise why bother to see us in person? In a place like this, associating with people like us, only serves to endanger all the parties by creating a tie between contractor and contractee. This strikes me as odd."

It was clear as day that the source of the oddity was the attractive female across the room so Apex focused his attention there.

[TheOneRonin]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:32:15

Julio threw a sidelong glance at Billy, "Yeah, I hear you like your 'men' with no hair on their balls."

Julio's posture seems to have relaxed a bit since he received his share of the payment.

"Now if yous all will excuse me, I have some personal business to attend to." With that Julio flashes his half-frown/half-smile that the whole team is used to seeing, and makes his way out of the VIP section and down the stairs. On his way down, he taps "Need my fix. Bliss nightclub. Bar downstairs. Got the nuyen," into his commlink and hits SEND. Manny always comes through, no matter where Julio is. With his stims on the way, his mood lightens considerably. He takes a seat at the bar, orders another Scotch, and lights up his third cigarette of the night.

This night ain't gonna be so bad...

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:32:25
Billy toasts Scarlett as she stands to go dancing (not coincidentally finishing his glass), "Happy hunting. Don't let the wet towels get ya down."

Shen doesn't have to follow Apex's line of sight to know who he's staring at, because Shen himself got an eyefull not a minute earlier. That said, the socialite-'runner seemed a lot more skilled at subtle looks than the mystical investigator. He grins at the mage, "Keep staring like that, she's liable to come over and say hello."

"Aww, disappointed 'cause you'd have to shave?" Billy tosses the banter/insult after Julio instead of saying goodbye like a normal human being, because, well, he's not one.

And, finally, he gestures with the empty glass, shaking it a bit -- jingling the ice cubes in the bottom -- to get a nearby waitress' attention. The stub of his cigarette goes into the glass, making it clear he's done with Erik's drink of choice. Now that that's out of the way, he can order something he likes. He flashes the waitress a dazzlingly white smile, "Ng Ka Py, please. No ice."

The chinese brandy -- on someone else's tab -- will go quite nicely with the five hundred nuyen resting in his account.

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:32:30

“Thanks! See you guys around. Or later. And don't forget to have fun! Life's too short...”

While she turns away from the table, Scarlet picks up her half-empty glass, raises it to her lips and quaffs the rest of the martini in one fluent motion, then she slowly makes her way towards the bar, where she leaves the empty glass, and then she is off towards the dance floor. The unnatural grace of her moves lean themselves rather well to dancing, and she obviously does have some practice, too.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:33:03

Billy gives the waitress another smile as she brings him his drink, then leans back, arms up on the booth's backrest, to enjoy the show(s) on the dance floor. He's not terribly interested in actually putting forth the effort to bring anyone home tonight, and dancing's not particularly his style, anyways (he preferred to just sit back, soak in ambiance, and listen to a decent live band play)... but that doesn't mean he can't window shop. Sometimes it was nice to just relax after a job well done (and well paid for). If he played his cards right, and drank slow enough it didn't hit his empty belly too hard, he just might be able to eke an extra hundred noo or so out of Erik...

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:33:06

The swirling patterns of energy in the room were in such a state of flux his ability to decipher much of the female's aura became limited. With a shrug he returned his senses to those provided by his physical organs and stood from the table. He looks at Billy who seems so totally at ease in this setting, and feels a flash of envy. He too could enjoy the swirling whirling night life that Seattle provided, but tonight he was on edge, waiting for something bad to happen. The run had gone so smoothly, no problems at all, which defied everything the mage had ever experienced concerning shadow running. He instinctively waited for the other shoe to drop.

He picked up his drink and began taking small sips and wandered out of the private area to the crowded dance floor. He found himself a quiet spot near the base of the stairs, screened from the heat and crush of glittering bodies by a false fern plant and a small table occupied by three young males who'd obviously ingested more steriods than books, and simply took the time to observe. He tried to spot the rest of the team, but gave up since he had almost no chance of seeing over the crowd.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:37:03

The waitress is quite attentive to the entire table's needs, not just Billy's, whatever it may be and drinks are refilled or changed with graceful speed.

It isn't long before Erik is escorting the raven-haired woman out of Heaven with a hand on the small of her back and definitely mugging it for the attention of being on the beautiful woman's arm and they're though the glass doors and decending from Heaven into the main part of the club.

It seems any prospect of additional work from Erik just dissapeared through the glass doors.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:38:23

"So."

Billy takes another sip, deciding to finally break the half-awkward silence after Julio, Scarlet, and Apex had each gone their own way. It figures. The universe is a funny place some times; everyone's gotta up and leave the table but him and the old Japanese guy. Billy suspected who Jiro used to work fpr, Jiro had to suspect who Billy was affiliated with... and, so, naturally, the two have to have been left alone together, socially.

On the few jobs they'd done together, of course, everything'd been fine. Work was work, though, and play was play. Who you trusted enough to watch your back in a firefight, and who you liked hanging out with on a Friday night? They might be two very different people.

"Not a big dancer, huh?"

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:39:42

Some minutes later, Scarlet is all but lost within the shifting mass of bodies, her green-glow tattoo being just another dot of swirling colors in the full picture doesn't make a good job distinguishing her from the crowd. She becomes part of the crowd of dancers.

The elf spends the time dancing and flirting (mostly with her eyes and body language, since speaking is pretty much impossible, and she likes to keep her PAN a little sheltered usually, so sending around messages isn't her style either), and time moves by pretty fast that way...

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:38:25

Jiro silently watch the other operatives leave the table to entertain their vices. All he was busy doing was shutting out his craving for alcohol. It didn't help that everyone was drinking. Nevertheless, he stuck with his sparkling water. The run had been low risk... and unfortunately, the pay had been in the same proportion. It wasnt much, but every single nuyen took him closer to accomplishing his last duty... that is, if he lived that long.

Jiro's tired and old eyes lock on his drink, his mind began to wonder as the little bubbles going up and popping at the surface of the water almost hypnotized him. For a second, he considered going to bar to join Julio...

"Not a big dancer, huh?"

The japanese man's gaze went from his glass, sliding across the table and to Billy. A discreet half and crooked smile crept on his lips as he exhaled a small laugh. His attention went back to his drink.

"No sane man will dance" he said in his usual coarse and almost whispered voice.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:38:34

"Fair enough," Billy sips at his brandy with a shrug. He give a nod to the merrily and skillfully dancing elf across the floor, "I guess it's a good thing Scarlet's a chick, then. Otherwise, I'd be a part of just about the craziest-ass team in the 'plex."

He gives Jiro a hint of a grin, but otherwise seems content to just let time pass once again. The dance floor was a nice view.

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:38:40

Jiro simply answered back with what seemed like an absent minded nod. It was hard to tell how Billy's joke had struck the old man... Strangely enough, the old japanese enforcer always seemed somewhat sad and detached, as if his mind was constantly wandering off on his own. With a sigh, he downed what was left of his none-alcoholic drink and slid off his seat. Taking a few seconds to reajust his grey suit, Jiro gave Billy a traditional bow of respect.

"If anyone needs me, I will be at the bar." he said while straightening back up, his lower back killing him.

"If our paths do not cross during the night; have a pleasant evening." he said just before turning heels and heading downstairs to join Julio.

It took Jiro a few seconds to spot Julio, hunched over another cigarette and a glass of scotch. Dodging his way across the dance floor and to an empty seat next to Julio, he simply sat down without giving the man a look or a word. Some UCAS bills folded between his index and middle finger, he waved the closest bar staff over.

"I'll have what he's having... and another one for him, please."

[TheOneRonin]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:37:13

Manny's 340lb chubby frame waddles into the club looking terribly out of place. He walks up to the bar near Julio and offers his hand like a typical gesture of friendship. What most people miss in the handshake is the subtle exchange of a small rectangular container, the kind normally filled with designer stims. Julio's hand drifts immedately to his pocket.

"You know Manny, if you weren't always so goddamned punctual, I'll have cut your throat months ago."

Manny flashes a toothy grin and replies in a deep, throaty voice, "I'm just here to say hello, chummer. I have an appointment up in Bellevue that I just can't miss. By the way, I got those Urban Brawl tickets you asked me for, but they weren't cheap. $200 Nuyen for that box you like so much."

"$200 nuyen? Why you gotta break my balls like that, you mercenary bastard! Next time get me fucking regular seats."

"You know what they say...'You get what you pay for'."

"Yeah, now get the fuck outta here before I shove that quotation book up your fat fucking ass."

Julio fishes out his commlink and transfer's the $200 to Manny's account. If that fat fuck keeps raising his prices on me, I swear to fucking god he is gonna end up in a dumpster on this side of the Barrens.

Julio deftly extracts a pill from the retangular container in his pocket and pops it in his mouth with a disguised cough.

With Manny out of his sight, Julio closes his eyes and wait for the stim to start kicking in. A subdued voice coming from right beside him shakes him from his reverie.

"I'll have what he's having...and another one for him, please," says Jiro.

"What da fuck, pops! Shit...why you gotta sneak up on people like that? Fucking almost gave me a heart attack. " Then the pill starts to kick in and a rush of euphoria comes over Julio. Instantly, his demeanor shifts. "Thanks for da drink, pops. Got tired of hanging with Goldie Locks (pet name for Billy) up there?"

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:38:45

As Julio thanked him for the drink, Jiro only bowed his head politely while staring at his filled up drink waiting in front of him. He knew very that if he started tonight, he might have a hard time stopping. Especially if Julio accompanied him. He took the old fashion glass with one tired hand and started to gently rock it in circle, making the dark liquid swirl around.

"Got tired of hanging with Goldie Locks up there?"

Shoulders slumped forward, his gaze still drowning itself in the drink, Jiro spoke in his usually coarse whisper. Having part of your throat slashed usually made you sound a bit strange.

"Mister Shen and myself share little in common. There isn't much insightful conversation to be had." said the old japanese man, in perfect english, before downing part of his drink.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:38:49

Downstairs at the busy bar as Julio and Jiro sat in a strange almost silence between them even while being surrounded by the cacophony of sounds inside the club, one of the busy bartenders swings by and before the two men drops another round of scotch before each of them.

“From the lady down the bar, she sends her regards.” The bartender smirked and then pointed out the “woman” down the bar. Well you thought it was a woman at least, a rather large ork with her body squeezed into a two-sizes-too-small “little red dress.” She looked like a red hot sausage, well the parts that were clothed, the other bits, they might have cracked a mirror if exposed to it for too long. When you look down the bar and she catches your eyes she blows you a kiss from oversized lips painted in a shade of “desperate fuck-me red” and waves.

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:42:11

On the dance floor, Scarlet is entertaining quite the circle of admirers, some more forward than others as they made drunken grabs for her “feminine curves” and others were perfectly content to dance near her and get a smile and a wink even if they were lucky. Occasionally Apex can get a glimpse of his fiery blonde teammate as she holds court on the dance floor. The three meatheads at the table next to him were far too willing to make rude and crude comments about what they would “do to that slitch” if they took her home. In the relative quietness of the corner Apex sought out their words carried easily enough to his ears.

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:59:03

Upstairs in Heaven, Billy has managed to amass a whole booth full of the crème de la crème of the bar’s female population. Once Jiro left, the women descended en masse. He was the life of the party, carefully using Erik’s open tab to buy rounds for the stunning brunettes, the sexy blondes and the sultry redheads packed in around them.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:59:06

"...and then I told 'em if they didn't give her purse back, there'd be some real trouble." Billy's mindfull of the soft curves pressing against him on either side, not simply because it's a pleasant sensation to pay attention to, but because he's carefull to keep tabs on his guns and his commlink, at times like this. "But, well, you know how trogs are. They just wouldn't listen. And one of 'em, the biggest, ugliest one, he goes -- oh, hey, Candi, need a refill? Well, okay, but this is the last one, young lady. You're getting altogether too tipsy."

Shen ends the mock-scolding with a wink at the redhead in question, ending her pout and giving her a nod to wave for the waitress again. He clears his throat, takes another sip of his own brandy, then continues his story. "So, the troll, right? He gets this crowbar out from under his coat, waves it at my lady friend, points with it to the two tuskers I'd already knocked out, and he..."

The one and only time Billy'd actually crossed swords -- so to speak -- with the Torgo's Spikes hadn't exactly consisted of the elven Triad hitter foiling a purse snatching, but the real story's not nearly as heroic and likely to make pretty girls swoon. Then again, it is Seattle, so maybe the Octagon-funded and Ancient-backed bike race turned chase turned box-alley shooting gallery would turn some of these crazy bitches on. Billy doubts it, though, and instead continues his half-cartoonish tale of jeet kun do fury.

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:02:09

A few of those, she had heard already, some of them were pretty funny, but then again, she expected a little more creativity than that. Every now and then, when she needed a little pause, Scarlet headed over to the bar to get a drink. Naturally, this was were most of the guys saw their chance to act.

With the top 10 list from Greatest Pick-Up Lines displayed in the top left of her field of vision, Scarlet dismissed most of them with a sigh, who tried to hit on her. Still she was all smiles and corteous, and here and there even returned a witty one-liner, before she turned away to take another nip.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:07:00

In Heaven, the party was continuing with no signs of stopping. Girls giggled, drinks were poured, business deals were fashioned, and the shadows couldn’t hide amidst the white décor.

A pair of young women approached Billy’s very occupied booth and stood before the open end of the table waiting for him to notice them. The taller of the two women, her Japanese heritage quite evident in her features sported long black hair with strands of fiber optics running through it which constantly shifted colours with every breath she took. The shorter woman standing next to her was an evident half-breed but quite striking in her own right. When their approach to the table doesn’t warrant anyone’s attention, the taller of the two women politely clears her throat.

When Billy finally looks up and looks over the women, the taller of the two poses a question.

“So, do you do a lot of business with the man in the white suit? You and your previous companions that is?”

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:07:12

"Business?" Billy is leaned back in the seat, arm around a blond on one side, free hand with his drink halfway to his mouth. He pauses, and seems to genuinely have no idea what they're talking about. "White suit?"

"Ohhh, wait, nah. That guy? Just a buddy that owed me and a few friends a few bucks for helping him move. Drinks are on him." Dawning realization, an unimportant memory finally able to answer their question. Billy's smile belongs on an angel, and you can almost see an innocent little halo hovering, golden, just over his head. Pure innocence. "Why do you ask, ladies?"

The smile almost looks like a leer, for a heartbeat, "Do you need help...moving?"

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:07:56

The shorter woman rolled her eyes and huffed audibly before the taller one elbowed her in the ribs and continued, never taking her eyes off Billy and his leer.

"You could say that, yes. I pay well if you're interested in hearing the details of the move. You and your friends, the previous ones, not these whores. It's a big move afterall, you're going to need help." She obviously didn't care if she offended, pissed off or otherwise annoyed the throng of women in the booth.

She stood there and put her hands on her leather-clad hips and waited for Billy's answer.

"Unless of course you're not interested in getting paid, or you're not up for the job."

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:07:56

"Allright, ladies." Billy's voice cuts through the high-pitched whines that began from around the table, as the whore-bomb was dropped. His smile's gone, for a heartbeat, his voice and eyes turn a little sharp and hard. "Last call. Hit the bar, one more drink each. You were all lovely."

It's not quite the same as 'bitches, leave,' but the intent remains. A few of them had IMed him, he'd review his commlink later and maybe give one or two a call, time allowing; in the meantime, they were in the way, so they had to go. He downs the last of his brandy, lets the glass slap onto the table like a judge's gravel-crack, to punctuate the farewell.

Eyes on the taller woman -- the shorter was a dead-end -- he moves slowly, methodically, into his jacket pocket for his commlink. He's not in the mood to get attacked 'cause they think he's going for a piece. He smiles, "Let me call the rest of my moving company over, and we'll see just what sort of payment, and job, you two are interested in."

Shen's got notoriously quick fingers, the message doesn't take long. He bypasses the waiting message blinker, and tippity-taps out a quick text. A moment later, he's broadcasting to the rest of the crew, scattered throughout the club as they might be.

[<bs> check out the table, i've got a threesome lined up! okay, just kidding. job offer from these two. come by the table if you're interested. julio, shut up when you get here, the short one's grouchy.]

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:08:01

Just now... Scarlet had finally met someone who didn't buy his opening lines in a virtual stuffer shack or was fully braindead to begin with, someone worthy of further scrutiny, the elf wasn't quite as easy as she sometimes appeared after all, when Billy's message comes in.

[<bs> check out the table, i've got a threesome lined up! okay, just kidding. job offer from these two. come by the table if you're interested. julio, shut up when you get here, the short one's grouchy.]

So much for that...

For a moment Scarlet considers sending a reply with the old BS joke, but it was getting a little old, so she restrained herself. It wasn't much of a consideration between the potential job and the guy, there were lots of guys and not even nearly as many jobs out there.

“So... well... I'm afraid, I would really like to chat further, but I just got an important call lined-up, and I absolutely cannot let those people wait. Not even now. Yeah... I'm sorry! Maybe later?”

Of course, there was no later, not on this day, anyways, when Billy's message would shape up.

With an apologetic smile, and after hearing the gentleman-like reply, Scarlet moved away from the bar and back towards the booth, a little circuitous to get lost in the crowds and to not make her destination all too obvious. Back to heaven.

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:08:03

The energy of lust, longing, and disappointment flavored the entire area as people sought some transient connection defined by the proximity of the meat bodies around them. The patterns were abstract formless shifting and flowing things which would have caused Picasso himself to give up his surrealistic dreams. Apex could have lost himself for hours in watching the flow but the annoying buzzing sensation of his commlink where it rested against his flesh distracted him.

Reviewing the message from Billy he decided to forego further study and see what job awaited. Further capital would help him afford time to continue his studies.

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 21:38:49

Jiro took the offered drink, raising it toward the "thing" and giving a polite and slight bow of the head. He had no interest in metahumans, and even less in women. At least, not anymore, and especially not at this time of night. He down the drink in a single shot, the hard liquor burning the back of his throat, yet soothing his mood. Slamming the glass back down, he slid it on the counter a distance off and turned his back to the woman.

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:07:56

The drinks were starting to hit home, slowly but surely. Jiro alcohol tolerance still kept most of the inhibriating effects at bay. Nevertheless, when his knock off taiwanese commlink started to buzz, it took him some time to notice. A quick glance at the display, made him stand up. Tapping on Julio's shoulder, he simply motionned him back toward their previous table.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:11:05

It wasn't long before the entire team was back together up in Heaven only with two new additions standing there waiting for their arrival. Neither of them looked like a typical "Mrs. J" nor did they look like shadowrunners so they were a bit of a quandry.

Once Jiro and Apex return to the table and take a closer look at the two women, they both can remember seeing the taller of the two seated at the bar earlier, trying to discreetly watch the team at the table during their meeting with Erik.

As everyone is situated the young Japanese woman pulls from her pocket a small but powerful white noise generator and places it on the table before them. Once the LED lights pulse and then glow a steady green, the shorter and stockier of the two women takes that as her cue to leave the table. She doesn't go far however, but if she's some type of "bodyguard" she's pretty sloppy at it.

"My name is Tara Kobayashi, and I need to disappear."

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:11:22

Billy shrugs, jingling the ice in the bottom of his glass. "You don't really need a whole team for that, unless you've got someone who'd be looking hard for you. Any old plastic clinic to change your face, maybe a couple extra bucks to toss in an eye color change, a nice tan, and you're halfway there. All that'd be left is the paper work, and if you've got the money to hire us you've got the money you need for a new SIN."

He gives her a look, "So. Who'd be looking hard for you, that's got you so you haven't already done all that and called it a day?"

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:11:35

“Disappear. Like, forever? Fake death and everything? Are you ready for this? Change who you are, what you are, everything? But maybe there are other options, too. Any details you can give us about the why?”

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:11:22

Tara shook her head firmly at the suggestion she could just change her appearance, change her SIN or change something simple like that.

"That's not what I meant. I mean I want to be kidnapped. And it's got to look legit. Is that something you can pull off?"

She took a deep breath and swallowed hard before she continued or let any of you answer.

"My father, Hiro Kobayashi is getting re-married. His wife-to-be, Carmen," Tara spoke the name with obvious disgust, "She doesn't think that my father should be paying my expenses anymore and has made it clear that once she's in the house for good she's cutting me out of the financial picture. Now if I were to be kidnapped my father would easily pay the ransom for my safe return, which we would all split and we'd all go our seperate ways with more cash in our pockets."

Her eyes moved across each of the runners at the table, watching their faces and their reactions to her suggestion as she awaited more questions or their answer.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:11:54
"We can probably do it right now, if you really want." Billy's beat up chicks before. It's not his thing, but he can do it. Her security -- such as it is -- is pretty damned light right now. Short-and-grouchy even has her back turned. A club like this is sure to have some cameras, but the mics would be hard pressed to record a conversation, even before the white noise generator...what would it look like? Him sitting there, two girls approaching, him calling all his friends over, a continued conversation... but, no. Too many cameras, and all someone'd have to do is rewind a little to notice their previous business conversation. Nah. Too much of a hassle.

"But did you have a time frame in mind? And just how much of a ransom do you think daddy can afford?"

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:12:07

“Okay, that changes things a little, of course. We would need to figure out a way, that also doesn't make it too obvious that you are actually behind this. We would need as much information you can give us about your daily routine, ok, not every detail, obviously, but where you are when on a regular basis, stuff like that. Sure, normally that would be our part to find out, but in this case... also what kind of security we would have to deal with. And we need to figure out what we do when your father does, indeed, not show inclined to pay the ransom. Also, after being kidnapped you will likely get some sessions with a psychologist. You need to be prepared for that. Oh, and who's she?” Scarlet slightly nods her head towards the other woman.

[TheOneRonin]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:12:11

"Fucking kidnapping is serious shit, lady. The last thing we need is your old man to go to da cops or worse...get the feds involved. This won't be cheap."

The familiar scowl had returned to Julio's face. He glanced over at Billy to see how the voice of the team would respond.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:11:54

"Now doesn't work for many reasons, but it'll have to take place soon. The wedding is planned for 3 weeks from now. I'd do just about anything to spoil her "big day" if possible, so if this happens before and drags out that would be ideal. As for the ransom, I'm still "daddy's little girl" and while I'm not the prodigal son he could have hoped for, I'm all he has and I'm sure the figures would top 250-kay quite quickly. It'd be a 50-50 split, at least 125-kay for your troubles."

She turned her gaze to Scarlet to address her concerns next.

"I can give you a fairly detailed schedule of where I'll be, class schedule at the University of Seattle, nightly happeneings, planned events etc. that shouldn't be a problem you'd know my every move. There shouldn't be a problem in the slightest of getting him to pay the ransom, if he can afford the wedding, he can damn well afford to get me back. The girl? That's my good friend Kiko, she doesn't know what I'm talking to you about, I didn't want her to be "in" on anything detailed... not yet at least."

When Julio snaps off she whips around to face him and gets right up in his face.

"No drek he's gonna get the cops involved genius, if that scares you then I've obviously asked the wrong group for help. If 125-kay is "too cheap" for you then take a walk, I don't think your friends seem to think it's a bad deal."

She held her ground against the big bruiser but inside she was trembling with fear.

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:01

“Relax. He isn't all that bad. He just never learned proper manners, is all.” Scarlet says with a slight wink.

“Kiko could be a problem. I hope you know what you are doing there. At this point you pretty much have to tell her, what's going on. Otherwise she might run to your daddy when she hears, that you have been kidnapped and tell him what she learned tonight. She might not see the connection, but someone else might. Well, or we have to take her in as well.”

“The money is certainly good... if your daddy is going to pay it, that is. And regardless how sure you are, what if he does not? That's entirely our risk, since I assume you cannot make up for our expenses otherwise. You will walk away unscathed this way or that way, and you will have your wedding spoilt either way as well. I must say, I don't think your proposed 50-50 split is properly reflecting this.”

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:01

Sitting, silently in his seat, Jiro simply observed the situation. He had never been a man of many words, and probably would never be. Even though Jiro would have never voiced it out loud, the situation unfolding in front him made him slightly sick. The woman… no… this girl probably had all the opportunities in life. She had had all the chances so many kids never had. She had been cared for and nurtured. Now, she was but a rabid and honorless dog, turning around to bite the hand that had fed her for so long. Jiro had done a great deal of reproachable deeds in his life… too many evil acts… But he always told himself that it was his duty. He was honor bound to act.

But not anymore. At least he wasn’t bound to a master anymore.

When Tara barked back at Julio, Jiro, sitting next to him, brought his hand up to the man’s shoulder, calmingly setting it. It was his way of telling him that he both agreed with him, but that he should keep quiet.

Scarlet quickly voiced one of the concerns that had been brewing in Jiro’s mind: the job was terribly risky. The risk didn’t spur from the operation itself, but from the fact that the payment would be in constant limbo. The price wouldn’t be set, and ransom might never be paid.

Truth be told, the more he thought about it, the less Jiro wanted to take the job. But he was bound to his teammates. If they went ahead with it, he’d follow. It was his duty.

Jiro looked over at Billy, giving him a simple nod to discreetly confirm that he was in... and that he was going to play his usual role. Negotiations were about to start, and in a few minutes, the heat might already start to come crashing down on them. Somebody had to already be on the watch. Sliding out of the booth, Jiro politely excused himself, and walked over to Kiko. With a steady hand, he took the woman’s arm by the left elbow. Standing around like she was, she was sticking out worse than the “thing in the red dress” at the bar. As far as he was concerned, the run was already on and things already had to be taken care of.

Even thought she was Japanese, Jiro spoke to her in his accented English.

“Miss Kiko” he bowed slightly, still holding her arm and slightly pulling her toward the bar “Do not worry about your friend, she is safer than she has ever been.”

He locked eyes with her, sending in that strange vibe only years of intimidating people could do.

“Follow me to the bar.”

Added to his coarse whispered voice, it didn’t sound like a suggestion at all.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:01

Kiko's eyes widened slightly as the elder Japanese man approached her and firmly told her that her friend would be ok. When he told her to follow him, the way he said it made her realize there was very little she could or should do, besides follow. She cast one last glance over her shoulder towards her friend at the booth with the motley looking crew and shook her head not liking what Tara had gotten them into.

Tara looked at Scarlet like she had sprouted three additional heads when she suggested that Tara's father might not be willing to pay for her safe return.

"Don't you know who my father is, are you mad to think he wouldn't pay the King's ransom to have his only daughter returned to him safe and sound? If it makes you feel better, I'll guarantee you'll get paid at least 75-kay for your "troubles" should he somehow not pay." She didn't explain where the money would come from, but you got the feeling that if this escapade didn't succeed her life would be all but completely over. With a heavy sigh, she continued answering questions.

"As for Kiko, all she knows is that I dragged her here to seek out a group of 'runners to dig up some particularly nasty dirt on Carmen. That's it. Why do you think I asked her to leave the table before we discussed the details?"

The more she spoke, the more you begin to realize that for a young teen, Tara seemed to have the basics covered well beyond what your average kid could dream up after watching a zillion episodes of "Prime Runner Nights" on the TriD.

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:13

“Sometimes people do unexpected things, when confronted with unexpected situations. I certainly hope your father has no track record for dealing with the proposed situation. Don't get that wrong, but we do need to cover our bases as much or even moreso than you need to cover yours. Anything that is not fact, involves a risk. That's why in our line of work it normally is common practice to get part of the compensation up front, in order to diminish that risk. In this case, things are a little different, of course, but not completely so, you surely understand. If you are willing to offer that risk-compensation, in case things do not go as you say, then I'm fine with the proposed 50-50 split as well. It's not much of a risk for you, apparantly, if you are so sure about your dad's reactions, and you certainly are the only one here that can be, but it will put our worries at ease somewhat. Good for both sides, you see.”

“So, anyone else got anything to add? Or can we come to an agreement here?” Scarlet looks to her own companions as she says this.

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Friday, Setember 05, 2070 22:13:14

"I am willing to involve myself in this undertaking." Apex said quietly, then turned to look at the young lady with his thousand yard stare.

"Understand of course that should you double cross us, or should this be a trap, I will visit upon you a fate far worse than death."

He said the last is the same tone he used for ordering a drink, merely another bit of information to consider within the converstation. He'd watched this female negotiate for her own kidnapping with a curious mind. For a young person with such drive and passion in her spirit she seemed far more interested in what she would get from her father than in what she would do with her own life. As though her being was without worth unless defined as worthwhile by her paternal unit in monetary terms. It's a strange reality we exist in.

"Do you know if your securirty detail has collected a ritual sample from you? Blood drawn or tissue samples?"

Tracking a kidnapping victim through magic would be a simple task if they have ritual materials to work from. Without that it's still possible but more difficult.

[TheOneRonin]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:05

Julio's eyes narrowed at Tara's retort. An instant after making the decision to rip that insolent's cunt's throat out, he felt Jiro's firm hand on his shoulder. The old Japanese guy always excelled at keeping Julio's nerves calm.

It takes him a second to regain his composure, then he leans in close to Tara and almost whispers to her, "Look kid, if you want to keep having this conversation with all of your limbs intact, you have about 15 seconds to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this job is worth more to us than the fun we'd have crushing your skull and selling your parts to the organ-leggers down the street. And getting the cops involved just means we have to really make you look like a kidnap 'victim'. Does that sound like fun to you? I does to me."

With that, Julio eases back into his chair and puts on his most predatory grin.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:05

Tara doesn't move she just sits stock still while the bruiser whispers in her ear, she doesn't flinch, she doesn't even turn a slighter shade of pale at Julio's words. When he tries to look predatory to scare her as he eases back into his seat she simply turns to him without emotion though her eyes are on fire.

"I never said this was going to be a cake-walk nor did I expect it to be immediately to your liking. What would the point of coming to the table offering you each a million nu when you might have done it for 250-kay. You want to hurt me big guy, go for it if it'll make you feel better. The point of the matter is, if you want the job take it, if it's not to your liking then walk and stop wasting my time and that of your friends."

With that she all but dismisses Julio from her frame of reference and turns back to Apex.

"There are no ritual samples from me that I am aware of, blood and tissue are on file with the hospitals and I'm sure my father has it all on file for immediate reference as well. Believe me when I say I am not in this to double cross you, if you don't succeed and receive payment I get nothing out of this and I'm in a worse position than I was in as I approached this booth tonight."

She paused as she thought about things. "Besides, if my father refuses to pay you still receive your 75-kay and you can walk away with none the wiser. Either I permanently disappear on my own or it's a miracle and I show up on my father's doorstep worse for wear. The 250-kay is all but guaranteed as I know for a fact there is an insurance policy with a kidnapping clause that offers a ransom payment of 250-kay, and yes this is on me, not my father."

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:42
"Which just means we've got a pissed off insurance company and the cops and the feds and your pop's private security after us, all able to ritually trace ya from a fingernail clipping and a blood sample on-file, unless we can convince your old man not to get that many people involved." Billy shrugs, "So understand, please, the importance of that bit."

"Listen, your pop loves you, you're his little princess, blah blah blah, right? So how much could you get, right now, if you had a mind to? Maxed out credit in his name, most expensive car you could borrow, family jewelry, whatever else that's easily portable? 'Cause you high-tailing it, and doing it with full pockets, then vanishing into the 'Sprawl? That'd be way easier. For you and everyone else involved. Runnin' away from home is one thing, Miss Kobayashi, and it's still scandal a-plenty to upset the old man and the wicked stepmother's glorious day. Getting kidnapped, that's a whole different can of worms."

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:42

The girl's jawline tightened, this wasn't going as she had hoped and frankly it didn't appear like it was going to go any further. Rather that waste any more of the "team's" precious time she gave in with the slightest nod of defeat towards Billy as she rose to her feet, one hand scooping up the white noise generator and slipping it back into a pocket.

"Then it appears we're done here."

She slid out of the end of the booth and without so much as another word or glance back over her shoulder she walked over to the bar to gather Kiko away from Jiro and the two girls started to leave Heaven and the team behind them.

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:57

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:14:12

Billy likes money, and this Tara was a key to lots of it. He considers calling out for just a second, but then remembers the first rule of walking away; if you start to walk away, and the other party doesn't let you, you're desperate. Billy won't show desperation to a 16 year old girl. Ever.

So instead he just shrugs, and jingles around the ice in the bottom of his empty cup, at Scarlet's remark. "I should've let my table full of whores beat her ass."

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:49

Since he had gotten her a drink, Kiko hadn’t said a single word. She was either scared, or too shy for any conversation… which didn’t bother Jiro at all. He had came to the conclusion, a long time ago, that he had nothing in common with today’s youth. As far as he was concerned, the job was already on, which meant staying on his toes. He kept his scotch in hand, simply stirring it from time to time, but without bringing it to his lips. Even with age, his eyes were still sharp. Tired, but sharp nonetheless. His attention jumped from one patron to the other, looking for signs of any overwatch or eavesdroppers. When he was satisfied everything was going smoothly his gaze wondered back to the table his team occupied. Even from a few feet away, Jiro could easily tell that things weren’t going exactly as planned… by anyone. Julio was agitated about something, and looked even more pissed off than usual. Scarlet kept shooting side-glances to Billy, who talked to great length about something.

Probably haggling over the price…

Tara finally stood up, pocketed the whitenoise generator and started to walk toward the bar. Jiro eyes jumped from the young girl, back to table, back to her. Something wasn’t quite right. The meet had been way too short… and the way Scarlet was talking to Billy, something hadn’t gone as plan. Tara’s face also spoke to great length.

“Come on Kiko, we’re leaving.” she said in a quick and sharp tone, one that left no room for discussion.

Kiko stood from the bar stool she had been silently occupying… but she didn’t stand all the way up. Jiro’s firm hand went from it’s resting place on the bar to her shoulder.

“Sit down.” was the only whisper that came out of Jiro damaged vocal cords. Even if Kiko probably hadn’t understood what he said over the club’s music, his hand pressing slightly down and his dead serious face got the message across.

His brown eyes went into Tara’s, as he looked down on her. Jiro’s hand left Kiko’s shoulder to grab the upper part of Tara’s shoulder, just where he neck started.

Not saying a single word, he simply applied enough pressure to assure she understood he meant serious business. Guiding her at a steady and calm pace, he walked her back to the table.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:13:49

When Jiro's hand moves from her friend to her own upper arm and firmly holds on, Tara's eyes narrow into slits. She hisses out in Japanese as Jiro starts her back towards the table.

"If you know what's best, you'll let go of me right now. My discussion with your friends is over."

With that said she started to try to slow his pace and keep him from bringing her back to the booth like a naughty child for a repremand.

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:14:06

Being threatened by a teenager almost brought a smile to Jiro’s lips. During his days spent in jail, he had come face to face with some of the worst kind of scumbags the earth had ever given birth to. He had come face to face with people who would kill you with a sharpened toothbrush if you looked at them sideways during lunch.

Lowering his mouth to the girl’s ear, he spoke back to her in Japanese.

“If you know what’s best, you will not disrespect these people. They aren’t as gentle as I am” he finished, punctuating the remark by pressing his thumb slightly under her shoulder blade.

When they finally reached the table, Jiro’s manners weren’t as gentle and polite as usual. With his hand still firmly grasping her shoulder, he literally shoved her back into her seat. The girl obviously disliked authority. The girl was obviously spoiled. The girl would obviously have to learn right here and now that this was serious. Her compliance would make or break the job itself… and time to make her bendable and workable was probably going to be short. Someone had to break her. Now.

Jiro continued in Japanese, his tone carrying a mix of angriness and annoyance.

“You sit and you don’t get up until this man” he pointed to Billy “says you can, am am crystal clear? If you want to leave, you ask. You ask politely and you excuse yourself. Show some respect and you will be shown equal amount.”

He released his grip and arranged the cuff of his suite.

“Now, conclude this in a manner that is proper.” he added, turning his back on the table and going back to the bar.

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:14:06

Tara glared at Jiro, her eyes burning with a sudden hate that was likely felt by the immediate area. Yet she sat for at least a minute in silence, fuming, breathing heavily as if she was trying to control her internal rage. She then looked at Billy across the table, her upper lip twitching slightly as she sat there.

Across the room Kiko sat at the bar in the middle of a rather animated conversation with the bartender with the duo sending regular glances in the direction of the team and the booth.

"I believe our business was concluded, as properly as could be since your position seemed to come across very clear. Now, before I cause a scene and ruin your otherwise pleasant evening, I suggest you let myself and my friend walk away and forget this ever happened."

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:15:11

Billy pretends not to see her for that minute, idly chatting with Scarlet about lame costumes on the dance floor, predictions of the weather for the next few days, a hah-hah belly laugh funny story from a previous 'run, and a good sixty second's worth of other made-up, shallow, bullshit. It's more mature of him than some might've expected, actually, ignoring the nubile sixteen year old's heavy breathing routine. Eventually, she grits her teeth and re-enters the conversation.

"Oh! Well, hello." Billy's smile is as pearly and dazzling as ever, seeming pleasantly surprised to have suddenly noticed that Tara had rejoined them. "Thank you for coming back and being willing to conclude the conversation in an appropriate manner. Jiro, thank you for seeing her safely back across the dance floor, free from ruffians and ill-mannered men."

He leans towards Tara just a little, half-conspirational, "A real gentleman, our Jiro, and don't let anyone tell you different."

Shen settles back, arms stretching out and resting atop the back cushions of the booth, and -- even money says -- crossing his ankles under the table. "Miss Johnson, I believe you misunderstood the nature of the conversation, moments previous to your sudden, and I feel compelled to point out, fairly rude departure."

"If we were turning down the job, we'd have knocked you out, called your father, and turned you and a recording of this conversation in to him for whatever reward he deemed appropriate to a humble group of Good Samaritans out to save him from scandal and emberassment -- there's always a way to turn a profit." Pleasant as Billy's tone is, open as his smile, friendly as his body language all are, it's not wholly impossible that this remains an option. "In truth, we might've even been offered a bodyguarding gig from him for a move like that. As it was, voicing misgivings and concerns as we were, we were merely wanting you to understand the enormity and seriousness of the task you're putting us to."

"You are not ordering an instant-gratification Shadowrunner team off some 'trix shopping hub. You're paying people to engage in combat on your behalf -- which you'll stand in the center of -- of either a lethal or non-lethal nature, determined largely by the response of whatever security we find around you at the time. You're paying those people to then swoop you up and make an escape with you, unharmed by both that initial ambush, your security response, and any pursuit that might ensue." His smile turns a little sharper. "And then the tricky part starts. The hiding you, the you following our every single command without pause or question or comment. The part where your father, with everything his money and the law can arm him with, comes looking for you in fear for your life, well being, sanity, and whatever might remain of your virtue."

The smile's gone, by then. "And, of course, then the exchange of funds itself."

"We mention these misgivings and concerns not because we doubt our ability to handle such a task, Miss Johnson. But -- speaking for myself, at least, and with my doubts not in the least smoothed over by your abrupt exit -- because we want to make sure, absolutely sure, that you understand what you're signing up for before we begin to break Federal laws on your behalf. We're not going to be nice to you. We're not going to make you comfortable. We're not going to let you know when we're making our move. You won't know where you're being held, or for how long, or when your father's made payment." For a few moments, Billy Shen looks nothing like a silver tongued womanizer, and everything like a Triad hitter who's done this sort of thing, maybe, once or twice before. Every ounce of the magic Billy possesses comes to life in his words, making each one hit home like a bullet, forcing this young girl to realize the enormity of her proposition before, not after, the process might begin. "You will be a kidnapping victim, Miss Johnson, for as long as we feel you need to be completely detained and controlled in such a fashion. You will not be some secret partner again, our Miss Johnson, until we feel totally safe the transaction with your father is finished. And then you will have to vanish, once we let you back into some proper clothing and out of whatever rock we hid you under. You'll walk away from all your friends, all your family, and all your father's affection and finances besides the fifty-fifty split of whatever ransom he coughs up on your behalf."

"Now, Miss Johnson." Billy leans back forward, elbows on the table, fingers steepled. "Is our business concluded? Should we all forget this ever happened? Or does this still sound like a good idea to you, in which case we should be expecting a data file from you with your plans for the next few weeks?"

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:17:25

Tara sat there stone-faced as Billy chided her and tried to scare her. Inwardly she shivered at bit and yet she also laughed to herself silently as they thought they had the upper hand with her.

Without here there was no deal. If she walked away from the table a second time her security detail would increase ten-fold and a “leak” would happen of word of an intended kidnapping and all hell could break loose.

As she leaned slightly forward and was about to unleash her tongue and full teen-angst upon the cocky Chinese man across from her, firm hands rested protectively upon her shoulders silencing her instantly.

“We got a problem ‘ere chummers?”

The rich bass voice boomed from the large ebony troll bouncer behind her, and the cracking of knuckles let her know he wasn’t alone.

[Mister Juan]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:14:06

As Jiro walked away, a second time, from the team’s table, he couldn’t help but notice Kiko exchanging a few words with the barman. It wasn’t something that would have usually bothered him… was it for the way they were both looking toward where he was coming from… and with somewhat of a worried pair of eyes. The night was definitely not going according to plan.

With a few more steps, the old Japanese man was across the room and back on his bar stool, his back turned to the barman. Taking up his glass again, he simply stared at the half melted ice cubes that were gently bobbing in and out of the alcohol.

He still had no idea if Kiko was pure blood, or if she understood Japanese. As he spoke to her in his slightly accented English, he simply looked in his glass.

“I apologize if I scared you before…” he said, his sentence sounding as if it wasn’t finished.

“Don’t worry about your friend. She’s in very good and gentle hands.” he finally added, not believing the lie himself. Jiro had never been a man good with words, or with people in general. His sole purpose, for almost his entire life, had been that of a soldier. His duty was to obey, carry out his assignments. His duty was to kill others before they killed his masters.

Kiko simply sat there, totally mute. Jiro couldn’t blame her… The night was probably turning in something she hadn’t quite expected. That and the fact she was probably terribly worried not only for her own well being, but her friend’s.

After a few more minutes spent in silence, Jiro opened his mouth. Half way through getting his first sentence out, a large silhouette caught his attention at the corner of his eye. Slowly, as if he was just gazing around the present crowd for famous faces, he turned his attention to the large troll that had just entered the room. Dressed in the club’s security uniform, he was not only looking toward the team’s table… he was walking purposefully toward it.

His eyes went to Kiko just long enough for him to send a good stare through her whole being.

Clever little girl.

A gentle smile went to his lips as he dug a last UCAS dollar bill from his pocket. Gently folding it, he placed it half under Kiko’s glass.

“It was nice to meet you Kiko. You be a nice girl now.”

Grabbing his own, still full, drink, Jiro strolled toward the main dance floor… where all the night’s socialites were still swarming amongst each others, exchanging rumors of the plexe. As he mingled amongst the people, using them as cover, he unclipped his Taiwanese knock-off second hand commlink.

[<jiro> Awake. Local Sec.]

Although not the most descriptive message, it would be enough to rouse the rest of team’s attention.

Depending on how the next few seconds would play out, the day could take a whole new turn. From his spot, Jiro was almost at equal distance from the table (and so, striking distance) and Heaven’s exit. If he made it down to the main floor, he could easily lose himself in the crowd. But then again… bailing on his team wasn’t something he felt like doing.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:17:32

"No. I don't think we have a problem." Billy shakes his head, his expression neutral and his usual smile still conspicuously absent. If he's scared of the security, it's certainly not showing. There's tension in the air, though, and his tone is softer and more serious than most people have come to expect from him. His eyes stay on Tara, not the troll, as he answers. "Do we?"

Then his grin grows from out of nowhere, and he looks up at the bouncer, suddenly relaxed again, leaning back and sprawling out. "Oh, wait! Yeah. I could use a little more brandy, and a waitress hasn't been by in forever."

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:17:32

The verbal interplay had become boring. Billy didn't actually feel the emotional content of his words, his aura suggested seriousness, interest, and casual passions. The girl's aura was a maelstrom of emotions, if he'd had time to pick at he would've but the large troll approached, and with a sigh Apex returned his sight to mundane reality.

The security agent and Billy exchanged words, Billy being flip as usual, and Apex considered simply seizing control over the girl's mind and forcing the responses he wanted from her until he remembered the astral security present.

A bar fight certainly didn't interest him, if forced to leave he would, but just in case he prepared himself to begin manipulating mana.

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:17:33

[Vegas]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:17:35

The young girl's eyes moved across the faces of each of the runners still seated at the table and gauged their emotions and remembered their features. Tilting her head slightly to look up at the bouncer leaning over behind her she gave a slight shake of her head. She had made a large mistake, a huge one even. She picked the wrong team and their attitudes, cockiness and greediness above all disappointed her.

"No, no problems at all. As I was just leaving."

She slowly rose to her feet as the bouncer removed his hands from her shoulders. She smiled gratetfully at him before she walked with him and his co-worker back towards their positions at the doors. Along the way Kiko joins her from the bar area and the girls make their way towards the doors to the lower part of the club.

[Critias]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:17:35

Billy's commlink blinks itself into his hand with a flick of his wrist, like an old-school stage magician (before real magicians made that sort of parlor trick obsolete). He sets it on the table, spinning it in little circles with an idle twirling finger. To call, or not to call. He sighs, suddenly, fingertip flicking his commlink as he straightens up. "Dammit. No one ever did get me another brandy. Some customer service."

He leaves his potentially-spoiled-little-bitch-plot-ruining electronic device on the table for him to glare at as he, again, flings himself backwards to stretch and sprawl out and try to decide what to do.

"So." He still looks accusingly at the commlink, but he's probably talking to the other 'runners, not it. "Thoughts?"

[Thanee]

Friday, September 05, 2070 22:17:37

“After this little scene, the risk has gone too high, anyways. People might remember her and us meeting here. Let her go.” Scarlet just shrugs. From her perspective, the job was gone and hopefully something else would come up in the near future.

“Night's still young. Enjoy yourselves,” the elf then says with a wink and goes back to where she was before Billy had called her over to this rather pointless meeting as it had turned out, which wasn't Billy's fault, of course. It surely had some promise for a while.

[Vegas]

Monday, September 08, 2070 12:35:42

You’ve had a few days of downtime, time to process what happened at Bliss on Friday night and you still couldn’t piece together how it all got so fucked up. You’ve had time to sleep. You’ve had time to eat. You’ve even had time to get laid if that was your prerogative. You’ve had time to drink. You’ve had time to get high. You even got to sleep in this morning, to make up for the late night you had the night before. The only thing you haven’t done yet this morning is turn on the TriD.

When you get around to doing so all the channels are covering a breaking news story out of Seattle. ABS, NBS, KSAF, LSC, and NN are all covering what appears to be a high-profile kidnapping at the University of Seattle campus. Live feeds are coming in showing smashed up cars, bullet holes, broken glass and blood on the sidewalks. Cameramen pull tight shots of the casualties bleeding and being bandaged up by rescue personnel on the scene.

You turn up the volume on the story and a sickening sensation ripples through your stomach as the pretty blonde talking head moves her lips and reads her copy with the perfect amount of news anchor-seriousness and feigned concern.

“Details are sketchy at this immediate time, however we have heard from unconfirmed sources that the target of this kidnapping was a daughter of a high-ranking executive of a corporation here in Seattle. We are working hard to get the details and as soon as they come in we will bring them to you live. Again we are showing you a live feed from the University of Seattle where just about 45 minutes ago there was a kidnapping involving gunfire and there are wounded at the scene. Stay with us here for the latest breaking news….”

[Thanee]

Monday, September 08, 2070 12:35:44

Looks like the girl got her kidnapping after all... Scarlet thinks, as she watches the news.

While she would have prefered to be one of those making these news instead of being here just watching them, she wasn't really angry about that. It was a lot of heat these guys had coming for them now. High risk, high pay. Isn't that what they always say? But sometimes it's just not worth it... Scarlet had already learned that lesson the hard way. Not many could say that, not many that still lived, at least. And in the end, the payment often isn't really as good, as you had thought, when put into perspective.

Just out of curiosity, she sends a message to her team members.

< [Scarlet] Hey, what are you thinking? >

[Mister Juan]

Monday, September 08, 2070 12:35:44

It had been a rather quiet day at the shop. Clients were few and sparse, and orders rather simple and to the point. One bouquet for a sick grand mother, a few roses for the new girl friend, a green plant to put some life in the house. Simple. Jiro had used most of the time to water and trim the rows of bonsai that grew in the two main windows, while Kenji transplanted various plants and flowers.

Once they had both accomplished their daily routines, they had begun their still daily game of Shogi. It wasn’t until some client mentioned the kidnapping that Jiro became aware of it. Kenji took the initiative of turning on the small trid unit that sat under the counter, quickly filling the small shop with the news anchor’s voice.

Arms crossed, brow lightly furrowed, the old Japanese man watch the report. It was more a look of annoyance than concern. With a sigh, Jiro went back to work, arranging some flowers.

Seconds later, his commlink was buzzing to life, a small message from Scarlet scrolling on the surface of it’s screen. Clumsily, he typed something back.

< [Scarlet] Hey, what are you thinking? >

< [Jiro] Clumsy. Amateurish. Gratuitous >

[Vegas]

Monday, September 08, 2070 16:29:52

As the day wore on "updates" on the University Kidnapping were splashed across the news. Usually they just contained glorified closeups of the blood and carnage, the injured and broken glass, all of it wrapped up with sexy graphics and atrractive talking heads.

Later in the afternoon however they were running new footage. Earlier it had been confirmed that it was indeed Tara Kobayashi who was kidnapped, only now there was footage of camera crews ambushing her father. A serious and no-nonsense Japanese business man, flanked by his bodyguards, assistants and other entourage, walked briskly past the cameras, stone-faced and silent as questions and even accusations were being hurled at him.

What is most concerning to each of you however, when you manage to catch the news update feeds, is that KSAF has gotten "exclusive rights" to air video containing "Persons of Interest" as determined by Lone Star. The news feed cuts to video footage from the other night at Bliss. Tara is clearly highlighted in the film and then there is footage of Jiro walking her back to the table where the team of runners sat. Of course they cut out the portion where the bouncers arrived and the girl walked away alive and unharmed. The damage was done however.

All 5 of you were now being broadcast on the local news in some shape or form, and since the networks were salivating to capatilize on breaking the story first, they were pulling out all the stops to paint the 5 of you as guilty as possible without proof or defense.

[Thanee]

Monday, September 08, 2070 16:37:10

Great, just great... Scarlet thinks. Then she begins figuring out, where the camera was, that has shot the pictures on the trid. Was it one of the cameras in the Bliss? Or did someone 'carry' it? Either way, getting full surveillance videos from the Bliss might be a good idea, but Scarlet waits to see what her team-mates got to say, before going after that.

Next, Scarlet makes a search for Mr Kobayashi's com number. If possible, one, that reaches him directly. She will also figure out, how to reach Kiko.

[Critias]

Monday, September 08, 2070 16:37:19

Billy hums to himself as he strolls towards his kitchen, towel around his waist and hair halfheartedly slicked back and still shower-damp. "Kitchen: lights, low."

"Doo, doo-doop, doop-doo..." He rummages in a cubbard and pulls out a styrofoam cup, gives the little tab on the bottom a yank. Chemicals do their near-magical work, and by the time he's tossed the string away and reached to peel the lid back, the contents have been flash-boiled and steam pours out the top.

Chopsticks are retreived from the drawer next to the sink, and soon he's be-bopping his way over to his couch and plopping down onto it with none of the grace for which he's renowned.

"Tridset: on. Channel random. Scan, three seconds." He stretches out, and notes the blinking light on his commlink. He eyes his soup, decides letting it cool a few seconds would do his tongue some good, and barely gives the tridscreen a glance as he reaches or his comm.

< [Scarlet] Hey, what are you thinking? >

< [Jiro] Clumsy. Amateurish. Gratuitous >

Billy's brow furrows. He thumbs the scrollbar, calling up previous messages since those two, alone, just don't make any sense. All he finds in his previous texts was someone promising him a Troll-sized penis, someone else swearing that his long-lost rich uncle died back in the Arcology takeover a million years ago and they wanted to help Billy inherit, and a very private message from a redhead he'd met back at the club, on What's-His-Name's booze tab.

He slurps up a mouthfull of noodles, then his fingertips dance over his keypad. When in doubt, say something that'll spark a conversation.

<[bs] hey, uhh. no matter how bad the netsex session is going, j, you're not supposed to tell her things like that. >

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Monday, September 08, 2070 16:38:09

Apex flipped through the virtual pages of an article by Professor Edwin Calloway of Boston College's Occult Studies program dealing with the complex formula invovled in summoning of familiar spirits, trying hard to understand the necessary steps without complete information when he noted the small figure of a two centimeter tall elf clad in greens and browns waving a hand for attention in the corner of his visual display.

That icon represented his Agent program Puck, one of the best investment's Apex had ever made since he was practically brain dead when it came to computers and stuff. The agent, armed with some programs he'd purchased and had modified, handled most of the research leg work for the young mage. It also was responsible for diluting his data trail at regular intervals. A virtual touch brought the icon front an center.

"Yes Puck?"

"As per your instructions I am notifying you that your commcode is being pinged by an authorized source. Further, a standard scan of the recent news article revealing an image with an 89% correlation ratio to your own features."

Holy drek! Apex thought, immediately closing the connection to the on line journal and calling up the noted news programs. It took only a few seconds to catch the basic thrust of the article and suddenly he was back in Boston again, feeling the omni-present pressure of being hunted by people he didn't know with more resources then he could possibly hope to match. He shunted Puck to his ancillary icon in the corner of his vision and gave him new instructions.

"Until further notice your primary responsibility will be to spoof the data trail being broadcast by my commlink, at least every 3 minutes. Secondary priority is to analyze any incoming signals for trace programs or attempts to access online data files. Execute."

The immediate being taken care of Apex stood and pulled his 'work bag' out of his closet and began stuffing with enough gear to last for a few days on the run. The news might have images of him on the trid but he didn't exist in the system this time, which meant anyone hunting him would have to work a lot harder. He called up the comm-channel the team used and noted the chatter.

<-[Apex]- Uhhh, guys, does anyone realize that we're now going to be the target of a significant bounty and most likely a whole heck of a lot of high level attention? The club probably has our data trails, and I know they had magically activer personnel on site who assensed our auras, which means we may be vulnerable. You all seem to be taking this pretty calmly, all things considered. Maybe we should start looking into this in order to get ahead of the game. I'm considering a low level of panic as a starting point.

[Thanee]

Monday, September 08, 2070 16:38:31

< [Scarlet] Yeah, right. Calm. How the heck do you come to that conclusion!? I'm trying to figure out if it was an installed or a mobile camera, that took the pictures, and how the information got there... could be as simple as the star following the trail of Miss K., or it could have been Kiko, or even Erik, though I doubt this. It could have been a setup by Miss K., or even some random person could have spied on our little meeting and figured that we would make for some great scapegoats, and kidnap her without her approval. Yeah, ok, guess that's a bit too much paranoia right there. I doubt, that Miss K. has hired another team and leaked this, because that would make no sense, and she seemed smart enough to figure that out herself. Kiko seems likely. That's why I'm also trying to figure out her number, or how we could get in touch with her. Also, Mr K.'s number, since it would be best to talk to him directly about this incident, I guess. We could offer them our help in some fashion and that should take care of the heat from the star at once. Of course, he has to believe us, therefore getting the complete video from the camera would be rather useful. Of course, that's the one thing, that stands against Kiko being the source, or the star having found the video without some help, they cut out some portions, that would leave a doubt. Could have been the trid guys, though. It certainly has a higher impact that way. >

[Mister Juan]

Monday, September 08, 2070 16:39:44

From behind the counter, Kenji gave Jiro a concerned look. He knew very well of his employee's past life... and current lifestyle. But he also knew Jiro could have simply not done it. The kidnapping had taken place earlier today, at about the time they were starting their game of Shogi. Nevertheless, the elderly man felt worried.

"Do not worry sir, not harm will come to your establishment."

"You'll always be a fool Jiro." said the elderly florist with a small smile. "It's about you I'm worried. What are you going to do?"

Putting to a rest the broom he had been holding Jiro looked out the large shop's window, simply gazing out at the masses of people still flowing around on the streets. His eyes seemed tired. His shoulders slumped down as if he was carrying a terrible burden.

"I don't know."

Grabbing his jacket off a hook near the door, the old yakuza gave Kenji a respectful bow and simply walked out. Jiro knew he had to get on the move, now, even if he had "done nothing wrong". It was probable the Star already had his SIN, and knew where he was working. But that didn't worry Jiro. They had nothing on him. They couldn't charge him with anything even if they got their hands on him.

Looking over at his commlink, he could already feel a slight wind of panic sweep through.

<[Jiro] I'm off to the international district. I'll start looking Kiko. Scarlet; keep me informed on how your search goes. >

Kiko, and the Kobayashies , were of japanese blood. No matter how long ago they had arrived in Seattle, they were bound to have some ties to the local japanese community. Jiro had very few friends left in the international district, but hopefully, those that were still around might know a thing.