IC: Initial Shadow Offering Options

[Mister Juan]

Seeing Nadia work her "magic", George could do nothing but raise an eyebrow. The girl was obviously good with people... something he envyed, but wasn't going to addmit it. He gave a quick circular look, just to make sure. That "drone" really had spooked him.

We'll have to relocate... fast.

Extending his large arm toward the hotel, he gestured to Hobbes.

"Right this way, sir." looking over his glasses, his brown eyes were set on Caitlin "You keep sharp on the astral."

He permitted himself a smile.

"So far so good, girl. Doing great."

Although his face was smiling, there didn't seem to be any true expression in his voice. Like always, his tone seemd detached, cold. Maybe it was his way of staying professional...

As Hobbes stepped out of the limo, George got into bodyguard mode. His vest was open, to give him better acces to his weapon, and he was never more than foot from Hobbes: behind him and a bit to the side.

[Glyph]

Caitlin is outwardly calm, but is impatient to get to their rooms, so they can plan the next step - none of them even have all of their gear yet, and they picked up a tail before they even reached the hotel. She had mentioned earlier that they would need to keep on the move, but she thought they might at least be able to grab their stuff, and get a bit of shut-eye first.

She carefully scans the astral, mindful to stop when they pass any wards - she is also mentally evaluating the hotel's magical security. She appreciates the obvious work they have put into physical security, but it only takes one materialized fire elemental to render merely mundane protections moot.

[Sicarius]

Caitlin Only

[ Spoiler ]

The hotel's Astral security exists but doesn't look as extensive as its physical counterpart, Two Air Elementals (Force 4) are in the general area of the unloading area. You can see the Astral presence of a mage, looks to be initiated, doing a patrol, but only briefly as his astral form is lost among the mass of living lifeforms inside the actual hotel. The regular security is mildly cybered throughout their bodies, while the head doorman is modified somewhat heavier, with the black tendrils of essence loss trailing throughout his limbs, and into his central nervous system. perhaps wired reflexes but that would be a guess on your part. There are several wards throughout the hotel... on one you detect the astral signature of the patrolling mage on in on the first floor, the rest appear to have different makers, in different hotel rooms.

Hobbes plays his role to a tee, shaking the head doorman's hand, and depositing the cash, while at the same time gesturing at the bellboy as the driver pops open the trunk. The bellboy is soon weighted down with a large black duffel bag, a suit bag, and a heavy metal briefcase.

The Group moves onwards.. and upwards. The lobby opens to a great expanse of people, hustling and bustling, There is a sport bars, some kind of cafe/french resturant themed place, and a number of gift and book shops. The bellboy lurches under the weight of the bags, towards the elevators.. There is a bank of 3 on one side, 3 on the other. A closed fire door with a picture of someone running down the steps shows you where the stairs are.

"BING!" The center elevator opens...

"This is the direct elevator to the Corporate Tier 3 Suite Penthouse... You'll need a key to access it." The Bellboy says... It looks like a vein in his forehead is going to pop out as he drags the bags aboard the elevator. The rest of the group follows suit, as the bellboy fumbles in his pocket for a key. Which he swipes as the door closes.

"Bing,Bing,Bing" The express elevator seems to fly upwards about 30 stories, although according to the lighted number panel its actually only 16, and than the door opens..

"Bing"

the elevator opens directly into the living room of the suite which features white furry carpeting. A plush white sofa, as well as two thick chairs face a huge trideo screen on the opposite wall. There is a hallway leading left, and a one leading right. The Bellboy drops the bags with a 'thump' and begins to give the tour...

When its all over... you discover the room has a small kitchen just off the living room to the left. Also to the left is the master bedroom and masterbath, featuring a king sized bed and a whirlpool spa respectively. To the right is two other bedrooms, each with two twin beds, each with an attached bathroom, including small shower. Several rooms have windows, but they are all opaque. More importantly, there does not appear to be any physical or astral threat or potential threat in any of the rooms.

After getting a sizeable tip from Hobbes, the Bellboy deposits four keys, and promptly departs.

[Mister Juan]

After pocketing one of the keys, George gave a brief look suite, acknowledging it all with only a short grunt. It would have to do for now. The ork procedeed in pulling down all the blinds in every single room. Even if the windows were opaque, that didn't change the fact that anyone with a thermographic sensor could probably seen in... the kind of sensor a drone could easily carry.

Once the man had gotten a good feel of the layout, he chose a sofa at random in the living room and sat, holding himself as straight as a wooden plank.

As always, his deep voice didn't seem to carry any emotions as he spoke.

"Sir" his eyes were on Hobbes "no matter what, you will not get close to those windows, and from now on, you do not go anywhere alone. Ever. From now on, everything you do, you must tell us before hand. You do not call anyone without telling us before. You do not mention your location to anyone. You do not talk to anyone unless you absolutely must. Am I clear?" George sounded polite... but nothing he said sounded like suggestions.

The ork got back up and started taking his tie and jacket off.

"I am not sure what you have in your possession that is so important, but whom ever is coming after you has some resources" once again, he seemed detached from the whole affair "There was an aerial drone following us. We lost him when that biker went down."

A large silver and black Savalette Guardian was holstered on his right side. A double magazine holder compensated the weight on the other side.

"There is a good chance that this safehouse is already compromised. We need to relocate, as soon as possible. If 700 nuyens can get us in here, fully armed, it means that anyone with some cred can sneak weapons in." As he spoke, his eyes alternated between Caitlin and Nadia.

He pointed a thick finger toward the elevator.

"And this place has only one way in, one way out. Anyone coming up can pin us down."

His deep brown eyes went back to Hobbes.

"Sir, do you know how to handle a firearm? I do not want you to get involved in anything if something does happen, but it would be an extra security measure. Also, do you have any idea who could be coming after you. Anything you can provide will make our job easier. If we can anticipate the sort of threat, we will be much more able to deal with it."

After having walked a few paces, the George sat back down.

"Ladies; comm gear. What do you have?"

I'm going to have to call Judith... There's no way I'll be home for dinner...

[Musashi Forever]

Nadia removes her shoes and takes a seat on a big recliner as George begins his speech. She is pretty disappointed that he wanted to leave such a nice place, but she could see some of his points.

"I've just got my wrist phone and a pager. Sorry." she says in response to his question.

"Um, could we stay here if we piled a bunch of furniture and things in front of the elevator?" She pretty much knows what the ork's answer will be, but as she curls her legs up under herself, Nadia realizes that she really likes the chair. Her eyes begin to search the suite for foodstuffs. If they had to leave she was going to fill her bag with some of this swank stuff.

[Sicarius]

Hobbes looks frustrated as he listens to the ork speak. He waits for George to finish, and than says.

"The meet is in the conference room in this building, booking the conference room is what enabled me to get such a good price on the digs." He says, with a smile, than frowns, and adds, " Leaving means we would have to be in transit to some other place, and than come back here... That being said, we can do what you think is best." He pauses for a moment, as if thinking, and than says, "no worries about the windows, I've got alot of work to do, so you can just stick me where ever and I can get to it. I've never handled a firearm, but i'd be willing to give it a try if you think its necessary." He pauses slightly longer... his face in turmoil, as if he's trying to decide if he wants to tell you something or not... finally he does.

"the meet is with Microdeck. But as i've said its potentially very lucrative, so any number of companies could be interested in getting a hold of it... unfairly. I would rather not disclose any more details than that."

With that, Hobbes gets up, and begins to unlock the metal briefcase... He fumbles for awhile with the code, and then pulls out the swankest, tricked out cyberdeck you've seen in. of course none of you are of that technical persuasion so there's no telling how much it really cost, but it looks like it was a sizeable investment.


Nadia Only

[ Spoiler ]

There is a very nice gift basket sitting on a table in the kitchen. It has all sorts of real cheeses, a very nice elven wine, and other assorted goodies like razors, toothbrushes, and high end real chocolate.

[Mister Juan]

"Well, we're going to have to get you some sort of comm gear. If something goes wrong, paging you will be my last of worries."

When Nadia mentionned piling up the furniture, George had no reaction what so ever. Either he haddn't heard her... or simply chosen to ignore the suggestion.

As Hobbes spoke, the ork was busy trying to get a wrinkle out of his crisp white shirt.

"If you'd rather we stay here sir, than, that is your call. I am simply stating that if your survival is your number one priority, then, looking for an alternative safehouse might be good. I'll make the necessary arrangement... in case we need to move."

He started putting his jacket back on.

"Well, ladies, which one of you would like to go collect whatever gear you deem necessary? I have a few calls to make."

[Glyph]

A slightly bitter smile flits across Caitlin's face as she gazes around the room; the suite reminds her of her former circumstances, and how far she's fallen. She answers George:

"Just a phone and pager, likewise. I agree that we are in a tenuous situation. This room is comparatively isolated - that makes it more defensible, but also easier for assailants to sneak in, and easier for them to box us in. We were followed as we left the meet - at least the drone and biker seemed to be working together; that means only one enemy, so far. It doesn't bode well for your girlfriend, though, Hobbes. She should have come with us. If she calls, be wary - it could be a trap, especially if she asks to meet you alone for any reason."

As Hobbes sets up his expensive-looking deck, Caitlin asks, "Does that thing have a wireless link? George is right - we do need to stay on the move. The real gauntlet will be coming back - since they probably know where the meeting is, as well."

She looks wryly at Nadia as George asks his second question - the adept obviously looks like she wants to settle down for awhile. "Why don't I go first? I don't need to get much, but it's very important that I get my first aid gear. I know I'm going to need it."

[Mister Juan]

George was already busy dialing some number on his cell phone.

"Very well. I'll get us a hold of some comm decent comm gear." he looked up, from his phone, at Caitlin "Hurry up and make sure you don't get tailed."

Without any other word of luck, George stepped out in one of the bedroom to get some privacy.

[Glyph]

With a nod, a smile, and a wave, Caitlin is on her way to the elevator, dialing up a taxi on her cell phone as the elevator heads towards the lobby.

[Sicarius]

1645 September 17th "The Book Store" University District, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

Hobbes just shrugs at Caitlin's question as he merrily plugs the deck into the jackpoint on the telecom/trid/entertainment system in the living room. Before plugging into his data jack he faces the three and says,

"While I appreciate what you are saying... and you are certainly being professional and earning your pay.. I need to be able to conduct my business. That requires that I be in the conference room of this hotel at 5:00 pm on the 20th. It also includes alot of preliminary work, most of its on the 'deck. Provided those two conditions are met, security is your purview, and i'll do what you say." He lifts the deck up for Nadia's benefit, and points at a button.

"If you need me to come out, push that, and it'll let me know okay? Just don't pull the plug, cause that would fraggin suck."


He sits down on the couch, and jacks in... his face going expressionless, as he is off to do whatever it is he needs to do.

George Only

[ Spoiler ]

You enter one of the bedrooms, and place your first call. Miron picks up a few moments later. You can hear a thumping bass behind him...

"Yo! Georgie what can I do for you?" George promptly explained the need for the microtranscievers..

"How Soon?" was Miron's next question... ASAP. Miron's sigh was audible over the electronic music.

"I can do it. let me call you back when I got it lined up and i'll quote you a price okay?"

The next few calls didn't bode as well, and took longer, drawing up leads. Finally he's pointed to a Triad Massage Parlor and Flophouse, euphemistically known as "the Happy Ending." The good news was it was relatively nearby, in the Downtown district. The bad news was it didn't have a great reputation for cleanliness.

Caitlin Only

[ Spoiler ]

You make your way back down the elevator, and across the lobby. Its still bustling with people, which makes it difficult to determine if anyone is trailing you. Acquiring a cab is no difficulty, they routinely hang out by the major hotels. You step into the cleanest cab you can find...

"Hello Ma'am... where are you going today?" Offers a large black human with a short cropped haircut and a touch of an english accent. He rolls off the curb as you explain your destination in a round about way..

[Mister Juan]

1710 September 17th "The Seattle Hilton", 16th floor, Downtown, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

When George got back to the living room, where Nadia and Hobbes were still sitting, Caitlin was already gone. The fact that none of them had any decent comm gear slightly annoyed him.. but he decided not to go on the subject again. Bringing down the women for what he thought were rookie mistakes wasn't going to make the run any easier. Plus, he had to get along with them for the next three days.

Dealing with Miron had put him in a better mood; the man was a true professional, and would get what George needed. Resting his side on the doorway to the living room, the ork decided that it was time to get to know the team he was working with.

"Nadia... right? What sort of expertise do you have? I'd like to get a feel of how you and Caitlin work. If the shit hits the fan, I'd like to be sure I can rely on you."

Strangely, the ork was still wearing his mirror shades... He either liked looking cool, or his vision was highly augmented.

[Sicarius]

Caitlin Only

[ Spoiler ]

1800 September 17th Near Redmond , 16th floor, Downtown, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

You are rolling along in the back seat of the cab, and as you reach your drop off point, the driver turns around.

"Are you sure you would like to be let off here? This ain't the safest part of town... I mean.. sure there are worse areas, but shouldn't I at least drop you off near some people?"

The street is rather deserted.

When you decline he shrugs, says something about "had to ask for insurance purposes," and opens the door with an automatic switch.

Despite the driver's insurance concerns, You make your way to your apartment unopposed.

[Musashi Forever]

Nadia slowly reaches into her bag and pulls out her Colt Manhunter. "I'm a pretty decent shot with this and I am learning some skills with a knife, but my real skills have to do with some of the powers I am learning I have as an adept."

Returning the gun to her bag and wandering over to the gift basket she continues, "I'm pretty good at talking to people. As you can see I was able to get us in here without having to go through the regular scans. Also I can imitate voices that I have heard, but it takes some concentration. I might not be much good in a fight, but I'll do what needs to be done."

She takes a bite of cheese and cracker, savouring the "real" food taste. "And if anyone catches a bullet I might be able to patch them up."

[Sicarius]

1800 September 17th "The Seattle Hilton", 16th floor, Downtown, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

As Nadia and George stood in the living room, they couldn't help but notice Hobbes begin tapping rapidly away at his deck. His face had a look of intense concentration... his eyes blinkingly rapidly, as drops of sweat ran down his face. Its enough to make Nadia and George glad they don't have desk jobs.

[Mister Juan]

1806, September 17th "The Seattle Hilton", 16th floor, Downtown, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS


George had seemed satisfied in doing nothing for the past 50 minutes. He had sat, silent, not moving a muscle or saying a word for the whole time. It was obvious that social interaction wasn't one of the quality the ork possessed.

Finally, after another few minutes he got up and walked to the window, parting the blinds on the side with two outstreched fingers... as if he was almost afraid to approach the window.

In his usual low tone, he spoke to Nadia over his shoulder.

"She sure is taking her time. She's been gone for over an hour."

Even if he hadn't said anything about how he was feeling, it was obvious that George didn't like the situation.

"Combat experience. Do you have any actual live trigger time?" he turned to examine her as he spoke.

"If anything goes down; if lead starts flying... or anything else for that matter, you take care of him", what arms crossed over his chest, he nodded toward Hobbes. "Get him moving, get him to cover. Ok?"

[Sicarius]

1923, September 17th "The Seattle Hilton", 16th floor, Downtown, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

Caitlin Only

[ Spoiler ]

Your trip is uneventful, even though it takes some time before you can get a cab to bring you back to the hotel. Keeping your eyes peeled the whole way. But you don't feel like anyone followed you. And you make your way back into the lobby of the hotel. As you are waiting for the elevator, your rudely bumped into by a Japanese man in a grey business suit, but are otherwise unmolested.

The Elevator bings, and once again the group is all united. George nominates himself to go next for gear, which everyone seems to think is acceptable. If the next drone they run into had something heavier than a camera they would certainly need whatever firepower George could offer..
Hobbes was still tap tap tapping away, without so much as a break to eat or use the restroom. Whatever the hell he was doing, he seemed to be dedicated too it. There are a few moments of chatter, before George makes his way downstairs.


George Only

[ Spoiler ]

When he gets down there he sees that the doorman in question has apparently already gone off duty... or at any rate is away from his post. One of the other doormen point him towards his bike, in the parking lot, where several doormen moved it, after George left it in their unloading area.

after retrieving his bike, George begins his journey towards Pullyup, and has just hit the highway as the phone rings.

"hey chum, Miron here. I've got a source for the items you wanted. You're looking at a 10 hour wait. The price the guy ran by me was 2 Gs per unit. does that work for you? if not, let me know."

The roads are pretty empty at this time of night, and George is making good time.

Caitlin and Nadia Only

[ Spoiler ]

Perhaps 15 mintues after George leaves, Hobbes movements intensify, his hands flying over the keyboard at a rapid rate, sweat pouring down his face.... and.. what looks like blood slowly trickling down his nose...

[Musashi Forever]

"Holy drek!" Nadia yells as she jumps out of her chair. "Is that supposed to be happening?" She frantically looks to Caitlyn, hopeing the other woman knew more about decking than she did.

[Glyph]

Caitlin frowns.

"I've seen it happen, but only to deckers who were messing with things like IC. I thought he was just using the deck for work, not something potentially dangerous. We have him covered physically and magically, but we can't help him in the matrix. Try hitting that button he showed you. Don't jack him out yet, though. We have no idea what we'll be interrupting, and dumpshock is not something to take lightly.

Meanwhile, I'll take a look at his condition. Don't worry, I've had people who have been gutshot up and about after I patched them up, so a bloody nose won't be a problem to fix."

As she turns her gaze to Hobbes, Caitlin's face takes on that same look of concentration that she had right before that biker fell over. Other than that, she appears calm, despite inwardly seething. In the end, they can only protect Hobbes to the extent that he allows them to, but even if it isn't their fault, they will still all have a blot on their reputations if he succumbs to any unpleasantness.

[Musashi Forever]

Nadia hits the button that Hobbes had shown her and waits for any sign change.

[Sicarius]

His hands tap wildly, as the blood flows a little more freely from his right nostril. a brief, nanosecond of a pause, and than more taping. Finally Hobbes snatches the jack from his head, blinks a couple of times, and says...

"Sweet merciful DREK!" He looks at the two women for a moment, as if he can't recognize them, then smiles and says,

"I don't think I'll be doing any more computer work for awhile." He sees them staring at his face, and he reaches up and touches his nose, seeing blood.

"Oh.." He frowns slightly than says, "You should see the other guy."

Caitlin Only

[ Spoiler ]

Hobbes has no physical injuries, but is in some shock.. (medium stun)

[Musashi Forever]

"What happened, boss?" Nadia asks as she hands him a washcloth from the bar to wipe away the blood. "Pressing the button didn't mess you up did it?"

[Glyph]

Caitlin, who still has a look of focused concentration in her eyes, answers distractedly. "He doesn't seem to have any physical injuries, beyond being knocked a bit loopy - that can happen when you run into trouble in the matrix. And it started before you pressed the button, so you didn't do anything wrong - suddenly disconnecting him, now that would have been a no-no."

Her gaze at Hobbes becomes more normal, less distant. "You were lucky, though. Jacked in, none of us could have done a thing to help you. Now, someone or something obviously detected you. Do you think they could have traced you to this location?"

[Sicarius]

Hobbes takes the offered washcloth and wipes away the drying blood.

"I don't think he pinpointed me. Even if he did he won't be telling anyone about it till he wakes up about 3 days from now." Hobbes is grinning like a cat that ate a canary. "Mean bastard though.. Quick too. Ninja-looking fragger all jumped out at me while I was doing my thing. He went straight for the blackest drek too but no dice... and I've nailed down his jackpoint too."


Hobbes smiles broadly, and than meanders over to the gift basket, munching on some cheese. He points a wedge of swiss at Nadia and Caitlin, and says, with a mouthful of cheese,

"Have you guys tried this? Its good stuff!"

[Mister Juan]

1930, September 17th, somewhere between "The Seattle Hilton" and Pullyup, Seattle Metroplex, UCAS

Feeling the ear unit phone vibrating in his breast pocket, George attached the gadget to his ear. Over the roaring sound of his bike, Miron's voice barely made it thru.

Two grand was a lot of money. Well, the ork wouldn't have considered it a lot of money, usually, but considering the pay of the mission... He was also slightly annoyed that none of the woman had any communication gear. Transceivers were the very basic element of any shadowrunning team teamwork. If individuals weren't able to clearly communicate in the field, efficiency and survivability decreased.

"Well, the gear isn't for me" screamed the ork over the bike's sound. "I'm going to have to run those numbers by those who need it. I'll try to call you back as soon as possible."

As he overtook a Ford Americar cruising at low speed, George decided to run something by his fixer.

"Hoi chummer, while I got you on the line, would you know of anyone running an operation on a certain guy called Hobbes? Phill Hobbes. He's the president of Phiber Electronic Technology... and an ex college student. If you could keep your ear to the ground concerning anything involving this guy, I'll make it worth your while. Also, you think you could find me a reliable decker? I need some snooping to be done. Thanks a bunch buddy."

As George hung up, he took the closest exit. He was almost home. Hopefully, Judith wouldn't be there... I loved her, very much, but didn't feel like explaining the whole situation to her, not yet.