IC: Don't Get Comfortable, SR4 Online Forum Game Options

[thewolf]

Inside Matchstick's Perception Test

A-In

[ Spoiler ]

Getting in the club the earliest (~20:00 by my reckoning), you have the longest amount of time to check out the interior and the club personnel. You notice there is a man, sitting in a booth alone, across from the door next to the bar. He is elegantly dressed in a white suit, complete with hat. At this distance, he appears to be human. On the AR side, if you have anything specific you're looking for, let me know. Otherwise, nothing out of the ordinary. You might notice Nvwati or Chiller when they go to the bar.

Nvwati

[ Spoiler ]

At 20:30, that's plenty of time to take a look around at the surroundings. Astrally, the entire back section of the club is warded, strongly, from your point of view. There are three awakened in the room, not counting yourself. One is on stage, playing the piano very skillfully. Another is towards the front of the bar, with several other people in a booth. The third is sitting in a booth by himself, just to the right of the bar and across the aisle. Visually, it's a classy club. That third awakened individual has a powerfully elegant appearance, of what you can see of him, wearing a white suit and matching hat.

Chiller

[ Spoiler ]

Ten minutes before showtime doesn't leave a lot of time for casing the place, but then again, you've been to clubs like this, probably even this club. You immediately pick out the rich stiffs from the real players, and the latter seem to be concentrated at the bar. While waiting for your beer, you spot a well-manicured ork, tailored in a white suit and hat sitting by himself in a booth across from the bar. Most wouldn't catch he's not a human, but you did the first time you saw him. Also, there's this elven suit walking around to tables, like he's a manager or something.

Mr. Scorpion

[ Spoiler ]

Just before meet time at 20:53, you don't catch much on your way into the club. Maybe you spot a few previous clients, but for the most part, it's some rich stiffs having a good time. Towards the bar are a few that might be shadowrunners, in your opinion.

[BlackHat]

While A-in is browsing around the wireless network something catches his eye.

[ Spoiler ]

Using his commlink, he sends a text message to Carver:

Mr. Carver? I believe you're expecting me. Shall I join you? or wait for the others to arrive?

His text-message is specifically vague, and doesn't mention his own name, location, or the nature of the meeting. He still isn't quite sure who among the patrons is using that commlink, but he has a start - he becomes less worried about missing the whole meet.

His eyes flash to the man in the white-suit, as he stands out the most out of everyone he's seen in here. If he's not Mr. Carnver, A-in is pretty sure he's one of the other Shadowrunners.

[thewolf]

A-In

[ Spoiler ]

Return AR message from node "Carver": The door next to the bar. Hawthorne will check you out and see you through to the right place.

[thewolf]

Nvwati

[ Spoiler ]

Switching to perceive the astral plane, the dim, smoky atmosphere of the club dissolves into translucent grey, lit by the colorful auras of the club patrons. You check out the human male at the piano, playing a soft accompaniment to some Miles Davis.

Target 1: Essence is equal to your own, his Magic is higher, no obvious astral signatures or diseases, he is a physical adept, he is healthy, and his general emotion state is grooving (he is pleased and in tune with his music).

The second subject is female, either human or elven (you can't tell from this distance).

Target 2: Essence is 6, her Magic is 6, no obvious astral signatures or diseases, she is a full magician, she is healthy, and her general emotional state is happy (she is having a good time with three friends at her booth).

The third subject sits alone at his booth.

Target 3: Essence is 6, his Magic is 8, no obvious astral signatures or diseases, he is a full magician, he is healthy, and his general emotional state is calm and professional (he seems absorbed in some task in front of him).

[thewolf]

Josie

After a quick explanation to Tiny, Chiller paves the way for you to make it in the club.

While not bothering to check SIN's or licenses, the security attendant makes sure that you check your Fichetti and receive a tag for it.

Once inside with Chiller, you take a look around at the interior, although after that situation and with just a few minutes before the meet, you don't really pick out anything special about the room other than the previous general description.

[ARKARY]

The interior of Matchstick's was the same as he remembered it, although emptier than usual. Mr. Scorpion walked over to the bar, taking a vacant seat away from the other patrons at the bar.

This was always the most annoying part of a shadowrun, when you had no idea what your contact looked like or where exactly they were. You just had to trust that they wherever you were meeting there would be someone to point you in the right direction.

As he flags the bartender over to order a drink, Mr. Scorpion leans over and asks in a quiet enough voice that anyone else at the bar couldn't accidentally overhear,

"Excuse me, I'm here to meet someone named Carver in a few minutes. You wouldn't happen to be able to direct me, would you?"

[TinkerGnome]

Nvwati kept her astral eyes peeled, taking in the others in the room and determining their natures with uncommon ease. She filed away the information for future reference and turned back to the task of attracting the bartender so that she could procure a drink and get pointed toward the meet.

[Mister Juan]

Sat 12 April 2070 ~ 19:22 Matchstick’s, 4th Ave N and Denny Way, Downtown Seattle, UCAS

From his spot, Patrick had a very clear view of Matchsticks. Not far from the club, he had found a multistory parking garage, and had decided to case the outside of the club from there. Standing near the railing, he looked down at the streets, feeling the humidity and heaviness of the air around him.

Rather empty.

Which was something the Irishman found quite strange… especially at this time of the day, in this part of town. But then again, maybe that was a good thing. Straightening back up, he walked back to his car and reached for his briefcase on the passenger seat. Taking a few more seconds to make sure his deep green tie was straight, he brushed the wrinkles out of his expensive earth color Italian suit. As he walked the few flights of stairs all the way to street level, the con man began to shift his manners and speech pattern.

After two levels, his Irish accent had vanished; replaced by an Italian one. He wore a delicate and confident smile on his face, and moved his hands in grandiose gestures as he spoke to himself in the small staircase.

As he passed the two bouncers, he lifted his matching fedora slightly of his head, tipping it towards them. He went into the club, without any of the two men even glancing at him sideways: his active commlink had probably already identified him as Benito Cesare, international accountant for some renown Italian firm… a regular at Matchsticks and a high tipper.

Patrick was rather surprised to find the club rather empty. Well, it wasn’t empty, par se, but it was far from crowded. Checking his only weapon, a four shot taser, Patrick switched his commlink to passive mode and walked into the club’s main room. His free right hand brushed the side of his silvery glasses, turning their opacity down so he could get a good look at his surroundings. Taking his time, Patrick went and grabbed himself a seat at the bar, setting his hat on the counter next to him.

“Excuse me” he waved the bartender down, his words clear and crisp, but without a hint of Italian accent.

“One grappa, per favore.”

When his order came back, he made sure to tip the bartender a generous amount. He was about to let him go, when he leaned a bit closer.

“Would you happen to know where I could find a Signore Craver?”

[MrMiracle]

Josie looks around at the sheer classiness of the club, admiring the woodwork in particular. He could remember a carpenter near his rural home who would produce similar, perhaps better art in his workshop. He looks around at the other patrons and realizes he's a tad underdressed for the occasion.

"You know, Chiller, if life were a palm you would be the fancy ring finger and I'd be the sore thumb."

Trying to relax and not look anything like an off duty construction worker, Josie scans the local comms for this evening's contact.

[thewolf]

Mr. Scorpion
The bartender looks left and right, then leans in and says:

"I believe the private meeting room is what you're looking for. First door on your left at the end of the bar. The gentleman at the booth will check you in."

Nvwati
You finally catch the bartender's eye, and he happily takes your order. After asking for where to catch your private meeting, he replies that the door on the left at the end of the bar is where you need to go, and that the gentleman in white will see you though.

Patrick
On requesting a glass of grappa, the bartender opens a small cabinet and retrieves an aged-looking bottle.

"This is our grappa de Pinot Grigio, a highly recommended vintage. Very earthy and intense in flavor. I think you'll enjoy it."

After pouring the glass, when you mention Carver's name, he says:

"Of course you are here on business. Mr. Carver is in the private meeting room in the back, just head to the door on the left, just past the bar. Mr. Hawthorne will check you in."

Josie
You have no trouble locating a comm in passive mode with the handle "Carver" in range of your commlink's signal.

Everyone
Upon following his advice, the man in the gleaming white suit does get up and inspect you briefly, asking who you are meeting and at what time. After receiving answers to his satisfaction, he will take you through the door leading to the back room and direct you to the last meeting room, the one at the top left of the building diagram.

The meeting room is average sized, with posh furnishings and a fine, dark wood interior. Sitting at the head of the table, at the back, is a older human male in a fine Italian suit. His black tie, white shirt, and orange tie contrast starkly with his piercing blue eyes. You judge him to be early 40's, but with completely white hair. (Think Christopher Walken) Behind him, and slightly to the side, is an elven male, dressed semi-casually in a sweater and slacks. His black hair is slicked back into a pony tail, while his wraparound shades conceal his eyes from view. An easily visible shoulder holster has a weapon in it. He sits quietly smoking a cigarette, while the human male at the table is tapping at his commlink.

[ARKARY]

"Thank you."

With a nod, Mr. Scorpion got up from the bar, having barely touched his drink. Straightening out his crisp, black suit and adjusting his tie once again, he walked over to the doors leading ot the back rooms. When asked about his meeting Mr. Scorpion responds, keeping his eyes focused on the doorman behind his mirrored sunglasses.

"I'm here to see Carver at 9. If he needs to know, tell him that Mr. Scorpion was the one who responded to the request."

With a nod, the man lead Mr. Scorpion to the meeting room. Looking around the room, he immediately noticed the two men, and the holstered weapon. When asked, he strode across the room and took a seat at the table opposite the two men, clasping his hands together as he leaned forward to look at them more closely.

As the other shadowrunners are directed to the room, Mr. Scorpion glanced in their direction momentarily before returning his attention to Carver.

[TinkerGnome]

Nvwati was very stoic throughout the questioning, the very picture of calm professionalism. She maintained a similar level of composure as she greeted the Johnson with a slight incline of her head and took a seat. Once seated, she seemed to radiate both relief and wariness.

[MrMiracle]

"Pardon me," Josie says to the bartender, "could you direct me to Mr. Carver's table?"

Taking the Bartender's direction, Josie heads to the conference room. He identifies himself to the doorman, "I am Mr. Ohm, this is Mr. Chiller. We have an appointment with Mr. Carver"

Once inside, Josie gives a nod to the bodyguard before taking a middle seat opposite Mr Scorption

[BlackHat]

A-in's eyes seem to get a little wide as the man in the white suit approaches him, but he keeps his mouth shut until he's questioned. Apparantly this isn't Mr. Carver. He tries to let as little information go as possible - just that he has a meeting with Mr. Carver, at 9pm, and that he is expected. If pressed for a name, he says he is called A-in.

Once inside, he takes a seat, keeping an eye on Mr. Carver, and his bodyguard until the other Shadowrunners start to arrive. He stays very quiet, nodded in responce to Mr. Carver's greeting. A-in didn't want to interupt whatever he was doing with his commlink, since he knew he was a little bit early. As the come in, A-in recognizes a few of them from the bar out front, and is relieved that he wasn't the only one who didn't know where to go right away.

[DireRadiant]

Chiller follows Josie, naturally dropping into a position a step and half behind and to the left. As his name is mentioned he nods without looking, as he scans the rest of the room, his head slowly turning left and right as he walks along. In his left hand he carries his open but full beer bottle.

Feels like one of those rave parties, anyone could have picked up that name in the bar. If Josie has mentioned it earlier I bet I could have picked up some of the others saying it, or just tracked the manager. Should have arranged some kind of secondary signal, or the manager should have had a guestlist.

Long corridor and a turn, take some time to get through and down here to get at the conference room. That's good.

Another exit here. Might be a quick way out.

Gun!

//Wires ON

Elf has to be fancy, that ponytail, gives an extra grasp point when we get around to tussling. And smoking, everytime he sucks on that, he's moving his hands out of position, and unlike my beer bottle, that cigarette won't hurt if he tosses it at someone.

Once in the room, and Josie chooses a seat, Chiller picks a seat across the table so that between the two of them they can see the entire room.

[thewolf]

Sat 12 April 2070 21:00 – Matchstick’s Back Meeting Room – Seattle, UCAS

Perception test on the man in the white suit
Mr. Scorpion

[ Spoiler ]

Not surprisingly, you don’t notice anything additional about the man, outside of his swift questioning and graceful, yet controlled movement.

Patrick

[ Spoiler ]

When you get closer to Mr. Hawthorne, you notice that he’s probably an ork with a finely manicured appearance. Perhaps his tusks were filed down and his face sculpted a bit cosmetically. He questions you with a firm, but respectful tone and escorts you directly to the meeting room.

Chiller

[ Spoiler ]

You definitely notice Mr. White Suit is an ork, with his tusks filed down and some cosmetic surgery. It’s not obvious in general, but it is to you. He treats you respectfully, but you feel like he might be keeping a wary eye on you.

Josie

[ Spoiler ]

You don’t notice much more about the guy, other than he and Chiller seem to have something going between them. Some not so nice feelings maybe?

A-In

[ Spoiler ]

Mr. Hawthorne gives you a bit of grief and calls you “kid” a few times, like he is underestimating your abilities. He’s a bit tall and large for a human, and you think for a second that maybe he used to be an ork, or is trying to be human or something.

Once Patrick is escorted in, the man in the white suit closes the door and takes a seat in the room next to the elf at the back. He takes a quick scan of the room, and then focuses his attention at the table in general. For a moment, the room is in silence, and then Mr. Carver begins to speak.

Meeting room perception test
Mr. Scorpion

[ Spoiler ]

The elf is packing an Ares Predator, by your reckoning. It also looks like he has a commlink and some extra ammo on him. Nothing else looks out of the ordinary for such an occasion.

Nvwati

[ Spoiler ]

You see pretty much everything there is to see in this room. The elf definitely has a pistol, probably a Predator by the looks of it. He seems very calm for the situation, and puffs on his cigarette smoothly. Mr. Carver doesn’t appear to have much of anything on him besides the comm in front of him. Once consumed with another task, when his focus returns his intelligence and charismatic style will become apparent. The man in the white suit looks pretty glossed over, like his attention is not on what is in front of him.

That becomes quite clear when you look astrally, and notice him doing the same thing. He will not appear surprised or threatened when he sees the same thing. Your assensing test yields the following:

Carver appears mundane to you. He is healthy, and his general emotional state is professional and relaxed. He has some headware implants and cybereyes, although very little else visible.

The elf appears mundane to you. He is healthy, and his general emotional state is suspicious and attentive.

Chiller

[ Spoiler ]

The elf looks suspicious of everyone in the room; you pretty much get that vibe from him, even though he is coolly taking drags every now and then. He’s packing an Ares Predator in that holster, and at least two clips on his belt. Carver looks straight up suit, but seems friendly enough on the outside. The man in the white suit, although seated where he can see you directly, does not take an immediate interest in you.

Josie

[ Spoiler ]

You notice that the elf is packing an Ares Predator, and also that he looks somewhat suspicious of the party. Carver seems nice enough, but straight up suit.

A-In

[ Spoiler ]

As soon as you walk in the door, you notice a static in the Matrix, like someone is running a jammer. It drops your comms’ connection and your connection to the outside world, although you can still access your comm. You notice five comm’s in the room, one in active mode and the other four in passive (and your own, of course). At least a couple more are probably in hidden. You don’t see much more about the room, other than the elf packing heat.

[TinkerGnome]

The indian woman looked distracted for a moment, but it passed. Her eyes swept around the room, sizing up not only Mr. Carver, the elf, and the man in white, but the other runners as well. She spared each one a methodical look up and down before sweeping on to the next.

Ork, ork, human, human, human... at least there aren't any trogs, she thought. It wasn't that she had anything against trolls, per se, but her experience had led her to believe that a shadowrun involving one was destined for some heavy drek. Even with JT's brief and ominous description of the job, that would have made her hesitate.

Once done with her mental catalogue of them, she settled in to wait for the Johnson to speak his piece.

[BlackHat]

When he first entered the room, the radio silence was a shock. He had long ago adapted his mind to filtering out noise and checking incoming signals for errors, and this seemed to pay off, as he found that (with slight effort) he could still communicate with the Matrix - but it felt muddled and quiet. When the image-link in his glasses went blank, he carefully took them off and hung them from the pocket that contained his commlink - which was now dead weight.

A-in could feel eyes on him as soon as the others started filing in. He sort of expected this, but it didn't make him feel any more comfortable. Comes with the job, he thought to himself. These are professional criminals, here - they're not going to give you the time of day if you come off looking like a scared little kid..

With an almost obvious change of demeanor, A-in's eyes narrowed and he looked around the table once everyone else had sat down. He had no idea what he should be looking for, but his head nodded thoughtfully at every other person, anyways. He spent the most time looking at the native american lady (At least they're not all guys.) and the pair of orcs (They seem to already know each other. I hope I'm not the new guy.).

[Mister Juan]

Sat 12 April 2070 21:00 – Matchstick’s Back Meeting Room – Seattle, UCAS

As he thanked the bartender, without forgetting a generous tip, Patrick sat and enjoyed his drink, keeping a careful and trained eye on the door. Miron hadn't informed him if it was a solo enterprise, or something with a team. The fixer rarely gave any info... but then again, Patrick rarely asked for any. Maybe that was why they got along so well.

Surely enough, after a few minutes of waiting, another patron got up from his seat, walked up to the doorman and whispered some answers. Downing what was left of the drink, the irishman grin to himself: it was a team job, after all.

Taking more than his share of time, Patrick finally went up to Mr. Hawthorne. Flashing him his brightess and whitess smile, he bowed slightly while lifting his hat.

"Goodevening SignoreHawthorne. I am here for business with Signore Carver."

After a rapid exchange, Hawthorne stepped aside to let him pass.... but followed him afterward, which somewhat made him uneasy.

Seconds later, his anxiousness dropped back down when he realised that he was simply the last one to arrive.

What a way to make an entrance!

Patrick took his hat off, placing on his hearth, and showed his pearly white teeth once again.

"Goodevening."

He turned slightly toward the only woman present in the room.

"Signorita", he said in a subtle italian accent, his eyes looking straight into hers.

Without much of a choice, the irishman seated himself in the last available seat.

[MrMiracle]

Josie knew only one face in the room. SOP would tell him that he should be suspicious of everybody, but he'd learned recently that professionalism meant not letting your paranoia get too close to the surface. He was being paid to work with these individuals. He'd do his job and expect no more than that from the rest of them.

Predator eh? The elf gentleman must be on the wired side. Wonder who he bribed to carry that on the outside?

As each other member took a seat, he discreetly monitored their actions and reactions.

A woman? Thank god, at least this one won't be a total sausage-fest.

Glasses? Rather old fasioned.

At least everyone was on time. Its good to know I can rely on that.

[ARKARY]

Even though he seemed to arrive at Matchstick's last, Mr. Scorpion was the first into the meeting room. From his seat, he was able to get a good look at the rest of the runners as they entered the room.

The first one to enter after him was the woman, who turned out to be the only one in the group after the rest came in. There was nothing particularly outstanding about her outfit that Mr. Scorpion could see, at least nothing that would indicate what her particular skills could be.

When the first ork came in the room, Mr. Scorpion glanced at him, his eyes narrowing at the... "business-casual" appearance. Even though more formal attire wasn't required in Matchsticks, Mr. Scorpion thought he could at least try present a more appropriate appearance when meeting the Johnson for the assignment.

Mentally shaking his head, Mr. Scorpion then turned his attention to the second ork following the first.

At least this one looks professional.

The suit and clean appearance, not to mention the repaired teeth, gave the impression that this runner had some experience.

Then came the kid. While he was probably older than he looked, he looked the least like he belonged in the room. Mr. Scorpion figured that he was probably a mage or hacker, since he didn't look the type to get into a fistfight with a troll.

Lastly, the doorman came in escorting presumably the last runner for this job. His boisterous entrance, the exaggerated hat removal, and his flashy smile to the woman made Mr. Scorpion think,

Why is it not surprising that a man like this would be the last to enter?

Physically he wasn't anything outstanding, which made it hard to determine what exactly he was doing here. His mannerisms, though, gave a lot away. The expensive, almost gaudy suit, the glasses, and the accent all seem too exaggerated to be real. He wass probably Italian for this meeting only.

Taking once last look at the other runners in the room before returning his attention to Mr. Carver, Mr. Scorpion rested his folded hands on the table and thought to himself,

At the very least, it looks like this group will take things seriously. Good.

[thewolf]

Mr. Carver’s voice was crisp and unaccented, cutting through the room and commanding attention:

“Once again, thank you all for arriving on somewhat short notice. I assure you, that is only because time is of the essence. Now, down to business. I have a proposition that I would like you to consider.”

“One of my clients is employed by a certain large corporation in the area. He has a desire to leave his engagement, along with a small amount of original work from his lab. Naturally, the corporation frowns on this sort of thing. Your task is to secure my client and his research from his employer and deliver him to a safe location in the city, as provided by me. Once my agents have taken custody of the principal, your charge is completed and payment will be provided.”

“If this prospect does not interest you, by all means Mr. Hawthorne will escort you back to the club. No hard feelings, as long as you keep any privileged information confidential. There’s still no obligation if you stay to hear the essential details, but as I imagine a person in our line of work knows, the less one is privy to, the better. Besides, I have my ways of dealing with such unsavory individuals that would leak information.”

Mr. Carver smiles, and pauses to hear questions, or to allow anyone to gracefully exit the room.

[DireRadiant]

Chiller glances at Josie and signals by inclining his head in the smallest of nods. Then turns back to scanning the room slowly, his head moving left and right in a slow measured pace.

Short notice isn't good. Best extractions are the ones you have time to set up. This sounds like a pretty hard grab. I wonder if the data or the target will have priority? Just the snatch though, at least we won't have to sit on the target while they get antsy for a walk outside before the heat searchign for them cools off. Babysitting can be a pain.

Josie should be in I expect.

[MrMiracle]

Bills were piling up, and Oso just got that tempting new shipment of EX rounds. He'd save a few for Josie, but not for long. Chiller seemed inclined to go, and that certainly added a chip in his favor.

His mind already began computing possible mission parameters.

One live body. One package. Location and timeframe yet to be disclosed. Transportation not provided. Opposition unknown. Team of 5, provided they all agree. Payment to be determined.

"Clearly we all have our concerns. On my mind at the moment is the nature of this individual's 'research'. I am willing to assume a certain degree of personal risk for compensation, as is the nature of our kind. As long as this research is simply in data form I have no problem with this. I have issue with carrying a potential public health hazard. Firearms nonwithstanding."

[thewolf]

Carver surveyed the room intently, then continued:

"But of course. I believe your questions will be addressed once I get into the details. Your target is one Dr. Alfred Fitzgerald, a special researcher at Mitsuhama Computer Technologies, Drone Division. He confirmed the final details yesterday, and the extraction date is this coming Friday, April 18th."

He pauses noticeably, as if phrasing the next statement carefully.

"Unfortunately I'm not at liberty to discuss the exact details of his research or why he is leaving. I'm afraid those concerns are too sensitive at this point. I can, however, provide you with assurances that his research and associated items do not constitute a threat to public safety, nor are they exceptionally dangerous. Dr. Fitzgerald will be handling all of that anyways, and it should not interfere with your operations at all."

"The payment for successful completion of the mission objectives is 10,000 :nuyen: per operative, plus a negotiable amount for approved expenses. I'm certain we will only be getting one shot at this, so failure is simply not an option. Now, who is in, and who is out?"

His blue eyes scan the table, eyebrow arched...