IC: Gang of Rebels Options

[ludomastro]

Dr. Smith begins to look nervous. "Gentlemen, is what I am proposing that difficult? My backers assured me this would be relatively easy," he says with a little squeak. "I was told that Mr. O'Mally despite being an upstanding citizen knew some people that could help the museum with our ... uh ... problem. Please gentlemen, and ladies," he says smiling. "I wouldn't want to forget the ladies. Um, yes, please let me make a call."

Fumbling with his comm, Dr. Smith places an AR call. "Yes ... you see ... um ... yes ... well ... OK then, if you are sure." He seems to forget that he doesn't have to speak audibly for this type of call.

[ Spoiler ]

Kiedo
Among all your searches you find the following:
Dr. Johnathon A. Smith, Museum Director
Graduated Tulane University with his B.S. in History in 2032
Graduated MSU with his Masters in Library Science in 2035
Graduated LSU with his Ph.D. in Library Science and a specialization in Museum Curation in 2037.
He has been at the Museum for the past 23 years, and has been director for the last 11.
His image can be cross referenced with serveral articles on the museum and with several news stories about individuals who are fighting to save a piece of history from " ... the inevitable march of the so called 'progress' to which we, as a society, have become all too acustomed." - his words. There is also some mention of him being inducted into the secretive Sons of America. The only mention of the organization is a comparison to the Sons of Liberty and the Sons of Confederate Vetrans, organizations that historically were very different but that have since merged.

last ... mikeys
As far as you can tell, Maggie has nothing to do with this guy. To hear the talk in town, Darren knows everyone so it stands to reason that he has at least heard of this guy. Darren is well known for his generous philanthropic work with various museums and societies as well.

Looking rather somber Dr. Smith starts to stand then sits, "I am sorry, I can not offer you more than what we have discussed. However, I would be happy to provide the layout of the items in the museum, employee schedules, the name and location of the cleaning crew, the timing of guards rounds and such. I had planned to do this anyway ... I must say that you are far more overbearing than I could have imagined. Darren did tell me to expect a push for more money when I told him what we could offer but I had no idea. Perhaps ... I don't know what I should do." With that he seems to be deflated and defeated and sinks into his chair.

[Whizbang]

Breaking and entering in a museum isn't that bad....it's the information hunt that could be the real challenge. I seriously doubt you've seen beyond the public side of the Saeder Krupp system.... And unless you have a starting point for us to work from, it's going to take some doing to find information on a little fish in a big pond."

[last_of_the_grea...]

Jack senses weakness in the good Doctor and decides to play it for what he can get. He wasn't going to turn down the job, but perhaps he could use the man's desparation to their advantage.

"Well, Dr. Smith, why don't you tell us why this is so important to you and your backers. Why the great distress over what can only be, though historical artifacts, mere things?" He puts on a sympathetic face as best he can and looks somber.

[ Spoiler ]

Alright, etiquette time! 3 hits on seven dice.

"Perhaps you can convince us to take the lesser fee if you can explain why this is so important and what would be lost should the job not get done."

[Kiedo]

Wes drops out of VR, and using an AR messenger forwards his results to the team, along with an attached note.

[ Spoiler ]

Dr. Johnathon A. Smith, Museum Director
Graduated Tulane University with his B.S. in History in 2032
Graduated MSU with his Masters in Library Science in 2035
Graduated LSU with his Ph.D. in Library Science and a specialization in Museum Curation in 2037.
He has been at the Museum for the past 23 years, and has been director for the last 11.
His image can be cross referenced with serveral articles on the museum and with several news stories about individuals who are fighting to save a piece of history from " ... the inevitable march of the so called 'progress' to which we, as a society, have become all too acustomed." - his words. There is also some mention of him being inducted into the secretive Sons of America. The only mention of the organization is a comparison to the Sons of Liberty and the Sons of Confederate Vetrans, organizations that historically were very different but that have since merged.

I knew there was something more to this guy, Sons of America. So this might be more important than we think. I say, if he doesn't up the ante, I'm opening and examining every single thing he asks us to transport.
-wes

[Whizbang]

Having had her say, Zelda took her own turn to drop into AR and in turn VR as she attempted to place a trace on his call. If he was the simple museum director that he appeared to be, there shouldn't be too much trouble. If there was....well, that was one more thing on the worry sheet.

[ludomastro]

Dr. Smith looks incredulously at Jack and begins to stammer, "I can't ... why would you believe that it is anything other than the most important ... Young man, if it weren't for history where would we be? If it weren't for the efforts of many dedicated people then we would all be back to the stone age. I can't even begin to describe the importance of ..." He trails off and spends some time regaining his composure. "With all due respect, the loss of history is next only to the loss of life. While these are mere things to you, they are of great value to those who care about them. If you must know, several of the items are for a private collector. I can not bear to think that Saeder-Krupp would simply bury them away in a room full of boxes. While, I have no dislike of Germans, I can't trust that a dragon would appreciate the history in the same way that I, and those around me, do. While, perhaps, I do not understand the difficulty in gaining the information that I seek, I know that it will be helpful to prevent problems with the museum."

He seems ready to say more; however, he stops and sits.

[Kiedo]

"Now look, from what I understand, History serves those in power. Why else would we need new history books every year, you can't discover that much new information and even if there were new wrinkles in ancient stories it would still have to be fact checked by an outside source to be considered un-biased, and frankly as you most certainly are aware many people go to great lengths to keep certain facts private. It's just the way metahumanity has developed over the last thousand years."

"Also not to spark up an arguement but I think a dragon would be the perfect person to currate historical artifacts, look at The Big D we didn't even know about Or'Zet until he willed it to those orks."

"Now wizworms and myself don't mesh well, I've seen too many things to trust a dragon. Now you on the other hand, Johnathan, you seem legit, and deidcated, albiet to the point of close mindedness, to your cause, and don't have any problem working for you. But you've got to look at it from our point of view, guys-and girls like us are hired to do the shady operations of countless crazy people, despots, and thier ilk, so to be stunned at our suspicion of you, just shows you should have hired someone to take care of this meeting. Now imagine your us, some sheep organizes a group of wolves to steal two things, a bunch of boxes, and information from a dragon, who as a species are notorious for being exceptionally paranoid, and offer a paltry sum in the name of preserving history. My father once told me, never trust a junkie, and you know what Mr. Smith, that's what you are. Your not slotting BTLs or riding the white pony, your drug of choice is the past. I've read your file, BS at Tulane, Masters at MSU, doctorate from LSU, you've spent the past 23 years of your life, plus the time you've spent in college, dwelling on the past, infact making it your life's work. And what do you have to show for it? Your musuem is being bought out and shut down for a Corporate Archology, and all you have to show for it is a refrence letter from a superior and your shiney new Sons of America card."

Now I really don't know why I said all that, maybe it was to prove to you that I, if not the rest of my collegues are capable of doing the job, or maybe it was to test your bladder. If my comrades all agree, that this seems viable, I'll do what it takes to get you your precious things, so you can turn a profit by selling them to your private collector. But know this, omae, if this turns out to be a double cross or if one of my compatriots dies because you said not to hurt anyone, I'll owe you one, and I always pay back my debts."

Wes sits back in his chair and props his feet up on the table.

Jesus, remind me not to get on your bad side. I'll admit that Sons of America connection it a bit concerning, but nothing to warrent the Wrath of Wes. He is probably just what he looks like, a sheep.

"Your probably right, but what's done is done," he mumbles. Wes activates his message window again, not closing it because it's seeing a lot of use, and sends a message to the others.

Sorry if I seemed harsh with him, I just can't shake this creepy vibe he's giving off. If everyone is happy with the offer, I'm in. If not, I have a plan...
-Wes

[last_of_the_grea...]

A tiny smile creases Jack's lips as he responds. "Oh, doctor, surely one as devoted to history as you knows that those who do not learn from it are doomed to repeat it. The experience of many has taught us much, but in our line of work there is one thing that always is true. When you meddle in the affairs of dragons you draw their attention to you. Once you have that your life is never the same and usually not for the better. This is the nature of the risk you are hiring us to take. It is not the gathering that is a problem. It is the repercussions after the event.

"As soon as the job is done we will all have to fade away. There will be no working for months because we will be under silent scrutiny. We will have to spend our hard earned gains on making sure we are un-findable by the most notable great dragon on the planet. Have you, in all of the history you hold so dear, ever heard of any man ending up in a good situation once Lofwyr has had his attention drawn to them? You ask us to preserve your history and we risk becoming history.

"Now, with this in mind, please calm yourself. There are other ways of compensating us for our efforts besides money. Perhaps you have access to equipment or information that we could use, or programs or even the ability to transport us. Maybe a facility we might normally be unable to access is available to you or a contact can be made. Contacts are always very useful. Or perhaps you have an idea of something to compensate us for our trouble? You see, it need not nessesarily cost you any monetary resources to see to it that we get our worth."

Jack's long speech stalls for time. He hopes someone was tracing that call and researching the connection. Perhaps it might even get them that little extra that could make so much difference.

[JDragon]

Hack'ed continues to sit and watch the exchange. Having already put in his few thoughts and not wanting to cause any problems.

[ludomastro]

Dr. Smith stares at Wes with his mouth hung open. He tries several times to speak but can't seem to form words. After listening to Jack he seems to soften quite a bit and says, "Gentlemen, you seem to be professionals, so I will share a bit more than I should tonight. I am indeed the sheep that you make me out to be as I don't know with certainty where my sheppard is leading me. However, I can not doubt his wisdom in asking me to do this. I ..." He pauses as his comm begins to ring, in audible tones no less.

"Yes sir, I see." He then places the comm on the table and a trid image of a man in his forties but with eyes that seem to say he is much older appears.

"To those assembled in this room who have traced Dr. Smith's call to my yatch, please cease and desist tracing me. You are not the only ones who have to contend with your enemies. If it is the dragon that you fear, know this: He is unaware of the plan to undermine the authority of the museum. His underlings will pay one way or the other for their stupidity. I would like to be the one that brings this information to his attention as I am on the, shall we say, drek list, of one of his brethern and could use a point or two on his side, thank you very much. I will offer you something of value in addition to the monetray compensation you seek. If you are sucessful, I will provide an additional four thousand total in S&K stock options to the SINs of your choice. Additionally, I will ensure that you know certain key words and signs that will allow the Son of America to know that you are in trouble and worthy of help. If that does not ease your minds and provide you with what you need, then this deal is off. If nothing else you have proven yourselves capable to do the work and have proven that Dr. Smith is not cut out for this type of work. Good night!

With that, the image is gone. From the look in his eyes, you can tell that Dr. Smith is just as surprised as everyone else.

[Kiedo]

Wes grins, that's more like it, he thinks. He stares for a moment at Dr. Smith showing a glint of madness in his eye that had gotten him out of very bad situations in the past.

"You should have brought him along, I wouldn't have had to scare you so bad," he muses.

"3,500 nuyen, 666.67 in stocks, from a good solid corp, and some cloak and dagger signals if the drek hits the fan... sounds good to me, I'm in," Wes says, eyes now back to normal.

[Whizbang]

Zelda blinked in surprise as she returned to reality. Whoever was on the other end of the phone was good. She had thought that she had been under the radar. However, with that level of talent, apparently the stakes were indeed high. All the better for a challenge.

"I was in before, but extra perks never hurt." she finally commented.

[Nikoli]

"I'm in."

[last_of_the_grea...]

Jack smiles on the inside. This worked out well. It seems the old good cop-bad cop routine works especially well when it happens spontaneously. Now, so I really want to draw Loffy's attention to me? There really is no chance of it not happening since it seems Mr. Johnson intends to tell him about all of this. Well, I wanted into the big time. If worse comes to worse I can change my face, my identity and where I live. After all it's not like I'm giving a material sample to this dork.

"Alright, I'm in."

[JDragon]

"I'm in."

[Smilin_Jack]

"I'm in", says Caz.

[ludomastro]

2343: Party Room

Visibly shaken, Dr. Smith stands up and says, "I suppose that our busines is concluded here. Please accept the information that I am sending to your comms." With that, he transmitts the information to each of those in the room.

[ Spoiler ]

He transmits a map of the museum, the filing system of the museum storeroom, and the location of all items of iterest. He also sends the address of the cleaning company and the hours that they work (2300 to 0500). In addition he sends over the information related to the alarm system (TDS 3000). He also gives you the address for Saeder-Krupps downtown office (the top three floors of an office complex).

"Oh, before I forget, I believe that you desire your payment." Dr. Smith transmits the aggreed upon funds to everyone. He then takes his leave.

[JDragon]

As Dr. Smith is leaving Hack'ed brings up all the data that he was sent to scan over it quickly seeing exactly what it is they have. Well, this info should make things a little easier. Now to see how we are going to handle this little job.

While looking around Hack'ed also checks the account he has set up for his Dr. Jones identity making sure the correct amount of funds are there. Once he has confirmed the amount he will transfer half to a certified credstick for easy access.

[ Spoiler ]

What did the up front amount end up at for each of us?

[last_of_the_grea...]

Jack monitors the payment as it happens, wondering if anyone was tracking where the money came from. He would if he had the right programs, but now that he had some cash to work with maybe he could buy a few.

"Thank you, Dr. Smith. Before you leave, though, I imagine you have a way for us to contact you to let you know the job is finished?"

[ludomastro]

Dr. Smith smiles at Jack and says, "Young man, I'll know if anything is missing from my museum. However, here is thw number that you should call when you have completed your work. Until then."

He beams Jack the number and heads out.

[Kiedo]

Wes watches in silence Dr. Smith's exit, and remains seated until he is completely out of site.

"Well with a group of this size, I imagine we should take advantage of this room while we can, I'll send a message to Darren letting him know. But in the mean time we need to formulate a plan of action. My suggestion is that we divide up into two smaller teams and scout the both targets. Once enough information is gathered, specifically comfirming the information that Dr. Smith has given us, we can regroup and layout a tactical plan. Now I've been talking with Caz on a private channel and I think the museum would be a good starting place, and if you don't mind...Rooster is it, why don't you come with us and the rest of you scout the datasteal locale. I know it seems like I'm picking the easy job for myself, but I assure you that my talents do not rest in the realm of the matrix. But since we are acting as a group that is purely a suggested course of action."

[Nikoli]

"That sounds like a reasonable split, I'm not one for the 'trix either. Just something keeps bothering me. If only a few boxes are taken from the back, presumably an area that no patron ever sees, won't that tip the authorities off that someone on the inside planned and abeded the job? Seems to be in our clients best interest that it look like a real theft, and those things were taken as part of that and were not the target. Then again, he's not paying us to make it look like anything other than what it is.
Maybe we should some matrix scouting of what's logged in at the museum, see if there is an inventory of those boxes and we can swap them with replicas, might throw off the the secondary target from our trail."

[Whizbang]

"Why wouldn't I be surprised if the museum wanted to blame this theft on a SK hired team. Anyways, I'm up for checking out the SK sight. I take it I'm likely the matrix expert of the group."

[JDragon]

"Well a few years back I would have said I was your man or troll for matrix work, but now I just play at the 'trix stuff. As I mentioned earlier my focus is the arcane." Hack'ed stops for minute and looks around, "Checking out the SK building works for me. Any of you happen to have a ride big enough I'll fit in?"

[last_of_the_grea...]

"Well, I imagine my task will be as part of the team trying to find any evidence on Saeder-Krupp's agreement violation. This is a daunting task. It would help if we knew who the players involved were. As it is we have only that trace made earlier to work with. We need to identify as many involved as possible and profile them. We need to find the site where such files would be stored and crack it.

I can use a computer well enough but I am not special and, at this time, have not the programs nessesary to crack a system. I can sneak, sleaze and infiltrate a site and essentially become a part of the staff. Who else has skills that can be used for this part of our job?"