Up from the Bottom, Wipe Those Tears and Pass the Ammo Options

[BlackHat]

Somewhere in Auburn
Tuesday 8/19/70 23:53:30
Mr. Smith - Late-Night Customer
PAN - Hidden

Smith held up a hand as the man started to explain the features, but it didn't stop him from giving his pitch. When he threw down the number, Smith honestly wasn't sure if he should be happy that his earlier estimations weren't far off the mark, or sad that returning this gun to its rightful owner might cost him more than he really wanted to pay. Of course, on the phone earlier, he had (rightfully) led the man to believe that he had the advantage, due to having the exact item that Smith wanted in a hurry, and because he already expected some markup. It seemed like a perfectly reasonable time to counter-offer.

"Save the sales pitch, friend. I came asking about this specific weapon, so I already know what its got on it - and that its value has fluctuated over the last few days. I do appreciate the extra work you've put into polishing it up, though, and you deserve a little something extra for it - but this gun isn't going to do me a lot of good without the ammo to fire it, or a discrete way to get it out of here."

"So, I'll tell you what. How's about we call it 10-K," Smith paused to consider something, "no, 12-K," he added with a smile, "and you throw in a full clip of ammo and a bag or something for me to smuggle it out of here with."

"I was in such a rush to jump through your security hoops, I didn't have time to properly prepare for this meeting." The truth of the matter was that his duffel-bag was sitting in a locker somewhere full of shotguns and disguise kits - but it certainly wasn't here. Ditching it seemed like a good idea at the time, but as he imagined himself riding home on his bike with a light machine gun strapped to his back, he realized his lack of sleep had struck him once again. If he kept slipping up like this, his night might end sooner than he planned.

[adamu]

Algona, Auburn
Tuesday 8/19/70 23:55:00


"A bag or....???" Perkins looked like a cartoon character who'd just had a stick of dynamite go off in his hands. "What the...Do I look like a damned Samsonite dealer to you?! Awww, never mind. Twelve thousand."

And with that the man's hands went to the big weapon and in literally six seconds it lay on the table in pieces. "Anyone don't know how to reassemble that, you shouldn't let shoot it, unless you want the wrong people dead." He hauled a dusty leather bag off of a shelf and blew on it once, sending a cloud of detritus towards Smith, then from out of nowhere his hand held a huge clip, which he slapped down on the table with the rest. "For twelve, you can pack the bag yourself. That's one clip high-velocity, frangible-tipped - standard issue for that weapon...But I can do you a lot better than that, if you're still interested after I have that first twelve in my hands."

[BlackHat]

Somewhere in Auburn
Tuesday 8/19/70 23:55:50
Mr. Smith - Late-Night Customer
PAN - Hidden

"Certified cred work for you, or do you literally want it in your hand?" As he spoke, he pulled out his commlink and began punching in the commands to transmit the agreed upon amount as soon as he saw the guys PAN. "If you want cash, we can work something out, but it'll be a hassle for us both."

[adamu]

Algona, Auburn
Tuesday 8/19/70 23:56:00

"Certified'll do just fine," the weaponsmith said, and an ARO popped up in the middle of the room to receive it. Smith could see the receiving institution was a very high-end-looking Swiss concern - the kind you paid interest to instead of receiving it from, but that had a century of proven stability, security and discretion behind it.

[BlackHat]

Somewhere in Auburn
Tuesday 8/19/70 23:56:45
Mr. Smith - Late-Night Customer
PAN - Hidden

"Very good. I hope you are as pleased as I am." Smith said as he transfered the money. Once confirmation was made, he began to pack the bag, himself, padding the dismantled pieces with the gyroharness. "As for the ammo, I think that one clip will serve my needs, well enough - but it will eventually be gone. Would you object to further buisness, in the future? You certainly seem to know your craft, and I find myself increasingly in need of this sort of equipment...."

[adamu]

Algona, Auburn
Tuesday 8/19/70 23:57:00


Perkins raised his eyebrows when Smith mentioned one clip being enough, but he didn't say anything. When asked about future business, he simply said, "Always call first."

[BlackHat]

Somewhere in Auburn
Tuesday 8/19/70 23:57:40
Mr. Smith - Late-Night Customer
PAN - Hidden

"Will do." Smith said, as he slung the bag over one shoulder and headed out.

Adam's Dormroom
Wednesday 8/20/70 16:20:35
Mr. Smith - So tired
PAN - Hidden

Adam swung by his rented locker and picked up the rest of his gear before heading home. His luck saw him safely home, and when he got there he promptly collapsed.

He slept in, missed his class - but figured he could make it up, and get the notes later from a cute girl that sat near him. He woke up around noon, tried to contact his team again, and failed. He got a shower, and felt a million times better than he did the day before. Afterwards, still no word from the team - not even a voicemail.

He spent most of the afternoon bullshitting around with his roommate, and catching up on some of his assignments. He was basically trying not to think about how much trouble he was in if he had to put together a whole new team without Franco's help.

After a few hours fo that, he heard his work commlink beeping in the other room, and went to check on it.

<<@Sugar Lips:: The Love Machine is rolling. Patched up. Bring the goodies to that truck stop where we hung out after our first date.>>

He quickly typed back his reply, relieved to see any response at all.

<<@Sledge:: Perfect. When you get a chance, debrief me on the details of last night. I didn't expect to be quite that hands-off. Oh, and is Cattie still with you? I owe her an apology, I guess, and a second chance. Thanks for keeping an eye on things - see ya soon.>>

Then he grabbed up his bags and headed out for the meet.

[DireRadiant]

Leaving Posse Turf, Sophocles, Redmond
Wednesday 8/20/70 16:20:40
Sledge - Outrider
PAN - Hidden

<<@Sugar Lips:: Dark night. slumber party, girl talk. Angel still around for your sweet talking.. Couple boys in the hood wanted to crash party, so we kept quiet.>>

Sledge routed directions to the meet to the Love Machine and Angel.

[JDragon]

Leaving the Barrens, Redmond
Wednesday 8/20/70 16:22:29
Rocky - physical adept
PAN: Hidden

As soon as the doors closed Angel hit the gas and they were off, the trip out of the Posses turf was much faster than the trip in had been but Rocky didn't complain he just held on waiting for the word on the next step.

Apparently Sledge's demonstration with the Posse punks yesterday was still fresh in minds of the posse members as they watched the now dub'ed love machine make its way out of their home. You could see some nasty and worse looks aimed at the ork and the van as they left, but none were brave or was it stupid enough to try anything else, at least not right now.

Once out of the barrens the road got better and smoothed out, so Rocky sat back and pulled his comm. Doing a quick search he pulled the new stories he could on his disappearance to see what was being said about him and if he could find out how his parents were doing.

The search didn't take long, it hadn't even been three weeks since he had been running down the streets of downtown Seattle, but it seemed a lot longer. The Star and others were still looking for him, and they were making sure his picture was out there, not that it hadn't been out there allot before. As he searched he started to get a little worried, he started finding places where pics where showing up with what he might look like if he had changed his appearance, and well fuck, some of them were getting close. Guess I better do something about that sooner than later.

Other articles talked about how apparently all his money was gone, all Rocky could hope was that it was Skinny that had got it and not someone else. They were also looking into going after people from his staff thinking they knew something about what was going on. Thinking about Rocky was wishing their was something he could do about it, but really had no idea at this point what that might be. Maybe some of the others have an idea on how to take care of that.

The last thing he checked on was his parents, it looked like they were under 24 hour surveillance by the press and the Star he was sure, but at least for now they were still in the house.

After reading what he found Rocky cleared his comm and sat back waiting for the ride to be over so he could get this shit done and figure out his next step.

[BlackHat]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:02:20
Mr. Smith - Johnson
PAN - Hidden

Smith made it to the truck stop pretty quickly, dispite having to navigate carefully with two bags on the bike. Unlike his previous meeting with the group, today he was well-rested, and dressed to kill in his 'Good Luck' suit. He took the time to remove the bags and set them beside his bike while he waited for the team.

[Abbandon]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:05:12
Cerberus - Street Samurai
PAN: Hidden (earbud, subvocal mic)

The ride out of the barrens and to this truck stop was quite. Rocky seemed to be doing something in AR, Angel was driving and Fortunato....well who the hell knew what he was doing being a mage and all. Cerberus just tried to relax and remember as much as he could from his time working with Loui. Sledge said they would be doing simulations? But he didnt know what she was talking about. Simulations where, in real life or AR or what? Would he need to download software for that? His fake SIN was blown.

All he could think about the entire ride was what would happen after tonight. Sledge came over the comms and told everyone they were "here". As Cerberus looked out through the front window he could see Johnson or atleast a guy who looked like Johnson standing next to a bike with some bags on the ground next to the bike. Angel pulled up next to him and parked the van.

Cerberus popped the back door and hopped out. Hopefully Johnson had all the goodies he had asked for. As Cerberus approached Johnson and the bags he couldnt help himself, "Wow thats a nice suit boss, looks like you had a better night than the rest of us." and judging by the way Johnson scrunched up his nose and made a stink face he knew Johnson whole heartedly agreed but didnt say anything. Pointing to the bags, "Is this our gear? Is it ok to put the stuff away in the van?"

Cerberus waited for orders. He wondered if they would be talking biz here or move somewhere else before talking about todays agenda. He had some questions of his own to ask now that he was more alert. Like how the hell did Johnson know he had been in trouble and what had Loui done to piss him off. Looking around at all the parked semi's some with trailers and some without thoughts of getting a job as a trucker filled his head breifly before his current situation popped up in his mind again.

[BlackHat]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:10:10
Mr. Smith - Johnson
PAN - Hidden

Johnson liked the tone Cerberus took, even if it was because he might be hoping those bags were full of toys for him. This could just be another example of people treating you better when you dress nice. Either way, it was working, and won some points. Johnson looked more 'in charge' and he felt more 'in charge'. It was yet to be seen if he would actually be treated as someone 'in charge', but he was ready to find out.

He held up a hand gently to keep the troll from grabbing up the bags, right away. "Just a sec, I wanted to say a few things first." He caught a look from Sledge as she dismounted her bike that reminded him of something between amusement and whatever the opposite of surprise is called. Something like, 'oh boy, another long-winded speech'. He cracked a smile, himself, waiting for everyone to file out.

"Okay, people," he started, not really sure what he was going to say, but becoming more and more used to that feeling. "I think yesterday turned out to be a lot more exciting and dangerous than any of us expected it to be, and it sounds like you had a pretty shitty night. My apologies. I hope we're all in agreement that none of us want to spend any more nights like that, than are absolutely necessary."

"I think, yesterday, I may not have made the best first impression." He looked directly at Cattie. "Some of us got off on the wrong foot." He returned his gaze to the rest of the group, "and I sincerely want to make it up to you, and to start by fulfilling my end of our bargin." He reached down opening his own bag, retrieving his briefcases. He didn't show what else was in there, but the bag was clearly not empty. "I'm about to talk-shop, so I'm going to do it over the comm." He tapped at his ear as he stood back up.

<<"Sledge and Fortunato,">> he looked back and forth between those two, <<"you have both fulfilled your end of the original mission, having successfully extracted the others.">> As he spoke, his lips moved, but didn't make a sound. His voice, slightly distorted as the subvocal motion was amplified was broadcast to the team. <<"You also went above and beyond my expectations. You've earned your pay, and don't owe me anything, but if you're in this for the long-haul, I would be very happy to have you on the team. I'll gladly pay you both as soon as is convenient. The bonus we talked about is still on the table, if you're still willing to see this job through to the end, but if it has become more than you barginned for, I understand if you want to bow out.">>

<<"In fact, I want to formally extend that same offer to the rest of you. Rocky, Cerberus, Angel, I took a big gamble on you guys, and it looks like my instincts were right. All three of you have proven to have skill, skills the three of us lack, and skills that Louie fears. I'm hoping that the fact that you made it through the night without being found by his goons proves you make a good team, and you're stronger together than you are alone. I'm willing to offer you each a little something, just to help you get back on your feet when this is over - if you're willing to stick together.">>

<<"If anyone here thinks they're better off on their own, there won't be any hard feelings. I'll wish you luck on your new life, but I'm not going to spend another nuyen sending you on your way. I'm going to need that money to replace you.">>

<<"However, my plan has been, from the beginning, to put together a team of Shadowrunners. Not for this mission, at all - I could give a fuck less about Louie Finnigan - but this makes a convenient dry-run. I think we could all benifit from working together, longer-term. To that end, I'm prepared to give five thousand dollars, cash, to anyone willing to stick around to see Louie pay for his crimes, and who is on board with making more money, down the road - as a team.">> As he said it, he was quickly adding up numbers in his head, to make sure he didn't promise something he didn't have. It was close. What he was hoping to make as profit to cover his mom's medical expenses had probably just become a risky investment in her future - but if it meant he patching thigns up with the team, and got them psyched for more, it was worth it. He could make more money doing this 'Johnson' thing than he ever did working for the mob. <<""I'm willing to give it to you, up front, right now, because I know that not a single one of us, myself included, can just walk away from this, anymore. Also, those of you with any experience doing this sort of thing already know how suicidal it is to take someone's money and then double-cross them.">> He couldn't help but glance at the two trolls. He wasn't sure if they made the connection, or not, but it wasn't important.

<<"I don't want there to be any misunderstanding.">> Johnson tried not to focus on Angel but the effort just made it more obvious that he was thinking about her, as he spoke. <<"This is a downpayment, a signing bonus, so to speak. If you accept my money, or my assistance,">> he said as he gestured towards his bags. <<"...you're part of my team. That makes me the boss. Treat me with respect, and I promise to do the same to each of you. Help me, and I'll help you. I'm a cool guy, and I'm easy to get along with, but fuck with me, and you'll wish Louie found you before I did. If any of you have a problem with that, this is not the team for you. This is not even the right profession for you.">>

<<"So, who's still in?">>

[JDragon]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:11:01
Rocky - physical adept
PAN: Hidden

Rocky hoped out of the back of the van, taking a quick look around the empty parking lot being much more aware of how recognizable he was than he had been a couple hours earlier.

He shuffled his feat and stretched a little as Johnson spoke, thinking to him self when Johnson offered the money, Damn, I wounder how much plastic surgery that would get me?

Once Johnson was done Rocky spoke up first. <<@Team:: I'm in as long as you don't ask me to kill kids. You see where I ended up with the last boss that did that.>> After he finished Rocky looked over at Angel and nodded in her direction.

[Abbandon]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:13:24
Cerberus - Street Samurai
PAN: Hidden (earbud, subvocal mic)

<<@team:: "Your offering to put a roof over my head and put food in my belly and I get to have all that free time while we arent working? That sounds great. But yeah like Rocky said, I'm not really into killing people unless they are trying to kill me or it has to be done to save my ass.">>

Cerberus thought to himself, geez this guy is just one giant asshole. Even after the guy probably went home and slept in his nice luxurious home and had a great nights sleep and put on a fancy suit he still insist on rubbing peoples faces in their own mistakes and flaws. Constantly degrading people isnt how to earn their respect dude. Maybe after this shit is over tonight his attitude will change, but whatever, I need that money he is laying down.

[BlackHat]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:13:41
Mr. Smith - Johnson
PAN - Hidden

Johnson nodded at both trolls. <<"Agreed. No killing kids, or anyone else where we can avoid it. Glad to have you two aboard.">>

[Konsaki]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:13:41
Angel - Technomancer - Hidden
PAN - Hidden

<<"I guess I'm in until I'm free from Louie, I have no other choice right now.>>, the elven girl's voice admitted over the matrix feed to the team.
Then directly to Johnson's ears, <<"Ok, then. We'll start over. I'll treat you fair as the boss, but dont expect me to be a yes-girl if you're being a jerk.">>

[BlackHat]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:13:46
Mr. Smith - Johnson
PAN - Hidden

Johnson responded to Angel, by text, a moment later, <<@Angel:: Deal. And if I am being a jerk, let me know nicely and I'll stop. Thanks for the second chance.>>

[pragma]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:13:55
Fortunato - Support Mage
PAN - Hidden (Contacts, Earbuds, Smartlink)
Astrally Inactive

Fortunato was exasperated. They didn't have time for Johnson's theatrics right now.

<<@Team: We don't have the time for this, Louie's probably already at the restaurant.

Look, The three fugitives are in because they don't have a choice it's this or getting hunted down. I'm in because I want to get paid. Sledge is probably also in for that reason, I don't know for sure. Regardless, she already knows enough about the op to blow it wide open if she wants to and I'm sure she'll let us know if she's going to bail.

So Johnson, I hate to steal your moment, but please give us the bags and then hop in the van or roll out on your own (your call). We've got a tight timetable to keep if we want to get this done without having to go to ground for another night.>>

He breathed out for a moment composing himself.

<<@Ops: Rocky I seem to remember you saying that Louie usually arrives at 5:00 PM. That means we're already 15 minutes late for our first date. When does he usually leave the restaurant?

Does anyone have photos of him? or are we going to need a troll on site to finger the guy?>>

[JDragon]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:16:04
Rocky - physical adept
PAN: Hidden

Rocky was glad to hear that it appeared everyone would be sticking around for a little while.

He nodded as Fort posed the question to him, <<@Team:: Well it just depended on what he had going on but late afternoon or early evening we would show at the restaurant and hang till Louie was ready. The earliest we got out of there was about six one night. But most nights it was seven or eight.>>

[BlackHat]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:17:12
Mr. Smith - Johnson
PAN - Hidden

Johnson looked disappointed that his speech was being cut short, but he understood. "Very well," he said aloud. "It looks like you guys have a timetable down, and a plan in place. I won't get in your way." He hefted the first bag over one shoulder, and took a step towards the van. "This guy's got a couple of toys for the group. nothing spectacular, but I think they'll help." He nodded at Cerberus and then at the leather bag. "That one's got a special little surprise in it. Cerb, I think you'll recognize it - and if you'd rather take what's inside, instead of your payment, you're welcome to. Otherwise, I want it back when you're done putting it to use."

When he got to the back of the van, he tossed his bag and then went back to his briefcases. Looking back and forth and Sledge and Fortunato he asked. "So, if you've got a plan, can I be of service? Or would I just be in the way?"

[JDragon]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:17:37
Rocky - physical adept
PAN: Hidden

Rocky wasn't really expecting anything in the bags that would make a big difference to him for the nights activities, and since his paranoia had kicked he headed back to the van. He took up a spot on one side of the van, leaning his back against it where he could keep an eye out in the other direction for anyone getting close or paying to much attention.

[pragma]

Truck Stop[b]
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:17:15
Fortunato - Support Mage
PAN - Hidden (Contacts, Earbuds, Smartlink)
Astrally Inactive

[b]Fortunato furrowed his brow before responding.

"We need people on site at Rudolpho's to finger Louie as he leaves and make sure the rest of the team knows which vehicle to follow. These people need to be inconspicuous, not known by the mob and not necessary for the actual assassination."

"Disguises and magical masks can help with the not being recognized part, but just to play it safe, I'd rather not have any of our fugitives be the point man (or men)."

"Since I definitely need to be with the assassination crew in order to provide on-site magical support, that leaves you and Sledge as our potential spotters. If you're in, that's probably where we'd use you, especially if you know how to flag Louie's car with computers or something ...."

He trailed off as the subject of technology was broached and then eyed Johnson and Sledge equally waiting for a response from the former and a nod of approval or objection from the latter.

[BlackHat]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:18:32
Mr. Smith - Johnson
PAN - Hidden

Johnson nodded, then looked at Sledge to see if she had any strong feelings about the plan. "I would expect that by now, he has seen most of our faces. Angelo survived, the other day. There are 6 disguises in that bag. He motioned towards the van. They're latex masks and will at least hide who you are, or, with a bit of computer magic we should be able to program them to look like someone else." He raised an eyebrow at Angel. He wasn't too certain on that last part, it sounded like a cool super-spy gadget, but he knew a bit about computers and still wasn't sure he could put together a passable forgery without some really good data. If anyone could pull it off, he was confident that she could.

"Either way, I don't mind being the point-man. At least to give you guys a head's up and a description of his vehicle. By the time he gets in one, it'll be tough to tag it, trace it, or crack it open. If I get the chance, I'll see what I can do."

[DireRadiant]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:18:50
Sledge - Closer
PAN - Hidden

Almost just like another ride in the country. Diesel and ozone odors coloring the truck stop. Monster rigs rolling through covering most of the chatter. She'd let everyone talk, checked the bag by feel, then slung it over the back of her bike. The keebler had finally jumped in, interrupting Sledge's serious contemplation of painful injuries that wouldn't hamper Sugar Lips ability to pay buyen. It boiled down to the realization that as long as he was alive and conscious he could probably authorize payments.

"Not a tusker, trog or dandelion eater, stand out less. Best finger would be one that doesn't know us at all, but you'll do. Point and fade, we got the rest. Tricky though, finger has to point for real eyes. No substitutes."

Sledge turned to throw a leg over her bike, "Best not to know what each others doing to setup, but arrange a signal, then we eyeball it, go from there."

Sitting on the bike, "You can't help but talk."

[BlackHat]

Truck Stop
Wednesday 8/20/70 17:19:26
Mr. Smith - Johnson
PAN - Hidden

Johnson stood there silently for a moment. He had to roll the words over in his mind a second before any of it snapped into place. Sledge had a knack for hiding what she was talking about that Adam kind of admired, but he wasn't sure how much of it was intentional. In the end, he was slightly offended at her implication that he might blab, but understood - she made a good point. If he was fingered, in turn, and taken by Louie's men... well, Adam liked to think he was a cool enough guy, but he didn't think he would stand up to torture for very long - especially for a gang of almost complete strangers. Hell, if things go wrong the other way, he'd prefer they not know too much about where he'll be hiding out.

Better to let the professionals do their thing. If it comes down to it, it might make for a more convincing lie if I don't know the truth.

"Fair enough. Got a favorite signal? How close by are you planning to be?" His question was leading. He actually thought he misunderstood part of Sledge's plan, and was hoping to get her to elaborate before jumping to the wrong conclusion. Near as he could tell, she wanted someone to physically see him making some signal indicating their target. It seemed to him that if the team was that close, and within visual range, they could ID him, themselves. The three fugitives had a much clearer memory of what this guy looked like anyways. "Oh, and Angel if you could work your magic and refresh my memory. We'll all be in a world of trouble if I ID the wrong guy." His amusement was quite visible, and the suggestion that he might not recognize Louie didn't seem to bother him.