IC: Down in the Puyallups with Team #1, Where is Spencer? Options

[Redjack]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:00; Various locations across the Puyallups, Seattle

The day was especially blustery and in the Puyallups that meant dust. Respirators and dust masks are common here, so much so that every stuffer-shack in the district sells them in a multitude of colors and designs. The type of folks bred down here are a special, hardy type. They are a tough, resiliant people who keep mostly to themselves and have learned to survive in the adversity that exists here.

As the sun begins to set for the day, the night stalkers began to stir and rise to begin their day. That includes runners. That includes you.

@Trigger

[ Spoiler ]

Jack must be losing his edge. You barely broke a sweat and he seemed to talk about Kempo more than teaching it tonight, perhaps that's why you come to class less and less anymore. But still there's a reason you begin your day here many days, even if that beginning is at the end of the day for most others.

Standing there in the little dressing room, Jack's voice brings you out of your thoughts, even though you had heard him approaching in any case. "I had a package for you to take to the mall tonight. On the second floor there is a man named Spencer. He's coyote and will be waiting for you at the Mall Office."

The pack is a military framed backpack; an Alice pack. A small lock dangles keeping the top closed. It was more for show to the client, if you had wanted inside you could've easily gotten into it.

@Buzz

[ Spoiler ]

You rise, still not fully used to the implants you now sport, at least not mentally. Nearly a month had passed and you have completely healed, but nearly a month had passed. You rub your jaw where yesterday the slant eyes had paid you a visit to remind you that the interest on your loan was soon due. It's the fine print in everything. Always the fine print. Who would have thought that the 10% interest rate was compounded monthly?

Thinking back over the whole deal, you thought fortune fell into your lap. You had been shopping around for someone to lend you money for the procedures so you could pass into the big time. The mafia controlled most of that activity in the Puyallups so when the Yaks offered it seemed like they were just trying to move in on the mafia's game....

Then they came calling. They want your map of the ork underground and are willing to forgive half your debt if you turn over a valid copy. You'd done so well all these years keeping from making enemies, did you just cross that line? What in the world are you gonna do?

It had been several days since that call from Kilroy, hell it was almost like a job interview except that it was all in VR.... and of course the fact that you are a runner not a door greeter at Weapon's World. But he must be the real deal; Word is nobody ever meets this guy in the flesh. You have the jazz to break into the big time now. Kilroy is your ticket there. He has to come through.

Sitting up on the old mattress that is your bed you think: At least the mall's open tonight.

@Rex

[ Spoiler ]

You awake to find a message awaiting you on your coms. Kilroy. In the years you've worked for Kilroy, you've never met him face to face and at first you thought that was really weird and VERY paranoid. Now it is just part of doing business with him. Another thing you've noticed is that Kilroy never has you do work aligned with the Yakuza. Rumors are they killed him once...

<[Kilroy]> Rex - A coyote named Spencer will meet you at the Mall Office. His needs an escort for the evening. Pack for trouble. Pay is 500 :nuyen: for the evening. Double if there is trouble.>

@Whisper

[ Spoiler ]

Wiping the sleep from your eyes, you look around your two room apartment. The aspects of your tradition fill both rooms: Summoning circle in the living room, wards drawn on the walls, tomes and so on.

The blinking of your com shows a message.
<[Thain] Hey little sis! Mall's open tonight. Hope to see you there.>

@Grayson

[ Spoiler ]

You awake from the day, not sure what time Marian had come to bed. She had been building a number of IDs for clients, inserting high school records, loan histories, etc. The mere fact that she is lying there is as much a mystery as why she let you in the door all those months ago.

Jobs had been scarce lately and the last message from Kilroy said he was working on someting big. The Mall was rumored to be open tonight, perhaps you could scare someting up there? Looking back at Marian, perhaps you'd just stay in tonight instead?

@Aeryn

[ Spoiler ]

The days were long and the nights longer, but the night is your time. Grabbing a cup of soycaf you pick up the waiting com:
<[Lon]Aeryn - Mall's open tonight. I should be done by 2 am. Swing by and we can hook up>

Perhaps it was time to make your time daytime...?

@Death Jester

[ Spoiler ]

Saturday night. Party night of the week. Rolling out of bed, hung over as hell, your coms are full of party invites and misc text messages from your chummers. Most of them are just fluff, but one says the Mall is open tonight.

Downing a handful of aspirin and a mouthful of soyhol you welcome the day like any other, with a one-finger salute. You manage to find a half eaten honey-bun and two slices of pizza that have not yet grown legs. The food and the aspirin kick in as you make the wise choice to load water on top of them. What to do now?

@Cynic

[ Spoiler ]

Mall night, its open tonight. That's means Viggo will be making deals and smoozing. It means opportunities and excitement. It means a glimpse into the a deeper level of the life you are digging into. Looking around your small apartment you think how large it seems after those years on the streets, living and sleeping where ever you could hole up.

After nuking a soyburger and beginning to eat, you take a moment to reflect on that as well. Since hooking up with Viggo you have had plenty to eat, even if it is soy. Reality sets in though. Time to look for some work. This apartment, that food. None of it is free.

The question now is, what to do tonight?

[Draug]

Buzz

@Redjack

[ Spoiler ]

Mallnight.

That usually meant nifty gadgets to barter for stash brought out of the cellar. Not tonight though. Tonight was “fix your damned debt before we strap you to a table and tear that cyber out of your body – without any tranquilizers!”-night.

He had made a note of recording that encounter. Just to remember faces. He wasn't too good with faces, and it wouldn't do him any good to not recognize those guys.

That the Yakuza wanted his map, Buzz understood. It was a nifty project, really handy for getting around. That they were willing to cut half his debt, that they were willing to pay 25 grand for it, astounded him. It tore him apart, really. The cut would really help him on his way out of the debt, naturally. But it was his baby, not for some scheming crime lord to abuse. Shit, there was so much useful stash on that thing, and so many places he preferred not ratting out to the Yakuza.

That was what he'd do, really. He'd rat out the Underground to the Yaks. He couldn't do that. The Underground had been his shelter – his safe haven – for too long. No way. No fucking way.

Then what?

Get a job.

How, that was the big problem. So far, Kilroy hadn't handed him any work. Wasn't that what he was supposed to do, being a fixer?

Buzz let it fall.

Job. Job job job. Fucking job. Where to find a job?

“Fuck it”. Picking up a flashlight from the table and strapping on his goggles, Buzz left his partially shattered apartment. Heading out into the makeshift corridor, he headed away from the stairs, deeper into the structure. A few seconds later he pushed open a door, wrenched open a hatch, and dropped down into the darkness.

He didn't need the map for this part, but brought it up anyway, just to look at it. Next stop: Crime Mall.

[Trigger]

Tigger

[ Spoiler ]

Tigger slipped into his usual running pants and tank top, a more urban Urban Explorer suit than the drek that most couriers were wearing nowadays. The tight tank top held a biomonitor in its stitches along with the gel armor that withstood falls, hits, tumbles, and bullets with equal ease. His running pants were made of the same and they still fit him well since when he first got them after really getting into the courier business. His shoes were newer though, bought new with his last score, excellent quality with great grip perfect for scaling high rises and running across roofs. Next were his AR climbing gloves his normal messanger bag, his comm securely attached to the strap of the bag. His gear was stowed away safely in the bag, his life in one little bag. The stripes tattooed up and down his airs flexed with his muscles as he stretched for the delivery. When he felt ready he shook his wild orange red locks and grabbed the Alic Pack, hoisting it onto his back and dashing out of Jack's with a wave into the Underground.

He navigated the Ork Underground with a ease that only came with growing up in its depths. His muscles responded with familiarity to the turns, vaults, and jumps that he took as he cleared levels and gaps that normally took others hours to circumnavigate. He also kept to most the less populated areas of the Underground, as he was known well in the area but was only respected by a few, his human looking size and face stood out among the ork population. Didn't matter that he was a ork too, he looked human and that didn't work in his favor.

The tunnel up to the Mall was highly used and very easy to both find and to travel along. He dashed by the few others who were making their way into the Mall for either work or scavenging reached the tunnel entrance in one of his quickest times ever. He nodded to the ork standing guard at the entrance, receiving a curt smile in response. He was known here and no one tended to get in his way while he was making a delivery. Too many hard learned the hard way that he wasn't just a simple runner.

The second floor of the Mall was where the real action always took place, where the old school dealers set up their booths. The first floor held all the up and comers, the small dealers that only dreamed of raking in the nuyen that the guys upstairs brought in nightly. The Office stood prominently along one of the upstairs walls, a old restaraunt taken over by Smokey Joe, a good but tough as nails bastard who ran the place well and usually fair. Tigger stepped through the replaced plexiglass doors and looked for his contact, Spencer.

[Storm]

Whisper

[ Spoiler ]

"Too.. early.." Whisper groans as she attempts to sit up in bed. After brushing the hair out of her face with her hand she checks the message on her com. "Wooh, the mall is open." She mumbles to herself half excited, half awake.

After a quick shower and a quick throw on of jeans and a t-shirt she calls Thain up. "Hey man, I still haven't got myself some wheels so.. wanna give your lil sis a ride?"

[Redjack]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:30; The Crime Mall, Puyallup, Seattle

@Buzz

[ Spoiler ]

On the short walk from your underground doss to the Crime Mall you begin to see other denzians of the underground moving into the area. The mall will be open for business soon and the Mall Monsters are already patroling strong. Your rent is paid up to them so you are good to.
As you approach the entrance to the Mall basement, the pair of Mall Monster bruisers guarding that entrance wait for the light to turn green denoting that your rent is paid up and your passage free. When it does they nod, almost like they are the door greaters at Weapon's World.
What a freaky world it is..

@Tigger

[ Spoiler ]

The run to the Mall basement went just as you thought. Smooth. You passed a patrol of the Mall Monsters and they never even saw you.
As you approach the entrance to the Mall basement and put your PAN into pasive mode for a moment, the pair of Mall Monster bruisers nod as the light to turns green denoting that Smash paid your passage passage for the evening. Your com back in Stealth mode, you pass into the Mall basement just as expected. They may not respect a human looking ork, but they respect who you represent. Smash is known down here and half the Mall Monster's have studied under him at one time or another.
The Office is still being set up when you arrive. Looking around, not even all the waitresses are here yet. The man you recognize as Joe looks up. He obviously doesn't recognize you, "We don't open for an hour kid."

@Whisper

[ Spoiler ]

Thain's strong visage appears in the com window when the call connects, "Sure lil sis. No problem. Be by in a ten."
His clean shaven face, strong jaw and buzz haircut is a stark contrast to your own soft features and long hair, but you are really related anyway.
The minutes pass quickly and Thain arrives on his sleek imported street bike, "Let's hit it." is all he says as he pulls up and hand you a helmet.

[Thanee]

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 18:00; Aeryn's Flat, Puyallup, Seattle
Aeryn; PAN = passive [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)

Aeryn reads her com. It's good that Lon couldn't see the expression on her face. He wasn't too bad, but of course that was not going to happen. Gladly he was smart enough to have figured that out a while ago, already, and they could get by on a mostly professional level. He was merely teasing, at least that was Aeryn's impression. Anyways, with the Mall open, there probably was work to do, and work meant Nuyen, which in turn allowed her to pay the rent. Not an entirely bad prospect, she thinks, as she checks her account. Of course, it was only the 1st, and the flat was paid for at least until the end of the month.

When the cup is empty, Aeryn puts on her biking leathers, stashes a few things she might need in her shoulder bag and heads out to the street, where her bike is already waiting. Reving the engine twice, the elf speeds off into the night.

[HeySparky]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:45; On the way to the Crime Mall, Puyallup
Grayson; PAN = passive; SIN = Greer Wayne Jaspers

Light bleeds in around the blinds cycling through the whole spectrum of evening's seedy flicker. Grayson can identify each unsavory joint by the color, frequency and angle of the light shifting across the ceiling of Marian's place.

Million Dollar Saloon... Blackout Jack's... Eddie's Bail Bonds... Blackout Jack's... Million Dollar Saloon... Blackout Jack's... Spank... Blackout Jack's... Million Dollar Saloon... Blackout Jack's...

It wouldn't be full dark out yet - not that it ever got that dark, not the sky anyway, what with the blanket of cloud and smog reflecting sickly purple-orange light back down at the city - but the blinking beacons faithfully called the lowlives out from under their rocks and out of their alleyways with promises of smut bolstered by subliminal images and sounds that always made Grayson feel like he needed a shower. Sometimes a cold one.

Marian's apartment was in a block of Auburn that had risen and fallen decades back. It could be said to be on the decline. If there were any further down to go. Though it wasn't The Barrens. The Star still patrolled the streets with some frequency, no doubt to 'raid' the honest businesses in the area. Some organized crime honcho had the local street gangs convinced it was in everyone's best interest if the neighborhood was a neutral zone. The building itself was nice enough. The plumbing was reliably intermittent and the central heating better than average. Security was well above average, and Marian and Grayson had installed some extra measures.

Grayson stretches and yawns. He glances at the crappy trid, across the room, it's display blurry, several of the hologuns were going out. Somehow it never seemed worth the time to fix the damn thing. 6:00 PM. Grayson sighs and rolls onto his side, facing Marian. Marian... She is snoring quietly, lips parted, eyes moving under their lids. He rolls back over and folds his arms behind his head. Kilroy, man, I've waited long as I can. I gotta see if there's something I can do to fill in the gaps.

If it really was open tonight, the Mall would be his best bet for something fast. If he could make it past the predators that fed in its shadows.

Grayson slips out of bed and pads quietly into the bathroom. He grits his teeth through a cold shower and steps out gratefully to continue his routine. Towel around his waist he leans, weight on his knuckles, onto the counter. He stares into his reflection. The face that looks back is mostly his own. More tanned. Leaner. The subtle pressures and tugs meant he had a couple more hours left. Though he wouldn't be going out looking like this. He checks his stubble in the bathroom mirror and debates who it would be safest to be tonight. Greer. He turns on the faucet and splashes water over his face. The stubble is already showing red and blond patches, the hair lightening to dull blond, skin paling.

"Greer creeps me out." Grayson turns at the voice. Marian is in the doorway, watching him. "Shower woke me. So, does Greer mean you're headed to the Mall?" The tone is light, neutral. She's worried. She should be.

He lets Greer fade and Grayson reemerge. "Yeah."

She looks up at him, tips of her fingers worrying her bottom lip, she says - it is a statement as much as a question, "Still no word from Kilroy?"

Grayson's jaw clenches. No shit, Marian. They'd spoken about just this when he had rolled in early this morning. He bites back the angry response. She's stating the unbelievably obvious. Just to have something to say. She's definitely worried. He shakes his head. "No, no word. Don't worry, he'll come through." Grayson, anger still prickling, turns away, back to the mirror.

Marian is quiet for some time. "You trust him too much."

Grayson turns, an eyebrow raised, "Ingrate."

Marian barks a laugh, "Yeah, right. Like he helped me out of the kindness of his heart."

Grayson shrugs. She had a point. Kilroy was truly mercenary. He sighs, "If there's anything to trust about Kilroy, it's that he's driven. He'll call."

"Let's just say I'm not holding my breath." Marian makes a face and turns away, a length of pale thigh flashing as she moves. Damn, woman. In the other room, Grayson hears the staticky drone of the trid as it flicks on. He hurriedly grabs his gear together, clothes, weapons, potentially illegal electronics and shoves it all into a duffel bag. Just a quickie. Still wearing his towel he steps into the other room. Marian is snoring quietly again. Grayson groans inwardly, Not quick enough.. He goes back into the bathroom and dresses, gets the Greer gear ready, blue contacts, ratty orange pullover cap. On his way out he pauses at Marian's bedside, brushes a lock of hair from her shoulder, kisses her on the forehead.

Forty-five minutes and a couple dozen bus stops later, Grayson has fully become Greer. He heads south from Seattle proper into Puyallup, toward the Mall. A stiff wind kicks up dust and grit. The low bank of clouds above skim by quickly, flashes of unseen bolts flickering and illuminating the clouds. Grayson had been to the Mall on a number of occasions. Usually on Kilroy's behalf. Each time was a new adventure. Each time he entered a different way. Frequently as a different person.

[gobogen]

Rex

Saturday March 1, 2070; Rex's apartment

Rex was up early for a saturday morning. The week had passed without any calls from Kilroy or anyone else and he didn't feel like going out last night. He had a feeling that the mall would be open this weekend and he was hoping to maybe get a call. Kilroy's message confirmed his impression. He answered right away.

<Hey boss, thanks for finding that job for me. I'll definitely make it tonight. Anything more you can tell me about that Spencer guy?>

After that he went on with his daily routine. Jogging, shower, large breakfast, watching the trid local news, eat again, exercise. Rex always made sure to stay in very good shape, both mentally and physically, even more so in the past year as a shadowrunner. His physical fitness and mental alertness were the reasons he could stay alive and get paid.

His job for the evening he could barely call a shadowrun. A protection job like that one was what Rex was best at and it didn't sound anything but ordinary. A pay like that probably meant that the risks involved weren't too high, else Kilroy would have gotten a better deal.

Rex ate dinner early and got ready before leaving his apartment for the mall.

[Trigger]

Saturday March 1, 2070- 18:30- Mall Office, Crime Mall, Puyallup Seattle, UCAS

Tigger

@Redjack:

[ Spoiler ]

Tigger hoisted the Alice pack a little higher onto his shoulders as he turned to address Joe. "I know it ain't open yet chum, I've been around enough to know when you are open or not. I ain't here to buy nothin right now, I'm here on business ya know. Gotsta deliver a package, lookin for Spencer tonite. Ya know if he's around?"

[Syndicate_killer]

Saturday March 1, 2070 18:10
Death Jesters, Apartment.

DJ sets the plastic bottle of water on the counter next to the sink full of dishes, some there from almost a week ago. DJ decides not to chance the swirl of visual chaos from his 'link, the pushing of a few buttons on the miniture console completes his task. The Trideo hums to life and the first message appears. <Hoi chum...we're partying it up in...>" "Next message" DJ says cutting off the rest of the message from the youngish looking girl. Within the timeframe of 20 minutes DJ manages to run through most of his messages and, down two beers while he sits on the old stained couch polishing up some greasy engine parts.Lighting a cigarette DJ focuses on flipping through his messages. DJ stops at the one with the subject marked as 'Mall Open' DJ smiles slightly at this. Book marking it he moves on.. Damn no word from RedFeather yet...I need this score...maybe i should trudge through the 'Mall' after all to pick up something...anything to bring in some yen

This post has been edited by Syndicate_killer: Feb 19 2007, 01:28 AM

[Storm]

Whisper

@RJ

[ Spoiler ]

Before she went out to meet Thain she made one last quick look around to see if she needed anything. Fake I.D.? Check. Sunglasses? ..Kind of too late in the day for those. Gun? Nah.. She never used those. Thinking back on it now, it was something Thain was always a bit.. umm.. Well, he always wanted her to find some means of defending herself. Whether it was hand-to-hand combat or a gun or something. Whenever she got in good 'ole street fights, no, correct that; whenever she took the brunt of a street bashing Thain always took it personal.

Her reminiscing thoughts were shattered when she heard Thain pull up. After locking the door she ran outside with a grin on her face and she eagerly took the helmet from Thain. What could she say? She loved her bro; he was her hero. In all of two seconds she was on the back of his bike, helmet on her head, and arms wrapped around his waist.

She was ready for a night of fun.

[Redjack]

@Aeryn

[ Spoiler ]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:35; Aeryn's Flat to The Crime Mall

The sun setting in the Puyallups though the haze of the dust is a site lost on most. For Aeryn, it reminds her of home. Reminds her of Tarislar. Lost in the thoughts of years past, Aryn finds herself entering the neighborhoods near the mall. No street lights illuminate the path here and the roads are not the best, but RFID markers provide a clear path.

As the Mall comes into sight, so do the Lifters. Tonight the old Sears outlet is serving as bike parking and they have established directions using RFID tags and sculpted AR.

@Grayson

[ Spoiler ]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:45; On the way to The Crime Mall

It was on the second bus that Kilroy came through. It was a text, but it was contact.
<[Kilroy]How's the bus ride? BTW, that was retorical. At third switch to the C-18 line and go the Market street. Jake will be waiting. Who should I say he is picking up?>

@Rex

[ Spoiler ]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:30; Rex's apartment

A pic arrives in your inbox. It is of a human male, early-forties, four days beard growth. He is of mid-European decent with a little scar under his left eye. A text accompanies the pic: <[Kilroy] Spencer is a straight shooter. He prefers to walk away rather than fight, but is like a rattle snake is roused. He's getting a little old for this game, but is highly respected in the biz>

@Tigger

[ Spoiler ]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:31; Mall Office, The Crime Mall

The human takes a moment to survery your intent, looking you up and down before replying, "He ain't been in yet either. I think the Lifters are parking people in the old Sears outlet if he's coming by ground vehicle."

@Death Jester
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:30; Death Jesters, Apartment, Puyallup

As you roll your bike out of your living room and into the street, Sam Hain rides up on his harley. He wears riding leathers, but all colors are hidden from view. He wraps the throttle a few times so that the meaty roar of his hog resinates in the night before he kills the engine. "When are you gonna get a real bike sissy-boy?"

@Whisper

[ Spoiler ]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:40; Whisper's Apartment to The Crime Mall, Puyallup

Thain is crazy. No other word for it. He races off into the night, you in tow. He rides through traffic between cars, even running a few red lights. More than once your life passses through your eyes.
No street lights illuminate the path here and the roads are not the best, but RFID markers provide a clear path. As the Mall comes into sight, so do the Lifters. Tonight the old Sears outlet is serving as bike parking and they have established directions using RFID tags and sculpted AR.

[HeySparky]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:45; On the way to The Crime Mall
Grayson; PAN = passive; SIN = Greer Wayne Jaspers

The bus moves in and out of shadow, under sodium lights that line the streets. The passengers sit absorbed in their own thoughts. Grayson looks out of the window. As darkness falls and lifts, Grayson's face shifts. Fall, lift, shift. Fall, lift, shift. Greer returns.

A dull-blond headed man with pale cheeks and dark shadows under his eyes huddles in his seat. He wears a tattered overcoat, a knit cap and holds a duffel bag against his chest as he fiddles with a comm strapped to his wrist. Grayson looks at his reflection in the window, he sees Greer's sullen face looking back at him.

A quiet chime sounds in his ear. A message. A long awaited message. Grayson's chest tightens. His stomach flutters. Greer's dirty-nailed hands stop fidgeting as he brings up the message on his contacts. The message flickers as the transparent AR window overlays the streets speeding by.

<[Kilroy]How's the bus ride? BTW, that was retorical. At third switch to the C-18 line and go the Market street. Jake will be waiting. Who should I say he is picking up?>

Grayson brings up a response. He hesitates, cataloging the items in his duffel bag. Good gear, but not everything he would want. <[GWJaspers]Depends on what this Jake wants to do.>

In his excitement he fails to wonder how Kilroy knew not only that he was riding a bus, but which bus. Though it cerainly wasn't the first time Kilroy had shown preternatural awareness of Grayson's movements.

[Thanee]

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 18:41; The Crime Mall - Parking
Aeryn; PAN = passive [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)

Aeryn drives her bike on the appointed route at cruising speed along the path that shows up on her AR. It was always cool to see the effort they had put into the sculpting, all the little details you could spot on the way.

As the first ganger comes into sight, Aeryn immediately notices the white plastic bag tied around his arm. There were some others, too, they didn't put much effort into hiding themselves, knowing quite well, that noone who came along this route would dare to make a ruckus. And right they are. Aeryn always found their 'gang colors' to be a little silly, but she was about the last person in the whole Puyallup to tell them so. Frictions were bad for business, and business was why she was here.

She takes off her helmet and shakes her luxurous raven hair, which was tied up underneath, as she waits for one of the Lifters to collect their parking fee. With the 25¥ transfered, and putting up a smirk against the usual bawdy talk, which you could only either play along with or simply ignore, Aeryn pushes the throttle and speeds towards the appointed parking place. With one graceful move, she swings her leg over the seat and comes to stand next to her bike. After putting the helmet on the handlebars and lock it there, and pulling and pushing her clothes to fit, Aeryn is ready to head over to the Mall.

[gobogen]

Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:45; The Crime Mall - Parking

Rex

Rex drove to the mall early. After all, he had a couple of acquaintances he could have a chat with before finding his employer for the evening. He made sure to bring in all his usual equipment, including his weapons of choice, an AK97 Carbine modified for better recoil compensation and his huge, trusty axe. He would be carrying the SMG with a shoulder strap, slightly concealed under his jacket, while his axe - engraved with Chinese characters - would be hanging from his belt for everyone to see.

Arrived near the mall, he parks his Ford Americar in the same lot he usually chooses and finds a Lifter to give payment to and register his car as under their protection for the night. :nuyen: 50 wasn't too much to pay for the services they offered. Rex knew what happened to the vehicles of those who tried to park a few blocks away from the mall to avoid having to pay and he didn't want anything to happen to his car. Those boys will get beaten up bad the day they do something to the car of the wrong person.

[Trigger]

Saturday March 1, 2070- 18:32 - Mall Office, Crime Mall, Puyallup

Tigger
@Redjack

[ Spoiler ]

Tigger nodded with understanding as he turned from Joe and moved back out into the greater mall area, calling back over his shoulder a quick thanks. The old Sears outlet was halfway to the other side of the mall, and on the floor below, but Tigger still got there in a quick time, dropping from the second to the first floor through the first opening that he came to and quickly vaulting over any obstacles or debris that blocked his way. He ducked into the garage and looked around for Spencer or anyone who could point him towards Spencer.

[Storm]

Whisper

@RJ

[ Spoiler ]

"So," Whisper began as she kept pace along side Thain. "Got anything particular in mind that you're wanting to get?" She thought about creating a mindlink with him. It'd have been more to her liking - keeping their conversation extremely private from any prying eyes or ears. But, once again that was Thain for ya; charismatic guy but prefered the solid and substantial stuff. You know, raw horsepower from a bike, comfortable grip of a gun, and of course, conversations with the use of vocal cords.

[Syndicate_killer]

Saturday, March 1 18:30
Outside Apartment

DJ hollers back over the dying roar of Sam Hain's engine ."About the time you stop sleeping with ugly women....ha ha ha" DJ hits the throttle a notch and lets loose of the brakes just enough to screech the tires as he makes his way to Sam's Bike. DJ offers out his hand as he stops next to him "So, brother what's going on?"....Spirits I hope he hasnt fixed me up with some ugly broad again, being his wingman can be such a chore sometimes.

[Draug]

Buzz
Saturday, March 1 18:30 - Crime Mall, Ground Floor

[ Spoiler ]

Walking into the Crime Mall, Buzz's commlink was instantly flooded by the tags and spam that chocked the airwaves. Swearing silently to himself, he put the thing in silent mode, and tried to do a quick clean-up. It wasn't as successful as he would have wanted it to be by far, and a couple of advertisements kept hanging out in the corner of his vision. Not willing to divert all his attention to getting rid of the nuisances, he simply ignored them.

The Mall was still only warming up, but that's how Buzz liked it anyway. He wasn't all that comfortable among large throngs of people. Trying to look casual while wielding an assault rifle, he walked onto the ground floor. The people here were small-timers, but Buzz didn't mind that. He wasn't big fish himself, anyway.

First off, he needed to call Kilroy. The Mall's flooded network was one of the safest places to do that from. Hard to trace anything that didn't try to be traced in here. The fixer didn't pick up, so Buzz left him a message in his voicemai. <Hey. Buzz here. Listen, the Yak's are pushing me for their money. You gotta hook me up with a job ASAP if you want to keep me as an asset. I'm in the Mall tonight, but feel free to call me. Later>.

Then, bringing up a mailbox in his HUD, Buzz then brought up the address of Smog. The orc might be able to help him out too. <Hey, man. Buzz here. Yaks want to buy my map. Offer 25 grand. Interested? I owe them. Need money pay them back. Got a job? Mall's open tonight. You around? Meet a friend of yours and talk biz?> A click later, the message sped away.

Not expecting any answers at once, Buzz started walking around, checking out the goods that were on offer tonight. He wasn't planning on buying anything – hell, he couldn't afford to – but you never knew what popped up in a place like this. Also, someone might be interested in buying something off him. You never knew who'd heard about you in Crime Mall.

[Cedric Rolfsson]

Saturday, March 1 17:45:00 - Sundown Apartments #231

Cynic pulled on his jacket, feeling the comforting weight of the trauma plates and gel reactive armor pockets, settling it to make sure he still had access to his Predator and blades. He pulled the heavy pistol and dropped the clip, just to make sure it was full, even though he knew it would be. Still, Johnny had crashed on the couch last night, and Cynic knew better than to assume that his pistol was fully loaded. He'd already chambered one round so he was as ready as he was going to get.

He felt the familiar tinge of anticipation along his spine. He'd been to the Mall a bunch of times, usually with the other DevilKids in a group, and it was always full of excitement and fun. He'd lay off the booze tonight since he didn't have anyone to cover his back, but he was a shadow runner now and he had to be seen if he wanted to work. He needed to get the word out on the street that Cynic lived the life, talked the talk, and would walk the walk.

Tonight, he'd hit the Mall, scoping for opportunities, looking for a deal. He had a month left on his rent, since he'd had to pay first and lasts in order to get into the place, and he needed to secure next month's rent as soon as possible. His bike would be tucked away in the underground garage beneath the apartment building where the local wouldn't tear it up for kicks. Making sure to secure his apartment, and checking the feed from the micro camera set above the door to be sure it still had a good view of the apartment, he headed out.

[Redjack]

Saturday, March 1st

Cynic: 18:25; The Crime Mall

The trip to the Mall passes without incident. The growler carrying you through traffic to a less travelled area of the district. As the Mall comes into sight, no street lights illuminate the path here and the roads are not the best, but RFID markers clearly mark the path to tonight's parking area. Tonight the old Sears outlet is serving as bike parking and the Lifters have established directions using RFID tags and sculpted AR.
The question is whether to pay their toll or stash the bike elsewhere?

Death Jester: 18:31; Outside DJ's Apartment

With a wry grin Sam Hain replies, "Dizzy Joe is having a rave tonight. Time to chase a little tail.". He cracks his knuckles, seeming quite proud of himself.... The only problem being that Dizzy Joe tends to attract the girls that don't get invited to the more popular raves....

Tigger: 18:46; The Crime Mall - Parking
The IBM's in the cheap suits hanging out by the entrance of the first floor were no more help than the female troll watching over the east entrance. Spencer didn't seem to be too well known.

Standing off to the side watching the people enter the Mall from where the bikes are parked tonight, the attractive elven woman catches you eye for a moment. Even though short for an elf, the tight leathers and curves make her an attractive breeder, even if she is a dandelion eater.

Aeryn: 18:46; The Crime Mall - Parking
A few whistles call after Aeryn as she heads into the Mall, but she's been here enough to know that it won't go farther than that. The pair of bricks in cheap suits she passes reassures her of that. Mafia soldiers, but on a tight lease tonight. The family takes its cut of the sales here tonight and they don't like potential customers scared away.

The interior of the Mall isn't clean, but its not nasty either. Rumor is that day laborers are trucked in to clean it up, make small repairs. Keep the place in reasonable shape. Some of the shops on the second level get even better treatment, but down here it just what's required to keep it going.

Rex: 18:50 - Crime Mall, East Entrance
As you unfold yourself from the sedan, the gangsters who collect your parking fee gaze longingly at the axe. As you walk away, you hear them cutting up about it. Each bragging about what they could do with a blade like that.

Life being the way it is, you barely make it to the entrance when you spot Betty. She has a kid by the scruff of the neck in each hand, "Don't let me catch you back tonight, else I bust ya up!" she calls out to them as she unceremoniously tosses them to the ground.

Buzz: 18:50 - Crime Mall, Ground Floor

[ Spoiler ]

Both messages off, you wander the lower level of the Mall. Shops are just begining to open and a few of the working girls have begin to strut their wares, hoping to catch johns before their money is spent.

<[Kilroy@18:49] Hang loose and stay sober. Got a few things in the air. I see you're packed for bear tonight. Might need it.>
How does he do that?

Whisper: 18:59 - Crime Mall, Motorcycle Parking
Thain pops a wheelie as you race across the district, every bit the dare devil he was as a teen. The trip passes quickly, though several times you wonder if you will make it alive.

Thain pays the fee to the gangers collecting to watch over the bikes. They have a reputation, once you pay its safe. He locks the helmets on the bike and looks to you, "Lets window shop!"

Grayson (Greer Wayne Jaspers): 19:04; Market Street Bus Stop

People on. People off. An old woman. A young punk. Young lovers with a baby. People on. People off. Each bus ride is never the same, so many different faces.

The ride gives you time to further ponder Kilroy and his ways. Always using the matrix, never meeting in person always knowing where you are. Perhaps he is a very powerful mage. If so why spend the time following you? He might be a dragon. You might be sitting in a padded cell imagining all this. *DING*

Your stop. Stepping off you begin looking around for Jake aka Gadget. Gadget is another one of Kilroy's regulars. He'd driven half a dozen times for you. He is really wiz with the flying drones, jacking them like nobody else can. He's also a little different, but then aren't you all?

Gadget: 19:04; Market Street Bus Stop

The fly-spy hovered over the bus as Greer stepped off the bus. Grayson has this ability to change. You never know for sure what he'll look like. Today, you recognize him.

Kilroy didn't say what tonight was about. He did say to get pick up Grayson here and that you were going to the Mall.

The other fly-spy finished its latest patrol circuit. A pair of gangers were half a block away, but they didn't seem interested in your van. Either they weren't looking or they decided the dark, non-descript, late-model van was not on the menu.

[kvasac]

Saturday, March 1st 19:07; Market Street Bus Stop


Taking the can of anti sept spray and covering himself and then the seats with it, Jake opens up his PAN to prepare a message to Grayson:
"I'm your right. Left the anti sept can in front and some tissues. Please clean yourself up before coming inside."
Sending it off, he leans in his comfortable chair, runing a diagnostics on the vehicle while at the same time pondering Kilroy. He liked the way the fixer operated. Matrix only, clean and neat, no need to expose himself to all the microbes hovering in the air, waiting to get at you. Whether 'Roy was a dragon or perhaps a fledgling AI didn't matter much to Jake. He got him job, and money and that was what really mattered in the end.
Sending flys on another security run, he waited for Grayson with patience.

[Thanee]

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 18:50; The Crime Mall
Aeryn; PAN = passive [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)

Aeryn nods towards the two brutes guarding the entrance, as she moves by. The Mall seemed tidy, considering its run-down state, as tidy as things got down here, anyways. She was used to see some dirt, living in the Puyallups after all.

As she slowly makes her way towards the stairs, Aeryn looks around for other visitors, maybe she would even spot a familiar face somewhere.

[Trigger]

Saturday March 1 2070 - 18:46; CRime Mall- Parking

Tigger had been searching the lot for almost 15 minutes now and still no Spencer. Probably already made it to the Office, just slipped by him at some point. Didn't make much of a difference to Tigger anyways, he was early as is and he still had some time to spare. He looked the cute curvy elf over once again and quickly sends out a AR message and ping her way: I don't think I have seen you around here before. I would know if I have because yours is not one to forget.

[Syndicate_killer]

Saturday March 1 18:31
Outside apartment


A party would be fun.....and I can drink them pretty...no focus, you need a score "Brother, I got to run out to the Mall first and try to score some yen...I can swing by later. I know they wont be pretty but, save me a skinny." They both laugh at this inside joke. "And no orks either, last one skinned up my stomach and legs with those damn tusks."