I Am The Law (IC), And The Law Won Options

[imperialus]

I Am the Law
Prelude

Sunday April 15, 2070. 1900hrs The Redwater Café

The Redwater Café is a high end restaurant in downtown Seattle. It’s far beyond anything you could normally hope to afford, and you are gathered with Alpha and Beta team along with Captain Holstine and several of the other support members that make up the whole of Seattle Firewatch. The food is excellent, Pacific King Crab, Lobster, AAA Steak, 25 year old double malt scotch, you name it Redwater has it and best of all everything is on KE’s tab. Perhaps best of all this is all for you, or at least Charley team, welcoming you as Firewatch Seattle’s newest members. Everyone is in full dress uniform and the conversation flows freely as you become better acquainted with the people you’ll be working with. Captain Holstine dominates the conversation with an easy charisma, his slightly aristocratic Prussian accent and neatly trimmed salt and pepper hair give him an aura of authority and command rarely seen. The other Firewatch members banter back and forth, exchanging war stories, bits of advice and jokes.

Towards the end of the meal Captain Holstine stands up and clears his throat, the conversation quickly dies and everyones attention focus’ on him.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of Charley Team. I’m glad to have had this opportunity to welcome you to Firewatch Seattle. You’re all here because you are the best that Knight Errant and Ares have to offer, and while you come from different backgrounds, be they police, or military, and whatever your specialization may be, you are now a single unit working cohesively to bring law and order to this chaotic world that we live in. Riggers, hackers, mages, detectives and yes more than a little muscle” he says nodding towards Bang with a grin and drawing a laugh from the rest of the table. “all help make Firewatch what it is. The best trained, the best equipped, and the most professional security force on the planet. All this however, is not what makes Firewatch great. What makes us great, what makes us the most feared force in the streets, is teamwork, and intelligence and that is the one thing that you have yet to prove. In the coming weeks and months you will be called upon again and again to prove just that, prove, that you are willing and able to wear the black beret of Firewatch.

As I’m sure you well know Lone Star’s grip on the contract for Seattle is slipping. Two months ago the Metroplex council voted 6-5 in favor of retaining the contract. This means that in four months the contract comes up for review again. Needless to say, we want that contract. That’s why head office authorized the creation of a third Firewatch team. Needless to say, we have high hopes, not to mention high expectations of you. But enough of that, this is a celebration! There is one thing left before you’re officially members of Firewatch Mantis Company.”

At that Captain Holstine reaches into a bag beside the table and pulls six black berets out of the bag and hands them to each of you. The logo looks like a stylized Preying Mantis sewn in red and each beret is fitted to you individually. At this the rest of the table applauds as the berets are handed out. It’s official now, you’re Firewatch members.

[SyberCat]

Casey

Upon receiving her beret, the woman promptly places it upon her head, covering the plain brown hair done up in a tight french braid. Those making note will recall that her nameplate reads only:
Casey
131823

Once the official ceremonies are complete, she stands, and takes a moment to congratulate each of her team-mates. The words she speaks blur in with the rest of the party's din, but it seems salutary and inoffensive enough that the loss bears little weight.

Those glancing at her, and taking stock will find that most notable of all is how this new officer looks like she stepped right out of a recruiting catalogue in her dress uniform, complete with the optional skirt that is a barely practical holdover from military dress almost a century ago.

While the conversations continue, she mingles among the crowd, stopping most often around larger groups, contributing a little, but not too much, before moving to a different conversational group.

As the night proceeds, few seem to return to her, though she doesn't hesitate to rejoin a group previously visited.

Why is it, though, that her eyes, bland though they are, don't seem to match her face?

Edit: Moved OOC fragment to other thread -SyberCat

[Toivoton]

Walker is keeping pretty sober or at least trying to - the scotch is making it hard. He seems uncharacterically relaxed even without drinking much. As the evening goes on, he'll try to get to know the rest of the people in the room, focusing on the ones on his team he doesn't know. He doesn't seem to be interested in Bang tho.

You could see that he put the beret on with practiced precision. When he got back to his chair, he could feel a strong pat on his back, seemingly out of nowhere. He was puzzled for a moment, but then realized, that it had to have been Cross, staying out of his head since it was Walkers day off, but wanting to congratulate.

[Fastball]

Eleanor took the beret eagerly, noting the snug, tailored fit. While the veterans applauded, she relaxed into her chair and closed her eyes. A soft voice entered directly into her mind "Congratulations, my friend, you've come a long way." "Thanks, Feathers," she replied, her lips moving slightly.

Opening her eyes, she turned to the other members of her new squad. She reached up to give the big troll on her right a congratulatory pat on the back, but stopped herself mid-way. Realizing Bang might be inclined to return the favor, she opted instead for a smile and a heartfelt congratulations.

Then she turned to survey the crowd, fixing her gaze briefly on Walker and calling out, "What do you know, Sharp, it almost makes him look respectable." . After the drinks she'd bought him the other night, he was due for a little teasing. She hadn't had a hang-over like that since graduation. Of course, Feathers would flay her if she woke up on her first official day with a headache, so tonight it was light cocktails and lighter conversation. Opportunities to talk with her teammates on a personal level might be rare, and she wasn't the type to squander them.

[Toivoton]

Sharp that hasn't been around (you could see him in the astral if you checked tho) makes an appearance (as an eagle) when called, appearing on Elanors shoulder saying "Going to take more then a hat for that." loud enough for Walker to hear it too. Then more softly, almost to himself "First time seeing a real smile on his face in two years without a bottle or two.". And then softly, but addressing Eleanor "You are looking good too by the way. Too bad I can't join the party. My uniform is a bit .. worn for here. Have fun!" and goes back to astral. He will stay to chat if you keep talking tho.

Walker comes to congratulate when he hears you. Not saying anything about the comment.

[Meriss]

Bang grins his usual snaggle toothed smile, as he looks down at Owl Eyes
"Tanks Ellie, you leave da rough stuff ta me, an' we'll do fine"
Looking around and noticing the immense buffet Bang realizes something is missing
Where's da ice cream
He decides to go look for some.

[imperialus]

Anyone who actually strikes up or joins in a conversation with Captain Holstine will find this out.

By far the most interesting conversation of the night was the 15 minutes or so you spent talking quietly with Captain Holstine. You discover that he's divorced with 3 children one of whom has goblinized. He seems to be quite accepting of his metahuman daughter however, apparently she works as an unarmed combat instructor for Knight Errant. He served with distinction during the Euro-War and was awarded an Iron Cross second class by the German government. He moved to Detroit after the war and joined Knight Errant shortly afterwards. He was still on KE's SWAT team during the Chicago crisis but he quickly volunteered to join the new Firewatch force soon afterwards. Since then he's simply be rising though the ranks, until 8 years ago he commanded a team in Wasp (the Detroit company) before he was promoted to command of Mantis company.

@Casey

[ Spoiler ]

You also meet Ryan Tolstov who introduces himself as Charley squads hacker. He's been with Mantis for about 6 months now but this is going to be his first field assignment. He seems like a nice enough guy, if a little awkward socially, especially when talking to an obviously confidant woman such as yourself.

You also strike up a conversation with Elfin-Face who describes himself as Alpha Teams "trouble shooter", that is to say he finds trouble, and he shoots it. He's quite possibly the ugliest troll you've ever seen. As a matter of fact, ugly seems to be an understatement. His horns curl off in different directions and he gives Bang a run for his money in the size department but what makes him truly grotesque is the mass of scar tissue that makes up his right face and cheek causing him to slur his speech and giving him a constant half grin. Despite his appearance however he seems pretty friendly, especially once he introduces you to Tinman Alpha teams leader.

Tinman seems to be making no effort to join the party, as a matter of fact he seems almost insulted when Elfin-Face introduces you. He has a half empty bottle of vodka sitting beside him with a completely empty one standing sentinel beside it. If the alcohol has had any effect on him however, you can’t see it. Heck, you probably wouldn’t even pull him over if you saw him driving on manual. After a few grunted yes, no answers to your questions Elfin-Face rather awkwardly finds someone far more interesting, or at least sociable to introduce you to. Almost as if he is trying to make up for Tinman’s unfriendliness Elfin-Face becomes your acting tour guide. You get the impression that he finds you fascinating and seems to be quite happy with the idea of introducing you around.

As far as what your first assignment might be the consensus seems to be it’s going to be up in the air until something happens. Beta team is currently involved in a kidnapping case with a minor Ares execs daughter and Alpha had just finished cracking a BTL smuggling ring a few days ago so they are in the process of taking a weeks R&R. This means that Charley is effectively on deck for any cases or incidents that come up.

@Bang
You leave the private dining room that Firewatch has commandeered and enter the dining room, looking for a waiter to find you some ice cream. The atmosphere in the main dining room is hushed, dimly lit and subdued, the murmur of the wealthy clientele can scarcely be heard over the clink of cutlery. After a few seconds you realize that other than a handful of elves, (most of whom look like high end escorts or trophy girlfriends) and a single dwarf you are the only metahuman in the place and a fair number of the people are staring at you with thinly veiled distain. You think you hear someone mutter "Goodness, can you believe that they’re letting them work here these days. You remembered to arm the cars security system didn't you?"

After a few more seconds the matrade appears in front of you. “I’m sorry monsieur, you must have gotten lost, the dining room reserved for Mr. Holstine’s party is right this way.” He begins walking back towards the dining room, glancing over his shoulder to make sure you are following. When you ask about the ice cream he nodds hurriedly and says. “Oh yes, of course. I’ll get one of the busboys to run to the store and purchase some for you. Now if you’ll just follow me back to your party we’ll bring it right to you.

[Meriss]

Re-entering the dining room Bang shrugs unhappily at the clear racial discrimination
What yah expect yah doof, dey's not all gonna be like the Boss Man, I hope da boy gets back soon
Finding a comfy chair to support his weight Bang looks around the room for a friendly face to take the bitter taste of racism out of his mouth.

[imperialus]

Shortly after Bang returns to the dining room Elfin-Face steers Casey towards you and strikes up a conversation. Upon hearing about your treatment in the dining room Elfin-Face nods sympathetically. “Yeah, I know how you feel. Glad you kept yer cool though. This’d be a bad place to start a scrap.”. Elfin-Face then explains some of his history to you. Turns out he was one of the last trolls to actually goblinize back in the late 20’s. He was born the son of a minor Renraku exec. Once he goblinized he was turned out on the streets and lived there actually working as a shadowrunner for several years before he realized that with the valid SIN that he’d had from Renraku he could possibly find more legitimate work. He joined the Ares military and served for several years in the Desert Wars before joining KE. He transferred into Firewatch and although he hasn’t ever risen particularly high in the ranks he has managed to put together a considerable pension and will be retiring next year.

[Meriss]

Bang nods knowingly through most of Elfin-Face's history "I hear yah Elfin-Face, I guess I jest keep hopin' is all. Be sorry to see yah go thou'. What yah say, you an me get some workout time in, before yah take off."
Turning to Casey, Bang offers a meaty paw "Call me Bang, howzit goin' "

[HeySparky]

Before dinner:

Raleigh Alice Haeffner enters the well-into-hoity-toity restaurant with an air of authority. She takes a moment to allow her eyes to adjust to the dim interior and take stock of the room. The deep red wool and black silk of her floor-length mess dress uniform sets off her pale eyes and well-tanned skin. A knee-length cape folded back at the shoulders reveals a silver satin lining. Rank insignia and a myriad of commendations glitter and sparkle on the high collar and double breasted front of the impressive and entirely impractical uniform. Less impractical, a ceremonial short sword of ancient Greek design meant for quick one-handed thrusts and cuts sits at her hip, its black leather scabbard tooled with the Ares Macrotechnology logo, its hilt wrapped with crimson cord. A strange shimmering creature perches alertly on her shoulder - it is a drone, but of a strange design and cloaked in its entirety in a holo-aura that makes it appear like a large and threatening insect. Periodically the drone's mandibles will reach out and caress her neck, using a skinlink to feed her updates of the cyberware and various chemical and spectral analyses of the patrons and staff in range of its sensors. It notes persons of interest, and, as she has taught it, begins threat analysis and rough contingency scenarios should Something Bad happen. The maitre d' approaches and with a murmur and body language indicates that she is to follow him.

Affronted restaurant patrons see a broad-shouldered ork (must be a female, with the long skirt, but you never know with those types), armed, wearing formal Firewatch reds with a strange and vicious and quite-unappetizing-thank-you insect on the verge of sinking dangerous looking mandibles into the vulnerable skin of her neck saunter threateningly past the various dining rooms.

She moves steadily across the room, aware of the stares and discomfort of the patrons as she is escorted by a sensitive and efficient maitre d' whose neck she would like to sensitively and efficiently snap. Though, to be fair, she's not mad at him, precisely. More at the reactions of the patrons whose delicate sensibilities he reflects. A simple command to the drone and it emits a sharp buzzing sound, rattling its folded-back rotors cloaked in the image translucent insectile wing membranes. Her expression doesn't change, but without quite being able to help it, she is more than a little satisfied at the scattered yelps her companion's sudden adjustment elicits.

She and the maitre d' arrive at the well-appointed banquet room. He stops just short of the doorway indicating with a graceful sweep of his arm and a slight and smart bow that they have arrived. She pauses and looks at him impassively until he senses that she is not moving and then he nods once, turns on his heel and glides away - his duties done now that his charge has been sensitively and efficiently shepherded to her place. Her anger with him dissipates as she considers the unpleasant people-wrangling tasks she's been called on to do over the years. And he does this every night. Poor bastard. Though, looking at that commlink he was sporting, maybe 'poor' isn't terribly accurate. So maybe he's not got it so bad. She glances over her shoulder at the room full of Seattle's elite, some still sporting their haughty 'what-on-earth-is-that-smell?' faces. Then again...

An off-duty soldier and peace officer, she instinctively makes straight for the kind-eyed tuxedoed man in the corner, the one standing by that most magical, mystical of holy fonts - the Open Bar. She peruses the labels of the bottles and doesn't know any of them, or knows of them only by reputation. "I'll have whatever the Captain's having..." The kind-eyed tuxedoed man nods and pours several fingers of a jewel-like brown liquid that smells like her great uncle's library. And lighter fluid. And rubber. And licorice.

In her ear a modulated mechanical voice - the voice of her companion - scrolls off a list of contents, the chemical components of the scotch, its alcohol content, and a chart graphing the approximate volume - modified by speed - that she will be able to consume and remain both legally and factually sober based on her weight, percent body fat and average liver function. She smiles at the kind-eyed man and tips him what she hopes is generously. The transaction is refused, but he smiles appreciatively and nods. She turns to survey the room, several of the Alpha and Bravo team are already here. She had learned some of the names of the other Firewatch hopefuls and tried to learn more as she and the others arrived in Seattle for the final rounds of interviews and tests around a week ago, but she and the other prospective members of Charlie team had been quarantined until this evening. Raleigh is terribly curious to see who else made the cut and is gratified to see a number of others faces that she recognizes from their profiles that she hoped would make it. She smiles into the glass. This is going to be a very intersting year.


Dinner:

Dinner is a masterpiece. One for the books. Each new offering tempts her away from getting seconds and leaves her wanting more of everything. Finally, she sits back into her chair with a satisfied, wine-and-scotch-fueled afterglow. Her happy glaze vanishes when Captain Holstine begins to speak. She positively holds her breath as the berets are distributed. She accepts her beret with due solemnity and puts it on with hands shaking, not from the superconductive nerve matter in her sinews, but from anticipation and reward. This is the moment she's been waiting for, working toward, for years.

She can't help but smile happily like the total rookie she is for the rest of the evening. She lets herself have the moment. Tomorrow would come soon enough and the serious duties with it. For now she's happy to revel in the uncomfortable lop-sided weight of the beret.


After dinner:

The large group breaks into small conversations, here and there, a knot of people. She finds and shakes the hands of all her new teammates, introducing herself where she suspects she isn't known. Conversation and comraderie loosen Raleigh's tongue as she starts to creep from the "Caution" section of her drone companion's chart toward the "Warning" section.

She has a colorful family. Yes, she's related to that Haeffner. No, not her grandfather, her grandfather's brother. Yes, he was human. Yes, she's not. And neither were her parents. No, she never met Dunkelzahn. Though she did see him once. Born in Chicago. No, she moved out of Chicago well in advance of the bomb, the hive, and the subsequent quarantining. No they weren't tipped off by the government to do so. Her father's health had further deteriorated and they'd needed to relocate. It wasn't a good time. She changes the subject.

She's had a colorful past. Youngest winner of the then-popular Blood Race and one of the few contestants to achieve a 'No Kills' victory, though she was unable to claim the associated purse after a death that she in fact labored (to her detrement) to prevent was, through a loophole in the rules, attributed to her. Aggressively recruited after that victory by a number of companies who wanted to leverage her brief fame for PR purposes. Her great uncle, late President Kyle Haeffner, nudged her to consider Ares. Nudges from her great uncle were not really suggestions. But she went into service rather than become a PR flak. And after a couple of tours earned a full ride to KE's Academy with the goal of joining the Firewatch. As the relative of a president and a minor - if past - celebrity, she's been collared to do PR whenever she couldn't wriggle out of it and in fact DID step out of that recruiting ARO, though the massive Ares-make sniper rifle and full combat armor obscured her more recognizable features.

She and the other Charlie company rookies - though it's hard to call the lethal pack of them rookies with a straight face - seem to gravitate toward one another, converging at last in a group around Bang. "Yeah, don't sweat that crowd in there. They don't appreciate that people like us, make people like them safe in places like this. Man, that dinner was... it was amazing." She raises her glass, "Here's to Delta company, I hope they commission it soon." She grins, tusks showing prominently.

[Meriss]

Bang regards the pretty Ork woman, finally the smile returns to his craggy face "Fraggin' A dey don't, an I hope dey don' set it up too soon, we just be gettin' started" Bang begins to make introductions "Dis ere's Elfin-Face 'es on Alpha, and de uuuhh... lady is Casey right? She's one o' ours"

[SyberCat]

Casey accepts Bang's meaty hand, and shakes it firmly, clasping his wrist in a friendly manner before speaking.

"Pleasure to see you again, Bang. I hope you've had as good time of this party as I have, though I do have to agree with you, it'll be rough to see Elfin-Face go." Her words have the mild tone of a practiced speaker, but as she tightens the clasp on Bang's arm, he feels a slight tug, nothing threatening, just enough to hint at him to draw close enough for Casey to whisper to him:

[ Spoiler ]

"I know a wonderful place that does an awesome Rocky Road... you have to try it! Maybe after the night's through?

When Haeffner comes in for the toast, Casey happily joins in, crying "Here's to seeing Delta, and to making Charlie the new Alpha!" she winks briefly at Elfin-Face, hoping he takes no affront from her half-serious jest.

While he's deciding on his response, Casey takes a quick moment to send a Comms message to one of her teammates.

"Ellie - Charlie seems to be gathering. Love to see you here, too!"

Turning directly to Haeffner, Casey smiles and offers her hand. As the two women shake, what comes from Casey's mouth isn't english, but fluent, unaccented Or'zet!

[ Spoiler ]

"Good to have you with us. I'm definitely looking forward to this experience. I trust you enjoyed my file?"

She returns to English rather quickly, though. "Casey it is, and I'm pleased to have made the team. I hope I won't let anyone down. That said - being Charlie's rather ... plain, isn't it? At some point, we should grab Walker and figure that out. What else did you wind up calling Alpha, Elfin-Face?"

[Fastball]

Eleanor uses the signal of her comm as an excuse to politely extract herself from a conversation with several of the beta team members. She sends a brief wave of acknowledgement toward Casey and then heads toward the bar for a refill. Motioning to walker with a slight nod, she walks toward the group surrounding Bang. As she weaves through the crowd one can see she is carrying a small tray with a half a dozen blue shots.

"Mage's fire. I assume everyone can handle the heat?".

[imperialus]

OOC @ Everyone:

[ Spoiler ]

Since APDS hasn't posted yet I'll move things along here. Scene 1 will start sometime later today. APDS might need a retroactive post or two.

Anyone else who has some stuff they want to do before leaving the Redwater feel free to do so. Just be sure to put a time/date stamp above your post.

Monday April 16, 2070. 00:30 hrs, The Redwater Café

It's late by the time the party finally winds down. Captain Holstine puts an official end to it by announcing that he needs to get home and get some sleep, he has a mountain of paperwork to deal with tomorrow making sure that the new team is integrated smoothly. You realize that all of Beta team has already excused themselves and much of the support staff has as well. Perhaps it is time to call it a night, after all starting tomorrow, or rather later today you’re officially on the job. Before leaving Captain Holstine reminds everyone that the use of Taxi’s is strongly encouraged and also mentions that if you bring your bill in KE will pay your taxi fare. At that he wishes everyone a good evening and leaves. Tinman has disappeared as well, though anyone making a trip to the bathroom will notice him in the bar continuing to nurse yet another bottle of vodka while silently watching a Desert Wars battle on the bar’s trid. It’s rather unsettling, it doesn’t appear he’s remembering to blink and there is a wide gap around the table that he has chosen for himself.

[Meriss]

Bang releases Casey's hand with firm smile and slight grunt.
Tough lady, maybe she'd like ta hit da gym sometime
Leaning over to Casey he whispers defiantly

[ Spoiler ]

"But can yah keep up?"

Watching Ellie come over with the drinks he muses
Boss Man says I's too young but one won't hurt
Knocking the drink back with easy abandon Bang winces at the sheer power of the beverage. The room spins as his body attempts to deal with the alcohol.

[Fastball]

Taking her cue from Captain Holstine, Eleanor gives a friendly goodbye to those few hardy souls remaining. She asks the maitre d' to call her a cab and steps out onto the street. Momnentarily alone, she instinctively shifts her perception and sends a mental whistle across the planes, summoning a watcher spirit.

Watchers weren't like other spirits. They came from the same planes, contrary to what some might think, but they can't manipulate mana like other spirits; which means the summoner has to use her energy to keep them here. One hour ought to do it. Just enough to keep me company during the cab ride and check the house before I go in. I won't be up any later than that.

It would be an early day tomorrow, and if things worked out right, a long one. She had been neglecting her spirits -- Cloudwing needed an invocation. Maybe she should put in a requisition for a summoning room if things were slow tomorrow. Technically, she was allowed to do re-binding rituals at home, and it was nice to have her bed right there, because they could be pretty draining. On the other hand, there might be an eager apprentice who would want to watch the ritual, and would be willing to fetch her some food afterward. So that settled it. She would put in a requisition for a ritual room tomorrow evening, unless of course, Captain Holstine made other plans for her and Charlie team.

[Toivoton]

Walker wanders around the room trying to talk to at least all the teams and the charlie support team and then coming to hover around the rest of his new team. He mainly listens, but keeps commenting enough to remind them that he is still there.

When Bang brings up the topic of mottos and his vote, he says: "Hit 'em hard isn't something you put into latin. I don't really like it in english either tho. Unfortunately I'm not really good at making names so I don't have a good alternative. 'Never outgunned' perhaps? And what's wrong with charlie? It's short, to the point and informative. I mean I guess we could be The Scepter of Unyielding Justice or something, but why? The nicknames will come on their own when we fuck up."

Well when the captain says it's time to go, Walker goes. He asks if anyone has an early morning and wants magic to lessen their need to sleep and asks the loa for crank for those that ask (getting one on himself first tho if there more then a couple). After that he takes a cab home, says good night to Sharp and goes to bed. Setting the alarm for 0500.

[SyberCat]

Casey's reply to Bang is quite simple. A winning, even knowing, smile, and no more than that.

She ponders the mage's fire a mere moment, whispering mostly to herself, "I suppose one wouldn't hurt.", and then saying out loud, "To Charlie! May we be the newest Pride of Firewatch!". For those who remember her journey through the crowd, it is a little suprising how stable she is, despite having a fairly fresh, half-full drink in one hand at all times.

As far as Walker's questions go, though, she has an interesting response.

"Well, it'll all come out in time, Walker, and sure enough, there'll be names a-plenty. The only thing wrong with "Charley" is that it's merely the third of something, and if we want to take a good dose of pride in our work, we should be proud of the group we're a part of. Having a good name helps with that. But you're right - it'll come out in the wash." The smile that accompanies her shrug appears to indicate a lack of any heat over the issue, just some long thinking.

While the night winds down, Casey and Bang are seen leaving together, though if anyone is keeping an eye on her, Casey takes a moment to get the bartender to leave a bottle of the Redwater's best Vodka for Tinman along with a message:

[ Spoiler ]

"From an old friend to a new colleague. May memories not overtake."

Casey and her companion leave, being driven to their next destination in a black Nightsky.

[imperialus]

Monday April 16, 2070. 10:30 hrs, Firewatch Gym

As Bang enters the gym his ears are assaulted by the unmistakable sound of Troll Thrash Metal* blaring though the speakers, it only takes a second for him to realize that it isn't doing his head any good. He quickly recognizes the one of the gyms occpants as Elfin-Face who sparring against an attractive human woman you recognize as a member of Beta Team from last night, you can’t seem to remember her name though. They are both wearing black Krav-Maga gi's, the woman has two tassels hanging from her black belt while Elfin-Face has six. Despite the apparent difference in size, strength and experience however the human appears to be winning, using her small size and speed to her advantage however avoiding Elfin-Face’s swings and placing a number of solid punches into Elfin-Face’s kidneys and ribs before ducking under a swing and sweeping the trolls legs out from under him. Elfin-Face recovers from the fall but in the process of rolling to his feet the woman connects with a devastating kick to the side of his head stunning the big troll.

"Ok! This one's yours! Christ, who taught you to kick like that?"
the woman laughs and extends her hand to help Elfin-Face to his feet.

"You did, remember? This means I get to put some decent music on right?"

Elfin-Face nodds, rubbing his head.
"Those was the stakes, you get to play your elf-hippy crap, no complaints for a week." At this Elfin-Face seems to notice you for the first time. "Oh, hey Bang. Sorry didn't notice you come in. Not sure if you remember Alandra, she's from Beta. Say, you're supposed to be good in a scrap, don't suppose you care to try and restore some troll pride do you? I wore her out for you." He says gestureing at Alandra who laughs good naturedly as she picks up a towel off the floor and wipes the sweat from her face winking at you.

"Face you couldn't wear me out if you had a week. I'd be happy to see what the new blood has though if you're up for it. Oh, and call me Lady everyone else does."

After the sparing Elfin-Face leads anyone who's interested though forms and explains some of the fundamentals of Krav-Maga to anyone who's never had any formal unarmed combat training.

*I am listening to some (kid you not) scandinavian death metal (Finntroll to be specific) for inspiration for Elfin-Face's taste in music

[Toivoton]

Monday April 16, 2070, Walker's aparment

Walker wakes up at 0500 (as always), gets his fatigues and goes running. He runs for 40 minutes, gets back, takes a fast cold shower and settles to eat some breakfast. Nothing fancy - coffee, some bread, juice and the morning newspaper. It's the real thing by the way. It costs much more then just checking the news on the trid, but he finds it somehow relaxing and since it's one of the few luxuries he has, he can afford it.

After that he gets into a comfy position, eases out of his shoes and heads into the land beneath the sea. For a few moments he haggles with Legba to give him audience with Ogoun to negotiate an agreement to loan two of his warriors that he has worked before with, Wall and Owen, for a more permanent contract. After some heated negotiation, Cross steps in to mediate and an agreement is made. Walker asks Owen to join him and heads to the firewatch building and there to the gym.

Since he's seeing some action soon, Cross agrees, that he should train like he would propably be in real combat. If anyone sees him sparring with Sharp, he seems exceedingly fast even compared to the fast spirit. Almost blurring. He doesn't work out as long as usual, heading out in 30 minutes. He goes to get some snacks from a vending machine and then he goes to one of the ritual rooms and puts the "do not disturb" sign on the door.

The ritual is long and he almost misses one of the patterns he has to form for the link needed to keep the spirits here, but after 10 straight hours of work, he has 3 allies for the first job. Naturally he'd have to keep reinforcing the link on the last one, but he's pleased. Even Cross didn't have anything too serious to complain about the ritual.

It's 1655 when he's done and having missed lunch, he is absolutely starving. He goes to the cafeteria and eats way more then he should. Afterwards he becomes tired as he was afraid of and goes to sleep a bit.

1830 he's up again and goes to the shooting range to train some spirit and magic assisted shooting. The range is pretty empty and he just starts shooting, only stopping to get some more bullets. He makes big pile of shell casings before 1900, when he stops firing, gets out of the range and starts discussing with Cross what he should do with the rest of the evening.

[Meriss]

Monday April 16, 2070, 0800h, Not Bang's room
Rolling over in the luxiurious bed, Bang finally gets up. Stumbling out of the room he moves as though in a trance. And walks straight into a wall. "oof" he mutters. "Bathroom's on the right" a quiet female voice seems to tell him. Bang grunts affirmitively. After his morning shower he is almost but not quite awake. As he exits the bathroom he could almost swear he hears a throaty feminine giggle. Assuming it's only his imagination he proceeds to the kitchen. Standing in front of the fridge he roots through it, "Where da drek d'I put it" he mumbles. "There's orange juice in the big pitcher" the same female voice intones gently. "Tanks" Grabbing the indicated pitcher the troll drains it in a single gulp. Sitting on a smaller than his normal breakfast chair, he gently scratches his belly while trying to determine what to do today. "So did you have fun last night, big fella?"says the gentle female voice. Bang's eyes fly open in an instant to reveal he has been sitting at Casey's kitchen table, naked. "ummm... uh, uh, uh, gotta go" he grunts out. Moving supprisingly quickly for a troll, he finds the bathroom dresses in record time, and without saying anything more runs for the door. Standing in the elevator he wonders What da drek d'I DO last night. He heads to his room full of confusion and embarassment. After changing Bob's (who is clearly pissed at him) food and water, he heads to the Unarmed Combat training facility.

[Meriss]

Bang who would normally love the chance to listen to Face talk about Krav-Maga and spar against Lady is distant and clearly does not have his head in the game. If asked he mumbles some thing about not wanting to talk about it.

[Fastball]

As the first rays of sunlight danced through her window, Eleanor awoke with a start. 0620 hours. Looks like I forgot to set my alarm; it’s a good thing I took it easy last night, and that I’m nervous about today, or I might not have gotten up at all.

She languished in bed for just a moment, concentrating on the warmth of the sun. Slowly she shifted her perception, focusing instead on the mana flowing around her. She felt it tingling her left hand and concentrated on the sensation, pulling the mana through her body and then releasing it. With a sigh, she sat up and headed to the kitchen for a nutrisoy complete breakfast bar.

“Well done,” came the voice of Feathers. “You’re getting better. You should have taken sorcery classes after you came back from Australia.”

She shot back, “I tried, remember? The professor called me a groggy, and I blocked his spells for the rest of the class. Then I dropped the class. I’m close now, I just need a little more time. Then you can guide me the rest of the way.”

She wanted to make Headquarters by 0700, so it looks like she’ll have to skip a morning jog in favor of some cardio at the Firewatch gym. It wouldn’t hurt to throw him some light muscle conditioning as well. On her way to headquarters, she calls out to Cloudwing, bringing him to this world. As one might predict, Cloudwing looked exactly as he was named, like a cumulous cloud in the shape of a giant wing. He wasn’t a very threatening sight for a spirit, until he turned dark and angry and lightning flashed through his form.

“Heya, Cloudwing.” Eleanor exchanged pleasantries while explaining her plan to try an invoking, allowing Cloudwing to bring more of his form to our world and strengthening the link that would allow him to stay. She was still talking when she entered Firewatch Headquarters, drawing a rather unpleasant look from the receptionist. The look became noticeably more sociable when Eleanor asked for a ritual room. Since the rooms were available, she checked in with the Captain, discovered she was currently unassigned, and decided to book a room for 0800, which would giver her just enough time to finish her workout and shower. “Would you do me one more favor? See if there’s any trainees that want to watch a ritual and don’t mind being a gopher for the opportunity.”

[imperialus]

I am the Law
Episode 1 What Would Freud Have to Say About This?

Monday April 16, 2070. 19:35 hrs. Knight Errant Complex Seattle

Shortly after dinner your work commlinks all buzz simultaneously.
<< Code 10-54* possible dead body in Pinnacle suites 1443 Rayson Ave. Charley Team report to equipment room, ASAP. Patrol uniforms only. Further briefing will take place en route>>

* see ooc

The equipment room is adjacent to the Firewatch garage. It contains your personal locker as well as the firearms and armour lockup. Patrol uniforms refers to the red fatigues and black armoured vests* that is considered “normal” wear for a Firewatch officer. The Alphas are also un-nessesary and should be kept in the citymaster.

*Use the stats for an Armoured Jacket. Firewatch vests are made from a new carbon fiber material making them significantly tougher than common ones

Several minutes later you are all crowded into the armoured crew compartment of a midnight black citymaster. As it pulls from the garage into the rainy April evening the driver* turns on the siren and the APC accelerates as traffic pulls to the side clearing a path down the busy downtown streets. As the citymaster weaves though traffic Captain Holstine’s face appears in your ARO.

<<Ladies and Gentlemen. Approximately one hour ago a professor at the University of Washington named Dr. Jason Briggs was found murdered in his apartment by one of his graduate students after he failed to show up for work today.

Normally this wouldn’t concern Firewatch but the dean of the psychology department Dr. Vincent Walker specifically requested your involvement and as the University has Knight Errant’s platinum coverage we are contractually bound to send you.

Initial investigations suggest that the murder coincided with a datatheft where the perpetrator or perpetrators made off with much of Dr. Briggs research. It seems that this theft is the primary concern of the University, apparently the subject of Dr. Briggs research was rather sensitive. Unfortunately Dr. Walker was unable to elaborate since he wasn’t attached to the project himself but he suggested talking to Eva Kalany the graduate student who discovered Dr. Briggs body. She’s been a part of his research team since the project began.

There is not much else I can tell you at this point. I’m going to keep in touch with Dr. Walker and let you know if anything comes up. Please keep me informed of your progress and don’t be shy about asking for help.

Oh, and the coroner is en route. ETA about 20:30 hours. Try not to handle the body till he gets there.>>

Approximately 35 minutes later the citymaster pulls up to the curb by the Pinnacle Suites along side two other marked Knight Errant cruisers, a Lone Star marked car and a ghost car. A KE detective is talking to the Star officer both of them huddling under the building’s vestibule, scant shelter from the pervasive rain.

The Pinnacle Suites itself is a fairly pedestrian apartment complex, at a glance it looks to be about ten or eleven stories high, painted white with a south facing entrance. The slightly shabby landscaping, uninspired architecture and brick stucco exterior that could certainly use a cleaning place it firmly in the low end of middle class. A 24 hour stuffer shack across the street and a row of small townhouses are the blocks only other occupants. An empty NERPS wrapper swirls by your feet as you step out of the citymaster and the rain begins to beat down on your beret.

@Raleigh:

[ Spoiler ]

You notice a three listless looking kids staring at you from the stuffer shack across the street as you get out of the citymaster. When they see you looking at them one of them tosses a cigarette into a puddle and enters the stuffer shack while the other two pull hoods up over their heads and begin walking down the street.

*driver can be one of you or a driver provided by KE. I’m assuming he’s provided, if one of you wants to drive let me know