Atlanta 2070, Hot time in the old town tonight Options

[Redjack]

As the signal of the matrix returns, Book drops a signal to Digger:
<<@Digger [Book] Checking in to verify you have received a payment from our current (soon to the previous) employers?>>

Tank reaches out for the signal of his vehicle and brings it towards the team as they head out. He looks towards System Error, "The trash truck able to return on Grid Guide or do we need to tail it? What about the rental van? I'm ready to close this out and get some shut eye."

[ludomastro]

I have some friends who will take things back to where they belong. He smiles lazily. Yeah, sleep sounds good right now..

-----

The response is audio only. Book can guess why. Yeah, account is ready to go. ... What did you do to blow the bonus?

[ludomastro]

The man picks up the line that his assistant assure him is not traceable.

Hello, he asks.

Here, comes the reply

Do they have it?

Yes, sir.

Has it been damaged?

Tiny is just about to check it.

Good. Let me know your assesment of this group when you get back.

Of course, sir. However, the man has alreay hung up. He is used to having his wishes carried out without question.

There is a knock at the door.

Come in. The man hardly raises his voice.

A servant opens the door and the ghostly apparition of a manifesting mage walks in and drops to a knee. Forgive me your Eminence. I failed to protect the statue.

Did you do all that you could, my son?

Yes, Eminence.

Then God will be pleased with your effort and your penance will be light. He smiles an angelic smile at the mage who then nods and fades away.

[Redjack]

Book replies to the fixer.
<<@Digger [Book] The bonus is not blown. Darth Vader renegotiated the deal to a five day delay on paying the bonus to insure we keep extra silent for that long. Given the fact that he had way too much muscle and mana at the pickup, I decided not to press him to renegotiate us further into the red. Despite the games and politics, since he paid the principal balance and didn't simply air out the loose ends at the pickup, I imagine he'll pay up in five.>>

Book leans back, at that moment, the adrenaline gone, he is acutely aware of his wounds. He leans back in the seat and dozes off as Dalton drives them across town giving the downtown area a wide berth.

[Redjack]

After Digger transfers the second 7,500 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) installment, he combines that with the 1,200 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) remaining from the expense money. He then transfers 2,900 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) to each of his partners. Looking at the remaining amount he muses to himself. Next time we need to negotiate a little harder up front. At least we still have a bonus incoming.

The next few days of nagging from Snake was quite a bit different. Snake was upset that there had been combat. Upset that Book had not been better prepared, had not planned better to insure all combat was avoided. The worst part is you're a voice in my head! Next time, you do the run and I'll be a voice in your head...

--------

Dalton on the other hand took the opportunity to spend some time with Beth. He was making good money now. The risk was a little high, but the tools were definitely rock solid. The drone definitely took him back to the days in the service. It was a far cry from a tank, but it felt good to be rigging the hardware. Good to be a member of a team, especially one he could support. When his enlistment went sour he started drinking. When he started drinking, he did stupid shit. When he got into trouble, his enlistment ended. It was a vicious downward spiral and he wasn't about to repeat it... and least he hoped not.

[ludomastro]

Day 1

News Channel WXCZ
Last night there was a disturbance at the High Museum of Art. Lone Star closed the area off to pedestrian and vehicle traffic for several hours. Lone Star had no official comment. A source in the security compay confirmed they were investigating potential criminal activity on condition of anonymity. More on this breaking story later.

Day 2

News Channel WXCZ
The High Museum of Art confirmed that there was a breakin last night at their facility and assures the public that the museum will reopen tomorrow.

Day 3

News Channel WXCZ
This just in. The local Catholic Bishop, Severus Marcus, has removed the famed statue that was the centerpiece of the current exhibit. He stated that he could not risk the statue falling into the hands of thieves.

Day 4

News Channel WXCZ
Something odd happened a few nights ago. It appears that a person or persons unknown broke into a local rental car facility and took several cars for a joyride. The owner said he is not pressing charges in the case as the cars were returned unharmed and in one case in better working order.

Day 5

News Channel WXCZ
This just in. Lone Star has brought the museum security company in for questioning regarding the recent roberies. More details at eleven.

[ludomastro]

There is a message on Book's comm.
"Reservation Confirmation would like to confirm that your payment for delivery has been recieved. Also, we have a question about your bill."

-----

Cut Scene

Staring out the window the man with the green eyes, dark hair and aquiline nose sighed. The sun rises and sets. My superiors are angry with my decision to cover up the theft but as they don't want bad publicity it will simply disappear. He looks at his newest aquisition and smiles. It truly is as exquisite as I though it would be. What next, what next?

He notices that his reflection is clear in the unmarred glass. Turning to his left, Marsden, give the glass cleaners a gift and invite them to a nice restaurant.

Will there be anything else, your Eminence?

The man smiles. In a half scolding voice he answers, I do not need that honorific right now. No, that is all for the night. Wait. Did you receive the assesment on the latest group.

Yes, sir. The two of them hired a young ork hacker. I would rate them very high on future efforts.

Very good. Have the bonus sent and give them a little something extra.

As you wish.

[Redjack]

Five days since the run and everything seemed good. Book spent the first two days sequestered in his apartment, behind the ward. The magical residue of his spells and summonings could be used by a very powerful mage to track him down, but his lodge would serve to greatly hinder those efforts.

The news reports had been all over the place. He had even wondered if the group responsible simply took the statue back to the museum, seeing as how they were obviously affiliated with the Church in some way, shape or form. His curiosity did not cause him to leave his lodge or go anywhere near the museum though. There was a mystery here though and soon he would begin making some subtle inquiries.

<<@Digger [Book] Question? What question?>>

[ludomastro]

Hey there, kid. Looks like in addition to your agreed upon bonus, the J threw in some extra 'yen and tickets to the opera. You got a hankerin' for some culture there or is your soldier friend deciding to grow up a bit? He laughs at his own joke. Seriously, y'all must have impressed them. Come down to the Cube sometime and let's chat.

[Redjack]

<<@Digger [Book] Tickets to the opera and extra yen...? Not sure if I'm ecstatic or terrified.. Actually, I've heard Tank prattling some Latin poetry. I think he will enjoy the opera more than I will. We'll be down tonight. What night is the opera?>>

------

<<@Tank [Book]We should go the The Cube tonight. Pick me up at eight. No escorts.>>

------

Tank rolls out of bed to great the early afternoon and stumbles across the room to 'the kitchen' and begins making a hang over express. After downing it, he picks up the message from the shaman. "Thank you lord! I'm going stir crazy."

He'd been keeping to the apartment since the run. He was pretty good about keeping quiet, but sometimes when you drink your mouth talks all on its own.

He crawled to the shower and worked on transforming back into a human. It would take a while, but Tank was dedicated to the task.

[ludomastro]

Looks like next week on the opera.

-----

The Cube is up to it's normal standard of insanity; however, the rather large bouncer waives Tank and Book into the club, much to the dismay of several attractive women standing in line.

[Redjack]

Book walks past the bouncers, nodding as goes. He then turns around and grabs onto Dalton, who had stopped to start talking up one of the lovelies in line. "Business" is the only thing he says.

Tank looks to the shaman. He's awful damn bossy... Hell, the only thing he did was summon a few spirits to drag the statue out.. I took care of the guards outside and in. Think when this is done, perhaps we discuss a chain of command....

The duo make their way through to the bar looking for the diminutive owner. Dalton, smiling and nodding at the habitués and newcomers alike. Reaching the bartender, Book orders a sparkling water and then proceeds towards Digger's office.

[ludomastro]

Digger smiles and waves the two of them in. Come in and sit down. I have no idea why but your employer sent the 5K that you negotiated plus another K and three opera tickets. Looks like things are up for you. If you don't need anything else, get out there and spend some money on my drinks. The roguish grin says it all. Digger is in a good mood that won't be denied.

[Redjack]

Dalton gives a "Bu-Yah!" as Digger provides the additional details.

Book notes the ticket count, "Three tickets. Looks like System is about to become a regular member of the team." He turns t to say something to Dalton only to find the face is already taking Digger's order to heart.. and liver.

As he heads back into the club, Book sends a message to Bolo, his talismonger.
<<@Bolo [Book] Looking for a sustaining foci or two. Health, possibly illusion. What's if any are available?>>

[ Spoiler ]

Bolo Swaniza [R2/L3] Talismonger
Bolo is of Puerto Rican decent and moved to the CAS to seek a better life. She has done pretty well as a talismonger and has a run down little shop called "Moon and Stars". She is a Mystic Adept, but has only the gift of sight having a weak magic attribute. She trades books with Eric and they are acquaintances.

Dalton on the other hand works his way through the bar. His first pass to is determine if any of the ladies currently on his list are present and if not, find a new one to add to the list....

[ludomastro]

Dalton finds Beth among those in the club. She is drinking what looks like scotch but her friend is nowhere to be seen.

-----

The response from Bolo comes a few minutes later. <<Just caught me. I'll look into that and get back with you in couple of days.>>

-----

Dalton's AR lights up with a light green bear dancing its way across his vision. It bows to him and says, Your young ork friend says hello and to not be a stranger.

Book's AR gets a similar treatment with the bear being replaced by an anthropomorphic computer from another age.

[Redjack]

Dalton slides in by Beth. "Well hello. Fancy meeting you here. Sorry I've been off-grid for a few days, I had a job. Transporting some sensitive cargo." He had considered walking on and casting his hook a little wider, but there was something about the gorgeous elf that drew him in; Captivated him.

As the coms light up with System's signal, Dalton drops a reply.
<<@System [Tank] Having a drink at the Cube. Say, we just got tickets for the three of us to go to the opera as well as the payoff. Including a small bonus. --[Connecting Book]-- We should all have a late lunch tomorrow to discuss it.>>
-----
<<@Bolo [Book] No problem. No rush. Just putting out feelers and getting an idea of what's available and what the going rate is.>>

He makes his way to the bar and finds an empty seat at one end. He no more than orders the microbrew of the month, than the outdated computer invades he coms. He pauses a moment trying to find a humorous reply. Before he is able to reply, he is connected to TeamNet™ with Tank.
<<@Team [Book] Late..? Already planning the hang over? System did he mention the bonus or opera yet?>>

[ludomastro]

Yeah, I scanned your comms. What's up with the opera tickets? And how exactly does the employee know about me? Anyway, late lunch sounds good to me.

-----

Beth smiles at Dalton. Do you need a moment?

[Redjack]

Dalton smiles at Beth. "It seems that way. Can I buy you a drink?"
<<@System [Tank] Well, they did see you climb out of the truck at the drop off... >>
He looks back to Beth. "It's been a really long week, I know I need a drink..."

[ludomastro]

Beth smiles back at Dalton. No, thanks though. I was about to call it a night because I have to work tomorrow. Call me tomorrow night? She doesn't seem her normal self.

-----

<<@Tank[System]Point taken.>> If it were possible for a computer to blush, System's ridiculously out of date avatar, was doing a good job.

[Redjack]

"Sure thing." Tank replies to Beth. Taking it as a queue he rose again, "I'll call you tomorrow afternoon."

He gave her space and time, watching her depart the club before looking for his next.... breakfast guest.
-----------------
Book on the other hand was already working his way towards the door. The crowd wasn't his scene, he preferred a small group. He liked cooking and studying. A few people around when he was doing either is ok, but not a crowd.

[ludomastro]

The evening passes and a bright day dawns over Atlanta. Around 10:00 Book gets a call from Bolo. I have a lead on some things you might want. Drop by sometime.

[Redjack]

Tank played the night for what it was worth. He ended up cosing up to a rather dull, but attractive brunette. They ended up at her place (he was drunk, but not too drunk to think this one through) and in the middle of the night he made his way back to his apartment. She had been an enjoyable distraction, but nothing more.
----------------
Book on the other hand awoke with the sun. He had some research he was engaged in on the essence of spirits of man written by an elder shaman at the University of the Sioux Nation. When the call came in, he was long past ready for a break.

He made his way out to the street, a physical mask spell obscuring his true visage as he did every time he came or went from his doss. His paranoia about the secrecy of his home had been reinforced by the death of Lucias, his former fixer. The fact that he had a part in that by sharing some of Lucias' secrets about Don Venedica was reminded to him by today's trip. He remembered how Lucias had double-crossed him in payment the last time he'd sought foci. I should have just contacted Bolo then...

Nearly an hour later, in casual native-wear and with his own face, he was walking into Bolo's shop.

[ludomastro]

Tank's hangover is normal - but what is normal anymore?

-----

Bolo's shop is awash in activity. The too perfect faces of young men and women draped in "street" clothes, give away their corporate background. Bolo smiles at Book and grins as two of the young women decide to buy an extremely overpriced dreamcatcher. She goes on to extol the virtues of it's protective powers. After they clear out of the store she motions Book toward the back room and asks, How have things been?

[ludomastro]

As Bolo motions toward the back of the store one of the two corp girls runs back in the store and asks for another dreamcatcher. Go on back, I'll take care of this in a minute.

[Redjack]

Dalton rolls out of bed, crawling on all-fours across the room to the kitchenette. He pulls himself up to the counter and begins mixing a hang-over express. I gotta quite this..
------
"Good." Book replies, "Very good."
He then nods to Bolo, ignoring the wanna-be's and other sycophants, taking the direction and heading to the back room.