Atlanta 2070, Hot time in the old town tonight Options

[ludomastro]

After listening to Tank explain what he wanted Digger smiled. OK. Based on what you asked for, I think I have just the thing. There is an old converted warehouse that has been sliced into apartments. Not exactly a luxury suite but has all the basics and a few extras. I can put you in touch with the right folks if you are interested. Now, I just happen to have an ID on me that might do the trick for a disposable ID. It wouldn't be much better than a flash and dash but it would do the trick. Let's call it 1100 'yen. Now as for the decent ID, how good do you want it to be?

[Redjack]

Tank shakes his head in agreement. "The ID will work. Gonna need a CCW and throw away vehicle licensing. As to the solid ID, I need it capable to deeper scrutiny but cash is tight. I also need the CCW and licensing for it as well." He takes a moment to consider the warehouse, "That place has off street parking for the cruiser, right?"

[ludomastro]

Mmm, kay. I'll need another two for the permits on the throw away. Hell, you could park the cruiser in the apartment I'm thinking of if you like. Now, it's gonna take me a bit to find a decent budget priced ID for normal use. Let me look and get back with you.

[Redjack]

Tank transmits 1,300 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) for the throw away ID and answers the dwarf about the other two items. "The warehouse apartment sounds like just the ticket. Let me know when you find out about a little stronger ID. Guess I'll go move in."

After getting a key or key code, as well as an address, to his new apartment, Dalton will roll over there and check it out.
------------
Book will spend the day resting. His plans are to pay the troll a visit tonight.

[ludomastro]

As Dalton rolls up to the warehouse turned apartment, he is struck by the fact that it is fairly clean for this area of town. There are three young men who seem to be interviewing the residents of the area. Each is wearing a synth-leather jacket with a silver orb and a dagger sticking thorough it. The warehouse looks a little worse for the wear but seems serviceable. There is a roll-up door a little bigger than his vehicle near the partition that seems to be his. An elf with the jacket seen earlier steps over and holds up his hand to stop Dalton's van. Please state your business here, sir.

-----

Book passes the afternoon in relative peace and quiet. The sun begins to go down as Book's favorite trideo program comes on.

[Redjack]

Dalton isn't quite sure what to make of the young men. He figures them to be gang-bangers handling security for the area and plays it out like that. "Just coming home. What's going on?"
--------
Eric settles back and tries to relax. The evening's pending activities hand him restless though. Someday my luck is gonna run out..

[ludomastro]

The youth accesses his comm and takes a few seconds to look something up. You must be the new guy. The vacancy shows that it has been filled. He looks the van over for a minute before adding, We had a break-in a few hours ago. We're here asking question and seeing who thinks they can rough up those under our protection. If you want to pay in cash, or non-traceables, no problem. Rent - puts a subtle emphasis on the word - is due at the beginning of each month. Give me a minute and we'll get you to your place. A few moments later, the crew has cleared out of the way and Dalton is ushered to his apartment. The youth from earlier shows him to the door but doesn't go in.

Once inside he finds that the roll-up door leads to a small hanger for lack of a better word. There is a loft with room for Dalton's things and an old iron spiral staircase connecting the two. The roll-up door is armored and the hinges look like they could stop a troll on kamikaze. The person sized door has a mag-lock with both a keypad and comm access. The mag-lock keypad can be deactivated from inside with the flick of a switch. Other than an echo, the place seems solid.

[Redjack]

"You must be the new guy." Dalton nods to the kid. He remains silent through the rest of the conversation. Some days you talk. Others you listen.

Once he is free, clear and alone in his new place, he looks around. He kicks back flipping through the trid-guide when Book calls.
<<@Tank [Book] I've been thinking over our road trip idea.>>

<<@Book [Tank] Ok. I'm set.>>

<<@Tank [Book] Listen. You're just not very intimidating.>>

<<@Book [Tank] Bull. One look at the business end of my little side-kick, perhaps a whisper->>

<<@Tank [Book] That's just it. The gun is intimidating. You aren't.>>

<<@Book [Tank] What's it matter?>>

<<@Tank [Book] It matters 'cause we get one run on this. If we frag it up, System goes to a slab, perhaps this trog comes looking for us.>>

<<@Book [Tank] Ok. Neither of us want that. What's the alternative?>>

<<@Tank [Book] Funny you should ask. I think we just need to talk to him. A simple conversation... but we need secrets first.>>

<<@Book [Tank] Yea... and?>>

<<@Tank [Book] There is no need to take the direct route, when indirect is much better.>>

<<@Book [Tank] Enough with the riddles. What's the plan?>>

<<@Tank [Book] We need to watch and get some dirt. Some big dirt. Hell, invent it if we need to.>>

<<@Book [Tank] Our specialty.>>

<<@Tank [Book] Let's give it a few days. Tomorrow we go shopping. We go site seeing. We do this our way and we don't rush it.>>

<<@Book [Tank] I'm liking that much better.>>

<<@Tank [Book] If he starts messing with System, we may simply need to remove him... Wait. Perhaps that's the deal. You need to meet the #2.>>

<<@Book [Tank] What are you thinking?>>

<<@Tank [Book] Time for a restructuring.>>

<<@Book [Tank] You thinking about promoting another lieutenant to captain?>>

<<@Tank [Book] Now you understand.>>

Both the runners settled back into their respective racks for the night. Tomorrow was a new day. Snake was much more pleased with this plan. And Dalton? He made a note to buy more bleach.

[ludomastro]

The evening news points out that the explosions in the area weren't due to rocket fire as originally reported but due to a gas main explosion in an abandoned building. There is a footnote in the news about some personnel changes in the Star. The top story for the night is about a cross-dressing troll who was caught being involved with a politician. Normally, this wouldn't be news but the politician was passing legislation to crack down on prostitution.

The international news has a story about another work of art in the Catholic Church that has gone missing while traveling from Hong Kong to Rome.

-----

Dalton discovers that the gang in charge of security at his place is called the Silver Stilettos, a mixed wizard/tough gang with a penchant for organization.

[Redjack]

As Eric watches the news on the trid and muses, Wonder how much the team had to pay the transvestite troll for that run? He then snickers at himself. Seeing shadowrunning at every turn, in every news story... HA!

The story about another piece of art going missing intrigued him. He felt the nudge of snake, Yes, I know. There is much more to know there. Many secrets waiting to be squirreled away.

He drops a note to Digger before he forgets.
<<@Digger [Book] Need a few items { Attachment: List } Let me know. >>

-------

Not surprisingly, Dalton does the same.
<<@Digger [Tank] Got a few items I need in addition to an ID { Attachment: List } >>

[ludomastro]

Tank and Book are able to set up several cameras in the area but three of the five are snatched almost immediately. Two are hacked and shutdown. The third transmits for a few days before being destroyed.

The corner in the shot is active. The various denizens walk through on a regular basis. Prostitutes, drug dealers, the Star and Joe Wageslave. There are a few shots of the gang members sporting their snake themed tattoos and extorting money from various sides. Finally a young human with a purple Mohawk notices and grabs the camera with help from his crew. They proceed to smash the camera under foot.

The remaining two cameras are still transmitting much of the same type of information. The troll is spotted hitting up an ork shop owner for protection money. He always seems to be in the company of a two people: A dwarf with a scar on his left cheek and a big ork with a missing tusk.

[Redjack]

Each time a camera, a hundred nuyen worth of equipment, goes missing, Book winces. It might be cheaper just to grease him... As he and Tank maintain their surveillance he ponders, "Perhaps we bring System into the loop on this?"

The team driver wrinkles an eye brow, not understanding. "I thought the whole deal was to keep System out of this?"

"We could play it another way. Bring System into the loop and set him up to be the puppet master for the new leader."

"What's wrong with the current plan?"

The mage turns to his friend, "Same thing that's wrong trying any run with just the two of us. We need a hacker. Right now we're just a couple of half skilled guys who got lucky on the last few runs. We've got to stay smart or we're going to become dead."

"Hey! I ditched that ID, changed places."

"Granted, but we need to get better at reconnaissance and surveillance. This is our forte and we really stink at it."

Tank thought about it. The mage had a point. He was a good face and a damn good driver as well as a reasonable B&E guy... and Book definitely knew his end. "Ok, but we're here now.... So what do we do?"

"Keep doing what we're doing. Be very cautious and use our contacts. We need more intel on the troll's companions and we need to keep our distance. I'm not ready to commit to including System yet, but it bears consideration."

<<@System [Book] Hey! How are things? Question: Who are the dwarf and ork who are always hanging with the big guy? Next item: Can you work on some IDs for Tank? After the traffic stop last run he ditched his and he could definitely use the nuyen to buy gear to save our hoops over paying some other hacker for the work.>>

[ludomastro]

The dwarf? The big Q didn't like the halfers. No idea there. The ork is Copperhead, his lieutenant. That one is nasty. He once killed a man because he was bored. As far as the IDs go, not a problem. I think that I can work something up. What are you looking for? A disposable one or one that will stand up to close scrutiny? Or are you looking for one that could get you in to see the President of Doc Wagon?

[Redjack]

Book was taken aback by the gang leader's change in M.O. It does not bode well during our operation for there to be changes. Copperhead on the other hand.... The cure could be worse than the disease. For Book, this was definitely becoming a long term operation, not a quick fix. This isn't something I just create a mess with and then disappear into the night. This solution has to be long term and lasting.

He focused his attention back to the rest of the conversation.
<<@System [Book] He needs a throw away ID or two for situations like the traffic stop. Good enough to stand up to scrutiny on a single use, but don't spend so much time as to make it something he would try to rent a car with. He needs one ID he can wrap legitimate use around... like say, to get him into the opera.>>

He uploads video feed of the dwarf.
<<@System [Book] What can you tell me about him?>>

[ludomastro]

System perks up at the challenge of the IDs. That sounds like it will be fun. I'll take extra care on the legit one. Now, let me take a look at the dwarf. Sorry, I don't recognize him. I'll run him through the grid and see what comes up. Anything else that you need?

[Redjack]

<<@System [Book] That should get us for now.>>

"Tank, System is working on an ID for you."

"Oh. Ok"
<<@Digger [Tank] Scratch the ID, taken care of.>>

[ludomastro]

Two days later, System calls, I know who the dwarf is. Meet me at the Cube tonight around 1800 for more details. Tank, I have one of the items you were looking for as well.

-----

A short time later, Digger calls to says, I have a job for ya. See ya at 1900 at my place. VIP suite.

[Redjack]

The days passed in relative boredom for both the men. Eric spent some time cooking and some time reading. He had decided to take a few days away from the gangers so as to not draw attention to themselves or become too common a fixture anyplace. The time was quiet for him, time to focus internally.

For Dalton, it was very much the opposite. He liked to be amongst crowds, didn't like quiet moments alone. He had been out both of the last two nights mingling and partying. When the calls came in, his was nursing a pounding hang over. He went ahead with mixing his home-brew horror of a hang-over cure. Once that was down, he checks in with Book.
--------------
Ten minutes till six, the duo are parking in front of the Cube. A few minutes later and a nod to the bouncer, they are heading into the bar, Tank confidently leading the way. Tank's eyes were primarily scoping the chickidees, but also keeping tabs on the others, sizing up threat potential. Book was doing the opposite: Primarily he was concerned with the threats and potential undercover law enforcement, but his eyes did wander to several of the lovely ladies already milling about. However, right now they were looking for a pretty ugly ork.

[ludomastro]

Sitting in a grubby red booth near the stage is an ugly ork half hidden behind a veritable mountain of baskets. It would appear that it is "wing" night again at the Cube. The virtual "wings" aren't bad but they aren't good either. Book's stomach lurches as he contemplates eating them.

The ork simply smiles as the other two slide into the booth. Good timing or what? He downs the last "wing" and swallows the last part of what has to be the third Bombastic!™ soda. He wipes his hands as the AR menu comes up. Tank, here is your package. The fake ID hops over to Tank's PAN. Now, about the dwarf. As it turns out, he is a member of The Family. Name's Resso. Apparently, he is the accused dealing in all forms of arms. I say accused because no one has ever gotten a conviction. He's bad news and I can only assume that the big Q would do business with him if there were guns involved.

Looking at his two companions System only now realizes that they do not have any "wings". Here, eat some. He waves a server over and asks for a few extra glasses.

I'm ready for some dinner. Either one of you hungry?

[Redjack]

Having spent a few days eating real food, prepared with time and caring, Book raises a hand, "No. Thanks. Ate before I came."

Dalton considerably less discriminating palette has no problem with the wings at the Cube, in fact he was considering adding them to his hang over cure. "I'm staved, I haven't eaten seen 3am... and that doesn't count since I purged that at 7am." He downloads the SIN to one of his data chips, which he then takes off-line while nodding to System a 'thanks'. "Sounds like your neighborhood is about to get hotter."

Book mulled the new data over. His first inclination is that the presence of the mob complicates thing, but after a few moments reflection he smiles. It just made things easier. Never do what someone will do for you. "What have they had you working on?"

[ludomastro]

Yeah, I suppose you're right. They don't have me doing anything. Ever since I went outside the gang for info they haven't had anything to do with me - other than hassle me left and right. Fraid I don't have anything more to give you. About that time a waitress shows up and asks if there is anything she can get them. After getting the food she drops it off with a hand written note. []bDigger[/b]'s scrawl is barely legible.

Glad you could get here early. See you in the VIP room. Password is 'Shakedown'.

They pass the rest of their meal in what passes for relative quiet at the bar in the Cube. One ork gets completely owned by an elf on the dance floor and a human gets tossed (literally) by the new dwarf bouncer. He give the normal troll bouncer a high five (while the troll gives him a low five) and they tally off the distance thrown.

Once the appointed hour arrives the three are able to make their way to where the dwarf bouncer has stationed himself. He is wearing a black T-shirt with khaki slacks and a dull red sports coat. He is not obviously packing anything but has the "try me" gleam in his eye. He only speaks once, Password?

Once given, he stands aside and allows the three of them to go down a wide circular flight of stairs that winds clockwise into the floor. There is a door at the bottom of the stairs that gives the appearance of being able to stop several trolls on kamikaze. Matter of fact, it is troll sized at that. There is an elderly old human woman of Asian ancestry standing there. Please come in and have a seat. We have much to discuss.

[Redjack]

Ignoring the waitress momentarily, Book raises an eyebrow, "So if they don't use you anymore, why not move. God knows we made at least enough bank for you to move to a different flop."

Tank adds, "Digger actually has a connection to a pretty decent place... At least consider it." He then dives into the wings, leaving the rest of the conversation for after the meet.

Book watches the scene on the bar floor, disassociated from it as if watching a trid. He preferred the quiet life, out of the action, letting things run slow and natural. Looking around the bar, he notes the fake plastic people. Those new to the bar scene with natural beauty from youth to those with slight modifications as time begins to take it course to those countering bad genes or the effects of time. There's enough cosmetics and plastic surgery in this room for me to retire to a very comfortable life. A small shake of his head and, If there were only some way to relieve them of it and convert it to yen....
------------------
Tank leads the trio to the office with Book bringing up the rear. As the dwarf asks for the password, Tank looks to one side, then the other in an elaborate, exaggerated movement before turning back to the dwarf, leaning in and whispering, "Shakedown." then repeats the looking around as if starring in an action/suspense sim.

Passing into the room Tank is mildly surprised to see the old woman. He draws upon his supernatural abilities to keep that fact completely to himself, however. Not knowing where specifically in Asia she hails from, Tank's instincts tell him to keep it simple and respectful. He bows a short, quick bow insuring that he doesn't make it too short. Tank steps up across from her, letting System and Book each flank him. He relaxes and lets his abilities and instincts guide him from here out.

Book immediately wonders who she represents. They were slipping deeper and deeper into local politics with each run. Best to know how everyone is connected and who rubs whose back. For the moment he trusts in Digger's experience setting these things up.

As his team mates step to the table, Tank gesture for the woman to sit. "Please." When she moves to sit, then he too will follow, then looks for her to continue.

[ludomastro]

System responds Some loose ends I still need to deal with back home before I can get out. But yeah, I'll consider it.

-----

The bouncer smirks at Tank's display but lets the group pass unhindered.

The elderly woman smiles as Tank bows. She barely inclines her head. Once seated she waits for the team to be seated as well. She steeples her hands and leans back in the relatively comfortable chairs Digger has provided. You may call me Johnsonsan. We have a problem that ... Digger-san tells us you can correct. She seems off put by the use of Digger's name. You will be required to infiltrate a secure facility on the outskirts of the city. Deadly force is authorized as your opposition will no doubt use it was well. If bloodshed can be avoided, then there is bonus pay. Before I proceed, I need to know if you are interested.

[Redjack]

As she speaks, Book shifts his aura back to the astral and assenses her aura then shifts his senses back to the physical.

Tank briefly looks to each of his teammates. It was a formality, he knew they were interested else the team wouldn't even be here. He nods and says, "We're interested." He pauses a moment before continuing, "Obviously interest does not constitute agreement. We have those pesky details like a threat assessment and a mutual agreement of value."

Once her attention is on Tank, Book does what he should have done earlier and casts Analyze Truth. He covers his casting with an sneeze, turning his head away from the table ending with a quiet, "Excuse me."

Tank continues, drawing her attention back to him. "Wet-work is not our style. We pride ourselves on a lack of casualties, a few maybe a little worse for the encounter, but still breathing. Please. Continue."

[ludomastro]

The elderly lady continues, Yes, Digger-san ... told me that you were not interested in eliminations. She smiles. I do not want anyone removed simply I want you to understand that there may well be the need for lethal force on this particular task. If we are all agreed that we can continue? Not seeing any interruptions, she begins, You were selected for your work on recent jobs where your brains, not your brawn was the key component. That is what we require. There is a prototype that must be removed from the secure facility - please note, it shall not come to harm. We would rather the targets not realize we hace the prototype until after you are safely away. We will provide blueprints, two separate vehicles, and as much background as we have available. Please expect magical security as well. The prototype is roughly the size of two-drawer filing cabinet - if you even know what that is. A small hint of disdain and is it playfulness enters her voice. It will be approximately 50 kilos. We believe this work to be worth ten thousand, each. Are there any questions?