Atlanta 2070, Hot time in the old town tonight Options

[ludomastro]

The second girl pouts a little when Book mentions they have an appointment but she smiles when Tank says he'll make it up to them. They lead the two of them over to a large booth with eight people already seated there. There is a mix of humans and elves - even one dwarf. All are attractive people with big smiles. Drinks are being passed around and all are enjoying themselves.

[Redjack]

Tank slides right in with the group and mixes easily. He orders up one of whatever the girls are drinking and begins engaging them in whatever meaningless conversation they desire. He even seems interested.

Book has a harder time. He orders water, not wanting to drink before a meet and is border by the conversation. He has two redeeming aspects: First, he is enamored not only by the girl's beauty but also by her mysterious aura and second, Tank is working to smooth over Book's inability to fit in. Tank makes light that Book spends way too much time stuck with his nose in e-books (hence his nickname) and Tank has taken on the mission of getting him out more.

[ludomastro]

Time rolls around for the meet. Digger walks over to the table checks on the rest of the group to make sure they are having a good time and motions for the two of you to come with him. The elf with Tank asks him how he knows the owner and if she can meet him sometime.

As you walk away, Digger says Thanks for keeping my clientel happy.

[Redjack]

Tank[b/] redirects the girl's inquiry to meet [b]Digger with a "He's awfully busy baby... but I'll see what I can do... probably not tonight though.."

As they catch up with Digger, Tank extends a hand to shakes hands with the dwarf. "You know me chummer... Keep everyone happy and we all come out on top."

Book continues to be amazed at the ease with with Tank continues to glide from one social situation to the next. He had been personable enough when they met a few months back, ..but its like he's found a calling...

Tank gestures to his partner, "Digger[/b], you remember Book my mojo-amigo." After the initial pleasantries, Tank takes the tactful move of inquiring into Digger's possible needs. "You sounded like you were needing some of Book's expertise?"

Book is surprised as Tank didn't mention anything to him, but then he didn't hear the conversation either.... He initial shock dissipates quickly, he does need to establish a personal relationship with someone well connected like Digger.

[ludomastro]

Digger's confident demeanor cracks a little. Well, not his expertise, per se... You asked me to find you a hacker that could help you with your new job. I couldn't find a hacker who was free; however .... I found someone who can help you.

He is nervous and it shows a little more with each step you take toward the back.

[Redjack]

Tank and Book look at each other as they follow Digger towards the back of the bar. Tank didn't know Digger very well, but his demeanor did not follow with his rep.

Book on the other hand is half expecting to find a leaper or something when they get to the back. He replies to the dwarf, "We expect to pay for services rendered... but I sense there is more..."

[ludomastro]

Digger lowers his voice. He's a ... he's one of those... those, His voice drops to a whisper Technomancers

Now that he has gotten it out, he seems to immediately improve. They give me the creeps.

I just wanted the two of you to meet what I could find. Honest, if I could have found a normal hacker - you know, a metahuman - then I would have. Honest as my rep I would have.

[Redjack]

Tank, oblivious to the definition of the word, replies. "I'm not prejudice as long as that's not like a ghoul or something... As long as he's quiet, capable and trustworthy he should work out."

Book resists the urge to laugh at both of them. Unlike Tank he had heard the term used to apply to what he perceived as this generation's Otuka. He viewed them as a new expression of magic in the 6th world. He respected their abilities, like many respected his. "I'm sure if this Technomancer has been able to win some measure of your confidence, I'm sure we'll be fine."

They continue to follow Digger.

[ludomastro]

Digger motions the two of them into his office. Sitting there at the desk is a young ork who looks nervous. His eyes shift back and forth and he seems agitated. He stands, offers a weak smile, extends his hand and says, Bono jorno. You can call me System Error.

[Redjack]

Tank confidently steps forward. Huh.... Looks like an ork kid to me.. Thought Digger said he wasn't a meta-human.. Hiding his inner confusion, he shakes the kid's hand. "Glad to meet you. I'm Tank and this here" gesturing to his partner, "is Book. Digger says you can spin a little code and provide some matrix support?" As the first question comes out his mouth, thinking about it and looking at the nervous kid he forms another. "How much experience you got kid?"

[ludomastro]

System Error perks up at the chance to talk about the Matrix. I have been hacking since I was about 12 - about six years I guess. I'm good enough to do what you need done. And, I don't need a clumsy deck or commlink to pull it off either. It's all up here. He points to his head.

Digger winces a little when the kid points to his head.

System Error continues, I'm a mage of the 'trix - that's what I am.

[Redjack]

The kid's reply takes Tank by surprise. He turns and looks to Book for answers.

Book again withholds him humor. "We will need you to create several disposable IDs, access several systems undetected, update information in those systems and provide matrix over watch during an upcoming extraction." He paused for a moment summoning forth a spell of analyzing truth. "Can you do this?"

Book wipes he sweat from his brow then asks a few more questions of the young ork as they talk. He waits for the ork's answer to each before asking the next, trying not to make it seem like an interrogation. He tries to work each of the questions into conversation as much as possible.
- Can we trust you?
- Are you a law enforcement officer?
- Have you ever been apprehended by any security or law enforcement personnel?
- If so, tell me the story.
- What payment are you expecting?
- Will you be posting any details of our exploits?
He will continue past any untrue responses intending to come back and redirect those questions.

[ludomastro]

Can you do this?
I don't see why not.

Can we trust you?
With a smile he says, As much as you can trust anyone in the shadows.

Are you a law enforcement officer?
I'm an ork, not a pig.

Have you ever been apprehended by any security or law enforcement personnel?
Do you count being hassled by the man for walking down the street?

What payment are you expecting?
Nuyen. What other kind of payment do you have in mind?

Will you be posting any details of our exploits?
I have no desire to have extra eyes staring over my shoulder. You planning on writing a book?

[Redjack]

(( Assuming all answers register true.. ))

Do you count being hassled by the man for walking down the street?
"No. Is that it?"

Nuyen. What other kind of payment do you have in mind?
"Actually, I was inquiring as to how much..? We have a job which may take a couple of weeks. We could complete it in a matter of days if the leg work pans out."

I have no desire to have extra eyes staring over my shoulder. You planning on writing a book?
"No. Just making sure you're not either."

Tank was beginning to feel a little left out and added some of his own points to the conversation. His concerns were more tactical, not aware that Book was using magic to gauge the truth of the replies.
- What your living arrangements? You have a place to stay?
- You got wheels?
- Any local connections we need to avoid negative interactions with? We'd hate to end up putting you into a pinch.

[ludomastro]

No. Is that it?
Yes.

Actually, I was inquiring as to how much..? We have a job which may take a couple of weeks. We could complete it in a matter of days if the leg work pans out.
If you need me, why not an even share. What's the pay?

No. Just making sure you're not either.
Shadows don't talk.

What your living arrangements? You have a place to stay?
Where and how I live are not important. I have a place to live.

You got wheels?
I've got feet and the bus. I've never needed more.

Any local connections we need to avoid negative interactions with? We'd hate to end up putting you into a pinch.
I keep my head down and don't make enemies. You have anyone I should know about?

((All comments are scanning true. He is shading something about his living arrangements; however, it still rings true.))

[Redjack]

If you need me, why not an even share. What's the pay?
Book replies. Since the kid was shooting straight where it mattered, Book decided he would as well. No sense risking hard feelings later over a few nuyen. "An even share is fine. Pay was negotiated at five k each. Expenses will come out of that-"

Tank cuts in, "-including an introduction fee to Digger."

Book continues, "..including an introduction fee to Digger. There is a potential for a bonus. We can cover that later. At the current time, a payment to Digger will be the first expense we will incur."

I keep my head down and don't make enemies. You have anyone I should know about?
"We have no enemies. I was actually referring friends... I would hate to arrive at a conflict with any of your friends... Divided loyalties and all."

(( Is Digger still here in the back room or did he return to the front of the club? ))

[ludomastro]

System Error replies, Introduction fee is fine with me. I appreciate you shooting straight with me on the pay. I doubt that any of my friends would be in our way; however, you haven't told me the full details on the job either.

Digger sighs and says, You look like you are getting on fine. I'm heading back to the club unless you need something.

He looks better by a long shot even though he still seems nervous.

[Redjack]

Book smiles at the hacker's reply, "No, I haven't." He waits for Digger to head back into the bar then continues. "Snatch and grab." Book provides the details to System Error.

"Tank and I are gonna need to do a walk through of the target area tomorrow. We're gonna need a couple of disposable IDs. I also need you to hack the garbage company that services the museum and find out their pickup days. Finally, I need a security work up. What company.. and more precisely, who is the security mage who creates the wards. Still working up the plan, but those details will be a great start."

[ludomastro]

Under his breath, System Error, says, What would anyone want with a hunk of rock? He shakes his head slightly.

Sounds good. Give me a couple of days to see what I can pull up. You have a number where I can contact you? Also, you think that we are going to need uniforms of some kind? I have a friend that might be able to help us out on that front if you do.

[Redjack]

Book smiles again. "I will take care of the uniforms. Besides, if we can pull this off without involving anyone outside of this room.... that would be my preference."

Each of the two reach into AR and drop an ARO with their contact information onto System Error's persona. Tank asks, "You can have IDs ready tomorrow?"

[ludomastro]

We'll see. I doubt a museum has much in the way of security; however, if that hunk of rock is worth a special trip from Rome, then who knows.

He nods and and heads for the door. Is there anything else?

[Redjack]

Book looks at the you hacker, "Never underestimate. Don't get cocky, don't take chances." He then reaches a hand to the youth's shoulder, "This works out kid and we can talk about working together again..." He then turns, leaving the rest unsaid.

Tank reaches out to shake the ork's hand again before following. "Book is a bit uptight, but he's good... and he is right." the former-soldier winks as he finishes, "Quiet will see us to the end, but one slip could get us all sent up or killed."

The duo head back into the bar seeking out the beauties from earlier....

[ludomastro]

The young ork heads straight from the back room out of the club while the two elves from earlier wave happily and motion for Book and Tank to come back over to the booth.

Tank is able to get numbers from Melinda and Beth. Based on the conversation, the group at the table seem to be more into recreational drugs than alcohol. After another hour of small talk and drink the group is ready to head out to the rave that they have been talking about. Melinda smiles at Book while Beth smiles at Tank.

[Redjack]

Book and Tank return to the table and the party brewing there. Tank begins drinking as the rest of the table engages in their drug of choice. Book keeps himself clean. He is not a shaman of the previous world, needing artificial methods to feel the astral, he is a shaman of the 6th world. Water is drink of choice.
--------------
Tank wakes to the light streaming in his windows, as he does every morning. Oh my head... Some day I'm gonna get those blinds fixed...

A noise draws his attention across the bed... Tina..? Brenda..? Beth...? Yea! Beth! He leans over to the beautiful young elf maiden. "Good morning."

After a gentle kiss, he smiles as he heads into the kitchen to make two of his hangover curse. Some days, life is just good.. Hmmm.. I think I'm supposed to call Suzan today....
--------------
The girl with the strange aura captivated Book. Snake would not let him leave the secret in peace. When she was also secretive about who she is, what she does... That just compounded his, and Snake's, attraction to her.

He struck it off very well with her. He spent the evening 'making time with her'. He'd just met her this very night and Book is cautious, planning. Sometime during the evening, Tank and Beth disappeared from the party. I hope the autopilot is driving....

Melinda had indulged as well. Many men would have taken this as an opportunity. Eric wasn't many men. His totem may not be Eagle, but he had his own code of honor. He was sober and she was flying high on what ever the group was taking. The noise of the rave, the pollution of so many auras with chemicals....

Eventually Book did take her to a motel. One with two beds. He was attracted to her no doubt, but if something happened, he intended her to remember it.

[ludomastro]

Tank's vocalized Good morning. draws Beth out of her sleep. Whatever you are making for your head, make it two. Have you seen my clothes?

---------

Melinda wakes with a start. She grabs at the sheet in an effort to cover herself when she realizes that she is still clothed except for her shoes. She looks sheepishly at Book and says, Where am I? Thank you for not taking advantage of me. She blushes.

---------

The next day around ten Book and Tank get an AR message on their comms.

The icon almost seems alive rather than a simple AR program. It takes the form of a weasel in a top hat and delivers the following message in both speech and text.

<<Your museum tickets have been purchased. Please come pick them up at the Cube box office around noon. Your guide will meet you there.>>