Atlanta 2070, Hot time in the old town tonight Options

[ludomastro]

"No, I ... I mean ... No, of course not. I knew up front that they would come after me if I did that. Who did?" She is obviously lost and bewildered.

-----

Tank - the fly spy still buzzing about - notes that a Lone Star officer is handing off a bulging envelope to a smiling journalist.

[Redjack]

Monitoring the various feeds, Tank winces at the reporter collecting the envelope. Certified cred, no doubt.

<<@Book [Tank] Check feed seven; New window.>>

Book motions to Bolo to wait a moment while he reviews the video. Once done he focuses on Bolo again. "Ok, we have surveillance footage. Looks like these idiots started by attracting some attention with the mob. It appears a reporter figured out the scam they were running on you and tipped the Star who set up a sting. Bam! The reporter gets a finder's fee and an exclusive." And I really hate someone figuring it all out before I do.

"Did you make the payment yet?" Book rubs his chin. "We are gonna have to make contact with your lenders and smooth this over, but now -finally- we have a bargaining chip. We also have leverage. They were behind the mod to extort you into protection. We need to make it clear to them that you are already under our protection." He take a moment to look and Bolo to show her his resolve, or at least the resolve of the face he now wears. "We're not out the gauntlet yet and the worse may be yet to come, but I can see the light at the end."

<<@System [Book/Tank] Let me know when you get this. Things have heated up a little.>>

<<@Team [Book] We need to plan to step up protection here. I'm thinking the combat drone needs to stay here. And System can trace back the hack on her account in case we need to wage our own little war. We'll try to negotiate and failing that we'll have to escalate.>>

Tank muses. Yea, secrets are his business. Mine is -what did he day? Trickster I think. Yea. Time for cat and mouse.

[ludomastro]

Bolo begins biting her nails while her eyes mist over. "Thank you. I don't know how I will ever repay you. I ..." She hangs her head. "I believe that I'll close up shop for the day."

After a few uneventful hours, the team gets a message from System.

<<@ Team [System] I'm hungry. I mean really hungry for some juicy food. Food so good that it makes your mouth water and forget old friends. You guys hungry? I'm heading to this dinner called Down Under. Meet me there in half an hour if you're hungry too.>>

There is another one of System's pets - a cat this time - that seems to walk through the walls and puts a paw to its lips as if to say "Shhh."

[Redjack]

Book listens to the talismonger. "Look, you need to understand that this isn't over. My team is small and these guys want you dead now. We can keep you alive, but they may hit your store or worse. Close up for the day. We have some research to attend to. I'll be here."

------

For the duo, the next few hours are spent on a bored stake-out watching the store, waiting after sneaking the doberman into the store.

------

When the message from System arrives, both are bored to tear and hungry.
<<@Team [Tank] You can't be hungrier than I am. I'd even eat a basket of a Digger's Wings at this point; Basket and all.>>

The doberman on watch in the store, Tank places a few additional cameras around the store exterior to give him a parameter.

Inside, Book rousts Bolo. "Let's get some food."

[ludomastro]

After what started as an uneventful drive they find themselves passing the scene of a Troll being beaten down by the Star. Interestingly enough, it is another troll and an ork doing the beating while human officers watch. They are directed around the scene by a young elven female officer who looks disgusted with their actions.

Parking is difficult to find but a few bums agree to watch the vehicle for a little extra yen.

Down Under apparently got the name by being under a building and partly under the street. The bouncer looks them over and decides they can afford to eat there. Once inside, they quickly find a large table with System sitting there stuffing his face with everything in sight. There are ribs, burgers, burritos, chips, salas of various colors and something dark and smelling a bit like chocolate.

"Try the mole. It's awesome! A bit expensive but we have to celebrate closing the Anderson deal. Sit, sit."

<<@ Team [System] Roll with the business act for now. I can secure Teamnet™ but I'm sure there are others listening here. If we seem to have loose lips, they won't push the electronic side too hard.>>

He tears into a hunk of pork and dips it into the mole before downing it.

"Waitress! Two beers for my friends, please. Make 'em Ben Franklins."

<<@ Team [System] I serious doubt anyone was as hungry as me. I've been in the Realms for a while and my support system kept me hydrated but not terribly well fed. So, I haven't had a chance to trace the stuff that you asked for but I have a lead on Digger. I think he is still alive!>>

[Redjack]

As System starts with the cover talk in the open, the shaman quickly follows along. He turns to Bolo as they approach the table, "He's mostly harmless, though he's a pretty shrewd businessman." Looking to the table, then back to Bolo. "Appearances not withstanding."

<<@Team [Book] Good to see you. Bolo is my talismonger. She is having a bit of a problem with the sharks, she got in up to her neck and they were trying to drag her out deeper when they got caught up in the riptide.>> He attaches a video clip of them being arrested and the reporter getting a pay off.

<<@Team [Book] We need to intercede and do a little negotiation; Aggressive if required.>>

<<@Team [Tank] Coyote told me Digger is still alive as well.>>

Book pauses, almost chokes, glad that he had not taken a drink yet. "I think I need a drink." He turns toward the waitress. "Make that three"

<<@Team [Book] What do you know?>> His question is actually directed at the two of them. For now, he keeps the details of his spirit to himself.

Tank grabs up a rib, letting System start.

[ludomastro]

System nods. "Who might this lovely young lady be on your arm?"

<<@ Team [System] Coyote? Who's that? Make a new friend while I was out? Anyway, looks like our pal Digger got nabbed during the same op that led us into the belly of the earth. I can't figure out if there is a connection or not. Odd coincidences but nothing concrete. Best I can tell, he is/was being held in a city called Tuscaloosa. Either of you heard of it?>>

He swallows another bite of burger and then continues, "Please to make your acquaintance."

<<@ Team [System] Shall I patch her through on Teamnet™>>

[Redjack]

Book gestures to Bolo, "Bolo. She owns Moon & Stars. Bolo, this is System."

<<@Team [Tank] Sort of.>>

<<@Team [Book] Tuscaloosa? What is there? Hook us up a separate channel for her. We need to talk about her problem, but she does not need to hear about Digger.>>

Book samples the fare as well, gesturing to Bolo.

[ludomastro]

<<@ All [System] Hello Bolo. The name is actually System. How can we really help you?>>

"Please have some food. I find that life is more enjoyable if I over indulge now and again. I would imagine that my associates have already told you we just closed a deal that can make us some serious nuyen."

<<@ Team [System] Tuscaloosa is technically part of the Birmingham sprawl but they maintain their own government. Light industry, bio tech, Corporate R&D and the University of Alabama with plenty of politics. If I'm right, Digger is on the edge of town, near the airport.

Around that time, the waitress returns and System downs the rest of his beer. "Water, please."

[Redjack]

<<@All [Book] We've been helping Bolo with her problems. She's a little over-extended on a loan and the sharks upped the anti by staging their own little stunt to dig her in deeper. Problem is they got caught by the Star in their own sting. Anyway, we need to trace out the source off her lenders and locate them - physically.>>

To the waitress, Tank orders a drink. "Fuzzy-cola for me."

Book also orders, "Water as well."

<<@Team [Tank] Sounds like we need to be on the road.>>

<<@Team [Book] Sounds like we're way over-extended... What's new?>>

[ludomastro]

<<@ Team [System] Nothing, really. Do you want to go after Digger first or help Bolo here?>>

<<@ All [System] Don't worry Bolo. I'll have something soon for you. Then we'll get on it.>>

Book notices a gathering of energy around him and the spirit of man in the form of a troll bouncer appears before him on the astral. A young bus boy jumps backward and kicks his feet until his back hits the wall. He starts gibbering uncontrollably.

The spirit looks like it was jumped as the equivalent of blood drips down from it's mouth. "Be glad you only asked for one thing. Your friend can be found here." With these words the spirit forces Book's astral form to come with him. They land near a warehouse in another city. "There," says the spirit. "My work is done." With that, the spirit is gone.

In the restaurant several employees scurry to see what is wrong with the bus boy. "M .. mm mages. They're mages! B b b big troll ... kill us all." At his words patrons begin scrambling for the exits.

[Redjack]

<<@Team [Book] Digger first.>>

<<@Team [Tank] Agreed.>>

Book watches the spirit, guarded but presenting a strong front. I sure as hell hope this spirit hasn't figured a way to break the summoner's bonds.

As the busboy freaks out and begins a stampede, Tank takes quick action. "Hey! Isn't that from the Halloween Forty-Seven BTL?" He quickly reassesses that few people are paying attention and changes tactics. "Stop! What are you people doing? Sit down. This guy is clearly not well. Do you SEE any killer combat-mage trolls?"

[ludomastro]

Most of the patrons pay Tank no mind. A few - those that appear to be more hard scrabble than the normal clientele - sit back and watch. The staff seems unsure - torn between the ever-present meta-human need to preserve self and the higher functioning parts of the brain that drive reason.

Somewhere from the back of the restaurant a girl - an elf - comes flying out and runs over to her "Baby?!?."

After a quick recap she stares down the table and asks, "If'n y'all ain't mages, whys is your friend leaning limp against the bench? I've seen 'em like that in the trids. He's off trying to mess with our heads from the astral ain't he?"

The disposition of the remaining customers and the staff starts to slide away from the teams favor.

-----

As Book's astral form stands there, he notices several warded areas in the airport.

[Redjack]

Still sanding, Tank smirks with "Pfft" looking to the new arrival, this elven girl like she's crazy. "I asked where these killer-mage trolls were? Since when is it a problem for my friend, a shaman, to check on his ailing mother?" It seems to now be one-on-one, so his goal is to bluff her into backing down as the crowd now seems to be swaying on the interaction between the two of them.

<<@Book [Tank] **PRIORITY** When you get back, tell me about your visit to check on your mother.>>

------

Book on the other hand takes note of his surroundings. He pulls back from the airport. He then calls forth the stronger of his two bound air spirits. Spirit. Please wait here, watching for my friend Digger. If he is moved, follow him. He then summons a watcher; It arrives, appearing as a ghostly blood hound. He turns his attention back to the spirit. Send my watchers back to alert me if you see him.

He then returns to his body excited, about his discovery. As he sits up, he opens his mouth to speak, but notices Tank standing, then the scene, then the note in AR. "Mom says 'hi'"

[ludomastro]

As soon as Book mentions his mother the crowd seems to relax and even the elf seems confused. The young ork just shakes his head and mutters softly.

Soon, the manager arrives on site and politely asks the team to leave. "I regret that we are closing. Please accept the release of your bill as a token of my apology."

As the team picks their way through the overturned chairs and heads out the door, the Star pulls up. The manager tries to smooth things over but it seems to be going poorly.

[Redjack]

Tank's jaw drops when the manager arrives. He looks up, then down at the food, then back towards the retreating manager. He begins scooping what food remains onto one of the platters, then proceeds to take it as they go.

As the team works their way out of the bar, they work an indirect line to steer clear the Star. Once to the cruiser, Book addresses Bolo. "You need to stay in a motel tonight. Early tomorrow we will schedule a meet with your lenders. Tonight we have something else to take care of."

<<@Team [Book] Drop her off at a motel. I have Digger's location. We need to make haste.>>

Tank makes for a motel, while Book locates the site on the map.
<<@Team [Book] System - Need to know everything you can find out about this place. That's where he is.>>

[ludomastro]

<<@Team [System] Let me see what I can dig up. It would be best for me to do it in VR so I'm going to need a place to lie down of at least slump against something. Any ideas.>>

"Do you need a recommendation on a hotel, ma'am?"

[Redjack]

Tank smiles.
<<@System [Tank] The cruiser, of course.>>

[ludomastro]

<<@Tank [System] Yeah. Thanks.>>

Bolo replies, "No, I know a place. I think I'm going to catch a cab." She looks over at Book, "Unless you think that's a bad idea."

With little left to decide the group begins to go they're own ways.

[Redjack]

Book nods to Bolo. " A cab is perfect. Stay away from the shop until we contact you." The choice was easy. Protect everyone's life first, then their property. If timing worked out, they might even get lucky.

--------------

Once Bolo is away, its down to business. Tank plots a course a few blocks away from the safe house. "I still don't have stick-n-shock"

Book turns the adept with a very serious look. "Tonight we use a different M.O. Very messy. No survivors. All secrets stay with us."

Tank nods, not quite sure if he likes the new, meaner Book. He follows along, none the less. "Let's be bad buys."

[ludomastro]

After swinging by Bolo's shop and placing Book's beast spirit on guard, the team finds itself an hour down the road on the way to Tuscaloosa

System pops up from his 'nap' and begins dealing out photos like cards which spin their way into the team's AR. They are stock photos from Digital Eye - a black matrix-site dedicated to mapping all areas of the earth regardless of legality, extra-territoriality, or even good taste. The sites don't show much more than an area of warehouses. One in particular is highlighted.

"Here's where Digger is being held. Far as I can tell, it belongs to either the mafia or a an Ares subsidiary. Hell, it could be both. Anyway, looks like accounts have been shifted around so I'm not sure who owns the Cube now. If I am reading this right, Digger was mixed in pretty thick with a smuggling ring. Maybe he crossed the wrong folks? Anyway, that's all I can get from the 'trix. Whoever, these people are, they have mad skills."

A quick check and Tank notes that both the camera and doberman show all clear.

As they move through the area, AR spam begins playing the new single from Two Irons - a troll thrash band - titled, 'Not Fun'

[Redjack]

On queue, both Tank and Book adjust their personal AR settings to something more their liking. For Tank, Hotel California by the Eagles starts to play while Book selects Acid Rain by Four Elves, an instrumental in classic style nearly a hundred years newer.

Book is the first to reply, "The Cube is really inconsequential. I was hoping to learn a little more about who did this by back tracking it, but they will share their secrets soon enough." Looking to Tank, "We will need one or two of them alive."

"Roger, roger." Dalton would rather just wing a few. "Listen. Its not gonna be hard for them to figure out who did this. Shouldn't we just extract and move on?"

"That ante is already too high. Blood is drawn and no matter which way we play it, its gonna get messy." Book takes a moment to reflect before continuing. "Might be time to move on once this is done."

The thought frustrated Tank, It takes too long to get connected when you move. This I know from experience. He remained silent though.

[ludomastro]

The trio travels in relatively simple silence as they continue. Soon, under the cover of darkened sky they reach the Tuscaloosa metro area. The streets are pockmarked by harsh light at first giving way to the normal neon and LED glow of the city. After crossing the river they once again find themselves traveling through thinning light as they move toward the airport. The remnants of an old school - long ago converted to housing tenements - come into view and the smell of raw sewage assaults the senses of this normally staid group.

[Redjack]

Tank chooses the parking lot of the abandoned school as a the team's demarcation and rally point. He pilots the cruiser to a spot on the edge of the lot and parks. "We're here."

Tank and Book both prepare for initial recon. For Tank, he launches his fly-spy and begins a wide circle of the perimeter; He is paying particular attention looking for cameras and other security measures. Book leaves his body to check in on his spirit and look for magical defenses in the area.

[ludomastro]

Book finds his spirit in the same place it was before. There are no obvious spirits patrolling the area; however, there are overlapping wards covering the buildings in the area.

-----

Tank doesn't pick up anything that stands out. The building seems to have the standard number of cameras. There is even an obviously bored security guard. He is smoking a hand rolled cigarette and watching elf/ork porn on the trid. He almost seems to be sleeping.