IC: Down in the Puyallups with Team #3, Kilroy's latest venture, this time its corporate Options

[Dirtz]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:52PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Ramses

Cor blimey, what a cheap bastard! Don't he know each successive package will get exponentially harder to steal? Hopefully Spades can trump this bid and raise the stakes just a wee little. Ramses nods in acceptance, realizing the game is now afoot. As the details of the run are laid out, the Face will be looking for chinks in the armor trying to wedge reason enough to pry open that billet ever so slightly. Being completely socially inept, Ramses will leave the negotiations to the professionals as he watches the Johnson's aura for changes in demeanor.

[Gray]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:52PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

A thousand? Is that all? Come on, Fodder. Do your magic.

Sam tried her best do hide her displeasure at the lowball offer Johnson had put on the table. A girl has to eat, though, so she didn't really have much room to complain.

As long as the package isn't a little girl or something, I can live with it, I guess...

"I think we can come to terms," Sam repled, hoping that the Face would soon chime in and help talk up the price a little.

[SoyKaf Adict]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:52PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Spades

...Forth-coming? He must be small time, he's not giving me much to work with though so we'll see.

His smile faded, Spades' face had taken on a very serious tone after hearing the offer to convey mild insult. He looked at both of his comrades for their facial expressions, before casting his glance back to Mr. Johnson.

"While that's generous of you to give our money up front surely you know how difficult it will be if all the couriers are from the same company, that means that security will be surely tipped off each successive time we allow them to leave, not only that, but even if they aren't coming from the same employer, if they remember our faces that makes things all the more difficult especially with the Star. You may have deduced that what with the incremental rise in our payment. We can guarantee missions like this always have "complications," runs tend to not always go as planned. So while, it may seem easy we can never have the gusto to assume anything."

He adjusted his VR glasses with a single index finger, letting it sink in for dramatic effect, as he shifted his body forward resting on his forearms, keeping his hands laced together, as he continued in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Starting payment should be 2,500 nuyen a piece, at the very least. It would seem with your previous offer you don't have much to spend, so I'm keeping it fairly low for what a standard run would be for my fellows and I here, for the sake of keeping things reasonable between both parties. This being for the retrieval and transport of said package, the non-lethal force used upon the courier, the extra trouble we have to go through making sure our identities stay off the radar, and more than likely the fact we will not be privy to the contents. Does this sound feasible?"

He didn't waver his deadpan gaze from directly into the eyes of their employer, hoping it would wiggle the pedestal he was on. Spades waited to see if his bid would be picked up.

[Redjack]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:54PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle

Johnson shifts in his seat. Not an uncomfortable shift, but rather one of a middle-manager used to negotiating with other managers to get anything done. As Ramses peers into myriad of emotions and life ebbing off of the man in the astral, he believes the man to be mundane with some gray in his skull indicative of cyberware. The flow of his essence in the astral betrays his anxiety. "Points well noted, complications can and do occur and as you have already noted, I have taken that into account with a graduating pay scale."

He pauses a moment himself, perhaps searching for the words. Ramses sees a calming coming over his aura as the man gains some measure of personal control over his emotions. "As in everything, there is a value and budget. My budget for this does not allow me to offer 2,500 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) each for the first package, let alone graduating upwards from that position. I will provide the details for each of the packages, thereby greatly reducing your potential legwork. Non-lethal force will insure that security forces escalate at a minimal rate. I assumed you would have came to that conclusion on your own, but it is the way I operate in any case."

He again pauses to gauge the effects of his response. "However, I want professionals. I have some... discretionary funds from another project that I funnel to this project. I can offer you 1,000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) each up front to take the job and secure the first package. Then, after you secure the second package I will pay 2,000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) each. Finally, for the third package I will raid my V7 account and offer you 2,500 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) each."

He starts to turn the floor back to Spades, but injects another thought. "That is 5,500 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) each for a few days work. If all three packages are obtained with no casualties, I can come up with a 1,000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) bonus bringing the total to 6,500 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) . However, if there are casualties at stage... that will end our relationship and we go our own way. Acceptable?"

[Dirtz]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:54PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Ramses

Ramses carefully considers what he is hearing, a series of grabs involving non-lethal force with insider information. Unless there are children involved he figures to be one right jammy git. Truely the blessings of Meskhenet, the goddess of fate, smiles upon this undertaking. Turning to his new partner and face man Spades, he nods in acceptance perhaps a bit too eagerly.

[Gray]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:54PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

A thousand nuyen bonus is nothing to sneeze at, I guess.

Sam shakes her head at the dwarf as he makes that kid "in the candy store" look at the offer. She gives a slight nod to Spades.

Take it away, Fodder...

[SoyKaf Adict]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:55PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Spades

Spades took his fellow runners acceptance of the offer then his gaze moved to Mr. Johnson once more, his face eased into a gracious smile, in thanks.

"Excellent, those terms are agreeable. We appreciate the bonus offered, and I believe that makes us your team for the job Mr. Johnson. So lets get to the essentials, you said you have information on each "delivery", what exactly do you have on the first one? Since I'm assuming we're taking this in steps."

He relaxed his gesture as well, sitting upright in his chair without bearing down on the table. Negotiating was all part of the game, at this point he was bluffing with a pair against a higher hand and he'd come out on top, if only to split the pot, but the fall if the Johnson would have gotten up and left would have set him back quite a bit. He would have easily taken extra cash for this, but one always must haggle or it does one's reputation poorly. Especially when he had said they'd come with high regards, that's almost an invitation to raise the rates. He kept his face in an interested focus while he mused over other thoughts before Mr. Johnson spoke up.

This will be easier... Because I don't have to dick around with the funds. I'm just glad that's over. Now to wonder how the hell we're gonna do this job, I haven't met either of these guys yet.

A dwarf named Ramses... Was he descendant from Egyptian blood or was that a alias? And an elf named Sam, colorful... Last elf Spades had met had been just as stunning, but with a name that had about 10x the syllables. He'd have to ask them over a bowl of ramen sometime.

[Redjack]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:55PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle

Johnson sits back, pleased as if he'd just negotiated a AA merger. "Excellent. The first package will be going from Kuji Pharmaceuticals in Auburn some time tomorrow." As he speaks, he places three certified credsticks on the table. "I will contact you within 20 minutes of the pickup. I will have the destination address at that time. I expect a pair of armed couriers for this transaction. That is the standard setup."

[SoyKaf Adict]

Spades nodded in approval. Looked at the credstick, but deliberately kept professional and waited until the meet was over before he raked it into his pocket, keeping his attention on Mr. Johnson first.

"Do you have any of our comm LTGs from our fixer? Or do you need those now?"

This will be getting very interesting... 20 minutes before the drop? We'll have to find out where this Kuji pharmaceuticals is in Auburn, so we have a larger window of catching them off guard.

[Dirtz]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:55PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Ramses

Ramses gently taps the end of his umbrella on the floor as he lets out an audible sigh, lost in thought he realizes too late a silence has settled in the room and all eyes are on him. "Oh! Beggin' your pardon, didn't mean to interrupt. Old habit and all..." He adjusts his glasses keeping focus on the Johnson, as he undoubtedly has earned Sam's scornful gaze once again.

"Though there were a few questions that come to mind, one of which is what does the package look like? I do say if we are professionals I'm sure you can describe it better than 'Bigger than a breadbox smaller than a chair' ? How will we know we have what you want? And while we're at it, do you want us to inspect the package to see if its contents are intact? And it occurs to me we have no idea who the couriers are, standard setup and all, how are we to intercept them? And another thing about this Kuji Pharm, is it the only one listed for Auburn? Details, details, my good man."

Ramses folds both hands over the head of Anubis leaning forward, eagerly awaiting the Johnson's response. Reaching for his glasses once more he steals a glance in Sam's direction giving her a discrete wink.

[Gray]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:55PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

Sam could not help but smile at the goofy dwarf stumbling all over the Spades' negotiations. He surely had less than a clue in social situations.

Is that a facial tick, or is Ramses trying to wink at me? What a perv.

"Would you let the man finish? He was just about to provide the details of the packages," she scolded Ramses.

"Weren't you, Mr. Johnson?" Sam asked, turning a sultry, expectant gaze to their would be benefactor.

It won't hurt to put Johnson off his game, just a little.

[Redjack]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:56PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle

He answers Spades, "I'll need those now."

He smiles at Ramses and then at Sam. "There is that. At this time, I'm not sure how they will package it. I would like the package seals intact. When I have the destination information, I will have the specifics on the packaging as well. As to Kuji, I believe that they have only one office in Auburn. At least only one downtown Auburn." He look around for more questions.

[Gray]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:56PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

Johnson's total omission of the promised details struck Sam as odd. Ramses was right about one thing: they needed details. And this second-rate suit either didn't know the details, or he was holding out for some reason.

Best change your tune, or you might end up with a toaster oven from Stuffer Shack instead of your precious package.

"Okay, that was helpful," she told Johnson in an encouraging tone, as if to a small child. She was not happy with him for withholding information, so she tried to pull some details out of him. "Typically, what level of armed escort might accompany such a package? Two couriers, but of what caliber? Company men or hired help? Side arms or heavy machine guns? Magic or mundane? Your best guess will be fine, if you don't know for sure."

She added that last to make sure Johnson knew that she thought he was missing some important facts.

[SoyKaf Adict]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:56PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Spades

Spades was content to let Ramses and Sam establish their credibility by asking the right questions, he leaned up against the back of his chair making himself more relaxed.

For something as easy as a courier run he is begrudgingly handing facts out. I wish I could get on AR, but I would assume a room like this should be noised and flushed from the Matrix's prying eyes and ears. I wish Ramses was a little bit more discreet in these matters, I really need that advance...

He goes ahead searching for the Johnson's PAN, to ready to send his LTG. Keeping one ear tied into the questions being passed around. Sam was pushing a little too hard, so he stepped in before the Johnson got more flustered.

"It all ties into how much nuyen is offered, he expects this job to be null sheen. Hired help, pistols to SMGs, mundane. Yet..."

He turns from Sam to the Johnson.

"If these couriers are going to be hard to locate that's something, the location of Fuji we can deal with. In 20 minutes of receiving the route, we can't have all roads blocked off to nab every bike that crosses our path... There are some specifics that need to be issued here. Unless you want us to clothesline them off their scooter as their leaving the compound."

He chuckles a little to lighten the mood, but it was obvious something needed to be handed over or this mission was about to get way more research intensive.

[Gray]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:56PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

"I actually tried the clothesline thing once," Sam said with a smile, her mood lightening up just a tad. "It hurt like hell! The target didn't look too good for wear either."

[Redjack]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:57PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle

Answering Sam he replies, "SMG's are their typical weapons. As to magic, I doubt it. At least not for the first one. They will be working for Zephyr Security, I'm sure." He then turns to Spades, "I am providing specifics as I have them. Surely you realize obscurity is in the nature of the security field.... and no, I would not expect anyone to be clotheslined."

He looks around to the team. "Obviously I want the packages and you want to be paid. The details are as you see, light. I will provide what details I have and I expect that the considerable sum I am paying buys a considerable degree of adaptability and improvisation." His words come across more 'matter of fact', than snide or condescending. His demeanor continues to calm and he seems quite in control, in contrast to his initial greeting of the team.

[Dirtz]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:58PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Ramses


Ramses sits back, hands still folded on top the head of Anubis satisfied they have finally gotten something to investigate. Hmm, Zephyr Security. I suppose we could ring Kilroy for the details, but I'm not sure if it will be worth the expense - they may switch couriers after the first heist.

" Mr. Johnson I thank you for your patience, I have only one last question, if I may indulge? After the first heist is successful, to the best of your knowledge would you hazard a guess they will stay with the same couriers for each package? Would that be standard procedure as well?"

Nodding his head in response to Johnson's reply, Ramses begins to think of ways to divert the couriers. Reaching out he grabs the pitcher and pours himself a beverage, deep in thought he lets the others wrap up the final details of the meet. Depending on what assets each of his partners can bring to the table will determine the how and where's of the run. Many possibilities come to mind but not having a hacker on board would surely limit their effectiveness. Right well, we could always send the slapper in to say hello, seduce the both of them, grab the package and Bob's your uncle! A grin appears with the thought, he could only hope it would be that easy...

[Gray]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:58PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

"... I will provide what details I have and I expect that the considerable sum I am paying buys a considerable degree of adaptability and improvisation," said Johnson.

I thought the clothesline was pretty improvisational.

Ramses, stepped in and asked him a question. The dwarf actually seemed more "with it" this time. The intel Johnson had promised them was sparse at best, and Sam was no longer in the mood to smooth over any social blunders with him.

If they do not fire Zephyr Security after the first heist, they should defintiely fire them after the second one.

After Johnson answered the dwarf's question, Sam asked, "I trust you will make things clearer as information presents itself?"

If you don't, and you end up with the courier's lunchbox, that would be poetic justice!

[Redjack]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:58PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle

In response to the dwarf Johnson replies, "I'm sure they will take additional measures once you intercept the delivery. The additional measures will of course be proportional to the force used and any other recent interruptions to their shipments. I would expect the third to be additionally difficult." He places his arms and hands on the table, lacing the fingers.

He turns his head to look at Sam as she speaks. He admires her figure for just a moment, not long enough to be rude, but long enough to betray his attraction. "As I receive details pertinent to the delivery or security measures I will pass them along to you." He pauses a moment before rising. "Anything else I can help you with at the moment...? If not I will be in touch Monday or Tuesday with the details about the first delivery."

[SoyKaf Adict]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 6:59PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Spades

Spades rises as the Johnson does, he has the look of a seasoned business manager working a small firm accepting a deal from a large corporation.

"I'm sure our abilities will be up to par with the performance you require. I don't think we have any further questions. We will look forward to your contact in the future, and when this business transaction is completed."

He stays upright, until Mr. Johnson exits the room. When the door closes behind him and his rent-a-cop, Spades sits back down, pulling his credstick toward him. He looks back at Sam and Ramses with the same smile as he plays with it in his hands.

"So how does ramen sound to you both? My treat."

[Gray]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 7:00PM; Fire Cracker, Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

Sam for once was unmoved by the offer of free food. Especially reconstitiuted noodles. She had just had a light supper with Scrimp. Not to be rude, she simply answered, "I just had the cock-a-leaky soup. Real chicken, too. I suppose I could go for a diet coke or a virgin daiquiri or something."

Ramses

Ramses snickered. That earned him yet anther scornful glare from his alluring new companion.

Virgin... that bird hasn't been a virgin in nigh on a decade.

Ramses stomach picked up on the offer of dinner, and rumbled rudely. "Noodles! That would be smashing, actually. If we can find some place.. "discrete", we could use the time to plan this little caper."

[Redjack]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 7:57PM; Shakes, Fircrest, Tacoma District , Seattle

The trio leave the the little bar in the Puyallups. Scrimp is visually disappointed, then mildly jealous as Sam leaves with the two males. Each of the three make their way to their vehicles, unmolested and find their vehicles to be the same.

The trip to Shake's, the bar in the tradition of Coyote Ugly where Jingles works, is also uneventful. The bar is located in Fircrest, on the far side of the Tacoma District. When the team arrives, the music can be heard blaring from the parking lot. Sam and Spades quickly move to the head of the line and are allowed to enter, though the bouncers usher Ramses to the back of the line. Two dances and over twenty minutes later, Sam is able to convince Jingles to have Ramses brought in. She also allows the use of the conference room on the second floor - for 50 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) an hour.

[Gray]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 7:57PM; Shakes, Fircrest, Tacoma District , Seattle
Sam

Sam got down from the bar, and quickly excused herself to go to the ladies' room. Once inside she gave Scrimp a quick call, as she had noted the poor man was rather out of sorts when she left the Fire Cracker. She promised her friend that it this little excursion was strictly business, and that she'd make it up to him tomorrow. Luckily the first part of their mission was not going to take place until Monday, so she had all of Sunday to placate her friend.

"We don't even have to play chess. Take me for a ride someplace. Your choice, and I'll even leave my bike at home," she said, hoping that the man had not gotten too jealous.

I'll have to watch that in the future.

Saturday March 15, 2070; 8:02PM; Shakes, Fircrest, Tacoma District , Seattle

After touching up her lipstick, Sam emerged from the bathroom and escorted her two companions to the second floor of Shakes. Jingles had given her the passkey, and she swiped it in the lock. The doors opened, revelaing the dimly lit conference room within. The lights came up automatically as she entered the room, revealing three steaming bowls of ramen noodles, and a small ice chest, which cooled cans of beer and diet coke. The only visible utensils were three pairs of disposable chopsticks, and three plastic sporks. A small stack of napkins sat next to the sporks.

I told Jingles I wasn't hungry, but she still had them bring three bowls. Oh well... she always says I look like I gotta eat somthing.

"Hope you don't mind. I took the liberty of ordering some food for you," she said to Spades and Ramses.

The racket from downstairs started up again. Jingles and the girls must have started another dance on the bar. As everyone entered the room, Sam closed the door. The room's sound-proofing worked quite well, and they could no longer hear the loud music or cheering from the floor below.

"Well, shall we get started planning this little adventure?" Sam asked, as she sat down in one of the chairs on the near side of the conference table.

[Dirtz]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 7:57PM; Shakes, Fircrest, Tacoma District , Seattle
Ramses

Grabbing a pair of chopsticks, Ramses settles in with his noodles like an old pro. Having traveled the world looking for insights into ancient Egyptian magic he's come across many traditions and customs. Gone also is his social awkwardness among his new partners, they now had a task to accomplish and many obstacles to overcome. He was a professional after all, his focus was now the completion of the mission. Jokes about Sam's hang out would have to wait, though this certainly went a long way explaining who she was.

[SoyKaf Adict]

Saturday March 15, 2070; 7:57PM; Shakes, Fircrest, Tacoma District , Seattle
Spades

Spades looked grateful, it was even ramen too, as long as it was something not too processed... They were still in Tacoma after all.

"Thanks, Sam, lets get down to business."

He sat down and politely began eating taking breaks to comment and provide information he could relay[/color]

"Our Mr. Johnson was definitely sweating it at the beginning at the meet, I think the last group that took on this job met a good shotgun welcome when they weren't expecting it. That said, we have to be on the ball with this job. Kilroy is the best bet I have for someone to dig up information on Zephyr, I don't about both of you. As for the Lone Star presence in Auburn... It's pretty high, especially while they're butting heads with Knight Errant for contracts AGAIN. So we should expect serious trouble if this doesn't go down like I know it's not going to. We should go through a Plan B scenario, and we split to the three winds to keep our hoops out of the fire. But first..."

He took a quick break, to look at both of them before continuing.

"I have no idea what either of you are most proficient in doing. Can we start with that first... Since you've seen my primary experience?"

He went back to eating his ramen.