Greenhorns in Seattle, The In Character Thread Options

[Nigel]

Loki reads the messages, and responds:
<<Team Message>>
<<I'll talk to Icelady. I think if she wants us to find out more, our current pay isn't enough. I'm also kind of personally curious about this thing now...>>

He turns to Icelady and says, "We finished the job. However, there are some more links that you may be interested in. There were a couple trolls with...interesting things to say. Very illuminating. So, do you want the info? You'll also probably want us to investigate." Loki explains what they found out, and gives her a bit of further information to make her want to know more. If she does, he says "All right then. How much are you willing to offer? Keep in mind that this is getting more difficult with every turn."

[imperialus]

"Hey ah, you need some medical help there?" He points to Icelady's wounds "You look like you could do with it.

Icelady winces slightly as she removes an icepack from her cheek. "Naww, it's nothing serious. I'll be fine. My boyfriend before Angel used to do worse."

Sorry to ask you this, but do you know who owns the club Angel was due to perform at? The one we met you in? And don't be afraid to be honest with us.

Ice presses her lips together in thought. "Well Julie, that lady who was managing the bar the night you were there owns the place, but I think she pays protection to someone in the Yakuza... It's not like they're a regular sight there but it is their 'turf'."

Also, do you know someone called Kat Amakura? We heard the name mentioned at Xanadu and wondered if you knew her."

"Kat... Kat... It rings a bell... Hasn't she been on the news as a suspect in some Yakuza linked crimes? Are you saying the Yakuza had something to do with Angel's death?" Ice leans her forhead on the palms of her hands, you hear her muttering, ever so slightly under her breath. Suddenly she sits upright. "Hay Dios MIO! The Yakuza! They killed him!"

It's only then she sees your stunned expressions, she collects herself and tries to explain. "It all makes sense! I can't believe it!... Ok... Back when Angel was alive the biggest thing we used to fight about was his career. I knew he had the talent to be huge, but he never did anything about it. In one of our last fights he told me about his older brother... What was his name... Edward. Angel was an MCT corp brat.

They were gaijin though, and an elves to boot. Tough to make a living at MCT like that. Edward was trying to get a promotion and needed to pledge himself and his family to the Yak's to get support. Angel was pissed the fuck off and ran away. He said he was always frightened of what might happen if he popped back up on the radar. I thought he was full of shit at the time. He used to make up stories about his past. Once, he was a Tir exile, once a former Ancient, all sorts of crap. If that's true though... Then that means it's my fault he's dead. I was the one pushing for this gig, it would have been the biggest he's ever done..."

Loki:

"We finished the job. However, there are some more links that you may be interested in. There were a couple trolls with...interesting things to say. Very illuminating. So, do you want the info? You'll also probably want us to investigate." Loki explains what they found out, and gives her a bit of further information to make her want to know more. If she does, he says "All right then. How much are you willing to offer? Keep in mind that this is getting more difficult with every turn."

Icelady seems quite intrigued.

"You mean there's more? Tell you what... If you tell me what you know, and I'll pay you an extra two grand each... If you end up doing more work, I'll give you an extra eight on top of that once I get the rights to these songs sorted... That means a total of twenty thousand nuyen each. Of course I'll need to confirm the songs on the chip are really the original copies first."

[Nigel]

"That sounds reasonable. I'm fine with it. And I wouldn't expect pay until you knew they were the real songs," Loki says to Icelady. He tells her the pertinent information, leaving out any theories they have (that can wait).

[imperialus]

10:45 3rd Jan 2070 --Icelady's Doss, Everett--

As Loki explains what is going on, Ice's eyes get wider by the minute. "So you're saying Angel might be alive? That's amazing! Please, if you can. Get him back. I'll talk to Julie, see if she can help."

[Dusty Ghost]

"Naww, it's nothing serious. I'll be fine. My boyfriend before Angel used to do worse."

"You mean Dark Angels band's old synth player Razz? Why was he not in the band anymore by the way?"

"Did you get to meet Edward? What did you make of him?"

[Mickle5125]

Padre stifles a yawn and gives an embarrassed little smile. "My appologies, my friends. It was just a late night last night. However, any information you can give us about Angel's connections to the Yakuza or his brother would be most helpful. I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we'll continue looking into this for you."

He sits back and watches her expectantly, waiting until she starts talking and sends a message to the team.

<<Miss Sybercat, would it be possible to put some sort of tracker on her? If it is, we'll be able to find her, should she choose to back out on the new deal. Either way, we should hand over the music, get money for that completed job, and treat this as a new job.>>

[imperialus]

<<Good idea Padre. I'll have one of my agents piggyback on the recording chip and we can keep an eye on her that way. Ice here doesn't strike me as the technical type so my agent should go unnoticed.

Sweeps: Icelady nods slightly "Yeah, Razz was a real piece of work. I guess I kinda pulled a Yoko with that one..." she notices your slightly confused expressions "Yoko Ono... Infamous chica, dated the lead singer from the Beatles... Biggest band in the world back in the stone age. People blamed her for the group breaking up... Anyhow. Razz is ancient history. Last I heard he'd flown down the Los Angeles to make a fresh start.

No, I never did meet Edward. Like I said, Angel used to make up all kinds of crazy stories about his past. Until tonight I thought he was just another figment of Angel's imagination, no more real than Hethstar, Angel's former CO in the Ghosts or Ivana, his ex girlfriend from the Ancients."

Sybercat looks up from drumming her fingers on the table and says.
"Ok, Icelady. I think we're all on board for this. We're in agreement on twenty thousand nuyen to further investigate Angel's disappearance and confirm if he is alive or dead. If he is alive, we will attempt to extract him but depending on how he is being held we may require additional funds to cover unforseen expenses."

Sybercat extends her hand and Icelady shakes it.

"So... first order of business. We're going to go set the record straight with these bandmembers. We'll try and get them on your side but if worst comes to worst we'll make it crystal clear that if they want to fuck with you they need to get through us first. After that we'll see if we can't get some feelers into the Yak's and figure out what's really going on here, maybe even use the Yak political crap against them. We'll deal with Edward last. He's likely to cause us the most problems and if we can go to work on him with an ally within the Yak's that would be ideal. In the mean time you talk to Julie, see if she can't offer up any dirt. Be careful though, if she's just forking over a portion to the profits to the Yak's then it's probably safe, but if she's actually in bed with them things might get ugly for you. If you want us to ride shotgun for you when you talk to her just say so.

We'll swing by the Partyzone, but it's not even noon so I doubt there's much going on there right now. After that we'll catch a nap and head back out tonight. Any other suggestions?"

[imperialus]

12:15 3rd Jan 2070 --Partyzone, South Tacoma--

As Sybercat drives back towards Redmond she detours through the industrial squalor and low rent tenaments that sit on the southern edge of Tacoma. Checking her GPS display she points to an abandoned lot surrounded by crumbling apartment buildings.

"That's the 'partyzone'. Christ... What a dump. Parts of Redmond are nicer than this."

Gang symbols and scorch marks decorate the plascrete and grey brickwork of the surrounding buildings, and crushed cans, ashes, and piles of trash litter the broken asphalt. A gutterpunk in a torn black T-Shirt lies amid the debris, his head resting on a damp garbage bag while a few feral kids seem to have cornered a massive rat, and are jabbing at it with sticks and throwing rocks at it while cheering each other on. A makeshift stage has been constructed at one end of the lot out of rusted girders and other scavanged building materials. A nearby electrical transformer sparks occasionally as cables for illegal power taps snake off in different directions. The kids scatter in different directions as the van pulls into the lot and disappear amongst the alleys leaving a battered but still alive rat to scamper down an open manhole.

After a brief survey Sybercat drives back to the Yellow Brick Road.

"I don't want to spend an hour driving around the city so I hope you don't mind if we all just crash here for a few hours. There are some rooms upstairs that we can use to catch a nap in."

Sybercat pulls into a garage at the back of the YBR. Elfin-Face is in there tinkering with the engine of a vintage Harley Davidson Scorpion while the music of an old school TrogMetal band blasts through the speakers. A handful of younger orks and trolls wearing "Ironside Rockers" colours loiter around the garage drinking. A particularly large troll is sitting against a large tank with an explosive symbol on it smoking a cigarette.

[Dusty Ghost]

Sweep's jaw drops to the floor at the sight of the Harley.

"Holy Cris...." for some reason he stops mid curse, not sure why. He shakes himself and starts again "Holy Moly! That's one smooth ride! Can't be many of them left! Is it converted? Or does it still run on Gas?"

<<Message to Team>>
<<Ok, I think it goes without saying that before we go up against Kat, or Edward for that matter, we at least need to talk to Usaka.

Padre, you wanna ask our mutual friend to set up the meet. Find out how much it's going to cost and we'll all have to chip in. If that's ok with you guys?
Just make sure he knows that we're not going there for any kind of fight! Just need to ask a few questions to help us.>>

[JoelHalpern]

12:25 -- the Yellow Brick Road
Mack climbs out of the van, and looks around.
Seeing the Troll smoking, and the beautiful cycle, Mack walks over towards the Troll.

Hello. Is that yours?"
And then, in Orkzit, in case he speaks it It's a nice looking ride.

[Mickle5125]

12:25 -- the Yellow Brick Road

Padre ponders for a moment, before asking his comrades, "My friends, unless someone has a significant objection, I will try to arrange a meeting with a Senior Lieutenant of Usaka's, instead of going straight for the head honcho himself. It would probably be a little more socially acceptable."

While Padre listens to the ensuing discussion, he sends a message off to Damien.

<<Damien, it appears that a meeting with the Yaks is necessary. How much would it cost to arrange a meeting with A) Jiro, or B) Usaka himself? Also, would you happen to have any information about them? IE: Proper etiquette for the meeting, what they want/need, what gifts would be acceptable, etc.

Thank you very much for your assistance, my friend, and I will be sure to compensate you for your time.>>

[imperialus]

"Holy Cris...." for some reason he stops mid curse, not sure why. He shakes himself and starts again "Holy Moly! That's one smooth ride! Can't be many of them left! Is it converted? Or does it still run on Gas?"

Elfin-Face nods "Batteries and Fuel Cells are fine for crotch rockets and civi-cars. But you will never get the kind of power out of them that a good gas engine will give you.

Hello. Is that yours?"
And then, in Orkzit, in case he speaks it It's a nice looking ride.

The troll nods and grins answering in a sort of bastardized Orkzit known as 'sprawlork' common among gangers who can't actually be bothered to learn the language properly. "Yah. it wuz Face's. Sold er ta me bout five yars bak. Best ride I evar had. Costs a shitload to keep er runnin' though"

<<Damien, it appears that a meeting with the Yaks is necessary. How much would it cost to arrange a meeting with A) Jiro, or B) Usaka himself? Also, would you happen to have any information about them? IE: Proper etiquette for the meeting, what they want/need, what gifts would be acceptable, etc.

Thank you very much for your assistance, my friend, and I will be sure to compensate you for your time.>>

After about an hour you comlink buzzes with Damien's reply. <<What is it you need to know? Is this about that Dark Angel thing? If so you probably want to set up a meet with Usaka, not Jiro. Jiro's basically a smuggler, not someone who's going to know much about any kidnappings. I'm not sure how much this meet will cost. Tell you what. Give me 500 up front to grease some wheels then I'll get the rest later. What's your limit for this?

As for etiquette... well... that's tough... The Japs are a touchy bunch, the Yaks even moreso. Don't bring a gift unless you're willing to spend serious coin on it, a thousand nuyen at least. If you bring cheap crap you'll insult him. If you do want to bring something then a good bottle of Sake or a Banzai tree would be acceptable. He should be OK if there are orks or trolls in your crew... Always wait for him to speak first... He'll tell you when you're allowed to ask questions. Don't be bothered by long silences. Look him in the eye but don't stare. Call him Usaka-San unless he says to call him otherwise... Never turn down anything he offers... That's all I can think of for now.>>

20:25 3rd Jan 2070 --Partyzone, South Tacoma--

After a few hours sleep everyone takes the opportunity to dress down. Based on what you've heard about the partyzone it seems like the sort of place that folks will knife you for a decent pair of shoes. Sybercat is in the garage pouring gasoline into the tank of a battered old panel van covered in rust and spraypaint. The windshield has been knocked out and replaced with a steel grate. When she hears you approach she turns and says "It's a piece of shit and I hate driving this beast but I'd rather the gutter trash get their hands on this than my bulldog.

Well the place is sure different than when you were here last. Strains of street punk (link) shake the tenements and rumble across the pavement surrounding the vacant lot. You see why it's called the partyzone now. The chrome studs of leather jackets flash yellow under the streetlights as orks, gangbangers, and elf poseurs mix freely with other sprawl dwellers moving to the angry beat of Seattle's street musicians. The music swells and falls, it's aggressive chords rippling the crowd like a single organism. Judging by the variety of colours you see it looks like the partyzone is largely neutral ground for the gangs and other than a fistfight in progress the show looks pretty peaceful (so far). The graffiti suggests that the turf 'belongs' to a crew called "The Fallen Heroes" and indeed it looks like there are a disproportionate number of thugs wearing their colours. In fact there are a few of them moving over towards the fight now brandishing clubs.

Looking at the band it's pretty obvious that they aren't Angel's crew. None of them match the description that Icelady gave you. Unfortunatly given the size of the crowd it looks like it might be pretty tough to pick them out by sight. You might need to ask around a bit.

[Mickle5125]

20:25 3rd Jan 2070 --Partyzone, South Tacoma--

Once Padre gets into the van, he turns to the others and gestures towards his comlink. "Well, comrades, it's going to cost us 500 up front to get the meeting with the Yaks. What's the limit we want to spend to get the meeting? Also, we got some advice on how to act, which should be helpful."

Padre quickly lets them know what Damien had to say about etiquette. "So, do we want to cough up the extra cash to get a gift for Usaka?"

Once the group reaches a consensus about the amounts they're willing to spend, Padre sends a message off to Damien, letting him know about their decision and wires 500 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) to him. He then spends the rest of the ride typing notes into his comlink and muttering to himself.

Upon arrival at partyzone, Padre begins searching the crowd for any familiar faces.

[ Spoiler ]

Perception check: Int 4 + Perception 2 + vision enhancement 3 = [3,2,4,4,2,4,1,4,5] = (1)

[imperialus]

After a few minutes searching you ask one of the members of the Fallen Heroes who is sitting on a lawn chair with his feet propped against a keg where you might be able to find the band.

Angels crew? Yeah... they usually hang near the stage... off to the right.

After a few more minutes of pushing through the crowd you catch a glimpse of a man with dreadlocks reaching his waist. That's what Icelady said Drew looked like and their can't be too many people around here with hair like that. He's sitting on an amp talking with an elf wearing torn jeans and a heavy leather jacket emblazoned with a "Thundering Herd" logo. That must be Bryan. He has a flask of something in one hand that he takes occasional swigs from grimacing after each one and a cigarette in his other. Neither of them seem to have noticed you out of the crowd.

[Dusty Ghost]

<<Team Message>>
<<Hey guys, keep you weapons on show, but try to play nice with these guys. Last thing we need is to start a rumble here.

Also, keep your eyes on the crowds. See if anyone is taking an interest in us talking to these guys.>>

Sweeps nudges Sybercat in the ribs,

"Hey, do dreadlocks or drunks do it for ya?" He grinds from ear to ear.

As they get closer Sweeps taps Drew on the shoulder.

"Hey buddy, got some questions to ask ya. If you ain't too busy that is." He nods to Bryan's flask.

"Don't worry, we don't want any trouble, just need to clear a few things up

First, I wanted to know what you can tell me about your friend Dark Angel." Sweeps play acts stooping and thinking "Oh yeah! urm... sorry for your loss!

Anyway, was he the type of guy to go off the rails like that. Also, did you know that your lead singer was in with the...?" Sweeps looks around theatrically, then whispers "... Yaks?"

"Also, what gives with him suddenly giving his or rather the bands music over to Dynamo Blue? Do you know her by the way? Nice lady I bet. Giving a good cut of the money is she? From what I hear she won't even give his Girlfreind any money!"

Sweeps steps back a bit to see the reaction.

[imperialus]

As they get closer Sweeps taps Drew on the shoulder.

"Hey buddy, got some questions to ask ya. If you ain't too busy that is." He nods to Bryan's flask.

Bryan screws the top back on his flask and grunts, you assume that probably means "go ahead"

"Don't worry, we don't want any trouble, just need to clear a few things up

First, I wanted to know what you can tell me about your friend Dark Angel." Sweeps play acts stooping and thinking "Oh yeah! urm... sorry for your loss!

Anyway, was he the type of guy to go off the rails like that. Also, did you know that your lead singer was in with the...?" Sweeps looks around theatrically, then whispers "... Yaks?"

Bryan's eyes narrow menacingly he speaks in a gravely alcohol slurred voice. "Did that bitch Ice send you? Tell the slitch that we know she had him killed to get the recordings. She better fucking skip town or next time she's gonna have a lot more than a black eye to worry about. I swear to fuck next time I'm gonna..."

Drew holds a hand cutting Bryan off. "Cool it Bryan. Don't start shit if you can't finish it." he looks pointedly in the direction of Mack and Hex standing with their arms crossed behind Sweeps. "Now what's this shit about the Yaks? You know somethin we don't?"

"Also, what gives with him suddenly giving his or rather the bands music over to Dynamo Blue? Do you know her by the way? Nice lady I bet. Giving a good cut of the money is she? From what I hear she won't even give his Girlfreind any money!"

At that Bryce throws his flask to the ground, it bounces off into the crowd. "That's fucking BULLSHIT and you know it. ICE fucking killed him, and we can prove it too! That Dynamo bitch is working for her." he fumbles around in his jacket. Everyone tenses up, worried he might pull a gun but instead he produces a datachip that he waves victoriously in your face. "THIS! This proves it all! Ice got a fucking mint from Dynamo after Angel got geeked, she's just actin' like she all poor tryen to lay low and shit.' Bryce is right up in your face now. You can smell the reek of cheep synthohol on his breath and if his mouth opens any wider you might be able to start counting cavities.

Drew has backed off to one side his hands half raised. "BRYCE! Fucking COOL IT! You want that trog to fuck you up?!" At that Bryce seems to come to his senses and backs away from Sweeps.

[JoelHalpern]

20:30 3rd Jan 2070 --Partyzone, South Tacoma--

"Bryce? Is that the name you use? Slow down before I have to stop you.
Now listen. Who gave you that chip? Did they say they were a friend? I doubt they are. I doubt it very much."

Mack takes one of his knives out and starts picking at his nails.

"Friends do not hand you fake junk and encourage you to beat folks up over nothing.
Yes, we know some things.
And no, I don't think it would be a good idea to tell you.
You seem to be even more stupid than I am.
Among other things, we KNOW that Ice Lady did not 'ice' DA."

Mack gives Bryce a hard look.

"So who gave you the junk there?"

/OOC Note, no Mack does not have any initimdation skill. I'll probably buy one level soon. But between Sweeps and the bandmates, the scene just seemed right...

[Mickle5125]

Padre rolls his eyes and and mutters under his breathe, "Subtlety, thy name is Sweeps..."

He steps forward and raises his hands in a calming gesture. "Gentlemen, gentlemen. Let's stay calm about this, shall we? Listen, why don't we find some place private to discuss this like proper gentlemen. I promise you that we merely wish to talk to you in order to clear up some issues in this whole mess. You have my word that you will not be harmed... assuming, of course, that you're able to remain civil. What do you say? Gather the rest of the band and we'll even allow you to choose a location. How does that sound?"

[ Spoiler ]

negotiation check: negotiation (4) + cha (4) + kinesics (2) + edge (4) = [[6, 6, 4],1,2,3,3,[6, 5],3,[6, 2],1,2,4,5,2,5] = (7)

[Dusty Ghost]

Padre rolls his eyes and and mutters under his breathe, "Subtlety, thy name is Sweeps..."

Sweeps grins from ear to ear.

He sniffs the datachip being waved under his nose and pulls a 'Smells like shit' look on his face.

"You might wanna take my preist friend up on his offer." He winks at Bryce.

[imperialus]

Drew glances at Bryce before slowly nodding.

"Ok... we'll listen to what you have to say. Bryce, why don't you go grab Sheera and we'll go talk by the van ok."

Drew leads you away from the crowd towards a quiet section of the lot where a few vehicles are parked. While on the way he says

"Sorry about Bryce... He took Angels death hard, they were like brothers. He's hardly been able to crawl out of the bottle long enough to play a set over the past few weeks. Then Sheera started whispering all sorts of shit in his ear about Ice... Then we found that chip. With Angel dead we're going nowhere fast and I think he knows that, even if he won't admit it... Scares him... Scares me too for that matter but he shrugs we're just a pack of gutter punks who happen to know how to play a few chords, what are we gonna do about it. Sheera and Ice have hated each other since they met. Bryce and I used to stay out of it, wasn't none of our business, but with Angel dead he's ended up on Sheera's side. Personally I think Sheera's always had a thing for Angel, she blamed Ice for it never working out between them."

After a minute or two Bryce shows up with a raven haired amerindian woman in tow. Padre and Loki, you notice she's astrally active but not too powerful. She looks at you and sneers. "So the bitch hired herself some muscle? I'm surprised you fuckers didn't just frag us to keep our mouths shut."

Drew makes a calming gesture. "Listen Sheera, like I said to Bryce, lets not start shit we can't finish. Besides they say they know something about Angel's death. I want to hear them out. So... what's the story?"

[Dusty Ghost]

"Easy sister.... ah.... Sheers right? Listen, we're not here as muscle..." Sweeps flexes one skinny bicep and grins "We just here to talk. It sounds like you and us have the same goal here. Find out what happened to Angel. You're doing it 'cause you care. We're doing it for cash. Either way, this case is close to our hearts for some reason or another.

So here's the deal. Icelady is one connection to all of this, weather she was framed, or weather she nuked your friend, we have to keep her alive until we find out what's been going on. As I said before, there is a strong possibility that the Yaks are in this somewhere, don't ask us how I know that, we just know! I know they have a bad habit of beheading people they don't like. That makes this VERY dangerous ground for you, so I'd advise doing nothing until we finish our investigation! For your own sakes. If it turns out she's guilty after all, we'll drop her right here for you to do what you want with. But you'll do nothing until we have proof of her innocence or guilt! Clear?

So do us and you a favour, help us out with a couple of questions, then just sit tight and let us do our job. OK?

Oh! and so you know, not that you'll believe me, but that data you have is fake. We're good at what we do, and we have one of the best data experts here to prove that data is fake." He waves a hand at Sybercat, hoping she'll take a bow or something.


"Ok so lets, stop with fucking around and work together eh?" He winks

"OK, first of all, what can you tell us about Angels behaviour before he got dead?"
"Second, do you know someone called Edward Crull?"
"Third Put your feelings for Ice aside a second and tell us how the relationship between her and Angel seemed to be."
"Did you notice anything else out of place leading up to Angels death?"
"Have you noticed anything strange since he died."

[ Spoiler ]

ettiquette roll (6d6.hits(5)=1)
rolled edge to try and recover:
Edge roll for previous blunder (3d6.hitsopen(5,6)=1)

[imperialus]

"Easy sister.... ah.... Sheers right? Listen, we're not here as muscle..." Sweeps flexes one skinny bicep and grins

Sheera sneers slightly "My name is Sheera you scrawny asshole."

"We just here to talk. It sounds like you and us have the same goal here. Find out what happened to Angel. You're doing it 'cause you care. We're doing it for cash. Either way, this case is close to our hearts for some reason or another.

So here's the deal. Icelady is one connection to all of this, weather she was framed, or weather she nuked your friend, we have to keep her alive until we find out what's been going on. As I said before, there is a strong possibility that the Yaks are in this somewhere, don't ask us how I know that, we just know! I know they have a bad habit of beheading people they don't like. That makes this VERY dangerous ground for you, so I'd advise doing nothing until we finish our investigation! For your own sakes. If it turns out she's guilty after all, we'll drop her right here for you to do what you want with. But you'll do nothing until we have proof of her innocence or guilt! Clear?

So do us and you a favour, help us out with a couple of questions, then just sit tight and let us do our job. OK?

Bryce lights another cigarette and leans against a parked car. "Fuck the Yak's. What the fuck would they want to do with Angel?"

Oh! and so you know, not that you'll believe me, but that data you have is fake. We're good at what we do, and we have one of the best data experts here to prove that data is fake." He waves a hand at Sybercat, hoping she'll take a bow or something.

Sybercat nods slightly and explains briefly about what she found wrong with the chip. Sheera cocks an eyebrow and says. "Yeah, just keep fucking talking like I'm a moron. Why the hell should I take you're word that the chip is fragged? You work for the bitch, of course you want us to think she's clean as a ghouls shit-shack."

"Ok so lets, stop with fucking around and work together eh?" He winks

"OK, first of all, what can you tell us about Angels behaviour before he got dead?"
"Second, do you know someone called Edward Crull?"
"Third Put your feelings for Ice aside..."

You don't even finish asking your questions before Bryce takes a long drag from his cigarette turns, and blows the smoke directly into Sweeps face. "If you think we're gonna tell you shit all you're stupider than that trog standing behind you. Get the fuck out of here before I get the crew that runs this place to fucking eject you. Tell the bitch she has two weeks to be out of town or it's open fucking season on two bit Talismongers who kill our friends."

A message comes up over the team comm from Sybercat <<I'm thinking we should probably leave. I'm not all that keen on fighting a mob myself, and this twit did just say we have two weeks before they're going to do anything else. That'll give us some time to figure out what the hell's actually happened to Angel. Maybe we should put Ice up somewhere safer than her doss though.>>

[Dusty Ghost]

Sweeps forces himself not to choke on the smoke, never taking his eyes off Bryce. He grins an evil grin, but inside he's quickly starting to feel stupid!

Nice one Sweeps, way to go!

<<Message to team>>
<<Sorry guys, it was me that pushed us to come here, and we ended up wasting time. I guess next time someone else can do the talking. Sweeps just ain't a people person.

Let's go buy a fucking bonsai for that Yak boss and wait for the call. Unless we wanna go amuse ourselves with Edward? It's your call.>>

With that he gave Bryce and his crew one last ironic look, and stormed back to the van.

"Dumb fucking assholes!" he mutters under his breath.

When back at the van, Sweeps starts wondering if his part in this mission could get any worse. First the messy shots at Heaven, then the hatchet job on Loki and his injuries, then the sloppy work at Xanadu, finally been shown up by a bunch of fucking rock hippies. Anger starts to take hold. Outwardly, Sweeps has a look of thunder on his face, his usual cockiness almost totally gone.

He knew himself well enough to know he'd be back to normal in a couple of hours, but right now, with his pride dented, his ego blasted, his reputation was all he could think about. Should have just stuck to robbing low level corp assholes, he thinks bitterly

[imperialus]

21:10 3rd Jan 2070 --Sybercats Van, South Tacoma en-route to Redmond--
As the van drives through Seattle's darkened streets Sybercat turns to a rather dejected looking Sweeps and says. "Sweeps man... You did good back there. Sometimes meets just go bad. It could have ended up a lot worse. No one got killed after all. Too bad we couldn't have counted on Drew more. Tell you what, why don't you message Ice, tell her they were a bunch of drekstains and suggest that she find a motel to stay at for a few days. She knew the stakes when she got into this. If we find Angel alive he'll be able to clear the air."

Padre: Damian messages you back. <<Hey Father. I've got good news and bad news... well not so much bad news as inconvenient news. Good news is, I managed to get you a meet with Usaka. Bad news is, it's in 5 hours, right after "last call" at the Mindwarp. That doesn't give us much time to get you and your crew ready.

Tell you what, meet me at the south entrance to the Plastic Jungle. I woke a friend of mine up, she's gonna help us pick out a proper gift. Just to warn you though she's a little... eccentric. She's a she's the shaman of a low tech tribe... Listen at the end of the day, this is gonna end up costing you 1500 on top of the 500 you already gave me. That won't include whatever Alandra wants for her tree though. I'll be there in 20 minutes.>>
As you mention this to Sybercat she says "Cool. I haven't been to the jungle in years. Dad used to take me there sometimes when I was a kid. It's nice to smell things growing. It got me used to the feeling of silence... She pulls the van off at the next interchange and begins driving an unfamiliar route through Redmond bypassing the Yellow Brick Road. As she winds through what was once a high tech industrial park a pack of Elf and Human go gangers race around the Van looking to score an easy mark. They seem to decide that you are anything but easy and peel off into the darkness as Mack slides open the door and scowls at them while resting his machine gun across his knees.

21:30 3rd Jan 2070 --The Plastic Jungle, Redmond Seattle--

After a few more moments you enter a slightly grassy area with several low glass domes surrounded by a canopy of more primitive looking tarps and clear plastic domes sitting in the middle. Sybercat pulls the van into the dirt parking lot that doubles as a food market during the day. You see several tribal warriors who are aparently serving as a welcoming comity. Despite being dressed in roughspun cotton garmets, bodyarmour scavanged from pieces of srap and carrying few guns they nonetheless look to be experts in the use of the bows, crossbows and spears that they are armed with. One troll in particular who's hanging to the back has a massive composite longbow over 8 feet long. There's apparently a reason these folks have managed to survive in the middle of the barrens for so long.

A particularly savage looking elf with long dark braided hair and a brown robe, armed with nothing more than a stick emerges into the circle of light cast by the vans headlights. She's astrally active and very powerful. She leans forward as if looking at you and speaks with a strong Irish lilt. "You be ta' Priest that is here ta' be meet'n wit Damian? If so, my name be Alandra, and I extend the welcome the 'Low Tech' tribe to ya. Be leavin' your machines and your guns in ta van. They'll be safe, do not worry." As you begin piling out of the van she cocks her head at you and says. "I mean your computers too... Turn them off, and leave them here." As you remove your comlinks and turn them off it strikes you how odd it is to be wandering around without your PAN. Glancing over at Sybercat you see her doing a series of breathing exercises before opening her eyes looking strangely composed. The strange woman leads you towards the outskirts of the jungle where you find Damian/Gap-Tooth waiting for you. The normally grubby Ork is wearing a neat dark suit.

"I see you've met Alandra. Come on, lets get going. We're going to have to get you all cleaned up before this meet."

As you begin walking through the strange darkened domes you begin hearing strange music piped though speakers all around you. Noticing your slightly odd expressions Alandra says "The plants like it... It helps them grow... Ahh, here we are." She pushes open a door and turns on the lights. A collection of lovingly tended banzai trees appear under the flickering florescent bulbs. She closes her eyes and begins walking among the plants, brushing their leaves with her fingertips. "Ahh! Here we are..." She selects a plant from the collection and turns to you, holding the pot in both hands. "This one wants to come with you... As for price... I will require 2000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) ... Of course, if you'd rather not pay... We occasionally have need for those familiar with the world outside these domes. You may take this tonight... upon the promise that should I require a favor in the future you will be willing to undertake a small task for me."

[Nigel]

As Loki walks through the plants, he stays withdrawn and sullen. "Fine, we'll take the plant. Let's just get out of here...it's creeping me the fuck out. No buildings. I can't imagine Syber's doing much better. Though I must say those Bonsai are excellent..." he says to Alandra. "I'll do the favor, just try and not make it too life-threatening, if you'd mind."

Loki takes the plant and begins leaving. "Well? Let's go! Unless you want to go tribal, that is..."