T-Town, A game in Alabama Options

[ludomastro]

Saturday, May 2nd, 2071; 18:27; Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The man runs for a parked car. He is short of breath and looks ready to drop. As his hand touches the door, the car starts and the door opens; however, the enhanced German Sheppard grabs his ankle. He tosses what appears to be a credstick into the car and says, "Execute phi delta 7."

The car pulls away while the dog enjoys its meal.

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; Between 09:00 and 11:00; Tuscaloosa, Alabama

MITNick gets an urgent message from his comm. One of the dead letter boxes has something in it. The one that pays the bills without scamming little old ladies or skimming from corporate accounts. It contains only three things, <<Time: 14:00, Location: Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Subject: Work.>>

After dealing with yet another complain about power rationing, Flash finds a note taped to the outside of his "office" door. It appears a concerned citizen would like to discuss his problem over a late lunch at Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok. It expresses a need to be there before 14:00 and to remember to ask for the Johnson party.

Lurker pings Step in the middle of another game. <<Thought you might like some 'honest' work. Here's the address. Be there at 2 pm. Go, enjoy, eat. Listen and maybe earn something.>>

Upon awakening, Raven finds a high priority note from JJ on her comm. It simply reads, <<Sweetheart, get cleaned up, get some caffeine in you and get your shinny ass over to Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok at the mall before 14:00. Ask for a Mr. Johnson.>>

Karl hands her a package and says, "Mark this one as priority. Get this to a Mr. Johnson at Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok at the mall by 14:00." Almost before Angel can move she gets a call from Reaper. "Got a job for ya. Some guy named Johnson needs a courier for some goods. Take the rest of the day off and meet him at Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok in da mall. Be there by 14:00. Don't forget your big brother if it turns into real yen."

Johnny Elk Crosses the Meadow calls Ludo. "If you are interested, there is a some work to be had. Not sure on the details. Supposed to meet a guy calling himself Johnson - can you believe it. Gotta been watching too many trid films. Anyway, you're supposed to be at Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok before 14:00."

[Thanee]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 10:32:55; Mel's loft, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Melanie Mitchels (not broadcast)

Not having been at the beach during the last night, Mel was already awake this time, when JJ sent her the message. She only has five half-shifts each week, often taking two on one day, like she did on friday night, to have enough time for other activities. Those full shifts sure are taxing, though, especially on the weekend, so she hasn't done a whole lot on saturday, mostly just hanging around, relaxing.

<< [Raven] Johnson, eh? Thanks, JJ. Gonna be there. Now to see about that coffee... cya >>

On a quick visit to the kitchen Mel makes sure she will get a good supply of hot coffee, then she heads to the shower.

After the breakfast, she sits down to call for the aid of a spirit, you never knew what would happen, and it was always good to be prepared. When the spirit arrived asking for her orders, she welcomed it friendly and simply told it to wait for now, so it zipped off into its astral realms, waiting for her call.

A good two hours later, she is all dressed up in a pair of tight-fitting black leather pants with knee-high heeled boots, dark purple blouse, long-sleeved with a modest cut, and a gothic-style black leather corset, not the ancient type that constricts your breathing, though. The outfit as a whole looks very classy.

One last look into the mirror reveals a sceptically raised eyebrow, but also a smile on her lips.

I guess that could be called overdressed for lunch at the Happy Wok.

The shopping list really needs some more casual armored clothes on it.

Expecting something urgent, given the rather early time of the meeting, she has put her armor on already, with some of the more subtle parts hidden underneath, leaving her gun in the car for now - not that she really needs a gun, considering that she can fry a guys brain with just a thought; a scary thought, but somewhat reassuring as well - but sometimes it is good to have one around.

After snatching a black overcoat from the wardrobe and putting her orange-colored sunglasses on, Raven heads down to the garage; ready to go.

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 13:17:12; Mall Parking Garage, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Sabrina McCoy (not broadcast)

Her white Rover parked in the mall, Raven looks for the Happy Chinese Wok, making sure, that she will find it on time. Having more than half an hour before the meet, however, she decides to take a stroll around the mall for a while, before reaching the restaurant a few minutes before two.

[Redjack]

Saturday, May 2nd, 2071; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Confederated American States
Flash; PAN=Passive [datajack] SIN=John Simmons

John shook hands with the bartender, meeting him at the door of the Wet Whistle as John was on his way out. He took a moment to engage the man in small talk about John's efforts to get a resolution forwarded that would mandate certain updates to the power grid; It also gave the waitress time to straighten her slightly disheveled shelf. When John heard her come out of the back, he finished his conversation with a smile and another handshake with the bartender. Michael always said, shake their hands at the beginning and the end. To those that it matters, it matters a lot.

The afternoon was spent hanging out with Double-Tap and Spit, a couple of orks in the Black Dogs. Someone had been breaking out the windows in the Mother's of Mercy Soup Kitchen. Being in their hood, it was a black-eye to the Black Dogs to let it continue. Of course, like several other days, today was simply an exercise in kicking back and trading war stories, not that any of them had seen any war other than gang wars.

The evening found John at the Blue Wave. Triple was working, some as every night. A bit on the skinny side, the elf had a way with the club girls, but his true calling was mixing drinks. He could taste a drink and tell you exactly what was in it. John had seen him win countless bets. He'd also seen the night a guy accused Triple of cheating; Said Triple was an adept. John didn't know about that, but if he was, his only magic was in his taste buds. John and the bouncers had to convince the guy to move on.

On this night, all things were laid back, at least as laid back as they get at the Blue Wave. The bass was thumping and the dance floor alive with gyrating bodies, moving to the beat of the music. No problems though. By the end of the night, Triple and John escorted a pair of beauties who had imbibed enough to drop their inhibitions and not enough to put them in a coma.

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Confederated American States

The vibrating of his com woke John from a deep sleep, nestled up against a warm body. Checking his com, there were twelve messages about the power grid issue. Nina had flagged one urgent. Damn. I was hoping her next call would be another booty call, not work.. Looking through the list, it appears power rationing had been invoked last night, again. He considered waking the naked girl stretched out on the bed to get her LTG. In the end, he decided to let her sleep. The fun is more in the chase, the initial catch, the spontaneity. When they stick around, it becomes routine. He left Triple an AR sticky about the girl in the spare bedroom and slipped out.

He stopped in his tracks when he reached the Johnson note. Change of plans.

He worked his way back to his little house, deep in Warrens. Going through the various hiding places, he recovered his working gear and suited up after a shower.As usual, his form fit was under his suit. Today the chameleon suit was too. He loaded his Ingram and few other pieces of gear into his briefcase and out the door he went. Looks like Chinese today.

[Karoline]

Saturday, May 2nd, 2071; 12:30 PM; Step's appartment, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Having finished her lunch Step undresses and slips into a hot bath. She enjoys the feel for a while as she searches out good places to party in AR, eventually settling on one and slipping into VR, the warmth of the bath just on the edge of her senses, a comforting feeling as she prepares to do some work. Preparation is the key to success, and so Step compiles a sprite, a Tank to protect her in combat. Another ally on the virtual battlefield is always handy. With no work lined up, and nothing pressing her, she decides that a powerful ally will be worth the risk of a headache.

One more piece of the puzzle, one more step on the path.

As she focuses, she draws the threads of resonance together, lacing them together until they begin to take on shape, and finally resolve into a large, clunky looking robot. She frowns at the poor design, it looks like it is about to fall apart at the slightest of attacks. All this on top of giving her a splitting headache. Step knows well that looks can be deceiving though, knows it is a perfectly functional sprite, but not one that will follow her for long. She decides to send it off to do what it will while it lasts, freeing her to make another attempt, though she first pulls out of VR, knowing it is best to rest her mind after such a disastrous attempt.

After a couple hours of relaxing in the bath, which refreshes the hot water every so often to keep her comfotable, she finally gets out, moving back to her bed and settling in for another attempt. This time as the threads of resonance resolve, the robot in front of her is sleek, one arm transforming from a cannon to a hand and back, as though to demonstrate its ability. She lets out a smile. A much better piece. Satisfied with her contribution to the matrix, she goes about the extensive process of registering her new creation.

Six hours later, after ignoring a call to dinner and resetting the time for today, Step finally finishes the involved process of registering her sprite. It wasn't a resounding success, but it was acceptable for such a strong sprite. She allows it to fade into the matrix, to await her call, and finally gets out from bed, her hair having been done into a lose braid by a drone, and some basic makeup to prepare her for a night out.

By the time she's eaten her dinner, it is nearly 9, and Step is having second thoughts about going out, especially with a slight headache on the edge of her mind from all the work with sprites...

Saturday, May 2nd, 2071; 9:30 PM; Blue Wave, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

A few drinks quickly take the edge off of Step's headache, though she is careful not to have too much, alcohol interferes with her ability to interact with the matrix if she starts to get drunk, and that is something she just can't stand. She mingles and dances and has a reasonable time, drawing a few eyes, especially whenever she sits at the bar, needing to rest fairly often.

She notices one of the barkeepers and a friend of his trying to pick up a pair of girls. Given by the fact that all four seem to be gone after she returns from a bit more of dancing, the guys were plenty successful. She turns down an offer or two for similar 'after party activities', and eventually heads home as the alcohol begins to amplify her headache instead of quelling it.

Sunday, May 3nd, 2071; 10:30 AM; Step's appartment, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

In the middle of a game, Step gets a message. She sighs, assuming it is a notice for lunch already, but gives it a bit more attention when she sees that it is an offer for some work. She puts the game to the back of her mind, her performance lagging a bit. <<Lurker, you know me better than that. I've never done any 'honest' work in my life. I'm fairly sure I'm allergic to it anyway (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) >> Message sent she sets an alarm for herself, and goes back to her game.

Sunday, May 3nd, 2071; 1:50 PM; Step's appartment, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

A car pulls up to Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, the back door opening itself to let Step out before driving itself off to find a parking spot. Step is wearing a long dress with Asian style patterns and short sleeves. She walks to the receptionist "I'm meeting someone here in a few minutes. Have they arrived yet?"

[phlapjack77]

Sunday, May 3nd, 2071; 09:27; Wilderness around Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Things hadn't gone quite according to plan. William never found the exact area of the wilderness that he had been looking for. Sure, he knew where he was. At least he thought he did. But he was nowhere near where he wanted to be. He briefly thought that it was his fault, that he had navigated poorly. Then he remembered how fickle technology was, how it liked to play tricks on him. He was sure that was the problem.

To further make matters worse, he had received the notice from Professor Radcliffe about his application. He wasn't sure what to do. Johnny had told him that the temporary SIN he had applied for and received wouldn't be good enough for a university application. The advice he got from Johnny was that he would need to apply for a much more expensive temporary SIN. William sighed in frustration. He didn't have a lot of money. Visions of attending the university were fading from his sight.

While he was feeling dejected and defeated, he heard his commlink beep with another incoming message. Scanning it quickly, William's eyes lit up. This "work", it could help pay for the temporary SIN application he needed! He began to tap out a quick reply to Johnny, asking him to come pick him up. Each blunt finger hunted and pecked at the virtual keyboard that was showing on the plastic sheet. After many minutes composing a reply, William was just about to hit send when the plastic "fuzzed" and went blank. William stared at it in disbelief for a few seconds, stunned. Then, he let loose a roar that shook the trees and caused all of the birds in the area to quickly take flight.

Recovering himself, he decided to do things his own way. He called on the power of the Air, asking it to do him the favor of bringing a message to Johnny, then to return to him with the reply. Air was usually not his favorite to talk to, not nearly as solid or steady as the earth around him. Still, it would suffice. He waited a few minutes and the spirit returned to him with the reply.

"Meet me at 216 and Fleetwood Road - I'll give you a ride in."

Sunday, May 3nd, 2071; 13:45; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Pulling up outside of the Mall, William thanked Johnny again for the ride. Johnny wanted to go in with William, be with him for this meet. He knew William didn't grok this life, was too much of an innocent. But William refused all his offers of help. Finally Johnny relented, but only after giving him advice on how to handle himself inside. He resolved he would wait around to give William a lift afterwards - he could be there in case there was trouble. Besides, he had some people he needed to meet nearby who had an interest in beetles...

[Zyerne]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 10:59; Karl's office, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Angel gave Karl a 'hold on' gesture as she took the call from Reaper, rolling her eyes. Ni Madres. Just take the rest of the day off. If this job did turn into real yen then she could blow Karl off, but right now she needed him more than he needed her and they both knew it. Which was why she was here on a sunday morning rather than a dozen other places she'd have rather been.

"Si, I'll remember. You know I'll just win it back anyway." Angel smiled as she ended the comm call then turned back to Karl, taking the package and giving it a quick once over. "Dr Chen's by 14:00. No problem, Ese." Formalities concluded, Angel headed off to grab her gear, waiting until she was out of Karl's sight before pulling her Walther anf checking the mag. Get there early, deliver the package, get something to eat and scope things out. If it looks bogus I'm gone, yen or no yen.

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:07; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

A little after 1300 a red-headed biker chick walked into Dr Chen's, a package in her right hand, helmet in the other. She took a brief look around before heading to the receptionist to make her delivery.
"Package for you, table for me."

[ludomastro]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:00 - 14:00; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok is something of a staple in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The mall considers it one of the saving graces. It has survived for over 80 years as well as the fires in '61 during the appearance of the comet and '64 during Crash 2.0.

The Chen family still own the place and have so far successfully resisted offers to franchise. The tacky decor hasn't changed much in nearly 50 years. Long enough that some see it as retro. The plastic booths and faded paint don't seem to bother the minor wage slaves and indentured laborers in the area. Normally smoothed in customers the place merely looks busy now.

13:10
The hostess seats Angel and takes the package off to the back. A young busgirl - in this case an ork - clears away the debris from the last meal and wipes the table down with something. It seems of car air freshener or perhaps some trees. The table appears a bit cleaner for the effort. The AR menu informs her of several specials: all but one of which are sold out. The choices boil down to the buffet, the tank raised shark fin soup, or several a la carte items.

13:54
In what seems like a rush, several individuals arrive at nearly the same time. One of them pushes her way to the front and asks, "I'm meeting someone here in a few minutes. Have they arrived yet?"

The hostess looks over her glasses - actual plastic lenses and metal frames - at the lot of them and asks, "They with you? Who specifically are you here to see?"

At the last minute a disheveled and late looking dwarf arrives.

[phlapjack77]

Sunday, May 3nd, 2071; 13:54; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ludo; PAN = Active; SIN = Dwayne Johnson (broadcast)

Ludo couldn't believe how busy this place was. The sights and sounds, the noise of people, it was overwhelming. He didn't like feeling all of these people around him, pushing him, crowding him. Being pushed to the back of the crush of people was no easy task, as big as he was, but he let himself flow to the back to give him space to figure this out. Fumbling with his commlink, Ludo pulled out the device and stared at it in slight confusion. Johnny had told him a "Mr. Johnson" wanted to meet. Glaring at the display, he tried to figure out if anyone in the restaurant was broadcasting such identification.

[Thanee]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 13:55:00; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Sabrina McCoy (not broadcast)

As she ends her walk around the mall at the restaurant, Raven sees that there are quite a few people crowded in the entrance area and decides to wait a couple more minutes, before heading in herself, to let things quiet down. In the meantime, she watches the display windows in the vincinity, especially those that allow her to see the entrance of Dr. Chen's in the reflection.

[Redjack]

Sunday May 3rd, 2071@13:55; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Flash; PAN=Passive [datajack] SIN=John Simmons

Wearing his cheap suit and carrying a briefcase, John was one of the few people who could get away with being dressed like this in the Warrens; A lot of people recognized him and as opposed to getting mugged for his stuff, he tended to get mobbed with requests. He walked about a block before he was able to flag down one of one of the Black Dogs; An ork called Slider. The site of two orks packed on Slider's little moped was comical, but not out of place in the Warrens.

At the edge of the Warrens, he caught a cab to Jimmy's Bulk Electronics. There he picked up a handful of cheap wireless cameras with adhesive backs. The first one he applied to the back of briefcase and subscribed it to his comlink. Two birds one camera. Covers my six and if some Screez'a picks up my briefcase it become apparent quickly.

From there he walks the final several blocks to Dr Chen's, arriving ten minutes early. He gets a small order of tai pad noodles. Looking around, his Johnson is not obvious, so he takes a seat, setting his briefcase so as to display the entrance in his AR feed. He then begins watching new arrivals and scanning for anyone broadcasting "Johnson" as their name.

[Redjack]

Sunday May 3rd, 2071@13:56; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Flash; PAN=Passive [datajack] SIN=John Simmons

Seeing "Johnson" being broadcast by the troll, John sized him up. He looks like a frigging fish outa water. He better have brought a large pocketbook. Grabbing his briefcase, John strides up to the troll confidently, extending his hand. "Mr Johnson. John Simmons."

[Zyerne]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 13:55; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Angel had had her indulgence for the week the day before so she'd settled on the buffet as the cheaper option. It had also let her pay in advance, always an advantage if she needed to move fast.

With almost an hour to kill, she hadn't rushed her lunch and had been lingering over the remains of her second plate when the sudden rush began. Checking the time on her comm she noted she still had a few minutes to kill before the appointed time so watched sureptiously as she forked down the last few mouthfuls.

Someone's dressed for the wrong restaurant she mused as she caught Step's attire briefly before noticing John's presence. Ork in a suit? Briefcase? Gotta be El Jefe.

[Karoline]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:55; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Step; PAN = passive (skinlink) SIN = Felicia Simons (not displayed)

Step considers hacking into the Hostess' PAN, but decides against it. "I don't know, they might be here for the same meeting. I'm looking for a Mr. Johnson." she replies, glancing back at the rest of the line and hoping that the degenerate crowd behind her is not involved in whatever work she is about to be looking into. That troll looks like he doesn't even know how to hold his commlink, which obviously isn't properly sized for him. "But I suppose you don't even take reservations or anything like that here, do you?" she asks, looking around. She notices that she is getting some looks thanks to her dress, but ignores them.

Then she hears the introduction behind her, turning she stares at the troll for a moment, and quickly decides the Ork is either meeting a different person, or has made an obvious mistake, despite what the name on the troll says. What a place for a meet. Maybe I should just head home, anything meeting here isn't likely to be worthwhile.

[phlapjack77]

Sunday, May 3nd, 2071; 13:56; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ludo; PAN = Active; SIN = Dwayne Johnson (broadcast)

Obvious relief flooded over Ludo's face as the ork extended his hand in greeting. Fumbling to put the commlink away in a pocket of his vest, he shook the man's hand and replied, "Very glad to meet you, Mr. Simmons. I am Willi...I mean, I am Dwayne Johnson. Right. Right. As you already said.".

Letting his greeting trail off lamely, Ludo realized he is still gripping John's hand. Releasing it quickly, he hastily wiped his sweaty palm on his pants leg. Be still within and without. Be still within and without. Be still within and without.

Visibly relaxing, he started again.

"I was told your name would be Mr. Johnson? No matter, I must have read the message wrong. Maybe we should sit at a table and discuss this work you might have for me?"

[Zyerne]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 13:56; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

So much for a low profile meet Angel sighed inwardly as she pushed her empty plate aside and vacated her chair. Pulling her jacket back on she headed towards where John and Ludo were talking.

As she got closer she realised that both seemed under the impression that the other was the Johnson, clearly the Ork was just wearing that nasty suit from some misguided sense of fashion. So who's the Johnson? she mused, taking another look around the restaurant. The Elven chica in the dress? Stopping in her approach, Angel took another, harder look at Step. Kinda cute... if you like them so skinny they look like they'll break Still, can't hurt, one way or the other...

Changing tack, Angel headed up to Step, giving her a smile as she approached. "Hey there girlfriend. You waiting on someone?"

[Thanee]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 13:57:29; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Sabrina McCoy (not broadcast)

Once the entrance area of the restaurant has cleared a bit, Raven slowly walks in, her coat wrapped tightly around her slender body and her heels clacking against the floor with every step. She moves right to the counter, while looking around for something that could resemble a backroom, figuring that a meeting like this would surely not take place out here in the open. The place of choice was weird enough as it is, as were some of the customers.

"Hello! I'm here to meet Mr. Johnson. Has he arrived yet?"

[Redjack]

Sunday May 3rd, 2071@13:56; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Flash; PAN=Passive [datajack] SIN=John Simmons

John grimaces at the bumbling troll. "Your name is Johnson.... but it appears you are not the Johnson." John considers for a long moment directing the troll to the coffee shop down the street. The real Johnson probably would consider that a might unprofessional. "Why don't you take a seat. The Johnson will be along soon." Freaking cherries...

John then abruptly turns to Raven's arrival and her query of the Johnson, effectively ending his conversation with the troll for the moment. He pauses his gaze on the shapely woman, racking his brain, making sure that they didn't meet in the past on one of his clubbing nights.

[fistandantilus4....]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:00 -ish; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok



Nick sits in the corner, waiting for someone with that look to come in. The gaggle of people coming in at once raises an eye, but in the mean time, he's busy messing around with the restaurant, trying to find his way to a free meal, while watching his 'Fly in the Sky' to keep an eye on what's outside. He twiddles his thumbs while trying to decide between egg rolls or teriyaki chicken.

Maybe I should be more cultured...

[phlapjack77]

Sunday, May 3nd, 2071; 13:56; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ludo; PAN = Active; SIN = Dwayne Johnson (broadcast)

Understanding dawned on Ludo as he heard the reply from John, mixed with the question from Raven and John's interest in her. What might have been a blush spread up his face, although with his skin such a dark-grey color it was hard to notice. A small smile spread on his lips, baring his lower canines slightly. The effect could have been scary, except for the obvious amusement twinkling in his eyes.

Life is not always serious. We should worry over some things, but not-worrying is a part of life too.

Humming a quiet tune to himself (so low-pitched that it could be felt in the bones of those nearby) Ludo settled himself on his feet and waited and watched.

[Karoline]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:56; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Step; PAN = passive (skinlink) SIN = Felicia Simons (not displayed)

Step listens to the confusion of the Ork and Troll as she is greeted by Angel, she returns the smile a bit, but also has a bit of a worried look "Yeah, Mr. Johnson, and from the sounds of it, so is everyone else here." at which point Raven enters and adds herself to the list of people looking for Mr. Johnson. Step takes a moment to look over Angel with a bit more than her initial casual glance "What are my odds that you're here for the same reason? I'm hoping there'll be at least a few competent people." she gives Ludo and John pointed looks, her opinion of them already fairly set.

I'd flay Lurker for suggesting this obvious fiasco if he had any skin

She also gives Raven a critical eye, as she also seems to be part of the gathering. By this point Step is starting to get truly annoyed at the whole situation, and begins to consider leaving, or maybe just hacking into the restaurant's node and seeing if there is any relevant info for herself, the receptionist obviously overwhelmed by requests that don't include the number of seats that will be needed.

[ludomastro]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:58; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The hostess smiles at the gathering of people. "Johnson, party of seven this way please." She makes sure everyone is set before placing a Closed until Dinner sign outside and closing the roll up door. Once she has everyone's attention she leads all six members of the group through the kitchen. A portly dwarf in a cheap suit with a clipboard is holding his hand out while one of the kitchen staff counts actual nuyen bills into his hand. Once done, he passes over a physical certificate. Those with an active network connection notice that the health rating for the place jumps a few points.

Past the freezers the hostess turns to the left and opens what appears to be a cooler. The inside is bitterly cold and nearly empty. Once the group squeezes in she steps out and closes the door. There is a momentary feeling of weightlessness as the floor seems to drop away and they find them selves in what had probably served as a bunker during some war-scare.

Seated at a table is an elderly human of Asian decent with only a wisp of white hair on his head. He smiles as he looks the group over and in a voice much bigger than he is says, "Thank you for dropping in. My name is Mr. Johnson. Welcome and please sit down."

[Thanee]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 13:58:00; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Sabrina McCoy (not broadcast)

Inside the cooler, Raven is momentarily worried for getting locked up in there without the hostess, but soon she realizes, that this is supposed to be some sort of elevator.

Looking around a bit at the strange gathering, her vision shifts to the astral, so she can see the auras of the other people.

Once they arrived at the meeting room, she opens her overcoat and looks for a seat. On the way, the raven-haired woman nods her head in a gesture of greeting towards the man and puts up a friendly smile herself.

"Glad to meet you Mr. Johnson."

She also quickly glances at the aura of the asian man, but cannot discern anything in the short moment, and not wanting to draw too much attention to herself, she keeps it at that for the time being.

[phlapjack77]

Sunday, May 3nd, 2071; 13:58; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ludo; PAN = Active; SIN = Dwayne Johnson (broadcast)

Looking askance at the small chairs arrayed around the table, Ludo moved closer to examine one. Running his palms along the back of a chair near the old man, he could be seen slightly shaking his head. With one large hand Ludo drew the chair back from the table and placed it against the wall. He then squatted on his haunches at the table, his weight perfectly balanced on his feet. The table came to just a little higher on him in this position as it did for the others who were sitting normally. He gave the old man a smile and a nod.

"Please excuse me. I do not think the chair would appreciate me sitting in it" he said in a deep, low rumble. Then he was quiet as he focused his attention on the old man.

[Zyerne]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:56; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

"I'd say they're pretty good." Angel replied in response to Step's question. As to competance, first impressions can be deceiving." Angel flicked her eyes in the direction of Step's dress and gave her another smile just as the hostess gathered them up. "Looks like we might be about to find out. Name's Angel by the way."

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:58; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Angel's hand had crept towards her Walther after the door had closed on them, although the meaning of the movement had likely been lost on the others. Once the doors had reopened admitting them to the meeting room she relaxed, entering with much the same smile she'd greeted Step with. Johnson? John-san maybe. Wonder how Reaper knows this guy. Keeping her thoughts to herself, she took one of the offered chairs.

[ludomastro]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:00; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Looking at Ludo the old man says, "My most sincere apologies. Had I known you were a troll, I would have asked for a suitable chair." There does not appear to be the slightest trace of irony or sarcasm in his voice. However, his voice doesn't seem to fit him. He appears Asian but the voice is pure CSA.

Once the group is more or less comfortable, he continues, "I am glad each of you could make it on short notice. Those that I represent are in something of a bind and immediate assistance is required. An item of some value has been taken and they want it back. I do not wish to offend you; however, your reputations are not ... sufficiently legendary ... that you were the first choice. However, need does as needs must. The basic compensation is four thousand each. Does anyone wish to withdraw before hearing more and obligating themselves to those I represent?"

He steeples his hands in a practiced way that is neither impatience nor haughtiness but rather merely a pose of an old man waiting for others to speak.