T-Town, A game in Alabama Options

[Zyerne]

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

"First choice or not, I trust you're not assuming be we'll so eager for the money you're offering that we'll jump in blindly. Only fools do that, after all and I think we'd all like to hope you're not in the market for those." Angel gave him a winning smile, fixing her eyes on his face before continuing. "Speaking for myself, I'd appreciate it you could see your way to letting slip a little more before I, how did you put it, obligate myself to those seeking to employ us."

[phlapjack77]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:00; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ludo; PAN = Active; SIN = Dwayne Johnson (broadcast)

Four thousand !!!

Visions of attending university danced in Ludo's mind tantalizingly. It wasn't quite enough yet for the temporary SIN he needed, at least according to Johnny. But it was still well more than he made working for Ms. Smetzburg in a month. Many months. He considered opening his mouth to perhaps accept the offer, perhaps ask for more information...

...

... and after hearing Angel's riposte was very glad he had considered first before actually speaking. He gave a small, barely noticeable nod, eyes lighting up with interest as he surveyed Angel, then he turned back towards the old man, waiting to see the results.

Give long, deep thought to what is happening in your life. Good things come to those who wait.

[Karoline]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 13:56; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Step; PAN = passive (skinlink) SIN = Felicia Simons (not displayed)
I hope this doesn't turn into a total fiasco, she seems to not be a total moron at least.

"I'm called Step." Step replies to Angel. As they are lead to the freezer she does her best to maintain a distance from the goblins Though keeping a shield at hand is never a bad idea, but best make sure they have two brain cells to rub together. When the receptionist closes them into the freezer, Step begins focusing alot more on the matrix around her, looking for signals of any kind, worried that this is some kind of trap. Even as the freezer turns out to be an elevator, she doesn't stop her scanning of the area, not liking being without information. She gives a bit of a shiver in the cold, the combination of dress, short sleeves, and low body fat meaning a quick chill.

[Redjack]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:01; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

John's ears perk up at the call of the team. He mutters sarcastically at the troll, but with a good natured smile, "Looks like your party is this way, Johnson." He then turns and follows their escort to the freezer.

Once in the freezer, he focuses on their surroundings rather than the level of perkiness of most of his team mates.
<<@Nick [Flash] I feel like I'm in an episode of Charlie's Elves... Except fer our troll, of course. Makes ya wonder what club the J is gonna want us to infiltrate..?>>

He is surprised when the whole floor turns out to be an elevator. Ain't that slicker 'en snot...

He bows lightly to their Johnson, then adds his assistance to the negotiations. "Four thousand is good startin' point. Damn respectable starting point. But with this being last minute and all, second tier or not, we have additional risk that'll need to be compensated."

[Thanee]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:01:00; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Sabrina McCoy (not broadcast)

Raven always wondered why the J's wanted obligation. Didn't they realize that secrecy was basically the core principle of shadowrunning, and reputation was too valuable to toy with it? And also, that details were required before accepting a job or the payment offered for one? At this point, she was never quite sure, what the J really wanted to hear, so she just told him what came to her mind, even if she thought that these things were implied already rather than necessary. She saw this as some kind of ritual, that repeated itself everytime she was in a negotiation about a shadow job. Besides, one of the core principles of negotiations was to never take anything for granted.

"I will gladly voice my interest in hearing more. And, of course, I realize that at this point I'm obliged to keep anything said here a secret, and not use any information you provide us with for anything else than the job you have to offer, if we take it, or forget about it the moment I leave this room, even if not. I am quite certain, however, that we will come to a mutually acceptable arrangement. The payment is... yes, it is a good start. But for a final decision, more details are required, of course."

[ludomastro]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:01; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The old man chuckles with a laugh that shakes his whole body. "I see that your reputations are well founded. Neither stupid nor quick to agree with things. Very well, since you wish to look afore you leap, I will explain a bit more. The object stolen from those I represent is mostly code. There is a physical object that should be returned as well. In the event that retrieval is impossible, it should be destroyed. The same can be said for the code. At this point, they do not know who took the items in question; however, they have a good guess and will provide that information."

He sighs as if the next part pains him personally. "As to additional risk and expenses. I can only put up an additional share of payment - available up front - which you can use for your own purposes. Though I would suggest that it be used for equipment, bribes, etc. I will leave you the details. I might be able to convince them to part with some supplies; however, that would be part of the final negotiation."

He closes his eyes but his head continues to track the group. "Sufficient to continue?"

[Zyerne]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:01; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

"I notice you still didn't mention who we'd be working for..." Angel prodded mildly. She wasn't going to force the issue too much, if the guy wasn't forthcoming she'd just raise her price.

[ludomastro]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:01; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

"I didn't, did I?" The old man continues to smile calmly.

[phlapjack77]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:01; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ludo; PAN = Active; SIN = Dwayne Johnson (broadcast)

Though some would say that it would be impossible for a 2.2 meter, 315 kg troll with such distinctive features to be invisible in a room like this, Ludo tried his best. Crouched on his haunches at the table, his was an immobility that could last days. The barest movement of his head to track the current speaker was all the indication that he wasn't carved from stone. His eyes were alive with excitement.

This is all so very interesting. I have much to learn.

[fistandantilus4....]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:01; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama


Sitting queitly and unobtrusively, Nick can't help but smirk at the message from "John". He scripts up their previous encryption, and runs up some IC, ensuring a little privacy.

@Flash[MITN] <<<<Nice big group here. For 4K and rush time, I'd say this guy's looking more for some smash/grab types with code on the side. With his "destroy" if we can't secure angle, I'd say this looks prety hairy. I'd like to know what happened to the first crew. Who/what was the first choice and why didn't they take the job. Maybe they know something we don't.

But hey, he's in a bind right? I say milk him for all he's worth. But that's just me. He stuck us in a freezer. I don't like being stuck in the freezer 'Johnny'. Not feelin' real friendly like at the moment.>>>>


Still wary of the whole situation, Nick still sits quietly in the back, letting the others do the talking for a bit while he looks over the Johnson, and looks around the room for any cameras.

[Thanee]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:02:05; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Sabrina McCoy (not broadcast)

"Yes, please. Let us hear more."

[ludomastro]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:02; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

"Very well. The employers wish to remain annonymous; hence, the reason why my services were required." He smiles at Angel as he explains the employers' situation. "Now, on to business. The item stolen is approximately the same size and shape as a credstick - assuming any of you are old enough to remember what they look like. The code is for .... research purposes. Or, so I am told. The copetition has been after this code and device for a very long time and has finally stolen them. It would appear that they intend to manufacture copies and flood the market with cheap knockoffs before the developers can do so. That is unacceptable. You will prevent them from doing so."

With a pointed look at MITNick he aks, "Any other laundry that needs to be aired out?"

[Redjack]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:03; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

<<@MITNick [Flash] 4k sure sounds like good pay, but this isn't this guy's first dance. And I agree about his first choice. Either he tried to BS us in order to make us feel 2nd rate or his first choice really did take a pass...>>

"Just to follow up from your comment earlier... We are the first team to actually undertake this, right? We aren't gonna have to deal with a target already on alert, right?"

<<@MITNick [Flash] A prototype? Yea, time to start milking the cow. This could mean millions in profit. There's a lot a wiggle room between 24k (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) and $M's (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) >>

Flash continues his queries to the Johnson. "As to the site. Are we talking a hardened military grade facility, some type of secure research facility or is the reason for the rush that we are later in the game and its a manufacturing complex or something?"

[Zyerne]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:03; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Angel sat back, content to let Flash handle the queries for now. Evidently there was more to him than a cheap suit.

[fistandantilus4....]

MITNick manages to repress an actual shrug, looking pointedl at Flash when he picks up the htread of conversation.

Thinking that Mr J is perhaps just a little too on the money, Nick sets his Code sprite to line security, checking for sniffers and encrypting the crap out of their conversation.

<<<<<@Flash[MITN} I'd be willing to bet that his emplyers threw a good chunk more than that his way , and he's protecting his profit margins. I'd agree, if they've got some product they're putting out, there's a lot more behind this. And like the guy said, he doesn't have time to find another team. We'd just better make sure that we deliver.

What's the rule? Start art 80% of what you want to offer and let them "bargain" you up? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) >>>>>

[ Spoiler ]

Threading onto Encryption 5
Results:4 4 5 2 5 4 4 4 2 6
HITS:3


Fading:Results:2 5 6 1 4 3 1 2
HITS:2

Oi

[ludomastro]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:03; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The old man pauses and grows very still for a moment. Then he nods toward MITNick before smiling at Flash. "Excellent questions. Firstly, you are the first team we have contacted, though not our first choice as it were. Therefore, the target will have no clue you are coming lest you slip up after this meeting. Secondly, the target is a warehouse cum small manufacturing plant. Security will be present, so don't think this is a simple smash and grab operation. We could have hired street scum if that was all we wanted. I will provide you with the location of the target once we conclude negotiations. However, I can not speak in any useful detail of the security that might be present. "

He once again grows silent.

[fistandantilus4....]

MITNick's face screw up a bit for a second as he holds back his rage.
<<<<@Flash[MITN] This guy's trying to hack me!? He was listening in! Bastard! He's got some skills.
....
Job doesn't sound that tough, although I doubt that he's going to give us the "bad" version of the news. Say we go for another 1K each. 'Sides, now he knows we got skills, instead of just rumors. >>>>

[phlapjack77]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:04; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Ludo; PAN = Active; SIN = Dwayne Johnson (broadcast)

"You mentioned immediate assistance. Is there any time limit on when this work must be completed by?"

It appears I could get an education of an entirely different sort by taking this job. Maybe a better one than the university offers...

[Redjack]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:04; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Flash smiled. Nick had countered whatever play the Johnson had pulled in the virtual world, leaving the team to work on the physical. "I think we can all agree on five k, each. I don't think we've discussed the up front, but I can live with 25% up front." He looks around at his potential team mates for objections. He then looks back to the Johnson. "With your agreement there, I say we are ready for the missing specifics and a time line...."

[Thanee]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:04:07; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Sabrina McCoy (not broadcast)

Raven nods.

She would have been happier, if the orc suit had said 'fifty percent up front', but she didn't think discussing that would get them any further, so she just showed her agreement with what he had put forth.

[Karoline]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:05; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Step; PAN = passive (skinlink) SIN = Felicia Simons (not displayed)

As Step exits the freezer/elevator she quickly scans the area for nodes, finding her potential teammates' various links, but also noticing the J's, the one she is more interested in. She is cautious though, knowing a misstep here could land the negotiations in trouble, and so analysis the node a bit, trying to find out if getting into it will be risky. The link looks like some kind of military node. Well, this guy certainly seems to have his bases well covered. Can't believe he can only afford 4k, barely buys me two weeks of rent. I suppose it'll do, I can always make up the rest if I need to. Still though...

Step eventually decides against going after the link. While there is a decent chance she'll be able to get in without being spotted, it likely isn't worth the risk right now, her physical presence is far too insecure if she does set off an alarm. The Ork seems to be handling the negotiations, but she forms up some points in her mind anyway, though she doesn't actually give them. She knows she isn't always the most eloquent, especially not in person. Instead she focuses in on the Ork's commlink and sends him a quick note <<You know, regardless of our experience or reputation, if we get the job done, we get the job done, and should get paid the same as whatever first string group that this guy wanted in the first place. If anything we should be getting paid more for a job that he thinks is beyond us.>>

Other than that, she sits back, toying with the idea of doing a slow hack on that impressive node, but figuring she doesn't have that kind of time. At absolute best it would take at least half an hour. She does however store all information she can get about it. If it is accessible through the matrix at all, that might be a task for later, part of the legwork for the job.

[Zyerne]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:05; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Had she been anyone else Angel might have frowned at Flash's counter offer, it was definately less than she'd been about to ask for. Instead she just continued smoothly "5k each plus 6k for expenses does sound reasonable." That was 50% more than his original offer but she figured the guy could handle it.

[ludomastro]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:05; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The old man seems somewhat pained with the exchange but nodds slowly. "I percieve that you have some understanding of the value this represents." He pauses as if considering something else and then says, "Very well. I believe we have a deal."

He squares his drooping shoulders and addresses the room. "The job should be completed within the next 24 hours. You will ..." His words slow only a moment as a 3-D map of Tuscaloosa opens in AR. "... need to travel to the Jugs Road area on the outside of town to find the manufacturing plant." A point on the map lights up. "Our intelligence is limited to a few shots photos of some guards. Also, there is inconclusive evidence the target has security dogs as well."

The map swings down to the level of the former warehouse building and inserts the poor quality shots of two trolls and one orc walking around the perimeter. "Also, you will need to keep collateral damage to a minimum. I should have to mention to you that Dreamland is in this same area and you would have the entire city on your head. While I can not authorize a quiet payment for Dreamland I can for the warehouse. An extra 6k to the team if you keep off the news."

A panel in the wall opens and he extracts several bullet proof vests. "You may want these." Surprisingly there is a troll-sized one as well though it appears more ratty and looks like it may have stopped a few slugs. He opens another section of wall and gestures. "Leave through this exit to minimize attention to the restaurant."

He stops in his tracks for a moment as if a realization is passing over him. "Forgive an old man. Here is your payment." He drops a commlink on the table. "I assume there are no more questions?"

[Zyerne]

Sunday May 3rd 2071; 14:07; Dr. Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Just one. Where do we make delivery?

[Thanee]

Sunday, May 3rd, 2071; 14:07:22; Dr Chen's Happy Chinese Wok, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Raven; PAN = Passive [Skinlink]; SIN = Sabrina McCoy (not broadcast)

"I also have one question. What's up with those vests?"