[X] My Assistant

[Trigger]

Waiting for a break in the banter between Crowley and Scorch, Vamp finally speaks up about what he can bring to the table. "You've got me partly right Scorch. I am a social creature, yes, but I also excel at close combat, and I am a pretty decent shot with a pistol. I can also get around quietly and unseen pretty well."

Shifting in his arm chair to rest his hand on the pommel of his sword Vamp continues, "As for ways of destroying the truck, my brothers and sisters may be able to procure us a Anti-Vehicle Rocket and disposable launcher..." Vamp trails off as he grabs his comm again and fires off another message at Lilith, then thinking of who else he knows and firing off a message at Sammy as well.

@Lilith:

[ Spoiler ]

<Hey gorgeous, sorry to be hitting you up so hard, but we don't happen to have any Anti-Vehicle Rockets laying around, do we? I have the nuyen, plus some, if we do.>

@Sammy:

[ Spoiler ]

<Sammy, need a favor. Can you find us a AV Rocket or two? Nuyen upfront as usual.>

[BlackHat]

"Or three?" adds Scorch, smirking. "We'll get one shot at this, and we're not gonna wanna stick around to make sure we did more than give Duke a headache. Yanno whadda mean?"

[Generic_PC]

"None of those are very good for extracting Duke, as per the plan, are they? I suggest we get in contact with some Neo Anarchists. That way, we can actually make the extra fifty grand, and I'm sure they know how to deal with an armoured truck, so we can offload some of that onto them." He shrugs. "Two birds with one stone, right?" He sits back, then resumes. " Anyway, to confirm, I'm definitely the mage, with all the insanity that entails."

[Trigger]

Finishing his messages out, Vamp looks up as Thomas speaks. "Wait, are we or aren't we blowing Duke and the van to hell. It would be much easier to do that then to try and extract him. We don't need him as bargaining power if we can get the family out of the Blood Roses hands at the same time as our secondary meet with the J and his 'friends'."

[BlackHat]

Scorch smirks, "Either way. Vamp's right about taking Duke alive ramping the difficultly up to eleven - but it feels like the right move, to me. We get more leverage, and we're not sacrificing two cops in the process." Scorch shrugs. "I'm not sure we can do it, though. That said, our current plan doesn't sound like we're going to be able to just walk away, either."

[BlackHat]

"I guess the question is... do we want a harder time getting in, or getting out?"

[Generic_PC]

"Extracting Duke won't be as hard as you think. Throw some Neo Anarchists on that convoy, throw a spirit of some kind into the cab of the truck, and have some capsule rounds loaded with DSMO and some knock-out powder, maybe narcojet, and then we just gotta worry about actually carrying him." He shrugs. "Seems to me that all we would need on top of that is a vehicle, since we won't be legging it back with a body. At least, not if we don't want to get nailed by the star. We'd have to worry about getting shot up going in and out, of course, but with all the chaos and Crowleys spirits, we should be able to sneak past. You did say they helped with concealment? Then, all we'd have to worry about is finding the family and fixin' the meet, then taking away that seventy thousand. We'll be able to pick up the J's reward afterwards, assuming he's out of danger also." He looks thoughtful. "Actually, we're gonna need to meet the J first, so that he can know his family is safe and leg it outta here. Then we can pick up the seventy for finishing the job."

[zed]

September 14th, 2072
Vamp's Apartment Building, SoHo
[OOC: Ive assumed that contacts would likely take an hour+ to come back to you. So you can factor in conversations continuing whilst waiting for responses or do other stuff.. you're call]
6:23 PM
@Scorch

[ Spoiler ]

Deep-friend does'nt take too long to come back to you. <Hey Scorch. A HSR? Sure, for you not a problem. Price is as discussed. Want it delivered or pick up from usual place?>

6:34 PM
@Vamp

[ Spoiler ]

A beep on your commlink drags your attention away from the discussions at hand. You see a message from sammy: <AV Rockets? what does Mr J want? A heavy outfield unit? I'll see what i can do, probably take me 24hours to track down, 15% fee as usual>

7:07 PM
@Vamp

[ Spoiler ]

The commlink chirps again, this time Lilith. <Hey darling. The blood roses are a bad bunch. If you're looking to get jiggy with them make sure you wear protection. Rumor says they have a place in Inswood. A more upmarket outfit. Supposedly backed by a Corp, or funded or somehow connected. NYPD lumps them in with the NA's, definately an up and coming, mostly smuggling through their legit outfits>

A moment later a second message comes in from Lilith. <What are you messed up in? We had some coming in on a recent shipment. Damn lorry impounded by LS just before they crossed into Manhattan. Want the location? Got to warn you its a big Sec nightmare>

[Ol' Scratch]

Crowley tries to find a moment to interject. When that opportunity arises, he seizes it. "We'll need some means of jamming their communications as well. The last thing we'll want is backup, and considering how filthy these pig-filled streets are, I imagine the response time will be fairly swift."

[BlackHat]

Scorch considers for a moment. "I suppose if we have bombs or rockets going off, adding a jammer to the mix wouldn't really increase our profile." He taps his fingers against the arm-rest of the couch. "Thing is, the cops are more likely to have ee-cee-cee-em than we are - so it'll need to be pretty strong, or its a waste - and we'll be cut off, too, so our coordination will be worse - no over-watch, no tac-soft...." He stops tapping his fingers, and scratches the side of his head once. "Jammers would help a lot more if we're going to recover Duke. It'll limit their drone support, and would prevent on-board riggers from calling in additional security spiders once the node is compromised. If I can get close to the thing, I should still be able to get the truck open, and maybe release some restraints." He shook his head, "But, if we're just gonna blow em up... that'll cut off their communications just as well."

[Ol' Scratch]

"Erm, yes. About the 'bombs and rockets,...' That alll seems rather... well... stupid. No offense intended, of course.

"Not only will it 'increase our profile,' but it'll make our lives a living Hell after the fact. Far more than it would if we simply incapacitated the escort and stole away this Duke fellow. Throwing on a jacket with a gang sign isn't going to throw the NYPD off our scent for long if we kill any of theirs.

"Capturing Duke alive should be our primary goal. These Blood Roses are clearly concerned about what he has to say so having our own hostage as we seek to reclaim theirs seems to be infinitely more wise. If we do their job, all they have to do is geek the Johnson and his family and mission accomplished. Especially since they have no idea that we've been made aware of their involvement in this. Which in turn means we don't get paid for either job. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have bills to pays, so I'm rather keen on getting paid at least once." He pauses to smile lightly.

"What we need to do is figure out how to split the escort long enough for us to stop the main transport. Once we have that figured out, we can worry about what to do from there. The whole blow-the-frag-out-of-them plan is right out."

[BlackHat]

Scorch seemed to light up when it sounded like his original idea was back on the table. "The escorts are two cops on motorcycles, right?" He pressed two fingers down on the table, and moved them across, watching them as though imagining two motorcyclists in their place. "Stopping them, without seriously injuring them, is going to be a trick." Scorch looked up, at Crowley. "How many spirits do you think the spirit world would lend us?"

[Ol' Scratch]

"Three, maybe four if I can scrap a bit more coin together for some supplies."

[BlackHat]

Scorch thought about that for a second, while he brought up the data in AR, again. "Actually, looks like there's a pursuit car, plus the two motorcycles - so four, plus two in the van." The plan he was brewing dead-ended quickly, but the experiment he and Crowley had discussed earlier still lingered in his mind, and gave him another idea. "No mention of magical security.... Don't mean there won't be... but what do you think our odds are of asking a couple of your friends to 'reanimate' the driver and the guard in the van? It'd at least secure the target, and allow us to stop the van wherever we want."

[Trigger]

"Alright, no explosions," Vamp agreed with a sigh, though still thinking he might want to grab a couple of rockets for himself for emergency purposes, or for his family in the Ancients if they didn't have any. "So, Narcojet, Stick n' Shock, and Neurostun grenades then? I already have some S and S, some I will look around for the 'jet and grenades. Easier to find than Rockets, that's for sure though."

As Vamp leans back in his armchair his comm starts buzzing against his hip. Hoping for good news, he flicks his finger to open up the message from Sammy. Quickly reading it over, Vamp leaves it open as he talks.

"So, Sammy can get us Rockets, if we want them, by tomorrow. If not, I need to know now, so I can cancel my order before I get a service fee."

[BlackHat]

"Is there, like, a rocket that'll disable an armored van, but keep the occupants safe? Even if we try the spirit thing, we're going to want a backup plan for stopping the truck." Scorch suggests. "I guess, finding an EMP would probably be easier.... If you talk to Sammy, try to find out who he's connected with - the J or the ork." Scorch noticed that his chat-request with Thomas had timed out, and put the connection away. He would just try to grab his attention before they split up. "And don't forget that we'll need a ride - something with some armor. That might take the longest for him to get his hands on, if he doesn't have a junker sitting around, already."

[Generic_PC]

"Are we still planning on getting ahold of some Neo-Anarchists? I still think that it will be the easiest way to fulfill the extra requirement." He shrugs. "For a vehicle, I'd say our best option is something like a Bulldog. At worst, we could probably steal one and erase the tracking tag on it, but we'd have to ditch it fast and we'd be taking unnecessary risks."

[BlackHat]

"If any of us know any Neo-Anarchists, who won't mind taking one for the team... sure." Scorch smirks. "I'm not really sure what even counts as an en-nay, ya know. Heard some word about them blacking out the sec-cams in Terminal - which sounds pretty oh-see - but I've also heard of some cops busting a street-level dealer, a little too hard, for being 'en-nay scum'." He shrugs. "Maybe you guys are clued in - but I figure anyone not pro-pee-dee is de facto en-nay, ne?" After a moment of rapid blinking, during which he recoils his face slightly, he adds, "Good point, though. Our paycheck hinges on this, and I have a feeling the bee-are-gees'll be looking for any excuse to cry foul." He looked perplexed for a moment. "I must be missing, something, though, 'cause... like... well... whether Duke bites it, or walks away... all signs point at his gang... which seems like it would already scream en-nay, unless... well, there must be something else to being en-nay than messin' with po-pos."

[Trigger]

Listening to the others talk, Vamp types up his response to Sammy, a list of the equipment he can think of that he will want for the run.

<Hey Sammy, so I need a couple of others things too, but they are more within what you usually supply. So first two of the M79B1s that I asked about earlier, 2 loaded clips of Narcojet Darts for an Ares Predator IV, an Ares Antioch 2 with an airburst link, and either 10 Neurostun Gas Grenades or 10 Breathtaker Gas Grenades. So either 4630 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) including your cut for the list with Breathtakers, or 4745 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) for the list with Neurostun. I also have an extra 300 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) if I can get it all by the time you had set for the rockets tomorrow. Thanks in advance.>

[Trigger]

After sending out the request to Sammy, Vamp's comm buzzs at another incoming message. Opening the message, he sees that it is from Lilith and he quickly scans the information with a growing smile. When her second message comes in on its heels. Well, shit... maybe after this, these guys will want to help the Ancient's out...

Quickly typing up a response, Vamp sends a message back to Lilith:
<Thanks much Love. I will see what I can do to get that shipment back in your hands. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) >

Turning his attention back to the conversation, Vamp says with a chuckle, "Well, it seems that our friends, the Blood Roses, are considered Neo-A's by the NYPD. But I don't think our Johnson would like it overly much if we make it look like they did it."

[BlackHat]

"I'm sure the Jay has no love for the bee-are-gees, after what they've done to his family, but the ork might be pissed." Scorch paused and smirked, "And as long as we have Duke and have fulfilled the letter of our agreement, I don't really care how he feels about it." He huffs a weak laugh, "I mean, we're not supposed to know he's tied to the bee-are-gees, anyway, so he can hardly blame us for picking them. And if he does, we'll have insurance to make sure he honors our agreement."

"I'm not saying we go out of our way to make sure this comes back to him, but I've got nothing against anyone else who might fit the profile - and it seems like it would require the least work to draw that connection for the pee-dee. If an informant dies, or is kidnapped, right before he squeals, whoever he was about to sell down the river would be the prime suspect, ne? If the pee-dee thinks they had a hand in it, and already think they're en-nay, then I'd say we can check that box and move on."

[zed]

Apartment
Between 9:00PM & 2:30am

@Vamp

[ Spoiler ]

its almost 9 before Sammy comes back with a response to the list. "Seems you're in luck ma'boy. Got a meet arranged with a J for you at this location tomorrow evening 10:00PM. You need to take a truck and look like a local. Ask for Mr Johnson. It could be a trap so be careful. Seems awefully convenient for this old timer"

@Scorch

[ Spoiler ]

The CHN is easy to find. In fact suprisingly its not been taken off the grid. Fitted with a slightly higher than usual security system (firewall 5) but nothing else. It takes you a couple of hours to crack into the node and entry stealthily and begin to poke around. You notice that key rooms are covered by security cameras. The lounge, master bedroom, garage, 2 other bedrooms and kitchen. In the Master bedroom you can see a woman sleeping on the bed with a young girl - approximately 8 - 9yrs old. The lounge has 2 men awake, one watching a trid screen the other cleaning a weapon of some kind (looks like a shotgun). One bedroom has a man fast asleep. The other has another man asleep, as luck has it the door is slightly ajar and you think you can make out a figure in the hallway. By the time you finish its after 2:00AM.

[BlackHat]

Scorch rolls his head around, stretching his neck, "So, I'd say this meet got us on the same page, but we're going to iterate on the plan over the next few days, anyway, so lets dole out some assignments and call it a night. We can check in on the Matrix, when we have time. I'll forward a good meeting spot. I'm gonna try to peek in at the Jay's place, and get a feel for what we're up against. If you leave me some secure contact info, I'll forward on whatever I find." He dug around in his pocket, and produced his optical chip again, and began rubbing it nervously as he continued.

"Vamp... it sounds like you're connected, and you're already talking to Sammy - so why don't you take point on finding the gear and vehicle. I don't need anything, personally, but I'll leave this cred here, and trust you to make change if there is any left after our expenses. While you're at it, maybe feel out where Sammy stands on the whole kidnapping issue, and make sure he's got our back if our reputations nose-dive over this." His eyes darted around a lot, and he spoke quickly.

"Thomas... Crowley says you're probably better suited to astral recon, so we're going to want to do a bit of that - both at the Jay's place, and along the route we expect the truck to be going. It'll be good to know if we're crossing districts, or passing through any icky hocum. I dunno if you have any way to research what sort of magical security you can expect from the pee-dee, but its worth looking into."

"Crowley... you said you'd need some time to prepare and some money to get some stuff, to ask favors of the spirits. That sounds like a good task, for you. I don't really know what the limitations are, but if your spirits can control someone like me, they can probably control the cops in the van - and that seems like a no-muss way to get it where we want it, and keep the target safe. I dunno if it makes sense to have you support Thomas's astral fly-by, but you two can work that out."

By the end, Scorch's discomfort with handing out tasks overcame his desire to wrap things up, and began to show on his face.

"You guys know your strengths better than I do, so if there's something else you think you should be doing, just say so. I also don't know which of us will have free time, but someone should look into what our options are for shifting blame from our client to some other neo-anarchist faction... in case that's a route we want to go down."

"Does that, uh, sound good to everyone? We can touch-bases in the morning, and re-plan from there."

[Trigger]

Stretching his neck, leaning back in his armchair, Vamp listens to Scorch detail everyone's assignments for the next day. Nodding in agreement with the details, Vamp suddenly gets a vibration at his hip, a message coming in from one of his contacts. Reading through the message from Sammy real quick, Vamp smiles and speaks up when Sammy finishes.

"So, I requested some gear from Sammy, enough for myself at the moment, but I can ask for more if any of you need anything. I am getting some narcojet darts, some neurostun or breathtaker 'nades, and a grenade launcher. I am going to look into getting a vehicle later, but I was wondering if any of you would care to come with me to pick up this gear tomorrow night at 10. Sammy says it may be kind of sketch, so I would like some back up for this meet."

"As for running things by Sammy, I will try and get his opinion on the kidnapping tomorrow, I think I have bothered the old man enough for tonight, I don't want to keep him up past his bedtime," Vamp chuckles. "Also, tomorrow, I will take a physical look at the route, look around for any good ambush sights, and try and map out a couple of good escape routes if things go to hell. You can reach me at almost anytime on my comm, if any of you need me."

Bringing up the message to Sammy again, Vamp types up a response to the Fixer:
<Thanks for the hook up, I will forward you your cut after I know exactly how much I spent (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Do you know if the J is bringing just what I asked for, or if he is bringing some extra if I need to get some stuff for the other guys? Thanks again, and I will probably talk with you some more tomorrow.>

[BlackHat]

Scorch shook his head, very slightly, at the mention of people needing more gear. When Vamp asks for backup, Scorch nods, nervously. "Not too intimidating, but I'll definitely tag along. We driving separate, or together?" In the lull that follows, Scorch puts together a quick reply to Deep-Fried, after noticing the reply message waiting for him. <Delivery would be great. I've got a lot of stuff to get done tonight. Give me an hour or so, then ping me when you're at my place, and I'll buzz you up.>