2072: Game World, IC thread for 2072: Recruitment always open! Options

[Gortrek Bloodspl...]

@Fortune's Forecast
[April 17th, 2072, 21:21:55 Крымские дворце (The Crimean Palace)]
[Quincy Mathews: PAN Passive][Jack Blades: PAN Hidden]

Jack looked around for a nearby drink that wasn't in another's hand. When he failed to locate an unattended glass nearby he shot one of the girls a pathetic look, one that screamed "I'm parched and about to die."

Mr. Azdof would be delighted after another drink or two. I could use a ride to get there if that is at all possible. I think... Jack opened up the envelope revealing a large amount of cred. I think this will be fun.

A couple of scores like this and I'll be ready for a much bigger game as well...

Jack took a look around the place. It was an exciting, yet dangerous place. One that he had grown quite fond of, he hoped that he would be able to come back here a local celebrity at some point. The difficulty of that would be in staying alive. He would need a lot more luck and survival skills to pull that off. Luck, however, was one thing he actually had going for him at the moment.

[Fairy]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:21:11; Fleet Road, UK]
PAN=Active; SIN:Nina Okada

Slowly, Tsubaki composes herself. How embarrassing... No one saw that, right? The female shadowrunner takes off with the others.

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:21:11; Church of Our Lady, 2 Connaught Road, Fleet, UK]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

Mordred shakes his head. In answer to the sniper's question, that is, and not at his stopping for a drink in the middle of their retreat. As far as anyone knew. "We'll have to, ah, commandeer that new vehicle. By the way, can someone help me with him?" The adept grabs the sleeve of Charlie's suit jacket and holds the ork's arm out. "No offense, but once those stim patches wear off, you might pass out again. Which means you're going to get a lot heavier." He listens to the sound of the tank moving and carefully begins guiding their injured driver in the opposite direction. "Before we get another car, we'll have to lose those cops. If they spot us driving off, they can just run us off the road again."

[Aria]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:21:11; Fleet Road, UK]

You estimate that the Citymaster will be able to get round the block in the next couple of minutes. In the sudden absence of gun fire the inhabitants of Highdown are beginning to emerge from their houses. They, like the unfortunate that you drew in before, are mostly pensioners – who else would be at home at this hour? Rather than being cautious they are beginning to query each other in excessively loud voices about what is going on and, just possibly, you have a few moments to conceal yourselves amongst them.

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town / All
[July 8th, 2072, 20:17 PM; CZ, Chicago]

As the thunderous gunshot shatters the silence you are immediately drawn to what has been unnerving you the most about the Containment Zone, the silence. There’s no traffic or hum of human life, but more than that, there are no birds and very little fauna apart from the ubiquitous devil rat.

The orc is flung to one side by the massive slugs from the combat shotgun, his patched clothing no match for the massive bore weapon. This doesn’t seem to deter the three ragged humans though and a scitter of falling debris momentarily draws your attention skyward and the suspicion of an insectile buzz from one of the looming wrecks.

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town / All
[July 8th, 2072, 20:17 PM; CZ, Chicago]
PAN: Hidden, SIN: Charlotte Church

"A little help here, ladies!" barks Copperhead at her companions as she slings her shotgun.

She crouches ready to tackle the nearest human, her arms held low and out to the side, her razors snapping into place. She remembers an old superhero cartoon she used to watch as a child. I am Colossus and Wolvie wrapped together in one good looking package.

The faint buzzing draws her attention and she spares a glance upwards, looking for the source. I hope that's just a drone or something equally mundane!

Then, as the humans close on her, she charges forward. "You fraggers wanna rumble wid me? Come get some!"

[JxJxA]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:21:11; Fleet Road, UK]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

"Well, I suppose that is where invisible priests come into play, right?" Gemeaux replies to Mordred, awaiting a response from Monsieur Hill. When he is met with silence, he tries again.

"Où êtes-vous, Frère Jacques?"

Again, nothing.

Grumbling, Gemeaux switches to his commlink.

<<@ Mr. Hill: If you want me to guard your body, you have to cooperate with me. First, I need to know where you are. Second, I need to be able to see you. Finally, I need to be able to trust you. "Be square or beware," remember? I am a man of my word and I have done my part, as I helped you escape certain incarceration by the police who stormed your church. I need to see that you can hold your part of the bargain. If you disappear on me now, I will have no other choice but to hold you in breach of our agreement and consider it void.

The others are agents of Argent, who are also here to protect Monsieur Collot and his son. We are planning on leaving, and you are welcome to come with us. I assume this would be in your best interest, as you have been hired to assist in their flight from danger. Furthermore, this would demonstrate to me that our agreement is still ongoing. We could use your help at avoiding unwelcome eyes while acquiring a new mode of transportation. However, we will make other arrangements if necessary.>>

[onlyghostdancesw...]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:21:11; Fleet Road, UK]

Anselm was halfway to cover when he just barely heard the newcomer's remarks and received the Frenchman's text, Hmm, So used to working quietly and alone; I wonder if this was worth it in the end. Making his mind up to keep the embassy in mind in the future Anselm nodded to his bodyguard, then, realizing the lack of effect, expanded the protection of his Lord and Savior to the rest of those in his present company. <<@Gemeaux: My apologies, I have often worked alone, it takes some getting used to thinking about expanding the prayers of this type to others in my company. I will move to consider the embassy as a whole from now on, and yes my mercenary friend, extra compensation will be granted to you for the headache you have taken up in my place.>>

"You can all now see each other but the enemy of the Lord will not, unless he is a mighty follower of the Accuser." Turning curtly and quickening his pace he made for the treeline, heading southwest over the fences of the adjacent neighborhood, away from the sound of the tank which was somewhere to the north and east.

[onlyghostdancesw...]

@Fortune's Forecast
[April 17th, 2072, 21:22:30 Крымские дворце (The Crimean Palace)]

Hawke nodded absently, his attention apparently drawn to an overly large troll who was sitting on the steps to the back apparently absorbed in gingerly touching wounds sustained in the brief violence. "Hmm, yes, let us hope not as fun as tonight though... this issue will need to be dealt with before it can be spread too wide..." Hawke suddenly seemed to become aware that he had spoken aloud and motioned towards the troll, "Tell you what, how are you with trogs?"

So saying he flagged the troll's attention and as the great brute lumbered over towards the bar, turned to Jack and said, "He'll be more than happy to watch your back on Casino Corner my son. Consider it a favor because you really do remind me of my old son..."

[JxJxA]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:21:11; Fleet Road, UK]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

<<@ Mr. Hill: I understand the need to adjust one's thinking when playing a new part, as I am performing out of my prime element. However, think of it as a part of the call of professionalism: get the job done, no matter the cost. Speaking of which, my account will certainly welcome any increases in compensation.>>

When Monsieur Hill cloaks the group in his illusion, Gemeaux turns to the others.

"Boosting a car is...out of my expertise. If you are up to the task, Mordred, I will help keep Charlie steady if someone else will carry my things. I would prefer to keep a hand free just in case our facade fails us and we are forced into a firefight once more."

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:21:11; Church of Our Lady, 2 Connaught Road, Fleet, UK]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

Mordred endeavored to move silently, illusion spell or not. Invisible didn't meant undetectable. "Gladly." The adept produces an autopicker from his pocket. "Once the lock is out, I'll need you to deal with any tags," he says to the technomancer. "I have a scanner, but it'd take forever to make sure the car is clean, and we can't chance of missing one of them." Mordred does take a minute to choose a getaway vehicle, however. Which wasn't to say he was concerned with escaping in style. His target needed to be old or cheap enough that the security system and door lock would be easy to get through, yet in good enough condition to get them to their destination at a reasonable pace.

The adept carefully walks over to one of the cars, hoping the owner didn't invest too much in its security. Mordred inserts the device into the keyhole and allows the autopicker to do its job.

[Aria]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:25:32; Knoll Road, Fleet, UK]

Mordred has picked the car well and the autopicker makes short work of the antiquated security. Thankfully this neighbourhood seems to be mostly inhabited by those later in life with an unwillingness to see change, the cars are ample proof of that. There probably aren't even any RFID tags stashed away unless they've been retrofitted. The bulk of the vehicles here are pre-crash but look to have been kept in good condition.

The big Mercedes engine purrs into life once the rudimentary maglock on the ignition has been bypassed. It will be a squeeze getting you in there but at least little Luc has gone from screaming to chortling happily to himself and trying to wriggle out of his father's arms.

The sound of sirens from the north hurry you along and the car pulls out of Knoll road and heads south back along Fleet road...now all you need to do is decide on a route and hope you can evade any potential road blocks...

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town / Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 20:17 PM; CZ, Chicago]

The other humans come on, ignoring the fate of their ragged companion and the menacing appearance of Copperhead and the glint of her razors. One tries to get past Copperhead to attack Ælias but the razors come back bloody as you snag his arm and he squeels in rage and bares the blackened stumps of his teeth at you. The stink coming off him is staggering but doesn't slow the blur of your snakelike moves as you distract and then strike, each time leaving a telltale arc of bright red blood...the only clean thing about your attackers.

@E:PL/Chi Town / Ælias
[July 8th, 2072, 20:17 PM; CZ, Chicago]

As the sun sinks behind some buildings to your west the feral human leaps towards you only to be intercepted by the lethal Copperhead. Momentarily distracted by the brutal combat you only just feel the whisper of a live signal somewhere close by. It is muted and not enough to get a lock on it, you suspect it is being deliberatly reduced to avoid detection, but it is a taste of the trix that isn't filtered through the sat link you are carrying on your pack...

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town / All
[July 8th, 2072, 20:17 PM; CZ, Chicago]
PAN: Hidden, SIN: Charlotte Church

Copperhead can hardly be called agile, but there is a grace in her movements albeit it a rather brutal and efficient one. She snakes out one long arm to strike the human trying to get at Ælias, shoulder charges the second and backhands the third with a blow that nearly takes off his head. She glances at her companions while parrying the smelly humans' counterattacks with her armored arms or simply letting them bounce off her well-armored torso.

Ælias is staring off into the distance, head cocked to one side like he is listening to something only he can hear. I hope he's dealing with that drone and not just standing there drooling like some BTL addict.

"Jess, how about putting using some o' dat 'ware ta use and shooting one of dese fraggers or sumfin" she calls at the hesitating woman, as she drives her razors into the gut of grubby human number one.

[Aria]

[April 17th, 2072, 18:37, Doss, Loveland, Puyallup]

Scratch kicked open the door to the doss whilst balancing the pizza box in one hand and her bike helmet in the other. She’d been running errands for the Dozen for most of the day and she was tired and sore. Since the Tempo crisis everyone had been on edge in the area and acting as a go-between for the various gangs in the area wasn’t a job designed to let you live longer. Still, if the truce was to hold someone had to do it and she was confident enough in her abilities to know that she could run if the shit hit the fan, and fight as a last resort.

She knew immediately that the place felt empty…damn Summer, where was that girl? Throwing her stuff down onto their meagre sofa she jabbed at the cobbled together com station on the counter, knowing that if Summer was going to go off somewhere she would have left a message here rather than risk a telling off by messaging Scratch directly.

Sure enough the message icon was blinking green, and after the glacial time it took her ‘link to interface with the archaic device she got Summer’s message.

<<Don’t worry about me, I will be back in a bit. I had to see someone Downtown, it’s important! The bus will be safe enough today.>>

Bloody kid…what the hell did she think was safe about getting on a bus in Puyallup? Okay, Loveland wasn’t the deepest part of the barrens but Summer screamed fresh meat to the predators that would be roaming. She scooped up her helmet again and headed back for the door. At least her bike was fuelled enough for a trip and back…

<<Summer, wait where you are, I don’t want you on the bus after dark. Let me know where you are and I will come and find you!>>

[SoyKaf Adict]

@Fortune's Forecast
[April 18th, 2072, 00:54:46; Everett, Everett Medical Center, Room 403]
Erica = PAN: Active
Vivian = PAN: Hidden

He'd rebuffed her chance to lower the price, 500 nuyen was still pretty steep, and he had totally skipped on any response to either of Jessica's assumed names. She was a little disheartened, which played well into her next statement. She answered the first question while she thought up something feasible as to why she kept her wireless off. Oh it's just because I'm a hacker and I know what other hackers can do with an open signal.

"I fell off my bike on the way to a client, my gear saved everything else, but my eyeware got jostled." She said, playing sheepish. "Oh, and it's common practice in my line of work to keep client identity anonymous, I usually shut it off as a precaution," she assured him. Saint hadn't needed to lie in either case so far, just a little rewording did the trick.

"I'm kind of curious, Jessica has a few more bits of cyberware than me, even for an elf, so I'm guessing you know a whole bunch about different types of headware, right? She didn't just recommend you because you're a little studmuffin." She smiled for the camera, picture perfect, she'd done it a thousand times. At this point, she had moved past trying to persuade him to lower the price, now it was just to throw him off the scent.

[onlyghostdancesw...]

@Fortune's Forecast
[April 18th, 2072, 00:55:47; Everett, Everett Medical Center, Room 403]


The doctor seemed incredibly put off balance by the last comment, blinking owlishly at Saint, entirely uncertain why there was such a fascination with her apparent idolization of another street walker. "Ah, umm, well of course I do, fully certified in neuro-engineering and reconstructive surgery among other things... are you looking to upgrade?" The bed-side manner was perfect to a T, even to his care with the diagnostics as he enabled the wireless functionality. "I would however, strongly recommend that you keep your wireless on ma'am, they can't receive firmware updates from the manufacturer if they aren't enabled and the links are quite secure you know?"

After meddling a bit the twitch disappeared and the doctor straightened up, "Alright looks like you are good to go. Is there anything else I can help you with? I'm sorry I don't remember your friend being a customer of mine, what did she look like?"

[SoyKaf Adict]

@Fortune's Forecast
[April 18th, 2072, 00:56:22; Everett, Everett Medical Center, Room 403]
PAN: Active - Erica Hallowford
PAN: Hidden - Vivian Leman

She looked genuinely surprised that he was bringing her up, she had thought she'd have to ask flat out. She still felt awkward, he'd taken the initiative and now it was time to ask the real questions.

"Oh, uh... Sorry, I'm just worried is all. Can't believe this is coming up now, even though I'm sure she just isn't answering her 'link because she's snooping for a story." Her voice wavered up and down as she tried to convince herself of a situation she knew wasn't true. Well, partly true, as Jessica had been snooping all right. "She's just up and disappeared, and it's got me worried if there might be some guy killing hourly companions again. Jessica's an elf, she rubs a lot of people the wrong way, pretty driven like that. Uh, she has fake platinum blonde hair, even though she swears it's her natural color, and she's-- well-- elfy." She said, one cheek lifting along with her shoulders, defeated over any other significant description.

She wished she could've gone in better detail, but she didn't want to come off like a KE profiler either.

[onlyghostdancesw...]

@Fortune's Forecast
[April 18th, 2072, 00:57:00; Everett, Everett Medical Center, Room 403]

The doctor looked at her in a disgusted manner, "I'm sorry but I simply don't recall her, nor do I simply kill "street walkers" as you put it. You can escort yourself out if you are done here..."

He looked over towards Adrian slowly and raised an eyebrow, "Anything I can do for you while your friend here leaves?" The tone which he used would have been more appropriate in a very heated debate over the effects of various portions of the SOX as livable environments.

[Ears]

@Fortune's Forecast
[Monday, April 18th, 2072, 00:57:05; Everett, Everett Medical Center, Room 403]
PAN=Active, SIN: John Taylor, Edge: 5 / 6

As the doctor so quickly denies an accusation that wasn't even directed at him, Adrian wishes he could telepathically influence people.
Come on Saint, drop it and let's go.

Staring at Saint's back, Adrian is surprised by the doctor's addressing him directly.

What? Oh, I'm just tagging along, I'll leave with her. I'll keep your friendly offer in mind, though.

Trying a smile - after this night's events and looking at Bailey it turns out rather feeble instead of smug - he half turns towards the door.

[onlyghostdancesw...]

@Fortune's Forecast
[April 17th, 2072, 23:30:00, Doss, Loveland, Puyallup]


Scratch threw open the door to the doss in a fury, half hoping Summer would be there and half hoping she wouldn't just for the tongue lashing she felt ready to administer. The worry belied all that though as she eagerly scanned the apartment hoping that Summer would somehow magically appear before her eyes. She was disappointed however as the doss was as empty as when she had left it hours ago.

No trace could be found of Summer, not on the buses nor anyone who might have seen her. No contact had been left either which even for Summer was unusual in the extreme. Scratch paced the floor not even bothering to put her helmet in the right place as she worried herself into a fit bordering on hysteria. Where could that girl possibly be?! Scratch blamed herself entirely for the affair even if it was not something that could have been controlled; Summer had a mind of her own and exercised it freely with no regard to her personal safety.

The message light was blinking on the com when she finished her last turn pacing up and down the cramped apartment and she eagerly stabbed the button hoping beyond hope that Summer had finally come to her wits for a ride home.

<<Hey Scratch, look I know we parted on bad terms but why not let the past be the past neh? I think it's time I owe you an apology and I'd like to give it to you in person, nothing bad you know? Anyways got some biz that you might be interested in, if you are hit me up on the old com, Ma says hi. - Col>>

[mister__joshua]

@E:PL/Chi Town / All
[July 8th, 2072, 20:17 PM; CZ, Chicago]

As Copperhead turns to shout at Jess, she's already gone.

She's still close enough to hear the jibe, but doesn't react to it, her boosted mind processing information at incredible speed. She had instantly dismissed the humans a no threat at all, maybe a distraction or diversion. Darting into a nearby shell of a building she was looking up, trying to figure out what was above them. Combat is all about advantage, and fighting out in the open in a street wasn't going to give it to them. Besides, Copperhead would have no trouble murdering the gangers and she seemed to enjoy it.

[JxJxA]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:25:32; Knoll Road, Fleet, UK]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

In the car, Gemeaux tries to get comfortable in the car's cramped quarters. He catches himself absentmindedly going for a cigarette, but he holds off on indulging his habit until he is in open air and can distance himself from the child. Instead, he just tries to hold onto the taste of the Cassis and savor the residual adrenaline that is still in his system. Once as settled as he can be under the circumstances, he addresses his fellow shadowrunners.

"Now that we are away and have a few moments to talk, I suggest we discuss a few things. First, introductions are in order. Once again, I am Gemeaux. The elfe prêtre is my employer and compatriot, Monsieur Hill. The dame de la chevelure d'argent is Tsubaki. The homme dans le costume is Mordred. They are agents of Argent, our friends' benefactor

"Second, we should select a destination soon. Depending on what the police found or heard, our original plans are likely no longer secret. Also, perhaps someone can shed some light as to why they might choose that exact moment to descend upon that church? I mean, I will confess that I am a wanted man, but I have only been in this country for a few hours. I did not think my notoriety demanded such a...how do you say it...punctual address?"

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town / All
[July 8th, 2072, 20:17 PM; CZ, Chicago]
PAN: Hidden, SIN: Charlotte Church

As number one drops to the ground trying to hold his guts in, Copperhead spins and pistons a fist into the face of number two. Despite the fact she can feel bones break, he surprisingly stays on his feet. So she hits him again, this time triggering her shock glove. 10,000 volts does the trick and he drops like a sack of potatoes. Or at least how she imagines a sack of potatoes would drop. At that moment number three, somewhat recovered from the blow to his head, leaps onto her back.

"Da frag? Do I gotta do everything myself!"

With that, she reaches over her shoulder and digs her razors deep into his back. Then, with a grunt and a heave, she throws him over her shoulder and onto the ground, her razors leaving long cuts down his spine in the process. She follows up by dropping a knee onto his chest, crushing ribs with her full 200 kilos of weight plus a few extra kilos of gear.

For a moment all is still, except the pounding of her heart, then she hears the buzzing again.

Frag! Time to not be here.

Scanning quickly around she spots Ælias still standing out in the open, but there is no sign of Jess. She runs towards him with a groundshaking thunder, hoping she can drag him into cover before anything else tries to kill them.

[onlyghostdancesw...]

@E:PL UK
[May 19th, 2072, 10:25:32; Knoll Road, Fleet, UK]

Anselm mused quietly, "I cannot say for certain though I don't believe it has to do with me being unregistered in this country as magical... my contacts are above reproach in this matter and can be trusted... but the chapel itself. That is what strikes me odd. I merely rested my eyes and yet I wake up who knows where being shot at by an armored vehicle. I assume these same police attacked the chapel? Has it been demolished?"

He wiggled deeper into the niche he was squashed into, if only to relieve the kink in his back for a moment and let his eyes wander over Argent's apparent helpers. Does she really wish to help me... or does she suspect that I have been given a higher calling from God?