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

[Aria]

@E:PL/UK
[May21st, 2072, 09:15:33, Oxford Airport, North Oxford]

The trip out of Oxford is pleasant in the morning sunshine and you are almost able to forget the fact that you are ahead of some unknown threat that is presumably still trying to track the Collots. This is all helped by little Collot burbling away to himself in an infectious manner, pointing out the electric trams with great jubilation.

A quick matrix search has told you that the airport serves private corp flights on internal flights so you are not too concerned about red tape. Exeter might be a different story but for now you can continue enjoying the relaxation you’ve finally allowed yourselves staying at the guest house. It is almost hard to believe that it was only a couple of days ago that you were fighting a special tactics police unit for possession of the Collots! Why they were there, where they are now, and why they didn’t call for support are all questions that have so far gone unanswered.

The zeppelin waiting for you is a majestic sight in its almost antique looking splendour. It’s not one of the big commercial haulers you occasionally see but one clearly dedicated to comfortable travel. You begin to suspect that you might enjoy this trip!

[Fairy]

@E:PL / UK
[May 21st, 2072, 09:15:33, Oxford Airport, North Oxford]
PAN=Active; SIN:Nina Okada

Well, what exactly is everyone else waiting for? And besides, it's not like she has to be joined at the hip to her fellow shadowrunners, does she? They're all big boys and they can manage things on their own for a little bit, right? The first thing Tsubaki interests herself to is scoping out the zeppelin residents~! Starting from persons most important-looking to persons barely being a blip on the radar. And maybe by danger level, too...

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:21:57; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Requiem shrugs at you and then slams the side of his helmet…that obviously doesn’t have the desired effect as he peels it off to reveal his slightly sweaty but still devastatingly attractive elven profile

"Sorry, couldn’t hear you and comms seem to be fragged! What the bloody hell is going on here? These have been set demolitions not an attack, at least that’s what the blast patterns look like. I can’t see these nice folk rigging the place to blow up around their heads can you?"

without waiting for you to reply he abruptly approaches the still gasping Jon "Ok lad, I know this is rough but I need you to show us the way out of this place now. Your friends are dead, forget them for now, focus” the last bit in a decidedly militaristic bark

"She was asking that, she knows the way out…Katie, where is she? She wasn’t with us, we got split up…”

"Right then, Copperhead right? You take him, doesn’t look like he’s up to walking far on his own. I’ll take point and Stitch’s on rear guard. We find who we can and we leave before more of this place gets flash fried”

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/UK
[May21st, 2072, 09:15:33, Oxford Airport, North Oxford]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

"Ah, qu'est-ce d'une manière délicieusement anachronique de voler," remarks Gemeaux. He sets his luggage down and takes in the sight of the airship.

<<[Gemeaux]: Vivienne, my dear, I may have to ask you to take pictures.>>

<<[Vivienne]: Of course, Damien. Just tell me when.>>

He looks to the others.

"This is my favorite mode of transportation: in style. Ladies and families first, yes? Or shall I perform the part of the garde du corps noble and secure the ship?"

[IanW]

@ Paranimal Consulting and Supplies, Tacoma, WA, UCAS

[[17 July 2072, 8.51 am : 2106 96th St South, Tacoma WA]]

Pan = Active, SIN = Jorge Ramilles

Waving his credstick over the shopfitting contractor's datapad, Jorge Ramilles formally takes legal responsibility for his new shopfront - 'Paranimal Consulting and Supplies'.

'Well, here is to new beginnings' he says, sipping his morning cup of strong Amazonian.

'Before I move stock in, I'll need some better security, an accountant and a lawyer'.

On his datapad, he lists the following as to-do

1. Contract additional security, beyond the C-class he has
2. Put dodgy lawyer on retainer, to help clients get paperwork for their paranimals
3. Drop in to Zalensky's Electronics to find a Matrix Security contact
4. Put dodgy accountant on retainer
5. Sponsor Devil Rat awareness sessions
6. Put the word on the street that he is buying Talismongering materials
7. Put the word on the street that he is available for advice on Awakened critters
8. Attend the local Catholic Church and be a minor sponsor a childrens soccer team

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Aria
[July 8th, 2072, 22:21:57; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead glances up to her right. The ominous words <NO SERVICE> float in her vision. At least the map was still running, arrows indicating the way to the other exits.

"Frag. No signal. We being jammed? Ælias sent me da coords to da exits and a plan of da complex. I tink ah can get us out assuming dey ain't been blowed up too."

She focuses on her link for a second pinging out a message to the ork.

<<@Ælias: Someone blowed up da main entrance. If ya gets dis message, get yer hoop and any survivors outta here. Keep an eye out fer Katie. We lost track of her in da 'splosion.>>

She scoops Jon up in her arms, the servos flexing them in strange ways under her armor as she adjusts their armor plating to best protect him. She nods to Requiem.

"Dat way. Let's go!”

As they move out she lowers her voice and whispers to Jon.

"Lissen kid, I ain't planning on leavin yer girlfriend behind. But we needs to find her. Dey say you can see da matrix without a commlink, right? Then, you finds her and takes us to her.”

She amps up the gain on her goggles' low-light vision, scanning around in the hope of spotting the girl, the ork or any trouble.

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May21st, 2072, 09:15:33, Oxford Airport, North Oxford]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

"We can share that job, I think..." It was almost a shame they couldn't just kick back and have some fun with the zeppelin ride. They still had the Collots to watch. Well, at any rate, he wouldn't relax. Traveling by zeppelin meant there was the possibility they could get trapped in a very confined space with the opposition. A space that was miles above the ground, no less. Still, even if he would be playing the role of the bodyguard the whole time, it was nice to experience something different for once. Something that was dull, grey and dingy like the city he called home.

[Aria]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]

Tsubaki

This is clearly a private flight and you’ve no idea how the Professor managed to wangle this one. The branding is subtle but you suspect this is a NeoNet blimp run for their executives, and it is clearly too late to back out now for a more anonymous route. Hopefully your new identities will hold up to corp scrutiny.

There are a couple of other passengers of note; the first is a young girl whose projected ID says she is Lady deBathayre. She looks to be in her late teens or early twenties but moves with an assurance and grace that belies that. Dressed in woefully impractical clothes she spends most of the time obviously interacting with an AR interface – although she does give you all a careful look as you board. She is accompanied by an almost lifelike Avatar drone and two hulking black guys that move like the wired muscle they clearly are. The second is a small family, again excessively wealthy, and their daughter, of about five, is instantly besotted with the junior Collot who takes the attention with the aplomb of a toddler used to such things. Otherwise there are some inconspicuous security that give you all the once over as you board and the calm and efficient crew that are clearly prepared to see to your every whim…

Mordred

You sit nervously through the early stages of the flight, constantly aware of the potential dangers around you. Despite yourself though the ambience of the luxurious flight settles your nerves. If the crew were any threat it would have happened by now and you can see nothing else particular that is likely to cause concern…

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:21:57; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Jon is now shaking his head and clutching at his ears in signs of obvious distress. “I can’t feel it, it’s there on the edge of my mind but I can’t break through the static…”

Requiem comes up beside you “This feels all wrong to me. Jamming internally and set explosives, if it’s an attack it’s coming from inside not out! You’ve got the map so we’ll follow you to the exit. This mission is blown, we’ll get out who we can but I’m not sure how many we can babysit out there, the zone isn’t the safest place. If we get clear of this rats nest perhaps Mrs A can buy us passage out but I wouldn’t count on it.”

Worryingly there is no word from Ælias…

Moving away from the explosion and resulting fires near the main door you are chased by increasingly thickening smoke as whatever ventilation they had down here seems to be breaking down. It is a pain having to update your location constantly on your AR map, without the mesh to link to your commlink is unable to plot its own location and GPS is a dim dream down here. Still, you are grateful that Ælias was able to give you at least this much before you lost touch with him.

Moving through into the debris that was formally the hydroponics bays you can see the patterns of destruction – whoever has done this has ensured this place is no longer a viable refuge. There are still scattered inhabitants around that are moving sluggishly around, some even uninjured but all in a state of shock. At Requiem’s urging they fall in somewhere behind you, glad of someone to follow. Perhaps this isn’t the wisest choice but it beats letting them stay here to rot…

Of danger there is no apparent sign more than the thickening of the air and the wounded trailing you…

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

Once aboard the zeppelin Gemeaux makes his rounds, doing his best to walk casually while soaking up the details of the airship. When he is satisfied that he has done everything he can, he takes his seat and allows himself to wallow in the indulgences of the luxury vessel. He orders a glass of their best wine, settles into his chair, and then begins surveying the passengers for a damsel whose company he can enjoy during the course of the flight.

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

From his coat pocket, the adept produces a pair of goggles. Mordred puts them on and looks out the window, acting as if he were taking in the sights. Periodically, he glances back at the passengers. The adept guessed the others were doing what they were pretending to. Enjoying the ride under heavy guard. Mordred allows himself to slump in his seat, feeling the past few days weigh down on him. The problem was he didn't know what to do with himself.

Though, his current surroundings weren't the reason. Truth be told, Mordred had been experiencing this restlessness and boredom more often lately. After a job, he had little to look forward to beyond his lonely apartment and the wait for the next one. Perhaps the adept would run through his martial arts routines, or practice the violin. Mordred watched the ground move past as he mused. He had devoted so much time to mastering the skills of his trade that he didn't know how to do (or be) much else.

Mordred stretched, pocketed the goggles, and walked over to one of the other passengers. This was as good a time as any to learn, so long as he didn't leave the Collots unguarded while doing so. "What brings you to Exeter?"

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:21:57; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead cradles the boy in her arms. “Easy kid, seems like someone don't want us calling fer help and is jamming da signals. Just keep trying, okay?”

She moves through the warren of tunnels, glad for Ælias' map. She pauses at each turn to update it, glancing back at the growing group of shocked and injured inhabitants trailing after them.

Frag, me and my big mouth. Looks like we are going to try and get all the survivors out after all. Just hope Ælias and Katie are amongst them.

As they get close to the nearest exit, she stops and lays Jon down on the ground. She pulls out her medkit and starts attaching the sensors to the boy. While she waits for the diagnostics to complete, she signals to Requiem and Stitch to join her.

Keeping her voice low, she outlines her plan.

"Dere is a way out down dere." she begins, nodding her head in the direction of the exit. "But we don't have any intel on what's out dere. Stitch you mind babysitting da locals while me and Requiem go check it's clear? Stay sharp, if someone on da inside did all this, dey could be one o' da peeps we is trying to rescue."

She returns here attention to the medkit hooked up to the boy, making sure that she done what she can for him for now.

Not going to try healing him down here Mama, but I need your help to get these people out safely.

She rocks back and forth, humming to herself as she draws on what little power she can still muster in this tainted place.

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

"Might I be of assistance, my lady?" Gemeaux asks the Lady deBathayre, as he nonchalantly leans against a row of empty seats. He stays a respectable distance away from the bodyguards, hoping to avoid an undesirable encounter with them. He tosses her a lighthearted grin, and resists the urge to draw and strike a cigarette.

"My own device gives me trouble from time to time. Perhaps my past muddling might help you through your troubles?"

<<[Vivienne]: I beg your pardon, Damien!>>

<<[Gemeaux]: Please, my dear, can't you see I am attempting to help this poor woman?>>

<<[Vivienne]: More like you are trying to help yourself.>> He can detect the program's distaste at throwing it under the proverbial bus in order to scratch an itch, but Vivienne abstains from any further commentary---almost as if it is waiting for him to trip up and chide him just like its predecessor would...

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:21:57; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

The spirit you summon in this tainted place is a pathetic mewling thing about the size, and probably intelligence, of your pinky. At your command it whisks of and just as rapidly comes back to you and wriggles into the gap between your shoulder armour and throat. Almost purring it whispers into your ear ~No peoplesss there~

As you and Requiem proceed forward cautiously towards the exit your spell doesn’t read any hostile intent towards you and you are consequently surprised when Requiem yanks on your arm and runs back down the corridor “Frag, run, it’s on a proximity sensor…”

When you catch up with him round the corner he is barely breathing hard despite his speed. “Nasty fragger that set that was clearly after more people otherwise we’d be barbequed. I’m not keen to go back there and find out just how many people need to be in the radius though before it blows…you? You said there was a last way out right? Guess whoever is doing this would have left themselves an exit?"

[Aria]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 11:17:53, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]

Mordred

"What brings you to Exeter?" The gentleman smiles benignly at his daughter as she laughingly chases the rogue toddler around your feet and then turns his attention to you.

“A family break. Some walking in the hills perhaps. I am told the West Country is particularly beautiful at this time of the year and I was fortunate to secure travel documents so… How about yourself?” He jumps back to avoid the barrelling children “You have your hands full I see, they don’t get any easier but at least you can watch them a little less… I’m Alistair Burch, NeoNet, Emerging Futures”

Gemeaux

“Might I be of assistance, my lady? My own device gives me trouble from time to time. Perhaps my past muddling might help you through your troubles?" She raises an eyebrow and then goes slightly misty eyed as she traces something in the air between you “Monsieur Danton…” her French accent is perfect although you could have sworn she wasn’t French herself “no, no, do not trouble yourself.” She waves the guard back “Please excuse us Lee,” and almost before you realise it she has taken you by the arm and is steering you towards the viewing deck at the front of the zep.

“There, it is quieter in here, non?” Her self-assurance seems much greater than you would expect from one of her age, even a noble born (if that’s what she is…) pampered brat, and you’ve met a few, would probably have some reservations about whisking you away.

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:21:57; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead runs after the elf as quick as she can. She huffs as she catches up to him, her words a growl.

"Whoever is doing dis is one nasty buncha fraggers. Sure is a pity dat way was trapped. Dere was no-one outside. Let's hope da last exit is da same."

Returning to the group of dejected technomancers, she checks Jon and scans vainly for Ælias or Katie. She packs up her medkit and scoops the boy back up into her arms.

Turning to the group, she lets them see her shamanic mask as she addresses them sternly.

"Dat way was booby-trapped too. Lucky Requiem here spotted it in time or we'd be a few warm bodies less. I know of one more way out. If'n any of youse know of other ways den you best lets me know now."

She pauses for a moment, then turns on her heel and moves cautiously towards the one remaining way out.

[JxJxA]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

Now THIS is more like it, Gemeaux thinks to himself.

"Indeed it is, my dear Lady," he replies in French, "and I must admit your French as divine as this view. Forgive me for being such a tourist, but could you indulge me and tell me about the view? Perhaps over drinks, yes? Is there a particular vintage of wine you prefer?"

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

"Spencer Lovett." Mordred offers his hand, and in a slight imitation of the man, "Oxford scholar." He smiles. "On a related note, my colleagues and I are here for business rather than pleasure. Research on some historically significant sites in Glastonbury, to be precise."

He casts a watchful eye on the children. It was strangely comforting how normal the scene was. A salaryman on vacation with his family. The kids playing. Who would suspect that some of the passengers were career criminals transporting a fugitive?

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:25:14; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

As you search the group of bewildered looking residents you finally spot Ælias dragging another battered soul into the cavern where you are waiting. At least there’s one bit of good in all this, there’s no sign of Katie…

Suddenly your diminutive snake spirit hisses an incoherent warning in your mind as stepping out of a wall you see a gut wrenching site. The chitin is so dark it almost seems to absorb the light, although not the spray of blood as a foreleg reaches out and snaps an unfortunate orc in two

“Ant, fragging ant!!! Get the fuck out of here!

And they begin to scatter like sheep, some of them heedlessly running towards the bolt hole you and Requiem have just vacated…

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:25:14; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead's relief at seeing Ælias turns to horror as the bug manifests and shreds one of the technomancers. She backs away towards the remaining exit, screaming at the top of her voice.

“Not that way you idiots. It's trapped. Dis way. Move it! Req, Stitch shoot it fer frag's sake! Ælias get over here and take da boy."

Mama, did that thing find us through the spirit?

The tiny spirit twists in the air, folding into itself. It disappears with a pop but not before hissing a last message into her mind.

Knowledge iss never free. Sssome lessonss musst be learned the hard way. I hope the price of thiss one iss not too high, my daughter.

She dumps Jon unceremoniously into the decker's arms and grabs for her gun. She releases her hold on her sustained spell. It's pretty clear where the enemy is for now.

[Aria]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:39:48, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]

Gemeaux

"Oh, we have not come far, you can easily see Oxford off to our left, over there through the clouds. This is not a fast mode of transport for this hectic modern world but I prefer it for that. You see, out there, the modern world fades away and nature has moved back in to reclaim the land…” and indeed you can see seemingly endless forest beneath you "As magic returned so did the land return to its natural state, more or less anyway. This part of England doesn’t have the blight that mars some of its other regions.

Wine, yes, that would be most acceptable. I suggest a new world grape if it doesn’t offend your sensibilities too much? I find them more refreshing than the French offerings and better suited to this time of the morning. It is a shame that there’s no Keesris but there’s no use wishing for the impossible.

So, what brings you on our little trip into the wilds of Somerset?”

Mordred

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Lovett, or can I call you Spencer? Yes, I’m looking forward to my holiday, although your research sounds fascinating. I have always had an interest in the older parts of this land. You must have some influence to get permission to study on the Tor…?" and he leaves the question hanging, inviting you to tell him more…

[Aria]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:25:14; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

You watch in almost paralysed amazement as the bug rips through the crowd as it makes its way towards you, spitting bubbling ichor from its jaws and flailing with vicious mandibles and hooked legs at the unfortunates in its way.

You try to stop yourself flinching as a severed arm slaps into your leg…Requiem seems to be stunned by its appearance and Stitch is battling his way against the flow to try and engage the monstrosity.

You bring your shotgun to bear and the muzzle flare reflects back eerily in the faceted eyes. It screams in rage as the bullets rip into its carapace and it decapitates another shocked girl, thankfully not Katie, before it makes a final lunge to close the distance between you…you notice almost inconsequentially the lovely red colour of her hair in the apocalyptic light of the cavern

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:25:14; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead grunts as the big gun roars but the burst strikes true through the chaos.

My fault, she chides herself, as the ant spirit tears the head off a young girl, red blood and red hair sparkling in the gloom.

She can smell the acid tang of the thing's breath as it closes the last meters between them, pincers reaching for her.

Sssome lessonss musst be learned the hard way.

She hears the clunk of the big gun as it hits the ground near her feet. A tiny part of her mind is glad that Cutter showed her how to set it up so the safety would activate if she wasn't holding it.

Power surges through her and her shamanic mask flares over her face. Her serpentlike face hisses with anger, frustration and loss. Razors snap into place, servos humming as her hands rotate and arms draw back. She slashes out at the creature, pouring all her will and emotions into the attack.

[RdMarquis]

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 10:35:21, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

"Spencer, please." Mordred couldn't help playing his cards close to the chest, even if he was making an attempt to be sociable. "Some faculty member does, more like," he said carelessly. "I don't know how they managed it, but I'm not complaining." Then he changed the subject. According to his mentor spirit, conversations implied a certain amount of civility. Burch could push back on his secrecy, but not without appearing rude. "...As I do have a bit of a mania for Arthurian lore. So, I'm looking forward to seeing what some believe to be Avalon itself, and perhaps get some new ideas on the site's peculiar appearance."

[Notsoevildm]

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 22:25:14; Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead's hand punches clean through the ant spirit, powered not by the artificial muscles in her arm but the sheer force of her will. The room seems to brighten for a moment, a faint green glow surrounding the troll shaman. Then, with an almost audible pop, the bug spirit simply disappears.

Raw mana surges through her. For an infinite moment, she can see beyond the veil. Knowledge, power, wisdom are there for the taking. Snake hisses triumphantly in her mind.

Then, reality returns. Her mask flickers and fades as she collapses to her knees. She tears off her respirator and vomits in a most unladylike fashion over one of the ant's victims.

As her heaving subsides, she glances around at the carnage. She wipes drool from her chin and croaks at the elf samurai.

"Req! Requiem! It's gone. We need to gather da survivors and get da frag out of here before more turn up. It was a fraggin' ant! Dey ain't exactly loners."

She takes a quick drink from her water flask and spits. She scoops up the gun <20 rds APDS remaining : BF mode selected : Safety OFF> and replaces her respirator. With a last, sorrowful glance at the dead and dying, she wobbles off towards the remaining exit.