Nothing's Free in the Free Zone (IC), Adventure 1: Broken Star Options

[Jack VII]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:45 AM August 3rd, 2075

Not entirely happy about the idea, Jack went ahead and removed Gutter's restraints, slipping them into his back pocket after he was done. The ork crossed his arms across his chest, attempting to look somewhat indifferent, but still intimidating.

Using his DNI, the ork shot a quick message to Overkill.

<<@Overkill [JustJack] See what you can dig up on BioGene. Just the basics for now and don't bother if it's going to distract you from watching those two. Grease is playing nice for once and it seems like it's getting us somewhere>>

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:45 AM August 3rd, 2075

Gutter rubs his wrists after Jack removes the restraints, nodding his thanks to the big ork. He sits up fully, scratching at his cheek, which was clean-shaven in contradiction to all stereotypes about his race.

Blinking rapidly, he begins to speak. "Ummm, okay, we had just made contact with you guys, Lynx had called in about the possible security breach. With Stinger and Truck not reporting in, he didn't want to take any chances. We went back to his place and Falcon summoned a spirit to watch our backs. I tried to get some shut-eye, and next thing I knew I couldn't breathe, and then I woke up here." He studies the two of you, "I don't recognize you guys, where's Mr. J?"

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:45 AM August 3rd, 2075

A message comes to the rest of the team about 30 seconds after Jack's request to Overkill.


<<@Team [Overkill] Here's what a cursory examination of the Matrix brings up. For anything else I would have to pay more attention to it, and less attention to our guests.>>

The file opens up in AR:

Biogene Technologies was purchased by Yamatetsu before their corporate changeover to EVO. The firm handles a variety of applied science patents, including biotech, pharmaceuticals, and genetic engineering. Biogene has several facilities located throughout the NAN, with its headquarters located in the Sioux Nation, and a several offices located here in the FRFZ in the Sioux sector.

[DrZaius]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:45 AM August 3rd, 2075

Grease smiles thinly. "Mr. Johnson won't be attending any further meetings until we get the security situation sorted out. He's compartmentalizing the operation to avoid any further screw-ups. What equipment do you have available? What happened with your van?"

[Jack VII]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:45 AM August 3rd, 2075

Observing the interrogation, Jack had to admit that Grease was doing well... not that he'd ever tell him.

<<@Team [JustJack] That should be good for now, Overkill. Sounds like we've got a line on the employer based on what you found. Just keep an eye on the prisoners, no need to get complacent now>>

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:45 AM August 3rd, 2075

Gutter almost snarls at the question of the van. "My van? I loaned it to Truck, it was the only thing big enough to haul him around in. When he never showed up, I finally located the damn thing in the middle of the Goddamn Arsenal. With that fiasco at the park the other night, I'm down to my last couple surveillance drones. Your boss is going to have quite the expense report coming in once this things over."

He winces but manages to raise himself into a sitting position. "As far as equipment, did you grab any of my gear?"

[DrZaius]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:45 AM August 3rd, 2075

Grease shakes his head. "After they nabbed you they didn't take anything with them. We managed to get you here, but Lynx's apartment was getting overrun with local security and police. I am sure all your equipment is right where you left it; we just have to wait for it to clear out before heading back there."

The elf leans closer to Gutter, his voice lowered. "Now, tell me about this leak- all we heard was that there was a problem, and the next thing we know we're pulling you three out of a truck. I need to know if the operation is compromised."

[Jack VII]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

<<@Team [JustJack] Should we go ahead and ping Johnson? I'd like to get these jokers off our hands as quickly as possible and now that Gutter's talking, we should hopefully have enough to go on soon>>

The rigger was fortunately proving to be a font of knowledge. With the BioGene lead and the recorded admission Grease's drone was collecting, they could hopefully leverage that for a bit more nuyen from Ramirez. Hell, judging by the recent news articles, the UCAS territorial government might pay a pretty penny for that information to use as leverage against the Sioux...

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

"Well then my money is on Stinger. The bastard skipped out on us, and is refusing to answer any calls. He isn't at any of his old haunts, and Lynx is about ready to rip his head off."

The dwarf's brow furrows for a moment, and then he reaches back to the base of his neck, removing the jammer. "How the hell did this get here?"

[DrZaius]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

After the elf reaches out, Gutter places the jammer in his hand. "While it is convenient for you to blame one of your colleagues who isn't present, we aren't taking any chances." Seeing the outrage build in Gutter's face, Grease continues. "You are the only member of your team who woke up. Everyone else is either dead or in a coma. That makes us very worried about your actions and whereabouts prior to this attack. Why did Falcon get a bullet to the head for his trouble, while you were given prompt medical attention?"

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

"You suspect me?!" Gutter's face changes from one of disbelief to anger. "Are you kidding me? You are the ones who pulled me away from the extraction team, unconscious and with a jammer in me." He shakes his head, "If Falcon got a bullet, that doesn't surprise me, he's a dangerous fragger, and whoever left Lynx alive, they are going to wish they didn't I'm sure."

Gutter stands up. "I gotta take a piss, where's the bathroom in this place?"

[DrZaius]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

Grease's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "I'm not sure you are considering how dangerous your current position is. Sit down. Tell me about the security breach. I need to make a decision if it's better to cut our losses with your team. This is your only chance to convince me that isn't the best idea."

His smile fades. "So be convincing."

[Jack VII]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

Jack had been about to let the dwarf use the facilities before Grease continued his interrogation. Figuring someone should keep an eye on the rigger's matrix activities now that the headjammer was off, Jack sent a message to the team.

<<@Team [JustJack] Overkill, how confident are you that Gutter doesn't have an implanted commlink? We just took his headjammer off. Can you keep an eye on him in the matrix to see if he tries anything? Amy, while he's doing that, please keep an eye on Falcon and Lynx>>

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

<<@Jack [Overkill] Jack, I didn't find one. That doesn't mean he doesn't actually have one. Let me jump into VR just to be on the safe side>>

Amy switches her vision to Astral to keep on eye on Falcon and Lynx, both of whose auras display the calm, even tones of those in a state of unconsciousness.

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

Gutter slowly takes a seat back on the bed. "Goes by the name of Stinger. Human, ex military, out of Dallas or at least out of the CAS as far as I can tell. Took off the other night and never came back, like I told you."

He licks his lips and says, "Clearly he must have known Lynx's apartment, and had the other team hit us there."

[DrZaius]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

<<@Team [Grease]: I'm going to keep stringing him along for as long as he's willing to keep talking.>>

Nodding, Grease hands the cup of water to Gutter. "Tell me about what happened after the rally."

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

"Let me think, well, that night Lynx got back, and he was pissed off" He chuckles, "He isn't used to not getting his way, and the rally was fiasco. We managed to get it spun right in the press, but he wasn't happy - and neither was I, stupid mage took out most of my drones during the firefight."

"Truck had had some stuff to do, so he took my van and left around 8:00 that night - and we never heard from him again. Lynx was probably wishing he were there to back him up at the rally." He looks back and forth from Grease to Jack, and continues.


"The next day Lynx had to go meet with Mr. J, and Stinger took off. I told that Lynx was going to be pissed, but he said he would be back before Lynx got back. That's the last I saw of him."

[Jack VII]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

A little worried about Grease's line of questioning, Jack sent a quick message.

<<@Grease [JustJack] You might want to keep the questions limited to things that are related to keeping Johnson's nose clean. You know, witnesses, connections to Johnson left at Lynx's place that Bradshere might need to look out for... drek like that. He seems to be getting suspicious>>

Jack pushed off from the wall and walked over to the bathroom door. Drawing his pistol, he turned the doorknob and cleared the room with the Streetline pointed in front of him. "Bathroom's clear..."

[DrZaius]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:46 AM August 3rd, 2075

Grease nods along with Gutter, and puts a hand up to Jack to acknowledge he heard him. He leans closer to Gutter to convince him to continue, talking quickly.

"Alright, alright.. So Stinger and Truck are both in the wind. This isn't good. What about the Los Mags? Do they know anything that could compromise us? How well did Lynx compartmentalize their end?"

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:47 AM August 3rd, 2075

"Falcon dealt with the Los Mags, he was the one with the connect there. As far as I'm aware, you guys should be pretty sealed off from them. All they knew was that we were helping them clear out a few of the Bronze who were giving them a hard time. They didn't know why we were doing it." Gutter chuckles, "Well, we charged them to do it, of course, but everyone's entitled to make a few extra 'yen here and there."

He motions to the bathroom with his head. "Can I go take a leak now?"

[DrZaius]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:47 AM August 3rd, 2075

Staring Gutter down, Grease inclines his head slightly. Without turning his head he adds, "Miguel; go in there and make sure he doesn't fall in."

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:47 AM August 3rd, 2075

The dwarf says "Thank you!" in an exasperated tone, and squeezes past Jack. He looks around at the bathroom, disgust evident on his face, and then shrugs. "I've been in worse places."

After relieving himself he goes to flush, but Jack says, "Plumbing hasn't worked in a long time, amigo."

Gutter nods, and wipes his hands on his shorts, and then walks back into the bedroom. "That's much better. Now look, I've told you what I know about the leak, can we get me a change of clothes?"

[Jack VII]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:47 AM August 3rd, 2075

Jack responded, giving Grease a reprieve to consider everything they had learned and formulate any last questions. "We're taking what's left of your team to an extraction point the Corp set-up to get you over to the Sioux sector. They're going to provide you with ID and shelter, I guess clothes too, while the heat dies down over here and we get everything cleaned up in this sector. Speaking of... is there anything at Lynx's place that we might need to let our friends in the Star know about for them to secure and 'lose' before anyone else gets a chance to examine?"

[Lobo0705]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:47 AM August 3rd, 2075

Standing near the bed he turns to Jack and says, "Makes sense, always wondered what it was like to live over the border in the NAN. Supposed to be better than here - but then again isn't everywhere?"

Thinking about Jack's question, he says "I doubt it. I'm assuming whatever extraction team got us grabbed anything of value, and we all use burner 'links anyway. I would like to get my Spider back, but I'm guessing that's long gone by now." Sighing, he rubs his hands together, and says "So how long do we have to wait? And can I get something to eat? I'm starving."

[Jack VII]

2525 South Dunkirk Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:47 AM August 3rd, 2075

"We're waiting for the callback. I figure we can grab you something at a Shack on the way to the transfer if you can wait a little bit, depending on how much time we're allowed." Jack replied as he returned to his post on the wall.

<<@Team [JustJack] Alright, I think it's time to call Johnson. I doubt a transfer point is going to happen any quicker than an hour, so we'll still have time to work on the rigger. Bueno?>>