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

[Lobo0705]

Amy and Overkill, Peoria Elementary school's gym, 11:15 AM, July 29th, 2075

Jared laughs at Amy's slip of the tongue. "None taken. I understand why the people here are mistrustful of others. I'm hoping I've been able to earn that trust."

He arches an eyebrow at the mention of a job. "Oh he did, did he?" Wagging a finger at Overkill, he continues, "Good news - just make sure she gets back in one piece. I wish you all the best - and as always, if you need anything, please let me know."

"Now, while I would love to stay and chat, there are several dozen other people who need my help. Wonderful to see the both of you again - hopefully we'll see you both at the rally."

[Always Overkill]

Amy and Overkill, Peoria Elementary, 11:20 AM, July 29th, 2075

Drave considered Chomsky's words, it made perfect sense that the people in the Warrens would be mistrustful of outsiders. To this point the only thing they ever got from any of the outsiders who came along trying to drum up support in the
Warrens over the years were empty promises and broken dreams. These people deserved better than that. He sincerely hoped that Chomsky and Greeley could do better than that; but even if they were on the level about everything they said,
the odds are still stacked against them.

He turned to Chomsky as he was about to depart, "Nice to see you my friend, and try not to worry too much over Amy. She is far more capable than you'd think, and in any case I will be watching her back. But it was good to see so many people
came out for this meeting. There should be even more for that rally you have coming up. We will likely be on the job, but if we at all can, we'll be there."

As Chomsky walked away, surrounded by his supporters, Drave turned to Amy with a grin, "Now I have a few things I need to pick up from my place before the meeting tonight, care for some lunch on the way?" Amy looked at him surprised,
and glanced over at the food that was being served to the people at the meeting, as if to say "why not eat here?" Drave shrugged at the look and said, "I'd rather these people eat all they can. We can afford to buy our lunch," and he looked at
the crowd with a briefly saddened expression. "Most of them can't."

Drave gestures to the exit that will lead to his residence, and lunch, and begins to lead the way. He looked over his shoulder at Amy, his grin having returned, "My treat."

[Chrome Head]

Amy and Overkill, Peoria Elementary, 11:20 AM, July 29th, 2075

Scavenging for food had played an important role in Amy's life. One doesn't waste food. One doesn't refuse food or supplies. She didn't actually agree with Overkill, but she knew this meant something to him, so she played along. "You're right I guess. Thanks." And she forced a smile, keeping the free food laying on the table in the back of her head.

"Can Sam come along for lunch too? I might not see her for a while after tonight."

[Lobo0705]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:00 PM, July 29th, 2075

By the onset of early evening, the heat of the day has barely begun to fade. The only thing that makes it tolerable is the lack of humidity.

The sun is slowly setting over the mountains to the west, the fading rays casting long shadows on the streets of the Warrens. With the onset of darkness, will come new crimes, new victims, and another evening in the struggle to survive.
The traffic on Smoky Hill is light, even on a main thoroughfare such as this, people only travel at night when necessary. The road lies on the boundary between the Fronts in the north and the Yakuza in the south. When the two groups are not clashing over some real or imagined slight, it is a neutral zone that offers relative safety. The decision to hold the meet here is a smart one - clearly this Ramirez has some form of familiarity with the Warrens.

The Motel 6 is an unremarkable building, sitting on E. Smoky Hill across from a Stuffer Shack. Both have seen better days, and even the AR signs show up feebly, the virtual letters dimmed and garbled by outdated software running on hardware that hasn't been inspected or repaired in years.

The parking lot is half full, a mix of cars at least 10 to 20 years old, all in various stages of disrepair. A drone shuffles through the lot, feebly attempting to keep the tide of litter and garbage at bay. The door to the main office is closed, but the physical sign next to it declares "Acancy" - the V long ago having gone missing.

No one is in the parking lot of the motel, but there are three asian men standing around a new Shin-Hyung in the parking lot of the Stuffer Shack, sharing some cigarettes and alcohol. Their clothing does nothing to hide the bulges inside their jackets. They are laughing at at ease, secure on their side of the border.

[Jack VII]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:00 PM, July 29th, 2075

The backseat of the car from Amendola's Taxi service had probably seen more bodily fluids than an ER. Jack tried not to think about the activities that had occurred in this particular cab on this particular back seat. The ork had called for the service to pick him up by 1900, but the car didn't arrive until 1945. His cabbie for the evening, a dwarf rastafarian out of the Carribean League, probably explained that tardiness to some degree. Not necessarily the dwarf, per se, but the suspicious scent that still lingered in the cab.

A far cry from earlier in the day, Jack was dressed for biz. Garbed in a tan Actioneer Business Suit, he chose to forgo a tie given the heat and left the top two buttons of his white dress shirt unbuttoned. A Streetline Special rested concealed inside the holster tailored into the interior of his jacket. His glasses and commlink completed the look of a mid-level Corp sarariman.

The dwarf had said little during the short ride, but spoke up hazily as the car approached the Motel 6. "Hey mon! Where you be wantin' to be dropped off?"

"Why don't you drop me off over-" Jack cut off the end of his sentence as he caught sight of the three Asian men loitering outside the Stuffer Shack. "On second thought, it would probably be in both of our best interests if you just dropped me off at the motel office." The three men appeared to be Yakuza. If the rumors could be believed, Amendola's paid protection to the Fronts and the last thing Jack needed at the moment was to cause a territorial pissing contest.

As the car came to a stop, Jack slotted his credstick and paid the fare. Looking at the cabbie through the cracked rear-view mirror, Jack said, "Hey chummer, I'm probably only going to be here for a short while. Any way you can stick around for an hour? I'm sure you can find some way to burn the time while you wait. I just want to have a ride lined up for when I leave. I've got a 25 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) tip for you if you can manage it; 15 now, 10 more if you're still here when I get back."

GEAR LIST

[ Spoiler ]

Streetline Special [APDS] w/2x Spare Clip [Regular] (W)
Flash-Pak (W)
Actioneer Business Clothes
Horn Rim Glasses w/Flare Comp, Image Link, Vision Enhancement (2) (W)
Earbuds w/Audio Enhancement (3) (W)
Hermes Ikon (5) w/Subvocal Mic
Bio-monitor (W)
Standard Credstick
Internal Air Tank (3) [Alpha] (W)
Muscle Replacement (2) [Alpha] (1.6)
Skilljack (4) [Used] (W)
Skillwires (4) [Used]
Smartlink [Alpha] (W)
Spurs [Alpha] (0.24)
Wired Reflexes (1) [Alpha] (1.6) (W)

Skillsoft: Skillsoft: Pistols (4), Sneaking (4), Unarmed Combat (4)

[Always Overkill]

Outside Peoria Elementary, Aurora Warrens, 11:25 AM, July 29th, 2075

As Amy and Drave walk out of the dilapidated school and into the light of the midday Sun, he paused; considering that this young woman that Drave was bringing into this dark and deadly world he walked in had a child at home depending on
her. Depending on her to return. It may not be her "child" by birth, but the care she had for him was as great as any biological mother. Drave made a promise to himself then, he would never leave this girl behind. No matter the cost.

He did his best to shake loose of the thoughts; there was no need to spread more worry into Amy's world, "Of course," he smiled, "Sam is always welcome when I am buying."

The two went on to pick up Sam and go get their lunch, enjoying relative peace while casually enjoying the meal. Once they had finished Drave paid the check and dropped off Amy and Sam at her place, and said goodbye to Sam. He looked up
at Amy, saying, "I will be back to pick you up tonight, be sure to be ready at 7:30. Try and relax with Sam until then, there will plenty of excitement to come." He headed off toward his place, wishing he could be leaving them in a safer
neighborhood.

[Jack VII]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:00 PM, July 29th, 2075

The dwarf's glazed eyes lit up as much as they could when Jack emphasized the word 'burn' in his negotiation. His next buzz dancing through his head, the dward mumbled, "Ya mon, one hour." Jack slotted his credstick and tipped the dwarf 15 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) before turning toward the door to the front reception of the Motel 6 without another word.

Walking in the door, Jack took a quick look around, examining the decor. Even given his spotty memory, the ork sensed the furnishings in the reception area were most likely two decades old. The gray, threadbare carpet was tinged in a wide pallette of stains; the furniture rickety at best, structurally unsound at worst. Before approaching the front desk, Jack loaded up Chapel's text message and verified the instructions.

The bored looking clerk perked up slightly as the ork approached. Whether that was out of respect or fear, Jack didn't know nor did he really much care. Before the clerk could start a sales pitch, Jack said firmly, "The name is Smythe. I have a reservation."

[DrZaius]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:00 PM, July 29th, 2075

Flying down the interstate, Grease left his apartment 20 minutes late- on purpose. This was a trick he learned a number of years ago; planning ahead and being punctual by leaving early was boring; it was a challenge to make a meeting on time if you added the extra difficulty of not leaving nearly enough time to get there. Weaving in and out of traffic, horns blaring and people gesturing angrily, Grease was sure to respond to each in turn casually to himself.

"Oh, I'm sure you're right."
"I guess you gave up on giving peace a chance, huh?"
"No thank you, I prefer help from a young lady."

Pulling onto the block of the meet, he double checks to make sure all his equipment is running silently or turned off. "No need for people to know more than they need to from this first meet." Turning into the parking lot, he parks and opens the glove box. He gathers his pistol, Fly-Spy, Microskimmer, placing them in various pockets in case they're needed. About the close the compartment, his hand hesitates. Frak it. He reaches in, grabs his popper and snorts the Novacoke, the drug immediately flowing through his bloodstream and dilating his eyes. He puts on his AR glasses, tinting them slightly to hide his condition. Dumb, dumb, dumb, this guy is a vice cop for Chrissakes. Well, a dirty vice cop. Maybe I'm ok. He exits and locks his cab, says "Stay!" to the trunk, and walks up to the office to ask after a man named Smythe.

[Lobo0705]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:00 PM, July 29th, 2075

The clerk took off the set of trodes he was wearing when Jack came in. His shirt was had several interesting-looking stuffer stains on it, and the name tag listed his name as "Jim". He ran a hand through his hair in a futile attempt to fix it after wearing the trode net, and was about to speak when Jack cut him off.

Clearing his throat, he said "Yes sir, I do show there is a reservation for Smythe. However I understand I am to wait until the rest of your party arrives before I show you to your room. I believe there are 3 more guests. In the meantime, may I suggest you have a seat, and perhaps a refreshment from our vending machines?" It is clear that several of the samples on his shirt come from the two machines located near the elevator.

As Jack registers his request, the door opens, and Grease walks in.

[Always Overkill]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 7:50 PM, July 29th, 2075

As Drave and Amy pulled up to the Motel 6, he found a nice alleyway looking out on the building from across the street. Drave scanned the area around the Motel, noticing the trio of gangers across the way. He was keeping an eye out for signs
of any who may be watching the Motel. He pulled up his AR and activated the thermographic filter for his cybereyes , scanning for the heat signatures of any other people who may be lurking in the shadows, while tasking his Agent to keep an
eye out for any hackers who may be nearby. Er ist ein cleverer ein, he thought; this Captain Ramirez knew how to pick a spot.

Once he finished surveying the scene, he turned to Amy, saying "The first thing you do when going into a place like this is to get the lay of the land. Know what's around, the buildings and roads nearby, and who's around." He gestured over to
the three street toughs on the Shin-Hyung. "Notice the thugs outside the Stuffer Shack boozing it up. Probably uninvolved in our business affair, but best to keep them in mind. They could pose an obstacle later, or, an opportunity."

He then noticed a taxi arrive and drop off a large ork in a business suit. After increasing the magnification on his the figure Drave recognized Jack's face. "I believe that you have another friend here," he said to Amy, pointing at the unusually
well-dressed ork. "Chapel said he was bringing a couple of other runners in on the job."

After pointing out Jack and watching him enter the office, "I guess we better head in, being alone with orks makes some cops edgy. Remember, listening will teach us much more about the client than talking," Drave told Amy. He helped her up
onto the back of his 72-Falke and pulled out from the alley and into the parking lot. Once there Drave does a final thermo sweep of the motel and checks his AR to see if his Agent has had any marks around the motel or AROs that were out of
the ordinary and then got off his bike and lead Amy into the Office.

[Jack VII]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:00 PM, July 29th, 2075

Four? Jack thought to himself. It was a good number for a crew. Not too many people to make logistics difficult, but enough to cover the bases, assuming the fixer in charge knew what they were doing... and Chapel knew what he was doing. Ignoring the man's suggestion of a light, but speedy, repast from the vending machine, Jack squinted at the man's nametag and responded, "Thanks, Jim, I'll just have a seat over there."

The door chimed as an elf, equally as well dressed as Jack, entered the reception area. Jack sat down on the lumpy couch and attempted to casually listen to the elf and Jim's conversation.

[Chrome Head]

Amy's apartment, Aurora Warrens, afternoon of July 29th

Maybe Amy should have been stressed about what was to come, but she really wasn't. She had gone through so much in her life and now she finally felt that she could handle anything. Her magical abilities made her quick to react to threats, and swift in dealing with them. She was good and she was starting to feel that way too. Hubert had shaped her into a competent shaman, providing her with a variety of tools. Surviving in the streets since she was born had already done the rest.

Amy spent the afternoon working on a jigsaw puzzle with Sam. The little girl was not an angel, but Amy loved her like a mother. She wanted to give her something better than she had had herself, and for someone from around here, it meant taking a few risks with her own life. "Now you know mommy deals with bad people, and they may hurt me. I might not come back tonight, but it doesn't mean I'm not coming back tomorrow or the day after. Just listen to Kevin while I'm gone okay? He'll play with you a bit, but when he's doing other stuff don't bother him, ok?"

Around dinner time, young Kevin joined them to share the sad looking re-hydrated soy "mac & cheez". "I trust you to take good care of Sam, all right? And you can use what I got here however you see fit. I'll try to call if I can."

Amy then waited outside the building for Overkill to pick her up.

Edit: sorry for lack of timeline continuity

[Chrome Head]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 7:55 PM, July 29th, 2075

Amy took in the scene near the motel and listened to Overkill dutifully. "Got it."

As they disembarked and walked towards the lobby, she paid special attention to the astral auras and signatures that may be lingering, while following Overkill closely.

[DrZaius]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

As Amy and Overkill walk through the door, Grease smiles and addresses them (along with Jack, who is sitting patiently in the lobby). In a low voice (so that the desk clerk cannot hear), he speaks quickly but loud enough for you to all hear.

"Hello there, pleased to meet you. Having spoken with our mutual acquaintance, he indicated there would be an ork and two elves meeting me and someone else this evening. I'm going to make a leap and presume it's you three, given other factors. If I am mistaken I apologize, but I am sure I am not. Let us get on with business."

Turning to face the desk clerk, Grease gives his best drek-eating grin and states, "Smythe, party of 4."

[Chrome Head]

Motel 6, 1500 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

Reserved, Amy acknowledges the presence of Jack with a smile and nods in reply to Grease's words, awaiting the reaction of the man behind the counter.

[Jack VII]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

Jack's focus on the elf at the counter caused him to miss the arrival of two additional elves. Figuring their arrival at 8PM sharp was probably not coincidental, Jack thought to himself, Probably the other two wheels of this wagon. Well, if this job involves baking cookies, we're set... Taking a second look at the two new elves, he realized he was looking at elves he knew. Amy and Overkill? Jack wasn't entirely surprised to see Overkill. He knew the elf had worked for Chapel before and was a good decker. But Amy was a surprise. As far as he knew, she had never worked the shadows before, although her magical ability would be unquestionably useful.

Before he had the chance to greet them, the unknown elf spoke up. Jack wasn't sure what to make of him. He had the air of a used drone salesman, persuasive but just a bit pushy. While Jack was willing to make mental assumptions, he was surprised when the elf put his thoughts to words. Making assumptions about who to trust with potentially important information seemed a bit worrisome, but Jack had learned not to jump to conclusions and figured he would wait to evaluate him until he knew more about him.

Standing up from the couch, he said, "Sounds good to me." Giving a curt nod to both Amy and Overkill, Jack followed Jim and 'Smythe, Party of Four' to the meeting.

[Always Overkill]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075


Drave gave a familiar nod to Jack as they walk down the hallway to the room, Drave knew him as someone he could trust; and inspected Grease in his AR Overlay. He smiled as they silently walked to the room, watching the actions of the clerk.
He knew enough not to gab in front of this walking gossip rag, and felt assured that the others were waiting until their arrival to the room as well. As they neared the door to the room, he dropped back with and Amy quietly said,

"Now comes the interesting part."

[Lobo0705]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

Jim waits until all four newcomers have arrived, trying not to stare at Amy. He stammers out "This way p-please, miss." and leads you down a hallway, and up a set of stairs. The fact that he walks half the length of a hallway to reach a set of stairs rather than use the elevator next to the desk does not inspire confidence in the capability of the conveyance.

Upon reaching the second floor, he moves three doors down, and stops at room 231. He knocks, and says, "Uh, Mr. Smythe? Your party is here."

A deep voice comes from the other side of the door. "Come in." Jim slides his keycard past the maglock, and the door unlocks. He opens it, and steps out of the way, turning to head back down to the lobby.

As the four of you enter the room, you see a tall latino male, with a mustache and graying hair sitting on the only chair in the room. His Lone Star uniform is wrinkled from the heat, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His service weapon is holstered, and his hat is on the bed, next to a large cardboard box.

The room itself is small, barely large enough to hold the single bed, the chair he is sitting in, and a single dresser with a trideo set on top. The door to the bathroom is immediately to your right, it is ajar, revealing just a bare toilet and shower stall.

He stands as you come in, and says, "Welcome, can you please just close the door behind you. I understand the conditions are cramped, but I wanted a certain amount of discretion. My name is Juan Ramirez, and as I'm sure Chapel has informed you, I work for Lone Star."

He takes a sip of water from a glass on the dresser, and continues. "The people I represent have a problem, and I understand that Chapel is in the business of finding people who solve problems, off the books, and off the record. The problem is a simple one. People are getting killed who aren't supposed to be. I want to employ you folks to put a stop to this, and if possible, hold the person or persons responsible accountable for what they've done. The job is primarily investigatory, but will likely involve confrontations with violent people. You will be paid for services rendered. Before I go on, are you interested in a job of this sort?"

He looks from person to person, seeming to gauge each person's mood, lingering a little on Grease, a spark of what looks to be recognition and then a slight shake of head in disdain.

[Chrome Head]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

Amy is disappointed but nevertheless manages to keep a neutral expression. She expected to hit a corp during her first run. She would love to hurt a corp. Now this corp type, a cop to make things worse, wanted her to go after regular people who are supposedly doing something illegal. That was a shame... But if the story checks out and they are really about to take out some bad guys hurting good folk, she wouldn't mind it.

And there I was thinking all shadow employers were called Johnson.

Not feeling assertive in this situation, Amy turns to Overkill and Jack to see how they are reacting to this.

[DrZaius]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

Grease clears his throat, nodding to Ramirez and the rest of the group. Drekheknowsheknows..

"Hello, Captain Ramirez. I appreciate you calling us out here this evening. Allow me to introduce myself; my mother named me Henry, but everyone I know calls me Grease. I haven't met the rest of the team here, but I am sure given Chapel's reputation they are all professionals and well worth your time. I'd like you to know that I personally am very interested; a police officer concerned for the well being of the lowest rung of society is something I consider quite commendable and further is something that is severely lacking in this city. I for one am willing to hear more, and will let the rest of the group decide on their own as this is my first time working with each of them."

Finished with his little speech Grease stands to the side, allowing the rest of the team to answer themselves.

[Jack VII]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

Jack looked Ramirez over. Given what Chapel had alluded to earlier, his opinion was favorable so far. A senior cop who didn't mind getting his hands dirty and secure enough in himself that he didn't feel the need to go full spit and polish with his uniform when meeting new people. The man's words drove that point home even further. He gave just enough information to give the team a basic idea about what they were getting into without revealing any critical details; short and to the point.

Before Jack could respond, the elf named Henry or Grease began speaking. Jack was fairly impressed this time with his gift of gab. He looked at the remaining two elves and noticed Amy had a pensive look on her face. Trying to catch her eye, he gave her a small smile to let her know it was OK and this was relatively typical.

When Grease finally concluded his platitudes, Jack said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, CPT Ramirez. I'm, Jack. Chapel spoke very highly of you. So far, I haven't heard anything that would prevent me from taking the job. Please continue."

[Lobo0705]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

Ramirez gives a nod at Grease's speech, his teeth clenched. He turns to Jack, and says "Thank you. Chapel had assured me that you were all professionals", the last word coming out of his mouth with a hint of bite to it.

Looking over to Amy and Overkill, he asks, "And you two? Shall I continue?"

[Chrome Head]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075

Ok, Jack's in, I guess it's all good then.

"You can count on me, uh... officer. Name's Amy," she said making an effort again to sound and appear neutral.

[Always Overkill]

Motel 6, 15000 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora, 8:05 PM, July 29th, 2075


Drave considered Ramirez's words, "You have piqued my interest, herr Captain. I am called Overkill. Now if I can get this out of the way," he said reaching into his jacket and producing a small shiny device, then panned
the object across the room. Once he appeared satisfied, he replaced the object and looked up at Ramirez with a carefully muted grin, "Do please continue."

[Always Overkill]

Double post- My apologies