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

[Chrome Head]

Outside Mi Pueblo Market, UCAS Sector, 3:45 PM, July 30th, 2075

Hearing Grease, Amy seems to calm down, but only enough to look a lot less panicky. Frag frag frag, why won't he let me in his car? "Chummer, I need to hide from the Police, let me in your car... calmly, but come on!"

[Always Overkill]

Outside Mi Pueblo Market, UCAS Sector, 3:45 PM, July 30th, 2075


Drave was shocked when he heard Amy's reaction to seeing the Lone Star Patrol Cruiser move up the street. The Cruiser wasn't speeding towards them, or paying them any special mind at all, but it was clear, Amy was spooked.

"Calm down, its OK, Meine Liebling," Drave said with a reassuring tone. He felt bad for Amy, she had been forced to grow up in a world where that sort of reaction was not entirely unfounded. Years of Police neglect and corruption had allowed her home to turn into a war-zone, and there was always fallout from that sort of thing, in one form or another. Drave had seen it all, born and raised in the heart of Anarchist-held Berlin. At least they had vigilante crews patrolling the streets, as no true police force was allowed to operate then, and those vigilantes' loyalties were always in question; but even with all that, the vigilantes were out there to help their fellow Lander, most of the time. In hindsight, he was glad he grew up with those vigilantes as opposed to the bunch of privately contracted Dirty Harry wannabes Lone Star typically fielded.

Drave dropped down to a knee in front of Amy, leading her eyes to focus on him, not what was causing her such panic. "They are just working, a couple guys like Ramirez, Taylor, and Manuel, trying to bring a little bit of justice to this unjust world. They aren't after us, drek, if they knew what we were doing they would probably want to thank us for taking the chance to try and help solve the murders of Ihre Kameraden. But they don't know about us, to them we are just a curious group of metahumans out shopping on this beautiful day. And if they should happen to ask, that is all they need to know."

[Chrome Head]

Outside Mi Pueblo Market, UCAS Sector, 3:47 PM, July 30th, 2075

Why is everyone stopping me from hiding in that damn car? Amy slows down and takes a deep breath at Overkill's speech. If I'm the only one reacting this way, it must be that I'm being unprofessional. Overkill says it's okay, so I better just suck it up. "We'll see about that. If there's trouble, it's on you. I'm SINless, and they can find out easily enough. God I hate the Lone Star." That last part was heartfelt, but also said with more restraint. The shaman was coming to her senses.

When they start moving forward, she says to all three, "I'm sorry for freaking out".

[Lobo0705]

Outside Mi Pueblo Market, UCAS Sector, 3:47 PM, July 30th, 2075

Grease smiles at Amy reassuringly. "Its alright my dear. Now, why don't we wander into one of these shops and see if someone remembers what happened. Although it was over a month ago, I hardly think that shootings are all that common in this part of town." He looks at the various establishments on the block, and then says, "Any preference? Should we just start here at the market, or perhaps try one of the other stores?"

[Always Overkill]

Outside Mi Pueblo Market, UCAS Sector, 3:49 PM, July 30th, 2075


"Why don't we start with that bike shop?" Drave took the lead and headed for Johnny's Bike Shop, ringing the bell at the front desk. As the clerk approached the crew, Drave began his inquiry.

"Guten Tag, good sir, my name is Heinrich, and we are private investigators looking into the shooting of Lone Star Officer Sylvia Wright. I know it has been some time, but do you or any of your coworkers remember the event? Any information you can provide would be most helpful."

[Lobo0705]

Johnny's Bike Shop, UCAS Sector, 3:50 PM, July 30th, 2075


The manager of the store, a healthy and fit man in is early 50's answered Overkill's question. "Absolutely. We get a couple minor vandalism issues around here, but that's about it. Having a Lone Star officer shot was a big event."

He makes some minute adjustments to the display models, and continues. "Unfortunately, I don't have a lot to offer in the way of help. I was working that day, and I heard the shots, automatic weapon, small caliber unless I miss my guess. I saw some action back in the 50's I could tell it wasn't a battle rifle. My guess is either an SMG or machine pistol, high rate of fire. Anyway, I ran outside, and the officer's car was right there." He points out the front window to the corner traffic light. "She was slumped over the steering wheel. I saw a bunch of motorcycles speeding away, but all of the riders were wearing helmets."

[Always Overkill]

Johnny's Bike Shop, UCAS Sector, 3:50 PM, July 30th, 2075


Drave looked out the window at the intersection the manager pointed out, "Do you remember what time of day the shooting took place, or what kind of bikes were they driving? Were the riders wearing any gang colors?"

[Lobo0705]

Johnny's Bike Shop, UCAS Sector, 3:50 PM, July 30th, 2075


The manager closes one eye in concentration, then says, "Mmmm, after lunch, say around 2:00? As far as what kind of bikes, I'm a bicycle guy, not really a motorcycle guy. Sorry about that."

[Lobo0705]

Johnny's Bike Shop, UCAS Sector, 3:50 PM, July 30th, 2075


The team thanks the bike manager for his help, and leaves the store. As they walk outside, they see that the Lone Star patrol is gone by now, having vanished down the block. Amy breathes a little easier, and the group decides to try the store across the street.


Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:55 PM, July 30th, 2075


As Overkill and Grease enter the shop, it looks like they have entered someone's garage sale. Dozens of pieces of odd shapes and sizes line the walls, feathers, wands, dolls, scrimshaw, necklaces, and rings. Some are under glass cases for added security, and they can only assume that the piece of bone beneath the glass case is more valuable than a seemingly identical one on the wall. For Amy, however, the experience is very different. To her Astral sight, each of these items glows with mana - from a dim glow to a near blinding glare from the ones in the cases.

Standing in the corner of the room is a powerful humanoid shape, seemingly sculpted out of living rock. It stands with its arms crossed, watching the trio as they enter. Grease and Overkill are unaware of its presence, but Amy sees it clearly. The figure nods its head at her and says, its voice guttural and harsh, "You may look, but do not touch without my master's permission. He will be here in a moment."

[Chrome Head]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:55 PM, July 30th, 2075

Amy enters the magic store and her jaw drops. She imagined this would be another one of those new age stores, with mostly false claims of magical properties, some Amerindian paraphernalia and the odd "curing powder" or "true-seeing headband". Instead she found the complete opposite. There was no hype, no attempt to make the stuff look attractive. It just was attractive. Well to a spiritual being like herself, at least. I never knew such a place actually existed. This is amaaaaaazing.

"Thank you sir. This is quite the collection! May I ask what the pricing is?" she asks the powerful earth spirit who was standing respectfully in the corner.

[Lobo0705]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:56 PM, July 30th, 2075

"My master handles all of the transactions, he will be here momentarily. You may direct any questions you may have regarding purchasing toward him." As if summoned by the spirit, an old ork comes through the door. His skin is darkened by the sun, and his clothes definitely tribal in nature. His long hair is braided and adorned with feathers and bits of bone. He wears a golden torque around his neck, and another around his right bicep. His aura indicates that of a powerful magician, who is also astrally perceiving.

His eyes pass over the trio, passing over Grease and Overkill and settling on Amy. "Hello, young one, and welcome to my shop." He holds up his right hand, palm facing the group, showing he carries no weapon. "I see you have met Miksha. He is an old friend, although not overly given to affection." The ork chuckles to himself. Miksha frowns, if a rock could be said to frown.

"So what can I help you with today?"

[Chrome Head]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:56 PM, July 30th, 2075

While Amy was uneducated and barely literate, when it came to her specialty she was very knowledgeable. She viewed the objects in the store for what they were, and she respected the expertise and talent required to find or make them.

"Nice to meet a fellow shaman. Although my personal beliefs are incompatible with running a business, I appreciate the work that you have put into the practice of the spiritual arts, and the generosity of sharing it, even though for a high price, I am sure. Your work speaks for itself, sir. May I ask what is your going rate for objects imbued with latent mystical energy?"

She could have called them reagents, as they were commonly known, but she wanted to make a good impression, in her own way. She disliked using the wordings and technical nomenclature developed by hermetic mages, even though she was quite aware of it.

[Lobo0705]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:57 PM, July 30th, 2075

Stingray points to the west wall. "We keep plenty of them in stock. You will find what you are looking for on that wall." The wall was covered with shelving, each one holding an assortment of old leaves, bones, naturally polished stones, and handrafted dolls, dice, and other items.

"My prices are fairly reasonable, 20 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) each. Take your time and choose the ones that speak to you." Turning to Grease and Overkill, he asks, "Are you also interested in something, or are you just bringing your friend shopping?" His face, although lined with age, frames a pair of brown eyes that are still clear and bright.

[Chrome Head]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:57 PM, July 30th, 2075

"Oh I'm sorry, sir, I got side-tracked what with all these shiny things you have. We're actually here because we're wondering if you witnessed, by any chance, the murder of a Lone Star officer on patrol, a murder that occurred near the front of your store not long ago?"

[Lobo0705]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:57 PM, July 30th, 2075

Grease holds up his hands, "We are all together yes, but not shopping for now. I will say, however, that your store is wonderful, and I will be sure to point my awakened friends in your direction should they ever need supplies. In the meantime, we are looking into the unfortunate death of the Lone Star officer."

Stingray looks at the three of them with a serious expression on his face, contemplating what he will say. "For whom are you investigating this occurrence?"

[Chrome Head]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:57 PM, July 30th, 2075

"We are private investigators, employed by an interested party who wants to find out who committed this terrible act. As you might guess, a family member or friend is usually the kind of person who's interested, but we will keep the exact identity anonymous."

[Lobo0705]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:58 PM, July 30th, 2075

"If what you say is true, then I have excellent news for you. However, this is not without some risk for me to give this information to you." Stingray scratches his chin.

"This is what I propose. I will call upon Dog to help me determine if you are telling the truth. I will then ask you a few generic questions. Feel free to not respond to any you do not wish to, for I understand your need for secrecy, as I have not always been a shopkeeper. If you agree to this, and answer these questions truthfully, I think you will find my information most rewarding. At worst, you refuse to answer the questions, and I will not volunteer my information, and we bid each other good day. Is this acceptable?"

[Chrome Head]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:57 PM, July 30th, 2075

Amy accepts without hesitation. "This is acceptable to me. I reserve the right to consult with my comrades before providing you an answer, however. What are your questions, sir?"

[Lobo0705]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:58 PM, July 30th, 2075

Stingray nods his head, and places both his hands in front of his face. When he removes them, the his face changes for an instant, longer nose, wider ears, his jaw slightly elongated, but then they are back to normal. In the astral, Amy sees a spell flare into existence around him.

"My first question is, do any of you hold ill will towards the deceased or her family?"

[Chrome Head]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:58 PM, July 30th, 2075

Amy starts off with a very confident answer. "I can assure you that none of us hold any ill will towards the deceased or her family."

[Lobo0705]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:58 PM, July 30th, 2075

Stingray looks at her for a moment, nods, and then continues. "Have you been tasked to track down the killers of Officer Wright?"

[Chrome Head]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:58 PM, July 30th, 2075

There was really nothing to hide on that matter. "Yes we have."

[Lobo0705]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 3:59 PM, July 30th, 2075

Again Stingray focuses for a moment, and nods. "Are you required to report all the information you receive to Lone Star or the Sector government?"

[Chrome Head]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 4:00 PM, July 30th, 2075

Amy wasn't the smartest runner out there and this question threw her back a bit. Keeping a straight face, she started thinking hard about it, using her intuition to get to the bottom of it. Well we're working for a Lone Star officer. But we don't really have to report 'all the information we receive'. I actually feel very comfortable leaving a lot of details out as long as we find the ones responsible for the murders.

"Uh, of course not!" she finally blurts out.

[Lobo0705]

Stingray's Fetishes and Foci, UCAS Sector, 4:00 PM, July 30th, 2075

Stingray notices her hesitation, and thinks carefully before he asks his next question. "Would you feel compelled to report what happened to the people responsible for Officer Wright's death if they were no longer in a position to cause further harm?"