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

[Always Overkill]

South side of Sagebrush Park, Aurora Warrens, 3:55 AM July 31st, 2075


"Very well, it would seem that we have a plan, Meine Kameraden," Drave replied to both Jack and Grease. "And regarding your inquiry, Jack, I still have all the first group's Smartguns MARKed, and I should be able to use them to find any commlinks they may be connected to." As he spoke he conducted the search in his AR, finding two of their commlinks with ease.

"There they are," he said, more to himself than to any of his friends, and readied his Blitzdrive to hack his way in. "I can hack them, if you wish, but keep in mind, I am on the clock. If I maintain my connection too long, I may draw the attention of the GOD squad, and that is something I can assure you that we really do not want. If I jack out, I will lose the MARKs I have put in place and I will need to find and hack them all over again."

[Jack VII]

South side of Sagebrush Park, Aurora Warrens, 3:55 AM July 31st, 2075

Nodding to Overkill, Jack said, "This hopefully shouldn't take too much longer. I think we're mainly looking for some kind of distraction, either with their commlinks or their smartguns, el más fuerte, mejor, the louder, the better. Time it for when we pull up to the curve in the road to meet the spirit. If the mage goes to tell them where we are, a distraction might buy us a few seconds."

[DrZaius]

South side of Sagebrush Park, Aurora Warrens, 3:55 AM July 31st, 2075

Nodding in agreement, Grease jacks back into the BMW with a shudder.

<<@Team [Grease]: Hold onto your butts.>>

Throwing the car in reverse, Grease does a quick jackknife turn and peels out of the parking garage, redlining the engine as he starts heading back towards the park. The car darts and weaves, not only around traffic but also larger pot holes that litter this section of town. Your stomach lurches and you think in the future you may invest in some dramamine before you get into a rigged car with Grease again.

[Lobo0705]

South side of Sagebrush Park, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

Back down Chambers the BMW heads, then hanging a right onto Smoky Hill that would normally flip the car, were it not for Grease's skill behind the wheel. In the meantime, Amy tries to reach out to her spirit. "Hello?"

"Spirit?"

"Hello?" - finally, as the car turns on to S. Fraser Ct, two things happen. First, there is the reply, "Yes Mistress?"

The other thing that happens catches everyone's attention. One second the road is clear, the next, a huge creature of stone is standing in front of the car. Grease frantically turns the wheel to avoid a collision....

[Lobo0705]

S. Fraser Way, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

Grease manages to make the BMW almost sidestep as he swerves around the spirit and up onto the sidewalk, he misses a streetlight, bangs into a garbage can feeling the impact like a kick, and then swerves back onto the street between two parked cars.

Overkill meanwhile, smiles to himself as you can hear in the distance the sound of automatic weapons fire over the beating of your hearts at the near miss...

[Chrome Head]

South side of Sagebrush Park, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

Amy was about to ask her spirit if he found the commlinks when a violent swerve of the car through her against the security belt. Holy Drek he's gonna get us all killed! As she was thinking this, she realized that he had rather probably saved their lives!

Frak that hermy is getting pissed now, she's going for the big guns. Reacting very quickly, Amy immediately reaches out with her spiritual senses and attempts to get rid of this newly summoned spirit.

[DrZaius]

South side of Sagebrush Park, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

<<@Team [Grease]: Nope. Nope. Nope.>>

You get the sense that Grease has had enough of the spiritual world, as in addition to his message, the car accelerates to a speed you would have thought reserved for airport runways and dry lakebeds. Amy's Spirit is quickly moving out of range, and unless something is done about the rock monster currently behind you, Grease is likely to keep driving until he gets to Mexico.

[Jack VII]

E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

"Frag this spirit drek!" Jack exclaimed as Grease catapulted the car past the spirit and into the curve. Having have had the opportunity to ride with Grease on more than one occasion, Jack realized the rigger was driving much faster than typical... and typical was pretty fraggin' fast. Holding onto the passenger side assist handle and trusting in the vehicle's restraints, Jack held on for dear life as the elf negotiated the turns. Concentrating as best he could, Jack composed a message as the neighborhood zipped by.

<<@Team [JustJack] Alright Grease, I think we're far enough away now, slow down! This whole thing feels too hot right now. The mage can follow us wherever she wants and drop spirits on us freely. Might be time to call it...>>

[Chrome Head]

South side of Sagebrush Park, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

As the car makes a turn and things calm down just a little bit, Amy goes back to talking to her own spirit. "Did you find the commlinks you were looking for, my dear ally?" "Yes, Mistress."

"Good job, Grease. Now let's go towards my spirit, he's got what we want. I'll tell him to come towards us once we're near him. I'll keep watch to make sure no more spirit blocks our way again."

Amy rolls down the window and tries to look in front, behind and over the car for pursuers.

[Jack VII]

E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

Not entirely sure if Grease can hear Amy, Jack silently relays her message to Grease.

<<@Grease [JustJack] Alright, amigo, disregard that last. Amy says her spirit has the goods. If you're down for it, let's head back to where you picked us up and meet the spirit. We can roll down the windows and lay down a wall of lead. Should keep the Yaks' heads down long enough to get the links and get out. >>

[Lobo0705]

E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

Psyching himself up, Grease throws the car onto Smoky Hill, shoots up to Quincy, and hooks a hard right. Accelerating down Quincy to Chambers, he puts the car into a controlled drift as he takes the 90 degree turn at 60 mph. As he drives down Chambers, he then has to slow the car slightly to make the turn onto the narrower side street of E. Layton. Getting to the corner of Evanston, he sends a frantic message to Amy.

<<@Amy[Grease] We should be close enough - tell your spirit whatever you need to so we can get the hell out of here!>>

[Chrome Head]

E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075

Amy concentrates on the link she has with her spirit. "It's time to complete your task, I'm ready to receive the commlinks. Be safe coming to me, there are hostiles around."

"He's on his way." Amy perceives the astral to look for an ambush and whether the Yakuza mage is there.

[Always Overkill]

E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075


As the team neared the pickup site, Drave reestablished his connection to the Matrix and swept the nearby area for any Icons that could mean Yak gangers setting up an ambush.

[Lobo0705]

Corner of Layton and Evanston, Aurora Warrens, 4:00 AM July 31st, 2075


Amy shifts her senses to the Astral, stiffening for a moment, expecting another Manabolt from the enemy mage. After a second passes, with no incoming energy bolt, she looks around - out the front window she sees Evanston, and the form of her Earth spirit rise up out of the ground at the park and begin lumbering down the street toward the team. The back window shows Layton street behind them, clear of bad guys. The side windows show houses, with the occasional auras peeking out of windows, but mostly just gray walls.

Jack rolls his window down, his SMG at the ready, keeping an eye out for physical threats, while Amy watches for magical ones.

[Jack VII]

Corner of Evanston Road and Layton Street, Aurora Warrens, 4:01 AM July 31st, 2075

Jack kept his eyes peeled for movement and switched on the thermographic vision of his helmet. Figuring Grease knew what he was supposed to do, he said. "Alright folks, not that anything has been by the numbers so far tonight, but I think we all know what to do. Meet the spirit, grab the links, and get out of here."

[Lobo0705]

Corner of Layton and Evanston, Aurora Warrens, 4:01 AM July 31st, 2075


As the spirit continues to run down the street toward the car, Jack can hear the sound of car tires squealing. Looking behind them, he sees two Mecury Comets making the turn onto Layton from Chambers. They start accelerating toward the BMW...

[Jack VII]

Corner of Layton and Evanston, Aurora Warrens, 4:01 AM July 31st, 2075

"CONTACTO!" Jack yelled as he took note of the two cars. Composing himself, he shot a quick message to the team.

<<@Team [JustJack] We got two cars coming up behind us fast! Grease & Amy, focus on the spirit. Overkill, see what you can do. I'll try and keep them occupado>>

[Lobo0705]

Corner of Layton and Evanston, Aurora Warrens, 4:01 AM July 31st, 2075

At Jack's signal, Grease guns the accelerator and turns up Evanston, heading toward the spirit, the BMW quickly outdistancing the trailing cars.

<<@Amy [Grease] When I say go, get rid of the spirit>>

<<@Grease [Amy] What? Why...>>

<<@Amy [Grease] Don't ask questions - just do what I say!>>

The distance between the spirit and their car closing fast, Grease slams the car into a tight spin, opening the door on Amy's side, the APPS the only thing keeping her in the vehicle. Hang in there baby, Grease thinks, You too, Amy He feels a sharp pain in his right side. What the hell is that - can't think about that now...

Screaming as she is being pulled against her restraints, the car spins toward the spirit, getting closer and closer..

<<@Amy [Grease] Now Amy, NOW!!>>

Without thinking, Amy sends a mental signal to the Spirit, "I release you!"

The spirit dematerializes, and the commlinks start to fall to the ground, but they are swept into the back seat of the car before the can hit the ground. The force of the commlinks hitting Amy and Overkill at about 30mph is a shock, and leaves a few bruises, but they are otherwise unharmed.


Here's the hard part, Grease completes the 360 degree spin, barely clearing two parked cars on the way.

Shifting gears, Grease slams on the accelerator again, heading up Evanston toward the park.

<<@Team [Grease] See? Piece of cake!>>

Jack, who had been silent the whole time, releases his grip on the door handle, his fingers having left permanent indentations in the plastic.


<<@Grease [Jack] Pendejo, don't do that again, at least not with me in the car.>>>

[Always Overkill]

Corner of Layton and Evanston, Aurora Warrens, 4:01 AM July 31st, 2075


Catching his breath, Drave quickly whipped around checking for the Yaks pursuit, readying his Blitzdrive to brick their rides out from under them. But seeing Grease leave them in the dust, he paused and sighed in relief. "Wunderbar bit of driving, Grease. Remind me to ride with you from now on," he said with a grin.

"Now, Miene Liebling," he continued, turning toward Amy and holding up the link that had landed in his lap, "Lets take a look and see what your friend helped us find."

[Lobo0705]

Nic's Knacks, 11:00 AM July 31st, 2075


Jack lay bleeding on the ground, the smell of smoke and burnt flesh filling his nostrils. Pain shot through his body whenever he tried to move, and something was dripping on his face. Drip... Drip... He looked around, but was unable to make out any details, just twisted metal and bloodstains. Drip... Drip... He tried to raise his arm to wipe his face, but it was pinned to his side by what appeared to be some sort of console. Drip... Drip... He felt the liquid run down the side of his face, and, despite turning his head, was unable to avoid getting some in his mouth. Spitting it out, it was too late to prevent the foul taste of....chocolate?

Jack's eyes opened and came into focus. He was laying on the floor of the living area and his face was wet. Turning his head, he saw Sam crouched on a chair over him, eating an ice cream cone, and she wasn't particularly being neat about it. Her eyes were glued to the trid, watching the latest tripe the corps were putting out these days for public consumption. Sighing, he wiped his face, groaned at the lack of sleep, and got up. I needed a shower anyway.

He looked around the room at the rest of the team. Amy was still asleep in the bed, having spread out now that Sam was awake. Overkill was propped up against the wall, his deck making contented chirping and beeping sounds as the Agent mined the commlinks they had recovered from the Yakuza for data. Jack started to ask him how he felt, but the slight sheen of drool down the side of his chin showed him to still be unconscious. He stood up with a yawn and a stretch, and saw Nic chortling at him from the corner. "That's not a good look for you kid, I think with your complexion, you ought'a to try vanilla or strawberry." The big troll nudged Kevin, who was at the table with him, eating breakfast. Kevin, who had been staring off into space, refocused his eyes, looked around for what Nic was referring to, and then gave a quick laugh, before covering his hand with his mouth.

"You are hilarious." He frowned, and looked at himself in the mirror. The left side of his hair was sticking out in all directions, with some of the ice cream having melted and then dried. Sighing, he sort of patted it down, and then looked at the clock. Eleven o'clock. Well, six hours of sleep was better than none. He walked to the bathroom unit past Nic, wiping his hand on the troll's overalls as he walked by. Getting into the shower, he thought back to how the night ended.

After Grease had almost gotten them killed with that stunt he pulled, he easily outmaneuvered and outran the Yak goons on their tail. Just to be on the safe side, he had driven them all over the UCAS sector for another hour, and then dropped them off at Nic's before heading back to his own place to get some sleep. Nic and the kids were asleep when they got home, the troll sitting in the chair in the living room. Amy had climbed into bed with Sam, Overkill had spent a little time in the bathroom cleaning the blood off his face from the superficial cut he got when the links had hit him there, and then began running his Agent to find anything useful. Jack had passed out almost immediately, once he had cleared a little space on the floor.

Finishing up, he toweled off and put on a new set of clothes. Coming out into the living area, he saw that Grease had arrived, bearing doughnuts, and the rest of the team had woken, stumbling over to get the treats, and, more importantly, the soykaf that Grease had.

Grease handed a jelly doughnut to Amy. "How are you my dear?"

"Mmmmphh" was about all the reply he got out of her. It seemed that Amy was as much of a morning person as Jack was.

Overkill seemed more alert, grabbing a cruller and a large cup of 'kaf. "Well, Damen und Herren, let's see what we have." He sends the data to the rest of the group's commlinks, then says, "I had my Agent mine the 'links for anything using the key words Crimson Fire, Officer Thomas, Los Mags, and Lynx just to see what came up - and nothing did. So, I then had it check for any large cash transfers from the two months before the murder. There were some transfers, but the payments to the 'links seemed more like a payroll than a payoff - 300 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) each time, about once a week." He took a big sip of the coffee, and a bite of the cruller.

"Lastly, I had it mine the data for any names that appeared more than five times in the month before they were killed, and I only got three: Kazuya Hanzo, Jade Modori, and someone named 'Loki'. It is clear from the messages that Kazuya is someone they feared and obeyed, one can only presume someone higher up in the organization. Jade and Loki are harder to pin down. They seemed to be communicating in code - like "A1745" or "C2015" - and it seems that Jade was sending the message to these lumps, who then would send the same message to Loki." Shoving the last bit of cruller in his mouth, he finished chewing and said, "Given the frequency of the messages and the payments, one could only assume that Jade was using these guys as an intermediary between her and Loki, but as to what they were doing, I can't say."

[Jack VII]

Nic's Knacks, 11:10 AM July 31st, 2075

Feeling clean and refreshed in his clean t-shirt and jeans, Jack listened intently to Overkill's report. "If I understand it correctly, you're saying we still don't have anything conclusively tying los comodines to the other cases we're investigating? Maybe this one was just a random shooting..."

Jack groaned inwardly. Their early morning antics had turned out to be a dangerous and unnecessary side-show to the main event. One consolation was that the team had their first combat encounter under their belt and everyone had survived it, although probably more through luck and Grease's driving than anything else. They probably needed to have a conversation about working together as a team, but with Sam, Kevin, and Nic present, now probably wasn't the time.

Trying to salvage something from last night, Jack said, "Even though the information from those 'links may not help us, it might be useful to someone. It would probably help if we knew who those people were though."

[Always Overkill]

Nic's Knacks, 11:10 AM July 31st, 2075


"Indeed," Drave replied in total agreement with Jack's conclusions and his frustration over the lack of progress, "We went looking for answers in Sagebrush and literally unearthed more questions. Add that to all the research we still have to do on the Case files, I could be digging in the Matrix for the next few days and still end up with more questions than answers" Working in AR the whole time, he continued, "I am setting up search parameters for Kazuya Hanzo, Jade Modor, and someone using the alias Loki, but I think I should put these behind many of our older cases as far as priority is concerned. I still need to conduct a more extensive search for herr Lynx, as my Agent came up empty in the search I ran last night."

[Jack VII]

Nic's Knacks, 11:10 AM July 31st, 2075

"I'd say stick to searches we know are related to our job for the time being." Jack replied. "We might be able to get a basic idea of who they are by just asking around. Maybe give Chapel a call?"

Calling up his AR feed, the ork pulled up the latest copy of the Denver Tribune and started reading. He snagged a doughnut and saluted Grease with it in thanks. Scanning the feed, Jack read through the articles. 5,000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) to find a lost kid? Sounds like easy cred... Not really noticing anything of particular interest, Jack closed the feed and leaned back. This morning's excitement had taken a physical and mental toll on the group.

"So what's on tap for today? We've still got two crime scenes to check out, although we only have a location for one of the two. We have a few sources running down leads, but there's no telling when they're going to get back to us. Other than checking out the crime scene here in the Warrens, maybe we should take the rest of the day off to recover and take care of personal business?"

[DrZaius]

Nic's Knacks, 11:10 AM July 31st, 2075

Licking his fingers after polishing off a bear claw, Grease nods at Jack. "We could; there's not a lot of stones we have left uncovered so far. I can try putting some feelers out and seeing if I can't locate Lynx or his crew. I'm a bit more tapped into the UCAS sector, and maybe I know somebody who can get in contact with him. At the very least if we're able to hire him for a job that would get him out in the open; although I'd prefer to find out where he's holed up."

[Jack VII]

Nic's Knacks, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 AM July 31st, 2075

Jack's eyes glazed over a bit as he accessed his AR display to check his notes. "Alright, do we want to head over to those apartments and see what we can turn up on the Thomas murder? Beyond that, the only other thing I can think of until we hear back from some of our contacts is checking with the waitress over at Schaefer’s. The description she gave of the driver sounded a lot like the guy who murdered Jackson. If we could get confirmation on that, we can tie three, if not more, of the murders together."