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

[Chrome Head]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 7:46PM, July 31st, 2075

Amy saw Jack's message appear and sighed. <<@Team [Amy's Voice] You do what you have to do, Jack. We can deal with the rally without you, but don't take too many risks when you're by yourself. If you find yourself in any trouble at all, call up and Grease can go to you and extract you outta there. Arright? We're a team and we look out for each other.>>

[DrZaius]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 7:46PM, July 31st, 2075

Sitting in the comfort of his BMW, Grease frowned at Jack's message. Of all the times... Well, if they're in trouble, he's gotta go.

<<@Team [Grease]: You can take the cab if you want; it can probably be here in 10 minutes. I get the sense this whole thing is just us being overly paranoid, anyways. Holler if you need serious firepower.>>

[Jack VII]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 7:47PM, July 31st, 2075

Jack was glad no one objected to his decision. He was pretty sure that some of them might question it, but appreciated that no one voiced it.

<<@Team [JustJack] Thanks, folks. I'm going to take one of the Amindola cabs. If things go pear-shaped Grease, I'd rather have you not have to split your attention between here and there. If I run into trouble, I'll let everyone know. The timing is terrible, which is kind of suspicious in and of itself. Hell, the whole thing could be a setup, but I gotta check it out either way. Thanks for understanding...>>

[Always Overkill]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 7:46PM, July 31st, 2075

"Gott, warum hasst du mich?" Drave cursed to himself as he heard Jack's message. He had been blending in near the kitchens, grabbing a bite himself to look natural while keeping a watchful eye over the main assembly that had gathered; checking for weapons and anyone looking like they were going to cause. He was confident in the disguise job Grease had done; he could recognize himself; different hair and sunglasses, his Cybereye's glow turned off; and the Bronco's jacket and khaki's he was wearing would likely not be anything he would wear again. He couldn't help but do occasional scans of the areas of the houses, a few in particular that he and Jack both thought looked like good sniper's nests.

Drave had a strange sense of trust in Jack's judgement, and knew he wouldn't leave this situation without a good reason. He typed a quick response in his AR.

<<@JustJack [Overkill]: Viel Gluck, mein Genosse, We'll take it from here.>>

He hoped it was a good reason, in any case.

<<@Amy[Overkill]: Amy, don't worry; just stay close to Chomsky, and do what I know you can.>>

[Lobo0705]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 7:51PM, July 31st, 2075

As Jack paced back and forth waiting for the taxi to arrive, the others continued about their tasks, nervously wondering what, if anything, this new twist had to do with their current assignment.

Four minutes after the call, an Amendola taxi screeched into the parking lot, the driver a young looking troll barely able to squeeze inside the cab, but clearly eager to earn the promised bonus. "Hop in boss, I'll get you there quick." Jack needed no second invitation, although he wondered as to whether or not the the extra weight would rip the bottom out of the cab the next time the went over a bump.

On the way, he scanned the entry on his commlink for the hotel, switched out of his yellow t-shirt, threw his armored vest on, and then his t-shirt on over it - the vest showing an outline in the fabric, but that couldn't be helped.

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:06 PM, July 31st, 2075
After a 15 minute drive that seemed to take an eternity, the cab pulled up in front of the Claridge, the AR facade covering the lack of maintenance the actual building received. The sidewalk around the hotel was empty, and there were only two guests he could see inside the lobby through the front door. Paying the driver, he stepped onto the curb.

[Jack VII]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:06 PM, July 31st, 2075

Arriving at the building, Jack tapped a quick message to Honeypot.

<<@Honeypot [JustJack] On my way, tough to catch a cab. Should be there in 15-20 minutes, hold tight>>

Jack couldn't discount the possibility that Honeypot had either flipped on him or was being used as bait for an ambush. He hoped the message might buy him a bit of time and possibly surprise. Exiting the cab, the ork tapped in a command on his commlink to pay the driver and tip him an extra 12 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) . "Thanks buddy. If you hang around for another 30 minutes, I may need a ride back. Same rate..." Hoping the troll's avarice would keep him around, the ork turned and faced the building without another word.

Jack pretended to check himself out in the glass of the front door, fiddling with his hair and adjusting his glasses. His real reason for pausing was to examine the guests in the lobby, looking for anything out of place.

[Lobo0705]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:01 PM, July 31st, 2075

After Jack departed, Chomsky gave Amy a questioning look, but Amy simply smiled and nodded her head, indicating everything would be fine.

The crowd had started to build, and the baseball fields now were full of people. Most looked worse for wear, denizens of the Warrens who had seen better days, and were looking for better ones to come. The volunteers formed were all in place, their t-shirts like a yellow ribbon around the stage.

Grease's drones were doing aerial sweeps over the houses, and Amy could see Thraha standing guard over the assembly.

At 8:00 precisely, Chomsky climbed up on the stage. "Hello everyone, and welcome!" Cheers met his greeting. "For those of you who don't know me, my name is Chomsky, and I was born, raised, and live right here in the Warrens!" More cheers came back, a show of solidarity among the residents.

"We know things have been getting worse around here, and we need to do something about it!" He made a motion with his hand, and Greeley came to stand next to him on the stage. "I would like to introduce you to Ms. Shannon Greeley, a representative of Rebuilding Together." The cheers were more sporadic this time, as the crowd did not have a great history with corporations, even so-called "non-profit" ones. "She is here to offer her support. I ask that you give her your time. Ms. Greeley, I turn the stage over to you."

The AR equipment came to life, and Shannon's image and form was placed over the center of the field, so that everyone could easily see her. She smiled, friendly and easily, and began to speak. "People of the Warrens, I am not going to try and pretend that I am one of you. I can't. Each of you has faced hardships I have not. Each of you has been deprived of the basic human necessities that I grew up taking for granted." There was much mumbling of assent from the crowd. "But! That does not mean that myself, or my friends at Rebuilding Together are blind to your problems. We see the issues caused by the government, or should I say LACK of government. We see the rampant violence and drugs, the neglect of the schools and buildings, and we need to let people know that we are different. That the time for change is NOW!" The crowd was warming to her now, their voices drowning out the sound of sirens, but not of the flashing lights. approaching from the west.

Grease's Fly Spy was the first to spot the approaching vehicles. Two Lone Star Patrol-3s, with four Rotodrones flying above them, came down the street toward the parking lot.

[Lobo0705]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:06 PM, July 31st, 2075

Ever cautious, Jack enters the building. The two guests inside appear to be a couple, two elves you would estimate to be in their 70's. Probably too poor to afford better accommodation.

There is only one worker behind the counter, a greasy-haired man who gives Jack a dirty look as he enters. Is it orks in general he doesn't like, or just me..


Jack continues to the elevator and presses the button. His commlink chirps, and he looks down at it, conscious of the eyes of the desk clerk on him.

<<@Jack[Honeypot] Thank you, Jack. I'll be in the room. Knock three times then once.>>

Jack steps inside, closing the door behind him, pressing the 11th and 13th floor buttons. After a sixty second elevator ride, he gets off at the 11th floor, and follows the AROs for the stairs.

As he enters the staircase, he can hear moaning from a couple floors below, but they seem of pleasure more than pain, and he continued up the stairs. He reached the door to the 13th floor, and listened. Although it was hard to hear over the amorous couple, he did not make out anything. Slowly opening the door, he looked down the hallway, but saw it was empty.

[Jack VII]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:08 PM, July 31st, 2075

So far so good... the ork thought to himself. Entering the 13th floor hallway, Jack closed the stairwell door behind him as silently as possible. Taking note of the room number closest to him, the ork worked his way down the hallway, his FootNinja^TM skillsoft smoothly interfacing with his skillwire system. As he finally made his way to Room #1329, Jack paused, slowed his breathing, mentally activated his wired reflex system, and listened to the door, trying to make out any sounds on the other side that might indicate trouble.

[Chrome Head]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:01 PM, July 31st, 2075

She's bringing out the cops? What the frag...

<<@Overkill,Grease [Amy's subvocal] Our plan hasn't changed. Let's see how the crowd reacts, continue watching, and not just the cops.>>

[Jack VII]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:08 PM, July 31st, 2075

Not very good situational awareness if she's watching the trid... the ork thought to himself. Slowly, Jack pulled out his small Streetline Special and checked that the safety was off and that it was ready to fire. The APDS rounds loaded in it were illegal, but it was a calculated risk. With his free hand, he tapped out a message on the Ikon strapped to his right wrist and sent it to Honeypot.

<<@Honeypot [JustJack] About 2 knock>>

Jack moved to the side of the doorframe and put his back to the wall. Reaching out, he knocked three times, paused, knocked again, ducked down, and brought his weapon to bear, aiming at the door.

[Lobo0705]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:08 PM, July 31st, 2075

Jack waited, and he could hear footsteps approaching the door. The door opened slowly, and Jack tensed as someone poked their head out into the hall. Managing to avoid blowing his friend's head off as a reaction, Jack lowered the weapon as Honeypot turned and yelped a little in fright.

"Jack, don't scare me like that, I'm nervous enough as it is. Come inside." She looked both ways down the hallway again, and went inside the room.

Jack followed cautiously, and checked out the room as they went inside. A tiny bathroom to the right, basically just a toilet, sink, and empty shower stall, a closet to the left so small that it should really be called a drawer, and then the spacious part of the room, a double bed with a trid at least 25 years old sitting crookedly on a desk that looked about twice that old. Honeypot paced nervously back and forth. "Jack, be straight, what the hell have you gotten me into?"

[Jack VII]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:10 PM, July 31st, 2075

Once assured the room was clear, Jack put the pistol back on safe and pocketed it. He moved over to the door and secured the lock. "Sorry about that, I wasn't sure if you were contacting me on your own free will. Can't be too careful..."

Motioning for the elf to sit down, the ork continued, "You sure you want to know? Might make you even more of a target. I know you're worried about your contacts not getting back to you, but something has you spooked. Care to share?"

[Lobo0705]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:11 PM, July 31st, 2075

Honeypot stops and collects her thoughts for a minute. "After we met yesterday, I mentioned to some of my friends that I would be interested to know about the two elves poking around, and who might be interested in them as well. One of them, a working girl friend of mine, said she would check it out. She is usually good for information, as she has quite a few clients, let's say, well placed." She sits on the bed, her brow furrowed. "The last I spoke to her was late last night, and she was about to meet one of her clients who she said worked for Lone Star, but she wouldn't say who it was. I sent her a message this morning, and she hasn't responded. This is a girl who lives on her 'link. There is no way she didn't get the message, or wouldn't get back to me if she weren't prevented from doing so."

She wipes her eyes, composes herself and continues. "If that weren't bad enough, my Matrix guy I use for, shall we say, "discreet inquiries" messaged me to say he had a lead he was working on. Then nothing. I drove by his house, his car was parked out front, but the lights were off, and he wasn't responding." She stands again and resumes pacing. "I'm stuck in this fleabag of a motel. I only picked it cause the manager owes me. I used to turn tricks here when I was younger, and I can't say that this is creating any memories that are better than those."

"Alright, Jack. I've shared. Your turn."

[Jack VII]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:11 PM, July 31st, 2075

Jack sighed and nodded. "Alright, fair is fair, I'm going to shoot straight with you. The crew I'm with is looking into a series of Lone Star murders. Yes, this crew includes the two elves we talked about yesterday. Anyway, a little over a half-dozen officers have been killed over the past few months in suspicious circumstances. Our Johnson wants us to figure out what the deal is, who's doing it, and making sure justice is done. It's not something I'd normally take on, but the pay seemed good."

"We've looked into most of the murders. Looks like it's a professional crew doing most of the geeking and it seems like they're trying to tie up loose ends. Pretty sure there are a few witnesses who've found themselves looking down the wrong end of a pistola..." Jack paused briefly, considering the innocent blood that had been spilled so far, apparently including some of Honeypot's friends. "As far as we can tell, we think it's related to a new drug the Los Mags are running called Crimson Fire and may be tied into some corrupt Star personnel. As this thing has unfolded, it's gotten pretty nasty. Honestly, I didn't know how nasty it was when I asked you about it. If I had, I would have never asked you to look into it. I don't know which way we can move now... these people seem like they know our moves before we do."

Jack straightens up. "With that said, I put you in this mess, I'm going to get you out of it. I can understand that you're not a big fan of this place, but do you think you're safe here? The only flophouse I can offer is the place I stay and most of the rest of my crew is there. I'm not sure how safe it would be. If you think you can get away with hiding out here for a while, it might be the best course of action. Any details about your chums could help. Addresses or commcodes, we might be able to shake something loose to help us find these guys and exact some justice."

[Lobo0705]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:11 PM, July 31st, 2075

Honeypot's eyes sort of widen as Jack's story unfolds. "That's some deep waters you are swimming in Jack. Here's the info I have for both of my people." She sends two files over to Jack's 'link. "Drug dealers, bad cops, and who knows what else."

"As far as your offer of shelter, I appreciate it, but I think that hiding out with you would be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire." She smiles. "Did you notice the elderly couple when you walked in?" Jack nods.

"You wouldn't know it, but the girl is a minor magician, and the other is a pretty badass fighter. They've got my back. But it was still sweet, Jack."

[Jack VII]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:15 PM, July 31st, 2075

"Thank you, bonita," Jack replied. "When this is all over, I'll give you a call and let you know. Hell, if it works out right, you might read about it in the Trib. Regardless, I'm sorry for getting you involved with this. I aim to make it right, and soon... stay safe."

Jack gave the elf a sad smile and walked to the door. Checking the peephole, he opened the door and took his leave, heading toward the elevator. With Honeypot advising him of the two powerful septuagenarians downstairs, he took the direct route, trusting in their abilities.

[Lobo0705]

Claridge Hotel, East 60th, 8:15 PM, July 31st, 2075

As Jack rides the elevator down, he wonders how the rest of the team is doing. As the door to the lobby opens, he thinks to himself, This little detour sure came up at the worst HOLY SHIT!?!

Jack flinches as the body of a young elven female smashes into the wall next to the elevator with bone-crunching impact. His eyes instinctively drawn to her, and his brain registers that although she looks about twenty, she is wearing the same clothes as the woman he saw on the way in.

Reaching for his sidearm, he looks up to see the another elf, his magical disguise now shed, standing his ground in front of one of the biggest trolls Jack has ever seen. At almost twelve feet in height, he literally towers over the slender form in front of him. The elf, taking his eyes off of the troll for a second, yells "Get her out of here!" The troll, coal black skin with ritual scarring on each cheek, long black dreadlocks reaching mid back, looks at Jack and laughs. At least that is what Jack thinks he is doing, since when the enormous mouth opens, a strangled croaking comes out, it is clear that the troll has had his tongue removed.

The elf extends spurs from both arms. "Go!"

[DrZaius]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:02 PM, July 31st, 2075

Seeing the cop cars approaching rapidly, Grease frowns to himself alone in his car, worried. He sends a message to the team, excluding Jack (who is suspiciously absent.) Convenient he bugged out right before the cops showed...

<<@Team[Grease]: I've got cops approaching from the west, 2 patrol cars and 4 rotodrones. I'd go whisper to Greeley if she's expecting company, or if she'd prefer to keep this little party kosher. The speed they're approaching leads me to believe this isn't because Building Together is missing a permit. We may need to bug out fast; those Rotodrones can carry some heavy drek, and me and RHex can't stand up to that level of firepower. Not to mention that I'm not too enthusiastic about getting into a shooting match with Lone Star, even if this batch is the dirty kind.>>

[Chrome Head]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:02 PM, July 31st, 2075

<<@Overkill,Grease [Amy's subvocal] Crazy as it sounds, I think it was something planned by Greeley all along. Let's see how it plays out, I don't want to get on that stage if I don't need to. I'll go ask Chomsky though.>>

Amy makes her way to her friend. "Chomsky, was this craziness planned all along? The Cops are onto us. What do you want us to do?"

[DrZaius]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:02 PM, July 31st, 2075

Planned?! Well, they know Greeley better than I do. Still, this is going to turn sideways fast.

<<@Team[Grease]: The air support is what worries me. I'll wait and see for now, but be prepared to tackle her if they start acting hostile.>>

I just bought that damn vest!

[Always Overkill]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:02 PM, July 31st, 2075

Still trying to register the intent of the Lone Star squadron descending on their position, Drave surveyed the crowd to see their reactions to the fast approaching police. Listening to his team's chatter, he shook his head, and typed a quick response in his AR display.

<<@Team[Overkill]: Well, be sure and let us know what he says.>>

[Lobo0705]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:03 PM, July 31st, 2075

As Amy fights to make herself heard over the noise of the crowd, Chomsky turns to look at her. "Is what planned?" She points to the police vehicles, and he looks confused. "I had no idea they were coming."

The two Patrol-3's pull in to the parking lot and park, while the Rotodrones fly up about 150 meters or so to provide overwatch. The drones bob and weave around, but do not make any threatening moves. The crowd starts to mumble and then it becomes difficult to understand anything as all the people start talking at once.

The doors to the Patrol-3's open, and one man gets out of the driver side of each vehicle. Both are about average to above average height, their full body armor marked with the Lone Star insignia, their helmets making them anonymous and stormtrooper-like. They make no move toward their weapons as they approach the stage, and speak briefly with Captain Costalas.

The Cruz Security personnel move out of the way, and the two officers start walking toward the stage.

[DrZaius]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:03 PM, July 31st, 2075

Very interesting...

<<@Team [Grease] I guess we're about to find out if Greeley has any warrants outstanding..>>

Grease maintains his drones in their surveillance net, making sure to mark each of the rotodrones with an AR marker for his team.

[Chrome Head]

Horseshoe Park, Aurora Warrens, 8:03 PM, July 31st, 2075

<<@Overkill,Grease [Amy's subvocal] He doesn't know about it. Drek.. what is going on? Stay sharp.>>