Nothing's Free in the Free Zone (IC), Adventure 2: A Dish Best Served Cold Options

[Lobo0705]

Nic's Knacks, 4:00 PM, September 11, 2075

Jack's vat-grown muscles rippled under his overalls. "Higher, ya idiot, how am I supposed to reach under there without any room?"

Jack gritted his teeth, indulging in a brief but sweet daydream of dropping the engine block he was hauling out of the Comet onto Nic's grizzled head. Pushing that thought aside, he used the hoist to move the engine out of the old troll's way, letting him get deeper into the hood of the vehicle. Swinging it over and down onto the floor, he heaved a sigh of relief and clutched at his lower back. Already lost in his work, Nic hummed a tune to himself, but he was so out of tune Jack couldn't tell if it was Eliza Starr or Nago.

"Seeing that Nic was engrossed with his work, he mumbled a low "No problem, Nic. You're welcome." under his breath, and went over to the sink, and ran some water over his face. As he looked in the mirror, he touched the scar at his temple, feeling the new piece of 'ware. He still hadn't gotten used to it, a feeling that was reinforced as he received an incoming message. The letters appeared across his vision, and he felt more than heard the Message Received indicator that came along with it.

<<@Jack [Chapel] Jack, I have another opportunity to pay the bills. If you are interested, let me know. I'll be at McCormick's in two hours.">>

[Jack VII]

Nic's Knacks, 4:00 PM, September 11, 2075

A new job, huh? the ork thought as he washed as much of the grime off his face and hands as possible. After a second, he stopped, realizing he was going to need a full-on shower if he was going to meet Chapel. That guy would never let him live it down if he showed up at a meet looking like a grease monkey. Jack paused, somewhat surprised at himself that he was already in the mind-set that he was going to take the job.

Memories of the last job Chapel had brokered flashed through his mind: investigations, shoot-outs, a near death experience, and lot and lots of dead people. Jack could admit that the job had left a few emotional scars. He still had nightmares of Renata's body hanging from that wooden frame at the Arsenal. Dead only because he had asked a question. Shaking his head, the ork cleared out his misgivings. Life sucked, the only thing you can do is try to clean up the drek and make it better for yourself and your friends.

Watching Nic continue his ministrations on the vehicle, the ork sent a message back to Chapel.

<<@Chapel [JustJack] Hoi, chummer. I may be game. Can you give me an idea about what I'm going to be doing and who else is on the job?>>

To be honest, the second half of the question might have been more important than the first. After his experience with Grease during the last job, Jack wasn't entirely sure he was going to be up to working with anyone new. Given Overkill's return to Europe, he had the sinking feeling that he may not have a choice.

[Lobo0705]

Amy's Apartment, 4:00 PM, September 11, 2075

The sun shone in through the open window in Amy's kitchenette. Sam sat at the table, doing her Social Studies homework while Amy helped. "No Sam, I know what that book says, but whatever nonsense they were spouting after being caught, the people pulling the strings were corporate backed, and not religious zealots."

While Amy was happy in general with the school, and even happier that Sam had children her own age to play with, she was not excited at all about the prospect of the corporate-driven agenda that passed for curriculum these days. She knew she would have to remain active if she wanted Sam's impressionable young mind not to be warped by their teachings. She removed the vegetables from the fridge, preparing to make a stir fry for dinner that evening. She was unpleasantly surprised at how quickly money was spent when you wanted to eat even some real food at dinner, and knew she would either have to switch back to straight soy products soon or start dipping into her rainy-day money.

Her commlink made a chirping noise, and she quickly wiped her hands on her pants, then picked it up, seeing the message flashing.

<<@Amy [Chapel] Amy, or should I say Snap? A job opportunity has come along, and I believe that the team could use your skill set. I will be at McCormick's at 6:00 PM this evening, please let me know in advance if you will be joining us.>>

[Lobo0705]

East 56th Ave, 4:00 PM, September 11, 2075

"Oh my GOD!" Screams of terror erupted from the back of Grease's cab, and the slender elf shut off the audio from the interior. His body was slumped in its VR harness in the front seat, and his mind was on the road in front of him.

He felt a tickling along his left elbow, not painful, but worrisome. Gotta get those brake pads checked, they feel a little loose. He could feel a stiff breeze cross his face as a BMW M8 passed him coming the other direction. From the internal camera, his passenger seemed upset because Grease was the BMW's lane at the time. Clicking on the speaker, he sent a reassuring, "Remain calm, all is well." back into the cab, and then got back to concentrating on the road. He felt rather than saw the passenger pulling at the door handle. "Quit it back there, you are going to get hurt, or worse, break my door handle. We'll be there in a minute."

Customers. They are the worst. I need a new job.

Pulling up to the passenger's destination, he skidded to a halt, and opened the door remotely. The woman scrambled out of the car, almost dropping her stuff in her haste to get out. "I'm going to call the Star!" but she was already talking to thin air, as Grease floored it and pulled back out into traffic. He had gotten a new message from Chapel, and that looked much more interesting than arguing over the 20 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) fare from woman, if she even paid it. Some people are so ungrateful.

Checking his AR again, he re-read the message: <<@Grease [Chapel] My friend! It has been too long. Why do we always take so long between meetings? I have a job that may interest you, please be at McCormick's tonight if you are interested, and as always, please RSVP. Hope to see you there.>>

[Lobo0705]

Tempus Fugit, 4:00 PM, September 11, 2075

Mel rolled out of bed as her the message flared across her optic nerve, waking her from a sound sleep. Stretching her arms over her head she gave a huge yawn, and then rubbed her eyes until she saw bright flashes floating in front of her eyes. rolling off of the cot that she used for a bed, she manipulated the icon for the soykaf machine, setting it to produce a liquid that tasted something like a mix between dirty water and hot mud, but at least it had caffeine in it. She The smell of last night's festivities lingered down here, spilled synthol and sweat, but it was a place to stay, and Art gave her a reasonable price for it.

Pinching her nose, she downed two cups of the brown liquid, and then grabbed a Insta-Heat meal from the fridge, pulling the tabs and waiting two minutes for it to cook. As she forced down the burrito with "real cheese food substitute", she looked over the message. She went over to her cot, and reached beneath it for a small black case she kept inside an old shoe. Opening it, she saw three small chips, each one marked with a stylized musical note. Her fingers itched as she reached for one, but then thinking about the message, she re-read it.

<<@Mel [Chapel] It is time to get back on the horse. Meet me at McCormick's at 6:00 PM.>>

With a supreme act of will she closed the box and put it away.

[DrZaius]

East 56th Ave, 4:00 PM, September 11, 2075

Well, I can't very well show up in this.. I'll have to go home first.

Making a left across 2 lanes and cutting across part of the sidewalk, Grease composes his reply to Chapel while pouring on the gas. The "Taxi in Service" light still on, he mentally grins to himself as he sees a number of hands that were previously held up shoot firmly to their owner's side as they see his cab approaching.

<<@Chapel [Grease]: Always a pleasure. Sounds good, let me know the details and I'll be there with bells on. What time?>>

While waiting for Chapel's reply, Grease turns the light off on his cab and makes his best speed for his apartment, anxious to try out his new getup.

[Melpomene]

Tempus Fugit, 4:00 PM, September 11, 2075

Mel slid the box back to its assigned spot. For a moment, she froze, her eyes unfocused. She remembered that last run. The faces of the others came unbidden to her mind. She hadn't thought about them for a while, but now that night came back like it was waiting for her, like a predator in the dark.

With effort, she shut her eyes, and activated her internal sound link.

Best way to drown out bad memories? SOUND.

She cranked up the link. Double bass drums, screaming guitar, a heavy metal crescendo roared through her mind like a derailed bullet train, shattering all other thought. Mel slowly rose, arms outstretched, head back. Her eyes flew open and she screamed like a banshee as the music hit its climax. Her voice trailed off as the music faded.

There was no sound for a moment. Mel brought her hands to her sides, hands balled into fists. Her eyes were focused. Determined. Ready.

She mentally clicked her deck through the DNI.

<<@Chapel [Melpomene]: I agree. Let's trip the light. See you at 6.>>

Mel moved with purpose. She wiped her face down in the bathroom sink, and put on her UE 'suit...she loved that is was protective, yet baggy. She slid her deck into the pocket designed for it, and grabbed her Fichetti, fitting it under her left arm in another pocket, then her IDs (into another pocket). She returned to the bathroom mirror and regarded herself. She looked at the left side of her head. In the mirror, she could just make out a song lyric tattooed into her skin. She smiled as she read the lyric in her mind, her finger tracing the letters.

Back in black
I hit the sack
I been too long I'm glad to be back
Yes I am
Let loose from the noose
That's kept me hanging about

She smiled...the words translating to the vocals then to the sound in her mind. Without another word, she walked out into the sun, and looked to hail a cab.

[Lobo0705]

Nic's Knacks, 4:15 PM, September 11, 2075

Chapel's response game back after a few minutes, the words appearing across the bottom of the news program Jack was watching as he cleaned up.

<<@Jack [Chapel] I think you'll be pleased with the other people I've contacted about this. As you know, I don't like to give out too much info before I have the agreement that you are on-board. Talk to you shortly.>>

Grease's apartment, 4:15 PM, September 11, 2075

<<@Grease [Chapel] The meeting starts at 6:00 my friend.>>

Grease checks the time stamp on the message, and quickly sends back <<@Chapel [Grease] No problem, save a seat for me.>>

[Jack VII]

Nic's Knacks, 4:15 PM, September 11, 2075

Jack grunted, a little annoyed the fixer wasn't more forthcoming, but figured he hadn't really expected more. The suggestion that he would be pleased with the other runners being invited comforted him. Chapel was a pretty straight shooter when it came to that... then again, he had introduced him to Grease. While working with the elf for a week had created something of a bond, the ork was still concerned about the elf's loyalty and reliability. As long as he doesn't show up to this meet high, I think we'll be okay... he thought to himself.

Taking the garment bag out of his closet, Jack pulled out his new Zoe Executive Suite suit. Remembering the chagrin he felt when he and Grease showed up at the meet with Ramirez wearing the same suit, the ork was determined not to let that happen again. As such, the suit was one of the first things he had purchased with his earnings from the last run. There was a niggling at the back of his mind, a fear that the elf had also used some of his earnings to buy the same suit as he. But Jack had made sure to ask Davis the tailor if he had done any work for an elf looking like Grease and he had denied it. Then again, I'd probably deny providing goods and services to Grease too...

Figuring nothing could be done about it, Jack put the suit on and grabbed his Streetline Special. The gun was almost a joke, he could probably do more damage by hitting someone with his fists, but he didn't care. He had even taken the extra effort to have a smartgun system installed in the little gun so that he would hopefully be a little bit more accurate with it. To give the little pistol some added kick, it was loaded with APDS rounds. Checking himself out in the mirror, he figured he looked professional enough, the dull gleam of the datajack even giving him an added corp touch. If not for the vat-grown muscles filling out the suit, he'd probably look like a mid-level manager with some corp, probably EVO.

Grabbing his commlink, he was about to call for a cab when he remembered the new datajack installed in his head. He was still getting used to it. Mentally accessing his contact list, he called up Amindola's and requested a ride to McCormick's, arrival time no later than 1740.

GEAR

[ Spoiler ]

Streetline Special [APDS] w/Gecko Grip, Internal Smartgun, 1x Spare Mag [REG], & 1x Spare Mag [S&S] (W)
Flash-Pak (W)
Zoe Executive Suite w/Concealable Holster (W)
Horn Rim Glasses w/Flare Comp, Image Link, Vision Enhancement (2) (W)
Earbuds w/Audio Enhancement (3) (W)
Hermes Ikon (5) [Browse & Signal Scrub] w/Subvocal Mic
Meta Link (1)
Medkit (3) (3/3 Supplies) (W)
Trauma Patch (W)
1x Standard Credstick

Cyberware
Datajack [Alpha] (W)
Handblade [Alpha]
Internal Air Tank (3) [Alpha]
Muscle Replacement (2) [Alpha]
Skilljack (4) [Used] (W)
Skillwires (4) [Used]
Skillsoft [Pistols (4), Sneaking (4), Unarmed Combat (4)]
Smartlink [Alpha] (W)
Wired Reflexes (1) [Alpha]

[Chrome Head]

Amy's Apartment, 4:00 PM, September 11, 2075

Finally! Amy was actually itching to go back to work, if for nothing else than to get paid again. Truth be told, she felt like she didn't have much to do after this first run, how was she spending her time before running the shadows, she almost wondered.

"Hey Sam, looks like I'm going back to work soon! I hope it won't be as crazy as last time, but just in case I'll have someone look over you tonight. Remember Lizzy? I'll see if she can come over tonight like last week."

<<@Chapel [Snap] Yeah it's Snap now (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Of course you can count on me! I need the money...>>

Eager for the evening, she stared assembling what little gear she had for running.

[ Spoiler ]

Carried Gear

Armor Vest
She's wearing black pants with a silver stripe on the side, boots, an armor vest, a simple grey top, and a light leather jacket.

in a small bag:

Renraku Sensei
Burner Commlink Rating 1
Survival Kit
Respirator rating 4
Gas Mask
Trodes
60 drams of reagents

[Jack VII]

Nic's Knacks, 4:15 PM, September 11, 2075

Jack had just made his reservation with Amendola's when a new message icon popped up in his DNI-enabled AR display. His commlink registered the message as coming from a commcode tied to Amy.

<<@Jack [Amy] Hoi, Jack! It's Snap. Did you by chance get invited to McCormick's for a meeting tonight at 6PM? I was wondering if you wanted to share the ride and save some cash?>>

Snap? Who the frag had come up with that dumb name? the ork thought as he mentally changed the contact information tied to that commcode, relabeling it to Snap. Thinking on it further, he figured the name kind of fit. She was quick, quick-thinking, and quick-tempered when the drek hit the fan. Jack was pleased that Amy was along for the ride. She had matured a lot over the course of the last run, although she needed to work on keeping herself out of the line of fire. The gunshot wounds he had suffered trying to keep her alive during the last job had healed, but it wasn't an experience Jack wanted to repeat. With Overkill in Europe somewhere, he felt she might have a little more room to grow without his occasionally overbearing protection getting in the way. The ork mentally composed a message in return.

<<@Snap [JustJack] ¡Hola, uh, Snap? That's going to take a little getting used to, chica. I do happen to have dinner reservations at McCormick's tonight for 6PM and would love to split the fare. I wanted to try to get there early for around 1740, if that's okay. Just schedule the cab and I'll be ready. I'm still at Nic's.>>

Sending the message, Jack mentally accessed his commlink again and cancelled his reservation with Amendola's.

Nic's Knacks, 5:25 PM, September 11, 2075

Jack was waiting outside when the sleek cab pulled up. The precision in the vehicle's movement reminded Jack of Grease's driving, albeit at a less insane speed and without the total disregard for safety. Opening the back door, Jack smiled at Amy, the elf looking much healthier than the last time he had seen her.

"Am- Snap! It's good to see you again." Jack said, his happiness sincere. Sliding into the back seat, the ork glanced toward the front of the cab and saw that the driver was fully immersed in VR. As the door closed, the cab pulled away from the building. "How's everything? How's Sam doing?"

[Chrome Head]

Nic's Knacks, 5:25 PM, September 11, 2075

Amy seems to be in great shape and happy to see Jack. "Heeey Jack! We're doing great, she's finally going to school now, I'm so proud of her, soon she'll have things to teach me. If only it wasn't the corporate sponsored drek that passes as education. Maybe we should come visit you and uncle Nic some time. How's the old man doing? Is he around?"

"The nickname was Grease's idea. I don't mind it, but if you think you have to get used to it, imagine me!"

[Jack VII]

Nic's Knacks, 5:25 PM, September 11, 2075

Jack frowned. Of course the name was Grease's idea...

Covering the frown with his hand, he chuckled. "Hey, legends have to start somewhere, right Snap?" Pausing for a second, the ork gathers his thoughts. "Glad to hear your girl's doing well. I'm sure even with the corp influence, she's getting a solid foundation. If she needs help with her math homework, just give me a buzz. Nic's doing well, he's been working my hoop off though... you know, I think he actually may miss Kevin coming around. Have you seen him lately? I think Nic would enjoy it if he visited."

[Chrome Head]

Nic's Knacks, 5:25 PM, September 11, 2075

"Only seen him a couple of times in the last month. I think he needed some alone time after all the moving around and extra socializing. He's a good kid, but he sure likes to keep to himself and his machines most of the time. I'm sure he really likes Nic though, so I'll let him know. I'm almost surprised that he hasn't showed up to your doorstep on his own already."

"Glad to hear you kept busy. I found normal life to be a bit dull after the stress and excitement of last month. It's funny how when I was on the job, all I was thinking about was to go back home, take a shower and watch cartoons with Sam, but then after a week or two, I was sort of missing it."

[Jack VII]

Nic's Knacks, 5:25 PM, September 11, 2075

Jack laughed. "That's usually the way of it," he replied. "It takes the right attitude to do this kind of work and that attitude lends itself to boredom when the drek isn't hitting the fan. I wonder what we're going to be getting up to this time? You've got to put that new handle to use. Look at it this way, you've easily got the best street name out of all of us..."

The ork let the conversation trail off on his end, watching the Warrens pass by outside the cab. He had never been good at small talk. At least, he didn't think so; he was sure he wasn't really good at it now.

[Lobo0705]

Grease's Apartment, UCAS Zone, 5:15 PM September 11, 2075

As Grease was preparing himself for his meeting with Chapel, he sent a Fly Spy ahead to see if anyone he recognized would be at the meeting. It doesn't hurt to have the lay of the land before I get there, he thought, as he put on his Berwick, checking the wireless connection to make sure it was working. The suit immediately started feeding him the latest info on a variety of topics that might be interesting to various associates, movie reviews, financial reports, voting demographics, and much more. He turned it off after a second as it as too much data, not focused enough. Can't wait to see Chapel wearing this thing, for once I will be able to talk about some of the snooty restaurants he likes to go to.


The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:45 PM September 11, 2075

The driver had been quiet as Jack and Snap had reminisced, and it looked to Jack as if the effort to remain silent was going to cause him to have a stroke if he kept it up much longer. He looked over at Snap, and then nodded his head at the young man in the front. Snap smiled and said, "Tony, ah, Turbine, this is my friend Jack. Jack, meet Turbine. He's driven me before, and he's good people."

Turbine glanced in the rearview mirror. "Great to meet you Jack. Glad to be of service, and if you ever need a ride, just call and ask for me, okay?" His words come out in a rush, as if speaking opened a floodgate in his mouth. "And listen, if you ever need someone to drive for you on something a little more dangerous, something a little more discrete, you just say the word and I'm there." The car moves in and out of traffic smoothly, the boy able to control it effortlessly even while talking up a storm. "I'm moving up Jack, you'll see. In a little while everyone will have heard of Turbine." He gave a wide grin, and then proceeded to talk the rest of the way to the restaurant.

How do they all find me? Jack nodded his head, unable to actually answer any of Turbine's questions before another three came out. Maybe its the Control Rig, it just messes with their brains...

Turbine was still talking as Jack transferred the money to his account with a mental command, smiling and waving him off before pinching the bridge of his nose. Taking a deep breath, he turns to Snap and says, "Come on, I'm sure Chapel is already here."


As the two enter the restaurant, a hostess with a nametag with "Cindy" written on it smiles at them and then waves them inside. It is early enough in the evening that there isn't a line, and many of the booths stand empty. Jack's shoes clack on the tile floor, and while he isn't the only one in a suit, he is in the minority. Most of the patrons are a little older, in their 50's and 60's enjoying an early dinner, but there is the occasional family as well. Cindy leads them to a booth in the back of the restaurant, where they can see Chapel is already seated. As usual, he is well attired, although his beard is trimmed a little shorter than usual. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he slides the shrimp dish aside and stands to greet the new arrivals.

"Jack, Snap, glad to see you made it." His smile is warm, but businesslike. "Please, have a seat, and order something. Try the Grouper, I understand it is fresh today." The AR display comes up immediately as the two sit down, rolling through the specials. "We seem to have a few minutes before the others arrive, how have you two been?"

[Jack VII]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:45 PM September 11, 2075

Shaking Chapel's hand, Jack replied, "Thanks for the meeting, Chapel." Picking up on Chapel's use of the plural, the ork tried to estimate the number of people attending the meeting based on the size of the booth. No more than four or five people total I would think, so probably two more...

When Snap didn't immediately take a seat, Jack slid in and moved to the wall-side of the booth. He wasn't a big fan of being trapped in the booth, but he knew Snap was fast and would probably react first if anything unfortunate occurred. Not one to turn down a meal, the ork mentally accessed the menu and placed an order for the grouper. "Thanks for the suggestion, I think I'll have the grouper... and thanks for asking, I'm doing well, hombre! I really appreciate you hooking me up with those concert tickets. My amigo in the ZDF and I had a great time."

[Chrome Head]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:45 PM September 11, 2075

Amy quietly sits down, still not fully comfortable with Chapel. She depends on him to find work, but at the same time she barely knows the guy, and now the one man who had introduced them, Overkill, was gone, maybe for good.

"I'm glad you could find something for us again, I hope it pays as well as last time."

Going through the menu slowly and looking at the pictures, since reading isn't her forte, Amy ends up selecting the citrus salmon with wild rice. I wonder if they have fresh fish here or if it's just soy products. Thinking about that, she couldn't help but stare at Chapel's shrimp, trying to figure it out. "Well if it's soy, they sure made a good job of hiding it, I bet it tastes amazing."

[DrZaius]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:57 PM September 11, 2075

Pulling on the cuff of his new suit, Grease enters the restaurant with only a scant few minutes to spare before the scheduled time for the meeting. It always bothered you that some people made an effort to show up on time, whereas others seemed to either cut it as close as possible, or even show up late. What was so hard about arriving a place when you said you'd be there? All that said, he seemed to be healthy, at least in comparison to the last time you saw him in similar circumstances.

Not high as a kite this time at least.. Jack thought to himself.

The elf feigned looking around the restaurant for a few moments, despite the fact that he pinged everyone at the table in AR a few moments before. The look of recognition and pleasure that spread across his face when he sees your table is 100% artificial; despite knowing this at a fundamental level, a smile creeps over both Jack and Amy's lips as they see him approach their table. Whatever could be said about Grease that hadn't already been discussed, he at least was able to make himself feel welcome, simply through some force of personality.

Pulling down the vest of his new 3-piece suit, Grease smiled around the table. "I hope you didn't order wine before I arrived; I wouldn't trust these two to pick a bottle if my life depended on it." He gives Snap a quick wink, seating himself. He taps his chin slightly, as if pensive. "This one though- who really knows what he knows? He may have something up there that would surprise me." he adds, spreading his smile to Jack.

"So, the three of us back together. Are we expecting anyone else, or should we discuss the 'menu'?"

GEAR

[ Spoiler ]

BMW 400 GT (Parked outside)
Essy Motors Dronemaster RCC
Fly-Spy
Fly-Spy 2
Microskimmer (in trunk of BMW)
Doberman (in trunk of BMW)
Berwick Custom Suit. Armor 9, +1 to social limits, -2 to concealability, +1 to social tests when wireless enabled. Built in White Noise Generator (rating 6), Bug Scanner (Rating 6)(running), Tag Eraser.
Contact lenses with flare compensation, smartlink.
Ares Light Fire 75 (in concealable holster, regular ammo loaded)
Ingram Smartgun X (in trunk of BMW)
Vehicle repair kit (in trunk of BMW)
Disguise kit (in trunk of BMW)
Meta Link Commlink (Slaved to RCC)
Novacoke (2 doses, in glove box of BMW)
Cram (2 doses, in glove box of BMW)

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:57 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel engages in light conversation with Jack and Amy for the next few minutes, his manner easy and friendly.

"Glad you enjoyed the show, I'm a bit too old to be going to any Nago shows, old bones don't heal like young ones. If you are looking to spend a little more money and give me a little more warning, I can get back stage passes as well."

He enjoys a sip of whiskey, turning his attention to Snap. "As for you young lady, my client was very happy with your group's performance, and our mutual friend let me know of your contributions to the effort. How could I leave you out?"

He looks up as a figure familiar to Jack and Snap arrives, and a wide smile breaks out over his face, "Hello old friend. I would shake your hand, but I'm a bit trapped in the booth. Please, sit."

As Grease makes himself comfortable, managing to be both friendly and grating at the same time, Chapel responds to his question.

"We have one more coming, I would prefer to wait for her before I begin. In the meantime, please, enjoy the food"

[Melpomene]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:58 PM September 11, 2075

Mel knew the cab would be late. The driver was too busy with seventeen other goddamn things on his display to maximize the drive. Her internal clock clicked the minutes away, and she constantly ran simulations in her mind to determine what time the cab would actually get her to the restaurant.

The cab pulled up in front of the restaurant, and Mel slid out, blink-clicking the fare with no tip. "Next time, try paying attention!"

She ignored the angry retort as she entered the restaurant.

She had never been here before, so she scanned it on several levels. Visual. AR. Then finally, aural. She picked through the various sounds coming from this place...the clicking of dishes from the kitchen...the calling of orders from three waitresses...the register running credsticks...the conversations.

Those were always the most interesting. Social conversations were so organic...never a normal structure, they existed on the emotion of two or more living creatures. Mel loved to eavesdrop. Not for information (though that was always a bonus), but for the myriad changes in pitch, loudness, and timbre.

Her eyes followed the direction her ears pinpointed.

"...after work, if we get on the road fast enough, we can get to the lodge by 7..."

Human male. Human female. two human children.

"...that's not going to work for me, Mr. Fredricks. The salary needs to be at least 20% more than that..."

Human female. Elf male.

"...expecting someone else, should we discuss the menu?"

Elf male. Elf female. Ork male. Human male.

Chapel.

Mel moved to that table, angling her approach to be in Chapel's eye line. She removed her glasses as she approached the table.

"Good evening, Chapel. Good evening everyone. I am Melpomene, though most people just call me Mel. May I join you?"

Gear

[ Spoiler ]

Cyberdeck w/all programs
Fichetti 600
2x 30-rnd clips (one loaded...chamber empty)
IDs (SIN, firearm, deck)
Glasses
UE Jumpsuit

[Jack VII]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:58 PM, Friday, September 11, 2075

Jack eyed the new arrival. Gracias a Dios, she's not another elf... he thought as he appraised the woman. Short, even for a human, physically speaking she didn't appear to be much of a combatant. Then again, cyberware was pretty easy to hide. Figuring she was filling-in for the void Overkill had left, he guessed she was a decker of some sort. Briefly glancing at Amy, Jack thought What is it with women and head tattoos? Shrugging, the ork nodded to the new arrival, assuming Chapel would do the introductions.

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:58 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel nods to the newcomer, gesturing for her to have a seat.

"Mel, glad you could make it. Meet Jack, Snap, and Grease." Chapel nods to each in turn. Taking another sip of his whiskey, he addresses the group.

"The last I heard from our German friend, he is still unavailable, so I thought that the team could use a new decker to assist."

[Jack VII]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 5:59 PM September 11, 2075

"Nice to meet you," Jack said after Chapel's introduction. "Good matrix support is always bueno." As the rest made their introductions, the ork studied Grease. The elf looked about the same as last time, but was fortunately outfitted in an entirely different suit than was the ork. Victorias pequeñas... He also didn't appear to be as... animated, although they hadn't quite gotten to the point where they were meeting with Johnson, so there was plenty of time for the elf to live up to Jack's expectations and frag it up.

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:03 PM September 11, 2075

The restaurant was beginning to get louder, the evening rush slowly beginning to come through the doors. As an added precaution, Chapel removed a small device and placed it on the center of the table, hiding it next to the salt and pepper caddy.

Switching it on, it generated a low hum, that Jack, Grease, and Snap barely heard, but that immediately set Mel’s teeth on edge. Adjusting her ears to tune out the toneless humming, she was able to relax enough to pay attention to Chapel again.

“As usual, this is just a preliminary meeting. Up until I give you specifics, and you agree, you can walk away.” He finishes the whiskey he has been sipping, throwing the last of it back and then sucking in his breath through his teeth as the liquor goes down.

“This particular job is a theft, there are two items in question, and both are light, fragile, and easily portable. The location is a private residence, but there will be physical security present due to the high value of the items.”

He pauses as he signals the waitress for another drink.

“Magical security should be light, but I wouldn’t count it out, the residence does, however, have state of the art Matrix security, but I have something that should make that easier. When you bring the items too me undamaged,” he stresses the last word, “I should be able to reimburse you at the rate of 50,000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) per item.”

The waitress comes back with his drink, and he lets that all sink in for a moment. “So, are you interested?”