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

[Jack VII]

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

Jack thought the offer over in his head. So far, it sounded a lot easier than the last job they had worked. With the location of the items already known, that would cut out a lot of legwork. The team would obviously have to do their own intelligence gathering before they made the attempt, but that was pretty much a given. A total payout of 100K would mean they'd take home 25K each if everything worked out like they hoped. The job certainly interested him.

"I'm interested. What's the deadline?" the ork asked. There had to be some kind of deadline. Remembering Snap's travel difficulties during the last job, he followed up before receiving an answer. "Also, is there going to be a lot of travel? We ran into a few issues with that last time, especially if we're going to have to cross sectors."

[Lobo0705]

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

While waiting for the others to respond, Chapel takes a moment to answer Jack's questions.

"There isn't a deadline per se, but rather a rapidly closing window of opportunity. As far as travel, I can tell you that the residence is not in the UCAS Zone, but I will not say which zone it is in until you accept the job. I can say you will not be leaving the FRFZ on the job."

[DrZaius]

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

Mentally rolling his eyes, Grease thought a curse to himself for having Jack weaken his negotiating position by agreeing before prying for more details. He made a mental note to remind Jack to let him do the talking, and then made a physical note in AR to do the same under the table.

Showing his teeth in a wide grin, he nods at Chapel. "There are a few details I'd be interested in first about the items in question, if you are able to provide certain information about them prior to us accepting the job. First and foremost, are they alive? Stealing someone's prototype has different repercussions than taking their children, for example." His smile does not reach his eyes. "I am not interested in playing 20 questions; rather getting a general sense of how difficult the job will be, without gleaning any information your client would prefer we didn't share."

[Jack VII]

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

Jack grumbled silently, but held his peace. Chapel's answers were always infuriatingly vague. So there isn't a deadline, but a rapidly closing window of opportunity? Perhaps the ork wasn't creative enough, but he didn't failed to see a meaningful difference. At least he knew they were going to have to cross a border, so it would be helpful to know if they were going to have the time to acquire a travel visa or if they were going to have to rely on a coyote to get them in and out. If the latter, he would definitely have second thoughts about the job.

While the rest of the team spoke their mind about the job, Jack started to draw up an AR list of things to consider for the job.

<<Job Concerns:
1) Travel: Do we attempt to use official channels to travel or do we find a Coyote? Check w/Jason? Probably not developed enough...
2) Equipment: Shock-Proof Cases. If using official travel, how do we get them back to the UCAS? Without knowing what the items are or whether they're legal, Coyote may be the best bet.
3) Cover Story: What are we telling people is the reason we're going where we need to go?
4) Vehicles & Drones: Since we're probably not using Grease's vehicles, what are we going to use in the target zone?
5) Pending...>>

[Lobo0705]

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

Chapel turns to Grease, "I can tell you that they aren't alive, they aren't technological in nature, and as I said, they are fragile. You shouldn't need any special gear to carry them or to transport them, although a protective case wouldn't hurt. The items are not illegal to have or transport, so you shouldn't worry about being arrested for carrying them necessarily."

[Jack VII]

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

Chapel's response dovetailed nicely with one of his next questions.

"Not alive, non-tech, and legal should make it a bit easier." Jack replied. "We're getting paid quite a bit here, are the items particularly expensive? Even if something's not illegal, it can raise questions if it's highly expensive..."

[DrZaius]

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

Nodding along at Chapel, Grease continues his line of inquiry. "Do the items need to be delivered into the same zone as they are currently in, or do we need to worry about getting them across a border?"

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:04 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel sips his drink.

"Jack, they are expensive, so I wouldn't be flashing them around, although as I said there is nothing illegal about them."

Turning to Grease, he says, "Unfortunately my buyer is here in the UCAS, so yes you do need to transport them back here."

[Melpomene]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:04 PM September 11, 2075

Mel sat back and listened to the exchange. The ork...Jack...and the elf...Grease...were asking good questions. It wasn't Mel's place to push her way into the conversation unless it directly pertained to her, so she sat back and listened, observing the interplay between the three men.

Feth...25k! That'll make a big dent in the debt.

Every so often she would mentally scowl at the noise generator. She understood its purpose, but it still messed with her hearing, and she didn't like that at all.

[DrZaius]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:04 PM September 11, 2075

Sipping his drink, Grease scratches his chin in a pensive motion.

"Are the items identical? Are they dangerous? How large are we talking? 10 kilos, 100?"

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:04 PM September 11, 2075


Chapel scratches his cheek and then takes a fork full of the fish. Chewing slowly and then swallowing, he washes it down with a sip of chardonnay.

"They are not identical, not dangerous at all, and although I don't have exact weights, are probably no more than a kilo or two at most."

[DrZaius]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:04 PM September 11, 2075

Savoring a piece of real salmon, Grease wipes his mouth with his napkin, his face looking concerned. "I apologize for all the questions old friend; I just like to find out what I'm getting myself into beforehand as much as possible." Chapel nods slightly, and Grease continues. "So, are they magical, or related to magic? Would they have special wards we'd need to dispell to protect ourselves?" He adds, nodding at Snap.

If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say we're stealing some very valuable books.

[Jack VII]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:04 PM September 11, 2075

Vases... it's got to be vases... Jack thought to himself as he chewed on his grouper. The meal was delicious and arrived quickly, probably a testament to Chapel's tipping skills more than anything. The meal certainly hadn't come this quickly when he and Honeypot had been here last. The thought of the elf fence sent Jack's head spinning. He hadn't heard much from her since the job was over, but the few messages he had received indicated she was doing well and business was back to normal.

Glancing around the table, he noted the women were fairly tight-lipped tonight. With Chapel's warnings about cutting edge Matrix security, he would have thought the new addition might have tried to weasel some information out of the fixer before agreeing to the deal. She must be really good, he thought.

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:04 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel waves off Grease's apology, "I understand, you don't want to commit to something you can't handle. Rest assured, however, as I only get paid if you succeed, I wouldn't set you to a task I think you are doomed to failure."

After another fork full, he continues. "They are not magical in nature, not that I'm aware of, and while as I said I believe magical security to be light, it would not surprise me at all if there were a ward around the room that they were in, if not the whole house."

[Melpomene]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:05 PM September 11, 2075

Small. Not tech. Legal. Expensive. In a private residence.

Jewelry, maybe?

Mel leans forward. "Chapel, if I may ask...you mentioned 'state-of-the-art' security, but that you had something that could help. Would it be presumptuous to ask what that something is?"

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:05 PM September 11, 2075

"I don't think it presumptuous at all my dear. I have the security codes for the doors and the Host of the residence. I'm going to hold off explaining where I got them until after you accept, of course."

He smiles, "That should make your job significantly easier, yes?"

[Melpomene]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:05 PM September 11, 2075

Mel nods. "Last time a fixer got me security codes and told me it'll be easy, my brain was shredded by black IC and the fixer got his head separated from his neck."

She scratched her chin absently. "But who wants to live forever? I'm in."

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:05 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel's smile faded slightly at Mel's statement, and a slight turn at the corner of his eyes showed that he was surprised at the information. Still, ever professional, he nodded.

"Excellent. Jack, Grease? Any more questions, or will you be joining Mel? And Snap, you've been remarkably silent on the matter. Can we count you in?"

[Jack VII]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:05 PM September 11, 2075

Jack's final bite of grouper was halfway up to his mouth when Mel threatened Chapel. Well, it wasn't exactly a threat, but it was really close to it. Had they been on a trid sit-com, the current pregnant pause would have been preceded by the sound of a scratch across one of those old vinyl records. As Chapel seemed unperturbed, Jack caught Grease's eye across the table and winked at him, trying to cover his smirk as he finished his meal.

<<@Grease [JustJack] That one's a charmer>>

Putting his fork down and picking up a napkin, the ork wiped his face. Nodding to Chapel, Jack responded, "I'm game. I think Grease probably has a better handle on our worth, so I'm happy for him to speak on my behalf for final payment. With that said, I do think we're going to need a bit of an advance. We've got so many expenses: legitimate travel or otherwise, securing a base of operations in whatever sector we're heading to, gear and supplies since we probably can't take too much of our gear there..."

Jack left the rest of the sentence hang in the air, figuring Grease would pick up the tail of the conversation and drive the whole thing home.

[DrZaius]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:05 PM September 11, 2075

Grease raises a significant eyebrow to Jack, but says nothing. Carefully setting his fork next to his knife on his plate indicating he was finished, Grease leans back and looks around the table. "Well, normally I'd want more details before I embarked on an endeavor such as this. But!" He looks at Chapel intently. "You know me well. I just have to know what the heck you're talking about, regardless of the danger involved. I'm in."

[Chrome Head]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:05 PM September 11, 2075

The new runner on the team seemed nice enough. She had a very distinctive style about her that Amy actually found appealing. She hoped that the two of them could eventually bond. As a shaman and a techie, but also as two women in a men's world.

So first Amy had to start counting in her head. 50+50. 100. Divided by 4. Hmmm... 25! About the same as last time. Score!

Then she actually thought about the job itself. A theft? Nice! Stealing from the suit-wearing corporate-types -- well the real ones, not like Grease -- would definitely be fun. I hope it's the mayor's house or something.

Then she just listened to what everyone was saying. She could feel the tension in the air, and tried to get a feel for everyone's emotions. The specifics didn't interest her that much, and she was eventually lost in a slight daze, which wasn't typical of her. Shaking it off, she answered Chapel.

"I'm in if Jack and Grease are in. Stealing from the rich and powerful, what more can I ask for? Tell us more! Who are we stealing from?"

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:06 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel takes one last sip of his wine, and then nods. "Excellent. To the heart of the matter then." Mel is the first to hear it, the sound of heels striking tile approaching, and she turns, seeing a beautiful Asian woman wearing sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt approach the table. Although her clothing is non-descript, her nails and makeup speak to time, effort, and money.

The team looks to Chapel, who quickly says, "It is okay, this is Li Jingfei, our client." He nods at her, and then with a wave of his hand, sends ach member of the team receives a file, the video streaming direct to their optic nerve through their DNI interfaces.

The video is of a local grocer, the sunlight streaming in from the outside window indicating it is morning, the time stamp on the video confirming it. Strange spices and produce cover the shelves, along with logographic writing common to Asia, but none of the team are able to tell the specific language.

In the center of the frame, Jingfei is putting what appears to be ginger root into her cart. A man stands behind the counter, probably in his mid to late 60's, a ponytail seeming to compensate for his receding hairline. A middle-aged couple with a small child wander up and down the aisle, and a fit man in his late twenties is sorting through a stand of apples, selecting one or two for his basket.

The time stamp shows 11:25 when two men enter the grocer, they are Asian, as is everyone else in the store. Their trenchcoats are unusual for the mild September weather, and after only a moment of looking their eyes settle on Jingfei. They move through the store and speak to her for a moment, and it is then that it hits the team that there is no audio. They speak for a moment, Jingfei seeming to get agitated, and the young man coming over to see what is the matter. One of the men in the trenchcoats grabs the woman, pulling an HK from under his coat and pointing it at her, while the other steps in front of the young man with the apples.

Seeing the gun, Jingfei appears to scream, and the young man seems to blur. He drops the bag of apples, reaching for the man in front of him, a stiff-fingered jab to the solar plexus followed by a knee to the face as the man doubles over. The other assailant, swings his HK over toward him, but Jingfei pushes him, throwing his aim off, the bullets going wide and passing out of frame. The man closes the distance in an instant, and with a quick series of elbows and knees drops the assailant. Jingfei bows to the man for a moment, and then rushes out of the store.

As the video stops, the woman begins to speak, quickly and urgently, and in a language none of you can understand. As she pauses, Chapel begins to translate.

"I have been the mistress of Chen Huiquing for two years now. What began as a mutual attraction has grown stronger, I love him, and I feel that he has shared my feelings as well."

Another image appears in the teams vision, a good looking man in his late forties, still fit and with the healthy glow only money can buy. Chapel pauses his translation, "This is a picture of him from last week that Jingfei has provided."

Another spate of words from her, and Chapel continues. "He has said to me that he will leave his wife, but he never does. Last week I gave him an ultimatum, either he leaves his wife soon, or I will no longer be his mistress. And for this he sends his men to kill me! The bastard!"

Chapel pauses for a second, and says "She said a lot more than "bastard" but that sums it up." Jingfei has continued and Chapel rushes to catch up. "He has two priceless works of art in his collection. I have the security codes to the house and the safe, he trusted me, the son-of-a-bitch, and now I want to pay him back. Steal them and the reward will be great."

Two more images appear, one of a vase, another a statuette of a dragon. "He will be selling these tomorrow at auction, and security will be tightened to move them to the auction house."

Her voice seems to soften, and Chapel translates, "I do not want you to hurt him. Even now, even after what he tried to do to me, I do not want that. But he will lose face when these objects are stolen, and the money will help me move on."

She falls silent for a moment and then whispers something, Chapel strains to hear it and then says, his voice just as soft, "I truly thought he loved me."

As Jingfei remains quiet for a moment, Chapel speaks up. "Huiquing's house is located near Chinatown in the CAS sector. I can provide you with an exact location. I'm sure you have questions." He takes a sip of wine and looks up expectantly.

[Jack VII]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:06 PM September 11, 2075

Ha! I knew it was a vase! Well, at least one of them's a vase...

Jack considered the woman while she spoke and Chapel translated. What was the tagline from that movie about the psycho ex-girlfriend? Hell has no fury like a woman scorned? Yeah, that seems to fit the bill here... Still, Jack had to admit that it was good money. So good he had to wonder where this woman was getting it. Then again, Chapel would never have set up the meet if he didn't know the money was good.

Glancing at Grease before addressing Chapel, Jack said, "Rapidly closing window of opportunity seems like an understatement, amigo. It sounds like we have to do this job tonight. That's going to change our plans significantly. Normally, we'd do our own legwork, but it doesn't sound like we're going to have time this go around. What's the source of Chen Huiquing's jugo? Corp, Triads, somewhere else?"

Jack was not a fan of limited planning, not to mention trying to hop an international border twice. Looks like they were going to have to find a coyote. The ork composes a quick message to Chapel.

<<@Chapel [JustJack] What language is she speaking? I may need to pick up a linguasoft>>

[Lobo0705]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:06 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel translates for Jack, and Jingfei answers back through Chapel, "Huiquing is a member of the White Lotus Triad. I do not know the inner workings of the organization very well, but he is highly placed, given the amount of respect he commands from the men I have seen him meet with."


<<@Jack [Chapel] That wouldn't be a bad idea. She is speaking Mandarin. Fortunately I spent some time in... well never mind that, the linguasoft should be easy to find.>>

[DrZaius]

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:06 PM September 11, 2075

Being careful to keep his expression neutral, Grease listens impassively to the spurned Mistresses' story. He mentally sends a few messages out to the team:

<<@Melpomene [Grease]: Melpomene, a pleasure to meet you. I don't believe I introduced myself prior to the start of our meeting; everyone just calls me Grease.>>
<<@Team [Grease]: Presume Mrs. Johnson speaks perfect English; be careful what you say.>>

Arching his fingertips, Grease directs a line of inquiry to Chapel.

"Old friend, while my curiosity is sated, I feel I have more questions than when we started. The timeline of this leaves much to be desired. I can't help but wonder where in a past life I may have offended a group of Triads; to present me with such an attractive offer tied with such a dangerous mission."

Turning slightly in his seat to address Jingfei, Grease smiles demurely.

This is going to be a hell of a lot harder through a translator. I knew I should have listened to my mother when she told me to study my Mandarin.

"Mrs. Johnson, thank you for this opportunity. For us to succeed at this job, we need to be completely honest with one another. I know that it seems counter-intuitive to think that you need to tell thieves the truth; but if everyone wants to get what they want, knowing the lay of the land.." He gestures to accompany his speech, trying to clarify any idioms he may use, "will be vital. How long have you planned on taking these items?" He raises a finger. "Know that I am passing no judgement; but simply am trying to understand how difficult our mission will be. I feel honor-bound by my agreement; I am going to undertake your mission regardless of the risk."