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

[Lobo0705]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:32 PM, September 12, 2075

Huiquing looked over at his son, concern clearly etched across his face. "One day should cover it. By then we should be able to determine if either Hung Lao or Li Guang have been turned. If one or both have not been, then they will be able to protect Bai. If both have been turned, well then I think at that point I may have to look to trying to escape the FRZ. Thank you for looking out for my son, I will of course reimburse you for any expenses."

[Jack VII]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:32 PM, September 12, 2075

Jack nodded, composed a message to Tara, and sent it.

<<@Tara [JustJack] Here's what I've got: one teenage male human, well behaved. I need a secure location, preferably discrete. Not worried about Matrix security and for now let's assume we can provide our own mojo coverage. We need a pair of trustworthy bodyguards. For now, I just need them for a single day. We'll hopefully have an idea of how this is going to shake out by then. I can offer 2K per bodyguard, double if any drek goes down and our client is still in good condition.>>

Tapping his finger against the tip of a tusk, the ork said, "Alright, I put an offer in for protection and acoomodations, let's figure out our next step while we wait for a response. Any thoughts on the zoo? One of the nice things is the jaulas tend to block long sight lines, so we should really only have to worry about what we can see."

[Lobo0705]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

<<@Jack [Tara] 2K per razor works, that will cover my fee and theirs. Give me an hour to set everything up, then I'll send you the location of the drop.>>

[Melpomene]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Mel nods. "This place is not optimal, but I think it'll do in a pinch. There shouldn't be too many instances of hidden devices, so any I spot would probably be cause for concern."

[Chrome Head]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Snap shares her small concern with the idea. "I'd have to take a quick look on the ground, make sure there isn't anything unusual with the astral space there. Keeping living beings captive for a long time, with all the violence they suffer, that could have tainted the area, made it bad for mojo. Apart from that, I think it's fine."

[Jack VII]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Jack frowned, "On second thought, I must be tired. What are the chances they're going to ping our SINs and either not see one if we're not broadcasting or not seeing any kind of visa documentación? I'm not familiar with how tight security is over here. We were, after all, supposed to be in and out in a few hours."

Turning to Huiquing, he added, "We many need to do this somewhere out of the way, which may make it a bit more dangerous than we hoped. If you have any suggestions, we would welcome them."

[Lobo0705]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075


Huiquing thinks for a moment, and then offers his opinion. "Is there anything wrong with where we spent the night? It fits the description as out of the way, does it not?"

[Jack VII]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

"While it isn't much of a safe haven, it's the only place we've got at the moment that is relatively secure. But given what you've said your options are if this doesn't pan out, it could work as well. Shouldn't be any problem from the law, at least." Jack looked to the others to see what their thoughts were on the matter.

[Melpomene]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Mel nodded. "The bottling plant? I think that would be preferable to here."

[PraetorGradivus]

Denver Zoo, CAS Sector, 1233hr ,12Sept2075

"I've been in worse places. Seems like a go- unless of course you object Snap?"

[Chrome Head]

Snap shrugs. "It's the only place we know in this area."

[Jack VII]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Jack considered the bottling plant and nods. If the second worst-case scenario happened, they wouldn't be staying around long enough to be bothered about losing their squat. Regretting not bringing the Colt, the ork asked "Sisco, do you have any long guns?"

[PraetorGradivus]

Denver Zoo, CAS Sector, 1233hr, 12Sept2075

"Sorry Jack- I don't have any longarms. Not much cause to use one as a driver normally. I'm sure if we throw Stone let's say two thousand nuyen he'd could get his hands on a AK-97 or something similar by tonight. A sniper rifle is probably out of the question in less than a day though."

[Jack VII]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Jack replied, "I was thinking a cheap hunting rifle. Basically something to provide a little insurance and to keep them honest if things start to look malo.This is the CAS after all, probably have them for sale in vending machines on the street corner. You know how to handle a rifle like that? I know I don't."

Rubbing his face, he finished, "If so, send Stone a message and see if he has anything fitting our needs. I'll hopefully have the safehouse information for Bai by the time he gets back to us. Then, we can drop Bai off, get the gear, and set up the plant for the meet. Why don't we head back there and see what we can put together."

[Chrome Head]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Snap nods in agreement as Jack discusses preparations. "Yeah, we have to be ready for an attack on our location, even for the possibility of an ambush. I expect the traitor to use the info about our location if we give it to him. Possibly even hire shadowrunners... I wish we could get some kind of assurance before leading someone to the plant."

[PraetorGradivus]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

"Being a sniper is for better men than me Jack. I'll stick to what I know best."

[Jack VII]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Considering he himself didn't know his way around a hunting rifle or shotgun, Jack couldn't hold the inability against Sisco. "Well, that makes matters more difficult. But if we take care in choosing the exact location of the meeting, we should be able to eliminate the tactical advantage of having a sniper for both sides of the equation, assuming the other side is willing to meet under the conditions we choose."

"Let's get over to the plant to take a look at the area and figure out a plan." Glancing over at Snap, he finished, "We might not need a rifle from Stone, but we've had a fair amount of success in the past with FlashBang grenades."

[PraetorGradivus]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 1233 hrs, 12Sept2075

"You know what Jack. I only lent Stone my Doberman till tonight. It'll only take me a short while to modify it. I'm sure Stone can get me a cheap rifle and an armorer kit to swap out the submachine gun for the rifle. We can park the Doberman where you'd want a sniper to be. Even if we don't swap out the weapon, it'll give us extra firepower if needed. Besides, I need some more ammo anyway, so might as well hit up Stone."

I'm getting the itch. Something is not sitting right. What have I missed? Come on Uncle Morty, what did I miss?

<<@MrPhelps[Sisco] Hello you fraggin SOB. It's your favorite whipping boy. You know how much I hate owing YOU a favor but I'm getting that itch and that itch always means something's off and you're the guy with the info. The Paper Fan Huiqushing was almost assassinated last night- pretty sure you know that already. Need to know- was it an inside power play, another Triad or was it your people. If it was your people, I'd appreciate the heads up so I can divorce myself from this situation. Otherwise it would be helpful to know who has the contract out on this Paper Fan. And you know I'm good for my chips.>>

"Well Jack, what am I sending Stone as a message... just the Doberman back, my ammo and your flashbangs or am I including a rifle, ammo and kit to modify the Doberman?"

[Jack VII]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Jack pondered Sisco's question. "If the Doberman is already armed, let's just keep it as is. The main reason for the sniper is as a deterrent. If we can toss a tarp over the drone and have it show itself at the oportuno moment, it should achieve the same effect. I mean, the whole point is to not get into a shoot out here. If the drek hits the fan, we want to be able to get out."

Scratching his head, the ork finished, "So, I think we're looking more at defensa. Smoke grenades and flashbangs or flashpacks would probably be our best options. Depending on the construction of the doors, maybe a miniwelder to seal off all but a few entrances and exits to prevent us getting flanked. Anyone familiar with explosives? Sealing most of the entrances should keep up from getting flanked, but it might cut off escape. If we could both seal a door and rig it to blow, it would be ideal."

[PraetorGradivus]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:33 PM, September 12, 2075

Sisco waited a few seconds for someone to speak up and when no one did, he replied, "I guess that means we have no one with demo experience, so that's out. I'll message Stone for my ammo, the Doberman, the mini-welder and a dozen flashbangs or flashpacks- whichever he has."

<<@Stone[Sisco] I'll be by to pick up Doberman later tonight. I need 50 rounds of caseless stick-n-shock for my Ingram Smartgun- if you don't have it, then just 50 Gel rounds or 50 regular rounds. I need an Ak-97 if you have it or whatever cheap assault rifle you have available with two clips full of APDS if available- explosive rounds would do instead, though I'd settle for regular rounds. 8 Flash bang grenades and 4 flash-packs would be great too. I know this is short notice, but you're the man. Oh, and before I forget, I need a mini-welder and three cans of fuel. Thanks.>>

"Ok Jack, I ordered each of us 2 flash bangs and a flash pack. Hopefully he has em. I'm sure the mini-welder wont be a problem for him to acquire."

[Lobo0705]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:45 PM, September 12, 2075

The familiar chirp of an incoming message sound in Sisco's ear, <<@Sisco [Stone] God Damn it boy, I said I'd get it back to you in one piece. You're like mother hen with your stuff sometimes. Swing by around 18:00, it'll be there all nice and shiny for you. Fortunately for you, I've got most of the other stuff you are looking for two. APDS is a little tricky, I can get it but it takes a while. Everything else I've got on hand, except the explosives and flash paks, someone just cleaned me out the other day. I do have a couple of regular smoke grenades though, I'll throw them in. Transfer the funds, and pick it all up when you get your toy.>>

[PraetorGradivus]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:45 PM, September 12, 2075

<<@Stone[Sisco] Thanks for the quick reply... but you must be slipping cause you forgot to mention the price when you asked for the nuyen. Next thing you know they'll be coming for you with a butterfly net.

Hope he chokes on his cigar- calling me a mother hen. Even if I do coddle my babies.

[Lobo0705]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 12:45 PM, September 12, 2075

<<@Sisco [Stone] Altogether we'll call it 2165 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) I'll be awaiting the funds.>>

[Lobo0705]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 1:45 PM, September 12, 2075

The team had spent the better part of an hour tossing ideas back and forth about security for the upcoming meet. Soon, Jack's auditory nerve tingled, and a communique from Tara appeared in his vision.

<<@Jack [Tara] The bolthole is set up. Alta Spring Apartments 20 East Vassar, apartment 305. You'll be meeting two security specialists, Dallas and Brass. Dallas is human, Brass a dwarf. Challenge is "Thunder" and the response is "Crash" They are waiting for you there now.>>

[Jack VII]

Denver Zoo, CAS Zone, 1:45 PM, September 12, 2075

<<@Tara [JustJack] Thanks for the connection, Tara>>

"Alright," Jack said, "the safe house is set-up. We probably don't need everyone to go, but it may be safer all around."

The ork messaged Sisco the address so he could get the team there.