Tangled Currents - DES, Stormy Waters subthread Options

[Raiderj]

"After the night I had. YES. Well the good news is there are no snipers to ruin our escapades... Anymore." Vexboy hopped down. "Man I chose a good thing to not attack the fuel tank then. Before we head out let me check the kids!" Vexboy ran to the back. He entered the trailer to see if the kids were alright.

[adamu]

Friday, 22 November, 19:50; near service area just inside the 164 border crossing, Auburn, Seattle Metroplex

In the dark confines of the trailer, Vexboy found nineteen kids aged four to fourteen. Almost all were bound to the sidings by plastic restraints. A couple had been released, but they were just lying there in some sort of stupor. At a glance it appeared they were all drugged.

Distant sirens were starting to close in from all directions.

Outside the parked and smoking truck, Seattle drivers were already ignoring what had gone before and trying to steer through and past - no easy task considering the wreckage the truck had left in its wake over the past two blocks.

The voice of DES came through their network. <<Congratulations on a successful hunt. I do not wish this vehicle associated with your deeds, but I am in the alley directly to the east. Come quickly - the lawmen are starting to set up a cordon.>>

[Raiderj]

Vexboy began slashing at the plasic restraints to cut,them loose. Then he ran out. "HEY! HEY! Tell the shaman guy to send spirits! As many as he can spare! We are NOT gonna be able to get all these kids out on the first trip otherwise!" He yelled at Jack before going back to cut more restraints.

[Jack_Spade]

Friday, 22 November, 19:52; near service area just inside the 164 border crossing, Auburn, Seattle Metroplex #120

"Stststop fofofooling around. The the popopolice cccan tttake cccare ooof them them. Gegegeget movmovmoving."
With that John started to retreat towards his car. It took him a minute with the medical stapler to pin the flaps of skin back on his face, so he wouldn't scare little children anymore.

[mister__joshua]

Jan
Friday, 22 November, 19:52; near service area just inside the 164 border crossing, Auburn, Seattle Metroplex

DES had come to meet Jan, and he was pleased to find the rigger exactly where he'd requested. "Cheers DES" Jan managed while placing Audric in the back. He looked like he'd had a rough ride. Jan sat Audric up and put the seatbelt across him. He quickly rolled his padded shirt, tilted the boy's head and placed it underneath. "He look asleep to you?"

With that he hopped in the front and banged on the roof. "We're good, let's roll."

[Raiderj]

Friday, 22 November, 19:52; near service area just inside the 164 border crossing, Auburn, Seattle Metroplex #120

"Stststop fofofooling around. The the popopolice cccan tttake cccare ooof them them. Gegegeget movmovmoving."
With that John started to retreat towards his car. It took him a minute with the medical stapler to pin the flaps of skin back on his face, so he wouldn't scare little children anymore.

Vexboy got in next to John. "Ok. Lets roll."

[JDragon]

Friday, 22 November, 19:50; near service area just inside the 164 border crossing, Auburn, Seattle Metroplex

Rocky watched the truck pass by and was getting ready to chase after it to free the other kids and send a scathing message to Jan about leaving the other kids behind. He heard the siren's and Rave's message about KE being on the way and stepped back in to the alley, wanting to watch and make sure no one else tried anything before KE got there.

The second message from DES about cordons being set up got him moving away from the truck and back to the RV. He made it just as it started moving, luckily DES was keeping a low profile and trying not to draw attention to them.

Once inside Rocky moved to the back and sat on the floor, starting to go through his breathing exercises to try and control the fall from the adrenalin that was still pumping through his system.

[Jack_Spade]

John returned with Vexboy to the safe house, taking the long way away from the scene. Luckily, John had parked far enough away so his car wasn't associated with commotion. The local news soon were talking about gang warfare and a human trafficking deal that went sideways. John was already ordering an new SIN for himself and looking for a new workshop while he was driving in silence - not because he needed to concentrate, but because his defect voice modulator got on his nerves.
The Koreans were weakened now but would want revenge for his treachery - better to kick them a bit more while they were down. And so he sent to his various contacts a short message, detailing the fact that the Koreans were right now a bit short on manpower and also unable to finish a deal with the Yakuza.

Just as he stopped in front of the drive way to let Vexboy out he sent a message to the small team: <<I've got to get a move on if I don't want the Koreans to find my place, but should one of you come across another work assignment, don't hesitate to contact me. I've attached teh adress of an anonymous matrix PO box where you can leave messages for me. Send the witch my best.>>
To Vexboy he tossed the improvised stealth chip commlink he'd fabricated: "Hehehere, so so so you hahahave a a a spare nnnext tttime."

[Raiderj]

"Wow... Thanks." He says a bit suprised but nonethless happy to get a new commlink. He pocketed it. And entered the safehouse.

[adamu]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

DES pulled the RV up to the safehouse just as John was taking off, leaving Vexboy on the front walk.

Turning to the rear of the vehicle, DES said, "We have had a good hunt. But my part now is over. I'll leave the boy's final delivery to you."

The boy was starting to come around. Not quite a teen, but getting his height, he as still tiny to Rocky, and he was not speaking. Just watching. Offered a huge hand up, he stood, and Rocky led him out of the vehicle, Jan slinking along behind. They joined Vexboy and as they approached the door it opened for them. Inside, the door was held by Bronwyn. On the sofa sat D-Pop. And Daphne. She looked fine. But then Rocky noticed that she had no heat signture, and the sofa cushions were not depressed where she was sitting.

But she rose and came close to Rocky, floating in the air so that for once they were of a height with one another. "Thank you, Rocky. I knew I was right about you."

Bronwyn squatted before the eleven-year-old and said, "Welcome, Audric. I knew your parents. Do you remember me?" The boy nodded and she put an arm around him and led him out of the room.

Still lounging on the sofa, D-Pop said to Jan, "Thank you for your help. You may have thought of it as merely a job, but I assure you it was much more than that, both for us...and for you. We've sent a token of gratitude to Dr. Know to give to you when next you see him. And you, Vexboy," she said turning to the youngest of the group, "I'll admit you were a gamble - they tell me now the Pattern was hazy regarding your involvement - but I'm glad I trusted my instincts. Now, we've been doing some cooking if anyone is hungry...."

[Raiderj]

Vexboy goes up to D-Pop. "Miss D-Pop... Could... I speak with you in private?" He seems rather anxious and even a bit saddened somehow.

[adamu]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

Standing there tall in her spike-heeled boots and street-chic attire, the woman raised a bemused eyebrow at the young man's request. "Yes, sure." She turned and led the way down a hall to an open door, went inside and plopped down onto the edge of a modest bed. Nodded at a chair. Waited, foot tapping.

[Raiderj]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

Standing there tall in her spike-heeled boots and street-chic attire, the woman raised a bemused eyebrow at the young man's request. "Yes, sure." She turned and led the way down a hall to an open door, went inside and plopped down onto the edge of a modest bed. Nodded at a chair. Waited, foot tapping.

He sat down. "I want to join your organization. I want to learn more about the pattern Miss and about the true nature of magic. You see... I got very lucky as a child to have magic and its always sort of bugged me that it was for no reason. I just got lucky. When I was younger all I knew about magic was that it existed. I know very little more now. But hearing about the pattern." He smiles. "I... Can't explain it. My heart races knowing something like that exists! Thats anime tier stuff. Its the kind of thing you roleplay on matrix forums! And it exists!" He seems like a curious child. "I want to learn more." Now he seemed fiercly determined. "I am completely willing to be your errand boy in exchange for more insight. And I can perform a variety of "errands". The truth is... Strictly speaking as a Dragonslayer adept. I feel The Pattern would provide a much more fufilling adventure then any Shadowrun. Furthermore... You showed compassion to kids..." He looks a bit embarrased. "Few... Organizations do in Seattle. If you understand what I mean... I guess I can say I wouldn't mind trusting you." He sighs. "Please Miss. Will you have me?"

[Jack_Spade]

Friday, 22 November, 2240; somewhere under a highway overpass, Seattle Metroplex 122#

It had taken an hour to get a moving truck at short notice, but John had managed to get the contents of his one room garage/apartment loaded into the vehicle. Now he had parked the truck and was browsing for a new place to live - preferably in a relatively secure, yet not to expensive part of town without electricity rationing.

Of course Nachthexe had gotten hold of him the minute he had gone online again:
<<Hey Johnny-Boy, did you know that the Seoulpa just published a wanted add for a new matrix expert? Must have experience with AI containment... Could that have to do anything with your latest adventure?>>
<<Hey Hexi, who, me? I find it insulting that you could even suggest that I'd blow up a restaurant full of Seoulpa soldiers, torture one of their Lieutenants, turn him into a suicide bomber and start shooting up a gang. Not to mention high jacking a truck at full speed and killing the driver's bodyguard. And all just because some Korean bigwig thought it would be a good idea to press gang me into working for them for free.
Let me assure you this is all slander and lies.>>
<<God damnit, so you were in fact part of that group that attacked those child smugglers. Boy, you are gonna be in so much trouble...>>
<<I already am. Trying to find an affordable yet secure place with reliable grid and net access really is a nightmare in this city.>>
<<John you really have to take this serious: The Korean Mafia will be out for blood after this.>>
<<Good thing than that I don't have any blood to take.>>
<<Ha ha. Don't quit your dayjob. Or rather do and move to another city.>>
<<Gee Hexi, don't worry so much. Just because they are looking for an AI specialist doesn't mean they are going to find one. I'm going to lay low for a while, get a new paint job and maybe improve my meatbag impersonation skills and everything will be peachy.>>
<<John, I have to tell you: You are super-annoying when you are that optimistic. Get in touch if you decide to skip town, I'll keep an eye open for a fitting SIN.>>
<<Sure, see you.>>

John had to admit it was nice to have someone who truly worried about you, even if that person had an almost unhealthy obsession for the matrix and its denizens.
He stopped his matrix search for a moment and looked out of the truck's window into the rainy night. He consciously chose not to use the nightvision filters or any of the other enhancements, so he could savor the picture like back when he still had had a human body. For just a moment he felt something like contentment.
Then he turned back towards the digital realm to find a new place to stash his stuff...

[adamu]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

D-Pop looked as though she was going to say one thing, then she stopped, straightened her face, and said something else. "Vexboy. I think your desire to learn more about your gift, and especially your quest to help children, is very desirable. But I'm afraid you are talking to the wrong person. I do not share your gift. Nor am I am member of any of the covens that have pulled you into their web. I simply work for them, a glorified errand girl they use to do things that require certain skills they mostly don't have. And as a go-between different groups' spats leave them not speaking to each other."

She yawned and stretched, a move that showed her athletic and very womanly build to excellent effect.

"In any case, not only are they not a single group, but none of them allow men. At all. I'd like to help you, maybe find something else, but I'm off for Novosobirsk in three hours. Talk to Bronwyn or Daphne. They'll be more help, but probably still not much."

[Raiderj]

"Well... Thank you for your honesty." I say a bit embarassed at looking at her bodily form. I nod and write down my contact info. "If you ever need anything."

[adamu]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

She stood and patted him on the shoulder. "Don't give up. It's a good goal. I'm just not the one that can help. I do, however, make a mean chili. You've earned a good meal. Talk to the other ladies - they may be able to point you in a good direction."

[mister__joshua]

Jan
Friday, 22 November, 20:42; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

As soon as he'd received notification of his pay, Jan had made for the exit. This whole job had been odd from start to finish. Well, not the work, that was common enough, but the fucking people! This whole run he'd felt like he was chaperoning a school trip. Well, apart from the robot, but he was weird in his own special way.....

As he strolled through the evening Seattle drizzle his first thought was 'Damn glad to be out of there' quickly followed by 'Where the fuck am I going?' He'd burnt his last safehouse. Left it to the wild dogs and dead koreans.

He wandered over a few streets before flagging down a cab. "Motel please. Somewhere that'll take cred from a stick and aren't too fussy about who's staying there... ....I'm meeting a lady"

[Raiderj]

Vexboy smiled in thanks and left for the dining room. "Hello? Bronwyn?"

[adamu]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

The young woman's smile lit up the poorly lit kitchen. The smells were mouth-watering.

"Vexboy, right? I was watching you and your actions belie your 'aw shucks' demeanor, young man. Here, i made corn bread to go with D-Pop's chili."

She practically shoved the yellow cake into Vexboy's mouth, crumbs scattering everywhere. But when she saw his eyes light up at the taste, she confessed. "Actually, I can't cook for shit. Much rather spend my nights in the clubs than my kitchen. But I'm on good terms with this spirit that can do miracles with an oven and some flour."

[Raiderj]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

The young woman's smile lit up the poorly lit kitchen. The smells were mouth-watering.

"Vexboy, right? I was watching you and your actions belie your 'aw shucks' demeanor, young man. Here, i made corn bread to go with D-Pop's chili."

She practically shoved the yellow cake into Vexboy's mouth, crumbs scattering everywhere. But when she saw his eyes light up at the taste, she confessed. "Actually, I can't cook for shit. Much rather spend my nights in the clubs than my kitchen. But I'm on good terms with this spirit that can do miracles with an oven and some flour."

"Well I love it anyway. Besides you summoned him so thanks! If he is listening thank you spirit!" He sits and eats chili for a while then he firms his resolve. "May I speak to you and Daphne for a moment? In private?"

[adamu]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

Saphne, sitting at the table but the only one not eating, smiled and said, "First D and now us...you're not selling AzWay are you?"

"Don't mind her," rejoined Bronwyn. "Let's finish eating, though." Turning to Rocky, the only other runner that had remained at the safehouse, she changed the topic. "So you were really a professional boxer?"

It was then that D-Pop came in with Audric, bleary-eyed but looking much better. His manner was wary, but he brightened measurably at the sight and smell of the food.

[Raiderj]

"Heya Miracle Child. Glad to see your kicking. Come eat." Vexboy said to Audric. Before getting back into himself.

[adamu]

Friday, 22 November, 2036; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

The boy set to with gusto, as did they all - except of course for the astrally-present Daphne. But before the meal was done, a thin, inhuman voice chirped from everywhere and nowhere that, "The car is here."

D-Pop stood and put her hand on the boy's shoulder. "Grab some cornbread for the road, Audric."

Bronwyn and Daphne smiled reassuringly at the boy, but made sign of moving from their places at the table.

[Raiderj]

Vexboy looked at everyone. "Oh he is leaving? Well so long Miracle Child. Be safe." Vexboy said. "And remember it was the "scum of the earth" that helped save you." He said pointing to him and Rocky with a smile.