The Found Arcana - Seventh Interlude [IC] Options

[Tecumseh]

<<Wednesday Morning - February 8, 2079 - Touristville, Redmond>>

Following Sunday's excitement, SIS HQ has been peaceful. There have been no more shootings or explosions. There haven't even been any intimidating drive-bys, where there Crimson Crush rumble past on a hundred choppers, making the most stupendous noise. They seem to have moved on to other things. SIS doesn't seem to be a pariah in the sense that nobody is actively avoiding you anymore than they already did. Bobby has no trouble relocating the plastic-wrapped package from the U-Store-It to a hollow in a tree somewhere else.

Doc Painless has been sending updates about Mato's progress twice per day, once in the morning and once in the evening. He is slowly improving but hasn't woken up yet. Doc Painless expects that to happen any time now.

It is now Wednesday, February 8, 2029. It is the 50th anniversary of the Crash of '29. Globally, the world is rather more chaotic than usual. Many Matrix gangs have latched onto the day as an unofficial holiday, along with November 2nd as the anniversary of Crash 2.0.

Worldwide, there is a great deal of hacking and general mischief. In Neo-Tokyo, the Bakuto no Bakuta are hacking drones and vehicles, which they are racing up and down the sprawl. In the AGS, the Attic Spiders are terrorizing Frankfurter Bankenverein (FBV) with anti-corporate messaging. In Lagos, the Onyara (a technomancer clan) are having a huge party in Festac Town's giant open air market, where they are giving away commlinks and electronics that they have diverted from insufficiently-protected shipments. In Boston, the Troglobytes (a trog Matrix gang) are vandalizing Matrix sites. Globally, nobody has heard from Chaos Engine - a first-tier Matrix gang that's practically a syndicate - which makes everyone nervous what they're up to. Closer to home, the Reality Hackers are on a crime spree, but since it's down in Puyallup nobody pays much attention. Iktomi is having a blast and is strongly encouraging AM to get in on the action.

In Redmond, things are more silly than sinister. There is some crass ARO graffiti here and there. A mischievous sprite is trying to doctor the SIS Matrix presence with explicit photos of wives catching husbands in flagrante delicto. When AM shoos the sprite away, it tries to take over your soy processing unit to print anatomical parts in 3D soy. Your soykaf machine keeps making soykaf with crude foam drawings. Whatever is doing it must be quite the barista because the soykaf has been better than ever to the point where you're tempted to leave it alone.

Against this backdrop, you have a visitor around 09:02, right at the beginning of your business hours. A man - human, from the looks of things - knocks on the front door. Switching to your security camera, you see a middle-aged man in Actioneer Business Clothes. The business suit would be a bit ho-hum among the corpers of Bellevue, but in Redmond his clothes are decidedly upscale. The man has a briefcase that's either leather or synthleather. A sharp eye will notice that it has been handcuffed to his wrist. On his head he wears a bowler hat that definitely not the fashion in Touristville. The man rings again, constantly checking the street behind him. On the sidewalk, a teenager runs by yelling while being chased by a delivery drone that's apparently been hacked. Evidently eager to be inside, the man on your doorstep knocks once more.

[Gilga]

AM:
AM feels especially cheered up by the chaos which seems to be escapism from the stresses of their existence, Jawsey leaving, Mato seriously hurt - stolen explosives and fruitless diplomacy. She allows herself a few harmless pranks like swapping important contact names in unsecured links. "Harmless until a random colleague gets a dick pic" she comments to herself, but truth be told Iktomi has challenged her to speed up her matrix game.

Yet, she is disciplined, and still desperate for money so at the start of their business day she is well dressed in the living room. Enjoying a cap of improved coffee, wondering which of her friends or rivals could have hacked the coffee machine, and admiring the work done on the door. She opens the door without much delay and smiles. "Come in, have a seat, and can I offer you some coffee?", regardless of the man's response she'll have some biscuits on the table to make the man feel comfortable. She notices the briefcase but decides not to mention it at the moment. She assenses the man just to have a rough idea of who she is speaking with, perhaps it would help her get a few more coins out of the client. If he really is a client that is - with his look he could be their new landlord or something.

[ Spoiler ]

Assensing: 10d6t5 5

Trouble:

That same day is one of the most interesting for Trouble, and AM is happy to leave him autonomous, and let the young spirit develop its sense of self. Trouble plays outside with a rubber mouse, and he is very curious as to the drone chasing the man, and the other sense of chaos. On a few occasions, he practices his accident power subtly to not get into trouble but to increase his entertainment of a situation. When he sees the man as he approaches SIS, gives him a quick glance to decide if he is a threat, and then he would likely return to acting as a cat.

[Jack_Spade]

Bobby's hair resembled a swallows nest in the morning. He had noticed that his sleep pattern had changed since he now could meditate instead. Now when he went to sleep, he found himself emulating the last animal he had turned into. And coyotes apparently didn't like to wake up early after hunting at night.

So it came to pass, that Bobby arrived late to greet their potential customer, face still wet and hair slicked back. At least he had found a clean shirt and cleanish jeans.

"Good morning, what can we do you for?"

[Beta]

Jawsey had been packing after AM had headed out of their shared rooms. Not that he had a lot to pack, but he'd been putting it off. Going home he wanted to do, but leaving SIS was not.

The message that they had a visitor was a welcome distraction. He pulled a sweater over the old t-shirt he'd been wearing up until then, pulled good slacks out of his bag and changed into them, then headed downstairs. One more client wouldn't hurt. He wasn't using it as a way to procrastinate, really.

[Tecumseh]

"Ah, thank you," the man says when AM opens the door and welcomes him inside. He quickly removes his hat as he crosses the threshold and tucks it under his arm. Up close, AM can see that he looks like an Aztlaner.

She shows him to the conference room where the biscuits wait.

"No, thank you," he says in response to the offer of coffee. His English is fluent but he does have an Aztlaner accent. "I had a wonderful little cup this morning right before I left the house. Shade-grown arabica beans from Chiapas. I was fortunate enough to tour the region and to purchase the beans in person directly from the farm."

It's unclear if he's bragging or simply sharing a story that he considers interesting.

On the astral, AM can tell that the man is in good health, although perhaps with a bit of a paunch that suggests a sedentary lifestyle. He has some high-end bioware in his head that is hard to detect. Based on its location, AM would suspect cerebral boosters and a mnemonic enhancer. He also has a sleep regulator, which AM recognizes because Mato has one. He has some other bioware throughout his body; pathogenic defenses, toxin extractors, and tracheal filters are popular among corpers, especially the hypochondriacs.

The man bows but does not take a seat. "My name is Juan Aguilar Noble, Esq. representing the law firm Peña Gama y Asociados. I wish to speak to Miguel Ángel Torres. Would that be either of you?" He looks to Bobby and Jawsey.

After a long moment, and a few exchanged glances, you remember that this is Mato's SINner name.

[Beta]

"May I inquire as to the nature of your interest in Mr. Torres?"

Jawsey has a vague feeling that sometimes lawyers serve certain papers in person, and doesn't want to say anything about Mato's whereabouts.

[Tecumseh]

"Well the specifics of my communication are confidential until Señor Torres authorizes me to share them with others. But I assure you that it is good news! If it were not, I would have brought security with me, haha."

He laughs lightly but on the astral you can tell he's not really joking. That said, he's also being truthful. He feels certain that his news will be received positively.

[Jack_Spade]

Bobby's eyes bored into the lawyer lackey.
"We are his business associates, but Ma... Mr. Torres is currently indisposed after an accident. You can leave a message for him, but he is not in a condition to receive you."

[Gilga]

AM is impressed about the arabica story, whereas they only have soycaff. She smiles and nods, and then
She sips the coffee and enjoys the show carefully assessing the situation, and letting the men do the talking.

She makes a note about Juan Aguilar Noble, Esq, and then a quick matrix search about his law firm Peña Gama y Asociados trying to verify what the man says.

[ Spoiler ]

matrix search (quick): 11d6t5 4

[Tecumseh]

AM's search reveals a robust Matrix presence for Peña Gama y Asociados. They are based in Aztlan but have offices throughout the UCAS and California Free State. The omission of the CAS and PCC are notable but perhaps not surprising given the chilly relationship (i.e. outright hostility) between those nations and Aztlan. The law firm appears to be independent and not affiliated with any corp or megacorp - at least as much as any Aztlan-based firm can be independent of Aztechnology - but it will take more digging to confirm if that's actually the case. Sr. Noble is connected to the Seattle office, which is located in downtown Seattle a kilometer or two from the Aztechnology Pyramid. His professional specialty is listed as Wills, Trusts, and Estates.

"An accident? ¡Ay, qué lastima!" Sr. Noble raises his (non-hancuffed) hand to his heart. "How very dreadful!"

He lowers his hand while his eyes look around. His aura shows a complete lack of surprise, not in the sense that he knew about Mato's accident but rather that it's entirely expected that such a fate could befall someone in this environment.

Sr. Noble hesitates for a moment before deciding to press forth. "Well, in that case, my presence here is very timely indeed. If Sr. Torres has incurred medical expenses related to his accident then I may be in a position to help. Is he on the premises or is he recovering elsewhere?"

[Jack_Spade]

"He is at a private care facility - though you will have to tell us more about this. He currently is unconscious and we are the closest he has for the purpose of next of kin.
We could tell you where to find him, but it wouldn't do you much good beside getting yelled at by the doctor.

So if you can't tell us what this is about, your only other option is to leave a message for him and he'll get back to you when he can."

Bobby had disliked the layer guy since about the second he had opened his mouth. This was either a scam or - maybe worse - a real lawyer.

[ Spoiler ]

Judge Intentions: 10d6t5 6

[Tecumseh]

Sr. Noble looks troubled. "Yes, incapacitation complicates things. But without a signed and executed Power of Attorney I'm afraid that I'm not at liberty to divulge [blah blah blah]..." He continues on in legalese for several more sentences.

Bobby's sense is that Sr. Noble is playing things straight. He doesn't want to be here in Touristville but duty calls. But that's probably why the briefcase is handcuffed to his wrist and why he's wearing a mid-range suit that only a junior associate would wear in Seattle: he must feel these are reasonable precautions for Redmond.

Then, right on cue, a message from Doc Painless: <<He's up.>>

[Gilga]

AM naturally distrusts lawyers, or more generally "the Man" but as the person is truthful as much as she can say, she does not share her emotions when he starts speaking all legal to them. This man is part of Mato's world. she reminds herself.

In that case, perhaps I can deliver a message to Sr. Torres once he gets better? Is there anything more aside from your name and law firm that I should tell him? Perhaps enough to remind sr. Torres about your mutual business? she says assuming he'll take her for a secretary or something of that like, and perhaps they'll get a hint as to what it is about.

On cue when the doctor notifies them that Mato is up, she sends Trouble to visit him, and if Mato is well enough ask him of that matter. Just because Mato up does not mean that he is well enough to speak to a lawyer -- or to speak very much or listen at all. So she'll wait a few moments until Trouble is physically there and hope to keep the person in SIS until then.

>>> Trouble is on route to Mato, and if he is well enough, we'll know what it is about and Mato can decide. Else let's take a message for Mato to respond to at his earliest convenience. she texts the team.


Trouble moves at the speed of thought to Mato, he does not need a formal order -- he wants to see if his friend has gotten better. When he gets to the hospital he'll manifest first right on Mato's lap to be discreet and not to mess with sterility requirements.

[Tecumseh]

"Oh, Sr. Torres does not know me, nor I him. I have some news to share with him, good news indeed. But I'm afraid that will be the extent of what I can share without his permission. It would be to his advantage to meet as soon as possible, especially if his current financial situation is constrained. Would it be possible to direct me toward his private care facility so that I do not interrupt your, ah, business any further?"

~~~

Trouble zips over to the clinic. The spirit finds Mato in a hazy state, as one might expect after being in a medically-induced coma for three days. He seems to be examining his left hand closely, turning it over and back again as he studies it. The limb functions, so perhaps he is inspecting the aesthetic damage sustained during the blast. Or maybe he is curious why there used to be a small-caliber SMG port in the palm of his hand, which has now been replaced with the port for a heavy pistol.

Doc Painless is in the room, examining Mato's monitors. She looks pleased and is chattering away about his progress in medical language that's impossible to follow. Her back is to him when Trouble materializes on Mato's lap.

Mato looks surprised for a moment, but then pets Trouble. Mato seems to find it comforting and relaxing. How Trouble feels about a titanium-and-carbon-fiber hand is up to the spirit.

Doc Painless turns around, sees Trouble and freaks out. "WHAT!" she exclaims, racing forward. She seizes Trouble and launches the spirit off Mato's lap. Trouble, nonplussed, demateralizes in midair.

Doc Painless stares at the thin air for a long moment. "Aisa, Aisa, I have to lay off the Aisa," Doc Painless repeats to herself. She rubs the bridge of her nose, looks again to see if Trouble is still there, then wanders off shaking her head.

[Jack_Spade]

Bobby nodded. "Give us a moment and we'll make some inquiries."

Bobby replied to the Street Doc: <<How is he? We have a lawyer here that wants to talk to him. He is conscious enough to deal with that? The guy says he brings good news - just in case Mato wants to know.>>

[Tecumseh]

Doc Painless turns and asks Mato, who nods. The she comms Bobby back.

<<He would welcome visitors. Some familiar faces might help ground him in reality. He's still doped up and in a bit of a fog so be patient with him. He also has some new cyberears that haven't been calibrated don't shout at him. Or, actually, do shout at him if he accidentally trips the dampeners. His commlink survived somehow so you can send each other text messages if talking doesn't work. You know how to read, right? Nevermind, you can use text-to-speech if you can't.>>

[Gilga]

Trouble thinks "what have I done to her?", he manifests to Mato and asks "How are you big guy?".

[Jack_Spade]

"I just spoke to his doctor. He has been woken up, but he is not necessarily fully lucid. Would you be alright with a video conference, or do you have to verify his identity?"

Bobby asked, while already composing a message to Mato

<<Hey, good to hear you are up. There's a lawyer here that wants to give you a bunch of money. But he won't talk to us about specifics. Do you want to meet him or should we ask him to come back tomorrow?>>

[Tecumseh]

"There is a SIN check, yes," Sr. Noble confirms. "It is quick and routine, usually requiring only a second or two.

"Perhaps slightly more, depending on the quality of the, ah, local connection." He smiles weakly.

~~~~~

I'm hurting, Mato tells Trouble, figuring the spirit will be able to tell anyway. Doc is pumping me full of painkillers but my nephritic screen just burns them up.

He gets the comm from Bobby and slowly taps out a response.

<<A lawyer? I don't have a lawyer. Is he legit? Tell me he's not a personal injury ambulance-chaser.>>

There's a delay between messages as Mato struggles to type.

<<I need to think about something else, get my mind off things. Send AM down. I could use a makeover.>>

<<Or does anyone have that spell that makes it feel like an opium den?>>

[Gilga]

"Quite ironic that being immune to poison has a shortcoming. I am glad you are alive though, it was a close call. He materializes in Mato's lap figuring it is the very least he can do to ease his pain.

[Beta]

Jawsey knows that he isn't the most threatening figure around, and that he isn't skilled at being intimidating. So makes sure to lean back in a relaxed posture, and tries hard to explain, rather than threaten, as he says "I don't know if in your line of work you are familiar with the term 'Barrens Contract.' Really it just means that where people don't have the means to hire a lawyer nor do they have access to helpful legal services to enforce a written contract, they operate on old fashion verbal promises. No biometrics required. Your word that you bring good news for our colleague will be your Barrens Contract with us, should we take you to see him. If there are any bits of shade hanging around the edges of that good news, you should perhaps add clarifications now. Clear clarifications, after all we are magicians, not lawyers, we are more interested in what your aura says than the fine nuance of wording."

'

[Tecumseh]

The man considers this thoughtfully. After a moment, he nods, seeming agreeable to the idea.

"A Barrens contact. Yes, of course. I accept. I can think of no meaningful qualifications, nor 'shade', to my declarations.

"Do we spit on our hands and shake?" He may or may not have gotten this notion from a popular trid series, Deadfire, a few years back.

[Jack_Spade]

"Your word should be enough" Bobby growled, but tried to stay civil. He wouldn't be mad at a snake for being a snake. Though a snake didn't have a lot of say in the matter of being a snake. A snake that went to school to learn how to use and abuse words would be a whole different animal...


To Mato he sent:

<<Looks too neat to be an ambulance chaser. My guess, someone died and left you money. And those lawyers aren't getting their cut until they gave you yours. I'll take him the long way round, so AM can get to you first.>>

<<AM, please take care of Mato. Jawsey and I can keep him occupied for another five minutes.>>


"Before this goes any further, we have to conduct a SIN check of our own on you. The circumstances of our colleagues accident were a bit suspect, so we are at the moment at a heightened level of security. It will only take a minute or so. If your credentials check out I'll take you to him."

[Tecumseh]

The man doesn't seem to think much of it.

"Yes, of course. Due diligence is always prudent."

His SIN either checks out or is a good fake.

[Jack_Spade]

Bobby waited for AM to leave the room and listened for the car starting, while staring at his commlink as if he had found some very interesting details in the SIN Profile.

"This seems to be in order. Do you have a car? Better leave it here. The private clinic isn't far from here, so if you don't mind I'll accompany you to it by foot."