Charm City [IC] Options

[pbangarth]

Bongo gives a slight bow in response to the man's comment. He figures he needs to get a grip on dialects or something, because near as he can determine, the man said something like "It's a public company that helps build it." That can't be right! Yeah, now to say something about being happy to be of service, Bongo would have said, "O yakunitatete ureshīdesu". Similar. Maybe it's in the way it was said. This is the kind of thing that gets him going down Matrix rabbit holes for hours.

Oooohh. Unless there is a hidden message in there somewhere. Like a double entendre or something. Hmmm.

Back at the table he tells Willie that Angel is digging into info about the tunnels. To her, he sends, <<Well, see if you can find more out about a woman named Anne Abbott. It seems she might have had some interaction with trades people, so maybe union records? >>

<<To Tubesnake: Thanks. I've got Angel digging into her name and connections. See you soon?>>

While Bongo goes to the counter, Willie reseats himself so he can see the entrances and no entry way is at his back. Bongo catches on and smiles.

[Thanee]

Selina giggles. "Oh, that's what you were thinking? Gee. Let me put your concerns to rest. That is absolutely not what I am looking for. I get it, though. I guess, it could look that way. Making those not-so-subtle hints about an apartment. Is that how it works? Hah! Now that I think about it, I can totally see it. But no. Never was my intention. It was just conversation. Nothing more."

"Also, you literally had 'looking for women' in your profile, so don't blame me for calling you out on that." She winks at him. "I mean, come on."

"Anyways, it was a pretty rocky road to get to the point where I am now. I was lucky. And I certainly had some much appreciated help along the way. But overall, I got there myself. I am very independent, and I like it that way."

"And you are fun to be around, you are sophisticated, you know how to dress and you know how to dance, which is always a big plus. I like that. Also, nice play on that 'make it work'. Touché!"

[sunnyside]

By the time Willie and Bongo are starting to finish their tarts Angel gets on Bongo's com


<<I HACKED HER COMLINK.

Abby really doesn't know anything about hiding her comcode when using low security public facing social media sites. She's got a pretty cheap link too. Anyway, that let me get at the rest of her socials and messages.

I did a text frequency analysis. The most common terms associated with her are "vivacious" and "red wine."

She has mentioned Vex a couple times. I'm not so sure she really knows them so much as knows of them. Anyway she isn't dropping any useful details in her posts and messages. She does seem to know a ton of people though based on friends and followers.

Oh, and she's put in a work request with the Baltimore local plumbers union. If anybody wants I could probably spoof Bongo as a licensed plumber to get in and down there. Maybe Tubesnake could give you tips on how to fix her problem! >>


--------------------------

Mike nods "Yup. That's exactly how it's always gone. So I guess I'm in a brave new world with you here. "

He leans over towards her laughing "Sorry. I'll have to explain that laugh. I know what Touché means. But despite literally meaning touch, with word as the only French in the sentence my software translated it as "touchdown""

Although touching what I'd like to do, and "touchdown" is how I feel."

He moves in to wrap and arm behind Selina and to kiss her.

Selina notices he moves slow and keeps on eye on her reaction as he moves in.

(OOC: Though in stuff like that, like enemy attacks, you can always interupt actions. )

[Koekepan]

<<I can sign up for the gig through the job board if it isn't taken yet, and I'll meet you there. Be nice and pick up a box of red wine, why doncha? I can handle the plumbing while you handle the other plumbing, and we both get to work uninterrupted.>>

[pbangarth]

Well, shit. Bongo just talked his way out of intimacy with a talented, vivacious young artist who was eager to take things to that level. Now his teammate wants him to pimp himself out for information. What a job.

Notwithstanding his reluctance to be a boy toy for some functionary, being the distraction is what he does. So, he orders DoorDash to pick up a bottle (NOT a box!!) of Escudo Rojo Pinot Noir Reserva Baron Philippe De Rothschild from Federal Hill Wine and Spirits not far away, and some Cypress Grove Chevré - Purple Haze from the also nearby Cheese Galore and More. Maybe this Anne Abbott will spill a few hints.

<<Yeah, pick up the job and we can say I'm along for the ride. >>

He relays the situation to Willie, who bursts out laughing. This problem, at least, never lands in his lap. This could take a while, so they get something more substantial to eat.

[sunnyside]

Paul will find that instead of being filled the job has actually gained a couple more negative comments. One says <<Sure there are plenty of pay lots in the area, but street parking fills up for blocks around and when you set up cones in a right lane all sorts of wannabe local security gets on your ass. If you need to be there they can't do drek except be a pain in your ass, but who needs that?>>

The other adds. <<Those tunnels aren't even remotely in line with any code ever written. Not too bad if all you need is a tool belt, you can see in the dark, and your knees aren't shot like mine. Otherwise it fucking sucks to work down there. Bring an assistant. >>

(OOC: I'm not sure if we've ever discussed the exterior of the van. I've imagined something with official union signage and clear windows as opposed to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUtud5NoqFQ )

[Koekepan]

Paul nods to himself while reading the comments. Not up to code? Of course not. Rough on the knees? Easy for the drones - same goes for seeing in the dark. But still, that's interesting. Clearly more made for dwarves than for trolls.

[sunnyside]

(OOC: It's getting late. At least 10 with all the goings on Bongo had had since dinner. So folks are still out and about, but will start thinning out.

Assuming Koekepan means to imply they took they job they get Abby's comcode and instructions to message her to let her know you're on the way, head to the Federal Hill West Side entrance, and give her a call when you get there so she can lead you though the tunnels to her place.

The Entrance is in the side of the hill. You go up a few steps to a pair of double doors that serve to keep the weather out. There are then a desk and banks of PO boxes to the left. There are a couple security guys, but they're only guarding the boxes, not the tunnel entrance itself. Folks come in from the outside and head down. Mostly human and Dwarf, not exactly middle class folks, but they look better than your average homeless. They also don't look so downtrodden. If anyone loiters a while a pair of hits on perception+charisma will reveal that they're actively trying to present themselves as rough, ready, and healthy as the character notices the locals hiding injuries or other issues while seeming to test each other. They also all ignore the unpleasant smell of meta humanity and inadequate sanitation that emanates from the tunnel system.

If you wait until daytime, you might catch people coming in an out of the hill like ants to get their nutripack rations from a van that stops by the hill.

A regular perception test with even a single hit will start noticing that local buildings have a tendency to have security cameras on the entrances to the tunnels. )

[Koekepan]

Paul will get to Federal Hill, but will wait for Bongo to arrive before taking any particular action. Whatever is going on here is probably outside the realm of what a humble tradesman can handle, so depending on how long things take, he'll just settle down for a nap.

[pbangarth]

While waiting for DoorDash to bring the 'supplies', Bongo responds to Angel. << Good idea, Angel. Get me into the Union, for now, and I'll be a more legitimate distraction. >>

Once the snacks arrive, Bongo and Willie will finish their repast and pay. They figure that since they have a parking spot here by the cafe, they might as well walk around the corner to meet up with Tubesnake. As they walk, Bongo fires off a message to Selina, thumbnailing what they plan to do and why it matters to Bongo. This way, if something goes really bad, there will be someone who can come collect the bodies.

As the two approach Tubesnake's van, Bongo messages him to know they are near, so any defences set up will not take them out. One never knows with these drone jockeys.

As well, Bongo and Willie talk about their respective roles. Given what they have learned about the prospective informant Anne Abbott, Willie might turn out to be a distracting extra. He is willing to stay with the van and keep it safe. Or carry tool kits for Tubesnake and cover him in the depths of the underground. Whatever. They'll see what Tubesnake thinks.

[sunnyside]

Angel gives a brief reply <>ummmm. Would it be OK if I took an hour maybe two? That helps a lot woth not raising alarms.

I'm sure I could get in going fast though. >>

[pbangarth]

Bongo replies. <<Hour sounds good. if somebody actually checks, it'll be a while yet.>>

[Koekepan]

Tubesnake blinks the snooze out of his eyes when the message comes through, rolls out of his hammock and opens the back of the van.

""Hoi, chummers. Too late for soykaf, or too early for hooch?""

[pbangarth]

Willie grins, "Never too early for hooch!"

Bongo, having rethought the requirements for tonight, says, "Willie, I'm not sure you should come in with us on this. The job is for union members, and Angel has made a fake ID for me, but not for you. They might not check, but who knows? You OK with waiting out here in the van while Tubesnake and I go in and do some repairs and reconnaissance?"

Willie replies, "Well, yeah, I'm OK with that. Truth is, I've come to realize that most jobs, if they need what I do, have gone south real bad. I'm impressed the way you guys did that last job without them even knowing you were there. Smooth, that. You got questions to ask, and Tubesnake has pipes to fix. No need for shooting or driving. I'll stay back and continue to digest the last two meals I've had. And be present in case someone takes a liking to the van.

"Gimme a call, though, if you think you need my talents."

[Thanee]

"Funny how they still havn't gotten that translation stuff right."

When Mike leans over to kiss her, Selina meets him halfway.

After a while, when there is an opportune moment, she asks: "Are you interested in those games they offer here? Like Poker?"

[sunnyside]

(OOC: Weird, my reply didn't get posted. Maybe I just forgot to hit reply? Ah well. )

(OOC: Just say if you call Abby. If you hang out in the entrance use the OOC text/rolls above. If nobody bothers Angel for an hour she'll ping Bongo <<Got you in the system! I should be able to get back in easy for a while. Let me know if you need anything else or if you want me to clean everything up later. >> )

--------------------

(OOC: Assuming Selina says that after just a bit of kissing as opposed to implying more )

Mike initially breaks the lip lock to smile, apparently realizing she was at least physically meeting him half way. He gets back into the groove pretty quickly. Putting one hand on a thigh and the other behind her back to hold her close.

He leans back to shift into something else when Selina asks her question.


It takes him aback a bit. Selina's life has meant getting good at reading face, and she does catch a flash of disappointment, maybe some frustration and annoyance. But only for a moment and he tamps it down and gets back to that relaxed confident place he operates from. Also once he gets in the flow he gets comfortable just sharing his thoughts and musings.

"Well, I was hoping for other games so to speak, but I also play poker. Not professionally mind you. I'm decent at people and odds, but just don't put in the time on it. I have no idea the skill level out there nor the sort of stakes they'll be playing at.

It's more likely I'd be impressive as a dancer up here. I bet the gangsters don't know a Charlston from a Lindy hop and I think the regulars up here might have left the dancing to the girls. In the chat on the third floor they also push the idea that it's a place for much more open conversations than you can have elsewhere. I don't know how much that actually played out in the past, but I personally haven't spoken with an actual street gang member . "

[sunnyside]

(OOC: Weird, my reply didn't get posted. Maybe I just forgot to hit reply? Ah well. )

(OOC: Just say if you call Abby. If you hang out in the entrance use the OOC text/rolls above. If nobody bothers Angel for an hour she'll ping Bongo <<Got you in the system! I should be able to get back in easy for a while. Let me know if you need anything else or if you want me to clean everything up later. >> )

--------------------

(OOC: Assuming Selina says that after just a bit of kissing as opposed to implying more )

Mike initially breaks the lip lock to smile, apparently realizing she was at least physically meeting him half way. He gets back into the groove pretty quickly. Putting one hand on a thigh and the other behind her back to hold her close.

He leans back to shift into something else when Selina asks her question.


It takes him aback a bit. Selina's life has meant getting good at reading face, and she does catch a flash of disappointment, maybe some frustration and annoyance. But only for a moment and he tamps it down and gets back to that relaxed confident place he operates from. Also once he gets in the flow he gets comfortable just sharing his thoughts and musings.

"Well, I was hoping for other games so to speak, but I also play poker. Not professionally mind you. I'm decent at people and odds, but just don't put in the time on it. I have no idea the skill level out there nor the sort of stakes they'll be playing at.

It's more likely I'd be impressive as a dancer up here. I bet the gangsters don't know a Charlston from a Lindy hop and I think the regulars up here might have left the dancing to the girls. In the chat on the third floor they also push the idea that it's a place for much more open conversations than you can have elsewhere. I don't know how much that actually played out in the past, but I personally haven't spoken with an actual street gang member . "

[Koekepan]

Tubesnake slaps on his toolbelt, adds a physical notepad and a couple of his Kanmushi drones to do some first level inspections if necessary.

""OK, I'm ready to go. Willie, you mind keeping an eye on the van while we go check things out?"" He closes the van up, but not before extracting a spare hard hat for Bongo.

[pbangarth]

Bongo dons the hard hat and packs the wine and cheese into an extra tool belt. 'Tool' depends on the trade no?

Willie nods. "Yup. That's the plan. Give me access to the vehicle's controls in case I need to move it." He studies sight lines and approaches, and seats himself with the best available view. He's been doing a lot of this the last few days.

[sunnyside]

(OOC: I could make a post about the ambiance while waiting for you to move to the entrance described above and do the rolls or to call Abby. However I've found sometimes players bite on those, assuming it has high significance, and suddenly you're in a fistfight with a rude tourist or something.)

[Koekepan]

Tubesnake sets up a quick set of temporary codes for Willie, and passes them along electronically. Like valet codes, they'll last for 8 hours but unlike valet codes they'll give Willie access to the van's full power. <<<There you go. Careful about fiddling around in the back; the last thing you want is machinery flying loose in the cab.>>>

[pbangarth]

Willie nods. "Got it."

Bongo steps to the side of the van and waits for Tubesnake to lead the way.

[Koekepan]

Tubesnake moves right on towards the entrance, but on the way he makes sure to send a message to the contact info saying that he's under way with an apprentice.

[sunnyside]

After writing a few messages with criticisms about how late at night it was, and how long she's been waiting for a response, and then thinking about her situation and deleting them, eventually Abby writes and sends Paul a short message:

<<Glad you're here! I'll just get presentable and be up in fifteen minutes if you're already nearby!>>

She attaches a picture of herself in a red dress and a red hat with a brim that seems nearly as wide as she is tall, posed in front of the waterfront, her torso twisted into a pose while blowing a kiss.

(OOC: Repeated from above so you don't have to hunt for it:


The Entrance is in the side of the hill. You go up a few steps to a pair of double doors that serve to keep the weather out. There are then a desk and banks of PO boxes to the left. There are a couple security guys, but they're only guarding the boxes, not the tunnel entrance itself. Folks come in from the outside and head down. Mostly human and Dwarf, not exactly middle class folks, but they look better than your average homeless. They also don't look so downtrodden. If anyone loiters a while a pair of hits on perception+charisma will reveal that they're actively trying to present themselves as rough, ready, and healthy as the character notices the locals hiding injuries or other issues while seeming to test each other. They also all ignore the unpleasant smell of meta humanity and inadequate sanitation that emanates from the tunnel system.



A regular perception test with even a single hit will start noticing that local buildings have a tendency to have security cameras on the entrances to the tunnels. )

[pbangarth]

As they approach the entrance to the underground, Bongo scans the area for anything interesting.

[ Spoiler ]

Bongo's Perception plus either INT or CHA will allow buying 3 hits.

He mentions to Tubesnake, "Looks like the neighbours are keeping electronic eyes on the entrance. I imagine the folks here are a little rough and unkempt for the liking of the businesses and residences outside. The tunnels could do with a Herculean flush."