The Found Arcana - Chapter 11 [IC] Options

[Tecumseh]

<<Sunday Night - 21:12 - April 9, 2079 - Wingding's Pinball Heaven, Everett>>

Wingding's is a bit north, up in Everett. It's not far, but the distance provides some time for you to collect your thoughts. AM gets a little bit of acceleration therapy to work out her frustrations.

Waiting for the others in the parking lot, AM feels Iktomi's glee. She receives a mental image of a fly trapped in a web, although the spider doesn't finish it off. Instead the spider just toys with it, batting the fly with a leg and watching the silk bundle wobble on the web.

It's Sunday night so Wingding's isn't too busy. There's a scattering of people there, likely regulars by the look of their interactions with the staff. The interior is decidedly retro; there isn't a hint of AR in the entire place. The pinball machines provide the ambiance; evidently AROs would just distract from that. There are physical menus with food and drink options, and patrons must order in-person from the bartender.

There are several classics from the 2020s, 2030s, and 2040s: Cosmic Capers, Neon Circuit, Cyber Uprising, Quantum Cascade, and Temporal Paradox.

[Thanee]

On the way to the pinball place, Rachel sends her information again, when she realizes that Bobby probably hasn't seen it.

<< @Bobby: Not sure, what you received while you were out, but here is a link to a message I sent earlier. At least, that is some very interesting information we got out of this visit here.

@all: What kind of image does this portrait, being surrounded by spirits all the time? She seems more secure than the president. But, apparantly, the people just love her and don't think about it much or are easily impressed. This kind of protection is expensive. I doubt that she can pay for that herself or has half a dozen initiated mages working for her, especially considering her background story. At least, I don't think she is supposed to be filthy rich. There are considerable resources at her disposal. Something here just doesn't add up. Who is paying for this?

And then there is the fact, that she is secretly awakened herself. Is that even legal in her position, to hide this? Obviously, being awakened is not illegal by itself, but it has to be registered, right? So that is something we got there, at least.

As for the assassin... what do we hope to gain by pursuing this lead further? She won't give us the name of her employer, unles we have something at least of equal value to bargain with. And giving up the name of an employer, for someone in that line of work? I cannot even begin to imagine, what a possible bargain chip could be... and I don't see why we would possibly want to antagonize someone like that. >>


When they all meet up at Wingding's, she looks at the machines, probably seeing something like this for the first time in reality.

"I'm probably really bad at this ..." giving a sheepish grin towards Tamarind. "... but let's see!"

[Gilga]

Wow, an arcade - Tam gets me... It is an old-school physical one rather than a Trix one. Of course, a Trix one did not need to be a physical place - but I figured Tam was a physical person living in this world and less in simple worlds. I bet she did not have a scripted family based on various chatbots. I mean, I'd be too embarrassed to admit that I had one.

" >>>I never made it passed the front desk, and even there, I was offensive. I spotted this huge medical problem with the secretary, and then I just had to tell her about it because, well... I feared she'd die or something, and she has pets, nice children, and whatnot. Needless to say, she already knew about it and did not appreciate my scrutiny... I couldn't even stay at the front desk after that...
I did talk about Potter with the receptionist. I got the impression that Potter was just not a real person. She is so thoughtful and considerate and does all sorts of personal things like Christmas holidays or making cake recipes for the receptionist without any form of out-of-the-ordinary relationship between them. Potter felt too perfect for a woman running for office and likely extremely busy. Raven's story about her being secretly awakened and experienced enough to keep it a secret suggests that she is not actually Corrine Potter. Either there is no such person, or the woman we see is simply not her."

[ Spoiler ]

I am assuming that being awakened is something that appears in a SIN registry. Let me know if it is not and I'll edit.

In the Arcade I play a shooter game "House of the Dead 16", where I explore this mention filled with ghouls or zombies, and I need to shoot them before they eat me. As offensive as it may sound in a world with actual ghouls that are people like you and me - it is still fun to just kill hundreds of faceless emotionless monsters as soon as they pop out on the screen using a plastic gun, which is regretfully too light to feel real. Regardless of that fault, I enjoy putting my augmented reactions and agility to the test, and I keep feeding coins to the machines until the rest want to go. I doubt I'll tire of video games before it gets late, and I start yawning.

[Beta]

Tam sees that Bobby and AM have their own reactions and plans for the place, but Rachel looks less certain. So she grabs her and pulls her to the back, where the old school physical pinball machines are. They are likely replicas, but if so they are good ones, complete with century old graphics styles and fonts.

Once they are immersed in the flashes and bells and bleeps of the games, she leans close and asks "You are sure about what you saw? That is pretty huge! How good of a look did you get?" She doesn't mention names or the type of thing that Rachel saw, but if anyone manages to listen past the background, their words still shouldn't be meaningful.

Meanwhile she keeps playing her game. There had been a couple of old pinball machines in Butte Below when she was a kid, and when she'd been able to afford it she'd loved playing them. Timing when to hit the flippers had likely honed her reactions, helping her excel with vehicles when she entered the forces. She hasn't had a lot of chances to play pinball machines since, but the things still feel natural under her hands.

And of course, as soon as she thinks that her ball drops down the gutter. She really should know better.

[Thanee]

<< Well, with magic involved, you can never really be 100%, but I'm very sure that it was the real deal that I saw. >>

Rachel is doing a lot worse on the pinball than Tam, who clearly has been playing before. While not being particularly clumsy or anything, Rachel's playground is more with people than with machines, and it is certainly showing with her lack of experience here. But it's still fun, bouncing the little steel ball around, even if it doesn't usually take very long for it to roll out into the bottom. The thought crosses her mind, to just move the ball back up, telekinetically, but she also quickly realizes how pointless that would be.

"I would probably need a few years of practice here to be as good as you are," she comments. "Clearly, you have done this before."

[Jack_Spade]

As the team got back together to discuss next steps, Bobby went into the discussion back with his usual stoic self:

"Topic assassin: Our employer might want to get ahold of her themselves. It would look good, if we could deliver her hiding place as well as a full identification. I'm acknowledging your reluctance to tangle with her or her protectors. But a spirit search should be save enough. We have some evidence, but the description from the squatters and the few cameras we hacked just won't cut it if we deliver. We need at least one solid data point to sell this package.
Topic magic: It confirms what I saw in her flat. She has a ritual room. I'd even go so far and guess that she is a mystic adept. Something I'd still like to confirm through a thorough asensing. The fact, that who ever brings the magic protection for her goes to such extremes means one of two things: Her being magic would disprove some part of her backstory, or her kind of magic is illegal.
Though to narrow down if she is a blood mage, dark mage, insect shaman, toxic, master shedim or some other spirit or spirit possessed we need to find a way to get a good look at her aura.
If its just because she is an invented persona, we might be able to prove that line through the printing office of the university.

I asensed that watcher - it's force was only a little bit below my own. Either we are dealing with a master ritualist on her payroll, or a whole professional magic circle. Because from what I understand, such high level watchers need a lot of reagents to not kill you from the backlash, or a lot of people involved."

[Gilga]

I add my bit as a fellow ritualist though I nearly knocked myself out trying to renew Tatanka and did not bother since. "It is more expensive than you might realize as a watcher exists for several hours. I used Tatanka for a long while because I kept them stored in a Govi 99% of the time and only took it out for specific and short-lived tasks such as looking at something or delivering a message. So whoever created this watcher would either need to reliably create such a powerful watcher - or more likely, is likely a sorcorer that specializes in ritual magic... " I add as I realize that even if I had the kind of talent to create a watcher comparable to Bobby I still would have struggled to create one reliably as is evident by my recent failure to revive Tatanka.

[Thanee]

"I can see at least a third reason, why they - assuming it is not just her, but there are more people involved - want to keep her magic a secret and provide her with this level of magical security to make sure it is kept a secret, because it provides her with a huge advantage, especially, if everyone else doesn't know about the fact, that she is magically augmented. It doesn't have to be an illegal kind of magic. I would also discount something like blood magic or toxic or whatever. I would have seen that most likely, given that I did manage to see past the masking. As said before, there is no 100%, but I am pretty sure, that I saw her real aura for a short moment. There were no hidden spells, just the masking focus. The confidence in there, and her being an adept, and the whole area where she operates, politics, points towards her magic being especially useful in a social environment. I also don't think that she is a Mystic Adept. Why would she not have summoned one of the spirits herself, then? Again, not 100% certain, just pretty sure about it."

"Maybe AM can spend some time on a Matrix search later, to look for discussions about those spirits that must have been seen with her a lot. I mean, they are pretty obvious. Scare tactics for sure, especially keeping anyone's astral senses away. But this also creates curiosity, and surely I am not the only one who has assensed her in the past. Maybe there is something to find. Or just comments about the excessive use of magic to protect her."

"It would also be interesting to know about the actual laws that apply to the awakened and SIN registration."

[Gilga]

I look at Rachel and grin. "You gals know how to get to my heart," regarding the Trixing suggestion, though I suspect that it is not, instead of going after some Ysk assassin. I would have said anything, but I suspect Bobby is too chaotic and sometimes smart in ways I am not. So I would go with his ideas and face the consequences.

As Rachel says, it is a big thing, perhaps not to the average Joe but to a candidate; it is a skeleton in the closet, a piece of data that can cause a lot of harm when used within the right context. Monumental achievement despite all the frags. As for spirits, we do not need to assume anything about her talent, but even if she was a conjurer, a summoned spirit is linked to the summoner - so it is likely out of the question for extended periods. In the unlikely event of pushing her too hard into a corner, it is something to consider. "

[Jack_Spade]

"Well, social adepts are a thing for sure - but they have to keep their talent secret, because no-one trusts them if they know they could be using the voice. I'm suspecting mystic adept because she seems to have a lodge in her bedroom. That means, she is using it regularly, which means either summoning or ritual spell casting, less likely artificing. Unless of course there lives another person there. Like a free spirit - of whatever kind."

Bobby sighed:

"It's all speculation. We need concrete evidence. Which brings us full circle: What do we do next?
I'm still for finding the assassin, but unless I go slinking around as a street cat and have a lot of luck, I won't make any headway there. So if you are against that, let's turn to other potential leads.

AM, you mentioned that we could petition our target to make an appearance in our neighborhood. That has potential, though I hate doing work where we sleep. Are there any other open air venues where she is supposed to appear?"

Bobby turned on his modded goggles to make a quick search of the election news.

[ Spoiler ]

Computer Search: 8d6t5 1

"Otherwise, we only have the printing office and the DNA guy, correct?"

[Thanee]

"The Lodge could also offer a simple way of having a permanent ward set up," Rachel muses.

"I am not opposed to finding the assassin. I do not think confronting her is a good idea."

[Jack_Spade]

"You need ritual skill to set up a lodge though - and try as I might, I can't get those to work."

Bobby replied

[Thanee]

"Doesn't need to be hers, though. She, obviously, has plenty mages at her disposal, who could set it up; and not being astrally active, it wouldn't even interfere with her. Could be interesting to assense that one at some point, to see its signature."

[Jack_Spade]

"Yes, that's why I wanted to assense her - so I could compare the signatures."

Bobby sighed. He hadn't yet learned to emulate other signatures and words were inadequate to describe them.

[Thanee]

"What was the astral protection at her place like? Maybe it is easier for me to get a quick look at that ward, while noone is around."

[Gilga]

"I wanted to ask her to come to our hood, but then Iktomi my tongue. I sent her campaign manager a request but am waiting for reply so I don't know if she'll come. The printing office won't open until Monday, not sure about your DNA guy. Seems like we're a bit out of clues for now - but we can go talk to the Duck. That politician that was not nominated following Cannon's death.

At my earliest convenience, I search the Trix for Potters's public appearances and if need be, try to get us RSVP by us I mean the people that are legal citizens of the UCAS. I've had enough of a scare at the animal clinic.

[Jack_Spade]

"The outer ward wasn't that strong - but stong enough to keep you busy for a few moments - not ideal with spirits roaming about. The inner ward around the bedroom was monstrously strong - and it was a ward designed to zap anyone trying to monkey with it. Inside the bedroom, the furniture was pushed back and a ritual circle made with candles was displayed. So it could be something other than a lodge, but I'd be hard pressed to think of what else it would be. A master bedroom with ensuite bath is the recommended choice for a lodge, so you can stay in there for a few days if necessary.

If you go, you better be quick."

Bobby answered Rachel's questions.

To AM he said: "Seems like it. If we can get him to talk, that certainly would be interesting. Any idea how to get in contact with him?"

[Thanee]

"I just need to get into the outer ward then, don't plan on getting any further but simply get a good look at the inner ward," Rachel ponders.

[Gilga]

I shrug "I don't know... We can address him directly but I don't know how successful it would be. I'll dig in about him to look for indirect means. One crazy idea is to ask to meet him as a private investigator from SIS. I mean, he perhaps has embarrassing stuff buried. He may meet us to gauge what we know and how much danger we pose

[Tecumseh]

<<Saturday Night - 22:20 - April 9, 2079 - Wingding's Pinball Heaven, Everett>>

It doesn't take long for AM (or anyone else searching) to find a bunch of content about 'Lucky' Duck Phillips. He's a human, no spouse or children, perhaps in his late 40s. He has a high forehead and sports a round belly.

A flamboyant councilor from Snohomish, Phillips has a robust Matrix presence. Imagine a walking billboard for sleaze: all loud suits, slicked-back hair, and cheesy grins, who also happens to have a cunning political mind. Politicians from the more genteel districts often dismiss him as a charlatan, someone from the fringes of the Metroplex who is loud to generate attention. There might be some truth to that, but one should not discount his shrewd wits.

Lucky's sartorial choices are legendary. Think pastels, loud paisleys, and zebra stripes, all paired with oversized bolo ties and chunky rings. He's a walking advertisement for himself, his clothes screaming, "Look at me, 'Lucky' Duck Phillips, and I'm not afraid to be noticed!" He's known for outrageous commercials while he is campaigning, featuring exploding buses and mariachi bands, or trained monkeys who clobber criminals with crowbars. Lucky loves putting on a show; he thrives on attention, and he knows how to use it to his advantage.

Despite his outward sleaziness, Lucky seems to have a genuine soft spot for the underdog. He's often drawn to constituents who are down on their luck, or the ones who have been taken advantage of by the government. That may be why he's part of the Technocratic party, as he is critical of the government's role in society, especially when he finds it unduly intrusive.

~~~

You've been at Wingding's for about an hour when Raven's spirit of air reports its success in locating Saiki Kiku.

She is in the International District, it reports.

Just south of downtown Seattle there's a collection of neighborhoods collectively called the International District. Most of the residents there are either Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Korean.

She is in what appears to be a gambling den. There are many people there. Her mood is erratic, perhaps influenced by winning and losing streaks.

Astral security is very tight. The gambling den has security of its own, and there are two formidable spirits with Saiki Kiku herself. They are vigilant, watching her very closely.

She is not magically active; she has a great deal of technology affecting her soul.

[Jack_Spade]

"I'd prefer not to go in as our real company. We could make some serious enemies - especially if they win the election. Can anyone of you convincingly pose as a up and coming blogger that wants to do an interview with him? All we need to do is steal some content from a good blogger, set up a matrix site giving the impression of some strong corporate sponsorship and a lot of fake fans. Certainly helps if you doll yourself up for the author photo.

Those slighted politicians love to salve their egos with the adoration of pretty girls."

Bobby replied

[Gilga]

I grin mischievously at Raven I can make a vlogger out of you... I have someone specific in mind who would be perfect, not quite famous but with enough followers to justify a meeting. Add some good looks in the mix, and help the underbitch gain a few followers may get his attention.

I then stiffen up a bit and respond more directly to Bobby's doubts - not sure which one of us is more right - but I view it all as business no reason to hate me specifically - I don't wield power; I am just a tool.

I honestly think that it is no big deal to go in as SIS because even if we do find dirt on Potter, and even if he knows we did - it only shows competence. He'll come to us when he needs something off the books. Besides, every investigative journalist or wanna-be journalist would start digging to get some scoop on Potter. She is the new girl in town... and about as charismatic as an ice cream truck parked in front of a school. "

[Beta]

"Talking to "luck Duck" should be done, but perhaps also hacking him? The party may have furnished him with decent communications defenses, but he doesn't sound like the sort to put high priority on it, so maybe more posssible than with some others. I doubt there is an incriminating letter telling him to step aside, but looking at his calendar right around that time might turn up some interesting names."

"If you can get him talking, perhaps see how he'd respond to a question about whether our politicians have enough protection against magical threats. See what he considers normal, maybe even get him to talk about what the party normally provides to candidates, or who they'd use to set it up. Maybe Potter has two old magical colleagues or friends handling all of that, but I doubt it. It seems likely that professionals were brought in to do this, so somebody must know something about who would arrange that, or who has been hired, or something. It is an ongoing operation, those mages must still be in town, close to Potter."

Tamarind feels something niggling at her thoughts after she says that, so rolls them back in her mind, then it hits her. "Close to Potter ... like maybe currently living in the same building? Think we could get rental records somehow? See if anything rented out at the right time frame, and to who it is supposedly rented?"

[Gilga]

He would have a very secure comlink, so we'll need direct access to the comlink, or if it is hard, then to get him too distracted to notice it and form a persona, e.g., hack it when he is the shower or something though for augmented individuals even that would not necessarily work. I can hack
an alert persona of a high-quality link - but I can't do it reliably so it is kind of risky.

I sigh "I'll go after renting information, but they don't strictly have to be in the same building. If the spirits we saw are summoned spirits however - they would have to stay close to these spirits or satisfy themselves with a single remote service. If they stay close, we can find them, and if they are far then any conjurer that banishes spirits can potentially undo all their security in a matter of seconds... Kind of like playing a video game with only one HP. Summoned spirits are vulnerable already but without any remaining services - they are basically on their way out."

[Jack_Spade]

I honestly think that it is no big deal to go in as SIS because even if we do find dirt on Potter, and even if he knows we did - it only shows competence. He'll come to us when he needs something off the books. Besides, every investigative journalist or wanna-be journalist would start digging to get some scoop on Potter. She is the new girl in town... and about as charismatic as an ice cream truck parked in front of a school. "

"Funny, now we have reversed our usual stances. You are forgetting that we are dealing with ego driven hoopholes. Going in as muddiggers out to blackmail Phillips will get us nowhere but on the hit list of whatever gang or security force he can muster. Just because he didn't get the nomination, doesn't mean he wants to sink his party's ship.

Exploiting his male ego is a much safer and more success expecting route than trying to blackmail him. Especially since we don't actually have anything to put pressure on him.

But one thing after the other - how about you scan his commlink first to learn what security it actually has. I'm expecting something like a Fairlight Caliban. Cracking that without some luck will be tough.
Once we have that information, we can decide on the approach."