Living in the Shadows: IC, your run might be over... Options

[Shadowrunner13]

20:03:23 Tuesday 02 January 2063 - Miner's Landing, Downtown Seattle, UCAS

Zeyda nodded. "I'll hold you to that, Tenmou. Good luck with your work tomorrow."

Tenmou nodded with a smirk and made his way through the crowd, eventually stepping outside, into the rain. Pulling his coat tighter around him, he made his way down the street, heading for the dojo where he practiced his martial arts. It wasn't too far away and his funds were pretty tight, so rather than grabbing a cab, he decided to brave the elements.

He looked forward to a good spar with his sensei and burn off some of the energy he had stored up for the possible job tonight.

[Sedna]

0318 Saturday January 6, 2063 - in the public washroom

A couple of whiffs of the air give no doubt about the other purposes for which this place is regularly used. Alleycat smiles to herself as she ducks into the stall next to the (occupied) handicapped/meta one and begins quickly to strip, a smile that quickly slips away as she considers what she'd last seen of Blaze.

Like a taut wire, that one ... and I came too close there to making him snap. I don't really know what he's thinking now -- but I got the signal wideband to back off, and so I backed off. But I've got to get us both in on the QT -- and it will need both of us. There's no way there was that kind of fire and all that was left was one matchbook with the letters still legible. We're being baited -- but if we're careful, we can make that work for us.

She's in the clear, and she's pulled on the clothes she intends to keep for the night, temporarily pulling out all items from the coat's pockets on a just-in-case basis. She quickly tries calling Avalanche again -- no answer. With a sigh, she lets that deeply familiar shiver of mana run through her ...

[grendel]

08:51:33 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

The normally forty five minute commute took him barely thirty, the early morning streets devoid of traffic thanks to the late night holiday. Pulling up before the gate of his apartment building parking lot, Sean rubbed a hand across his face again. Slotting his keycard in the reader, he waited for the access port to crank open. Pulling in to the lot beneath the building, he parked in the assigned spot before making his way to the bank of elevators. It would be a short ride up to his third floor apartment, then a shower, and finally, bed.

[Morgannah]

08:51:33 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

Underground parking. Of course. Damn, girl, you're rusty today.

With a sigh that came out as more of a grunt, Cosmo parks the car across the street and down about half a block, watching from the corner of one eye as her mark waited for the garage to open. She hurries towards the apartment complex, hoping to intercept him at the elevator.

This post has been edited by Morgannah: Jan 11 2005, 06:21 PM

[grendel]

08:52:17 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadenca, CFS

The front doors to the lobby are locked with a passkey reader. A small speaker panel next to the lock features a digital screen with a list of apartment numbers and a small call button. Barely visible through the shaded windows of the lobby front doors is Sean as he waits for his elevator, leaning tiredly against the wall.

[Morgannah]

08:52:22 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadenca, CFS

Lightly gloved knuckles rap against the locked door as she tries to catch the young man's attention, affecting her friendliest smile but with a hint of worry creasing the corners of her eyes. She scans the list of names for a likely cover (her mother, who needs medecine) and waits with seeming impatience, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet as she depresses the 'call' button again and again (but with no room selected).

[Shadowrunner13]

21:37:48 Tuesday 02 January 2063 - Master Kim's Dojo, Downtown Seattle, UCAS

Tenmou took the offered hand of Sensei Kim and was pulled up off the mat.

"You are rusty, Yamamoto-san," Kim said. Yamamoto was a false name that Tenmou's brother, Hatano, had put together for him.

"I suppose I have been rather lax in my practice, Sensei. I will practice harder and come back again for another spar with you next week." Tenmou said.

The roar of rain hammered on the front window of the dojo. "This weather appears to be getting worse instead of better. Shall I call you a cab?" Kim asked.

"No thank you, Sensei. I'm a little short. I'll walk to a nearby bus stop and catch a bus."

"Nonsense. I'll not have one of my favourite sparring partners out in this rain. I'll give you a lift."

"You really don't need to, Sensei," Tenmou said, waving him off.

"I do. Now be quiet and accept my offer."

"Arigatau, Sensei."

Tenmou was lead out behind the dojo where a modest sedan sat in the sole parking spot. Sensei Kim drove the runner back to his "home", the address that Tenmou provided, which was actually several blocks from his residence. Thanking Kim, Tenmou made his way toward the apartment complex until his Sensei drove away and turned a corner, before he changed his course and headed home.

[grendel]

08:53:05 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

Sean glances around at the knock before catching sight of Cosmo standing at the front door. With a wry smile, he opens the door for her, stepping back to allow her into the lobby.

"Forget your key?"

[Morgannah]

08:53:18 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

Cosmo dimples, nodding as she steps into the lobby.

"Yeah, thanks, my mistake for rushing. I'm just glad you were here."

She catches his eye and winks before striding over to the waiting elevator.

[grendel]

08:53:29 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

Sean returns the smile, running his hand through his hair in a vague attempt to conceal its general disarray.

"It was my pleasure."

Stepping into the elevator after Cosmo, he pushes the button for the third floor before glancing over his shoulder at her.

"Where you headed?"

[Morgannah]

08:53:41 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

"Same."

Smiling shyly, Cosmo makes a point of glancing around the elevator (checking for surveillance), her cheeks perhaps a little more flushed than usual. After a few foot-shuffling awkward moments, she extends her hand towards him and grins.

"Lisa Taylor, and thank you again for helping me."

[grendel]

08:54:02 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

"Sean. Andersen. Nice to meet you. I haven't seen you around before, did you just move in?"

[Morgannah]

08:54:19 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

"Nah, I live in north L.A.; I'm just bringing Mom some of the meds she left in my car yesterday. It's good to meet you, too .. maybe I'll make a point of stopping by more often."

She winks again, blushes, and promptly looks off to one side.

[banditf50]

1235 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Alley outside of Virgil's Redmond safehouse

Removing her will not be necessary at the moment. You have done your task well, continue please.
Like a good soldier the spirit once again moved towards the mouth of the alley, a most stoic and invisible sentry.

Lazarious, attention!

Jumping into sight before Virgil's face the spirit made no sound, merely awaiting the next order.

Thank you for informing me of this incident. Please continue to scout the surrounding streets. Inform me the moment anything approaches this building.

Jumping up above the building with the same silence, Lazarious re-joined his counterpart.

Further examination of the terrified girl from astral space would prove fruitless in the immediate time frame. Any other signs her aura might be expected to show were completely blotted out by her blind fear . . . But fear of what? If she were only under the influence of the spirit, she would have fled the alley. What are you afraid of?

Knowing that he was on a team mission Virgil quickly moved back through the pitted concrete of the building walls and returned to his physical body. A feeling of anticipated relaxation swept over his body for a moment, like that experienced by a marathon runner looking forward to resting as the finish line comes into site. I am going to have to take it easy before I am no use to anyone.

Virgil could see that Dragon had fixed him in a gaze of anticipation, his posture of readiness was reassuring as the tension mounted inside the small apartment.

"The disturbance was just a girl huddled in the alley, terrified out of her mind, enough so that I couldn't read anything else from her. Otherwise the area appears clear. She doesn't appear to post any threat."

Virgil hoped that is own increasing tiredness was not showing to Tiffany and Sybersnake, he wanted them to be as confident as possible. However hiding his condition from the battlefield experience of Dragon was not even conceivable.

"Lead them out into the alley and so they can start on the car. The watcher are still running surveillance so we stand a strong chance of having the initiative should the need arise. I'll follow you out and take a look at the girl."

[grendel]

08:54:50 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

"That's really nice of you." Sean glances over as the elevator creaks to a stop, the doors opening with a chime. Stepping out, he turns right down the hallway.

"Well, it was nice meeting you. Have a good day."

[Morgannah]

08:55:16 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

"You too, Sean, maybe I'll see you around sometime. Happy New Year."

With a friendly wave, Cosmo steps outside the elevator and bends forward as if to tie her boot, watching him carefully through the veil of her hair to see which apartment is his.

[WinterRat1]

1237 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Virgil's Redmond safehouse

With a dark stare at Virgil, Dragon repeated levelly, "Just a girl? How do we know she isn't a threat? Or an enemy? If your spirit is still out there trying to scare her off, it isn't natural for her to still be waiting around. She should have run off screaming by now. Whatever else she is or is not, she is definitely not just a girl."

Concealing the shotgun as best he could under his coat, he informed the group, "I'll go talk to her."

"NO!" Sybersnake and Virgil both exclaimed at the same time. It was quite obvious they were both thinking the exact same thing. Whatever else he is or is not, Dragon is definitely not the best person to talk to...well, most people. And talking is probably not the highest on his list of things to do once he reaches her. Better let someone else handle it.

"Look, take the ladies downstairs, Sybersnake can clear the car while Tiffany talks to her, and you can stand watch too. I doubt she's anything you can't handle if she is a problem," Virgil said diplomatically.

"Better safe that sorry," Dragon shot back.

"Better a savior than a killer," Sybersnake replied in an even tone. That seemed to freeze the mercenary, who simply glared at her. "Fine. Lead the way." Despite the level, almost bored sounding tone, it still managed to come out sarcastically, and after grabbing up her gear from the apartment, Sybersnake stormed out past him, Tiffany only a few steps behind.

Something happened between them in the kitchen, and whatever it is, it isn't goodVirgil reflected, but whatever it is, it'll have to wait. I hope it doesn't affect them too much. As Dragon followed the girls out, Virgil was left alone to complete his preparations.

Downstairs, Tiffany had approached the girl, and kneeling down to look her in the eye, asked gently, "Hey there, what's your name? What are you doing here? Is everything all right?"

Meanwhile, Sybersnake had begun cleaning out the car, and Dragon, standing in the doorway to partially obscure himself from sight and attack, stood silent and grim watch over them both.

[grendel]

08:56:08 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

Sean passes his cardkey through the lock on apartment 3G.

That's right, it is the new year, isn't it?

With a sigh, he pushes the door closed behind him. The apartment is chill, having sat empty all night long, with just the barest hint of morning sunshine peeking past the heavy curtains. Sean preferred it that way, it was much harder for him to sleep if it wasn't dark in the room. Even after a full eight hour shift. Yawning, he dropped his jacket on the table and kicked his shoes off. Tugging off his shirt, he pitched that into the corner with the rest of his dirty laundry before sitting down heavily at the end of the bed. Pulling off his socks and heavy work pants left him clad only in boxers. With a sigh, he flopped backwards onto the bed, reaching for the covers with his left hand. A roll to the right left him swathed in comforter, and he scratched his hip where the canvas of his workpants had rubbed his skin over his shift. The last conscious thought he entertained was of a gentle, heart-shaped face framed by a mane of dark hair.

[Morgannah]

08:56:31 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

3G, check.

Grinning at no one in particular, Cosmo straightens, studying the fire route information posted near the elevator to get a feel for the layout of the building. That being done, she heads back into the elevator, making her way towards the parking level to see where Mr. Andersen left his car.

[Sedna]

1242 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Alley outside of Virgil's Redmond safehouse

Of all the many ways to die, Dragon had always hated attack drones the most. Well, he wasn't thrilled about any of them, but another person, even a sniper at the other end of a long rifle -- at least another person was directly involved. The intellectual knowledge of a rigger at the other end, even having known and worked with Daedalus, didn't seem to alter that at all. It wasn't particularly professional, but there it was.

Knowing it, he could compensate for it. No point in continually scanning the skies for something they repeatedly hadn't been able to spot, so (with only a slight effort) Dragon focused his attention into his proximate and short pistol-shot distance environment. The rat which scampered suddenly across the alley survived only because it came from in front of him, such that his heightened senses were able to identify it as non immediate threat before his reflexes could decide to bring the shotgun to bear and fire. If it had come from behind him, it wouldn't have had a chance.

The air out here is clammy, and cold, and steaming just a little above the grates almost clogged with trash and from a couple of small stairwells where the inside temperature would be just warm enough to make the outside seem that much colder by comparison. The tactical part of Dragon's mind notes absently that the window of Virgil's small apartment had been similarly marked: and in his memory his thermographic vision etches the place into sharp relief. It probably wouldn't matter, here and now -- but if they were able to hang onto the place, some better weather stripping might be advisable.

It was one of those stairwells the ork girl had found. Huddled into what passed there for warmth, shaking so hard that she was almost into convulsions, she seems not to notice Tiffany in front of her at all, let alone any of the others.

Without warning, she lets out a piercing scream.

[banditf50]

1239 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Virgil's Redmond Safehouse

As he watched Sybersnake storm out the apartment door Virgil realized that it was probably better for either her or Tiffany to approach the terrified girl. Not only could he use a few minutes to catch his breath and plan the next maneuver, but Virgil knew that the motherly instinct carried in the soft touch of those women would be far more comforting than any words he could muster. A good general always knows when to stand down. He thought to himself with a relieved sigh.

Sitting down cross-legged on the now stripped mattress, Virgil allowed his eyes to close as he set to processing all the leads that had come up today alone.

[grendel]

08:58:47 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

Sean's car is parked in space 27, halfway down the far side.

[Morgannah]

08:58:50 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

Space 27, check, and not a bad ride, considering.

Without pausing, Cosmo goes on a tour of the parking lot, planning the best possible route to the gate.

Motion activated, finally something halfway simple.

She grins, heading back into the lobby, around the elevators, and down a short hallway to the rear entrance of the building. Poking her head outside for a brief moment, she scans a sec camera, nods, and hopes that whomever is working off-site is a bit groggy this morning as she rolls up a discarded copy of last month's Cosmopolitan magazine and jams it against the latch. That being done, she dusts off her lightly gloved hands and strides through the front entrance of the lobby, dialing Drago's number on her pocket secretary as she makes her way to her car.

"Ahhh, buongiorno, Tino. I hope you have slept well."

[grendel]

08:59:31 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

"Prego, signora, it is far too early. Why aren't you on holiday?"

The voice on the other end of the line is gravelly with sleep, and no video component is being transmitted.

[Morgannah]

08:59:46 Monday 01 January 2063 - Pasadena, CFS

"Scusa, Signor. I do not take holidays .. and I did not know you'd still be sleeping at this hour."

She smirks. Who am I kidding? I'd still be sleeping, too.

"It's just that I have an order for you, some things I need as soon as possible, when is a good time to call back?"

Ahhh, three, two ....