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

[banditf50]

1423 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

Taking a short step towards the sitting women Virgil extended his right foward in a gentle manner while keeping his left hand behind his back. As he offered the slight women his right hand Virgil motioned for Dragon and Sybersnake to back up.

She's probably barely keeping her nervousness in check right now. Knowing first hand how quickly the brutal stare of his mercencary friend could ice over a person's veins.

"My name is Virgil and I'm happy to see that you are in better health."

Waiting to see if the women would take accept his hand Virgil focused his attention to the aura surrounding her. The part of her with which he was more familiar.

Are you afraid? Do you feel that you are being chased? . . . Pushing through the static that any such clinic collects astrally Virgil strained for any hint of what this stranger might be thinking.

"I hope that our own Father has made your awaking less startling. May I have the pleasure of your name?"

[banditf50]

1250 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Streets of Tacoma

Rubbing his lithe hands together in an attempt to fend off the mounting cold Knight hunkered down underneath the overhang to contemplate the call he'd just made.

Will she be suprised? Pleased?

Beep. . . Beep!

Not really needing to check the incoming number, but doing so upon instinct Knight queues up the call and is greeted by a voice with enough spice to make him forget the slush dripping down his collar.

What are you doing down here? Wait. . don't tell me now, we can talk in person. I'm actually on Farnsworth Avenue shopping for an outfit for tonight. Walk north on Driftway until it intersects Farnsworth, I'll meet you outside of Bellezza Moderna. Will that work for you?

[Moirdryd]

12:50, Saturday January 6th- Streets of Tacoma

Knight answers Portia`s sultry and superb tones with his own soft and cultured voice.

"Good to hear from you, Portia precious. Up the Driftway you say? give me a moment..." he cues the list downloaded from his CMT Portal "...okay i got it, onto Farnsworth and outside your glitzy fashion outlet... Belle Modern?..."

Portia sighs in slight exasperation "Ballezza Moderna..really Knight i`m surprised at you..."

He chuckles softly, getting a rise out of her grants him a moments respite from the pain of recent events. "I know Portia..i know. Take me about half an hour to make it there, the route seems simple enough, but then i`ve only been in Seattle for a few hours...as you said we`ll speak face to gorgeous face." he chuckles again

"Knight...you do tease..." replies the husy female voice on the line

"Always have, always will. See you in thirty, precious." his only answer is her line disconnecting with the sound of her own smirking.

Well, at least its good to be able to smile again. If only for a while.

Tucking his hands back into the pockets of the coat, Knight turns and walks from the underhang down the street, heading for the Driftway. Idly kicking at a discarded screemsheet as the chill wind blows it against his legs and the snow swirls in about him.

It actually takes him little over twenty minutes to find his way along the roads through Tacoma, heading closer towards Downtown with every tread. Buildings change from semi-derilicts and store houses into well maintained apartment complexes and high quality shops and stores. Small crowds of people walk along the sidewalks and crowded buses roll past in amidst the press of GridGuided traffic.

His sharp eyes scan the shop front as the building he is seeking looms up further down the street.

Ballezza Moderna, flash place. Not Nova-hot, but flash.

His lips perk into a tiny smile as he notes the tall and slender figure that simpley screams from her stance the ideals of poise and grace. The elf woman turns and looks at him, warm hazel eyes meeting his own sharp green orbs.

"You are early. Knight" she comments rolling her words, almost purring them.

"Better early than late. Portia precious. Except to ones own funeral" he offers in return "How`s the shopping going?..." looking to make light banter instead of filling in her inquisitive nature upon the reason of why he`s in Seattle earlier than planned and alone.

[Sedna]

1425 Saturday, January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

Willingly, trustingly, she takes Virgil's hand. No fear in her aura, not in the slightest.

"My name," she says, letting it trail a little. "I was rather hoping you could help me with that."

Virgil blinks. Before he can say anything else, Father Bremen has drawn him aside a little, inasmuch as is possible in such a small room. "Like I told you on the phone, she's not quite there yet." The woman sitting on the bed rolled her eyes, but remained silent. "Problem for you and me, but good for her. I've explained to her what Galina said to me, that it's the mind's natural way of dealing with extreme trauma, and that her memory should be restored in time."

"Hate to break it to you," said Dragon from the hallway, "but time is what we don't have." Well, it wasn't like he was speaking to the woman now, was it?

"Yes. Well." The priest seemed to have difficulty meeting his eyes -- or Virgil's, for that matter -- and finally compromised by staring at the floor. "She also said there was a way around that."

"And she said one of these guys would know how!" the woman stated firmly, in the tone of someone whose mind is made up.

"She said she wouldn't do it herself, that she didn't think it was a good idea," negotiated the priest, but the woman was having none of it. "She's fragged, sure it's not a good idea for her, but you'll do it hon, right? Woman to woman? Human to human?"

In her worn hand-me-downs, almost completely exiled into the hallway, Sybersnake is looking utterly confused by the sudden attention being focused on her.

[Sedna]

0920 Tuesday, January 9, 2063 - Land's End Magic Shop

The shop's wards are not intact. Neither are the separate wards around the enchanting room. And for a very good reason, Andie realises with that sudden sinking feeling: with all that's gone on in the last 24 hours, he's forgotten completely to renew them. And now he'll have to do it from scratch, seven hours for the main shop area, and another seven hours he doesn't have for the separate wards around the workshop. When Sara had added that as one of the conditions of rental, he'd argued that having to maintain his own separate wards around the workshop was redundant, even if Sara did choose to keep her most sensitive materials there. Now it looked as though the slight difference in time between the failure of the shop's wards and those of the workshop was the only thing that had saved his circulation at all.

It's more time than he dares take away from an already finicky circulation -- but at the same time he doesn't dare not take it. Or maybe he could quickly outsource it to John Smith -- that's the kind of thing he does, right? Or maybe he could get away for now with a very low-powered ward? one that would only take about an hour to construct?

This whole commitment thing is starting to look like a lot more work than he had planned on. 60 hours a week, a low to medium income. Right about now, 60 hours a week is starting to look like a vacation.

And of course, it just figures that once again it isn't Sara who's up front behind the counter. Quietly polishing his spectacles as he sorted out the new stock arrivals. He'd cut off the discussion he'd been having over the wristphone when Andie had moved aside the heavy curtain concealing the enchanting workshop.

It takes more willpower than Andie knew he had, not to just chuck the whole thing there and then.

[banditf50]

1426 January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

His gaze shifting from the women's eager face to the equally befuddled expressions of Dragon and Sybersnake, whom seemed to be looking at him for an explanation, Virgil sat in his own stunned silence. Looking to Father Bremen offered no further insight, no light at the end of the tunnel, as he was still content to stare at the scuff marks on the toes of his black loafers.

I thought she was going to suggest that I attempt to probe her mind. That is something that Galina would not want to do, and though I don't relish invading the mind of an innocent victim, I certainly cannot oppose myself to it in the way that a devoted healer can.

The gentle sensation of the women's hand trembeling within his brought Virgil's attention back to her gaze. Trying his best to not look as ignorant as he was of the situation, the only reply Virgil could manage was, "I'm sorry miss, whatever do you mean?"

[WinterRat1]

1426 January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

Stepping slightly in front of Sybersnake protectively, Dragon said calmly, levelly, "Perhaps you should explain further ma'am. I think we're all a bit confused here, and I think it would best for all parties involved if we had a better understanding of what you're talking about." Especially for you, was what he didn't add.

At first he'd assumed she meant a mind probe. Healer wouldn't do it? No problem, Virgil could. Except...judging by the confused look on his friend's face, and the fact that the woman was looking at Sybersnake, Dragon guessed it was something else entirely. But what?

If she thinks we'll sacrifice Sybersnake for her, she's got another think coming. Whatever we need, we don't need it that badly. But I don't think it's anything really twisted or whatever...but I sure as frag am pretty lost here.

Turning to Virgil, the expert on all things magical, and Father Bremen, who obviously knew more than he was letting on, he prompts, "Well Virgil, Father, what's she talking about?"

[Sedna]

1426 January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

Father Bremen sighed. "She thinks there's something magical one of you can do to give her back her memory."

"Damn straight," says the woman, still looking expectantly at Sybersnake.

[banditf50]

1427 January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

Still confused as to what she thinks that Sybersnake could possibly do for her, involving magic no less Virgil continues under the assumption that she is just confused as to whom amongst them posses magical abilites.

"Miss I do not believe there is anything that our mundane companion can do to magically aid your memory. However I might be able to uncover some of the things that you seem to have buried."

"What exactly did Galina discuss with you two Father Bremen?"

[Sedna]

0758 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - middle of the breakfast rush

The woman's still seeing "Anne", more or less, and that's what ends up finally grounding her. "Was like this," she begins finally -- and then hesitates: "Did you wants the meet too?"

"No," says Hobbes at the same instant as Johnny says "Yes." They share another look, and then the fixer says, "Later. For now, start with this shaman."

"Name's Blaze," the girl says. "Got a cousin called Melissa Walker, disappeared about two weeks ago as part of a likely extraction, said she ditched her handlers and got herself lost in the Barrens. Magically active, hermetic he assumes, although she could be a shaman. She worked at Universal Omnitech and has since about 6 years ago. Got her pix scanned too, been showing it around some last night since I thought she'd really stick out and maybe Ripper or someone's seen her. He'd got a lead to a place that been flamed, like I mean the paint was melted. He said she'd been there. Found a burnt Paradigm Shift matchbook, seemed real weird that that would survive so we went there, and a couple of goons took us to talk to someone called Atriel who seemed to be in charge. He seemed to think that Blaze'd been trying to break in which was sort of true, but it's just that he wanted to find his cousin. So when Atriel didn't seem to know anything about it I had Blaze sit out for a while in case anyone was looking for him, he's kind of recognisable, you know?"

"I know," said the fixer.

"So this one guy hits on me on the dance floor, and then Sivalius Lorningren does the rescue the damsel thing --"

"Elf?" asks Johnny.

"I guess. We were talking the Sperethiel thing. Kibo, I can't believe what I was spouting! Anyway, he gives me his card, only I don't know if he's just giving me his number or if it's supposed to be something that's tagging Blaze. So I stuffed the card and the matchbook into a locker -- didn't want to tail it here, ka? Wanted to ask what I should do with them. It's like the only lead we've got left. Maybe there's fingerprints or something? Oh yeah, and when we tried to get into the club someone had forgotten their purse so I snagged it --"

"Not in the club?" asks Hobbes sharply.

"Nowhere near. Kilometres away. Anyway, so there's this ID in it, and since I owe you one hell of a fraggin' lot, I thought mebe there's some use, you could get something out of it? You know, like you did with the Anne thing?"

[Sedna]

1428 January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

"She didn't," said Father Bremen, at the same time as the woman said, "She said she could give me my memory back!"

"She didn't," said the priest again, more firmly over the woman's muttered "bloody trog". "Not really."

No point telling them who's just saved their lives, says Juliette in Virgil's memory, because then they're forced to be grateful, and that sits worse than anything.

"She's mundane?" the woman asks suddenly, and in the next moment drops Virgil's hand like she's touched a snake. "You're the magicker?"

[banditf50]

1429 January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

Taking no offense to the women's sudden disdain for his touch Virgil kept a soothing tone and continued his headlong wade through the confusion surrounding the tiny exam room.

"I can asure you miss that I intend only to help you, never do you any harm." Directing his next words at Father Bremen, "Perhaps you could realy to me exactly what is was that Galina told our guest?"

[WinterRat1]

0801 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - middle of the breakfast rush

Hobbes shakes her head a bit ruefully. "I don't know, I can see, but there's a big difference between trying to pull something like that with the Anne identity and a corper's identity." Turning to Johnny , the two of them begin a muttered discussion about something, but Anne can't quite make it out.

"Not that it matters all that much to you, you know. After all, identity is just a tool to be used and discarded at your convenience, isn't it?"

Turning her head back to look behind her, she's startled to find that there's no one behind her. Accessing her communications gear similarly turns up a blank.

"Oh dear, you don't even know who I am, do you? Hmm...this could be more difficult than we thought. Well I guess we shouldn't really be all that surprised, it's a small wonder that you're finally paying attention at all. Heaven only knows how long I've been trying to get your attention."

At a loss, Alleycat isn't sure whether to respond or not. She's not even sure where or how or even who to respond to, for that matter. Concentrating, Alleycat tries to isolate the voice, figure out where it's coming from.

"Pay attention dear, she's talking to you."

Snapping back to attention, she realizes that Hobbes has been speaking to her. "...see what we can do. Now, about this waitress thing," Hobbes pauses, looks at Johnny , and continues, "we're thinking it might be time for you to move on dearie."

Before Anne can protest, she adds with a thin smile, "Oh don't worry, I'll still keep your tab. I don't expect you to be able to cash out just yet. But let's be honest, do you really expect to be able to work full time as a runner and a waitress?"

"And of course, there's always the complication that elves bring. In your case, lots of elves. What's the deal with that anyway?" Johnny chimes in dryly.

"But first, we would like to hear what you have to say," Hobbes cuts back in, shooting him a look. "So...now that you've had your first meet, are getting ready for your first job, what do you think, and where do you want to go with this?"

[Sedna]

1429 January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

"Ah --" Father Bremen glanced around the small ward and past Virgil into the hallway, but Galina had already gone. "That's kind of hard to say, actually. But between her and me, you've probably gotten the sense of it. But it definitely did involve something magical that Virgil could do to get around it, if it was absolutely necessary. She didn't think it was a good idea though."

[Sedna]

0801 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - middle of the breakfast rush

"Ah --" What did I miss? How can I answer her if I don't know what she said?

I'm going mad.

Somehow Alleycat always thought that would be a much more terrifying awareness. Instead, she's mostly confused. Although, in all fairness, yeah, she's more than a bit scared. Much good that would do her here, though. She shoves it aside -- "Ah --"

Her brain simply won't function, and that's an entirely new experience for her. "Ah -- if you can make anything off the ID," she says suddenly, working completely on automatic, "it's yours, that's what I brung it for. But if I'm not workin' here, ah -- how would that work, exactly? What do and don't I ask you for? What do I tell the Johnson?"

Who are you?

She's already going mad. Why not?

[Shadowrunner13]

15:56:21 Thursday 04 January 2063 - Seattle, UCAS

Tenmou clenched his hands in frustration with the whole situation.

"Miss Omura, you're being awfully vague about this whole situation. I have been paid by your uncle to escort you here and back again. In my mandate, I also infer he would like to keep you safe from any harm. If by bringing you inside, you are in any form of physical danger, I will not allow anyone to do anything unto you. While you may find it difficult to explain to me why I should not fulfill my obligation to your uncle, it is leaving me in a difficult position."

Tenmou glanced at his watch and noticed time was ticking away. He would have to make a decision soon and Miss Omura was dancing around the issue.

This was not going to be a good day...

[grendel]

15:56:43 Thursday 04 January 2063 - Seattle, UCAS

Miss Omura bows her head again, long black hair veiling her face despite the harsh wind.

"I am sorry. I do not mean to cause you any difficulty. Please take me inside now."

[banditf50]

1320 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Streets of Tacoma

Taking a step closer Portia wrapped her free arm around Knight, the sidewalk was way to damp to set her latest purchases upon. The embrace was relaxing in the way that only the presence of a friendly face within a harsh and cold city is capable of being. Letting the friendly greeting come to a natural end Portia took a step backward and cracked the beaming smile of a child just presented with new toy.

"I got a new peek-top a skirt outfit that is to die for. Oh! and the cutest pair of strappy heels to go with it . . .the shoes seal the deal."

Though he was not too concerned with the intricate laws surrounding womens fashion, Knight couldn't help but crack a smile to match Portia's. A serious spell caster and hardened runner, the call of new clothes was a foe that she would never be able to overcome. "So what are your big plans for the night?"

"A new club opened up in Touristville on Thursday, that makes this their debut weekend and I can't miss such a scene. Perhaps you can join me tonight, if your business goes well . . ."

Her tone trailed off to a more serious note, the playful sound gone as she shifted back into a subdued professionalism. "I know you have things to accomplish, and I also know that you are here in Seattle far earlier than anticipated. My car is parked in the garage around the corner, we can talk biz while I drive you to your stop."

Turning on her heel she fell into step beside Knight, who instinctvly offer her his arm.

[paul_HArkonen]

0901 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - Home, waking up.

Blaze blinks slightly, staring bleakly at his alarm clock. 9:00 just when he wanted to get up, although it still feels far too early. Stepping out of bed Blaze can feel the exaustion of the prior evening settle down around his shoulders.

Slouching slowly towards the bathroom Blaze begins to prepare himself for the day. His family the only thing on his mind.

Frag, I was so close. But now, I've lost her. Frag it, why couldn't I have gotten there just a little faster, even a few minutes might have alowed me to find her this time. She's the last family I have left, I'm not letting her get away.

Blaze turns on the water, hot, if it can be called that. The corps can provide for everyone, but they can't even get me warm water.

Stepping out of the cold shower Blaze felt awake, but still tired. Slowly putting on his clothes Blaze begins to mentally prepare himself for another day. Today begins the run to save the metahumans in CalFree.

Shrugging on his longcoat Blaze makes himself a bowl of Soy cereal and then begins the 5 minute walk to his lodge.

[Moirdryd]

13:25, Saturday January 6th 2063- Streets of Tacoma

Knight smiled softly, it felt good to have a friendly presence with him again.

"If the chance presents itself, Portia, I would jump at it, especially to see you modelling your new wardrobe" his eyes check the street as they walk, letting her guide his steps "but sadly i`m seriously out of cred and business tonight may have to be concluded swiftly just to give me a footing back."

He walked side by side with the lovely lady for a few minutes, collecting his thoughts while passing idle banter between himself and she. Soon they come to a halt beside a parked car. Another smirk crests Knight`s lips.

"You taste in wheels is much the same as ever i see?.."

"You would seriously expect me to travel in anything less?" she replies, raises an eyebrow and looking at him appraisingly.

"I`ve known it happen a time or two, " he remarks back smoothly.

"Yes, well those were some very.... exceptional... circumstances" she grins back at him "Jump in and i`ll let you give me the 411 one whats going down while i take you across town."

Much of Knight`s mirth seems to leave him as she says that and he gets into the vehicle silently. Portia picking up on his discomfort frowns a little and flicks a music disk on as she starts the engine.

"That bad?..." she dares to enquire as they pull away into the early afternoon traffic.

"Worse" Knight`s gentle and saddened voice replies "much, much worse. Can i leave it at that for now? Portia my dear, i need my head together for this meet..." his abruptness lets her know just had bad it must be.

"Sure, chummer, but don't keep it all hidden away. You got to tell me and soon. Promise?" her nature unwilling to let the subject fall completely.

"Aye, i`ll tell ye. Tonight at that club perhaps. But not now." he relents and closes his eyes concentrating and getting his emotions back in check.

By the time they arrive at Leatherneck`s in Redmond he is professional and controlled again.

[Sedna]

0801 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - still the middle of the breakfast rush, and thinking furiously

No -- of course -- and now the answer was so obvious she could have kicked herself -- ritual magic, of course. At some point, someone had gotten a bead on her -- hadn't she destroyed all the samples after all? -- but didn't really have the feel of her, maybe that elf at the Paradigm Shift? Or the Johnson? Or -- dozens of people must have been close enough to her to snag a loose hair --

The hell with "we". GET OUT OF MY MIND! she projected furiously, and slammed her defenses as tight as she possibly could.

"Ah -- Hobbes -- what should I do with the card? and matches? Might be that's the only lead we gots on Melissa, but I've no clue how to pursue it."

[WinterRat1]

0802 Saturday, January 6, 2063 - middle of the breakfast rush

Alleycat's defense came slamming up, ready and able to deal with any assault that could come...

What she got though, was the distinct impression of amusement, almost like the other person was watching her with an amused expression and tapping their foot on the ground.

"Now what do you think you're doing? You're just being silly you know. You can't really get me out of your head whenever you feel like it, I'm sorry to say.

"...still help...try to take care of the ID...Johnson... whatever you want... him is your biz, not ours... isn't it?"

"You really should pay more attention when people are talking to you you know, it's rude not to listen to them."

"...keep them, if you're interested...Melissa...might come in handy..."

I WOULD listen if you'd just shut up! Alleycat thought furiously.

"Well...if you're going to be that way, maybe I'll just come back when you're in a better mood." And the distinct impression of someone leaving in a huff, or something like that

"...did that answer all your questions dear?" Hobbes finished.

Blast! What the heck was she saying? And who the FRAG was in her mind so easily? It shouldn't have been so simple, even with ritual sorcery...right? Alleycat rapidly scrambled to formulate a response that wouldn't leave her sounding like a total idiot.

[WinterRat1]

1429 January 6th, 2063 - Puyallup Street Clinic

Impatient at the father's dancing around, Dragon bluntly said, "Look, we want to help her, and this dancing around the issue isn't helping. What did Galina say? If this woman wants Virgil to help and she's ok with it, then whatever it is, it shouldn't be a problem, right? So can we just cut to the chase and tell us what 'it' is that we're supposed to do to help?"

After a moment of silence, he adds, "No offense or anything Father, and not to be rude to you, ma'am. But we're on a bit of a timetable here, and anything we can do keep that moving is not only good, it's vital. So, a little more detail please?"

[Shadowrunner13]

15:57:21 Thursday 04 January 2063 - Seattle, UCAS

Tenmou mentally kicked himself for being so terse with Miss Omura.

He audibly sighed as he made his way to the front of the building and pulled the door open. After visually sweeping the entryway to check for danger, he stepped away from the door and motioned inside.

"After you, Miss."

"Might as well just get this over with..." he thought to himself.

Tenmou kept his gear close. The disparity between where Miss Omura came from to where he was taking her was too great to be taken lightly.

[grendel]

15:58:09 Thursday 04 January 2063 - Seattle, UCAS

The interior of the building is much at odds with its external facade, being clean and well kept. The walls are covered with fusama panels, the illusion of Japanese architecture bringing an unexpected twinge of homesickness to Tenmou. The room revealed at the end of the short entrance hall appears to be some sort of waiting area, with half a dozen chairs set against the wall, a receptionist's desk, and a door on the opposite wall leading further into the building. A small circular table in the corner holds a stack of magazines, as well as three stalks of bamboo in a wide-mouthed ceramic pot. An automatic recirculation system keeps the plant watered, and fills the room with the gurgling sound of running water. As Miss Omura enters, the receptionist stands to greet her, bowing from the waist even though she's caucasian. She wears a hi-collar suit jacket and slacks, both in a severe gray.

"Good afternoon, Akiko-san, we have been expecting you." She glances over Miss Omura's shoulder to where Tenmou stands. "Please wait here." Together the two women disappear through the door.

Minutes later the receptionist returns, taking her seat behind the desk. She makes no attempt at conversation, her attention focussed on her workstation. Time passes, minutes sliding past like the cars through the cold rain outside. Other clients come, solo or in pairs, each greeted by name by the receptionist and taken back through the door into whatever filled the rest of the building. Tenmou continues to wait.

The clock on the wall shows six hours have passed when the door opens and Miss Omura strides through. She's left her blazer somewhere, but seems unconcerned by the fact, now wearing only a crisp white shirt with the top two buttons undone. Her hair is gathered behind her head in a loose cascade of black, held in place by a pair of ornate chopsticks. Tenmou wonders why he didn't realize her eyes were such a fiery emerald before. She motions to her bodyguard imperiously with a flick of her hand, ignoring the receptionist.

"Time to leave."