Salvation, Making the world a better place Options

[WinterRat1]

0112 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

As Avalanche looked at Durin the other dwarf looked distinctly uncomfortable. Scrounging around in some pockets, he answered, "Uh...well I was able to make some connections that could get us a few trucks, food and medical supplies, some weapons, and explosives. I can cover that part, it's the least I can for bailing on you all, although how much I can put up is limited..."

Asking the obvious question, Avalanche replies, "Thanks chummer. No hits to your rep as far as I'm concerned. What can you grab us?"

Looking a bit better, Durin replies, "I can grab you guys a regular pickup truck and a semi, although you'll have to pay for the vehicles if you don't bring them back in working order. They're on rent, ya know? Couldn't afford to buy 'em out right. As for the supplies, I can get enough of all of them for us, so say food, medical supplies, weapons and explosives for about 6. Sorry I couldn't grab more myself, but if you need more than what I could grab, let me know and I'll tell my contacts. But you'll have to pickup the tab for any extra stuff beyond 6 people's worth."

Smiling, the decker says, "Sounds good. It's nice to get some good news. What about the border forgeries?"

The dwarf samurai looks around from side to side, and answers, "I couldn't afford those. I can hook you all up with some people who can make you some that should get you guys through, but it'll cost, and I can't afford to pick up that much. I'm sorry." He hesitates, and continues, "So you just want what I could get, free of charge as stated, or y'all gonna want more and pickup the balance?"

[Shev]

0113 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

Avalanche frowns. "No border forgeries? Drek. Well, I'll discuss this with everyone else, and give you a call back sometime, most likely within 24 hours. Bye." With that, Avalanche ends the call.

He turns to the group. "Ok, Durin says he got us few trucks, food and medical supplies, some weapons, and explosives, enough for six people. I'm not sure exactly what kinds of the above he's gotten. Something tells me he doesn't know himself."

"As for border forgeries, null scan there. He can direct us to people who can get us some, we'll have to foot the bill for the forgeries themselves."

"So, what are we doing about this cousin of yours, Blaze?"

[paul_HArkonen]

0113 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

Blaze sighs, "well, to be blunt and useless, find her. On more of a planning note, I don't know, my thoughts were that I could run Astral recon, checking for people who are awakened at the same time you guys comb through meat stuff. Alleycat can work through her contacts or experiance in Puyallup to check out that area while I do a search in Redmond."

Sighing to himself in exasperation more than anything. "but that was as far as I'd gotten and I realize it isn't that helpful. The main thought that I had was that rather than necessarily using phone comunication, I could mark, mentally, your auras, and use astral space as my own little phone line."

Shrugging to himself, "It won't help much with the actual recon, but it does help with the lack of communication."

[WinterRat1]

0113 January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

A knock sounds at the door, and Blink pokes his head in. "Hey chummers. You guys decide what you want to order yet?"

Orders are quickly placed, including drink refill requests, and a few minutes later, the bartender comes in with a tray of food, and planning is temporarily put aside for a few moments while faces are stuffed. After a few reasonably quiet minutes, where the only sound is chewing and chugging, they get back to the discussion at hand...

[Sedna]

0113 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"Well," says Alleycat slowly, "first I'll ask the loan of your jackpoint to send off these knowbots, Avalanche." She holds out the chip to him. "What they turn up might give us another clue where to start. Of course, I did this quick and dirty -- you've already seen what I'm using! -- so if you want to spruce them up a bit, go right ahead."

Her face turns thoughtful, almost ... hungry. "Blaze, will you also be using watchers for communication?"

[paul_HArkonen]

0114 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

Blaze's face shows just how stupid he feels he's been being. "Actually I hadn't even thought about trying to ask for help from Watchres or spirits. I'm not particularly good at conjuring, but a watcher or two shouldn't be too hard to whip up."

Glancing at Alleycat's face Blaze continues on, "but it looks like you've gotten an Idea on something we can do. Do you, or is this just my hopes getting ahead of me again?"

[Sedna]

0114 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"Just the usual, by way of assigning watchers in advance to each of us and having them carry messages between us as needed. And you'd probably be able to use a city spirit or three to narrow the parameters of the search somewhat, once we know enough about where not to look ... But I don't think I could call most of it even a hope, yet."

-- and the sudden bleakness in Alleycat's voice etches worn shadows into what had been, until that moment, a very young elven face.

[paul_HArkonen]

0114 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"well we'll heave to make due with just one city spirit if we go that method, but I can work on the watchers. Do you want to split up and head out to look now?"

Blaze's face shows his concern for the age now aparent on Alleycat's face.

"and I'm sorry for the stress I realize this is causing, but you have no idea how much your help means to me."

[Shev]

0114 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

Avalanche takes the chip from Alleycat. "As soon as we adjourn, I'll send these out."

[Sedna]

0115 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

As quickly as it had come, as Alleycat turned to thank Avalanche it was gone, leaving only the memory of something that might not have been after all.

"All right," she says softly, "we know what Durin can supply, and we know we're going to be taking him up on some of it at any rate. Wasn't a time restriction on it? No?" Glancing at Avalanche for confirmation, she nods then: "so we can take him up on this later, no harm done -- and we can set up our own arrangements for things in the meantime, if we prefer that. You've already called in the new guy, so bring him in on our next run meet, same time, night after we find Melissa?"

She's going at a blistering pace, but now she pauses long enough for everyone to catch up, waiting just long enough to get something resembling a confirming nod from each person there.

"Next, phone numbers. Here's mine. Avalanche? Tin Star? Blaze? We'll skip the new sam for now -- Avalanche, you'll be our contact with him if something changes." She goes around the small circle again until each person has a reliable means of contact with the others on the team.

"Next, Melissa, what we can each do, now. Avalanche, you'll follow up on what's on the chip, anything you can dig up over the Matrix? Tin Star, you'll be establishing your cover for the run into CalFree, but if you happen to know someone who might know something? Blaze ... well, I can't stop you from doing this the hard way, but I'll suggest that you're going to need your energy for when we do manage to narrow it down. Get some sleep," she says gently. "I'll do the physical tracking, Avalanche will be on-line. We can give you what we have as soon as we have it."

"So we'll want another meet soon about that, oh, say around 11, over breakfast? Does this place serve breakfast? Just quickly, to outline where we're each at with our parts, maybe for Blaze to conjure each of us a watcher. You're meeting your other contact at noon, right, Avalanche? At the meet, can you try to stall a final decision for a day? Do you need backup?" She glances at Tin Star and then at Blaze, who looks like he might be about to say something.

[paul_HArkonen]

0115 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

Thankful for the help Blaze gives Alleycat a nod. "yeah, that makes sense, although I could likely give you guys each a watcher for the evening before I go to sleep. If you guys want me to."

[Sedna]

0116 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"But they are sharply time-limited, no?" Alleycat shakes her head. "I don't know that we could find out anything to act on that quickly. Even with these guys' resources --" she grins "-- takes time. We'll update each other at the breakfast meet, at 11, and we'll pick up the watchers from you then. If this place doesn't serve breakfast, anyone got any good ideas on where?"

She hesitates, then tilts her head at Avalanche: "That's still an hour before your meet ... will you be able to stall them for another day?"

[paul_HArkonen]

0116 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"Well they're limits are in hours, not minutes, and they aren't too painful to summon, I could do the three now, and make another three in the morning if you want. If not I'll head home and see you guys here at 11 AM tomorrow."

Stifling a yawn Blaze gets ready to head out if no one wants a watcher.

[Shev]

0116 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"Here is good. Blink doesn't serve breakfast per se, but we could have a good brunch. As for delaying the contacts....I suppose I can do that, but it might cost us. Hmmmm.... Perhaps what we can do is all go to the meet together? We'll meet at the Big Rhino (where I'm meeting the contact) at 11, and update each other on the search then. That way we won't have to keep scrambling around, and you two could ask them whatever you'd like."

[Sedna]

0117 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"That works," concludes Alleycat with a confirming tilt of her head in Tin Star's direction: "The Big Rhino, at 11:00 --" she quickly checks the address, and confirms it with the group "-- byoinfo, and be prepared to back Avalanche up at his meet later. I'll take that watcher now, if you're willing, Blaze ... and if no one else wants one, I'll take the other two as well, since after all I am heading into Puyallup. Just tell it to wait with me until I have instructions for it. Can't guarantee I'll have anything for it before the meet, though."

She quickly bolts the rest of her food, as well as a few stray fries off the others' plates. "Avalanche -- can I impose on you to let me off where you did yesterday? That'll make a good starting point."

[paul_HArkonen]

0117 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"sure, I'll summon it for you."

Please Great Leopard grant me your stregnth and the aid of your followers in my noble quest.

Focusing his mind Blaze opens himself the the Leopard's gifts, weaving the strands of mana in front of him he begins to fashion a creature from it. Carving out the body of an Anthromorphic creature Blaze can feel the work sapping him. Placing the finishing touches on the watcher Blaze feels the strain break but not before giving him a monster headache and causing his vision to swim briefly.

"I want you to follow this woman and to deliver any messages she may have to me, or any other person."

The watcher begins mumbling slightly to itself about being just a lousy courier but goes to float over Alleycat's head anyway.

[Sedna]

0117 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"There's no such thing as 'just a lousy courier'," Alleycat tells the slightly feline spirit, with a brief nod of thanks to Blaze, recognising and acknowledging what this summoning has cost him; she'd been watching the entire process with an inhuman intensity. "The messenger is the single most important member of any team ... and you're far more than just a messenger. This is very important to Blaze. He's absolutely relying on you to help me to find his Melissa."

[WinterRat1]

0117 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

The watcher 'purrs' slightly and nuzzles Alleycat. "Gladly do I serve this one. I will do my best to assist you masters."

[Shev]

0117 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

Avalanche watches the proceedings with faint interest. "I think I'll just settle with a cell phone for now, and that picture of her. I'll see if the 'trix has anything on her that Alleycat couldn't find."

[Sedna]

0118 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"Thanks, Avalanche." It's a bit odd to the others, watching her allowing something barely visible, a shimmer in the air, to nuzzle against her wrist. The suggested image of a sleek cat responding to another of its species is almost irresistible. "I've keyed the programming to your Matrix name, but you might want to double-check my work before you toss them out. Like I said, this equipment isn't the greatest, but for now it's all I have."

Alleycat stands up: "Are we done, then? Blaze, how long do I and this one --" indicating the watcher with a tilt of her head "-- have?"

[paul_HArkonen]

0118 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"He should be able to help you for about the next 2 hours." Looking over at the watcher, now that Blaze has caught his breath, "thank you for aiding us, your work help is apreciated."

"Ok, I'm going to head home now, if you need me you can call, or ask him" looking over at Alleycat, "to come find me. Until tomorrow, good bye."

Standing up Blaze heads out the door, thanking Blink for the meal, and handing him some money to pay for it.

[Sedna]

0119 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

"Thanks, Blaze," she adds to the shaman's back, hoping absently that the money covered all the meals, but doubting it. "See you tomorrow, 11, The Big Rhino." Without any indication of embarrassment she quickly finishes off the last few fries on Blaze's plate, then stands up with a slight stretch. "Uhm, Avalanche? Can I impose on you, as last time? And by the way, where is The Big Rhino?"

[Shev]

0119 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

Avalanche gives Alleycat the address of the Rhino. "And it's no problem, by the way. Same place, right?" At a nod from Alleycat, Avalanche gets to his feet. "Well then, let's go."

Nodding goodbye to Tin Star, Avalanche and Alleycat head out the door.

The drive is even quieter than the night before, with Alleycat not trying to make conversation. Eventually, they reach her stop. Avlanche pulls the tiny Electro to the curb. "Here you go, Alleycat I'll get to work on finding anything I can. To tell the truth, though, I doubt I'll find much. And if I do...she might be in heavier drek than I'd like to casually get involved in."

[Sedna]

0149 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Puyallup civic centre, standing in a corner of the bus platform and generally being one with the night

"Wakarimasu, and thanks. I'll try not to, but if I'm calling you before we meet, consider it urgent." Alleycat gets out of the small vehicle with a small, almost unnoticeable stretch, hand outstretched in a half-wave as the Electro drives away. Alert to her surroundings. It does not do to be less than alert anywhere in Puyallup, even if it is the bus terminal at the civic centre. Earlier than yesterday, but you wouldn't know it by the number of people. No one Alleycat recognises, no one breaking the cautious distance all strangers leave between themselves in Puyallup at night, no one who looks like they're about to be immediate trouble if she doesn't provoke it, and she's not planning on provoking it.

"Who're you looking for?" asks the watcher.

"Ork ganger, name of Ripper," answers Alleycat quietly, in a voice pitched to reach the watcher and not much further. "Doubt she'll be around here though: it's not her turf. So I was going to start at my place, work my way out, see if I can run across any of the Terms there, or anyone else who knows where they might be hanging tonight."

"Do you want me to look for her?"

Alleycat smiles, a little sadly. "No, we'll do that faster together. What I really need from you, right now, is to be my backup. I'm counting on you to let me know -- quietly -- if there's something I need to be aware of coming close to me." She paces off the circle indicating the desired distance and waits for the spirit to give its confirmation, before stepping into its centre and going completely still, all her attention focused.

It hadn't taken Blaze all that long to conjure this one. She has the few moments of space, and her back covered. She tries to place herself within his mental frame as she repeats what she's observed, reaching out, calling, shaping ...

"Did you call me?"

Her attention snaps around -- then settles on the watcher which had been watching her back, hovering before her. Her head sinks a little. "Sorry," she says quietly. "I hadn't meant to."


OOC: And from here on, the rest specifically on the Melissa hunt shifts into Living in the Shadows.

[WinterRat1]

0119 Saturday January 6, 2063 - Blink's Bar

Waving goodbye to the others, Tin Star stands up, the spurs on his boots jingling slightly as he rises to his feet. Putting on his hat and tossing a few nuyen on the table to cover his portion, he gently runs his fingers over the worn badge he carries with him at all times. Whispering softly to himself, he says, "Well now, been awhile since we got to go do some good out in the world, ain't it? 'Bout time we did a little something to make this world a better place I reckon."

Walking out of the back room, he turns to shut the lights and smiles softly to himself. "Yeah, definitely time to set some things straight." Closing the lights, he turns and leaves the bar, driving silently home in the night.