Living in the Shadows: IC, Jan 8th-14th Options

[Scrapheap]

22:56:03 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower

"Uh, I think this is it," Tyler said in a somewhat awed tone from the driver's seat. In response to Megan's low whistle from the back seat, he added, "Yeah. Big."

As Twiggy squeezed past Megan to get a look he said, "What? What are you guys lookin' at? Oh. Oh! Max lives here? Here? Wow. That's a tall building."

John had asked the young ganger to drive to Max's so that he could go over the floor-plans and other docs that Finn had given him. Even though it wasn't a long drive, it had given him a chance to become familiar with the Clinic's layout, though he'd only been able to skim the rest. Most looked like tax forms and other financial records, so in addition to being above his head, they would be of little use to them here. Now, hearing the kid's reactions, he shuffled the papers around, stuffing them back into the folder. "What are you little fraggers goin' on about?" Leaning over so that he could see Lincoln Tower, the old runner covered his surprise by saying, "Uh, yeah. Forgot to mention that this was a nicer area than we're used to. C'mon, let's go."

"No fraggin' way they let us into this joint dressed like this!" Megan plucked at her dirty jacket. "And Twig's been hidin'-out for over a week. He stinks!"

The young elf cried, "Hey!" and promptly shoved the girl next to him.

"A'ight, a'ight! Calm yerselves. Max told me that he'd tell the guards to expect us, so I assume that means descriptions too. Should be fine." Reaching under the seat, John pulled out his canvas bag, opened it and removed the things that he had gathered from Nora's room to aid the shaman's ritual tracking of his niece. Replacing the bag, he then opened the van's door. "Everyone out. Let's not keep Max waiting."

"Uh, old-timer? Maybe you need those eyes overhauled. Sign says 'No Parking.' Or maybe you can't read?" Megan pointed at a street sign a short distance away.

"What the frag...?" Getting back in, his face slightly flushed with embarrassment, John turned to Tyler and said, "Ok, kid. Circle 'round the block and find us a place to park this heap."

[bclements]

12:28:57 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac International Airport, Long Term Parking Terminal, Seattle, UCAS

A smile pulling at the corners of this mouth, Tony replies to Marquis's question. "My plan?" he says in the same soft southern drawl that he used just a moment ago. "We're going to drive them off. Pull up past them to my car over in the corner; I hop out and open up. I've got a bit more bang bang in there than just this, but we may not even need it," Tony says quickly, gripping the heavy pistol and sliding it under his long coat to rest on his left leg.

"That is unless, of course, you have a better plan. You can drive off or stay and play, if you're packing. No shame either way" Tony says, turning his head fractionally to catch Marq's response.

[Slipshade]

23:05:45 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower

John and company circle Lincoln Tower and its surrounding area, looking for a place to park. One Lincoln Tower was originally build in the early 2010’s as a combination shopping mall, hotel and luxury home complex, sort of a precursor to modern-day arcologies. The building itself has gone through a number of renovations, the major of which was the eventual buy-out of the Westin Bellevue Hotel by a former Microdeck board member Charles Whatley, who renovated the hotel proper buy creating luxury apartment-homes out its original rooms. Still a luxurious high-rise, One Lincoln Tower is beginning to show signs of its location on the Touristville side of Bellevue. The shops that line Lincoln Square and the adjacent Bellevue Mall show the tell tale signs of graffiti, security doors and roll down cages that are common protection in the seedy portions of Seattle and look somewhat out of place in Bellevue. A closer inspection of the Tower itself as you round N.E. 6th Street onto 105th Ave N.E. towards the underground parking garage reveals to John’s practiced eye a number of High-tech security measures as well as armed security personal walking the campus grounds.

You begin to feel a little uneasy as you pull up to the garage entrance and an armed guard waves you down.

The guard eyes you warily, but after giving your name and Max’s, he reaches back into his booth and hits a switch causing the security doors to One Lincoln Tower’s underground garage to open up before you.

“Take the elevator up to the lobby and let the front desk now where you’re headed.” He says as he pulls his coat tighter around him to fend of the weather.

Tyler eventually finds a parking spot for the van and everyone piles out. Finding an elevator is easy and the ride to the lobby quick. The elevator door opens up to what used to be the lobby of the Westin Bellevue hotel and now serves as a lobby and security check point for the One Lincoln Tower luxury apartment complex. The lobby still maintains most of the décor of the original hotel. Crystal chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling illuminating the entrance way and the security station complete with metal detectors and who knows what else. To the left of the station and farther into the lobby is a depressed section of floor with a number of comfortable looking couches and chairs in front of a large ornate fireplace. A young, good-looking couple of wage-slaves sit in front of the fireplace on one of the couches with a couple of wine glasses in hand. Most likely from the small bar that stands in front of the plate glass windows that look out onto a roof-level pool. John spies a bank of elevators along the wall behind security desk. A pretty, dark-haired young woman sits behind the security desk smiling at John as he steps out of the elevator. She is dressed in a dark business suit of almost military cut. As the group makes it’s way towards her they can make out her nametag, pinned above her right breast. It is a gold plaque that reads.

Lincoln Tower Security
Amy Cruz

If she is surprised by your appearance she doesn’t give any indication.

“John Standard?” She inquires when you approach.

[Scrapheap]

23:14:26 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower

"Yes, ma'am," John says while placing his hand, the meat one, onto the counter. "My associates and I are here to see Mr. Steiner. I believe he is expecting us."

As the security officer looked to her monitor, John took a discrete glance around at the various security measures in the lobby. The ability to look in a different direction than expected was one of the benefits of his mirrored eye-shields.

Well, the metal detector is obvious, and probably mainly here to make the residents feel safer. I'm sure the really wiz drek isn't quite so fraggin' easy to spot. I wonder if I'll have to worry about any of them, since we came up from the garage?

[Bastard]

12:28:57 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac International Airport, Long Term Parking Terminal, Seattle, UCAS

"As long as we dont scratch my car, Im good," Marquis replies with a serious smile. "From there, my plan is wing it."

With that Marq drives past the crowd with little interest, but still aware of their movements incase he has to slam on the gas. However, his first goal is to find cover for his car, maybe park behind a van to let Tony out.

[Slipshade]

23:15:05 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower - Lobby

She gives John an amused little smile at his associates, not mocking, just amused and says.

"Please leave any firearms or weapons here with me. They will be secured in our weapons locker, until you decide to leave. Place all metal objects in the tray," She motions to a small metal disk next to her on the security desk. "step through the gate and I will call an elevator for you."

[Scrapheap]

23:15:55 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower - Lobby

Wordlessly, John reaches under his jacket and removes a Manhunter. Pointing the heavy pistol at the floor, he ejects the clip into his free hand via the smartlink. He then ejects the chambered round, lays everything onto the counter, and reaches back under his jacket to repeat the process with his second pistol. When both lay on the counter, he removes a spare clip for each and adds them to the pile. Finally, after fishing-around in his inside pocket, he adds a silencer for each. Turning to the tray he deposits his keys, credstick, and lighter.

Stepping back, he patted himself down to make sure that nothing was missed. That done he looked to the guard. "I think that's everything miss. Except for this," he help up his left hand, "and a few other little things. None of which can be comfortably removed." He flashed a lopsided grin and waited.

The guard politely returned his smile. "That won't be required, Mr. Standard; you've been vouched for by a resident. Please step through the gate and wait for your companions."

John did so, all the while watching the guard from the corner of his eye. As he stepped through the gate, he felt, or maybe just imagined, a slight pressure as he was scanned by the gate's full suite of sensors. The guard's eyes widened slightly as several warnings flashed across her monitor. Looking up as he came to a halt she said quietly, "More then a few little things, it seems." The smile now looked a little forced.

Turning to where the gangers stood close together, looking (and probably feeling) more than little out of place, she nodded to Megan. "Miss? You're next. Please place all weapons on the counter and all metal objects in the tray, then step though and wait with Mr. Standard."

Glancing back at her companions, then glaring at John, the young elf stepped forward and reached up under her jacket to pull a small pistol from the waistband of her jeans. Throwing what looked to be a tiny holdout pistol onto the counter, she said, "There. Don't break it or you owe me a new one." She then turned her pockets inside out and said, "I ain't got nothin' else," before stepping through the gate to stand near John, arms folded.

The guard seemed to smile at Megan's antics in spite of herself. "I can assure you that your weapon will be quite safe in our locker, miss. No need to worry." Turning to Tyler, she added, "Sir? Please follow the same procedure."

After a few minutes, with Tyler depositing a weathered Fichetti pistol and his knife, and Twiggy's surprising addition of a pair of brass knuckles, Amy Cruz adds all of the weapons to a bin marked "Penthouse 3" and places it out of sight. She then taps her monitor and an elevator door opens. "This elevator will take you to Mr. Steiner's penthouse. I'll inform him of your arrival. Have a pleasant evening."

As the elevator doors closed, Twiggy turns to look back at the group, eyes wide. "Penthouse?"

[Slipshade]

23:15:55 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower – 41st Floor – Max’s Penthouse

You feel a slight compression as the elevator starts its ascent and begins to pick up speed. The floor numbers flicker by unexpectedly fast as it climbs rapidly towards its destination. In less than a minute you see the numbers begin to slow as the elevator nears the 41st floor. Gliding to a stop the elevator doors open into a well-lit foyer. Just outside of the doors stands an antique wooden stand with a terracotta, footed bowl, inside of which are a set of keys, a credstick and a wallet that you assume belong to Max. Across from the doors is a brass coat rack currently occupied only by Max’s Mortimer Greatcoat. A number of oil paintings depicting mythological and no longer mythological beasts line the foyer walls as well as a statue of a leering gargoyle that appears to keep watch over the elevator. A dark wood, two- tiered shelf is tucked away on the floor in the corner, with a number of pairs of slippers and shoes occupying it.

23:16:32 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower – 41st Floor – Max’s Penthouse.

Max had received the phone call from the security station and was just reaching the foyer when the elevator doors opened. He had changed out of the close he had been wearing at the club and was currently dressed in a pair of loose fitting, slate grey, drawstring trousers and dark grey, long-sleeved v-neck shirt with a white t-shirt underneath. His long hair was pulled up into a ponytail more for comfort than appearance and a pair of soft-soled slippers adorned his feet. He watched the group exit the elevator, before speaking.

“Come on in.” He says as John takes a step into the room. “I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding it.” He adds with a slight smile. Max knew that people sometimes reacted oddly the first time they entered his apartment, whether from shock, amazement or sometimes a fear of heights. He can still remember the first time he had viewed it and it still amazes him to think that it is really his. “If you don’t mind.” He motions to the shelf containing the slippers for their use.

[bclements]

12:29:02 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac International Airport, Long Term Parking Terminal, Seattle, UCAS

"Don't worry about the car," Tony says, looking discreetly for any obvious security measures in the concrete cavern as they pass the group by, "they'll be shooting at me. Pull off around the corner if you need to, they won't be coming that direction, and I'll bail out and open up" he says to Marquis, the smile still lingering on his face at the thought of combat.

Noticing the security cameras that were located at the corners of the parking garage as Marq pulls slowly toward the Americar, Tony gets another idea. Cameras. Need a drek-hot decker to get to them quick. The smile that had pulled at his mouth suddenly becomes a wide laugh; the exhilaration of the moment took over as a name came into his mind.

Pulling out his psec, Tony thumbs down quickly to Todd's number. "Todd," he says, joy filling his voice as the call connects, "have I got a job for you."

[Ecclesiastes]

12:29:05 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Apartment 875, Parkewood Village Apartments, Tacoma

The red LED lights up in the corner of Todd's vision, informing him of an upcoming call. He checks the ID and smiles inwardly, "Tony, whats up buddy? I've been waiting for your call."

[bclements]

12:29:09 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac International Airport, Long Term Parking Terminal, Seattle, UCAS

"Oh," Tony says in a non-chalent but happy voice, trying to think of something that might size up the situation and failing "not much. Got a favor to ask of you though before we get along with your stuff" he says, as the car slides past the group, their faces bathed in red light from Marq's tailights.

"I need you to kill, disable, point in the other direction, something to the security cameras in the Sea-Tac Long Term Parking garage. From level 4 down. And open up the toll gates at the entrance. Both pronto, jefe, 'cause me a friend are going to light this place up" Tony says calmly, keeping track of the group in the rearview mirror as Marq's car creeps toward the Americar.

[Ecclesiastes]

12:29:13 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Apartment 875, Parkewood Village Apartments, Tacoma

Todd chuckles to himself, Everyone loves having a TrixWhiz for a friend.

"Null sweat bro, I'm on it. Keep your phone handy, I'll give ya a signal when things are good to go."

Todd flicks off the trid show he'd been watching, Sk8 0r D1e!, gets comfortable, and slides the dataline into his jack...

[grendel]

12:29:19 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Apartment 875, Parkewood Village Apartments, Tacoma

Sliding through the virtual vistas of Seattle's LTG, Todd pauses just outside the vast construct of Sea-Tac's public host. With a quick glance around, he slides inside, bypassing the sentries posted at the entrances. The long term parking host is tucked away in a quiet, unobtrusive corner. Bypassing the relatively simple access controls, Todd locates the fourth level's security cameras. Someone has already beaten him to the punch, though.

A trio of icons turns as he drops into the host, vague humanoids dressed in flowing cloaks of storm clouds. Bolts of black lightning crawl up their bodies, collecting in their eyes.

[Bastard]

12:29:15 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac International Airport, Long Term Parking Terminal, Seattle, UCAS

"Don't you think those guys already decked into the system? You may want to be sure they can't cut and edit the recording to see only us go in and out during what is about to transpire. And, make sure you don't open fire too quickly, I want to get in on the action."

Marquis pulls around the pillar, out of view of the standoff. Leaving the engine running, he brings the car to a slow hault. Placing the gear selector in Park, he turns to Tony, who's smile has more than doubled in size. About to check his new found comrade for his state of readiness, Marq can see it in his eyes.

Marquis releases his belt slowly and zips up his coat. He again checks his passanger, but he is already on the move.

[Ecclesiastes]

12:29:21 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac Public Host

Doing this best to blend in to his surroundings, Todd looks the icons over, trying to decern what they are.

[grendel]

12:29:24 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac Public Host

Todd's scan indicates that one of the icons is a decker, while the other two appear to be frames of some kind. Two of them move towards him, weapons coalescing in their hands, while the decker hangs back.

[Scrapheap]

23:17:13 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower – 41st Floor – Max’s Penthouse

John paused as he started forward, hand half-extended towards Max. He followed the shaman's gesture, though it took him a second to realize what was expected. It took a look back to the soft slippers their host wore for everything to click. "Eh? Oh, sure thing, chummer. Just a sec."

Kneeling, he quickly removed his steel-toed work boots and motioned for the kids to do the same. When he'd finished, he stood and padded across to the stand, carrying the bundle of Nora's items in one hand and his damp boots in the other. Placing the boots in an empty slot, he choose a pair of slippers and put them on. Straightening, he turned and waited for the gangers to finish.

Twiggy was trying to look everywhere at once, somewhat awed. He distractedly placed his soggy sneakers into the stand and took a pair of slippers in return. Megan seemed uncharacteristically self-conscious, standing with one foot covering the other in an attempt to hide the many holes in her striped socks, head slightly downcast. Seeing this, John took a pair of the smaller slippers over to her and took the dripping men's boots she held in exchange. Tyler, always stoic and quiet, was standing near the shoes-shelves wearing a pair of the slippers when John returned. He wiggled his toes and said, "Comfy."

That complete, John looked to their host, patiently waiting near the gargoyle statue. Something about that image struck him as fitting, though if pressed he wouldn't have been able to explain any further. Stepping forward, he continued with his original intent and stuck out his hand. "You look better, Max. Rested."

As the two shook hands Max said, "Thank you, John. I do feel better." Nodding at the bundle the other man carried he added, "What have you there?"

Taking the bundle from under his arm, John handed the items to the pale shaman. "You said you needed some stuff of Nora's that was more personal, so I stopped by my doss. Grabbed one of her favorite shirts and a couple other things. The folder is the info on the clinic."

Accepting the folder and what appeared to be a girl's blouse wrapped around one or two small items, Max said, "Ah, yes. Perhaps we should go somewhere more comfortable before we continue? If you will all follow me..."

[Slipshade]

23:20:01 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower – 41st Floor – Max’s Penthouse

Max takes the bundle from John and for the first time John notices that Max is not wearing gloves. His fingers are elongated and would be the envy of every concert pianist if not for the long, slightly curved and razor sharp claws that sit where a normal persons fingernails would be.

Turning away from the dinning area and parts beyond, Max leads the group into the main living area of his home where they are greeted with a panoramic view of Bellevue far below them from the floor-to-ceiling windows that make up the outer walls of Max’s home. Two bronze spiral staircases with cherry wood steps stand near the foyer. One apparently leads to the second floor and the other to a small loft area full of bookshelves over the entertainment center. An over-stuffed, brown real Leather couch and matching chairs are arranged around a short coffee table, giving the perfect view of the state of the art entertainment center next to an old English style wet bar. On the far north side of the room is a set of closed double doors.

Max turns to the group of young adults. “I’ll give you guys a choice. You can come into the study with John and I, while we figure out what we are going to do to find Nora and Keira, or you can hang out here and watch the Trid or play some Playstation 2054. I managed to get an advanced copy of the console along with ShadowrunnerX, Ultimate Urban Brawl and World Combat Bike - Xtreme. Choice is up to you. There is also soda in the bar and the bathroom is back down the foyer to the hall on the right, first door to your right.”

[Ecclesiastes]

12:29:25 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac Public Host

Todd sends out a quick text message to Tony,

[grendel]

12:29:26 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac Public Host

The pair of frames split to the sides, flanking Todd. Black lightning crawls up the legs of the decker's icon, circling its hands in bands of snarling energy.

"Leave, now, before the burndown."

[WinterRat1]

23:25:07 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower – 41st Floor – Max’s Penthouse

"Aww sweet! I call first game!" shouted Twiggy as he raced to the trid, hopping over the couch in the process and making Max wince.

"Whoa there, hold on. We came to help Nora and Keira, not play video games Twiggy. We should be there to help them," Megan interrupted, causing the young elf to pout.

"But Megan..." he whined, "When are we ever going to get the chance to play the Playstation 2054 again? Huh? This place is great! Besides, Max is probably gonna do his magic stuff, and we'd just get in the way anyway, right Max?" He looked up at the shaman pleadingly from the floor, his hand only centimeters from the on button of the Playstation.

He looks like a little kid, dying to open his presents on Christmas morning, but being told that pictures had to be taken first, relatives visited, and phone calls made. thought Max. Then it occurred to the shaman that these kids probalby never had a Christmas before. That it was at best a concept they'd heard of, at worst...well, he didn't want to think about it.

Smiling gently, he said, "He's right Megan. I'm sure us old fogeys can handle the magic stuff just fine. Don't worry, we'll tell you everything we find out when we're done."

"Yeah kid," John chimed in gruffly. "We may be old, but we still know how to get the job done."

"As long as it doesn't involve reading street signs," Tyler added under his breath as he walked over towards the fridge, prompting a burst of giggles from the street kids.

In response to Max's questioning eyebrow, John hurriedly says, "Never mind. Anyway, let's do this, huh?"

Megan still looks a bit uncertain, but Twiggy has already turned the console on and is obviously enraptured by the flashing graphics and smooth, state of the art sound. Walking back from the fridge, Tyler handed Megan a soda he'd gotten for her and put one on the floor next to Twiggy.

"Come on Megan, when's he going to get a chance to play again, huh? Let him have fun, even if it's only for a few hours."

Nodding reluctantly at last, she followed him over to the couch and sat down next to him as they watched Twiggy begin his first game ever of ShadowrunnerX.
Motioning to John, Max led the way back towards his work area.

At the last moment, before following Max in, the street samurai turned around and saw that Tyler had his arm around Megan, who was now resting her head on his shoulder.

Interesting... was the only thing he had time to think before Max called out, "Hey, you coming or what?"

[Slipshade]

23:25:36 Monday 08 January 2063 - 6 Bellevue Way, One Lincoln Tower – 41st Floor – Max’s Penthouse - Study

Leading John to the study Max pulls back the dark cherry-wood doors and allows him to step through. The study’s North and West walls are completely covered by bookshelves and a few ferns and gargoyles nestled between the top of the bookshelves and the ceiling The Southern wall is dominated by an exquisite grandfather clock and two smaller end tables each containing varies pictures and artifacts. A gargoyle perches on top of the clock as if guarding it. A beautifully carved desk and comfortable looking leather office chair are set before the only window-wall in the room. Two more chairs sit before a desk. They match the two couches in the center of the room. A soft glow emanates from recessed lighting in the ceiling upon John entrance.

“Grab a chair and lets have a look at everything.” Max says as he sits behind his desk, setting the bundle off to the side and flips open the dossier on the clinic. He reads through it in a few of minutes, brow furrowed in thought before looking up from the printouts.

“All seems like pretty standard stuff. Lets talk about what we do know and how we might go about finding Keira and Nora. Did you find out anything from your trip to the clinic and could you possibly describe to me the location. I would like to astrally survey it tonight if possible. Maybe I can catch a glimpse of Keira’s aura if she is still there or was moved recently. I am sorry I don’t know enough about Nora to spot her in the same way, though her aura may have some things in common with yours as you are family.”

His face takes on a slightly embarrassed look as he continues. “I have also been reading up on ritual magic as this would be the first time I would be attempting to use it to find anyone and it turns out that I am in need of the assistance of another shaman. I do not know anyone off hand that would be able to help, though I may be able to contact a friend to see if he does. This would have to wait until the morning though. I am sorry John, I thought I would be able to do it alone and I was wrong. I have other spells that may help us, but at the moment the range between Keira and myself is to great for them to be effective.”

Max pauses a moment to see if John has anything to add before he continues…

[bclements]

12:29:28 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac International Airport, Long Term Parking Terminal, Seattle, UCAS

"If they've gotten into the system and frag around with Todd, I'll say a prayer over their graves; he's good enough to make the footage look like a mass sucicide attempt. Don't fire until I do, and stay safe," Tony says as the smile begins to melt from his face as he sees Todd's text message. "He'll tell me when we're ready, I'll get in position."

Opening the car door and getting out of the warm Caddie, he keeps the pistol in his left hand, away from the group, and begins to half walk, half stagger-and-stumble toward the Americar, trying to do his best impression of someone who hit the bottle a little too hard. Hopefully, they buy the drunk sariman routine for a minute or two he thinks to himself as he fumbles in his pockets for his keys, trying to keep an eye on the group without looking too obvious.

[Bastard]

Hidden behind the cover of other parked cars and a large cement pillar, Marquis quietly opens his car door and climbs out. Two gold plated Guardians emerge in his hands, as he sneaks his way toward the end of the pillar. Quietly he charges his heavy pistols, while watching Tony stumble oddly to his Americar. What the frag? Is he drunk? I didn't notice him limping before.

[Ecclesiastes]

12:29:27 Thursday 11 January 2063 - Sea-Tac Public Host

"Right then. Lets do this."

Todd pushes foward, trying to break through the line of flanking Agents, going directly towards the Decker.