IC : STARDUST, In-Character thread for Stardust Options

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi, Jacky, and (Hank)

[ Spoiler ]

"This is bullshit." Hank spouts in anger. "I don't care that the guy tried to blackball us, I just wanted to bust some heads before breakfast, and now my back's out."

Ludi explains that she'll be dropping Hank off at Roland's.

"Hell no, I might be laid out, but you'll need me to bail your asses out if anything goes wrong." Hank glares at Ludi with a deadly serious expression. "Whaddya say?" Hank struggles to face Jacky D. "C'mon man."

[Qillin]

"Hank you can't even move atm man. I'll get you to a place to rest or if you have a back doc to fix you up i could drop you there. You have my # i'll keep you informed and if you get feeling better then maybe we can get you back involved." Jack then looks over at Ludi.
"I'll pack all this up and then we can move out"
Jacky starts putting everything in his big duffle bags

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi, Jacky D, and Hank

[ Spoiler ]

"No deal." Hank replies to Jacky D. "Put me in the back of my van and I'll worry about whether I can move or not. For all I know you're planning on dropping me off at a body shop or something. I'm coming. Got it?"

[Mister Juan]

Giving him a once of look from head to toe, Ludi finaly agreed.... relunctuntly.

"Alright... but take it easy. I need one 100 percent operative in 7 days ok? We'll get to the safe house, and you'll get some rest... maybe put some ice on it."

Grabbing her own things scattered around the appartement, she headed for the door.

"We'll take Hank's van. You guys keep your head down and I'll get us to a safehouse."

[Qillin]

Jacky grabs his bag in his left hand then helps Hank up with his right trying to move slowly so not to hurt him anymore then he already is.

Locking up and heading down to the van took some time because of hank's condition but they weren't in much of a hurry they just didn't want to draw much attention to them selves.

[FrostyNSO]

Jacky D, Ludi, and Hank

[ Spoiler ]

It felt good to get out of Jacky D's apartment for a little while. With Hank in the back with Jacky D, Ludi drove the van to the safehouse, making sure to use a variety of short cuts and detours along the way.

In a little while, the team had arrived at their new home for the next week.

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi

[ Spoiler ]

The next few days are spent in a state of "tense calm". Not relaxed, but not in a feeling of immediate danger either. So many variables were on the horizon, and with so little information to go on, things looked bleak.

[ Spoiler ]

While trying to cover all the bases and rehearsing in your head what could work and what could go wrong with a meeting with Stone, you decide to try and secure a driver, just in case. You call Miki to see if his driver, Esquire is available.

"Ludi! So nice to hear from you. Now don't tell me you are calling me because you need something again." Miki jokes, but you can feel a sense of sadness in his voice. Reluctantly, you try to ask about his driver. "Ah, well how did I know?" He begins. "Yes, I think I can allow Esquire work for my favorite girl. His rate is the same, but you don't worry about that, just give him a good tip. When do you need him?"

[ Spoiler ]

As you muse, your wristphone chatters to life. It's Varya.

"Heya Ludi, I got to talk to Rick. He says he's totally interested in meeting you, and thinks we should get together next Saturday night at Matchsticks." Varya's tone turns to slight disappointment. "I tried to suggest another place, but he insisted, and I figured it was more important you meet with him than where it was at. I didn't do bad did I?" From Varya's voice, you can tell she longs for approval...probably where many of her relationship problems arise. "Anyways, He wants to get together at 8, he said he'll meet us there. So, when should I pick you up?"

[ Spoiler ]

During the evening one night, Alec gives you a ring. Eagerly answering to find out what the Star has, you greet Alec, who begins chattering like a school-age child who had a good day in class.

"Ludi, I talked to some buddies at the preceint about the Kote case. I didn't get access to the files though, they've got Driscol on the case, and that guy's a fragging pitbull." Alec says matter of factly. "Anyways though, I think we really need to talk in person."

[Mister Juan]

The few days spent in hiding had gotten Ludmila in the most rotten mood: she was tensed, jumpy... but still profesional about things. She had called home a few times, getting Lana on the phone to ease her worries. To the young girl, her mom was simply "on a business trip" somewhere in the world. Zina was acting like her grumpy self... but she was there for Ludi, and took good care of the little one. Each minute that passed, Ludi missed her daughter more and more. She hadn't seen her in over a week... She was doing this for her: they desperately needed the money.

Talking to Miki on the phone was almost painful. She could feel her gut turning upside down. Ever since she had met him, she had loved him. Deep down inside, Ludmila carried the wish that he was Lana's father... but she wasn't sure. Which was why she had never gotten a paternity test done. It could have been very "dangerous" for Miki, due to his position. And to be honest with herself, Ludi was simply to afraid of what the answer might be.

"Miki.... please.... don't be like that... You know I'm not using you.... Its just that right now... I'm really deep... Too deep. I'm starting to believe I won't be able to come out on top. I promise you that I will repay every single nuyen this whole affair has costed you, and even more. I could... you know... drop by sometime soon. I miss you Miki... Tell your man, Esquire, to meet us out here, so we can introduce ourselves and brief him on the operation. If he has a subtle vehicle that can carry three people, one being a troll, have him bring it in. I'll discuss payment with him. Oh... if he has any hardware, tell him to bring it alone... things might get hot."

Once Varya came throught, she could do nothing but congratulate her friend. She was well aware that she was putting her in harms way, but Varya was eager to help.

"Thank you sister; I couldn't have done this without you. Don't you worry about anything during the meet. You just follow my lead, and everything will be fine. You're doing a fragging great job honey. I'm going over to the salon to get a total makeover from Zina, and then I'll grab a cab to your place. We'll go from there. Sounds alright?"

What she didn't tell her friend was that her and her runner friends were planning on getting some info out of Stone, and that the chances of things turning bad were pretty high up. Ludi simply hoped that, if something did happen, her friend would have the instinct of keeping her head down.

The last call was the one that made her uneasy. Alec was a good cop... as much as a dirty mafia payroll cop could be. Ludi knew that there was probably a certain price on her head, and that catching her might be good for Alec's career. The only problem was that Ludi knew he was a dirty cop, and so, he might simply cap her, and take the credit for the "arrest". But any info he had might help them... she had to meet him.

"Alec, you do realize what you're asking me. I'll meet with you, but on my terms. I like you Alec, you know that... but I'll have no hesitation in killing you if I believe you're trying to double cross me. You might be on Miki's payroll; but you're still a Lonestar cop. Meet me at 4:00 pm, today, main downtown metro station. Just after the ticketing booth. Come alone and stand in the open. Wear jeans and only a tshirt. I'll bring some cred for you... for the trouble. If I think you're carrying a weapon, I won't show up. If I think you're not alone, I won't show up. If I spot any undercover, or plain clothes, I'll make sure you never see another day... am I clear? I know you're doing this as a favor to me, but meeting you face to face at the moment is a very risky thing for me, and you must understand that. If you do come throught, you'll get paid in fresh nuyens, and I'll make sure to swing info, and a good word to Miki, by you. Trust me"

Now, they had to go pick up the asthma inhaler at Roland's and the weapons at Sasha's.

Man... I'm going to end up dead broke on this one...

[Shadow]

Satisified that he had the layout of the club memorized, Gun knocked back the rest of his drink and headed for the door. Now just to spend a week enjoying the Seattle life.

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi, Jacky D, and Hank

[ Spoiler ]

After concluding all business, Ludi makes a stop off at Roland's to pick up the inhaler and contacts Sasha along the way.
"I want you to wire the cred to Miki, and when he tells me the cred is good, I will tell you where to find your weapons." Are Sasha's terms. Being a safer transaction than a backalley meet, Ludi agrees, transferring the cred to Miki. It was nice to work with professionals. A minute later, Sasha calls back. "Everything we agreed upon in the deal can be found at Durgan's...a bar in Tacoma. Tell the bartender you want a phillips head screwdriver. After you see that my merchandise is good, contact Miki so he can give me my cred."

The merchandise is at Durgan's as promised. A quick phone call later, Sasha is satisfied.

With everything needed in the team's possession, it was time to meet with Alec.

[FrostyNSO]

Worwood

[ Spoiler ]

Your employer finally calls back with the time of the meet. "8pm at Matchsticks on Saturday. Of course, you might want to get there earlier." He adds. "You mentioned earlier, you would be interested in meeting my security for that night. Would lunch Friday at the Eye of the Needle be out of the question?"

Gun

[ Spoiler ]

After an enjoyable evening of jazz, you enjoy the good life for a while before receiving a call from your employer. "I have determined the time of the meet, it will be at 8pm at Matchsticks on Saturday." He begins. "I don't know if I informed you earlier, but I will have a security man there doing surveillance. If your interested in meeting him beforehand, maybe we could have lunch at the Eye of the Needle. Friday? My treat.

[Slacker]

Wormwood confidently answers, "Ok, Saturday it is. I've checked out Matchsticks, the booth setup will make it a little difficult, but nothing I can't handle. Also, Friday will work perfectly for meeting with your security."

Come Friday, Wormwood dresses in his Armante suit and heads over to the Space Needle.

As he enters the Eye of the Needle, he thinks, Sure hope he's picking up the tab. Lunch will be expensive at this place.

[Shadow]

"Sounds good, Friday it is."

[FrostyNSO]

Jacky, Ludi, and Hank

[ Spoiler ]

Among much planning and worry, the time had come for the meet with Alec. A mafia cop, but still a cop, this meet was an huge risk, but arguably a neccessary one. Hank's back had been recovering gradually, only enough to barely walk...but it was still recovery. At his current rate however, it would probably be a month before he was back at his full game. Once able to sit up, he took the time of the long days of boredom to perform some maintainence on the team's firearms. Nothing serious, but if he had the time to do it, why waste it?

With Ludi and Jacky geared up and ready to roll, Jacky helped Hank into the back of the van as Ludi set up the scanning equipment and instructed Hank in it's use. Hank nodded that he had it down, signalling Ludi and Jack, that it was time to go.

The drive was a quiet one. Everybody knew things might get messy if Alec turned on them, and everybody knew that there was a chance they were walking right into a trap. But Alec had come through before, and the information he might have could be as good as gold in their current position. It was cloudy, and on the drive to the downtown metro station, the rain began to fall. Ludi dropped Jacky D off a block away, then parked the van accross the street from the station, motioning Hank to start scanning the Lone Star frequencies...whch he had already been doing. Hank looked at Ludi and gave a thumbs up, his other hand pressing an earphone to the side of his head.

Waiting patiently, Ludi watched as Jacky D walked into the station from down the street. Once he was in, it was time to go. Ludi jay-walked accross the busy street and made her way into the large slider glass doors of the station, entering into a huge skylighted atrium. Her boots made a wet "thud" on the grey marble tile floors as she looked walked carefully searching for Alec. Spotting Jacky D waiting in line for a payphone, she tried not to look at him...Jacky did the same. A cool customer, the kind Ludi was. Far to the left of the open entrance, was a large wall with a giant mural, and entrances to the restrooms and maintainence facilities. To the right, was ticketing booths and large, digital wall schedules, showing arrival and departure times of various trains...2 minutes to next arrival...5 until departure. Straight ahead, were the turnstiles that gave access to the trains themselves, with attendants checking tickets and granting access to the waiting area beyond, where the trains themselves would accept passengers. Outside of the turnstiles, she spied Alec, wearing jeans and a t-shirt...and a leather jacket. Alec knew better...but it was colder than usual today, and he was a cop afterall. Ludi slipped in line, purchasing 2 tickets on the next departure. While in line, she heard the train arrive. With tickets in hand, she checked with Hank once more. "So far, so good." He assured.

Wormwood and Gun

[ Spoiler ]

At the appropriate time, you both arrive at The Eye of the Needle, well-dressed, and as fortune would have it, at the same time, though neither know who the other is, just yet. Gun confidently approaches the server and states his name. The tall, fair-skinned elf server looks back into the dining area and in his delicate voice answers, "Certainly sir, Mr. Stone is expecting you."
Leaving Wormwood behind for the moment, the server shows Gunther to the table. Another server, a petite human girl, addresses Wormwood, "Do you have a reservation, sir?"
"L'Emmerdeur."
Checking the list, she looks at Wormwood with a confused look on her face. "That last man was here for the same table." She states. "Right this way, sir."
The girl leads Wormwood to the table, where Mr. Stone is already greeting the first man. "You must be Gunther," he states cordially, and seeing Wormwood approach he directs his attention that way, "and you must be L'Emmerdeur. Please, please have a seat. I am sure you both have some questions, so let's take a look at the menu, and please ask away."

[Shadow]

Frosty and Worm

[ Spoiler ]

Gun raises an eyebrow at L'Emmerdeur. "Karma, eh?" He says dismisvley at the coincedence. Gun seats himself with his back to the window and facing the center of the slowly revolving restaraunt.

"Butterfly steak, for wine I'll have a Coonawarra 2040." He folds the menu and hands it to the waiter.

[Mister Juan]

It was now the time to get things going. In the few seconds that were to follow, anything could happen. For all Ludmila knew, these were her last moments. Jacky wasn't far behind her, and she knew that the Star didn't have his picture, at least not yet. Unless Stone had given them some video footage, there was simply no way that any outside observant could finger him.

With her sweater's hood on her head, she unzipped her light jacket to give her quick and easy access to her Colt. She used the few seconds she had left to scan the crowd for any signs of trouble.

As she approached Alec, all her toughts were of Lana. Once she was right next to him, she gave him a broad smile and grabbed him by the arm, quickly pulling him toward the incoming train.

"Good to see you could make it Alec... Now, be reasonable and follow me."

Please Lord, protect us on our journey.

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi

[ Spoiler ]

Dragging Alec through the tight crowd towards the turnstiles, Hank's voice comes through Ludi's transceiver. "We got company! I'm patching you through!" There is a brief moment of static, followed by the fuzzy transmission of a cool, deep voice.

"Alpha, Bravo, Go go go."

On cue, Alec reaches behind his jacket with his free hand. Already having a good hold on him, Ludi instinctively immobilizes Alec, who in a pained voice blurts in his defense. "Ludi, I didn't have any choice!"

The crowd is thick, and though Ludi couldn't see anybody closing in at the moment, it was a good bet they were out there.

Jacky D

[ Spoiler ]

As you keep an eye on the situation, you see Ludi grab Alec and begin making her way towards the train. Having no trouble seeing over the tightly-packed crowd, you see a number of "citizens" immediately begin moving towards Ludi and Alec's position. An instant later, in a flurry of motion, Ludi has Alec in what looks to be a very painful arm bar.

Lone Star didn't have Jacky on file...he could walk away right now. One way or the other though, one thing was certain: The drek was hitting the fan.

[Qillin]

Jacky seeing the frag going south fast quickly slips on the train a door back.

Jacking trying to spot every possible threat so he would know exactly what he was up against.

Jacky then ducks behind a seat and put on his "Full Face Mask @cc.57" and ...

[Mister Juan]

Frag. Frag. Frag. Frag. Frag. Frag.
Dear Lord; don't let me be cornered. Kote's death is enough on my conscience.

Holding Alec's arm tight enough to break it, Ludi reached down toward him, putting her left leg in front of his.

"You always have a choice. Don't get up. Don't make me come back for you."

Using all of her strenght she violently pushed Alec forward, with the intention of slamming him as hard as possible on the ground.

[Slacker]

Frosty and Gun:

[ Spoiler ]

As he hears the waitress tell the other man that Mr. Stone is waiting for him, Wormwood idly wonders to himself if that man might be the security he's here to meet. His suspicion is confirm shortly by the waitress upon her return.

As she leads the way, he can't help but enjoy the view. As Mr. Stone says his name Wormwood looks up and greets him with a professional nod. "Yes, bonjour."

As he takes his seat, he gestures to Gun and asks"And this....Gunthar is it?...I take is man I wanted to me?" Not wanting to get into specifics while the waitress is still around, Wormwood keeps his question vague.

Once the introductions are finished, he says "Unless there is something you would recommend here, I believe I will have the Escargot with a Chateau de Beauregard....unless you happen to have some Absinthe?" The last part he addresses to the waitress with a faint glimmer of hope in his eyes.

.....

Once the waitress has stepped away with everyones orders. And greets Gunther more formally. "Bonjour mon ami. You may call me L'Emmerdeur or Jacques. Our host has hired me to conduct surveillance during his meeting this weekend. Specifically, I had asked him for this chance to meet with you so that during the meeting you wouldn't take my observations as a threat."

Addressing the both of them he continues "I've checked out Matchsticks to get assess the environment. From a security stand point I can see why you chose the corner booth. Other than the backrooms it'll be the easiest to secure. Its a little more difficult from my end. There is only one table from which I can get a clear angel of the booth."

"Currently, I am planning to plant a hidden camera there and then sit at another table that doesn't have such a good angle with an additional camera. I assume you would prefer me to have that second camera set up to see more of the person your meeting than yourself, correct?"

"Audio should be no problem since I can filter out most sounds and then amplify your conversation for recording." Just then he thinks of something. Looking at Gun he says, "That will mean that if you have anything to say to me you'll have to catch my attention with a gesture."

Returning his attention to Mr. Stone, Wormwood says "Will that suit your needs? Or would you also like me to recording some of the surrounding area for any reason?"

[Shadow]

Frosty and Worm

[ Spoiler ]

"Shouldn't be a problem Jacques. Unless you are security back up I won't be needing to signal you." He turns to there employer, "how many guys are you planning on meeting?"

[FrostyNSO]

Ludi

[ Spoiler ]

With a violent shove, Ludi throws Alec into the tile, his face making a sickening crunch and a small whimper escaping his lungs as he impacts. Seeing his body go limp, he must have gone unconcious on impact.

Moving quickly, Ludi pushes her way through the lines of people towards the turnstiles. Tossing the pair of train tickets at the attendant, Ludi jumps the railings, her boots hitting the ground with a solid *thwack* on the other side. As she spots the entrance to the train, a man in a grey longcoat on her side of the turnstiles unfolds the stock of an SMG and points in on her. Under the folds of the coat, she sees what looks to be some kind of tactical vest. The man shouts, his cheek pressed against the SMG's stock.

"Lone Star! Freeze! Everybody on the ground!"

Jacky D

[ Spoiler ]

Trying to draw as little attention as possible (or as little a gigantic troll can), Jacky makes his way for the turnstiles, and the train. Keeping an eye on Ludi and Alec, you see the woman throw Alec to the ground with amazing force and bolt for the train. Keeping an eye on her as she hops the turnstiles, you see a man with an SMG yell and point in at her. On your side of the turnstiles, you see 4 more armed individuals moving quickly in Ludi's direction, pushing their way through the crowd. It was good to be tall for a troll.

You realize, to get through the turnstiles discreetly, you will need a train ticket.

Gunther and Wormwood

[ Spoiler ]

The waitress takes the orders and promises to check on the absinthe for Wormwood. After making the proper introduction and queries, Mr. Stone responds to Wormwood and Gunther's questions in his usual cool demeanor.

"In regards to the angle of recording," Stone begins, directing his gaze towards Wormwood, "...I think what you have described will be sufficient. If at all possible, I would like to appear in the recording, that anybody observing it would know I was there." Stone pauses for a moment and lets out a rare laugh. "I am sure this sounds terrible, but I assure you this isn't anything to do with attempting to blackmail anybody as I am sure it sounds like. As I said before, I feel somebody might be out to get me, so this is a precaution, nothing more."

After Gunther inquires about the people Stone is meeting:

"There will be two females, a friend of mine and a prospective client. They didn't mention any other guests, and I have no reason to believe they will bring any at this time."

After Stone fields Gunther's question, the waitress appears with the group's drinks. Setting a crystal glass on the table in front of Wormwood, "Your drink, sir. Special from the bartender." She winks at Wormwood and continues. "You're meals will be ready shortly sirs."

[Mister Juan]

Undercover. Tactical vest. Concealed SMG. Two teams.

Ludmila knew one thing: the Star was really out to get them. Since she was wanted for murder, and if, God forbid, Alec had talked... the blue boys probably knew they were dealing with a very dangerous and well armed individual.

Jacky... where the frag are you

She didn't even stop the to think. As people were starting to scatter, the command from the cop had the adverse affect on Ludi: she bolted as if the devil himself was at her heels. If the cops already had the train shut down, she'd be cornered, but at least, she'd have a better defensive position. It would also draw them away from Jacky, would could jump them from behind. If the train wasn't already under their control, she'd have to hop off of it before the next stop.

Dashing tru the erratic crowd, jumping over people, Ludmila ran like she had never ran; all her focus directed toward the still opened door of the train.

[Slacker]

Frosty and Gun

[ Spoiler ]

As Stone answers Gun, Wormwood is mulling over what was just said. I don't get it. Why would he want me to make sure he's in the footage? I originally thought he just wanted the surveillance to keep a close watch on whoever he was meeting with, but this just doesn't sound like that.....hmmm.....Maybe he's just wanting proof that the meeting goes smoothly, without incident. That could be it, the stories I found on him could lead some to suspect him of foul play...eh...whatever. It's not my concern. I'm just here for a free meal and the nice view

The last of his thoughts coming to him as he watches the waitress sashay her way over to the table with the drinks. Only part of his smile was because of the presence of his favored liqueur, absinthe.

As she saunters away, Wormwood takes a sip of the absinthe and he turns his mind back to business. Business before pleasure

Addressing the Mr. Johnson, he says "You mentioned that you think somebody is quote/unquote Out to get you. Would you like me to be recording people in the club, in case that somebody is there watching you? As it stands now, it sounds like just the one camera covering the whole booth will be enough to meet your needs."

"Sorry if I am overcomplicating the issue, it's just that the additional surveillance would take next to no effort and shouldn't interfere with my primary task."

[Qillin]

Jacky making his way to the turnstile to try and get behind one the cops as they advance on Ludi.
He ducks down alittle as the rest of the crowd is as if he was afraid of the cops.