"I'm personally happy with six and a half thousand, but I would like some more information about who will be likely to be trying to stop us." Eury takes another sip from his drink, and watches with mild interest at the Shiver as he does his thing.

19:57:30, June 1, 2070
The Denim
Reggie

Reggie nods and in a low tone speaks to the Johnson. "Your price sounds fair." glancing around the table. "Now, lets discuss the size of the package, pickup and dropoff locations - as well as a time frame if this is a rush delivery. Then we'll see if you're price is really worth it."

Reggie's done this kind of border hopping before and starts estimating possible routes along known weak points in the border perimeters.

Suddenly Alastor's brows knit together slightly in puzzlement. Over the private network he says, <I know who the elf is. His name is Metatron; he's *the best* sniper in the city... possibly the best in Western North America. The guy's reputed to work Nicholas Whitebird occassionally. What the hell is he interested in a small run like this for?>

"Good happy to see your all in. As to extra pay should unforeseen circumstance arise, well thats what I'm paying you over six thousand nuyen each for. The package is a letter from the council of the Koshari to an ally and needs to be delivered by midnight tonight.It needs to go to 4923 Billings Street, in the Montbello district of the UCAS sector." He says quietly, "The letter is sealed in such a way that any tampering will be noticed. We are hiring you as you are all beginning to build reputations here in Denver but all of you can be considered a neutral party."

At his signal one of the orcs, lets call him Bill, produces an old fashioned manilla envelope, the tab is closed and a wax seal covers it, how quaint. The other orc, Ben lets say, turns his attentions to watching the surrounding club.

Mr Johnson continues, "As to you questions, the opposition will be from our rivals, who would like to read this letter. The letter should probably not be found by the Sector Guards, but the choice of routes is yours, harder to compromise that way. If you don't want to cross at border crossings I have the contact details of a couple of Coyotes who can help you into the CAS then the UCAS sector." A pause here as he glances at the blue elf, "the elf is not a friend of mine, but is no enemy either, this package is unlikely to be of interest to him."

"The package is there," indicates the letter on the table, "If you want the Coyotes details say now, otherwise I'll pay you my half of your fee and leave you to get on with it."

19:58:30, June 1, 2070
The Denim
Reggie

Reggie raises an eyebrow and looks towards Alastor.
<"Perhaps he's hired to stop the parcel. If we're being dragged into a mob tiff, this is definately going to make this job sound cheap. I'll keep my little fly on him, that will give us warning if we're the one's being tracked or the J.">

Over the private link:
<If the letter's worth Metatron's involvement, then I'm extremely curious as to why the Johnson's hiring us as opposed to Metatron's team- this is their hangout, after all.>

Over skinlink comms.

<can we get some specs on the rest of Metatron's team, specifically their magical backup?>

Shiver smiles at the Johnson,

"Four quick questions, then myself and my colleagues will confer as to whether or not to use your coyote contacts... Firstly we all hope that this mission will go well, but assuming the worst would you rather the letter be destroyed than fall into enemy hands? Secondly how fragile are the contents of that envelope, can it be, for example, be rolled up, avoiding the seal, of course, or must it be kept flat? Thirldy you say that you will pay your half of the now, I assume that means that the res is payment on delivery, is that the case? Finally, do your rivals have magical back up that you know of?"

The Johnson nods. "Okay, the letter should be destroyed rather than fall into the hands of the opposition. Its a letter, as long as the seal in unbroken You can roll it but I would appreciate it being uncreased. Obviously the recipient will pay the remaining fee." he pauses and glances at his watch, " and to your final question, of course my rivals have magical backup this is the sixth world. No i do not know any details of what they may throw in you path if they try to intercept you, but since two of you are mages I'm sure you should be able to handle it."

Alastor nods. "Of course. Those are reasonable terms. I believe that my team mates and I should start our preparations as quickly as possible, in order for us to deliver the letter by midnight."
Over the private network, Alastor sends the others a quick run-down of whta he knows about Metatron's teammates:
<Artemis - team mage. wiccan, from Toronto, well respected within the local magic community, elf.
Orchid - Adept, Native blood, hyperkinetic party girl.
Omega - Rigger and mechanic, rumoured technomancer, dwarf
Jungle Girl - Arms dealer and smuggler, Aztalaner Elf.>

<Well, if we have to fight the best sniper in the city and his team for a letter, then it's not going to bode well for us. If this is just his hangout, then all is well on that front. I agree that preparing is in order, knowing our route, and alternates, is a good idea for sure. Should we take these "Coyotes" help in this?>

<It might be worth it as an option. The more options we have the more chance we have of getting this letter delivered on time. I reckon that the lower key we keep this, the more chance we have of getting the run done smoothly, with as little hassle from border patrols and interference as possible to slow us down.>

<comms, Just ask for the contacts, at the very least anybody listening in has an extra route to cover. I have a squat in the Arvada Barrens if we need a place to plan, anyone interested?>

<Fair point about being misleading, although it might be helpful anyway. I sure don't need to be given a 25k fine, thanks very much.> "I think that talking to these Coyotes about how they can help us would be very helpful, especially since you don't want it being found by the border guards." <Somewhere to discuss things in private might be helpful also.> Eury takes another quick swig of his drink, and casually looks around.

“Yes, I would also say, that your Coyote friends could be helpful.”

<Well, I simply don't see how they could find this letter, other than having shadowed the Johnson and watched this meeting, so they will likely be trying to follow us as soon as we leave here... we should stay alert!

Thanks for the info on this Metatron. Guess he's just being curious then...>

skinlink comms
<don't know about the rest of you, but I doubt I would get away with a fine if the border guards twigged something fishy was up, that being said, taking a freaking envelope from one place to another is hardly smuggling. I feel, however, the later it gets, the more of a pain in the ass the border guards are going to be, and the longer the opposition, whoever they are, will have to prepare for our arrival.

I move that we get somewhere not as easily bugged as here asap>

Reggie gives a sidelong look to the blue skinned elf, then focuses on the J's response. Nodding in agreement, Reggie has nothing further to add to the discussion, but does respond to the private chat.

<"I have a little fly on the wall keeping an eye on this Matatron, if the elf moves to follow us, I'll know. But it is well enough to watch our backs, just in case he sends in another of his team to intercept us. As much as I dislike going into the Arvada Barrens at this hour, it's best we find a discreet location to plan our route. Give me the address, my bike is outside... who takes the envelope? We'll use the J's coyotes if we can't find a way across, worse come to worse, I have a drone on call that can take the package across by air.">

20:02:33, June 1, 2070
The Denim
Sander

Sander had been following the silent coversation going around him with a certain interest. The other runners thoughts were translated into text and wirelessly beamed into his field of vision, on which it appeared as semi transparent yellow letters. When coming in, he had, like others, noticed the elf. But the place was known as a shadowrunner hangout, and was bound to have its share of odd heads. Nevertheless, he had already sized him up and taken good note of his face.

The chances that someone would try to make a move inside the place where simply.... slim. Very slim. Sander himself was lightly armed, and had been able to smuggle his weapons in probably on the account that they were either non lethal, or simply undetectable by conventional means.

He turned his attention toward the Johnson.

"Well, this all seems fair" he said in a satisfied tone, sliding his hand across the table.

His future teammates were already starting to get mighty jumpy. Sander was unsure if this was a sign that they were careful and thoughtful operatives... or if it was a sign they were unsure of their skills and nervous rookies. He'll probably find soon enough.

Without a look towards the other runners, he picks up the letter, opens his jacket and slides in into his breast pocket. Closing his suit back up, he buttons the middle button.

"So, we have 4 hours to reach our destination. Unless there is anything else to discuss, we should start making our move as soon as possible"

"excellent, I take it you have no need for the Coyotes then?" says Mr Johnson seemingly happy with the way the meet has gone.

<It could be that Metatron is merely curious more than anything. Still, keeping an eye on him is worth it.>

Alastor looks round at the team, his eyes finally upon Sander. <I think that although we might not need the Coyotes' help, I think it best to at the very least get their contact details.>
His gaze turns towards the Johnson. "I cannot fully speak for the rest of the team, but it is my opinion that, if we may, at least get their contact details at least so that if need be we have additional options to us to turn to should we need it at any point, afterall, time is of the essence."

<I don't think that it's worth making a trip out to the Barrens. We need to spend as much time on the run as possible should anything arise. As far as planning goes, I think that we should try the direct route first, and if need be contact the Coyotes during the run if we get into difficulty.>

"As you wish," He pauses for a moment and reaches into a pocket and places a small hand full of items 6 credsticks, their active lights flashing briefly then blinking out and a pair of chips. "The details of the Coyoters are on these chips, the sticks each contain 3250:nuyen: as per our agreement." He checks his watch, "I make it 8.15pm, that gives you 225 minutes to deliver the package, please try to be on time."

He stands up and starts to leave, Bill and Ben move to follow him.

Felice flashes a smile, as the Johnson takes his leave. “We will. Good bye, then!”

Picking up one of the credsticks, Felice quickly lets it vanish in a pocket somewhere inside her jacket.

<Reg, can you let one of your little helpers observe the entrance? See who leaves during the next half hour or so?>

20:15:15, June 1, 2070
The Denim
Reggie

Reggie gets up nodding to the J as he leaves, reaching out, picking up a credstick, the elf tucks the credstick into a hip pocket. Reaching out again, Reggie picks up one of the chips. In a low voice, "I got one, can't hurt to give the Coyote a call."

Looking at the group "Well, lets pack up and move out.", then at Sander who has the document, "You lead."
<"I only brought one fly with me, so I guess it'll watch the entrance for all activity.">
Looking up the elf seems to follow something an observant person would see a fat hornet as it moves from the wall above Matatron to just above the door, nodding in satisfaction, Reggie looks back at Sander, waiting for 'Clark' to move.

Eury takes one credstick, slipping it into his pocket alongside his commlink. "Well, that wasn't too bad." he says smiling, after the Johnson has left. "Lets go have fun." <Since this letter is important, at least finding out how much these Coyotes want should be useful. I'll get someone to help us out once we leave.> Eury moves off towards the bar again, finishing his drink on the way.

Shiver leans forwards and picks up a chip.

over commnet
<Perhaps at this point we should sound off our various abilities. I hear there are two magic users among us, and I know I am one, so someone else and I need to agree who is keeping astral watch for a start...>

<Felice, Firearms specialist and Covert Ops. I also know to behave myself properly in most situations, can usually cross the borders without problems. Knowing a bit about security installations and how to get around them as well. Of course, right now I only have a small handgun on me, better for the border crossing not to draw too much attention. But I can pick up something bigger, if needed, once we hit the UCAS sector, which, I suppose, would be where we should expect the biggest trouble, anyways.>

Alastor takes a credstick, slipping it inside his coat. He stands, ready to move out with the rest of the group, who he looks at. <I'm a physical adept, specializing in dual heavy pistol and sword fighting. Know a fair bit about the Denver Shadows, and some about corp security, etc.>

Commlink
<I am a Follower of the lighbringer, and philospher-mage. I specialise in the manipulation of events to an outcome of my satisfaction, and have been told I can be quite personable if you can get past my loquatiousness. My favoured form of attack is indirect through both the spiritual and physical planes.>

Edit = Yellows

Reggie acknowledge each one in turn.
<"Automotive and electronics expert, I possess knowledge of smuggling routes, physical & data havens, and security systems. I can fix most vehicles and bikes are my specialty.
I'll have a good idea whether these coyotes are leading us astray or not. Though typically neutral, the border hoppers may have alterior motives.">

Reggie slips the chip picked up in a breast pocket under the worn leather coat. "Time's of the essence, who needs a ride?"

“Got my own bike parked in front of the club. Thanks!”

With that, Felice stands up and makes herself ready to leave.

While trying to act not overly suspicious, she tries to look around some, seeing who might take interest in her team now.

Getting up from the table, Sander made sure no wrinkles had sneaked into his suit. He then turned to Reggie, giving him a discreet smile.

"I'll go with you."

Of course, Sander did have his own ride... but the less spread out the team would be, the better their chances of accomplishing the contract would be.

He then turned to the rest of the team.

"We should move out of here, break off any tails we might have picked up and regroup to plan the next phase. I'm open to suggestions..."

<Room for a pillion passenger, Felice? I prefer to have all round vision for my art... If no, Reggie I accept your offer of a ride>

edit - Yellows

<I'm here with a Mirage. It's seat is built for only a single rider, I'm afraid. It can accommodate a passenger, if absolutely necessary, but handling will suffer, and it won't be very comfortable.>

<Fair enough. I believe I should think about obtaining my own transport at some point... Which way Reggie?>

Alastor nods, and starts to head for his bike. "I have a bike myself, thanks." As he leaves, he keeps his eye on what's going on around him, and to see if Metatron or anyone else follows.

<I wouldn't say no to a ride, I got here without transport.> Eury walks up to the bar, and hands back the empty glass. "There you go, saves collecting later." He then walks off to meet the rest at the door. <I am certainly knowledgable in the arts of magick, so astral watch should not be a problem.>

<Excellent, Euryxanthous, I got counterspelling on the mundanes then....>

Shiver makes a few passes with his hands, it seems as though he is playing a complicated solo game of cat's cradle.

<There, so long as you remain in my sight, the slings and arrows of magical misfortune should be somewhat mitigated.>

Straddling his bike, Alastor puts on his helmet, and slides the vizor down. It's dark mirrored front reveals nothing about the wearer, Alastor's long white ponytail tucked down the back of his coat.
<Right, before we all set off, we should probably decide where to regroup. We don't have the time to be overly paranoid- we only have a few hours to pull this off. I'd say that we head towards the first border crossing and see how things go from there, with a small stop a few blocks before it; if we need to move on, we move on to the next border crossing if it doesn't look like it's safe for us to approach the first. Remember, time is of the essence and we can't waste any more- I think it'll be a partial plan as we go along Run, and be prepared to change any moment.>

<Ok, should the drek hit the fan, I call the muscle, no point wasting bullets on an armor tank when there are far more amusing ways to despatch them, I request that the mundanes among us target Mages first, as their counterspelling makes my job a fair whack harder. Euryxanthous, should we come accross spirit interference will you be banishing, going for direct damage, or just ganking the mage that summoned it? No point one of us trying one, and the other another.>

<I would prefer to banish, and if possible to bring the spirit under my control. If that isn't possible then killing the controlling mage is the prefered route in my opinion. No reason to cause harm to a creature bound here for anothers purpose. I will try to cover people from magical attack that you cannot, as well.> Eury joins the others and moves towards Reggie's vehicle with him.

Reggie exits The Denim thinking Damn, wish I had brought Ron's car now, a red-hot mirage with black trim in the parking lot comes to life. Instead of heading for the parking lot the elf instead stands by the curb. The bike pulls out of the parking space and stops right in front. Before mounting, Reggie pats the bike like one would a pet, the seat hatch pops open and Reggie reaches in, pulling out an extra helmet while detaching the one currently locked on to the back sissy bar with a touch of the hand.

Slamming the seat down Reggie slips on the helmet and hands the other to Sander. Mounting the bike the elf waits for him to climb on back.
<"This bike was designed for my fat-ass orc brother, though cozy, there's room for two, Clark's with me, as I'm probably the most agile on these things riding double. Looks like we'll all have to double up though...">

Pausing for a moment while the mages figure out who they're going to ride with...
<"I'll call the first coyote on route to a weak spot I know, I'll upload the location to your navlinks. Unless the coyote knows a better local, we'll try my route first.">

<Check. Shoot the mage first. Sounds familiar. Just make sure, we know who they are.>

Unless a fourth bike or other means of transportation pops up, Felice will mount her Mirage and then drive it next to Shiver. “Looks like I'll have to drive a little more careful than usual.” With that, she winks at him.

<Sounds good, Reg.>

Alastor directs his bike slowly as the carpark to where Felice, Sander and Reggie are. He grins under his helmet, the first rush of adrenaline starting to flow...
<Got ya. Sounds like a plan to me. Everyone ready?>

Time:- 2020

As the group leaves Denim, none of them notice anything suspicious.

Time:- 2022
Location:- Unknown

"Good evening sir, I have found the artifact you seek."
"Excellent, where is it."
"In the possession of the Spirits of Darkness."
"Those idiots. *NO KNOWN translation* what the hell do those assholes plan to do with it?"
"Well given their agenda sir, it seems obvious that they would intend to break it."
"Suspicion or Proof?"
"Suspicion up till about five minutes ago, one of their guards called me, the sleeper you sent sir, and informed me of their plans to break it. They seem quite pleased with themselves about the idea."
"Fuck, When? Where?"
"The answer to that is fairly simple, Denver as their business finishes."
"Have they no sense of history, idiot mortals! They would destroy the things that make them great!"
"Anything I can do sir?"
"No, if they're doing the deed in Denver, symbolism I guess, I'll sort things out myself. When should they be arriving?"
"18th of this month sir."
"Excellent."

20:22:30, June 1, 2070
Edgewater, PCC - Denver
Reggie

Reggies smiles. "I know just the place." the elf says to Sander through the helmet mike link they share.

<"Got a route that's better than most, we call it the Green Link. Transfering info to your commlinks. I suggest we take 3 different routes and meet up at Sloan Lake Park, hopefully we'll throw off any tails, I know a tunnel there that'll funnel us straight into the CAS well away from the border patrols. Rendez-vous in 15 mins.">

Reg waits for the others to send a confirmation, before banking right and taking the 'scenic route', this should throw off anyone trailing them. A small window from the fly drone still monitors The Denim. I'll have to pick up my little drone later. With the we're getting, should be able to pick up a few more finally.

"Hope you don't mind dark tunnels Clark." Reg chuckles as they weave through traffic.

20:22:45, June 1, 2070
In front of Club Denim
Felice

<Alright, see you there.>

Together with Shiver, Felice drives her bike to the other side of the street and then waits a minute, while keeping her eyes on the Denim's entrance.

<Right, let's rock!> Alastor nods, revs the engine, and looks over the group. <Everyone got lifts? Cuz there's one more place going.>

<Right, It's after sunset, and hopefully a while before action, I need four secs to get a comrade along for the night, then, Felice, I belive our journey may be a mite more comfortable...>

Shiver stands still, inhales then exhales, then makes a slow turn, looking all around himself, then climbs aboard the bike.

<Don't see any spirits following us, but mine is being a mite reticent, I will have to save it's services for when they are really needed.>