Darren steps into the room and while laughing says, "I hope that you treat normal folk better than poor Dr. Smith. He seemed a little shaken up by the experience." His face turns serious and he says, "I neither know, nor want to know what was discussed. The room is yours until we close." With that he is gone.

Once Darren closes the door behind him Hack'ed speakss up, "So we are going to spilt up for a little while to look at our different targets and the get back together to compare and plan, right? So where & when do we want to meet.? Here's my comm code so we can stay in touch, can I get all yours?" As he finishes speaking Hack'ed activates his comm to send out an access code so the others can reach him.

I really hope someone has a van or something, cause if I have to take the bus or taxis for the whole thing its really going to suck.

"Divide and conquer, my friends," Wes said completely missing the context of how that phrase was originally ment.

"Lets see," he says looking at his wrist as if there were a watch there, "it's about eleven of the clock, and I imagine without some breaking and entering my group won't have any luck at the museum, so I say, at least this half, meet up tommorow morning 1 hour after the museum opens to the public, that way we can do some scouting under the premise of being interested in history."

He pauses for a moment to catch his breath.

"Now your data scouting operation should probably start in the morning also you might be able to access the system and place a fake work order for maintenance on the air conditioning system, or perhaps even the security system, and them go in undercover as it were."

"I've got some things I need to pickup prior to tommorow's operations, unless one of you matrix wizards can make some fake permits for some firepower, specifically to own and concealed carry."

Jack looks over at Wes with a rather blank look that slowly turns into a frown. "You know, I see no reason at all to split up the team. The thefts should be relatively simple and take no more than a single night, plus a day's planning. The overwatch on Saeder-Krupp will take much more time. We will need to take days to find and verify the information Mr. Johnson requires. We should all contribute to each run."

Jack looks at each person in the room, measuring their response to his suggestion. "How about we start with planning out the robbery, then see what leads that gives us for the second run?"

"Well my plan did not include carrying out the runs separate just gathering intel that way. We need to strike fast and hard if we want to catch them with thier pants down and a group of six 'tourists' at the museum, might seem a bit suspicious. The way I saw it play out is we gather information seperately, then regroup and form a solid plan, because honestly, I don't trust the info from Dr. Smith."

He meets Jack's gaze in a friendly, I'm just trying to help manor, and gives a slight hint of a smile.

Wes, you really shouldn't push this, the last thing you need is for somebody to figure out what you were and start talking about it, maybe you should just sit back and go with it. I know that careful planning is your style but you might just try 'winging it' for a change.

"I didn't for a second consider having each group act independantly, but it would make the information gathering portion that much faster, and if we can't use lethal force we're going to need every ace we can get our hands on."

"My thoughts on the matter are that we do both jobs, together but within thirty minutes of one another, and make a huge amount on noise on the first job, that way they'll be scrambling to figure out what the hell is going on, while we're doing the second completely under the radar. Since the musuem is obviously going to be the easiest we should strike there first, get in, leave behind something that can trip the alarm on command and get out without setting off an alarm. Then we get into position at the second site, the Krupp building, have the drone, or whatever set of the alarm, lonestar and possibly Saeder-Krupp's in house security will respond, and leave the office security weakened. Which would be the best time to get in and get out."

"Now in the musuem we can't hurt anybody, so tasers and gel rounds. At Saeder, we can hurt but not kill, so tasers and gel rounds again but keep a piece loaded with something more lethal just in case. If it comes to it, we can stabilize anyone we get 'carried away' with on site."

"When we scout each location, be that as smaller groups or as a team, we need to keep our eyes peeled for power stations, and need find out which grids each location is on, if we cut the power all the high tech security in the world is nothing more that junk."

Speaking up, Hack'ed puts in his two cents, "I agree with Wes, spliting up to gather some info will not hurt, but we will want the entire group for the runs." He looks around to see how the others react and then keeps going. "And actually I think would be a good idea to at least do a quick drive by of each place this evening just to get a basic idea of what we are looking at. As for when we hit the places, I think the idea to do both the same night is best."


Hack'ed stops to take a drink of his water, and then continues, "Since we are looking not to hurt people, that will tie my hands a little but I do have at least one spell that will do stun damage only."

Jack nods, accepting Wes's explaination of what he meant and listens to his plan. It sounded simple and basic enough, right up until he mentioned power stations.

"I think the power shutdown is a bad idea. It tends to draw attention and put security types on edge. Instead of making it too dark to see, direct their eyes elsewhere, as you suggested earlier. Misdirection is a very effective technique."

He thinks for a moment, considering his options. "I think quiet is best, at least to start. After the theft, if we keep it quiet, it will allow me more time to get into place to find out what we need to know. If we can control the release of information we set the pace. If we cannot choose the battlefield then let us choose the time." His time in corporate work, even small time, had seeped into his way of thinking. Control everything, manipulate the target and deny, deny, deny!

"Well, I think we're getting ahead of ourselfs, first and foremost we need to secure intel," Wes said. He had spent years planning out covert operations, and one of the best things he had found to do, was never make concrete plans until you have enough information to make yourself comfortable. Now here he was tweleve years after walking away from his broken group, signing on with another. He had done mostly solo missions up until this point, but before that he had spent the better part of twenty years, doing exactly this kind of work.

"Alright Jack, heres what we'll do, provided no one has any objections, that is. We'll split up into the afore mentioned groups, my group being Charlie, and yours being Foxtrot, I'd like my group to meet up tommorow at..."

Without breaking pace his looks at a map of the musuem area, and finds a cafe.

"The cafe across the street from the D-Day musuem, I believe it's called Chicken Foot Pete's on Convention Center Blvd, at 9 am sharp. We'll watch the traffic and make a game plan for our trip into the musuem"

"Jack you seem to know the corp scene better than I do, and I think it'd be wise to use your knowledge in planning that sorte. Now obviously our job will be easier, since we can go into the musuem as patrons and gather all the information we will need, so if we finish up before you do we'll swing by and help out in anyway you think we can."

"I'm not sure about were we can meet up afterwords to compare notes, but I think that darren might be willing to let us use this room again at a discounted rate, if not on the house."

"Unless anybody has anything else they'd like to suggest... Caz, Rooster, meet me at Chicken Foot Pete's, at 0900."

"Roger."
Breeders, always taking charge. In this case, he's got a point, us thievin' types should stake out the place, get a feel for it, learn to love it. I'll probably get the shit duty, keepin the eyes on me so they can play anti-hero. Well, so be it, gotta play to your strength in every case.

Setting his alarm for 7 am, Rooster made his way to his doss, the usual parking BS for the only ork in the building and a few minutes later and he's home.

After checking his gear for the morning Rooster settles in for a night of synth-beer and trideo rebroadcast of last night's urban brawl.

Hack'ed looks at his team for this part of the gig, "So do we want to take a quick look tonight or wait for tomorrow? I'm good either way."

Foxtrot huh, when did I freak'n join the army? Oh well what ever gets it done and some cred in my pocekt.

2412

"Well I've got to see a man about a permit, so I'll leave you to talk it over, just be sure to let me know what you decide," and with that, Wes left.

He walked out the door, pausing for a moment to send his commlink code to the group, despite having spent most of the meeting communicating with them, he felt it was best to send it anyway.

Wes moved over to where Mordred was standing, "Could you be so kind as to tell Darren I need to speak with him, I'll be over there."

He points to the end of the bar and then moves there not waiting for a response from Mordred. He didn't like him, too pretentious for his tastes, but he had his uses. One Nozola and a handful of pretzels later, Darren sits down beside him.

"Now what is it you need Wes?"

"Two things my friend, one I need to reserve that room for tommorow evening, and I need to know if you have any idea were I can get my hands of a few, shall we say, misleading permits."

0017: O'Mally's bar

"As long as you and your friends order something, then the room is yours. As to the other question. How much are you willing to offer for these lovely little permission slips? Are you looking for a direction to go or my assistance? I would imagine that I know a few people..." Darren says.

Wes chuckles to himself, "I guess buying less than legal merchandise on a budget has it's drawbacks, The most I can offer is twelve hundred, and for sure need permits for my Predators, and concealed carry. I'd like to also have them for the Hammerli's I've got, but beggars can't be choosers."

Darren, smiles and looks at his comm. A little bit later he looks up from his comm and says, "You're in luck my friend. Come by in two days and an associate of mine will provide you with what you need for a about a grand. Is there anything else that I can help you with?"

Jack directs his attention to Hack'd and Zelda, making eye contact for a greeting. "Well, I see no reason not to start right now. Why don't we pool what knowledge we already have regarding Saeder-Krupp's downtown office and local goals. Believe it or not I alrady knew S-K was buying up the historical district for an arcology. I read it in the news before I came to the meeting. Why don't we start with your own personal insights, then I'll add mine and we will go from there?"

Hack'ed stands up and moves around the table so they can all chat easily.

"Well, I don't know much about the area yet, but I do know a little on the standard pratices of corps when it comes to security both physical and matrix, but the matrix stuff may be a little out of date."

Well, here's what I know about the S-K downtown offices and the museum situation. The museum was forced on SK due to timley lobbying in the CAS House and Senate. The area is ideal for SK due the proximity to downtown and the ability to stand out. They are tired of operating out of the downtown office building they have been renting.

The downtown office is located on the top three floors of a new office tower. Rumor has it that the next floor down is being used as a buffer zone / security checkpoint. It is a standard corporate office if anything can be said to be standard about SK.

"Offer them the full twelve and see if they can't get it tommorow," Wes says with a little smile to Darren.

"If they bit have the meet me at Chicken Foot Pete's across from the D-Day museum downtown, at around 10 am."

And with that, he electronically takes care of his tab, and walks outside. During the day it had been very hot, but it had cooled off significantly since the sweltering part of the day, and if Wes had to put a number to it, he'd say it was about 75 degrees outside.

Well that went well. Do you still want to drink?

"My body wants to, but my head doesn't," he says, making no attempt to keep his voice down. Now that he was outside and away from most people, he didn't feel like he had to keep his gaurd up. Most people would think that he was crazy, talking to himself all the time, but that wasn't true. When his friend had died, Wes felt that a piece of him had taken up residence in his own mind, and that was who he talked to. It never occured to him that his mind might have manifested a personality similar to Raven's to help him cope with the loss.

That's good, maybe you can kick the habit if you really want to

"Yeah, it's like now that I'm working with a group again, something is different."

You feel like your old self again? Not the person you feel you've become.

"Exactly, I don't like the new Wes he is all of the things I tried to never be," he says almost mournfully.

Maybe you should call Riley you haven't talked to her in a long time, not since she decided to save the world, and you have her number...

"But that was for real emergencies, not the hey I miss you, when will I get to hold you in my arms again line."

She'll understand, she loves you.

Wes chokes the tears that come from hearing that back, "I know and I love her."

You know I'm right, call her, it's the middle of the day over there, she's up.

"Alright, I haven't talked to her since she left," he said bringing up an AR comm window as he walked. The line rang once, and then the smiling sun beat face oh Riley poped into a window in his field of vision.

"Hello Wes what can I do for you," her warm voice asks.

"I miss you, and I just needed to hear you voice again," he says.

"Are you drunk," she asked very matter of factly.

"No, not since yesterday, I've got a new assignment."

"That's good, decided to give it up then?"

"I'm going to work my best at it," he says very truthfully.

"Great, I've been worried about you since I've been here, without me around I thought you might drink yourself into a coma."

"I almost did, once right after you left, and once last night, I haven't had a hang over in years, and then I have this dream, and wake up with my head swimming."

"Sometimes that's all it takes, listen I've got some serious work to do for my employer so we'll finish this conversation later, take care, and I'll see you soon," with that the line goes dead. Riley was never a woman who would let anyone get very close to her, and telling him to take care was about as close to I love you as she came. But Wes didn't blame her, he wasn't that open with himself either, and he knew her story.

For the remainder of the way home, he walked in silence, Raven didn't speak up until they were back in his apartment.

Be it ever so humble...

"Yeah, I hear that," he said emptying his pockets and undressing. He steped into his shower, and cleaned himself up. He still didn't feel right about the good doctor, but his "backer" seemed more on the level, so he wasn't going to worry about it. He walked to his dresser and put on a clean pair of underwear, and a t-shirt, then slid into be, turning the box fan on the windowsill to the highest setting. He set his commlink to wake him up at 8 am and to automatically call a cab at 8:30 to take him to Chicken Foot Pete's. Within ten minute he has fallen asleep, drifting off into the dreamscapes that sober sleep, something he hadn't gotten in a while, brought.

Hack'ed listens intently to Jack as he lays out what he knows, nodding as he confirms some of the things he was thinking himself.

Once Jack is finished Hack'ed adds in the little he still knows, "Well as we all know the info inside will more than likly only be accessable from inside the building if not one of the terminals on there 3 floors. From what I know, the rumor that the second is a buffer, adds up with what I've seen in the past."

"Well, the rest of the building's hardware for their security system is an Ares model 4XKJ-2070. The system is top of the line for municipalities and considered a high grade for A and AA corp offices. Zelda, do you think you will be able to handle such a system? I fear I haven't the programs for hacking.

"This is all I know at the moment. We'll have to use our resources to get maps and blueprints of the buildings and see if we can figure out S-K's security. It is indeed extra-territorial so expect rampant paranoia security-wise. Perhaps not Aztechnology level or corporate court level but definitely assume you are being watched at all times.

"Ideally I think a solid plan of access is to get a roster of staff and find someone with a fairly high level of clearance who is away that I could take the place of. It would require hacking their system to show I am where I am supposed to be and arranging the right fake I.D. based on the information, but it has worked before. However I am open to other options if any of you have a suggestion."

And the day passes...

0845: The next morning - Chicken Foot Pete's

Today is just as muggy as yesterday; however, without direct sun the day is not as hot as it could be.

Darren gets a message on his comm from Caz:

"As long as I'm not having to worry about security and the like at the same time, I should be fine. Woulda been a cakewalk even then back in the day...but times change..." Zelda remininced.

0800: Rooster's Doss
Setting his business link into hidden mode and his public link into passive, Rooster preps for the day.
Stun gloves: Check
Glue spray, One, Two, Threee: Check
Gecko Gloves: Check
Flashlight: Check
Restraints: Check
Better run a quick search on the area...

Jack spends the night in planning and preparing his character for the S-K operation. Not all of it. That would be after the break in and theft at the museum. When morning arrives he decides to give Mr. Johnson, his own contact of that name, a call. He never did find out what entity Mr. Johnson represented. He simply took jobs from him and got paid for his work.

He initiates the contact, sending a message. "Greetings. It is I, Jack. I am calling to see if I can get some inforation from you for a job. I would like to get as much info as you have or can safely gather on Saeder-Krupp's downtown office, the plan to build an arcology and who is behind the plan. I am looking also for information on anything in the area that might have piqued the corp's interest besides its location. Give me a call when and if you can safely get and provide the information.. -Jack-."

Jack gets a response to his message around 0700:

0805: The next morning - Chicken Foot Pete's

Not having anything else to do with his day, since the full time hackers are going to be better suited to gathering the needed info on S&K, Hack'ed figures he'll earn his nuyen and play back up for the scout group.

As he was leaving the coffin motel, he dropped a quick email to the group so they would know what was up.

Team,

Being that I don't seem to have a lot going on I'm going to shadow the musem group, just in case something comes up. I'm going to be there early and just enjoying a meal, I'll catch up with you afterwards, but fell free to ring me if something goes down.

Hack'ed

Once he arrives Hack'ed will get a table, order some food and do a little people watching while the others do their thing.

0759 Wes' Place

Wes stares at the ceiling. He had woken up maybe five minutes ago. His body's clock must have been running fast. As the gentle thrum of his alarm clock, trickled up and down his spine, sending goose flesh all over his body, he gave a mental command and deactivated it. Sitting up he calls up the daily news. It wasn't long after that he got dressed, concealing the Hammerli's under his coat as he had done the night before, and sitting down to breakfast. Soy milk and artificial eggs, the breakfast of champions.

0840
The cab service had said five minutes, but he didn't mind, he was in no big hurry, better to be fashionably late, then embarassingly early.

Chicken Foot Pete's: 0806

Hack'd sits down and is greeted by a young elf who asks, "What will you be having?"

Chicken Foot Pete's: 0806

Hack'ed looks up and smiles, "A large soycaf and two of what ever kinda muffins you have."

As the waitress walks away he pulls his credstick out palming it, so he'll have it ready when she returns.

Chicken Foot Pete's: 0808

The waitress returns with the soycaf, a blueberry muffin and a spice muffin. She says, "I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I brought both." She smiles and accepts the payment and then walk away.

Jack makes a quick call to the rest of the team on his commlink. "Whoever has good programs...I could use a list of S-K employees, with pictures if possible, in the main office. I can build a dossier to insert to make my placement seem legit for a few days, but need supporting information. Who can help me with this?"

Chicken Foot Pete's 8:09

Rooster makes his way from the john to the main seating area and spots Hack'ed sitting alone with two muffins and catches the watress' arm.
"I'll have what he's having miss, thank you."

With that he sits down with Hack'ed and waits for the others.

Chicken Foot Pete's: 0811

The waitress returns with more muffins and sets them down on the table. "Let me know if there is anything else that you need." With that, she leaves Hack'd and Rooster to themselves.

Chicken Foot Pete's 0910

"Thanks," Wes says as he virtually pays for the cab, tipping the driver a little extra. He turned and walked into the restaruant. He was happy to see that Rooster was already here, but suprised to see Hack'ed. He sits down at the table and orders a large coffee from the passing waitress.

"I'm gald you got a table that could see the Museum," he says waiting on his coffee.

Chicken Foot Pete's 0911
"Glad you could join us. I'd offer you a muffin, but I've been cut off. Seems my Blood-Dough level is over 1.3, so you'll have to order it yourself."

Wes chuckles, not really understanding the joke. He had never been one for jokes, never had time for them.

"I ate before I came, but thanks. If you feel you need another muffin, just let me know," he said giving a wink.

"As soon as you both savor your muffins, we'll get to buisness, but not sooner, plans must be laid on full stomachs. In the mean time, why don't we talk about history. How much do either of you know about the D-Day invasion?"

He smiles turns on the virtual surround sound program and enjoys a nice piano concherto, slightly below the conversation.

"I think I saw a historical flat-vid about it once; some drunk college kids were torqued at the CEO of their school's sponsor corp and invaded a parade, tearing it a new one. Aside from that, jack and shit."

Jack finishes up his preparations, then heads out to the meet. He hopped on the bus and rode away, heading toward Chicken Foot Pete's. He made sure he brought his gear and wore his armoured suit and carried his weapons. Small, concealable weapons. When he arrived he walked around the block to get a feel for the area and the mood of it. He then headed into the restaraunt and headed to the washroom, doing the same thing. He washed his hands, then returned to the main area and headed toward the team's table.

"Good day, gentlepersons," he said calmly as he seated himself.

Chicken Foot Pete's

The waitress comes back to the table and asks if there is anything else she can get for you.

Chicken Foot Pete's

"I think we are good for now, thanks." Hack'ed smiles as he electronically sends the waitress a 50 nuyen tip.

Once she has left he turns to Wes to answer his question, "Not much I'm afraid, history was not on the top of my list of things to brush up on growing up in the barrens."

Hack'ed stops for a second to take a drink then continues, "I'll see what I can pull off the net while you all check out the museum."

Chicken Foot Pete's
"Well, I have a feeling if I go in there alone, they'll watch me pretty close. That should give you a chance to find a small group and blend in to walk about unnoticed. So, Give me five minutes then find a pack of tourists if possible for cover.

Chicken Foot Pete's

"So Rooster do you want me to go with you or hang here like I originally planned? Either works for me." Hack'ed looks a bit confused as he asks the question over his soycaf.

"An extra pair of eyes would be very helpful," Wes said amiably. He glances down at the corner of his vision, checking the time, 9:45 am.

"We're going to need a game plan, and while I've got one in mind, I'd like to hold my comments until you gentlmen give your ideas on the matter."

What have you been smoking, gentlemen? ideas on the matter? did you slot a stately buisnessman personafix this morning?

Hack'ed smiles, not really expecting to be included in this part of the gig. "I can play tourist, just lead the way."

Rooster:

As you enter the museum, a guard looks your way more than once. You notice him mouthing something but can't hear anything. He's human, about 5' 9" (175 cm) and 180 pounds (82 kg).

Hack'd & Wes:

You are giving an old glance as you come in the museum. The guard gives a little grimace at seeing the two of you; however, as you are traveling with a large group through the doors, he doesn't say anthing.

Hack'ed will have his image link recording everything he looks at as they do the tour.

As the tour group stops at diffrent displays he'll be glancing around to get as much detail as possilbe. He'll also shift his perception over to the Astral to see if he sees any sign of spirts or other non-mundanes around.

Hack'd:

Hack'ed continues the tour, doing his best to be interested and even asking a few questions at different exhibits. He'll continue to record everything and and check things astrally as they go, making sure to note and examine any areas noted as Employee Only or Restricted Access.