22:10:59 Monday April 4, 2070 - LTG: 6544.21.4015 - Seattle UCAS

"I've got a team of 3, possibly 4 who are in need of a driver who is available for the duration of a job, at least a week. Did a bit of digging into your background and River says you're legit and that you know your way around wheels and birds. Pay's 700 nu a day with the option for bonuses depending on how quickly the job can be completed."

She was somewhat bullshitting her way through this, she hadn't gotten confirmation from Mr. C that he'd pay for a fifth, but considering how quickly he capitulated to her previous negotiations, she was fairly confident he and his organization wouldn't miss 700 nu here and there.

"Does the job sound interesting to you? I'd enjoy setting up a bit of an interview if you will. Want to make sure we all can play nice together, you know the drill."

22:11:13 Monday April 4, 2070 - LTG: 6544.21.4015 - Seattle UCAS

"Where do you wish to meet and exchange lies about ourselves?"

The north american eagle iconic image started cackling silently, then lifted and started a climbing and flying motion.

"And, call me DES please."

22:11:28 Monday April 4, 2070 - LTG: 6544.21.4015 - Seattle UCAS

She laughed softly and got right back to business.

"I'm not about to start telling you lies about the job, I'm in on the run and I'm not about to go and frag myself for kicks. There's a coffee house, Uncommon Grounds in Everett. Can you make it in 30, ready to work, DES?"

22:11:35 Monday April 4, 2070 - LTG: 6544.21.4015 - Seattle UCAS

Beside the eagle the owl reappeared momentarily, then took off, dwindling in on itself till it disappeared.

"A moment."

The eagle circled once, then swooped down and landed.

"I need 45 minutes with the prevailing conditions. There are reports of a running battle on one of the main arterials. Is that acceptable?"

"I can get some of my resources there sooner if needed. It's shorter as the crow flies."

22:11:51 Monday April 4, 2070 - LTG: 6544.21.4015 - Seattle UCAS

"45 minutes is more than fine. There will be a trio of us, once I can get our matrix support back into this reality. Tall Elf, black hair. I won't be hard to spot."

With that she clicked off. She moved back within the line of sight and earshot of Dual and Flicker.

"Who's up for a cup of coffee and a job interview?"

Dual, who had been previously talking to himself in the corner or staring into space, seemed ot have overheard A'ja and laughed, "Good news so soon? Great, I'll tag along - unless you guys would rather keep somebody here to keep an eye on things. I could tag along with you guys virtually, and see what I need to see, but keep my body here in case anything goes down."

22:53:13 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

High overhead Peregrine circled, transmitting real time imagery back to DES for the last twenty minutes. Another klick out Falcon orbited in the radar shadow of several small hills. As his '64 Ford Police Special parked itself he faded out of the night flying experience, and commanded Mosquito to move ahead of him. He sat his slight frame up from the fully reclined seat and got out and headed for the door, as if he was familiar with the place. Which he was from having observed the last few minutes in some detail.

With several AR windows displaying status and condition checks he was aware of the time, he was just going to make it. With an extra bit of care he programmed in the final attack runs and targeting priorities into his birds. He hoped it would never have to happen, but if it did, it was likely only because he wouldn't be around to care. But it didn't matter if he cared, it mattered if whomever nailed him cared. In the end you could never stop anyone willing to take the hit themselves.

DES adjusted his flight jacket, reseated his aviator glasses and reviewed the arrivals of the last twenty minutes as he headed in.

22:11:59 Monday April 4, 2070 - LTG: 6544.21.4015 - Seattle UCAS

"Coffehouse is just a couple of blocks from her, so it's a quick walk and we've got 30 minutes to kill before I'd like to head over there. Assuming neither of you will melt in the rain." She flashed a smile in Dual's direction. "Assuming we can lock this place down for an hour or so without causing problems, I'm good with you coming with."

She started rustling around in her duffle and pulled out a leather jacket and tossed it on top. She slipped into the bathroom with a smaller bag under her arm and spent the next few minutes primping and doing those things that only women do in the bathroom.

22:41:01 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Everett UCAS

The walk over to Uncommon Grounds was uneventful. As she stepped inside with her teammates behind her they looked less like a budding runner team and more like a group of friends grabbing a cup of coffee. A'ja tossed a wave and a friendly hello to the barista behind the counter and was greeted with a cheerful "Hi Allison!" in return.

She grabbed a booth towards the back that provided a good view of the front (and rear) exits. It wasn't long before the girl behind the counter came over with a large mug that was filled to the rim with foam.

"Something for your friends tonight?" Asked the girl as she looked between Flicker and Dual.

Her eyes kept moving from the girl's face to the front door and back again without being painfully obvious that she was looking for someone.

22:54:45 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

DES hitched up his dark grey wool slacks, then stepped through the doorway and without glancing around the room headed straight back. His order for a steaming almond flavored latte was already placed, the coffee machines countdown timer flickering the downcount in one corner of his vision. He made eye contact, hard to tell exactly with the mirrored reflective glasses, and nodded very slightly as he approached. As he sat he counteracted his slight frame by sitting up straight in the chari without removing his jacket and said, "Des." as he turned to survey the others at the table.

"25 seconds till the machine coughs up my latte."

22:54:45 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

Dual had ordered a glass of water, but was now savoring it like a fine mug of non-synthetic coffee. At his command, his implants fooled his senses into believing that was exactly what he was holding - a hot steamy cup of coffee. He sipped it carefully as the others enjoyed their drinks, and didn't alter his posture much when the newcomer arrived.

"Dual," he responded when the man gave his name.

22:54:45 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

A'ja returned the slight nod with one of her own as Des took a seat opposite her. She politely set her cappuccino down and offered her hand across the table.

"A'ja, glad you could make it."

22:54:55 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

DES had to lift up a bit to be able to reach across the table and shake the woman's hand. Sitting back down with a glance off towards the spitting coffee contraption at the counter, he says as he orders, "Blueberry mini muffins."

He watches in silence as his plate of mini muffins and latte arrive. Pushing the plate into the middle of the table after the barista leaves, and signaling to share, "So what can you tell me you need?"

22:54:55 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

She politely declines the muffin, but licks a bit of foam from her lips before she gets down to business.

"Plain and simple, we're doing the "under the radar" investigation for some... associates. We're in need of transportation when it's necessary and someone who has the extra benefit of survailence capabilities are a plus. Word is if it's got wheels or wings you've got that market covered."

She slipped her hand inside her coat pocket and placed a thin and small silver box, no bigger than a pack of cigarettes on the table. With a flick of her thumbnail, along the top the LED's blinked to life, when all three were steady, she continued in confidence that their conversation was now much more private.

"The boys we're working for are of the connected variety if you get my drift. Someone rubbed them the wrong way and this isn't exactly the type of matter that the 'Star wants to touch with a 10 foot pole. Or they're being told not to persue it, take your pick."

22:55:37 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

DES nods as he listens. He munches a mini muffin in one bite and sips on his latte. After the initial pitch he responds.

"Off the books investigation. Surveillance, basic counter surveillance. Transportation. I have a vehicle, carry 4 if I'm in it, 5 without me. 3 aerial drones, can manage more if you have them."

Picking up another mini muffin, "The rate you mentioned is acceptable to me for chauffeuring and the basic surveillance, however it appears possible you may require additional services?"

22:55:37 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

"The situation is ever changing and we have a fairly large expense account and a good opportunity to renegotiate our fees when necessary. The rate I quoted you is for the first seven days only. It is possible that either we'll be wildly successful and not need the full seven, or we'll get deeper and deeper into this and be hired on yet another week or more."

She paused to finish off her cappuccino and let DES think about what she had said so far.

"We've got magical, matrix and face support. We're lacking in your specialties. You'd be a great asset were you to join in."

22:56:20 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

"I'll accept, but as you say there may be conditions under which to renegotiate."

"Do you need some time to decide, or do you need to start right away?"

22:56:30 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

"I think we were hopping to get started as soon as possible." Dual looks to A'ja to make the final statement on the matter, as she is pretty much in charge of human resources.

22:56:30 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

A'ja nodded her head in response to Dual's comment.

"Consider yourself hired on. I respect the need to possibly renegotiate, we may find it necessary to do so as an entire team with our employer. We've got a base of operations nearby that we're working out of for the duration. Seems like it could be necessary to keep a distance from our regular haunts during this process to cover our asses. How long do you need to prep to spend a few days with us there?"

22:56:40 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

"Toothbrush in car. Couple packets of flats. I travel light." DES picked up another muffin and bit into it.

"Can we finish the muffins and coffee here?"

22:56:45 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

Flicker sat quietly and watch A'ja work, this was her area of expertise so he stayed quiet and watched. The new team member would allow them options in pursuing this investigation.

Besides, the coffee here was really good.

22:56:40 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

"Excellent. We might as well stay and wire ourselves up while we have the opportunity I'm thinking we might be burning the midnight oil."

She smiled as she reached across the table and snagged one muffin for herself while ordering another vanilla cappuccino.

23:10:41 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

DES wiped off his fingers in with a small wet nap and got up. "Ready?"

Heading for the counter he grasped the box of mini muffins and the 4 liter insulated container of Peruvian roasted coffee he'd placed an order for take out several minutes ago. DES gracelessly nodded to the barista as he hefted the supplies, and headed out to the waiting car outside. The dark grey Ford Police Special, with the old police markings overpainted carefully, idled with a low rumble and the doors popped open as he approached. DES slid comfortably into the roomy back seats, the old plastic shell bench replaced with new faux velour form fitting cushioned seats. The structural bars still separated the rear and forward sections of the car. The slim man placed the boxes under the rear window and waved everyone in.

"So where are we headed?"

23:10:45 Monday April 4, 2070 - Uncommon Grounds - Seattle UCAS

A'ja silently nodded and pushed what was left of her cappuccino aside sliding out of the booth to follow DES' lead. As they stepped outside she smiled inwardly at his choice of vehicles and immediately filed how it might come in handy in the immediate future. Once she was settled inside the car she confirmed their destination with him.

"The Rosebowl, about 8 or 9 blocks from here. There's an alley on the northwest side that should provide good parking for you."

The drive back over was short, sweet and uneventful. She let DES have the ultimate decision where he parked his ride, and once he had done so she led the way around back to the doors leading to their new "home" for the next week or so.

"Dual, might as well get him subscribed to the maglock while we're at it."

She turned back to face their new teammate.

"It's not much, but it's better than pre-fab." She shook her head as she requested the doors to unlock and they went inside, the muffled noises of people celebrating various stages of their games above their heads filled the space and the dampness was still hanging in the air.

She threw her leather jacket over the back of one of the chairs surrounding the kitchen table and grabbed a seat.

"Time to bring you up to speed on the situation DES and plan our course of action. Fridge works, I think if you want to store anything in there."

Mental note, next opportunity to take a break, swing by the store and pick up the essentials. Not looking foward to choking down MRE's for the next few days...

23:32:46 Monday April 4, 2070 - HQ - Seattle UCAS

Flicker mentally checked in with Alpha to verify that no one had entered the doss while they were gone and then added DES to the list of people to notify should there be a problem. That done he turned to more practical matters and began explaining the situation and the job in as much detail as possible. With A'ja and Dual adding comments and observations it didn't take long to bring DES up to speed. Once the foundation had been laid they turned to the immediate problem.

"So, you can see we need to get access to the bodies in the hospital in order to verify that the deceased are who the police are claiming they are, and we'll need to do that in relatively short order. We're planning the run and realized that we'd need someone with your talents in order to transport the crew. Since we lacked that area of expertise it seemed illogical to continue planning until we had someone with your knowledge to add to the discussion." Flicker looked around the table for comments from the others.

23:32:50 Monday April 4, 2070 - The Rosebowl - Everett - Seattle UCAS

“Not only are we going to need transportation, but we’re going to need pretty rock-solid ID’s to get us deep into hospital administration, let alone the morgue since we’re not family nor are we hospital staff… yet.” She grinned dangerously as she was loving every minute of the behind the scenes work, the preparation for the moment she went “on stage” to get the info.

“Which means I owe Mr. C. a call for some assistance. Hope he’s up enjoying a good bottle of wine and not catching up on his beauty sleep right about now. Keep hashing out the plan and get DES any additional info he needs while I get this ball rolling. Dual, it might not hurt to start pulling the background info on Sergeant A. Harris, detectives Bill Yates and Brian Wrights, from the Downtown HQ. Also, the fire marshal, Marshal David Thomson…pull their jackets if you can, lots of good info stored in IAB files and we might get lucky and hit the jackpot.” She asked Dual to pull this off like it was as simple as walking into the next room and pulling a book of a shelf.

The Elven woman rose from the table and walked across the room as she placed the call to an already memorized number, etched in her mind much like the ink on the napkin in her breast pocket. She started to pace the synthetic green carpet in a slow, lazy circle as her commlink attempted to connect the call. Her voice was quiet, but not with the intent of keeping anything from her team.

“Signore, I hope I am not calling too late, if so I deeply apologize. But we’d like to get a head start on our tasks and that is going to require a bit of assistance from you and yours if it is possible.” She checked her visual data display of her outgoing call and ensured herself that the call was encrypted before continuing.

“We need to get access to the hospital. Records, doctors, the morgue staff especially if not the morgue itself. Air tight, or something strong enough to buy us enough time to seriously poke our noses around and find out what the staff there knows but isn’t telling….”

She continued to flesh out just enough of their plan to make it sound like they could pull it off with the limited amount of time they had, but insisted the ID’s would be critical to their success.

“I’d like to think a man in your position would have a few contacts we could turn to and use to our mutual benefit, Signore.”