Basement in Los Locos´ Turf, Seattle, Downtown
Thursday 08/14/70 22:44:00
Krait – Prepairing to relocate
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
Picking up a truck´s signal in the vincinity of the docks was even less of a problem then John had thought. With the training he had picked up this night, from cracking multiple coffin hotels, the elven tech started the unloved task of hacking on the fly.
Scan, analyze, exploit, analyze, brows, edit, brows, edit, command, he was starting to get used to it. Of course the company would miss the truck after some time, but he was intent to send it back, the illegitimate fare whipped from it´s logs, so nobody would notice. Unless some uber-meticulous file pusher noticed the minimally increased consumption. These people where usually much too overworked to investigate something like that, even if they noticed. Even if somebody noticed the 2 :nuyen: for disel and electricity where hardly worth the hastle of messing with Los Locos. Still having to depend on these assumptions made the paranoid runner uncomfortable.
Before the ride arrived, the ex-lawyer took off the dead man´s shirt and wrapped it tightly around the mangled head with the help of some medkit contents, to avoid any blood spilling. As the Swift Winds Delivery van pulled over into the alley, he made sure the sensors and cams would not pick up anything of them or their haul. While they stashed the bike wrackage and gear in the vehicle first, the hacker said matter of factly.
Mr Johnson: “A friend is someone you call to help you move.�
Walking back into the restroom and getting at the foot-end of the corps, a cold smile flashed over the elf´s features.
Mr Johnson: “A good friend is someone you call to help you move a body!�
Even as they where underway, to the barrio on an indirect rout, John devided his attention between directing the delivery truck, to shake off any perceived tails and putting up a live chat link to Belinda. Strangely enough, he almost lost track of time, while talking to her.
<<Bedroom-Trasseur @ Belinda [22:15:02, 14.08.2070]: “Hey, mi Hermosa, como esta?�>>
<<Belinda @ Bedroom-Trasseur [22:15:04, 14.08.2070]: “Muy bien, novio, how about you?�>>
Talking to the late teenage girl proved to be much more complicated then controlling the autopilot, but after a while, he had gotten St. Pierre´s personal comcode from her, beside her objections that he probably wouldn´t talk to an anglophone stranger.
<<Bedroom-Trasseur @ Belinda [22:30:20, 14.08.2070]: “I prommis they won´t give you any trouble for it, chica. Thank you so much!�>>
<<Belinda @ Bedroom-Trasseur [22:30:23, 14.08.2070]: “Si, essay, take care. You should take me out for that one some time.� :-P>>
<<Bedroom-Trasseur @ Belinda [22:30:27, 14.08.2070]: “I´ll call you on that, girl! See you around.� ;-)
Next he gave the gang-boss a call, to set up some place to pick apart the pieces. He quickly explained the situation, using only very vague terms, but making it clear, that the request was a direct extension of tonight´s favour and that there would something be in for the gang, as well, persuading the troll to put forth an offer of hospitality, at least to discuss the situation in detail. When they arrived, the two men quickly agreed on a way to split the spoils and St. Pierre showed them to a small musty basement with a ramp for the bike and two semi-clean beds, the amnesiac truck was already on it´s way back home.
Full Version: Hitting Bottom - First Wave
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Basement in Los Locos´ Turf, Seattle, Downtown
Thursday 08/14/70 22:44:00
Jack emptied out one of his grocery bags and placed the contents next to the men's room. He left the food and water he purchased earlier, but kept the beer.
Dat should be a nice treat for da squatter folk.
He then placed his loot in the empty bag. Once the van arrived, he picked up the body by the shoulders, while the elf picked up the feet.
Mr Johnson: “A friend is someone you call to help you move.�
Walking back into the restroom and getting at the foot-end of the corpse, a cold smile flashed over the elf´s features.
Mr Johnson: “A good friend is someone you call to help you move a body!�
Jack: "Den I must be a very good friend."
He picked up his "groceries", bloody old clothing, and beer and joined the elf in the van.
As the van drove, Jack considered the events of the evening. They certainly were not what he expected.
Dat's life I suppose. Every corner you turn brings someting new.
He spent the rest of the ride considering his past and what had brought him to this moment. Now did not seem like a good time for small talk. The elf seemed occupied with his matrix work and Jack was happy to be alive and to perhaps have made his first small step into his new life.
Before he knew it, they were at their new digs. The elf and the troll from the bar set about splitting up the remaining loot. Then they unloaded the bike and the body into a basement.
Jack speaking to the troll: "My apologies for any confusion back at da bar." He handed the troll the beer, "Dis here's a token of my thanks for you helpin us out, ya know? It ain't much but I figure you can split it out wit your crew. My mom always said it was rude not to bring a gift for da host."
Then Jack put his "groceries" under the pillow of the bed farthest from the door and collapsed into sleep, pistol still in hand.
Thursday 08/14/70 22:44:00
Jack emptied out one of his grocery bags and placed the contents next to the men's room. He left the food and water he purchased earlier, but kept the beer.
Dat should be a nice treat for da squatter folk.
He then placed his loot in the empty bag. Once the van arrived, he picked up the body by the shoulders, while the elf picked up the feet.
Mr Johnson: “A friend is someone you call to help you move.�
Walking back into the restroom and getting at the foot-end of the corpse, a cold smile flashed over the elf´s features.
Mr Johnson: “A good friend is someone you call to help you move a body!�
Jack: "Den I must be a very good friend."
He picked up his "groceries", bloody old clothing, and beer and joined the elf in the van.
As the van drove, Jack considered the events of the evening. They certainly were not what he expected.
Dat's life I suppose. Every corner you turn brings someting new.
He spent the rest of the ride considering his past and what had brought him to this moment. Now did not seem like a good time for small talk. The elf seemed occupied with his matrix work and Jack was happy to be alive and to perhaps have made his first small step into his new life.
Before he knew it, they were at their new digs. The elf and the troll from the bar set about splitting up the remaining loot. Then they unloaded the bike and the body into a basement.
Jack speaking to the troll: "My apologies for any confusion back at da bar." He handed the troll the beer, "Dis here's a token of my thanks for you helpin us out, ya know? It ain't much but I figure you can split it out wit your crew. My mom always said it was rude not to bring a gift for da host."
Then Jack put his "groceries" under the pillow of the bed farthest from the door and collapsed into sleep, pistol still in hand.
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Thursday 08/14/70 23:53:30
Krait – A Little Less Sleep, A Little More Exploitation, Please!
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 2), Moai offline
The exchange of beers made the former defence attorney think about his past personal bodyguard, not due to any similarity, this time, but because of the dissimilarity, as the black ork would not drink any alcohol, ever. After the trogs had had sniffed each-other, John thanked the big gang-boss, as well, and offered to leave all of the wracked bike except f it´s pilot-node to them.
After the gangers had left, the elf used some of the dead man´s plast-restraints, to bind the corpse´s limbs and fix it to a pipe on the room´s far side from the bed´s. It was then, that he received the good news from his employer, but thinking that a personal meeting would be necessary, anyway, he didn´t answer right away. Most people needed much more sleep, then a body and mind really needed, after all.
One @ Team [22:45:15, 14.08.2070]: We have an opportunity to get some extra resources. Send me a list of what you think we may need by 1200 tomorrow. If you want to deliver it in person, you know where to find me.
That´s good news, maybe there will be enough cash in it to hire that ork. If heagrees for the tokan payment we are pulling this off, that it. Well, given the loot he had picked up, so far, maybe this run at least wouldn´t end up consuming more resources, then they´d get out of it. Retrieving the sensor-pack out of his pocket, that he had already found back at the bar, the technician headed for the restroom behind a faded red door, to lose some weight.
John: “Get some good rest, maybe we can have a doctor give you a look, tomorrow.�
When he arrived there, it wasn´t as much the less than perfect hygienic condition of the dumping-pot –that actually was much better than he had dared to hope for- it was more the thought, that doing his business there might leave biological traces, that could be collected by somebody. Back at his home, his toilet would sanitize anything he flushed down, making it useless for forensic or magical purposes. Given the prospect of spending the next hours in this neighborhood, however, all he could do was to leave the toilet as clean as possible and hope nobody had planted a collector-drone down in the sewages.
He flushed the toilet once, then used the fortunately available paper to wipe the toilet seat, after he had sprayed it with a disinfectant from the Hispanic´s medkit. Then he compleatly covered the inside of the pot with paper and finally covered the seat with paper, as well, before loosening his pants and taking a seat. Still he was much to tense to let it go, so he started tinkering with the sensor-pack, to get it working and –conecting the two with a fiber-optic- subscribe it exclusively to his own comlink. Hacking periphery devices on the fly actually wasn´t that hard.
As he sat there, fumbling around with the pack and trying to relax, the muted colors of the dimly lit room faded into the subconscious and the world turned gray. The space he was standing in, expanded into eternity. In the distance he could see a single pixel of red, barely peaking over the horizon, like the dawning sun, and he moved it to right in front of him. He saw the red door and he wanted to paint it gray. Then he noticed that the red paint was sporting tiny cracks and he could easily peel it off in small flakes. When he did so, he saw that it was gray beneath the surface, but he also noticed that he lacked the key to open it. How did he get there the last time? Then the space turned on one side, as though he was falling.
Bent over, his torso resting on his lap, he stared at the gray tiles on the rest-rooms floor, noting that they were actually a dirt-covered white. He had awoken, when he had almost fallen over. He checked the time.
[23:51:09, 14.08.2070]
This was not the perfect location for a nap. At least he had been able to relax. He flushed the toilet –nearly fooding it due to the excessive layer of paper- and almost went out of his way, to disinfect and clean it to a point, where no samples of his could be collected any more. Then he opened the red door and returned to the room where the grazed ork was calmly resting on one bed, the mangled bike was silently resting against a wall and the Hispanic´s corps was restrained and hopefully resting in the far corner of the room.
He covered his head with a thin, synthetic wool cap and lay down on the unoccupied bed on top of the sheets. Placing the camera on the wall above him, so it would have a good look at the room and especially anyone getting close to him, he closed his eyes and dove head first into cyberspace. After arranging the camera feed in his field of vision, he selected the Hispanic´s SOTA comlink for another Exploit, this time bracing himself for a night of probing, as this one would be much harder than the last and he wanted to get an admin-access.
Thursday 08/14/70 23:53:30
Krait – A Little Less Sleep, A Little More Exploitation, Please!
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 2), Moai offline
The exchange of beers made the former defence attorney think about his past personal bodyguard, not due to any similarity, this time, but because of the dissimilarity, as the black ork would not drink any alcohol, ever. After the trogs had had sniffed each-other, John thanked the big gang-boss, as well, and offered to leave all of the wracked bike except f it´s pilot-node to them.
After the gangers had left, the elf used some of the dead man´s plast-restraints, to bind the corpse´s limbs and fix it to a pipe on the room´s far side from the bed´s. It was then, that he received the good news from his employer, but thinking that a personal meeting would be necessary, anyway, he didn´t answer right away. Most people needed much more sleep, then a body and mind really needed, after all.
One @ Team [22:45:15, 14.08.2070]: We have an opportunity to get some extra resources. Send me a list of what you think we may need by 1200 tomorrow. If you want to deliver it in person, you know where to find me.
That´s good news, maybe there will be enough cash in it to hire that ork. If heagrees for the tokan payment we are pulling this off, that it. Well, given the loot he had picked up, so far, maybe this run at least wouldn´t end up consuming more resources, then they´d get out of it. Retrieving the sensor-pack out of his pocket, that he had already found back at the bar, the technician headed for the restroom behind a faded red door, to lose some weight.
John: “Get some good rest, maybe we can have a doctor give you a look, tomorrow.�
When he arrived there, it wasn´t as much the less than perfect hygienic condition of the dumping-pot –that actually was much better than he had dared to hope for- it was more the thought, that doing his business there might leave biological traces, that could be collected by somebody. Back at his home, his toilet would sanitize anything he flushed down, making it useless for forensic or magical purposes. Given the prospect of spending the next hours in this neighborhood, however, all he could do was to leave the toilet as clean as possible and hope nobody had planted a collector-drone down in the sewages.
He flushed the toilet once, then used the fortunately available paper to wipe the toilet seat, after he had sprayed it with a disinfectant from the Hispanic´s medkit. Then he compleatly covered the inside of the pot with paper and finally covered the seat with paper, as well, before loosening his pants and taking a seat. Still he was much to tense to let it go, so he started tinkering with the sensor-pack, to get it working and –conecting the two with a fiber-optic- subscribe it exclusively to his own comlink. Hacking periphery devices on the fly actually wasn´t that hard.
As he sat there, fumbling around with the pack and trying to relax, the muted colors of the dimly lit room faded into the subconscious and the world turned gray. The space he was standing in, expanded into eternity. In the distance he could see a single pixel of red, barely peaking over the horizon, like the dawning sun, and he moved it to right in front of him. He saw the red door and he wanted to paint it gray. Then he noticed that the red paint was sporting tiny cracks and he could easily peel it off in small flakes. When he did so, he saw that it was gray beneath the surface, but he also noticed that he lacked the key to open it. How did he get there the last time? Then the space turned on one side, as though he was falling.
Bent over, his torso resting on his lap, he stared at the gray tiles on the rest-rooms floor, noting that they were actually a dirt-covered white. He had awoken, when he had almost fallen over. He checked the time.
[23:51:09, 14.08.2070]
This was not the perfect location for a nap. At least he had been able to relax. He flushed the toilet –nearly fooding it due to the excessive layer of paper- and almost went out of his way, to disinfect and clean it to a point, where no samples of his could be collected any more. Then he opened the red door and returned to the room where the grazed ork was calmly resting on one bed, the mangled bike was silently resting against a wall and the Hispanic´s corps was restrained and hopefully resting in the far corner of the room.
He covered his head with a thin, synthetic wool cap and lay down on the unoccupied bed on top of the sheets. Placing the camera on the wall above him, so it would have a good look at the room and especially anyone getting close to him, he closed his eyes and dove head first into cyberspace. After arranging the camera feed in his field of vision, he selected the Hispanic´s SOTA comlink for another Exploit, this time bracing himself for a night of probing, as this one would be much harder than the last and he wanted to get an admin-access.
The Barrio
Thursday 08/15/70 9:22:38
Throwing the apple in the air in front of him, and catching it with a sure hand, Conall grinned to himself. It had taken him almost an hour to find some sort of grocery store that offered half decent food. The fact he didn't know the Barrio's street all that well didn't help. The young shaman had pretty much just chosen streets and turns at a random, following his inner instinct. He'd even thought of checking on his commlink for one... and had realized it was still back at the flat, in his jacket. A simple shrug had discarded the problem. Still holding the full bag of grocery with his right hand, Conall threw the fruit up in the air once more, catching it with ease. He brought it up to his mouth, biting a big chunk out. Food, especially organic, was grossely overpriced... at least in his own mind.
For the very first time in his life, every single nuyen he was spending was actually coming out of his pocket. Money.... He had never cared for it, and to some extent sill did.... but he would soon have to find a way to make some, steady, and fast. He had to take care of not only himself now, but Etain as well. And the needed a decent place to stay. And something better than a motorcycle to get around. He pushed all those thoughts aside, trying first to remember which way the flat was... and second, to get his mind back to the real task at hand. They had indeed made a certain progress last night, but it wasn't any where close to what Conall had hoped. They were a bit closer to Esmeralda, but closer wasn't what they were aiming for. In his mind, every single that ticked away was a chance of finding the woman alive that slipped away. They should have been searching the entire city, day and night. But instead, they were moving slow. But that was how things had to be done; a lot of searching and snopping around... much to the young elf's dissmay.
Chewing another bite down, Conall started going over the facts. Some asian chap had paid to get Esmeralda kidnapped. Some hispanic guy, how had apparently ran into the nun before, had gone after them at some dive. To the shaman, everything was pretty simple, especially after what they had learned at Ground Zero. Some guy had a big hard on for Esmeralda, and after seeing her “perform� at he club, had decided to get nabbed for his own personal enjoyment. The only thing that didn't really fit in was that guy who had jumped them. What was his tie into all this? At first, Conall had thought he had been paired up with EJ and Vanity... but after “talking� with the woman, it was obvious they weren't friends in any sort of matter. Yet.... What was he doing at that bar? Did he work for that “Kenji� guy? And if he did...
Conall shook his head from side to side. This was way too much thinking for him. Finding the reasons behind thing wasn't going to help them in the least. They had to get a hold of the guy who had paid for Esmeralda's kidnapping, and beat the crap out of him until he turned her over. Plain and simple.
The Barrio - O'Neill's Flat
Thursday 08/15/70 10:03:21
Cooking had never been one of Conall's strong points. Actually, he had never cooked in his life. He simply did things; emulated the moves he saw Chefs do on the trid. And thinking of it, Conall had come to the conclusion that he never really watched the trid. And so, what he did manage to serve Etain for breakfast was a bit.... scarry.
Her seated crossed leg on the unmade bed, him with his back against it, the ate their food while cringing a bit and sharing very little words. Conall had so many things he wanted to say... yet so little words with which to say them. And Etain... well... she probably knew all to well what he brother wanted to say, yet couldn't. In the end, their silence spoke to a much greater end than their voices ever could have.
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:470:53
Conall got the church a bit early. After Etain had crawled back under the covers, he had gone out again and ran for a little over an hour. His current workout routine, ever since he had arrived in Seattle, had never come close to what he had put his body throught back in the Tir... but somehow, he now felt ten times more in shape than before. He felt in control of every single muscle. He felt good. He felt ready. And above all, Conall felt lethal.
Going around the church, and toward the small steps that led down, and into the clinic, the young shaman ran an almost nervous hand through his hair. He hated meetings. He hated briefing, and even more debriefing. He wanted to be back in the thick of it. After last night... he knew the rush he had felt would turn into a craving. Not even 24 hours later, he was already starting to feel it in his bones.
Thursday 08/15/70 9:22:38
Throwing the apple in the air in front of him, and catching it with a sure hand, Conall grinned to himself. It had taken him almost an hour to find some sort of grocery store that offered half decent food. The fact he didn't know the Barrio's street all that well didn't help. The young shaman had pretty much just chosen streets and turns at a random, following his inner instinct. He'd even thought of checking on his commlink for one... and had realized it was still back at the flat, in his jacket. A simple shrug had discarded the problem. Still holding the full bag of grocery with his right hand, Conall threw the fruit up in the air once more, catching it with ease. He brought it up to his mouth, biting a big chunk out. Food, especially organic, was grossely overpriced... at least in his own mind.
For the very first time in his life, every single nuyen he was spending was actually coming out of his pocket. Money.... He had never cared for it, and to some extent sill did.... but he would soon have to find a way to make some, steady, and fast. He had to take care of not only himself now, but Etain as well. And the needed a decent place to stay. And something better than a motorcycle to get around. He pushed all those thoughts aside, trying first to remember which way the flat was... and second, to get his mind back to the real task at hand. They had indeed made a certain progress last night, but it wasn't any where close to what Conall had hoped. They were a bit closer to Esmeralda, but closer wasn't what they were aiming for. In his mind, every single that ticked away was a chance of finding the woman alive that slipped away. They should have been searching the entire city, day and night. But instead, they were moving slow. But that was how things had to be done; a lot of searching and snopping around... much to the young elf's dissmay.
Chewing another bite down, Conall started going over the facts. Some asian chap had paid to get Esmeralda kidnapped. Some hispanic guy, how had apparently ran into the nun before, had gone after them at some dive. To the shaman, everything was pretty simple, especially after what they had learned at Ground Zero. Some guy had a big hard on for Esmeralda, and after seeing her “perform� at he club, had decided to get nabbed for his own personal enjoyment. The only thing that didn't really fit in was that guy who had jumped them. What was his tie into all this? At first, Conall had thought he had been paired up with EJ and Vanity... but after “talking� with the woman, it was obvious they weren't friends in any sort of matter. Yet.... What was he doing at that bar? Did he work for that “Kenji� guy? And if he did...
Conall shook his head from side to side. This was way too much thinking for him. Finding the reasons behind thing wasn't going to help them in the least. They had to get a hold of the guy who had paid for Esmeralda's kidnapping, and beat the crap out of him until he turned her over. Plain and simple.
The Barrio - O'Neill's Flat
Thursday 08/15/70 10:03:21
Cooking had never been one of Conall's strong points. Actually, he had never cooked in his life. He simply did things; emulated the moves he saw Chefs do on the trid. And thinking of it, Conall had come to the conclusion that he never really watched the trid. And so, what he did manage to serve Etain for breakfast was a bit.... scarry.
Her seated crossed leg on the unmade bed, him with his back against it, the ate their food while cringing a bit and sharing very little words. Conall had so many things he wanted to say... yet so little words with which to say them. And Etain... well... she probably knew all to well what he brother wanted to say, yet couldn't. In the end, their silence spoke to a much greater end than their voices ever could have.
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:470:53
Conall got the church a bit early. After Etain had crawled back under the covers, he had gone out again and ran for a little over an hour. His current workout routine, ever since he had arrived in Seattle, had never come close to what he had put his body throught back in the Tir... but somehow, he now felt ten times more in shape than before. He felt in control of every single muscle. He felt good. He felt ready. And above all, Conall felt lethal.
Going around the church, and toward the small steps that led down, and into the clinic, the young shaman ran an almost nervous hand through his hair. He hated meetings. He hated briefing, and even more debriefing. He wanted to be back in the thick of it. After last night... he knew the rush he had felt would turn into a craving. Not even 24 hours later, he was already starting to feel it in his bones.
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Friday 8/15/70 8:36:00
Jack laughed when St. Pierre offered him a beer. "Ow, dat hurts," he said, holding his bandaged chest. "Dat's all for you guys. I can't be drinkin' when I got a client to look after, ya know?" he said, nodding toward the elf.
The elf was busy securing the body to a pipe and then taking a call on his commlink.
The elf....what was his name? Krait or John or Frank, some damn thing. He sure knows how to keep himself busy. I ain't never been good with names, why should I be better now? Give it some time, you'll remember.
John: “Get some good rest, maybe we can have a doctor give you a look, tomorrow.�
Jack:"Maybe if it's dat lady from da van I'll save some scratches for her to fix up. By dis time tomorrow I'll be pretty good. I'm a fast healer, ya know? Gettin some good rest will help with dat."
With that, he put his "groceries" under the pillow of the bed farthest from the door and collapsed into sleep, pistol still in hand.
He awoke from a terrible nightmare. Helicopters straffing a line of motorcycles in the wilderness. The riders tried to avoid the autocannon rounds but to no avail. A mage fell from the sky, his body blasted in half. A round hit one of the bikes, throwing the rider 5 meters in the air. The rider landed on his head, neck breaking with an aweful snap. It was Mr. J.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Jack screamed. "Keep it together. Mr. Js too smart to get killed dat way. Just a bad dream, dat's all."
He sat up breathing heavily, pistol ready. He looked around at the dingy basement, the elf was on the other bed with some kind of stocking hat covering his face completely oblivious to Jack's sudden outburst.
Must be out in da matrix or something. Don't dat guy ever sleep?
The troll was gone. The bike and the corpse remained and there was a camera over the elf.
Frag, I'm hungry. Wonder if dere's something ta eat in dis place? Maybe I should a kept some a dem groceries for my breakfast. Never was good at thinking too far ahead. Can't leave da elf. A camera shoots but it don't shoot back, ya know?
He busied himself with the medkit, then strung up his improvised alarm from the tool shed, across the entry to the basement.
Dat'll wake me up if I doze off.
Not trusting that his smartlink would work with his new weapons, he sat on his bed with his back to the wall and facing the door, holding his trusty Hammerli 620s. He looked at Naguel. "It took down dat fragger." Then his eyes closed and his head fell to his chest for the sort of nap taken by commuters on a long subway ride.
Friday 8/15/70 8:36:00
Jack laughed when St. Pierre offered him a beer. "Ow, dat hurts," he said, holding his bandaged chest. "Dat's all for you guys. I can't be drinkin' when I got a client to look after, ya know?" he said, nodding toward the elf.
The elf was busy securing the body to a pipe and then taking a call on his commlink.
The elf....what was his name? Krait or John or Frank, some damn thing. He sure knows how to keep himself busy. I ain't never been good with names, why should I be better now? Give it some time, you'll remember.
John: “Get some good rest, maybe we can have a doctor give you a look, tomorrow.�
Jack:"Maybe if it's dat lady from da van I'll save some scratches for her to fix up. By dis time tomorrow I'll be pretty good. I'm a fast healer, ya know? Gettin some good rest will help with dat."
With that, he put his "groceries" under the pillow of the bed farthest from the door and collapsed into sleep, pistol still in hand.
He awoke from a terrible nightmare. Helicopters straffing a line of motorcycles in the wilderness. The riders tried to avoid the autocannon rounds but to no avail. A mage fell from the sky, his body blasted in half. A round hit one of the bikes, throwing the rider 5 meters in the air. The rider landed on his head, neck breaking with an aweful snap. It was Mr. J.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Jack screamed. "Keep it together. Mr. Js too smart to get killed dat way. Just a bad dream, dat's all."
He sat up breathing heavily, pistol ready. He looked around at the dingy basement, the elf was on the other bed with some kind of stocking hat covering his face completely oblivious to Jack's sudden outburst.
Must be out in da matrix or something. Don't dat guy ever sleep?
The troll was gone. The bike and the corpse remained and there was a camera over the elf.
Frag, I'm hungry. Wonder if dere's something ta eat in dis place? Maybe I should a kept some a dem groceries for my breakfast. Never was good at thinking too far ahead. Can't leave da elf. A camera shoots but it don't shoot back, ya know?
He busied himself with the medkit, then strung up his improvised alarm from the tool shed, across the entry to the basement.
Dat'll wake me up if I doze off.
Not trusting that his smartlink would work with his new weapons, he sat on his bed with his back to the wall and facing the door, holding his trusty Hammerli 620s. He looked at Naguel. "It took down dat fragger." Then his eyes closed and his head fell to his chest for the sort of nap taken by commuters on a long subway ride.
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:49:53
"Oh there you are," Carla greeted Paddy upon his arrival. It had been a relatively slow morning and the current patients were suffering only minor, routine maladies. Carla had thus relegated the patients to the rest of the clinic staff and had chosen to take stock of the clinic inventory. Bored out of her mind while doing so, Carla easily noticed the Irish elf's arrival.
"I won't keep you long," Carla assured the mage, "I have a feeling we're nearing the end of this project, but I doubt the final stretch will be easy. I got an offer from an old friend for some extra supplies, so if there's anything you need - weapons, armor, magical equipment...whatever you think will help you be more effective at what you do - now's the time to let me know."
Thursday 08/15/70 11:49:53
"Oh there you are," Carla greeted Paddy upon his arrival. It had been a relatively slow morning and the current patients were suffering only minor, routine maladies. Carla had thus relegated the patients to the rest of the clinic staff and had chosen to take stock of the clinic inventory. Bored out of her mind while doing so, Carla easily noticed the Irish elf's arrival.
"I won't keep you long," Carla assured the mage, "I have a feeling we're nearing the end of this project, but I doubt the final stretch will be easy. I got an offer from an old friend for some extra supplies, so if there's anything you need - weapons, armor, magical equipment...whatever you think will help you be more effective at what you do - now's the time to let me know."
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:50:03
With one hand deep inside his jacket's pocket, and the other one careless hanging unto his helmet, Conall came to rest his back against the wall, next to Carla. His nostrils were tingling with the ambient smell of disinfectant and rubbing alcohol. It was only his second time in the small clinic... and he was begining to sincerly hoped it would be his last. It wasn't that he minded hospitals and medical centers, far from that. It was more the fact that no matter how disinfected this place smelled and looked, he was constantly reminded that this place treated people from deep down into the gutter. People who probably carried infections and diseases that didn't exists in the civilizied world anymore.
Bringing his free hand out and up to the back of his neck, Conall rubbed it while he thought about Carla's statement. He had no idea who this “old friend� was, and what sort of pull he had. After seeing the sort of “helpers� the woman could conjure, as in street kids that pretended to be gangsters, and some frog eating troll, Conall actually had very little hope in this endavour. What exactly was he expected to ask? A gun? A balistic vest? A pair of wire cutters? Maybe some new shoes? Or did this person actually have access to things a little more exotic? Things that Conall would actually need and use in the field.
“Gear, hoi?� he simply said, rising an eyebrow toward Carla to indicate his mild surprise... which was actually rather honest. He hadn't pegged the woman for someone who might offer “free� help, and especially less free gear.
“Well, that sure does depend on what sort of goods yer mate can procure.�
He cocked his head sideway, looking at Carla with a slight smirk.
“I mean, are we talking about yer run o'the mill sticks and stones, or is yer man serious? I just wouldn't want to start asking for gold n' silver, and get a bucket full of rusty nails if ye catch me drift.�
Thursday 08/15/70 11:50:03
With one hand deep inside his jacket's pocket, and the other one careless hanging unto his helmet, Conall came to rest his back against the wall, next to Carla. His nostrils were tingling with the ambient smell of disinfectant and rubbing alcohol. It was only his second time in the small clinic... and he was begining to sincerly hoped it would be his last. It wasn't that he minded hospitals and medical centers, far from that. It was more the fact that no matter how disinfected this place smelled and looked, he was constantly reminded that this place treated people from deep down into the gutter. People who probably carried infections and diseases that didn't exists in the civilizied world anymore.
Bringing his free hand out and up to the back of his neck, Conall rubbed it while he thought about Carla's statement. He had no idea who this “old friend� was, and what sort of pull he had. After seeing the sort of “helpers� the woman could conjure, as in street kids that pretended to be gangsters, and some frog eating troll, Conall actually had very little hope in this endavour. What exactly was he expected to ask? A gun? A balistic vest? A pair of wire cutters? Maybe some new shoes? Or did this person actually have access to things a little more exotic? Things that Conall would actually need and use in the field.
“Gear, hoi?� he simply said, rising an eyebrow toward Carla to indicate his mild surprise... which was actually rather honest. He hadn't pegged the woman for someone who might offer “free� help, and especially less free gear.
“Well, that sure does depend on what sort of goods yer mate can procure.�
He cocked his head sideway, looking at Carla with a slight smirk.
“I mean, are we talking about yer run o'the mill sticks and stones, or is yer man serious? I just wouldn't want to start asking for gold n' silver, and get a bucket full of rusty nails if ye catch me drift.�
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Friday 8/15/70 11:00:00
Not long after Jack started his commuter nap, he heard the elf stirring about the room. Without looking up he said, "Mind da door. Got a little trip wire set about a foot off da ground. Nuttin bad will happen, just a cap gun to wake me up if need be, ya know?"
He then returned to fitfully dozing, while the elf went about his business. "Let me know if ya need some help, hold a wrench or something?"
Friday 8/15/70 11:00:00
Not long after Jack started his commuter nap, he heard the elf stirring about the room. Without looking up he said, "Mind da door. Got a little trip wire set about a foot off da ground. Nuttin bad will happen, just a cap gun to wake me up if need be, ya know?"
He then returned to fitfully dozing, while the elf went about his business. "Let me know if ya need some help, hold a wrench or something?"
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:50:25
Carla was conscious to make sure that, though far away from the rest of the clinic staff, she and Paddy remained clearly within plain sight. She wouldn't want anybody to suspect any sort of impropriety.
Following Paddy's inquiry, Carla took a good ten seconds to think of a crisp, concise reponse. The fact of the matter was that she really didn't know the terms of Don Ricardo's offer - nor did she even know what kinds of equipment he had access to anyway.
"Well," Carla started, "perhaps this discussion will be easier once we have a clearer idea of what it will take to rescue Esmeralda. Have you spoken to Frank at all since last night?"
Thursday 08/15/70 11:50:25
Carla was conscious to make sure that, though far away from the rest of the clinic staff, she and Paddy remained clearly within plain sight. She wouldn't want anybody to suspect any sort of impropriety.
Following Paddy's inquiry, Carla took a good ten seconds to think of a crisp, concise reponse. The fact of the matter was that she really didn't know the terms of Don Ricardo's offer - nor did she even know what kinds of equipment he had access to anyway.
"Well," Carla started, "perhaps this discussion will be easier once we have a clearer idea of what it will take to rescue Esmeralda. Have you spoken to Frank at all since last night?"
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:50:25
Conall started to look for a place nearby, to put his helmet down.
“I don't be meaning this with a pun, but to be frank, I haven't spoken words with him since we parted last night.�
He finally decided to set it atop the medecine cabinet Carla had been digging throught.
“I wouldn't hold me breath too much on this account."
Free from his helmet, he crossed his arms.
"Not that I put doubt in his.... technics" he said wit ha chuckle "but unless he gone far off on his own, and dug up this.... Kenji character, then we probably aren't any better off than last night."
Thursday 08/15/70 11:50:25
Conall started to look for a place nearby, to put his helmet down.
“I don't be meaning this with a pun, but to be frank, I haven't spoken words with him since we parted last night.�
He finally decided to set it atop the medecine cabinet Carla had been digging throught.
“I wouldn't hold me breath too much on this account."
Free from his helmet, he crossed his arms.
"Not that I put doubt in his.... technics" he said wit ha chuckle "but unless he gone far off on his own, and dug up this.... Kenji character, then we probably aren't any better off than last night."
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Thursday 08/15/70 12:00:40
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
There it was, a nice and sweet route into the comlink. An admin-level account implemented during the system´s design phase as a programmer access and then accidentally left open. Without using the discovered exploit, John left the virtual world behind, to take a short break and set up his next task.
Getting up from the bed, he stretched his limbs and walked up and down the room a few times. The elf felt tired and dehydrated. Finally he picked up the electronics tool kit and got back to work, improvising a wifi-antenna for the third, silent comlink, connected to the dead man´s datajack. He had no intention to plug his own com directly into it, neither wanting to spend all morning lying on the dirty floor, nor besides a wasting corpse. Fortunately it was relatively cool down in the basement, so the body had not developed an intensive smell, yet.
With slight reluctance, the tech sunk back onto the bad and reconnected the camera to his pan. Leaving his physical senses behind, he opened up his consciousness to the matrix again and started to search for a hidden path into a node anew. Probe readings scrolled down in front of his persona in a hypnotic stream of letters and figures, heralding hours of monotonous work, aiming the exploit armed agent at innumerable cracks of the target node´s OS and firewall.
When the agent had finally found a way into the node, that should grant John complete access-rights to the deceased runner´s closed pan. Before he tried to use the two exploits, John had to attend to a meeting, however, and he was already going to be late.
Two @ Team [11:57:20, 15.08.2070]: Sorry, I am going to be about 5 minutes late.
As he switched off the RAS override, the sudden dryness of his throat made him cough. When he stood up, the ork murmured a warning about his booby trap over the sound of his growling stomach. John took the soy-bar, he had bought last night and threw it over to the wounded man.
Mr Johnson: “Hope that will help some, until I can get us some half-way decent food and drink. I´m going to take a walk and get the doctor. It shouldn´t take too long.�
Before he left, he took off his flats and wrapped it around the scrounged gear, which he had put into the flat´s plastic bag, before he put the package under his pillow.
Thursday 08/15/70 12:00:40
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
There it was, a nice and sweet route into the comlink. An admin-level account implemented during the system´s design phase as a programmer access and then accidentally left open. Without using the discovered exploit, John left the virtual world behind, to take a short break and set up his next task.
Getting up from the bed, he stretched his limbs and walked up and down the room a few times. The elf felt tired and dehydrated. Finally he picked up the electronics tool kit and got back to work, improvising a wifi-antenna for the third, silent comlink, connected to the dead man´s datajack. He had no intention to plug his own com directly into it, neither wanting to spend all morning lying on the dirty floor, nor besides a wasting corpse. Fortunately it was relatively cool down in the basement, so the body had not developed an intensive smell, yet.
With slight reluctance, the tech sunk back onto the bad and reconnected the camera to his pan. Leaving his physical senses behind, he opened up his consciousness to the matrix again and started to search for a hidden path into a node anew. Probe readings scrolled down in front of his persona in a hypnotic stream of letters and figures, heralding hours of monotonous work, aiming the exploit armed agent at innumerable cracks of the target node´s OS and firewall.
When the agent had finally found a way into the node, that should grant John complete access-rights to the deceased runner´s closed pan. Before he tried to use the two exploits, John had to attend to a meeting, however, and he was already going to be late.
Two @ Team [11:57:20, 15.08.2070]: Sorry, I am going to be about 5 minutes late.
As he switched off the RAS override, the sudden dryness of his throat made him cough. When he stood up, the ork murmured a warning about his booby trap over the sound of his growling stomach. John took the soy-bar, he had bought last night and threw it over to the wounded man.
Mr Johnson: “Hope that will help some, until I can get us some half-way decent food and drink. I´m going to take a walk and get the doctor. It shouldn´t take too long.�
Before he left, he took off his flats and wrapped it around the scrounged gear, which he had put into the flat´s plastic bag, before he put the package under his pillow.
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:52:25
"Well, we have his name and commcode, so it shouldn't be so hard to track him down from there," Carla thought aloud, speaking as much to Paddy as to herself. "Frank's usually better at that kind of stuff than I am...let's wait and see if he's learned anything new since last night."
Unfortunately, neither Carla nor Paddy were great conversationalists, and she didn't know how much longer it would be until Krait's arrival. Anticipating an extended period of uncomfortable idleness, and not wanting to appear off-duty for too long, Carla inquired about the bruise she had seen the previous night.
"I...noticed your abdomen was injured last night," she remarked after a moment's pause. "Is, um, was that from last night's adventure, or is it an old wound?"
Thursday 08/15/70 11:52:25
"Well, we have his name and commcode, so it shouldn't be so hard to track him down from there," Carla thought aloud, speaking as much to Paddy as to herself. "Frank's usually better at that kind of stuff than I am...let's wait and see if he's learned anything new since last night."
Unfortunately, neither Carla nor Paddy were great conversationalists, and she didn't know how much longer it would be until Krait's arrival. Anticipating an extended period of uncomfortable idleness, and not wanting to appear off-duty for too long, Carla inquired about the bruise she had seen the previous night.
"I...noticed your abdomen was injured last night," she remarked after a moment's pause. "Is, um, was that from last night's adventure, or is it an old wound?"
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Friday 08/15/70 12:10:00
Jack: taking the soy bar and looking up, said, "Thanks. Ya sure dat's a good idea? People is tryin to kill ya and dey could get to ya anywhere, ya know? If ya ain't takin me ya might want to take one a da gangers wit ya. I don't need no doctor, I'll be good as new by tonight. Unless she's part of your team and you want me to meet her or something like dat.
Let me slot ya some cred omae. I'm a big guy wit a big stomach. Here's
25 dat otta cover enough for me. Damn I'm hungry. Gettin shot really works up a appatite, ya know?"
The elf gingerly stepped over the trip wire and went his way. Jack greedily devoured the soy bar and stuffed the wrapper in his jacket pocket. Now was the sort of time he really missed his old life. During down time he could keep himself occupied working out in a hotel fitness center or watching trideo back in the room. Maybe one of the gangers would return and he could teach him a thing or two about cribbage.
Nothing for it. I'll just turn on my PAN and catch some news.
It wasn't long before he was back in commuter nap mode.
Friday 08/15/70 12:10:00
QUOTE
Two @ Team [11:57:20, 15.08.2070]: Sorry, I am going to be about 5 minutes late.
As he switched off the RAS override, the sudden dryness of his throat made him cough. When he stood up, the ork murmured a warning about his booby trap over the sound of his growling stomach. John took the soy-bar, he had bought last night and threw it over to the wounded man.
Mr Johnson: “Hope that will help some, until I can get us some half-way decent food and drink. I´m going to take a walk and get the doctor. It shouldn´t take too long.'
As he switched off the RAS override, the sudden dryness of his throat made him cough. When he stood up, the ork murmured a warning about his booby trap over the sound of his growling stomach. John took the soy-bar, he had bought last night and threw it over to the wounded man.
Mr Johnson: “Hope that will help some, until I can get us some half-way decent food and drink. I´m going to take a walk and get the doctor. It shouldn´t take too long.'
Jack: taking the soy bar and looking up, said, "Thanks. Ya sure dat's a good idea? People is tryin to kill ya and dey could get to ya anywhere, ya know? If ya ain't takin me ya might want to take one a da gangers wit ya. I don't need no doctor, I'll be good as new by tonight. Unless she's part of your team and you want me to meet her or something like dat.
Let me slot ya some cred omae. I'm a big guy wit a big stomach. Here's
25 dat otta cover enough for me. Damn I'm hungry. Gettin shot really works up a appatite, ya know?" The elf gingerly stepped over the trip wire and went his way. Jack greedily devoured the soy bar and stuffed the wrapper in his jacket pocket. Now was the sort of time he really missed his old life. During down time he could keep himself occupied working out in a hotel fitness center or watching trideo back in the room. Maybe one of the gangers would return and he could teach him a thing or two about cribbage.
Nothing for it. I'll just turn on my PAN and catch some news.
It wasn't long before he was back in commuter nap mode.
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:52:40
In the few seconds of silence that had grown between Carla and himself, Conall's thoughts had gone out on their own. It took him a moment to actually register that Carla had spoken to him... and he realized it after she had finished her sentence.
“Hmm?� was all he made, leaning in a bit closer, while still apparently looking off toward something only he could he.
“I was saying;� started Carla again “I noticed your abdomen was injured last night. Was it from last night?�
Conall snaped his head to the side, looking at Carla with a small frown. For a brief moment, the shaman wasn't quite sure what she was refering to.
“Oh... Well, if you're making a reference to the bit the bruisin I had going on, tis indeed from our wee outing last night. New scars, Old scars. No bother from both. They're all the same to me. Rights of passages on the path.�
He straightened himself back up, chuckling slightly.
“Assay, easy come, easy go. �
Conall looked again toward Carla.
“Don't ye be fretting and spendings worries on me account. Sticks and stones can't break me bones.�
He gave a sort of casual glance around the clinic, letting a few seconds of silence drag by. Somehow, the fact that the woman was apparently worried about him didn't make him feel offended like it usually did. It did slightly amuse him to some extend. If only she knew. But then again, he had no reason to tell her anything. Nevertheless, the fact she had begun a somewhat benine conversation with him pushed him to follow throught. Contrary to popular belief, Conall didn't take any pleasure in being impolite or disrespectful... to those that deserved it.
“I make no judgement call on yer strenght o' character, Mam'... but....� started Conall, stopping halfway to clear his throat a bit “how are ye holding up?�
Thursday 08/15/70 11:52:40
In the few seconds of silence that had grown between Carla and himself, Conall's thoughts had gone out on their own. It took him a moment to actually register that Carla had spoken to him... and he realized it after she had finished her sentence.
“Hmm?� was all he made, leaning in a bit closer, while still apparently looking off toward something only he could he.
“I was saying;� started Carla again “I noticed your abdomen was injured last night. Was it from last night?�
Conall snaped his head to the side, looking at Carla with a small frown. For a brief moment, the shaman wasn't quite sure what she was refering to.
“Oh... Well, if you're making a reference to the bit the bruisin I had going on, tis indeed from our wee outing last night. New scars, Old scars. No bother from both. They're all the same to me. Rights of passages on the path.�
He straightened himself back up, chuckling slightly.
“Assay, easy come, easy go. �
Conall looked again toward Carla.
“Don't ye be fretting and spendings worries on me account. Sticks and stones can't break me bones.�
He gave a sort of casual glance around the clinic, letting a few seconds of silence drag by. Somehow, the fact that the woman was apparently worried about him didn't make him feel offended like it usually did. It did slightly amuse him to some extend. If only she knew. But then again, he had no reason to tell her anything. Nevertheless, the fact she had begun a somewhat benine conversation with him pushed him to follow throught. Contrary to popular belief, Conall didn't take any pleasure in being impolite or disrespectful... to those that deserved it.
“I make no judgement call on yer strenght o' character, Mam'... but....� started Conall, stopping halfway to clear his throat a bit “how are ye holding up?�
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:53:00
Carla turned back to the clinic inventory, rummaging through various bottles and boxes as if she were actually looking for something. "I am uninjured," she replied, and quickly pivoted the point of conversation back onto Conall. "Sticks and stones may not be able to break your bones, but they sometimes puncture organs or rupture blood vessels. I was worried that your bruise may have actually been an indication of internal hemmorage, but I'll take your word that it's just a moderate bruise after all. Besides, were you actually bleeding into your stomach all night long, you'd either be dead or in a coma by now, so I'm sure that's not the case. On the other hand, were it an old bruise that had refused to heal, that might be an indication of a platelet deficiency or some other type of blood disorder. But you say it's a new wound, so there's no reason for me to suspect any problems of that nature..."
Carla paused. "I don't mean to inquire too far into personal matters of health," she assured her mercenary, "I just...since we have a small team, I'd like to be sure that everybody is in top condition."
Thursday 08/15/70 11:53:00
Carla turned back to the clinic inventory, rummaging through various bottles and boxes as if she were actually looking for something. "I am uninjured," she replied, and quickly pivoted the point of conversation back onto Conall. "Sticks and stones may not be able to break your bones, but they sometimes puncture organs or rupture blood vessels. I was worried that your bruise may have actually been an indication of internal hemmorage, but I'll take your word that it's just a moderate bruise after all. Besides, were you actually bleeding into your stomach all night long, you'd either be dead or in a coma by now, so I'm sure that's not the case. On the other hand, were it an old bruise that had refused to heal, that might be an indication of a platelet deficiency or some other type of blood disorder. But you say it's a new wound, so there's no reason for me to suspect any problems of that nature..."
Carla paused. "I don't mean to inquire too far into personal matters of health," she assured her mercenary, "I just...since we have a small team, I'd like to be sure that everybody is in top condition."
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:53:22
This time, Conall actually laughed. He did so in an honest manner. To his knowledge, it was the first time laugher had come to his lips for quite some time now. Still chuckling to himself, shoudlers bobbing up and down in accord, the young elf took a toothpick out of his pocket and got it to the corner of his mouth, in the same fashion he would have a cigarette.
“In that case Mam', ye sure as hell don't need to bother with worries on me account.� he said out the corner of his mouth.
Finally, he turned to face her, resting one of his broad shoulder where is back had been. One hand helping him chew on the toothpick, the other one started to drum slowly on top of his helmet.
“Rest assured Mam', I`ve been trained to take on much heavier punishment than a mere... bar brawl can dish out. My path doesn't allow me to fail in combat. Yer concern is indeed well appreciated. Don't ye be mistaking me on said point.�
He took the toothpick out of his mouth for an instant, pointing at Carla with it.
“Now I do find meself reassured to get confirmation on yer knowledge of the body. See me, I had caught so much with them pointy ears, assay yer never trully sure down here, of what people are under and inside.�
He got the toothpick back in his mouth.
“But don't ye be growing cold to yer nose, Mam'. Me hearing is my own and for none else to catch a whisper. Ye've been both gentle and kind to me sister and meself ever sinced we crossed roads. What ye've done is much appreciated."
The young elf gave Carla a polite nod.
Thursday 08/15/70 11:53:22
This time, Conall actually laughed. He did so in an honest manner. To his knowledge, it was the first time laugher had come to his lips for quite some time now. Still chuckling to himself, shoudlers bobbing up and down in accord, the young elf took a toothpick out of his pocket and got it to the corner of his mouth, in the same fashion he would have a cigarette.
“In that case Mam', ye sure as hell don't need to bother with worries on me account.� he said out the corner of his mouth.
Finally, he turned to face her, resting one of his broad shoulder where is back had been. One hand helping him chew on the toothpick, the other one started to drum slowly on top of his helmet.
“Rest assured Mam', I`ve been trained to take on much heavier punishment than a mere... bar brawl can dish out. My path doesn't allow me to fail in combat. Yer concern is indeed well appreciated. Don't ye be mistaking me on said point.�
He took the toothpick out of his mouth for an instant, pointing at Carla with it.
“Now I do find meself reassured to get confirmation on yer knowledge of the body. See me, I had caught so much with them pointy ears, assay yer never trully sure down here, of what people are under and inside.�
He got the toothpick back in his mouth.
“But don't ye be growing cold to yer nose, Mam'. Me hearing is my own and for none else to catch a whisper. Ye've been both gentle and kind to me sister and meself ever sinced we crossed roads. What ye've done is much appreciated."
The young elf gave Carla a polite nod.
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:55:00
Carla froze in genuine surprise upon hearing Paddy's laugh; such a reaction was unexpected not only because Carla hadn't intended to say anything funny, but also because she honestly doubted that Paddy was capable of laughter. Stranger still, however, was the response the elven mage had given.
"Forgive me for prying," she asked tentatively, "but if you're as well-trained a warrior as you claim to be - and I don't doubt for a moment that you are - then what are you doing working this job, and for such little compensation?" She added jokingly, "Did the Archbishop of Dublin send you all the way out here to do some community service for the Church?"
Thursday 08/15/70 11:55:00
Carla froze in genuine surprise upon hearing Paddy's laugh; such a reaction was unexpected not only because Carla hadn't intended to say anything funny, but also because she honestly doubted that Paddy was capable of laughter. Stranger still, however, was the response the elven mage had given.
"Forgive me for prying," she asked tentatively, "but if you're as well-trained a warrior as you claim to be - and I don't doubt for a moment that you are - then what are you doing working this job, and for such little compensation?" She added jokingly, "Did the Archbishop of Dublin send you all the way out here to do some community service for the Church?"
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 11:55:22
Conall smirked slightly at Carla.
“Something like that� said the young shaman with a chuckle
“See them pointy ears?� he said, gesturing to his own ears “Church of Ireland guides men and the rest; we acknowledge only the Danaan, the Stewards and the Court.�
He started chewing on his toothpick again.
“Them Vatican priests haven't had foot planted on the Isle since...�
Conall's eyes went up as he seemed to rack his memory for an exact date.
“Since 2025, if me memory still holds true. So no, mam', I unfortunately for you, am not blessed and godsent here to spred the word.�
The young shaman leaned a bit closer to Carla.
“And don't ye make the foolish mistake of putting as one warrior and mecenary. Me task is not to fill me pockets with gold and green. I am a hunter and errant shield.� said Conall with an obvious sense of pride.
Somehow, talking about himself improved his mood. It wasn't often that he could boast of who and what he was. But he knew very well that what was dearest to his hearth, he wasn't anymore...
“Assay, what of ye, mam? Who's Archbishop is paying yer tab?�
Thursday 08/15/70 11:55:22
Conall smirked slightly at Carla.
“Something like that� said the young shaman with a chuckle
“See them pointy ears?� he said, gesturing to his own ears “Church of Ireland guides men and the rest; we acknowledge only the Danaan, the Stewards and the Court.�
He started chewing on his toothpick again.
“Them Vatican priests haven't had foot planted on the Isle since...�
Conall's eyes went up as he seemed to rack his memory for an exact date.
“Since 2025, if me memory still holds true. So no, mam', I unfortunately for you, am not blessed and godsent here to spred the word.�
The young shaman leaned a bit closer to Carla.
“And don't ye make the foolish mistake of putting as one warrior and mecenary. Me task is not to fill me pockets with gold and green. I am a hunter and errant shield.� said Conall with an obvious sense of pride.
Somehow, talking about himself improved his mood. It wasn't often that he could boast of who and what he was. But he knew very well that what was dearest to his hearth, he wasn't anymore...
“Assay, what of ye, mam? Who's Archbishop is paying yer tab?�
Sanctuary of St. Ignatius, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Thursday 08/15/70 12:02:29
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
Mr Johnson: “I´m sure, Los Locos have a good eye on their turf!�
With that, the elf left the basement for the clinic. During the short walk, he contemplated Ms Johnson´s request for a list of needed equipment. All the while, he was well aware, that some members of the local gang where watching him. But unlike his first visit to the community, none of them messed with the elf. It was only a few minutes later, that he entered the sanctuary´s clinic, finding Paddy and ‘Donna Carmen in a moment of silence, that somehow seemed to have lasted for minutes, but apparently not in an uncomfortable way. He gave a nod to both of them.
Frank: “Buenos dias. I have some exciting news, as our latest excursion had an unexpected epilog.�
Thursday 08/15/70 12:02:29
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
Mr Johnson: “I´m sure, Los Locos have a good eye on their turf!�
With that, the elf left the basement for the clinic. During the short walk, he contemplated Ms Johnson´s request for a list of needed equipment. All the while, he was well aware, that some members of the local gang where watching him. But unlike his first visit to the community, none of them messed with the elf. It was only a few minutes later, that he entered the sanctuary´s clinic, finding Paddy and ‘Donna Carmen in a moment of silence, that somehow seemed to have lasted for minutes, but apparently not in an uncomfortable way. He gave a nod to both of them.
Frank: “Buenos dias. I have some exciting news, as our latest excursion had an unexpected epilog.�
The Barrio - The Clinic
Thursday 08/15/70 12:03:00
"The Sanctuary provides me a means of living," Carla answered - it was hardly a secret anymore, so there was no point in hiding it from Paddy. "In fact, I had better focus on my work while I'm on-duty - please feel free to have a look around the place while we wait for Frank to arrive."
And arrive Frank did, as he said, only a few minutes past noon. With the entire team finally present, Carla told the nuns she was taking an early lunch break and led the elves up the stairs to the main level of the church. To the side of the main hall was a small room where the confessions were given; Carla made sure it was empty before ushering the team inside and closing the door behind them. She asked Frank to divulge his new information.
Thursday 08/15/70 12:03:00
"The Sanctuary provides me a means of living," Carla answered - it was hardly a secret anymore, so there was no point in hiding it from Paddy. "In fact, I had better focus on my work while I'm on-duty - please feel free to have a look around the place while we wait for Frank to arrive."
And arrive Frank did, as he said, only a few minutes past noon. With the entire team finally present, Carla told the nuns she was taking an early lunch break and led the elves up the stairs to the main level of the church. To the side of the main hall was a small room where the confessions were given; Carla made sure it was empty before ushering the team inside and closing the door behind them. She asked Frank to divulge his new information.
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Friday 08/15/70 12:30:00
Mr Johnson “I´m sure, Los Locos have a good eye on their turf!�
Jack:Ain't familiar wit Seattle gangs, but dat would be da norm back in Orkland. And hey, I like lots a catchup on my fries, ya know?
He napped again for a few minutes, then felt the call of nature. He got off the bed and found the bathroom.
Dey got t.p. Good, now I don't have to use my own.
He looked over the restroom. Pealing paint, the floor hadn't been cleaned in months (if ever), the sink was dingy gray with no soap or towels but the toilet looked really clean in comparison.
Wonder if dat elf moonlights as a janitor? Least he coulda done is clean da rest a da place. Probly didn't touch nothin but da toilet with his precious behind.
After shutting the door and keeping his pistol ready, he voided his bowels with a toothy smile. "AAhhhh, nothing like a good crap, dat's what I say." Placing his pistol in his left hand pocket, he proceeded to wipe with his right hand. After that point he only touched or handled objects with his left hand until he had the opportunity to cleanse his hands with antibacterial cleaner from the medkit.
He then turned his attention to his new acquisitions.
Sure hope dey ain't password protected or some other drek.
He picked up the Ingram and extended the folding stock. He trained it around the room as the smartlink came quickly online. "AAhhhh, nothing like a good gun, dat's what I say." He then put the Ingram away and picked up the Ceska. Ammo readout and smartgun link sprang to life in his AR. "Packs about as much punch as a dirt clod but it's all in how ya aim it, ya know?"
Gotta be about three or four thousand nuyen worth a gear in dis haul. Ain't gonna pay da rent but it will help get da work done.
Jack traded his pistol for the SMG and went back to commuter napping.
Dis is gonna be a long boring day, dat's for sure. I hope nothin happens to dat elf. Can't have him dyin on my watch. Dat would be bad for my rep.
Friday 08/15/70 12:30:00
Mr Johnson “I´m sure, Los Locos have a good eye on their turf!�
Jack:Ain't familiar wit Seattle gangs, but dat would be da norm back in Orkland. And hey, I like lots a catchup on my fries, ya know?
He napped again for a few minutes, then felt the call of nature. He got off the bed and found the bathroom.
Dey got t.p. Good, now I don't have to use my own.
He looked over the restroom. Pealing paint, the floor hadn't been cleaned in months (if ever), the sink was dingy gray with no soap or towels but the toilet looked really clean in comparison.
Wonder if dat elf moonlights as a janitor? Least he coulda done is clean da rest a da place. Probly didn't touch nothin but da toilet with his precious behind.
After shutting the door and keeping his pistol ready, he voided his bowels with a toothy smile. "AAhhhh, nothing like a good crap, dat's what I say." Placing his pistol in his left hand pocket, he proceeded to wipe with his right hand. After that point he only touched or handled objects with his left hand until he had the opportunity to cleanse his hands with antibacterial cleaner from the medkit.
He then turned his attention to his new acquisitions.
Sure hope dey ain't password protected or some other drek.
He picked up the Ingram and extended the folding stock. He trained it around the room as the smartlink came quickly online. "AAhhhh, nothing like a good gun, dat's what I say." He then put the Ingram away and picked up the Ceska. Ammo readout and smartgun link sprang to life in his AR. "Packs about as much punch as a dirt clod but it's all in how ya aim it, ya know?"
Gotta be about three or four thousand nuyen worth a gear in dis haul. Ain't gonna pay da rent but it will help get da work done.
Jack traded his pistol for the SMG and went back to commuter napping.
Dis is gonna be a long boring day, dat's for sure. I hope nothin happens to dat elf. Can't have him dyin on my watch. Dat would be bad for my rep.
Sanctuary of St. Ignatius Confessional, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Thursday 08/15/70 12:09:14
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
The elf gave a quick and dirty report to his teammates, including the somewhat disappointing fact, that he had not really learned any crucial information in the mean time, but might merely be one stap away from doing so.
John: “The unknown guy we met at the bar last night, turned up again. Ugly suite took him down and what´s left of him was chained to the radiator in a basement two blocks away. St. Pierre was offered salvage rights on the motorcycle in exchange for using the place. You can go there right now and see if you can find any other hints. Having a look into his comlinks, may yield critical information. You should also talk to the ugly guy. He may be a good addition to your team. He seems to be reasonably professional and may work for a low wage. Paddy is surely more than sufficient in any fight, but he can´t be in two places at the same time, in case we have to split up again.�
In his usual style of speaking, the former lawyer was careful to phrase the information in a way, that would be least useful to put up charges against him, in case the conversation was recorded. The times that churches where off limits for listening devices had long been a thing of the past. Without a word, he also transferred a list of desirable shopping items to his team leader, via credstick.
Thursday 08/15/70 12:09:14
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
The elf gave a quick and dirty report to his teammates, including the somewhat disappointing fact, that he had not really learned any crucial information in the mean time, but might merely be one stap away from doing so.
John: “The unknown guy we met at the bar last night, turned up again. Ugly suite took him down and what´s left of him was chained to the radiator in a basement two blocks away. St. Pierre was offered salvage rights on the motorcycle in exchange for using the place. You can go there right now and see if you can find any other hints. Having a look into his comlinks, may yield critical information. You should also talk to the ugly guy. He may be a good addition to your team. He seems to be reasonably professional and may work for a low wage. Paddy is surely more than sufficient in any fight, but he can´t be in two places at the same time, in case we have to split up again.�
In his usual style of speaking, the former lawyer was careful to phrase the information in a way, that would be least useful to put up charges against him, in case the conversation was recorded. The times that churches where off limits for listening devices had long been a thing of the past. Without a word, he also transferred a list of desirable shopping items to his team leader, via credstick.
Sanctuary of St. Ignatius Confessional
Thursday 08/15/70 12:09:20
Carla wasn't very comfortable with the idea of Krait hanging out with St. Pierre. Her two worlds were colliding on too many fronts.
"Wait a minute, he turned up two blocks away from the bar, or two blocks away from here?" Carla asked. "Have you been to this place yourself?"
Thursday 08/15/70 12:09:20
Carla wasn't very comfortable with the idea of Krait hanging out with St. Pierre. Her two worlds were colliding on too many fronts.
"Wait a minute, he turned up two blocks away from the bar, or two blocks away from here?" Carla asked. "Have you been to this place yourself?"
Sanctuary of St. Ignatius Confessional, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Thursday 08/15/70 12:11:10
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
John shook his head to sooth Ms Johnson´s worries, even as he spoke.
Frank: “No, he didn´t come here. The ork relocated the bike some blocks away from the bar. When I came there, to read out the navigational log files for salvageable information, the Hispanic turned up shooting, but ugly dealt with him. Since the guys comlinks promised to hold even more important intel, we had to relocate somewhere safe. The Hispanic and his employers definitely already knew the barrio, so the merits of bringing him here seemed to outweight the dangers. It took all night to prepare everything, hence the three minutes delay, but we are ready to enter now.�
Thursday 08/15/70 12:11:10
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
John shook his head to sooth Ms Johnson´s worries, even as he spoke.
Frank: “No, he didn´t come here. The ork relocated the bike some blocks away from the bar. When I came there, to read out the navigational log files for salvageable information, the Hispanic turned up shooting, but ugly dealt with him. Since the guys comlinks promised to hold even more important intel, we had to relocate somewhere safe. The Hispanic and his employers definitely already knew the barrio, so the merits of bringing him here seemed to outweight the dangers. It took all night to prepare everything, hence the three minutes delay, but we are ready to enter now.�
Sanctuary of St. Ignatius Confessional
Thursday 08/15/70 12:11:15
"Okay, good work, Frank. Let's go take a look." Carla signaled for Krait to lead the way to the destination. As they departed from the church, Carla asked him, "What makes you think that this 'ugly' friend of yours is looking for work?"
Thursday 08/15/70 12:11:15
"Okay, good work, Frank. Let's go take a look." Carla signaled for Krait to lead the way to the destination. As they departed from the church, Carla asked him, "What makes you think that this 'ugly' friend of yours is looking for work?"
Plaza de Mercado grocery store, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Thursday 08/15/70 12:25:43
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
The flakily paint on the demolished building said ‘Plaz d Merc ’, but the cardboard sign in the window, saying ‘tienda de comestibles’ confirmed that this was the place John had been looking for. Judging from the exterior, 25 promised to go a long way inside. Of course this was not the place to keep a corpse in the basement, but as John had explained to his teammates, he needed to pick up some food, before going back.
He had given Ms Johnson all information he had collected about the ork. Former bodyguard, presumably high profile, probably hailing from San Francisco area and claiming to be new to town. Globe-hopping, asian, male employer, that was hard to trace on the matrix. The way he acted back at the bar had already made John assume he was looking for work and their conversations had confirmed that impression. Judging from how he handled the Hispanic he seemed to be both reasonably proficient and professional.
Picking up three medium bottles of water and some candy to complement the cheap but nutritious meals he had selected, he went on. Well at least he considered the food stuffs cheap, but in this store they probably ranked in the premium category.
John: “He got some scratches, which I did my best to treat, but maybe you could still have a look. He says it´s all but healed up, but you know how these kinds of people can be.�
It was intentionally unclear, if the elf´s last comment was aimed at orks or fighters or any other kind of people. He payed the groceries, covering for one of the bottles and an energy bar out of his own pocket and left the market, ready to lead the way to the ‘secret basement hideout’.
Thursday 08/15/70 12:25:43
Krait – Going out for a walk
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
The flakily paint on the demolished building said ‘Plaz d Merc ’, but the cardboard sign in the window, saying ‘tienda de comestibles’ confirmed that this was the place John had been looking for. Judging from the exterior, 25
promised to go a long way inside. Of course this was not the place to keep a corpse in the basement, but as John had explained to his teammates, he needed to pick up some food, before going back.He had given Ms Johnson all information he had collected about the ork. Former bodyguard, presumably high profile, probably hailing from San Francisco area and claiming to be new to town. Globe-hopping, asian, male employer, that was hard to trace on the matrix. The way he acted back at the bar had already made John assume he was looking for work and their conversations had confirmed that impression. Judging from how he handled the Hispanic he seemed to be both reasonably proficient and professional.
Picking up three medium bottles of water and some candy to complement the cheap but nutritious meals he had selected, he went on. Well at least he considered the food stuffs cheap, but in this store they probably ranked in the premium category.
John: “He got some scratches, which I did my best to treat, but maybe you could still have a look. He says it´s all but healed up, but you know how these kinds of people can be.�
It was intentionally unclear, if the elf´s last comment was aimed at orks or fighters or any other kind of people. He payed the groceries, covering for one of the bottles and an energy bar out of his own pocket and left the market, ready to lead the way to the ‘secret basement hideout’.
Plaza de Mercado grocery store, The Barrio
Thursday 08/15/70 12:25:50
Carla followed Krait's lead through the neighborhood. She wore her cloak and hood, keeping her Dona Carmen persona up for the duration of their travel through public.
"Do you really think it's a good idea to hire him if he's already working for this asian guy?" she asked Krait.
Thursday 08/15/70 12:25:50
Carla followed Krait's lead through the neighborhood. She wore her cloak and hood, keeping her Dona Carmen persona up for the duration of their travel through public.
"Do you really think it's a good idea to hire him if he's already working for this asian guy?" she asked Krait.
In front of Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Thursday 08/15/70 12:30:03
Krait – Food Delivery Service
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
Frank: “Did I say he works for him? Sorry, I meant to say, he worked for that guy. No information was available as to why he is no longer in his service or what happened to him.�
He lead the way back to the basement, telling their team-leader, that he had kept the former bodyguard under the impression, that he was the teams employer, as had been decided for all interactions at the bar. It was Ms Johnson´s decision, how to handle it in the future. He also told them, that in case anything unexpected happened, they should be careful, not to damage the comlink still connected to the datajack and also leave the connection undisturbed, if at all possible. He had bound the corpse as best as he could, arms and legs fixed behind the back, at the elbows, wrists, ankles and knees, wrists and ankles bound together and fixed to the radiator, forming a giant donut of dead meat. The setup looked way over the top, especially for a corpse, but after what John had seen the former HeartBreaker do to it´s head, he wasn´t going to take any chances.
As they neared the basement´s door, the elf strained his enhanced senses and comlink to pick up anything unusual in the physical world or the wireless matrix. Ready to open the door, he gave his fellow runners a ‘ready when you are’ glance, to make sure there wasn´t anything else, they wanted to talk about out of the ork´s earshot and gave them a whispered word of warning about the booby-trap.
Frank: “Watch your step!�
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio,
Thursday 08/15/70 12:30:05
"Okay," Carla answered quietly, pulling off her cloak to remove any indication that she was affiliated with the church, "You take the lead and do all the diplomatic stuff when we go in there. However, I want to look around for clues before anyone says anything to this friend of yours about hiring. If the clues we find are good, then we'll have a better idea of exactly how long we'll need to hire him, so we'll be in a better position for negotiating compensation. Anything above 2000 nuyen is out of the question."
"Also, we tell him as little information about the case as possible. We're hiring him primarily for muscle, after all, so we don't need to let him in on anything more than the basics."
After laying down those ground rules, Carla signaled that she was ready to go in.
Thursday 08/15/70 12:30:05
"Okay," Carla answered quietly, pulling off her cloak to remove any indication that she was affiliated with the church, "You take the lead and do all the diplomatic stuff when we go in there. However, I want to look around for clues before anyone says anything to this friend of yours about hiring. If the clues we find are good, then we'll have a better idea of exactly how long we'll need to hire him, so we'll be in a better position for negotiating compensation. Anything above 2000 nuyen is out of the question."
"Also, we tell him as little information about the case as possible. We're hiring him primarily for muscle, after all, so we don't need to let him in on anything more than the basics."
After laying down those ground rules, Carla signaled that she was ready to go in.
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:30:08
Following Krait's lead, Carla carefully stepped over Jack's makeshift alarm system. For all that, the ork that had apparently been dozing turned calmly to look at them as they entered.
The place was dingy but probably no worse than many homes in the neighborhood. The amenities were few, aside from the two cots. As the elf had described, the corpse of their erstwhile foe was securely bound to a pipe, its body still. The face would have been shocking to anyone not experienced in the medical profession - everything below the bridge of the nose was gone, nothing remaining but broken bone, torn cartilage and ripped flesh. But the worst part was the eyes. They were open, and tracking on Carla, occasionally blinking.
Friday 08/15/70 12:30:08
Following Krait's lead, Carla carefully stepped over Jack's makeshift alarm system. For all that, the ork that had apparently been dozing turned calmly to look at them as they entered.
The place was dingy but probably no worse than many homes in the neighborhood. The amenities were few, aside from the two cots. As the elf had described, the corpse of their erstwhile foe was securely bound to a pipe, its body still. The face would have been shocking to anyone not experienced in the medical profession - everything below the bridge of the nose was gone, nothing remaining but broken bone, torn cartilage and ripped flesh. But the worst part was the eyes. They were open, and tracking on Carla, occasionally blinking.
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Thursday 08/15/70 12:32:00
Krait – Virtual Free Diving
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
Frank: “Very well. I told him, the team would have to decide about if they want to work with him or not, so feel free to ask him any questions you might have!�
With that, John opened the door and stepped over the trip-wire.
Mr Johnson: “I brought some food and company. Why don´t you get yourself acquainted, while I check out that com?�
He set the grocery bags down besides the ork and took out his own water and energy bar. Taking a small zip from his bottle, he walked over to his bed and took out the loot. Partially unwrapping the package, he oset aside the medkit for Ms Johnson to use. Then he paced up and down the room once more and took a long draft from his bottle, seemingly oblivious to any conversation unfolding between the other runners, though he registered and recorded every word, even while he screened through his past agent scripts to get prepared for the wire-less walk. Breaking off a chunk of the power bar and chewing it down hastily, he flexed his neck muscles. Then the elf reconnected the camera on the wall to his com and, taking another small zip of water, before he lay down on the bad, his hair again covered with the cap, ready to see what the link jacked into the dead Latino would hold for him.
Mr Johnson: “Don´t disturb the connection!�
The elf said pointing at the fibre-optic leading from the corpse´s datajack to the Metalink lying next to it on the floor.
Thursday 08/15/70 12:32:00
Krait – Virtual Free Diving
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 3), Moai offline
Frank: “Very well. I told him, the team would have to decide about if they want to work with him or not, so feel free to ask him any questions you might have!�
With that, John opened the door and stepped over the trip-wire.
Mr Johnson: “I brought some food and company. Why don´t you get yourself acquainted, while I check out that com?�
He set the grocery bags down besides the ork and took out his own water and energy bar. Taking a small zip from his bottle, he walked over to his bed and took out the loot. Partially unwrapping the package, he oset aside the medkit for Ms Johnson to use. Then he paced up and down the room once more and took a long draft from his bottle, seemingly oblivious to any conversation unfolding between the other runners, though he registered and recorded every word, even while he screened through his past agent scripts to get prepared for the wire-less walk. Breaking off a chunk of the power bar and chewing it down hastily, he flexed his neck muscles. Then the elf reconnected the camera on the wall to his com and, taking another small zip of water, before he lay down on the bad, his hair again covered with the cap, ready to see what the link jacked into the dead Latino would hold for him.
Mr Johnson: “Don´t disturb the connection!�
The elf said pointing at the fibre-optic leading from the corpse´s datajack to the Metalink lying next to it on the floor.
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:00
Jack looked over the company. He had seen the woman and the other elf at the bar and had fought on their side, so he lowered the Ingram.
Jack: "My names Jack, in case John didn't tell you."
He had decided to call the techno elf John until told otherwise. John was an easy name to remember.
He carefully looked over the groceries. "Mexican food, dat's good. Ain't had Mexican food since...." fiddling with his commlink, "Tijuana in '69. I got pictures if ya wanna see 'em."
He took a big toothy bite out of a burrito, then added three packets of hot sauce, and took another big bite. "Mmmmm, dat's better." He put more hot sauce on the last of the burrito and finished it in one bite. "Anybody else hungry? My moms taught us to share, ya know?" he said, while grabbing another burrito from the grocery sack. He then proceeded to consume it in the same fashion as the first, only this time putting hot sauce on the first bite as well. When he finished, he opened a bottle of water and drank it in two mighty gulps. "Boredom is thirsty work, ya know?"
Adressing Carla, "You must be da doctor, on a account a John said he could bring a doctor and she could look me over. Like I told him, I'll be good as new by midnight, if not sooner, but maybe you could speed things up a bit, ya know? By the way, nice job on that bike. I fraggin' hate bikes. "
Addressing Paddy, "I liked dat spell ya cast back in da alley. I enjoy working with combat mages, lotta advantages there, ya know? Me, I ain't got a magic bone in my body, not dat I wouldn't mind having some magic ta sling now and then."
"Like I told John, I kinda crashed your party on account of dat piece of drek was fighting dirty. I was really there lookin' for work, on a account a I'm new ta town. I figured you was da good guys and I hope I figured right. I got my honor and reputation to uphold, ya know?"
He looked in the sack and took out a can of refried beans. He popped the top and began eating the contents with a plastic spoon he found in the sack. When he finished, he looked at Carla and Paddy "John said something about a shedim, what's dat?"
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:00
Jack looked over the company. He had seen the woman and the other elf at the bar and had fought on their side, so he lowered the Ingram.
Jack: "My names Jack, in case John didn't tell you."
He had decided to call the techno elf John until told otherwise. John was an easy name to remember.
He carefully looked over the groceries. "Mexican food, dat's good. Ain't had Mexican food since...." fiddling with his commlink, "Tijuana in '69. I got pictures if ya wanna see 'em."
He took a big toothy bite out of a burrito, then added three packets of hot sauce, and took another big bite. "Mmmmm, dat's better." He put more hot sauce on the last of the burrito and finished it in one bite. "Anybody else hungry? My moms taught us to share, ya know?" he said, while grabbing another burrito from the grocery sack. He then proceeded to consume it in the same fashion as the first, only this time putting hot sauce on the first bite as well. When he finished, he opened a bottle of water and drank it in two mighty gulps. "Boredom is thirsty work, ya know?"
Adressing Carla, "You must be da doctor, on a account a John said he could bring a doctor and she could look me over. Like I told him, I'll be good as new by midnight, if not sooner, but maybe you could speed things up a bit, ya know? By the way, nice job on that bike. I fraggin' hate bikes. "
Addressing Paddy, "I liked dat spell ya cast back in da alley. I enjoy working with combat mages, lotta advantages there, ya know? Me, I ain't got a magic bone in my body, not dat I wouldn't mind having some magic ta sling now and then."
"Like I told John, I kinda crashed your party on account of dat piece of drek was fighting dirty. I was really there lookin' for work, on a account a I'm new ta town. I figured you was da good guys and I hope I figured right. I got my honor and reputation to uphold, ya know?"
He looked in the sack and took out a can of refried beans. He popped the top and began eating the contents with a plastic spoon he found in the sack. When he finished, he looked at Carla and Paddy "John said something about a shedim, what's dat?"
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:00
Carla froze just two paces from the doorway after noticing the disfigured body's eyes. She was locked in a mock-staring contest with the corpse as the ork spoke to her. Only about half of his words actually registered in Carla's brain, however, as Carla had a number of other thoughts on her mind. On one hand, she wanted to ask Paddy to incinerate the corpse with a magic spell immediately (if such a feat were possible.) On the other hand, she wanted to get that data badly - they were so close to finishing this job! And while Krait had been thoughtful enough to bind the body ahead of time (why had he been expecting more shedim...?), there was still the possibility that the bound shedim could remotely possess one of their minds.
Carla took a half-second to glance around the room. In front of her was Krait, who was the most capable of finding the information they were looking for. Behind her was Paddy, a mage who could kill people with his mind - not to mention his rather muscular body. And to her side was Jack, who was...well, he was a freaking ork with an Ingram. If any one of them was going to get possessed by a shedim spirit, it had better be Carla. Keeping her eyes fixed in contact with those of the corpse, Carla rapidly gave directions:
"Pleasure to meet you, Jack. If you don't mind, I need you to remove any weapons or sharp objects from the room. Quickly, please. Frank, you keep on working. Paddy..."
Carla opened the medkit Krait had withdrawn, drew out a small surgical knife, and tossed the rest of the kit out the door. With the knife firmly held in her left hand, she resumed eye-contact with the corpse.
"Paddy, I need you to hold on to my wrist very hard and...make sure nobody gets hurt."
Come and get me, Carla thought - not actually sure if shedim were capable of reading minds - Just like our very first time. A second chance just for you!
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:00
Carla froze just two paces from the doorway after noticing the disfigured body's eyes. She was locked in a mock-staring contest with the corpse as the ork spoke to her. Only about half of his words actually registered in Carla's brain, however, as Carla had a number of other thoughts on her mind. On one hand, she wanted to ask Paddy to incinerate the corpse with a magic spell immediately (if such a feat were possible.) On the other hand, she wanted to get that data badly - they were so close to finishing this job! And while Krait had been thoughtful enough to bind the body ahead of time (why had he been expecting more shedim...?), there was still the possibility that the bound shedim could remotely possess one of their minds.
Carla took a half-second to glance around the room. In front of her was Krait, who was the most capable of finding the information they were looking for. Behind her was Paddy, a mage who could kill people with his mind - not to mention his rather muscular body. And to her side was Jack, who was...well, he was a freaking ork with an Ingram. If any one of them was going to get possessed by a shedim spirit, it had better be Carla. Keeping her eyes fixed in contact with those of the corpse, Carla rapidly gave directions:
"Pleasure to meet you, Jack. If you don't mind, I need you to remove any weapons or sharp objects from the room. Quickly, please. Frank, you keep on working. Paddy..."
Carla opened the medkit Krait had withdrawn, drew out a small surgical knife, and tossed the rest of the kit out the door. With the knife firmly held in her left hand, she resumed eye-contact with the corpse.
"Paddy, I need you to hold on to my wrist very hard and...make sure nobody gets hurt."
Come and get me, Carla thought - not actually sure if shedim were capable of reading minds - Just like our very first time. A second chance just for you!
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:03
"You got it lady!" Jack said.
Still holding the beans in his left hand, Jack scooped up his bag of weapons from the squatter's restroom. All other weapons he had were already on his person. He moved quickly for the door, ignoring his own trip wire, the cap gun went BANG. He continued moving past Paddy until he was up the stairs and out of the basement. Then he yelled back down,
"I got some shock gloves if dat will help. There's more rope and stuff by my cot, help yourself."
Fraggin' A. What a jumpy crew. he thought. Guess I'll call techno elf Frank. Well dat's not to hard to remember either.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:03
"You got it lady!" Jack said.
Still holding the beans in his left hand, Jack scooped up his bag of weapons from the squatter's restroom. All other weapons he had were already on his person. He moved quickly for the door, ignoring his own trip wire, the cap gun went BANG. He continued moving past Paddy until he was up the stairs and out of the basement. Then he yelled back down,
"I got some shock gloves if dat will help. There's more rope and stuff by my cot, help yourself."
Fraggin' A. What a jumpy crew. he thought. Guess I'll call techno elf Frank. Well dat's not to hard to remember either.
In front of Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:03
Krait – Virtual Free Diving
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 1), Moai offline
As the elven mook-master went through his preparations, he wondered why everybody else was coming across so anxious. Maybe they couldn´t cope with being in one room with the corpse or maybe the shedim encounter had gotten deeper into their bones then John´s. Still it felt strange and started to make the teams technical specialist feel increasingly wary, too. Then as he gestured towards the dead body, he instantly knew what was up. When he had entered the basement, he had checked the corpse for any signs of reanimation, but apparently, it had started to act only after he and the others had entered and he had already been preoccupied with his own check-list.
It was hard to see through all the gore and torn flesh beneath the broken gasmask, but as it was, the dead man´s eyes had opened and where keenly tracking Ms Johnson´s every step. At first, John had almost thought he was making up things, again, but after watching what looked like a cheap special effect for a second, he hesitated no longer. Without wasting any further time, he immediately jumped into the matrix ad found his usual perception replaced by the artificial environment he had spent the whole night in. Aiming his virtual senses at the dead man´s com, he analyzed it for a last time, before getting everything ready to enter. Meanwhile, his body turned limp and seemingly lifeless, his head felling unceremoniously onto the pillow.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:03
Krait – Virtual Free Diving
PAN Icon offline, Custom hidden (Signal 1), Moai offline
As the elven mook-master went through his preparations, he wondered why everybody else was coming across so anxious. Maybe they couldn´t cope with being in one room with the corpse or maybe the shedim encounter had gotten deeper into their bones then John´s. Still it felt strange and started to make the teams technical specialist feel increasingly wary, too. Then as he gestured towards the dead body, he instantly knew what was up. When he had entered the basement, he had checked the corpse for any signs of reanimation, but apparently, it had started to act only after he and the others had entered and he had already been preoccupied with his own check-list.
It was hard to see through all the gore and torn flesh beneath the broken gasmask, but as it was, the dead man´s eyes had opened and where keenly tracking Ms Johnson´s every step. At first, John had almost thought he was making up things, again, but after watching what looked like a cheap special effect for a second, he hesitated no longer. Without wasting any further time, he immediately jumped into the matrix ad found his usual perception replaced by the artificial environment he had spent the whole night in. Aiming his virtual senses at the dead man´s com, he analyzed it for a last time, before getting everything ready to enter. Meanwhile, his body turned limp and seemingly lifeless, his head felling unceremoniously onto the pillow.
Los Locos´ Basement, The Barrio, Seattle, Sea-Tac
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:03
Having dropped the bag of weapons, Jack realized that the bag of climbing gear contained many sharp objects that could be used in unpleasant ways.
He dropped the weapons and dug the shock gloves out of his jacket pockets. He put on the gloves and headed down the stairs to remove the climbing gear from the basement
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:03
Having dropped the bag of weapons, Jack realized that the bag of climbing gear contained many sharp objects that could be used in unpleasant ways.
He dropped the weapons and dug the shock gloves out of his jacket pockets. He put on the gloves and headed down the stairs to remove the climbing gear from the basement
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:15
Knowing that he might not have long - but not sure how this turn of events might possibly affect what he found on the commlink, datajacked as it was to a reanimated corpse - Krait immediately initiated an analysis of the node, making full use of the back door he had prepared. He found no alert, but sensed an active agent within - neither on its own surprised him, but the combination seemed odd. As he pondered, he couldn't help but notice how cold his meat body was suddenly starting to feel.
Paddy felt the drop in temperature too. And the next thing he knew, the woman he served was issuing orders with more force than he seen from her in the past. Within moments, the ork peasant was rapidly scooping up anything in the room that could be used for a weapon, the lady was arming herself with a scalpel, and then directing him to restrain the hand that held it.
It was then that the warrior elf noticed that his erstwhile foe - though horribly maimed and securely bound - was quite awake. His immediate impulse was to blast its remaining flesh in a smear across the basement wall behind it, but it was quickly apparent that his boss had some deeper purpose in mind - some sort of grudge match. A match he dearly wished he knew a little more about.
Gripping her wrist, he was momentarily surprised by what he felt - he'd have sworn her arm was natural, but it clearly was a very high-grade cybernetic job. And then it started to move.
Though only seconds had passed, he now was able to see his breath in the rapidly chilling air. He held the arm, which held the glistening surgical blade, firmly. It was a little stronger than he would have expected - he hoped it was only the cyber-servos. But he had only to exert himself a moment - very soon the arm relaxed, and he spared a glance at the woman and the corpse.
Her face was strained, but it was clear that the arm which moments earlier had been trying to kill its host was now firmly under her control. Her eyes bored into the monster with a quiet determination.
Less composed was the half-faceless freak that opposed her. It's bloodshot eyes seemed to bulge from their sockets with effort; bits of torn flesh shook free of the head, drops of blood flying about as the abomination quivered with strain.
And suddenly, the thing switched its fell stare to the ork, who had reappeared in the doorway. Guessing that the thing knew its earlier slayer, Paddy quickly turned his attention to shrouding the tusker in a veil of protective mana, but it was torn away like cobwebs. However, instead of crumpling with blood dripping from his nostrils, or trying to kill himself as the woman had briefly done, the ork started to speak.
Standing stock still in the doorway, beads of sweat crystallizing into frost in the now frigid room, the tusked mouth formed words:
Queztpactyl cacapica garthmaash revenger mecopal power POWER POWER....Whyyyyyy must you torture us you must die your light too loud what do you think why do you seek her we will use her we will tip balance o revenger of souls huetzcal yutaca eaten sucked scoured savored stripped slavered succuluent souls how long can you live not revenge but death and your own soul devoured why why why what do you want?????
Completely unable to bend his body to any part of his will, Jack watched in fascination as flies and bedbugs fled the vicinity of the corpse, only to wither and die before reaching safety.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:15
Knowing that he might not have long - but not sure how this turn of events might possibly affect what he found on the commlink, datajacked as it was to a reanimated corpse - Krait immediately initiated an analysis of the node, making full use of the back door he had prepared. He found no alert, but sensed an active agent within - neither on its own surprised him, but the combination seemed odd. As he pondered, he couldn't help but notice how cold his meat body was suddenly starting to feel.
Paddy felt the drop in temperature too. And the next thing he knew, the woman he served was issuing orders with more force than he seen from her in the past. Within moments, the ork peasant was rapidly scooping up anything in the room that could be used for a weapon, the lady was arming herself with a scalpel, and then directing him to restrain the hand that held it.
It was then that the warrior elf noticed that his erstwhile foe - though horribly maimed and securely bound - was quite awake. His immediate impulse was to blast its remaining flesh in a smear across the basement wall behind it, but it was quickly apparent that his boss had some deeper purpose in mind - some sort of grudge match. A match he dearly wished he knew a little more about.
Gripping her wrist, he was momentarily surprised by what he felt - he'd have sworn her arm was natural, but it clearly was a very high-grade cybernetic job. And then it started to move.
Though only seconds had passed, he now was able to see his breath in the rapidly chilling air. He held the arm, which held the glistening surgical blade, firmly. It was a little stronger than he would have expected - he hoped it was only the cyber-servos. But he had only to exert himself a moment - very soon the arm relaxed, and he spared a glance at the woman and the corpse.
Her face was strained, but it was clear that the arm which moments earlier had been trying to kill its host was now firmly under her control. Her eyes bored into the monster with a quiet determination.
Less composed was the half-faceless freak that opposed her. It's bloodshot eyes seemed to bulge from their sockets with effort; bits of torn flesh shook free of the head, drops of blood flying about as the abomination quivered with strain.
And suddenly, the thing switched its fell stare to the ork, who had reappeared in the doorway. Guessing that the thing knew its earlier slayer, Paddy quickly turned his attention to shrouding the tusker in a veil of protective mana, but it was torn away like cobwebs. However, instead of crumpling with blood dripping from his nostrils, or trying to kill himself as the woman had briefly done, the ork started to speak.
Standing stock still in the doorway, beads of sweat crystallizing into frost in the now frigid room, the tusked mouth formed words:
Queztpactyl cacapica garthmaash revenger mecopal power POWER POWER....Whyyyyyy must you torture us you must die your light too loud what do you think why do you seek her we will use her we will tip balance o revenger of souls huetzcal yutaca eaten sucked scoured savored stripped slavered succuluent souls how long can you live not revenge but death and your own soul devoured why why why what do you want?????
Completely unable to bend his body to any part of his will, Jack watched in fascination as flies and bedbugs fled the vicinity of the corpse, only to wither and die before reaching safety.
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:18
Taunting the spirit into possessing her body, Carla suddenly felt a rush overtake her, as if she had just been injected with a dose of adrenaline and dopamine. She had little time to reflect upon this profound experience, however, for just moments later the spirit had taken control of her body, just as it had that first day in the hospital. As if it had a life of its own, Carla's elbow suddenly jerked and contracted as the spirit tried to bring the knife blade towards her body. Unlike last time, though, Carla didn't watch helplessly in horror. She didn't even bother trying to take control of her arm; Carla knew such an effort was futile, and besides, Paddy was doing an excellent job of keeping the sharpened tip of the knife away from her skin.
Rather, Carla maintained focus on the corpse's gaze as a flood of emotions enveloped her. She was categorically furious with the thing; the shedim had destroyed her life, her family, and even her peace of mind, and this particular spirit was going to bear the brunt of all that pent-up rage. Without even having a plan fully thought through, Carla was determined to make the wretched creature regret it had ever crossed her.
Her anger was overtaken by an unbelievable sense of satisfaction as Paddy managed to hold Carla's traitorous arm at bay. Is that the best you have? Carla mocked the shedim, confident that she had the spirit just where she wanted. As if replying to her taunt, the eyes of the corpse bulged.
Without warning, the rush was gone. She felt as if she had been wrenched from a dream; one minute she was flying at a million kilometers per second, and now she was standing in a surprisingly cold basement. The fury was gone. The rush of adrenaline (or whatever it was) was gone. Carla was back to her old, detached, analytical self, and she quickly began analyzing what was happening. And what was happening was that the ork in the doorway was spouting nonsense...well, not all nonsense.
"Does any of this sound familiar to you?" Carla asked Paddy, hoping he might recognize some of the more alien sounding words.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:18
Taunting the spirit into possessing her body, Carla suddenly felt a rush overtake her, as if she had just been injected with a dose of adrenaline and dopamine. She had little time to reflect upon this profound experience, however, for just moments later the spirit had taken control of her body, just as it had that first day in the hospital. As if it had a life of its own, Carla's elbow suddenly jerked and contracted as the spirit tried to bring the knife blade towards her body. Unlike last time, though, Carla didn't watch helplessly in horror. She didn't even bother trying to take control of her arm; Carla knew such an effort was futile, and besides, Paddy was doing an excellent job of keeping the sharpened tip of the knife away from her skin.
Rather, Carla maintained focus on the corpse's gaze as a flood of emotions enveloped her. She was categorically furious with the thing; the shedim had destroyed her life, her family, and even her peace of mind, and this particular spirit was going to bear the brunt of all that pent-up rage. Without even having a plan fully thought through, Carla was determined to make the wretched creature regret it had ever crossed her.
Her anger was overtaken by an unbelievable sense of satisfaction as Paddy managed to hold Carla's traitorous arm at bay. Is that the best you have? Carla mocked the shedim, confident that she had the spirit just where she wanted. As if replying to her taunt, the eyes of the corpse bulged.
Without warning, the rush was gone. She felt as if she had been wrenched from a dream; one minute she was flying at a million kilometers per second, and now she was standing in a surprisingly cold basement. The fury was gone. The rush of adrenaline (or whatever it was) was gone. Carla was back to her old, detached, analytical self, and she quickly began analyzing what was happening. And what was happening was that the ork in the doorway was spouting nonsense...well, not all nonsense.
"Does any of this sound familiar to you?" Carla asked Paddy, hoping he might recognize some of the more alien sounding words.
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:18
Jack lost all thought of trying to help as he felt his mind invaded by an alien presence. Well not his entire mind, there was still a part that was Jack, desperately trying to free himself from the alien presence.
Oh frag!!!! What have I got myself into dis time? I guess I'm findin out da hard way what a shedim is. Why am I speakin dis Aztek death mage soundin drek?
"Queztpactyl cacapica garthmaash revenger mecopal power POWER POWER....Whyyyyyy must you torture us you must die your light too loud what do you think why do you seek her we will use her we will tip balance o revenger of souls huetzcal yutaca eaten sucked scoured savored stripped slavered succuluent souls how long can you live not revenge but death and your own soul devoured why why why what do you want?????"
Good thing I already ate, otherwise all dis savored, slavered, succulent talk would be makin me hungry. Frag, dis is bad. Hope dey don't have ta kill me, ya know?
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:18
Jack lost all thought of trying to help as he felt his mind invaded by an alien presence. Well not his entire mind, there was still a part that was Jack, desperately trying to free himself from the alien presence.
Oh frag!!!! What have I got myself into dis time? I guess I'm findin out da hard way what a shedim is. Why am I speakin dis Aztek death mage soundin drek?
"Queztpactyl cacapica garthmaash revenger mecopal power POWER POWER....Whyyyyyy must you torture us you must die your light too loud what do you think why do you seek her we will use her we will tip balance o revenger of souls huetzcal yutaca eaten sucked scoured savored stripped slavered succuluent souls how long can you live not revenge but death and your own soul devoured why why why what do you want?????"
Good thing I already ate, otherwise all dis savored, slavered, succulent talk would be makin me hungry. Frag, dis is bad. Hope dey don't have ta kill me, ya know?
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:21
As the ork remained in the doorway for a moment, Carla considered the possibility that the shedim spirit wasn't asking rhetorical questions. Shedim usually wasted no time in attacking their targets, but this one seemed to be hesitating.
Staying close to Paddy and keeping her distance from the ork, Carla spoke, "Can you hear me?"
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:21
As the ork remained in the doorway for a moment, Carla considered the possibility that the shedim spirit wasn't asking rhetorical questions. Shedim usually wasted no time in attacking their targets, but this one seemed to be hesitating.
Staying close to Paddy and keeping her distance from the ork, Carla spoke, "Can you hear me?"
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:32
Your shrieks stink in this mactactucl's ears choking on the white hate you hate hungry but its soul still bound to meat why do torment us revenger your agony will be eternal for we are only true oaxtepl.
The ork stood still, eyes darting about. The orbs of the corpse stayed riveted on him. The creature stirred, seeming to test his bonds, but made little headway.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:32
Your shrieks stink in this mactactucl's ears choking on the white hate you hate hungry but its soul still bound to meat why do torment us revenger your agony will be eternal for we are only true oaxtepl.
The ork stood still, eyes darting about. The orbs of the corpse stayed riveted on him. The creature stirred, seeming to test his bonds, but made little headway.
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:32
Though she had been in more immediate danger in the past, Carla wasn't sure if she had ever been quite so scared. She had always thought that, in the worst case scenario, she would be mauled to death by a possessed corpse at some point. Yes, it would be unpleasant, but it would be over eventually and then she would be at peace. Now, though, the shedim was talking about eternal damnation, and while it was possible that the shedim was just spewing nonsense for the sake of frightening her, Carla wasn't entirely sure that that was what the spirit was up to.
Concluding that the shedim could hear her questions, Carla tentatively continued the conversation, starting with the most natural question of all, "Why do you want to kill me? I want nothing from you - I've done nothing to you. You accuse me of torture and torment and hatred, but I've committed none of these."
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:32
Though she had been in more immediate danger in the past, Carla wasn't sure if she had ever been quite so scared. She had always thought that, in the worst case scenario, she would be mauled to death by a possessed corpse at some point. Yes, it would be unpleasant, but it would be over eventually and then she would be at peace. Now, though, the shedim was talking about eternal damnation, and while it was possible that the shedim was just spewing nonsense for the sake of frightening her, Carla wasn't entirely sure that that was what the spirit was up to.
Concluding that the shedim could hear her questions, Carla tentatively continued the conversation, starting with the most natural question of all, "Why do you want to kill me? I want nothing from you - I've done nothing to you. You accuse me of torture and torment and hatred, but I've committed none of these."
QUOTE (adamu @ Oct 7 2008, 10:08 AM) 
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:32
The ork stood still, eyes darting about. The orbs of the corpse stayed riveted on him. The creature stirred, seeming to test his bonds, but made little headway.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:32
The ork stood still, eyes darting about. The orbs of the corpse stayed riveted on him. The creature stirred, seeming to test his bonds, but made little headway.
His mind scrambled desperately for a solution to the dilema. He knew even if he found one he couldn't tell the others since the spirit was controlling every freaky, weird word he spoke.
GET OUT OF ME!!! I'm Jack Robustus. I'm glad I shot you, you aztec mutherfragger. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus....
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:41
Done nothing done nothing you seek the mixtapotl revenger lies white lies white lies kill the precursor the link the gate to feasting I will give her to you but give me this one.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:41
Done nothing done nothing you seek the mixtapotl revenger lies white lies white lies kill the precursor the link the gate to feasting I will give her to you but give me this one.
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:41
Damn, dis drek is just getting weirder and weirder. Why do I know dat when dis is all over I won't remember a word I said, unless Frank is recording it. GET OUTTA MY HEAD!!! I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus....
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:41
Damn, dis drek is just getting weirder and weirder. Why do I know dat when dis is all over I won't remember a word I said, unless Frank is recording it. GET OUTTA MY HEAD!!! I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus....
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:42
"Who is her?" Carla asked, "Esmeralda? The witch my mother consulted? Who is she?"
It wasn't exactly Carla's most noble hour. Poor Jack was being possessed by a hideous demon, and all Carla could think about was getting information from the shedim. To be fair, though, this was Carla's first opportunity to communicate with her most dangerous and mysterious adversary, so her single-mindedness was rather understandable. However, she was losing patience with the shedim's occasional nonsense (nonsense?) speak, so as soon as Krait finished snooping around the dead Hispanic's head, she wanted get the hell out of there.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:42
"Who is her?" Carla asked, "Esmeralda? The witch my mother consulted? Who is she?"
It wasn't exactly Carla's most noble hour. Poor Jack was being possessed by a hideous demon, and all Carla could think about was getting information from the shedim. To be fair, though, this was Carla's first opportunity to communicate with her most dangerous and mysterious adversary, so her single-mindedness was rather understandable. However, she was losing patience with the shedim's occasional nonsense (nonsense?) speak, so as soon as Krait finished snooping around the dead Hispanic's head, she wanted get the hell out of there.
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:50
The corpse bound to the pipe began to spasm, with bits of flesh flying from its exposed esophagus in fits and starts. With her medical training, Carla realized this is what laughter would look like without mouth or vocal cords.
The blood that had been oozing from the thing was rapidly congealing as the temperature in the room continued to drop, now well below freezing.
I will give her to you if you slay me this mactactucl.
The ork's voice was calmer now, no longer frenzied or desperate. It had become almost smooth.
I would do it myself, but he is best intact. Asphyxiate him for me. I will see he does not resist. Then she shall be yours.
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:50
The corpse bound to the pipe began to spasm, with bits of flesh flying from its exposed esophagus in fits and starts. With her medical training, Carla realized this is what laughter would look like without mouth or vocal cords.
The blood that had been oozing from the thing was rapidly congealing as the temperature in the room continued to drop, now well below freezing.
I will give her to you if you slay me this mactactucl.
The ork's voice was calmer now, no longer frenzied or desperate. It had become almost smooth.
I would do it myself, but he is best intact. Asphyxiate him for me. I will see he does not resist. Then she shall be yours.
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:53
Jack listened to himself in horror. This was certainly not how he wanted to begin or end his career in the shadows. He felt he was betraying Frank by letting himself be posessed by some malevolent aztec spirit.
Oh dis ain't good at all. I guess I know who da mactactucl is. Why don't the fraggin azzie spirit creep call me a ork. Dat's what I am, a ork. GET OUTTA MY HEAD!!! I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus.... Oh frag, what's da use. I ain't smart enough ta get dis thing outta me. FRAG, FRAG, FRAG!
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:53
Jack listened to himself in horror. This was certainly not how he wanted to begin or end his career in the shadows. He felt he was betraying Frank by letting himself be posessed by some malevolent aztec spirit.
Oh dis ain't good at all. I guess I know who da mactactucl is. Why don't the fraggin azzie spirit creep call me a ork. Dat's what I am, a ork. GET OUTTA MY HEAD!!! I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus. I'm Jack Robustus.... Oh frag, what's da use. I ain't smart enough ta get dis thing outta me. FRAG, FRAG, FRAG!
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:55
There were times when Carla hated her scruples. She had no idea who Jack was; although Krait claimed he could be trusted as a professional teammate, that didn't imply that Jack was actually a good person. After all, a 'principled' and 'professional' hitman or gangster might have murdered dozens of people without a moment's hesitation. For all Carla knew, Jack might also be a vile, professional criminal who was perfectly deserving to die. Or he might not be. Carla knew nothing about this man, and for that reason, she didn't even consider the shedim's invitation for a moment. She was not so ready to give up an opportunity for information, however.
"If you release this man unharmed and tell me where to find Sister Esmeralda," Carla spoke, trying to sound as assertive has possible, "Then I will offer you the body and soul of her captor in the manner you currently request. Do we have a deal?"
Friday 08/15/70 12:33:55
There were times when Carla hated her scruples. She had no idea who Jack was; although Krait claimed he could be trusted as a professional teammate, that didn't imply that Jack was actually a good person. After all, a 'principled' and 'professional' hitman or gangster might have murdered dozens of people without a moment's hesitation. For all Carla knew, Jack might also be a vile, professional criminal who was perfectly deserving to die. Or he might not be. Carla knew nothing about this man, and for that reason, she didn't even consider the shedim's invitation for a moment. She was not so ready to give up an opportunity for information, however.
"If you release this man unharmed and tell me where to find Sister Esmeralda," Carla spoke, trying to sound as assertive has possible, "Then I will offer you the body and soul of her captor in the manner you currently request. Do we have a deal?"
Los Locos' Basement, The Barrio
Friday 08/15/70 12:34:06
You presume too much, Revenger.
The calmer new voice of the monster, with its much improved syntax and vocabulary, sounded odd coming from the ork's naturally deep voice. It was oily, and had a strong but refined Latin accent.
But perhaps there is some common ground here.
The ork took a couple of steps into the room, stopping roughly between Carla and the corpse, but moving slowly and making no threatening gestures. His eyes continued to look around the room, while the corpse's gaze remained fixed on the ork, glancing only occasionally at the woman.
I think there are things you do not yet understand. I think it would be mutually beneficial for me to tell them to you. But they are secrets not meant for common ears. The truths would be...hard...for them. Bid your minions leave us, and I will open your eyes.
Friday 08/15/70 12:34:06
You presume too much, Revenger.
The calmer new voice of the monster, with its much improved syntax and vocabulary, sounded odd coming from the ork's naturally deep voice. It was oily, and had a strong but refined Latin accent.
But perhaps there is some common ground here.
The ork took a couple of steps into the room, stopping roughly between Carla and the corpse, but moving slowly and making no threatening gestures. His eyes continued to look around the room, while the corpse's gaze remained fixed on the ork, glancing only occasionally at the woman.
I think there are things you do not yet understand. I think it would be mutually beneficial for me to tell them to you. But they are secrets not meant for common ears. The truths would be...hard...for them. Bid your minions leave us, and I will open your eyes.
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