Tigger[ Spoiler ]
Tigger slipped into his usual running pants and tank top, a more urban Urban Explorer suit than the drek that most couriers were wearing nowadays. The tight tank top held a biomonitor in its stitches along with the gel armor that withstood falls, hits, tumbles, and bullets with equal ease. His running pants were made of the same and they still fit him well since when he first got them after really getting into the courier business. His shoes were newer though, bought new with his last score, excellent quality with great grip perfect for scaling high rises and running across roofs. Next were his AR climbing gloves his normal messanger bag, his comm securely attached to the strap of the bag. His gear was stowed away safely in the bag, his life in one little bag. The stripes tattooed up and down his airs flexed with his muscles as he stretched for the delivery. When he felt ready he shook his wild orange red locks and grabbed the Alic Pack, hoisting it onto his back and dashing out of Jack's with a wave into the Underground.
He navigated the Ork Underground with a ease that only came with growing up in its depths. His muscles responded with familiarity to the turns, vaults, and jumps that he took as he cleared levels and gaps that normally took others hours to circumnavigate. He also kept to most the less populated areas of the Underground, as he was known well in the area but was only respected by a few, his human looking size and face stood out among the ork population. Didn't matter that he was a ork too, he looked human and that didn't work in his favor.
The tunnel up to the Mall was highly used and very easy to both find and to travel along. He dashed by the few others who were making their way into the Mall for either work or scavenging reached the tunnel entrance in one of his quickest times ever. He nodded to the ork standing guard at the entrance, receiving a curt smile in response. He was known here and no one tended to get in his way while he was making a delivery. Too many hard learned the hard way that he wasn't just a simple runner.
The second floor of the Mall was where the real action always took place, where the old school dealers set up their booths. The first floor held all the up and comers, the small dealers that only dreamed of raking in the nuyen that the guys upstairs brought in nightly. The Office stood prominently along one of the upstairs walls, a old restaraunt taken over by Smokey Joe, a good but tough as nails bastard who ran the place well and usually fair. Tigger stepped through the replaced plexiglass doors and looked for his contact, Spencer.
Thanee
Feb 18 2007, 08:34 AM
Saturday March 1st, 2070; 18:00; Aeryn's Flat, Puyallup, Seattle
Aeryn; PAN = passive [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)
Aeryn reads her com. It's good that Lon couldn't see the expression on her face. He wasn't too bad, but of course that was not going to happen. Gladly he was smart enough to have figured that out a while ago, already, and they could get by on a mostly professional level. He was merely teasing, at least that was Aeryn's impression. Anyways, with the Mall open, there probably was work to do, and work meant Nuyen, which in turn allowed her to pay the rent. Not an entirely bad prospect, she thinks, as she checks her account. Of course, it was only the 1st, and the flat was paid for at least until the end of the month.
When the cup is empty, Aeryn puts on her biking leathers, stashes a few things she might need in her shoulder bag and heads out to the street, where her bike is already waiting. Reving the engine twice, the elf speeds off into the night.
HeySparky
Feb 18 2007, 11:33 AM
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:45; On the way to the Crime Mall, Puyallup
Grayson; PAN = passive; SIN = Greer Wayne Jaspers
Light bleeds in around the blinds cycling through the whole spectrum of evening's seedy flicker. Grayson can identify each unsavory joint by the color, frequency and angle of the light shifting across the ceiling of Marian's place.
Million Dollar Saloon... Blackout Jack's... Eddie's Bail Bonds... Blackout Jack's... Million Dollar Saloon... Blackout Jack's... Spank... Blackout Jack's... Million Dollar Saloon... Blackout Jack's...
It wouldn't be full dark out yet - not that it ever got that dark, not the sky anyway, what with the blanket of cloud and smog reflecting sickly purple-orange light back down at the city - but the blinking beacons faithfully called the lowlives out from under their rocks and out of their alleyways with promises of smut bolstered by subliminal images and sounds that always made Grayson feel like he needed a shower. Sometimes a cold one.
Marian's apartment was in a block of Auburn that had risen and fallen decades back. It could be said to be on the decline. If there were any further down to go. Though it wasn't The Barrens. The Star still patrolled the streets with some frequency, no doubt to 'raid' the honest businesses in the area. Some organized crime honcho had the local street gangs convinced it was in everyone's best interest if the neighborhood was a neutral zone. The building itself was nice enough. The plumbing was reliably intermittent and the central heating better than average. Security was well above average, and Marian and Grayson had installed some extra measures.
Grayson stretches and yawns. He glances at the crappy trid, across the room, it's display blurry, several of the hologuns were going out. Somehow it never seemed worth the time to fix the damn thing. 6:00 PM. Grayson sighs and rolls onto his side, facing Marian. Marian... She is snoring quietly, lips parted, eyes moving under their lids. He rolls back over and folds his arms behind his head. Kilroy, man, I've waited long as I can. I gotta see if there's something I can do to fill in the gaps.
If it really was open tonight, the Mall would be his best bet for something fast. If he could make it past the predators that fed in its shadows.
Grayson slips out of bed and pads quietly into the bathroom. He grits his teeth through a cold shower and steps out gratefully to continue his routine. Towel around his waist he leans, weight on his knuckles, onto the counter. He stares into his reflection. The face that looks back is mostly his own. More tanned. Leaner. The subtle pressures and tugs meant he had a couple more hours left. Though he wouldn't be going out looking like this. He checks his stubble in the bathroom mirror and debates who it would be safest to be tonight. Greer. He turns on the faucet and splashes water over his face. The stubble is already showing red and blond patches, the hair lightening to dull blond, skin paling.
"Greer creeps me out." Grayson turns at the voice. Marian is in the doorway, watching him. "Shower woke me. So, does Greer mean you're headed to the Mall?" The tone is light, neutral. She's worried. She should be.
He lets Greer fade and Grayson reemerge. "Yeah."
She looks up at him, tips of her fingers worrying her bottom lip, she says - it is a statement as much as a question, "Still no word from Kilroy?"
Grayson's jaw clenches. No shit, Marian. They'd spoken about just this when he had rolled in early this morning. He bites back the angry response. She's stating the unbelievably obvious. Just to have something to say. She's definitely worried. He shakes his head. "No, no word. Don't worry, he'll come through." Grayson, anger still prickling, turns away, back to the mirror.
Marian is quiet for some time. "You trust him too much."
Grayson turns, an eyebrow raised, "Ingrate."
Marian barks a laugh, "Yeah, right. Like he helped me out of the kindness of his heart."
Grayson shrugs. She had a point. Kilroy was truly mercenary. He sighs, "If there's anything to trust about Kilroy, it's that he's driven. He'll call."
"Let's just say I'm not holding my breath." Marian makes a face and turns away, a length of pale thigh flashing as she moves. Damn, woman. In the other room, Grayson hears the staticky drone of the trid as it flicks on. He hurriedly grabs his gear together, clothes, weapons, potentially illegal electronics and shoves it all into a duffel bag. Just a quickie. Still wearing his towel he steps into the other room. Marian is snoring quietly again. Grayson groans inwardly, Not quick enough.. He goes back into the bathroom and dresses, gets the Greer gear ready, blue contacts, ratty orange pullover cap. On his way out he pauses at Marian's bedside, brushes a lock of hair from her shoulder, kisses her on the forehead.
Forty-five minutes and a couple dozen bus stops later, Grayson has fully become Greer. He heads south from Seattle proper into Puyallup, toward the Mall. A stiff wind kicks up dust and grit. The low bank of clouds above skim by quickly, flashes of unseen bolts flickering and illuminating the clouds. Grayson had been to the Mall on a number of occasions. Usually on Kilroy's behalf. Each time was a new adventure. Each time he entered a different way. Frequently as a different person.
Trigger
Feb 18 2007, 10:05 PM
Saturday March 1, 2070- 18:30- Mall Office, Crime Mall, Puyallup Seattle, UCASTigger@Redjack:
[ Spoiler ]
Tigger hoisted the Alice pack a little higher onto his shoulders as he turned to address Joe. "I know it ain't open yet chum, I've been around enough to know when you are open or not. I ain't here to buy nothin right now, I'm here on business ya know. Gotsta deliver a package, lookin for Spencer tonite. Ya know if he's around?"
Syndicate_killer
Feb 19 2007, 01:18 AM
Saturday March 1, 2070 18:10
Death Jesters, Apartment.
DJ sets the plastic bottle of water on the counter next to the sink full of dishes, some there from almost a week ago. DJ decides not to chance the swirl of visual chaos from his 'link, the pushing of a few buttons on the miniture console completes his task. The Trideo hums to life and the first message appears. <Hoi chum...we're partying it up in...>" "Next message" DJ says cutting off the rest of the message from the youngish looking girl. Within the timeframe of 20 minutes DJ manages to run through most of his messages and, down two beers while he sits on the old stained couch polishing up some greasy engine parts.Lighting a cigarette DJ focuses on flipping through his messages. DJ stops at the one with the subject marked as 'Mall Open' DJ smiles slightly at this. Book marking it he moves on.. Damn no word from RedFeather yet...I need this score...maybe i should trudge through the 'Mall' after all to pick up something...anything to bring in some yen
Storm
Feb 19 2007, 03:01 AM
Whisper
@RJ
[ Spoiler ]
Before she went out to meet Thain she made one last quick look around to see if she needed anything. Fake I.D.? Check. Sunglasses? ..Kind of too late in the day for those. Gun? Nah.. She never used those. Thinking back on it now, it was something Thain was always a bit.. umm.. Well, he always wanted her to find some means of defending herself. Whether it was hand-to-hand combat or a gun or something. Whenever she got in good 'ole street fights, no, correct that; whenever she took the brunt of a street bashing Thain always took it personal.
Her reminiscing thoughts were shattered when she heard Thain pull up. After locking the door she ran outside with a grin on her face and she eagerly took the helmet from Thain. What could she say? She loved her bro; he was her hero. In all of two seconds she was on the back of his bike, helmet on her head, and arms wrapped around his waist.
She was ready for a night of fun.
Redjack
Feb 19 2007, 04:54 AM
@Aeryn
[ Spoiler ]
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:35; Aeryn's Flat to The Crime Mall
The sun setting in the Puyallups though the haze of the dust is a site lost on most. For Aeryn, it reminds her of home. Reminds her of Tarislar. Lost in the thoughts of years past, Aryn finds herself entering the neighborhoods near the mall. No street lights illuminate the path here and the roads are not the best, but RFID markers provide a clear path.
As the Mall comes into sight, so do the Lifters. Tonight the old Sears outlet is serving as bike parking and they have established directions using RFID tags and sculpted AR.
@Grayson
[ Spoiler ]
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:45; On the way to The Crime Mall
It was on the second bus that Kilroy came through. It was a text, but it was contact.
<[Kilroy]How's the bus ride? BTW, that was retorical. At third switch to the C-18 line and go the Market street. Jake will be waiting. Who should I say he is picking up?>
@Rex
[ Spoiler ]
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:30; Rex's apartment
A pic arrives in your inbox. It is of a human male, early-forties, four days beard growth. He is of mid-European decent with a little scar under his left eye. A text accompanies the pic: <[Kilroy] Spencer is a straight shooter. He prefers to walk away rather than fight, but is like a rattle snake is roused. He's getting a little old for this game, but is highly respected in the biz>
@Tigger
[ Spoiler ]
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:31; Mall Office, The Crime Mall
The human takes a moment to survery your intent, looking you up and down before replying, "He ain't been in yet either. I think the Lifters are parking people in the old Sears outlet if he's coming by ground vehicle."
@Death Jester
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:30; Death Jesters, Apartment, PuyallupAs you roll your bike out of your living room and into the street,
Sam Hain rides up on his harley. He wears riding leathers, but all colors are hidden from view. He wraps the throttle a few times so that the meaty roar of his hog resinates in the night before he kills the engine. "
When are you gonna get a real bike sissy-boy?"
@Whisper
[ Spoiler ]
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:40; Whisper's Apartment to The Crime Mall, Puyallup
Thain is crazy. No other word for it. He races off into the night, you in tow. He rides through traffic between cars, even running a few red lights. More than once your life passses through your eyes.
No street lights illuminate the path here and the roads are not the best, but RFID markers provide a clear path. As the Mall comes into sight, so do the Lifters. Tonight the old Sears outlet is serving as bike parking and they have established directions using RFID tags and sculpted AR.
HeySparky
Feb 19 2007, 05:58 AM
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:45; On the way to The Crime Mall
Grayson; PAN = passive; SIN = Greer Wayne Jaspers
The bus moves in and out of shadow, under sodium lights that line the streets. The passengers sit absorbed in their own thoughts. Grayson looks out of the window. As darkness falls and lifts, Grayson's face shifts. Fall, lift, shift. Fall, lift, shift. Greer returns.
A dull-blond headed man with pale cheeks and dark shadows under his eyes huddles in his seat. He wears a tattered overcoat, a knit cap and holds a duffel bag against his chest as he fiddles with a comm strapped to his wrist. Grayson looks at his reflection in the window, he sees Greer's sullen face looking back at him.
A quiet chime sounds in his ear. A message. A long awaited message. Grayson's chest tightens. His stomach flutters. Greer's dirty-nailed hands stop fidgeting as he brings up the message on his contacts. The message flickers as the transparent AR window overlays the streets speeding by.
<[Kilroy]How's the bus ride? BTW, that was retorical. At third switch to the C-18 line and go the Market street. Jake will be waiting. Who should I say he is picking up?>
Grayson brings up a response. He hesitates, cataloging the items in his duffel bag. Good gear, but not everything he would want. <[GWJaspers]Depends on what this Jake wants to do.>
In his excitement he fails to wonder how Kilroy knew not only that he was riding a bus, but which bus. Though it cerainly wasn't the first time Kilroy had shown preternatural awareness of Grayson's movements.
Thanee
Feb 19 2007, 12:43 PM
Saturday March 1st, 2070; 18:41; The Crime Mall - Parking
Aeryn; PAN = passive [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)
Aeryn drives her bike on the appointed route at cruising speed along the path that shows up on her AR. It was always cool to see the effort they had put into the sculpting, all the little details you could spot on the way.
As the first ganger comes into sight, Aeryn immediately notices the white plastic bag tied around his arm. There were some others, too, they didn't put much effort into hiding themselves, knowing quite well, that noone who came along this route would dare to make a ruckus. And right they are. Aeryn always found their 'gang colors' to be a little silly, but she was about the last person in the whole Puyallup to tell them so. Frictions were bad for business, and business was why she was here.
She takes off her helmet and shakes her luxurous raven hair, which was tied up underneath, as she waits for one of the Lifters to collect their parking fee. With the 25¥ transfered, and putting up a smirk against the usual bawdy talk, which you could only either play along with or simply ignore, Aeryn pushes the throttle and speeds towards the appointed parking place. With one graceful move, she swings her leg over the seat and comes to stand next to her bike. After putting the helmet on the handlebars and lock it there, and pulling and pushing her clothes to fit, Aeryn is ready to head over to the Mall.
gobogen
Feb 19 2007, 05:32 PM
Saturday March 1, 2070; 18:45; The Crime Mall - ParkingRexRex drove to the mall early. After all, he had a couple of acquaintances he could have a chat with before finding his employer for the evening. He made sure to bring in all his usual equipment, including his weapons of choice, an AK97 Carbine modified for better recoil compensation and his huge, trusty axe. He would be carrying the SMG with a shoulder strap, slightly concealed under his jacket, while his axe - engraved with Chinese characters - would be hanging from his belt for everyone to see.
Arrived near the mall, he parks his Ford Americar in the same lot he usually chooses and finds a Lifter to give payment to and register his car as under their protection for the night.
50 wasn't too much to pay for the services they offered. Rex knew what happened to the vehicles of those who tried to park a few blocks away from the mall to avoid having to pay and he didn't want anything to happen to his car.
Those boys will get beaten up bad the day they do something to the car of the wrong person.
Trigger
Feb 19 2007, 07:27 PM
Saturday March 1, 2070- 18:32 - Mall Office, Crime Mall, PuyallupTigger@Redjack
[ Spoiler ]
Tigger nodded with understanding as he turned from Joe and moved back out into the greater mall area, calling back over his shoulder a quick thanks. The old Sears outlet was halfway to the other side of the mall, and on the floor below, but Tigger still got there in a quick time, dropping from the second to the first floor through the first opening that he came to and quickly vaulting over any obstacles or debris that blocked his way. He ducked into the garage and looked around for Spencer or anyone who could point him towards Spencer.
Storm
Feb 19 2007, 08:15 PM
Whisper
@RJ
[ Spoiler ]
"So," Whisper began as she kept pace along side Thain. "Got anything particular in mind that you're wanting to get?" She thought about creating a mindlink with him. It'd have been more to her liking - keeping their conversation extremely private from any prying eyes or ears. But, once again that was Thain for ya; charismatic guy but prefered the solid and substantial stuff. You know, raw horsepower from a bike, comfortable grip of a gun, and of course, conversations with the use of vocal cords.
Syndicate_killer
Feb 19 2007, 09:33 PM
Saturday, March 1 18:30
Outside Apartment
DJ hollers back over the dying roar of Sam Hain's engine ."About the time you stop sleeping with ugly women....ha ha ha" DJ hits the throttle a notch and lets loose of the brakes just enough to screech the tires as he makes his way to Sam's Bike. DJ offers out his hand as he stops next to him "So, brother what's going on?"....Spirits I hope he hasnt fixed me up with some ugly broad again, being his wingman can be such a chore sometimes.
Draug
Feb 20 2007, 03:16 AM
BuzzSaturday, March 1 18:30 - Crime Mall, Ground Floor[ Spoiler ]
Walking into the Crime Mall, Buzz's commlink was instantly flooded by the tags and spam that chocked the airwaves. Swearing silently to himself, he put the thing in silent mode, and tried to do a quick clean-up. It wasn't as successful as he would have wanted it to be by far, and a couple of advertisements kept hanging out in the corner of his vision. Not willing to divert all his attention to getting rid of the nuisances, he simply ignored them.
The Mall was still only warming up, but that's how Buzz liked it anyway. He wasn't all that comfortable among large throngs of people. Trying to look casual while wielding an assault rifle, he walked onto the ground floor. The people here were small-timers, but Buzz didn't mind that. He wasn't big fish himself, anyway.
First off, he needed to call Kilroy. The Mall's flooded network was one of the safest places to do that from. Hard to trace anything that didn't try to be traced in here. The fixer didn't pick up, so Buzz left him a message in his voicemai. <Hey. Buzz here. Listen, the Yak's are pushing me for their money. You gotta hook me up with a job ASAP if you want to keep me as an asset. I'm in the Mall tonight, but feel free to call me. Later>.
Then, bringing up a mailbox in his HUD, Buzz then brought up the address of Smog. The orc might be able to help him out too. <Hey, man. Buzz here. Yaks want to buy my map. Offer 25 grand. Interested? I owe them. Need money pay them back. Got a job? Mall's open tonight. You around? Meet a friend of yours and talk biz?> A click later, the message sped away.
Not expecting any answers at once, Buzz started walking around, checking out the goods that were on offer tonight. He wasn't planning on buying anything – hell, he couldn't afford to – but you never knew what popped up in a place like this. Also, someone might be interested in buying something off him. You never knew who'd heard about you in Crime Mall.
Cedric Rolfsson
Feb 20 2007, 04:26 PM
Saturday, March 1 17:45:00 - Sundown Apartments #231
Cynic pulled on his jacket, feeling the comforting weight of the trauma plates and gel reactive armor pockets, settling it to make sure he still had access to his Predator and blades. He pulled the heavy pistol and dropped the clip, just to make sure it was full, even though he knew it would be. Still, Johnny had crashed on the couch last night, and Cynic knew better than to assume that his pistol was fully loaded. He'd already chambered one round so he was as ready as he was going to get.
He felt the familiar tinge of anticipation along his spine. He'd been to the Mall a bunch of times, usually with the other DevilKids in a group, and it was always full of excitement and fun. He'd lay off the booze tonight since he didn't have anyone to cover his back, but he was a shadow runner now and he had to be seen if he wanted to work. He needed to get the word out on the street that Cynic lived the life, talked the talk, and would walk the walk.
Tonight, he'd hit the Mall, scoping for opportunities, looking for a deal. He had a month left on his rent, since he'd had to pay first and lasts in order to get into the place, and he needed to secure next month's rent as soon as possible. His bike would be tucked away in the underground garage beneath the apartment building where the local wouldn't tear it up for kicks. Making sure to secure his apartment, and checking the feed from the micro camera set above the door to be sure it still had a good view of the apartment, he headed out.
Redjack
Feb 21 2007, 03:56 AM
Saturday, March 1stCynic: 18:25; The Crime MallThe trip to the Mall passes without incident. The growler carrying you through traffic to a less travelled area of the district. As the Mall comes into sight, no street lights illuminate the path here and the roads are not the best, but RFID markers clearly mark the path to tonight's parking area. Tonight the old Sears outlet is serving as bike parking and the Lifters have established directions using RFID tags and sculpted AR.
The question is whether to pay their toll or stash the bike elsewhere?Death Jester: 18:31; Outside DJ's ApartmentWith a wry grin
Sam Hain replies, "
Dizzy Joe is having a rave tonight. Time to chase a little tail.". He cracks his knuckles, seeming quite proud of himself.... The only problem being that Dizzy Joe tends to attract the girls that don't get invited to the more popular raves....
Tigger: 18:46; The Crime Mall - ParkingThe IBM's in the cheap suits hanging out by the entrance of the first floor were no more help than the female troll watching over the east entrance. Spencer didn't seem to be too well known.
Standing off to the side watching the people enter the Mall from where the bikes are parked tonight, the attractive elven woman catches you eye for a moment. Even though short for an elf, the tight leathers and curves make her an attractive breeder, even if she is a dandelion eater.
Aeryn: 18:46; The Crime Mall - ParkingA few whistles call after
Aeryn as she heads into the Mall, but she's been here enough to know that it won't go farther than that. The pair of bricks in cheap suits she passes reassures her of that. Mafia soldiers, but on a tight lease tonight. The family takes its cut of the sales here tonight and they don't like potential customers scared away.
The interior of the Mall isn't clean, but its not nasty either. Rumor is that day laborers are trucked in to clean it up, make small repairs. Keep the place in reasonable shape. Some of the shops on the second level get even better treatment, but down here it just what's required to keep it going.
Rex: 18:50 - Crime Mall, East EntranceAs you unfold yourself from the sedan, the gangsters who collect your parking fee gaze longingly at the axe. As you walk away, you hear them cutting up about it. Each bragging about what
they could do with a blade like that.
Life being the way it is, you barely make it to the entrance when you spot
Betty. She has a kid by the scruff of the neck in each hand, "
Don't let me catch you back tonight, else I bust ya up!" she calls out to them as she unceremoniously tosses them to the ground.
Buzz: 18:50 - Crime Mall, Ground Floor[ Spoiler ]
Both messages off, you wander the lower level of the Mall. Shops are just begining to open and a few of the working girls have begin to strut their wares, hoping to catch johns before their money is spent.
<[Kilroy@18:49] Hang loose and stay sober. Got a few things in the air. I see you're packed for bear tonight. Might need it.>
How does he do that?
Whisper: 18:59 - Crime Mall, Motorcycle ParkingThain pops a wheelie as you race across the district, every bit the dare devil he was as a teen. The trip passes quickly, though several times you wonder if you will make it alive.
Thain pays the fee to the gangers collecting to watch over the bikes. They have a reputation, once you pay its safe. He locks the helmets on the bike and looks to you, "
Lets window shop!"
Grayson (Greer Wayne Jaspers): 19:04; Market Street Bus StopPeople on. People off. An old woman. A young punk. Young lovers with a baby. People on. People off. Each bus ride is never the same, so many different faces.
The ride gives you time to further ponder Kilroy and his ways. Always using the matrix, never meeting in person always knowing where you are. Perhaps he is a very powerful mage. If so why spend the time following you? He might be a dragon. You might be sitting in a padded cell imagining all this. *DING*
Your stop. Stepping off you begin looking around for Jake aka Gadget. Gadget is another one of Kilroy's regulars. He'd driven half a dozen times for you. He is really wiz with the flying drones, jacking them like nobody else can. He's also a little different,
but then aren't you all?Gadget: 19:04; Market Street Bus StopThe fly-spy hovered over the bus as Greer stepped off the bus. Grayson has this ability to change. You never know for sure what he'll look like. Today, you recognize him.
Kilroy didn't say what tonight was about. He did say to get pick up Grayson here and that you were going to the Mall.
The other fly-spy finished its latest patrol circuit. A pair of gangers were half a block away, but they didn't seem interested in your van. Either they weren't looking or they decided the dark, non-descript, late-model van was not on the menu.
kvasac
Feb 21 2007, 09:01 AM
Saturday, March 1st 19:07; Market Street Bus Stop
Taking the can of anti sept spray and covering himself and then the seats with it, Jake opens up his PAN to prepare a message to Grayson:
"I'm your right. Left the anti sept can in front and some tissues. Please clean yourself up before coming inside."
Sending it off, he leans in his comfortable chair, runing a diagnostics on the vehicle while at the same time pondering Kilroy. He liked the way the fixer operated. Matrix only, clean and neat, no need to expose himself to all the microbes hovering in the air, waiting to get at you. Whether 'Roy was a dragon or perhaps a fledgling AI didn't matter much to Jake. He got him job, and money and that was what really mattered in the end.
Sending flys on another security run, he waited for Grayson with patience.
Thanee
Feb 21 2007, 10:43 AM
Saturday March 1st, 2070; 18:50; The Crime Mall
Aeryn; PAN = passive [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)
Aeryn nods towards the two brutes guarding the entrance, as she moves by. The Mall seemed tidy, considering its run-down state, as tidy as things got down here, anyways. She was used to see some dirt, living in the Puyallups after all.
As she slowly makes her way towards the stairs, Aeryn looks around for other visitors, maybe she would even spot a familiar face somewhere.
Trigger
Feb 21 2007, 11:32 AM
Saturday March 1 2070 - 18:46; CRime Mall- Parking
Tigger had been searching the lot for almost 15 minutes now and still no Spencer. Probably already made it to the Office, just slipped by him at some point. Didn't make much of a difference to Tigger anyways, he was early as is and he still had some time to spare. He looked the cute curvy elf over once again and quickly sends out a AR message and ping her way: I don't think I have seen you around here before. I would know if I have because yours is not one to forget.
Syndicate_killer
Feb 21 2007, 03:39 PM
Saturday March 1 18:31
Outside apartment
A party would be fun.....and I can drink them pretty...no focus, you need a score "Brother, I got to run out to the Mall first and try to score some yen...I can swing by later. I know they wont be pretty but, save me a skinny." They both laugh at this inside joke. "And no orks either, last one skinned up my stomach and legs with those damn tusks."
Cedric Rolfsson
Feb 21 2007, 03:56 PM
Saturday March 1 18:31:21 - Crime Mall Parking
Cynic followed the RFID tags to the designated parking area, ignoring the Lifters tag marks along the buildings and in the AR. The cost for parking the bike was minimal and would keep the Lifters happy, he knew better than to ignore a crew like this when he'd be in the middle of their turf for awhile still tonight.
gobogen
Feb 21 2007, 04:36 PM
Rex: 18:50 - Crime Mall, East Entrance
Rex laughs when seeing the way his friend deals with the two kids and he walks towards Betty, waving at her. "Having trouble with some real tough intruders there, chum. Maybe you need a hand from me?" he says jokingly. "So I take it you're looking over a stand for someone this evening?"
Storm
Feb 21 2007, 05:54 PM
Whisper: 19:05 - Inside Crime Mall
"So, what's the latest and greatest?" Whisper asks as Thain and her make their way in. Already there was a nice assortment of occupants sifting through the mall. This did nothing to quell her uneasiness about feeling like an open target. She couldn't help but always look out her peripheal vision seeing who was where and what was going on. There was an itching desire to change physical appearance but she was with Thain, she was safe, right?
Cedric Rolfsson
Feb 21 2007, 07:21 PM
Saturday March 1 2070 - 18:55:01 - Inside the Crime Mall
This is the scene, this is where it's at!
Cynic moved through the empty spaces and knots of people in the Mall, seeing the people and being seen. He often uses his Sight, just checking the astral area for surprises, and letting those who know enough to matter where his Talents lie.
He spent his time sipping on a beer, some cheap local brew that would surely have triggered an allergic reaction had his spell focus not been working, and just cruising. He stopped now and again to talk to people he recognized, usually just exchanging gossip. He checked around for local talismonger's shops, not that he'd buy anything from one of these posers, but one never knows so he looked anyway.
He still felt a little naked not wearing his colors, even though it'd been months since the DevilKids had effectively ceased to exist, but it was on nights like tonight that he missed hanging with the crew. He tried hard to project the air of confidence and power but he knew that someone who looked like him often times triggered the urban predator's instincts, so he kept a careful eye out just the same.
He asked one of the big Orks standing guard outside one of the shacks for directions to a safe place to get another beer and headed off, eyes open for opportunities and dangers.
HeySparky
Feb 21 2007, 07:31 PM
Saturday March 1, 2070; 19:09; Market Street Bus Stop, Unassuming Van
Grayson; PAN = passive; SIN = Greer Wayne Jaspers
Grayson steps off of the bus commlink buzzing with speculations on Kilroy's identity. He looks right and spots Jake's van. His commlink's AR filters light up with political solicitations, filtered to Greer's predilictions - strongly republican. The campaign managers of the front-runner's opponents had hired some pretty slick talent and had developed some ads that could spoof themselves into Greer's AR display, getting some critical mudslinging in front of a delta voter. Grayson bookmarks some of the topics Greer would be interested in as he shuffles toward the van.
He uses a cough and then a head scratch to give him some cover to let his eyes dart around and up looking for the tiny drones that would undoubtedly be circling. The door of the van is unlocked when he gets there. The anti-sept spray and disposable tissues waiting on the seat. Grayson is quite happy to clean up...
...a young man with arguable sanity hunches over his cupped hands on the A-line bus drool-spitting into his hands. He gets up and presses a dripping palmprint onto the window over his seat. One-at-a-time - drool, spit, press - he marks each window on the bus. Passengers, Grayson included, share looks of disgust and dismay. No one says a blessed thing...
...Grayson chuckles to himself thinking of what Jake might have done in his place. Not that Jake would have been caught dead on a bus. Rather, the only way Jake would be caught on a bus is dead. None-the-less its good to wipe the film and grit and sweat and grime off of his face and hands. He goes through Jake's 14 point checklist of cleanliness, saved off onto his comm's offline storage from their first encounter. At least 9 points seems to be Jake's threshhold of tolerance. Grayson is pretty sure he's in the 8-10ish range. Hopefully. Satisfied he steps in and shuts the door.
<[GWJaspers]Hoi, Prettyboy. I sprayed the duffel down, but I didn't want to open it outside, you know. So I'll leave it shut. I won't open it in here.>
<[GWJaspers]So. Where we going?> Grayson settles into the seat, looking out of the van's windshield down the street.
Redjack
Feb 22 2007, 02:19 AM
Saturday, March 1st - Various locations across the Puyallups, Seattle
Death Jester: 18:32; Outside DJ's Apartment
Sam Hain snickers at the joke, "At least you got the ork. I was so damn stoned I didn't realize you hooked me up with the troll till the next day.. Took me two weeks to heal from that little enounter." He starts the bike and finishes, "We'll be out in Hell's Kitchens tonight. Near the old Syntel Warehouse."
With that he rides off into the setting sun, the roar of his hog's engine audible in the distance for some time after he disappears into the urban jungle.
Tigger: 18:46; Bike Parking entrance, Crime Mall
Tigger texts out the message only to receive the disappointment of a message filter:
<[Raptor Firewall]Error: Unknown sender. Please supply validation passcode.>
The elf continues on towards the stairs, oblivious to your attempts to text her.
Rex: 18:51; East Entrance, Crime Mall
She looks up at Rex with a wink, "I'm hauling out a couple of unruly kids, not the trash. I'm working for Kaboom, but he loaned me out to the front door for an hour... So here I stand-" she looks over at the punks who had not yet taken the hint to run away yet. Her glares tells them they now need to run, which they do. Turning back to you, "So what's on your agenda tonight?"
Aeryn: 18:55; Near west stairwell, 2nd Floor, Crime Mall
As expected Aeryn has been receiving a number of leers and sustained stares, but she is obviously not for hire, at least not to party, so it doesn't go past staring - till she see's Lon. She wants to convince herself that Lon is only joking. That he is a professional, but he's really a pig in a position with a little power.
"There's my girl" he says with a leer of his own. It was the constant innuendos from him that caused her to send the subtle inquiries to Kilroy for work. She still had to do business around here and Lon was still good for a paycheck, but more and more she had to earn it by putting up with him. "I have some... things to take care of, but I will be free later tonight..." he ends with a wink.
Cynic: 19:00; 1st Floor Food Court, The Crime Mall
The early risers were jockying for position in the various locations of the Mall setting up their wares or just hanging out offering every vice known to man and beast. The pure forms of the plethora of watchers roaming around astral space are a stark contrast to the polluted auras of most of the folks roaming the halls of the Mall. Occassionally, an awakened person was found among the thickening crowd as well.
The beer garden Cynic found himself in was mostly empty right now, but he knew that within hours seats would be at a premium. He had arrived early enough to get a seat and watch the walkers. It wasn't hard to imagine a time many decades ago when the teens walking these halls were just average kids. Now he knew that most belonged to any one of a dozen gangs. The Mall was neutral turf. Occassionally some n00b would flash his colors, usually his companions would jump him before someone else got the chance.
Cynic's attention is taken from the walkers by a working girl who sits down beside him, "Buy me a drink?" she asks.
Whisper: 19:09; 1st Floor Food Court, The Crime Mall
"Not much really. Did some work as a body guard last week. Some suit wanted to spend a few nights slumming, hopping bars.. Nearly got myself killed guiding that little pansy around. Didn't pay nearly enough." The duo make their way into the Mall, a number of vendors just opening up shop. Thain is moving with purpose though and they enter the food court. He finds his way to a beer garden where he buys each of you an beer and a braut, "I just don't want to know what its made of" he remarks.
gobogen
Feb 22 2007, 02:53 AM
Rex: 18:51; East Entrance, Crime Mall
PAN: Passive; (fake) SIN: Colin "Rex" Woods
He walks closer and talks much lower, just not to attract any attention. "I've been hired as a bodyguard for some coyote named Spencer for the night. I have to meet him upstairs when it's opened. Have you ever met the guy? Know anything about him?"
Then he remembered that it might be safer not to say things like this out loud.
<Rex: We can use text if you prefer, since we're in the open.>
Redjack
Feb 22 2007, 02:58 AM
Rex: 18:51; East Entrance, Crime Mall
Turning her eyes back to a couple headed into the Mall.
<[Betty] How funny you should ask. You the second person in 10 minutes looking for Spencer. Some ork boy was here asking. I didn't know him. Oh, and no, I don't know who Spencer is either.>
Draug
Feb 22 2007, 03:09 AM
Buzz: Ground Floor, Crime Mall
PAN: Hidden; SIN: Alexander Simmons Black-Dog
'Bear? More like gator. Or ghoul.' Buzz hated shooting ghouls. It was that vague humanity, the fear hidden in their eyes as they realized their prey fought back, and they would die. There wasn't anything he could do for them, but their death rattles after his shots kept freaking him out.
Shaking those thoughts from his head, Buzz kept wandering the first floor. Looking for things and faces, waiting for a job to come his way. 'Perhaps I should start advertising or something. Or even worse, take one of those Ork Underground guide jobs.'
kvasac
Feb 22 2007, 09:09 AM
Saturday March 1, 2070; 19:12; Inside the Van
Jake calls back his drone and lets the van roll slowly.
"Jake: The Mall. Why 'Roy has set up a meeting in such dirty, germ infested place is truly beyond me."
At least he is not speaking. No need to spread around bacterias he picked inside the bus more than he has to..
Thanee
Feb 22 2007, 01:00 PM
Saturday March 1st, 2070; 18:57; The Crime Mall - 2nd Floor
Aeryn; PAN = passive [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)
The problem... well, one of them... with Lon was, that he was in a position of power currently and therefore could not simply be ignored, like the gangers. Aeryn's only option was to to put up a smile and to put up with him, if she wanted to do biz, and he was still her best source for jobs in the moment. It had worked quite well in the past, and he was a rather useful man to know, so it was worth the extra headache of having to endure his presence every now and then.
"Hey Lonny! This is the Mall, not the nightclub, yaknow. Thought you know the difference by now," Aeryn tells him with a wink of her own. "And people come to the Mall to do business. I'm no exception. So, do you want to do business?"
Cedric Rolfsson
Feb 22 2007, 03:40 PM
Saturday March 1, 2070 - 19:01:01 - 1st Floor Crime Mall
PAN: Hidden - SIN: Don Joe
Cynic smiled at the girl, whose black vinyl microskirt went very well with her fishnet-and-body-piercing top.
"Sure, I'll buy a drink, what'll ya have?"
He smiled at the girl, the night was definitely looking up.
Syndicate_killer
Feb 22 2007, 05:16 PM
March 1, 2070 18:33
Outside Apartment
DJ and Sam Hain do the customary hand jive of the Ancients before parting ways. Rounding the corner DJ drops it a gear and rolls back on the throttle before shifting up into a higher gear. The bike screams out a long note of whaaaaa momentarily as he heads towards the Mall.
Redjack
Feb 23 2007, 12:56 AM
Saturday, March 1st - Various locations across the Puyallups, Seattle Aeryn: 18:58; Near west stairwell, 2nd Floor, Crime Mall Lon's smile continues, "
I have to go talk to a few resellers. I may have a delivery crossing the street. I'll let you know.". He stride off with a self assured smile, talking to a passing young woman as he walks away as if she enjoyed being treated as an object.
Nearby, a pair of human men haggle of the price of recreational pharmaceuticals. as a small number of people pass about their business as if it nothing.
Cynic: 19:01; 1st Floor Food Court, Crime Mall With a smile, she scoots her chair a little closer. "
A draft, a purple zipper and jello shot."
((
Purple Zipper is a recreational drug costing about 10 per. ))
Death Jester: 19:02; Bike Parking, Crime Mall During the ride across the Puyallups towards the deserted area where the crime mall sits, two more texts arrive detailing nightlife activities. One of them is especially tempting and involves a couple of ganger groupies that are especially enthusiastic about their chosen hobby.
As the Mall comes into sight, no street lights illuminate the path here and the roads are not the best, but RFID tags clearly mark the path to tonight's parking area. Tonight the old Sears outlet is serving as bike parking and the Lifters have established directions using RFID tags and sculpted AR, but these are not needed. It is starting to get busy and you follow several vehicles in.
The Lifters and their ridiculous gang colors cause most other gangers to shake their head and ask why? Perhaps that is the very reason though. This gang never has to fight a real turf war, not with their backers. The may have to fight a few battle when things get rough, but they never have to fight a drawn out war..
Jake & Grayson: 19:10; Northern Puyallups The filtration system of the customized van blows triple filtered and conditioned air into the cab as the van rolls across the district. You've been here before. This van on this road headed to the Mall.
Last time it was to broker a deal with Don "The Rock". That was two months ago and the troll
Rex was with you then. Rock had acquired a some heavy weaponry and specialized ammunition. Your job was to pick it up near Fort Lewis and deliver it to various factions in the northern Puyallups. Simple job. Just don't get mugged. Went well until the Yaks got wind of it. In the end, you got it delivered complications not withstanding.
Word is Rock got shut down and sent to the pen. Then he got shanked. That's the bad thing about shadow contacts they come and they go.
Buzz: 19:11 - Crime Mall, Ground FloorYou've made a complete circuit around the first floor of the old mall. The typcial crowd is here: dealers, prostitutes, small time gun runners, wanna-be coyotes, gangsters looking to break into the big time, mafia soldiers. People are coming here to see who's out and about and to be seen.
No replies yet from any of your inquiries, though it has only been another half hour. Right now you feeling like a pretty small fish in a big freaking pond and you can only outrun the sharks so long.
Cedric Rolfsson
Feb 23 2007, 01:09 AM
Saturday March 1, 2070 - 19:01:45 - 1st Floor Crime Mall
PAN: Hidden - SIN: Don Joe
Cynic laughed delightedly, and placed the girl's order and requested another beer for himself.
"So, what's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?"
The young mage looked around the beer garden, maintaining his vigilance, looking for the girl's minder.
Trigger
Feb 23 2007, 04:30 AM
Saturday March 1, 2070 - 18:46 - Bike Parking, Crime Mall
PAN: Passive - SIN: David Belle
Tigger shrugged off the blocked message from the curvy elf, she was probably some slitch for hire getting off work anyway. He still had a job to do and a package to deliver, that was what really mattered. With one last glance at the beautiful backside of the departing elf Tigger made his way back into the Mall proper, heading back in the direction of the Office. He would either see Spencer on the way there or meet the coyote at the office, but either way he was going to finish this thing soon.
gobogen
Feb 23 2007, 05:05 AM
Rex: 18:52; East Entrance, Crime Mall
Rex lights up a smoke and offers one to Betty as they keep conversing with text messages.
<Rex: If you remember anything whatsoever about that ork, please tell me. Any information can come in handy later on. I'm quite unaware of what will happen tonight but maybe that ork is a threat to my client. Got anything to give me? What did he look like?>
kvasac
Feb 23 2007, 08:48 AM
Saturday March 1, 2070 - 19:20:01 - En route to Crime Mall
"Jake: Any leaks on 'Roy's run this time? Or is it the usual fog around him again." sending the message to Grayson, Jake queries the grid for rumors about moves among the underground and corpos that would be in Killroys range of ops.
Thanee
Feb 23 2007, 09:01 AM
Saturday March 1st, 2070; 19:00; The Crime Mall - 2nd Floor
Aeryn; PAN = passive [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)
"Great! I know I can count on you." With that out of the way, Aeryn let out a sigh and started to shuffle through the Mall, maybe there was something (or someone) interesting coming up.
Storm
Feb 23 2007, 01:21 PM
Whisper: 19:11; 1st Floor Food Court, The Crime Mall
"Seems you've been keeping rather busy.." She remarks as she eyes the braut. What delicacies these days, right? The average person's diet containing a beer or water with the addition of soy-crap filled stuff in whatever form you wanted so that it'd pass as food. It really doesn't look that appetizing. Picking up her beer she takes a drink; deciding to wait until later before eating the food. Besides, she already ate before she came.
Whisper looks around rather discontentedly as if trying to filter through and recall any events worth telling. "Speaking of not paying enough," She starts as she props an elbow on the table and rests her chin on her hand while getting that haze in her expression that suggests she's 'starring off into space' - obviously showing some serious thinking. "Work in the bar has been steady, but not really enough to pull in the nuyen for anything other than barely getting by. There are some books I've been wanting to get, maybe a lil equipment, and .... Well, I've been trying to find another means of pay, ya know? Been talking to people, hoping a bit of side-work will fill in some holes. What'cha think about it?"
Redjack
Feb 24 2007, 06:15 AM
Saturday, March 1st - Various locations across the Puyallups, SeattleRex: 18:56; East Entrance, Crime MallBetty stops a ganger attempting to walk by with his head bowed, "
No trouble this week Booger or I'll bounce you out a second floor window this time."
He nods an agreement and she allows him to pass. Her next reply takes several minutes as she focuses on people coming and going.
<[Betty]He's a kid. Looks almost human. In fact, he may be human and an ork poser, but I think the teeth were real. He's got a military ackpack on as well. He moved like a pro though. Very light on his feet.>Cynic: 19:05; 1st Floor Food Court, Crime Mall((
Total cost = 25 ))
It takes a few minutes to get served, but when you return to the table she pops the pill, downs the shot and takes a drink of the draft. Looking around there are about a dozen people mulling around the area. Two possibilities stand out as her handler. On is an ork in a cheap suit, the other a human in an heavy jacket - probably armored.
She pulls your attention back to the table, "
So, shall we find a secluded spot to conduct our business?"
Tigger: 19:05; Mall Office, Crime MallAfter a leasurely walk around the Mall you find yourself back at the Mall Office. This time the office seems to be serving the first patrons. Walking in, the elf from earlier catches your eye but business first.
Still not knowing what
Spencer looks like, you head to the bar. It is
Smokey Joe who addresses you first, "
You ain't found Spencer yet? Have a seat. He's due any minute."
Aeryn: 19:05; Mall Office, Crime MallTaking a seat in the Mall Office, you notice the place is just starting to get warmed up. The decor of the office is pretty unique. There is a long bar that runs along the far wall and out to the middle of the floor making it kind of a "T" shape. There are twenty-eight stools along the bar. Seven along each of the four lengths. Along both walls, left and right, in the room are a number of booths with curtains. You know from experience that each of the twelve booths have white noise generators as well as sound dampeners. Using the booths brings a minimum drink charge every fifteen minutes. There are six tables with four chairs out on the floor area and finally, there are 3 larger rooms in the back for rent.
Smokey Joe keeps a well stocked bar and has a several crates of food trucked in. There are always two specials and only the two specials. Tonight they are ham-flavored soy-tofu sub-sandwhiches and meatloaf surprise. A waitress walks over to take your drink order, "
What'll it be?"
Whisper: 19:12; 1st Floor Food Court, Crime MallThain listens, keeping his eyes on the people coming and going in the beer garden. "
Lil sis, you shouldn't have any problem finding work and good paying work. That Kilroy dude hook you up with work yet?"
Trigger
Feb 24 2007, 08:18 AM
Saturday March 1st - 19:05 - Mall Office
PAN = Passive . SIN = David Belle
Tigger does as Smokey Joe says, taking a seat at the bar but not ordering anything for the moment. Food and refreshment is for after the job is done. Tigger keeps one eye on the door and one on the curvy elf chica, thinking about sending out another ping to try and pick up her attention. Save it for later boyo, work first remember. If it all goes well then we can party.
gobogen
Feb 24 2007, 04:37 PM
Rex: 18:57; East Entrance, Crime Mall
<[Rex] Thanks Betty. I'll send you a message at the end of the night to see if you'd like to go to a sports bar or something, and share a few drinks.>
With that, Rex heads into the mall. The Office is about to open, he figures, so he heads upstairs and finds a place at the bar. Knowing what Spencer is like, he looks around to see if his employer's already there. He also pays attention for any ork-that-looks-human, and for the military backback that Betty told him about.
Redjack
Feb 24 2007, 08:05 PM
Rex: 19:07; Mall Office, Crime Mall
The Office is open (( See descriptions in previous posts )) and there are only about twelve people inside besides the ork sitting at the door. He is wearing a heavy armor jacket and has an MP-5 with a suppressor is his hands. He is a large ork with obvious features and red cyber eyes.
He looks you over and nods as you enter, but makes no overt movements. The military backpack with the kid at the bar draws your eyes in like a homing becon however.
Tigger: 19:07; Mall Office, Crime Mall
A troll with a combat axe strpped to his back (( Rex - so use his description )) walks in and looks around.
gobogen
Feb 24 2007, 08:51 PM
Rex and Tigger: 19:07; Mall Office, Crime Mall
That's my guy. Let's see if he wants to have a little chat first.
The tall troll finds his way towards the man with a military backpack and sits next to him, looking for concealed weapons from behind when the kid is not watching. Rex then sits down next to him without looking at him and makes a sign to the bartender, Smokey Joe.
"I'll have a Thunder Jack if you still serve that. " And then turning to the kid on his left, Whatcha having, bro?