Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:18 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

Eric starts to answer when his new teammate speaks up. I like the way he thinks.

He looks at the mage with a little smirk, taking note of the air elemental hovering in astral space out of sight of about everyone else in the room, then looks back at Johnson. "Speaking for myself, we have a deal."

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:19 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

"I see, something about 'he plays up the need to keep metas in their place' made me think so, I guess."

Carron is rapidly reassesing the ad hoc team gathered in the room and starting to be impressed with what he's seeing and hearing.

So, there ARE professionals outside the mil... the suit on our side is pretty good. I'll have to work hard to keep my end up.

He looks once more around the room and then speaks up a trace of Detroit touching his voice: "Me and my wheels are in, when do we start?"

Cigar Smoking Man smiles. "A good question my man. Inside the Southern Conservatives I can't think of anyone that will benefit. Outside that, the front runners would be Mark Roloven with the Republicans. Since officially the Republican and Democratic Reformers are still the American Coalition, they don't have a candidate. The Southern Dems have a guy in the race by the name of Anthony Daniels. Take your pick."

He looks over at Sundown for a moment and then adds, "I hope that you mean politically eliminate ... I don't do wetwork. Alright then, we have a deal and you start now.""

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:20 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS
Eric Debois aka Book; PAN=Passive[LTG]; SIN=Eric Smith (Not Broadcast)

Looking around at his new team mates Eric thinks, Time to get to know the crew and figure out a plan. Ten days... Not a lot of time to bring down a senator...

Looking back to Mr Johnson and what isn't yet on the table between them, "Shall we conclude the last little bit of our business then...?"

Cigar Smoking Man smiles and sets a small stack of cred sticks on the table. He gets up and opens the door. "Nice to doing business with ya'll. The room is yours for as long as you need it." With that, he is gone.

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:22 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

Eric looks around at his six new companions. Little biger team than I'm used to.. But this is a little bigger run as well. I imagine we'll need the expertise of everyone here and then some...

It is not normally in his nature for Eric to be quite so extraverted, but he is a bit of a control freak and that aspect of his nature tends to override all other aspects of his character. Earlier that controlling nature brought out the neotiator in him and now it compells him to begin some measure of organization for the team.

"Shall we stay here and perhaps begin some exchanging of details and expertise in AR while we start planning?"

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:23 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

"Drek! I left my fraggin' 'link in my car. I'll be right back. I'm Dalton by the way, my MOS is Combat Armored Vehicle Operation and Reair, just got in town. I guess in this business I'm a good getaway driver and heavy support? Kinda new to this." With that he heads to the door and opens it a little more violently than necessary, his frustration at having forgotten his 'link showing through.

Way to go hot shot... GREAT first impression! he fumes at himself as the door closes behind him. He makes his way out the front door and scans the parking lot and street before crossing to his car to retrieve his commlink and AR gloves.

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:23 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

Vick remains quiet during the rest of the meet until Cigar Smoking Man makes his exit. The more the guy in the suit talked, the better.
"Name's Vick; I'm a troubleshooter," he says with a smile, "pleased to meet yall."

Vick turns to the table and picks up his share, inspecting it.

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:24 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

"Jazz, Matrix Security. Both directions. Nice to meet ya'll."

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:24 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

Eric pulls out his com and sets it on the table to allow for one of the direct link PAN connection methods. In AR, he scrolls down his PAN sensor range to two meters and opens an AR chat room.

<[Book] You all can call me Book. I'm the team shaman... just so that we all start on the up and up... I'm not wearing my real face today.>

<[Book] Vick - What type of trouble is your specialty? Dean & Sundown - What types of spells do you know?>

Vick enters the chat room.

<"Ah - silent running then? Hope this is quiet enough. I didn't bring a touchpad with me. What kind of trouble is my specialty? People trouble. All kinds. The stakeout, the meet, the con, and the firefight. I'm proficient in all manner of small arms.

And I'm especially good with corporate and political security. . . let's just say this job is right up my alley. What about you, Book? You have experience getting dirt on folks?">

Book smiles as Vick asks the question, <[Book] Actually, yes. My specialty is secrets. >

Carron enters the room with his 'link in hand. At first he's puzzled by the silence... then he notices Eric's link on the table.

He pulls a chair up to the table and logs onto the chat.

<[HvyMtl6] Hey, sorry bout that, what'd I miss?>

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:26 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

"So, anyone got a plan where we should start?" Jazz says, breaking the silence. "Probably collecting possible angles from where to approach this."

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:26 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

Eric starts to reply to Carron, but looks to Jazz perplexed as she speaks. He then smirks and replies, "Ok.. I'm the shaman and I'm using computers... You're the hacker and you're speaking... We've gotta get our modus operandi straightened out. I was thinking coms would be more secure since we don't know the status of this room.. But that is really more your area than mine." He ends with a big, hammy grin and a slight tilt of his head.

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:27 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

"Let's start by itemizing out our potential target areas:"
@ALL <[Book]
1) Connection to Azzies
2) Ork girlfriend
3) Ares kickbacks
4) Schedule here in East Point
5) Fund raising dinner in a week at his headquaters in downtown
6) Other..? >

<[Vick] The Ork girlfriend seems like low hanging fruit to me. I recommend we make this our first operation. If she really is just a girlfriend, and I'm not convinced that's the whole story here, but if she is, then we're looking at an easily manipulated piece of leverage we can use as a stepping stone to the big stuff. Do we have her info?>

<[Vick] We need to find out who she is; then we can determine if it'd be better to interrogate her for information, bribe her into helping us, or con her into helping. If she really is useless, then her safety might be valuable to someone. I don't think we need more than two people to take her on, either. The rest of the team can follow up on other leads while this is happening.>

Sunday March 2, 2070 19:27:30 EST - Krispy Kreme

<{Dean}
I'd suggest we might want to start by arranging a logistical HQ, a safe house where we can gather etc. I'd also suggest we vacate this locale and beginning planning from our new HQ.

I'd say we need to do a little background search to start with. Run basic jackets on the target and his main personnel to see what might result. Remember, with a politician we can do almost as much damage by attacking his staffers as himself. Lets check the Sec. State's webpage, all political figures have to report their fundraising activities and major contributors any of whom we may be able to use to get an in. With that basic data we might have a better idea of the angles to play.

Maybe we should assign some basic background legwork to individuals here, have one of us arrange for a safe house and another one of us arrange a secondary HQ and adjourn. We'll all connect at a public place at a designated time and retire to a more secured location.

@ALL <[Book] I'm really wondering if the ork isn't a relative. For a guy so rabid against metas, he doesn't strike me as a guy who would shack up with one... Guilt over a relative, that's a different story. Once we find her, that's more where my expertise comes in.

I agree. We need to move on and establish a secure safe-house. That upfront is pretty substantial. Should we rent a doss to work out of?

The staff is a great angle and will probably be the avenue to his ties to Ares and/or the Azzies.

He turns to looking at Jazz and he continues, <[Book] Think you can slice into his campaign HQ and get his schedule and any goodies maybe hidden there?>

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:28 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

"Goodies. Like stickers and caps?" Jazz asks. "Didn't know you were a fan... Alright, alright... sure I can give it a try and see how tight they locked it up. Will take some time, though, you surely don't want me to go in there colts smoking and all. Subtle takes time. That's all."

"I can also let one of my little Fly Spies follow him, if we get the opportunity."

Vick nods. <[Vick] Safehouse. Yeah, let's conclude our talks here. I'm sure a fixer I know might have somethin' to lend us awhile. Jazz, have you checked these sticks to see if they're clean?>

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:29 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

Jazz nods. "Sure, can do that."

She then picks up what credsticks are left on the table and proceeds to run a few analyzes on them. She also uses a small device (Radio Signal Scanner) on them. Having found nothing, she shrugs and puts them back on the table, except for one, which she keeps.

"As expected."

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:29 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

Still not having gotten a response to his earlier questions he resends them, <[Book] Dean & Sundown - To help with understanding our capabilities, would you share what types of spells do you know?>

Given Jazz's preference for spoken planning Book continues aloud, "Ok, so Vick if you can get a line on a safehouse then Jazz can start probing her first target. Anyone have any contacts with Ares or the Azzies? Belle, what is your expertise?"

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:29 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

Belle responds with a smile and a thick southern drawl, "Well now, sweetheart, my speciality is removing problems that people don't want to deal with."

Sunday March 2, 2070 19:29 EST

Book-> I'm not ignoring you, but I'd rather discuss abilities and capabilities in a more private setting.

Vick->You going to arrange the safehouse chummer?

All-> Who is going to be holding the expense money here? I think we need to settle that and then head out. Why don't we all agree to meet again at a nice public place later and then adjourn this meeting. Can anyone grab a digipic of the Johnson, either from cyberware or from the local store cameras?

Dean looked around, already planning and plotting ways and means. He planned on having his agent program hit some public databases and grab whatever info is available. The candidates would be required to register their funding with the campaign committee, copies of those list might be later compared to private data. Instead of dirt maybe the Johnson would be satisfied with simply getting the target disqualified for campaign law violations. Those contributors are also the most likely sources of influence on the target directly. Any shadow influence would likely be aimed around the candidate to provide plausible deniability.

He looked over at Vick and cocked one eyebrow, knowing the merc would catch the gesture, hopefully knowing enough to realize the big question now would be, who would hold the expense money?

<[Vick] - "Alright. Everyone just pick up your share, and walk out of here. Stay linked. Jazz, we'll be counting on you to keep the network secure. Let's split up for now. I'll see about a doss; it shouldn't take more than my share to get it, if need be. Let's figure out what our essentials are for doin' this job, so we can give Johnson a grocery list with a price tag. I'm uploading video of our Johnson and the patrons at the Krispy Kreme to everyone now. Mark Roloven's camp is our most likely employer.
"Let's not get hung up on who holds the money. Johnson says they'll help with expenses. We'll see how far that goes, but until Smokey beams us expense cash, we'll have to make do. If I get a doss out of my man for a reasonable price, I'll let everyone know where to meet back. Sound good? Stay linked, y'all. Let's go." >

Sunday March 2, 2070 19:30 EST; Krispy Kreme
Eric Debois aka Book; PAN=Passive[LTG]; SIN=Eric Smith (Not Broadcast)

Eric nods to Belle, unimpressed with the bravado and bluster.. He then reads the texts and replies.
<@Dean [Book] No problem. Let's ditch the donut joint and move on to a safe house.>

Taking a queue from Vick, Eric picks up one of the credsticks and gets up. Thinking back over the deal as laid out by Johnson, I'm not sure how much I trust Johnson to cover too many extra expenses not explicitly agreed to... I'll keep my planning to what I know and what I can hold..

In any case he looks to Jazz since she is his ride. He drops the detect lie, but keeps up the mask.

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:31 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

< [Jazz] Yep, I'll keep an eye on the network. I hope your commlinks got their firewalls up to date. A network is only as secure as its least secure component. I can also handle the money transactions with Mr. 'Smokey' Johnson, if you don't mind. Just let me know what you need and I will make a request. But keep in mind, that Mr. J. only spoke of certain expenses. >

< Certain expenses will be payed by anonymous donors via credstick, provided, of course, that you keep me in the loop. >

While her thoughts are translated into speech and sent into the network, Jazz gets up and nods to Book. They were ready to go.

Then she turns to Vick: "Alright. Let us know, when you have the details."

Sunday March 2, 2070 Krispy Kreme

Satisfied with the state of affairs Dean stepped up and pocketed his credstick.

<--All: Right, we'll spread out and each of us begin our leg work process, I'll start trying to track down some basic data. I've put together some basic thoughts I'll publish to everyone for comment or not at their leisure.

Options:

Track the target’s time for the last ten days. Every politician’s time is pretty well tracked, so if we can find the times where his whereabouts are unaccounted for then maybe we can find a pattern to his trysts or contacts with Ares.

Track campaign contributions, even though this information is pretty much public domain if we have time we could check into who the contributors are, maybe seeing some kind of pattern, common bank or PACs or something.

We may need to hit his staff members, see who their connections are, maybe find some data we could use to help us on a physical penetration or even better, data that we might use to blackmail the staffer into planting any dirt.

Hit the target's Matrix site to see if we can figure out who does his security. If we can crack his security people's database we'll have a good chance of gathering up any dirt his bodyguards have noted.

These are just preliminary thoughts I'm tossing out for everyone to play with.

With a nod, Dean gathered his jacket around him and headed out of the room.

Vick walks out after Dean, keeping his hands in his jacket pockets. He leaves the Krispy Kreme, and starts walking back toward the tube station while visually scanning the area. Satisfied that he's not being followed, he makes a call to Digger, his fixer.

*if Digger answers...*

"Digger, it's Vick. Thanks for the line on that job. Interesting. Are you in the real estate market? I'm looking for a short term rental. Doesn't have to look nice, just needs a low profile and good walls."

"No problem kid!" Replies Digger. "I have something that might just be right up your alley. How does the Moon Lodge strike you?" Not waiting for you to answer he continues, "Never heard of it ... yeah, not that great. Ok, ok, I got it!" There is a little note of triumph in his voice. "Here ya go, Druid Hills. I'll transmit the coordiantes over to you and we can talk price after you take a look." With that he sends a short text file that outlines the place.


>>>Druid Hills Country Club: Catering to the Stars
Located close to downtown Atlanta, Druid Hills provides the best of the best for it's clients. We offer privacy in the highest order. Each of our guest suites has a separate entrance and exit, special ammenities (varies by suite) and access to a world class health spa. The on site chef is always able to cook up something special at any point during the night.

Call for group rooms.<<<


"So, what ya think kid?"

". . . A country club, Digger?? You have a place at the Druid Hills country club. Here I'm askin' for soyburgers and you show me filet mignon. I do have a budget, you know. How much is that gonna run me a week?"

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:31 EST; Krispy Kreme (Back Room), Atlanta, CAS

"Anybody need a ride? I've got a set 'a wheels and few questions more." Carron looks around the room at the remaining members of the team.

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:32 EST; Krispy Kreme Parking Lot, Atlanta, CAS

Eric, still maintaining his mask, heads over to Jazz's bike. Safehouse, hack the campaign servers, find the candidate, scope out his last ten days and his next ten days....

/// - @All
<[Book] - I don't think there's much we can do or decide until we get a look at his last ten days and his next ten days. Once we know that, then we can start making plans.>

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:33 EST; Krispy Kreme Parking Lot, Atlanta, CAS

< [Jazz] Agreed. First - collect basic data. Second - make plans. Third - execute plans. >

". . . A country club, Digger?? You have a place at the Druid Hills country club. Here I'm askin' for soyburgers and you show me filet mignon. I do have a budget, you know. How much is that gonna run me a week?"

Digger laughs it up, "Yeah, kid, that's what I'm offering. Only, look. My place over there isn't finished yet. The foreman and his guys are apparently taking care of someone a bit higher up the food chain. Said they would be back in ten to twelve days. You can use it for that long at 500 per day. What do you say kid? Do we have a deal?"

"500 a day?? I'm not sure what you thought I meant when I said "budget", but it wasn't 3500 a week. Are you afraid I'm going to shoot up the place? I just need a pad to hang out with a frew friends in, maybe bring over a guest for a long chat. How about 150 a day, that'll score you 1500-1800, and we'll even tidy up after ourselves."

"I'm not afraid of yall shooting up the place - I just need to pay off the construction crew. Tell you what, if you go for 200 a day, we'll call it good. Just so long as you remember to tidy up after yourselves."

"200? Alright, Digger, 200. Set me up a passcode and I'll come check it out. Gracias, my man."

Day nahduh. Your ears tell you that Spanish isn't meant to be spoken with a Southern drawl. Digger sends over the passcode as well. "Yall have fun tonight!"

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:33 EST; Krispy Kreme Parking Lot, Atlanta, CAS

Eric pulls another piece of deep fried catfish from the take out bag inside his jacket and plops it in his mouth. He looks up at the dark night sky, No moon tonight. Hmmm.. Now is that supposed to be a good sign... or a bad one?

AS Jazz approaches he glances towards the bike and lets an stifles a sigh, "Say... You own a car, don't you?"

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:34 EST; Krispy Kreme Parking Lot, Atlanta, CAS

"Yes, I do. But the bike is faster in the city," Jazz replies, explaining why she has taken the bike. "Havn't you seen it? The SUV?"

He smiles attempting to smother his anxiety over the bike, "Yes. I was just harassing you for bike.. You know me and bikes.. ". Perhaps someday I'll tell her about the crash.. If not for the air spirit that night... Feeling like it was time to change the subject, "I hope this team doesn't end up in another flea-bag motel for a safe house that extraction we did six months ago. I had sores from bed bugs after crashing there..." then looking back at the donut shop, "and real food on this run would be nice."

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:34 EST; Krispy Kreme Parking Lot, Atlanta, CAS

"You and your real food. That stuff is expensive! And doesn't even taste better. Not always, anyways."

"So, where to for now? Back home?"

While they talk, Jazz collects her drones and puts them back into her pack.

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:34 EST; Krispy Kreme Parking Lot, Atlanta, CAS

He smirks at her disdain for real food. As he mounts up the bike behind Jazz he switches to sub-vocal, "Actually I'm hoping the safe house materializes soon. We've not really discussed it before, but I don't like to go home in the middle of a job. The two worlds should stay separate.... and catfish isn't as expensive as most real foods. Not with all the catfish farms here in Georgia". Pausing a moment before returning to the original query, "So what's say we find a coffee house... one that uses at least some real coffee beans?"

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:45 EST; On the Train to Druid Hills, Atlanta Metroplex, CAS

< [Vick] We're in business, guys and gals. Buddy set me up with a posh spot in Druid Hills on the cheap, 200/day for 10-12 days. The address could come in real handy if we need it for a cover. It's 218 Magnolia Ct. at the Druid Hills Country Club. Jazz, I don't wanna stretch you too thin, hon, but could you do a background check on that address? I get suspicious when things unexpectedly go my way. Alright, I'm in transit now. I'd like to check it out before giving everyone the OK to come up, but I wouldn't mind a partner to get my back. Any volunteers?">

Sunday, March 2nd, 2070; 19:45 EST; Jazz's Bike, Atlanta Metroplex, CAS

<@Vick [Book] - We probably should perform astral recon as well as physical. I can perform that function. You got a car?>

Sunday, 02-MAR-2070 - 20:30 - Druid Hills Country Club, Atlanta

Upon reaching the main gate to Druid Hills it becomes apparent that this place has serious nuyen. Using the passcode, the gate opens for you and admits you to a guest road. Each villa, condo, house, suite, or whatever you wish to call it sits on a hill, nestled in a bend of the road, or behind trees. Privacy seems to be the one and only rule that was used when building this club. The gate to Digger's place is just off this center road towards the back of the club. This area is obviously still under construction as it does not measure up to the standard seen in the rest of the club.

Digger's place is made in the style of a older ranch home. Using the passcode, you are admitted into the home and find that while not completely furnished it has running water, lighting, and a term connecting guests to the kitchen and other services offered by the club. The carpet is plush, the marble is Italian, and the artwork seems out of place for Digger's tastes. A little exploring reveals a room that is still bare walls and concrete floor. There is a hose connection in one wall and a drain in the center. Acording to the plan, this will be the laundry/utility room when finished.