Rayo - The Docks - Date Unknown 0530

Rayo has finally time for his second favourite hobby - fishing. As he casts his new lure to water the sun starts to rise in horizon. Old fisherman next to him, in his yellow raincoat, smokes his pipe and silently watches the sunset, while putting a new worm (or whatever the black squirmy thing was) to the hook of his own fishing rod.
The mob isn't so bad when you get to good relations with them.. Rayo thinks as his cybereyes adjust to the suns glare, but nothing beats this freemdom you can have. Although I need to keep my promise to Benny..
Rayo already were in debt with Benny, so he couldn't really offer any to him for his info. Instead he offered to talk good things about him to Mancuso, take "some pictures" of Lucky (which were still under workload, due lack of drones) and deliver some electronics for him. To be precise, by paying him some would have been a lot cheaper compared to fuel costs he had to pay from his own pockets during the long trip through "the Throath". But many times good manners will be paid back with equal services, hopefully Benny also respects this silent agreement. He needed to ask Benny about the place where the electronics were to be picked up. When Rayo knew the place, he needed to find a shipment going that way. There wasn't anyt reason to drive the boat empty to one direction. But it was too early to disturb Benny now. Now it was all about getting breakfast to the table. Hopefully something other than spare tires and seaweed, which he usually gets.
Still Rayo's thought wander back to Benny. Or more likely back to Lucky.
I don't yet have any obligations towards Lucky, but still those pictures.. either Benny has a crush on Lucky and he wants to pleasure himself with the pictures - which isn't strange in anyways, when talking about that beauty. But more likely he want's to blackmail Lucky with the pictures. Now, how long it will take before Lucky realises who has taken the pictures. At least if I take the pictures with my cybereyes. I need to get one of those little flying drones. And as much as I like Benny do I want to give him that kind of advantage on Lucky? I really need to..
Rayo's thoughts are disturbed as the old man has again caught a new fish in his lure, making a lot of splashes while fighting for his life. A moment later the old man unhooks the fish and let's it back into the sea. As Rayo has fished all his life he couldn't understand these "sport fishers" which the old man didn't look in his shaggy beard and old clothes a bit.
Hey pops! Once again, if you're not going to sell or eat them, let me at least have one. I have a very huge and hungry cat to be fed and I don't have creds to feed him as much as he can eat!

Mayb-e you shou get a job then son. Or learn ta fish betta. You gotta sing to 'em.

Rayo - The Docks

Sing to them? Right..
Rayo sighes and keeps on fishing.
Damn old fart. I show you one day.

Rayo gets more and mor efrustrated as the old man humms softly to the water, and catches fish after fish. Eventually, Raoy goes home, stopping at the wharf and buying a fish.

There's a message from Benny when he gets home.

Hey 'der term, got dat' piece I talked to ya while back going down pretty quick here. Gimme a call, and we'll set a meet.

Rayo's Home - Date Still Unknown 0630

Rayo looks up the message, Oh, here we go, makes some breakfast for himself and Admiral, takes a shower (which for Rayo's pleasure still smells softly of Heather) and calls to Benny.

Hey, Benny my man! Happy you called, I was just going to call you. Listen, I have all day reserved just for you, so whenever it's fine to you it's even better for me.

Meet me down at da Rouge, say 1300.

And Rayo ..... come alone ....

Benny has a strange sense of humor. You hope.

All right, I met ya there.
Rayo ends the call and scratches his head.
Come alone? I always come alone.. damn, that guy is tripping.
Rayo uses the time checking again his equipment, playing a bit with Admiral and maintenancing his GMC Bulldog. Rayo turns up to Bar Rouge a bit before agreed time, as he usually does. Not late, but not too early either.

The Rouge is "open" this early, but not really functioning yet. At this time of day the bartender is watching the trid more than the bar. But who can blame him? The Girls of Hawai'in Tropics contest is on. Some things really are more important than beer. Except to the Irish, who have no sense of priorities.

Benny looks up from the "contest" when Rayo walks in and comes over.

Heya thar Ray' , Where you at? Havea drinl wit me man.

Benny walks around the bar, grabbing a beer for him self, tossing one to Rayo, and a third for the other man he's with.

Rayo, dis 'ere is Rob. Rob 'ere's a good friend, we work togetha' if ya' follow. Anyway, 'e's got a piece o' action for ya'. Little somethin' ta' bring up da' Throat, 'fore ya bring my gear in. If yer inter'sted.

Rob is human, wearing a simple black shirt with slacks. An armored jacket is hanging over the chair he's sitting in, and he has a Manhunter in an underarm holster. He has short cut brown hair, looks to be in his 30's. He nods at Rayo from his seat.

Thanks Benny. 'Sup Rod.
Rayo takes a seat and graps his beer.
Let's hear it.

Rob does stand to shake hands first, then returns to his seat.

So listen, you're a guy that moves stuff what needs bein' moved, right? I got a thing, needs ta get up ta St. Louis way... maybe a bit more afta that. Being delivered to a guy up north. Dis package here, it's sensitive, kinda big. Say ...six feet long , t'ree feet wide, kinda heavy. You move somethin' like dat?

Rayo gives Rob a firm shake and takes a peek on one scandinavian girl on the trid.
So, probably a person. Or a body. Neither would be the first time.
I can move it easily. If it's not breathing fire or screaming curses on my dead mother, gods bless her soul, I got no problem with it.
Rayo turns to look at Rob, trying to read his reactions from his eyes.
If the pay is right, that is. Of course, as Benny's friend you get a good discount.
Rayo gives a thin warm smile back and takes a sip from his beer.

Bring what I need moved up to St Louis, I'll pay ya' 6G's. ou can drop it to a guy there, or if ya ' wanna make some extra, you can take it ta' it's final destination. There's some associates of mine up in Milwaukee that are very eager to get dis package. Now if it can be brought up dere by a professional such as yer self, well den dat would make me feel betta about it gettin dere. And I'd be willin' ta' pay twice da price.

Well.. I'm going to use waterways up to St. Louis. If you can get me a vehicle from there to Milwaukee, then I can deliver it all the way. Car, not older than 5 years, using gazoline or diesel, not electricity, room for my package, et cetera.. and working radio.
And I might need to get myself a new SIN.

Car up der is your department my man. But I can put ya in touch wit a guy I know, he deals in dat sort o' thing. You just need a one way t'ing, he can cut ya' a good deal.

Rayo thinks a bit, while watching trid and swallowing his beer.
Fine. But I need to get nuyen for my rent vehicle up front, not later than I get The package. Also I don't want to start finding your contacts in a city I don't know. So names, pictures and numbers for your contacts is needed. Basic things.
Rayo doesn't look at Rob this time, just watches tanned up bikini babes.

Guy's name in ST. Louie is Tito. Dwarf like you, runs a chop shop. Stuff comes and goes through there all the time. He can get you some wheels, no prob. I'll forward you his number, you can check his rep and contact him ya' self ta' set ya' mind at ease.

As fa' pay, I'll give ya' 6 G's up front, plus gas moeny. Say another G to be on the safe side. How's dat sound?

Sounds good. What about your associates in Milwaukee?

Call me when you get dere, and I'll give ya names and numbers. Kinda sensitive t'ing if ya get me. Less names involved while ye're on da road, da better.

I understand. So, is there any deadlines for shipment? And when and where can I get your shipment?
Rayo leaves the girls on trid alone and contentrates back on Rob.
I wonder how many feds and Lone Stars will be on my tail after I'm coming back from UCAS? Well, I would be driving 18-wheeler with toys as cargo if I wanted to feel safe on road.
Rayo smiles to himself.

I got the package, needs movin' tonight. Tomarra' at the latest. Three day delivery at the most.

I think we have a deal here.
Rayo drinks rest of his beer, stands up from his chair and again offers Rob his hand.
One more question though. Can you get the package to the docks or do I need to pick it somewhere else? And Benny, I call you about your own package when I will be coming back from north.

I can meet ya at the docks. Say midnight? I'll have your cred for ya' then, certified cred.

Rob shakes hands with Rayo to seal the deal.

Benny pats Rayo on the back. Lemme know when ya' get back ta' St. Louis after yer drop.

That business concluded, the all important business of drinking beer and looking at women resumes.

Few hours later Rayo stumbles out of the Bar Rouge to his car.
This place is really bad for my liver. Luckily nowadays you can get a new one with no sweat. That reminds me, that I need to buy that do-your-self-kit for my eyes that Dr. Tell suggested. Maybe I can get one from St. Louis. If they're not hunting me with mages and dragons after my little trip to sweet, sweet UCAS.
Rayo gets behind the wheel and takes a deep breath.
Oh gods.. Rayo massages his temples, I can't take Admiral to this trip. He might be the one why I don't get through the border. Well.. I need to find someone to feed him. Let's see..
Rayo opens his commlink and flicks through the names.
Nope.. nope.. not a change.. allergic.. nope.. hates cats.. Lucky?.. no..
Rayo sighes and closes the link. He hits the stearingwheel with a fist. DREK! When calming more down he starts his car and takes off the Bar Rouge parking lot.
Have to try my best shot. Have to meet her face to face. I really hate to do this. At least she knows how to get through my security system already. But how did she do that? I really should upgrade them.. maybe buying maglock or something. Maybe after this trip..
Rayo takes a heading to Naughty Kitten. Maybe someone there knew where Heather was. If not again "delivering a message" of Mr. Mancuso.

While driving to Naughty Kitten Rayo sends a message to Tanya.
Hey Tanya, it's Trueno. I know this comes quick, but I need to get a new SIN before midnight. UCAS or maybe Ares SIN, with matching driving and weapon carrying license. I know this takes normally days, so if it's not possible then I don't mind. Give me a call back anyways. Also, if you have heard anything new about the Triangle please tell me. Bye.

Message recieved back:
You're right, a new SIN in that amount of time is impossible. Unless you don't plan on it passing anything more than a Stuffer Shack scan that is. A few days and I might be able to get something together. You're looking at 3-4k. Double that and I may be able to get it to you in two days.

Rayo receives the message as he arrives at the Naughty Kitten. After looking around for a bit, and at a bit more than just Heather, he manages to find her coming out of the back dressing room.

Well hey there, sug'. Ya' know, I would've taken you to be the kind of man that would call a girl the next day.

Rayo really looks like a child who is trying to confess to her mother about breaking her favourite vase - a child with just deeper voice and a beard.
H-hey there Heather.. err.. umm.. yeah, I know, I should have.. I just didn't.. just didn't know what you.. what you.. thought about this whole.. thing. Like you are you and I am.. what I am.
Rayo looks down all the time and gives a sad look to his cyberarm.
I just wanted ask you a favor. But I understand if you say no..

"What I am"? Well I suppose you'd have to tell me what you wanna be than suga', since you haven't said anything to me yet. Her tone is a little reproachful, although she is still smiling.

Rayo gives a little peek under his eyebrows and clears his throat.
I just wanted to know that.. if it doesn't bother your work or anything.. could it be possible for you to take care of Admiral for a week or so? I need to be out of town and I can't bring him on this time.. please?
Rayo's mind is really blank now. Even the bouncing distractions around him doesn't seem to bother him.

Wait .. you came down here... to talk to me ... to ask me to watch your cat?!

She looks less than pleased.

Rayo closes his eyes and prepares to take anything that is coming next.
Yeah.. sorry.
Brace for the impact!

She stands there for a moment, waiting for the rest of what Rayo is going to say. When she realizes that he's finished, her face scrunches up for a moment. It looks like it's a mix between trying to yell, scream,cry, and glare all at once. It lasts for about two seconds. Then she calms down.

Sure. Sure, I'll watch your cat. How long you gonna be gone?

Rayo carefully opens his eyes, but still doesn't look Heather in the eyes. Just around her ankles.
Not more than a week, I hope. I'm leaving at the midnight. I can leave you a key, if you need. You already know the address..
Rayo turns around and clears a tear from his eye. Very dusty in here.
Just wanted to you to know that Admiral is really precious to me. I wouldn't give him to anybody I wouldn't trust..
And I want to trust you.. and even more, but how I could say it to you.

Yeah, I'll need a key.

I leave the key later to the your bouncer troll. Thanks Heather..
Great.. just great Rayo. That went really smooth.. in Hell.
Rayo walks away gloomily. Luckily Mancuso had something else to consider. Rayo really wasn't now in the mood to talk with anybody. When outside, he send back a message for Tanya.
Thanks Tanya, but no thanks. I just need to manage with my old ones this time. See ya.
This was the Monday Rayo had waited all the week.

Rayo decides to lure away his increasing depression by taking a part the engine Abdul and Ali had carried in boat hangar few days earlier. The engine only needed couple of changes and fixes, but they really had made a good deal when buying (or stealing) this one. It's almost 2200 when Rayo tightens the last bolts, graps his coat and heads home for shower. He packs all his things he would need during the journey and gives Admiral douple portion of cat cookies.
I'm sorry son. I can't take you today with you. Don't be mad to me. Daddy still loves you. Yes he does.
Rayo sighes, pats Admiral's head one last time and heads for the door with one big black bag in his hand.
I really do hope I will see you again.
Rayo takes a trip to Naughty Kitten, leaves his only spare key to bouncer troll at the front entrance with AR tag saying "To Heather, from Rayo" and heads to harbour waiting for his package.

It takes a bit of driving around the dock areas, but soon enough, Rayo spots Benny's familiar blue Americar, parked next to an older model Charger. Benny him self is standing next to Rob, both having a cigarette under the single lamp light illuminating the area. They are parked in front a well worn looking warehouse. This is the kind of place these people make others dissapear.

Steeling him self, Rayo pulls up to the parked cars, and climbs out.

Benny greets him first , shaking his hand quickly, followed by Rob. Benny offers Rayo a cigarettte .

Benny:How ya' doin Rayo. Glad ya' made it. See Rob, my man here's always on time, ain't ya Ray'. Benny gives Rayo a wink and moves aside for Rayo and Rob to conduct their business.

The human walks up, handing Rayo a certified credstick.

Six thousand as we agreed, plus another 500 for gas, and because Benny here says you can be trusted. I'm sure by now you understand how important this package is. So make sure that it gets delivered on time. If it takes more than three days, there's gonna be problems.

Despite the fact that it's a warm night, Rob is now wearing a suit and jacket, no doubt ballistic weave. He's also wearing sunglasses, making him look just a little more menacing.

The package has to arrive intact or the deal is no good. Then you make you and me look bad, and that can't happen. You make good to your word though, and you'll get more than just your other ten grand. Be sure of that.

Rob finally releases the stick, which , until now, was being held both of them. He walks over to his charger, keying the trunk open on the AR. In the trunk is what looks to be a person wrapped in a thick blue packing blanket and wrapped with duct tape. The form isn't moving.

Rob and Benny pick up the bundle together one on each end, and carry it over to Rayo's van, as he quickly opens up the back. The set the bundle in side, non to gently.

Rob hands Rayo a small medkit.

There's enough tranq patches in there to keep 'im drugged for a week. Plus you can make sure that he ain't dyin'. Gave 'im a bunch o' water jus' a bit ago, so he shouldn't need no more fer a couple days. Just you make sure he don't die a dehydration. There's an IV and some saline packets in dere.

Rayo can't help but notice how Rob's thick southern acent comes and goes sometimes.

Here's da number for da chop shop. I made sure dat dey'd have a car waitin' for ya, so all you gotta do is show up, and pay da man. Den get your tail on up to Milwaukee and make da last drop. Here's my numba as well. Call me when ya' get dere, and I'll tell ya where to go. Don't make no stops you don't hafta. You believe me when I say dat dere is people in'trested in findin' dat package your carryin', and lots o' 'em wear badges.

Once you make da drop, I'll transfa da' cred to ya. Den yer done. Any questions?

Benny walks up just before Rayo can ask. Hey ray', pick me up a case o' beer while yer dere. Milwaukee has da best beer. Get a local brew will ya'. He sticks 200 in cash in Rayo's pocket, then steps back to let them finish their business.

Rayo smokes his cigarette while listening and opening the backdoors of his van.
Sure thing Benny..
Rayo puts the money in his wallet and looks back at Rob. Rayo would die for to know who the person in christmas wrapping was, but he already knew two things. One, he was professional and two - he really would have to die to know his question. Or at least kill Benny and/or Rob.
That ain't worth of 6 grands. Benny alone is much more valuable..
You sure talk efficiently, sir.. Rayo offers his hand with a bit of smile. Don't worry, sir. I won't disappoint you.
Somehow Rayo wasn't confident in his own words, but they were they ones he had to say.

After that he heads to boat hangar with Bulldog and the package.
Everything is ready to set. I think Abdul might be sleeping at this hour.. but I can't say same about Ali. Hope he won't be a problem. Hope he won't make any problems..
While driving he reaches for his FN HAR is his black bag and checks the clip.
I hope I don't have to use any of you before I get back. But somehow I know that Lady Fortune isn't smiling for me on this one. It's just this feeling..

Rob helpfully shows Rayo where a piece of balnket can be unwrapped to expose an arm for the IV to give the man fluids, then steps back, the business now out of his hands.

The boat hanger is locked when Rayo arrives , but he of course has the pass code. There are a few lights on in the house, but no one responds to the sounds of the large van.

Wrangling the man in to the boat however, takes a good half hour. He isn't particularily light. Eventually however, Rayo manages to muscle him aboard and in to one of the smuggler holds, which he'll probably have to rinse out once he's done. It's unlikely that Rob put in a cathater.

Rayo gets rest of the his gear from the car, locks the car good with even encryption and leaves a note for Abdul in the hangar door.
Got a job, hopefully not gone more than a week. Keep eye on my stuff. Your motor looks great.
Then Rayo opens the big hangar doors, as silently as possible starts the big engines and backs from the hangar. Hangar doors automatically close and Rayo lets the autosofts to guide him to Mississippi river, while unpacking his stuff. Guns and grenades are ready in use inside quick open smuggler hatches, other stuff in crew cabinet. Next Rayo takes a look of his mapsoft.
Let's see. In the morning I'm somewhere near Greenville. I need to buy some munition supplies there and make first check on the package. But then.. they think I go to St.Louis, but so would the possible enemy. Maybe I should go past it - up to Davenport or Dupuque, rent a car there and go to Milwaukee. Or maybe they wait me already in St. Louis and stop my boat there, so I should go east to Evansville or Louisville. Yes, that would be a good plan, I hope Rob will appreciate my judgements. But most important part is to find where to park my boat for two - three days. I doubt this Tito guy has booked me a boat place in Louie. Well, I need to call him when I get closer, whether or not I go there.
Rayo relaxes in his chair, closes his eyes, jumps in VR and takes control of his boat.
Now this is living.

Cruising up the Mississippi from it's coastal inlet is like finally getting back to some place he knows for Rayo. He cruises up the river waters at a nice even pace, blending in fine with the countless other river boats, freighters, and late night revelers. The party never stops in New Orleans, and the Mississippi river is it's main artery to the heart of it's curropt, beating heart.

It should be a pleasant cruise for a while. Most of the CAS patrols don't worry too much about smugglers on the river in these areas. There's too many nooks and coves for a smuggler to run and hide in. They do their smuggler fishing at the border and coming in to the Cresecent City, at the bottle necks. For smugler's already inside, well, they could care less what gets moved around within the borders. Domestics aren't taxed the same way.

Oh gods I love this..
Rayo just relaxes whole night, taking sips now and then from his water bottle and couple of times asking from other boaters about news on river (coast guards, alligators, possible pirates, etc.).
When sun rises and docks of Greenville closes Rayo starts making a shoping list of food to buy. Before sliding to visitor piers, Rayo graps the medkit and his Ceska and carefully opens smuggler hold with his guest, holding his breath. Not for the excitiment but in case of foul smell.

There is indeed a foul smell. Airing it out a bit seems to help some.

Rayo carefully pokes the package with a gun and waits a bit. Then he opens the medikit and does as he's told with saline packets and stuff. After that he parks his boat, checks that boat's security is on and heads shoping for food.

The bundle doesn't respond. The Stuffer Shaks in the area aren't any better, or worst , for that matter, than the ones in his area of the Cresecent City. The gangers haing around out side even look a little familiar. The show of a firearm , and his cyber arm, some serious cyber if there ever was, is also enough to deter these punks, just like the ones back home.

The auto-SMG haging from the ceiling, and the clerk behind the counter protected by bullet proof glass is enough to ensure polite customers as well.

Nuke' Em Burgers and Soy-Burritos again looks like. Wonder how Admiral's doing?

Bit of this.. some of that.. couple of fruits.. lots of water.. catfood.. wait, no catfood today..
Rayo pays his bills and heads out with big brown paperbag. There seems to be no wonderers near his boat, as more than him are stopping by this morning at the docks, so Rayo takes his time to make quick check on the boat, unties the boat from pier and heads north again.
Maybe this would be the best time to make a nap. When I get to Memphis I need to fill up and call Tito..
Rayo hits again all the autosofts on, leans the seat back, takes a comfortable position and sleeps softly.

At the Memphis big docks, it's not so hard to fine one fill up station there and while waiting Rayo call to Tito.
Tito. Our mutual friend gave me your number. I'm the one whose delivering "the package" and you should have a car waiting for me. I need to ask this, do you have a secure boat hangar or place for me for the time I'm away. Or do you know one who can arrange one to me. I don't want to waste any time on St.Louis.

My man said you'd be coming. He said to make accomadations, but he didn't say anything about putting up your boat. Send me 500, and I can get you a dock and have the car waiting there.

Rayo thoughts a second. Now, should I take the easy way, or the hard way.. easy, hard, easy, hard..
Okey. I send you the nuyen. I'll call you again when I get nearer your city.
Rayo closes the call, pays the bill for the gas and makes a new check on the package.
Jesus.. I really need to cover your smell with something.
After couple of operations with venting systems, Rayo heads again to north. Next stop, border patrols.

The cruise up river is smooth and slow . A nice pleasure cruise. The early morning, around 10 am , is punctuated by a group of partiers out up the river, drinking and playing on the water. Skiing, booze, and topless girls are apparently the order of the day. Too bad Rayo has work to do.

Later in the day, he arrives along a blocked path, the UCAS/CAS border. Boats are being checked by smlll motored rafts with officers boarding, while larger, armed boats make sure no one passes without inspection.

Sure enough, moments later an AR hail comes up on the ship's computer requesting ID, business for visiting the UCAS, and cargo manifest.

Here we go again..
Rayo sends back his fake ID (R4), boats license (R4), tells that his boat is empty with no other passengers and he's going to Davenport picking up cargo from Berkley&Son's Freight Service.
I hope this goes well.. and there's no mojoslingers with their freaking spirits on duty.. drek!
Rayo quickly looks over his shoulder with thermosight if the package was packed with thermoplanket.

Roll to verify/pass ID check