Sunny follows the conversation between the others and Mr. J. silently. He's never been the big bargainer and gives away this part to others gladly. And I need the money, frag.

He sips on his ice-cooled water, when his commlink receives a message from Shell.

Hoi, Sunny here. You're our hacker then?

Turning his attention from the AR conversation to Mr. Lincoln and Cash, Sunny adds: I would feel more comfortable if we contact you, Mr. Lincoln, when we have the target and find a meeting place then.

@Charlie - What, you didn't do your homework?
Consider it a learning lesson. Next time, treat every "J", whether they're a Johnson or not, like someone that might kill you if they feel the need. Because they are. Fine line between "Deniable Asset" and "Expendable Asset" chummer.

@ Sunny - Looks like we've got two comp savvys, between Shell and our boy Charlie here.

Mr. Lincoln smiles and stands, buttoning his suit jacket as he does.
Excellent, gentlemen. Well, if there are no other questions... I think we're just about done here. The horse trailer will be waiting at Sierra Pointe Storage, #32-A. My associates will be waiting at the drop-off location until June 4th, midnight. If the exchange fails to occur before the appointed time, we will come looking for you. You won't like it. Mr. Lincoln smiles again, and waves his hand as if brushing away such unpleasantness.
Of course, with gentlemen of your caliber it won't be a problem, I'm sure. If you should need to contact me, please do so at this number. He forwards you all a commcode. And of course, your retainers. Each commlink beeps with an alert of an impending transfer. It's been a pleasure, gentlemen. Please, stay... I have the room reserved until 11. Drinks are on me. Good evening. Mr. Lincoln nods to the group and takes his leave.
The door clicks shut behind him.

Cash waits until Mr Lincoln has left, then flips on a white noise generator of his own, waiting a good twenty seconds before talking.

Crow, would you mind scanning the astral to make sure we're alone?

Well, looks like Mr Lincoln is the type that doesn't mind dropping threats for incentives.

Any thoughts to start us off?

Also, anyone know the area we're going, or where we can get a hold of a tractor trailer?

While he's chatting, Cash runs a check on the transfer, confirming 50% up front. Hopefully.

Finding a tractor trailer will be our least problem, I'm sure. Never been in Georgia myself and don't anyone out there, sorry.

Security sounds like a push over, especially if they mostly rely on physical devices. We've got two hackers after all. Crow says he can down the horse easily enough. I'm sure Shell and I can load it. We'll need the trailer to make the move. You have a line on that Sunny?

Each account has 10K in up-front money waiting. There is also the 5K in travel and trailer money downloaded to Crow's link.

I show my up front pay. Anyone have the expenses cut?

Have my upfront money too. For the tractor: I'll see what I can get done. Can't a horse trailer be pulled by a SUV too?

Sunny transfers 5k to his father's account, along with a message. Got some borrowed money back. That will satisfy the cops for some time.

I suppose we'll have to check out the size. I suppose we could always hire a truck. We'd have to forge a Class A license and say that we have our own driver though. But I'd prefer not to leave that much of a trail, unless one of our computer guys here can fake it all.

Well, finding a truck shouldn't be too difficult. A lot of stuff can be found in the LEeague and transported to Miami.

Communicating through his datajack silently Shell sends to the chat

Hacker? No, well I have some skills towards that end but my main skills are more combat related, just thought this would help in the discussion.... you know one voice.... should have set it up earlier I guess.

Just the normal advance on my account, of course we could just load the specialised horse trailer into the tracker trailer, well lashed down it might be better for the horse to be in a horse trailer.

I was thinking some thing more along the lines of letting the trailer get spotted, say when wer're laoding it up, so that a security cam has it lon later review. We'd have to go over the thing with a fine tooth comb to make sure that it can't be traced though.

Then we load the horse in to our trailer, send the other one off in a different direction on autopilot and let the cops pick it up. Decoy. I suppose the question is, do we want to handle it that way, or do our best not to be spotted at all? We could work on planting misleeading clues in the trailer.

Of course, I'm open to other suggestions.

Cash you got a mind like a duranium trap. Lemme check the stable place on the trix. Maybe we can get in with a little "hand is quicker than the eye", You know "Hi I'm a wealthy suit, I'd like to buy or rent a horse. You think you can play CEO or something man?

I got my upfront, for a scary ass dude, Lincoln knows how to roll out the red carpet. We're going to need that auto vet and some stuff for Mr. Day. You guys mind if I make some calls?

I can 'play' what ever needs played. Start with a standard data search first. Gather some intel before you start sticking your hands in to cookie jars.

Let's not do all our business here either. Anyone got a squat we can doss down in for business discussions? I have other business I still need to handle tonight as well. I suggest we all do a bit of our own research. Remember that the walls have ears though kid. Don't ask to loud.

The last is directed at Charlie with a wink.

Our decoy trailer should get blown up. That leaves fewer possible traces for the cops and none if done really good, believe me. Not that I'm skilled in demolitions at all, but I have seen my share of blown-up vehicles and unless the best CSI team is send to work on it, there's not much too find.

Looking to Charlie, Sunny continues That said, facemasks and gloves are a must.

You got it Cash, I've got a place about forty five minutes by trans. It's a little nicer than a squat and it should be clean. I hope it's clean, provided KE boy didn't decide to camp out front looking for more loot You want me to start checking Mr. Day's lodgings?

Looking at Sunny, Charlie smiles and pulls a single sani-wipe out of his pocket and starts going over his glass for prints and DNA Why do you think they call me Clean Charlie

We can assume that this horse is worth quite a lot as well. Depending on the influence of the owner, they may very well have the best CSI team. Shell, maybe you can do some digging on our owner while Charlie digs up data on the horse?

Yeah Chuck, see what you can find about the horse in general first, then research the ranch. Real quiet like.

So does anyone know the first thing about blowing things up? I suppose I could hunt us up a knowsoft, but I'd rather not depend on second hand knowledge.

Also, are we planning on stealing a semi and trailer? We'll need to have smoene that can fake a reigstration. Think you can handle something like that Chuck?

Again , looking at Charlie.

A lot of weight on the new guys shoulders there. Hope we don't have to out source.

I'd definately go with a quiet approach, it's kind of hard to fall back on stealth once you've started shooting. I can go along with Charlie on the 'trix hunt but I don't know how much help I'll be.

Well two heads are better than one.

Besdies that, Shell seems to be a bit of an old hand. Chuck might have skills, but he seems a bit green. Probably a godo idea to team him up with the vet.

Here's my commcode. 'Less anyone has another suggestion, I say we adjourn, meet at Chuck's tomorrow after noon, assumign tat's kosher with you Chuck?

Cash forwards his comm number to everyone's commlinks, along iwth a reply request for their numbers.

Crow you have any special accomodations or considerations you need for your mojo?

Crow, Chuck, Shell, Sunny, and me. Interesting team we got here.

Well met, Clean Charlie. Sunny grinned at the other elf and sends his comm number to the team members.

The Id's and regs should be no big deal. If I can't code em up, I know a guy who can get em. Hey two heads are always better than one, I would appreciate the help Shell. My place is fine, 14555 West 55th Blvd. Apart 446, buzz Whitmore. After ten ok, I sleep late. I'm going to need a list of cyber from you guys tommorow, so I can start coding up a secure comm net. Now I have to clean before tommorow, drek. And I still need to check my SIN, drek late night Someone wanna bring coffee?

Sounds good to me, just let me know when you want to get started Charlie. Here's my commcode in case anyone needs me before tomorrow.

And then he transmits around his commcode.

I'm gonna need a new commcode after this.... unless they end up being trustable.

As long as you mean actual coffee and not that soycafe crap, I'll bring it. Everyone's got everyone's number? How about 1500 tomorrow at Chuck's then?

Soycafe, don't make me wretch. Good in a pinch, but if I have the good stuff I'm golden. Charlie sends out his commcode, and says 1500 sounds perfect, gives me time to start making calls. Anybody got any thing they need before then? If Charlie recieves no requests he rises from his seat grabs his briefcase and heads for the door. Turning he points at Cash Bring your money and your game face, we'll see if we can't squeeze in a game or two. He waves to the room as he leaves.

Cash chuckles as Charlie leaves. He toasts the last of his drink to the room of runners. Alright gentleman, he's to Charlie. Anyone want to take odds on him making it through this without grievous bodily injury resulting?

That does add the complication of another heist immediately before or after going for Lucky. If you think that's something we can work in to the time table it could work as well. Either way, biofiber and wardings on the trailer are good ideas.

Shell, you seem to know your tech. I can get any gear we need. What sort of equipment are we going to need for blocking what ever trackers inside the horse?

Let's also keep our options open and not get completely set on this route before we know all the details. There may be other ways to do this. Let's reconvene tomorrow, after we know a little more.

Cash rises, wiping down his glass with a napkin, and pocketing the napkin, then shakes everyone's hand in turn before he heads out.

Once in his car, he contacts Ray to let him know he's ready to pick up his 'goodies', and arranges for a spot along his route home.

Why the frag did Charlie want a list of our cyber? I won't give away details about the stuff I have installed, other then "yeah, I have a cyberarm. How did you notice?".
Stealing a trailer and truck at the ranch is a good idea, Crow. That way we don't have to worry about getting two vehicles from here to Georgia. On the other hand: every cop worth his pay will know that runners who catch up Lucky Day will bring their own trailer and not gamble that a good one can be found on-site.

He drinks the rest of his water and gets up after that. Gentleman, I have to leave know. We'll meet tomorrow at 1500. He sends out a message to Cash when he leaves Charlies won't get through this run unharmed, no way.

Taking a taxi, Sunny drives to the restaurant and eats there. Hey dad, you got the money? I can tell you, it was hard work to get that money from the guy who owed me...

If you're the only one up for it, I'l ltake that action. Say $1,000, that he gets from now to the drop off without catching a round or any other form of heavy bleeding? Thousand's as high as I'm going though. Don't honestly have a lot of faith.

This Charlie is either way to green for this kind of action, or way more than he appears to be. Either way, could be dangerous. Have to keep an eye on the guy. Definitely got to get that Black IC upgrade.

Cash meets up with Ray's man, getting his 'stuff; and heads home to play Q&A with Aisha.

Can't resist a good gamble from time to time. $1,000 is ok.

@Charlie: List of cyber? Not certain that's a great idea to ask an unfamiliar group of runners.... who know your a hacker. *8->

@Group: Well for jamming a tracer.... I've got an area jammer that would probably block it but it's real unsubtle. Directional jammer would only jam a cone so would be better, but we'll need to know where the tracer is in the horse. If, for some reason, they've just RFID tag Lucky I can just erase the tag and job done, but I doubt it. I know a bit about police tactics, lemme have a quick think about how quickly they'd notice a missing trailer from the ranch.

Knowledge Check



Seeing most of the group dispersing Shell stands and nodding to those leaving and the few remaining he heads out on his own.

@Group: I'll do some background digging tonight on what we'll probably need to look after the horse and any odd things known about this horse in case it'll cause trouble. Call me if you need anything else

And leaving the comm channel open for about 5 minutes after that he then shuts it down and heads home.

Still an hour to go.... Not long enough for a decent search on the 'trix.... Must remember to do something nice for Ariel for dropping this on me, was nice of her. Well guess I'd better brush up on my combat skills as it looked like I was the only grunt in there.

And so he logs into his Miracle Shooter account and winding the difficulty way up and activating his wires he dives right in as he feels the weight of his alpha settle into his hands.

------

Three hours later

And the data feed to his brain shuts down at the time limit, shunting him back to the drabness of the real world. Crapdamnit everytime! Always at a good bit! Ugh, work time I guess.... For another five hours.... Looking across at the clock [color=aquamarine]Hmmm, 00:30, 'trix should be nice and empty.... except for the pros.

And so diving in he goes searching for the information that they'll need.

Data searching

@ShellLet me know what we'll be needing for gear. I'll take care of it. If you've got the skills, see what you can find out about the ranch where the horse is kept. Satellite pics would be ideal. Take your time with those.

We've got Chuck working on the same thing, but overlepping intel might pick up something that might otherwise be missed. Cya.

Wednesday May 15th, 2070: 23:00 - Crow's Doss
Crow

Sean begins the summoning and binding rituals.


Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 05:00 - Crow's Doss

Heavily taxed from the summoning, Sean drags himself to the shower and to bed. He leaves a note for Regina for more binding materials and transfers the money to her account.


Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 10:30 - Crow's Doss

After five hours of sleep Sean awakes rejuvenated. He grabs some food and prepares for some far less taxing binding and summoning.



Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 13:30 - Crow's Doss

The binding ritual was a horrible test of of wills and the small storm spirit for more resistant to the binding than his size should allow. At the end of the ritual, Sean had failed to bind the spirit to his will and he was tired again. An hour and a half until the next meet, Sean took a five minute shower another hour nap, setting his alarm for one hour.



Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 14:45 - En route to the team meet
The failure to bind the spirit was frustrating Crow. Where had he gone wrong in the ritual?
How the hell did that little bastard resist the binding..?

Charlie Wednesday May 15th 2070 23:45, Home
Charlie manages to arrive home without incident and starts cleaning his apartment. When the time code reads 01:00 he thinks Drek getting late, gotta sleep His dreams are filled with an image of Mr. Lincoln chasing him. Lincoln seems to have scalpels in his mouth.

Charlie, Thursday May 16th 2070 10:35, Home
What the drek was that about? Charlie rises to the sound of his alarm clock going off. He showers and eats a quick breakfast. Let's get this show on the road

Matrix search on Lucky Day, Data search + browse
1d6=4, 1d6=1, 1d6=1, 1d6=1, 1d6=3, 1d6=1, 1d6=1, 1d6=5, 1d6=4 One stinking success. Gah!

Matrix search on Oak Haven Ranch, data search + browse
1d6=3, 1d6=5, 1d6=5, 1d6=3, 1d6=6, 1d6=6, 1d6=2, 1d6=3, 1d6=3 Four success Better.

Matrix search for Oak Haven Ranch security company
1d6=4, 1d6=6, 1d6=6, 1d6=1, 1d6=3, 1d6=4, 1d6=3, 1d6=5, 1d6=4 Three success. Not bad

1 hour break for lunch, change ID in comm. Get donuts for guests

Data search on Charles Whitmore, checking for "priors"
1d6=1, 1d6=6, 1d6=1, 1d6=5, 1d6=5, 1d6=5, 1d6=4, 1d6=3, 1d6=3 Four success Nice

Gridguide location search for Oak Haven Ranch, checking for roads into and out of ranch.
1d6=5, 1d6=4, 1d6=2, 1d6=3, 1d6=6, 1d6=2, 1d6=4, 1d6=4, 1d6=5 Three success Not bad

Matrix search for Lucky's schedule, also checking for upcoming races.
1d6=5, 1d6=2, 1d6=6, 1d6=5, 1d6=3, 1d6=4, 1d6=4, 1d6=5, 1d6=4 Four success Meh


Charlie, Home
Charlie lays on his couch streching out the kinks from his long matrix session. Man what a load of drek. Hope the guys show up soon
When the buzzer goes off he rises from his couch and activates the intercom Come on up Bob he ducks into the kitchen and grabs the chairs from his table. He seats them around his coffee table and turns the trid on and sets it to the Static Channel. When his first guest arrives he greets them with Door's open Bob

OOC: Maybe I need a new die roller.

Data Search Information:

Lucky Day: is a racehorse. Currently up for competition in the Belmont Stakes, first horse in over 70 years to be in the running for the Triple Crown.

Oak Haven Ranch: From the dedicated Matrix host: Oak Haven Ranch was founded by the late Jefferson Davis Ridgebourough and his wife, Geraldine Maye in October 2042, as a place of refinement and classical Southern values in a world gone to chaos. Shortly after his beloved Geraldine passed away, Jefferson Davis Sr. begun to raise and breed World Champion Morgan Horses. His first championship winner was Lady Luck, a near contender for the Triple Crown before she broke in her leg in the last leg of the Kentucky Derby.
Lady Luck's legacy continued to survive in the likes of Old Admiral. Old Admiral was a revolution to the sport of horse racing, being the first genetically modified race horse allowed to compete for the Triple Crown. Since then Oak Haven has become known for their innovative genetic advances in breeding techniques. For more information please contact Terrence McMillan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
From various sources on the Net (breeding sites, fan sites, etc.): The current owners of the ranch are Jefferson Davis Jr. and his wife, Bunny. They've both been instrumental in keeping their horses in the top ranks year after year, with some speculating that they have connections within the Atlanta mob. Other sources confirm the information claiming that Bunny's second cousin is none other then Atlanta mobster Lucas Scapelli.
Bunny is known for hosting well attended soirees at the beginning and end of each racing season with anyone who's anyone in the racing world invited. She's also known to be quite an alcoholic and man-chaser. Jefferson is known to have a mistress living in Savannah, Georgia.

Oak Haven Security: Oak Haven has their own internal security team, bolstered after a break-in last year. Officially, no one has ever spoken about what was stolen, although rumors say it was the genetic records from Old Admiral's foaling. The security team consists of two on-site riggers (one primarily responsible for transportation of the horses and upkeep of trailers and ranch vehicles), and three security personnel. A mage was hired for warding of the ranch and it's outlying buildings but none has ever been confirmed to actually reside at Oak Haven.

Data Search for Charles Whitmore: There appears to be no "priors" listed for a Charles Whitmore. Apparently, the officer was bluffing. However, the name is listed as part of a "public disturbance" report filed by the officer after the bus incident. It does not name him as a suspect or person of interest in the "disturbance", simply noting that the "individual was questioned and released."

Data Search for Maps, Roads to Oak Haven: From dedicated Matrix host: Oak Haven is renowned for it's peaceful valleys and lush rolling hills. From it's scenic view it's almost possible to believe that one has gone back to a time of horse-drawn buggy's and sipping mint juleps on the veranda.
Oak Haven is nestled a comfortable 20 miles from the nearest public road, accessible only by a private double-wide two lane thoroughfare, suitable for even the largest of horse trailers.
From other sources: It's as bad as the Matrix host says, the ranch is located 20 miles from the nearest county road and fourty miles from the nearest freeway. The only other way in and out of the valley is via helicopter (which is what Bunny and Jefferson Sr. use) or by river or horsetrails.
(3 CSP's for checking. Good question. )

Data Search for Upcoming Races, Lucky's Schedule: From dedicated Matrix host: Lucky is scheduled for a two week break following his upset win over Seattle Slew II in the Preakness Stakes last weekend. His next major race will be the Belmont Stakes in New York, where he will be trying for the much coveted and almost impossible to win Triple Crown.
From other sources: Lucky Day is scheduled for an on-location photo shoot by Blood Horse Magazine on Monday, May 20th at 3 p.m., Lucky Day is also scheduled for a routine on-location vet appointment on Thursday, May 24th at noon.

OOC: Well, considering that 3 successes is considered "extremely detailed" information and 4 successes is considered "extensive".... I would say your dice rolled just fine... well, cept' for maybe the first roll. It would've been funnier if you had gotten no successes and ended up with something like: "Lucky Day is the long awaited follow-up album to last year's smash hit "Hot Flash" by supergroup Acoustic Kitty." hehehe...

Crow - Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 14:45 - En route to the team meet

As you navigate Miami's overcrowded city streets, you notice something hovering just on the edge of your peripheral vision. Slipping the car into auto-nav (Hell...it'll have a better chance of not hitting someone then you will anyway... ) you shift your perceptions to the astral in order to get a better look.
There, hovering beside your car on the astral, is your Air Elemental... bound... by you.
Wait... but, it didn't take... what the hell?
There doesn't seem to be any explanation for the elemental's binding. The contest of wills must have been even more intense then you thought.

Sunny - Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 14:45 - En route to the team meet

Sunny yawns. He had spent too long at the nice bar that neighbors his parent's restaurant, but the new bartender was a an old friend of him and the night was spent sharing old stories. Now Sunny sits in a taxi, wears a huge Ray Ban (and a white suit with black shirt and black slippers) and nips on a coffee. The real stuff.

Wonder how the apartment looks like. 'Hope we don't work too long today, need some sleep.

Shell - Data Search Results

Data Search Results for Lucky Day: Pedigree Record: Lucky Day is the sole progeny of Lucky Luce and Old Admiral. Lucky Luce was one of three foals born to Lucky Lady and Jokers' Wild, both Derby champions.
Estimated Worth: Lucky Day's value at birth was estimated at 3.4 million dollars UCAS. If Lucky Day wins the Triple Crown, his value will triple, making him the most valuable horse in the world.

Data Search Results for Oak Haven Ranch: From the dedicated Matrix host: Oak Haven Ranch was founded by the late Jefferson Davis Ridgebourough and his wife, Geraldine Maye in October 2042, as a place of refinement and classical Southern values in a world gone to chaos. Shortly after his beloved Geraldine passed away, Jefferson Davis Sr. begun to raise and breed World Champion Morgan Horses. His first championship winner was Lady Luck, a near contender for the Triple Crown before she broke in her leg in the last leg of the Kentucky Derby.
Lady Luck's legacy continued to survive in the likes of Old Admiral. Old Admiral was a revolution to the sport of horse racing, being the first genetically modified race horse allowed to compete for the Triple Crown. Since then Oak Haven has become known for their innovative genetic advances in breeding techniques. For more information please contact Terrence McMillan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
From various sources on the Net (breeding sites, fan sites, etc.): The current owners of the ranch are Jefferson Davis Jr. and his wife, Bunny. They've both been instrumental in keeping their horses in the top ranks year after year, with some speculating that they have connections within the Atlanta mob. Other sources confirm the information claiming that Bunny's second cousin is none other then Atlanta mobster Lucas Scapelli.
Bunny is known for hosting well attended soirees at the beginning and end of each racing season with anyone who's anyone in the racing world invited. She's also known to be quite an alcoholic and man-chaser. Jefferson is known to have a mistress living in Savannah, Georgia.
Additional Information: The deed for Oak Haven Ranch is currently under lien with a company by the name of Global Alliance Inc. as the lien holder. Further digging shows that the lien was placed as part of a debt collection attempt by Svengali Casino and Resort in Atlantic City. A closer look at Svengali C & R shows a Mr. Lucas Scapelli as a member of their Board of Directors.

Data Search for Medical Records: From Riverside Veterinary Clinic's most recent press release: Per our confidentiality agreement with the owners of the horse known as Lucky Day, we are unable to release any information regarding the health or status of the animal at this time.
Other sources (fan discussion sites): It appears from race and training footage that Lucky Day may be suffering from the same arthritis that claimed his grandmother and mother. Rumors and speculation have been running rampant since a training accident last June left him limping off the track. However, since the accident, he's been in top form causing some to wonder what kind of modifications were done to Lucky in the interim.

OOC: You can probably find more information on the medical records at the clinic if you do try a "Hacking" attempt.

14555, West 55th Blvd. Thursday May 16 2070, 14:50
The building seems unremarkable on first glance. It's just one more giant apartment complex. When you arrive in the lobby an enoumous intercom board confronts you. It seems to respond to comm signals as well as manual input, entering the name Whitmore engages the system. Come on up Bob says a familiar voice. You ride the elevator up to the fourth floor.

Apart 446,
As you leave the elevator you turn and find the first number. The numbers are arranged sequentially after a few moments you puzzle out the numbering system. You find your way to number 446. When you knock on the door the familiar voice says Door's open Bob As you enter the apartment you realize that it's a standard one bedroom apt. with a kitchenette and bathroom. The most notable features of the apartment are the well used dark green couch, the low oval faux antique coffee table and the medium sized trid flickering with three dimensional static. Charlie sits cross legged on the floor at the coffee table facing the door. Hoi chummer He has a box of Stuffer Shack Donuts in front of him and a pack of cards in his hand.

Crow - Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 14:55 - Charlie's Apartment

Once again I am confused by the powers of the universe.. But I will not look a gift- How fitting a thought... He sends the elemental back to its home plane to await his call to fulfill its services.

He takes control back of the Suzuki Mirage. Just my luck I'd lean left on a right turn and wipe out despite the pilot overrides.

When he arrives at the building where Charlie lives, he parks the bike and locks it. He summons a watcher that looks like a large crow. Manifest and begin harassing anyone who touches this bike or causes it to move. He then summons a second watcher. Come get me if he manifests.

Security in place he heads up to Charlie's apartment building. He summons a watcher and sends it ahead, looking for Charlie. It zips inside the apartments till it finds Charlie. It then manifests in the form of a ghostly crow, Kaw... Kaw... The master has arrived.. Kaw.. Kaw... and it dissolves back to the astral, its task complete.

Crow rides the elevator and enters the apartment, "Good afternoon Charlie." He looks around a moment, initially fearful to sit on the couch he stands and keeps his face unreadable. "I see I am the first to arrive. Have you had a fruitful day?"

Oh hey, Crow, I wondered what that wizbird was about. Some good news, some bad, some down right terrible. Care for a game to pass the time. Pull up a chair, grab a cushion, take a load off. He waggles the deck of cards and gestures to the chairs and the couch.

Shell - Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 03:03 - Shell's doss
Comms - Hidden - Hot VR

Logging back off the 'trix by his surfer icon wiping out on the wave he was riding, Shell always expected to open his eyes to wet clothes, but they never were.

Ugh, late.... At least I got most of the data.... Ah ha and my lockouts finished.... sleep or BTL.... no real contest there....

And quickly slotting another chip the loving waves of VR wash over him again.....

------

05:15

Shell's head comes up sharply as the Sim feed cuts out, and groaning at both his headache and the time he crawls to his bed and passes out.

-------

Shell - Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 15:05 - 14555, West 55th Blvd.
Comm - Passive (Signal 1) - Fake SIN

Well at least the walk cleared out the cobwebs.... and gave me a chance to make a copy of the data.... Hmm, this is the place.... swanky....

Entering the details Charlie had given him the previous night and grunting at the Come on up Bob response, he walks over and into one and the lifts. Pressing for Apartment 446, he even manages to survive the lift music.... if you could call it that. Thanks frell for selective sound filters.

Knocking and getting another Bob reference, he heads in and nods to the occupants.

Morning everyone, got some interesting news for you all, but I guess it'd be better to wait for everyone first.

Better see if Charlie's up for an attempt on that Vet's, well it can wait until it's decided that we need the info.

Hey Shell wanna donut? Grab a seat. You guys want a quick game before the others show up?

Sunny, slightly confused by being called Bob, takes the elevator to Charlie's Apartment. Nice place. Not too exclusive, but on the better side of Miami.

He ignores the Bob-thing when he knocks at the door and opens it a moment later. While still wearing his sunglasses, Sunny goes to the living room, takes a donut and nods to the other runners. Hoi. Everything's fine, chummers?

The elf sits down on the couch and eats his donuts. Hey, why was I called Bob by the house system?

Charlie grins like a maniac at Sunny, he wiggles his eyebrows at the other elf What you don't know my old friend Bob, from out of town? He and I play poker together whenever we can. In fact we're playing today this statement is delivered in a clearly artifical tone. Returning to his normal tone Charlie smiles at Sunny. You'd be suprised how often that works. Most folks don't give a rat what you're doing as long as you have a good explanation for doing something. House system, huh? I guess I have too much practice doing that routine. He grabs a donut. In short I'm Bob, you're Bob, we're all Bob. He grins again and starts munching his donut.

Thursday, May 16th, 2070: 15:05 - Charlie's Doss

When offered a chair and a game, Crow pulls up the cleanest chair available, "I prefer not to gamble. Even 50/50 odds you lose every other time." He holds up a an actual paperback book, The Nature of Beast Spirits and Their Relation to Spirits of Man. "It was printed on a hand press. It is just as interesting when assensed as when read."

As shell arrives and talks about his information, "If you like.". He nods to Sunny as he enters the room as well and listens as Charlie explains "Bob". And people think I'm a little off center.. he thinks with a inner smile.

"Unless you're Crow, of course.". Irregardless as to whether or not anyone else find its funny, Crow smiles as he speaks looking up from his book.

Whe Crow pulls his book out Charlie says Wiz a real book, there's something you don't see every day

At Crow's statement Charlie looks puzzled. What, I'm not Crow. I guess wiz boy ain't used to the con. Oh well at least he's got some major mojo.

Taking a donut and heading for a seat that'll take a trollish and then deciding on the floor instead, the floor putting him at a comfortable playing height to the table.

A friendly game of poker? Sure, just to pass the time. How about we start off friendly and I'll think about stakes later on?

Heh, like I can't see that you're gonna take us for a ride, let's see how many game you'll let me win before asking to raise the stakes

Taking a bite of the donut and smiling around the mouthful of donut at Crow, Hand printed? Rare these days.