Thursday March 6, 2070; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle.

Holden nodded in agreement with the deal as well, prefering to keep silent during the negotiations and take in as much of the surroundings and information on their Johnson as possible during the proceedings. Holden was no good in negotiations and he preferred to leave it up to those with more skill at it, though it appeared that none of the crew were that kind of runner. Still, 8k was a decent payday and it would pay his rent and then some.

Amok does the math in his head...8K for a file that he actually has to get inside to get plus bonuses for any other files of interest...pretty low ball ...i'm no FastJack but, hey who really is.....Chum, those skills he has are legendary, especially considering he started way below the SOTA... man, that had to be creep speed, talking monumental lag. I wonder how long it took to log in an LTG, ...I'm still hungry...would it be rude to eat some of those breadsticks now?...pretty good, not as good as Gyosa, I could eat 2 orders of those from the Harry Karry house, they're always the best with some Choco-chocolate drink...yeah...why is everyone looking at me? I wonder if...uhhh what's his name kissed the hooker....making outs cool and all but.....i wouldnt kiss a hooker. I ate alot of garlic...Chum, I hope my breath doesnt stink.....why are they still looking at me?

Amok expirences a moment of clarity as he realises they're what on an answer from."Oh yeah...I'm in but, I'll need a clue to what other paydata you'll be interested in also."

McKinney put in his humorous sarcastic remark.

"Didn't ya know, chum? They started labeling those 'PayData.000' for our convenience. Heh"

He chuckled, even if he was the only one that thought it was funny.

If they take this seriously this is gonna be a real fun run...

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:01; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle.

Simon looked at McKinney for a moment not quite getting humor, Perhaps I should tell him the joke about the three elementals that enter the bar.... Now that's funny!

Instead he figures the old saying, It's best to sit back and remain thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt was probably the best advice he could take at the moment. Now that all five members of the team had acknowledged the Johnson, Simon looks to Johnson for the rest of the briefing...

Thursday March 6; 20:04; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

"So everyone's in. Good."

Johnson pauses, takes a deep breath, and starts explaining.

"What I'm actually interested in, is to get information regarding a secret research program code-named Project Infinity. This name won't get you very far unless you look for it in the right context though, and this is what this run is about. Part of the pay is for you to keep you mouths shut about this - me and my collaborators want to stay ahead in finding out about this.

The run I have for you, as I've said before, involves getting into a research facility and retrieving data. According to my intel, this facility is linked to the project in some way. I have good reasons to believe that in their system, you can find information that can give me a good lead on the project. Any name, location (virtual or real), plans, texts, etc., regarding the project is very valuable to me. I know of at least one file I am sure you can easily find on their servers: a report on a transaction that took place between the main group and the facility you'll be stealing from. More data is probably available, but I don't know any specifics about how to find it in their system.

The research lab is located some distance away from here, in a central part of Everett. It is the property of a small corporation named Neurograd, a subsidiary of the MegaCorp Evo. The facility is relatively secret and located in Evo's jurisdiction. I've spent some time gathering data about it and it's all on this chip. It contains older blueprints of the building and a code clearance for the outside gate. The rest will be up to you though. "

He hands over a microchip sealed into a small plastic container.

"Like I said before, I've also gotten word that it's vacation day for all the research staff there on this Saturday. I was thinking that it would be an ideal moment for you to hit, but any way you get me the information I ask for is fine by me. Getting the file is the primary objective.

Please try to avoid leaving any signs of your passage there though, mostly for your safety and also because I don't want them to know someone is spying on them.

As far as I know, the security level on site is pretty standard and not too intricate. I expect that a team of professionals should be able to accomplish this run without trouble.

Any questions?"

Thursday March 6,2070; 20:06.
Matchstick's, Downtown Seattle.

Yeah, who the hell fed you the line I was a professional?

McKinney had caught himself before saying it, but saying it in his mind was all right with him, all the candor, none of the consequences. He strained not to smile for lack of a better reaction to his little quip.

I'm pretty sure the only thing we'll need is the advance, this chip, and a promise you'll call me if we're gonna start goin' steady.

He smiled, reminding himself he probably would've not been in such high spirits if he hadn't just gotten laid, this meeting would've gone much worse... He stood, giving a half-hearty salute as he was pretty sure the conference was over.

Thursday March 6; 20:04; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

Fair enough. Here are the certified credsticks for each of you. Anything else?

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:05; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle.

Simon listens to the Johnson lay out the run and then next attempt at a joke from the self-proclaimed former doc wagon joc. I thought I was supposed to be the class clown... but he's not even funny...

He looks back at the Johnson, "I have two. Do you have any specifics on the security contract... like mages, spirits or watchers on site... or other contract details and second, is the code connected to any specific person or role.. or is it just a generic access code?"

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:07; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

"The truth is that my intel comes from a contact I have inside, a scientist. The code is electronic and identifies the holder as a scientist of the facility. I've been assured that the identification is still valid and currently used. As far as I know it's not linked to a specific person.

About the details on security, I don't have much. Neurograd has its own private security guards, and I have no info on possible magical security and the such."

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:07; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

Simon nods to the Johnson and replies a simple, "O.k." to the Johnson's question. He wanted to inject a wise ass crack of his own right now to belay his own nerves during this encounter, but knew this not the time nor the place if he was to appear a professional in any way, shape or form.

Simon ponders the details for a moment, Ok, a date when the facility will be on a skeleton crew... An generic access code to get us in.... Hope that won't draw attention since everyone is supposed to be out... Perhaps we levitate over the gate and avoid using that code all together...?

He looks around at his teammates to see if there will be more questions, "The hacker will have his work cut out for him.. and I need to bind elementals between now and then... the detective and I can run recon on the security forces.. Not sure what skills docwagon or the mexican kid have...?

"One day to do recon.. Wow.. That's cutting it pretty much to the wire if we are going in and out unnoticed..."

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:07; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

"Well, as long as you get me that file and don't blow up the building, I'll be satisfied with your work. Consider going unnoticed to be an important secondary objective. And Saturday is an opening I've only heard about today. If you don't like it, go in on a regular day, like Sunday. Your job, your way, but get me what I want."

Simon nods to the Johnson and looks around at his team mates, all his questions having been answered.

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:08; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

"Sounds like a good amount of intel; should help things go much smoother. Just a couple questions," Esteban looked over some chicken scratch notes he had taken on a napkin, "what does this company research and what is the information we're going after? Is your contact available to us or hands off? Do you have a time frame or a point at which the file you want will no longer be of use to you? Hmm," he made some marks on the paper, "What do you consider 'pretty standard'; has your research provided any specific numbers, armaments, or security provider for the site? If you are only a small group of 'collaborators' receiving the data from us, do you have the ability to secure a delivery point should things go south and are there any other groups you know of that will be working in opposition to our team?"

Esteban looked up from his list and waited for any forthcoming answers.

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:12; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

"I'll try to answer your questions as best I can. First, who I am and who I work for is completely irrelevant to your job and I expect no more questions of the kind. If I wanted you to know, I would have told you already.

Delivery can be conducted safely over the matrix instead of in person if you prefer - I can do it through your fixer or through one of my secure channels. The file itself can easily be transferred that way as well. I expect you to deliver this to me by Monday evening at the latest. The sooner the better though, I was thinking you could get it to me in 2 days.

I don't intend te reveal who my contact inside is, which is one reason why I want minimal casualties, especially within the research staff. I have no more specifics on the security measures than what I've told you already, and I don't know the security provider either.

I think I've been clear about the information I'm looking for. I want to find out as much as possible about Project Infinity, who works for them, where it is conducted, and especially what it is all about. I know of a transaction file (which should be maybe a week old) that links to at least one person related to the project, and that's what I want you to get me. I have no idea if their system contains more files with links to the project, but I'd sure like to have it.

Neurograd does research and experimentation with cybertechnology. I believe their expertise is with reflex boosting and reaction enhancement technology.

Are we good now, or do you still have questions?"

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:12; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

"Hey no problemo, man. I didn't ask who you work for, just using your words." Esteban said. Though a hint would have been nice he thought to himself.

"Just because it's the matrix doesn't mean it can safely be delivered though - it can be just as insecure if not more so depending on who else might want this. I was just concerned about your ability to secure either a physical site for drop or a data transfer from your side of the exchange. I'm sure our esteemed decker here can handle protection on our end if that's the method we choose, but not knowing your size, situation, and capabilities made me worry for your security, man."

Esteban shrugged a bit and took a sip of his drink. "I don't have any more questions though,"

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:12; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle
Simon listens to the Johnson answer the questions and is thrown off by his reply.. I didn't hear Esteban ask Johnson who he was..?

After the exchange is complete, "I'm good as well."

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:13; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

The Johnson forces a smile at Esteban's comment. "My security is definitely more assured then yours. Your concerns for my safety are noted, but this is the shadows, you should better watch your own back, chummer, like everyone else."

Some of you notice that Mr. Johnson seems worried about something.

"Well this is all then. You seem to be a careful bunch, with all the questions you ask, so I hope it goes well for you. Drop a text message at the address on the chip when your job is complete. You can leave the room now. Good luck."

Thursday March 6, 2070; 20:13; Matchstick's; Downtown Seattle

With the dismissal, Simon gets up and leaves the room.

Thursday March 6th 2070 20:13

Amok follows the others out, his mind reeling with the fact that this is real not just playing hardcore on the 'Trix. I am so out of my league...just stay to what you know....keep close to the big guys with guns...you'll be fine..

McKinney nods to the Mr. Johnson. Walking first out the door eager to get his gun back at the front.

I thought the last name was vague, guess it's some pseudonym...

Simon exits the room and heads towards the exit of the bar. He looks back longingly at the scene as he walks towards the door. Back when he was known as Joshua he would never pass up a party, even if it was a laid back jazz party.

The song changes before he gets out the door. Its an old songs.. something about a weeping willow or willow weep or something like that. Joshua never much paid attention to the names. He really didn't care for jazz, that was his father's music.

Damn it Joshua, can't you just stick with one damn thing?

Dad I-

I don't want to hear any excuses.. His father turned towards Joshua, This is your last chance. You get kicked out of this school and you're cut off...

As he walked though the doors, Simon pressed that bad memory out of his mind. That wasn't the way he wanted to remember him. As he stepped off to the side and waited for the rest of the crew to join him, his mind drifted to the reason why he was here. The event that sent him into the shadows.....

Blood.. There was so much blood. She was already gone, he was fading fast... He could stop the blood from flowing. The house was beginning to burn. The sound of the fire spreading was crackling in his ears and he could feel the heat rising.

His father had slipped away. Gone to the other side.

Simon steeled up his chin as he waited, he didn't much feel like partying right now. He actually felt like summoning... Binding a spirit to protect him and the team. Time establish some plans, make some preparations and time to run.

It was time to get it on....

"What's the plan, jefe?" Esteban asked as he followed everyone outside.

Simon looks to Esteban, "Let's do a drive by. I'd like to get a lay of the land. What do you think?".

"I'd like to go to....i can scan for commcodes, maybe pick up drone subscription bands. Mind if we stop off somewhere first? I'm hungry again."

McKinney looks to the people filtering outside.

"I agree with the E-- Simon. Knowing the outside is pretty damn important. Holden's car is looking pretty packed, I'll probably just follow whoever in my car when we pass by... Then to where ever."

Ignoring McKinney's slip, Simon says to him, "I'll ride with you. I need to be in a car." This could get interesting..

He looks McKinney over for a moment smiling, then steps towards the car. Rather ride with Esteban, but I'll need to project.

"Gathing intel on the target with more than one vehicle could be pretty conspicuous, but then again so could the clown car approach. Can probably settle for a couple of us going, taking some good pictures, CommInt, and getting a look at the astral." Esteban said. "Just a thought; doesn't matter to me who goes."

McKinney lets out a small sigh.

Well he didn't seem to notice, no skin off my back. Prejudice has it's places... Not here.

"Yeah sure. Esteban man, I don't have any fancy image recordin' mumbo-jumbo. Any of you folks got those kind of goods?"

Simon looks around to the team. Seeing no one stepping up to take charge, *Sigh*... Years of my father trying to get me to take an interest in management and here I am... stepping up anyway... The hacker is undoubtedly well qualified, at least given his bluster to this point.... and the detective seems used to working alone for more than in a group. Our fair medic seems to not quite to have an affinity for social graces... or showers.. Leaving myself or our colleague from Central America. He potentially has the capabilities... In any case, I guess I'll speak up.

As they step up to the vehicles, Simon uses his PAN-to-PAN Conference software to create a conference with the team. Even with a com channel, he consciously keeps from using names or locations. "Ok, how about this for a plan:" He looks first to Amok, "You return to a safe location and probe the target, gather whatever net based intel you can. " Then looking to Holden and Estaban,"You two recon the site. Keep it to a passive recon, no sense letting them know we're here. Video and astral from a distance." Finally looking to McKinney,"Drop me by my doss so I can prepare some elemental support should the run go south. Sound like a plan?"

"I'm all set for a drive in ritzville. Lets get this show on the road ladies."

McKinney jumped into the driver's seat of his car bringing it to a shuttering start. He waited for Simon to get in his car, he turned up the in-car stereo surfing for something in his idle time, landing on some wizpunk band that had a semblance of decent music.

Amok almost lets out an audible sigh of relief but, doesnt. The 'Trix...something I know it isnt safe but, at least I got an even shot there...think they'd drop me off somewhere or is it maglev pass city? "Hey...any of you chummers hungry again? I got some breadsticks left over but, they're going fast...how about some gyoza?....already had italian so, not in the mood for pizza..I KNOW!! how about some burritos from the Taco barn?"

"Sounds like a solid plan, anytime you are ready to go," Esteban said taking a seat in the car.

Thursday March 6th 2070 20:20-20:50

It's getting cold outside in Seattle and a light snow is starting to fall from the sky.

Holden drives down the highway to the north until him and Esteban reach Everett. The target site is located in a central part of the district, in a neighbourhood which seems very dynamic economically. The buildings appear to be very modern and you see several construction sites including one for a skyscraper. As you get close to the location of interest, you also pass across a residential zone with medium-sized apartment buildings. Definitely corporate by the looks of it.

You finally drive by a 3-storey building about 200 feet across and 60 feet wide which should be the research facility you are looking for. It stands a good distance from the street and it isn't lit, so you can't see it too well with the light snow and in the darkness. It is part of a complex which counts 3 buildings, the other two being a very small building near the entrance gate and a tower more than a dozen floors tall. Also on site is a covered, square, 2-level car park. There is a 10 foot wall with an electrified fence on top that goes all around the site. A metal gate appears to be the only way in and out of the whole area.

The wall prevents you from seeing most of what's on ground level and you've only driven by the gate once until now. It seems that the small building is a security post from the one pass by.

Thursday March 6th, 2070; 20:35
As McKinney takes Simon to his modest apartment at the north end of the Downtown District, Simon is quiet. He looks out the window as they travel through city streets, each neighborhood looking very similar to him.

When they arrive, Simon nods to McKinney. "I'm gonna be at least four hours. My com will be off during this time. Leave a message if you need me, so-kay?"

He heads in and immediately gets to business.


Friday, March 7th, 2070; 00:40
His summoning and binding completed, Simon sits in the circle, sweat dripping from his brow from the exertion of the binding. As the spirit diminishes back to its home plane, he smiles that his great effort has paid off; Its service to him secured.

"What you got goin' on, chum? You some kind of wizkid or is there an Urban Brawl game I forgot was on?"

After the expected vague answer he drives off towards the nearest club to drink, smoke and be merry for the next 4 boring hours.

I feel like a bloody chauffeur!

He pulls up around the 4 hour mark to pick him, going up to the door while Simon sits after the ritual, knocking at his door.

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 00:40; Simon's doss

The knocking at the door brings Simon's attention back to the mundane world. He feels pretty spent physically and emotionally but he knows he has to get up. Has to continue, the days of ignoring the world have been relegated to the past.

He gathers up his jacket, his coms and his duffle bag and answers the door, "McKinney. Bon jour mes ami. Any word for the crew on recon or the hacker?"

Simon powers on his com and checks for messages.

McKinney first saw Simon, and after talking about the comms, noticed how taxed the Elf really was. Instead of sympathy, his rendition of compassion was something short of slight mockery.

"I haven't heard anythin' involvin' even a squeek of chatter on the comms. This doesn't feel right... 'Course Mr. Johnson only said the security was lax on Sunday, no tellin' what state of alert that place is in, even if it is a smallfry corp.

Drek, chum, you look like a Troll used you for beatin' stick, whatchu been doin' there?."

McKinney chuckled a little bit, the image of the imaginary Trolls abuses on the Elf were slightly amusing to him at the moment while he waited for a reply.

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 00:41; Simon's doss

Simon looked at the human for a moment, Do I really look that bad? I could use a rest.... No. Got to find the rest of the team first. Then rest time.

"I was preparing our magical part of our magical support." He looks the unkept human up and down. Smells like he's been smoking.. drinking... and definitely not bathing..

"Think we should head over to Holden's pad?"

McKinney noticed Simon's flaring of his nostrils and giving him the size up, McKinney gave him a concerned look and checked his pits. Giving one a sniff.

"What? I ran out of deodorant! Anyway, makes no sense to check his pad if he's not responding to comms man, unless you want to catch the next game of 60 questions the Star has waiting for you when we're standing by the blood stains if that's where they got geeked. They'll contact us if they need anything... It'd be by tomorrow that I'd start gettin' worried about what's happenin'. Until then, we just gotta assume they're doing their part or this mission is fragged anyway."

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 00:42; Simon's doss

"You're right. So I think we've got just a few choices then. One, I could rest a little then perform another binding ritual. Two, we could just rest and wait for their call. Or three......?"

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 00:42; Simon's doss

"We assume their Bug food, and we find us a good pub to toast to their loss?"
McKinney flashes his best "this is a great idea don't you agree?" smile and nod.

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 00:43; Simon's doss

Simon takes pause and ponders the thought for several long seconds. "Four hours on... I think we should consider them K-I-A. We also may have a blown run if they have been tortured. Luckily they don't know where either of us live or know much about either of us. I think I should perform another binding ritual though." He pauses a moment lost in a far away thought. "Can you check out Holden's place while I make more preparations?"

McKinney looks at Simon with a begruding look on his face, then it turns thoughtful.

"Well to keep my butt not filled with shrapnel, I guess I can have a look-see if he's back, I know what his car looks like. Something tells me, I don't want to be going inside, plus I don't have his codelock and I sure as hell ain't that nappy-haired hacker of ours that could pop it like a pimple on his face."

He walks to the door, grabbing his KeyKeeper, finding his car pass.

"Let me know over the SubVox if anything goes up the drek creek to Aztland."

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 00:43; Simon's doss

The colorful description gives Simon a silent chuckle as McKinney speaks. He nods in agreement; They needed to observe from a distance.

He nods again as McKinney heads towards his car. "Give me till morning.", he says and heads back in his apartment. How did I end up with this guy? Life is so funny like that... and how did we end up here? What do I know about shadowrunning? Just what I've seen in trids. At least I didn't get left alone this time.

He goes back in to the apartment and sits down in his seat. He quickly makes a first pass at setting up the summoning circle then sets the alarm for 2am and kicks back for a short rest. Catch a few winks and recover from the last summoning. Tomorrow may be a really tough day.

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 00:43; Simon's doss

McKinney starts up his car, a fleeting moment of dread washes over him.

"Move it Foster!" McKinney was waiting for three Docs to make their way in from around the south building making sure there wasn't anyone along the way. They hadn't reported in for 3 minutes. Not good. The orks were crafty sometimes, especially good at ambushes, and if he had gotten this much trouble on his end, no doubt the greenhorns were still getting their merit badges. That's when a helmet with a head no longer attached to it's body rolled over across the floor to him. "Damnit Foster!"

"Yep, I got a bad feeling about this..."


Friday, March 7th, 2070; 01:32; Holden's doss

It had taken McKinney a good bit navigating the traffic. The region was pretty crowded for the AM, but then again, it was the 'plex. He slowed as he drove up to Holden's doss. Looking around for lights, movement, Holden's car, and any sign of life at all.

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 01:32; Simon's doss

Simons tosses and turns during his nap...

"Nothing personal" The gun looked so big, the men so calm. So matter of fact.... and then the screams as the fire engulfed the first. The second made no sound as the water enveloped him like a glove. "Me neither" The words echoed, spoken equally as cold and callus.
Instantly his is kneeling over them. Blood. So much blood....

The nightmare ends, but it is not forgotten...

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 01:32; Holden's doss

McKinney reaches Holden's place in northern Tacoma at the edge of Downtown. No lights. No movement. No car. No sign of life.

A quick peak at his comm shows that he has received a short text message from Amok, only moments ago. <<I've been busy on the matrix and I finally found an entrance into their "secure" system. I'll see how far I can get from here and I'll give you an update in 10-15 minutes.>>

The message was also sent to Holden who is however, like Esteban, unreachable.

Friday March 7th, 2070; 01:57; Outside Holden's doss

McKinney had left Holden's. No point in sticking around a dead man's place. Rent was still paid, and if ever he needed a safe place to stay it was there after whoever geeked 'im turned it upside down trying to find out who he was working for if he was workin' on a normal SIN... He rubbed his hand absently. He rode around after checking the message, figuring the hacker was deep in his work, a message now would be a real dumb thing to do. So McKinney did only what he knew best, so early in the morning. He drove around until he hit the nearest Stuffer Shack.

02:13; Stuffer Shack - Geraldine St. & Holcomb

He walked up, checked his comm again, sixteen minutes had passed. He wrote a detailed message as he got out of his car.

<From: [EM Pete] {Comlications}
You get yourself burnt yet, mophead? Where the frag is H or E? We haven't heard from them on our end, If rat shamans are munchin' on their bones, we got ourselves a scratch. Jack out or figure it out. Information is your credstick krill.>

He walked in after he closed and locked his door.

02:13; Stuffer Shack - Geraldine St. & Holcomb

The Stuffer Shack looked like any other Stuffer Shack. And that's one of the things everyone loves about this store. Even the SINless were welcome here, as evidenced by physical signs put up advertising a special 2 for 1 offer on a new brand of extra strong Morning Treat™ soykaf.

There was an old, grey-haired woman behind the cash register, and a young man wearing a yellow uniform mopping up the floor down in the aisles. You could see at least 4 customers, including a mean looking troll that was towering above everything else in the store. He was wearing black and brown colours openly and had an air of confidence and superiority in his attitude.

Friday, March 7th, 2070; 02:04:30; Simon's doss

The incessant beeping of the com finally brings Simon out of his daze. Looking around he sees the apartment that has become his home and magic studio. He considers for a moment going back to sleep, but forces himself to a standing position. A quick trip to the bathroom, followed splashing water on his face.

He grabs a pouch of soup, nukes it and scarfs it down quickly as he moves back into the living room has been turned into a summoning circle. He looks over the preparations he made earlier and makes a few tweaks in placement, two corrections to characters in the circle of power and checks his com link. Seeing no messages he turns it off and quickly moves to begin his summoning....