Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:13; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

The next several minutes are spent in a series of back and forth negotiations between Greer and Smokey Joe. Joe trying to hold the price down, commenting that they are in the Mall and runners are plentiful. Greer counters that time is wasting and that they need to get started, need more expense money and maybe even a safehouse to operate out of.

In the end Joe dramtically increases his offer: Retainer is 1,000 each and another 2,000 per if you find out where he is or what happened to him. If he's dead another 3,000 to snuff the killer. Potential payday per runner now being 6,000

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:13; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"I'm good."

Saturday March 1, 20:09:00 Second Floor of Crime Mall - Puyallup

Cynic jandered along the second floor of the mall, heading towards the office quickly but not in a hurry.

He surrepticiously checked his pistol and blade were readily available and headed into the mall office looking for his Ms. Johnson.

Saturday, March 1st 20:06
Crime Mall


DJ struts as most gangers do, it's a sign they're in control or cool enough to not be fazed by their surroundings. DJ stops at the occassional vendor to look over their wares briefly to inspect anything he may find useful but, mostly to appear he isnt in a rush to be somewhere...that draws attention. Making his way to the stairs DJ comes upon the most delicios smell......Burgers and not just any soy burger stand but, Ricki Tikki's. DJ makes his way there and avoids cutting in line although it severly crosses his mind. In no time he's next ordering a 'Sloppy'.....thats two patties, 3 pieces of cheese, soy-onion sauteed, and a special blend of mustard sauce. DJ looks at the case stocked of cold beverages and has to force himself not to take a brew. DJ settles on a Biz'O Cola. DJ drops his payment on the counter and nods at Rikki while he takes his burger and bottle of cola with him. Biting into it......Best damn burger in the 'Plex, must be the real meat and who cares if it is rat it's still the best damn one out there.

With Burger wrapped up in a waxy paper wrapper and cola in one hand DJ makes his way up the stairs towards the mall office. DJ stops at the top of the stairs and peers out as he scarfs down 3/4 of the burger, occassionally drinking his Biz'O Cola to wash it down, before discarding them to walk inside the office.

Saturday March 1, 2070; Mall Office, Crime Mall

Buzz: 20:11; Mall Office; Crime Mall
Being near the Mall Office when Kilroy's message came in, you were there in just over a minute. The bouncer looked you over as you passed through the doorway, but a friendly nod assured him you were here for business not trouble... and you had a job waiting, no reason not to be a little happier and a lot less grumpy.
Heading through the bar, you see the dwarf tending bar and figure, That HAS to be Stumpy.
Once at the bar you ask, "Stumpy?

"Who wants to know?" He asks not even looking up, be continuing to pour the drafts for the two customers standing at the bar.

"I'm here to see Ms Johnson-"

Setting the drinks down he points towards the middle door on the back wall, "Middle door. She'll be along shortly." He continues his transaction, seemingly oblivious to your presence now.

Heading into the room you find the room is a bland sort of a room, but in good repair. It is about 4 meters long and 3.5 meters wide. An old, but servicable table surrounded by folding chairs (including two troll sized) sits in the middle of the room, a white noise generator sitting in the middle of the table. You are the first to arrive.

Cynic: 20:11; Crime Mall
The Mall Office is still only lightly populated, but its early. After most of the business is done it will fill up. You arrive just in time to notice the ork heading into the middle room in the back.

The Mall is not one of your normal haunts, but Viggo had given you the low down. The back rooms were where the good deals were made. A dwarf was busy tending bar, a platform running the length of the bar no doubt given the fact that the dwarf stood higher than normally possible looking out into the room.

There are about fifteen people inside besides the ork sitting at the door. He is wearing a heavy armor jacket and has an MP-5 with a suppressor is his hands. He is a large ork with obvious features and red cyber eyes. Astral space is pretty clear in here and there are no watchers or spirits to be seen.

Aeryn: 20:11; Mall Office; Crime Mall
Several people have come and gone since Kilroy's call. So far one Ork, a Street Sam by the looks of him, has been to see the bartender and on into the back in that time. Having been there a few times yourself in the past for smuggling deals brokered by Lon, you are very familiar with the rooms.

DJ: 20:11; Crime Mall
You'd just swallowed the last bite of the burger when the human with the crew cut ran into you. He mubbled something about you watching yourself and getting outa his way as he strutted off. Down the hall you could see the Mall Office. Turning, the Humanis tattoo at the base of his skull was obvious as you watched him walking away...

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:15; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Aeryn; PAN = hidden [LTG, Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)

Aeryn turns on the hidden mode for her commlink, before she stands up and stretches her back. Then the short elf heads towards the bar.

"Hey, Stumpy. How's it goin'?"
"Yeah, yeah, isn't it always?"
"Shoot! I'm here to meet someone, a Miss. I think her name was... Johnson."
"Very funny. Yes, of course I know where that is. Thanks!"
"Seeya, Stumpy!"

With that part done, Aeryn makes her way into the appointed room in the back of the bar area.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:15; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

With the negotiations complete and everyone in agreement, Smokey Joe continues, "A elven coyote called Spencer was due here about an hour and a half ago. Yes, I know an hour and a half is not much time to go missing but he is not responding to his coms. He was delivering a few items here tonight picking up some security and planning to cross back over tonight to the Tir. His last communication put him inside the Puyallups at 18:47 tonight."

He pulls out a datachip and sets it on the table, "On here is a picture of him and his LTG. I'm not sure what he was bringing across the border tonight and another team is being assembled to make the delivery he was supposed to make back into the Tir. Any other questions?"

Saturday March 1, 2070 ; 20:00; First Floor, Crime Mall
Grayson; PAN = hidden; SIN = hidden (Greer Wayne Jaspers)

"Another group's headed into the Tir?" Grayson chuckles humorlessly, "I think we got the better assignment."

He scans the image and the commcode. "Anything you can tell us about this Spencer? That his surname or a handle? Who does he hang out with... do business with? What he usually traffics in IE who's he pissed off? Or pissed off recently?"

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:17; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Smokey Joe replies to the questions from Greer, "His full name is Michael Spencer. He is known by any number of persons and companies. He generally works out of the Mall and prefers small contracts. Contracts for things he can carry and to escort people. He specializes in the Tir border and goes as far inland as Portland on occasion. I've not heard that he is in a feud with anyone at the moment."

Saturday March 1st, 2070 - 20:17 - Mall Office, Crime Mall
PAN = Passive [LTG] SIN = David Belle [Broadcast]

Tigger looked around the group apprehensively, thinking to himself.

At least the pay is better....but I think I have what Spencer was taking back to the Tir....should I turn it over? Will I get paid for my delivery? Is this jpb even worth it? Then the nuyen sang in his head.. Yeah, it's worth it.


"I think I have one of the packages that Spencer was due to take back over the border into the Tir," Tigger chimed in as he turned his attention back to Smokey Joe

Saturday March 1st, 2070 - 20:17 - Mall Office, Crime Mall

Whisper listened as the questions started coming out. It took her a moment or two before she could think of a good question to ask, but when it came to her she voiced it. "Do you know Spencer's current residence? Or, perhaps does he have a girlfriend that you are aware of?

Saturday March 1st, 2070 - 20:17 - Mall Office, Crime Mall

Jake looks at Tigger.
"Jack:You have the package? What is it? Who and where from? It can lead us to Spencer."

Saturday March 1st, 2070 - 20:17 - Mall Office, Crime Mall

Tigger quickly responds to the text from Jack:

<[Tigger]: I just said I have the package, didn't I? I don't know what it is, I am just a courier. I received it from a contact of mine in the Underground and that led me here, so I don't know how far this package will get us.>

Saturday March 1st, 2070 - 20:17 - Mall Office, Crime Mall

Why is there an itch that there is more to all of this than it seems..
Jake is already getting to feel nervous. He has been in this place far too long for his liking, having accustomed to the safe and clean confines of his van. He kracks his knuckles nervously resisting the urge to stand up and leave, continuing to observe the deal through AR.

"What kind of package are we talking about? This piece of information could prove very valuable if we are to find this Spencer individual."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:18; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Smokey Joe perks up and takes interest in the package. Looking to Tigger, "Let me see the package." then looking to Whisper as he awaits the package, "He has an apartment on the south end of Loveland. Not aware of a girlfriend at this time."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:18; Mall Office, Crime Mall

Smart guy. No need to infect himself with dozzen of bacteria during fluid exchange..

March 1st 2070 20:11
Crime Mall 2nd Floor

DJ looks out at the breeder with the Humanis tattoo, a smile crosses his face along with an idea but, he lets it pass. Need the yen more than i need a laugh. DJ pushes open the door and enters the office.

Saturday March 1stm 2070; 20:18; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"Not so fast, I'm not handing the package over unless I get the nuyen for delivery, even if this run pertains to the deliveree," Tigger shakes his head as he responds to Smokey Joe with a face covered in the clam demeanor of someone negotiating a business transaction. Tigger is, if nothing else, a professional courier.

Saturday March 1, 2070; 20:14 PST Mall Office, Crime Mall

Buzz
Buzz takes a seat facing the door. He looks around for something to drink and sighs at the lack of refreshments.

Aeryn
Stumpy watches the elf approach the bar with his peripheral vision.
Her voice is way too cheery for him, "Hey, Stumpy. How's it goin'?"
In his usual, gruff voice he replies, "Ya.. It's going."
"Yeah, yeah, isn't it always?" She pauses a moment and he looks at her with that your wasting my time look, "Shoot! I'm here to meet someone, a Miss. I think her name was... Johnson."
"Johnson? Take a look around three quarters of the people here gave the name Johnson..."
"Very funny."
"Think you can find the middle room in the back?"
"Yes, of course I know where that is. Thanks!"
"Yea..." Disinterest already back in his voice as his attention is taken away from the runner.
"Seeya, Stumpy!"
Stumpy heads down to the end of the bar to scold the serving girl who is running late as Aeryn goes on into the meeting room and joins Buzz.

DJ
DJ enters the Mall, a brief glance from the muscle at the door that infers 'You be cool, I'll be cool.' and he is in among the growing numbers of clientelle. A dwarf is tending bar while a waif of a girl is putting on a apron and grabbing a tray.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:17; Mall Office (Back Room), Crime Mall
Aeryn; PAN = hidden [Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)

"Hey, chummer. Are you here for the same reason as I am?"

Aeryn waits for a moment, but when she sees the expression on the orc's face, she laughs, and quickly adds:

"Ok, that line was really stupid. Hi, I'm Aeryn."

Saturday March 1, 2070 Crime Mall Office
PAN: Hidden SIN: Don Joe not broadcast

Cynic approached the big Ork at the door with all the confidence a teenage street banger could muster, which would rank somewhere up there with the King of England.

"Hoi, chummer, point me towards Ms. Johnson, she's requested the presence of a real man round here."

The young man grinned to take the sting out the words and show he was joking.

Saturday March 1, 2070; 20:14 PST Mall Office, Crime Mall

Cynic
The ork simply points to the middle door in the back, ignoring your comments and for the most part you. An elven woman is just walking through that door towards that room.

Saturday March 1, 2070; 20:14:01 PST Mall Office
PAN: Hidden SIN: Don Joe - hidden

Cynic grinned and admired the long lean flanks proceeding him into the room, making sure to walk slowly enough so as not to crowd the pointy-eared chica.

Once they both got into the room he ramps up his smile to about 2000 watts of pure testosterone and clears his throat to get the lady's attention.

"Hoi chica, I'm called Cynic on the streets and wonderful in the bedroom, you Ms. Johnson?"

He gave her a slow once over while speaking, looking for any obvious weaponry hidden under her shirt. . .er. . jacket.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:18; Mall Office (Back Room), Crime Mall
Aeryn; PAN = hidden [Skinlink, Datajack]; SIN = Selina Seymore (not broadcast)

"So, what's your name?"

Aeryn doesn't even turn around to face the young newcomer, in fact, she pretty much ignores his presence for now.

Saturday March 1, 2070; 20:15 PST Mall Office, Crime Mall

Buzz & Aeryn
As Aeryn enters the room and speaks to the ork he replies, "Yea."...

Buzz, Aeryn & Cynic
Before Buzz or Aeryn can add another line to the conversation, the street kid mistaking her for the Johnson enters. The ork then replies to her second question with one word also ignoring the kid, "Buzz"

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:18; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Smokey Joe looks at Trigger, pauses a moment then softens his face for just a minute, "Of course. I will guarantee your fee for the package. If you find Spencer tonight he can pay you. If he is unable or unwilling, I will cover the fee. Is that acceptable?"

Staurday March 1st, 2070; 20:19; Mall Office, Crime Mall

After hearing the guarantee of his courier pay, and the pay to Jack that it meant as well, Tigger showed a toothy grin as he reached down between his legs to grab the package. The way he grins is the only real way to catch a glimpse of his tiny tusks and the ork heritage that comes along with them.

Pulling the Alice pack up from underneath the table, Tigger tosses it over to Smokey Joe with a, "It is up to you what to do with the package now."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:19; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Smokey Joe cuts the strings on the top of the pack, pulls it open and drops the contents onto the table: Jeans, t-shirt, armor vest, old leather jacket, a well used but servicable Ares Predator IV, two extra clips, a box (12" X 8" x 6") and a CMT clip com-link with sub-vocal mic and earplugs.

March 1st 2070 20:14
Mall Office


[B]DJ nods at the vat job as he walks in scanning the place. DJ notices the bar tender and then the waitress. Strutting slightly DJ leans on the bar facing the waitress. "I'm looking for a lady." DJ says with a sly smile.

Saturday March 1, 2070; 20:15 PST Mall Office, Crime Mall
DJ

A look of abject horror comes across her face for a moment, "I uh...I uh.. I'm just a waitress.. I don't do that..." Then she composes herself and her bubbly personality returns as quickly as it left, "You wanna drink or somethin'?"

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:20; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Grayson; PAN = hidden; SIN = hidden (Greer Wayne Jaspers)

It wasn't personal, Grayson wasn't out to screw anyone. Not overtly. But it just made sense. An expense account means he won't scrimp on expediting matters in order to maximize his profit. It's just business metrics, that's all. Joe doesn't see it that way. Or not exactly that way. He agrees to greater fees - though what these fresh-cheeked kids are doing here is beyond Grayson's ken - but the deal is the deal for majority and minority alike.

Joe breaks open the pack that the grinning kid...
Tusks? Those were... hey, commlink. Score.

"Say, Joe, mind if I take a look at that there?"

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:20; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Tigger; PAN = Passive [LTG, NanoTrodes] SIN = David Belle [Active]

As Tigger tossed the Alice pack Smokey Joe's way he felt the weight of carrying drek for someone else lift off his shoulders and he leaned back in his chair a bit...At least I am getting paid for it, and with the money I bringing in on this run alone I can keep myself in Nuke`Em Burritos for quite a while, maybe even look at getting some new gear while I'm at it....

When Smokey Joe cut open the pack and dumped the contents onto the table, something about the gear kicked up some memory in his head, something rang a bell. Then he remembered where he had seen the colors and he spoke out without thinking, "Hey, those are Mall Monster colors on that jacket."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:19; Mall Office, Crime Mall

Whisper doesn't say anything after her questions were answered. She takes everything in careful consideration and continues to watch as the events take place. Sure, she had some questions, but likely the same ones that everyone else had so she only merely had to watch and wait for her questions to be answered.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:20; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Smokey Joe nods to Greer and gestures for him to have at the items on the table for closer inspection. He then looks to the jacket as Tigger speaks up, "Well that it is.. Why is the world...?" genuinely puzzled.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:20; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"That is awfully strange thing to deliver..Nothing special about it as far as I can see.."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:20; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Smokey Joe looks at Jake and says, "Unless you count that Spencer is an elf and the Mall Monsters are a gang of the Orc Underground.."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:20; Mall Office, Crime Mall

Rex doesn't like talking too much during meets, but he just had an idea.

"Maybe it's some kind of trophy. It shows he can kill a gang member."

Rex looks around hoping he didn't say anything dumb. He hates more then anything else being considered 'just another stupid trog'.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:21; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Greer flips opens the lid to the box as Smokey Joe looks to Rex, "That's not Spencer, he's not one for making enemies.".

Joe looks over at Greer, who has found a nanopaste disguise kit that includes oversize incisors.. An ork disguise kit. "I would say that Spencer was looking for another way out of the Mall, rather than taking trophies."

He then looks around to the rest of the team, "This room is secure, though the white noise generator also blocks access to the grid. When you leave, you will find that I have transfered the funds to Kilroy. Unless you have any more questions, I will leave you to discuss your plans..... ". He pauses to address any final questions.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:21; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"Just one question: what is his last known location? You mentioned you heard with him over comms. Where was he at that moment?" Jake asks the bartender.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:21; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"So huh, it sure seems that you know Spencer quite a bit. Care to share some more about him? If you want us to find or even rescue him, we better move quickly, and the more info we have the more likely we'll be succesful."

The low pitch of Rex's voice always seem to make what he says grave and important. Or it makes him sound even more like a troll, which was equivalent to dumb for many. Not that Rex paid much attention to his tone in general.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:21; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Smokey Joe looks to Jake, "I'm not sure where he crossed. He was checking in as he had a delivery to make and then he was to meet with a Johnson here at the bar." He looks around at the team, "Kilroy has since arranged other assets to meet with the Johnson."

Turning to Rex, "I'm going to share a piece of information that is mostly unknown in order to keep you from chasing a dead end and because I trust it stays with you.... Spencer is my half-brother. We had the same father. This is a nasty business we work in, but I do not know anyone who specifically might be after Spencer...". Looking down at the disguise kit, "Spencer tends to make use of a number of disguises, contacts and methods in his work. I'm not sure why he specifically had this one."

Smokey Joe looks back to the team for more potential questions.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:21; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"See, that's the kind of info we need to share, Joe. Just so we're all on par here, let me tell you that I was supposed to meet with Spencer in the office tonight and be his bodyguard. "

DJ turns his head towards the bartender and then back to the waitress smiling. "I've never had to pay and I dont plan on starting besides, you dont look the type. I'm here to meet a woman, I'm told she's all business and no nonsense. You seen anyone like that?" DJ unfolds his small "pimp roll" a bunch of singles surrounded by some 20's to hold up two 20's.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:22; Mall Office, Crime Mall
Grayson; PAN = hidden; SIN = hidden (Greer Wayne Jaspers)

Grayson nods, as he spreads out the from the pack. Half-brothers, eh? That makes sense. He picks up the commlink, bringing his Agent online and checks the interface... Touch...? Trodes...? Hmmm, hope it's not a datajack...

"He crash anywhere regularly?" Grayson asks, expecting the answer, 'No.'

Saturday March 1, 2070; 20:16 PST; Mall Office, Crime Mall
DJ
The waitress just looks to the bartender, even more confused. The dwarf behind the bar looks up at the elf and actually stops for a moment to look him over. He waves the waitress on then turns back to the elf and smiles, "You wanting to buy somethin' or are you just happy to see me?"

Two sams at the bar smirk at the dwarf's comment.

Saturday March 1, 2070; 20:16 PST; Mall Office Rm#2, Crime Mall
Buzz, Aeryn & Cynic
A young waitress enters the room, "Can I get you all something? Stumpy says Mz Johnson is buying."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:22 PST; Mall Office Rm#1, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper
Smokey Joe nods to Rex at his revalation then turns to Greer, "I'm only familiar with his doss. He, of course, has safehouses between here and Portland and maybe even a girl or two, but he never spoke of the details to me."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:22; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"Can we get transcript of that last message of his? Pinpointing the exact place where it originated from could prove fruitful.." Jake follows Graysons question immediately, trying to brainstorm as much as he can. Joe seemed to be in a hurry and he supposed that every minute in finding Spencer counted. The trail of missing person gets cold nowdays too fast.

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:22 PST; Mall Office Rm#1, Crime Mall
Rex, Jake, Greer (Grayson) Tigger & Whisper

Smokey Joe looks at Jake, "Sorry, but I don't record my conversations and he wasn't transmitting his location."

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:23; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"At what time did conversation occur? Maybe we can trace it that way? Not that I know anything about that stuff.." Jake looks towards the rest of the team..

Saturday March 1st, 2070; 20:23; Mall Office, Crime Mall

"Do you have the exact address of a known residence? Anyplace where we might be able to get DNA or something of his could prove useful in tracking his location via a magical means." Whisper inputs.

March 1st 2070 20:16
Crime Mall Office

Catching the joke and not liking to be the butt of anyones humor DJ rocks on his feet to his tip toes."Oh...yeah, now I can see you..... good and happy. " DJ leaves the side of the waitress to walk towards the dwarf. DJ lays his jacket on the stoll and leans on the bar."Guess you're the one I need to 'see' then? I've biz with a lady, told to come here chummer."