The second girl pouts a little when Book mentions they have an appointment but she smiles when Tank says he'll make it up to them. They lead the two of them over to a large booth with eight people already seated there. There is a mix of humans and elves - even one dwarf. All are attractive people with big smiles. Drinks are being passed around and all are enjoying themselves.

Tank slides right in with the group and mixes easily. He orders up one of whatever the girls are drinking and begins engaging them in whatever meaningless conversation they desire. He even seems interested.

Book has a harder time. He orders water, not wanting to drink before a meet and is border by the conversation. He has two redeeming aspects: First, he is enamored not only by the girl's beauty but also by her mysterious aura and second, Tank is working to smooth over Book's inability to fit in. Tank makes light that Book spends way too much time stuck with his nose in e-books (hence his nickname) and Tank has taken on the mission of getting him out more.

Time rolls around for the meet. Digger walks over to the table checks on the rest of the group to make sure they are having a good time and motions for the two of you to come with him. The elf with Tank asks him how he knows the owner and if she can meet him sometime.

As you walk away, Digger says Thanks for keeping my clientel happy.

Tank[b/] redirects the girl's inquiry to meet [b]Digger with a "He's awfully busy baby... but I'll see what I can do... probably not tonight though.."

As they catch up with Digger, Tank extends a hand to shakes hands with the dwarf. "You know me chummer... Keep everyone happy and we all come out on top."

Book continues to be amazed at the ease with with Tank continues to glide from one social situation to the next. He had been personable enough when they met a few months back, ..but its like he's found a calling...

Tank gestures to his partner, "Digger[/b], you remember Book my mojo-amigo." After the initial pleasantries, Tank takes the tactful move of inquiring into Digger's possible needs. "You sounded like you were needing some of Book's expertise?"

Book is surprised as Tank didn't mention anything to him, but then he didn't hear the conversation either.... He initial shock dissipates quickly, he does need to establish a personal relationship with someone well connected like Digger.

Digger's confident demeanor cracks a little. Well, not his expertise, per se... You asked me to find you a hacker that could help you with your new job. I couldn't find a hacker who was free; however .... I found someone who can help you.

He is nervous and it shows a little more with each step you take toward the back.

Tank and Book look at each other as they follow Digger towards the back of the bar. Tank didn't know Digger very well, but his demeanor did not follow with his rep.

Book on the other hand is half expecting to find a leaper or something when they get to the back. He replies to the dwarf, "We expect to pay for services rendered... but I sense there is more..."

Digger lowers his voice. He's a ... he's one of those... those, His voice drops to a whisper Technomancers

Now that he has gotten it out, he seems to immediately improve. They give me the creeps.

I just wanted the two of you to meet what I could find. Honest, if I could have found a normal hacker - you know, a metahuman - then I would have. Honest as my rep I would have.

Tank, oblivious to the definition of the word, replies. "I'm not prejudice as long as that's not like a ghoul or something... As long as he's quiet, capable and trustworthy he should work out."

Book resists the urge to laugh at both of them. Unlike Tank he had heard the term used to apply to what he perceived as this generation's Otuka. He viewed them as a new expression of magic in the 6th world. He respected their abilities, like many respected his. "I'm sure if this Technomancer has been able to win some measure of your confidence, I'm sure we'll be fine."

They continue to follow Digger.

Digger motions the two of them into his office. Sitting there at the desk is a young ork who looks nervous. His eyes shift back and forth and he seems agitated. He stands, offers a weak smile, extends his hand and says, Bono jorno. You can call me System Error.

Tank confidently steps forward. Huh.... Looks like an ork kid to me.. Thought Digger said he wasn't a meta-human.. Hiding his inner confusion, he shakes the kid's hand. "Glad to meet you. I'm Tank and this here" gesturing to his partner, "is Book. Digger says you can spin a little code and provide some matrix support?" As the first question comes out his mouth, thinking about it and looking at the nervous kid he forms another. "How much experience you got kid?"

System Error perks up at the chance to talk about the Matrix. I have been hacking since I was about 12 - about six years I guess. I'm good enough to do what you need done. And, I don't need a clumsy deck or commlink to pull it off either. It's all up here. He points to his head.

Digger winces a little when the kid points to his head.

System Error continues, I'm a mage of the 'trix - that's what I am.

The kid's reply takes Tank by surprise. He turns and looks to Book for answers.

Book again withholds him humor. "We will need you to create several disposable IDs, access several systems undetected, update information in those systems and provide matrix over watch during an upcoming extraction." He paused for a moment summoning forth a spell of analyzing truth. "Can you do this?"

Book wipes he sweat from his brow then asks a few more questions of the young ork as they talk. He waits for the ork's answer to each before asking the next, trying not to make it seem like an interrogation. He tries to work each of the questions into conversation as much as possible.
- Can we trust you?
- Are you a law enforcement officer?
- Have you ever been apprehended by any security or law enforcement personnel?
- If so, tell me the story.
- What payment are you expecting?
- Will you be posting any details of our exploits?
He will continue past any untrue responses intending to come back and redirect those questions.

Can you do this?
I don't see why not.

Can we trust you?
With a smile he says, As much as you can trust anyone in the shadows.

Are you a law enforcement officer?
I'm an ork, not a pig.

Have you ever been apprehended by any security or law enforcement personnel?
Do you count being hassled by the man for walking down the street?

What payment are you expecting?
Nuyen. What other kind of payment do you have in mind?

Will you be posting any details of our exploits?
I have no desire to have extra eyes staring over my shoulder. You planning on writing a book?

(( Assuming all answers register true.. ))

Do you count being hassled by the man for walking down the street?
"No. Is that it?"

Nuyen. What other kind of payment do you have in mind?
"Actually, I was inquiring as to how much..? We have a job which may take a couple of weeks. We could complete it in a matter of days if the leg work pans out."

I have no desire to have extra eyes staring over my shoulder. You planning on writing a book?
"No. Just making sure you're not either."

Tank was beginning to feel a little left out and added some of his own points to the conversation. His concerns were more tactical, not aware that Book was using magic to gauge the truth of the replies.
- What your living arrangements? You have a place to stay?
- You got wheels?
- Any local connections we need to avoid negative interactions with? We'd hate to end up putting you into a pinch.

No. Is that it?
Yes.

Actually, I was inquiring as to how much..? We have a job which may take a couple of weeks. We could complete it in a matter of days if the leg work pans out.
If you need me, why not an even share. What's the pay?

No. Just making sure you're not either.
Shadows don't talk.

What your living arrangements? You have a place to stay?
Where and how I live are not important. I have a place to live.

You got wheels?
I've got feet and the bus. I've never needed more.

Any local connections we need to avoid negative interactions with? We'd hate to end up putting you into a pinch.
I keep my head down and don't make enemies. You have anyone I should know about?

((All comments are scanning true. He is shading something about his living arrangements; however, it still rings true.))

If you need me, why not an even share. What's the pay?
Book replies. Since the kid was shooting straight where it mattered, Book decided he would as well. No sense risking hard feelings later over a few nuyen. "An even share is fine. Pay was negotiated at five k each. Expenses will come out of that-"

Tank cuts in, "-including an introduction fee to Digger."

Book continues, "..including an introduction fee to Digger. There is a potential for a bonus. We can cover that later. At the current time, a payment to Digger will be the first expense we will incur."

I keep my head down and don't make enemies. You have anyone I should know about?
"We have no enemies. I was actually referring friends... I would hate to arrive at a conflict with any of your friends... Divided loyalties and all."

(( Is Digger still here in the back room or did he return to the front of the club? ))

System Error replies, Introduction fee is fine with me. I appreciate you shooting straight with me on the pay. I doubt that any of my friends would be in our way; however, you haven't told me the full details on the job either.

Digger sighs and says, You look like you are getting on fine. I'm heading back to the club unless you need something.

He looks better by a long shot even though he still seems nervous.

Book smiles at the hacker's reply, "No, I haven't." He waits for Digger to head back into the bar then continues. "Snatch and grab." Book provides the details to System Error.

"Tank and I are gonna need to do a walk through of the target area tomorrow. We're gonna need a couple of disposable IDs. I also need you to hack the garbage company that services the museum and find out their pickup days. Finally, I need a security work up. What company.. and more precisely, who is the security mage who creates the wards. Still working up the plan, but those details will be a great start."

Under his breath, System Error, says, What would anyone want with a hunk of rock? He shakes his head slightly.

Sounds good. Give me a couple of days to see what I can pull up. You have a number where I can contact you? Also, you think that we are going to need uniforms of some kind? I have a friend that might be able to help us out on that front if you do.

Book smiles again. "I will take care of the uniforms. Besides, if we can pull this off without involving anyone outside of this room.... that would be my preference."

Each of the two reach into AR and drop an ARO with their contact information onto System Error's persona. Tank asks, "You can have IDs ready tomorrow?"

We'll see. I doubt a museum has much in the way of security; however, if that hunk of rock is worth a special trip from Rome, then who knows.

He nods and and heads for the door. Is there anything else?

Book looks at the you hacker, "Never underestimate. Don't get cocky, don't take chances." He then reaches a hand to the youth's shoulder, "This works out kid and we can talk about working together again..." He then turns, leaving the rest unsaid.

Tank reaches out to shake the ork's hand again before following. "Book is a bit uptight, but he's good... and he is right." the former-soldier winks as he finishes, "Quiet will see us to the end, but one slip could get us all sent up or killed."

The duo head back into the bar seeking out the beauties from earlier....

The young ork heads straight from the back room out of the club while the two elves from earlier wave happily and motion for Book and Tank to come back over to the booth.

Tank is able to get numbers from Melinda and Beth. Based on the conversation, the group at the table seem to be more into recreational drugs than alcohol. After another hour of small talk and drink the group is ready to head out to the rave that they have been talking about. Melinda smiles at Book while Beth smiles at Tank.

Book and Tank return to the table and the party brewing there. Tank begins drinking as the rest of the table engages in their drug of choice. Book keeps himself clean. He is not a shaman of the previous world, needing artificial methods to feel the astral, he is a shaman of the 6th world. Water is drink of choice.
--------------
Tank wakes to the light streaming in his windows, as he does every morning. Oh my head... Some day I'm gonna get those blinds fixed...

A noise draws his attention across the bed... Tina..? Brenda..? Beth...? Yea! Beth! He leans over to the beautiful young elf maiden. "Good morning."

After a gentle kiss, he smiles as he heads into the kitchen to make two of his hangover curse. Some days, life is just good.. Hmmm.. I think I'm supposed to call Suzan today....
--------------
The girl with the strange aura captivated Book. Snake would not let him leave the secret in peace. When she was also secretive about who she is, what she does... That just compounded his, and Snake's, attraction to her.

He struck it off very well with her. He spent the evening 'making time with her'. He'd just met her this very night and Book is cautious, planning. Sometime during the evening, Tank and Beth disappeared from the party. I hope the autopilot is driving....

Melinda had indulged as well. Many men would have taken this as an opportunity. Eric wasn't many men. His totem may not be Eagle, but he had his own code of honor. He was sober and she was flying high on what ever the group was taking. The noise of the rave, the pollution of so many auras with chemicals....

Eventually Book did take her to a motel. One with two beds. He was attracted to her no doubt, but if something happened, he intended her to remember it.

Tank's vocalized Good morning. draws Beth out of her sleep. Whatever you are making for your head, make it two. Have you seen my clothes?

---------

Melinda wakes with a start. She grabs at the sheet in an effort to cover herself when she realizes that she is still clothed except for her shoes. She looks sheepishly at Book and says, Where am I? Thank you for not taking advantage of me. She blushes.

---------

The next day around ten Book and Tank get an AR message on their comms.

The icon almost seems alive rather than a simple AR program. It takes the form of a weasel in a top hat and delivers the following message in both speech and text.

<<Your museum tickets have been purchased. Please come pick them up at the Cube box office around noon. Your guide will meet you there.>>

As Tank whips up two of his nasty concoction, he replies. "I... I'm not really sure." Looking down, "Come to think of it, can you find mine as well?" He then looks around for two relatively clean glasses and pours the concoction in. Someday I'm either gonna get a maid or live somewhere with an auto-roomer...

Walking back into the bedroom area of the apartment he stops for a moment to drink in the beauty of the young elven woman. He snaps out of his stupor and hands her one of the drinks, "Drink it fast. It will make the hangover seem a whole lot less unpleasant." He drinks his down, then shakes his head as if trying to shake off the drink. "Or something like that."

He finds his clothes and dresses. "You gotta work today?"
--------------------
Book awakes from his half sleep. Looking at the girl he takes a moment himself to remember the night before. "We are at a motel a few blocks from where the rave occurred. You don't know me well, but that's ok." He pauses a moment. "If you choose to, you may find many things different than you expect..... I should call Tank to come get us. Where can we take you?"
--------------------
In response to System Error's call.
<<@SysError [Book] We'll be there.>>

Nothing else to do in the interim, but drop off their guests, they do so, grab food and make their way to The Cube before noon.

He finds his clothes and dresses. You gotta work today?

Beth responds, No. I try not to party on the nights I have to work. I appreciate the good time.

------

Where can we take you?

Melinda thinks for a moment and then asks, Can you drop me off at my apartment building?

------

At The Cube, Book and Tank find System Error waiting for them outside in the parking lot.

Bono jorno, amiki. Me havas informeso por vi.
It dawns a split second later that neither of them have understood a word he said.
Sorry. I'm used to speaking a different language. Good morning. I have information for you.
He thumbs over at the club and says, The owner seems to be paranoid about my abilities and wanted me to wait out here. Truth be told, I prefer outside to inside his club anyway. Shall we move this to a more private location.
His demeanor and confidence seem much improved now as compared to earlier.

Tank's Apartment - Mid Morning
Tank smiles at her reply. Ah.... youth....
He considers his plans for the day. I'd really like to taste that and remember the meal.... "Well, looks like we have some time then..."
As she sits in the bed naked drinking her drink, he begins taking his clothes back off ending with just a big smile and a ........
----------------
Book's Motel Room - Mid Morning
Book attempts to call Tank but just gets a voice mail response. "Well, Tank seems not to be up yet... I think there is a McHugh's or a Denton's around here somewhere. Shall we have breakfast first?"
----------------
Parking Lot of the Cube - Noon'ish

After the hacker greats then, the two return greetings.
Book: "Bonjour. Ça va ?"
Tank: "¡Buenos días! ¡y una qué buena mañana es!"
The duo get a chuck as System realizes neither of them speak Italian...

Tank replies to their new team mate. "Digger's a lot like that. Yea, climb in my ride" he says gesturing to his Chrysler-Nissan Patrol. "We can start there. I think we should probably talk to Digger about a safe house later today."

After climbing into the vehicle Book asks, "What do you have for us?"

You asked for information on the garbage trucks. The museum is serviced by Waste Management. Pickups are Wednesdays and Saturdays.

His eyes loose focus for a minute and then he continues, I have a couple of cheap IDs for you. They will work for the museum with no problem. I wouldn't get attached to them though.

He smiles.

La fina peco. The security work up. MPS provides security for the museum; however, the magical oversight is provided by an independent contracting group that calls themselves Black Hat Productions. I couldn't find which mage creates the wards. I did narrow it down to two: William Dodgeson and Marcus Atraeus. Human and Elf respectively. The public information I found on them is here. He pushes some information to each of them.

The duo switch to AR and subvocal communications.
<<@Team [Tank] So want to elaborate on the plans?>>

<<@Team [Book] Its really pretty simple. First, we need to establish some new employees for Waste Management. We should all look like orks that day, so make all three IDs orks. That should throw off potential police reports and we'll leave the accounts in place to help throw a false trail.>>

<<@Team [Tank] Excellent!>>

<<@Team [Book] System - You will need to identify all cameras and security in the area. We want to use them to our advantage. Tank and I will enter the museum magically masked while you stay in the garbage truck. We'll need to loop any security video to insure that there is not an immediate response, but I need you to loose a glimpse in the system of me, masked as one of the security mages, shifting to that an ork garbage collector.>>

<<@Team [Tank] What about other elements of physical security?>>

<<@Team [Book] System will need to have control of the museum security system by then. I will use a pair of earth elementals to load the statue into the trash truck. We then make our delivery to Johnson's protected location, collect our pay and be on the way.>>

<<@Team [Tank] When?>>

<<@Team [Book] We now have two windows when the trash truck is expected. What is the times of the pickups?>>

(( What day is it? ))

(( Saturday around noon ))

<<We missed the first one. They came through about 0100 this morning. They pick up between 0030 to 0130 with the average being right at 0100. I'll have to work up a third ID and tweak these to make us Waste Management employees - that shouldn't take long. I don't see a problem with museum security; however, the Vatican may had added some independent layers. I noticed something that seemed a little off when I went over the museum earlier. Let me do some more work on that front. Do you want me to whip us up some tickets so that we can make a walkthrough today?>>

<<@Team [Book] I'd like the first walk though today. That will give us the maximum time between our visit and the run. I need to assense the wards as well. That should help me narrow down which mage created them.>>

<<@Team [Tank] We need two different sets of IDs, right?>>

<<@Team [Book] Yea. One set for today that we walk away from after our visit and a second set for use only on the day of the run. We use the second set only on that day and then walk away from those as well.>>

<<@Team [Tank] System, you need to be careful not to leave your signature on any of those IDs.. You know, no way to trace them back to you.>>

<<@Team [Book] That's for sure..>>

Tank looks back at System before asking:
<<@Team [Tank] You going with us to play tourist or staying behind?>>

<<No, I'll pass this go rough. One less and no orks works better, don't you think?>> He smiles. <<Let me get you some tickets and a half decent SIN.>>

His eyes loose focus more about ten minutes.

<<There you go. Tank, you are now Richard Merriwether and Book, you are now Arthur Doyle. I figure if anyone checks on the tickets, I inserted at the will call box, they will find enough information to pass you through. Don't try to buy any trinkets though or you might get burned.>>

System Error takes his leave of the group at that time. He promises to meet with them on Monday. He explains, I want to check out this Resonance ... uh church group.

------

Tank and Book arrive at the museum without incident. The bored security troll with bad breath - troll-sized bad breath - reminds them to read the museum rules in AR and abide by them. He leave very little room to question him. Then he goes back to reading his book. An honest to goodness book. Made of dead trees with a cover.

The statue is obviously the big attraction and finding it is not a problem. Waiting in line for their turn; however, is a different matter entirely. It makes the lines at Six Flags look like child's play.

The pair thank the hacker before the team splits.
They stop and pick up a pair of hats and glasses on their way to the museum. They also stop and pick up a microcamera, disguised as a button.
Book then uses his fashion spell yet again to alter their clothes, working the microcamera into Tank's clothing.
Tank parks his cruiser at a mall some dozen blocks from the museum.
The twosome then catch a bus that takes them to the museum.
-----------------
Tank and Book do their best to appear disinterested in the guard as he is in them. Once they arrive at the museum, Book attempts to assense the warding.
Argghh.... His inability to discern the signature of the ward is a blow to the shaman.. Snake is not pleased at his failure to pull the secrets of the creator from the ward.

The duo walk the museum taking note of the physical security measures. They move nonchalantly, acting as casual museum goers, Tank recording as they go. They are careful not to focus on the statue too much. Book will identify if there are multiple wards to pass through to get the statue out.

The duo wait their turn in line. The statue holds a place of honor in the museum with a large quarter circle window of clean glass letting in the sunlight that manages to filter in through the smog. It is perched on a square base so that it can be seen better. Perhaps the base also holds some electronics as well?

There are armed guards stationed around the area. They are a mix of human, ork, and elf. Two of them are conversing in Italian while guests file by. While John Q. Public might not notice the tell-tale bulges under clothes, anyone who has some experience notices right away. Book passes through another ward upon getting close to the statue.

Tank notices several fixed camera locations as well as some obviously wired cameras. They appear to be from before the Crash.

Book switches his gaze to the astral, scanning the ward, attempting to discern the signature of its creator. Just a little wrinkle... Two wards and all... No luck. He changes his attention to the three guards. Reading the aura of a living person was really his specialty. Now, lets see who's awakened.... He also takes a look at the statue itself.

Tank is unsure as to why Book walks nearly the whole museum, but does so quietly, understanding the need for discretion during a stake out. On the way out, Book again assenses both wards and the statue... Disgusted with his continued inability to discern the inner ward, but pacified by his success on the outer.

During the bus ride back to Tank's vehicle, the two sit mostly in silence. However when they get inside the vehicle, Tank inquires as the the shaman's observations.

"I was able to discern the signature of the outer ward, but-"

Dalton cuts in, "How many wards are there?"

Eric interlaces his fingers and looks to his team mate. "Two. You gonna left me finish?" The adept silently nods and the shaman continues, "I was unable to discern the signature of the inner ward. This is going to be a problem."

Dalton frowns. He didn't like problems, they tended to interfere with party time.. "You have a plan for that?"

It's Eric's turn to frown. "Working on that. We gotta transfer the video to our new hacker friend so he can help us figure out the security system. So far most aspects hold true, but we have a problem in that response time may be decreased due to the inner ward."

"What about the guards?"

"Truth be told, I really wasn't expecting extra physical security. There will have to be adjustments. You have GEL ammo?"

Dalton looks away for a moment. "I... Uh.... I can get some.."

Book tries to call System Error, while Tank calls Michael Richards, his local arms dealer.

The response is quick. System Error's persona pops up in AR. What can I do for you?

-----

... yeah, that sounds good. No, I don't care where you put the champagne, no ... hold on. Yes, Michael here.

Book pulls over the video that Dalton collected and hands it to the virtual ork.
<<@System [Book] We have some footage of the physical security so that you can compare that cameras and systems you locate in the museum's security node. We are also going to have to hit both security mages the same night as well. I'm gonna need their schedules for the windows of opportunity added to their dossiers.>>
------------------
<<@Richards [Dalton] Yo, chummer. How are things?>>
After a few minutes of small talk, Tank gets to the point.
<<@Richards [Dalton] I need about three clips of GEL and a dozen flash-bang grenades for my XM30. That workable?>>

System Error's persona says Not a problem.

-----

Michael answers with a smile, I don't see a problem with either. You know that I always say for enough money, I can get the Pope's mitre. Where do I need to drop off your package and when do you need it?

<<@System [Book] Thanks. I'll be in touch later.>>
Book leaned back in the seat, fighting off the headache that was circling his temple looking to strike. A lot more complicated. Always more details... If this were only a game where I could just map out the perfect solution.....

Tank on the other hand continued his conversation while his vehicle marched along using GridGuide™.
<<@Richards [Dalton] In the next few days will be fine. I'm also gonna need a glue sprayer with about 3 doses of glue, half a dozen neuro-stun grenades and a pair of gas masks... Say, what's the price and time frame on a doberman with an SMG... Maybe an Ingram? And three clips of Stick-N-Shock?>>

Michael pauses for a moment, Hold on ... Yes, that is where I want the cake, no the other decorations go over there. ... OK, I can get the common stuff in a couple of days without any problems.

A doberman? The market has been hot for those recently and since I haven't seen any fall off the back of a Lone Star Truck, it could take a bit. You want me to look into it? The Star is on the hunt for neuro-stun ever since Humanis used it to bomb a chapter of MOM. I'll have to tread carefully there. If you need it, let me know. Just understand it will take longer.

Tank curls an eyebrow. This was so much easier with Supply Sergeant Dixon. He could find anything
<<@Richards [Dalton] Yea, look around for the doberman and the neurostun. Even if it takes a while, those are good to have on hand. Thanks!>>

The initial recon of the museum done, the duo finish their return trip in silence. Both are biding the time awaiting additional results on the pending legwork. The hacker was looking into anomalies in the museum security system as well as gathering the schedules of the security mages. Richards was tracking down additional hardware.

With nothing to do but kill time, Dalton gives a call to Suzan. Time to find out how sweet that little hostess actually is...

Book on the other hand considers the little restaurant near his home. The one thing that helped him pass the time was cooking... I've been going there for months. Time to make some introductions. Eric could have been a world class chef had he not heard the call of Snake.

The next morning, Tank gets a call from Michael. You wouldn't believe your luck kid. I found a buyer who wants to get out from under a doberman and I found a partial case of nuerostun as well. Don't worry, I checked the seller out. I don't think that a Troll would be working for Humanis. Anyway, I can have everything except the doberman ready in two days. The doberman will take another two for a total of four. Let me know if I should set up the meet. After a brief pause he adds, The normal stuff will run you around 250 nuyen plus drinks. The doberman, with Ingram, will be around 4200.

Book arrives at the little restaurant late, after the majority of the customers have left. His timing is such as to try to catch the owner to chat. The conversation does not go the way Eric intended. His plan was to dazzle the owner with his knowledge of Cajun cooking, which back fires.

The long day that it was, Eric fails in his attempts to convey an expertise of the art verbally. The owner, Durant, was raised in the Mississippi bayous. Finally, Book realized he was headed down a dead end path trying to talk about it. "Listen, let me show you. Either I put up and impress you or I shut up and not mention it again."

Eric got down to business when he got to the kitchen. I've got ground to make up... I sounded like I didn't know the first thing about being a line cook, let alone a chef.

When all was said and done, Eric had actually outdone himself and actually gave pause, considering giving up running and becoming a full time chef... No Snake, don't worry... I like to cook, just not all the time....
-------------------
Tank on the other hand makes arrangements to go out with Suzan. The evening starts off well enough, but Tank starts drinking a little and loses some of his charm. Suzan is beginning to suspect he may be a player and begins giving him the cold shoulder.

Tank realizes he's losing this fish so he backs off a little and tries to play it cool. By the end of the evening, he is dropping her off. He gives her a small kiss on the cheek and watches her head up to her house. He hadn't lost her, but he hadn't made any points. Gonna have to pull an ace out of my pocket for the pocket..
-------------------
The next morning, Book rises with the sun, rather proud of himself. Cooking helped him relax and he'd made a good impression on the owner last night.. after a few initial missteps. I found that place about the same time I met Jazz... wonder what ever happened to that girl? He put the thought out of his head as he headed down the street to a cafe for a spot of coffee and something real to eat.
-------------------
Dalton was also pretty happy with himself. He awoke as Beth crawled out of bed looking for her clothes, trying to get herself presentable for work in time to not be late. He'd called her up after not making any progress with Suzan. She didn't want to go out, having to work the next morning, but Dalton was able to talk her into staying in. Looking around her little apartment, the first impression he had was how girly it was... But as she shook her body squeezing into a tight dress, he was ok with the girlyness of it all.

Not a total jerk, he did get out of bed and drive her to work. Just as he was dropping her off, the call came in from Richards.
<<@Richards [Dalton] Let me first distance myself from any doubts I had about you. That all sounds great. I'll make the transfers, half now, half upon delivery... And hey, if you ever need my services, let me know and we can work a deal the other direction.>>

Affecting a french accent, Michael replies, But of course.

-----

Book gets a call from System Error:
I need a shower and some sleep, then we can talk. I also need food. Pick out somewhere with lunch and we can discuss my findings. The ork sounds exhausted.

Dalton had just made it back to his apartment when the call came in from Book. He grabbed a quick shower, some reasonably clean clothes and headed back out the door. He had to pick up System Error and Book, then drive everyone to lunch. I may be the damn chauffeur, but at least I'm a well paid one.

A casual drive around town had him picking up Book from a bench at a small park. Dalton didn't understand why he'd never been to the shaman's home. While he doesn't know where Book lives, he has a pretty good idea what neighborhood it is... a least one of two.

The duo then drove to the location designated by System Error to pick him up and then to Gianelli's, a little Italian restaurant Book picked out.

System Error lays his head back on the seat. It is obvious that he is tired. When Dalton pulls up to the restaurant, he perks up a bit and says, Italiana Manjajo. Que boneso!

After being able to eat his fill, prompting a few looks from the waitress and the owner, System Error settles back into his seat and speaks.

It took me a while to find it all but I've got it. He smiles. Your museum security is pretty good but not great. I would rank it as a six or 7 out of ten. There are some extras though that the Vatican must have set up. The statue is on a pressure sensor which sends a signal to MPS, the Star and the Vatican security forces that are staying near the museum. If the logs can be trusted, the Vatican guards take a break after the museum closes for the night. However, the night watchman is still there.

The wired cameras are outside of what I can do from here; however, they appear to feed into a central data recorder which is downloaded daily. Also there are motion and heat sensors as well as some ultra-violet lasers around the area. That's about it. So, what questions do you have?

Dalton didn't realize how hungry he was until he stopped halfway through his third plate, now satisfied. Eric on the other hand ate light.

When it comes time to discuss the run, the duo utilize subvocals to communicate:
<<@Team [Tank] Can you suppress or disable the pressure sensor?>>

<<@Team [Book] Yes that will be a requirement. I also assume you can take over all other measures than the cameras? If so, we can actually use those cameras to earn our bonus. Can you also take control of the door locks?>>

The ork grinned. Security is tight but not perfect. The pressure sensor can't be disabled but I can suppress the signal easily enough. The only thing that has me concerned are the wired cameras. Those may take some thinking. If they have a line out from the recording booth, we could have trouble.