13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 1618

"Yes, boss, can do."

I don't want to, but I can do it.

Haywire doesn't like summoning spirits. Those alien beings always look like they have something planned, or some other agenda. But there's not much of a choice - all the spells she knows are rather useless in this situation. So she takes a deep breath, and starts summoning a water spirit.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 1632



A small vaguely humanoid spirit of foam and water gushes out of the wake of the Delivery. It attempts to resist Haywire's binding silently but its efforts are futile.

Once Haywire has relayed her order the results are immediate and obvious. The pursing ship - its speed cut by two thirds - quickly drops behind and eventually out of sight.

Secoiya lets out a loud cheer and gives Haywire a pat on the back.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 1640

Haywire allows herself to relax once the enemy ship is out of sight, and once she checked the astral plane for any pursuit.

That worked well.

She is not that tired, but sits down on the bench anyway, closing her eyes for an instant. Coming down from the height of tension and action in combat shakes her up a bit, and she takes a few deep breaths. Pulling the zipper of her camouflage suit down and wiping sweat from her face, she asks the other two women:

"Any guess who those people were? Locals from Jamaica, or from another island?"

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 1700

McArrister climbs down from the main deck and directs the two flying drones back onto the ship, “their ship was broadcasting a Haitian ID, but that could have easily been faked. I’ll find out once I reactivate our Matrix feed.

“Could easily be from Haiti though, they got pirates there who don’t care who knows about them. They practically own the government there.�

After another ten minutes passes she slows the Delivery down to top cruising speed and checks to make sure everything is intact. Secoiya is standing at the stern of the vessel - leaning over the railing - looking off into the empty horizon. Your cargo seems to have become acclimated to their surroundings and are relatively quiet.

McArrister nods to Haywire once she is finished inspecting the ship, “good job out there. Saved us from a firefight.�

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 1715

"Thanks, boss."

Haywire smiles, and leans back on the bench, relaxing a bit and letting the wind blow through her hair while looking at the horizon.

"So, what's up next? Need security for a meeting with a buyer?"

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 1720

"Yeah, we are going to meet Daddy Black Top on the open water, so I definitely need you here, I don't trust him one bit but he's the best fence for magical goods of all kinds," she says.

"In another hour I'm going to bring back our Matrix feed and we'll arange a location for the meet. We didn't waste any ammo or supplies really and we got plenty of diesel left so shouldn't be any need to berth before the meet."

She pauses for a moment as she surveys the numerous cages now stacked neatly on the deck, "just make sure you are ready for dealing with another magician. Doubt he'll have anything other than mundane protection with himself, but still, he has a reputation."

Secoiya nods silently in agreement with her last statement, "yeah, you don't fuck with Daddy Black Top if you know what's good for ya."

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 1721

Great... a Houngan...

"Sure thing... just be ready to turn the guy into swiss cheese in a split second. Just in case."

Haywire sounds more confident than she is - Voodoo is strange and scary to her. Delaing with the spirits of the dead, and mysterious Loa...

"I'll rest a bit till then... don't want to face him tired. Call if you need me."

Haywire heads down belowdecks, and looks for a bunk to catch some shuteye until they've got the meeting set up.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2100

The Delivery takes a circuitis route to the meeting spot; likely to fool any sattelite observation attempting to determine the ship's initial heading.

The darkness of the ocean after the last bits of the sun sinks below the horizon is overwhelming. Almost like an inky black cloud covering everything. The ships warnings lights blink steadily, splashing everything in red before blinking out into darkness and over again.

The animal cargo are mostly asleep or at the least keeping silent.

A few minutes pass - each minute passing like an hour - until a few blinking lights appear in the distance and a nautical horn wakes your cargo.

McArrister frowns and looks over to Haywire and motions towards the blinking lights with a nod of her head. Secoiya is standing at the ready at the HMG-2, looking for any signs of trouble.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2105

Wish that damn houngan would arrive... what was that?

Haywire jerks up, and scans the horizon. Opening up her perception to the astral plane, she takes a look at the approaching lights, already tense at the thought of facing a houngan of Daddy Black Top's reputation.

Just pray he and Deanna can close the deal quickly and without trouble...

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2105

Haywire shifts her perspective to the astral as the two ships approach and a pair of spotlights turn on on each ship, lighting up the other.

McArrister immediately spots a very tall man - presumably Daddy Black Top - viewing the Delivery and crew with astral sight, with a number of active foci on his person. No other member of the crew appears to be magically active.

The ship itself is a rusted old fishing vessel covered with a variety of crudely spray-painted cultish symobls. The crew seems to consist mostly of orcs - eight crewmen in total - dressed in ragged fishing pants and the occasional wife-beater, and each carrying some sort of a firearm and a knife.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2105

Haywire whistles, impressed.

Active foci... that's makes him even more dangerous...

"He looks loaded up on magical foci. The rest of the crew doesn't look like they're awakened, but they need guts like steel to sail on that rust heap."

"How do we do this, boss?"

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2110

"We'll take it nice and easy unless they make a move first," McArrister says, "he doesn't have the cleanest reputation, so keep your eyes open. I want to know the moment he tries anything."

She looks over at Secoiya, "Sec, keep the gun aimed down but be ready to send that thing to the bottom of the ocean if they make a move."

"Right Captain," she nods.

There is a quick exchange in French between Deanna and Daddy Black Top before the Delivery pulls up along side the fishing boat and ropes - hemp rope instead of synthetics for easy cutting - are thrown over to hold the two ships together.

Daddy Black Top, an ancient freakishly tall and thin orc, with a gaunt face and deeply wrinkled skin climbs up onto the Delivery. His smiles widely, displaying his gleaming metal teeth and long lower canines. His long gray dreads are woven with fetishes and other voodoo paraphernalia. He tips his ragged top hat, hooks his thumbs into his cargo short's belt loops and looks deeply into each of you, clearly assensing you.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2110

He looks like a zombie up close... didn't know Orks could grow that old...

Haywire does her best to remain calm, or at least appear unfazed and not nervous in the houngan's presence. Not that she'd be able to conceal much from someone assensing her. She briefly wonders if that is how mundanes feel in her presence, but shelves the thought, forcing her to concentrate on business.



Keeping an eye on the ork houngan, Haywire shifts to astral perception, to catch any spell or spirit that might pop up. She trusts Secoiya to handle the physical threats, and briefly looks the other orks over, to spot enhanced individuals, pointing them out to Secoiya through her implanted commlink as possible threats - after Daddy Black Top, of course. If the shit hits the fan, mages go down first. Haywire doesn't want to dwell on that tactic too long - she knows already that the same thing applies to the enemies. Or maybe the followers of such a powerful houngan are used to leave magical threats to him?



Not spotting anything but the most obvious things, Haywire keeps her eyes on the houngan, ready to counterspell if needed.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2135

Once she opens herself up to astral perception to assense the crew, he looks again at Haywire, and she sees the barest signs of a smile on the corners of his thin lips.

The crew don't seem to be enhanced to any degree nor do they seem to notice your close scrutiny. They seem more concerned with Secoiya manning the HMG-2 and the variety of drones scuttling around the Delivery.

McArrister and Daddy Black Top begin negotiating over the price of your cargo after the barest pleasantries. They are both firm negotiators. McArrister is more of a direct, professional negotiator, while the houngan appears to rely more on his reputation and intimidating presence.

Eventually the two reach an agreement to the great relief of both their crews and she allows for his crew to begin moving the cargo onto his rusty ship.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2135

Whew...

Haywire is relieved when the deal is closed between her boss and the houngan. Negotiations with enough weapons out to turn both ships into artificial coral reefs were always tense. Nevertheless, she keeps her attention up while the orks are close, although to show some detente her rifle is now slung at her side.

Just looking at Daddy Black Top makes her skin crawl. She tells herself it's just superstition, but she can't help feeling intimidated by the man's reputation - and his obvious powerful magic.

I need a drink after this...

Haywire blinks, and focuses on the task at hand again. She almsot started to think about the coming evening, and whether to visit Makeda again, or call Mac... this was not the time nor the place for such thoughts, even if she could need a drink right now.

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2140

With the deal concluded, Daddy Black Top's crew begin to unload the cages onto his ship. He lingers on the Delivery for a bit and approaches Haywire, looming at least one and a half feet over her head.

He speaks in a deeply accented English, "I haven't seen you before." He digs around in the front pocket of his orange and red Hawaiian shirt and pulls out a wrinkled business card, "come by if you are ever in need of magical goods. Daddy can get you anything you need if you got the money."

13.613956, -78.491821, North Atlantic Ocean - 06/10/2070 – 2145

Uh oh... here he comes. Damn tall one.

Haywire tenses when the scary houngan approaches her, but he only hands her a business card. She manages not to look at the card as if it was some hidden charm, and thanks him. She's still glad she's wearing gloves - who knows where this card had been?

"Of course, I will."

If there is no bloody other way.

Haywire nods, but her heart beats a bit faster and she's again more tense until the dark magician has left the "Delivery".

Pier 4, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2145

That seemed to be the last of his business. He tips his hat again to the three ladies on board and hops down onto his own ship. A few minutes later the two ships separate and head back in opposite directions.

About three quarters of an hour later the delivery docks at its spot on Pier 4. As McArrister and her drones crawl over the ship, making sure everything is in the right place and taking off all the equipment they had brought on board this morning, Haywire receives confirmation of a ¥3,000 payment into her bank account.

"Remember, I still need the both of you here at six p.m. sharp tomorrow."

Pier 4, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2230

Haywire nods, she has had her commlink's calendar programmed to remind her already.

"Of course, boss."

After changing into more civilian clothes again, and stashing her rifle in the duffel bag, she steps off the yacht, wondering what to do now.

I could really do with a drink, or two...

Haywire checks her commlink to see if anyone called - mainly Mac or Makeda, although she doesn't expect either to have done so. Just does not seem to fir them.

Pier 4, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2230

Other than the standard spam Haywire does in fact find a message from Mac. It simply says, "I'm gonna be at the Pink Elephant tonight if you want to hang out."

Pier 4, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2230

The Pink Elephant...

Haywire isn't that fond of smoking weed and taking other drugs, prefering to drink, but it's not really a problem. And they probably have drinks as well - if not, she can always go to another bar.

So, the blonde woman drives home, takes a quick shower, and changes into a shorts and top combo before heading out to the coffee shop.

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2300

The atmosphere in the Pink Elephant is downright jubilant. Every booth is packed with young tourists and the low buzz of conversation fills the air, interrupted by frequent bouts of laughter.

Cute waitresses in pink uniforms carry food, beverages, and smoking material to the tables through the light haze and the little AR pink elephants flying through the air. The AR music is light pop-rock low enough to be barely noticeable unless the customer prefers otherwise.

Mac is sitting in one of the booths towards the back with Zack, Merc, and Fisheye, around a table stacked thick with glasses, food and weed.

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2300

Haywire waves towards the group as she approaches, and orders a beer from the AR system on the way there.

"Hi Mac!"

She plants a kiss on the pirate's cheek before greeting the rest at the table, and then sits down as well, looking the room and the people at the table over.

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2300

He smiles and puts his arm around Haywire's waist and gives her a hug. "What's up? How's the old nine to five?"

That gets a chuckle out of the rest of the group - not a mean spirited one though. Everyone at the table is either high, drunk or both. It'd be hard to snap any of them from this mood.

Just as he asks the question a menu appears in front of you begging your pardon and asking for your order.

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2305

Haywire selects a long drink, and some sea food, then answeres the question.

"Not bad, keeps the bills paid. What about you?"

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2305

"Oh not much," he says, "I've got something good cooking up but for now I might as well be unemployed." He chuckles as if he made a good joke and bats one of the pink elephants - making it squeak - over your head, "frankly, that's how I like it."

Merc and Fisheye seem to be having a lively argument - more accurately described as shit-talking - about who is the better swimmer, with entertaining commentary by Zack.

Soon your drink and steaming plate of food arrive in the hands of one of the bubbly waitresses. Up close, she looks a bit artificial.

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2305

Strange...

Haywire takes a closer look, trying to see if the girl got some cosmetic surgery gone wrong, or if something else is responsible for that artificial look. After a visual inspection she shifts her perception to the astral, but the background emotions in the room cloud her perception.

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2310

Upon closer inspection, she appears to have been surgically altered to look artificial. Almost doll like, like a very accurate synthetic girl, but real. In the astral, Haywire has too much interference from the crowd, and can't get a good read.

Mac gives Haywire an add look, wondering what she is up to.

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2310

Haywire smiles at him, then bends over, whispering into his ear.

"Just checked the waitress out, she looked a bit odd."

Then she leans back, and sips her drink.

"So, what's up tonight in Kingston?"

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2310

"Oh yeah," he shrugs, "owner of this place is a bit weird I guess. He gives them moodchips so they are always smiling, and he likes them to look like dolls.

"I hear he gives them good money though, so..." Haywire can tell its not something he likes, but something he accepts as a normal part of life.

"As far as plans, I don't know. These three wanted to go surf at the beach but that's what they always want to do. As far as what I want to do," he laughs and gives winks at Haywire, "I'll do whatever you want as long as it doesn't involve picking a fight with a whole posse."

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2310

Creepy...

Haywire perks up at the words of Mac. Some swimming, relaxing... fresh air... perfect.

"Hm... beach sounds good, for starters. Just need to get enough booze. Which beach do you usually head to?"

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2315

"There's only one for us babe; nothing better than an empty beach with a lot of surf, you know?"

Mac takes another bite of his food, "we'll just finish up and head over there when you are ready if that's okay with you."

"Pink Elephant", Downtown, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2315

"Ok, let me finish my meal - haven't eaten much today - and we can be off."

Haywire eats a bit faster than she prefers, but doesn't wolf the food down - it's too good for that, especially after a day on the sea with mostly sandwiches and snack bars for food. Once she's done she follows the other four outside. This time though she drives on her own bike, after Mac - she doesn't really want to ride behind Mac if he's been smoking weed.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2345

The group rides to Dream Beach at a leisurely pace, enjoying the ride itself. There are occasional impromptu races, and various other dangerous shenanigans that take place on route. This is definitely not a group that takes risk taking too seriously.

Within half an hour the group is at Dream Beach and a few minutes after that they seem to have scrounged a cooler of booze from the house, some wood for the firepit and a loud entertainment system.

Zack puts down the cooler and says, "Makeda said she'd join us in a few."

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/10/2070 – 2355

Oh... wonder if that's unusual for her...

Haywire looks at the others present, trying to find out if this is a common occurance, or a rare occasion. Subconsciously, she checks her apperance as well, already feeling underdressed again.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0015

Soon the drinks are set, the music is on - this time some pretty new rock from the UCAS - and the fire is getting nice and high.

Fisheye asks if anyone wants to go surfing just as Haywire sees Makeda's slim form gliding down the sandy beach to their spot.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0020

Haywire declines the surfing invitation. It's not the best place or time to start learning how to surf.

I need to give it a try sometime, once I have the time during the day... oh, here she comes.

She can't help but zoom in on Makeda with her cybereyes on low-light vision.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0020

The other three head back to the house to grab their surfing gear.

As Haywire zooms in on Makeda, she notices that she is looking right back at her with a small grin on her face. She is dressed in a bikini bottom with a short sarong wrapped around her hips and topless, and is carrying a large towel in her arm.

She walks slowly to your spot, barely disturbing the sand under her feet, and lays down her towel right next to Haywire and Mac, and lays back on her elbows on the other side of Haywire.

She smiles at the two beach goers and says, "fancy seeing you two again."

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0020

Oh... guess bathing suits are optional on this beach...

Haywire smiles at the elf, and nods, laughing a bit self-consciously even though she doesn't know why.

"Yes, fancy that."

I am babbling again...

Haywire feels overdressed and underdressed at the same time. She isn't exactly bad at picking out outfits, but compared to the striking elf...

"So, errr, do you surf too?"

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0025

She smiles while her eyes slowly run the length of Haywire's body, "of course, the beach is too perfect for it to not learn." She nodes in the direction of Merc heading up to her house with the others, "not as good as them, but I can hold my own."

Mac is just sitting there quietly, not quite sure what to say while Makeda continues, "so how was your day, I hope that emergency call didn't turn out to be too inconvenient."

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0025

Again, Haywire shouldn't really tell her this, but it just feels like the right thing to do - and she's flattered that Makeda is interested.

"It wasn't an emergency, just a time-critical job. It got a bit hairy, but no one on our side was hurt. It was close though."

Stupid dogs...

Haywire shivers a bit, remembering the fight against the Barghests.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0025

She smiles, bringing her finely manicured hand to her chest in surprise, "wow, I didn't know you were really that kind of a mage."

Makeda laughs softly, "you don't seem like the type at all," and before Haywire has a chance to interpret that in a bad way she says, "and don't worry hon, that's not a bad thing."

Mac seems very interested in his Red Stripe's label as she continues, "so tell me," she pokes Haywire softly in the shoulder, "can you drop me to the floor just like that?"

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0025

Haywire laughs a bit embarassed. She feels her skin tingle on her arm again.

"I used an assault rifle, actually, not a spell."

Haywire explains a bit about spells, and how they tire the caster out.

"And I could never drop you just like that."

Haywire smiles at Makeda, showing that she means it as a compliment.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0030

"Well, now I know who to call if I ever need a magician handy with an assault rifle." Mac chuckles at that remark as if to some inside joke.

She flashes him a sharp look and he almost chokes on his laughter and turns a bit red. "Well then, I'm going to take a swim," she says as she stands up and unties her sarong, "feel free to join me if you want."

At about this time, fifty yards down the beach, Fisheye, Merc and Zack are paddling into the waves.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0030

Haywire smiles, for some odd reason pleased that she might be called if Makeda needs her. The elf's invitation to take a swim is irresistible, and Haywire stands up before realising that she hasn't gotten a swimsuit with her again.

I really should stuff a bikini in my bike's seat compartement... bah, a bit of sea water won't run the hot pants!

Dropping her top and her Crusader, she follows Makeda, turning to Mac for a second to see if he is coming as well.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0030

Mac sticks his empty beer bottle in the sand, "nah, I'm gonna grab my board and show those suckers how it's done."

Makeda grab's Haywire's hand and pulls her up, "just as well. Lets go," and runs into the waves. Haywire hears Mac calling after them, loudly enough to be sure he's heard, "don't swim too deep! Undercurrent gets pretty strong!"

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0035

Haywire feels as if a small current runs through her as Makeda grabs her hand, and she's pulled into the water before she knows what happened. She almost misses Mac's warning.

No diving, got it...

Still, it just feels right, taking a swim in the night, on the beach. Haywire's cybereyes pierce the night as well as the water, allowing her a clear view of both the water, the ground, as well as the others in the sea - but mostly of Makeda.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0035

Haywire runs into the ocean and is soon completely soaked in salt water. At least this part of the ocean is clean compared to the taste of the water in Pier 4, which she's had the unfortunate opportunity to taste before.

Makeda is as graceful in the water as she is on dry land. She swims a bit deeper before coming back and tugging on Haywires arm to bring her out further, "come ot deeper. It's a lot more fun when you can't feel the sand under your feet."

She hears the sound of the others surfing and what may have been the sound of Mac taking a big dive.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0035

Mac's warning forgotten, Haywire follows Makeda out. It just feels natural to follow the elf. Besides, while Haywire isn't the best swimmer, she's far from the worst, and her hot pants don't hinder her much.

Besides, the surfers are farther out still than we are.

Dream Beach, Kingston - 06/11/2070 – 0045

Out in the deeper part of the ocean it takes a lot more effort to swim and keep their heads above the surf, but the water is refreshing and the crashing of the waves is refreshing.

Off in the distance you hear people cheering a spectacular crash into the water. They seem to cheer good crashes a bit more than good surfing around these people.

After a few minutes, Makeda seems to be struggling a bit and swims over to Haywire and holds on to her hips for a bit of support, "I'm sorry, I seem to be a bit more tired then I thought."