Full Version: IC: Evolution
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32
The gradual uphill climb since Baker finally reaches its peak about a mile outside of Primm. From there the Vegas lights bring the desert to life, stretching for miles, but the center of attention is straight ahead, the Strip.
19:35:18 Friday, 31 March 2062 - outskirts of Las Vegas - Corsair & Jamie's car
After all the lead up, Jamie is disappointed by her first sight of the Strip. "Is that it? It looks just like a dinky carnival. The Matrix presence is so much larger. Not as hazy either."
After all the lead up, Jamie is disappointed by her first sight of the Strip. "Is that it? It looks just like a dinky carnival. The Matrix presence is so much larger. Not as hazy either."
Bubba made several sudden stops and wreckless lane changes as he was completely mesmerized by all the lights and action. 'Its so beautiful, I hope's Klikos lets us party a littles, but if not Bubbas gonna finds a way to party!' Bubba smiles smugly as he continues to be entertained by the lights and buzz. His thoughts turn to all the fun he can have. He pulls up next to Kliko at a stop light, "Where we gonna stay and whens we gonna meets," he says sternly? "I needs all the free times I can musters, and..." Bubba sniffs himself, "It's time for a showers... woooshooos!" Bubba pumps his arms up and down.
09:45:22 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - Las Vegas, the Koff Inn parking lot
Plans were to leave Vegas around nine, but the team decided they needed to pick up some much needed winter gear at the local REI. Spirits are somewhat high nevertheless, as Kliko's winnings at the tables last night were more than enough to spring for a delicious breakfast buffet at Lucky Silver Casino while they waited for the outdoor recreational equipment store to open.
Returning to the parking lot at the Koff Inn, it seems one of the team members is still AWOL. No one seems to have seen Bubba since they arrived last night. Kliko didn't see him at the Lucky Silver, but he was paying more attention to the faces of the other poker players than the faces of wandering tourists in the background. Corsair and Felix didn't see him at the Brawl Zone, but they were watching the replay of the Denver Thunderheads at Cincinnati Lasers game and placing bets for this weekend's games. Jamie didn't see the giant anywhere while she window shopped overpriced electronics. She had told Corsair earlier that for a city with so many lights and visual displays, their electronics selection sucked out loud.
The team is fifteen minutes into debating whether to wait for him, or let the Bubba catch up, when a large beat up old van pulls into the lot, thick black smoke pouring out the back end. The engine sputters as the van comes to a halt. At the wheel, the biggest, ugliest, even for a troll, woman sits with a half smoked cigarette dangling from her gapped tooth grin. From passenger side, out steps Bubba. His suit looks slept in, but his smile tells all. In his hands he carries a large pink box.
"We were supposed to meet at nine, Bubba," Kliko scolds.
"Ya, mes already set my clock backs to Denver times. I gots 8:45." The van backfires at it pulls from the lot, and Bubba waves with a big smile, "Dat's one hellova woman!"
"Get your drek and lets go."
"Here Klikos, I gots donuts for everyone!" He passes the large box of two baker's dozens donuts.
"We already ate," interjects one of the waiting party.
"Oh... Well mores for mes!" Bubba skips off to gather his gear.
13:08:56 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-15 East, Cedar City
Approximate Elevation: 6000 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 45 degrees Fahrenheit, Clear
It's a nice drive through couple mountain ranges from Vegas to St. George along Interstate 15. From St. George to Cedar Mountain is a gradual climb through the valleys and steep climbs through the mountainous ranges. The skies are clear but the temperature continues to drop as steady as the elevation has climbed, enough the Bubba has taken notice. For now the mountains remain to the right of the caravan, however they will have to cut through them at some point and make their way over the Rockies.
Cedar City is good enough place as any to stop and refuel, plus Bubba is probably about due for another donut treatment, which is being transported in the back of Kliko's SUV. Corsair and Felix could also use the stop to get a score check on the Saturday games and see who is doing better in their picks.
Plans were to leave Vegas around nine, but the team decided they needed to pick up some much needed winter gear at the local REI. Spirits are somewhat high nevertheless, as Kliko's winnings at the tables last night were more than enough to spring for a delicious breakfast buffet at Lucky Silver Casino while they waited for the outdoor recreational equipment store to open.
Returning to the parking lot at the Koff Inn, it seems one of the team members is still AWOL. No one seems to have seen Bubba since they arrived last night. Kliko didn't see him at the Lucky Silver, but he was paying more attention to the faces of the other poker players than the faces of wandering tourists in the background. Corsair and Felix didn't see him at the Brawl Zone, but they were watching the replay of the Denver Thunderheads at Cincinnati Lasers game and placing bets for this weekend's games. Jamie didn't see the giant anywhere while she window shopped overpriced electronics. She had told Corsair earlier that for a city with so many lights and visual displays, their electronics selection sucked out loud.
The team is fifteen minutes into debating whether to wait for him, or let the Bubba catch up, when a large beat up old van pulls into the lot, thick black smoke pouring out the back end. The engine sputters as the van comes to a halt. At the wheel, the biggest, ugliest, even for a troll, woman sits with a half smoked cigarette dangling from her gapped tooth grin. From passenger side, out steps Bubba. His suit looks slept in, but his smile tells all. In his hands he carries a large pink box.
"We were supposed to meet at nine, Bubba," Kliko scolds.
"Ya, mes already set my clock backs to Denver times. I gots 8:45." The van backfires at it pulls from the lot, and Bubba waves with a big smile, "Dat's one hellova woman!"
"Get your drek and lets go."
"Here Klikos, I gots donuts for everyone!" He passes the large box of two baker's dozens donuts.
"We already ate," interjects one of the waiting party.
"Oh... Well mores for mes!" Bubba skips off to gather his gear.
13:08:56 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-15 East, Cedar City
Approximate Elevation: 6000 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 45 degrees Fahrenheit, Clear
It's a nice drive through couple mountain ranges from Vegas to St. George along Interstate 15. From St. George to Cedar Mountain is a gradual climb through the valleys and steep climbs through the mountainous ranges. The skies are clear but the temperature continues to drop as steady as the elevation has climbed, enough the Bubba has taken notice. For now the mountains remain to the right of the caravan, however they will have to cut through them at some point and make their way over the Rockies.
Cedar City is good enough place as any to stop and refuel, plus Bubba is probably about due for another donut treatment, which is being transported in the back of Kliko's SUV. Corsair and Felix could also use the stop to get a score check on the Saturday games and see who is doing better in their picks.
After discovering how crappy the tech was here, Jamie retired back to the coffin hotel to do a little coding. She set her Math SPU to give her only an hour, then settled down to it. When her alarm went off, she made some notes and saved her work. Then she got some sleep.
09:45:30 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - Las Vegas, the Koff Inn parking lot
Ghost in the Machine! Pandering with a whore on a job. I thought this was a professional team!
She looks over to Kliko expecting him to explode. Surprisingly he stays frostly though it's a near thing. He sure is a stickler for time.
13:08:56 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-15 East, Cedar City
Jamie switches off her RAS Override when Corsair slows down. Checking the clock on her Math SPU, she realizes they are stopping for food. She tidies up her coding and wraps up the deck. Climbing out of the SUV, she heads for the 'fresher.
09:45:30 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - Las Vegas, the Koff Inn parking lot
Ghost in the Machine! Pandering with a whore on a job. I thought this was a professional team!
She looks over to Kliko expecting him to explode. Surprisingly he stays frostly though it's a near thing. He sure is a stickler for time.
13:08:56 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-15 East, Cedar City
Jamie switches off her RAS Override when Corsair slows down. Checking the clock on her Math SPU, she realizes they are stopping for food. She tidies up her coding and wraps up the deck. Climbing out of the SUV, she heads for the 'fresher.
13:08:56 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-15 East, Cedar City
"Ah, it will feel nice to stretch the legs a bit," Corsair said, slowing the SUV to following Kliko to a rest station. "Hope the Thunderheads are winning, or at least cover the spread."
Felix and Corsair have the waitress turn the crappy TV to the Urban Brawl Network to catch the latest highlights and scores. Bonding over their interest in Urban Brawl, Corsair starts feeling pretty good about the team. For a random bunch of chummers, seem like a pretty solid team, he thought to himself.
"Ah, it will feel nice to stretch the legs a bit," Corsair said, slowing the SUV to following Kliko to a rest station. "Hope the Thunderheads are winning, or at least cover the spread."
Felix and Corsair have the waitress turn the crappy TV to the Urban Brawl Network to catch the latest highlights and scores. Bonding over their interest in Urban Brawl, Corsair starts feeling pretty good about the team. For a random bunch of chummers, seem like a pretty solid team, he thought to himself.
13:30:40 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-15 East, Cedar City
The cancer stick was coming closer and closer to to its filter's edge. Emptying his bladder at the gas stations urinoir it took like forever before the big troll caught up with the SUV's. Kliko didn't mind reprimanding a team member for showing up late or slowig them down, but he was damned if he'd do it to another trog in front of the others. Besides this morning was the first time Bubba appeared as if he was having a good time since he met the dumbass troll. 'He'll come here alright... big man can't do without the donuts I've got here in front of me.' The others would never notice except for perhaps if Bubba couldn't hide his red - and watery eyes, yeah Kliko was "dissapointed" in his fellow trog and telling him so was the only way to make sure Bubba would be on time like forever after...
"Time to roll out! we got another 580 miles ahead of us chummers, lets go go go!"
15:06:06 Saturday, 1 April 2062 TEXT MESSAGE SENT [KLIKO>>>RADEK]: Pls advise time, place and local contact, should make it by tomorrow, visa's etc permitting.
The cancer stick was coming closer and closer to to its filter's edge. Emptying his bladder at the gas stations urinoir it took like forever before the big troll caught up with the SUV's. Kliko didn't mind reprimanding a team member for showing up late or slowig them down, but he was damned if he'd do it to another trog in front of the others. Besides this morning was the first time Bubba appeared as if he was having a good time since he met the dumbass troll. 'He'll come here alright... big man can't do without the donuts I've got here in front of me.' The others would never notice except for perhaps if Bubba couldn't hide his red - and watery eyes, yeah Kliko was "dissapointed" in his fellow trog and telling him so was the only way to make sure Bubba would be on time like forever after...
"Time to roll out! we got another 580 miles ahead of us chummers, lets go go go!"
15:06:06 Saturday, 1 April 2062 TEXT MESSAGE SENT [KLIKO>>>RADEK]: Pls advise time, place and local contact, should make it by tomorrow, visa's etc permitting.
13:31:33 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, East of Cove Fort
Approximate Elevation: 6000 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 45 degrees Fahrenheit, Clear
The two SUVs and chopper pull back onto I-15 North for Salt Lake City/Denver. The ride is smooth and comfortable for the two enclosed vehicles, however, Bubba is second guessing his choice of transportation as that hot cocoa lost its warming effect about 3 miles down the road. When they make the turn at the I-70 Interchange and he sees the snow capped mountain pass, he isn't sure he can hold his water bag, but the two trucks keep trucking along. Up, up, up the mountainous highway, Bubba follows. If something were not as it should be, Kliko would surely stop and make adjustment.
14:50:26 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, Pahvant Mountain Range
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 34 degrees Fahrenheit, Partially Cloudy
The SUVs continue their climb up the mountains, Bubba falling behind about a quarter mile behind his friends, taking the road more cautiously as it is starting to become a little slick. He smiles through the icy wind as he remembers how he smartly took the upgrade of street racing performance tires when he bought his bike. After all, he is driving on the street.
The group blows past an orange trailer with a large black sign displaying LED lights reading, "Icy road conditions above 6800 ft. Use extreme caution." The two trucks blow by it, and its yellow flashing lights. Bubba slows down, not because the warning might pertain to him, but because it has pretty lights, and flashing too!
14:52:02 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, Pahvant Mountain Range
Approximate Elevation: 7200 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 29 degrees Fahrenheit, Partially Cloudy
A couple slips on the bike, but Bubba barely maintains control. It's getting harder to see, and every exposed part of his body burns from the biting cold. Even some parts of his body that are covered, some of them more important than others, are aching from what he fears is frostbite.
15:05:02 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, Pahvant Mountain Range
Approximate Elevation: 7000 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 29 degrees Fahrenheit, Partially Cloudy
No longer can Bubba handle the 50+ mile wind chill, dropping the sub freezing temperature down to somewhere around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Combined with the icy road, his lack of motor skills, feeling and concentration lead Bubba into a slide. He is fortunately able to control it enough to slow down a bit and aim for a big cushy snowbank. He hoped.
He digs himself out to find no one around to help. His team is far down the mountain, and he is in a pile of snow. He digs his bike out as a few cars speed by, but none stop, probably more afraid or hateful of a very large metahuman, then unwilling to help.
He coasts down the hill, finding the slower speed makes it a bit less cold, but he yearns to gun it to get someplace warm, fast. At least now his hands are numb from the cold and vibration, his nose and cheeks are on fire.
15:33:06 Saturday, 1 April 2062 TEXT MESSAGE SENT [RADEK>>>KLIKO]: Text me when you are an hour out of Denver. Contact said he will meet you ASAP near airport in CAS Sector.
15:39:52 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, Joseph
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 48 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
After noticing Bubba is no longer in the review mirror, Corsair drops back behind Kliko, waiting for him to catch up. Kliko follows suit, noticing the other SUV dropping far behind. They end up stopping in a little town called Joseph, just on the other side of the mountains. They are able to flag Bubba down.
The group is ready to get on the road shortly after until Corsair asks, "What happened to your bike!? Your headlight is a little crooked."
No one else notices the ten degree tilt in the headlamp, but it is quite obvious to a gear head.
"Me crashed into snow banks. It cold, but soft."
Kliko notices his blue lips, red nose, yellow fingers. "Oh drek. It must have been freezing up there, Bubba!" From his wilderness survival experience, especially that time hiking up Mount Shasta, he is aware of the signs of frostnip and frostbite. He opens the back door of his SUV, where Bubba can fit comfortably, "Get in there." Bubba does as told.
"We should find a place to store his bike," Felix suggests.
The team finds the locals very standoffish and not willing to help, maybe due to their metahumanity, caucasian or hispanic heritage. However, Jamie is able to use her charm and finds a mechanic willing to store his bike at his shop for 100
a week.
The team does not think to find medical advice, though keeping Bubba warm and outside of the elements is the best thing for him.
However, upon leaving Joseph, Kliko and Felix notice some funk. "Bubba - How the hell are you mad sneakies with that aroma!?"
The situation is quickly rectified with a couple Little Trees car air fresheners necklaces.
17:31:21 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70/50 North, Wasatch Range
Approximate Elevation: 7000 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 30 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
The valley disappears behind the party as they make their way up the next mountain range. They pass more signs warning of snowy and icy conditions, chains advised, but Bubba is too busy recuperating from his injuries to notice their beauty. The vehicles pass through the snow capped ridge unmolested, but slowed.
18:32:10 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70/50 North, Emery
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 30 degrees Fahrenheit, Light snow
Clearing the Wasatch Mountain Range barely drops the elevation. Snow is light and intermittent along the highway through Emery County. Not enough to slow their progress.
20:07:39 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70/50 North, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
It is well past sunset when the party pulls into Grand Junction for fuel and a quick stretch. The Rocky Mountains loom just east, 3000 feet above them. Their sheer magnitude is humbling, standing taller and larger than any sprawl skyscraper.
All gassed up and ready to go, they should be in Denver early in the morning by all calculations.
Approximate Elevation: 6000 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 45 degrees Fahrenheit, Clear
The two SUVs and chopper pull back onto I-15 North for Salt Lake City/Denver. The ride is smooth and comfortable for the two enclosed vehicles, however, Bubba is second guessing his choice of transportation as that hot cocoa lost its warming effect about 3 miles down the road. When they make the turn at the I-70 Interchange and he sees the snow capped mountain pass, he isn't sure he can hold his water bag, but the two trucks keep trucking along. Up, up, up the mountainous highway, Bubba follows. If something were not as it should be, Kliko would surely stop and make adjustment.
14:50:26 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, Pahvant Mountain Range
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 34 degrees Fahrenheit, Partially Cloudy
The SUVs continue their climb up the mountains, Bubba falling behind about a quarter mile behind his friends, taking the road more cautiously as it is starting to become a little slick. He smiles through the icy wind as he remembers how he smartly took the upgrade of street racing performance tires when he bought his bike. After all, he is driving on the street.
The group blows past an orange trailer with a large black sign displaying LED lights reading, "Icy road conditions above 6800 ft. Use extreme caution." The two trucks blow by it, and its yellow flashing lights. Bubba slows down, not because the warning might pertain to him, but because it has pretty lights, and flashing too!
14:52:02 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, Pahvant Mountain Range
Approximate Elevation: 7200 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 29 degrees Fahrenheit, Partially Cloudy
A couple slips on the bike, but Bubba barely maintains control. It's getting harder to see, and every exposed part of his body burns from the biting cold. Even some parts of his body that are covered, some of them more important than others, are aching from what he fears is frostbite.
15:05:02 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, Pahvant Mountain Range
Approximate Elevation: 7000 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 29 degrees Fahrenheit, Partially Cloudy
No longer can Bubba handle the 50+ mile wind chill, dropping the sub freezing temperature down to somewhere around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Combined with the icy road, his lack of motor skills, feeling and concentration lead Bubba into a slide. He is fortunately able to control it enough to slow down a bit and aim for a big cushy snowbank. He hoped.
He digs himself out to find no one around to help. His team is far down the mountain, and he is in a pile of snow. He digs his bike out as a few cars speed by, but none stop, probably more afraid or hateful of a very large metahuman, then unwilling to help.
He coasts down the hill, finding the slower speed makes it a bit less cold, but he yearns to gun it to get someplace warm, fast. At least now his hands are numb from the cold and vibration, his nose and cheeks are on fire.
15:33:06 Saturday, 1 April 2062 TEXT MESSAGE SENT [RADEK>>>KLIKO]: Text me when you are an hour out of Denver. Contact said he will meet you ASAP near airport in CAS Sector.
15:39:52 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70 North, Joseph
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 48 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
After noticing Bubba is no longer in the review mirror, Corsair drops back behind Kliko, waiting for him to catch up. Kliko follows suit, noticing the other SUV dropping far behind. They end up stopping in a little town called Joseph, just on the other side of the mountains. They are able to flag Bubba down.
The group is ready to get on the road shortly after until Corsair asks, "What happened to your bike!? Your headlight is a little crooked."
No one else notices the ten degree tilt in the headlamp, but it is quite obvious to a gear head.
"Me crashed into snow banks. It cold, but soft."
Kliko notices his blue lips, red nose, yellow fingers. "Oh drek. It must have been freezing up there, Bubba!" From his wilderness survival experience, especially that time hiking up Mount Shasta, he is aware of the signs of frostnip and frostbite. He opens the back door of his SUV, where Bubba can fit comfortably, "Get in there." Bubba does as told.
"We should find a place to store his bike," Felix suggests.
The team finds the locals very standoffish and not willing to help, maybe due to their metahumanity, caucasian or hispanic heritage. However, Jamie is able to use her charm and finds a mechanic willing to store his bike at his shop for 100
a week.The team does not think to find medical advice, though keeping Bubba warm and outside of the elements is the best thing for him.
However, upon leaving Joseph, Kliko and Felix notice some funk. "Bubba - How the hell are you mad sneakies with that aroma!?"
The situation is quickly rectified with a couple Little Trees car air fresheners necklaces.
17:31:21 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70/50 North, Wasatch Range
Approximate Elevation: 7000 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 30 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
The valley disappears behind the party as they make their way up the next mountain range. They pass more signs warning of snowy and icy conditions, chains advised, but Bubba is too busy recuperating from his injuries to notice their beauty. The vehicles pass through the snow capped ridge unmolested, but slowed.
18:32:10 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70/50 North, Emery
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 30 degrees Fahrenheit, Light snow
Clearing the Wasatch Mountain Range barely drops the elevation. Snow is light and intermittent along the highway through Emery County. Not enough to slow their progress.
20:07:39 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - I-70/50 North, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
It is well past sunset when the party pulls into Grand Junction for fuel and a quick stretch. The Rocky Mountains loom just east, 3000 feet above them. Their sheer magnitude is humbling, standing taller and larger than any sprawl skyscraper.
All gassed up and ready to go, they should be in Denver early in the morning by all calculations.
Bubba didnt say much since he got into the SUV. He was relieved to be there and just hugged his body and hunched over. He just kept staring at Kliko, like an upset boy staring at their father not understanding what they did to deserve the punishment they received and not sure they want to know. Bubba trusted Kliko, but he felt hurt, hurt by Kliko's decision for him to ride alone in extreme weather conditons. Bubba contemplated that maybe he wasnt wanted or needed after all. His teamates tried to spark conversation , but Bubba just starred unresponsively at Kliko.
After a few hours Bubba finally spoke to Kliko. "Klikos," Bubba says softly. "Dos you hate mes?" I knows I smell bads sometimes, and I am big and get in da ways, buts I was being tortured back theres...? Mes hands hurt worse thens those bullets I tooks for yous." Usually when Bubba felt hurt or picked on he just smashed the threat. In this case Kliko meant something to him and he felt something deeper than anger... sorrow.
After a few hours Bubba finally spoke to Kliko. "Klikos," Bubba says softly. "Dos you hate mes?" I knows I smell bads sometimes, and I am big and get in da ways, buts I was being tortured back theres...? Mes hands hurt worse thens those bullets I tooks for yous." Usually when Bubba felt hurt or picked on he just smashed the threat. In this case Kliko meant something to him and he felt something deeper than anger... sorrow.
"I don't hate you Bubba... I... I just fragged up, not expecting the weather to be as bad as it was, I'm sorry. This mess is my fault... I won't walk away from my responsiblility, I have to buy you a new head light for the chopper now... really got to get some chains for these tires as well at our next stop."
"This morning I was frustrated you didn't make it in time for breakfast, but as clean and shaven as you were there I should have picked you up with the car even just because its a lot safer too with all the concealed armor I had installed by this dwarven techie.... just make sure next time we work you're all cleaned up before I pick you up... I'm not your babysitter Bubba, you're a grown up pro when you set your mind to it so act like one when we're on the job."
"This morning I was frustrated you didn't make it in time for breakfast, but as clean and shaven as you were there I should have picked you up with the car even just because its a lot safer too with all the concealed armor I had installed by this dwarven techie.... just make sure next time we work you're all cleaned up before I pick you up... I'm not your babysitter Bubba, you're a grown up pro when you set your mind to it so act like one when we're on the job."
"Drek, why didn't I think of this sooner. Hey Bubba I've got a little spell that's kind of like an instant shower, only without the water. Why don't we give it a try and see if we can't make the ride more comfortable." Felix then casts Healthy Glow on the three occupants of the vehicle.
"I've never tried making donuts before either, but I can give it a shot. Let me know how they taste." Felix casts Create Food attempting to form it into donuts before handing the box back to Bubba. "I've never tried to make donuts before, so let me know what I need to try and change for next time."
"I've never tried making donuts before either, but I can give it a shot. Let me know how they taste." Felix casts Create Food attempting to form it into donuts before handing the box back to Bubba. "I've never tried to make donuts before, so let me know what I need to try and change for next time."
Jamie feels sorry for him when she first sees Bubba. Once she realizes what has happened, she feels the extreme urge to burst out laughing, She heads toward the back of the van to suppress her outburst. I need to remember this moment.
Mostly she works to get the group on to Denver as soon as she can.
Mostly she works to get the group on to Denver as soon as she can.
20:18:50 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Kliko looked for tire chains at the gas stop, and was informed that they can be purchased at the local SMart (Shop Smart, Shop S Mart) right up the road, all he needed was his tire size. Having a rigger on the team will really come in handy getting chains wrapped around their tires.
For less than 100 the team picks up a set of four chains for each vehicle. Not too bad. Now... how to put these things on...
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Kliko looked for tire chains at the gas stop, and was informed that they can be purchased at the local SMart (Shop Smart, Shop S Mart) right up the road, all he needed was his tire size. Having a rigger on the team will really come in handy getting chains wrapped around their tires.
For less than 100
the team picks up a set of four chains for each vehicle. Not too bad. Now... how to put these things on...
20:19:16 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Kliko gets chains for the vehicles. Jamie looks them over, but decides to stay out of it. There's enough cooks in that kitchen without adding my poor skills to the mix. As she opens the door to the SUV, she asks, "Kliko, you been riding with your cellphone on this whole time?"
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Kliko gets chains for the vehicles. Jamie looks them over, but decides to stay out of it. There's enough cooks in that kitchen without adding my poor skills to the mix. As she opens the door to the SUV, she asks, "Kliko, you been riding with your cellphone on this whole time?"
20:19:22 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Yeah, you bein trying to contact me? J send a message by the way, meet is going to be in the CAS sector near the airport. Said he would meet us in an hour notice or so once we're there."
"Lets get some chow in our system, we could be there by tomorrow morning all going well."
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Yeah, you bein trying to contact me? J send a message by the way, meet is going to be in the CAS sector near the airport. Said he would meet us in an hour notice or so once we're there."
"Lets get some chow in our system, we could be there by tomorrow morning all going well."
20:19:25 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Jamie frowns. "I haven't tried to call you. I'm just checking an assumption. Speaking of which, CAS Sector? You do realize our visas only entitle us to get into the Ute Sector. I didn't have a chance to try and set up a cover story for CAS Sector. We'll have to submit visas again and work out a reason to be there that does not involve camping in this." She gestures around to the weather inflicting itself upon them.
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Jamie frowns. "I haven't tried to call you. I'm just checking an assumption. Speaking of which, CAS Sector? You do realize our visas only entitle us to get into the Ute Sector. I didn't have a chance to try and set up a cover story for CAS Sector. We'll have to submit visas again and work out a reason to be there that does not involve camping in this." She gestures around to the weather inflicting itself upon them.
20:19:27 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"What do you mean you didn't submit the other visas" Felix exclaims, a little pissed off. "I had thought a decent decker could do things like that in your sleep. Hack some two bit companies schedule and insert a meeting/sales pitch, and fill out temp visas for a business meeting. If they call the company to verify, it's in their system. If you don't like that, then hack a different database and create a relative we're going to visit. If thats not your style, hack a fancy hotel, or make an actual reservation, and tell the border guard all the crap you've heard about that five star hotel you want to visit. Or simply say you're a fragging tourist and want to see what Ghostwalker did to the town."
"Sure some of the requests might get denied, but you should know that we'll need access to other sectors during the run with little or no notice. Maybe I'm just crazy but I thought the decker of the group would be hacking the databases and inserting the data to support the visa requests." Felix pauses for a few seconds, taking a some deep breaths. "I try not to tell people how to do their job, but what the drek have you been doing in the truck for the past day and a half? Do you not have a wireless uplink or get things done in Vegas? I mean I can stand here, where ever the drek we are, and read the Denver newspapers on my pocket secretary, and I'm the fraggin shaman."
Felix walks back to the truck where he changes SIM cards for a small prepaid one and calls up an old friend, Dorian Grey.
"Hey man, it's Felix. How's that picture looking on your wall. Yeah, I know, I only call when I need something..."
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"What do you mean you didn't submit the other visas" Felix exclaims, a little pissed off. "I had thought a decent decker could do things like that in your sleep. Hack some two bit companies schedule and insert a meeting/sales pitch, and fill out temp visas for a business meeting. If they call the company to verify, it's in their system. If you don't like that, then hack a different database and create a relative we're going to visit. If thats not your style, hack a fancy hotel, or make an actual reservation, and tell the border guard all the crap you've heard about that five star hotel you want to visit. Or simply say you're a fragging tourist and want to see what Ghostwalker did to the town."
"Sure some of the requests might get denied, but you should know that we'll need access to other sectors during the run with little or no notice. Maybe I'm just crazy but I thought the decker of the group would be hacking the databases and inserting the data to support the visa requests." Felix pauses for a few seconds, taking a some deep breaths. "I try not to tell people how to do their job, but what the drek have you been doing in the truck for the past day and a half? Do you not have a wireless uplink or get things done in Vegas? I mean I can stand here, where ever the drek we are, and read the Denver newspapers on my pocket secretary, and I'm the fraggin shaman."
Felix walks back to the truck where he changes SIM cards for a small prepaid one and calls up an old friend, Dorian Grey.
"Hey man, it's Felix. How's that picture looking on your wall. Yeah, I know, I only call when I need something..."
20:19:34 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Frustrated, Jamie cuts loose with hissing rant, "The problem was never getting the paperwork. It was always about the story. In case you haven't chipped the data I provided, I'll reiterate. This city is paranoid with a capital P. If our story doesn't calm the border guards they will ask more questions. In our line of work, we can't afford questions."
Felix has wandered off to make a phone call, not even bothering to discuss his assumptions.
Frustrated, Jamie cuts loose with hissing rant, "The problem was never getting the paperwork. It was always about the story. In case you haven't chipped the data I provided, I'll reiterate. This city is paranoid with a capital P. If our story doesn't calm the border guards they will ask more questions. In our line of work, we can't afford questions."
Felix has wandered off to make a phone call, not even bothering to discuss his assumptions.
20:19:45 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Dorian breaks the bad news to Felix, though he has a solution.
"Well, your paper work is all filed, but I doubt it will have gone through by now. They are a bit touchy over there. The offer still stands, if you got the money, I can have IDs made, with everything attached. I can either build something from scratch or adjust the SIN you are using, or want to use. If the latter, copy all information from your SINC or credstick to a computer, encode it of course, then email it to me. I will prepare the file and email it back. Then all you have to do is copy it back to your device, reply 'Yes to All' for all those "Do You Want to Replace' prompts, and that is it.
"If I am creating from scratch also send me your physical descriptions, photo IDs, employment locations, kids, parents, blood type, all that jazz."
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Dorian breaks the bad news to Felix, though he has a solution.
"Well, your paper work is all filed, but I doubt it will have gone through by now. They are a bit touchy over there. The offer still stands, if you got the money, I can have IDs made, with everything attached. I can either build something from scratch or adjust the SIN you are using, or want to use. If the latter, copy all information from your SINC or credstick to a computer, encode it of course, then email it to me. I will prepare the file and email it back. Then all you have to do is copy it back to your device, reply 'Yes to All' for all those "Do You Want to Replace' prompts, and that is it.
"If I am creating from scratch also send me your physical descriptions, photo IDs, employment locations, kids, parents, blood type, all that jazz."
20:19:45 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"I'll keep that in mind, but for now I think we'll just avoid the official border crossings. I'll give you a call next time I'm in town and we can grab a beer. Adios."
Felix hangs up and sighs. Damn, that will take a tad more money than I was expecting to get done. Guess it's back to wall hopping, but how are the vehicles and drones gonna cross?
"Jamie, you said our visas are cleared for the Ute Sector? Does that include returning from the Free Zone or not? From what you gave us and what I've picked up elsewhere, I can get people into the CAS sector over the wall, but not the drones and vehicles."
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"I'll keep that in mind, but for now I think we'll just avoid the official border crossings. I'll give you a call next time I'm in town and we can grab a beer. Adios."
Felix hangs up and sighs. Damn, that will take a tad more money than I was expecting to get done. Guess it's back to wall hopping, but how are the vehicles and drones gonna cross?
"Jamie, you said our visas are cleared for the Ute Sector? Does that include returning from the Free Zone or not? From what you gave us and what I've picked up elsewhere, I can get people into the CAS sector over the wall, but not the drones and vehicles."
20:19:48Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"The visas should let us into the Free Trade Sector and back out again. However, we will come under greater scrutiny on our way out. We may not be able to hide some stuff on our way back." Jamie replies. Frowning, she asks, "You can get personnel over the walls with magic?"
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"The visas should let us into the Free Trade Sector and back out again. However, we will come under greater scrutiny on our way out. We may not be able to hide some stuff on our way back." Jamie replies. Frowning, she asks, "You can get personnel over the walls with magic?"
20:19:50 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Magic can do a great many things, it all depends on one's skill and innovation in the application of magic. If someone is invisible to optical sensors, floating just above the range of ultrasound and concealed by a spirit as well, they can get past a technological wall. Interacting with technology is the difficult part for magic for the same reason the implanting devices into your body damages your very being. I can fool a sensor into not seeing me, but the most effective way my magic interacts with computers is with a lightning bolt." Felix pauses, "Have you ever run with a shaman or mage before? I might have to find a chip of that 'Magic and the Shadows' lecture so I don't have to explain magic everytime."
"My current thought is from here into the Ute Sector, then into the free zone. I get myself and Kliko over the wall and to the meet. Jamie, you can pull matrix overwatch from anywhere with a uplink, and I don't think we need the extra muscle of Bubba for the meet. The drones are more problematic to get over the border, and once again, I don't think we'll need them for the meet."
"Once we know the job we'll go from there, whether dealing with a fixer on the Denver end or staying in whatever sector the job is in."
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Magic can do a great many things, it all depends on one's skill and innovation in the application of magic. If someone is invisible to optical sensors, floating just above the range of ultrasound and concealed by a spirit as well, they can get past a technological wall. Interacting with technology is the difficult part for magic for the same reason the implanting devices into your body damages your very being. I can fool a sensor into not seeing me, but the most effective way my magic interacts with computers is with a lightning bolt." Felix pauses, "Have you ever run with a shaman or mage before? I might have to find a chip of that 'Magic and the Shadows' lecture so I don't have to explain magic everytime."
"My current thought is from here into the Ute Sector, then into the free zone. I get myself and Kliko over the wall and to the meet. Jamie, you can pull matrix overwatch from anywhere with a uplink, and I don't think we need the extra muscle of Bubba for the meet. The drones are more problematic to get over the border, and once again, I don't think we'll need them for the meet."
"Once we know the job we'll go from there, whether dealing with a fixer on the Denver end or staying in whatever sector the job is in."
20:20:00Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Felix, I think your plan is sounds. I'd rather not cross the various borders multiple times needlessly. Bubba, Jaime, and myself can post up on the Ute side for now. You and Kliko can head to the meet. I trust you guys won't get us into anything you don't think we can handle. But since we made the trip, might as well make the most of it," Corsair said, in agreement with Felix's plan.
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Felix, I think your plan is sounds. I'd rather not cross the various borders multiple times needlessly. Bubba, Jaime, and myself can post up on the Ute side for now. You and Kliko can head to the meet. I trust you guys won't get us into anything you don't think we can handle. But since we made the trip, might as well make the most of it," Corsair said, in agreement with Felix's plan.
20:20:03 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Jamie leans her head side to side as she turns the plan over in her mind. After a few seconds, she agrees, "It sounds good to me. If there's trouble though, extracting you two might be really hard."
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
Jamie leans her head side to side as she turns the plan over in her mind. After a few seconds, she agrees, "It sounds good to me. If there's trouble though, extracting you two might be really hard."
20:25:06 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Sounds like a plan and don't worry Jamie, we'll manage." 'or at least I will and we'll see what stuff Felix is made of... he talks the talks, but does he walk the walk?' "Now lets find us a coffin motel, refresh and get some chow into our systems. We got a 5 hour drive ahead of us tomorrow and we're not even sure whether the Ute red tape will be gone by then.
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Sounds like a plan and don't worry Jamie, we'll manage." 'or at least I will and we'll see what stuff Felix is made of... he talks the talks, but does he walk the walk?' "Now lets find us a coffin motel, refresh and get some chow into our systems. We got a 5 hour drive ahead of us tomorrow and we're not even sure whether the Ute red tape will be gone by then.
20:20:10 Saturday, 1 April 2062 - SMart Parking Lot, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Let me know if you change your mind about those SINs.", Dorian says as Felix hangs up.
The team decides it is best to travel in the morning, climbing the Rockies in adverse weather conditions with better lighting might be wiser than trying to push through quickly, while tired and in the dark.
While no coffin motels are located in Grand Junction, the team finds a cheap motel meant for truckers at the local Flying J. They go over the plan for the next days travel and where they plan to head once they cross the Ute-Ute boarder.
07:00:00 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Flying J, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 40 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
The team is assembled and ready for travel. Bubba was even ready early this time, awaiting Kliko in the diner with two large pink boxes, one already empty.
The old television sets along the walls of the diner are on various news sites or the weather channel. Seems the team dodged a heavy storm/small blizzard last night. The transportation department is working on clearing the pass and rescue vehicles are already pulling cars out of the snow banks and injured travelers from said vehicles.
A little later than planned, but the team exits Grand Junction by 8 am.
16:05:21 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
Climbing the mountain was awe inspiring. There was time to take in all of nature's beauty as the two SUVs required chains the majority of the way. Even at slow speeds there were a few scares, as the trucks did not always have a good grip on the road.
Chains removed, the two vehicles roll into the first of many Denver checkpoints.
Jamie and Corsair are questioned, and after their IDs scanned, they are informed that their visas have not cleared yet. However, they are kindly informed that they can fill out travel passes at the office just off to the side of the road. This will clear them for seven days in the Ute Sector.
Kliko, Felix and Bubba are not met with the same friendly demeanor. After being informed that their travel visas have not cleared, they ask the three of them to step out of the vehicle. The guard waves a second guard over, who brings with him a mirror with a small tire under it, attached to a stick. The three climb out of truck while the guard with the mirror goes around the vehicle searching for hidden contraband.
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 38 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
"Let me know if you change your mind about those SINs.", Dorian says as Felix hangs up.
The team decides it is best to travel in the morning, climbing the Rockies in adverse weather conditions with better lighting might be wiser than trying to push through quickly, while tired and in the dark.
While no coffin motels are located in Grand Junction, the team finds a cheap motel meant for truckers at the local Flying J. They go over the plan for the next days travel and where they plan to head once they cross the Ute-Ute boarder.
07:00:00 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Flying J, Grand Junction
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 40 degrees Fahrenheit, Overcast
The team is assembled and ready for travel. Bubba was even ready early this time, awaiting Kliko in the diner with two large pink boxes, one already empty.
The old television sets along the walls of the diner are on various news sites or the weather channel. Seems the team dodged a heavy storm/small blizzard last night. The transportation department is working on clearing the pass and rescue vehicles are already pulling cars out of the snow banks and injured travelers from said vehicles.
A little later than planned, but the team exits Grand Junction by 8 am.
16:05:21 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
Climbing the mountain was awe inspiring. There was time to take in all of nature's beauty as the two SUVs required chains the majority of the way. Even at slow speeds there were a few scares, as the trucks did not always have a good grip on the road.
Chains removed, the two vehicles roll into the first of many Denver checkpoints.
Jamie and Corsair are questioned, and after their IDs scanned, they are informed that their visas have not cleared yet. However, they are kindly informed that they can fill out travel passes at the office just off to the side of the road. This will clear them for seven days in the Ute Sector.
Kliko, Felix and Bubba are not met with the same friendly demeanor. After being informed that their travel visas have not cleared, they ask the three of them to step out of the vehicle. The guard waves a second guard over, who brings with him a mirror with a small tire under it, attached to a stick. The three climb out of truck while the guard with the mirror goes around the vehicle searching for hidden contraband.
16:06:31Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
After all the anticipation about the checkpoint being troublesome, Jamie had been dreading it. Then they breezed through without comment. Relieved and alated, Jamie hops out of the SUV as soon as Corsair pulls into the office parking lot. As she goes inside, she scans the parking lot and road, looking for the other SUV. What happened to the rest of the team? Heading inside, she gets the needed paperwork for a seven day travel pass and starts filling it out.
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
After all the anticipation about the checkpoint being troublesome, Jamie had been dreading it. Then they breezed through without comment. Relieved and alated, Jamie hops out of the SUV as soon as Corsair pulls into the office parking lot. As she goes inside, she scans the parking lot and road, looking for the other SUV. What happened to the rest of the team? Heading inside, she gets the needed paperwork for a seven day travel pass and starts filling it out.
16:06:31Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
As Jaime pops out to head into the travel office to start working on the 7 day passes. The 7 day passes might be good enough to pull it off, Corsair thought to himself. After checking diagnostic reports on his SUV, making sure everything checked out, he looked around, excepting to see the other group. They hadn't made it through the check point yet it appeared. Corsair headed into the office to fill out the travel pass and escape the inclimate weather. "Hey Jaime, I didn't see the others pull in yet. I'm expecting the worst....they didn't have anything too incriminating did they?"
Approximate Elevation: 5500 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
As Jaime pops out to head into the travel office to start working on the 7 day passes. The 7 day passes might be good enough to pull it off, Corsair thought to himself. After checking diagnostic reports on his SUV, making sure everything checked out, he looked around, excepting to see the other group. They hadn't made it through the check point yet it appeared. Corsair headed into the office to fill out the travel pass and escape the inclimate weather. "Hey Jaime, I didn't see the others pull in yet. I'm expecting the worst....they didn't have anything too incriminating did they?"
16:013:46 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
The flurry of rain passed by as the the three of them stood out there in the cold. Kliko with his secure longcoat closed tight up the neck, a black beanie hat on top of his head pocketed both hands to shield them from the cold. 'Drek, better think of something quick...' "Is there a problem officer? Tis cold out here and we're trying to make it to Lakeside park before dinner time... sir." referring to the recently opened Amerindian Casino outlet. "They supposed to have some good opening offers there sir... or so they told us in Big Vegas..."
The officers took all the time in the world to check upon the vehicle form the nice and warm interior of the vehicle, while the runners were starting to freeze their butts off... meanwhile Kliko made good use of his time by stuffing a 100 Ares corps script note in the fold of his beanie hat, a corner just visible over the rim and ripe for the perceptives officer taking... "Pls be careful with the audio-systems... sir" 'Damn amerindians are not my fraggin brothers, they not even a pinch better than those fraggin Japano supremacist bastards!'
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
The flurry of rain passed by as the the three of them stood out there in the cold. Kliko with his secure longcoat closed tight up the neck, a black beanie hat on top of his head pocketed both hands to shield them from the cold. 'Drek, better think of something quick...' "Is there a problem officer? Tis cold out here and we're trying to make it to Lakeside park before dinner time... sir." referring to the recently opened Amerindian Casino outlet. "They supposed to have some good opening offers there sir... or so they told us in Big Vegas..."
The officers took all the time in the world to check upon the vehicle form the nice and warm interior of the vehicle, while the runners were starting to freeze their butts off... meanwhile Kliko made good use of his time by stuffing a 100
Ares corps script note in the fold of his beanie hat, a corner just visible over the rim and ripe for the perceptives officer taking... "Pls be careful with the audio-systems... sir" 'Damn amerindians are not my fraggin brothers, they not even a pinch better than those fraggin Japano supremacist bastards!'
16:06:36 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder, Denver
Jamie replies in a low voice, "I'm sure they're fine. I'll call them when we get back to the car." Perhaps I need to explain to him about loose lips and ships.
She finishes filling out her travel papers and approaches the attendant to submit them. Smiling she says, "What do we need to do with these now?"
Jamie replies in a low voice, "I'm sure they're fine. I'll call them when we get back to the car." Perhaps I need to explain to him about loose lips and ships.
She finishes filling out her travel papers and approaches the attendant to submit them. Smiling she says, "What do we need to do with these now?"
16:13:59 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
Large snow flakes swirl around the three travelers, most of them melting once coming in contact any surface. The guard sitting in Kliko's driver seat seems more intent on shuffling papers around and making a mess, than actually searching for illegal contraband. He mashes the buttons on the stereo without reason. He doesn't acknowledge Kliko's please for fitness, but he does stop mashing buttons. He pulls the lever for the hood and climbs out, giving the three onlookers a look of one who enjoys what little power their position gives them. The other guard has finished his reflective search and stands watching his partner poke around the engine.
He returns to the three, staring for a few long seconds, before giving the results of his search. After staring them all down, he looks toward the city while he speaks, "Yer visas haven't cleared yet. You got to fill out a travel pass at the office there to the right. That will allow you to spend your money at the casinos and then be on your way." He looks at Kliko, then he finishes his welcoming towards Bubba, "We don't want any trouble. Got me?"
16:15:10 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder Office, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
The travel pass questionnaire is quite extensive. From work, school and medical history, to heritage, magic, and metahuman status. Jamie's favorite part was Question 31: In 1,000 words or less, explain why you want to visit the Ute Denver.
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
Large snow flakes swirl around the three travelers, most of them melting once coming in contact any surface. The guard sitting in Kliko's driver seat seems more intent on shuffling papers around and making a mess, than actually searching for illegal contraband. He mashes the buttons on the stereo without reason. He doesn't acknowledge Kliko's please for fitness, but he does stop mashing buttons. He pulls the lever for the hood and climbs out, giving the three onlookers a look of one who enjoys what little power their position gives them. The other guard has finished his reflective search and stands watching his partner poke around the engine.
He returns to the three, staring for a few long seconds, before giving the results of his search. After staring them all down, he looks toward the city while he speaks, "Yer visas haven't cleared yet. You got to fill out a travel pass at the office there to the right. That will allow you to spend your money at the casinos and then be on your way." He looks at Kliko, then he finishes his welcoming towards Bubba, "We don't want any trouble. Got me?"
16:15:10 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder Office, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
The travel pass questionnaire is quite extensive. From work, school and medical history, to heritage, magic, and metahuman status. Jamie's favorite part was Question 31: In 1,000 words or less, explain why you want to visit the Ute Denver.
16:15:16 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Boarder Office, Denver
"Thank you sir, we'll do our best to make sure he won't run into trouble officer." 'He'd wish he'd make officer one day.'
Slotting into the customs terminal an ever friendly amerindian female customs-persona pops up. Putting Kliko through the customs interview while automatically dotting down the required data on a notepad. It was tough enough to dig up the background data on one of his many spawns from memory, but question 31 came to Kliko as if natural:
'LAKESIDE AMUSEMENT!'
"Thank you sir, we'll do our best to make sure he won't run into trouble officer." 'He'd wish he'd make officer one day.'
Slotting into the customs terminal an ever friendly amerindian female customs-persona pops up. Putting Kliko through the customs interview while automatically dotting down the required data on a notepad. It was tough enough to dig up the background data on one of his many spawns from memory, but question 31 came to Kliko as if natural:
'LAKESIDE AMUSEMENT!'
Bubba looks surprised. "Troubles? No troubles, just donuts.". Bubba opens a pink donut box and pushes it out the window. "I likes the pink frosting kinds, and besides everyone needs donuts for a job well dones. Help yerself." Bubba smiles thinking he has done something good.
16:16:10 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Border Office, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
Walking into the Border Office, Felix begins filling out the travel pass, pulling out his pocket secretary to copy sections from the visa application for the travel pass. Felix muses to himself, This is why high quality fakes are worth the money.
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
Walking into the Border Office, Felix begins filling out the travel pass, pulling out his pocket secretary to copy sections from the visa application for the travel pass. Felix muses to himself, This is why high quality fakes are worth the money.
16:20:09 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Ute Council-Ute Sector Border Office, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
Rolling out the customs checkpoint Kliko checks his rear view mirror suspiciously often. "You two see any drones tracking us?... you could call me paranoid, but I'm gonna check my motorbay at the next stop anyway... just to make sure." 'Geesh, who would think of hiding something there.'
It is not before long they roll up beside Corsair's SUV. Kliko signalling a clear thumbs up before continueing their way to the lodging Jamie booked this morning.
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
Rolling out the customs checkpoint Kliko checks his rear view mirror suspiciously often. "You two see any drones tracking us?... you could call me paranoid, but I'm gonna check my motorbay at the next stop anyway... just to make sure." 'Geesh, who would think of hiding something there.'
It is not before long they roll up beside Corsair's SUV. Kliko signalling a clear thumbs up before continueing their way to the lodging Jamie booked this morning.
16:20:14 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Road outside Ute Council-Ute Sector Border Office, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
"Is it still paranoia if they are after you? If you have a radio signal scanner in the back somewhere we can take a quick look for anything active while we're driving? Won't help so much if they stuck an Activate on Demand tracker in here but it'll find anything transmitting." Felix goes limp for a second before coming back. "Nothing on the astral following us, but I wouldn't expect them to try and track us that way."
Approximate Elevation: 6800 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
"Is it still paranoia if they are after you? If you have a radio signal scanner in the back somewhere we can take a quick look for anything active while we're driving? Won't help so much if they stuck an Activate on Demand tracker in here but it'll find anything transmitting." Felix goes limp for a second before coming back. "Nothing on the astral following us, but I wouldn't expect them to try and track us that way."
16:21:06 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Road outside Ute Council-Ute Sector Border Office, Denver
Warm and comfortable inside the car
Slotting a second datajack from the base of his neck, activating the cars built-in master unit low-power jammer, a small red dot led-light activates on the Car's console. "Hehe, the question isn't if you're paranoid, the question is if you're paranoid enough."... "Its all about awareness if you'd want my 2 cent. See that border patrol officer... he could have planted some controlled substance under the hood and brief his colleague a few miles ahead to hassle this anglo with attitude. Or worse, a bug... now I got a low powered jammer activated, but it kind of sticks out like a sore thumb when you move around and people lose signal. So best watch your words..." Deactivating the jammer, Kliko disconnects the second console slot.
Warm and comfortable inside the car
Slotting a second datajack from the base of his neck, activating the cars built-in master unit low-power jammer, a small red dot led-light activates on the Car's console. "Hehe, the question isn't if you're paranoid, the question is if you're paranoid enough."... "Its all about awareness if you'd want my 2 cent. See that border patrol officer... he could have planted some controlled substance under the hood and brief his colleague a few miles ahead to hassle this anglo with attitude. Or worse, a bug... now I got a low powered jammer activated, but it kind of sticks out like a sore thumb when you move around and people lose signal. So best watch your words..." Deactivating the jammer, Kliko disconnects the second console slot.
17:12:36 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Road outside Ute Council-Ute Sector Border Office, Denver
Approximate Elevation: 6700 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 33 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
It isn't far to the city, but it isn't close enough. Kliko pulls off at the first gas station, where Jamie and Corsair happen to be, already waiting. He pops the hood and checks the oil, the master cylinder, the transmission fluid, and makes a good sweep for any leaks, tracking devices, or other foreign objects.
"Did you guys pass the test?" Jamie asks sarcastically.
"It's da first test me's ever passed!!!" Bubba exclaims.
Approximate Elevation: 6700 Feet Approximate Weather Conditions: 33 degrees Fahrenheit, Light intermittent flurries
It isn't far to the city, but it isn't close enough. Kliko pulls off at the first gas station, where Jamie and Corsair happen to be, already waiting. He pops the hood and checks the oil, the master cylinder, the transmission fluid, and makes a good sweep for any leaks, tracking devices, or other foreign objects.
"Did you guys pass the test?" Jamie asks sarcastically.
"It's da first test me's ever passed!!!" Bubba exclaims.
17:12:39 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Road outside Ute Council-Ute Sector Border Office, Denver
Jamie smiles at Bubba's answer. "Are we ready to head to the hotel? I made sure to get ground floor rooms with heavy beds for you two." pointing to Kliko and Bubba.
"We can check in, then you can head out to the meeting." Jamie thinks a moment. "Hey Felix, if you can handle lifting Kliko by magic, can you handle the whole SUV?"
Jamie smiles at Bubba's answer. "Are we ready to head to the hotel? I made sure to get ground floor rooms with heavy beds for you two." pointing to Kliko and Bubba.
"We can check in, then you can head out to the meeting." Jamie thinks a moment. "Hey Felix, if you can handle lifting Kliko by magic, can you handle the whole SUV?"
17:12:42 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Road outside Ute Council-Ute Sector Border Office, Denver
Felix laughs and replies "You've been watching too much Karl Kombatmage I think. There is a world of difference from a magical perspective between living breathing creatures and a manufactured object. To say nothing of the mass of the object involved. I can move things up to ~500kg or so if I can concentrate on only that. A SUV weighs in around 3,000kg I think. The other problem is that the invisibility spell I use can't be used on vehicles. An SUV floating across the border would attract a little too much attention."
"That being said, if there's something about magic you don't understand, ask and I'll see if I can't get you an answer. Otherwise, if the electronic gear has been checked, I think Kilko and myself are ready to get dropped off over by Mile High Stadium. Not quite sure why you needed a bed here for Kilko, as we'll be over the wall and in the CAS zone. I wasn't planning on hopping more borders than necessary."
Felix laughs and replies "You've been watching too much Karl Kombatmage I think. There is a world of difference from a magical perspective between living breathing creatures and a manufactured object. To say nothing of the mass of the object involved. I can move things up to ~500kg or so if I can concentrate on only that. A SUV weighs in around 3,000kg I think. The other problem is that the invisibility spell I use can't be used on vehicles. An SUV floating across the border would attract a little too much attention."
"That being said, if there's something about magic you don't understand, ask and I'll see if I can't get you an answer. Otherwise, if the electronic gear has been checked, I think Kilko and myself are ready to get dropped off over by Mile High Stadium. Not quite sure why you needed a bed here for Kilko, as we'll be over the wall and in the CAS zone. I wasn't planning on hopping more borders than necessary."
18:03:07 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Mile High Stadium Area, Denver
Felix and Kilko climb out of the SUV as Jamie drives away and walk silently down the street. They pause at the corner, while Felix calls up an Air Spirit to conceal their crossing. Resuming their walk, they pass a sign blocking them from most cameras, and Kilko disappears from sight. Felix stumbles a bit and mutters under his breath about strange mojo.
Mentally triggering the subvocal mike, Felix sends Let me know if you sense Ultrasound and when to let the spells drop.
With another grunt, Felix sits down at a bus stop, watching both planes of existence as he carefully and slowly maneuvers Kilko across the border and into the park on the CAS side.
I'm in, let the spells drop crackles in his earpiece, and Felix's body relaxes with a sigh. Wiping a bead of sweat of his forehead, Felix stands and begins walking again. Passing behind another ad and Felix disappears as well.
Fighting back an unusual strain and a headache, Felix floats across the border to where Kilko waits before catching the radioed warning. Popping back up and away from the dogs and foot patrol, Felix meets up with Kilko and drops the spells before walking out of the park.
"Magic is a little more resistant to manipulation up here, probably thanks to Ghostwalker" Felix muses to Kilko as they walk out the park along the path. "Shouldn't affect anything too much though. Let's let Radek know we're in town unless you want to find a coffin motel first."
Felix and Kilko climb out of the SUV as Jamie drives away and walk silently down the street. They pause at the corner, while Felix calls up an Air Spirit to conceal their crossing. Resuming their walk, they pass a sign blocking them from most cameras, and Kilko disappears from sight. Felix stumbles a bit and mutters under his breath about strange mojo.
Mentally triggering the subvocal mike, Felix sends Let me know if you sense Ultrasound and when to let the spells drop.
With another grunt, Felix sits down at a bus stop, watching both planes of existence as he carefully and slowly maneuvers Kilko across the border and into the park on the CAS side.
I'm in, let the spells drop crackles in his earpiece, and Felix's body relaxes with a sigh. Wiping a bead of sweat of his forehead, Felix stands and begins walking again. Passing behind another ad and Felix disappears as well.
Fighting back an unusual strain and a headache, Felix floats across the border to where Kilko waits before catching the radioed warning. Popping back up and away from the dogs and foot patrol, Felix meets up with Kilko and drops the spells before walking out of the park.
"Magic is a little more resistant to manipulation up here, probably thanks to Ghostwalker" Felix muses to Kilko as they walk out the park along the path. "Shouldn't affect anything too much though. Let's let Radek know we're in town unless you want to find a coffin motel first."
18:03:07 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Mile High Stadium Area, Denver
"All clear... I'm in position... no wait... Hold your position, somethings coming" At the far end of the track following the CAS-sector side fence, two quads appear gunning along the trail, a surveillance drone following the quads in autopilot mode some 50 meters higher. 'Time to put Felix' mojo to the test' Kliko slowly moves in the shadow of the dumpster he landed next to. Five minutes later Kliko passes the final all clear.
18:12:41 TEXT MESSAGE SENT [KLIKO>>>RADEK] >>>: "We're in position. Pls check with your contact for details"
"Lets get the frag out of here. I send word to our contact just a minute ago."
18:15:27 TEXT MESSAGE SENT [RADEK>>>KLIKO] >>>: "EMPIRE GARDENS RESTAURANT 19:15, Good luck!"
Looking over his mPhone... "Empire Gardens in one hour... supposed to be some kind of restaurant. You up for some chow?.... Its supposed to be in a mall of some kind." Taking 5 minutes to observe the two resident gadget stores Kliko decides to go for the one with the elder family man behind the counter. Judging him as a person with a family to maintain and bills to pay, he made the right person for what Kliko had in mind. Another 5 minutes and Kliko was outside again handset phone and mic in hand they had only very little time to spare...
"All clear... I'm in position... no wait... Hold your position, somethings coming" At the far end of the track following the CAS-sector side fence, two quads appear gunning along the trail, a surveillance drone following the quads in autopilot mode some 50 meters higher. 'Time to put Felix' mojo to the test' Kliko slowly moves in the shadow of the dumpster he landed next to. Five minutes later Kliko passes the final all clear.
18:12:41 TEXT MESSAGE SENT [KLIKO>>>RADEK] >>>: "We're in position. Pls check with your contact for details"
"Lets get the frag out of here. I send word to our contact just a minute ago."
18:15:27 TEXT MESSAGE SENT [RADEK>>>KLIKO] >>>: "EMPIRE GARDENS RESTAURANT 19:15, Good luck!"
Looking over his mPhone... "Empire Gardens in one hour... supposed to be some kind of restaurant. You up for some chow?.... Its supposed to be in a mall of some kind." Taking 5 minutes to observe the two resident gadget stores Kliko decides to go for the one with the elder family man behind the counter. Judging him as a person with a family to maintain and bills to pay, he made the right person for what Kliko had in mind. Another 5 minutes and Kliko was outside again handset phone and mic in hand they had only very little time to spare...
18:16:06 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Coors Field, Blake Street, CAS Denver
Coors Field lies closely between two boarders. Ute-CAS to the west, CAS-Downtown a few streets over to the east. Not far south lies the Aztech Sector, where Kliko and Felix have no intention of heading unless absolutely necessary. The two take a five minute breather after dodging patrols and to allow Felix to gather his mana. They decide he would recover faster in the warm back seat of a cab.
18:57:25 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Aurora Outlet Malls, South Havana Street, Aurora, CAS Denver
As directed the cabby takes the side roads avoiding Downtown and boarder ways. Working his way east, just south of Interstate 70, the yellow car cuts south for a drive through changing landscapes of Denver. Large wild lands, sprawl, suburbs, business districts, sprawl, parks, suburbs... until the car finally pulls into a large shopping center just south of East Mississippi Ave on South Havana Street.
Kliko has the driver drop them off in the middle of the parking lot, preferring for a more tactical approach. With 15 minutes to spare, the two can brave the cold once more. They pay the man and he leaves them to their business.
Empire Gardens is a small store front along the strip mall. Though the parking lot is full, there seems to be a lot of foot traffic along the sidewalks in front of the store. The majority of the crowd is of Asian decent, and most of the store in the area also reflect that culture. Two the north a couple outlet stores lie in the same shopping center. To the south a large indoor/outdoor mall is alive with business.
Coors Field lies closely between two boarders. Ute-CAS to the west, CAS-Downtown a few streets over to the east. Not far south lies the Aztech Sector, where Kliko and Felix have no intention of heading unless absolutely necessary. The two take a five minute breather after dodging patrols and to allow Felix to gather his mana. They decide he would recover faster in the warm back seat of a cab.
18:57:25 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Aurora Outlet Malls, South Havana Street, Aurora, CAS Denver
As directed the cabby takes the side roads avoiding Downtown and boarder ways. Working his way east, just south of Interstate 70, the yellow car cuts south for a drive through changing landscapes of Denver. Large wild lands, sprawl, suburbs, business districts, sprawl, parks, suburbs... until the car finally pulls into a large shopping center just south of East Mississippi Ave on South Havana Street.
Kliko has the driver drop them off in the middle of the parking lot, preferring for a more tactical approach. With 15 minutes to spare, the two can brave the cold once more. They pay the man and he leaves them to their business.
Empire Gardens is a small store front along the strip mall. Though the parking lot is full, there seems to be a lot of foot traffic along the sidewalks in front of the store. The majority of the crowd is of Asian decent, and most of the store in the area also reflect that culture. Two the north a couple outlet stores lie in the same shopping center. To the south a large indoor/outdoor mall is alive with business.
17:12:42 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Road outside Ute Council-Ute Sector Border Office, Denver
Felix scoffs at Jamie's idea. "It was just a thought." she mumbles.
18:03:07 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Mile High Stadium Area, Denver
Jamie records the cell phone numbers for all his team so he can link them in. She drops Felix and Kliko off at the stadium and heads back to the hotel.
18:22:15 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Rent-a-Room motel, Ute Sector, Denver
Using the MSP account she acquired before they left San Francisco, Jamie jacks in and starts looking around the Denver matrix. Aware of the job she will need to do in a couple of hours, Jamie maps out the host route she will need to take to link the calls together.
Felix scoffs at Jamie's idea. "It was just a thought." she mumbles.
18:03:07 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Mile High Stadium Area, Denver
Jamie records the cell phone numbers for all his team so he can link them in. She drops Felix and Kliko off at the stadium and heads back to the hotel.
18:22:15 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Rent-a-Room motel, Ute Sector, Denver
Using the MSP account she acquired before they left San Francisco, Jamie jacks in and starts looking around the Denver matrix. Aware of the job she will need to do in a couple of hours, Jamie maps out the host route she will need to take to link the calls together.
08:15:33 Friday, 31st March 2062 – The Soren’s
Ludi looked at her reflection in the window. She could easily make the heavy bags that had drawn her features down. With her head practically shaved bald, she couldn’t help but feel like a cancer patient. She spent a good part of the night up, ringing up everyone she knew around town. To the guys, all the social calls and fixing up she did for the team must have looked like a cake walk. She’d get a list of things and just say “I will talk to my people.” She’d always been rather careful not to go into any sort of detail about what that entailed exactly. Last night, that had meant getting very little sleep and talking to too many people. Somehow, those in the know never went to bed early. The fact they probably didn’t have a five year old running around to wake them up at 6 in the morning must have helped.
Wrapping her hands around her cup of tea, enjoying the warmth, the young woman looked through the window. The backyard of her new house wasn’t especially green. It wasn’t especially large either. But it was a backyard. That was more luxury than Ludi and her family had ever experienced. She had a backyard, and come the summer, she’d even be able to grow grass, and build a sandbox. Lana apparently didn’t care at all. All dolled up in way too many layers of none matching clothes and sweaters, she kept running from one end to the other, probably pretending to be this or that.
A warm smile crept over Ludmila’s tired face. This was why she did what she did. All the risks, all the sweat, all the blood. She did it for her. She did it so Lana could have those moments she never had. Stepping out the sliding door and unto the back porch, Ludi took a sip from her cup. Kliko had been a bit ticked off when she had called him, telling him she needed a few more days. If they wanted any sort of solid contact network set up in Denver, she needed more time. There was only so much she could do in a few hours. She wasn’t exactly settled on just how she would get to Denver. The almost two day drive wasn’t something she particularly looked forward to... but if she flew in, she would have to go there practically naked...
She sat on the porch’s stair, and looked at Lana play in the yard. Again, the smile crept on Ludi’s face. As tired as she felt, and no matter how much work still laid ahead of her, Ludi felt... happy. Glad.
Life, after all, wasn’t all that bad... now was it? Sure, she was a bad person. A very bad person who did what others might consider evil things. But it was worth it. It was all worth it, for Lana. She would never have to go hungry, cold or scared. She would never have to live the life her mother had.
Ludi took another drink of tea and wondered how early Millard got up on a Friday.
Ludi looked at her reflection in the window. She could easily make the heavy bags that had drawn her features down. With her head practically shaved bald, she couldn’t help but feel like a cancer patient. She spent a good part of the night up, ringing up everyone she knew around town. To the guys, all the social calls and fixing up she did for the team must have looked like a cake walk. She’d get a list of things and just say “I will talk to my people.” She’d always been rather careful not to go into any sort of detail about what that entailed exactly. Last night, that had meant getting very little sleep and talking to too many people. Somehow, those in the know never went to bed early. The fact they probably didn’t have a five year old running around to wake them up at 6 in the morning must have helped.
Wrapping her hands around her cup of tea, enjoying the warmth, the young woman looked through the window. The backyard of her new house wasn’t especially green. It wasn’t especially large either. But it was a backyard. That was more luxury than Ludi and her family had ever experienced. She had a backyard, and come the summer, she’d even be able to grow grass, and build a sandbox. Lana apparently didn’t care at all. All dolled up in way too many layers of none matching clothes and sweaters, she kept running from one end to the other, probably pretending to be this or that.
A warm smile crept over Ludmila’s tired face. This was why she did what she did. All the risks, all the sweat, all the blood. She did it for her. She did it so Lana could have those moments she never had. Stepping out the sliding door and unto the back porch, Ludi took a sip from her cup. Kliko had been a bit ticked off when she had called him, telling him she needed a few more days. If they wanted any sort of solid contact network set up in Denver, she needed more time. There was only so much she could do in a few hours. She wasn’t exactly settled on just how she would get to Denver. The almost two day drive wasn’t something she particularly looked forward to... but if she flew in, she would have to go there practically naked...
She sat on the porch’s stair, and looked at Lana play in the yard. Again, the smile crept on Ludi’s face. As tired as she felt, and no matter how much work still laid ahead of her, Ludi felt... happy. Glad.
Life, after all, wasn’t all that bad... now was it? Sure, she was a bad person. A very bad person who did what others might consider evil things. But it was worth it. It was all worth it, for Lana. She would never have to go hungry, cold or scared. She would never have to live the life her mother had.
Ludi took another drink of tea and wondered how early Millard got up on a Friday.
19:15:43 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Aurora Outlet Malls - near the Empire Garden entrance, South Havana Street, Aurora, CAS Denver
Shutting of his mPhone was the last of his preparations before entering the Empire Gardens. "You ready chummer? Time to collect that nuyen." The two of them moved down the mall hall standing out by sheer length between the crowd of Asians going about their business. 'Predators on the prowl...'
They found the Empire Hardens in an alcove near the malls southern main street. Flanking the sides were to red-painted Chinese dragon sculptures inviting them in, the Chinese Vase (imitation) between the two entrances to the side offering a symbolic representation of the dragons hoard further inside 'This better not be a foreboding...'
Kliko removed his beanie hat while entering the restaurant business looking for exits first, their contact second before centering on the friendly hostess looking up at the two of them. Nodding his head in acknowledgment of her presence, "We're supposed to meet a somebody here. Somebody around?"
Shutting of his mPhone was the last of his preparations before entering the Empire Gardens. "You ready chummer? Time to collect that nuyen." The two of them moved down the mall hall standing out by sheer length between the crowd of Asians going about their business. 'Predators on the prowl...'
They found the Empire Hardens in an alcove near the malls southern main street. Flanking the sides were to red-painted Chinese dragon sculptures inviting them in, the Chinese Vase (imitation) between the two entrances to the side offering a symbolic representation of the dragons hoard further inside 'This better not be a foreboding...'
Kliko removed his beanie hat while entering the restaurant business looking for exits first, their contact second before centering on the friendly hostess looking up at the two of them. Nodding his head in acknowledgment of her presence, "We're supposed to meet a somebody here. Somebody around?"
18:38:37 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Rent-a-Room motel, Ute Sector, Denver
Jamie's scouting run complete, she jacks out and waits for Kliko's signal that he is heading to the actual meet. A short time later, her phone rings Kliko's call is right on time.
19:16:13 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Aurora Outlet Malls - near the Empire Garden entrance, South Havana Street, Aurora, CAS Denver
Jamie jacks in and spoofs an older account to access the Ute grid. Paraku materializes in the LTG. Paraku suspects the RTG is using older code that she was familiar with.
Bouncing up to the RTG, Paraku dumps a couple of overload packets into the recheck buffer and cobbles together a bald faced ID. When the recheck buffer hangs, Paraku slides right into the RTG.
Paraku spins out a thin filament of herself. It stretches out of sight into the comm system. A nanosecond later, the call goes out to Corsair. Knowing the the call is made, Paraku doesn't wait for the answer.
The CAS sector grid is more up to date. The recheck buffer trick won't work there. Paraku winds out her previously cobbled together ID. When the RTG signal goes out, Paraku intercepts it. She dumps it into a loop and sends back an affirmative signal to the CAS authentication subsystem. When the RTG portal opens, Paraku strides in like she owns the place.
She lets another filament unwind into the telecom system. Her code trips a phone call to Kliko's cell. She waits for his answer, then settles down to eavesdrop on the meeting.
Jamie's scouting run complete, she jacks out and waits for Kliko's signal that he is heading to the actual meet. A short time later, her phone rings Kliko's call is right on time.
19:16:13 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Aurora Outlet Malls - near the Empire Garden entrance, South Havana Street, Aurora, CAS Denver
Jamie jacks in and spoofs an older account to access the Ute grid. Paraku materializes in the LTG. Paraku suspects the RTG is using older code that she was familiar with.
Bouncing up to the RTG, Paraku dumps a couple of overload packets into the recheck buffer and cobbles together a bald faced ID. When the recheck buffer hangs, Paraku slides right into the RTG.
Paraku spins out a thin filament of herself. It stretches out of sight into the comm system. A nanosecond later, the call goes out to Corsair. Knowing the the call is made, Paraku doesn't wait for the answer.
The CAS sector grid is more up to date. The recheck buffer trick won't work there. Paraku winds out her previously cobbled together ID. When the RTG signal goes out, Paraku intercepts it. She dumps it into a loop and sends back an affirmative signal to the CAS authentication subsystem. When the RTG portal opens, Paraku strides in like she owns the place.
She lets another filament unwind into the telecom system. Her code trips a phone call to Kliko's cell. She waits for his answer, then settles down to eavesdrop on the meeting.
19:15:50 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Aurora Outlet Mall - Empire Garden, South Havana Street, Aurora, CAS Denver
The strip mall restaurant is over saturated with imitation Chinese decor. Small bamboo plants, large fake bamboo trees, koi, panda, tiger, dragon and Budda statues sit in every corner and on every flat surface available. Less is more, but more offers a little more privacy as each booth and table are separated by some monstrosity of so-called-art. What can be interpreted as "classic" Chinese music plays loud enough that nearby conversations cannot be overheard.
A large fish tank filled with koi and bamboo sits below the hostess's counter. Inside, staying consistent with the rest of the restaurant, is a dragon blowing air bubbles out of his nostrils from his lair in the red and black gravel.
"We're supposed to meet a somebody here. Somebody around?" Kliko asks the hostess.
"Do you have a reservation?" the young lady kindly asks.
"Yes," he pauses trying to pronounce the name that Radek gave him correctly, "Xi-Long."
She smiles, as her eyes quickly dance over Kliko, then takes a coquettish look at Felix and her smile broadens as she blushes. She grabs four menus, carrying them closely to her chest with both arms wrapped around them, she leads the two men toward the back. They pass a large sculpture and Felix lets out small laugh, as he finds a Budda sculpture they pass strangely resembles Bubba.
The hostess stops at the last booth where a man and a woman stand as their guests arrive. He is tall and lanky, a high forehead and thinning dark hair that is brushed back but somewhat unkempt. She is medium build, tall for a woman, dark hair that is cut short, slicked back like a 1930s style gangster. Kliko can't help but imagine a chapka upon her head.
"Your waitress will be with you shortly," the flushing young hostess informs the party as she lays the menus on the table.
The lady in a pant suit standing across from them gestures for them to sit down. "I am sure you know Mr. Johnson. I am his associate. You can call me Mrs. Johnson."
Felix slides into the booth, scanning the area astrally again, but not spotting anything too outside of the mundane. Kliko follows, making a quick diagnosis of the other customers. An orc sitting by himself faced toward their table seems like a likely bodyguard, but that is normal for any meet.
"Shall we get right to business?" Mr. Johnson asks
"The sooner the better," Kliko replies, thinking the sooner I get my 10 large the better.
Mr. Johnson nods, then looks down at his hands, which are clasped on top of the table. He looks back up, and seems a little paler than before. "I belong to an organization called the Children of the Dragon, a faction that follows Joshua Morningstar after he had a vision. A vision he claims came from the Great Dragon Spirit that told him Ghostwalker was the Spirit's new incarnation and the savior of humanity. His devotion to Ghostwalker divided the church, but we were able to take over some of the temples, including the one here in Denver."
He pauses and takes a deep breath, trying to slow himself down.
"With that in mind, you can imagine my shock when I discovered that Brother Morningstar, our leader and guide, has been working secretly with a dragon other than Ghostwalker, whom he proclaimed our savior!" He takes another deep breath. "I chanced to overhear a conversation between Morningstar and this other dragon that he calls 'master,' but I haven't been able to find proof that Morningstar has betrayed us. I cannot confront him or he might destroy the evidence, or try to eliminate me. I cannot go to the others in the church because they are all loyal to Brother Morningstar, but I'm also not willing to turn away and let them be deceived.
"I need you to acquire Brother Morningstar's private computer files. More importantly, I need you to acquire Brother Morningstar himself and help me discover if he has betrayed the Children of the Dragon... If his vision about Ghostwalker was false! - Some sort of ruse!"
Mr. Johnson is obviously upset, and Mrs. Johnson takes over. "That is the job. We offer five thousand nuyen up front, plus the ten for the meet, and another 100 grand upon completion.
"Do we have a deal?"
The strip mall restaurant is over saturated with imitation Chinese decor. Small bamboo plants, large fake bamboo trees, koi, panda, tiger, dragon and Budda statues sit in every corner and on every flat surface available. Less is more, but more offers a little more privacy as each booth and table are separated by some monstrosity of so-called-art. What can be interpreted as "classic" Chinese music plays loud enough that nearby conversations cannot be overheard.
A large fish tank filled with koi and bamboo sits below the hostess's counter. Inside, staying consistent with the rest of the restaurant, is a dragon blowing air bubbles out of his nostrils from his lair in the red and black gravel.
"We're supposed to meet a somebody here. Somebody around?" Kliko asks the hostess.
"Do you have a reservation?" the young lady kindly asks.
"Yes," he pauses trying to pronounce the name that Radek gave him correctly, "Xi-Long."
[ Spoiler ]
She smiles, as her eyes quickly dance over Kliko, then takes a coquettish look at Felix and her smile broadens as she blushes. She grabs four menus, carrying them closely to her chest with both arms wrapped around them, she leads the two men toward the back. They pass a large sculpture and Felix lets out small laugh, as he finds a Budda sculpture they pass strangely resembles Bubba.
The hostess stops at the last booth where a man and a woman stand as their guests arrive. He is tall and lanky, a high forehead and thinning dark hair that is brushed back but somewhat unkempt. She is medium build, tall for a woman, dark hair that is cut short, slicked back like a 1930s style gangster. Kliko can't help but imagine a chapka upon her head.
"Your waitress will be with you shortly," the flushing young hostess informs the party as she lays the menus on the table.
The lady in a pant suit standing across from them gestures for them to sit down. "I am sure you know Mr. Johnson. I am his associate. You can call me Mrs. Johnson."
Felix slides into the booth, scanning the area astrally again, but not spotting anything too outside of the mundane. Kliko follows, making a quick diagnosis of the other customers. An orc sitting by himself faced toward their table seems like a likely bodyguard, but that is normal for any meet.
"Shall we get right to business?" Mr. Johnson asks
"The sooner the better," Kliko replies, thinking the sooner I get my 10 large the better.
Mr. Johnson nods, then looks down at his hands, which are clasped on top of the table. He looks back up, and seems a little paler than before. "I belong to an organization called the Children of the Dragon, a faction that follows Joshua Morningstar after he had a vision. A vision he claims came from the Great Dragon Spirit that told him Ghostwalker was the Spirit's new incarnation and the savior of humanity. His devotion to Ghostwalker divided the church, but we were able to take over some of the temples, including the one here in Denver."
He pauses and takes a deep breath, trying to slow himself down.
"With that in mind, you can imagine my shock when I discovered that Brother Morningstar, our leader and guide, has been working secretly with a dragon other than Ghostwalker, whom he proclaimed our savior!" He takes another deep breath. "I chanced to overhear a conversation between Morningstar and this other dragon that he calls 'master,' but I haven't been able to find proof that Morningstar has betrayed us. I cannot confront him or he might destroy the evidence, or try to eliminate me. I cannot go to the others in the church because they are all loyal to Brother Morningstar, but I'm also not willing to turn away and let them be deceived.
"I need you to acquire Brother Morningstar's private computer files. More importantly, I need you to acquire Brother Morningstar himself and help me discover if he has betrayed the Children of the Dragon... If his vision about Ghostwalker was false! - Some sort of ruse!"
Mr. Johnson is obviously upset, and Mrs. Johnson takes over. "That is the job. We offer five thousand nuyen up front, plus the ten for the meet, and another 100 grand upon completion.
"Do we have a deal?"
19:15:50 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Aurora Outlet Malls - near the Empire Garden entrance, South Havana Street, Aurora, CAS Denver
This guy is over reacting. Kidnapping this person is not going to be easy.
Sitting on the commcall, Jamie lays a message on the line. "Contact, that's not enough up front for a job of this magnitude. I have concerns about opposing fanatics as well."
This guy is over reacting. Kidnapping this person is not going to be easy.
Sitting on the commcall, Jamie lays a message on the line. "Contact, that's not enough up front for a job of this magnitude. I have concerns about opposing fanatics as well."
19:18:56 Sunday, 2 April 2062 - Aurora Outlet Malls - near the Empire Garden entrance, South Havana Street, Aurora, CAS Denver
Nodding in acknowledgement Kliko was sure to flash a smile at the lone orc 'Felix better fry that one first'.
Listening to the J's sermon on dragons ' = = better be no real dragons involved...
1) Data extraction
2) Kidnap cult leader
3) Safehousing?... where?
4) Hardware? ... bystanders, this is a fraggin inside job!
5) Is he sure there really is a problem?...'
Kliko finally replied. "I sympathize with your situation sir, ma'am... It must be a heavy burden on your shoulders, but you made the right choice when you contacted our mutual friend and I think we can help you out and develop a discrete solution to your dilemma. There are some complications we have to take in to account first though before we put down an offer and talk nuyen... these are your own people after all sir, ma'am and I trust you want to keep them out of harms way?" 'How's that for a sales pitch?'
"Now in order for us to help you out and make this work we need to get specific and we need your help... We're out of towners for obvious reasons... That means we're as good as immobile with all the visa requirements to move sector-to-sector... it also means we travelled light coming here..."
"Now given time and nuyen we can arrange all this and more and you won't see or hear from us until we deliver your brother unharmed and untouched 'and unconscious' at your feet, but you must respect our position as entrepeneurs" 'and our bottom line'... So my question is sir... how can you help us, help you?"
Nodding in acknowledgement Kliko was sure to flash a smile at the lone orc 'Felix better fry that one first'.
Listening to the J's sermon on dragons '
= = better be no real dragons involved...1) Data extraction
2) Kidnap cult leader
3) Safehousing?... where?
4) Hardware? ... bystanders, this is a fraggin inside job!
5) Is he sure there really is a problem?...'
Kliko finally replied. "I sympathize with your situation sir, ma'am... It must be a heavy burden on your shoulders, but you made the right choice when you contacted our mutual friend and I think we can help you out and develop a discrete solution to your dilemma. There are some complications we have to take in to account first though before we put down an offer and talk nuyen... these are your own people after all sir, ma'am and I trust you want to keep them out of harms way?" 'How's that for a sales pitch?'
"Now in order for us to help you out and make this work we need to get specific and we need your help... We're out of towners for obvious reasons... That means we're as good as immobile with all the visa requirements to move sector-to-sector... it also means we travelled light coming here..."
"Now given time and nuyen we can arrange all this and more and you won't see or hear from us until we deliver your brother unharmed and untouched 'and unconscious' at your feet, but you must respect our position as entrepeneurs" 'and our bottom line'... So my question is sir... how can you help us, help you?"
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