Amy, on the road, Aurora Warrens, 11:00 PM, July 29th, 2075
"Good for you, Tony. Most of us down here have trouble getting out. Especially up and out. There's not much to say about me, chummer. Grew up around these parts and now I've got a few more nuyen than I used to. Just trying to keep making a few more without getting into trouble, you know." She smiles, though her mouth is covered. "First time hopping on a Mile High taxi, too, and I like it so far. I'll need you to wait for me for a while where you drop me, if that's okay, so I'll let you choose a safe spot."
Full Version: Nothing's Free in the Free Zone (IC)
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Amy, on the road, Aurora Warrens, 11:05 PM, July 29th, 2075
"Mile High is pretty good to work for too. Decent pay, and usually no one messes with you." He pauses as they pass a butcher's shop, with three old men sitting outside it. Tony slows down, and rolls down the window, waving to the men, calling out a greeting in Italian. They continue on and the neighborhood starts to deteriorate.
Tony's smile is gone, replaced by a look of concentration. "Usually - here is one of the exceptions. Hold on - as long as we don't stop we should be fine." He begins to accelerate, and from the back seat Amy can see he is forced to negotiate a slalom course of cars and primitive-looking barricades. Looking out her window, she can see several shapes moving amongst the burned out buildings along the road.
"Mile High is pretty good to work for too. Decent pay, and usually no one messes with you." He pauses as they pass a butcher's shop, with three old men sitting outside it. Tony slows down, and rolls down the window, waving to the men, calling out a greeting in Italian. They continue on and the neighborhood starts to deteriorate.
Tony's smile is gone, replaced by a look of concentration. "Usually - here is one of the exceptions. Hold on - as long as we don't stop we should be fine." He begins to accelerate, and from the back seat Amy can see he is forced to negotiate a slalom course of cars and primitive-looking barricades. Looking out her window, she can see several shapes moving amongst the burned out buildings along the road.
UCAS Hub, Inside Club QXT, 10:34 PM, July 29th, 2075
<<@JustJack [Grease] Anything else you want to ask him? I think we're on a timeline here.>>
Jack gives Grease a subtle shake of the head, and Grease nods. "Thank you Mr. Candle; you've been very helpful. I will be sure to let my employer know about your cooperation. Of course, my employer values his privacy. I presume you will forget all about our conversation, won't you?" Paul nods furiously, and Grease smiles. "Excellent. I knew you would be smart about this. If you'll excuse us, I think we will take you up on that free drink at the bar."
with a raise of the eyebrows Grease dismisses Candle, who is more than happy to oblige and scurry away at high speed. Adjusting his sleeves under his jacket, Grease nods to Jack and starts walking casually over to the bar to find Lisa.
<<@JustJack [Grease] Anything else you want to ask him? I think we're on a timeline here.>>
Jack gives Grease a subtle shake of the head, and Grease nods. "Thank you Mr. Candle; you've been very helpful. I will be sure to let my employer know about your cooperation. Of course, my employer values his privacy. I presume you will forget all about our conversation, won't you?" Paul nods furiously, and Grease smiles. "Excellent. I knew you would be smart about this. If you'll excuse us, I think we will take you up on that free drink at the bar."
with a raise of the eyebrows Grease dismisses Candle, who is more than happy to oblige and scurry away at high speed. Adjusting his sleeves under his jacket, Grease nods to Jack and starts walking casually over to the bar to find Lisa.
UCAS Hub, Inside Club QXT, 10:34 PM, July 29th, 2075
Paul walks out the door as two men, both human, both sporting the same buzzcut hairstyles and mirror shades walk into the room. The strobe bounce off of their bronze shields on their chests, and several patients sort of try to fade into the background at their approach. The men walk into the room and start moving from person to person, conducting quick interviews and SIN checks.
Paul walks out the door as two men, both human, both sporting the same buzzcut hairstyles and mirror shades walk into the room. The strobe bounce off of their bronze shields on their chests, and several patients sort of try to fade into the background at their approach. The men walk into the room and start moving from person to person, conducting quick interviews and SIN checks.
UCAS Hub, Inside Club QXT, 10:35 PM, July 29th, 2075
As Paul walked away, Jack and Grease stood up from the booth and walked toward the bar. Jack tapped in a quick message using his AR keyboard.
<<@Grease [JustJack] If Lisa doesn't pan out, we can hit up Paul to pass a message to this Argent guy that we're looking for him on our way out>>
Sending the message, Jack focused himself on their surroundings, letting Grease handle Lisa. The ork noted the arrival of LoneStar with a disappointed glance.
As Paul walked away, Jack and Grease stood up from the booth and walked toward the bar. Jack tapped in a quick message using his AR keyboard.
<<@Grease [JustJack] If Lisa doesn't pan out, we can hit up Paul to pass a message to this Argent guy that we're looking for him on our way out>>
Sending the message, Jack focused himself on their surroundings, letting Grease handle Lisa. The ork noted the arrival of LoneStar with a disappointed glance.
Amy, on the road, Aurora Warrens, 11:05 PM, July 29th, 2075
As they passed through a particularly unwelcoming neighborhood, Amy wondered if this was where ghouls were said to live, also wondering what those things really were. If half of the things people said about them were true, they were truly terrifying and bloodthirsty creatures. Feeling insecure, she checked the astral to see if the great owl was following along.
As they passed through a particularly unwelcoming neighborhood, Amy wondered if this was where ghouls were said to live, also wondering what those things really were. If half of the things people said about them were true, they were truly terrifying and bloodthirsty creatures. Feeling insecure, she checked the astral to see if the great owl was following along.
Amy, on the road, Aurora Warrens, 11:05 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy shifts her perception to include the Astral plane, and the landscape is tinged with a red hue. Amy has a brief sensation of nausea, and her vision blurs before snapping back into focus. The shapes lope along trying to shadow the car, but Tony is slowly pulling away from them. The owl spirit is there, flying above and behind them, its feather's bristling from the psychic residue. What shocks Amy the most is when one of the creatures looks back at her and clearly can see her Astral form, and lets up a high pitched ululating cry.
The creatures begin to move faster, and Tony responds accordingly, avoiding each obstacle with a skill that can only be found among riggers, making sure they stay well in front of the pack. It is risky, because at this speed, a collision could be fatal, but he soon shoots past the last obstacle, and the creatures seem unwilling to follow him outside their territory.
As they continue down the road, his breathing beginning to slow, he adjusts the mirror with a mental command and says, "Well, that will get your heart going - are you okay back there?"
Amy shifts her perception to include the Astral plane, and the landscape is tinged with a red hue. Amy has a brief sensation of nausea, and her vision blurs before snapping back into focus. The shapes lope along trying to shadow the car, but Tony is slowly pulling away from them. The owl spirit is there, flying above and behind them, its feather's bristling from the psychic residue. What shocks Amy the most is when one of the creatures looks back at her and clearly can see her Astral form, and lets up a high pitched ululating cry.
The creatures begin to move faster, and Tony responds accordingly, avoiding each obstacle with a skill that can only be found among riggers, making sure they stay well in front of the pack. It is risky, because at this speed, a collision could be fatal, but he soon shoots past the last obstacle, and the creatures seem unwilling to follow him outside their territory.
As they continue down the road, his breathing beginning to slow, he adjusts the mirror with a mental command and says, "Well, that will get your heart going - are you okay back there?"
Amy, on the road, Aurora Warrens, 11:05 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy's heart is pounding. She remained alert the whole time, and ready to act at a moment's notice. This is crazy.. I can't believe we might have to pass through here again on the return trip.
"I'm.. I'm all right, thanks to you. Can we avoid this area on our way back?"
Amy's heart is pounding. She remained alert the whole time, and ready to act at a moment's notice. This is crazy.. I can't believe we might have to pass through here again on the return trip.
"I'm.. I'm all right, thanks to you. Can we avoid this area on our way back?"
UCAS Hub, Inside Club QXT, 10:35 PM, July 29th, 2075
Walking up to the bar, Grease finds Lisa and waits for her to come by. When she approaches he does his best to seem non-threatening and calm, laying on what charm he has remaining for the evening."I'd like a drink, and some information. Paul suggested you would be accommodating with both." Grease waves his AR display to deposit 100
in Lisa's tip pool for the night. "There was a good Samaritan here the other night, name of Argent. I'm looking to speak with him and hear his story about the shooting. Do you know how to contact him?"
Walking up to the bar, Grease finds Lisa and waits for her to come by. When she approaches he does his best to seem non-threatening and calm, laying on what charm he has remaining for the evening."I'd like a drink, and some information. Paul suggested you would be accommodating with both." Grease waves his AR display to deposit 100
in Lisa's tip pool for the night. "There was a good Samaritan here the other night, name of Argent. I'm looking to speak with him and hear his story about the shooting. Do you know how to contact him?"
Amy, on the road, Aurora Warrens, 11:05 PM, July 29th, 2075
"We can, but that means going all the way around the Warrens and coming back in - otherwise we have to go through Vory territory, and it isn't worth my life traveling through there. The Ghouls are nasty, but they don't have the firepower the Russians do." He sighs. "I don't mind going the long way, but the car is going to register the extra miles, which is going to cost you more money. Probably at least another 40"
He starts to slow down, and says, "While you think on that, we are getting close to your port of call - any place in particular I can drop you off? The Los Mags aren't beefing with the Chavez right now, so I'm okay with anywhere."
"We can, but that means going all the way around the Warrens and coming back in - otherwise we have to go through Vory territory, and it isn't worth my life traveling through there. The Ghouls are nasty, but they don't have the firepower the Russians do." He sighs. "I don't mind going the long way, but the car is going to register the extra miles, which is going to cost you more money. Probably at least another 40
"He starts to slow down, and says, "While you think on that, we are getting close to your port of call - any place in particular I can drop you off? The Los Mags aren't beefing with the Chavez right now, so I'm okay with anywhere."
UCAS Hub, Inside Club QXT, 10:35 PM, July 29th, 2075
The bartender brightens visibly at the tip - grabbing a bottle from the top shelf and pouring Grease a shot. "How can I help, darlin'?" Her accent is hard to place exactly, sounds like Kentucky or Tennessee. When Grease asks about Argent, she hedges. "I've got his contact number, you don't mean him no harm, do you? He's got a rough exterior, but he's a good man deep down. I ask not only to protect him, but you too - you seem like a nice enough feller and I'd hate to see him muss your hair much."
The bartender brightens visibly at the tip - grabbing a bottle from the top shelf and pouring Grease a shot. "How can I help, darlin'?" Her accent is hard to place exactly, sounds like Kentucky or Tennessee. When Grease asks about Argent, she hedges. "I've got his contact number, you don't mean him no harm, do you? He's got a rough exterior, but he's a good man deep down. I ask not only to protect him, but you too - you seem like a nice enough feller and I'd hate to see him muss your hair much."
UCAS Hub, Inside Club QXT, 10:35 PM, July 29th, 2075
Grease nods solemnly. "Yes, I heard he's quite capable. I can assure you I mean him no harm; I am working for the family of the slain officer, and any eye witnesses such as himself would be invaluable to my investigation. If Mr. Candle is correct, he may have seen the killers himself which would aid us immensely in tracking them down." Grease downs the shot slowly, savoring it and appreciating the top shelf liquor. As Lisa turns to pour someone else a drink, Grease sneaks a peek at his AR display for his Fly-Spy, seeing where the Lone Star Officers are in their sweep. "Besides, if my story is straight it doesn't sound like he was too fond of them; having taken a few shots at them of his own."
Grease nods solemnly. "Yes, I heard he's quite capable. I can assure you I mean him no harm; I am working for the family of the slain officer, and any eye witnesses such as himself would be invaluable to my investigation. If Mr. Candle is correct, he may have seen the killers himself which would aid us immensely in tracking them down." Grease downs the shot slowly, savoring it and appreciating the top shelf liquor. As Lisa turns to pour someone else a drink, Grease sneaks a peek at his AR display for his Fly-Spy, seeing where the Lone Star Officers are in their sweep. "Besides, if my story is straight it doesn't sound like he was too fond of them; having taken a few shots at them of his own."
UCAS Hub, Inside Club QXT, 10:35 PM, July 29th, 2075
She waves her fingers and the digits appear as an ARO for Grease to file away in his commlink. The Fly-Spy's window shows the officers starting to move toward the bar, but the crowd on the dance floor is slowing them down.
"Y'all git now - you may be helping out that poor officer's family, but I can tell you don't want to talk to the cops right now. Don't worry, I'll cover for ya. Come back again soon, y'hear?" She moves over to another customer at the bar, and says something in his ear. He smiles, picks up his beer and staggers toward the two officers. Jack and Grease take the hint nodding to Lisa on the way out as they skirt around the dance floor. The "drunken man" trips and falls at the feet of the officers, holding on to them as they help him to his feet, allowing Grease and Jack to walk out the front door.
She waves her fingers and the digits appear as an ARO for Grease to file away in his commlink. The Fly-Spy's window shows the officers starting to move toward the bar, but the crowd on the dance floor is slowing them down.
"Y'all git now - you may be helping out that poor officer's family, but I can tell you don't want to talk to the cops right now. Don't worry, I'll cover for ya. Come back again soon, y'hear?" She moves over to another customer at the bar, and says something in his ear. He smiles, picks up his beer and staggers toward the two officers. Jack and Grease take the hint nodding to Lisa on the way out as they skirt around the dance floor. The "drunken man" trips and falls at the feet of the officers, holding on to them as they help him to his feet, allowing Grease and Jack to walk out the front door.
Amy, on the road, Aurora Warrens, 11:05 PM, July 29th, 2075
"I'll pay extra to go around if it's safer. And I really need you to wait for me, so I'll pay you double for all the time of your wait. It'll be part of your tip for excellent driving, Tony," says Amy. "You can go ahead and park on 2nd Avenue. I don't know how long it'll be till I come back. Here's what I owe you so far." She adds a generous tip to the amount before heading off on foot towards Sable Blvd.
"I'll pay extra to go around if it's safer. And I really need you to wait for me, so I'll pay you double for all the time of your wait. It'll be part of your tip for excellent driving, Tony," says Amy. "You can go ahead and park on 2nd Avenue. I don't know how long it'll be till I come back. Here's what I owe you so far." She adds a generous tip to the amount before heading off on foot towards Sable Blvd.
UCAS Hub, Outside Club QXT, 10:35 PM, July 29th, 2075
Drave stood down the street around a corner and casually watched Lone Star entering QXT from the view provided to him by his Fliegegeheimagent flying outside the club. "Zu spat," he said to himself with a grin. But even as he grinned, Drave was frustrated with himself. Frustrated that he had put his crew into that tight of a spot on what should have been an easy data-grab. He had not expected to find such advanced encryption in the Host of a nightclub; but even with that in mind, Drave knew he could have done better. He should have done better, it wasn't just his ass he had to keep safe. Screwing up like that again could land them all in hot water if he was in a serious Host.
As he further considered his missteps in the Matrix that night, he realized the show was over at the club and called his Fliegegeheimagent back to him. "Danke" he whispered to the little drone as it flew into one of his pockets. He then continued walking down the street toward Union Station. Once there, he casually waited to meet Jack and Grease after their business was through.
Drave stood down the street around a corner and casually watched Lone Star entering QXT from the view provided to him by his Fliegegeheimagent flying outside the club. "Zu spat," he said to himself with a grin. But even as he grinned, Drave was frustrated with himself. Frustrated that he had put his crew into that tight of a spot on what should have been an easy data-grab. He had not expected to find such advanced encryption in the Host of a nightclub; but even with that in mind, Drave knew he could have done better. He should have done better, it wasn't just his ass he had to keep safe. Screwing up like that again could land them all in hot water if he was in a serious Host.
As he further considered his missteps in the Matrix that night, he realized the show was over at the club and called his Fliegegeheimagent back to him. "Danke" he whispered to the little drone as it flew into one of his pockets. He then continued walking down the street toward Union Station. Once there, he casually waited to meet Jack and Grease after their business was through.
UCAS Hub, Outside Club QXT, 10:35 PM, July 29th, 2075
Shuffling through the club at a hurried but casual looking pace, Grease and Jack slip out without having to test their fake SINs against Lonestar's heightened security measures.
Have to remember the security response in an area like this is pretty snappy; interesting that murder remained unsolved..
As he's exiting the building Grease makes sure to send commands to his drones, who eventually follow him out and meet up with him on the street, where he collects and stores them back in his jacket.
Grease sends a quick message to Jack and Overkill as he's walking towards the shuttle.
<<@Team [Grease]: Let's regroup once we're back in the UCAS zone. I think we have a lot to talk about. Overkill; I think we should see if there's anything available on the Matrix about this Argent; I want to know as much as possible about him before we meet him.>>
Shuffling through the club at a hurried but casual looking pace, Grease and Jack slip out without having to test their fake SINs against Lonestar's heightened security measures.
Have to remember the security response in an area like this is pretty snappy; interesting that murder remained unsolved..
As he's exiting the building Grease makes sure to send commands to his drones, who eventually follow him out and meet up with him on the street, where he collects and stores them back in his jacket.
Grease sends a quick message to Jack and Overkill as he's walking towards the shuttle.
<<@Team [Grease]: Let's regroup once we're back in the UCAS zone. I think we have a lot to talk about. Overkill; I think we should see if there's anything available on the Matrix about this Argent; I want to know as much as possible about him before we meet him.>>
UCAS Hub, Outside Club QXT, 10:38 PM, July 29th, 2075
Grease and Jack walked through the front door of QXTs and out into the street. Jack gave Paul a measured stare while Grease said something to the bouncer that the ork couldn't quite hear. High-fiving the ork bouncer as he walked past the parked Lone Star cruiser at the curb, Jack turned back to Grease and said, "I want to swing by that alley where the ambush was set and see if Lone Star missed any evidence before we head back to Union Station."
Walking across the street, Jack pulled up the camera footage and triangulated the most likely alley based on Argent's positioning when he returned fire. Standing at the end of the most likely alley, he took time to carefully scan for any potential danger.
Grease and Jack walked through the front door of QXTs and out into the street. Jack gave Paul a measured stare while Grease said something to the bouncer that the ork couldn't quite hear. High-fiving the ork bouncer as he walked past the parked Lone Star cruiser at the curb, Jack turned back to Grease and said, "I want to swing by that alley where the ambush was set and see if Lone Star missed any evidence before we head back to Union Station."
Walking across the street, Jack pulled up the camera footage and triangulated the most likely alley based on Argent's positioning when he returned fire. Standing at the end of the most likely alley, he took time to carefully scan for any potential danger.
UCAS Hub, Outside Club QXT, 10:38 PM, July 29th, 2075
Jack looks down the alley, searching for hints of movement. He can see a rat or two scuttling between dumpsters, but apart from that it looks clear.
Grease and Jack cross the street, dodging the traffic, and enter the alley. Judging from the angle from the spot where Mitchell was shot, Jack determines that the shot can't have come from more than 20 feet down the alley - any further and the building would have blocked the shooter.
Jack looks down the alley, searching for hints of movement. He can see a rat or two scuttling between dumpsters, but apart from that it looks clear.
Grease and Jack cross the street, dodging the traffic, and enter the alley. Judging from the angle from the spot where Mitchell was shot, Jack determines that the shot can't have come from more than 20 feet down the alley - any further and the building would have blocked the shooter.
UCAS Hub, Outside Club QXT, 10:40 PM, July 29th, 2075
Jack looked over to Grease and said, "Keep an eye out for the Star for me. If they look at you funny, just head out and shoot me a message." Entering the alley, the ork began by examining the walls for signs of return fire or bloodspatter from return fire finding its mark. He then turned his attention to the ground, looking for spent shell casings or dropped gear that Lone Star may have overlooked. He didn't have high hopes considering even the Hub had its fair share of destitute squatters who would likely have picked over the area already. Still, he had to make the attempt.
Jack looked over to Grease and said, "Keep an eye out for the Star for me. If they look at you funny, just head out and shoot me a message." Entering the alley, the ork began by examining the walls for signs of return fire or bloodspatter from return fire finding its mark. He then turned his attention to the ground, looking for spent shell casings or dropped gear that Lone Star may have overlooked. He didn't have high hopes considering even the Hub had its fair share of destitute squatters who would likely have picked over the area already. Still, he had to make the attempt.
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:05 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy leaves the Americar, and hears the door locks click behind her. Tony waves at her and smiles reassuringly as he rolls his window up.
She walks two blocks, the moon high in the sky giving her elven eyes more than enough light to see the area around her. With the heat of the season, and no climate control inside the apartment blocks and houses, the streets are busy.
Corner boys put up AROs advertising their product. "WMD here! 10 a hit, get your WMD here!"
Addicts move like zombies, shuffling from corner to corner while cars slowly drive down the street, stopping at one boy to pay, and another to pick up the product.
Each group is visibly armed, mostly pistols but the occasional shotgun. is present as well.
Watching over them all are a group of Los Mags, four of them sitting on a stoop, their tattoos clearly marking them.
Amy leaves the Americar, and hears the door locks click behind her. Tony waves at her and smiles reassuringly as he rolls his window up.
She walks two blocks, the moon high in the sky giving her elven eyes more than enough light to see the area around her. With the heat of the season, and no climate control inside the apartment blocks and houses, the streets are busy.
Corner boys put up AROs advertising their product. "WMD here! 10
a hit, get your WMD here!"Addicts move like zombies, shuffling from corner to corner while cars slowly drive down the street, stopping at one boy to pay, and another to pick up the product.
Each group is visibly armed, mostly pistols but the occasional shotgun. is present as well.
Watching over them all are a group of Los Mags, four of them sitting on a stoop, their tattoos clearly marking them.
UCAS Hub, Union Station, 10:35 PM, July 29th, 2075
Drave received the message from Grease while he was already outside of the waiting area before the check-ins to board the shuttles having a few puffs of a fancy e-cig he smokes, and he responded.
<<@Team: "Already preparing to depart for the Zone, Meine Freunde. I will meet you over there. And be sure I will learn all that I can about this Argent. I am sure he had a great view of the assailants with those bleeding edge cybereyes of his; they look like they cost more than my own. Stay safe.">>
Perhaps this time I can do it without having the authorities alerted to my presence...
<<@Amy: "I am heading back to the Warrens. If you have time perhaps we can meet and swap horror stories. The rest of the crew is following shortly after me, I will explain later; part of one of those horror stories I mentioned.">>
Upon finishing the message he went through to the final check-ins and boarded the next shuttle leaving the Hub for the UCAS Zone.
Drave received the message from Grease while he was already outside of the waiting area before the check-ins to board the shuttles having a few puffs of a fancy e-cig he smokes, and he responded.
<<@Team: "Already preparing to depart for the Zone, Meine Freunde. I will meet you over there. And be sure I will learn all that I can about this Argent. I am sure he had a great view of the assailants with those bleeding edge cybereyes of his; they look like they cost more than my own. Stay safe.">>
Perhaps this time I can do it without having the authorities alerted to my presence...
<<@Amy: "I am heading back to the Warrens. If you have time perhaps we can meet and swap horror stories. The rest of the crew is following shortly after me, I will explain later; part of one of those horror stories I mentioned.">>
Upon finishing the message he went through to the final check-ins and boarded the next shuttle leaving the Hub for the UCAS Zone.
UCAS Hub, Outside Club QXT, 10:40 PM, July 29th, 2075
Jack begins his search of the alley, starting with a dumpster about 15 feet back. The dumpster shows the normal wear and tear, except for 2 bullet holes and a third shiny mark on the side. Turning around, and trying to follow what would be the path of the bullet, he finds it buried in the wall further down the alleyway.
Returning to the dumpster, it is hard to find any usable evidence, everything has been moved and picked clean by the various scavengers, human and animal, over the last two days.
Lying prone, cringing a little as he puts his ear to the ground, he looks behind the dumpster, and spots something shiny wedged in a crack in the wall. Standing up, his muscles bunching under his shirt, he slowly manages to push the dumpster away from the wall, and bends down, picking the object up with a discarded pen - a spent shell casing.
Jack begins his search of the alley, starting with a dumpster about 15 feet back. The dumpster shows the normal wear and tear, except for 2 bullet holes and a third shiny mark on the side. Turning around, and trying to follow what would be the path of the bullet, he finds it buried in the wall further down the alleyway.
Returning to the dumpster, it is hard to find any usable evidence, everything has been moved and picked clean by the various scavengers, human and animal, over the last two days.
Lying prone, cringing a little as he puts his ear to the ground, he looks behind the dumpster, and spots something shiny wedged in a crack in the wall. Standing up, his muscles bunching under his shirt, he slowly manages to push the dumpster away from the wall, and bends down, picking the object up with a discarded pen - a spent shell casing.
UCAS Hub, Alley across from Club QXT, 10:45 PM, July 29th, 2075
Jack snagged a discarded strip of plastic and wrapped the shell casing, trying his best to preserve the evidence in the event there were usable prints on the shell casing. Slipping it into his pocket, he headed back to the entrance to the alley and met up with Grease. "Looks like Argent fired a burst from the street that hit the dumpster, one of the rounds ricocheted into the wall. From the hit team, I didn't find much, other than this discarded shell casing. Maybe Ramirez can pull a print off of it."
Looking back at the activity at QXTs, Jack continued, "Let's head back to Union Station. I don't think there is much else for us to do here."
Jack snagged a discarded strip of plastic and wrapped the shell casing, trying his best to preserve the evidence in the event there were usable prints on the shell casing. Slipping it into his pocket, he headed back to the entrance to the alley and met up with Grease. "Looks like Argent fired a burst from the street that hit the dumpster, one of the rounds ricocheted into the wall. From the hit team, I didn't find much, other than this discarded shell casing. Maybe Ramirez can pull a print off of it."
Looking back at the activity at QXTs, Jack continued, "Let's head back to Union Station. I don't think there is much else for us to do here."
UCAS Hub, Alley across from Club QXTs, 10:45 PM, July 29th, 2075
Grease nods quickly. "Yeah; and if that show "CSI: Caracas" is at all accurate, he can probably match the gun to the casing if we end up finding it. I'd say finding the gun with a bad guy that matches a shell casing with the murder is pretty conclusive. Now we just have to find the shooter whose gun that matches, if he hasn't tossed it."
<<@Team [Grease] Jack and I are heading back to the Warrens. See you there soon.>>
Grease nods quickly. "Yeah; and if that show "CSI: Caracas" is at all accurate, he can probably match the gun to the casing if we end up finding it. I'd say finding the gun with a bad guy that matches a shell casing with the murder is pretty conclusive. Now we just have to find the shooter whose gun that matches, if he hasn't tossed it."
<<@Team [Grease] Jack and I are heading back to the Warrens. See you there soon.>>
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy walks up the road as though she belongs there. Actually, she does belong there. This is a scene that she's been a part of all her life, just not in this particular neighborhood with this particular gang in charge. She takes a good look with her astral sight for things that would be out of the ordinary, trying to identify any magic-users and spells, as well as noticing any spirit that might be going about.
Amy walks up the road as though she belongs there. Actually, she does belong there. This is a scene that she's been a part of all her life, just not in this particular neighborhood with this particular gang in charge. She takes a good look with her astral sight for things that would be out of the ordinary, trying to identify any magic-users and spells, as well as noticing any spirit that might be going about.
Somewhere over the CAS sector, Templeton Air Commutter Jet, 11:40 PM, July 29th, 2075
Flying high over the CAS sector of the Front Range Free Zone, Jacksat next to Grease as they made their way back to the UCAS sector to continue their work. The hour was getting late and Jack wasn't quite sure how much more the team could accomplish that evening. Many of their contacts were likely to be asleep, but that didn't preclude planning efforts.
Leaning his head toward Grease, the ork said, "So where do we stand? We got a bit of evidence that we could have Mr. Johnson check out. I'm not sure about having Mr. Johnson take a look at it though, it feels strange to me, but I don't really have anyone that has ready access to a biometric database. Well, I do, but I don't think he's used to working with this kind of evidence."
"We've also got both this Argent and Emily Sanders who might be useful sources of information. It's probably too late to call Sanders out of the blue, but we may be able to contact her tomorrow. Her address is a CAS address, so we may need to see if we can arrange a meet with her elsewhere. We know she has access to the HUB, so that's a possibility."
"Anything else I am missing? I think that would pretty much run down our current leads on that particular case."
Jack settled in as the VTOL starts to reduce thrust as it approaches the UCAS sector terminal.
Flying high over the CAS sector of the Front Range Free Zone, Jacksat next to Grease as they made their way back to the UCAS sector to continue their work. The hour was getting late and Jack wasn't quite sure how much more the team could accomplish that evening. Many of their contacts were likely to be asleep, but that didn't preclude planning efforts.
Leaning his head toward Grease, the ork said, "So where do we stand? We got a bit of evidence that we could have Mr. Johnson check out. I'm not sure about having Mr. Johnson take a look at it though, it feels strange to me, but I don't really have anyone that has ready access to a biometric database. Well, I do, but I don't think he's used to working with this kind of evidence."
"We've also got both this Argent and Emily Sanders who might be useful sources of information. It's probably too late to call Sanders out of the blue, but we may be able to contact her tomorrow. Her address is a CAS address, so we may need to see if we can arrange a meet with her elsewhere. We know she has access to the HUB, so that's a possibility."
"Anything else I am missing? I think that would pretty much run down our current leads on that particular case."
Jack settled in as the VTOL starts to reduce thrust as it approaches the UCAS sector terminal.
Somewhere over the CAS sector, Templeton Air Commutter Jet, 11:40 PM, July 29th, 2075
Scratching his chin thoughtfully, Grease appears just as awake now as he did at the first meet- for obvious reasons. You imagine he's going to run out of steam eventually, but he hasn't shown any signs yet.
"I feel like we have momentum on this case; I don't want to give that up just yet. One concern is that I want to contact this Argent before Lisa gets off work; it's likely she'll give him a warning, and I'd prefer to talk to him before he has a chance to go to ground."
Grease closes his eyes and starts fiddling nervously with his command console; he appears to be thinking.
"I don't know about you, but I got a serious "runner" vibe from this Argent character. High end eyes, arm with a built in slide-rig; your average janitor isn't packing that kind of equipment. I wonder if Chapel knows him? We might be able to "hire" him, either just for an interview or maybe some small compensation. If someone wanted to talk to me for 10 minutes, I'd listen at the right price. Besides; they shot at him, he probably wants to track them down and get even just as bad as we do."
The elf pauses again, the speed of his speech picking up again as the wheels turn. "What's our angle? Why are *we* looking? Are we working for Sanders? His parents? Lonestar? I have to imagine we can't go in there with our current story; criminals (present company excluded) don't generally like to deal with the cops, even indirectly. I've been lucky so far tonight shooting from the hip, but it wouldn't hurt to plan a little bit ahead of time."
Scratching his chin thoughtfully, Grease appears just as awake now as he did at the first meet- for obvious reasons. You imagine he's going to run out of steam eventually, but he hasn't shown any signs yet.
"I feel like we have momentum on this case; I don't want to give that up just yet. One concern is that I want to contact this Argent before Lisa gets off work; it's likely she'll give him a warning, and I'd prefer to talk to him before he has a chance to go to ground."
Grease closes his eyes and starts fiddling nervously with his command console; he appears to be thinking.
"I don't know about you, but I got a serious "runner" vibe from this Argent character. High end eyes, arm with a built in slide-rig; your average janitor isn't packing that kind of equipment. I wonder if Chapel knows him? We might be able to "hire" him, either just for an interview or maybe some small compensation. If someone wanted to talk to me for 10 minutes, I'd listen at the right price. Besides; they shot at him, he probably wants to track them down and get even just as bad as we do."
The elf pauses again, the speed of his speech picking up again as the wheels turn. "What's our angle? Why are *we* looking? Are we working for Sanders? His parents? Lonestar? I have to imagine we can't go in there with our current story; criminals (present company excluded) don't generally like to deal with the cops, even indirectly. I've been lucky so far tonight shooting from the hip, but it wouldn't hurt to plan a little bit ahead of time."
Somewhere over the CAS sector, Templeton Air Commutter Jet, 11:40 PM, July 29th, 2075
Jack took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. The night was getting late, but Grease was right in not wanting to lose any leads.
"Hopefully Overkill will track down a bit of information on him before we land, even if it is simply confirmation that he's someone in our line of business. I agree with your assessment. Judging by the video, his reflexes are muy chipped; I don't know anyone that can turn around and catch a falling body the way he did. Honestly, that might be a plus. If he is in our line of biz, we probably won't need a story. Just tell him we're runnnig down some leads for a Johnson and he should understand, particularly if we're going to provide financial remuneration or an opportunity for revenge." Jack caught himself and paused in silence. Remuneration? Where the frag did that come from? An image of a work contract flashed through his mind, but was only fleeting and he let it go.
"When we land, hopefully Chapel will give us a buzz. That might be the shortest route to our destination." Despite Grease's earlier antics, Jack was slowly warming up to the elf. He had a sharp mind and seemed to be in control of himself at the moment.
Jack took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. The night was getting late, but Grease was right in not wanting to lose any leads.
"Hopefully Overkill will track down a bit of information on him before we land, even if it is simply confirmation that he's someone in our line of business. I agree with your assessment. Judging by the video, his reflexes are muy chipped; I don't know anyone that can turn around and catch a falling body the way he did. Honestly, that might be a plus. If he is in our line of biz, we probably won't need a story. Just tell him we're runnnig down some leads for a Johnson and he should understand, particularly if we're going to provide financial remuneration or an opportunity for revenge." Jack caught himself and paused in silence. Remuneration? Where the frag did that come from? An image of a work contract flashed through his mind, but was only fleeting and he let it go.
"When we land, hopefully Chapel will give us a buzz. That might be the shortest route to our destination." Despite Grease's earlier antics, Jack was slowly warming up to the elf. He had a sharp mind and seemed to be in control of himself at the moment.
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
Looking around at the dealers and junkies on the street, she scans them all briefly. None of the metahumans give off any astral signature, except for a group of five men, all with dreadlocks halfway down their backs, smoking cigars. Each of them shows they are perceiving the Astral but their auras show them to be completely out of their mind on Deepweed.
The Astral sky above is full of its normal traffic, watchers and spirits moving about on errands zipping by at superhuman speeds. There is one spirit, however, a magnificent looking leopard, which is perched on top of a building a few hundred meters away, looking down on the humans below it.
Looking around at the dealers and junkies on the street, she scans them all briefly. None of the metahumans give off any astral signature, except for a group of five men, all with dreadlocks halfway down their backs, smoking cigars. Each of them shows they are perceiving the Astral but their auras show them to be completely out of their mind on Deepweed.
The Astral sky above is full of its normal traffic, watchers and spirits moving about on errands zipping by at superhuman speeds. There is one spirit, however, a magnificent looking leopard, which is perched on top of a building a few hundred meters away, looking down on the humans below it.
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy stares at the leopard. It was out of place, out of its element. Maybe some ganger had summoned it and given it instructions to guard the area. Better stay on my guard, I dunno what its reaction will be to my presence, as well as the presence of another spirit. If there's trouble, this ally of theirs could actually tip things in their favor.
Mimicking the other poor souls looking for drugs on this warm evening, Amy approaches one of the pushers, speaking through the scarf that covers her mouth and nose. "Hey chummer, which one of you's got the newest shit on the street? I heard there was this new pill I can buy. Ya got any?"
Amy stares at the leopard. It was out of place, out of its element. Maybe some ganger had summoned it and given it instructions to guard the area. Better stay on my guard, I dunno what its reaction will be to my presence, as well as the presence of another spirit. If there's trouble, this ally of theirs could actually tip things in their favor.
Mimicking the other poor souls looking for drugs on this warm evening, Amy approaches one of the pushers, speaking through the scarf that covers her mouth and nose. "Hey chummer, which one of you's got the newest shit on the street? I heard there was this new pill I can buy. Ya got any?"
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
The dealer brightens at the approach of another customer. "Nah baby, you don't want no pills. We got the best beetles on the block right here. What you want? Relaxing on beach? Surfing? Sex? We got all kinds - even the hard stuff baby. What can I get ya?"
He glances nervously over at the Los Mags, but they don't seem to be paying attention.
The dealer brightens at the approach of another customer. "Nah baby, you don't want no pills. We got the best beetles on the block right here. What you want? Relaxing on beach? Surfing? Sex? We got all kinds - even the hard stuff baby. What can I get ya?"
He glances nervously over at the Los Mags, but they don't seem to be paying attention.
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy notices his quick glance but decides to keep trying to get info out of this one guy.
"One of my friends got them pills from around these parts. She said they were fraggin' niiiice. Think she said it's called Crimson Fire? If you ain't got them, tell me who does. Come on man, I'll give you 5 for the help."
Amy notices his quick glance but decides to keep trying to get info out of this one guy.
"One of my friends got them pills from around these parts. She said they were fraggin' niiiice. Think she said it's called Crimson Fire? If you ain't got them, tell me who does. Come on man, I'll give you 5
for the help."
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
He looks disappointed, and says "You make it 20 and I'll tell you. You going there means a permanent loss of business, and so I need more than 5."
Amy starts to put her credstick away "There's lots of people here - bet I can get the info from any of them..."
"Fine, fine, don't go nowhere, 10 and I'll tell you."
He looks disappointed, and says "You make it 20
and I'll tell you. You going there means a permanent loss of business, and so I need more than 5."Amy starts to put her credstick away "There's lots of people here - bet I can get the info from any of them..."
"Fine, fine, don't go nowhere, 10
and I'll tell you."
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy thinks that just agreeing would look weak, so she haggles a little. "I wasn't gonna buy any of that drek you're offering anyway, sweetie. So here's 10 for you right here and you point me in the right direction, otherwise I can just ask the next guy." She gets a 10 out of her pocket and presents her hand as for a handshake.
Amy thinks that just agreeing would look weak, so she haggles a little. "I wasn't gonna buy any of that drek you're offering anyway, sweetie. So here's 10
for you right here and you point me in the right direction, otherwise I can just ask the next guy." She gets a 10 out of her pocket and presents her hand as for a handshake.
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
"You can't get it out here - they only sell it deeper in Los Mags turf. Head over to those guys, tell them you're looking for the Fire." He pockets the bill and inclines his head at the Los Mags on the stoop.
As Amy walks away, he says "You sure I can't sell you something a little less hard? I got some Novacoke around here, and I know people who can get you some 'kaze? You don't look you can handle the fire baby doll."
"You can't get it out here - they only sell it deeper in Los Mags turf. Head over to those guys, tell them you're looking for the Fire." He pockets the bill and inclines his head at the Los Mags on the stoop.
As Amy walks away, he says "You sure I can't sell you something a little less hard? I got some Novacoke around here, and I know people who can get you some 'kaze? You don't look you can handle the fire baby doll."
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
"You don't know me well." Amy grins. She walks straight towards the 4 gang members and approaches them quietly and unthreateningly, still trying to look like a junkie as much as she can. "Hey boys, I heard about this new thing, the Fire? I really want to try it out, you got any?"
"You don't know me well." Amy grins. She walks straight towards the 4 gang members and approaches them quietly and unthreateningly, still trying to look like a junkie as much as she can. "Hey boys, I heard about this new thing, the Fire? I really want to try it out, you got any?"
UCAS Zone, Denver International Airport, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
Drave departed the Airport pondering the crew's next move. It was late, but there was still plenty of work that they could do.
<<@Amy: "I am back in the right Zone, headed to the Warrens. Gonna pick up a soycaf from Stuffer Shack, want anything? Let me know where you are at in all your snooping about and it will be delivered to you personally.">>
<<@Grease, Jack: "I have landed and I am now headed back towards the Warrens. I should have some info on Argent by the time you guys land.">>
After sending the messages, Drave hops onto the local Grid and pulls up the Agent program on his Blitzdrive and sets it to begin searching for Argent. He then jumps on his Falke and rides off towards the Stuffer Shack nearest to his place.
Drave departed the Airport pondering the crew's next move. It was late, but there was still plenty of work that they could do.
<<@Amy: "I am back in the right Zone, headed to the Warrens. Gonna pick up a soycaf from Stuffer Shack, want anything? Let me know where you are at in all your snooping about and it will be delivered to you personally.">>
<<@Grease, Jack: "I have landed and I am now headed back towards the Warrens. I should have some info on Argent by the time you guys land.">>
After sending the messages, Drave hops onto the local Grid and pulls up the Agent program on his Blitzdrive and sets it to begin searching for Argent. He then jumps on his Falke and rides off towards the Stuffer Shack nearest to his place.
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:10 PM, July 29th, 2075
The gangers look down at Amy and laugh, "Sure gringa, if you can handle it. Head down this road and talk to Diegar - he's three blocks down and one block over."
The gangers look down at Amy and laugh, "Sure gringa, if you can handle it. Head down this road and talk to Diegar - he's three blocks down and one block over."
Amy, Sable Road, Aurora Warrens, 11:15 PM, July 29th, 2075
"I can handle it... that way?" Amy points in the direction indicated and starts following the instructions. She's not sure if it's a trap of some kind, and so she has no intention of going all the way over there. As soon as she's far enough from the gangers and it gets quieter around her, she finds a hiding spot and takes the time to think about what to do next. Let's see what they've been texting me.
Amy slowly reads the messages from her teammates, and replies subvocally, as she's slow at typing. <<@Team[Amy's voice] "Good job guys. Back in the Warrens, I've followed a trail to the distributors of the new drug that's hit the streets. It's called Crimson Fire and the Los Mags are selling it. I'm on their turf right now, passing off as an addict, finding my way to a guy who can sell me some. I want to go ahead with this but it wouldn't hurt to have some backup. How long would it take you to get to N Sable street?">>
"I can handle it... that way?" Amy points in the direction indicated and starts following the instructions. She's not sure if it's a trap of some kind, and so she has no intention of going all the way over there. As soon as she's far enough from the gangers and it gets quieter around her, she finds a hiding spot and takes the time to think about what to do next. Let's see what they've been texting me.
Amy slowly reads the messages from her teammates, and replies subvocally, as she's slow at typing. <<@Team[Amy's voice] "Good job guys. Back in the Warrens, I've followed a trail to the distributors of the new drug that's hit the streets. It's called Crimson Fire and the Los Mags are selling it. I'm on their turf right now, passing off as an addict, finding my way to a guy who can sell me some. I want to go ahead with this but it wouldn't hurt to have some backup. How long would it take you to get to N Sable street?">>
UCAS HUB, Union Station, 11:15 PM, July 29th, 2075
Waiting to board the VTOL, Jack's image link popped up with a voicemail notification. Seeing that it was from Amy, Jack streamed the message to his earbuds. Listening to Amy's voice, he cursed under his breath. "Drek! Grease, do you see this?"
Opening a text message, the ork used his AR keyboard to type out a quick response.
<<@Team [JustJack] Drek, girl! You're in dangerous waters over there. Grease and I are waiting for the 11:30 VTOL. Won't be back in the UCAS sector for at least another 30-35 min>>
Waiting to board the VTOL, Jack's image link popped up with a voicemail notification. Seeing that it was from Amy, Jack streamed the message to his earbuds. Listening to Amy's voice, he cursed under his breath. "Drek! Grease, do you see this?"
Opening a text message, the ork used his AR keyboard to type out a quick response.
<<@Team [JustJack] Drek, girl! You're in dangerous waters over there. Grease and I are waiting for the 11:30 VTOL. Won't be back in the UCAS sector for at least another 30-35 min>>
UCAS HUB, Union Station, 11:15 PM, July 29th, 2075
Grease shrugs. "She's a big girl, I'm sure she can handle herself. No use coddling her, this is a rough business. Besides- mage. Who knows what she can do. Probably curse them or turn them into toads or something."
Grease goes back to composing his message to Chapel.
<<@Chapel [Grease] Thanks again for the job; this one looks be pretty lucrative if we end up successful. One quick question for you- have you ever heard of a runner named Argent? He's crossed paths with us on this one, and we're looking to meet him and ask him a few questions. Nothing nasty; a completely friendly interview. Let me know when you get a chance, otherwise have a good night.>>
After hitting send, Grease re-reads the message from Amy.
Well, I guess we're going to find out pretty quick if she can handle herself..
Grease shrugs. "She's a big girl, I'm sure she can handle herself. No use coddling her, this is a rough business. Besides- mage. Who knows what she can do. Probably curse them or turn them into toads or something."
Grease goes back to composing his message to Chapel.
<<@Chapel [Grease] Thanks again for the job; this one looks be pretty lucrative if we end up successful. One quick question for you- have you ever heard of a runner named Argent? He's crossed paths with us on this one, and we're looking to meet him and ask him a few questions. Nothing nasty; a completely friendly interview. Let me know when you get a chance, otherwise have a good night.>>
After hitting send, Grease re-reads the message from Amy.
Well, I guess we're going to find out pretty quick if she can handle herself..
UCAS Zone, Pena Blvd., 11:15 PM, July 29th, 2075
While Drave was driving back to the Warrens, he saw Amy's message pop up in his AR display and felt his heart skip a beat when he read what she was up to. Los Mags territory? Could this job start off anymore pear-shaped?
He immediately pulled up Amy's commcode and prepared his Blitzdrive to run a Trace program. He did his best to keep his response as cool and calm as he could.
<<@Amy: "I am about 10-15 minutes away, Meine Liebling, headed south on Pena. Would you be so kind as to send my commlink an invitation to MARK your link? It will give me your exact location.">>
As Drave waited for Amy to accept the MARKs, he laid on the gas and headed for N Sable street.
While Drave was driving back to the Warrens, he saw Amy's message pop up in his AR display and felt his heart skip a beat when he read what she was up to. Los Mags territory? Could this job start off anymore pear-shaped?
He immediately pulled up Amy's commcode and prepared his Blitzdrive to run a Trace program. He did his best to keep his response as cool and calm as he could.
<<@Amy: "I am about 10-15 minutes away, Meine Liebling, headed south on Pena. Would you be so kind as to send my commlink an invitation to MARK your link? It will give me your exact location.">>
As Drave waited for Amy to accept the MARKs, he laid on the gas and headed for N Sable street.
UCAS Zone, Pena Blvd., 11:15 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy clicks 'accept' before she straight up calls Overkill. "Hoi, that way you can hear what's going on around me. I can't hear you though, cause that would attract attention, but if I'm not busy I can still read your texts. I'll wait for you to get in position. Don't spook them."
Amy clicks 'accept' before she straight up calls Overkill. "Hoi, that way you can hear what's going on around me. I can't hear you though, cause that would attract attention, but if I'm not busy I can still read your texts. I'll wait for you to get in position. Don't spook them."
UCAS Zone, Pena Blvd., 11:20 PM, July 29th, 2075
Drave was actually surprised when Amy's voice came over the commlink live, but he remembered how bad a typist she was, and the shock wore off quickly. With his MARKs invited to her Commlink, he started the Trace program and pulled up a map of the area and overlaid Amy's signal onto it. He noticed he was coming up on Chambers, and N Sable was not far from there. He kept his responses in text format as per her request.
<<@Amy: "I am less than 10 minutes away, sit tight and wait for me. I will be there ASAP.">>
Just stay wherever you were hiding, Drave thought to himself, if there is one thing that girl knows how to do it is keeping her head down when she is stuck in a tight spot. (Like living in the Warrens since you were a child.)
<<@Grease, Jack: "I have Amy's location, that's Los Mags territory no doubt, and will be rendezvousing with her in 10 minutes. I will contact you when I am with her.">>
Drave then turned on N Chambers Road and sped down towards Colfax, and from there, N Sable.
Drave was actually surprised when Amy's voice came over the commlink live, but he remembered how bad a typist she was, and the shock wore off quickly. With his MARKs invited to her Commlink, he started the Trace program and pulled up a map of the area and overlaid Amy's signal onto it. He noticed he was coming up on Chambers, and N Sable was not far from there. He kept his responses in text format as per her request.
<<@Amy: "I am less than 10 minutes away, sit tight and wait for me. I will be there ASAP.">>
Just stay wherever you were hiding, Drave thought to himself, if there is one thing that girl knows how to do it is keeping her head down when she is stuck in a tight spot. (Like living in the Warrens since you were a child.)
<<@Grease, Jack: "I have Amy's location, that's Los Mags territory no doubt, and will be rendezvousing with her in 10 minutes. I will contact you when I am with her.">>
Drave then turned on N Chambers Road and sped down towards Colfax, and from there, N Sable.
UCAS Zone, Templeton Air Taxi Terminal, 11:45 PM, July 29th, 2075
Jack picked up his holdout pistol from the security check as he finished clearing Customs and tucked it into his suit's concealed holster. As Grease pciked up his own belongings, the ork said, "I know you said Amy could take care of herself, but she's never really been on a job like this, as far as I know. You've got the wheels, so the decision's yours, but I would feel a lot better about this deal if we were at least hanging out near their turf in case she needs rescue."
Scratching his chin, he continued, "We probably need to have a talk with her about not doing stupid drek like heading into dangerous gang turf without some kind of back-up. She could blow the whole job if they capture her and start asking questions in a pointed manner."
GEAR
Jack picked up his holdout pistol from the security check as he finished clearing Customs and tucked it into his suit's concealed holster. As Grease pciked up his own belongings, the ork said, "I know you said Amy could take care of herself, but she's never really been on a job like this, as far as I know. You've got the wheels, so the decision's yours, but I would feel a lot better about this deal if we were at least hanging out near their turf in case she needs rescue."
Scratching his chin, he continued, "We probably need to have a talk with her about not doing stupid drek like heading into dangerous gang turf without some kind of back-up. She could blow the whole job if they capture her and start asking questions in a pointed manner."
GEAR
[ Spoiler ]
Aurora Warrens, N. Sable Street, 11:28 PM, July 29th, 2075
Drave pulled up outside of the 7-11 on Colfax near N. Sable street. It was a quiet night, only a few bums milling around the area. He pulled his Falke up to one of the light posts, turning on its security system and chaining it to the post with a lock and cable. Seeing one of the bums pushing a shopping cart filled with what was probably every worldly possession he owned; Drave waved him over to talk.
"How would you like to earn some Nuyen?" Drave said to him with as friendly a smile as he could muster. Seeing the man's face peak with interest, he continued
"I will lend you this coat," he said removing his duster, placing it on the cart and pointing to an old shirt he spotted, "for that flannel shirt and 20 Nuyen. All you have to do is keep an eye on the coat, and the motorcycle, for me until I get back. If they are both safe and sound upon my return, which should not be longer than an hour or two, and it will be another 80 nuyen for you."
The man looked eager to prove he could do a good job, and responded, "Don't worry sir, I will take care of it, keep it plenty safe for you, you'll see." The man had alcohol on his breath, and Drave spotted the bottle of Jose' in the cart. It was obviously running low.
"I am sure you will, if you do a good enough job I may just have to throw in a fresh bottle for you." The bum seemed embarrassed at first, but when he saw the smile on Drave's face he quickly realized that he wasn't being judged or looked down on for what he was doing.
"It will be plenty safe for you when you get back, you'll see!" he then started looking through his cart to find something in the chaos within, and came back up with a few rags and a nearly empty bottle of what looked like Windex. "I will even polish it up for you, you'll see!"
Cringing at the thought of him rubbing whatever was in that bottle all over his beloved BMW Falke, Drave politely declined. "No need, no need. Cheap paint you know?"
Then man made a well-duh expression, as if he should have known that. "Oh yeah oh yeah, cheap megacorp paint, ain't worth a drek. But I will keep it plenty safe you'll see."
Fearing being drawn into the loop again, Drave gave him a reassuring nod and said, "Well I need to go and take care of this business. Danke for your assistance."
"It'll be plenty safe for you, you'll see."
With that, he gave him yet another nod and began walking away. He took the shirt he borrowed from the man and put it on, unbuttoned, making sure it was draped over the Crusader in its holster under his arm. He inspected his AR display for the map he had laid Amy's traced signal on, seeing she was only 20-30 yards away.
<<@Amy: "I have arrived, right down the alleyway to your left. Now what was your strategy on how to proceed, Meine Liebling?" >>
After sending the message, Drave waited to hear her response.
Drave pulled up outside of the 7-11 on Colfax near N. Sable street. It was a quiet night, only a few bums milling around the area. He pulled his Falke up to one of the light posts, turning on its security system and chaining it to the post with a lock and cable. Seeing one of the bums pushing a shopping cart filled with what was probably every worldly possession he owned; Drave waved him over to talk.
"How would you like to earn some Nuyen?" Drave said to him with as friendly a smile as he could muster. Seeing the man's face peak with interest, he continued
"I will lend you this coat," he said removing his duster, placing it on the cart and pointing to an old shirt he spotted, "for that flannel shirt and 20 Nuyen. All you have to do is keep an eye on the coat, and the motorcycle, for me until I get back. If they are both safe and sound upon my return, which should not be longer than an hour or two, and it will be another 80 nuyen for you."
The man looked eager to prove he could do a good job, and responded, "Don't worry sir, I will take care of it, keep it plenty safe for you, you'll see." The man had alcohol on his breath, and Drave spotted the bottle of Jose' in the cart. It was obviously running low.
"I am sure you will, if you do a good enough job I may just have to throw in a fresh bottle for you." The bum seemed embarrassed at first, but when he saw the smile on Drave's face he quickly realized that he wasn't being judged or looked down on for what he was doing.
"It will be plenty safe for you when you get back, you'll see!" he then started looking through his cart to find something in the chaos within, and came back up with a few rags and a nearly empty bottle of what looked like Windex. "I will even polish it up for you, you'll see!"
Cringing at the thought of him rubbing whatever was in that bottle all over his beloved BMW Falke, Drave politely declined. "No need, no need. Cheap paint you know?"
Then man made a well-duh expression, as if he should have known that. "Oh yeah oh yeah, cheap megacorp paint, ain't worth a drek. But I will keep it plenty safe you'll see."
Fearing being drawn into the loop again, Drave gave him a reassuring nod and said, "Well I need to go and take care of this business. Danke for your assistance."
"It'll be plenty safe for you, you'll see."
With that, he gave him yet another nod and began walking away. He took the shirt he borrowed from the man and put it on, unbuttoned, making sure it was draped over the Crusader in its holster under his arm. He inspected his AR display for the map he had laid Amy's traced signal on, seeing she was only 20-30 yards away.
<<@Amy: "I have arrived, right down the alleyway to your left. Now what was your strategy on how to proceed, Meine Liebling?" >>
After sending the message, Drave waited to hear her response.
Amy, Aurora Warrens, Los Mags turf, 11:28 PM, July 29th, 2075
Amy answers subvocally. "Great, I'll get a move on. I've been given directions to go find Diegar who's supposedly got pills for sale. I'll try to buy some, and I'll be able to see if they're the same ones that were confiscated from Twoman. Depending on the situation at that point, I might try to get more info out of him, but if it's risky, we can just come back later as a team."
She's talking as she's walking, sounding a bit nervous.
"I don't think anything would go wrong, but you never know."
She walks at a good pace, eager to be done with it all. Hopeful that she can contribute something to the team even though she couldn't take the flight to the hub.
Amy answers subvocally. "Great, I'll get a move on. I've been given directions to go find Diegar who's supposedly got pills for sale. I'll try to buy some, and I'll be able to see if they're the same ones that were confiscated from Twoman. Depending on the situation at that point, I might try to get more info out of him, but if it's risky, we can just come back later as a team."
She's talking as she's walking, sounding a bit nervous.
"I don't think anything would go wrong, but you never know."
She walks at a good pace, eager to be done with it all. Hopeful that she can contribute something to the team even though she couldn't take the flight to the hub.
Overkill, Aurora Warrens, just outside Los Mags turf, 11:28 PM, July 29th, 2075
Surprised by her daring, Drave responded quickly.
<<@Amy: "Are you sure you don't want me to go in with you, two junkies are a much less appealing target than one.>>
As he waited for her response, he looked back towards the 7-11 where his Falke and armored duster were currently waiting under the watchful eyes of one of the neighborhood drunks, and considered going back for that armor. If this doesn't go well I may need that to get her out of there...
Surprised by her daring, Drave responded quickly.
<<@Amy: "Are you sure you don't want me to go in with you, two junkies are a much less appealing target than one.>>
As he waited for her response, he looked back towards the 7-11 where his Falke and armored duster were currently waiting under the watchful eyes of one of the neighborhood drunks, and considered going back for that armor. If this doesn't go well I may need that to get her out of there...
Amy, Aurora Warrens, Los Mags turf, 11:28 PM, July 29th, 2075
Taking a quick glance at her comm', Amy replies "Well at least they won't be afraid of just me, for sure. And I assure you I can handle myself. I'm not alone here either, the spirits are with me." And somehow that sounded like she didn't mean that metaphorically. "But you can converge on the same spot if you want, without necessarily showing that we're together. You can come to buy the same thing."
Taking a quick glance at her comm', Amy replies "Well at least they won't be afraid of just me, for sure. And I assure you I can handle myself. I'm not alone here either, the spirits are with me." And somehow that sounded like she didn't mean that metaphorically. "But you can converge on the same spot if you want, without necessarily showing that we're together. You can come to buy the same thing."
Overkill, Aurora Warrens, just outside Los Mags turf, 11:29 PM, July 29th, 2075
As Drave listened to Amy's response, he considered the options before him. He made a poor imitation of a street-dwelling junkie, the shirt matched the profile but not a single other detail about him did; leather pants and boots, hair that had obviously been washed in the past few days. He wouldn't pass as one for a second to anyone who had lived these streets. He just may be too tempting a target to pass up. No passing for a junkie wouldn't work.
He realized that if he couldn't appear harmless, he had better make it so that he looks like he would do far more harm than it would be worth. In simpler words, look as dangerous as possible. He went back and retrieved his armored duster, reassuring the bum that he would still get his reward, and put it back on. He checked the ammo on his Crusader, loaded up with Stick & Shock rounds, and then sent his response to Amy.
<<@Amy: "Very well, Meine Liebling, I am coming in. Use your comm and highlight the building they told you this Diegar was dealing out of; I will meet you there.">>
He breathed a heavy sigh as he was about to proceed in; this wasn't the best plan ever. But in any case he couldn't afford to get mugged, not with his Cyberdeck worth over 200,000 Nuyen. He would sooner take a bullet than hand that over. He just hoped and prayed that the drek wouldn't hit the fan.
As Drave listened to Amy's response, he considered the options before him. He made a poor imitation of a street-dwelling junkie, the shirt matched the profile but not a single other detail about him did; leather pants and boots, hair that had obviously been washed in the past few days. He wouldn't pass as one for a second to anyone who had lived these streets. He just may be too tempting a target to pass up. No passing for a junkie wouldn't work.
He realized that if he couldn't appear harmless, he had better make it so that he looks like he would do far more harm than it would be worth. In simpler words, look as dangerous as possible. He went back and retrieved his armored duster, reassuring the bum that he would still get his reward, and put it back on. He checked the ammo on his Crusader, loaded up with Stick & Shock rounds, and then sent his response to Amy.
<<@Amy: "Very well, Meine Liebling, I am coming in. Use your comm and highlight the building they told you this Diegar was dealing out of; I will meet you there.">>
He breathed a heavy sigh as he was about to proceed in; this wasn't the best plan ever. But in any case he couldn't afford to get mugged, not with his Cyberdeck worth over 200,000 Nuyen. He would sooner take a bullet than hand that over. He just hoped and prayed that the drek wouldn't hit the fan.
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