The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:08 PM September 11, 2075

Grease waits as Chapel translates, and the woman looks over at Grease and speaks back, her words clipped and terse. "Up until this morning I had planned on spending the rest of my life with him. I had no desire to steal from him until he threatened my life. But what am I to do now? He was my source of income, and his reach is long. I need to disappear, and the money from selling those artifacts will make that possible."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:08 PM September 11, 2075

<<@Grease [Melpomene]: Good to know you. Hopefully we can both make each other some money while keeping each other from dying.>>

Mel sets her integral audio to record the conversation going on while looking at the security tape a couple more times. When there is a break in the question/answers, she clears her throat and speaks...

"Ms. Li, may I ask...who is the man that protected you? Have you ever seen him before? He seems quite capable to be able to drop two heavily armed killers the way he did..."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:08 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel translates, and Jingfei responds, "I do not know him by name, although I have seen him in that store before. I shop there often, as it is close to my home."

A pause, and then "He is always polite and respectful, but I have not said much more than hello to him before today."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:08 PM September 11, 2075

Jack was glad someone had asked about the young guy. He didn't think it had anything to do with the job, but it piqued his interest. Turning his mind back to the objective, the ork mimicked Grease's approach and looked at Jingfei as he asked, "Sometimes these things don't go off exactly as we hope. Can you tell us anything you might know about the plans for transporting the objects to the auction or even the auction itself? Is it a public auction?"

Jack was vaguely worried that someone powerful may have their eyes on either of these items and may not be happy if they were to turn up missing.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:09 PM September 11, 2075

Jingfei waits for Chapel to finish translating, and then inclines her shoulders slightly, as if in a tiny shrug as she answers.

"I only know that the auction beings tomorrow night at 21:00, and that it is invitation only. Judging by the dress that he bought for me, it will be a white tie event. He did not reveal its location to me, unfortunately. "

A pause, and then Chapel continues, "He had an argument the other day as to who was to be transporting the items, but I did not overhear the other end of the conversation, and up until today I had not thought it very important. I do know that there are at least four guards on the property at all times, although in the last few days he has brought more on, perhaps due to the auction, I am not sure. This is in addition to his own bodyguard, Hao Fe, who travels everywhere with him."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:09 PM September 11, 2075

Grease waits for Li to calm down a bit after his question, allowing his colleagues to ask a few of their own before following up. "I mean no offense. Obviously, this is a difficult subject for you. If I may; why not use the money you have set aside for our job to live off of? The amount that our mutual friend here quoted was quite high. Presuming if you are able to come up with that amount of hard currency, it would seem like you could start your life over almost anywhere. That is of course, unless you planned on paying us with the proceeds from the artifacts."

Grease's smile fades. "Which would be troublesome, as payment upon delivery is generally how these arrangements are made. I am trusting, but not so much as to hand over "priceless" artifacts on the word that you will pay me for them once you're able to fence them."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:09 PM September 11, 2075

Jack groaned inwardly when Grease asked about the money. Might as well slot Chapel a chip containing a copy of An Idiot's Guide To Fixing... Half listening to the response, the ork opened up an AR window and started to search the Matrix for recent news stories about Chinatown.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel looks askance at Grease, and answers without translating. "Your end will be coming out of my pocket Grease, and I will recoup it when the items go to my buyer."

Jingfei looks quizzically at him, and he speaks briefly to her in Mandarin. She nods, but if she shows any comprehension of Grease's original question, she does not show it.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075

Grease shrugs noncommittally.

There goes that angle for figuring out if she's on the level..

He nods at Chapel, "I have a short story I'd like you to translate."

He turns to Li, and talks slowly and carefully, but in an extremely casual manner. "Once upon a time, as stories from our culture begin, there was a young girl who lived on a farm. She and her family were very poor. She knew that she would need to work hard every day to be able to provide enough rice to feed her family. However, nearby her family's farm there was a large lake. In this lake were fish, many fish."

He pauses to drink some of his wine. "One fish was larger than all the rest. The young girl knew that if she caught this fish, she would eat well that day, and would not be hungry for some time."

He makes a dismissive gesture. "Of course, one fish is not enough to get rid of hunger altogether. Now, the biggest fish- bigger than any others had seen; that would be worth something."

He smiles. "So she started feeding the fish. She would come down to the lake and give him a little of her rice each day. She fed him for 2 years and 2 days. By this time, she was sure he was the largest fish she had ever seen. If she could capture it and bring it to the city, she would be able to sell it to a rich man and get rewards beyond even her wildest dreams."

He shakes his head slowly. "But he was TOO large. When she was finally ready to capture him, he spit out the hook. She had been feeding him all this time, and by now he was so big she couldn't hope to capture him alone. She knew it would be a matter of time before a fisherman came by and stole her treasure from her."

He sips his wine again. "So she went to the forest. She asked the fox, 'Will you help me trick the fish into coming closer to the shore?', and the fox said yes. She asked the bear, "Will you wade into the water and hold the fish down, so he doesn't slip away?' and the bear said yes. She asked the dragon, 'Will you scare the fish, and make him willing to be captured by me, instead of eaten by you?' and the dragon said yes. Finally, she asked the beaver, 'Will you build a clever trap out of wood, so we can keep him alive to bring to the city?' and the beaver said yes."

He opens his hands, showing them to be empty. "Of course, she had nothing to pay any of the creatures; she only could promise them that once she was able to sell the fish to the rich man, they would be rewarded. The fox, the dragon, the bear, the beaver; all would prefer to eat the fish, rather than wait for a future reward."

Grease finishes his wine. "But since she asked so politely, they agreed to help her. She had been planning on capturing this fish for so long, it was all her mind could think to accomplish. That trapping the fish would be difficult did not concern her; because since he spat out the hook, she had arranged it so she didn't have to get wet."

The elf raises his eyebrow, and asks, "Are you familiar with this story?"

He crosses his hands and waits patiently for her response.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075

What. The. Frag? Jack stared hard at Grease, trying to figure out if he had missed signs of drug use. Vaguely understanding where the story was going, he turned back to the open newsfeeds in his ARO display and continued reading about the quiet neighborhood in the CAS known as Chinatown. I can probably carry light over there...

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075

Mel continued to multitask. She knew that the Ork and the Elf would cover 90% of the relevant questions, so she examined the security tape a few more times, watching the Good Samaritan.

Who are you, O white knight?

She also started running Matrix searches for articles regarding a dragon statuette and/or vase that match the images she now had in front of her AR sight.

She cranked up the thumping house music in her mind...rather than distract her, the rhythm kept her on task.

Then she heard the Elf, Grease.

"...begin, there was a young girl who lived on a farm. She..."

What...the...Hell...?

She paused all of her work at that moment, and blinked as Grease told his story. Her eyes flicked to Jack, and she focused her hearing on him, hearing his breath catch, and his heartbeat rise.

Not something he expected. What an interesting group you've involved yourself in. If I gotta go, might as well be to the sound of an Elf telling stories about fish.

She mentally set start and end marks to isolate Grease's story, so that she could readily access it later, then resumed her work.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel finishes translating, and after a moment of silence, Jingfei begins to speak, and Chapel translates her words.

"I have not heard that one. However, I have heard of another, perhaps it is familiar to you."

"There once was a man who saw all those around him as troublemakers. To the children in the garden he would say 'What are you doing?' and when they would reply 'We are checking your garden for weeds.' he would not believe them, saying 'You are here to steal my tomatoes and he would chase them off."

She continues to speak, "To the man who was standing at his gate he would ask, 'What are you doing?', and when he would answer, 'I am fixing your fence because it is broken.', the man would not believe him, saying 'You are here to rob me, and he would chase him off."

"To the beautiful serving woman who worked at his house, he asked, 'What are you doing?', and when she would answer, 'I am tending your house, for I love you.', the man would not believe her, saying 'You are only here to eat my food and drink my wine', and he would chase her off."

Here eyes never leaving Grease, she finished speaking, and Chapel finished his translation, "Soon the man was free from all of the troublemakers who surrounded him, and then he found the house was empty and his yard silent, for he had driven everyone away, leaving him alone with his suspicions."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075

I could love this woman..

Continuing as if he had not just been trading proverbs, he bows his head slightly with a smile and states, "I have not heard that story. The man with his suspicions likely lived a long, lonely life. Thank you for sharing it; it was most enlightening. What more can you tell us of Hao Fe?"

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075

Silently observing the exchange, Jack started to build a case file on the job based on what they've learned up to this point. Picking through it, he discovered a few points of concern. Spotting Mel's icon and saving her commcode, he added her to his Team contact list.

<<@Team [JustJack] While this exchange is absolutely delightful, it did give me time to do some work. Just built a file on the job and inviting MARKs from all of you on it. Two things jumped out at me... First, who gives their mistress the security code to their safe? House I can kind of believe, but their safe? Second, if Huiquing sent hombres after this chica, how likely is it that he hasn't rescinded her access codes? | MARK Invitation Attached>>

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075

Amy was about to intervene when Grease went on his storytelling. Huh.. oooookay Grease, you've surpassed yourself again.

The way all of this was playing out, Amy felt that it would be better to just let Grease handle questions, since he had such a 'special' bond with the Johnson. Unfortunately, she didn't have her trodes on right now, and subvocalizing would look strange at the moment, so she just figured that she'd bring it up when there was a natural pause.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:11 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel speaks a few words to her, and the team clearly catches the words "Hao Fe".

Jingfei speaks up, her hands gesturing as she does so. "He is Huiquing's bodyguard and when necessary, his enforcer. While the men respect and heed Huiquing, they fear Hao Fe. He has a large scar on the right side of his face, and has the look of one who has seen many fights. I have never seen him fight personally, but I know that there have been several times Huiquing has sent him to "deal" with something, and Hao Fe has yet to fail him."

"He is quiet and calm in demeanor, even when he is angry, which makes him scarier, as I have never seen him lose his temper, but I do not wish to."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:10 PM September 11, 2075



<<@Team [Melpomene] Agreed on your concerns. I get the feeling that we are being dropped into a domestic dispute. I also believe that Ms. Li knows her Knight in Shining Armor and is being coy, but I have as yet no real evidence to support that, just intuition.>>

There is now a MARK on the file. It looks like a tragedy mask with a G-clef on its left cheek.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:11 PM September 11, 2075

It'd be a lot easier to read her if I didn't need a translation.

Continuing, Grease continues talking pleasantly at Jingfei. "Is there anything else special we should know about the artifacts? Do you know anything about the physical security of where they are kept; cases, codes, that sort of thing? Are the items special in any way, other than age?"

<<@Melpomene [Grease]: Excellent. Let me know anything you find out.>>

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:12 PM September 11, 2075

Jingfei pushes her hair back from her face, taking a moment to take a sip of water. She continues in Mandarin, "Special? Other than they are old and very valuable, no. They are important pieces of Chinese culture that Huiquing has acquired, and brought here to the Free Zone."

Another pause, "As I'm sure it has been explained, I have the codes to the security system at the house. The artifacts are usually in display cases located on the second floor of the house, a windowless room on the north side of the building. Huiquing keeps them there along with other works of art, although none of them are as valuable."

"Each case has an alarm that can be deactivated with a security code, and I have seen Huiquing use the code several times before, never changing over the course of the last two years, so I am sure it remains the same now."

Chapel pauses translation for a moment, and then indicates he will forward the codes to you when the meeting is over.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:12 PM September 11, 2075

Well, that explains that... still seems a bit too convenient. Jack thought as Jingfei seemed to have read his thoughts. Updating his file with the new information, he had a few remaining questions.

"Thanks for all of the info, chica. I've only got three more questions and I think I'm done. First, can you sketch out a map of the house, including the locations of any cameras or sensors you know about? Second, do you know if the alarms are just for internal security or do they alert someone off site like Knight Errant? Third, has your guy mentioned who he thinks might be interested in bidding on these items?"

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:12 PM September 11, 2075

Letting Jack take some control over the conversation, Grease adds on, "And to be clear- it's a keypad? He punches in a numerical code; not his thumbprint, or voice?"

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:12 PM September 11, 2075

Listening as Chapel translates Jack and Grease's questions, Jingfei responds, "Yes, it is a keypad, as I've said I've seen him use it several times. I can't speak to the rest of the house, There is a whole wing that I really don't travel to, there may be different forms of security there."

She continues on, "I've never heard any of the alarms go off, nor does he really like to discuss business, so I'm not sure whether the security brings in Knight Errant or if it alerts his other 'business associates.' He did mention that I had to be on my best behavior at the auction, and I heard some of the men talking about the fact that security would have to be extra tight at the auction even if we weren't bringing these for sale, but I don't know who will be there exactly."

"I'm not a very good artist, I can try and sketch out the mansion as best I can. The cameras are mostly exterior, I know he seems to rely on drones inside the mansion to handle security, as well as Hao Fe and the guards."

She sketches out a quick map on a napkin.

"The X marks the room the artifacts are in. There are two staircases up to the second floor, the main circular stair in the middle of the house, and the smaller stair off of the east entrance."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:12 PM September 11, 2075

Jack listened intently to Jinhfei's response. Nodding, he said, "Thank you for the information. I wonder if you could clarify a few points for me... Do you know what kind of drones are on site? Also, does he keep any animals, whether guard animals or just family pets?"

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:13 PM September 11, 2075

You can see Jingfei's eyes roll when she hears your question, and she responds, "Yes, he has several dogs that roam the house. Little, yapping animals, they shed everywhere and are a constant nuisance, but he adores the little things. He also loves horses, and has several in stable on the northeastern corner of the property."

Thinking for a moment, she then continues, "As far as drones, there are a few, most of them hover around the floor, moving from room to room, to be honest I don't really pay attention to them anymore, you just get used to them after a while. He did boast to me about a year ago that he had bought some new ones that 'Would make whoever saw them sorry' and wanted to show them to me, but I am not really interested in that sort of thing."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:13 PM September 11, 2075

Nodding his head in appreciation, Jack settled back in the booth and added a few notations to his file. He also composed another message to the group.

<<@Team [JustJack] Anyone with a gentle touch want to ask about the wife? If this is Huiquing's house, I would assume his wife lives there as well...>>

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:13 PM September 11, 2075



<<@Team [Melpomene] Copy that.>>

Mel mentally pauses the security tape, and begins to archive the information on the vase. She looks at the Johnson, regarding her with a neutral expression.

"Ms. Li, I know this is probably an area you would rather not touch on, but what about the wife? She lives there, is that correct? Is she a homebody? Should we expect her around the house, and if so, would we expect her anywhere near the objectives?"

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:14 PM September 11, 2075

Jingfei's lip curls upward in a sneer, and Chapel has trouble keeping up with the translation.

"Umm, so half of what she said was a series of insults, the salient bit is that you can assume that there is no love lost between the two. She says that Huiquing's wife, Chen Baozhai, is out of town, and will be gone for the next week. She often travels around the world, which is the only thing she seems to like about the woman."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:14 PM September 11, 2075

<<@Chapel [Melpomene] You should keep this girl on your speed-dial. With a little prodding, she may pay big to have the wife taken out.>>

A five second pause.

<<@Chapel [Melpomene] Not that I'm trying to tell you your business.>>

A three second pause.

<<@Chapel [Melpomene] >>

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:14 PM September 11, 2075

<<@Melpomene [Chapel] You've almost read my mind. There is something else I want to discuss with you after Ms. Li leaves.>>

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:14 PM September 11, 2075

Good to see that Mel... the ork paused, struggling to remember the woman's full name. Remembering it was something fancy, he just gave up on trying to remember it and figured he would stick with Mel. Good to see that Mel knows her biz.

Accessing his messenger application, Jack composed and sent a message, looking forward to the response.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:14 PM September 11, 2075

Looking around the table to see if anyone had anything else to say, Grease nods at Jingfei. "Thank you for answering our questions. I apologize for the bluntness of some of my inquiries: with such a short time frame I felt sparing your feelings was a luxury we could afford if successful. I hope to have the objects in your possession soon, we will do everything in our power to deliver them to you safe and unharmed. Rest assured you have selected the right team." He finishes with a slight bow of his head.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:15 PM September 11, 2075

Snap speaks for the first time, "I'm wondering about the magical defenses. I know you said they should be 'light', any idea what that means?"

Chapel turns to Jingfei and speaks briefly, and then awaits her response. Soon he turns and says, "Huiquing is one of those who has turned from magic as a solution to problems. He does not like it, nor does he trust it. I know that he has had his house heavily warded, as I remember him speaking about sparing no expense to prevent others from using magic against him. I don't know much about magic myself, but I don't believe there is anything else on the property that would fit your description."

Snap nods a thank you, and the team looks briefly at one another, and nods. Grease speaks up again, "Ms. Li, thank you again for the information. I believe we have all we need for now, and would like to speak to Chapel alone for a few minutes."

Chapel relays the information to Jingfei, and then stands as she rises. Before she exits the booth, she says something, the look on her face plaintive. "Remember, please, do not kill Huiquing. I fear he has lost his way, and although I want him punished, I do not wish him dead." As she leaves, the teams catch a glimpse of two figures who have been lurking in the shadows who leave with her, a tall man with a brush cut in a suit, and a striking red headed woman, the side of her head shaved to reveal her implants. They take up positions in front and behind Jingfei and take her out the door.

When the doors close, Chapel drains his glass, and turns back to the team. "About that," he straightens his tie, "I've got another 50,000 for you if you kill him."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:15 PM September 11, 2075

Mel watches the woman leave the table, then sees the two escorts with her.

Curiouser and curiouser.

Then Chapel speaks. "About that, I've got another 50,000 nuyen for you if you kill him."

Mel's head swivels. "And the plot thickens! This situation is clearly not a standard smash and grab. What's happening here? Who were those two with her?"

Her tone is filled with interest rather than concern.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:15 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel responds to Mel's questions, pouring himself another glass of wine from the bottle the waitress had left at the table.

"As you might expect, Ms. Li is quite fearful that Chen Huiquing will try again to take her life. I have contacted a trustworthy agency to handle her security detail until this situation has resolved itself."

Sipping the wine, he continues on. "Huiquing is not a popular man. I am aware of certain parties who are interested in his demise, and the proverbial 'kill two birds with one stone came to mind.'"

Placing his wine glass down, he finishes, "Please understand that you are under no obligation to take the extra money to assassinate him, I simply offer it as an opportunity for both of us to make some extra money."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:15 PM September 11, 2075

Jack was glad he wasn't drinking anything when Chapel made the supplementary offer. Coughing to cover his surprise, the ork mentally composed a message to Mel.

<<@Mel [JustJack] Personal protection detail. They work for a woman named Valkyrie who does that kind of thing... we had dealings with her on our last job>>

The ork contemplated Chapel's offer. He wasn't a fan of wetwork, at least not the kind that just concerned money. He had argued strongly for the need to kill Truck during their last job, not only because of the logistical complications of trying to keep him on ice while they took care of Lynx and the rest of their team. If the ork was honest with himself, he felt the troll had simply deserved it for all of the killings, particularly those horrific sacrifices. So far, Huiquing didn't sound like a boy scout either; there was no way to climb that high in any criminal organization without getting a lot of blood on your hands.

Turning to Chapel, Jack asked, "For this, uh, bonus... do we have to agree to it before hand or do we get paid if the opportunity arises and we take advantage of it? Also, any requirement as to how he is taken out? Can it look like an accident or are they trying to send a message?" While waiting for the response, he sent a quick message to the team.

<<@Team [JustJack] Just putting it out there, but if Mrs. Johnson is willing to spend this much money to spite her amante who she claims to still love, what's she going to do when she has more money and someone kills him?>>

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:15 PM September 11, 2075

Looking around the table, Grease frowns.

We're getting ahead of ourselves. Being put in a position to kill him is going to take a ton of work on top of everything else.

"Let's not put the cart before the horse. We need to get into his house before anything else. Do you happen to know anyone in the CAS sector who could help us with equipment? We may be able to get small items through the border, but I'd prefer to go up against a bunch of Triad bodyguards with more than my warm smile."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:15 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel leaned forward in his chair, rubbing his hands briskly as he and the team got to business.

"Jack, I present this as an opportunity to you. If you can capitalize on the opportunity, and bring back proof, then we both make a little extra money. If you can't, well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. So don't feel that you obligated to do this. The interested parties want him dead, and they want to make sure everyone knows he got hit. They don't have any special requirements, nothing ghastly like torture or severed heads, a double tap to the chest and coup de grâce to the forehead should be quite sufficient."

His face registering mock surprise, he answers Grease's concerns, "Why Grease, I thought your warm smile would be quite sufficient to deal with a few paltry bodyguards. I'm disappointed. However, on the off chance you require some extra equipment, I do have someone whom I can put you in touch with over on the CAS side of the border. He goes by the name Stone, a surly little dwarf with a disgusting chaw habit. My advice is to bring a cup when you meet with him, unless you fancy tobacco juice all over your shoes."

Chapel sends you a quick message with his commcode.

"Tell him that I sent you, and he should be able to handle your requests."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:16 PM September 11, 2075

<<@Chapel [Melpomene] Was this side deal what you wanted to talk to me about after speaking with Ms. Johnson? >>

<<@Just Jack {Melpomene] Got it. Thanks. >>

<<@Team [Melpomene] Every minute we slide deeper and deeper into this domestic situation. >>

Chapel, what are the chances that Ms. Johnson decides that she won't pay because we got her beloved killed? Also, how much heat to we bring down upon us, and you, if we do this deed?"

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075


[color="#FFFF00"]<<@Melpomene [Chapel] Yes, figured it would be easier just to get it out in the open air all at once.>>

Chapel moves his head slightly from side to side. "Ms. Li will not have the opportunity to not pay you for your services, should you be successful in retrieving the artifacts. You will deliver them to me, and I will have them sold and provide her with the agreed upon monies, deducting my fee and yours. As far as the heat? As for me, I am simply a businessman from another country. I do not worry for myself. As for you, should you not be identified as the killers, and be able to escape back to the fine UCAS, I would not have much worries either."

He smiles, "We work in a dangerous business my friend, it would be safer for you not to do it, but not as lucrative."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

<<@Team [Grease]: Agreed. I'm not sure how I feel about double-dipping here; the Johnson was pretty clear as to their wishes. If she is what I think she is, getting on her bad side could be problematic. She could be working for a different gang for all we know.>>

Grease's smile is thin. "Good that our German friend had to leave town; he wouldn't be interested in that type of work."

He refills his glass of wine from the bottle on the table. "So, what about transportation? Do you know any Coyotes who could get us in or out? I think we should try to get in on our own, but if that isn't feasible it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case we need to make a getaway without going through customs."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

"Opportunity noted." Jack said, still not entirely sure on what would suffice as far as killing Huiquing. He'd entirely prefer to make it look like an accident so that Jingfei wouldn't pay someone to kill them, but it was the world in which they lived. With both his inquiry to Honeypot and Chapel providing a contact, the ork figured they were covered as well as they could be for logistics. He was just a little worried about how much they were going to be able help out given the limited time frame. With that in mind, he sent a message to Grease.

<<@Grease [JustJack] Whenever you close the deal with Chapel, make sure to ask for an advance. It's going to be expensive to get any gear on such a short time frame>>

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

"I do, in fact, know a Coyote or two. That being said, those services aren't cheap, so keep that in mind..."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

Jack frowned. "Like Grease said, I think we're going to plan to get in and out officially... well, at least as officially as our SINs allow us. With that said, I don't think any of our plans have actually worked as intended." The ork paused as he thought he could smell the faint scent of CS gas. "I think we're going to definitely want to set up something for a return trip. I don't have high hopes we're going to be able to get back across without having to answer some serious questions. What are our chances of getting someone to agree to work on retainer? We'll front some money they get to keep even if they don't have to lift a finger, then paying the rest if we actually have to use them?"

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel smiles at Jack and says, "Free money is never something that Onyx will never turn down. I'll make the call, and set up the arrangements if you would like. She'll probably want to meet virtually to finalize things."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

Grease nods.

<<@Team [Grease]: Any other loose ends?>>

"So, we'll travel into the CAS. We'll have to purchase gear there, as well as have monies available for our coyote friend to be able to get us back out. We'll be infiltrating a mostly unknown location, in an extremely short time frame. And.." he grins. "You want us to go against the wishes of the Johnson, and potentially take out a high-ranking Triad in an organization very few of us are familiar with. I for one don't want to look over my shoulder every time I go for takeout. So, I think an advance of 20% sounds reasonable. And if these items are as valuable as you say, I think that 120,000 is closer to the mark. Or at least, a bonus for returning both intact."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

<<@Team [Melpomene] Plenty, but none that Chapel can help with, as far as I can see.>>

Mel continued with her work, listening to the negotiations. In her mind, she had little interest in killing Huiquing. The pay was good, but the ramifications could be too much. But she still owed so much.

Grease seemed to be good as this, so Mel stayed clear...letting the Elf handle this area.

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

"I agree with Grease." Jack said, probably surprising those at the table that understood their relationship. "The Triads don't frag around... particularly when losing face, which Mrs. Johnson said was the main reason for this trabajo. It might be some time before the heat cools off and we can work again. Not to mention who we might be potentially slotting off by stealing this stuff in the first place. Someone probably has their eye on those pieces. I think a bit more salario is called for here."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

Chapel sits back in his chair, his fingers twitching for a moment. Grease can see him working the numbers in his head, and his eyes narrow for a moment before he speaks.

"Here's what I'll do. I'll give you a 5K bump in pay for the retrieval, and half that for the wetwork. So, if you do both, you are looking at 157,500 . As far as the advance, my standard is 10% up front, so I was prepared to hand you a credstick for 10K. However, given the difficulties presented on this mission, I'll take that up to an even 12,000 ."


The team looks around at each other, each nodding briefly at the terms set out by Chapel. Chapel nods back, standing up and excusing himself. "The tab is covered, you have the booth until whenever you decide to leave."

You watch him stroll out of the restaurant, and you receive:

<<Team [Chapel] Expect to hear from Onyx within the next hour. Check behind my seat Good hunting. >>

Jack, as the one closest to Chapel's seat in the booth, reaches down and slides his fingers behind the cushions. He pulls out a credstick, and slotting it into his commlink, sees the balance is 12,000 .

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

Placing the credstick on the table, Jack said, "I probably don't have to say this, but it's all there."

Looking around the restaurant, the ork noticed that it was getting even busier as the dinner crowd started to fill the place. Considering what they were preparing to discuss, he said, "Maybe we should have this conversation somewhere a bit more private?"

Holding a still half-full glass of wine in his hand, Grease smiled broadly and said, "Why ever would we do that? I've still got wine to finish." He held the ludicrously broad smile as a hiss of static filled the air. "So what's the plan? We've got a lot to do and not much time to do it in..."

Jack nodded his head in agreement. "The way I see it, the first major decisión is going to be how we're going to get across the border. I assume everyone has good SINs? If that's the case, it may not be too difficult to just get a travel pass and head over, but we're going to be very limited on what we can bring with us. If we'd rather just bring our own gear, we'll probably need a coyote, but then we have the issue of transportation once we reach the CAS, among other things. Either way we go, I think we need to see if we can secure a coyote to get us out of the CAS just in case everything goes to drek."

The New McCormicks Seafood House, East 72nd and Grape Street, 6:17 PM September 11, 2075

Mel watches Chapel leave, then sees Jack find and slot the credstick. Her music continues to pump in her ears, and the video of the attack on Ms. Li still floats frozen in her vision. At the bottom left, the search algorithm for the art pieces continues to run. Then the smell of food hits her.

I should eat.

Mel knows how high her metabolism runs, and this is a good chance to get some (relatively) healthy food into her.

She calls up the menu over AR and selects a double soyburger, chips, and a soda. She marks for it to go...just in case she has to leave quickly...and puts it on Chapel's tab.

"I have a solid SIN, and if we had more time, I could probably dredge up some pretty competent ones for the rest of you. If we're going tonight, that probably is a no-go. I agree on the coyote. I'd rather get stuck on this side and have an opportunity to go to Plan B than get stuck on the other side with contraband and possibly blood on our hands. Have you worked with this Onyx before?"