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Jack_Spade
[ Spoiler ]
Imladir
Inside the toilets, Nyx picks a stall and sit in there for a minute. Then, she asks "Anything I can do?"
Gilga
Nagisa comes out of the toilet and says
"This is so awkward, I do not know you - and you are the one that came, not Yulia. My girlfriend for 10 years. I have been with her all that time supporting her and helping a much as I could. Yet, her first act of freedom is to sleep with that 'woman'. I gave up everything for her and she does not see me, she fails to see the problem with this behavior of her.

Finnigans have implemented an implant in my head at a young age to ensure my loyalty. I know many secrets and should be thankful to be still alive. This implant has a deep effect on my emotions and I believe that it can kill me, given the right order. Yulia goes on and on about Strawberry but if this deal does not work out I am a dead woman. I begin to think that these years were me being naive and her being professional. "

Jack_Spade
The combined efforts of Wheely and Kynos worked out. Suddenly there was a blip on the map and Kynos knew exactly where it was:
<<Listen I know where the tracker is. Ayato took Sovereign to the Joke - or at least where the Joke was. It's a burned out bar close to Strawberry's lair and in Yakuza territory.
I'd appreciate whatever firepower you guys can lend me, but have to warn you: There'll probably be quite a few foot soldiers around.

Simone, if you don't want to come I'd have to borrow your car.

With the luck I'm having it's a trap anyway and the only thing I'll find there is a swift end.>>
Kuirem
<<My attack drone is still kaput but when push comes to shove I can still gun down a couple of goons. No way we are leaving Sovereign in their hands.

I can drive you there if Simone would rather leave her van behind but my car won't be as good as a protection.>>


Wheely is sincere about Sovereign, if only because he fears to know what the mage would be capable of if he becomes full bug but he also came to like the mage, as scary as he may be.
Jack_Spade
<<Good man. Having a reliable getaway will certainly improve chances of survival. We'll have to move fast before they find the tracker - if they haven't already.>>
Kynos kept an eye on the signal and calculated how long it would take to get to the Joke.
Mercy
Simone laughs out loud. >>Thank you for the question, but I am not sure why you are even asking it. Sovereign is a teammate and I try not to leave them behind when possible. I might even be useful for more than just driving the van. Sorry, Wheely, that I do not have your drone back together, but it was seriously beat up and is still in pieces.<<
Kuirem
<<No biggy it was my fault in the first place it ended up that way. Let's go with two vehicles then.>>
Gilga
@Maxwell You awake with a terrible headache in a room. You are unrestrained and do not seem to be guarded. The room contains a double bed, pictures of pop music stars and a small closet that has clothes that match your size. On a small nightstand next to the bed, there is a note and a pill. Oddly enough there is no window in that room, perhaps underground. The room is dimly lit by some sort of blue crystals.

The note says.
"I am sorry for bringing you here under these circumstances, make yourself at home. I will explain everything when you wake up. Gefen"
Mulcarn
Rubbing the back of his throbbing head, the magician stares at the note through a veil of half-sleep. He wads it up into a crumpled ball as he tries to stand. Nearly doubling over as he staggers forward a few paces. "How... how did I... how did I get here? What... happened? Last thing I remember is seeing Nyx and what's-her-face leave the safehouse. The hell happened to me? Who the frag is Gefen? Would it legitimately kill them just to have sent a message? I don't need to be shanghaied for a goddamn consultation." Said Maxwell indignantly. He barely manages to stop himself from keeling over as he leans against a cavernous wall instead. Taking the pill off the nightstand he places it inside the wadded-up note and pockets them both together. He then shifts perceptions to better his understanding of his new environment.

[ Spoiler ]
Gilga
@Maxwell You have never seen such perfect astral conditions there is no background count once or ever, the crystals are living organisms and the area has not a shred of pollution in it. You could not imagine that such conditions exist.
Mulcarn
Changing back to his meat senses, he pinches the bridge of his nose and tries to massages the pain out of his skull. "Wherever I am its pretty damn clean that's for sure. No guards. Physical or astral. No wards either. So i'm deep underground by my guess. Not that it takes Sherlock to figure that out. Well, fuck this shit. No one is here and i'm not going to entertain my phantom kidnapper for a second longer." He withdraws his hand from his face and anchors himself against the wall. With a distressed outcry, Maxwell calls deep into the metaplanes for a guide and guardian.

[ Spoiler ]


With years of practiced skill he manages to bring forth an elemental spirit under his command. Resolute. Determined. Maxwell leaves the confines of the strange blue-lit room and explores deeper into the unknown.
Gilga
@Maxwell you reach a wide hall with sofas and entertainment, a cold drink fridge and a bar with multiple beer taps. There are about twenty people talking, in pairs or triplets. Apparently, there is a live music show soon and people seems eager to get started. Nobody seems to mind you when you enter and the people all wear the same kind of brown clothes.

Mulcarn
Maxwell cocks an eyebrow at the scene and only shakes his ringing head in confusion. He runs a hand through his long, thick strands of hair. Trying to both primp and straighten it and ease his growing discomfort. "I don't know whats going on but I want out. Gotta be an exit somewhere. Let me ask one of these dildos which way is the way out. Normally you get kidnapped after the party ends. Not before it starts. Apparently Gefen needs to go back to crime and ransom school." Making many cautious steps straight forward leads Maxwell to a seated pair. Not wanting to expose himself as Sovereign if avoidable. He introduces himself under guise of his Fake SIN. "Terribly sorry to bother you, but I seem to have wandered in here by mistake somehow. My name's Glyve and i'm trying to find the way out of here but I haven't the foggiest idea where here is or even which direction I should be going. Could you help with that, please?"
Gilga
@Maxwell. When they notice you all the eyes are on you. The people all stand up and bow to you. A shot pale lady with purple eyes introduces herself as Gefen, she replies.
"You are no prisoner but it is unsafe for you out there. I am deeply sorry for the manner you were brought here - it is out of my control. It is clearly not a way to treat the chosen one. Perhaps I can get you a drink and explain what it is all about?"
Mulcarn
Taking a few steps backward on impulse as he becomes the center of focus. Shivers run up and down his spine additionally as well. He inspects the one who introduced herself as Gefen with distrust. "Please. Enlighten me. I was in no danger to begin with. Certainly not any that would warrant my capture as a solution even if I were. And chosen one? I've heard many colorful names over the years. Can't say 'chosen one' is on that list. Also, no food or drinks for me. I've adopted this new philosophy of not consuming anything if I ever feel concerned or paranoid about my safety." Rejoindered Maxwell humorlessly.
Gilga
Gefen said, "As you wish, but at least have a seat." Once you are seated Gefen replies "Everyone here is a refugee, we work in this place as farmers and pride ourselves for growing the best and cleanest food in the city.

Please do not be alarmed, but we are all Ant spirits here and you are our Shaman. Our world is in ruins, overwhelmed by more powerful wasp spirits. The survival of our species is upon your shoulders. You see, your predecessor was reluctant to help us. She had no compassion for us, I hope that you would see things differently"
Mulcarn
Curiosity mixed with a tinge of resentment compels Maxwell to bluntly say. "Not interested. Really, i'm not interested. My aims are to fulfill my end of the bargain and for the ones on the other side to fulfill theirs. I don't know what being your shaman entails but I can't fathom it being without extreme risk. Kudos to your farming abilities however. And to your environmental care. I wish more people were more consciousness about such matters but alas, they aren't. Who was my predecessor by the way? Was it a fiery-red haired elf by chance? Calls herself Strawberry." His tone near the end becomes increasingly dour as he gets closer to a more sensitive subject matter.
Gilga
Gefen replied "It saddens me to hear that. Strawberry was our former Shaman, but she manipulated us. Perhaps you would like to sacrifice her? She is our prisoner now. She stalled and delayed, making herself too week to service us. In the meanwhile our hive crumbled and our world was being overrun. Her plan was to wait until there was none of us to save. " she said and her eyes grew wet.
Mulcarn
Maxwell's interest piques immensely at Gefen mentioning Strawberry's imprisonment. She's here? As in... here, here? Why that's spectacular news! Now I don't have to hunt her down! Now I don't have to prepare months in advance! Now I don't have to..." He breaks off mid-sentence as Gefen started to tear up. What she had said about her home world on the verge of collapse begins to sink in. His knowledge about the political interplay of insect spirits is, to say in the least, lacking. With an ounce or two of empathy added in, he inquires. "Tell me, truthfully. How does she factor into all of this? Who's after me and why? I can't make any promises about anything without knowing the basics first."
Gilga
"Your world has suffered from insect spirits. You have much prejudice, much hate. I understand that as it is your world after all. Strawberry has allies powerful allies. She knows that you are an insect shaman and will send her allies to capture and kill you for money. Her lovers have already escaped and are plotting your demise as we speak." she said.
Mulcarn
Hearing Gefen's comment about his hatred causes him to snort briskly. "To be frank my hatred extends to just about everything. And lovers? As in plural? I was under the impression that her only bed partner is changeling named Minnie. Then again, I shouldn't be too surprised that she'd have more than one person to find succor in her busty embrace. But none of that matters anyway. I can take care of myself. Save for the occasional bootlicker that only attacks when i'm asleep. Doesn't matter how many allies she whores herself out to or how powerful you think they are. I always be the stronger one. Now, if you don't mind, i'd like to see her. I need to make sure you're telling the truth and not weaving an elaborate hoax."
Imladir
There's a longer pause. It was often said that singles gave the best relationships advices but... Nyx wasn't an expert of the field. Finally, she asked "I can't say I understand everything you're going through, nor what it implies. But... Did you talk about it with her, somewhere secure? Couldn't she be working towards some goal for the both of you? If she's not..." She sighed "I can't tell you what would be the best choice, but...There's trying to fix a relationship, and refusing to see that it ended..."
Gilga
@Maxwell Gefen replies "Strawberry is right here in the chambers we built her. She cannot leave because if she does she loses something she cares about more than herself. At least this is what that human Adndu-san explained me.
You are free to visit her if you like, I can show you the way. There is no love between us, I can assure you. She made her fame of our labor and allowed only a handful of us access to this world. Andu-San has promised to use your weapons to reclaim our world - but this takes time and we need a safe place to live until our world is safe again.

Shall I take you to Strawberry?"


@Nyx Nagisa shivers with fear when she said "This is way deeper than that, this brain implant of mine it responds to Minnie. It emits endorphins and dopamine when she is near me. I am conditioned to love her. I am terrified as what it will emit if I ever leave her. For some strange reason, it also reacts that way to Strawberry. This is strange, Yulia is my best friend and Strawberry is a stranger. I see nothing in her that I should like, she is loud, explicitly sensual, and she took my only girlfriend despite already having multiple lovers. I resent her! I wish I never met her!

Yet, just having her approaching me yields physical and emotional pleasure. I dream of her and Yulia when I sleep, erotic dreams and I feel like a puppet. A slave to my own emotions and desires, I am free to make my own decisions but somebody else is pulling the strings by controlling my emotional state. Which actions would feel good and which would feel bad. It has been like that since I was a child - this is part of the reason why I am a good decker. This implant makes all my life events make perfect sense, it was installed when the Finnigans claimed me. I was just a child then."


She shrugged, "Look, Valerie, Strawberry knows that she is well - irresponsible. While she and Yulia are lovers - she will come to me for advice. I can deliver her to the Finnigans and honestly - I do not care what you do with her. I just want this head implant deactivated and to go my own way - I do not mind working for the Finnigans but not like that. This emotion makes me behave in manners that contradict everything that I am - it nullifies my own personality and if there is no hope well..."

She sobs and says "If there is no hope then I will kill myself before I let this foreign object turn me into another version of Yulia and Strawberry. "


@Kynos, Simone Wheely

When you arrive at the Joke you see the burned down building but the tag is next to it by a large tree. There is a metal box there containing Maxwell's personal devices and a note:
"I can appreciate your loyalty to your friend. He is not a prisoner though and will contact you when he wakes up. I am extremely sorry for the way he was treated this is out of my hands and I would never wish for such methods. Gefen."
Mulcarn
Maxwell looked away from the pleading woman... bug-thing. He presses a knuckle against his forehead and starts rubbing it in many semicircles. The pain from being knocked out earlier was gradually ebbing. Still, not fast enough for his liking though. Another brief moment passes before he looks back at her and replies. Heaving a hefty sigh as he does. "Promises spoken and promises broken are oft not far from the same breath taken. So be it. Bring me to her and let me come to my own decision. Past experiences leave me little room for acceptance of another man or woman's judgement. Some things need to be seen for yourself. Forcing me to doubt whether or not this is the same person you and I are talking about."
Imladir
Nyx rubbed her neck for a second. "I..." She paused "There's nothing much I can do... Except at best repeat what you told me to Fabiana, but... There is nothing I can promise you, one way or another..." She grimaced "I wish it would be otherwise but anything I could promise would be based on nothing..."
Jack_Spade
Kynos turned to Simone: "I'd like to borrow your axe, please."

It took him a few tries, but in moments he had stripped the bark in a circle around the base of the tree, making sure that the living part of the tree would die quickly without access to water from the roots. That done, he took out his micro welder and burned a message into the wood.
"YOU ARE NEXT"

"Next time I'll have to implant the chip into his skull. I really need to get myself a back-up mage so I have someone who can run a search on the guy who runs searches for me."

<<Ok, this makes this next bit more complicated. I'll have to make a few calls. Wheely, it's a longshot, but try to trace the bio-hazard suit I bought for Ayato and Irris. It might be still in their possession. I'm extending you three MARKs again.>>

The first commcode he tried was Balls: <<Got to meet your boss Andu. If I were you I'd start to hole up somewhere safe. Your organization has been subverted by bug spirits. Don't go to any initiations or similar events or you might find yourself host to one of the Invae. By the way, do you know where the entrance to Strawberries underground plantation is located?>>

Next he called one of the few people he knew would take bugs serious:
<<Captain Dern, I hope I find you in good health. You might not remember me, but I am Kynos, the Mercenary that helped your team survive that disaster at the nightclub with Vish, Al and ICE. I happen to have stumbled across traces of a new infestation - Ants as I am told - that have infiltrated the local Yakuza.
I know you guys need better leads then that to be deployed, but I'd be interested in purchasing some of your more potent insecticides - just in case. I'll keep you posted should I find more proof.>>


Finally, remembering his promise, he called Nyx:
<<Honoring my promise to you, I have to ask you to deliver a message to Strawberry for me. You find the commcode attached:
"Strawberry, your or your boss' sleeper agent has taken Sovereign. If you want to do your part to reduce the enmity between us and proof that what you told my colleague wasn't just a load of cock'n bull, you'll help me to pin-point his current location. Otherwise I have to assume, this was just another pretty lie. Love Kynos.">>

Kuirem
Wheely steps out of his car shortly after the other two after they retrived the box. He can see Kynos venting his frustration on the lone tree. The man is silent in his task which makes it more scary than if he had screamed. He snaps out of his observation at the order, glad for the distraction he sit back in his seat and slips in the Matrix.

[ Spoiler ]
Gilga
@Nyx Nagisa turns serious and says "Look Nyx, you and Fabiana require Strawberry. I want my freedom. I am clearly less valuable to the Finnigans than Strawberry as nobody has ever tried to rescue me. Get me the deal I want and when Strawberry will need a rational recommendation it will be to go with your offer. Due to the circumstances explained, I do not have much wiggle room in this offer so either take it or leave it..." She looks in the mirror and frowns "Now how do I leave this place with some dignity...". She then opens her cosmetic kit and applies makeup attempting to conceal the signs of crying.

@Maxwell Gefen tells you "Offcourse I will take you to Strawberry, I will even allow you to leave if this is really what you want, but do know that you are an insect shaman - experts can verify this by observing you, this fact is known and THEY will be going after you. The safest place for you is here at least until you are no longer our Shaman. Please do not hold me responsible for the actions of a misguided man like Andu-San for he is a man of violence unlike ourselves." She leads you through the underground maze to the quoters of Strawberry and calls her name as she approaches "Strawberry - I hope you are decent as you have a visitor."

Strawberry opens the door to you in her night gown and looks at the two of you silently. She takes a deep breath and says "... I assume that there is not much that I can say to convince you not to have your little revenge. So you might as well look me in the eye and admit that you are going to murder me on that alter." There is no anger in her voice, desperation yes. She boils some water and then asks "Coffee or tea?"

@Kynos, Wheely, Simone your act of vandalism goes undisturbed - nobody in their right mind is going to stop an armed and armored man from destroying a tree though a bunch of people is looking funny at you. Clearly, this tree has a meaning to them - but the balance of power is drastically in your favor.

@Kynos
Your contact says >>Kynos Hi, I wish you well. Ant spirits are like the bottom of the food chain. They do not have any special immunities. Regular bullets will do just fine. We leave these to the police, Happy hunting.
Imladir
Nyx frowned, apparently displeased. After a second or two, she nodded "Like I said, I can't promise anything. I'll relay your terms, then we'll see." At that, she nodded, and left the room to go back to the table where Minnie and Finnestra were waiting for them.
Gilga
@Nyx When you return Finestra and Yulia are engaged in a conversation Yulia's tail seems to wander on Finestras bare leg, and she seems to allow it. The topic is Strawberry and Yulia shares her fascination with her. She mentions how excited she is that her mistress can finally have a new home. Finestra looks at you with a subtle expression of release and then said "Oh you two are finally back, good. Yulia has been kind enough to allow Strawberry to meet with us. Shall we go there right now? Time is of the essence"
Mulcarn
Maxwell folds his arms and nods indifferently at her warning. "If I can stand toe-to-toe with a host of undead and come out unscathed then I can manage a gang of Japanese punks. Or bounty hunters for that matter. Really, Gefen, there's no need to worry about me so. But... that's twice now you've mentioned Andu's involvement in your, let's say... development. Perhaps i'll pay him a visit afterwards once i'm all finished here. I mean, i'm also a man of violence! What fun the both of us could have!" Warbled Maxwell sadistically. His murderous impulses shining clear and true as his mood changes from moment to moment. Brilliant, then dark. Gay, then grim.

The psychotic mage shadowed Gefen as she navigated the labyrinthine caverns below. Their footsteps creating mild echos to herald their arrival. When the voluptuous Strawberry answers their call Maxwell could not believe his eyes for a moment. He thought that for a second his eyes were cheated by some spell. He simply could not believe his luck that the woman who cursed him and sentenced him to a fate more harsh than death would be hand delivered to him. His lips formed a twisted devilish smile. His body felt like fire, like ecstasy. He nearly doubled over in laughter at the irony of it all.

Of course, being the spoilsport she is. Strawberry ruins his revelry by being so... meek about her execution and for disarming his gloating with an offer of a choice drink. Maxwell straightens his form out and regains a more serious composure. A minute passes. Then two more before he says. "You know, I had something a little less... lame in my imagination. Even for this one particular scenario. I had formulated all of these totally awesome plans and schemes to orchestrate your downfall that i'll never be able to put into motion now. The least you could do is not be a bitch about it. I mean, Strawberry, for fucks sake, don't be a goddamn defeatist! There's nothing to be gained for me if you just rollover and die!"

[ Spoiler ]

A terrible, frightening visage overcomes Maxwell face as he froths and fumes about Strawberry's fatalism. His eyes glow like hot coals and smoke pours from his nostrils. The episode passes and the spectral mask fades just as fast as it first appeared. "Coffee please. With an explanation. Why are you here? What's the point of bringing me here?" Said Maxwell in cold fury. He slips into the astral to peer into the soul of the woman before him.

[ Spoiler ]
Gilga
Strawberry prepares herbal tea for herself and Gefen and coffee for you. She delivers you the glasses and invites you to sit on the luxurious tables. She is hugging her legs and waiting for her tea to cool down. Gefen does not seem to mind the tea and quietly drinking it - she is clearly awkward by the situation.

Strawberry's aura is strong and bright with no signs of augmentations. She is in perfect health, without a hint of disease or any underlying medical condition. Her magic is slightly weaker than yours and she is clearly afraid, though you can sense other dominant emotions - mainly compassion in her soul. Her emotional discipline prevents you from understanding much more. She calmly replies your questions "I released my lovers, sent them away to their freedom. Noone else should watch my demise. When I did that terrible thing to you I was very angry, raging even. You burned my home and killed my friends and colleagues. The Joke was a place that kept me sane, gave me a connection to life and its simple pleasures. It was very dear to me and you took it away.
In my rage I did what I did not do for months, instead of sacreficing a pixie and advance just a tiny bit. I tighed you to the alter - the most powerful mage I encountered in the shadows...


She shakes her head and then adds

"You probably owe your life to Minnie that talked me out of killing you in rage - but I could not back down. I already completed the ritual and I had to do something creative to abort. I negotiated replacing myself for you, as you have seen the Ants are not happy with me sacrificing meek pixies as the offering. They want powerful mages, not pixies...

She sipped from her tea and then continued.
"You see, I am too weak to summon their queen. I had no intention in growing in power, I did anything that I could to remain weak. For once because I am already quite borderline insane. More magic would push me over the top and second because I have no idea what releasing an Ant queen to this world would do. Had I sacrificed you their queen would have crossed into this realm."

Gefen cried "You never wanted to help us, you only took our knowledge and stalled. My hive perished because of you." Strawberry looked at Gefen and said "I will not take any more life for you. This rage I felt was the first sign of my decay - I sympathize with your pain but your redemption is paved with innocent blood."
Gefen said "...but you humans kill each other all the time... I do not understand" Strawberry replied "Gefen! I am with Maxwell now. This discussion has no end and you know it." Gefen silences and drinks her tea.

Strawberry looks at you and continues
"I bought time by not slaying you, apparently not that much time because here you are and here I am. You are already powerful enough to summon their queen and you are comfortable with slaying me.
I have no rivalry toward you and no hate for you. I apologize greatly for what I did for you and am ashamed of myself that I failed to contain my anger. You are a difficult person to like or to even be in business with Maxwell. My warning to you is that nobody knows what happens once you sacrifice me.
Gefen that we respect and like will no longer be in charge and their queen may have more malicious intentions than you think. "


She hands you her comlink and says "Here, call your friends and let them know you are okay. Do it before they engage in violence and start killing people or get themselves killed trying to save you. You should have seen how Gefen was angry with Andu-San and forced him to release you. It was quite a spectacle.


As for Andu - he is a fool thinking that he can use the portal we create to enter their realm and capture it. We do not even begin to understand the effect of such actions and the risks they place this city in. "
Imladir
Nyx hesitated for a second, then nodded. A simple meeting wouldn't hurt, and maybe she would be able to better understand the situation. "Sure, I don't have anything else on my agenda anyway."

Receiving the message from Kynos, she glanced at her 'link and frowned. She types a few words in >>Kynos [Nyx]: We're on our way to see her.<< and showed the message to Finnestra.
Gilga
@Nyx Finestra nods in approval for the text, once you are out of the museum she said "Yulia was not so difficult, she melted when I told her of an agriculture business Strawberry could run. Thanks for getting me out of there though. Anything from Nagisa? She seemed kind of off.
Imladir
Nyx snorted "That's one way to say it. According to her, the Finnigans put an implant in her, that's designed to have her react strongly - and positively - to Yulia and incidently to Strawberry. To the point where the simple idea of doing anything against them is painful. Emotionally anyway. She wants the implant removed and she'll convince Strawberry to agree with us, and possibly continue to work for the Finnigans. She just doesn't want to do it with that chip."

She paused, frowning "But if Strawberry is really involved in kidnapping Maxwell... We may very well walk in the lion's den." She shook her head "Kidnapping Maxwell... They must have a death wish, that dude is fried."
Gilga
@Nyx Finestra seemed a bit surprised, "I thought she meant a literal kill switch as in a little bomb wired to her brain. I am surprised that the Finnigans had access to such technology. At any case, it is approved - though she may not recognize herself once this is removed. Nagisa was talking about Yulia all the time over the last years, Finnigans do not have many deckers. "

She thought and then said "Oh, we are going into the lion's Den, Strawberry is the most experienced mage in the shadows and she has a large number of free spirit allies. There is little we can do if she becomes violent - but my file explicitly states that she is a pacifist. "
She then shrugged "I would just kill him while I could. Mages are tricky to capture. They can just project their will and ask for someone to rescue them, summon powerful spirits in a whim - or in Maxwell's case torch the place up. Why would Strawberry go into the effort of kidnapping him? "
Imladir
Nyx grimaced "Apparently there's also a kill switch." She shrugged "I don't know much about any of that, so I can't say how likely it is. As for the impact it will have on her... Well, she'll just have to see a shrink I suppose. But if what she says is true, that's no way to live... Can you imagine not having the choice of who you love?"

She shuddered, then shook her head, much preferring another subject "I don't know many pacifists who would kidnap anyone. Kinda goes against the dogma. So either she's far less pacifist than you were led to believe, or someone else did the kidnapping and is framing Strawberry. There are ways to restrict a Mage's access to the Astral, after all all those nice corporations like KE and Lone Star have access to that. But it's not exactly common..." She paused, pensive "There is some history between Kynos and Maxell on one side, and Strawberry on the other. No idea what it is, but given their reaction, I'd imagine they'd like to offer her an early retirement to the grave. Given their lack of subtlety, I bet she knows it. It seems pretty dumb to kidnap someone you know wants to kill you... Either you ignore him and hope for the best, or kill him first."
Gilga
Finestra said "Well, perhaps the Strawberry part is because of Yulia, perhaps she leaves some hair or some other body fluid on Strawberry when the two... I mean you have seen how she is there is no stopping her. Thank you for exiting the restroom before we got to second base, it was kind of embarrassing."

Finestra said "Agreed that kidnapping mages is complex. So we need Strawberry to come willingly. " She looked shocked when you mention Kynos and Maxwell killing her.
Killing her is high treason, the kind that gets assassins to your safehouse at night. To the very least, they would never work with the Finnigans again. I seriously hope they do not do it as it would make all of us look bad."
Mulcarn
Maxwell steadily absorbed everything Strawberry was telling him. Even her body language and the state of aura he made a mental note of. He didn't even so much as take a single sip from the coffee cup she offered to him before she began. Lest he'd miss something important she might have said. Instead, it warmed his hand quite uncomfortably as he continued to listen quietly. He couldn't help but lingeringly stare at the commlink she handed him when she concluded her story. Slowly he reached for the device, only to toss it aside. With the cup still in hand Maxwell drains it in one breath, one quaff. The steaming, dark brown beverage scalds his throat mildly. Leaving a bitter burnt aftertaste to fill his mouth.

He exhales, painfully, gritting his teeth near the end of the breath. Looking down into the empty cup he proceeds to set it aside. And now... it was his turn to say his piece. "You're story is... missing some elements. Some details. Maybe it's not your fault. Maybe you really don't know the whole of it the same way I do. Here, let me be so kind and fill in the blank spots you keenly left out. The day after you and I first met I was contacted by Knight Errant to do a job for them. You see, they had footage of me being pinned to the ground by Venom. You remember that night, right? Well, anyway, I was pinned to the ground and I called for a fire spirit to come to my aid. It did, by killing one of Venom's men and by scaring the piss out of the brute. Knight Errant had leverage on me because of this footage. They wanted me to do a job for them. Else they'd be really fucking annoying about it and send me to jail for killing some drekhead that probably had it coming to him anyway.

So, I did the rational thing, and agreed. Simple job. Easy money. Fast forward a day and a night to the next part of this saga. I meet a girl, a hacker, while on the job. Goes by the street name - Blue Vixen. Her real name's Amy though. She had a... very magnetic attraction to me. Right from the get-go. I didn't think much about it at the time because I assumed she was feigning her interest so to speak. Moving on, she gets kidnapped. Not too dissimilar to how I got here. An acrobat sneaks into the school she was staying at with some friends of hers and quite literally, stuffs her into a burlap sack and runs off with her. Like some kind of cartoon. I couldn't help much at the point because I was nearly dead at the time this all went down. Venom sends one of his men to 'recruit' me or some shit. I say no and proceed to ice him. But not before he nearly slices me in half.

I survive. As I usually do. Vixen on the other hand is gone without a trace. I thought that would be the end of that, at the time. I was wrong. Later, after coming home from a failed shadowrun, i'm greeted by one of Vixen's friends. Jack. He tells me that my apartment was rigged to blow and that I should come with him. I nearly tell him to fuck off when I hear this. But I humored the man and went against my better judgement. Slept on a dirty mattress inside a dockside warehouse that night. Morning comes and I receive a mystery gift. It was the start of scavenger hunt. Lucky me. One that leads me to another one of Vixen's friends. A Horizon technician. Also named Amy. We meet and exchange pleasantries. Eventually, this leads to her decrypting a datachip I've given her during my scavenger hunt. One with a message from Vixen this time."


Maxwell pauses to take a few breaths before continuing onward. He had come to the midway point of his tale. The part coming up would be the moment his interest in Venom becomes lethal, and how he first hears of Damian Grail. The vampire king. "It was a video message. Of Amy. Of Blue Vixen. In the message she tells us that Grail, with help from Venom, had captured her. She goes on to tell us that the reason behind her kidnapping was because Grail needed a talented hacker. She didn't really give any detail as to why in the message. Just that he needed her. Initially she refused this, as you can imagine why. Then... then she starts crying. Blue Vixen goes on to say that Venom had been 'coercing' her into working for Grail. She resisted at first. But the more frequent his visited, the more he left her bruised and used."

He looks Strawberry in the eyes this time. Her gorgeous, emerald eyes meeting his terrible sable gaze. "Let's do another time skip, shall we? Let's skip forward to the part right where I found out that he's living practically underneath my nose. After Minnie, Kynos, Athos and I leave that grand party where we tracked Venom down at. Minnie, at your behest I conjecture, sides with Venom and helps him escape my grasp. Taking him all the way down to your kind, loving embrace. Of course, i'm not one to throw in the towel. Not if I can help it at least. I summon, for the first time ever, a spirit magically greater than myself. I don't know how I managed this and I don't know how I am currently capable of still doing so. Anyway, I order that greater fire spirit to track Venom down and bring him to me. Or, immolate him if he refuses to meet me. You arrogantly intervened in an affair that wasn't you're concern and banished my elemental. I'm still livid that you did that by the way.

This next part coming up is everybody's favorite. This time, you send a spirit of yours to detain me. To possess me. When that failed you ordered it to instead kill me. By splitting the earth open into a gaping fiery maw. I dodge this attack. And run like hell into The Joke. I see you, or what I thought was you servicing a few patrons. I felt beyond irritated that you didn't have the slightest amount of respect for me or for those who work with me. I grab your attention by letting loose a quick blast of hellfire. Aimed right above your pretty little head. At this point, all of the civilians inside the place leave almost immediately. The majority of Venom's men remain inside however. They call out insults and threats of violence. I, in turn, create an inferno right at the heart of that establishment you loved so dearly. Because fuck you! Fuck Venom! And fuck the Yakuza! And... and... and here we are... Woefully united under strange highways of fate and chance. I don't owe anybody anything. Not you. Not Minnie. Not Andu. Not Grail. Nobody. Anybody who says different can join the grave of everyone who's ever gone against me. And it's a big fucking grave!"
Imladir
Nyx cocks an eyebrow, as if to say Have you seen them?. She snorted a bit derisively, then looked away, pensive "Maybe Yulia has the same thing, just that it's always on?" She sighed "Not that it matters too much at this point I suppose. So, where is this lion's den we're supposed to go in now?" On the way to the bike, Nyx remarked "You know, in the end, all of that is based on the hope that I'll be able to convince Strawberry. Not that I dislike the show of trust but... What do we have to offer her? I mean we're talking free spirits, the yaks, kidnapping and so on but... Outside of working at the farm, what do we have to offer her? What guarantees will she have? She'll probably want to know that..."
Gilga
@Maxwell, Strawberry listens closely to your story and then says "Your coffee is getting cold Max." To Gefen she said "Will you give us some privacy? I have a feeling that it is going to take a while before your chosen one is done with me." she smiles and leads her to the door, closing it behind her. With the door closed she shruggs "Finally she leaves!"

To Max she said, "That was quite a speech, are you feeling better? Do you want to hear my side of the story?" She grabbed the comlink and texted Kynos ">>Kynos Hi, this is Strawberry. Maxwell is in my private chambers, he is alive and well and angry about me. He was offered to sacrifice me for the Ant spirits and I try as much as I can to reason with him. Please do not break in, the place is guarded and I have spirits watching over with tasks to protect it. I will send Max back to you on his own volition if he agrees to leave."

@Nyx Finestra thought about it for a moment and then said "Perhaps she does, it would explain many things. Perhaps, it is even always on because she is always with Yulia now rather than once a week.

When Nyx asks about Strawberry she becomes focused and seems happy that the topic was raised.

This is a good question, there are two carrots and one stick sort of speaking.
First, Strawbery seems fond of Nagisa and Yulia- I mean with the way Yulia is speaking of her I'd assume that the feeling is mutual. "

She looked down and said "Finnigan's will kill both of them if she does not come. " She rubbed her neck and then said "I am not entirely comfortable with this path but this is what I think Valentina will do. She is not called the Iron Lady for nothing."

She looked at Nyx and added " We also know who she really is. An ex-cooperate mage stroke by grief and turning her way to society. Giving up life of wealth in Denver to live in Redmond. Her entire family was killed in a car crash in a failed extraction attempt. She could not save them and survived - to live with this terrible guilt...
Pausing, she adds "The extraction failed, she escaped with her rescuers but then disappeared. Shortly after, an identical mage appeared here in Redmond Barrens. She is quite distinctive and difficult to miss. We can remind her who she really is, what she forgot. Her own name and history. [/color]

She continued with passion in her voice "Finally, they are not compeltely dead. Her son was turned into a vampire shortly after the crush. He is very much alive and very much interested in speaking to his mother, we can reunite them. He is being kept in one of the basements of the Gates. "


She then added "You can do it Nyx, I trust you to use the correct balance and know which option is best when you negotiate with her. "
She smiled playfully and added:
"Also, Strawberry may cause you to switch teams... She has quite a nasty reputation for seduction... "

...by this time you already arrived at the bike.
Jack_Spade
Kynos received one frustrating message after the other.

To Captain Dern he replied: <<You have to be kidding me. Look, I'm not asking for your assistance or anything. I'm asking to buy from you insect poison - the Firewatch brand. I'm prepared to do your job pro bono and you don't give a frag? Boo-fucking-rah.>>

To Nyx he wrote: <<Good. Send me a message when you arrive or shortly before they take you commlink away. Do not trust Strawberry. She speaks a lot about peace and understanding but if push comes to shove she is just happy to have a spirit possess you to do her bidding.>>

To Strawberry he wrote: <<Is that your idea of building trust? Do you honestly think I take your word on this. I assume that this Geden guy is one of your ant friends. This is the second time you have abducted Sovereign. Last time he came back being black-mailed into a spirit pact.
I have no idea what your intentions are, but it seems every time you interact with us the situation gets worse.
Unless Sovereign tells me in person to stand down I won't. Fiat iustitia et pereat mundus.>>


He made sure to share the conversation with the team - what remained of it - and said: "I'm in a very bad mood right now. Does anyone of you have a good idea how to proceed? Because the things I'm thinking about could be constituted as a war crime."
Gilga
@Kynos Strawberry texted ">>It was not me to kidnap him, Andu has infiltrated your group. Gefen is indeed an Ant spirit but she would not risk her Shaman being wounded. Your little chat raised Andu's interest and he decided to cash out on his investment in your team. He wants Maxwell for the same reason he wanted me - to summon the Ant Queen and then create a portal to their realm. Andu believes that the Yakuza can capture that world and gain infinite resources. You speak to Max directly - Gefen would not let Andu imprison him. He is here next to me" To Max she said "Just talk to your friend already before people start dying."
Imladir
When they got to the bike, and put their helmets on, Nyx barely nodded, looking like she needed some time to digest all that information. Hopefully, by they time they reached their destination, she would have a good idea on how to proceed but...she was fairly certain she'd have to 'wing it', as they said... If nothing else, she had plenty of information about Strawberry, but it wasn't always consistent. Odds were only a direct meeting and discussion would be able to give her a good idea of the woman.
Gilga
@Nyx Finestra takes you to Seattle's Discovery Park. Once a green lung in the city containing over 500 acres of wilderness. Than a place for drug abuse and prostitution and right now a polluted but forested park. The forests are actually quite new and are less than one year old despite the fact that the trees are old. This is a dark and outdoorsy place - where Finestra is clearly uncomfortable with. At a certain point, she said "This is as far as I am comfortable in bringing the bike. The tree spirits may be upset if we do not leave it. They hurt the local gangers for far less, in fact, few dare entering this forest since it was magically erected with or without cars." She stopped and drew her gun, loading it and reading it.
Kuirem
"Sorry Kynos, no way to find those suits, they must be offline or they get rid of them already. As for an idea… I have to admit I am a bit overwhelmed by all this magic drek, insect spirits? I'm wondering if a war crime wouldn't be better than releasing them.

The only one who could give us their location is Andu and from your description I doubt he will be willing without magically forcing him or something, and our mage is out. Unless… do you think Sovereign could find a way to give his position without warning his captors?

By the way his so-called Fugo was Tuna, his speech about 'trust' was a pile of drek if you had any doubt about it."
Jack_Spade
"Thanks for trying. Yeah, I thought so. Time will show if it wasn't poisoned anyway.
No idea if Sovereign is even still alive - or able to use a commlink. Say, you wouldn't be able to hack two MARKs on Strawberry's comm and trace her discreetly, would you?

I can't believe that someone would say ants aren't dangerous. Those fraggers have acid glands that allow them to burn through nearly all natural materials and they breed like crazy. If Strawberry has called one spirit here every month like they want Sovereign to do - and if the stupid bitch hasn't thought about having them killed - there are at least a few dozen of the things around, likely using pixie bodies as a base. I bet the fleshforms look really creepy."

Kynos replied
Mulcarn
He watches, with a fraction of sympathy, Gefen being indignantly shown the door. His brow furrows at the condescending tone she takes with him. After everything he said, she still treats him like a child who doesn't know any better. "I'm so glad the well being of my friends and the misery they suffered due to your negligence, remains a mere trifle to you. An inconvenience for you to dismiss on a whim whenever convenient." Replied Maxwell sarcastically. Furiously, he slaps the commlink out of her hand. Barely able to control himself as his vitriolic anger gets the better of him. "I don't have to do a damn thing for you! You say I killed your friends? Your colleagues? You mean that gang of thugs led under Venom? Ha! I find that laughably deceptive! No way in hell they are anything but scum! And no! I'm not talking to anybody before you tell why you didn't kill Venom or Andu the moment they reared their ugly, shriveled heads! Why do you insist on playing the role of mother whore to these cowards and weaklings?"
Kuirem
"Certainly worth a try, as spirits they might have not thought about shielding their comm from a Matrix tracing, give me a minute."

Once again Wheely slips into the Matrix, finding traces of Strawberry communication to Kynos and trying to follow it to the source.

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