Link to OOC

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:00 - Your Apartment

The sun is already spilling through the curtains as your eyes slowly open to the outside world. From somewhere you catch the delicious scent of real coffee slow brewing… real coffee meant Nisa. Nisa hated the “soycaf” blend you kept on hand and usually showed up with her own custom 100 bag. Sighing, you try to catch a glimpse of the kitchen. Having Nisa over always seemed like a good idea when you were looking at her in the neon glow of the club light but somehow always seemed less so in the morning sun.
There was definitely something to be said for a man’s privacy. Seeing Nisa sitting at your bar and wearing your clothes… well, it was a nice picture but it was also dangerous.

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:00 - Somewhere outside of Cape Town city limits

Standing absolutely still, you watched the Black Mamba move hypnotically to the left and right, her tongue darting in and out… tasting. From her reared posture, she knew you were there but was unable to catch your scent enough to strike. This was where the real adrenaline kicked in. The Black Mamba was the worlds’ most aggressive snake; it would actually go out of its way to strike at a nearby creature. It was thrilling, being this close.
Your hand slowly tightens its hold on the snare, inching it slowly closer and closer. The Mamba hisses, her head swaying in an ever reaching arc.
You smile; a Black Mamba would make the perfect addition to your collection of summoning and conjuring materials. Deadly and poised, like the Dragon, she was a worthy offering.

Rave - Friday October 12th, 2070: 2300 - The Magus

Light. Sound. Movement. The atmosphere of the club filled your senses, sparking your adrenaline and sending you headlong into a dizzying rush of euphoria. The feeling peaks and then valleys… and then rises again. From where you are, you can see the mages standing high above the stage, directing the flow of mana like a symphony of emotion.
The song ends, hitting a long and sustained crescendo before dropping into silence. The crowd roars, begging for more but the mages simply smile and walk away. Soon, the crowd turns back to the bars or each other, waiting for the next set to start.
This place was quickly becoming the “it” spot amongst the Cape Town locals. It was called “The Magus” and had garnered a name for itself by employing no less then five mages to keep the good times and the mana flowing. Taking a break from the heat of the dance floor, you make your way to the bar. A long line waits for service, but thankfully Abwa sees you over the throng and waves you over to the end of the bar.

Desert Eagle - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 10:00 - The Smoke Hole

Great Spirits, grant me a vision. Grant me a sign of things to come. The old man speaks in a low tone and then touches the bundle of sage to his lips. He kisses it gently, as one would a beloved child and then tosses it onto the fire. The old man leans back and looks at you from you’re his place across from you. His back is against one side of the underground chamber, as your back is against the other side. He smiles and closes his eyes, inhaling deeply.
The smoke of the now burning sage roils within the small room, stealing the breath from your lungs and reddening your eyes. Leaning back and inhaling as the old man has taught you, you try to remain calm, to put your trust in the ancestors… in the spirit of your people.
The chamber you’re in is no more then 4 ft. x 4 ft. and yet in the ever growing smoke it feels wider. You can barely see the old man now, he seems so distant. From all around you, the sound of thunder can be heard. You dimly wonder why the earth doesn’t shake…

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:00 - Somewhere outside of Cape Town city limits

This is stupid This is stupid This is stupid . This is never gonna work!

Heeeeeere snakey snakey.... Uncle Bryce's got a nice, tasty snare for ya'. You like the snare, yes you do..

Spirits that thing looks pissed. This is a bad idea. Could be good. Probably gonna be bad. At least I've got anti-venin in the mad kit.

Easing forward infintely slowly, with an Increased Reflexes spell being held by his sustaing foci, Drachen eased the snare forward, keeping his arm held high, and his eyes on the snake.

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:00 - Somewhere outside of Cape Town city limits

The Mamba hisses again and darts forward, her beady eyes practically revolving in her head. By now she's raised herself more then three feet off the ground, taller then some dwarves you know. She slides forward, still tasting the air and trying to pinpoint your location.

Roll Agility + Reaction vs. Mamba's Intuition + Reaction

SHIT! Ohhh... you little

Strangely annoyed that the snake would actually dare to attempt to bite him, Drachen starts getting angry with it. Of course, it made perfect sense that the snake would try to bite him. He was trying to snare it after all, and would deserve what he would likely get. But goaded by the pride of Dragon, all he could be was offended at the utter stupidity of the little beast for actually trying to harm him.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:00 - Nico's Apartment

Nico absently reaches across the bed for a gun as the light assaults his eyes, this was an offense worth killing over. As he slips further into the conscious world, he realizes that killing her for opening the curtains might be a little over the top. Just a little...

Still laying in the bed, eyes still closed, the scent of the coffee rolls across his senses next. Coffee. Real coffee. I will accept that as penance. He opens his eyes and rolls over out of bed. The bathroom. He stands and relieves himself, then washes his hands. He uses the antibacterial soap. Twice. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Then heads into the kitchen, still naked. He looks her up and down, slightly aroused at the site... slightly annoyed at the site. Still she had coffee, the good stuff, and she looked damn good in his shirt....

Black Mamba Intuition + Reaction


The snare loops around the Mamba's head easily. Pulling it taut, you can't help but glare at the creature that would dare to defy you. Concentrating on the snake, you don't see the change that ripples through your shadow. For a moment your nose elongates into a snout and your body grows serpentine. The change lasts for only a second before disappating, but the Mamba seems to grow oddly still.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:00 - Nico's Apartment

Nisa looks up, surprised and then smiles when she notices your naked form.
Good morning, lover. Looking good... coffee?
She stands and walks into the kitchen, pouring you a cup. As she stands, the shirt rides up her thigh, revealing even more naked thigh.
Your comm rang this morning while you were still asleep. You looked so cute, I didn't want to wake you. She smiles and hands you your cup of coffee. Mind if I borrow your shower?

That's right. Fuckin' belly crawler.

Drachen quickly ties the snake, having nothing to keep it bundled within. He pins it with his boot, keeping a hand on the line, then runs a stick along it's "back", wrapping it quickly with a line to keep it from being able to move properly.

Only once he's finished somehow "hog tieing" the snake does what he jsut did sink in.

Idiot! Always just doing without thinking! "Oh I've got anti-venin". Yeah, and if it had bitten you, it might have bitten you twice. Got enough for that?! Stupid.

Well hell, I've got it now. Might as well start on the summoning.

Drachen moves around the area, gathering the materials he's brought for the summoning. He got the text from Nigel last week, and he's been dying for the chance to attempt his first Invokation.

Maybe as fool hardy and reckless as the snake, but hey, maybe having the snake will help. It's certainly a good offering to the air spirits. Eagles feed on snakes after all.

Wonder if dragon air spirits feed on snakes? Well hell, I've had monkey brains. Wasn't bad. guess they'd be ok with eating a distant cousin.

He sets about, preparing the circle for the summoning.

Suprisingly, the snake doesn't move. Occasionally its tongue will flick out to lick at the air but that's all it seems willing to do.

What force spirits?

Drachen looks at the snake in curiosity a few times, but otherwise puts it out of his mind, just watching enough to make sure it isn't escaping and continues the ritual.

Guess the thing knows when it's beaten.

Don't know why I didn't just stun bolt the thing.

Inside though, he knows it wouldn't have been the same. All the shamanic mumbo jumbo aside, materials gather by hand were always better. That was certainly by hand.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:02 - Nico's Apartment

He smirks slightly at her comment and even smiles a little at her lithe form as the shifting shirt reveals her flowering womanhood. Her next comment however puts the kibosh on both his smile and his arousal. He takes the cup, gently... and grunts waving her off to the shower, his anger hidden beneath his calm exterior. He then takes a sip of the coffee, closing his eyes, tasting the flavor....

After several long moments, he sets the cup down on the counter and retrieves his com and gear from the night table by the bed. He puts in the contacts and ears buds, then puts the five small rings on each hand that are his AR gloves. He retrieves his coffee and steps over to the windows looking out on the bay and logs into his com. He checks to insure that it is secure, then connects to the grid, logs into the shadow server that is his voice service provider and checks for messages...

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:02 - Nico's Apartment


The sound of the shower and a soft feminine voice singing in the background ensure his privacy, at least for the moment.

Logging onto the shadow server, you wait for the telltale sounds of the relay routers to finish their work. Finally, there's a slight 'ping' in your earbuds and the voice server connects.

You have one message. Message sanitized and re-routed. Would you like to play the message? After your grunt in the affirmative the message connects and plays:

Nico. Kyle. I have something on the line, if you're interested and available. High stakes, high payout. The J. is credible. You know how to reach me.
The message ends.
Would you like to replay, delete or store message?

Summoning Resistance Test - Spirit of Air

Binding Resistance Test - Spirit of Air

Invoking Resistance Test - Spirit of Air

Drachen looks at the spirit hovering there, still boud within the circle. he's amazed at how simple the binding was, and relieved he chose to start with an air spirt, which he's always had an affinity with.

Wow, much easier than I thought that would be. Look at that thing... you can just feel it's power.

Spirit, I have summoned and bound you. I have invoked you with great strength. In return, you will answer my summons dutifully and faithfully until your services are complete. In return, I will not needlessly endanger you, disrespect your greatness, or disabuse you through your services.

Return to your home, and listen for my summons.

As the Great Air spirit, looking much like a dragon made of mist , dissipated, Drachen breathed a sigh of relief.

Crap, I hope it wasn't that mamba that did the trick. Don't want to do that every time.




The summoning finished, Drachen packed his gear and remaining materials, loaded them on to his bike, in the saddle bags, and started off back dow nthe mountain, headed for the city, and lunch.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:07 - Nico's Apartment

Delete.

His coffee cup empty, Nico places the cup in the dishwasher. Everything has its place. Absently looking towards the sound of the singing and running shower, If just everything were that easy to put in its place. he thinks as he closes the dishwasher.

The woman is a constant source of chaos to Nico's orderly world. Don't want to keep her... Don't want to lose her just yet... He places the inner turmoil to the side and goes about a more paranoid task. He pulls out the radio frequency scanner and begins to sweep the room, just to insure that she, or the room, haven't been compromised.

OOC: Looking for electronic bugs (Assuming there are none, but will edit the post if he finds any).

Once satisfied that the room is clean he calls Kyle.

OOC: Routing call, encryption, subvocal mic, yada, yada...

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 10:00 - The Smoke Hole

Reddened eyes filled with smoke, ears filled with thunder, the smoke billowing against his skin, he cast his senses into the up and out.

ride the winds and call the thunder, cast myself into the clouds and show me the way

The stinging in his eyes faded as his perceptions broadened, the thunder and smoke still followed his perceptions as he gazed into the faraway places in the sky.

Thundercaller!

Assensing

Rave, Friday October 12th, 2070: 2300 - The Magus

Nodding at the bar tender through a sheen of sweat, Rave makes his way over to the end of the bar. "Dag, Abwa. How's biz" he says. He shifts closer to hear her response.

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 1300 - The Water Grille

Sitting inside 'The Water Grille' Drachen once again congratulated himself on finding such a place in Cape Town. The resteraunt was nestled in the center of the open air market that opened every morning in Cape Town. As such, their dishes were always fresh and the fruit was superb. The prices were steep but then again, one should always expect to pay for quality.
The interior was a combination of darkened woods and white linens. It gave the place an almost cave-like coolness. Instead of walls, water streamed down through glass partitions, filling the resteraunt with the sound of running water. In the private suites, the 'water walls' worked better then the traditional white noise generators.

Drachen sipped at his water in it's frosted glass. His eyes watched the other guests as they ate, came and went. From his table's location on it's raised dais, Drachen couldn't help but feel draconic and powerful. Suddenly, his musings were shattered by a flashing red alert on the AR.

Incoming Call. ID: Sevoyious James. Accept?

Excellent ... could be work.

Keying his commlink in to his earbuds, and hitching on the subvocal mic ( no point in wasting paste for a quick call), Drachen answers the call, displaying his fixer on his AR screen, but set to private to avoid "eaves droppers".

That saying never made any sense. What the hell is an "eaves" anyways!?

Heya James, what's new? Got some work for me?

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:07 - Nico's Apartment

Good morning, Nico. Kyle's voice is smooth and low. Many a runner had made the mistake of believing that just because Kyle talked low and slow that he was somehow less intelligent then then those that could talk circles around you. That was definitely not the case.
I'm glad that you've gotten back to me so quickly. The work I have available is already generating considerable interest... and I was hoping I could rely on someone of your caliber to help carry it out.

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: Time is Irrelevant - The Smoke Hole

The smoke clears from the room with a sudden gust of wind, cool rain coats your skin and eases the sting of your eyes. Opening them, you're now standing on the edge of a huge plateau that seems to stretch into forever, bordered on all sides by blue sky. A thunderbird wheels in the sky above you, its cry echoing over the landscape. Suddenly, there's a loud boom and the ground shakes and splits at your feet.
Looking down, you see a brilliant white flower bloom from the red sandstone. It's petals almost luminescent in the sunshine. Inhaling deeply, you catch the flowers strong fragrance... an impossible combination of sandalwood and vanilla. As you watch, a desert lizard scurries past the bloom, stopping to eye it curiously before continuing on. A curled tendril unfurls from the stem and falls to lie in front of the lizard, a wet sheen visible. The lizard stops and sniffs the offshoot hesitantly before continuing on. As it does the tendril flicks up suddenly, impaling the lizard on it's needle-like tip. The lizard twitches convulsively once, then twice before lying still. Within moments, the lizard's body lies still and pale. The flower's brilliant white petals now a swirling opalescent red.
The cry of the thunderbird echoes through the land again. It's shadow falls on the ground beside you and then elongates, forming a larger, more serpentine shape.
Looking up, where the thunderbird flew now wheels a multi-hued feathered serpent. It cries out again.

The smoke is back, so thick that there is no oxygen left to be found. Your eyes are burning and tears run down your face in torrents. For a moment, you half expect to die, to be found here by the next shaman that happens along. Then, a pair of strong hands grasp you underneath the arms and pull. The smoke dissapates, replaced with the scent of fresh air and dry sand. Cool water is poured over your face and into your mouth. Finally able to open your eyes, you see the old man standing over you. He smiles.

Thunderbird has blessed you this day, my son. Your vision is yours and yours alone. Honor its message and offer a song to her spirit.

Rave, Friday October 12th, 2070: 2300 - The Magus

Abwa smiles and flips her long black hair back over one shoulder. She grabs a bottle of water from under the counter and tosses it to you.
So, whatcha think of the new guys? She nods toward the band on stage, preparing for the new set.
They're not bad. Not like Zodikiah, but hey, who is? Anyway, Gully wanted to see you. Said he got some work that you might want in on... you know what I think of Gully, but to each his own, right? Abwa winked and then rolled her eyes as another customer shouted impatiently.
I've gotta get back to work. You want to see Gully, he's upstairs in the Mood Room.
Abwa walked back toward the irritated looking customer, sending you an over the shoulder wink as she did so.
Work for Gully could be good... or it could be bad. Gully was the kind of guy who always had a deal going, always had another run to take care of the "nastiness from that last thing you did"... he was always smiling, always dropping names. He was the kind of guy who could get you killed. He was also the kind of guy that could make you richer then you thought possible.

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: Time is Irrelevant - The Smoke Hole

He blinked again, the image of the feathered serpent superimposed on the face of the old man. Eyes open, he gave a short nod and sat up.

"I hear you"

of course I can't simply ask what it all means... though ThunderBird's transformation was pretty clear.

<<@owl:: Command, data search, carnivorous white flowered plants, desert lizards, common environments>>

There were a lot more ways then stuffing yourself into a smoky hole to find out information nowadays.

Rave, Friday October 12th, 2070: 2300 - The Magus

Gully why did it have to be Gully muses Rave as he makes his way through the crowd. The propect of dealing with the loose cannon spoiled his whole evening out. The youth jogs up the stairs to the Mood Room. Stopping in front of the door Gully mater, you in there? calls Rave over the subtle beat of the music.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:07 - Nico's Apartment

Nico listened as Kyle spoke. He preferred Kyle's way; It was subtle and reserved. It was quiet and un-flaunted power. Kyle was a perfect match for Nico. Truth be told I'm glad he called me. Looking out over the ocean Nico continues his inward reflection, The rent on this apartment requires that I go to work often... One of life's little trade offs: In order to live a fine life I must place mine on the line routinely. Nico also knew one of these days he would lose his opening stakes. Best to live life to the fullest until that happens.

Something about talking with Kyle made Nico speak a little differently. He wasn't sure what it was. He knew he wanted the man to understand he had Nico's respect without being pandered to. Speaking into the subvocal mic he answered the fixer:
<@Kyle [Nico] Of course. I appreciate you keeping me at the top of the list.... Please tell me more.>

Desert Eagle Smith - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 1100 - Jeremiah's Teepee

The old man, a.k.a Jeremiah, laughs as you scramble for your "new technology" and then ambles back towards his cook fire outside. The smell of real bacon is almost overwhelmingly tempting, but still... the vision remains clear in your mind, urging you to discover more.

Downloading yourself into the Cape Town grid you come into what looks like a wide African veldt at midnight. A full white moon hangs in the heavens illuminating the plains. Here and there wild banyan trees grow, housing public LTG's for the local Cape Town government works. Private nodes are represented here and there by tribal communities, small oasis' and the occasional rocky outcropping.
From where you "stand" you can see movement in the tall grasses and the occasional glimpse of eyeshine and icons move here and there. Most seem to have tailored their icons to blend into the iconography but here and there an occasional surfing ninja or Southern debutante will wander. It's not suprising to see them followed closely by 'prides' of prowling local deckers. Kill or be killed, eat or be eaten. Even in the Matrix, the Cape Town lifestyle seems to pervade.

Initializing your search function, you find the information on the lizard you spotted rather quickly. The lizard is of a common species, called the Mimic. They tend to congregate in the shade of huts and homes, living off poisonous insects and spiders. As such, superstition regards the lizards as good luck and locals will often leave offerings of burnt honey in the corners of the home for the creatures.
Information on the flower is a bit more hard to come by. The closest match seems to be the Awakened Brazilian Orchid or the Sangre de Diablos.
The Orchid was a close runner up for a bequest in the late Dunklezahn's will, unfortunately three weeks before the species was to be presented all relevant research and specimens were stolen from the labs. Rumors persist that the orchids now grow wild in the Brazilian rain forests, returned to their homeland by those that "liberated" them in the first place.
The Sangre de Diablos... now, that's another story altogether. Some seem to regard the idea as nothing more then myth while other swear on their lives that it exists. The Sangre is an Awakened willow variant that actually has vampiric tendencies. It is said to paralyze it's victims with poisoned tendrils and then it draws the unlucky soul down into its roots where it then sucks the victim dry.

The search also brings up a recent news article:
Universal Omnitech Announces New Find
By: Bomani Ghana
Universal Omnitech’s Director of Botany Research, Hyrum VanAusdal along with Aztechnology Plant Science Director Julio Fierro have reported the discovery of a new orchid species.
In the latest issue of Watsonia, the journal of the Botanical Society of the British Isles, Dr. VanAusdal and Dr. Fierro report the discovery of the species which originated within the labs of UniTech, a joint venture of Universal Omnitech and Aztechnology Corporation. (Editor’s Note: Pursuant to the Full Disclosure Act: The Cape Times is a wholly owned subsidiary of Univeral Omnitech.)
Dr’s VanAusdal and Fierro are expected to make a full report of their findings at next weeks’ Universal Omnitech Shareholders Meeting.

Rave, Friday October 12th, 2070: 2300 - The Magus

The Mood Room, as it was known by the 'regulars' at the Magus, was specially designed to "increase the harmonics of relaxation through magical and mundane design choices"... at least that was how the club's Matrix site described it.
In reality, the room was nothing more then a lounge that featured mood and mind altering chemicals, a trippy new age decor and occasionally, a mage would be stationed in the room to alter the vibe and cast the odd Influence or Orgy spell.

Gully practically lived in this room while partying at the Magus. He could often be found in one of the rooms corner booths', enjoying the "see-and-be-seen" atmosphere. It was rare to find him without one or two pretty young things that verged on barely legal. Tonight was no exception.

Waved into the room by one of Gully's 'bodyguards' (really, just a wannabe member of Gully's entourage) you spot him in the far right corner, in a slightly elevated booth, overlooking the crowd. He smiles and waves you over imperiously. A blonde and a brunette are practically sitting in his lap, smiling syrupy, drugged smiles.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:15 - Nico's Apartment

You know how I hate dealing over the phone, my friend. I'll send you the details through our usual channels. Once you have a chance to look them over, we can discuss the finer points. Just don't dawdle over the decision, Nico. Time waits for no man. Kyle disconnects.

Following the 'usual channels' meant waiting for an anonymous drop, designated by a complex and archaic algorithim that Kyle's deckers had dreamed up long ago.
Once a runner expressed interest in a particular job, Kyle would send the details via data packet through a series of relays and switches before it would finally end it's destination on a varied host. Sometimes the packet could be found embedded in a Caribbean cruise line's dinner menu published on the Matrix, sometimes nestled in the code of a English day care center's pricing guide. All it took was the correct passcode, supplied by Kyle after the drop, to extract the packet and reveal its contents. Kyle's final piece de resistance was a self-destruction sequence hidden deep within the packet. The information would be good for three hours before a data bomb wiped it away.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 09:16 - Nico's Apartment

A penchant for the obvious. Sometimes he acts more like I'm his son than a runner in his stable. The thought does not bother Nico though, Kyle is top tier and very professional.

A run in the works Nico's mood is considerably improved. So much improved he looks to the sound of the running water and the singing in the shower....

He removes his com gear, placing it on the counter and stalks off towards the bathroom with a knowing smile... Hey! It might be days or weeks before I have time for personal recreation... and Kyle always delays sending the message by a little bit for dramatic effect.

Slipping into the shower, "I may be outa town on business for a few days baby." he says as he scoops up her up in his arms......

OOC: Right about here the PG-13 movies fade to black...

Rave, Friday October 12th, 2070: 2300 - The Magus, Mood Room

Rave sits down across from Gully, watching him for any false moves. The man wouldn't try anything too stupid, But you can never tell with Gully, and I have a rep to keep Rave opts for the direct approach, So Gully, mater, you wanted to see me. Here I am Get on with it Rave sits with his hands on his knees and looks at Gully through his mirrored lenses.

Gully smiles and nods to one of the girls to scoot, giving you a place to sit. Wehn he speaks, it's with a heavy Cockney accent... not a real Cockney accent... it's totally affected, but the last 'bloke' that called him out on it ended up in a dumpster with a bullet in the brainpan. It was better just to go along with it.
'Allo guvnor. 'ood to see ya up and around. I was 'ust saying to me girl here that me mate, Rave, well he was a real stand-up bloke when it comes to the financial matters that are so 'mportant to us all. Ain't that right, my luverly? The woman simpers and cuddles closer to Gully.
Yeah, I 'ot biz for ya, mate. Seems that there's going to be a big to-do at the new Convention Center next Tuesday. A chum of mine wants something that's gonna be on display. I told 'em I got just the bloke for the job. E's offering a might pretty penny, if I do say so myself. All you gotta do is show up to the meet, mate, and make yourself all desirable to be hired and what not. Now, what'd I tell ya? Did ole Gully come through, or did ole Gully come through? Gully smiles and sits back. He nods his head at the brunette and wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. He seems to be offering you the girl.

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070 - The Water Grille

The image on the other end of the line was of a good looking dark skinned African troll. His face was studded with pebbles and beads, inserted underneath his skin when he was young... probably from some weird coming of age ritual. Several spots of bright yellow and white paint dotted his temples. According to the Matrix, this was supposed to tell what tribe he belonged to, but you'd never seen anything to match his particular design. He smiled, flashing blindingly white teeth. (The man was fanatical about dentistry... it bordered on obsessive).
Hello, jong vriend. I am glad to find you are available. I have business that must be spoken of. Can you meet me? James had yet to fully master the English language but he was unfailingly polite. [/color]

Of course. When and where?

At the painted banyan. The place we met before.
James waits for you to nod and then disconnects.
The painted banyan was a tree that grew about 50 kilometers outside of Cape Town proper. It grew on the territory of the Naiaji tribe, and was considered a sacred relic of an earlier time. It had been painted and etched throughout the ages until it's bark was covered in intricate designs and multicolored hues.
Local legends spoke of an ancient spirit that dwelled within it's branches, but when you assensed it during your last visit... it simply appeared ancient.
Why James preferred to meet here was a mystery, much like the rest of the man.

I assume 'now' then?

James nods. Now.

Drachen nods and disconnects. He quickly finishes his meal, then heads out on his bike. Once out side of the city, he summons an air spirit. Never can be too safe.

Spirit, gaurd me while I do my work. Inform me if anyone is listening in on the conversations I have, or if you see other astral forms interested in my business.

Drachen drives fast, enjoying the lax speed enforcement out side of the city. He arrives soon enough, driving up to the tree, and looking around for James.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 10:20 - Nico's Apartment

Nico stepped out of the shower for the second time today.Time for work.. No more distractions. he thought as he dressed quickly. He takes his sleek saddle-bags (with his armor and misc gear) and his zero-halliburtan briefcase (with his Ingrams) out of the closet. He places his Ares in the quick-draw under-shoulder rig, dons his com gear and places the drone cases in his pockets.

He gives Nisa one last kiss before leaving the apartment, That girl is gonna have to go... maybe next week...

Walking down the hall, he accesses the waiting message on his com...

Rave, Friday October 12th, 2070: 2300 - The Magus, Mood Room


Rave rolls his eyes inside his lenses Rat bastard knows my English isn't good. One day, mater, I'm going to take you out into the veldt, carve you into tiny pieces and feed you to the lions. He smiles at the white man, speaking in English he says. Any biz is good, mater. I can do this thing for you. I take it your friend's name is Mr. Johannsen. Where and when do I meet him? He smiles and graciously turns to the woman I would love to my dear, but I have to be going Now that my night is offically ruined

OOC: After Gully finishes, Rave is going home. He's pissed and can't enjoy his evening properly.

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070 - The Painted Banyan

Arriving at the 'Banyan, you find James waiting. He's wearing a light colored linen sheath underneath a heavier orangish-red wrap. He smiles when he sees you and approaches, arms outstretched.

(In Afrikanns) Good afternoon, my friend. Thank you for coming so quickly. Come, let us sit. James turns back to tree and sits beneath its shade.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 10:20 - Nico's Apartment

Nisa smiles and slides her body along yours suggestively before you leave.
I'll see you later, lover. She kisses you deeply and then slips back inside the apartment.

Checking the message, it reads:

Message Delivered. LTG Node: 2412-B72 - Smithsonian Institute Public Matrix Host. Data Packet located in Historical Aviation/History of Charles Lindbergh. Password: Spirit76

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070 - The Painted Banyan

Drachen sits with him next to the tree. Spirit, I ask that you conceal us from sight and sound. Continue watching over us.

Always a nice place to meet.This place feels strong.

So what's your business today James?

Ok, so it doesn't feel strong. It seems like it should though, and he seems to think it should be. Nothign wrong with going along with that.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 10:25 - Nico's Apartment Building

That woman is a machine...

Stepping into the elevator, Nico pushes the button for the roof. A few moments later the door opens and he steps out to the recreation area on the roof. He selects a lounge chair off to the side and reclines, breathing in the warm ocean breeze. He flips on the sim modules and enters the matrix. Target: Smithsonian Institute Public Matrix Host

He travels quickly, ignoring the scenery. His loaded icon is a stock icon of a bishop from a chess game. When he reaches the Lindbergh exhibit he waits for a moment alone before he browses for the data packet.

Rave, Friday October 12th, 2070: 2300 - The Magus, Mood Room

The woman doesn't seem to comprehend your refusal and instead strokes your leg and snuggles in closer. She whispers in your ear offers of drugs and sex... all for the right price of course.
Gully's grin broadens and leans forward. It's hard to catch what he's saying with the woman's tongue in your ear... but you manage.
'Erfect, mate! You'll be meeting my man at the Cricket Fields. Private Box and all. Swank, eh? You're looking for a bloke by the name of Sanderson. Real English swell, me mate, Sanderson. Be there Sunday, 4 o'clock on the nose.
Now, what's yer hurry, mate? Couple right smart blokes like us in a place like this? 'Ave the ladies beggin' by the time night's up. Gully grins again and slides his hand up the blonde's arm. He waggles his eyebrows again and seems to be waiting for your answer.

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070 - The Painted Banyan

Sevoyius nods sagely and surveys the landscape. This place speaks to my people in a way that few places do. Sevoyius turns and regards you. I have a problem, my friend. Something that I feel that I can not go to anyone else to solve. Sevoyious pauses and runs a linen cloth across this face.
Next week there is to be an exhibition at the new convention center. The item on display was stolen from ... it's rightful owner. I need you to retrieve the item and return it to me. I am willing to pay you handsomely for your services. The task will not be simple... Sevoyius pauses again. Another man is also looking to steal this item from the center. I will need you to infiltrate the group and take the item yourself. Can you do this? Sevoyius' eyes are grave, and do not stray from your face.

Drachen - Saturday October 13th, 2070 - The Painted Banyan

Drachen tries to hold back the look of shock from his face. Let me see if I'm understanding you. You want me to join a group of runners, and then steal from them what we're supposed to be stealing from someone else?

No offense James but that sounds like a slightly more difficult and drawn out version of suicide. Perhaps if you could tell me a bit more about it.

Nico - Saturday October 13th, 2070: 10:25 - Nico's Apartment Building

Alone in the exhibit hall, you quickly run your Browse utility. Moments later, a silver form emerges from the "floor" of the hall. It resembles a small wax-sealed envelope. Entering the password at the prompt the seal crumbles away and the message opens.

Meet: The Cricket Fields, Private Box F43
Time: Sunday, October 14th @ 4 p.m.
Contact: Sanderson
Job: Prototype Snatch, High Risk
Compensation: High, Promised buy-in of 30K. Willing to negotiate.