As Tank sprays the area with stick-n-shock the air around the red head flares up in bright colors. The effect is not unlike that of a prism. While she doesn't take a hit on the first barrage, the ricochet destroys some of the equipment in the panic room. The second nails her but in the process of twisting and turning to avoid the hit, she gets her arm trapped in the closing door of the panic room. It stalls out with a shower of sparks from the control panel.

The red-headed mage screams, "Protect me!" and the 'cop' spirit drops between her and the trio. She begins to calm herself for something.

(( Pass #1 ))
As the mage drops, Tank feels the mage's spell wrapping around his body... struggling to take control of his limbs. As he momentarily struggles against the force, he feels his own strength supplemented. The gun still leveled at her, he empties the clip with another pair of bursts. He is immediately dissatisfied with the results. As the ammo count reaches zero, he ejects the clip via his smartgun link.

Red takes the full brunt of Tank's volley. The cop spirit materializes in front of the now unconscious mage's body but takes no action toward the team

-----

There is a moment of calm with the spirit eying both Tank and Book. The sirens and red lights that had faded to the background while the adrenaline was pumping now come back to prominence.

<<@Team [System] Shit. Damn, damn, damn! One of the alerts got through my web. We have to go soon or this place is going to be crawling with security.>>

Tank & Book both look in amazement as Red slips into unconsciousness. The klaxons bring their attention back to the present. Both move to the device, leaving the spirit to the mage.

<<@Team [Tank] Let's get this thing outa here.>>

The dual look for any connections to the device and if they find none, look for a way for the pair of them to carry it across the ward. Book gives it the astral once over as well.

The duo quickly finds that the device is wired into the pedestal it sits on. There are half a dozen connections that need to be broken; all are of the plug variety. Despite the size of the device, it is relatively light.

-----

Book's glance at the astral is very revealing: he determines that there are multiple foci inside the device enclosure.

-----

System's gaze has turned icy and he appears to be grinding his teeth. He doesn't look good.

Book switches his attention astrally to the hacker. He takes a moment and studies the hacker's aura looking to see if he is either under attack astrally or under some sort of duress from his matrix activities. At this point he is considering stunning the hacker in order to save him.

Tank looks for some way to disconnect the cables from the device.

Tank is quickly able to determine that the wires can be removed by holding a release, twisting a collar or other such manipulation. In a few seconds he has the wires disconnected.

-----

Book is able to see that System is still in good shape, just stressed to his limits. There is no question that he will be exhausted by the end of this ordeal.

After disconnecting the connected wires and finding the device to be light, Tank picks it up while Book moves to System's side. As the shaman grabs the hacker's arm he says, "Time to go."

Once in the hallway and through the ward, Book takes the device while Tank swaps to a fresh clip of ammo and takes point. He begins to lead the team cautiously, but quickly, towards the escape shaft.

The trio hears the sound of multiple feet and dogs running toward their location.

In that instant sweat glands activate, ass-holes pucker and silent prayers echo to their maker.....

As the sounds come around the corner there is a look of non-comprehension shared by the ork and troll. Frick, Frack and two dobermans skid to a halt and stare at the seemingly empty hallway with a floating device. The dogs turn to run but begin to whine as some force holds them in place. The troll begins to back away from the scene with a look of sheer terror on his face. The ork stands his ground and shouts, "Put it down and nobody has to get hurt."

Tank is holding the device, wondering just what the hell he is doing with the device in his hands when he should instead be holding a gun and having System carry the damn thing. Deciding that he probably needs to change tactics, he sets the device down and reaches around for the grip of his carbine.

Book has no such preoccupation or concerns. He blasts the ork.

The ork falls back to one knee as if struck by a physical object. "Get 'em!" he roars but to no avail. Both the troll and the dogs begin running in the other direction.

Tank whips the carbine around, settings in his aim and squeezes off a long wide burst. No other reply required.

The ork drops to the ground as the retreating forces break into a full sprint away from the scene.

The hallway falls into an eerie silence.

Book snatches up the device as Tank begins moving forward, his carbine tucked into shoulder. As the adept moves, the barrel of the weapon tracks his field of vision. While the crew keeps sight on the mundane, Book changes his vision back and forth between the astral and mundane.

The trio is quickly able to move up one level using stairs after System hacks through them. "They are trying to put the facility on lockdown. We have to move!" A few seconds later, he skids to a stop. "Wait a minute! I can use that. I'm about to lockdown the mage's quarter. Give me a minute." As System begins - whatever it is that he does in the matrix, the team can hear the baying of more dogs inbound to their location. Shortly four dogs come around the corner - German Shepards. Very large German Shepards with no apparent hesitancy and a very apparent hunger. The only saving grace is that the tile floor is slick and the dogs slide more than run around the corner.

The snapping sound reverberating down the hallway as the dogs turn the corner is Book's ass-cheeks snapping together in an attempt to keep from soiling himself. Tank meanwhile wastes no time releasing a pair of bursts at the lead two dogs. Snapping out of his momentary daze by the brp of Tank's carbine, Book forks his stun-bolt at the trailing two dogs. The shock, horror and potential for soiling his drawers nearly ruins his spell, causing the shaman to reach down and muster it up with every thing he has pull this spell off. As the spell finally goes off, forking at the two, he feels the drain on his body and knows that he is at end of his luck despite the fact that they are far from out of the fire.

Tank's first volley catches the lead dog in the throat and tears into the skin. The dog drops in a heap of twitching muscle. The second is spared only by the body of the first knocking it out of the way. It spends its time trying to jump back on its feet and sliding around on tile. The stun-bolt forked from Book into the remaining two dogs. Despite the massive amount of power slamming into their auras, the dogs keep coming.

They attempt to circle around the trio and both lunge at the same time. One for Book and one for System.

It turns out that the lunge for Book was a feint. The dog tears into System's arm and takes him down to the floor. As that happens red alarms go off in the mage's quarters. A calm, detached female voice comes over the speakers. "Please remain calm. This are is now under lockdown and emergency evacuation. Please proceed to the emergency exits. Please remain calm. This are is now under lockdown and emergency evacuation. Please proceed to the emergency exits."

Hallway and floor lighting show how to reach the exit. In the distance, from where the dogs came, there is the sound of doors slamming shut.

Book's meat is slow, anchored to the world and without augmentation. Tank on the other hand has the mana in his very blood and continues to move and shoot. His reflexes kicked up he again takes aim and continues his assault. His first shot going for the dog on System, the second on the one attacking Book. Hell of a way to go, taken down by the dogs.

As Tank moves forward he catches one of the attacking dogs in the hindquarters causing it to run into a wall before dropping, breathing shallowly. The other simply falls over after making a weak attempt to lick a wound open by the close proximity of the shot.

The last dog rights himself and prepares for the next pass.

Beneath the mask of the chameleon suit, Tank allows a small smile as his military training kicks augmented by his magically enhanced reflexes. He moves from target to target, closest to farthest. With one dog remaining and ammo running low, he concentrates a single short burst on the dog, holding a second burst to momentarily evaluate the dog's condition.

Book does not hesitate. Seeing the burst of electric darts hit the dog, he pulls the force of the spell, but still blasts the dog.

The dog's eyes cross before Book's spell connects. It goes down with a whimper.

System is finall able to right himself and lights up the team's AR pointing the duo toward a secure door that pops open as he approaches. There is well maintained a ladder inside. Other than the coating of dust, they is little to indicate that much time has past.

As the dog goes down, Book dares to breath a slight sigh of relief. They are on the down side of the run but far from a down hill slide. Still gotta get out, clear topside and then there's the extraction team to deal with.

Tank's mind is blank, reverting to his training and keeping his mind in the moment. He looks at the clip readout of six rounds. Six more rounds and we go live. He had five clips of live ammo, but dreaded the thought of blowing the bonus for naught of enough ammunition. When this is done, I'm pulling my head out of my ass and stocking up.

Book holds out an arm signaling the team to stop. He switches his vision to the astral and assenses the ladder and the area. He is not only looking for wards, but for either living material in the dust or something of a magical nature.
<<@System [Book] Better sweep for nanites.>>

Book's scan of the area helps him notice an active ward. There is nothing large living in the ladder well. A few spiders and some other bugs, one of which is about to become a meal for a particular fat spider.

System opens a very oddly shaped bag he has been carrying and pulls out a device a little large than a grenade and tosses it in the bottom of the stairwell. He slams the door and winces in pain as something happens. The AR on both comms dies for a bit and then he reopens the door.

<<@Team[System] Up ya go. Nanites are dead now.>>

While System does his thing, Book scrubs his astral signature from the dogs and security. He smiles at the end result. He bows to the air spirit protecting them and the earth elemental concealing them. Thank you both for your service. Return home with my thanks.

He then moves through the door and ward and immediately attempts to call forth an earth spirit. His knees buckle slightly as the spirit resists his call, fighting the summoning. Book pulls, strains and sweats and finally releases the spirit back to its home. Sweat pouring from his brow, he looks back and changes his strategy. He calls forth one of his bound air spirits instead. As the spirit arrives he command it. Thank you great spirit for responding to my call. Please carry us up.

<<@Team [Book] I called us a ride. Don't freak out.>>

Tank waits for System to enter the silo/tunnel and backs in behind him, closing the door. As the spirit materializes and the adept begins to feel himself rising, he relaxes his knees subconsciously to provide better balance.

Both look up as they rise through up, watching the physical and the astral. Tank is looking for cameras, razor wire or monofilement while Book is looking for wards or anchored spells.

Despite the warning, System indeed begins to freak out as the spirit picks him up but he is able to master his fear in short order. Neither Tank nor Book notices anything out of the ordinary as they ascend the ladder area.

Once clear, they can hear an inbound T-bird in the air.

As they clear the tunnel Tank switches clips, removing the near depleted non-lethal ammunition and replacing it with a full clip of hard-ball ammunition. If it happens now, it happens for real and people are gonna bleed.

After the spirit sets Book and the others down back above ground, the shaman turns his attention to the spirit for a moment. Thank you for your service. I need to avail you for another service this night: Guard me and my friends. He turns his attention to the incoming T-Bird and the astral around the vehicle.

Book makes out a warded are inside the T-bird along with two spirits in tow.

Tank can see that the T-bird is running a variation of a military sweep pattern used to shield extractees from incoming fire.

Entering the equivalent of a Zen-like state, Tank is able to spot the pilot and some of the occupants in the T-bird. There are three passengers with automatics. One is preparing a line with a hook. The pilot has the zoned out look of a rigger. One of the two armed men appears to be operating an AR interface returning fire from the base. Despite having been a tank-guy, he notices that this bird has been heavily modified from factory specs. There is a little something extra under the hood so to speak.

Not unexpected.... In fact, this will make a ruse a little more complicated. Book smiles under the mask of the chameleon suit. He waiting until the t-bird is dropping onto the deck for them to load up then sends a com.
<<@Extraction Team [Book] I have spirits on over watch. Insure your mage grants them access through the ward.>>

Crouching and watching, Tank watches the bird come in. He notes the crew of four to their three. They are team #3. They are supposed to outgun us. When the bird drops for the pickup, he flips on the dead man switch to the vest. As he does, the realization that he may die here hits him in the face like a brick. The smoking man passes through his thoughts. The politician with the ork girlfriend. The museum and the statue of Apollo. The police lieutenant and the police captain. Today, the guard room and the device. Then his thoughts catch up to the present; Now. Activating the dead man switch. How did I get to this place?

As the bird sets down, a copper-skinned elf carrying an H&K long barrel sniper rifle steps off. He is built more like a brick wall and far less like the stereo-typical fashion model. He yells, "Move your asses! We have folks that are hot to trot after us. Attach the device into the hook system." He tosses the hook to Tank. He then gets back on the T-bird. He turns back towards them and yells again. "If you don't move it'll be your funeral!"

Book carrying the device, moves toward the t-bird as it sets down. He casts increased reflexes on himself before reaching the bird. If this goes south, I want to be moving... and fast. He then presses forward, towards the ward. Here goes test #1.

(( Assuming Book's spell and spirit passes the ward ))

Tank gestures towards toward System then follows the team in. His mask conceals his concern over the street sam gesturing for them to enter. The weight of the explosive vest was now unnaturally noticeable. Never again. This is never the fall back plan again. These final moments have cemented for Dalton that he does not want to die. He wants to live... And these fraggers are damn well not standing in my way!

Both Book's spell and spirit both pass through the ward. He notices that the other mage's spirits stare at his own. With everyone in the bird, the pilot takes off. The device, trailing behind on the cable, is reeled in. After a receding firefight the pilot drops altitude, lowers the device and drops it into a waiting truck that seems to swallow the device before continuing on it's way.

The pilot turns to his compatriots and makes a few hand gestures, then returns to his front view. Soon the trio finds themselves descending toward a blacked out landing field. Barely visible are some vehicles and a few more people.

<<@System [Tank] Can you get an signature or licensing or something on that truck? We may still need to sort this all out once its done.>>

Underneath the mask, Book once again grimaces. The prize is gone and this could still go south. He maintains his reaction spell none the less.

Tank remains vigil as well, sitting with his back to the chopper wall waiting for this to end. His stomach turning in knots and feeling more alive in this moment than for years. He wants to retch, he wants to blast his way out... he simply wants this over.

As people come into view, Book once again shifts his view to the astral, scanning for a plethora of spirits. We need to get paid so I dare not redirect now... But if this is a trap, there will be no money anyway. He begins to become as conflicted as the adept, second guessing his decision to take this job. Wondering if he really has what it takes to be in the big leagues....

<<@ Tank [System] No problem. One of my friends is hunting that thing as we speak.>>

The T-bird sets down and the mercs slide off in a hurry. Tank is sure they are mercs as their very movements scream military training. The pilot flips a few physical switches before adding, "Time to move boys."

Each of the mercs scatter to a waiting vehichle and the ground based transports take off in different directions. The trio is left standing there as the T-bird gains altitude and flies off in yet another direction. There is a ground vehicle - perhaps a descendent of the Jeep family sitting there with the keys in the ignition and a case sitting on the driver's seat.

The trio standing there as the extraction crew clears out, Book scans the area for astral presences while Tank takes a more mundane approach.
<<@Digger [Tank] So far the extraction went clean. We have been dropped off and there is a vehicle at hand as well as a case. We will complete a final check for booby traps and advise.>>

Anxiety level is still running high, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I just pray that light isn't an explosion. Tank takes a visual scan of the area while he continues directing.

<<@System [Tank] Let me know about any wireless signals: Bug, detonators, etc. I figure this far out, there shouldn't be many signals.>>

<<@Book [Tank] Can magic that box out of the seat, the magic the turning of the key?>>

As Book tunes his senses back to the mundane world, he sees the flurry of activity that Tank has been directing. He looks at the tanker for just a moment wondering where this guy has been for the past few months. "Now would be a wonderful time to have a magic fingers spell. He motions for System and Tank to back away from the vehicle.

Once everyone is clear, he summons a small earth elemental and directs it to first take the case away from the vehicle and open it. Once opened without an explosion or nanite attack or the like, they inspect the contents. Once that is done, they turn their attention to the jeep. "I am without a spell to start the vehicle and don't think having a spirit do it is a good idea."

Tank looks to the duo before heading towards the jeep. He walks around it, looks and around the seats, under the hood and the steering column. Finally satisfied, he reaches inside and turns the key....

Book's scan of the astral reveals only his own spirits and a vast expanse of small natural lifeforms. The mana seems to take on a sweeter flavor than that of the city.

-----

<<@Tank [Digger] 'stood. Keepm in lop.>> It would appear that Digger is somewhat distracted.

-----

<<@Tank [System] Got ya covered.>>

-----

The spirit walks over to the jeep and grabs the case. It opens it and sets it on the ground. An AR display pops up and the disembodied head of the Johnson is speaking. "Here is your payment. I suggest you disappear. Once you get back to civilization, the truck can be switched to autopilot and will head back to us."

-----

<<@Tank [System] No signals to speak of. Some low level chatter from back that way.>> He physically gestures toward the base.

-----

The jeep has yet to blow sky-high and when Tank turns the key it simply starts.

<<@Digger [Tank] It appears the extraction team was on the up & up. We're inbound for the club. Release the crew at the alternate drop point and pay them. We have the pay off for the run.>>

He looks to the team, "We don't have much choice right now. We need to vacate in case someone is back tracing the bird's path." Book nods in agreement as Tank climbs into the driver's seat after retrieving the case.

Book looks to the dog bite on System's arm to see if the chameleon suit was damage. "Let me rest a bit and I'll heal you up. Right now my magic is not at its best and magic can only heal a wound once." He leans back in the seat as Tank puts the jeep in gear and begins making distance towards the city. Now curious about the vague bonus, Book checks to see how much above the thirty-thousand nuyen is in the case.

The rest of the ride is quiet. Book is happy someone else is calling the shots. He decides he likes this side of Dalton. Both of them insure the vests are deactivated.

For Tank, he has decided there will be changes. He's not sure the extent of those changes, but some are coming.

When the lights of the Cube come into view, both are relieved for this run to be ending.

Digger's comm bounces back a 'Not Available' signal.

The quick inspection reveals that the suit was torn but is not unfixable.

The second look at the case reveals that the bonus is not included. There is an AR note to redeem the bonus from a dead drop once the Johnson has had the chance to ensure the bonus is warranted.

System is dead asleep a few minutes into the drive and only begins to stir once they get close to the Cube.
A very sleepy voice asks, "Do I smell ribs?"

Cut Scene

Cut Scene

A silohuette asks, "Are they away?"

The figure of a female elf replies, "Yes, sir. We have pursuit ready to take them back at your command."

"Call them home."

"Sir?"

"Was I misunderstood?"

"No, sir! But ..."

"I was given White clearance for a reason. Do not question it."

Meekly, she replies, "Yes, sir. At once, sir." She walks away.

The shadowed individual activates his AR. <<Let me know when you are ready.>>

Soon, I will be rid of her and her annoying group.

As the smells of the Cube fills his nostrils and Digger's com is still shows offline, the adept's ease starts to elevate again. Reaching PAN distance to his own vehicle, he starts it up and directs it to move towards the end of the parking lot. He parks the jeep at the edge of the parking lot, grabs his carbine, jumps out and runs over to his own vehicle.
<<@Team [Tank] We gotta make sure that Digger didn't have a problem when we didn't drop into the alternate LZ. System - Can you check the Cube's security logs and see if he is onsite somewhere.>>

Book grabs the pay and the note, waiting for System before heading towards Tank's cruiser as well. Just about the time you think the night is over...

The trio is able to get to the door without problem. The bouncers waves them in and the Cube is pumping out tunes from a regional band. There is no sign of Digger. The trio moves toward his office but the dance floor makes it hard work. When they reach the other side of the dance floor they find Digger's office door locked.

Book has images of the dwarf giving a casting couch audition to some bimbo and others of the dwarf's entrails spread about the room. He shudders at both images. Having placed the wards himself, Book decides that he needs to know which of the two is valid. He steps between his team mates, wraps an arm around each of their shoulders. "Hold me up." and he steps out of his body and through the door, not sure which of the two scenes would be more frightening from the astral.

Book slams into a ward - not of his own design. It is opaque and black as night. A quick look around the astral indicates that there are some oddly shaped watchers staring over the warded area.

Book's metaphorical paranoia thermometer shoots straight to the top and then blows the lid off. With one air spirit guarding the team, he realizes that it simply isn't enough. He calls forth another air spirit and the spirit of earth that owe him services. I'm gonna make some noise this time...

In the meat world, barely one second has passed. For Tank, his partner's body has just fully relaxed.

Book is treated to the retreating forms of the watchers as soon as his spirits appear on the astral.

-----

Tank catches a glimpse of the Johnson for this run sitting in the club and staring over at the door to Digger's office. She is sitting with two orks who move like flowing water. Neither appears to be heavily cybered. In the far corner of the club, he notices a troll who does appear to be heavily cybered. A quick glance reveals another troll. Additionally, one of the servers - a comely young elf - obviously doesn't belong in the Cube and appears to be looking toward the Johnson for direction.

Book calls in his beast spirit and spirit of man as Dalton turns toward the Johnson and whispers, "Johnson is here.

Tank moves his arm towards his carbine, then remembers its in the cruiser. And the drone is in the cruiser, which he issues an activation command. The doberman wakes up and stands ready, though doesn't move from the vehicle. He tags the faux-waitress in AR as hostile as well as the trolls, orks and the Johnson..

Five spirits in the astral, only one with a command, Book looks towards the Johnson as he regains control of his eyes and stands on his own. Seeing all the hostile AR paint, the shaman stands seething, deciding whether to talk or just light a match.

Dalton nearly shits his pants when Book strides across the room towards Johnson. Aren't I supposed to be the one who acts brashly?

Book walks confidently, though obviously highly irritated. Tank stands his ground by the office door where he has full view of room. He is measuring the response from her room full of heavies.
<<@Bouncers [Dalton] Trouble is brewing on the floor. Stand ready.>>