As he draws closer to the table, Book notes that the two orks stiffen slightly. The Johnson pulls an attache case from under the table and slides it towards Book.

She speaks in a voice that is completely understandable; yet, she does not seem to have to yell over the crowd. Also noticeable is the complete lack of an accent that she had the first time around. "It would appear that you have earned most of your bonus. The dogs will need to be cared for; otherwise, you did very well."

She appears to size Book up for a moment before adding. "You should find an alternate outlet for your anger. It would not end well for more blood to be spilled in Digger's former establishment."

She smiles. "Before you attack me - or have your spirits attack me, please look around again." A quick look to the astral reveals this Johnson to be far more than she initially appeared. She is obviously a very powerful mage. There are several more spirits guarding her than were noted previously. The two orks are also magically active and have foci in their possession.

Book does indeed check the astral, but it does not have the desired result. Fear accompanies the the prospect of death, calm shepherds its certainty. He instead arms the vest, expecting this to end poorly.

He turns on his com mic, standing his ground. "Where is Digger and why is this his former establishment?"

Dalton on the other hand notices Book's subtle hand movement on the vest. Shit! I just got my life back and I'm not ready to give it up. He also hears the question, as he's sure System has. His mind goes back to the vest and Book's angle. She's surely not gonna kill him, or us, here. She doesn't know about the vest.... Has he lost it? What the hell is doing? Dalton decides in any case this is the last place he wants to be.

"Digger decided that he had had enough and sold me the Cube. I suppose you could say the place is under new management." She smiles the grin of someone who knows more than they are letting on.

<<@ Team [System] I can confirm that the various shell companies Digger was using have closed up shop. The Cube's registered owner hasn't changed but that isn't surprising, Digger didn't change it when he took over. I'll try to do a more thorough search but we'll have to be on the other side of the Cube's private node - my loophole through security only works so well.>>

Neither ork has moved. Quite a feat considering the metahuman body is designed to move and doesn't idle well.

"Now. I suggest you take your payment and vacate my club."

Book stands there for a moment. She probably killed Digger. We're probably next, but she had to display her power.

He looks into her eye. "I get the feeling I have a better play, but this one time. This once. I'll play your way."
<<@Team [Book] Let it go. Back off and back out. This night is far from over though. We need to either find Digger or his body. If we find a lifeless body, she'll choke on it.>>

Dalton stands speechless. He'd had a moment in the sun. He'd led the team out of the facility. He'd been in that command chair... How did it slip away? Do I really want it at this moment?

Book picks up the case and looks down at it. That would be just enough explosives to kill off the team.
<<@System [Book] Scan this thing for wireless.>>

He looks back at her, at the case and back at her. Could be nuyen, could be explosives... could be a dwarf's hands. Adrenaline is pumping now and perhaps he's not thinking through all the consequences. Three options. Three choices. Three different outcomes. Let's see how far the rabbit hole goes today. Book sets the briefcase on the table right beside them, pops the latches and lifts the lid.

"Be my guest."

<<@ Book [System] Scans clean from my end.>>

The Johnson doesn't flinch as Book opens the case. Inside he finds a very elaborate internal case. There are six slots for certified credsticks. Three of them have sticks showing a balance of 5000 nuyen each. The other three are empty.

"There. You see. There is nothing to fear from me. You can keep the case if you like."

<<@ Book [System] Picking up nanite signatures.>>

Noticing the ork's subtle movement, Book plays coy. I'm facing down two aces showing with three threes.
<<@System [Book] Can you disable them? Or reprogram them to bother the shit out of that slit?>>

He picks up the trio of credsticks, ignoring her lies. He turns smiling, letting her think he knew nothing of the nanites. "Keep the case" She obvious doesn't know about the last fixer to frell me over. Makes no difference. She will learn that lesson last.

"As you wish." She reaches across the table and folds the case close and tucks it under the seat once again.

<<@ Book [System] Working on it.>> After a short pause, <<@ Book [System] Got 'em. They're dead now. Sorry - couldn't reprogram them on the fly.>>

With a coy smile she asks, "I assume our business is concluded?"

Cut Scene

The silhouette hunches over and pushes a physical button on the desk. The young elf steps in.

"Sir?"

"It is time. Re-task the satellite and prepare the transmission."

"As you wish."

"I also wish for you to shower and wait for me in my bed."

I better get a promotion for this.
"I am honored."

After the elf leaves, he opens an AR window and enters the following:
<<Extermination Order 14159. Code White authorization. Countersign = Qaz@W%^8254. Confirm.>>

The reply comes back nearly instantly. <<Order received. Countersign confirmed.>>

Today will see the end of two enemies. One, sly. The other, inept and power hungry.

He removes his coat and follows after the elf.

Book's anger at a controlled level, he replies. "It would appear so." and with that he turns and walks out of the bar. Without looking back, he keeps his eyes open for peripheral threats.

Tank, however, stays on full alert sending the fly-spy in his pocket ahead of the shaman and starting a video feed from the doberman in his cruiser to gain tactical intel about the parking lot. We are so far from out of here.

As he stepped into the parking lot, a little thought nagged in the back of Book's brain. Why did this all happen? She got way to personally involved afterward. I expected either clean the team or just disappear.... But to wax Digger and show up... Makes no sense... I'm missing some details...

There is a secret here that Snake latches onto. A secret that Snake won't let go. A secret that see wants to own and to hide away for herself.

As Book heads out, Tank motions for System to follow.
<<@System [Tank] We need to get the hell out of Dodge, while the getting's good.>

The team files into the parking lot. Neither the doberman nor the fly spy pick up anything as they do so.

Once outside, System plops into the jeep and goes somewhat limp.

<<Something's not right about the front companies folding. I can't put my finger on it but it doesn't look like Digger's work to me. I'll see what else I can dig up.>>

Suddenly there is screaming from the club and people start pouring from the exits.

Cut Scene

The silhouette rises from his bed and opens an AR window. He checks off the elf's profile and then closes the window only to replace it with another. He 'taps' a single symbol and then pours himself a drink.

Two down, three to go.

And the conquest is not yet complete. Soon though, soon.

Tank and Book climb into the cruiser. As System sinks into the seat and the screaming begins, Book steps out into the astral A penchant for the obvious.

Tank meanwhile starts the cruiser after sending the fly-spy back into the club for a look-see.
<<@Team [Tank] Ain't nothing right about any of this. Its all frelled up.>>

The astral is awash in fear and panic: each emotion tinting the aura of those fleeing the club.

Book passes through his own ward without slowing and is greeted with the appearance of pain and hatred on the now fading aura of a misshapen lump on the physical plane. The spirits that once surrounded the Johnson are now gone. Two foci still gleam on the astral. They are connected to calm auras, despite the chaos around them.

-----

Tank's fly spy almost get's flattened by a troll's horn as he exists the club. The scene inside is still utter chaos but there are three individuals still tagged in AR who seem completely calm: the impostor waitress and the two bodyguards for Mrs. Johnson. Both bodyguards are standing over her body and cleaning long, thin knives.

Completely unsure of what is going on, but sure he doesn't want to get caught in the cross fire, Book snaps his essence back to his meat body. "Get the hell out of here!"

Needing little prompting, Tank recalls the fly-spy as he maneuvers his cruiser towards the edge of the parking lot and beyond.

Once back in his body, Book reviews the video footage obtained by the fly-spy of the Johnson and her former bodyguards. Tank says, "This makes no sense."

Snake hisses in Book's, causing the shaman to wince before answering. "To someone it makes a lot of sense. The trick is to see it from their perspective. That of course, requires being alive to go down that rabbit hole."

Tank goes just a dozen blocks before pulling over and starting an electronic sweep of his cruiser. "System, you finding anything?"

A slack bodied System answers, <<Already checked, omae. Nothing there. What I can't put my finger on is why none of these financials make sense. I'm used to unraveling shadow finances but this is insane. I really need some help on this one. Do we want to bring in a third party?>>

Shortly after Tank stops, the various shapes and sizes of Lone Star vehicles come flying through the street heading toward the Cube.

The team relatively assured that the physical, astral and matrix are clear of trackers, tracers and pursuers, Dalton pulls the vehicle out and back onto the road. "I don't know about you all, but I'm wiggy about going home. Digger set up my place."

Book looks over, "Is your place clean?"

Dalton snickers, "Of course. Remember when I had to burn my place after the last run? Everything I own worth a shit is in here... and the place is clean."

Book sighs, "Then I suggest you walk away from it. At least until we find out a little more about Digger. At this point we have to consider him flat-lined."

The team drives in silence for some time before Dalton speaks again. "Then where to?"

Book replies. "We collected 10k, plus a 5 k plus, plus 5k upfront each. 20k minus 8.866 in expenses leaves 11,133 each. Plus we now have chameleon suits."

The adept replies while continuing to drive, "That means we have some bank to track down Digger."

Book scowls, "Look. I fully intend to figure out what happened, but that will take time.. Unless we want to rattle enough cages to get ourselves killed?" Tank nods and Book continues, "Then we need to lie low for a while. Perhaps even split up? Perhaps stay together? You have a preference, System?"

"Definitely need to lie low. Never thought about working with folks before, but I've enjoyed working with you for a while. Honestly, it's your call."

Book looks to the duo. "I am torn. We should split up, but at the same time we need each other's areas of expertise... At least I perceive we do." Looking to System, Book continues, "I need whatever it is you do to clean up and harden a com done to mine and Dalton's. I also assume that the two of you would prefer that I ward some personal space for you to protect from spying, magical eyes?"

Tank adds, "I also need you to do some more work on my ID or recommend someone who can."

"First thing I want to do is sleep. After that I don't care for a bit." Pausing - as if he has made a social gaff - he continues, "But yeah, I can handle the ID - it just may take me a bit. I really do need to rest."

Turning to Book he adds, "I don't know how the sparky stuff works but I've seen enough to know that I could use some help in that department. Does a ward hide me like a ... a ... "

What do the hackers call that program?

"... a stealth program? That sounds good to me."

Saying their temporary (they hope) goodbyes the trio begins to head in the predetermined directions.

Book and System are able to make it back to System's place without a problem. The office is empty and System seems to relax has he settles into the leather chair. There are several AR critters that come out of the woodwork so to speak that stare intently at him and then look at Book to see what he will do.

-----

Tank is having a bit more difficult time finding a suitable place that has both a garage and some semblance of security. Even when he finds it, there are dozens of squatters holed up inside. Finally he is waived down by a young ork wearing La Pandilla colors. "What are you doing here, omae? You look lost to me. Lost people dissapear. Scan?"

Deciding he needs concentration and not quite sure what to make of the virtual critters, Book turns off his comlink to focus on the creation of his ward.

====================

Tank looks at the young ganger. A little more research would have made this transition a lot smoother, but we're here so I guess we see how it all goes. "I've been to hell and back the last few weeks. I was looking to get lost. I guess I've been successful." He pauses a moment to let the wordplay rattle in the boy's head. "I'm looking to make a business arrangement. You can make those introductions?"

Book is able to create a ward with minimal effort. It seems that the area is providing a boost to his spellcasting abilities.

-----

The ork's chest swells up with obvious pride. "I like a man who knows the score. I can make arrangements ... for a small fee." He rubs his finger and thumb together with a sly smile on his face. Once their 'business' is concluded, Tank is escorted through a side road slightly bigger than one lane. The ork enters a alley to the back of an old store. He motions for Tank to follow.

Book considers the clearer mana flow he experienced in creating the ward. Now that the ward is completed, he turns on his com and attempts to determine some history for the place.

No sooner does he turn on his com than Book is bombarded by the sights, sounds, smells and touch of the same AR critters. They look concerned and nudge him toward System.

Book races over to their hacker and immediately draws the mana about him and envelopes the ork, seeking to heal his friend.

==============

Tank cautiously follows the ganger, testing the weight of his predator in its holster. He puts the drone on alert, but at this time he needs make nice. I hope I run into one of the gangers from the last time we were here.

Book sees the wound close and a healthy pallor come back into the skin. At the same time, the AR critters hop, slither, trot or flap back through the sideways portals from which they originally came.

System continues to sleep unperturbed.

-----

As Tank ducks under the doorway he is treated to what appears to be the gang's feeble attempt to set up a throne. A throne complete with dais and something passing for carpet. Seated on the throne is an older ork who looks up as Tank enters. "To what do I owe this pleasure, Lost One? Have you come to throw yourself on the mercy of my court?" he asks with a hint of a Spanish accent.

Off to the side, he notices that the ganger who was wielding the bat in his first meeting with La Pandilla

A ward now in place, Book decides to find his own spot to get some sleep.

==========

Dalton surveys the situation. I think that trying too hard to appear to fit would not put me in a good light. Play on my strengths.
He gives a not of his head in recognition of the leader's position. A bow would have relayed servitude, where as ignoring the position would have been an insult. "They call me Tank. I'm looking to base in your territory for a bit. I figure it would have been rude to shack up without introducing myself." He pauses a moment before continuing. "After my recent run in with the Los Samurai-" he steals a glance at the ganger he recognizes, "I figured your turf would be much safer for me..." Direct will probably count more with these guys than vague.. "and with that whole 'enemy of my enemy' thing, I was hoping we might be able to come to an understanding."

He considered the words he used and his tone. Not too strong, not too weak. He knows he's and outsider and they know he's an outsider. He was hoping to play off of that and make it a strength.

Rummaging through the office, Book is able to turn up a serviceable cot and an inflatable mattress. The sheets leave something to be desired and he has serious doubts about them. The mattress is comfy - like it has cradled others and sleep comes quickly.

-----

The 'king' turns to the ganger in question. "Este es el muchacho quien hizo el dano a Los Samurai?"

"Si"

"Your work has been noted. You are welcome in my territory. Did you have a place in mind? If not, I can have one of my men suggest one. You will, of course, join us for dinner this evening."

Snake dives into Book's dreams, slithering back and forth through the misty vapors of his mind. Book floats through the dream/vision following Snake as if in astral surveillance. Snake dives into the ground, burrowing just beneath the surface and then into a shallow grave. Snake slithers under the corpse, then around the waist before slithering up to the face. Book recognizes the face of the Digger. The dwarf opens his eyes and looks down. Snake turns and slithers down to the dwarf's waist where he holds a chest, with a lock.

Book sits straight up on the cot. The vision fresh in his mind. His connection to the dwarf obviously fuels Snake's interest in the secrets of Digger's disappearance. He'd long ago learn that Snake spoke as often in metaphor as literally. Damn frustrating.

================

Tank stands an anxious moment, mana flowing through his veins, steeling him like a cool statue. He considers the place he saw and quickly makes his mind. "Not really. I've driven around a bit, but I would welcome your suggestions. My preference is for a place with a double garage, or so. Multiple routes in and out would also be a plus. Dinner?" He looks for the right words. He would rather decline, but that would probably be an insult. "Of course. I would be honored." I sure hope I don't do the chicken dance or hit on his girlfriend..

Book's sudden wakefulness is interrupted by a thin voice from System "Enjoying my bed?" Sensing, more than seeing, he adds, "Naw. Don't get up. I'm good here. I assume we are all still alive. Hey, my arm doesn't hurt. What's that?" He turns to stare a what appears to be nothing before facing Book.
"My friends tell me that you did 'something' to make me better. I'm gonna go out on the short limb and assume magic."

Other than crank up the search routines and hunt for Digger, what are we doing now?

-----

"Vato. Show the man a few places to hang his hat. Be back by 1900 hours for dinner."
The ganger Tank met previously, steps forward and motions for him to follow.

"I have a few places in midn that would do you well. You and that drone of yours." A mischevious grin passes over his face and he asks, "We couldn't purchase that thing from you could we?" Continuing, he adds, "Anyway, turn left up here and I'll show you a place that some squaters are using. We could use a presence there to keep them in line and make a little 'yen off the place would make El Rey happy. I mean, you can pay, right?"

"Yes, magic. I had meant to heal you before creating the ward, but distractions being what they are...." Book rubs his eyes and looks to the clock. (( I assume its somewhere late in the afternoon, less than 24 hours after the run. ))
"I need to go see a friend before she closes up for the day. Your space is warded with a pretty powerful ward. Its far from impenetrable, but its will stop all but the most determined and the more powerful."

He bids his friend and partner an adieu and heads out, catching a cab for Moon and Stars.

==================

"Yes, I can pay- as long as I have security and privacy. I assume part of that payment also buys discretion. I'd rather not advertise my presence. Not looking to sell my drone though, thanks. Looking the place over. About as good as any, I imagine. "I imagine I'll need to do a little fixing up. I don't really care how the outside looks- would rather keep a local look to that anyway. The inside needs to be structurally sound though."

Book finds the entrance of Moon and Stars to be absolutely swamped with protesters chanting "Down with magic! Magic is a sin! Repent sinners or face your doom!" Another ultra-conservative sect is railing against magic. While few in number they can be extremely annoying. At least they aren't throwing things - yet.

Tank catches a concerned Bolo peering out from the store windows.

-----

Vato smiles as Tank mentions discretion. "Not a problem. We've got you covered. Just understand that you have to keep the squatters from destroying the building as part of you payment. Mad Dog says that the structure is as sound as anything in this barrio. Here, let me give you to quick tour." Vato leads around the building pointing out the various squatters and their names. One that sticks out is a skinny black elf named Sticks. He is constantly drumming on anything that isn't nailed down and seems a bit unhinged but there is something more behind the eyes.

After a quick tour of the best prostitutes and a few gang approved drug outlets (chemical and BTL) they are back at the throne room for dinner. The entire room as been rearranged into a crude representation of a banquet hall with El Rey at the head of the table. Whatever is cooking in a big pot doesn't smell horrible but can't be the best thing that Tank has ever eaten either.

Damn flash-mobs! Some loon comes up with a half-assed idea and every bored sheep in fifty block radius shows up and jumps on the bandwagon. Now how in the hell do I get rid of them? The thought of a big beast spirit chasing off this group makes Book smile, but he knows that would only add fuel to the fire. In the end, he takes a few minutes to observe the group. He picks out a less social, quieter person who keeps themselves far from the center and a person just outside the center. The latter being less vocal and not directly in with the central click, just outside.

He approaches the latter, leaning in to talk in a lower voice. He makes a subtle gesture towards the quieter person. "Do you know that person? The one right there?"

====================
He takes note of Sticks and considers he would be best not to underestimate the squaters. There's a reason the gangers have not removed them already. He flags the various locations in his com.

Once back to the gang's headquarters, he remains mostly quiet but not unsociable. Tank remembers now why he didn't go special forces. There's the mixing with the natives, the various DMZs and worst of all the food.

The young man turns to Book and replies, "Sorry no. You're no looking to make a date in the middle of our protest, are you?"

-----

By Tank's normal standards, the dinner was terrible. Compared to what it look like though, it was excellent. Tank was given the signature honor - according to El Rey at least - of eating the tail. He managed, with some difficulty, to choke down the tail but had enough sense not to ask what kind of tail.

After dinner people begin to pair off for either sexual favors and/or recreational drug use. El Rey approaches Tank, puts his arm around his shoulder and pushes a bottle of gin into his hands. "Drink with me for a few minutes. Then you'll have to go as we have some personal things to discuss. You did us a great favor with Los Samurai. And that is not easily forgotten. Vato tells me you are taking up residence with the squatters. Brave man you are. Keep that in mind." He is obviously drunk.

Book keeps a serious look. "No, I think he's up to no good though. I heard him whispering to something a minute ago.... Like spirits or something." Book turns his attention towards the patsy, but still keeping the mark in his peripheral sight. Better to be vague about this I imagine. Stir up seeds of distrust internally.

================

Tank smiles. Given that the leader is drunk, he can take a few liberties with the story. He considers several angles for a half second as he takes a swig. "I am curious as to why you haven't already ran the squatters off. Anything I should be on the look out for?"

The mark stares down the target and frowns. "Hmm. Let me check on things."

-----

"One word my gringo friend. Sticks. He just freaks everyone out. I think he might even be one of those mage boys. We leave him and his be and he doesn't sling spells at us."

Book keeps his eye on the patsy and replies to the mark, "Good." He then begins to move off into the crowd. This will take time. Too much time. Time to change up my plans.

The shaman walks away from the crowd, around a corner and up the street. As he walks, he accesses one of the dump matrix access ID's and files a report with Lone Star. He provides the address and a report that the group are discussing bombing. First the talismonger shop, then the Theomatrical department of the University.

=================

Tank nods. Of course he is. Great. "Alrighty then." He turns to his host. "Thanks for the shindig. I'll be on my way so you can get on with your business."

Book notices a Lone Star drone flying over the area. It pauses over the protest and the AR as well as the loudspeaker orders the crowd to disperse. Those on the fringe do so while the core begins to get more vocal. The drone begins coming in closer until someone hits it with something - a rock perhaps? Soon a patrol car with an angry looking dark-skinned ork steps out. The crowd begins to move away from the store. The cop sits there for a while and watches the group.

Book walks away towards a secluded location, an alley or deep doorway. Once there he breath deep and washes the mana over himself, masking like an old man. A quick check with one of his micro-cameras shows too many flaws and a weak effect in the mana. He drops the spell gets in touch with snake and tries again. This time the mana flows free and strong.

The mask in place, he walks down the street towards Bolo's shop, giving the protesters and Lone Star a wide birth.

====

Tank rolls on back to the potential safe house he was shown earlier. He parks his cruiser and sits for a few minutes. Ok. Let's start with diplomacy.

He gets out of the vehicle and strolls in. Going on a gut check, he leaves both the big gun and drone in the cruiser. He does however keep his predator under his jacket and grenades in his pocket.

Time to find Sticks.

Bolo gives Book an odd look as he walks in. "Can I help you, sir?" She seems a little off balance.

-----

No sooner than Tank steps into the building does Sticks step out of the darkness. He says simply, "We must talk, young one. Come. Follow me." He then turns and heads deeper into the darkness.

The old man smiles at Bolo for a moment. He slowly approaches her and takes her hand in his to comfort her, "You look as though you've had a bad day my dear." He pets her hand a moment more to calm her before speaking again, this time in Book's voice. "You should know I couldn't allow these fanatics to harass one of my friends. They'll be days sorting out what just happened."

=============

Tank is taken aback for a moment by Sticks. This is why I'm here.... He pulls his goggles down to give him sight in the darkness and follows the vagrant. "Lead on."

Bolo pulls her hand back and looks into Book's eyes. "Is that really you? You devious little ... " She breaks into laughter.

"I'm glad you came by. Let me put up the 'Be back in a minute sign' and we'll chat. You want some tea? How about something stronger?"

She still seems shaken.

-----

Sticks leads Tank deeper into the building. Eventually they come to what looks like a tent. Pulling back the flap Sticks motions Tank forward. Once inside, Sticks picks up a pipe, draws on it and offers it to Tank.

Book morphs his visage to his own. He is not yet ready to drop the spell, wanting to use it as he exits just as he used it when he entered. "Tea will be wonderful. What is that all about?" He wonders how close to accurate his report actually was.

========

Not being shy, Tank enters. Being an avid fan of the American history, he recognized the concept of a peace pipe and the fact that it came from native Americans, who also had shamans. Dalton also understood that most ceremonies start with silence. So he sat and accepted the pipe graciously, taking a toke.

Bolo flips her sign around and drags Book back to the back room before starting to sob. "They said they were going to kill me. I mean, I've had threats before, but I never believed it until those guys came in here. I was so scared and then that mob started piling up outside."

-----

Sticks smiles as Tank takes a toke. He sits in silence and nods as Tank continues the silence. After a while longer, he speaks. "Coyote tells me that you are important ... that I must teach you. Are you willing to learn?"

He holds one of his hands in front of him and looks into Tank's eyes.

Book comforts his friend. Their relationship was strictly platonic, but that did not stop Eric from being concerned about her. After a few moments, he looks her in the eye. "Kill you? Those pansy freaks? You have security footage of those guys? Any idea who they are? Did they offer a deal to leave you alone?"

======================

Tank raises an eye. On one side he wanted to walk out on a loony statement like that... Fifty years ago and he would have. "Coyote?" This much time around Book and I've seen stranger... Maybe. He considers the offer and his curiosity peaks. Book did say I was magical and that my magic is in my body... "Sure. Why not?"

"No, not, the kids outside. They didn't seem connected but they showed up right after those guys left. It was a big ork and a skinny human who screwed over my matrix connections. I think I might have a security feed on them but I doubt it. They seemed like they had done this before. I noticed that one of them had a tattoo. It looked like a cow skull with a snake coming out of it."

-----

"You have the Gift and yet know nothing of Coyote. Interesting. Let me begin with the simple. I protect those who live in this building from the gang because it suits me and Coyote has need of them from time to time. I would also extend my protection to you; however, I see that you are well equipped to handle yourself. I digress. Although my Gift may be small I heed Coyote's call and I reap the rewards for my efforts. You too could gain this understanding if you would learn. However, I see that you are still skeptical at this time. You do not seem to fear me so I assume you know another with the Gift. Speak to him or her and ask about Coyote. Then come see me again."

<<@System [Book] Got a problem. I'm down at Moon & Stars. My friend Bolo is the owner and someone jacked her Matrix connection or coms or nodes or whatever. One of the guys has a tattoo of a cow skull with a snake coming out of it; Sound like any gangs you are aware of?>>

"Let me look into these guys. Oh yea, I'm now seriously in the market for that health focus. I'm thinking third circle. Fourth circle is probably too pricey for me."

============

"I'm looking to come to an understanding at the moment. La Pandilla and I have an arrangement on me using this place." He raises a hand to silence protests. "I'm not looking for a turf battle. Rather, I'm looking to come to an understanding. I just need space for me and my wheels; Secure space... and you have peaked my interest with Coyote. Tell me more."

<<@Book [System] Not off hand but let me see what I can dig up. Do you need me to run a scan of the place and see what needs to be fixed?>>

"Let me see what I got." She begins to rummage through the various boxes arranged in a filing system that could only possibly exist in her head. She seems calmer now that she is in her element. "Not exactly sure what you mean by circles but I think this one would be nice." She holds up a cross-shaped pendant. "Or perhaps this?" It looks like a pile of metal until she pushes all the pieces into the shape of a ring.

-----

"Hmmm. You do not seek to join them then? Interesting." He doesn't actually pause to allow Tank time to answer. "Very well. If you will protect our interests - to be left alone and allowed to live here - then we will not oppose you when you uphold theirs." His eyes grow narrow as he continues, "Let us pray that you do not need to choose between them young one."

"Regarding Coyote, are you willing to go on a vision quest, young one?"

<<@System [Book] Yea. Use my com as a jump point.>>

As she pulls a pair of foci from a couple of drawers, Book fights to keep from dropping his jaw; Even more so after he assenses the two foci. I don't want to know how she has those sitting around. "How much are you asking?"

==============

"I am more than happy to be... independent. As to everyone else, live and let live. As long as I have no problems, I won't start any. You will spread the word that I am moving in and will be taking over some space? I will need one of the areas where I can secure my vehicle inside."

"Vision quest? Sure, I'm game. What do I do?"

<<@ Book [System] I'm on it.>>

"I ... um, I really have no idea, right now. Do you mind if I just take a minute to rest?" She sits on one of the crates in the back room and puts her head down and cries.

-----

"Yes, I will share with the other residents your plan and the fact that you are not part of La Pandilla. You most likely won't get any help but they won't bother you either."

The old man smiles at Tank's question on the vision quest.

"Not so fast young one. I will give you the instructions in Coyote's time. Now, go and enjoy your night."