Saturday March 15, 2070; 11:19PM; The Crime Mall, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

Sam, having been raised by her human father, did not know a lick of Sperethiel. For all she knew, neither did the elven delivery girl standing before her.

"Gracias," Sam said simply.

After watching the delivery girl leave, Sam turned to Spades and said, "Unless you want to get her number or something, let's get out of here, eh Spades?

Saturday March 15, 2070; 11:19PM; The Crime Mall, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Spades

"No, I've got everything I need back at my place... I mean, for the mission."

He walked down the broken down escalator after her, a pause ended his first comment by a minute as they finished getting to the bottom floor and he resumed walking next to Sam.

So yeah, that's awkward... I wonder if she's interested? Heh, and I've already got her LTG.

"I would ask for yours, but I'm trying to be professional. So how about I buy the drinks when this contract is up?"

Spades was looking ahead with a wry smirk on his face, but he seemed sincere in his offer as they walked towards the exit of the Crime Mall.

Sunday, March 16, 2070; 8:00 AM; Puyallup Barrens, Seattle

Sam & Spades had no problems leaving the Crime Mall. There was a slight disturbance in the parking lot. Ok, more than slight. Some dumb ass was getting stomped by a few of the Lifters. Whatever the reason or cause, the duo knew better than get involved. Life is rough in the Puyallups, you don't ask why people get stomped and you only get involved if you want to join them.

Ramses awakens early and summons his spirit. The loss of his binding materials the night before still stinging in his bank account.

Sunday, March 16, 2070

The day drones on for the the trio. The anticipation of the first segment of the run going down tomorrow combined with the abysmal boredom from a Sunday hanging out gets old in under seven minutes.

For Sam, Knight's Pawn is off-line and so she is unable to prove her superiority in chess. She does get a visit from her brother after lunch. He is soliciting support for a rally at the City Hall in Puyallup City on Wednesday to protest the poor quality to lack of public utilities in some, predominantly meta-human neighborhoods.

Spades makes his way to Shackles shortly after opening. The bar is hopping with everything from neophytes and wanna-be's to a handful of serious runners. The afternoon turns into evening, Lalia and crew dancing and serving while patrons come and go. Spades notices she gives quite a bit of time to a muscled up runner he's never met and during the few times he's able to talk with her, she says be watching for something big going down this week. She's not quite sure what yet.

Ramses takes a restful day studying and preparing.

Monday, March 17, 2070

Across the Barrens, three separate alarms wake three separate runners all by 7:00am. Time to make some nuyen.

Monday March 17, 2070; 07:00AM; Sam's crappy little apartment - Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

The sound of an alarm clock had to be the most dreaded sound in the world to Sam at that moment. After telling her brother Michael that she'd try to make the rally on Wednesday, Scrimp showed up and took her up on her offer to go riding with him... all day. Sam finally convinced him that she had to get to bed, but she didn't make it back home until well after 2:00 AM. She finally managed the energy to turn off the alarm, and just lay there in bed for a moment to gather her wits about her.

She slowly arose, stripped off the colthing she still wore from the night before, and carefully put it in the hamper. Then she put on her workout outfit and looked in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, but it was still sort of in the semblance of a ponytail, so she left it alone. She took a cotton pad and some cold cream and removed the remnants of her makeup. Then she opened the window, and stuck her head out to greet the new day.

Great! Raining.... again. At least it should wake me up.

Sam added a navy windbreaker to her attire, grabbed some cat treats, and began the descent down the fire escape to begin her morning workout routine.

Monday March 17, 2070; 08:04AM; Sam's crappy little apartment - Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

While it could by no means be mistaken for hot, at least the shower was semi-warm for once. Sam let the water caress over her, as if is slowly washed the fatigue from her body and down the drain.

Monday March 17, 2070; 12:10AM; Spade's Doss - Seattle Downtown
Spades

He had been tempted to take some cram that night at the club, a small gathering of his fellow interest group had been there, but with the run the next day he couldn't afford to sleep until two days after. Not to mention the slight hint of jealousy that Lalia was doting on the big brute of a guy didn't help his nerves... What worried him was the fact that his run was this week as well, not something big going down, but something big for him. He also remembered the wreckage he past last week while hitting up the meeting in Auburn. Probably unrelated to his own mission, but stress had a nature of making the unlikely into feasible possibilities. What with the Johnson coming in still visibly upset over something recent. He tried to calm himself, and concentrate on the bar. Drinking his synthahol....

Monday March 17, 2070; 7:00AM; Spade's Doss - Seattle Downtown

He had a problem identifying the nagging beep that was coming from somewhere in his subconscious as he was placed in a land between sleep and awake. He slapped at his right finally placing the dream object of a bee moving in a small area with bells for wings as his alarm clock, and with a few tries he hits the snooze button.

This is too early... . Why do I feel tired still? Why am I naked? I never go to bed naked...

Spades knew what happened.. Or basically the absence of remembering later on in the night was a good indicator, he looked to his left. At some point, he believed that by ordering the drinks a little stronger than usual he'd be able to unwind better. Small bits of dancing with groups, talking to Lalia, leaving the bar. All memories conjoined together into a puzzle that the dog had eaten most of the pieces for. His vision was still blurry, but he was sure he'd seen her face before... He was coaxed back into a slumber.

Monday March 17, 2070; 7:56AM; Spade's Doss - Seattle Downtown

The beeping had continued to ring in his ears and he'd finally gotten up, shutting it off... The girl was still straight up passed out, aside from the occasional grabbing for the covers and unintelligible conversation she was having with whatever dream she was in. He went to go shower and brush his teeth, he felt refreshed after the tiny pulsating beads of water worked the tension in his arms away. After he got out of the shower, he decided to go do laundry and took her clothes and a basket of his to the laundry room. He roamed around in his boxers, while he waited for his memory or her to tell him who she was. Breakfast for an occasion like this was a must, as he didn't immediately regret his inebriated decision, she was quite attractive. For once he commended himself, while over the stove he cooked some soyeggs and synth sausage.

Monday, March 17, 2070; 6:45am; Ramses' Apartment, Downtown Puyallups

As the morning rain gently tapped against his balcony glass doors, somewhere deep inside Ramses' mind his internal clock went off. It was still dark out but training had provided him with the means to awake before the sun had risen, training which included a very obnoxious mentor making the most annoying sound in the word should he wander off to sleep again. Although it was not required of him to wake at this hour everyday before the sun rose, BuBu had insisted he do it as a sign of respect for the sun god Ra - his totem in the world of magic. Each morning he would practice his centering exercises as the sun rose, starting his day basking in its warmth as he attuned his body to the flow of mana which gave him the fuel to practice his art.

He sighed as the sunrise approached, the overcast weather was blocking his view of the journey the orb would make into the heavens today. Such were many mornings in this dreadful place, fate though had lead him to the Shining Emerald City. Here he would continue his work on researching the ancient traditions of Egyptian magic, following leads to rediscover artifacts from an age long since past. Hoping to unlock the secrets of a culture that lasted for a thousand years. But he had run into a roadblock of sorts, he had lost his fellowship and his funding evaporated like water in the desert - which reminded him today he had a job to do.

As he finished his treadmill exercise and hopped into the showers, he let the soothing water roll over his skin as he began to focus on preparations for the task at hand. He would need to call forth a spirit to assist him in their plan - he had just the one in mind. Gone was the fatigue and frustration of the previous night's failure, confidently he strode into the bedroom and dressed. Picking a casual set of khaki's, something comfortable for a long day, he was careful in adoning the form fitting armour covering its bulk as to be unnoticed by the casual observer. He would call upon Nishtuk again and had no doubt his service would be satisfactory.

A smile escaped his lips, BuBu's method of teaching was always a bit unorthodox. But like he had said, "Being at our best in the worst of times is the only way to get the true measure of a man." His lessons were never scripted, they always came inspired from examples in life, so you never knew when they would come. The lessons learned that night gave him new found confidence and respect for his mentor. Both would prove valuable in the days ahead if they were to be successful.

With the summoning complete and Nishtuk standing by he made the call to arrange for Spades to pick him up. Meeting down by the garage they would switch to his car and meet up with Sam at the designated point. The rain was getting heavier and Ramses smiled, it would help obscure their identity. It was only then when he felt a tingling sensation crawl down his spine and chill him to the bone, " I have a bad feeling about this." The words echoed in his head as BuBu stomped through the water puddles...

Monday March 17, 2070; 8:05AM

Not only was the rain getting heavier, but the acid alerts put it at a stage 2 out of 5 and climbing as well. If it reached a 3, it would pose safety issues for riders.

Spades
The crackling of food in the skillet brought the slumbering woman to a state of consciousness and from there out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. She had found one of Spade's shirts to wear and wore nothing else. In the light he now sees that she is a little older than he first thought, late thirties/early forties, but still attractive. She makes her way across to Spades, very comfortable with his presence and her exposure. She moves around behind him, wrapping her arms around him as he cooks. "What are your plans today, lover?"

Ramses
Seconds into minutes. Minutes into an hour. He had been up early and was ready to go, but no word yet from the other members of the team. Out the windows of his apartment in Puyallup City, the city was coming to life. The early commuters had long since risen and were gone towards the inner city. The rain however is keeping many of the other denzians and residents of Puyallup City from venturing too far out. In the astral, the summoned spirit stands idly by awaiting a command.

As he awaits confirmation of a meeting time, a text arrives:
<<@Mr. Mshai [Tyler Richards] I am a graduate student at Seattle University majoring in Theomtrical Studies with a specialization in Middle Eastern magic. A local talismonger gave me your name as a potential contact with first-hand knowledge in this area. If so, I would appreciate some of your time to discuss these things.>>

Sam
The workout complete and the shower well underway, Sam is nearly ready to start her day. All but the knocking at the door. Scrimp.

All
And then a message:
<<@Team [Johnson] Shipment leaves at 10:30am.>>

Monday March 17, 2070; 8:05AM; Spade's Doss, Downtown Seattle
Spades

To be polite, a kindness... To be social, a must... To be truthful, an option.

As he thought this, he gave her a once over... Spades had never been the older woman type, except this once. He liked the shirt-suit look, but he'd wished he had more taste while completely smashed. Hiding his slight disappointment with a wry smile, and slitted roaming eyes. He had received the message beep just shortly after her arriving in the room.

"Well, first it was to have breakfast, second I was going remove my shirt from your delicately curved frame... Thirdly, I was going to go back to bed with you in my arms."

He sipped his coffee never letting his gaze detract from her eyes.

"But, as fate would have it, I only have time for changing. Work demands my presence, and so with a reluctant compliance I am to go to it... But I like that shirt, perhaps I'll wear it to work."

Spades couldn't help but enjoy toying with her, even though it would be difficult playing the wage slave when he was supposed to get into his gear. She definitely would snoop around the house if she stayed, that was a fact. He gave her a suggestive wink, and tore himself from her eye contact turning towards the stove. He set up a plate with eggs and sausage, placing it on the table with a fork. He poured some soykaf in a second cup and also set it on the table. He made the placement for only one.

"You'll have to excuse me while I change into something more... Work related."

He walked up to her and held out his closed hand protruding his index finger in a hook pointing towards his ceiling, this game was fun. He gave her a sly glance, and devilish smile.

He had time to play around a little...

Monday March 17, 2070; 08:05AM; Sam's crappy little apartment - Puyallup Barrens, Seattle
Sam

Sam had just gotten out of the shower adorned in only a towel, and began the process of assembling her ponytail, when the the building's door buzzer was activated. It was a very old building, but the door buzzer system did display a video of person using the device. She saw that Scrimp was waiting on the doorstep.

Oh, no. The poor guy is getting soaked. But... I'm naked...

Sam tapped the button on the buzzer panel and addresed her unexpected guest.

"Hola, mijo. My apartment door is welded shut from the inside. I guess it was the previous occupant's idea of a security system. You'll have to come up the fire escape. You know the one out back, where I stash my bike? I'll open the window for you."

Sam went over to the window overlooking the fire escape and opened it enough for Scrimp to be able to open it the rest of the way to enter the apartment.

Hurry up, Sam, or your guest is going to get a free show.

Sam dropped the towel, and applied a liberal dose of her favorite, rose-scented body spray. Then she slowly, lovingly put on her mother's locket. Coming back to her senses, Sam raced to the dresser, selected a pair of baby blue boyshorts and a black sports bra, and quickly put them on.

With a least a minimum level of modesty satisfied, Sam put on a kettle of water to heat up for Cocoa or instant Soykaf. She abandoned the hair ritual in favor of a simpler ponytail secured by a blue scrunchy. Finally, she began to apply her makekup. Not a minute later, a slightly soggy Scrimp crawled through the window.

"You should have called first. I could have been naked or something," Sam said with a wry smile. "Have a seat while I finish putting on my face?"

Monday March 17, 2070; 08:15AM;

Sam; Sam's crappy little apartment - Puyallup Barrens, Seattle

Scrimp enters the apartment, half shy/half leering at her appearance. He actually blushed when she caught him staring. Something is changing with him. "I... Uh... I mean... Yea.. Call... Sit... Sure."

He sat down pretty much silent as she put on her makeup, finally speaking. "So what's up today? More of that business from the weekend?"

Spades; Spade's Doss, Downtown Seattle
Once dressed, Spades finds his guest getting dressed as well. Seeing her in her slinky club dress he remembers the attraction he had for her the night before.

"My car will be here soon. I should really make an effort to go in to work as well." She says with a soft voice and a little smile.

Ramses; Ramses' Apartment, Downtown Puyallup City, Puyallup Barrens

Still waiting.

Monday March 17, 2070; 08:31AM; Spades' Doss, Seattle Downtown
Spades;PAN=passive[LTG] SIN=Sam Gorret

He smiled, enjoying the sight whether clothed or a lack thereof, she was still quite a looker.

"Well the name's Sam... I never got yours. If you ever want to hit the clubs again I would be honored for you to be on my arm any night you'd wish."

He passed his LTG over his commlink, it was only proper manners to make her feel like she wasn't a one night stand... Even if she was. Spades escorted her to the door as her ride arrived and stood vigil as much as etiquette allowed while she hopped in the passenger seat and left.

"Now to see if she stole anything."

He never truly trusted anyone, especially someone he met the night before after being smashed drunk on synthahol. Only a girl like her seemed like a femme fatale of sorts; they had their own agendas. It would be unjust to think poorly of her, but in his own interests to make sure she didn't try to copy his car key. Luckily his door lock was personally bought and installed with a biometric reader, so no worries there for a risk of a quiet break-in, but there was always the fact that she could've been casing the joint. He collected all his gear and placed it in a cardboard box he bought his groceries in bulk with. They always came in useful when you needed them, especially to partially hide the contents. Shadow running was a very private business... Well it was until the media conjured up the asinine idea of following Runners out on their jobs. Too much hype, too much light shining on faces that needed to be obscured. He checked his car key and his bedroom for valuables... All to make sure that nothing was out of the tidy order he kept them in. The floor needed to be swept though, he'd have to do that soon. Once he was sure everything was where it should be he headed out to his car with cardboard box in hand. Once in the car he sent a text message to Ramses while he placed his earbuds and glasses in the cup holders. His subvocal mic in the glove box. His GPS he hooked up to his commlink's satellite link port and set the destination.

<<@Ramses [Spades] Hey, sorry had a stray cat that needed some rooming last night and I let her out this morning... On my way now, you still comfortable with staying where you're at? Or can we meet half way?>>

Starting the car with the same idle thrum, he rode off towards the location Ramses had been waiting at for the better half-hour or longer. He turned on the radio to his favorite SinthCore hits station, playing "Sensual Habitat" by WindRiser.