Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0100
Frag me! They sold her to the god-damned Yakuza… Drek! At least I know where the commlink is. But I need a new plan to find out who exactly they sold the girl to.
Having determined that the commlink is in there with them, Kambei waits in his secure position for their discussion to be over. He needs to get in there with one of them alone or preferably find the commlink left by itself after their hacking was done. But what are the chances of that… either way I’m going to have to “talk� to Kouki to figure out where Ahiko is and if they’ve done anything permanently damaging to her he’d have to make sure Kouki paid the full price. At least I still have the stealth tag on his bike.
Full Version: Tokyo in the Shadows
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0100
Their discussion continues. Apparently, Kouki plans to continue with the "seduce a girl, sell her after she left her family" plan to make money. One of the other two leaders - Ryu, if that's his real name - tells Kouki that it was a one time deal for Ahiko, not for any girl, but Kouki seems to be sure he can sell the next girl as well.
Rattler sends him life feeds from the three's cybereyes as well, so Kambei spots the commlink he's looking for. It's on a table in the room the three are in, switched off. It doesn't look expensive. Still, something does look right - or sound right...
Their discussion continues. Apparently, Kouki plans to continue with the "seduce a girl, sell her after she left her family" plan to make money. One of the other two leaders - Ryu, if that's his real name - tells Kouki that it was a one time deal for Ahiko, not for any girl, but Kouki seems to be sure he can sell the next girl as well.
Rattler sends him life feeds from the three's cybereyes as well, so Kambei spots the commlink he's looking for. It's on a table in the room the three are in, switched off. It doesn't look expensive. Still, something does look right - or sound right...
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0100
None of this really made any sense to Kambei. He could have believed it if they had said they were approached by an unidentified agent or a Mr. Tamake to kidnap Ahiko for pay but not the Yakuza. Why would they even go to a bunch of two bit gaijin-wannabe losers? And pay them enough for new drones, new clothes, work on their bikes and brand new cyber? Kambei carefully screws on his silencer on to his Predator while thinking over the situation, they could have gotten extra money from somewhere else but their conversation sure as frag makes it sound like this job was how they came onto this kind of money.
Either way, half his job was going to have to be finished tonight, or at least Kambei was sure that the commlink was worth as much to Ahiko's family as herself. It's the sad truth of situations like this. Loss of a family member could be explained away in a manner to save face, losing access to a black account commlink and then losing the money in that account would not be so easy to fix.
This would probably be his best chance to get the commlink. After that he would have to find information on their contact with the "Yakuza" and the only ones likely to know would be one of the three clowns in that room together. He isn't going to take a stupid risk but Kambei would have to take a chance to get the commlink tonight before their hacker had an opportunity to compromise the account. He still had the tracker on Kouki's bike to fall back on if he needs to catch up with one of these three after that.
None of this really made any sense to Kambei. He could have believed it if they had said they were approached by an unidentified agent or a Mr. Tamake to kidnap Ahiko for pay but not the Yakuza. Why would they even go to a bunch of two bit gaijin-wannabe losers? And pay them enough for new drones, new clothes, work on their bikes and brand new cyber? Kambei carefully screws on his silencer on to his Predator while thinking over the situation, they could have gotten extra money from somewhere else but their conversation sure as frag makes it sound like this job was how they came onto this kind of money.
Either way, half his job was going to have to be finished tonight, or at least Kambei was sure that the commlink was worth as much to Ahiko's family as herself. It's the sad truth of situations like this. Loss of a family member could be explained away in a manner to save face, losing access to a black account commlink and then losing the money in that account would not be so easy to fix.
This would probably be his best chance to get the commlink. After that he would have to find information on their contact with the "Yakuza" and the only ones likely to know would be one of the three clowns in that room together. He isn't going to take a stupid risk but Kambei would have to take a chance to get the commlink tonight before their hacker had an opportunity to compromise the account. He still had the tracker on Kouki's bike to fall back on if he needs to catch up with one of these three after that.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0110
Another message from Rattler interrupts Kambei's thoughts.
"I got some bad news I think, Kambei... free of charge: There's something wrong with this cyberware the zoku are sporting. There's some program hidden in the software, something pretty sophisticated, nothing that you'd find in run of the mill cyber like that. I don't know yet what it does, but it's not a diagnostic tool."
Rattler sounds a bit puzzled, concerned even - and Kambei has now a feeling in his gut that usually means something is going seriously wrong.
Another message from Rattler interrupts Kambei's thoughts.
"I got some bad news I think, Kambei... free of charge: There's something wrong with this cyberware the zoku are sporting. There's some program hidden in the software, something pretty sophisticated, nothing that you'd find in run of the mill cyber like that. I don't know yet what it does, but it's not a diagnostic tool."
Rattler sounds a bit puzzled, concerned even - and Kambei has now a feeling in his gut that usually means something is going seriously wrong.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0110
"Thanks, this keeps getting better and better," Kambei replies while digesting the news, "they probably took cyber as payment without getting the drek checked out before getting cut. Did you see what they have in them by any chance? I wouldn't mind knowing what I might have to go up against."
It would have been nice if this had been a simple runaway... but its rarely turned out like that. Kambei makes sure he is far enough that the zoku would have no chance to notice him when they exit the room. At least he knew where the commlink was as he still had the feed from their eyes and hopefully they would leave it behind. At least that could be one part of the job done. [/i]
"Thanks, this keeps getting better and better," Kambei replies while digesting the news, "they probably took cyber as payment without getting the drek checked out before getting cut. Did you see what they have in them by any chance? I wouldn't mind knowing what I might have to go up against."
It would have been nice if this had been a simple runaway... but its rarely turned out like that. Kambei makes sure he is far enough that the zoku would have no chance to notice him when they exit the room. At least he knew where the commlink was as he still had the feed from their eyes and hopefully they would leave it behind. At least that could be one part of the job done. [/i]
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0111
"Commlink, cyber eyes, cyber ears, skillwires. Some headware."
Rattler quickly lists the cyberware he detects in the leaders whose ware he hacked.
"I don't know what the rest has, but I doubt they got better 'ware than the leaders."
After 20 more minutes of arguing, Kouki gets angry and heads out, saying he'll show them how to make money. The two others follow him, still trying to talk him out of his plans. With those three outside, and providing a distraction... and Kouki about to leave... maybe this is the opportunity Kambei was waiting for?
"Commlink, cyber eyes, cyber ears, skillwires. Some headware."
Rattler quickly lists the cyberware he detects in the leaders whose ware he hacked.
"I don't know what the rest has, but I doubt they got better 'ware than the leaders."
After 20 more minutes of arguing, Kouki gets angry and heads out, saying he'll show them how to make money. The two others follow him, still trying to talk him out of his plans. With those three outside, and providing a distraction... and Kouki about to leave... maybe this is the opportunity Kambei was waiting for?
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0111
Seeing that the zoku left the commlink lying on the table, Kambei reacts quickly and quietly. As soon as the area is clear he ducks into the room and picks up the commlink, slipping it into his inner jacket pocket. He scans the room quickly - just incase anything stands out - and quickly heads outside - silenced pistol drawn - and ducks back outside and back into hiding.
He continues to monitor through the cybereye feeds for a moment to determine if Kouki is heading outside. If he is heading outside as he anticipates, Kambei carefully heads back the way he came and heads for his bike.
Seeing that the zoku left the commlink lying on the table, Kambei reacts quickly and quietly. As soon as the area is clear he ducks into the room and picks up the commlink, slipping it into his inner jacket pocket. He scans the room quickly - just incase anything stands out - and quickly heads outside - silenced pistol drawn - and ducks back outside and back into hiding.
He continues to monitor through the cybereye feeds for a moment to determine if Kouki is heading outside. If he is heading outside as he anticipates, Kambei carefully heads back the way he came and heads for his bike.
[ Spoiler ]
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0111
Almost like in the textbook, Kambei is in and out of the room, his prize secured, before the three gang leaders are past their third three-way shouting match, which provides entertainment for the rest of the zoku, and a distraction for Kambei. They are so loud that Kambei, even back in his hiding spot, wouldn't need cybernetic ears to hear them - it sounds like they are high on something. Not surprisingly for this kind of zoku - drugs and chips are high on their shopping list.
Kouki still seems determinded to go out and "make more money", no matter how much the rest shouts. Then Rattler's icon pops up again.
"Update, Kambei-kun: The software just went active for an instant, and sent a data pulse through the net. I sniffed it just in time, and it's GPS data. And from the increase in traffic at the same time in the local node, most or all of the rest of the trash in here also have had such data sent by their 'ware. The program went dormant again, but not as deeply hidden as before. It's monitoring now"
Almost like in the textbook, Kambei is in and out of the room, his prize secured, before the three gang leaders are past their third three-way shouting match, which provides entertainment for the rest of the zoku, and a distraction for Kambei. They are so loud that Kambei, even back in his hiding spot, wouldn't need cybernetic ears to hear them - it sounds like they are high on something. Not surprisingly for this kind of zoku - drugs and chips are high on their shopping list.
Kouki still seems determinded to go out and "make more money", no matter how much the rest shouts. Then Rattler's icon pops up again.
"Update, Kambei-kun: The software just went active for an instant, and sent a data pulse through the net. I sniffed it just in time, and it's GPS data. And from the increase in traffic at the same time in the local node, most or all of the rest of the trash in here also have had such data sent by their 'ware. The program went dormant again, but not as deeply hidden as before. It's monitoring now"
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0115
“Alright, thanks for the info,� he says as he executes a fund transfer to Rattler, “here’s payment for tonight’s work incase the drek hits the fan.�
GPS info… could the “Yakuza� be trying to erase evidence of their deal?
Kambei holds his position for a minute waiting to see if Kouki heads outside or into a secluded area he would be able to follow him into. I can’t leave without a lead on Ahiko’s location.
He can’t help but worry as he waits, [i]and if these fraggers have been tagged and marked for dead… this might be the last chance I get.
He “speaks� to Rattler while he waits, “you know, I used to recall a time when I would be the one responding to the GPS kill-signal out of the dark.�
“Alright, thanks for the info,� he says as he executes a fund transfer to Rattler, “here’s payment for tonight’s work incase the drek hits the fan.�
GPS info… could the “Yakuza� be trying to erase evidence of their deal?
Kambei holds his position for a minute waiting to see if Kouki heads outside or into a secluded area he would be able to follow him into. I can’t leave without a lead on Ahiko’s location.
He can’t help but worry as he waits, [i]and if these fraggers have been tagged and marked for dead… this might be the last chance I get.
He “speaks� to Rattler while he waits, “you know, I used to recall a time when I would be the one responding to the GPS kill-signal out of the dark.�
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0116
Rattler laughs, but he sounds as if his attention is on other things than the past - probably probing the hidden program in the zoku's cyber.
Kouki finally leaves the warehouse, storming out like a movie diva past her prime. Kambei hears the Scorpion's engine start up, and both the feed from his eyes and the stealth tag Kambei placed on the Scorpion earlier confirm that the zoku is moving away from the warehouse. As Kambei starts to make his way out of the warehouse, Rattler speaks up again, sounding urgent.
"Another GPS burst... and answering messages... damn..."
The zoku in the warehouse suddenly start collapsing, some frothing at the mouth. No trashing though - like chip junkies with RAS override enabled. Judging from the cybereye feed, Kouki is crashing outside, a bit away, with the same symptoms.
Rattler again:
"It's a black beetle, hidden in the ware, and going active... and their sim modules are hot - someone's icing the zoku! I try to keep Kouki alive."
A nasty trap - the zoku will be found "overdosed" on BTL, and the case closed. But from Kambei's experiences, there should be a "handler" or a team nearby, to make sure there are no loose ends left, and place some chip cases to be found. Wait for them, and take them, hide, or retreat? Or did they jump the gun because Kouki was leaving, wanting them all in one spot, and the operatives are not yet on the scene? If so, Kambei might get Kouki alive still.
Whatever he does, it's going to be risky though. And if Rattler can't keep Kouki alive...
Rattler laughs, but he sounds as if his attention is on other things than the past - probably probing the hidden program in the zoku's cyber.
Kouki finally leaves the warehouse, storming out like a movie diva past her prime. Kambei hears the Scorpion's engine start up, and both the feed from his eyes and the stealth tag Kambei placed on the Scorpion earlier confirm that the zoku is moving away from the warehouse. As Kambei starts to make his way out of the warehouse, Rattler speaks up again, sounding urgent.
"Another GPS burst... and answering messages... damn..."
The zoku in the warehouse suddenly start collapsing, some frothing at the mouth. No trashing though - like chip junkies with RAS override enabled. Judging from the cybereye feed, Kouki is crashing outside, a bit away, with the same symptoms.
Rattler again:
"It's a black beetle, hidden in the ware, and going active... and their sim modules are hot - someone's icing the zoku! I try to keep Kouki alive."
A nasty trap - the zoku will be found "overdosed" on BTL, and the case closed. But from Kambei's experiences, there should be a "handler" or a team nearby, to make sure there are no loose ends left, and place some chip cases to be found. Wait for them, and take them, hide, or retreat? Or did they jump the gun because Kouki was leaving, wanting them all in one spot, and the operatives are not yet on the scene? If so, Kambei might get Kouki alive still.
Whatever he does, it's going to be risky though. And if Rattler can't keep Kouki alive...
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0117
“Drek! It’s always worse than I hope for,� Kambei says to Rattler as he proceeds out of his hiding place, quickly heading outside to get to Kouki.
Kambei is much less careful on the way out with the zoku going into seizures around him, serves them right for selling girls for cash. Once he reaches the perimeter security he follows the routing he picked up on the way in to avoid detection by the drones.
No use taking a stupid risk and getting gunned down by that thing if it has a pilot.
Once he spots Kouki he quickly ducks under cover to scan the area while scanning the area for any signs of intruders, here goes nothing… I hope they triggered it early before they could get here in time.
Seeing that it’s all clear, Kambei pulls a stim-patch out his jacket pocket, and heads to Kouki to check on his condition, with gun drawn and alert for trouble.
“Drek! It’s always worse than I hope for,� Kambei says to Rattler as he proceeds out of his hiding place, quickly heading outside to get to Kouki.
Kambei is much less careful on the way out with the zoku going into seizures around him, serves them right for selling girls for cash. Once he reaches the perimeter security he follows the routing he picked up on the way in to avoid detection by the drones.
No use taking a stupid risk and getting gunned down by that thing if it has a pilot.
Once he spots Kouki he quickly ducks under cover to scan the area while scanning the area for any signs of intruders, here goes nothing… I hope they triggered it early before they could get here in time.
Seeing that it’s all clear, Kambei pulls a stim-patch out his jacket pocket, and heads to Kouki to check on his condition, with gun drawn and alert for trouble.
[ Spoiler ]
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0118
Kambei seems lucky - no threat is visible, and the drones still keep to their pattern. He sprints over to Kouki, which is on the ground on the street, sprawled out next to his damaged Scorpion. The zoku is still out, and hurt from the crash, bleeding from a wound on his scalp, but alive - Rattler must have been successful so far. But even if he purged the program, some damage was done, in addition to the damage from the crash, and if Kouki doesn't get medical attention soon...
Kambei seems lucky - no threat is visible, and the drones still keep to their pattern. He sprints over to Kouki, which is on the ground on the street, sprawled out next to his damaged Scorpion. The zoku is still out, and hurt from the crash, bleeding from a wound on his scalp, but alive - Rattler must have been successful so far. But even if he purged the program, some damage was done, in addition to the damage from the crash, and if Kouki doesn't get medical attention soon...
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0118
Kambei bends down over Kouki’s body checking him for signs of life, slapping him lightly and opening his eyes to try to get him to respond. Drek, he’s out cold, and probably dying, and how long till the cleanup squad comes?
“Rattler, hope you are still around. Can you kill Kouki’s GPS feeds, I think I need to get him out of here to have any chance at getting what I need out of him.�
Kambei frisks the unconscious zoku looking for any electronics or weapons discarding everything he finds on him other than the commlink. He quickly rips the battery out of the commlink so it cannot transmit its location and stuffs it in his other inner jacket pocket. With that done he ties Kouki’s wrists in front of him with plasteel restraints.
As soon as he gets a message from Rattler that he can kill the GPS feed he throws Kouki over his shoulders in a fireman’s carry and runs as fast as he can for where he hid his bike.
[ Spoiler ]
Kambei bends down over Kouki’s body checking him for signs of life, slapping him lightly and opening his eyes to try to get him to respond. Drek, he’s out cold, and probably dying, and how long till the cleanup squad comes?
“Rattler, hope you are still around. Can you kill Kouki’s GPS feeds, I think I need to get him out of here to have any chance at getting what I need out of him.�
Kambei frisks the unconscious zoku looking for any electronics or weapons discarding everything he finds on him other than the commlink. He quickly rips the battery out of the commlink so it cannot transmit its location and stuffs it in his other inner jacket pocket. With that done he ties Kouki’s wrists in front of him with plasteel restraints.
As soon as he gets a message from Rattler that he can kill the GPS feed he throws Kouki over his shoulders in a fireman’s carry and runs as fast as he can for where he hid his bike.
[ Spoiler ]
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0118
Rattler gives Kambei the go ahead, Kouki should have clean cyberware now. He seems preoccupied still though.
Kambei starts to sprint to his bike when he catches some movement in the corner of his eyes. Twisting his head he spots a drone heading his way. Of course - whoever gave them the cyber gave them the drones too, and must have hidden some surprises in them as well. Fortunately, it's an unarmored hover drone - armor's not that needed for flying drones, with guns being rare in Neo-Tokyo. Unfortunately the thing is armed with what looks like a taser - and headed straight for Kambei!
Rattler gives Kambei the go ahead, Kouki should have clean cyberware now. He seems preoccupied still though.
[ Spoiler ]
Kambei starts to sprint to his bike when he catches some movement in the corner of his eyes. Twisting his head he spots a drone heading his way. Of course - whoever gave them the cyber gave them the drones too, and must have hidden some surprises in them as well. Fortunately, it's an unarmored hover drone - armor's not that needed for flying drones, with guns being rare in Neo-Tokyo. Unfortunately the thing is armed with what looks like a taser - and headed straight for Kambei!
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0118
Kambei keeps moving when he spots the drone heading towards him and shifts Kouki so he is being carried on one shoulder, tries to steady his aim and fires two whisper-quiet shots at the drone.
Kambei keeps moving when he spots the drone heading towards him and shifts Kouki so he is being carried on one shoulder, tries to steady his aim and fires two whisper-quiet shots at the drone.
[ Spoiler ]
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0118
The drone tries to evade, but fails, and the two bullets punch through the thin hull, and the servos and engine behind. The drone veers off to the right, corkscrewing down and crashing hard on the ground. No explosion - it was electrically powered.
Kambei keeps running, sweating with the added weight of Kouki, but reaches his bike just as the remaining two drones start towards him from the warehouse. They won't reach him before he can get moving though, and they won't catch his bike.
The drone tries to evade, but fails, and the two bullets punch through the thin hull, and the servos and engine behind. The drone veers off to the right, corkscrewing down and crashing hard on the ground. No explosion - it was electrically powered.
Kambei keeps running, sweating with the added weight of Kouki, but reaches his bike just as the remaining two drones start towards him from the warehouse. They won't reach him before he can get moving though, and they won't catch his bike.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0118
Kambei puts Kouki's limp body on the ground -making sure not to hurt him any further - and smacks him lightly on the cheek to check him for any new signs of vitality. Frag, I can't risk him waking up on the bike. Hopefully this won't stop his heart.
He digs through his small medkit and grabs a tranq patch - doubling checking to make sure it's not a trauma or stim patch - and slaps it on his inner forearm.
Kambei looks up as he hears the drones approaching and lifts Kouki up and onto the backseat of the bike. Holding him precariously in place he puts his arm through his bound arms - followed by his head, other arm and torso - and sits down on the bike and triggers the engine. He kicks down the passenger foot rests and reaches back and lifts his limp legs onto them. One last pat of Kouki's bound wrists to make sure he is secure and Kambei guns the engine, nearly fish tailing because of the ill-balanced weight on the back of the bike.
Right now it didn't matter where he was going, as long as it was away from here and not towards any high security zone.
Kambei puts Kouki's limp body on the ground -making sure not to hurt him any further - and smacks him lightly on the cheek to check him for any new signs of vitality. Frag, I can't risk him waking up on the bike. Hopefully this won't stop his heart.
He digs through his small medkit and grabs a tranq patch - doubling checking to make sure it's not a trauma or stim patch - and slaps it on his inner forearm.
Kambei looks up as he hears the drones approaching and lifts Kouki up and onto the backseat of the bike. Holding him precariously in place he puts his arm through his bound arms - followed by his head, other arm and torso - and sits down on the bike and triggers the engine. He kicks down the passenger foot rests and reaches back and lifts his limp legs onto them. One last pat of Kouki's bound wrists to make sure he is secure and Kambei guns the engine, nearly fish tailing because of the ill-balanced weight on the back of the bike.
Right now it didn't matter where he was going, as long as it was away from here and not towards any high security zone.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0135
Sometime later, Kambei is back in the heart of Neo-Tokyo, although driving through side streets avai from the neon-lights of Neo-Tokyo, avoiding traffic as best as he can. Rattler covers his escape by hacking into a few sensors and the gridlink system, sending pursuers, physical or electronical ones, on a false track.
But the longer Kambei keeps driving, the more likely he is to run into trouble - carrying a bound unconscious man on a bike is not something that's generally overlooked by the authorities. Fortunately, Kouki has been still and did not move or make a sound so far, just his slightly labored breathing signalling that he's alive. Unfortunately, that's also a bad sign - Kouki is probably slipping closer to death each minute.
There's a discrete street doc nearby, "Doc" Ayukawa. Kambei has been driving toward the doc's place, and it can be reached without being seen from the main streets through the backdoor. Even so, the last few hunderd meters are stressful. The side and backstreets are not completely deserted, there's always the chance someone or something could be using them himself...
Tonight however, Kambei reaches the doc's place safely and without being detected, disappearing down the underground garage of the building the doc practises in, and sending a small message ahead to announce his visit.
The Doc - short, wiry, and in his 60s, with white hair - is waiting for him when he enters, and raises one brow when he spots the zoku on Kambei's shoulder, and the plastic restraints.
"I don't do organlegging, you know." His slight accent from Okinawa shows as well as his more direct manners.
Sometime later, Kambei is back in the heart of Neo-Tokyo, although driving through side streets avai from the neon-lights of Neo-Tokyo, avoiding traffic as best as he can. Rattler covers his escape by hacking into a few sensors and the gridlink system, sending pursuers, physical or electronical ones, on a false track.
But the longer Kambei keeps driving, the more likely he is to run into trouble - carrying a bound unconscious man on a bike is not something that's generally overlooked by the authorities. Fortunately, Kouki has been still and did not move or make a sound so far, just his slightly labored breathing signalling that he's alive. Unfortunately, that's also a bad sign - Kouki is probably slipping closer to death each minute.
There's a discrete street doc nearby, "Doc" Ayukawa. Kambei has been driving toward the doc's place, and it can be reached without being seen from the main streets through the backdoor. Even so, the last few hunderd meters are stressful. The side and backstreets are not completely deserted, there's always the chance someone or something could be using them himself...
Tonight however, Kambei reaches the doc's place safely and without being detected, disappearing down the underground garage of the building the doc practises in, and sending a small message ahead to announce his visit.
The Doc - short, wiry, and in his 60s, with white hair - is waiting for him when he enters, and raises one brow when he spots the zoku on Kambei's shoulder, and the plastic restraints.
"I don't do organlegging, you know." His slight accent from Okinawa shows as well as his more direct manners.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0140
“I’ve always loved how direct you are Doc,� Kambei says as he puts Kouki down on a table and stretches his arms and shoulders to work out the stiffness from carrying him so far, “that way I always know where I stand with you.�
“But it isn’t anything like that. I need him stabilized and able to talk. I’ll pay you a little extra if you have a private room for me to have a conversation with the kid,� Kambei smiles as he makes the unusual request – although maybe now that unusual in Doc’s line of work.
Kambei backs away so he can do his work, “he got fragged up on some hotsim drek and crashed his bike if you are wondering how he got hurt. And please, keep the restraints on.�
“I’ve always loved how direct you are Doc,� Kambei says as he puts Kouki down on a table and stretches his arms and shoulders to work out the stiffness from carrying him so far, “that way I always know where I stand with you.�
“But it isn’t anything like that. I need him stabilized and able to talk. I’ll pay you a little extra if you have a private room for me to have a conversation with the kid,� Kambei smiles as he makes the unusual request – although maybe now that unusual in Doc’s line of work.
Kambei backs away so he can do his work, “he got fragged up on some hotsim drek and crashed his bike if you are wondering how he got hurt. And please, keep the restraints on.�
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0140
The doc shakes his head.
"Do you know the hippocratic oath, son? If you don't, I guess you can look it up."
The doctor doesn't wait for you to download the oath, and continues.
"I won't turn this practise into a torture chamber, son. This place is for healing people, not harming them."
The short man waves to you, indicating you should follow him.
"Put him on the examination table. I'll do what I can to save his life - any life - and then I'll wash my hands off it."
The doc shakes his head.
"Do you know the hippocratic oath, son? If you don't, I guess you can look it up."
The doctor doesn't wait for you to download the oath, and continues.
"I won't turn this practise into a torture chamber, son. This place is for healing people, not harming them."
The short man waves to you, indicating you should follow him.
"Put him on the examination table. I'll do what I can to save his life - any life - and then I'll wash my hands off it."
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0140
Kambei puts Kouki's limp body on the examination table, "that's not what I meant Doc. I don't want you to get the wrong idea about me."
"What I told you was the truth. He got fried by his own cyber and he'd be dead if it weren't for me," Kambei pauses for a moment, "but I understand your concern and I do not mean to question your integrity."
He steps out of the way and lets Doc get to work.
Hopefully when he wakes up he realizes everyone he knows is dead because he was betrayed by the "Yakuza" and he won't mind giving up everything he knows.
Kambei puts Kouki's limp body on the examination table, "that's not what I meant Doc. I don't want you to get the wrong idea about me."
"What I told you was the truth. He got fried by his own cyber and he'd be dead if it weren't for me," Kambei pauses for a moment, "but I understand your concern and I do not mean to question your integrity."
He steps out of the way and lets Doc get to work.
Hopefully when he wakes up he realizes everyone he knows is dead because he was betrayed by the "Yakuza" and he won't mind giving up everything he knows.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0200
The doctor works, muttering about the foolishness of youth from time to time, patching up Kouki's head wound, then dealing with the damage the black beetle did. It is easily apparent that he must have extensive experience with cybernetics and their effects as well as neural feedback.
Looking around, Kambei sees that the practise of the doctor looks comfortable, but lacks a personal touch. There are no pictures of family, no little objects. The only exception is a chip set in a block of clear plastic, sitting on his desk.
Finally, the doctor turns to Kambei again, pulling his gloves off.
"I did what I could. The rest is up to him. He should wake up in about an hour, but how much damage his brain took is hard to predict."
The doctor's fee is reasonable, although Kambei has to spend 100 Nuyen from his own money in addition to the corp script and certified credsticks he took from Kambei to cover it.
The doctor works, muttering about the foolishness of youth from time to time, patching up Kouki's head wound, then dealing with the damage the black beetle did. It is easily apparent that he must have extensive experience with cybernetics and their effects as well as neural feedback.
Looking around, Kambei sees that the practise of the doctor looks comfortable, but lacks a personal touch. There are no pictures of family, no little objects. The only exception is a chip set in a block of clear plastic, sitting on his desk.
Finally, the doctor turns to Kambei again, pulling his gloves off.
"I did what I could. The rest is up to him. He should wake up in about an hour, but how much damage his brain took is hard to predict."
The doctor's fee is reasonable, although Kambei has to spend 100 Nuyen from his own money in addition to the corp script and certified credsticks he took from Kambei to cover it.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0200
Kambei washes his face in the sink while the Doc works. No matter now many times I get into situations like this the cold sweats never went away.
Upon hearing the Doc’s news, he sits down in a chair and sends a message thanking Rattler for his help. Tempting to ask him to crack the commlink just to see what kind of shenanigans are really going on to make this kind of a double cross of the Falcons necessary, but it wouldn’t be appropriate.
He waits idly on the chair, occasionally checking on Kouki to see if he was awake while surfing the Matrix and trying to piece together this suddenly complicated puzzle.
Kambei washes his face in the sink while the Doc works. No matter now many times I get into situations like this the cold sweats never went away.
Upon hearing the Doc’s news, he sits down in a chair and sends a message thanking Rattler for his help. Tempting to ask him to crack the commlink just to see what kind of shenanigans are really going on to make this kind of a double cross of the Falcons necessary, but it wouldn’t be appropriate.
He waits idly on the chair, occasionally checking on Kouki to see if he was awake while surfing the Matrix and trying to piece together this suddenly complicated puzzle.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0245
After over half an hour spent waiting and surfing the matrix, and weighing possible explanations and plots, Kambei's cyberears pick up some movement from Kouki. Turning his attention to the Falcon member, he sees that the young man is awake.
Kouki mumbles, his eyes open, but he doesn't seem to realise where is yet.
"What happened? Where am I?"
Then the ganger realises his restraints.
"What the..."
And finally, he spots Kambei, his cybernetic eyes widening.
"Who..."
After over half an hour spent waiting and surfing the matrix, and weighing possible explanations and plots, Kambei's cyberears pick up some movement from Kouki. Turning his attention to the Falcon member, he sees that the young man is awake.
Kouki mumbles, his eyes open, but he doesn't seem to realise where is yet.
"What happened? Where am I?"
Then the ganger realises his restraints.
"What the..."
And finally, he spots Kambei, his cybernetic eyes widening.
"Who..."
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0245
Kambei stands up and walks over to the examination table and stands over Kouki. He leaves his jacket on the back of his chair to clearly display his shoulder holster – loosened for a quick draw - holding his Predator.
“This is going to come as a bit of a shock but I don’t have time to dance around. The Falcons are dead, every last one of them, as long as they stuck that new cyber you were all sporting. They rigged that shit with some nasty IC, flipped you to hot mode remotely and tried to fry your brain.�
He pauses for a moment to let that sink in, “and they almost got you too. I saved you because I need info on the people who betrayed you and killed your crew.�
Kambei stands up and walks over to the examination table and stands over Kouki. He leaves his jacket on the back of his chair to clearly display his shoulder holster – loosened for a quick draw - holding his Predator.
“This is going to come as a bit of a shock but I don’t have time to dance around. The Falcons are dead, every last one of them, as long as they stuck that new cyber you were all sporting. They rigged that shit with some nasty IC, flipped you to hot mode remotely and tried to fry your brain.�
He pauses for a moment to let that sink in, “and they almost got you too. I saved you because I need info on the people who betrayed you and killed your crew.�
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0245
Given Kouki's situation, and physical and mental state - still hurt, shaken from the loss of his zoku, and captive of an armed Kambei - it doesn't take Kambei much to get what information the ganger knows - which is not much.
Kouki, having a reputation for being a ladies' man (or so he claims) had been approached by a "Mr. Tanaka" to seduce Ahiko Mori, make her "run away", then turn her over to his employer. The money and gear promised for this was generous, and it involved the whole zoku. Of course Kouki went for it - it wasn't that different from seducing other girls and scamming them for money. Which is why he also tried to scam Ahiko out of her dad's money before turning her over, only the "stupid bitch" had stolen some encrypted commlink that night, not some easy money. It came to a dispute, and while Kouki was sure she'd have come back to him anyway, the rest of the zoku decided to just get ahead and grab her. Not exactly according to plan, with no "bye" letter written or such, but so what?
They sold her off to their employers, and got money and implants in exchange. They were still testing all their new wiz stuff last night, some just having come out of surgery. Keru, a hacker buddy of them, was supposed to crack the commlink, but didn't show up.
It was also Keru who dug around for more info on their employer, and found out they were yakuza, part of the Wanibuchi-Rengo.
Some of the information doesn't match with what Kambei heard before, but it's probably just Kouki trying to make himself more important.
[ Spoiler ]
Given Kouki's situation, and physical and mental state - still hurt, shaken from the loss of his zoku, and captive of an armed Kambei - it doesn't take Kambei much to get what information the ganger knows - which is not much.
Kouki, having a reputation for being a ladies' man (or so he claims) had been approached by a "Mr. Tanaka" to seduce Ahiko Mori, make her "run away", then turn her over to his employer. The money and gear promised for this was generous, and it involved the whole zoku. Of course Kouki went for it - it wasn't that different from seducing other girls and scamming them for money. Which is why he also tried to scam Ahiko out of her dad's money before turning her over, only the "stupid bitch" had stolen some encrypted commlink that night, not some easy money. It came to a dispute, and while Kouki was sure she'd have come back to him anyway, the rest of the zoku decided to just get ahead and grab her. Not exactly according to plan, with no "bye" letter written or such, but so what?
They sold her off to their employers, and got money and implants in exchange. They were still testing all their new wiz stuff last night, some just having come out of surgery. Keru, a hacker buddy of them, was supposed to crack the commlink, but didn't show up.
It was also Keru who dug around for more info on their employer, and found out they were yakuza, part of the Wanibuchi-Rengo.
Some of the information doesn't match with what Kambei heard before, but it's probably just Kouki trying to make himself more important.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0250
Kambei listens to the story while recording the conversation for future playback and reference. He ponders the new information for a moment before speaking, “my original intention was to drop you off at the police and let them deal with you.�
“But I have a better offer for you, and considering your current situation, I think it’s the best option you’ve got,� he pauses for another moment as if waiting for Kouki to accept that fact. Even without an acknowledgement Kambei continues, “I need every bit of contact information you have on the people you sold Ahiko to. I mean everything. Names, com IDs, locations, how much they paid, what they paid with, where you got your ware installed, even what brand that shit is. Then I need you to arrange a meeting with Keru at a discreet location.�
“If I can get Ahiko back safely, I don’t see any reason why I can’t let you go.�
Hopefully his survival instinct is running high right now and he won’t give a shit about spilling the dirt on everyone to save his own skin.
Kambei listens to the story while recording the conversation for future playback and reference. He ponders the new information for a moment before speaking, “my original intention was to drop you off at the police and let them deal with you.�
“But I have a better offer for you, and considering your current situation, I think it’s the best option you’ve got,� he pauses for another moment as if waiting for Kouki to accept that fact. Even without an acknowledgement Kambei continues, “I need every bit of contact information you have on the people you sold Ahiko to. I mean everything. Names, com IDs, locations, how much they paid, what they paid with, where you got your ware installed, even what brand that shit is. Then I need you to arrange a meeting with Keru at a discreet location.�
“If I can get Ahiko back safely, I don’t see any reason why I can’t let you go.�
Hopefully his survival instinct is running high right now and he won’t give a shit about spilling the dirt on everyone to save his own skin.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0320
Kouki hesitates, sucking on his lower lip, then wincing as his head wound aches in response. Kambei can clearly see that he is weighing the arguments, having recovered some in the time since he woke up. But in the end, his own skin is worth more to him than his friends or honor, as was to be expected, and the man - or rat - spills what he knows to save himself.
Not that it is much - his employers must have been professionals judging from how and where they made contact and met the Falcons, all text-book "Mr. Tanaka"-style, not traceable. But there are two possible leads: Keru, the Falcons' hacker buddy, and the street clinic where the Falcons got the 'ware installed.
Kouki could call Keru and set up a meeting, but best let Rattler make sure Kouki doesn't pass some warning along. The street clinic is situated near a Korean quarter. Not the best adress.
0330. Getting late - or early.
Kouki hesitates, sucking on his lower lip, then wincing as his head wound aches in response. Kambei can clearly see that he is weighing the arguments, having recovered some in the time since he woke up. But in the end, his own skin is worth more to him than his friends or honor, as was to be expected, and the man - or rat - spills what he knows to save himself.
Not that it is much - his employers must have been professionals judging from how and where they made contact and met the Falcons, all text-book "Mr. Tanaka"-style, not traceable. But there are two possible leads: Keru, the Falcons' hacker buddy, and the street clinic where the Falcons got the 'ware installed.
Kouki could call Keru and set up a meeting, but best let Rattler make sure Kouki doesn't pass some warning along. The street clinic is situated near a Korean quarter. Not the best adress.
0330. Getting late - or early.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0320
Kambei considers everything and sends a message to Rattler saying he could use a little more help, this is getting to be an expensive habit, not to mention embarrasing. I’m going to really have to polish up my hacking skills.
He stifles a yawn before speaking, “Alright, this is what we are going to do here. You are going to send a message to Keru – with my friend watching over you – and have her meet up with you some place you have been before. Somewhere discreet and non-public but where she won’t get suspicious.�
He pauses as he considers the many ways this could be turned around on him, “remember, all I want is to get Ahiko back. I don’t give a shit what you did or whatever. If you play it straight, help me get her back, you walk free with only the bumps and scrapes your “friends� gave you. Deal?�
He continues without giving Kouki time to answer, “remember, before you answer, I found you, found your doss, broke in there before you all started frothing at the mouth and got you out before the full shit storm descended on you, so you don’t want to lie to me right now.�
Kambei considers everything and sends a message to Rattler saying he could use a little more help, this is getting to be an expensive habit, not to mention embarrasing. I’m going to really have to polish up my hacking skills.
He stifles a yawn before speaking, “Alright, this is what we are going to do here. You are going to send a message to Keru – with my friend watching over you – and have her meet up with you some place you have been before. Somewhere discreet and non-public but where she won’t get suspicious.�
He pauses as he considers the many ways this could be turned around on him, “remember, all I want is to get Ahiko back. I don’t give a shit what you did or whatever. If you play it straight, help me get her back, you walk free with only the bumps and scrapes your “friends� gave you. Deal?�
He continues without giving Kouki time to answer, “remember, before you answer, I found you, found your doss, broke in there before you all started frothing at the mouth and got you out before the full shit storm descended on you, so you don’t want to lie to me right now.�
[ Spoiler ]
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0320
Kouki seems to agree honestly, or as honestly a rat like him can be - if faced with intimidating force. The only place he can think of that Keru has been before, and which is non-public is an old doss of the Falcons - an abandonned appartement building in some yet to be reclaimed area.
"Is that ok?"
[ Spoiler ]
Kouki seems to agree honestly, or as honestly a rat like him can be - if faced with intimidating force. The only place he can think of that Keru has been before, and which is non-public is an old doss of the Falcons - an abandonned appartement building in some yet to be reclaimed area.
"Is that ok?"
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0320
Kambei considers the thought for an uncomfortable – at least he hoped – length of time for Kouki to wait on an answer before saying, “yeah, I think that’ll work. Does she typically travel armed?�
An abandoned apartment building is perfect, just incase… still need to decide what to do with this guy… I can’t let him walk out of this alive if Ahiko is dead or permanently injured, just on principle.
Despite his line of though, Kambei is not a hardened killer by any measure of the phrase, and he did not look forward to the thought of having to kill anyone.
Kambei considers the thought for an uncomfortable – at least he hoped – length of time for Kouki to wait on an answer before saying, “yeah, I think that’ll work. Does she typically travel armed?�
An abandoned apartment building is perfect, just incase… still need to decide what to do with this guy… I can’t let him walk out of this alive if Ahiko is dead or permanently injured, just on principle.
Despite his line of though, Kambei is not a hardened killer by any measure of the phrase, and he did not look forward to the thought of having to kill anyone.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0325
Kouki shrugs.
"Frag if I know. Keru's a hacker, so what good would it do for her anyway?"
After a bit of prodding, Kouki calls Keru, and manages, with some trouble, to arrange a meeting - turns out Keru did make it to the warehouse of the Falcons, and found them all dead, and is now a bit suspicious to say the least.
Since she sounded a bit more intelligent than Kouki, it is not very likely that she'll come alone to the meeting...
Kouki shrugs.
"Frag if I know. Keru's a hacker, so what good would it do for her anyway?"
After a bit of prodding, Kouki calls Keru, and manages, with some trouble, to arrange a meeting - turns out Keru did make it to the warehouse of the Falcons, and found them all dead, and is now a bit suspicious to say the least.
Since she sounded a bit more intelligent than Kouki, it is not very likely that she'll come alone to the meeting...
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0326
Kambei nods when Kouki gives him the time for their meet.
Good, 2.5 hours till 6 a.m. Probably the time any decent hacker would just be getting around to sleep. This is not the ideal situation but it'd have to do.
He goes to the sink and pours a cup of water into a small paper cup and takes down a dose of Long Haul to keep himself fresh and get rid of the yawns. He turns to the dock, gives him a small bow of thanks, "I appreciate your work Doc, and sorry for any trouble I may have caused."
He throws on his jacket, turns to Kouki and says, "alright, lets go."
Once outside he says, "Remember, no funny business, you deal with me straight and we both go home alive tonight. Got it?"
Kambei nods when Kouki gives him the time for their meet.
Good, 2.5 hours till 6 a.m. Probably the time any decent hacker would just be getting around to sleep. This is not the ideal situation but it'd have to do.
He goes to the sink and pours a cup of water into a small paper cup and takes down a dose of Long Haul to keep himself fresh and get rid of the yawns. He turns to the dock, gives him a small bow of thanks, "I appreciate your work Doc, and sorry for any trouble I may have caused."
He throws on his jacket, turns to Kouki and says, "alright, lets go."
Once outside he says, "Remember, no funny business, you deal with me straight and we both go home alive tonight. Got it?"
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0327
The doctor grumbles something about kids these days, and waves Kambei off. Kouki takes the surroundings in as the two leave. Hopefully just to get his bearings, and not to prepare a break-in.
In the parking are below the building, Kouki suddenly realises that there's no big black Scorpion around.
"Where's my hog? Where's my hog?"
He sounds more stressed than when Kouki told him the Falcons were dead.
The doctor grumbles something about kids these days, and waves Kambei off. Kouki takes the surroundings in as the two leave. Hopefully just to get his bearings, and not to prepare a break-in.
In the parking are below the building, Kouki suddenly realises that there's no big black Scorpion around.
"Where's my hog? Where's my hog?"
He sounds more stressed than when Kouki told him the Falcons were dead.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0327
Kambei almost sympathizes, but not quite, "your Hog's dead man. You crashed it pretty bad when you started foaming at the mouth and having seizures. Just be glad you're alive."
After they get to his bike he pulls out his plasteel restraint opener and turns to Kouki, "look, I'm gonna let you loose and let you drive. I can't trust you not to jump off the bike. Just remember, I got a gun to your back and if you think you can manage to pull of anything before I put two hot pieces of lead in your spine, think again."
He pulls his gun out of his jacket just to remind him, "are we good?"
Kambei almost sympathizes, but not quite, "your Hog's dead man. You crashed it pretty bad when you started foaming at the mouth and having seizures. Just be glad you're alive."
After they get to his bike he pulls out his plasteel restraint opener and turns to Kouki, "look, I'm gonna let you loose and let you drive. I can't trust you not to jump off the bike. Just remember, I got a gun to your back and if you think you can manage to pull of anything before I put two hot pieces of lead in your spine, think again."
He pulls his gun out of his jacket just to remind him, "are we good?"
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0328
Kouki pales, looking at where Kambei's carrying his gun, and nods, swallowing.
"Yeah, we're good."
He mounts the bike, waiting for Kambei to mount too, and then starts to drive.
Whatever his other faults, Kouki is good on a bike, despite his injuries, and the trip towards the meeting spot doesn't take long at this time of the day, with no traffic to speak of. Kouki makes some remark about the bike not being an american bike, but keeps silent otherwise. Kouki stops the bike a bit away from the meeting spot, pointing the building out to Kambei.
"That's the old 'clubhouse', where we used to be based."
The abandoned appartement house is surrounded by similar structures, and Kambei can spot several signs which show that they are not completely abandoned, but must be used by squatters - or worse.
Kouki, either feeling more comfortable with Kambei, or just trying to make himself appear more useful, continues to speak.
"We probably need to chase away some squatter scum, to make the meet secure. back when we lived here, no one dared coming close to our clubhouse, but I think the scum moved back in once we left."
He laughs.
"I am sure they haven't forgotten us though - we made sure of that..."
Kouki pales, looking at where Kambei's carrying his gun, and nods, swallowing.
"Yeah, we're good."
He mounts the bike, waiting for Kambei to mount too, and then starts to drive.
Whatever his other faults, Kouki is good on a bike, despite his injuries, and the trip towards the meeting spot doesn't take long at this time of the day, with no traffic to speak of. Kouki makes some remark about the bike not being an american bike, but keeps silent otherwise. Kouki stops the bike a bit away from the meeting spot, pointing the building out to Kambei.
"That's the old 'clubhouse', where we used to be based."
The abandoned appartement house is surrounded by similar structures, and Kambei can spot several signs which show that they are not completely abandoned, but must be used by squatters - or worse.
Kouki, either feeling more comfortable with Kambei, or just trying to make himself appear more useful, continues to speak.
"We probably need to chase away some squatter scum, to make the meet secure. back when we lived here, no one dared coming close to our clubhouse, but I think the scum moved back in once we left."
He laughs.
"I am sure they haven't forgotten us though - we made sure of that..."
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0328
Kambei tries to ignore most of what Kouki says and remains silent for the entire ride. If this fucker keeps talking he might just get himself killed.
He steps of the bike once they stop and puts on a shock glove. No reason to let this get lethal.
He looks at Kouki and says, "lets get this place cleared out fast, but we ain't here to kill anyone. So try not to get too excited."
Kambei tries to ignore most of what Kouki says and remains silent for the entire ride. If this fucker keeps talking he might just get himself killed.
He steps of the bike once they stop and puts on a shock glove. No reason to let this get lethal.
He looks at Kouki and says, "lets get this place cleared out fast, but we ain't here to kill anyone. So try not to get too excited."
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0340
Kouki had been right - the squatters who made the building their home did not have forgotten the Falcons, most flee without waiting to see what the pair wanted once they realise who just came for a visit - greatly helped by Kouki's loud "Guess who is back, scum! That's right, it's me!" greeting. The elevator is out of commission - the shield indicating this still glued to the door on the first floor - and the stairs are smelly and full of trash, as are most of the floors, but the building itself seems structurally sound still.
On the 4th floor one squatter, wearing old, ragged BDUs of the Imperial Navy, charges them with a make-shift club, but he is so strung out on alcohol and drugs that Kambei has no trouble evading the clumsy swings and taking him down with a touch or two of his shock glove. When the veteran is down, twitching, Kouki steps up and starts kicking him into the ribs and lower torso, cursing the man.
"You piece of drek, how dare you! I'll teach you a lesson!"
Kouki had been right - the squatters who made the building their home did not have forgotten the Falcons, most flee without waiting to see what the pair wanted once they realise who just came for a visit - greatly helped by Kouki's loud "Guess who is back, scum! That's right, it's me!" greeting. The elevator is out of commission - the shield indicating this still glued to the door on the first floor - and the stairs are smelly and full of trash, as are most of the floors, but the building itself seems structurally sound still.
On the 4th floor one squatter, wearing old, ragged BDUs of the Imperial Navy, charges them with a make-shift club, but he is so strung out on alcohol and drugs that Kambei has no trouble evading the clumsy swings and taking him down with a touch or two of his shock glove. When the veteran is down, twitching, Kouki steps up and starts kicking him into the ribs and lower torso, cursing the man.
"You piece of drek, how dare you! I'll teach you a lesson!"
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0345
Kambei puts one hand on Kouki’s shoulder and pushes him back a bit while making sure not to accidentally shock him, “enough, we’re not here to crush skulls. Here for one thing and then you can get back to your fun.�
Once the area is clear, Kambei performs a full security sweep of the area while keeping the zoku in front of him the whole time. He surveys entrances and exits, windows, hallways, the thickness of the walls, anything that could be relevant to securing the area.
A quick report from his Predator confirmed exactly what he already knew. One in the chamber and thirteen in the clip. Fuck! Great idea just bringing one clip. Under normal circumstances I’d prefer to rig this place up with a few security measures and not to mention have more ammo and maybe even a bigger gun. Who knows what kind of backup she’ll bring.
He looks at Kouki standing around trying to look tough, shame I couldn’t trust this piece of shit to wait around while I got my gear, he laughs to himself, or better yet, bring him with me when I go get my gear. I’m going to have to find a place like this to stash some emergency supplies incase shit like this happens again.
Kambei puts one hand on Kouki’s shoulder and pushes him back a bit while making sure not to accidentally shock him, “enough, we’re not here to crush skulls. Here for one thing and then you can get back to your fun.�
Once the area is clear, Kambei performs a full security sweep of the area while keeping the zoku in front of him the whole time. He surveys entrances and exits, windows, hallways, the thickness of the walls, anything that could be relevant to securing the area.
A quick report from his Predator confirmed exactly what he already knew. One in the chamber and thirteen in the clip. Fuck! Great idea just bringing one clip. Under normal circumstances I’d prefer to rig this place up with a few security measures and not to mention have more ammo and maybe even a bigger gun. Who knows what kind of backup she’ll bring.
He looks at Kouki standing around trying to look tough, shame I couldn’t trust this piece of shit to wait around while I got my gear, he laughs to himself, or better yet, bring him with me when I go get my gear. I’m going to have to find a place like this to stash some emergency supplies incase shit like this happens again.
[ Spoiler ]
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0445
The building seems clear. Kambei doesn't spot anything more threatening than a few squatters eyeing the entrance from a neighboring building. The main walls are solid, and would offer good cover. the interiour walls are nothing to write home about though - barely more solid than traditional rice paper walls. No sign of traps with the exception of some pitfall in a room, probably made by the squatter that lived there as a security measure.
60 more minutes until the meeting... and Kouki is already talking again as if they were close buddies. The idiot keeps sneaking glances at Kambei's pistol.
The building seems clear. Kambei doesn't spot anything more threatening than a few squatters eyeing the entrance from a neighboring building. The main walls are solid, and would offer good cover. the interiour walls are nothing to write home about though - barely more solid than traditional rice paper walls. No sign of traps with the exception of some pitfall in a room, probably made by the squatter that lived there as a security measure.
60 more minutes until the meeting... and Kouki is already talking again as if they were close buddies. The idiot keeps sneaking glances at Kambei's pistol.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0445
The idiot still thinks he has a chance to turn this around on me. Gotta stop calling him an idiot in my mind though, it’d be foolish to underestimate anyone.
Kambei picks out a room on the third floor with a window – non-barred preferably – with a drop to the ground below safe enough for himself but potentially lethal to your Average Joe and a door that opens into a second room – with a similar window. Never hurts to plan for worst case scenarios.
Kambei’s intention is to watch from the other room as Kouki greets the hacker so he can assess the situation before he is seen. The windows will serve as a primitive escape route incase she comes in with a lot of heat.
Now fully awake from the effects of the Long Haul, Kambei paces the room, while trying to suppress his revulsion in Kouki and engaging him in his small talk to try to lessen the chance of him trying to turn against Kambei if violence breaks out.
The idiot still thinks he has a chance to turn this around on me. Gotta stop calling him an idiot in my mind though, it’d be foolish to underestimate anyone.
Kambei picks out a room on the third floor with a window – non-barred preferably – with a drop to the ground below safe enough for himself but potentially lethal to your Average Joe and a door that opens into a second room – with a similar window. Never hurts to plan for worst case scenarios.
Kambei’s intention is to watch from the other room as Kouki greets the hacker so he can assess the situation before he is seen. The windows will serve as a primitive escape route incase she comes in with a lot of heat.
Now fully awake from the effects of the Long Haul, Kambei paces the room, while trying to suppress his revulsion in Kouki and engaging him in his small talk to try to lessen the chance of him trying to turn against Kambei if violence breaks out.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0545
Kouki seems to think Kambei is his best friend from the way he acts - Kambei hasn't seen such sucking up in quite some time. Fortunately, time does pass, and before Kambei's self-control is too tested, his cyberears pcik up the noise of a bike.
A quick glance out the window shows a bike stopped at a spot a bit away, with two figures on it. One female and one male - Keru and her backup, most likely. Zooming in, Kambei looks Keru over.
She looks to be about 20 years old, short, green hair. Slim and slender, with pale skin, she doesn't look physically impressive. Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with a band sign, she looks like a regular student - but no student would be found out here, at this time.
Her back-up looks unimpressive as well. Early twenties, dark hair, average height, thin, with a prominent adam's apple. Pants and a shirt. Kambei can't spot any weapon, and he doesn't look like he can fight unarmed. Then the man leans forward, resting his head on Keru's shoulder, and goes limp. Keru looks annoyed, but not surprised, and steadies him, with some difficulty. After two minutes, the man lifts his head up again, and looks up, directly at Kambei's and Kouki's room.
Kouki seems to think Kambei is his best friend from the way he acts - Kambei hasn't seen such sucking up in quite some time. Fortunately, time does pass, and before Kambei's self-control is too tested, his cyberears pcik up the noise of a bike.
A quick glance out the window shows a bike stopped at a spot a bit away, with two figures on it. One female and one male - Keru and her backup, most likely. Zooming in, Kambei looks Keru over.
She looks to be about 20 years old, short, green hair. Slim and slender, with pale skin, she doesn't look physically impressive. Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with a band sign, she looks like a regular student - but no student would be found out here, at this time.
Her back-up looks unimpressive as well. Early twenties, dark hair, average height, thin, with a prominent adam's apple. Pants and a shirt. Kambei can't spot any weapon, and he doesn't look like he can fight unarmed. Then the man leans forward, resting his head on Keru's shoulder, and goes limp. Keru looks annoyed, but not surprised, and steadies him, with some difficulty. After two minutes, the man lifts his head up again, and looks up, directly at Kambei's and Kouki's room.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0545
Fucking shit! A mage. That’s about the last thing I expected.
Kambei shifts position around the window, peeking from the other side while trying to remain unseen to the mage’s physical eyes. He holds his gun carefully in both hands, reassuring himself while trying to show no sign of worry or stress..
Probably some punk untrained kid at best. Nothing to worry about.
Kambei holds himself ready to jump down and disable their bike if they try to take off.
“Alright Kouki, just remember, you use your charm and get that girl to cooperate and we’ll be done before you know it. We’re all really on the same side here.�
Fucking shit! A mage. That’s about the last thing I expected.
Kambei shifts position around the window, peeking from the other side while trying to remain unseen to the mage’s physical eyes. He holds his gun carefully in both hands, reassuring himself while trying to show no sign of worry or stress..
Probably some punk untrained kid at best. Nothing to worry about.
Kambei holds himself ready to jump down and disable their bike if they try to take off.
“Alright Kouki, just remember, you use your charm and get that girl to cooperate and we’ll be done before you know it. We’re all really on the same side here.�
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0550
The two humans on the bike confer, Keru staring at the window as well, and a few moments later Kouki speaks up.
"Keru called... she wants to know who you are, what do I tell her?"
The zoku looks at Kambei questioningly. For all his posturing and assumed closeness, he is waiting for Kambei to tell him what to do.
The two humans on the bike confer, Keru staring at the window as well, and a few moments later Kouki speaks up.
"Keru called... she wants to know who you are, what do I tell her?"
The zoku looks at Kambei questioningly. For all his posturing and assumed closeness, he is waiting for Kambei to tell him what to do.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0550
Kambei pauses for a moment, still annoyed at the fact that she brought a mage, "tell her I'm someone you know who is also interested in finding out who killed the Falcons and why and I can help."
Hopefully she buys it. Hell, it's practically the truth anyway.
Kambei pauses for a moment, still annoyed at the fact that she brought a mage, "tell her I'm someone you know who is also interested in finding out who killed the Falcons and why and I can help."
Hopefully she buys it. Hell, it's practically the truth anyway.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0550
Kouki nods, and tells this to Keru. Apparently she buys it, since she and the mage drive up to the building. The hacker parks her bike at spot she seems to know - not surprisingly, since she must have visited the Falcons here before.
Two minutes later they arrive on the third floor, the mage panting a bit from the exertion. Keru looks around, still a bit suspiciously. Then she adresses Kouki.
"I came in late, and all but you were dead... overdosed... what happened? Did you buy some suicide chip or what?"
Kouki nods, and tells this to Keru. Apparently she buys it, since she and the mage drive up to the building. The hacker parks her bike at spot she seems to know - not surprisingly, since she must have visited the Falcons here before.
Two minutes later they arrive on the third floor, the mage panting a bit from the exertion. Keru looks around, still a bit suspiciously. Then she adresses Kouki.
"I came in late, and all but you were dead... overdosed... what happened? Did you buy some suicide chip or what?"
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0550
Kambei considers for a moment whether to confront them with a show of force and hope to cow them into helping him, or to hope that Kouki has realized that his best option is to work with him than against him and approach the hacker and mage as potential allies.
Deciding on the latter options - while seriously hoping that the mage is in capable of doing any real damage to him before he plugged him full of lead - Kambei holsters his weapon but keeps his holster loose.
As soon as Keru walks in and poses her question, Kambei answers before Kouki has a chance to speak, "they were set up. All their ware had a program installed on the back end. It flipped their commlinks into hotsim and then turned a scrambler on in their brains."
Kouki keeps his eye on the mage when he answers, watching him for any signs of aggression.
Kambei considers for a moment whether to confront them with a show of force and hope to cow them into helping him, or to hope that Kouki has realized that his best option is to work with him than against him and approach the hacker and mage as potential allies.
Deciding on the latter options - while seriously hoping that the mage is in capable of doing any real damage to him before he plugged him full of lead - Kambei holsters his weapon but keeps his holster loose.
As soon as Keru walks in and poses her question, Kambei answers before Kouki has a chance to speak, "they were set up. All their ware had a program installed on the back end. It flipped their commlinks into hotsim and then turned a scrambler on in their brains."
Kouki keeps his eye on the mage when he answers, watching him for any signs of aggression.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0555
Keru wrinkles her nose.
"So... a set up by the yakuza? I could have told you that. And a very high-tech set up as well. No one will ask questions that way."
The hacker shakes her head, acting cool, but she seems a bit shaken by the deaths. The mage looks around, adam's apple bopping up and down, and seems to switch between astral and normal perception. He looks not like much of a threat, but he's a mage...
"So, why exactly did you call me here?"
Keru adresses the question to Kambei, she seems to gave deducted that he's the one calling the shots at this meeting.
Keru wrinkles her nose.
"So... a set up by the yakuza? I could have told you that. And a very high-tech set up as well. No one will ask questions that way."
The hacker shakes her head, acting cool, but she seems a bit shaken by the deaths. The mage looks around, adam's apple bopping up and down, and seems to switch between astral and normal perception. He looks not like much of a threat, but he's a mage...
"So, why exactly did you call me here?"
Keru adresses the question to Kambei, she seems to gave deducted that he's the one calling the shots at this meeting.
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0555
"It's not as simple as that," Kambei says, "it's not even that likely that they are really the Yakuza. I think they sent you on a false datatrail."
"Didn't you wonder why they'd be willing to pay you so much for one girl? Why wouldn't they just take her themselves? The Yakuza make a shitload of money kidnapping girls and turning them hollow, if they had someone this valuable to go after they'd do it themselves. So I figure they had you do it to set you up as the culprits and then kill you all off to keep the truth from getting out.
"And I need to know whatever you know about the "Yakuza" you dealt with."
"It's not as simple as that," Kambei says, "it's not even that likely that they are really the Yakuza. I think they sent you on a false datatrail."
"Didn't you wonder why they'd be willing to pay you so much for one girl? Why wouldn't they just take her themselves? The Yakuza make a shitload of money kidnapping girls and turning them hollow, if they had someone this valuable to go after they'd do it themselves. So I figure they had you do it to set you up as the culprits and then kill you all off to keep the truth from getting out.
"And I need to know whatever you know about the "Yakuza" you dealt with."
Neo-Tokyo - 04/22/2008 – 0555
Keru looks unconvinced.
"From what I can tell, they were yakuza. If it was a set up then it would explain why they dealt with the Falcons, and not with a more traditional zoku."
She looks at Kambei, narrowing her eyes a bit. Probably offended at his tone, taking it for patronising or macho.
"So... now we know what you need to know... and what are you offering in exchange?"
Keru looks unconvinced.
"From what I can tell, they were yakuza. If it was a set up then it would explain why they dealt with the Falcons, and not with a more traditional zoku."
She looks at Kambei, narrowing her eyes a bit. Probably offended at his tone, taking it for patronising or macho.
"So... now we know what you need to know... and what are you offering in exchange?"
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