Ghost Dragon finds 2 incendiaries, 2 IPE offensive, and 2 IPE defensive grenades waiting for him in the box. A hand-written note inside reads

'Best I could do on such short notice. I hope it helps you live through whatever you're going up against with this kind of firepower. That'll be 680 please. By the way, when did you take up grenade tossing? Call me when you're done with the run.'

Ghost Dragon smiles and thinks to himself, Charlie always manages to come through when I need gear.

Remembering that the lobby felt a little chilly, and seeing the snow outside now, Ghost Dragon takes a little bit of time to put on an extra layer of clothing and rebrush his hair. He briefly takes the time to put in a transaction with his fixer for the amount requested. He takes each grenade and clips it firmly into his pants waist. Then, he puts back on his coat and turns to leave, locking his door behind him.

Ghost Dragon leaves his building driving more slowly than usual. He doesn't break the speed limit because of the driving conditions. When he arrives at the bar, he heads straight in and drops off an order with the waitress from yesterday.

"I will have a large hot green tea, if you have it. Sweetened Earl Grey with ice if you do not. Let me have the bacon, eggs, and toast special please." After ordering, Ghost Dragon walks back to the meeting room that he was in yesterday and takes a seat. Since he is a few minutes late, the meeting is already in progress, and he just walks in and sits down.

A little later than most, Warpath comes stumbling in out of the hellish weather into the bar. He's dropped the suit and gone with a more subdued outfit, by this point. The road conditions didn't give him much problem because of his four wheel drive and sensor suite. He slides into the meeting room, a military style rucksack in hand.

[ Arden ]

Waking up and looking out the window, Arden ennuciates the feeling on the lips of many that day. "Merd!"

Walking into the garage, he looks around and shakes his head. "Sorry guys, but I just don't trust you to drive yourselves in this crap."

Packing himself into the Roadmaster, he slides the jack home and trundles his way out onto the streets, wincing slightly as he bounces over the mound of snow at the foot of the driveway.

A slow drive to the meet later, Arden walks in, stomping his feet and shaking off the snow as he enters.

"Sorry I'm late people... didn't wanna risk dinging up the hardware before we need it."

"Alright, so now that we have a better idea what we are dealing with, why don't we start figuring what we are gunna do about things?"

Ghost Dragon says, "I think our original plan will work nicely with some adjustments. I have a water elemental in my service with a Force of 3. Its power level will be adequate for our needs. We can still use it to burst the water main, and create a diversion at the very least. After that, I plan to use it as needed to help Ohanzee and myself kill the bodyguard. To that end, I also have acquired some grenades: 2 IPE offensive, 2 IPE defensive, and 2 incendiary. Once the fight starts, I will go all out. A man with such a reputation warrants an equal amount of offense. I know that some of you prefer... not to kill others."

Ghost Dragon takes a deep breath and says, "In order to indulge those of you who prefer nonviolence, I propose this. Ohanzee and I will approach the bodyguard once we make visual contact with our target. I will make myself invisible, so he will only see Ohanzee. With some luck, this will catch him off guard, and I can get in a crippling attack before he can respond, as he will be distracted by Ohanzee. Provided that the elemental is still with me, I will order it to start drowning the bodyguard while I continue to attack him. Ohanzee can then join in or help deal with any new threats while the bodyguard is finished off."

"For entry, we could simply walk in through the front door. Bursting the pipe at the rear entrance will help to cut off any reinforcements, and we can use the rear entrance to make our escape. We should decide whether to burst the pipe before or after we make our entry and exit."

"Ok, but you forgot something. How are we going to get onto the complex in the first place?"

"I did some studying over everything and from what I can tell, our best entry is going to be coming over the north wall, most likely in the north east corner, and into the park, here." She points to the map being displayed on the wall.

"From there we just need to cross the street to the building and we can use the building to keep us out of the veiw from the rest of the compound."

Mirage nods to Jessie's suggestion, "I would agree that the north wall and the park provide the best means of entry into the compound."

"I also agree with Ghost that we should enter the building via the front entrance, as we have the codes to both this door and the elevator."

"If we go in through the front door we'll need to take out one guard, do either of you magicians have access to spells that could retrain the guard without knocking them out or killing them? They are probably rigged with a biomonitor so it is best if we can disable them without being noticed."

"I would say that it would be better to exit the building using the balcony rather than the back door, as I think it would be foolish to re-enter an elevator or stairwell once we have made contact. Especially without decker overwatch. Unfortunately I do not have any climbing gear, but if nobody else has any then it should not be difficult or expensive to obtain in time."

"I also think we should disable Morgan, either with drugs or spells. He might have a change of heart at the last moment. It is also possible that this is an elaborate set-up by Novatech, either against us, or more likely Monsieur Johnson. We can probably move faster if Sink or one of the others carries Morgan anyway, and if he's unconsious he can't betray us."

"If we do exit using the balconies, I'm prepared to be the last one down, I'm a pistol fighter anyway so I'm better suited to confined spaces than out in the open."

"I lack climbing gear as well, but that is easy to get. Ok, we need to do some recon on the area. If we're going over the wall, we need to make sure there is no razor or mono wire waiting for us. We need to look out for camaras as well."

"We also need to identify the 'unidentified paranormal assets' they could really screw up our stealthy approach, especially if any are deployed in the trees."

Ghosr Dragon takes off his sunglasses and puts them into his pocket. He says, "Reconaissance would be a good idea. I can look at a distance with binoculars, both on the normal and astral planes. Assuming that the place isn't too hot with astral security, I can then astrally project my spirit and look around at what might really be there from the outside. Going past the perimeter wall would perhaps be a bad move.

"Once we know more, we can plan according to our knowledge. So, who would be in for a scenic drive in the snow?" Ghost Dragon casts a sly look at Arden.

Hat tilted forward, somewhat obscuring his visage, Danny leans back, his chair balancing on it's hindmost two legs, and observes the group. A slight smile passes across his features as Ghost Dragon outlines his ideas.

"Considering the body weight of our target I'm not exactly conviced of disabling him and carrying him out or even getting him out via climbing gear. I do have climbing gear and a grapple gun, at any rate, so that is taken care of.
All things taken into account I would find it more sensible to reverse the plan: entrance via the balcony and exit through the gates. Arden and his little chromed friends plus a burst water pipe could be enough of an distraction.
Granted, the other approach - entrance throught the front doors and exit via the rope - might be easier and smoother, however the sheer weight of the target might be a big problem here.
As far as security goes: I don't think he will betray us when he has a gun against his temples.

As far as reconaissance goes, I'm equiped with most of the usual sense enhancements making me aware of most dangers while we are on the perimiter. I am also a very skilled fighter with pistols and with bladed weapons so I volunteer for securing our escape and being the last one to go. No offense Mirage, I am not questioning your competence but I would just feel better if I did this. However, I'm also a good marksman so I could secure our exit from outside the perimeter, if there is a possibility for that."

"I was thinking that as our target is only on the fourth floor, the buildings in the surrounding area might be high enough to provide a satisfactory sniper position. Alternatively somebody could remain amongst the trees, though this could leave them very exposed."

"I'd say that Sink looks like he could carry Morgan without any problem, we just need to make sure the line is strong enough"

"I got climbin gear dat can hold me and dis slag" Sink replied. "Heavy duty stealth line and a grapple gun. I've used it before for dis kinda ting. It should do da trick"

Ohanzee gives a nod of agreement:
"Good. Seems like we have a plan then.
Since we don't know about the whereabouts of the bodyguard I would suggest we send only one team onto the perimeter and employ standard SWAT tactics: fast in - fast out. We will take care of any opposition as we encounter them. I don't know whether our mages are proficient enough in illusions but those spells could serve as a usefull distraction to draw the guard's attention away from us.
Also I would suggest that Arden stays outside of the perimeter to provide additional distraction and to pick us up as we exit the area."

Warpath nods as the plan unfolds. "We'll need to make sure we run him down for tacers before we leave the complex, too. No telling what they've got sewn on or in him to make sure their asset doesn't wander away."

He cracks his knuckles. "What role am I to play in this one?" he asks, not eager to step on any toes, since any toes he would normally jump over are in much more dangerous roles than he is likely to find himself.

"Alright then. Recon. Who is up for it? I'm going. I've got more eye and ear mods than anyone in the plex."

"I'm with you."

[ Arden ]

"I might as well get a more direct looksie at this place too. It might give me an idea of where to park myself and my little friends for when this goes down."

"Hell, we may as well all go down and have a look. Danny and Ghost can take Astral, you do your sensors check, while the rest of us do our own things."

Danny tips his stetson back and looks around the room.

"Sounds like a plan, but don' y'all think that we'd attract a little attention if'n all of us go on this here scoutin' outin'?"

Jessie scans the room. "Yeah. I'm not used to working with such big groups. Anyone feel like staying behind?"

Warpath shrugs. "I need a good map of the complex for my orientation gear. Anyone outfitted to record Vid? If not, I'll definitely need to tag along, at least for a driveby."

"I suppose I could stay out of the recon, but I will need access to the same maps as Warpath, I've also got an orientation system, maybe we could use a Condor or something to produce the map." Mirage turns to Advent, "do you have anything suitable? Also do you have any drone that could perform the sniper role for us? We don't know which side of the building his apartment is on, so a human sniper may find themself out of position."

"I'll stay with Danny and Ghost's physical bodies while they project if you like."

"Who ever is on the recon team, remember that walls can have more subtle defenses than razor wire. Keep an eye out for laser sensors, and
hidden pressure plates."

"While we're still planning, what is the plan for after the getaway? Jessie, is there any chance your decker could look into this LTG number, either now or when we make the call? I don't trust Monsieur Johnson, and I think we should try to track him down before we the hand over."

"If we have him under surveillance before the meet, there's less chance of falling into an ambush."

Ghost Dragon stands up and says, "Time is getting short. Let us go."

[ Arden ]

"Sorry Mirage, but I've only got two flyboys, and neither of them are condors. Hell, barring that, I wouldn't be willing to put an LTA up in this anyway; it'd either get weighed down, or you'd never get the thing back!"

"If the weather clears a bit I can put up a little armed rotodrone. Just an AR on it, but I'm a pretty good shot."

"I'll skip the on-site recon" Sink replies. "I'll drive around the immediate area, see what else is nearby and plot out a coupla escape routes. What vehicle we plan on using for da run? Anybody got somethin that handles good in da snow?"

Danny once again leans back in the chair, propping his booted feet on the table, and lights another cigarette.

"Good idea there, Ghost Dragon. Y'all go 'long with the recon team, while Ah project from here. That way, we got more bases covered."

Mirage nods, "I will stay here with Danny, to look after him while he's 'out'."

Ghost Dragon says, "Right. I can back up Danny in astral from my vantage point. If necessary, I can project to aid him."

The drive up to Everett takes far longer than it should The Ship-Canal bridge, nearly the only way over Elliot bay, is blocked form an overturned automated delivery truck. To add to the confusion the snow is starting to fall at an even more fervent pitch. Before the crash is cleared and traffic resumes a full hour has passed, and two inches of snow built up on the hood of the car.

The complex looks a lot like you expected it to, accept now it's covered in snow. A foot of snow rests on top of the walls. The main drive is plowed, as is the road inside. As you drive by you can see the loan sec guard at the main gate, he is cloaked in a parka and large boots. If he has a gun it is hidden underneath.

The neighbor hood appears sleepy, very little traffic, and less pedestrians can be seen.

[ Arden ]

"Alrighty... lets see how welcoming this lot is," Arden mutters to himself as he slides by the complex. Letting his perceptions slide out amongst the airwaves, Arden checks for emissions from the complex using the various passive sensors at his disposal.

If Arden finds any sort of scanning signal coming back, he will remain in passive mode while trying to find out as much about the complex as is possible.

If there aren't any scan signals coming back, he will make so low powered scans of the buildings themselves, trying to get an idea of the systems in each one (electric, water, etc...), starting with the sealed security area, and then moving on to the Rec complex, housing complex's two and one, the parking area, and the wooded area.

Having done that, Arden remembers to give the top of the walls a full check for any nasty surprises, running through low-light, thermo, and ultrasound sensors as well as anything else he can think of.

Warpath waits patiently with his pager on, looking for any word of what's going on with the recon team. Venturing out into the snow doesn't seem like a really hot idea right now.

Sink drives seperately, more interested in the surrounding neighborhood than the place itself. He looks to see what roads are clear, what roads aren't, and what is the easiest ways in and out of the neighborhood. He also drives by the wooded area near the complex, trying to see what other properties are adjacent to the woods.

While at a stop light, he calls his contact Lava again. "Hey bud, you never called me back last night. Can you put some chains or snowtires on my car today?" he asks.

Jessie asks to get dropped off a few blocks away. She wraps her coat around her and heads out on foot, getting a feel for the area. Her range of eye and ear mods picking up the details of the area. She comes to the complex from the north-east corner (near the rear entrance) and walks along the gate. Once she gets to the north-west corner, she makes a left and continues on down the sidewalk, passing the frontgate. As she walks by the park area on the complex she gives the fence and the trees beyond a good look, trying to spot any paranormal animals. She also watches the fountain when she gets to it, trying to spot any hidden camaras or weapons. She smiles to the guard as she walks by, and then continues on her way. Once she is 3 blocks clear of the complex, she calls Arden and requests a pickup.

Once the recon group leaves, Danny moves from the table to sit on the floor with his back against the wall. Glancing into the Astral, he calls all of his accompanying Watchers, requesting that they maintain a watch on his body, attacking anyone or anything that attempts to interfere with it while he projects.

He retrieves out his pocket secretary and takes a last long look at the information about the compound. Taking one last draw on his cigarette, the shaman gives Mirage a wink, then closes his eyes, loosing his Astral form and letting it fly free of his meat body towards the target apartment complex.

Ghost Dragon drives slowly up to the side of a building that faces the main entrance. From about a hundred meters away, he makes himself invisible and observes with astral vision. He watches the area of the compound intently to get any glimpses of astral activity of any kind.

Mirage looks thoughtfully at Dannys motionless body for a few seconds after his soul has departed, then turns back to her coffee. Her heightened senses are alert for danger.

Mirage looks towards the towering Street Samurai, "Warpath maybe one of us should go into the main bar area, it may give us more notice if we are ambushed."

Warpath nods slowly. "Yeah, good idea," he says. "We can go in long shifts, to make it seem more natural. Is there a back door?"

"Ok, I'll take the first shift. I need some more food anyway, I'll send something in for you if you like."

"I'll keep in touch via my TacComm."

Mirage gets up and walks into the main bar area, selecting a seat with the best view of all the entrances, and the door to the meeting room.

On the way she speaks to the bartender, "Could I have one of your 'all day breakfasts' please, and send one through to my friend."

@ Arden,

You drive carefully around the building, the big tires of your Roadmaster easily move through the snow. Your computer quietly scans the airwaves, receptors wide open for any signals that cross your path. Occasionally a stray civilian radio perks your interest. As you cross the southern wall your passive scanners pick up a encrypted radio signal. It lasts for 30 seconds and is fairly faint, like the kind of signal produced by a hand held unit.


@ Sink,

"Sink," Lava replies, "sorry man, with the snow I have been very busy. Bring it buy tonight and I can slap some traction strips on it."

Slinks gets familiar with the neighbor hood, the ins and out, turns and dead ins.

@ Jessie,

The sidewalks are relatively clear, though still coated in ice. There is a faux-iron gate on the rear entrance, and it is only big enough for one car, the south building obscures most of the view the complex. You get to the front gate, a larger version of the rear gate. Where the fountain should be is a large lump of snow, if it is there it is completely buried. The guard shack off to the side is a small, one room structure, a large window dominates the front. The guard is dressed in a large parka, and doesn't really look up when you go buy, to busy warming his hands on a small heater. You don't spot any signs of animals or other guards. The walls are made of cased concrete, they are about four feet thick and are domed at the top, presumably to make climbing them rough. They are also eight feet tall as far as you can tell, and if they have any special alarms, you can't see them.

@ Danny,

The astral sips by you like a stream, in an instant you are there. The complex is a live with astral signatures, the guard at the front gate, the two walking the perimeter, the dog they have with them. The two living complexes are bio-fibered so you can't enter them, the main security building has a ward attached to it. Floating above it all, wandering aimlessly back and forth is a watcher.

@ Ghost Dragon,

From your perspective you can't make out a lot, you do see the guard and some life forms behind him. You catch glimpses of a watcher running around above. You watch for a few minutes when you see the two guards on patrol stop at the main gate. Each is outfitted with heavy gear for snow, and they are walking one of the biggest damn dogs you have ever seen. Currently the dog is muzzled, and moves with a fluidity you have never seen before, it looks very bad.

@ Mirage,

The food comes relatively quickly and it smells delicious. Several customers eye you as you eat, you don't feel threatened, just watched. Most of them are workers on lunch, or tourists. You definitely stick out. Your halfway through your breakfast when a tall man walks through the door. He moves with the ease of someone who can take care of themselves. Alarm bells start ringing in your head, your just about to dismiss them when the door opens again. The first man walks to the bar while another walks in. They are both dressed in black suits, have brown hair with similar haircuts. They both are wearing gloves. The second man steps just inside the door, and takes a step to the left, he is looking back and forth. The first one steps up to the bartender and leans over asking him a question. You can't quite make it out, but a few words drift to your ears. "Die... Sprekinzie..."

In the back room, Warpath sits in a corner with a good view of both exits with each hand on a pistol. The weapons are drawn and resting in his lap, though he seems to be in a semi-meditative state as he waits for something, anything to happen.

over the comm

"Alright, I've seen what I need to see. Can a lady get a lift, please? Its cold out here and its starting to show."

As the first man enters the bar Mirage activates her reflex trigger , she is concidering deactivating it again when the the door opens and the second guy enters. She uses her transducer and TacComm to silently talk to Warpath, "we might have a situaton here, there's two guys, both military looking, sound German. One's covering from the door, the other is at the bar. Hopefully it's just SK come to spy on us, so I'll play it cool and see how things develop. Just be ready it I need you, I'll let you know if they're making a move."

Conscious that the rest of the team are probably out of range of her TacComm Mirage then calls Jessie's LTG number, using the pocket secretary connected to her other datajack, trying first for an encrypted connection, and fills her in on the situation.

She continues to eat thoughout the communications, wishing that this was a place where she blended in better.

She keeps both of the comm links open, ready to alert the others if the Germans make a move.

[ Arden ]

[ comm to Jessie ]
"As entertaining as une femme gaie de neige* may be, certainly."

At that Arden rolls over in the Roadmaster and pops open the door. "Just gimme a couple of seconds. I picked up something that I want to check out," he says as he slips back into 'the zone' and starts flicking the mental switches that will activate some of his 'after market options'.


* "a perky snow woman" (lit. "a merry woman of snow)
<-- frenchmans charm because everything sounds sexy in french

Jessie is in the process of climbing into the van when she stops and frowns. "I got an incoming call from Mirage", she tells the group as she settles into her seat. Picking up the line, she lets the encryption click into place before speaking, "Whats up Mirage?"

Ghost Dragon continues to maintain his invisibility spell. With the bad weather, not too many people are out on the street. He decides to walk down the sidewalk and get a little closer to the complex. He closes his distance to only about 30 meters and takes another look, being careful to exhale slowly into his sleeve so that his breath doesn't give him away.

What's with that dog?

The canine attracts more of Ghost Dragon's attention as he studies the place. He focuses on it and studies it more closely.