Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:22am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Val is about to exit the garage and cross back into the basement when Ghost's message comes across.

<<@Team [Athena] Shouldn't take much. Just give the word.>>

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:22am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val stops and thinks abou that for a few seconds. <@team[Val]"Well if you think it will improve our chances, I guess go for it.">

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:23am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Moments later the first of the gangers begin to stir. He begins shaking the others, "Wake up. Craise's calling a meeting."

The second asks, "Who's staying here?"

As the third stirs, the first replies. "He said everyone."

As the second gets up, he checks a pistol in a concealed shoulder holster. The third is sitting up. The first begins moving straight for Ghost, who realizes that he's standing at the base of the stairwell between the gangers and the front door...

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:23am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Ghost

As the gangers start down the stairs, Ghost slides out of the way. For once he is trying to emulate his street name instead of banging around like an elephant.

How did I DO that?

Something about a broken clock and being right now and then.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:23am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Possessing unworldly grace that amazes both his selves, Ghost slides to the side and against the wall as the gangers pass by hastily making for the exit.

Once they are out the door, the duo are left with only their thoughts and silence; The mouse seems to have vacated with the commotion.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:23am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Ghost

<<@Team[Ghost] Let's move. This ruse works very well up until they figure out it's a ruse.>>

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:23am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val watches as the gangers move past where Ghost was supposed to be and with a grimace and flinches when they seemingly pass right through where Ghost was supposed to be. with a sigh of relief Val moves on to the other rooms to look for what they came for and escape before the house becomes flush with gangers.

<@Team[Val]"i agree lets hurry this up before they come back with more then we can handle.">

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:25am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

A quick run through the house turns up a three bedroom raised ranch, devoid of furniture as the basement room... and no weapons.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:25am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Ghost

<@Team [Ghost] What the hell? Who's ever heard of a gang with no gear? Let's crack the car open and grab what we can.>

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:25am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val agrees with Ghost and makes his way back to the cruiser. <@team[Val] "just need something to cut the back seat out.">

Val finds a variety of mechanics tools in a large toolbox; Given the nature of the quality of the tools, the duo can make two conjectures: the gangers stole the tools from a legitimate mechanic and they probably mean to strip down the car.

Using a razor blade and pry bar coupled with his augmented strength, Val quickly makes a hole in the rear seat. He extracts one combat shotgun, a bandoleer of mixed ammunition, a combat helmet, a first aid kit, a vest with Knight Errant markings and a number of banana clips and Colt M-23. A better haul than expected.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:25am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Ghost

<@Team[Ghost] Got what we came for. Now to get out before this turns into the other half of Atlanta. Hey, Athena, are they still chasing their tails? How much time have we got?>

He begins pairing word to action and picking up part of the haul.

<@Val[Ghost] I'm thinking we gather this up and then I'll drop another spell on it>

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:25am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val pulls most the gear close to him allowing Ghost to carry what he can <@team[Val]"I take it that means we are done here and your going to make all the stuff we are carrying invisible as well. Do your thing i will make sure you don't get full of hole.">Val Pullls the M-23 checking the magazine and if its loaded he planned on slinging the packs to his back while using the assault rifle in case the drek came back.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:28am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

As Val begins slinging the weapons, Ghost knows the mana of his invisibility spell will need to be recast to encompass the weapons.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:28am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Ghost

As the gear vanishes from sight, Ghost says, "Damn, that hurt. Let's go before they come back or this headache kills me."

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:28am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val shoulders the bag and equipment burdened by the weight he tests his movement and moblity to ensure he can still fire the weapon unhindered. After a few seconds hes ready to go. "lets move, Athena try to set off the alarm to the car once we leave to alert KE of its position. Might give us cover after we are out of here."

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Athena directs Val to quickly reconnect power to the car while Ghost begins his trek back. Val quickly catches back up and the duo pass through the yard across the street and back toward the bikes. From a block away, they hear as the alarm and sirens activate on the patrol car.

Continuing the remaining blocks towards the bikes, Ghost lags, the drain and focus to retain both spells weighing on him. When they reach where they can see the bikes, a pair of older teens are there. One on look out, the other messing with the wiring of Hawk's bike.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val Tired and not in the mood to deal the teens "you can drop the spell Ghost lets get the hell out of here quick. wait till im between the both of them then drop the spell. Don't suppose you have anything that can do this while we are riding out of here do you?"

Val waits for the moment then he gets ready to knock both the punk kids out so they can't give a description of him or ghost to anyone.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Ghost

"Normally, I'd have just the thing but I'm nursing a bit of a headache right now. If you want to just do quick violence to drop them, I should be able to hold the spell for a bit."

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val moves toward the teens and gets ready to do a suprise attack on the one keeping a watch, then he will move to take out the other kid.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Ghost watches with amusement as Val successfully infiltrates the two gangers location, slipping right in between them invisibly. When the street sam lunges for a head shot and misses as the ganger simply moves at the last moment, reaching down to tie his shoe. Both stop what they are doing as Val's attack misses. Neither seems to know what they are listening for, just that something has changed.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Ghost

Ya know ... Killing this one won't be a betrayal so much as a favor. If he can't even hit someone ... I mean, damn! That's just sad.

...

Nothing to say?

Nothing to defend him with.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

As Ghost ponders cutting the shares by one more, Val nails the unaware punk. There is a meaty *crack* as fists of ceramic laced bone strike the young man in the side of his head, probably fracturing either a jaw or his skull. The young man spins heels over head almost comic book style by the sheer force of the surprise attack. His body is spiraling through the air as Val's heightened reflexes propelling him on to further again. The second punk is merely turning his head to mentally digest the scene as Val takes a step and continues in action.....

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

As the second punk turns his head towards his flying partner, Val's fist lands squarely on the punk's jaw, sending him spinning to the ground. After both hit the ground, they continue to roll and ungainly make their way to their feet. They backpedal defensively from the two motorcycles.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val shouts at the punks to scare them off. "Scram punks or ill show your insides to you." as his russian comes out at the outrage of almost lossing hawks bike. <@Ghost[Val]"let roll i dont want to be here more then we have to, plus we have to stake out the real job.">

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Hearing Val's voice, the duo turn running off; The first running not so straight as his wounds affect his focus. The duo are left with their motorcycles.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 08:33am; Kingsgate Neighborhood, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val looks at his bike and then to Ghost then hopes on his bike and straps the bags snuggly around his back and to the back of the bike."Think you can just hide the bag from now on i really dont want the knight to see me riding a bike with a duffle bag with thier name on it." Val ensures the bag and weapons are close to his body in case more trouble should find them.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 10:00am; Ace Hardware Coffin Motel, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

The trip back across the Barrens was without further incident. Ghost's invisibility kept the ill-gotten goods from prying eyes. He maintained the spell until Val made it back to his room at the coffin motel.

<<@Val [Ghost] I'm going for some shut eye. I'll ping you later.>>

With that, Val and his new toys are safe and semi-secure on his cot.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 10:00am; Ace Hardware Coffin Motel, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val set down the bag and did a full inventory of the bag. <@Ghost[Val]"Sounds good. Good job back there with the spells.> Feeling the night start to wear on him he decides that after checking his inventory he would change the dressings on his wounds from the other night and get some sleep. He still had a lot to sort out. He also thought about the visions he had been having and decides he would need to have someone probably Athena do some more diggin.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:05Pm; Ace Hardware Coffin Motel, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Val awakens to the sound of classical music streaming from his comlink.
<<@Val [Athena] I got bad news. Whatever Hawk ate last night, he didn't wake up. Doc is autopsying the body now.>>

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:05Pm; Ace Hardware Coffin Motel, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val
Val rose quickly thinking that something onimus was going to happen seeing as they ate at the same place last night. after a few moments he checked his vitals everything seemed fine and no alarms were going off. <@Athena[Val] "i see well i am going to take possesion of his bike then until someone comes looking for it, What was the Cause of death? meanign did someone geek the poor guy by poison or what. Ghost and I still have a job to do so if anyone is trying to hinder us from doing it we need to know."> Speaking of which Ghost was supposed to ping him later with any info but three in the after noon was maybe still early for the young mage. Val looked over the cache they had gotten thier hands on and made a through inspection of the weapons again before getting a lunch/dinner meal from thh local quick stop which consisted of mostly a few burritos and bottled water.

Val started to play back the images of visions he had the night prior and tried to remember if the group and two weapons dealers. He kept thinking there had to be more, plus the troll that helped him in the alley. He started to get frustrated about his memory loss again and focused more at the task at hand in hopes that it might open some more memories about his past to lead him to what the hell he was doing in Seattle.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:07pm; Ace Hardware Coffin Motel, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

<<@Val [Athena] I'm not thinking anyone will come looking anytime soon. If he had family they weren't listed in his com. Ghost is offline. Been offline since 11:00; I guess he didn't want me waking him up.>>

Rummaging through the duffel bag, Val sizes up the additions to his inventory: 1 combat shotgun, a bandoleer of mixed ammunition [12x GEL slugs, 12x SnS rounds, 12x ExEx Rounds], a combat helmet, a first aid kit [R4], a vest with Knight Errant markings and a 4x of banana clips and Colt M-23. 1x neuro-stun grenade.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:07pm; Ace Hardware Coffin Motel, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

irritated that he now had no team to work with decided to do some individual progression. <@Athena[Val]" Does KE make thier own pick ups, I might be able to infiltrate with that kind of ID and grab what we need if you can implant a the list of items.I just need to get a van, shouldnt be to hard to find a decent van i can snag right. If i could get a fake ID and once inside have you do your thing, how fast could you get in and make a list of items i would need? figure make the pick up with a black van and a uniform KE and fake manifesto.">

Mean while Val puts a make shift sling on the shotgun and puts it under his jacket and ares pred in his jacket, time to find a van and heads out the coffin motel ignoring any slanderous words from the window lady should she even utter anymore.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:15pm; Ace Hardware Coffin Motel, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Minutes later, down the block and round the corner and Val finds himself at Stump's. Parking the bike out front, then proceeding in with the duffle bag over his shoulder, the dwarf smiles. "Looks like a good bet... Me betting on you and all.."

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:15pm; Ace Hardware Coffin Motel, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val looked at the dwarf and hesitated on unslinging the bag. "Will you look after these for me i have no other place to put them secure. I will need some of the gear in the bag and will be able to repay what i already owe you after i am done using the stuff. The "Team" i had has dwindled rapidly." Val sighed and then caught his breath it seemed he was destined to work alone. Val unslings the bag and sets it on the counter "Ill be back for this later. Will be able to sell most of the stuff once i am done with it." Val slings the shot gun and straps it around his back and pockets the slugs loading the ExEx rounds into the catch. <@Athena[Val]"I think Ghost is either ignoring me or something is up think you could get a fix on his Com? want to make sure he isnt in trouble? I will stop by the Doc Wagon facility to take a quick look, If you are available can you record what i see that way we can go over it later?"> Val says farewell to the dwarf and gets ready for the long day ahead he drives the doc wagon facility to get a quick glimpse of what to expect.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:16pm; Lucky Pawn, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

The dwarf nearly licks his lips in anticipation. "Storage can be worked out, of course. Let's start with that loan." As Val lays the shotgun and bandolier on the counter, Stump makes an offer. "That shotgun and sling of ammo and I'll not only call your debt clean but store this other, slightly hotter, gear for you. Sound good?"

<<@Val [Athena] Ghost seems to have disappeared off the matrix. I'll let you know when he resurfaces. You want me to look for some muscle to you another meat body?>>

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:16pm; Lucky Pawn, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val nods in agreement with the deal. He needed the weapons but having to much to use was another issue. "Sounds good my friend. I will be back." Val readies himself to go out into the metroplex again and readies himself for a solo night. he had to get more info and figure out what to do about he run. Athena would be some help but where had ghost gone off to. Val hoped on his bike a tried to remember the night his memories faded. The job was going to go with or without Ghost but he needed answers and maybe seeing a familiar area might jog his memory. <@Athena[Val]"I might need a whole new team if Ghost doesnt show up. i have little time to get more help. Although what ever help u can muster would be apprciated i think its going to be a smash and grab one of thier supply trucks instead of hitting a facility if its going to be a one man run, walking into a wolfs den alone doesnt sounds very appealing. If you cannot get any help pls look for any shipments with the items on the list if i have to hit two trucks then so be it.">

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:16pm; Lucky Pawn, Redmond Barrens, Seattle

<<@Val [Athena] I'll look around for both and let you know what I find.>>

Sitting on the bike, Val looks up and down the block. The state of decay was saddening, but somehow familiar.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 3:16pm; Lucky Pawn, Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val's curiosity started gettting the best of him as his memories started trailing to when he forgot who he was. seeing the familiar streets and feeling better he wanted to know more. who where the men after him and why did the troll help him in the alley, There were things unasnwered that bugged him greatly. So in a effort to calm his mind he started down the path that came natural to him and started to seek out the very alley he woke up in.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:30pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Val spends over an hour tooling around, seeking the same alley he awoke in that dark, raining night. Seeking the trash bin and the second story window he took a header out. Eventually, he find something out of place. A newer sedan parked on the street, up on blocks, the wheels, engine and doors gone. Most of the interior has been stripped as well. The roof is caved in like someone fell on the roof. Looking up, the building it is parked outside of is not in horrible shape, except for the shattered window right above the car.

As he sits there, on the motorcycle, he gets an update from Athena.
<<@Val [Athena] I found some muscle for you... Granted, none of them is an experienced operator like you and definitely none of them wired like you, but they are motivated... and I'm still looking for someone with a little more experience.>>

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:30pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

after staring at the blocked Sedan and broken window he responds to Athena as he pulls up next to the building and dismounts the bike, setting the alarm and figures its worth a shot to take a gander around, worst case scenario he finds the dead trolls body somewhere in one of the alleys.<@Athena[Val]'Well they dont have to be too experienced to hit one or two trucks all they have to do is serve as a distraction mostly while i will have to do most the work, if i can get just one that is a magic user will be helpful so i have all fronts covered.">

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle

Instincts kicking in telling him to set the alarm on the bike, Val however discovers the bike lacks said feature.
<<@Val [Athena] Just as long as you don't hang this crew out to dry.. I'll keep looking for magical backup.>>

As Val begins to wander on foot, it does not take his long to find what is most likely the trash container and alley he first started down. Walking on a little ways, he finds a building missing a back door and hears something within. Stepping stealthily within the rest of the building is dark. His elven sight allows him to see farther in, but the windows appear to be boarded up making the rest of the area really dark. There is definitely something or someone(s) in here.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val pulls out the ingram smartgun from under the coat and lets the weapon lead the way, once inside the building as he tries to make out what ever is inside he uses the light from his com to illuminate the area in front of him. Not wanting to venture to far in without any light Val decides it would be best to come back a little better prepared besides his bike not having any alarm on it leaves the bike vulnerable and they were his only means of transportation, he would have to come back better to investigate the area. he notes the location of the building to come back again and starts back out of the building to get back to his bike. Val planned to check out the sedan before he left as well to see if the looters hadnt missed anything that he might recognize.

<@Athena[Val]"Do not plan to leave them out to hang, that would be bad business. I will take all the help you can find me though thank you.">

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Umbra

Umbra had been spending time with Hatter. Night before last, the troll had taken a couple of bullets. His story was that several Hearts were chasing the White Rabbit and he had to delay them. The amount of blood in the alley betrayed that they got far worse than they gave. This afternoon found them in a dark, abandoned building north of Touristville.

As the two sat in the dark, Hatter had been whispering that he found the Lion's heart but could not seem to locate Excalibur. Suddenly, a light shines into darkness, spoiling Umbra's thermal vision, luckily the flare compensation kicked in immediately keeping his eyes from dilating. The light shines laterally into the room from the hall beyond. Umbra is amazed to have not heard the source sooner.

Lacking any tactical awareness, Hatter's voice booms. "Polite people knock first."

Val
Val steps into a small hall, moving stealthily. It turns to the right and then on the left is a doorway into a pitch black room as well as continuing onward. The flashlight applet on his com causes two little lights to shine at full intensity. The little lights also serve as a flash for the comlink's camera. The illumination is not equal to a full flashlight, but in the complete darkness it presents a considerable contrast.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val points the light in the direction of the where he thinks the voice originates from startled that the voice echoed in the building making it hard to find the direct source "Well if there were a door i might be inclined to do so. I didnt mean to trespass if i am doing so i apologize. I am looking for someone who gave me a hand a few nights ago. A troll from the size of him."

val kept the Ingram behind the light of his Com and started to scan for the source of the voice thinking to get a better look at who he was talking to.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Umbra

Umbra stands up from the table.

Holding his hands in front of him palms out in a conciliatory fashion (although the fact that one of them is an obvious knock off of a Fuchi Strong-Arm 6 is a little disconcerting) Umbra moves into the light. He is good looking for an Orc, although shorter than average at a mere 5'6" and he is a little crouched over. His clothes are a little unkempt, although they look new. He has obviously been sleeping in them. On his chest is a tin star: like a deputy sheriffs badge in a old western movie. It glints in the reflected torch light.

The Orc appears to have no weapons, other than that huge cyberarm.

The orc's voice is a little quieter than you expect. "Umbra thinks you should put the gun down. Guns can hurt people. " there is a pause "Rat likes you. You move good"

"Mr Hatter might be the one you want. Mr Hatter is busy right now though, he is searching for Foci. Umbra is helping him."

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle

In stark contrast to the ork, the troll turns and stands. The room is probably a little over three meters floor to ceiling and the trolls horns are probably at the ceiling. As he stands perpendicular to Val and the light from the little com sheds a small amount of light across his body, the troll must be nearly two meters across at the shoulders. "Rabbit? Rabbit what are you doing here?" The troll asks in tone like one might ask a child.

Umbra smells a variety of smells from the elf. It has been a while since he bathed and there is a hint of BBQ sauce. Besides the mouse that keeps coming and going in the next room, all is quiet.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val keeps the light on the orc and his missportioned arm might have been a second chance cyberimplant or maybe its just a cheap fix till he could get something better Val was unsure but the way the arm was being conceled the orc had somethign special to pull out in case things went bad. Seeing teh trolls outline val remembers running into a similar sized wall in the alley a few nights prior, then the mention of Rabbit again was another reminder. "What significance is Rabbit? How do you know me besides the other night, I have several questions dammit" Val was getting aggrivated a little because he didnt know how the troll knew him or why he was being chased when he awoke. "why were those men after me the other night?" Val puts the ingram back into his jacket and starts to animate his conversation with his free hand giving more attention to the troll now hearing his voice then the orc.

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Umbra

Umbra is pleased that the Elf has put the gun away. Guns make Umbra nervous. Umbra doesn't want to run away from Mr Elf.

"The rabbit goes down the hole. Down the hole there is a tea party. Umbra hasn't met the rabbit, but Mr Hatter is friends with him." Umbra's voice drops to a whisper "Rat says the Rabbit is a 'Metaphor'. If Mr Hatter finds the Rabbit, then Mr Hatter might get better".

"Umbra will make Mr Hatter another cup of tea. Mr Hatter should try and help Mr Elf. Rat likes Mr Elf. Would Mr Elf like a cup of tea to finish off his meal with BBQ sauce?"

Saturday, March 28th, 2071; 4:50pm; Redmond Barrens, Seattle
Val

Val was puzzled in the manner in which the orc spoke, not knowing the reference to the rabbit or the hatter he was completely lost in the Orcs ramblings. Looking to the troll "No thank you i am ok, are you ok?" Val steps more closely to the troll and takes a more defensive posture not knowing what the deal is with the orc "is he always like this?" he said to the troll. Who the hell is this guy and why does he keep mentioning rabbits and rats?