Ace's pet hate, and he was living it now! public transport in the sprawl was the last salvation of the mobility impaired and he was being forced to use it. But today he tried to smile as best he could as he bumped and jerked along with BTL junkies, people with BO and societies rejects, because today he was picking up his van! He had begged his varius mechanic contacts to see if they could get him the spare parts he needed on the cheap. Eventually he found a friend of a friend who knew someone at a scrapyard had a wrecked Lone Star Hovertruck that had been destroyed during some other chummers run against some faceless corp! but nevermind that, this was his stop.... Getting off he walked down the street and straight into the workshop of this contact, known simpley as Grease Monkey...or Greasey to his friends!
And there she was, just having been washed and waxed... gleaming that familer shade of metallic red!! "Hoi chummer, I hope you like what I done for ya! I fixed her up so shes running sweet and smooth... here's the keys, as you paid upfront your free to go!!"
Barely waiting to get the keys in his hand Ace climbs into the cab, and relaxes into the seat... he knows that this isnt flying, but he knows this is the closest he will get for a long while yet! Sliding the shiny smooth jack into his temple... he feels like a BTL junky getting his first fix after getting out of rehab! Suddenly his sensors are alive and he IS THE VAN! with a gas tank for a brain and a V8 for a heart.... before long hes testing out the limits of the van, with it feeling brand new all over again! sliding around corners, taking the racing line and generally feeling fantastic! trying out all the new toys that have been installed he brings himself back up to scratch after spending so long jacked out of a vehicle! he knows he hasnt lost anything... he's still the best wheelman and pilot around, and if anybody says different, then he will have to kick them back into place!
Eventually calming down after the excitement of getting the van back he parks up and jacks out... he needs to think of some more ways to make hard cash so he can work on the van and save for a chopper! maybe get hold of Seeoh's old bike and race it? some well placed bets and he could make a fortune! not that she would let him near it!!
Suddenly feeling faint, he head starts throbbing.... and as he closes his eyes, he can see a jet in front of him...like nothing hes ever seen before... it looks like its made out of one large smooth piece of metal... with no obvious panels... and no visable means of propulsion, its amazing... he remembers standing there... wondering what it would be like to fly! how it would handle in combat and stealth missions!.....
Blinking suddenly the vision is gone as quickly as it arrived, and he's back, sat in the van and wondering what to do next!





Crawling along his stomach through frag knows what... he has no idea why on earth he PAID this women!!! Thick black smoke fills the barn... and he sits, waiting to hear a sound... a footstep, breathing... anything!!
Sneeking around the back and up onto the balcony style secound floor of this barn, Flip tries to get a vantage point... if he works it right he can blow this little birdies wings off before it knows hes there!! climbing up the ladder, he moves slowly... he knows shes around here somewhere but just needs to find her!
at the edge of the balcony he levels his gun out and starts looking for her.... he HAS to get her this time... just so he can wipe that smile off her face!! And there she is, accross the other side of the room with a large smile on her face...and before he has time to pull the trigger he hears the silent (and very annoying) thud of the paintball hitting him in the chest....thats it! game over!!
Walking outside of the barn a couple of minutes later he sees Bluebird sat on the fence smiling! "your getting better!- just need to sharpen that reaction of yours and think strategically about where you go and hide! - maybe a bit more time at the target range later?" all Flip could do was grunt at the annoyingly cheerful sniper... she had grown up doing this, he had only had a few weeks practice! and in that time he had spent eight or more hours a day firing at the target range- which was little more then a few bottles and cans lined up in various places around the barn. Playing a game called Darts (improves hand eye co-ordination apperently) and learning to hold the gun properly... not that it helped because this silly little holdout pistol was just FAR to small!! maybe it was time to invest in something more his size?!....
As Bluebird walked off with the two paintball guns... Seeoh appeared next to him as if out of thin air and said in her cheeky irish accent "You really do need more practice! and theres no point grunting like that!! you know we were lucky on that last run and you can't rely on that for the next one!!" This to Flip begged the obvious question... "what next run?" and with that she happily said..."the one that Mr Kiteo wants to see us about... or at least, he rang while you were playing soldier and said he would like a meeting! and im sure its not because he wants a house warming for this place!!" The Ork beamed, work looked like it may become regular... he had a decent place to stay... and his old friend had certainly cheered up since comming to live here!! Now all they needed to do was find out what this meeting was about!!

Codec had just gotten back into his old routine, jack in, tsay there for hours, jack out, eat sleep and repeat. Loving the freedom of the Matrix Codec knew that he stilled needed nuyen to pay for the rent and food. So when a call came through for a job, especially from a previous employer, Codec knew he had to take it. Besides, working for Kiteo before wasn't toooo bad.

Time spent at her Grandma's knee had been well spent by Seeoh, not only had she learnt the ways of the Fox but she'd also picked up other, more mundane, talents; the Irish stew simmering in a large pot on the fire stove stood testimony to that. So did the needle and thread she was wielding to put a long tear in the Orc's spare trousers back together.

When a cell went off she, naturally, looked for it and answered the call. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she recognised the voice, she found her tongue just as the caller rang off - very frustrating - but it spurred her to action. Dropping her sewing she headed out to the barn in search of Flip and Bluebird.

Getting back to the farmhouse Seeoh was still grinning. "Just as well I've patched up your spare pair. Wouldn't do to see our employer covered in paint." She skittered out of the reach of her friend. "Now all we have to do is go back into town and find out what the next run's all about." She grabbed her belt bag and rummaged for the keys to her Bonaville.

"Hey!" The Orc looked at the stove. "Don't we get to eat first?"

The food not only smelled good, it was good, and Flip would have preferred to catch a few zees rather than drive back into the City. But that wasn't an option, Mr Kitao would be waiting.

It was just on noon when Ace pulled the van up in what was fast becoming their customary parking space. Heading into the restaurant, past the overly muscular doorman, they proceeded to one of the back tables and Mr Kitao. As the Team showed their respect with an assortment of bows, the Yakuza waved the runners to take seats, snapping fingers at a small, bespectacled man by his side.

This individual leant forward and placed a slim black briefcase on the table, snapping the combination locks and lifting its lid for his Oyabun. Mr Kitao glanced into the case and then, slowly, cast his gaze at each of the runners in turn.

He cleared his throat.

"It's name is the... well, we haven't decided. I'm personally partial to 'Shadowclaw.' What do you think, Frank?"

The man in the blue Field Marshal's unifrom looks expectant, as if his top pilot's decision on the new jet's name is the most important national security issue.

Frank looks at the trideo model on the table. The jet's like a teardrop of metalic oil that has been molded to have wings. He opens his mouth...

A dark-haired woman lies next to him in a small bunker. Frank can see small confines of a junior officer's quarters. Her naked body is pressed against his in post-coital laziness. She says, "Are you really going to do it? Really get that... thing... put in you?"

Frank laughs. "You're not afraid when I fly those prototype jets."

She looks away up at the cealing. "But you have control over them. What this looks like, this 'vehichle control rig,' it seems like it can could control you."

"I won't let that happen. I won't let it change..."

He's in a vertical powerdive, trying to shake the arcs of blue light streaming off an Azzie battleship's ANDREWS array. Fuel pumps like blood through his engine, his wings angle slightly and he makes a beautiful 360 return, and he's zooming straight at the ship, about one meter over the ocean, under the angle of their guns, and he releases his hand and watches a cruise missle take flight.

This is amazing. He's never felt this degree of control and freedom before. The fighter he's in is a nearly retired model, but it flies with the grace of a sparrow and kills with the fury of a dragon. It's the rig they installed last week. He can't imagine flying any other way. The fighter isn't an extension of his body, it is his body...

He's back in the meeting room, looking at the trideo model. "The Skytear. That's its name."

The field marshal smiles...

Ace woke up with a start, holding the new rig's plug in his hand. He knew he had just detatched it, but then the vision took him. "What the hell was that?" It felt like a memory...

He decided the best course of action would be to plug himself back in and keep driving for a bit. What am I, an addict? Not a good question, he knew. All artists are addicted to their art, and his style paints on a canvas of road or sky, with a brush of engine metal.

He plugs himself back in, feels the wheels become his hands, and drives to the restaurant the group had convinced him to meet them at every now and them. He'd have to find out how that witch had tracked him down...

Entering the restaurant, Codec looked around. he spotted the rest of the team from before the same team, that's not so bad, I've seen them in action He heads over to the table.

As soon as Codec arrives and the usual small talk has been finished with, Mr Kiteo looks around at the group. Last time this man offered you a job, you saw anger and pain in his eyes, this time all you can see is the well rehearsed poker face of a good businessman!

"Good day ladies and gentlemen, the last time you carried a job out for me you did so with subtlety and grace... and I am hoping you can do the same for me again. I do not have the resorces to spare at this time for such as small task so I would like you to see what you can do, Since using the phone tap that you installed at regional telephone grid I have had the luxury of listening into many of my competitors phone calls and matrix exchanges, and since doing this someone has been mentioned many times... a high ranking member within the Eighty-Eights has mentioned somebody that he claims to have seen on several business trips over the past month, and to be mentioned like this she must be worth something... So I would like you to simply find out what you can about a women called Lady Jane, and then report back to me. On delivery of this information you will be paid the sum of 10,000 as its a comparitively simple task... any questions?"

While the runners in front of him take a moment to digest this information, he continues..."For this task, I have also got hold of a specialist in the field of security and surveillance who has been recommended to me by one of my contacts. He is currently looking for work and I thought you could make use of his skills... may I introduce a Rigger who goes by the name Greasy Monkey" and with that a dwarf (who Ace instantly recognises) walks through the door

Flip, like the rest, listened intently to what the Oyabun had to say. "So, a Lady called Jane. Not much to go on. Is there anything else you can tell us? Metatype, ethnicity, geographical location, affiliations or the context of the discussion in which her name was mentioned? Anything you could provide, will give us a starting point on what seems, on the face of it, a fairly simple job."

Subtlety and grace? Good god, this guy is either the dimmest Yak boss ever, covertly insulting us, or is just biding time until he can come up with a sutable punishment... Ace looks at his pinky for a moment.

When Kitao introduces Grease, Ace nods to the mechanic. If he was in on the job, then things were looking better already, as Ace knew he did quality work.

Looking at Flip he pauses before he carries on..."Well the conversation involved some members of the Eighty-eights, and the conversation was very much business. That is the extent of what our knowledge about this lady, but as I have already said, she sounds to be an important asset if we could convert her at a later date"

Turning back into his workshop after watching Ace drive off in his newly modified van, he couldn't stop his head shaking and thinking There goes the newestly happy rigger getting to feel the machine as his body and a smile crosses his face and rememberence of the first time.... and the most recent. Walking through the workshop to the back and flicking the tarp off his newest toy he quite happily lost himself for the next few hours in finishing the connections and configuration for the new sensor package on the small form of a deflated mini-blimp....

He was broken out of his reviere with the drone by the insistant blipping coming from his pocket sec Why did I choose such an annoying ring?.... Oh I remember because then I might hear it.... sometimes.... heh with that he flips the sec open, its plastic coating do its job and stopping the grease and oil from his fingers getting into the delicate internals. As the screen lights up he sees the face of Slim his fixer and then hears is cheerful voice. "Got a job for ya chummer. A johnson called Kitao called, he's heard of you appartently and thinks you'd be useful for a job he's got. All you gotta do is turn up, hear the pitch and make your choice, there'll be some other runners there but I don't know who they are, but Kitao generally plays it straight so....". "I hear ya, I'll be there just send me the time and place, and thanks I did need to get out more" and then hangs up with a smile as Slim closed the connection and mailed the meet details.

Reading the documents Greasy smiled as he realised that he still had time to finish the changes to the drone before the meet and still get washed up and changed, and so dived back into its internals.

Freshly washed up and wearing his meet clothes, Greasy plugged into his deck for a short time, just long enough to launch the newly upgraded drone and give it its instructions to follow behind him mingled in with all the news drones and alert him if any armed drones or vehicles started to take attention of his van. With that he jacked out and headed to the meet in the van.

Walking forward at Kitao's introduction, Greasy returned Ace's nod with a slightly smile, and then looked the other runners over carefully. Well they look competent and another rigger along will be useful.... I wonder if he can pilot drones....

Well at least he's introducing us to his other helpers ahead of time thinks Codec, remembering how Bluebird came to join them. ...and being a Rigger, that means no razzle dazzle He glances over at See-oh, shuddering at the thought of being invisible again.
He then turns his attention to the more important issue at hand.
Lady Jane....I can check it out in the matrix, but it wouldn't surprise me if any number of people would use such a generic handle, especially in those public chat areas

looking around the group...Kiteo gives a typically japanese smile says "So are you all interested in the job? or am I going to have to find someone else to do this?"

The Sorceress looked at the Orc and nodded. Flip merely said "We're in." and raised an eye at the rest of the runners.

`Eighty Eight's' The name of the Triad Gang rang a warning bell in Seeoh's active imagination. Triads and Yakuza were mortal enemies; not something the Runners should get caught up in if they could help it.

Her sometime contact at the Palace of Gold, old Alf the night watchman, had warned her to go careful around the nightclub. No dipping or scamming allowed. The place was owned by a third cousin, or was it fifth, to some big-wig down in Sanfran. And he was big in the aforementioned Eighty Eight's.

But that was a hell of a long way to go just to find some biff. Still, the Eighty Eight's might have an interest in the Palace, so it might be as well to start there. The Irishwoman had spent a lot of time there, even washed dishes when she had been down on her luck, though she had preferred waitressing; better tips.

What she knew, however, would have to wait until later, when the Team returned to the farm for a pow-wow on how to make the run.

Introductions made, Mr Kitao stood, his heavies moving his chair back and glaring at the Team, daring them to say another word or move a single muscle. With a slight nod of his head, Mr Kitao swept out of the restaurant.

"Eighty Eight's! We're gonna have a fight on our hands folks." Flip stood up and glanced at the others. "We need to get back to the farm and hold a council of war I reckon."

As the Team headed back Flip concentrated on driving the old Chevvy, his mind assailing the problem of finding a single woman, with a western name, in a situation dominated by Orientals.

Point one. She's quite probably a Westerner. Point two. Is the link criminal or Corporate. Point three. If it's criminal, she'll either be from one of the opposing Mobs or an independent contractor they've hired for something special. If she's Corporate, however, that opens up a whole new bag of worms, since both Wuxing and Tan Tien are rumoured to have Triad links. Or she could be from one of the opposition Companies. All things considered, we might have the best luck just going and asking the Mafia or the Vory if they know what their rivals in the Hak sh'e Wui are up to. Point four…..SHIT! who left that cow in the road.

Flip swerved violently to avoid the wandering Bovine, cursing as only a daydreaming Ork can.

Ace had felt the carcass of the cow coming by ultrasound and averted the van's passage well in advance. With the ork's reaction time as it was, it was a good thing he was coming along. He wondered how much of the job would be do-able by drone surveilance. Greasy might be doing a lot of work here. I guess that means "chauffeur" duty for me...

10,000 split 6 ways wasn't great, but he had a feeling the real work would come after they illuminated the goings-on of this "Lady Jane."

After calling in Albatross and landing it in the back of his van, Greasy climbed in a settled himself down on the couch in the back of the transport and got it rolling out after the other two vehicles.

Following the other two vehicles in his van, the sensors reaching far out into the countryside searching for unexpected vehicles Greasy could almost feel the surrounding environs. A smile touching his meat body as he 'sees' the ork's car swerve around the cow he can help but wonder about the upcoming run. Hmm find and investigate a woman, worse a Triad linked woman who we have no information about her whereabouts or habits..... should be fun, hope at least one of the others is a decker or this could end before it starts..... And another rigger, hmmm could well help in the search and I've got a couple of spare drones.... well not spare but I it'd be more effective to have another rigger spotting with Condor than let it's pilot handle the search.... hmm, to trust or not to trust that's the question.... guess we'll see....

As the three vehicles each pull into the old rutten farm track the two rigged vehicles almost float down the road with their highly tuned suspension, and their goes Flip... bumping along the track having got used to the poor old sedan. Maybe one day he should invest in a new vehicle of his own?

Parking up so each can make a fast exit if need be, the six stand on the baked ground and Seeoh smiles at the new face of the team...."and this, is what we call home! or at least hideout!"

Not really saying yes or no to the run, it was just assumed that Codec was in. He didn't mind really, it was some extra nuyen, though not much. He looked at the farm for the first time as the group pulled up. Holy frag, I think we'd be lucky if there is power here, let alone a jackpoint. His heart sank deeper. This might make his role in the run quite...difficult. Not much use for a virtual cowboy if there isn't a way to get on the grids.
They get out of the vehicles and See-oh seems to be almost proud of the place as she says "and this, is what we call home! or at least hideout!"
Yeah there are a few other names I could think of as well the shy decker thinks, and many include the word 'drek'

Seeoh glances at the diminuative decker, seeing the grumpy look on his face.

"Don't you worry little man. We've got plenty of wind power in this place, and Flip's already installed the necessary for you in a back room. There's even an electric fire so you don't freeze when you're in cyberspace."

With that the girl ran up the steps of the front porch and pushed open the door.

"Who's for a spot of lunch?"

Looking around at the spread of old farmhouses Greasy's eyes took it all in and discarding the run down state he could see the potential.... with a lot of work. Then the Irish woman piped up

"Who's for a spot of lunch?"

"Most gracious of you, Seeoh. Just let me get a couple of friends out in case there's a surprise coming."

And opening the rear doors of his van he pulled a ramp out and then sitting on the tail gate to the side of the ramp he again plugs in his deck.

First out is a mini-blimp almost slient even at this close which then takes up a scouting position over the site and then a rugged wheeled drone with an articulated follows it out of the ramp and hides in a nearby shed pulling a cover over most of itself.

Unplugging the jack again Greasy stands, slides the ramp back, closes the doors but doesn't seem to latch them shut and then turns back to the group. "Okey dokey they should spot anything unwelcome and give me a warning, so did someone mention food?"

Ace got out of the van and looked around. When he saw Seeoh, he whistled and said, "Wow, this place is great! Better than last time! I almost can't tell that all the structures are rotted through, and the stench of manure is slightly less omnipresent. Top marks!"

He ducked into the door she was in front of to avoid her withering stare. Don't overdo it, no need to be a total jerk.

She may be a Celtic Druid Sorceress with an Irish ancestry going back over a millennium but no one could doubt she could also work magic in the kitchen. The Irish stew, which had been gently simmering on the range for the last three hours smelt delightful to anyone that hungry and the fresh baked bread Seeoh had turned out just before the Team had left for the City was still warm. She bent to stoke the embers of the dying fire in the range, calling for the Runners to help themselves.

The old kitchen table, nearly ten feet long, must have sat the farmer, his family and any farmhands he'd had, it was certainly big enough and there were plenty of chairs to go around. During their first examination of the place it had become obvious that the farmer had simply left the place to rot, lock stock and barrel. Everything they needed for a reasonable degree of comfort was still in the farmhouse, plates, pots, knives, forks and spoons, even some washing up liquid, mugs for soycaf and toilet rolls for the privvy out back. Just as well since there wasn't any newsprint to be seen anywhere.

"Shame that cow was a deadun." Seeoh commented. "Otherwise we could even have fresh milk."

Flip watched the interplay between the runners - old and new. He was concerned that they didn't all seem to be as impressed with the new doss as the Irish wench, but they would surely come round... certainly once they managed to patch up the gaps in one of the larger barns to give the tech-boys somewhere to play mechanic. He cast his attention back to the jittery decker.

"Codec - don't sweat. If you don't want to dive in from here I can always run you back to the place in the barrens - we've got it til the end of the month remember. In fact, that might be best - don't want to draw attention to this place, even accidentally."

He moved through into the dining area, pulling his staff from it's sheath and extending it to ease the pressure on the spring mechanism. He stashed it in a corner then moved away so he could smoke as far from the others as possible. Even though he was always hungry, he seemed to have lost his appetite since the meeting with Kitao.

"We're going to have to be careful whose toes we tread on with this one. I don't know about the UCAS first hand, but there are a lot of Triads in London. Soho and the Tongs go together like cake and cream. I'm fluent and I held my own against some of their top boys back home in the dojos and so forth, but they still gave me a hard time. They don't take drek from nobody. Even the baggies steer well clear."

He stubbed out the butt and perched himself on an old outcropping of wall, flicking out the tails of his long coat like a concert pianist preparing to play a concerto.

"So this 'Lady Jane.' We have to find out as much as we can about the name, in relation to the Eighty-Eights Triad. There are ways we can do this, but there are things we shouldn't do. First off, I doubt we can expect any help from the Yaks - if they knew anything they'd be holding it so they can check against whatever we found. Also, we need to be really canny about who we talk to in the Chinese dominated areas - and remember, the Triads aren't as picky as the Japanese, so that means metas, women or other ethnicities can be linked to them real close. We might be able to get information from their rivals, though, so if anyone has any mob contacts that might be helpful. I don't know about the rest though - is there a Vory presence in Seattle? Or any of the other Organised Crime outfits?"

Flip was thinking out loud by this time, and steamed on ahead.

"The other alternative is a corporate approach. It's given that Codec'll want to do a matrix search against the handle, but I reckon we should look at corporate interests too - particularly Wuxing and Tan Tien. They've both got rumours of Triad involvement hanging from their belts, and plenty of Anglo's on the payroll to account for the western handle we're looking for. And all that's dependent on the assumption that Lady Jane is a person. What if it's a thing? Or a place? It could be a code name or something! Did he say there had been conversations concerning Lady jane? Or actually involving? Does anybody remember?

What he said, if I recall correctly, is that 'the name came up' a lot. That's not very clear. Anyway, one connection worth looking into it European; 'Lady Jane' sounds like some sort of old aristocrat."

"Don't you worry little man. We've got plenty of wind power in this place, and Flip's already installed the necessary for you in a back room. There's even an electric fire so you don't freeze when you're in cyberspace."
Codec gave her a little nod My god, now she's using that razzle dazzle to read my mind!?! No way...or maybe.... Codec followed everyone else into the kitchen and had to agree that it did indeed smell good. He helped himself once everyone else got their food. The last thing he needs is the ork getting hungry and impatient with him.
After some time Flip said "Codec - don't sweat. If you don't want to dive in from here I can always run you back to the place in the barrens - we've got it til the end of the month remember. In fact, that might be best - don't want to draw attention to this place, even accidentally." The thought of being left alone in the Barrens didn't exactly appeal to the decker. "Uh, I th..think I sh..should be okay h..h..here." He quietly got up and had a second helping of stew, hoping that Flip wouldn't press the issue

Washing the dishes, Seeoh added her own thoughts to the conversation. "There's a bar down in Chinatown, the Golden Palace. I work there sometimes. According to the old night watchman Alf, the place is part owned by the Eighty Eight's, or at least by a relative of one of their members. I could go and do a bit of waitressing for a day or so, see what I can come up with?"

"Right, lets make something that looks like a plan." The Orc moved back to the table and sat down. "Codec can search the Matrix for references to `Lady Jane'. Seeoh goes to the bar and checks that out. I'll hit Chinatown myself and see what I can pick up on the streets. Maybe find a Dojo, there's bound to be some Triads there. Ya never know, I might get lucky and find a hon chew." He grinned broadly. "It means `banana'. Or in Triad terms, a snitch!"

He looked around the room. "That just leaves you three, Ace, Bluebird and Greasy. Have you guys got any contacts that might be useful?"

"Someone will have to stick around to look after Codec while he's swimming in the 'trix though." Seeoh made the point.

Bluebird helps herself to a LARGE portion of stew and sits down at the table eating as though it were her last meal on earth! she may be a women, but as to weather she was a lady was questionable!
Quietly listening to the crowd discuss plans and action to be taken... She has a think, well I could always try Jack.... he always has his fingers in all the pots...
"Well I could always make a few phone calls from here...and that wont take long anyway. While you are gone prehaps I could fix the hole in the roof on the big barn and clear out some gutters. You know what this place gets like when it rains!"

After grabbing a bowl of stew and chewing through it thoughtfully Greasy then pipes up "Hmmm, none of my contacts are directly likely to know anything but I can have a call around Slim can usually find out almost anything.... for a price.... You know this stew's real good!" and smiles at Seeoh "I'd better get a few other things from home if we're going to base out of here for the run, got a couple of friends who would be useful if trouble shows up."

Then turning to Ace "Ace you ever piloted a drone before? I was just thinking if I head back into the sprawl to get some other gear I don't really wanna leave the rest of you without their over-watch. plus the practice now could pay off later in the run if we need it.... that is if you actually need practice.... there I go running my mouth of again." then drops his head down to finish off the stew almost as though he was wishing he had said that.

When the subject of contacts came up, Ace said, "Well, I know a decker, but Codec's got that covered. Probably isn't good to have to many questions about our 'girl' buzzing through the Matrix."

Grease spoke up: "Ace you ever piloted a drone before? I was just thinking if I head back into the sprawl to get some other gear I don't really wanna leave the rest of you without their over-watch. plus the practice now could pay off later in the run if we need it.... that is if you actually need practice.... there I go running my mouth of again."

"Heh. Don't worry about it," Ace said, "Well, drone rigging isn't really my thing, but I have done it, and could do it again... if I had a deck for it. Which I, err, don't. I doub't I'll have enough cash to spend on a decent one for a while. I currently don't even have enough for a crappy one."

Drones... too distant. I'm liable to focus on one of them for too long and lose track of the others. That's what happened in the Yucatan that one time; I almost got a whole black ops crew cacked.

In the old country, Pride is a sin, and usually comes just before a fall, but the Irish woman didn't think a little pride in her culinary expertise would really be sinful. What cook doesn't like their handiwork consumed to the last drop of gravy?

"Right, I'm heading into the City." Seeoh picked up her leathers, tying her hair up in a bun. "I'll call in late tomorrow, if'n I don't come back before." With that she went out the door and straddled her bike, kicking it into life and heading down the track.

A little over half an hour later the girl pulled into the small yard at the rear of the Golden Palace. Stowing her gear in the pannier, she went in through the back and knocked on the nightwatchman's door. A slightly sleepy Alfred opened it, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the girl, as he beckoned her inside.

"Hi Alf. I need some info." And the Sorceress started to explain.

They all bade the lass farewell as she left, then it was up to them to sort themselves out too. Flip grabbed the bag he'd brought from home, and nipped off into a side room to change - some baggy cotton trousers with plenty of movement and a light, round-necked linen shirt. Over the top he added his customary armoured trench-coat and went back to the others.

"Okay guys, I'm gonna head off too. There are some things I ordered from a fixer after the last run and I have to check whether they're ready for collection. I'll head straight over to Chinatown after that and see what I can dig up on the sly - I won't go asking questions yet, I just want to show my face and learn some names. I have my pager if you..." He thinks about it for a second and then takes a pen from his coat pocket, scrawling a number on a paper towel. "The number. If you need me, is what I was going to say. Play nice..."

Listening to her story Alfie leans back on his chair and digests the information given to him by Seeoh...."well, to be honest with ya lassy... its been a while since I last had a snoop around like that, but I will have a look. I will give you a ring if I find anything"


Taking the old chevy Flip picks up his gear from his fixer and checks it out, just like Bluebird had taught him... strip the gun, check the sights, make sure its well oiled, and give it a test fire to make sure he's not being ripped off. Doing the deal he heads off into the more "oriental" part of town and goes looking for a dojo. finding a nice looking one on the outskirts that excepts metas (bearing in mind how intolerant of metas the japanese are!)... he heads on in and looks around...

"Well if you're up for a watch while I go grab the rest of my gear I'll lend you my reserve deck and you can have a play with the two drones here to get you eye back in.... That good with ya Ace?"

"Well, if you trust me with it, then no problem. I'll lay down cover here." 'Course I think I'd be a little more useful providing transportation... ah, suck it up, man. You're just afraid of losing control again. You've done it well before, you can do it again.

"Good evening," Flip intoned, slipping neatly into Cantonese as if he had only left his tutor yesterday, not last year. He was addressing the receptionist at his first port of call. "I am from England. I am new to the area and am looking to become part of a gym and dojo around here. I was wondering if you could show me what facilities were available? I'd also be interested in hard-sparring if you have anyone around here who would be willing..."

He knew he was probably asking for it, but one way or another this was going to work out - he either kicked ass to gain respect, or took a beating like a man and keep on getting back up for more. Either route would bring him closer into the local scene, which was where he needed to be if he was going to get any answers for the team...

Leaving Alf to make his calls, Seeoh went in search of the under manager.

She had worked the tables several times before and Wan Huk had always treated her right. This time was no different.

Although the hour was late, he told her she could wait tables till 2 am, a four hour stint for 30 nuyen plus tips. It would do, and the girl could doss down in Alf's little apartment till dawn.

All she had to do was wear a very skimpy dress, show what cleavage she had and keep smiling, whilst her ears stayed tuned to any and everything.

Codec jacked into the line that had been set up at the farm. Embracing the feeling of the Matrix he smiled as he made his way down the busy virtual street. He moved past all of the other icons. i don't mind it busy here he thought as his icon made it's way through the crowd. He eventually made his way out of the virtual town and to a forest clearing. There on a log was a Frog icon. The Frog, recognizing Codec, smiled "What can i get for you this time"
Flashing 100 Codec responds "cross reference lady Jane and eighty eights."

Repling in equally good Cantonese the women on reception smiled "certainly sir, we always welcome new members... judging by your clothes..I assume you have done this before. follow me and I will introduce you to some of our other members." and with that she leads Flip through the beaded curtain and out directs him to the changing rooms.... from there she leads him out into an open room, with training and gym eqipment all around the edges and a clear open floor in the middle for sparring. Looking around this is very much a men's meeting place as there was no womens changing room, and there is no evidence of a women every having been here other then to clean and look after the men! walking with Flip out to the middle of the floor she introduces him to a man already there, wrapping his hands for protection. "Mr Shameli... this gentleman is new to our club and was hoping to hard spar with somebody to get in some practice, are you free to oblige?" The man looked up and smiled... not the warm, giving kind of smile that one would normally expect, but a hard unforgiving smile of someone who wants to fight..."Certainly Maria, leave him to me and I will help him to brush up on his abilities" As the petite receptionist walks away he finishes doing his hands his turns to Flip and bows in the expected way... Returning the bow (which shows respect for ones adversary) Flip knows its time to fight....

Jacking into the drone for the first time... Ace looks through the eyes of the Condor... although he would rather be flying for real instead of using the distance a drone offers, its still an amazing feeling to be floating high above the world... looking down on everything with crystal clear sensor feed.

Mysterio hands over the money and as soon as he does so the frog leaps off into the undergrowth, simply shouting "i'll be in touch!!!" and with that he has gone..leaving codec to find whatever else he can by himself!

Slapping hands away from her arse for the third time that night Seeoh remembers why she doesnt miss the job that much... but it does help for listening in on conversations, none of them were that much use but one that did catch her attention was a small crowd of people, looking like runners and talking about trying to find some "flyboy" who they used to know, problem was they would stop talking whenever she got close enough to hear any details so she had to try and hear just the odd wispered bits!

Twisting his head to crack out the kinks in his neck, Flip returned the man's smile - though in a far more cheeky looking and affectionate manner. His bow, however, was more of a "pronounced nod" as he kept his eyes on the man. He doesn't look like a happy camper, he thought, I don't think he's pleased to meet me, except as a punch bag... let's see what we can do about that... HAVE AT THEE, BRIGAND!

Codec knows that frog won't let him down, never has. He figured that getting info takes time so Codec heads back into the virtual city. He stands across the street from a well lit nightclub with the words "Pentium Palace" in bright neon letters down the side. Figuring that perhaps this place might have something of the sorts, he heads over to the front door.

After three hours of fending off an assortment of males with `deserts disease', better known to the hostess fraternity as wandering palms, Seeoh was glowing. After all, ladies never sweat, merely glow. But she'd nigh on had enough, particularly as she knew she probably wouldn't get paid, just pick up the tips, most of which were lasciviously thrust down her cleavage.

Whether Alf had made his calls and got any useful information she didn't know, but Seeoh found the idle conversation of a group she suspected were fellow runners very interesting and was sure that it referred to one of her own Team mates. But who? She headed back to their table in search more clarity on the matter.

After the respectful bows have taken place they both take their positions... trying to watch each other for the first signs of movement, the blink of an eye...the flinch of a muscle. Flip easily outpaces the human and starts off by throwing a punch to test this man on his speed and skill. Blocking with comparitive ease with his left hand Shameli tries his own punch but is equally blocked by the well built Ork, dropping down to the floor Flip sweeps Shameli's legs out from underneath him and watches him fall to the floor before trying to deliver a blow to the chest, but flips adversary rolls out of the way and gets back up onto his feet. Spinning on the spot he catches Flip out with a roundhouse kick that eches through his head like someone ringing a bell in his brain!! Recovering quickly he reacts just in time to dodge a punch from Shameli... grabbing the outstreched arm Flip simply holds it and rolls backward onto the floor using his foot as a lever to throw this well built human over him. Rolling back onto the his feet with practiced ease... Flip starts to respect this skillful person in front of him, but knows that respect has nothing to do with the battle itself.. so he alters his moves slightly to finish him off quickly, and while Shameli is still recovering from the throw Flip puts his massive weight behind him and drops to the floor with one leg outstreched to strike the man over the stomach, knowing that had this been a real fight he would strike over his throat to smash the windpipe!

After landing Flips adversery chokes a little trying to catch his breath and signals defeat... as the two stand, they bow once more to show respect after a well fought fight.

As Codec heads on over, he sees the list of rules (and punishments) of the establishment....having a quick read he heads on into the neon glow.

Heading back to the group of runners one of them sees Seeoh and orders the cheesecake and tells her to fetch it quickly because they are ready to go and don't wanna be kept waiting. Going back to give it to them (as well as the bill) she watches the way they are sat and it certainly gives her the impression that the human sat in the corner is definatly leader of this rat pack... and they know what they are doing...

After showing Ace what to do with the drones and how to work them best Callidus heads off to sort his things out... wondering what this new team will be like to work with

Digging about in the back of his truck, Greasy pulls out his backup deck and hands it over to Ace. "There you go and don't worry about the trust thing, I trust you enough.... well that and I can always get the drones back with my main deck." and grins at his fellow team-mates.

After giving Ace a quick refresher Greasy heads off into the night and back to Seattle and his work shop. Pulling into the main garage area he deactivates the defences and then starts to load up what he'll need for the quick builds and for the run. Right I'll need the toolkits and..... hmmm.... well it's supposed to be surveilence but better safe than sorry I guess.....

Dropping the ramp out of the truck Greasy plugs into and starts loading the drones, first the two Lynxs and then the Gaurdian. Finally with the big ones loaded he slots in the second condor and the two roto drones.

Right time to get back and then to work and grinning like a school boy with a new toy Greasy backs out of the garage, activates security system again and head back out through the rainy streets of Seattle back to the farm, checking that he's not followed.

Walking inside Codec can literally feel the thump of the bass to the music being played. Icons of many Matrix users are moving and groving to the beat. It's somewhat of an ammusing sight to see the different icons in their different sizes and forms all together. He wanders through the crowd, not really drawing any attention to himself as in the Matrix, no icon seems out of place. He sits down at the virtual bar. He just looks around the room, wondering where to begin, when he hears a loud cackle coming from the other end of the bar. He looks and sees a very well put together icon of a clown. Interesting, most people choose something....cool to be their icon The clown seems to be enjoying itself at anyone else's expense, from mocking other people to making any rude comment to the bartender. Finally the bartender comes down to Codec...
"Sorry, what will you have?"
"Not the same thing you're having..." replies Codec as he glances down to the clown. The bartender rolls her eyes.
"yeah what a creep, thinks he's a big shot. Part of the gang who works part of this grid"
Not sure if he's on the right track or not, Codec smiles and orders a drink. The bartender happily gets it for him. He lays down some cash as well as a tip. She thanks him and goes to serve the next customer. he gets up and starts to walk down towards the loudmouth clown who continues to insult everyone left right and center.
Codec takes a sip of the drink and thinks After I find out what I need, I'm going to enjoy ripping that goofy grin off of your icon...

Returning to the runners a few minutes later.

"Cheesecake to go!" Seeoh leans over the table and hands the guy his desert in a neat plastic package.

"And the tab." Beaming a smile that would turn most male knees to water, which would, of course, instantly flow up to their crutch, she hands the bill to the apparent leader.

"Anything else?" She lowers her voice. "Remember, a waitress is like a barman, but less visible. We listen well, and always tell." The Sorceress looks straight into the guy's eyes, waiting for a response. "For the right price."

-------

Callidus has a fairly normal drive back to the farm...just using the time to scout out possible escape routes and hideholes next time he is chased throught this part of town. although being chased isnt really his thing, he would rather send the drones in to do the hard work!

The skull faced clown looks at Mysterio and just laughs..."and who are you meant to be little boy! I can hear your lame piece of drek deck straining just to keep that poor icon going!"

The leader just looks a little confused, but more annoyed then anything else..."thanks, we will bare that in mind.... goodbye"

Well, guess I was wrong. Seeoh thought as she went back to the bar. Still, it was worth a try. But then, they're only a street gang and they were crap tippers. What else could I expect! The only thing she now knew was that there was, probably, another run somewhere in the offing.

Returning to Alf's cubby at the end of her shift, the girl changed into her street clothes with some relief. Although it was late, and she had arranged to crash in Alf's back room, Seeoh felt it would be better if she went back to the farm. Besides, the night air would clear her head.

"I'm gonna head back now Alf. Did you find out anything regarding Lady Jane?