`I have offered an intermidiary. A man whom can be at the suite awaiting your arrival. He will be able to answer questions that may arise. However, should you wish, I will arange for a more direct means.`

The icon paces diagonally again. This obviously had thrown him a bit, he was thinking of how to arange the contact.

:: Mack clasps her hands in front of her and bows her head slightly, her way of indicating she is more than willing to give him time to mull it over and realize she is right. Her only parting words are: ::

"It would not have to be a two way communication. Just a way for us to alert you, should an emergency arise. You would be free to set up a secure way to contact us in return at your leisure."

"You obviously have access to this address. Could you not leave us encrypted messages here? Or, if this doens't suit your fancy, perhaps you could contact us not on the virtual "plane" but on the Astral?"

Satified with the Bishop's answer, Tristan awaits the outcome of the negotiations.

The virtual Bishop shakes his head, still pacing.

`This construct will not do. I'll need to delete it as soon as the meeting is complete, to prevent tracing. I shall create an anonymous account, and add it's adress to the information which shall await you at the suite.`

The icon turns to face the group.

`Is this acceptable?`

:: Mack holds her head up and smiles as she moves her hands behind her back and clasps them, forcing her back into a confident arch. ::

"Agreed."

Pili nods as well.

Manny nods. "If she's fine with it, so am I".

Tristan nods. Then realizes he's on a phone and says, "Yes. Where do the rest of you want to meet up?"

"I'm in," Cougar replies.

Grinning to himself, Manny says "I have a great idea. Let's meet at a suite in the Bellvue Hilton. Mmmmmm, room service and fluffy towels. See you guys there."
And with that, Manny disconnects and hops on his bike.
He heads over to his squat, picks up his gear, puts a clean tshirt on under his leather vest, bungee's his backpack to the Blitzen, and rides to Renton. He's so excited he can barely stand it.
40,000. A suite at the Hilton. Nice bed, real shower and tub, real food. And TV. Holy crap, there'll be a trideo there. He'll get to catch some combat biker without having to watch through a haze of bar smoke.
Grinning from ear to ear, Manny parks across the street and down the block from the front door, and walks over to the Hilton. Trying to look like he belongs there, he goes to the front desk and says "Mr Hmpherphmmpher. I'm part of the Knight party. I believe I have a reservation."

`Many thanks to you, I must retire now. The host will be active another ten minutes, I trust this will be long enough.`

The Bishop icon bows, and moves towards a newly formed exit, at the far corner of the board. Then, there were but the runners. Well, until Manny logs off.

Manny

The counter attendant at the Hilton regards you with a forced calm. Quite obviously she isn't used to having just anyone walk off the street and to her little domain. Under the counter, her hand hovers over the call button for security. When the Knight party is mentioned, however, her entire demeanor changes. A glint of something, perhaps respect, or perhaps spotted opporotunity, reaches her eye, and she's now gushing with friendly vibes.

`Welcome to the Bellvue Hilton Mr. Hmpherphmmpher.`

She actually tries, and suceeds, in pronouncing the psued. Gotta love corporate bootlickers. She waves over a lanky elven teen, in a smart looking bellhop's uniform.

`Richard will take your bag for you, and show you to your suite. If there is anything at all I can do, don't hesistate to ask. We're here for your peace of mind, and to make your stay as comfortable as possible.`

Before he leaves, Manny says "Is there something else you have for me?"
He's expecting a credstick. If she doesn't know what he's talking about, he'll assume it's to be found in his room. If it looks like there's any chance whatsoever to nail this corporate bootlicker, he breaks out the "How you doin'?"

:: Mack disconnects without a further word and exits her communications room. Stretching, she heads for the bathroom and two hours later, she returns to her bedroom looking refreshed. She mulls over the options presenting itself from her closet before selecting a sleek dark blue tailored suit and a flimsey pale blue blouse. She decides on her boots instead of heels for this venture and pulls out a custom made briefcase from the top shelf. ::

:: Now dressed for work, she opens a safe concealed behind the wall trid and grabs the small flip case of chips as well as her jukebox. She fits these as well as her pistol, pocket secretary, electronics tool kit, two seperate identities, 300¥ in cash and 2 credsticks with 5K on each into their designated places in her briefcase. She also removes a black duffel from her office containing her form fit armor, a secure long coat, her SMG and gear harness, her ACDC kit and a generous supply of ammunition. As a last thought, she grabs the smaller electronics bag filled with glasscutters, ultrasound emitter detector, maglock passkey, sequencer, dataline tap, 3 micro-cams, and the case of 8 AOD Transponders and tracking equipment. Satisfied that she has the appropriate standard gear she tosses the large bag over her shoulder and across her chest. She hooks the smaller back over her left shoulder and grabs her briefcase. ::

:: Tossing all her gear in her trunk, she heads to the Hilton and approaches the valet entrance. She engages the valet locks and exits the vehicle with her gear as before. Approaching the front desk she speaks confidently, yet pleasantly at the young woman. ::

"I have a reservation under the Knight party."

Tristan disconnects and resumes manual control of the vehicle. He steers it back towards the house. With a nod to security he is through the gate.

When he reaches his condo he moves to the bedroom. From the closet he collects a black duffle and a garment bag. Into the garment bag go several sets of stylish and discretely armored outfits along with some nonarmored clothing to spice things up.

Into the duffel goes his stealth suit, an armored jacket, the rest of his guns and some ammo. Tristan slips out of the dual shoulder holsters and places the rig in the duffel as well. He keeps the Elite (loaded w/ HiC) on his person. He purposely leaves the credstick with his fake ID on the counter and instead takes a hand full of cash and some certified credsticks for emergencies.

Satisfied with his packing he fishes his cellphone out of his pocket and places a call to the local Country Club (of which his a member, of course), "Hello. this is Tristan Mayerd. I like to reserve a tee time for tomorrow if possible."

He then places a call to the shuttle service and requests transportation to the Bellvue Hilton. When the car arrives, Tristan gets into the backseat and waits for the driver to put his luggage into the trunk.

Upon arrival at the Hilton, Tristan waits for the driver to open the door for him. He tips the driver and says, "Wait here. I'll send someone for the bags." He strolls into the lobby and up to the Reservations Desk. He takes a few seconds to scan the lobby in all its opulence. And people wonder why I like the good life...

To the desk clerk Tristan says, "I'm with the Knight Party. My bags are in a car out front could have them sent to my room?"

Cougar nods and steps out of the bathroom stall he has been using durring the meet. He walks back out into the bar and gives the bartender a nod as he pays his tab. Heading outside, he jumps on his bike and roars through the city towards the meet location. Being that he already has all his gear on him, he drives directly to the hotel and parks the bike. It only takes a moment to retreive his duffle bag from under the seat, then set the alarm.

Moving through the front door of the hotel, Cougar walks directly up to the front counter and says to the clerk, "Knight party. I'm expected."

Stitch blinks as the other icons abruptly log off - he supposes they don't want to hang out in this virtual meeting spot any longer than they have to, and he finds himself in agreement with that sentiment. With a nod to the remaining icons, he signs off the dataterm, and walks back to his apartment.

He uses a Makeover spell on himself, not to make himself a fashion plate but simply to make himself sharp and presentable with little more than a thought. He wears a gold shirt with a slightly metallic sheen, and khaki pants, with brown synthleather walking shoes. He is also wearing form-fitting body armor under it all, and his Ulysses coat. He is wearing his phone, and has his pager and some certified cred on him, but he decides to leave his pocket secretary and fake ID here.

He walks over to one of his military-surplus duffel bags. This one already has his medkit, a spare set of supplies, a biomonitor, some slap patches, a survival kit, and wire clippers in it. He carefully adds his micro-transceiver, and his two transducers with a length of optical cable, in one of the pockets. He probably doesn't need his working gear for this preliminary meeting, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Stitch takes a cab to the hotel, and tips the doorman to take his bag in for him. Walking up to the front desk, he grins easily at the attendant. "I'm with the Knight party. Could you have someone escort me up there, and bring my bag?"

Pili disconnects from the host and pulls the trode rig off his head. Folding them carefully and placing them back into their protective case, he drops them unceremoniously into his pocket. On the way out of the library he waves to the bored looking teenager behind the desk and steps out in the the garish Seattle street.

Hailing a taxi, he gives them the name of the Hilton and the drive looks him over for a moment, perhaps surprised that an Ork would expect to go to such a posh hotel. Slipping the driver a few extra bucks, Pili sits back. Closing his eyes for a moment, he casts healthy glow on himself.

Arriving at the hotel, Pili looks right and left, and moves over toward a seculded bench. Sitting down for a moment he takes a deep breath and summons a spirit of Obatala. As the spirit coalesces on the Astral plane, Pili switches begins to perceive Astrally. Bowing his head low to the spirit, Pili gestures that it should follow him.

Remaining dual natured, Pili rises and looks to be sure that the spirit is behind him. He enters the hotel and goes up to the receptionist, "Hello. My name is Phillip. I'm with the Knight party. Can you help me find their room?" His soft creole accent and his friendly smile make it obvious to the receptionist that this is no normal tusker.

Manny

The woman behind the counter seems flustered by the attention, or revolted, it's hard to tell really, she's so used to pretending to be happy. She checks for something that might have been left behind, and comes up negative.

`I'm sorry, there's nothing here for you. It might be in the room with Mr. Nakaharo.`

The bellhop waits patiently, and then leads Manny to a well appointed suite.

Mack

The woman at the desk seems releived, after greeting Manny, to find someone who truly looks like they belong here as a part of the Knight Party.

`Excellent, I'll have someone come for your things right away. All expenses for your stay have been paid, and if there is anything we can do for you, just call down to the desk.`

Tristan

A brilliant smile crosses the woman's face when Tristan arrives. That's two acceptable guests in the Knight Party so far, three actually, counting the businessman who arrived the night before.

`I'll send Henry out right away. And please accept my warmest welcome, if there's anything you need, just call down, and I'll be happy to help you.`

Perhaps there's an implication there. Money, as it were, talks.

Cougar

The woman frowns a touch as Cougar approaches, looking down to the screen behind the counter. When he announces the party he is with, however, she sighs, though a hidden sigh. So much for the streak of acceptable persons.

`Welcome to the Bellvue Hilton, here is your pass, I'll have someone show you to your room.`

No offer of additional help, a veiled attempt at hiding her contempt.

Stitch

Quite an eclectic party that has gather, the woman observed to himself. This one had the air of a professional about him. Not their usual clientele, but still, quite acceptable. Perhaps he was in town for a convention.

`Right away sir, and welcome to the Bellvue Hilton. If you need anything, simply call down, and we'll be happy to help you.`

Pili

Immaculate appearance, cultured voice, accent or not, there is still an air of suspicion about the woman. This much shows in her aura. Still, she puts on a professional smile.

`Welcome to the Bellvue Hilton, I'd be more than happy to have Henry show you to the suite. Have a wonderful stay.`


All

As you arrive, each in your own time, to the suite, you find that not just one of the rooms has been rented, but the entire corner of a floor. The main suite, however, is the most luxurious of the lot. The entire room is poshly laid out in the finest of furnishings, something you might expect to see in a mansion. The central area of the room lowers down in several tiers, one of which forms seating to surround the area. (Anyone who's seen Boondock Saints, picture the Russian's hotel room). Upon a section of that seating area, reading an old paperback copy of The Art of War, is a simply dressed Japanese man. If asked, he introduces himself as Mr. Nakaharo, and insists they wait until everyone has gathered before he answers questions.

Upon a small table in the lowered area sits a case, and a pocket secretary. The case contains optical chips, presumably the information on the run.

:: Mack enters the suite comfortably and decends into the sitting area where her host is waiting. She pleasantly introduces herself and offers a respectable bow before inquiring about the available chips. ::

"Do you mind if I begin to review the information?"

As Pili enteres the room he whistles sharply. Glancing around he sees that he's the last to arrive. Looking around the room and seeing a few somewhat familiar faces he squints for a moment and snorts. "Seems our religious friend has done his homework," he says to no one in particular, his soft sothern creole accent betraying his origins in New Orleans. "Before anyone asks, the spirit following me is here to support our endeavors."

Moving to sit with the rest of the group, Pili notices the optical chips and sighs. "Someone's going to have to summarize that for me," he says pointing at the chips, "as I have no way of extracting the information from such things at the moment."

:: Mack sighs, picks up the chip and slots it in the pocket secretary. Taking a moment to punch in a few commands, she brings the data up on the screen and hands it to Pili. ::

"There are many ways to pull data from such media."

"Thank you. I had assumed that the equipment was not for our usage."

As the others make their way in, Manny comes out of the bathroom in a big white robe, with a big white towel over his shoulder, and a tumbler of scotch and rocks in his hand. He smiles and says, "Hi all, I'll be dressed in a few".
He couldn't resist a shower followed by a bath with honest to god real 21 year old scotch from the honor bar.
Wishing he had more appropriate garb, he dresses in clean jeans, boots and tshirt. "I will buy some higher end stuff as soon as I get paid" he says to himself. Five minutes later, he's back in the suite with the others.
"Hey, can you project that on the wall or something?"

The front door opens and in walks Cougar, a hulking Ork who looks as if he would be more comfortable in combat fatiges than the jeans, t-shirt, and long coat he is currently wearing. In one hand he holds a small military duffle bag. He meets everyone's eyes and gives a nod to say hello, then drops his bag next to one of the larger chairs as he floops into it.

He then reaches into a pocket and pulls out a cigar, lights it up and takes a few puffs. Blowing smoke out in rather large rings, he glances around, "So whens the show gunna get started?"

:: Mack moves to the bar and pours a glass full of tonic water, then heads over to Cougar and smiles as she abruptly snatches the cigar from his hand and douses it in the tonic water. ::

"Why don't we try and keep from poluting the room for at LEAST the first hour, shall we?"

:: She then hands the glass and his now soaked cigar back to him. ::

Changing the topic away from issues of smoking vs. air pollution, Pili begins: "I recognize a few of you, but not everyone. My name is Pili. I'm a houngan. For those unfamiliar with the voodoo traditions of the old French South, I can answer any questions you might have later. I can use a gun when I need to and I can hold my own with this," he says as he pats the whip coiled at his belt, "but usually I prefer to try and distract my oponents whilst I deal with what I need to deal with."

Manny says "Hi Pili. Hello all. For those that don't know, my name is Manny. I specialize in close in combat. I've been studying Excrima since I was about 3, and I'm a world class stick fighter. In addition to being a major talent with the tattoo needle, I know a little bit about a lot of other stuff, and I'm well connected on the South Side. I'm in this for the bucks, but I'll never turn my back on a friend. Or an enemy for that matter. I'm looking forward to rescuing our Johnson, and making some major cash."

Courgar mumbles "Bitch" under his breath and sets the glass aside.

"Yeah, alright, my name is Cougar. I got you covered for combat from range and up-close-and-personal."

:: Mack can't help smiling just a bit, but supresses it instantly as she looks over the crew. ::

"I am Mack. I'll fill in just about anywhere you need extra skills, from combat to electronics to computers as well as interacting with others. Think of me as a face with unlimited skills. However, I find it interesting that several of you seem to know one another. Would you mind enlightening us as to who knows who?"

"Its more a friend of a friend kinda thing. I've heard a few names before, but haven't spent any time in a circle jerk with 'em."

To the desk clerk: He smiles politely and leans one arm on the counter separating the two, "Thank you, Miss...[waits for her to answer]. I sure everything will be fine."

Upon entering the suite, Tristan tells the bellhop to place his bags in one of the rooms and tips him generously.

Tristan turns to survey the scene before him, his eyes float over the familiar and unfamiar faces alike. His gaze lingers slightly on the woman, Hmmmm, might have potential....

"Manny, Stitch." Gives the whats-up-nod to each, "long time no see. how ya doin'? For the rest of you, my name's Tristan and we can just say that I'm 'capable' at what we do."

He turns to Mack, his eyes narrow slightly and his brow creases, "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

When asked about the information, the Japanese man nods with practiced deference, and indicates he is merely there to field any questions they may have.

The disks contain profiles on their target, the facility where their target works and lives, and the drop point. As well, there is a city map with several extraction routes already highlighted, in case it is needed.

:: Mack levels a gaze at Cougar. ::

"And just how many circle jerks have you been involved with and, giving at that's your method of determining friendship. how many friends DO you have?"

:: Mack inwardly cheers up. It's always fun to find the antagonist of the bunch. ::

:: Mack takes a glance at Tristan and mentally places him. ::

Two years ago, last Christmas. The ParaZoological Society Ball. He was escorting the daughter of DuraBionotics CFO, Miranda Bradley, though his eyes wandering plenty. Conartist Im sure, too bad I was too busy with Townsend to pay more attention.

"Yes, but it doesn't bear mentioning."

I knew I knew that voice.

"Thought so," Tristan says to Mack. He nods, "It was thing we were at a while back..."

He smiles inwardly at her comment to the big ork, She was the same ice slitch then, too.

Tristan turns the Japanese company man and executes a short bow, "Greetings. I am called Tristan. As to your question, I will require transportation for our team. A van would be acceptable. An SUV would be better. Something with good acceleration, preferably. Can you arrange that?"

Stitch greets the Japanese man, and the other runners that he knows, warmly. He spots the datachips and casually slots one in his datajack, then turns to the strangers with a slight bow. "Greetings, all. The name's Stitch, and I'm, well, kind of something between a street doc and an emergency med tech. I am an expert at both mundane and magical first aid, and unlike other docs I am right at the scene. I'll make sure that everybody, including our employer, gets out in one piece."

He looks at the new people with bright, amiable curiosity. Mack and Cougar don't seem to ruffle his feathers, although he smiles faintly when Mack "disposes" of Cougar's cigar.

:: Mack turns from Cougar and faces off with Tristan. ::

"Perhaps we should review the information as a group and hammer out all the details before we give Nakaharo-san our shopping list."

Trisntan meets her gaze evenly and cocks his head slightly to the right, "I agree. However, I was operating under the assumption that you didn't want to tire out your pretty little feet by walking all over the sprawl. "

He turns back to the company man, "My appologies, Nakaharo-san, for speaking out of turn. Please excuse my haste." With that Tristan executes a second bow. This one deeper than the first.

Manny, without a smile, or a bow to the Japanese man, says "there should be a credstick with my name on it. I'd like to have it."

Courgar just leans back and kicks his feet up, a big grin spreading his face. "You got spunk sister, but you still owe me a stoge."

Target

Clarence Fischer
Born: May 20, 2038, Seattle

|Photograph Attatched|

Fisher is currently working at Novatech's Matrix Systems subsidiary, with it's primary office in Bellvue. His rise in the company has been nothing short of meteoric. He began his work for the company straight out of MIT&T, where he attended on a full corporate scholarship. He currently possesses a PHD in Matrix Engineering, and Spatial Geometry. Fischer is the head of Novatech's Matrix Architecture research group, and has been credited as project lead on several recent groundbreaking discoveries of theirs. He resides in an appartment complex attatched to the office building.

Novatech Matrix Systems

The role of this subsidiary is split between R&D and Technical Support for Novatech hosted Matrix systems. While no actual host systems reside on the grounds, the building is secured because of the sensative nature of their R&D department. On site security is maintained by Knight Errant; Matrix security by in house staff.

The complex consists of a three story office building, with attatched five story apartment complex. The buildings are connected via an enclosed walkway, and are entirely self contained. The grounds are picturesque, and cover two city blocks with an artificial pond on the premeis, allowing the residents a scenic place to relax. Parking for visitors is aboveground, with controlled underground parking for employees.

Security works on a passive carding system. Cards come in three levels of access (Visitor, Employee, Restricted) and afford personnel access to different areas of the building. There are also three teirs of Matrix access on site as well.

Provided

The group is provided with a blueprint of the buildings, as well as a satellite shot of the grounds themselves. They are also provided with Employee passes. Certified Credsticks with agreed upon advance are waiting as well.

Cougar checks his employee pass, trying to figure out which level clearance the group was granted.

:: Mack scans over the information, checking off items of importance as well as generating a mental list of the items that need to be flushed out. Once she has finished, she turns to their host and flashes him her most diplomatic smile. She bows just enough to show respect, but not enough to demean her own level of importance and speaks in flawless japanese. ::

"Nakaharo-san, thank you greatly for honoring us by hand delivering this important information. I also beg your forgiveness, but the nature of our work requires secure communications regarding the planning stages of our mission. Would it be possible to have some privacy to discuss this matter and contact you later when we have a clear and concise idea of the additional information we will need?"

:: She maintains her bow throughout her speech and then looks eye to eye with him as she waits his response. ::

The sraman rises from his seat, and returns the bow.

`This would be most acceptable. I shall be in the hotel for the duration of your stay. Should you need me, simply contact the front desk, or use the hotel's matrix to page me.`

Nakaharo bows to the rest of the group, and makes his exit.

:: Mack watches him leave with quiet composure, but immediately following his retreat she moves to the smaller of her two duffle bags and pulls out a rating 8 bug scanner and tosses it to Tristan before pulling out 3 white noise generators and a signal scanner. ::

"Find the bugs. This guy wouldn't be professional if he didn't bug the place."

:: She then heads down into the sitting area that looks like the best place to begin their base of operations and takes a seat in the large armchair which seems to serve as the de facto head chair. Flipping on the scanner, she spends several minutes adjusting the device searching for any signals covering the hotel room from drones to electronics. ::

:: Next, she rises and flips on one of the white noise generator and places it up against the window, securing an attached suction cup against the glass in order to disrupt any long range surveillance decives such as shotgun or laser mics. She repeats the proceedure on the second window as well before closing the heavy hotel curtains. Next she sets the remaining white noise generator on the center of the table before taking her seat once more. ::

"Alright. Let's begin."

Cougar leans back and brings up the data with his Image Link.

"So what kind of access to the building are these passes gunna give us?"

:: Mack scowles slightly as Tristan comes back empty. Wordlessly, she takes the bug scanner and spends an extra 10 minutes scanning the hotel room once more for bugs. Satisfied that it's not Tristan's failure, but the salaryman's, she mumbles unintelligably under her breath as she takes a seat. ::

Mental note: Just lazy or stupid. Must modify my bow for our next encounter.

"It looks like just about everything but individual apartments and the security centers. If we need that though, I should be able to spoof us past anything necessary."

"How are you guys on sneaking around? I'm pretty much a ghost, but we'll need everyone to be on this one."

"I can be quite stealthy when necessary, but I think that I would be even more invisible as a corp'er."

:: She smiles slightly at this. ::

"I tend to pull off the corp look rather easily, and I have the skills to back it up."

Cougar nods, "Works for me."