Ambalo eyed the unusual pair.

"That's them? Doesn't that burning spirit kinda stick out like a sore thumb, though?"

12:45 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa
(PAN:Passive)

Hammer spent a moment considering what Ghoster said before speaking, "I know about the bounty and I know it's going to draw some really nasty characters out of the woodwork, quite a few of them I've worked with. I was just expecting it to take longer for them to find me. If that's going to be a problem I can quite the team, no hard feelings. Although I have to ask how you know about Oakland and the WTO."

12:46 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

"Ambalo, this is good sign! If two such as these can hide for a long time, then this must be really good safe house."

12:46 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)
"You've got a point. Anyway, if we're done here, we should probably start getting ready to move tonight."

Ambalo arched out his arms and pushed himself up from his seat. Anyone looking would notice the fact that he was comfortably standing on all four limbs, the arms long enough to give the impression of a gorilla.

12:46 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)


"Sounds good to me, mate. Yazata, Fedora? Anyone else?", Solo is quite happy to give anyone a lift, to the recon site or his warehouse, and waits until everyone is done here. "Finally something I'm useful at."

"Before we go though", looking at Ghoster, "I'd like to see if you can help me procure some drones as well. Here's the specs on them."
<<@Ghoster: >>Upload File: Drones.sch?<< >>

"Something to help keep the opposition busy when we're comin' out."

Once everyone is ready to go, Solo leads you all out of the resturant and looks to his right. "There she is mates." His "ute" is what appears to be a beat up Rover2068. Rearward on the roof, is a turreted Vindicator mini-gun that is occasionally moving and pointing at anything and anyone who walks too close to it. "It's not much to look at, but it'll work for the occasional scoot around Lagos."

"It will not be a problem. In fact, it will be an asset. To answer both concern and curiosity, I will say that my employers have intelligence that suggests WTO and the Shedim are working together in some capacity. Personally, I've known Oakland for our dealings past, but I never suspected this of him. The extent of his association with the Shedim we do not know, but we shall once we get the Master Shedim.

Fortunately, we have a window in the next fews days when WTO won't know you're here. It takes some time for Shedim to come back to this world once they've been disrupted. It'll be a while before the scout tracking you will report back."

12:47 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN: passive)

"Hmm. Looks like good truck for this place." Yazata eyes the gun on top and waits for Solo to clear the way before approaching too close. He contemplates the map Yareen displayed for them and begins planning his magical survey.

12:46 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

Ambalo gave the minigun and truck and appraising look.
"Seems solid enough, chummer. I'd ride it. The gun on top looks like a bitch to dodge while it's shooting at you."

He put a hand about where his appendix should've been, had he not been given an unexpected appendectomy by minigun.

12:47 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(Honeypot: passive)

"Shotgun." Fedora grins as he gives the Ute a one over, his cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth. "Mind if I smoke in your vehicle?"

1:30 3 February 2072 Alimosho, Lagos, Africa

Mukulu spotted the truck coming driving down the alley and itched to blast it. However, her chaperone would have to take her back for more therapy sessions, and thought better of shooting the car.

Aiming her directed transceiver, she messaged <<Yo, recon team to runners, you're clear on the approach. Park behind the building, and I'll meet ya down there.>> Following Yareen's message, she sent along a little motion pic of her shiny face.

Meeting her, the runners get the feeling she's military, or at least was. She speaks Yoruban very coarsely. "Listen you jackasses, I'm Mukulu. I've been ordered to help your mission recon. Beneath this building is a sewer entrance that'll lead you to the facility. Don't get into trouble down there, or you'll blow this op."

1:30 3 February 2072, Alimosho District, Lagos, Africa
(PAN:passive)

Yazata laughs. He is used to this kind of treatment from some of the spirits he summons. He almost feels at home here.

In Yoruban, he responds, "Thanking you for your kind welcome. Is good to hear entry to sewers exists here, but I am not needing that yet. I am just needing quiet space inside ... place-for-hiding-out... and five to six hours to deal with spirit and make a magical survey of the area. Please for to show us your fine place-for-hiding-out."

Mukulu snickered. "Fine fine mage boy, up this way"

Mukulu lead the group to a room on the 3rd floor. Although the walls were cosmetically bad, the revealed internal structure of metal I-beams looked new. On several the floors, several families resided in rooms. They eyed the team suspiciously but did nothing.

"Here from this room we've got a line-of-sit to the building. We're looking south, so we've got good fields of view for the rear loading dock and the main front entrance."

To Yazata, the rooms adjoining the lookup room were very nice. There was not hint of a abnormal background count. It seemed a good place to do his work.

12:45 to 1:30, Various, Lago, Africa
Matrix Corporate Node 317

During the drive over, it became apparent to Fedora that the tentacled icon was a user. The mumbled words was a hidden encrypted message.

Each of the portals contained a standard user ID and account privileges check. It was obvious that they went to other nodes with the internal network. For the portals Fedora got a better read on, there were built in triggers for unauthorized access. In addition, those portals had an immediate lock down for any unsuccessful Exploit attempt.

Ambalo considered his options on the way up. After Mukulu finished speaking, he started talking in a casual Yoruban.
"Anything interesting on a regular basis down where we can see? I doubt I'll have much to do while my little friend here does his thing" He poked a thumb at Yazata. "Not that I can see astral anymore, but I can see good otherwise."

He paused. "While we're at it, anything we should watch for *inside* this place?" He whispered to her.

1:30 3 February 2072, Alimosho District, Lagos, Africa
(Honeypot:passive)

Fedora sits slouched in the truck, his hat pulled down over his face. His attention elsewhere as his persona shifts into VR. His icon that of a cartoony spy in pure black.

Time to turn things up a notch

His icon pulls out a briefcase from nowhere, and starts pulling out gadget, all branded with the Acme label. He then reaches into the bag to pull out a Code Sprite to help him with his work. His arm recoils in pain, the fingers of his icon mangled as if they had gotten caught in something.



SLOTTING HELL

<<@team: Anything have anything for a migraine?>>

1:35 - ?, 3 February 2072, hideout in Alimosho District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

Yazata surveys the room and the view and finds them to his liking. He sets up a comfortable place to perform the Summoning and Binding of a fire spirit to help with his detection of structures and pathways in and around the target facility. He waits for the materials to do the Binding to arrive, and prepares the map which Yareen has provided the team. "This will be a good base map for me to edit with what I learn."

In the process of waiting, he contemplates the way his dealings with spirits have gone in Lagos so far. Despite his finding places relatively free of background count, he has consistently suffered difficulties and Drain from his Conjuring attempts, including his latest work to prepare for this mission. There must be something in Lagos that is opposing him. He has an uneasy feeling that his teammates may be affected with the same bad luck. Yazata decides to use a smaller, weaker spirit than he had planned. "Oh well. Better to be safe than take a risk just to make use of every Nuyen."

When the materials arrive, Yazata sets to work. He decides to Summon a fire spirit just powerful enough to have the ability to Guard against bad luck. The little guy is learning.

"Come to me, O spirit of Fire, seeker of mysteries, immolater of ignorance."

"I am here, Angelic One, though I wish to be elsewhere. You have drawn me from a game of chance which promised great rewards. Do not expect me to be happy with serving you."

"This is as it has been in this accursed city. But I have need of your Powers, and will Bind you for a short time."

"Do so, then, at your peril!"

The ritual ensues, with the spirit dancing and darting around the astral space of the room. Its movements settle along with its attitude as Yazata encircles it with power. The mana flows through him effortlessly, leaving not a mark. Yazata dares not think that his string of bad luck has ended.

"I am ready to serve you, Master."


"Good. Let us begin. I need you to protect my spellcasting from going awry, and to lend your power to mine as I seek knowledge of this place. Once my spell is complete, you will have discharged your services and will be free to go."

"I understand, Angelic One." The spirit spreads itself around Yazata's astral form, filtering the mana as Yazata draws it, and magnifying it, like a lens, adding its power to Yazata's. Yazata feels exhilaration as the spell works perfectly, and the flow of mana is as free and gentle as a breeze. Perhaps the righteousness of this mission colours his fortune. He can only hope.

Yazata's sight extends into the astral and into every distant corner. Walls and other barriers dissolve in his sight. Much becomes clear. Mapping as he goes, he starts at the safe house, examines it, and then follows the underground route to the facility, and methodically searches the whole building. Then with remaining time, he spreads his search outwards from the building, scanning the surrounding area.

12:45 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa

Afrika sat in the background quietly for the rest of the meeting and merged with the group as they left. He left a Watcher with a list of requests for Yareen.

He quietly accepted the offer of a lift to the warehouse with the others. He was observing the others, watching the flow of mana and emotion through their auras.

When Fedora spiked and warped burning crimson fading to dull throbbing umber he leaned over and spoke in a deep sonorous tone.

Do you have a medkit? Izoduwa is quite skilled at mitigating such pain.

While a medkit was located he magically sterilized the Yute, when it was supplied he flicked through it rapidly, selecting a couple of skin patches from the feel of the edges of the packets, applied them and then skilfully began to massage Fedora's shoulders and neck.

Mukulu replied, "Nothing much, the locals have some good stories, but they hold out on us. It took Ghoster a week to let us setup shop let alone tell us what they've heard. What we can see should be interesting. Before you arrived, there was truck that off-loaded some hardware. See if you can make out what it is before I send it up."

Adding back in a whisper, "Everything that'll scare a civilian to pieces. Starting a week ago, I did an infiltration, and the 2nd floor is more menacing than the schematics. It disorienting maze of cryptic symbols written in blood. Sure the rooms and corridors are square, but it don't seem that. Guard-wise, they keep rotating out of different bodies, so it's hard to assess their strength."

2:00, Alimosho, Lagos

The spirit accompanying Mukulu departs and return escorting a familiar guest. The spirit who contacted Yazata arrived and cheerfully carried the reagents in. The materials were of excellent quality.

2:15, Alimosho, Lagos

The safe house was well chosen; the support structures appeared reinforced by the numerous joints and connectors. The intricacy and organization of the work suggested even to an untrained observer that the building had been professionally reinforced.

The sewers were a different matter. The direct line to the Shedim facility was blocked in many ares by collapsed piping and rubble. However, there existed several lines going to the facility in a very round about way. Though still holding refuse, they had clearance for a zig zagged path through different adjoining buildings before going into the direction of the facility. However, Yazata was too far away to actually see if the sewer connected with the facility. He only say the large piping lead into the direction of the facility before disappearing at the edge of his spell.

2:00, Alimosho, Lagos
(PAN:passive, skinlink only)

"Guard strength shouldn't be too big an issue unless they bring out miniguns or spirits...or both. At any rate, I'll take in what I can from here." Ambalo headed over to the window and peered at the loading bay, using all the vision types at his disposal, and taking images of anything even remotely interesting and storing them in his commlink.

1:00 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa.
(PAN: Passive)

Hammer watched the others leave as he considered Ghoster's words. Oakland working with Shedim didn't actually surprise him as much as he thought it should. In retrospect it didn't surprise him at all, Kano had learned some very interesting and disturbing facts about his employer ever since he'd decided to run. Oakland and the WTO sanctioned disasters and mayhem in the name of wealth and influence and Kano had been a part of that. He'd been used; a puppet but that didn't excuse his actions. Maybe, with Ghoster's help he could do something about the WTO. "Well, I'm in this as far as it goes. I'm committing all my remaining resources to this venture. I just hope that when the dust settles some good will have come of it. Now, didn't you say that there was someone I could talk to about explosives?"

12:45 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa

Afrika feels Fedora's muscles relax, although he remains in his out of body state.

@Afrika: Thanks chummer, that helped a lot. Now wish me luck, this place must be cursed

His icon kicks the black bag and he straightens his hat, then opens it again. Maybe something a bit less ambitious, although I've never had that much trouble before...... His icon pulls up a sleeve and reaches in, rummaging around before pulling out a small whirling ball of Matrix Code which morph's into a humanoid shape.



"Your First task will be to decrypt this hidden message" Fedora's icon pulls a piece of paper from his long jacket and hands it to the sprite before looking back to the 3 portals. Now to prove my worth. Fedora's Icon begins to grow darker and more shadowy, fading into the background as his eyes begin to glow with an inner light.

19:00, 3 February 2072, Safe house, Alimosho District, Lagos

Yazata descends the stairs to the main level, looking to see who is there. He has an AR map of approaches to the target ready to share with his teammates. He seems not too happy with his results, but... Ahura Mazda tests us all to the limits of our abilities.

As Yazata was descending the staircase, the message came in on his commlink from Ghoster:

<<@Yazata: I hope the reagents arrived without issue. As for the respirator and armor, I will getting that from my supplier. Expect to receive it where ever you might be!>>

12:45 to 13:30, 3 February 2072,Various Districts, Lago

As Eyez drove the van to the front of the restaurant, Ghoster lead the 2nd group out of the restaurant. "Everyone, we're heading to the docks. Make sure you're not shy about showing your weapons and muscle. There will be lots of mercs and weapons dealers."

Eyez gave a nod while Ghoster took a seat on the right middle seat of the van. Yareen ushered everyone else into the van and took the shot-gun seat.

For those interested, Ghoster explained his take on the economic geography of Lagos. The divisions and districts in Lagos generally kept every one stuck in particular social classes. Since reliable and fast transportation was difficult and available only to people with means, most of the population of Lagos could find work move to a more prosperous district. The roadblocks didn't help either by imposing a cost for any type of social mobility. Thus, any risk belonging to socio-economic upward movement was exacerbated by the physical layout and transportation economics in the city.

However, this unfortunate state lead to an interesting fact: any wealthy or important individual with means could be readily identified their relative movement to the rest of the population. If an individual or group of individuals could be tracked by say a commlink, then individuals with higher mobility throughout the city could be pinpointed. Thus surveillance in Lagos by analyzing population movement was possible.

As an aside, Ghoster noted that the team should note that he isn't the only one to think of this idea. He encourages the team to be very discrete with they net traffic. They'll also get some supplies to help with hiding their digital presence.

Ghoster is also happy to talk about a variety of other topics.

Checkpoints were a cinch to pas through. Yareen merely batted her eyes, and they were let through.

13:30, 3 February 2072, Apapa District, Lagos

The van pulled up to the outskirts of a open-air market. From the van's parking spot, it looked very standard with various goods out in the open. Ghoster commented, "The good stuff is further in the market. Everyone follow me!"

Ghoster, Eyez, and Yareen departed the vehicle. On the astral, a spirit integrated itself into the vehicle. Yareen turned to the spirits and said, "Old friend, be kind to ruffians. They're just trying to make a living. We don't want any deaths this time." She patted the van and flanked Ghoster.

===

Deeper into the market, the relevant merchandise was on display. Guns, knives, swords, artillery, vehicle parts. However, Ghoster walked straight past those. "We have a contact to meet up. We can do some other shopping after we talk to him." Ghoster lead the group to a indoors section of the market. Suddenly an Arabic man appeared in front of them. Ghoster remained non-plussed and smiled, "Hussain! Good to see you! Do I find you in good health" The Arabic man laughed. "Ghoster my old friend! You find me well and rejuvenated. Praise you and Allah!"

"Praise Allah indeed!"

"My friend, come right this way; I have the things you requested upstairs"

Hussain lead to the group to a wall of the indoor market and to a stair case to the 3rd floor. The concrete walls had a distinct odor of hookah, cinnamon and almonds. Hussain lead them to a room where crates were positioned against the wall.

Hussain addressed the group, "Everything you need is here. Please inspect the merchandise!"

19:00, 3 February 2072, Safe house, Alimosho District, Lagos
(PAN: active)

<<@Ghoster:Thanking you very much. Arriving is good for all the magical items.>>

(PAN: passive)

13:30, Matrix Corporate Node 317, Lagos

The code sprite grunted as it went through yet another decryption algorithm. If it had't been for the delivery, any one else would think the message was a bunch of noise from another CPU thread.

Finally, the code sprite employed a prime number base to an attempt, and decoded the message. It read:

"Help us! They've warped my friends into shedim creatures and they're trying to make us the same! Send back a message on this encryption if you break through. Please take us anywhere but here! I'm located on the 2nd floor with 5 others on the north wing. They've got 20 folks held in basement. Plus, there's a captured free sprite that's been around."

19:00, 3 February 2072, Safe house, Alimosho District, Lagos

As Yazata moved down the stairs, he felt the astral change around him. Turning around, the spirit with the recon team looked at him. "I will mask you with the best of my ability."

Continuing to the outside, Yazata could sense the rest of the sewers leading to the facility were relatively free of obstructions. Before turning back however, he suddenly noticed a structure that stood out. In an adjacent complex there was basement that showed no signs of disrepair and was full of large equipment. It appeared this basement had an external ramp that lead to the ground level.

"Dwarf! Identify yourself!" cried a voice in the distance. Yazata saw a laser dots appear near him. Peering over his cover, he saw several men in the adjacent complex windows aiming at him.

13:30-19:00

Ambalo watched as the workers unloaded 5 full trucks with equipment. Most were clearly labeled food stuffs or medicines, but in between those cases were many unpleasant things. Ambalo could easily identify mobile anti-infantry, anti-vehicle grenade auto-cannons, anti-air missile launchers, automated turrets, and ammunition. Curiously, the ammunition was identified as incendiary or shock. There were no explosive, armor piercing, or anti-personnel rounds amongst the materials delivered

Around 5:00 as the sun was setting, the last of the supplies had been off-loaded. The trucks made their departure.

From 5:00 on, there was minimal activity.

19:00, 3 February 2072, Safe House, Alimosho District, Lagos
(PAN: active -- no shit!)

<<@ all in the network: Help all of you! I am outside. About to getting shot from building next door. Men with guns in windows. Is having much equipment in basement. They seem to knowing I am studying at building.>>

Once the message is delivered, Yazata concentrates a moment and casts Improved Invisibility on himself while ducked behind cover. The spell feels weak, so he considers his next move carefully.

13:30-19:00, 3 February 2072, Safe House, Alimosho District, Lagos
(PAN: passive)
As Ambalo peered at the shipments and noted the big guns, he gave a low whistle and took pictures for his PAN. Now there's an arsenal I'd love to play with. Guess I better let the fella's in on the shock and burn ammo though.
(PAN: active)
@Team: Our special friends like to use fire and electric ammo in his guns, just thought you should know. Oh, and I think they're compensating for something...

19:00
(PAN: active)

@Yazata: If they haven't shot you yet, then what do they want? Otherwise, ass inside now.
Ambalo activated his chameleon coating and thermal damping before rushing for the door. He'd sneak up to the door if no shots were fired, but action would send him sprinting.

13:30, Matrix Corporate Node 317, Lagos

Fedora looks over the message as it's handed to him by the code sprite. How very odd.... How are prisoners getting a message out.... and with such sophisticated encryption?...... Unless...... He looks over the message for the resonance signature that could only belong to a technomancer.

@team: We have a complication. One of my friends just cracked the encryption on some traffic in the nodes lobby. The message indicates 6 friendlies 2nd floor north wing, and 20 more in the basement. Indicates his friends have been.... warped... into Shedim. Not sure how a prisoner got out a message like this though. They're requesting a reply. I'm going to investigate more and remain mute for now. Any of that mojo you guys are slinging back up their story?

Well, at least this gives me a place to start. Now are they going to be under security or.... Fedora's icon visibly shudders at the thought projects

Choosing the more palatable option his icon drifts over too the security portal, a veritable wraith of the matrix, and pulls out a stethoscope from his long black jacket before holding it up to the portal, his other hand starting to twirl an invisible dial.

19:01, 3 February 2072, Safe House, Alimosho District, Lagos
(PAN: active)

Yazata figures Ambalo is right, but doesn't trust spells and concealment enough to be brazen in his actions, so he slithers/sneaks back into the house.