AP Seattle 13April70
A tall, very female Elf stands amidst rubble and burned out buildings. Her Tres Chic suit hugs her gym sculpted body like a glove. The white blouse strains the buttons to cover her porn star bosom. Her long blond hair coils down her head and shoulders like rings of spun gold.

Behind her sever men in Knight Errant uniforms hunker down behind a barricade. They are dressed in full tactical gear and sling FN-Hars. Debris and occasional richochet's explode off their cover. They pop up to return fire with controlled bursts of professionals.

The elf points to the men behind her. "These brave officers of Knight Errant are in the Northern Barrens today fighting against a suspected cell of Alamos 20k. The Cell was revealed by brave men of the Knight Errant Security Forces. Now they have been pinned down to a 4 block area."

A grenade whistles over the barricade, lands just behind the guards and explodes. The shockwave ripples out flattening the KE shock troops. The blast wave slams into a glimmering barrier that appears behind the Elf.

"The Commander of the forces tells me they will have the threat under control in the next 48 hours. From Redmond this is Jessica Albeal reporting."

0400 14Apr2070

It was early. Really early. The sun was still showering the East Coast with pleasent cancer rays while the west was snoozing away, oblivious to the coming doom. The commlink flashed the tail tail of a incoming message. It was from Jonus, your new fixer, the one that replaced the mouthy guy who got geeked last month. Jonus seemed on the up an up, always very professional. He also sent the very best work to the team. Today was no different. Except that it was 0400.

The message opened with the 'encrypted' animation so that you knew the signal was secure.

Team: Great Job op. Meeting is set for 0900 north west of the barrens on the 405 at the border of Snohomish. There is a bar called "Devil in the Dark". come ready to run. Smuggling job. Call me if they double cross. Johnsons name is Denver.

The message ends with a map to the spot, as well as an updated map download of redmond, along with updated intel on gang activity in the barrens.

0400 14Apr2070

The commcall routes directly into the datajack. As the call ends Mandy rolls over slowly. Kill him and dump him in the river, nobody 'll ever find him she thinks. Jerhomey would never call this early She props herself up on her elbows, and looks over at the sleeping form snoring quietly beside her. Man what a night she gently kisses Reggie's cheek, and starts getting ready for her day. She amuses herself with thoughts of what Buddy and Doby could do to the fixer in the shower. As she exits the shower she checks the medicine cupboard. Drek, no Haul, need to get some As she exits the bathroom she notices her boyfriend has woken. "Sorry lover, got a job. I didn't want to wake you." she says. Reggie nods sleepily. "Hey, you wanna come with?" She wiggles her rear end suggestively. "Frag no, BGC, I'm wiped." states the technomancer tiredly. "Kay, see you when I can, nova stuff" she remarks. the young man nods again and rolls over. Lucky skunk thinks the girl, kissing him on the on the cheek again. She dresses in her meet clothes, making sure the Fichetti is tucked in it's holster. Little upscale for a bar, but what the drek? Mandy grabs her purse and commlink, and tucks a clip of gel and stick n shock in the handbag. She summons Fergie the Flyspy with a thought and tucks the micro into the slowly filling purse. On a whim she grabs her iBall and tucks it in as well. All set I hope' She jogs lightly down the stairs into the garage. Quickly she clambers into her Bulldog, and fires up the engine.

Mandy runs a Level One Diagnostic on the van's systems and smiles happily when everything comes back with green lights. "Shotgun" she says. "Well, howdy there, boss lady" Her AR vision fills with a crusty old cowboy sitting on a stage coach wielding a suprisngly large shotgun. "It's barely first light, what's yer bother?" The old man speaks with suprisngly accurate accent. "No bother Shotgun, I know what time it is, but we've got ourselves a bit of courier work." She addresses the Agent lightly. "Well hot damn! I guess it's about time! You want Lefty to drive?" The cowboy indicates a younger man standing beside the stagecoach. "Yes, find a Stuffer between here and the meet would you Lefty?" Mandy asks as she enters the addy from the commcall. The younger man nods quietly and the van's Pilot program slips into gear. Mandy smiles and closes the AR window. When she asked MD for a police band scanner she never expected this. Sometimes that boy is too deep in his p-Chip she muses. When the van arrives at the Stuffer she hops out and quickly grabs herself a bottle of caffine pills, a pastry and a soykaf. After eating her improvised breakfast Mandy switchs her link to Passive and sends a quick IM. "Hey guys, it's Polly anybody want to carpool?" She waits for a response and then heads off to the first pickup.

[I]The air is smokey in the saloon, especially at the large wooden table used to play cards at. Coins of large denominations (Double Eagles etc) as well as paper money is mounting in the center of the table. A gruff looking cowboy in dusty clothes with a face and hat that havent been washed in weeks barks out "Well you in or aint you? Make a damn bet already." A window opens to the right in the scene. The new fixer gives his speel and then the window closes. "You deaf or just dumb?" The gruff cowboy barks out angrily. The well dressed gambler slyly replies in a southern drawl "You that antsy to lose? Or, perhaps you think you can bluff by buffalloing the table...you're a daisy if you do." "God Dammit play yer damn hand or fold will ya!" The cowboy calls out loudly, his shout is accompanied by the scraping of chairs pushing back from the table.


Player: Bill Sixshooter has challenged you to a duel
ACCEPT or DECLINE


A quick mental thought, fast as an electon can travel on a custom deck, accepts.

The cowboy stands while pushing the chair back as he draws. The table splinters as the bullet punctures through it. The gambler not wasting anytime to bother standing he has fired the pistol in his left hand deftly underneath the table. The cowboy staggers back as the gambler draws and raises the other gun with his right hand above the table and fires both.

The saloon falls silent "I guess that was a call by the late gentleman" The gambler says almost tauntingly. One by one the assmbled gamblers, minus the cowboy scoot back in and silently lay their cards out on the table. The gambler lays out a hand of Aces and Eights as he coyly says "My my, isnt that peculicar."

The game tallys the winnings as D.C. begins the log off process.

It's late for most but, D.C. can go on for days if the need is great or the game is good.

D.C. opens up a window in reply to Mandy's question "I do indeed need a ride. I've already taken the liberty of programming it in for you."

0400 14Apr2070

Satchel was shaken awake as the message came in on his comm. He pulled up the display and looked over the message, then glanced at the time. "Frak, early enough Jonus." Satchel swore outloud to the empty room of his condo in Bellevue.

Knowing Mandy, she'll be outside in 10 minutes ready to go, so I best get moving.

Even knowing that the team's driver would be waiting soon it took a few minutes for Satchel to get his body and mind moving. Once his brain had booted up such as it was he climbed out of bed and headed for the shower to clean up and help him wake up.

That was the once nice thing of having an internal comm, he could work in the shower with out worrying about it getting damaged. As he let the warm water wash over him he reread the message from Jonus and started making his lists. He had always made lists for his runs even back when he started, he figured if he had all the stuff he could plan for covered then the other things that always went wrong during a run would be easier to deal with. By the time he had finished his shower he had his gear list together as well as copies of all the data Jonus had sent them plus anything he thought would be useful he already had.

After cleaning up he started getting ready for the days work, since the meeting with the Johnson was at a bar he didn't see any need for a suit and opted for jeans, a lightweight blue button up shirt with palm tree leaves imprinted on it, his solid work boots and lined coat, leaving the lined coat next to the front door so he would not forget it as he left.

Pulling up his gear list in AR he went to the spare bedroom and started packing, starting with two large black duffel bags. It was still weird not taking his car, but Mandy could drive and it let him concentrate on what he was best at, shooting stuff. He slowly pulled each piece of gear out of the closet, checking to make sure it was in working order before loading it in to a bag or laying it out on the table so he could secure it in the proper place on his person for the ride over and the meeting. After almost forty five minutes of work he had almost finished loading his gear when the first message came in from Mandy letting him know she was on the way. He sent her a quick acknowledgment and went back to work preping his gear. AS usuall it took him just over an hour to do a full run set up, loading all the mags he was taking, doing saftey check on all the weapons and then equiping him self.

As normal for meetings he had his extendable baton in its quick draw holster on his belt and his Ares Viper in its arm slide, which would be nicely covered by the lined coat. A few extra clips and then the Ingram X in its carrying case that would stay in the van for the meeting with its harness and extra clips.

Once Satchel felt he had his gear set up he did a quick check on his cyberware, making sure it was all running correctly and that his airtank was full. He adjusted the settings so it would be set for the run in case things got moving fast.

As usuall he didn't have to wait in the lobby of his building long as Mandy was on time. As she pulled up he pushed the door open and made the trek out to the van, looking around as he went always on guard when carrying as much illegal gear as he usually ran with. Getting to the back he set one bag down and opened the door. "Morning Mandy, we really gotta talk to that chummer about setting thigs up in the middle of the night." he loaded the bags in and then went around front climbing in to the passanger seat and setting the INgram case in the floorboard between his feet and the front of the seat so it wouldn't bounce around. Looking over at Mandy he nodded, "Ready to roll."

0400 14Apr2070

It wasn't the music that woke him up. He had long ago stopped to hear it. It was the buzzing of his commlink next to him, on the bar. Each time it buzzed, it moved a little bit, inching it's way closer to his face. With something like a cross between a sigh and a grunt, Jiro lifted his face off the sticky, beer smelling fake wooden counter. His head was pounding, and he felt as if his brain was trying to push its way out from behind his eyes. His mouth felt like it was full of cheap dirty cotton, and his stomach kept going in circles. In the background, a beaten out music system was pipping up Blue Bayou.

I feel so bad I got a worried mind
I'm so lonesome all the time
Since I left my baby behind
On Blue Bayou

Saving nickles saving dimes
Working til the sun don't shine
Looking forward to happier times
On Blue Bayou

Giving a somewhat haphazard around him, Jiro quickly saw that he was pretty much alone in the dark and dank drinking hole. A few other half passed out die hard patrons like himself here and there, and a dead tired barman. I

I'm going back someday
Come what may
To Blue Bayou
Where the folks are fine
And the world is mine
On Blue Bayou
Where those fishing boats
With their sails afloat
If I could only see
That familiar sunrise
Through sleepy eyes
How happy I'd be

With the cuff of his shirt, Jiro brushed the drunkness and sleepiness out of his eyes and picked up the commlink in his rough, and as tired as him, right hand. The little screen came to life in silence, scrolling a message on it's faint lines.

Gonna see my baby again
Gonna be with some of my friends
Maybe I'll feel better again
On Blue Bayou

It took a few seconds for the old Japanese man to focus on the small characters. His usually sharp eyes were beginning to falter. He wasn't quite sure if it was because of his age, or the alcohol. Odds were, it was a mix of both. Frowning, Jiro realized it was from his team's new fixer. As much as he welcomed work, a part of him was resenting it; he was dead tired, and half drunk. Sure, he would probably have a few hours to clean up and sober up... but it was only that, a few hours. His body was already starting to slow him down. Sleep deprivation wasn't going to do him any good.

Saving nickles saving dimes
Working til the sun don't shine
Looking forward to happier times
On Blue Bayou

Slidding himself off the bar stool, Jiro downed the drink that still sat next to him, grabbed his commlink and left a few crumples notes of UCAS$ on the counter. Dragging his feet up to the door, the ex-yakuza enforcer adjusted the cuff of his shirt, slipped his jacket on and flipped his collar up as he leaned himself against the door, pushing it open.

Oh that boy of mine
By my side
The silver moon
And the evening tide
Oh some sweet day
Gonna take away
This hurting inside
Well I'll never be blue
My dreams come true
On Blue Bayou

The walk home, if one could call a coffin motel home, did him good. The cold night air woke him up, and the exercise chased away the numbness from his body. He had walked a few blocks under Seattle's neon lit night sky when his commlink buzzed yet again. Squinting at the tiny screen, Jiro red Mandy's message. The cheerly and overeager rigger was probably already hitting the road as he walked himself along it. But Jiro was only halfway home, needed to shower and change. As he kept walking, he clumsily keyed back an answer of his own.

“I'll be ready around 6. I'm staying at the same place as last week. I'll meet you out in the parking lot.�

Rounding the corner, Jiro yawned his jaw out.

Later...

Freshly shaved and showered, Jiro sipped his soykaf in one hand as he sat in his troll sized coffin. It had taken him some time to find a decent place to stay, and this wasn't half bad. From his days spent behind bars, the old Japanese man had gotten used to living in cramped up quarters. This coffin was probably bigger than his old jail cell. Even when he was sitting upright, he still had a bit over a foot of head room. Putting his plastic cup down on one of the little shelves molded in the wall, he pulled a large black duffel bag between his legs. Unzipping it opened, Jiro began to take out boxes of ammo, empty clips, and various pieces of gear. Jonus' message said to come ready to work... and Jiro was going to do just that. Wearing only a black dress pants and a dark gray shirt, the ex-yakuza slipped on an elaborate shoulder rig, which he attached to his heavy duty belt and tightened to a snug fit around his own frame.

Taking empty magazine pouches, he clipped the to his back, added two holster slightly forwards of his hips, clipped another double pouch under his right arm, and a third holster under his left. Twisting around, he made sure they were all attached properly. Rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, he then hooked on two arm slides in a practiced gesture, and had them shot outward a few times to make sure they responded properly. Bending forward, he then strapped a tiny holster to his right ankle. The next half hour was spent loading magazines up to the brim.

When Jiro slipped out of his coffin, he was a few pounds heavier, but managed to hide most of his weaponry from preying eyes by the heavy black dress jacket he was now wearing. A new soykaf cup in his head, the ex-yakuza took a seat in the vacant lobby of the automated coffin motel, looking out the window and into the parking lot.

0400 14Apr2070

Nightshade clicked off the comm, seeing that he still had a good 5 hours until the meet. As always, his gear was already packed in one non-descript blak bag that he and others on the team favored, and a shoulder sling bag, that made for easy access to the SMG inside. In his saddle bags go his duffle bag and garment bags, with a suit, another set of street clothes, and some busines casual, as well as a black jumpsuit.

Might as well bring both, since they want us ready to roll. No sense in coming light. Should see where the others are at.

Not seeing much point in dilly-dallying, 'shade quickly double checks his gear, stripping each weapon and reassembling after cleaning. He quickly sends a query to each person on the team, checking to see if they recieved the message. Most of the gear checking is just routine, as he does the same thing after coming off a run. But better safe and annoyed then to have a gun jam get you dying and annoyed.

Soon enough, he's on his bike, on the way to the meet site, with another 2 hours to go. He scans the area around, mostly getting an idea of the side streets, potential threats, available exits, cameras and drones inthe area. While he does this he appears as a male ork in a long black coat.

on half hour before te meet he's inside, wearing the asian face most of the team would know, his long coat a medium gray, having a morning soyscafe and breakfast bar to "start his day right".

April 14th, 2070: 04:00:00 @ Hiroki's Doss to 08:30:00 @ Outside the meet

The beep of the com was like the firing of a starter pistol. Hiroki rolled out of the bed and before he hit the floor, one of his Ingram's was in his hands. His conscious mind finally catching up, I gotta chill.

He moved over to the crappy little nightstand beside the bed and picked up the little pack that was the sole object atop it. He retrieved from the inside his contacts, AR gloves, earbuds, etc. He listened to the message not once, but twice hanging on the words.... Call me if they double-cross.

Hiroki made his way to the shower. When he was done, he cleaned his hair from the drain and burned it in a small brazer. He then selected some functional, non-descript gray pants, a pair of worn but clean boots and a plain t-shirt. Then came the concealed harness to which he attached each of his Ingrams, one under each arm. His clips in their pouches, explosive ones marked with black tape.

When the call comes in from Mandy he replies, "I think I'll drive. See you there."

He rolls up his camouflage suit and loads it into his backpack, dons his armor jacket and puts the backpack on. He walks into what passes for a living room in is little apartment and rolls his bike out of it and down the sidewalk. At the street he starts it up and heads towards breakfast.

After a good breakfast he arrives down the street from the meet thirty minutes early. He leaves his full face motorcycle helmet on and begins looking for the other team members.

14Apr70 "Devil in the Dark" 0845

Generally speaking Snohomish is a pretty nice neighborhood. The notable exception is the border to the barrens. It looks more like a DMZ than a upscale block. Two fences, the first on e 3 meters high, the second one 2 meters high, topped with mono wire and divided by a kill zone mark the barrier into the barrens. The fences are on the slope of the hill that lead down into the valley that Redmond occupies. You can see all this clearly in the morning sun driving up the 405 to the exit the meeting is on. The three exits before were marked with skulls and Radiation warnings so as innocent sprawlers don’t end up in the Barrens on accident. Devil in the Dark is across the intersection of the off ramp. It is a bar/truckstop/resteraunt/outpost. Complete with a guard tower that over looks the side of the bar facing the barrier. You try to hard not to stare at the 10 or so decomposing bodies strung in various states up and over the fence. One lucky soul even managed to make it to the kill zone before Heavy Machine Gun fire tore him to bits.

After the bodies you notice something else you don’t like to see. Three Knight Errant Tac cars parked in the lot of the bar. The cars have their doors open and the officers are speaking with one another. They are furthest South from the bar facing the fence. The parking lot for the bar is massive enough to accommodate about 20 Tractor Trailers. SO it is relatively easy to keep your distance.


This close to the barrens you can hear an abnormal amount of distant gun shots and what sounds like heavy artillery.

The bar itself is well lit and has an awning that spreads all the way around its exterior. The place is well kept up and is a welcome relief to the drizzle that is threatening to turn into a torrential downpour.

The inside of the bar is laid out in a cross section with the Bar/Grill area in the back next to the concessions and the bathrooms. There are a few troll sized booths but no Dwarf sized ones. This early in the morning the place has 20 or so people in it, putting it at about a 3rd of its capacity.

Alone, in one far corner of the bar looks a man and a woman who are very out of place. He is jumpy and nervous constantly looking over his shoulder. She seems to be crying nearly non stop. This could be a weird couple, or your contact.

As Mandy's heavy van pulled into the parking lot, Jiro glanced out one of the tinted side windows. Things hadn't even actually started and he already didn't quite like it. The sheer quantity of Knight Errant officer was one thing, and the obvious proximity of the barrens another. Jonus had mentioned something about a smuggling job. If it was to take them into the barrens, especially when they strangely seemed to be a worst state than usual.... then he hadn't brought enough ammo.

When Mandy started to unbuckle her belt, the old japanese man leaned out of the backseat and grasped her shoulder with a firm hand. His voice, as usual, sounded like a raspy whisper. Odds were it had something to do with the large scar that ran from one side of his neck to the other.

“Hold on Mandy. You sit tight and watch our backs from here.� he said in a firm, yet gentle manner.

He gave the youngster a warm and tired smile as he pulled back into his seat, giving another look outside, as he clicked his commlink on.

Jiro took a few breaths in and out, steadying himself, before putting one hand on the door handle.

“Ready?� he asked Satchel, before opening the door.

Mandy drives cautiously and carefully to the meet. Her teammates seem somewhat suprised.

"No point in stirring up the piggies if I don't have to" she remarks with a shrug.

Her usual banter with Satchel is light and friendly. She circles the meet location a few times before pulling up to the curb across from the bar.

As she feels Jiro's hand on her shoulder she turns to the older man. "Hai, Osamu-san" She says and watches as a rare smile lifts the corners of the mans eyes.

"Hey Satch, take these so I can keep an eye on you guys" she hands the dwarf her flyspy and iBall. "Toss the ball and say my name if things get hairy. I'll keep the motor running."

She waves lightly as her team mates exit the van. Now why did Jiro do that? I've got my end covered She shrugs and pops a couple caffine pills, then puts a fresh piece of bubblegum in her mouth. She checks her link to make sure her drones are subscribed, and on a whim addresses the air.

"Shotgun" the cowboy fills her vision. "Yeah boss?" "Run a quick scan of the area, I want to know what those pigs are up to, and Shotgun keep it quiet." The cowboy tips his hat and the AR vision shuts down. Mandy runs another quick diagnostic on the van and slips into the vans systems. The van rumbles in anticipation.

Satchel sat quitely as usual for most of the drive, pointing out the few Star Patrol cars they saw, even though he knew Mandy had seen them at the same time or sooner. IT was just part of the game that the two of them played.

He was glad to see she opted to give the Knight's as much space as she could pulling in to the lot. He really didn't want to explain all the gear they were packing this early in the morning.

When they stopped he looked around quickly and then checked his gear on him one last time. He caught the exchange between Jiro and Mandy, but was glad he had done it as it kept him from being the bad guy. When she handed him the drones he nodded and reminded her his visual & audio feeds would be availble on the normal secure team channel for anyone not in the room.

He gave a simple "Yep." As usual to Jiro's question.

He slipped the drones in the coat pocket and then opend the door of the van casually and stepped out, looking things over as he closed the door. Seeing a couple of the other guys cars in the lot he figured it was time to head inside and see how hard his living was going to be to earn today.

Hiroki watched from down the street as Mandy's van arrived. Connecting up to her conference call, his overhead AR map pinged to life with the location of his team mates. Mandy, Doc, Jiro and Satchel were all in the van. The Knight Errant cars were an annoyance.. one to be avoided or managed.

He started the bike and made his way into the parking lot; Far away from the KE cars. His job is simple. Maintain the perimeter for the team. Once parked, he waits for the rest of the team to start moving and keeps his eyes open.

@Satchel, Jiro, Nightshade, Mandy,

Jiro and Nightshade enter the bar/restaurant. The place looks like the outside, a friendly unassuming truckstop. There are three waitresses mingling around the booths serving coffee and food. Behind the counter you can catch a glimpse of a cook.



The man in the far corner, the one with the wheeping woman, nearly jumps out of his seat when you two walk through the door.

Not seeing anything other than the knights the group had seen as they entered the parking lot Satchel reached out and opened the door to the bar. Stepping inside his cybereyes auto adjusted to the dimmer lighting as he looked around. Not seeing anything the he deemed an immediate threat he headed for the closest empty table and took a seat.

He pulled up the bar's AR menu and ordered some soycafe. AS he waited for his drink he brought up his cyberear controls in AR and slowly started making some adjustments. Using the Sound filter he slowly started filtering out some of the background noise to allow him to hear the things he wanted with out losing any awareness.

Once he had the changes made he sat back and slowly scanned the room as he pulled Mandy's small drone from his pocket and set it on his leg under the table so she could take control of it, out of plain sight. Once he was sure it wouldn't fall he sent Mandy a quick text message to let her know. <<@Mandy: FlySpy is out and ready for work if you want it. Things quite for now here.>>

As the team enters the truck stop, Hiroki pings Mandy, "You got drones active? If so, can you stream their video?" It was always good to know what was happening on all fronts and he just had a knack at keeping it all straight and not being distracted by multiple incoming feeds .

Mandy sat inside the VR space of the van, its engine replacing her own heartbeat, the shifting electrons her blood. She loved this feeling of vehicleness

Listening to her teammates comm chatter simply made the day better. As Satchel's message came in she opened an AR window to the flyspy's cam. The underside of the table was covered in various drek. Yick, she thought does nobody clean this place? She routed the drones feed over to the teams network trusting that Doc's encryption would hold. <<<<<Here yah go Hiroki omae, lemme know where yah want it>>>>> Waiting she spotted a new message arrow in her line of site, opening it her agent was standing there waiting patiently "Boss we got three boys running open, and five keeping it cool. You want to hear what they're jawing about?" "Nah Shotgun, no point in letting them know we're here, thanks." she reponds, the cowboy tips his hat again and fades out. <<<<<Alright guys, we've got three nets running open, that's the cars more'n likely. Five nets running in private mode, that'll be the soy-bacon boys. Do we need to know any more?>>>>>

Nightshade glances at the man as he turns to the counter and orders a soycafe, still standing. Through the AR connection and nano paste, he sends a message to Jiro.

That man doesn't look like much of a "Denver", but maybe the woman's the package.

Mandy, check out the area, se if KE's got a contract around here. This should be Star turf. I'd like to know what they're little gathering is all about.


While waiting for his soycafe, Nightshade quickly scans the public 'links in the room. Might as well check the obvious first, looking for anyone using the name "Denver".

Satchel scanned through the sounds his cyberears were providing to him, slowly eliminating ones that were not going to impact him or his team. He caught the sounds of someone in the bathroom, whistling to them selves of all things. He sent a quick text message to the team to keep them in the loop. <<@Team: Ok, looks like we've about 20 people inside. All except one are in sight in the main room or behind the bar, sounds like they are in the bathroom. I'll let you know if anything changes.>>

Doc speaks softly from the back seat of the van "Mandy should I engage in my favorite game of 'lets frack with the lawmen'?"

Nightshade slips into the AR to look for clues of who's who. Names and relavant information pop up on his screen telling him things like the menu, the waitresses names etc. When he looks over at the couple the mans name shows as 'Denver Jones' and woman as 'Hana Montana'.

You also notice one of the watresses looking at you carefully. She walks toward you with the no nonsense attitude of someone who's seen it all.

"Seeting's open, go ahead and find a spot."

Not getting a reply Doc begins cataloging the AR feeds the members inside are getting. "Anyone strikes you as overly interesting mark their ARO and I'll begin a trace action." Doc then begins to seek out the PAN's of the lawmen, firstly storing the basic information any cursiary galnce can gather and then 'Hotkeying' them for quick access incase anything drops.

While the drone video feed streams in and he keeps perimeter watch, Hiroki begins scanning for hidden PANs. Wouldn't do to be caught by surprise..

When Satchel nodded, Jiro pulled the handle of the side door and slid it open just enough to him to jump out of the van. The air was still cool from the night, and the old Yakuza couldn't help but shiver a bit. Pulling the collar of his jacket around his neck, he gave a quick side glance to Satchel, letting him lead the way toward the bar.

As they stepped between the parked vehicles, Jiro spotted Hiroki, still wearing his motorcycle helmet with the visor down, coming toward them. The old japanese man only kept his eyes on him a few more seconds, something of a silent greeting.

Once inside, it took a few seconds for Jiro's old eyes to adapt to the light. He mumbled to himself under his breath, cursing his age. He was running the streets with people who where probably not even half his age... and this morning, he felt particularly tired. More so than usual. Maybe it was those drinks he had earlier...

Behind him, he felt Satchel move away from the door and from him. As usual, every single team member knew exactly what their job was, and they would perform it perfectly. During his younger years, Jiro had always appreciated the efficiency with which every Yakuza operation ran. Businesslike. Always. Corporate efficiency. He was glad that the current group he was part of followed a similar doctrine. It didn't take long for the ex enforcer to spot Nightshade hovering close to the main counter area. Odds were, Hiroki was already outside providing overwatch. Through his ear bud, Jiro heard the audio synthesized version of Nightshade's message.

Approaching the runner, Jiro leaned himself against the counter, giving a waitress a discreet bow of the head and ordering himself a coffee.

“Appearance can be deceiving... of all people you should know that...� he said in his usual whispered voice.

Gently blowing on his cup of a coffee to cool it down, he looked up to Nightshade.

“Whenever you're ready.�

A small voice registers on Mandy's sense of vehicleness. She jumps out of the van's systems. "What was that Doc?" The hacker repeats his question. "Geez yah, better see what they're up to. Want I should run a cam or two over them while you're working the trix?" She attempts to soothe the mans nerves. "Also next time, I'll try to let you know where my mind is, sorry, it's just so easy to lose my self in there" She casts a thumb at the van's console. "Better stay out in the world till we finish, neh?" She links her comm to her cyber eyes. Then she issues an order for the flyspy to follow Nightshade and Jiro

Nightshade chuckles a bit at Jiro's remark. Of all of them, he'd probably be closest to 'Shades 40 years of age, not that anyone could tell. He found the man's calm confidence and efficency refreshing, especially after spending any amount of time with Mandy. Discretely, he lifts a finger to Jiro, signaling for just another moment, as he "enjoys" his excuse for a coffee.

Over the AR to the insiders watching their backs. Keep eyes on anyone else that might be overly interested in our meeting. I'd like to give a bit more time to let the J sweat. obviously they're in a bind, keeping him on uneven footing might give us a bit more information. Checking his 'watch' on his glasses AR, nightshade sees that they'll still ahve a few minutes. He chooses a booth where he can still Mr and Mrs States/Cities.

Anyone got a word yet on those KE troops? I'd like to know why they're there. Somone get a direction mic in their direction perhaps, before we get this thing started.

Paraniod equals alive.

"I produce magic, not miracles but, I'm on it" Doc flashes over the comm-network. "Paranoid frakkers at that so, it'll take a little more time, my personal guess is they give the 'badge-boys' free soycaf here."

When Nightshade lifted his finger, Jiro nodded respectfully. He blew once more on his hot cup of soykaf. I was far from being good, but it was still a hell of a lot better than the ones he had grabbed at his motel. It tasted less like motor oil. Bringing the cup to his lips, the old japanese man took a long slow sip, closing his eyes at the same time.

With each passing seconds, he felt himself more and more aware of his surroundings.

As Nightshade moved away from the counter and into an empty booth, Jiro silently followed him, seating himself in front of him, but making sure not to obstruct his vision. Both hands resting atop the table, his soykaf fuming in front of him, he simply sat in silence, letting time trickle by.

"Lady, and gentlemen I have a 'link in hidden mode, towards the rear, inside the building. I cant give you much more than that but, heads up. Do we just note this or should I start some mayhem with their PAN?" Doc chimes over the secure net. As an offhand urge he begins to check the encryption and subscription subroutines. No sense in leaving the door open to get hacked Doc loads up his copy of Armor, and Blackhammer I aint one to be frakked with

On Nightshade's request Mandy turns the gain on her directional mics up and hears what the KE officers are saying. She snickers as they chat. Idiot diddler, she thinks. <<<<<Hey folks looks like our friendly piggies are just on a stakeout or something. That might be our ghost, fellas. Doc go easy, if you can, just get a name on him. If the name is Charlie anything, he's KE. Prolly a good idea not to frak with him. Just keep it on the low down for a few guys. He'll be outta there shortly, and we can go about our biz. Night, do me a solid, since Jonus said transport run. I'll need weight, size, shape and condition on the package, also is it living or what?>>>>> Mandy then turns her attention back to the KE officers. C'mon get your donut eating arses outta here she drums her tapered fingers on the wheel of the van impatiantly.

Hearing the inquiry come over the comm from Doc, set Satchel on edge. Their was no reason to go looking for trouble. He was about to respond when Mandy sent out the information on the Knight's in the parking lot, confirming what he had thought and telling Doc to go easy on things.

Since that issue had been taken care of Satchel returned to the business at hand, making sure no one got the jump on the team.

Hiroki reflected back to his days in Cali when his team would be sent into LA.. The majority of those missions had a simple S.O.P.: Move in positioned in offsetting flanks on the target, jam everything going in or out and insure there were no witnesses. Ah well... The good old days...

Sitting on perimeter Hiroki yearned for the more direct approach, but he stayed true to his discipline and training and silently awaited events to unfold a little more. Meanwhile, he continues to scan for hidden coms in the area while he keeps watch.

Nightshade and Jiro spend a good five minutes 'drinking' the soycafe, 'Shade mimicing drinking it, not having a good enoug hreason to actually inflict the poison on his system again. Occassinally he watches the Johnson through his sunglasses, taking the time to get a better read of the man, and watching the rest of the room to see if anyone else was paying any extra attention to the man and woman, or the pair of japanese men drinking coffe.

Once the five minutes had passed with no distressing signals from any of the team, Nightshade stands, still carrying the hot coffee. No sense in discarding a handy and discreet weapon. Woulnd't want to acutally drink the stuff. Can't believe what these peope drink.

Forgeting his bitter musings, Nightshade focuses in on the Johnson and moves over to him, keeping his features neutral. He approaches the table with Jiro behind him, and sketches a proper semi-formal japanese bow.

"Mr. Denver, good morning. My friend and I had just come in for a quick cup of caf' and here you are. what a wonderful suprise. may we sit?"

His voice carries little of the inflection the words would normally carry. The Johnson may be new to this for all he knows, and may not understand the need for subtle wording.

The man nearly jumps out of his skin when Nightshade approaches.

"Um yes, yes I am Denver, are you my 9 o'clock apointment?"

When Nightshade finally lifted himself out of the booth and unto his feet, Jiro naturally followed. As he followed him, he walked a few paces behind, and slightly to his left. If for some reason things suddently exploded all up in a ballet of lead, Nightshade wouldn't block his line of fire, and both runners would be apart enough not to get in each others way.

Up his sleeves, the ex yakuza enforcer felt the reassuring weight of the loaded Colts.

As Nightshade bowed to the Johnson, Jiro did the same. He had no idea who the man was, or if he was even the individual they were here to meet with. But etiquette and proper manners could usually take you much further than a gun and a bad attitude.

Smiling a bit, Nightshade slides into the booth, giving Jiro the outside seat. More room for him to maneuver incase of anything interesting happeining.

Afer making him self comfortable and taking a moment to get a feel for the pair's attitudes before speaking. "I believe we are Mr Denver-sama. I've heard you're having some trouble getting around lately?"

Much rather keep thing scryptic with KE men standing right out side. This gu knows how to pick a local at least. He's new and jittery so he picks a place sec boys like to hang out so that we don't ruffle his feathers much. Or maybe I'm giving him too much credit.

As Nightshade and Jiro sit at the J's table Mandy orders her flyspy to a position where she can keep a provebial eye on all of the participants in the conversation. <<<<Alright fellas wave for the drone. I've got overwatch.>>>> She then orders the flyspy to flag any one who approches the booth. All I gotta do is ignore the waitresses she thinks. She fires off a quick series of messages. And then settles herself to watch Nightshade work the Johnson Best show in town she thinks and blows a small bubble.

@Team
<<<<<Shade and Jiro are in position, ears up people!>>>>

@Doc


@Hiroki


@Satchel

"Uh yes, you could say that," replies Denver. "This is my wife, and we recently got out of the Barrens. Pulled our selves up by the bootstraps if it were. You know how the city is about people coming out of the DMZ, its a shoot first ask questions later."

He stops for a moment as if to steady himself. He reaches over and takes a drink of coffee. Just then the bathroom door opens and the hidden node goes active. The KE SecG who had been in there with his node hidden, steps out. He's all smiles and whistles as he stops at the concession stand and picks up his coffee and donuts.

Satchel had read Mandy's request and was starting to think it wasn't a bad idea. He quickly typed up a response to her message. <<@Mandy:: Good idea, on my way in a minute.>>

Satchel sent the message and then took another drink of his soycaf he could hear the Johnson saying something about boot straps with his enhanced hearing as he started to stand.

Looking in the direction of the door that would lead to the bathroom, he caught the whistling getting closer and sat down, just in time to see the Knight come strolling out.

He did another quick message to the team. <<@Team:: My whistler was a Knight, was using facilities, is on his way outside. All clear inside.>>

Nightshade goes on as if continuing a conversation without missing a beat.

"Yes, I understand. Yamana was out of line. Some people have no tact."

Hopefully he'll get the hint and go with it.

The KE man thanks the boy behind the counter and walks toward the front door. Despite him being a badge he is actually qute impressive. Full body armor, Colt Manhunter, stun baton, boots. He stops for a minute in the middle of the restaurant, as if he just noticed the three unsavery types sitting around.

He shrugs his shoulders, smiles, and walks out the door.

Slightly annoyed, Nightshade waits for Mr Denver to continue.

Skittish little man, isn't he. May not be a good sign.

"Sorry, growing up in the Barens doesn't really prepare you for life outside. Anyway, we got out, but we had to leave our daughter behind. We know where she is, we need you to go in and get her out. We don't have a lot, but we have saved up about 5 grand."

"To be frank, that isn't a lot split between my people. But we'll get back to that. I'll need a few details as to your situation. Five is light, so the more information you can provide, the more you'll endeer your self to us.

First, what happened to her? Second, is anyone with your daughter, or is she squatting somewhere? Is there any details we should know, such, does she have the Talent? Her age, and of course a picture will be needed. Is anyone interested in keeping her there?"

Nightshade gives him a moment to bring it all in. Push him a bit, then give him some space. Keep him off balance and see if he slips anywhere. Nightshade wouldn't say that he particularily enjoyed negotiating, but some times, the give and take, the feints and attempts to trip your opponent up, reminded him of combat. There was something to be said for that.

Hiroki listens to the feed from the Fly-Spy in one ear and takes a pause for a moment when the Johnson says 5k. Jonus and I have distinctly different ideas about what a *Great Job Op* is....

Into the Barrens? This bike makes me an instant target for the local street gangsters looking to trade up..

He glances across the lots at the KE vehicles wishing they would move on or at least hoping they are not an issue. So much to go wrong here...

Mandy balls her small hand into a fist and slams it on to the wheel, careful not to hit the horn. She sighs inwardly Great guess who gets to babysit? The only girl on the team that's who. <<<<<Night make sure to get a basic medical on the kid too. No sense in killing her with peanut butter or something>>>>> At least some of those parenting classes might come in handy. We have got to talk to Jonus about what he considers a "good job"

Jiro sat down comfortably next to Nightshade, across from their contact, his now pretty much empty cup of coffee still in his wrinkled hands. As his team mate engaged the Johnson in conversation, Jiro's attention began to slowly drift away from the table itself and toward his surroundings. Up until now, things had gone pretty smoothly. Everyone was doing their job to a top notch, and if anything or anyone did indeed come their way, they would be able to deal with it. He knew very well that the presence of all those KE blue boys made their trigger finger itchy, but odds were it was a mere coincidence. If this had been a set up, they wouldn't have made their presence this obvious. Jiro knew very well the team he was currently a part of wasn't exactly hot enough to be the target of some very elaborate takedown op from Knight Errant. That and the fact that it wasn't them that made the law in the Emerald City... that was LoneStar's job. Without a security contract to enforce, these guys were just that.... a bunch of guys with a bunch of guns in fancy shiny uniforms.

It was only when Denver mentioned their goal that Jiro eyes focused back to the man sitting across from him. He brought back his right hand from under the table, where his open palm had been ready to receive his Manhunter, and laid it flat in front of him.

Now this... this was a true honorable task they would be peforming. At that moment, Jiro didn't care one iota wether they got paid or not. The job was good. The job was honest. They wouldn't be helping anyone in fattening up their bank accounts by stealing something, or giving an edge to some corp by extracting some tech head. They would give a family a chance to be whole again.

"I can give you a lot of the details, she's 12, here's a picture," Denver hands over an old worn 2D photo of a pretty girl, about 8, with dirty brown hair and hazel eyes. The background is a burned out building of some kind.

"We used to live in the Plastic Jungle, but when she got sick we had to leave. We bounced around here and there, squatting where we could. We..," he pauses for a moment. His wife stifles a sob.

"We made it to the wire with her. We." He stops. It looks difficult for him, just to speak. "We got attacked by a gang when we were crossing Kingsgate. They took her. We tried to get her back but I didn't have any weapons and our window for getting out was closing. That was 3 days ago. I am sure she is still alive, please, can you get her for us?"