Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:41 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"I'll be glad to just get to the point where I can ask for a raise."
Rather than twiddling my thumbs here, maybe it's time to put my vaunted intellect to work.
Professor begins to pull the disparate threads of information he has come across the last couple of days, tugging to see what links or patterns come to mind. His pistol is still at the ready.
Full Version: IC: Post or Die
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QUOTE (Saint Sithney @ Mar 31 2011, 02:11 PM) 
<<@Ferret: What, you don't need me to shoot the bird? I'm almost in now.>>
<<@Oswald: No, don't attack the bird. I just needed you to distract it and you did just fine. I'm going to see if I can set you up with a security or user account, then I'll take a look at the other system alerts and see if I can find us some trucks full of stolen hardware.>>
<<@Team: I am into the system with a security account. I have found three icons with active alerts. They are listed as: Phoenix Mall, CATco Tower East and another Annex 3. I will try and overlay them on the maps we have and then will go take a look to see if I can find our missing trucks.>>
The digital ferret pauses to scratch another error out of its icon, then accompanied by the digital wails of the latest Nodecrash album, begins to investigate the active alerts.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:40 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Acme was a bit nervous about why Jovan seemed to be so intent on doing things his own way and not have people looking over his shoulder... Or even at him sometimes. He shrugs with a frown to Professor. "Just let me know where so I'm not stepping on Jo's tail I guess," he replied with a shake of his head. Hermetics. Always had to have an attitude.
He cleared his throat and thought about "Johnathan". "Well, best I remember.. He looked fairly normal, wasn't trying to break into the cab, just... arguing with the cabbie. Not too many ghouls I've seen had the patience to actually argue with someone before resorting to scare tactics. He said he needed the cab, offering double... Dammit, I know where he was going too...." He snapped his fingers. The reason the cabbie was spooked was that John wanted to go to the Barrens."
Acme was a bit nervous about why Jovan seemed to be so intent on doing things his own way and not have people looking over his shoulder... Or even at him sometimes. He shrugs with a frown to Professor. "Just let me know where so I'm not stepping on Jo's tail I guess," he replied with a shake of his head. Hermetics. Always had to have an attitude.
He cleared his throat and thought about "Johnathan". "Well, best I remember.. He looked fairly normal, wasn't trying to break into the cab, just... arguing with the cabbie. Not too many ghouls I've seen had the patience to actually argue with someone before resorting to scare tactics. He said he needed the cab, offering double... Dammit, I know where he was going too...." He snapped his fingers. The reason the cabbie was spooked was that John wanted to go to the Barrens."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:41 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Jovan is not so bad. He just has some .... issues about his privacy. Heaven knows we all have our issues."
Professor continues to cogitate, including the information he just got from Acme.
"Jovan is not so bad. He just has some .... issues about his privacy. Heaven knows we all have our issues."
Professor continues to cogitate, including the information he just got from Acme.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:40 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Acme, ya sure Jonathan is the dead ghoul? an he isn't his twin, after all them ghouls look alike after a while.---Aw frag it. Does he have commlink that ferret or Oz could check out an see if he caught a cab to da barrens from where you waz at? Or at least any payments from the area where ya was at when meeting Ms. J?"
"Acme, ya sure Jonathan is the dead ghoul? an he isn't his twin, after all them ghouls look alike after a while.---Aw frag it. Does he have commlink that ferret or Oz could check out an see if he caught a cab to da barrens from where you waz at? Or at least any payments from the area where ya was at when meeting Ms. J?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:41 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Good idea for the info, Zo. That would solve one question. Can we check that without touching him? Otherwise, does someone wanna go out and check through the bloody, infectious remains?"
"Good idea for the info, Zo. That would solve one question. Can we check that without touching him? Otherwise, does someone wanna go out and check through the bloody, infectious remains?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:41 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
The floating translucent eye stares for a long moment at the ganger, then looks up and around in a one-eyed eyeroll. It is a peculiar sight, but the eye says no more about what topic it is specifically rolling itself at.
"If the dead ghoul outside seemed rather animal-like to you, then it wasn't Johnathan. Johnathan is not himself feral; he is the voluntary guardian of a group of those degraded ghouls. It was probably one of those under his care."
It turns back to the AmerInd shaman. "I was afraid you were going to say that, Acme. If he was trying to get back to the Barrens today, then this is what I believe the situation is from his perspective. Several weeks ago, from what I know, Johnathan takes several animalistic ghouls and heads for the Redmond Barrens, as he desires to help such ghouls and the Barrens would have more space for them to roam. Around that time was when Long Legs vanished in the Barrens, correct? Suppose for a moment that John manages to find Long Legs' hideaway. Suppose further that he and his entourage of brain-damaged cannibals manage to overrun Long Legs' defenses. They decide to stay there, for reasons I am extremely suspicious of and am trying to ascertain while I'm out here looking around. Then, today, Johnathan goes back into Seattle proper and somehow discovers that our Ms. Johnson has hired some runners to find the trucks Long Legs was keeping. Upon hearing this, he starts looking for a way back to the Barrens ASAP - and that's where you ran into him. This is what I believe is the case from what I and we know."
The eye pauses. "And to put it simply, I think he knows we're coming."
QUOTE (Warlordtheft @ Apr 3 2011, 09:56 AM)
"...after all them ghouls look alike after a while."
The floating translucent eye stares for a long moment at the ganger, then looks up and around in a one-eyed eyeroll. It is a peculiar sight, but the eye says no more about what topic it is specifically rolling itself at.
"If the dead ghoul outside seemed rather animal-like to you, then it wasn't Johnathan. Johnathan is not himself feral; he is the voluntary guardian of a group of those degraded ghouls. It was probably one of those under his care."
It turns back to the AmerInd shaman. "I was afraid you were going to say that, Acme. If he was trying to get back to the Barrens today, then this is what I believe the situation is from his perspective. Several weeks ago, from what I know, Johnathan takes several animalistic ghouls and heads for the Redmond Barrens, as he desires to help such ghouls and the Barrens would have more space for them to roam. Around that time was when Long Legs vanished in the Barrens, correct? Suppose for a moment that John manages to find Long Legs' hideaway. Suppose further that he and his entourage of brain-damaged cannibals manage to overrun Long Legs' defenses. They decide to stay there, for reasons I am extremely suspicious of and am trying to ascertain while I'm out here looking around. Then, today, Johnathan goes back into Seattle proper and somehow discovers that our Ms. Johnson has hired some runners to find the trucks Long Legs was keeping. Upon hearing this, he starts looking for a way back to the Barrens ASAP - and that's where you ran into him. This is what I believe is the case from what I and we know."
The eye pauses. "And to put it simply, I think he knows we're coming."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Redmond
The ghouls seemed to be in a hurry. They slowed from an all out run, but only by a little. The pair of them broke from the huddled grey masses of decrepit buildings into a clearing. A shadowy crust of pavement dimmed the glow of the Earth below. Jovan began to get a sense of sickness infused with the magic ahead. A darkness swirled through the Astral like an foreboding wind. The two hunters below were heading towards a light in the distance. "The dog ahead appears to be waiting for our friends" mentioned the Air spirit casually as the glowing aura of the hound stood watching the approach of the ghouls. It was uncertain if the thing had seen Jovan and his associate or not.
In the Matrix, or the left over remnants of the Matrix of old, a metal ferret Ran through his security options. He turned the Alert on the system off and the pulsing red sea shifted to a cool blue green. A window popped up with Security IC that were currently running. One labeled Master IC, which appeared to be the bird and his tail, and two other IC. One a tracker IC, and one labeled crasher. The latter two were shut off with ease, but the Master pair prompted Administrative approval codes.
The ghouls seemed to be in a hurry. They slowed from an all out run, but only by a little. The pair of them broke from the huddled grey masses of decrepit buildings into a clearing. A shadowy crust of pavement dimmed the glow of the Earth below. Jovan began to get a sense of sickness infused with the magic ahead. A darkness swirled through the Astral like an foreboding wind. The two hunters below were heading towards a light in the distance. "The dog ahead appears to be waiting for our friends" mentioned the Air spirit casually as the glowing aura of the hound stood watching the approach of the ghouls. It was uncertain if the thing had seen Jovan and his associate or not.
In the Matrix, or the left over remnants of the Matrix of old, a metal ferret Ran through his security options. He turned the Alert on the system off and the pulsing red sea shifted to a cool blue green. A window popped up with Security IC that were currently running. One labeled Master IC, which appeared to be the bird and his tail, and two other IC. One a tracker IC, and one labeled crasher. The latter two were shut off with ease, but the Master pair prompted Administrative approval codes.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Redmond
Professor continues to sift through the day's events and data. Something sticks in his mind. Not necessarily a resolution of the various threads twisting through the run, but a potential problem.
"I just remember Amber was communicating with someone before her demise. Her commlink is in our vehicle. Anyone have a way of checking it out? There may be an open channel through which we could be tracked."
Professor continues to sift through the day's events and data. Something sticks in his mind. Not necessarily a resolution of the various threads twisting through the run, but a potential problem.
"I just remember Amber was communicating with someone before her demise. Her commlink is in our vehicle. Anyone have a way of checking it out? There may be an open channel through which we could be tracked."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:41 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
With Ferret in control of the system Oswald had little to do, so he backed out, brought up his typical program load and focused his attention back on controlling the skies. Maybe he could find that dog again before it found them.
Sitting cross-legged and still on the floor he responded to Jovan's watcher, "The weird disembodied voice is right about the first part. That geek out there was feral as a wild boar. Didn't have a beard either, if that matters for anything. But as to the second part, I don't think this Jonathan guy knows we're coming. He may know that something's in the wind, but there's no way he's prepared for this crew. I don't expect that he even knew about the existence of the shipment before today, if he does at all. Otherwise there'd have been waves somewhere, right. He wouldn't just sit on the guns for so long. He'd have moved them or tried to arrange something before now, wouldn't he?"
With Ferret in control of the system Oswald had little to do, so he backed out, brought up his typical program load and focused his attention back on controlling the skies. Maybe he could find that dog again before it found them.
Sitting cross-legged and still on the floor he responded to Jovan's watcher, "The weird disembodied voice is right about the first part. That geek out there was feral as a wild boar. Didn't have a beard either, if that matters for anything. But as to the second part, I don't think this Jonathan guy knows we're coming. He may know that something's in the wind, but there's no way he's prepared for this crew. I don't expect that he even knew about the existence of the shipment before today, if he does at all. Otherwise there'd have been waves somewhere, right. He wouldn't just sit on the guns for so long. He'd have moved them or tried to arrange something before now, wouldn't he?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:41 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Great and you don't suppoz dey might use the guns themselves? Besides, it sounded like they ran into one of BDLL's traps so I'm with Oz. They might have been just passin through and had the bad luck to run into us, and BDLL's traps."
"Great and you don't suppoz dey might use the guns themselves? Besides, it sounded like they ran into one of BDLL's traps so I'm with Oz. They might have been just passin through and had the bad luck to run into us, and BDLL's traps."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:41 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Okay, let's just keep away from the big fiery bird, thought Ferret, scuttling away from the admin level IC. Let's take a look at what caused the alerts in the other nodes instead.
His form shimmered briefly and resolved into three digital Ferret's each one somewhat grainier than the original. They then zoomed off in different directions, each heading for one of the three nodes that had been on alert. Arriving almost simultaneously in the nodes, the Ferrets performed the same set of actions, nose sniffing and whiskers twitching as they scanned the nodes security logs for the causes of the alerts, while their dark eyes glowed with video streams from any still operating security cameras.
Okay, let's just keep away from the big fiery bird, thought Ferret, scuttling away from the admin level IC. Let's take a look at what caused the alerts in the other nodes instead.
His form shimmered briefly and resolved into three digital Ferret's each one somewhat grainier than the original. They then zoomed off in different directions, each heading for one of the three nodes that had been on alert. Arriving almost simultaneously in the nodes, the Ferrets performed the same set of actions, nose sniffing and whiskers twitching as they scanned the nodes security logs for the causes of the alerts, while their dark eyes glowed with video streams from any still operating security cameras.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Doubt it Prof. We're in a dead zone, Matrix-wise. We can barely stay connected to each other. No one's got access to the Matrix proper." Still scanning the area with his radar, Oswald decided to change the subject to his current quarry. "By the way, what's the deal with the dog? Anyone know? Originally I thought we could use it to clean house for us, but now I don't even know where its gone."
"Doubt it Prof. We're in a dead zone, Matrix-wise. We can barely stay connected to each other. No one's got access to the Matrix proper." Still scanning the area with his radar, Oswald decided to change the subject to his current quarry. "By the way, what's the deal with the dog? Anyone know? Originally I thought we could use it to clean house for us, but now I don't even know where its gone."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Ferret scanned through the security logs at the mall. The Fire system had been activated. The cameras were accessible. Half of them reported no response, and the rest had lenses too grimy to see through. One camera, positioned high in the ceiling at the front of the mall was almost usable. Ferret could spot what looked like a car at the front door, but it was terribly blurry. The Tower was a private node. The only cameras the system had access to were in the streets near the building. The roads were empty save for fallen caution tape and debris. The Anne node was private as well. Only one camera seemed to be working in the area, but Ferret caught sight of an almost familiar sight, The Bistro was across the street. It looked abandoned, yet intact. another sight that was getting to be familiar was the men with claws and drool. Three of them appeared on the camera by the East Tower, heading south with pieces of bodies that looked like they might match up if you had the chance to put them back together.
Ferret scanned through the security logs at the mall. The Fire system had been activated. The cameras were accessible. Half of them reported no response, and the rest had lenses too grimy to see through. One camera, positioned high in the ceiling at the front of the mall was almost usable. Ferret could spot what looked like a car at the front door, but it was terribly blurry. The Tower was a private node. The only cameras the system had access to were in the streets near the building. The roads were empty save for fallen caution tape and debris. The Anne node was private as well. Only one camera seemed to be working in the area, but Ferret caught sight of an almost familiar sight, The Bistro was across the street. It looked abandoned, yet intact. another sight that was getting to be familiar was the men with claws and drool. Three of them appeared on the camera by the East Tower, heading south with pieces of bodies that looked like they might match up if you had the chance to put them back together.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Zo Moves to the corner of the of the garage to get a better look at the now dead ghoul. Shaking his head, he looks up to see if anymore ghouls are around.
"One thing about the dog, cant on of the mages mind frag the dog and make it as compliant as a meat puppet in a bunraku parlor?"
Zo Moves to the corner of the of the garage to get a better look at the now dead ghoul. Shaking his head, he looks up to see if anymore ghouls are around.
"One thing about the dog, cant on of the mages mind frag the dog and make it as compliant as a meat puppet in a bunraku parlor?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"To an extent. It will depend on how appropriate mental influence will be to the situation. The dog is still a poorly understood factor in the current scheme of things, and I'd prefer not to make a move on something until we have a better idea of what the consequences would be."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Oswald, you were asking about the dog earlier, correct? Well, we found the dog. It looks to be waiting for the ghouls we are following, though to what end I do not know."
"To an extent. It will depend on how appropriate mental influence will be to the situation. The dog is still a poorly understood factor in the current scheme of things, and I'd prefer not to make a move on something until we have a better idea of what the consequences would be."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Oswald, you were asking about the dog earlier, correct? Well, we found the dog. It looks to be waiting for the ghouls we are following, though to what end I do not know."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"If history can tell us anything, the dog's gonna blow them the fuck up. If that doesn't happen then it's somehow their watchdog. And if that's the case I'll put a round of four-four-two through its skull. See if I can't change its mind the old-fashioned way."
"If history can tell us anything, the dog's gonna blow them the fuck up. If that doesn't happen then it's somehow their watchdog. And if that's the case I'll put a round of four-four-two through its skull. See if I can't change its mind the old-fashioned way."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Another strange noise began as a chilly breeze picked up. A metallic whining overhead. The elf shaman peered up at the old sign outside the gas station. It swayed some, and showed the deterioration of age and neglect. Small metal fragments fell from the bottom to the ground. Acme turned towards the garage to head inside as the sign tipped from it's perch and fell to the ground with a sickening thud. The body of the elf giving little pause to it's course. Acme was suddenly gone. Only his limbs remained, twitching out from the wreckage.
Another strange noise began as a chilly breeze picked up. A metallic whining overhead. The elf shaman peered up at the old sign outside the gas station. It swayed some, and showed the deterioration of age and neglect. Small metal fragments fell from the bottom to the ground. Acme turned towards the garage to head inside as the sign tipped from it's perch and fell to the ground with a sickening thud. The body of the elf giving little pause to it's course. Acme was suddenly gone. Only his limbs remained, twitching out from the wreckage.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Zo jumps away from the falling sign. After realizing the sign wasn't falling in his direction, he looks towards Acme and Prof. He notices the still twitching limbs of Acme.
"DREK!---I thought dem dandilion eaters were suppoz'd to be quick on der feet."
<@Ferret>Hey Ferret get a move on---Acme just bit it. Seems dis garage is not the most stable place.
Zo jumps away from the falling sign. After realizing the sign wasn't falling in his direction, he looks towards Acme and Prof. He notices the still twitching limbs of Acme.
"DREK!---I thought dem dandilion eaters were suppoz'd to be quick on der feet."
<@Ferret>Hey Ferret get a move on---Acme just bit it. Seems dis garage is not the most stable place.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Buried in the task of scouring data hidden in his memory, Professor notes the accident coolly, files it away along with all the other strange deaths in the last day, and continues his analysis.
No one notices the tears welling in his eyes. Damn, I liked him already. Dangerous thing to do in this business.
Buried in the task of scouring data hidden in his memory, Professor notes the accident coolly, files it away along with all the other strange deaths in the last day, and continues his analysis.
No one notices the tears welling in his eyes. Damn, I liked him already. Dangerous thing to do in this business.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Professor shelves the analysis and studies the building for any further weaknesses. It would be a shame to survive that fiasco in Palenque only to go the way of Acme here.
His concentration is not the best.
Professor shelves the analysis and studies the building for any further weaknesses. It would be a shame to survive that fiasco in Palenque only to go the way of Acme here.
His concentration is not the best.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Sweet shitty Christmas! We're under attack! Those Viper savages must have found us already!" Still in VR, Oswald scrambled blindly backward from the fallen debris to better hug the wall.
"Quick! Sacrifice yourselves to protect me!"
"Sweet shitty Christmas! We're under attack! Those Viper savages must have found us already!" Still in VR, Oswald scrambled blindly backward from the fallen debris to better hug the wall.
"Quick! Sacrifice yourselves to protect me!"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Ferret3 blinks, capturing the image of the Bistro and overlaying it on the digital map. Ferret 2 does the same with the blurry image of the car, while Ferret1 captures some video of the ghouls movng down the street near the tower. He then sends the data to the team's commlinks, a small ferret icon bouncing up and down in their AR or VR feeds with a speech bubble saying 'Map data update'.
He feels the crash as the sign lands on Acme, his physical body curling reflexively into a ball.
Three digital ferrets transmit simultaneously <<@team: What the frag?>> just as Zo's message reaches him.
The three digital ferrets log off the nodes and scuttle back to the security node, where they merge back into one. He checks that no alerts have been triggered then, pausing only to ensure that his security account will work and creating backup accounts for himself and Oswald, logs off to find himself covered in dust and debris.
Ferret3 blinks, capturing the image of the Bistro and overlaying it on the digital map. Ferret 2 does the same with the blurry image of the car, while Ferret1 captures some video of the ghouls movng down the street near the tower. He then sends the data to the team's commlinks, a small ferret icon bouncing up and down in their AR or VR feeds with a speech bubble saying 'Map data update'.
He feels the crash as the sign lands on Acme, his physical body curling reflexively into a ball.
Three digital ferrets transmit simultaneously <<@team: What the frag?>> just as Zo's message reaches him.
The three digital ferrets log off the nodes and scuttle back to the security node, where they merge back into one. He checks that no alerts have been triggered then, pausing only to ensure that his security account will work and creating backup accounts for himself and Oswald, logs off to find himself covered in dust and debris.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
The world was getting surreal. Even for the Barrens. The sign that fell seemed to have just jumped up and attacked the elf. And now he was gone. Professor analyzed the building for trouble. Someone must have cut corners on weather proofing. Or maybe some of the chemicals from the old lab that exploded had an effect on it. The walls were made of concrete though. It seemed sturdy enough, and the roof doesn't have the weight that the sign did. At least not so concentrated. Ferret returned to a less altered reality. The main alteration being the scene in the parking lot.
Oswald was momentarily distracted as the blimp sailed north to catch up with the ghouls, but he looks back in time to see his prey. Two ghouls laden with meat heading towards a huge black dog. Jovan was on the scene as well, in the astral space. The dog was in both worlds. and spotted the incoming trackers. He barks loudly with deep resonating growls. A wave of magic emanates from the dog's aura towards Jovan. The two ghouls look up to see the spirits following them, and they bolt north towards the condoes ahead of them.
The world was getting surreal. Even for the Barrens. The sign that fell seemed to have just jumped up and attacked the elf. And now he was gone. Professor analyzed the building for trouble. Someone must have cut corners on weather proofing. Or maybe some of the chemicals from the old lab that exploded had an effect on it. The walls were made of concrete though. It seemed sturdy enough, and the roof doesn't have the weight that the sign did. At least not so concentrated. Ferret returned to a less altered reality. The main alteration being the scene in the parking lot.
Oswald was momentarily distracted as the blimp sailed north to catch up with the ghouls, but he looks back in time to see his prey. Two ghouls laden with meat heading towards a huge black dog. Jovan was on the scene as well, in the astral space. The dog was in both worlds. and spotted the incoming trackers. He barks loudly with deep resonating growls. A wave of magic emanates from the dog's aura towards Jovan. The two ghouls look up to see the spirits following them, and they bolt north towards the condoes ahead of them.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Redmond
That girl's commlink is still broadcasting? No, no, no, that can't be! This must be rectified before it brings death down upon us... before her signal is captured by the ghouls, or the Vipers, or bugs, or worse... Yes. This must be fixed immediately. I'll be damned if I let those secretive Saeder-Krupp insect spirit-filled strike teams catch up to me now.
With these paranoid thoughts in mind, Jovan turned to his elemental servant as the pair continued to follow the ghouls. A problem has cropped up due to an oversight. We need to return to the vehicles. Come. Calling up the image of the safehouse in his mind, Jovan and the elemental blurred into nothing as they returned to the Rover and the van, moving faster than a bullet.
There is a small commlink lying on the front seat of that van. It is broadcasting a signal and poses a security risk. I need you to go in there and turn it off.
The aloof spirit raised a metaphorical eyebrow, a bit insulted at such a trivial request. This kind of activity is in the domain of spirits of lesser caliber. I can do this for you, but not for free.
Jovan scowled. We do not have time to argue about this, spirit! My work is too important to permit even the slightest risk of my death unless it is on my own terms. In any case, turning off that commlink will reduce the chance of hostile persons finding us, which means that no situations should come up where I must use you in ways more painful than your liking. It will benefit us both. Quickly please, before the ghouls are gone.
Quietly, the spirit materialized in the van and shut off the commlink after a quick look for the proper switch. Within moments, the pair were back in Cross Town on the trail of the two ghouls.
That girl's commlink is still broadcasting? No, no, no, that can't be! This must be rectified before it brings death down upon us... before her signal is captured by the ghouls, or the Vipers, or bugs, or worse... Yes. This must be fixed immediately. I'll be damned if I let those secretive Saeder-Krupp insect spirit-filled strike teams catch up to me now.
With these paranoid thoughts in mind, Jovan turned to his elemental servant as the pair continued to follow the ghouls. A problem has cropped up due to an oversight. We need to return to the vehicles. Come. Calling up the image of the safehouse in his mind, Jovan and the elemental blurred into nothing as they returned to the Rover and the van, moving faster than a bullet.
There is a small commlink lying on the front seat of that van. It is broadcasting a signal and poses a security risk. I need you to go in there and turn it off.
The aloof spirit raised a metaphorical eyebrow, a bit insulted at such a trivial request. This kind of activity is in the domain of spirits of lesser caliber. I can do this for you, but not for free.
Jovan scowled. We do not have time to argue about this, spirit! My work is too important to permit even the slightest risk of my death unless it is on my own terms. In any case, turning off that commlink will reduce the chance of hostile persons finding us, which means that no situations should come up where I must use you in ways more painful than your liking. It will benefit us both. Quickly please, before the ghouls are gone.
Quietly, the spirit materialized in the van and shut off the commlink after a quick look for the proper switch. Within moments, the pair were back in Cross Town on the trail of the two ghouls.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Hey, chummers---as fragged up as dat was. Buidns collapse all the time around here. Notice dat there isn't any squatters round here. Probably due to Big daddy's traps and if there are ghouls in the area-well let's just say street kids....don't tend to last long on their own."
Pausing for moment Zo shakes his head as if clearing his head..
<@Team>Ferret get back in there....unless the building is crumblin around ya.-Prof--does the garage seem safe? Oz-da ghouls appear to be having lunch and for now don't appear ta be a threat--looks like they were on a meal run, an the fact that they're headin towards the dog means its theirs--most likely or dey gots drek for brainz. I'd say keep tabs on them-but if they keep headin away, I'd say focus on something else. Jovan---start looking for any other sign of life, I dont care if it is yucky in da astral-just as long as it won't kill you---send your spirits if ya can, and if any mojo is around back out an let us know. Let's hurry up before dat Thor shot comes crashin down on us.
"Hey, chummers---as fragged up as dat was. Buidns collapse all the time around here. Notice dat there isn't any squatters round here. Probably due to Big daddy's traps and if there are ghouls in the area-well let's just say street kids....don't tend to last long on their own."
Pausing for moment Zo shakes his head as if clearing his head..
<@Team>Ferret get back in there....unless the building is crumblin around ya.-Prof--does the garage seem safe? Oz-da ghouls appear to be having lunch and for now don't appear ta be a threat--looks like they were on a meal run, an the fact that they're headin towards the dog means its theirs--most likely or dey gots drek for brainz. I'd say keep tabs on them-but if they keep headin away, I'd say focus on something else. Jovan---start looking for any other sign of life, I dont care if it is yucky in da astral-just as long as it won't kill you---send your spirits if ya can, and if any mojo is around back out an let us know. Let's hurry up before dat Thor shot comes crashin down on us.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
<<@team: The building looks pretty solid to me. The trappings outside and the outer surface are in worse shape, though. Stay inside and we should be alright.>>
<<@team: The building looks pretty solid to me. The trappings outside and the outer surface are in worse shape, though. Stay inside and we should be alright.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Ferret coughs and dusts himself down. He pushes the image of a pair of boots sticking out from under the fallen sign to the back of his mind and takes a deep breath to settle himself before jacking back in to the node. As he scurries back to the security node, keeping a close watch on the fiery bird, he rattles off what he has found so far.
<<@Team: Check the updated map file I just sent you. {file}. Annex 3 looks like a bust unless we want to pay a visit to the bistro BDLL used to contact the outside world. The physical building still looks habitable but he's not answering the phone. The ghouls seem to be hanging out by the East Tower, so lets avoid that if at all possible. It's a private node, so I haven't been to look inside yet. Mall is also a private node. The system reported a fire alert there so either someone is living there or something ran into one of BDLL's traps. I also spotted a vehicle parked outside. No immediate signs of ghouls and there would likley be enough parking there to hide a couple of trucks. Looks like the best bet. I'm heading there now to see if I can take a virtual look inside.>>
Ferret coughs and dusts himself down. He pushes the image of a pair of boots sticking out from under the fallen sign to the back of his mind and takes a deep breath to settle himself before jacking back in to the node. As he scurries back to the security node, keeping a close watch on the fiery bird, he rattles off what he has found so far.
<<@Team: Check the updated map file I just sent you. {file}. Annex 3 looks like a bust unless we want to pay a visit to the bistro BDLL used to contact the outside world. The physical building still looks habitable but he's not answering the phone. The ghouls seem to be hanging out by the East Tower, so lets avoid that if at all possible. It's a private node, so I haven't been to look inside yet. Mall is also a private node. The system reported a fire alert there so either someone is living there or something ran into one of BDLL's traps. I also spotted a vehicle parked outside. No immediate signs of ghouls and there would likley be enough parking there to hide a couple of trucks. Looks like the best bet. I'm heading there now to see if I can take a virtual look inside.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Fuggit. Jove doesn't want us to kill this one beard-guy, but I've got a feeling that Fidel Corpse-tro is going to be damn upset with us killing his dog-brain little wards, or, you know, his dog. Meanwhile said dog and dog-men aren't even going to think twice about coming after us, so we're stuck here unless we wanna kill them. So, do we wait for Joe to contact ghouly mc-beard-beard, and hope that there's some kind of peaceful resolution." Oswald, sense-blind, brought his hand up to his mouth to whisper, "There isn't," but mostly smacked himself in the face with the old synth-skin limb. "Or do I get permission to wet the dirt?"
"Fuggit. Jove doesn't want us to kill this one beard-guy, but I've got a feeling that Fidel Corpse-tro is going to be damn upset with us killing his dog-brain little wards, or, you know, his dog. Meanwhile said dog and dog-men aren't even going to think twice about coming after us, so we're stuck here unless we wanna kill them. So, do we wait for Joe to contact ghouly mc-beard-beard, and hope that there's some kind of peaceful resolution." Oswald, sense-blind, brought his hand up to his mouth to whisper, "There isn't," but mostly smacked himself in the face with the old synth-skin limb. "Or do I get permission to wet the dirt?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Zo sends the following message back:<<@Team: Ferret quick question, could the system still be on alert from when dis place was destroyed wayz back when? An when BDLL powered da place back up he kept it that way?>>
Zo sends the following message back:<<@Team: Ferret quick question, could the system still be on alert from when dis place was destroyed wayz back when? An when BDLL powered da place back up he kept it that way?>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:42 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Ferret responds to Zo:<<@Team: I will need to check the logs. It is possible that BDLL just left the system on alert to make it harder to hack into. I'll let you know.>>
He splits his attention, sending a small digital copy of himself scurrying off towards the security node and data logs while he continues to chew his way through the mall's firewall.
Ferret responds to Zo:<<@Team: I will need to check the logs. It is possible that BDLL just left the system on alert to make it harder to hack into. I'll let you know.>>
He splits his attention, sending a small digital copy of himself scurrying off towards the security node and data logs while he continues to chew his way through the mall's firewall.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
The tiny Ferret skims the security logs and notes the time of the alarm.
<<@Team: Looks like the alarm was triggered last Friday around 4 AM. That fit with any of the data we got on BDLL or the ghouls?>>
It's job done, the tiny ferret gives a digital 'sqeee' and derezzes. His attention now fully on the Mall's node, Ferret scurries from camera to camera, placing one silver eye against each icon and peering through at the image beyond as well as reviewing any video stored on the few remaining working cameras.
The tiny Ferret skims the security logs and notes the time of the alarm.
<<@Team: Looks like the alarm was triggered last Friday around 4 AM. That fit with any of the data we got on BDLL or the ghouls?>>
It's job done, the tiny ferret gives a digital 'sqeee' and derezzes. His attention now fully on the Mall's node, Ferret scurries from camera to camera, placing one silver eye against each icon and peering through at the image beyond as well as reviewing any video stored on the few remaining working cameras.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
<@Team>:If da alarm started at 4 PM last friday, possibly during a ghoul attack. But dere is too much we still ain't figured out?
Prof, some questions for ya, does anyone know when BDLL an team missed da drop?
Who was on da team an does anyone know where dey might be-alive or dead?
Do any of his team or associates know what might have happened?
Da vipers--why they so unable to grasp the concept dat biz is biz? An why are they dat stupid when we can both make out like a dwarf muffin diver with a 2 nuyen troll joygirl?
Da Johnson? What is der intrest, why don't dey call it quits?
Duz anyone know who the johnson is?
The theory working right know iz dat he was attacked by a horde of ghouls, an they fragged him. leavingus to just walk in in take the trucks. But dat not the case, if the ghouls did get da stuff, might mean dey wanna selll it. But that would have happened by an it don't look like dey have it since well dey aint using it here. There might be another group out there we don't know about that has the goods. Just cause da trucks are dere don't mean the stuff we want is.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Oh, god. It's trying to think...
<@Team>: The only good theory is one you can test. You can speculate all day and you'll still only find the answer when you get there. As of now, I just wanna get there, and it's not all that far. Knowing that our boss is, let's say, Miguel Azure, money man for a Basque separatist terror cell from Navarre, isn't going to change our immediate circumstances. As to a third party looking for this gear, yeah, there is one. It's called Ares, but they're not exactly known for their subtlety. I can't imagine there's a fourth party out there. This shit's too crowded to have not bumped into them by now.
Oh, god. It's trying to think...
<@Team>: The only good theory is one you can test. You can speculate all day and you'll still only find the answer when you get there. As of now, I just wanna get there, and it's not all that far. Knowing that our boss is, let's say, Miguel Azure, money man for a Basque separatist terror cell from Navarre, isn't going to change our immediate circumstances. As to a third party looking for this gear, yeah, there is one. It's called Ares, but they're not exactly known for their subtlety. I can't imagine there's a fourth party out there. This shit's too crowded to have not bumped into them by now.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Still blissfully unaware of the conversation going on over the team's commlinks, the floating eye drifted over to the inert and blind rigger.
"Have some patience and wait for me to find Jonathan, Oswald. We can worry about murdering his entourage after that. But keep some crosshairs on that dog, please. Don't worry about the ghouls for now; that dog's magical power is not insignificant."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Redmond
Jovan narrowed his astral Eyes at the dog standing up ahead. His ever-suspicious mind had a distinct feeling that the dog was watching him. Judging from the earlier mess with the watcher, he felt he had a good idea of what the dog would try next. Not going to happen, you twisted canine mongrel.
The nosferatu flew suddenly to the right, towards the buildings ringing the perimeter of the clearing. Taking advantage of the astral cover, he slid effortlessly through the intangible astral shadow of the wall until he was largely shielded from attack, with only small amounts of his astral form peeking through to allow him to use his own innate paranormal tricks. He saw the Awakened dog follow him with its Eye, saw it lift its head in a howl as it prepared to fill him with an unearthly Terror - but Jovan was faster on the draw, being quite familiar with the tactic himself, and used the same innate magical technique to launch out a wave of magical fear towards the dog before retreating completely through the wall and out of sight.
Still blissfully unaware of the conversation going on over the team's commlinks, the floating eye drifted over to the inert and blind rigger.
"Have some patience and wait for me to find Jonathan, Oswald. We can worry about murdering his entourage after that. But keep some crosshairs on that dog, please. Don't worry about the ghouls for now; that dog's magical power is not insignificant."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Redmond
Jovan narrowed his astral Eyes at the dog standing up ahead. His ever-suspicious mind had a distinct feeling that the dog was watching him. Judging from the earlier mess with the watcher, he felt he had a good idea of what the dog would try next. Not going to happen, you twisted canine mongrel.
The nosferatu flew suddenly to the right, towards the buildings ringing the perimeter of the clearing. Taking advantage of the astral cover, he slid effortlessly through the intangible astral shadow of the wall until he was largely shielded from attack, with only small amounts of his astral form peeking through to allow him to use his own innate paranormal tricks. He saw the Awakened dog follow him with its Eye, saw it lift its head in a howl as it prepared to fill him with an unearthly Terror - but Jovan was faster on the draw, being quite familiar with the tactic himself, and used the same innate magical technique to launch out a wave of magical fear towards the dog before retreating completely through the wall and out of sight.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Hmm... Affirmative. I'll await your signal. By the way, Ferret says that the ghouls are moving toward the east tower more than elsewhere. Speaking of that dog, I've got a recording of it's last howl. If any of you have a sound filter, I can send you the file pattern - just block that bastard out."
"Hmm... Affirmative. I'll await your signal. By the way, Ferret says that the ghouls are moving toward the east tower more than elsewhere. Speaking of that dog, I've got a recording of it's last howl. If any of you have a sound filter, I can send you the file pattern - just block that bastard out."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
<@Team>:I'm gonna call some one an see if he has heard any offers to sell some grade mil-spec bang bang in the last few days.
<@K-P>Hey K-P, I just wonderin if you haz heard of any one tryin to offload any milspec gear? This job I got invloves some shipment lost to local runner crew with a rigger goin by the name of big daddy long legs if ya know anything about that I'd be willing to get ya bit of cred for a bit of useful info. Or at least letz me know if someone comes to ya. We may be able to come to some sort of bizness arrangment.
<@Team>:I'm gonna call some one an see if he has heard any offers to sell some grade mil-spec bang bang in the last few days.
<@K-P>Hey K-P, I just wonderin if you haz heard of any one tryin to offload any milspec gear? This job I got invloves some shipment lost to local runner crew with a rigger goin by the name of big daddy long legs if ya know anything about that I'd be willing to get ya bit of cred for a bit of useful info. Or at least letz me know if someone comes to ya. We may be able to come to some sort of bizness arrangment.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"Sounds good, Zo. The more leads we check the better."
Keeping an eye on both the astral and the physical was wearing on professor. He clears his thoughts and focuses his mind, lessening the strain. The possibility of the dog coming worries him. He draws mana into his mind and channels it into his muscles and nerves.
He can feel his reactions quicken, but he is amazed by the liquid smooth control he has over his actions. Ooooh. That worked well.
"Sounds good, Zo. The more leads we check the better."
Keeping an eye on both the astral and the physical was wearing on professor. He clears his thoughts and focuses his mind, lessening the strain. The possibility of the dog coming worries him. He draws mana into his mind and channels it into his muscles and nerves.
He can feel his reactions quicken, but he is amazed by the liquid smooth control he has over his actions. Ooooh. That worked well.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Redmond
Ferret works through the mall security cameras. The recorded footage shows an explosion outside the mall. A car sliding through the glass in flames. The smoke billows upwards and the cameras go black with the rush of murky water from the sprinkler system. Its nothing like the trids would have you believe, with a spray of clear water raining down. It's a man made flood of a fluid unsuitable for drinking. The glow of the flames are gone, and the lenses are blurred with smoke and water. Shadowy figures can be made out shuffling out of the vehicle, and muzzle flashes spark in the smoke as guns are fired. On the street side, the cameras are mysteriously out of order. Possibly knocked out by collapsing buildings, or destroyed for other reasons.
Jovan dives into a building. The spirit follows along beside. Jovan, deciding to fight fire with fire, unleashes his attack of terror towards the dog, but, the saying is less practical when actually applied. The dog is unmoved. It's own blast of fear ripples through the walls. Jovan is unnerved a bit as it chills his blood. He doesn't flee in terror, but, for the moment, he can't bring himself to face the beast on the other side of this wall again. The Blimp can see none of this. Just the dog with glowing drool barking at two mongrel humans.
Ferret works through the mall security cameras. The recorded footage shows an explosion outside the mall. A car sliding through the glass in flames. The smoke billows upwards and the cameras go black with the rush of murky water from the sprinkler system. Its nothing like the trids would have you believe, with a spray of clear water raining down. It's a man made flood of a fluid unsuitable for drinking. The glow of the flames are gone, and the lenses are blurred with smoke and water. Shadowy figures can be made out shuffling out of the vehicle, and muzzle flashes spark in the smoke as guns are fired. On the street side, the cameras are mysteriously out of order. Possibly knocked out by collapsing buildings, or destroyed for other reasons.
Jovan dives into a building. The spirit follows along beside. Jovan, deciding to fight fire with fire, unleashes his attack of terror towards the dog, but, the saying is less practical when actually applied. The dog is unmoved. It's own blast of fear ripples through the walls. Jovan is unnerved a bit as it chills his blood. He doesn't flee in terror, but, for the moment, he can't bring himself to face the beast on the other side of this wall again. The Blimp can see none of this. Just the dog with glowing drool barking at two mongrel humans.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:44 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
There it is again. Another howl. Muffled, it has little effect on those in the gas station, but eerie nonetheless. Professor wonders who the target is.
Ah. Jovan is flitting about astrally. Likely he is agitating the dog.
I wonder how he would take to being called Jo Dog.
There it is again. Another howl. Muffled, it has little effect on those in the gas station, but eerie nonetheless. Professor wonders who the target is.
Ah. Jovan is flitting about astrally. Likely he is agitating the dog.
I wonder how he would take to being called Jo Dog.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Redmond
Screaming out of the night is a figure dressed in black biking gear riding a Indian Pathfinder. There is the image of a green tiger emblazoned on the back of her jacket. Somewhat unnervingly a wake of ectoplasmic fog is left behind forming a wake: a clear sign of spiritual possession.
The form of the Barghest is visible, for some reason it is concentrating on a wall. Jade Tiger twists the throttle increasing the speed, heading straight for the unnatural hound. Tires snarling, engine roaring the bikes responds to her call. The speed increasing...60..70..80, at the last moment Jade Tiger drops the bike to the floor and skids along the ground on her back relying on her armour and being tough to protect her
SMASH!
Jade Tiger rolls to her feet, taking off her helmet and shaking her long black ponytail free, her scratches from the crash fading. I hate those things she thinks Good thing that was a stolen bike. I wonder if there is a bounty.
Screaming out of the night is a figure dressed in black biking gear riding a Indian Pathfinder. There is the image of a green tiger emblazoned on the back of her jacket. Somewhat unnervingly a wake of ectoplasmic fog is left behind forming a wake: a clear sign of spiritual possession.
The form of the Barghest is visible, for some reason it is concentrating on a wall. Jade Tiger twists the throttle increasing the speed, heading straight for the unnatural hound. Tires snarling, engine roaring the bikes responds to her call. The speed increasing...60..70..80, at the last moment Jade Tiger drops the bike to the floor and skids along the ground on her back relying on her armour and being tough to protect her
SMASH!
Jade Tiger rolls to her feet, taking off her helmet and shaking her long black ponytail free, her scratches from the crash fading. I hate those things she thinks Good thing that was a stolen bike. I wonder if there is a bounty.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Redmond
Jovan shivered. He didn't like feeling like this, feeling helpless and vulnerable and in mortal danger. It was extremely unbecoming of a superior being such as himself, not to mention that it was so very irrational. He struggled to clear his mind of the unnerving emotion he was experiencing.
Wait a second. I must clear my head for a moment before we go back out there to dance with the dog some more. He pauses, then turns again toward his elemental Servant, mildly peeved. Aren't you motivated to do anything right now? That dog is attacking us!
Jovan shivered. He didn't like feeling like this, feeling helpless and vulnerable and in mortal danger. It was extremely unbecoming of a superior being such as himself, not to mention that it was so very irrational. He struggled to clear his mind of the unnerving emotion he was experiencing.
Wait a second. I must clear my head for a moment before we go back out there to dance with the dog some more. He pauses, then turns again toward his elemental Servant, mildly peeved. Aren't you motivated to do anything right now? That dog is attacking us!
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Redmond
Ferret streams the alarm footage to the rest of the team.
<<@team: Looks like some sort of firefight at the mall. Can't make out who they are or if BDLL is one of them. Looks like the mall might be the place to start, but will check out the East Tower anyway. Oh, and can someone do something about that dog. I can still hear it even here in the grid.>>
With that he scuttles off towards the East Tower's node. His nose twitches as he scents the digital traffic in the air around him. He pauses at the entrance to the tower, scanning for IC or anything out of the ordinary before tip-toeing forward on his hind legs and reaching a paw out to open the door.
Ferret streams the alarm footage to the rest of the team.
<<@team: Looks like some sort of firefight at the mall. Can't make out who they are or if BDLL is one of them. Looks like the mall might be the place to start, but will check out the East Tower anyway. Oh, and can someone do something about that dog. I can still hear it even here in the grid.>>
With that he scuttles off towards the East Tower's node. His nose twitches as he scents the digital traffic in the air around him. He pauses at the entrance to the tower, scanning for IC or anything out of the ordinary before tip-toeing forward on his hind legs and reaching a paw out to open the door.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Redmond
The blimp had been watching a fairly serene scene with a dog barking into a quiet night, before the motorcycle blipped onto his radar. The driver tore onto the street and skidded the bike at the dog in a way that seemed intentional. The bike sparked along the street like a rocket. The dog turned, but it was too late. The vehicle bounced over top of it and it laid in a heap unmoving. The two ghouls dropped their snacks and lunged for the newcomer with terrible yells.
Inside the Astral space of a nearby building, a spirit was having a lively conversation with his summoner,"I thought that, perhaps you had a different plan when you dove into this shadow here, I hadn't worried about the..."
He was interrupted by the violence outside, and the wrenching of the beast from its aura. Looking outside he continued,"the dog is no longer a concern. A tiger has come along and killed it."
In a more digital world, Ferret scratched at the firewall of the East Tower, a node that looked like an underwater skyscraper beaming with light. This node is a little more daunting, especially when it's on high alert. It's even calling for an alert on the matrix, hailing a node that is long gone. A program, a smiling man in a dapper suit, is waiting in the lobby, probably analyzing all newcomers. Ferret also notices that the dog isn't howling anymore.
The blimp had been watching a fairly serene scene with a dog barking into a quiet night, before the motorcycle blipped onto his radar. The driver tore onto the street and skidded the bike at the dog in a way that seemed intentional. The bike sparked along the street like a rocket. The dog turned, but it was too late. The vehicle bounced over top of it and it laid in a heap unmoving. The two ghouls dropped their snacks and lunged for the newcomer with terrible yells.
Inside the Astral space of a nearby building, a spirit was having a lively conversation with his summoner,"I thought that, perhaps you had a different plan when you dove into this shadow here, I hadn't worried about the..."
He was interrupted by the violence outside, and the wrenching of the beast from its aura. Looking outside he continued,"the dog is no longer a concern. A tiger has come along and killed it."
In a more digital world, Ferret scratched at the firewall of the East Tower, a node that looked like an underwater skyscraper beaming with light. This node is a little more daunting, especially when it's on high alert. It's even calling for an alert on the matrix, hailing a node that is long gone. A program, a smiling man in a dapper suit, is waiting in the lobby, probably analyzing all newcomers. Ferret also notices that the dog isn't howling anymore.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:43 PM, Redmond
The unnatural green glow from Jade Tiger's eyes increases as she spins to face the ghouls. A trail of ectoplasm is left behind as her hands move through martial arts patterns. As the ghouls pounce she is ready and meets their charge. Fists and feet smash into the ghouls while she pirouttes away from their blows, lessening their impact.
I hold you no enmity friend ghouls. Leave now and I will allow you to live" These ghouls needed to learn their place in the natural order. Jade Tiger thought. She was the alpha predator here, not them.
The unnatural green glow from Jade Tiger's eyes increases as she spins to face the ghouls. A trail of ectoplasm is left behind as her hands move through martial arts patterns. As the ghouls pounce she is ready and meets their charge. Fists and feet smash into the ghouls while she pirouttes away from their blows, lessening their impact.
I hold you no enmity friend ghouls. Leave now and I will allow you to live" These ghouls needed to learn their place in the natural order. Jade Tiger thought. She was the alpha predator here, not them.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:44 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
Zo carefully checks out the dead Ghoul. Looking for a commlink or any other item on the ghoul that could be useful. As he does so he takes note of the activity on the AR feed. He opens it and examines the rider. --Not a local ganger by far, wouldn't waste the bike like that anyway...Viper...nah they are military...military don't have loners....frag me another unknown to worry about
"Hey is dere a bar nearby or are we just dat fraggin lucky?
<@Ferret>Hey chummer--one more slot headed drekhead have come to the fragfest--check Oz's AR feed
Zo carefully checks out the dead Ghoul. Looking for a commlink or any other item on the ghoul that could be useful. As he does so he takes note of the activity on the AR feed. He opens it and examines the rider. --Not a local ganger by far, wouldn't waste the bike like that anyway...Viper...nah they are military...military don't have loners....frag me another unknown to worry about
"Hey is dere a bar nearby or are we just dat fraggin lucky?
<@Ferret>Hey chummer--one more slot headed drekhead have come to the fragfest--check Oz's AR feed
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:44 PM, Redmond
Ferret swats away a buzzing fly representing Zo's incoming message, sending it into his answering service. Don't these guys understand I'm trying to work here. At least the dog has shut up. That howl gave me the creeps.
As he had suspected, the East Tower was going to be a tough nut to crack. He eyed the program in the suit warily as it tried to scan him. A burst of data went off towards the dead matrix, but the Phoenix at least seemed not to be showing him any interest.
Not yet anyway he worried, then raised a digital eyebrow as an idea struck him.
While he continued to dig at the firewall, a second ferret materialised next to him and rushed off after the disappearing data packet.
Ferret swats away a buzzing fly representing Zo's incoming message, sending it into his answering service. Don't these guys understand I'm trying to work here. At least the dog has shut up. That howl gave me the creeps.
As he had suspected, the East Tower was going to be a tough nut to crack. He eyed the program in the suit warily as it tried to scan him. A burst of data went off towards the dead matrix, but the Phoenix at least seemed not to be showing him any interest.
Not yet anyway he worried, then raised a digital eyebrow as an idea struck him.
While he continued to dig at the firewall, a second ferret materialised next to him and rushed off after the disappearing data packet.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
It takes a good deal of hard work to do something stupid enough to surprise a man who believes he's trapped in a world of crazy-rainbow-bullshit, but crashing a motorcycle at 120k/hr into a dog that looked like it should be sitting at the feet of Gozer the Gozerian, and then getting into a fist-fight with two mad ghouls, well, that's gonna surprise anyone. Oz just sat and watched, slack-jawed, for a moment and then spoke.
"Remember that fourth party I figured we'd have bumped into by now... Well, I if this flaming mess is part of that, I really don't see how we're only finding out now. I mean, what kind of psycho.. punching ghouls... clouds of phosgene gas... New vote. Do I shoot the crazy bike-fucker?"
It takes a good deal of hard work to do something stupid enough to surprise a man who believes he's trapped in a world of crazy-rainbow-bullshit, but crashing a motorcycle at 120k/hr into a dog that looked like it should be sitting at the feet of Gozer the Gozerian, and then getting into a fist-fight with two mad ghouls, well, that's gonna surprise anyone. Oz just sat and watched, slack-jawed, for a moment and then spoke.
"Remember that fourth party I figured we'd have bumped into by now... Well, I if this flaming mess is part of that, I really don't see how we're only finding out now. I mean, what kind of psycho.. punching ghouls... clouds of phosgene gas... New vote. Do I shoot the crazy bike-fucker?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"I'd say, sure go ahead and shoot them....but we don't know who dey with or why dey iz here. Shoot the ghouls though so we'z can talk. Frankly I think da lady would be more open to conversation dan da zombies anyway. "
"I'd say, sure go ahead and shoot them....but we don't know who dey with or why dey iz here. Shoot the ghouls though so we'z can talk. Frankly I think da lady would be more open to conversation dan da zombies anyway. "
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 10:45 PM, Cross Town Gas, Redmond
"I'll second the 'frag the geeks then send the spirit' plan. None opposed? Okay. Motion passes. Watch what happens when I shoot him right in through sacrum and out through the pubic arch."
"I'll second the 'frag the geeks then send the spirit' plan. None opposed? Okay. Motion passes. Watch what happens when I shoot him right in through sacrum and out through the pubic arch."
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