Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Tower in Redmond
The thrill of the hunt increases, the smell of the man's fear and anger intoxicating, Jade Tiger charges the fleeing man. It may have been a mercy killing, but mercy was not the emotion filling her. With a flying leap she pounces upon her victim. Instinct takes over, and the blow is to the base of the skull. A roar leaves her lips echoing around the street. A roar of challenge.
As the man drops, shock takes over. The thought form leaves, its mission fulfilled. Jade is standing in the middle of a street with a man dead or unconscious at her feet. She pauses for a few moments leaning against a building to get control of her emotions, and deal with the adrenaline running through her system.
<<[Jade Tiger]: Sorry I was a little enthusiastic: I think he's dead. Oz you might be able to do something with him. [Embedded picture] Is this your Viper 5? I assume there is nothing on the body that you want.>>
Full Version: IC: Post or Die
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:54 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
Professor scans his memory for something he may have missed earlier. Ah. There. Getting sloppy, ...P.
<<@team: Sometimes my head is in the astral, and I don't connect words filtering into one realm with actions in the other. So, I didn't make the connection that Ferret's "There we go" meant the jammer was disabled. Just in case I am in two worlds at once next time, help me out and make team notifications a bit more explicit, OK gang? It's my fault, not yours.>>
"In any case, our intentions are as I stated. We mean you no harm, and will help your teammate if we can. A signal or code to indicate that intent would be useful."
Professor scans his memory for something he may have missed earlier. Ah. There. Getting sloppy, ...P.
<<@team: Sometimes my head is in the astral, and I don't connect words filtering into one realm with actions in the other. So, I didn't make the connection that Ferret's "There we go" meant the jammer was disabled. Just in case I am in two worlds at once next time, help me out and make team notifications a bit more explicit, OK gang? It's my fault, not yours.>>
"In any case, our intentions are as I stated. We mean you no harm, and will help your teammate if we can. A signal or code to indicate that intent would be useful."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
The woman breathed a sigh of relief in the direction of Oswald,"Thanks for some straight shootin doc. Sounds like the rest of my team had the same kinda luck I did.... or worse. The kid set up that jammer right after we hijacked the truck. He turned it on when we hit the convoy with the tailers, then we played cat and mouse with an Ares fast response team until Long Legs was clear with the cargo, uh.. that's our rigger. So you guys must be looking for the trucks right? I won't stand in your way. This job is a bust for me. I'm gonna ask my fixer to send me back to the minors for a while. The rigger's place should be just up the road. I don't know what happened to the team or the cargo, but we got hit hard, and after we thought we were in the clear. I hadn't worked with these guys before, and I'm starting to feel we were doule crossed by someone on the team."
Outside of Rusty's
Stepping back behind her own eyes as the spirit leaves her vessel, Jade ooks down at her prey. He was face down on the pavement with blood trickling from his head.
The woman breathed a sigh of relief in the direction of Oswald,"Thanks for some straight shootin doc. Sounds like the rest of my team had the same kinda luck I did.... or worse. The kid set up that jammer right after we hijacked the truck. He turned it on when we hit the convoy with the tailers, then we played cat and mouse with an Ares fast response team until Long Legs was clear with the cargo, uh.. that's our rigger. So you guys must be looking for the trucks right? I won't stand in your way. This job is a bust for me. I'm gonna ask my fixer to send me back to the minors for a while. The rigger's place should be just up the road. I don't know what happened to the team or the cargo, but we got hit hard, and after we thought we were in the clear. I hadn't worked with these guys before, and I'm starting to feel we were doule crossed by someone on the team."
Outside of Rusty's
Stepping back behind her own eyes as the spirit leaves her vessel, Jade ooks down at her prey. He was face down on the pavement with blood trickling from his head.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:54 PM, The streets of Cross-town
Zo stopped at a crumbling remains of a jersey barrier in the parking lot. He kneels down on the ground behind it and begins to take in the sights and sounds of the Redmond barrens in all of its glory. In the AR map he places a green ARO where he is.
<@Team>I'm goin to hold here waitin on you guys to catch up. Jade--slit the fraggin V5's throat to be sure. We don't have time for dat bulldrek.
Zo stopped at a crumbling remains of a jersey barrier in the parking lot. He kneels down on the ground behind it and begins to take in the sights and sounds of the Redmond barrens in all of its glory. In the AR map he places a green ARO where he is.
<@Team>I'm goin to hold here waitin on you guys to catch up. Jade--slit the fraggin V5's throat to be sure. We don't have time for dat bulldrek.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
<<@team: For all the trouble he is, the captive Viper may still come in handy. I would keep him alive if possible.>>
Professor looked in the direction the woman indicated, correlating the maps he had memorized with the view from here. So, not Ares but part of Long Leg's crew. "Not double crossed by you or the kid, obviously, and I assume not by Log Legs?" *questioning lilt at the end of that*
"Any ideas who?"
<<@team: For all the trouble he is, the captive Viper may still come in handy. I would keep him alive if possible.>>
Professor looked in the direction the woman indicated, correlating the maps he had memorized with the view from here. So, not Ares but part of Long Leg's crew. "Not double crossed by you or the kid, obviously, and I assume not by Log Legs?" *questioning lilt at the end of that*
"Any ideas who?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:54 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
The watcher had been continuing to argue with Oswald. "Yes, I do have superior options, and yes, I do want to handle it personally. However, I am currently a bit busy dealing with a group of Infected and some more of their dogs underground at the moment. I am merely requesting that you do something to at least delay him until such a time that I CAN arrive on the scene and deal with his foolishness. Preferably something that won't kill him."
When the woman had begun explaining about the hacker and all the rest, though, it had fallen silent, and remained silent during Professor's and Oswald's exchange. Suddenly, it spoke up. "Pardon me. I have a question for the woman. This 'Fat Man' you mentioned, he wouldn't happen to be German, would he? Perhaps dressed in a suit and top hat?
11:53 PM, Beneath the Tower in Redmond
While all of this had been going on in the meantime, Jovan had been considering his options. Very well, elemental, he thought after a few seconds of contemplation (a rather long time in the astral). If most of them are feral, there's not much to lose by attempting some face-to-face diplomacy with the few brighter ones. Let me put up a layer of counterspelling on us before proceeding, however. We need to be prepared for those dogs this time. Wonderful, now that that's taken care of, let's proceed. The spirit and Jovan, with Jovan now providing counterspelling for both of them, floated forward until they were within sight of the group of ghouls, dogs, and the rest of the cannibalistic individuals.
"Good evening, everyone." He spoke to the group, though trying to speak more to the smarter Infected among the group. "I mean you no harm; you can see that I have HMHVV too. I have a small problem on my hands tonight, and perhaps you can assist me with this problem. Are you willing to help a fellow Infected? I could do something for you in return if you help me."
The watcher had been continuing to argue with Oswald. "Yes, I do have superior options, and yes, I do want to handle it personally. However, I am currently a bit busy dealing with a group of Infected and some more of their dogs underground at the moment. I am merely requesting that you do something to at least delay him until such a time that I CAN arrive on the scene and deal with his foolishness. Preferably something that won't kill him."
When the woman had begun explaining about the hacker and all the rest, though, it had fallen silent, and remained silent during Professor's and Oswald's exchange. Suddenly, it spoke up. "Pardon me. I have a question for the woman. This 'Fat Man' you mentioned, he wouldn't happen to be German, would he? Perhaps dressed in a suit and top hat?
11:53 PM, Beneath the Tower in Redmond
While all of this had been going on in the meantime, Jovan had been considering his options. Very well, elemental, he thought after a few seconds of contemplation (a rather long time in the astral). If most of them are feral, there's not much to lose by attempting some face-to-face diplomacy with the few brighter ones. Let me put up a layer of counterspelling on us before proceeding, however. We need to be prepared for those dogs this time. Wonderful, now that that's taken care of, let's proceed. The spirit and Jovan, with Jovan now providing counterspelling for both of them, floated forward until they were within sight of the group of ghouls, dogs, and the rest of the cannibalistic individuals.
"Good evening, everyone." He spoke to the group, though trying to speak more to the smarter Infected among the group. "I mean you no harm; you can see that I have HMHVV too. I have a small problem on my hands tonight, and perhaps you can assist me with this problem. Are you willing to help a fellow Infected? I could do something for you in return if you help me."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Tower in Redmond
Sighing at the conflicting advice. To kill or not to kill that is the question. Well perhaps it's all moot and void.
<<[Jade Tiger]: Just checking if he's still alive. I'm afraid I didn't hear much for the last couple of minutes, this hunt was intense. I take it the woman is awake and talking. Does she have a clue where the cargo might be?.
When I have dealt with Viper 5, where shall we meet up? >>
Summoning a thought form, substantially smaller than the one she used for hunting, Jade Tiger uses it to check if Viper 5 is still alive.
Sighing at the conflicting advice. To kill or not to kill that is the question. Well perhaps it's all moot and void.
<<[Jade Tiger]: Just checking if he's still alive. I'm afraid I didn't hear much for the last couple of minutes, this hunt was intense. I take it the woman is awake and talking. Does she have a clue where the cargo might be?.
When I have dealt with Viper 5, where shall we meet up? >>
Summoning a thought form, substantially smaller than the one she used for hunting, Jade Tiger uses it to check if Viper 5 is still alive.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Tower in Redmond
Ferret lingers near to Oswald and the Prof, hesitating to follow the overeager ork.
Frag, I got him into this deal in the first place. Plus, he's a buddy of Throgg's and that big fragger never left me in the lurch.
<<Hold on Zo. I'll back you up. Oz, can you provide cover from the blimp if we run into trouble?>>
Adding Zo's coordinates to his AR, he follows after the ork.
Ferret lingers near to Oswald and the Prof, hesitating to follow the overeager ork.
Frag, I got him into this deal in the first place. Plus, he's a buddy of Throgg's and that big fragger never left me in the lurch.
<<Hold on Zo. I'll back you up. Oz, can you provide cover from the blimp if we run into trouble?>>
Adding Zo's coordinates to his AR, he follows after the ork.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:54 PM, The streets of Cross-town
<@Team>Prof, he's of marginal value right now alive and poses a gretear risk should he try that again. I'll compro mize tho. Jade---make sure Viper five has two broken kneecaps and two very broken arms.
<@Team>Prof, he's of marginal value right now alive and poses a gretear risk should he try that again. I'll compro mize tho. Jade---make sure Viper five has two broken kneecaps and two very broken arms.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:54 PM, underground tunnel near the Tower
The starving ghouls turned to the voice floating in the tunnel and bolted forward like stampeding horses. they spread across the corridor and charged like a wave of infected light. The dogs began barking, their spiny hackles raised.
The starving ghouls turned to the voice floating in the tunnel and bolted forward like stampeding horses. they spread across the corridor and charged like a wave of infected light. The dogs began barking, their spiny hackles raised.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
The woman thought about the Professor's question."It could have been Big Daddy I guess. He did have the gear, and this is his home turf, but he didn't strike me as the type, not that they always do"When the watcher spirit spoke up, the woman seemed irritated at first,"No like the doctor said, the fat guy was the Spaniard on the boat that appears to have hired us both" It took a second for the rest of the details to filter through," Wait, did you say a German in a top hat? The mage in our group fits that description. He's a total nut ball. He was real unpredictable, but i didn't think he was with it enough to double cross us. How do you know about him?"
The woman thought about the Professor's question."It could have been Big Daddy I guess. He did have the gear, and this is his home turf, but he didn't strike me as the type, not that they always do"When the watcher spirit spoke up, the woman seemed irritated at first,"No like the doctor said, the fat guy was the Spaniard on the boat that appears to have hired us both" It took a second for the rest of the details to filter through," Wait, did you say a German in a top hat? The mage in our group fits that description. He's a total nut ball. He was real unpredictable, but i didn't think he was with it enough to double cross us. How do you know about him?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
"Well, if a twinklin ramp made outta light flipped my getaway truck, I'd certainly suspect the mage first. You don't suppose the spook keeping you pinned down coulda been his? I don't know what it looked like, but that's one avenue of confirmation. As to how we know the Kraut, I'm pretty sure that's from the vid, sorry, trid, pulled outa a dead dwarf's cybereyes. If you got a link handy, I'll pipe you the raw feed. Beats my narration any day."
<<@Ferret: Eye in the sky is go. You call out the targets and I'll drop them.>>
"Well, if a twinklin ramp made outta light flipped my getaway truck, I'd certainly suspect the mage first. You don't suppose the spook keeping you pinned down coulda been his? I don't know what it looked like, but that's one avenue of confirmation. As to how we know the Kraut, I'm pretty sure that's from the vid, sorry, trid, pulled outa a dead dwarf's cybereyes. If you got a link handy, I'll pipe you the raw feed. Beats my narration any day."
<<@Ferret: Eye in the sky is go. You call out the targets and I'll drop them.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Tower in Redmond
<<[Jade Tiger]: Viper 5 sorted. Heading for Zo's ARO. I'm adding my position <here>. Can you send me a feed of what you can see from there? I'll be there in two>>
There is a short but brutal moment with a combat knife, then sighing at yet more thought form wrangling, Jade Tiger summons forth a more combative one and shrouding herself in a green mist again, starts to head towards the ARO.
<<[Jade Tiger]: Viper 5 sorted. Heading for Zo's ARO. I'm adding my position <here>. Can you send me a feed of what you can see from there? I'll be there in two>>
There is a short but brutal moment with a combat knife, then sighing at yet more thought form wrangling, Jade Tiger summons forth a more combative one and shrouding herself in a green mist again, starts to head towards the ARO.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, The streets of Cross-town
<@Jade>Not cybered, but here's da feed from my smartlink.By the by what do you make of the the bus goin to dat warehouse?
Zo sends the mental command to send the sensor feed from his smartlink to Jade and the rest of the group.
<@Jade>Not cybered, but here's da feed from my smartlink.By the by what do you make of the the bus goin to dat warehouse?
Zo sends the mental command to send the sensor feed from his smartlink to Jade and the rest of the group.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
A worry niggles at Professor's mind.
<<@team: A potential location for the cache of weapons we seek is being approached by a busload of potential users of those weapons. Hmmm.>>
He answers the woman's question, passing his comment on to the rest of the team electronically and via WatcherLink™. "A now-departed teammate of ours ran across him in a restaurant earlier. He was in discussion with the second-in-command of the Fat Man. A possible double-crosser... possibly talking to another."
A worry niggles at Professor's mind.
<<@team: A potential location for the cache of weapons we seek is being approached by a busload of potential users of those weapons. Hmmm.>>
He answers the woman's question, passing his comment on to the rest of the team electronically and via WatcherLink™. "A now-departed teammate of ours ran across him in a restaurant earlier. He was in discussion with the second-in-command of the Fat Man. A possible double-crosser... possibly talking to another."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, The streets of Cross-town
<@Group>Oz, what firepower do ya have on yer drones again? We may need da back-up.
<@Group>Oz, what firepower do ya have on yer drones again? We may need da back-up.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
The woman stared blankly for a second."Yep, internal comm online now"Her ARO blinks to life, ready to receive the trid.
"I don't know a lot about magic. any one of us could have had a mage waiting in the wings. But it would be the simplest answer. Maybe his nutty demeanor was an act. "
As the trideo played out, she began to nod her head,"That's Charles alright, and the blond chick from the boat. I never heard her say one word."
The woman stared blankly for a second."Yep, internal comm online now"Her ARO blinks to life, ready to receive the trid.
"I don't know a lot about magic. any one of us could have had a mage waiting in the wings. But it would be the simplest answer. Maybe his nutty demeanor was an act. "
As the trideo played out, she began to nod her head,"That's Charles alright, and the blond chick from the boat. I never heard her say one word."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Tower in Redmond
The world blurs around Jade Tiger as she moves towards Zo's ARO.
<<[Jade Tiger]: Its me, don't shoot>> Jade remembers doing this with less observant people. There had been that Yak raid on the cutters, and Jade had been scouting. When she returned concealed, cloaked and stealthed and had said "Boo" there had been so many bullets... happy memories. Jade suspects that this group were more observant anyway, but there was no harm in making sure.
Jade Tiger clicks her shades into "telescopic mode" and scans / assenses the ghouls. Fortunately with them being feral, it should be pretty obvious which ones were the leaders, and even simple plans should be quite effective against them.
<<[Jade Tiger]: OK Zo whats the score? You have been watching, and know the capabilities of the team, do you have a plan? >> With these numbers Jade would be thinking in terms of big bombs, and large machine guns. Still feet, fist and spells would do in a pinch.
The world blurs around Jade Tiger as she moves towards Zo's ARO.
<<[Jade Tiger]: Its me, don't shoot>> Jade remembers doing this with less observant people. There had been that Yak raid on the cutters, and Jade had been scouting. When she returned concealed, cloaked and stealthed and had said "Boo" there had been so many bullets... happy memories. Jade suspects that this group were more observant anyway, but there was no harm in making sure.
Jade Tiger clicks her shades into "telescopic mode" and scans / assenses the ghouls. Fortunately with them being feral, it should be pretty obvious which ones were the leaders, and even simple plans should be quite effective against them.
<<[Jade Tiger]: OK Zo whats the score? You have been watching, and know the capabilities of the team, do you have a plan? >> With these numbers Jade would be thinking in terms of big bombs, and large machine guns. Still feet, fist and spells would do in a pinch.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
<<@Zo: Got one armored blimp with a long rifle on it. 96 Rounds remaining of .416 Weatherby Magnum, exploding. Also got two bombers about 3 minutes out. One is loaded with 10 white phosphorous grenades and 10 high explosive grenades. The other is ready to be loaded with 20 fragmentation, gas, or smoke grenades, depending on what we need. If you see reason to need 'em, I can set them to circle the area. I'm sort of reluctant to do that though, since I already cluster-bombed a parking lot earlier today and the law might still be pissed over that one.>>
Oswald addressed the subject of Charles, the loony mage.
"Any light you could shed as to the subject of their conversation? I wasn't paying too close attention the first time it played."
<<@Zo: Got one armored blimp with a long rifle on it. 96 Rounds remaining of .416 Weatherby Magnum, exploding. Also got two bombers about 3 minutes out. One is loaded with 10 white phosphorous grenades and 10 high explosive grenades. The other is ready to be loaded with 20 fragmentation, gas, or smoke grenades, depending on what we need. If you see reason to need 'em, I can set them to circle the area. I'm sort of reluctant to do that though, since I already cluster-bombed a parking lot earlier today and the law might still be pissed over that one.>>
Oswald addressed the subject of Charles, the loony mage.
"Any light you could shed as to the subject of their conversation? I wasn't paying too close attention the first time it played."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, The streets of Cross-town
<@Group>Ah, if it was in Redmond dey jus call it an "urban renewal" effort an not bother. Call'em-I fugure dat in dis area da KE goons in touristville won't mind.
<@Group>Ah, if it was in Redmond dey jus call it an "urban renewal" effort an not bother. Call'em-I fugure dat in dis area da KE goons in touristville won't mind.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
<<@Oswald: I think I can do better than that Oz. Streaming my smartlink data to the blimp. If I shoot at it, consider it hostile. I'll paint additional targets if possible.>>
<<@Zo, Jade: I'll be coordinating fire control for Oz's blimp, so don't be surprised if big holes start appearing in anything I shoot at. And don't get too close to them. In 'Battlestreets 4' high velocity rounds could rip a man's arm off even on a near miss.>>
<<@Oswald: I think I can do better than that Oz. Streaming my smartlink data to the blimp. If I shoot at it, consider it hostile. I'll paint additional targets if possible.>>
<<@Zo, Jade: I'll be coordinating fire control for Oz's blimp, so don't be surprised if big holes start appearing in anything I shoot at. And don't get too close to them. In 'Battlestreets 4' high velocity rounds could rip a man's arm off even on a near miss.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
Professor links to the team, excluding any connection to the employers.
<<@team[restricted]: The first team (Big Daddy Long Legs as rigger and leader) hired by our employers to collect the Ares weapons succeeded in procuring them but did not deliver. We were hired primarily to retrieve the cargo, and secondarily to determine what happened. The injured woman is part of that first team. They had a mage, who was seen earlier by a deceased member of our team talking with our employer's second in command, the blonde woman with metallic eyes, who is our primary contact with the employer. The woman here identified the mage as a potential double crosser of their team, which raises the possibility that our contact is in on a double cross. Hence the restricted message now.
Our boss lady has also been in contact with the mercenary team with whom we had a run-in earlier, which raises our suspicions further. We have no way to directly contact our employer, the so called "Fat Man', so we are in the unenviable position of reporting to the person who may have nuked the first team and may wish to do the same to us.
Once we collect the cargo, we may wish to find a way to deliver it around our contact, rather than through her. My gut tells me our survival will be more likely if we keep her in the dark as much as possible. She has access to resources beyond our own, and should be approached carefully, at least until we know better.>>
Professor links to the team, excluding any connection to the employers.
<<@team[restricted]: The first team (Big Daddy Long Legs as rigger and leader) hired by our employers to collect the Ares weapons succeeded in procuring them but did not deliver. We were hired primarily to retrieve the cargo, and secondarily to determine what happened. The injured woman is part of that first team. They had a mage, who was seen earlier by a deceased member of our team talking with our employer's second in command, the blonde woman with metallic eyes, who is our primary contact with the employer. The woman here identified the mage as a potential double crosser of their team, which raises the possibility that our contact is in on a double cross. Hence the restricted message now.
Our boss lady has also been in contact with the mercenary team with whom we had a run-in earlier, which raises our suspicions further. We have no way to directly contact our employer, the so called "Fat Man', so we are in the unenviable position of reporting to the person who may have nuked the first team and may wish to do the same to us.
Once we collect the cargo, we may wish to find a way to deliver it around our contact, rather than through her. My gut tells me our survival will be more likely if we keep her in the dark as much as possible. She has access to resources beyond our own, and should be approached carefully, at least until we know better.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Tower in Redmond
<<[Jade Tiger]: I didn't realize that we were that well equipped. Since we are going to be organized: Ferret can you paint AR targets on the ones you want me to target. I have a wicked sleep spell. If you give a count down, we can all initiate together: snipers on the leaders, sleep spells and bombers on the clumps.
I would like to propose a plan to draw the ghouls into a suitable place for bombing. When I launch sleep spells, being astrally active they will see the spells coming, and see where they came from. I think it unlikely that they can sense the drones. Being feral ghouls they will probably charge that place. Given that I will cast the spells through mage goggles, that place will not be where I am. I think it could easily be a place where a few prepared charges, and combined suppressing fire, could wreck havoc.
Sadly I left my demolition kit at home: I came out here to deliver a pointed message to a single man, so I was not fully prepared for urban warfare, but I trust that one of you could set up a welcoming package.
Thanks for the summary Professor I believe that you have described a very credible scenario. I propose after the upcoming conflict we decide on an approach. Probably we blackmail the metal eyed blonde, set a trap to denounce her, or try and find the primary employer. If we get back into decent Matrix coverage I would like to see if any of my friends are familiar with this Lady>>
<<[Jade Tiger]: I didn't realize that we were that well equipped. Since we are going to be organized: Ferret can you paint AR targets on the ones you want me to target. I have a wicked sleep spell. If you give a count down, we can all initiate together: snipers on the leaders, sleep spells and bombers on the clumps.
I would like to propose a plan to draw the ghouls into a suitable place for bombing. When I launch sleep spells, being astrally active they will see the spells coming, and see where they came from. I think it unlikely that they can sense the drones. Being feral ghouls they will probably charge that place. Given that I will cast the spells through mage goggles, that place will not be where I am. I think it could easily be a place where a few prepared charges, and combined suppressing fire, could wreck havoc.
Sadly I left my demolition kit at home: I came out here to deliver a pointed message to a single man, so I was not fully prepared for urban warfare, but I trust that one of you could set up a welcoming package.
Thanks for the summary Professor I believe that you have described a very credible scenario. I propose after the upcoming conflict we decide on an approach. Probably we blackmail the metal eyed blonde, set a trap to denounce her, or try and find the primary employer. If we get back into decent Matrix coverage I would like to see if any of my friends are familiar with this Lady>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, The streets of Cross-town
<@Group>Sorry if I sounds a bit paranoid, but does it seem ta me that Ms Johnson isn't playin straight wit us? Ok--One person in contact with her out of the original group, her talkin to the vipers? Speakin of the vipers, did the lady mention anythin about da milspec commlinks Big daddy long legs had?
Throgg--easy 10k my fraggin ass....
Zo whispers to Jade "Da warehous where da bus went is over dere. Could ya whip up some concealment for us ta use. I figure dat these might be more fun--but dey don't move demselves. Zo opens up his jacket leting jade catch a glimpse of some fragmentation grenades.
<@Group>My plan is simple. Killl all da feral ghouls. Den kill all the non feral ghouls. Search da tower, hopefully find da gear, get it an get it to Ms. Johson. Jade we'll need some of da explosives later--I'd like to set up a deadman's switch for da drop off. The fact of da matter is we can't trust da Johnson not ta slot us.
Any one of ya magic types good with illusions...
<@Group>Sorry if I sounds a bit paranoid, but does it seem ta me that Ms Johnson isn't playin straight wit us? Ok--One person in contact with her out of the original group, her talkin to the vipers? Speakin of the vipers, did the lady mention anythin about da milspec commlinks Big daddy long legs had?
Throgg--easy 10k my fraggin ass....
Zo whispers to Jade "Da warehous where da bus went is over dere. Could ya whip up some concealment for us ta use. I figure dat these might be more fun--but dey don't move demselves. Zo opens up his jacket leting jade catch a glimpse of some fragmentation grenades.
<@Group>My plan is simple. Killl all da feral ghouls. Den kill all the non feral ghouls. Search da tower, hopefully find da gear, get it an get it to Ms. Johson. Jade we'll need some of da explosives later--I'd like to set up a deadman's switch for da drop off. The fact of da matter is we can't trust da Johnson not ta slot us.
Any one of ya magic types good with illusions...
Friday, Sept 11, 2071, 11:54 PM, underground tunnel near the Tower
Jovan almost instinctively moved backwards as quickly as he could manage in these cramped quarters, doing his best to remain out of reach of the starved ghouls; the young man understood the dangers posed by food- or life force-starved individuals stricken with the Human-Metahuman Vampiric Virus better than most. I remember when I was just as starved and feral as you pitiful sods. That was only a few years ago. You weren't even blessed with the gifts that I was, poor things. He grimaced internally. "Violence is the last resort of the incompetent, how incredibly appropriate." He let lose a mental "prod" to one that looked more capable of negotiation and calming down the ferals: this thing might procure a body or two for us if we help instead of kill him.
11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
"A highly unpredictable nutball, you say? And one who knows his way around the borogoves and Jabberwock, and fancies trips down the rabbit hole. And himself a mage as well. What a peculiarly appropriate contrast between these two team's magicians," the translucent eye-thing said, with a knowing glance at Oswald and Professor.
Jovan almost instinctively moved backwards as quickly as he could manage in these cramped quarters, doing his best to remain out of reach of the starved ghouls; the young man understood the dangers posed by food- or life force-starved individuals stricken with the Human-Metahuman Vampiric Virus better than most. I remember when I was just as starved and feral as you pitiful sods. That was only a few years ago. You weren't even blessed with the gifts that I was, poor things. He grimaced internally. "Violence is the last resort of the incompetent, how incredibly appropriate." He let lose a mental "prod" to one that looked more capable of negotiation and calming down the ferals: this thing might procure a body or two for us if we help instead of kill him.
11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
"A highly unpredictable nutball, you say? And one who knows his way around the borogoves and Jabberwock, and fancies trips down the rabbit hole. And himself a mage as well. What a peculiarly appropriate contrast between these two team's magicians," the translucent eye-thing said, with a knowing glance at Oswald and Professor.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
<<@Zo: I'll take your word. Fragmentation sounds like the best fit. I'll have my lad load it up.>>
Oz took a moment to contact the android back at his warehouse pad.
<<Oswald@Manservent-3: Danny! You're not charging now, are you? Just don't play with your power jack too much or you'll go blind.>>
<<Manservent@Oz: Inform the children of this.>>
<<Oz@Danny: Well, once you finish jacking, load up the second Kull with fragmentation grenades.>>
<<Danny@Oz: That was quick.>>
<<Oz@Danny: Tough streets out here Danny boy. See to it. Oswald out.>>
<<@Zo: I'll take your word. Fragmentation sounds like the best fit. I'll have my lad load it up.>>
Oz took a moment to contact the android back at his warehouse pad.
<<Oswald@Manservent-3: Danny! You're not charging now, are you? Just don't play with your power jack too much or you'll go blind.>>
<<Manservent@Oz: Inform the children of this.>>
<<Oz@Danny: Well, once you finish jacking, load up the second Kull with fragmentation grenades.>>
<<Danny@Oz: That was quick.>>
<<Oz@Danny: Tough streets out here Danny boy. See to it. Oswald out.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:55 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
The woman was staring into AR again,"It's in German... I think, you got a translator?"
In the Tunnel
Jovan floats backward staying out of reach of the small horde of cannibals. He reaches out to the Sentient one in the back of the crowd with some success. He can see the man stop and furrow his brow with concern. He wants to help, but he seems too afraid of his companions, and the dogs.
The dogs, meanwhile, are barking out waves of fear at Jovan. They seem to focus on him as if trained to do so.
The woman was staring into AR again,"It's in German... I think, you got a translator?"
In the Tunnel
Jovan floats backward staying out of reach of the small horde of cannibals. He reaches out to the Sentient one in the back of the crowd with some success. He can see the man stop and furrow his brow with concern. He wants to help, but he seems too afraid of his companions, and the dogs.
The dogs, meanwhile, are barking out waves of fear at Jovan. They seem to focus on him as if trained to do so.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Tower in Redmond
<<[Jade Tiger]: I like your plan. It has the value of simplicity. Very well let us head to the warehouse.>>
Jades clothes morph and transform to a camouflage pattern Focusing on her thoughtform, she summoned another faint green mist to hide the group from the ghouls senses.
<<[Jade Tiger]: I like your plan. It has the value of simplicity. Very well let us head to the warehouse.>>
Jades clothes morph and transform to a camouflage pattern Focusing on her thoughtform, she summoned another faint green mist to hide the group from the ghouls senses.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
"Scheisse. I'll see if I can find a freeware linguasoft."
<<Oz@Ol Softy: Paging Dr. Rainbowbritches. You out there Jerry Bear? Wondering if you know a good German to English translation program what don't cost a guy any money. Actually a shitty one would be fine too. I just ain't want to open my purse strings right now, what with my finances being like they are.>>
"Scheisse. I'll see if I can find a freeware linguasoft."
<<Oz@Ol Softy: Paging Dr. Rainbowbritches. You out there Jerry Bear? Wondering if you know a good German to English translation program what don't cost a guy any money. Actually a shitty one would be fine too. I just ain't want to open my purse strings right now, what with my finances being like they are.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, The streets of Cross-town
Zo looks at Jade and Ferret and begins to infiltrate toward the tower. Zo motions for Jade and Ferret to follow. With Jades' and Zo's pace only slowed by Ferrets short legs.
Zo looks at Jade and Ferret and begins to infiltrate toward the tower. Zo motions for Jade and Ferret to follow. With Jades' and Zo's pace only slowed by Ferrets short legs.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
Professor shakes his head. German. Damn, I knew I should have spent some time with that cute exchange student from Heidelberg.
"Nope. Not one of the languages I know. But if someone picks up a linguasoft, I can learn it from him in a couple of hours."
Professor shakes his head. German. Damn, I knew I should have spent some time with that cute exchange student from Heidelberg.
"Nope. Not one of the languages I know. But if someone picks up a linguasoft, I can learn it from him in a couple of hours."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
<<Old Softy@ Oswald: Null sweat buddy. I don't even have to look up from coding for that one. The crap ones are freeware anyway, and they do the job for most intents and purposes {file attached} >>
A few seconds later, and the conversation was translated by the voice of a chipper tourist with a plastic smile. The woman sniffed as she digested the brief meeting,"Well, Charles has definitely killed someone for this lady. He probably has a finger in his pocket or something. The guys a lunatic. I don't have enough pieces of the puzzle for the rest of it. A mutual acquaintance could be Big Daddy. This security truck was outfitted for a whole team, but only had two guys guarding it when we snatched it. There was some pretty sweet gear in it, and B.D. said he could move it quick for some good cred. That could be the side venture, but I can't believe he lined up a buyer before we even finished the mission. "
<<Old Softy@ Oswald: Null sweat buddy. I don't even have to look up from coding for that one. The crap ones are freeware anyway, and they do the job for most intents and purposes {file attached} >>
A few seconds later, and the conversation was translated by the voice of a chipper tourist with a plastic smile. The woman sniffed as she digested the brief meeting,"Well, Charles has definitely killed someone for this lady. He probably has a finger in his pocket or something. The guys a lunatic. I don't have enough pieces of the puzzle for the rest of it. A mutual acquaintance could be Big Daddy. This security truck was outfitted for a whole team, but only had two guys guarding it when we snatched it. There was some pretty sweet gear in it, and B.D. said he could move it quick for some good cred. That could be the side venture, but I can't believe he lined up a buyer before we even finished the mission. "
Saterday, Sept. 11, 2071, 12:06 PM, The streets of Cross-town
Zo, Jade, and Ferret make their way through the 60's era ghost town. It's a fairly short walk to the tower. Even after being deserted for years, the building looks like an impenetrable fortress, but their eyes on the inside have reported it to be an empty shell. The blimp has seen the bus enter a warehouse down the block. And Ferret's cross reference with the security node tells him it's the Annex where the third alarm had originated.
Zo, Jade, and Ferret make their way through the 60's era ghost town. It's a fairly short walk to the tower. Even after being deserted for years, the building looks like an impenetrable fortress, but their eyes on the inside have reported it to be an empty shell. The blimp has seen the bus enter a warehouse down the block. And Ferret's cross reference with the security node tells him it's the Annex where the third alarm had originated.
Zo motions to both Jade and Ferret to move towards the annex using the tower as cover from it.
<@Team>Prof, Oz,Jovan if you iz listening, we got to da tower--no pasties visible, nor any kinda of movement. Headin to da annaex where da bus went.
<@Team>Prof, Oz,Jovan if you iz listening, we got to da tower--no pasties visible, nor any kinda of movement. Headin to da annaex where da bus went.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
"So the Mad Hatter offed someone for Lady Silvereyes. You know anything about her by the way? I hear she met with a ghoul militant leader earlier today. Same ghouls that're swarming this place if I'd have to guess. It's sounding more and more like she's making a play for herself, but she keeps lining up talent for us as vacancies appear, which is counter to her purposes. I dunno. How strong you suppose this crazy bastard was, if you hadta judge? Think he coulda snuffed the fat man if he put what's left of his mind to it?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 12:06 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
<<@Team: Birds are in the air and the gun's in the clouds. Rather not have to dump three grand worth of ordinance though, so try not to piss anybody off. Or, actually, ghouls got a fifteen-hundred yen bounty on their head if I remember right. We could make more scratch from incidentals than from the straight up pay if there's enough of the fuckers.>>
"So the Mad Hatter offed someone for Lady Silvereyes. You know anything about her by the way? I hear she met with a ghoul militant leader earlier today. Same ghouls that're swarming this place if I'd have to guess. It's sounding more and more like she's making a play for herself, but she keeps lining up talent for us as vacancies appear, which is counter to her purposes. I dunno. How strong you suppose this crazy bastard was, if you hadta judge? Think he coulda snuffed the fat man if he put what's left of his mind to it?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 12:06 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
<<@Team: Birds are in the air and the gun's in the clouds. Rather not have to dump three grand worth of ordinance though, so try not to piss anybody off. Or, actually, ghouls got a fifteen-hundred yen bounty on their head if I remember right. We could make more scratch from incidentals than from the straight up pay if there's enough of the fuckers.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Annex in Redmond
Jade Tiger crouches and moves towards the annex, the combination of the green mist and the camouflaged clothes making it difficult to see her. The smell of ghoul was much stronger here. Not yet an overpowering smell, but enough to raise her hackles. It prompted the same response in her that a pack of dholes or jackels would have created in her ancestors: competitors and pests. Like her ancestors Jade was not worried about dealing with a few of them, but a pack could be a problem.
<<[Jade Tiger]: OK in position. I didn't know about the bounty...very nice. If there is an immediate fire fight, do you want me to encourage it take place out here or in there?>>
She pauses
<<[Jade Tiger]: Say can I borrow (is that the right word) one of those frag grenades?>>
Jade Tiger crouches and moves towards the annex, the combination of the green mist and the camouflaged clothes making it difficult to see her. The smell of ghoul was much stronger here. Not yet an overpowering smell, but enough to raise her hackles. It prompted the same response in her that a pack of dholes or jackels would have created in her ancestors: competitors and pests. Like her ancestors Jade was not worried about dealing with a few of them, but a pack could be a problem.
<<[Jade Tiger]: OK in position. I didn't know about the bounty...very nice. If there is an immediate fire fight, do you want me to encourage it take place out here or in there?>>
She pauses
<<[Jade Tiger]: Say can I borrow (is that the right word) one of those frag grenades?>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Near Annex in Redmond
Ferret follows Jade Tiger's faint outline, made somewhat easier by the ARO floating in his vision. While his short legs means he doesn't move quite as fast as the tiger or ork, he does his best to keep up, scuttling from cover to cover much like his namesake.
<<@Jade Tiger: If possible get them out here so the blimp can target anything I paint with my 'link.>>
He mentally flips the machine pistol to single shot. He doesn't need to take down anything with the light pistol, just make sure he hits it so the blimps targeting software has something to aim at.
<<I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this.>>
Ferret follows Jade Tiger's faint outline, made somewhat easier by the ARO floating in his vision. While his short legs means he doesn't move quite as fast as the tiger or ork, he does his best to keep up, scuttling from cover to cover much like his namesake.
<<@Jade Tiger: If possible get them out here so the blimp can target anything I paint with my 'link.>>
He mentally flips the machine pistol to single shot. He doesn't need to take down anything with the light pistol, just make sure he hits it so the blimps targeting software has something to aim at.
<<I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Near the Tower Annex in Redmond
Zo looks at Jade as they stop to let ferret catch up, using the remains of a bull dog step for cover. He tosses her fragmentation grenade. Peering around the burned vehicle Zo examines the annex for any signs activity.
<<[@Jade]: Nah ya can have it, I prefer used grenades not to be returned to me.
>>
Zo looks at Jade as they stop to let ferret catch up, using the remains of a bull dog step for cover. He tosses her fragmentation grenade. Peering around the burned vehicle Zo examines the annex for any signs activity.
<<[@Jade]: Nah ya can have it, I prefer used grenades not to be returned to me.
>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:54 PM, In the Tunnel
The waves of fear magic hit Jovan dead on, directly in the ego, and he was suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful, deeply irrational feeling of pure fear. The kind of fear that comes from the most primal parts of a person's brain, the kind of fear where nothing else matters but staying alive staying alive staying alive where your entire existence is in mortal danger and you can do nothing else but run or die.
He ran. Not an entirely appropriate comparison for the fluidity of movement in the astral, certainly, but Jovan's mind was not thinking in its usual hyperlogical terms at the moment (for once). He ran, he flew, he fled that place at the speed of thought until he was back in the first tunnel leading up into the tower basement. Only then did the fear release its deathgrip on his mind. He shook his astral head (such as it was) and looked at the elemental beside him.
I need to speak with that man. We must go back, though preferably from behind this time. I don't suppose you'd like to provide any form of assistance short of a full Task for this matter?
11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
"I suspect the mutual acquaintance may be one of us, however. Do not rule anything out at this point. You two, what is the status of Viper 5? Has he been sufficiently delayed?"
The waves of fear magic hit Jovan dead on, directly in the ego, and he was suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful, deeply irrational feeling of pure fear. The kind of fear that comes from the most primal parts of a person's brain, the kind of fear where nothing else matters but staying alive staying alive staying alive where your entire existence is in mortal danger and you can do nothing else but run or die.
He ran. Not an entirely appropriate comparison for the fluidity of movement in the astral, certainly, but Jovan's mind was not thinking in its usual hyperlogical terms at the moment (for once). He ran, he flew, he fled that place at the speed of thought until he was back in the first tunnel leading up into the tower basement. Only then did the fear release its deathgrip on his mind. He shook his astral head (such as it was) and looked at the elemental beside him.
I need to speak with that man. We must go back, though preferably from behind this time. I don't suppose you'd like to provide any form of assistance short of a full Task for this matter?
11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
"I suspect the mutual acquaintance may be one of us, however. Do not rule anything out at this point. You two, what is the status of Viper 5? Has he been sufficiently delayed?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
[Conversation verbal but transmitted on the secured line]
Professor strokes his chin. "Well, Silver Eyes seems to be working at cross purposes to her, and our, employer. The fact that she is keeping us up to strength would seem to indicate she has plans for us in the future. If she had not been sending us reinforcements, I would think we were a throw-away asset in her estimation. Given what I know currently, I think it is unlikely that she is working the Vipers directly against us. That may have been just our luck... the two teams running into each other.
"It's possible she wants to make the Seattle operation her own, or replace the Fat Man completely on the global stage. To do that, she would have to remove the Fat Man from the picture, either metaphorically or physically. He doesn't strike me as the kind of man who would allow such an end run to go unchallenged.
"There is opportunity here for us to profit from this internecine conflict if we play our cards right. Both the Fat Man and Silver Eyes would likely reward active participation in their side of the conflict. Personally, I would rather take my chances with the Fat Man. I'm not all that fond of dealing with someone for whom business in body parts is acceptable.
"Jade, it would serve us well to be careful about bounties. The non-sentient ghouls are something we can't deal with, but sentient species are another thing altogether. I happen to know a number of Infected who are not the ravening beasts these are. It would be sad to see them treated as mere prey. If I recall correctly, there are some jurisdictions in which one of your kind would have a bounty. Québec for one, I think."
[Conversation verbal but transmitted on the secured line]
Professor strokes his chin. "Well, Silver Eyes seems to be working at cross purposes to her, and our, employer. The fact that she is keeping us up to strength would seem to indicate she has plans for us in the future. If she had not been sending us reinforcements, I would think we were a throw-away asset in her estimation. Given what I know currently, I think it is unlikely that she is working the Vipers directly against us. That may have been just our luck... the two teams running into each other.
"It's possible she wants to make the Seattle operation her own, or replace the Fat Man completely on the global stage. To do that, she would have to remove the Fat Man from the picture, either metaphorically or physically. He doesn't strike me as the kind of man who would allow such an end run to go unchallenged.
"There is opportunity here for us to profit from this internecine conflict if we play our cards right. Both the Fat Man and Silver Eyes would likely reward active participation in their side of the conflict. Personally, I would rather take my chances with the Fat Man. I'm not all that fond of dealing with someone for whom business in body parts is acceptable.
"Jade, it would serve us well to be careful about bounties. The non-sentient ghouls are something we can't deal with, but sentient species are another thing altogether. I happen to know a number of Infected who are not the ravening beasts these are. It would be sad to see them treated as mere prey. If I recall correctly, there are some jurisdictions in which one of your kind would have a bounty. Québec for one, I think."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
Sighing, Oswald took the Professor's lead and moved the conversation to audible channels. <<@team: "Ferral ghoul is stupider than a dog. You shoot a dog it knows to run away. I don't give half a rat's ass about killing one. Once Krieger's takes their mind, death is a mercy. They wander around, too stupid to hunt, mad and dying with hunger. One of them runs at me, I'll kill him without a second thought, and if the city will give me money for his head, I'll take it. Same as I'd take anything of value off any of your corpses iffn' you die. When VITAS turned this world to shit, we learned a god damn lesson about not letting anything fall to waste. Two damn years of total fucking quarantine. Every truck stopped runnin and... Wait.. Why do I... That wasn't..">>
At this incongruity, Oswald hit a memory block and slipped out of his mind.
Sighing, Oswald took the Professor's lead and moved the conversation to audible channels. <<@team: "Ferral ghoul is stupider than a dog. You shoot a dog it knows to run away. I don't give half a rat's ass about killing one. Once Krieger's takes their mind, death is a mercy. They wander around, too stupid to hunt, mad and dying with hunger. One of them runs at me, I'll kill him without a second thought, and if the city will give me money for his head, I'll take it. Same as I'd take anything of value off any of your corpses iffn' you die. When VITAS turned this world to shit, we learned a god damn lesson about not letting anything fall to waste. Two damn years of total fucking quarantine. Every truck stopped runnin and... Wait.. Why do I... That wasn't..">>
At this incongruity, Oswald hit a memory block and slipped out of his mind.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Annex in Redmond
<<[Jade Tiger]: Just for your reassurance Prof: I don't do bounty hunting, but I do share Oz's feelings on the subject...although perhaps not as strongly as he does. Personally I don't fancy the idea of a Ghoul Apocalypse, and as I understand it Krieger's is highly infectious unlike many other HMHVV strains, so I understand the point of that particular bounty.
Tell you what guys lets leave the moralizing until we aren't sneaking until Ghoul central.>>
<<[Jade Tiger]: Just for your reassurance Prof: I don't do bounty hunting, but I do share Oz's feelings on the subject...although perhaps not as strongly as he does. Personally I don't fancy the idea of a Ghoul Apocalypse, and as I understand it Krieger's is highly infectious unlike many other HMHVV strains, so I understand the point of that particular bounty.
Tell you what guys lets leave the moralizing until we aren't sneaking until Ghoul central.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Near the Tower Annex in Redmond
Zo continues his stake out, a brief experession of bewilderment covering his face.
Frag me....runners discussin' morality? Umm...don't they know we're in a plasticrete jungle here and its a ghoul will eat meta world? Sentient or not.
Zo continues his stake out, a brief experession of bewilderment covering his face.
Frag me....runners discussin' morality? Umm...don't they know we're in a plasticrete jungle here and its a ghoul will eat meta world? Sentient or not.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
Professor sighs.
It really would be easier if they all knew Jovan's state of affairs. Oh well. I can see even in our small crowd reasons for his reticence to come out of the closet.
"Oswald, you OK old man?"
Professor sighs.
It really would be easier if they all knew Jovan's state of affairs. Oh well. I can see even in our small crowd reasons for his reticence to come out of the closet.
"Oswald, you OK old man?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:54 PM, In the Tunnel
The spirit looks at their surroundings as he addresses Jovan"There isn't much room for maneuvering down here, lest you push through the Earth herself, and I imagine you'd have a ways to go. Nothing simple comes to mind. We could find our way up to the surface and look for a way through the shadows, to get back down behind them."
11:56 The Annex
The Building was non-descript. A huge warehouse covered in docking bays for trucks. and many more large garage doors leading inside. everything was closed up tight. Jade's ears perked up at the sound of something mechanical whirring their way. Zo saw it coming as well. A sentry drone, zipping down a rail that ran along the building over the bay doors. Mounted on this drone is a light machine gun that looks like the old Gatling cannon.
The spirit looks at their surroundings as he addresses Jovan"There isn't much room for maneuvering down here, lest you push through the Earth herself, and I imagine you'd have a ways to go. Nothing simple comes to mind. We could find our way up to the surface and look for a way through the shadows, to get back down behind them."
11:56 The Annex
The Building was non-descript. A huge warehouse covered in docking bays for trucks. and many more large garage doors leading inside. everything was closed up tight. Jade's ears perked up at the sound of something mechanical whirring their way. Zo saw it coming as well. A sentry drone, zipping down a rail that ran along the building over the bay doors. Mounted on this drone is a light machine gun that looks like the old Gatling cannon.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Annex in Redmond
<<[Jade Tiger]: Heads up. Sentry Drone. I think its on patrol. With luck it won't see us, will go, and we can time it and move between patrols.
If we attack it, I think we alert them. If we decide to fight, let me draw its fire first.
Pretty sophisticated for a bunch of Feral Ghouls>>
<<[Jade Tiger]: Heads up. Sentry Drone. I think its on patrol. With luck it won't see us, will go, and we can time it and move between patrols.
If we attack it, I think we alert them. If we decide to fight, let me draw its fire first.
Pretty sophisticated for a bunch of Feral Ghouls>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Near Annex, Redmond
<<Hold up a minute, Jade. I might be able to do something about the drone.>>
Ferret gives an uncharacteristic grin, tapping the side of his head with his free hand.
Typical. The one node, I didn't check out.
He settles himself against the burnt out Bulldog and closes his eyes. Grey concrete fades to the silver of his headware commlink. His icon splits into two, one hopping at the speed of light back through the scattered commlinks towards the garage terminal and then on towards the Annex's node; the other sitting up on its hind legs and sniffing in the direction of the sentry drone.
<<Hold up a minute, Jade. I might be able to do something about the drone.>>
Ferret gives an uncharacteristic grin, tapping the side of his head with his free hand.
Typical. The one node, I didn't check out.
He settles himself against the burnt out Bulldog and closes his eyes. Grey concrete fades to the silver of his headware commlink. His icon splits into two, one hopping at the speed of light back through the scattered commlinks towards the garage terminal and then on towards the Annex's node; the other sitting up on its hind legs and sniffing in the direction of the sentry drone.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:56 PM, Near Annex, Redmond
Zo pulls back quickly behind the burnt out van.
<@team>Umm could dat be Big Daddy? Ferret can ya get in there an take it over?
Zo pulls back quickly behind the burnt out van.
<@team>Umm could dat be Big Daddy? Ferret can ya get in there an take it over?
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:57 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
Oswald was non-responsive and white as a sheet. The combination of the Cram and the mental hiccup had left him in temporary shock. After about 40 seconds or so of being slumped up against the side of the Ares security van, he popped back into the conversation as if no time had passed.
<<@team: Wah.. security drone? Outside the warehouse? I'm pretty good with machines; you want me to take a crack at it? The crack will come from the bullet going supersonic, but I think it'll do the trick.>>
Oswald was non-responsive and white as a sheet. The combination of the Cram and the mental hiccup had left him in temporary shock. After about 40 seconds or so of being slumped up against the side of the Ares security van, he popped back into the conversation as if no time had passed.
<<@team: Wah.. security drone? Outside the warehouse? I'm pretty good with machines; you want me to take a crack at it? The crack will come from the bullet going supersonic, but I think it'll do the trick.>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 11:57 PM, Phoenix Mall in Redmond
The glazed expression, the distended pupils, popping in and out of a discussion. Oswald is worrisome. The old man is obviously useful and good at what he does, but what will happen if some other world or set of circumstances become projected onto his true environment? This would bear watching.
"Ferret is working on taking over the drone, Oswald. Wait a moment. If he fails, then you make an excellent plan B."
He turns to the woman. "How are you feeling? Are you able to move?"
The glazed expression, the distended pupils, popping in and out of a discussion. Oswald is worrisome. The old man is obviously useful and good at what he does, but what will happen if some other world or set of circumstances become projected onto his true environment? This would bear watching.
"Ferret is working on taking over the drone, Oswald. Wait a moment. If he fails, then you make an excellent plan B."
He turns to the woman. "How are you feeling? Are you able to move?"
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.