Saint Sithney
Dec 18 2010, 08:47 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:07 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
The blimp's visual sensors couldn't see anything in the mangled wreckage of the former parking lot turned auto-graveyard, and the radar couldn't make out anything distinct. "We're a few minutes away from the building now, but I'll do what I can to hurry us along if you've got eyes on the guy inside the building. I just don't want to leave my Tower on auto-pilot. It doesn't dance half as well as I can make it. The fact that I've got to drop my signal to try and patch Acme has already got me flinching."
On that note, Oz subscribed himself to the First Aid kit now attached to Acme's upper arm and kicked it into gear.
<<@Yacht Club: I think he's got Lupus. I've started him on an IVIG drip. Let me know if his condition doesn't improve.>> Medicine fired and forgotten, Oswald turned his attention quickly to the SUV, plotting the course to the crash site and beginning the approach, before switching swiftly back to control of the waiting blimp.
"Oh, and I meant to mention this earlier, but there's not really any tall buildings in Redmond as far as I can tell. There's a few arcologies in Bellview and there's downtown, but neither of those places will be friendly to this kind of work. I sure hope these Viper creeps aren't based out of some place with real security. Let me check my logs to find an approximate position for where that bird of theirs took off. That's probably our best bet for a first stop on this tour."
Sephiroth
Dec 18 2010, 09:01 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:07 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
"Interesting. I too would like to know where that helicopter flew in from. However, there is a moderate chance that it took off from the same place as where their magician is hiding, which may not be in Redmond. If it flew low above the rooftops, could it not have evaded your sensors until it was close enough for you to identify it?"
While he was speaking, Jovan silently sent further instructions to his watchers accompanying the blimp and the crash survivor, respectively. Go join your companion who is tailing one of our targets. And you who is tailing the survivor, report. What is he doing inside the building? Where is he attempting to go?
Acme
Dec 18 2010, 09:06 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:05 PM, Ferret's van, Redmond
Acme just nodded to Professor. He felt like it, that was for sure. He patted around his jacket for the patches he usually carried for times like this, but he had to make sure they were going into battle if he was going to use them; the last thing they needed right now was him being all hyped up and passing out just before the battle actually began. It was this patting that he didn't actually have something to snark about as Professor was sticking the monitor wires to him. "We got any word when we're lighting this firework?" he asked.
Saint Sithney
Dec 18 2010, 09:42 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:07 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
"Well, as far as I'm concerned, you're living proof that anything is possible, but that machine's got eyes that'll see a rat run across a fence at six miles. It's worth a closer look if the man in the store turns out to be a bust, but I'll see if the chopper's flight path doesn't lead us to the mage. He's made himself a priority, that one."
Red-ROM
Dec 19 2010, 04:26 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:08 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Oswald reviewed the data he had on the chopper. From where it popped up on the radar, it must have taken off about two blocks south of Twisters. Nowhere near the direction Jovan was asking about. Like Jovan himself, their mage was not on the front line.
Jovan's watcher, on the other hand, was practically at ground zero. Your man was by the front of the building until the explosions outside. Now He has moved deeper into the building.He's telling people to get lost and crouching behind something. He seems to be waiting for something.
J. Packer
Dec 19 2010, 04:08 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:11 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, SeattleWaiting two beats,
Amber called up a quick search on her comm for what a 'Mome' might be. The results were unhelpful. She waited two beats to see what the blond woman would do in response to the man's sudden, disconcerting departure.
[ Spoiler ]
If she stays seated, Amber will give her another few seconds to react before joining her at her table (Impulsive, yes, that's her). If she leaves as well, Amber will shadow her.
Sephiroth
Dec 19 2010, 05:20 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:08 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
You have no idea, old man. If you could live long enough to see me reach twice your age, I would show you just how possible things can get.
Oh? Does he appear armed, either with a handheld weapon or strategically placed shadows in his aura, like in his arms? He switched his attention to his second watcher, which was currently joining its fellow eyes in the store. When you arrive at the designated building, scout the place out thoroughly. Tell me how many people are inside, the basic layout, and anything else pertinent about it.
Jovan now mentally turned to his air elemental. I await more information before I give you your last task. In the meantime, do I presume correctly that you have not seen the aura of the man you were first searching for since you lost sight of him? If I do, tell me: if you were in his place - that of a member of an independent paramilitary group - and you found that three or more of your companions had just been killed, would you attempt to shadow their killers for information and later tracking, or would you flee the area and regroup with the rest of your team?
pbangarth
Dec 19 2010, 05:36 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:07 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
Professor scowls as the readings from the medkit come through. No change to Acme's condition. <<@Acme: Sorry, chummer, the medkit is a bust. The drain went deeper than the machine can reach. Do you have any stimulant patches?>>
Notsoevildm
Dec 20 2010, 04:53 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:08 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
Ferret climbs back into the driver seat of the van and checks around to make sure everyone is okay. Strawberry still looks on the point of bolting, Acme is pretty banged up and Thirty is on death's door. The Prof is fine but is cursing at the medkit and Rusty just gives him a weary look.
He pulls away slowly, his mind spinning. I never thought it would be like this. Keeping his eyes on the road, he addresses Rusty.
"I'm going to drop you off with some of my pals in the Crush. So I hope you don't have any bad blood with them."
Heading towards the parts of the Barrens controlled by the Crimson Crush, he puts out a call.
<<@Throgg: Hey buddy, I finally got a line on some real shadow work. However, things have gotten a bit heavy and I got some people here I need to keep safe for a bit. Can I drop them off somewhere for you and your boys to look after till the coast is clear?>>
Acme
Dec 20 2010, 09:49 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:07 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
The shaman waves off the medkit. "Those things never work right," he groans out, sitting up. "And yeah, I do... *kaff* but I think we should wait till the actual heat goes down before using them, or with my luck... they'll wear off in the middle of a firefight."
Saint Sithney
Dec 21 2010, 12:35 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:08 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Chopper lit out of Glow City as far as I can tell. What's the word on the guy in the store? Are we going to take him out ourselves or wait for the others to catch up? I feel like we've just had a demonstration as to how action and reaction stack up in this little dispute.
<<@Yacht Club: Me and Jove are going to the store to pick up a Viper. You guys need anything while we're out? Like maybe a tag eraser? But seriously, you guys should either get to the business at hand of finding Bigs while we keep these fools busy, or you should help us, in case this army of assholes really wants to show up for a fight.>>
Red-ROM
Dec 21 2010, 02:57 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:10 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Jovan listened to his Servant of air as his watchers scouted through the department store, Hmm. I believe he was in the flying craft, now that you're asking. If I were such a man, and my compatriots were of equal skill, and I watched them destroyed. I would probably flee, and seek a more advantageous situation.
Jovan heard his wathcers report. The man was holding a large weapon. The store was mostly two large rooms filled with shelves. One, most likely being the shopping area, and the other a receiving area. The watcher described smaller rooms that sounded like lavatories and fitting rooms, maybe a break room. It counted twenty two other people in the store either running or hiding.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:10 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
Rusty thought about Ferret's proposal,"I used to pay those guys protection in my old neighborhood years ago, I doubt they even remember me. You think we should drop your ork friend at a hospital or something?" Strawberry tapped Acme on the shoulder,"I got some N-BLow if you want it. It'll pick you right up."
Throgg hit Ferret back quick <<Your friends got some rent money?>>
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:11 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
The woman sat very still after the man took his leave. A waiter almost stopped, but turned away as if realizing she was busy.
<<Mrs Johnson@ Oswald:I have made contact with the vipers. They have a seperate transaction with Big Daddy, we've agreed to a truce. They'll get the goods from us after they're recovered. In return they'll stay out of the... hold on they're calling now >>
Amber could hear the woman talking quietly to herself. Must be a built in comm. She couldn't make out what she was saying. It was short. She was mostly listening.
<<Mrs Johnson @ Oswald: Ok, you guys know how to make friends. My contact isn't making any garuantees about the guys on the ground, but he says he'll stick to the agreement. Also, he tells me that Lonestar is sending a show of force to keep this in check, so don't stick around there too long. How are things on your end?>>
After a few seconds on the phone The woman glance over her shoulder towards The curious dwarf. Her eyes were glimmering steel with no iris or pupil. Her face was almost as expressionless. She was unflinching in her stair as she analyzed the only other woman in the restaurant sitting alone
pbangarth
Dec 21 2010, 03:02 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:07 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
<<@Oswald: We're on our way to your location, via a drop-off for our non-combatant guests. Things are getting too dicey for them.>>
Professor writes a note on a scrap of paper from his pocket. (Archaeologists have archaic technology readily at hand.) It contains contact info for his friend Nandi Sivalingham, an urban anthropologist in Washington. He hands it to Strawberry.
"Take this. Get yourself out of this hot zone to that location. Mention that the Professor sent you. She will help you start a new life. Take this shitstorm as an opportunity to turn your life around. Do it."
Saint Sithney
Dec 21 2010, 04:24 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:11 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
<<Oswald@Ms. Johnson: We're almost at the site of the, ah.. mysterious explosion. By the gargling blood sounds I heard over the Professor's comm, Thirty is either dead or on his way. This happened after their helicopter crashed for unexplained reasons, but before it mysteriously exploded... and took half a building with it. Anyway, I figure you know what you're doing and all, but do you really think you can trust a snake? I'm prepared to do for the Emerald City what St. Patrick did for the Emerald Isle. On that note, the guy you met wouldn't happen to be a Magician, eh? Way I understand, Thirty was killed by a Spirit linked to a spell-slinger near your location... about 5 minutes ago. When did you set up this fork-tongue peace talk again, hmm? Watch your six.>>
Oz switched the Rover back to autopilot so that he could use the blimp's radar to scan for possible Lonestar aerial drones and to use it's eyes to watch the roads.
"We're almost there. How do you want to handle this? I don't have much by way of means to subdue the fella if we want to grab him before the fuzz shows up. Speaking of which, you might wanna scrub traces from where your spirit boffed that chopper out the sky. I don't really figure this heavily-armed merc will stay put once the cops show, so we might be able to trail him and pick him up later. I leave the call to you."
<<Oswald@Danny: Oh, Danny-boy! Ready the 2nd Kull. WP in the left bay, HE in the right. One smack does not an object lesson make.>>
Acme
Dec 21 2010, 09:27 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:09 PM, Ferret's Van, East Redmond
Acme slumped in his chair, just trying to will his body to get better quicker, closing his eyes. He waved off the offer of blow, not trying to look rude for the declining. "Thanks but no," he said softly. "Only thing I take is booze; I don't know what stuff like that is going to do to the Talent. I haven't even experimented with that tempo stuff."
J. Packer
Dec 21 2010, 10:52 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:12 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
Okay, no time like the present, I guess...
Seeing eye contact made, such as it was, Amber stood up from her table and grabbed her wine glass before sauntering over to the lady with the crazy eyes.
"I'm sorry," she says, "if I embarrassed your dinner date, but as Mr. Top Hat and Tails has left the building, maybe I could join you? What's your name tonight?"
Red-ROM
Dec 22 2010, 11:45 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:11 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
Strawberry took the piece of paper from Professor, staring at it like it was an alien artifact. She wasn't sure what to say, so she just shoved the paper in her pocket. As the van got under way again, she stared out the window in thought. Rusty took the break in the conversation to speak,"You know, you fellas are talkin about dumpin us off, and I still haven't seen any sign of Swagger J. I don't reckon he's in the glove box"
pbangarth
Dec 22 2010, 03:33 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:11 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
"Yeah, you're right, Rusty." Professor replies. "He's ... in transit, in a similar situation to yours, but much safer. We're just trying to remove bystanders from the shit that is falling around us. We would deliver him to the same place we want to drop you two, once the current situation is resolved. If you feel unsure about that, we could drop Strawberry in the safe place and you could tag along with us to share in the fun."
Sephiroth
Dec 23 2010, 04:38 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
"Do not fret. I will ensure that he will be delivered to the car soon. How long do we have until the authorities show up?" Jovan said, smirking slightly.
Spirit. Here is your last service for me this evening. A survivor from the aerial vehicle has fled into the building close by and is currently holed up there waiting, presumably for us. We shall not disappoint him. I wish for you to incapacitate him and deliver him to the ground vehicle I am in, which will be arriving there shortly. He is armed, and may be packing significant firepower if the size of his weapon is anything to go by, so don't just rush in recklessly and see if your physical immunity can stand up to his bullets. Neither of us needs you going in and getting yourself disrupted. Work quickly, but also act intelligently and tactically. You should be strong enough to drag him out yourself, but you should also be smart enough to herd him out; I leave the choice of method to you, so long as it works.
Jovan spoke now to the watcher standing guard outside the Rover. Look alive. We have some uninvited guests on the way, who may have Awakened resources in their repertoire. Keep an eye out for any sign of astral activity that is not linked to me. Under no circumstances is anyone permitted to look at my aura, understand? Notify me immediately if you see astral forms approaching that are not mine.
<<@Professor: We should be able to take care of ourselves well enough. No one is going to be taking me down anytime soon, at the very least, and in any case I've no desire to deal with that newcomer Acme's prying Eyes at the moment. What's the situation with the guests? If that jumpy one, Crew I believe, has fled your location, it may be necessary to retrieve him before dropping off the others. We don't need his loose end floating about as an anonymity hazard.>>
Notsoevildm
Dec 23 2010, 11:41 AM
QUOTE (Red-ROM @ Dec 21 2010, 03:57 AM)
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Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:10 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
Rusty thought about Ferret's proposal,"I used to pay those guys protection in my old neighborhood years ago, I doubt they even remember me. You think we should drop your ork friend at a hospital or something?"
Throgg hit Ferret back quick <<Your friends got some rent money?>>
Ferret looks over at Thirty, a worried frown on his face, and then up to Rusty.
"I wish we could, but my contacts don't exactly deal in the sorta drugs that make you better if you know what I mean. Main thing now is to get you guys safe. I'll get my buddies in the Crush to escort you out of town to the address the Prof gave you." <<@Throgg: Looks like I just need a taxe service for two and a nursemaid for one. I got a bag of dope from Beetle for upfront payment and I'll cover any extra costs myself once we square up this run. If that works for you, gimme an address where I can drop off my passengers and patient.>>
Acme
Dec 23 2010, 09:24 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:12 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
Acme curled up on the floor, trying to focus his recuperation as soon as he could. Let Professor deal with the worried gangers; talking seemed to be as much his forte as the shaman's, so he hoped things would take care of themselves. If they didn't... He slipped a stim patch out of his inner pockets, flipping the plastic covering around in his fingers. He hated using this thing, was always afraid of just making things worse. But he was hired to do a job.
pbangarth
Dec 24 2010, 12:02 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:12 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
"Good deal on the Crush helping out, Ferret. Thanks." Professor continues monitoring Thirty.
Red-ROM
Dec 24 2010, 06:04 AM
QUOTE (J. Packer @ Dec 21 2010, 05:52 PM)
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Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:12 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
Okay, no time like the present, I guess...
Seeing eye contact made, such as it was, Amber stood up from her table and grabbed her wine glass before sauntering over to the lady with the crazy eyes.
"I'm sorry," she says, "if I embarrassed your dinner date, but as Mr. Top Hat and Tails has left the building, maybe I could join you? What's your name tonight?"
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:13 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle"A name for the evening? Do I look like a prostitute?" The woman gestures to the vacancy left by the man and his top hat
."You know the waiter would have brought your wine, for future reference." The blond woman had the posture of an obelisk. She stirred her tea as delicately as a geisha, but with no flourishes of movement
,"So what has piqued your curiosity, and brought you to my dinner table?"
Red-ROM
Dec 24 2010, 06:50 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:13 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
<<Throgg@ Ferret: Sounds good, we'll try the dope, then figure what you owe us based on the quality. Here's a watering hole [address] I'll be at in 30. I'll let the slots there know your coming>>
As vehicles rolled out, the air spirit slipped into the Shop and Save. He watched the man for a few moments, mulling over the possibilities. Taking him alive was the goal, and suffocating him until he passed out seemed like the best option. The mercenary felt a breeze on the back of his neck and the racks of clothes beside him began to flutter. As he spun to meet the threat, he was enveloped in a miniature whirlwind that took his breath away. He couldn't think fast enough with the lack of oxygen. As he tried to lift his gun, his vision narrowed into one tight spot and he was out. The spiraling winds carried the body out to the parking lot as onlookers screamed in confusion and terror.
J. Packer
Dec 24 2010, 05:49 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:13 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
"Oh no, I never meant to imply that - though, striking girl like you, you'd probably make a small fortune... - anyway, no, it's just this game we all seem to play, isn't it? Who will I be tonight. You can call me Kitty, for right now at least."
Amber takes a seat opposite the woman. "I'll admit it, I did flirt a little with your quirkily-dressed friend back there, but what piqued my interest was hearing tell of a need for, was it 'team members' I believe?"
Red-ROM
Dec 25 2010, 05:25 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:13 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
"Well, Miss Kitty, to continue your theme, I did not expect a 'working girl' to be dining here. I definitely didn't expect one that spoke German. Tell me, have you spent time there? Or is this just some knowsoft running around in there?" The waiter came by, and the woman ordered a salad and gestured for the dwarf to order as well. She was going to keep up appearances even if her previous guest was incapable.As they got through the small talk, she got down to business,"As it happens, I might have an opening in the organization, but I don't like coincidences, so forgive me if I have my suspicions. Do you have any references? "
Saint Sithney
Dec 26 2010, 04:12 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:13 Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Wow. This is way more serious up close. Didn't think there would be so many gawking idiots around a crashed helicopter full of asshole mercs. Apparently street sense ain't any kind of sense at all. Should take a moment to shuffle up the IDs.
<<Oswald@Agent: Monty, let's get fresh. Load yourself in the blimp, rover and primary Kull. Spoof the blimp's ID over and then contact me with the new #. Do the same with the Kull, but wait until its spent a minute or two over the Sound. As to the car, do you have the ID from the Viper's Rover? Let's wear that for a laugh.>>
"We're all obfuscated from the law should we need to run for it. Have you got hands on our fare?"
Sephiroth
Dec 26 2010, 05:44 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:13 Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Jovan nodded his snow white head as he continued to communicate with his air Servant. "'Cudgel thy brains no more about it;' his unconscious body is waiting for us in the parking lot. Open the door a bit when you see him, so that my elemental can bring him inside. You will know him by the currents of air keeping his body aloft."
Well done. I believe we should be coming up to the crash site and the parking lot now. The driver will open a door for you. Once you bring the target inside, you may depart.
Notsoevildm
Dec 26 2010, 09:18 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:13 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
<<@Throgg: Thanks chummer. We're on our way there now.>>
"I've got someone lined up to escort Rusty and Strawberry out of the Barrens and look after Thirty until we can get him to a hospital."
Ferret rolls out at his customary sedate pace. His paranoia is still running in high gear so he keeps an eye on his mirrors and only transmits their destination to the rest of the team as busrt of encrypted data over the Yacht Club connection.
Acme
Dec 26 2010, 10:29 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:14 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
Acme settled in, his head pounding as the van rolled on. "Mmmph, this day can't end soon enough," he muttered darky as he just considered how things were going. If he was lucky, they'd get away with this alive, but now they were down a runner, going in on this problem with five; as it was he as their major magical backup was curled up on the floor. He figured this is why he usually did things singularly, not because he didn't trust other teammates, but he usually knew his own limits and didn't bite off more than he could handle himself.
pbangarth
Dec 27 2010, 05:05 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:15 PM, Ferret's van, East Redmond
Acme is fagged in the back of the van. Thirty is at death's door. Ferret and Professor are ferrying Rusty and Strawberry to 'safety',along with comatose Thirty, in the hands of a street gang whose name conjures up images of gratuitous violence and gore. Then the three team members are to join their fellows in a war at a mall parking lot. To which cops are on the way. At least two other groups of unknown strength have a stake in this cargo, one of them probably backed by a corporation with unlimited resources and with a reputation to restore as a lesson to the rest of the shadow community.
The plan is working just fine. Professor figures with grim humour.
J. Packer
Dec 28 2010, 05:05 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:13 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
The gadfly attitude drops away from Amber as she gets into business.
"While I'm a new face in the biz, I've had a few successful operations. Mostly corporate interaction roles, social engineering, and I'm solid with a pistol in my hands. Corporate trained." She sips her wine, and resumes her eye contact with the icy lady. "So, perhaps your team could use a bit of help in that regard? Runners tend to be rough about the edges, after all."
Saint Sithney
Dec 29 2010, 03:05 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:14 Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Oz pulled up to the burning parking lot, and commanded the door to open. A slight crack was all it took for the Air Spirit to pull it the rest of the way open as it deposited the unconscious mercenary inside.
"Are we going to try and meet up with the others? I need to get us out of here, but I also need to scrub tracers off this guy. You can check him for weapons, yeah? I'll put the bots on his digitals."
<<Oswald@Skypod: Have you got this joker's ID yet? If not, get to it.>>
I need to cut this fucker's lights as quick as I can. No clue what kind of Matrix talent they still have at their disposal. Last thing we need is to have a big blip over our heads like the others.
Red-ROM
Dec 30 2010, 02:57 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:14 Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
The air Elemental deposits the mercenary in the van, and with a gracious bow to Jovan, disappears back into the aether. While Oswald tried to get a handle on the Viper's commlink, Rusty was trying to get a handle on his situation,"If these Crush boys can be trusted enough, I think we should drop Strawberry off and take me with you." The girl began to protest, but Rusty put up a hand so he could continue,"I still gotta show you Long Legs' place, and I also want to make sure ol' Swagger J is in one piece"Strawberry looked to overrule her own objection at the mention of J's name.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:14 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
The woman across from Amber is unflinching. Maybe she is a machine. Maybe the eyes aren't strange. Maybe it's the skin and hair that is out of place. She smiles thinly,"What I mean to say is, do you have someone who can vouch for you? Name dropping can get you places in this world. Trust me."
Acme
Dec 30 2010, 05:59 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:14 Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Acme looked a bit worried as he heard the two gangers hint that they were thinking that they'd come along. While information was going to be useful. But he was frustrated; trained runners were dying here, how long could these two that they were effectively already trying to save from any further harm over this damned job survive?
Notsoevildm
Dec 30 2010, 01:59 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:15 Ferret's van, East Redmond
Ferret gives Rusty a hurt look. "Look, I know we kinda crashed into your lives, but by now you must have realised we're trying to do the right thing here. The Crush helped me get back on my feet a couple of years back. I know they have a bit of a rep and have some shady dealings, but they look after their own. Strawberry will be safe with them. You got my word on that."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:30 Ferret's van, East Redmond
Ferret pulls the van to a halt outside the address Throgg gave him. From the outside it doesn't look too friendly. However, one of the Crushers hanging outside smiles when he sees the van and approaches it.
"Hey Acme, hand me that Trid player sitting on the workbench."
Ferret rolls down the window and engages in a complex greeting of knuckle bumping and handshake, before handing over the trid player to the smiling ork ganger.
"There ya go, Bloodsucker. Good as new. Well at least as good as when ya stole it."
The ork laughs and ambles off with the trid player tucked under his arm.
Turning to the others he says, "Wait here till I sort things out inside. I come out and get you when I've made arrangements."
With that, he scoops up the bag of dope and tucking his machine pistol into his belt, climbs out of the van and strolls into the bar.
Sephiroth
Dec 30 2010, 07:02 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:14 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
<<@Yacht Club: We have acquired the prey. Unless Thirty is beginning to recover or we have some other matter to attend to out here, I suggest we vacate the area immediately and rendezvous elsewhere. I would remind you all that we have limited time before the authorities arrive.>>
"Make haste then, old man. I can look him over for weapons, but I've no wish to physically search him until you verify that he has no video-transmitting bugs on his person. Broadcasting my face to our opponents will do more damage to our situation than it's worth," Jovan said, as his eyes swept like searchlights over the inert body of the mercenary and his hand brought the collar of his coat up to conceal the lower half of his face - a crude method, but it was sadly all he had at his disposal when his face mask was sitting at home.
pbangarth
Dec 31 2010, 02:29 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:15 Ferret's van, East Redmond
Professor checks the medkit readouts. "I don't like what I'm seeing here, troops. Thirty is sinking, slowly. I don't know if I can stop his slide into a coma. Dropping him off may help simply by keeping him quiet and undisturbed, but a hospital will be necessary."
He looks at Rusty. "Yeah, we need your guidance still. Hang with us and we'll get this shitstorm straightened out. Our pursuit has been cut off pretty handily, so now we need to dodge the cops zeroing in on us."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:30 Ferret's van at the Crushers' hangout
"We'll wait out here for you, Ferret. Strawberry, be ready to go, we may not have much time." Professor looks right in her eyes. "Make a new life. I believe in you." Huh. Sounded better when the Guru said it to me.
Red-ROM
Dec 31 2010, 02:33 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:17 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Jovan looked over their new passenger. The big gun the spirit mentioned must be laying in the floor of the Shop and Save, but the man was far from unarmed. he wore an armored suit with a hood, under clothes he could have bought inside the store. His hands were covered in thick gloves. The vest had many pockets and under the shirt was holstered a handgun and a large knife. He was a plain looking fellow; Brown hair and a slightly tan complexion. The Skypod was reporting to Oswald only one commlink was detected, but when Jovan finally started patting him down, he turned up another. The second link was off. In fact, it was sealed in plastic with a red tear strip. In other pockets he found an unmarked aerosol can, a thin spool of wire on a mini grappling hook, and a few more RFID tags with adhesive backs.
J. Packer
Dec 31 2010, 04:06 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:14 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
"Well," Amber says, "I was involved in a run with the group that Trench Jackson used to lead. After he was picked up by KE, Toadstool claimed seniority meant she was in charge, and brought me in to do a little recon work. Extricated the necessary access codes they needed for a warehouse up in Puyallup for their latest Johnson. Before that, I was the cut-out on an extraction from an Ares subsidiary - Kong Li Fabrications. Marcus Yamato was heading up that operation."
She pauses for another sip of her wine. "I'm looking for a group I might be able to work with long term. I'm okay with these little one-off gigs, but it would be nice to know everyone and get to the point of very nearly trusting them. I'm sure you understand."
Saint Sithney
Dec 31 2010, 11:57 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:15 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
<<Motherfucker, I am a hospital. Let's meet up in Crusher turf. Rusty reunites with Jay. I can ditch Jay and put Thirty in my med bay. It could simplify some things for us. Really, we need to trim this fat. Get the info and move on. All these artifacts hanging around are making me feel self-conscious, even if they make you feel at home.>>
Acme
Dec 31 2010, 07:28 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:16 Ferret's van, East Redmond
Acme just frowned at the argument happening over the commlinks; it was aggravating his headache something fierce, and it was just text mode. <<Look, that's what we're doing, is trying to get them dropped off so they won't hamper the deal, we've got enough issues with awake members being banged up. THey're just being a bit stubborn. Let's just smooth things along, there's no need to get testy.>>
Saint Sithney
Jan 1 2011, 09:22 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:16 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
<<Hahaha. Not angry, just... Oh, sorry. Guess I forgot to tell you guys. I'm a bit manic right now. Shot some Cram a few minutes ago. Anyway, I need an invitation if I'm going to drive into Crusher turf. Unless you want me to just ram through their checkpoint. That could be fun..>>
Red-ROM
Jan 2 2011, 04:52 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:30 pm East Redmond
Strawberry had ignored the Professor before, just another hot shot promising her a better life. Now he was looking her dead in the eye, and she could see a whole different world in his. She held her breath as the thin slip of paper in her pocket felt so fragile and so important. She looked away without words and slipped a hand back into her pocket again.
The bar had no name. It was a pretty common occurrence in the barrens, just another hole in the wall to get booze or drugs. The only name that mattered was the gang whose turf it was on, and this was definitely Crimson Crush territory. Everyone going in and out of the place was showing colors. Ferret follows the ork inside. everyone who spots the dope gets a little closer. I he didn't have an escort, he would probably be hanging by his feet right now. Once inside he saw a few faces he recognized, and a slight breath of relief slipped into his lungs. Another ork named "Picker" waved him to the bar. Ferret had met him once or twice with Throgg. He never figured out where the nickname came from. Was it something to do with the flying V tattooed on his fore arm, or the fact that he tended to be knuckle deep in his nostrils. Picker grinned a tusky grin and motioned for the drugs,"What's up little man, that's a nice little party favor you got there. Throgg'll be here any minute, and we got a nice quiet room in the back for company, so long as they don't mind a few chip heads."
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:18 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
Another interruption from the waiter and The blond woman took a short and silent trip into the Matrix. It was subtle, barely a change in breathing. She returned and took a sip of wine,"I appreciate the resume, and I will look into that further. I have a basic Idea for now, and that shall suffice." She reaches into a small clutch and pulls out a white plastic card. A data chip. She handed it to Amber and began to take her leave,"I've paid the tab, the offer is non negotiable, It was ever so nice meeting you, but I'm on a tight schedule"
pbangarth
Jan 2 2011, 05:18 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:30 pm East Redmond
Professor watches Strawberry go into the Crush-owned bar. With Luck, shes on her way out. He on the other hand, has a lot deeper to go before he can return to his old life. Question is, would 'The Professor' even exist then?
Well, speaking of existence... while waiting for Ferret to negotiate safe passage, Professor scans the surrounding neighbourhood astrally, hoping nothing else was preparing to pop into the van.
Notsoevildm
Jan 2 2011, 01:47 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:31 pm East Redmond
Ferret's nervous grin becomes a sincere one when he spots Picker at the bar. He wasn't a member of the Crimson Crush, but had worked with them enough times on dope deals or fixing their tech to be recognised by several of the gangers. Ferret strolls over and tosses the bag of drugs to Picker.
"I got these from Beetle, so you know they're the good stuff."
He holds up a finger and cocks his head to the side listening to the manic rigger.
"I got some friends coming this way in a Rover. Licence is {licence}. They are coming to pick up my injured chummer, so I'd appreciate it if you tell the boys on the barricades not to shoot at them."
"Me and the lady will wait in back for Throgg. Gimme a couple of beers to take the edge off while we wait."
J. Packer
Jan 2 2011, 08:39 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:18 PM, Elliot's Restaurant, Pier 60, Seattle
Twirling the chip in her hand, Amber debates the relative merits of slotting it. Deciding on safety first, she inserts it into the receptacle on her Avalon and runs a thorough scan first for malware, trojans or any IC that might make her night less pleasant before she scans the data it includes.
Sephiroth
Jan 3 2011, 02:43 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:17 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Jovan worked quickly as he spoke, turning off the mercenary's primary commlink and relieving him of his weapons and gloves. <<Enough. This bickering is getting us nowhere. We still have the Vipers and Lone Star out looking for us, so efficiency and timeliness is necessary here. Whatever you gentleman are doing with those gangers, do it quickly. We are running out of time.>>
He held up the aerosol can and small grappling hook and wire for the viewing pleasure of the cameras he knew were watching him. "The man is equipped with more bugs, a backup comm, a blade and pistol, and these. I presume we will need a chemical analyzer for whatever is contained inside the can; any idea what this wire and hook is used for?"
Watchers still in the building, return to my position immediately and standby for further instructions.
Saint Sithney
Jan 3 2011, 10:19 AM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:17 PM, Oswald's Rover, East Redmond
Splitting his attention between driving the SUV and checking the interior, Oz made a quick inventory of the situation. "Toss the tags and keep the links. So long as they're physically switched off they're useful. The tags are nothing if not a liability since they can be activated remotely."
He paused for a moment as he swooped the vehicle around an old dead car in the road and continued back towards the 202. He took a moment to order the Blimp to hide in the shadow of the nearby hills and returned his attention to the interior of the vehicle.
"If the can is unmarked, don't worry about it for now. Possibly something to scrub DNA or freezefoam to quick-seal a doorway. Really, there's lots of chemicals that'd be useful to a guy like that. Once we get somewhere more secure, we'll just ask him about it, eh? Meantime, do we have any restraints, or, for that matter, did he?"
<<@Yacht Club: About 10 minutes behind you right now, assuming we beat the LoneStar dragnet without problems. If you think you can take care of your business in Crusher turf in that time, I'll wait for you outside. If you think it's a good bet for finding a touch of safe haven, I'll come in at your word. Regardless, I don't want this fucker waking up in my back seat before we've got him prepped, and that's going to take some work.>>
Acme
Jan 3 2011, 10:09 PM
Friday, Sept. 11, 2071, 8:31 pm East Redmond
Acme just rolled his eyes at the crazy rigger. This whole group had a clear death wish it seemed from time to time. That's what made it interesting, to be sure, but with him in this groggy mood himself, he wondered how long it would be before the old man crashed into something. That would certainly fix a few things...