@E: Tribes
September 1, 2072 09:15:22;
Physical Location: White Residence
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node
PAN - Active; SIN - Calliope White


Glyph stands up when the mist flows into the node, and watches as the "witch" appears giving her a quick look over.

I wonder how much of that avatar is real? She's probably playing it safe, don't blame her, I would have used my more anonymous avatar too but It's best she knows what I really look like.

Glyhps gives her smile and a quick nod.

"Yes, we're from the Fre∑dom tribe, hello, I'm Glyph."

Glyph gestures to herself.

"And this is not just an avatar, this is a perfect rendition of the way I really look. I figured it would be best to show up in "person" so to speak, it wouldn't do to have you freak a bit when you saw me in reality when we came to your rescue."

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:18:12; Somewhere beyond Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Jon assures you that with your link off any AR overlay is gone...whatever it was it doesn't return when you switch it back on...

"Which is great, but if that's the case I don't know how we turn ourselves off! There's no off switch as far as I know, we've tried hiding our presence on the matrix but whoever is doing this has locked on to our bionodes...must be another fragging techno, nobody else could do this to us. Bastard! Turning against his own kind... So what now? We're lit up like Christmas...if that thing comes our way..." he leaves the rest unsaid but his anger is masking his fear and right now that's probably the best you can hope for.

@Emerging: Tribe | sp³
September 1, 2072, 17:42:00;Tacoma

As Sprogget communicates with Spindle, Spring again calls three clanks to keep an eye on astral entities interested in him, Sprgget or Scrapheap.

Wish we'd finally get back to home. Might as well get a huge flashing ARO pointing at me, the way everyone else is dressed. Good luck hiding anything happens.

As word is given they're not going back accompanied by Scrapheap's biker buddies, Spring's shoulders sag a bit.

Damn, was looking forward to it. They're def running some interesting mods.

Then Sprogget starts to address him...

Oh, great, a lecture.

His expression turns a bit vacant as he mentally communicates with one of his watchers.

Hey, this as deadly un-fun to you as it is to me?

I ... do not ... understand. ... Deadly? ... No attack ... detected. comes the confused reply.

Sure, nevermind. Go back to watching for trouble in the æether.

Them clockwork brains mos def need more gears.

After waiting till Sprogget has finished

Well, let's see. This type of clank usually lasts for about an hour; so, the new ones probably left sometime during the first half of your speech.

Maybe should have done the same. Damn, this day is getting better and betterer.

I'm not a total dud around a car is surprising how and know how to barter a bit? Haggling for used parts and putting them into used cars is what we do. Guess nobody bothered to tell you the obvious.

Incomplete information, my ass!

After getting pushed around, thrown into a trip to a strange neighbourhood, venting some steam visibly relaxes him a bit. And he continues less agitated.

I sure don't run solo usually. Who's that suicidal in the Barrens? Got a buddy with the Freedomers, sure didn't do a formal job interview when we met.

Hesitating as if trying to think back quite some time, he adds Know him so long, I don't think about how he's gonna react.

Remembering he's still with semi-strangers in unknown territory, he asks So what's the big plan for the return trip? The ridicule when saying "big plan" not quite covering over his nervousness.

@E: Tribes, Scrapheap;
September 1, 2072, 17:42:30; axc4mr's place
PAN mode: Passive | ID displayed: SCRAPHEAP

Scrapheap shakes his head a little as the message is relayed. That would have been good to know. Now I gotta tell Zip 'no' and make him sad he don't get to bust heads. Is this day gonna just keep getting worse? The scarred ork snorts in amusement as the little guy's response to the older ork techhead's lecture drifts over to him. I think I like this one.

<< @Zippo: *sigh* Never mind, el jefe just told us we're not on ambulance duty anymore, just delivery. Sorry to get ya all amped, hermano. You ridin' tonight, or maybe we can go by that taqueria you know about and get some cervezas? Well, that's if no one else says I gotta go do something and then changes their minds. >>

@E:Tribes, Sprogget
September 1, 2072, 18:10:53; heading for South Hill Mall
BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Passive; SIN: Hugo Wright

Sprogget notices Spring zoning out for pieces of the 'chat'.
@self:Guess he will have to learn the hardway.

When Spring comments on skills being obvious.
@Spring: "Obvious huh? I think you will find that Scrapheap's skills do not run quite the same way.  At least not yet.  We deal with a lot of different tek, so not everyone in the tribe is a motorhead.  Some know way more about 'tronics, or chem, or farming, or buildings.  Some of the tribe are clueless dealing with outsiders.  Others are way better than either of us.  My sister has as much fun just talking as we do tweaking max performance out of acess tek".

@Spring: "The plan is to avoid trouble.  Enough will find us anyway, without causing static.  I {sarcasm}assume{normal} since you are still alive, that you're not being a duke in the barrens.  This ain't barrens, but still plenty ways to end up taking a dirtnap, and more to get dirty playing with the badges, if not pay'n attention".

@Spring: "So you really were a kid when you met him.  Bet you knew the chummer some before hitting some of the interesting places to scrounge.  Here, did not have the luxury to chat and learn a bit at a time about each other.  To maybe become friends.  Need to know quick how to work together.  That is part of what the tribe is about.  We can lean on each other for different things.  Do not have to like.  Some like Sleeper are Techno scum, but they can be trusted to get things right in their own area.

{carefully neutral}Don't know if I like you yet or not.  You seem to be a bit of a nerdling with an attitude, and think everyone else is a gonk.  You are happy when playing with tek, at least wheels, but don't share much with anyone not a close chum.  You seem to be a loner.  In the tribe, you need to be able to work with others, whether they are an ace or not.  Don't need to casually hand over your prize harp, but do need to stand with and support common goals.  You'll get that back, but people need to know where a boost would help, and where it is not needed.

End analysis for now.  What say?  Willing to stick around after we get this double delivery done, to see if we can work together a bit smoother?  Part of that should be fun.  We can take a closer look at that Hoopty Ride we are hauling, using the shop tools.  Plus get something to eat".

@SP³: <<Hey Scrapheap, want to grab beer at the shop after we get this unloaded?  I have a few chilled brew from Boiler's micro-brewery.  Not sure what the family will have left us from supper, but can at least get some soy too.>>

@Spring: "You're included, as long as you don't wave the beer under the 'rents nose".

September 1, 2072, 18:12:12; heading for South Hill Mall
Renraku Sensei: Hidden, SIN: nope

Sheesh, lecture mode all over again. Sure loves to the sound of his own voice.

@Scrapheap: <<Does this guy ever not hold speeches? You got a nice, silent spot for me on your hog?>>

...

We've been around each other a bit and you think you know how I'm around my close chummers? Hope that's a joke or you actually are a gonk. And no, I don't think Scrapheap ot that woman are gonks, but you really are doing your best to being one. I've told you as much about myself as you and Scrap did but the only one pissing at anyone is you at me. You said you know how to talk with people. Should've said you know how to talk AT people. And lecture and berate and nag. Way to go Mister Social. You want me to hang around after we're home? Cut the lectures and maybe I won't vanish on the spot.

Or jump out of the car right now and walk home. Analysing me, what's he think this is, Dr. Freudstein And The Seven Zombiemidgets™?

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom
[September 1, 2072 09:15:22; Senlis Residence, Bellevue]
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node
SIN: Morgan Senlis, PAN: Active

"Glyph. Alpha Apex. Nice to meet you." LeFey is distracted by what she assumes is a sprite staring at her. "And I understand." At least, she had some inkling of Glyph's choice. The part of Seattle Morgan called home was not kind to those who stood out from the crowd. "But, it's not that simple. This isn't intended to be some rebellion against the authority figures in my life." She smiled bitterly.

The wall of the node momentarily became alight with color as Morgan waved her hand. "I have to know what I am, now. And any answers won't be found here." She recalled a news report an earlier bit of research had turned up. "Did you ever hear about that laboratory in Hong Kong? The one that was said to have been destroyed by technomancers. Knight Errant held the city's contract at the time. Looking back, I'm almost surprised the Emerged aren't still regarded as a threat by Ares. Officially. I am under no illusions about the consequences if I am found out."

The witch slumps her shoulders, as if suddenly weary. "I have an inkling that we are a part of something greater. Something terrifyingly horrible and amazingly fantastic. But until I can get out, an inkling is all it will be."

"Now, my babbling aside, I can't say for sure what kind of timetable we're on, but I live in Bellevue, where Ares has a large presence. As you can imagine, Knight Errant provides security, and response times are very high." LeFey trails off as she thinks about what might be important to tell them.

@E:Tribes, Sprogget
September 1, 2072, 18:16:18; heading for South Hill Mall
BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Passive; SIN: Hugo Wright

@Spring: "{Irritated}That is not what I said. I only said how you seem around me so far.  First impressions.  Fine lectures over.  The tribe and people in it are important to me.  Are they to you?  Sis is the social one.  I can talk to people without freezing.  I'd rather be tweaking a drone or vehicle.  Vanish or not, up to you".

@self:This 'kid' sure does not want to give any reason to trust him with what is important.

@E:Tribes, Spam RFID
September 1, 2072, 18:20:05; Tacoma

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@E:PL UK
[May 21st, 2072, 16:09:15, eTher's Phaeton, leaving Exeter Airport]
PAN=Active; SIN:Nina Okada

Very slowly, silver eyes widen ever so slightly. Then, softly, a smile spreads over her lips. There is something rather startling about another invading the threshold in her mind, however... Nonetheless, Tsubaki can only try forming words into a thought so her response could also be received, safely assuming that it works that way. Oh, but I was simply just appreciating beauty as I see it. The mystic adept smiles humbly. I'm just curious. And with that, Tsubaki closes her perception into the astral.

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 15:52:41, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

"Indeed." Mordred's reply is hesitant, not to mention short. The significance of names and titles was a personal belief of his, but he couldn't say why the lady was bringing it up. These days, few people would blame her for using an alias, especially considering her presumed line of work. Some kind of hint?

The adept manages to restrain himself from reacting when Luc crawls onto her lap. No one seemed to think she posed a threat to the child. And treating their only chance of a ride would be a bad idea. Old? Definitely telling them something. As a tentative guess, that she was coming from a very different place than the average NeoNET employee, executive or otherwise.

As Gemeaux had contacted the lady, Mordred gives him an prompting look.

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:18:12; Somewhere beyond Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Angry is better than curled up in a ball. Guess that will have to do for now.

"I knew I shoulda ganked dat mouthy kid. See if ya can find a way to turn off whatever he dids ta you. Until then, we need to keep outta sight. Come on, we can't stay here. Katie hold onto my webbing. Jon, you keep a hand on her shoulder. And get out yer guns. Until we catches up to Requiem and Stitch, you shoots first and asks questions later."

She heads down the alley away from the searchlight, looking for a way into the nearest building that looks like it won't fall down on her. Taking Jon at his word she briefly cranks up her commlink to its max range and bursts a message to the missing mercenaries.

<<@Requiem, Stitch: Switch your comms off and back on to kill the markers. I'm heading for our original rendezvous. I'll keep my link active but set to short range, so you'll need to be close to reach me. Be safe.>>

She keeps the link active at its full powers setting for a few seconds, hoping for a response, then switches it to short range and focuses her attention on the dark opening to the crumbling building ahead of her.

@E: Tribes; Scrapheap
September 1, 2072, 18:12:30; en-route to South Hill Mall

@s^3 "Dunno, Sprog. Still waitin' on my guy, might have to make it up to him that he didn't get to ride up and bang heads with any gang that fucked with us. I'll let ya know when I know."

Scrapheap split his attention between the road and his rear-views looking at the two in the truck as Spring's message came in, grinning under the cover of his helmet. Man, oil and water don't cut it for those two. More like gas and match.

@Spring "Ride ain't that much longer, mano. Just don't kill him 'fore we get back, I can't drive that transport nearly as well as I can this hog."

As they drove closer to the Barrens and away from what passed for "civilized" areas Scrapheap turned his attention fully back to scanning for trouble. Way today's gone, I wouldn't put it past anyone to screw with us just because they could.

@E: Tribes
September 1, 2072 09:15:22;
Physical Location: White Residence
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node
PAN - Active; SIN - Calliope White


Glyph listens intently to the witch's words before speaking up.

"We really don't have a set timetable other than to get you out as soon as possible. The plan, as much as we have so far is that Alpha is going to take care of the hacking, while I sack out. I don't work well during the day. Any assistance that you could give him on that end of things would be helpful"


"Bellevue huh? Do you live in a house or apartments? Will your parents be there or out for the night? Are you allowed out at all? If so what restrictions do you have to follow when you do? Sorry to grill you but the more details you can give us about your living situation can help us tailor our plans to get you out, and will let us know if we need to pick up any specific gear that we might need to help pull this off."

@E:Tribes, Sprogget
September 1, 2072, 18:20:35; heading for South Hill Mall
BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Passive; SIN: Hugo Wright

Ignoring Spring for a moment.

@SP³: <<All good Scrapheap.  Wouldn't want him annoyed with you.

Course if they really want to, they could ride without us.  Unless they wanted escort duty as an excuse to mix it up, without appearing as aggressors.>>

Sprogget sends a text message status update:
@Spindle: <<ETA SH Mall 18:50. If doc is ready, 10 minutes more home -- Sprogget>>

@self:How did that SPAM get through my filters?  Ah! technology and history content.  Managed to sneak through because of my steampunk and tech profile settings.  I aught to hack their site just for getting in my face.

@E:PL UK
[May 21st, 2072, 16:09:15, Ether's Phaeton, leaving Exeter Airport]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

"Indeed," Gemeaux replies in response to Ether's comment regarding children and age, "I find the weight of this world prematurely ages even the most stoic of souls. However, my lady, I believe you have deftly side-stepped its assault. You look lovely, and in the prime of youth." He drifts off when he notices the odd exchange of glances between Ether and Tsubaki. He takes the cue from Mordred, and attempts to return the conversation back to its original course.

"Our...former companion...fancied himself a master of intrigue, and liked to keep details to himself," he continues. "However, I believe our destination is called Clearwater. Once we reach there, I think we should be able to continue on our own."

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom, Alpha Apex
September 1, 2072 09:15:22;
Physical Location: SE Corner of 39th Ave NW and 7th St SW;
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node

"Bellevue means Big Brother. And that means a lot more cleanup on the matrix side of things. Cameras, gates, locks, data trails, RFID tags... Glyph, isn't there a way to scramble or erase RFID tags so they can't track your stuff?"

"Heh. Bellevue also means I should probably not look like I live on the streets, neh? Note to self: buy nicer clothes for leaving the barrens."

"So if you are still living where your SIN says you are living, I can hack into the building's node and make life easier for everyone. Unlock doors, turn off alarms, make coffee... The more info we have about specifics I can't find online, the easier it will be for all of us, like Glyph said."

@E:Tribes, Spring
September 1, 2072, 18:12:35; en route to South Hill Mall
Renraku Sensei: Hidden, SIN: nope



@Scrapheap: Heh right, safety 101: No killing driver while vehicle in motion.

'Sides 'cous wouldn't be too happy.

18:16


From lecture to insults, nice.

Is the tribe... ? Any outsider I'd find a way to hurt him for that question, orc or not. Important enough I'd help even you, though I'm sure you'd make me regret it. Probably spend an hour telling me how I breathed wrong or some bulldrek like that.

Looking out of the passenger side window, Spring turns aways from Sprogget as far as possible in the truck's cabin.

Do I care about my family?! What a joker! How come it's always the grownups who preach being responsible do everything they can to be asshats? Bet he's busy figuring out how to make me... what the frag?! AR Spam? Running hidden?

{whispering} friggin spammers

E: Tribes; Scrapheap
September 1, 2072, 18:20:15; en-route to South Hill Mall
PAN mode: Passive | ID displayed: SCRAPHEAP

"Fuck!" The AR spam nearly overwhelmed Scrapheap's vision before he could clear it, causing him to jink the bike erratically for a second. Maybe need to find someone to upgrade this piece a'crap so I don't get hit by that shit. Not even the good kind wi' the tatas, either. Bah.

s^3: "I want to find da putas dat put dat shit out dere and beat them stupid. Damn near crashed my bike because of it." Scrapheap took a deep breath. "Anyways, don't think dey need an excuse to break heads, Sprog. He'd just have to convince his jefe dat goin' up the road to whack someone is a better idea that stayin' home and doin' the same thing to someone closer."

@E:Tribes, Sprogget
September 1, 2072 18:21:02; en route to South Hill Mall
BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Passive; SIN: Hugo Wright

Sprogget starts to reply heatedly, then just sighs.
@self:And how would anyone know you 'feel' part of the tribe too, chummer? Without a bit of hint someplace?

Sprogget hears the whisper, with the help of the enhancements in his earbuds, and is about to respond when ...


@SP³: <<{laughingly} Hey!  Something we all agree on.  Spammers need a serious attitude adjustment.

{seriously} Unfortunately Scrapheap, tracing most of that to the real source finds a subsidiary of a big corp.  That could take a lot of beating. ... Well maybe not a lot.  The 'people' part is already pretty stupid.>>


@SP³: <<{dryly} Remind me not to be someone closer.>>

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom
[September 1, 2072 09:15:22; Senlis Residence, Bellevue]
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node
SIN: Morgan Senlis, PAN: Active

"No, no. It's understandable." Morgan tugged the glove on her left hand. "I'll be glad to answer whatever questions you have." She recalled that Riley had commented more than once about the importance of information. And she wasn't about to endanger the people who were coming to spirit her away by keeping secrets from them.

"A house. A pretty large one, as it happens. No floor plans, but I can give you some photos." The witch begins lightly pacing. "My parents are normally out until 2000 or 2100 hours. They work fairly late." She glances at Alpha. "I can give you my login info. I'm not sure if you'll be able to do much with a regular user account, though."

@E: Tribes
September 1, 2072 09:15:22;
Physical Location: White Residence
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node
PAN - Active; SIN - Calliope White


Glyph nods at Alpha

"Yes, a tag eraser can burn out all RFID's except security tags. It will take time to go over everything she's bringing with her so I don't know if we'll have the time to erase everything when we pick her up, but I'll try to get my hands on one."

Natasha might have one, or could get me one.

"We're also going to need to get another mode of transport too, my bike only carries two. That's going to be harder to get a hold of."

Glyph turns to the witch

"If you're tagged with a security tag it's most likely implanted in you, there's nothing we can do about that until we get you out of there and back to the tribe, so looks like picking up a jammer might also be of use."

"Since your parents are normally out working late I take it they have someone watching you? Oh and do you have a fake SIN?"

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom, Alpha Apex
September 1, 2072 09:15:22;
Physical Location: SE Corner of 39th Ave NW and 7th St SW;
Virtual Location: Prospero's Nexus node in the Mall
BioNode: Hidden | Meta Link: Active, SIN: Alan Shepard

"Well, sunset should be at 19:48, so hopefully they are working a bit later than 20:00."

Alpha sweeps his hand in a wide arc, and a 3D representation of a large Bellevue McMansion appears floating in the air. "Is this where you are currently? I wasn't sure if the address on your SIN was also where you were staying. I haven't had much of a chance to look into the security measures around your place, but I have a feeling they might be tight."

Alpha nods to the transport issue. "Good point. And don't look at me, I walk everywhere..."

"Now hang on a second... What if we were able to get her out of the house and make her disappear from someplace public, like a bar or restaurant? That way, you can take her on your bike, and I can just walk home."

"Ooo! Or, even better, just have the cab or car they sent her just never arrive at it's intended destination? That gets rid of the transportation problem, as she will already be in a ride. We then just make the ride come to us."

"Do your parents let you out at all? Or are you Rapunzel trapped in her tower?"

@E:CoP/Johnny Awesome
[August 20th, 2072, 21:05; NeoNet Tower, Oxford]

Sir Gregory looks a bit abashed as you make your way over to him and you can see himself battle with the desire not to say your name…ah you love making these stuffed shirts squirm

"Awesome…yes, erm, please let me introduce Lady deBathayre, My Lady, this is one Johnny Awesome…”

As you take her hand you note that it is cool despite the warmth of the evening and the heat rising from the crowd. It must by the scanty iridescent gown… the more these people have the less they seem to feel the need to wear, ah the glorious trappings of power. She raises her eyes to you and you immediately see that the demure gaze hides a sparkle of mischief almost as great as your own.

"Mr Awesome, a pleasure” and she slips her arm out of Sir Gregory’s and lightly places her hand on yours. "So what brings you to Gregory’s little soiree? Are you one of these tiresome Ordos with your preaching about the way things have always been done? Or perhaps you subscribe to the new way where everything is about Influence? Or perhaps, as I hope, you are something else entirely?”

@E:Tribes / Mechanicals
[September 1, 2072, 18:55:00; Fre∑dom Home, Puyallup]

Sprogget, Spring & Scrapheap

After the bickering it is a relief to get out from each other’s company for a few moments. You make your way in to the former mall, clambering through the broken security shutter and entering the palatial ground floor hall. It is artfully strewn with crap, gang graffiti, broken ceiling panels, anything to make it look uninhabited. Of course you all know the truth of the place, after all the Mechanicals helped your neighbours to construct the deceit that there really is nobody home and nothing of interest to be found here any longer. You are sure that you are currently appearing on half a dozen monitors as your progress is tracked.

The once grand sweeping staircase has crumbled away leaving a twisted mass of rusting rebar and broken concrete. From above you a voice calls down followed by a striking young lass with an equally striking AK cradled in her arms

"Hoi, Mechs, common in.”

Tweak appears beside her, scraping his unruly hair out of his eyes "Spring! You riding with these old farts now?” for which he gets a playful cuff round the ear from Jazz.

"Ignore him! Lift’s up” and indeed the lift that looks like it will never work again opens sufficiently for you all to slip inside.

***
[September 1, 2072, 19:22:13; Fre∑dom Home, Puyallup]

You’ve explained your purpose here to Doctor White and you are twiddling your thumbs while you wait for her to gather her things. Whilst Spring and Tweak immerse themselves in an AR shooter outside you are accosted by Jazz again. She speaks to you with the assured condescension of a slightly older girl, just enough to put your backs up and display her authority but not enough for you to call her out on…

"Boys! Look, I’ll get someone else to run the Doc over to Anna…perhaps you could help out Alpha and Glyph. You look like likely scavs and they could do with some muscle where they are going…oh, and take Spring and Tweak too before they cause any more trouble here” that last being accompanied by a crash as one of the boys collides with something. "They need to bring a new techno in from the cold corp world and you’ve got the skills needed to help out…”

***

@E: Tribes / Fre∑dom
[ September 1, 2072, 09:37:54; Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node]

As you discuss your plans for freeing Morgan from her corporate imprisonment a bulletin arrives on the node board. A tweak on the decryption and it resolves into a cryptic message from someone called Summer

<<I think I can find some additional help for you in your endeavour. The Mechanicals tribe have some members who will be around this evening and they will be asked to help you. They should arrive at the mall at around 19:00>>

@E:Tribes, Spring
[September 1, 2072, 18:55:00; Fre?dom Home, Puyallup]
Renraku Sensei: Hidden, SIN: nope



Hoi, Tweak, had to get me a cab seeing as you never invite me over! Afraid I'm gonna kick your ass in DragonHunt XII?


Grinning, Tweak responds with A, we got standards that's why you never been here. B, it's version XIII, try to keep up. And C, forget it, no way!

As soon as the lift doors open again, Tweak leads Spring over to a set of worn-out sofas and given a short introduction to the changes from DragonHunt XII.

Basically it's the same with better graphics, only they totally nerfed thugs. You gotta try a pimp, nasty bitch slap and summons hoes. First to bag a dozen drakes.

Tweak@Spring: So really, what's with you and the retirement squad?

Spring@Tweak: Well, ...

later: You cheap kill stealer!

@E:Tribes, Sprogget
September 1, 2072, 18:50:00; Approaching Old South Hill Mall, Puyallup
BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Passive; SIN: Hugo Wright

Sprogget changes the commlink mode to Active, so that the Fre∑dom watchers will know quickly who is arriving.

BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Active; SIN: Hugo Wright

September 1, 2072, 19:22:39; Fre∑dom Home, Puyallup
BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Active; SIN: Hugo Wright

Sprogget is a little annoyed by Jazz's attitude, but sees no need to make an issue of it.  After dealing with Spring for the past couple of hours, this is pretty tame.

Starting with just slightly exaggerated politeness, to let her know the attitude was noticed.
@Jazz: "Yes grandma.  I'll send a message along so they know to expect alternate delivery of Doctor White.  Fairly soon I hope.  From the latest intel I got, Anna could be getting close by now.

@self:A TM in corp?  Ouch.
Remembering some of the previous Fre∑dom experience with corporation 'attention',
@Jazz: "{concerned} Are they all right?  Will we need to carry them out"?

@self:I expect from that, we will need to travel in some corp circles.  My monocycle should be fine for that.  Scrapheap's chopper too.  But Spring, Tweak, Alpha, Glyph, and the TM need to be accounted for.  If it was ready, the Peng You, with extra seating bolted in the back, could haul everybody, and be not standout in most parts of the city.  Always some contractor going to need a real working vehicle to move things around.
@Jazz: "Any idea how many people are going to need to travel, and what options are available?  If it will not attract too much attention where we need to go, we could leave the trailer here, and take the truck.  That is not a bus though, so I do not think everyone will fit.

We need to talk to Glyph and Alpha about what the plan is, and how to help".

@Spindle: <<Fre∑dom to bring Doc.  We getting co-opted for job they want Mechancials help on.  Truck/trailer will be late for checkin -- Sprogget>>
@self:That should cover the important pieces.  Oh!
@'family events' on home CHN: <<Delayed helping Fre∑dom.  I'll sleep in the shop to not wake others coming in -- S>>

Turning to Scrapheap,
@Scrapheap: "Do you think you could get ... Never mind".
@self:I need to be able to deal with Spring myself.

@sp^3: <<Hey Spring, Fre∑dom has a job they would like Mechanicals to help out with.  They need to get someone out of corp clutches, like tonight it seems.  Jazz has included you and Tweak.  How well do you know Alpha and Glyph?  They are leading this.  I know the names but little else.  Glyph glows right?  I think we will be meeting, like soon to find out more.  I suggest ... Never mind.>>
@self:No 'lectures' for Spring.  No 'lectures' for Spring.  Tweak is Spring's bud.  They'll compare notes.

Sproggets stomach reminds him it has been awhile since that late breakfast.
@self:Oh, {evil mental grin} a touch more payback for that attitude.  From g'ma to hostess.  All in a good cause.
@Jazz: "Jazz, since we'll be helping out, and missing supper at home, could you arrange an extra 3 meals? We can eat while talking to Alpha and Glyph".
Remembering that some Fre∑domers do most of their meeting in virtual
@Jazz: "Are Alpha and Glyph here? Or do we meet them in virtual someplace"?

@E:Tribes, Spring
[September 1, 2072, 19:23:00; Fre∑dom Home, Puyallup]
Renraku Sensei: Hidden, SIN: nope

Spring:... No, you were not "saving my bacon". The last hit point is the only one you ever need, everybody knows this. Besides...



@Tweak <<So, what's with this<forwarded msg> stuff? Wanted to rescue the damsel in distress all on your own, eh? So, what's the deal, we keep an eye on my old farts and your old farts, make sure they don't fart the wrong way round?

Tweak:Thought you'd play even worse than usual if you had something else on your mind. 'Sides haven't even been told whether it's a girl we're getting out. And if so, bet she's butt ugly like you know, the wheelhouse kid.

Spring & Tweak in perfect sync: Yech, yech, bah!

Most disgusting dare ever.

@Tweak:<<Alpha's that leet techno you keep ragging on about and Gyph's your resident archer chick, right? They solid?>>

Tweak:<<I don't and heck, Glyph knows how to hold her own, good sneak too. Alpha, you should see in the 'Trix, only you won't if you know what I mean. On the street, that's probably the one of the lot we two gotta babysit the most. Nothing the two of us can't handle, though.

The two knights of the junkyards ride again, we even got us some knaves. Gonna be fun. Come on, let's show our faces. Think they got some grub, Sir Tweak?

@Sprogget: <<Glyph's one of Prospero's enforcers and yes, she glows faintly. Still able to move without being noticed. Likes to use a bow, heard she's got blunt stuff for up close. Alpha sounds like the proverbial techno: Army of one in the 'Trix, outside he'd better keep the head down.>>

Tweak:For you and your entourage Sir Spring only the best leftovers. Btw, 'supposed to give you something from Prosp, put into your comm, thing's got more holes in it than a sinking ship.

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:22:12; Somewhere beyond Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Scrambling the ruins of a lost city dragging two scared kids along might have seemed like a good idea when you took the job but at least you had the notion of backup back then. It certainly has a post-apocalyptic feel to it all which isn’t helped by the strobing spotlight that you just know is hunting for you.

As you fling your message into the ‘trix you are rewarded by a terse response from Stitch

<<@Copperhead: Copy. Damaged but not done, see you at the rendezvous!>>

Now all you need to do is reach there whilst keeping in as much cover as you can, all the while haunted by the golden glow in your AR vision. Katie turns back to you with a worried frown

"We can’t do it…he’s just better than us…I can’t believe he’d sell us out…only way we can outrun this is by going underground where the signal can’t reach us…"

@E:PL UK
[May 21st, 2072, 16:09:15, eTher's Phaeton, leaving Exeter Airport]

"Our...former companion...fancied himself a master of intrigue, and liked to keep details to himself, however, I believe our destination is called Clearwater. Once we reach there, I think we should be able to continue on our own."

She looks at you all inquisitively, especially the Collots, and you briefly wonder if too much has been given away…

"The Neohippie Transhumanists out on the moor? Yes, I’m aware of them. Well I’m afraid I can’t take you here in this” gesturing at the limo around you "but I could arrange for some comfortable transportation for you. I will even throw in a tag eraser so that you can be sure that the vehicle is clean. Would that suit you?”

@E:CoP/Elton Wellborn
[August 20th, 2072, 21:00; NeoNet Tower, Oxford]

Elton stands before the window in a moment of solitude, enjoying a glass of brandy and the stunning view of the hallowed spires of Oxford in the distance. As he turns away from the view to look over the gathering, he is amused to note Sir Gregory Hamilton losing his arm candy to the intriguingly named Johnny Awesome. He begins making his way over to his host, thinking this to be a perfect opportunity to discuss a bit of business with him before the others notice that Sir Gregory is free.

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom
[September 1, 2072 09:15:22; Senlis Residence, Bellevue]
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node
SIN: Morgan Senlis, PAN: Active

"As if I hadn't heard that one before." Morgan smirks at the Rapunzel reference. "And you're good. In more ways than one. That's the place." She never expected to be looking out her house with the intent of planning a crime.

"Don't worry. They let me out. A high class academy that's intended to give kids like me a proper education while simultaneously setting us against each other along company lines. And the local Knight Errant precinct. I sort through the files Lone Star left behind when we got the contract. Theoretically, I can linger around these areas, but I have to be in contact with a member of the house serving staff at all times, if one of them isn't watching. There's also Horace. Detective Reinholdt to you. There's a long and sordid story behind the whole thing, but let's just say he owes my father a favor. Every now and again he'll pop in to make sure I'm not, say, talking to shady characters." She laughs.

At first, the comment about an implanted tag barely registers. It takes approximately five seconds for Morgan to run through the implications. Not least of all including the fact that her parents had a chip or something put in her for tracking purposes. Their purposes, and those of the company and who knew who else. Without her consent or knowledge. "Oh. Oh, gods." It was only a possibility. One that felt as if it were getting more and more likely with each passing second. LeFey had been about to answer that she had a fake SIN, courtesy of a runner she was very close to. And about to examine the new bulletin. But now, none of that seemed quite important as keeping her balance and catching her breath.

The pointed hat floated to the floor, revealing a brown haired woman with attractive features, as well as the signs of a stressful, sleepless life.

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:22:12; Somewhere beyond Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Copperhead moves quickly from crumbling building to crumbling building, trying to keep as much concrete and distance between her and the trailing searchlight. At least she is drawing the heat away from Stitch and Requeim.

Small consolation. I could use the extra firepower here with us.

She pauses in the burnt out remains of a Stuffer Shack to let the kids catch their breath. She groans at Katie's suggestion of going back underground.

"Frag. I just got you kids outta one bug nest. I ain't too keen ta go down inta another one. But if dat's the only option den keep yer eyes our fer a metro station or a sewer entrance big enough for me to get inta. I don't like da idea, but with no hacker, it might be our only option ta lose dem. Let's just hope that we don't run inta anything worser down dere, neh"

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom, Alpha Apex
September 1, 2072 09:15:22;
Physical Location: SE Corner of 39th Ave NW and 7th St SW;
Virtual Location: Prospero's Nexus node in the Mall
BioNode: Hidden | Meta Link: Active, SIN: Alan Shepard

"So our choices for additional places to snatch you from are a high class high school, and a police station?!?" Alpha lets out a sharp bark of a laugh, and pinches the bridge of his nose while shaking his head. "No offense, and thank you for the information, but I think we'll have the best luck busting you out of your house."

As LeFey swoons, Alpha reaches out to help steady her. "You ok?"

After helping LeFey compose herself, Alpha decrypts the message and nods slowly. "Ok then, it looks like we will be getting some assistance...From the Mechanicals? Really? Heh. Beggars can't be choosers, I guess."

Alright, so here's the plan. We will reconvene at 19:00. Glyph, go get some sleep, and meet me at the mall. LeFey," Alpha slides over a packet of data "At 18:59:59 log into this node. It is my personal bionode, so please don't pass it around. I will link into the mall's AR projectors and teleconference you into the meetup so we can further plan this out. I will be spending the intervening hours poking holes in LeFey's home's firewall so I'm ready to go when we have a final plan."

September 1, 2072 10:15:41;
Physical Location: SE Corner of 39th Ave NW and 7th St SW;
BioNode: Hidden | Meta Link: Active, SIN: Alan Shepard

Alpha takes in a deep breath. "Alright. First things first..."

<<@Phobos: Hey. Do you think you could rustle me up some business clothes for a trip into Bellevue? Preferably something with some protection in it? And have it delivered here.>>

It should be no problem. Expect it by this afternoon. I am transferring the credits from your account now.

Getting himself as comfortable as he can on his stone steps in his stone and wood doorway, Alpha takes on the look of a sleeping bum on the Barrens streets, hat covering his face and hands in his lap. Pulling into his mind, he starts weaving a coating of darkness around his persona to better hide himself from other nodes. Confident in his stealth, Alpha begins to probe the node for the Senlis household looking for weakness.

@E:Tribes, Sprogget
September 1, 2072, 19:24:02; Fre∑dom Home, Puyallup
BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Active; SIN: Hugo Wright

Sprogget is surprised.
@self:Well, that was direct and useful.  Maybe Spring will be good to have around after all.  At least when there is something to do.

Most of Fre∑dom are 'Trixters, and Glyph seems to be 'sneaky' muscle. Wonder what her story is?  If that army of one is Tweak's view, then Alpha must be 'good'.  Unless he is more of a Ramjammer.

Sprogget starts considering what it might take to get someone that is cooperating away from a monitored corp area.
@self:Not enough information yet to make any real plans for moving the meat, but some details are not likely to change.  Stealth and Security tags are pretty common, so need to be able to deal with them.  Careful use of a tag eraser would handle everything except the security tags, if have time.  Even if we find and pop any security tags, that could trigger alarms depending how close B.B. is watching.  A jammer strong enough to blanket the security tags, and maybe stealth tags too, is quicker.  That folding Faraday cage would be ultra secure from wireless, but still have the issue of not triggering alarms.  Also {wincing} this is another TM.

The first time I tried the cage myself, I could not get it open fast enough.  That ... void ... just could not breathe.  Taking a few 'tronix devices in with me for company made it bearable, but only just.  At lower power, the jammer was not as bad, but when it got strong enough to jam me!! Falling and can not even feel where down is!  How strong is the TM?  Could a jammer strong enough to block security tags still allow enough connection to stay oriented?  That much power would block me.  I'd want to stay at least 5m, better 10 away when it is running.  Spoiled a bit around home.  There is enough connection that I have not needed to be stronger myself.  Almost always something close enough to route through.  Something to think about later.

Either the jammer or cage could cause many TMs to totally freak, especially if never encountered before.  Better explain carefully, and maybe offer a tranq.  That could need a lot of trust.  Even with a tranq, need to be prepared.  Could wake up any time after about an hour, which would be ungood if still blocked.  {thoughtfully} Wonder if Sawbones, or Doc White have a patch or something, with time release, so can control better how long stay sleeping?  Something that does not leave you feeling totally wasted until you sleep it off would be good.  Maybe the medkit could handle that?

About those alarms, the longer it is before corp goons notice anything wrong, the better.  Maybe we can leave some fake tags behind for the monitors to watch?  Scan the existing tags, and copy them to spares that will remain active when the originals go offline?  Need to use the stealth tags as substitutes, to match the range profile for security tags.  Stealth tags make it easy to turn on at the right time too, if need to active more than one at once.  Just set them to start 'normal' operations when they receive the key, and stay normal.  Some extra standard tags, just incase need to emulate low level tag signals as well.  I can hardware block the transmitter on those till ready to do the switch.

That is also going to take some time, to prepare the new tags, and make sure they are right.  Will need a reason, or a way to stay hidden, long enough to prepare the fakes, then cut over to them before leaving.

The faraday cage would be the safest for a quick exit.  The jammer is easier and quicker to turn on, but it is also more noticeable electronically.  It leaves a void in the flow that is noticeable.  Well noticeable once you know to look for it, and when you know what the e-waves 'should' look like anyway.

Assuming jammed or caged signals, then need to make sure the tags are disabled before the blocking is removed.  With a jammer running, the signal tracer can not find and lock on to the tags, to verify got them all.  That small e-secure room I have at the shop could help there.  Get all of the tags and other 'tronix in there before dropping the blocks, then have time to do the cleanup right.  Wonder if Fre∑dom has any e-inhibited space around?

Is there going to be a reason to resume the corp mantle later with minimal fuss?  If so, popping the tags might not be the best way to go.  Instead, need to package all of the tag containing material into a shielded bundle, and leave them there, until want to use them again.  One of those backpack e-liners would do for that.  I've found them useful for transporting 'noisy' tronix.

Where are Alpha and Glyph anyway?  Glyph ... Ah, Doc White's daughter!

@E:PL UK
[May 21st, 2072, 16:09:15, eTher's Phaeton, leaving Exeter Airport]
PAN - Active ; SIN - Maximilien Danton

Gemeaux nods gratefully, "Yes, that would be perfect. I had no idea they were 'hippies'... Weren't they an odd group of Americans who tried to find power from flowers or some nonsense? Is that what these people are doing?"

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom
[September 1, 2072 09:15:22; Senlis Residence, Bellevue]
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node
SIN: Morgan Senlis, PAN: Active

"I'm okay! I'm good." Unsteadily, LeFey retrieved her hat. "Thank you. Really." Especially considering Alpha was allowing her almost the same breach of privacy she had just had an episode over. "Oh. Uh, when the time comes, you'll know me as Lain. Iwakura Lain. I can pass. My maternal grandfather was Japanese." It showed in the shape of her face and eyes. "Call me if you need to."

Then she collapsed into her bed. "It does not do to dwell on possibilities, my protege."

Morgan sat up and removed the disguise. "Yeah," she said, simply and gloomily. "I'm sure at some point, I'll miss them. But for now, I'll be glad to have some measure of freedom."

@E:PL/UK
[May 21st, 2072, 15:52:41, NeoNet Zepplin bound for Exeter, ETA 16:00:00]
SIN: Spencer Lovett, PAN: Active

"Youth subculture that began in the old USA during the 1960's, then spread worldwide. Which involved very distinctive forms of art and music, as well as a philosophy encouraging freedom from societal restrictions. I'm not sure if we're supposed to find some commune, though." Mordred looks to the Lady. "We appreciate this. Thank you." He had to wonder if she had a stake in this. And what they would end up owing her for this favor.

@E:Tribes, Spring
[September 1, 2072, 19:24:23; Fre∑dom Home, Puyallup]
Renraku Sensei: Hidden, SIN: nope

Spring stops dead in his tracks and asks his friend Put it there? Can't stop mucking around in my 'comm? What's it this time, another Jack in the box?

Without turning around or even stopping, Tweak replies Hacking this ancient POS you're using is simply less painful than watching you fumble around, trying to get it to accept a file. Didn't you listen? Said did it for Prospero. Think he needs me to pull a prank on you? Why don't you just have a look?

It's true his comm is slow, it takes Spring more than just a moment to get a list of recently changed files, which yields only one empty file, named "nice.try".

Sure, a scavenger hunt. What next? Hmm, he wants me to find it, nothing too hard to think of..

On a hunch, he decides to search for the oldest files on his comm instead of the newest and finds a directory created 14 years ago at the top of the list.

Gotcha! So, what do we have here...

Steven Brokvich? Who's the guy?

Tweak: Took you long enough. And that's you. At least if any cop gets to ask. Prosp thought you might need it where we're going. Nicer part of the city and all that drek. So, tonight you're that guy, apprentice car wrangler, fake address close to where your mom lives, pretty basic stuff, might wanna read it some time, you can keep the SIN afterwards, no sense putting it on anybody else once it's been scanned.

As Tweak rounds a corner, Spring finally unfreezes and runs after him, a thousand questions on his mind, the primary being How much is this gonna cost me?

@E: Tribes
September 1, 2072 09:15:22;
Physical Location: White Residence
Virtual Location: Obscure Matrix Node
PAN - Active; SIN - Calliope White


Glyph curses herself mentally as the witch absorbs her words about possibly being tagged.
I could have broken that news a bit more empathetically, but whats done is done.


Glyph looks at her with faint look of sorrow on her face.

"I'm sorry if that came as a shock, I wasnt thinking much about what I was saying and that came out a bit blunt."


Glyph turns to Alpha at his mention of the message and its contents.

"Don't knock them, they may all be into one retrofuturistic culture or another but the Mechanicals are a much more diverese group than Fre∑dom, but it'll be interesting to say the least."

At the mention of sleep Glyph can feel the weariness tugging at her.

""Yeah...sleep....sounds good. 1900? Right, I should be awake by then.

Glyph smiles as she catches the witches name.
LeFey huh? Interesting name, must have a thing for Arthurian legend.


Glpyh looks at LeFey

"Unil later..."

Glyph and her words fade out as she leaves the node and the matrix.


September 1, 2072 10:15:10;
Physical Location: White Residence
PAN - Active; SIN - Calliope White

Glyph rubbed her eyes sleepily

Just one more thing then sleep.

<<@Natasha: Natasha, I need to cancel lessons for tonight, Prospero tapped me for a special assignment and I'll be unable to make it, though I will need some help with some gear if you could please.>>

With that taken care of Glpyh strips of her AR gear, lays down and lets the weariness claim her.

@Virtual Scream
[September 1, 2072, 09:00:00, <location unknown>, Seattle]

The room is dark, lit only with the soft glow of trid screens and LEDs from the banks of equipment surrounding its sole occupant. Even in the limited light, he seems pale and, if not for the faint rise and fall of his chest, one would think him dead. His painfully thin body floats in a bath of dark fluid, gently supported by a web of cables and tubes.

Two figures stand on the other side of the one-way glass that is the only window into the room, speaking in hushed tones.

"… you see here and here", says one "These memory areas are flagged as corrupt by the system but there is activity there that is bypassing the control software."

"Same as the others?" asks the other.

"Yes" admits the first.

"You have a replacement ready?" asks the second.

"The hardware has been installed and the operating system loaded. It’s just a matter of transferring the data" replies the first.

"Then do it" orders the second.

"And this one?" asks the first.

"Take him apart. Find out what went wrong and see that you fix it before we need another replacement" orders the second, turning abruptly on his heel and walking away.

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom, Alpha Apex
September 1, 2072 14:37:22;
Physical Location: SE Corner of 39th Ave NW and 7th St SW
BioNode: Hidden | Meta Link: Active, SIN: Alan Shepard

His hours of hacking finally complete, Alpha stands up and almost gets hit in the face with a package tossed out the door of a moving van. Ripping off the tape and opening the box reveals a set of nondescript business attire.

<<@Phobos: The package has been delivered. Thanks!>>

Alpha heads back to his not quite so literal hole in the wall apartment to get a cup of soycaff and rest up for the evening's adventures.

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom, Alpha Apex
September 1, 2072 18:59:00;
Physical Location: Fre∑dom Home, South Hill Mall, Pullyallup
BioNode: Hidden | Meta Link: Active, SIN: Alan Shepard

Adjusting the collar of his new dress clothes, Alpha starts prepping for the evening.

Alright, first thing's first... let LeFey into my head and start some crazy teleconferencing. Let's hope this works as well as it did in my imagination...

Alpha concentrates on the commcode he received from LeFey and allows that node beyond his wall of will that keeps the deluge of information that is the Matrix from flooding his head. Then he logs into the AR projectors outside the old "A Whole New You" cyberware shop and starts fiddling with the settings, setting up what will be an AR projection of LeFey's matrix icon standing next to Alpha. Looping in the data coming from his AR glasses and earbuds, Alpha gives LeFey an (albeit limited) view of the proceedings.

@Emerging: Tribe / Fre∑dom, Alpha Apex
September 1, 2072 19:24:23;
Physical Location: Fre∑dom Home, South Hill Mall, Pullyallup
BioNode: Hidden | Meta Link: Active, SIN: Alan Shepard

After futzing around for 20ish minutes waiting for people to show up, Alpha finally loses his patience...

What the hell does it take to get people in one place at one time...

Dropping all pretense of subtly, Alpha brute forces his way into the mall-wide AR system and projects a map of the mall onto every AR display available with the location of the "A Whole New You" shop (number 976 over by Macy's) highlighted. "If you have been assigned a task to work with Alpha and Glyph, please report to the highlighted area. Thank you."

Wiping the imaginary dust off of his hands, Alpha thinks That should do it...

@E:CoP/Elton Wellborn
[August 20th, 2072, 21:00; NeoNet Tower, Oxford]

As you make your way towards Sir Gregory with as much subtlety as speed will allow you can’t help but notice the angry mutters coming from one group of well-heeled young men who look slightly the worse for wear.

"It shouldn’t be tolerated I tell you! These techno freaks can rip your data right out from under you! Look what they are doing in Geneva, holding the UN to ransom? I know they are a bunch of useless bureaucrats but poor McAllister over there, sad bastard, he’s lost everything when these so called Legion started their terrorist attack…" and the voices trail off as the crowd surges again.

Awesome has grabbed the pretty young thing and Sir Gregory sails into view…

@E:PL UK
[May 21st, 2072, 16:09:15, eTher's Phaeton, leaving Exeter Airport]

eTher waves your question aside, "No, no, although their practices couldn’t be called mainstream. As I understand it they are trying to find effective ways of combining tech and magic and furthering the human condition. For an independent group they are quite cutting edge I believe, getting funding from some discrete sources no doubt. I wouldn’t be surprised to discover that my Master has found ways of channelling them resources, certainly he would be interested in their findings. But don’t let that alarm you…he has many interests and the old adage about dealing with dragons is only true if you actively oppose them."

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:22:12; Somewhere beyond Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

The chance to move back underground comes sooner than you would like. The road surface ahead has collapsed into a storm drain and a quick scramble across the open asphalt and you are plunging down once more. You are seriously hampered by the kids’ inability to see in the dark in the same way that you can and the glow sticks provide a sickly glow that does nothing to improve the view ahead of you…

@ E: Tribes; Scrapheap
September 1, 2072, 19:23:10; Fre∑dom's home
PAN mode: Active | ID displayed: SCRAPHEAP

Scrapheap tries to get a word in edgewise as Sprogget talks to Jazz, then gives up with a snort. After the other ork finishes his spiel, Scrapheap clears his throat. "If we're headin' anywhere 'proppa', I'm gonna need some ID. As Gabby here's reminded me earlier, need to keep the KE's from lookin' too close...well, they do anyways since I'm big'n'ugly, but y'know what I'm sayin'."

Jazz nodded and fished another commlink with an earpiece off of a pile at hand. "Way ahead of you. Some pipsqueak named 'Reggie' 's tryin' to get a doss here, and he handed this over when he overheard you were being press-ganged into helping. How he just 'overheard' is something I intend to find out later, but this will do for now. Looks like it's got a decent cover ID."

Scrapheap nodded, and was about to say something when the surrounding AR screens cut to the message summoning them. "Looks like that's our cue. Later."

He switched off his current 'link and dropped into into one of the jacket's outside pockets and turned the new one on. While he was on the way to the map spot on the AR he synced it to his glasses and put the earpiece into his right ear.

September 1, 2072, 19:25:15; Fre∑dom's home
PAN mode: Active | SIN displayed: Eric Jones

Scrapheap strolls into the "Whole New You" store, chuckling at the irony of it all. "So 's a jailbreak tonight, yeah?"

@E:PL/Chi Town/Copperhead
[July 8th, 2072, 23:22:12; Somewhere beyond Blackwater, CZ, Chicago]

Coppperhead eyes the entrance to the storm drain with some mistrust, but the sound of the approaching VTOL and the probing beam of the searchlight convince her otherwise. She plunges into the dark, blinking her eyes to adjust to the almost total darkness. She slows her pace to that of the stumbling kids, easing further into the dark tunnels.

Mama, watch over us. I ain't no use to you dead. And look out for these kids too. There's been enough death tonight.

She wonders if the hiss she hears is a confirmation from her mentor or just something creeping about in the dark of the sewer. She realises that she actually misses Snake's nagging lectures. She fishes in a pocket and pulls out the small utility knife that came with the survival kit she picked up at the market. It is too small to be an effective weapon but it does have an old fashioned compass in the bottom of the hilt.

Just need to keep heading north and a little east. It took us a good couple of hours to get here. Going to be longer with these kids stumbling about in the dark. But the more distance we put between big mouth and his heavily armed friends, the better.

"Okay, we are gonna go nice'n'slow. Keep yer peepers peeled and let me know if ya sees anything or if da fragging AR halos finally disappears. I want to spend as little time as possible down her, ya gets me? Now hold on like I told youse."

She moves off slowly in a half crouch, her horns occasionally brushing against the low ceiling.

@Virtual Scream, Alex Bianchi
September 1, 2072, 09:38:42; Alex's Everett apartment
Hermes Ikon: Active | SIN: Alexander Bianchi ( Re 4 - Sig 3 - Fi 5 - Sys 4 - Agent 4 [running Browse 4] )

The smell of coffee brewing woke him more than the insistent chirruping of the commlink on the nightstand next to him. It was soykaf, yes, but at least it was a good brand that tasted close enough to the real thing that most mornings he didn't notice. Better than the swill the brass bought us at the precinct, though we still drank it. He sat up in the bed and silenced the 'link, a yawn cracking his jaw as he opened the blinking message folder.

<< Deposit notice: ¥5,000 transferred from Janice Murphy, with voice message attached. Listen? >> Alex tapped a key and the resigned voice of his latest client flowed from the commlink's external speaker. "Thank you for your prompt work, Mr. Bianchi. I was hoping you wouldn't find what you did, but hope doesn't seem appropriate in this world anymore. Bob was an idiot to think he'd be able to hide her from me...." A sigh, then: "One more thing mother was right about. I will pass on your e-card to people in my office, as I'm sure some of them will need your services in the future, as well. Goodbye, Mr. Bianchi."

Alex deleted the voice message, then blinked when the next item in queue was a news story flagged by Gabriel, his commlink's Agent. The headline didn't seem interesting; a double murder-suicide, but it all fell in place when Ms. Murphy's name showed up in the first paragraph. At least she paid first. He shook his head and flipped to the next message.

<< @AlexBianchi [@DetectiveSelene] We still on for lunch? You still owe me for last week, and I know that you weren't investigating anything other than that skank you like at the Million Dollar. Let me know by 10, otherwise I'm coming 'round to pick you up anyways. >>

Alex smiled, then toggled a reply. << @DetectiveSelene [@AlexBianchi] Yeah, we're still on. And how would you know where I was? Mama still harassing you to keep an eye on me? I'll be there at noon, see if you can get the corner table. >>

With that he got out of bed to drink his soycaf and get cleaned up for another exciting day as a private investigator in Seattle.

@E:Tribes, Sprogget
[September 1, 2072 19:23:10; Fre∑dom Home, Puyallup]
BioNode: Hidden | CMT Clip: Active; SIN: Hugo Wright

While Sprogget is contemplating some technical options for likely scenarios, Scrapheap asks about and gets a commlink and ID from Jazz. He blinks at the Gabby reference, then shrugs mentally,
@self:Guess I have been going overboard. Maybe a habit from being around Osha. As long as I am talking, she is not likely doing things with her voice. And if I convince her fast enough, about the right way, she is not as likely to do something crazy. Love her and all, but no tech sense.


@self:Well that answers that question. Nothing like announcing things to whole place.
Sprogget says to Jazz dryly, "Seems someone is getting impatient".
Sprogget grabs an ARO with the map, and orients himself,
@self:OK, we are here, and that way is north, so ..
Just before heading off briskly for number 976 with Scrapheap, Sprogget tosses one more comment to Jazz,
@Jazz: "Just in case we are in as much rush as that public service announcement implies, a few meals to go at {glancing at the ARO for a reference beyond the location} "A whole New You" would be good".

Arriving at the meet location, Sprogget takes in the AR conference room configuration.
@self:So partly AR anyway, and that must be Alpha.
On looking at the matrix side controls, and not seeing any sort of obvious controlling user,
@self:And he is running at least some stealth here. Ok, let's see about doing a bit of wire boy style introduction.
Sprogget adds a subtle AR icon over just his tusks, containing a transparent outline of an antique telephone, the listening piece on one tusk, the microphone on the other, his current matrix address connected to the manual dial.
@self:There, if I got it right, anyone in straight AR will see no more than a slight shadow, that could be just from the lighting here, but in VR, that should be a visible invitation to connect.
Sprogget looks around to pick a chair with some support, just in case this ends up moving to VR.
@self:Many people will be new faces on both sides.  Let's make this even more like a conference, not just a meeting.
He adds AR name tags for himself and Scrapheap showing, for now, just name and tribe. The lettering, while clear enough, is built from interlocking gears.

@Virtual Scream, Dante
[September 1, 2072, 11:35:00, Redmond Barrens, Seattle]
PAN: passive, SIN: Song Shu (2), Response 3, Signal 5, System 4, Firewall 5, Weapon Watcher 3, Encrypt 3, Agent 3 (Analyze 3)
iBall: Clearsight 3, Adaptability 3, Covert Ops 3

It had been a fairly slow morning for Dante, selling his breakfast fare in the heart of corpland. The last three hours or so had seen almost no business for him. The wage-slaves going to work in the morning just didn't seem to have the soul to lift their heads to even notice his food truck, much less the will to allow their PAN to access his to transfer the tiny sum he requested for a steaming piece of bread wrapped around marinated potato strips. His coolers were still mostly full with the food he had hoped to sell - well, the beggars and homeless would have a better day than the wageslaves, apparently.

Pulling his truck alongside a certain building, he checked that his heavy pistol was sitting where it always was, concealed in the small of his back, easily accessible. Verifying that all was right with the world, he got out of his truck and took one of the food coolers out of the back. As he approached the corner of the building, a small pile of garbage moved very slightly, revealing a diminutive form hidden beneath. Warmth or camouflage...or both, it seemed. Dante opened the cooler and set the bulk of the food on the corner, within easy reach of the garbage-covered shape.

He looked at the tangled mass and saw red, bleary eyes, eyes in a face seemingly made of ancient, wrinkled parchment, eyes framed with greasy, slicked-down gray hair shot through with bits of color, most of it from trash that had seemingly been integrated directly into the scalp...Dante inclined his head while widening his own eyes in a questioning motion. The small form shook it's head very slowly, trying not to move enough to draw any attention. Dante closed his cooler with a small sigh and turned back to his truck.

He heard a small sound, barely enough to register, mice walking across rice paper. A quick glance over his shoulder showed him the food was gone, the small pile of garbage seemingly undisturbed. He smiled. Ayi was very good at surviving. He put his cooler back in his truck and headed home, visions of the day ahead of him. If Taro didn't have any interesting work he could help with, he'd settle in for a long session of WE Ultimate. He had found a new guide to winning on the 'net, supposedly some unbeatable strategies that took advantage of glitches in the programming. Some would call it cheating...Dante would call it seizing any tactical advantage possible to beat the enemy.