"Do they really call themselves 'Crusaders' and 'Harvesters'? I thought it was just nicknames given to the two groups by Nacl to have a gripping name that also implies their motivation," Nova said.
"Either way, given that Linz has that big market for BTLs, we can probably expect some Crusader presence there."
Full Version: Salted Wounds [IC]
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48
"Which would be no problem as long as we keep bnc out of sight, might be a good idea to disguise her if we have to send her out of the car"
She nods to Nova. "Yah ... I guess, it's just coincidence. I'd rather not move around in broad daylight too much. I think, this time, I'll stick to decker fashion and remain in the car. I can still have James join you but I'd rather have my meat bag stored somewhere safe and hidden.
So, does everyone agree to check our former flat first, then the Abdecker? I'd send a spydrone first, then - maybe - go in person."
bnc cups one of the Noizquitos with a hand, then smiles. "Fly, little darling, spread your wings...
"Isn't it odd how we can sympathize with drones in a similar way we can with actual people?"
So, does everyone agree to check our former flat first, then the Abdecker? I'd send a spydrone first, then - maybe - go in person."
bnc cups one of the Noizquitos with a hand, then smiles. "Fly, little darling, spread your wings...
"Isn't it odd how we can sympathize with drones in a similar way we can with actual people?"
The team reached Linz proper, driving into bnc's old haunt. To her surprise, she found the old place surrounded by scaffolding and building equipment - the whole quarter was in the process of being gentryfied. Quite a lot of anthro worker drones worked buisily despite the snow and wind with only a few metahuman workers in between.
A large plackard told the world that MTC Better Future Ltd. was renovating the whole block to create luxus appartments.
A lone kiosk remained from what she remembered about the place: Four years ago an old dwarf lady had sold everything from cheap booze to cheap burner links and artificial sweets - and in fact was doing so now as well, despite it being dark, cold and not very many people on the streets.
A large plackard told the world that MTC Better Future Ltd. was renovating the whole block to create luxus appartments.
A lone kiosk remained from what she remembered about the place: Four years ago an old dwarf lady had sold everything from cheap booze to cheap burner links and artificial sweets - and in fact was doing so now as well, despite it being dark, cold and not very many people on the streets.
"Seems like our flat is no more... It makes me sad, somehow, though I never meant to return."
After a pause, bnc adds: "Anna ... I found that a kiosk is still there, run by someone who might still remember Kerstin and me. Maybe you can try and talk to her. Maybe she's seen or heard something, or whatever. You're the people person."
After a pause, bnc adds: "Anna ... I found that a kiosk is still there, run by someone who might still remember Kerstin and me. Maybe you can try and talk to her. Maybe she's seen or heard something, or whatever. You're the people person."
"I'll join you, we don't know how Well little Granny speaks english."
Anna grinned "I speak a bit of German, but any help would be appreciated. Perhaps it is best to approach her in her native language?"
"Ugh, dammit, you're right ...
Then, Wraith, why don't you do it on your own. Anna without language skills is of no use unless you want to seduce ole Nan. I'll listen through your commlink mic and be with you, but especially in this area, I don't wanna be seen."
Then, Wraith, why don't you do it on your own. Anna without language skills is of no use unless you want to seduce ole Nan. I'll listen through your commlink mic and be with you, but especially in this area, I don't wanna be seen."
[ Spoiler ]
"Oh, you speak German? Didn't know that. Well enough to appear as a local?
Hm... Yeah, bnc might be right. Shouldn't be a tough talk anyways."
Before leaving the van, Wraith quickly checks the astral plane for any anomalities. Finding nothing that would worry him, he then walks up to the old lady's kiosk, his hands hidden inside the pockets of his warm coat.
Once at the kiosk, Wraith greets the old lady politely and buys a warm drink.
He sticks to Austrian protocol that requires complaining about the weather and at least half a dozen other subjects before initiating any meaningful conversation.
Only then he asks "Sagns, seid wann werd na da 'baut?", leading to an incredibly sweet story about how he used to have a crush on a girl from here (describing Kerstin), and how he sadly had to move to Vorarlberg recently (a very rural part of Austria and a fate that every Austrian would pity), thereby nipping their relationship in the bud.
As she had apparently changed her comcode since then, his only mean of contacting her (because he missed her oh so terribly) was to visit her to tell her how he still fealt for her, and that he would consider moving back to Linz. (Should she wonder why he appears so late at night, he will take this opportunity to complain about the horrible traffic).
"... drum bin i von Bregenz hierher gfahren, aber jetzt wird da ja alles umbaut. Ham's mein Mädl vielleicht neulich no gsehn und wissn, ob's no hier in der Gegend wohnt?
[ Spoiler ]
From the get-go, Wraith noticed the little old dwarven lady was as tough and street wise as only someone could be who had held their independent place on the street for over thirty years. Still, it seemed he had hit all the right buttons with "Aunt Emma". The tale of lost love and exile was well performed and she began to warm up to the runner.
First she offered him a self made piece of strudel to the soycaf and began divulging some interesting details.
The team in the van received the live translation:
"Oh, you poor boy. I think I remember you. Weren't you the one hanging around with Kerstin and her sister down at the street corner?
Oh sure, I remember them. Both their parents died. Such a waste.
Ah yes, Kerstin, she left here two years ago. I remember because she paid me with a large cred stick for two coffees and told me to keep the rest."
There was a pause in the conversation until the microphone adjusted an caught the whispering:
"I think your young lady might be in trouble. Robert Nagl, the janitor over at the block told me that some people had been asking for her. And he says they carried guns. Imagine that. But they weren't from the police. Yes, only two weeks ago - or maybe three. Around Drei König (Three Kings) probably.
Yes, actually, he saw her. She had gone to the cellar and collected an old travel case.
No, Robert didn't tell them. He isn't a Depp (Idiot). She had paid him after all to look after it.
No idea, you'd have to ask him what was in there. Yes, he lives still there - he was the only one allowed to stay while the renovation goes on.
Now that you mention it - yes, the renovation started a week after she was here. Took only a week to the the renters out too. Damn drone drivers, barely buy anything. I remember the times when the builders drank a case of beer for breakfast...
What? Oh yes. Robert will be at home now. No, it's no trouble. I'm sure he'll help you find her. Here, bring him a beer from me. That old Grantler (Grouch) hasn't anything better to do anyway."
"Sooo... two or three weeks ago. When did Nacl say the run took place again? Was this before or after?"
Answering her own question after a short moment, she adds: "I think he said 'last November', but that means one or two months ago, not over a year, right? Anyways, seems like she was here after that run."
Answering her own question after a short moment, she adds: "I think he said 'last November', but that means one or two months ago, not over a year, right? Anyways, seems like she was here after that run."
Wraith was glad about the hot soycaf. Finally, something warm. perhaps we should grab some more strudel afterwards...
He thanked Aunt Emma for her time and complimented the excellent strudel. When she gave him a beer for Mister Nagl, Wraith bought one as well, figuring the janitor might be more talkative when having a drink together. Let's hope we don't have to talk so long. But just in case.
He used the time while Emma was talking to convey with the team:
Wraith@team
<< Further questions? Bnc, u know this janitor? >>
He thanked Aunt Emma for her time and complimented the excellent strudel. When she gave him a beer for Mister Nagl, Wraith bought one as well, figuring the janitor might be more talkative when having a drink together. Let's hope we don't have to talk so long. But just in case.
He used the time while Emma was talking to convey with the team:
Wraith@team
<< Further questions? Bnc, u know this janitor? >>
She replied in German "nicht gut genug, um als lokal zu gehen, aber gut genug für Smalltalk.
" Anna chose to stay in the van and wished Wraith good luck.
OOC: not well enough to pass as local, but well enough for small talk. Since you
" Anna chose to stay in the van and wished Wraith good luck.
OOC: not well enough to pass as local, but well enough for small talk. Since you
"Jo, i håb nu a Fråg. Warum håd mia de Gran Wrinkles nie a Apflstrudal gmåcht?
Fråg, ob sie von da Schwester a wås woaß. I måg wissen, wüvü üba mi bekaunnt is.
Und find außa, wöcha Firma den Bau måcht?
Und gib da Wåchtl a Trinkgöd, Hümmöhergod! Und nimm uns an Strudl mit. De Kulturbanausn aus de UCAS kenan bis heid nix Gscheitas eis an Donut. Mit Schlåg, waunst an griagst."
bnc knew it was slightly rude to talk in German - that is, in an Austrian dialect even a translation program will have difficulties with - but it felt oh so good to use her native language after two years in exile.
She creates a list of dates they know so far and shares it with the team:
2076-11-05: team receives information for their run
2076-11-11: Black Site MCT Lab is disrupted by unforeseen visit from Rosenberg
2076-12-21: last entry in Kerstin's diary - apparently final strage of transformation
around 2077-01-06: Kerstin collects travel case. People ask questions
Fråg, ob sie von da Schwester a wås woaß. I måg wissen, wüvü üba mi bekaunnt is.
Und find außa, wöcha Firma den Bau måcht?
Und gib da Wåchtl a Trinkgöd, Hümmöhergod! Und nimm uns an Strudl mit. De Kulturbanausn aus de UCAS kenan bis heid nix Gscheitas eis an Donut. Mit Schlåg, waunst an griagst."
bnc knew it was slightly rude to talk in German - that is, in an Austrian dialect even a translation program will have difficulties with - but it felt oh so good to use her native language after two years in exile.
She creates a list of dates they know so far and shares it with the team:
2076-11-05: team receives information for their run
2076-11-11: Black Site MCT Lab is disrupted by unforeseen visit from Rosenberg
2076-12-21: last entry in Kerstin's diary - apparently final strage of transformation
around 2077-01-06: Kerstin collects travel case. People ask questions
[ Spoiler ]
Wraith tries to keep the convesation running as a casual, unsuspicious smalltalk.
"Kerstins Schwester is wahrscheinlich mit ihr zam auszogn, oder? Oder war die no länger da?"
If she won't go on to speak about bnc, he'll ask more pressing questions like "Wie geht's der kleinen? War sie auch dabei, als Kerstin den Koffer gholt hat?" , but still in a casual, only midly interested tone.
When he pays his stuff, he gives Aunt Emma a hefty tip.
He continues with some basic chit-chat, letting his gaze wander around the construction site, looking for banners, AROs or other labels that would indicate the construction company (not only the building contractor, that MCT would be, but the company that does the manual labor in their name).
Before leaving and saying a hearty goodbye, he asks: "Ah, wärst vielleicht noch so nett, am Hausmeister zu schreibn, dass i von dir komm?"
"Perhaps it's because you tend to be an asshole?
No, we'll eat elsewhere. When folks ask her, I don't want her to believe I have a whole team."
Wraith@team:
<< So, next stop: janitor.>>
"Kerstins Schwester is wahrscheinlich mit ihr zam auszogn, oder? Oder war die no länger da?"
If she won't go on to speak about bnc, he'll ask more pressing questions like "Wie geht's der kleinen? War sie auch dabei, als Kerstin den Koffer gholt hat?" , but still in a casual, only midly interested tone.
When he pays his stuff, he gives Aunt Emma a hefty tip.
He continues with some basic chit-chat, letting his gaze wander around the construction site, looking for banners, AROs or other labels that would indicate the construction company (not only the building contractor, that MCT would be, but the company that does the manual labor in their name).
Before leaving and saying a hearty goodbye, he asks: "Ah, wärst vielleicht noch so nett, am Hausmeister zu schreibn, dass i von dir komm?"
"Perhaps it's because you tend to be an asshole?
No, we'll eat elsewhere. When folks ask her, I don't want her to believe I have a whole team."
Wraith@team:
<< So, next stop: janitor.>>
[ Spoiler ]
"Kannst bitte wenigstens an mitnehmen? Quasi fia späta?"
[ Spoiler ]
"Eigentlich... I glaub, i bring am Hausmeister an Strudel mit, da gfreit er sich sicher. Also... no ein Stück für ihn, eins für mich... und eins für nachher, der war so guad. Packsd ma des extra ein?
Hast an Schlag dazu?", Wraith added after a short pause.
Hast an Schlag dazu?", Wraith added after a short pause.
[ Spoiler ]
Aunt Emma laughed: "Gell der schmeckt dir" (You like that strudel, don't you).
While she prepared a small package to go, she continued: "Her sister, yes. Always looked so hungry. I think she left one day. Kerstin asked me if I had seen her. I think they had a row - sisters. Even after Kerstin moved out, she came back here regularly to check if Bianca had come back or left a message. Such a shame. I wonder what happened to her. She certainly wasn't here since then.
I'll send Robert a message so he opens the door for you."
The dwarven woman took out a small, cheap commlink and dialed laborious a number from memory, only to painstakenly type out a message. Raph could see that she actually bothered to open the conversation with "Dear Robert,... and finished it after a seeming eternity with a "yours sincerely Emma".
Meanwhile Raph had more than enough time to look at the construction site: As far as he could see, the Better Future logo was everywhere on the equipment, indicating that the contractors actually came from the developer as well.
Finally the old dwarf woman had sent the text and smiled at Raph: "Go on over before the beer freezes. And come by and tell me if you and Kerstin find back together."
While she prepared a small package to go, she continued: "Her sister, yes. Always looked so hungry. I think she left one day. Kerstin asked me if I had seen her. I think they had a row - sisters. Even after Kerstin moved out, she came back here regularly to check if Bianca had come back or left a message. Such a shame. I wonder what happened to her. She certainly wasn't here since then.
I'll send Robert a message so he opens the door for you."
The dwarven woman took out a small, cheap commlink and dialed laborious a number from memory, only to painstakenly type out a message. Raph could see that she actually bothered to open the conversation with "Dear Robert,... and finished it after a seeming eternity with a "yours sincerely Emma".
Meanwhile Raph had more than enough time to look at the construction site: As far as he could see, the Better Future logo was everywhere on the equipment, indicating that the contractors actually came from the developer as well.
Finally the old dwarf woman had sent the text and smiled at Raph: "Go on over before the beer freezes. And come by and tell me if you and Kerstin find back together."
Wraith promises to keep her updated, grabs the package and heads to where she points him towards the janitor.
He had given the team acces to his glasses so they could see what he saw.
"Bnc, any icons monitoring Robert's flat?"
He had given the team acces to his glasses so they could see what he saw.
"Bnc, any icons monitoring Robert's flat?"
Though still on the team channel, bnc muttered under her breath: "Du schaust scho sö'm hungrig aus, oide Vettel."
It wasn't her comment that made bnc angry. It was the vision of her sister repeatedly returning in hope of finding a message she might have left behind. A message that she never found, and - if it weren't for Nacl - she'd never have found. Her stomach tied to a knot, but for once she didn't show.
Instead she asked: "Eliza, can you find out how Better Future is connected to MTC?"
Meanwhile, bnc goes full VR and thouroughly examines the area around the janitor's living place, both via matrix perception and through the eyes of her flying mosquito.
It wasn't her comment that made bnc angry. It was the vision of her sister repeatedly returning in hope of finding a message she might have left behind. A message that she never found, and - if it weren't for Nacl - she'd never have found. Her stomach tied to a knot, but for once she didn't show.
Instead she asked: "Eliza, can you find out how Better Future is connected to MTC?"
Meanwhile, bnc goes full VR and thouroughly examines the area around the janitor's living place, both via matrix perception and through the eyes of her flying mosquito.
While bnc busily sifted through the multitude of matrix signals - most of them belonged to the working drones on the building site, including the R6 RCC somewhere around, a bunch of sensors also registered, possibly part of the security system of the site. Otherwise there were cars, appliances, carrier and household drones, as well as dozens of commlinks - and that was only what she could see at first glance and not in hidden mode.
The small drone showed a relatively snow free path leading to the back of the building and to a door labled R. Nagl on the buzzer.
Eliza replied after a minute: <<Better Futures has only be recently registered as a firm (7th January of this year to be precise) and is a 100% MCT owned company. It looks like the usual tax avoiding shell game. There is very little to find about it on the streams, except that they are hiring drone jockeys at the moment.>>
The small drone showed a relatively snow free path leading to the back of the building and to a door labled R. Nagl on the buzzer.
Eliza replied after a minute: <<Better Futures has only be recently registered as a firm (7th January of this year to be precise) and is a 100% MCT owned company. It looks like the usual tax avoiding shell game. There is very little to find about it on the streams, except that they are hiring drone jockeys at the moment.>>
Before knocking on the door, Wraith had put the package with the strudel aside (on top of a mailbox or somewhere where a drone could easily pick it up).
"Strudel is waiting for you guys. If your drone can't carry it, or I'll get it on the way back"
He knocked the door politely, trying his best as to not sound like the late-night-home-intruder that he was. "Herr Nagl?"
"Strudel is waiting for you guys. If your drone can't carry it, or I'll get it on the way back"
He knocked the door politely, trying his best as to not sound like the late-night-home-intruder that he was. "Herr Nagl?"
The faint noise of an old trid unit being turned down and shuffling steps getting closer warned Raph enough to take a step back from the door.
A rather small man with the distinct appearance and even faint smell of an old potatoe opened the door just as wide as the short chain would allow.
"Yes? Is my bell broken, or why do you knock on my door in the middle of the night?" The man squinted a bit at Raph's face.
"Oh, you are the boy asking about Kerstin. Emma just wrote to me that you'd turn up. Wait a second."
The door closed and the chain was removed, allowing Raph entrance to a small flat with cheap furniture that looked like it was last updated sometime in the 2040ies. Old neon signs and scuffed chrome and transpex tables as well as polyester hammock chairs greeted him, allowing him to place the two bottles of beer.
On the wall he saw a progression of old flatpanel monitors, set to display 2D pictures of various cybernetic enhancements. Only now Raph realized that the old man actually had two prosthetic arms, albeit very old tech.
Nagl noticed his look and shrugged: "Been in the Desert Wars as a young fool. Left as less the man than I went in."
With a casual gesture he picked up the bottle and flicked away the cap with practiced ease, using only his little finger.
"You aren't the first to ask about her. Two mercenaries or corp soldiers or whatever you want to call them came to look for her a few weeks ago. I don't think they believed me when I told them that I don't know anything about here whereabouts. And I don't think I can tell you anything more then them."
When Raph asked after the luggage, he replied:
"Yeah, shortly after she moved out, she asked me to keep a bag for her. Now, I know what a bug-out-bag is and it's a sensible thing to have in any case.
"Yes, I took a look inside. I mean helping someone is one thing, but getting caught holding a bag full of drugs, explosives or plutonium isn't exactly worth the 100€ she gave me."
"Mostly fancy clothing, a few burner phones, an old fashioned semi-automatic, some cosmetics and wigs as well as a tightly locked hard shell case - which probably contained the ammo for the gun and maybe a few grenades."
"Yeah she picked it up around Drei König. Looked sick, had her scarf up like a muslim mummy. Didn't want to stay, and honestly I didn't want her to stay either. Just a day later those goons came looking for her."
A rather small man with the distinct appearance and even faint smell of an old potatoe opened the door just as wide as the short chain would allow.
"Yes? Is my bell broken, or why do you knock on my door in the middle of the night?" The man squinted a bit at Raph's face.
"Oh, you are the boy asking about Kerstin. Emma just wrote to me that you'd turn up. Wait a second."
The door closed and the chain was removed, allowing Raph entrance to a small flat with cheap furniture that looked like it was last updated sometime in the 2040ies. Old neon signs and scuffed chrome and transpex tables as well as polyester hammock chairs greeted him, allowing him to place the two bottles of beer.
On the wall he saw a progression of old flatpanel monitors, set to display 2D pictures of various cybernetic enhancements. Only now Raph realized that the old man actually had two prosthetic arms, albeit very old tech.
Nagl noticed his look and shrugged: "Been in the Desert Wars as a young fool. Left as less the man than I went in."
With a casual gesture he picked up the bottle and flicked away the cap with practiced ease, using only his little finger.
"You aren't the first to ask about her. Two mercenaries or corp soldiers or whatever you want to call them came to look for her a few weeks ago. I don't think they believed me when I told them that I don't know anything about here whereabouts. And I don't think I can tell you anything more then them."
When Raph asked after the luggage, he replied:
"Yeah, shortly after she moved out, she asked me to keep a bag for her. Now, I know what a bug-out-bag is and it's a sensible thing to have in any case.
"Yes, I took a look inside. I mean helping someone is one thing, but getting caught holding a bag full of drugs, explosives or plutonium isn't exactly worth the 100€ she gave me."
"Mostly fancy clothing, a few burner phones, an old fashioned semi-automatic, some cosmetics and wigs as well as a tightly locked hard shell case - which probably contained the ammo for the gun and maybe a few grenades."
"Yeah she picked it up around Drei König. Looked sick, had her scarf up like a muslim mummy. Didn't want to stay, and honestly I didn't want her to stay either. Just a day later those goons came looking for her."
[ Spoiler ]
Anna followed the conversations from the astral, making sure to at least know it if the place was astrally monitored. She was careful not to alert any of the mundanes to her present, and tried to keep discreet from astral forms as well, should they be around.
[ Spoiler ]
Sharkboy sat in the back of the van, enjoying the heat and getting some rest. The mention of the mercenaries who came knocking at the old man's brought him back. He instinctively reach for his bow and then relaxed again when he heard they had visited a few weeks ago. If anyone stayed around to see if the old man received other visitors, a few weeks was likely long enough to kill them of boredom. He relaxed again and his thoughts drifted to hot strudel.
Anna was able to perceive the usual living auras that any city produces. More important was the fact that a very powerful Watcher construct patrolled the building site. And now that she took a closer look she also realized that it was from the same tradition that she had already witnessed in Munich: A Dr. Singer trained mage, or probably rather circle of mages, had created the construct.
She realized that the Watcher had both recognized her and Wraith outside on the street...
She realized that the Watcher had both recognized her and Wraith outside on the street...
Anna retreated into the van and her first word as she opened her eyes was "Biscuits... Harvesters have noticed us. Big watcher this time, probably the work of a skilled cabal. We play our cards too recklessly, all of us are hot except James which is invisible from the astral, and Nova. Watcher has identified Wraith which means that they may engage us if they associate Wraith with the Shark. We played a bit stupid, we need to understand that wherever we go we'll have a watcher in the astral, and we have less magic than them. So we need to be smarter."
[ Spoiler ]
bnc on the other hand had found some hidden weapons: All worker drones were equipped with tasers - cyber tasers and stunbatons to be exact, integrated into their arms
"I guess that means we are to expect some trouble coming in, soon?" Nova asked, but did not hesitate to prepare for some upcoming attack on them.
She put her extra armor pieces on, including the ballistic mask, and assembled her rifle, just in case it was needed.
While she did, she continued to ask: "What did this watcher do, after he spotted you? Do they know what it knows? Or does it have to carry the message to them, so to say?"
She put her extra armor pieces on, including the ballistic mask, and assembled her rifle, just in case it was needed.
While she did, she continued to ask: "What did this watcher do, after he spotted you? Do they know what it knows? Or does it have to carry the message to them, so to say?"
Anna replied "Not necessarily, they are monitoring the places related to Kerstin in case she goes back. The fact that we go snooping there as well is not directly a reason to use violence. Shark did kill one of them, but I am not sure if they understand the relation yet. Was Wraith seen with him? Where the rest of us... I guess we'll know if they try to geek us.
It is technically a watcher, but much larger than the previous one. Difficult to create alone, it did not do much just continue watching. Watcher telepathically linked to its creators but think of it as a phone call, they do not sense what it senses and do not share its sight. Depending on the watcher's orders it reports stuff to its masters... So likely that the watcher noticed that two mages approached the house. I don't think it noticed the Shark, and I am not sure that the Shark is identified from the astral. What I am saying is that they know someone is poking around Kerstein's contacts, and once they investigate this random piece of information further we may be in big troubles for geeking one that mage.
In any case, there is little we can do now to avoid a fight if this is what they have in stored for us. Though, as it is the second watcher, we should be much more careful in the future. If only due to the bad blood between us. "
It is technically a watcher, but much larger than the previous one. Difficult to create alone, it did not do much just continue watching. Watcher telepathically linked to its creators but think of it as a phone call, they do not sense what it senses and do not share its sight. Depending on the watcher's orders it reports stuff to its masters... So likely that the watcher noticed that two mages approached the house. I don't think it noticed the Shark, and I am not sure that the Shark is identified from the astral. What I am saying is that they know someone is poking around Kerstein's contacts, and once they investigate this random piece of information further we may be in big troubles for geeking one that mage.
In any case, there is little we can do now to avoid a fight if this is what they have in stored for us. Though, as it is the second watcher, we should be much more careful in the future. If only due to the bad blood between us. "
Wraith had opened the second beer to "Cheers!" with the stranger, but he wasn't drinking a lot, it was mostly for implementing companionship.
"Thanks for your honesty. So no clue where she went?
The guys snooping around... How where they asking for her? Did they know her full name, or did they just follow her to your door?
Oh, and Emma mentioned you were allowed to stay. So... did you perhaps meet anyone in charge of the construction site?"
"Any further questions for the guy?"
He cursed silently when he heard the news about the watcher. Drek, how did I miss that? Dumb, dumb, dumb! Really gotta be more careful.
"Only time I was visible with Sharkboy was up the fire exit. Unless they monitored that, I don't think they can connect us. But they can make assumptions, of course.
Bnc, Elizia: how about spoofing some story in the forums that sounds like the chipheads have picked up some connection to Bean Si's past and sent someone to inquire? Anything that makes the Harvesters take us for Crusaders instead of a third party?"
"Thanks for your honesty. So no clue where she went?
The guys snooping around... How where they asking for her? Did they know her full name, or did they just follow her to your door?
Oh, and Emma mentioned you were allowed to stay. So... did you perhaps meet anyone in charge of the construction site?"
"Any further questions for the guy?"
He cursed silently when he heard the news about the watcher. Drek, how did I miss that? Dumb, dumb, dumb! Really gotta be more careful.
"Only time I was visible with Sharkboy was up the fire exit. Unless they monitored that, I don't think they can connect us. But they can make assumptions, of course.
Bnc, Elizia: how about spoofing some story in the forums that sounds like the chipheads have picked up some connection to Bean Si's past and sent someone to inquire? Anything that makes the Harvesters take us for Crusaders instead of a third party?"
"You might be overthinking that connection with you and any past incident," Nova said.
"Two mages, that are not theirs, poking around here should be enough to trigger a response, so be on your guard!"
"Two mages, that are not theirs, poking around here should be enough to trigger a response, so be on your guard!"
The janitor shrugged:
"I can't be sure, but I think she came back to Linz to talk to someone and that someone wasn't me. She did mention something odd: She said she was "riding the tiger now" - whatever she meant by that.
Those goons did know exactly who they were looking for: Knew her name, that she had lived here before and that she had come to the city a day earlier. They asked if I had seen her and who was with her. I just told them that she hasn't lived here for three years and that I couldn't tell them anything about her whereabouts beyond that."
He paused with the beer on his lips:
"Yeah, that was kind of funny: From one week to the other they had everone out of the building - set them up in a new build high rise at the same rent rates and with three months free living. I'd have taken that offer as well, but no-one talked to me about that. I just got a mail from the owner that he had sold the block and that the new management wants me to stay on and around in case there are any issues. Since then I'm basically on vacation. No-one has spoken to me or visited me."
He was interrupted by a knock on the door - or rather a very loud thump that made the old door rattle in it's hinges.
Outside, the team saw that there seemed to be a shift change about to happen. The anthro drones went down from the scaffolding, towards a container that was connected to a very big powerline, while from the container a bunch of identical looking drones emerged. Only those didn't climb the ladders and stairs, but instead went around the house...
"I can't be sure, but I think she came back to Linz to talk to someone and that someone wasn't me. She did mention something odd: She said she was "riding the tiger now" - whatever she meant by that.
Those goons did know exactly who they were looking for: Knew her name, that she had lived here before and that she had come to the city a day earlier. They asked if I had seen her and who was with her. I just told them that she hasn't lived here for three years and that I couldn't tell them anything about her whereabouts beyond that."
He paused with the beer on his lips:
"Yeah, that was kind of funny: From one week to the other they had everone out of the building - set them up in a new build high rise at the same rent rates and with three months free living. I'd have taken that offer as well, but no-one talked to me about that. I just got a mail from the owner that he had sold the block and that the new management wants me to stay on and around in case there are any issues. Since then I'm basically on vacation. No-one has spoken to me or visited me."
He was interrupted by a knock on the door - or rather a very loud thump that made the old door rattle in it's hinges.
Outside, the team saw that there seemed to be a shift change about to happen. The anthro drones went down from the scaffolding, towards a container that was connected to a very big powerline, while from the container a bunch of identical looking drones emerged. Only those didn't climb the ladders and stairs, but instead went around the house...
Anna said "Response yes, violence - not for poking around. Why engage us before we find Bean Si... I'd assume they'll track us. "
"If they aren't going to engage us then it may be better to pretend we didn't notice them. No reason to tip them off that we know we're being watched.
"Well, that sure does not sound like friendly visitors," Nova mentioned after they heard the loud thumping noise through Wraith's microphone.
"We should not sit here idly, he could be in trouble just about now."
With that the russian woman made her exit and dashed towards the backside of the building.
"We should not sit here idly, he could be in trouble just about now."
With that the russian woman made her exit and dashed towards the backside of the building.
[ Spoiler ]
Why do people make it so hard for us to just leave them alone.
Sharkboy pulled his jacket around himself and slung is bow and quiver over his back, pushing himself out the back of the van. He cracked his knuckles and sent some energy into his body in case he needed to punch a spirit or two in the face. Hopefully that van has a microwave somewhere in it, or our dinner is going to be frozen solid by the time we get to it.
Sharkboy pulled his jacket around himself and slung is bow and quiver over his back, pushing himself out the back of the van. He cracked his knuckles and sent some energy into his body in case he needed to punch a spirit or two in the face. Hopefully that van has a microwave somewhere in it, or our dinner is going to be frozen solid by the time we get to it.
[ Spoiler ]
"Wait!" Anna cried but to no avail "I have a summoned spirit on call much more discreet than guns and bow..." but that last part she said to herself. She shrugged with annoyance and said to bnc "Okay, I get it... we are annoying and uncontrollable. Can you at least move the car as close as possible to Wraith? I am not leaving you alone in the car this time."
"Track?! they're kicking the fragging door in!"
He cursed again, quite audibly this time.
Wraith's heart started racing, pumping a mixture of tension, anger and anxiety through his body, a bitter-sweet kick that the runner had fallen in love with during his first steps in the shadows. High on adrenailne, he scanned the room for other possible entries or exits.
"Take cover!", he hissed towards the janitor and for a quick moment, he even thought about giving the man his gun to defend himself - the man seemed to be a war veteran after all - but ultimately decided against it. Getting some sort of cover seemed like the higher priority for now.
Wraith ducked behind the door stock to the next room, where he took a deep breath and focussed his energy, grasping the magical connection to the crucifix on his armband. He fixated the door from his cover, ready to rain fire and fury on any intruder.
He cursed again, quite audibly this time.
Wraith's heart started racing, pumping a mixture of tension, anger and anxiety through his body, a bitter-sweet kick that the runner had fallen in love with during his first steps in the shadows. High on adrenailne, he scanned the room for other possible entries or exits.
"Take cover!", he hissed towards the janitor and for a quick moment, he even thought about giving the man his gun to defend himself - the man seemed to be a war veteran after all - but ultimately decided against it. Getting some sort of cover seemed like the higher priority for now.
Wraith ducked behind the door stock to the next room, where he took a deep breath and focussed his energy, grasping the magical connection to the crucifix on his armband. He fixated the door from his cover, ready to rain fire and fury on any intruder.
[ Spoiler ]
Wraith hadn't finished his warning - which wasn't exactly necessary, seeing the janitor had jumped behind the kitchen counter on his own - when the door was kicked down, revealing two of the building drones, staring down on them with their cold, painted on smiles and the cute LED screen eyes. Both made a neat step aside to let two identical drones pass through which had raised their arms in unisono, displaying the business end of two heavy duty tasers.
Before anyone could react, they had fired the two shots at the Janitor, trailing wires from their electrodes. Nagl yelped at the pain although he didn't lose consciousness as he instinctively ripped at the wires.
Another pair of drones came in while the two previous attackers stepped as neatly aside as the first pair to give them room. The new comers fired also their weapons, this time at Wraith.
Meanwhile, Sharkboy and Nova had started a dead sprint towards their chummer, rounding just the corner to see the last pair of eight drones enter the appartment.
Before anyone could react, they had fired the two shots at the Janitor, trailing wires from their electrodes. Nagl yelped at the pain although he didn't lose consciousness as he instinctively ripped at the wires.
Another pair of drones came in while the two previous attackers stepped as neatly aside as the first pair to give them room. The new comers fired also their weapons, this time at Wraith.
Meanwhile, Sharkboy and Nova had started a dead sprint towards their chummer, rounding just the corner to see the last pair of eight drones enter the appartment.
Anna sent her spirit with an order to "Protect Wraith", she texted Wraith to let him know she did so.
[ Spoiler ]
Thanks to bnc's drone-feedback, Wraith knew what to expect: The moment the door broke under the relentless assault of the drones, the runner's routined eyes had identified the kitchen counter as the best cover.
As the drones raised their arms, he instinctively dived down behind it.
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit! where his thoughts, as he saw the heavy taser go off into his direction - yet he had been a split second quicker than the mechanical menace, and he managed to evade the shot by inches.
As the drones raised their arms, he instinctively dived down behind it.
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit! where his thoughts, as he saw the heavy taser go off into his direction - yet he had been a split second quicker than the mechanical menace, and he managed to evade the shot by inches.
[ Spoiler ]
[ Spoiler ]
Still before the situation escalated, bnc herself gave an opinion on why there were still watchers and armed drones.
QUOTE (Gilga @ Oct 1 2018, 01:31 PM) 
Anna replied "Not necessarily, they are monitoring the places related to Kerstin in case she goes back. The fact that we go snooping there as well is not directly a reason to use violence. Shark did kill one of them, but I am not sure if they understand the relation yet. Was Wraith seen with him? Where the rest of us... I guess we'll know if they try to geek us."
"I believe that Nagl has been left here deliberately as a trap. Why else would he be the only one who wasn't removed? Why didn't they geek him when he didn't hand out what information they wanted? They left him here so that someone else can pry the info out of them, and they can then be captured. And tortured, and eliminated. Or something along that line. Which is us. Stay wary."
It didn't take long for bnc to realize that the warning was not only useless in the first place (as they assumably have been wary anyway), but also way too late.
QUOTE (Luckace @ Oct 1 2018, 05:31 PM)
"Only time I was visible with Sharkboy was up the fire exit. Unless they monitored that, I don't think they can connect us. But they can make assumptions, of course.
Bnc, Elizia: how about spoofing some story in the forums that sounds like the chipheads have picked up some connection to Bean Si's past and sent someone to inquire? Anything that makes the Harvesters take us for Crusaders instead of a third party?"
Bnc, Elizia: how about spoofing some story in the forums that sounds like the chipheads have picked up some connection to Bean Si's past and sent someone to inquire? Anything that makes the Harvesters take us for Crusaders instead of a third party?"
"Good thinking, but no. That would draw real Crusaders to Nagl and maybe even the gnarled witch. I will not risk any harm to them."
Again, bnc's assessment was a tad ... late. The robo army could have been an indication that it wasn't necessarily safe for Nagl to host us even without crusaders.
"I'm coming, chummers."
Without having tracked the individual drones, bnc had to guess which drones where which on the board. (Which group gets hit: 1d4 4)
Her attack was a partial success: The last drone pair was about to enter the flat as suddenly one of the pair fell down as if the power had shortened out. The synchronicity broke down as well and the other drone lost it's graceful movement as well.
It didn't stumble for long, as Nova and Sharkboy came around the corner and took the now much slower drone out with a quick application of lethal force
Her attack was a partial success: The last drone pair was about to enter the flat as suddenly one of the pair fell down as if the power had shortened out. The synchronicity broke down as well and the other drone lost it's graceful movement as well.
It didn't stumble for long, as Nova and Sharkboy came around the corner and took the now much slower drone out with a quick application of lethal force
Don't mess me with me in the matrix, you freaks!
bnc almost absent-mindedly steers the car over to the nearest dore while taking a split-second of time to maximize the firing power of her deck. Now show me that you're worth more than half a million!
With a silent Yeeeehaaaw!, bnc unleashed a rain of harmful data at the well-protected drones. One after another, the worker drones fall to her attacks, and after only a couple of seconds, four of the six remaining worker drones are down, sizzling and puffing, and another one is jerking heavily.
bnc almost absent-mindedly steers the car over to the nearest dore while taking a split-second of time to maximize the firing power of her deck. Now show me that you're worth more than half a million!
With a silent Yeeeehaaaw!, bnc unleashed a rain of harmful data at the well-protected drones. One after another, the worker drones fall to her attacks, and after only a couple of seconds, four of the six remaining worker drones are down, sizzling and puffing, and another one is jerking heavily.
The remaining drone ineffectually whaled against the spirit when Sharkboy came to the scene: Five drones laid scattered across the floor of the small flat, still streaming sparks and clearly out of order. Still, nothing that a skilled tech couldn't fix with a few new breaker chips.
The remaining drone took a step away from the spirit, ignoring it's ineffectual attacks, while focusing on the two runners that just had appeared in the doorway. It didn't raise it's weapon arm but instead just stared at the two.
Meanwhile, bnc received a message from Eliza:
<<You should all go - quickly. I just had a short but very intense fight with a corporate decker and a very sophisticated deck. He took refuge in a security host where I can't easily reach him - and he can reemerge at any time.
By the way: Do you remember which flat you and your sister lived in? I managed to gain a MARK on him and could siphon a bit of conversation: It seems there is a mage set up in this building working ritual magic.>>
The remaining drone took a step away from the spirit, ignoring it's ineffectual attacks, while focusing on the two runners that just had appeared in the doorway. It didn't raise it's weapon arm but instead just stared at the two.
Meanwhile, bnc received a message from Eliza:
<<You should all go - quickly. I just had a short but very intense fight with a corporate decker and a very sophisticated deck. He took refuge in a security host where I can't easily reach him - and he can reemerge at any time.
By the way: Do you remember which flat you and your sister lived in? I managed to gain a MARK on him and could siphon a bit of conversation: It seems there is a mage set up in this building working ritual magic.>>
Without turning back, Sharkboy motioned with his arm for Nova to stay out of the doorway as he entered apartment. "Sorry we're late." was all that he sent over his comm before walking and grabbing the momentarily disinterested under it's shoulder, lifted it from the hip and threw it like a lawn dart out the back door.
He just gave Nova a nod, "He's all yours, ma'am"
He just gave Nova a nod, "He's all yours, ma'am"
[ Spoiler ]
Absentmindedly, she lowered her gun and shot the drone to bits, with the silencer on her rifle taking some of the noise away.
"Guess it only wanted some intel. Not that it got much, with the masks and all..."
<< So, what's the plan, now? Do we pay that mage a visit? >> Nova asked via their team channel.
"Guess it only wanted some intel. Not that it got much, with the masks and all..."
<< So, what's the plan, now? Do we pay that mage a visit? >> Nova asked via their team channel.
[ Spoiler ]
[ Spoiler ]
Still exhilarated from the massacre under the worker drones, the message hits bnc like a bucket full of ice water. Almost instinctively, she transfers the message to the group channel (if Eliza hadn't sent there anyway). While still talking over the commlink, she quickly reboots her deck.
"Yes, to the mage asap. Second floor, after the staircase turn right, second door on the left. Sending in James."
She sends three drones there at once: While the Noizquito in the corridor stays goes for the next window to do outdoor surveillance, one of the Noizquitos she had outside steers to the set of windows of her former apartment. The roto-drone with the sniper rifle is also sent there but stays out of sight. At last, James begins his ascend along the wall to come in through the windows. (James is equipped with gecko tape gloves and two pairs of rectractable climbing claws).
"Good job, Eliza.
Anna, can you defend the car for a moment? I wanna pinch that bugger with pliers or however you call the maneuver in English."
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Dumpshock Forums © 2001-2012