Blitz' phone rings.

Cosmo sighs and shakes her head, bringing herself back after a few moments pause. Pulling out her pocket secretary, she forwards a quick text message over to HB:

::Thought it over. How soon can you set up a transmission? We need to get moving.

C::

With a light shrug, she calls up to the other woman.

"I've got a guy here that can run those secure lines for you, Blitz, but not likely for anything too permanent. What do you need done?"

Clay stands in the sidelines watching Cosmo's frantic scramble to find a decker with just a trace of laughter in his eyes. Apparently deciding to busy himself with something rather than risk an aural report of his amusement with the situation he mumbles something about getting supplies from the car and walks out of the warehouse, all traces of earlier tension seemingly washed away without trace.

A few moments later he returns, his large arms overflowing with all manner of items. Everything from bags of food to folding chairs and a portable Trideo unit encumber Clay as he makes his way back into the main portion of the warehouse.

:: Hearing Cosmo report, Blitz, now sweaty from her mild workout, throws her jacket back on and heads downstairs. ::

"First thing's first, I need to set up secure communications. Can he secure a cell phone?"

Moments later Cosmo's cellphone shakes in response to an incoming message.

All I need is the LTG number of the phone. HB.

Cosmo arches an eyebrow and chuckles, addressing Blitz before she gets back to HB.

"Looks like.... What's the number?"

:: Blitz pulls the phone out of a secured pocket and dials up the phone's assigned number. ::

"LTG 514.556.9842.21"

"Thanks,"

Cosmo forwards the number over to HB, making a point of forgetting it right away.

::Payment as usual once we've finished. Let me know when we're good to go.::

:: Blitz nods to Cosmo and turns to dial a number, she is surprised as the phone rings of it's own accord. Raising an eyebrow, she wonders why he would call when she hasn't informed him she's secure. Depressing the "Call" button with a subtle flick of her thumb, she brings the phone to her ear. ::

"Go."

*Parvati takes out her phone and calls Chiren back the same morning after letting herself feel alive again.......
: Hey C, well if you think I qualify, then i will lend my talents....You just tell me when and where, and I will live up to my name as always... :

Chiren's message comes back almost immediately.

Here's the LTG number. This is a team of professionals gearing up, so you should be all right. Watch your back, though. If you need anything else just drop me a line.

on the phone with Blitz

"The name is Paladin. Benedict asked that I give you a call. He said you needed some talent."

"Benedict sent you? Hmm. Gimme a number to call ya back. I have a feeling we'll be setting up a virtual meet soon. I'll send the time and location to you."

:: After ending the conversation, she quickly dials the number Grendel gave her and steps into her room once more. ::

"Go ahead."

Paladin disconnects and waits for the meet location.

:: Blitz shuts the door behind her and leans against it, showing her true weariness to no one but the mattress in the corner. ::

"Secure on this end."

:: Taking a deep breath, she picks at an imaginary thread on her shirt. ::

"I need......strategy advice."

Ivan grabs one of the Cherry colas and rips the top off. "So, how is everyone being?"

"What are the options?"

:: Blitz laughs humorlessly. ::

"Options? That's part of the problem. In speaking with the doctor, it appears she heads up the Special Operations contingent globally and has two men working directly under her, one to each hemisphere. Well....men is a rather general term in this instance. Initially I had considered going after her men and trying to get them to betray her, yet after learning more about them, they're more insane than I am and seemingly completely unflappable in their devotion to her. I suppose an alternative option is to target each individually and remove them from her service...or anyone else's for that matter. Although it would seriously hamper her operations, I want the slitch DEAD, not just inconvenienced."

:: Half thinking while she talks, and unconsciously comfortable talking to the only person she sees as a friend, her thoughts just begin spilling out of her mouth. She doesn't even wait for answers before her mind moves to the next subject. ::

"I'm just not good at this whole master plan thing. Not to mention short on cash. Did you give this number to Fury? Some guy named Paladin called and said Benedict sent him. God...how am I going to pay all of these people. This guy, plus the decker we're using, who refuses to meet with the group in person (and that just makes me uneasy) and we're probably going to need 2 or 3 more.... Maybe Fury has a lead on a funding mission. You know of anything that might help in that arena? Might be nice to hit a Novatech facility in order to gain funds to attack Novatech."

:: She actually smiles at this thought, and for a moment, her chatter pauses. ::

"Yes. Fury asked me to forward any contact information I got from you. She wanted to make sure that you were still lying low and hadn't been put down. You know, if you want the slitch dead, why not just go kill her? If you're looking for profit, though, you need to look at recovering anything fenceable from one of their supply depots. They have local facilities, but if you want the big stuff, you'll have to hit them where they live. Cavalier Arms is based in Texas and both Central Industrial and Pioneer Cybernetics are in Detroit. Don't discount the possibility that your team personnel may have information about how to wring profit from Novatech as well. You're not the only one out there with a score to settle."

:: Blitz nods, though the camera lacks a video output. ::

"Yeah...for profit runs usually entice even runners without a beef. But be fair. It's not like she does her own bloody grocery shopping. Killing her isn't as easy as sneaking up behind her and putting a gun to her head. She's also got the resources of the entire corp behind her...even if I had a sniper put one between her eyes and 2 center mass, they'd just put her back together. Not to mention I REALLY want her to know it's me behind the gun. I think that's the most important part of all."

:: Looking down at her boots, she doesn't even realize she speaks her next thought out loud, her tone sounding surprisingly sad. ::

"I guess I just want to beat her."

"Revenge is only worthwhile if it has a personal touch to it. In the end, it's going to come down to what we said in the beginning: to win in this kind of situation, you have to be faster than your opponent, mobile to the point where she can't bring her superior resources to bear. I think you give her security more credit than its worth. If she's an operator, active in the business, then she can't have total security. Anyone can be gotten to, it's simply a matter of opportunity and preparation. That she directs her own section of the corporation means you'll have to engage in a little more detailed preparation."

Cosmo flips her cell phone shut and slips her small array of gadgets into their respective pockets. Springing to her feet with more energy than she felt, she jogged back towards her sleek sportster and grabbed a can of the cola for herself, turning a small smile to Ivan as she did so.

"Doing well, you? It's good to see that at least the lot of us have made it back all right...."

Taking a small sip she chuckled (sugar is a grand thing) and turned to the three strapping lads, a mischevious twinkle peeking out of her eyes. Affecting her most conversational tone, it seemed they were sipping tea on a garden terrace than colas in a boarded-up warehouse.

"Sooo, how are things?"

"Boats?" Warrick turned in some surprise.

"According to the sales record, that's correct. Two MB300 series Zodiac semi-rigid hull inflatable watercraft, color black." The slim man read the information directly from the plastic flimsy purchase receipt provided by the store.

"She would chose those. Quality machines. Interesting. Anything else?"

"Yessir. Airport surveillance picked up this individual arriving last night at the general aviation terminal."

Warrick glanced at the grainy low-light digital still images of the well dressed man climbing into a luxury sedan.

"Well, well. Someone must have paid a pretty penny to get him out of Cal Free. Find out who he's working for."

"Nothing much, I have been running security here, and I worked a few odd jobs. I was trying to locate someone to dikote spurs, nyet luck." Ivan shrugs, and switches his speach to Russian. I am concerend about comrade Blitz, she seems shaken. I am not sure what she wants to do next, but I know she needs our help. I just don't know what she has in mind. She seems to trust you Cosmo, maybe you could talk to her?

:: Listens in silence, knowing that there is wisdom in his words. It was strange the way that effected her. The more she knew he was right, the more irritating it was to her. ::

"Yeah. So have you been to Texas or Detroit? What flavor of trouble do they have down there?"

Pravati deals the LTG:
I hear you all need my talent...name is Pravatias the soft female voice came over the ear piece sounding in a claim and buisness like manor.
If you are anything like me you are going to want to know who sent me to you and what i can do... my contact for this is Chiren, She will tell you more if you don't already know....anything else just ask me...I will tell you what I can..and here is my LTG, let me know where and when to meet with you..."

as she hangs up the phone she looks at her watch and sets her alarm for 1800....

Cosmo chuckles and shakes her head lightly, her contralto voice assuming a nearly flawless Russian accent. Trust? I'm not so sure she trusts anyone but I can try when the opportunity presents itself.

Grinning, she takes a swig of cola and closes her eyes blissfully for a second or two.

"Dikote those things? Doesn't it hurt enough already when you...." She looks to her knuckles and arches an eyebrow as she imagines jagged metal blades coming out of her hands.

"Same flavor of trouble they have anywhere else. The CAS is similar enough in law and procedure to the UCAS that you shouldn't have too much difficulty operating there. Just be advised that with Aztlan so close to the south that they're on a perpetual war footing there. Detroit is Ares central, so you can guess how that goes. It's got some mean shadows, though, since everyone and their brother wants to take a bite out of the All American Corp."

"Thanks...that may help us in the decision process...anyone you know out there I might be able to utilize?"

Pravatistarts her car and travels home to start packing her gear and to prep her mind....

"Unfortunately, no, I have no contacts out that way."

"Just as well. I appreciate the input. I'll check in with you in a month. After that, assume the worst."

:: Disconnecting, she sees the flashing indicator telling her about the message. She sighs, realizing that she'd have to get a new phone, then dials into the voice mail. After taking the time to set it up, she finally hears the message. Walking back out of the room, she heads towards Cosmo and tosses her the phone. ::

"Looks like we got another one. Call her and Paladin back and set up a meet with them. Give us 4 hours to discuss possibilities, then we'll check out the add-ons to see what works, while we're at it, see whatever help you can scrounge. Maybe 2 or 3 more, in case we have to flush anyone."

Off in the distance, you hear the bells of the Cathedral of St. Jude. It is now 1600.

Cosmo sighs, nods, and goes long, catching the handset in a motion clean enough to be the envy of any amateur powerball player. Why is it, she mused that two leads fall into her lap so easily?

She jogged back to her little corner with a quick wave to Ivan and company, already bringing up the recent calls list. Dialing back to the first call of the day (which was also the one with the shortest duration and the one she inferred would be Paladin's), she threw back the last of her cherry cola and cleared her throat, assuming a clipped, businesslike tone.

"Yes, hello. I'm calling on behalf of the BIG C&C employment agency; I understand that you'd called us earlier today?" *brief pause* "I have been authorized to schedule an interview for eight this evening, if you're available."

A similar call is placed to Pravati's phone once she's finished speaking with Paladin.

Pravati answers, I am available, where am I to meet?

"Jayk's Diner; corner of 42nd and Queen. There will be a reservation under the name 'Turner.' We look forward to seeing you there."

"Where? ... I'll be there."

Paladin disconnects the line and lays back on his bed. He lays there in silence for some time before getting up and moving to the foot of the bed. He reaches down under the bed and pulls out a small round mat of woven straw.

Sitting down in a relaxed, cross-legged style, Paladin closes his eyes and lets his mind drift into the void of meditation...

Pravati "I'll be there" hangs up the phone and looks at her watch and gets ready for the evening events.

Cosmo nods and flips her phone shut with a resounding 'snap.'

That's it; I'll never harass another secretary again....

Shaking her head again, Cosmo calls out to the others. "I've got the first two in for a meet in four hours and it'll take hardly any time to get to the location. Now what's going on, Blitz, the suspense is killing me."

Pravati realizing its now a couple min. passed 1800 makes a phone call


in a whipper tone....

Sorry, Sir, that I am pass due on my call. Looks like work might have me tied up a bit...

The voice on the other end of the commcall is cool and distant.

"Yes, so I understand. Do not contact me again until you are finished with your current tasking. We can discuss your punishment at that time."

The line goes dead.

:: Blitz sighs and sits on the arm of the battered armchair. ::

"What did I tell you regarding the woman who put me in the position I am in now?"

Pravati hangs up the phone and sighs deeply.....

In the no mind of his meditative state, Paladin sees vague images of possibility. A woman's face, hard featured but lit with infinite sadness figures prominantly. Behind it, though, the horizon is spanned by vicious storm clouds. Shadowy figures advance through the curtain of blood red rain.

Cosmo strides back towards the small gathering around Blitz and sits cross-legged on the floor like a kid at storytime.

"Well, you've told us precious little aside from the fact that she's our end goal, you don't like her, and she knows that you want to take her out but doesn't believe in your ability to do so. We're not to kill her outright. She's Ms Villiers' personal assistant, brilliant from what I've heard, powerful, with more connections than ...." She trails off and leaves the inference hanging.

Tilting her head to one side she asks, "are we to assume that it's time to start gunning for Ms. Nikaido?"

Pravati strolls in the place for the meet claimly and looks around to understand her whats around her.... and sets it to memory.

:: Blitz nods. ::

"Oh yes...you can begin to assume that. First off, we need to get moving soon. After the hit on the facility, Im sure they, meaning Nikaido's people, are going to be looking into what was snatched and why. I don't underestimate them enough to believe that they will discount my interactions, despite her belief that Im dead, so the best way to make it hard to be found is to move frequently.

:: Blitz folds her arms and looks down at her toes a minute. ::

"I want you all to know that once you are associated with me...things could become difficult for you with regard to Novatech. This woman is ruthless and evil to the core and will stop at nothing to manipulate people like pawns on a chess board. If you want to back out....now is the time to do so."

:: Blitz lets the question hang in the heavy air of the warehouse for what seems like an eternity before she nods and continues. ::

"Ok then, it's time to begin making money. We have two major options, Cavalier Arms in Texas or going to Detroit and hitting either Central Industrial or Pioneer Cybernetics. That's where the big plays will take place. Im open for discussion to either location, each has it's pro's and cons. Most notable is Texas proximity to Atzlan.

"You all should know that my ultimate goal is that I want to kill Nakaido, but first we're going to start with her flunkies. This isn't going to be easy, the two directly under her have considerable resources and from what the Doc says, are VERY dangerous individuals. Let's just consider it a public service to rid the planet of these two mongrels."

"No problem, Bosslady; I'm with you for as long as you want me around."

Cosmo's smile was genuine and easily masked whatever paltry concerns she might have voiced were she not in company she trusted so fully. It'd be good to see some action again; a month was too long to be away, well, at least when she couldn't afford to do a whole hell of a lot anyway. Glancing at her overly pale arms she imagined warm Bahian sunshine and white sugarfine sand .. sweet tropical flowers and coconut oil; slow swinging hammocks and lazy days; cabin boys, mosquito netting, and umbrella drinks.... Ahhh, sweet sweet money. The brief reverie was so real she could smell the tanning oil though inevitably she remembered the dark Seattle warehouse and their situation.

"All right, do we have people that can move whatever we bring in? I'd think that might determine where we go nearly as much as the logistics of getting there and covering our tracks. Aside from that ..." she pauses and taps her index finger against her lip, "how's your Spanish?" With nothing more than a quick wink and a light smile she wondered what could really be decided now. A decker would solve their immediate concerns but there was always an issue with bringing in new 'talent;' who knew what they'd end up doing .. how can we plan when we're only looking one step ahead?

Ah well, there was no helping it. So what if targeting one of Novatech's upper echelon made life a little more difficult? "Difficult should be a walk in the park...." She smiled, remembering the quote and glanced around, wondering what the rest of the 'team' thought about this new development.

No point asking what killing the woman will solve or exactly what will happen once this headlong quest for vengeance is over, for good or not. 'Personal business' is always so messy; even when it's over it continues; festering and oozing until there's nothing left that resembles spirit. She's all right so far .. but what'll happen as we draw closer? I suppose it's best that there are so many holes in my story. Ghost, this could be me.

Noting the sudden lull in the flurry of activity Clay glances up from a tablet PC that he's been studying intently since returning from his car.

"Were you certain that you didn't want some extra company on your little excursion to meet the new folks? If the Novatech spooks are in fact looking into who made the hit on the island and are as resourceful as you make them out to be then it might not be the brightest idea to split up the team.

Then again an entire motorcade showing up at a biker bar will likely draw unnecessary attention. A compromise perhaps? The initial team heads directly to the meet and the rest of the team follows some 5-10 minutes later and takes up positions in the area but not directly at the meet itself. That way we'll at least be in the around if you do need the extra help."

Clay pauses and gives a noncommital shrug,

"Either way it's your call B."