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Raven the Trickster
March 27, 23:11
Stormcrow - Friday, March 27th, 2071@23:11: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex
Stormcrow; PAN = Active [LGT, Glasses, Earbuds]; SIN = None, Public Profile = Stormcrow

Stormcrow set the box of implements on top of the bar and motioned to Smokey Joe. When he came over Stormcrow spoke to him casually rather than stand out by whispering, especially since the music in the bar was too loud for that anyway.

"I'm all finished back there, everything should hold for at least a week or two." Stormcrow hands the box back to Smokey Joe. "You can have this back now, I'll keep an ear open for any unwanted visitors. In the mean time, I'd appreciate another cola and," Stormcrow pauses to check the AR menu for a dinner option before continuing, "a soysteak sandwhich with grilled onions and a side of fries. I missed dinner tonight. Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you."

With that Stormcrow sat back on the bar stool and accepted his cola when it was brought. It was likely to be a long night yet and he wanted to be awake for all of it.
Aria
March 27, 23:11
Mouse - Friday, March 27th, 2071@23:11: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Whilst she wouldn't normally listen in to someone's conversation, it tended to shorten life expectancy, she couldn't help but overhear the low, but not whispered, tones of the tall darkly dressed elf next to here - sounded like the lucky bastard had some work tonight. She looked back to Angelous' slightly corpulant figure as the hacker tucked in to another soybeer. Exasperated with his laid back attitude she felt the need to do anything to take her mind off the waiting, anything at all, even talking to a complete stranger...

She turned to the elf, and cringing inwardly to herself already, made a feeble attempt to strike up conversation...

"Food any good in here? Can't be worse than the soda... hi, sorry, I'm Mouse..."

Grinchy McScrooge
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @18:00: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS
Chunan; PAN = active [wireless, earbuds, goggles, subvocal mic]; SIN = Jonathan Wong (not broadcast); Public Profile = Chunan

Affixing the ARO badge to his persona, Chunan bows to Mitch, turns, and heads back to the front of the building.

I can't believe I have been reduced to working for such an honourless employer. I guess I'll just have to accept it as a part of my karmic debt repayment. Although, I'm sure today would have gone a lot better if my English skills were better. I really need to work on my communication skills. Still, at least I have work. He tries not to sigh too loudly. Wish I could change back into my own clothes. I feel absolutely ridiculous in this outfit.

Rounding the corner of the building, Chunan approaches the elven bouncer who originally directed him to Mitch. "A thousand pardons, omae. I don't wish to bother you again, but my new employer, Mitch has sent me up here to seek out Brianna for my instructions. He says I am the shortest straw, but I do not know what he means by this...?"
Redjack
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @18:58: Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

Down I-405, onto hwy-520, across the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge/Toll-Way, down I-5 and around Lake Union via a number of side streets. Thirteen point five miles according to grid guide. Forty-five minutes of hell was a closer description. The Jackrabbit didn't make an appealing target for Eye-Fivers who passed in between traffic stopped just north of his exit, though on the bridge the 18-wheeler had almost squashed Bob when it failed to yield changing lanes... granted, it had the right of way by more tons than Bob currently felt like calculating.

As he slowly made his way towards the McCormick and Shmicks on the water front and all the nice new cars parked out front, he knows he's in a nice neighborhood. The security rating of the area was surely no less than A and probably AA. The air seemed a little cleaner here, the streets a lot cleaner and the cars downright shiny. He also figured he could drink half the night in the Barrens for the cost of one drink here...
Redjack
Mouse & Stormcrow - Friday, March 27th, 2071@23:12: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Smokey Joe nodded to Stormcrow's request before placing a cola in a disposable cup in front of him. The barkeep moved on down the bar taking and filling other orders as he went.
Redjack
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @18:01: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS

His luck continuing to hold somewhere between shitty and totally screwed, Chunan reaches the attractive female elven maître d' who looks to him with something resembling disgust before whispering, "He did, did he?" She turns to the troll standing every drop of 3 full meters tall behind her. "Tiny, he's all yours.". She then turns back to the line as if she'd just willed Chunan out of existence.

The troll raises an eye brow, smirks and gestures you over. He kneels down, eyes still on the crowd. "Jackie, you got the line, I got the door. Anyone gets out a line in the line look to me for the go ahead to put them back. Start by asking, try not to break anything if they get stupid. Most are college kids trying to make the A-list. Some will some day. Any questions?"
phlapjack77
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @18:58: Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex
<<CommlinkStatus=broadcast, SIN=Roger Humphrey>>

I was a little nervous when I pulled up in front of the place. It was the kind of feeling you have when you know you don't belong, like being in a church for a religion you don't believe in. All around me were fancy Americars and Comets and even a Nightsky or two. My Jackrabbit definitely marked me as not from around these parts. The two honest-to-god valets standing outside of the entrance viewed my approach with increasing looks of embarrassment, trying not to stare like you do when someone has some food stuck to their mouth. I rolled down the window and asked the two suit-monkeys where I could park. The one that answered me looked like he'd rather catch HMHVV, never once meeting my eyes. His gaze flicked to a parking lot that was heavily guarded with some kind of serious sentry drones - with the amount of money sitting around in that lot, I couldn't blame them.

I guided my car into the slot that was assigned to me by the parking system, the location a glowing overlay of the parking lot ARO that I accessed. Before stepping out I decided to leave my heavy gear in the car and put the Ruger in the glove box. I felt like a mother abandoning her babe doing this, but it was comforting for me to still feel the slight heft of the Walther pressed against my bicep. After straightening my tie in the rearview camera, I put on my hat and exited the car, feeling ridiculous as I set the anti-theft system to armed. No way would it be needed in a place like this, but you never knew. As I walked to the entrance I idly wondered how much this might cost me. I hoped they validated parking.
Grinchy McScrooge
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @18:01: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS
Chunan; PAN = active [wireless, earbuds, goggles, subvocal mic]; SIN = Jonathan Wong (not broadcast); Public Profile = Chunan

Reduced to babysitting rich kids. Bah. I bet not one of these little punks has the foggiest idea what it means to live hand to mouth. Or what it's like to grow up living in fear. They wouldn't last an hour in the slums of Kowloon. Sei gweilos. Chunan stifles a snort of derision. However, there are much worse jobs out there, so I guess this will have to do. I may yet get the chance to kick one of these little punks in the face. A slightly evil grin seems to light up Chunan's face.

"Okay. I have a couple questions. Do you prefer we communicating via visual cues or commlink? What is your threshold for stepping out of line?" He looks the troll right in the eyes. "Also, My names Chunan, not Jackie. I'm pleased to meet you, Tiny."
Redjack
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @18:58: Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

Bob had that look, and probably that smell, that he just didn't belong. The ten story hotel over the restaurant towers far above anything in the area of the Barrens he hails from and was a monument to that fact as well.

The smell off of Lake Union was humid and had its own unique tang. Entering the restaurant, everything looked nice and expensive: The doors, the carpet, the clothes, the haircuts. Reaching the maitre'd podium, the two attractive young women behind that podium looked at Bob. One of them, a blonde elf, just stared like he is a train wreck. The other, a slender human woman of Asian decent spoke, "How may I help you?"
Redjack
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:33: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS

The troll replies, "Visual works best. Use your judgement. Let 'em have fun, but not at the cost of someone else's fun." He then stands back to his full height and gestures Chunan toward the line.

The next several hours run smoothly. A dozen separate limousines drop off a like number of groups of people; each group pretty people dressed in expensive clothing, the likes of which Chunan could not afford with a year's worth of his current wages. People in both lines ignore Chunan as if he was nothing more than an extension of the building.

The break in the monotony finally comes though. A full dozen motorcycles rumble into the parking lot and stop at the end of the VIP carpet. Wearing heavy armored leather jackets and chaps, the members are mostly human and orc. Taking a moment to look them over, he notices they all have light brown skin and there gang colors appear to be also brown. The obvious leader, a large ork, dismounts and is immediately flanked by another ork and a human. The remaining gangers stayed astride their motorcycles, though all put down kickstands. Some bikes had sheaths with various long arms in them and the bulges under the jackets betrayed yet more weaponry. The line of people waiting to enter the club was at least thirty long. Looking out to the Lone Star Patrol car, the officers have already taken up defensive positions at the car, their assault rifles pointed at the cluster of gangers.
Redjack
Mouse & Stormcrow - Friday, March 27th, 2071@23:40: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Most of the next half an hour is uneventful, though a detail stand out for Stormcrow. A human with a hundred nuyen haircut and thousand nuyen suit strolls through the bar like he owns it. He is followed by a pair of human suits that scream executive security detail. Hiding behind their mirrored shades, the trio are all out of place. Despite that they draw little attention from the others in the bar. They make their way towards one of the rooms in the back, pausing outside the room. Smokey Joe then walks over to Stormcrow and whispers, "Allow them to move in unimpeded."
phlapjack77
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @18:58: Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex
<<CommlinkStatus=broadcast, SIN=Roger Humphrey>>

I subscribed the place's AR and quickly scanned the menu. The prices reminded me why I don't frequent these kinds of places. That, and the looks on the faces of the two server girls.

These girls didn't look like they were going to do me any favors. Place like this, they were probably hired because they didn't take drek from anybody. Like pitbulls with lipstick. Now bartenders...those types of people tended to be different. Tended to like talking to people who were willing to listen, especially if there was some cred involved. I just had to work these girls, figure out what would let me past this 2-headed Cerberus. Maybe I could use my appearance to my advantage.

"I'm supposed to meet somebody. I'll have a seat at the bar to wait, unless you want me to wait here in the entryway?"
Aria
Mouse & Stormcrow - Friday, March 27th, 2071@23:40: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Conversation being a bit stilted with her tall companion at the bar, Mouse, biting back a yawn, decided to try a final gambit as the suits strolled through the bar... "Check out the threads on those guys. That lot would keep me in rent for months! Nobody looks keen on rolling them so they must have been invited...?" she left the question open, perhaps she'd even get an answer...
Raven the Trickster
March 27, 23:40
Mouse & Stormcrow - Friday, March 27th, 2071@23:40: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex
Stormcrow; PAN = Active [LGT, Glasses, Earbuds]; SIN = None, Public Profile = Stormcrow

Stormcrow takes an appraising look at the petite human by his side who had been trying to talk him up for the last half hour. He hadn't pegged her initially as anything more than someone's kid sister stuck hanging out here, but her last comment made him think she might be something more. His gaze takes in the lumps that are likely to be concealed weapons under her jacket and realizes this apparently underage young woman might actually have something interesting to say after all.

Given the look, the muscle and where he's headed I'd say that was Mr. Johnson, and I'm guessing some runner team is about to get offered a job worth at least as much as those threads. I wouldn't mind getting connected with a crew making that kind of cred. Probably worth keeping an eye on who follows him back there, who knows, they might be short a body or two.

With that said, Stormcrow signals the closest bartender for another soda and settles back to watch and see who follows the presumed Johnson to the back rooms.
Grinchy McScrooge
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:33: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS
Chunan; PAN = active [wireless, earbuds, goggles, subvocal mic]; SIN = Jonathan Wong (not broadcast); Public Profile = Chunan

Adopting a neutral stance, Chunan begins to casually stroll in the general direction of the gangers, making sure to catch Tiny's eye as he goes.

I wonder what these jokers want. I hope they're meeting Mitch or something else benign. If they start shooting, I can probably grab a ganger to use as a shield, but all these people waiting in line will be totally screwed. I may despise these pampered rich kids, but while I’m working the line, they’re my responsibility. Gotta play it cool and determine their intentions before I go crazy following what if. Hopefully Tiny will take the situation in hand.
Redjack
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:00: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

The elven girl continues in her stupor, but the human girl simply continues her disdain and gestures to allow Bob entry. She then turns to a middle aged couple with a smile, Bob completely out of her mind.

The bar is a simple restaurant bar. Eight stools along a bar. Three middle aged men, while of considerably better means, resemble the patrons of bars frequented by Bob. Two sit together while the third sits alone. The bartender is a human in his middle 20's. He seems comfortably numb in his existence and makes no special note of Bob beyond, "What'll you have?" as he slides a coaster in front of Bob.
Redjack
Mouse & Stormcrow - Friday, March 27th, 2071@23:40: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Upon Stormcrow's signal to Smokey Joe, the bar tender in turn signals the Johnson and their team. They then enter the room, any magic on them unimpeded by the ward. Another drink is placed in from of Stormcrow and the night continues on.

Mouse & Stormcrow - Friday, March 27th, 2071@23:59: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

As midnight approaches, a pair of orks seated at the bar rise and head towards the back room. A pair of humans seated at a small table rise and join them and a troll strolls into the bar and joins the four before continuing to the back room and disappearing inside.

Mouse & Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

An explosion rocks the entrance to the bar.
Redjack
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:33: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS

Tiny's eyes are on the advancing gangers as he moves around Brianna, slightly forward and to the right of the elven beauty. Chunan is pretty much between the gangers and the the duo at the entrance to the bar. The advancing gangers show little sign of steering around Chunan if he remains on the VIP carpet, where he currently finds himself.
phlapjack77
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:00: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex
<<CommlinkStatus=broadcast, SIN=Roger Humphrey>>

I looked through the AR drinks for something I recognized - most of this stuff was so high-class, I couldn't even pronounce it. Not without a linguasoft slotted, anyway. As I scrolled the list pictures next to each name popped up little animated drink glasses, rainbow-colored swirls fizzing away with a stirring stick shaped like a palm tree or an umbrella or some other nonsense. This was definitely not my type of joint. I felt like a fish so far out of water he was stranded in the Gobi desert.

"I'll have a Jameson, neat. And maybe you can help me, I'm supposed to meet a guy named Mitch Long here. He working today?"

As I said this, I paid for my drink with a hefty 50¥ tip added on top. I hoped this would get the bartender's attention.
Grinchy McScrooge
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:33: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS
Chunan; PAN = active [wireless, earbuds, goggles, subvocal mic]; SIN = Jonathan Wong (not broadcast); Public Profile = Chunan

Tiny appears to be a little preoccupied at the moment. The gangers have yet to make any threatening moves, but Tiny's stance leads me to believe this is an unwelcome social call.

Chunan crosses the VIP carpet and stands off to the side to let the gangers, greeting them as they pass by. "Good evening, gentlemen." Then, taking up station behind them, Chunan follows the gangers in a flanking position, maintaining a 1 metre gap.

Let's see how this plays out.
Redjack
Tadhg - Saturday, March 28th@13:03; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District

Tadhg watched out the front windows of his pub as the police officers worked the homicide in that occurred just over an hour ago in his parking lot. When he called in the report, he really hadn't expected a response other than a meat wagon. He had since learned that the victim was a former Lone Star officer and apparently that warranted at least the overtures of a proper investigation.

He had heard the automatic fire, though by the time he made it to the window from the back, the sedan had already crashed into a patron's car left in his parking lot from the night before. The pattern of cracks in the safety glass, each originating from a central point to the heavy spray of red from within told Tadhg that the occupant was very dead before the car even left the street. The sound of very loud motorcycles racing away from the scene told him, at the least, that a gang was involved.

Turning back to the pub interior, the lunch crowd, if they could be called that, had mostly dispersed. Two human men and an ork woman were all that remained. By the interaction of the woman with one of the men, Tadhg had pegged her as a streetwalker within ten minutes of her arriving. The man currently receiving her affections is in his late 20's in a cheap, well worn suit. The rate at which his had been drinking and snippets of conversation pegged him as newly unemployed. The other man was probably a decade older, in street clothes and definitely a more seasoned drinker.

Bobby, a dwarven teen and Tadhg's sole remaining employee, was busy mopping puke in the bathroom. The boy was a hard worker and Tadhg had kept him on after laying off the bartender and waitress last month. He was the sole wage earning for his family. Bobby's dad died two years ago working bodyguard detail for Tadhg leaving a wife, his son Bobby and four other young children.

Business had been way down since the Everygreen Free Hospital closed up two months ago. In an attempt to expand their turf, one of the neighboring gangs, The Dragon Slayers had killed several of the doctors who drove into the Barrens to donate their time. It had been a poorly thought through attempt take the hospital away from the Kingsgate Mongrels; everyone lost that day.

Returning to behind the bar, Tadhg grabbed a rag and wiped down the bar, which was already clean, out of habit. He had enough side work that ran through the bar to keep things going indefinitely, but the loss of the hospital was a great blow to any economic recovery for the area. Moira had been lobbying the Star hard to increase patrols, but a free hospital just didn't rate high on their priority; it couldn't afford stipends to the contract.

Blue Dog, leader of the Kingsgate Mongrels, walked in from the back door and took a seat at the bar. The leader was a trusted friend to Tadhg, but their public face was usually significantly less chummy; if did no good for either Blue Dog, nor Tadhg to be known as on such good terms. To that end, the gang leader would slip away some days to come and talk or just drink in peace. He nodded to Tadhg and noticing the other patrons only said, "Draft"
almost normal
Tadhg - Saturday, March 28th@13:05; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District



Tadhg smiled at the request. He knew a few mages who would talk about slinging spells, and how natural it felt to pluck mana out of the æther itself. While he would likely never know how that felt, for him, pouring a cold beer probably came pretty close. He reached into the mini-freezer under the bar and pulled out a frosted glass mug, slipped it under the tap and poured one smooth pint of amber goodness. He hoped Blue Dog would appreciate the gesture. Spook's served most patrons their drinks in old style iron tankards, courtesy of Bobby's late father. Glass tended to be smashed, thrown, or otherwise implemented in violence, and the costs of a new case of glass every other week weren't worth the hassle. As he slid Blue Dog his drink, he leaned in and whispered,

"Give itchy-dick over there a minute or two more to seal the deal, poor fucker looks hard up. I'll shoo everyone away after that."

Tadhg shot Blue Dog a wink and a smile, then walked off towards the bathrooms, while pulling his commlink out of his pocket. He flipped it open and shot Tina a text.

<<Oy. Buncha fuck-mooks investigating a crime scene near Spooks. If you're around, stop in for a drink, otherwise, let me know what they find out. Some dead guy drove into a customer's car, and I don't imagine they're going to be pleased to hear about it. The customer that is. I don't imagine the dead guy is going to be pleased much either.>>

He finished typing just as he got to the bathroom. The door was closed, but he could hear that shitty dwarven garbage that passed for music these days, sounding even more terrible when reflecting across the surface of tile, porcelain and vomit. A thought came to Tadhg. He took a deep breath, lifted his foot and KICKED the door open, screaming at the boy.

"BOBBY FUCKIN O`SULLIVAN! YE DUMB FUCKIN DWARF HOW MANY FUCKIN TIMES HAVE I TOLD YE TO STOP LISTENIN TO THAT SHITE YE CALL MUSIC?! EVERY FUCKIN DAY WITH THIS SHITE IM GONNA FUCKIN KILL THE LIFE OUT OF YE YOU DUMB PRICK!"

The initial kick slammed door into the poor boy, and every word thereafter was followed by a playful slap or punch to the dwarf. By the fourth or fifth hit, the dwarf was punching back, and the two were laughing to tears before Tadhg had finished cursing at him. Tadhg tensed up as if to give the boy a good solid punch, then quickly ran out of the bathroom, laughing some more. A few steps back to the bar and itchy-dick and his ladyfriend had left, leaving a few nuyen on the table. Tadhg convinced the last patron to leave by clearing the day's tab, and he locked the door behind him after the man left.

"So. Blue Dog. You got anything to do with this shite outside my front door?"
Redjack
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:01: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

The bartender nods as the order and tip register, reaching for the drink he stops, turns and asks, perplexed. "You're supposed to meet who...?"
Redjack
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:36: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS

The ork ganger on Chunan's side of the gang leader smiles a grin that accents his two missing teeth as they pass. About five meters before they reach Tiny, the ork stops, spinning on a heel to face Chunan. The leader and the human flanking him on the other side continue forward. The human switches sides to stand in front of Tiny while the leader addresses Brianna. "I'm here for the insurance payment."

"You seem to be mistaken. Our insurance company is The Prime Health Corporation."

He continues in a thick Hispanic accent. "I think its you who are mistaken Chica. The Chulos are your primary providers. Failure to pay your premiums... Well, we can't protect you from accidents."

Defiantly and with a calm confidence, she says looking him straight in the eye, "You should leave now."

He smiles, "Perhaps some weak willed fools."

Tiny takes a step forward. The human attempts to stand his ground, but Tiny's mass is not deterred by the significantly lesser mass of the human who finds himself pressed against Tiny's right side and sliding back as the troll moves close enough to the gang leader so as to share the same air when breathing. "The lady asked you to leave. Don't make me get unpleasant."

Tense moments pass as the trio stand toe to toe in silence. The ork in front of Chunan begins to lightly shake with excitement as the adrenaline in his blood stream hits his heart. His eyes get wide and he smiles anticipating conflict.
Redjack
Tadhg - Saturday, March 28th@13:20; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District

Their drinks done, the couple make their way out of the pub giggling. The lone drinker remaining needs little incentive to leave, following them out about a minute later.

As Tadhg locked the door, Bobby came out of the bathroom to find the place deserted, except for Blue Dog. Knowing the score, the dwarf made his way to the back office to immerse himself in whatever the trendy video game of the day is on his comlink.

<<@Tadhg [Tina] Since you're paying my tab, I'll even take a look at the scene when I get there... assuming you haven't let every vagrant in a twenty block radius walk through it.>>

Finishing his draft and tapping for another Blue Dog looks to Tadhg. "Actually I was asking if your business was connected. Seems the Lords of War aired out his brains... and they had to go out of the way to do it."
Grinchy McScrooge
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:36: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS
Chunan; PAN = active [wireless, earbuds, goggles, subvocal mic]; SIN = Jonathan Wong (not broadcast); Public Profile = Chunan

This is a very delicate situation. I would very much like to teach these gutterpunks a lesson, especially this quivering ninny in front of me. However, Tiny has yet to indicate a course of action. And, of course, there's this crowd of "innocents" to consider. Although, in my opinion, a dose of real life would do them some good. However, if one of these drekheads attacks me, they're definitely getting reduced! Chunan sighs inwardly as he readies himself for action. Even for a Buddhist, this has been a very trying day.
phlapjack77
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:00: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex
<<CommlinkStatus=broadcast, SIN=Roger Humphrey>>

"Mitch Long."

I added another 20¥ tip and gave the bartender a knowing look. This guy had better not hold out for more, my account was almost as dry as my throat.
Aria
Mouse & Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Mouse barely had time for coherent thought as the explosion rocked the bar. Making a grab at Angelus’ tubby form beside her she tried to scramble over the bar looking for some degree of safety. Briefly she reminded herself to jam the rebreather on her face once she was out of the direct line of confrontation…
Redjack
Mouse & Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13:30: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

There are very few screams following the explosion as one would expect if the same event occurred in typical mall, rather the sounds of crashing tables and of bodies moving as people seek to dive for cover. The explosion took most of the bar by surprise, people having gotten complacent about security at the Mall. Immediately following the explosion, gas grenades stream through the Mall Office, causing people the choke and grab for respirators. Mouse dives over the bar with the grace and poise of a gymnast, landing on her feat, reaching for her drinking partner Angelus... with less grace and ease. She grabs his shirt, which slips through her fingers as she pulls. The hacker, his reactions not honed from years on the street, simply squats down next to the bar where he sat. Stormcrow also slides across the bar, looking towards the entrance as he does. His feet hitting the ground and just his head sticking over the bar.

Stormcrow sees that the entrance to the bar is a mangled mess. The center of the impact appears to be where the ork security guard normally sits. Smoke is filling the room from multiple places and everyone is diving for cover, many of them readying weapons and looking back towards the entrance. At this point, he is unable to identify the aggressors.

Mouse & Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13:31: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

As Stormcrow's ward screams in his mind that it is under attack, more explosions rock the Mall Office. This time, the explosions are caused by flash bangs having been lobbed or launched into the bar from beyond the damaged entrance into the smoke. Both Mouse and Stormcrow find themselves blasted back to the floor of the bar back, dazed from the concussive force of the flash-bangs. The sound of gunfire from multiple points in the bar then fill their ears.
Redjack
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:36: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS

The tension is broken by the laughter of the leader who then turns, amazingly without backing up, and walks away. He stops near Chunan and stares into his eyes. He speaks to Chunan, "You should find a new job effe. I'm concerned what might happen here without us working tirelessly to keep the area safe." Without waiting for a reply, he continues on followed by his entourage. The ork purposely bumps into Chunan who is in his path.
Redjack
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:00: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

The bartender stands there, holding the beer, looking both confused and concerned at Bob. "and why are you looking for Mitch?" Almost as if to himself, he adds, "You don't look his type."
almost normal
Saturday, March 28th@13:22; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District

Tadhg took back the mug and poured another drink for his friend, then poured himself a healthy glass of sherry. In mixed company, Tadhg nearly always drank beer or whiskey, not wanting to just be another stereotypical wine-drinking keeb, but with only friends expected or present, there was no reason to hold back. After passing the gang leader his beer, he sipped his wine as he thought for a moment in silence.

"Lords of War? Last dealings I had with them was trying to broker some kind of truce so they'd stop shooting the fucking hospital staff. Haven't heard much stirrings from `em since. I've got a chummer coming by to take a look at things though, she'll be here soon. I'm hoping she can lead us in the right direction so we're not sitting around drinking all day."

Tadhg flashed a grin at Blue Dog, as the alternative to progress wasn't all that bad. Despite giving up a good hundred pounds to the ganger, Tadhg could drink the man under the table and back, winning a few bets along the way. Today probably wasn't going to be one of those days, however. Cops and Robbers clashing rarely meant good news for the few honest folk in town.

If Tina doesn't come through, I'll have to hit up Herman. If neither can come up with anything, I doubt it was the Lords.
Redjack
Tadhg - Saturday, March 28th@13:31; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District

Blue Dog took the beer, nodding in acknowledgement as Tadhg spoke. The gang leader didn't add anything more, drinking in quiet for several more minutes before rising. "If you find anything out let me know." He then made his way out the back.

Several minutes later, Bobby returned from the back, having noted the ganger's exit. He went to the front door, unlocking it before meandering around the room, wiping already clean tables as he went. The bar was silent except for the quiet noise of Bobby cleaning and Tadhg sipping his drink.
phlapjack77
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:00: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex
<<CommlinkStatus=broadcast, SIN=Roger Humphrey>>

"Personal business. Now, he here today or not?"
Raven the Trickster
March 28, 00:13:31
Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13:31: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Stormcrow cursed under what was left of his breath after getting flattened by the flash bang.

Whoever is behind this attack has a good sense of tactics, obscuring people's vision and knocking many people flat without even showing themselves. But I'm betting all this is a distraction to keep people from noticing the attack on the back room
Redjack
Tadhg - Saturday, March 28th@17:43; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District

The afternoon hours pass in utter boredom; even grab-assing with Bobby gets old after a while. Bobby however has a strong work ethic. The boy wipes down the counters and tables multiple times trying to keep busy between the exchanges. After seeing his co-workers let go, can you blame him?

A little after five, a pair of humans sit at the bar and nurse a beer each. They talk softly about to each other about a hard day's work for below minimum wage; but at least they found work for the day. Soon there after a trio of Blue Dog's boys enter. Tadhg only recognizes the older, a kid no older than eighteen, but still one of the more seasoned members. The trio play pool at the sad little table in the corner of the bar and drink.

Finally, Tina arrives with a guy several years her junior in tow. Somewhere around 30, Tina is not a raving beauty, but she's attractive enough. Somewhere between her shift ending and arriving she changed into a skirt definitely too short for a professional and a blouse that accents her well endowed upper half. The young man with her is probably close to a decade her junior and dressed more like he bought his clothes off a rack with AR of the very pretty people wearing them to a rave. Naturally handsome, he is undoubtedly in over his head with Tina, while thinking he is actually in control.

The duo come up to the bar and take a pair of seats. "Tadhg! How's it going?" She gestures to her boy toy, "Meet Derick. We'll have boilermakers.." The last comes with a knowing wink.
Redjack
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:02: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

Setting the bottle down, the bartender replies. "Have a seat. He'll be a few minutes."

True to his word a few minutes later a waiter arrives. He is young, early twenties. He looks Bob over and says, "Do I know you?" Apparently puzzled at being summoned.
Redjack
Mouse & Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13:33: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Mouse pulls on her respirator as the CS gas begins to fill the bar. Gagging and choking can be heard as well as continued sporadic gunfire. Near her, behind the bar, she sees that Smokey Joe and his bar back have both donned gas masks. The former is also holding an assault rifle with a grenade launcher and a folding stock. The dwarven bar back has an SMG with a drum in his hand and is lifting a concealed door in the floor to which Joe makes his way down. Even with the Mouse's respirator and Stormcrow with none in place, they can begin to feel the light stinging of the building gas in their eyes; for Stormcrow in his lungs as well.
Grinchy McScrooge
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:36: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS
Chunan; PAN = active [wireless, earbuds, goggles, subvocal mic]; SIN = Jonathan Wong (not broadcast); Public Profile = Chunan

Chunan keeps a wary eye on the gangers until they're out of sight. Having grown up in Kowloon, a very tightly packed city, he doesn't give the jostling from the ork a seconds thought.

Get a new job? This IS my new job! Chunan sighs. Still, I should touch base with Kilroy after I get off work. Hopefully he'll have a line on work more suitable to my talents. Preferably not something that requires me to negotiate my way through verbal confrontations. At least not until my English gets a lot better.

Shaking his head, Chunan strolls over to Tiny. "That was...unexpected. If they come back, how should I act?"
Aria
Mouse & Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13:33: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Mouse desperately tried to resist the urge to rub her eyes as they began to sting in the smoke. Despite the leaden fuzzy feeling that was part of the effect of the flashbang and part where she’d bashed the back of her head on the bar, her brain was frantically whirling through options, and none of them were particularly appealing…she could go back over the bar to drag Angelus’ sorry arse out of the firing line but that would mean risking her neck to stray bullets, she could dive down the inviting hatch away from this attack, but that risked getting shot as an unexpected guest, she could try and find another exit but who knew what that would lead to…shit! Angelus was a big boy, ok, he was past it now but he’d been running the shadows with her Dad and was hopefully capable of looking after himself, she needed to prioritise her own safety…

Perhaps her companion knew of a way out…gods she hoped so! Trying to be heard over the din, or the ringing in her ears at least, she yelled at her reluctant drinking buddy

“Is there a way out? Do we follow them…” indicating to the barman’s retreating head and shoulders “comon, we’ve gotta leave now!”
Raven the Trickster
Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13:34-00:13:37: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

Mind and body moving faster now than they ever could unaided, Stormcrow quickly grabs the respirator off of his belt and puts it on, then gestures to the open hatch.

"We follow them. I'll lead. "

Staying below the top of the bar, Stormcrow moves quickly towards the hatch just as the Dwarf disappears down inside it.
almost normal
Tadhg - Saturday, March 28th@17:45; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District

The weight of the day trudged on. Thoughts refused to enter Tadgh's mind, the Trids refused to show anything new, and it was still to early to start playing a drinking game. He began to think that some sort of uninspired villain had cast some new 'Boredom' spell at the bar, when Blue Dog's boys walked in. They gave him a distraction, letting him pretend to do anything while listening in on their conversations, trying to pick up the feel of the street. At night was when this was the easiest, the ambient emotion and conversation weaving their own unique tapestry on a daily basis, but for now, this was something, and if it wasn't, it'd do till something got here.

And then, something showed. Tina, with yet another young dog. He wasn't sure what ever happened to her previous lovers, and for a brief moment he contemplated her being some sort of infected, but the realities of the now demanded his attention, and he poured the two a pair of beers and shots. He smiled at the man and waited a moment, seeing if he'd offer to pay, then spoke.

"`Ello, Derick. Nice to make your acquaintance. If you don't mind, have a seat at the far table, Tina and I have something to discuss."

Tadgh waits a beat for the man to walk off, taking away any social advantage Tina might have had.

"He's a looker. Listens too, I like that. Now, what did you find out?"
phlapjack77
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:02: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

I muttered some curses under my breath. It seemed this lead would end up down a dark alley with it's pants around it's ankles. Not good. Just to be thorough, I turned on the kid and waved my hand at him. I felt the power flow through me, tunnelling up from my core, down my hand and slipping through the air to settle on his scalp like a wet dishrag.

"Maybe. Maybe not. You owe someone named Big Lou?"
Redjack
Chunan - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @22:36: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS

The threat removed, Tiny looks to Chunan as the adept speaks. He answers with a grim look, "If they come back, I would suggest moving out of the way of the bullets." He pauses a second before his face lightens just a bit, "They will not be back tonight... But sometime in the near future it will not be pretty."

Chunan - Saturay, March 28th, 2071 @02:47: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS

The rest of the evening passes without any incidents of consequence. At one point, a drunk elf in a million nuyen suit smacks his date of the evening once and Chunan has to step in, though it takes Tiny's firm hand and deep voice to convince him to get in his car and leave without more issues. 200 nuyen in corporate script was his pay for the evening and the satisfaction that he had made a good impression.
Redjack
Mouse & Stormcrow - Saturday, March 28th, 2071@00:13:33: Crime Mall, 136th Street East & 122nd Avenue East, Puyallup Barrens, Seattle Metroplex

As Mouse calls out to Stormcrow, the street-shaman pulls the magic about him and casts a spell and the CS gas continues to spread, enveloping the bar. As Mouse and Stormcrow exchange dialog, the dwarf is disappearing down the hatch which seems to be closing behind him. Gagging and choking can be heard to intensify by the patrons of the bar and the contact nature of the CS causes the eyes of both runners to flow with uncontrolled tears. For Stormcrow, his decision to start with his spell causes the full force of the gas to assault his nostrils as well and both find themselves disoriented will few thoughts in their mind other than to flee.

Redjack
Tadhg - Saturday, March 28th@17:45; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District

Derick has a look of indecision at Tadhg's request, but Tina notices it and pulls him down close where not only can she whisper in his ear, but he gets an up close and personal overhead view of her breasts. He smiles, listening, then wanders over to the table to wait patiently, one of the beers in his hand.

After Tadhg spoke, Tina snickered, picking up the shot in one hand and the beer in another. "That's what I love about our relationship...". She drank the shot, shook her head and then took a long draw off the beer. "Always mercenary. Always business." She took another draw before continuing. "Mook's name was Moses Smith. A disgraced officer, pushed out after allegations of being on the take. Word is he'd taken to running an unlicensed detective agency. Something with that must have gotten him geeked." She then finishes her beer, before pushing the mug over. "Cause of death was lead poisoning."
Redjack
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:02: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

The waiter looks puzzled at the question and even worse, his thoughts also reveal that his bewilderment is genuine...
phlapjack77
Bob - Friday, March 27th, 2071 @19:03: McCormick and Schmicks Bar, Westlake Ave N, Lake Union, Downtown District, Seattle Metroplex

This probably wasn't the guy I was looking for, but I had to be sure.

"Now don't mess with me kid. Mikey and Twig said you owed Big Lou some money. I'm not here to collect, just to talk. "

I would need another lead to follow up. A quick mental note to my agent was in order.

<<@Agent [Bob] What's the name and address of the liqueur store that other Mitch Long robbed? He picked up by Lone Star on that one?>>
almost normal
Tadhg - Saturday, March 28th@17:47; Spooks Irish Pub, 122 Place NE & NE 132nd St, Kingsgate, Redmond District

Tadhg said a quick prayer for the recently departed, finishing with a heavy sigh. He informed Tina that he'd be a minute, then walked over to Blue Dog's boys. He put his palms down on the pool table, leaning in low, and kept his voice down.

"Allright boys. Got an offer fer ye. Got the name off the recently dead chummer in my parking lot. I want ye to find his place and loot it. Valuables only, don't need shit I can't move. Documents are good. Guns and jewelry are better. I'm thinking his joint isn't in friendly territory, so your night just got a bit more interesting. Since some of you boys are regular, I'll double my usual rate and give you 40% off the top of everything I move. You in?"
Grinchy McScrooge
Chunan - Saturay, March 28th, 2071 @02:47: Underworld 93, 4819 96th Avenue East, Puyallup District, Seattle, UCAS
Chunan; PAN = active [wireless, earbuds, goggles, subvocal mic]; SIN = Jonathan Wong (not broadcast); Public Profile = Chunan (not broadcast)

Saying his goodbyes, Chunan heads to his clothes stash to change.Making sure he isn't being followed, he heads up the outside of the building, exercising (and exorcising) out his pent up aggression from the day through his explosive ascent. Reaching the top, Chunan retrieves his old clothing, glad to get out of what he is beginning to suspect is a less than fashionable outfit. Whilst changing, he finds himself reflecting upon his day.

What a strange day. Run-ins with two gangs, as well my employer, and I haven't even made it home yet. I'm definitely going to have to keep an eye out for the Shàng Yìyuàn Nánzǐ. Joining a gang is a guaranteed path to an early grave and I have way too much karma to work out before I leave this plane of existence to even consider dying young. Don't care for Mitch at all, although Tiny and Brianna seem all right. I'm certain the job is not for me though. I want a little action and adventure, a well as a chance to make decent creds. Standing around keeping pretty boys in line just doesn't cut it.

<<@Kilroy [Chunan] Evening went okay. Not thinking this work is for me though. They have a gang problem and I will be useless at helping them with, as I am not good with guns. I will stick with it for now. They seem to like me. Would like something more suited to me though. Any leads on local runners who could use me?>>

Hope that didn't come off as too forceful. Dealing with fixers and employers reminds me of that old vid I saw as a child, where a guy walked between two building on a wire. It was fantastical to me at the time. I'm sure I could pull that off now, but it requires a great deal of patience and I'd much rather just jump the gap.

Finished with changing into his old clothes, Chunan feels instantly more relaxed and comfortable. Bundling up his new clothing for the trip home, he takes a good look at the surrounding area for threats, before making his way out into the darkness.
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