Author: Mercy Merchant

Sunday 09 June 2075 1140 Seattle





Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's appartment] #1

A young woman of perhaps seventeen or eighteen years answers Eva's call. She has red hair and bright green eyes. But what Eva probably notices first is the magnificent case of bed hair this Cynthia seems to be sporting right now. That, and the fact that the young woman is still in her nightie - a geeky one from what can be seen - with a strap dangerously ready to reveal more than is proper in almost any situation.

When she sees Eva, she seems confused "Yes ?" she asks, squinting her eyes. "I don't know you, right?". Maybe she has just woken up and her brain lags behind. Maybe...





Author: VegasRigged

I glance at the clock to confirm what I already know, that it is early afternoon, then conduct a quick reexamination of my new 'client'. My initial conclusion is that she is either a child prodigy or a trust fund brat, either way she wants my help making her place look 'cool' so tact will be prudent if not totally necessary.

"Good afternoon, I'm calling for Cynthia, I'm Marisa Coulter, you left your number with my office in oldtown."





Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's appartment] #2

Cynthia seems surprised.
- "I did what?"
From the noises and the movement of the comlink, Eva can probably determine that Cynthia is making herself some soycaf.
- "Oh. That. Yes, I remember. Yes I did."
She stops there, taking a sip from her "Concrete Dreams" mug. She seems to have forgotten all about you when she looks again at the comlink, apparently surprised to still see you there.
- "Huh... Oh yes, the redecorating thing, of course. Can you do it?"



Author: VegasRigged

"Ma'am I can work miracles." I say with a confident smile, fully suspecting that one will be needed for this.

Another thought occurs to me and I search her name and face on the matrix while I carry on the conversation "I will need to know more about you, and of course see the space, perhaps we can share a drink at some point and discuss what you have in mind for your home?"





Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's appartment] #3

- Oh you can call me Cynthia, no need for such formalities...
Absent-mindedly, she replaces her nightie's strap to its rightful place.
- As for meeting, yeah sure. Does it need to be at my place?
Before you can even consider how to reply to this silly question, she answers herself with a shake of her head.
- Err, silly question. One stone and all that I suppose. I don't know if I have something in mind though. Well something specific that is.
She shrugs.
- You can come pretty much when you can. Or want. Do I need to prepare something first?



Author: VegasRigged

"Nothing needs preparing, in fact seeing the space as you live in it will be most helpful in remaking it to best suit your needs. I'll drop by in a few hours and we can see what's what. If I may, how did you hear about my business? And illness you address of course." My tone remains genteel and kind, the voice of kindness and wisdom.





Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's appartment] #4

Cynthia replies after having swallowed the piece of snack she grabbed while you answered.
- I found you on the 'trix of course, where else? By the way, you should have a more important presence there, and not only in meatspace. Easier to find you that way, you know.
She cocks an eyebrow, but doesn't wait for you.
- Just sayin'. Anyway, I'm sending you my address, it's in Downtown. See you later then?.
Quickly, she adds.
- Oh and if I don't answer, I'll be home but... Well, just com' me.



Author: VegasRigged

'Trix, messy, unlikely to answer the door. I'm talking to a matrix person. I didn't deal with her kind much at the corp, but I have a basic idea of what they do, though no clue how they do it. Perhaps I can work something out here that would benefit both of us. I'll need to tie a lot of threads together quickly, but this might well be person worth keeping around...

"I'll be there soon and let you know a little ahead of my arrival. Thank you Cynthia and good afternoon too you, I like forward to meeting in person."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's appartment] #5

- Sure, see you.
She seems ready to close the connection when she adds, as an afterthought:
- Oh and thank you for calling.

Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Your cab drops you off at the Gates Undersound Hotel. A hotel doorman opens the door of the cab and escorts you to the main entrance. Entering the cavernous lobby, you notice that the motif is definitely a seascape from under the water. The registration counter is off to your left and a bank of elevators is to your right. A broad, sweeping stairway leads to the second floor, where a balcony provides a magnificent view of the sound outside. As you approach the registration counter a young woman approaches you. "Miss Coulter? My name is Monique Chevalier. I am the personal maid to Lady Tanya Marisart. I am to lead you to her suite. Follow me please."

The woman leads you past the bank of elevators to a smaller set of two elevators that are guarded by a hotel security man. Monique nods to the man and takes you onto the elevator car, pushing the buttons that lead you to the undersea levels, going to sub-level 3. Emerging from the elevator, she leads you to suite A and opens the door for you. The room you enter is monstrous in size, easily eclipsing your own suite. The living room has several comfortable chairs and settees arranged in conversational groups around the room. A window stretches from floor to ceiling and side to side at the far end of the room, proving you with a view of the sound from under the water. A large kitchen sits off to the right and a formal dining room that could easily seat sixteen is to the left. Several doors open off of the living room. Tanya Marisart rises from one of the settees where she had been looking into the ocen. She is dressed in what are almost certainly silk pajamas and an open oriental robe. She stretches out a hand to you as she approaches. Good afternoon, Miss Coulter. May I call you Marisa? And please call me Tanya."



@Cynthia The call complete, you finish getting your caf and consider getting dressed. You are having a sort of perverse pleasure in thinking that you will be able to send the bill for redecorating this place to your parents.



Author: VegasRigged

"It is lovely to see you again Tanya, and please do, formality seems so outing place in ones own home. How are you?" I shake the offered hand, the image of casual professionalism.

My observations so far lead me to wonder what exactly she intends, in a space of this size their are a whole range of options that are otherwise outbid the question. This might also open up a unique opportunity to investigate the lay lines in this part of town, not to mention making a good impression on a royal lady.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Monique takes your wrap and hangs it in a closet that could easily double as a normal person's spare bedroom. Tanya looks to her and says, "Thank you, Monique. Will you please bring the tea to the living room. I think we will be more comfortable there." Monique nods and disappears into the dining room while Tanya motions for you to follow her. As you step down the single step to the living room, your initial vista is of the water right outside the huge window. You can see fish swimming and several lights have been situated on the seafloor, carefully placed so as to illuminate the area near the hotel without blinding the guests. Your second view is the furniture that Tanya has in the room. While tasteful, it just does not resonate perfectly with the room or the spectacular view.

Tanya motions for you to take a seat in one of the large chairs and takes a seat herself in another, arranging the two of you so that a nice but unsatisfactory table is between you. Monique arrives silently and places an elegant silver tea tray on the table. A large pot of tea and another of coffee share the ends, with little bowls of sugar, cream, milk, and lemon wedges in between. Tanya looks at you. "Tea, Marisa? Or perhaps you prefer coffee? And do you take milk, sugar, or lemon?" While she is waiting for you to reply she pours a cup of tea from one of the post and adds a lemon wedge. Monique returns with a small plate of scones and another of small slices of cake, putting them on the table with two small plates. After placing napkins, spoons, and forks near the two of you, the maid disappears.





Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's appartment] #6

Once showered and decently clothed (with a simple jean and a t-shirt from some obscur rock group), Cynthia gets a real breakfast, pondering what she will do to pass the time while waiting for Marissa. She considers rifling through her comlink. But only briefly, for doing so would only be boring, and she's not much of a peeping tom anyway. She can't really start to play some game, not seriously at least, since she doesn't know when Marissa will come. Maybe she should have ask more details... Doesn't matter, she will have plenty of time later.

Instead, she compiles a Courrier sprite that she hides under Static Veil. Then she roams the Matrix, first looking at the news of the day in Seattle and the world at large, then hunting for some interesting new sounds. And within minutes probably, looking at pictures of butterflies.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia The news is still mostly of the violence of the preceding day. The KE spokesman had announced at a news conference that morning that there was still little evidence linking the crimes together. This announcement scrolled across the bottom of the 'link while pundits debated what the KE were hiding. Pictures of a young woman and a man were posted on the feeds about once every ten minutes, along with a message asking for help locating these two people as "persons of interest" and warning that the man should be considered armed and dangerous, but the young woman is more likely a kidnap victim and is apparently paralyzed form the waist down.

The butterflies you find are very pretty.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #7

In the middle of hunting the best jokes about wage slaves, after the nth message regarding this duo, Cailin decides that she can try to find them. Oh, she doesn't think she will be able to. After all, she doesn't have any illusions regarding her skills: if all of KE (among others) is looking for them, she doesn't think for a second that she will succeed where they are failing.

Still, it seems a worthy challenge. She doesn't event think for one second what she will do if she finds what she's looking for.
Instead, she slips completely in the Matrix. There, she lets her Courrier Sprite dissolve itself and compiles a new Data Sprite to help her in her new task, once again hiding it behind a weak Static Veil, so that it can avoid GOD's many eyes.

Then, she starts her hunt. Or, given how she takes the thing, her game. She knows some nice spots in the Seattle Matrix. Maybe she'll be lucky there, who knows?



Author: VegasRigged

I take my tea as she does and after sipping it delicately I choose a piece of cake with complementary favors. I make a slight show of my awe at the gaint window and the view outside, then seem to snap back to my client and smile a little apologetically

"You have a beautiful home Tanya, and I'm glad our mutual friend managed to connect us in such an elegant fashion. How are you?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya smiles. "I am quite well, thank you, and hope that you are, too." She sips from her cup and looks at you closely. "I have been speaking with my very good friend, Ni Ni Xiaolu and she says good things about your decorating skills. I am sure that you can see that all I ever learned about interior decorating came from a bloody Better Homes and Gardens catalogue. Are you interested in helping me?"



Author: VegasRigged

"I am glad she thinks so, she's a powerful women and one I feel privileged to know. I would of course be happy to assist you in redecorating, I can think of numerous valuable tweaks and alterations, either subtle and minor or literally groundbreaking. I'd also like to offer an exchange of services, as you are the most handsomely dressed women I've encountered in quite some time I wonder if you could halo me with an outfit?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya smiles and nods. looking up and down at your figure. She motions for you to stand up and measures you with her eyes as she also stands. "I think we are of a close size. I might have something you can at least try on and see if the style looks good on you." She motions to have you turn around and then points to one of the doors leading from the living room. "If you want, I can show you the closet now. What sort of gown are you looking for and how much do you wish to impress someone?"

Author: VegasRigged

"Well I'm going to Dante's inferno for the first time and would like to make a splash, and my girlfriend is almost as dangerous as yours, so swooning at the highest levels would be wonderful." I follow her to the closet and put aside my suit jacket as I consider the vast array of clothing options before me.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya laughs as you stand in the closet. "I make it a solemn promise to never confirm or deny the identity of any of my sexual partners. Well, except for the guy that died with his dick inside a fifteen year old who should have known better. He should have known better, too, but he probably did not know that he would have a massive heart attack while fucking her in my bed while I was away. No, him I can talk about. It is the rest of my adventures that I keep quiet about. Now let's see what I have. She starts pulling clothes off the hangers and holding them up to you, placing some on the huge bed that must have been made for several people at once, and hanging the rejects back up.

She sits on the bed and motions for you to strip. "You know, I have a special VIP pass for Dante's. I could get you down to the bottom floors and would be happy to take you and your girlfriend as my guests, if you like. When are you planning on going?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: Totally missed the post from Cynthia. Very sorry.

@Cynthia The matrix is the real world and its varied sights and sounds are so much more real than meat space will ever be. It could be so easy to just......................... Wow, it could be easy to lose oneself in the matrix. Your time is spent in host after host, seeking out any information about the identity of the people in the picture. Almost everywhere you look there is evidence that others, perhaps many others are doing the exact same thing. This par seems to have excited the imaginations of many people, most of whom are just interested, but some are probably either KE or whoever started this bloodbath to look for them.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #8

@OOC Ha don't worry about it, I thought you were waiting for time synchronisation reasons ^^

After her first few minutes of looking into the duo, Cynthia is a bit annoyed by the number of people doing the exact same thing. What's the fun in doing the same thing as everyone else? Not a lot. Not even taking into account that she doesn't really care about the duo. But what if...

She smiles. Well, her Persona smiles at least. Instead of finding information from scratch about this duo, she will "hunt" the hunters. Her goal is not to harm them in any way of course. But it's a nice exercice to flex her digital muscles, and she could learn some interesting stuff in the process.

To do it, helped by a Data Sprite, she will look for a pattern in the traces she has found, probably on the Ares Grid, supposing this is the one used by KE and most of those hunting. A file in a host that is often looked into by those seeking informations on the duo for example. If she succeeds, she will reboot herself (to take care of any OS she incured in her search up to this point), go back to this spot, compile a Courier Sprite and lay low (with a Static Veil on the sprite and herself), waiting for Personnas to come and look into it. If their Device Rating isn't too high and there are no big bad programs running on it (Cynthia certainly doesn't want to start any kind of fight in the process...) she will ask her Courrier Sprite to tag the personna with a Cookie for something like half an hour.

She doesn't expect to learn anything huge, at least at first: but maybe by doing so she can identify some targets that know a bit more than the others and their identities (or at least, who they represent). In all those personna, there are some bound to not be to difficult to...persuade...to give her some of their data. And one thing leading to another, she might be able to identify interesting spots and gather some interesting data in the process.

Of course, this will take time but...she forgot all about Marisa coming later (and she told her to call anyway, so she doesn't event have any remorse) and becomes completely absorbed by her game.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Oooh. You find a good spot; a file on the man that seems to be fairly open with no real file protection, almost as if someone had pulled it from a drawer and forget to put it away after looking at it. Sure enough, it is not long before you see a matrix persona come look at the file. After a short time, the persons smiles and puts the read file back on the virtual desk and gets ready to leave. As you prepare to follow, something gets your attention. Another persona, almost invisible rises from a hiding spot and follows the first. Apparently you are not the first to think of this idea.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #9

Ha. Go figure.
Good thing I'm naturally good at this kind of cloak and dagger stuff. Beats relying on brute force like those deckers. Well, as long as they don't see you that is.
Anyway, following the furtive Personna is much more interesting than doing it on some dumb happy ones. Here, I will have to be on the top of my game. To not let it get away from me, and while doing so, staying hidden from it. This is so much better.
She briefly considers asking her Courier Sprite to tag the furtive one, even if it probably doesn't have a lot of hope to succeed. While it doesn't matter if it fails since it wouldn't give anything away, if it does succeed...it would be less interesting.
In much the same way, she wonders if she should attempt to put a mark on her target. That would hugely simplify her task. Well, as long as it doesn't check for marks on itself that is. But this would be dangerous. And if the target is good, it would just serve at give her away. No, much better simply following.

Still, maybe she should use her sprite after all. No risks... well, unless the target specifically checks for files on itself. Not completely impossible, but much less probable than checking for marks.

Wait, now that she thinks about it... She checks herself a bit. You never know. Maybe there's someone trying the same stuff on her. That wouldn't do. Wouldn't do at all. Being the hunter is a hell of a lot more fun than being prey!



Author: Mercy Merchant

Suddenly the game becomes a lot more interesting as you find that someone has tossed a mark at you without you detecting the action. Someone is interested in your actions. Now you have decisions to make on following the original target, the one who is following that one, or trying to deal with whoever is following you. Can you do all three at once or will you need to focus on one task?



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #10

Cynthia freezes for an instant when she sees the mark on herself. While she doesn't think - at all - that she's the hottest hacker in the Matrix, she still has a decent appreciation of her skills. Whoever put a mark on her must be very good. That could be reason enough to forget the whole thing and leave as soon as possible.

Still, only one mark means that her meat cannot be found. That's good. No reason to panic. Yet. While there's no shame being beaten by stronger than yourself, it still smarts a bit. She's doesn't intend to roll over and admit defeat however. She forgets about following anyone: that's so not interesting anymore. Instead she will play with whoever thought he could use her.

To that effect, she takes a few seconds to think about how to proceed. Once a set of actions chosen, she takes actions. First, she will wait an occasion where the little train enters or exits a Host. Just as she exits, she will Thread a Resonance Veil to try and induce her follower into believing that she's not where she is supposed to be. Of course, given the mark on herself, her follower will not believe it and will soon ignore the false input. But she hopes it will still take time, if very short, to realise which is which. Time where he will not move and stay in a small and identified region, which should help her find him.

If she does indeed find him, she will attempt to place one (and only one) mark on her hunter now target with the help of her sprite.



Author: VegasRigged

I'm glad she's facing the racks while telling her little story, because I can barely contain my shock and horror. To just drop something like that in casual conversation? What the actual hell? I thought i was meeting with a business women, potential friend, and at very least someone educated in the ways of common social customs.

My previous plans to make this a somewhat flirtatious encounter are completely gone, and I'm a tad uncomfortable taking off my clothes now, but I compensate by turning away as I remove my suit, thankful I wore decent underclothes, nothing flashy but nothing shameful either.

"We're going tonight, and that is a generous offer to say the least. I feel I must accept, baring her approval of course." after a moments pause I decide to chance it "Was that a true story? It sounds rather horrible."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia It is almost as if you can predict the future. As you wait after exiting the next host and casting your Resonance Veil, you do notice a persona stop and look about in confusion. As the hunter looks about as if to check which of several doors you might have used, you are able to slip a marl on him without being noticed.

@Eva "Tonight? I can do tonight. What time and is it just for you and a friend or were you doing a group thing? I can arrange for a nice private booth if you want somewhere to relax between visits to the dance floor. Oh, that looks nice on you, but I think the next one has the killer look you might be looking for. Do you have some tape to keep the front up or can I give you some?"

After a slight pause, she adds, '"I probably should not have mentioned that. I guess you can tell that I am still bitter? But it is unfortunately all too true. Some day I may even be able to tell you the story over drinks or something. The very short story is that I was nowhere near the incident but my name was associated with the guy and the scandal was pretty bad. You can probably look it all up on old news feeds. Or even new ones. Every once in a while someone tries to dig up something on me and that usually comes up. To be honest, I was horrified at what happened that night. I might have killed the bloody ass if he had not died."

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #11

Now that she has succeeded, she will seem confused too, as if she had lost for an instant the one she was following. Which of course is easy to do since she did indeed lose the persona she was following. Still, after a few seconds, she goes toward another host, taking care to not be too invisible. On the way, she will try to analyse what she can about the persona on which she has a mark (and periodically checking that no other mark appears on her).

Instead of taking any drasting measure, she will try to play it with finess. She will go from Host to Host, at first giving the impression that she intends to continue her research, but will soon appear to lose interest in all this (for example by spending some time on some totally unrelated stuff). Her hope is that in doing so, her hunter-prey will take the initiative to remove his mark by himself to give the impression that nothing happened. She could remove the mark herself, but then the game would end. And she doesn't want that yet.



Author: VegasRigged

I send Sylvia a message saying we may have VIP access and a few guests she might find interesting.

"Their are five with you, perhaps another depending on how my next meeting goes. Myself, my current partner Sylvia, an employee of mine I'm vetting for promotion and her boyfriend to decide if he's worth keeping around.

"I'm sorry, that seems a heavy burden to bear, and the scandal for a women of your stature must be substantial."

Especially if you go around telling people all the time. No matter, it's a piece of her that I know now, a hint at her personality.

I smile knowingly over my shoulder as I apply the tape "As to killing such men, best to leave it up to the professionals. They're so much more effective then a blind rage and a pair of scissors."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia The persona following you stays with you for some time, but eventually seems to lose interest in you and wanders back in the direction of where you had started this game. Your check tells you that the mark on you has been removed.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya looks appreciatively at you as you model the gown. "Almost perfect. I think if you wore your hair in a slightly different fashion you would be the rage of the club tonight. You might have to fight all sorts of men off. Women, too. May I?" She stands and motions with her hands to your hair. "I can see the value of a professional, but the scissors and some good rage would have been oh so satisfying."

While you are deciding whether you want to get that close to her, you get a response back from Sylvia. >>So it is going to be a party? Will I have to be on my A-game to go home with you? Still 2200? And I guess we meet at the VIP entrance instead of the regular one?<<





Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #12

Great!
Cynthia dismisses her Courrier Sprite. For what she has in mind, she will need a Data Sprite. And since she really want to succeed, she will compile a sprite a bit more complex than usual. She might need a little nap after that, but that's no big deal. Once the sprite is here, she will ask it to Snoop her target, while Cynthia will help and not the other way around, since this sprite is much better at doing this than Cynthia is.





Author: VegasRigged

I still feel very little real attraction after that fo pa a moment ago, but the opportunity to flirt is too good to pass up "Of course, I know theirs not much to work with but do with it as you please." As she begins to stand up some of my hair I continue "I believe I understand, though my profession demands a detailed perfection, I sometimes feel I miss out on true... passion."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia The strong Data Sprite races off to do your bidding, leaving you on your own.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #13

Once this is done, Cynthia seems a bit lost.
It takes her a moment to go back to why she just sicced a Sprite on someone. Once there, she decides that while she doesn't really want to know where the man and the paralyzed woman are, she would at least like to know why they are the hottest couple - at least in terms of reward - in Seattle just now. She'll nap later.

She will start by looking for the news regarding the violent events in the last couple of days. And once there, she'll look into the identity of those two and what all this has got to do with them.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya moves to your neck and holds your hair in different positions. She laughs gently as you talk. "Well, I happen to feel that there is a place for both types of people. I tend to plan some things to the best detail, but I always try to leave room for the unexpected, but most of my life is in the now moment. I thrive on risk and chance. Monique says I am too much the seeker of thrills, as she puts it, and I probably am. Have you ever tried sky diving? Would you like to? Oh, and would you mind if I asked a date to this party tonight?"



Author: VegasRigged

"I don't mind at all and party is quickly becoming the right word for it. No, I have never been skydiving. I'm afraid I'm not much of a thrill-seeker myself, I haven't even been to a club like this in some time, my taste for excitement is limited really." I smile over my shoulder "Sorry to disappoint."

Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia The news feeds are a bit confusing and some of the information is not the same from station to station. What does seem to be common is that there was a gunfight at the lake at Washington Rec on Saturday morning. The woman who is now paralyzed was apparently a part time student at the university and was working at one of the food shacks on the beach. Several men opened fire on the beach goers, apparently at random, but also with the intent to kill a man who was seen to be carrying a small attaché case. The other man wanted was apparently just there but intercepted the killers, putting at least three of them down. A doctor on the scene has told authorities that the man with the case died in the arms of the woman who was later shot. The surviving attackers grabbed the case but had to leave the woman, who was taken to Mercy General. The hospital was attacked by an organized force and several KE officers and gunmen lost their lives. It seems that the gunmen were focused on getting to this woman. There has been no definitive word from the KE about much of this, but conspiracy theorists are saying that someone was after the case and needs a code that the courier passed on to the woman.

@Eva "The Inferno is a good place to have a party, Marisa. It helps keep people from doing too much. Sometimes." Tanya gives you an odd look and sits back down on the edge of the bed. "I try to never be disappointed about people until I get to know them. I have it on very good authority that you do excellent work. Certainly your efforts to get the cabinet into the Gale house were helpful. It might have been a much tougher sell if you had not talked the wife into it already. I do sense that I make you a bit uncomfortable and would be interested in knowing why, since I doubt it is the money or the flat. I am sorry if I have disappointed you and would like to see if that can be fixed."



Author: VegasRigged

"It's nothing." I say with a fake smile, this is manners at play, the little lie that really says 'my feelings on the matter aren't as important as yours' and leaves the door open for her to press the subject or drop it, this determining the depth of interest and moving the relationship up a level in a more formal and proper fashion.

She responds with a serous look, calling my bluff, and I take a seat next to her, feeling the movement of my new dress and enjoying it's silky smooth quality "I suppose it's more my problem then yours. In my line of work, my other line of work, I typically make acquaintances who sleep with one eye open as it were. Despite being called her as a decorator our mutual friends involvement led me to believe you were of the more unlawful persuasion. Yet now you openly confess a scandal against you, dress me for a party and show a genuine interest in companionship. It has caught me off guard I suppose, but I will strive to emulate your wisdom on this point: I will not be disappointed until I believe I know you."

We are sitting ever so slightly too close together, and I've been careful to work it in such a fashion as to make it impossible to tell who broached the invisible line. Now all I can do is wait for her response. I'm getting close now.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #14

Ooh, conspiracy! Who doesn't love a bit of conspiracy!
At least it explains the hunt going on in the Matrix. What with KE hunting cop killers, conspiracy theorists wanting to prove that everything they've been warning the world about is true and those that want to find the man in hope of a reward... And, if this conspiracy bit is not a complete invention, from the attackers trying to get their hands on the woman... Yeah, no surprise there's a lot of people looking after the same things.

Cynthia wonders from which group of those her hunter-turned-prey is a part of.
Would be nice if he were from KE. Even better still, from the no-doubt-evil-and-thrice-damned-conspirators. Not that there's much chance of that, even if they do happen to exist. Still, this situation could have turned ugly fast if she got that dubious luck. Her meat is probably taken by a case of cold sweat right now. And probably a shiver of excitement...

One thing that makes her suspicious is how the "Hero of Washington Rec" became Wanted on such a scale. The man could work for rivals of the killers, holding on the woman until he can manage to retrieve the suitcase? Seems plausible enough. However, if it were the case, he should have extensive backup, and the killers - at least those that got out of Mercy General - should be under at least as much heat as him. And while they are wanted, it doesn't appear to be on the same scale.

Maybe there's some truth in this after all. At least in so far as there's something going on. Cynthia briefly considers dropping the matter entirely: either it's nothing, and all this noise will lead nowhere ; or there's really something, and it could really become dangerous if she were to find something. Well, find something and let someone know. But she quickly decides to continue, for if she doesn't ignore the potential dangers, she finds all this to be the most exciting situation she was in since...well, entirely too long. And she doesn't intend to pass on this type of fun.

She's glad that the Sprite she sicced on her hunter-turned-prey is in no danger to be found: once the Snoop was initiated, the Sprite could be on the other side of the Matrix and it wouldn't change anything. At worst, the target will find her Mark but that won't tell him a lot, even supposing that he is able to guess who put that mark on him. Most probably this guy being a hacker who has done bad stuff this session - according to GOD at least - will need to reboot his deck at some point to avoid incuring GOD's wrath and would be none the wiser.

Reassured that she's in no danger at this point, Cynthia looks into what this Snoop gave her so far.
Once this is done, she will compile a new Data Sprite asking it to use this new data and everything she has found up to know as a base to gather a file with anything it can find on the man (who he is and who he works for), the doctor (did he come under any kind of scrutiny, from people thinking he might have heard when the courrier (allegedly) told the code to the woman?) and the killer themselves (who are they?) and send it to her 'link, updating it every ten minutes for a total of one hour.
Even if the Data Sprite is the best at staying hidden, she still has to keep the risks in mind. That's why she asks that before an update, the sprite checks if it is marked or has a cookie on itself. If so, it will attempt to erase the mark/cookie. If it cannot, then it will abort the mission. Since Cynthia will be "napbooting", she is immune to a trace, so it doesn't matter too much if at some point the Sprite is marked. The thing she must be careful of hower is a Snoop: and checking for marks just before sending data is enough to avoid this danger.

The Sprite sent on her quest, unless something huge comes up in the data extracted with the Snoop, Cynthia will reboot herself for a well deserved nap.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya makes no move to slide away or to get closer. She nods. "As it turns out, I really do need a re-do of my furnishings. Some of this stuff has been here for far too long. but there is more to this than just decorating my flat. I am not sure how to put it into words."


@Cynthia The data coming in from the sprite seems to indicate that the hunted persona is a casual but talented hacker. The final action of the sprite is to return with the physical location of the hacker after making sure it is unmarked. The second sprite sets off to begin its tasks.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #15

Cynthia is a bit disapointed that her prey is not someone better connected to the case. But well, that was probably by far the most probable outcome.

She glances rapidly at the data, including the physical location, but will not even try to analyse what it means right now.
She sends her sprite, and hesitates a bit. Oh, something like a quarter of a second. But in a typical hacker mentality, she can't resist the appeal of letting her prey know that she bested him. Just before rebooting, she sends him a message thanks to the marks she has saying something like >>I think you caught some Marks somewhere. A bit dangerous to keep it for so long you know. Take care o/<<.
She will add some way for him/her/it to reply in some anonymous way or other (on a craiglist-like forum or thing like that, she probably knows tons of things like that). She doesn't intend to give any information about her, but she's curious.

Then she reboots for her nap, enjoying the spectacle of digital sugarplums dancing in her head.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia When you wake from your nap, you find a message waiting on your 'link. >>Hello. Nice work with the mark. That was pretty smooth of you. Would you like to meet for coffee somewhere and compare notes? Send a response to the attached code.<<

The second sprite you sent out is apparently still working on your task.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #16

*Huh... A meating? With someone I don't even know? And for something I'm not even supposed to do?*

Cynthia is a bit torn. Her curiosity would lead her to accept. Her caution, to refuse. After all, he might be an independent, but that's hardly comforting. He could be quite sensitive about all of this even if the tone of the message doesn't indicate anything of the sort. But who trusts that?

*And I've got this appointment with...er...what's her name again? Oh yeah, Marissa. Wait maybe I can ask him if he knows the Digital? That would be safe.*

>>I have an appointment sometime today. After that, maybe... You know the Digital?<<

*If he doesn't know, not my fault! Good. I hope he doesn't know. Or do I? Huh...*

Cynthia will drop this line of thoughts, avoiding potential headaches. Since her sprite is still looking, she will hide it by Threading and sustaining a Static Veil and Threading a bunch of low level Cleaner to remove GOD's concerns: that way, the Sprite will be able to continue until it is asked to stop. After that, she looks at what she found up to know, to try and make sense of it, unearth hidden gems she might have missed earlier, etc.





Author: VegasRigged

"That must be an unfamiliar feeling for a women of your poise and education. I look forward of course to helping however I can, but please tell what it is you need."

This is either good or bad, depending on the job she has for me. But doing a favor and doing it well should earn me a fair deal of respect.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya turns her head and looks at you from quite close. She licks her lips and says, "It is a matter of some delicacy and trust and I am not sure I should get you involved. I am told that you are quite skilled, but I have a need for skill and discretion and the job might be more than you want to take on as it involves more than convincing a rather vacuous woman to buy a specific cabinet for her home."


@Cynthis >>Know it? Sure I know it. Send me a call when you finish your appointment.<<

There is a ton of information about the doctor, from his college years to his rise at Mercy General to his three failed marriages. He seems to be a stand up guy, except to his ex-wives, who all claim he has a hidden mean streak. There is very little on the girl, who seems entirely to be just what the press is putting out. She is a part time university student working her way through without scholarships. She has a largish family consisting of three older and two younger brothers and her parents. The other man is mostly a mystery. He is tied to a PI sort of business, a partner in Raleigh Investigations, or something like that. But little is found about him before he popped up in the firm.



Author: VegasRigged

"Whatever you need Tanya, I can very delicate when the occasion calls for it."

I'm still flirting hard but I need her to make the first move here, whether it giving me a job or making out, I am the outsider in her home and the initiative is hers. I do discreetly send a message to Sylvia asking if she minds if I make out with a princess.

Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya smiles. Her breathing is calm, but there is a certain excitement in her eyes. "I am an adventurous woman and willing to take chances to feel in the moment. I have a job to offer you, but would like to know more of your talents and desires before offering it. My friend tells me that you are awakened. Are you willing to tell me what you can do?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #17

*Damn. No more excuse then. Well, not a good enough one anyway. Yet. I might think of something before that. Still, anything's good to escape being bored I suppose...*

>>Sure.<<

Cynthia considers what she found.

*The woman is just a random victim. Well, looks like it anyway. There should be more on her though. Doesn't really matter I suppose. No use spending time on her, at least not without nothing more interesting. The doctor... Weird that his three wives all claim the same thing. He doesn't feel that important in all this though. The only thing to note is his statement about the courier. Hardly something interesting. The Hero now...*

Cynthia displays all the data she has on him, organising it as best as possible.

*Probably a past less than overboard. Maybe retired from the Shadows? Maybe from some kind of black-ops or something. Would explain the skills and the sudden appearance anyway. But I WON'T dig that way. If either of those are true... BAD things.*

Cynthia shivers. Even the excitement about finding stuff about the shadows or black-ops isn't enough to overcome her cautiousness here.

*There would be another way though: Raleigh Investigations. That said, there's probably a million persons who thought about it before me. All normal paths will have been considered. I have to be smart about it, or find something else.*

She considers the problem a moment. Pulling some quick data about what a PI would need, how they work. Only glancing at the results from time to time.

*Hey wait. There might be some way. If you want to be a successful PI you have to be reasonably good in the 'trix. Or you'd need someone that would be. Someone that would know the best ways to find data. One of them must be data havens. If I go there, I might be able to find something. Good thing I know a lot of them.*

She prepares to look for just that, but stops.

*And how exactly am I to find traces of users in this kind of Host exactly? There won't be some file tagged with a ". Stupid.*

Cynthia groans. She prepares herself a soycaff, and switches music, from an Opera to some Maria Mercurial.

*So. Data on Raileigh investigations. List of employees? There's probably some kind of declarations in multiple places. IRS? No way, too dangerous. Wait, maybe they pay public transports to their employees. I heard some did it. Or taxis. Maybe parking? Shouldn't be too difficult to access, I don't imagine it's that protected. So, go to the hosts, look for Raileigh's invoices and hope? Seems like a plan. Yeah Maria!*

Now decided on a course of action, Cynthia slips back to the Matrix. She'll compile a Crack Sprite and then visit the Hosts of some transport affiliated companies. There, she will look for invoices (or open accounts, but invoices will probably be less secured and will give her the same data she's looking for) paid by Raileigh Investigations'. Hopefully, those invoices will have the names of the people they're paid for. And maybe, associated vehicules or logs of each trip. Maybe on the invoices or in some other file in the same Host.





Author: VegasRigged

"Perhaps... you would prefer... If I showed you." I raise a hand up for her to take.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya looks at you for a moment then takes your hand.


@Cynthia Raleigh Investigations is registered with the city's licensing bureau and the BBB. The papers from both agencies indicate that the firm is headed by two partners; Quentin Raleigh and Benoit Christianson. There are two employees listed; Jacob Villars and Barbara Benton. Moving into other search areas, you find that Jacob was listed as an investigator while Barbara was information management and data research. A snippet from a news feed indicates that the investigative office had been attacked by an unknown number of gunmen, leaving Jacob dead and Raleigh missing.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #18

Cynthia purrs *Yeah, I'm good!*. After a few seconds of enjoyment *Well let's not be carried away shall we? It was not that hard, all of KE already knows about it, as well as probably hundreds of people. And I got lucky to find stuff about the licensing and BBB since I didn't think about it at first. Should have, dumbo. Still, nice to know more! So, our hero has a name: Mister Benoit Christanson. What kind of name is that?*

She pauses, considering *Er...unless this Ben is someone else entirely and the hero is someone off the books?* She looks at the snippet regarding the attack *Whatever this is, someone really wants it and doesn't care about costs...Or the body count... I wonder what this is all about...*

Lost in speculations for a bit, Cynthia shakes herself. *Ok, next step: weak link. Jacob's out. In all senses of the term. Benoit can obviously hide his tracks, so probably no weak link. Raleigh? He disappeared too. Either he's dead and no one found it, kidnapped as a bargaining chip by the attackers or just hiding in the deepest hole he could find. That leaves Barbara. Probably never in the field, and often in the Matrix. Which would mean that unless completely paranoid, she didn't really hide her tracks before yesterday. I'll still have to look for data about the others, should be easier now that I have time, but I'll just send a sprite for that; when Marissa is here.*

Floating around in the Matrix, not really paying attention to what's going on, she considers her next step. *So focus on Barbara. Look for private data about her. Now that I have her name, I can probably look into transports logs, to find area of interest, maybe where she lives. If she's still free, she probably went underground though so no use finding her home or anything like that. Information management and data research hey. So, she's at least somewhat capable in the 'trix. There must be something to do here: she must know how to contact the others, and she must leave more traces than the others on the 'trix. If she's like...well... Like any hacker I know, she wouldn't be able to keep away from it for long. Maybe even checking some stuff she shouldn't on the job. Just quick and fast, thinking it's no big deal.*

Cynthia pauses at that a bit unsure. *That's a big assumption but... She's doesn't seem like a field agent, and not a partner so lower on the totem pole. With only four people working there, she might not be that good. Under pressure, in a situation she's probably not used to, and maybe a bit green? She might slip. If she's in hiding, she just might be bored and want to play. I know I would. If she's running and dodging bullets though...*

Here Cynthia needs a bit of time. She was never under fire. So has no idea what she would do. *Anyway, she can't dodge bullets for long: either they catch up or she escapes. So, back to hiding. Bored. Let's say she does slip. I still have to know where she could, before I find it. So first step would be to know more about her, to try and identify what she could want to check while hiding. And I might just find her comcode in some newsletter subscription or whatever. I wouldn't be able to trace it just like that, but maybe I could send her some trojan or whatever. Or contact her to chat? Nah, that would be cheating.*

So, first step first, Cynthia will switch to a Data Sprite, and look for as much data as possible about one Barbara Benton and more specifically her matrix habits. Maybe an account to a news service that PIs like due to their neutrality or whatever. If possible, with a comcode. By itself, it wouldn't give her much, but she might think of something. In combination with a subscription to some automatic news service, she would probably be able to do something.

And she will be very careful now, checking for marks regularly, making sure no one is paying attention to her and so on: she enjoys this hunt as a game, a challenge. Looking for these people is fun. But she has zero intentions to bring heat (or more heat) on their heads. Bragging about it though... Well, when it's finished, she doesn't want to be the prey in this game, thank you very much.





Author: VegasRigged

I cast force 3 euphoria, hold it for a moment then release her with a satisfied smile.

"That's just a small taste of my abilities, and they extend far beyond the bedroom. Anything you want done I can do. Anything."

I am already kicking myself for not going through with reading her. If I'd pushed the euphoria further I could probably have gotten into her mind without her even knowing. Perhaps if she pushes things further, goodness knows I've given a hell of a taste to get her craving.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya looks a bit shocked. "Oh my. You are just too bloody dangerous, aren't you? Whatever you just did to me.............can you do that to anyone? I was already half wanting you, but now it is hard to stop just ripping my clothes off and taking you to bed. Is there anything I can do to protect myself against this sort of thing? And by the way, please do not do that again. But I would definitely go to bed with you with no real provocation. Wow! This is amazing. Any side effects and how long to wear off?"

Just then you get a return message from Sylvia. >>Girl, you do not need permission from me to flirt with anyone. Just be careful.<<

You also get pings from the calendar, reminding you of your appointments with your client and then Cynthia.


@Cynthia It is fairly easy to get the surface information about Barbara Benton. She is the only child of a priest and a nun and had been given up for adoption as a baby. Her parents were lower class wageslaves, but they doted on their daughter. She had excelled in school, but had been mostly of the sort of girl most people overlooked. That changed when she hit puberty. Her chest just exploded and the rest of her body did not quite keep up. Her newer pictures show a very busty young woman with the type of physical attributes that would get her noticed. She has worked a variety of jobs before settling in with Raleigh Investments.

Her fingers are all over just about every piece of research the firm has done since she joined. She has subscriptions to a number of data services and you are able to get to some of her private messages in various public chat rooms. She is engaged, but doing a quick check of the man as a matter of course leads you to believe that he is not being faithful to her. Also, he has run off from the apartment they share. Your sprite informs you that there are two personas watching her apartment.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #19

*Huh... Rough... Men are Assholes. Yeah for team small breasts, at least I never had those problems.*

For a moment, she considers doing something about the two personas. But she decides not too for two reasons: 1) she doesn't believe Barbara would come back, and if she did well... There's no saving Dumb and 2) if they could go that far, they obviously know more than the mass, so they might be good. Of course, just for monitoring, it might be peons but you never know.

*Ok. She has subscriptions. I can use that. Always wanted to try that something.*

Cynthia will procure a message that was sent by one of the services about the current situation. She will use it has a base, and create an update, presenting a bit more data about the subject. Doesn't need to be much, just a bit more than is really known in general. Then, it gets tricky. She asks her (data) Sprite to hide another file in the one she has created. This file doesn't need to do (or even be) anything.

Then, by threading a Resonance Veil on the Host of the service, she will make it believe that it received the (legitimate) order to send the data file she created to Barbara. The nice thing about all of this is that since she bas marks on the hidden file, she knows where it is in the Matrix : and that will probably be in Barbara's comlink.





Author: VegasRigged

I grin and levitate her off the bed. As she rises I stand and begin to change into my suit "Their are ways to defend oneself against such assaults, though I can't imaging why you'd want to. The types you should be more worried about are the fear and foreboding spells. They are far more common and serve a simaler purpose."

I finish my change and gently turn her in the air so that she is sideways over the bed, our faces at an even level and check to see how much time I have, noting that my next meeting is in only an hour and I have prep to do beforehand i sigh "Now I have to go take care of two somethings, together they are libel to take hours, so I suppose I won't see you again until tonight at the club. We can talk more then about the job and all the wonderful thing I can do for and to you."

I take the outfit for the club and prepare to depart, Tanya still hanging over the bed.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya actually giggles a bit as you levitate her. "OK. This could come in handy. Say, it just came to me, have you ever had sex while floating?" She lays prone while levitating above the bed, watching you prepare to leave. "I will see you later. Teninsh at the VIP entrance. That frock will look smashing on you. By the way, you are going to let me down, right?"


@Cynthia You can accomplish your task, but you realize that this would be much harder if you had to force yourself onto a host. As it is, it is child's play since the host offers marks to just about anyone who asks. You can send off the file within the file and now it is just a matter of time before she opens it and lets you know where she is. And now you wait for the trap to spring shut.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Somewhere in the Matrix] #20

*Ha, yeah ! Just have to wait now.* Cynthia danses for a bit, happy with herself.
{Ma fleur, you should know by now that a plan counting on the opposition making a mistake is a bad plan, right?}, asks her Crack sprite, the one she nicknamed Arsène after some kind of french "gentleman thief".
*Ma fleur? What's that mean now? Erk, "?* Cynthia looks at Arsène {I'll be the first one ever to puke in the 'trix if you persist calling me with stuff like that! And I'm not counting on someone making a mistake! I put her in a position where an insignificant action she has done countless times is now more than it should. That's me being brilliant, not her being careless!}
Unfazed by the rebuttal, Arsène retorts {Really, ma fleur, you may have armed the trap, but you didn't make sure she would fall in it. And worse, you don't even know when she is likely to fall if she, per chance, does. And that is where I come in I suppose? For you I will, ma fleur. But you should do better. One such as myself only works with the bests.}

And so, flirty - and a tad arrogant - Arsène will wait for the trap to spring. *Crazy french. And he's not exactly wrong either damnit. I'm pretty sure it will work, but I should think of something else in case it doesn't. And I can't count on it working everytime either. Let's wait for a few hours first. Time to do something else.*

Cynthia will check the hour and make sure she didn't miss Marissa or something. Afterwards, she will work on refining her code to display world news on her screen*.





Author: VegasRigged

I give her a wicked smile and weight till I hear the sound of the front door closing behind me to release the spell me drop her onto the bed.

From there I take a cab to my next job, which I'm certainly primed for at this point, and from there on to meet Cynthia.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Sunday 09 June 2075 Seattle

@Eva Monique is waiting for you in the huge living room. She seems the epitome of the perfect servant and it is impossible to tell by her body language what she is thinking. She hands you your wrap and escorts you from the suite. Her slight French accent is actually sort of cute, and for some reason it is perfectly appropriate to the situation. "Good afternoon, Miss. I must accompany you to and up the elevator. This way, if you please." The young woman walks with you down the hallway to the bank of private elevators and waits for you to get into the car before getting on with you. She is quiet unless spoken to and precedes you from the elevator. As you leave the car, you notice that the guard there is alert and that his hand never strays far from the sidearm at his hip. Monique nods to him before turning to you. "Thank you for coming by today, Miss Coulter. I do hope that you will return. A cab is waiting for you at the main entrance, just through the lobby."

As you walk across the expansive lobby, a quick look behind you shows that the maid is standing, watching you as you leave. Her face is impassive, leaving nothing to detect. The large doors at the entrance are opened for you by a uniformed doorman, who then escorts you to the curb and a waiting taxi. He bids you a nice afternoon and wishes you a pleasant day. The ride to Cynthia's apartment is uneventful. The neighborhood is certainly a far cry from where you just were, but is still quite nice.


@Cynthia Your French romantic moves away into the matrix, leaving you to your thoughts. You recognize the truth in his words, which disturbs you just a little. Is a sprite supposed to feel and emote in this fashion? In any case, your thoughts are interrupted by the jarring sound of the obnoxious buzzer that indicates that you have a visitor.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #21

When the buzzer signals her visitor, Cynthia starts. *What the? Oh wait, probably Marissa.* She quickly checks in AR what's on the other side of the door and apparently satisfied, opens the door. There's no doubt to Eva that the young woman opening the door is the one she spoke too earlier. Well, young woman... Late teen at least, as she seems to be sixteen or a fresh seventeen. It is quickly obvious that she doesn't seem to care at all about her appearance. She's bare feet, with an old jean and a worn-out t-shirt of some musical band. Judging by the small bumps in there, she's not wearing a bra and probably never needs one. Not that there's nothing, but... Her red hair is tied in a messy ponytail with the only good point being that it keeps most of her hair in the back. And not a single touch of make-up. She looks at you with bright green eyes, almost clinically, as if you were a problem and she had too find a solution.

After a couple of seconds, she invites you in the living room: "Hi, I'm Cynthia. Come in.". As you detail the room, you can't help but notice that it is both bland and a tad messy: nothing on the walls, simple white tiled floor, there's nothing good or bad too say about the furniture, and despite some stuff lying around - like a sweatshirt on the table or running shoes on an armchair - this room doesn't seem to be lived in. As you took all of this in, Cynthia went to another room and comes back with a steaming mug - with some Japanese game logo on it - of soycaf she stuffs in your hands. She tilts her head and asks "So? What now?"



Author: VegasRigged

Marisa is taller then expected, slender, with short blonde hair and tastefully understated makeup, she's wearing a suit that a quick glance can confirm as expensive and in trend, and a more extensive search will confirm is about as good as power suits get. She has the air of someone who already knows things, who has total understanding of her surroundings and is comfortable and confident.

Marisa looks around the room and evaluates the space from a business perspective, rearrange this and that to create better lighting, repaint and add a rug to provide warmth and comfort and perhaps a beanbag or papasan chair for the chair/bed combo that probably happens with the couch already.

Eva is more interested in the girl. She has the unrefined brilliance of someone fresh into the corp Higher-ed programs. The kind of kid that gets picked by a higher up for special assignment, watched closely and drafted into the branches of corporate life where their is no paperwork because they can't leave a trace. Eva had a roommate like her in school, freshman year. Smart but lazy, used to accomplishing without great effort and secretly desperate for a real challenge. In short, depending on how this meeting goes, she's perfect.

Her voice is a kind and firm with a hint of condescension that everything about her says she has earned "Now we discuss you. What do you like, wheat would you like to see in your rooms, what functions need to be met and how we can meet them best. Once I know more about you I can tailor a few ideas to your taste, present you with three to five options and you can choose which one you prefer."

I raise the soycaf, note that it isn't real coffee and hold it while I wait for a good time to put it down.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #22

"Me? There's nothing to say about me. As for what I would like to do with the rooms..." She looks around, as if seeing it for the first time, then shrugs. "I don't use most of them so... I don't really care? As for the ones I use..." She seems to hesitate. Then, with an inspiration, much like one takes when preparing to do something unpleasant - and probably painful - she finishes "I may as well show you I suppose". She turns, inviting you to follow.

The room near the living room is the kitchen. In the sink, there's a single blue mug filled with water, a plate and some flatwares are set to dry near it. The thing that really catches the attention though is the extensive Soy Processing Unit. One of the latest models, capable to produce almost anything one wants, with a result very close to the real deal. From the way Cynthia looks at the thing, you could swear it is her favourite member of the family...
After that comes a set of spare rooms - including a guest room - that seem completely unused. From the lack of dust, they are probably visited by the cleaning bot once a week or so, but that's probably all. The bathroom is... To put it simply, if you didn't know, you would have believed it was some guy's bathroom. There's nothing feminine at all in there, just the bare minimum...by men's standards at that! Her bedroom is better. Probably because by now, your expectations are quite low. Still, it seems comfortable and for once, lived in. The bed - unmade, with her nightie on the pillow - sports warm colours, there's some posters on the wall - music bands, concerts posters, game promotions, etc. The closet, open, leads you to believe that there's nothing else than jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and tracksuits. Of course, there might be something else than you can see at first glance, but from what you saw up to know, and on the ground near the bed, you estimate it's unlikely.

Nearing what is probably the last room, Cynthia seems to slow down, hesitating a bit. From there, you can here some music, some kind of rock. With a shrug, she opens the door. There, you can see what is probably the room where Cynthia spends all her time in the house. There's still the mess you were expecting, but this time it's in a warm kind of way. You can see the same kind of posters as the ones in the bedroom, there is a display cabinet with some figurines. On the desk against the wall is a comlink - the Ikon from Hermes you believe - and a set of trodes on it. In the centre of the room lies a well worn couch, the kind that becomes that way not because it's not taken care of, but because it is used and loved so much. On the ground, at reaching distance is an half-full mug of soycaf. The wall in front of it is entirely taken by a huge screen. On it is displayed a map of the world with the night and day regions visible. In the day region, the colours of each country seem to continually shift, but you have to pay attention to it for a few seconds to notice it. In the bottom, instead of displaying the south Pacific, there is a window filled with some kind of code.

Walking to the comlink, Cynthia taps on it, and the music changes to a violin piece. Classical, probably old. By the quality of the sound, there are a bunch of small high-quality speakers in the room. Cynthia turns, sitting on the desk. "Here. You now know more about me than most." She seems to consider what she's just said for a second and adds "Or anyone, period. And I didn't even have to tell you anything." By her smile, she seems pleased. And if you had to guess, it's not that you "know more about her". But that she didn't have to speak...



Author: VegasRigged

My review confirms my earlier suspicions and adds a number of ideas to my usually repertoire. For one thing the 'nerve center' is going to be where the most money will be spent, I can make the rest of the apartment welcoming and such, but it's clear that this room is the focus.

"Interesting. So what I'm thinking is an open focus. We want you to be able to do everything you do in here, use the trodes, surf the Matrix unhindered, but having it locked away in a separate room makes it seem like your hiding your passion, so I would bring this room- and what it represents -out into the light. Tell me, aside from gaming and bands, what else do you do in here?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #23

Cynthia blinks when Eva mentions the bringing the room into the light thing, not sure she would like that, but doesn't say anything about that part.
She answers to the question with a gesture in the direction of the screen. "I code" she shrugs " and... well, matrix stuff."



Author: VegasRigged

The condescension of tone goes from 5% to 6% "I'd gathered as much, which is why I believe having it more centrally located in the home will increase the positive experiences and associations you have with you setup here, which we can also upgrade substantially."

Back down to five "So in order to create a home that fits with you I'd like to know what coding is, both practically and what it means to you. Is coding and the Matrix a job, a hobby, a form of artistic expression? What does it feel like?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #24

Cynthia seems a bit overwhelmed. She blinks a few times, then frowns. "How it feels like? Fuck, how do you want me to describe that to you? Coding is a...artful hobby. It's nice and logical. Making something elegant and interesting is a challenge. Reaching selected goals feels good. What do you want me to say? But no, coding is not a job. I'm paid from time to time for some matrix jobs but not for coding."
She stops, pensive, and murmurs. "Maybe I should think about that though..."
She then shakes her head. "Anyway... For the Matrix it's... Let's put it that way: I only feel complete and at ease there. And there's no one to bother me. Not for long anyway.". At that, she looks pointedly at Eva.

Author: VegasRigged

If Marisa is aware of the jab she gives no indication of it, only nodding along emphatically and making a few notes "An artful hobby, logical, elegant and challenging." She smiles

"I can certainly work with this. Would you like me to work within a certain budget? And if I could get an idea of some of your frequent hangouts within the matrix I can tailor towards them with the final decor."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #25

"A budget, hey?" She smiles ruefully, as if she had heard a good joke. "Nothing too...exaggerated, shall we say. You've seen the neighbourhood, I'm sure you can do something reasonable."
Her smile slips from her lips, then she shakes her head. "As for frequent hangouts, not really. I go where I want when I want it. It tends to change. And for those that don't, you wouldn't be welcomed there, so you wouldn't know. And don't even try to simulate the Matrix or whatever. First, if I want to go to the Matrix, I go in, no need to sculpt my home like a Node. Second and more importantly, unless you really know what the 'trix is like, you would do a piss-poor job. Best not to try. Just stick with...er...I don't know, normal stuff or whatever. It's not like I would see much of it anyway."



Author: VegasRigged

"Your right on a few points, I don't know the matrix and trying to do a home to resemble it would be gaudy at best. No these influences are far less literal then that. It simply speaks to who you are personally, how you engage with the world; we all see different sides of the same things, and knowing where my clients- you -are looking from makes me able to create something pleasing to you eye. This leads me into my next question: while the house is of course for you and should represent who you are, hosting guests is sometimes an enjoyable experience and I can ensure the home is ready to do so."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #26

Cynthia seems horrified. "Guests? Why the fragging hell would I want to have guests? Frag no!" She stays agitated for a bit. When she calms down, she adds "You can do what you want with the other rooms, but they will never see any guests of any kind. I despise people, why would I want one to stay at my home!?"

On the screen, the yellowish colour in Central America darkens a bit, shifting in some places to orange. Cynthia taps a bit on her comlink, frowning.



Author: VegasRigged

Marisa leans back and studies her new client for a moment, warmth and deference giving way to a much cooler expression.

A just as the silence between them nears uncomfortable she asks "What is this map you have up?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #27

Startled, Cynthia jumps a bit "What the!?" She looks at you, and seeing her, you'd bet she forgot you were even here. Her mouth forms in a "O", before she catches herself.
She looks at the map "Right now, it's a monitoring map, for news and stock markets." Looking at the rash of orange in Central America, she explains "This, is a bombing in Bogota that occured...." she looks at her comlink for a second "Four minutes ago."
She frowns. "Problem is, it was in Bogota, and while there are some effects in Aztlan and Amazonian's stock markets, it's too soon and too little to justify all this orange." She grumbles "Some parameters are wrong. Unless there's a bug in the crawler that feeds data to the program? Or it would be that my selection of Aztlan, Amazonian and independent news services are wrong. I don't know shit about those parts of the world so it wouldn't be a surprise. And it would explain why I keep getting those kind of errors... Might be that, but as long as I didn't make sure that everything else is ok..."



Author: VegasRigged

Here we go, get her talking about her passion, which is clearly this. Marisa turns to look at the screen and walk up to within a foot of it "Could the bombing be the public element of a larger operation? A smokescreen or decoy or a shadowrun gone wrong?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #28

Cynthia rubs her chin for a while, then shrugs. "I don't know, maybe. Probably something to do with the Aztlan-Amazonian thing, but who can say? For obvious reasons..." she looks meaningfully at Eva for a second "I only use public data. Which means I only get what someone wants to be available. Which means that I have no way to know the why with just this. All it can do, is what it is meant to be, and that is an indicator, a witness of current events. Nothing more. If it's more than a simple bombing, some of the indicators would move more than they do now. If it's nothing out of the ordinary, everything will soon go back to its normal yellow."

She frowns. "Even when stuff like that happens in Seattle, it can be quite difficult to understand the underlying reasons of an event, or a series of events. Even for a metahuman with all the 'trix available. Or as much as can be. You may have heard what happened yesterday. Shootings, KE targeted, a suit attacked in his home, two buildings bombed? Except from the perpetrators, I'll bet no one knows why it happened - fort those that even realise all of this is connected - and where some of the... persons of interest. are" She grins "No yet anyway."

She stops, thinking. She scratches her head, unsure of where she was. How come she's speaking about that now?



Author: VegasRigged

"Sounds like you have an ear to the ground about this, any theories on who would do such things? Perhaps a rival Corp or insurgents from out of town?"

An analyst, and one who dislikes people. This could work out very well indeed. I'll drop the invite out once we're done talking conspiracy theory, but I suspect a night at a club is about the worst thing this kid can imagine. The important thing for now is to talk shop. Needs love to talk shop, and anyone who's as prideful as a good decker needs an audience.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #29

Cynthia shakes her head. "That I don't know. Everyone who has a comlink seems to be looking for the persons of interest. Something about a reward for them..." She shrugs, apparently unconcerned. "I didn't look into the identities of the attackers. While I can find most of what I'm looking for, I won't even pretend I'm the best ever. Seemed like the best way to get my own apartment bombed. And while I'm not so in love with it that I would dislike that to happen that much, I would very much dislike being in it when it gets sent to hell. Seeing what they did up to now..."
Despite the caution in her words, there is a shiver of excitement. She would like to know more about them. But caution stops her. For now at least... "Everyone has a theory, and a lot of people are yelling conspiracy for all they're worth. And from what I've seen, I think there's really something there. To me it looks like corp action, but since I know next to nothing about all this drek, I could be mistaken. Still, there are a lot of nuyens and blood that have been spent. Now, the ball is in the hands of the two everyone is looking for. What happens after that..."

She shrugs, then frowns. "Speaking about what happens after that?"

Author: VegasRigged

Marisa looks around Cynthia again "Sorry, Corp politics is a personal hobby, whenever something like this happens I usually like to form my own hypothesis. But if you'd rather talk about you and decorating then we can get back to that."

Theirs no reluctance in her her tone, it's clear Merisa would go back to work if that was the request, but it's also fairly clear that the bombing and assassination is a subject they could talk about extensively.




Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #30

She glares a bit. "In fact, I'd rather not talk at all. As far as redecorating goes, you've seen all there is to see. By the same token, since I don't know anything more than the news broadcast regarding the attackers, I can't tell you more than that. If that's something you want to know more about, you'll probably have to dig yourself. I'd suggest waiting a bit or subcontracting someone either very good or with a death wish though. Now that I went through all that, I'd prefer it if you could finish the redecoration job before being blown up or receiving an injection of iron. Or whatever bullets are made of."
She grunts.
"And for Bogota, I only know it happened, and that's all. I don't see what I could tell you. I was curious about what happened here, it's a nice challenge, but that's it. Whereas I don't care about what happened in Bogota, so I don't intend to dig. Maybe I will, maybe I won't, but at this time, I don't expect too. And could you tell me why the frag I should care about what you find interesting or not?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: I am going to use the Bogotá thing in the plot lines if that is OK.

Also, remember that the intent of grouping is to work as a group, not chase each other off.



Author: Imladir





Author: VegasRigged

"Of course. No reason to continue now that I have an idea of what you want." I return to the door and take up my bag.

"I thank you for your patronage. You have a lovely home and I look forward to making it as comfortable and welcoming as possible." 'In spite of the occupant' I can't help but think.

She's smart, no question, but the unsociable attitude will make for a difficult working relationship.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #31

Cynthia follows. As soon as you both leave the room, she seems more at ease. At the door, she squirms a bit, uncomfortable. She seems to only listen with one ear. Finally, with a bit of hesitation, she answers: "Sorry. I..." For a time, it looks like she won't be able to say anymore, as if the words were strangling her "I..." Finally, she finishes lamely "I'm not good with people. And with you in my home, asking all those questions...I huh...snapped...sorry..."





Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: Thank you for letting me use it. I was looking at something similar and this fits in quite well.

As to working together, it is good to roleplay your characters, but please consider the other person before justifying your actions as "This is how the character would act". I just ask that you give a quick thought and put yourself, either of you or any of the other people reading this thread, in the place of the other person and ask yourself if you would like to work with the person that just spoke. If not, you might want to reconsider your choice of words. Do not let character creation and initial motivations drive you to do or say things that will alienate the other players. Or the GM. There should be some tension, but not so much that people will not want to play together. This is pretty similar to real life in that people can make the choice to just not interact with someone that does not appear to want to play nice together.

These comments are not directed at any one character at all, so please do not take them personally. If you do happen to recognize yourself as doing these things, please consider adapting your character a bit.



Author: Imladir





Author: VegasRigged

Marisa smiles, the image warmth and understanding "That's alright, I understand it can be uncomfortable having a stranger in your home. I assure you I'm not offended, but perhaps we can continue our conversation on politics at a later date? Tell you what, I'm having a few friends out this evening, how do you feel about live music and dancing?"

Like magic. Play the kind and caring, show interest, then take offense but forgive without question, thus establishing a position of benevolence. If she proves as skilled as I believe, this kid is going to do very useful and illegal things for me in the weeks and months to come.

The gears want to add something else, they are pleased with this development, but they can't help but point out that if she doesn't prove useful at least I know where she lives.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #32

Cynthia beams. "I love music. What kind of music?" then the other part of the sentence catches up to her. "Wait, dancing? I don't dance. Don't know how, never wanted to."
She squints "If it's some kind of bar, I...could... I suppose. But if you're thinking club..." She shakes her head. "They wouldn't let me in, so don't bother..."

Author: VegasRigged

Here my kind and enigmatic air takes on a shade of playfulness "It's at Dante's Inferno and I can get you in without a second look."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #33

Cynthia whines. "But this place is hell!" She pauses, blinking for a bit at the involuntary pun. "In all senses of the term!"
Then, she shrugs "And they wouldn't need two looks, one will be enough. Or...well... If you can allow someone in jeans and t-shirt to get there, I want to know how to become a house decorator. Seems to be more important people than I thought..."



Author: VegasRigged

"The job has some small perks, and offords many opportunities for the spreading of favors. Now while I could get you in dressed as you are, it will be easier if you are dressed in a more appropriate fashion. Would you be willing to go shopping with a very good friend of mine?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #34

"Shopping, as in going to purgatory before being sent to hell? Seems fitting I suppose. But in this case it doesn't really matter: I don't have the money to buy things like that, even if I wanted to. I'm perfectly fine in my t-shirts and jeans, and would look ridiculous in anything else. Believe me, I tried." *Probably best not telling her when I tried. Or how many times...*
"Oh but don't worry, you'll be paid for the redecoration." She stares into space for a bit, seeming pensive. Maybe trying to remember something. "Wait, you said Dante's Inferno? And am I too understand that since you could allow someone in t-shirt and jeans to get in, it's in the VIP section?" She cocks an eyebrow. "If that's the case I...I think I could...There's...err...there's a...some kind of small exhibition thing by Concrete Dreams tonight and..." She shrugs, as if she didn't think finishing her sentence was needed.





Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: No, I can run with the Concrete Dreams thing. The game is meant to be a collaborative creation. I will indeed say something if things get out of hand and go beyond my plot line, but this sort of stuff is good. It adds flavor without being a game changer. And if it provides you with a reason to go, it is even better.



Author: VegasRigged

"A no thank you would suffice, and of course the offer is only that, if you decide to join us you have my number, otherwise I'll bring the designs around in a few days. Now I have another meeting to get to, was there anything else?"





Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #35

Cynthia stammers. "I...I...Ok!" She breathes deeply, calming herself. "I'll try to find something else than jeans. I suppose I could buy some kind of black pants and a blouse. And shoes I suppose..." She cringes, having no idea where she will find something like that. Sure it won't fit her and she will be a mess. Still, if it's what's needed... "But..." she frowns. "Why? I don't believe for an instant that you propose this to all your clients."

She pauses, considering something, then adds. "And please, don't lie to me. I'm horrible at all this social thing, and yes, even talking to someone is...challenging... And I know I tend to put my foot in my mouth more often than not. That doesn't mean I'm stupid though. And I know it's not my charming personality" she says with dripping irony, "that convinced you to offer that. And while I have no doubts you would be able to lie and I wouldn't see a thing, the truth has this ability to often surface at odd moments. And while I'm not good when interacting with people, I'm good at finding truths" She smiles proudly at that for a moment "And I hate being lied too. Maybe some day I'll tell you what happened to someone who thought he could."

She hesitates for a bit, before continuing "I really want to see the Concrete Dreams live. I won't say it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, but it's certainly an opportunity that doesn't present itself often. And I'd be ready to do some shopping or something. But that doesn't mean I will put my hand in a meat grinder for that. Or that I'll be lead by the nose like a fool."



Author: VegasRigged

"Very well, I won't lie to you. This evening relates as much to business as pleasure, and if you want to know more you'll have to find out for yourself. 9 pm, I very much hope to see you there. Good evening."

And with that final enigmatic remark I depart the building to take care of my other type of client.

During the cab ride I'll summon a small spirit and ask that it deliver a message to Sylvia 'I have found a potential Decker and she will most likely be joining us this evening at Dante's Inferno, to which I've also procured VIP passes for all. I'd like you to follow her when she goes shopping, help her pick out something that will fit for the club and evaluate her to the best of you abilities. It goes without saying that a disguise is warranted'



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075; Cynthia's apartment] #36

The door closed, Cynthia swears. *Frag, what have I gotten myself into now... Still, Concrete Dreams... It's at least worth listening to some boring business speech, whatever she wants. Maybe to find data on her competition? Or tracking down some piece of furniture or something? I don't imagine a decorator of all things looking for something big... Anyway...*

Going back to her sanctuary, Cynthia checks the time. *So, I have to go buy some stuff, be at Dante's by nine, and I still have someone to see at the Digital... Huh. First? Between shopping and the Dante's? Do I even have time today? Wait, first, I should check on Arsène.*
To do so, Cynthia dives in the Matrix. There, she asks news about Barbara to Arsène, hopping that the package was successfully received so that they can trace her to get to the bottom of this. Or at least, the bottom of this side of the situation.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Arsene is waiting for you when you get to the matrix. "Ah, Cherie, your plan has only half worked so far. The package sat for a while then was picked. Yes, triumph, No? No. Not triumph. The package was side-sent to a safe box and left unopened for a bit then was carefully searched and the other file removed. This woman is smart. Did I not warn you that this might be the case. Fortunately, there is almost no way that you can be traced as the source of the code. She would need to be very, very good to do that. But perhaps she is that good, eh, Cherie? So what do you wish me to do? I will give advice, yes? Why not try to contact her directly?"

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Somewhere in the Matrix] #37

*Back to the Cherie now, eh...*
Cynthia sighs. {Thank you Arsène. I suppose I could contact her, but that would be much less fun. I suppose I could just stalk the box and wait for her to come. But that wouldn't be much more fun either.}
*And I have places to be, people to see...Best not telling him that though...*
{I could listen in on the box, or even try to make it believe it has to contact Barbara for whatever reason. Unless it's a host of course. Ok, ok, you win. Maybe it can still be fun after that? And if it doesn't... My evening is booked anyway, and tomorrow's situation will probably be so different that odds are I'll be behind the competition.}
Decided, Cynthia sends a message to Barbara's comcode:
>>Hello there. Nice system you have with the box. Not sure it will work for long though, there are ways around that, ways someone really determined could use. Oh and if you didn't know yet, you'd probably be better off not going back home, you're expected, in the meat and the 'trix. Good luck though, I think you'll need it o/<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Your appointment calendar shows that Mr. Smith checks into one of the smaller no-tells in Renton in every two weeks for your meeting with him. He is a regular at the shabby motel and must pay well in advance because he always manages to get the same room. He is waiting for you when you arrive and tells you that, per your agreement, he has swept the room for bugs and cameras once already and will do it again now that you are here. Your client is in his fifties and a bit heavy, but after the security sweep, he becomes completely submissive for the ninety minutes he has your attention.


@Cynthia You do not get an immediate answer to your message to Barbara.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Somewhere in the Matrix] #38

Message sent, Cynthia goes back to her meat. She grabs her comlink, slips her old - and only, except for the running ones - shoes, and takes her car. On the way, she sends a quick message to the hacker she beat earlier: >>Gotta run some errand, and be in downtown by nine. I don't know how long it'll take so It might a bit tight for today. Unless you're there?<<
She will also launch a quick matrix search to find a shopping centre where she will be able to find something to wear a bit better than what she's used too.





Author: Mercy Merchant

Sunday 09 June 2075 1700 Cynthia's Apartment

The response from the hacker is almost instant. >>Too bad about the timing. I was looking forward to meeting you. You certainly got the better of me. Would any time tomorrow be better for you?<<

Your search provides you with the name and location of several inexpensive shopping marts near you that should be able to satisfy your clothing needs.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Shopping mart] #39

>>There are tons of people better than us though. As for time...<< before saying something stupid, Cynthia checks. *Let's say at worse I spend an hour in this shopping thing, I'll have three hours before I have to be in front of the Dante. So, let's say...19:00 at the Digital? Should give me enough time to go there. I'll have to change in between, but I suppose that's not a problem.* >>No guarantee yet, but I might be able to make it around 19:00, if that's ok? If you prefer to be sure, I don't have anything set tomorrow so...<<

In front of the mall, Cynthia stops. Some people glance at her, wondering what is this girl doing here like she's going to her execution. *Shopping... Erk... Still... Concrete Dreams. Might be worth it. Let's just pretend it's a...an icon overhaul...*

While this thought doesn't do much to increase Cynthia's spirit, she enters the mall. *This might be the hardest quest I've ever had to do. No no, not exaggerating at all. Ok, maybe a bit. What's that clerk want? No no, leave me alone, just browsing. Good, thank you obnoxious lady.*

Navigating in the mall, Cynthia tries to avoid for as long as possible the "help" of the clerks. At some point though, she has to recognize that doing so, she would have to spend the evening just finding what she's looking for. After a few minutes, she draws the attention of one of them, a tired woman who's probably working too many hours - and jobs - to feed her family. Trying hard to not say anything she shouldn't, she explains that she has to go to a club later tonight. As she currently has nothing else to wear, she's looking for some kind of black pants, white blouse and matching shoes. Something simple, she doesn't need anything too...too much.





Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia >>No problem, I practically live here when not on the trix. I will be here at 1900. If you are not here by then, I will be here tomorrow, too. Drop me a note to let me know if you will make it tonight and when tomorrow is best for you if you cannot.<<

You leave several shop assistances with odd looks on their faces as you move from store to store. The tired woman you finally talk to, is very patient, even though you disregard the first few sets she has for you. You are apparently a challenge that must be overcome and she continues to show you different selections, finally bringing you one that seems to satisfy your needs and is affordable. She hands you off to another shop assistant to check you out and goes off to a new challenge. By the time you pay for the purchases and leave the mall it is 1810. You could still make it to the Digital if you changed there, but going home first would cut it very tight to make it there and have more than a few minutes before needing to leave for the Inferno.

@Eva Just after 1800 you get a message. "Just who is this woman? She had a hard time deciding on what to wear, but is sorted out now. I will see you at the club at about 1900. Ciao<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - On the way to the Digital] #40

Cynthia thanks the woman, with a tired smile and a nice tip. She's not sure the experience was as tiring for the woman as it was for her but... Well, since she probably said some stuff she shouldn't have, she might be wrong so... Let's at least make her happy... Or less unhappy...

Looking at the time, Cynthia decides to stuff her new clothes in the car. *I'll change in the restrooms at the Digital. Or on the way to the Dante. Let's try to get there on time...*
>>I'm on my way, should be there by 19:00. If traffic is not worse than usual that is. Seems to be okay though.<<

Once she has reached the bar, she takes her bag of clothes with her and enters. She looks around, salutes Xiaoyou and exchanges a few words with her. Then she sends >>I'm here.<<.



Author: Mercy Merchant

In response to your first message you get back one back rather quickly. >>Very nice. Please ask for table 49 when you arrive. I am sorry that we will not have much time to chat tonight since you have another engagement afterwards.<< The response to your second message is shorter. >>Remember, table 49. Can I order you a drink?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - The Digital] #41

At the counter, Cynthia asks for a beer, and then walks toward table 49. As she does so, she sets an alarm for 19:50 to remind her she's got to.
When she reaches the table, she says. "Hi. Since I had to go by the counter, seemed to be more effective to take the beer myself." She sits down, and looks at her hunter-turned-prey.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Table 49 is off to the right rear of the Digital and is situated so as to provide almost no observation of the rest of the club, but neither is it easily observed by the rest of the club. As you approach the table you see a young man, probably in his early twenties, sitting there. He has a drink on the table in front of him and there is a thin stick propped against the wall next to him. He stands as you approach and motions fro you to take a seat. The eyes that watch you are completely milky white. "Ah. The mysterious woman who turned my own trap on myself. I am very glad to meet you, indeed. Please have a seat." He waits until you sit before taking his seat. "My name is Roger. How do you do?"

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - The Digital] #42

Cynthia chuckles. "Yes well, since I had the same idea than you, seemed a good idea to check if someone hadn't taken me for a prey. And when I found out that someone had indeed done so..." she shrugs, then continues with a smile. "Seemed more fun to take that someone at his own game than following anyone else for data I didn't really care about."

She waves her hand in front of the eyes of the man. "By the way, are you blind? Why don't you get that fix..." She stops talking abruptly. *Shit, I did it again!*
Shaking her head, contrite, she quickly adds, "I'm sorry, don't answer that. I have the bad habit of letting my mouth work ahead of my brain..."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia "Yes, I have to say that I was quite surprised to find the mark on me. It was adroitly done, too, and I applaud your skill. It did take me a while to decide whether or not I should try to contact you, but in the end my curiosity won out. Thank you for meeting me."

He sips from his drink then answers your question. "Yes, I am blind. I would have it fixed, but I have been told that my condition is fairly rare and the operations needed are apparently complicated and require a serious boatload of nuyen that I do not have. Oh, and they tell me that there is only about a ten percent chance of success. I have lived with it from birth, so I have pretty much decided to live with it a while longer. And I do not mind talking about it. I have long got past the stares and snide comments. So, what abut you? May I ask who you are? I know your avatar well, but not you."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - The Digital] #43

"Well, I'll admit I was curious too. I wasn't really expecting you to answer. Not everyday I have someone who wants to meet me. But then, I suppose curiosity is the trait we all have in common here. As to who I am... Err..."
She shrugs "I'm Cynthia. And err, I'm seventeen. After that, I don't know if there's much to say... Since I'm not quite sure what I want to do with myself, I can't speak about jobs since I don't really have one, so... What about you?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

"Hello, Cynthia. It is nice to meet you. I am twenty-two and very impressed with your skill set if you are only seventeen. I do not have much of a job, either, but do a lot of freelance stuff, usually for different PI types. Tracking down and following cheating spouses and deadbeat dads, that sort of thing. I have found some lost relatives, too. Not much, but it pays my necessary expenses and gives me time to do what I love most; walk the trix. So, I have a question for you. You do not have to answer right away, but think on it. We are both looking for the same people, along with half the planet, probably. What do you say to working together on this? We could do it from our homes, but we could also meet here and work. What do you say?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - The Digital] #44

Cynthia laughs. "Who's to say that I didn't already find them?" she lets a couple of seconds pass, then adds, more seriously "In this instance however, I was serious when I said I was only looking for fun. Seemed like something I'd enjoy. And I did. But I never had any intention to bring more heat on the head of those people."
She pauses, thinking for a few seconds, then sighs "I won't pretend I'm some kind of hero of justice or whatever. Still, I'd like to be able to look at myself in the mirror in the morning. Not that there's much to see, but..."
She shrugs. "Anyway, I suppose you could say there are some lines I don't intend to cross. And while I perfectly understand why most looking for them to get the reward wouldn't think about it, I don't think this is right."

She laughs self-depracatingly "You may think this is stupid, but from what I saw and read about the shooting at Washington Rec, the wanted man pretty much saved the day. No one, not even KE, claims he shot or injured any officer at Mercy General. But when you look at it, he's wanted like he did and then some. Add to that the nature of the attacks, the explosions here and there, the murder of a suit by an assault team in his home and so on, and you get something that smells awfully like corp business. I don't know the man, but...".

Once again, she pauses, considering "You could say that I'd like him to make it." she chuckles "I don't really know why to be honest. Maybe because I don't think he's a bad guy, in this at least? And that I want to think that I'm one of the "good guys", whatever that means? But then, maybe that's just because any money I make is nice to have, but the bills are paid even if I don't. Maybe I would sing another tune if I had to, and that I'm just an hypocrite. I'd love to think it's not the case but..."

She shakes her head, then realising that Roger can't see it, she adds "Still, things being as they are... I'm sorry, but on this instance, I don't think I would. Help I mean. I won't even try to prevent anyone from finding them, but I don't want them to be found. If you have some contract to look at who the attackers are however..." she continues, amusement clearly audible in her tone "You may have more luck convincing me to do your job.". Sombrely, she finishes "But that would be a hell of a lot more dangerous."



Author: VegasRigged

I give him the usual treatment, on the cautious side with a touch of magic. Afterwards I ask how he'd feel about me bringing a protégé to our next session, purely as an observer.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Mr. Smith is thoroughly dominated during the session and seems to love it. If the other Marisa was good at it, you seem to have a natural talent. Your client is sweating heavily by the time the session is up. At your question, he looks interested, but a bit concerned. "It won't cost me more, will it?"


@Cynthia Roger looks at you as you talk and of course it is impossible read his eyes. After you finish, he pauses for a few moments, taking several sips from his drink. "Very interesting. OK, let's say that I have might have something to do that is different. I could use some help with a project that interests me. I was contracted by someone I know and trust to do some investigating. It might be a bit dangerous if we stir up the wrong sort of hornet's nest and the pay is pretty much to be determined, although I feel confident that I will not be hung out to dry. Besides, it is not just the money, right? Interested?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - The Digital] #45

Cynthia nods, grinning. "Sure, I love a good challenge." she stops, tapping the table with her fingers. "Though I still have to go later this evening. I was asked for some kind of weird business meeting. Probably nothing important nor interesting, but since they asked first, I should at least listen what they have to say."

She drinks a bit of her beer, then adds "Of course, I doubt I would be working full time even if there really was something, so I suppose you can count me in. But if you want to wait before I can give you a definite answer, I'm cool with it of course.".



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia "Of course. I understand and completely agree that you should keep your prior agreements. I feel that the specifics need to be kept close for now, but I will tell you that I think it is important and I will give you a small hint. During your searches through the trix, did you see anything about a bombing and assassination in Bogota, Colombia today?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - The Digital] #46

Cynthia cocks an eyebrow "My Monitor... er... That's a program I'm writing, it pulls live news and stock markets data in the world to colour each location, green when all's good, red when it goes all to hell. Anyway, it caught the bombing, so I know about that. Maybe it caught the assassination too now that I think about it. It could explain the larger than expected impact for a bombing I noticed at the moment. But since I didn't really check, I saw headlines about a bombing, not the assassination. Who was the target?"

Author: VegasRigged

I inform him that no, I will not be charging extra to have someone watch and learn. I bid him good evening and head out to the club in my evening attire, the time is just about right and it's going to be an exciting evening.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Mr. Smith nods and smiles. "I would like to have two of you dominate me. It would be fun." His eyes glance at you in your change of clothing but he does not seem interested or even attracted to you in this garb. He nods at you as you leave, handing you a cred stick for your services. The ride to Dante's Inferno is unremarkable. There is a message on your 'link from your secretary. >>Oh, Miss Coulter, this is such a surprise. The VIP entrance. We feel very privileged and we will be there on time.<< As your cab pulls up to the club parking lot, you can see that tonight will be jumping. There is a long line of people winding almost around the building waiting to get into the club. You are let out at the VIP entrance at just before 2100. Marie and Tom are already waiting. She brings him over to introduce him to you. "It is very nice to meet you, Miss Coulter. Marie has told me a lot about you. Thank you very much for the invitation. I did not expect the line to be so long."

A man in the uniform of the club comes up to you and verifies that you are with the Lady Marisart party. He nods motions you into the VIP waiting pavilion, where you can see several sets of chairs and couches and a few people wandering about. he also asks if you would like some refreshment while you wait for your hostess to arrive.


@Cynthia Roger raises a finger. "I said a hint just to get you thinking. Contact me if you are interested enough to work together on this and I will talk to my employer.' Your internal alarm goes off, indicating that you need to change now or you will not make your appointment at the Inferno.



Author: VegasRigged

I take up the offer of a drink and buy the first round for Marie and her boyfriend, who name i quickly check on my link. I also take a moment to evaluate magical security before addressing Tom casually

"So Tim, I'm afraid Marie has been vague on the details, what is it you do?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - The Digital] #47

Cynthia chuckles. "Hey, I had to try! But sure, I will. And now, I'm sorry but I must go to this business meeting. If it really is a business meeting that is and not some kind of prank. See you!"

While quickly changing in the restroom, Cynthia checks to see if she has any answers from Barbara. She will also thank Arsène, and call Sherlock, asking him to find what he can about the bombing and the assassination in Bogota, she'll help after her meeting. Once done, she checks herself in the mirror.

*Erf, that's not me... Maybe I should have bought a bra too though... Bah, it's not like there's too much pressure on the buttons.*

With a sigh, Cynthia tries to tie her hair in a tighter ponytail than usual, without much success. *I hope it'll be enough. Nothing I can do know, even if I wanted. And since I'm not sure I do want... Best be on my way before I change my mind.*

Cynthia exits the bar after a wave at Xiaoyou and climbs in her car. Checking the traffic, she makes sure to take the fastest way given the conditions, and make sure she'll have a parking spot - cheating a bit if she has too - waiting for her not too far from the Dante. Once in front of the VIP entrance, she'll send a message to Eva >>I'm here. I think?<<





Author: VegasRigged

I shoot over a response to Cynthia and inform the man who seated us of another arrival, along with a quick description of her.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #48

Cynthia approaches the VIP entrance, looking for Marissa. Once she gets the answer, she looks for someone to take her in charge. When someone in a Dante's uniform comes to her, there's a bit of a misunderstanding: no, she's not with someone called Lady Marisart. She doesn't even know any Lady, and certainly not one called like that. Wait no, she does know a Lady Marisart, but she never met her. Someone called Marisa Coulter invited her. Unfazed by the situation, the man confirms with her that the woman who sent him to fetch Cynthia is indeed the one Cynthia is talking about. Fortunately, this is done quickly, and he guides her to the VIP area. On the way, he asks Cynthia if she wants something to drink, but is answered that she just had a beer, so water would do.

Once in sight of the VIP area, Cynthia stops, overwhelmed, like a deer in headlights. Saying that she's out of her element would be a gross understatement. And it's clearly visible: her clothes are almost tasteless and utterly unsuited to the situation. They look new but anyone with at least a bit of knowledge can see it's ready-to-wear, costing probably no more than a hundred nuyens - if half that. She doesn't wear any make-up, and obviously didn't make any effort regarding her hairstyle judging by the simple rubber-band holding her ponytail. And seeing that she's underage, she's probably one of the youngest in the club. A far cry from anyone else in the crowd.

It's not all that that make her stop though. She doesn't really care that she stands out in such a bad way. And judging by the burning glazes she returns to some disdainful glances, she doesn't care what anyone else thinks. No, it's the simple fact that she is in a crowd of people she doesn't know, with whom she has absolutely no common point and should probably never have interacted. She's at a complete loss as to what to do. She knows she shouldn't glare at that sneering bimbo, more plastic than flesh by the look of it; or at that mocking asshole, who (probably) made a joke at her expanse. And while it's better than bricking the 'ware of that arrogant moron, an idea becoming more tempting with each passing second, knowing she should just be on her way to Marissa, or the respectful nudges from the guide, doesn't really help right now.



Author: VegasRigged

Marisa has the door to her left, she picked this seat on purpose so she could watch the room out of the corner of her eye and be difficult to sneak up on. As people begin turning her attention follows there's to young Cynthia, looking entirely uncomfortable.

Marisa looks Cynthia over for a moment, she could certainly be worse dressed, the fact that she's making an effort means she wants to be accepted here, and wanting in is the first step doing being part of the team. She's too distracted to get to her table, letting the voices and laughs get to her.

I remember for a moment, as if from a past life, the first time I attended a Wuxong social function. I was only fourteen and simalerly underprepared, though better dressed of course. I'd been nervous and sure that everyone was against me. I'd been teetering on the edge of nervous breakdown when my teacher from planes theory had called me over and asked about my studies, and from there the evening was a blur.

Now it would seem my time had come to bring the scared little girl out of her she'll, and the cyclical metaphors of the moment only enhanced it. First I need to get her over here, and I have the tools to do that.

As soon as she meets my eye I carefully and precisely cast a force one euphoria, rendering her fears a little less aggressive and her feelings towards me a little more positive.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #49

Finally meeting Eva's eyes, Cynthia takes a step in her direction when she's feeling some kind of ticklish sensation. She frowns, stopping mid-step, looking at Eva as this sensation quickly disappears.
*Was that...* Cynthia seems surprised, unsure of something. But by her expression, even if she doesn't seem quite sure about what happened, she's pretty sure something did happen. *Did she just..?* While she's looking at multiple possible explanations, she keeps coming back to the first one. And she doesn't like that one. Not at all.
*Is she a Mage? And did she just do something to me? No way! But... Did she!?*





Author: VegasRigged

Marisa tilts her head slightly, suprised to see that her spell didn't work, then stands up and walks over to Cynthia, dismissing the doorman with a nod.

Her noticing the spell will make for an awkward start to the evening, but that's probably not a bad thing since Cynthia is expecting a bizarre time and is already getting one.

"Good evening Cynthia, glad you decided to join us."

Now lets see what you do.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #50

Cynthia snorts. "Am I? Before that I'm pretty sure you've got some explaining to do." With a tone full of irony, she adds "Because certainly, there's some other explanation than you're a mage who tried to do something to me just now, right?"
Hey, good thing at least one one side: Cynthia doesn't seem so anxious anymore. Of course, her being angry might not be better, but...

Author: VegasRigged

"It was a mind euphoria spell, designed to take the edge off of being in a new place and overwhelmed. I remember my first time in high society and how nerve wracking it was, I'm very sorry if my attempt to help has made you uncomfortable, it may have been overbearing of me."

Still your move, either you'll come to the table, which is as good as accepting the apology, or you'll leave and we'll have to consider plan B.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #51

"It was a mind..." Cynthia inhales sharply. "I see. When you only have a hammer, every problem looks like like a nail, right? So when you're a Mage, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised if you use magic for every little things. Even if you could just have walked to me or motioned me over? It may not. It was. Frag, mind magic!"

She snorts. Still, she seems mollified. "Since I'm here tonight, I'll stay. But note that first, I have another job offer pending, so I don't need whatever you're selling. I may take it if it's interesting and I feel I can trust it, but I don't need it. Second, it may not have been obvious, but I came here trusting you. Obviously, that was... I'll refrain from saying it was a mistake. For now. But I sure as hell hope you don't expect me to believe anything you say on the face of it now. If you're willing to use mind magic like that, I'll have to consider what you may use for more important stuff."

She grunts "You know, it's funny. I chose to not look into your comlink. Something I could do easily, believe me. Something that most in my situation would have done I think. I didn't even poke at your life on the 'trix. I thought I should play nice. After all, even if I had reservations, well..." with a gesture, she indicates the scene, indicating that for this, it may be worth it. "Maybe I'll have to reconsider this policy if you don't do the same with me. And for the record, I don't consider the use of magic - any magic, but most of all mind magic - without my agreement, to be considerate. While I have more reasons than most to not take trids about mages at face value, some of it is bound to be true. They can't be wrong on every little thing."

She pauses, then chuckles a bit. "At least, even if it's not how you wanted it, I'm not so anxious anymore. But I hope you don't have too many friends in here, some people may have problems with their 'links and 'wares tonight." One again, she glares at some fool who's pointing at her.



Author: VegasRigged

Marisa stands calmly with a look of composure and vague interest as Cynthia babbles at her, first about 'mind magic' then about how she didn't snoop any commlinks before showing up, that she has other work lined up and finally that she intends to cause trouble.

When she appears to have talked herself out Merisa takes out her commlink and removes the battery "It's nice that you trusted me, I appreciate the thought, but you should definitely not have come into this without snooping into my background and history and if we're going to work together I'd prefer if you got in the habit of invading everyone's privacy all the time. Now, my secretary and her boyfriend are at our table, let's take our seats while we wait for our other guests and you snoop these twos commlinks and later tell me everything you find. Does that sound doable?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #52

Cynthia looks in the direction of the table, and cocks an eyebrow. "You want me to extract what I can from a couple of standard comlinks which are still running with their factory settings and you ask me if it's doable? The question is more why I should invade their privacy and report it to you. You know, I think there's something in the laws about this." She snorts derisively. "As for the rest, I'll keep it in mind. And maybe I'll let you know what I find. From time to time.". She grins "As for that" she gestures to the disabled comlink "You'll have to reconnect it at some point. Keeping me from snooping around at the cost of your connection to the matrix will quickly be too expensive to justify it."

She shrugs, and walks to the couple. "Hi. I'm Cynthia."





Author: Mercy Merchant

Cynthia moves to the table and the pair introduce themselves. "Hello, Cynthia, I am Marie and this is my very good friend Tom. I am afraid that we feel very out of place here tonight. It was just such a wonderful opportunity, though. Tom was just telling Miss Coulter, my boss, that is, that he is in construction. We have been going out together for about five months now, which is quite a record for both of us. Do you know anyone here besides Miss Coulter? You seem so much less nervous than I must."

Eva notices Sylvia enter the VIP lounge and look around, presumably for her. When her eyes catch yours, they light up with their own kind of smile. As she takes the few steps to you, she frowns then gives you a hug, taking the opportunity to whisper in your ear. "Your 'link is off. Are we lovers or just friends tonight?"

At almost the same time, Tanya Marisart walks in, escorted by a very handsome man neither of you know, although Cynthia has a nagging idea that she might have seen his picture. Both of you hear a slight buzz from some of the other guests in the lounge. "Is that who I think it is? And look who she is with." "I did not know she was coming tonight." "I wonder if this is a good time to mention that the charity ball is still looking for some sponsors?" She sweeps in and takes Marisa by the hands, bussing your cheeks. Her British accent is very pronounced, even if most of her words are UCAS. "Miss Coulter, Marisa, I am so glad that you were able to accept my invitation." She turns to Sylvia, then the others. "Good evening, Miss Doss. It is a pleasure to see you here. And you must be Marisa's friends, Marie and Tom. She has told me so much about you and your work at the shop. And, Tom, weren't you the project lead on the new port docks. Congratulations on bringing that in on time and under budget. Probably not many could have done that. And I am afraid that I must declare myself embarrassed for not knowing your name, dear. I do like the way that pantsuit fits you, and the colors are perfect for you. Now, I would like to introduce my companion and escort for the evening. This is Colonel Rupert Sanks, Deputy Assistant Commander for the Knight Errant Active Crimes Unit. I was able to persuade him to accompany me, even given the horrible things that are happening in Seattle. Unfortunately, he will not be able to stay long."

Sylvia has gone momentarily still as stone, but makes a weak smile by way of acknowledgement.

Tanya moves up to Cynthia and says, "Please don't mind me. I think I put my knickers on just like every other woman here. Would you like to accompany me up to the club? And you must tell me where you bought your outfit." She holds an arm out for Cynthia to take. She is clearly trying to ease the tension and break the ice.






Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #53

Cynthia nods to the couple, then shakes her head to answer Marie "No, I don't know anyone. I almost never go to clubs, and certainly not in the VIP section. If I can't go there in jeans and t-shirt, it's not for me. And judging from what I see..." she stops there and shrugs. Then Tany arrives. Cynthia blinks a few time, completely unsure of what she should do. Did she just hijack the reception of someone else?

*The deputy what of the what!? Frag, what is this drek!* Cynthia glares at Marissa for a second, before trying to keep a cool front *And she wanted me to snoop around ehh. Yeah, as if. Still... I didn't do anything wrong. In the last hour... No wait the parking... In the last half hour... Frag, I'll just nod, smile a bit and get the hell out of here. After the concert... Should be ok right?*

For a few seconds, Cynthia stares at Tanya, completely unsure of what to do. Her conversation with Marissa at least achieved to calm her a bit, but now her stress goes to overdrive. In barely more than a whisper, she says "Cynthia.". She blinks, then adds "That is, that's my name." *Erk, whose name could it be, moron?* She flinches a bit, and mumbles "Obviously."

*Wait, why is she...No way. No no no...Drek...* For a moment, Cynthia seems unsure of what to do with Tanya's arm. Then, gingerly, she takes it. "My outfit?" she glances at her pants "Huh... Some mart in downtown? Wait the club? There must have been a mistake, Marissa invited me but I didn't know... I should probably leave..."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya pats your hand and the way she does it does not seem at all patronizing. Her voice is completely sincere as she says, "Oh, I hope not. The food here is top notch and comes with the price of admission. I hear that Concrete Dreams is giving a concert on Level four. I don't know about you, but I love their stuff. I wish I could sing, but I am afraid I could not carry a tune in a paper sack, so I just pretend. My shower head gets a lot of use as a microphone. Say, I can link you to some of their music if you have not heard it before. Of course, there is also the MM cover band on Level eight. I heard them last time I was here and they are pretty good and do most of her songs. Please say that you will stay for at least a while. So, I know a bit about everyone else, would you like to tell me something about yourself?"

Tanya's gown is silk and blue in color, hanging to the floor. The belt at her waist emphasizes her trip figure and the dress is modest, concealing her chest yet drawing attention to it. Herons are embroidered on the front and back and there is a slit on the right side that goes almost up to the top of her thigh. Something about the name..............your eyes snap open. THAT Tanya Marisart. Lady Tanya Marisart. British noblewoman living full time in Seattle. Something...................something..............a vague idea of some sort of scandal in England that brought her here. Very high society. Very rich.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #54

Cynthia beams when Tanya talks about music, forgetting a bit about her anxiety. "No, no, I love their songs. In fact, that's pretty much the only reason I'm here tonight, otherwise I would have declined. I like Mercurial too, but I don't know. I'm not so sure about her most recent songs. I don't know if it's since Dunkelzahn mentioned her in his will or whatever but it changed and I don't like her new songs as much as the old ones. But then again, I prefer old music to new one. Operas, classical and so on. The Mother of the Sea by Shield Wall is probably an exception. Then again, it's almost as old as I am so... What I prefer are violin concertos I think. Or maybe piano? Anyway, maybe I'm old before my time."

She shrugs, thinking about it. Wistfully she adds "I...err...found...a copy of a recording from the Orchestre Symphonique du Conservatoire de Paris of 2027 for the Requiem Mass in D minor by Mozart and it's..." she shivers a bit "divine. I'm not a believer but..." she shrugs, half-smiling. She shakes herself, and glances at Tanya. Then freezes. *Frag. Let's hope there's no one to take a photo, I don't want this kind of attention... No wonder Marissa was so sure she could get me in then. I wonder what's the deal with them...*

She opens and closes her mouth a few times, then coughs "There's nothing to know, I'm no one. Just a...a..." *Drek. How do I finish this sentence without shooting myself in the foot?* "A normal teen? In a loner kind of way I suppose. I mean, I like the matrix and that's pretty much all... I'm enjoying the freedom there, looking for stuff, playing and...stuff... I didn't decide yet what I want to do later." *Lame. Lame!*



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Tanya stops and looks at you. "I so agree with you about MM. Her songs did change after that, but so many people I talk to say that is wrong. I am glad to find someone I can agree with. And opera? Say, there is a special presentation of the Der Ring des Nibelungen here at the Seattle Opera on Wednesday evening. Would you be interested in coming as my guest? Think about it and let me know. It sounds like we have a good bit in common. But would you excuse me? I cannot ignore my other guests, but please do not run away." With that, Tanya moves off to where Marie and Tom are standing.


@Eva Sylvia is watching Tanya move about the room and whispers to you, "So where do you know her from? She knows more than she should."





Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Your quick check of the area reveals that there is a watching spirit here at the VIP waiting area, and that the club itself seems to be well warded.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #55

Cynthia cocks an eyebrow. "Wagner, eh?" she nods, standing on the side, pensive. After a few seconds, she looks at Marie and Tom. Or, more precisely, at their comlinks in AR. Wondering if she should still try to do anything. After a glance at Colonel Sanks, she decides to at least wait until he has left. There may be some deckers on overwatch - which she will try to check - and she doesn't want to do anything illegal in his vicinity. That would probably be a bad idea... And since his comlink may be linked to some KE Host... Of course, that would be a risk for the Host, but they probably figure that if the Colonel's comlink isn't safe, nothing is anyway.

Given the situation, in addition to check for hidden personas, she will regularly check that no one is trying to put marks on her (or her comlink, even if that one doesn't really matter, since there's next to nothing there), and will try to make a list of all the devices in her vicinity and their owner, looking for informations such as comcodes, device ratings and running programs. Of course she will begin by the group she's in, before looking around: after all, it shouldn't take long to see everything there is too see. That way, she won't be bored, she won't step on anyone's toes, and will forget a bit the situation she's in. All good points for perfectly legal actions! And if she decides to go a bit further than that, well... She will have some data.

She will still look around from time to time, not wanting to miss something important, but it's mostly for appearances: she's perfectly happy if no one comes talk to her. Especially if it's one of those people.



Author: Mercy Merchant

There is nothing special about the comlink that Marie is using. It has some basic firewall protection, but nothing that should prove too difficult to get past if you wanted to. Tom's is a bit better and so is his firewall, but it should be fairly easy if you tried hard. There is no AR for the Colonel's 'link, but you are pretty sure that he would have one, so it must be hidden and probably wrapped as something else. Tanya's is out in the open, but is top of the line, as you would expect, and has a top of the line firewall to go with it. You might be able to get through if you concentrated, but she might notice. The woman with Marisa, Sylvia you think, is also walking about without a broadcasting 'link, so perhaps another hidden and wrapped device. Marisa's is off, as you know, so you do not have a feel for it. The rest of the crowd is a mix of the ones in your own group.

Tanya walks over to where Marisa and Sylvia are standing and says, "Are all of your guests here, Marisa, or are we expecting anyone else?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #56

*Oh, some of those would be worthy challenges...* with a wistful sigh, she smiles slightly *I'd need Sherlock's help to find the missing ones and Arsène's to get past the defences. Could be interesting but...* She glances at the Colonel. *Far too dangerous for something I don't really care about... Hacking comlinks is a bit lame after all.*

Leaning against a piece of furniture, Cynthia waits patiently.

*I could make a point or two if I did though. First that their security sucks...or could be better... and second that I have some ability... I'll have to think about that if there's something more than this concert.*



Author: VegasRigged

As we follow them into the club I respond to Sylvia quietly "She's a close friend of that employer you contacted on my behalf, I'm redoing her room, making a connection and flirting. As for her guest I am as surprised as you, but it will be lovely to get to know the man, I'm sure he's quite pleasant."

'Not to mention unusually vulnerable for a man of his station. If I could strike at him, read his mind, Laes him, anything! He's a treasure trove of power and secrets just waiting to be unlocked!' The gear are in full spin, but I'll keep them under control for now, the thought of bring down such a man on the first date seems a bit presumptuous, especially without an form of pre-planning. Still, getting to know him can only work in my favor.

To Tanya I respond "Everyone I expect, and one I did not. If I'd known I was meeting Colonel Sanks I might have stuck with a suit, which I suppose would have been a wasted opportunity. And pardon my manners, yes, this is Sylvia. We live in the same building and have become quite close since my return from Hong Kong."

I take a moment as I reference him to asense the Colonel.





Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya smiles at everyone and takes one of the Colonel's arms in her left and offers her right to Cynthia. As the others step in behind them, Marisa is able to assense the lawman. He is awakened and quite powerful, as might be expected, given his position.

The walk to the VIP entrance is short and is covered by an awning to protect people from the rain. Two massive trolls guard the last bit of the walkway and as you approach them, Tanya points to a large sign on a post that indicates the premises are well guarded in both the astral and the matrix. Spells and matrix actions are to be limited to the bare minimum necessary and are not to interfere with any patron's enjoyment of the club activities. The two trolls nod respectfully as the group approaches. One, the largest of his race you think you have ever seen, holds up a scanner. "Good evening, Lady Marisart. It is nice to have you with us again. How are you doing?"

"I am very well, Crag. How are your wife and kids?"

"Couldn't be better, Your Ladyship. I see your party is one more than................oops, the addition just came across. I apologize for the slowness of the system tonight." Tanya steps forward and allows the troll to move his wand over her. Once scanned and passed, she moves ahead and waits for the others to join her after being scanned. Colonel Senks is next and draws a nod from the troll as well. "Good evening, Colonel. It has been a while since you were here. I guess we will be safe tonight."



Author: VegasRigged

I follow them through, glad I don't carry a weapon. I briefly wonder if Sylvia will pass this little test with her deadly tools implemented in her fingertips, but I suspect she's gotten into tighter places without too much trouble. Besides, if she gets kicked out I'll have someone to run background for the evenings more illicit activities.

I glance back reassuringly at Marie and Tom. If they prove trustworthy, they could both be useful, and neither is as frustrating as the decker girl.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP entrance] #57

Not quite sure this is such a good idea, Cynthia takes the offered arm. It will probably be better than following alone but still... With an amused smile, she reads the sign *Well, that just makes things interesting I suppose. I don't have a deck anyway, and who could do anything useful in the 'trix with a 'link, eh?*

When it's her turn to be scanned, she isn't the least bit worried: with only her 'link, she has nothing to fear at all. Still, she looks at the troll, a bit surprised. "Woh, you're tall!" she blinks a bit *Did I just say that out loud? Given how he looks at me... I guess...* she smiles apologetically "Huh, I'm sorry, that was...huh..." the bip of the scanner announcing that she's clean interrupts her. With a last feeble smile, she joins Tanya, head lowered, muttering under her breath.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Crag laughs gently at Cynthia's comment. "Yes, I am tall. The club hired me for my boyish good looks. You are clear; please have a good time here tonight, Miss." Tanya smiles at Cynthia as well, Giving her hand a gentle squeeze as she takes it back up. She bends over to whisper in your ear. "Hey, nice try. It is alright to be nervous if you are not used to this sort of thing. Have confidence. You are an interesting person and people will want to get to know you. Thank you for being brave enough to step away from your comfort zone."

Straightening, Tanya nods at each person as they are passed through then leads the group up a short winding ramp to the entrance, where a woman with a data pad cradled in her arms is waiting for you. She greets Tanya by name. "Good evening, Lady Marisart. You will be in suite three." The woman takes something from a small pouch at her side and touches it to Tanya's arm then that of Colonel Senks, then each of the rest of the group. A small AR pops up that indicates you are with Lady Tanya Marisart's party and have access to the VIP suite 3 as well as every level of the club, including the bottom two special levels. It will also act as a guide to the various areas of the club. She tells you how to turn the AR off and activate it, telling you that it will be taken back when you leave.

Tanya looks at everyone and says, "Well, that is taken care of. Do you want to go to the suite first and see what sort of refreshments they have provided us?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #58

Cynthia grins at Crag, nodding "Thank you. Good evening."

She seems to take some comfort in Tanya's gesture and thanks her with a small smile, even if she is really doubtful that she is interesting. Most would probably want to stone her to death if they knew what she is, an infamous Technomancer... Still, except a small grumble, she doesn't protest. When the woman touches her arm with the pouch to apply the AR, Cynthia seems to forget everything else. Studying the thing, she wonders how difficult it would be to get access to whatever place she would want to go. Not that she would want to go anywhere but still. Could be handy to know.

Still studying the AR when Tanya asks her question, Cynthia just mutters "I'll follow."



Author: Mercy Merchant

The club is packed and the crowd is in full swing tonight. People are moving about in groups, pairs, and singles. Tanya stops at a largish AR of the club. "The club is themed after a book of the same name written a long time ago. There are nine circular levels in a sort of inverted cone, each level smaller than the one above it. Each level has a different theme, based on the levels of hell. Contrary to some rumors, there is not really anything about hell except for the decorations and the clothing of the staff. Of course, by the time one makes it to the lower levels, there is a chance that enough drink has been consumed, and perhaps some drugs as well, that most inhibitions have been loosened. I have noticed people engaged in different sexual encounters on these levels. Please do not feel that you have to participate to that level. To me it represents a loss of personal control, but I do not force my own concepts on any of you. We are here to have fun."

"The AR on your arm will guide you to anywhere in the club that you wish to go that is open to the guests. All you need to do is ask it to guide you and a path will appear for you. Please feel free to visit anywhere in the club. The AR is your pass, even to the special bottom two levels. Now, as an example, I will ask the AR to guide me to VIP Suite 3 and I will take you there, but feel free to ask yourself. Any questions?"

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #59

Cynthia shakes her head to answer Tanya's question. *I'm not so sure that it's not branch of hell. Seems a lot like it to me... Note to self: stick to water. Or soda. Or soycaf.*

Looking around, while still playing with the club's ARO on her arm to check among other things the time of Concrete Dream's performance, she follows to the VIP Suite 3. She seems...Curious on the way. A bit like someone going to the zoo would look at the wildlife. All of this seems so foreign to her, she might as well have been on another planet as far as she's concerned.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Sylvia stays near you. "I have never been here before. I have heard of this woman before, but never expected to meet her. I don't think I have to tell you to be on your toes."


@Cynthia Marie and Tom walk with you once Tanya moves ahead. "Tom and I are glad you are along. I feel so lost here and you look so.......well, almost comfortable. Have you been her often, then?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #60

Cynthia looks at Marie, surprised "Comfortable?" *Drek, how can she believe that I'm comfortable? There are too many people here for me to be comfortable.*

She shakes her head "No, I'm not really comfortable, I figured you were the ones comfortable... Me, I'm just trying to think about anything else and forget where I am. And how I got there." *Hey, there might be something here. I should try to do something like that next time too.*
With a shrug, she continues "It's the first time I ever came to the Dante's. And I don't have much experience as far as clubs go either. It's not really what I like, I much prefer game competitions, concerts or Matrix hangouts. There, I understand the rules and I can go dressed however I want. Here..." she shrugs "Not so much."

Pensive, she looks at Marie "Your boss told me there was some business to do, but she didn't say more. Do you know what this is all about?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Marie looks surprised. "I do not know anything about business so that must be something on her own. She had asked me about some clubs in Seattle and I gave her a list. Then she invited us to join her here tonight. I did not realize that we were going to be guests of Lady Marisart. She sure seems much nicer than the gossip would have you believe. I would not have thought that she would ever spare the likes of Tom and me the time of day, but she seems quite nice."

VIP Suite 3 is quite large. There is a closet for wraps and an attached bathroom, complete with a shower. A fully stocked bar is at one end of the room and several large trid screens line the walls. Comfortable chairs and couches are organized into conversation groups and a large table is available for dining, complete with an AR menu listing what is available to order from the kitchen. The bar has its own server droid and an AR listing of the beverages available.

Tanya lets everyone get settled then says, "Alright, everyone is free to mingle here or outside in the club. The concert I would like to see begins in a half hour, so I will be leaving for that in about twenty minutes. Would anyone care to accompany me?"

Colonel Senks shakes his head. "Wish I could, my dear, but duty calls. I just got a call and need to go check in. So sorry. It was nice to meet all of you." Tanya smiles at him and whispers something in his ear that has him smiling as he leaves the room.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite 3] #61

Cynthia shrugs "I don't know. She told me she had some business to talk to me about. As for Tanya..." she scratches her cheek "I don't really follow gossips, I don't much care how other people live their life. I take care of mine and that's pretty much it... But..." She looks at Tanya "Yeah, I guess..."

Quite curious, Cynthia explores the room, going as far as testing if the shower really works. She doesn't really want to know why a shower could be useful here. Well, she can guess, but prefers not to. At the bar, she avoids alcohol and takes a glass of juice, before settling down in a chair - and not a couch, that way she won't have to share. More to test the chair than anything else... When Tanya speaks again, she looks at her, her interest peaked when she talks about the concert.

Raising her hand, she says "I will!" She seems a bit surprised to see the Colonel leave that quickly but makes a small wave of the hand in his direction as a goodbye. *Maybe I'll be able to play with the 'links now... I'll wait after the concert though, I'll have time, and everyone will have settled down by then I hope.*





Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya nods at Cynthia and looks over to where Marisa is standing. "Interested? The band is Concrete Dreams and they play some good stuff. It's not for everyone, though, so please do not feel that you have to come along. There is plenty to do in the club without going to the concert. If it is other music you like, there is a nice MM cover group on the eighth circle. I have heard them before and they do a good job with her songs. Almost like listening to her. There is dancing and just mingling, if you prefer."



Author: VegasRigged

I smile at Sylvia "Perhaps someday I will be friends with someone I don't need to watch my step with, but I do not anticipate that happening soon. Now, let's enjoy ourselves and try not to get killed."

To the Colonel I give a warm smile and say "I hope to see you again, sir."

I nod amiably as Tanya discusses the details of the club, and order both food and drinks in the form of a sushi and caviar platter and a Manhattan. "The concert sounds like fun, though I wonder if you would mind me picking your brain about the fine gentleman that's just left?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: I am sorry, but I am a little confused about who Marisa is talking to about the Colonel. I assume Tanya, but I might be wrong.



Author: VegasRigged

The Knight Errent guy who came in with us, then lady almost at once.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya smiles at Marisa. "Pick my brain? Are you interested in him? He is a very interesting man, at least I think he is. He started working for the KE long before they picked up the contract here from Lonestar, working his way from beat officer in Denver then promotions that took him to Los Angeles and New Orleans before landing here. He runs the Active Crimes unit in Seattle. It is quite a feather in his cap, to be sure. He is not married, so if you are interested, I could arrange a real introduction."

Author: VegasRigged

"He seems like a powerful and well connected man, the kind I'd like to do business with if things were right. He's probably also a powerful Mage who could show me a few tricks."

I watch Maris and Tom for their reactions to my magic statement.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya's answer rolls off her tongue so naturally and sincerely that you are sure that she is telling the truth.................well, almost certainly.........maybe. It is hard to say, but she would have to be a skilled liar indeed to be this glib. "He is VERY influential and well connected. But a mage? I would not know, Marisa. I have no ability to tell that. Why do you think so?"

Marie and Tom are turned to watch the Colonel leave then turn back to you. Marie's eyes are quite wide and Tom's are a bit more calculating.



Author: VegasRigged

My answer comes slowly and naturally, as if I've slipped into an interesting memory "My study of the Feng Shui of a household, the benefits of which you will experience quite soon, I came across many lists of skilled mages working within the corporate structure. While his name was not on them directly, men in his position are almost always magicians of conciderable prowess, which is why I asensed him almost at once."

I serve myself some of the Sushi once it arrives, realizing that I've not yet eaten today.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya nods at your explanation, apparently satisfied because she turns to take Cynthia's arm. "We are going off to the concert on the fourth circle. Remember that you are all free to just roam and take advantage of everything the club has to offer. The AROs on your wrists will give you access to just about everything." She and Cynthia walk out of the VIP suite, followed by Marie and Tom, who say that they are going to look around and do some dancing.

Sylvia moves closer to you and whispers, "So it is just us in here, now. Any thoughts on what you want to do?"



Author: VegasRigged

I keep my voice low and my tone casual so anyone unable to make out the words would think nothing of our conversation "As you may have moticed, Tanya is a women of influence here, so our main goal is making friends with her. Our secondary goal is to get my secretary and her boyfriend alone near the end of the evening, as I have to interview them both as soon as possible, probably with the use of drugs afterwards so they forget the encounter."

I turn and kiss her gently "Butnofnxourse these are only my plans for the evening, surely you have some thought on howntomkeepnthinfs exciting?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Sylvia smiles and chuckles. "A woman of influence? My love, you are talking an understatement of giant proportions. This was a spur of the moment invite, yes? For a club that rumor says is impossible to get a VIP slot here unless you reserve it weeks or months in advance. And the type of service we have seen? No, I would say that she has more than just influence here. And I agree that we should get to know her better. Are those drugs foolproof? I think that you would have no trouble with your secretary, but that Tom guy strikes me as fairly willful. Could he resist the drugs or the forgetting part and cause trouble? What do you need to know about them that you cannot find out by conventional means?"



Author: VegasRigged

"They are, more or less, but it would be a shame to find out that they are useful in such a way as to render them liabilities. Perhaps another strategy would serve, but we will see how the evening plays. The last item on the agenda is to try and recruit the decker I invited. She's not much for the social... Anything, so persuading her into our schemes will be a challenge, but if she becomes amenable I believe she could be extremely helpful. Besides, she's cute in an awkward kind of way."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Sylvia smiles and puts a hand on your arm. "She is hiding something, even though I think it is unintentional. Her social ineptness may mean that she has developed other skills. Her decking skills may be more than they appear. And you are right about her being cute, but I think that she would not agree. What use do you intend for her?"



Author: VegasRigged

"I tend to assume everyone is hiding something, but you're right about that, she has something else gong on. As for her use my lover, I'm not sure we have reached the part of the story where I reveal my master plan." I give an exaggerated evil laugh and wrap my arms around her neck.

"Now, I'm going to get to work on this lot, we have much to do and only a night to do it."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Sylvia wraps her arms around you and kisses you. "Just remember, some people might resist your ideas of where they fit in your master plan. And do not wait overlong to expose it to your allies, or you might lose one. Some people have lived in the shadows far longer than you think and are pretty capable..................as ally or foe. I am on your side in this, remember?"

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite 3] #62

Cynthia seems a bit relieved when the Colonel leaves the room. Not by much, but still enough for it to be noticeable. She doesn't really react when she learns that he is a Mage himself however: neither concerned nor interested. As long as the Magic is not targetted at herself, she doesn't really care. And she certainly doesn't see the Colonel as dating - or worse, mariage - material.

It's no surprise then that she keeps silent in the ensuing discussion, having nothing to say. Ok, maybe even if she did have anything to say, she might not say it. Still...

When Tanya takes her arm, she follows. She's not really comfortable in this situation, and probably never will. After all, it probably the weirdest one she has ever been in. But she doesn't really hate it at the moment so...it might not be that bad...





Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya walks with Cynthia through the crowd of people that seems to be reaching the occupation limit for the establishment. You only go a few feet when Tanya stops and turns to face you. You seem a bit nervous, Cynthia. Is it something I said or did? Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make you more comfortable? Now, we are going to be walking to the fourth circle for the concert and will be running into people I know. These people can be bloody nosy and will want to know who the very good looking woman I am with is. It is all part and parcel with who I am and you being with me. What do you wish I tell them and how should I introduce you?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite 3] #63

"What? Cynthia looks at Tanya for a bit, surprised. "Oh... No no." she shakes her head. She seems to hesitate for a bit, contemplating what to say next...and how to say it.

"I'm... Not good with people. I sometimes go to concerts, but it's always places where I don't have to leave my jeans and t-shirts behind or interact with anybody.". She looks around at the crowd, frowning. "It often seems I have no filter between my brain and my mouth, and as a result I often put my feet in there. It's easier and...less hurtful... to avoid talking to people I don't know." She shrugs. "When you add the fact that I'm not interested in meeting anyone..."

She pauses, thinking back to the beginning of her evening. With a small smile, she adds "Not in general at least. On some occasions I can be a bit curious I suppose." When she continues, her smile fades slowly. "Anyway... I'm not comfortable anywhere other than home." Pensive, she adds "Or at dawn for a jog in the streets, when it looks like I'm alone in the world, I suppose."

She frowns, glancing at Tanya. After a visible hesitation, thinking about how the evening went so far, she adds "But I much prefer the Matrix. There, I'm free. In control. I know the rules."

With a sigh, she lets a few seconds go by, as she watches the crowds. "And to answer your last question, I suppose it wouldn't come as a surprise if I told you I'd much prefer you didn't say anything about me. I don't like the idea of fleeing but maybe I could go there by myself while you took care of the noisy people?" With a groan, not even waiting for an answer, she continues "I guess it doesn't really matter since they already saw us."

She shifts uncomfortably. "I don't know... Something that won't draw attention to me? I could be a... A family friend or something?" with a grunt, she shakes her head "Er no, bad idea, given er... It would draw a drekstorm of attention. I have no idea what would be best, so just tell them what you want..." With an hopeful look, thinking of a good idea (or so she thinks at least...), she adds "I don't mind if you make me into a mute, an autistic or whatever! One of your charities work maybe?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya looks at Cynthia for a bit then smiles. "No, I don't mind lying to people, after all, I do it all the time. But I prefer not to cause you more discomfort than necessary. After all, you are here to see the concert, not worry about talking to other people. I have an idea. Let's go over to that alcove and see if I can make it happen." She takes you over to a small niche in the wall and lets you step in while she waits just outside in the hall. Soon after, a young man in the club uniform will show up and Tanya will bend her head to him and talk softly. The man nods and Tanya turns to you. "I have asked Harry here to take us the back way, where even our passes are not normally good. That way we will bypass all the crowds and you will not have to meet anyone. Will that be better?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite 3] #64

Cynthia keeps silent for a while. Then she frowns, apparently displeased. With a shake of her head, she says "No." She looks at Harry and adds "I thank you for your help, but I don't think it would be necessary."

Turning to Tanya she adds "I don't want to interact with people I don't know. But I wont flee, tail between my legs. Let them come and believe whatever they want, I don't care. More than anything else here, I won't allow anything, and certainly not anyone, to dictate my actions. I'll go to that concert on my own two feet. So too speak at least."

She glances at the people behind her, and adds, a bit defiant: "And don't lie on my account, you can tell them the truth, I'm certainly not ashamed by it. And if they have any problem with it, that's their problem, not mine."
The slight quiver in her voice at the ends is proof that she's not as sure as she says. But her eyes stay firm, decided.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya looks closely at you after thanking Harry and sending him off. "You are very brave, perhaps braver than I would be under the circumstances. Very well, Miss Cynthia Rawson, let's just go do it. I will just say that you are a young acquaintance of mine and let them wonder. I must warn you, though, that your name and photo are likely to be splattered all over the bloody gossip trids tomorrow. If you prefer, you may just make your way to the concert on your own and either join me at my table or simply find a seat on your own. just bring up the ARO at the entrance and it will give you access to the concert and special seating. I am sorry that I have put you in any sort of uncomfortable situation. That was never my intention. I truly appreciate your kindness in putting up with me."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, outside VIP Suite 3] #65

Cynthia shifts uncomfortably under Tanya's praises. "Just Cynthia, please. I'm not a Miss and probably not even a Rawson anymore, so... And let them wonder. Maybe some of them will choke on the mystery. As for the photos..."

A bit fatalist, she shrugs "Let them take what they want. I suppose some of them already got what they wanted anyway, so even if I left right now, it probably wouldn't make much of a difference." She frowns, pensive "Maybe I should make it so their tools got some...problems..." A small smile appears on her lips. Maybe not predatory, but certainly not kind "Or play with them a bit when they look for information on the 'trix..."

She seems to consider the idea for a while, enjoying some nice fantasy. Then, with a sigh, she comes back to reality "Pleasant as it would be, it would probably create more issues in the long run though, so...do what you have to do, and I'll just nod here and there, mostly ignoring them. As long as they're not rude anyway."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya laughs. "I think that you are a person after my own heart. Very well, off into the wild. We will be as mysterious as possible and you may enjoy it more than you think. And would it be possible to talk to you later about the trix? Are you perhaps available for work?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, outside VIP Suite 3] #66

Cynthia shrugs "When she invited me, Marissa spoke about doing some business tonight. I had another offer since then, but I already warned it would depend on what happened tonight. So yes I'm available. Not sure I can help you much though. I suppose you have access to many people much better than I am."

As an afterthought, she adds "Not that I'm bad. But I don't think I'm the hottest hac...er..." Flustered, her mouth working for a bit without any sound coming out of it, Cynthia looks at a reasonable way to finish her sentence "I mean, I'm not the hottest Matrix User ever..."

She frowns for a bit. Perfectly aware that she didn't recover anything and might as well have gone and said the word. Not dwelling on it, she adds "But yes, we can talk about it. I much prefer being in the Matrix than talking about it, but it's not bad either."



Author: Mercy Merchant

"Do you by any chance play Vampyre Hunter? I have several characters and one owns an in-game lodge. If you get onto the game, I could give you a key and we could talk in the privacy of the matrix. If you are into MMOs and have not tried it, I would recommend it to you. But I am no trix wizard, so you might have a different place to meet?"

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, outside VIP Suite 3] #67

Cynthia seems really surprised to see Tanya talk about games. "I know the game yes. I played a few months ago. I should still have my Shadow I suppose." Looking at Tanya, she adds "It's a hidden class. You can think of it as an assassin with powers over shadows and darkness in general. It was kinda fun but..." She grimaces a bit, almost apologetically "I found the game too centered around the Hunter class at least on the storytelling side, and it was a bit too easy for my taste. At the moment I'm playing Mars: The Apocalypse. It's an open-world survival game where you wander in the remains of a lost civilisation on Mars. You can try to understand what happened, and how the civilisation disappeared, but you first have to find enough resources to survive. Some wander in the ruins, some steal from them, other build communities, and so on. But it's pretty hardcore: it's full PvP, and you only get a single life. If you die, you lose your character and everything you did with it. And it's... Well, in most games, you have some kind of progression, where you do this quest, then that quest, you farm this spot at a given level and so on. Here there's no such things. I often wonder if maybe there's some kind of IA generating content as needed but it's kinda hard to be sure about this. You never know with AIs..."

She stops, blinking, looking contrite "Err sorry, I talk too much... The lodge could suffice I suppose, unless you're plotting to take over the game's company or something like that... There's probably too much traffic for them to be able to do much. I suppose they could come back to discussions logs, but they would need some good motive to do it. If you do want to take over the game's company however, I know some good meeting spots, where you can expect to have your privacy respected. Of course, even if you owned the node nothing could be guaranteed but..."

Noticing that she's been speaking for a while, again, she closes her mouth abruptly.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya is looking at Cynthia with an open mouth she finally remembers to close. "Bloody hell! You play Mars? My God, I have been in that since it came out. Died about 20 times already, so you are probably much better than I am. But my current life is doing quite well. If we got together, maybe you could share some tips. Have you figured out the secret of the Fifth Tomb yet? I have tried a couple of times but cannot seem to get past the canal in the eighth level of the Algon Pit. I would really appreciate some help if you have done that one. Say, maybe it one of those places where it really takes two lives working together to really succeed? Would it be a bother to meet you there and play and chat? By the way, I do agree that much of the VH game is centered about the Hunter class, but I have managed to get to Master Vampyre with one of my characters. It is tough, though, I will admit. The Hunters seem to have all the advantages." Tanya seems to be an entirely different person when she is talking about gaming. And don't apologize to me about gaming. It is one of my passions and I could talk for hours about it."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, outside VIP Suite 3] #68

"Err..." For a couple of seconds, Cynthia seems to be lost. This is clearly not what she was expecting of someone like the noble woman. Shaking herself, she decides that she doesn't much care about the gap between what she could expect and what she sees: the only important thing is what is after all. And since she enjoys talking about games anyway... "I died a couple of times too before I got the hang of it. As for the Pit yeah, I got past it. I suppose I could meet you there. As long as you are discreet at least, it would be bothersome otherwise, a lot of people want to have a few words with me... Often the rather fatal kind of words... Especially considering the bounty..."

Frowning, she seems to hesitate a bit. Finally, she says "I could explain everything but it wouldn't be fun after that." She looks at Tanya, and adds "However I think I can give you two hints: first, you know those books by Carlin Wrenn that you find sometimes? Each one is a fable, about the end of the world, about mundane stuff...or more...mystic...considerations? You probably noticed the last page, the one everybody think is just some kind of signature for the book, pretty but meaningless? Well... Let's just say it's not as meaningless as most believe. As long as you find the key anyway." She smiles a bit. "Second... Did you ever wonder why you just had to take this injection every day? Why it's so cheap compared to most anything else? Sure, if you don't take it, you die. But why? And where do the injections really come from?" She pauses, an eyebrow raised. After a while, she grimaces "Oh by the way, if you died a few weeks ago because the price of the injections jumped up for a while... Well... Sorry about that... I kinda...err...disrupted...one of the production sites...rather permanently..."

After a couple of seconds, she shrugs "But I suppose this takes us a bit too far to what we're supposed to be talking... Especially here..."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya's eyes are almost glowing as she waves her hand dismissively and smiles. It comes to you that her smile is probably quite like yours, actually. A bit wolf mixed with something even scarier but undefined. "I would like to just say fuck everyone else and go off to play. Monique, my maid plays a lot, and does quite well in other games, even has a ranked Werewolf in VH, which is quite hard. But she does not like Mars. We could watch out for each other, if you like. Not sure what sort of guarantee you would need from me to convince you that I have no need to collect your bounty, but it could be tons of fun, especially if others do not suspect that we are a team. And thanks for the hints. I will go and look them over and see if I can figure it out. And the raid on Dispensary 23 was you? Wow! People are still talking about that. Made a big splash. Bloody hell, I was there just after you hit the place. I spotted some guy leaving the area with a large bag on his shoulders. His bounty made it interesting enough to follow him, especially if it were to turn out that he was carrying any remaining injections. Met him and he WAS carrying. I offered to trade sex for an injection and he agreed. Reality sex can be almost as fulfilling as the real thing if you have the right gear and I have some good stuff. Anyway, he tried to whack me but I was expecting it and already planning on doing him. Upshot is that I got laid, got the bounty, and got enough injections to last a while." She looks around at the room that seems to mostly have ignored your presence. "And we should leave if we are to make the concert. I hope I am not boring you with my chatter, but you interest me very much. Maybe we can talk more after the show, unless you want a backstage pass? I could wrangle one for us."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, outside VIP Suite 3] #69

Cynthia seems a bit uncomfortable when Tanya speaks so freely about sex. Given Tanya's reputation it's not something that surprises her, but it's not something she's personally comfortable with. Not taken that lightly anyway. Still, even if it's not something she would do or agree too, she doesn't really care about Tanya's opinion on this topic: she can do whatever she wants as far as she's concerned. Well, as long as Cynthia herself is not on the menu.

As such, she smiles freely "Sure, I almost never play in a group. Might be interesting... But it'll have to wait a bit though. I still have to listen to Marissa's business talk. No idea what about, but since it was more or less understood that me seeing the concert was in exchange of listening to her pitch..." She shrugs, fatalist.

"And I certainly intend to see CD perform. I don't need backstage passes though." She smiles thinly "I don't need to meet the musicians. I'm not a groupie, I love the music not the musicians. Or well, maybe I would, maybe not, but it doesn't really matter. And they probably see more than enough people vying for their attention anyway. Even if they will never know it, let them have this bit of respite." At that, she smiles, clearly amused.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya pauses, feeling that she has said something wrong and not knowing what it is. She smiles, offering her arm to Cynthia before walking off into the crowd of people and heading for the stairs to the next circle. They are stopped by several individuals and couples that greet Tanya as old friends. Cynthia is simply introduced by her first name and Tanya mentions that she is a new acquaintance. This does serve to increase the interest in the young woman accompanying the British noblewoman, but Tanya does not provide more information. Soon enough, the pair approach the doors to the concert hall located on the fourth circle. The AROs on their wrists identify them as special guests and they are led to a private VIP lounge area. Tanya asks the female uniformed escort to see that the security curtain is marked for no disturbance and the young woman nods, telling Tanya that it shall be as she wishes. The two settle into nice, comfortable chairs and have about five minutes before the curtain goes up.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #70

Cynthia takes the offered arm with a smile. A smile that soon becomes a bit trembling as she faces the crowd. As they walk and are stopped, she stays mostly silent, nodding in greetings and shaking hands when appropriate but not saying much more than "Hi, I'm Cynthia.". Perfectly happy to stand back, and let Tanya work her magic on the crowd.

She smiles gratefully at the escort, and settles with a relieved sigh in her chair. "I don't know how you do it... Most of them seem so...so...vain... They wouldn't look twice at me in normal circumstances, and here they are flattering me despite not knowing a thing about me, hoping to get into your good graces..." She shakes her head, distaste evident on her face "And how can you stand this leecherous Harold? The way he looked at you and me almost made me want to have a shower. Oh, and brick his 'eyes. Given that there seem to be a glitch in their programming making him almost unable to look us in the eyes... Or at least you... it would probably do him a favour..."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya turns to Cynthia and smiles. "You did very well. But look, I want to say something that might appear to be rude but there is no rudeness meant. For whatever reason, you are no longer in the box you put yourself in.......or allowed someone else to put you in. As of tonight, you are part of something bigger. Many times it can be uglier but sometimes nicer that your old world. The trix is your world, or rather, was your world. If you go back there now, you will find images of you in the social media and general news feed areas. Certainly most of the people that you met tonight and others that read of this evening will read some sort of salacious scandal into you being on my arm, but there are also people who are genuinely interested in you that you never knew existed. You will have to decide for yourself who to trust and not trust in this new world and you will probably make some mistakes along the way, but I think that you will find that the meat world has a lot to offer you."

"I do not want to boor you with stories from my own childhood unless you really want to hear them, but you and I are not as different as you might think in everything that really counts. We both play roles, it is just that I have been doing it far longer than you have and so have more experience. But, and only if you want, I can help you learn how to carry your role into the larger world. I happen to believe that there were at least three people that were far more interested in you than in me, and not as a means to get closer to me. You may not remember young Clive Morgan? His parents are rather insufferable, but he is a nice, polite young man. I am helping him with his tuition at the U because I happen to think he is a genius and his parents wanted to force him into a pigeon hole he is not suited for and cut him off when he refused to do it their way. He did not ask for my assistance, but I sought him out. So, you see, he has no reason to be trying to get close to me. And he did manage to keep his eyes where they should be................mostly. I did notice that he checked you out at least twice. And a young man who does not look at the chest of a pretty young woman is probably dead. And do not deny it; you may think that you are dressed as little as you can get away with for here, but some people can see through that. And I noticed that Margot Freed was eyeing you. I happen to know that she is very happily married and is not on the prowl for lovers, so her interest is in another area. Perhaps she recognizes in you a kindred matrix spirit. She is a professor at the U and holds the chair as the head of the Matrix Science Department there. I could arrange a meeting with either of these people if you are interested in meeting them."

"And I am interested in you. I also am not looking for a new lover at this time, but would still like to know more about you, but perhaps a meeting in a better place is more appropriate."

"Ah, the curtain. Think of what I have said and let me know what you think at the intermission."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP lounge] #71

Cynthia listens quietly, but seems a bit doubtful. She doesn't seem to really care about what some will read into this. Except maybe her mother. She'd love to see her reaction at that. She's visibly a bit curious about this Clive, but her expression, rather neutral up to know changes quite a bit when Tanya speaks about Margot Freed.

She's not exactly afraid but certainly anxious. She doesn't have visions of vivisections - quite - but she heard so much told about how Technomancers were...studied... She even tried to avoid other Technomancers up to now, fearing to attract the attention of those that sold out to one Megacorp or the other. Especially Mitsuhama or Neonet. As such, having drawn the attention of someone in the position of Margot Freed doesn't feel like the end of the world but is certainly not welcomed news.

Had Tanya not pointed out the curtain, Cynthia might have bolted, here and now. As it is, her haunted look takes a few minutes, a song or two, to disappear, as she's drawn into the performance.



Author: Mercy Merchant

If Tanya notices the change in your expression, she does not mention it. The band plays a straight set for an hour, all the way up to the intermission. The songs are better live than recorded and the presentation is excellent. All in all, it is almost enough to allow you to forget the outside world. Almost. As the lights come back up, Tanya turns to you and says, "So? What do you think? I like it so far."

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP lounge] #72

Judging by the look on Cynthia's face, she might have been à very happy cat in another life. In any case, it is obvious that she completely forgot any worries she might have had previously "Yep!"

She closes her eyes, with à lazy smile "No matter the quality of the sound system, it's not the same as seing them live."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia "You got that right. So, do you want to stay here and have refreshments brought to us or go out to the lobby and get some. I was thinking of having some chilled fruit juice sent in for me, but I can out there if you want to order direct."


@Eva Sylvia disentangles herself from you and sighs. "This is nice, but does not advance your plans much, unless those plans include having me rip your clothes off and doing you right on that couch there, which I am more than willing to do. Or do you want to follow the others? Perhaps we could go dancing and swap partners with your secretary and her boyfriend? Would that give you time to do your thing with them?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP lounge] #73

Still smiling, Cynthia stands up "Chilled juice seems nice to me. I'll have to go to the toilets though, otherwise I'll probably have to go in the middle of the next part so..." She shrugs apologetically "I totally blame the juice from before."

Grabbing the curtain of the lodge, she turns her head back and says, half jocking "If I'm not back in five, it would be nice if you sent the cavalry." frowning, she grumbles "Unless there's a queue of course. That would be pretty silly..."



Author: VegasRigged

"I hope that pert of the reason your on my side is because I am catious with essential information, not spilling the most important details in places I feel are not perfectly secure. I believe the girl could be useful in securing the new business deals I'm putting in motion, since she's unconnected to our on the ground crew theirs very little chance of being cut out. More then that, she seems willing to cause a little chaos, and that will most definitely be needed in the weeks to come. Now, we should find out here her and Tanya have gotten to, and at some point I'll float the idea of a threesom to our lovely hostess."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Tanya points to the left. We get to use the loos over in that direction. One of the perks. The queue should be smaller. I will have a selection of juices sent in, unless you have a fav?" The line at the women's toilets is indeed far shorter than you would have thought, with only a few waiting. Soon you are in, done, and washing up. Two young women, probably just a couple of years older then you, approach. "You are the girl with Lady Marisart, right? We have heard so many things about her. Could you get us an interview with her?"


@Eva Sylvia shakes her head. "Why I am with you has very little to do with how you manage your affairs and almost everything to do with how I react to you. There is, of course, some link between the two. I would not want to be near you if you were incompetent or lazy. But you have proven to be neither. I happen to like very much how you make me feel and how your body moves to my touch. We are good for each other and you fill some need of mine that I have not really noticed before." She pauses to see if you react to her words. {color=blue]"Tanya and Cynthia went to the fourth circle auditorium for that concert. It is probably too late to go there, now, but perhaps at the intermission?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP lounge] #74

"Oh? That's nice." pensive, almost for herself, she adds "I wonder if it's enough to meet the price you have to pay for all this..." with a small shake, in a normal voice, she finishes "A selection is fine. I probably won't have tested many of them anyway."

Drying her hands, Cynthia sighs. *I guess I shouldn't be surprised...* After a quick glance at the two women, she replies "Right now, all I could tell her is that two women approached me in here, wanting an interview. I don't think that would be enough for her to want to give one, but if that's what you want me to tell her..." she shrugs, unconcerned.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya laughs. "Almost anything is worth it to not have to stand in a long bloody queue just to go to the loo."

The two women look at each other and one takes a step forward. "Can you give us some real dirt on her? Our readers would like to know everything. We can pay well for information."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP ladies' room] #75

Cynthia's looks become more sombre "Dirt?" she frowns "What makes you think that I would know anything?" she groans "What could you offer me that could interest me?"

Pinching the bridge of her nose, she shakes her head "I have a proposition for you: let's pretend you didn't ask anything, ok?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

The two women take a step back and one raises her hands. "Sorry. Did not mean anything by it. A woman has to eat, you know. " The pair turn to leave the room as a couple more enter, but the newcomers do not seem to pay you any mind.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP ladies' room] #76

Cynthia seems surprised for a second. She was not expecting the two to back off that easily. In fact, she was already thinking about what she would to their 'links and what she found on them...

Forgetting about this last encounter she goes back to the lounge, eager to test the juices brought to Tanya. And of course, listen to the second part of the performance.
As she walks there, she takes advantage of her quick reading ability to check what Sherlock found about the bombing in Bogotá to see if she should adjust the search criteria. As she does it, she also checks if she missed an answer from this Barbara. Not that she's expecting one but who knows...

Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia When you return to the table you find that the juices have already been delivered. Carafes of various flavors are on a side table in a bucket of ice chips, along with a dozen glasses. Tanya is pouring a pinkish looking juice into one of the glasses as you come through the curtain. "Hey there. Help yourself. This pink one is some sort of guava-mango mix and is quite good, but feel free to experiment. How was the loo queue? I think I will go there myself, if you will excuse me."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP lounge] #77

Cynthia nods, helping herself. She's almost sure she already had mango at some point, but wonders what a guava is. She takes a sip, keeping it in her mouth for a second before swallowing. "Hum, that's nice." Blinking, she glances at Tanya and answers absent-mindedly "Oh, it was okay. Except maybe for some people in there, but I suppose you're used to it."

Sipping her juice, she looks at the other glasses. Wondering which one she should try next.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya chuckles as she leaves the table area. "I have never really gotten used to it. It is mostly an act, to be honest." She is gone a few minutes, returning just before the lights dim to indicate the end of the intermission. The band returns to the stage and begins another hour-long set of some of their best known songs and a couple of new ones. There is a standing ovation when they are done and they come back for another three-song set before leaving the stage for good. Tanya looks over at you when the lights come up. "I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that you did as well. What would you like to do now?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP lounge] #78

Cynthia smiles lazily, still enjoying the last notes. She nods "Yes. Yes I did, thanks. But you know, it's your party, not mine... I've just had what I came for. I'll just follow or wait in the suite until Marissa is ready to have that business talk."

Humming the notes of one of the last songs, Cynthia seems pensive for a bit as if there was something in there that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Suddenly, she raises her head. "Oh, unless you want to talk about the takeover of Vampire Hunter's company?". Frowning, she grimaces a bit "I suppose I shouldn't say that even as a joke. If someone were to hear it, some crazy rumours would start flying I guess..."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya smiles but shakes her head. "I am not sure that I have a head for business. But I am interested in it as a purely academic question. If the opportunity with Marisa does not pan out, I do have something that might keep you busy. It also might take you out of the country, if that interests you." She stands and refill her glass one more time from a carafe and offers her arm to you. "We can return to the suite and see if Marisa is there."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, 4th level VIP lounge] #79

Cynthia rubs her chin "I never left Seattle. Never had any reason to. Might be interesting. As long as they speak english at least... Never had any reason to learn any other language either so..." She shrugs.

Standing up, she takes the offered arm "Sure. I hope she wants more interesting stuff than me hacking some 'links though, there's no fun in that." Looking at something in AR, she adds with a wry smile "Well except yours maybe. If I had to do it in the next fifteen seconds that is." with a small wave of her hand, almost as an apology for the somewhat prideful statement, she finishes "But at best it would be a small challenge and not something really interesting, since I don't care about what's on it so you don't have to worry. At least as far as I'm concerned that is."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya smiles at Cynthia. "I would encourage you to hack me if you would like to. Tell me what you find afterwards. I am always on the lookout for exceptionally qualified people. I have uses for such interesting individuals."



Author: VegasRigged


I pause as a realization strikes me, its a bizarre moment, because its a rare moment of a thing I am not confident about.

My first thought is that I absolutely cannot let anyone know this, but truth might be necessary here. I might also behoove me to reveal a weakness to my lover.

"Sylvia, I would like to go and dance, and I'd like to see how far our dear companions have gotten without us, but first I must confess an oversight in the planning of this evenings festivities: I have not danced in a club since I was seventeen."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Sylvia smiles, leading you by the hand out to the dance floor on the first circle. The music is loud and mostly modern rock stuff from various currently-popular artists. Flickering colored lights played on the crowd of dancers as she works her way to a place several feet into the pulsating and gyrating crowd. Sylvia stops and faces you, putting her hands on your shoulders, she begins swaying to the beat of the music. Her dark eyes almost smolder as they look into yours and her tongue lightly grazes across her barely open lips as she moves sensuously. Following her lead, your body begins to react to the pace and tone of the music. Soon there is little here except the two of you and your bodies slowly come together, moving in sync. By the time your chests are pressed against each other, you are no longer worried about whether or not others will laugh at your dance skills. Sylvia leans forward and places her lips at your ear, whispering, "Did they dance like this when you were seventeen? Or was it all clumsy groping and the guy trying to get a hand on a tit? Let yourself go to the music and imagine what you would like to do to me right now."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #80

Cynthia grumbles "You know, it wasn't that fun to begin with, but if you give your permission it's not fun at all..." Pausing for a second, she smiles "Unless it's a challenge of course. And I never said I was exceptionally qualified..." Blushing a bit, which hopefully, is hidden by the lighting conditions in the club, she amends after a small pause, seemingly embarrassed "Ok, I may have said that it would be easy...but err...I may have exaggerated a little..." She frowns, pensive for a bit. Then she adds, mournfully "You' ve got a nice piece of hardware... Must have cost quite a bit."

Despite what she's saying, Cynthia tries to hack Tanya's comlink in the pauses of her discussion. Not sure she would be able to mislead Tanya, but who knows... She begins by checking which Grid Tanya is currently using, and hops on it. Then, she instructs Sherlock to send what he found up to now to her, a file she'll read later. Once she has that, she dismisses him and calls Arsène, making sure he's at peak form: she needs his A game here.

Pleased with the result, and glad she managed to be good enough not to take a hit on that compilation, she proceeds. She instructs Arsène to put a Mark on Tanya's 'link, while she assists him. Once it's done, she's pleased to notice that no alarm was raised. Or at least she hopes that Tanya's absence of reaction indicates that she succeeded. Or that Arsène did at least. Almost done, she asks Arsène to tag the 'link, to allow him to intercept any data traffic to and from it. After small scare, where he almost failed to do so, Cynthia threads a Resonance Veil, to hide Arsène Mark from Tanya's possible scrutiny. Taking a small hit, she rubs her eyes, as if a light beam had hurt them. Could have gone better, but it certainly could have gone a hell of a lot worse.

Now, all that's left to do is wait...and try to not slip. Supposing that Tanya ignores what she just did. Which she doesn't really believe but...

Tapping her lips, she asks Tanya "Must be a Caliban right? It helps a lot, but I hope you modified it somewhat. It's pretty nice off the shelf, but it can be really good if you just add some small modifications. Even if it would make my "job" harder. Costs a lot of course, but then, I suppose you can afford it."

Author: VegasRigged

I try not to, but even as we weave through the crowd, connected in mind and body, my thoughts drift on her question back decades to my youth.

Janice bluer had talked a bunch of us into sneaking out from the Academy for a night of fun before we graduated. In truth I'd been not properly invited, I'd stumbled in on the discussion how to get away from the watcher spirits and been drafted into the escape without much chance to object.

I'd tried to dress for occasion, but as soon as I met the others in the reagents hall I knew the night was doomed. Everyone else was wearing jeans or skirts and I looked like I was on my was to give a report, buttoned and pressed, like always. A perfect student and a boring person. I still vividly remember coming around they corner and the snickering spreading across their faces like a plague. Oh if they could see me now.

Getting out hadn't been all that hard in the end, we'd cast a barrier around the summoner on watch and left under my invisibility spell. Since the barrier kept the spirit from reporting our disappearance we were well of campus and gone before anyone knew anything.

The club had been a loud, dark, intense kind of place. For a straight edge student with anxiety issues, a nightmare. Everyone had split up once we were inside, some going to the 'boyfriends' they'd been cultivating all year, others to the bar to have strangers but then drinks. I had put on my bravest face, dismissed the look the bouncer had given me as meaningless and marched out onto the dance floor.

Aperntly I had danced, apparently I'd been pretty cool, because everyone had come out and joined me or taken trideo recordings. It wouldn't be until later that they would confess the desire to get me off the floor and away from the eyes of the patrons before everyone realized that we weren't supposed to be here. I spent the rest of the evening ignored in the corner, a few people asked me to dance, but I don't think I could have gotten up after my humiliation.

The memory is hard to feel, the lost and embarrassed little Eva is still hard to think about sometimes, though in truth I've given very little thought tonthatbpart of my life since I got out of it. Soon would follow my days working in Mana theory, the discovery of my affinity and the theories that would lead to the spire. I hold Sylvia a little tighter as i realize the last time I was in a club was very nearly the last time I was a outsider.

Part of me wonders if I'm becoming that again, becoming unknown. Eva died in a cell, betrayed forgotten and abandoned. Part of me wants that girl to be dead, and part of me wants to help her, and part of me is starting to panic at the profound breach of my life's continuity.

What if I'm still that girl, what if I've dreamed all of his in the corner of that dingy little club? I can barely manage the words now, the beat is pounding into my head and as god as this feels I need it to stop or I have no idea what's going to happen next.

"Sylvia-" I say into her ear, but my voice is a little shaky and I cannot explain what's happening. I can't tell her. Not all this, not now "this is nice, but let's get another drink."

The old self talk starts again, the gears spinning in comfortable ruthenium 'Good, divert the moment, give yourself a goal. You can manage this, too much is riding on tonight for you to lose your shit. Just keep it together, everything will be fine'




Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Tanya smiles when you talk about her link. "I think the details are for you to find out. If you can. When you are done, I would deeply appreciate it if you return my systems to me intact and without any tracer marks. But I would also like to know what the weaknesses are." It is not that hard to determine that her 'link is on the Emerald City Grid and you go to work on it. Hopping to the correct grip is easy for you this time and compiling the Crack Sprite seems incredibly easy. Everything goes smoothly and you have access to her 'link and its files, most of which seem to be records of conversations with other people. Really boring conversations at that. Wow, the inane stuff the idle rich find to talk about. Every message is about the current styles people are wearing, the best party locations, and a bit of gossip about who is sleeping with who. Boring, boring, boring. You do find one file that resists your efforts for a bit then opens for you. Nothing in it. Wait........it is a pulse file that links to a second implanted comlink and seems to only go from this link to the second. This new comlink is on a different grid than the first one.


@Eva Sylvia does not hesitate, but takes your hand and beelines for the exit from the dance floor to the main room of the circle. It is almost like she knows something is off. Once free of the crowd, she leads you to a quiet spot against the wall and looks at you closely. "Are you alright? Remember, I am here to help. You are not alone. Please be brave enough to share."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #81

"If I can eh? Are you trying to taunt me into doing it?" she grumbles "That's not nice to toy with me like that you know."

Despite her best efforts, her interest seems piqued though. Probably by the second 'link she found. *Note to self: having Arsène put Marks is bad. Only Arsène has a Mark, and I can't do a thing now. Ok, let him finish his copy of the files, it might be needed later on if I ever meet some of those people. At least I would know some stuff about them... As he does it, I'll check out this new 'link.*

After a second or two, she adds "And I'm not in the habit of wreaking havoc everywhere I go you know. The best hack is the one where no one knows it happened."

Even if it doesn't seem to be in Tanya's PAN - or the file wouldn't be needed - and even if, given the circumstances, Tanya's Persona is with her Caliban, she doesn't want to take the risk of doing anything to the implanted 'link alone. She will have to take another risk of course, but... While Arsène does his job, she will study quite extensively the implanted 'link without touching anything. She will try to cross-reference what she finds with implanted 'links specifications she finds on the 'trix, hoping to identify the model. And hopefully, any "known" weakness.

She coughs a little "That is, I suppose it is the best hack. You know, if I ever hacked anything. Which I don't do. And never did of course..."

Once Arsène has finished, she'll ask it to drop the Snoop he's doing on the Caliban: it's not useful at all. *And it was a waste, I should have waited a bit. Damn sneaky people with multiple 'links* She'll drop the Resonance Veil too, since Arsène goes back to the Resonance, and the mark vanishes. *Not sure that was useful either, but better safe than sorry I suppose. Despite the hit.* Thinking about it, she rubs her neck with a small grimace.

Completely absorbed by what she's doing, and trying to pull the wool over Tanya's eyes, Cynthia bumps into a thirty something man. Absent mindedly, not even looking at him she apologises "Sorry, didn't see you."

*Ok. Round two now. I really, sincerely hope that the main defence was the Caliban though... And that there's something in the air that makes me quite good at compiling Arsène tonight... No wait... I'll use Saint Exp for this. I don't need Arsène's suppression, but I could need Saint Exp's Cookies... Ok, here goes... Huh... Nice. There's definitely something in the air. Or it's the juices? Frag, I should say something...*

"By the way, where are we going now? Looking for Marissa?" she looks around, as if she was indeed looking for Marissa. Frowning at the man she just bumped into, wondering where he came from. *No way she'll believe I'm not doing anything. We'll call it plausible deniability... Doesn't matter, I never pretended I was a Con Artist. Anyway... Let's do this. If I fail, I'll just have to make the 'link believe it was someone else... And if I don't, I'll be able to look into it by myself. As soon as I'll have removed any trace that pesky GOD would use at least. And I'll have to hide the Mark too. Fun times...* She scowls for a moment.

{Ok Saint Exp, here's our target. Let's do this.}





Author: VegasRigged

I have to swallow the mad urge to hiss at her like an angry cat. We've know each other three days and SHE PRESUMES TO KNOW ME SO WELL?!

Anger and distrust boil in my chest like a star, but as always, I smile and the gears step into the spotlight and operate the features I present to the world.

"I'm sorry, I used to take lessons in another type of dance. I had this one partner who meant a great deal to me... I haven't thought about him in a while.... I do mean it about the new drink though, I'm enjoying myself already and intend to continue."

I may correct that story later, or I may not, for now I can be confident that she will buy the story long enough for me to get things back under control.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia The second Caliban is on the Renraku Global Grid and has an active Agent program that is continuously searching for attempts to get past the firewall, which seems to be a bit improved over the normal specs for the 'link. You jump to the correct grid and begin your stealthy assault on the device. This one is much harder than the first but you are a skilled hacker and eventually manage to get a good mark on the 'link without setting off any alarms. It certainly helps that your sprite seems to be more willing to help you than normal. Perhaps it is the location or perhaps you are just getting better.......or luckier. You can get into the files and these are far more meatier than those on the first device. In fact, you are able to find a corresponding file on the second 'link for every conversation that you captured from the first one. You note that there is a difference in what is stored and that most of the recorded conversations are just not the same between the two sets of files. The second set also includes personal details about the people she is talking to. Names, ages, lovers, etc. There is a lot of information about everyone she talks to.


@Eva Despite your outward indications, Sylvia seems to glean something from your body language.................or maybe she is just intuitive. In any case, she backs off from saying more and nods before heading over to the first circle bar. She orders a fruit juice blend, eschewing an alcoholic drink. The ARO on her wrist informs the man behind the bar that the drinks are covered. He slides a tall glass of an orange liquid to Sylvia and turns to you. "And you, Miss? What may I get you?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #82

*Frag, another Caliban... Those should be forbidden...*

Most would probably feel like they struck gold finding those files. Especially given the details. To Cynthia though, it's mostly boring. She doesn't care - at all - what others do with their life. She's a tiny bit curious about what the differences between the two sets of recordings are, but she will get a copy and study them later. Or maybe she'll just send the files to Tanya and not even bother looking into them? Just as a proof that she got them?

She will spend a couple of seconds looking at what is in PAN with the implanted 'link mostly regarding other implanted stuff, getting all the specifications she can, but won't try anything else on what she finds.

Now... She will initiate a Snoop, once again helped by Saint Exp. Once again, she doesn't care about what she could get here, but it's probably expected at this point. She'll have to hide the Mark for a while, and probably take a small hit doing so, but that's par for the course.
Once it's done, she's glad she didn't take any hit: she can now completely pay attention to what's going on, while keeping Saint Exp around in case she needs anything sometime later. Maybe to tag an interesting implanted device like 'eyes or something.

She looks expectantly at Tanya, waiting for her decision.





Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia The PAN you are looking at seems to consist of only the pair of Caliban 'links. Your initial search does not reveal any other devices on her that are connected in any way. However, there is a slight blip on the PAN exactly six seconds after you access it, as if it was resetting itself for some reason. And then again, ten seconds later..............and eight seconds............and fifteen seconds. The timing of the blips seems to be completely at random, so maybe there is some sort of glitch in her 'link she is not aware of.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #83

Cynthia frowns *Huh? What's that? A glitch? Could be. Or...*

Cynthia silently monitors the pattern for a minute. Mostly gazing into space, responding mostly in single words to any prompting. She should probably try to keep the charade going but...she completely forgot about it. Completely absorbed in this anomaly, she tries to find it's source. If it's really a glitch, she would be better off asking help from Nikola, her Machine Sprite. But first... She wants to make sure it's just a glitch. And not something more nefarious. Or simply some hidden protocol. Yet another defence layer?



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Bingo. An examination of the entire limited PAN takes a bit of time but Tanya does not seem to mind. She even sits down on a bench with you and lets you do your thing undisturbed. Your search leads you to the conclusion that all of the files there are synced to the blips except one. That file is innocuously labeled as MISC JUNK.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #84

Cynthia sits, studying the files. Trying to understand what is the exact purpose of the blips.

After a while, she blinks and looks at Tanya. "Err... Sorry?" She smiles ruefully "I suppose there's not much use pretending nothing is going on and that I'm just... er... a bit tired?"

While she refrains from touching the file itself for now, she studies it, trying to determine how it is protected. Expecting a high level of encryption, and maybe even a Data Bomb? Maybe... Maybe she could try to circumvent the protections on the file by having Saint Exp use his Cookie power to identify what exactly is going in and out? And hopefully, finding the destination.

Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya smiles and shakes her head at you. "Not really, dear, no. But you are quite good. I think that if I were not expecting it that I might not have detected you yet. You are doing better than anyone else so far.. Do you like the challenge? Not bored, I hope?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #85

Cynthia grunts, stopping what she was doing. "In fact... A bit... It's starting to be. Especially since I don't care about those files of yours and their juicy bits." Her tone is clearly disdainful when she says this, but she doesn't pause "I suppose some people... Ok, a lot of people... Would be, but I'm not." She shrugs "Given that you already know what I was doing, there's no point in continuing since I already failed." she grumbles a bit "I'd done better in VR."

With a sigh, she starts to clean herself and Saint Exp of their Overwatch Score. "What now? Hum wait, I'll delete the copy of the files I took."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya smiles. "Giving up? The idea is not that you need to find everything, but that you can point out to me what you did find and how you did it so that I can have those holes plugged. Even better if you can plug the holes. You have already earned 5K Y for doing what others have not been able to do. I would double that if you continue and find out more. If you need to go to VR, I can watch over you while you are gone."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #86

Cynthia looks at Tanya, silent for a bit. She seems a bit depressed, almost - but not quite - affronted "I don't care about nuyens you know." She frowns "Let me rephrase that. I don't mind having more nuyens. But I don't need them, I wouldn't even know where to spend them. As a consequence, it's not a very good incentive for me." She mutters "Maybe that's part of my problem. Would be easier to find something to do with my life if I did."

She sighs, then shakes her head "Fine. But not here. Maybe in the suite, but certainly not here."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya nods and rises from the comfortable bench seat. "Far be it for me to force you to take my money. We can return to the suite and wait for Marisa to return so you can have your chat with her." She is quiet as the two of you make your way up from the fourth circle but just as you climb the ramp leading to the first, she stops and asks, "So, would you be willing to tell me what would be an incentive?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #87

Cynthia laughs "Sure, as soon as I find out." She sighs "Honestly though, I don't know. Nothing was able to grab my attention and keep it up to now." She shrugs "I don't want to work for a corp. It would probably come with a lot of advantages but it would be boring as hell. Among other things. But I'm not too sure I want to continue doing what I am doing now. That is small jobs, grabbing data I'm asked to find. I mean, sometimes it's fun, like this morning, and it can pay well if I need it. But there's no..." She frowns, silent.

After a couple of seconds, she looks at Tanya and says, with an wry smile "I suppose that a very good incentive would be to give me a goal. A meaning to my life." She shrugs "I don't know how you could do it without boring me to death but since you wanted to know..."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya looks at you very closely for a few moments then seems to make up her mind about something. "I like you, Cynthia. Not sure why, but I do. Your personality is almost directly opposite of mine. It seems to me that you are a true introvert while I am so much the extrovert. I have been trying all night to get you out of your shell but you are stubbornly refusing, whether intentionally or not I do not know. So let me ask you a different sort of question, with a different sort of challenge behind it. If it is not money that can light a fire under you, might it be the lives of millions of people that face a horrible, painful death if a grand conspiracy cannot be stopped? Would you be willing to be excited about helping me save those people?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #88

Cynthia nods when she is described as an introvert. That's like saying water is wet, she knows it, and she doesn't mind at all. She seems surprised at what comes next though. She takes a a couple of seconds to think back about the events of the evening. Sure, she can find a few occasions where someone tried to get her out of her comfort zone. But not that many. Could she have just missed them altogether? Possible. No, let's be honest. Probable. She's much too comfortable in her shell to even want to notice any attempt to get her out except the most obvious ones.

Playing back the last words of Tanya, she seems surprised, then amused, disbelief clear in her tone and posture "It might, sure! Is it a new game I never heard about? Or an old one I never paid attention to?"
She stares at Tanya for a moment. She doesn't really believe in conspiracies. Well, except those about Technomancers. But she got enough evidences to believe those, and even them are about studying, replicating or negating Technomancers' gifts. Not to kill millions of people: there's no bottom line there... Tanya however seems...serious? Is that even possible? "But wait... are you serious? Is that the thing abroad you mentioned?" she frowns "Supposing you are... Maybe it could. I can't give you a better answer than that though, not if I don't know more... Before that it's just too...abstract, I suppose."

Looking in space, she whispers "A vigilante, eh?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya nods. "Very serious indeed. There is a cabal of people determined to unleash a horrible series of several strains of weaponized bio agents on another segment of the population. They couch their desires in comforting words that all end up meaning greater profits for the cabal members. There is another cabal, one I am part of, that found out about this some years ago and have been working to stop it. We have been successful on several fronts, but not in stopping them entirely. And now it is becoming clear from hints and trails of bread crumbs that something big is happening soon. And we are not ready yet. Hell, we don't even know for sure what the bloody target is. What we do have is leads. And we have people dedicated to stopping this, but not enough. I am trying to gather people that are willing to work outside the law to help us. Millions will die if we are not successful. So, does that interest you?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #89

Cynthia seems at a loss for word for some time "I can't say I ever paid too much attention to the law to begin with... But this..." Wide eyed, she considers all this for a minute. She would be a fool to believe all this with just a few words. She would need proofs for this. Or at least, enough solid hints.

Finally, she nods "Ok." Scratching her chin, she adds "I understand if you don't want to say too much. I'd really much prefer knowing everything but I understand it's probably not possible. Even if given my speciality... I just might be able to learn more than you wanted. And the more I know, the easier I can find more. And the better I can avoid traps. But it's your call." Her face and tone hardens a bit "However, don't ever lie to me. Odds are I'll find out and... Well... Maybe sometime I'll tell you what happened to the last person who tried to backstab me. He doesn't like the consequences. At all. Or I don't think he does at least. If he's still sane and able to even think of course."

Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya nods without smiling. "I understand what you are saying and you will be give as much information as I can give if you say yes to helping me, but you have stated that you are supposed to be talking to Marisa first and I do not wish to say more until after that talk. But there is something you ought to know about me; threats have little real effect on me as I thrive on danger and risk, so threats just make things all the more interesting, don't you know? I do not care what you have done to people who have lied to you in the past, mostly because I do not intend to lie to you or stab you in the back. I might lie to my victims, but never to my partners. And that is the last we should ever have to talk on that subject, I hope."

A couple of minutes later the two of you arrive back at the VIP suite on the first circle. Tanya moves to the bar and lifts a carafe of an orange liquid from the refrigerator. "Juice?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP suite] #90

Cynthia smiles "It was more a statement than a threat. It's not something I do well anyway." She shrugs "I wouldn't mind at all not having to even think about it again to be honest." with a chuckle, she adds "And I don't think Marissa could offer something remotely as interesting. I'll listen to her, since I already decided to do so. But that doesn't mean I'll agree to anything. And even if she does offer something interesting, there are a lot of hours in a day." With a happy smile, she adds "And I love to learn more. Especially about stuff I'm not supposed to know."

At the offer, she nods, taking the juice. "So, should I continue that hack?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya pours you a glass of the tasty nectar and than another for herself. "I understand about prior commitments. And I suppose for someone with the skills to do things across the globe, you are probably capable of doing two things at once." She eyes you from across the lip of her glass. "Certainly. If you think you will not be bored out of your skull. I am still interested in learning the weak points of my system."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP suite] #91

Cynthia shrugs "Thanks. It's better than waiting for Marissa doing nothing. And being in VR is... Well, nice. So I won't be bored too soon. Unless you have fifteen layers on your stuff, then, I will probably be bored..." She sips in her juice, and sets it on a nearby table. Making herself comfortable in a chair, she says "Just send me a message if I'm not back by the time Marissa is here. Oh and uh... Don't feel like you have to stay here, I won't mind being alone if you have people to talk to."

After that, she happily goes into VR. There, she reacquaints herself with the situation regarding the blips and the local condition of the Matrix, already noticing the advantages of VR over what she was doing - and seeing - earlier in AR.



Author: VegasRigged

ooc: god dammit. I responded yesterday to this and for some reason it didn't register my post. AGAIN. Ok, frustration aside, here we go.

I go for something stronger, my nerves are like needles and I feel as though i will doe at any moment. The fact that I'm even feeling that is almost a good sign, as opposed to the absolute disassociation I experienced on the dance floor. I need to move this evening along. I can't leave until I've persuaded Cynthia to help me and made good on my connection with Tanya, but every moment I stay here my instincts are screaming to run or hide.

"Lets go find the others." I say almost to quickly "I'm sure they are feeling rather neglected at this point."

I'm careful to keep my steps at a normal pace, not to hurry or even appear that I want to. Any sign of hesitation or anxiety is a weakness that could be exploited.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Things are different in VR, to be sure. Clearer and more...................defined. This is the real world and all else is just something less. At least it has been that way most of your life. Now? There is something different. People are taking notice of you, some even claiming to like you. Some offering you friendship, or at least some form of companionship. Can there really be something in the meat world worth paying attention to. Perhaps there is...........................

Your jump back to Tanya's 'links is routine, but something has changed. Now all the files on the second one seem to be experiencing the same little blip you noticed earlier and a quick search reveals that there is no longer a file named MISC JUNK.


@Eva A quick search of the rest of the first circle tells you that none of your companions of the evening are here. Sylvia points to the ramp descending to the next level and shrugs.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, In VR] #92

Cynthia takes a few seconds to reflect on what is happening, what has happened in the meat world. She quickly decides however that she will reflect on all this later, in her bed. For now however, she has a "job" to do, and she intends to do it well.

She's surprised to notice the disappearance of the file. She looks around, to see if anything else has changed. Maybe it merged with another file? Then recalling something, she looks at Saint Exp, asking him what happened and if he noticed anything. Otherwise, she'd have to hack a file and try to understand the blips. Maybe something she should do anyway, but it would take sometime. On the other hand... She's now much, much, faster than she was previously. And she intends to make the most of it.



Author: VegasRigged

I take my drink and walk towards the ramp, then bring up my VIP ARO and ask it to find the rest of my party. At least I'm still operating technology, with the amount of panicky that's trying to override my brain it hard to function let alone make use of resources.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Saint Exp can tell you that the file just disappeared. He also reports that seventeen new files have appeared in the time since you last asked and that there has been some other activity in a large number of the files. All of the files are experiencing the random blips. And "blips" is simply a way to describe that something odd is happening to each file, all at the same time, at random time measures that have never been less that five seconds or longer than twenty.


@Eva The ARO tells you that Marie and Tom are on the third circle and that Tanya and Cynthia are actually back in the VIP suite.



Author: VegasRigged

I adjust my course and make my way back to the VIP, showing the result to Sylvia.

"My initial talk with Cynthia should only take a few minutes, I just want to give her a few lines about the usefulness of a well balanced team to back her up and that sort of thing. I'd also like to get back to her before Tanya completely wins her over, perhaps get to know our host a little better while I do this?"

The notion that Tanya might steal my latest desired asset strikes me like a bolt of lightening. I was foolish to let them go off alone, I may have been foolish to bring them out at all. How foolish have i been these last few hours? Did i whip a man for his pleasure earlier this evening? No, can't think about that right now, have to focus and those images make me recoil further into my mind.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, In VR] #93

Cynthia makes some rather unflattering comments about the genealogy of one Tanya Marisart. Deciding she doesn't really have any choice, she will mark, check for surprises, open and monitor each and every file, starting with the new ones. She will check them for pertinent information regarding the situation in here, but that's not her main goal: she doesn't think the files are, by themselves, really useful or interesting.

If those bleeps are some kind of synchronisation, they would be the only way to find the destination. However even while she does this, she keeps an eye open for what is going on in the 'link, especially on what the agent is doing. Those files could very well be meant as a distraction, to have her miss the important stuff that is going on. And that wouldn't do. Could there be something hidden behind all those tricks? Yes, she is fast. Yes, she can do a lot of things in a small amount of time. But she takes care to keep a clear head, to not lose sight of the overall situation.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia You are looking in the files in detail, but not really interested in what is being put into any of them so you almost miss it. None of the files seem to be protected in any fashion beyond the most basic manner and you easily have complete access to them. You happen to be watching some data spooling into one of the new folders on the second device when it starts changing on you. The encryption program used is changing each sentence of the file to something else entirely. The old sentences had been some salacious gossip that you have already nearly forgotten...................something to do with the current mistress of the Deputy Mayor. Now the sentences are discussing what kind of food the Deputy Mayor's wife is going to be serving at the mid-term ball coming up in a couple of weeks and what designer gown she will be showcasing this year. Utter drivel and completely uninteresting.


@Eva You and Sylvia step into the VIP lounge to find Tanya sitting in a chair watching Cynthia, who is slumped in a large chair, her eyes rolled back in her head. Tanya raises a finger to her lips and rises to move towards you. "Are you here to talk to Cynthia? She is inside me right now, looking at the weaknesses of my 'link system. She did ask me to bring her back if you showed up and needed to talk."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, In VR] #94

Cynthia's Persona blinks in the Matrix. *So... Those blinks are an encryption program running... Makes sense. I could try to hack each and every file, trying to decrypt them. However...* A slow smile comes to her lips *There's a smarter solution.*

And that solution would be to find the encryption program itself...and have it spit its secrets. Probably something the Agent is running? Up to now, she left it to its own devices, but it seems it's time to dig into it. And the best solution is probably an unconventional solution... Good thing she has just the thing, able to dissect anything the Agent is doing. She'll ask Saint Exp to use its Cookie power on the Agent, monitoring its activity for a few seconds. If she's lucky, she will be able to grab the encryption key, and decode all the files in one fell swoop. In order to assist Saint Exp, and allow it to work unopposed, she will run interference, distracting the Agent: not enough that it raises any flag, but enough to pave the way for her Sprite.





Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia As the fingers of your persona reach out and tweak the files to distract the agent some niggling thought that has been running in the background of your mind. Just this afternoon you had been watching the news feeds about Colombia and one of the news strips on the bottom of the screen mentioned that the mid-term ball for the mayor and deputy mayor was to be held in four weeks, not two. Maybe not important, but................. Going back to look at the file you see that the sentences have changed again, now referring to the results of the Seattle Cup race yesterday. Then the file blips.............and nothing changes. it is interesting to note that all of the files blip at the exact same moment. Saint Exp slips in and places his cookie on the device's agent and sliding away apparently undetected.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, In VR] #95

Cynthia notes the simultaneous change in all the files, but something else is on her mind at that point. Waiting for the results, she takes a moment to think back about this Bogotá business. Opening the files Sherlock gathered in the afternoon and the beginning of the evening, she tries to learn more about those mayors' (deputy or not) business. Making some more queries to check specific pieces of data when needed. And precisely, she looks into what links there are, if any, between Bogotá and those two individuals, and what justification there is for the agenda change, if there is indeed a change.





Author: VegasRigged

"Let's give her a moment, I'd like to get you opinion on her, I assume you've formed one."

Stalling has to happen, if I just show up and send Tanya out for the conversation I'll seem rude and disrespectful, which are the last things I should be towards her other then trusting. Besides, if she flatters our young friend then I can glean her majesty's level of interest and, if it will strengthen my relationship with Tanya, let her have Cynthia for her own operations.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Your search reveals no outward links between the mayor or his deputy and what is happening in Bogota. Also, there has never been a change in the date of the mid-term ball. The first message you saw must have been incorrect. Are you sure you saw it that way? (you are)


@Eva Tanya smiles and motions with her glass of orange liquid to the bar. "Help yourself to anything at the bar. Cynthia did say that you wanted to chat her up about some work you would like her to do. She seems very introverted and I am not sure how to change that, or, really, if it is wise to even try. She seems confident and competent in the matrix. She is doing me a favor right now, but I, too, have an offer for her if she decides to not take yours. I can give you some privacy when she wakes up.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, In VR] #96

*So, no change eh? I'm sure there was something in the file.* Opening the incriminated file, she reads through it quickly *Could it be a hint for this encryption?*

Following this road, Cynthia will try to see if there's anything there, paying more attention to dates: maybe more than just this one was changed, and this is the key?



Author: Mercy Merchant

Looking at another file you notice a similar pattern. As data spools from the first device to the second, it is encrypted no less then three times before settling in the folder. Each encryption changes the phrases into completely different phrases. The end result is a completely inane and boring item, hardly worth looking at at all. Then you get an "oh shit" sort of feeling as you see what would be the equivalent of an arm reach into the folder and copy the latest file before withdrawing. The entire operation takes only parts of a second and can easily be missed unless you are looking at the file when it happens. This operation does not seem linked to the timing of the blips. Whatever is doing this is running completely silent.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, In VR] #97

Cynthia frowns. Asking for Saint Exp's data, she will confirm the pattern she just found and that the Agent is not the culprit of the shenanigans that are going on. Not expecting anything, she will then look at something else that is running silent. *Didn't I check earlier for something hidden? Er... Maybe not, damnit, fail... Still... Given what I've seen up to now, I can't suppose I'll be able to find the damn sneaky thing just like that. Should I take this risk?*

Cynthia ponders about the problem for a second *I can't take too many risks, I should treat this as the real thing. Still... This one is reasonable, and I should take it. Let's hope the last juice was as good as the previous ones...*

And Cynthia takes the risk to, once again, compile Arsène at a high level. A bit anxious while she does it but...pleased to notice that, definitely, there's something going on. Now hopefully... She'll be able to find the final piece of the puzzle. To do that, she will start by paying attention to the last files created, hopping to catch the sneaky thing in the act, which should help quite a bit.

Author: VegasRigged

Not even hiding her interest, at least she's not planning to steal the girl from me, either that or she's so certain shed win she doesn't mind showing her hand. Either are possible but I won't be taking chances, I'll need to come up with a card I can play to win the Decker, without showing that I'm playing against Tanya at all. That will require time and a better sense of the board in this high stakes game of chess. For now I'm still playing catch up, theirs so much I don't know about Seattle and the people I'm sparring with, but perhaps this is an opportunity to remedy that.

My continued rational thinking is encouraging though, it's about all that's functioning properly at this point, besides the apparent ability to hide my feelings of abject terror.

"Honestly, the tasks I have in mind are well within her abilities, I see no reason for us to not both emplo her services. Assuming she's willing to split her time."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Arsene pops in and begins snooping around, looking for what is copying and taking the data. The sprite is careful and accurate and has not failed you yet tonight. And this will not be the first time. He reports back to you, but seems a bit......................disconcerted, if a sprite can have feelings. >>There is another Agent doing the work, cherie. Very robust and not running on either device. I have determined that a third 'link exists in this infernal system. I have not tried to get more information yet because of something else I sensed here. This new Agent is being guarded by what I am pretty sure is a powerful Fault Sprite. I will be attacked if I go farther in and am detected. What are your orders?<<


@Eva Tanya smiles and nods. "Of course we can share, but the ultimate decision is hers to make, don't you think? And it may turn out that she can work for both of us at the same time. After all, her skill set can be used from across the globe, right?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, In VR] #98

Cynthia is clearly taken aback by the presence of the sprite. It's not the first time she came across one, not of her own, but she always tried to avoid them. Tonight however...

{Infernal, eh? You got that right. But....} She hesitates for a bit {Let's try it. I'll hide you. If it works, you can go. Otherwise, we'll stop here, I certainly don't want to brawl with a Fault. Especially not a big one.}

To do that, Cynthia threads a new Resonance Veil, targeting the Fault Sprite this time. Hoping to blind her to the actions of Arsène, giving him time to work his magic. Or Resonance, whatever. This time however, she feels a bit drained by it. Whatever happens, she will have to stop soon.

In meat-space, Cynthia twitches a bit. But with no further reaction.





Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia As you pull the Resonance Veil up you observe first hand that the third agent and the sprite suddenly and without warning slide to a different grid at exactly the moment the files blip and you find yourself still on the grid you started with. What you can see of the sprite is that it seems to momentarily look confused, but it shakes off the veil and begins snooping about, much like a bloodhound. Fortunately, you are not on the same grid and the sprite seems unwilling to leave the one it is on at this time.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, In VR] #99

In the meat world, some cold sweat probably make its apparition on Cynthia's forehead when she fails to distract the sprite. With a sigh, she stops. {Ok, let's not go there. It explains the damn blips, but I really don't want to take that head-on. Not now, not for this. Stay around for now, but I don't think I'll need you anymore for tonight.}

Switching off from VR, Cynthia sits up. Looking at Tanya, she says "No way I'll take your hound on, not for this." Stopping, she looks at Marissa "Er..."



Author: VegasRigged

the mention of international travel almost illicits a response. Does she know me and Syl are going away? Oh god, did I tell her?! No. I wouldn't, I'm far to organized and compartmentalized for that. But still, she braught it up, maybe she's thinking of leaving the country maybe, she's thinking of taking Cynthia? Maybe-

My racing thought are silenced by Cynthia waking up. I raise an eyebrow at her as she sits up "Hound?"

I glance back at Tanya "Should I ask?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #100

"Hound? Oh, it's a...an Agent. Protecting her 'link." She shrugs "I might be able to beat it, but it wouldn't be furtive at all, giving it time to shut down wireless functionalities. And it would probably hurt like hell to boot to. So..."

She seems pensive for a bit, then adds "With some time and preparations though, it can be done I think. Not easily, but possible." frowning, she amends "At least I know of some ways to do it. I wouldn't want to however. And I'm probably not good enough myself."



Author: VegasRigged

I listen carefully, half understanding. She's talking herself down, that's not a good sign, either she isn't as good as I hoped and is admitting it, or she's short-selling her skills to stop us bidding for her help. Or she actually means what she's saying, got to remember this one has no tact like everyone else you know. Lying isn't her way.

"Interesting, what makes you think you'd have trouble?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #101

Cynthia cocks an eyebrow "Because I know what I'm talking about? You're a Mage so tell me, what would happen if you wanted to steal something from a Dragon? You may be able to know how it could be done, what would be needed, but would you be able to do it?" She shrugs "There's no shame admitting you're not good enough for something. Not doing it however, that's when you have problems."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya nods and smiles. "Completely understandable. In any case, you did very well to have found it. I would appreciate knowing what tipped you and if there is anything I can do or have done to make it harder. Maybe you can give me your impressions later. For now, I will leave you with Marisa and go find my other guests, who seem to be having a good time on the fifth circle. Ciao." Tanya nods at the three women still in the suite and leaves.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #102

"Oh uh, sure." Cynthia looks at Marissa, waiting for her.



Author: VegasRigged

I turn to Syl and give her a little kiss on the cheek "Give us a minute? Leaving our host with my secretary is a bit of a security concern." After Sylvia steps out intake the seat across from Cynthia.

my mind is spinning like a top. What do I tell her to make her join me? I could make up a dozen plots about people coming to kill one or both of us, I could say that she's meant to help me for some magical reason, I could play the simpler more professional card and simply hire her for money and not asking questions, I-

"I think I'm having a panic attack."

WHAT! No! Don't say that!

"I want you to help me take over a series of businesses in the Chinatown Barrems, coordinate a BDSM side business and ensure that nobody finds out I'm actually not who people think I am."

Holy shit. If she says no I have to kill her. This is unbelievable. Why did I say all those things? Why doni think I can trust this foolish child? What in the hell compelled me to mention the identity bit?



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #103

For a long moment, Cynthia looks at Marissa, completely surprised by the difference between how she was earlier in the day and how she is now. She doesn't seem shocked by the exact meaning of the words, or even fearful. But concerned, and only reacting to the tone and obvious - even to her - distress "Are you okay? Did you take something you shouldn't have?" she frowns, then as if she had just thought of something asks "Or maybe one of your spells backfired?"

She shakes her head, not really knowing how to handle all of this. Trying to sound helpful and not condescending or whatever, she says "You should take deep breaths and a glass of cold water, it can help when you're overwhelmed like that. Or maybe you want me to call someone? Maybe your girlfriend? Oh, unless she's the one making you act like that?"

In a lower voice, she adds "I probably won't surprise you if I say I have no idea how to react to that, so if you have an idea... Oh, I also heard that a cold splash of water on the face can work wonders. A hard slap too, even if it's not really pleasant." She frowns "Yeah I'm babbling but I hope you can overcome whatever is going on, otherwise we're screwed..."



Author: VegasRigged

I sit for a moment, looking at an indistinct point between us and trying to wrap my head around this. It's as though someone took my entire view of the world and twisted it. I'm lost in a whirlpool of thoughts and feelings, terror and panic chief among them, but logic continues to function and recalls me to the moment.

I look up and her and for once have no idea what expression my face shows. I quickly produce my commlink and check my reflection, a habit from my early youth. For once I look fairly how I feel, and that as much as a throng worries me.

"I..."

What do I say to this? I've admitted weakness, and received a demonstration of compassion, or at least a good copy of one from someone I believe incapable of advanced falsehood. How do I respond?

"Thank... You." I choke up a bit, I'm not able to think much right now, but I wonder if I e ever actually meant those words before this very moment.

"I think I'll be alright, I just haven't been... A lot has happened. I don't think I can explain right now, but I would like your help with these business ventures, and I think talking about what I know will help me drown some of this out."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #104

Cynthia looks at the 'link, joking a bit "So, you decided to switch your 'link back on, eh? Told you you wouldn't last long." the smile fades a bit after a few seconds. She grabs her juice, drinking most of it while she thinks.

When she talks again, it's calmly, unfazed, as if she were talking about some shopping list "So. Just to be sure I got everything right." At each point, she raises a finger "First, you want to take over, and not amiably I suppose, businesses in what is arguably the worst area of Seattle, under the dominion of the triads. Second, you have a side business dealing into BDSM. Third, you're not who you're pretending to be." she cocks an eyebrow "Did I get all that right?"

She chuckles "All this in addition to your regular day job. You're a very busy woman." Shrugging, she adds "I suppose we can talk about it, but I don't see how I could help you regarding the BDSM stuff or the identity problem. Unless there are some 'trix footprints you'd want erased maybe? For the takeovers... Yeah, I can see why I, or someone with my...skill set shall we say... would be needed. But why the hell do you want to get involved in Chinatown? You have a death wish or something?"



Author: VegasRigged

I have a worrying urge to say that, yes, i do in fact have a death wish, but that would only be drama for the most part. Instead I respond with simple answers.

"The Chinatown gambit is linked with the Triads, so we don't have to worry about them for a while. I want someone to help coordinate operations there, get all my business operating with a level of Matrix-based unity. I also need someone who can dig up dirt on my rivals, the sort of realistically provable dirt that makes powerful people second guess themselves or simply do what I want.

"I also need to be beyond certain the the side business can't be traced to me, especially after I transfer operation over to a new manager.

As to my identity... I don't know why I mentioned that, I really am having a nasty evening in many respects.

I'm going to get another drink."

I stand and walk to the bar, not sure what to make I bring up an ARO with recipes and go for something boozy.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #105

Cynthia contemplates warning Marissa that alcohol is probably not the smartest drink to take right now, but thinks better of it. Instead, she tackles the different problems presented to her. "So first, the easiest problem: I don't care who you are, or who you pretend to be, or whatever." she sips a new mouthful of her juice "Unless you're Humanis or something like that. Obviously I'm not a meta, but I don't like those morons. However, I'd of course need to have that information to be able to do anything about it. But like I said, I don't know what I could do there. Not unless you decide to tell me a lot more anyway." She smiles, clearly amused "And just so you know, if you decide you need my help for your other...ventures... there will come a point where I'll have enough to start digging if I feel like it. So the question is not really if I will learn what you hide, but how I find out. Your call, and you have time anyway."

Despite the clear amusement in her voice, she feels...calm. Not ignoring Marissa's emotions, but not impacted. "Now, for this BDSM thing. Best I could do, would be to look into the people who could know, and see if they have anything on you. Anything they store electronically of course, I obviously can't do anything as far as meat is concerned. I would need to know more about this...business. How, where, when, and most importantly, who. But certainly not what you do there." she grimaces, apparently a bit disgusted. "With all that, I can make some checks. And even if I could tell you if someone knows more than you'd like, no one can prove a negative, so no way I'll be able to prove nobody knows."

Standing up, she fills her glass of another juice she apparently chose at random. She sits back down, and resumes after a sip "Next, for very obvious reasons, I don't feel a burning desire to poke the Triads. As everywhere, at low level, their 'trix security is a joke. But that is only true at low level: their leaders have as good a protection as any high level executives. So if your rivals are at that level..." She shrugs "And while the 'trix security of the low level gangers is drek, they are helped by the disastrous levels of Noise there are in the Chinatown barrens. If they stay there, I'd need some noise cancellation tools. Since it would probably not be enough, I'd need to not be too far. Let's just say that a walk in the Chinatown Barrens is pretty damn low on my bucket list." scowling, she shakes her head. "Finally, I don't really know what you want with this Matrix-based unity. The most I could do would probably be to give some advice on how to protect important data, but I'm no expert on that...side of things. Anyone really determined, or with enough resources, would be able to get it in any case. The only true defence is to go full analog. And that comes with a hell of a lot of disadvantages."

Tapping her lips, she pauses for a second. Then says still quite calmly, as if she was saying that the sky is blue "And what you should have realised by now, is that if you want all this, and if I agree, I'd know pretty much everything there is to know about you. It would be childplay to really hurt you. And consequently, make sure that you wouldn't be able to do it to me, not without dire consequences for yourself."



Author: VegasRigged

She's right. I'm vulnerable. I've made myself vulnerable to an information specialist and told her all the fun things I could get up to. If she doesn't give me anything back or at least say she's willing to work with me, I'm going to have to play desperate until Sylvia or I or maybe even Sian can get to my new 'friend' here and silence her permanently. This whole honesty play could entirely blow up in my face, which would at least prove what I've always known, that lying is the best way to stay alive.

I also need something on her, something she can't get out of without getting into trouble.

OF COURSE! How have I been so blind? She's a decker, she breaks the law all the time, I could just point her out to the authorities and she would be hunted down. Mutually assured destruction aside, the nature of her work means I'll always have a card to play. For now though, I need to play it cool, hide my hand and wait to see her move.

My tone has retaken some of its professional coolness now, the familiarity of negotiating for my life is comforting, and from that inch of comfort I draw strength enough "The Barrens work is where I'd most like your advice and expertise. I want to improve matrix access throughout that neighbourhood and haven't much idea how to do that. I understand your hesitation, but I will not put you in danger of it can at all be avoided. And theirs the matter of mutual benefit. I'm asking to benefit from your talents, I'm certain you could also benefit from mine. And of course theirs money involved as well.

"I assure you though, my intentions are noble, and if you question working for me it will not be because you disagree with our course.

I lean forward in me seat, fingers laced between my knees and elbows rested in my thighs, my drink fogotten. "As for your final point I'll say this: it would be easy, with all I'm suggesting, to hurt me a great deal. I might never recover if half of what you'll learn of me where to be discovered by the public. However, releasing my every detail would be unlikely to kill me, and while I dislike bloodshed categorically, it must surely have crossed {/I} your {/} mind that as a player within the Chinatown Barrens, it is within my power to return that kind of treachery tenfold."

My tone is slipping a little with the sencerity and potential wrath, I sit back and try to collect myself again. I'm afraid, both rationally and irrationally. I'm still having trouble getting big picture at the moment, my mind is a hyperactive buzzing that barely leaves room for the strategy I'm trying to play out here. It also precludes any further pondering a on what exactly about this frustrating child has me decided that she can help, but I've spent my life studying the natural energetic currents of our world, and something about this feels right, as if she's the right one at the right time. Besides, she was kind, that has t count for something.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #106

Cynthia smiles thinly "On the contrary, what has crossed my mind is that given what you told me, you're bound to step on the toes of at least one of the triads. And while I don't know much about the triads in question, I know they are not known for their...compassion. And there are other ways, one - or I, I suppose - just have to be inventive." She shrugs.

She pauses a second or two, then her tone changes when she says "Do you like fairytales? Let me tell you one. Once upon a time... There was a girl who made the mistake to trust someone she shouldn't have. Maybe she made a mistake, maybe the person she trusted changed or got corrupted one way or another. She doesn't know. What matters though is that the person tried to betray the girl. The girl heard ot it when she wanted to play a prank on that person, something they were doing quite often on each other. She didn't confront that betrayer herself, what could she have done? Instead, she did what she does best. There was a...glitch...in the record keepings of a LoneStar institution. A glitch that showed the would-be betrayer as an Awakened, marked with a bounty. Some bounty hunter was made aware of it, and did what bounty hunters do best. That bounty hunter collected the bounty when he delivered the mark, bound and unconscious to LoneStar. Now, of course, after a while, they realised there was a problem. But no one had asked any questions. And since it would have been really embarrassing to admit such a mistake... I'm told that would-be betrayer is still enjoying the hospitality of the corporation's quarters somewhere. Well enjoying... It might not be the right word though, since well... you probably know better than me how Awakened tend to be received in such fine institutions..."

Her smile is cold, almost ruthless. There is an undertone there though, certainly not pride, on the contrary she almost seems...hurt. "I really don't want to do this kind of things, but should it be necessary, I wouldn't hesitate. So if you contemplate using me and throwing me under the bus, please do us both a favour and just forget all this, and I will too. Oh and just so you know, you wouldn't be able to prove anything of what I just said. It could be just that, a fairytale. Or... Corporations can be quite helpful taking care of small inconsistencies when then don't want to be embarrassed. Who knows..."

With a sigh, she sips a mouthful of her juice, which seems to calm herself quite a bit. She looks into Marissa's eyes for a bit, a small smile on her lips, a bit depressed "Sorry if I seem rude but I have troubles associating Triads business with noble and I know most people make the mistake of thinking I'm weak or even dumb instead of just...er... Let's say thoroughly bad at all this social stuff..." she shrugs "Furthermore, once bitten, twice shy as they say..."

She shifts in her chair. Removing her shoes, she tucks her feet under her, finding some comfort in her new position. "Now, if you still want to do this?" she cocks an eyebrow, and seeming to see something, continues "You say I could benefit from your talents, but while you have some idea of mine, I don't have much on yours. I suppose I can't trust the trids, but it doesn't help much to know what you could do for me." she frowns "What I'm really curious to know however, before we talk about what I could get from this, is why you feel your intentions are noble."



Author: VegasRigged

Fairy-tales? Really? I mean she's a kid, but really? God i wish i could be back in the corporate world where things made sense. She's baring her teeth, so am I, time to de-escalate the situation. She thinks she can bring me down with a few phone calls, let her think that, I have to double down at this point.

"So we are both worried about getting double-crossed. I think we can safely say that neither of us wants the other as an enemy, and since we're pretty well entwined at this point, lets try not to become enemies.

"As for talents I can affect peoples moods, lift thing into the air, blast people around and summon spirits to complete basic tasks for me. Any of which are useful if people want to kill you."

The details of her story are a little disturbing, are theirs a part of me, even as I sit here, that wonders if she is the reason I was arresting by Wuxong. If so, I'll need to be extremely careful how i kill her and how I cover myself for any retaliating. It's going to be a long war of mutually assured destruction, and hopefully we can get things done while we're trying to get the upper hand on the other.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #107

Cynthia laughs lightly "I have a feeling that I would need those kind of services if I agreed to work with you, not otherwise you know... I don't have any enemies. Or I don't have any enemies I'm aware of. But should I work with you - I don't work for anyone, I work with someone - I guess it would come quickly if the triads ever hear about me..." she shrugs "I don't try to be difficult, but well... I suppose to you I am, it's a gift I have... I don't really need what you can do - for now at least. And I don't even need nuyens. Now don't misunderstand, it's always nice to have more, but I don't need them.

She pauses, frowning, pensive for a couple of seconds, eyes in space. "Or maybe I would, depends..." she shakes her head, looking at Marissa again "Anyway, since you told me what you can do, and I'll suppose it shows some trust, I'll hear you out and we can talk about what I would get out of our...association...at a later point. For now, tell me, why are you presenting your...goals... with the triads' businesses as noble?"

Amused, she smiles "I'd tell you you don't need to tell me too much if you think it would compromise your operations, but we're past this point, aren't we? But... well... tell me what you're comfortable with, and we'll go from here."



Author: VegasRigged

"My efforts in the Barrems are in large part humanitarian. My businesses pay their employees fairly, treat them with respect and in a little while I intend to provide food and clean water to as many people there as possible. I'm not fool of course, I know such efforts will be met with resistance, hence my desire to enlist a good decker and stay a step ahead of the competition. I'm sure your aware that most, if not all, of what I've told you today in information I would have rather kept to myself."

Why did I get into this? I suppose my instincts decided if she couldn't manipulate on a personal level she would be willing to work with someone who could. I may have assumed practicality, or compassion, which given her reaction of my panic attack, which is thankfully subsiding, that compassion was fairly accurate. Hopefully this little admission will put her on my side.

I also have another option, if she isn't willing to help me, or decides to throw me under the bus, I have the Laes with which to erase this conversation from her memory.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #108

Cynthia's eyebrows raise quite a bit "Really? I find this difficult to believe to be honest, humanitarianism in our time? I could believe there's some part of it in your goals, but there's something you must expect out of it, isn't it?"

She smiles "I'm pleased you think so highly of my capabilities even if you have absolutely no proof. I may be able to give you what you want for a while; however there will come a time when the competition as you say will be the heads of the triads. I obviously never tried, but I assume that if they were easy marks, they'd have lost their position a long time ago. How do you intend to handle this?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: I like the way you two are playing off against and with each other. Let me know when you think I should bring Tanya back in. Do not get me wrong, I am not trying to shorten your interaction. I really like it.



Author: VegasRigged

"Your right, there is an alterior motive to my altruism: Loyalty. I can order them on pain of death to fight for me, but they will only be loyal for as long as they think I'm the most dangerous person around. Now if I treat them fairly, give them something to fight for and a sense that I would fight for them, they will pour their hearts into every task I ask of them. This does mean I must be cautious what I wish for, but I am so capable.

"As to defeating the triads I'm afraid I must dissapoit you. I do have a plan, more then on actually, but I will not be discussing battle strategy in public, or with someone I'm just getting to know."

I smile somewhat apologetically. 'She can't really have thought I was just going to spill my master plan like some old school super villian. No, but her concerns are reasonable regarding the triads. Taking them down will require a few very specific tools.'



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #109

Cynthia shrugs "Fair enough. That's not your average motivation... And as such, it raises another question: why do you want to have an army to fight for you?" she doesn't seem shocked really, but clearly surprised.



Author: VegasRigged

I choose not to contain a slight snicker at this question. My expression is condescending, no question, but in a 'that's so cute' kind of way. The expression quickly passes for one of contemplation. "Why do I want an army? Well first their not just an army, their a functional society, or they will be. As for why I want them... Let me put it this way: Nobody gets anything they haven't earned, most people don't get what they have earned, when I've earned something worthwhile and someone decides they don't want to give it to me I'll tell that person I mean to take what mine, and they will say 'you and what army?' And I will have an answer."

I take a moment to look forwar to that. Being able to strong arm the powerful into coming through on our deals.

Returning to the moment I consider my new friend "Now I think it's my turn to get a few honest answers." I fix her with a scrutizing look for an almost uncomfortable length of time "Tell me about you decking. What can you do, and roughly how do you do it? I understand theirs some expensive tech involved."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #110

"Uh... I expected you had a more fun goal with that army than to be able to say to others they could go frag themselves..." she sighs, a bit disappointed.

After a sip of her juice, she answers "Decking is expensive yeah. The best decks are at almost a million a pop. And to be at least decent, you need a 'deck at something like 200k. It's a bit more expensive if you want an implanted one, but at those costs, it doesn't change much and it has a lot of advantages so it's a nice investment... As for what I can do..." she shrugs "Pretty much anything you can think of when you speak about hacking. If I understand right, contrary to how mages work, a hacker can do everything there is to do: snoop around in a host, track people with their wireless stuff, access camera feeds, intercept communications, etc. The only difference is in our capabilities. For example, don't expect me to infiltrate the main host of KE." she laughs, amused "But if you want to get a nice parking place in downtown, I can hack a Host to get you one."

She frowns, cocking her head, pensive for a couple of seconds "One point you'd be interested in would be my capacity to find data on the 'trix. It's difficult to assess fairly, but I'm reasonably good in that department."



Author: VegasRigged

"Don't underestimate the careful use of power. It may seem trivial or immature, but when survival depends on mutually assured destruction, one need to be able to destroy."

'Not unlike this little alliance we are building now. We can each ruin the other and until an upper hand is gained we will smile and work together.'

"How much was your deck, and would you look for an upgrade? I don't think decking KE will be necessary any time soon, but it's good to strive for greater things.as for gathering information, yes. Emphatically yes. I will likely have a list quite soon. Also, what do you know about the deeper workings of the matrix?"

This is a blind question. A friend of a friend in school said he had been doing deep matrix dives to work on a host. He tried to explain it but I'd been distracted and barely understood, perhaps I can learn more about it now.



Author: VegasRigged

Ooc: that was not out loud, I ended the out loud part and started a thought right next to each other. The single quotes was in her head.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #111

"If you say so. Seems pretty bleak to me to run after power with only destruction in mind." Cynthia shrugs.

"Anyway, I'm not looking for a deck no. Not useful at this point, and nuyens would be best spent elsewhere. Not sure where to be honest..." she frowns "If I agree to go in the chinatown barrens, I'd need something to deal with the Noise to be able to stay efficient. I know what would be nice, but we're not there yet. As for the deeper workings of the 'trix..."

She cocks an eyebrow "That's a very open question... Like What do you know of the deeper workings of Magic... Do you mean GOD? The grids? IAs?"



Author: VegasRigged

I takes me a moment to remember that GOD is the grid over watch devision, but while I'd like to know more about any and all of those, what I really want to know is "How do hosts work. Not just the surface operation, but the basic programming that makes them tick."

Ooc: not sure if Cynthia has experience with this, but what Eva is getting at is the deep runs into the sort of technomancer world under the standard systems of the matrix and hosts. It's discussed in Data trails but not the other books."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #112

Cynthia cocks an eyebrow "Oh, you mean Hosts' Foundation? Yeah, I know a bit about it. It can be really fun to go in there. As long as you restrict yourself to low level hosts, here too. Or mid-level ones from time to time, but it's a lot more dangerous. Of course, what you find there is much more interesting, but it's a hell of a lot more dangerous too."

She scowls "Of course, there are some not fun at all, but..."





Author: VegasRigged

Good, she knows what I'm talking about. Maybe this can work.

"I'm glad to hear it, I had an old friend try to explain them to me. I understood that the foundation is important, but not really how or why, so I hope we can talk about that further, however, we have left our party without us for a while now and you've barely met Sylvia. Why don't we discuss this another time?"

I'm calmer now, ready to get back to the task of partying, and maybe even enjoy some of it.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #113

"We can." she smiles a bit "But you know, you still didn't make me want to work with you. I figure you'd like to see to that before we join the others, unless you prefer to wait and think about it?"

She taps her lips a few seconds, and adds "I don't want to pressure you, but I have another job coming. In addition to the one for Tanya. And... Well, I can't wait too long before I give an answer you know. So if you want to think about it, could you let me know before we leave? Not that I wouldn't work with you after that, but the other job will have priority until it's finished. Shouldn't be too long given what I was told but, well... Some jobs tend to involve more than advertised."



Author: VegasRigged

"I suppose I'm tired of trying to convince you. If you don't think making powerful allies is of any value, or have so much fun with your games that real excitement doesn't appeal, or have no desire to improve people's lives, then we have nothing in common and would make poor allies." I stand and finish my drink, then check the club ARO for the location of my party "If any of those things do appeal to you, you have my number. If it's something specific that would Pique your interest, I'd like to hear it."

This whole negotiation was a bit of a train wreck, I do want her to work for me, though I'm sure she'll prefer to work 'with' me like all the others. I should have dug into her background, I should have known more coming in. I won't get away with this mistake too many times, I hope it won't cost me here. Once I get home I'll need to manage some damage control regarding what I've admitted to here. Fortunately the real plan is still hidden.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #114

Cynthia laughs a bit "Oh I love challenges, and I do have real excitement from time to time. You propose powerful allies, but the triads as enemies. Unless you're far more powerful than you let on, I don't think even you would believe that to be a fair exchange. You say you will improve people's lives, but for selfish reasons: you do it to earn their loyalty and have them become your army. To them, would it be anything more than changing one master for another? With the added twist of hypocrisy? Anyone can make promises, what would make yours better than the triads?"

She sighs "I know, I'm difficult to convince. And believe it or not, I'm not doing it to piss you off, but I have the luxury to choose my jobs, and that's something I intend to do carefully. I know that in most cases, you'd just wave nuyens, and it'd be done but I need more than that. I don't think I'd be the only one and for those like me who would want more than nuyens, do you think anyone would believe in you, in your goals, with what you told me? Right now, it's have the triads as enemies by getting people under their foot to have an army to achieve unknown goals you may not agree to. In my place, would that make you dream? When you love challenges, there's something very important, at least if you want to stay alive: know your limits, and roughly where you're going." she shakes her head "I know my limits, and I know I certainly can't afford to piss the triads off. Even with your help. For something I know nothing about. Were the situation reversed, would you find something in what you said, the necessary spark, that would make you want to take those risks?"

Standing up, she finishes her glass, and puts it on the table "Maybe it's possible, I don't know... Maybe anyone would find me too cautious. Maybe you'd love to jump in the unknown. And yes, I'll admit it's exciting. But there are limits, and what you said up to now is insufficient for me, you'd have to share more. Even if that seems to be your problem I guess, like my being such an introvert may be mine." she shrugs "Well, all this is true regarding the triads, but I could work on your other stuffs if you still want it. It would be a start, a way for you and me to learn how to work with each other. A way for you to be more comfortable to tell me more about this triad job. Maybe to make your dream, my dream or at least to want to be a part of it, who knows? It's your choice anyway. Like I said, you can take some time to think about it, while we go back to Tanya."

With a small smile, almost apologetic, she adds "But I won't run after you for this. You got me once with the concert, but it won't work many times. Not for serious stuff like that anyway. You have to convince me, not the other way around." she groans, almost amused "But well... At this point you probably think it'd be easier and faster to just find a hacker who'd want nuyens and be done with it. Can't say you'd be wrong to be honest... But would it be better than someone who believes in what you want to achieve?"

Unless Marissa has anything to add, Cynthia will go find Tanya, avoiding any other people who would want to talk to her as long as she can pretend it's not her they're talking to.



Author: VegasRigged

There are many thing I would like to say, but none are worth saying now. I'll have to work harder on this one. Her caution has made her all the more appealing as an information hub operator. If I can bring her in she will be very valuable indeed. It might frustrate me for now, but her reservations are valid and she's thinking long term. Both admirable qualities.

For now though, I finish my drink and center myself before walking with her out into the rest of the club to find our party. The noise builds back up, but this time theirs a barrier between me and it, I'm no longer overwhelmed and I can focus.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #115

While Marissa seems more comfortable in the crowd, it's the complete opposite for Cynthia: once again, she seems unsure, ill at ease and unable to react appropriately when approached. She doesn't appear to be rude voluntary, but be it from her obvious stress, her lack of interest or simply because she doesn't know how to handle such things, she may often be perceived as such. In fact, she manages to react relatively appropriately when asked about Tanya - even if she doesn't say anything interesting - but she completely fails to do it when men (and women?) take an interest to her.

On the way, she doesn't quite hide behind Marissa, but she's not far from it. She's obviously very relieved when she reaches Tanya's group.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya is standing with Marie and Tom on the fifth circle balcony overlooking the dance floor, where a madness seems to have overtaken the dancers. It is a swirling mass of people, seemingly separate and disparate. No real pairing lasts more than a few seconds and the music itself seems to encourage random pairings that come together and dissolve in time to the beat of the very techno rock blaring from the speakers. A number of the dancers are in some state of undress, which does not bother anyone on the floor. In fact, there are three small groups of people who are completely naked and participating in some sort of orgiastic release of emotions. Here, too, partners are exchanged at a quick pace, no one seeming to stay coupled together long before someone taps in and swaps spots.

Marie's hair is mussed greatly from its earlier neatly coiffed state and her blouse is buttoned unevenly. Both she and Tom are breathing hard from the exertions of being recently on the dance floor and perhaps..............

All three have drinks in their hands and Tanya salutes both of you as you come up to them. Marie wobbles a step closer, but you see it is from a broken heel on her shoe and not from being drunk. She has to almost yell to be heard above the music. "Oh, this is so much fun, Miss Coulter. Thanks ever so much for inviting us. Have you been down lower than this in the club? Tom and I were thinking of heading off to the sixth circle to see if it is even better than this." She leans closer and you can see the excitement in her eyes. "I am afraid that I have been quite naughty so far tonight and hope that you do not hold it against me."

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno] #116

Looking at the crowd, like someone at a zoo looking at animals in their cage, Cynthia reaches Marie, Tom and Tanya. She doesn't seem disgusted, but very clearly unmoved and not interested. Frowning, she says "I think I'll wait in the suite, this is not for me."

She smiles lightly at Marie "But please, don't worry about me. I'll easily find stuff to do."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@ Eva Tanya watches as Cynthia walks off, a slight frown on her face. This changes to a smile as she looks at her remaining guests. "The sixth circle is a bit more.....................sensual than any of those above it. Are you willing to risk being approached by random people who will offer to have sex with you? You do not have to accept."

@Cynthia Once back in the suite, you can pour another glass of juice if you like. Your 'link pings with a message from Roger. >>Hey there. Roger here. The guy you marked? I was thinking about you and thought I would send you a note to see how you are doing.<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - Dante's Inferno, VIP Suite] #117

After a slight detour to the restroom, Cynthia gets comfortable in "her" chair with a new glass of juice, and slips back into the Matrix. She first checks if she has any answer from Barbara, then replies to Roger.

>>Hi. I didn't forget who you are you know. I'm fine and I have a bit of free time if you still want some help to look into Bogotá.<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

>>Good. And yes, I could use some help. I have been digging into what went on and there are some surprises and a lot of roadblocks. I have my agent still looking about but I am wiped. Do you want to meet tomorrow? I have to say that I am damned sure that there is something fishy going on down there.<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #118

<<It may be possible, sure. I don't know when though. My future maybe possible employer is "thinking about it", and I gave her until the end of the evening to decide so until she does, I'm not sure when I'll be free. I don't think she will decide tonight, but you never know...

Anyway, I didn't yet check what I found in the afternoon, but are there some areas you'd like me to check specifically? Wait, I'm stupid, I'll check now.>>

Cynthia grabs the file Sherlock compiled in the afternoon / start of the evening, and quickly reads through it to get an idea of what is going on in Bogotá.



Author: Mercy Merchant

The file from your sprite is fairly complete. The synopsis at the beginning is fairly clear. A large bomb had exploded in the government district of Bogota, Colombia, killing scores of people. The toll at the time the report was generated stood at 87 dead and over 200 in the hospital, 45 of those in critical condition or worse. Among the dead are the country's Finance Minister and his bodyguards. A revolutionary organization called FARC has claimed responsibility, calling for the public removal of all who would stand in the way of developing Colombia's vast natural resources. Apparently, the Finance Minister had been opposed to approving some sort of deal that would allow a company called Liston Pharmaceuticals to build some sort of facility in the country. The minister had been an influential adviser to the President and the deal was apparently as good as dead. The Deputy Finance Minister has come out publicly in opposition to his former superior.






Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #119

>>Ok, up to date now. So Liston paid someone to assassinate the finance minister and have him replaced by his deputy. I don't know much about politics and corps practices, but isn't that pretty standard stuff? At least in Bogotá, I suppose they don't use bombs everywhere, too many questions to answer, but in Bogotá... So... I suppose that I should dig into this Liston Pharmaceuticals and the deputy to see the fishy part?<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

>>I knew you were smart the first time I saw you. Send me a message in the morning..............say tennish?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #120

>>Sure, will do. 'night.<<

This done, Cynthia will first look for updates on the situation on the home front - most notably to see if she can find why the Colonel left early. To do this, she'll dismiss Arsène, and have Sherlock perform the search. It's nothing too difficult which is perfect since she doesn't want to compile it at a high level, and right up his alley.

While Sherlock starts its own search, she will look into some data havens she knows which specialise into corp data and/or political powers: she doesn't expect to find the graal there, but some basic data on this Liston corporation, as well as the deputy himself, and hopefully, some leads to exploit to get more.

This is quite exciting (well, to her at least...), and she intends to profit from this for a while. However, she must be cautious, and regularly makes sure that no one is playing any game with her, carefully checking after each notable operation that she's not marked and/or followed. She really doesn't want to draw the attention of someone capable to kill hundreds of people just to get one person to herself. She pays all the more attention to all this since once again, she probably isn't the first one to think about all this. Furthermore, the corporation itself might have put some traps here and there to convince people like her to drop the matter. Or drop, period.

This run is just a preliminary one: she will exploit her most promising/dangerous leads in the morning. Now, it's just a way to pleasantly spend time, and get a head start for later.



Author: Mercy Merchant

The local news feeds are all covering stories about gang violence breaking out in several parts of the city,, most notably the Barrens and the districts adjacent to there. Vids of burning vehicles and barricades closing off streets are rolling on every channel, along with estimated death and injury counts that seem to increase every couple of minutes as new information comes in from various hospitals.

There is some public information on the trix about Liston Pharmaceuticals. They are apparently a small firm known for developing and producing cheap medicinal drugs in out of the way locations. They have listed facilities in Africa and South America and the UCAS. The UCAS facility was recently in the news when a group of criminals managed to get past all the security and raid their warehouse.

The former Finance Minister of Colombia has quite a lot of press coverage. He had been an outspoken opponent of foreign corporations coming in to exploit a cheap labor market and had been very vocal about the recent application of Liston to build a facility there, pointing out the corporation's poor record for safety in other South American countries.

These public files attract lots of visitors, but you do not detect any marks on you.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #121

*Woh, Seattle becoming a war zone... Yeah, no wonder he had to leave. I wonder what has set that off though... But I can't go snoop around there so... Guess I'll have to rely on Sherlock. I wonder if the Chinatown barrens are concerned...*

Cynthia will let Sherlock dig a bit more into all of this, mainly to get a list and locations of the gangs involved, to check if the Chinatown barrens are involved, and what are the reasons behind this "global" violence. More importantly, what are the real hotspots which are at the origin of this, and where did the gangs took advantage of the confusion. Fortunately, this can probably be found with a simple chronology of the events. Which should help to find the cause of all this activity anyway.

*So, nothing important in the public files for Liston. Nothing surprising there. Would be disappointing in fact... There are two points I should look into though, two maybe possible leads. First, this raid on their UCAS warehouse, and second those poor records of employment. But first...*

Cynthia checks with Tanya's and Marissa's ARO to make sure that they are still somewhere deep in the club: it wouldn't do to miss the fact that they came back... She doesn't care where they are and what they are doing, not even if they are still together, as long as they're not back.
If all is right, she will start to dig a bit more. First regarding the robbery, which should have at least some not too hidden/protected details. That is not to say that she will get to the bottom of it right now, but she should still be able to get a bit more on the subject without too many risks. The same should hold for the employment record, but she'll do that a bit later.



Author: VegasRigged

"I prefer to be selective with my partners, and suspect that, while I might enjoy the such carnal pleasures physically, I'm not likely to let myself off guard among so many strangers. Do you intend to join them?"

I'm looking down at the groups with focus and interest. My lovely little secretary just got in on that and here I am being a stick in the mud. I know I'm right, I know if I went down there I'd end up feeling out of control and hating it.

However, Tom and Merie getting into it with strangers could be a concern if someone gets leverage on her, though it might also be useful if I can get a recording.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya shakes her head and laughs. "No, not me. There are already too many pictures of me here tonight and I do not need to provide even more fodder for the gossip vids. I think I will actually just let Marie and Tom go have their fun. There is an MM cover band on the eighth circle that is pretty good. If you like her songs, you should at least give them a try. But feel free to mingle a bit. Ciao."


@Cynthia For now, the other AROs of your group are nowhere near the suite, leaving you free to dig a bit. A bit less than a year ago, the UCAS branch of Liston Pharmaceuticals was targeted in a raid by persons unknown. This would have made little news at the time except for the fact that the facility was the storage repository for half of the nation's stockpile of anthrax. The company was very quick to deny that any of the dangerous toxin had been stolen, but some sources continue to claim that to be a lie and that the government is complicit in some sort of cover up.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #122

*Anthrax? What's that? Uh, ok. Wait, it can be used as a bioweapon?* Cynthia pauses for a few seconds, as she thinks about this. And recalls what Tanya told her earlier. *Maybe it's nothing but...*

She stops her search for the moment, and instead sends a message to Tanya >>I suppose you know about Bogotá?<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia A silence stretches out and you almost think she did not get the message. >>I watch the news feeds, Cynthia. Why do you bring that topic up?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #123

*Yeah... Good question... She talks about a plot involving bioweapons and I see one on the first thing I look into... Drek, I'd bet most corps have stuff like that squirrelled away...*

>>Uh... I'm being paranoid, sorry. Forget it, I'm probably too tired to think straight.<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

>>Tell me what you think. I am interested. What about Bogota?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #124

>>Uh... If I'm not paranoid, this is really not the way I'd like to discuss this, you never know who might be snooping around... Give me a sec'.<<

Cynthia will go to a Host she knows that offers private meeting rooms. Private, discreet and confidential meeting rooms. There, she'll take a room and send Tanya the required information to allow her to join. Once Tanya is there, Cynthia, sited in a comfortable sofa, speaks. Not too unsurprisingly, she seems completely at ease here, in control. With no trace of the awkwardness she showed earlier.

>>It may be overkill but if I'm right, I'd much rather be safe than sorry. And if I'm wrong, well, you now know of at least one way to meet discreetly on the 'trix... So. One of the programs I'm working on detected the bombing in Bogotá earlier in the day, so I kept an eye on it. As I was digging a bit into it, I found what I believe to be the reason for the bombing. Nothing too difficult to get, and nothing I can prove. But I do believe that Liston Pharmaceutical planed the bombing to assassinate the Finance Minister, to replace him by his deputy. Which they probably bought some time ago, given that he seems much more reasonable. As far as they're concerned at least.

Anyway. When I looked into Liston Pharmaceutical I noticed a robbery some time ago, where Anthrax was not stolen. Given what you told me earlier about bioweapons, I couldn't not see a link... Maybe there is none, but if there is, it would be best to stop there and reconsider my...approach...of the problem...<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya's matrix avatar is a crystal warrior and she seems a bit.............uneasy?..............as she walks into your private room. >>Yes, I am very interested in the connection between Bogota and Liston Pharmaceuticals. It would be nice to have more information on the company and it apparent controlling corporation, Sampson Industries. I do see the link to the assassination and am concerned that this will clear the way for Liston to move into Colombia. I have good reason to believe that a quantity of anthrax has been removed from Liston's facility in the UCAS to be sent elsewhere to be mutated and weaponized. I do not know enough. It seems like the opposition is always a step or two ahead of me and that is disturbing. Can you find out more and what would you need from me to help?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #125

Cynthia nods. >>I can try to find out more yes. As for what I'd need...<< she frowns pensive. >>I'd need to know what you know. Or well, maybe I don't need it, but it would help. A lot. First, if you're lagging behind, it would be stupid for me to take the time to find stuff you already know. Second, it would help me to measure the opposition, and adapt my strategy to it. And third, the more I know, the more I'll be able to find new elements. For example, now I can look into this Sampson Industries, which I didn't yet find.<<

She pauses for a couple of second, then adds >>What would help, is if I had some support.<< she looks in space for a moment >>I never worked with someone else, but on this... I think it would help quite a bit. The good news, for me at least, is that I already know someone who's looking into this. In fact, the other job I told you about would be to help this person looking into Bogotá.<< she smiles thinly >>The bad news is that I have no idea for whom he looks into this.<< she shrugs >>And I only met him today. He made a good impression, but I can't be sure of course.<<

Author: Mercy Merchant

The crystaline avatar laughs. >>I do know more, but not as much as I would like, and I am not entirely certain if my information is correct or up to date. I would appreciate knowing more, but do not know how much to reveal.<< The woman pauses, as if in thought, then nods as much to herself as to you. >>Alright, I will tell you more. Perhaps it is enough to get you further ahead. Sampson Industries is a shell corporation that controls a handful of other, smaller companies and corporations. One of these is Liston. The board of directors of Sampson consists of six people, three highly placed members of the Yakuza and three mid-level suits from Renraku. I had managed to turn one of the Renraku men and he was helping me from the inside. I say was because he was removed from the board a couple of months ago and because he is now dead. He was an early casualty of the violence yesterday. He had arranged for some of the anthrax and some rather incriminating documents to be sent to me via a rather complicated series of couriers. He must have tipped his hand somehow because some mercenary soldiers killed him and his family, killed the people of the courier service, and killed the courier, retrieving the case. Story over, right? Not so much, as it seems. For some reason, these same people assaulted the hospital where the bystanders from the initial attack had been taken. Their target seems to have been a young woman who had been holding the dead courier in her arms when she was shot and wounded. My very great supposition is that the case is trapped and the courier gave some sort of code to this woman and the mercenaries want her so she can give them the code. She is on the run, but with help, as the bullets that hit her have apparently rendered her paralyzed from the waist down. It is widely believed by KE that she is currently in hiding with the man who rescued her from the hospital and at least one other person.<<

>>Now, how this ties into Bogota? Still not sure, but there are just too many coincidences for me to accept. Liston is at the heart o this, I am sure. Well, Liston and Sampson Industries, and whoever controls them. I believe that Liston is going to use its scientists to modify the anthrax to be effective against certain targets, in this case anyone who is not human. I consider this a significant threat and am working tirelessly to stop them. I have............associates that are aiding me, but could use your expertise. If you are willing to help. You may talk to this friend of yours, but I urge caution. These people do not play for fun and have already demonstrated that they are more than willing to kill innocent people.<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #126

Cynthia seems surprised. >>Oh? So there's a link there too? Hum, you'd like to meet Rowena then I suppose, to know what the courier told her? By the way, the man who helps her is called Benoit Christianson. And the other person is a woman by the name of Barbara. I don't know if either of those names are real ones, but it doesn't really matter I guess. They worked for a PI business called Raleigh's Investigations up to yesterday when it was hit, at about the same time the courier was attacked. I know Barbara's comcode if you want. In fact, I already sent her a message, but since it was just a warning and nothing much, she didn't answer. But if I have more to say, she may be interested. Given their situation, I suppose they'd welcome any offered help... I stopped looking into that after I sent my message though, it was getting boring to be honest. I can try to get them to reach to me if it's useful.<<

Cynthia shrugs, and adds >>Knowing what the courier told Rowena would just be one piece of the puzzle though and I suppose you'd want the suitcase too. The mercenaries have it, or left with it at least. They could have given it to someone else since then for all I know. No idea who, much less where, they are though, I didn't care so I didn't look into it. But now... What do you want to look into first? Liston Pharmaceuticals and Sampson industries, or the home front with the mercenaries? Reaching out to Barbara wouldn't take much time but it'd be impossible to look into the corps and the mercs at the same time of course.<<

Pensive, she taps her lips >>I think it would be a fair bet that BB are looking at the mercs situation. I don't think they'd want to hide forever, and taking out the mercs would probably be their best option. And I think Barbara is tech savy enough to find some data by herself. So the best bet would probably be for me to reach out to Barbara, as an intermediary to the one supposed to get the suitcase. Maybe if your...er...friend...from KE had some data on the mercenaries to "share", I could send that along? That way, Benoit and Barbara would be able to effectively focus on the mercs, maybe with a bit of support from me, while I dig into the two corps. Would that work for you?<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

The avatar pauses then seems to come to a decision of sorts. >>My KE "friend" is very much involved in this, but unfortunately from the wrong side. I strongly believe that he is in the pocket of one of the Sampson board members and have been angling for some proof that I can use to get him to give us some information. I have not given up on that angle, but I like your idea of reaching out to the others and trying to help them. Can you make that your first priority? After that, I think I need to know more about Colombia than I do.<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #127

Cynthia shrugs >>Uh ok, no information from KE then. Without more information or help to give them I don't know if they'll want to reach out though: they may think it's too risky, but I can try.<<

Thinking about it for a second, Cynthia composes a message to Barbara, and sends it >>Hey Barbara. I sent you a message earlier but I've come across more information regarding your situation. And I'm with the intended recipient of the suitcase Benoit tried to secure. I'd like to talk to you, so you'll find attached the logins for a discreet room in a secure host@. Or you can choose another one if you want, I don't mind. Let me know, maybe I can help.<<

Once this is done, she says >>Ok, done, I can only wait for her now. I'll do the serious stuff tomorrow, when I'm fresh and at 100%, but I can continue my preliminary search now I suppose. Unless there's something in the club?<<

She takes advantage of the pause to check on Sherlock, to see what he found on the cause of the gang wars going on in town.





Author: Mercy Merchant

The file from Sherlock is not as extensive as you might like it to be, but he is still looking.

>>Chinatown Barrens: There is always violence associated with this cesspool of humanity. The KE has no official presence there and matrix activity is hard due to spots of extreme noise. The periphery of the area is accessible but little beyond that. This is definitely a place where eyes on the ground is your best intelligence source.

>>Gang Violence: Many of the gangs throughout the city seem to up in arms over something. The notable exceptions seem to be the Downtown and Fort Lewis districts. Rumors abound at the cause, but the most common one is that the Yaks have declared war on all of the smaller gangs, or some slight variation of that. As a result, gangs are throwing up barricades and roadblocks all over the city and terrorizing anyone silly enough to try to transit their turf.

>>Hotspots, Local: There does not seem to be any real source of the gang violence and no one place that is worse than the rest.

>>Hotspots. Global: The current spot seems to be Colombia, where riots are taking place after the assassination of the Finance Minister. Widespread looting and burning of buildings and cars seems to be the norm. A calm spot seems to exist in the area of the building housing the offices of Liston Pharmaceuticals, where heavily armed mercenaries are providing a haven for people to gather in safety. They apparently are well armed and not afraid to use their weapons.

You do not immediately receive a response from Barbara.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #128

Cynthia doesn't expect a quick answer from Barbara, so she doesn't mind. In fact, she's not even sure she'll get an answer at this point. After a second spent reading the data collected by Sherlock, she resumes her conversation with Tanya.

>>Not to be an alarmist, but it looks like events are spiralling out of control... Your Yak friends are trying to crack down on all the small gangs in town. There's shooting everywhere, except in Downtown and Fort Lewis. Maybe Chinatown too, but I'm not sure, there's too much noise for me to be able to get much from here. And it's pretty damn hot in Bogotá too, except near Liston's offices. A suspicious mind would think that given the firepower there, they were expecting troubles like that. I wouldn't be surprised they're fanning the flames in fact.<<

She then sends a small message to Marissa >>The Yakuzas seem to be attacking all the other gangs in town. Mainly the small ones, but you may want to check your...interests.<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

The crystalline avatar stands still then nods. >>I am watching the news feeds but would like to get your impressions of what is happening. I am not sure it is spiraling out of control as much as some one trying to control some violence. Can you determine if anyone is behind this?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #129

>>I have a... an agent... looking for more, but I suppose I can go myself too.<< Cynthia seems to hesitate a moment>>Is that important? If you'd like quick results, I'd need to take some risks...<< Half-joking, she concludes >>If I faint, you'll have to carry me out...<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya's avatar shakes its head. >>No, I do not want you to take risks that might bring you into danger. This is important, but not important for that......yet. There may come a time, though. Right now, I am still fishing for the answers and a bit in the dark. I do not like being in the dark. I appreciate what you are doing. What sort of remuneration would suit you? I know that money does not seem to be your driving force so is there anything else I might offer you?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #130

Cynthia smiles >>Oh I'm not talking about that kind of risks. Shouldn't be too bad, don't worry.<< in a whisper, she adds >>I hope...<<

She resumes in a normal tone >>And it's exciting. There's nothing I like more than knowing stuff anyway. As for "remuneration"...<< she pauses, considering, and resumes with a shrug >>Maybe I'd need that money for something that would make me much better at what I do. Not something I'm eager to do but... I don't know, we'll speak about it later, it's not urgent anyway. I'll let you know when I have more.<<

With a smile, she exits the room and the Host. She'll have to hope that her luck holds... Wait, as a good luck charm... Cynthia slips out of VR long enough to drink half her glass of juice, then goes back in. There, she grabs the latests finds of Sherlock. Once she has everything, she dismisses him, to compile him at a higher level. And... Well... Maybe taking this sip was a good idea. Maybe she should always have juice with her. Nah, probably too expensive... Anyway. Sherlock arrives once again, but this time, much more efficient, and eager to please to boot.

Accompanied and assisted by her sprite, Cynthia will roam the Matrix to look for information regarding the situation both here and in Bogotá: she wants to identify the players, the causes and initiators of the troubles and the real objectives. If she can, she'll want to get an idea for the possible evolutions of the situation in the following hours. Of course, she doesn't do all of this blindly, but takes advantage of what she knows of the situation up to now. In addition, despite the noise, she will try to find the 'links of some of the Yaks in the streets: hopefully some of them are engaged in a firefight somewhere which should help locate what she needs. And on their 'links, she hopes to find more direct information, especially on what are their instructions, and who gave those.

Author: Mercy Merchant

Sadly, no matter how much you search on the matrix, you find no links between the Yaks and the violence in the city other than rumor and innuendo. And even that is sketchy at best. The most common rumor involves a highly placed Yak lieutenant, someone close to the Oyabun, who is spreading money and guns to some "favored" gangs to support a large-scale take over of the city's gangland at the expense of its competition in the triads and Mafia. Surprisingly, the KE seems to be staying out of the fighting for the most part, focusing on maintaining calm in the Downtown District. Appeals for help from the local populace are getting very little attention from the command structure, although some of the neighborhood commands are doing their best to keep the peace where they can.

You get slightly better luck in Bogota, where your sprite uncovers a message link between the Liston building and several of the country's lawmakers. It seems that the Liston CEO, William Jennings, is currently in the city and has taken direct control of his mercenary forces. At a hurried press conference, he is asked about why these men are in Bogota in such numbers and why they seem to be better armed than the police or army. Jennings' response is that he had been warned about possible FARC actions against his company and had hired specialists to protect his interests. "It is entirely evident now that our preparedness is paying off big dividends for the company, but more importantly, for the law-abiding citizens of this great city and country. We stand ready to assist the local and national authorities in any way." When asked if there was any truth to the story that Liston men were guarding the President and his top advisors, Jennings affirmed only that his security staff were ready to help in any way asked. When you examine the message traffic, it is pretty obvious that many of the top government officials were in the Liston compound and under close security.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #131

Cynthia is a bit disappointed she didn't find much regarding the violence in Seattle. Not to surprisingly if she went looking with wrong assertions, but still... This doesn't feel too important now. Sure, to the targeted gangs it is. Or innocents in between. But right now, gang activity doesn't really matter. The news regarding Bogotá are much more interesting however. She finds probable that while the officials are under the protection of Liston, it may not be exactly what they wanted...

Being immune to the distance component of noise, she will keep Sherlock there, with instructions to find which government officials aren't in Liston's custody. She considers for a moment asking him to look at the last messages sent by the officials in said custody, but feels it's too much of a long stretch: if he finds some, good, but it would take to much time and energy for probably nothing. She will however, in conjunction to the search for free officials, ask him to look at any real opposition Liston could face. Maybe this opposition could be useful later? Or maybe something could be done to organise this opposition?

As for her, she will concentrate on the local situation. By cross-referencing data about the targeted and aggressor gangs with maps and their known (or supposed) alliance, she will first refine her impression regarding the Yak lieutenant. If the data seem to support this first impression, she will dig deeper into the identity and activities of this lieutenant. She's particularly interested in finding links between him and the colonel: she doesn't think for one moment that KE would let this play out if someone high up in the chain of command wasn't involved. And given what Tanya said, the colonel seems the more likely culprit.



Author: VegasRigged

I've been on this balcony watching the orgy below for a little while now. My party is scattered and I'm tipsy, more then I'd have preferred but it's already been a long night. Its a strange time to asses, but the gears in my mind have no interest in the undulating masses below me. They only care about winning.

I need to confide more in Sylvia, but before I can I need to know more about her background: who exactly does she work for? What agenda does her employer advance? Why does she find me so attractive? Does she really?

Then theirs Marie and Tom. His business will be useful if I can keep him safe, but I need some way to engender their undying gratitude. Perhaps I can arrange to have them attacked by gangers then rescue them, perhaps I can bring investors to him, perhaps inviting them here was enough? Unlikely, but it should contribute.

Tanya. I'm still not clear on her, she likes me, but she's got a wall between her and the world and I'm still on the 'everyone else' side. I won't be able to fix that until my little empire of crime becomes a fixture in the city.

Cynthia. I called it out of the gate. She has what she needs, she doesn't need the risk of my ambition, but won't risk my retribution just to screw me over. I dislike my safety relying on such a balance, so I'll have to either lay her low and be her only option, or prove I'm the 'good guy' and win her trust. I'll probably do both.

For now the music is getting in my head, but it has a place there now. A home and it can grow from my head out into my extremities. I'll head up to the less hedonistic floors and find Sylvia. I ow her a dance.



Author: VegasRigged

I take a moment on my way up to call Ni Ni. If the Yakusa are making a move I need to know if I should be in the streets. I also need that better disguise before i start making a spectacle.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Perhaps not unsurprisingly, you get an almost immediate message back from Ni Ni. >>Thank you, Marisa. Yes, there is a lot of activity just now. Gangs are on the verge of tearing each other apart, but for now, most of the violence seems to be in the minds of those reporting the events. My direct information is that most of the smaller gangs are buttoning up, just in case. Barricades are closing many streets, but little real violence is happening. I have no idea where the vid shots are coming from. My superiors are advising us to keep low. I would offer the same advice to you.<<

You find Sylvia in a lounge on the first circle. She is sitting by herself, nursing some kind of drink. At first, you can observe her without being seen and you notice that she seems completely at ease, although her head keeps turning, never really looking in the same place for long. While you are watching, she is approached twice by men and once by another woman. You cannot make out what is said, but they all leave, apparently disappointed.


@Cynthia You set your sprite on his missions and return to the Seattle matrix. You are looking at the various gangs and their known turf areas and can overlay a map of known enemies and friends and where the fighting is taking place and you reach a startling realization.........all of it is wrong. The overlays provided by the news feeds are wrong. They are close enough that they ALMOST match the "official" KE data base. Almost. Once you tumble to one thing, you can find others. The largest of the glaring errors include reports of gang violence between allied gangs or in areas that really do not have any sort of gang presence. it is like someone is trying to blow this all out of proportion.

The Yak lieutenant shows up on your scans in several places, most notably as a "reliable confidential source" for the information being broadcast.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #132

Far from finding this "revelation" disappointing, Cynthia is excited by this new development. But first things first.

She sends a message to Marissa >>False alarm, sorry. At least concerning the violence side of things.<< and to Tanya >>No violence in the streets. I'm looking into it. Nothing important yet regarding Bogotá.<<

After that, with quite a bit anticipation, she goes back to her hunt to find the truth in all this scheme. All of this feels like a smoke screen, a diversion. Now that she knows it, she should be able to look past it. That, plus the identification of the lieutenant should hopefully allow her to get to the bottom of it. As long as she makes sure that the lieutenant's name isn't used as part of the smoke screen that is. Filtering all the reported violence that feels wrong, she looks at what's left with an eye on what the Yak could gain from all this, personally for the Yaks themselves, or for Sampson Industries. It could also be a way to hide mercenaries operation in town?



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia There is a lot of video and interview material to sift through, but you can clear the chaff from the wheat after a bit of digging, There does seem to be a pattern to what you think to be the real evidence of violence. It seems that the real incidents of gang violence start in one place and move out from there, almost like it is moving from neighborhood to neighborhood, leaving death in its wake. You see one vid up on the feed for a few minutes before it is taken down. It was purportedly shot by a resident of a neighborhood and shows a score of heavily armed men moving from building to building as if searching for something. The vid catches a group of armed gangers approach the men, only to be gunned down. People are dragged from buildings and questioned, although most of these are let go. The vid is apparently from some sort of micro drone and it zooms in close to try to pick up some of what is being said. Unfortunately, there is too much noise in the area to make out any details. A good cleaner program might be able to handle that problem.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Sunday June 09th, 2075 - In VR] #133

When she gets the pattern, she performs a small victory dance. Then watches the footage *Woh, that's some serious drek... And I'd need a cleaner, frag. I don't have this decker drek. Wait maybe Roger? Hopefully he's not asleep yet.*

>>Hey, you awake?<< while she waits for the answer, she sends to Tanya >>Got it on the home front. Drek like yesterday I think. Want details?<<

After a bit of an hesitation, she sends to Barbara >>I hope for you that you're not in the vicinity of the attached points. You or anyone you care about. And do you ever answer your messages? I don't like monologues...<<

After that, she tries to follow what she supposes is a mercenary team to get more footage, she saves on her 'link for later treatment. If Roger answers, she sends >>Could you clean the files I send you? Like as soon as possible? Please?<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0205 Dante's Inferno VIP Suite

You get a response from Tanya quickly. >>You have to be kidding, right? Who can sleep in this place? What did you find?<<

And then from Roger, too. >>Sure I am still awake. I have been looking into the Bogota line and have found some oddities there. Wow! Where did you get this footage? These guys look like professionals. I can try to clean it up a bit. Maybe have something by the time we meet at ten. Still coming, right?<<



Author: VegasRigged

Her romantic loyalty troubles me. We've know each other less than a week and already she's acting like we're monogamous. Perhaps its just a tonight thing, or those three weren't what she wanted. Makes no matter at the moment, I need to get the ball rolling on the Chinatown situation, and that means another call and then getting rid of this phone.

Sian. I need eyes and ears on the ground, and she will know whether backup is needed. Sylvia may prefer to stay and party, but I suspect that she will be more eager to get back into the fighting, where the real action is. I'd like to make an appearance of my own, but unless a matrix search can get me some custom armor in the next few minutes, I'll be going in my scarf again.

Never enough time in the day.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In VR] #134

Cynthia first answers to Tanya >>In Seattle, all the reported gang activity is a smoke screen created by a Yak lieutenant and intended to hide mercenary activity. They're looking for something or someone, leaving a trail of bodies behind. I should know what or who tomorrow, in the morning. Probably too late to help at that point since I doubt this will be going on that long, but you never know. As for Bogotá, there a riots in the streets, but the situation is stable around Liston's offices. They were "protecting" almost all the local government. I'm looking to see if there is any organised opposition or officials that are not yet enjoying said protection, but I have nothing much for now. I'll have to stop soonish though, it's late, I'm tired, and if I continue too long I'll make mistakes. And my bed is calling anyway...<<

Then she replies to Roger >>Of course I'm coming. And this, is what is going on in Seattle right now, but I'm tired, my bed is calling and I'm not yet at home so... I looked a bit into Bogotá too, we can compare tomorrow.<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0206 Dante's Inferno Seattle

@Eva A cursory check of your group's AROs indicates that Tanya is still on the eighth circle, Marie and Tom are on the sixth, and Cynthia is in the VIP suite on the first. Perhaps sensing your presence, Sylvia turns to see you watching her and smiles at you as she stands up. A curious look passes across her face as she waits for you.


@Cynthia >>Hmm. Do you know the Yak's name? Would it by chance be either Phil Tanaka, Obi Shinosetsu, or Aki Watanabe? Those are the names of the Yaks that sit on the board of Sampson Industries. And very interesting about Colombia. You are doing good work and I am very glad to have met you, Cynthia. Do you need me to arrange to have you taken home?<<

The name the Yakusa lieutenant had provided to the press is indeed Phil Tanaka.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In VR] #135

>>It's Phil Tanaka yeah. Happy to help, it's fun. And it's okay, I have my car to get home. I'll be on my way now in fact, I'll contact you tomorrow when I know more. Around ten for the mercenaries goal tonight, and probably around noon for Bogotá.<<

Cynthia gets back in the meat world with a grunt. Rubbing her eyes, she stands up and finishes her glass. Frowning, she sighs, and decides to send a message to Marissa too >>It's getting late and I'm tired so I'm off to bed. You know how to contact me if you want something.<<



Author: VegasRigged

I know my distraction is showing a bit as I send a message to Sian and walk over to Syl. I lean in close, bringing our bodies almost into contact and whisper "If you want that dance, it's now or never."

Some part of me senses greater truth to this statement, as though this truly is our last chance to dance. Part of me wants her to refuse, to spare me the loss of a last time, the gears are eager to get to work, they warn that such frivolities are likely to endanger those I've sworn to protect. I hope Sian gets back to me soon, and I hope she says she doesnt need me, and I hope that she says she does. Why did I let myself get interested in someone? I really don't have time for this conflict of feelings.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0207 Dante's Inferno

@Eva Sylvia's smile seems to falter a bit at your words. "Why now or never? Are you leaving me? If so, frag the dance and take me home so I can fuck us both silly. If you are not leaving me we can still frag the dance and go home, where I can make love to you like I hope no one ever has before. Or, of course, we can stay here and get that dance and fuck later. It is up to you."

Sian's response comes in while Sylvia is talking to you. >>You are always welcome here. I am hearing reports of something going on in the city, but there is no gang violence here that is more than usual.<<


@Cynthia As you are departing the club you get a message. >>Hello. This is Barbara. I am sorry for not answering your earlier message, but we are a bit nervous here. I am interested in a meeting in your cyber room, unless it is now too late.<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Outside Dante's Inferno] #136

Cynthia is surprised to get an answer from Barbara, she wasn't expecting one anymore at this point. >>Err... Sure, give me a minute, I have to get to my car.<<

Once out of the club, and the ARO removed and handed back to the staff, Cynthia will get back to her car, giving it the instruction to get her back home. Once done, she slips back into VR, hopefully for the last time today, and enters the room for which she gave the logins to Barbara.



Author: VegasRigged

"Things are moving faster then I'd expected, we may not get a lot of time off before the vacation, so for now, I'd like-."

Sians message stikes a new tone and stops me in my tracks, for a moment Sylvia get to see my real face, the gears turning as they work out a problem. I had not doubted that trouble and gang war meant trouble for my new business, now I've not only learned that my business is in no danger, but that their is no gang violence. The gears go into overdrive, I haven't had a puzzle like this in far too long! Someone is enacting a plot over the city, faking a gang war and I don't know who, what or why! Perhaps it will be a fun evening after all!!

My voice is excited now, contained and quiet but undeniably excited "Someone is faking a gang war in the Barrens and we need to find out who and why. Lets get back to the Suit, we'll need the other two to help us."

I cast a wistful look at the dance floor then turn and head to the suite, texting Tanya as I do 'somethings going on in the city, interested?'



Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: For now, we will move the trix chats between Barbara and Cynthia to the Echo thread to give it good continuity. All other Cynthia posts can still go to the Eva-Cynthia thread until such time as we decide to combine both. I hope that this is acceptable. And I just saw Eva's post, so we may be joining the threads sooner than later. LOL Such fun!


@Eva Your ARO guide shows that Cynthia is near the exit of the club. Her ARO signal suddenly goes out, indicating that she has probably turned it in as she is leaving. Tanya's signal indicates that she is still in the eighth circle auditorium listening to the MM cover band. Marie and Tom are still on the sixth circle. Sylvia gives you a sad look then nods. "We can return there for our wraps, but none of our companions are there. Our hostess is on the eighth circle and your friend Cynthia is leaving the building. What is going on?"


@Cynthia You slide into the car and go to VR, gliding across the city in an instant to the cyber room. (Go to Echo)



Author: VegasRigged

'Damnit. Now I'll have to call her too.'

What's the play here. I had been planning to interview Merie and Tom tonight, and Tom is likely to be valuable in the future. However this situation is almost certainly time sensitive, as creating a Media smoke screen is almost always a cover for some kind of operation elsewhere. Finding out what's really happening will be key to understanding the information structure of the city.

We enter the Suite and I turn on the three large screens to separate broadcasts of the news on the Yakuza movements.

I watch them carefully, analyzing every shot and word for signs of falsehood.

After a moment I ask Sylvia "What do you think?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Sylvia shrugs her shoulders as she considers her words. "My people are telling me that most of this is just so much drek. Almost every incident we are looking at or listening to has been crafted from lies. Most of the gangs listed are not warring with anyone. They are, however, hunkering down in preparation for something. Barricades are blocking many streets and channeling traffic. There is a bit of truth to it all, but it makes no real sense. My analysts are telling me that there have been some real gang casualties in some sectors. Here, let me send you what I have been given." Your 'link pings with a note from Sylvia. >>I love you even if you cannot return that. You are special.<< There is an attachment that contains a map of the area with several interactive overlays. Once you have accepted the document, she says, "OK. The basic map I sent you is of the entire area involved in the reported gang war. The first overlay is of the neighborhoods reported to be affected and the next is of the neighborhoods where some action has been taken by the gangs, such as barricades, increased security patrols, etc. Now, the next overlay is interesting. This is where there has been actual violence, but it would seem that it is all from one source. A band of well-trained and exceptionally well-equipped military professionals has moved into each of these areas and done significant damage to the gangs there, and some to civilians that happened to be in the wrong place. It seems that these people were asking questions but no one will say what the questions were. Some footage from personal drones has made it out but it seems that the news feed people are keeping a lid on all of them as 'not substantiated' data. You can see where these incursions start in a wide base and narrow into some sort of cone, with a couple of branches off to the sides? We believe that these guys are looking for someone and each territory they go into narrows their search pattern. As of now, they seem to be arrowing in on one axis of advance. Strangely enough, although there are a number of news pundits comparing this to the gang wars between the Yaks and the Mafia and the internal war the Triads put themselves through, none of the major crime syndicates seems to be involved in this. The lone exception seems to be that one of the paid advisers to the news channels is a mid-level Yak lieutenant by the name of Phil Tanaka. Also note that there is no mention of the Chinatown Barrens in all of this. What are your thoughts?"

Author: VegasRigged

I brush off the note for now, i need to be focused on figuring out whats happening an how I can benefit from it. "So we have a mercenary team hunting someone and making a lot of noise, and a media smokescreen to cover it. Now I'm in favor of these mercs failing purely on the basis of their disturbing the peace. I'd very much like to get this person or persons the mercs are looking for and help them get further off the grid. We need a car, our own car that is hard to track and directions to where these marcs are now. Can you arrange that while I say my goodbyes to our hostess?"

I guess I'll be going into the lower levels after all. At least I am confident she's on a level where everyone is more or less clothed.



Author: Mercy Merchant

As you start off, you get a note from Tanya. >>Sorry I did not immediately answer your message. I know things are happening and am very interested. Do you have some information that I can use? I am still in the MM concert, but I can leave.<<

Sylvia nods as she walks with you. "I can get us wheels. Do you want the vehicle here or should we pick it up somewhere else?"



Author: VegasRigged

To Tanya "Sylvia and I are going to investigate further, you may join using you wish but it might be dangerous.'

To Sylvia "Whichever is more discrete."

I'm still thinking of contacting Cynthia, she probably has useful information already, but with what we've got here on the map overlays I suspect we can find the mercenaries and while I don't think she's clever enough to sell us out id rather avoid appearing to need the help after she's been so blasé about all of this.

In the mean time I head deeper into the club to find Merie and Tom.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - OTR Host, Private Room #312] #140

Cynthia sends a small message to Tanya >>I know I said I'd com around ten tomorrow but Barbara answered, I thought you might want to know. Nothing really interesting for the moment, but it wasn't bad either.<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva >>I am leaving the concert and will be on the first circle in a few minutes. We should tell Marie and Tom that we are leaving. They may stay as my guests for as long as they want to.<<


@Cynthia >>Thank you. I am leaving with Marisa and Sylvia. Have you been careful? It would appear that these people are not fooling around.<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Cynthia's car, Seattle] #141

>>Yeah well... I hope? I talked to her in a private host and I didn't give any information about me. Or you for that matter. In case they get caught you know. But more than that... Well, I'd have to drop the matter entirely to be safe so...<< after a small pause, she adds >>I'll have to find a cool nickname though. I'm bad at this...<<



Author: Mercy Merchant

>>Well, you seem to be doing very well, so far. I hope that you do not quit because I think we have a future together. Still bored?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Cynthia's car, Seattle] #142

>>When I said I was bad at this, this was a reference to the "nickname finding task". I always spend at least an hour when I create a new character for a game, so for myself... Anyway nope, not bored, but tired. Long day, stressful day, and snooping around can be exhausting. Especially trying to conquer your fortress-like defences... I didn't hold much after all.<<

Which reminds Cynthia that Sherlock is still snooping around in Bogota. On the way to her house, she'll review what he found since she last checked. He won't be able to keep going much longer anyway, since she will have to let him go before she goes to sleep.



Author: VegasRigged

I bring on Tom and Merie on the ARO and go to them, the sooner I tell them we are leaving, the sooner the leaving will happen. Then we can get to work.

To Tanya I respond 'On it. Sylvia is bringing a car around.'



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia >>Well, I have had some help in designing that system. Some very good help. You were able to identify a couple of weak spots and I do appreciate that. Maybe we can try it again some time. Rest up and contact me later in the morning.<<

Sherlock has actually worked up some good intel. It seems that most of the senior politicians, to include the nations president, have taken Liston Pharmaceuticals' offer to help secure them during the "problems", as they are being referred to. Several of those that had shared the Former Finance Minister's ideas about allowing foreign corporations in general, and Liston in particular, to set up facilities in Colombia have been killed in the rioting that seems to have swept the nation. The top military commander is missing and this has thrown the army into confusion. There is a good indication that much of the police force in Bogota is sympathetic to the FARC point of view. The Liston CEO and his guests are apparently sitting in safety in side the armed compound the Liston mercenaries took over early in the fighting. There are reports of scattered fighting near the compound, but nothing seems to have been able to breach the walls. The latest news is that Jennings has personally appealed to the FARC leadership to stop the bloodshed and is attempting to broker some sort of cease fire.

@Eva You find Marie and Tom on the sixth circle in some sort of play room. As you enter, you see Tom kneeling behind another woman and fucking her with great gusto while Marie is standing over both of them dressed in some sort of Dom outfit. She is softly stroking both people with a short whip, running it up and down their sides as they pant and thrust. She is telling them in no uncertain terms what she wants them to do and how to do it and both Tom and the other woman are calling her mistress and obeying her commands.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Cynthia's car, Seattle] #143

>>I don't doubt it at all. The main weak spot is probably the...blinking...of the files on the second 'link when the agent and sprite hop from one grid to another while encrypting the files. It doesn't tell what is going on, but it certainly indicates that something is going on. By the way, I'm sending you the main points of what I already found about Bogotá. I suppose that by noon tomorrow, the city, and probably the country, will be in Liston's pocket.<<

Cynthia takes a couple of minutes to organise Sherlock findings, highlighting the main points, and send the resulting file to Tanya.



Author: VegasRigged

I wait at the edge of the dungeon, presumably with other eager onlookers, and send a quick text to her, asking to talk when she has a moment.

This display is unexpected, and potentially very useful. If I can move her into the professional business of Doming then I can move my efforts to my more central goals. Also, noting Tom's natural submissiveness, and the fact that both of them have jumped in so willingly, I have to assume they are both experienced and while this tells me about them personally, it does not tell me whether I can trust them.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia You send the file and receive a thank you. The rest of the ride back to your place is uneventful and you can finally crawl into bed and put the past hours behind you as you fall asleep.


@Eva Marie starts a bit as she gets the text and looks around the small gallery of onlookers. The upper portion of her face is concealed by a mask but her mouth forms an O when she sees you watching her. Turning back to her fiance and the woman he is having very public sex with, Marie gives them instructions to keep going until she gets back then turns to walk to a small table with a pitcher of water. She motions for you as she pours a glass and takes a drink. The visible portion of her face is a bit red as you approach her. "Miss Coulter. This is.......is.....quite a surprise. I really do not know what to say. We wandered in here and watched as someone was.......was doing this sort of thing and, well, it just seemed the thing to do after the other people left. I really did not know I could............well, could be like this. Or that Tom would be so into being submissive. That is the fourth woman he has had sex with here tonight, counting the one upstairs. I am so surprised that it does not bother me to watch him do it." Here, she blushes a bit more. "And I really enjoyed him watching me have sex with another man. But this is even more fun. He just does what I tell him. And so do the others. When one woman finishes, I just ask for a volunteer and some woman steps out of the watchers and strips to my command then fucks Tom. Some man gave him a pill of some sort that keeps him hard. It is just so amazing. I am having the time of my life. Thank you so much for inviting me here."



Author: VegasRigged

She's perfect a bit soft. Her timidness will have to go, but otherwise her usefulness to me is all but assured.

"I'm glad you are enjoying yourselves. I just needed to tell you that something has come up with Lady Malisart and she has requested that Sylvia and I join her elsewhere. She encourages you both to stay as her guests and I agree. I look forward to talking about this further but is is rather urgent. Now don't let me keep you from your fun."

I'll give her about thirty seconds in which to say her thank you and goodbye then I'm going to make a few unmistakable steps towards the door and head out to the car.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Marie blushes again and nods before walking back over to Tom and the woman, who have not stopped fucking the entire time. She passes her whip across both and uses it to gently spank the woman. As you leave, you notice that several of the watchers appear to be very turned on by watching this display. You hear the woman give a moan of ecstasy and Marie cracks a bit, saying, "Alright. Enough for you. Pull off of him and get dressed. Who is next?"

You hear several women cal out but then move out of earshot as you climb the ramp back to the up to the next level. By the time you are back on the first circle, your ARO guide tells you that both Tanya and Sylvia are at the entrance. When you approach, they hold out their arms for the attendant to remove the AROs. Tanya looks at you. "Everything alright with Marie and Tom?"



Author: VegasRigged

"They are enjoying themselves considerably. Let's go." I hand off my ARO tag and follow Syl to the car. Once were in I astrally perceive to confirm that we are alone then cast detect enemies to be on the safe side. Once I'm confident we are unobserved I fill in Tanya on the media smokescreen and the actual events around the city while we head towards the last reported incident of the mysterious mercenaries.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Cynthia's apartment] #144

With a yawn, Cynthia tosses her clothes in the laundry and starts brushing her teeth, thinking back to the day. Not the way she expected it to go but... Not bad, considering. And fun at times. Of course, it could quickly become dangerous but as long as she takes some precautions, she should be ok. She wonders what happened to Barbara. Maybe she was wrong after all, and they are safe. Or they just don't need her help. She probably should have thought of a good nickname though. Especially if she continues doing that stuff, no way she will introduce herself as Cynthia. Or Lauren, she hates the name. She doesn't want anything too catchy. Or pretentious. Or girly. Something neutral, maybe even a bit funny?

Rinsing her mouth, she stops, looking at the mirror. *Hey, what about... Karma? Hum, I don't know... It was Karma... Karma will get them* Cynthia chuckles, squirting water all over the sink. She cleans the mess, amused, puts her nightie on and climbs in her bed *Could be fun... It was bad luck! No! It was Karma!* she laughs quietly *Yeah, there's stuff to do that way, I don't know, might be...too much? I'll ask them tomorrow.*
Still thinking about it Cynthia starts her reboot, scheduled to end at nine in the morning to be able to go for a quick jog before she meets Roger.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0310 Sylvia's Car Downtown District Seattle

@Eva The car waiting for you is not much more than a normal large, but not ostentatious sedan...................on the outside. Sylvia offers motions for you and Tanya to take the rear passenger seats as she climbs into the front. As the car pulls away from the club, Sylvia hits a lever of some kind and spins her seat about so that she is facing you. As she fiddles with some controls in the arm of her seat, a holo projection appears in between you. The view is the city map that shows the progress made by the mercenary force as it carves its way through one small gang at a time. Tanya takes a deep breath and seems to sigh. "I could use one of these in my car. Just who are you, anyway?"

Sylvia smiles in the dim light. "Come now, don't let's play coy. You know full well I am the assassin you hire to do your dirty work for you. And now I know, too. It took me a while to put it together, but I finally tumbled. Well played, though. I almost did miss it. You are quite good at using cutouts. But that is neither here nor there, right now. The question is what are we to do?"

Your astral perception indicates that you are indeed not alone..............that there is another presence in the car, but not an enemy. Maybe.



Author: VegasRigged

"Hush, we are observed." I let my phisical form slump back and astrally project to more clearly identify the astral occupant of our vehicle. If I don't recognize them I'll demand their identity and if the refuse to give it I am likely to use force.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Sylvia keeps her focus on the projected image as she says, "That should be Greta, but take a look just to be sure. Her avatar is a kid." Sure enough, as you sink into the astral, you see that the astral figure of a young girl of about ten years old is moving so as to seem to be sitting between you and Tanya. She smiles and waves at you, then blows a bubble with the gum she is chewing.

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #146

Cynthia snaps awake. She's sitting in a chair. A comfortable one. In...an office? The desk in front of her is quite impressive, cluttered with AROs showing a family. She...knows them... Or not? Maybe, just the woman? She rubs her eyes for a moment, wondering what she's doing here. And why she can't remember who this woman is. Standing up, she goes to the window behind the desk to look outside. At first, she doesn't recognise what she sees. But on the left, there's Lake Washington. Somewhat on the right, she sees the top of the Needle. From the looks of the buildings... Could she be at the University of Washington? What is she doing here? Wait...

Frowning, she looks again at the AROs. She's pretty sure it's that woman's office. Reaching out to the Matrix to check her hunch, she realises that...there's nothing. No connexion. As if there were no Matrix. There should be, she can see the AROs just fine. There's no Noise either. There's...nothing? Cold sweat forms on her forehead. Fear. Dread.

Suddenly, the door opens. It's the woman. Someone in the corridor calls out to her.
- "Professor Freed?"
- "Yes Jane?"
- "Don't forget you are having lunch with Alan Wyatt? From Mitsuhama?"
- "Yes of course, thanks Jane."

Professor Freed. Professor Margot Freed. Head of the Matrix Science Department. Tanya introduced her yesterday. Wait, was it yesterday? The professor closes the door, and smiles at Cynthia. She cocks an eyebrow, and as she gets to her chair behind her desk, she asks "So?'. Cynthia swallows anxiously "So..?'



Author: VegasRigged

I give her a thorough assensing and return to my body "Fine. So Tanya, is this true? You've been employing my partners aptitude for violence? If so it's fairly fitting that we are approaching some real violence together, you'll get to see her work first hand. I've been quite impressed thus far."

As i talk I manipulate the map and start calling up specifics of the gangs in the area, most importantly their leadership and if I can how much damage the mercs have caused.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Professor Freed folds her hands on the desk. "So have you decided to talk to me about what you do and how you do it? You know this secrecy thing is wearing a bit thin. I want to help you, I really do. But you have to help me a bit in return. Well, actually, you have to help me first, but we will trade help. Will that make it better?" The woman leans forward a bit and her eyes seem to get closer together. "Let's start with the night we met. Do you remember that? You were a guest of Lady Marisart's. Now, certainly you remember her. You should. You killed four people that night and put her in a coma that she may never come out of. You do remember killing those people, don't you? Now, I think that it was something that happened while you were out performing unlawful acts on the matrix, but I wish to hear that from you. You were there. It was only three weeks ago.Talk to me. Quit pretending that you keep forgetting everything every night and have to live the day over and over. You are safe here. Nothing can get to you here because you cannot access any of your sprite friends or the matrix. But if you help me, I can arrange for you to have some limited access. Would you like that?"


@Eva Tanya nods. "In a way, yes. I have arranged for her to remove some particularly troublesome people. I am already fully aware of how dangerous she can be, but I have only seen vids, not live and up close, so this will be a good experience." She watches as you manipulate the holo and add details. "Well done, Marisa. I am impressed with your skill set, too. Will you be directly helping tonight or acting in a support role?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #147

Cynthia's eyes bulge like a toad, as she stammers "I... What? But! But... How... Wait..."

Getting up, Cynthia stands behind her chair as if she wanted to put something between her and the proferssor, completely lost. "I was her guest yes, but... Technically, I was Marissa's guest, and Marissa was Tanya's guest. But... I didn't do anything illegal in the Matrix! Just some research! And...and I left the club alone, before them, how!? Wait, did something happen on the road? No, it's not possible!"

Calming down a bit, Cynthia tries to consider things logically. *Ok, if she lies... Why? What could she get from me? I'm sure she has some 'mancers working with her already. What does she expect? If she says the truth... No impossible, killing anyone? How could I? Err... Ok, I suppose that in the right conditions I could but... She knows about the sprites... She knows about me being a 'mancer... And I sure as hell didn't tell her... Wait, if this really happened as she said, if we already had this conversation...*

Frowning, Cynthia asks "If what you say is true, you must have some recordings right? Some proofs?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

The professor shrugs and reaches for one of the drawers in her desk, bringing out a small box. Placing the box on the desk she opens it to display a set of recording chips. "Yes, Cynthia, I have recordings. Every day I record this conversation. This is the twenty-third one, see?" [She removes one of the chips and slots it into a player. You hear your voice and hers go through a conversation almost exactly like the one you are having now. She lets it run a bit then swaps the chip for another. Same thing. And again. And again. "The first was yesterday, then the day before, and so on. I have to do this every day for you. Then you start to believe and then you just go silent. Then you pretend to forget it all while you sleep. But it has to stop. I am running out of time, Cynthia. The KE want you badly for those deaths. I was asked to help them in the investigation, but you are not giving me anything to work with and I do not know how much longer I can put them off. I have already told you that they want to take you to a different sort of facility and.....................experiment..............on you. Do you remember that? People like you are more feared than mages in some ways. Do you really want them to strap you down and open that mind of yours?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #148

Cynthia listens to the first recordings, mouth agape. She sits back down, a bit heavily. By the end of the recordings, she has her head in her hands. When Freed mentions the experiments, she puts her feet on the chair, hugging her knees. With an almost whiny voice, she says "But I really don't remember anything! I..."

She pauses, and looks in Freed's direction, or maybe at the window? After a while, she says, with a distant tone "I... What do you need?"



Author: VegasRigged

"I suppose a bit of both." I bring up the images of the gang leaders whose people have been affected by the rampage "These are our real goal. Each of them has to maintain reputation by getting back at the mercenaries, if we can get them all working together and with us then we become both the uniting force, which serves me personally, and the team that got it done for a lot of people. In short, we'll gain some fame in circles that don't currently know who we are or care."





Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Professor Freed smiles. "Now, see, isn't that better? Half of the battle is deciding what the right thing to do is. And clearing this whole thing up is definitely the right thing to do. Now we both know that you somehow managed to use the matrix to kill four people and put Tanya Marisart into a coma. I just need you to admit it for the record and tell me how you did it. After that, I will see what sort of liberties I can let you take......perhaps even a bit of time on the matrix? Would you like that?"


@Eva Tanya considers your words in silence, but Sylvia gives you a strange look. "Not sure that trying to rally the other gangers to support us will be the best move. For starters, I think the effort to find them and convince them that we are serious will take longer than the targets will have. One of my associates is monitoring the advance of the mercenaries and they are just about...................here on the map. Now, there is some odd activity right here, which is a territory of a smallish Vory Bratva. It seems that these gangers are preparing to make a stand and one of the soldiers there lit up the facial recognition program as being our missing shooter from Washington Rec and Mercy General. The odds are pretty good that we have found our targets. If so, they have less than an hour, perhaps forty minutes tops, before the mercenaries get to them."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #149

Cynthia answers rather forcefully "Of course I would!". She stops and seems desperate "But I really don't remember... Can't I pass some lie detector or something? Maybe some kind of spell or something?"

She shakes her head, apparently hopeless "I can't say I did... I can't even say I didn't... I don't want to believe I did, but I really, really don't know." her tone become a bit more firm when she adds "And I certainly won't confess something I have no memories of ever doing. Especially since it's something I don't feel like I could have."

She shakes her head, distate clear "Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying I'm always...err...I have never gone places i wasn't supposed to be in. Or done stuff I wasn't supposed to. It's par for the course after all. But killing four people? Leaving Tanya in a coma? I don't believe it."



Author: VegasRigged

I nod once. "Then we go after the Mercenaries directly. I'd still like to take them alive if possible, after tonight a lot of people will be willing to pay to get their hands on one of these guys."

If we can find out who these mercs are and who they are working for it's not just the gangs that will give us anything to avenge their fallen, it's also corps or the Government wanting answers and probably law enforcement- of course!

"Tanya, the gentlemen who came to the club with you earlier, how well do you know him?"

Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya chuckles and shakes her head. "Not nearly as well as I would like. I was hoping to make some progress in that area tonight, but all of this sort of distracted him. I know that he is married to the daughter of his boss at KE and that I feel that he is very, very dirty and in the pocket of the Yakuza, but I have no real proof of that as yet. Why?"



Author: VegasRigged

"You may have the opportunity to get closer to him now if you can give him one of these guys. A sort of 'thinking of you' for spies kind of gift. Think he'd like it?"

I continue to manipulate the map and track their movements, then bring up the image of their supposed target and read though his file.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Tanya shrugs and nod. Your perusal of the file of one Bryant Champagne does not take too long. He does not really appear to exist before a short while ago when he became a partner with a former Lonestar operative by the name of Raleigh Quentin and formed Raleigh Investigations. The two have worked mostly low profile cases for those who cannot really afford some of the higher-priced firms. Beyond that, there is little information on the man at all.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #150

"Look, I know you probably don't want to believe me. Frag, were I in your place, I wouldn't believe me either. Probably." she shrugs, fatalist "But there has to be a way to get to fix all this right?"



Author: VegasRigged

"Alright, so Sylvia I want you to work on how best to ambush these guys, I'm not so familiar with this area as some. Tanya, find out what you can about KE patrols and see if anyone else is gunning for these guys, I'm going to make a few calls and get us some extra backup."

I summon a spirit of air and call Sian again. If we manage to get these guys we are going to need a way to transport them and this sounds like the perfect use of my new ganger friends.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Freed frowns. "This is not the way to earn liberties, Cynthia. The deaths were witnessed by a man by the name of Roger, who has been helping the KE. As a hacker, he is being help as your accomplice and will likely go down for the murders as well, but I think that he did not have anything to do with them.....that it was all you. I have enough knowledge of how a TM can act to know that I do not have enough knowledge. You can help yourself, and Roger, if you just tell me the truth. Otherwise I am afraid it is an operating table for you as the KE doctors run their experiments. There is just so much we do not understand about TMs that people like you are automatically suspect. So, what is it to be? Confession and then a long time talking to me, or the operating table and a lot of horrible experiments?"



@Eva Sylvia laughs. "I am not so familiar with this part of town either, dear. But I can use the drone feeds to help predict a good spot to try to help our targets."

Tanya nods and adds, I have been in touch with a ranking KE officer and he has expressed frustration that they are not allowed to interfere just now. The unofficial excuse given is that they are waiting to see how many gangers are wiped out. The real reason seems to be that someone is confusing the issue and has paralyzed the KE from inside. Whatever the reason, the KE forces have been told to stand by but not move in."

>>Marisa. So good to hear from you. Are you in danger? What do you need me to do?<<



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #151

Cynthia stays silent for a while, shuddering when Freed talks about experiments. The more she thinks about all of this, the calmer she becomes though. "So, we seem to be at an impass right? No matter what I say, you won't believe me. Of course, it seems a bit far fetched. I don't blame you for not believing on the first day. But one would believe that after having been told for days the same thing, you'd think that maybe, just maybe, there were some truth in what I said. And you'd tried to check. With a lie detector, drugs, magic, whatever. But no. Oh no." her tone drips of irony when she continues "She's a Technomancer, we know nothing of Technomancer, so they must be evil. Right?"

She snorts "Yeah, much better than trying to understand, right? You know, had you asked me, I'd have said that trying to understand would have been the job of a Professor. That's what I get for never having set foot here, see how much I don't understand about universities."

With a small laugh, she looks at the window "So tell me, what happens after our discussions? Do you lock me with your rats, maybe with Roger?" Suspiciously, she adds "Maybe after having me dosed with whatever drug that can make me forget of the day? I don't see why you would, but don't find any other reason you would do all this."



Author: VegasRigged

"Thank you Tanya, that is very useful. If we take one of these men, that would make our little ploy here more likely to succeed. Eggs in different baskets as it were."

"Syl, if we can hit them before they make their intended targets we'll have an easier time taking them alive."

>>I am in some danger, but nearly so much as those who threaten me. I need you to gather a few vehicles and soldiers, good able men who will take their money and not ask questions- I'll pay what they want. Very soon I'm going to want you to get these men and vehicles to a location in this neighborhood (sends vague gps) pick up a few packages and make them dissapear for a while. Can you do all that in the next-<<

"Syl, how long till we intercept?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia While examining the university grounds, your catches a curious anomaly.........or rather, your brain does. You think that you might have just seen a man and woman walking across the yard of one of the buildings. While this may not be unusual under normal circumstances, you are pretty sure that you had seen the exact same couple walking the exact same path a few minutes earlier, when you first came into the room. From behind you, you hear Doctor Freed stand up from the desk and sigh. "Now, dear, what would I have to gain with drugging you to forget things. No, I am here to help you, but I am running out of time. Now look, you are working yourself up into a state of paranoia and confusion. I am preparing a small dose of something that will help you sleep. Please take it and I will have the nurse take you back to your room. We will talk later, but please remember that if you do not give me the information soon, I will have no option but to turn you over to the KE inquisitors."

She brings you a glass of liquid and puts it in your hands before walking to the door to summon the nurse. There is a large potted plan next to you or you can drink the liquid.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Eva Tanya nods. "Yes. I suppose that I could arrange for my KE contact to pick up a package we leave for him. My only real concern is that neither he nor I know how far the suspected rot goes in the KE, or how high."

Sylvia gives you a grim look. "It will take us about twenty minutes to get to the combat zone and my source tells me that the gang in the immediate vicinity of the mercenaries is apparently allowing them free passage. That would mean that they will be in the target area in about five minutes. We cannot intercept them before the fighting begins." Indeed, your holo projection is being updated as she speaks and you see that she is correct in her assumption.

>>Not sure about the men, Marisa, or the cars, for that matter. But I might have an idea. Are you involved in the psuedo gang violence that the news feeds are full of right now? You know that is a hoax, right?<<

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #152

When she notices the anomaly, Cynthia frowns. But forgets about it as soon as Freed speaks again, puting it down to the couple going around a building or something. Absent-mindedly, she takes the glass, looking into it.

With a bitter laugh, she says "I accuse you of drugging me, you deny it, and give me some drugs. If that's not irony, I don't know what is." she shakes her head, then adds, grumbling "I might as well take it, better sleep than listen to you..."

As soon as Freed has her back turned, Cynthia gifts the plant with some water *Sorry plant, but better you than me.* Once she's done, she puts the glass on the desk, and gets back in her chair. *Now, I just have to make her believe I've drank this drek...without knowing how long it should take... And finding the right moment to take off... Easy... I hope I'll get my link to the 'trix as soon as I'm out of this fragging office. If I get out of this mess, I'll learn some hand to hand combat, promise...*

As time passes, Cynthia tries to give the impression that she's dozing off to anyone or anything who might be watching, while paying attention to anything she might hear: when Freed comes back with the nurse, she tries to judge if they're expecting her to be sleeping or if it should take a bit more time, and reacts accordingly.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Freed walks over to you as a male nurse enters the office, pushing a wheelchair. The professor looks at the empty glass and then to the nurse. "I keep thinking that she might develop a resistance to the drug, but she has not yet. Get her back to her room and secure her there. Things are happening elsewhere and we need to be moving on this. Might not have enough time to get everything I want. We have to know what this bitch knows and what she might have told the meddling Marisart woman. She has Important friends, with a capital I, and I can only keep her off the scent for so long. I hear that she just will not stop asking questions. We might need to take some direct action."

The male nurse mutters something noncommittal then bends over you to lift you into the wheelchair. He makes a particular effort to place his hands on your chest and cops a feel of your breasts as he does. The professor is either not paying attention or does not care as she says nothing to him about his lack of professionalism. He straightens and moves behind the chair, pushing you to the door. Once in the hallway, your almost closed eyes see an amazing sight. The hallway extends only about five feet to either side of the doorway, enough to give someone inside the room the impression of a normal hallway beyond the door. In fact, the paneling gives way to bland gray paint then opens into a large room that closely represents a sound stage from some trivid production. In effect, the office you just left appears to be nothing more than a trid set. You arte wheeled to a small room that appears to be a real cell, but you pass another with a man inside that resembles some guy you met once in a cyber cafe. Was Roger his name? Maybe. In any case, the bruises and welts on his face do not help his visage any and you might be mistaken. The man manages to croak out a few words as you go past in the chair. "Hey, shy girl. Stay strong, yeah?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #153

*Hey, bitch yourself. Frag... So there's really something. Drek, I really have to get away from this.*

As the nurse makes sure to get a nice and complete feel of her breasts, Cynthia tries to stay impassive. Well, she succeeds, but would like nothing more than place a nice kick in some sensible parts of his anatomy *I can't believe it, you're doing this to me? Frag, I almost feel bad for you if the only breasts you get to feel are my "not quite existing" ones... But just you wait, fraging asshole, just wait. I'll get you.*

In the...hallway...Cynthia is astonished by the efforts that went into making all of this. *This becomes weirder by the minute. What did I get myself into...*

As she passes Roger's cell, Cynthia's thoughts still for a moment. *Well, at least, finding Roger will be easy. Getting out of here though... I'll have to wait until he removes me from that chair. Hey asshole, see that kick I was talking about? It may be coming sooner than you expected. It will be a glorious moment of "Knee, meet balls.". Ooh... Come and get it.*



Author: Mercy Merchant

As he approaches the cell that you are sure is your temporary home here, you see another man in the uniform of a guard approach with a tray in his hands. The "nurse" wheels you into the room and you feel a sharp sting in your arm and the faint sound of someone talking to you, but you cannot make out the words before blacking out. Then, from out oif the darkness, you hear a different voice. "Good, you finally took steps to avoid the first drug. Doing so will allow you to help yourself out of here and avoid a terrible miscarriage of justice in the future. What you are living right now is but a phantasm of that future...............a possibility. i can show you the path and will guide you as far as possible, but at some point, I will not be able to go any further and you will need another to help you finish your task. This may be a dream to you, but I assure you that it is dangerous and you can die here or, more likely, remain in this place, trapped in your own mind. Are you willing to take a chance?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #154

As Cynthia notices the second man, she can't help but be less than pleased *Drek...* She doesn't even have the time to try anything that she feels the sting.

When she hears...Someone...speaking, she keeps silent for a moment, completely lost, not knowing at all what is happening, why it is happening. Nor, for that matter, where it is happening. Finally, she exclaims "What? That's not a dream, it's a nightmare! There's no company I like more than my own, but there's no way I'd want to be drooling in some hospice with nurses groping me or worse. But who are you!? Frag, where am I, and what is going on?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0350 Somewhere in Cynthia's Mind
"It is good that you can question things. As to what is going on, that is a more difficult question to answer and to even begin to understand what I say, you have to suspend some disbelief in what you know of reality. Right now, you are in an alternate reality, one related to but not the same as where you originated. I am a spirit guide and will help you get out of here, if you will let me. This is a chance for you to become a bit more than you were, but at a risk. There are two options before you and you may accept either. The first is to opt out of this "dream" and return to your known reality, no different than when you entered this one and no wiser as to the existence of this place. You will simply wake up and continue life as it was before and the days spent here will never have happened. The other option is to remain here and learn more about yourself. This is a risky option, as you may be hurt and may not survive, but if you succeed, you will be better and stronger in what you do. I should have said that you have three choices. The last one is to make no choice and do nothing. This choice will leave you here in this reality, where these people intend to send you to be experimented on, to plumb the depths of what you are. These experiments may be enough to leave you in that drooling state. Now, I am a patient spirit, but you do not have much time to decide."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #155

"A spirit guide? Frag, that's what I get for interacting with a mage..." Cynthia sighs, shaking her head. She stays silent for a moment, thinking back to what was said. "Wait... That's not the kind of spirit you are... This is about Resonance, not Magic. Are you a sprite? Or an AI maybe?"

After a pause of a couple of seconds, she continues "Anyway, I'll pass on the third option, thank you very much. And to be honest, I don't really like first option. Not that I'm a dare-devil... Or not much of one... I don't like to flee. And... Worst of all, here I would flee from myself right? So bring it on!" With a small hesitation, she adds "But err... Would you mind explaining what is the goal?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

"Is there really so much difference between a spirit and a sprite? They are both manifestations of will and power. But in this case and for your point of reference, I am not a sprite, but a spirit. No sprite could guide you where you need to go without suffering immense pain and perhaps complete destruction. I have been tasked to fulfill the role of guide here because as a spirit, I am not as at risk. The goal is to increase your understanding of Resonance and yourself. To effect this transformation, you will need to journey into your very self, to try to pull a bit more from you than you currently can. I must warn you yet again that the risk to yourself is considerable and should not be relegated to some spur of the moment decision. But if you wish to continue, we will do so."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #156

"Is the Resonance a form of Magic? Err... If a sprite can't go there without suffering, how come I can? Wait wait, more importantly, who tasked you to do that exactly? I'm all for taking informed decisions, but I'd need to know more for that. Like how I should call you. I think the risks - drooling and so forth - are quite clear, but what I should do in there?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

"Resonance and magic are related in several ways, although they manifest in a completely different fashion. You can go where you need to go because you are not a sprite. Same for me, although at some point, my slight similarity will prevent me from going farther with you. You may refer to me as THE ALL POWERFUL GREAT ONE. Sorry, I have always wanted to say that. Actually you may call me Gene. Beyond that I am a guide, not an answer book and you will need to discover the rest for yourself. Otherwise it is not much of a journey of discovery, is it? So no more answers on that sort of line, please. If you say yes, you will fall asleep until the drug that mean man gave you wears off and we can get started."

Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #157

Cynthia sighs "Ok Gene... You may want to write this book you know. I'm pretty sure it would be a hit." she chuckles, a bit nervously. She takes a moment to think about this...surprising...situation, and then says "Let's do this."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Gene smiles at you and says, "Yesssssssss............."

The sibilant last letter just seems to drag on and on until it just suddenly stops. You are awakened by the clank of your cell door opening. Opening your eyes, you see a male nurse placing a rolling food tray at the side of your bed. The food looks about as appetizing as cardboard and you rather suspect it might taste as good, too. Widening your perspective, you see the same male nurse that copped that blatant feel of your boobs standing off to one side and a third man dressed in some sort of security guard outfit standing in the doorway. The second man smiles at you, but it is more of a leer and is certainly reflected in his eyes. "Time to wake up, dear. Professor Freed wants you to eat and walk around a bit again, today. She says that you need a bit of exercise. Eat and take a shower and I will be back to clear the plates and take you for a walk.. We will be back in about an hour."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #158

*Drek, three against little me, no way I'll be able to get away from them right now.*

Cynthia looks at the tray, then back at the men "And what professor Freed wants, professor Freed gets, right?" she smiles thinly, not really amused "I'm not sure what she sees in me that would require no less than the three of you to keep watch though. Unless you don't have anything better to do, and thought that you might as well be here?"

She cocks her head and asks "Did you fail your first year of med school to end up here?" looking at the guard, she continues "And failed KE psych evals? I didn't know you could but hey, what do I know..."

She shrugs then grimaces *Frag, why did I say all this? That'll make them want to leave me alone, sure... Maybe when they come back I could smash the food tray in the face of the first one, but I don't know what I'd do with the others... Err, maybe...*

As she looks at the food tray, apparently not convinced it's even edible, she thinks about what she could do to get out of this mess, convinces whatever she's supposed to do, it doesn't include respecting the promised schedule. *All this is not real. Well, not Meat real. But even if there's no 'trix as I understand it, it doesn't mean that there's nothing similar.* she tries to reach to the Matrix, to check if the men have a 'link she could access. *If they do, I could draw them somewhere else, and smash the fragger's head...*



Author: Mercy Merchant

The nurses and the guard look at each other and then back at you. The man with the tray grumbles a bit as he leaves and the man in the door scowls. The nurse remaining just shakes his head. "Feeling a bit off today, dear? I will let Professor Freed know that she may want to increase your dosages. I will be back in an hour for that exercise."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #159

Cynthia grumbles, not answering. She moves a bit, finding an angle from which she isn't visible by the guard *Frag, no 'trix, nothing... Reminds me of a Foundation... Except that it's much easier getting things done there. Whereas here...* frowning, she pauses *That being said... I never even tried anything... If I fail, I'll have big problems. But if I don't... Ok... I really hope I'm not making a big mistake. But what could they do eh? Erm... Well, best not think about it... Wait, he's turning. And... now.*

As the nurse turns to leave the room, Cynthia grabs the tray and sneaks behind him, hiding from the guard for as long as possible. Once she can reach him, she tries to hit him in the head as fast as possible with the edge of the tray, followed by a hit in the face of the nurse, smashing his nose if she can but happy to just delay him and make him think about anything else than raising the alarm. Really, really hoping that it works as in a Host Foundation, where she is at least decent at this drek.



Author: VegasRigged

>>Twenty minutes Sian, impress me. And yes I'm aware of the situation, thank you for the tip.<<

I look again at the map. fifteen minutes is too long to expect the target of this raid to hold out, and while their survival isn't integral to the success of my plan the completing of their mission does mean that they are likely to vanish into the night. I could also learn something from the rescued party if I can get to them in time and join the fight. I don the armored overcoat that goes with my suit and call close the air spirit, asking it how long it will take to reach the battle is it were to carry me there.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0351 Sylvia's Car Seattle

Sylvia shakes her head while you are sending your message to Sian. "Well, we certainly cannot get there before the dance starts. I guess we will be walking into a combat zone. Either of you have any ideas how not to get shot by the people we are trying to help?"

You air spirit nods her head at Sylvia and says, "Oui, cherie. What she said. How do we not have them shooting us?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia The nurse is a bit heavy-footed and does not hear you slide out of the bed and your ploy seems to succeed in keeping you from the view of the guard at the door, but as you raise the tray to strike you hear an alarm going off. The man is still caught off-guard and your strike catches him on the side of his head, sending him reeling back out of the doorway. However, the nurse is not caught completely by surprise and manages to raise an arm to protect his face. As he takes the blow on the upraised arm, he swings the other at you, connecting with enough force to send you back into the room. He slams the cell door and snarls at you from the other side. "Nice try. I should have remembered that from the first few days here. The thing is, though, that you cannot remember the past and we have at least learned to respond by putting cameras and microphones in your room. And now I have even more reason to hate you. Freed may have power here, but I will make your life hell when you get sent to the factory."

He laughs at you as two additional guards run up. Motioning for them to see to the still dazed guard, he laughs once more and walks away, turning back to say, "Oh yeah, you can just forget the exercise walk, I think."



Author: VegasRigged

"Once we know why and where they are exactly I can go to them in astral form, manifest and tell them point blank what we intend, or at least enough of it to ensure care." I respond to both of them.

"I can also get their ahead of the car by having my spirit carry me, what the sec rating of this neighborhood? Any chance I'll be seen using magic by more then the average ganger?"

I'm formulating plans upon plans in my head, how engage and what to do next and contingincy upon contingincy. For a moment i notice the complete lack of my usual fear and uncertainty. I am getting control of this situation, and I'll be in more and more from here on out.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - In a...dream?] #160

"You don't need reasons to hate asshole, that's all you're good for anyway." Cynthia stands up, rubbing her hurt butt, grumbling. *Drek. Didn't go as expected now, did it? So... Doesn't work as well as a foundation. Or maybe as a high level foundation...*

She flips the bird at the nurse, and goes to the bed "I need my beauty sleep anyway." While he leaves, she tries to find an idea for what she could do *Nothing much... especially with those cameras and microphones. But if I start looking for them, they'll probably just drug me or something.*

Sitting on her bed, she looks around, a bit depressed *Still, I may as well try. In fact...* she rubs a sore spot on her butt *let's try to not make to much waves if I can avoid it. For now at least...*

Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0400 Sylvia's Car Seattle
@Eva Sylvia nods but frowns. "That could work, but I will not be able to protect you if you do that. In any case, you need to leave now if you are going. I am getting reports of shots fired in the target neighborhood." She leans forward to look at the projection and mark updates on it. Tanya leans forward as well. "It seems like these shots are designed to get the mercenaries to enter the neighborhood on these three axis, but two lead to some very narrow alleyways. Well thought out, I would say. Do you have any drones there?"

Sylvia nods. "Several, but I had to pull them back a bit. Both sides are actively engaging in attempts to take down any drones they do not know and I have lost two already. I am told that matrix signatures are winking out in several places. These Vory guys are certainly going to give these people a fight." Sylvia remains focused on the projection but sends you a message. >>Please be careful. I want very much for you to come back safely.<<

Some Day Some Date Some Time Cynthia's Alternate Reality


@Cynthia "Hate is not productive. It clouds reason and access to the resonance. But you were wise not to eat the food. They drug it to induce a fantasy in your mind. They would never take you on a walk as that would expose their sets to you. It is all pretend and they would just make you believe you were out on a walk. At least now you are mentally free to search your inner self. Are you ready?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #161

"Err... Yeah, that's totally why I trashed the tray on the head of those...dudes. Absolutely not because they pissed me off and I hoped to take them down to wander around by myself..."

She coughs lightly, then abruptly stops "Wait, if's that's all my subconscious... Am I not trashing myself? Frag, this is messed up..."

Shaking her head, she continues more calmly "Ok, joke aside, I didn't want to eat the food but it was not really the main point... Not that said main point got me anywhere but... Oh and would you stop asking me if I'm ready? I already decided to do it, I won't go back now. I'm sure I can't anyway. Just tell me what you can, and let's get on with it."



Author: VegasRigged

I lean over and kiss her cheek, then whisper in her ear "I will." and without another hesitation I cover my face and step out of the car and into the hands of my air spirit. Its orders are to take me to the area in question and deposit me on a roof near the mercs. I then cast invisibility on myself and work to scrub my astral signature as we fly.

As we near the fighting I make not of every structure I can, getting the lay of the land and trying to determine where the Vory are hiding.



Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0401 Vory Neighborhood Seattle Barrens Seattle

@Echo As you walk with Vlad and several of his hard men, you hear sounds of gunfire and a couple of explosions, followed by a fusillade of fire and a large explosion. Vlad swears in Russian and says something to one of his men, who runs off. Turning his head to you, he explains. "The first shots went as planned, but the bastards are using rockets. Rockets! Who would have thought? One man down and another injured, but the plan is partly working as some of the mercs are following my men into the rabbit hole." He smiles at the sound of more gunfire and smaller explosions. "Yes! As planned. Well, partially. Four mercs down in a blocked alley with fire bombs dropped on them. The other two traps will apparently not be used. Still, it was a long shot. They do have maps and drones. And more rockets." The last was said in response to another very loud explosion. Vlad and his remaining men double their movement and head to the first of his prepared defenses.

@Eva You can see dust and debris rising from a street several blocks from where you are. The rattle of gunfire and explosions is definitely coming from that area.


Some Day Some Date Some Time Cynthia's Alternate Reality


There is an almost pained silence then Gene says, "I meant are you ready now. Some mortals are just incomprehensible. But let's get started, shall we? Please lay back and try to clear your mind of all thoughts. Yes, I know it sounds trite, but it really works."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #162

"Clear my mind from all thoughts? Easier said than done you know..." she sighs, then sits on the bed. She moves around a bit, then takes a bastardised version of the lotus position, eyes closed, trying to empty her mind. For a moment, she thinks she's more likely to fall asleep than anything else, but that's when...



Author: VegasRigged

Drawing on the memory of the map I pick a building with a clear view of the third team, the one who is not intended for a trap. i drop my invisibility spell, creep to the edge of the roof and, crouching low at the lip, peek over and cast a missive illusion of an earth spirit in front of them.

ooc: with things getting properly hot, I suppose I should ask if theirs a dice app I should use. If you don't mind at home rolls I got 5 hits on a force 7 illusion. Two points of physical drain.



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Nothing. At first nothing. Then more nothing. Then you begin to see a glow on the horizon and race towards it. What you find is a campfire. A friging campfire. A tent is off to one side, open to the heat and a stack of firewood is piled near the small blaze. Someone is whistling from inside the tent and you can make out a form illuminated by the firelight. A man emerges by crawling backwards and stands up, bones creaking audibly. He puts his hands on his hips and bends backward a bit. "Ahhh. That is better. I am too old to be sitting on rocks like this waiting for people like you, but there it is. Somebody has to do it. I see you found me. To avoid making you mad, I will not ask if you are ready, so let's just get to it."

Gene reaches out with a hand and makes a plucking motion, as if on a guitar or base drum or harp or................well, you get the point. A shimmering strand of energy appears, stretching straight out from where he plucked it, going off into the distance in both directions. "I should not have to ask you, but do you know what this is?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #163

Cynthia's eyes bulge from their orbits. Her mouth works silently for a moment while she details Gene, before she coughs lightly. "Nice place you have here... Much better than where I was just recently in any case." She turns around, looking at the situation, as much to see how it is as to regain some composure.

When he produces this shimmering strand of something, she frowns, looking alternatively at both directions "I hope you shouldn't have to ask because you know I have no idea what it is...". After a couple of seconds, she makes a guess "Is that a manifestation of Resonance?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia "Got it in one. Yes, it is resonance. If you listen to it carefully you can hear it hum, almost like music." Gene smiles then points first along one direction the resonance strand is going then the other. "One direction is the origin point, the other is the end, or utilization point. Some times it is hard to tell which is which and normally it makes no difference. I mean, resonance is just resonance, right. But we are in search of the origin point so we want to guess right the first time or we will be walking a long ways for nothing and will just have to come back and start over. Here, reach out your hand and feel the strand. Not too tightly and not too long. Tell me what you feel."






Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #164

"Oh. Cool." For a couple of seconds, she stops breathing, intently focused on this "music". When she hears, it, she nods "Yeah, I hear it."

Tentatively, she reaches out to the strand of light, holding it like she would a living animal she didn't want to crush. With a tone full of wonder, she says "It feels...alive..."

She cocks her head, eyes half closed for a second. Then, as if really sure of herself, she points in the direction of the origin "The origin is that way." She stops, then adds, a lot less confident "I'm pretty sure it is, anyway. It is right?"

Author: Mercy Merchant

Gene smiles. "Yes, it is alive. Resonance is one of the basic building blocks of all life. There are others, but you are here to learn about resonance. He moves a bit to settle the pack and points to one at your feet. When you point out adirection, he says, "Don't know. This is your test, not mine. If you get it wrong, we will be just be here longer and might run out of food and water, thus depriving our bodies of the nourishment needed to survive and then we die. Or more particularly, you die, as I do not really need this nourishment. So, are you sure?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #165

Scowling, Cynthia answers "As sure as I can be without checking, given that it's my first time here"

She looks at the packs for a second, and smiles, calling to mind a cat spotting a prey "And should it be necessary, I'll just have to steal your pack right?"



Author: Mercy Merchant

Monday 10 June 2075 0408 Vory Neighborhood Seattle Barrens Seattle

@Echo Vlad nods at your words as he leads you to one of the buildings he has termed the second line. He is getting briefings as he walks through the door and the place looks a lot like a military command center, except for the number of armed women and children running around. Gunfire and small explosions are now constant and two men walk in, carrying a third and take him to a corner where a man and three women get to work on him. You also see several other wounded in the area as well as four bodies with sheets drawn over their faces. Vlad looks impassive and calm through the briefing and sends men out. He barks out some orders and three young men report to him. Turning to you, Vlad says, "We have had a report of some sort of monster appearing in the road. It seems to be interfering with the mercs so would seem to have been summoned by someone who is trying to help us. I need to know what is going on. These men have come from the area and can take you there if you want to help us identify the thing and perhaps make contact with this friendly mage."

@Eva The illusion is good, as far as illusions go, but some people are just too damned willful to believe such things. You see more then half the men in the area stop moving forward. Two begin to run away and are immediately shot by one of the others, while the rest begin firing on the fake spirit. The rest of the men are apparently unaffected and move past the thing as if it were not there.


Some Day Some Date Some Time Cynthia's Alternate Reality


@Cynthia Gene looks at you with a wry grin. "Then I will just have to watch over you, won't I? And are you sure that you have never been here before? You came right to where I was and you seem to have a passing familiarity with resonance. But come on, let's head off in the direction you pointed to. I will wait for you to change your clothes into more suitable for a long hike. I think you will find what you need inside the tent. It is a bit close in there, but it is private. But do not take too long, the nurse will be back before long."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #166

Cynthia nods "Yes I'm sure. Unless I really have big memory problems that is, which I think unlikely. Outside of this...er...whatever it was earlier that is."

Without saying more, she gets in the tent to quickly change, not paying attention to the esthetics side of things, more concerned to have suitable pants, socks and shoes, as well as a t-shirt. If there are any, she grabs a sweatshirt, and a change of panties and socks, to put in the pack in case she would need them. Once done, she gets out and nods to Gene "Ready."



Author: Mercy Merchant

@Cynthia Gene nods and gives you an approving look. "Tarnation, girl. If I were several centuries younger I might try to see if some sort of human and...........well, whatever I really am............romance is possible. Anyone ever tell you how attractive you are?" You notice that the string of light is now almost invisible as he approaches it. He plucks it again and the string immediately lights up, pointing in a straight path forward and backward. Gene nods at you and sets off at a pace that you can easily match, using the walking stick that has somehow appeared in his right hand. "Long ways to go in a short time, so might as well be at it."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #167

Cynthia laughs lightly "Yeah, he's called Arsène. Or well, I call him Arsène that is. But he would tell that to any female given the opportunity so..." she shrugs. "As for romance..." she snorts "I don't believe it should be based on appearances. Maybe age but even that is more a question of a...how should I say...a commonality of interests, experience, and so on, more than a simple number."

With a nod, she follows Gene at his level but the strand between them, pensive. After a while, she asks "Surely you're not alone here, right, there must be others like you? Would have been pretty lonely otherwise I suppose..."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Gene chuckles as he looks across the strand at you. "I am not from here, but am a visitor just like you. No creature can survive here for long. At least, I hope that we do not meet anything that can stay here as that would be one bad-ass creature. Your sprite friends would have already fled or died and I will be gone before long, too. You are mortal and can withstand the power here longer than we can, but even you would soon succumb to what is here. No, the real reason to get in and out quickly is not to avoid running out of food, it is to avoid being caught up and added to the resonance pool."

"But on another point, yes I get lonely at times. Are you putting yourself forward as someone willing to alleviate some of that loneliness?"



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #168

"Oh." Cynthia looks around for a second, then adds "Yeah. I wouldn't mind it if the Resonance Pool grew I suppose, but I'd rather not be a part of it. Until I die anyway, after that, it beats nothing I suppose. Maybe..." she shrugs.

She walks silently for a minute or two, then talks again "Anyone could use a friend. Even you. Or me. It always amazed me however when people decided to be friends, just like that. Me, I'm more a No company is better than bad company kind of girl." she smiles "Not that you're bad company. Or I don't think you are anyway." she shrugs "What I'm trying to say is that to me, becoming friends is something that should happen, not something sought-after. And only when you know the person reasonably well."

Cynthia looks at the sky for a moment, then adds "Of course, I don't have many friends as a consequence. But when I do make friends, it is important." she lets a few more seconds pass, then looks at Gene "The main question for all this would be what happens when you and I leave this place. If we never see each other again, it's a moot point."

She laughs a bit "As it would be if you were saying this to all those that came here I suppose. Or if to you, friends are little more than acquaintances." she shakes her head "Not that I would condemn you, there are plenty of people like that and it's not a bad thing. I think. It just doesn't feel right to me, that's all."



Author: Mercy Merchant

Gene shrugs. "Well, I am not sure what to say to all that. I am pretty much like you, more or less. Or so I think, without really knowing that much about you. But you did ask and I responded. To be very honest, I do not think I have ever had a friend. Where I come from, you see, it is all so....................different. And I really do not know if we will ever see each other again after this is over. I do not know much about the subject, ut cannot friendships be formed over a short period, even if the friends must separate and never meet again? Does the separation alone disband or prevent the friendship? Also, I am not sure what you mean by acquaintance instead of friend. These are words that I do not really understand the difference between."

The light of the place never seems to change, but that provided from the stream of resonance dims and Gene plucks it anew several times as you walk. Eventually, he points to a slight rise along your path in the near distance. "We have made good time. Talking seems to help that. I appreciate your willingness to talk to an old man. I think that you will find the accommodations suitable, but rather spartan, I am afraid. Perhaps an hour or so more to get there."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #169

Cynthia walks silently for a moment, pensive "I can't say I ever thought that much about it... To me an acquaintance is someone to whom you don't have any emotional attachment. You don't mean them ill or anything, but it doesn't really matter. Whereas for friends, it really matters. You're happy if they're happy, sad if they are, etc. As for the duration of friendship..."

She thinks about it for a moment "It's not that not being able to meet a friend ever again voids friendship, even if it is sad. It's more a matter of friendship takes time to build I think. Or it does in most cases probably. Who knows, maybe we already are, even if I don't know a think about you except your name, and you don't know much about me either..."

When Gene points to the rise, she shrugs "I don't mind spartan. I live spartan. Or almost spartan anyway." frowning, she considers Gene "You know, I don't mind talking to you. I don't really know why, but I don't."

She walks silently for a minute, then out of the blue asks "So, how is it where you come from?"

Author: Mercy Merchant

Gene chuckles. "Thank you. I like talking to you, too."

"Where I come from? Different from here in some ways, but similar in others. We have pools of power....raw magic in its purest form. Before it gets all fragged up by mages and adepts trying to force it to be what it is not. There are pools of power laying about, some small and others as big as lakes. I am one of the Guardians there, although to be honest I have no real idea what I am guarding against. I have never really seen someone come there to do anything except research, which does not seem particularly dangerous to me. It is much like you here.....doing research to learn more about the resonance and yourself. And the land is more colorful, nicer I think. Like here, you would not be able to survive long there, but some mortals take that risk to learn more about power, much like you are doing."

As you approach the campsite, you see two smallish tents set up around a small fire pit. There is a goodly stack of firewood off to one side and you can see a bubbling pool of water off beyond the tents. "I think your tent is on the left. The pool beyond is a warm spring and you may bather there if you like, while I get the fire going and some dinner started. Promise I won't look."



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #170

"Pools of power, eh... Must be quite a sight. Can't you ask someone from whom or what you're guarding those pools? Doesn't seem to be the best policy, that. Forewarned is forearmed after all. Maybe the one who "tasked" you to come here could answer?" she frowns "By the way, is it the normal procedure? Having one of you guardians guiding people like me in here?"

With a laugh, Cynthia grabs a change of clothes in her pack "Yeah, right. Not that there's much to see anyway.". While being careful not to step where she shouldn't, Cynthia reaches the spring. She gingerly puts a toe in the water and, finding it agreeable, she strips, tossing her old clothes on the side, and enjoys the warm water.



Author: Mercy Merchant

"It is quite a sight, yes. And I have learned to not ask too many questions. And, to be honest, there are not many mortals that venture to that place.....or this, so it is rare to be tasked to escort one. And pleasant. And yes, it is a normal procedure to act as a guide. You might not find the pool in time to save yourself without one such as I to guide you. I must say that you are the...the hottest...woman to come here in a very long time. Did I use the word correctly? Sometimes I am not sure what words are current among mortals as they seem to chance so often. In any case, you are the most attractive, and nicest, I have seen."

As you relax, you notice soap and some two-in-one shampoo and conditioner are sitting on a small tray near the edge of the pool and a large towel is hanging from the branch of a small tree. The water is indeed quite relaxing, almost making you forget where you are and what you are doing. Almost.



Author: Imladir

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #171

"Man, the others girls must be the stuff of nightmare!" she laughs, grabs the shampoo and starts to wash her hair "Ok, I'm kidding. And yeah, "hottest" is up to date, more or less. But I know I'm far from what men really find attractive, and I'm perfectly fine with it so don't try to say otherwise. I've never been attracted by men, nor women for that matter, so it doesn't matter. Anyway, maybe there you're not. Up to date that is." She shakes her head amused, then swears when some shampoo gets in her eyes.

Once this situation is addressed, she starts to wash herself "As for questions... How can you learn if you don't ask questions?" she snorts "You might as well be dead if you can't learn anything new, must be boring as hell..."

She rinses the soap/shampoo, and looks at the conditioner, a bit lost. With a shrug, she uses some. She doesn't use any at home, but since it's there, she may as well. As she waits patiently for at least...oh...ten seconds...for the conditioner to do its stuff, she asks "Are all of the guardians like you? Or are there some with more... I don't know, seniority or something?"

Once again, she rinses her hair, and continues "Unless you are the senior one of course. That would suck. I don't know who said it but there's a saying that goes something like if you're the most intelligent person in a room, then you're in the wrong room, seems right to me."

Getting out of the spring, she quickly dries herself, and hops into fresh panties and t-shirt "Ok, done. You can go too now, and I'll take care of...er...well, I'll watch the fire..."



Author: Zen Gypsy


Bryant nodded, his face grim. He didn't not like the fact that the merc's initial teams had been equipped with rockets, explosive, and anti-armor munitions. It seemed excessive, considering that he had been operating on the assumption that they wished to extract Rowena. Could they have obtained the passcode without her, were they now more focused on eliminating any possible option for their competition to gain access to that self same data. At this point, their reasoning mattered less than their actions, and their actions were exploitable, these teams needed to be engaged, and neutralized with excessive force to shut down the operation. Quickly.

And it seemed like at least one tangential ally had access to astral resources. Bryant had never had much access to magical theory, but he knew a advantage when he spotted one. Almost absently he wished that Raleigh was here, the ork had been a hermetic investigator, had excellent knowledge of astral, and paranormal threats, as well as access to magic himself.

"On it Vlad, lets shut these fuckers down before they make it another block in, yeah?"

He shouldered his HVAR and moved his prosthetic legs with the speed and grace of an Olympic sprinter, dropping low over a retaining wall, following Vlad's men back to their location. Raleigh would have been able to trace the summoners astral signature back to their location, even as slid across the hood of an abandoned car to make cover on the opposite side of the street, he tried to recall some of Raleigh's pointers for engaging a combat mage. They needed line of site to their target, so assuming this summoner didn't perform the ritual to call the beast ahead of time, which would have indicated foreknowledge of the attack, something which even Vlad's bratva didn't have without the anonymous tip off, they had to be on site.

He effortless leapt three meters to an old rusty fire escape, and quickly scaled to the second story of a tenement, overlooking the intersection that Vlad's men indicated the mercs were engaged with the magical threat. He scanned the roof, while maintaining cover himself, both from the assault team, and from any potential snipers on the roof or any of the adjacent buildings. The use of rocket launchers and excessive force didn't preclude more subtle threats, he chided himself.

Monday 11 June 2075 0410 Vory Neighborhood Seattle Barrens Seattle


@Echo You easily leave your escort behind on the ground with your acrobatic maneuvers, arriving alone on the rooftop. You can maintain cover, but do not spy anyone in your immediate vicinity. From where you are hiding, you do hear the sounds of gunfire coming from over the edge of the building you are top of, but the edge is a good thirty feet away from your current vantage point, and getting there would mean moving across the roof with out cover or concealment.


@Eva Your illusion seems able to hold the attention of five of the mercenaries on the street below you and your invisibility spell keeps them from seeing you.

@Cynthia Gene watches as you walk past. "Your hair and body smell nice. And I thought there was a saying among mortals that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Maybe you have never had anyone look at you and tell you that you are very attractive. Maybe you need to. But what do I know, In this body I am just an old guy with back problems. In my real body I am not even human. But to me, you are very attractive." He goes into his tent and roots about, emerging with a small kit bag. He nods to you and goes off to the hot pool of water. He continues your earlier conversation from the pool.

"Questions? Oh I ask questions and actually know a lot of answers, too. There is always something more to learn. Right now I am on a sort of mortal kick, which is probably why I was selected for this gig. I am trying to learn what makes your kind do things. You live such short lives that it seems a shame to waste them on killing and controlling. My life is pretty simple and a bit lonely, but it does have its perks."

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #172

"Maybe. Maybe I'll believe it one day, who knows." Cynthia shrugs, ill at ease. "But to me, my body is just... I don't know, like a piece of hardware. Something to keep in good shape, but the aesthetics of the thing is not what matters most, it's what's inside that does. And on the aesthetics side of things, genetics took care of most of it so it's nothing I can brag about. Seems cool to be able to get the body you want though, like in the 'trix... I wonder if there are Mages able to do it... Should be fun.

She stays silent, pensive, for a minute, then says "Oh by the way, in the 'understand your kind', you should probably avoid reminding us that we won't even live a century. Well, elves excepted of course. Though you should probably avoid reminding us of that too, you know. No one likes to be reminded that in not too long, they'll be some plants fertilizer. If they are lucky. And that some won't for a long time. Yeah, best avoid that..."

She shakes her head, then shrugs "I think it explains why a lot of us try to be so controlling, to amass power, to kill or whatever. Some may hope to find a way to live forever, but most just try to leave a mark, a 'George was here' statement, that kind of thing you know. It's pretty stupid when you think about it, mark or no they'll be worm food soon enough, and at best a few centuries later everyone will have forgotten all about them. And if you want your mark to last, there are two ways: be the worst possible asshole, or a scientist who revolutionizes his domain. Since science is a group work nowadays, advancing small step by small step, even that option seems compromised. The other way... It's always possible, and what's more, it's incredibly easy to be an asshole. It has always been easier to destroy than to create. Of course, if we stuck around, we might try to create more. Even the worst asshole likes his comfort after all. But as it is..."

Lying on her back, she looks at the stars for a moment "You know, there's one group that could: the elves. After all, they're supposed to be able to live much longer. But for now, they probably still don't get it. Oh intellectually sure. But they still live on human time. They could just wait for the competition to disappear, but they want more, and they want more now, even if they have to take risks."

She snorts, amused "Oh of course, there are probably some that take the long view. But you don't hear about them. Or at least we don't, maybe you do. Or will anyway. But being in the shadows, unknown to all... That takes a toll. Everyone want to be acknowledged, the more the better. To be someone. To have done something."

She stretches a hand to the sky, looking at it for a minute and resumes in a softer tone "In a way, that's certainly why I accepted to help Tanya you know. No one will know. Or so few people that it won't matter. But I'll have done something. Something important. And even something good. At least if Tanya is right that is."

She sets her hand back on her belly, and sighs "You've gotten me all philosophical and drek..." She shakes her head, then asks suddenly "Hey, did you ever guide Mages when they did...err...whatever they do?"

@Cynthia Gene steps out of the pool after washing and dries before getting dressed. He comes over to the fire and hangs his towel up to dry on the branches of a small tree. As he kneels down to see to finishing the dinner preparations, he looks over at you and says, "A lot of sense in what you say. I will avoid talking about life spans in the future. As for being noticed for what you do, there are people who will know, I suppose. But you are right that most will never know that you came in the shadows and saved their lives."

"Yes, I have guided mages, well, some anyway. It sort of depends on where they are going and what they are trying to do. Why do you ask?"

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #173

"Because it's surprising of course. Some people conjecture that technomancers and mages are relatives, but they are far from being the majority. In fact, some go as far as saying that it's the same gene that determines if you're a mage or a technomancer, just a different expression of the gene. But those that think that I laughed at."

Suspiciously, she looks at Gene "Of course, I could just be dreaming. Or you could be talking out of your ass. But let's suppose you're not. Yes, I'm merciful like that. It could have big repercussions, in the 'trix and the Meat world alike. Hum, of course, for that, those who study all this would have to have been here. Not sure it happens often."

She pauses, then sitting up, she asks "Wait, does it mean that I can get to all the places the Mages are talking about? The ones in the trids they call the Metaplaces?"

Gene is quiet and looks a bit uncomfortable. "Now, why would you want to go to those places? Are you not satisfied with your own sphere of influence?

[Cynthia Rawson - Monday June 10th, 2075 - Resonance Realms] #174

"Ah, so we can? Awesome!" she chuckles "I'm perfectly satisfied I love the 'trix. But I love discovering new stuff too. And knowing secrets. Yeah, knowing secrets is the best."

Smiling mischievously, she looks at Gene "See how I help you? You just have to tell me something new as exciting as that and I'll let this matter drop." her smile becomes wider "Well... For now at least..."