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Mercy
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2052 - Seattle


Elana shakes her head. "What is weird that will happen when we talk to this lady? Is just getting information, right?"
Bastard
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2052 hrs - Seattle

"Hopefully. But like I said, something has Bert pretty spooked, so I think this thing might be pretty important to keep quiet."


Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2130 hrs - Met Museum, main entrance, Seattle

"Ready?" Johnny asked Elana, as he received the tickets from the kiosk.
Mercy
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2132 hrs - Met Museum, main entrance, Seattle


Elana nods and takes your arm and walks next to you as you climb the stairs to the entrance. You pass by two KE officers on duty, but they only give you a cursory check and let you proceed on to the doors, where another officer takes your tickets and asks you to deposit any weapons in a secure box just to his left. Elana bends over, showing a very nice bit of cleavage and leg as she unfastens a thigh holster containing a taser and straightens to grace the man with a dazzling smile. "A girl cannot be too careful in some places, officer."

The man has a hard time bringing his eyes back to her face and he reddens and replies. "Uh, no. Sometimes, I guess. You will be safe here, though."

Elana's hand brushes his arm as she drops the holster and pistol into the box and he seems to jump a bit. His face is still red and he is clearly rattled as he turns to look at you. "Sir? Any weapons, please?"


Bastard
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2132 hrs - Met Museum, main entrance, Seattle

"No weapons on me, sir."

Johnny escorts Elana through the main entrance, then looks for a good place to scan the crowd from once inside.
Mercy
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2134 hrs - Met Museum, main entrance, Seattle


Elana takes your arm again and the two of you go through the security and into the main lobby level. It is clear from the several signs about that the charity gala is in the main ballroom. Of course, the number of people standing about the entrance to that room or milling in and out would probably have tipped you off as well. The two of you pass by several people, most of whom glance your way before going back to what they had been doing. The ballroom is pretty crowded with people that seem willing to cough up some big nuyen for the charity de jeur. Soft music comes from hidden speakers as a live band provides some entertainment.

Elana leans closer to you and whispers in your ear. The feel of her breast against her arm as she does so almost makes you miss the first words. "What is our play here?"
Bastard
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2134 hrs - Met Museum, main entrance, Seattle

"No play. Just legwork. But I would also like to warn Ms. Tunaki of the situation as well. All this without bringing attention to anyone who may be watching her... or us."
Mercy
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2134 hrs - Met Museum, main entrance, Seattle


Elana giggles. Her breath is warm on your ear and her breast is soft against your arm. "Too late. Most here already looking at you. You clean up nice. I go look around, yes?"
Bastard
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2134 hrs - Met Museum, main entrance, Seattle

"Let's stick together. We should find her shortly." As he said that, Johnny grabbed two glasses of champagne from the passing waiter, handing one to Elana.
Mercy
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2136 hrs - Met Museum, Main Ballroom, Seattle


Elana thanks you for the drink but does not seem to drink any of it and eventually puts the glass on a table as you walk around. There are a lot of people at the gala and the task of locating one person seems monumental, but the gods are with you tonight and you find within the first five minutes. She is standing with her profile to you, talking to several other people.
Bastard
Tuesday, June 12, 2075 - 2137 hrs - Met Museum, Main Ballroom, Seattle

"There she is, over there," Johnny guides Elana so they are walking toward Margaret Tunaki. As they approach, he scans the crowd for anyone suspicious or watching his former coworker.
Mercy
Tuesday, June 11, 2075 - 2143 hrs - Met Museum, Main Ballroom, Seattle


Margaret does not seem to see you from where you are standing. The group around her thins to three people, but none of them appear to be other than wealthy donors to the charity. Neither do you see anyone near her that seems to be taking an inordinate interest in her. After a couple of minutes, she turns slightly and sees you. She frowns and excuses herself to come over to you. "What are you doing here? I thought we were going to talk later?"
Bastard
Tuesday, June 11, 2075 - 2144 hrs - Met Museum, Main Ballroom, Seattle

"I do apologize, Margaret. But, I fear that you may be in danger, and did not want to say so over the phone."

Johnny looks around to make sure there are no eavesdroppers.

"The 'Big Man' hired me and Elana here to look into something fishy he uncovered, and he believes it may have something to do with your sudden retirement last year. If what he suspects is true, then we will need your help, and unfortunately, you may need ours."
Mercy
Tuesday, June 11, 2075 - 2144 hrs - Met Museum, Main Ballroom, Seattle


Margaret gives you a blank look. "My retire..........."

Her faces pale and she looks around and lowers her voice. "How does he know? How does anyone know? If it is true and they are after me, you cannot protect me from them. They can reach anyone anywhere. My God, I need to hide. Do you have a car?"
Bastard
Tuesday, June 11, 2075 - 2144 hrs - Met Museum, Main Ballroom, Seattle

"Yes I have a car and we can leave right now, but it may be suspicious if we suddenly left. I don't know how the 'Big Man' knows, or even if he knows. He may just be guessing. Judging by his mood tonight and your reaction, though. We should get you out of here soon. What do you think, Elana?"
Mercy
Tuesday. 11 June 2075. Met Museum. Main Ballroom. Seattle


Elena nods. "Already is two men showing much interest. Should leave now."

Margaret gives you a worried look as her face goes pale. "Oh God, they are here already. I have to leave now."
Bastard
Tuesday. 11 June 2075 - 2145 hrs - Met Museum. Main Ballroom. Seattle

"Okay, let's move to the buffet table to your six, Margaret," Johnny says with a smile, as he nods toward the table with hors d'oeuvres, wine and champagne. As they move toward the table, "Now, which direction are 'they' coming from, and who are 'they'?"
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 2146 Met Museum Main Ballroom


As you move to the table, Elana says, "One man near exit wearing off-rack bad fitting suit. Short, light brown hair. Looking at Margaret. Other man taller, dark brown hair below collar. Talking with young woman in slit green dress. She is watching, too, so total is three."
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 2146 Met Museum Main Ballroom


"Odd." Johnny stops at the table, and grabs something that looks appetizing. "Would you care for one, Margaret?"
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 2147 Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle


"Do you want me to kill them quietly or messy and public? Messy might ruin dress."

Margaret gasps at Elana's words.
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 2147 Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle

Without looking at Elana, Johnny says, "Quietly if you must, but I would prefer to avoid a fight completely if possible." He eats his bite, still holding out his offer to Margaret.
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 2148 Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle


Elana smiles at you, nods, and leaves your side to disappear into the crowd. A quick glance shows that all three of the people Elana has identified have managed to move closer, but are still watching from a distance. Margaret shakes her head. "Who is that young woman?" She turns back to you. "How can you eat at a time like this and how are you going to get me out of here?"

Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2148 hrs - Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle

"Frag of I know who she is, but we are about to find out."

Johnny eats the unaccepted food as he casually leads Margaret away from the converging three men.

"And the food is delicious," he says, poking his fork into another
hors d'oeuvre before the leave the spread.
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2150 hrs - Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle


Margaret snorts. "It ought to for the money they expect us to pay out for the designated charity. Oh, the man and woman are app.............."

She is interrupted by a disturbance near the door as someone calls out. "Quick! Is there a doctor here? A man has collapsed. Help!"

For a moment the couple approaching you turns to look at the noise, as anything else would be out of character. >>Johnny [Elana]: Quick. Is hall just past curtain you are near.<<
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2150 hrs - Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle

"This way," Johnny says, guiding Margaret past the curtains.
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2150 hrs - Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle


There is indeed a hallway behind the curtain and you hustle Margaret along it towards the far end, which opens into a small observation room with large glass doors that lead out into the garden behind the museum. Margaret is panting as you reach the doors and leans against the wall for support as she catches her breath. "Not used to this. Have we lost the others and your friend?"
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2150 hrs - Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle

"Keep moving. I'll contact Elana."

>>Elana[Johnny]: Heading through garden.<<<

"Let's go," Johnny says, leading Margaret toward the exit.
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2151 hrs - Met Museum Main Ballroom Seattle


Margaret clutches at your arm then lets it go and follows you into the manicured decorative garden behind the museum. You have a hedgerow ahead of you with an active ARO indicating that this is the entrance to the museum's hedge maze and the hours of operation are 1000 to 1600 daily, except for Sunday. To your right is a flat expanse of manicured lawn leading off around to the front of the building. To the left is a walkway that winds through some decorative statuary.
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2152 hrs - Met Museum garden, Seattle

They headed across the lawn toward the front of the building. There Johnny could retrieve his car and possibly use the security guards to his advantage.

>>Elana[Johnny]: Heading through toward the front.<<<
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2153 hrs - Met Museum Garden, Seattle


>>Johnny [Elana]: Got it. You are being followed by man and woman.<<

Your ears barely pick up the sound of a pistol slide and a muffled report, but are well aware of Margaret crying out and jerking forward, turning to face you with blood staining the sleeve of her gown. She mouths something like "help" before stumbling into you. There is some sort of gurgle from behind you.

>>Johnny [Elana]: Now only man chase you. Do you have a weapon?<<
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2153 hrs - Met Museum Garden, Seattle

Johnny pulls Margaret along, running as fast as she can keep up, looking for cover. Hopefully Elana can catch the man before he catches them.

>>Elana [Johnny]: No. Margaret is hurt.<<

"Drek, drek, drek."
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2155 hrs - Met Museum Garden, Seattle


You hear some swearing on your 'link in what is probably Russian. >>Johnny [Elana]: I will try do better. Guard at front of building might help if I am too slow. Just remember that police might want to talk to you if you receive too much help. Already two dead people here and the officials will want to talk to someone.<<

It is you doing most of the work as you round the corner and head along the front of the building. Margaret is leaning heavily on your arm and groaning loudly now at every step. The would had not seemed that serious, but she has lost some blood and is probably in shock. You hear a soft spang from behind you and a piece of the stone building to your side explodes, sending small fragments into your face and left arm. Another spang and something digs up some grass just in front of you. Then there is a gurgle of some kind from back behind you and another spang that seems to have no effect.

>>Johnny [Elana]: Man is no longer problem. Can we get to car?<<

Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2155 hrs - Met Museum Garden, Seattle

>>Elana [Johnny]: Yeah, no problem. Pick me up one of those pieces if you don't mind. I may need it.<<

Johnny scans the yard. It is a lot of open ground to cover. If Elana missed one of the hitmen, him and Margaret will be sitting ducks.

"Okay, Margaret, here we go. Lose the dress shoes, cause we are going to make a run for it."

With that, he ran across the grass pulling the woman along.
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2156 hrs - Outside Met Museum, Seattle


You soon realize that your run is not going to work well. Margaret is just too much of a drag on you. Besides, it looks like you are trying to force her to come away with you. Walking is easier on both of you and you make your way to the car and get Margaret into the rear seat. A quick check as she lays there reveals that the wound really is mostly superficial. Some blood has stained the sleeve of her gown, but her injury is not serious. >>Johnny [Elana]: I see you in car. Pick me up at corner, near bushes.<<

As you leave the large parking lot, you notice that the driveway passes near some bushes. As you stop near them, Elana appears from behind one and slips into the car, tossing several things onto the seat next to her. Her dress is covered in blood, as is part of her face and upper arms. She grins at your shock and points off down the road. "Drive. Is not mine. Sometimes death is messy." As you restart the car, she motions to the things on the seat next to her. "Eyes on road, Johnny, please. I tell you what I have. Two Ares Light Fire 75 with attached silencer. Seven bullets in one gun, twelve in other and have three spare magazines total. Two Meta Links. Cheap but can toss if need to. Hard to trace. Burners. Woman had no identification but wallet from man. Not look at yet." She looks down at her clothes. "Sorry I ruin dress. Now need clean clothes."

Margaret stirs in the back seat and moans. Elana looks over the seat at her and slides over the seat, giving you a quick flash of some very nice looking legs. From the back, she says, "Margaret not seem bad hurt. This is slight flesh wound. Where go to talk to her?"
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2158 hrs - Leaving Met Museum, Seattle

"I got a guy I trust, with no ties to Renraku or Bert. I need to make a call, but I don't trust my com anymore."

He enters the freeway, just to exit, and re-enter heading the opposite direction. Shortly after he arrives at 24-hour drug store to purchase a new Metalink disposable comlink, and some first aid supplies.

"Get behind the wheel and keep it running."

Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2216 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle

In the car he copies the numbers over from his phone to the new one, then places the call.

Johnny calls one of his fixers. The two have done a lot of business in the past, with both parties usually satisfied. Rook used to arrange shadowrun teams for him, but now Johnny is on the other end of the transaction. Still, the two are able to work as contacts for each other for day to day business in the shadows.

"Hey it's Johnny. I need a place to lay low for a couple days. Can you arrange that?"
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2216 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle


Elana lets you back behind the wheel and gets in the rear seat with Margaret. As you set your new burner up, you hear a moan from the back seat and look around to see Elana tearing open some antiseptic wipe and gauze pad packets. Another moan comes from Margaret as the Russian girl begins to wipe at her own face and upper arms, cleaning the blood from them. Turning back around, you place the call and drive away form the store.

The reply come back pretty fast. >>Johnny [Rook]: How safe, how many people, and how long? Anyone special after you?<<

You hear some cloth rip from the back seat and Elana says, "Alright, her arm wound is small. Through and through. Some blood. Fixing now."
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2216 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle

I guess Rook can't talk, Johnny thought, as he responded to his text. >>Rook [Johnny]: Extremely safe. Me plus two. At least a week. Probably Renraku. Can you still do it?<<

After completing the data transfer, Johnny took off, heading for the Slide Inn, a decent coffin hotel in downtown.
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2218 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle


>>Johnny [Rook]: If you got 2K I got a place. Let me know.<<

The Slide Inn is a good twenty minutes from your current location. You hear some movement from the rear seat then Elana slides back over the seat legs first, giving you another shot of her legs. "Margaret is alright. Minor wound. I gave her something for shock and she will sleep a bit. Where are we going and do you have plan?"
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2218 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle

>>Rook [Johnny]: No problem. Let's meet in person.<<

"I got us a place, but got to make a stop first."
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2220 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle


>>Johnny [Rook]: Sure. Sending the meeting location now. I should be there in about fifteen. What are you driving?<<

Elana nods. "Good. I need sleep, as does Margaret." She looks over at you. "And you, too. You did not say, but were you wounded by man shooting? I see marks on face. I can take care of them when we stop if you like?"

As you drive, she remains alert looking at the area you are going through. Some of her movements have caused the already short skirt of her dress to rise a bit, exposing a bit of her upper thigh. She does not appear to notice this.
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2220 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle

>>Rook [Johnny]: Give me at least 30 min. Dented Americar.<<

"I am good. Thanks, Elana. Are you good?"
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2221 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle


Elana gives a short chuckle. "All blood on me used to belong someone else. I am fine, thank you. So, what is plan?"
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2221 hrs - Leaving 24HRx, Seattle

"In case anyone is looking for us by name, I am going to drop my name off at the Slide Inn. Then we are going to meet a friend to get keys to a safe house. Then we are going to get some rest."
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2222 hrs - Heading to Coffin Motel, Seattle


Elana smiles at you and nods. "Is good plan." She points her thumb over her shoulder at the back seat. "Margaret thinks so as well."

The drive to the motel does not take long, nor does signing in. It is all automated and you enter your name and pay for three rooms.
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2240 hrs - Slide Inn Coffin Motel, Seattle


"Wait here, I will be right back."

Johnny enters the coffin motel and finds their racks. He opens the doors for each "room" and closes them, but before doing the last one, he makes sure he is out of the sight of any cameras. Then he deletes everything from his comlinks hard drive, and turns it off. He opens the case removing the data card and pockets it. He then opens the last door, closing it a few seconds later. He exits the main entrance, grabbing a couple food menus from the small room that acts as a lobby on his way out.

He rejoins the women waiting in the car, and heads out to meet Rook. A couple streets up, he stops at a corner and hands Elana his old comlink.

"Drop this in that into the storm drain, please."
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2245 hrs - Leaving Slide Inn Coffin Motel, Seattle


Elana does as requested. "I hope you have new one. What is code? Go to real place now?"
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2245 hrs - A few blocks away from Slide Inn Coffin Motel, Seattle

Confused, Johnny tells her, "You watched me program my new one. Drop that in the storm drain."

Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2248 hrs - A few blocks away from Slide Inn Coffin Motel, Seattle


Elana turns her eyes to you and her face looks almost blank for a couple of minutes. "Ah yes. I do remember. I was busy thinking of Margaret and missed you fixing phone. Sorry. Your old hone is gone. Do you meet contact alone?"
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2248 hrs - En route to meet with Rook, Seattle

"Good thinking. Maybe for your protection as well as his. You want to drop me off a block or two away from the meet, then I'll text you to pick me up when we are through?"
Mercy
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2248 hrs - En route to meet with Rook, Seattle


Elana nods. "I can do that. I am not familiar with streets of Seattle. Does the car have a reliable guidance system?"
Bastard
Tuesday 11 June 2075 - 2248 hrs - En route to meet with Rook, Seattle

Johnny laughs. "This thing doesn't even have reliable AM radio. No this POD does not have any GPS system. I will park somewhere close, then I will meet you again just up from where I park. If you don't here from me in 5 minutes then come get me."
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