John
Monday, 25 November, 22:20 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #140
John just stepped out of the way when the stampede began. A fire's greatest danger lay in smoke inhalation - something he really wasn't concerned about at all. Consequently he had time to look around while chaos reigned within the casino. His sensor did notice a bit of smoke coming from near the One-Armed Bandits, but it didn't have the acrid smell of burning plastic but according to the readout contained high amounts of phosphor.
<<Guys, I think someone just had a smoke grenade go off in the casino. There might be someone else doing a run. But as far as I can see they aren't after the money. That is safe in the cashier's office and - as it turns out - the flimsy walls have metal shutters.
I'm going to the stairs, maybe I can get a look at whoever set the distraction off.>>
John moved, using his newly generated map, towards the stairs while keeping a low profile. Screams were getting louder from people getting trampled in the press - or maybe someone just used the moment to steal their winnings.
Full Version: 2075: 86ing the 88s
Jan
Monday, 25 November, 22:20; Near the Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
<<Go back to that bit about leveling the whole place...>> Jan had grown bored at the bolt-hole and wandered down to Chi-town. He was currently enjoying a noodle stand a block down from the casino. He'd got a beanie pulled low on his head. Not much of a disguise, but maybe enough to fool a casual observer unless they were actively looking for him.
Monday, 25 November, 22:20; Near the Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
<<Go back to that bit about leveling the whole place...>> Jan had grown bored at the bolt-hole and wandered down to Chi-town. He was currently enjoying a noodle stand a block down from the casino. He'd got a beanie pulled low on his head. Not much of a disguise, but maybe enough to fool a casual observer unless they were actively looking for him.
Al
Monday, 25 November, 22:20; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Al surveyed the girl idly as he shook himself and closed his button-fly. She was very pretty, looked Chinese to tourists but Al could tell she was Malay, and her voice made at least second-generation Seattle. He reckoned she had the look the casino bosses wanted.
"Hon, the sheer poetry o' yer invitation, well, stirs the heart. Makes it real hard ta refuse. Reckon I'd love ta hear ya sing such sweet sonnets slow through my slumbers, but I'm with the fire department, see, so duty calls."
Enough people had left the kitchen that he was fairly sure it was empty, and since they hadn't bothered to close the door, he wandered in. Didn't know what was going on. Or why he was going in. Or what he was going to do inside.
But Johnny was in there, and something was going on in there. So couldn't hurt to be close.
Seemed like the thing to do.
The kitchen opened, naturally, onto the dining area. People had cleared out in a hurry. Not much of the fake smoke had gotten this far, but just enough, apparently to get the sprinklers going. He'd been wet before.
The buffet was there - typical casino draw, stretching nearly a hundred meters all told around three sides of the huge room, the fourth side being open to the main casino floor.
He grabbed a handful of onion rings and started munching as he wandered out onto the gaming floor.
Monday, 25 November, 22:20; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Al surveyed the girl idly as he shook himself and closed his button-fly. She was very pretty, looked Chinese to tourists but Al could tell she was Malay, and her voice made at least second-generation Seattle. He reckoned she had the look the casino bosses wanted.
"Hon, the sheer poetry o' yer invitation, well, stirs the heart. Makes it real hard ta refuse. Reckon I'd love ta hear ya sing such sweet sonnets slow through my slumbers, but I'm with the fire department, see, so duty calls."
Enough people had left the kitchen that he was fairly sure it was empty, and since they hadn't bothered to close the door, he wandered in. Didn't know what was going on. Or why he was going in. Or what he was going to do inside.
But Johnny was in there, and something was going on in there. So couldn't hurt to be close.
Seemed like the thing to do.
The kitchen opened, naturally, onto the dining area. People had cleared out in a hurry. Not much of the fake smoke had gotten this far, but just enough, apparently to get the sprinklers going. He'd been wet before.
The buffet was there - typical casino draw, stretching nearly a hundred meters all told around three sides of the huge room, the fourth side being open to the main casino floor.
He grabbed a handful of onion rings and started munching as he wandered out onto the gaming floor.
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:25 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #141
John replied to Jan: <<Getting it down is easy: Five prime charges at the main supports in the cellar and half a dozen or so secondaries to guide the falling direction. Personally, I'd go for a spiraling fall, although that would need more charges in the middle of the building to create the necessary torque.>>
As the party started and John came close to the stairs he called his chummers again: <<Hey, guess what: My ultrasound sensor just picked up an invisible, naked chick running past security and up the stairs. A really nice chassis if you get my drift. And according to the refraction from the laser probably Ruthenium Polymer not magic.
Looks like a lone operative taking on our target.
I'll go and do my EMT thing and follow her.>>
John reached the stairs where - wonder above wonder - two guards still kept their post. John had taken out his face mask with the fake respirator. Bold es brass he said:
"Hey, I just got a call that someone on the top floor has a heart attack. One of you guys is supposed to accompany me."
When the two only stared at him he added: "Hey, no need to rush, it's not as if the heart is a particularly important organ. It's not like I'm thrilled to climb up the stairs in a burning building on my day off. Just give me your names, so I know to whom I can shift the blame."
That seemed to to the trick: Brickwall no.1 began to quickly pat John down, unsurprisingly finding nothing. Than he led him up the stairs. John had cranked up his jammer to stop them from making calls with their commlinks. Their microtransceivers worked, but John banked on the fact that in this chaos the low tech system got overwhelmed with calls from all the many security guys. Yeah, even redundancy had its problems.
Now that he was in the less traveled area he could even smell the girl spy - a mix between rotting cabbages and honey-almond shampoo, indicating that she had come in through the kitchens.
The guard kept looking at him suspiciously but had to concentrate on keeping up with John's quick pace. To stop the man from thinking to much he chose to poke him a bit "Jalla, Jalla my friend, you should do more cardio and not skip leg day. My grampa gets up faster than you."
Monday, 25 November, 22:25 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #141
John replied to Jan: <<Getting it down is easy: Five prime charges at the main supports in the cellar and half a dozen or so secondaries to guide the falling direction. Personally, I'd go for a spiraling fall, although that would need more charges in the middle of the building to create the necessary torque.>>
As the party started and John came close to the stairs he called his chummers again: <<Hey, guess what: My ultrasound sensor just picked up an invisible, naked chick running past security and up the stairs. A really nice chassis if you get my drift. And according to the refraction from the laser probably Ruthenium Polymer not magic.
Looks like a lone operative taking on our target.
I'll go and do my EMT thing and follow her.>>
John reached the stairs where - wonder above wonder - two guards still kept their post. John had taken out his face mask with the fake respirator. Bold es brass he said:
"Hey, I just got a call that someone on the top floor has a heart attack. One of you guys is supposed to accompany me."
When the two only stared at him he added: "Hey, no need to rush, it's not as if the heart is a particularly important organ. It's not like I'm thrilled to climb up the stairs in a burning building on my day off. Just give me your names, so I know to whom I can shift the blame."
That seemed to to the trick: Brickwall no.1 began to quickly pat John down, unsurprisingly finding nothing. Than he led him up the stairs. John had cranked up his jammer to stop them from making calls with their commlinks. Their microtransceivers worked, but John banked on the fact that in this chaos the low tech system got overwhelmed with calls from all the many security guys. Yeah, even redundancy had its problems.
Now that he was in the less traveled area he could even smell the girl spy - a mix between rotting cabbages and honey-almond shampoo, indicating that she had come in through the kitchens.
The guard kept looking at him suspiciously but had to concentrate on keeping up with John's quick pace. To stop the man from thinking to much he chose to poke him a bit "Jalla, Jalla my friend, you should do more cardio and not skip leg day. My grampa gets up faster than you."
Al
Monday, 25 November, 22:25 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Hearing Johnny's play, Al wandered through the rapidly emptying gaming floor until he caught sight of the stairwell in question. Dammit, another casino/hotel stairwell populated with unknown numbers of armed and angry Chinamen. Well, he sure as hell wasn't making that climb again.
And yet he needed to back up his new coworker.
And yet his onion rings were getting cold.
Well, the elevator bank was right there with the stairwell entrance - from here he'd be able to control the flow of any reinforcements headed up from below, or make a path for Johnny hightailing it down. Satisfied with his rationalization, he found a nearby spot just out of sight of the remaining guard and sat down on the wet carpet in the artificial rain.
First, the onion rings.
Then, if he got bored, he could take out the guard. They were supposed to be killing 88s, after all.
Monday, 25 November, 22:25 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Hearing Johnny's play, Al wandered through the rapidly emptying gaming floor until he caught sight of the stairwell in question. Dammit, another casino/hotel stairwell populated with unknown numbers of armed and angry Chinamen. Well, he sure as hell wasn't making that climb again.
And yet he needed to back up his new coworker.
And yet his onion rings were getting cold.
Well, the elevator bank was right there with the stairwell entrance - from here he'd be able to control the flow of any reinforcements headed up from below, or make a path for Johnny hightailing it down. Satisfied with his rationalization, he found a nearby spot just out of sight of the remaining guard and sat down on the wet carpet in the artificial rain.
First, the onion rings.
Then, if he got bored, he could take out the guard. They were supposed to be killing 88s, after all.
Jan
Monday, 25 November, 22:25 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
As people streamed out of the casino Jan saw the streets around him fill with people. Damn, his curiosity was getting the better of him. He took his noodle pot and headed down towards the source of the commotion.
Monday, 25 November, 22:25 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
As people streamed out of the casino Jan saw the streets around him fill with people. Damn, his curiosity was getting the better of him. He took his noodle pot and headed down towards the source of the commotion.
Glo
Monday, 25 November, 22:33 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
With judicious use of the wrong side of the balustrade Glo was able to avoid the odd guest making a bid for the exit down the escape stairs...she was glad that this was an old building and service stairs with utilitarian handrails rather than the slick glass panels of some corp facilities.
As expected the first floor was clear, everyone who was going would already have evacuated from this point, that would just leave the staff and from Glo's perspective they were fair game. The security office wasn't far away but she wasn't ready to abandon caution just yet...indeed as a pair of guards turned the corner she had already disappeared into an alcove, her gifts stilling her breathing and muting any slight thermal signature...and then they were past and she was at the door to the target...the monowhip slipped from the concealed port in her cyberhand and a quick flick removed the locking mechanism around the hardened frame...designers always seemed to beef up the door and forget that it needed to secure to something solid, and in an old building like this her whip sliced through the material as if it wasn't even there...
Monday, 25 November, 22:33 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
With judicious use of the wrong side of the balustrade Glo was able to avoid the odd guest making a bid for the exit down the escape stairs...she was glad that this was an old building and service stairs with utilitarian handrails rather than the slick glass panels of some corp facilities.
As expected the first floor was clear, everyone who was going would already have evacuated from this point, that would just leave the staff and from Glo's perspective they were fair game. The security office wasn't far away but she wasn't ready to abandon caution just yet...indeed as a pair of guards turned the corner she had already disappeared into an alcove, her gifts stilling her breathing and muting any slight thermal signature...and then they were past and she was at the door to the target...the monowhip slipped from the concealed port in her cyberhand and a quick flick removed the locking mechanism around the hardened frame...designers always seemed to beef up the door and forget that it needed to secure to something solid, and in an old building like this her whip sliced through the material as if it wasn't even there...
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #142
The scent trail was faint but still traceable, John moved up the stairs with ease while his guard began to wheeze slightly. Scanning for any traces of the amazing invisible girl revealed no thermal signature and John almost missed the broken door lock. But as luck would have it the casino guard had asked for a short breathing break just at the right level for John to notice the slightly open door.
'Interesting, it seems like someone cut their way in. I'll have to be careful if I don't want to lose parts of my new chassis.'
"We are here, go ahead and kindly open the door for me. We wasted enough time as it is."
His Jammer was still going strong, so John wasn't worried if the man was going to call back up. And anyway, better for the guard to go in first...
<<@Team: Funny thing here, seems like the NIC (Naked invisible chick) just cut her way into a secure residence up here. I'll have a look around. Find attached the a current map.>>
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #142
The scent trail was faint but still traceable, John moved up the stairs with ease while his guard began to wheeze slightly. Scanning for any traces of the amazing invisible girl revealed no thermal signature and John almost missed the broken door lock. But as luck would have it the casino guard had asked for a short breathing break just at the right level for John to notice the slightly open door.
'Interesting, it seems like someone cut their way in. I'll have to be careful if I don't want to lose parts of my new chassis.'
"We are here, go ahead and kindly open the door for me. We wasted enough time as it is."
His Jammer was still going strong, so John wasn't worried if the man was going to call back up. And anyway, better for the guard to go in first...
<<@Team: Funny thing here, seems like the NIC (Naked invisible chick) just cut her way into a secure residence up here. I'll have a look around. Find attached the a current map.>>
Al
Monday, 25 November, 2234; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Al had finished his onion rings and was wondering if smoking would give him away - or if he could stay lit with these damned sprinklers still going - when he got Johnny's message.
He still thought securing the elevator hall/stairwell entrance was a good plan, but he was mildly curious about the INC. What the hell good was a naked chick, anyway, if she was invisiible. Maybe if they caught up with her they could see about making her into a VNC.
He stood and rounded the corner toward the guard. He figured he'd use his skills as a master Thespian to talk his way past the guy. The Chinese put his hand, palm out, and said, "There is a fire, sir, please go to the nearest exit."
Perfect opening. He allowed the essence of his character - a corporate gambling addict and new father - flow into, around, and through him. "Yes, sir, Mr. Triad Guard, sir. I am making my way to the exit now." Hmmm - missing something - right - he waved his arms a bit, to display a panicked demeanor. "But I left my baby up those stairs. Her name is Penelope Epheginia Baldercott....because my name is Mr. Baldercott. So I'll go up and get her now."
Al waved his arms again, to reinforce the panicked demeanor.
The guard waved a gun in Al's face.
Al took it from him and then waved his brass knucles in the guard's face.
The guard fell down.
Al made his way up the stairs, playing his performance back in his head, wondering what could have gone wrong.
Monday, 25 November, 2234; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Al had finished his onion rings and was wondering if smoking would give him away - or if he could stay lit with these damned sprinklers still going - when he got Johnny's message.
He still thought securing the elevator hall/stairwell entrance was a good plan, but he was mildly curious about the INC. What the hell good was a naked chick, anyway, if she was invisiible. Maybe if they caught up with her they could see about making her into a VNC.
He stood and rounded the corner toward the guard. He figured he'd use his skills as a master Thespian to talk his way past the guy. The Chinese put his hand, palm out, and said, "There is a fire, sir, please go to the nearest exit."
Perfect opening. He allowed the essence of his character - a corporate gambling addict and new father - flow into, around, and through him. "Yes, sir, Mr. Triad Guard, sir. I am making my way to the exit now." Hmmm - missing something - right - he waved his arms a bit, to display a panicked demeanor. "But I left my baby up those stairs. Her name is Penelope Epheginia Baldercott....because my name is Mr. Baldercott. So I'll go up and get her now."
Al waved his arms again, to reinforce the panicked demeanor.
The guard waved a gun in Al's face.
Al took it from him and then waved his brass knucles in the guard's face.
The guard fell down.
Al made his way up the stairs, playing his performance back in his head, wondering what could have gone wrong.
Monday, 25 November, 2234; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
The security cameras show no sign of a fire anywhere and a key is turned to silence the alarms and shut off the sprinkler system. The security man at the main console is in the process of calling in to the fire department that there is no fire when the door opens.
@Glo There are three men in the room, all wearing the uniforms of the hotel security and armed with truncheons and side arms. Two are sitting at consoles and frantically trying to make sense of what is happening and the third is standing behind one of them, pointing at the man's monitor.
@John You are on the second floor and can see where your NIC (or someone) has cut the lock on the door of a room with a sign indicating it is the "Security Station - Authorized Personnel Only" There is some writing in Chinese lettering underneath the sign. The security man wheezes as he reaches the landing you are on. The man bends over and squints at the open door into the security office not ten feet down the corridor and realizes that something is wrong. He reaches for his sidearm as he brings up a 'link. He tries to speak into it but has to catch his breath.
@Al As you climb the stairs past the body of the fallen guard, you can hear voices just ahead at the landing to the second floor. John is talking to someone and you can hear another person wheezing to catch his breath
@Jan There is a mob of casino patrons coming out of the large entry doors. Two casino security men are directing traffic and trying to get people out in an organized manner. You spot two men sporting wicked-looking SMGs standing off to one side and looking around but the large number of people in the street precludes either of them getting a good look at you as you slip into the building to a scene of organized chaos. Water sprinklers are just shutting down and everything inside is wet, including the people still pushing to get out. Slipping to the side, you can get a good view of the main casino room off to the right and the stairway to your front just off of the bank of elevators. There are four more of the SMG-wielding gunmen near the elevators but the stairs seem clear for the moment, except for one of the casino security guys sitting down on the third step and leaning against the wall.
The security cameras show no sign of a fire anywhere and a key is turned to silence the alarms and shut off the sprinkler system. The security man at the main console is in the process of calling in to the fire department that there is no fire when the door opens.
@Glo There are three men in the room, all wearing the uniforms of the hotel security and armed with truncheons and side arms. Two are sitting at consoles and frantically trying to make sense of what is happening and the third is standing behind one of them, pointing at the man's monitor.
@John You are on the second floor and can see where your NIC (or someone) has cut the lock on the door of a room with a sign indicating it is the "Security Station - Authorized Personnel Only" There is some writing in Chinese lettering underneath the sign. The security man wheezes as he reaches the landing you are on. The man bends over and squints at the open door into the security office not ten feet down the corridor and realizes that something is wrong. He reaches for his sidearm as he brings up a 'link. He tries to speak into it but has to catch his breath.
@Al As you climb the stairs past the body of the fallen guard, you can hear voices just ahead at the landing to the second floor. John is talking to someone and you can hear another person wheezing to catch his breath
@Jan There is a mob of casino patrons coming out of the large entry doors. Two casino security men are directing traffic and trying to get people out in an organized manner. You spot two men sporting wicked-looking SMGs standing off to one side and looking around but the large number of people in the street precludes either of them getting a good look at you as you slip into the building to a scene of organized chaos. Water sprinklers are just shutting down and everything inside is wet, including the people still pushing to get out. Slipping to the side, you can get a good view of the main casino room off to the right and the stairway to your front just off of the bank of elevators. There are four more of the SMG-wielding gunmen near the elevators but the stairs seem clear for the moment, except for one of the casino security guys sitting down on the third step and leaning against the wall.
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #143
John had stepped aside to let the guard catch his breath and pushed open the door to get a glimpse of the insides while being covered by the wall.
Since he isn't in the line of fire he confidently calls out: "Hey, is everybody ok in there?" while giving the wheezing guard a thumbs up and a wink.
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #143
John had stepped aside to let the guard catch his breath and pushed open the door to get a glimpse of the insides while being covered by the wall.
Since he isn't in the line of fire he confidently calls out: "Hey, is everybody ok in there?" while giving the wheezing guard a thumbs up and a wink.
Monday, 25 November, 2234 Mercy General Hospital Seattle Metroplex
Ai is trying to remain calm. She has borrowed a set of scrubs to replace the dress that was torn and covered in blood in the crash and the aftermath. There have been two changes in the KE officer in charge of the investigation so far as someone more important than the last guy shows up. The current SAIC is Major Gwendolyn Holmes, a senior officer in the Organized Crime Division. She had arrived several minutes earlier with eight men who have given an impression of efficiency. Major Holmes has stationed her men at the doors to the hospital rooms where Fu Shing and his companions are being evaluated. She has impressed Ai with her efficiency and order, even taking the time to look at the reports gathered by the two earlier officers before asking any clarifying questions.
>>Al [Han Sin]: Updating you on the status at the casino and I do not like it. The fire I reported seems to have been a false alarm. I am in contact with Casino Security and it seems that all of their men have reported in at the last check and no one has made an attempt at the vault or the exchange cage. It might be something done simply to give the casino a bad reputation and keep patrons away. All of our men are available and on station. Instructions?<<
>>Han Sin [Ai]: You might be right. This is very close in timing to the assassination attempt. Let the casino security handle the issue for now, but keep your men patrolling and on duty at the elevator and up in Fu Shing's suite. You are doing well, Han Sin. I do not know when I will be able to leave here.<<
She receives a call just as she is concluding business with Han Sin. >>Ai [Hai Jang]: Can you give me an update, Song Ai? I am sure that you can understand the concern from mother and grandmother..<<
>>Hai Jang [Ai]: The last medical report is as much as I have for now, Hai Jang. It looks like a broken leg and some broken ribs, along with a concussion. I am sure that they will want to keep him overnight for observation. There are KE guards on the rooms as well as my own men. I will keep him safe, Hai Jang.<<
>>Ai {Hai Jang]: Thank the dragon that you were there, Song Ai. You deserve all of our gratitude and appreciation. Is there anything I can do to assist you? We do have some influence with certain members of the KE, if that will help?<<
>>Hai Jang [Ai]: I am not sure we should rattle the KE too much at this stage, Hai Jang. I am working with a Major Holmes, who seems quite competent based on my personal observation and the part of her record that I have been able to dig up so far. But I am standing in a hallway dressed in scrubs because my dress was effectively destroyed in the crash and the fighting afterwards. Could you please send someone to Fu Shing's rooms to bring me some clothes from the closet. I would ask one of my men, but I do not trust their style sense nor do I wish to take any of them from their current duties, given what is happening at the casino right now.<<
>>Ai [Hai Jang]: Holmes. I will see what we have on the her and get back to you. I will send someone to bring you some clothes. Any specific color?<<
>>Hai Jang [Ai]: Black, I think. And, Hai Jang, David Han is doing well.<<
There is a slight pause in the messages. >>Ai [Hai Jang]: Thank you, Song Ai, for that information. He has not contacted me. Please tell him..................tell him that I was concerned.<<
Ai smiles to herself. >>Hai Jang [Ai]: I will let him know, Hai Jang. He has been with Fu Shing and the doctors are being very fussy about devices of any kind in the room. At this point, I am prohibited from seeing Fu Shing due to my implants, but I expect that to change soon. I will tell David to call you.<<
>>Ai [Hai Jang]: Thank you, Song Ai. You are a blessing from the dragon himself. Call us with any new information.<<
The two men from Ai's shift show up and she assigns them to the door outside Fu Shing's room. Five of Jedong Kai's hard men arrive and assume responsibility for his safety. The man in charge of the shift bows to Ai and thanks her for her diligence in protecting the life of his master. It is clear to Ai that he is warring within himself for accepting that this girl has done what skilled men did not do.
Ai is trying to remain calm. She has borrowed a set of scrubs to replace the dress that was torn and covered in blood in the crash and the aftermath. There have been two changes in the KE officer in charge of the investigation so far as someone more important than the last guy shows up. The current SAIC is Major Gwendolyn Holmes, a senior officer in the Organized Crime Division. She had arrived several minutes earlier with eight men who have given an impression of efficiency. Major Holmes has stationed her men at the doors to the hospital rooms where Fu Shing and his companions are being evaluated. She has impressed Ai with her efficiency and order, even taking the time to look at the reports gathered by the two earlier officers before asking any clarifying questions.
>>Al [Han Sin]: Updating you on the status at the casino and I do not like it. The fire I reported seems to have been a false alarm. I am in contact with Casino Security and it seems that all of their men have reported in at the last check and no one has made an attempt at the vault or the exchange cage. It might be something done simply to give the casino a bad reputation and keep patrons away. All of our men are available and on station. Instructions?<<
>>Han Sin [Ai]: You might be right. This is very close in timing to the assassination attempt. Let the casino security handle the issue for now, but keep your men patrolling and on duty at the elevator and up in Fu Shing's suite. You are doing well, Han Sin. I do not know when I will be able to leave here.<<
She receives a call just as she is concluding business with Han Sin. >>Ai [Hai Jang]: Can you give me an update, Song Ai? I am sure that you can understand the concern from mother and grandmother..<<
>>Hai Jang [Ai]: The last medical report is as much as I have for now, Hai Jang. It looks like a broken leg and some broken ribs, along with a concussion. I am sure that they will want to keep him overnight for observation. There are KE guards on the rooms as well as my own men. I will keep him safe, Hai Jang.<<
>>Ai {Hai Jang]: Thank the dragon that you were there, Song Ai. You deserve all of our gratitude and appreciation. Is there anything I can do to assist you? We do have some influence with certain members of the KE, if that will help?<<
>>Hai Jang [Ai]: I am not sure we should rattle the KE too much at this stage, Hai Jang. I am working with a Major Holmes, who seems quite competent based on my personal observation and the part of her record that I have been able to dig up so far. But I am standing in a hallway dressed in scrubs because my dress was effectively destroyed in the crash and the fighting afterwards. Could you please send someone to Fu Shing's rooms to bring me some clothes from the closet. I would ask one of my men, but I do not trust their style sense nor do I wish to take any of them from their current duties, given what is happening at the casino right now.<<
>>Ai [Hai Jang]: Holmes. I will see what we have on the her and get back to you. I will send someone to bring you some clothes. Any specific color?<<
>>Hai Jang [Ai]: Black, I think. And, Hai Jang, David Han is doing well.<<
There is a slight pause in the messages. >>Ai [Hai Jang]: Thank you, Song Ai, for that information. He has not contacted me. Please tell him..................tell him that I was concerned.<<
Ai smiles to herself. >>Hai Jang [Ai]: I will let him know, Hai Jang. He has been with Fu Shing and the doctors are being very fussy about devices of any kind in the room. At this point, I am prohibited from seeing Fu Shing due to my implants, but I expect that to change soon. I will tell David to call you.<<
>>Ai [Hai Jang]: Thank you, Song Ai. You are a blessing from the dragon himself. Call us with any new information.<<
The two men from Ai's shift show up and she assigns them to the door outside Fu Shing's room. Five of Jedong Kai's hard men arrive and assume responsibility for his safety. The man in charge of the shift bows to Ai and thanks her for her diligence in protecting the life of his master. It is clear to Ai that he is warring within himself for accepting that this girl has done what skilled men did not do.
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
The three men in the security room are caught by surprise, as is the security man standing next to John. Glo's monofilament whip lashes out and grabs onto the standing security man's upper torso, slicing off a huge chunk of his body as she pulls it tight, drenching the man to his front with blood as part of his body fell into the man's lap and the rest collapses to the floor. The man near John is already looking into the room, his gun half raised but no target to aim at and catches some of the blood as the whip circles back to its owner. He does not see the shock glove, but his body certainly feels the effect as he dances about for a moment before falling to the ground.
Al slides up to the side of the door opposite John and nods that he is ready. Inside the room, the shock of what has happened is still barely registering on the remaining two guards as the whip swings out again. One might think that the chairs the men are sitting in might give some sort of protection. One would be wrong. The whip slings around the closest man and a tug pulls right through flesh, bone, and chair and another man lies in two pieces. The third man has the presence of mind to slap both hands into the air, calling out to spare him.
The three men in the security room are caught by surprise, as is the security man standing next to John. Glo's monofilament whip lashes out and grabs onto the standing security man's upper torso, slicing off a huge chunk of his body as she pulls it tight, drenching the man to his front with blood as part of his body fell into the man's lap and the rest collapses to the floor. The man near John is already looking into the room, his gun half raised but no target to aim at and catches some of the blood as the whip circles back to its owner. He does not see the shock glove, but his body certainly feels the effect as he dances about for a moment before falling to the ground.
Al slides up to the side of the door opposite John and nods that he is ready. Inside the room, the shock of what has happened is still barely registering on the remaining two guards as the whip swings out again. One might think that the chairs the men are sitting in might give some sort of protection. One would be wrong. The whip slings around the closest man and a tug pulls right through flesh, bone, and chair and another man lies in two pieces. The third man has the presence of mind to slap both hands into the air, calling out to spare him.
Glo
Monday, 25 November, 22:34; Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Without hesitation or remorse Glo accelerated in to action…it wasn’t that she felt no compassion or empathy, she just chose not to feel such things for these men…the whip arced lazily towards the standing guard and neatly trisected him, his body taking a few moments to realise it was no longer functioning as it should as the surprised segments slumped in different directions in a coppery stinking mess on the floor…it was so fast that not even a trace of blood was pulled away on the whip as it coiled back round to strike at one of the guards manning the monitors…
Monday, 25 November, 22:34; Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Without hesitation or remorse Glo accelerated in to action…it wasn’t that she felt no compassion or empathy, she just chose not to feel such things for these men…the whip arced lazily towards the standing guard and neatly trisected him, his body taking a few moments to realise it was no longer functioning as it should as the surprised segments slumped in different directions in a coppery stinking mess on the floor…it was so fast that not even a trace of blood was pulled away on the whip as it coiled back round to strike at one of the guards manning the monitors…
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #144
John watched fascinated as the assassin murdered the security guys. Not so much how they died - monofilament was fairly predictable in that regard - but how little hesitation the NIC showed in using this deadly weapon - not least because those things could be extremely dangerous to the wielder as well.
Well, no sense in just standing there. John stepped out of his cover - ready to jump back at once - and smiled while he slowly clapped:
"Great performance there. Say, you wouldn't be interested in joining an anti-triad alliance? I'm John by the way."
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #144
John watched fascinated as the assassin murdered the security guys. Not so much how they died - monofilament was fairly predictable in that regard - but how little hesitation the NIC showed in using this deadly weapon - not least because those things could be extremely dangerous to the wielder as well.
Well, no sense in just standing there. John stepped out of his cover - ready to jump back at once - and smiled while he slowly clapped:
"Great performance there. Say, you wouldn't be interested in joining an anti-triad alliance? I'm John by the way."
Al
Monday, 25 November, 2234; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Apparently someone - NIC? - had had much the same idea about the Triads as they did, and had set to with somewhat more vim and vigor.
Or they were just after cash or some shit.
Either way, by Johnny's words and actions it was clear to Al that the fun was over and boring talk would now happen.
Which in a sim would mean no one would disturb them until their conversation was finished.
Since this was not a sim, however, Al did a couple of things. First, he gave the guard Johnny had electocuted a vicious kick to the head - he'd been caught on the back foot more than once by folk he'd thought were down for the count. Then he found an alcove with a big potted plant and just sort of melted into it. Didn't need to be invisible to be invisible, you knew what you were doing. And if any more security guys showed up, well, not having brought his shotgun, he'd want to be able to get right up on them before they saw him.
Once settled in, he stayed vigilant for any sign of approach, ready to bushwhack any party crashers. Well, that's what he did with one eye.
The other was peeled for the NIC.
<<Jan, kemo sabe, up here with Johnny outside some room or other. Some sort o' fracas with a nude third party resultin' in some dead Chinese.>>
Clear communications were so important in life or death situations like this.
Monday, 25 November, 2234; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Apparently someone - NIC? - had had much the same idea about the Triads as they did, and had set to with somewhat more vim and vigor.
Or they were just after cash or some shit.
Either way, by Johnny's words and actions it was clear to Al that the fun was over and boring talk would now happen.
Which in a sim would mean no one would disturb them until their conversation was finished.
Since this was not a sim, however, Al did a couple of things. First, he gave the guard Johnny had electocuted a vicious kick to the head - he'd been caught on the back foot more than once by folk he'd thought were down for the count. Then he found an alcove with a big potted plant and just sort of melted into it. Didn't need to be invisible to be invisible, you knew what you were doing. And if any more security guys showed up, well, not having brought his shotgun, he'd want to be able to get right up on them before they saw him.
Once settled in, he stayed vigilant for any sign of approach, ready to bushwhack any party crashers. Well, that's what he did with one eye.
The other was peeled for the NIC.
<<Jan, kemo sabe, up here with Johnny outside some room or other. Some sort o' fracas with a nude third party resultin' in some dead Chinese.>>
Clear communications were so important in life or death situations like this.
Glo
Monday, 25 November, 22:34; Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Whispering in the vain hope that it wouldn’t travel far beyond the room Glo said “open the data vault and you get to live, cross me and I’ll open it myself…!” leaving the threat obvious but unsaid
Positioning herself so that she could see the door and the reluctant guard Glo could see another triad soldier apparently unconscious, so it would appear that the voice did indeed belong to someone with a mutual dissatisfaction with the Chinese mobsters
“Ok, John, I might consider an alliance but that would require a measure of trust and our positions are a little precarious here for negotiating. Why don’t you tell me why you are here and then I will do the same…?”
Monday, 25 November, 22:34; Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Whispering in the vain hope that it wouldn’t travel far beyond the room Glo said “open the data vault and you get to live, cross me and I’ll open it myself…!” leaving the threat obvious but unsaid
Positioning herself so that she could see the door and the reluctant guard Glo could see another triad soldier apparently unconscious, so it would appear that the voice did indeed belong to someone with a mutual dissatisfaction with the Chinese mobsters
“Ok, John, I might consider an alliance but that would require a measure of trust and our positions are a little precarious here for negotiating. Why don’t you tell me why you are here and then I will do the same…?”
Monday, 25 November, 22:35; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
The frozen guard remains with his arms up. "I will do as requested. Please do not kill me. I have a wife and children. What part of the vault do you want? There is no money here and I can only do so much." He manages to glance down to where the first slain guard's body lays in a bloody mess on the floor without throwing up, although it is plain that he would like to be anywhere but here right now. "My supervisor had more clearance. He has a card. On a chain around his neck."
The frozen guard remains with his arms up. "I will do as requested. Please do not kill me. I have a wife and children. What part of the vault do you want? There is no money here and I can only do so much." He manages to glance down to where the first slain guard's body lays in a bloody mess on the floor without throwing up, although it is plain that he would like to be anywhere but here right now. "My supervisor had more clearance. He has a card. On a chain around his neck."
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #145
John genuinely laughted: "Trust is good, but I'm somewhat attached to my arms and legs, so please keep that cheese wire of yours retracted.
About my mission here? I'm a hired goon. If you don't mind I don't want to speak to openly here where enemy ears can hear us - even though I've got the noise generator on high. Let's just say there are open accounts that have to be closed. I'm stepping around the corner now and I am unarmed... well, except for my arms obviously, which - as I stated earlier - I'd hate to lose."
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #145
John genuinely laughted: "Trust is good, but I'm somewhat attached to my arms and legs, so please keep that cheese wire of yours retracted.
About my mission here? I'm a hired goon. If you don't mind I don't want to speak to openly here where enemy ears can hear us - even though I've got the noise generator on high. Let's just say there are open accounts that have to be closed. I'm stepping around the corner now and I am unarmed... well, except for my arms obviously, which - as I stated earlier - I'd hate to lose."
Jan
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Receiving Al's message and figuring they were OK Jan blended back into the crowd and followed them out onto the street once again, milling around with a mix of wet patrons.
<<@Al: You all in hand then? I'm outside if you need bailing out>>
And with that he kept eating his noodles. All he seemed to do was eat recently. Maybe he'd picked up a parasite from the rough living? He stroked his belly slightly before putting the thought out of his mind and continuing eating.
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Receiving Al's message and figuring they were OK Jan blended back into the crowd and followed them out onto the street once again, milling around with a mix of wet patrons.
<<@Al: You all in hand then? I'm outside if you need bailing out>>
And with that he kept eating his noodles. All he seemed to do was eat recently. Maybe he'd picked up a parasite from the rough living? He stroked his belly slightly before putting the thought out of his mind and continuing eating.
Al
Monday, 25 November, 2234; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
<<@Jan: Roger roger amigo. Johnny's jist havin' a powwow with the naked chick. Thinks she can help us. An' from the amount o' blood comin' out from under that door, maybe she can. Besides, what other reason would Johnny have fer talkin' to a naked chick? Anyhoo, gotta stay quiet, cuz ol' Al's hidin' see. Makin' all sneaky like, bushwhack me some guards if any come by.>>
Monday, 25 November, 2234; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
<<@Jan: Roger roger amigo. Johnny's jist havin' a powwow with the naked chick. Thinks she can help us. An' from the amount o' blood comin' out from under that door, maybe she can. Besides, what other reason would Johnny have fer talkin' to a naked chick? Anyhoo, gotta stay quiet, cuz ol' Al's hidin' see. Makin' all sneaky like, bushwhack me some guards if any come by.>>
Glo
Monday, 25 November, 22:35; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Glo growled at the guard "I'm not interested in your money! Open the vault to the offline server, get the key card if you need to, I want access to it in the next twenty seconds or your usefulness to anyone will go down rapidly..."
Turning to John she could tell that he could see her somehow...so much for invisibility...there was something off about him but she didn't have the time to analyse that now
"I guess we can work together for now. I'm nearly done here so whatever it is that you are closing had better be fast before the hornets we've kicked home in on us!"
Monday, 25 November, 22:35; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
QUOTE (Mercy @ Feb 17 2017, 06:46 AM) 
"I will do as requested. Please do not kill me. I have a wife and children. What part of the vault do you want? There is no money here and I can only do so much. My supervisor had more clearance. He has a card. On a chain around his neck."
Glo growled at the guard "I'm not interested in your money! Open the vault to the offline server, get the key card if you need to, I want access to it in the next twenty seconds or your usefulness to anyone will go down rapidly..."
Turning to John she could tell that he could see her somehow...so much for invisibility...there was something off about him but she didn't have the time to analyse that now
"I guess we can work together for now. I'm nearly done here so whatever it is that you are closing had better be fast before the hornets we've kicked home in on us!"
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #146
John had stepped around the corner and into the room, taking in the whole scene, but lowered his hands again, showing a relaxed posture with his EMT uniform.
"We are ready when you are, although we probably shouldn't use the front door for our exit."
John turned to the visibly shaking guard still alive:
"What's the PIN for the card? And don't lie. We might be in a hurry, but you wouldn't believe how quickly you can lose body parts... on second thought I think you do know."
"8688, please, don't hurt me!"
John nodded, picked up the card himself and flipped it towards the NIC with his left hand. With the right hand he quickly delivered a 10.000 V shock to the guards neck.
"Sorry for this, but I really hate to talk in front of witnesses. Your assault somewhat surprised us since our operation is only in the recon phase. So any info you can share will be welcome. Oh and by the way, you might want to invest into an ultrasound jammer - and a strong deo if you hide next to a dumpster."
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #146
John had stepped around the corner and into the room, taking in the whole scene, but lowered his hands again, showing a relaxed posture with his EMT uniform.
"We are ready when you are, although we probably shouldn't use the front door for our exit."
John turned to the visibly shaking guard still alive:
"What's the PIN for the card? And don't lie. We might be in a hurry, but you wouldn't believe how quickly you can lose body parts... on second thought I think you do know."
"8688, please, don't hurt me!"
John nodded, picked up the card himself and flipped it towards the NIC with his left hand. With the right hand he quickly delivered a 10.000 V shock to the guards neck.
"Sorry for this, but I really hate to talk in front of witnesses. Your assault somewhat surprised us since our operation is only in the recon phase. So any info you can share will be welcome. Oh and by the way, you might want to invest into an ultrasound jammer - and a strong deo if you hide next to a dumpster."
Glo
Monday, 25 November, 22:35; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
"Let's get this done. There should be an offline server access port in that vault over there...if you can get it open I've got a data tap to link it to the 'trix and a hacker waiting to rip the secrets out of it" and she fished the tap out of her thigh pouch and it appeared on the desk once outside the influence of the ruthenium camouflage...
Monday, 25 November, 22:35; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
"Let's get this done. There should be an offline server access port in that vault over there...if you can get it open I've got a data tap to link it to the 'trix and a hacker waiting to rip the secrets out of it" and she fished the tap out of her thigh pouch and it appeared on the desk once outside the influence of the ruthenium camouflage...
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #147
"No problem." John moved over to the vault and tried the card and the PIN. The light turned green only to be immediately replaced by a red warning light and a Message: No access during emergency evacuation.
"Seems like they thought of that one. Plan B."
John fished his micro welder from his cargo pants pocket and began to burn through the little safe door.
While he did so, he said: "Say, are you a Runner or is this personal business for you? That's some pretty nifty hardware you've got, although I really don't know why you wouldn't just get them RP on personal armor. I mean, I'm not complaining or anything and I certainly don't judge if you prefer running naked, but I'm curious..."
It took only a few seconds to cut out the lock. Unphased, John gripped the cherry red glowing door and pulled it open with his climbing claws.
"Tada."
Monday, 25 November, 22:34 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #147
"No problem." John moved over to the vault and tried the card and the PIN. The light turned green only to be immediately replaced by a red warning light and a Message: No access during emergency evacuation.
"Seems like they thought of that one. Plan B."
John fished his micro welder from his cargo pants pocket and began to burn through the little safe door.
While he did so, he said: "Say, are you a Runner or is this personal business for you? That's some pretty nifty hardware you've got, although I really don't know why you wouldn't just get them RP on personal armor. I mean, I'm not complaining or anything and I certainly don't judge if you prefer running naked, but I'm curious..."
It took only a few seconds to cut out the lock. Unphased, John gripped the cherry red glowing door and pulled it open with his climbing claws.
"Tada."
Monday, 25 November, 22:37 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
As the lock burns away, the warning lights go from a blinking red to a steady red and the message changes to: WARNING UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS. This continuously scrolls across the monitor as John opens the vault. Looking inside, Glo does indeed see the server access port she is looking for.
From his excellent hiding place outside the room, Al clearly determines that no additional security is approaching......yet.
As the lock burns away, the warning lights go from a blinking red to a steady red and the message changes to: WARNING UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS. This continuously scrolls across the monitor as John opens the vault. Looking inside, Glo does indeed see the server access port she is looking for.
From his excellent hiding place outside the room, Al clearly determines that no additional security is approaching......yet.
Glo
Monday, 25 November, 22:37 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Glo sniffed in disdain "They made me this way, and I work with what I've got...and this is very personal!"
As Jonny plugged in the data tap Glo contacted Briar <<Time to go! Dump everything on to Shadowland as we agreed and watch for ice in there, chances are it's blacker than my heart!>>
From the silence Glo trusted that the young hacker was already engaged in rifling though the Triad secrets...
Monday, 25 November, 22:37 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Glo sniffed in disdain "They made me this way, and I work with what I've got...and this is very personal!"
As Jonny plugged in the data tap Glo contacted Briar <<Time to go! Dump everything on to Shadowland as we agreed and watch for ice in there, chances are it's blacker than my heart!>>
From the silence Glo trusted that the young hacker was already engaged in rifling though the Triad secrets...
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #148
"I see. Well, you are in good company then. All in all it would probably be a good idea to be somewhere else right about now. How about you grab something to eat and I get the meatbags... I mean my employer for a little powwow."
John stood up and walked out of the door. "And don't get scared, he is right here around the corner."
<<Al, get over here, we need to start our daring escape - also the NIC is now a NNIAAC (Naked, not invisible at all chick)>>
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #148
"I see. Well, you are in good company then. All in all it would probably be a good idea to be somewhere else right about now. How about you grab something to eat and I get the meatbags... I mean my employer for a little powwow."
John stood up and walked out of the door. "And don't get scared, he is right here around the corner."
<<Al, get over here, we need to start our daring escape - also the NIC is now a NNIAAC (Naked, not invisible at all chick)>>
Al
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Al wasted no time leaving his hide and making for the sec room.
"No I ain't. Reckon i'm right here. Ma'am," he said, nodding with a tip of an imaginary hat. Yup, NNIAC all right. He gave her an undisguised head-to-toe, which was well worth a two-second delay in their daring escape. That box ticked, and seeing no resistance as of yet, he headed back down the stairs.
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Al wasted no time leaving his hide and making for the sec room.
"No I ain't. Reckon i'm right here. Ma'am," he said, nodding with a tip of an imaginary hat. Yup, NNIAC all right. He gave her an undisguised head-to-toe, which was well worth a two-second delay in their daring escape. That box ticked, and seeing no resistance as of yet, he headed back down the stairs.
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
>>Glo [Briar]: I am in. There is indeed IC here and it is tough. May not be able to get much, but info is flowing. Gonna be busy for a bit. Contact you later.<<
>>Glo [Briar]: I am in. There is indeed IC here and it is tough. May not be able to get much, but info is flowing. Gonna be busy for a bit. Contact you later.<<
Al
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Pausing in the stairwell, Al looked for the nearest obvious security camera and gave it the finger before briefly dropping his drawers and displaying his scarred posterior.
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Pausing in the stairwell, Al looked for the nearest obvious security camera and gave it the finger before briefly dropping his drawers and displaying his scarred posterior.
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #149
John picked up one of the guns of the fallen security guards, checked the chamber and quickly collected the other ones. "Two options: We go down the stairs and out through the kitchen - or I smash that window and we abseil down the wall onto the kitchen. The first one will likely contain a fire fight, while the other contains the high chance that a pair of snipers will start taking pot shots at us if we don't move quickly enough."
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #149
John picked up one of the guns of the fallen security guards, checked the chamber and quickly collected the other ones. "Two options: We go down the stairs and out through the kitchen - or I smash that window and we abseil down the wall onto the kitchen. The first one will likely contain a fire fight, while the other contains the high chance that a pair of snipers will start taking pot shots at us if we don't move quickly enough."
Al
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
"Plan A we pass the buffet," replied Al, taking a gun from Johnny.
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
"Plan A we pass the buffet," replied Al, taking a gun from Johnny.
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #150
"Fine by me." John replied, setting up a fierce grin. "Now, I think it would be a shame if this building was evacuated for no good reason at all."
With that, John once again brandished the little welder and began methodically to set the room on fire. That done, he picked up the unconscious guard.
"Let's see if they shoot an EMT carrying one of their own." With that, John went to the front and down the stairs, while behind him dark clouds of burning plastic began to form.
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #150
"Fine by me." John replied, setting up a fierce grin. "Now, I think it would be a shame if this building was evacuated for no good reason at all."
With that, John once again brandished the little welder and began methodically to set the room on fire. That done, he picked up the unconscious guard.
"Let's see if they shoot an EMT carrying one of their own." With that, John went to the front and down the stairs, while behind him dark clouds of burning plastic began to form.
Al
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Al was delighted. Robot-boy's EMT ploy was a good one.
And he figured his little show for the camera plus the now bona fide fire in the mostly-vacant building sent just the sort of message they were looking for.
He took off down the stairs with Johnny, not knowing if the girl was still with them, or even if he'd know if she was.
Monday, 25 November, 22:38 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
Al was delighted. Robot-boy's EMT ploy was a good one.
And he figured his little show for the camera plus the now bona fide fire in the mostly-vacant building sent just the sort of message they were looking for.
He took off down the stairs with Johnny, not knowing if the girl was still with them, or even if he'd know if she was.
Monday, 25 November, 22:40 pm; Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex
The ruse seems to work well and John has no difficulty negotiating the stairs down to the ground floor. Three security men rush past him and Al on their way up to the security room. The last one in line even stops to radio to someone that an EMT is on the way out and could he get an escort. Once at the ground level, two security men meet John and begin to clear a path for him out to the street, even helping him place the unconscious man in the van.
The ruse seems to work well and John has no difficulty negotiating the stairs down to the ground floor. Three security men rush past him and Al on their way up to the security room. The last one in line even stops to radio to someone that an EMT is on the way out and could he get an escort. Once at the ground level, two security men meet John and begin to clear a path for him out to the street, even helping him place the unconscious man in the van.
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #151
It had been no accident that John had left the unconscious guard behind in the smoke that had been privy to the discussion between him and the NIC. Now back at his car he gave the unconscious man a bit of NaCl solution - into the lung, to illicit some heavy coughing on waking up, followed by some strong pain killers and finally some treatment to wake the man up.
"Easy, easy. You inhaled quite a lot of smoke up there. Thanks for saving my life. Your crazy colleague would have killed me, if you hadn't stepped in. I mean, wow, when he started to set the building on fire, you knocked him straight out. That was damn heroic of you. But next time try to crouch a little, so you don't inhale quite as much smoke. Now, your vitals are stable, but you should go and see a doctor some time soon. You got a nasty burn on your neck. You might also experience some short term memory problems, but that should be no problem. Relax a bit, have a drink now and it all will come back."
With that, he released the guard from the Valkyrie Module, counting on the fact that electric shocks scrambled short term memory and the painkillers would make it difficult to differentiate between dream and reality. False memories formed all the time. The fire would hopefully take care of the evidence and make the guards false memories the most reliable account of what supposedly happened.
When the man had started to stagger back to his workplace, John called his partners
<<Debrief at Sam What's bar in 15 minutes.>>
To the still invisible NIC he said: "You want a ride - or some clothes? I can set you up."
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #151
It had been no accident that John had left the unconscious guard behind in the smoke that had been privy to the discussion between him and the NIC. Now back at his car he gave the unconscious man a bit of NaCl solution - into the lung, to illicit some heavy coughing on waking up, followed by some strong pain killers and finally some treatment to wake the man up.
"Easy, easy. You inhaled quite a lot of smoke up there. Thanks for saving my life. Your crazy colleague would have killed me, if you hadn't stepped in. I mean, wow, when he started to set the building on fire, you knocked him straight out. That was damn heroic of you. But next time try to crouch a little, so you don't inhale quite as much smoke. Now, your vitals are stable, but you should go and see a doctor some time soon. You got a nasty burn on your neck. You might also experience some short term memory problems, but that should be no problem. Relax a bit, have a drink now and it all will come back."
With that, he released the guard from the Valkyrie Module, counting on the fact that electric shocks scrambled short term memory and the painkillers would make it difficult to differentiate between dream and reality. False memories formed all the time. The fire would hopefully take care of the evidence and make the guards false memories the most reliable account of what supposedly happened.
When the man had started to stagger back to his workplace, John called his partners
<<Debrief at Sam What's bar in 15 minutes.>>
To the still invisible NIC he said: "You want a ride - or some clothes? I can set you up."
Jan
Monday, 25 November, 22:55pm; Sam What's bar
Jan was sitting in a booth with a cocktail in his hand, sipping through a straw. It looked rather feminine, but no-one as yet had dared tell him so. He was already despairing about the night's events. A simple scouting mission had somehow turned into an assault, and now the Triads likely knew they were coming. That's what happens when you trust other people to do the work. Amateurs. A kid playing games and a genuine cowboy. He should have known better, and that made it worse. He rubbed his temples with his fingers relieving his headache a little, waiting for the others to arrive for the 'debrief'.
Monday, 25 November, 22:55pm; Sam What's bar
Jan was sitting in a booth with a cocktail in his hand, sipping through a straw. It looked rather feminine, but no-one as yet had dared tell him so. He was already despairing about the night's events. A simple scouting mission had somehow turned into an assault, and now the Triads likely knew they were coming. That's what happens when you trust other people to do the work. Amateurs. A kid playing games and a genuine cowboy. He should have known better, and that made it worse. He rubbed his temples with his fingers relieving his headache a little, waiting for the others to arrive for the 'debrief'.
Monday, 25 November, 2255, Mercy General Hospital, Seattle
Al sits patiently in a chair next to Fu Shing's bed in his hospital room. The man has a broken leg, several broken and cracked ribs and a possible concussion. As expected the doctor wanted to keep him overnight for observation. She KE major had gone off for a few minutes but would be back later. To Ai, she appears to be competent and is asking all the right questions and taking the proper steps to make sure that nothing happened at the hospital. She is still dressed in hospital scrubs and it will be probably close to an hour before someone shows up with clothes from the apartment.
Ai has alerted both Monique and Ni Ni to her condition but not give out too many details. The story at the casino is grim. According to reports from Hai Sin, someone set off the smoke detectors and used the ensuing confusion to break into the security office, killing three security guards and severely injuring two others. They are still trying to piece together what was taken from the information vaults before the spider and its IC managed to chase an intruder away. The best news is that none of the patrons were killed and only a handful had any need of care. Hai Sin is sifting through the camera feeds for information and will let her know if he finds anything. Al realizes this is going to be a PR nightmare and orders Hai Sin to call up additional soldiers and keep her informed. She also has him send her the feeds from the security cameras so she can examine them while she is stuck here.
Something about that EMT vehicle............................
Al sits patiently in a chair next to Fu Shing's bed in his hospital room. The man has a broken leg, several broken and cracked ribs and a possible concussion. As expected the doctor wanted to keep him overnight for observation. She KE major had gone off for a few minutes but would be back later. To Ai, she appears to be competent and is asking all the right questions and taking the proper steps to make sure that nothing happened at the hospital. She is still dressed in hospital scrubs and it will be probably close to an hour before someone shows up with clothes from the apartment.
Ai has alerted both Monique and Ni Ni to her condition but not give out too many details. The story at the casino is grim. According to reports from Hai Sin, someone set off the smoke detectors and used the ensuing confusion to break into the security office, killing three security guards and severely injuring two others. They are still trying to piece together what was taken from the information vaults before the spider and its IC managed to chase an intruder away. The best news is that none of the patrons were killed and only a handful had any need of care. Hai Sin is sifting through the camera feeds for information and will let her know if he finds anything. Al realizes this is going to be a PR nightmare and orders Hai Sin to call up additional soldiers and keep her informed. She also has him send her the feeds from the security cameras so she can examine them while she is stuck here.
Something about that EMT vehicle............................
Al
Monday, 25 November, 22:57pm; Sam What's bar
Having wiped his prints (as seen on the trid) and tossed the casino security guy's ridiculous little gun in a random dumpster, Al had walked back up the hill to his truck and driven it the few short blocks to Sam What's. Jan had beaten him there.
He ordered a beer on the way to the big elf's table, pulled a chair and flipped it around, straddling it it so that he could rest his arms on its back. "Ya missed out, kemo sabe." He ticked his victories off on the fingers of one scarred hand. "Free onion rings, only slightly soggy. Saw a naked chick. Mooned our would-be killers. Set one o' they casinos on fire. Hell of an afternoon, ya ask ol' Al."
Monday, 25 November, 22:57pm; Sam What's bar
Having wiped his prints (as seen on the trid) and tossed the casino security guy's ridiculous little gun in a random dumpster, Al had walked back up the hill to his truck and driven it the few short blocks to Sam What's. Jan had beaten him there.
He ordered a beer on the way to the big elf's table, pulled a chair and flipped it around, straddling it it so that he could rest his arms on its back. "Ya missed out, kemo sabe." He ticked his victories off on the fingers of one scarred hand. "Free onion rings, only slightly soggy. Saw a naked chick. Mooned our would-be killers. Set one o' they casinos on fire. Hell of an afternoon, ya ask ol' Al."
Glo
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #151
"I am fine for both thank you. But it would seem sensible to at least exchange comm codes so that we can pool any future resources. As soon as I have analysed the data that my hacker friend was able to extract from their servers I am happy to share that with you...I'm not motivated by profit in this and the intel might damage them if disseminated in the right places"
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #151
QUOTE (Jack_Spade @ Mar 1 2017, 09:14 AM)
"You want a ride - or some clothes? I can set you up."
"I am fine for both thank you. But it would seem sensible to at least exchange comm codes so that we can pool any future resources. As soon as I have analysed the data that my hacker friend was able to extract from their servers I am happy to share that with you...I'm not motivated by profit in this and the intel might damage them if disseminated in the right places"
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #152
"Alright, sending it now. Also, we are getting a drink at What's now. Join us if you are up for some fun."
That done, John got behind the wheel and followed his chummers.
When he entered the bar, he nodded at the perky, elven, red headed barkeeper and blew her a kiss: "Hey Sam, what's up. See those two guys over there? Any chance you could get us three glasses Connemara peated? Thanks."
Moving through the bar with three glasses, John made his way to Al and Jan.
The strong spirits fumes combined with his olfactory scanner was the closest John could get to enjoy alcohol these days, so once he had seated himself, he enjoyed the smell for a few seconds before speaking:
"So, I think what we did today qualifies as "reconnaissance by fire". Also the NIC is going to share with us the content of the casino's data vault, so even since this looks like a cock up, we actually got something useful out of it."
Monday, 25 November, 22:39 pm; around Bright Path Casino, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex #152
"Alright, sending it now. Also, we are getting a drink at What's now. Join us if you are up for some fun."
That done, John got behind the wheel and followed his chummers.
When he entered the bar, he nodded at the perky, elven, red headed barkeeper and blew her a kiss: "Hey Sam, what's up. See those two guys over there? Any chance you could get us three glasses Connemara peated? Thanks."
Moving through the bar with three glasses, John made his way to Al and Jan.
The strong spirits fumes combined with his olfactory scanner was the closest John could get to enjoy alcohol these days, so once he had seated himself, he enjoyed the smell for a few seconds before speaking:
"So, I think what we did today qualifies as "reconnaissance by fire". Also the NIC is going to share with us the content of the casino's data vault, so even since this looks like a cock up, we actually got something useful out of it."
Al
Monday, 25 November, 22:57pm; Sam What's bar
Al raised the glass in thanks to Johnny. It wasn't beer, but it had alcohol in it, which was the main point.
"Coolio. Whatever she finds oughtta be useful. Course that might take a minute ta git back to us, an' we don't wanna give the evildoers no chance ta regroup, so I reckon our next steps is, A, git drunk, then B, jist drive around ta some other Triad joints shootin' people at random. Damned Orientals'll go crazy tryin' ta find a pattern when they ain't none at all." Al silently congratulated himself on his supernal strategic sense. "Hell, why even wait till we's drunk, when we can take a few bottles on the road, git wasted while we's doin' it?" He stood, eager to get back out onto the road.
Monday, 25 November, 22:57pm; Sam What's bar
Al raised the glass in thanks to Johnny. It wasn't beer, but it had alcohol in it, which was the main point.
"Coolio. Whatever she finds oughtta be useful. Course that might take a minute ta git back to us, an' we don't wanna give the evildoers no chance ta regroup, so I reckon our next steps is, A, git drunk, then B, jist drive around ta some other Triad joints shootin' people at random. Damned Orientals'll go crazy tryin' ta find a pattern when they ain't none at all." Al silently congratulated himself on his supernal strategic sense. "Hell, why even wait till we's drunk, when we can take a few bottles on the road, git wasted while we's doin' it?" He stood, eager to get back out onto the road.
Monday, 25 November, 22:57pm
@Glo As you make your way to the alley dumpster, you pass groups of Chinese thugs varying in size from three to five or more young men wearing jackets indicating that they are with the 88s Triad. In your current state, you are easily able to avoid being seen and seem to be ignored. Your clothes are where you had left them, but you do notice that they seem to have picked up the odor of Dumpster #5. While this might actually be appealing to the rats and some of the drunks nearby, it is not truly conducive to moving about in polite company.
>>Glo [Briar]: Attaching a rundown of the information found before I had to bail to avoid the nasty IC. It is uploaded to Shadowland as requested. Call me if you need me on your next foray.<< Briar has organized the information into sections for you.
Financial: There is a breakdown of the daily intake from the casino (averages at about 300K) as well as the current amount in the on-site vault (3.9M). A side note indicates that the funds over the basic operating capital of 3M are transferred to a Downtown bank on a weekly basis. The current total in the bank is 47.23M)
Donations: There is a breakdown of the "donations" given to various political, corporate, and service leaders in the sprawl, including several ranking KE officers, the vice-mayor and mayor of Seattle, the governor, and various suits in several AA and AAA corporations.
There is a conspicuous lack of any sort of information on the program you are interested in. Either Briar did not get to any of that, or the information was never here.
@Glo As you make your way to the alley dumpster, you pass groups of Chinese thugs varying in size from three to five or more young men wearing jackets indicating that they are with the 88s Triad. In your current state, you are easily able to avoid being seen and seem to be ignored. Your clothes are where you had left them, but you do notice that they seem to have picked up the odor of Dumpster #5. While this might actually be appealing to the rats and some of the drunks nearby, it is not truly conducive to moving about in polite company.
>>Glo [Briar]: Attaching a rundown of the information found before I had to bail to avoid the nasty IC. It is uploaded to Shadowland as requested. Call me if you need me on your next foray.<< Briar has organized the information into sections for you.
Financial: There is a breakdown of the daily intake from the casino (averages at about 300K) as well as the current amount in the on-site vault (3.9M). A side note indicates that the funds over the basic operating capital of 3M are transferred to a Downtown bank on a weekly basis. The current total in the bank is 47.23M)
Donations: There is a breakdown of the "donations" given to various political, corporate, and service leaders in the sprawl, including several ranking KE officers, the vice-mayor and mayor of Seattle, the governor, and various suits in several AA and AAA corporations.
There is a conspicuous lack of any sort of information on the program you are interested in. Either Briar did not get to any of that, or the information was never here.
Monday, 25 November, 2300 Mercy General Hospital Seattle
Fu Shing is resting comfortably for now. A nurse escorted by an armed KE officer has just checked his vitals and the room is now empty except for Ai and her boss. She has been poring over the feeds from the various security cameras and taking notes as she goes. Her initial interest in the EMT vehicle has increased considerably. She has run a vehicle ID check and determined that this is a Thundercloud Morgan. She has considered that the vehicle is far from its PCC manufacture, but that in itself is not too far-fetched, but it is a curious thing. She has had Han Sin include the feed footage from the front of the casino for several hours and has noted that the vehicle arrived in Chinatown at just after 1700. The EMT had gone into various buildings in the area and returned to his vehicle several times, ostensibly to restock the medkit he was carrying. Ai can see what appears to be a Valkyrie unit in the back of the truck and several small cabinets that the man takes supplies from.
Fortunately, the cameras had captured the EMT's image several times and she sends a message to a friend. >>Cora Lee [Tanya]: Sending some stills of an unidentified EMT. Can you scour the local clinics to see if they have this man on payroll? I do not think that you will find him, but I would love to be surprised. Please also check to see if any of the EMT providers had dispatched a vehicle to Chinatown this evening. Secondly, I am sending you some stills of a vehicle that left Chinatown at about 2240. Please access the street cams necessary and let me know where it went. Ciao.<<
Her next message is to a close friend in the KE. >>Sergeant Thadeus Masters [Tanya Marisart]: Thad, I need a favor, please. I am sending you a plate number. I would like to know what the vehicle is that the plate belongs to and who it is registered to. How are Maria and the kids? I hope that Jonathan is doing well in his classes in Denver. He should be home for the holiday, right? Tell him that he is naughty for not calling Aunt Tanya. Talk to you later.<<
>>Han Sin [Song Ai]: Han Sin, please get your hands on that worthless pig Lao Bei. He is responsible for security on the street and I think that he might have been lax in his duties. Ask him about the EMT vehicle that was on the street near the casino for several hours. I want anything from him about the man with the truck and what he was doing in the area. I am not completely familiar with common practice, but I remember nothing about anyone arranging for such a vehicle to be in the area today. It may be a coincidence, but it is a large one, made more implausible by the fact that the man and his vehicle left the area while there were still patrons to be cared for. Get back to me on this as soon as you can.<<
Temporarily done with the front cameras, she accesses the feeds from the side and rear cameras in turn, looking for anything out of the ordinary, finding something on the rear cameras. She sees a man leaving the casino through the rear kitchen door and wipe down a gun before tossing it into the dumpster there and walking away outside of the pickup range of the cameras. A quick check of the cameras near the arched entrance to Chinatown show the man walking away up the hill before he is outside the range of the cam. Like she did with the front cameras, Al rolls the feed of the one outside the kitchen back and lo and behold, the same man appears just before the false fire alarm. He is talking to one of the prettier waitresses and Ai takes a still of her as well as several of the man. Rolling forward again, she sees him enter the building as the girl runs away. Switching cameras, she is able to track him into and through the kitchen and out into the casino proper. Her suspicions seem justified when she watches him take out the guard at the stairs and go to the first floor where the security office is. The bodies on the floor there bother her a bit but she is more interested in the people she sees and does not see in the room. The EMT is there and does not seem overly concerned with the dead or unconscious security men on the floor. She cannot hear anything, but his lips are moving as if he is talking to someone. She captures that sequence and watches as he uses a mini-welder to burn through the safe, pausing to admire the professionalism of the man and the fact that he does not waste much motion. She follows the action as the other man moons the cameras and smiles at the chutzpah of it all.
>>Han Sin {Song Ai]: I am sending you stills of one of the waitresses apparently letting one of the attackers into the casino through the rear kitchen door. Use the HR files to identify her and bring her in for questioning. Find out what she knows and how much they paid her for her assistance. The other stills are of the man she helped. He came up through the alley so someone may have seen him. He wiped down a gun and tossed it into the dumpster there. He also used the dumpster to take a piss. I am sending the stills of where he was doing that and want someone to collect a specimen and have it sent to our friends in the KE to see if they can get a good DNA trace from it and find out who this man is. Recover the gun as well. Not everyone is as careful at wiping prints as they think they are. Be as fragging discrete as possible, Han Sin. It is expected that we will be looking into this, but we do not want to tip off anyone about how much we know. I have also attached a portion of the feed that has one of the EMT man talking to someone. Find us a lip reader and get his words for me.<<
Momentarily satisfied, Al continues to look into the security camera footage as she waits for her various questions to be answered.
Fu Shing is resting comfortably for now. A nurse escorted by an armed KE officer has just checked his vitals and the room is now empty except for Ai and her boss. She has been poring over the feeds from the various security cameras and taking notes as she goes. Her initial interest in the EMT vehicle has increased considerably. She has run a vehicle ID check and determined that this is a Thundercloud Morgan. She has considered that the vehicle is far from its PCC manufacture, but that in itself is not too far-fetched, but it is a curious thing. She has had Han Sin include the feed footage from the front of the casino for several hours and has noted that the vehicle arrived in Chinatown at just after 1700. The EMT had gone into various buildings in the area and returned to his vehicle several times, ostensibly to restock the medkit he was carrying. Ai can see what appears to be a Valkyrie unit in the back of the truck and several small cabinets that the man takes supplies from.
Fortunately, the cameras had captured the EMT's image several times and she sends a message to a friend. >>Cora Lee [Tanya]: Sending some stills of an unidentified EMT. Can you scour the local clinics to see if they have this man on payroll? I do not think that you will find him, but I would love to be surprised. Please also check to see if any of the EMT providers had dispatched a vehicle to Chinatown this evening. Secondly, I am sending you some stills of a vehicle that left Chinatown at about 2240. Please access the street cams necessary and let me know where it went. Ciao.<<
Her next message is to a close friend in the KE. >>Sergeant Thadeus Masters [Tanya Marisart]: Thad, I need a favor, please. I am sending you a plate number. I would like to know what the vehicle is that the plate belongs to and who it is registered to. How are Maria and the kids? I hope that Jonathan is doing well in his classes in Denver. He should be home for the holiday, right? Tell him that he is naughty for not calling Aunt Tanya. Talk to you later.<<
>>Han Sin [Song Ai]: Han Sin, please get your hands on that worthless pig Lao Bei. He is responsible for security on the street and I think that he might have been lax in his duties. Ask him about the EMT vehicle that was on the street near the casino for several hours. I want anything from him about the man with the truck and what he was doing in the area. I am not completely familiar with common practice, but I remember nothing about anyone arranging for such a vehicle to be in the area today. It may be a coincidence, but it is a large one, made more implausible by the fact that the man and his vehicle left the area while there were still patrons to be cared for. Get back to me on this as soon as you can.<<
Temporarily done with the front cameras, she accesses the feeds from the side and rear cameras in turn, looking for anything out of the ordinary, finding something on the rear cameras. She sees a man leaving the casino through the rear kitchen door and wipe down a gun before tossing it into the dumpster there and walking away outside of the pickup range of the cameras. A quick check of the cameras near the arched entrance to Chinatown show the man walking away up the hill before he is outside the range of the cam. Like she did with the front cameras, Al rolls the feed of the one outside the kitchen back and lo and behold, the same man appears just before the false fire alarm. He is talking to one of the prettier waitresses and Ai takes a still of her as well as several of the man. Rolling forward again, she sees him enter the building as the girl runs away. Switching cameras, she is able to track him into and through the kitchen and out into the casino proper. Her suspicions seem justified when she watches him take out the guard at the stairs and go to the first floor where the security office is. The bodies on the floor there bother her a bit but she is more interested in the people she sees and does not see in the room. The EMT is there and does not seem overly concerned with the dead or unconscious security men on the floor. She cannot hear anything, but his lips are moving as if he is talking to someone. She captures that sequence and watches as he uses a mini-welder to burn through the safe, pausing to admire the professionalism of the man and the fact that he does not waste much motion. She follows the action as the other man moons the cameras and smiles at the chutzpah of it all.
>>Han Sin {Song Ai]: I am sending you stills of one of the waitresses apparently letting one of the attackers into the casino through the rear kitchen door. Use the HR files to identify her and bring her in for questioning. Find out what she knows and how much they paid her for her assistance. The other stills are of the man she helped. He came up through the alley so someone may have seen him. He wiped down a gun and tossed it into the dumpster there. He also used the dumpster to take a piss. I am sending the stills of where he was doing that and want someone to collect a specimen and have it sent to our friends in the KE to see if they can get a good DNA trace from it and find out who this man is. Recover the gun as well. Not everyone is as careful at wiping prints as they think they are. Be as fragging discrete as possible, Han Sin. It is expected that we will be looking into this, but we do not want to tip off anyone about how much we know. I have also attached a portion of the feed that has one of the EMT man talking to someone. Find us a lip reader and get his words for me.<<
Momentarily satisfied, Al continues to look into the security camera footage as she waits for her various questions to be answered.
John
Monday, 25 November, 22:59 pm; Sam What's bar, Seattle Metroplex #153
"As much as I'd like to go on a rampage with you, I'd prefer to hear back from our new contact first. To much action and we might frighten the head honchos and drive them into hiding. Also, we still want to find an internal antagonist or rival to sponsor this war, so we have someone who we can make peace afterwards. That's quite a bit harder if you damage everyone a bit instead of focusing on operations owned only by one boss."
He took another sniff from his glass.
"Besides, we didn't actually get any money out of it due to the alert closing the vault. So the next thing we hit should be an operation with easily fungible assets - for example hitting one of their warehouses with weapons or maybe a cold storage with real tuna. Sam knows a bunch of chefs who'd pay top Nuyen for a truck full of fresh fish."
Monday, 25 November, 22:59 pm; Sam What's bar, Seattle Metroplex #153
"As much as I'd like to go on a rampage with you, I'd prefer to hear back from our new contact first. To much action and we might frighten the head honchos and drive them into hiding. Also, we still want to find an internal antagonist or rival to sponsor this war, so we have someone who we can make peace afterwards. That's quite a bit harder if you damage everyone a bit instead of focusing on operations owned only by one boss."
He took another sniff from his glass.
"Besides, we didn't actually get any money out of it due to the alert closing the vault. So the next thing we hit should be an operation with easily fungible assets - for example hitting one of their warehouses with weapons or maybe a cold storage with real tuna. Sam knows a bunch of chefs who'd pay top Nuyen for a truck full of fresh fish."
Jan
Monday, 25 November, 22:59 pm; Sam What's bar, Seattle Metroplex
Jan had sat quietly while first Al and then John rambled about their intentions.
"Recon" was the only word he said, stopping the others dead for a second. "Fucking recon! What about tonight was recon? You've gone and fucked it, boys. They'll know exactly who we are, and now they'll know we're coming. They know John now, too, and his association with you ya dumb hick...."
He paused for a second to let himself recover his thoughts and quell his rage. "How have you both so quickly lost sight of what we were trying to do? Don't forget they're the ones hunting us. One more of us now, too. We only need to cancel the hit, by taking out the originator. That's the sum total of our goals. Any finance we can skim off is purely secondary. Sugar."
"I don't suppose anyone took out the camera feeds? Or thought to cover their escape in any way? We'd better move, they probably already know we're here."
Monday, 25 November, 22:59 pm; Sam What's bar, Seattle Metroplex
Jan had sat quietly while first Al and then John rambled about their intentions.
"Recon" was the only word he said, stopping the others dead for a second. "Fucking recon! What about tonight was recon? You've gone and fucked it, boys. They'll know exactly who we are, and now they'll know we're coming. They know John now, too, and his association with you ya dumb hick...."
He paused for a second to let himself recover his thoughts and quell his rage. "How have you both so quickly lost sight of what we were trying to do? Don't forget they're the ones hunting us. One more of us now, too. We only need to cancel the hit, by taking out the originator. That's the sum total of our goals. Any finance we can skim off is purely secondary. Sugar."
"I don't suppose anyone took out the camera feeds? Or thought to cover their escape in any way? We'd better move, they probably already know we're here."
John
Monday, 25 November, 23:00 pm; Sam What's bar, Seattle Metroplex #154
John replied infuriatingly calm: "You might have wanted to think about cameras before you chose a casino as our target. Those places have myriads of cameras which you'd all have to hack individually - or at least their data. That's pretty much impossible if you aren't a dedicated decker with a bunch of agents as back up. And no, I'm not a decker. At best I'm a rigger with a very narrow specialization.
And don't worry about my face - that can be exchanged with a toolkit.
There being a different hit at the same time we get there was bad luck - and no matter what we'd have done we would be on the tapes so a skilled analyst would have seen Al skulking around.
This way we have salvaged at least a new contact - not to mention we get a copy of the data vault for which we otherwise would have had to pay a specialist. From my perspective that's a fucking bargain.
And no, for me finance is not secondary, for me it's the prime reason I got into this. That and the action.
And relax: I'm friends with the barkeeper/owner. She'll let us know if there's trouble outside" John indicated at the sports bag at this feet: "And when they are here, I'm prepared to take them out to the last man and then interrogate the last man and send his remains back in a bag."
Monday, 25 November, 23:00 pm; Sam What's bar, Seattle Metroplex #154
John replied infuriatingly calm: "You might have wanted to think about cameras before you chose a casino as our target. Those places have myriads of cameras which you'd all have to hack individually - or at least their data. That's pretty much impossible if you aren't a dedicated decker with a bunch of agents as back up. And no, I'm not a decker. At best I'm a rigger with a very narrow specialization.
And don't worry about my face - that can be exchanged with a toolkit.
There being a different hit at the same time we get there was bad luck - and no matter what we'd have done we would be on the tapes so a skilled analyst would have seen Al skulking around.
This way we have salvaged at least a new contact - not to mention we get a copy of the data vault for which we otherwise would have had to pay a specialist. From my perspective that's a fucking bargain.
And no, for me finance is not secondary, for me it's the prime reason I got into this. That and the action.
And relax: I'm friends with the barkeeper/owner. She'll let us know if there's trouble outside" John indicated at the sports bag at this feet: "And when they are here, I'm prepared to take them out to the last man and then interrogate the last man and send his remains back in a bag."
Al
Monday, 25 November, 23:00 pm; Sam What's bar, Seattle Metroplex
"Shee-it, Jan baby, listen ta Kid Synth here. Them Chi-nee was already after us - ain't gon' make no diff'rence no how they know we's shootin' back a little. Reckon I shoulda snapped a few pix o' the nekkid chick, then you'd unnerstand our imperatives was properly aligned. She warn't hard to look at, as you'll see should the young thing deign ta join us at this here powwow."
He settled into his seat, a bit chagrined that neither of his boon companions liked his random rampage idea. But it would be almost as fun to see whether Jan would get his way and they'd leave, or if Johnny would prevail upon them to stay.
Monday, 25 November, 23:00 pm; Sam What's bar, Seattle Metroplex
"Shee-it, Jan baby, listen ta Kid Synth here. Them Chi-nee was already after us - ain't gon' make no diff'rence no how they know we's shootin' back a little. Reckon I shoulda snapped a few pix o' the nekkid chick, then you'd unnerstand our imperatives was properly aligned. She warn't hard to look at, as you'll see should the young thing deign ta join us at this here powwow."
He settled into his seat, a bit chagrined that neither of his boon companions liked his random rampage idea. But it would be almost as fun to see whether Jan would get his way and they'd leave, or if Johnny would prevail upon them to stay.
Monday, 25 November, 23:05 pm; Mercy General Hospital Seattle Metroplex
The door to the hospital room opens and one of the KE guards sticks his head in. "Miss. There is a young woman here who says she is the sister of the victim. Can you please verify that for me?"
Ai nods and stands, moving to the door and seeing Hai Jang standing just outside, a garment bag in her arms. The women smile at each other and Ai nods to the guards. "She is Hai Jang and is the sister of my master, Fu Shing. Please let her in."
The officers step back and Jang enters the room, handing Ai the garment bag. "Everything should be there, Song Ai." She goes to stand at the side of the bed as Ai opens the bad and strips out of the scrubs to put on the clothes inside. "How is he?"
Ai pauses as she dresses. "He is fine, Hai Jang. Broken leg and some ribs broken and cracked. He will be mostly immobile for a while. We are doing what we can to identify the assassins, but I am sure that they will lead us nowhere. I believe them to be local thugs hired to do the job. They were completely expendable goons with guns. And rocket launchers. Now those are not so easy to come by and we are tracing the serial numbers now to see if we can identify who might have provided that sort of ordnance to the killers. We are also tracking down the men who attacked the casino at just after the assassination. There are some leads I am having followed up."
Jang turns from her brother and bows to Ai. "You are a blessing, Song Ai. Your skill and valor on the field is matched by your acumen in trying to find these assassins and who is behind them. I am sure that you will prevail. I am only too sorry that the Dragon cannot seem to be involved in this."
It is Ai's turn to bow. "I understand, Hai Jang. And it is good to be able to prove ourselves worthy of the trust the Dragon has in us. We cannot seem to be weak at a time like this. Please let your mother and grandmother know that we are doing all we can."
"I will, Song Ai, I will. Now................."
Ai smiles. "David is two doors down. I made him promise to contact you."
Hai Jang blushes. "He has, Song Ai. I will go see him now. Be assured that you are being watched and that much of the past and the future rides on your actions in this matter."
After the other woman leaves, Ai finishes dressing. Her internal 'link has been telling her that she has messages, but she did not answer them while Hai Jang was in the room. Now she checks them.
"Tanya [Sergeant Masters]: The tag you sent me belongs to an octogenarian by the name of Millie Warren and is for her Honda Scoot. Maybe chips or morphing plates? Sorry. I will have the ungrateful boy call you later. Take care.<<
>>Tanya [Cora Lee]: Got a hit on the truck from where it left Chinatown and am following the traffic cam feeds. I will let you know where it ended up. No love on the EMT. Still running his face through facial Rec software but no hits yet and the EMT companies in the area do not have him as an employee. There were three separate EMT services that dispatched vehicles to Chinatown, but none from before the fire, so your boy was up to something.<<
Tanya sends a thank to Sergeant Masters and a slightly longer reply to Cora Lee. >>Cora Lee [Tanya]: Good wok so far. Keep tracking that truck. I am sending you some stills of yet another man. Cheeky bugger, and I do mean that in a direct way. He was not trying to hide his face so you might get some luck on it.<<
She has delayed sending the next message, but now it is time. >>Ni Ni Xiaolu [Tanya]: What is the mill saying about what happened to us tonight? I am assuming that there is a lot of traffic. You can cite anonymous sources to let others know that Fu Shing and Jedong Kai survived an attempted assassination. I could use any information at all that you can give me on who ordered the hit and who carried it out. Don't tell me anything you are not supposed to, but anything you can say would be appreciated. The 88s will know their friends after this is done and their enemies will be blood spots on the streets. Get back to me when you can.<<
She also has messages from Han Sin, >>Song Ai [Han Sin]: We have identified the waitress and have sent someone to pick her up. The gun has been recovered from the dumpster, as has a sample of some urine found where you had instructed them to look. Lao Bei has been brought in and is being interrogated. We have activated our soldiers and all are high alert and looking for anything. The pictures you sent are being circulated and a group of kids remembers a man that he said looks like the one who entered with the aid of the waitress. He had brought some alcohol to where the boys were gambling and passed the bottle around, even placing a few bets. After the fire, he came back that way and continued up the hill. Rick Wu has sent some men to assist in security. I have given them some outside tasks and they are not happy with that. You may be needed here, Song Ai.<<
Ai sends an encouraging message back to Han Sin. >>Han Sin [Song Ai]: Thank you for your efforts, Han Sin. Please keep me informed of what develops. You did well with Rick Wu's men. Try to keep them out of the casino and do not give them any privileged information. I will come to talk to their bosses if that is necessary.<<
After the barrage of messages and replies, Ai sits and ponders what she knows and does not know. First, eight thugs with rocket launchers and assault rifles attempted to kill Fu Shing and Jedong Kai as they left a meeting. The assassins were proficient in the use of their weapons, but little more than that. She had killed all eight fairly easily. The two men, no three, at the security office had exhibited a different sort of training level and skill set. One had been invisible through spell or perhaps some form of advance camouflage. She knows this because two of the guards were cut down with a monowhip before the other two attackers had entered the room. She hopes to get the lip reading specialist's interpretation of what was said in the room.
Ai is patient, but not overly so. >>Monique [Tanya]: I may need clothes and a ride. Pick out something neutral and come wait at Mercy General Hospital. I may want to go somewhere not as I currently am. Ciao<<
The door to the hospital room opens and one of the KE guards sticks his head in. "Miss. There is a young woman here who says she is the sister of the victim. Can you please verify that for me?"
Ai nods and stands, moving to the door and seeing Hai Jang standing just outside, a garment bag in her arms. The women smile at each other and Ai nods to the guards. "She is Hai Jang and is the sister of my master, Fu Shing. Please let her in."
The officers step back and Jang enters the room, handing Ai the garment bag. "Everything should be there, Song Ai." She goes to stand at the side of the bed as Ai opens the bad and strips out of the scrubs to put on the clothes inside. "How is he?"
Ai pauses as she dresses. "He is fine, Hai Jang. Broken leg and some ribs broken and cracked. He will be mostly immobile for a while. We are doing what we can to identify the assassins, but I am sure that they will lead us nowhere. I believe them to be local thugs hired to do the job. They were completely expendable goons with guns. And rocket launchers. Now those are not so easy to come by and we are tracing the serial numbers now to see if we can identify who might have provided that sort of ordnance to the killers. We are also tracking down the men who attacked the casino at just after the assassination. There are some leads I am having followed up."
Jang turns from her brother and bows to Ai. "You are a blessing, Song Ai. Your skill and valor on the field is matched by your acumen in trying to find these assassins and who is behind them. I am sure that you will prevail. I am only too sorry that the Dragon cannot seem to be involved in this."
It is Ai's turn to bow. "I understand, Hai Jang. And it is good to be able to prove ourselves worthy of the trust the Dragon has in us. We cannot seem to be weak at a time like this. Please let your mother and grandmother know that we are doing all we can."
"I will, Song Ai, I will. Now................."
Ai smiles. "David is two doors down. I made him promise to contact you."
Hai Jang blushes. "He has, Song Ai. I will go see him now. Be assured that you are being watched and that much of the past and the future rides on your actions in this matter."
After the other woman leaves, Ai finishes dressing. Her internal 'link has been telling her that she has messages, but she did not answer them while Hai Jang was in the room. Now she checks them.
"Tanya [Sergeant Masters]: The tag you sent me belongs to an octogenarian by the name of Millie Warren and is for her Honda Scoot. Maybe chips or morphing plates? Sorry. I will have the ungrateful boy call you later. Take care.<<
>>Tanya [Cora Lee]: Got a hit on the truck from where it left Chinatown and am following the traffic cam feeds. I will let you know where it ended up. No love on the EMT. Still running his face through facial Rec software but no hits yet and the EMT companies in the area do not have him as an employee. There were three separate EMT services that dispatched vehicles to Chinatown, but none from before the fire, so your boy was up to something.<<
Tanya sends a thank to Sergeant Masters and a slightly longer reply to Cora Lee. >>Cora Lee [Tanya]: Good wok so far. Keep tracking that truck. I am sending you some stills of yet another man. Cheeky bugger, and I do mean that in a direct way. He was not trying to hide his face so you might get some luck on it.<<
She has delayed sending the next message, but now it is time. >>Ni Ni Xiaolu [Tanya]: What is the mill saying about what happened to us tonight? I am assuming that there is a lot of traffic. You can cite anonymous sources to let others know that Fu Shing and Jedong Kai survived an attempted assassination. I could use any information at all that you can give me on who ordered the hit and who carried it out. Don't tell me anything you are not supposed to, but anything you can say would be appreciated. The 88s will know their friends after this is done and their enemies will be blood spots on the streets. Get back to me when you can.<<
She also has messages from Han Sin, >>Song Ai [Han Sin]: We have identified the waitress and have sent someone to pick her up. The gun has been recovered from the dumpster, as has a sample of some urine found where you had instructed them to look. Lao Bei has been brought in and is being interrogated. We have activated our soldiers and all are high alert and looking for anything. The pictures you sent are being circulated and a group of kids remembers a man that he said looks like the one who entered with the aid of the waitress. He had brought some alcohol to where the boys were gambling and passed the bottle around, even placing a few bets. After the fire, he came back that way and continued up the hill. Rick Wu has sent some men to assist in security. I have given them some outside tasks and they are not happy with that. You may be needed here, Song Ai.<<
Ai sends an encouraging message back to Han Sin. >>Han Sin [Song Ai]: Thank you for your efforts, Han Sin. Please keep me informed of what develops. You did well with Rick Wu's men. Try to keep them out of the casino and do not give them any privileged information. I will come to talk to their bosses if that is necessary.<<
After the barrage of messages and replies, Ai sits and ponders what she knows and does not know. First, eight thugs with rocket launchers and assault rifles attempted to kill Fu Shing and Jedong Kai as they left a meeting. The assassins were proficient in the use of their weapons, but little more than that. She had killed all eight fairly easily. The two men, no three, at the security office had exhibited a different sort of training level and skill set. One had been invisible through spell or perhaps some form of advance camouflage. She knows this because two of the guards were cut down with a monowhip before the other two attackers had entered the room. She hopes to get the lip reading specialist's interpretation of what was said in the room.
Ai is patient, but not overly so. >>Monique [Tanya]: I may need clothes and a ride. Pick out something neutral and come wait at Mercy General Hospital. I may want to go somewhere not as I currently am. Ciao<<
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